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itsallyscorner · 3 years

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Baby Mix → Baby Holland

The sequel to Baby Mix

Pairing: Little Mix member!reader x Tom Holland

Summary: The youngest member of Little Mix has something to reveal after not seeing the girls for months.

A/n: Set in Corona times, I know London lifted their lockdown restrictions for a while then initiated them again after. But anyway, this is set around that time when lockdown rules were lifted. I had so much fun writing this! I hope you all enjoy it🥰

You felt a rush of excitement and nervousness through your veins as you walked around your home, making sure every corner was clean. You entered the dining room and double checked each plate, checking to see if they all had the essential utensils, a napkin, and a wine glass. You trusted Tom to set up the table, but today was a big day and you wanted to make sure everything was perfect.

“Darling, you don’t need to triple check everything in the house. Nothing’s moved since the last you’ve looked at it.” Tom teases you as he enters the dining room from the kitchen. He wore a tight black shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, with dark blue jeans. During the time in lockdown, his hair has grown out and he’s been working on his facial hair. You smiled at the 5 o’clock shadow that graced his face; it’s been known that he took forever to grow out facial hair, so to see that there was some light stubble on his face made him really happy. He was very proud of it.

“You look extremely hot right now.” You comment, meeting him in the middle of the room. His hands instantly place themselves at your waist, before one hand moves to rest on your growing stomach and the other on the small of your back.

“Is that the hormones talking?” He squints his eyes playfully at you. You gently shove him, only for him to pull you back closer into his chest. “No? I mean you always look good in whatever you wear. But it could possibly be the hormones?” You ramble.

Tom chuckles, his eyes gazing at you like you’re the only woman in the world. Well technically, you are the only woman in his world; besides his mum and grandma of course. But you were it for him, he wanted nobody else but you. Sure, you guys weren’t married, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t committed to you. The baby might’ve came before the wedding, but he will marry you one day.

“How are you feeling?” He asks you, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Ever since the two of you have discovered you were pregnant, the morning sicknesses have gotten worse and worse. You were really hoping you’d be one of those lucky mothers who wouldn’t experience morning sickness, but with your luck it never happened. This morning you stumbled out the bed and into the toilet; today’s puke was probably the most horrible one this week, as gross as that sounds. Tom was behind you in an instant, tying your hair into a ponytail and rubbing soothing circles onto your back. It pained him to see you like this, he couldn’t do anything but hold your hair back, help you get your puke out, and whisper comforting things into your ear. He considered on canceling today’s event after you cleaned yourself up in the bathroom and snuggled back into the sheets, eyes red and puffy. Though when he mentioned on canceling, you declined immediately. You had both been anticipating today and you weren’t going to let some morning sickness postpone such a special event.

He looked at you concerned, scanning your face for any discomfort. Your lips quirk up to a fond smile as you kiss the worry away from him, “I’m doing much better than this morning, we’re both doing good.”

“That’s great, that’s all that matters to me right now.” He responds, pulling you into a hug. One thing you’ve noticed about Tom and your pregnancy was that he was very touchy and protective. Though he was already like that, it seemed like the pregnancy intensified his protectiveness, or just him in general. He was very alert of his surroundings, making sure everything was clean, that you were always comfortable, and that you weren’t experiencing any pain from the pregnancy. He was dedicated to making sure you were treated like a princess, you and your baby.

“You’ve got everything handled just in case they all come early right? I’m gonna head up and get dressed.” You pull away to look at him.

He nods at you, ensuring that he had everything under control, “Yeah, I’ve got it.” He pecks your lips before you pull away and head for the stairs. He watches your figure go up the stairs, just in case you trip or something, he would be there to catch you. When he sees you round the corner safely he yells, “Just give me a shout when you need something!”

He hears a faint “I know!” from upstairs and the sound of a door closing. He took that as his sign to get back in the kitchen and continue cooking. With the help from Sam, over FaceTime, Tom was able to get around the kitchen and make some proper food for your guests

~⏰~

You take one last look at yourself in the mirror. You wore leggings and an oversized knitted sweater that hid your small bump. You had light make up on, not bothering to put much since it was just the girls and you were all just having a casual lunch. You could already hear the commotion downstairs, Jesy’s contagious laughter, hints of Perrie and Jade’s voices, and Leigh-Anne gushing over some decorative piece in your house. You take a deep breath, preparing yourself to give them all the good news. In fact, they’re one of the first ones that will get to know about your and Tom’s secret. Your family and Tom’s being the first to find out the moment you both left the doctor’s office. The girls deserved to be part of the group who found out first, they were like your older sisters and have always been there for you since you’ve known them. They’re basically family.

You giddily head down the stairs with delight as the girls finally come onto view. Perrie screams, throwing herself off the couch and pulling you into a hug. You were stunned by the sudden force, though you tightly wrapped your arms around her, careful to not press your stomach against her.

“Oh! I’ve missed you so so much! It’s been so long, I hate being away from you all for months.” Perrie cried, pressing kisses onto your face. You laughed trying to dodger her.

“Let me smother you with love, I haven’t seen you in so long!” Perrie objected, hugging you one more time. “I miss you too, Pez.” You giggled kissing her cheek.

Jesy comes from behind Perrie and detaches her from you, “Babe, you look beautiful! You’re glowing, look at you!” Jesy cupped your cheeks then wrapped her arms around you.

“Oh my goodness, let me tell you, I didn’t even realize that was Tom.” She said when you both broke the hug. You burst out laughing, placing a hand on her arm.

“No seriously! I didn’t even know he can grow facial hair? I was expecting to see a boy answer the door not a man!” Jesy admits making you laugh even more at her genuinely shocked face.

“Are you still on about Tom and his beard?” Jade asks as she approaches you, Leigh-Anne right behind her.

“Isn’t it a shocker? I live with a man now.” You joke, wrapping your arms around Jade. She squeals, swaying the two of you side to side.

“Babe, your house is stunning!” Leigh-Anne compliments, hugging you and kissing your cheek. You wave her off, “You literally have a whole mansion. I still don’t understand how we have the same paycheck.”

You all settle in the living room for now, waiting for Tom to call for lunch. You could smell the delicious aroma of whatever Tom was cooking in the kitchen and your stomach couldn’t help but growl. Jesy eyes your stomach, “What’ve you got in your stomach? That sounded like an animal.” For a moment you were caught off guard at the mention of your stomach. You eyes widen for a second as you glance down at where your sweater was bunched up.

“Uh—I’m just really hungry.” You brush off her comment, face getting flustered. Jade playfully shakes her head glancing at the kitchen, “Has Thomas not been feeding you right?”

“No—he’s been absolutely amazing! Spending lockdown with him was a dream.” You answer chuckling. Perrie crosses her arms, “Lucky, I had lockdown with a football player. Do you know how difficult it is to live with one?”

“It couldn’t have been that bad?” Leigh-Anne chimed in, sipping on a glass of wine. Perrie huffs leaning forward in her seat, “I felt like a bloody housewife the whole time. I had to keep restocking my fridge every week because he eats everything—like seriously, our food never lasted till the weekend. Alex kept on eating my snacks that I had to start hiding them from him.”

“Are we not going to talk about how Jade found love during a worldwide pandemic?” Jesy mentions pointing at Jade, who has a teasing smile on her face.

She waves her finger at Jesy, “Nuh uh, we aren’t talking about that yet.” You gasp, “And why not?”

“We’re still getting to know each other, I don’t want to rush into things, ya know?” Jade’s face contorts in thought. “Like we’ve done a virtual date on Zoom and have been texting each other back and forth, we’ll see where it goes.”

“You’ll be fine and you’re taking things slow, you should be familiar with each other first before fully committing.” Leigh-Anne assured her. All eyes fell on Leigh-Anne then down to her left hand.

“HOLD ON—LET ME SEE THE RING IN PERSON!” You yell jumping off the couch to where Leigh-Anne was sitting. You sit beside her and take her left hand admiring the giant diamond on her ring finger.

“I can’t believe you’re engaged, I’m so happy for you Lee.” You gush pulling her into a side hug. She nudges your shoulder, gesturing to Tom, “You might be next.” She winked.

“You know, I think Perrie’s gonna be the next one actually.” You smirk at the blonde who rolls her eyes. “Like what Jade said, we’ll see.” She hums shrugging. Your stomach growls again making Leigh-Anne glance at your stomach.

“Oh my goodness” she laughs, moving to look for Tom. “Tom, is lunch ready yet? Your girlfriend’s stomach keeps growling!” You hear something clang in the kitchen before Tom pops his head out, “Lunch’s ready, I was just waiting for you ladies to wrap up the chit chat.”

You all move to the dining room where Tom had laid out the food. He’s made pasta, with some steak, Caprese salad, and garlic bread. Jesy makes a content sound as she scans the food on the table before taking a seat.

“I must say Tom, I’m quite impressed with the food.” Jesy compliments Tom. A proud smile forms on Tom’s face, his eyes switching between you and Jesy. “You heard that darling? Jesy just complimented me.”

“I know, I heard her Tom.” You laugh patting his chest. He pulls your seat out for you, then sits in the chair on your right side while Jesy was on your left. Across from you three were Perrie, Jade, and Leigh-Anne.

“We could eat now right?” Jade asks while reaching out for the pasta’s serving fork.

“Yeah, yeah, go ahead.” Tom nods his head at the food. You hear a whine behind you distracting you from the delicious food Tom made. Behind your chair was Tessa who tried to nuzzle herself between your and Tom’s chairs. Not only had Tom grown even more protective of you, but so has Tessa. The sweetheart trailed after you everywhere you go, she stayed in the same room you were in and would lay beside your feet. Though Tom was her rightful owner, she would bark at him whenever he got a little too close to you or your stomach. Tom wasn’t going to lie, he did feel upset and envious that his precious princess barely paid him any mind anymore. But to know that she was only doing it to protect you and her future sibling warmed his heart, so he got over it in an instant.

“Tess, no.” Tom softly scolded the dog trying to shoo her away from the table. She only let out more whines making your heart break. You placed a hand on Tom’s, “Just let her stay, she won’t bother anyone.” Tom nods and pats Tessa’s head.

Lunch goes by splendidly, it was full of laughs and catching up with each other’s lives. It was nice to finally be surrounded by your favorite people in the world after months being apart. Everyone enjoyed the food, complimenting Tom on his excellent work and not burning the kitchen down. Wine and drinks were passed around except for you, who stuck with a water and a small amount of soda. Usually you would also be drinking, clinking glasses with Jade as you down your drinks, but thankfully no one had caught on yet.

“Sorry, we’ve all been rambling about our experiences during the lockdown, what about you two? (Y/n)? Tom? You’ve both been quiet about your experience together.” Leigh-Anne apologized shifting the conversation to you and Tom.

“You could leave the shagging parts out, we already know what went down in this poor house.” Jade poked at you, sending an over exaggerated wink your way. You shake your head and turn back to Tom. The two of you share a look, the look, and make a silent agreement that it was time to announce the big news.

“Well we’ve been busy. You know, we’ve both been doing lots of promo. I’ve been promoting my new film and (y/n)‘s promoting the album with you guys.” Tom started, making normal conversation.

“Most of the time was spent resting, we took advantage of the free time before we have to go on tour and he has to go away for filming.” You continue. The girls nod understanding the situation.

“What did you guys do on the daily though?”

“Lots of puzzles!” Tom answers. “We had the typical move nights and shit.”

“We did lots of baking too!” You add glancing at Tom, who nods along with you. “We’ve actually got a bun in the oven right now!” You say, emphasizing your words. Leigh-Anne and Jesy share a look instantly catching on. Jade’s mouth gapes, her hand holding the wine glass going limp.

“After all this time! Thomas, it’s probably burning by now, shouldn’t you go and check on it?” Perrie scolds, turning back to the kitchen to catch a peek at the oven. She looks excitedly at you two, “What kind of bun have you guys made?”

Jesy’s eyes pan over to Perrie in disbelief, it was like the salad in the box situation all over again. Leigh-Anne holds her palm up to her mouth as the news sinks in. Jade swats Perrie’s arm, “A human one!”

Perrie’s eyes widen in fear, “A human bun? Like cannibalism?” Tom made a sound of confusion, his brows furrowing at her. You stifle a laugh behind your hand as you wait for Perrie to realize.

“They’re having a baby, Pez!” Jesy yelled making Perrie’s eyes grow in shock. The gears move in her head, “OH! Bun in the oven—BUN IN THE OVEN? You’re pregnant?” She screams shooting out of her chair.

You laugh hiding behind your hands. Jesy grabs onto your wrist, pulling it down, and holding your hand. “Wait, are you actually pregnant? You’re not tricking us?”

You shake you head, a giant smile gracing your lips, eyes getting glossy. “I wouldn’t lie to you guys, you guys are gonna be aunts.” You confirm squeezing Jesy’s hand. She gasps pulling you into a hug. Behind you she reaches a hand and playfully shoves Tom, “As if turning her into you wasn’t enough, you just had to insert yourself into her and make another one of you?”

Tom shrugs, though a smile was also on his face, “Hey, to be fair, you might like this one more than me.” Jesy gets up from her seat and approaches Tom.

“Give me a hug, you div.” She ruffles his hair like an older sister would and wraps her arms around him. Tom chuckles hugging her back.

“I know I give you a lot of shit, but I’m so happy that she ended up with you and not some dickhead. Congrats Tom.” She mutters into his ear, before pulling away from the hug and patting his back. Tom looks at her teary eyed, “Thank you Jes.”

“Wait—no! You’re our baby, you can’t have a baby yet. Stop growing!” Perrie cries coming around the table to engulf you in her arms. This time she was actually crying, tears of joy streaming down her face.

“But Pez, I’m already growing.” You giggle, pulling away from her to lift you knitted sweater up to reveal your small baby bump. The girls gasp, while you and Tom stare proudly at your stomach. Jade and Leigh-Anne join Perrie to hover over your stomach. Jesy looks from over your shoulder, staring at the top of your stomach.

“Can we please touch it?” Leigh-Anne asks quietly, looking up at you and Tom for permission.

“Go ahead.” You assure them. Jesy squeezes your arms, resting her chin on your shoulder. Leigh-Anne, Perrie, and Jade’s hands delicately come into contact with your stretched skin, fascinated by your little bump. Jade pouts as she strokes your belly with her thumb, “Oh, you’re so precious.” She coos.

Perrie rests her palm against your belly, “How far along are you?” You look at Tom over your shoulder, who’s been watching the special moment unfold between you and the girls.

“Four months.” Tom answers, the grin on his face feeling permanent as he talked about his little bean.

“Four months?” Jesy shrieked whipping her head to look at you and Tom.

“Yup, we wanted to tell you guys as soon as we found out but we decided to keep it a little secret for as long as we can.” You explain. “But then my stomach began growing and it’d be obvious, so we decided to tell you guys now since it’s still early.”

“Does anyone else know?” Leigh-Anne asks, hand still resting on your belly.

“Our families know, along with his best mates. But you guys are part of the first few people who know about it.” You reply. Perrie hums softly, cupping your cheek and pressing a kiss onto it.

“You’re the first people I’ve told who aren’t my immediate family.” You laugh. The girls began tearing up again.

“I can’t believe you guys told us.” Jade wipes her eye with the pads of her fingers.

“Why wouldn’t I? You guys are important to me and I love you all so much! You all deserve to know about it before everyone else.” The girls “aww” at you and pull you into a group hug, one of their hands still resting on you belly.

“I can’t believe you’re pregnant, oh my god.” Leigh-Anne expressed, her hand still on your bump.

“It’s hilarious how we were saying you were gonna be the first one to start a family. All of a sudden little missy over here gets knocked up.” Jesy points at Leigh-Anne before giving Tom the stink eye.

“Did they not teach you how to use protection in school?” She playfully teases Tom, back to her usual picking on him. “Or is your pull out game just that weak?” Perrie gasps, covering your belly with both her hands, “Jes! There’s a baby!”

Tom’s mouth drops, his face feigning shock, “You know, I really thought we were having a great moment here, Jes.”

Jesy scoffs, “Moment’s over—have you never heard of ‘Don’t be silly, protect your Willie’?” Everyone pauses before bursting out laughing at Jesy’s comment.

The night ended with the girls making plans of who would be the fun aunt and who would spoil Baby Holland the most. Jesy and Jade debated over being the fun aunt while Perrie and Leigh-Anne tried to outdo each other on who would spoil the baby with the most toys and clothes. Your belly was the main star of the night; the girls occasionally stroking your belly or pressing light little kisses onto it. As you both listened to the girls argue about who would be the baby’s favorite, you and Tom knew that your little baby would be in good hands with four amazing aunts to watch over them.

🦋tags:

*tags with a cross don’t work*

@waxingmoonwrites @slutforsebstan @starslazyandcosy @xkonpinkx @dummiesshort @gypsystuf @kielemarie @wroetospidey @thatgirlangelb @have-aheart @adayasgeorgia @xeniarocks @sarcasticallywitty15 @agustdowney

#marvel #mcu #avengers #Tom Holland #dad!tom holland #dad!tom Holland x reader #tom holland imagines #tom holland x reader #tom holland fluff #tom holland drabble #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland one shot #tom holland headcanon #little mix #perrie edwards #jade thirlwall #jesy nelson #leigh anne pinnock

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official-weasley · 3 years

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The Irreplaceable Charlie Weasley: Pt. 2, Ch. 1

PART 2: THE YEAR OF MISCHIEF AND SNEAKING AROUND Chapter 1 - Summer at the Burrow

Nova

I have to admit that my Summer before going to the Burrow wasn't that bad at all. I managed to convince my mum to not visit our relatives in America, which already made things 10 times better. What made my Summer even better was the fact that a few days after we came and stayed at my aunt's in Scotland, one of her Abraxans had a baby!

Not only did I witness it, about which I still don't know how I feel as there was a lot of blood, but I got to stay at my aunt's for a week more to take care of the little guy. I decided to call him Angel since his wings gave a light yellow hue. He was the sweetest thing and the day before I left he managed to fly off the ground for the first time, which of course made me very proud.

While at my aunt's I wrote to Charlie and sent him one of the pictures my aunt took of Angel and me. I told him that I was there when he was born and that I wished he could witness it as well. It wasn't even a few days when Pip flew back with his response. He said that he was so jealous and wished he could be there as well and couldn't wait for me to come to the Burrow to hear all about it.

—

Charlie wasn't in the best of moods lately. As he brought home such good grades his mum found him very responsible and gave him the babysitting duty for his younger brother Ron and his sister Ginny. The only good thing was that Bill got an even worse job as he had to look over Fred and George and make sure the house is not on fire as their parents made a quick visit to one of their friends.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for both of them as I knew that their Summer was nothing like they hoped for on the train back from Hogwarts. Nonetheless, I couldn't wait to spend the last month of my Summer at the Burrow. I would plan tricks with Fred and George, tell bedtime stories to Ginny and play Wizard Chess with Ron if it meant spending some quality time with Charlie and update the list we've made in our First Year about which creatures were in the Reserve at Hogwarts, for which we were not supposed to know until our Third Year.

My dad felt so bad that he would only be able to see me for a few weeks that he bought me a brand new book on creatures that featured some that were recently discovered, along with some never before published notes of Magizoologist Newt Scamander. I shrieked as he told me all about what the book has to offer and decided not to tell Charlie about it as I knew I would finish reading it before I get to the Burrow and could lend it to him. And besides, I didn't want to make his Summer even worse.

A few days before my mum was supposed to accompany me to the Burrow, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as I was meeting Charlie's entire family. I only knew his brother Bill that I've met at Hogwarts and their mum, who picked them up when we came back from school.

—

I found my mum in the kitchen the morning of my departure. I stood in the doorway, rubbing my eyes as the sunlight from the kitchen window hit my eyes a little too bright for my taste. She was pacing back and forth and murmuring something to herself.

“Morning, mum.” I yawned.

She was still pacing, stopping for a second, turned to the counter where she had some sort of a list and wrote something down.

“Mum?” My voice louder now.

“Oh, Nova, darling. Good morning.” She beamed at me. “How did you sleep?” She looked down at the list and started scribbling something again.

“Good, a bit nervous.” I admitted.

For a second I thought she didn't hear me as there was no response, her quill still on the paper.

“Why are you nervous, sweetheart?” She finally put the quill down and came to me, looking concerned.

“Well, I will be spending a month with the Weasleys, what if they don't like me? What if Mrs. Weasley sends me back?” I frowned.

My mum let out a chuckle. “Sends you back? Oh, sweetheart, I'll be lucky if I ever get you back!” She brushed my hair with her fingers.

“You're one of her son's best friend and you helped him study, I bet she can't wait for you to stay with them as much as Charlie.” That put me in a better mood.

I remembered the moment when Bill told his mum that I helped Charlie achieve such good grades and she thanked me and gave me the biggest hug, one that I only received from my mum on similar occasions.

“Are you all ready and packed?” She interrupted my train of thoughts.

“Yes!” I nodded.

“Got your robes, your wand, your hat, your tie?” She was reading from her list and I nodded again.

“Now, remember I will meet you in Diagon Alley to go shop for your Second Year books. Molly and I agreed that it would be easier if you just go to Diagon Alley with them and I'll meet you there.” She smiled at me.

—

Speaking of Diagon Alley, I did convince my mum to go once at the beginning of Summer so that we could visit Tulip mum's shop. I couldn't convince her to buy all my books in advance though as the list for all the books we would need in our Second Year hasn't arrived yet back then.

Tulip's mum has the most beautiful little coffee shop. It was so cozy and everything looked so homey. My mum met Tulip that day and while I was sitting next to them, sipping on my tea I couldn't guess which of them was more excited to meet the other.

Besides seeing Tulip in July, I didn't get the chance to see either Tonks or Penny. I missed them both so much and I couldn't wait to find a compartment with them on Hogwarts Express on 1st September.

I did, however, correspond with them regularly. It made Pip happy as he was starting to get bored as I attempted to draw him from every possible angle and he just couldn't wait to get away from me. I also assumed that he missed my friends so I tried to use our family owl as little as possible to give him the possibility to visit all the friends he made. Lucky bloke!

Penny, so far, had nothing but an amazing Summer. Her beach vacation went great and she got tanned and her hair was now even more blonde than before because of the Sun. Apparently, she all sent us the same letter as I received a letter from Charlie the very next day as he questioned and tried to understand why going to the beach and do Muggle activities was better than being covered in mud while playing Quidditch.

Tonks' letters on the other hand were nothing but amusing. In a couple of them, she described all the pranks she pulled on her parents. In a few, she was groaning and complaining how their family cat will be the death of her and just last week she sent me a picture of her scratched arm and written next to it was Artwork by Merlin. I chuckled at the sweet name the cat had compared to his behavior.

—

“Don't forget Pip and your drawing books and the self-doodler Charlie gave you and the necklace, HE also gave you.” I rolled my eyes as she winked at me.

I've heard being a teenager wasn't a piece of cake but I thought it was like that because of our stubborn hormones, not parents being more interested in your love life than yourself. She has been going at it every time Mrs. Weasley and her corresponded and I've learned that if I just stay quiet as she gives her remarks, sooner or later she will give up. I did, however, make her mad when I tried to intercept one of the letters Mrs. Weasley sent her as I was sure they were already planning our wedding.

My mum enchanted all my belongings to fit in a small rucksack which I put over my shoulder. I held Pip's cage in one hand, Floo Power in the other as I stepped in our fireplace and was ready to appear in front of the Weasleys.

“THE BURROW!” I said clearly and disappeared in green smoke.

I coughed as I got ashes in my throat, stepping forward into Weasley's living room and putting Pip's cage down.

It was just like Charlie described to me in one of his letters, except I didn't feel it was too small or cramped. It was nice and homey and it smelled like Mrs. Weasley was baking cookies.

There were blankets folded on the sofa and a self-knitting jumper on the armchair. I looked around and it was not at all as I expected it to be. I thought that mum told Mrs. Weasley I was coming and thought someone was going to wait for me. If I'm honest, I was hoping Charlie would be there to greet me.

“Who are you?” I heard a rather grumpy voice. I turned my head and saw a boy with glasses and very curly red hair stand with crossed arms, inspecting me. I smiled.

“I reckon you're Percy.” I put my bag down and stepped closer, extending my arm. He looked at it in suspicion and rolled his eyes. “You're Charlie's friend, aren't you?” He shook my hand. I think he was not happy to see me.

“You can leave your things next to the sofa.” He showed with his hand. “I'm pretty sure mum said you'll be staying in Ginny's room or something.” He was just as strange as Charlie described him.

Before I could say another word to him I heard someone walk down the stairs. It was a little boy that could only be Ron. His hair reminded me that of Charlie's when he just woke up and came down for breakfast in the Great Hall. As he caught on to what was going on, his eyes widened and he gasped.

“Blimey! You're Nova!” He came closer, being rather bad at hiding his excitement. I offered him a hand just like I did with Percy. Ron shook it immediately.

“Your hair really is blue!” He couldn't stop staring at it. I giggled. I already felt much better as Ron definitely gave out more of a friendly vibe than Percy and was actually excited to see me.

“Dad's at work, mum's upstairs with Ginny. I reckon Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie are outside.” He smiled and pointed at the door behind me.

I didn't even have time to turn around when I heard my name.

“Nova! You're here.” Charlie ran to me and hugged me. “And right in time for Quidditch too!” He couldn't hide the excitement.

I saw Bill standing in the doorway, his hands crossed on his chest, smiling.

“Welcome back, Nova. I'll get mum. I'm assuming she doesn't know you're here yet.” He squeezed me into a hug and ran upstairs.

“Nova, these are Fred and George.” Charlie pushed the twins toward me.

“Hi, Nova.” One of them waved.

“Nice to finally meet you.” Said the other one. “Charlie talked about you all Summer.” He added.

“Ouch!” Was the next thing that came from his mouth as Charlie gently punched him in his arm.

“Oh, Nova, dear! You've arrived.” Mrs. Weasley came downstairs with the biggest grin on her face. She opened her arms even before she reached me and pulled me into a tight hug.

“Hi, Mrs. Weasley, thank you for having me.”

“It's Molly, dear. No daughter of Olivia's will call ME Mrs. Weasley.” She swung her hand and smiled.

“Where's your mum?” She put her hands on her hips and looked around.

That was a good question as she should've been here by now.

As if Molly's question made her appear, Weasley's fireplace burst into green flames and there was my mum.

“Oh, Molly it's so nice to see you. Nova, you forgot the jumper Molly gave you for Christmas.” She hugged Mrs. Weasley and waved with the jumper. I felt blood rush into my cheeks.

After they stopped chatting and my mum kindly refused lunch for the third time as she had to go to work, she came to me, gave me a tight hug, and whispered in my ear that I should behave and be nice to the Weasleys. She kissed my forehead and before I knew it, disappeared in green flames.

Charlie wanted to take me to play Quidditch with them immediately but Mrs. Weasley stopped him saying that Bill and he should show me around the house, make me feel at home, and take Pip and my bag up into Ginny's room.

Ginny's room wasn't really Ginny's as I recognized it as Charlie's immediately. Posters of Dragons and other creatures were everywhere and there was even one of a Quidditch team.

“I sleep in Bill's room ever since Ginny is old enough to sleep in a bed.” He said, scratching the back of his head, his cheeks pink.

“I love it!” I exclaimed as it looked almost the same as my room just a little messier and less blue.

I then got to see Fred and George's room and Ron and Percy's room. Bill's room was a bit bigger than the rest, of which Charlie was quite proud. I saw that Charlie was already making it half his own as there were Dragon posters on the walls above his bed.

Ron told me all about the family Ghoul and how I shouldn't be afraid if I hear someone sing and smash things in the middle of the night. He also showed me his Wizard's Chessboard that he proudly inherited from his grandfather and asked with his adorable big eyes if I would play a game with him after dinner.

Fred and George, of course, showed me their prized possession of fireworks, Dungbombs, and a small machine that I had no idea what it was for until I placed my hand on it and it shook me, making me jump backward. I bet Tonks and Tulip would be best friends with the twins.

After lunch, Charlie's wish of playing Quidditch with me finally came true. I got Percy's broom as according to him he didn't want to play with us anyway, as he handed it to me and went upstairs to his room.

I had so much fun playing Quidditch with the boys. It was Fred and George against Charlie and me and Bill was our referee. I knew Charlie was good at flying but as he caught the Snitch within the first five minutes of our first game did I realize just what a natural he was.

We played until Mrs. Weasley called us in for dinner. When we came inside, I saw a man already sitting at the table and I assumed that had to be Charlie's dad.

“Arthur this is Nova, Charlie's friend.” Molly nudged Mr. Weasley as we sat down at the table.

“Ah, right. You arrived today!” He remembered. “How were your travels?” He asked as he put some peas on his plate.

“Uh, fine sir. I came here on Floo Powder.” Mr. Weasley chuckled.

“Oh, but of course, silly me for asking. And please, it's Arthur and not sir.” Charlie and Bill chuckled this time, me not even realizing that I called him sir.

I was an only child and having so many people converse and pass the plates with food here and there was so fun to watch. Bill and Charlie almost fought for the last piece of pie, Percy left the table earlier as he said we were too loud and Ginny couldn't stop giggling when I put a pea in my nose and crossed my eyes. I think she would find Tonks' nose and hair changing even funnier.

After dinner, I took Charlie to what was now mine and Ginny's room and finally showed him the book my dad bought me. I told him all about it as he grabbed my hand and brought me back downstairs. We sat on the sofa as he turned the pages slowly, with sparkles in his eyes.

Every day after that was almost the same. Percy was annoyed by us. The twins pulled a prank here and there, making either Bill or Charlie chase after them. I helped them degnoming the garden and Bill later called us back outside to give us a gnome which Charlie tried desperately to befriend, despite the obvious refusal from the other party.

We played Quidditch almost every day and now decided to switch teams every other game as Charlie and I won so much that Fred and George thought it wasn't fair to them as they thought I wasn't as good as I appeared to be. The thing is, neither did I. My parents didn't let me have a broom so the first time I flew was in our Flying Class and even though I managed to call my broom on my first try I didn't think of myself as a good flyer, let alone a good Quidditch player.

In the evenings, when Charlie and I weren't reading each other's books, I was helping Molly in the kitchen as she was telling me stories of her Hogwarts days with my mum.

Ron beat me in every single chess game but he still thought there was space for improvement and even gave me a compliment saying I was getting better.

The twins kept asking how Hogwarts was and that they couldn't wait to meet Tulip and Tonks when I told them that I have friends that love pranks just as much as they do.

Every night when Ginny had to go to bed, I took her upstairs and read her stories from her The Tales of Beedle the Bard book, and even though I've read some of them more than once she didn't mind, as long as I read to her.

—

Most nights, when we were already supposed to be sleeping, Charlie and I snuck out of our rooms and sat on the bench in front of their house or we took one of the blankets from the sofa and placed it on the ground in the garden. We loved looking at constellations and shooting stars as we talked about our expectations of our Second Year, wondering how Tulip, Tonks, and Penny are doing, and couldn't help but admit that we couldn't wait for our Third Year when we would finally start Care of Magical Creatures.

Of course, we couldn't hide our excitement as we remembered that this year Hagrid was going to take us into the Forbidden Forest and Charlie couldn't help but wonder if he would go deep enough into the Forest could he find a Dragon. I chuckled at the idea, even though I couldn't help but wonder the same thing.

One night Bill heard us talking outside as he went down to get a glass of water. Instead of scolding us and telling Molly, he laid down next to us and reminisced at the time he was our age. He made me and Charlie laugh so much as he pretended he was 100 years old and started all his stories from his First and Second Year with 'when I was your age'.

Bill also loved watching me draw and gave me pointers where he thought I could do better, it was like having an art teacher that was wiser but without an ounce of talent for drawing.

I don't even know how else to describe the month I spent with the Weasleys. It seemed that my life kept getting better and better and I couldn't wait for what was in store for me and my friends in our Second Year. Charlie and I made a dare that Tonks will lose it again during the final exams, that Penny will scold us all the time, and that Bill will sooner or later find out that we have been sneaking into the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid.

I loved the Weasleys so much and if Pip wouldn't bring me a letter from my parents a couple of times per week I would have forgotten that I wasn't a Weasley. Well, that and the fact that I had blue and not red hair.

It was the best Summer and even better as I imagined it before coming to the Burrow. I had so much fun with Charlie no matter what we were doing and every time Bill joined us it was nice as I got to bond with him as well. Every night when I finally went to sleep, I couldn't help but think just how lucky I was to have met Charlie that day in the Courtyard.

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robronsecretsanta · 5 years

Photo

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

For the wonderful @sugden-dinglefirst. I hope you have the most amazing Christmas!

Just under a year ago his life changed. He met the man of his dreams on a flight home from Paris, like something out of the latest blockbuster romcom. Nothing could spoil it. Ok, maybe one thing could.

His boyfriend hated Christmas.

It’s their first one together, it had been just after Christmas the year before when they’d met on the flight, discovering they were both from the same village and spending the whole time talking. Now they were together, freshly moved into their own flat just a few days until Christmas and he was ready to decorate, which was when he hit an Aaron shaped brick wall.

“I don’t do Christmas.” Arms folded, face set in a scowl, staring at the pile of boxes that he’d bought that morning to go alongside the ones he’d had for years and had liberated from the loft at his sister’s. It’s his no arguing face and Robert’s seen it enough times to know his mind won’t change, but this is different. “You’re not putting those up.”

“But…everyone has Christmas decorations.” He was late putting them up, the house only just how they wanted it after the move, so it was all a bit last minute.

“Don’t think they do. I’m not kidding, Robert. I don’t want them here.” With that he picks up his jacket and leaves, door slamming behind him, leaving Robert standing there shocked and confused.

It’s dark when he comes back, Robert not saying anything still not sure what’s going on. He stays on the sofa, doesn’t get up to greet him like he usually would, can still sense the tension coming off him. He sees when Aaron notices the boxes have gone. They’re only in the spare room because he’s not giving in but leaving them where they were wouldn’t do any good.

“Where did you go?”

“Nowhere, just walking around. I shouldn’t have stormed out.”

“You want to talk?” It’s like poking a sleeping bear, he knows that but they’d agreed when they moved in not to go to sleep on an argument.

“Not about this. I’m going to bed.”

He lets him go, potters about downstairs until he thinks Aaron’s asleep. He had all these plans, their first Christmas in their own house was going to be so good, and now they were barely speaking. Eventually he can’t put it off any longer and he locks up and heads upstairs. Aaron’s curled up in bed, buried in the covers. He can tell he’s awake but he doesn’t speak, just gets undressed before climbing in beside him.

“Stop staring.”

“I thought you were asleep.” He rolls on his back, propping himself up on the pillows. They’re having this out one way or another because there’s no way he’s sleeping like this.

“Nope.”

“In that case are you going to talk to me, because I know you and this is not just you being grumpy, is it?” He hears Aaron sigh in the darkness and then silence. He thinks he’s gone back to sleep despite his words.

“Why can’t you just leave it? It’s just a stupid holiday.”

“Because…well, it’s Christmas. It’s our first one together, it’s special. Just…tell me why?”

He doesn’t speak for the longest time and Robert’s astute enough not to push any more. If he does Aaron will clam up completely and they’ll get nowhere.

“I didn’t have the childhood you did, Robert, you know that. Before Mum left she tried, I know she did but all I remember is the arguing, curling up under the covers listening to them shouting. Then she just wasn’t there anymore.” He didn’t need to go any further and Robert can’t help climbing onto the bed beside him, taking his hand, just wanting to be close.

“But since then…when you came back here. I mean, your lot are known for their parties.”

“When I came here no one even wanted me. I was a pain in the arse kid who no one wanted. First Christmas I was here I ended up drinking out by the lake. Has Vic ever told you about finding a body when she fell through the ice?” He just nods because he doesn’t want Aaron to stop talking. “The next year Mum was off with Carl King and I was with Paddy, and he was great but he didn’t really want me there, not then. The next year Jackson…”

“You don’t have to…” He was beginning to regret ever bringing it up now, could see tears in the corner of Aaron’s eyes but he knew if he reached out it wouldn’t be welcome.

“I do. You wanted to know so I’ll tell you. Me and Ed, we were settled by Christmas, that first year and he went all out. There was tinsel and lights everywhere. I helped and it was fun you know? Then on Christmas morning there was a water leak, the whole place was flooded and everything was ruined.”

“That was just an accident.” Aaron just shook his head and pulled his hands away.

“The next year Ed moved out on Christmas Eve, and then last year I was fired. This stupid holiday is just cursed.” He looks over at Robert, arms folded. “You can tell me how ridiculous I’m being now.”

“I wouldn’t do that.” He pulled Aaron closer, waiting until he relaxed against him. “You’re right you know, those Christmases sucked.”

“So you get it now? Why I can’t celebrate.”

“I didn’t say that. Look, I’m not going to force you to celebrate, not if you’re really against it…I just…will you let me try and show you how much fun it can be?”

“No Robert! The whole thing is stupid…every year, something bad happens. I just told you!”

“Just give me a chance. Look, there’s what, five days left? Just let me show you. If you still don’t want to celebrate then I’ll let it go. Just give me a chance to give you the perfect Christmas.”

“Robert…”

“No, come on, there’s loads we can do.” His mind was working overtime as he tried to come up with ideas, seeing that Aaron was mildly interested despite his protests.

“Like what?”

“Like, decorating the tree, maybe the Christmas market if it’s still on, stuff like that. Just give it a chance. We’re both off work. Let me show you.” Aaron looks sceptical but Robert knows him well enough that he can see he’ll agree, even if he’ll do it as reluctantly as he can. “Just a few days. If you still hate it then next year I won’t say a word.”

“Fine! If it’ll shut you up. Don’t go getting your hopes up.”

“Hmm, we’ll see.” He can’t help smiling at the grumpy look on Aaron’s face, but it’s not the same as it was before, he’s trying his hardest not to smile. Now he knows he won’t be rebuffed if he reaches up to kiss him. “Goodnight my little grinch.”

“Shut up.”

*****

The next morning he’s up before Aaron as usual and he slips out of bed as quietly as he can, not wanting to wake him before he can put his plan into action.

By the time Aaron stumbles down the stairs everything is ready. He’s moved all the boxes back into the living room. It might be a risky strategy starting with the thing that set the argument off in the first place, but he’ll take the chance.

“What’s going on?” He’s adorably confused, still half asleep, scrubbing at his eyes with his hands and gazing around. Robert’s made breakfast and he hands him his mug of tea with a kiss.

“First step to a perfect Christmas is decorating the tree. Eat up, then we’re going to pick one. There’s a place up on Connelton Road. It won’t take long.”

“God, you were serious, weren’t you?”

“I’m not going to force you to come with me. I thought it might be fun, that’s all.” He sets his knife and fork down, heart sinking. Maybe it was a stupid idea, if Aaron was so set on not enjoying it. He just wanted to share some of the things he remembered from being a kid with him.

“This means a lot to you, doesn’t it?” He nods, the words not coming to him. “Fine. You’re hoovering up the needles though.”

“Expert now, are ya?”

“Eat your breakfast before I change my mind.”

He can’t help laughing at Aaron’s scowl as they get out of the car at the garden centre. It’s started drizzling with rain and yes it’s freezing, but the bobble hat and thick scarf is overkill in his opinion.

“So, what now?”

“Now we find the perfect tree. I’ve measured the space we’ve got and I think a six foot should be plenty. You’re not following any of this are you?”

“It’s a tree…I didn’t know there was so much involved.”

“We want it to be right though. Come on.” He grabs his hand, leading him over to the selection of trees already picking out a few that he wants to look at. Aaron’s right, a fake tree would be easier and less mess, but he wants it all to be perfect and he remembers the real trees from his childhood and how good they looked.

Aaron doesn’t say much as he makes his selection, but he sees him watching, gaze a mix of curious and fed up. He speeds up making his choice, not wanting to spoil it because Aaron was in a mood.

“This one. Looks good, don’t you think?”

“Uh…yeah. It’s a tree Robert, with needles and branches. What else do you need?” He’s got his hands stuffed into his pockets and he’s scuffing his boots on the gravel looking thoroughly annoyed.

“It has to be the right shape and that. If you’re fed up you can wait in the car.” Maybe he shouldn’t be surprised at Aaron’s mood, but he thought he would at least try a bit harder. He must sense Robert’s frustration because when he looks back round he’s gone. Sighing he goes inside to pay for the tree and when it’s safely tucked in the car, the boot strapped down he gets in beside Aaron.

“Sorry.” He looks a little sheepish, nose still red from the cold, hair all over the place thanks to his hat, and Robert can’t help but smile. “I’ll try harder.”

“I guess this isn’t the most exciting thing to do. Decorating it will be better. We’ll start after lunch, yeah?”

*****

“We should’ve bought more lights while we were out.” He turns round from making tea to see Aaron sat on the floor cross legged, fighting one of the sets of lights that hadn’t been packed away properly. They’d got right to it, getting the tree in place with minimal complaining. “These are crap…and well…look!”

“That’s cheating. It’s not Christmas unless you’ve swore at tangled lights at least once.” He sits beside him, nudging him with his shoulder. “Is this alright?”

“Yeah. You can do these though.” He dumps the lights on his lap with a grin.

By the time the lights are untangled, ready to be put onto the tree, Slade are hanging up their stocking and he can tell Aaron’s starting to lose his patience. He’s lasted longer than he’d expected though. Much longer.

“Mum and I used to do this. Andy was never bothered, he was always helping Dad, so me and Vic would help Mum decorate the tree and then she’d make hot chocolate for us all.”

“Sounds nice.” He sounds wistful and Robert could kick himself. Aaron didn’t have any of that and here he was going on.

“Sorry, you don’t want to hear all this.” He gets up, starting to wind the lights around the branches, halting when Aaron’s hands rest on his shoulders.

“Yes I do. I want you to share your memories with me. That’s part of all this, isn’t it?”

“I suppose it is.” He steps back. “There, switch them on, make sure they’re all spaced out.”

“You’re going to be annoying about this aren’t you? I know, I know, it has to be perfect.”

It doesn’t take them long to put all the baubles on the tree, the silence broken occasionally by Robert telling Aaron a story about one of them, or a memory that had come to him.

“It looks good.” Aaron announces, putting his arm around his waist once they’ve packed the boxes away.

“It’ll look even better later when the lights are on and it’s dark. So, as bad as you thought?”

“I’m still expecting something to go wrong but not as bad as I thought. Stupid huh?”

“It’s not.” He presses a kiss to his forehead.

“So tomorrow?” He might think this a waste of time but there was still a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“You’ll see!” He laughs before kissing him again.

*****

“Robert it’s too early for this.” It’s not early at all in fact. They’ve been in bed all morning, everytime he tried to get up Aaron dragged him back to bed.

“It’s lunchtime! We want to get there before the rush. I’ve got a list so we can get everything done without wasting too much time and the market is more than just shopping.” He checked his pockets for his keys and wallet, glancing over at Aaron who looked marginally less grumpy than he had on their expedition to get the tree. “Well?”

“You didn’t mention shopping yesterday!”

“It’s not shopping, there’s loads to do. It’ll be fun.” Aaron’s face shows just how unconvinced he is. “You don’t have to come if you really don’t want to.”

“I said I’d do this, didn’t I?”

“There’s no point if you’re just going to be miserable about it. We might as well stay at home.” He unwraps his scarf, sighing.

“I can’t help how I feel Robert!”

“It’s a holiday Aaron. Don’t you think you’re being a little over the top?”

“You’re the one wanting the house to look like Santa threw up all over it.” He can’t help it, bursts out laughing at Aaron’s face.

“I’m sorry. I mean it, if you don’t want to go you don’t have to.” He says again when their laughter has died down.

“No, I said I would but…there’s one thing I hate more than Christmas, and that’s shopping. But, I’m here and I’m willing to do it, for you. So let’s go, yeah?”

The drive to Leeds is quiet and Robert’s heart sinks a little when he sees the crowds as they approach the market. He gives it an hour before Aaron’s complaining and wanting to go home.

“Right so I need something for Diane, and your Mum. Then maybe we can find stuff for the house?”

“We decorated yesterday! You want more?”

“Just if we see something. Maybe something we buy together, you know, for our first Christmas?” Aaron turns his head away but not before Robert sees the slight smile on his face.

“You’re the boss.” That gets him a smug grin before Robert loops his arm with Aaron’s, gently leading him to the first stall that catches his eye.

It’s a fair success he admits to himself as he watches Aaron sip at his mulled wine. He looks happy enough, he’s not complained anyway and the alcohol will likely help. He’s already sampled some of the beer on offer.

“Alright?” He tips his head back slightly as he approaches from making the last of his purchases, Aaron leaning against a lamp post listening to the brass band playing. “Having fun?”

“Mmm. I remember this carol from school. I sang it once, you know those concerts at Christmas. Mum was there, I think.” Robert kisses his forehead, trying to clear the frown.

“Gran would sing it to me. It’s nice.” He leans closer to him, winding an arm around his waist.

“Here, try this.” He takes the cup from him, enjoying the lightness in his eyes despite the frown that was there before. He’s happy, that’s the most important thing.

“It’s good. You about ready to go?” Aaron nods but Robert can’t help noticing his gaze landing on the brightly lit carousel as they turn towards the carpark. “You want to go on it?”

“What? No! It’s for kids.”

“Who says? Come on, I’m not going on my own.” He grabs his hand, pulling him over to the ride. Luckily the queue wasn’t too long and it wasn’t more than minutes before they were bickering over which horse they should sit on. Aaron of course managed to get the lower one, leaving Robert having to jump onto the one next to him. “If I break your Mum’s present doing this I’m making you come back tomorrow!”

“You’re only jealous.” Aaron yells back.

It’s the most fun he’s had in ages, and if the smile on Aaron’s face is anything to go by it’s been a success.

*****

“Cookies.” He announces before Aaron’s even reached the bottom of the stairs.

“I’m sorry?”

“We’re making cookies today. Mum and I always used to make them together. Then we’d put on a Christmas film and lie in front of the TV with the cookies and hot chocolate.” His head is half in the cupboards digging out the ingredients. When he turns round Aaron’s just staring at him. “What?”

“Not today.”

“What? You said you’d try.”

“Enough, alright! Just stop with the festive cheer crap.” He’s at the door before Robert can stop him. “I’m going to work.”

“But you’re off…” The door slams before he can even finish the sentence.

He doesn’t know what’s happened or what he’s done, but he knows better than to follow. Aaron always needs time to calm down before he’ll talk. He spends the time making a batch of cookies, the memories of his Mum flooding back, and he wants nothing more than to share them with Aaron. When they’re done he leaves them cooling before going in search of his boyfriend.

He finds him at the scrapyard slumped on the steps staring into space.

“Budge up.” He sits next to him when Aaron makes space. “What did I do? I thought you enjoyed yesterday?”

“I did.”

“So what happened?”

“I had a nightmare, last night, and it just set me on edge.” He rests forward, elbows on his knees, looking anywhere but at Robert.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Or wake me up?”

“I can’t run to you every time I have a nightmare, like a little kid.” He sounds so annoyed with himself that Robert’s heart breaks a little.

“Why not? That’s what I’m here for.” He wraps an arm around him, letting him rest his head on his shoulder. “I want you to wake me up, ok?”

“Sorry…about today. I just…couldn’t.”

“It doesn’t matter. I, er, made some cookies anyway…you want to go home and crash in front of a film? You can pick.” Aaron nods. “Come on then.”

“With hot chocolate?” Robert just nods, a small smile on his face.

“With hot chocolate.”

Half an hour later he’s making them hot chocolate and plating up the cookies while Aaron searches for a film that they can both agree on.

“I’m sorry I’m being such an idiot about this.” Aaron murmurs, taking a sip of his hot chocolate as Robert hands it to him, settling into the sofa a bit further. “You’re doing all this for me, and I’m being an arse about it.”

“Shall I tell you something? I hate bonfire night. Can’t stand it. Didn’t you think it was odd that I had a meeting instead of going to the village display?”

“Not really…you have meetings all the time!” He shifts on the sofa so he’s facing him properly.

“Not at night.” He used to, before he met Aaron, the wining and dining all fun and games but now all he wanted was to be home with Aaron of an evening.

“Yeah but, it’s to be expected isn’t it…a bonfire, after everything.”

“It’s not that…I mean it is, but it’s not the fire itself. It’s the fireworks. The whine of them, and the noise, it’s like I’m back there, the crackle of the fire, the barn collapsing.” He feels Aaron’s hand on the back of his neck, fingers running through his hair. He knows all of it, what went on, a late night spilling of secrets.

“That’s still…it’s a proper reason, it’s not stupid like my hating Christmas.”

“Nobody said feelings had to be rational. You have your reasons, and none of this is me saying they’re not real, or you should feel stupid…it’s more that I want to show you how good Christmas can be, because you deserve it. You deserve a perfect Christmas.”

“You have done. It was just too much today. This though…this is nice.”

“I do make the best hot chocolate and cookies.”

“Does your ego ever stop?” He laughs and Robert smiles to himself, as he gets the desired response.

“Why would it? Come on, what did you pick?” He nods towards the TV.

“You’ll see.” Robert can’t make out the look on his face but he’s smiling so he settles back beside him, only turning to look at him when he sees what film he’s chosen. “What? You said you liked it.”

“You remembered? That was…I was watching it on the plane!” It was tradition that he watched A Muppet’s Christmas Carol, one started with his Mum and every year he would make time. Last year though he’d been working over Christmas and hadn’t got round to it, so he’d used the flight to do it, which was when Aaron had started talking to him.

“I remembered, because I thought to myself, why was he watching a kids film. Then when you told me about your Mum I wasn’t going to forget.”

“But…you don’t want to watch this. Put something else on.” He tries to grab the remote but Aaron’s having none of it.

“Yes I do.” He reaches behind him to grab the blanket that lay on the back of the sofa, spreading it over the two of them without spilling any of his drink. “Comfy?”

“Love you.” He says as he nods.

“Shush. Watch the film.”

They don’t speak during the film and Robert had expected Aaron to have his phone out after a few minutes but he didn’t. All he felt was Aaron’s arm tightening round him when he wiped away a tear at the memories of his Mum that it always brought back. He’d always done this alone after his Mum died, not wanting to let anyone in, but being here with Aaron felt right.

*****

“So what’s today?”

“Um, Christmas Eve.” Robert rolled over, sure it was too early for riddles.

“Idiot! I mean, what’s next in your big plan?”

“Oh! I hadn’t…I didn’t think you’d want to.” After the day before he’d decided enough was enough. He knew Aaron had enjoyed the film but it had been a long while since he’d had a nightmare and he couldn’t bear if his pushing Aaron to enjoy Christmas had caused them to come back.

“Well…I don’t know…you might be onto something with this. Let’s say I’m more open to the idea than I was before.”

“I don’t need to bother with any more plans then?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m ready to start decking the halls just yet. So, what’s next?”

“I’m not getting any more sleep am I?” He rolled onto his back and sat up, rapidly trying to think of an idea. He truly hadn’t got this far in his plans and now he was at a loss. There was only one thing he could think of.

“Nope. I’ll cook you breakfast, how about that? Then you can tell me your plan. You do have one, right?” Robert laughed because he was acting exactly like…well…a kid at Christmas.

“Yes, Aaron, I have a plan.” Well, he did, it just needed refining, that was all.

*****

“Where are you going?” He turns round from washing the lunch dishes later in the day, wiping his hands on the towel

“Just out. Last minute shopping.”

“On Christmas Eve?” He almost shudders at the thought of it.

“I won’t be long, just a couple of things I need to get.” Aaron tells him, pulling on his coat. “You said we weren’t doing anything until tonight.”

“We’re not. Meet me at the pub then, half five. I thought we’d eat first.”

“And you’re not going to tell me what it is we’re doing?”

“You going to tell me what you’re buying?” Aaron shakes his head laughing. “Then no, I’m not telling you what we’re doing. I’ll see you later.”

*****

As he walks into the pub just after five, it’s busy, everyone seeming to have the same idea as him. He orders two pints from Charity before spying Harriet in the corner.

“Can I?” He gestures to the free chair.

“Oh, yes of course. What can I do for you? Will we be seeing you in church this evening?”

“About that…Could I maybe make a request? A favour if you like.” She nods as he sits down, outlining what he wants. He’s just getting up when Aaron walks in, bags in hand. “Thanks Harriet.”

“Going to tell me what you’re up to yet?” Aaron asks him, in between gulps of his pint as they sit at the bar, all the tables taken. Aaron’s been quiet while they’ve eaten but now he’s full of curiosity.

“Going to tell me what you bought?”

“No.”

“Then, no. Patience my little grinch.”

“Will you stop calling me that!”

*****

“The church? That’s your plan?” He’s stood in the middle of the aisle, just glaring at Robert, hands on hips.

“It’s the carol service. I thought it’d be nice.” The church looks beautiful, lit solely by candles, the Christmas garlands beneath the windows making it cosy. It seems like the whole village is in and they slip into seats near the back, Aaron not letting go of his hand. “Alright?”

“I’m not singing.” He sounds like a sulky teenager.

“Of course not.” And he doesn’t, stands there, hand still in Robert’s but doesn’t sing at all.

It’s right at the end that he finally looks at Robert, recognising the opening bars of the music, and he looks down at the sheet they’d been handed, frown crossing his face, and then back up at Robert when he can’t find it listed.

“You did this?”

“Harriet was happy enough to indulge me.”

“Oh my God you bribed the vicar didn’t you?” He’s smiling again though and Robert lets his hand go to wrap an arm around his waist, pulling him close as the carol continues.

The cattle are lowing The poor baby wakes But little Lord Jesus No crying he makes I love thee Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my cradle ‘Til morning is nigh

*****

He wakes up on Christmas morning with Aaron wrapped round him like a bloody octopus. He’d known going back to the pub after the service had been a bad idea. It was Pete’s fault really, deciding that Christmas Eve meant shots of what he’s pretty sure was paint stripper in disguise. His head was beating a tattoo and thanks to Aaron he was boiling hot, trapped under the duvet as he was, Aaron’s arms securely wrapped around him.

He’s still not entirely sure what they’re doing for the day. Chas had tried the night before, asking Aaron their plans and would he be putting in an appearance up at Wishing Well. It wasn’t the first time she’d asked, but it was the first since Robert’s grand plan to show him how Christmas should be.

Aaron, a few shots in had just shrugged in that way of his, that could mean yes, or equally get lost. He knew they wouldn’t get away with avoiding Vic and Diane but they wouldn’t be expected to stop, not like the Dingles. Their gatherings were like an exercise in endurance, Robert knew from experience. Then again, a close family wasn’t anything to be sniffed at. He’d nipped to Tesco a few days ago to get them an alternative Christmas lunch just in case Aaron really put his foot down, so they wouldn’t go hungry.

He must fall back to sleep because when he opens his eyes again he’s free to move and he can feel someone watching him. “What time’s it?”

“Christmas time.” No, that’s just unfair. He sounds far too perky considering the night before and he prises his eyes open to see him, fully dressed, blue eyes bright.

“Thought you didn’t like Christmas?” That’s not entirely true anymore, he knows that, but he can’t help teasing him.

“I like you though, don’t I? Come on. Your sister has already been on the phone, wondering where you are.” That makes him look at the clock and he groans seeing it’s only just gone nine.

“She’s an overgrown child I swear. Hey, wait a minute, haven’t you forgotten something?” Aaron shook his head. “I don’t get a present?”

“Maybe if you’re a good boy there’ll be something under the tree for you later.”

“That’s…well fine, but you’re not getting yours either!” Aaron just laughs and gets off the bed, telling him once more to shower. “I suppose a bacon sandwich is out of the question?”

“Depends how fast you can shower. I told her we’d be twenty minutes.” With that he’s gone and Robert feels like he’s woken up in an alternate universe. Aaron was never this happy in the morning.

He feels slightly more human after a shower and breakfast and then they’re out of the house on the way to Vic’s. Aaron’s still acting weird but every time he asks he just gets shushed.

“Have you decided if we’re going to Zak and Lisa’s yet? Because if we’re not I should get back and sort lunch.” He asks a while later, after Vic’s forced mince pies on them and he’s made all the right noises over the jumper she’d given him.

“We might as well, Mum’ll only bend my ear if we don’t. Just for lunch though.”

“Are you sure?” He’s still acting strange but the look in his eye tells Robert he’s up to something. “Alright then, we better go.”

He says his goodbyes to Vic, an extra tight hug before he lets her go, and then they’re on their way.

“Ok, what’s going on? It wasn’t a week ago I wouldn’t have been able to drag you up here and now you’re almost eager. I’m not thatpersuasive.” They’ve had fun the last few days but the mood change is just too much. “Were you winding me up? Are you really some kind of Christmas loving lunatic?”

“I’m not, I swear. I suppose it was never hatred of Christmas, it was more…fear of letting myself enjoy it. The last few days, just spending time with you and seeing how much fun you have…and nothing bad has happened, has it?”

“I’ve not spent lunch with Cain yet so don’t count your chickens.” That gets him a shove and he laughs. “So, Christmas is alright then, is it?”

“It’s growing on me. Bit like you. Besides the one thing I do like about Christmas is Lisa’s Christmas pudding.”

“Ugh! All Christmas pudding is rank.” He can’t help scrunching his nose up in disgust.

“Whoa, have I found something about this holiday that you don’t like.”

“Shut up.” He could hear the noise as they approached Wishing Well, and he didn’t know about Aaron, he wasn’t entirely sure he could face Christmas with the Dingles.

*****

In the end it wasn’t too bad, although Cain still glared at him every few minutes. Everyone else had been fine and Aaron had been smiling all afternoon, all memories of previous years hopefully banished. As a bonus he’d avoided the Christmas pudding too. Less so the snowballs that he kept being given.

“Right, I’ve been patient all day…where’s my present?” He asks when they’re finally alone.

“Did nobody ever teach you patience?”

“Patience is spending the afternoon with your uncle looking like he wanted to kill me. Come on.” He pulls him closer, making him laugh and he’ll never tire of that sound.

“First things first…where’s mine?” Robert sighed and grabbed the pile from under the tree. He hadn’t gone too mad, it was just stuff that Aaron would like rather than anything overly extravagant.

In the past he’s always been more interested in what he’s been given and he still was, but watching Aaron open his gifts was something else. Maybe it was the fact that he knew that in previous years he’d not had much, he didn’t know, but the way his eyes lit up over a personalised race day made him smile wider than he had all day.

“I er, one of my clients knows the boss of a rally team. He owed me a favour. No one else gets to do all this. Is it…it’s alright, yeah?” Aaron’s just staring at the envelope with all the details, not saying anything. “Aaron?”

“It’s brilliant.” He leans over to kiss him, the presents forgotten and he thinks he could spend the rest of the day right here. Eventually though Aaron has other ideas, carefully piling his things to one side before crouching beside the tree, reaching right round the back where Robert wouldn’t have seen them. He hands him an envelope, similar to the one he had just opened, and bites his lip.

“We didn’t have the same idea did we?” Aaron looks nervous he realises. “It’s alright…if we did…”

“Just open it.”

“Plane tickets?” Then he saw the date. Exactly a year since they met. Then he saw their destination and he stared at Aaron again.

“Had to be Paris, didn’t it?” All he could do was nod, couldn’t quite believe he’d done this. “I wanted to get you something that would…meeting you on that plane last year, well you know all that happened. You changed my life. You’re amazing, and I don’t tell you that enough.”

“You don’t have to tell me. I know. You changed mine too.” He can’t help kissing him again and the next thing he knows Aaron’s dragging him up the stairs, Christmas presents forgotten.

“So…” He asks later, Aaron once more wrapped round him. “I take it this means you’re fully converted to liking Christmas.”

“I guess I am. It’s not quite the perfect Christmas you promised though.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I didn’t have chance to give you your other present yet.” He turns to pick something up from his side of the bed, keeping it hidden behind the bed. “You know my favourite carol, but I’ve always liked another one too.”

“Ok?” He was completely confused now.

“You know the twelve days of Christmas, right?” He nods. “Well we started this plan of yours five days ago, so that makes it the fifth day of Christmas…and you’re really not getting where I’m going with this are you?”

“Aaron, you just had your way with me, I’m barely forming words let alone solving riddles.”

“Ok, ok, well it’s not gold like the song but…” He’s holding out a box, a small square box. “Will you marry me?”

“You…what?”

“Not saying it again.” The smile is faltering with every second it takes Robert to form an answer. “If you don’t want to…”

“I do! Of course I do. I’m just…” He reaches out for the box. “Of course I’ll marry you!”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t look so surprised. Are you going to put it on me then?” He can’t take his eyes of him as Aaron slides the ring onto his finger.

“Fits too, how about that. Perfect.”

“Yeah.” His voice falters a little and when Robert looks up there are tears in his eyes. “It’s perfect.”

It might be his imagination later as he’s drifting off to sleep, but he’s sure he can hear Aaron humming the Twelve days of Christmas.

#sugden-dinglefirst #long post #robron #robron secret santa #robron fanfiction

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ryik-the-writer · 6 years

Text

Fic: Babysitting Debacle

A03

Part of the Never Unwanted series

Gideon and his friends help him babysit his baby sister when things go...horribly wrong...from the perspectives of 14-year-olds at least.

Age of the kids: 14 years old

-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-

“It says to put it on with the balloons up front.” Neal read, still confused despite reading the directions on the diaper box. This was no job for an innocent fourteen-year old.

Gideon soothed his two-month old sister, trying to keep her pacified while he and the other two teenagers in the room tried to figure out how to change a diaper.

Why the hell had they’d volunteer to babysit while his parents went on their first date night since the baby was born?

Because they were damn fools, that’s why.

Neal and Robyn had been excellent surrogate siblings while Belle went through her unexpected pregnancy, picking up food craving items on their way from school, helping Gideon and his dad put the nursery together, and most importantly, catching Gideon when he fainted when Belle went into early labor (or “passed” out as Gideon had defended).

Now, they were responsible for the safety and well-being of that baby for at least two hours more.

All had been well for the earliest part of the night, fun even. They had given little Dante Colette Gold her bath, put her in a warm pair of pajamas with bunny ears, and even given her a bottle without much fuss. It wasn’t until the foul smell of a dirtied diaper filled the air that the teenagers discovered that babysitting was actually a very dangerous game.

And they were the pawns.

“There’s balloons on both sides!” Robyn protested, finally pulling out her cellphone to find a more visual solution to their problem. “Next time try to take notes Gideon.”

“Shove off.” Gideon hissed, bouncing his little sister. “I know how to do everything else.”

“Knock it off, both of you.” Neal ordered, picking up a diaper and examining it. “Does it really matter what direction we put it on?”

“Yeah, she could get a rash.” Gideon warned, shushing the baby as she got fussier.

“Okay, found one.” Robyn announced, turning her cellphone to the boys and baby girl. The teens watched as the instructor cleaned and rediapered the baby, smiling like the whole thing wasn’t gross and awkward.

“Go back about thirty seconds.” Neal requested.

“What didn’t you get?” Robyn miffed.

“How are we supposed to get…everything out?” Neal shivered, he and Robyn turning to Gideon once again.

Gideon honestly didn’t know. His parents handled all that. All he did was complain about the smell when he walked by the nursery.

“We have to figure something out. She’s at max capacity.” Gideon warned, carefully handing the baby over to a stiffened Robyn.

“Don’t you run!” Neal yelled, biting his lip when Dante began crying from the loud sound.

Gideon ran back in with a handful of yard masks from the garage and a pair of dish gloves from under the sink.

“Only one pair of gloves,” Gideon announced. “Who’s gonna do the deed?”

“Why are you even asking?” Robyn protested. “You’re her brother!”

“But you’re a girl!” Gideon fought back.

“He has a point.” Neal shrugged.

“I’m in a wheelchair!” Robyn exclaimed, pointing down at her legs with distaste. “Unless you really want a mess, you better get those damn gloves on!”

“Damn it!” Gideon howled, dulling his irritation so that he could carefully lay the baby out on the changing table. “Hand me the stupid gloves.”

Robyn and Neal exchanged a smirk before donning their masks, Neal helping Gideon undress Dante. Once the baby was down to her balloon-printed diaper, the moment of truth arrived and the teens stood clear.

“Okay, just…” Gideon fidgeted with Robyn’s phone as baby Dante became more agitated and uncomfortable. He carefully undid the stickers of the diaper, pulling it down slowly.

“Oh my gods no!” Neal gagged when the contents were revealed.

“You drop my phone in that so help me…” Robyn warned through her mask.

“Shut up and let me think.” Gideon gagged. “Neal, get her legs before she kicks shit everywhere.”

Neal hesitatingly obeyed, holding the baby’s tiny legs out of the way while holding his breath.

“Easy, easy now.” Neal whispered as Gideon slowly pulled the diaper out from other the baby.

“Shut up.”

“Oh my gods I think some just rolled out!” Robyn hollered.

“Ah where!” Gideon screamed, accidentally yanking the diaper the rest of the way and sending its contents flying.

“Oh…oh god.” Neal gagged.

“Don’t you dare.” Gideon warned.

Neal shook his head and ran over to the nearest bowl-like object to throw his stomach contents into.

“Oh my gods what is happening!” Gideon exclaimed as Neal threw up and Dante wailed.

Robyn tried awkwardly to comfort her from her chair but finally threw her hands up in the air when the baby continued to cry. Frustrated and disturbed, she reached up and pulled Gideon down to her level.

“Gideon, you have to make this stop.”

“I-I can’t.” Gideon stated as he looked back and forth between Neal and the baby. “I’m only supposed to use magic in life or death situations.”

Robyn grabbed Gideon by the ears and forced him closer.

“Your sister is pissing on the changing table and Neal is throwing his guts out!” she shrieked, shaking Gideon violently. “Use the magic Gideon!”

“Oh my GODS!” Gideon exclaimed before he summoned a great bout of magic. In the blink of an eye, the room was calm and clean, as was baby Dante and Neal.

“Oh god,” Neal gasped, scrubbing over his face. “I’m so sorry guys. I don’t know what that was.”

“That was you being a wuss.” Robyn sighed, tearing off her mask and wiping her forehead.

Gideon began redressing his sister, muttering apologies as she cooed comfortably.

“Don’t tell my parents about this, please?” Gideon begged has he cupped Dante’s small head.

“Would they really care if you used magic?” Neal inquired as he packed away the baby items.

“That’s not what I mean.” Gideon whispered as he laid Dante down in her crib. “I didn’t exactly give the best first impression when mum got pregnant. I don’t want them to think I’m rejecting the big-brother role again.”

“That was a year ago!” Robyn called from the adjacent bathroom where she was scrubbing her hands and arms furiously.

Gideon soothed his little sister as she tethered off to sleep, nodding for Neal to exit the room.

“You’ve been stressing about this since Aunt Belle’s second trimmest.” Neal laughed as he piggybacked Robyn down the stairs, Gideon just behind them with her wheelchair. “They don’t look at you any differently, any of us for that matter.”

“Why would we look at anyone any differently?”

The teens froze on the stairs, Neal nearly dropping Robyn from being startled by Mr. Gold’s voice.

“Um…” Gideon mumbled as his mother came in just behind her husband with a to-go container. “We were…uh talking about uh…”

“Our Halloween costumes!” Robyn stated.

The Gold parents exchanged amused looks.

“A little early to be thinking about Halloween, isn’t it?” Rumplestiltskin asked as he helped Gideon set up Robyn’s wheel chair.

“Just want to make a decision early.” Robyn said as she situated herself. “You know, supplies and all.”

“Of course.” Belle nodded. “But do try to go as something that doesn’t involve fake blood, okay?

“Yeah.” The teens agreed, the knots in their stomachs loosening.

“Well, I’d love to sit here all night, but I promised my dad I’d help him with the sheep before Monday.” Neal said after a moment of silence.

“Very well.” Rumplestiltskin nodded. “Is your father coming to pick you up or would you like a lift?”

“Nah, I’m meeting him at Granny’s.” Neal answered.

“My mom too.” Robyn added as she grabbed her backpack.

“Before you both go,” Belle smiled, holding out the container. “Remy gave us a few pieces of molten lava cake for you.”

“Sweet!” Gideon cheered. Chef Remy’s legendary lava cake was a once in a blue moon delicacy and was only available to those with a reservation at his restaurant.

Belle opened the container, revealing the overly chocolate treat and watched as the teens before her paled.

“Oh gods…” Neal gagged, images of diapers and baby excrements making his stomach turn.

Belle gasped as Neal made a mad dash to the kitchen sink.

Robyn and Gideon flinched as they heard Neal heave, their own stomachs turning.

“I…think we might need that ride Uncle Gold.” Robyn grimaced.

“I believe so as well.” Rumplestiltskin sighed, grabbing his keys from the bowl by the door (a Mother’s Day gift from Gideon from when he was five).

Robyn waited by the wheelchair ramp with Gideon while Rumplestiltskin started the car. A moment later Belle was ushering Neal onto the porch.

“Ugh, I’m sorry Aunt Belle, I don’t know what’s come over me.”

“Wuss.” Robyn fake-coughed, causing Gideon to snicker. Both the teen’s humor stilled when Belle sent a look their way.

“You’ll feel better after some rest.” Belle amended, sending Neal to the car.

“You coming, Gid?” Robyn inquired.

“Nah, I’m going to stay here and…recover.”

Robyn nodded and wheeled herself to the car.

Gideon and his mother waited until the Cadillac rolled off before they went inside, Belle immediately going upstairs to respond to Dante’s cries.

“Hello Rosie Posie.” Belle cooed. “Did you have a good day with your big siblings?”

Gideon leaned against the doorframe to watch his mother and sister. The lovely site was almost enough to make him forget about the literal shit day he had. Almost.

“So,” Belle said towards him as she laid Dante back in her crib. “What kind of spell did you use today Gideon?”

Gideon nearly fell over, floored by his mother’s knowledge of his little magical debacle.

“How did you…”

“I’m your mother, I know everything.” Belle said as she cranked Dante’s mobile. “That…and your father sensed it.”

Gideon groaned, his spine tingling as he sensed a lecture coming on.

Belle crossed her arms in a “mom pose” as Neal had coined it.

“Did something happen?”

“No!” Gideon insisted. “Just…we…” Gideon sighed. “I got a little overwhelmed…and I used a spell to calm things down.”

Belle nodded, biting her lip as she mused on Gideon’s response. Then she looked up and smiled at him.

“Okay.”

Gideon waited for her to continue, to remind him about the consequences of using magic, though she’d save the “price” bit for when his father returned. However, Belle was now focused on folding a basket of baby clothes.

“Are you disappointed?” Gideon asked, his stomach turning in anticipation.

Belle turned, her blue eyes softening.

“Oh honey, no.” Belle smiled, dropping a onesie to take her son’s hands. “Sweetheart, you’re old enough to know how and when to use your magic. Your father and I just like to be informed.”

Gideon nodded, barely rolling his eyes when she brushed his hair from his face.

“Now,” Belle said. “It’s getting late. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

“I know mom.” Gideon scoffed, leaving her to tend to his sister. He sighed as he got closer to his room, thankful that his mother had allowed him to spare the details of why he had needed the spell in the first place. He really did not want to think about the details.

As he changed into his pajamas, he mentally rejoiced on having both survived his first day of babysitting as well as getting away with casting his first unsupervised spell.

At least he was until he heard a shriek from Dante’s room.

“Gideon Gary Gold, why is there vomit in your sister’s baby basin!”

-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-

Note: Dante’s name = Everlasting

#rumbelle #rumbelle fic #never unwanted #Gideon Gold #Robin Mills #Neal Nolan #ouat fic #ryik's fics

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rezilient-m3 · 3 years

Text

I feel like I need to unload. And nobody specifically, really, to do it to. It's Jan 9, past midnight, so the 10th legally lol. Alex went back to work on Sunday, and I started my contract job on Monday.! Idk where to start first. The job? Since that'd be the quickest... I think I like it. I'm in kindergarten, working with a young girl from Ethiopia. Her mom died when she was a baby, and moved to the city from her country only a year ago with her dad and sister. She's a little wild girl, but cute. Lol. Likes to run. My first hour and a half of being on her watch, I chased her from class 3 times, 5 times that day lol. But by the end of the week, I knew what to expect. I know what is expected of me, and I think I'm doing well. I hope anyways. Afternoons of our school days, I'm still in the class, but just help other students who would need me. The other takes over with my morning student. The teacher found it impressive that a little boy drew himself to me. Which is a good thing, because I think I could help him. He barely speaks, so it'll be my job to help me repeat simple things, actions, and crap like that. He's a sweetie, but for the life of me, I can't understand what he says lol. So, the kids I work with, the conversations are limited. Hopefully that changes as the days go by.

As for Alex and I, we're still okay. He didn't totally flip out on his time home with us during break. My daughter, T, had a couple meltdowns while he was home, and he got upset. But it wasn't as drastic as the last time he laid an ultimatum on me. So, that's good. But he's gone again. I miss him. Who knows how long it'll be until he comes home. Until then, we're carrying on with our lives lol.

Counseling sessions has returned, and seem to be getting heavier for the girl's. T's gone twice in a row, on Wed and Fri. The 1st one, Renee, the counselor, seen first hand what a meltdown exactly looks like. It started from talking about her 2 friends in school. One girl told T the other girl was only her friend because she was using her to get Xmas gifts out of her. So, when Renee suggested going straight to the girl and ask her what the other one was talking about, T totally freaked out. And it's not like she uses her words. She cries, then (idk how to exactly explain the noise she makes lol) while crying she waahs lol. Like like a fake cry, but grunts? maybe, and gets louder when we try to talk or suggests what's wrong. But anyways, point is, counselor discovered she does this when she's worried, or scared about something and gets easily frustrated when she doesn't know what to do with something, or how it'd end. She was worried if she confronts any 2 of the girls, they'd stop being friends with her, cuz they've been best friends the longest. Like, before she got here. Then, she wouldn't have any left, cuz she said the other kids don't talk to her and she feels they don't like her. I felt for her. I understand how girl relationships can easily turn for the dramatic. So, I get it. Anyways, drive home I told her maybe the other girl is a little jealous about her friendship with her best friend and might be worried about her being replaced, so could be why she'd try cause something between them. Who knows? ... I felt like I spent so much time on this. Lol. My point is, we know why the meltdowns happen, and we're going to try come up with ways she can deal with the frustration and use her damn words. Cuz it's when that happens, everybody here tends to get upset, including me, and avoid her behaviour. But now, I'll need to learn how to get her her to talk it out and help her to resolve whatever. Making progress. Main point.

Then, we moved on to the morning I went get them. The morning their dad fucked up. The morning T tends to avoid speaking about. She didn't do, or say, anything that could help her. We tried to get her to tell us what exactly she seen. Cuz the big question that started this off was "What's the worst thing, in your whole life, that's ever happened to you?" And she said the thing with daddy and K. So, we went there. Anyways, she'd tell us everything that happened that morning, leading up to her going in that room and seeing what she seen, then go quiet. She would not say what she seen. I'll tell you why in a minute.

Moving on to today's session, T wanted a break. Understandably. So, on my way out the door I told S to come with me, since she was sitting on the couch lol. We get there, we talk about what we spoke about before. And what we spoke about before was what she thought about me not seeing them in those 15 months from Feb '18 to Apr '19. She really thought I didn't want to see her. She thought it was because I didn't want to go. That broke my heart. I didn't fall apart, and my voice broke a little explaining that I had to wait all those months for courts and lawyers and covid to happen. AND I would never not want to see her and her sisters. I explained how hard it was on me not to see, or talk to them. I'm so glad we talked that part through. I think she believes me now. Lol. She just never knew because I couldn't tell her at the time. I couldn't tell her " Mummy is getting a lawyer so I can get my rights back" while their dad was listening to every word spoken. I couldn't tell her "your dad won't let me come get you to visit because his gf doesn't want that to happen". All I could tell them was I miss them and wish I could see them. But she was left wondering, "well why not then?" All that time. That made me sad for her young mind. What confusing things for a kid to ponder about her own mum. But we're resolving things, and hopefully I'm answering the questions she has right and as best I could.

Anyways, she reflected on that today, and said she knew I wanted to see them, but I couldn't until I went to court. So, Renee totally just drove into that morning, again. She asked her to recall that night, and what she had seen when she went into that room with T, when I was waiting outside to get them. She was very hesitant throughout the whole thing, but she always answered. I watched my young 9 year old be the bravest little girl. She told us she went down behind T. The lights were on in the room, daddy was laying on his back, with no pants or underwear, carrying K over him like an airplane, but she was asleep. She told us she seen her dad's privates, but didn't understand what he was doing. She knew it was bad, but she doesn't understand it. (So innocent, but now she'll never forget this). So, Renee asked her what changed in her life since that morning. She said she started to live with mummy and Alex and D. Then, spoke about her life at her dads. I was so sad, sitting there, watching her voice breaking as she told us her and her sisters weren't ever allowed to go upstairs. That T had it the worst because their step-mom would always give her shit and ground her to her room and her and K weren't allowed to talk to her. And there were times they went hungry, and had booboed heads full of bugs And even in all these sad stories, her face would light up talking about her having her sister, K, always by her side. They were always sharing a room, and the broken toys they had no choice to play with being confined to their room. After all the stories, and her eyes welling up with tears, S said she's not sorry for being with us, here. Now she has food, her own bed, her own clothes, her sisters, her brother, Alex, no bugs, glasses... idk what else lol. But she doesn't miss it there. She's happy she doesn't have to deal with her mean step-mom anymore. Omg the things they've all been through. I couldn't imagine being in that family, wondering where the hell is my mum. That's what breaks my heart for them. Almost makes me feel guilty and sorry. But I'm doing my fucken best.

On the drive home, I tell her that I know how uncomfortable it is bringing up these things, but it's to help her figure out the confusing things. It's for all of them to get through this mess, and to be happy little content children. I hope I'm making sense to her when I try talk without Renee around lol. I told her, the bottom line was for them to let go of things, so they can move on properly and in a positive way. Idk.

We get home and I needed my stupid mask to go get something for supper, and S stays home, and T wants to come. I take her. And I brought up what S said she seen. I asked her if she's seen her dad's private parts too, and she says idk. I ask, "are you scared you'll get your daddy in trouble if you tell me what you'd seen?" "Yeah. I don't want him to go jail." And I froze there. I didn't know what to say, cuz idk if he'd get jail time, or what exactly is going to happen when the cops finally find him. (BTW, they haven't yet.) But I think she just had changed the subject and I let her. Because it is a short drive. But now I understand why she was so quiet with the counselor. And now I know what we could work on in our next session. Makes sense now.

But I'd just like to say how proud I am of my girls. That moved me, watching S today. A lot of it broke my heart, but to see how happy they can still be here, that made me feel just so proud of their resiliency. Strong, brave girls. I need to write them letters saying how I feel to them. I need to let them know I am here for every step of the way. Omg, my heart. 😩🤗

But holee shit. We didn't do K yet. We didn't ask her to recall that morning yet. Idk if Renee will even bother. Cuz with her, when asked about that morning, she seemed to be not too much traumatized by it. Maybe in her innocence, she just doesn't comprehend how bad it was, and carried on like, "okay, I know that wasn't okay, but we're with mummy now and life is good now" type of way. Never know. Cuz Renee and I discussed that maybe she's not affected as bad as we thought she would be. K didn't even know what alcohol was lol. She didn't get that that was why daddy and his gf would go out, for sometimes days, and come back fighting, or why that's why they'd be kicked out of her house, or why daddy would be acting weird and cry for mummy sometimes, or fight other ppl. She said she didn't know why he did those things. My poor girl. Maybe her young mind just doesn't get the severity of the situation.? We will see.

I just wanted to share how amazing my girls are. And that these sessions are getting us somewhere. This is helping me so much. It's overwhelming sometimes. But to see them flourish is so worth it. Omg. I just feel so good about it. 🙌

Oh, and tonight, my mum and sister R came over to ply cards with me. They're in the city visiting my sister C, so she's back in the hospital. Only one visitor allowed, so our mum went. She told me tonight she's not doing good. That scares me. She's been allowed one visitor since she got here. It's been days. I'm such an asshole. Using work and my kids as my excuse. Like, I am busy and I feel like I hardly have time for anything after-school, but I know I could have went. Idk why I didn't yet. Maybe 2morrow. Maybe these next few days. Idk. Keep you updated with that too.

I'm tired. It's now 1:41. Wrote for an hour and a half. I think I needed this tho. Sometimes I wonder if I should give someone I'm close to this link to these posts and just have at 'er. Lol. Or maybe I'll leave the link in my will haha. Idk. Maybe nobody needs to know what exactly goes through my mind. Whatever... g'night. ✌

Sorry for any typos. Not going through it rn. I said what I said. Lol.

#thisismystory #allofme #resiliency #long reads #proudmum

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sophiaholmes221b · 4 years

Text

Sophia Holmes and the Blind Banker

Chapter Nine

I stay silent in the police car, not protesting as they lead me into the station. I know I didn't kill Soo Lin Yao, and as soon as they discover that there's no hard evidence to prove I did, I'll be out of here.

As the metal door slams shut, I walk over to the firm bed they've propped up against the wall, and stand on it, looking out of the bars onto the street outside. Blue and red lights illuminate my face as I look out at the activity outside, and then I drop into a sitting position on the bed.

They've confiscated my belongings, so I set a mental stop clock as I wait to be released. As I file away tonight's events in the library of my mind palace, I hear my door unlock and the footsteps of a tired Detective Inspector enter the cell. Fifteen minutes since I was put in here; dad's getting slow.

"Fancy seeing you here," he says, and my eyes snap open.

"Lestrade," I smile, standing up. "Are they here yet?"

"Yep, they're here, upstairs," he says. "So what happened?"

I tell him the unedited version of tonight's events. As I finish, I meet his eyes.

"Quite a night, huh?" he smirks and I nod, looking nowhere in particular.

"I take it they've found nothing to prove I killed her?"

"Not a thing. They have your gun and the bullet that killed Miss Yao, but that's all they have." I nod, and he looks to me with a smile. "CPS are refusing to charge you on such limited evidence. You're free to go."

I smile, expecting as much.

Lestrade leads me out and down the corridor to the desk, where I fill out a form and collect my belongings.

"How're you feeling?" John asks as he and dad arrive beside me.

I shrug. "Have you spoken to Dimmock yet?"

"No, thought we'd better get you first," dad smirks, looking me over. "Didn't think you'd be happy if we spoke to him without you."

I smile and Lestrade steps forward from beside me. "I'll come up with you: I need a word with him myself," he says, and dad shrugs, letting him go ahead of us.

"Fifteen minutes I was in that cell!" I tell dad as we walk.

"Yeah, sorry about that," he smiles. "Had something to say to Seargent Lloyd."

I snort. "The woman who arrested me? I bet that went well!"

Dad smiles. "I think I got my point across."

I laugh, shaking my head as we arrive outside Dimmock's office.

"So what do we know?" I ask, waiting outside as Lestrade goes in. "The smuggling group is the Black Lotus and they've come from China to search for something of value."

"The Hangzhou numerals relate to a book code," dad continues, "most likely directions leading the Tongs towards the rendezvous of the leaders, but we don't know the book it refers to."

"No, but Soo Lin Yao mentioned that it's from a book that everyone would have," I tell dad. "Something that would be easy for the smugglers to get hold of."

"But that could be anything," John says as the door swings open.

"Alright, in you go," Lestrade says. "Just to warn you: he's not too happy about tonight's fiasco."

"Neither am I," I tell him, striding past and leading the charge up to Dimmock's desk. "Nice to see you've been busy tracking down our killer; wouldn't like to think you had been wasting valuable police resources on arresting innocent people on baseless allegations."

Dimmock looks up, annoyed as he pushes aside some paperwork. "I'm yet to see any evidence this bloke even exists. All I have is your word to go on."

"How many murders is it gonna take before you start believing that this maniac's out there?" John demands, furiously. Dimmock ignores him and turns to another desk behind him. "A young girl was gunned down tonight. That's three victims in three days. You're supposed to be finding him, but instead, you're concentrating on arresting one of the people helping you!"

Dad steps forward, blocking Dimmock's path as the DI tries to move away. "Brian Lukis and Eddie Van Coon were working for a gang of international smugglers – a gang called the Black Lotus operating here in London right under your nose."

"Can you prove that?" he questions bitterly, and dad straightens up, biting his lip as he thinks.

"Yes," I say bluntly. "Yes, we can."

"Alright then," Dimmock says, placing his hand on his hips. "Show me."

"Meet us at St Bart's in around fifteen minutes," I instruct, turning away.

"Okay, what are we doing?" John questions, following behind as we head back downstairs.

"Soo Lin said that 'every foot soldier bears the mark'," I recall. "Lukis and Van Coon were both Tongs, which means they both have the tattoos on their heels."

"Mm, so we're going to Bart's why?"

I look at him, smiling grimly. "We need to look at the feet of a few corpses."

***

I wait outside the canteen as dad goes in to find Molly. Being the expert in false-flirting, dad has offered to go in to persuade her to roll out the bodies for us to examine.

"Is it likely she's going let us in?" John asks, peering through the door as dad makes an obvious comment about her hair. I look across to him, raising my eyebrows.

"Of course," I say, catching a glimpse of Molly's flustered face before she turns back to the self-service display. "She's head over heels for dad. It's actually quite sad."

John steps back out of the way as they come through, frowning as he comprehends what I just said. I still haven't talked to him about mum and, to be honest, I don't think I ever will.

"Oh, hello," Molly says as she sees us.

"Your hair looks nice, Molly," I say, reinforcing dad's comment from just a moment ago.

"Really?" she questions, self-consciously lifting a hand up to feel it. "Thanks!"

Dad rolls his eyes as we drop behind her, allowing her to lead us up to the Morgue. "Why do they like compliments?" he asks, genuinely not understanding.

It's my turn to roll my eyes. "People want to feel nice about themselves, and by knowing that others think good things about you, then that automatically makes you feel better."

"Oh," dad says in understanding, and then screws his nose up. "Dull."

I laugh and I look up to see Dimmock waiting by the door of the Morgue. "Ah, inspector," I say, walking forward. "Glad you made it!"

Dad snorts at my sarcasm and Dimmock sighs, crossing his arms. "Yeah, alright. Now, where's this proof you were meant to be showing me?"

"Proof?" Molly asks, looking startled and turning to dad. "But you said -"

"Detective Inspector Dimmock is under the impression that Edward Van Coon and Brian Lukis have nothing in common with the recent death of Soo Lin Yao," dad begins, and Molly's face lights up.

"Oh! Her body has just arrived."

"Yes," dad says, turning and looking firmly into the DI's eyes. "Except he's also under the impression that my daughter was the one who murdered her."

Molly turns to me, blinking in disbelief at this. "So you need me...?"

"Yes."

"Right," she says, smiling and walking forwards to unlock the door before leading us towards the refrigerator.

After finding the right shelves, we help her lay them out on the two slabs before slipping on some latex gloves. checking through the labels on the front until she finds the right one. Molly glances back at dad for the nod to begin before carefully unzipping the bag containing Brian Lukis.

"We're just interested in the feet," dad announces and Molly looks up, frowning in disgust and confusion.

"The feet?"

"Yes. D'you mind if we have a look at them?" he asks sarcastically, smiling as he leads Dimmock to the other end of the body.

Molly follows us and repeats her previous actions, pulling back the sides to reveal the feet instead. On the bottom of his right heel is a tattoo identical to the one Soo Lin showed us before.

We straighten after a moment with smug expressions and move to stand beside the second table.

"Now Van Coon."

Molly follows us and unzips the second body bag, revealing an identical tattoo. Dimmock sighs in silent surrender.

"Oh!" dad breathes scornfully, straightening up.

"So ..." Dimmock begins awkwardly.

"So either these two men just happened to visit the same Chinese tattoo parlour or we're telling the truth."

Dimmock sighs in resignation. "What do you want?"

"I want every book from Lukis' apartment and Van Coon's."

"Their books?" Dimmock repeats, and I roll my eyes.

"Yes," I confirm. "We need them at the flat as soon as you can." I smirk, remembering the number of books in each flat. Some young officer is going to have a fun day tomorrow sorting all of those out! "In boxes detailing who they came from. We can't afford any mix-ups."

"Look, it's not as simple-"

"Brilliant, well, we'll be off now," I smile as I stride towards the door, ignoring Dimmocks' protests.

***

"Okay, so what've we got so far?" John questions as arrive back at Baker Street. "Thanks to Soo Lin we know that they are all linked through a criminal organisation which arranges the smuggling of antiquities and drugs across the border..."

He trails off as dad shakes his head. "Not just a criminal organisation; it's a cult. Her brother was corrupted by one of its leaders."

"Soo Lin said the name," John remembers, sitting down.

"Yes, Shan; General Shan," dad remembers.

"We're still no closer to finding them."

"Wrong," dad disagrees. "We've got almost all we need to know. She gave us most of the missing pieces." He looks pointedly at John, waiting for him to agree. "Why did he need to visit his sister?" he prompts after a moment of impatient silence. "Why did he need her expertise?"

Because she was an expert in the type of things they were smuggling, I think to myself. She was the first to know if any valuable antiquities came into the country.

"She worked at the museum," John begins hesitantly.

"Exactly," dad encourages.

"An expert in antiquities," John says in realisation, finally catching on. "Mmm, of course. I see."

"Valuable antiquities, John," dad corrects. "Ancient Chinese relics purchased on the black market. China's home to a thousand treasures hidden after Mao's revolution."

"And the Black Lotus is selling them," John confirms.

If the Black Lotus is selling these items, then it must be somewhere that buyers can find it. We need to look online.

I head towards the bedroom, taking my laptop from the bottom drawer of my dressing table and start loading the Crispians' website. I place it down on the table and sit down as dad and John head over, skimming through the listings before searching for recent auctions of Chinese and other Asian artworks.

"Here," I say, stopping scrolling as I point to a pair of Chinese Ming Vases. "Arrived from China four days ago. Anonymous. Vendor doesn't give his name. Two undiscovered treasures from the East."

I remember the distinct shape of a heavy item compressed in Van Coon's suitcase and confirm my earlier theory.

"One in Lukis' suitcase and one in Van Coon's," John realises, nodding as I open up another tab and search Quest for other antiquities.

"Look, here's another one," I say, pointing. "Arrived from China a month ago: Chinese ceramic, sold 400,000."

John frowns as he takes up Lukis' diary to check the dates before spotting another entry as I pick up Van Coon's diary print out.

"Ah, look," dad says, pointing. "A month before that – a Chinese painting, half a million."

"And that one there," I say, pointing to a tiara. "Emerald & Diamond Tiara. Said to have belonged to Emperor Napoleon III's wife, dated 27th December, sold for £7,994,484. Source anonymous."

John's eyes bulge at the price, but dad continues. "All of them from an anonymous source. They're stealing them back in China and one by one they're feeding them into Britain."

"Huh," John mutters, consulting the diary again, then checking the print off in my hands. "And every single auction coincides with Lukis or Van Coon travelling to China."

"So what if one of them got greedy when they were in China?" Dad suggests. "What if one of them stole something?"

"That's why Zhi Zhu's come," John says, looking at dad.

A knock on the door behind startles me slightly, but I turn around to see Mrs Hudson by the entrance, confirming my predictions.

"Ooh-ooh!" she calls, gaining the attention of dad and John as they turn to face her. "Sorry. Are we collecting for charity, Sherlock?"

"What?" dad questions in confusion, and I frown.

"A young man's outside with crates of books."

That was quick. They must have already sorted through their belongings.

"Okay, let them in," dad says and, minutes later, a group of four police officers start bringing up the boxes. "So, the numbers are references," he says, watching as the boxes stack up around us.

"To books," John continues.

"To specific pages and specific words on those pages," dad finishes.

"Right, so ..." John begins, frowning as he remembers, "fifteen and one: that means ..."

"Turn to page fifteen and it's the first word you read," dad explains.

"Okay. So what's the message?" I roll my eyes in frustration of his utter oblivious nature.

"Depends on the book," dad retorts snarkily. "That's the cunning of the book code. Has to be one that they both owned."

I grimace at these words and look around at the crates. "Okay, right. Well, this shouldn't take too long, should it?!" John says, reading my mind as he steps over towards one of the crates as flips open the lid, sighing as he takes a handful of books back to the desk to write them down.

I bite my lip, unsure where to start, so I begin where it is logical - the beginning. I breathe slowly, focusing my mind on my mental map of a library inside my palace, then visualise me putting each of these books in alphabetical order into the shelves. This way, the books will be easy to come back to later if I find one which matches. As I reach for my third book, Dimmock walks in, holding up an evidence bag to show dad.

"We found these, at the museum," he tells him, showing the bag to John and I can see it contains the photographs of the cyphers we showed to Soo Lin. "Is this your writing?"

"Uh, we hoped Soo Lin could decipher it for us," John says, taking the bag as I continue my search. "Ta."

Dimmock nods and turns back to dad, looking helpless as dad continues to unload his crate. "Anything else I can do?" he asks. "To assist you, I mean?"

"Some silence right now would be marvellous," dad says without looking up.

I smile triumphantly as I find my first match and check through it to find the first word. "'Stakes'," I say out loud, and John looks up, surprised at my outburst. "From 'Great Expectations'."

He nods, noting it down on paper as I make a mental observation on a chalkboard which I imagine to be beside the bookcase.

Dad seems to have found another matching pair but looks unsatisfied as he narrates it, then slams the two copies onto the table in front of John, for him to write down. I stack my used books to the side, again in alphabetical order so that either dad or John can find a certain book if they need it.

Books pass by us slowly as time seems to stop. Nobody gets another match until half an hour later when I pick up a second copy of Deception Point by Dan Brown.

Excited, I flick through it, although I know inside that it's an unlikely choice; it's too obscure. The word itself doesn't seem to make sense as a code either, but I walk over to the desk and dump the two books on an ever-growing pile in front of John.

"'Through'," I tell him, quiety. "'Deception Point'." He nods, noting it down before shifting the pair onto the floor.

Time continues to drag, and I find another two, useless words from irrelevant, almost coincidental book pairs. 'Almost' from 'The Old Curiosity Shop' and 'Never' from 'Crime and Punishment'.

I shift finish with my fifth crate as the sunlight creeps through the window, and I look around, taking in the view of the messy living room. It's frustrating: these books are just the ones any well-educated English man would own, not the sort of books an international cult of smugglers would happen to have in their possession.

I stop for a moment, looking down in disdain at the new crateful of books which I've just opened, and run a hand through my hair as John's work alarm goes off. I watch as he runs a hand through his hair, sighing sleepily as he realises that he's got to get up. His first day of work, and from the way his eyes are sagging with fatigue, he won't be making a very good first impression.

We continue to look through the books in silence after John leaves, occasionally cross-referencing the odd title. A little while before John is due back, I sigh pointedly, closing my eighth crate of books.

"This isn't working," I say, walking over to my next crate. "There's too many holes where we could be slipping through our system."

"What do you suggest?" he asks, shifting some more books to one side. I think for a moment, processing the information we have on this code.

"Let's try thinking this through logically," I suggest, walking over to our bookshelf. "First of all, we need to think about the audience for this book." I scan our shelves, biting my lip.

"A book that everybody would own," dad recites, also turning to the bookcase. He pulls down the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, the Holy Bible and Tess of the D'Urbervilles and puts them down on the top of the nearest crate.

Trying out my own theory, I pick out a few bestsellers from this year along with a couple of classics such as The Hobbit, but sigh as I find more meaningless words.

"It can't be a classic," I muse aloud, closing the book and looking at the new cover. "Think about it: old books are republished all the time - they change publisher, they change shape, they print forewords. It needs to be something that remains constant - something that you can find an exact copy of wherever you go."

"Gideon's Bible would make the most sense," dad says, closing his copy and tossing it aside. "That's what these organisations generally use: a book so common it can be found in every hotel room in England."

Dad sighs as the door downstairs closes, and he runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. I look up at the doorway as John enters frown: he has a date with one of the doctors from the surgery tonight.

"I need to get some air," dad announces, looking up. "We're going out tonight."

"Actually, I've, er, got a date."

I mirror John's smug smile as he confirms my deduction, whereas dad looks puzzled.

"What?"

"It's where two people who like each other go out and have fun," John explains slowly, eyeing dad suspiciously as I laugh.

"That's what I was suggesting," he retorts indignantly, and I hit him softly.

"No it wasn't ... at least I hope not."

"Ignore him," I advise. "Where are you taking her?"

"Er, cinema."

"Oh, dull, boring, predictable," dad says, pulling a piece of paper from his trouser pocket as he walks over to John, and I recognise it as a poster ad. "Why don't you try this?"

John takes the strip and looks it over, sceptically. I walk over, peering over his shoulder to see the advertisement for the 'Yellow Dragon Circus.'

"In London for one night only," dad continues, and realise what he's getting at.

John doesn't seem to have made the connection and just laughs, handing the leaflet back to dad. "Thanks, but I don't come to you for dating advice."

"You don't really have much choice," I say. "It's the perfect opportunity."

"What are you going on about?" John questions and I roll my eyes.

"I've already booked the tickets, so you have to go," dad protests.

"Take Sophie. I'm going to the cinema."

I step forward. "Fine, but it's what she'll be expecting. Trust me: if you want to impress her, show her something new."

John looks at me for a moment, then sighs reluctantly. "Fine, I'll go."

"Brilliant! Have a good time and don't get too distracted with... whoever it is." I say, ushering John out of the house.

As the door shuts again, I turn around and see dad is already on the phone to order some more tickets. We're going to the circus!

#sophiaholmes #bbcsherlock #sherlock #benedict cumberbatch #benedictcumberbatch #blindbanker #blind banker #cumbercollective #parent!lock #sherlock'sdaughter

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arrowpen · 6 years

Text

The man in the wall

When I was about twelve years old, I liked to spend my time in the basement of our house. Barely anyone besides me ever went there because it was a rather small and dingy and stocked with old furniture and sports equipment. My mother, being the orderly person she was, hated the basement with a passion. It seemed to be the only place in the whole house which she couldn’t clean up no matter how hard she tried. This of course, made the basement the perfect place to hide my horror comics I had bought from a library sale. Usually I sat in an old armchair close to a shelf full of preserves and read these comics until I heard somebody coming home. Then I would sneak silently to the kitchen and pretend I had been there the whole time.

One particularly grey afternoon I was reading an especially gruesome comic where a werewolf was ripping some helpless victim while the victim’s girlfriend was watching in horror. I was just about to put the comic book down when I heard a voice. At first I thought it was the air conditioning system or some other machine making a low humming sound, but then I realised that the sound had a tangible tune. I actually knew the tune! It was a sad, yet familiar song called “Lemminkäisen äiti” (“The Mother of Lemminkäinen”). I had to listen to the tune for a while to realise that it was coming from behind the shelf from something that looked like an airing vent. Without thinking I got up and started to move the jars so I could see it better. The airing vent was attached to something that looked like an outline of a bricked up door. The sound kept going on. Now that I was listening properly, I realised it was a low, male voice. Without thinking I spoke:

“Is there somebody there?” the sound stopped.

“If I count as a person, then I would say there is somebody here.” the voice said thoughtfully. I suddenly felt how my world slipped askew. There was someone behind the basement wall! Who was he? Was there a tunnel? A secret room?

“Who the hell are you and what are you doing behind our basement wall?” I said trying to sound intimidating. The voice hesitated for a moment, then it said: “I can’t say much, but I belong in here. I was put here because I should not be anywhere else. I am sorry for I cannot give you a better answer.”

I started softening my tone, for somehow I knew that I wouldn’t get much out of the Voice when I tried to sound intimidating. “You could at least tell your name.” I said as pleasantly as I could.

“My name is Ask, dear miss!” the voice said, I could hear a smile in its tone. “I have had myriads of names, but I was originally christened as Ask. May I ask your name?”

Now I was even more confused, not only because the man behind the wall was conversing with me without hesitation, but also because he was so non-ironically polite.

For some reason I blurted out my name without hesitation.

There was a long, unpleasant silence between us. For a while I thought I had imagined the whole thing and sat back to the armchair and started reading my comic again. Then Ask spoke. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you are real aren’t you?” I looked at the airing vent incredulously. “Yes I am, but are you?” Ask laughed for the first time. His laughter sounded pleasant and husky. “I am as real as the bad odour of this lousy cellar! Wouldn’t it be nicer upstairs?” I sighed. Ask had hit a nerve. “No it wouldn’t, the windows up there are way too big and it’s usually really noisy. To be honest, this is the only part of this stupid house I like!”

“Oh Dear!” Ask said sounding truly sorry. “An oppressive environment I see! Please feel free to tell me to pipe down if you need some peace and quiet!”

“Oh no! I really don’t mind talking to you!” I hurried to say. I really wanted to know more about Ask and I was afraid he might decide to stop talking altogether.

“That is good to hear!” Ask said sounding a bit relieved “Say, how did your day go?” Now I felt even more confused. There was a disembodied voice behind the wall and it was asking me about my day like a family member or a neighbour! My guards were still up so I wanted to say something vague or sarcastic. However I found myself unable to do so. My words came pouring out:

“My day was good! Great even! I have really nice friends but…”

“But?”

“A girl called Emmi is kind of mean!”

“How come?”

“Well, she keeps talking over me all the time and always has something mean to say about the stuff I tell. She’s so, what’s the word…Demeaning!”

I paused because I was feeling bad.

“I think she hates me”

“Hate is a strong word.” Ask said. “I don’t really think she hates you unless you have actually done something bad to her. Have you?”

“Of course not!” I snapped. “I would never do anything bad to her! Or any of the girls for that matter! I am not a bully!”

“Of course you aren’t!” Ask said in a soothing tone. “I just had to make sure. You know, sometimes people hold grudges for things that can’t be even considered wrongdoings. It might be that she just thinks you have done something wrong when you really haven’t.”

I sighed. “Yeah, she probably doesn’t hate me, but she sure doesn’t like me either!”

“Just give it time and talk as much as you want!” Ask said warmly. “I’m sure she’ll see that interrupting you all the time doesn’t keep you quiet!”

I don’t really remember what we talked about after that. I just remember that Ask’s His presence felt really good. I had to say hasty goodbyes when I heard Mum coming home. Ask sounded a bit sad. “Thank you for talking with me,” he muttered. “I truly appreciated that!” I wanted to say something kind, but I had to hurry upstairs so mum wouldn’t catch me coming from the basement. I really didn’t feel like explaining why I had been there.

Mum had dragged over one of her work friends, a well-groomed woman with bleached hair. They were sitting in the living room, talking. Mum greeted me, the woman didn’t.

Only when I got to bed, did I realise that I had actually talked to a basement wall about something I had kept inside me the whole week. It was strange, the whole conversation felt so distant, like it had been a dream! I wasn’t even sure if it actually had been a dream. I managed to fall asleep after staring at the ceiling for over half an hour.

The next day school felt much easier for me. If my senses hadn’t been wrong, I had a fun and scary secret at home just waiting for me to get back to it. For the longest time I had something of my own that nobody else could get their hands on! The secret belonged to me, not to mum, not to Helena (my sister), not to Emmi, just to me!

At the time I was hanging out with a bunch of girls who were the same age as I. The girl Ask and I talked about was called Emmi. She was a loud-mouthed, bossy type of kid who usually got what she wanted. To be honest, I didn’t like her much. The only reason I tolerated her was Lilli, who happened to be one of my best friends.

“Have you ever fallen for somebody in like, a friend way?” I asked Ask one day.

“Hmm, I think I have, but you have to be more specific.” he answered.

“You know, when you have a wonderful friend and you just can’t stop thinking about the way they smile and laugh and talk to you, but you know, you still don’t want to kiss them? I just love this friend of mine so much! She makes me so happy!”

I hugged an old pillow and made a little squealing sound. Lilli truly made me happy. Everything about her made me feel good about myself. Unlike everyone else, she liked to hear my stories and didn’t roll her eyes or talk over me. She laughed with me.

Ask thought for a moment. “I had a friend like that once. He was so very kind and understood me better than anyone, but…” I sensed sadness in his voice. “But what?” I asked trying to sound as kind as possible.

“No I think this story is too sad!”

“What do you mean? I wanna hear it!”

“You see, he had been my friend since we went to university together. He was rather poor and had gotten into the university with great difficulty. I of course got there much easier, since I came from a much wealthier family. After the university ended, I got new friends who were wealthy like I was.”

He stuttered for a moment.

“And I just.. I started meeting my dear friend less and less. After a while we fell out of touch. I just always assumed that he would always be there no matter what. Then one day when I tried to invite him to a party, I learned that he had died years before.”

Ask was quiet for a moment. “Pardon me miss!” he said. I was sure that he was blushing behind the wall. “It all just came pouring out. You are so easy to talk to!”

I smiled. “It’s all right. Now we are even.” Ask laughed a bit, but it sounded hollow. I moved the shelf and felt up the outlines of the bricked up door.

"Ask, are you next to the wall?

-Uh, yes I am miss. Why do you ask?

I pressed myself against the wall. It was the best I could do.

-I’m hugging you right now!

I “hugged” Ask for a moment. Almost immediately after I had parted with the wall I heard him speak:

-Thank you miss! Thank you so very much!

There was a crack in his voice.

I paused for a moment. “Um, would you tell another story?”

I hadn’t spoken to anyone else besides Lilli that day and wanted to hear Ask’s soft voice again. Also, I really wanted him to cheer up.

-What kind of story would you like to hear? he asked sounding a bit happier. “Stories about my life aren’t that interesting, but I do know many fairy stories.”

-Then tell me one of those! I said and leaned my head against the arm chair back. "I like it when you tell stories.

And he told me a story. I don’t remember much about it except that it was about a man who discovered a talking skull from the forest. I just remember his soft, forgiving voice. Then I remember falling asleep.

I woke up when Mum came home. I snuck upstairs afraid that I would have to explain why I was in the basement. I had feared for nothing, for Mum had fallen asleep on the sofa.

It went on like this for over a month, I would come home before everyone else and head to the basement to talk to my secret friend. The fact that I didn’t get to meet Lilli that often didn’t bother me that much anymore, since I had another person to chat with. Ask told me little stories about all the silly things that had happened to him at some point. I didn’t care how simple these stories were. I loved to hear about his crotchety snob of a grandfather and his trips to Ladoga.

Then came the day which I remember to be one of the worst days of my life. After running most of my way home, I headed straight to the basement without even checking if anyone was home. I sat on the old armchair breathing heavily. My head was swimming and everything felt even more unreal than usual. “Dear God! Is something wrong?” said Ask worriedly. “Everything is wrong!” I screeched. “Every single thing!”

“It will be alright! Now breathe dear miss! Breathe… That’s good! Now tell me what’s wrong.”

“I said no to them! I huffed. "They wanted me to steal stuff from the shops with them and I said no!”

-But isn’t that good?

-No! No it isn’t! Now they won’t talk to me anymore! They said that we aren’t friends anymore.

-Even Lilli?

Answering this question brought tears to my eyes. "Even Lilli!”

I began to cry. I cried so much that my chest ached. Not even Ask’s kind voice couldn’t calm me down. I felt so ugly and unclean that I wanted to die… No, in fact I didn’t want myself to die. I managed to stop crying. The following words just slipped out of my mouth.

-I want to kill them!

Ask didn’t say anything for solid two minutes. Finally I heard a puzzled question: -Why?

-They are no good! Emmi is a monster and the other girls are spineless cowards! They are mean and horrible to everybody! It would be better if they weren’t there at all!

My voice started sounding wrong even to my own ears. Anger was burning my insides making the words pour out of my mouth.

-I’ve been to their houses, I know what time each of them are going home. It’s going to be so easy! Minna lives near the churchyard, I can hide in the bushes there. She is kinda easy to catch, since she’s not a good runner. Heidi is much quicker, but she listens to music on her way home so it’s easy to sneak up behind her without her noticing.

My breathing was starting to get more stable. Everything felt clearer. It was going to be much easier than I had thought before.

-I don’t know yet when Emmi’s mum has her night shifts, but during those Emmi is home alone.

I paused. It felt so good to say it.

“It makes sense doesn’t it?” I asked the man in the wall. I wasn’t conscious what I was thinking on that moment, but later I noticed that I was wishing for Ask’s approval. He sighed. “Would you at least listen to one more story before you execute your plan?” he asked. Did he sound guilty? I wasn’t happy to let all my adrenaline go to waste, but I suddenly felt like I needed to hear this story. “Sure,” I said. “Tell me a story!”

It might be that I remember some minor details wrong, but here’s the story Ask told me:

Once upon a time there was a prince. He was the kindest, gentlest soul and very much loved by the whole kingdom. Every time people talked about him, somebody was bound to say: “Oh I can’t wait until he becomes the king!”. Little did anyone know, that there was something that was eating the prince inside. His father, the king, was known to be a fair ruler, but only the prince knew about all the tax money he had embezzled and all the people he had bribed. For years the poor prince had been forced to watch his father mistreating the queen, and take strange women to his bedchamber.

One day the prince had had enough and decided to face the queen.

“Mother!” he said. “Father has been horrible to us for all these years! I cannot take this anymore! We must tell the people what a monster he is!”

The queen shook her head.

“It is true that he has done bad things, but look at this castle! Look at this kingdom! It wouldn’t be as great if your father was taken from the throne!”

The prince felt his anger rise, but left the queen’s room. “Perhaps the lord of treasury will listen to me!” the prince thought, so he put on a disguise, and travelled to the lord’s residence.

To the prince’s chagrin, the lord did not only disagree with him, he laughed at him.

“It is true that he has done things a king shouldn’t do, but look at this beautiful house! Look at all these delicacies in front of us! None of this would be mine if your father was not the king!”

The prince travelled and travelled around the country and talked to countless monarchs, but again and again the same happened. They all laughed at him. None of them wanted to risk their riches or power to rise against the corrupt king. The prince felt desperate and inconsolable while riding back home. There was no way to dethrone his father, he would have to do something much worse to stop him.

Eventually the prince and his steed grew tired, so they stopped at a tavern. While eating his dinner, the prince heard two men whispering frantically about something. They were talking about a man. “Excuse me sirs, who is this man and why are you so perturbed by him?”

“Haven’t you heard about him?” said the first man. “The gentleman at the city gate! Nobody knows who he is! Nobody has ever seen him in the daylight! He appears there at the strike of midnight. It is said that if you ask him a favour, he will help you, but you will have to pay a horrible price!” The prince asked what the price was. “We don’t know,” the men said. “Nobody has ever come back to tell.”

At this point, the prince was desperate, he was ready to do anything to stop his horrible father, so when the midnight was approaching, he was there waiting for the strange man. Finally the town clock chimed twelve times. On the twelfth chime, the prince looked across his shoulder and saw a strange-looking man. He was dressed in black and his eyes had a strange glint.

The man asked what the prince wanted. “I want to be rid of my father, the king.” he said. The man asked why the prince hadn’t killed him himself. “I cannot kill my own father even if I hate him. I do not have the gall for that!” The man laughed and said that he could indeed help him, but the prince would never be able to go back to how things were before. The prince pondered.

Then he said yes.

The man kissed him.

The next morning the prince noticed that he was full of courage and bravery. He would be able to face anything and anyone in the world. He travelled home and put his plan into action. The night after the prince had returned home, the king slit his own throat.

One by one all of the corrupt monarchs in the kingdom died in various ways. One of the counts hurled himself off the cliff, another died in his sleep. The lord of treasury who had laughed at the prince, choked on his food during his Sunday dinner. Soon enough the kingdom had gotten rid of all of the corrupt monarchs and new ones took their places.

The queen ruled alone until she died of old age, then the prince took the throne with great rejoicing. The beloved prince could finally rule as the rightful king and nobody was there to stop him from helping the people in need. Greed would never again rule his country.

Very soon, the new king proposed to the eldest princess of the neighbouring kingdom and they had a lovely wedding. The kingdom was ecstatic, not only was the new king a great ruler, he now had the most wonderful queen to rule alongside with him.

Years went by and the new queen grew older, but the king didn’t seem to age a day. His eyes were still childlike blue and his hair golden.

Then one day the queen took ill. The greatest doctors of the kingdom were summoned, but nothing could be done. Time had gotten hold of the queen and nothing could beat the time itself. Soon enough, the queen died.

The king was mad with sorrow and begged for God to take him away, but it was no use. God could no longer take the king, because years ago he had been kissed by the Devil himself.

After Ask had finished this story, I kept silent for a time that felt like a small eternity. I was still angry, but now the anger felt much weaker than before. Then all the feelings I had kept inside suddenly gushed forth. I began to cry again, but this time they were different kind of tears.

I cried and cried while Ask consoled me. His words felt like warm hands stroking my hair. Then I fell asleep.

That night mother and I watched television together. One of my favourite films, “Ronja the robber’s daughter” was on. I scooted close to mum and put my head against her shoulder. She put her arm around me. “Your clothes smell kind of musty. Have you been to the basement?” she asked worriedly. I laughed it off. “Just had to get some jam!”

On following weeks mum started coming home earlier. She never explained why, but I didn’t question her. I was just happy to spend more time with her.

The girls no longer talked to me because they considered me to be a snitch after I had told about their nasty deeds to the teachers. However, they didn’t bully me anymore. My mood had improved significantly after I had stopped hanging out with them. I could do whatever I wanted and say whatever I wanted.

During that time, Ask got quieter. He didn’t tell as much stories as he used to. Then came the night I still wish I would have appreciated more.

I was feeling rather sleepy again. Ask had just told me a little story about a juniper tree, when he said it:

-Thank you!

-Why are you thanking me? I laughed sleepily. "You are the one who just told a story!

-I mean, thank you for doing this all for me! I am just so happy that you bothered to talk to me in the first place!

I reached my hand against the wall.

-I should be thanking you! I said. You have been awfully kind to me!

-Yes I guess I have. Ask said sounding a little unsure.

-I love you!

-I love you too miss.

When I left the basement I swore that from the stairs I could hear Ask saying something. I am still not quite sure what it was but it sounded something like:

-I have done all that I have to do!

The following day I got off from school early thanks to the autumn holiday. My ride wasn’t there yet so I walked home and looked at the beautiful foliage. Everything was so colourful and sweet. I had gotten the best news ever, mum would have her autumn holidays at the same time as me and my sis and we were going on a trip.

I rushed down to the basement to tell Ask the good news, but came across something horrible.

The shelf against Ask’s wall had been removed.

The bricked up door had been torn open and there were bricks lying everywhere.

Behind the door was a vaguely man-shaped alcove.

I approached the alcove in horror. It looked way too tight for anyone to be in, a bit like a too small coffin. I tried to fit into it.

It was way too narrow to even breathe in.

#short story #my stories #Mana & Mana

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