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#he gets so excited so easily and he doesn’t hesitate to squeal with joy at the littlest things
littlewinter1917 · 3 years
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ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀꜱᴛ ᴅᴀʏꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ
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𝔸 𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℤ𝕠𝕠
My blog is 18+ only. Minors DNI. 🔞 Don’t repost my work anywhere.
Series Masterlist
Words: 8.7k
Pairing: Steve Roger x Fem!Reader
Summary: You and Steve make the most out of the last days of summer and decide to visit the local zoo. But as fun and romantic as the activity is, you also have to face the fact that dating a well-known Super Soldier isn't always easy.
Warnings: It's pretty much just pure fluff, with the tiniest sparks of angst. Pet names (mostly Sweetheart & Angel) and some teasing. Maybe an undetected swearword or two.
If there are any warnings, that you think are missing, please don‘t hesitate to reach out and tell me, so I can add them accordingly.
A/N: This is my first time writing and sharing a story, so if you're reading this, I hope you enjoy!
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“Sweetheart, are you ready yet?”
Steve calls out from the bedroom, hoping you’ll hear him while you’re getting ready a few doors down in the bathroom.
“Yes! I’m almost done!” you shout back, straightening your t-shirt and taking one last look in the mirror.
The excitement you feel is clearly written on your face, and you can’t help but let out a small squeal at the thought of all the animals you’ll be going to see and pet.
You are so caught up in your little daydream, that you don’t notice Steve’s approaching footsteps or the soft opening of the bathroom door.
With your mind still occupied, you turn around to leave the bathroom, only to be met with the sudden and unsuspected sight of Steve leaning casually against the door frame, smiling down at you lovingly.
“Good God, Steve!” you exclaim startled, clutching your hand to your chest, trying to calm down your now rapid heartbeat. Steve’s adoring gaze quickly turns into a more apologetic one, once he realizes that he accidentally scared you.
“Sorry Angel, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” he concedes, while gently pulling you closer and placing a soft kiss on your lips. “Hm,‘s not your fault.” you whisper against them whilst playing with the soft strands of hair at the back of his neck. Steve just hums at that, before tightening his arms around you and gently kissing your shoulder.
“So, you’re ready to go?” he murmurs against your skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake.
You only manage to nod in approval, not wanting to disturb the little moment of tenderness that engulfs the two of you. But once Steve starts to draw soft patterns on your back, you can’t help but let out a small sigh of content, snuggling closer to his chest and basking in the feeling of his gentle embrace.
The moment is short-lived though, as Steve decides to break the otherwise comfortable silence. “We should get going soon,” he mumbles, voice low, as he gently untangles himself from you.
Even though you try not to, you let out a soft whine, voicing your displeasure at the loss of his touch, making Steve coo.
“You can get all the cuddles you want Sweetheart, when we’re back from our little trip.” A small huff escapes your lips before you demonstratively hold out your pinky finger to him.
The sight of your stubborn determination makes Steve laugh, and the warmth of its sound fills both the room and your heart, making you smile.
“I pinky promise that you can get all the cuddles you want, Sweetheart.” Steve adoringly whispers, intertwining your little fingers, before pulling you into him again, gently kissing your forehead.
Your hands instinctively grab and hold on to him, trying to get him closer, and your honest display of affection and longing for him makes his heart flutter.
“Oh, Sweetheart,” he coos, “I thought you were excited about going to the zoo, hm?”
Oh god, the zoo!
You almost forgot about that completely, and by your wide-eyed reaction, Steve can clearly tell.
“So, you want to keep the penguins waiting, or… ?” he teases, and you playfully slap his side before reluctantly letting go and trying to move past him.
“You know, if you’d rather stay in today and have the zoo-date another time, we can always reschedule.” He says, his eyes searching yours, trying to communicate the same reassurance that his voice transports.
“No.” you chirp. The excitement from earlier is already back in your eyes, and you shake your head to emphasize your stand. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to keep the penguins waiting.” you add.
“Alright, then let’s get our things and get going. There is only so little time, and so many animals to see.”
“And plants!” you add enthusiastically, being almost equally excited about the small botanical garden that’s incorporated in the more tropical segment of the zoo.
“And the plants.” Steve agrees, while following you down the hallway, smiling.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
While you were getting ready earlier, Steve had packed everything you two could possibly need into a big, sturdy backpack.
“I think we have everything.” Steve mumbles, more to himself than to you, while briefly going through its content again. “We have some sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles and those sandwiches you helped me make, some snacks and fruits, money for the tickets, keys …”
He trails off, looking over the room once more, trying to think of anything he might have forgotten.
When he spots his baseball cap near the entrance, he speaks up again.
“Sweetheart, do you want to take a hat with you? The weather is supposed to get even hotter, and I don’t want you to get a heatstroke or something.”
“I think I’ll be fine, Stevie.” your voice is a little bit mumbled, since you’re currently kneeling on the ground, preoccupied with trying to tie up your sneakers.
“Alright! Well, I’ll be wearing mine, at least at the beginning …”
Steve doesn’t finish his sentence; he doesn’t need to – you already know what he is trying to say.
He’ll be wearing the cap not as a prevention for a possible heatstroke, but for the simple sake of at least some sense of anonymity, trying to lessen the chances of him being recognized.
It’s not like Steve hates the attention he often gets from the public. There are times when he is more than happy to stop for a quick photo or a handshake, but when he is out and about with you by his side, he does desire a certain sense of privacy, and so do you.
When you two first started dating, that was the hardest thing to get used to, and truth be told, you still struggle with it.
Obviously, you’d been aware of Steve’s public persona as Captain America, and the responsibility that the title entailed, long before you even started dating, but the visibility and public scrutiny that came with his occupation, was rather new to you.
Especially once the word got out, that the two of you were dating. Suddenly parts of the public interest that were initially focused on him also shifted on to you.
You used to joke, that if you’d get a dollar every time Steve and you get approached by people in public, you’d easily be able to compete with Tony’s net worth. And while you were obliviously exaggerating and making fun of the situation, Steve could also tell that it was taking somewhat of a toll on you.
To be fair, it wasn’t like you hated those encounters across the board. There were, and still are, a lot of times where Steve’s interactions with the public are nice to watch and take part of.
The number of times, for example, that random children would approach him, starstruck and starry-eyed, are as countless as they are endearing, which is to say, very - and, subsequently, many.
It always makes your heart gleam with a mixture of pride and joy when you get to witness those interactions.
You’re not quite sure if it is because Steve is naturally good with kids, or kids are naturally good with Steve, but each encounter is filled with a warmth and a gentleness, that makes your heart both melt and pop.
And so, you tend to stand there with your heart in a puddle, while Steve talks and engages with the children in such a carefree yet gentle way.
But there are also some encounters, that don’t spark as much joy.
Or none at all, if you’re being honest.
Those are usually the ones whose timing couldn’t be worse. Like getting approached while the two of you are having small romantic dates out in the park or in cozy coffee shops. Even your cute little trips to museums and art galleries once in a while aren’t spared from the casual interference of others.
There’s almost always someone, somewhere, shouting in both a mixture of disbelief and joy:“Is this Captain America?”
And then the heads start to turn, and the murmur starts, and your previous little date idea gets turned into a live meet-and-greet Captain America event.
And it sucks.
It’s not like you want to keep Steve all to yourself; it’s just that you don’t want to share him every single time you two go out in public together. Especially when it’s supposed to be a fun and romantic activity just between the two of you.
And so, because of that, Steve often tries to keep his recognizability somewhat more subtle and limited by wearing his baseball cap and some sunglasses, but there’s only so much that that supposed ‘transformation’ can do.
Tony once kindly offered that the department responsible for the Avengers suits and apparel could probably help, and come up with a more cohesive incognito look, but that didn’t work out too well either. Not for a lack of trying on their part, though.
You two had taken them up on that offer once, and they managed to turn Steve into someone so completely unrecognizable, that you almost walked past him when you’d come to pick him up.
Apart from his clothing, plaid trousers and a simple button-down shirt that emitted more the vibe of a hip history professor, the thing that threw you off the most was the 16 inches-long wig he was wearing. It made him look like Thor’s long-lost twin brother, and you could hardly take his appearance seriously.
When you finally managed to stop laughing, you pulled him into the living quarters of the compound, where the laughing continued, once everybody realized who they were looking at.
The Date to the planetarium that followed went great; not a single person recognized and approached the two of you. The only downside was that the date with Steve didn’t really feel like a date with Steve.
Apart from the reason that Steve’s long-haired wig made you feel like you were out and about with a beefier version of Jesus, rather than your treasured Super Soldier, the wig was also highly unpractical in a more tangible sense. Every time you turned to him and leaned in for a kiss, your hands and jewelry would easily get tangled up in his long strands of synthetic hair.
Neither of you were used to the hairy mess the Avenger’s apparel department provided you with – and it showed.
It did make for a fun date tough.
Steve was highly amused about the amount of double takes you had to do when you were looking for him.
You, on the other hand, had the time off your life once the two of you exited the planetarium, only to be greeted with a pleasant afternoon breeze, that took Steve – and his hair – by surprise. It looked like an unsuspected hair commercial in the making, and you almost tripped down the stairs laughing while trying to take a photo of Steve’s glorious mane in the wind.
All in all, it was a good time, but at the end of it, you both decided that it was neither worth the trouble nor a sustainable solution to your problem. And so, Steve traded his wig for his beloved baseball cap again, even if it heightened the possibility of him being recognized.
You knew that Steve was trying his best to give you some sense of normality in your experience of dating a super-famous Super Soldier, and you appreciated his efforts, even when they didn’t always work out.
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Once you and Steve step outside of the Avenger’s Tower, you’re hit with both: The sudden brightness of the sun, and the common busyness and noise of New York City’s bustling streets.
One single ray of sunshine manages to find its way between the tall skyscrapers in front of you, making you squint. Instinctively you raise one hand in an attempt to shield your eyes from its blazing gaze.
Steve, who is already wearing his sunglasses, quickly gets out your pair for you and you gratefully take them. His attentiveness is something you’ll never get tired of; even when he sometimes has the tendency to dote over you, it’s rather endearing.
You make your way down the street. Hand in hand, because the craze of the city can otherwise easily separate the two of you.
Even without the frantic mass of people, that hastily bustles about the avenues, in a city that big, you will always seek out the shelter of your beloved Super Soldier, who still knows this place in a way you probably never will.
So, in an attempt to not get lost, or trampled, or abducted, your hand reaches out for his, and his hand does the same.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
Steve navigates himself and you through the city like he’s done it a million times before, and it never fails to amaze you how good his sense of direction is. It’s something you’re obviously lacking, and Steve can’t help but teasingly bring it up every now and then.
This time around though, he doesn’t. Instead, he keeps talking about the little, newly opened Italian restaurant that you two just passed by.
“It looked really cozy and busy – that’s always a good sign, right? Maybe we can check it out this weekend.” Steve offers, while gently swinging your joined hands back and forth.
You hum in agreement, more focused on not getting jostled by the oncoming businessmen and -women.
Gripping his hand tighter, you curl up more into Steve’s side, seeking out the protection and safety of his tall statue.
Once Steve realizes what’s going on, he immediately pulls you close to him, wrapping his arm protectively around your smaller frame and making sure you’re okay.
“I can always give you a piggyback ride.” he offers, and you shake your head, laughing.
As inviting as that proposal sounds, the fear of the potential attention it might garner makes you decline his offer. You’d rather be subjected to the ongoing pushing and shoving of some careless pedestrians, than the unwanted attention and possibility of recognition.
“We’re nearly there, Sweetheart.” Steve gently encourages you, while keeping you as close to him as possible, leading you down the busy streets of New York.
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You must have picked a good time to visit the zoo, because the line in front of the ticket booth is almost non-existent.
It doesn’t take long for it to be your turn, and Steve immediately takes charge, getting the tickets. The woman at the counter also hands him some pamphlets with certain attractions, and a small map, which he gratefully takes.
You softly tug on his arm, trying to get his attention, before pointing at the small bags with dry food, that are arranged on a shelf behind the vendor.
“Can we buy some of that food for the animals in the petting zoo?” you ask, eyes bright.
Steve instantly agrees, and the small squeal of joy that escapes your lips is like music to his ears. “There you go, Sweetheart.” he says, as he hands you your ticket and the small paper cone, filled with little pellets of dry food.
“Thanks, Stevie!” The way you beam up at him has his heart doing flips.
God, you’re adorable.
“So, where do you want to go first?” he asks, while looking down at the open map in his hands.
“The petting zoo!” you chime while clapping your hands in delight. You have to suppress the urge to just grab Steve's hand and drag him to the enclosure, so instead you softly bounce on the spot.
Looking up from his map, Steve’s eyes soften once he sees how you’re barely able to contain your excitement. It radiates off of you in a way that’s contagious.
Well, contagious to him anyway.
“Alright.” he approves, and that’s all the agreement you need, before sprinting into action, grabbing Steve’s hand, and tugging him along.
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You only come to a brief halt at the doors of the enclosure, while you read the small signs that introduce some of the animals inside of it.
The petting zoo contains mostly goats, bunnies, guinea pigs and some piglets, but there are also two donkeys and one of them is called …
“Steve!” you joyfully exclaim.
“The donkey is named after you!”
The man in question furrows his brow, and you point him to the part on the metal sign, where the donkeys get introduced.
“See, Steve and Sally. Aww, he even looks a little bit like you!” you coo, looking at the small picture they provide next to the profile.
“I don’t quite see it.” Steve says dryly, and you huff.
“He even has similar interests to yours. It says here that he likes sunshine, early morning runs, pets behind his ears and bananas!
Biting your lip to keep yourself from laughing, you innocently look up at Steve, who regards you with a fake scowl.
“You’re being awfully bratty today, Angel.” he chides, yet his words don’t have any bite to them.
“Me? Never!” your fake indignation is riddled with the giggles you’re desperately trying to hold in. That mission fails completely though, once you read the Interesting Fact they provide next to each introduced animal.
“Oh my god, Steve!” you croak out between laughter. “He even tried to eat an American flag once. God, I love him already!”
Before Steve has the chance to reply, you’re dragging him into the enclosure. “Come on, let’s meet my newfound hero!”
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
The donkey is just as cute as in the picture, and even friendlier than you imagined. After you introduced yourself and Steve - you couldn’t help yourself from saying “Steve, meet Steve,” while pointing between the tall Super Soldier and the rather small pony-sized creature – you slowly started petting the animal.
The happy brays he lets out make you laugh softly, and your smile only widens once your eyes find Steve’s.
“Don’t you dare say he sounds like me too!” Steve exclaims, and that comment only fuels your giggles.
“I wouldn’t dream of it!” you say, while stroking the fur behind the donkey’s ears. “But you have to admit, he’s adorable!” you coo, before quickly adding: “Not as cute as you, of course, but it’s a close second.”
“Well, that’s certainly comforting to hear.” Steve retorts. “So, you’re not gonna leave me for one of those gray-haired fellas?”
“I already have my gray-haired fella at home, old man,” you counter, before whispering a small “almost.”
Steve still picks it up, and his reaction is instant. His strong hands reach out to you, playfully poking your sides.
“You take that back! You take that back right now!” he urges, laughing, as you try to squirm away from his grasp, the sweet sound of your giggles filling the air. Your antics only come to a halt once you’re breathlessly begging for mercy, and Steve pulls you in for a hug.
“You still have a lot of energy for a 103-year-old.” you whisper.
“Oh Sweetheart, you know, I can be relentless.” he counters, and you hum in agreement.
“You don’t actually look like a donkey.” you try to clarify. “It’s just that the donkey somehow looks like you.”
Before Steve can rekindle his attacks, you’re already apologizing again. “I’m joking! I’m joking!” you exclaim, as soon as you feel the tiniest brush of his fingertips poking your sides.
Hugging him closer once more, you whisper: “I’m sorry. I’m being mean. You’re still the prettiest man on the planet, and you always will be.”
Brushing your hands softly through his hair and gently cupping his cheek, you notice the small red tint that adorns them.
“Aww you’re blushing!” you quietly tease. “I guess I don’t call you pretty enough. I need to tell you that more, I think.” you observe.
His blush only deepens, and you coo again.
He really is the prettiest man alive. And the sweetest, and kindest, and bravest.
As you softly tell him all about your thoughts, his grip around you tightens, and he burrows his face in your neck.
“I love you so much.” you mumble against his shoulder, and even though you can’t see him right now, you know that he’s smiling.
“I love you too.” he whispers back, voice low, before gently kissing your forehead.
His lips lingers there for a moment before he speaks up again.
“I think we need to stop; there’s an older lady, who’s already giving us the stink-eye.”
“Oh, let her stare. If they look at you funny, you just look right back at them funny, that normally does the trick for me.”
“I’m not going to glare down a grandma!” Steve whispers exasperated.
“Well, you might not, but I certainly will, if she's making you uncomfortable.” you announce, and Steve just shakes his head, laughing.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
After moving on from the donkeys, you spend some time with the goats. Even Steve has to admit that they are rather endearing.
“Maybe we should bring Bucky with us next time. You know how he still gushes about the goats he had in Wakanda. I’m sure he’d enjoy some time here.” you suggest, while feeding a small brown doeling.
She softly munches the food right out of the palm of your hand, and the feeling of her rough tongue on your skin makes you giggle.
“If we would bring Buck, that’s going to be your liability, because I’m pretty sure he would never leave the goat enclosure again.” Steve observes.
“Can’t really blame him. I might have my donkey at home, but those goats certainly have character.” you tease.
Instead of answering, Steve decides to just throw some pellets your way.
“Hey!” you whine playfully, before making a counter strike. When you don’t hit your target, Steve just grins at you cheekily.
It’s that boyish smile you love so much, and it fills your heart with a joy that’s carefree and content. It feels just like the soft sunrays that are currently caressing your skin: Warm, light, and golden.
Your thoughts are only interrupted once another pellet flies your way, barely missing your face.
“Hey!” you exclaim once more, laughing, yet Steve’s eyes turn instantly apologetic when he realizes he almost struck your pretty face. You quickly reassure him that it’s alright, before walking over to the rabbits and guinea pigs, patiently sitting down next to them.
Rather than just grabbing one, you wait for one of the timid rodents to approach you instead. A small – and presumably younger – bunny seems curious enough, as he hops your way, and you manage to coax him with some food and a very gentle voice. His fluffy fur is in an off-white color with gray specks and his floppy ears twitch every now and then.
“Hey little friend.” you whisper once his wiggly nose brushes your open palm. It takes some more coaxing before he starts eating out of it, and you beam at that development.
Steve watches the interaction with a soft, adoring gaze.
God, Wanda was right. He really is head over heels for you.
But then again, how could he not be.
There’s a gentleness and kindness in the way you approach the world, and the fact that you’ve chosen him out of all people to trust the most, fills his heart with an endless amount of pride and happiness, that’s hard to put into words.
You’ve come into his life like a whirlwind, turning everything upside down and taking over his heart by storm.
Without your knowing, you made all of his previous priorities flip, until you were the only and most important thing on his mind. You still are, of course, and Steve is sure that this is something that will never change.
You’re the one.
The one who’s voice and laughter he’ll never grow tired of hearing.
The one who he comes home to after a rough mission, taking up the biggest space in his bed and in his heart – and he wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
You’re the most precious thing on the planet, and he’d burn it all down if he had to, just to keep you safe.
“Steve!” you softly call out to him, and his focus shifts back on you.
The small bunny is now sitting contently in your lap, while you’re sporting the proudest look.
“His fur is so soft!” you quietly mouth to him, and he smiles before making his way to you, gently kneeling down by your side. “Here! Feel!” you chirp, as you carefully guide his hands towards the small bunny.
“Do you think we could get some of those?” you carefully ask.
“Of course.” Steve agrees without really thinking - he doesn’t need to. If you want it, you’ll get it; no questions asked. He’ll even fight Tony on it if he has to, or anyone else for that matter.
“Really?” you beam.
“I pinky promise, Sweetheart.” he whispers before kissing the top of your head and standing back up. You follow suit, after carefully moving the bunny from your lap.
“Let’s just visit the piglets, and then we can move on to the bigger animals!” you proclaim, while reaching for Steve’s hand again, gently tugging him towards the small, baby pink piggies.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
Once you’ve finished cooing over the small piglets while simultaneously feeding and petting them, you and Steve make your way back towards the regular path of the zoo.
Steve had just gotten out his map again, trying to visualize the vicinity, when you spot the panda enclosure.
Nice!
“Steve, do we have to consider the map? Can’t we just walk around and go wherever our curiosity takes us?” you ask.
“You mean, wherever your curiosity takes you.” Steve teases and you let out a small huff while folding your arms over your chest, defensively.
“Not true.” you whine, before adding: “I can’t help it if I’m younger and pick up more things, you know.”
“Uh-huh” Steve hums. “And patience is a virtue that …”
“I’ve never met once in my life.” you finish the sentence for him.
“That is not the quote I was going for, but it certainly rings true too.” Steve agrees, before folding his map up again. “Alright, so where’s your curiosity leading you to, this time.” he concedes with a warm smile and your eyes light up at that.
“Easy, this way!” you say, before grabbing his hand, dragging him along once more.
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“Steve, look!” you exclaim, while excitedly pointing at the wild cat enclosure. There’s a tiger that’s currently taking a bath, and it completely seizes your attention.
At the risk of sounding like a total lovesick fool, Steve has to admit that he’s way more encaptured by your endearing reactions to everything, than the actual attractions and animals themselves.
You two already visited the panda and bear enclosure, looked at some monkeys, zebras, hippos, and foxes, and now you’re leading him towards the area with the wildcats.
Lynx, lions, pumas, cheetahs, and some tigers are what’s initially advertised; still, he’s barely able to focus on that.
With your hands closely intertwined, and your soft voice that calls out to him, his attention has a hard time staying away from you.
You’re especially excited by the cheetahs, and you enthusiastically tell him all the facts you know about them.
How they’re incredibly fast and powerful, yet often also anxious and shy. You tell him how some of the cheetahs living in captivity often need emotional support dogs, to help them cope with their high levels of stress.
They’re the true scaredy cat-cats.
After your ramblings about the wildcats, you start gushing over their emotional support dogs. “They must be so proud!” you tell him. “Imagine being a dog, who ends up working with those cheetahs. How badass it that? Like a mouse who’s a therapist for a housecat, or a sparrow that takes care of an alligator…”
Steve smiles at your excitement, while listening attentively to everything you’re saying.
How did he ever get this lucky?
But as your speech slowly comes to an end, another sound appears. It’s faint, but Steve’s Super Soldier hearing still picks it up. He’s heard it enough times to be able to identify it – It’s the sound of your tummy rumbling.
“Sweetheart, are you hungry?” he questions, and you look up at him like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Dammit, I had hoped you didn’t catch that.” you mumble embarrassed, and Steve laughs.
“How about we look for a more quiet space, where we can eat some of our sandwiches and snacks.” he proposes, and you agree.
This time, Steve takes your hand, leading the way.
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After some searching, the two of you managed to find a little bench, shaded by a rather sturdy oak. The tree doesn’t just shield you from the blazing sun, but also from the curious gaze of others.
It’s a romantic little space, as you look out onto a small park area, not too far off from the peacock enclosure. You’d stopped there briefly, fascinated by their colorful display of shimmering feathers, before moving on.
And now, you're sitting here, next to Steve, eating your little sandwich and sharing some small snacks. It's calm and peacefully quiet, apart from some faint bird-chirping and the remote sound of children’s laughter, carried over to you by a soft summer breeze.
“This was such a lovely idea, Steve.” you comment quietly once you’ve finished your sandwich.
The man in question smiles at that. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Angel.”
You hum in agreement, before popping some fresh berries into your mouth.
The satisfied sigh you let out is making Steve laugh. “Are those berries that good?” he questions playfully.
“No, but the view right now is to die for.” you say, while locking eyes with him.
“Hm, I guess you’re right. This little park area certainly has some flair.” Steve agrees, and if it wasn’t for the blueberries in your hand, you’d face-palm right now.
“I’m not taking about the park, Steve.” you clarify, while giving him a pointed look, and he blushes.
“Oh, I see … “ he mumbles, red-tinted embarrassment tainting his cheeks and migrating up to his ears. Who knew a Super Soldier could get that flustered – and look so endearing while doing it.
You weren’t lying though – even with Steve just sitting there, wearing a light gray t-shirt and some washed-out jeans, he looks like a god; Completely out of this world.
And it’s not just his sturdy arms and muscles.
It’s in the way his kind eyes light up, framed by those rich eyelashes.
It’s in the way he looks at you; looks at the world with such benevolence, such compassion, even after everything he’s been through.
Maybe it’s also in the way that those small rays of sunlight, currently shining through the tree crown, illuminate his skin, giving him a golden glow.
But whatever the reason may be, he certainly looks good. Especially, when he’s blushing like that, you think, smiling.
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Once you two finished your small lunch, you’re eager to get back to the animals.
The giraffes and elephants are next, followed by the penguins and some wombats.
You and Steve have also established a small game by now.
One of you steps up to the informational sign of the enclosure first and reads it, before letting the other person guess what the Interesting Fact about the animal is.
It’s currently Steve’s turn at guessing, as you two are standing in front of the flamingo area.
“Okay!” you chime, as you turn away from the metal sign, focusing back on Steve. Your eyes are sparkling with excitement, letting Steve know that this fact is going to be good.
“So, flamingos are known for their pink color and dorky looks, but there is something else that makes this animal quite badass. What could that possibly be?” you challenge Steve gleefully.
He ponders your question for a moment, looking over at the pink birds. “Hm, maybe they can stand on one leg for over 24 hours.” he contemplates.
“Is that your final answer?” you question, and the playful glimmer in your eyes lets him already know that he’s wrong.
Still, he stays with his entry and nods.
“Well, that is incorrect!” you announce. “Or at least, that’s not the fact they have written down.” you clarify.
“Okay, I’ll give you three options instead, and only one of them is the correct one.” you offer.
“So, once more, what makes the flamingo so badass? Is it a) they all have pink belts in karate; b) they can drink boiling water; or is it c) they can hold their breath for half an hour when diving for food.” you question, expectantly looking at Steve, who’s scratching his head, laughing.
“Well, it’s either b or c, but they both sound so unbelievable, I might as well go with answer a.” He jokes.
“Sir, I need an answer from you now, the time is running up.” you playfully chide and it’s making him laugh even more.
“Alright, show host, you can log in answer b for me.”
“B? Are you sure?” Steve just nods, and it makes your smile grow wider.
“Well, contestant, you won’t believe me when I say this, but your answer is …. ding, ding, ding – correct!” you exclaim excited, while wrapping your arms around his neck
“Wait, really?” Steve looks at you, dumbfounded. “Uh-huh. Flamingos can apparently drink boiling water.” you reiterate, before pulling him closer.
“Congratulations, soldier, you’ve won the main price!” you whisper against his lips before softly kissing him, and the sweet action makes Steve smile into the kiss, as his heart melts in the blazing sun.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
Moving from enclosure to enclosure, your little game continues. There are wolves, deer, beavers, and burrowing owls, and each stop at the gates is filled with your playful antics and shared laughter.
You only come to a short pause, once you notice a small ice cream parlor in the distance, and it doesn’t take much convincing to get Steve to go there with you.
Actually, it doesn’t take any convincing at all.
The shop is small and features only a select number of ice cream flavors. You order 3 scoops each, before happily making your way over to the American bison enclosure.
The area is less crowded and actually quite peaceful. The scenery of the meadow with the occasional grazing bull emitting a sense of tranquility.
While sharing your ice cream, you two watch these seemingly serene creatures, who are just standing there, munching on grass, and lazily gazing at the landscape around them.
There’s a timelessness to them, you think. The way they just stand there, unbothered, like they’ve seen it all.
And maybe they have.
Steve gently pulls you out of your thoughts, when he offers you his last bit of cherry ice cream, holding out his cone to you. You gratefully take him up on his offer, while simultaneously holding your cone out for him.
Sharing is caring after all.
Once your ice cream is done, you and Steve continue sitting there, just talking until Steve suddenly leans closer.
He gently brushes some lingering ice-cream stains from the corner of your mouth with his thumb before licking it off. He keeps his eyes locked on you, and the action leaves your cheeks feeling heated, and your heartrate in a frenzy.
“Two can play this game, Angel.” Steve whispers, giving you a knowing smile.
You let out a small whine, before burrowing your face in his chest, trying to hide your embarrassment.
Steve just coos at your flustered state.
“Steve, stop. You’re giving me heart palpitations,” you mumble into his chest.
“No can do, Sweetheart. It’s only fair that you get a taste of your own medicine.”
You bite back your reply to that; otherwise, you two might end up doing something entirely different.
Unaware of the questionable thoughts in your head; Steve changes the topic, reminding you of the activities you still have planned.
“Do you want to go to the meerkat and prairie dog enclosure, now? Their feeding should start soon.”
You’re still curled up into his chest, basking in the feeling of his strong embrace, and the gentle smell of his cologne. “Can we just stay here a little longer.” you request, voice mumbled, and soft.
Steve lets out a small laugh, that makes his chest rumble and vibrate. “Of course, if that’s what you prefer. You just sounded so excited earlier when you heard about the public feeding.” Steve tries to clarify, making sure that’s what you really want.
Steve’s right. When he told you about the attraction earlier, you could barely contain your excitement at the idea of watching the small animals nibble on some food. But in that very moment, you didn’t really think things through.
It was only sometime later, when your excitement had cooled down a bit, that you realized that this endeavor might not be the best idea.
There’s obviously going to be a crowd watching the spectacle, and those are something to avoid when you’re with your beloved Super Soldier. The chances of getting recognized there, are just a bit too high, yet you’re hesitant to tell those thoughts to Steve.
You don’t want him to feel bad, and you know that he’ll try to convince you that it’s no big deal. You already feel selfish for feeling so protective of your relationship, and the fear that he might think you’re overreacting lingers in your mind, even though he has never given you a reason to do so.
“Sweetheart, what’s going on? You’re being awfully quiet right now.” Steve pries. He can tell something is wrong; he just knows you too damn well.
“Nothing!” you chirp, but the sound is off. It’s too high and anxious.
“Angel.” his tone is stern.
Steve doesn’t often use his Captain America voice with you, but when he does, it works every time.
Just like now.
Playing with the fabric of his gray t-shirt and looking anywhere but his eyes, you quietly mumble: “There’s going to be lots of people, Steve. Lots of people to recognize you…”
“Oh, Sweetheart,” he knows what you’re getting at, and it makes his heart twist in guilt.
“You know, we can still …”
“No, Steve,” you interrupt him. “We can’t, and I don’t want to. This day has been nothing, but a dream come true. We haven’t been approached once, and I’d like to keep it that way. If I have to sacrifice a meerkat feeding for that, I’ll happily do it.” You state, and Steve sighs.
“I’m sorry, Angel.” he whispers, voice low and tainted with regret. “Maybe you could go there by yourself, while I stay somewhere in the background?” he offers, but you just shake your head.
“Steve, it’s okay. I’d rather see all the other animals with you, then one meerkat feeding without you.”
He smiles at that, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“I’m still sorry about this.” he mutters, guilt clear in his voice. You sigh. That’s exactly what you were trying to avoid.
“Steve,” you whisper, gently cupping his cheek, making him look at you. “This isn’t your fault. Stop feeling sorry about something that you have no control over, whatsoever. If anything, I’m sorry for being so sensitive about this.” you state.
“No, you have every right to be!” Steve defends, and the conviction in his eyes makes some of your worry ease away.
“Well, if I’m not allowed to feel guilty about that, neither are you.” you assert matter-of-factly, and this time the smile that adorns Steve’s face reaches his bright blue eyes.
“Alright, deal.” he affirms, before taking your hand, sweeping you up from your seat. “Let’s continue. There’s still a lot to explore.”
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You’re about to walk into the reptile house when you spot one more open enclosure.
“Oh my God Steve, look!” you call out, while pointing at one of the llamas. “Aww, he looks just like Kuzco!” you observe, and it makes Steve frown in confusion.
“Sweetheart, that’s a rude thing to say about someone.” he softly chides, and you give him a puzzled look.
“What? Are you telling me you don’t know who Kuzco is?” you ask, dumbfounded, and Steve just shakes his head.
“Is he a work friend of yours? I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned someone with that name?" he questions, brows still furrowed in confusion.
“Steve!” you laugh, “have you not seen The Emperor’s New Groove?”
“No, I don’t think I have.” he confesses, and you look at him in disbelief.
“Oh my God! I thought Tony introduced you to the best works of this century’s cinema.”
“Yes, but I don’t remember a movie named like that.”
“This is outrageous. I can’t believe you’ve never seen this masterpiece! We’ll have to change that once we’re home!” you proclaim playfully, before taking his hand and walking towards the reptile house.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
Stepping into the building, you’re immediately greeted by a sudden temperature drop.
The rooms are a lot darker and cooler then the outside premise, and you can’t help but shiver as goosebumps form on your skin.
Instinctively, you pull Steve closer, grabbing his hand tighter.
The animals that follow vary from adorable to absolutely frightening. The small turtles and geckos make you coo, but the bigger lizards and snakes already sport a more intimidating look.
There are boas, pythons, and mambas, and you have to remind yourself that you’re protected by both the Plexiglas as well as your trusted Super Soldier.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
Once you’ve finished exploring every room, you make your way to the small botanical garden. Its atmosphere stands in stark contrast to that of the dark reptile house.
There are colorful flowers and bright green plants and palm trees.
There’s light coming through the ceiling, illuminating the stone path before you, and the temperature is warmer and a little bit more humid.
After walking through the vicinity, hand in hand, the two of you spot a small, secluded bench. It’s placed next to a little pond, and a small bush of plumerias.
Sitting down, you sigh in content as you breathe in the sweet smell of the little white and yellow flowers. Steve gets out some left-over fruits, and you share a second, small meal. You can hear the soft splatter of water in the background, and it’s as relaxing as can be.
Looking at the man in front of you adoringly, your expression falters when you see the small furrow etched between his brows. He’s thinking about something, and it’s not a pleasant thought.
“What’s wrong?” you whisper, having learned the small signs of worry that sometimes cloud the face of your beautiful man.
Steve just sighs, before pulling you closer. So close, you might as well just sit in his lap.
“Was just thinking.” he mumbles, voice low, and still preoccupied with whatever’s going through his mind right now. “About?” you inquire, and the silence that follows makes you sigh in return.
“Steve, we talked about this. Don’t shut me out.” you whisper, knowing that your beloved soldier still has a tendency to keep his worries hidden from your view, trying not to burden you with it.
“I was thinking about the meerkat-thing.” he says, and you groan.
“No, hear me out, Sweetheart,” he continues. “You deserve the world, you truly do, and it pains me to know that everywhere we go, you have to sacrifice something, just because you’re with me. The meerkat-thing is just one of the many examples that reiterate that.”
“Okay,” you assess slowly, “what are you trying to say?” you carefully ask.
“I don’t know.” he whispers.
“I just keep thinking that you have to sacrifice so much, just in order to be with me. I wish I could give you more than that. I wish I could take you out on dates without us having to worry about being recognized, approached and disturbed.”
He looks at you with such turmoil and pain in his eyes, it makes your heart clench and curl up into a ball and cry.
“Oh, Stevie.” you murmur, before gently cupping his face and straddling his lap.
“Steve honey, listen. This whole getting-approached-by-strangers-thing sucks; I’m not gonna lie about that, but do you know what would suck a million times more? Not having you in my life! I could live without going out on anymore dates for the rest of my days, but do you know what I cannot live without? You!” you declare passionately, while looking into Steve’s eyes, which are somewhat glossy.
“Sweetheart.” he mumbles, voice thick with emotions, and you just pull him closer, nuzzling your face into the side of his neck.
“I love you, Steve. I love you even when we’re surrounded by what feels like hundreds of people, who all want a piece of you, and take over our dates.”
You feel a light wetness at the nape of your neck, and you gently brush your hand through Steve’s hair. Blinking away your own tears, you make a soft shushing sound, trying to calm him down.
“I love you. Don’t ever doubt me on that!” you whisper softly, and you feel Steve nod against your skin before whispering a small, timid “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I love you, and as long as you love me back, that’s all I need. That’s enough for me.” you try to clarify, before gently adding: “I know you feel a close kinship and obligation towards people, and you’re too polite to call them out when they approach us at the worst possible timing, but you’re allowed to tell some people off. The shield might be public property, Steve, but you aren’t. You’re allowed to have boundaries too.”
Your kind words fill Steve with a warm, fuzzy feeling, and it spreads on his face in the form of a soft smile. The love he feels for you keeps blooming and expanding, like the fragrant flowers growing all around you.
He’s not sure if he’ll ever be able to put it into words just how much you mean to him exactly, but he knows that he’ll try his damn best to show you every single day.
He hopes that that’s enough, hopes that it’s good enough for you. Losing you would be worse than dying, he’s sure of that. But all he manages to mumble out is a soft: “I love you so much.”
His words and voice are filled with such honesty, such devotion and conviction, you fear your heart might pound straight out of your chest, and into his lap.
“I know,” you whisper. “I love you just as much!”
He hums in content, and the silence that follows is the most comfortable silence you’ve ever experienced.
The two of you stay there, curled up in each other’s embrace, basking in one of the best feelings ever. Loving and feeling loved.
🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
You’re not sure how much time has passed, when Steve speaks up again, but the sun is slowly starting to set, and it fills the garden with a golden glow.
“You’re ready to go home, Sweetheart?” he questions softly, voice full of affection.
No. You just want to stay in his loving embrace forever, but instead of articulating that, you let out a small whine, while shaking your head demonstratively.
The laugh that rumbles out of Steve’s chest is warm and hearty, and he softly smiles down at you.
“Come on.” he coaxes.
There’s something he’s sure he can beckon you with.
“I think they have a small souvenir shop near the exit with lots of stuffed animals.” he offers, and it makes you look up at him, wide-eyed and excited.
Gotcha. Steve thinks, a satisfied smile on his lips. The promise of stuffed animals works every time.
You slowly untangle yourself from him, before standing up and taking his hand.
“What are you waiting for, old man.” You playfully provoke him while he’s adjusting his backpack.
“Careful Sweetheart, or I might accidentally lose you in the middle of New York.” he says, yet you know it’s an empty threat. He would never even dream of doing something like that, not in a million years.
“Don’t underestimate the grasp I have on you.” you joke, referring to the way you’d normally cling to his arm and hand, but Steve thinks about how true those words are in a broader sense.
How you have the strongest possible grasp on his heart, in the gentlest way.
Unaware of his adoring thoughts, you drag him to the exit of the botanical garden, and he watches you with the warmest smile.
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Once you step out of the garden your eyes instantly find, and fixate on the small souvenir shop, walking straight towards it.
The place is spacious and there are a couple of kids running around, shoving stuffed animals in their parents faces. The selection of stuffies is broad, but you already know what you want.
Steve thinks you’ll be going over to the cheetahs, yet he finds himself surprised, when he watches you walk towards… the donkeys?
He observes you carefully picking up a medium-sized stuffie and clutching it tightly to your chest, a satisfied smile on your lips.
“Stevie! Look!” you exclaim, as you turn your attention to him, holding the stuffie up proudly.
Little did you know, he was already looking at you the whole time.
Eyes soft and smile warm.
“Sweetheart, are you sure? Don’t you want something more… exciting?” he questions, as he points to the array of wild cats and panda bears.
“Nope!” you chirp, the look of content on your face clear as day.
He always wants to see you like this - happy, content, satisfied.
“Wait, Stevie! You should get one too!” you exclaim when you see him slowly make his way toward the checkout.
“The donkey will remind me of you when you’re gone on missions, but you need a stuffie that reminds you of me, too!”
“Sweetheart, you’re in the back of my mind 24/7. I don’t need a …”
“Not the point.” you interrupt him.
“You occupy my mind almost all the time as well, but it’s nice to have something tangible to remind you and to keep close sometimes.”
“Alright.” Steve concedes, before looking at the countless shelves of stuffed animals.
Which one should he even pick?
He thinks back to your interactions earlier, thinks about how soft you looked, with that small bunny comfortably sitting in your lap.
He thinks about how excited you were, when you told him everything you knew about cheetahs, eyes sparkling bright.
He thinks about how softly you’d kissed him at the flamingo enclosure, and how serene you looked while you were watching the American bisons - a dreamy look on your face, and ice cream in hand.
God, is picking your own stuffie always that hard?
His eyes continue to wander along the shelves when he spots it.
There’s a medium-sized cheetah stuffie wearing sunglasses and a Hawaiian shirt with little plumerias printed on it.
That’s you.
Cool, adorable, and with a questionable fashion sense.
Thinking back at how you were holding him close in the botanical garden, the sight of the small flowers instantly fills him with the memories of your comforting words and touch.
That’s the one.
Steve makes his way over to the stuffed animal, and it’s even softer than he’d imagined.
“Oh! It’s adorable!” you coo when you see his choice, and Steve smiles.
That’s the one.
He thinks, as he watches you.
The one, who has complete reign over his heart.
You made yourself quite at home in there, filled it with your sweet laughter and your little smiles, the softness of your touch and the kindness in your eyes.
He keeps all these memories of you safely tugged away, underneath his rib cage, in that little treasure chest he calls his heart.
You’re both, his most prized possession, and the strong protector that watches over it all.
The guardian angel of his heart.
“Steve!” you call out to him, from the checkout.
“They say they have a 10 % senior discount for people over 60! Come over here, and figure this out, please!”
It makes him laugh, and there’s only one thought in his mind:
God, how he adores you.
---------------------------------------------
Ahhh, that's it! Thanks you so much for reading!
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jjpmoans · 4 years
Text
t’aimer sans cesse
↦ song: Hesitate from Eyes On You 
↦ lyrics: 'Yes, you, why are you making me this confused?/ I don't get you any more' 
↦ word count : 9k+
↦ genre : roommates to lovers
↦ warnings : fluffs, angst if you squint really hard
↦ summary : Park Jinyoung. You. Jeong Jaehyun. As complicated as it seems, you’d be honest when you said, you didn’t expect to be involved in this whole love triangle. Have you been missing signals or have he been sending you absolutely invisible signals? Is your radar broken? How have you not know? How have you been so dense? How long have you been foolishly hurting him?
↦ a/n : Hey everyone! I’m back with a new fic! I’m soo sorry it’s been a drought here on my blog. But i’m back and looks like Mr Jeong is joining us this time~ Anyways, this fic is written for the GOT7 Alive Fest on twitter and if anyone is interested, go check it out on @/GOT7_Alive_2020. They have both artists and writers joining the fest! Most of them post on ao3 and I am probably the only one who post on tumblr. Nevermind that, I hope you love the fic! Thank you for reading!
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Morning classes are by far, the most hated part of your schedule. You don’t like waking up early, which explains why you’re not a morning person. You don’t remember when was the last time you met the morning birds and the sunrise since you usually wake up after ten in the morning and the sun is already up. You missed the chirping and the first ray of the morning but you’d trade anything for sleep at the moment. 
“Jinyoung.” you groan when you feel a finger poking your cheek and pinching it. You know it’s him, who else is patient to wake you up? Bambam and Yugyeom have long given up trying to wake you since you refused all their advances, even coaxing you with food. “I don’t want to wake up.”
You heard a few rustling and you exhaled in relief. Perhaps Jinyoung will let you off the hook and let you sleep this once. You don’t have that many morning classes, to be honest. You only have one, and that’s on every Tuesday. Usually you wake up and sign the attendance then go back to sleep since you had online learning for this semester, but since the situation has toned down and the university has reopened, today marks the first day of on-site class. 
“Hey, sleepyhead.” you hear his voice and a few seconds later, you feel your face getting wet and his palm softly applying cold water all over your face. Another dip into the basin and he returns his palm to your face with another round of wiping the cold water all over your face which he carefully presses it on your eyelids. “Wake up. You have class at nine.”
You grumble, turning away from him to continue sleeping but at this moment, you’re almost wide awake after he technically washes your face for you. You can hear Jinyoung chuckling and you’re positive now that he has successfully woken you up. “Urgh. I hate how you wake me up easily.”
“Not my fault that I’m an expert.” he laughs upon seeing you getting out of his bed and into the bathroom. “Hurry up. I’m taking you to breakfast.”
“For what?” you appear again with your toothbrush inside your mouth. 
“To eat, you dummy. Your class ends at eleven and you’d be starving by then.” he picks a book out of your shared bookshelf, flipping it to the page he left before. “Hurry up! I’m giving you ten minutes!”
You stare in disbelief at him and when he sees you’re unmoved, he throws you one of your small pillows to get you moving. “Tik tok, y/n! Move fast!”
“I can’t believe you shove me into the bathroom.” you frown when Jinyoung just laugh at your complaint. He indeed shoved you into the shower after you’ve been standing for too long while brushing your teeth. “We aren’t even late!”
“You’ll thank me later.” Jinyoung grins, walking into the busy cafe. People are getting their first coffee supply of the day and so do you. Jinyoung and you are both coffee people, it just made sense to start the day with a cup of iced Americano.
As usual, Jinyoung will queue up so you can find a seat for both of you while waiting. It’s easy to catch a spot in the cafe during the morning since most people pack to-go breakfast. So you carefully choose a table for two, a bit far from the counter and hidden from the excessive sun exposure but still be able to see people entering the cafe. 
It’s just an unconscious habit of yours, to watch whoever that passes through the door. It’s just amusing to you how most people fall into the same time schedule, about fifty people probably have the same class to attend and twenty seven of them need coffee before class. 
“Here.” a tray of drinks and food appears before you, you make space for Jinyoung to place the drinks out of the tray and put the tray away. It’s so obvious which one of the food is yours and which one is Jinyoung’s. He prefers to have croissants for breakfast while you prefer egg sandwiches since you’ll be fuller and can last until lunch time. “Saw anyone you know?”
You shake your head before taking a big bite of your sandwich, munching them happily. The man before you just laugh at your behaviour, fifteen minutes ago you were wrestling with him to get into the shower and now you’re just behaving like a child, eating her breakfast with joy.
He sees the corner of your lips smudged with the mayo and his heart skips a beat, wondering how can you be so adorable being so messy. He can’t stand someone munching loudly but here he is, watching the corner of your lips moving and the sauce is still there. So he extends his hand, wiping your lips and retracts to lick his thumb back, before going back to eat his own croissant.
You didn’t mind, it’s not actually out of the ordinary. Jinyoung smiles, knowing how comfortable you are with him. Sometimes he wishes you don’t, because right now he just wanted to let you know how badly he’s in love with you. 
But of course he can’t. As best friends, he can’t. His feelings aren’t worth the awkward encounters or the cold treatment you’ll be giving him once you learn that he’s in love with you. 
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“Alright so for the assignment partners,” your professor announces, indicating the class is ending in ten minutes. During the quarantine, he has decided that all assignments will be graded individually since the quarantine was expected to run longer. However with the on-site classes coming to life again, he wanted to make the last assignment graded in partners, so that he can actually provide better materials for the lecturers audit session. 
You heard your name being called and you swear your breath hitches when another name follows yours, loud and clear. “Jeong Jaehyun.”
“Oh my god.” your friend next to you gasps, utterly speechless at revelation of your partner. You as well, are shocked and completely blank out. “Oh my god. You got the golden boy.”
“Oh my god.” repeating the phrase over and over again, your friend taps you multiple times and you feel your throat dried. One of the reasons why she’s so excited is because you’ve developed a crush towards the golden boy from the start of the semester and she knows. She, who goes by the name Mina, is your only friend from the same course.  However it was short lived since you only got three classes with him and the quarantine started. Either way, you’ve completely forgotten about your crush until he was brought up again, 
You took Mathematics as an elective just because you thought it was fun and you wanted to try it. Jinyoung couldn’t make it, Psychology students are always packed and you, as the Language student, have too much time to spare.
“Mina. this is insane.” you are having a minor breakdown and Mina isn’t helping, squealing when she sees Jaehyun walking over towards your seat, nudging you not so subtly. “My lord, don’t nudge me like that-”
He stops in front of you and for a second you forget how to breathe, extremely mesmerized by his presence. Here’s why he’s the golden boy.
You knew from a classmate that he comes from the Engineering faculty, taking Mathematics as one of his complementary subjects in order to fulfill his credit hours requirement for this semester. It’s a given that he excels in mathematics as he’s an engineering student but his other achievements make him even more dreamy and absolutely golden. 
Jaehyun is also very popular in sports, he’s one of the baseball club players, the one and only sport club that is making names for your university. It doesn’t need you to attend their matches to know how well he’s been playing. His fame makes up for it. They have been winning almost every match and well, he contributes about two third of the scores. Above all of that, he’s apparently a member of NCT frat, where every single member is magnificently handsome, carved and painted by god himself.
In short, he’s the standard boyfriend you’ll never get.
“Uhm.” okay he has a bit of a flaw — no, not a flaw. Despite how famous he is, he’s apparently an introvert. He gets shy quite easily, more reasons to like him. The tip of his ears will be red if he feels nervous or shy and you don’t know what is cuter than that. “Hey.”
You forgot how to talk just by looking at him. Never would you have thought you’d be able to talk to him, well given the situation and his social status, you have no doubt you’re out of his circle. It’s only when Mina secretly pinches your thigh that you manage to find your voice, clearing your throat to reply to him. “Hi. Sorry, I’ve been so rude. I’m y/n.”
He offers you a smile. Jeong Jaehyun offers you a smile. You can finally die in peace. “I know. I’ve heard a lot of things about you.”
Oh. What is this? How does he know about you? Scratch that, why would he know anything about you?
“Wha- what? Excuse me?”
He chuckles and Mina’s gasp is completely audible to your ears now, you have no idea if Jaehyun catches that. But you know he does, after all his ears won’t lie to him. “I know you. You’re Jinyoung’s girlfriend.”
Even nothing comes out from Mina, you know she’s laughing. Of course, your reputation is affiliated with Jinyoung. There isn’t any person on the campus who doesn’t know about you and Jinyoung. To say you’re Jinyoung’s best friend is absolutely underrated, so they upgraded your status to Jinyoung’s girlfriend. You’re so close to Jinyoung that it made a lot of his fangirls mad. Why? Because just like Jaehyun, Jinyoung is a member of a frat. 
GOT frat specifically.
Things got complicated and you got his fangirls harassing you to the extent of harming you in your own house during your first semester. After much consideration, Jinyoung figured that it is safer for you to stay with him instead. No one will be able to harm you in a frat house, mainly because he is there but also, his members are very protective of you too. 
Hence he got Jaebeom to go to the administration and arranged your residency exchange. You have no idea how Jaebeom managed to convince them since no girls are allowed to reside in an all boys frat. However he powered through and the news spread as fast as they could, making you officially Jinyoung’s girlfriend and off market.
“Lord, not this again.” you mutter quietly but goodness gracious of course he heard it. Jaehyun’s laughter resonates again and this time you decided to just fuck it. “Firstly no, I’m not Jinyoung’s girlfriend. I’m his best friend and I have no idea why people keep saying I’m his girlfriend.”
“Maybe because you act like a couple?” Jaehyun offers his thoughts. Probably it’s true, Jinyoung has a soft spot for you. Maybe because he feels sorry for what you’ve been through, however you don’t mind. You love when Jinyoung is being protective of you. It reminds you of how much he cared for you.
“Yeah. Nevermind that. Do you want to talk about the assignment?” you hate to ruin the moment but you figured he needed to go somewhere and you’re already holding him back. If you want to chit chat, you can do it when you meet for the assignment.
“Oh yes.” he quickly whips out his phone and scans the task given, quickly sliding his phone to your direction. “Okay so I’ve done question no 1 and just need you to look over them in case I did them wrong-”
He- what? He already did the assignment? Screw it, you’re in love with him already.
“So we just need to work on the second question.” he finishes his sentence and looks up to you, flashing his dimples away. Ah right, his deep dimples are exactly the reason why you’ve taken a liking in him. Whenever you have online classes, a strand of his luscious brown hair will naturally parted away from the others, his dimples showing up occasionally when he’s solving questions. Out of every single window on the screen, you’ve been intently watching his window, mesmerized by his good looking face. “I guess we can set the time and place for us to work on this?”
You unconsciously nod, before quickly snapping out of your thoughts. “Yeah, I’m actually fine anywhere. I’ll check my schedules and we can try to set any time for it?”
Jaehyun hums, hesitated before asking, “Will you be comfortable if we do it at my place?”
Another quiet squeal makes you roll your eyes, at this point Mina isn’t trying to be subtle anymore. Jaehyun has been laughing whenever she lets out any kind of noises, which embarrass you even more. “Wait- you mean NCT frat!?”
You can’t believe she just asked that. 
“Wow, y/n. Spare me some of your luck, please.” she tugs on your arms to which you shrug her off easily.
“Shut up.” you tell her before catching Jaehyun’s attention again. “I’m okay with NCT frat. I’ll text you before I come over?”
“Yeah,” he replies distractedly when his phone shows an incoming voice call, seeming important since he freaks out, whipping his head to the door. “Sorry, the boys are having some meeting and I need to go now.”
He hands you his phone, his dial pad showing up. “Put your number in. I’ll text you.”
If someone ever tells you that Jeong Jaehyun will offer his phone to get your number, even for an assignment, you’d definitely assume that they’re insane and tell them to stop giving you false hope. But now you’re filling your phone number in Jeong Jaehyun’s phone and it feels more like a dream than a reality.
Only when he’s out of the lecture hall that you’re able to breathe, accompanied by Mina’s never ending teasing. Lord, why are you being extra kind today?
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Unknown Hey it’s Jaehyun :)
You almost drop your phone before making unrealistic noises, your heart jumping in joy. You don’t wish to disturb Jinyoung who’s studying at his table but this calls for celebration. 
“Oh my god!” you decided to let it loose and quickly dance in the middle of your room out of giddiness. Jeong Jaehyun has officially texted you and he’s waiting for you to reply. “Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh!!”
Jinyoung stares at your dancing figure with an eyebrow raised, his pen in between his teeth. To say that your sudden dance abnormal is an understatement, he’s been watching you do even crazier and dumber things in the middle of the night during examination weeks but that’s out of stress. So he lets you cool down – not really since you’re still grinning while holding your phone. Definitely, something is wrong.
“Wait how do I reply-” you fumble with your keyboard, thinking of a proper sentence. It’s been three minutes since his text and it’s the perfect time to reply back. You have to act like you didn’t wait for him to reply.
Y/n Hi! Yeap, y/n here.
What do you say more? Did the meeting go well?
You contemplate writing another sentence when his reply comes in, startling you in the process.
Unknown Have you checked your schedule? What day are you free?
Y/n I did and I am free on monday and wednesday afternoon, then friday evening. Hbu?
Unknown Oh crap. I’m only free on wednesday evening 
Golden boy curses too? Oohh, hot.
Y/n Uh… I don’t mind doing it on the weekend? If you don’t have practise or anything.
Unknown Unfortunately [Sticker] I have baseball practice in the morning. But
Y/n But what
Unknown Can we make it at night? We can do the assignment in the next two weeks.  I have an upcoming submission and I’m fully booked this weekend. I’m sorry I promise you I’ll provide you snacks.
Y/n What am I? Five years old? [Sticker] I don’t mind. The due date is still far away.
Unknown Oh so you don’t want snacks?
Y/n Shut up. Give me McDonalds.
Unknown Deal. A princess will get what princess wants.
Your heart skips a beat. He calls you princess? From the first text? This sounds like a frat boy attitude. For a moment you laugh at yourself, of course he is. He’s technically a frat boy.
“Okay you’re creeping me out.” Jinyoung finally stands up from his study table and proceeds to sit on his bed. Your study table is next to his bed while his study table is at the foot of his bed. “You’ve been smiling creepily while texting. Who’re you texting with?”
You quickly reply to Jaehyun with a sticker and lock your phone, facing Jinyoung who’s still confused about what’s going on. You can’t handle this alone and you need to tell Jinyoung. If anything, Jinyoung is the first person that shall know.
“You know Jeong Jaehyun?”
He gives you an incredulous look, of course, who doesn’t know Jeong Jaehyun? One must be blind and deaf if they don’t know the golden boy. “Really? You’re asking me this now?”
You dismiss him immediately, moving to sit next to him on his bed. “He texted me.”
“He texted you?”
“Yes!” you almost screamed at him but hold back and throw yourself on his pillow, kicking the air. “We got partnered for an assignment and he texted me!”
Jinyoung is absolutely clueless because he stares at you again, confused. “So? Why are you so happy about it?”
“Oh god Jinyoung! You don’t understand!”
“Then tell me! And for god sake stop kicking already!”
You sit back up and watch Jinyoung carefully, before explaining, “Jinyoung. A handsome boy, from NCT frat texted me. And he’s not just any NCT member, he’s the golden boy. The standard boyfriend-you’ll-never-have. The Jeong Jaehyun.”
“And he texted me. And he calls me princess!” You watch Jinyoung’s face contorted with disgust and you push him away roughly. He would never understand. He’s not having a crush on Jaehyun.
“So what? I can call you princess too. What’s so special?” Jinyoung has now moved higher on the bed and his hands are crossed. This is why you need a girl best friend. When you have a boy best friend they are so dumb and they can’t understand this joy.
“Oh god. Because he’s so dreamy and I got a crush on him!” you lunge towards Jinyoung and shake him, forcing the information to sink inside his brain. “My crush just called me princess, can you believe it!!???”
“You have a crush on Jaehyun?”
“Urgh. You’re so slow.” you get up and reach for the door, yanking it open. “I’m going to Jackson. He’ll be more enthusiastic to listen to my story than you.”
You close the door and leave Jinyoung alone, stoned and unmoved on his bed.
You didn’t realise it but the previous sentence left Jinyoung speechless, sending him into a shock.
You like Jeong Jaehyun? Oh shit. Jinyoung is in a deep deep shit.
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“Hi.” the door opens, revealing Johnny who looks like he’s been expecting you for a while. 
“Oh! Y/n!” he screams, well not screaming but definitely a higher octave than usual conversation tone. “Come in! Jaehyun told us that you’re coming over.”
Like you have agreed, Jaehyun invites you to come over two weeks after You enter the house, a fresh smell greeting you softly. The layout of the frat is just like yours, except that it is bigger, well to accommodate 21 people in one house. There’s only a few minor differences from your house, like how the kitchen and the living room looks extremely bigger.
You spot someone at the kitchen and you nod timidly, showing your respect in someone’s house. Lord, you feel overwhelmed.
“Who’s at the door- oh!” a high pitched tone yell from the fridge and you see Lucas hugging a jar of milk, probably taking it out. “Jaehyun hyung! Your pretty partner is here!”
You blush at the nickname, quickly trail behind Johnny who offers to send you to Jaehyun’s room. You agree, you can’t possibly manage to find his room by yourself. Actually, you take your words back. This house has a different layout than GOT’s frat, definitely you won’t trust yourself around here. One mistake and you’d probably end up in a room with at least three naked men.
“I have no idea why you’d yell, Lucas.” Johnny comments, ascending the stairs. “Jaehyun can’t even hear you.”
“I know. I just want to call her pretty.”
“Oh god.” your face reddens when Lucas continues to tease you that by the time you reach Jaehyun’s room, you’re as bright as a tomato.
“Heyyy you’re here- wow what happened? Why are you so red?” as soon as he opens his door, Jaehyun bends over to see your reddening face, scanning for any suspicious injury. Johnny however, starts laughing and he’s lucky you just met him today or else you’d already jab him with your fist. “Come one, Johnny. Who did this to her?”
“Lucas that kid. He’s teasing her all the way up the stairs.”
“Oh.” Jaehyun laughs as well, beckoning you to enter his room. “Shut that one up for me.”
“Aite, golden boy.”
You manage to tone down your redness after fanning it while watching Jaehyun’s minimally decorated room, all in black and white, three beds lining up next to each other, the study table at one corner and their closet at the other end. It’s a big room and with three people living in it, it still has spaces to work on the floor.
“Sorry if you find it messy.” Jaehyun rubs the back of his head sheepishly when you seated yourself on the floor, in front of the folding table that he has prepared. “I forced Jungwoo and Jeno to clean the room since you’re coming over.”
“So if you find anything suspicious, just ignore them okay?” you chuckle at his choice of words, as if you’d probably find something. The whole room looks clean, or so how it looks. You doubt you can find anything.
“I’m serious. I always find questionable things and you don’t want to know what they are.”
“Oh.” now that is something you didn’t think of. You know how they always hold parties and a lot of people come over, but you definitely didn’t think of that. “Okay now I’m afraid to move.”
Jaehyun lets out a hearty laugh, seating himself next to you comfortably. “Don’t worry. Nothing can harm you here.”
“Knock knock!” instead of knocking, Haechan chooses to enunciate the sound and in a split second he opens the door, posing at the door frame. “The delivery man is here and I’m not rich to pay for it.”
Jaehyun sighs as he pulls out his wallet, throwing it to Haechan. “Swipe it.”
You turn to Jaehyun, halting in your calculation. “Did you really order McDonalds?”
“I promised you.” he says softly, looking back at his own paper. “What my princess wants is what my princess gets.”
You swear the air suddenly gets hotter and Jaehyun turns super flirty since his first text. You kept texting back and forth, the awkward texts have long forgotten, now it’s always him asking you about your day and sending memes he found on the internet. 
“Are we flirting now?”
“Depends on how you define flirt.” he smiles and that damn dimples show up again, impossible making you even more giddy. “I’d say, I’m being me.”
“This is how you are?” you look at him up and down, giving him a disapproving look. “Do you flirt with every girl you meet?”
Jaehyun comes closer to you, looking at you straight in the eye. “I’ll have you know one thing.”
“I never bring any girl into the frat. Not even hookups.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t do hookups.”
“But I’m just an assignment partner.”
“Definitely not for me.”
You later learnt that Jaehyun has ordered every single meal on the menu because he doesn’t know what you like. You almost got tricked when you came downstairs and saw the food untouched when all the boys were practically circling the dining table but no one touched anything. It’s only after you picked your burger, fries and drink together with Jaehyun’s food that Haechan sprinted towards the table and started the food war with others.
“You just have to ask me, you know.” you tell him while he walks you home, smiling sheepishly while getting scolded. “You wasted a lot on the meals.”
“It’s not wasting.” he defends himself. “I let everyone eat the remaining. It’s not wasting.”
“Yeah, that’s one thing.”
The walk home is silent, a comforting silent. His house and yours is just a few houses apart but he still insists on sending you home. It feels so short because just in five minutes, you fall in step in front of your house. Tonight, you experience something new. You experience another set of happiness, surrounded by Jaehyun and his friends.
It’s different from being with Jinyoung and the boys, it just feels like it. With GOT frat, you feel like home while with NCT frat, you feel exhilarated.
“Hey.” you hear Jaehyun calls, making you turn to him. “I want to let you know that I enjoy talking to you.”
Your features soften, of course, you like talking to him too. “Same here, Jaehyun.”
He grins, walking backwards. “Talk to you later!”
“Good night pretty girl!” you shush him when he shouts a bit too loud. He laughs, running to his house while screaming the same sentence, absolutely madness. You love talking to him, perhaps a bit more than he does.
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“Jinyoung.” he calls, trying to shake the said male into reality. However he gives no response, staring into space making Jaebeom sigh in frustration. “Stop making that face. It’s obvious enough that you’re jealous.”
“What face?” Jinyoung glares, putting his Americano cup down and exhales shakily. He knows what kind of face Jaebeom was referring to. His annoyed face. “I am not jealous.”
“Oh really? Geez, I would never know,” Jaebeom rolls his eyes sarcastically. If looks can slice, Jaehyun must have been slaughtered by the Jinyoung’s total concentration water breathing form and poof! He’d be a verified demon slayer. 
“Shut up.” It’s been an hour and you are still there, sitting at the table by the window, talking to Jaehyun. He has been eyeing you since you entered the cafe and was about to call for you but realised that a certain male has followed you after, seating both of you further from people. He’s not mad, no. He’s a tad bit sad. He doesn’t like this unsettling feeling and it hurts even more when he sees Jaehyun’s concentrated eyes gazing on you.
He knows that gaze. That’s just how he looks at you.
Ever since you first told him that Jaehyun texted you, something has changed. You start spending less and less time with him and more time with Jaehyun. You start waking early and rush downstairs, just to go on a morning walk with Jaehyun. At night when it’s supposed to be your time with Jinyoung, you’d spend it talking to Jaehyun, if not texting all night.
You haven’t realised it but Jinyoung is extremely jealous. 
He never had you that enthusiastic with him. You’re always you, nothing special you’d change just for Jinyoung. And the thought of it makes him sad, sad that he’s actually just a friend. 
“I think you should tell her, you know.” Jaebeom starts. Ever since you revealed that you had a crush on Jaehyun, Jinyoung has been constantly broken. It’s like you pressed a switch inside his brain and he malfunctioned himself. It’s rare to see Jinyoung acting out of character but this is what love does to people. It made you go insane. “What’s the point of torturing yourself watching the woman you love talking to another handsome man with heart shooting out of her eyes?”
“So you agree he’s handsome?”
“Jinyoung.” Jaebeom shakes his head exaggeratedly. “It’s Jeong Jaehyun we’re talking about. We all know that NCT house has some magic shit going around because every single member from that frat is drop dead hot and handsome. Now don’t avoid this. Tell her before it’s too late.”
Jinyoung has officially gone blank. He wanted to tell her, he really does. Jinyoung can’t count those nights where he has drawn a perfect plan in his mind, watching you sleep while mouthing unsaid words to you. He really wanted to tell you that he loves you. He had been in love with you for so long, he has forgotten when exactly he harboured his feelings for you. All he knows, one day he woke up and he felt his heart threatened to burst at the sight of you. 
However every single plan has its flaws and Jinyoung’s plan involves throwing your friendship into the mix. If only he’s not afraid to risk your friendship, he would have tried his damn luck. He would have confessed and he wouldn’t give any damn whether you’d be awkward or not. Things will be easier if he has no attachment. Yet, this attachment is the thinnest line he wouldn’t dare to cross.
“I can’t, Beom-ah.” he sounds helpless, the most helpless Jaebeom ever heard and they are childhood friends. He knew Jinyoung since they were eleven and nothing, nothing  ever broke Jinyoung this bad. Jinyoung is never a quitter but this time, Jaebeom sees him quitting. “I can’t risk our friendship, Jaebeom. I can’t. I can handle her fawning over someone else but I can’t afford being apart from her.”
Jinyoung is never helpless but somehow, he’s helpless when it comes to you.
“So you’re going to let her date Jaehyun?” Jaebeom, though his heart wrenches seeing Jinyoung so broken, he’s not going to let Jinyoung give up. “Because I’m telling you, Jinyoung. Jaehyun isn’t playing. We know how someone looks when they’re in love. I’ve seen it on you and believe me or not, I saw it on Jaehyun.”
Jinyoung has never been unconfident. He’s always that one student who is constantly positive that it will turn out well in the end. He believes that even if it’s bad now, it will be better soon. Beat him but now, he sees nothing like that. He can’t bring himself to think that if he confesses to you it will turn out good. That even if something happens, even if you distance yourself from him, you will be okay in the end.
Because it won’t.
“Tell her before it’s too late please.” half pleading, Jaebeom just can’t see his friend being this lost. “Tell her even if it risks your relationship.”
“What if I lose her?” he can’t answer that, of course Jaebeom can’t. It’s not his place to make an escape plan, it certainly is not his place to come up with your answer. But there’s one thing he is sure of.
“Then she certainly doesn’t deserve you.” 
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“I need to talk to you.” Jinyoung starts, watching you focusing on your screen. Like always, you are grinning, probably laughing at some TikTok videos that Jaehyun sent you. 
“One second, Jinyoung.” you quickly type a reply and lock the phone, setting it face down. Another thing that has changed ever since you started talking to Jaehyun. Before, you had nothing to hide but now? Jinyoung doesn’t know you anymore.
You’re now totally focused on him, your eyes staring straight into his eyes but it’s different. It doesn’t feel the same. It feels like you’re someone else. You’re not his girl anymore. 
“Jinyoung?”
“Hm?” it’s bothering him how foreign his name comes out from you. It’s been a month and if he counts, you probably utter his name only twice a day. “Oh yes. The talk.”
You are sitting cross legged on your chair, waiting patiently for Jinyoung to start. You realised it too, that you’ve been spending less time with Jinyoung. You do feel sorry for him and you have an inkling that he wanted to talk to you about it. Jinyoung rarely needs to have a talk with you unless he feels bothered, and now you can see how bothered he is.
Taking a look at him, you suddenly feel your heart wrenches. How long have you stopped giving attention to Jinyoung? He has this frown on his face now, sometime you never see before. His hair is a bit longer and his hair colour is a lighter shade of brown. 
Who dyed his hair for him? After all, it must have not been you, since you’re busy hanging out with Jaehyun. But usually, you dyed his hair for him, saying you’re the only one who knows how to dye hair properly. Now that you look back, this concern is probably bigger than you expected.
You’ve abandoned your best friend and you knew about it but you did nothing.
“Uhm.” Jinyoung clears his throat, snapping you out of your trance. “I don’t think it’s like- like a big concern.”
“And you know I don’t like complaining either.” he stops, gulping nervously as he continues, “I just feel like we’re too far away.”
“I came home and we’re roommates but I can’t feel you here.”
“You’re so near yet so far.”
You know it will hurt. You know Jinyoung’s choice of words are already the softest he would have chosen, yet it stings. It reminds you of how ungrateful you are, leaving him for someone you have a crush on. He is telling you how he is sad, sad that he gets nothing like before. Your attention is now unavailable for him. It hurts him and now he’s projecting them in words.
Now it hurts you.
“I’m sorry if you feel like I’m demanding. But I just don’t know you anymore. I don’t know how you are, or what you ate for lunch. We’re drifting apart and it hurts me.” he continues as you stay silent, feeling the guilt eating you alive. “I know you have someone new…..yet is it so easy to leave me behind?”
Jinyoung is officially breaking apart. He feels like he’s childish, pouring his heart out but this is about him. This is him demanding you to be fair. He can’t stop you from liking Jaehyun, he can’t force you to love him back. He just wanted to remind you that he’s there. He’s there and please do something. 
“Jinyoung.” your voice cracks, slowly the tears fall on your cheek. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m so sorry I made you feel this way. I was too blinded by the newfound happiness and I forgot you. I forgot you who have constantly made me happy.”
“I’m so sorry.” you cried harder, reaching Jinyoung and hugging him. “I’m so sorry I made you feel this way.”
You feel his body shakes and you know he’s holding back from crying. You hated yourself for making Jinyoung cry. 
Jinyoung isn’t weak, no he isn’t. He’s been too strong that it breaks his limit. He wanted to let go. He wanted to let go for once and he’ll be fine. If nothing goes right after tonight, he’s done tolerating. 
A few quiet sobs and some awful jokes later, both of you are lying on Jinyoung’s bed, holding each other close. 
“Jinyoung.”
“Hm?”
“Can I sleep with you here tonight?” you ask Jinyoung, rubbing his arm. It’s been too long since you sleep in his bed and now you feel nostalgic. You’re overreacting but really, it feels too long. 
“I thought you’re going to talk to Jaehyun?” he teases, earning himself a slap on his chest. “Ow! What was that for?”
You laugh, settling yourself comfortably in his embrace. “Say Jinyoung.”
“Hm, what?”
“Do you approve Jaehyun?”
He looks down to you, questioning eyes boring into yours. You know it’s too soon, you know perhaps it’s not the best time to bring it up. But you just want to know his answer.
“For what?”
“To be my boyfriend.”
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Jinyoung wakes up feeling empty, his eyes stare blankly at the ceiling. You’re still sleeping in his arm yet he has this unsettling feeling inside him. Recalling your last question before you sleep, he inhales a deep breath.
Will you be happy? Will his approval make you happy?
Jaehyun is a nice guy, Jinyoung knows that. Looks aside, he has full potential to be the best boyfriend for you. Jaehyun is caring and also when he loves, he’ll love you to the fullest. It’s not a problem to approve Jaehyun, he won’t hesitate if that’s the only case.
However it’s not.
Will Jinyoung be happy with his decision? It feels like the burden has increased tremendously, from jealousy to pain in just one night. It seems like the one month is just a trial for Jinyoung, now he needs to be prepared to lose you for good.
With his fingers raking your locks, he watches you sleep soundly. This is probably the last time he watches you sleeping in his embrace. This is probably the last time he’ll see you wake up in his arms.
Lord, can you help me stop the time?
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“Nope.” 
“Jaebeom-”
“Nope. I won’t let you be as stupid as you are.”
Jinyoung lifts his eyebrows, offended by Jaebeom’s statement. He’s just offering a suggestion yet Jaebeom calls him dumb? “Hey! What do you mean as stupid as I am?”
“Jinyoung.” Jaebeom sighs exaggeratedly, holding Jinyoung’s shoulder in place. “When I told you tell her, I mean tell her your feelings your dumb ass. Not just telling her how you feel when she forgot about you!”
“I’m not a dumb ass.”
“Well you look like that to me now.” It’s another evening where you went over to Jaehyun place to finish the assignment and Jaebeom has no other way than to confront Jinyoung about how weird both of you have been.
Yes, both of you have been weird. Specifically, Jinyoung.
The morning you woke up in his embrace, you didn’t notice something was off. Probably because you forgot how it felt waking up with Jinyoung but definitely, Jinyoung was different. As if he had a switch in him, he started avoiding you, keeping your conversation minimal.
You thought it’s just you but one day Jackson asked you why you were both eating separately, one person at the other end of the table, then you realised that Jinyoung had avoided you. Yes, he made it subtle and you never noticed it until someone pointed it out.
Jinyoung still let you sleep with him and still woke you up like any other morning. He just doesn’t talk as much as he did before. And you brush it off, thinking it as another awkward change that you brought upon your friendship.
“You’re not a dumb ass?” Jaebeom asks. “Y/n has been at Jaehyun’s for hours and you’re still here, like a wife waiting for her cheater husband? Oh you’re just unable to think rationally.”
“Shut up. She’s not a cheater.”
Jaebeom had enough of these awkward encounters. It seems like none of you figured this thing out and he needs his lively frat back again. “Then I suggest you do something about y/n. It’s almost eleven and she’s not home yet.”
“Like what?” Jinyoung is now irritated. He doesn’t have any control over what you’re doing and even if he wants to, he can’t. “I’m not her boyfriend.”
“And Jaehyun is not her boyfriend either. So go get her.”
“What?”
“You heard me. As the house leader, I’m ordering you to get her ass from that NCT frat and bring her home.”
“She can come home by herself. Jaehyun will walk her home.”
“Park Jinyoung.” Jaebeom grits his teeth, pulling the said man towards the door and without hesitation, throws him out of the house. “Don’t let me put up ‘No Jaehyun is allowed’ in front of the door. Go fetch her home by 12. I mean it, Park.”
Then Jaebeom slams the door shut, locking it from inside. Though Jinyoung clearly has the key, he knows Jaebeom probably locked the door using the other lock instead. So he stood outside, leaning against the wall.
What is he going to do? Knock on NCT frat and ask for you? No shit he’s not going to look like a desperate man. 
But indeed, Jaebeom is right. Jaehyun is not your boyfriend either and he has a valid reason to be worried and to go get you at his house which is only five minutes away. Yeap, valid.
“I must have gone crazy.” Jinyoung mutters as he exits the compound and starts walking on the sidewalk in a painfully slow pace. “I must’ve looked crazy too.”
Five minutes turns fifteen, courtesy of Jinyoung walking around the neighbourhood and standing like a stool against the lamp post, contemplating whether he’s going to knock on the door or not.
“Well.” he sighs, walking up the NCT house and stands nervously in front of their door. “Aite, fuck this.” he knocks, slow at first but gradually the third knock is loud, followed by fourth and fifth. He did it on purpose, he knows how boys can be. Yugyeom and Bambam can be so focused while watching Netflix that they can’t even hear any other noises.
Jinyoung fiddles with his hoodie sleeves, his heart beating nervously as he waits for someone to get the door.
“Who is- oh, Jinyoung!” Thank god, Taeyong shows up, not Lucas or Jaemin or else Jinyoung would have a hard time being less suspicious. “Why are you here?”
Now that’s another hard question? Does he simply say ‘well my roommate is here and it’s already 11.20 and why the fuck is she still here’? Or does he say ‘i’m jealous so i’m picking up my girl’? Nope. Nope.
“Uh. Is y/n here?” He hopes he doesn’t sound like a desperate man asking for his crush’s whereabouts because he feels like he’s one. “It’s- it’s 11.20 and uh Jaebeom is kinda mad? She’s not yet back.”
Taeyong takes like- 30 seconds to let the information sink in, before frantically shouting for Jaehyun. “Jaehyun! Tell y/n that Jinyoung is here to bring her home!”
An awkward silence follows him, well of course it’s awkward. All pairs of eyes are watching him from all directions, curious of why he’s here to bring her home? You have been patronising this house for like, two months now and suddenly he’s here to remind her of her curfew?
He hears you come down the stairs, shock paints your face as you see him at the door. Firstly, well since Jinyoung avoided you, you don’t know why he suddenly came to take you home. Secondly, since when do you need someone to take you home?
“Jinyoung.” you reach the door, Jaehyun trailing behind you equally as confused. “Why are you here?”
The amount of ‘why are you here’ irks him that by the time you ask him the same question, he feels like his blood is boiling. Why is it so hard to believe that he’s here to take you home? Don’t you realise what time is it already? Why are you still at Jaehyun’s? These voices inside his head are shouting at the same time and he just- can’t stop himself anymore.
“Why? I can’t come here now?” his question, as soft as he wanted to sound, didn’t come out well. It sounds plainly rude, like he’s picking a fight with you. “Do you know what time it is?”
“Not that. I’m just confused.”
“Jaebeom told me to come and get you.”
“But I can go home by myself.” you point at Jaehyun behind you, who stays silent between your conversation. “Jaehyun can walk me home.”
At this point, Jinyoung feels anger bubbling up inside him and if everyone squints really really hard, one can see that his jugular vein almost pops. All this ‘Jaehyun this and Jaehyun that’ is starting to get to him and honestly? He’s tired of listening to it.
“Can we just go home?” as much as he wants to scream at everyone, he doesn’t want to make a mess at someone’s frat. He knows how Jaebeom works hard to maintain a good relationship with other frats and how hard it is to clean after messes. “I don’t think we should be having this conversation here.”
You silently agree, bidding the boys goodbye and step out of the house. Jaehyun’s eyes follow you worriedly, as if he knows that you’d probably end up fighting with Jinyoung.
In your eyes, Jinyoung is irritated by the fact that you asked too many questions but in Jaehyun’s eyes, he recognises those emotions as anger and jealousy. He’s been asking you about your true relationship with Jinyoung, knowing that it’s impossible for one to be that close without any feeling involved. Tonight, he found out why. 
Jinyoung is in love with you.
“Taeyong.” he whispers while watching both of you getting further away from his house. “Fuck, Taeyong.”
“What?”
“I messed up.”
“What??” how come Jaehyun didn’t realise it from the start? Of course, when he first got close to you, he thought that you and Jinyoung are just best friends and given he never really gets to talk to Jinyoung, well he just didn’t think of that.
“Taeyong.” his frantic eyes find Taeyong, who is as clueless as ever. “Jinyoung loves y/n.”
The leader’s vision switches to the couple on the street, looking at them with wide eyes. “Oh fuck.”
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“I don’t understand him!” you throw your hands, ruffling your hair. It’s been four days and Jinyoung avoided you like a plague, refusing to talk to you even if you cornered him every time you got him. “He’s like, really confusing.”
Jaehyun bites the apple, listening to your story intently. You have told him through texts but here you are again, ranting about how Jinyoung is the most useless communicator and it’s impossible to take the words out of him if he decided to give you cold treatment.
“So you said he’s been weird after you asked him if he approves me to be your boyfriend?” he asks again, making sure he had his point right. Just like four days ago, Jaehyun has concluded that Jinyoung indeed, has been in love with you for so long but you’re just dense to realise it. It’s been proven true, you have the audacity to ask Jinyoung about it and not feel guilty at all.
“Yeah.” you sit on the foot of Jaehyun’s bed, settling yourself comfortably. You hang out more at Jaehyun since Jinyoung looks like he’s about to become mute whenever he sees you in the house. You figured you could give him some space. “I’m so confused right now.”
Jaehyun nudges you with his foot, making you look right up to him. Jaehyun has been too comfortable with you, becoming close just after two months. He’s at that stage where he just calls you with his feet now. 
“You wanna know what I think?”
“What?”
“I think that Jinyoung is in love with you.”
“What the-” Shock is not enough to portray your feelings right now. It’s a mixture of shock, disbelief and suspicions. You don’t know if Jaehyun is playing around because right at this moment, his face shows no hint of joking. “Jaehyun! It’s not funny!”
Jaehyun rolls his eyes, annoyed with your ignorance. You’re the most clueless person he ever knows, and he knows Mark Lee! “Girl, listen to me.”
“What did Jinyoung say when you said I texted you?”
“He said, ‘so?’”
“And what did he say when you said you like me?”
“Is this another session to feed your ego?” you don’t trust Jaehyun, he has a lot up in his sleeves and you just knew him for two months. “I fed your ego too much, don’t you think so?”
“Shut up and answer me. What did he say?”
You roll your eyes. “He said nothing. Why are we doing this?”
“What did he reply when you ask about me being your boyfriend?”
“He didn’t reply. God, I don’t know where you are going with this conversation.”
Jaehyun takes another bite of his apple, munching while talking at the same time. “You see, he didn’t reply when you told him you like me. That’s fine, maybe he didn’t care. But when you ask him about me being your boyfriend, why didn’t he answer right away?”
“Well-”
“Because he doesn’t want to! Come on, Jinyoung can’t possibly tell you no right? You’d be too nosy and asked why.”
“Hey!”
“So what I think is, he likes you.” Jaehyun concludes, snapping his fingers in triumph. “Now the real question is, do you like him back?”
You shut up, eyes running away from Jaehyun’s. You don’t know, well you have no idea. You never thought about liking Jinyoung because you don’t want to risk your friendship. It might have crossed your mind a few times but you ignored the curiosity, you figured it’s the best to stay being friends.
Not that you don’t want to invest your feelings in Jinyoung, you’re just too afraid that it will backfire you. You don’t like rejection and you certainly don’t want to become awkward afterward.
“I don’t know.” you answer truthfully because really, you don’t know.
“Then find it out.”
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You close the door to your room, putting down your bag on the floor and sit down on your bed. Jinyoung is at his study table, unmoved.
“How long are you going to give me cold shoulders, Jinyoung?” you ask, your feet kicking the air. You know he’s listening, even if he has his earphones in. That’s just Jinyoung style, to wear earphones so that no one bothers him, especially Jackson. Whenever Jackson comes over, he’d retreat when he sees Jinyoung stuffing them in his ears. “I know you can hear me, Jinyoung.”
“Let’s not fight anymore.” you look down, suddenly you feel sad. You feel like you’re losing Jinyoung. Is this what Jinyoung feels before? So near yet so far?
“It’s been hard without you, Jinyoung.” 
“The mornings are extremely cold without your laugh and the lunch is plain without you cracking up lame jokes. Dinner is boring because you avoided me and night…the nights are even colder without your hugs.”
“I know you’d say, ‘so what? You have Jaehyun so go and ask him to eat with you, crack up lame jokes and give you hugs.’ but I don’t want Jaehyun. I want you.”
Jinyoung has stopped writing, listening to you intently. You noticed this, which is why you continue, “Jaehyun told me that he thinks you like me.”
You didn’t realise it but Jinyoung stiffens at the mention of his crush on you, catching him off guard. He knows that someone will eventually tell you about this but he definitely didn’t think of Jaehyun of all people.
“I don’t know if it’s true. Jaehyun isn’t exactly the best fortune teller so I definitely can’t gamble with his words.”
“I just want you to know that you’re extremely important in my life. I never thought of putting you second just because I found someone new. In fact, I decided that I’ll stay as friends with Jaehyun, I don’t find him that attractive anymore.”
You stand up and walk over to his side, sitting on his bed just beside him, forcing him to face you. “So if that’s the case, can you please stop being jealous now? I don’t have anything to do with Jaehyun. We are not dating and can I please have my Jinyoung back?”
Jinyoung is frowning, his eyes scan you from the top to the bottom. “You don’t find him attractive anymore? Really?”
“Well-” you grin, crinkling your nose up playfully. “He’s still handsome. I can’t deny that.”
You feel more at ease, now that you’ve told Jinyoung what you’ve been wanting to tell him. It feels lighter, your brain and your heart. You hated the days where Jinyoung ignored you and you’re left imagining what you would do without him in your life. The thought alone scares you, the fact that you’ve been so comfortable with Jinyoung beside you and you never thought he’ll leave you for someone else someday.
“So you still like him.” Jinyoung confirms and turns around to his note again, picking up his pen. 
You scream, pulling him away from his work and tugs him nearer, trying to have all his attention on you. Jinyoung struggles to escape from your grips but fails miserably, laughing along the way. You join him, laughing together as you bring him nearer.
“Let me go, oh god. Since when you’re so strong?” he wrestles his way out of your grip again, hoisting you up and throws you on the bed easily. “Did you practise lifting Jaehyun’s dumbbells?”
“Yeah, I went there to exercise.” you reply deadpanned and laugh when Jinyoung tickles you as a revenge.
“Hey.” you call out, trying to get his attention again. Jinyoung’s arms have you caged, he’s on top of you while you lie comfortably on his bed. “Is it true?”
“What is?” Jinyoung’s eyes rake you face up and down, like how his thoughts are running wild inside his brain. He doesn’t know what to do, does he confess now? Does he confirm that it’s true? Does it mean you’ll be his? Can he do that? Can he kiss you?
“Is it true that you like me?” just as Jinyoung, you’re nervous. You’re conflicted. What if he doesn’t actually like you? What is Jaehyun really bad at guessing? You’re not surprised, nothing surprises you about Jaehyun anymore.
“What if it’s true?” 
“I’d be so happy.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve been thinking for a while and I don’t think i can ever end up with someone else other than you.”
“Oh yeah?” Jinyoung’s heart stops at your confession, then beats harder as he feels his adrenaline pumping his blood faster. “Can I kiss you now?”
You shake your head, watching Jinyoung’s eyes grow and a cute frown appears on his face. You wanted to laugh but you held back, looking straight into his eyes.
“Why not?”
“You haven’t said you like me.”
“Oh my god.” he curses, turning away from you when he feels his face grows hotter. “Fuck- fine. I like you. Are you satisfied?”
You laugh, nodding furiously. Jinyoung doesn’t waste any more seconds, diving right then to press his plump lips to yours, taking the perfect shape of your lips in his. 
Finally. His mind says, Fucking finally.
“God. finally.” he mutters to himself, somewhat trying to convince himself that indeed, he’s kissing you. “Oh god.”
“Do you know how long I have been dying to kiss you?” he reaches down to press another kiss on your temple, another on your cheeks, nose and your chin, then pressing the last one on your lips once again.
You chuckle under him, pressing your palms on his chest to hold him. “How long?”
“Too long, I’ve forgotten already.” his reply earns another laugh from you. 
Jinyoung moves to lie beside you, watching you play with the string of his hoodie. It’s funny how time works. About fifteen minutes ago you’re sitting on your bed, trying to fix things up and now you’re lying beside him after he kissed you breathless.
“I thought you’re dating Jaehyun.” he did. He really thought that after what happened, you’d hate him. “I hated myself for screaming at you.”
A strand of his hair falls on his forehead and you reach to swipe it away, pushing his locks behind. “Yeah, you’re quite rude.”
“Very rude.”
“I thought our friendship is ending.” you confess, eyes on his chest instead of his face. “I thought it’s the end of us. That you got fed up with me.”
“Then it turns out that you’re just a jealous boy.”
Jinyoung pushes your chin up, making you face him. “Just a jealous boy? You didn’t know how jealous I am when everything is about Jaehyun! Have you ever heard I talk about other girls? No right? See who’s rude now?”
Another laugh escapes you and you caress his face, calming him down. “I didn’t know, okay. I thought you were fine with it.”
“Yeah right.”
“But we’re here now, right? You don’t have to be jealous anymore.”
“Really?” Jinyoung’s finger finds your lock, playing with the strand. “Do you like me too?”
You really want to make him suffer a bit. Just a bit since he’s being a pain in the ass for ignoring you for one week straight. 
“Hmm, I need to think about that again.” you grin, sending Jinyoung into a series of screams.
“What the- out!” he pushes you off his bed with you hanging onto him while your laugh fills the room. “Get out of my bed!”
“Oh my god. I can’t believe you! Did you just play me?”
“Is my feeling that easy?”
“Get out of my bed!”
“Jinyoung!”
“Out!”
You don’t know about your feelings, just yet. But there’s one thing for sure. You love Jinyoung’s kisses. You can deal with that. But his petty ass? That calls for a serious mental discussion.
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Copyright © 2020 jjpmoans. All rights reserved
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carelessannie · 3 years
Text
maybe it goes like this: tony courts peter (part 4)
Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven | Chapter Eight | Chapter Nine | Chapter Ten | Epilogue
Read on A03
Read the Stuckony backstory
Starker focus (Tony x Peter), Stuckony (Steve x Bucky x Tony), (Clint x Peter x OFC), also a bit of WinterHawk and SpiderHawk
Starker first date goes about as well as expected with Bucky and Clint as their chaperones...
Major warnings: D/S Au, A/B/O Au, Panic Attacks, Clint Barton is a mess
Maybe it goes like this:
“Alright Petey, you wanna quiz me?”
Peter rolls his eyes, and gives Clint a little push, “Are you sure it’s me going on this date, and not you? You’re literally incorrigible.”
“And you love me.”
“And I love you, you whore.”
Clint cackles, “I’ll take it.”
They decided to walk from their apartment to the coffee shop, Peter insisting that the chilly walk in the early November air would bring a natural blush to their complexion and wind-swept quality to their hair. Clint can’t complain— he loves Washington Square and walking around with a pretty Omega on his arm. Sue him.
“— packmates?”
And no one ever gave him an award for a stellar attention span.
“Sorry Pete, what was that?”
“I asked, what are the names of Tony’s packmates?”
Clint pretends to think as Peter gives him a searching look, “Steve and James. But James likes to go by Bucky.”
Peter does a small skip-hop in joy, “Yes! Perfect!” and reaches up on his tiptoes to dot a kiss on Clint’s cheek. Making Peter happy and receiving little kisses has been the biggest incentive to learn trivia about the Omega’s new boyfriend.
“Okay, okay, next one: how old is Tony?”
“Thirty,”
“Yes! And as a bonus, how old are his packmates?” Peter gives him a smug grin, playfully challenging Clint to answer right.
“Steve is twenty-five and Bucky is twenty-four.”
Peter claps his tiny hands together, with a little squeal of joy, and stops Clint in his tracks, pulling him down for a peck right on his lips.
He ducks his head, sheepish from the affection of his gorgeous packmate, and a blush blooms red across his cheeks. Peter doesn’t give him a moment to recover, quickly tugging him along as they finish their trek across the Park.
“Alright, last one, C.” Peter presses the crosswalk button, even though the way is clear, but before he can ask the question Clint squeezes his hand and pulls him across the street. Peter lets out a small protest of no, Clint, we can’t as they run, but the crosswalk is short and the street isn’t busy, so they are almost immediately on the other side.
“Clint—” Peter goes to lecture him, probably about road safety and traffic laws, so Clint interrupts him,
“Last question? Look, we’re almost there,” and they are, so it’s a good distraction for his pouty packmate.
“Oh goodness, you’re right. Okay. Last one then: how long have they been together?”
Knowing that Peter has talked about this a few times, and might expect a few different answers, Clint gives him the long one, “Well. You said they’ve been a pack for two years,”
“Right,”
“That Tony met Steve four years ago, and Bucky the year after, but Steve and Bucky were already together,”
“Right again,”
“And Steve and Bucky have known each other since they were kids, but didn’t get together until college.”
“Right, right, right! Gosh, I’m so proud of you, C.” The younger boy looks so happy, and Clint can’t help pulling Peter’s hand up to place a light kiss across his knuckles, waiting for the last crosswalk light to turn.
“I’m proud of you, Pete, and you’re gonna have a great time with him today. You just pretend like we’re invisible, and I’ll just casually pry for personal information and signal to you if we need to run, okay?”
Peter giggles and his smile brightens as he pulls Clint across the street to the coffee shop, “Somehow I feel like we’re gonna be fine.”
---
It was sheer stupidity to worry about Clint getting along with Bucky.
The moment they enter the coffee shop, Clint can hear a loud voice calling, “Peter,” and looks to his side to gauge Peter’s reaction, realizing the tiny Omega is already halfway across the cafe.
Clint trails along slowly, amused by the handsome, older man cooing over his small, beautiful date. Peter is dwarfed in the larger man’s arms, and Clint has never seen him look this content. And it’s been like twenty seconds.
“Tony! This is my packmate, Clint,” he reaches forward to shake Tony’s hand, exchanging good to meet you’s, as the older man grips tighter and quirks his lips up in a secret smile. The expression elevates his charm even further, and Clint lets his hand be dropped in awe.
“Oh, and this is Bucky,” Tony steps a little to the right to reveal another dark, stunning man, who flashes him a heartbreaking smile. Damn, where does Peter find these guys?
He doesn’t even hesitate, grabbing Bucky’s hand and pulling him a little closer, as Bucky’s smile turns from amused to knowing. Bucky leans closer, and whispers so only he can hear,
“I have a thing for blondes.”
Fuck.
Clint turns to Peter, “Let’s marry them. Please.”
Peter just giggles, turning killer doe-eyes on Tony, and it looks like Tony wants to mate the Omega right then and there. Clint is a horrible chaperone, but glad they all seem to be on the same page.
Bucky claps his hands, pulling all three of them out of their mild trance, and suggests grabbing tables and ordering coffee. He gives a pointed stare to Tony, and then turns it on Clint.
Oh. That’s a hint to get lost.
Tony pats Clint on the shoulder, nodding his head towards the counter as they leave the other two men to acquire tables.
“So Tony,”
“So, Clint. What— uh. What does Pete usually drink?”
They get in line, and Clint gives the menu a critical eye.
“Doesn’t he drink coffee in the lab?”
Tony looks a little uncomfortable, but answers easily, “Sure, but he usually drinks the drip coffee black. I want to get him something special, so I figured you would know what he treats himself to.”
“Alright, make a guess.”
“Huh?” Clint smiles a bit at Tony’s confusion,
“I know what he likes, but I want to see what you would get him, what you think he likes.”
Now it’s Tony’s turn to eye the menu, humming in thought—
“Something sweet, but with a little twist. Maybe salted caramel? Uh. I’m gonna go with salted caramel latte, with extra whipped cream.”
It’s a good guess, and honestly Peter probably would like it, but Clint wants to watch this man be proved wrong.
“Maybe,” immediately Tony’s smile deflates a bit, “but a few months ago he discovered the London Fog, and it’s his guilty pleasure drink. You were right he likes a twist, and the earl grey adds like... a spice, or something, to the sweet vanilla latte— but he actually doesn’t like coffee all that much. He actually prefers tea, but coffee has more caffeine.”
Tony nods, seeming intrigued and distracted, before focusing back on Clint,
“But you like it black, don’t you?” tilting his head, it feels like Tony is answering a question he studied hard for.
And he’s not wrong, “Yeah, I prefer it black, Tony.”
“Okay, good.” and that’s the end of the conversation. Tony steps up to order as Clint waits behind him— just a little irritated when Tony orders for all of them.
In addition to the London Fog and large black coffee, Tony places an order for a small cappuccino and a large dark chocolate iced coffee with extra whipped cream and a doppio shot of espresso. As they carry the orders back to the table, along with a half dozen pastries, Clint is torn between his excitement to see Peter’s reaction and his anticipation to see which drink Tony ended up with— and which one is hot-Bucky’s.
“Here, honey,” Tony hands over the London Fog to a grabby Peter, who inhales deeply and lights up in surprise.
“H— how did you know, Tony? Oh my god, this is my favorite, thank you—”
Clint and Bucky exchange an eye roll at the sappy couple, and Tony swoons, “Honestly, Clint tipped me off. I had no idea that you prefer tea, baby.”
They take this as their cue, and Clint grabs his mug, waiting to see which drink Bucky will take before making their way over to a nearby table.
Naturally, Bucky grabs the iced coffee, smiling softly, and places his hand on Tony’s shoulder, giving him a short kiss on the lips. Both Peter and Clint stare in shock as Tony deepens the kiss, pulling Bucky closer and… yep, that’s his tongue. They pull away, both looking smug, and Tony turns back to Peter as if the world didn’t just stop spinning.
Bucky leads the way back to their table, and Clint has to adjust himself in his pants, thankful for the comfy seat and a table in between them as they sit down.
“Okay, first of all, that was hot.”
He gets a wink in response as Bucky sucks his straw into his mouth, slurping obscenely instead of responding, and Clint quickly takes a swig of his coffee as a distraction, sputtering as it burns his tongue.
“Aw, coffee, no.” and Bucky is laughing now, reaching over to grab his arm as his posture relaxes.
And there’s something else— underneath the coffee shop smell, the scent of Oranges and Milk Chocolate and HappyContentRelaxedOmega.
Oh. Alright then.
Clint’s experience with Omegas is limited to his two packmates, so he lets himself enjoy the calming scent coming from the beautiful man across from him until—
“Hey man, you good?” concerned steel-blue eyes gaze across the table at him, and he feels completely out of his depth.
“Yeah, just burned my tongue,” he takes another sip, mindlessly, and immediately regrets it, “Ow— shit.”
The mug is pulled out of his hands, “Wow, you’re a human wreck, aren’t you?” but Bucky’s expression is indulgent and teasing instead of cruel, so Clint smiles along, grateful.
“All day, every day, gorgeous.”
And after that, conversation flows naturally, both men laid back and enjoying a day to people-watch and drink expensive coffee. Occasionally they turn their attention back to Tony and Peter, the couple sitting close together and feeding each other small bites of pastry.
Bucky and Clint both shudder simultaneously. Gross.
So they mostly ignore their packmates, instead bonding about sports. Like idiots. Clint learns about Bucky’s past in baseball and football, and he shares about his time in the Olympics, to which Bucky—
“You’re shitting me, right? You’re the amazing Hawkeye? I literally followed your career when you were in Rio, and oh my god, you were in Rio,” Bucky looks around frantically, as if he’s trying to find a witness to this story, and Clint just grins.
“Clint fucking Barton—”
“— and that is officially my middle name—”
“— shut up, and you medaled, right?”
Aw, such a cute Omega. “Gold and Silver, hot stuff.”
It’s not often that Clint can make an Omega swoon, and technically there has only been one official occurrence of said event, but he basks in the praise that Bucky gives him for this, thanking the all-powerful archery gods for his performance two years ago.
“Clint, that’s literally so cool. I mean— Tony does cool stuff all day long in the lab, and— and I can flex about my degree and high school sports stats, or my Alpha’s career in the Army, but—”
“Wait,” Clint interrupts, suddenly going still at Bucky’s words, “you had an Alpha?”
Bucky looks confused, “No, I have an Alpha. Tony and I do— didn’t Peter mention Steve?”
He feels the walls closing in around him. Of course he’s heard about Steve, but had no idea—
Drawing his imaginary bow, he catches Peter’s eyes and releases the arrow. Peter signs back a discreet I love you in ASL.
Clint heads for their table, knowing Peter has received his distress signal.
---
Bucky’s not quite sure what just happened.
He sits at the table, watching silently as Clint walks over to Peter, pulls him to the side, and the two packmates have brief, intense conversation.
Tony looks his way, curiously, and all he can do is shrug his shoulders.
He retraces their conversation quickly— was it the Olympics? No, Clint was perfectly happy to preen about that. Was it about his time in the military? Some people are hesitant to ask about that, but Clint had seemed fine. That is until he mentioned—
“We’re leaving, I’m so sorry, Tony,”
Peter is now tucked protectively underneath Clint’s arm, the Beta avoiding all eye contact, as his packmate apologizes for the inconvenience.
“— we have personal stuff that just came up, pack stuff, and need to cut this short.”
Tony gently strokes the Omega’s concerned face, smoothing out the lines of worry.
“Honey, do whatever you need to, okay? And please call me if you need anything. I swear, Pete.”
Peter nods seriously, “Of course, Tony. And we’ll have our second date soon, right?” a hopeful expression coming over his pretty features as Clint noticeably pulls him closer.
“... of course, Peter. I would love nothing more.”
With a quick kiss to the back of Peter’s hand, Tony lets him go— Clint sweeping the smaller boy out of the coffee shop and back down the street.
Bucky still hasn’t moved, and Tony is frozen with his hand still raised, watching the two men hurry away.
“... What did you say.”
Tony turns slowly, face carefully blank, as he takes a step in Bucky’s direction.
Bucky shakes his head, “I— I don’t know—”
“Don’t lie to me, James. What did you say to Clint?”
His vision is starting to get fuzzy, and all Bucky wants to do is sit, but he’s trapped under the weight of his Beta’s gaze and Dominant voice.
“J— jus’ said. St— Stevie,” he chokes on his next breath, “Stevie’s our… A—alpha.”
He still senses anger from his Beta, and instinctively hunches in his shoulders, making himself smaller, as exposes his neck in submission.
“Shit,” Tony curses, and Bucky whimpers, unsure why his Beta is so displeased with him.
“Someone bring us coffee, please? My mate is dropping—“
Oh, coffee. Coffee is good.
He sips on the warm drink that’s placed in his hands moments later, but then remembers Clint’s FearProtectEscape scent, and the mug almost shakes out of his hands, hitting the table in front of him.
Tony takes it gently, pulling his seat closer, and Bucky is so scared at how easily he’s swung submissive. It’s been years since the last time he made a scene in public, and he can’t get a grip on himself. But it doesn’t matter as everything slips away.
There are suddenly fingers on his chin, lifting his gaze back to Tony, and his Beta stares into his eyes for a moment before cursing again and pulling out his phone, letting Bucky’s head drop.
Down.
At the low urgency of his Beta’s voice, he sinks down, down, down, further into his head.
He sinks down, knees hitting the hardwood flooring and face planting firmly into Tony’s thigh. He breathes in deep, and is pleased to feel calloused fingers petting his hair. The rhythm pulls him down, and all he can think about is the steady thrum of his Beta’s pulse and the solid grounding of the wood under his knees. He mouths absently at the fabric in front of him.
And then he’s flying. Up.
But wait. He can’t fly.
Oh— a summer thunderstorm. Maybe he is flying, then. Up, up, up, he’s lifted by strong arms, and a familiar low voice. His vision swims in front of him, brief images flashing and drifting past his subconscious, and he’s content to be wrapped tight in the scent of home.
“A— alpha, please,” he whispers, and feels a low rumble start on his right side, warm and content.
He floats.
Time passes.
But then he’s cold again.
Confused, he feels around for the comforting warmth from before, but can’t find it. He opens his eyes and it’s dark. He tries to move, to climb out of this dark place, but his arms are trapped, pinned by his sides.
His breathing picks up.
“No, no no nooo—” he’s so alone. He tries to think back to what happened, to what he did to be punished this way, and remembers his Beta’s displeasure, the disappointment. He can’t remember, doesn’t understand—
“Bucky?”
“No, please, ‘m sorry sir, please, no—”
“Dammit Tony, I knew we shouldn’t have left him—”
He cries harder as he’s shifted around, hoping his punishment will be quick.
Instead, his arms are freed, and a merciful, bright light, brings him up, closer to the surface. Warm again, Bucky sobs in the safety of strong arms, whispering sorries into his Alpha’s neck as he’s cradled close.
At some point he must pass out, because he wakes up slowly to the familiar scent of their den at home. He hears low murmurs of his packmates talking nearby, and tries to blink open his eyes. He takes in the feeling of being held, wrapped with both sets of arms around his waist, and hums in appreciation. The voices go silent as one arm lifts to brush his hair off his face,
“Buck, are you coming back up?”
He takes inventory before responding, checking his senses and pushing through the cloudiness in his head to give his Alpha a nod yes.
“Good boy, so proud of you,” the sweet voice croons back to him, and he feels himself smile at the praise. “Tony, grab the tray we set out, two water bottles and the juice.”
He’s moved, sitting now, and blinks open his eyes to watch his Beta place the tray in front of them on the bed and hand a bottle of water their Alpha. The pieces of food on the tray are his favorites, he knows, but doesn’t waste energy figuring it out. His Alpha and Beta will take care of that for him.
“Tony, do you want to hold him or feed him?”
There’s a small pause, and a sigh, before his Alpha is speaking again, “Fine, you’ll hold him.”
He’s picked up, his Alpha scenting him briefly, before setting Bucky in between firm legs, propping him up against a rigid chest.
Bucky tries to curl up again, already feeling the hesitation and rejection coming from his Beta, but a low growl from their Alpha has both packmates stilling, before relaxing together.
“I swear to god Tony, do not put your insecurities on him. Comfort our Omega, or I swear to god I will lock you out of our den for a week, understood?”
Bucky doesn’t have to turn to look to know Tony’s face is scrunching up, even as he answers, “Yes, Alpha,” and Bucky can’t help but laugh a bit, closing his eyes and wiggling back into Tony’s arms as they close around him.
He peeks to look at Steve, and sees the tail end of a fond smile aimed towards both his packmates.
The water bottle is opened with an audible snap and gently pressed up against his lips as Steve murmurs drink, baby and he obeys, the cool liquid bringing him up even further and satisfying his thirst.
After a few moments, the bottle is empty and Steve is praising him again as he replaces the water with a few pieces of cheese and sweet chocolate. Bucky watches as Steve gathers each piece intentionally, before feeding them to Bucky— each time praising him for the simple task of chewing and swallowing.
With the fourth bite, Bucky sucks one of Steve’s fingers into his mouth, giving it a light nip before Steve pulls it free, be good falling from his lips, even as his eyes darken and stay glued to Bucky’s mouth.
“Feeling better, love?” Tony whispers into his shoulder, dropping a small kiss onto the skin right above his Alpha’s sweatshirt— the one they like to wrap him in when he floats after a scene. Bucky tries to twist and see Tony’s face, but the Beta keeps him facing forward as he confesses, “I feel horrible that I dropped you in public like that. You were there, helping me out, and I really hurt you. I’m so sorry, baby—”
Now Bucky really breaks the hold, turning in his Beta’s lap to see his face— pulling Tony’s hands out of the way,
“Tony, it's okay now. I’m safe, and you did the best that you could. ’m not mad at you.”
If anything, Tony’s face looks even more upset and devastated, “But I didn’t, though. I yelled and left you alone in the car and was way too focused on the Omega that I’m trying to court, and completely forgot that it’s you I’m committed to, and you I’m responsible for—”
“— okay, first of all, you are not responsible for me,” Bucky cuts in, “Yeah, we’re mates and look after each other, but even Stevie here isn’t responsible for me. I’m in charge of that, got it? We scene together and look after each other, but just because you’re my Dom doesn’t give you control of my life,” Steve rubs his back in encouragement, and this gives him the strength to finish, “Second, sweetheart, I had the best time meeting Peter and Clint. It’s my fault Clint freaked out, and I don’t know… something about that caused me to swing really fast.”
Steve speaks before Tony can, “Wait, what happened with Clint?”
“Oh, I guess I didn’t mention,” Tony answers, pulling Bucky to his side and throwing an arm over his shoulder, “something freaked Clint out and he left early with Peter.”
“But what—”
“Steve,” Bucky grabs his mate’s hand, “I think it had something to do with you being pack Alpha.”
Even Tony tenses up at Bucky’s words, and before Steve can say anything else, he tries to explain, “I don’t know what happened. One minute we were talking about the Olympics— which, Stevie, he’s like a crazy talented archer, you wouldn’t even believe it— but I mention our pack Alpha and he flips. He makes some sort of signal to Peter, and the two of them practically ran outta there.”
“Oh man,” Steve says as Tony curses under his breath, “what do you think— Tony, did you know about this at all?”
“I swear, I had no idea. Pete said his whole Ado-pack was excited to meet you guys, so I assumed…”
The Alpha shakes his head, “No, I get it. He must have some sort of trauma— maybe a previous pack with an abusive pack Alpha.”
Bucky reaches forward, pulling their Alpha’s hand in a silent invitation. They readjust, letting Steve lay in the middle, and curl up on either side of him. He traces a finger around Steve’s abs, teasing a little lower until he hears a throat clear, and Tony laces their fingers together instead. Bucky shakes with laughter, and kisses Steve’s side, “Baby, there’s nothing you can do. It wasn’t you.”
“Love you, Steve,” Tony adds, "I’ll talk to Petey, see what the damage is. You guys come first— Peter knows that.” he sounds resigned, so Bucky squeezes his hand, sending over an empathetic smile.
Steve strokes both of their heads, protective and affectionate, “I love you guys,” leaning down, Steve brushes a kiss over Tony’s forehead, “Don’t worry, my Beta, I have a feeling you won’t have to choose.”
Tony’s mouth ticks upward in a grin as he lets his eyes close, “I hope so, Alpha.”
---
A few hours earlier
Clint measures his steps, walking fast without drawing unnecessary attention, as he approaches Peter and Tony’s table. He grabs Peter’s arm, and the younger man is already standing, looking up at him with concern and fear in his eyes.
“We need to leave, now.”
“What happened? Did Bucky—”
“No, Bucky’s fine, it’s me. I have to get out of here.”
“Do I need to call Annie? Are you gonna drop?”
“Maybe. I don’t know,” it’s now taking physical effort to breathe normally, “please, Pete.”
Peter nods once, studying Clint’s face for a moment before tucking himself under Clint’s arm, and he focuses on the glass window, pretending he’s outside and far away from this place. He hears Peter’s voice, and Tony’s voice, but all of it muddles together as he concentrates on keeping his head clear.
“... nothing more,” Tony’s saying, giving a brief kiss to Peter’s delicate hand, and Clint pulls the Omega closer, mind focusing on the singularity of getting them home, keeping his pack safe.
He steers Peter through the door, walking them in a haze back across the busy streets, park sidewalks, and a few blocks further to their apartment. His Omega is obediently silent, beautifully pliant, and Clint instinctively rewards him, stroking through his hair and kissing his fingers as they work their way through the building and up the stairs to their apartment.
They stop in front of the door and Clint grunts open it, sweet Omega and keys jingle in the lock, his Omega perfectly opening the door and letting them through. He wraps his Omega in both arms, scenting deeply, and enjoying HappyContentRelaxedOmega.  
But he’s on a mission.
He grabs his Omega, “Nest.” and waits for the verbal confirmation, “Yes, Beta.” before continuing, trusting his Omega to follow his order.
He scents the apartment, walking through the rooms at a steady prowl until he catches sweet Strawberries and Salted Caramel coming from the kitchen.
He sees his Omega in the kitchen, gathering food and water for their nest. She sees him standing at the entrance, but doesn’t submit. He growls at her in warning, but she just returns his gaze.
“Omega.” he gives one more warning, and she finally drops her eyes. Good.
He stalks closer, moving her hair to the side, and scenting her thoroughly, offering his own wrist for her to use. A few kisses to her neck, and he enjoys the scent of HappyContentRelaxedOmega for the third time tonight, silently urging her to gather the materials for their nest and follow him to find their Omega.
He makes his way toward the bedroom. His Omega has built a beautiful nest, warm and inviting, with perfect lighting and ample protection from outside threats. Both Omegas finish setting up the fortress, and start to strip.
He growls slightly, and they stop obediently, submitting to his wishes. He steps forward, slowly pulls both of them out of shirts, shoes, and pants, leaving intimate parts covered and perfect skin unveiled.
“Me.” he commands, and both Omegas move quickly, stripping his shirt and pants until all of them stand in a similar state of dress.
He steps forward to inspect the nest, already having approved of it thus far, and crawls towards the center, checking the scent distribution.
“More. Annie.” and a shirt is tossed his way. He scents the item and places it in their nest, continuing his path to the center.
“Come.”  
One at a time, his pack joins him in their nest, and he settles them next to each other, covering their vulnerable areas with soft blankets, and cushioning their heads with pillows.
He joins them, sliding in between so that they are curled into his side, protected under his arms. Safe. Warm. Home.
“Sleep.” he growls, letting himself drift now that his pack is safe.
---
A few hours later, he starts to climb back into consciousness.
He can hear his pack talking near him, but it’s mostly nonsense. His mind feels heavy and blank, and all he can think about is keeping them safe. Keeping himself safe.
He opens his eyes, sitting up suddenly, and his packmates turn to look at him.
He goes to command them, needing control over the situation, but his Omega sits up taller, refusing to bare her throat to him.
“Apple,” she stares into his eyes, gripping his jaw, firm, and coaxing his mouth open. She slides the fruit between his lips and he knows— it’s familiar—
“Chew, Clint. C’mon.” and he obeys, taking a crisp bite. As he chews, he enjoys the sweet and tangy flavors, grounding him. He swallows.
“Banana,” oh, he knows now, and opens his lips to let Annie feed him a small bite of banana, letting the sweet and soft tastes contrast clearly in his mouth, and he hums appreciatively.
“Last one, Clint. You’re doing great, and I need you to answer. What is this?” Annie holds the last piece up to his lips, and Clint gives her a sweet smile,
“Carrot,” and Annie slips it into his mouth, letting him crunch down on it. So different from the fruits, Clint feels the hard veggie pull him back to the present, and he blinks in awareness.
Oh, shit.
Clint feels tears sting his eyes, as he looks for Peter,
“Pete, I’m... oh my god, I'm s-so sorry, I don’t even know what happened—”
The small Omega crawls towards him on the nest, making sure not to show his neck and continues to maintain eye contact, cupping his cheek tenderly,
“Hush. We’ll talk about it in a minute— but... Clint, you dropped in the coffee shop, I think, and you swung dominant.”
He knew it was something bad, and Clint starts to pull away, terrified of hurting his pack further—
Thump!
“Ow!” Clint grabs at the stinging on his temple, right where Annie just flicked him,
“You absolute idiot,” she chastises, turning his face to look her way, “Clint do you even know how wonderful of a Dom you were this afternoon? Even in your drop you protected us so well, so of course we kept you safe.”
He stays silent, dropping his eyes, and Peter presses up against his side in solid comfort.
Annie continues, “I know swinging dominant is hard for you, I get it. But you’re not like him, okay? You kept us safe, and we kept you safe. Give yourself a break.”
It’s hard to believe, but he nods anyway, murmuring a quiet thanks to his packmates.
They are content to sit in silence for a few moments, filling their nest with Happy and Home.  
Annie breaks the silence again,
“So— who’s gonna tell me what happened?”
Clint defers to Peter, hoping to get their smaller packmate to gush about his date, but Peter doesn’t take the hint,
“I’m drinking tea with Tony, talking about improving efficiency of hydroelectricity in international power exchange, and suddenly Clint is giving me the panic sign and we’re running out of there,” he takes a sip of his tea, “okay, it’s your turn, C.”
Damn the pretty minx.
“I— okay, it’s not all clear to me. One minute, I’m hitting it off with this gorgeous Omega— yeah, Pete, you were right— and then he mentions his pack Alpha and I just lost it,” he turns to Peter, feeling hurt again, “why didn’t you tell me they had a pack Alpha?”
“C—clint I honestly… I had no idea. Tony never even mentioned that Bucky was an Omega, I guess I thought— I’m honestly so sorry, I assumed they were both Omegas, like our pack. Tony’s just so dominant—”
“No, it’s not— it’s not your fault, Petey.”
“How dominant?” throwing a sly smile, Annie redirects the conversation innocently, and Peter lets out a scandalous gasp.
“Annie!”
She laughs, grabbing at him to tickle his sides which makes him squeal,
“I wanna hear all about our future pack, guys, so tell me: how dominant is this guy? You said he’s a Beta, right?”
Clint and Peter exchange a hesitant look, and Peter speaks up, “Future pack?”
Annie looks between them and rolls her eyes,
“Well, you had a compatible memory with Tony, right? And Bucky sounds like a whole snack. We’ll work up to meeting Steve, but for now, it’s a definite possibility.”
Clint wants to protest this, upset at how his best friend is so easily dismissing his past trauma, but takes a moment to think. He did really like Bucky, and Tony is incredibly handsome and charming. Oh, and he looked like Peter’s second half— even on their first date.
While he’s silent, thinking over the options, Peter has been sharing details about his admirer with Annie, who is looking more and more intrigued by the second.
“— so he brought you your all time favorite drink—”
“— by Clint’s suggestion—”
Annie waves it off, “and then what?”
Ah, Clint almost forgot about that kiss.
He moans, dramatically and indecently, but it gets Annie’s attention,
“Watching Tony and Bucky kiss almost had me fucking coming in my pants, Annie—” she snorts a laugh, and Peter shakes his head, interrupting—
“No, Annie, it was so hot. You know how you like it when I make out with Clint?” she nods, mouth hanging wide open, “like that— but it was Tony.”
At that, Clint rolls his eyes, “It was Toneeyyy,” he mocks, getting both Omegas to laugh as Peter throws a pillow at him.
“Shut up, Clint,” Annie smacks him in the arm lightly, “leave the horny Omega alone.”
Peter gasps again, “Betrayal!”
Both of them cackle and pull Peter close, ignoring his pouty face and snuggling him close. Clint relaxes around his pack, thankful again to have them so close to him tonight, and is surprised when Annie, and then Peter, start purring.
Clint hums, “You two are my favorites.” and his packmates both press closer.
He’s unsure about the future. Unsure about things changing so fast. But as long as these two stick next to him, he can face his fears, knowing he’s not alone.
“Good,” Peter whispers, “because I want Tony to visit soon, and formally meet our pack.”
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sethrine-writes · 3 years
Text
Daughter of a Devil, Ch. 27
Main Characters:  Father!Dante & Daughter!Reader
Words:  1631
Warnings:  Mild canon-typical violence, Angst (but definitely some bittersweet happiness)
Story Summary:  Being a parent wasn’t easy, nor was there such thing as being perfect at it. Good news for Dante, seeing as how he doesn’t have the slightest idea in hell what to do with a child. Sometimes, he was certain that fighting off a horde of demons was a far better match than keeping up with his own daughter. Well, at least he wasn’t going down without a fight.
A/N:  So close to the end of this series! And the end of the Vergil arch is here! Enjoy!
------
Chapter 27 - What He Never Could Have (1 yr.)
For Lady, the battle had just ended.
Lying before her, cold and lifeless to the world thanks to four shots from her own gun, was her father, Arkham. He was an evil man, one that had allowed a demon to corrupt his heart in hopes of obtaining Sparda’s power and becoming an all-powerful entity. He had killed her mother and countless other people just for this one goal, had ruined her life, and for that, he paid the ultimate price by her own hands.
A laugh escaped her lips as she looked up into the sky, the light sound soon turning into relieved sobs and cascading tears.
“Here I thought I wasn’t gonna cry.”
She stayed like that for several minutes, arms resting lethargically against her raised knees as her mismatched eyes stared into the grey sky above. It looked like morning was quickly approaching, but all that could be seen was the gloom of shadows and ashy colors. Still, it was better than the darkness that had taken over some hours ago, a sign of, hopefully, the end to a nightmare years in the making.
Something shifted strangely to the right, catching Lady’s attention almost immediately. Reflexively, she twisted her body until she was on one knee and in a position to attack, aiming her gun at the source of the movement. Instead of a rogue demon coming from the rubble as she had thought there would be, a passageway that had previously been sealed off had suddenly opened. Within, she could see a staircase leading down, and a sound that sounded like gurgling of some sort echoed from the chamber.
Lady stood and followed the path into a well-lit, open area. In the middle of the chamber stood a large bed-like structure with walls that came to her waist. Within, Lady was surprised to find a child lying within, her tiny arms wrapped around a stuffed animal.
“Well, hello. What are you doing here?”
You looked up at the new sound of a voice, eyes wide as you took in the curious face standing above you. You reached up after a moment and began to babble, surprising Lady even more at the ease of which you accepted her presence. With the slightest bit of hesitation, Lady reached forward and took hold of you, carefully lifting you from the makeshift playpen and cradling you in her arms.
From what she could tell, you looked unharmed and taken care of, unbothered by whatever destruction had been occurring all night. You couldn’t have been any more than a year, at most, a darling little girl with a striking feature Lady felt almost familiar with.
“That hair...”
”Oh, one more thing-”
Dante turned to look over his shoulder at Lady, her weapon she had allowed him to borrow, Kalina Ann, resting comfortably on the opposite side. His eyes were set, holding so much more seriousness than any of their previous interactions before, the light, carefree nature hidden within all but vanishing in that one moment of time.
“They took something from me, something I can’t live without. If you find it, keep it safe for me.”
He turned and continued on his way for possibly the final battle that would determine the fate of the world. Though she didn’t quite understand what he meant or what exactly he was talking about, she owed him that much to at least attempt to find whatever it was that had been stolen.
She would have been a fool not to try.
“Could you be what he was looking for?”
---
Dante was in the midst of fighting off Vergil, swords clashing and sparks flying through the air like lightning striking the night sky. He had not wanted things to come to this, yet in the end, he had expected it. Despite the outcome, Vergil was still family, still his brother. It was pointless, however, to make him see reason when he was so hell-bent on his own idea of power.
“Why did you take her away from me when you could have easily gotten my attention?” Dante asked after a brief separation from steel against steel. “Seems a little below you, even for your standards.”
Vergil paused for a moment himself, twisting his sword within his grasp for a few moments before darting forward once more with intent to kill.
“Nothing is below a man seeking power.”
More clashing of swords, even more sparks lighting the darkness around them. Vergil was becoming slower, and it was easy to tell that he wouldn’t be able to hold up much longer. Dante was faring a little better, but he, too, was becoming tired. The next blow would be the final blow.
“You know, you were always the smarter one of us both; you always had that “holier-than-thou” complex that just really pissed me off. Why the hell were you so envious of me? No…why are you still?”
Vergil panted heavily from a distance away, eyes narrowed and casting a venomous glare toward his twin counterpart.
“I never could understand you, Dante. No brains, but always well-liked by many. No need for power, yet stronger than ever. It unnerved me, not understanding how you were possibly better than me. It wasn’t until recently that I finally understood.”
Without warning, he came running forward; Dante had no other choice but to follow along. It was time to end it all.
---
Vergil had been defeated.
Dante’s will was strong enough to overcome the power his brother possessed and still continued to seek, all because he had set out to this place for one purpose. He would protect you and the world he would be raising you in until his final breath, even if it meant defeating his one and only brother.
“You…always had what I never could have. Strength beyond power, awareness beyond knowledge…it seems, in this instance, you were more powerful than I."
The portal was closing from above, the area around them crumbling from the closing of the gates. Vergil clutched at the amulet around his neck, the one their mother had given to each of them so many years ago.
“No one can have this, Dante... It's mine. It belongs to a son of Sparda. Leave me and go, if you don't want to be trapped into the demon world. I'm staying."
He looked around briefly, an air of finality about him set in stone.
"This place was our father's home; your daughter will have no place or sense of purpose with her father here.”
Dante gave a defeated look of his own, knowing he would not be able to convince Vergil otherwise. He couldn’t save his brother from himself; it was something even he had no influence over.
But he could still have his life with you.
---
“I need that back,” Lady stated with the slightest smile, pointing at her weapon, Kalina Ann, while carefully cradling you with her other arm.
Dante leaned against the large weapon resting upright on the ground, a small smile playing at his lips despite his worn appearance.
“Tell you what; I’ll trade you for that bundle of joy you’ve got there.”
Lady looked down at your suddenly gibbering form reaching out for Dante, eyes even brighter than before. She couldn’t stop the slight laugh that escaped her lips.
“Deal.”
Once Dante had you back in his arms, he held you close to him in a semi-tight embrace for several long moments despite your struggling at the end. It surprised him how much he had been affected by your absence, how much he really missed having you there with him, tugging at his hair and reaching for the amulet around his neck and nearly poking his eyes out when you got too excited.
He pulled you away to get a better look at your person, happy to find that you had not been harmed in any way. Vergil could have had anything done to you, could have killed you in the blink of an eye, yet he had kept you safe and sound, away from all the mess he had created.
Maybe there was some part of him that wasn’t so cold-blooded, after all.
“Are you crying?”
“It’s only the rain,” Dante responded, fully aware of the tears falling down his face. He was happy, and he was upset, two conflicting feelings that were wreaking havoc on his emotional state.
Lady looked up and around the area they had found themselves in. It was wet in some areas, if not a bit dusty from the rubble, and water was standing in puddles here and there, but it was no longer storming as it had been.
“But the rain already stopped.”
Dante smiled a bit then, a sad sort of smile that spoke volumes.
“Devils never cry.”
“I see.”
You suddenly gave a loud squeal of excitement as you reached forward to grab at Dante’s hair, taking hold of the strands in the front and trying to pull them back. You then became sidetracked by the shimmering red of the amulet around his neck and preoccupied yourself with the object shortly after. This forced a laugh from both Dante and Lady.
“Maybe somewhere out there even a devil may cry when he loses a loved one, or when he finds another. Don't you think?”
Dante smiled then, holding you steady with one hand under your bottom while the other came to run through your fluffy locks of hair.
This was something Vergil had been talking about, what he could never have. You were what made Dante stronger, what gave him power in his weakest moments, and what made him strive to become a better person and a better father.
There was nothing else Dante could ever ask for than to do right by you.
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Text
Those Shoes (Ch.1)
Notes: The title is referenced to a song by The Eagles, it’s a classic song about exotic dancers, as well as a popular song to play in the clubs. Rita, or @youtubequeens and I brainstormed this piece, and I was so excited to finally write it :3
Warnings: Language, Exotic Dancers and their life, talk about sex, Trigger Warnings!!!: Mentions of and non-consensual acts such as groping and touching, and other horrors.  
Notice: Dancers should be treated with respect, and this is not a fic to downgrade them, nor to spread false truths. It sheds light on what can and does happen in real life, and how that it can be a dangerous job. The warnings are here for a reason. Thank You.
 “Honey, I neeeeed your help!” Your mother whined through the phone. You sighed loudly as you sat on the bed. You’ve just finished with a hefty amount of homework, two tests, and you had another coming up, soon. Not only were your friends squealing that they need to celebrate your upcoming graduation, but your mother had called you, needing something. Again.
“Before you hang up!” She started as your thumb hovered over the red button. “I know that you’ll be graduating college, soon, and you’re needing a job, asap, sooooo, I was wondering if I could hire you, soon?” She baited, and you felt a chill of dread down your spine.
“No way in hell.”
“Oh, Come on! You know that you’ll need a job! I can’t find decent hire, anywhere. How about I hire you until you find a better job? Please? These outfits need to be patched up, and I need makeup expertise! Other than my own!” She added.
You felt your stubborn nature wilt as common sense pile drove in. Your mother was a crafty, sneaky, snake, and she knew that you were needing money to make end’s meet, especially when you were about to move to a better apartment. There were good businesses waiting to hire, and some even were willing to sponsor you, but of course it could take months until you could officially land a good job.
Unfortunately, your mother knew this.
“Above minimum wage, and I get to wear what I want.”
“Deal.” She didn’t even hesitate.
“Fine. I’ve got tests…and the girls are throwing me a surprise party, of all things at the end of the month, so I’ll see you when I see you.” You breathed out, and your mom giggled.
“Oh, a surprise party? Maybe I could send-”
“Mom, no.” You blurted out, and she laughed.
“Oh, my baby girl!” She cooed. “You don’t need physical experience to enjoy-”
You clicked the red dial, ending the call as you sighed with defeat. How did your life turn out like this?  More than likely, she’ll gather your small group of friends and convince them to try to get you to loosen up. It was not only your graduation day, but also your birthday, coming up.
 Your mind froze with fear at the memories of past birthdays. After you’ve turned eighteen, she tried multiple times to send out one of the male dancers, scantily dressed in an ice cream sundae uniform, holding a card that basically said “to pop your cherry”.    
Yeah, you didn’t really had any contact with her, really.
…………………
“Surprise! Happy Graduation and Birthday, Girl!” Your friends screamed with joy as you entered your apartment. Finally. After years of hard work and several job offers that will get back to you within a month, you were a certified beautician with a knack to patch and design clothes. Sure, it wasn’t your first idea of a job, but it grew on you. Dying hair, painting nails, mastering different techniques of applying makeup, and seeing the sparkly eyes of your patients as they admired your hard work, had won you over.
Of course, your mother had a major influence over you. Although you weren’t into dancing, you were happy to practice makeup and help patch up certain outfits. As you grew older, you went with what you knew, and soon, your school had paid for your college due to your good grades, and you made your way up, ever since.
“Oh hey, girls! Where’s the cake?” You wondered, and they wasted no time with mischievous giggles. You stilled.
“What-”
“Don’t worry, Babe! It’ll be here, soon. Try this cucumber Sake!” Rumi grinned as she held out the small cup. The white-haired woman had been your friend since late high school, the only one knowing about your mother’s business back then. She and your other friend, Keigo, had now opened up a pet store. Said man who had bird-like perception wasn’t here, right now, but your more…flirtatious friend, Nemuri, was here with her girlfriend and your attention-seeking friend, Yu. Both girls had worked for your mother, and although you were close, you were weary of their similar antics.
“You’re hiding something.” Your eyebrows furrowed. Nemuri smiled coyly as she slung an arm around a giggling Yu.
“It wouldn’t be called a surprise if we weren’t.”  
“True.”
The four of you had cut up and were laid back, enjoying small talk and stories that you all missed out on. Nemuri and Yu were doing great with the future wedding funds, Rumi had admitted that Keigo was trying his best to win over some goth from Hot Topic, and you, well, you were still doing the things that you loved to do, despite a busy schedule. Rumi smiled, knowing fully well that your more secretive hobbies had leaned towards being more humanitarian, despite your busy schedule.
You wanted to do things that you wanted to do, not gain attention from them, yet your close group of friends had known of your little skits: Feeding not only stray cats, but taking time to volunteer to help with the homeless and the orphanage. The conversation had quickly turned to about working at the strip club, and you were relieved that the subject had changed.
“Ugh. I hate it when they get up. They’re suppose to sit, and be obedient.” Nemuri huffed.
“Isn’t that against the regulations?” You wondered, and Yu nodded.
“Yeah. I heard that one girl in the private room was far into her dancing, she didn’t notice the guy standing up. Luckily there’s cameras, and so when the staff noticed that he pulled his dick out, they broke into the room and threw him out. Hah, he didn’t get his cash back or anything.” She finished, and you couldn’t help but feel sympathy.
You weren’t raised in the club, but your mother had told you plenty of stories, and dropped off the outfits or brought home a “dummy” to practice makeup on while she told you to never let your guard down. It wasn’t until you were nineteen when you fully knew what she had meant as you were working as a hostess at her building.
Although you were dressed in bartender clothes, it didn’t stop anybody from trying to make a grab at you. You were lucky that your mother had hired good bouncers, and she herself was like a tiger who prowled upon those who didn’t belong there.  
“That’s awful.” You admitted, and Nemuri nodded in agreement.
“Yeah. It’s especially gross when you’re giving them a lap dance, and you feel something gross and sticky on the back of your thigh.”
“Or when they kept saying that ‘you’re too pretty to work here’. I know I’m pretty, and I want the attention and attraction to work here. Just because I dance, doesn’t mean that I’m easy. I’m in a committed relationship for six years, thank you.” Yu bantered back while Rumi and you listened quietly.
“You girls go through a lot. Damn. Poor birthday girl had to wear a miniskirt while handing out food and drinks.” Rumi piped up, offering to say what she knew about the subject. Nemuri sighed.
“I remember that when Yu and I first started. Her mom’s not too picky when it comes to help, especially when it’s low pay and her own kid. Like a lamb in a den full of lions, I tell you. Luckily our ladies and gents knew how to swoop in to the rescue.” She finished, and you felt yourself blushing.
Everyone jumped as the doorbell rang, and you watched the Grinch-like grins spread on Nemuri and Yu’s faces, as Rumi let out one that was almost feral.
“Cake’s here.” They said, and you couldn’t help but feel a case of dread as Nemuri didn’t hesitate to waltz over there, and sling the door open, and you couldn’t help but to swallow thickly.
“You did not.” It was a whisper that died on your throat.
Of course you should have known. Of all things-
 He stood in the middle of the door, holding a prettily frosted cake, but it wasn’t the cake that caught your attention.
 Tall, blond, muscles, was sporting thin square glasses that were about to fall off of his nose, a sleeveless white vest with a loosened tie and one button undone. His pants were no better, the zipper and buttons were undone as it snagged nicely on his hips, leaving a blond treasure trail for the world to see, and of course, sleek black and orange high heels that looked as if they cost more than your rent.  
“I’m here to teach our Birthday Girl a lil’ lesson.” Came out the smooth purr as he twirled a red sucker in his mouth, and damn it did that not help you. You hated to admit it, but he was the handsomest ones that you’ve ever seen, and of course you knew who sent him. Pretty amber irises stared at you, drinking you thoroughly as if he was silently contemplating something.  
“Name’s Fatigue, Sugar.” He grinned, lolling the sucker within his mouth as Nemuri took the cake from his hands and set it down on your living room table.  
“Don’t work our girl too hard, Tai. Poor thing gets a little flustered, easily.” She giggled, pinching your cheek rather playfully. You gave her a small glare despite that your ears were burning, now. Tai, or “Fatigue”, let a slow, lazy smile stretch his face as he looked down at you with a cocky look mixed with hunger.
“Jus’ sit back an’ relax, ‘nd enjoy the show. You deserve it for workin’ so hard.”  He cooed with what seemed to be affection, and you swallowed thickly and nodded. Sure, you could do this. Giving an affirmative, he didn’t give you much time before he took out his phone and pressed some button, instantly music had started playing as he started.
He was like a magnet, snapping your attention to him in awe as he spread his legs wide, letting himself sink low to the floor, heels perfectly grounded into your carpet as his glasses stayed neatly perched on the crook of his nose. He grinned at your amazed stare, as if eating it up. Of course he had a bag full of tricks, and you couldn’t believe that you were finding yourself eager to know each one.
He didn’t fail to deliver, hopping back up with a dive of his hips, sliding a hand down to the side of his pants, palming his thigh as he bent low, ass in the air. Each movement was in sync with the beats, and was absolutely filthy as he used his body to curve and twist into movements that oddly made you feel hot and your throat dry. Who was he? Where did your mom even find somebody this good?
Your friends were no better. Rumi had sported a look of stupor, and to your own surprise, Nemuri and Yu looked impressed, a rare sight for you knew that their technique was high dollar and quality, too.
He was all over you, not touching, but close, not letting you take your attention away from him as he ran his hands close to his hips and inner thighs, his sharp focus was only on you as he gauged your reactions, seeing which little movements brought a spark to your eyes or a flush to your face.
Then, like his routine, he did another unexpected move. Taking your cake, he set it neatly on your lap. Not giving you time to really question anything, he gingerly took your hand, dipping your fingers into the frosting, and brought it to his mouth.
Hot. You couldn’t help but feel hot all over as your lips burned on how he licked and sucked at the frosted digits, lolling his tongue over each one as he gave you such a dirty, heated look, and you swore that you heard him groan. Or was it you? You couldn’t tell as he gave your digits one final suck, letting go with a wet pop as the last song ended.
“Delicious.” He purred, and you couldn’t help but bite your bottom lip at how he sounded it.
“Holy shit.” Nemuri broke the silence.
“Language, young Missy.” Fatigue tutted, waving his finger at her, laughing lightly as she gave him one of her own, before turning his attention back to you.
“Didja enjoy the dance, Sweetling?”
“Yeah.” You admitted in  choked voice, and he gave a small laugh of affection as he walked towards the door.
“You have a Happy Birthday. I do hope that I can see ya, again.” He gave one last final look at you that you couldn’t decipher, as he headed out.
Silence enveloped you girls, before Yu started laughing.
“You were so blushing! He looked as if he wanted to eat you up!” She noticed, and you could feel your lip starting to hurt from biting it constantly.
“Woah, did he even know that you’re the boss’s kid?” Rumi asked, and Nemuri shook her head.
“Nah. We hired him yesterday, and her mom didn’t say anything, other than that she had a very special job for him. Heh, I didn’t know that the new meat was this good.” Nemuri explained, staring at her nails.
“’I do hope that I can see ya, again’.” Yu mimicked before giggling with glee. “Somebody’s has taken a shine to our homebody.” She grinned and your face flushed with realization.
“I gotta go see my mom.” You blurted out, instead, and was rewarded with grins and knowing smirks.
“It’s so cute how you’ve finally began to open up, my little touch-starved Chickadee. A stripper, of all things, huh?” Nemuri laughed at the irony, and you couldn’t help but join.
“I guess that it’s time to admit that I don’t have to live my life as the Lone Wolf, anymore.”
“And finally get laid, right?” Yu said it ever so casually, and you rolled your eyes.
“Ah, leave her alone. It’s nice that those brick walls are falling down.” Rumi grinned, slinging an arm around you and you smiled.
“It’s getting late, ladies. I got to see my mom early, tomorrow. Before you leave, take some cake with you.” You admitted.
“Will do! I’ll tell her that the new guy had done the impossible, by gaining your heated stare.” Yu giggled as she wrapped an arm around Nemuri’s waist.
“Hah, Kei’s gonna have a laugh at this.” Rumi smiled as she got up, leaving for your kitchen to grab the plates and forks.
….………….
After cake was cut and eaten, and the girls hugged you and kissed your cheeks before heading out, you were now laying on your bed, face flushing furiously as your heartbeat quickened. A stripper of all things shouldn’t have done that to you. You grew up with your mom’s flirty attitude towards strangers, and from an older teen, had been working in the club in a vest, shirt, and miniskirt with low heels, being constantly flirted with.
You didn’t know what made him to be so different, but like a magnetic connection, you were pulled, and despite you loner, homebody attitude, you kind of did wanted to see more of him.
…………..
He sighed, slipping off the expensive shoes as his feet and body ached for a hot shower. She didn’t know him, but he knew somewhat about her. Although the two of them shared the same college, he’d never shared a class with her, and she had lived in the apartments that was near, but not the dorms. Yet, he seen her almost everyday while either to or from his way to classes, work, or in general.
She tried to hide it, but he knew of the little empty cans of tuna near the dumpster that kept the stray mother cat and her kittens fed, was from her. He could hear her cooing to this day, smile rivaling the sun, as she looked down at the bunch with a touch of softness, not noticing the world around her as he took the same route past the alley every day.
 Of course, he was a little intrigued. He had a sweet tooth, and despite his refusal in ever taking a bite, he wanted to drink in on what this strange woman was doing. He knew that she was busy, if the bags underneath her eyes indicated anything, and yet she still took time to do small and big things. Picking up littered cans and tossing them in the recycling bin, helping struggling students study, and he’d even seen her face at the soup kitchens, pouring generous amounts of soup into the bowls which were held in the hands of the hungry.  
All around. She was all around and yet tried to make herself small and trivial. Others didn’t really notice, but he did. He couldn’t help it. Like a little magnet, she pulled him in, and she was unaware of it. Honestly, he felt like a stalker, yet he knew that he wasn’t. She was just…all around. Existing, helping, laughing, and smiling. It cut through a crack in his dark little world.
Of course, then she graduated, and he was surprised on how much he had missed her laughter, the softness in her eyes as she handled the kittens or gave out food. He didn’t know her. Didn’t speak to her, never went to the same classes, and yet, he felt a little empty when she was gone. It boggled and irritated him.
The literal icing on top was when he had finally gotten hired, the smirking woman telling him that he had a special job, and he couldn’t help but look in surprise at the address. The same door number that he seen her excitedly rush out from while he was on his way to class, was written on the address sheet with instructions. He had already met her friends, who were surprising her on her birthday. To be honest, he was surprised that the woman had friends such as Nemuri and Yu, but he didn’t question it further, as he felt the excitement build up.
Then, he couldn’t help himself when the two of them had finally met. He suppressed a shiver. He had a no touching rule. He didn’t want to touch, and he didn’t want to be touched, but something broke in him. He wanted to be touched by those shy inquisitive fingers, wanted to be stared at so innocently, and yet so dirty, and he couldn’t help himself. She was so sweet, and he didn’t mind letting himself having a taste, for once.
He really did hope to see her again
…………  
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hollyxqx · 4 years
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ALWAYS  :  NAMJOON  :  EPILOGUE
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↪ PAIRING: Kim Namjoon x Reader ↪ GENRE: idol!au | ex’s to lovers | angst | smut ↪ SUMMARY: the story of how almost divorced, disgraced idol kim namjoon tries to put his life back the way it was after the world found out he was married and had a kid. ↪ WORD COUNT: 6k
↪ WARNINGS: angst angst angst, smut, nj has a mild pregnancy kink, oc body shames themselves a lot, milddddd drug references, tooth-rotting fluff
a/n: sorry this was delayed but here it is! thank you for being so patient and i really hope yall enjoy/are satisfied with the ending . my ask is always open if you have any questions or comments :):)
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ONE  :  TWO  :  EPILOGUE
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By day number four of avoiding Namjoon you knew it was time to relent and at the very least speak to him. Days one through three were spent using your mom's house as a temporary hideout. You knew there was a million questions whirring around in her head at your surprise visit, but you kept quiet, merely stating you wanted a break. She had given you the kind of look that was equal parts disapproving and disappointed, in only the way a mother could combine those expressions. It made you wonder if you made that face too.
Namjoon had called and texted everyday, each time begging you to talk to him. Your fingers would itch over the messages, tempted to just give in. You hated this as much as he did. After finally, finally, getting what you'd wanted for years -  your family whole - it felt like it was slipping through your fingers again.
It was a loss you weren't sure if you could endure again.
Siwoo sat happily on his play mat, toy car in hand while you kept a careful watch on him. He had a tendency to put things in his mouth that didn't belong there, so you made sure to pay attention.
You were extra thankful for him as of late, your ray of sunshine in these dark few days. Though, when he went to bed in the evenings everything hit you the hardest, raw and painful. You'd had such little sleep in the last few days it was a miracle you were functioning as well as you were. Months of sleepless nights when Siwoo was a newborn had trained you well, you supposed.
The tea in your mug had gone cold and it tasted as bitter as you felt. You had gone back and forth several thousand times about whether you were over-reacting or not. The initial knee jerk reaction you have is to run when things get difficult. You'd been that way your entire life, often times to your detriment.
Over the course of your entire relationship with Namjoon that had been a recurring issue. Every argument, every fight, squabble, disagreement or otherwise, you were the one that bailed. The one that needed time to cool off. Which ultimately led to you filing for divorce in the end. Maybe it was time to confront your issues instead of running away from them.
The doorbell rang exactly at four p.m, signalling Namjoon had arrived. He knew the passcode and could easily enter if he so much as wanted to, having done so for the last few months. But you knew Namjoon. This was a way of showing you some respect, showing you he was giving you your space and would wait for you to come to him when you were ready. The same pattern as always.
With a heavy heart you trudge to the door, nursing your still cold tea. When you open the door Namjoon stood on the other side, looking as awful as you felt. "Hi." He said quietly, rubbing a sheepish hand over his unshaven face.
"Hi."
You step to the side, allowing him to cross the threshold into the apartment. A surprised, hesitant look crossed his face but he stepped inside regardless.
"Siwoo is in the living room." You told him, straight to the point. He nodded. After all, that was the reason he was here. You were forced out of your silence because you'd never keep his child from him, no matter how bad things got between you.
You hung back in the kitchen and busied yourself with making another cup of tea that you didn't particularly want. It was just an excuse to hide and you knew it. Coward that you were.
You could hear Siwoo's delight at seeing Namjoon as you waited for the kettle and it made your heart ache. He had missed his dad, having been used to his presence much more. The guilt it caused you plagued you constantly, since you were the reason for the separation.
Namjoon appeared in the kitchen a few moments later, Siwoo perched on his hip. A small smile escaped you at the grin on your son's face as his tiny head rested against Namjoon's chest. He still clutched the toy car.
"I'm all set to go." Namjoon announced. He shifted somewhat awkwardly. "Unless you want to..."
"Not yet." You didn't know exactly what he had in mind but you weren't ready for that talk at this moment in time.
He nodded, looking disappointed. "Will I still see you on Sunday?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't you? You're not keeping Siwoo forever." You knew instantly what you said had been far too harsh and definitely out of line. Namjoon's face flashed with pain. "I don't mean it like it that - " You attempted to explain that you weren't infact referring to your son as an object but you were cut off.
"I thought you might send your mom or Jess or anyone else in the world to do it." He informed you.
"It'll be me on Sunday, Namjoon."
"Can we have dinner then? If not for me, for Siwoo." He asked expectantly. You didn't have the heart to refuse him again, not when he looked at you with that desperate longing in his eyes.
"Okay. Dinner, then."
*** Standing outside Namjoon's extravagant house two days later you felt sick, absolutely sick to your stomach, throw up in a hedge nauseous. The combination of nerves, the secret pregnancy and the fact that the last time you were here was one of the worst days of your life had bile creeping up your throat.
When Namjoon finally answered the door, you hurried past him to the bathroom, muttering something about needing to pee. He could only watch you with a bewildered expression, clearly he'd expected a repeat of the awkward interchange from the other day.
You made it to the toilet just in time, praying he didn't hear the sound of you heaving your guts out over the porcelain. As you borrowed some of his mouthwash and cleaned your hands you debated what lie to feed him. Thankfully it wasn't the morning so you hoped you'd be able to get away with food poisoning as your excuse.
You returned to a worried Namjoon. "Are you ok? I heard you throw up." He asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I think I've just got food poisoning."
He stared at you curiously for a beat. "Do you want to lie down before dinner? It won't be ready for another 45 and I'd rather you felt alright."
You shook your head no. "Thanks Joonie, but I'm okay."
His expression softened at your use of his nickname, he hadn't heard it in a while. You didn't intend to use it but it slipped out so naturally. Especially when he was concerned about you.
The kitchen smelled incredible as you entered. Namjoon didn't cook often being the clumsy chef that he was, opting for takeout usually, sometimes multiple times a day. "What are you making? It smells good. Hi boop." You gave Siwoo a cuddle from behind as he sat in his high chair. He squealed with joy in your arms. "Mommy missed you."
"Lamb curry." Namjoon stated. "And just plain pasta for the kiddo."
"And how much has Seokjin helped you with all this?" You couldn't help but tease. Namjoon smirked.
"Alot." He turned away from you to fuss with the pot on the stove. "I wanted to do something nice for you. Figured you'd appreciate the effort."
You made a non-committal noise as you slotted yourself into the chair next to your child, still feeling a little queasy. It was silent until Siwoo's food was ready when Namjoon offered to feed him for you, but you declined. You were happy to do it. He could mostly feed himself anyway but sometimes needed a little help.
With nothing more to do for the time being Namjoon sat opposite you. You could feel his eyes on you but you deliberately kept your own on Siwoo. "What did you boys get up to then?" You murmured, trying to get Siwoo to eat with his small cutlery and not his hands. "The food is hot Siwoo, use this."
"Nothing too exciting. Mostly swimming, I've got the pool up and running again. That kid is a water baby through and through."
You nodded in agreement, having witnessed it first hand yourself. Ever since he figured out what water was you could barely keep him away from it, essentially making bath time a messy affair. "He especially loves your pool since you got that slide."
"I did it for him."
"I know."
Namjoon stood after a while and went to the cupboard, taking out two wine glasses. He placed one in front of where you sat, setting the other at his side of the table. "I got your favourite sauvigon blanc. The one from the top shelf." He mumbled, corking open the bottle he'd grabbed. "Here."
He began pouring you a glass. "Oh no, no thanks, I'm not dri - Siwoo don't throw your pasta."
Namjoon stopped mid pour, raising his eyebrow at you, ignoring the macaroni that hit the floor. "No wine?"
"My stomach still doesn't feel right." You lied, giving him an apologetic look. "Better avoid the alcohol."
"That's not like you." He paused giving you a curious look. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just don't want to drink. I'll be driving again soon anyway."
He didn't know that you physically could not and would not touch alcohol due to tiny life that was growing inside you. The tiny life you still didn't know what the fuck you were going to about. Your stomach flipped anxiously.
"Okay." He said staring at you for a little too long. He swapped your slightly filled glass with his empty one. Namjoon poured sparkling water in yours in lieu of the wine. You knew he knew you were lying about something, but he said nothing, still on emotionally shaky ground with you. You wondered if he had anticipated you staying the night to offer you alcohol.
When Siwoo had finished eating and all the pasta had been cleaned from the floor you put him down for a nap. It was cute how sleepy he always got after food and it was nearing his bedtime anyway, heavy eyelids drooping as he sipped on water.
The only evidence that Namjoon even had a child was Siwoo's bedroom, the rest of the house looked like it belonged to a bachelor. As you walked through the vast space you found yourself getting somewhat irrationally angry about the fact. No wonder that girl felt so comfortable here. You found yourself scowling when you sat back at the dining table.
"What?" Namjoon asked, sensing instantly the shift in your mood.
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"You're one to talk." You shot back. He sighed.
"Don't be like this just because Siwoo isn't here. Can't we keep being civil?"
"Fine." You mumbled.
He dished the food and you ate in stony silence. The sound of the cutlery scraping on the plates soon became deafening to you, grating on you and worsening your mood. Namjoon had asked you to be civil but that girl hadn't been to you, or to him for that matter and that was the only thing on your mind as you ate. The hormones raging through your body were certainly making you more quick to anger than usual.
"Is it okay?" Namjoon asked, pointing to your plate with a fork. "The food."
"Perfect, thank you." You replied. He looked crestfallen at your curt reply.
"Can we talk properly tonight jagi?" He asked.
"Don't call me that." Instantly you were transported back to the night when this mess started, the night you slept together for the first since breaking up. You'd had almost that exact exchange, although it was a playful one and didn't have the sombre atmosphere his kitchen had.
"All I really need is for you to listen." He sighed. "Can you do that for me?"
You owed it to him at least. "Alright."
He inhaled a deep breath before releasing it slowly, as if he was unsure where to begin. "I didn't cheat on you. I wasn't lying about that. If you take anything away from this conversation, please let it be that." His gaze was so intense you couldn't help but believe him.
"Did she kiss you that day?"
"Yeah." He looked down with a grimace. "I didn't initiate anything, she lunged at me. It was an attack."
"She called you Joonie."
That caught his attention and he looked at you in surprise, eyebrows shooting towards his hairline. "That bothered you?" You nodded.
"It didn't feel like a casual hookup, Namjoon. She seemed very familiar with you. She was in your home calling you what me - your wife - calls you." You voice got higher the more emotional you got, tears burning your eyes. Namjoon shushed you gently, telling you to calm down. "And then there was the other girl from the pictures. What do you do to these women to make them think this behaviour is ok?"
Namjoon gave you an infuriatingly blank look. "That was the girl I was papped with."
"No it wasn't." You sniffed.
"Baby," He huffed an incredulous but humourless laugh. "I promise you. Crazy girl from the photos is crazy girl that was here. Those pictures were dark, you probably just didn't recognise her."
"Why does she keep showing up?"
"We did hook up, but once a long time ago. I made the mistake of taking her home. I saw her once after that, but we didn't have sex. Other stuff happened, I won't lie."
You felt uncomfortable, hot, prickly jealousy constricting in your chest. "I don't need details."
"I don't really remember it to be honest. I was wasted." He explained further. "She turned out to be a big fan of mine and was - is - having a hard time dealing with the fact that I don't want her. That's it. That's the story. I swear."
You searched his eyes with your own for a few moments and he held your steely gaze.
"You could get a restraining order." You grumbled.
"They're not as easy to get as you think."
You crossed your arms and looked away. Although you believed every word he said you still weren't happy. Maybe it would take more than a conversation this time.
"Anything else you want to know, just ask." Namjoon told you softly. His hand twitched on the table and you could tell he wanted to reach for yours. "I'm an open book."
You knew exactly what was niggling at your conscious. "What else have you lied about?"
He paused for a moment and your heart dropped, anticipating the absolute worst. "I once jerked off to a picture of your feet."
Your scandalized expression was enough to have him laughing, easing some of the tension in the room. "I'm serious!" You scolded.
"So am I." He smirked and you rolled your eyes. "I'm sorry baby, I just wanted to see you smile."
"You're ridiculous."
He stood and walked round the table, taking your hand in his forcing you to stand. He pulled you into a hug and your arms automatically wrapped around his waist. "Am I forgiven?" He mumbled into your hair.
"No." You said but your body contradicted your words, melting even further in to him. "I'm still angry at you for lying and nearly dying of an overdose too. It's scary to think you can keep such things from me. I'm waiting for the next lie now Joonie."
He squeezed you tighter. "I understand, I do, but does a tiny part of you not see why I would hide those things from you? It was to stop you from getting hurt."
"I guess."  You know he has a point and you do feel better for having this talk with him but jumping back to fully trusting him feels frightening. You hate being vulnerable and right now, that's what you are.
"All I want is for us to be together, and whatever you need me to do to get us there, I'll do it." He said with strong conviction.
You surprised him by standing on your tiptoes and pecking his lips, his eyes remained open in shock. "You're a good man, Namjoon. I'm lucky I have you." He smiled. "But if you ever lie to me again, I swear to god I'm done."
"Never." He swore.
***
It took three more nights of intense conversations with Namjoon before your relationship started to return to normal. Getting everything out in the open was a little painful for your both but once everything that had happened during your separation was no longer shrouded in darkness, you felt better. You both did.
Namjoon had bravely opened up about how he struggled with pills and drugs. You'd learned he'd been partying a scary amount and that's where he met 'crazy girl'. Apparently she was a big party girl and drug user herself, which made sense, considering her erratic behaviour. She was an amateur model and had access to a lot of free drugs, so Namjoon was unfortunately drawn to her.
It wasn't exactly easy nor fun to hear about the women that he'd been with. It was with an embarrassed flush to his cheeks that he admitted a lot of his hook ups had been a blur of nameless faces. He wasn't proud of it, he'd never been a guy who fucked around, even before you met.
You were surprised to learn he'd spent time in rehab. Mostly it was just therapy but it allowed him to be in a better state mentally and therefore able to cope. Namjoon had got teary when you told him that you were proud of him. It wasn't easier to better yourself and succeed. He told you it was all for Siwoo and you understood that fierce protective desire completely.
During the third night, when you lay in Namjoon's bed, each on your side and facing each other you realised it was time to come clean about your secret now. You squeezed your entwined hands that lay on the pillow between your heads. "Namjoon, in the spirit of being honest...I need to tell you something."
"What is it jagi?" His brow furrowed at your tone.
You gulped. "I'm pregnant." He was silent and his expression never changed, which immediately worried you. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner but I was going to do something cute by just giving you the sonogram instead of doing it in this lame way, but -
" - That's amazing." He interrupted your nervous rambling. A grin started to spread on his face.
"Really?" You asked cautiously.
"Are you joking? It's fucking great news!" He exclaimed. Namjoon let go of your hand and quickly placed his large palm on your lower stomach. "How far along?"
"Only 9 weeks." You playfully shoved his hand off of you. "You won't be able to feel anything yet." You laughed.
"I'm excited. I knew something was up when you weren't drinking and throwing up." He admitted. "It's going to be so different this time round. So much less stress and worry. We can actually enjoy your pregnancy."
"I'm excited that you're excited." You said. "I was scared to tell you. After everything we went through..."
"It's going to be different this time." He repeated. He kissed you passionately, lips crashing against yours as if he was trying to show you just how much he meant his words. Arms snaked around your torso as he held you close. "We're going to have two kids soon." He murmured. "Are you ready for this?"
"Nope." You laughed and he joined you. "But I wasn't ready the first time and we managed."
This time when he kissed you, you could feel him smile against your lips. "This feels like a dream. I'm so happy." He managed to get out in between presses of his mouth against yours. You were elated. "Can't wait to see you pregnant again."
"You mean, fat." You corrected.
"Noooo," He groaned, frustrated. "You looked so sexy when you were pregnant before." His hands slid underneath your shirt, along your stomach to cup and squeeze at your breasts. "You had big ass boobies." You can't help but laugh, he was like a horny teenager when it came to boobs. "Filled with milk for my baby."
His thumbs brushed against your nipples and you stiffened at the sensation. He kept repeating the action and you could feel a dull ache in your core at the sensation. "s'feels good." You murmured, trying to concentrate.
"Yeah?" He pulled back a little to gauge your expression. "Can I keep going?"
You nodded, appreciating the fact that he was asking for permission since you hadn't slept together since your argument. He peeled your shirt from your body and leaned down to plant kisses all over your breasts, thankful you weren't wearing a bra to bed. A dreamy sigh escaped you as your hands carded through his hair.
"D'you know what else I liked about you being pregnant?" He said huskily, still fondling you.
"Tell me." You had felt insecure at the time, and had been feeling it again after seeing the model you knew Namjoon had slept with. Some reassurance would be welcome.
"You were swollen in all the right places." The heel of his palm began to grind down slowly against your panties, having worn only those and a shirt to bed. Namjoon's lips wrapped around a nipple and your pussy pulsed in response. "The curve of your stomach, hips and ass was so fucking sexy."
"Really?"
"Mhmm," He hummed and your underwear was moved to the side. "It was sexy because you looked like a woman. Not just a hot girl." His fingers moved in slow circles against your clit and you feel yourself growing wet especially fast. "And you were off-limits to any other man than me. I put my baby in you and every other man could see it."
"Fuck, Joonie." You whimpered after he hit one particularly sensitive spot, hips jolting slightly. "I didn't know you had a pregnancy kink."
He smirked against your skin, his breath fanning across as he laughed a little. "Me neither, until I saw you."
Briefly he stopped to pull the remnants of your clothing off leaving you fully naked. "Namjoon?" You asked hesitantly, feeling shy. He hummed in response, sliding his fingers into your wet heat once more. Something had been playing on your mind this entire time. "That girl was beautiful."
He groaned. This time it wasn't a sexy groan. "Don't talk about her when I'm touching you like this."
"I keep thinking about her. She's prettier than me." You admitted. He stopped what he was doing, gripping the bottom of your chin, forcing you to face him when you tried to hide the fact that tears were welling in your eyes.
"She's nuts."
"You didn't disagree with me." You pouted. He sighed. "I'm feeling really insecure right now. I'm about to have another kid and my body is going to be wrecked, again. And girls like that are incessantly throwing themselves at you."
"I don't think she was prettier than you. And even if I did, who cares? She isn't beautiful where it counts. I just told you how sexy I think you are and you still don't believe me." He looked sad, it made you feel guilty.
"Sorry I'm being stupid." You mumbled.
"Don't be afraid to tell me when you're feeling like this, I don't want you to feel bad while I'm trying to make you feel good." He insisted. "Just remember that what I feel for you is so much more than how you look. But you're sexy, you're pretty, you're kind and you're an amazing mom. I'm so attracted to you that I'm still hard even through all this just because I'm near you and you're naked." He laughed, guiding your hand to his crotch for emphasis. He wasn't totally hard but that was an erection if you ever felt one.
"I love you so much." You told him sniffling. "Sorry for being a moodkiller. I'm hormonal and emotional right now."
"Tell me about it." He teased. "Can we carry on or are you out of it completely?"
You answered him with a kiss.
He took his time with you that night and you knew that extra effort came entirely from a place of pure, authentic and true love in his heart. Namjoon ate you out until you were a mess beneath him, able to coax two orgasms out of you before agonizingly pushing his stiff length into you.
Whispered praise in your ear made you feel desired in a way like you hadn't experienced before. He cradled you as he fucked into you, encouraging you to keep your legs wrapped around his waist, ankles locked around his lean body.
"Don't think I could never want you, especially like this." He breathed into your ear, slowly pounding into you. "You're the love of my life."
"Joon..." You moaned, tears stinging your eyes, leaking onto the pillow. You were too emotional right now for sex like this. "Please." You begged.
"Tell me you love me, tell me how good I'm making you feel." He commanded as his hips slapped into you faster this time. All you could think about was his bare skin against yours while you clung to him as if your life depended on it. Every drag of his cock inside you felt like you were made for him.
"I do, I love you so much." You moaned. "You're perfect. No one has ever made me feel like this."
When he came he groaned loud enough that you were certain he woke the sleeping child in the next room.
Your suspicions were confirmed when the pitter patter of tiny feet echoed down the hall. Namjoon leapt away from you so fast, he tangled himself in the sheets and fell over, emitting a loud curse word.
Once Siwoo had been successfully put back to bed (and escaping unscarred, having seen nothing a three year old shouldn't witness) you and Namjoon stifled silent giggles. "I guess I enjoyed that a little too much." He laughed, getting comfortable to sleep.
"Top 5?" You asked, climbing into bed beside him. It was a running joke between you about your favourite sexy time moments. You don't remember when it started and it's hard to remember every single time but there are definitely some stand out moments.
"Top 10." He yawned. "It would be higher up, but I hit my shin pretty hard when I tripped."
"I love you, you clumsy idiot." You whispered, kissing him on the nose.
"I love you too baby."
***
You loved how Siwoo looked in his father's arms. Really, you should gently remove him from the tight embrace Namjoon held him in so he could sleep properly but the sight of the two asleep on the sofa was turning you to mush. They both slept with their mouths hanging open in the exact same way, the only difference was Namjoon snored lightly.
You couldn't resist and snapped a few pictures.
As you watched them you were glad you couldn't move on whilst you were technically single. Even a small part of you regretted attempting to even be with anyone else when this was the only man you wanted right here.
You thought of Mark and the other two guys you'd dated and how empty you had felt, how you'd had to force feelings most of the time. Actions speak louder than words and the fact that neither of you had been able to get close to moving on spoke volumes.
Namjoon was home and always had been.
***
Early pregnancy was a lot more tiring than you remembered this time around. With Siwoo, you'd been relatively lucky and for the most part it had been smooth sailing. New baby was not giving you an easy ride. You'd convinced an overbearingly concerned Namjoon you were well enough to go for a walk but the five times he'd already asked if you were alright showed his worry.
His hand laced through yours as you strolled through a park near your home. It had a beautiful selection of cherry blossom trees, a long time favourite spot of yours. It was his suggestion to get some fresh air after morning sickness had claimed the first half of your day.
The occasional stray blossom petals floated through the air, giving the worn path a story book feel. Even though you weren't 100% you were glad you'd made the choice to go outside, the fresh air smelt sweet and calming.
"Jagi, I've been thinking." Namjoon announced, opting to sling an arm over your shoulder instead. You realised it was the first time he had ever been able to be affectionate with you in a public space. You leaned in closer to his side.
"Do tell."
"Let's have a wedding."
You looked up at him, perplexed. His gaze remained straight ahead. "We had one. You should remember, you were there."
"That wasn't a wedding, that was standing in an office." He corrected with a scoff. "What I'm trying to say is lets have a big celebration. One all our friends can come to. Would you like that?"
"Maybe? I don't know. I've never thought about it." You mused. "That could be fun."
"I thought it could be like an official fresh start. We never had the chance to do it like everyone else." He shrugged. "Only if you want to though, baby."
"I think I want to." You smiled. Namjoon hummed a good, squeezing your shoulder affectionately. You carried on in a comfortable silence.
"One more thing," He said after a few moments. "You need this back."
A hand slipped into his pocket and out came a small jewellery box. Without having to peek inside you already know what it contains. The ring you had given back in a fit of anger nearly a few weeks ago. He flicked the box open and offered it to you. "You're not going to get down on one knee?" You joked. He rolled his eyes.
Willingly you accepted it from him and put on the ring. "I had it cleaned for you."
You admired the silver that adorned your hand for a moment before handing him back the box. "Thank you."
The two of you didn't talk much more as you finished your route through the park. You didn't need to. Everything he'd done for you (and not just today) had said enough.
***
"Siwoo, I have told you to pick up these toys five times now!" You yelled down the hallway, exasperated by your seven year old's will to ignore simple instructions. After escaping the infamous terrible two's with him you noticed he was barrelling to being a defiant child. You raised your voice a lot more these days. "Don't make me tell you again!"
You knew it was futile by the distracted Yes Mom that he replied with. You instantly could tell he was either playing video games or on youtube, both his new favourite pass times. As you attempted to grab a ready made bottle, a loud smash came from the living room and you hurried through, worry clenching your chest.
"Oh baby girl..." You cooed once you'd noticed what had caused the noise. Your two year old, who was just figuring out that she could walk had accidentally smashed a picture frame when she'd tried to use the coffee table for balance. "I left you alone for half a second and you're trashing the place." You sighed to her.
Quickly you checked her over, ensuring she was unharmed. She was. Gently, you slung her over your hip, this time taking her to the kitchen with you. She struggled the entire time, eager to get back to her new found freedom of walking. However as soon as she realised she was getting fed, her mind was quickly changed.
The sound of Namjoon arriving home caught your attention. You were glad he was home. As much as you loved your children, an entire day alone with them was harder than any job you'd ever worked. You were still between nanny's and were picking the slack up yourself.
"There's my girls." You could hear the smile in his voice before you saw it. Namjoon reclined in the doorway, watching you and Eunha, an enamoured look on his face. He crossed the room, kissing her first on the cheek before meeting your lips in a peck. "Where's Siwoo?"
"Bedroom," You sighed. "Tell him to get his toys please." Namjoon nodded, able to read your frustration straight away as his phone and keys where placed on the kitchen counter. He left to do what you'd asked of him.
Once you'd managed to get Eunha down for bed, you joined Namjoon and Siwoo who were picking the toys up together. You picked up the smashed picture frame that you'd momentarily forgotten about, smiling at the image. It was an official photo from your 'second' wedding, you and your husband smiling like lovesick kids with Siwoo between you, looking adorable in his tiny suit.
It had been a wonderful day, being able to celebrate properly with your loved ones. The day had been a blur, but the best kind of blur; ending it with sore cheeks from smiling so much.
"What's that?"
Namjoon's question brought you back to the present. You flipped the picture frame round to show him it was broken. "Courtesy of Eunha on one of her missions."
"You look so pretty in that picture Jagiya." Namjoon stretched over and kissed your cheek. Neither of you missed how Siwoo's face screwed up in disgust at the sight of his parents kissing. A knowing smirk was shared between you and your husband.
"Thank you for that boop!" You kissed your son's head when he was finished the task. It was frightening how tall he was getting, you suspected he would be taller than Namjoon when he was older. He trudged back to his room grumbling about how he was too old to kiss his mom. You couldn't help but laugh.
Namjoon wrapped his arms around you as soon as you were alone, kissing you properly this time. "How was your day?" He asked quietly against your lips.
"Long." You sighed, resting your head on his chest. "You?"
"Busy."
Lately he had been putting in more and more hours at the recently expanded studio. Ever since Yoongi had started a family of his own they'd even hired an entire crew of people. Things couldn't be better for your husband's career and you were more than thankful how lucky the two of you had been.
His hand stroked the back of your hair lovingly. "The best part of my day is coming home." He yawned, holding you tight. You hummed in agreement, that was the highlight of your day as well. Ten years total together and that had never changed.
Not one moment was taken for granted anymore and when all was said and done, you knew you would be with him, always.
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thefloorisbalaclava · 4 years
Text
Healing Hands - Part 3 - Din Djarin x Fem!Reader
Summary: Din is very curious about you and you wonder why.
Warnings: none
One|Two
Din stood in the doorway of the room you had led him to. The weapons hadn't been used in years, but you took the time to keep them clean.
"You're free to take whatever you like." You looked back at him and smiled. "What?"
"I wasn't expecting...this." He walked into the room, taking up the space easily. "You know how to use these?"
"I do thanks to my husband." You hesitated but eventually asked the question that had been looming. "Who is after you?"
"Some...bad people. I took something from them."
"The child?" 
His head turned quickly. "How did you know?"
"Lucky guess."
"If they come I don't want you to be a part of the fight." The words hung in the air between the two of you before he walked out of the room.
"But I can help."
"You can. You can take the child with you back to my ship. It's not very far." Was he really trying to turn you into a glorified babysitter?
"No," you snapped.
"No?"
"That's what I said. I'm not running from anything or anyone." You took a few deep breaths before following him out. "I didn't mean to...snap like that. I'm just tired of running. I've been running all my life. I'm not letting anyone take my home away from me again."
"You're angry," Din observed, "Does it have anything to do with your husband?"
"It has everything to do with him. This house is all I have left of what we shared. I'm not running." You stood in front of him. "If someone comes I will fight with you. I have a safe place for the child."
"Are you sure?" he asked after some time.
You nodded. "Yes I am. This is the Way, right?"
He tilted his head slightly and nodded. "Right."
"I wonder if you and my husband knew each other."
"Maybe. It's possible." He waited a moment then spoke again. "May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Did your husband show you his face?"
"He did. The day we got married." You smiled remembering the day.
"You waited that long? You married a man when you had no idea what he looked like?"
"Yes. I'm not a shallow person. I was in love and knew I didn't want anyone else. That was enough for me." You wondered why he was asking you these questions. "Is there someone you would like to show your face to someday?" you asked.
"No." It would be the only response you received. He was a man of few words and even more so when the conversation turned to him.
"You've never been in love?"
"No. Not the way you were. I don't have the time for it." He quickly stopped talking when he realized he was letting a complete stranger know a little too much about him.
"Are you okay?" You touched his arm and he looked down at your hand.
"I'm fine."
"I'm sorry if I got too personal. I don't get the chance to talk to anyone much…" You looked down at your hands.
"It's okay."
"Can I ask you something?" Din nodded once and you continued. "The child...where does it come from? And why are people trying to kill you over it?"
"I don't know." He must have seen the look of doubt on your face. "I really don't. It was one of my bounties but I couldn't leave it there. It reminded me too much of--" He stopped and cleared his throat.
"It reminded you of you."
"Yes," he confessed.
"Did you eat frogs too?" you joked and you swear you heard a small sound come from him.
"It's okay to laugh, Din." You smiled. "I like that name. Din."
"I don't hear it much. Most people just called me Mando."
"Well, I like Din more." Your hand was still on his arm but he didn't seem to mind. The truth was since you had put it there he felt more at ease.
"Have you always been a healer?" he asked.
You laughed. "No. I'm not sure if I can be considered a healer. I just had to deal with closing and cleaning a lot of wounds in my time. Practice makes perfect."
"Well...you healed me," he said.
"Oh...that...your armor did most of the work in protecting you. I was honestly more worried about the older wounds you 'patched up' yourself." You smiled up at him, seeing your reflection in his helmet. You sniffled and looked down again. "The clothes look good on you."
"They're...uh...comfortable."
"You can keep them." You started to walk away but Din spoke again and stopped you in your tracks.
"When was the last time you left this place? Your home, I mean?"
“I leave it a few times a week but only to hunt..and save Mandalorians apparently,” you joked. “I never go too far though. No reason to.”
“Would you like to see my gunship...the Razor Crest?” he asked.
"Right now?"
"Yes, if you want."
"I'd love to!" you shouted then covered your mouth. "Sorry."
"Okay. Come on." He walked out and you followed. "Let's go, kid." He bent to pick up the child but you stopped him.
"I'll do it." The child reached up to you and you picked it up. "There we are. Ready?" It cooed at you and you giggled. When you looked at Din, he seemed to be watching your every move. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah." He turned away and walked to the door. "My armor."
"We can wait." You sit with the child as Din goes to the other room to put his armor back on. "You ever get tired of wearing it?" you asked loud enough so he could hear you in the other room.
He didn't answer until he walked out completely outfitted. "No."
"Of course." You rolled your eyes and looked at the baby. "Is he always like this." The child giggled.
"Let's go." 
---
Din had been quiet almost the entire time you walked. You asked questions and he gave you his monotone responses. When the gunship came into view you nearly squealed.
"Here!" You handed him the child and sprinted ahead.
"It's not much but-"
"It's amazing!" You ran onto the ship excitedly.
"Don't touch anything," he murmured then looked down at the bundle in his arms. "I'm tired of saying that," he sighed. By the time he got on, you were already sitting in the pilot's seat reaching out to touch one of the switches. "Don't."
You pulled your hand back quickly and stood. "What does it do?"
"I'm not telling you." He crossed his arms and you pouted.
"Fine." You looked around then saw the ladder leading down. "What's down here?" It had been awhile since you had been on a gunship. You felt like a kid in a candy store. Din followed you down the ladder, making sure you didn't touch anything you weren't supposed to. "Ooo...what's this?" You pressed a button and a stash of weapons was revealed to you.
"Okay, that's enough." Din closed the cache and you walked a little more, finding a small unmade bed.
"Doesn't look very comfortable," you told him.
"I don't sleep much."
"Oh." You turned and he happened to be standing right behind you. You placed your hands on his armored chest to steady yourself. "S-sorry Din."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah." Your hands dropped to your side and you backed away from him slightly.
"Let's go back up." 
"Will you let me flip one switch? Press one button?" you begged.
Din sighed and climbed the ladder. You followed and walked back over to the pilot's seat, defeated. Din watched you for a time and shook his head before giving in. "One switch," he said. "I'll show you how to turn the engines on." He turned to the child. "Don't you get any ideas."
"So which one is it? This one?" You pointed to a random switch and Din grunted. "What?"
"You're right." He was happy you couldn't see the look of shock and awe on his face. He was thoroughly impressed. "Go ahead."
"Okay." You took a deep breath and switched it on, your eyes widening at the sound of the engine coming on.
"Go on and do the other." He nodded and you happily switched it on. You clasped your hands together and got up to look out the windows at what you had done.
Din couldn't remember the last time anyone had been this excited about anything. He leaned on the wall and watched you beaming with joy. A smile creeped onto his face and no matter how hard he tried to stop it, it only grew. He eventually walked over and switched the engines off but you were still smiling brighter than ever.
"Happy?" he asked.
"Yes. Thank you, Din." You kissed his helmet where you thought his cheek would be. That probably wasn't the best idea but it didn't matter at that moment. "Maybe next time you can show me how to fly it." You skipped off the ship and waited for Din to follow. It took him a moment to get himself together. He stood there touching his helmet where you had kissed it. The baby babbled and he looked over at it.
"Don't give me that look." He let out a small laugh before picking the child up and walking off the ship.
"Everything okay?" you asked.
"Everything's fine," he said and for once it felt like he meant it. At least right now...everything was fine.
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theshy1sout · 3 years
Text
Inseparable - Chapter 8
Tags: Broppy, Slow Burn Fluff, Not Rated, Trolls Mythology AU
Ao3 here
Note: Sorry it took so song, i haven’t edited it yet, and im not gonna tag it now, i will edit and tag it later, cause im so tired now. Enjoy xd
___________________________________________________
Branch is scared. Oh, he is so scared. 
Last month was such an emotional rollercoaster for the god of the Night. He had cured himself of feeling anything he doesn't know how long ago. He was just empty and blank for the world out of his duty. When "Poppy" just happened without any warning, he tried getting to it, treating it like another tree that grew in the forest. Cause it was just another Immortal who ignored him. No big deal. Half a year lasted quickly as usual.
But then the pink woman started to interact with him. It woke up many forgotten thoughts in his nighty mind. Mostly emotions like anger or frustration. But when she apologized to him... Like to normal, equal Immortal... Like it was her who was a bad guy in this world... His inside just exploded with feelings and thoughts. 
Firstly he tried to dull them, but he didn't feel that he wanted to do it so desperately like he used to. For the first time in his life, he doesn't feel like hiding himself is what he needs. Well, it is even the opposite: he discovers curiously new thoughts and feelings inside him and it is more and more fascinating for some reason...
Especially this weird brand-new thing he feels when Poppy smiles gently or says something really nice about him... or when she touches him...
So Branch is scared. The Palace of Harmony is overwhelmingly big and a huge azure entrance suggests that behind it are so many Immortals, so many halls and chambers, there is so loud of laughs and talk, food and drinks everywhere, and there is nothing like Silence he likes... There are so many reasons to be scared for him. But he doesn't feel bad about his scare. It's weird. But he really wants to walk there for Poppy. To show her and himself, that he really deserves a friend like she is. He knew that he would be stressed, he expected that, he has reasons to be stressed, he was ready for that, he doesn't let the fear stop him this time.
So yes, Branch is scared, but he feels also a bit of excitement.
- So... - The goddess of the Day smiles nervously. - How do you feel?
Branch takes a deep breath.
- Still weird with the fact that we left the Staff of the Light in the checkroom.
- Well - Poppy chuckles. - It is gods' checkroom after all. In the Palace of Harmony.
- Yeah, but... It was said to be the most important artifact in the world.
- I know, dad told me a lot about how careful I have to be with the Staff - She rolls her eyes. - Way too much I think.
- So - Branch whispers after a long while of Silence. - We go in?
This time Poppy takes a deep breath.
- I'm so stressed! - She whispers loudly. - I know it's nothing to be scared about, but what if I say something stupid on the Sharing! I've never taken part in the Sharing!
- Well, it is so stressful...
- I've planned what to say for so long... I wrote it on paper, but I still feel it's not perfect
- Can I see it?
- I threw it away.
- Oh.
- The others are way more experienced than me. What if I... I don't know, say something so obvious for them? What if they wouldn't be that impressed by things I'm gonna share? What if I bore them or even annoy them? What if I say something stupid in front of all of the Immortals, including my dad?!
- Don't worry, I'll be there with you - Branch puts his hoodie off and smirks at her. - To laugh the loudest.
Poppy collapses a giggle.
- It's you who is supposed to be the stressed one - She chuckles.
- Oh I am so terrified - His voice almost trembled. - I do it only for a friend.
She frowns, smiling at him.
- Your friend must be so lucky for having you.
Branch has not a clue how she knows the exact words to leave him speechless, mindless, melted like a snowman in spring, and with heart rushing like a falcon hunting its victim. 
He forces himself to stop staring at her pink eyes and look away. He pins his eyes on the blue door handle and the single thought can stay in his mind, it just drops from his lips without his awareness, as a quiet mild whisper:
- I hope she is...
He grabs the handle as quickly as he can, just to pretend that he didn't say anything, and he gives her an asking sight.
- Are we going in?
Poppy looks down smiling slightly. She takes a single strand of her dark pink hair behind her ear.
- Yeah - She grabs the other handle and finally looks at him. - Let's do it in three.
He nods.
- One - He starts counting.
- Two...
- Three! - They say together and press the handles.
The loud chatter just hits them in their face. The huge chamber is full of a talking and laughing crowd of colorful Immortals. There are so many, so many of them. Branch's ears get down. He suddenly realizes that he forgets about the fact that he got his hoodie off. It's so embarrassing. He immediately puts it back on his head.
- I don't know, you look pretty creepy in it - He hears Poppy's voice next to him. - Earlier was better. Much more friendly.
He glances at her and her encouraging smile. His hand clenched on the edges of his hoodie are shivering. His breath is snatchy. Maybe he isn't ready as he thought...
- We can leave.
He even forgets that he is still staring at Poppy. Her voice is so calm.
- They haven't noticed us yet. We can leave if you want.
Branch hesitates. The crowd is really big.
- What about the Sharing?
She shrugs her shoulders.
- I have the opportunity every year.
- How do you do it so easily? - He breathes it out.
- Reading your mind?
- Giving up on your dreams for me.
- Well, maybe one day you will do the same for me?
Branch closes his eyes. He takes a few deep breaths. Really deep. He stands straight. And puts his hoodie off.
- This day is today, my lady!
Poppy squeals so loudly with joy. She jumps a few times like a happy little kid and then punches Branch in the arm like Barb usually does, making him say 'ouch' and rub his arm.
- That's my man! - She cheers, pointing at him with two finger-guns.
He can't do much but chuckle. Now the goddess is really in her element. She forgets about all the stress and worries, she looks so happy to be here and see her friends. She's...
- Branch! What a surprise! - The familiar voice calls him from the crowd, interrupting his thoughts.
Oh. Of course. Poppy's squeal caught the interest. He should've expected that. He feels his head naked and his face too visible. But no no no no no, he can do this!
OH thank goodness, it is Milton.
- Hi - The god of the Night tries to sound confident, but of course, he's not. - Nice to meet you
- It is nice to meet YOU here! - The god of the critters chuckles. - I didn't expect you here!
- Well, I'm as surprised as you...
- Oh, I'm sorry, where are my manners! - He says, noticing Poppy. - It's also nice to meet you, Poppy!
- Not as much as you, Milton - She smiles sweetly.
- As charming as always - Violet-skinned god smiles at her back and for some reason Branch feels he doesn't like it. But why?
- So what happened that you're here? - Milton turns back to the god. - And you put your hoodie off!
- I know. It's so crazy, isn't it?
- Well, now you look much more like you 
- I know, right? - Poppy beams. - I told him the same!
- So you made him do those things? - Milton chuckles.
- It was my decision - Branch points out.
- Yes, it was his decision. And I wouldn't be more proud of my friend - She smiles at the blue-skinned god, making his lips form into a smile too.
- Milton is right. You are so charming - He says, looking away.
The violet god and the pink goddess laugh. And it is so good. With every single minute Branch feels more and more confident.
- Maybe we should find some food? - He suggests. - I'm starving after all of this stress.
- Oh yeah, me either - Poppy agrees. 
- I guide you to the buffet - Milton points at the crowd. - Follow me!
So walking through the Immortals with his hoodie off is... Weird. Branch feels so many eyes on him, but he also hears so many greets. He didn't expect even one nice greet, so all of those "Oh, is that Branch? He looks so good!'', "Branch? It's good to see you here!", "Look! Branch's here!", "Nice to meet ya, Branch!" - cheer his spirit up a lot. Everybody smiles at him, one guy even gives him a high five (his name is Cooper if Branch remembers it correctly). When they finally arrive at the table with the food, his heart has not a bit of fear. He is trembling slightly from excitement.
Immortals don't need to eat or even drink. They do it just for the taste of food, so it is kind of entertainment for them. Branch doesn't remember when was the last time he tastes something. But Poppy is so excited to try every single dish and drink. And of course, she has to share everything with friends around, and Branch isn't an exception. Chocolate, fruits, fruits in chocolate, cakes, cookies... He feels full so quickly, but the food just tastes irresistibly good. And besides that, nothing could stop Poppy from sharing everything with him.
While more and more her friends are coming to meet the goddess of the Day, Branch also starts to be surrounded by Immortals. They all are just fascinated to meet him face to face. His real blue face. They treat him like a lost brother who's found after years, who was missed and longed-for, and it is so touching. He never dreamed about them being so nice to him, but the last thing he expected was that he could find a lot in common with some of them. He has no idea how long he spent debating with Delta Dawn, the goddess of Justice, and Quincy, the god of Wisdom, about trolls' near and far future.
And then, out of sudden, the sound of the bells' ringing carries through the chamber. Everybody cheers and starts to leave. Except for Branch.
- So... I guess it's the Sharing time - He hears Poppy's voice next to him.
- Yep. They are going to the Sharing room?
- Yes.
- Are we going with them?
The pink woman bites her lips and starts nodding.
- Scared and excited? - The god guesses.
- Yes.
- Me either - He says and shows her a fist to bump.
- A fist bump? - She chuckles.
- Barb taught me. She gave me a professional handshaking course. I have the license now.
Poppy laughs heartily. After hours of talking with the others Branch really missed that sound. She bumps his fist and adds a little 'explosion'.
- I have to say, I'm pretty impressed - She smiles at him. - I didn't expect you would adapt so quickly.
- Neither did I - He smirks. - But I am so glad that you forced me to come here.
- I forced you? You made this decision yourself! I even told you many times that you didn't have to come!
- I know, I know - Branch chuckles. - But it is your fault after all.
And out of sudden, totally automatically, without thinking, without planning it, without any reason to do that, he just raises his hand and grabs the strand of her hair that just fell on her face and put it behind her ear. As if he does it every day, but he doesn't. He did it so mindlessly. He realizes what he's doing only then does his fingers touch the warm, pink skin of her ear. He gets his hand back like burnt. 
- I'm sorry!
- No no no! It was quite... nice of you thank you... - Poppy says without commas. She bites her lips, looking away. 
- We-we should go - Branch announces awkwardly.
- Yes! - Poppy turns to the entrance with the same awkward grimace on her face.
The Sharing room is a place that needs a bit more attention. There are around a hundred of Immortals and the room is big enough to seat exactly that amount of gods. Comfy colorful benches are mounted in circles. The ceiling is really high and in the dome shape to make the room acoustic. In the very center is a little round stage with stairs, so the person standing on it who shares things with their audience is visible and hearable for everyone. 
Seats are not permanent, so Poppy and Branch just sit where is the nearest. They didn't intend to sit together, they just sat down. When everybody has a seat, King Peppy announces the Sharing and the room fills cheers. The order is spontaneous. Immortals just stand up and walk on the stage in the center. If two or more stand up at the same time, they give way to each other politely. Everything goes with harmony and respect. When someone tells about their achievements from the previous year of their work, everybody is listening up to them quietly, and when the person on the stage finishes the story, some Immortals ask a few questions with a curious and genuine interest. Every god and goddess stepping down the stage gets a huge, loud applause. 
Poppy is shifting on her seat the whole time. After a long while she whispers to Branch:
- After this one. I'll stand up after this one.
- Are you sure you're ready?
- Yes!
- I mean, emotionally.
The pink goddess bites her lips. 
- No.
Branch thinks for a moment.
- So here's the plan: if you forget what you wanted to say, I'll start choking so loud so Moonbloom, the goddess of Health, will jump to help me and...
- No, Branch, no! - Poppy whispers, trying not to laugh. - I can do this.
- I do not doubt it - He smiles at her and their sights meet. They both jump when gods start suddenly cheering and applause.
- Okay - Poppy takes a deep breath. - Let's go.
She stands up and gets everybody's attention. They all start clapping again and King Peppy even yells "That's my daughter!" which is a bit embarrassing for her. When the goddess of the Day steps on the stage, the view of a hundred Immortals makes her lose her grip. So many eyes directed into her. She feels breathless for a minute. But then she notices someone waving to her shyly. It is Branch. When he gets her attention, he lifts the corners of his mouths with his fingers, forming a smile, way too wide for his face. Poppy grins, amused. She takes a look around the audience and sighs deeply.
- So my name is Poppy, as you all know, and I am the goddess of the Day.
She takes another deep breath and stands upright.
- This year was really short for me, but also full of hard work and successes I'm super proud of! But the one I want to tell you the most, the one I put all of my heart into and cost me a lot of time and effort, but... It was totally worth it. 
She thinks a few seconds before her next words.
- You know, I firstly wanted to tell you, guys, a long story about singing birds and colorful dawns and twilights. But just now I realize what is really the thing I want to share with you.
She put another little pause here.
- It's my teamwork. I mean... - Poppy looks straightly into Branch, but even if someone can't see what she is looking at, they all just know. - Our teamwork.
The god of the Night just blinks with surprise, staring at Poppy with his eyes wide open.
- We made the Midday - Poppy continues, looking around. - The time during the Day when trolls and other creatures can take a break from hard-working. 
She tells everything from the very first concept of the idea to the successful final. She doesn't forget to mention what an important part of this project had Branch and his idea of shadows. When she finishes, the audience just explodes with loud applause. Everybody calls Midday genius and amazing. Poppy jumps excitedly from the stage and runs back to her seat.
- Are you hearing this applause, Branch? - She yells to be heard through the noise. That was so stupid question and she knows it, she just was so excited. But then she realizes...
The god of the Night isn't here. 
- Did you see where he went? - Poppy asks Holly, who sits right next to her seat.
- You won't believe me if I tell you - The orange goddess chuckles, and then to Poppy's huge shock, she points at the stage.
- So... All I want to say is - When Branch starts speaking, the Silence falls in the room. - I wasn't here for such a long time. I used to hate Sharing so badly, you all know about it. But I feel that for the first time in my life I have something to share. 
He speaks confidently and loud, but without looking at anybody. His body is all hidden under his grey capote, only his head is visible.
- I made it with Milton's and Suki's little help. - He announces, and then he gets his voice quieter and more gentle, as if he speaks to himself, looking down at the stage's floor. - To fill the Night with the sweet sound of humming.
He stands a minute in Silence, but nobody interrupts it or even moves. Everybody waits patiently and almost breathless. And then he opens his capote, like big dark wings and the soft sounds of hundred little voices humming a sweet melody carry through the room. Tiny colorful birds fly from the stage and surround the audience to its amazement.
- Hummingbirds! - Poppy squeals way too loud. - It's hummingbirds!
- Yes, it is - Branch nods, aware that the pink goddess can't hear him. He smiles at her pure happiness, at her eyes pin in the birds flying around.
If a year ago someone told him that he would take part in the Sharing, the god of the Night would laugh or at least swear that if it'd so, he would be forced to do it. But now, he is standing on the stage willingly. And he doesn't regret being here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index
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lyssismagical · 4 years
Text
diamonds are forever, but i’ve got something better
Parkner Febufluff Day 27 & 28 - Teasing & First Date
Read on AO3
*
Peter was a little bit too excited.
Ever since he found out about Tony meeting a genius kid in Tennessee years prior, Peter tracked him down and started talking to him over texts and social media. They got really close despite having never met, similar in age and in IQ, in life stories and in knowing Tony, it was easy to make conversation.
And now, Harley’s official flying up to New York to take Peter on a date, to meet for the first time since they started talking nearly a year and a half earlier, since Peter was fifteen.
Tony knows about it, knows way too much from Peter’s rambling conversations and occasionally screenshotting texts from Harley and sending them to Tony. They were always really cute, playfully flirting on each other’s social media, and it took over the media quicker than anybody could anticipate.
Peter was well known as The Intern, the quirky kid who somehow worked as Tony Stark’s personal intern at fifteen years old, now seventeen, easily winning the public’s affection with his silly tweets and his endearing personality, not to mention the pictures he took of Tony being a good person, just to prove it.
But when Harley started showing up in all Peter’s tweets and Instagram comments and even on his Snapchat story, the public started showing Harley some unwelcome attention until Tony made the public statement that he did know Harley.
And now, the media is obsessed with Harley and Peter.
“You’re not, you know, worried about your relationship being exploited like this?” Tony had asked when both Peter and Harley’s follower count had skyrocketed.
Peter had grinned, already working on a Tweet directed at Harley, “Course not. They only get to see the things we want them to see. Plus, it’s fun.”
And now, Harley and Peter are finally meeting after eighteen months of only talking online.
“Could you relax?” Tony says, lifting his eyebrows as Peter’s leg bounces under the lab bench and his fingers tap incessantly on the table. “You’re making me nervous.”
Peter looks up from his homework, corners of his eyes crinkling as he lights up in a smile. “I’m just so excited! We’re actually finally meeting! The closest thing we’ve done so far is photoshop us into pictures together.”
Tony rolls his eyes fondly, shaking his head. “He hasn’t even boarded the plane yet, kid, just relax. He’ll be here late.”
“I know, I’m just too excited! I barely slept last night-” Peter’s voice is cut off by his ringing phone. “It’s Harley! I gotta take this!”
Tony rolls his eyes again, turning back to his own work.
“Hey, I’m at the airport,” Harley says with barely contained elation. “I’ve still got a bit before boarding, but I wanted to call you before I left.”
“I’m so excited!” Peter says for probably the thousandth time, voice lifting high and happy.
Peter can practically hear Harley’s smile. “Me too. I should’ve found an excuse to fly up sooner, but between college applications and extra credits and the job I’m working… Yeah, it’s just been kinda crazy.”
Harley works with his mom at the diner now that his little sister is old enough to stay home alone. It helps to bring in the extra cash, especially with Harley in his last year of high school.
“Yeah, of course, and I’m sorry I couldn’t fly down and see you, just between Spider-Man and school…” Peter doesn’t say that he’s scared of planes, but Harley already knows that.
“No worries, we have the next two weeks to spend together and make up for lost time, darling. And if I get into MIT, I’ll be just a few hours’ drive away,” Harley says, smile in his voice. “I’ll be able to see you every weekend.”
Peter grins, fingers tapping on the tabletop. “That sounds wonderful and I’m going to apply to MIT too. Maybe I can see if Tony’ll pull some strings and get us a dorm together.”
Tony turns around from his project, eyes lighting up. “You’re applying to MIT?”
Pulling the phone away from his ear, Peter nods. “It’s my dream school and Harley’s going in the fall.”
“Hell yeah, I’ll pull some strings. I’ll pull all the strings, kiddo.”
Peter rolls his eyes, but he’s grinning so wide his cheeks hurt. He brings the phone back up to his ear, listening to Harley’s quiet laugh.
“That’s a yes, then?”
Peter laughs. “Yeah, that’s a yes from Tony, I think instead of the shovel talk, he’s going to end up offering to pay your tuition or something, maybe write you a letter of recommendation.”
Tony flips him off over his shoulder but doesn’t bother denying it.
“Oh shoot, boarding’s started,” Harley mumbles, some strange mix of disappointed and excited. Disappointed because he doesn’t want to stop talking to Peter, but excited because he’ll be seeing Peter soon.
“Okay, well I’ll see you in four hours then?”
Harley makes a noise, something like a squeal of excitement, muffled by a cough like he doesn’t want to admit how excited he is. “Four hours, Parker. I’ll get a taxi at the airport and meet you at the tower, yeah?”
“Sounds good,” Peter says. “Be safe.”
Harley’s voice softens, “Of course. Bye, darling.”
“Bye, Harley.”
As soon as Peter sets down his phone, Tony turns around again, not even bothering to hide his obvious eavesdropping. “You wanna work on stuff or are you going to panic clean the whole tower?”
Peter laughs, standing up and stretching his shoulders. “I’m going to go patrolling because I don’t think I’ll be out much for the next two weeks.”
Tony smiles but he looks serious when he ruffles Peter’s hair. “I know Harley’s a good kid, but I still want you to be careful, alright? You’re my kid and I’ll give him hell if he hurts you.”
“He won’t, Mister Stark,” Peter says. “Plus, nothing could be worse than nearly getting killed by my homecoming date’s dad. I think that will forever stay on top of the worst dates list.”
Tony pulls Peter in for a quick hug before letting him go, calling out to be safe on patrol.
* Harley arrives to the tower, suitcase and duffel dragging behind him, just past four hours later, a little bit of traffic slowing him down from making it on time.
He makes it into the lobby, taking in the huge space and all of the eyes turning towards him when he hears the familiar voice.
“Harley!”
He turns, dropping his suitcase and duffel when he sees the mess of curly brown hair racing towards him. He catches Peter who throws himself into Harley’s awaiting arms, nearly knocking Harley over.
Peter, in his arms, for real, for the first time since they became friends eighteen months prior, feels right, like this is exactly where they’re supposed to be. Peter’s warm and smaller than Harley, smelling like expensive soap and motor oil, and so fucking beautiful in person.
He’s seen hundreds of pictures of Peter, facetimed him more times than he can count, but this is different. Peter’s real and touchable and in his arms.
He wants to say something smart, something meaningful because this moment is meaningful, but his brain blanks, caught up in only Peter.
“Darling,” is all Harley manages, kind of high and strained like he’s trying not to cry, maybe he is trying not to cry, and when Peter laughs wetly from where he’s hidden his face against Harley’s chest, Harley figures he’s not the only one.
“I can’t believe this,” Peter says, pulling away just enough to look at Harley properly. His fingers brush along Harley’s cheekbones, cradling his face like he’s made of glass. “You’re so- God.”
“I’m god, am I?” Harley teases, smile threatening to break his face in two. He doesn’t think he’s ever felt this much pure joy.
Peter laughs, the same carefree laugh Harley’s been hearing through the phone for so long, and presses a kiss to Harley’s cheek, intertwining their fingers.
“I just never knew you had freckles,” Peter says, voice soft and careful and when Harley meets his gaze, Peter’s bambi-brown eyes are teary and his lip wobbles dangerously close to crying.
Later, photos will spread across the internet of the two of them standing in the lobby of the tower, hanging onto each other and crying and murmuring the softest of words, looking at each other with only one thing in their eyes, pure love.
For now, it’s just the two of them.
* Eventually, Peter shows Harley to his room, a few doors down from Peter’s, and around the rest of the penthouse, even down to the lab while Tony’s away at a meeting for Pepper.
Harley lights up when they reach the huge kitchen, way bigger than necessary, and spotless considering Tony can’t cook and Peter’s been banned from the kitchen since he started a fire a few months back.
“I just had takeout planned, but if you wanna cook, be my guest,” Peter says, hopping up to sit on the counters, feet dangling. “I think Tony keeps it pretty stocked.”
Since he works at a diner with his mom, he’s picked up cooking and he found out he really enjoys it. So he hops on the opportunity to cook in Tony Stark’s kitchen, and starts rifling through the pantry and fridge.
Peter keeps up the conversation, despite it being mostly one-sided as Harley cooks, but he doesn’t seem to mind, enjoying watching Harley cook. It’s so much better than watching the snapchats of Harley’s cooking.
When Harley presents homemade pasta, nearly an hour and a half later, Peter swears he could marry the boy right then and there.
“I swear you’re good at everything you do,” Peter says, not even hesitating to curl up against Harley’s side on the couch, tucking his feet up under him. “You could decide to become, I don’t know, a dancer, and it would work out for you.”
“Says the literal superhero,” Harley replies, balancing his plate on his lap to wrap an arm around Peter.
Peter rolls his eyes, tucking in closer. “You wanna watch Star Wars?”
It’s a strange first date, that’s for sure. Cooking together and then watching Star Wars, it’s not the expensive, overly romantic first date that a lot of people chase, but it’s homey and it’s nice. It’s them.
When Tony gets back, prepared to give Harley the talk about not hurting Peter, or maybe to offer to pay for his tuition, he isn’t really sure what his plan was, he finds Harley careful dragging a blanket from the back of the couch over Peter who’s fallen asleep, head tucked against Harley’s chest.
“Hey, kid,” Tony says, helping Harley spread the blanket to make sure Peter’s feet are covered.
“Hi. Long time no see,” Harley whispers, careful not to wake Peter. His hand comes up to brace the back of Peter’s head, making sure he doesn’t slip as he shifts.
Tony offers a smile, taking the plates from the coffee table to clean up. “I wasn’t lying when I said I’d pay for your tuition or if you want a dorm room with Peter when he gets in or if you want a letter of recommendation. As long as you’re good to my kid, I’m happy to help in any way I can.”
“Thanks, Tony,” Harley murmurs. He presses a kiss to the crown of Peter’s head. “And you don’t have to worry about him, it would be stupid of me to ever let this go. Thanks again for the flight.”
“No problem, as I said, I’m here for whatever you boys need, just… Don’t hurt him, alright? The world’s let him down too many times and I don’t need you to add to the collection. He- He’s too good of a kid… But don’t worry about me. If there’s anybody you need to worry about giving you the shovel talk, you should worry about May.”
Harley’s eyes widen a little bit, but he doesn’t seem too shaken. “I’m not going to hurt him.”
“Good. Now, get some sleep. If you spent last night like Peter did, bouncing off the walls with excitement, I’m sure you’re tired.”
Tony smiles at them one last time before he heads off, leaving Harley to press another kiss to Peter’s head, letting his eyelids droop shut, filled to the very brim with love and acceptance.
{I know I’m a month late, but I’ve officially finished Febufluff!!}
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telli1206 · 4 years
Text
You’re So Fine, You Blow My Mind (Part 3)
Tourney player Jay is smitten with the new cheerleader, and Evie and Mal help get them together.
Click here for Part 1: Jay
Click here for Part 2: Mal
Part 3: Evie
Evie often wonders whether Jay will ever fall in love. Or at the very least, embrace the idea that love is a possiblilty for him. 
She’s bored and frustrated with the way he flits from girl to girl, flirting and kissing, leaving each one high and dry after, before emotions can be added to the mix. And it hurts her to see that there’s never any joy behind his eyes after every conquest.
What a waste of time.
But she can’t help feeling that maybe Jay acts like this to protect himself. To protect his heart from being hurt by anyone...else.
Jay knows what it’s like to desperately want love that he can never have, no matter how hard he tries. Evie and Mal know, too. It’s always come easily to them to just pretend that they don’t care about anyone, that they don’t really need to love, or be loved, to be happy.
But now, Evie has Mal. And she knows the truth about love, instead of the lies  that she’s tried to convince herself. 
Love is beautiful. And amazing. And unbelievable. And everyone should get the chance to be in love. 
Especially her friends.
That’s why, since coming to Auradon, she’s made it her mission to help, or rather, coax, matches for her friends and classmates. Only when she sees the potential there, of course. She doesn’t force anything! Or even find dates for other people. 
She’s just a...Love Supporter. Not a Matchmaker.
Which is why the way Jay looked at Carlos at lunch got her so excited. She has renewed hope for Jay, and she hasn’t felt that in a while. Hope for a chance at LOVE for him.
The possibility made her want to squeal on the spot in the courtyard, but Mal, firmly hooking a foot around her knee under the table, reminded her not to ruin the moment and scare Jay (or Carlos!) away. 
So Evie kept quiet and just watched. For now. 
The second Carlos had called it a “date,” Jay had been absolutely giddy. He parted ways to his next class with a stupid, wide grin plastered on his face and a little skip in his step. Mal had to squeeze Evie’s hand tightly and bury into her shoulder to fight back the snickers.
Evie rolled her eyes, sighing loudly at Mal. Here she was, about to burst with excitement for Jay, and her girlfriend is just being uncouth.
“Stop,” she hissed, tucking her nose into the purple hair nestled next to her cheek. “It’s not funny. It’s sweet. He’s happy, Mals!”
Mal took a shaky breath to settle her laughter, resting her chin on Evie’s shoulder to angle her face awkwardly towards her girlfriend.
“I know, I know. I am happy for him. But -” she starts to giggle again but is hushed by a sharp glare. “Ok! Just, give me some time to get used to it. Lovesick Jay is new, and...funny.” 
She bursts into another fit of laughter, leaving Evie shaking her head. She puts a hand to Mal’s cheek and turns her face back in to muffle her again. 
Evil, sometimes she wonders how she could love a girl that’s so clueless to the beauty of love.
-----
Evie decides to make a stop at Carlos’ room before meeting Jay to help him get ready for the date. Mal had been pretty adamant to leave them be, but Evie is Carlos’ friend too, so what’s the harm in dropping in to say hi?
And maybe, just maybe, the conversation could steer towards tonight. And, also maybe, she’d get to know how Carlos was feeling about, the date. And also, about Jay.
That’s not being nosy, she argued with Mal. That’s just being...friendly. And conversational.
She’s just a good friend, and she’ll make no excuses for that.
“Carlos!” She coos brightly as he opens the door. 
The thought of Jay going on a real date has made her a literal ball of sunshine for the last 24 hours, much to Mal’s dismay. Any attempt mask her cheerfulness in any way has failed completely.
“You look...” her joy does manage to fade a little when she drops her gaze, seeing that Carlos is wearing nothing but a tight pair of black, bike shorts?  “...different.”
Carlos giggles at her obvious scrutiny. “Hey Evie. Don’t worry, I’m just trying on a new pair of shorts for practice. I just needed to make sure they won’t ride up on me.” She notices then that he’s a little breathless, with tiny beads of sweat dotting his forehead. 
“Come on in,” he tells her, waving her inside as he walks back towards the bathroom, snatching a towel to dab at his face.
“Sorry. I just thought you’d be...getting ready? For your date.” She tilts her head, watching in confusion as he quickly taps off the music speaker on his desk.
He glances back at her, brows perked in surprise. “Really? I have two hours still, Evie. It’s not like I’m getting dressed up or anything. Jay and I are just, hanging out, right?” 
Evie hesitates, pursing her lips together in thought. This was a big deal for sure, especially in Jay’s eyes, but she didn’t want to risk sharing too much and potentially freaking Carlos out.
“Right,” she answers, slowly. “But, I just thought maybe you’d want a little help picking out an outfit? I’m sure you want to look, hot, right? For Jay?”
She holds in her breath as she watches him stare at her, blankly, but a relieved exhale quickly whooshes out when he smiles and nods enthusiastically.
“Yeah, for sure. I can’t have him looking better than me, can I? And he could make a paper bag look sexy,” he comments with a waggle of his eyebrows. “You’re one of Jay’s best friends, right? You’d probably know best what he likes. Maybe we could pull something together that’d make him drool a little.” 
Evie giggles, gesturing towards his current outfit. “In that case, no need to change. He might not get the chance to drool if he sees you in that, though. He’d probably just pass out.”
Carlos laughs and shakes his head. “Where’s the fun in that? I’ll miss out on my cupcake if we don’t even make it out the door!”
Evie smiles as she walks towards his closet, pausing as she reaches for the handle.
“Well we wouldn’t want that. Let’s try for, subtle sexy, shall we? And maybe we’ll look for something in a dark color...so it won’t show chocolate stains.” she adds with a wink.
Carlos gives Evie a bright smile before he makes his way to the bathroom door, grabbing his towel.
“Perfect. Thanks Evie! Can you maybe pull out a few things you like while I hop in the shower? I’ll help decide when I’m out.” 
Evie hums gently in agreement as she opens his closet and starts sifting through shirts and jackets. By the time Carlos is out and dried off, she has no less than four outfit choices laid out for him, shoes and all. 
-----
Between the two of them, it takes only a few minutes to pick Carlos’ clothes for the night - dark skinny jeans with a fitted black shirt, topped with a white and red patchwork leather jacket that Evie assures him is just badass enough to impress Jay.
Satisfied with Carlos’ look, and his obvious eagerness for time with Jay, she offers her freckled friend a tight hug and wishes for a fun night, then continues on to Jay’s room to help him get ready, as promised.
When she gets to his room, Mal’s already there, laying on her back on Jay’s bed, trying to talk rationally with him as he brushes his hair in the mirror and huffs in frustration.
“Why can’t I make it look decent? I swear, can anything else go wrong today?” He slams his hand against the wall and pushes himself back, turning and stomping towards the bed, near Mal. 
She sighs loudly, an arm draped across her forehead. She turns her head his way when she hears him stop in front of her.
“What is it now? I already told you your hair looks good! And your clothes. Dammit, you look hot, Jay! Why are you pouting like a five year old?” Mal gripes, and points a finger sharply at Evie.
“Can you talk to him please? I can’t handle this. He keeps whining about how awful he looks.”
Evie giggles as she steps nearer to Jay, narrowing her eyes to examine him closely.
“Your hair looks good down, but let’s give it another good brush to make sure Carlos can run his fingers through it if he wants to, hmm?” She raises an eyebrow at Jay, who flushes a bright pink immediately at Evie’s suggestion. But the thought sends him running back to his brush, quickly pulling it through his locks, yanking at every knot he feels.
Evie smiles as she watches him, casting a boastful smirk to Mal, who is already noddng her approval to Evie.
A few of Jay’s shirts and vests lay strewn about his bed next to Mal, and Evie leans over to trace her fingers over them, pulling up a black sleeveless knit shirt.
“And why did we decide on sleeves? It’s warm out tonight, and you know your arms are one of your best features.” A wicked smile suddenly dances across her lips, and she throws Mal a wink.
“I mean, Carlos said you’d make a paper bag look sexy, but we can do better than that, don’t you think?”
Jay’s eyes blow wide with shock, and his jaw drops at Evie’s words. In a flash, he whips the shirt Evie’s holding out of her hands and marches determinedly to the bathroom to change, slamming the door shut behind him.
Mal’s smirking now, eyeing her girlfriend with newfound awe and respect.
“Damn, Princess. You sure know how to take charge of a situation.”
Evie crosses her arms, looking at the bathroom door with a pleased smile.
“That’s what the power of love can do, dear.” She quips, dipping down for a kiss as Mal tries to groan in annoyance.
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kessielrg · 3 years
Text
[Kingdom Hearts] When you give a bunny kid a cake…
Summary: After living for so long with a pack of toddlers, you grow used to their sweet doe eyes when they're about to get in trouble. Ventus has not grown such an immunity toward Oswald's sextuplet bunny kids and as such they recruit him into sneaking the ultimate treat; Ortensia's triple chocolate silk cake. [lowkey requested by @chibi-mushroom and the idea was just too adorable not to ignore]
Rating: K
Word Count: 2,714 words
If you like this story, please reblog!
---
When Ortensia invited them over for a small fall party, Ventus didn't quite think he'd spend most of the time trapped in his girlfriend's bedroom. Not that they were doing anything exciting to begin with. Playing mancala had been Sabrina's idea, but now she looked like she was ready to go to sleep. She laid against her stomach with her head cradled in her arms, the mancala board at the foot of her bed, and Ven volunteering to sit on the floor. Sabrina's eyes drooped lower whenever Ven took his turn.
“You're allowed to go to sleep.” he told her at some point. “It's just me, Terra, and Aqua.”
“And Vanitas.” she spat back. “There's no way I'm going to sleep with that creeper in arm's distance.”
And so, indirectly, Ventus now had the reason why she had him trapped in her room. She needed someone to keep her awake. Someone that wasn't going to be too loud or annoying just by sharing a room with her. Someone, in other words, that she trusted.
He did not feel lucky knowing he was that someone.
“What did you do last night?” he then asked her. “You look so… dead inside.”
Sabrina opened her mouth to retort -a possible 'that's because I feel dead inside' if he knew her well- but was cut off with six little voices calling, “Sabreenie! Sabreenie!” from the other side of the door. Without skipping a beat, Sabrina shouted back;
“Buzz off!”
“But we need you Sabreenie!” three voices told her.
“And Ven-Ven too!” a single voice reminded them.
“Yes! And Ven-Ven too!” two others chorused in agreement.
Sabrina let out a low groan as she buried her head further into her arms.
Even though he knew she didn't want to hear it, Ven told her, “Can't you humor them for now? They are your siblings.”
“Not by blood.” she grumbled as she started to get off her bed anyway. Ven fought the urge to fondly smile at her while she sat straight up, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes using the palm of her hand. It looked enough like a scene from a movie that Ven wondered if she did it for show.
His opinion on this was squashed easily when she did rise to her feet. If it wasn't obvious Sabrina was exhausted, it became quickly apparent as she made her way to the door. She had a light, unintentional sway to her gait, which almost led to her bumping into the mannequin she used to test outfits before she wore them. It was actually kinda weird that she had it out- she usually hid it in her closet when guests were coming over.
Regardless, she made it to her door with otherwise ease. Sabrina opened the door and was greeted to six bunny children. They had stacked themselves by their shoulders- but even with the added height, the bunny kid on top was just barely tall enough to see above Sabrina's shoulders.
“You have three minutes.” Sabrina said to the bunny kid on top.
“Mama made a cake!” they happily told her.
Sabrina cocked an eyebrow at them. “And…?”
“Mama told Junior, Roy, Ray, Ruth, Herb, and Elias that cake has to wait until dinner.” came the sullen reply. All six of the bunny kids hung their head in misery.
“And I assume you want it now?”
The bunny children eagerly nodded in unison. Their little tower swayed for a moment from the small weight change, but the six were able to readjust quickly.
“Why didn't you guys get Vanitas?” Sabrina then wondered, casting them a suspicious glance.
“Van-Van is napping now.” one of the bunny kids told her. The others gave a solemn nod in agreement.
“But why Ventus too?”
“Sabreenie always hides Ven-Ven.” the bunny kid on top told her.
“We want to play now!” the others happily chorused.
“In other words,” their adoptive older sister mused as she leaned against her door frame, “You need a scapegoat.”
“Why would they need a scapegoat?” Ven curiously wondered, appearing by Sabrina's side. His girlfriend looked back at him with a disinterested raise of her eyebrow.
“When you give a bunny kid a cake,” she informed him, “Nothing after will go down in your favor.”
Now it was Ventus's turn to give her a funny look. He looked back at the bunny kids and saw their pitiful little faces. It was absolutely heartbreaking seeing their long faces; Ven could already hear a few random bars from Sarah McLachlan's Angel playing in the distance. 'In the arms of a bunny child...'
“Aw, come on Sabi,” he tried to gently tease, “Look at them. Look at those sad little faces...”
There wasn't even a moment of hesitation before she spat, “Those are the same faces they make before half the house gets set on fire.”
The bunny children let out a unified sound of surprise, then gave her a rather prude raspberry. Even with her being a good 13 years older than them, Sabrina retaliated with a raspberry of her own.
“You know,” Ven gently said to her, “You're not much different.” To the bunny kids proper, he said, “I'll help you.”
Unified squeal of joy came from the bunny kids as they hopped off each other and into Sabrina's room. Once everyone was in her room, Sabrina grimaced as she shut the door. The bunny kids might have been small, but with all six it still seemed like there wasn't enough room for everyone. Sabrina sat back down on her bed as Ven and the bunny kids started with their game plan.
“Our plan is simple,” he told the kids with a sense of mirth, “Ortensia usually leaves the cake in the fridge before we actually eat it. To avoid a crumb trail -literally- we should take it to the laundry room. All we really need to do is get some plates and forks from the…”
“This isn't going to work.”
Ventus and the bunny children looked over at Sabrina with the same look of bewilderment. It was Ven who soon gave her a rather cheeky grin before asking, “Jealous because our plan doesn't involve you?”
“Hardly.” Sabrina snorted. “While it is rather smart to eat it in the laundry room, Ortensia will hear you all clatter around the kitchen like a batch of chickens with their heads cut off.”
Ven's face immediately fell. “Oh.”
“This is where a divide and conquer plan would come in handy.” Sabrina went on, moving herself so the other seven could get a better look at her. She even pulled out the mancala board to better illustrate her plans. “Half of the six will go distract Terra and Aqua by directing them outside, the other half will keep Ortensia upstairs. Maybe Oswald too, but he's either-or in this kind of situation.”
“But who's getting the cake?” Ven asked, looking up at her with a curious tilt of his head.
“You are.” she claimed. “Alone.”
“Why just me?”
“Because I am making this plan foolproof, and I don't want to get between Ortensia while she's in guest kisser mode.”
Ventus recoiled a little and didn't look at her directly when he mumbled, “I wouldn't say Aqua, Terra, and I are guests...”
“You're not,” Sabrina affirmed with a huff, “But try telling Tense that.”
Ven let out a contemplative hum before looking down at the bunny kids. They looked back up at him with wide, adoring eyes that practically read 'isn't our big sister the best?' When he turned to Sabrina again, Ventus admittedly (and rather embarrassingly) zoned out slightly as she went over the plan to her siblings. There was a sense of concentration etched into her furrowed eyebrows as she went on. If she wasn't so interested in fashion and aesthetics, Sabrina would have made a good strategist.
“Roy, Ray, and Junior, take Ortensia upstairs and be loud about it. Junior might want to cause an 'accident' in the bathroom to be sure. Pops can jump in on that if it's real bad, so he's out of your hair too. Ruth, Elias, and Herb, your job is probably the easiest because Aqua and Terra love the stuffing out of you. Take them outside and show them your jack-o-lanterns. They should still be standing perky after a month. If not, make up a sob story of how much hard work you put into them and now they're rotting. Get some waterworks going and Terra will be eating out of the palm of your hand. All in all, you can only hold Mom's attention for about ten minutes before she figures something is up. Ven should have gotten the cake by then, so let's make that our time limit. Everyone good? Good. Break.”
“Break!” the bunny children immediately repeated with a clap of their hands. The six of them immediately left Sabrina's room to do as they were instructed. Ven remained where he was for a moment. Sabrina looked at him, a soft smirk appeared on her face.
“You didn't hear a word of that, did you?” she asked him.
“Of course I did!” he told her as he stood up. “I just gotta wait for the Six to clear everyone from the kitchen, then I've got less than 10 minutes to take the cake from the fridge and to the laundry room.”
A small snicker came from his girlfriend as she shook her head. “Good guess.” she gently teased. “Now go steal that cake before Ortensia finds out.”
. . .
Sabrina could deny it all she wanted, but the bunny kids got their sense of stealth from her. Or maybe the plan she made really was foolproof. Ventus waited out in the living room while the bunny kids tried to distract their respective roadblocks. Terra and Aqua had been easy targets; at least one of the bunny kids hopping into Terra's arms, and the other two tugging at Aqua's skirt to get her attention. Ortensia was harder to budge. It took two bunny kids to finally make her crack- running down the stairs (how they got up undetected to begin with was beyond Ven) in hysteria.
Just to be sure though, Ventus did wait an extra minute or so before going into the kitchen. He tried to walk as casually as possible, but the sudden anticipation of getting caught made him want to walk on tiptoes. He did find it rather hilarious that Sabrina as indirectly trying to help hide the noise he could have made in the kitchen- not that Cheyenne Kimball's One Original Thing was the best soundtrack to this moment.
Ventus carefully peeled the door to the refrigerator open and nearly let out a sigh of relief to see that cake was placed on one of the higher shelves. It had to be a higher shelf because of the Six, even if they attempted a bunny stack, but it must have been too high for Oswald and Ortensia too. Terra or Aqua must have placed it up there. For Ven, it was an easily reach and careful extraction. He set the cake down on the counter with care.
Ortensia had really outdone herself with the cake's presentation. Looking to be about three tiers, the cake was covered entirely with chocolate frosting with hand piped rosettes around the top edge. In the center was a neatly twirled covering of whipped cream, hand cut chocolate strips decorated the top of it. For a moment, Ven almost felt bad that he was an accessory to a soon to be cake murder by six ravenous 4 year olds.
Almost.
“Cake is for after dinner, Ventus.”
Nearly jumping out of his skin, Ven quickly tried to find the source of the voice before noticing Vanitas coming down the staircase. His twin had an undeniable smirked etched on his face. Seeing it made Ven's blood run cold.
“What are you doing in the kitchen?” he questioned. It sounded so accusatory, as if Ventus himself wasn't trying to do something that would have warranted the wrath of some very angry adults.
“Woke up from my nap and the wabbits weren't there.” came the reply, simple as day. “Came downstairs to harass Terra, I guess, and here I run into you…” Vanitas looked his older twin up and down with a smirk on his face before asking, “What'cha gonna do with that cake, Ven?”
“Eat it.” came the automatic answer. Ventus immediately flinched upon hearing himself. This answer only seemed to amuse Vanitas as he got closer.
“All alone?” he snorted. “I doubt that very seriously.” That was when a certain thought crossed his mind that almost made him laugh hard enough to tears. “This is a cover up operation! Hate to break it to you Ven-Ven, but giving Sabreenie a whole cake isn't gonna help with her seasonal depression.”
Ventus's face immediately scrunched into distaste. “She doesn't have...” he tried to argue, but was soon distracted when one of the bunny kids came down the staircase. The tiny four year old gave the cake a look, drooled a little, and in realizing that Vanitas was there, got right back into action.
“Hey there, squeaky.” Vanitas greeted when the little rabbit jumped high enough to be noticed. “What's eating you?”
But the bunny kid was speaking so quickly, it was hard to follow exactly what they were trying to tell Vanitas. Knowing that the message wasn't easily going through, the bunny kid changed tactics, leading Vanitas into the living room. Ven could only watch in a small awe as Vanitas willingly followed the bunny kid. Apparently Terra wasn't the only pushover when it came to them…
Ven shook his head. The mission was almost a success, and with the unexpected roadblock gone, he had to finish the deed. Carefully picking up the cake again, Ventus made his way around to the laundry room. It was no hassle in setting the cake down on top of the dryer. Letting out a small sound of relief, Ven wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from his brow. He left the laundry room as quietly as he entered it. The mission was accomplished- now all he needed to do was tell the bunny kids and possibly get them a spoon or two.
Going into the living room did lead to a small shock. Somehow, the bunny kid that had gone to distract Vanitas had gotten the teenager to go back to sleep. It took everything it had in Ventus not to let out an unflattering snort. When the bunny kid noticed him, Ven was given a doe eyed look of question. At his nod, the bunny kid let out a happy, “Thank you!” before bounding off to get the others. It was rather adorable, honestly, and Ven felt good about himself as he went into the kitchen to get spoons for the seven of them.
He didn't expect for all six of the bunny children to beat him back into the laundry room by the bunny kids. Someone really needed to come up with a reason why these kids were so fast. It didn't seem right.
“Ven-Ven helped us...” the oldest of the bunny children decided.
“So he gets first slice!” the others finished off with a solemn nod.
Ven chuckled a little. He took his spoon and made a rather generous scoop of cake. Normally, doing such a thing would have physically hurt him. But at the moment, knowing that the cake wasn't going to survive much longer, he chose to ignore it.
“I think this is all I need.” he decided out loud. He gave them all a smile before adding, “Thank you.”
“Is it for Sabreenie?” one of the bunny children curiously wondered. But Ven looked at them for a moment before giving a sly wink. The bunny kids went into a flurry of giggles as Ven started to leave. A smile was also pressed into the corners of Ventus's lips. Sabrina had been a major factor in their cake heist, so of course she deserved a piece of it too. Sure, cake might not help much with seasonal depression, but at least it could show that he still cared about her. And that, for now, was enough.
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starshine583 · 5 years
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First Impressions
(I’ve been seeing a lot of Daminette and someone told me to go for it so here it is! Sorry if the characters are a bit off. I don’t watch DC all that often.)
“I can’t believe we’re going to see the Waynes!” Alya beamed as they walked towards the entrance of the building. 
Marinette nodded along, though she knew Alya was talking to Lila and not her. They didn’t really talk much nowadays. 
“It was so nice of them to fund our projects!” Rose squealed, clinging to Juleka’s arm. 
Chloe scoffed. “Of course it was. Why else would my Daddy throw this banquet for them?” 
The Waynes had been rather generous to Paris, funding a lot of the medical and scientific research. Last week they even gave a small donation to the school’s art projects, which is when Mayor Bourgeois decided to throw a party and have the Waynes as the guests of honor.
“It must be exciting to be reunited with your childhood friend, Lila.” Max spoke up.
The brunette sighed wistfully. “Oh yes, but I doubt Damian remembers me. It’s been such a long time since we last hung out together.” 
Marinette rolled her eyes. Right. Because despite Lila claiming she only traveled around Europe, she also has a “childhood friend” in America. Seriously, does no one see the inconsistencies?
Alya slung her arm around Lila’s shoulders, and winked. “Don’t worry, girl! I'm sure he remembers you just fine. We'll make sure to get you up there.”
Lila pulled a tight smile, undoubtedly thinking up lies to prevent her from seeing the famous teen. 
-
The banquet hall was crowded, to say the least. People surrounded them from all sides, pressed up against walls and each other just to fit. A large stage with a single microphone was at the front of the room, pushing the people to the back.
“That’s where the Waynes will be!” Kim shouted over the chattering people.
“Then that’s where we’re going!” Alya declared, shoving her way through the throng. 
The class followed suit, but Marinette hesitated.
There were so many people. Too many people. 
She covered her ears. Why was everything so loud?
“G-guys, wait up.” She whimpered, though her voice was easily drowned out. 
Marinette tried slipping past people to get to her classmates, but they just pushed her back again. 
Her breathing turned shallow when her back hit the wall, being forced all the way to the back. Everything was spinning. Her hands felt clammy as she gripped the sides of her shirt. Alya and Nino were nowhere in sight.
Her eyes darted around the room for an exit, heart racing. Too many people. Too loud. Too much. She needed to escape. She needed air. 
A door. There was a door not far from her with a small, golden sign. 
Without a second thought, she scrambled towards it, fumbling with the handle for a moment before ripping it open and stumbling inside. 
The door closed behind her, and she sank to the ground, curling up in a ball. 
Remember the breathing exercises. She told herself.
In.
2..
3..
Out. 
2..
3..
In-
“Miss?” 
Marinette yelped, her gaze snapping upwards.
Sharp, olive green eyes stared down at her with worry. 
A boy, no older than herself.
“Are you alright?” He asked, kneeling to her level.
Marinette drew in a few extra deep breaths, half-heartedly stating, “Yeah, I just.. I don’t know..” 
His uncannily refined eyebrows knitted together. “Do you need a nurse? I can find one for you.” 
She shook her head. “N-no that’s not necessary. Thank you though.” 
A frown tugged at the corner of the boy’s lips. 
“Okay.” He looked around, as if he were checking for something, then his gaze flicked to his watch. 
Finally, he moved to her left side and sat down. “Do you mind if I stay here for a bit?”
Marinette pursed her lips, feeling a blush creep across her cheeks. “I-I mean, if you want to..” 
She hadn’t the slightest idea why a random stranger would take the time to sit with her, but it was comforting to know she wasn’t completely alone, even if it was just for the moment. 
“I’m Marinette.” She shyly introduced. 
He gave a small smile, opening his mouth to respond when-
“Damian!” 
A man that looked to be in his late twenties abruptly entered the room, fixing- Damian, was it? -with a pointed look.
“Bruce told you not to wander off.” 
Damian rolled his eyes. “I didn’t ‘wander off’. This is the VIP room.” 
Marinette’s eyes widened. That must have been what the golden sign said. Oh, let’s hope she doesn’t get in trouble for this.
Then something else clicked in her mind.
“Wait, ‘Damian’? As in, ‘Damian Wayne’ Damian?” 
The two turned to her, both looking somewhat surprised. 
“You didn’t know?” The man was the first to ask. 
A blush of embarrassment washed over her cheeks. Truth be told, she’d heard a lot about the Waynes, but never seen any pictures. 
“I-uh- guess I’m not really up to date on some stuff.” She said lamely, her cheeks growing warmer with every word.
Again, the boys only stared.
“Huh.” The man finally shrugged, stepping forward and extending his hand to her. “Well, my name is Dick Greyson. It’s nice to meet you.” 
His warm, blue eyes caused Marinette to relax, and she took his hand. “Marinette. It’s nice to meet you too.” 
Dick nodded with a welcoming smile, before turning back to Damian, who still hadn’t said a word. “Anyway, we gotta go. It’s time to greet everyone.” 
Damian quietly complied, getting to his feet. She couldn’t quite catch his expression, but he seemed.. relieved, like he just realized he made a right decision.
She wasn’t sure what prompted her to do such a thing, but she stood up as well.
“S-so, will I see you? Out in the- in the banquet hall, I mean.” 
Damian glanced back at her, a thoughtful look on his face.
“If you want to.” He then answered, a smile clear in his tone despite his neutral expression. 
She didn’t even have to contemplate the response. 
“Yes.” 
He smirked, partially giving in to the joy hiding behind his eyes. 
“Then I’ll see you out there.” 
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cozycryptidcorner · 4 years
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Shark Merfolk Boyfriend
Hey guys- here’s the first place winner of the raffle! Sorry I’ve been MIA for a little while, school and family stuff has had be busy af this month. Hope you enjoy this story about a smartass shark merfolk with a gender neutral reader.
The train from the coastline to the Center takes well over an hour, the lights of the cars dim enough so the passengers can look out windows and into the depths. The glass that protects the track network is thick and military-grade, strong enough not to crack underneath the pressure of the ocean. You don’t mind the time it takes to get there, it gives you a moment to breathe, or finish up any last-minute projects. The paperwork at the Center can be a bitch, and it seems like everyone is running behind on it, even you. So while the wheels on the tracks whirl and moan, you have your laptop out, fingers flying across the keys as you electronically sign off a thing or two.
The shriek of the breaks is dulled significantly by the padding of the train’s walls, but you still hear the barest echo of the slowing wheels. There, out the window, you can see the lights shimmering through the currents, shadows of creatures swimming to and fro dancing on the edge of your vision. Carefully, you start placing your work things back into your bag, placing the strap on your shoulder as the cars come to a final stop. The intercom buzzes as someone’s recorded voice announces this as the Center, reminding tourists to calmly file towards the main lobby for the tours and special bundle deals for the whole family.
You watch your step as you get off, helping a mother carry a rather bulky stroller down the steep stairs while her toddler coos at the bright lights hanging overhead. Instead of following the crowd, most of them just curious passersby here to spend a long day, you scan an employee’s pass on a nearby elevator, stepping in and pressing your floor when the doors close. The labs are a lower level down, far from the loud shrieking of children and the aghast staring of couples as they look into the many different aquatic exhibits. You are similar to them in that you are here to be a spectator, though the reasons are vastly different.
The wetsuit waiting for you in the locker room is cold and wet, as it hadn’t managed to dry from when you left it the night before. You don’t think you’ve put that thing on while it was dry since you first got it, but it doesn’t matter so much once you get it on. It traps the heat from your body, keeping you warm despite the obvious chill deep seawater brings. You step into the main hall, barefoot and with your water shoes in hand, looking over at the adjoining waterway the merfolk use to get around. Someone waits for you, skin a dark shade of blue-gray, teeth sharp and layered in rows in his mouth.
“Hey,” you say, holding your bookbag slightly away from your body, so it doesn’t soak through. “How’d your night go?”
“Oh, you know,” Kanoa says, baring his razor-sharp teeth in a greeting smile, “the same. I watched a- what was it called... RIP Vine compilation for the Chaotic Good. I also learned a new human word: yeet.”
“Hm, interesting.” You bite your bottom lip, looking over the day’s agenda. “You are aware of the proper use of that word, right?”
“Of course, doctor. I would demonstrate, but I have nothing to throw besides an expensive, government-issued tablet.”
“Please don’t,” you are tempted to laugh, but hold everything together for the sake of a professional persona. “Management will not be particularly pleased about that. Our mysterious benefactor’s money can only go so far.”
When you walk, Kanoa follows alongside in the waterway, tail flicking for movement. You know that he could easily outpace you is he wanted, there have been some foot races up and down the halls just for the sake of fun. The merfolk are typically the ones who come out winning, their slick, long bodies perfect examples of speed and agility. Still, there isn’t any use in outrunning your partner when they can barely keep up, so Kanoa matches your rate of steps, looking over his tablet with a furrowed brow.
“How did our patient do during the night?” You ask, bringing up the file of a dolphin.
“I heard from our night crew that she had no issues, though she seemed lonely.”
“Once her wounds are healed up enough, she can join the communal tank.” You push open a set of double doors, entering a large, domed room, an artificial glow shining from the many lights against the ceiling. The simulation of daytime is remarkable, you would readily admit, for anyone less aware of the small biome’s existence, they might be readily fooled for some time, though the painted horizon on one side would be an easy giveaway. The sand feels warm against your bare toes, as the heated plates just a couple of feet below work to keep the internal temperatures like that of a paradise.
There, in the shallows of the water, a baby dolphin swims around in circles, though her movements are rather weak. Still, she’s significantly healed from when she first arrived, bloody and bruised from struggling to escape a stray plastic net she caught herself in. A little rest and some TLC and she’ll be back with her pod in no time, though her family went ahead and migrated without her, most likely under the assumption that their poor baby was dead. The GPS tags have them out in the northern waters already, so you’ll probably have her kept in rehabilitation until they come back.
Kanoa pops out from his own entrance underneath the water, shaking his head back and forth to get the water from his eyes. The dolphin clicks with joy when she sees him, swimming weak circles around his large, gray frame in an invitation to play. He picks her up, and she wriggles in his arms with joy, making loud, squeaky cries of excitement as he dives backward in the water, popping back up only a yard away from the artificial shore. She squeals when she notices you, too, beckoning you closer so she could swim excited circles around your waist.
“She missed us,” Kanoa laughs, picking her up again and placing a kiss on her forehead. “Awww, little baby, look at you! Getting better already.”
The dolphin’s excitement is ridiculously infectious, so you find yourself giggling along to her chirps of happiness. Your fingers run over her back as she wriggles back and forth between you and Kanoa, unable to decide who gets to get the honor of playing the first game of the day with her. Physical therapy, actually, it’s just disguised as something fun for her to do, but every little thing the both of you do has the express purpose of helping her recover. Still, dressing it up to be fun and engaging certainly hurts no one, least of all the patient in question.
“We need to come up with a name for you,” Kanoa coos, cradling her in his arms.
“Don’t look at me,” you say, “you can’t put me on the spot like that.”
“I’m sure I’ll think of something,” Kanoa says, more to the dolphin than you, “yes I will, baby girl, yes I will…”
You hide your smile behind the tablet, tapping briefly just to make it seem like you’re working. Kanoa is more than happy to take the first game, something designed to strengthen her muscles, while you sit on the sandy edge, monitoring her progress from a distance in case he misses something vital in her movement. She’s a wily one, even while injured, so she runs to risk of straining herself far too early, something that might permanently damage what has already been harmed. Then it’s your turn to give her some attention, swimming laps around the pool in the guise of tag.
“You take lunch with the other scientists, don’t you?” Kanoa asks, after a few hours of working with the dolphin.
“Usually. I don’t have the energy to pack my own food, so I eat from the cafeteria.”
“You should eat it with me. If you don’t mind.” Kanoa fiddles with his tablet, the corner of his mouth twitching. “It would give us some extra time to discuss our little patient here.”
It only takes a moment of hesitation for you to agree. “Sure, but you’ll have to let me grab something to-go from the main caf.”
“Of course,” Kanoa says, perhaps a little too quickly. “I usually eat here with little miss sunshine, so-”
“I’ll get something to eat and come back down,” you finish, nodding, “sounds good.”
It doesn’t take much longer for lunchtime to arrive, but it does take you a hot minute to go up to the cafeteria, lines all up the wazoo. You through on a simple cover dress, one thin layer to hide your skin-tight wetsuit from prying, curious eyes. Thanks to the ridiculous amount of tourism that takes up a good portion of the Center, there are many chain restaurants present to feed them all, so you always have a decent selection of menu. There’s an authentic Japanese restaurant, carved out in their own little corner, one that many a night you’ve spent with your land-dwelling coworkers.
The sushi there is top-notch, or at least you’ve been told so by your coworkers with more experience in the cuisine. While a tad bit pricey, it is one of the few things that both humans and merfolk can consume, so you’re drawn to it all the same. Just on a whim, you order one or two more than you think you can eat... in case someone wants to share. After a couple of minutes of waiting after your order was taken, the chef finishes up the lunch, placing everything in a sturdy paper box, one that biodegrades after a couple of days once it’s been used. Plastics are strictly prohibited; after all, styrofoam included, so everything that gets put in the trash rots after a couple of days. Keeps the risk of pollution at a minimum.
You walk back to the elevators, careful to dodge a group of shrieking children running out of the gift shop, little trinkets that couldn’t have cost more than five dollars in hand. It doesn’t take you as long to navigate the tunneling corridors back down to the rehab domes, the chill of the hallways biting at your fingers. The warmth of the artificial sun is a relief the moment you push your way through the doors, and you’re quick to kick off your sandals and bury your toes beneath the sand.
Kanoa waits for you, tail curled up, ceramic bowl in hand with spiced fish inside. It’s rather hard to cook food beneath the sea when a fire isn’t exactly an option, and going to any heat source like a lava flow would end up with you roasting alongside whatever you have, so it’s not really a surprise that merfolk eat their food raw. You sit next to him, placing a metal water bottle in the sand and wriggling it, so it stays upright, and look over to where the dolphin is swimming around in circles, playing her own little game with a large, inflated ball.
“How’s she doing?”
“In the few minutes that you’ve been gone?” Kanoa pops another slice of fish into his mouth. “Not very different. She’s extremely chipper today, wonder what the night crew did to put her in such a good mood.”
“Maybe she’s just stoked to see us.”
Kanoa looks over at you, brow furrowed.
“Stoked, uh, means,”
“Just playing,” he flicks your shoulder, “I know what it means: very excited.”
You snort, snapping a pair of disposable chopsticks in half. “You got me there, dude. I almost went on a whole tangent explaining what it means and how it’s used. Can’t have a repeat of the lmao incident from last year.”
Kanoa lets out a huffy laugh, looking over your meal with an interested gaze. “Sushi? You like that?”
You shrug, picking up one of the more fishy bites and offered it to him. “Mostly. You want some?”
He leans over and takes the sushi in his mouth, not taking too much time to chew before swallowing, eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he takes a moment to decide whether or not he likes it. “It’s good.”
“Yeah?” You aren’t sure if you’re feeling relief or not.
“Yeah.”
“Cool.” You quickly pick up another and eat it, mouth savoring the natural saltiness of the fish and the soft crunch of an accompanying radish.
“I have a question,” Kanoa says in a casual-not-casual voice, “just something I’ve been wondering about.”
“Yes?” You take the bait, not sure where to look. Definitely not on his chiseled abs, that’s not a great place to stare at right now. Maybe not at your sushi, either, because that might seem rude. Ugh, eye contact it is, then.
“I’ve seen acts of affection on the Tube. Kissing, right?”
“First, never call YouTube ‘the tube’ again,” you take a breath, steeling yourself for where you know he’s trying to steer the conversation towards. You know what? You’re okay with this. “Second, yes, I’m aware of kissing.”
“I’d like to try it, if you don’t mind, with someone with experience in the action. Most humans do, yeah? You do?”
You clear the air away from your throat. “Yeah.”
“Would you mind?”
You let the question mull over in your head for all but two seconds while you bring forth the pros and cons of doing allowing a shark merfolk press his mouth against yours- or, you suppose, you’ll have to be the one to initiate, coaching him through the process. Pros; you look down at his abs, then back up to the shapely outline of his jaw. Cons; uhm, letting the softer parts of your face get up and cozy with that gauntlet of ridiculously sharp teeth.
“Sure,” you say, swallowing thickly, eyeing his pecs, “for science.”
Carefully, you set the box of sushi onto the sand. Then, slowly, you place both hands on either side of his shoulders, getting up onto your knees, and go in for the kill before you hesitate any longer. His mouth isn’t soft as a human’s; rather, it’s a tad bit rubbery, nor is it at all warm. It’s almost like kissing one of those dreaded dodgeballs that’s been hanging out in the cold night air for a good couple of hours, though his mouth is decidedly far more shapely than a sphere.
Kanoa doesn’t move an inch, frozen in place, almost like he hadn’t expected you to take his offer, or at least do so as quickly as you ended up doing so. When you pull away, though, his hand unexpectedly falls on your arm, his dark eyes almost glazed over from whatever emotions are running through his body. After a moment, he presses his forehead against yours, then tries his best to mimic the way your lips had gently pressed up against his. He’s clumsy at first, but that doesn’t stop him from making a second attempt, one that’s much more improved in the way of technique.
You’re quickly breathless, and you can’t remember how you ended up underneath him, only that his kissing abilities are improving very rapidly with every single intimate moment that passes. It takes you a minute to be able to think properly because you want to ask him something, but the heat the two of you share makes it awfully hard to create a single, coherent sentence in your mind. Oh, the coolness of his mouth was only offputting in the beginning, now it’s grown on you. “Ho-” you let out a little gasp when his face tilts, and he offers a teasing kiss on your earlobe, “how to your people do this?”
“They don’t.” He’s as breathless as you, unable to process any of his thoughts or your words correctly.
“Not this, but- but ways they show love?” You tangling your fingers through his drying hair, your nails pressing into his scalp.
Kanoa mulls it over for a moment, eyes darting across your face, your eyes, nose, mouth, then falls down to a sliver of skin that the wetsuit doesn’t cover on your neck. He leans over, his hair tickling your chin, then bites, not hard, not enough to draw blood, but enough to send a little spark through your nerves. Instead of immediately letting go, he stays that way for a bit longer, then slowly opens his mouth enough to release your skin. His teeth graze against your neck as he does so, the warmth of his breath sending delicious shivers down your spine.
“Like that.” He says, sounding satisfied with how disheveled you look beneath him.
“Oh,” you say, your voice small. “Do it again.”
He obeys, switching over to the other side of your neck, his teeth pulling at your skin. The way he bites is careful, full of cautious movement, clearly aware that any sort of wrong twitch might leave your skin torn and bloody. It’s a careful dance between too much and not enough, the line between pain and pleasure as thin as a silk thread, but he somehow manages to walk it with a sort of ease that you’re not confident you can come close to emulate, should the tables turn. When he lets go, the sharpness ceases, and you are left breathless and heated.
“We should stop,” he says, his voice quiet and muted, as though there’s suddenly a wall dividing the two of you.
“Wha- why?” You ask, suddenly aware that the zipper of your wetsuit had somehow managed to make it down past your collarbone. Did he do that? Did you? It’s a blur.
“I’m afraid I won’t want to stop if we continue- and I don’t think you would, either.” He looks over to where the dolphin is swimming around in circles, eagerly awaiting your return to playtime. “We’re still at work.”
“Right.” Your stomach stops its drop, relieved that he hadn’t suddenly decided that this was all too much, too fast, because the pace seemed to be just right in your eyes.
“There’s a utility closet that I can get into upstairs,” he says, “no one ever enters because it’s tucked in a far off corner.”
You smile wide enough that it hurts. “Oh? And what would be doing in there?”
“Going as far as we’d like without worrying about an audience.”
“I’ll give it some thought,” you say, playing the hard to get card. “Weigh the benefits of any feasible outcomes.”
“Well, please write out your final thesis on the topic and bring it by my desk by evening.”
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oh-theatre · 4 years
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Moceit for a holiday fic!!! If you want to!!!
IF I WANT TO?? OFC!! OH MY GOD!! I WOULD LOVE TO! I LOve them and you :D
Oh, I do hope you like it!! 
- - - - - - - -
Last Christmas
Words: 1741
Summary: Pattons Christmases only seem to improve
Pairings: Moceit (Patton x Deceit)
"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart” Patton sang sweetly, moving carefully through the shop as he works “And the very next day..” He matches the pitch, it seems a mix between a hum and actual words, the lights flicker as they come together “You gave it away..” He clicks the first string lights on as the room fills with color, an overwhelming beauty. He takes another set moving towards another step ladder “This year...to save me from tears” He turns as the familiar jingle of the door rings out “I'll give it to someone...” His eyes fall upon a sophisticated stranger, wrapped in a delicate coat, meeting his eyes alight with curiosity “Special” He barely whispers.
Somewhere along the way, he must have lost his balance, a fight begins as he wobbles trying to remain stable but soon enough finds himself planted defeated on the floor, a growing sore on his back. A quick rush and he notices a shadow sheeted beside him.
“Are you alright?” The voice is much nicer than imagined, not that he had much of a perception. Patton sits up straight taking his back as he does so, the figure helps him stand, keeping a gentle arm on Patton. “That was quite a fall” He muses

“I've had worse” Patton responds, a flustered smile upon his sweet face. Finally, he can see the man's face, its...in the most professional sense...dazzling. There are just some things that can capture a person in an instant, and this was that. It was hard to look away, his eyes told a story as they welcomed Patton, his face remained smooth and soft, not that Patton would know…
“Would you like some help?” He offers, gesturing to the lights, Patton bites his lower lip watching the man.
“Oh! I wouldn’t want to trouble you!” He removes himself and continues his journey on the stepladder. The man laughs but keeps a steady arm on Patton, wary to let go. He finishes safely jumping down with ease. Neither noticed how close they end up, the man's arms are so respectful and yet intimate. “Patton” He greets with a squeak
“Damien” He recoils, offering a hand as they introduce themselves. Patton takes it shaking it confidently, he watches Damien smirk below his perfect hair. “I apologize, I should be on my way” He rescinds, Patton waves him off his smile remaining ever so sweet. “It's a lovely shop you have,” He says, his eyes finally making his way around the room. The shelves lined with books, the aromatic waft of coffee and promise of sweet treats making its way up to his nose. Patton watches his face, a slow desire grows upon Declan.
“Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?” Patton wonders, Damien sighs nodding nonetheless after a hesitation. “Come” He suggests making his way towards the small coffee shop they’ve set up. He offers Damien a seat as he works quietly on the caffeinated delectable, a soft hum again. “One hot cuppa Joe” Patton gleams handing the stranger a cup.
“You’re too kind,” Damien remarks, he's not usually so…at a loss for words. Something about the way this shopkeeper well…kept himself was different. Damien could watch him for hours, well now he just sounded creepy. “Why don’t you sit?” He says only now realizing that Patton hadn’t stopped working.
“I guess…it couldn’t hurt” He sits, shifting uncomfortably. “I'm sorry, I'm not…
“You don’t like to sit still, I get that” Damien understands, his words feel too casual, he wants to despise this but…it comes naturally. They continue their conversation, can a room truly get brighter should no one add more light to it? It can as they laugh away the evening, humbly waving goodbye at the midnight hour of the snow ridden moon. “Goodnight Patton”
“Good-
~~~
“-Morning dear” Patton greets with a giggle as a less than ecstatic Damien curls his way around Patton, laying his head upon Patton's shoulder. “Oh cheer up, its Christmas!”
“The most wonderful time of the year” Damien mumbles sleepily, Patton laughs turning to him, his arms make their way around his neck. Damien yawns as his own arms rest around Patton's waist now, holding the world in his arms, hoping the wind would never change on them.
“Indubitably!” Patton plants a soft kiss on Damien, a warmth spreads across the taller man. “Now come, I've got cookies in the oven, a few more presents to be wrapped and our parents should be here soon” Patton lists, Damien, groans into his partner's chest.
“I still can't believe you invited them, its gonna be like world war three in here” Damien makes his way around Patton, tickling his waist unintentionally, his finger dipping into the almost empty cookie dough. “Scrumptious!” He delights
“Good! You can clean it” Patton says, stroking his thumb against Damien's cheek lovingly. He pouts but obliges, it's the least he can do after the house had been turned to a winter wonderland. Especially for later that evening…
“How about a tune Damien?” His father requests pointing towards the dusted piano, Patton squeals nodding encouragingly as he cleans away the delicious dinner.
“Oh I…I haven't played in ages” Damien lies, feeling red as the eyes fall on him. He looks to Patton, his safety embracing him as his blue eyes hit him with a tidal of support. Patton sets down the dishes joining Damien by the window “Only if you’ll sing with me” He whispers
“Always Dee” The nickname rolls off so easily. Damien nods after a squeeze from Patton is felt, he sits his eyes remain on Patton. He plays slowly, beginning a familiar tune, Patton places a hand on his back ready to carry his own. “Let it snow, let it snow…let it snow” They finish, light applause but they don’t care. Their eyes lost in each other, the magical evening.
“Any requests?” Patton teases only slightly, Damien laughs he mocks a pointed finger.
“Will you-
~~~
“-Marry me?” Damien feels the cold seep through his pants but he doesn’t care, he cant not as he watches Patton's unmistakable expression, the pure joy as he laughs softly. Damien's hands trembled with the velvet promise of eternal love.
“Yes” He cries carefully, Damien stands to embrace him as the snow continues to fall upon them, he kisses him lightly. Spinning him around, his heart at the full mercy of the giggles released. They pull away clutching to one another. “Yes a million times”
“Oh, Patton don’t cry” Damien begs, the feathery tips of his glove wipe away the small tears that fall from his fiancees face. He kisses his cheek softly, Pattons smile is endless.
“Happy tears my love, I promise,” He says taking Damien's hands “I love you,” He says as he had done so many times, the cold white substance frosting his face. Numbing his joy but he couldn’t care less. Not with the love of his life in his hands, something he never thought he’d experience, or that he deserved. “Come,” He says extending his hand “We are much too excited, let's skate of some of this energy,” He says, feeling the dream hit him.
“That's all I ever wanted to hear,” Damien says taking his hand, as he always has and always would. He wasn’t the best but Patton glided so easily he did enough for the both of them. Spinning fast through the frosty air, what a bright time Damien noted looking deeply at Patton, never wanting to let go. Once they’ve exhausted their legs, and meet each other once more in the snow, Patton examines his finger where a gold band lies.
“Oh my god!”  He exclaims, his face in horror “It's real, I'm…” Feeling faint he turns helplessly to Damien.
“Pat, breathe” Damien takes his face, cupping it “You’re going to be ok” After a moment he matched his breathing, Patton stares into the amber flame that is Damien's eyes.
“With you?” He says taking a deep breath “I'm always ok, well…more than ok” He kisses Damien allowing the world to melt away underneath his touch. Pulling away he watches the children around him, grasping their packages filled with wonder tightly. He gasps delighted, he pats Damiens chest, his eyes full of promise “Come-
~~~
“-Presents time!” Patton calls out, Damien chuckles from his position on the couch, his eyes scan the newspaper. “Kiddos! Let's go! Or Dads going to open all of your presents” That seems to gain their attention
“No! No Papa dont let him!” Virgil begs running right into his father, a calmer Logan follows propping himself next to Damien who puts away his paper, wrapping his arm around his smaller son. Patton lifts Virgil up seating him on his lap as he sits next to his husband.
“Can I go first?” A timid request falls from Logan's mouth, Patton smiles brightly nodding, Damien ruffles his son's hair encouragingly. Patton sighs leaning into Damien, his husband kissing his forehead lightly. Logan picks the first one he sees with his name, unwrapping it carefully. Virgil groans falling into his father. Logan pouts turning towards his parents holding out the gift “help”
“I'll do it!” Virgil volunteers hopping off his father's lap, he goes to where Logan now sits across the floor and helps him in his own way. Patton watches them smiling as he only cuddles further into Damien.
“Having a nice time?” Damien jokes, only placing more gentle kisses upon his forehead. Patton leans up slightly fully meeting his lips, he’d never admit it but even after all these years…it still feels a dream, surely he didn't deserve this. “Are you alright love?” Damien checks
“I love you” Patton wants to make sure he knows it, that Damien has those words seared into his brain, almost to the point where it annoys him. The children pull apart ripping the present open, chatters of laughter play out. “And them” Patton smiles. One more kiss upon the forehead from Damien is placed on Patton.
“I love you too” Damien responds, the Christmas air pushing through as the world fades away. The only thing to keep was their magical time under the lights…as they had met so many years ago. “Last Christmas…gave you my heart” Damien hums gently, Patton yawns “Next day…” He skips over a few lines, watching the children open more gifts “Give it to someone…” He looks to Patton “Special” and he had
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har-rison-s · 4 years
Text
Merry Little Christmas
Request: Can you do a fluffy Adult Eddie Christmas fic? Like maybe it's Christmas Eve and they spend it cuddled up on the couch watching Christmas movies and drinking hot cocoa? That's all I want in life lol 💛
A/N: Bling bling bling hi! I'm very sad and feeling empty and I'm hoping that this might give me some joy, even if a little. I can very much agree with you, anon. Happy reading and Merry Christmas (if it's the 24th/25th)! <3
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warnings: (for the grinch) christmas!
Gif credit goes to owner, which isn’t me!
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Have yourself a Merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light…
Those words do make your heart be light, cause they’re true. You are having yourself a Merry little Christmas, and it’s the most perfect Christmas you could imagine. Sinatra’s voice on vinyl only finalises the Christmas fairy-tale you’re having inside your house. And Eddie, of course. But where is he?
“Hey, baby, where are you?”
You’re hesitant to ask this question, or bother him at all, taking he’s told you about his childhood and its carried-out trauma. Questions like this tend to make him anxious. Though you’re confused as to why he hasn’t yet joined you on the sofa. He’s been in the kitchen for about ten minutes already, or so says the clock above the TV you’ve been glancing at.
“Hold on!” Comes Eddie’s voice from the kitchen at last, and you smile, letting your head fall back against the sofa’s cushion. Sounds like Eddie’s busy with something, so that must be why he’s been gone for so long.
Moments later, your husband-to-be, in his glorious Christmas attire—which means a red and green sweater and joggers—, comes finally into the living room where you lay. Handles of two large-sized cups are pressed between his slender fingers and Eddie smiles before he places them down on the coffee table.
“Ooh!” An excited squeal leaves your mouth once you see the rainbow-sprinkled whipped cream on-top of the hot drink in the mugs and you look at Eddie with bright eyes. That only makes him smile wider.
“I made us hot cocoa.” Eddie announces before he slithers next to you under your thick woven blanket. You let him, lifting the blanket up so he can cozy up easily. Eddie practically melts over your form, his arms stretching around you and clinging to you. He feels the most relaxed he’s felt in his life. You press a kiss to his head with a smile that he feels stretching your lips against his skin.
“That’s sweet of you, hon.” You tell him and then reach with your free arm—that isn’t slinked together with Eddie’s in a lazy knot—for the TV remote. You turn on the TV and switch through channels until you find the right one, the one where Home Alone is on in less than five minutes. Someone may think it’s meant for child and teenage audiences, but you and Eddie could prove them wrong - it’s funny and cute and Christmasy, of course, to any age group.
“It’s Christmas.” Eddie says, his shoulders shrugging for a second. You turn your eyes from the TV to face Eddie and this makes you lay down in the sofa’s pillows with your head and back, and Eddie fall slightly on top of you. Both are too cozy and too in love to care about it, and have big smiles on your faces. Eddie uses this chance to tenderly kiss your lips.
They taste of peppermint and gingerbreads. A strange mix, one Eddie thought would never collaborate well. But it’s Christmas. You taste exactly like Christmas. Eddie himself, on the other hand, gives you insight of what the hot cocoas taste like - there’s still traces of it on his lips. And they make you giggle. He couldn’t resist getting a taste of what he was making.
The giggle breaks you two apart and Eddie’s happy eyes search yours. Your eyes are practically shut because of your laughter. “What is it?” He asks you and adjusts the hairs that have fallen in the frame of your face. A habit of his he cannot quit even with the many shared years that have come and gone.
“Nothing.” You shake your head, still smiling and giggling here and there, though. You reach your hand to touch his cheek and caress it softly with your thumb. His skin seems to be as soft as a young boy’s. Perhaps little Eddie is still as strong in him as he was in the right age for it. Though, having a child inside you when you’re older doesn’t hurt at all. You gaze into his deep brown eyes. “I just love you.” You say quieter.
Eddie’s right cheek raises a little under your hand when that corner of his lips twitches upwards to create a wider smile. “I love you, too, sweetheart.” He tells you truthfully, his eyes strongly looking into yours. “Merry Christmas.” He wishes you with a kiss to both your cheeks.
“Merry Christmas, baby.” You tell him back, and your hands roam into his gelled back brown-almost-black hair and you make the strands fall out of place. Eddie gives you a look of joking disappointment, but not surprise, as he knows you love it when his hair is not all proper and that the actual length of his brown strands shows and isn’t pushed back. “Still love me?” You tease with a smirk on your face, crossing your arms over your chest and watching strand after strand fall over Eddie’s forehead.
He glances at them and sighs, then looks back at you. “Course I do. Nothing’s gonna change my love for you,” he says and then moves around so you’d both be sitting on the sofa, though still intensely connected to one another.
“You oughta know by now how much I love you…” You respond in the song’s melody and you make Eddie laugh. He hadn’t realised he’d spoken lyrics of a popular song in his childhood years.
“The world may change my whole life through, but…” He continues.
“Nothing’s gonna change my love for you.” You both sing in unison and chuckle. You glance at the TV screen and gasp. “It’s starting, it’s starting!” You announce, recognising the start of Home Alone starting to play. You grab your hot cocoa mug and lean back against the sofa, into Eddie’s side.
He puts his arm back around your shoulders to pull you closer, his other hand busy with holding his own hot cocoa. Eddie’s head eventually falls on top of yours as you watch the movie, both your mugs are drunk empty and dry and you both shake with laughter occasionally when the real fun of the movie begins.
It’s Christmas.
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