#i should have known when i got banned after calling people out for treating ao3 volunteers being sent CSAM as fandom discourse

[hiveswap]

?

#staff is fucking trash #all trust i had in them is gone #i should have known when i got banned after calling people out for treating ao3 volunteers being sent CSAM as fandom discourse #i only got unbanned because i complained on reddit and a staff member got in touch with me about it #he said it was a glitch #yeah right #ten thousand

[bucks-little-hop]

bones are good (the rest don't matter) 2.5k

For Buddie Week Day 2: Protective Eddie - Co-Parenting - "I can tell you're not fine"

Read on ao3 here

Bake sale days at Christopher’s school were Buck’s favourite, but they never seemed to go off without a hitch Yes, Buck had been banned from having a clipboard. No, he did not want to talk about how he lost it. He may or may not have yelled at Chimney for incorrectly folding in the ingredients for an angel food cake, but that was besides the point. He was not allowed to do his large scale cooking projects at the station anymore. Instead, he had packed Eddie up with a box of the few that didn’t look the best but would still taste amazing. The 118 may have made fun of Buck for his ability to unhinge his jaw and swallow his food whole but he saw how they acted for his triple fudge brownies. He knew that they would be begging for more when they saw him. He already knew Eddie would bring it up when he joined them after his shift. Buck hated not being on the same shift, but sacrifices had to be made so Christopher could continue to brag that his baked goods sold out the fastest.  He may not have helped as much with the baking, but he did quality check the taste so he got some credit.

The actual bake sale itself was mundane. Lots of parents and kids flitting around the room, following whichever sweet treat called to them. As predicted, Buck was out of brownies within the second hour. Who knew 100 brownies wouldn’t enough? Buck did, he may not have had a clipboard, but he still had a notes app on his phone he could check things off. He had done all the math based on previous bake sales, and knew approximately how fast they would sell out. That was why he had a box of cannolis sitting in a cooler in his car. He could not be bested by Jessica, who claimed she could raise the most money. She was a newer parent in the district, only joining at the start of the school year three months before. She, and her daughter Rachel, seemed to cause problems at every turn. Buck had listened to Eddie express his distain for her after one particularly awful PTA meeting. The only positive of it was Jessica always brought out Eddie’s disgusted face, which Buck found quite adorable. Buck couldn’t wait for the two of them to debrief on the couch tonight. 

Buck let Christopher know he was running out to the car. He resisted the urge to press a kiss into Christopher’s curls. They were firmly in that pre-teen stage where either of his dads were more often than not embarrassing. It did warm Buck’s heart. He got to embarrass Christopher the same way his dad did. He still had his doubts about his place in the Diazes’ lives sometimes. With moments like this, it eased some of his general nerves. He knew he wouldn’t just be put into Eddie’s will for no reason. He also knew the hidden adoption paperwork on Eddie’s side of the room didn’t exist for no reason. It was the same reason Buck had a ring hidden in his sock drawer. Neither were hidden well, but just waiting for the right moment to be addressed. Things were good between Buck and Eddie. Maybe even a little too good. There hadn’t been any major injuries at work in a few months. They hadn’t had any sort of major fight in at least half a year. Knowing who they both were as people, it was clear they were both just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was something Buck made a note of in his phone to address at their next therapy session together. He took the moment to also send Eddie a text, letting him know the bake sale was all to plans. Buck really should have known better than give the universe the potential to jinx him. 

Buck got side tracked on his way back to the gym. He couldn’t pass up an opportunity to hear the science teacher talk about the upcoming field trip, and how they were so excited that Buck had volunteered to chaperone. It did mean that overall it took about 10 minutes longer than expected. Eddie had mentioned one late night that neither he or Shannon were as extroverted as Christopher, and he got that trait all from Buck. It was one of those jokes they had that always left Buck with a slight skip in his step. Of course it crumbled down as soon as he got back into the gym.

Across from the entrance Buck could see Jessica and Rachel talking with a clearly upset Christopher. Buck couldn’t make out their words, but based on the smug look on Rachel’s face, he could make some guesses. He hurried over to the trio.

“Thanks for holding the fort down while I was gone. I’ve got everything I need from the car, so you’re free to go roam again Christopher.” Buck did his best to keep his tone light. He slid back behind the table and started to set out the new treats. He wanted there to be an way for Christopher to escape if he wanted. The younger boy, strangely enough, did decide to leave and go wander around. It was an indication he was upset about what had been said, but more clearly that it was something said about Buck. 

“Jessica, Rachel. So lovely to see the two of you.” He plastered on his fakest of nice smiles on. It was the one he used on calls when whoever they were rescuing could not take the hint that he was taken and had no interest. “I thought you would be completely swamped with your cupcakes.” Buck could not wait for Eddie to arrive. He knew that the other man would have so many bitchy opinions on the lavender earl grey cupcakes Jessica had made. ‘Really Buck, what kid likes earl grey? Just make a vanilla or something and put colourful frosting on it.’

“Hello there Buck. We had just been talking about how Christopher’s father made the brownies today but I don’t see Eddie anywhere.” Jessica seemingly pretended to look around the room before making eye contact with Buck again. “I had thought it was that parents providing the treats, not family friends.” She always had that fake tone quality to her voice. The one where a person could sound just so sweet and innocent, but knew that they were picking words specifically to cut deep. 

“As we have covered before, both Eddie and I are Christopher’s parents. So yes, these are made by a parent. Even still, I didn’t see anyone complaining about Stephen’s clearly store bought cookies.” It wasn’t that Buck had forgotten Jessica was homophobic, it was more of one of those cases where she had so many bad qualities it didn’t make sense how they all fit inside a person. If Buck was a betting man anywhere outside the station he would certainly have bet that Jessica or Rachel had made a comment that Christopher should be sitting down instead of standing up before he came over. They really would need to talk with the Principal if this continued.

“The instructions just said the parents had to bring something, not that it was homemade.” Jessica threw her hair over her shoulder. “As much fun as this is, I should go and talk to some of the actual parents.” She gave Buck no room to respond before walking off.

Buck wouldn’t have responded anyways. There was nothing that was nice and true that he could have said to Jessica. He was also trying to be the bigger person and keep their children out of whatever petty fights the parents decided to have. He filled his time with idle chat with any of the other parents, teachers, or children who made their way around. He would need to let Eddie know to suggest next time that perhaps 4 hours was far too long of a time for these to go on. Who even suggested it? Probably Jessica, making up some annoying story about how it would be most effective if it was longer so everyone could show up to buy something. 

Eddie finally showed up with about a half an hour to go. He looked almost dead on his feet. Buck hadn’t gotten any texts about any particularly bad calls. Then again, he hadn’t heard much from the team today. Seemed like it was probably just a day of minor non-stop calls. The shift had been operating as a mostly medical team that day, so probably many visits to the few nursing homes in their radius for calls that didn’t really need to be emergency calls. Buck’s suspicious were confirmed when his greeting kiss to Eddie lasted a little longer than the older man would normally allow. Eddie still wasn’t the biggest on PDA. In private, he had no problems showing Buck with affection, but years of repressing your sexuality didn’t just go away overnight. Buck didn’t mind, he knew Eddie just showed his love different in public. Almost as if Eddie knew Buck’s train of thinking, he stole one of the last cannolis from the box.

“Oh I see how it is. You thought you could distract me while you stole from your son’s school.” Buck teased, bumping his shoulder into Eddie. He jostled Eddie slightly, leading to some of the filling to end up on his nose. Eddie’s eyes crossed as he looked at it causing Buck to let out a soft chuckle. 

“You know me, nothing I love more than stealing from children.” Eddie responded while wiping his nose off. He wrapped an arm around Buck’s waist and leant slight on the taller man. “Did I miss anything exciting?”

“Nothing interesting today. I did hear a rumour that Iris is cheating on her husband with Kyle.” It was not quite a legal obligation to fill Eddie in on all the gossip he heard, but it may as well have been.  “It did come from Mariah however, so I’ll need a second source on that one.” 

“I thought Kyle had been cheating on his wife with Anne.” Eddie spoke softly while waving over at Christopher with his free hand. He’d say hi to him on their way out. Whatever game the kids had invented was far more exciting than the boring parent discussion going on.

Buck was getting ready to respond that yes, Kyle was still seeing Anne and Iris was just going to add to that drama. He didn’t get the chance, as Jessica had made it her mission to come back over.

“Ah Eddie! It is so nice to see that we finally have another parent here.” Jessica was always a little nicer to Eddie than she was Buck. Buck assumed it had to do with the fact that Eddie was Christopher’s biological father, so he had to have been with a woman at some point. 

“I don’t think another parent being here really makes a difference. But if you’re so concerned with the amount of parents here your husband could finally show up. It’s interesting that we haven’t met him yet.” Eddie shot back. 

“Well he is in Hong Kong for business this week, so unfortunately he couldn’t make it.” Jessica’s face morphed into the frown she always got about her husband. It was a weird mixture of pretend sad and a ‘I’m better than you because my husband is important’ face. Buck had many doubts on whether or not the husband actually existed, or wasn’t just always out of the house from how unpleasant his wife was. He was sure it would come up when he and Eddie talked later. 

“Rachel at least has me here, so she’s got a parent represented. Christopher just had your friend here the whole time.” 

Buck felt Eddie’s grip tighten on his waist. Maybe Eddie should have just gone home, it wasn’t with him getting into a fight because he was tired. If he was only slightly bitchy Buck would allow it.

“Buck was here the whole time. Just because you don’t recognize my fiancé as a parent doesn’t make it true. You have a lot of opinions that aren’t accurate, like the fact you thought that those shoes were a good choice for that outfit.” Jessica tried to open her mouth to respond, but Eddie cut her off before she got the chance. “I really don’t think you want to cause a scene in public like this, but if you don’t leave in the next 10 seconds I will start yelling.” 

If there was one thing Jessica hated above all else, it was a public scene. You couldn’t right fight in those, they just made everyone look bad. She couldn’t have her social image disturbed because Eddie didn’t want to hold back. She left with a huff.

Buck’s brain had frozen on the word fiancé, and was processing a reboot the rest of that conversation. He must have had some sort of look on his face, because Eddie was suddenly in front of him, hand resting on Buck’s collarbone in a oh so familiar spot. Eddie had the decency to look a little sheepish.

“I know we hadn’t really talked about it, but you didn’t hid it all that well. I’ve been calling you that for weeks in my head, waiting for it to be true.” Eddie’s voice had a bit of nervous quality to it. “I know Jessica doesn’t really matter, but I hate that anyone can look at you and not know how important you are to me. I know you're not fine when other's act like Christopher isn't yours.” 

Buck gave Eddie a quick kiss on the forehead before pulling him into a hug. If they were not standing in a middle school gymnasium he would certainly have given Eddie a much different kind of kiss. “I really don’t know if that counts as a proposal, but thanks for stealing my thunder. I can’t wait to tell everyone how we got engaged. We can discuss it more when we get home, but you know there is nothing I want more than to be able to call you my husband and to sign those documents to make Christopher legally mine.” 

Buck already had plans to hide the ring in Eddie’s coffee the next morning. He could get his cheesy moment where he got to tell Eddie how much he loved the other man and how much joy he and Christopher brought to Buck’s life. He would also get to watch a barely awake Eddie not notice anything was up until he finished his entire first cup and was going to fill it up again. Eddie was going to hate a morning proposal, but Buck already knew he would compromise on an afternoon wedding so it would all work out.

#ty writes #buddie week 2024 #buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz

[shnuggletea]

Hey there! How are you doing? I hope you're well and good, prospering and safe. Here's another chapter for your Sunday when you get a minute. Anyone waiting for the epilogue to STYH please be patient. My keyboard still isn't working (currently typing with the on-screen keyboard). And, tbh, I'm super invested in my originals right now. Very excited about one actually and I can't wait to get it done (working on the edits suggested to me by a publisher). Which you can imagine how difficult without a keyboard. Luckily, it's mostly changes that are easy, no long blocks of writing as its done just needs fixing. STYH needs to be written entirely, a difficult task without a keyboard.

Anyway, thanks for all your support. The Inuyasha fandom is the best fandom as far as taking care of its members. Other fandoms need to use this one as an example.

Wanna catch up or stay in the know? You can find and follow/fave the fic by heading over to my page on ff HERE or AO3 HERE.

For the chapter links; Fanfiction HERE and AO3 HERE.

Chapter Seven

Things were running smoothly. She spent all her evenings in the infirmary, treating everything from yeast infections to jammed fingers. How long the demons in this place had simply suffered with the longer healing process from the runes, she didn't know. But the yeast infection had sighed in relief when she gave them the ointment and they applied it heavily. They weren't allowed to leave with the tube, so a return visit was imminent.

When she walked the rows to her seat with Miroku and Shippo, Inuyasha sometimes gracing them with his presence, the odd demon gave her a nod of respect. A month later and she was no longer called White. They called her Doctor.

"What's up Doc!"

Lopsided grin, she stepped up to sit next to Kagura in the warm sun. "Jakotsu, why do you talk like an old cartoon all the time?"

"Wha? Bugs Bunny is the shit and when else am I going to use it?"

He flipped a long dark lock over his shoulder as he spoke for some kind of emphasis. She was giggling at him but no one else did, they were all on edge and she didn't know why. Until the entire yard got quiet.

The guards were still taking off chains, standing in her view, but she would have known who it was regardless. She recognized the blood-red aura.

Kagura was already on her feet, standing on top of the picnic table and jumping slightly. Everyone was still quiet but Kagura's squeal would have been heard over the noise as she leapt into the air and then onto the stoic demon.

The Dog demon was loose.

His black scrubs stood out painfully against his pale coloring. Everyone kept their distance, save for Kagura, swinging herself around his neck and planting very affectionate kisses all over his face and neck. Now red lipstick stained his otherwise flawless porcelain skin. Planning on depositing the woman, the two made their way closer to the group.

Out of nowhere, Miroku appeared at the side of the table. "Kagome. A word please?"

She had just gotten to her feet when Kagura stopped her, wrapping an arm around her neck and pulling her down the rest of the way into a hug. "Kagome, meet my man. Sesshomaru!"

"We've met."

His eyes were just as cool as they had been in the dungeon. "Yeah. The Warden had me…"

"Pay us a visit. The Doctor is why I'm getting some extra time out of isolation."

"Really?!" Kagura screeched, squeezing Kagome's neck tighter. "You're the BEST Kagome!"

As soon as Kagura's hold lessened, Kagome was pulled back a bit harshly. Miroku really wanted to talk to her it seemed. But he was focused on the Dog demon. "If you're out then does that mean…."

"Sadly, yes. Right behind me."

"Great. Kagome, let's go."

"Go where? We're all stuck here!" Jakostu cried.

Even Kanna looked a little uneasy. The old teenager just looked pleased and smirked eerily.

Before he stepped out into sight, she felt him. The wicked strands of hate that burrowed inside him she would never forget. Naraku was getting released too.

"Remember, Doctor, what we said about fear." Sesshomaru warned.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome got herself under control. What could he do to her here anyway? It's not like he would even have the slightest interest in her, she was just a White. Regardless, Kagome found herself searching the yard for Inuyasha. He was on the other side of them, looking towards the door. Even he wasn't concerned with her, she was fine.

Fur tickled her hand and she jumped, looking down and finding the Kitsune. "Shippo?"

He was shivering, holding tight to her leg. "I'm scared, Kagome."

In a flash, she picked up the young demon and held him in her arms tight. If he was offended by her babying him, he said nothing and only snuggled in deeper to her. "Don't be afraid, Shippo. I'll protect you."

The chains rattled ominously in the terrible silence. Everyone was watching the show.

The light felt as if it was sucked away as Naraku stood, patiently letting the guards remove his cuffs. His eyes looked over the yard, a smirk on his face that turned upwards even more at the sight of Kagome. Even with his lips curled upwards, it didn't give the same impression as when anyone else smiled. No, Naraku being happy was not a good thing at all.

Miroku's hold on her arm tightened when Naraku set out towards them. If anyone was in the way, they quickly jumped out of it, giving Narkau a clear path to all of her friends. Who, whether conscious or not, slowly circled around her. Kanna got to her feet and stood next to Kagura, grabbing her sleeve tightly. The Teenage-Wonder remained where she was and watched while Jakotsu moved to Kagome's back.

Kagura and Sesshomaru didn't move, standing right between her and Naraku. "Sesshomaru, long time no see."

Sesshomaru didn't laugh, not that Kagome expected him to even if it was a good joke.

If Kagome were to guess, she would say the black scrubs marked the most dangerous. But with Sesshomaru vastly different in aura's and intentions from Naraku, she had to wonder if it meant something else entirely?

Leaning to the side, Naraku looked around the couple and to Miroku. "Still trying to keep the peace, Monk?"

"Nope. This one's mine." Miroku answered, wrapping his arm around her waist.

She hoped she didn't offend Miroku when she responded with a gasp of shock and discomfort. He didn't lessen his hold so if she did offend, he didn't care. "The Doctor doesn't seem to share your interests?"

"Why do you care?"

Naraku turned back to glare at Kagura. "Bitches should know their place."

Sesshomaru shoved Naraku back, the first time showing some emotions since she'd seen his face. His red eyes were glowing as were the purple streaks on his face. Demons like Sesshomaru never had a chance to escape when the laws changed.

"Watch what you say, Naraku." Sesshomaru warned.

Shippo shivered against her neck and she carefully petted him. With all these people surrounding her, Kagome's only fear was that someone would get hurt for her.

"And here I had been looking forward to a decent conversation with the Doctor. But every time we meet, there's meat bags in my way."

Taking advantage, Naraku slugged Sesshomaru, who clearly wasn't expecting the attack, sending him flying a short distance away. He backhanded Kagura who fell on top of the Dog demon. Miroku spun her backward, putting himself in front of her. In a move that was sure to get her in trouble to deal with later, Kagome tossed Shippo into Kanna, knocking both children down in a less violent manner than Naraku promised.

Now unburdened by innocence, she grabbed onto Miroku's back, holding onto his shoulders in hopes of keeping him back from the swirling black mass of hate.

"Out of my way, Monk."

"Fuck you."

A fist to his gut and Miroku stumbled. He remained standing, to Naraku's displeasure. A quick glance at the guards left her less than shocked that they stood watching, doing nothing.

Her fingers were starting to match Miroku's scrubs she held the material so tight. Weaken from the hit, she used her hold to toss Miroku away, getting him out of the way. Naraku didn't miss a beat, getting right in her face. He had her collar in his hold and ran a claw down her cheek.

"Hello, Doctor."

"Naraku."

"I was just thinking, blood for blood? What do you think? Then we could call it even?"

She kept control of her body, keeping herself from shivering. "You want my blood? Why?"

"Same reason the Warden wants mine. Power."

Ripped off her, Kagome stumbled a little when Naraku was knocked back by a body colliding with his. She was in shock, finding Maten crouching before her with his brother at his side. "Don't touch the Doctor!"

The laugh that billowed out of Naraku had her struggling to contain herself. "Come now, boys. I only wanted to thank the Doctor. After all, if it wasn't for her kind words, I'd still be in lock up. Now I get to come out and play with all of you!"

A few words and sounds of concern were passed around the yard and Kagome watched as the nods of respect she once got now turned to glowers. How quickly the tides changed.

"They wouldn't allow demon killers like the two of you lose. This is a fluke!" Maten shouted with only a small shiver of fear.

She didn't understand. A demon-killing demon? It didn't make sense, why would a demon kill their own kind? Especially with the bans and restrictions on them as a race, it would be like shooting fish in a barrel with the fish the ones doing the shooting.

All of this didn't really matter right now, her attention pulled back to the couple. Sesshomaru was cradling Kagura in a manner she'd seen many times before. It had her wondering about the two… before her distracted attention cost her.

Maten was in Naraku's claws.

"None of you seem to mind when the Dog demon comes out to play. Now that it's my turn you're all going to give me shit?"

To prove everyone's point, Naraku tossed Maten right into his brother. She had just healed and helped the two of them only to get broken again so quickly. Naraku was stepping up to her, unimpeded again, and Miroku groaned on the ground near her. He was still rallying from Naraku's blow. How powerful was this guy when the runes weren't oppressing him to nothing?

Miroku's words were ringing in her ears about not revealing herself but with everyone still at risk, she was dangerously close to going farther than she ever had before with her gifts when her vision was filled with white. The snarl that came from Inuyasha was feral, more like an animal than any other sound he had made thus far.

Naraku laughed loudly and viciously. "I wondered when you'd show your ugly face, Inuyasha."

She had stepped up to grab the back of Inuyasha's scrubs but he pushed her back hard. "You're always a fucking problem, Naraku. I'm starting to get tired of your little tantrums."

"I just want a little blood from the Doctor here. Maybe you can coax it out of her for me?"

"What the hell does that mean?"

Naraku was on top of Inuyasha and neither was backing down. "It means I heard you purring to her from your cell the other day. And I smell her on your skin."

"She is my damn cellmate, I have no choice…"

"Don't insult my intelligence…"

Inuyasha huffed in Naraku's face. "You? Intelligent? The guy that got thrown in here thanks to a six-year-old?"

For some reason, that sent Naraku into a rage and close to ripping Inuyasha's throat out. The hanyou didn't even flinch while she was trying to breathe. Naraku's darkness was overwhelming and her body screamed for action like never before. She knew all that her gifts could do and had been taught to never use them like that. It had never been too hard, until right now and she felt like she might pop. All she could do was hold it back and fight against natural instinct, praying she wasn't 'showing'.

But Inuyasha caught on, glancing over his shoulder and paling at the sight of her. "Go ahead, Naraku, hit me. This is already your last time outside your cell."

Inuyasha was right, the guards were already moving into place, small guns in their hands that she wondered what they did. If this had been a test then Naraku had clearly failed. Sesshomaru was still sitting on his hands, playing the game as the Warden wanted him to. Naraku was going to go back to hell and Sesshomaru was going to stay.

Naraku made one last attempt, lunging for Kagome and ignoring the rest. Which was why Inuyasha got his fist to connect with his neck. Coughing and sputtering, Naraku fell back and glared at the two of them. But then fell to his knees so the guards could chain him back up and sneered at Kagome. It was all so surreal and confusing as hell. Here was the most powerful and dangerous creature she'd ever seen and he allowed himself to be chained up so easily? What was in those guns? And what the hell were the guards?

Naraku was gone and everyone still kept their distance. The monster from the basement wasn't the only one these demons were afraid of.

Just like before, Inuyasha turned and showed her blood-colored eyes. This time she took notice of the purple streaks under his eyes. And how he looked just like Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru who was sitting next to Kagura on the picnic table now. They looked like polar opposites, Sesshomaru stoic and clam while Kagura was loud and affectionate. It was cute.

Inuyasha was not cute right now, looming over her and growling.

"Next time, I'm going to let Naraku bleed you dry!"

He turned from her and her blood boiled with her rage, pulling off her shoe and throwing it. It hit him in the back of the head and a few brave souls laughed. Inuyasha wasn't laughing, slowly turning back to her with his eyes still red. "No one ASKED FOR YOUR HELP!"

On top of her in a blink, Kagome struggled to breathe with his sudden nearness. His scent permeated her very essences as there was no escaping it as his angry hot puffs of breath wafted against her cheeks. "You wanna run that by me again, White?"

"Look around, Inuyasha. Not a single person here asked for you to step in. If it's such a HUGE inconvenience then next time, save yourself the trouble and let me get torn apart! Then you can have your stupid cell and bed to yourself again!"

There were a few snickers and groans, reminding her of a fight in the halls back in school. Inuyasha smiled, but it only made her heart drop into her belly as it was the coldest smile she'd ever seen in her life. "That does sound nice. I can do as I please in peace again. But," he reached down, pulling Miroku to his feet, "I'd rather this piece of shit remain whole. I might need him someday. I couldn't give a shit about you, White."

"Are you kidding me? Miroku was out of danger! He didn't need your help either! You just wanted to show off, to show that you could 'take him' like you said in the basement." She was already walking away, going around Inuyasha and Miroku as he was held up by Inuyasha. "You don't need to worry Mate, I heard you, loud and clear. I know you don't give a shit about me and I could care less!"

She shouted the rest over her shoulder, retreating to the dark halls inside. With so many injured, she needed to be at the infirmary anyway and the guards didn't question or try to stop her. She just really hoped it was far enough away from the yard to keep them from hearing her angry sobs of pain and frustration.

oOo

It made her feel so guilty, the infirmary full thanks to her, and yet she was thankful for the distraction.

Shippo and Kanna sat on a bed near her, watching her work while she checked over Maten and Hilten for any bones to reset before they healed back. She really didn't want to have to re-break any bones here. Shippo had a scraped knee and Kanna a bruised cheek but was fine otherwise. She was keeping an eye out for Kagura to appear. No way she would go for long without stopping by and there was no way to know how long Kagura had been without a doctor already.

"Alright, you two are good to go."

Hilten hopped to his feet, dragging his brother along behind. "Thank you, Kagome."

She tried to not worry too much about Maten's obvious infatuation with her, hoping it would pass soon. Who had time for things like love in here?

There was a commotion out in the hallway and Shippo tensed. "Why don't you two head back outside?"

She cooed at the two of them, gently pressing them towards the door and following them out to make sure it was safe. Her eyes felt like rolling out of her skull at the sight of Inuyasha dragging Miroku towards the infirmary.

"I'm fine...Inuyasha…"

"You can barely breathe idiot!"

The guards were itching to jump in on the two for whatever they could. At least that's how it felt to Kagome, pushing the children on and out of the way to step between the fussy couple and the edgy guards.

"You got hit pretty hard, Miroku. I should take a look."

Miroku's smile was pained, "Whatever you say, Doctor."

Inuyasha sighed loudly but followed alone behind the two of them. The guards didn't let Inuyasha past the doorway but he didn't fight them, just watched from there. It made it faster, without an x-ray, to find the problem since she was right there for the fight. Pressing right where Naraku's fist planted in Miroku's stomach, he still groaned with her gentle touch.

Using the ancient stethoscope, she listened to his lungs for a few seconds. "Well, I'm pretty sure you've got a broken rib. Which is why you're struggling to breathe."

"Pretty sure?" Inuyasha asked in his irritated tone from the door.

She ignored him and focused on her patient. "I'll give you some pain meds to help you breathe. Just make sure you don't restrict your breaths, you could get pneumonia."

"Whatever you say, Doc."

Glancing back, she eyed Inuyasha and matched his frown with her own. "Are you injured?"

He huffed. "You were there."

"Then you don't need to be here!"

Mostly, she just didn't want to feel his eyes on her right now. His aura was being weird, tinged red around the edges of his gold. It was beautiful and she hated admitting it. So she really didn't want him here at all.

The guards pushed him back and after a scoff, he walked away. Miroku chuckled a little, in part to his ribs but also so not to be heard. "You shouldn't be so hard on him. He's trying he just lacks...tact."

"He lacks a lot more than that."

Bottle of pills in hands, Miroku stopped her angry shaking with a gentle touch. "Kagome… do we have a patient and doctor privilege?"

"Do you mean, can I keep a secret?" She asked, placing pills in his hand and trying to soften her annoyance.

"More than that. I need to know that you'll NEVER tell Inuyasha I told you this." Her and Inuyasha didn't really talk so it didn't seem like it would be a problem, nodding her head in silence to give him the go-ahead. "Inuyasha asked me to keep an eye out for you. He's the reason I went over there to get you when Naraku was coming."

"Wait, what?!"

Miroku held up a hand to quiet her, not wanting even the guards to hear him say this for some reason. "Don't get me wrong, you're very cute and sweet. I would have helped you anyway. But I like ruffling Inuyasha's feathers and it's so cute how irritated he gets when I hesitate." Miroku laughed while she was in stunned confusion. "Oh, I love making him beg."

Miroku was wiping tears from his eyes while she felt like her head would explode. "Why would he send you? I'm… I'm so confused right now."

She gripped her head as if it would help and Miroku frowned. "Come now, Kagome. The problem is you have the wrong idea about Inuyasha entirely. Not that anyone would blame you. On the surface, he's been a complete asshole to you…"

"Exactly. A full-on, righteous, self-absorbed asshole…"

"Which is exactly what he wants you to think. Even if it bothers him. Not that he would admit it. To anyone."

"I still don't understand."

Miroku sighed and patted her arm. "Remember when you were attacked? Hmmm? Thunder Brothers went after you for no reason?"

"They wanted to leave my body on the bed for… Inuyasha to find… but I told them he wouldn't care…" Miroku was silent, letting her put it together. "But he would have cared? He didn't even know me then."

"Doesn't matter. Because everyone in here hates him."

"Why? I mean, he's no picnic.."

Miroku glanced behind her to the guards. She glanced too, finding them completely disinterested. "They hate Inuyasha because he's the one that got Naraku locked up here."

And that’s what black means! See you next weekend!

#inuyasha fanfiction #inuyasha fandom #inuyasha x kagome #inukag #prison AU #naraku's the bad guy #naraku shows up #again #doctor's in the house #learn a new color meaning #faulkner writing

[sheps-shepherd]

Title: Dizzying Dynamics

Pairing: Mikleo/Sorey; Mikleo & Sorey

Rating: T (for non-graphic mentions of death/dying)

Written for SorMik Week 2020 Day 1: Waxing Crescent - Declaration; Commitment / Rigel - Benevolence; Happiness

*Reposted because Tumblr messed up my formatting so badly I just decided to redo it all.

A/N: This is my first time doing any kind of fandom week in three years so of course all the plans I had for it fell through, hence why this is being posted at the very last minute of the first day. I'm not the happiest with how this came out but it's fluffy and what more can any of us ask for.

All of my works for SorMik Week 2020 will take place in this same AU, which has its own story that I wanted to post before these and still haven't finished. It's a BBC Merlin AU, and all you really need to know is this: magic is banned in this world, Mikleo was born with magic, and Sorey is the sunshine prince we all love and deserve. Other necessary world-building happens within each work itself.

Enjoy!

Read on AO3

---

Mikleo was getting used to life in Camlann. Slowly but surely. 

When his mother had first told him about the arrangements she’d made for him to come live in the capitol, he’d expected to spend a majority of his time with the grandfather he barely remembered in the medical wing of the castle, studying the basics of being a physician by day and honing his magic under the cover of night. He’d expected to spend his days reading, picking herbs, and learning how to properly make various medicines and remedies. Which was okay with him; Mikleo liked to learn, and these types of things were good to learn, and when he went home to Elysia maybe he could put it to use and be more than just the quiet village boy with the magical secret he couldn’t tell anybody.

As it turned out, living in Camlann was nothing like that. Mikleo honestly should have known better, especially when he ended his first week by saving the crown prince’s life and agreeing to take up the mantle as his manservant. 

“Which is a completely glorified title, by the way,” Sorey had told him, on his first official day with his new title, when Sorey had come to get him before he could start worrying about what he was meant to do. “All the things you’re technically supposed to be doing, I’m capable of doing myself. And I don’t mind doing them either. That’s why I always told Arthur I never needed one.”

“What am I supposed to be doing then?” Mikleo had asked, and Sorey had smiled at him like that was the funniest question he’d ever been asked. 

“Stopping wannabe assassins from killing me, apparently,” he’d responded, in a tone that was definitely way too bright and cheerful for the words they’d been paired with. Mikleo had found out right then and there - Sorey Collbrande-Crowe was fearlessly and unapologetically optimistic. 

If Mikleo was being honest, it was rather refreshing to be around someone like that. 

He spent most of his time with Sorey after that first week. When Sorey was in meetings or off wherever his princely duties took him, Mikleo was out doing all the things he originally expected to be doing. The times in between were spent wandering the castle and getting into absolutely everything they could find. 

They spread out maps across the large table in the drawing room. They snuck cooling pies off the windowsills in the kitchens. They read all kinds of things in the library: history books to fables and fairytales to preserved journals. But Mikleo’s favorite times were the nights they holed up in Sorey’s room, with books or treats or stories to share. 

Despite the odd circumstances that got them to this point, they became friends. Genuine friends. The prince-and-technically-servant dynamic didn’t exist. 

But the prince-and-secret-sorcerer one certainly did. To Mikleo, at least. The magic in his blood always seemed harder to ignore whenever he was in Sorey’s presence, a glaring reminder of the impassable space that stretched between them. 

He was lying next to Sorey in the prince’s bed, propped up on pillows with one of the larger history books opened between them, his arm pressed warmly against Sorey’s when the thought hit him - that maybe he was in way too deep, and it had only been a few months. 

Sorey was still the crown prince. Artorius was still his father who hated all things magic. Mikleo had long since given up his avoid the royal family at all costs plan, but falling asleep in the prince’s bed was definitely too far. Risky things like that would put him on the king’s radar, and if Artorius found out- If Sorey found out- 

But we’re already here, Mikleo considered, one afternoon spent watching Sorey scribble away, annotating tomes in the library. This will just be where we stop. No farther. No problems. There was no reason he and Sorey couldn’t be friends; Mikleo just had to tread a little more carefully moving forward. Simple. Even his magic seemed satisfied with that plan, glowing in his chest when Sorey peeked up from his work and smiled at him, and Mikleo smiled back. 

And then the second assassination attempt had happened. And Mikleo had saved Sorey again. And then Sorey had saved Mikleo. And Mikleo spent the days recovering from being poisoned by staring up at his bedroom ceiling and wondering how the hell he ended up here. 

Some destiny this turned out to be. 

“Hello? Anybody home in there?” 

Mikleo blinked his reverie away, turning his head to see Sorey standing there, dressed to the nines in his street clothes, head cocked with a curious look on his face. He beamed when Mikleo focused in on him. 

“There you are! You spaced out on me.” 

“Oh.” Mikleo gave his head a shake, as if clearing the last of the thoughts away. “Sorry about that.” 

“Go somewhere good?” Sorey asked, nudging Mikleo over a step so they were back on the cobblestone road. Mikleo hadn’t even noticed he’d pulled them off. “Or is this a side effect of poison recovery that you didn’t tell me about?” 

“Sorey, I’m fine. Just a little tired. Stop blaming everything on my recovery.” 

“Just checking,” Sorey sang before taking a bite out of his apple - which him grabbing from the kitchen as they left had sparked their usual argument of: “That’s not breakfast.” “It totally counts as breakfast.” 

Sorey was impossible, in the most endearing way. 

“But,” the prince continued after swallowing his bite, “if you are fine, that means you shouldn’t have any problem making good on our deal today. Sure you don’t want to change your answer?” 

Mikleo rolled his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t have anything better to do with your day then talk about poison?” 

“Nope!” Sorey grinned around another crunch of his apple. “Already checked with Arthur. He actually thinks it’s a great idea that I do some research about this kind of stuff.” 

“It is a good idea,” Mikleo agreed. “You were bound to have one sooner or later.” 

“You wound me, Mikleo.” Sorey clutched at his shirt, and Mikleo rolled his eyes again at his dramatics. 

Impossibly endearing. And maybe the slightest bit mortifying, too. 

“I’d guess most people wouldn’t be so excited to research different kinds of poisons,” Mikleo mused as they stepped off the castle road and headed into the Lower Town. They fell in step beside each other, their arms brushing as they walked, assuring they didn’t lose each other in the morning rush of townspeople. “A bit morbid, don’t you think?” 

Sorey shrugged. “Maybe. But I’m not like most people.” He gave Mikleo a cheeky grin. “What’s your excuse, huh?” 

I’m not like most people, either.

“Gramps doesn’t like to leave things half-done,” Mikleo said aloud. “It’s something I need to know as a physician.” 

“But shouldn’t it be something I need to know as the you-know-what? Why isn’t that something Arthur had me studying already?” 

“That’s what physicians are for.” Mikleo was quiet for a moment, then carefully bumped his shoulder against the other’s. “That’s what I’m for. I have to be doing something as your manservant.” 

Sorey chuckled, but the light in his eyes was dimmed as he looked over. “I know,” he said softly, and Mikleo could just barely hear him over the dull roar of people. “But you got hurt because I didn’t know better, and I’m not okay with that.” 

“Sorey, you saved me-“

“You wouldn’t have needed saving if I had known in the first place.” 

“You are not the reason I was poisoned,” Mikleo insisted. “The maid who put the poison in your drink is the reason.” He crossed his arms. “And again, you saved me by going out and getting what Gramps needed to make the antidote. So we’re both still here and we’re both fine. We’re even.” 

“Are not.” Sorey chewed another bite of apple. “We’re two-to-one. Or have you forgotten about saving my life when we first met?” 

Mikleo rolled his eyes again, but couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Of course not.” But as far as Mikleo was concerned, that was a debt Sorey had already paid back in full. 

He didn’t admit it out loud, but Sorey must have read something in his expression, because he smiled and gave Mikleo a nudge of his own. 

“Guess we’re just gonna have to keep saving each other and see where we end up, huh?”

“Yeah,” Mikleo murmured. “I guess so.” 

Sorey suddenly wrapped his arm around Mikleo’s shoulders and tugged him into his side. He blinked as he found himself pressed against the prince’s chest, his hand coming up to steady himself so he wouldn’t completely crash into the other. His hand landed at the center of Sorey’s chest, right where he had grasped it a moment ago. 

He tipped his head back, knowing his face was probably bright red but also ready to demand just what Sorey thought he was doing. Then the group of children came hurtling by, practically trampling over one another as they raced down the cobble, calling out hello’s to Sorey as they ran along. 

“Be careful, guys!” Sorey called back. “Watch where you’re going! Don’t run anybody over, I can’t save ‘em all!” 

The children laughed but didn’t show any signs of slowing down. The little boy bringing up the rear of the group bounded past them. 

“I got them, Sorey!” he exclaimed. “Don’t worry!” 

“Thanks, Videl. I’m counting on you.” Sorey tossed his half-eaten apple at the boy, who caught it gleefully. “Say hi to your mom for me, yeah?” 

“Okay! Bye, Sorey!” Videl took a large bite of the apple and turned around to chase after his friends. 

It wasn’t until Sorey was pulling away that Mikleo realized he hadn’t even thought about trying to pull away himself, which he certainly could have done once the crowd of children had passed. The realization made his face grow even warmer. Sorey’s hand staying between his shoulder blades definitely didn’t help.

“You good?” Sorey asked, taking a half-step forward to see Mikleo’s face. “Still have all your toes?” 

“Ah.” Mikleo cleared his throat. “Yes. I’m fine. Thank you.” 

Sorey studied him thoughtfully. The sun was behind him in the sky, silhouetting his messy hair and casting odd shadows across his face, but Mikleo could make out smears of pink across the apples of his cheeks from the heat. He hoped Sorey chalked the redness on his own face up to that, and not to poison recovery or other things. 

The beaming grin that broke out across Sorey’s face surprised him. But really, he shouldn’t have expected otherwise. 

“I believe that evens our score then,” the prince chirped. “Two for you and two for me.” 

“Evens our-?” Mikleo sputtered petulantly. “You did not save my life from a group of children.” 

“And have you ever been bowled over by a bunch of kids on the run before? Because trust me, Mikleo, it is not fun.” 

“Why am I not surprised you got yourself into something like that?” 

“Hey, be nice about it! I had bruises for weeks!” 

They bickered back and forth as they headed down the road again, continuing their walk through the town. There were no more clusters of rambunctious children trying to barrel through them, but Sorey still kept his hand on Mikleo’s upper back, fingers hooked comfortably around his shoulder. And Mikleo let him, telling himself it was because their playful banter was distracting him and nothing more. The magic fizzling beneath his skin made sure to let him know he wasn’t fooling anyone. 

Living in Camlann was absolutely nothing like Mikleo had expected it to be. 

But he was in way too deep to do anything about it now, so he might as well enjoy it. 

#talesoffanfic #sormikweek2020 #sormik #sorey #mikleo #merlin au

[daddiesdrarryy]

Dinner for Two - Drarry

Summary: “I don’t believe in fate or destiny or whatever you said that’s going to happen to me today, Luna, and have you or Ginny seen Pansy?”

“We haven’t seen her since morning, but Draco, the Wrackspurts told me-…” Luna replied

“I’m at the restaurant now, I’ll call you later, don’t worry, I’ll call you, promise, bye Luna”

Draco doesn't believe in fate, but not until Pansy bailed on him and he met Potter again did he actually believe in it now.

Word count: 6821

Read here on ao3

A gift for @drarry-dreams uwu

____________________________

“I don’t believe in fate or destiny or whatever you said that’s going to happen to me today, Luna, and have you or Ginny seen Pansy?” Draco talked to his phone while running under the heavy rain, luckily he has got his charm on

 “We haven’t seen her since morning, but Draco, the Wrackspurts told me-…” Luna replied

 “I’m at the restaurant now, I’ll call you later, don’t worry, I’ll call you, promise, bye Luna” He reassured her, he would call her later, but not right now, because he was late

  “Hi, is my table ready?” Draco rushed in the restaurant as soon as he arrived there, his long hair was disheveled even though it was braided carefully, Luna did it, but he didn’t rush here because of the rain, he ran here because he was late to dinner with Pansy, it was their annual dinner every month to gossip about their lives, he didn’t remember how or when it started but he only knew that they still do it until now, this month Draco had found a new restaurant nearby, it took them ages to book a spot here, it got popular so quickly, the restaurant was famous for its steak and wine, and of course Draco has to have a taste of that

 “What’s your name, sir?” The small blonde girl asked him

 “It’s under the name Draco, Draco Malfoy” He said and watched the receptionist look for his name

 “Ah yes, it’s here, table for two”

 “Yes, that’s me” Draco smiled brightly and was about to step in but the receptionist stopped him

 “I’m sorry, we can’t let you sit down if your date isn’t here” The girl said and Draco gaped at her

 “What do you mean? I mean she will be here soon, and she’s not my date”

 “We’ll take you to your table once your date is here” The girl added “Our restaurant is very crowded so we can’t let you in if—…”

 “Yeah, I know, if my stupid date hasn’t arrived yet” He rolled his eyes, fine, Pansy could be considered as his date anyway, he couldn’t care less, he turned around, looking for his stupid friend, Pansy always liked to make an entrance, but they agreed they would be here at 8, now it was half past 8 and Draco hasn’t seen her yet, the cow.

      *

      “So my friend has to be here or else I won’t get in the restaurant at all?” He approached the receptionist again after five minutes, Pansy still hasn’t arrived and he was getting hungry, he hasn’t eaten all day so he could try the steak here and hell he was hungry he could eat a dragon, not that he would, but he could

 “Yes, sir, she has to be here”

 “Oh, come on, what difference does it make if you get a seat for me now or when my date gets here?”

 “Because we never have one person sitting at a table for two, sir, so when your date is here, I can find you a table” The girl explained and Draco groaned, walking away to the bar outside

 “Okay so I only need one person” Draco pulled his phone out as soon as it buzzed, Pansy was calling him

 “Pansy you cow” He snapped into his phone once he answered

 “I am so so so sorry” Pansy said “But look, I met Granger at the library today”

 “Granger? Wait, you were at the library?” He gasped “So you ditched me, your best friend, to go on a date with the one you had a crush on since Hogwarts?”

 “I’m sorry, but we bumped into each other and we talked and she agreed to go on a date with me in a few minutes, she’s like this hot lesbian nerd, Draco. Do you know how rare that is?”

 “Of course I know, I’m the hot gay nerd, Pansy” He snapped “So what now? I’ve been waiting months to eat in this restaurant”

 “I’m sorry, can I take a rain check? We can do it next time! Please? I’m so sorry, you can call Blaise or Theo” Pansy pleaded through the phone

 Draco groaned, walked through the crowd “You owe me, Pansy. And why the hell is this place so crowded?” He muttered and crashed into someone on his way through

 “Sorry sorry” He said and looked at the person he hit “Potter”

 “Potter? As in Harry Potter?” Pansy squeaked through the phone

 “Malfoy” Potter’s face was as shocked as Draco’s, both of them stood there staring at each other “What are you doing here?”

 “Pansy, I’ll have to call you back” He said and ended the call, he shoved the phone back in his pocket “What are you doing here?” Draco asked back and realised that the opportunity was representing itself in front of Draco’s eyes, his stomach growling at the thought of him finally getting to eat the steaks here “Potter, are you alone?”

 “I guess, but it’s because I’m focusing on my job and—…”

 “Shut up and hold my hand” Draco said and immediately intertwined their hands together without even thinking, he dragged Potter to the maitre d’s table and smiled

 “Hi, my date is here, can I have my table now?”

 “Yes, sir” The girl gaped a bit and led the both of them to their table

 “Malfoy”

 “Shush” He snapped and dragged Potter to their table, once they were seated there, Draco sighed out in relief

 “Er, Malfoy—…”

 “Oh, right, don’t worry, this is my treat” Draco offered “It’s for being my date”

 “Date?” Potter’s eyes widened a bit

 “Well, Pansy bailed on me to go with your friend, so it’s partly your fault too”

 “What?” Potter asked “Wait, Parkinson went with Hermione?”

 “Yeah, on a date, probably right now, and I’ve been waiting for ages to eat in this restaurant” He went on “And I will not let Pansy ruins my spot here, so, can you stay throughout the meal with me, Potter?” He pleaded with his puppy eyes

 “Er…I guess”

 “Oh god, thank you, and I know we haven’t been on the best term over the years but well, this could be a start, you know” Draco paused as soon as the waiter arrived

 “Welcome to Éclairage, my name is Jacob and I’ll be your server tonight. Are you ready to order, sir?”

 “Yes, thank you” He smiled gently and skimmed through the menu “For starter, I’d like some tomato soup, and for the main course, I’d like to try your restaurant’s famous steak, for dessert I think I’m going with the chocolate lava cake” He finally stopped and realised he just sounded like a hungry whale, ordering without considering the person in front of him, he chuckled a bit “Oh Potter, where are my manners? I’m so sorry, please, order something too”

 “Just the usual, Jacob” Potter said gently to the waiter

 “And can I get you two something to drink, sir?”

 “A bottle of Chateau Margaux 1787, and that’ll be all, thank you Jacob” Potter said and Draco’s mouth went slack, that was one of the most expensive red wine ever, he only served that to his friends on special occasion, but Potter…the pretentious git

 “Yes, Mr. Potter” The waiter nodded “I’ll be right back with your drinks” Then he walked away

 “Right, I should have known”

 “What?”

 “Famous Harry Potter” Draco smirked “Anywhere you go, people recognise you”

 “Well, it’s probably because—…”

 “And you must have gone here a lot right? Seems so” Draco crossed his arms over his chest and smiled “I’m having dinner with the big, mighty Harry Potter, I bet there’ll be an article tomorrow”

 “There will, but I don’t read the Daily Prophet anymore” Potter ran his hand through his messy hair and Draco’s breath caught, he coughed and continued

 “So, how’s the Auror life treating you, Potter?”

 “I actually quit being an Auror a year ago”

 “What? Really?” Draco leaned forward as he was shocked, he was in total shocked, Potter would actually quit being an Auror?

 “Yeah, being an Auror is quite…dangerous”

 “That’s weird coming from your mouth” Draco snorted

 “But how about you, what are you doing? I know Ron and Blaise are a couple now but Ron rarely tells me about anything except for how good of a kisser Blaise is” Potter laughed, showing his white teeth

 “You cannot imagine how many time Pansy and I had to shut Blaise up from talking about Ron too much, we basically banned him from saying Ron’s name in our house now” Draco ranted “And oh, I’m…the owner of a bookshop, it’s open for two years now”

 “That’s…amazing, you’ve always been a nerd” Potter replied

 “Sod off Potter” He snorted “What can I say, after being a Healer and seeing you too much at St. Mungo, I had to quit” He shrugged and crossed his legs

      *

       “Oh my god I’m so full” Draco took the last few bites of his steak and took a sip from his wine glass, no wonder the restaurant was famous for it, the food and the wine were bloody divine, they have been talking about their Eighth year, after the war, and normal stuff about their friends, Draco felt like it was mostly him talking, Potter was rather quiet today and he just looked at Draco eating, which was weird

 “You like it?”

 “I love it, Potter, I love it so much I could marry it” Draco moaned while chewing on the last piece of steak “God it’s so good” He kept complimenting the food and Potter chuckled “What?”

 “Nothing, you just look…quite adorable” Potter answered and Draco felt himself getting flustered by the git’s words

 “What? Shut up”

 “It’s true” Potter laughed again “You’ve always look adorable while eating, if I remember correctly”

 “You watched me?” Draco gasped, how the hell did the prat knew how Draco looked while eating?

 “Well, we did spend six years watching each other across the hall” Potter looked at him, his eyes seemed like they were hiding something…something Draco couldn’t figure out, he only knew that when those green eyes looked at him, it also stared into his soul, waking up the things he wanted to hide most…his long lost feelings for the bloody war hero

 “I-I did not spend my years watching you eat, Potter” He tried to protest but it was just failing, he knew exactly how Potter eat his food, how he was protective of his food if anyone takes some from him, how he loves treacle tarts, and how he always eats food separately, never smashed together, it was weird, Draco has always wanted to ask him why, but no time for that

 “Really? Because I remember clearly everyday when I was eating my favourite dessert, pumpkin pie, I always see you looking at me and then looked away”

 “That’s not true, your favourite dessert is treacle tart” Draco protested and immediately realised what he did as soon as Potter smiled brightly again at him

 “So it’s true”

 “Whatever, Potter, at least I did not have a crush on you or whatsoever”

 “I never mention anything about you crushing on me” Potter grinned again, and Draco felt his cheeks heating up “Did you?”

 “I—…shut up” He took another sip of wine and looked away

 “Want to play truth or dare?” Potter suddenly asked

 “Why? We’re in a restaurant”

 “For fun” Potter shrugged “Unless you’re too afraid to do it”

 “Don’t underestimate me, Potter, try me”

 “Alright, truth or dare?”

 “Truth” Draco proudly replied

 “What do you think of me?”

 “Dare” Draco flushed and switched the option

 “Okay, I dare you to say what you think of me” Potter gave him a big grin

 “You git, you tricked me” Draco frowned

 “Come on, it’s an easy one” Potter nagged him

 “Fine, I guess…you’re okay, you’re an idiot most of the time, but other times, you’re okay” He pouted “Is it my turn now?”

 “Sure, go ahead”

 “Truth or dare?”

 “Dare”

 “Ah, should have expected that from a Gryffindor” Draco chuckled and looked at Potter up and down, he was wearing a dark blue suit, it was possibly tailored and he looked dashing in it as well, wait…Potter? And dashing? No way, Draco shook the thought off instantly “Hmm, I dare you to…kiss the hottest person here” He looked around “Do you need me to find one for you? Look, that waitress there is quite hot”

 “I don’t think I swing that way anymore” Potter gave him a devilish smile and Draco’s lower part was awakened. Now? Seriously? He slapped himself mentally for getting excited by what Potter said that fast

 “You’re…oh my god” Draco said and looked around the restaurant one more time, he shrugged when he couldn’t find anyone hot for Potter to make out with “Too bad, there’s no man here as hot as me, as far as I can tell”

 “So you’re saying I should kiss you?”

 “What? No! Nonsense” Draco blushed again and reached for the wine bottle to pour himself more wine, avoiding Potter’s eyes at the same time

 “I’m a Gryffindor, you know, I won’t back out from a dare” Potter told him

 “Wait, I could find someone hotter for you” Draco searched frantically for anyone, anyone that might look hotter than him, but unfortunately, it was just a lot of old men and men that were not as attractive as Draco, and the blonde wasn’t even exaggerating

 “It’s no use, you’re the hottest here” Potter shrugged and the waiter arrived with their desserts, which Draco sighed out in relief, finally something for him to distract Potter from

 “Ooh desserts, it looks so good” Draco said and started eating, he could feel Potter’s eyes on him, the firm gaze roaming over his body, but he wouldn’t look up at the git, he couldn’t even if he wanted to, the intense gaze was burning him

 “Eat, Potter, stop staring at me” He cleared his throat and heard Potter chuckled, then he could see Potter started eating his chocolate mousse from the corner of his eyes.

 “God this piece of cake is so good” He moaned softly as he ate the marvellous cake. How could anyone make food this good? He could stay in this restaurant forever

 “You’ve always has a sweet tooth” Potter continued eating

 “What? How—…”

 “Your mother used to send you sweets all the time” This time Draco finally looked up at Potter once again, their eyes locked and the first thing Draco noticed was that Potter has chocolate on the corner of his mouth

 “Potter” He called and pointed to his own lips “You have…”

 “What? Do I have chocolate on my lips?” Potter said and stuck his tongue out to lick it but it just made the chocolate sauce went everywhere on the corner of his mouth

 “No, it’s…” He tried to demonstrate for Potter again but the git still couldn’t take it, Draco huffed and extended his arm across the table “Are you playing dumb or are you actually dumb, Potter?” He used his thumb to wipe the chocolate off but his movement stopped as soon as he felt Potter’s eyes on him again, he stared at the prat and his mouth opened slightly, he couldn’t breath all of a sudden. When did Potter look so charming? But it wasn’t like he was never charming, Potter did have his charms. Pansy had forced the blonde to admit that in Eighth Year, when Potter took off his wet shirt when a few Second Year students hit him with a water balloon on a hot day, Draco had drooled so much Pansy had to Accio a mop to clean it, not literally of course but she always exaggerated the story every time she mentioned it again just to tease Draco. Draco shook off the memory as he realised what was going on, his thumb was on Potter’s lips now and he has never seen Potter this close ever since the day he was brought back to the Manor during the war, he remembered that day clearly, of course he knew that was Potter, he just didn’t…want the git to die.

 “You look cute when you’re thinking” The voice brought him back to reality once again and he stuttered

 “W-what? I wasn’t…it’s just…shut up” He was about to retreat his hand when Potter caught him by the wrist, he jolted at the touch, Potter’s skin felt so hot. Was the git having a fever or was Draco imagining it all? Probably the second he reckoned

 “Is it over yet?”

 “What? Oh…yeah, the chocolate is all clear now” He blushed and got back on his chair, he cleared his throat and sipped on his wine “Well, I guess this is it” He wiped his mouth with the napkin and called Jacob, the waiter to prepare to pay for the meal

 “Can I have the check, please?” He asked nicely and the waiter nodded, giving him the bill

 “Just put it on my tab, Jacob” Potter said and the waiter nodded

 “Woah woah woah” He intervened and stared at Potter with wide eyes “Potter, I told you I’ll pay for this meal”

 “Yeah, I know, but—…”

 “And I will pay for this meal” He insisted “Don’t pity me, Potter, I still have money”

 “It’s not about money, Draco” Potter chuckled and the blonde didn’t know how to react, the fact that Potter just called him by his first name, and not his last, which was surprising, because that has never happened before, and Draco was shocked, he was in utter shock

 “Did you just…”

 “Call you Draco?” Potter smiled at him “I think it’s time we put the past behind us, right? Let me pay for the bill, I’m—…”

 “I don’t care that you’re the big and mighty Harry Potter, Potter” He snapped at the man in front of him “I made a promise and I will keep it, now Jacob, take my money” He looked at the confused waiter and nodded “I will pay”

 “Jacob, I’ll pay, go back to the kitchen” Potter told the waiter and he nodded, walking away

 “Potter!” He turned back and glared at the pretentious git in front of him “I can too pay for the meal”

 “Draco, listen—…”

 “No, I will not listen to you, Potter, you’ve been weird all night with the flirting and the looking and the staring and the chocolate and the stupid hair of yours” He babbled “You shut your sexy lips”

 “My what lips?” Potter began chuckling

 “Your…your silly lips, you and-and your silly lips” Draco tried to fix it but it was no use, Potter was hugging his stomach and laughing like ana idiot he was

 “Potter, stop laughing at me” He ordered and Potter finally stopped

 “Draco, are you sure I’m the only one flirting here?”

 “What? Preposterous” He protested “How could you—I would never, I—…you shut up and let me pay the bloody bill”

 “Draco—…”

 “Mr. Potter, Mrs. Tampleton is here and she wants to meet you” One of the waitress approached their table and cut Potter’s words off

 “Oh, alright, wait for me” Potter told Draco and stood up to walk to the table near the window, where a couple of old people were sitting at, Potter was laughing at an old woman in a fancy purple dress that Draco assumed was Mrs. Tampleton, next to her was an old man that was possibly her husband, Draco stared at how bright Potter’s smile was, he could light up the whole room, hell, even the whole street, Draco has always been swooned over by the bloody smile, he has to admit so. He couldn’t help thinking that this dinner with Potter could be a start of something new, probably a friendship, it was the only thing Draco wanted from Potter from the beginning, from the moment he saw him. From the boy who wore a baggy shirt that was too big for him, to a war hero at a young age, to a charming man in a suit now, and Draco’s heart was beating faster each second, because Potter was walking back to their table now, and he kept smiling at the blonde

 “Mrs. Tampleton? I haven’t seen her since my father’s party when I was seven, she still looks the same” He asked once Potter sat down again

 “Yeah, she wants to meet the owner of the restaurant” Potter shrugged and Draco nodded

 Wait a minute, what?

 “What?” He looked up at Potter, who was grinning at him “Wait…”

 “I can’t believe you didn’t know that” Potter chuckled and sipped on his wine

 “How the hell am I supposed to know that you are the owner of this restaurant?”

 “Well, I kept trying to tell you, but you cut me off every time” The git shrugged and Draco gasped

 “That’s why you pay for the bill, and that’s why the waiter and the receptionist know you”

 “Yeah” Potter nodded

 “Oh my god” Draco gasped again “Éclairage! It’s French for ‘lighting’, oh my god”

 “Yeah, Luna thought of the name” Potter replied “When I quit being an Auror, I started cooking, and I got good at it, then one day Ron said I should open a restaurant while he was eating my steak” Potter smiled, and Draco saw Potter’s small dimple on his left cheek, he blushed “Then I did…open a restaurant, I just didn’t want to reveal my name to many people, Mrs. Tampleton was my first one to eat here, she loved it so much that she has been my special guest ever since” Potter added “I’m surprised you didn’t realise earlier, I thought Blaise would mention it”

 “Yeah I also force him not to tell anything about you when he’s at my house” Draco sighed “I can’t believe you’re the bloody owner”

 “But it’s a good thing” Potter suggested “You can eat here anytime now”

 “Potter, we’re not even friends”

 “We aren’t?”

 “Well…I don’t know”

 “What are we?” Potter’s eyes twinkled “Arch enemies? School rivals? Boyfriends? Acquaintances?”

 “What’s that in the middle?” Draco almost choked on his own spit when he heard those words coming out of Potter’s mouth

 “School rivals?” Potter smiled from ear to ear, Draco glared at him and stood up

 “Well, it’s quite late, I have to go” He pushed the chair back and faked a cough, trying his best to get out of the embarrassing situation

 “Wait, I’ll walk with you” Potter called and Draco stood frozen on his spot, mumbling a curse word

 “Fine, but do try to keep up, Potter” He said and heard Potter snorted

 “I’m now taller than you, you know” He walked side by side with Potter and realised the hard truth, Potter did get taller, he was probably five or six inches taller than Draco now, the bloody prat, Draco murmured in his head. When they reached the door, Potter graciously opened it for Draco and the blonde’s cheeks went pink

 “What a gentleman, Potter” He said sarcastically to hide his sheepishness, as they walked outside, Draco noticed the rain had stopped, but the road was still wet “The Apparition point is just right down the corner, you don’t have to walk with me”

 “You know what Ron told me when he became a couple with Blaise?”

 “No, what?” He asked curiously, Potter didn’t even answer his question

 “He told me to always seize the moment, or else it’ll disappear right away, he’s suddenly wiser than Hermione when he got together with Blaise, they’re truly a good couple” Potter walked along with him closely, his hands in his pocket, Draco walked on Potter’s left, because Draco’s good side of the face was the right side, it wasn’t like his left face was ugly, it just wasn’t better than the right. The street lights were shining above them, the sound of water dropping from the trees down to the grown, and the light from the Muggle vehicle on the road, Draco suddenly felt cozy next to Potter as they walked on the sidewalk

 “Well, that’s really wise of him to say” Draco absentmindedly ran his hand through his long braided hair and accidentally picked out a flower, he chuckled “Damn, I told Luna she mustn’t put any flower in my hair”

 “I think you look beautiful”

 “I…I didn’t ask you to say it”

 “I know, I just feel like saying it” Potter shrugged, smiling like a devil he was, Draco felt his cheeks warm again so he tried to walk farther than the prat and-

 “Draco!” He heard Potter yelling and next he heard a loud beeping sound from a car horn, and the next thing he knew, he was spun around and pulled flushed against the firm chest of the particular Gryffindor prat, then he heard the sound of water splashing, and he closed his eyes, afraid that he would get wet, but surprisingly, he was dry.

 Oh.

 “Potter” He whispered and Potter loosened his embrace on Draco a bit, he looked up at the prat and couldn’t speak a thing, because they were being so close again. Did Potter actually use himself as a shield to protect Draco so he wouldn’t get wet? Why did he have to be such a bloody hero every time?

 “I saw the puddle and the car, so…” Potter looked down at him and for the first time ever, he saw Potter blushed. And hell he was falling for the prat again. How many times have Draco became angry because Potter arrived at St. Mungo injured? How many times have Draco secretly wish he could get over the face that made him have wet dreams almost every day when they were in Eighth Year? How many times have Draco felt like crying because Potter went out to kill fight the Dark Lord over and over again? How many times have Draco’s heart skipped a beat when Potter smiled? It wasn’t time for him to feel shy, it wasn’t time for him to put his pride and ego at the front, it was rather time for him to do what he should have done many years ago but he just didn’t have the guts to.

 “Potter, ask me truth or dare” He said, their bodies still flushed against each other, a few strands of hair fell down to Draco’s face

 “Truth or dare?” Potter asked softly, green eyes stared into his

 “Truth, ask me what I want to do now” He replied, determination in his words

 “What do you want to do now?”

 “I want you to finish the dare I gave you earlier” He finished and took a shaky breath

 “Draco”

 “Just shut up and kiss me” Draco pulled Potter’s collar and smashed their lips together, and fuck it felt divine, his body shivering from the sensation, from Potter’s tongue on his bottom lip, and when he opened his mouth, he could taste what Potter had eaten earlier, he could feel the light shining on both of them even though he closed his eyes, he could hear the sounds of cars driving by, but above all, he could felt Potter’s arms around his torso, hugging him, embracing him, his hands on Potter’s collar loosened and he wrapped his arms around Potter’s body, the git’s back was completely wet from the earlier accident, but he couldn’t care less. Draco let out a gasp when Potter grabbed his arse, fuck, those hands would feel amazing when Potter fingers him. The prat cupped Draco’s face and deepened the kiss, but just as they were about to take it to another level and fuck right on this street, Draco heard another car horn

 “Merlin’s fuck” He yelped and jumped away, breaking the kiss off when another car had passed by and splashed water on both of them again, this time it got on Draco’s arms that were on Potter’s back. He locked eyes with the Gryffindor for the million times throughout the night and smirked, knowing that he had just felt Potter’s hard on from his trousers while they were kissing and knew that they were both just excited about this, and god he wanted to feel that inside him right away, he grabbed Potter’s wrists and led him to the Apparition point

 “Pansy’s out tonight, probably shagging your best friend Granger right now, so she won’t be back until morning” He suggested “So…want to have another dessert at my flat?”

 “Only if the dessert is you” Potter pulled the blonde flushed against his broad chest and Draco laughed

 “You idiot, it was already emphasised” And with that, they Apparated away with a loud pop.

       *

       “Your house looks so nice” Potter said as he walked in Draco’s house with him

 “The light is on…weird” Draco mumbled and yelled when he saw two figures on the couch

 “Oh my god Pansy!” His voice went high and Pansy jolted, breaking off her kiss with Granger

 “Draco! Why are you here?”

 “Why are you here?” Draco snapped back at his friend

 “Harry” Granger pushed her hair behind her ear and pushed her skirt down to where they belong since Pansy’s hand was under there just a few seconds ago, her face redder than Ron’s hair

 “Mione” Harry said, his cheeks flushed, it must be weird for him to see his best friend like this, not Draco, Draco was used to it

 “Well this is awkward” Pansy said and Hermione nudged her, Pansy stood up and pulled Draco to the kitchen counter

 “I want the house for tonight” Pansy said

 “No way! I want it” Draco snapped

 “I got here first”

 “Well you can do it at Granger’s house”

 “And you can do it at Potter’s” Pansy argued with him and Draco sighed, fine, he could do it anywhere, as long as it was with Potter

 “Fine! You owe me two times now” He glared at her and walked to Harry’s spot

 “Harry”

 “Yeah?”

 “Can we go to your house...? Pansy and…she wants to…”

 “Do it with my best mate here” Harry chuckled and nodded, extending his hand “Side Along?”

 “Okay” He said and intertwined their hands together

 “Bye” Pansy said along with Granger, Draco nodded and waved them goodbye before he Apparate away with Harry again

       *

       “So…er, do you want anything to drink?” Harry said as soon as they were in his living room, Draco nodded, suddenly it felt too awkward, he felt shy, why did he feel shy?

 “Wine is good” He said and Harry turned around to open his kitchen cabinet, pulling out two wine glasses, but before he poured the wine out, he took off his jacket, and Draco felt butterflies in his stomach, how could a man just take off what he wears and looked so hot doing it? Draco turned around, looking around the house, he hasn’t been in the Grimmauld Place since he was a kid, being back here just brought him memories, and not good ones, Aunt Walburga was kind of a bitch, Draco shrugged off his long jacket and draped it over the couch

 “Harry” He jolted when a pair of arms snaked around his torso and he was being pulled back

 “You’re so beautiful” Harry mumbled into his ear and pressed a kiss on Draco’s cheek, the blonde leaned back to get more friction, but he was spun around, he grabbed Harry’s biceps as a reflex and couldn’t react when Harry kissed him, and oh he missed it, he felt like he could be kissed by Harry forever and ever and ever…and ever. The kiss became frantic as the both of them began unbuttoning each other’s clothes, Harry’s hands trailed down to grab Draco’s arse and the blonde gasp, breaking off the kiss because Harry was squeezing his bottom like a bouncy ball

 “Harry” He moaned and heard a low growl that wasn’t his, Draco let out a loud yelp when he was pushed onto the couch “Ow! You brute”

 “Oh god, I’m sorry, are you okay?” Harry suddenly became so caring and soft, he touched Draco’s head and kept rubbing it gently, it didn’t hurt that much but Harry was definitely making it all better anyway

 “You’re a dork” He chuckled “I’m fine, I was just being dramatic”

 “Are you really okay?” Harry asked again and Draco pulled him close

 “Now listen to me very carefully, Harry James Potter, I have been waiting to be fucked by you for a decade now, I’m not getting any younger” Draco leaned up and mumbled into Harry’s ear “We’re not getting any younger”

 “Fuck” was all Harry said, soon Draco was attacked by the git’s kiss again, this time it was hotter. Harry quickly pulled the last piece of Draco’s clothes off and stopped for a moment

 “What are you waiting for?” Draco stared up at Harry but the git stayed still, his eyes roaming all over the blonde’s body

 “I’m just…watching the masterpiece, fuck you’re beautiful” Harry smiled and bent down to kiss him again, their body flushed, but Draco pushed him back again

 “Why do you still have your trousers on?” He arched an eyebrow and pointed to the bulge on Harry’s jeans “Come on, take it off” Draco felt like they were talking too much and the fucking part still hasn’t come yet, was this even foreplay?

 “Holy—…Potter” Draco gaped when Harry took off his boxer, Harry Potter was hung, he smirked proudly “I knew it”

 “You knew?”

 “I have a talent for it” Draco shrugged and pulled Harry by the neck down, their kiss was less frantic and more chaste now, Harry broke the kiss off and began kissing Draco’s jawline, and the kisses were trailed down lower, to Draco’s neck, to his pulse point, to his collarbone and to his sensitive nipples, Draco moaned when Harry licked and sucked on it. Even though the Gryffindor was teasing Draco’s upper body, he could still feel Harry’s hand slithering down and was circling his now lubed entrance. When did that happen exactly? He couldn’t remember, because Draco couldn’t even think right now, not when Harry had pushed another finger in and scissoring Draco

 “Wait woah hey” Draco frowned when Harry suddenly pulled his fingers out “Why are y—…”

 “Get on your hands and knees” Harry ordered, his eyes filled with lust, and Draco found himself yearning for more, the domination, the power that Harry has, Draco wanted it, so he obeyed, the blonde turned and got on his knees, he put his elbows down on the arm of the couch, knowing perfectly what Harry was going to do next

 “I know you’re going to say I’m beautiful again so just do what you want now, Potter” He rolled his eyes when he felt Harry was about to speak

 “I was actually going to say your arse are beautiful” Harry chuckled and grabbed his globes, spreading them apart, Draco felt Harry ghosting his breath over his hole, then something wet breached through his entrance and Draco arched his back, he leaned forward and moaned loudly

 “Holy fuck, Harry” He gripped on the arm of the couch for his life, because Harry’s tongue was doing something so sinful to Draco, so so so sinful. Harry kept rimming him, his hands pried Draco’s arse apart, going in deeper, the blonde whined, asking for more

 “Oh god, Harry” Draco cried out when two fingers were pushed in, Harry kissed Draco’s back and trailed the kisses up to his neck, while his fingers were still inside Draco

 “I’ll take good care of you” Harry kissed the spot behind Draco’s ears and pulled his fingers out. Draco almost forgot how big Harry was until he felt the head began pushing inside

 “Oh wow, oh holy w-woah” Draco leaned forward as Harry pushed in, Merlin it was huge, he dropped his head and moaned, Harry wrapped an arm around his torso and pulled him flushed against his chest, also pulling him from falling off the couch, Draco felt warm at the action

 “Faster god damn it Harry!” He urged the man and Harry obeyed, slamming in with forceful thrusts, earning loud moans from Draco’s mouth, he was pretty sure the couch was moving and shaking from it. Harry ran his hand through Draco’s long hair and pulled back a bit, causing Draco to whine and opened his mouth, Harry took the chance and kissed the blonde, plunging his tongue deep inside as he thrusted into Draco at the same time. Draco has never felt so aroused before, his skin was burning from the sensation, sweats were forming on his forehead. Draco moaned when Harry tweaked the blonde’s sensitive nipple, making him break the kiss off

 “Harry oh god please please please” He wailed, his knees have gone weak, every thrust Harry made, he could feel it deep in him, he could feel everything, Harry’s cock hitting at his prostate constantly, then he felt another hand that wasn’t his, trailing down to his untouched prick, Harry started stroking him and that was all it took to get Draco to come like he has never before. The blonde cried out, shooting everywhere on the couch, Draco’s hole twitched and that made Harry came too, his body jerking above Draco, he shuddered and came inside the blonde. Draco’s elbow went down and he collapsed on the arm of the couch, Harry still above him.

 “Fuck, that was…”

 “Shut up, Potter” He replied

 “What about Harry?”

 “You caught me at my weakest moment” He lied and heard the git chuckled, bending down to kiss Draco on his cheek

 “Want to move to the bedroom?”

 “I’m tired, carry me” He said and gasped when Harry pulled out, he suddenly felt empty inside “Harry!”

 “You told me to carry you” Harry rolled the blonde around, carrying him up in bridal style, Draco wrapped his arms around Harry’s neck to secure himself, feeling unable to hide his smile, he carried Draco up the stairs and they did it quietly, Draco spent the whole time staring at his face. Harry didn’t change much, he just got…more mature, his eyes were still as green as ever, his smile was still bright, his lips was still so…kissable, his jawline was so sharp that Draco’s fingers were touching it unconsciously, his finger trailed from Harry’s ear, down to his sharp jaw, and down to the veins on his neck, Harry turned his head and looked down at Draco

 “If I’m not wrong, I’d say you’re smitten with me, Malfoy”

 “You wish, Potter” Draco snorted, but his hand kept touching Harry’s face, he was just simply…godlike, beautiful, and touching it now made Draco feel like he was blessed, they locked eyes like that until…

 “Ow! Potter!” He yelped loudly when his head hit the wall to Harry’s bedroom door

 “Oh god I’m so sorry” Harry laughed “I was…distracted by your face” He added and put Draco down on the bed gently, the git sat down on the side of the bed and rubbed Draco’s head “Does it hurt?”

 “Yes it bloody hurts, Potter” He frowned

 “Do you want me to kiss the pain away?” Harry suggested while chuckling

 “I’m not five, Potter” He pouted

 “Are you sure?” Harry smiled and bent down, planting a soft kiss on the sore spot on Draco’s head, the blonde bit his lips to stop himself from smiling “One more?”

 “Sod off, Potter” He said and Harry bent down to kiss the blonde’s head again

 “One more?” Harry asked and Draco finally looked at him, the git was grinning like a real prat, but Draco kind of like it, made him felt like a kid all over again

 “Five more and I’ll forgive you” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked away, Harry sniggered but still bent down to give Draco a kiss on his head, then a kiss on his forehead, then he lowered down to plant two kiss on either side of Draco’s cheeks, then he cupped the blonde’s face and gave him one last kiss on his lips

 “You’re such a sap” He mumbled when they broke off the kiss

 “You made me this way, don’t you want to pay for what you did?”

 “What do you want?”

 “How about…a trillion kisses from you?” Harry’s eyes gleamed and Draco let out a laugh

 “Greedy, aren’t you?” Draco asked, pulling Harry down to connect their lips once again as an answer, because he’d want to give a trillion kisses to Harry too, the git was an excellent kisser anyway, it almost seemed that what Luna had said about fate was true, and for once he believed in it.

     The End.

#drarry #my writing #my fic #draco malfoy #harry potter #pansmione #blairon #drarry squad #drarry gang #lemon #pansy parkinson #hermione granger #harry x draco

[vernonfielding]

Life Writes Its Own Stories

Chapter 9. (AO3)

By mutual agreement, they declared a ban on “fancy” dates, which were defined as anything requiring a tie (for him) or high heels (for her) or financial gymnastics (for both of them). “I just don’t think we’re that kind of couple,” Amy said. “I just don’t think I have more than a dollar in my bank account,” Jake said. He could tell she thought he was joking and he was disinclined to correct her, for the time being.

So they got creative.

Amy treated him to a picnic at their fountain in Prospect Park, with Italian subs from the deli that he said was his favorite but never went to because his third favorite was closer to the precinct.

She took him to the T-rex exhibit at the natural history museum and made out with him in a dim corner of the gem room, where they got caught by a trio of middle-schoolers on a field trip who followed them around the rest of the afternoon.

She dragged him to the button store near Bryant Park, so he could experience the insanity of an entire shop with nothing but buttons. She’d loved visiting the store as a child with her mother, she said to him, and just as she had when she was young, she filled a silky pouch with mismatched buttons, picked out by both of them. She told him to keep it, and he stuffed it in his sock drawer, then changed his mind and set it on his bedside table instead. On nights he wasn’t with her, he’d hold it in his hand while he messed around on his phone or watched TV; the slip and slide of the buttons through the cloth, the gentle clacking sound they made, was soothing to him.

Jake took her to his go-to thrift store for undercover attire, and made Amy buy clothes for her alter ego, Eldora Senegal, and he picked out something for Pineapples, and they wore their costumes to a shady bar near his apartment and day drank and fell asleep on his couch at 8 p.m. on a Saturday.

He led her on a midnight crime tour of Brooklyn, and the next morning he bought her breakfast sandwiches from the sketchy looking bodega across the street from his apartment, and she said they were the best she’d ever had.

He took her to a kids’ soccer game at Prospect Park, where they set up cheap folding chairs and shared a bag of peanuts and drank PBRs out of paper bags, and each of them picked a team –  the winner got to control the TV for two weeks. They got aggressively, perhaps inappropriately, competitive, and in the lulls between plays, Jake told her about the one season he’d played soccer as a kid, after his dad had left and he’d quit Little League. And she didn’t look at him with pity or indulgence, just smiled softly and brushed her thumb over his cheek, then screamed at the goalie on her team for diving the wrong way on a shot.

Amy figured out pretty quickly that Jake was kind of a slob and that it was true she’d have to get used to him showing up late for dates or canceling last-minute when he got stuck on a case. Eventually he had to tell her about the crushing debt, when she gently suggested he might need a new mattress. Her eyes grew wide with alarm, and for the first time he felt he’d disappointed her and it was awful. But then the dismay on her face shifted to something more like fond exasperation –  the same look when she saw the stacks of unwashed cereal bowls in his kitchen sink or when he showed up for dinner with his hair still wet from a precinct shower –  and honestly, that wasn’t so bad.

Jake learned Amy was a terrible cook and a nerd about word games and kind of a control freak, and that she was prone to absurd bouts of stubbornness when she was having a bad day. He could always tell when the Times or some other newspaper had beat her on a story because she would refuse any help or small kindness from him for the rest of the day, even if it was just opening a door for her or offering to pick up takeout before coming over.

And he found that she’d meant it when she said her career was her priority, which wasn’t to say he ever felt pushed aside, or like she took him for granted. But she worked as many nights as he did, and though she didn’t often go into the newsroom on weekends she almost always had her police scanner on low at her apartment and she obsessively checked Twitter for breaking news. 

“I have a new rule,” he said to her one lazy afternoon, as he came up behind her and pressed a kiss to the side of her neck. She was sitting at her kitchen table, working on the Sunday Times crossword puzzle; her phone sat next to the paper, buzzing at irregular intervals.

She angled her head to expose more of her neck and said, distracted, “What’s that?”

“Turn off Twitter notifications.”

She stiffened and looked over her shoulder at him. “Are you crazy?”

Jake sighed and sat next to her. “You’re making me a little crazy, Ames.”

She assessed him, eyes narrowed. “I’ll turn off 30 percent of the notifications.”

“Deal.” He leaned over and they kissed, a promise, and she turned back to her puzzle. “Also, no more scanner during sexy times.”

“Now you’ve gone too far, Peralta,” she said. But then she got up and turned off the scanner humming low in the corner, and straddled him in the chair. So yeah, he knew she had her priorities just right.

+++

A month after they started dating, they went to Gina’s dance recital in Queens, where they sat in the last row in the dark and whistled and cheered at her solo moves. When it was over they dropped off flowers for her with someone backstage but they didn’t stick around to say hi. Gina didn’t know they were dating, and Jake wasn’t entirely opposed to telling her, but he wasn’t sure how she would react, if she’d be angry or happy for him or just bored by the news.

A few days later, Jake was at Shaw’s with Rosa after an especially dumb day chasing scooter thieves – “We should just let them go, they’re doing the city a favor,” Jake said. “Yep,” Rosa said. They caught the guys two hours later – when someone called out “Jakey!”

He looked up and saw Amy at the same moment he spotted Charles, who was waving and pointing crazily at Jake. Amy’s jaw dropped and Jake was convinced for a second that he’d been roofied because it was the only way to explain these people all in one place at the same time. Then Rosa hit him.

“Dude, why is your girlfriend here?”

For a second Jake wasn’t sure if she was referring to Amy or Charles, but he knew Rosa would never make fun of someone’s masculinity and he felt bad about the thought even crossing his mind. “How did you know?”

“You’re super obvious,” Rosa said.

Then Charles and Amy had crossed the room and were standing at their table, and Charles was saying something about how he thought they’d be perfect together and he’d been trying to make this happen for so long and what did they think, was it a love connection? And Rosa said, “Shut up, man, they’re already dating.”

Charles looked wildly between them before his knees buckled and he fell into a chair that was conveniently just under him. Rosa pushed her beer across the table to him and he picked it up and finished it in one go.

“I’m Rosa,” Rosa said to Amy.

“Amy,” Amy said.

“I can’t believe this,” Charles said.

“Seriously, how do you know everyone I work with?” Amy sat down next to Jake and stole his beer.

It was like this, Jake told her: He’d met Charles five years ago, when Charles’ ex-wife had been holding his sperm hostage and Charles had filed a complaint, and the case had been too obviously insane for Jake to not take it. He’d known Charles’ job had something to do with editing but he hadn’t realized he worked at the Bulletin.

“How can you not know that?” Amy said.

“We kind of only ever talk about my job,” Jake said.

Charles nodded agreeably. “Jake’s work is way more interesting than mine.”

“Oh, and we talk about food. Super gross food.”

“Also true,” Charles said.

When Rosa got up to get more drinks and Charles got up to ask about the Shaw’s selection of balsam liqueurs (“None. I’m sure it’s none,” Jake told him, but Charles wanted to check anyway), Jake turned to Amy and kissed her, firm but fast, and said, “You need to get out of here.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, but this is a cop bar and there are so many people watching us and-” He flapped his hand around weakly, because he didn’t want to have to say it.

“And you can’t be seen with me,” she finished for him.

It was too loud and too dark in the bar for him to read her, but his heart seized up at the words. “It’s not that I don’t want to-”

“Jake, it’s okay,” Amy said. She took his hand and squeezed it, then quickly let him go and stood. “I’ll grab Charles and get him to take me home. Call me later?”

She wasn’t even annoyed when he called that night, perched on the edge of his bed with his shoes still on, prepared to go to her if she was mad or upset or just sad.

“I get it,” she said.

He flopped back on his bed. “I don’t think I deserve you.”

She laughed and said he probably didn’t. “Also, you are definitely taking me and Rosa out to dinner soon and no, I don’t care about your debt, because I didn’t have time to win her over tonight,” Amy said.

Jake was too crazy about her to argue.

+++

The second weekend of November was cold and drizzly and gray, the perfect weather for staying inside all day with a week’s worth of notes to transcribe and catalogue and a man to send out for snacks as needed. But it was also the weekend that Amy was going to introduce Jake to her family, or some of them: David was having a barbecue at his Flatbush apartment.

They were swarmed within a few minutes of their arrival, and Jake was introduced to three of her seven brothers all at once, though he’d met some of them before, just not as their sister’s boyfriend.

And that was what she called him. “This is my boyfriend, Jake,” she said to Manny, the fourth brother in attendance, who was supervising the grill in the backyard (Amy was never not going to be annoyed that David had managed to find an affordable apartment in Brooklyn with an actual backyard). The “boyfriend” probably wasn’t necessary because she had her arm looped through Jake’s when she said it and she went up on her toes to kiss his cheek. But she liked saying it, and Jake beamed when he heard it.

“You’re with the Nine-Nine, right?” Manny reached out a hand to shake, then dug into the ice chest at his feet and handed over two Tecates. “Only the best for Amy and her boyfriend.”

Jake chuckled and popped open the beer, briefly tapping his can against Manny’s and Amy’s before taking a sip. “Isn’t it a little cold for a barbecue?”

“It’s fucking freezing, but David’s boyfriend asked for our mom’s pollo asado for his birthday, and Mom can’t resist David, so-”

“Wait, Mom’s here?” Amy said, her voice gone high-pitched as she looked all around the backyard.

“She’s in the kitchen. David didn’t tell you?” Manny sounded genuinely surprised, but Amy could tell by the look on his face that he found the situation hilarious.

“He did not,” Amy said, her grip tightening around Jake’s arm.

Jake was looking a little panicked but obviously trying not to show it. “Is your dad here too?”

Manny busted up laughing and slapped him on the shoulder. “No, man, you’re safe for tonight.” He nodded his head toward the house. “Go inside and talk to her, sis. I’ll keep Peralta occupied.”

Amy glanced at Jake and he gave her a small nod and a kiss on the forehead. She squeezed his arm and then let go, squared her shoulders, and walked toward the backdoor.

She hadn’t yet told her mom she was dating anyone, let alone a cop. Family politics such as they were, she was afraid that bringing an NYPD detective home was going to be instantly divisive, solidifying her place on Team Cop and firmly pitted against Team Not-Cops, which was led by Camila Santiago – loving mother of eight, champion of the people, and vice president of her neighborhood chapter of Black Lives Matter.

Bringing Jake to David’s barbecue had been a calculated move on Amy’s part. She’d counted on a gentle Santiago initiation, an opportunity for him to gain a few allies before meeting the rest of the family. Leave it to David to foil her plans, again.

She found him in the kitchen, chopping cilantro and singing along with a showtune she vaguely recognized. Amy hissed in his ear, “You did this on purpose.”

“Amita! You made it!”

Amy punched him in the arm. “Do not call me that, traitor.”

“Amy! My only daughter, come here.” Her mom crossed the kitchen and swept Amy in a hug, kissing both of her cheeks. She smelled faintly of garlic and chilis, and the floral-scented face powder she’d been using as long as Amy could remember.

“Mom, I’m sorry I haven’t called-”

“You’re very busy, I understand.” She held Amy at arm’s length, looking her up and down, and then peered over her shoulder toward the backyard. “David told me your boyfriend was coming.”

Amy could practically feel David smirking at them. “He’s in the backyard.” She took a deep breath and let it out all at once. “Mom, Jake’s a detective. In the NYPD.”

“So David said.”

“It wasn’t like I planned to date a cop, it just happened,” Amy said, in a rush. “I don’t want you to think I’m choosing sides. And I don’t want you to hate him. He’s really great, Mom. If you just give him a chance-”

But her mom was laughing. “Mija, I married a cop. And I happen to love your father very much.”

Amy stared, dumbstruck, because somehow that very important detail hadn’t occurred to her.

“Come,” her mother said, tucking her arm through Amy’s and steering them toward the backyard, “let’s go meet Jake.”

Amy smiled, and she wasn’t even annoyed – much – at the smug look on David’s face when she caught his eye. At the top of the stairs down to the yard, Amy’s mom stopped her and just looked her over again, long enough that Amy felt a blush rise to her cheeks.

“Mom?”

“I’m proud of you,” her mother said. “I know I don’t say it enough.”

Amy felt her eyes fill and didn’t trust herself to speak. Her mom stroked her hair, tugging a little at the ends, and said, “You need a haircut.” Amy laughed, and she pulled her mom forward to introduce her to her boyfriend.

CHAPTER 10

#b99 fic #peraltiago #jake and amy au #newspaper au #life writes its own stories

[izaswritings]

Title: the problem with politics

Synopsis: Rapunzel has been crowned Queen and Varian has finally been pardoned. Some people have objections to this. Or, as Cassandra would say, “Some people need a kick in the—”

Notes: I wrote this in an exhausted daze in the middle of the night during a very tiring vacation. In other words…. Please be gentle if it’s not up to snuff?? 😅

Also, disclaimer—  I know nothing about politics, I just wanted to try my hand at humor and happiness for once. Also, does this count as fluff?? I’m kind of counting this as fluff. It’s for Fluff week.

-

This fic a sequel to another fic of mine, which you read either here or here! You don’t have to read it to understand this fic, but it does set up some background.

AO3 Link for this fic is here.

-

“I just have a few concerns,” says the minister, meaning, I have issues with every choice you have ever made.

“I see,” says Rapunzel, meaning, I regret ever letting you enter my kingdom, you long-winded old coot.

The minister smiles, unsuspecting of her insult. Eugene, sitting beside Rapunzel and looking quite dashing in his crown and kingly outfit, coughs awkwardly into one hand to hide a smile. He always has known her too well.

Rapunzel does not react. She sits there and smiles as pretty as she can, just as her mother taught her, and resists the urge to jump out the window. She’s great at spontaneous dynamic exits, she’d catch herself no problem, and it would, quite honestly, be hilarious.

Across the room, Cassandra catches Rapunzel’s eye and slowly shakes her head. No jumping out of windows, Raps, that’s what that means. Rapunzel scowls back and reluctantly looks back at the minister. He’s one of many, a leader of some far-off country Rapunzel can’t even remember the name of, and she has been sitting here for hours in a meeting she thought would take only a few minutes.

“First,” says the minister, in what promises to be a very long list of everything this old man thinks Rapunzel is doing wrong, “there is the matter of your choice in… company.”

“Hmm,” says Rapunzel, slouching in her chair.

“Not that I would object to a Queen’s decision! But ah, there are some… concerns, Your Highness, on what would inspire you to pardon a known criminal?”

It’s rather hilarious how quickly the kingdom has forgotten Rapunzel’s roots. Her husband—and their Prince Consort, technically nearly a king—was once a thief, her royal baker and pianist and many others in her court are former thugs of the Snuggly Duckling pub, and Rapunzel herself caused quite a stir way back when with her absolute refusal to wear shoes. Really, they should have seen this coming.

Also, known criminal? Who is this man kidding? Half the reason Varian was such an effective informant was that the only people that still remembered his crimes were the guards. And the royal family, admittedly; but this man is neither of those things.

Varian, standing to the left of her, who thus far has been absently fiddling with a new vial of some green concoction, must be thinking something similar, because he snorts and nearly drops the vial on Rudiger. The raccoon chitters at him and jumps up to his shoulders, and the minister gives them a sharp look, before ignoring them entirely, not giving Varian or Rudiger a second glance.

…Which, now that Rapunzel thinks about it, is another mark against the minister. So much for ‘known criminal,’ has the man even realized the criminal in question is standing right across from him?

Seriously. Rapunzel’s been dealing with these people for weeks. She’s already given her long-winded explanations, her stories and her reasoning, and yet the number of complaining royals seems to have only increased. Why, why do they just keep coming? It’s not like Varian attacked their kingdom!

“Very concerning,” Rapunzel agrees pleasantly, trying not to sound too eager to leave. Her fingers tap restlessly against her leg. “I’ll take those suggestions under advisement. If there is nothing else…?”

Cassandra, familiar with the former King’s favorite phrase, chokes on her breath, nearly dropping her halberd. Behind her throne, Rapunzel can hear Varian snicker.

If they give her away, Rapunzel is banning them both from the castle. She has dealt with too many of these people. If they subject her to another hour of this… Well! Drastic measures must be taken.

However, thank the Sun and Moon, the minister seems unaware of their mockery. His smile is slimy but genuinely pleased, and Rapunzel resists the urge to wrinkle her nose at him.

“Well, if you insist,” says the minister, sounding… far too high-and-mighty, actually, oh dear. Rapunzel turns her attention back to him, feeling a bit desperate, her heart sinking. “I do have a few other recommendations for how your castle should be running. First of all—" And here, he looks pointedly at Pascal, perched on Rapunzel’s head, before eyeing Rudiger up on Varian’s shoulders. “—this isn’t exactly a zoo, Your Highness.”

Rapunzel goes absolutely still. Beside her, Eugene sighs openly, clasping a hand over his face. Varian clutches Rudiger to his chest and gives the man a dirty look. Even Cassandra looks offended, one hand rising to pat Owl on the head.

Pascal, turned yellow-white with shock at the audacity, gives a little gasp.

Rapunzel closes her eyes, inhaling deeply. Then she exhales slow and careful, and fixes the man with her best smile. “Quite right,” she says, her gaze boring into him. The minister starts to look at bit nervous. Rapunzel keeps on smiling. Her teeth are grit. “This is no zoo, it’s a castle. Therefore, sir, I implore you to treat these animals with respect, and assume they are here for a reason. Unlike yourself.”

The minister looks startled, and then offended, opening his mouth again. Eugene flies up to his feet before a word can pass through his lips. “Well!” he says loudly, grandly, one hand flung out to the sky. “That was positively riveting! Thank you, kind sir, for your marvelous advice. So helpful! But, alas, it is time for lunch. Can’t ignore the bell.” He grabs Rapunzel’s arm, smile wide and bright and a little desperate. “Ta-ta, see you later! Or never! Or whichever works, really! Come along dear, I think the steak is calling for me.”

He tugs into her into a half-way spin and drags her bodily down the hall and out of the throne room. As if following an unspoken cue, Cassandra and Varian tag along behind them. Cassandra is grinning. Varian is petting Rudiger and muttering under his breath.

Rapunzel closes her eyes and shakes her head, trying to reorient herself. Oh, darn it. She hadn't meant to lose her temper. Still... at least it got her out of that room, at any rate. She doesn't think she could've lasted another hour.

“So,” Rapunzel says dryly, once the throne room is out of sight, in lieu of thanks. “Steak can talk now?”

Eugene blinks down at her and then flashes a winning smile. His arm comes around and squeezes her shoulder. “Well, now, you never know! Maybe Varian used the kitchen for his alchemy.”

“Um, objection,” Varian says, jogging slightly to catch up to them, before slowing down to walk at their heels. He crosses his arms, chin tilted up in false offense. “That is sloppy. I am never sloppy.”

“Anymore,” says Cassandra, slyly.

“Do you know what flynnolium does to steak?” Varian asks her. “I mean, even for me— sloppy.”

Cassandra raises an eyebrow at that, looking curious. “What does flynnolium do to steak?”

Varian brightens, pushing back his goggles up further on his head and starting to grin. “Well—”

“I do not know,” Eugene says, speaking loudly over them. “I do not know, and I hope I never find out, because wow that is a terrifying thought.”

“Ah, spoilsport,” Varian mutters, but drops the subject without further prompting. Behind Eugene’s back, noticeable only in the corner of Rapunzel’s eye, Cassandra nudges at Varian's shoulder. She points between Varian and herself and then towards the direction of the royal kitchens, eyebrows raised in a silent question. Varian gives her an ok-sign back in return.

Rapunzel has a feeling she is going to receive a report on what happens when raw meat interacts with deadly chemical very, very soon, no matter what Eugene wishes. She hides a smile behind her hand and looks ahead, feigning innocence. If Cassandra and Varian want to make things go boom in the castle kitchens, Rapunzel isn’t going to stop them. She confesses to being bit curious herself, honestly.

Besides. Maybe it will give those old coots something else to gossip about. It’s been nearly a month, after all—they’ll have to move on from Varian’s pardon eventually. Maybe this is just the nudge they need.

Rapunzel loops her arm with Eugene’s, grinning outright at the idea, ignoring his concerned expression. “What was that you said back there? Lunch? Lunch sounds amazing.” She peers over her shoulder at a guilty-looking Cassandra and Varian and winks. “Shall we head for the kitchens?”

Cassandra grins back with all her teeth. Varian bounces once on his heels and mouths, Explosions. So many explosions, at her with an expression akin to a kid in a candy store.

Don’t get caught, Rapunzel mouths back, and Varian gives her a little salute.

When she turns back to Eugene, his face is downturned but his eyes are resigned. “For the love of—" He sighs, suddenly and loudly, and shakes his head. "Oh, well. It’s past time we had new gossip in here anyways. The pardon was getting pretty stale.”

There are no ministers here, no nobles or guards or anyone Rapunzel needs to pretend around. She is surrounded by her friends and family, surrounded by those she loves. Her greatest threat now is dealing with annoying dignitaries, rather than evil sorcerers, and Rapunzel—Rapunzel couldn’t be happier.

She takes Eugene’s hand, throws back her head, and laughs. “To the kitchens!”

#tts #rta #tangled the series #rapunzel’s tangled adventure #varian #rapunzel #eugene fitzherbert #cassandra #varian tts #cassandra tts #iza fanfic #fic: daybreak of the victor