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#she was genuinely just complimenting me and like. bought me food today
lilgynt · 1 year
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my mom said my tummy was so flat and was highlighting how curvy i am
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fortuositywritings · 3 years
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I Said No (Wanda x R): Pt 5
Pt 1,  Pt 2, Pt 3, Pt 4, House Map
Summary: Movie theater, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and the county fair
“We can come back to get the rest. I don’t understand why you’re doing that.”
Wanda watches you struggle trying to carry everything you brought from the store but two bags that Wanda herself is carrying. 
“Because, my young Padawanda, it is one of the most important rules of the Jedi Code. One must never make a second trip to the car lest he be a nerd.”
“Oh my gosh! Have you seen Star Wars?” You and Wanda turn your heads towards the porch where Sam and Peter reside. Peter runs down to you in excitement. “Which ones have you seen?”
“Only like all of them!” you answer, just as excited as Peter to have someone else here who likes the movies. Laura finds them boring, Clint thinks they’re too long, and Nat says she’s not a child. You tried watching them with Cooper and Lila but they fell asleep halfway through. So no one can blame you for getting excited. Unfortunately, the little bounce that accompanied your answer causes a few things to slip from your arms, but Peter, given his incredible reflexes, catches them all before they touch the ground. “The force is strong with this one,” you tell him.
“And a second trip is what makes you a nerd.” Sam mumbles under his breath on his way over to help by taking the bags from Wanda. “What’s on your neck?” He asks her. Her hand flies up to her neck only to find it sticky.
“It’s what happens when you mess with a Jedi,” you answer for her in a silly voice making Peter laugh. You also make Wanda blush as she recalls how it happened, but you don’t see this since you and Peter are already making your way to the house. Sam, however, does notice Wanda’s face and recognizes that look, leaving him stumped. Wanda only snaps out of her trance when the door closes behind you and Peter. 
“I don’t get it,” he says to Wanda. “What is it about her? Is it the confidently flirty but still kind of geeky thing that does it for you ladies?”
Wanda, embarrassed at being caught, heads to the house ignoring Sam’s questions. She can still hear him as he yells after, “Don’t walk away! I need to know if nerds are the thing now!”
Sam catches her in the kitchen along with you and Peter putting things you bought where they’re meant. Instead of asking Wanda anything, he turns his questions to you and Peter, who you all find out has a girlfriend now. Sam guesses his “nerds are in” theory correct based on that and soon he is agreeing to watch Star Wars with you, Peter, and Wanda. He threw Wanda a subtle wink when neither you nor Peter were looking as if to say ‘you’re welcome’ for including her in those plans. Clint, coming in from the side door, catches the ending of that conversation and groans. 
“No! Laura! Peter and Y/N found an interest they can both be annoying about,” he goes to complain to his wife. Later though, he as well as everyone else joins you to watch the movie. You and Peter thoroughly answer all of Sam and Pietro’s questions and hush everyone at your favorite parts, mouthing the lines along with the scene. Wanda ends up not watching the movie anymore but watching you and she begins to wonder if maybe Sam was right.
***
“How much longer?” you find yourself asking the next morning trying not to sound as out of breath as you are. You’ve been jogging for you don’t know how long now but it feels way longer than what Nat had promised it would be when she woke you up at six in the morning.
“Another mile,” she answers, no sign of struggle in her voice as if this is a cakewalk. You suppose it is for her since she’s had to slow down numerous times for you to catch up.
“Another mile?!”
“Hey, you said you would keep up today,” Nat reminds you.
“You know you can’t trust anything I say during my haven’t-had-caffeine-yet hours. Don’t I get points for trying?”
“Like your little green friend says, ‘Do or do not, there is no try’,” Nat retorts.
“I knew you were paying attention last night!” You increase your pace to jog beside her. “You can act too tough to like Star Wars all you want around everyone else, but I’ll always know the truth.” You can see her shake her head from the corner of your eye. You don’t say anything for a moment, but being one who cannot let the quiet linger too long, as Tanya would attest to, you speak up. “So, how’s your little green friend doing?”
You turn your head for a second to show Nat you were genuinely looking for an answer and in the next she’s practically running away from you. She went fast but not quick enough for you to miss the little redness creeping up on her cheeks. You have never in your years of knowing her seen her blush before. You have seen her sweat after a sparring match with Clint, get a bit of a sunburn, and get so angry she looked like she would pop a vein, but not one of those times were her cheeks turning a rosy color. Aww, Romanov’s in love. Once you’ve come to that conclusion, you go to tease her. Wait, where did she go?
“You asshole!” You yell at Nat who you finally find casually leaning on the car door watching you storm up to her. It took you an hour to find the car after losing the trail you were on trying to find Natasha. She doesn’t even flinch as she reaches over and pulls a twig out of your hair. “What happened to you?”
“You left me!” You huffed, walking around to the passenger side while Nat got in the driver seat unfazed. Truth be told, after 30 minutes without any sign of Nat, you thought she was putting you through some kind of test. You were getting paranoid, so it’s not surprising you took a tumble when you swiftly tried to avoid an attack from what turned out to be a squirrel running up a tree. But you’ll just keep that to yourself forever.
You head straight to the shower when you get to the house ignoring the morning greetings from those you pass on the way. “What’s up with her?” Sam asks Nat in the living room. “She hasn’t had her caffeine yet.”
You let the shower wash away your moodiness which, you can admit to yourself alone, stemmed for the most part from embarrassing yourself. Afterwards, you head to the kitchen ready to eat whatever everyone had for breakfast, but come up empty. You guess they’d finished all of it if the plates and pan left out to dry say anything. You open the fridge looking for something to eat. Maybe there is something in there you can heat up. Unlike Laura, Wanda, and self proclaimed chef Pietro, you cannot cook to save your life. 
“What’s cooking, good looking?” Speak of the devil. Maybe he can make you something? You know all it would take is some batting of the eyelashes and a compliment. No, Wanda said no. But there is nothing in the fridge to heat up and you were hungry. Wanda would surely understand it was for the greater good, right? Already breaking the first rule, I see.
Caught red handed, you look over Pietro’s shoulder to see Wanda walking into the kitchen to join you two. She’s raising her eyebrows at you waiting for an answer. 
“Okay, new rule,” you say. Pietro is confused at what he assumes is your response until he sees that you aren’t talking to him. “No more reading my mind,” you say sternly, pointing at Wanda. 
Pietro smirks. “Yeah, I don’t need you to hear what goes on Y/N’s mind when she is thinking about me,” he says to Wanda. Both you and Wanda roll your eyes. “Sam is asking for you outside,” is all she says to him and off he goes with a groan.You groan as well, the chance of getting someone to make you food leaving with him.
“You could have just asked me, you know?” Wanda says, leaning against the sink. 
“I thought I said no mind reading,” you remind her. She chuckles when you close the refrigerator door and hit your head against it in defeat.
“I wasn’t,” she defends. “I was serious when I said he can’t cook. I may have saved you from food poisoning.”
“Maybe, but I would have been full and happy for a moment. Since you chased away my shot at food, I think you should make it up to me by making me some breakfast,” you try, leaning against the fridge.
“Oh? I should, should I?” You nod confidently thinking it might just work, but she tears that thought away when she continues, “Cause I remember you still needing to make it up to me when you didn’t buy the ice creams.”
You frown, “I thought you’d forgotten about that.” She smiles, with nose scrunch and all, shaking her head. “Fine, you want to go to the fair? I’ll take you to the fair tomorrow!”
“A fair? I want to go!” you hear Cooper shout. He is coming in through the back door with Lila who looks just as excited and with Nat who does not. You ignore Nat’s face when you tell Cooper that you can all go to the fair. He and Lila run off in excitement to tell the others. Nat glares at you as she takes a seat at the kitchen table. 
“See,” you turn to Wanda. “Now I have to take you for sure. Make me some food now, please,” you beg her, drawing out the word please. She squints her eyes like she’s thinking about it and then, “Only because you asked so nicely.” 
“Thank you,” you throw her a huge smile at which Wanda rolls her eyes.
“But if you are going to be here,” she says pushing you away from the fridge, “you are going to help. You’ve got to learn how to cook for yourself.” And you do just that. You nod along intently listening to all her instructions, not wanting to miss a thing. Sometimes you’d interrupt to make a joke and when one is about her brother, she playfully punches you. You are so immersed in your little bubble, you forget Nat is not too far away watching your interaction with curiosity. She has you try the food first and you could almost moan. You notice a blush creeping up on Wanda’s face and suddenly she’s avoiding your eyes.The food is so good and you were so hungry that maybe you did let out a little noise of satisfaction. Before you could say anything, another voice interrupts, “What’s this I hear about a fair?”
You turn slowly recognizing the tone your cousin uses. It’s the who-made-these-plans-without-asking-me-first tone. You smile at Laura, mouth full of food. You see Nat point at you but Laura was already looking at you. “Yeah, I think she knows it was me, Natasha.”
***
A few uneventful hours go by and you are bored out of your mind. You have a sudden urge to go out seeing as the sun was still shining. You pull out your phone having an idea of what to do to kill some time. You scroll through your phone to see what movies are playing at the only movie theater in town. You see that the next showing is for a horror movie. 
“Do you like scary movies?” you turn to the group playing Uno in the living room. Pietro gets up in excitement when you mention going to the movie theater. Sam agrees to come as well and drags Peter out the door when Peter wants to stay claiming it’s to keep the kids company. You are about to head out with everyone but you notice Wanda still sitting on the couch. You wait for her to get up when Pietro says, “Yeah, good luck with that. She’s too chicken to watch scary movies.”
Wanda, offended, gets up quickly from the couch, “Am not. I just think they’re boring.”
“Sure,” Pietro chuckles as he heads out the door.
“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to,” you tell her. You think she is going to stay, but she starts heading out the door to the car. 
“You sure that’s not enough butter, Y/N?” Peter asks you when he sees how much butter he’s already put in the bucket at your insistence. He can feel some of it through the bucket already. 
“Fine, that’s good. You grab some napkins. I’ll hold the bucket,” you tell him after you see his eyebrows scrunch. You all go to the designated room and pick a row to sit in having pretty much any seat you want since it was practically empty. You sit down next to Peter and notice Pietro’s eyes falling to the empty seat on your other side. He aims to sit next to you but his sister who was sitting next to Peter before beats him to it. He throws her a confused look as he shuffles his way down to sit in her abandoned seat. “Real subtle there, Wanda,” you say, amused more than anything.
“I can see the screen better from here.” You let her bad excuse slide and turn to the screen as the movie begins to play. Between you, Peter, and Pietro, the popcorn is gone in record time. The jumpscares begin halfway through the movie. Peter holds the empty bucket as a safety blanket which you find adorable. You don’t even know if Wanda is watching the movie. She’s got her eyes somewhat hidden behind her fingers. You want to tease her, so you reach to take her fingers away from her face, but another jumpscare happens and she takes your hand in her free one. You feel her squeeze the life out of your hand in anticipation of another jumpscare. 
Your palm begins to sweat and you start to feel uncomfortable with all the butter on your fingers, so you slip your hand out from hers. She turns to you in question. “Sorry, my hand’s full of butter,” you whisper. She reaches over you to ask Peter something. Without a word, she leans back in her seat with napkins in her hand and cleans all the butter off your hand before taking it in hers once more, this time interlacing your fingers. She turns her focus back to the movie. You feel you should just do the same, so you follow her actions. You let her hold your hand for the rest of the movie until the lights come back up.
Wanda shouldn’t have watched that movie. It is much too dark in the bedroom. It is much too quiet. She can hear Nat’s soft breathing from beside her. The silhouettes of various items around the room are creeping her out. She doesn’t think she is going to be sleeping any time soon. Maybe some tea will help. She gets up quietly trying not to wake Nat, but when she’s at the door, Nat asks, “Where are you going?”
“The bathroom,” Wanda lies easily. She’d rather not let Nat know that she couldn’t sleep because of some scary movie. What kind of superhero would that make her? As she heads downstairs, she wonders if you were still awake. She turns down the hallway to peek into the living room and sure enough you were still awake watching television. She walks over to you behind the couch. “What are you watching?” she asks. You feel your soul leave your body not having heard her approach. She giggles as she walks around to sit next to you. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay, just warn a girl next time.” She turns her attention to the show. “It’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It’s really good. I used to watch it with Laura when she would babysit while my mom was at work. Some of the jokes I wouldn’t even understand but I’d laugh ‘cause she was laughing,” you reminisce. 
“You and her are very close.”
“Yeah, well, she’s practically the only family I have. My mom passed not so long ago and seeing as there was never a dad in my family picture, my aunt and uncle took me in. I don’t have any siblings and neither does Laura so, she’s kind of it.” You add, “Well, apart from Clint, Nat, and the kids of course.”
Another two scenes go by on the show before you ask, “Did you have a nightmare or could you not fall asleep?”
Wanda looks down embarrassed so you add, “I promise I’m not teasing. I’m just asking.”
“I couldn’t sleep. It was too quiet and dark and Natasha was already asleep, so I thought I would come down here,” she replies.
“Oh, so you thought I would definitely put you to sleep. Wow, I don’t see how this friendship is going to work if you think I bore you to sleep,” you tease. Upon seeing her tired smile, you take pity and pat your thighs and gesture for her to lie down. “Come here.”
When she lays her head on your lap, you begin running your fingers through her hair. You hear her yawn and a few minutes later you find her sound asleep. Careful not to wake her, you reach over to the blanket you were meant to use on you and throw it over her body instead. Another two episodes play before you fall asleep.
***
You wake up once again with a sore neck and you feel that your body might be as well, but when you remember the reason, you don’t find it in yourself to complain. You look around prepared to see Nat in gym clothes holding a coffee cup but you find the living room empty apart from you and Wanda. You look out the window and see the sun is barely about to rise. Surprised to have woken up before anyone else, you decide to make the most of it but you are quickly sidetracked getting distracted by Wanda’s sleeping form. “I can feel you staring,” she says, her voice husky which you try hard not to find attractive. She turns her head to look up at you with sleepy eyes. “Friends don’t do that.”
“I was not staring. I was admiring,” you respond. “And friends can admire their friends.”
“Well mine don’t the way you do.” 
“Ain’t that a shame.” You boop her nose with your finger making her scrunch her nose.
“They do, however, let me sleep,” she jokes. She turns her head back as if she was to go back to sleep and you decide this might be the best time to get up. You gently lift her head from your lap and swivel your body off the couch. “Where are you going?” she whines, when you place a pillow under her head.
“I am going to wake Nat up for once in my life,” you reply with determination. You stretch and shake your legs trying to get the feeling back in them.
“Good luck with that,” is the last thing Wanda says before closing her eyes and going back to sleep. You head to the kitchen to start the coffee pot and then make your way upstairs. Luckily, the door was left open so you don’t make any noise on your way in. You tiptoed your way to Natasha and bent down so your face was eye level to hers. You honestly can’t believe you’ve made it this far since she is the lightest sleeper. This is the spy they chose for the Avengers? You giggle to yourself imagining the face Nat is going to make when you scare her. Oh, if they could see her now…they would be satisfied with their choice, you think as you try to choke out, “Uncle. Uncle.” Nat somehow has you in a choke hold and you are tapping furiously on her arm. Once she realizes it’s you she lets go.
“Y/N, what the hell! I could have hurt you!” she yells at you as you’re coughing. You stare at her unbelievably, rubbing at your neck, and once you can speak again you say, “Then what was this to you? Some light foreplay?”
Once you both settle down, she realizes you were up before her. You take some exercise attire out for yourself from your luggage. You might not like to exercise but gym clothes are sure comfy to lie around in. “You gotta keep up, Natasha. You don’t want the boss man to catch you slacking. Oh, I’m also making coffee so don’t worry about that.”
“What’s got you in such a good mood?” she asks, her eyebrows furrowing. You smile in turn. “I don’t know what you mean. I’ll catch you downstairs.”
You leave her to change and head downstairs with your clothes. You go to the kitchen first and make two cups of coffee. Then you go to the restroom to change. After she finishes changing, Nat goes to the kitchen and sees you were not kidding. Natasha takes her cup of coffee to the living room as she always does and finds Wanda asleep on the couch. She sighs as things start adding up. She guesses this is the reason for the lack of a grumpy attitude from you so early in the morning. She wants to say something but Nat would rather take a motivated Y/N over Y/N complaining every five minutes on their hike. So, she doesn’t say anything for now.
You actually keep up with Nat this time and to top it off you don’t talk too much like you always do. Nat thinks it’s because you're in a good mood giving you motivation, but the reason for keeping her pace and keeping quiet is your fear she’ll leave you again if you say something to set her off and lose her like yesterday. Nat even goes as far as giving you a compliment at the end. Well, semi-compliment, but her “Not too bad, Y/N”s are few and far between so you return to the house feeling proud of yourself.
This time you’re the one saying good morning to everyone when you enter. You see a few of them still eating breakfast in the kitchen. You hope there will still be leftovers by the time you come back down after showering. Knowing how some of the guys eat, it is going to have to be a quick shower. Laura sees you eyeing the food and says, “Don’t worry, we saved you a plate.” And here you thought Wanda was the mind reader. “Wanda told us you were grumpy yesterday from not catching breakfast so we made sure to make more.” That explains it. You smile, happy someone kept you in mind. Now you can shower in peace. You thank her and head upstairs.
“You saw that, right?” Laura turns to Clint and Nat who walked in not too long before you left.
“She’s been like that all morning. Not one ‘Are we done yet?’ or ‘Why do you hate me, Natasha?’ on our hike,” Nat replies in a hushed tone as if it’s so unlike you to be agreeable in the morning. 
“Do you think it has anything to do with a certain somebody?” Laura felt the need to ask.
“Well she didn’t just find a love for exercise,” Nat sarcastically says.
Clint sighs, “Do you think we have to talk to her again?” 
Nat goes to respond, but Laura cuts off whatever Nat was going to say, “No, if anyone is going to talk to her, it’s me. And it’s not going to be some crappy ‘no dating’ rule type of conversation. You two are great when it comes to getting someone to talk with your intimidation, but save that for your job, which speaking of, Wanda is your coworker, so you may want to talk to her as well if you had to talk to Y/N because last I remember it takes two to tango.”
Nat and Clint stare at Laura in shock, embarrassment and guilt rightfully taking over their bodies. “Are we clear?” Laura asks them though it’s more of a statement leaving no room for argument. 
“Yes.” “Yeah.”
Upstairs, you make your way to the guest room to grab some clothes. Wanda is sitting on the bed reading her book. She is still dressed in her pyjamas, which makes you smile. The sound of her turning the page shakes you from your thoughts and saves you from staring a bit too long. Wanda smirks without bothering to look away from her book and you know she caught you.
“Morning, I’m just gonna get some clothes,” you explain as you move to where your bag is. Wanda speaks up while you zip your duffle closed, “I’m sorry for bothering you last night.”
“Come on, Wanda. You could never be a bother,” you say sincerely, giving her a smile that she shyly returns. “Alright, the shower is calling my name.”
“Yeah, I can hear it screaming,” she jokes and laughs when you take mock offense, “Hey!” She goes back to reading when she sees you heading out the door but you call her attention once more, “Oh! Thanks for telling them to save me a plate.”
“Of course,” she replies like it wasn’t even worth mentioning. You nod at her and then go to shower, closing the guest room door behind you.
A few seconds later, the door opens up again and Wanda amusedly says, her eyes never straying from the page she’s reading, “Did the shower call the wrong name?”
“No, it was definitely calling Y/N’s and mine too, I’m sure, but I wanted to talk to you first.”
Wanda’s head diverts to the door at Nat’s voice. 
“And you needed back up for it?” Wanda looks over to Clint who awkwardly stands behind Nat.
Clint clears his throat, “Well it was only fair if Y/N got both of us, you did too.”
Wanda straightens her posture as she places her book beside her. “Ah, so this is about Y/N. I had a feeling.”
Nat and Clint come into the room, Clint closing the door behind him. Nat goes to sit on the end of the bed and Clint stands behind her. “Look, we were wrong to tell Y/N what to do or rather not do. She is an adult and has the right to do whatever she wants, but you have to understand she’s someone who tends to get ahead of herself and we didn’t- we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” Nat starts.
“So you’re saying she is getting ahead of herself with me? That what? Come two weeks, she’ll realize she doesn’t want me?” Wanda starts to get visibly upset.
“No, that’s not what-” Clint tries to speak but Wanda is not done talking. “Even if that was the case, it would be her choice. It would be my choice.”
“Wanda, you are not going to be here in two weeks. You are not going to be here in a few days,” Natasha calmly says trying to reason. “Look, we love Y/N, okay? But she often finds herself making mistakes-”
“So I would just be another mistake? 
“No, you would be a dangerous one,” Nat says trying to get something through to Wanda.
“I would never hurt her.”
“No, maybe not intentionally,” Nat continues, and when Wanda looks like she is going to argue, Clint interrupts, “Wanda, just let her finish.” Wanda takes a breath to calm herself down and then nods for Natasha to carry on.
“Being in our lives more than she has to could get her hurt. Even this morning, I hurt her when she was probably just trying to play some stupid prank. Being around us is dangerous. Why do you think Clint kept all this a secret,” Nat motions around the room. “Why do you think I was so upset about her and Yelena? Why do you think we haven’t said anything to Y/N before? Those other girls aren’t you. Those other girls aren’t Yelena. I don’t even know where she is right now. We live different lives. Say things do work out with Y/N. Much like I don’t know where my sister is, there will be times she won’t have a clue where you are or if you’re okay. When Clint and I say we don’t want anyone to get hurt, it goes both ways.”
“Wan, have you seen my blue shirt with the buttons?” Pietro storms into the room like a man on a mission, not even bothering to acknowledge Nat and Clint are in the room as well. “I know I packed it.” Not until he reads the hurt in Wanda’s eyes does he read the room and like the protective sibling he is, he is quick to get defensive. “What’s happening here?”
Her brother’s interruption could not have come at a better time. Wanda didn’t know how to respond to Nat’s explanation. She was feeling herself choke up, Vision’s voice springing in her head again. She’s happy to have Pietro here so willing to jump in to defend her but she doesn’t want to drag him into it, so she clears her throat and says, “Nothing. We were just talking.” He still looks unsure, so she gets up from the bed and offers, “I’ll help you look for it.” Her eyes plead for him to let it go. Luckily, he does and heads out the door.  Clint and Nat watch Pietro leave and Wanda stop by the door. “You don’t have to worry. Y/N made it clear to me that we’re just friends,” she says in defeat, then turns to follow her brother.
“Well, that went well,” Clint says sarcastically. 
Wanda spends the next two hours helping Sam, Peter, and Pietro get ready. She helps Sam pick an outfit first seeing as he was the first to shower. She has to pry one of Peter’s t-shirts from his hands saying he’s twice Peter’s size and he cannot pull the nerdy look. She helps Peter next. It’s mostly just styling his hair he needs help with. At last she helps her brother after having knocked on the bathroom door four different times telling him to hurry up. 
“How does the one with superspeed take an hour in the shower?” Sam asks rhetorically. Sam, Wanda, and Peter are on the bed in Cooper’s room watching Pietro straighten out his shirt.
“Hey, it takes time to look this good,” Pietro says as he fixes his collar. All three of them nearly roll their eyes. “Do you think Y/N will like this shirt?”
“Yeah, if it was on Wanda, maybe,” Sam snorts. Peter holds back a chuckle while Wanda tries not to react. 
“You look nice,” Wanda says, not wanting to tear down her brother’s confidence. Everyone’s attention is drawn to the closed door when someone knocks. They hear you ask if you can come in. Pietro responds, “One second.” He goes to lean against Cooper’s desk casually and all three on the bed try really hard not to laugh. Peter has to shove his face in a pillow. “Okay, come in.”
You let yourself into the room, your eyes falling on Wanda immediately. “Not that you don’t look nice in them, but do you really plan on wearing your pjs to the fair?” you tease her. “I mean, you’ll for sure be turning heads, if that’s the plan.” 
She replies, “I was waiting on the shower. Someone was taking their time.” She points her head in Pietro’s direction who gives you a nod in acknowledgement and a “‘sup?” Sam’s mouth forms a line trying so hard not to laugh out loud. Peter’s face stays hidden behind the pillow but you can see from the side of his neck his face was getting red. You feel like you walked in at the wrong time given everyone’s behavior. You tell Wanda, “You might want to hurry. Clint says we’re leaving soon.” With that you turn to leave wondering what you had walked in on. 
When you shut the door, everyone in Cooper’s room excluding Pietro bursts out laughing.
“What the hell was that, man?” Sam asks between fits of laughter.
Peter gets up and leans against the desk to mimic Pietro, “‘Sup?” Everyone laughs again, Pietro leaning over to slap Peter in the back of the head.
***
They take the family car and Nat’s car to the fair. Sam and Peter ride with Nat while the rest of you ride with Clint driving. As you wait in line to buy tickets, you lean over Wanda’s shoulder, who is standing right in front of you with her back to you, and say “I meant to say this earlier but you look nice.”
She smiles and then turns around to face you as you take a step back. She jokes, “I thought I looked good in my pyjamas but someone implied it wasn’t appropriate for the fair.”
“Oh definitely not appropriate. It was way too sexy. We couldn’t have that around the children,” you reply making her giggle.
“You don’t look too bad either,” she returns the earlier compliment, taking in your outfit as you shuffle forward with the rest of the line. “Your outfit is very nice.”
“Oh, this. I just threw it together.” No, you didn’t. You took your time with it. “But thanks,” you wave her off. When you reach the ticket stand, you rush in front of Clint to pay for yours, Wanda’s, Laura’s, Nat’s, and the kids’ tickets. You explain to him when you are all walking together that you kind of owed Wanda for something and you were the one who promised to take the kids here much to Nat and Laura’s displeasure so you kind of owed them too. 
You make it inside the fairgrounds. A giant banner that reads “WESTVIEW COUNTY FAIR!” greets you overhead. Everyone gets excited upon seeing the banner and all the lights in the background. Well, everyone but Nat and Laura, Nat not ever a big fan of fairs and Laura not a fan of taking care of kids at a fair. Out of all the lights shining on the fairgrounds, your favorite is the one shining through Wanda’s eyes as she takes everything in with wonder. 
“So what do you want to do first?” you ask her.
She turns to you and almost looks embarrassed. “I don’t know. I’ve never been to a fair.”
“What?” you ask in shock. She shrugs not knowing what else she could say. “Well, it’s settled then. We are not leaving until you get the whole experience. Let’s go buy some wristbands for the rides. We are going on every single one.” Her eyes widen and the wonder in them from earlier shifts into nervousness. “It’ll be fun, come on,” you reassure as you drag her to another line, leaving everyone else behind. 
You and Wanda get on every ride but the ferris wheel telling her you have to leave that one for last. You even ride some twice, but you get hungry and ask Wanda if she wants to eat yet. She agrees that she could take a break for food. You try various things the fair offers wanting Wanda to try everything. “You Americans like to fry anything you can,” she comments as she takes another bite of her fried oreo. She hums as she finishes it off. “I understand why,” she says, making you laugh. 
You spot Laura and Nat sitting at a table near the stage where some band is playing music. You and Wanda head on over. Soon everyone regroups there, finishing off the food they bought and watching people dance. Clint pulls Laura to dance with him. You all sit at the table watching them with a smile when someone obstructs your view of them. You look up to see a tall guy in a black cowboy hat smiling down at Wanda beside you offering his hand out asking her to dance. She looks at you, unsure of what to say. You give her a smile that admittedly took you a second to form and nod encouragingly for her to accept. She smiles politely at him and takes his hand. You watch them dance, your eyes only ever straying when you see Wanda going to look at you. You watch when he leans down to tell her something in her ear and she laughs. You wonder what he told her that was so funny. Your eyes roam over him. He’s handsome, you’ll give him that. He has a nice face, good posture. You note he is also respectful with his hand placement when dancing, so you can appreciate that. It seems like Westview County has their own Steve Rodgers. The thought bugs you.
Someone blocks your view once again, only this time you are kind of thankful for it. You look up to see Pietro asking you to dance. “Why not?” you say, wanting to do anything rather than stare at Wanda dancing with some guy. He pulls you to the dance floor. You enjoy your time dancing with Pietro though you get dizzy from how quickly he spins you. You’re a little disappointed your dance is cut short when Lila taps your arm asking if she can dance with Pietro. You smile at her saying of course she can. With your distraction gone to dance with Lila, your eyes search for Wanda once more but you cannot seem to find her. You feel someone grab your hand and you are spun into that someone’s arms. Your eyes fall to familiar green ones and you smile, “Smooth moves, Maximoff.”
“Thank you,” she says with a smile as she starts to sway with you to the music. “You let me dance with a stranger.”
“You’re dancing with me now and we were strangers not so long ago,” you rebuttal. 
“But at least we know each other’s names.”
“Did you not get his name?” you ask.
“I never asked for it,” Wanda returns simply, shrugging. You find it hard to believe that his name never came up so you say, “That was a lot of talking for him to not have given you a name.”
“You saw us talking? I would not have guessed you were paying attention. Every time I looked at you, you turned to look away,” she teases you.
You swallow, choking on the embarrassment of getting caught. “Doesn’t matter. His name’s probably Brad or something. He looks like a Brad.”
She laughs then catching on to your tone she asks, “Y/N, are you jealous?” 
“What? Me, jealous?” you ask, astonished. She nods, smiling like she has her answer. “Wanda, I could never be jealous of some Brad. Dance with a Marcus and then maybe, but a Brad? Pfft. No.”
She just laughs and pulls you closer. You let yourself go and dance with her until whatever song the band is playing ends. “Let’s go play some games. I feel like shooting something,” you say, making her laugh loudly. 
Everyone decides to play with you as well so you all head over to the different stands. Nat wins the shooting game, Clint coming in close. He wins the popping the balloons with darts game. They give their prizes to Cooper and Lila. Peter and Sam spend some time with the hammer and bell game; Peter hitting the bell every time garners some attention especially from some girls which frustrates Sam. Pietro wins a fish when he plays ring toss. It seems like everyone but you has been winning something. Even Wanda won a stuffed panda she gave to Lila after playing a water shooting game. You were getting frustrated trying to knock some blocks off a stool. You’ve spent a good $20 on this game already. Wanda catching your frustration decides to help you out. When you are down to your last ball, you try your best to focus and throw the ball. Two of the three blocks fall down. The last one is teetering on the edge. You think you’ve lost but a second later it falls over. You shout with glee. You ask the attendant for the keychain that has the letter W on it.
Wanda watches you with a smile as you approach her. “Thank you for that,” you say, and when she tries to play naive, you continue, “I know you knocked the last block.”
She gives you a sheepish smile. You hold out the keychain to her. “I figure this only rightfully belongs to you. May it proudly hold your keys until you lose it.” She tries to say no but you take her wrist and place the keychain in the palm of her hand. “It has your initial. You have to keep it.”
“I’m pretty sure the W is for Westview County,” she counters.
“A happy coincidence.” You don’t take no for an answer and she finally smiles and thanks you, putting her new keychain away so she doesn’t lose it. You look around to see the others still distracted with the games but you also catch your cousin yawn. You know this means you’re leaving soon so you grab Wanda’s hand and head over to the line for the ferris wheel.
You thank the attendant when he checks you have your belt on and pulls the bar to your lap. The wheel starts turning and when you are midway to the top, it shakes a little as two people get on the final empty cart. The shaking makes Wanda nervous. She grabs your hand almost protectively as her posture turns into one that looks ready for a fight. You turn your palm over to interlace your fingers and rub your thumb on her hand to try to soothe her nerves. “Hey, it’s okay,” you say. She turns to you and you see her irises are red. “They always do this. We’re okay. Just don’t rock the cart and we’ll be good.”
She takes a breath willing herself to relax. The red in her irises fade back to her green. She sits back and the ferris wheel moves again, this time not stopping for people to get on. You keep holding her hand squeezing it from time to time in reassurance. You can see Clint and everyone from the ferris wheel and point them out to Wanda. The only ones to see you are the kids who wave to you. You wave back. 
“Do you come to the fair every year?” Wanda asks.
“Pretty much. There’s not much else to do,” you shrug. She ponders this for a moment and then, “So you’ve brought dates to the fair before, I’m guessing.”
“Yeah?” You say more like a question wondering where she was going with this.
“In the movies, people on dates always kiss on the ferris wheel. Did you kiss them?”
“Wanda,” you say her name but it comes out more like a warning.
“Sorry, I was just wondering,” she mutters, then turns to look back at the fairgrounds. 
“No, I didn’t.” You answer sincerely. She looks back at you. You explain, “The two other people I’ve taken to the fair on a date were too afraid to get on the ferris wheel.”
“You said ‘other’,” she says smiling at you.
You look at her confused. “What?”
“You said ‘the two other people’ meaning other than me. So is this date?” she raises an eyebrow, an amused expression on her face.
“A friendly date,” you say, making her frown. She huffs in defeat letting go of your hand and hold the lap bar instead. The night had been going so well, you didn’t want this one thing to ruin it, so without letting yourself think it over, you wait until you get to the top of the ferris wheel. You lean into her space and look her in the eye to show her you are serious when you say, “Don’t tell Nat or Clint.” She looks confused but the confusion quickly turns into a pleasant surprise when you gently grab her face and lean in to kiss her. It doesn’t last long enough to give her a chance to kiss you back. You pull back with a cheeky smile and say, “I did promise the whole experience.” 
The kiss may have ended too quickly for Wanda but it was long enough for a few people to catch it. One of them being your cousin whose kids were pointing to you and Wanda on the ferris wheel in excitement. She just shook her head in amusement when she saw you kiss Wanda. The other person to catch you was Wanda’s brother who, when seeing you kiss his sister, just whines, “No, Y/N.”
______________________________________________________________________
I'm sorry this took so long. I got sidetracked and then when I started I got stuck and in my true fashion, once I started writing, I couldn't stop and I couldn’t leave you without taking you to the fair. So, I hope the length of the chapter makes up for the wait. Oh, Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there doing their best to be good moms! I created a house map of how I picture the inside to look, you know without the fine details.
Next chapter bring your bug spray, you’re going camping.
Taglist: @madamevirgo @marvels-writings @gayarchnemissis @myperfectlovepoem @purplemeetsblue @magicallymaximoff @b0mbdotc0m @helloalycia @ironscarletwidowsoilder @cantcontroltheirfear @trikruismybitch @your-my-mission 
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helloalycia · 3 years
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The Wrong Lifetime – Four // Wanda Maximoff
chapter three | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter five
author’s note: I hope you all don’t mind the slow burn because it’s like my favourite thing and i promise things will get spicy soon 😂
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Since my rather abrupt revelation about Wanda, I found myself racked with guilt.
Not because she was a girl – I couldn't help my feelings in that sense – but because she was my brother's fiancé. And every time he came to me, gushing about how great of a date they had or how much he was falling for her, the guilt hit me like a sharp pain in the chest, because I understood what he was saying. I felt the same.
And it didn't help when they would occasionally go on dates in front of me, and all I could feel was an unexplainable jealousy in the pit of my stomach. I had no right to feel like this when she was an engaged woman. Her naturally flirtatious personality was simply that: a personality. And even though we'd had a genuinely lovely day a week ago when she invited me to her home, it was no reason for me to think of her in such a way.
The next date on Y/B/N and Wanda's journey to marriage was at our house in the garden. I wasn't actually aware of it until I saw them sat on some garden furniture.
My mum wanted me to help her with some gardening and I found her kneeling by some plant pots, a fair distance away from Wanda and my brother. As I approached her, I glanced in the couple's direction, seeing them sat opposite one another and enjoying a selection of finger foods and tea. They were far away enough to have privacy, but close enough for me to make out their expressions.
"For goodness sake, Y/N," my mother said when I kneeled down beside her to help. "Do you have to wear those horrendous trousers?"
I rolled my eyes, sitting on the ground comfortably. "I'm curious, mother. Do you like anything that I do?"
She gave me a disapproving glance. "I'm only looking out for you, dear. That outfit is very... unladylike."
"Well, they're comfortable," I quipped, before grabbing a spade and getting to work.
"So are dresses," she pointed out, continuing repotting her plants. "And they're prettier, too."
"Considering I have to wear a dress all the time and that I'm in the comfort of my own home, I'm going to pretend you didn't just make me feel bad for wearing these."
She didn't say anything, but I could tell she wasn't happy. I didn't mind wearing dresses, but I would be lying if I said trousers weren't more comfortable. The only time I could wear them was at home when doing chores or simply lounging around. I'd make the most of it whilst I could, no matter what comments my mother made.
I wasn't afraid to get my hands dirty as I helped her repot the plants before digging into the soil and planting some seeds she'd bought this morning. My mother, despite adoring gardening, hated getting messy, so you can imagine the look on her face when I got soil all over my clothes.
"I wish you would act like a lady sometimes," she mumbled to herself, but I didn't let it faze me. It was all I heard, so I was used to it.
Laughter sounded from behind us and I risked glancing back, seeing Wanda laughing at something Y/B/N said. I rolled my eyes subconsciously before looking back to what I was doing. My fingernails dug into the soil with irritation, directed at them and also myself. Though, despite my irritation, I still had an urge to glance back at Wanda, and when I did she was looking my way this time. A mere glance on her part, but she directed a smile my way before looking to my brother again.
I'd like to say that was it, but I continued to steal glances of her as I worked alongside my mum, taking what I could get as I admired her from afar.
She looked stunning today, as she always did. Her long curls were left out, flowing over her shoulders and pretty green dress; I wasn't close enough to be able to tell, but I was sure that her dress complimented her eyes. A dark forest green colour with golden flecks, matching the deep green of her dress. Or so I assumed.
"They seem like they're getting on well," my mum said at one point, earning my attention. She was talking about Y/B/N and Wanda as she continued, "They make such a lovely couple."
I swallowed hard, nodding lamely. "They sure do, mum."
She gave me a sideways glance. "You know, your brother will be married soon and then it will be your turn."
I groaned quietly, knowing where this was going. There was no point trying to stop her because once she started, that was it.
"You can't just keep locking yourself in your room and writing stories," she was saying, but I attempted to tune her out which sometimes felt impossible since she had no off button and her shrill voice always managed to break through my bubble. "You have to find a husband. An actual person who you can marry and who can take care of you."
"I can take care of myself."
"Y/N, you know that's not what I mean..." but I stopped listening as she got started going on another ramble about the benefits of having a husband.
Instead, my eyes darted around the garden until they naturally gravitated towards Wanda. It was definitely the wrong time to get distracted by her though, since she seemed to be sucking some food off her thumb. As she did, her eyes found mine and she took that as her opportunity to wink in my direction playfully, hiding a smile as her thumb remained between her teeth. Y/B/N didn't seem to notice, as he was looking the other way, and I felt my cheeks heating up as I looked away quickly, remembering my dream.
She's going to marry your brother. She's going to marry your brother. She's going to marry your brother.
A stupid mantra that didn't work, but I attempted to drill it into my brain anyway.
"...and it would be nice to be able to do all the wedding stuff for you next time around," my mum continued to ramble, unaware of my flustered self.
The image of Wanda sucking her thumb was permanently engraved in my head and I struggled to wish it away. No more staring for today, I told myself, before getting lost in gardening again.
After ten more minutes of nonstop nattering about finding a husband for me, my mother excused herself to refill the watering can. I was grateful for her momentary absence, appreciating the silence and lack of guilt-tripping. Until I heard footsteps behind me shortly after, making me groan loudly.
"I'm not finding a husband right now!" I snapped, unable to take it any longer. But when I spun around to give her a piece of my mind, my mouth hung open like a fish out of water.
"I'd sure hope not," Wanda answered with a stifled laugh. "Then I'd have to share your company with somebody else."
Closing my mouth and standing up, I cleared my throat. "Sorry. I thought you were my mum."
She nodded, eyes roaming my whole body for a second, making me nervous under her stare. I hadn't actually seen her since my inappropriate dream and it was growing increasingly difficult to be so close to her without thinking about it.
"I figured. I just wanted to say hi," she said, expression softening as she met my eyes.
I was right about the dress bringing her eyes out more. A forest green colour, as I'd predicted.
"Hi," I said, giving her a small, nervous smile. "Erm, how is your date going?"
She shrugged, raising her hand to hold her forearm comfortably. "It's okay. It's wonderful out here, I'll give him that."
Relaxing into the conversation, my awkwardness fading already, I smiled in agreement. "Yeah, it is pretty."
A smirk appeared on her lips. "Yeah. So are the gardeners."
Admittedly, it took me a few seconds longer than it should have to realise she was talking about me. When I did, I felt a heat creeping up my neck and to my face and looked to the grass to distract myself. See, when she did stuff like that, it made me question a hell of a lot.
She chuckled. "So, gardening. Another dislike of yours?"
I shook my head, risking looking back up to her. "No, actually. I don't mind it. I'm just not a fan when it gives my mother an opportunity to discuss marriage."
Wanda's interested was piqued as she quirked a brow. "Oh? Your mother has suitors for you?"
I squeezed my eyes shut at the possibility, shaking my head. "I'd rather not ask, Wanda."
She let out a short laugh. "You've got time anyway. At least until Y/B/N and I are married."
I hoped she didn't see the involuntary wince I did at the mention of that. "Honestly, I'm not even thinking about that now... I'm nowhere near ready for that."
"Would you not want to get married?" she asked curiously, tilting her head to the side.
I sighed, looking around, unable to keep my eyes still. "I don't know, I guess? Eventually? But to somebody I love, not some arranged marriage just for the sake of it." My words sank in quite quickly and I straightened up, instantly looking to Wanda with apologetic eyes. "Bloody hell, that is not what I meant to say–"
"It's fine," she reassured me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I get it. And, well, you're not wrong."
I smiled halfheartedly, the guilt at my previous words still present. I could honestly say that I wasn't aiming that comment at her, but I wouldn't blame her if she took it that way.
"It's important to fall in love with the person you marry," she said, gaze locked on mine. "You have to learn about them, who they are. Their likes, their dislikes. Their personality. If they have a sense of humour or if they're as dry as cardboard. If they're into you as much as you're into them."
Nodding slowly, I wasn't sure what to say. My mouth went dry the longer she watched me, eyes dancing with an emotion I couldn't recognise. Then her eyes fell to my lips and my knees began to shake subtly, wanting to give in because of how confused I was.
"Y/N, dear, don't dirty Wanda's dress with your muddy hands!" my mum called, breaking the strange silence that had built between the brunette and I.
Stepping back with realisation (and grateful for the interruption), I wiped my hands on my shirt subconsciously, making a further mess of my already mud-stained clothes. "Sorry."
When I looked up, Wanda was chewing on her lip, eyes doing a once over on me yet again. It was moments like this when I couldn't tell if she was teasing me or if she actually had an interest in me, maybe, like that.
"Wanda, honey, let's get you inside," my mum spoke, approaching the two of us and looking to her.
Nodding, Wanda glanced at me once more, shooting me a sweet smile, before being led away by my mum. I breathed out slowly, knowing it was wrong of me to feel this way about her. But it was hard not to fall for her when she had so much about her that was interesting.
Her passion for art, her teasing, playful attitude, her sense of humour... and then there were the physical aspects, like her beaming smile, her luxuriant brown hair and her entrancing hazel eyes. She was literally perfect and my brother was one lucky man. For once in my life, I was actually jealous of something he had that I didn't.
"Y/N!"
Speaking of the devil...
"Y/B/N, hey," I said with a smile as he approached me with an extra jump in his step. "What's up?"
Grin on his lips, he smacked my arm. "Did you see, Wanda? Didn't she look stunning?"
The guilt was cutting real deep. "She did."
"I think I'm in love," he gushed, eyes rolling backwards with delight. "She's perfect, Y/N, you don't get it."
"I can imagine...," I mumbled, but he barely noticed, too lovestruck to realise.
"Every date I've been on with her has been amazing," he continued. "If we weren't already engaged, I would've proposed!"
I raised my eyebrows with surprise, definitely not expecting this. He'd made his attraction to her known since the moment we'd met her, constantly talking about how gorgeous she was, but he'd never sounded happier than he did now.
"Mum adores her," he said with a content smile. "Dad would probably marry her if we was thirty years younger. And you–" He looked to me gratefully. "You're making an effort and I appreciate it."
Oh, God, the guilt was overwhelming.
"Everything is going perfectly," he finished with a sigh. "I just– I can't wait to marry her, Y/N."
I smiled for his sake, but my insides were shrivelling up and failing me. I was a horrible person, wasn't I? What kind of monster falls for her brother's fiancé? Me. I'm the monster. But not anymore. I couldn't let this get out of hand. I had to do better.
I promised myself I'd do better.
Doing better was going well, I'd like to think. I mean, it had only been two weeks, so I couldn't guarantee, but I was no longer having... thoughts... about the Maximoff in question.
Yes, there was that familiar inkling of jealousy tugging away in my stomach whenever Y/B/N would talk about her, but I think I was getting better at ignoring it. I had convinced myself that my feelings towards Wanda were not true but merely a schoolgirl crush (which I wasn't allowed to have, but still) and that I'd get over it after some time.
I'd liked, maybe two girls in my life before her. The first being when I was a child, about five, and a girl in my class did something different to her hair. If I remember correctly, she always had one ponytail that sat at the back of her neck, then one day, she came in with two braids down her head and it really wasn't a massive change, but five year old me developed a huge crush on her. That was when I learnt that a girl liking a girl was not only forbidden, but viewed as a sin.
The second girl I liked was in my Literature class in secondary school. She was probably the first person I'd fallen for in a way that was considered more than a simple crush. Something about her way with words was so attractive to me, as was the cute smile she'd send my way whenever she'd be my partner for an assignment. I never told her how I felt for she only ever treated me as a friend and the last thing I wanted was to bring shame to my family for liking girls.
Those instances, and the fact that I regularly found myself admiring women in a way I found incapable with men, made me realise I was different and I always would be. And so, the chatter about finding a husband and getting married always scared me because I was afraid that I'd be stuck in a place that I would never get to be myself in. Even though that was the reality of most women anyway.
So, in addition to the fact that it was wrong of me to like women (though it felt anything but) and that the woman I liked now was my brother's fiancé, I convinced myself it was just a mere crush I had on Wanda. She was a pretty girl with an attractive personality and that was it.
Or so I thought.
"Go get your brother, Y/N," my mum said one evening. "He's in his study. Dinner is almost ready."
I nodded and headed to my brother's study across the hall. He was sat at his desk, focusing on something specific that he was writing and barely acknowledging my presence. I glanced around the room, taking in the bookshelves filled with manuscripts, both published and unpublished, and notebooks of ideas piled on desks.
I wasn't jealous of this place, I really wasn't. And I wasn't jealous of my brother either, even when he got credit for things I'd written. I was just angry and hurt that I couldn't have the some privileges he got, such as his own personal study to write whatever he pleased.
"Dinner's almost ready," I called to him from the doorway. "C'mon."
He didn't turn around as he answered, "I'll be with you, one second."
Curious to what had captured his attention, I pushed myself from the doorway and approached his desk. He had a lamp turned on, the yellow light lighting the page he was scribbling on. I peeked over his shoulder and saw him pause from writing, stuck in thought. It gave me the chance to read some words and I tried not to laugh.
"Oh my god, is that a love letter?"
Surprised at my presence, he covered the page with his elbows and leaned on them, looking to me with red cheeks.
"What? No, that's... no," he stumbled out, shaking his head.
Stifled smile on my lips, I looked to him with humoured eyes. "You have to let me read it."
He shook his head frantically, trying to play it cool. "I don't think I can do that."
Well, now I was really curious.
"C'mon, I've read pretty much everything you've ever written," I told him, perching myself on the edge of his desk. "Just a little read and I'll drop it."
Pondering my words, he slowly began to straighten up, uncovering the page. With a sigh of submission, he nodded to it, wordlessly giving me permission to look. I grinned, grabbing the page and holding it to the light so I could read it.
It was mostly ramblings – unfinished sentences, phrases, clauses – but it was all about a certain someone, a love letter as I predicted. It talked about this person's body and lips and humour and fingers and because I was so caught up in teasing my brother, I failed to realise that I was reading about Wanda. At least until it mentioned her accent.
My smile faded when I saw the way he wrote about her, with such passion and ferocity and– he was seriously in love with her. And it may or may not have stung a little because everything he'd written was accurate and I felt the same way. Well, not the in love bit, but pretty much everything else.
"So? Is it bad?" he asked nervously, and I lowered the page to see he was waiting for a verdict. "It's messy, I know. I was just journaling and then it kind of happened."
"It's sweet," I told him truthfully, offering him a reassuring smile.
His shoulders relaxed as I put the page back on the desk before him. "Thank you, Y/N." He paused, before glancing up at me sheepishly. "Now that you're here, you may as well tell me if there's anything I can do to improve."
I raised my eyebrows. "Why? Are you planning on giving this to her?"
He shook his head instantly. "No, oh God, no. That would be severely humiliating. I just thought you could help me for me. You always make my writing better."
I snickered, shaking my head with amusement. Behind the scenes was where I thrived apparently.
"Quickly," I told him as he held out the paper to me. "Mum is waiting for us."
He nodded obediently and I took the paper from his grasp, getting another look at it. Skimming it with my eyes yet again, I found the first criticism and pointed to it so he could see.
"This bit here," I said gently. "You talk about her eyes and say they're magnetic."
"Is that not good?" he asked with a frown.
"It is, it is," I said politely, not wanting to offend him. "But that's all you've written. You want to give the reader a reason to believe you. Why are they magnetic? What about them do you find yourself attracted to?"
He nodded, seeming to get it. Leaning back in his seat, he had a think. I waited patiently, curious to what he would come up with, but then he sighed defeatedly and looked to me.
"What would you write?" he asked, and I smiled with disbelief. It always ended up like this. Me helping him, challenging him with a thought, then him ending up using what I say.
"Okay, let me think," I said, crossing my arms and staring ahead. "Wanda's eyes."
"Here," Y/B/N said, making a gesture to placing something invisible on my head. When I quirked a brow of confusion, he added, "It's your thinking cap."
I rolled my eyes but laughed quietly at his stupidity, then tried to think about what to describe Wanda's eyes as.
It wasn't difficult to imagine them despite having not seen them in a few days. They were always bright, animated, lively. Whether it was green, blue or brown, they were irresistible and as my brother wrote, they were magnetic.
I breathed out, speaking from the heart without thinking. "When Wanda Maximoff looks into your eyes it's like she holds all of the elements in a single gaze. At times, they're greener than the earth itself, captivating and tranquil and daring you to look away. But then they're also bluer than the brightest of skies and darkest of oceans, deep and and liberating and easy for you to get swallowed up in."
A smile fell on my lips at the thought. She truly was something.
I continued slowly, "In the light, you can make out golden flecks, like the first sliver of the sun in Spring. It's hopeful and guiding and fills you with warmth. But what isn't obvious upon first glance is how tempestuous they are, like air itself. She's got a passion behind her eyes that is scary at first, but when you get to know her, you realise that it's a storm worth raging."
It went quiet when I finished and I zoned back into reality, Wanda's eyes blinking away from my mind in an instant. I pursed my lips and looked to Y/B/N with mild concern, realising just how much I'd rambled. He raised his eyebrows with surprise, staring at me.
"Y/N, that was amazing! How did you think of that?" he asked in bewilderment.
I shrugged, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment. "I don't know. I just thought about a random set of hazel eyes and applied my thoughts to it."
He smiled, impressed. "Amazing. I love it."
Grabbing a pen, he began to write furiously on the page and I stood up, dusting myself off.
"You sure that's not going to her?" I asked, still feeling fuzzy from what I'd said and hoping she'd never see it.
"Very sure," he promised, not looking up. "It's just for me."
I studied him judgementally. "Okay, well, maybe get rid of that part about her breasts then. It's a little creepy."
He looked up to me with a boyish grin. "I'm only a man, Y/N. Can you blame me?"
I rolled my eyes, shuddering at what he was implying. The mere implication of a thought of him and Wanda... nope, I didn't want to go there.
"I'll see you at dinner," I said, pointing a thumb over my shoulder. "Try to hurry, yeah?"
"Yes, I'll be right with you," he assured me, his hand moving in a flurry as he wrote. "Just writing what you said so I don't forget. Could be good for a future book, who knows?"
I forced a smile, humming in agreement. "Right. Well, I'll see you at the table."
He nodded and I left his room, letting out a deep breath. Just another day in the Y/L/N household.
Popping into town for errands was surprisingly not a task I found boring. If anything, I preferred it, using it as a chance to get away from my mother's incessant marriage-related conversations and my father's constant praising for anything Y/B/N did. Nowadays, it was also a way to escape anything wedding-related, which was a plus.
This time, I was only nipping out to return a book to the library, but my mum caught me before leaving and asked me to deliver some letters to the post office since I was already heading that way. Happy to prolong this outing as much as possible, I accepted the errand and headed to the post office after returning my book.
When I was there, an advertisement caught my eye. A chalkboard outside the store displayed a deal the train station were doing. I probably would have ignored it if it weren't for the mention of Blackpool.
2 FOR 1 ON BLACKPOOL TRAIN TICKETS THIS WEEKEND
Remembering my conversation with Wanda, I realised I hadn't actually followed up with her on my promise of taking her there to paint. She probably didn't even remember, since it was a while ago when we spoke of it, but the idea of going there with her made me excited. Was it stupid to get the tickets? Probably. But did I go inside and get them? Of course.
It was only when I got home did I realise how silly it was. Would she even want to go? What if she made an excuse to get out of it? Oh, this whole thing was stupid. I was overthinking it. Friends went on day trips all the time, it's wasn't a big deal.
To my surprise, when I poked my head into the living room to tell my mum I'd posted her letters, Wanda was sat on the couch with her. They were drinking some tea and having scones, chatting away. I'd called my mum before noticing, so when they looked my way, I clumsily entered and straightened up to make myself look presentable.
"Sorry, I didn't know you had company," I apologised with an awkward smile, eyes flickering to a smiling Wanda before looking to my mum. "I just wanted to let you know that I dropped the letters off by the post office."
"Perfect, Y/N, thank you," she said in response, before looking to the setup before her. "You can join us if you'd like."
I was quick to smile gratefully, though shook my head. "It's okay, you guys enjoy. I'll just be in my room if you need me."
My mum shrugged, sipping her tea, and Wanda watched me with a small smile, nodding in greeting, before looking away. I licked my lips uncomfortably before backing out the room and heading upstairs.
I was working on yet another manuscript that wouldn't see the light of day at my desk when I heard a knock on my door about an hour later.
"Come in!" I called, not looking up.
The door opened and I finished my train of thought before turning around, surprised to see Wanda walking into my room.
"Oh, hi," I got out suddenly, words falling from my mouth without me thinking first.
She smiled softly, stopping before me. "Hey. I'm heading home now, but I just wanted to say goodbye."
I stared at her, forgetting how to speak because she was wearing a lovely floral dress that complimented her figure perfectly.
"Oh, and I thought you might like these," she added before forgetting, then held out a box towards me.
Recovering from my initial stupor, I reached out and accepted the box, realising they were chocolates.
"I got them for your mum, but she said she's not a fan of hazelnut," she explained, and I looked up to see her looking elsewhere with a nervous smile on her lips. "You don't have to have them of course. I can just... eat them myself."
An amused smile tugged at my lips as I quirked a brow. "You'd eat them all yourself?"
She was very much aware of how silly she sounded, but she was adamant on appearing confident, so she nodded with certainty. "Yes... apparently I would."
Lighthearted laughter escaped my lips as I set the box to the side. She was trying to stand her ground, but then she sighed and began to laugh, too. My heart fluttered in my chest at the sound and I appreciated the crinkle by her eyes when her smile widened.
"Thank you," I said, settling on a smile as I watched her with amusement.
She nodded, smile of her own still present, before pointing behind her. "I'll, erm, go now."
When she turned to leave, I felt inclined to say, "Wait!"
She paused, turning around patiently, and I knew there was no going back now. Standing up, I grabbed my purse from the side and pulled out the train tickets.
"When I was out today, I saw that the train station were doing this deal on tickets to Blackpool," I started, hoping she couldn't see my hands trembling slightly. "And I remembered that I promised to take you so you could see the water." I closed my eyes, praying that this wouldn't be a mistake, before opening them and looking to Wanda. "We can go, if you'd still like to." 
She raised her eyebrows, eyes glued to the tickets in my hand. No words were being said and my heart thumped in my chest with the realisation that I may have done something insanely stupid. Before I could even think to apologise, a grin spread across her face and her dazzling blue eyes met mine, freezing me in place.
"Are you serious? Y/N, I'd love to!" she exclaimed, then proceeded to launch herself onto me, arms wrapping tightly around my neck.
I gulped as she did, not expecting that reaction, but returned the hug by folding my arms around her waist loosely. She smelt really good, which was probably wrong of me to note, and I enjoyed the feeling of her so close to me, also wrong of me to note.
"Okay, well, the tickets are for this weekend," I said, desperately trying not to stammer when she pulled away. "I can meet you at the station in the morning. Eight."
Her eyes danced with excitement as she accepted the ticket I held out to her. I reminded myself that this was just a friendly day trip and nothing more.
"Eight," she confirmed, attempting to stifle her eagerness by biting her lip and nodding.
I swallowed hard, trying ever-so-hard not to let my gaze drop to her lips. Because then I'd think about kissing her and that was definitely not what I should be thinking about my soon-to-be sister-in-law.
Oh, God, I was screwed.
325 notes · View notes
i-need-air · 3 years
Note
Oh-- I really really -really- liked your wolf hybrid Bakugou and-- if you don't mind, can you do one on Kirishima? Just the general headcanons, if this is too bothersome then you can ignore this once again- thank you
Just general headcanons you say? Okay, I had this written 2k words in before I got this ask and now it's at... ehem, let me take a deep breath for this;
Word count: 3.5k 💀 [of HCs 💀💀💀]
Why do I keep doing this to myself aksdjkd I love Kiri so much, my god! Thanks for the ask!! 💗
[ Masterlist ]
Hybrid!AU Kirishima Eijirou HCs
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× i mentioned him as a dog hybrid and we're sticking with it because it just feels right, yano? anyway!
× you found out about how the new hybrid shelter in your city helped bust a fighting ring
× which was horrifying to think about
× one of your friends explained the process to you and you were definitely interested in helping someone out
× shelters were still underfunded and didn't provide much to help the hybrids adapt to society
× so you found yourself in front of the shelter without a plan
× just a dream and a spare couch that could thankfully convert into a bed
× before you could chicken out you stormed through the doors like a mad person, catching the attention of the guards and the front desk man
× it surprised you how disinterested they were though; were they seriously the people that dismantled a whole illegal fighting ring?
× they called a sweet old lady to accompany you
× when you explained your situation her eyes sparkled, looking you up and down and nodding her head
× she took you through some hallways, showing you around the precinct, questioning you about what type of hybrid you'd want
× to which you honestly didn't know how to respond, like anyone you could help????
× it kinda pissed you off how she spoke about the hybrids like they were pets, suggesting you'd get a kitty or a bunny, since [her words] they were low maintenance
× is this really a good shelter?
× you looked around, finding prison like cells left and right, some with people that looked at you curiously, some covering from your glance
× they were locked in...
× some growling could be heard far away but the woman shook her head at you, disapproving gaze turned to the side as she took you further into the building
× another room, this time cells were bigger, a few occupied, yet covered from you, indiferent and uninterested
× a man was sitting on the edge of the bed, hands in his hair
× "Kirishima, boy, get up to greet someone"
× his red eyes snapped up, whatever he was thinking about slowly forgotten
× he blinked curiously as you hugged your frame, feeling uncomfortable, even ashamed to be there
× but a sweet smile took over his features
× "Hey! I'm Kirishima Eijirou!"
× it's really all it took for you to grow fond of him; he got up and came closer to the entrance of the cell and introduced himself in such easy-going manner you forgot about everything and anything
× he calmed you with his presence, even if it was very disheveled, with old ripped clothes and hair messy, painted red with obvious dark roots showing
× he had a black fluffy tail waving slowly behind him too
× you introduce yourself with his encouragement and mumbled how you wanted to help someone out today
× he just smiled at you, taking you in
× let me tell you something about dog hybrids: they can sense emotions and intentions so Kiri would be a very good judge of character and he really, genuinely took a liking on you
× the problem is how the fuck do you say out loud that you wanted to help him out
× because you sure as hell weren't going to say you'd adopt him; he's not a child? we're talking about a grown ass man here? literally looked like 6'4ft/1.95m?????
× it was so shameful, your gut turned as you cursed society and he sensed it, expression changing, falling a little as he saw you look very out of place
× "Hey, hey, everything's gonna be fine!" he said
× he told YOU that
× instead of YOU telling HIM those words;;; you almost burst into ugly crying, forgetting about everything else, your minuscule problems or shame or whatever and just nodded at him
× "Would you like to come home with me, Kirishima?" you said, ignoring the happy clapping the old lady was doing, watching carefully how his expression, clear as water, switched from easy-going and reassuring to shocked then hopeful
× "I'd like that" he breathed out "—a lot."
× as you went out the lady was telling him it was a shame they separated his group of friends, something about being sent to different shelters, how he had to be a good boy, to behave, yada-yada and seriously;;; he was taking it so lightheartedly, as if he was so used to this behavior or even was thankful for it?
× it was starting to get annoying, specially when they gave you a collar for him, like no fucking thanks, but you'd take care of it later
× since it was very random and unplanned, you were making mental gymnastics to figure out what to get and what to do first, like clothes, food—
× journey home was pleasant as he walked close to you, asking you questions about yourself with a gentle smile on his features
× meanwhile people got out of both your ways because he was intimidating and big and large but his smile screamed sunshine
× all while he never really mentioned anything about himself
× you made a point to ask him if he was hungry, to grab a quick bite at any restaurant you could get at then go buy some clothes and necessities
× you were so casual and this guy was so shocked
× i swear, looks at you blinking stupidly then ✨beams✨
× spoiler alert; big boy was hungry
× it didn't matter honestly, just seeing him eat without a worry [even if everyone at the restaurant was wary of him but got a stink eye from you] was a relief
× since you answered his questions about you, you decided to ask some about him; you were going to be roomies soon so might as well get to know each other
× shocked again
× stops mid-bite when you ask him something and stares wide-eyed
× doesn't answer but you can see he wants to and you're confused??
× "did I—... did I say something wrong?" you'd press, scared you'd spook him away or something
× he just gulps down and looks ashamed
× casually tells you they've been told at the shelter owners don't care about them
× 🙃 say what now bby?
× he kinda starts apologizing because he understands why you wouldn't wanna know and you put your hand on his; kinda mutes him for a second
× "Kirishima, we're gonna live together and hopefully be friends in the process, right? I'd like to know about you, as much as you're willing to tell me"
× [ falls in love right then and there ]
× he's met humans before, many actually—
× even in the short weeks he's been at the shelter he's seen people come and go and none talked to him like you did
× stares with stars in his eyes and chuckles awkwardly, blush on his face
× "You're really nice, [Y/N]" he said before eagerly answering your questions; course, it leaves you confused lmfao but you brush past it
× okay! shopping next, long story short it was very hard to find hybrid clothes for his size so you pick to change human clothes and adjust them for him
× as you again mention this stuff casually he's just awestruck
× when you got home, bags in hand, you were explaining to him how you really didn't have much; you were working to get a promotion soon but for now you had a couch that could open up into a very comfy bed, which he assured you it was enough
× you were lowkey unsure if he fit it because like i mentioned, big boi is big
× he does! so that's a relief but you started considering giving him your bed; you mostly fell asleep on the couch anyway and to be fair, it was really comfortable and you mention it as he looks around
× his head snaps at you, wide eyed, yet does not talk
× so you ramble bc that's something fun to do! "I mean I went to the shelter without a plan and uh, I want you to feel as comfortable as possible and maybe the bed is a better fit and—"
× Kirishima Eijirou sees: 💕💞💕💞💕💞💕
× has never been treated like this, like he's an... equal... something he'll take months to share with you, but we're getting ahead of ourselves
× the thing is this boy will fall pretty hard pretty fast, but will definitely take time to make a move
× bc he is respectful
× so he thanks you for the offer and tells you it's probably the best place he slept in all his life
× can your heart stop breaking for him? i mean it's a good couch but it's no luxury hotel bed???
× [ we need to pause, OP made herself sad ]
× ok, so he's really helpful around the house, and he knows how to cook!
× takes no time to talk about his friends, special his best friend that cooked for everyone at the fighting ring and forced them all to help and that's how he was pretty decent at cooking himself
× wasn't the best though, but followed instructions like a boss
× he lives for your compliments
× literally his tail wiggles with no shame
× seriously;; tell him he did a good job even at the dumbest thing and—
× puffs chest
× wiggle-wiggle
× "Thanks!"
× 🥺💕💞 make him stop, he's so cute
× did i mention he has like floppy black ears? Omg his earsssssssssshnnngggggggggg
× because they move whenever he walks and they're mesmerizing
× and one day that you're observing them for science [not because your heart was like 💘pom-pom💘] you noticed his roots
× remember when your heart broke for him? hah, have some more because as you asked him, he started telling you that he was pushed into dying his hair red for the spectacle, diversity and what-not
× reassured you he grew to love it now, being part of who he is
× also gets a little bit shy when adding he wouldn't want to change the color in hopes of finding his friends someday and for him to be easily recognizable
× you bought him hair dye that same day
× WHICH! apart from gaining extra 🥺💕💞 from him, it created a nice routine between you two!!
× you offered to dye his hair and it was such a great time; he made you laugh, conversation going just as easy whenever you talked, you got to know each other a little bit more and—
× heh
× at the end, after applying all the red hair dye, you massaged his scalp gently
× guess who melts in your hands? yes, giant ass dog-man melts into a puddle under your hands and it's the cutest fucking thing you've ever seen
× I'm serious, he sighs and leans into your gloved hands with zero [0] shame, eyes closed and peaceful expression on his features apart from a small smile
× you tease him and he laughs it off, but promise him you'd give him head scratches when he was finished with the dye, washed off and hair dry
× and you better deliver
× "Don't think I forgot!" he'd say as he'd hop on his make-shift bed in the living room by your side, tail moving from side to side
× as you start playing with his locks, he falls into your lap and starts snoring
× move an inch and he opens his eyes to look at you confused
× puppy eyes questioning you if you're leaving 🥺
× yep, you fall asleep together
× you point out to yourself that those puppy eyes will be the death of you
× he's a touchy guy, okay? since he's been touchy with you from the very start you never questioned it, even read on the internet that many hybrids descended from house pets need physical affection, like hugs, pats, scratches, all the bag, so it wasn't a big deal for you
× except it was a big deal because he's been around for a month and you're already catching feelings and that's bad because you did not bring him there to fall for him but to help him start a new life and—
× oh my god, what if he thought you were one of those people from the horror stories about hybrid adoption that only wanted them for one thing—
× no, no, no, nO, NO.
× anxiety was getting to you as the guilt of catching feelings for him, plus the fact that he was financially dependant on you for the time which would've made it even worse if he found out, PLUS he comes from such a rough life, he definitely needs a break and doesn't need his first human friend in forever to be a piece of;;;
× Kiri catches on this really constant and increasing feeling of anxiety; he starts to send you worried glances but doesn't know how to proceed
× in such a soft voice he asks if you're okay, if something is on your mind
× and since you weren't sharing anything but acted as if everything was alright even when he felt you lied, Kiri started to get worried too
× why were you anxious? why weren't you talking to him about it?
× oh, god, was he a burden? because he felt like one;;; did you want him out? he felt like an extra weight for you and wanted to do something about it but maybe you got sick of him? he felt unmanly...
× the fact that he knew he cared about you as more than just a friend made him even more anxious and it didn't help that whenever he touched you he heard your breath hitch or your heart beating louder; he got his hopes up then down because
× you smelled like people; people he didn't know, people he wanted to know because he needed to know why did you smell like them? were they a treat? were they potential partners? he really did not want to ask bc Kirishima felt like it wasn't his place to know
× as tension grew in the house you decided to gift him a new phone, ready to give him some news that reached your ears
× it seems Kiri himself liked to do sports and mainly jog to keep himself active and he's started to pass by the local dog-park to play with the dogs
× imagine your surprise when a few neighbors asked you if he'd be willing to train their dogs bc he's been teaching them stuff like once a week and the dogs listened
× big time dog whisperer; he says "Sit" to one dog and all dogs in the neighborhood sit too, you get me?
× so you said it would be nice for him to have his own money; not like you didn't help him without care, but you saw his face every time you bought something for him and really felt like he needed some real independence
× he's in ✨awe✨ because you came up with clients already that were very eager for dog training sessions, which he loved??? and suggested hours, wages??????
× and you gave him this new phone to help him with it if he's interested too?
× "Well, the normal price on the internet around the area is—"
× "[Y/N]."
× "Hmm?"
× "You're really amazing, you know that, right?" he'd have his lips curled into a sweet smile
× which makes your heart go crazy and this man notices how you get flustered
× loves it
× get ready for compliments; a lot of compliments just expecting your sweet flustered reactions
× he's slow at realizing your feelings for him because he beats himself down and seems himself as less of a man but tests the waters nonetheless and a d o r e s every time you struggle to thank him for said compliments and don't know how to continue functioning
× catches on and gets his hopes up
× and so you do
× listen, this is hilarious because you're both dumb idiots and want to be respectful towards the other meanwhile he hugs you tighter and for a little bit too long, loving how you melt into him, kisses you on the cheek and sees you get all flustered, looks at you like you're the only one to ever matter until you stop talking, turning everything into a giant mess of silence until you both grin at each other???? I'm getting second-hand embarrassment, just kiss???????
× and it happened with an accidental kiss
× you greeted him as he walked through the door, excited to tell him about your promotion, rambling about the take-out you ordered while he smiled at you
× and it started to be usual for you to greet him with a kiss on the cheek, right? just what normal roomies do, you know [mhmm~]
× he's taking his shoes off and knows the kiss is coming, but just before you press it on his cheek you whisper/squeal "I got the promotion!" to which he turns his head in surprise at you making your lips press together by accident [mhhhmmmmm~~~]
× cue both of you apologizing, looking like a mess
× he's blushing
× you both loved it
× why are you standing so close to each other?
× why did he lick his lips in daze while staring at yours?
× which one of you was leaning in for another kiss?
× it didn't really matter because he's kissing you slowly, taking you into his arms like you were made of porcelain
× glues his body to yours and breathes you in, lips locked, neither believing it was real
× lifts you up in his arms with no difficulty and smiles, both inches separated from another; "Congratulations..." his breath would fan over your face;;;;
× yeah, okay, he takes no time to confess, resulting in a mess of manly words skdjekldj you guys talked that whole night while cuddling and stealing kisses, you on his lap
× [ his nose brushing your neck; he loves your scent omg ]
× it becomes official pretty much instantly and then all your worries wash away
× all the anxiety, all the stress and overthinking, they've all been sorted out in one night and trust me, afterwards this man is pure honesty and loyalty
× he won't hesitate to talk to you about anything and will be such a patient sweetheart with you, listening to every word you say without judgment
× loves cheesy stuff? as in the most cliché stuff seen in movies? that's his shit right there; whenever you two see each other after some time apart [sometimes 5 minutes apart] he'd pick you in his arms and spin you around, then expect you to kiss him
× if you don't, i will skfjdkfk step aside 👀
× skin contact; please, touch him
× if you're not he sends you those famous puppy eyes and we all know they're killer
× sighs, happy to hold you tight against him, engulfing you into his big frame; yeah, you're where you belong, in his arms.
× everyone in the neighborhood loves him; it's ridiculous, seriously, because you find out he helped around all the time when you were at work and gained everyone's love
× makes an instagram account to teach people how to train their dog and becomes an internet sensation, a small celebrity
× also bc he's hot and sometimes posts working out pics
× skdksjs imagine this: makes dinner for both of you, lits up some candles, goes all in, then fucking posts it on ig saying "waiting for my baby to come home #surprise" forgetting you can see it lmfao
× you see the story on your way home and 🥺💞 "ye i love his oblivious ass"
× soft gasps when you tell him after dinner
× has the audacity to be surprised, like babe????
× Kaminari finds him through social media and this baby cries in relief for a good half an hour
× both team up to find all the gang
× guess who talks praises about you all the time? mhm, this guy right here is proud to have you
× and Denki has to deal with it;
× anywho! want to break him for good? tell him you love him for the first time
× GETS. SO. EXCITED. AND. EMOTIONAL.
× but forgets how to speak
× finds his words to say it back after staring at you entranced, grinning like an idiot, taking you in his arms and giving you a bone crushing hug while shaking in place
× he's never felt this loved and adores every second of it
× you're like a drug and he's deep gone, man
× tells you he loves you every single day
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505 notes · View notes
the-bau-quinjet · 3 years
Text
Surprises
Natasha Romanoff x daughter!reader
Summary: Typically you spend every birthday alone with your mom, so a big party with all the avengers is definitely a surprise.
Warnings: mostly fluff, some happy tears, adoption
Word count: 1389
a/n: Another really cute request!! Thanks for sending it in! @maximeevansblog
Masterlist
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"Happy birthday peanut!" Your mom woke you up with breakfast in bed, a birthday tradition for the two of you. No matter what was going on in the realm of the avengers, she always made sure to eat breakfast with you on your birthday.
"Thanks mom." You smile through a yawn, rubbing your face to wake yourself up more.
"What do you want to do today?" You weren't surprised by the question. You always get to choose what the two of you do on your birthday, but your hoping to add someone knew to the mix.
"I just want to stick to the usual stuff, hair salon, manicures! Maybe Bucky could come with us for lunch though..."
Natasha couldn't help but smile, truly happy at the idea of you wanting Bucky in your life.
Even before Nat and Bucky started dating, he took on a fatherly role in your life. For some reason, you clicked with him better than any of the other male avengers.
"Oh, I'm sure he would love to, but he's got some paperwork he has to get done today." She hated lying to you, but she wasn't going to blow the surprise now.
"Ugh, he always leaves it to the last minute! You need to talk to that man about time management." You huffed, stuffing more food into your mouth. "We can still eat dinner with him though, right?"
"Of course. He wouldn't miss your birthday dinner! Now hurry up and get dressed, we've got tons to do!"
You laughed at her antics, quickly getting up to change out of your pajamas. You would never tell anyone this, but you're convinced your mom likes your birthday more than you. It's the only day a year she truly lets herself get pampered, slipping away from her cunning assassin persona to celebrate with you.
After changing, you met your mom in the kitchen. Weirdly enough, you didn't run into anyone else in the compound before you left.
The first stop was the hair salon. You were finally going to dye your hair red. You settled on a reddish purple, drawing inspiration from your mom's red hair, but adding a twist just for you.
You sat and joked with your mom for the entire two hours it took for the hair dying process.
That was another of your favorite things about your birthday. Barring any world saving missions, the two of you would goof off like a normal family.
After your hair was done, you got lunch and went for manicures. You didn't want the color to clash with your hair, so you went with a classic matte black look.
You were so lost in the fun and laughter, you didn't notice Nat constantly checking her phone.
"Why don't we go shopping? You can pick out a fancy dress, 16 is a big birthday after all!"
"Are you sure? Where would I even wear a dress like that?" Your mom hated dress shopping at the mall. Usually she would have dresses brought to the compound, or well- Tony would for her.
"Definitely! We can just get dressed up for fun, have a fancy dinner with Bucky?" She posed the question as if the idea just popped into her head, relying on her spy training to convince you.
"That sounds so fun! Let's go!" You were too excited to be suspicious of her motives, so off you went.
After a few hours trying on dresses, you found the perfect one. It was dark gray and super sparkly. It fit you just right, the color perfectly complimenting your freshly dyed hair. You stepped out of the dressing room, eager to see your mom's reaction.
"Oh, honey. You're beautiful. That's got to be the one."
"My thoughts exactly!" You smiled, twirling around in your fancy dress.
Unsurprisingly, your mom looked incredible in every dress she tried on. She settled on a dark green satin gown, drawing attention to her bright red hair.
Taking the glamourous day to the extreme, the two of you walked out of the store still clad in the gowns. It made for quite the runway experience on the way back to the car.
You fell asleep on the ride home, tired from a full day of shopping.
Nat woke you up when she parked the car, gently shaking your shoulder,
"C'mon peanut, Bucky's got dinner ready." Your stomach grumbled at the mention of food, jolting you from your slumber.
"Did you tell him to dress up? I don't want him to be left out." You yawned, leaning into your mom in the elevator.
"Yeah, he's dressed up." Her tone lead you to believe she knew something you didn't, but you didn't have much time to question it.
"Surprise!"
The elevator doors slid open, revealing a massive amount of party decorations. The avengers stood around the room, all dressed to the nines, huge smiles on their faces.
You eagerly ran around the room, hugging everyone you could see. "Thank you all so much!"
You celebrated your birthday in style, eating your favorite finger foods in extravagant evening gowns. Everyone played games, sang happy birthday, and ate cake.
"Time for presents!" Tony announced to the room, never one to shy away from giving gifts. The man had money, and boy did he like to spend it.
Everyone sat down, waiting for you to start opening presents.
Steve gave you art supplies and a promise to finally teach you how to paint, something you'd been begging him for since you were 7.
Clint gave you a new bow, something you'd been bugging him about since he broke yours.
Tony bought you a car, something that genuinely caused you to scream.
Wanda and Sam gave you bath bombs and candles, two of your favorite things.
You constantly thanked everyone for the presents, feeling truly loved by the group of crime fighters.
The last present you had to open was from Bucky. He handed you a card, a nervous expression on his face. You gratefully accepted the envelope, hugging and thanking him before you even opened it.
The room went quiet as you tore open the envelope, a weird mood encompassing the group.
Again, you felt like they knew something you didn't, but you brushed it off, not wanting to seem ungrateful for Bucky's gift.
You pulled an official looking paper from the envelope, confusion apparent on your face as you began to read the heading out loud.
"At a term of the Family Court of New York, held in and for the County of Hamilton, in the matter of the adoption of Y/N Romanoff..." You trailed off, eyes filling with tears as you read the rest of the paper.
"Bucky, you... you adopted me?" Your voice was barely audible.
"Surprise?" He stuttered out the word, unsure what your reaction meant. Everyone thought you would be ecstatic at the news, maybe even scream louder than you did for the car.
"You adopted me." You whispered again, a mixture of disbelief and finality in your words. Tears were freely falling from your eyes, blurring your view of the room.
"Don't cry! I- I didn't mean to make you cry!" He was frantically looking around the room, terrified that he made a huge mistake. He loves you like you're his own, but maybe you didn't see him like a dad.
"I'm sorry! I'll fix it! I'll figure out how to undo it. I didn't want-"
"No!" Your voice startled the whole room. You smiled at the familiarity of nervous Bucky. He was like that when we first wanted to ask your mom out, unsure of how you would feel about it. "No, no, no. They're happy tears. I promise!" You sniffled, reaching out for him.
He instantly pulled you into a massive bear hug, the relief pouring out of him in waves. Everyone but Natasha quietly left the room, giving your little family a moment of privacy.
"I love you so much, Y/N. I just wanted you to know that I'll always be there for you and Nat. The two of you are my family." Bucky's voice wavered, full of emotion after the days event. Even Nat had tears in her eyes when she joined the hug.
You smiled up at him, tears still blurring your vision.
"I love you too, dad."
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nctsjiho · 3 years
Text
King of Hearts
warnings: none
era: July 2021
❀ Lucas decides it’s time to take JiHo out for her first date
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Leaned over the kitchen counter, rolling an orange from hand to hand, JiHo was deeply invested in the conversation she was having with her manager. Not Yebin, but her Esteem manager she was currently living with. The poor piece of fruit had suffered bruises from the few times the young girl had dropped it or tossed it too hard, but JiHo paid no mind as she listened to Sihyun – the manager – talk about the latest gossip in the model and acting industry. Yes, JiHo had the ‘privilege’, or whatever you wanted to call it, to get the insider-scoop about that industry before stuff got public, if it ever went public anyway.
Mid-conversation the two women heard the keypad of their front door beep, indicating that someone was trying to get inside. Usually this would concern the residents, definitely because they were the only ones living in the apartment, but Sihyun knew. She knew JiHo had practically given the password to their house to all her groupmates.
And even though Sihyun wasn’t initially comfortable with 23 men being able to walk inside her house at any given moment, she quickly came to terms with it when all the boys had been nothing but respectful of her privacy and 99% of the time would announce their arrival. The only times they did not announce it was during the early afternoon hours when they knew JiHo would be home alone, or on the occasional moment they would just forget. This time seemed like one of those moments.
“Hello princess!” A loud voice boomed through the apartment from the small corridor. Sihyun who stood on the other side of the counter had a clear visual of the surprise visitor and smiled watching his goofy stance. JiHo however didn’t need to take a look at him to know who the visitor was. “Took you long enough, how many days have you been in Korea already? And you hadn’t visited.” JiHo continued to play with the abused piece of fruit earning a scowl from Sihyun – she knew the girl wasn’t going to eat that orange afterwards and it would be headed straight for the bin.
Soon enough two long, strong arms slithered around the girl’s waist. “I’m sorry, but I’m here now.” JiHo felt her bar stool turn – it wasn’t even a swivel chair – until she was met with a bright smile. She couldn’t help herself but smile back, yet her smile quickly turned into a confused frown when she saw the bag in Lucas’ outstretched hand. “What’s this? A house warming gift? You know it’s a little late for that now.” Lucas just smiled as he shook his head. “We’re going on a date! Now go change.” He pushed the bag into JiHo’s lap.
The girl’s confused expression quickly turned into one of shock, while Sihyun just tried to contain her excited shrieks behind her hands. The 26 year old woman felt like she was watching some sort of K-drama and no one would blame her, since Lucas looked like a handsome main-lead with his hair styled back and wearing a nice pair of jeans along with a crisp looking white button up. Oh how Sihyun wished she could get him to agree to work under Esteem, but he was already successful enough getting modelling jobs without having to look for any. Every clothing brand and fashion magazine in Korea and China had their eyes on him already. Esteem had nothing more to offer to him.
“A date?” The boy – man might be a more appropriate title for him – nodded his head wildly, messing his hair up a bit in the meantime. “Why?” “Because I heard you’ve had a stressful time these past months and so I want you to relax. Plus! I missed you and I want to hang out.” JiHo’s face softened at the confession, but she couldn’t help but feel the nerves flutter in her stomach. “But we can hang out inside and just order some food or something-“ The feigned disappointed shake of Lucas’ head cut JiHo off mid-sentence. “Chenle told me you’ve been playing Valorant every day after your schedules, practise and recordings. It’s time for you to get your butt outside.” Before JiHo could protest a sigh from behind the kitchen counter caught their attention.
Sihyun’s eyes widened as she saw the two young idols look at her, but she quickly regained her composure. “I agree with Lucas. You seriously need to leave this house more.” “I have been! I literally went skateboarding all the time with Yangyang this month.” JiHo defended, yet Lucas faked a cough to grab her attention. “What?” “I’ve heard you haven’t went since that last time when you invited He-“ “Okay! I’ll get dressed, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” JiHo pushed herself of the chair and ran towards her room. Lucas and Sihyun both just smiled knowingly before engaging in a conversation together.
Dresses weren’t completely foreign territory for JiHo, she had worn a handful now for work and she was well aware that her taste in fashion had changed over the past few months. She now wasn’t completely opposed to wearing a dress casually, even though this had not yet happened so far. However, as she looked at the dress she felt her hands get a bit sweaty.
It wasn’t that the dress was ugly, or too revealing. Not at all. It was just that JiHo actually really liked it, she didn’t know how to react. Slipping the yellow fabric over her head, she noticed how the dress fit like a glove, as if it was made for her. It was a silly thought, but somehow JiHo felt like she was having her princess moment right now – which was fitting because this was all thanks to Lucas who liked to call her princess. For once JiHo felt super feminine in a comfortable way and she wouldn’t like to admit it, but she really loved the feeling.
JiHo quickly put on one of the necklaces Lucas had bought her months, maybe even years ago, did her makeup in record time – well the makeup really only consisted of mascara and a lip tint – and made sure her hair looked acceptable to go out. Once finished she walked back to Lucas who was still talking to Sihyun.
“Oh you look so cute!” Sihyun almost squealed causing JiHo to roll her eyes. “I’m ready to go.” The young girl said to catch Lucas attention. He turned his body so he could see JiHo standing beside him. It took a few seconds before Lucas could form the right words to say, taken aback by how different JiHo looked right then. “Wow~ You look even prettier right now.”
The bright smile and breathy words coming from Lucas didn’t fail to make JiHo flustered. She’d already gotten used to Lucas calling her ‘pretty’ and ‘beautiful’ a lot of times and she knew that he meant it every time, but right now the words just seemed to register differently and catch her off guard.
An open hand “harshly” made contact with Lucas’ arm to which he winced. “Let’s just go.” JiHo mumbled going to the corridor where her shoes and bags were located.
Lucas couldn’t stop himself from helping to choose a bag and a pair of shoes for JiHo which he thought would fit best with her outfit. “Where are we even going?” She asked curiously after slipping on a pair of low, cream, sandal-like heels. “It’s a surprise, but we’re definitely getting some food as well and we won’t have to walk too much. So don’t worry.” He teased, but JiHo couldn’t help but smile. “You know me too well.”
To say that JiHo needed this “date” was an understatement; with how she was beaming and laughing nonstop, Lucas could’ve sworn that if JiHo was locked up in her apartment one more day she would’ve completely lost it. He could visibly see how the tension in JiHo’s muscles melted away. The twinkle her eyes held looked so innocent and childlike, as if she was experiencing things for the first time. And as the duo now sat across each other at a table in one of the nicest rooftop restaurants in the area, Lucas couldn’t move his gaze from the everlasting smile on JiHo’s face boosting his pride.
“I didn’t know there was a butterfly garden in Seoul.” JiHo deeply exhaled, thinking back at how beautiful all the butterflies looked up close. “Did you like it?” Lucas asked, awaiting a positive answer. When JiHo’s eyes widened, Lucas started to get slightly worried, but the girl’s passionate answer quickly eased his nerves. “What do you think? I loved it! Every part. The butterfly garden, the café, and now this restaurant.” She then shoved the piece of steak that was on her fork into her mouth, not waiting until she had swallowed it she continued, “I think this is the best food I’ve ever eaten.”
A low chuckle left Lucas’ lips as he watched JiHo chew and swallow the rest of her food. “I should take you out more often then.” He smiled, mostly to himself, but JiHo perked up at his words. “Hm? Why?” Lucas looked up to meet JiHo’s eyes. “I mean, today was great, so yeah I’d definitely wouldn’t mind doing this again. But why would you want to?” “Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile this beautifully before.”
At his words JiHo couldn’t help but blush, the comment completely catching her of guard. She wondered how after those years of compliments Lucas managed to make her blush like that, but somehow, today, Lucas had found a way so that any- and everything he said or did would make her feel like a young teenage girl going on a date with her crush.
“You always try to be so professional and even if you have fun and play around sometimes, it’s like you’re always on your toes. Seeing you let go and genuinely be happy, being able to forget about your worries, it looks absolutely stunning on you JiHo.” JiHo looked down at her now empty plate before mumbling, “Did China turn you into a cheesy heartthrob or what’s up with you?” It was barely a question and definitely a coping mechanism – JiHo didn’t know how to react to Lucas sincerity – but Lucas was all for it, laughing at how adorable JiHo looked.
“What? Are you falling in love with me princess?” JiHo looked up with a gasp. “Don’t call me that in public! If someone hears you and recognises us, dating rumours are definitely going to spread and SM won’t be happy.” JiHo scolded, but Lucas could only laugh. She was clearly just trying to avoid the question because she was already very aware that Lucas rented out the whole rooftop for the two of them, no one would be able to hear them. And even if she did forget, with just one glance it would’ve been obvious it was only the two of them there, besides the 2 waiters who were enjoying their own conversation at the bar.
Once the duo had finished their dinner and after they continued talking for about 2 hours afterwards, they headed back to JiHo’s apartment. Luckily all the boys’ dorms weren’t too far away from the apartment, so Lucas wasn’t rushing to get her home or to leave after she arrived safely.
“You really didn’t have to walk all the way up here. You’re acting like we’re in some teenage chick flick.” JiHo smiled as she pushed in the code into her door’s keylock. With that Lucas leaned against the wall next to her – in the most cliché way – while sending her a smile of his own. “Do you not like it?” The keylock dinged at the correct input and JiHo began to push open the door with one hand, the other hand pushing at Lucas’ chest. “Careful or I’ll tell Yuta oppa about this and I don’t think he’d be too happy.” For a second Lucas smile faded as he felt the tiniest bit of fear arise at the though of his hyung’s possible reaction, but his smile returned just as quickly. “I’m sure he won’t after he sees all the pretty pictures I took of you today.”
Again JiHo felt her cheeks flare up just the slightest, but this time purely out of embarrassment. “Don’t show those pictures to anyone.” “But you looked pretty today. And it’s not as if the boys haven’t see you wearing a dress before.” JiHo just shook her head and sent him a warning glare. “But I don’t mind being the only one who’s allowed to see you look this pretty- Ouch! What was that for?” The boy held his arm where he just got pinched.  “For being annoying.”
A pout formed on Lucas’ lips but it quickly got wiped away once JiHo pulled him into a quick hug, making sure the front door didn’t fall back into the lock with her foot keeping it open. “Thanks for today. Thanks for being my prince and taking me out on my first date.” Normally JiHo would cringe at her own words, but somehow every ounce of shame was thrown out of the window now that she was around Lucas. “It really was your first date huh?” He smirked, cocking one brow. “Yeah yeah, now don’t go ‘bragging’ about it to the others, okay?” However Lucas just smirked again as he began making his way to the elevator. “No promises princess!” JiHo hushed him, but he was already inside the elevator, doors closing behind him. “Oh God, Doyoung, Yuta and Kun are all going to kill him.” She mumbled to herself walking into her apartment.
Just as the door closed behind her she heard her phone vibrate. And then vibrate again. Until it just became one constant buzz. Looking at her phone she saw the notifications of the NCT group chat along with the words ‘Lucas and JiHo’ as well as ‘date’ and ‘princess’. Shaking her head in disbelief and deciding to ignore the messages until tomorrow, JiHo mumbled to herself again. “At least if I don’t get to him and kill him first.”
---
Side Note: The only reason that this writing is called ‘King of Hearts’ is for me to tell you that you should listen to that song. Winwin’s vocals 👌 Yangyang’s last verse 👌 Hendery during that live performance of this song in Bangkok (he’s so hot and talented, please stan him)👌 How this song was literally made for Lucas 👌 Yes I’ve listened to it 10+ times on repeat one day and I’d gladly do it again!
Also someone tell me to stop posting every other day, why am I doing this to myself also me feeling writing/creative withdrawal when I don’t post😅 
Have a nice day/evening/night loves 🤍💚🤍
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jarofstyles · 4 years
Text
Dirty Business V- Affogato
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A/N: HI!!! sorry for the long wait, we’ve been really busy with life, but we wanted to get some stuff out for you! We’ve taken some of the requests about this series into consideration and tried our best to fit in everything we could. If it’s not in this part, it will likely be in the next! We’re thinking two more parts for them? let us know you’re thoughts! - n + d
send feedback and requests here
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masterlist
pairing: Harry Styles x Reader
warnings: smut, FILTHY dirty talk, rough sex, use of toys  👉🏼👈🏼
word count: 6.8k
Things were going amazingly for the two love birds. 
Harry had been excelling at his job, it seemed everyday Y/N’s father was giving him praises. Y/N had felt secure enough to return her focus on her boutique, expanding the store online and even dabbling in designing some of her own clothes. The anniversary of her father’s company was coming up, the big 50th, and as usual she knew to expect a special event to be planned where all of his most coveted employees, partners, clients, and investors would be invited to attend. Food, drinks, live music, the whole lot. It was the talk of the year. Y/N also knew that this meant that Harry would be meeting her mother far sooner than she had hoped. The pair had been together for about 3 months now, stable and in the groove so it seemed right, but she knew how her mother could be. How unpleasant she was especially when it came to things that Y/N loved doing.
“Babe? you sure this is alright?” Harry called over to her general direction. Y/N had bought him some Gucci suit— well, called up her friend who worked the head and asked for one? Giving them Harry's photo and measurements. It was a black with a silky pattern and he didn’t know much about it other than the designer and he liked it. “I feel like I look expensive. Kind of like a prick.” He smiled. “Love it though.” He had her hands going through his hair before and he missed the feeling. Y/N was much more relaxed with him. Calmer. Soothed. Like a different person and not as anxious or on edge. When they had gone away to Paris it was similar, but here at their home, she was on edge. Especially today. “Oi, my love. Where did you go?” He peeked out to her bedroom from the en suite,  seeing the room empty, before he heard the heels clicking down the hall.
“I’m here, baby! One second!” Y/N came walking back, just having finished slipping on her dress, she just needed to get a few extra things. Accessories for herself and for Harry to complete the look. As promised, she had gotten him a Rolex, a small congratulations for moving up in the company, but also because she felt like he deserved it for being so incredible. A wide smile spread across her face when she saw him, admiring him in the sleek suit that hugged his body just perfectly. “Mmm I think you look perfect.” Y/N cooed, walking closer to him and gently playing with the lapels of his jacket. He had learned well from her, the top buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned only slightly and it definitely gave him that youthful expensive look. Y/N hooked her finger in his necklaces and tugged him closer to her, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. Thank god for liquid lipstick, not that she cared about him having lipstick stains on his lips. “Give me your wrist. Close your eyes.” She spoke, pecking his lips in between each sentence.
Harry was so lucky. He was reminded every time he saw his woman but— there was that blank in his head that wondered just how the fuck he had been able to resist this woman for so long. She was perfect for him. In all aspects. 
“Hm?” He pouted when she pulled away, her immaculate lipstick that matched her dress perfectly not budging at all. It was amazing. Some feminine magic he didn’t know about. “A surprise?” He raised a brow, not sure what it was. But, the man complied, closing his eyes when he felt a cold metal on his wrist. At first he thought she was being kinky but it wasn’t a handcuff. It was... a bracelet? A watch? Too heavy just for jewelry. When she told him to open, he nearly passed out. A fucking Rolex. The cheapest he had seen being 4 grand. But he knew this one was leaps and bounds more expensive considering the fact it was gold. “Y/N...” Harry breathed, eyes wide. “Baby... What is this?”
“Congratulations, my love.” Y/N cooed, pressing another kiss to his lips. “On the promotion, on making waves... Every businessman deserves a good watch... can tell a lot about a man by his watch. I wanted the best man I know to have the best watch.” She blushed and gave a squeeze to the hand she held. “Do you like it?” She asked sweetly, a bit shy because she knew she went a bit overboard with gifts but she felt like it was the least she could do. Y/N knew that all this money her family had went nowhere and she would rather spend it on him, someone who deserved it, than let it set collecting dust. Y/N knew once he took over the company that he’d be donating all the money he didn’t have use for. “I know you don’t necessarily like me spending lots of money on gifts, but... you’ll have this watch forever and ever and you can pass it down and everything and it will always remind you of your successes and humble beginnings and your hard work.”
“Yeah— I wanted to yell at you for spending so much but I know it’s cause... your heart is there.” He sighed, looking it over. His Y/N. His sweet, lovely, beauty. So generous and thoughtful. Pulling her in, a sweet kiss was given to her lips, repeated a few times. “Thank you. You’re the best.” She was one of the best things, if not the best thing to happen to him. “Trust me. I adore you. And I adore this watch. But if you buy me something ten grand again, I will spank your little ass until it’s bruised.” He brought a hand down for a warning spank and smirked when she squealed. “I love it. Wow.... now. How about we get going?” He smoothed the hair from her face. “Precious girl. You’re so lovely. I can’t wait to show off that you’re mine.” At work he didn’t let her bet too touchy. But outside of work, he had gotten a bit too happy with it!
Y/N was happy to hear that he liked the watch, she would happily take a spanking for spending loads of money on him. He definitely deserved it. It’s a good thing he didn’t know how much all of these clothes cost either. What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him though. She had her driver come pick the two of them up, thankfully, Oliver was with Niall for tonight so he wouldn’t have to be alone for god knows how long. These things usually dragged on for hours but as long as the two of them made it to at least midnight, they’d be fine. Besides, Y/N was sure she could manage to sneak them away somewhere. 
----
When they arrived at the hotel, Y/N hooked her arm in his and put on her best resting bitch face. Everyone there knew who she was of course, but it was Harry’s first time attending. He looked incredible and she could feel the eyes on him. She couldn’t help but smirk to herself, knowing she had a catch. Harry was perfect. 
“Relax.” Harry kissed her cheek. Oh, how he wished she could be her bubbly and happy self here. “It’s alright. I can feel your nerves from here, my love. I’m here.” He cupped the side of her face with his free hand, kissing her forehead too. It was amazing to see her other persona pop up, incredible even. She was so easy to speak to people with this mask on and fake laughed at things while he observed and talked every so often. He would linger at her side and pull her in, kiss the side of her head or whisper funny things that came to mind. She was slowly relaxing but never enough.
“Styles, my boy!” Y/N’s father’s voice called from behind. “Princess, you look beautiful.” He complimented before turning to look at Harry. “Love seeing you two together.” As much as Y/N wanted to believe he meant that in a genuine way, she knew he really just liked the fact that his favorite employee was dating his daughter, that his legacy and company was in good hands. 
Y/N instantly stiffened up, hating that she didn’t even get a chance to brief or warn Harry about her mother. She knew I’d her father was there she wouldn’t be far behind. Keeping up this illusion that they actually loved one another. The all too familiar clicking of heels coming her way informed her that that moment was coming even sooner than she hoped. Y/N certainly didn’t have a great relationship with her mother and no matter how old she was she still felt her anxiety spike whenever she was around. Be it the comments she made on her life choices or how she looked, she always managed to spoil her mood. 
“Y/N?” Her mother asked with a raised brow, looking between her and Harry with a look of surprise. “Is this your boyfriend your father has been raving about?” She spoke in a tone only Y/N could read as sarcasm. The look on her face gave it away to others though. 
“Yes, he is. Harry, this is my mother. Mother, this is my boyfriend, Harry.”
Harry held her to him. She had tensed up next to him and he felt it as she got upset. She tried not to show it. 
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He extended a hand to greet her. He was prepared slightly for the grimace when she took his hand, shaking it weakly. Oh, great. “You’ve raised a lovely young woman. I enjoy her company very much.” He complimented, trying to make this pleasant— but he knew Y/N wasn’t the fondest of her mother and he was prepared for something to go wrong. Anything. He was concerned. 
“Dear, this is Harry. He’s been treating Y/N very well and a very good worker.” Her father tried to soften the blow of what was going to come.
“Charmed.” Her mother answered in her usual snobby tone. The woman was never impressed by anyone or anything really. No amount of money could buy this woman happiness or passion. She was bitter. For what reason? No one was sure. “Just how well can he treat her if she bought everything he’s wearing?” Her mother countered, very much able to sniff out her daughter's sense of fashion. She was aware that her husband never hired anyone with money, no, people with money always had motives. He always hired potential. 
The comment made Y/N’s blood boil. She felt like she was seeing red. Y/N finally felt like she had a positive influence on her life, felt like someone was making her into a better version of herself and her mother had to step in and invalidate it. 
“He treats me so well that I struggle to walk most days...you must have forgotten how that feels, yeah?” The words flew out of her mouth before she could even think. She just needed to get something out even if it wasn’t the most appropriate thing to say to her mother. Then again, she wouldn’t take disrespect from anyone.
Harry closed his eyes at her comment. Jesus Christ, Y/N. He wasn’t taking her mother’s comments seriously but she had blurted out a very obvious innuendo about the fact Harry fucked her so good she was wobbly, the first time meeting her mother. 
“Baby...” He chuckled, squeezing her sides. “Is money more important than how your daughter is treated, ma’am?” He said it a bit loudly, knowing her husband was looking more amused than anything. He wouldn’t get in trouble for this. “While I’m saving money for our future and showering her in more affection and love then anyone else with a hundred million in their bank accounts ever would, I am happy. I think your daughter is very happy with me. She buys me things and I buy her things. Our relationship isn’t transactional, ma’am. It never will be either.”
The older woman looked them both up and down, taking a sip of her champagne and letting out a sigh. “It’s not about the money, it’s about our reputation...” She answered and let out a sigh. “Then again, she’s never been good at making choices that represent our family well.” She rolled her eyes. 
Y/N didn’t even have a chance to say a word before her father moved his arm in between the two. “It was actually my idea, dear... Harry is the closest thing to a son I have and he will be the next in line when I step down... regardless if he is with our daughter or not.” He stated calmly, “Please, do not bring this nonsense into tonight’s celebration.” 
Y/N was left speechless at her father’s statement. The entire interaction further proved her beliefs that she wasn’t really an important member of the family. She was merely there. Her father so calmly defended Harry, said he’d have the job regardless of Y/N being in the picture or not. It was like a shot to her stomach. 
“Well what a shame that is.” Her mother sighed, looking around the room to find someone else to talk to before excusing herself and leaving the group all together.
“Excuse us, sir.” Harry gently took Y/N’s arm and led her out to the back patio, knowing she felt upset. He could just... feel it. The energy of the room wasn’t helping her and the fact people had been looking. Weaving through people, he gave professional smiles with little nods before he got to the doors, taking notice of some of the people out there and walking towards the empty side. It was a time that he knew her well enough to know she needed some alone time to recharge. Most of all, she needed a hug. 
Y/N was stunned, her face stone cold as the two of them walked out onto the balcony for some fresh air. She couldn’t bring herself to cry about her parents again, couldn’t bring herself to cry in front of all these people. It was just a kick to the stomach really, the one this she had been prepared for but was hoping to avoid. 
Harry gripped her waist and held the back of her head to his chest, sighing when he felt her rest herself against him. His back was taking the blow so no one could see her being vulnerable. 
“My baby.” He soothed, petting her hair. “You alright? Not the best interaction hm?” Her hair smelled so good and he focused solely on her, not focusing on any possible business opportunities. She was his priority. “I’m sorry I got loud with her. I didn’t mean to but I don’t want her to speak about our relationship like that.” Harry muttered. “I won’t let people disrespect you or us like that.”
“‘s not your fault, Harry...” Y/N spoke softly, “no need to apologize, you did everything right.” Y/N added and allowed herself to close her eyes and relax into him. “I didn’t want you to meet her...” She said in a quiet whisper, “She has a way of getting into your head… I didn’t want her to... to make you feel like I wasn’t proud of you or that I’m not proud to show you off...” Y/N didn’t really care what her mother said at this point, she knew she was wrong. It was the way her father defended Harry first that really made her upset. “Do you believe me now?” She asked quietly, pulling back to look at him with worry in her eyes. Y/N had told him about how her parents didn’t care about her as long as they had their money and reputation.
“Baby...” Harry’s heart broke. “I’ve believed you since you told me. I always believed you. I don’t know how they could feel that way but...” He smoothed his thumb over her face. “My darling girl. You always have me on your side.” It was nearly impossible for him to comprehend why either of them cared so much more about money and reputation than they did about the happiness and well being of their daughter but he wouldn’t stand for it. He wouldn’t ever let anyone make any children of his feel that way. “She isn’t going to get into my head at all. I’m happy with you. I know who I am. You’ve made me feel so much more secure in that. Not the job, but just how it is. We need each other.” He pressed a kiss to her nose. “You’re what I want to have and who I want to be with. No one can convince me otherwise. I want you. You’re my sweet girl. My angel. My baby. Yeah? No matter what shit she says or tries, I’m not going anywhere. She can’t change my mind.” Thumbs rubbed soothing circles into the girls skin, Harry’s eyes soft. “She’s probably going to have very, very limited time with our children though. Even supervised.”
Our children. 
Y/N felt her heart flutter. Harry had said it to her before, sure, but to hear him say it so confidently again and to know he was thinking about it? Well, it just made everything feel better. Restored her confidence though it hadn’t faltered much like it usually did. 
“Funny how you think she’s even going to get to meet our children.” Y/N mumbled, looking up at him with her brows furrowed and nose scrunched. It wasn’t nearly as intimidating as she thought it was but his fond little laugh was worth the attempt. “I love you.” She told him again, her voice gentle and sweet. Y/N had saved saying it for moments like these and though he still hadn’t said it back to her, she didn’t mind the wait. “So much.” Harry was truly her rock. Had he not been here, had he not been the way he was, Y/N would have reacted much differently and would likely be making a scene. She had gotten so much better. “But the company is yours regardless... you heard it straight from the horse's mouth.” Y/N said to him with a small smile, “How does that make you feel?” She asked and moved her hands up to play with the unbuttoned portion of his shirt.
“I love you even more, my sweet girl.” Harry pulled her in for a few sweetened kisses to make her smile a bit more than she had. He did love her, the girl was so lovely. He would risk it all for her, every bit. “It feels nice that the company is mine, but I’d choose you before I chose it.” That's the truth. For a long time at the beginning he was trying to focus on that but she had brought him so much happiness, so much self love for himself and he was head over heels for the woman. 
“You love me?” She asked, needing to pause for a moment to make sure she heard him right. Y/N was over the moon. Sure, they might have had a very unpleasant conversation with her mother, but that didn’t change how Harry felt about her. That was all the support and love she needed. Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up to press a sweet, passionate kiss against his lips. For years she was convinced she needed to be someone else to be loved, for a few months she thought maybe she needed to be someone else for Harry to love her. That wasn’t true at all. He loved her. And she loved him. 
“Yes. I love you very much. Do you want to go home, my lovely? Can drink some champagne on the car ride back and go back. Cuddle a bit....” Harry knew that champagne made her frisky. Harry mainly wanted to get her out of the same place as her mother and wanted to be selfish with his time with her.
“You sure you don’t want to stay?” Y/N asked sweetly, “Just for a little longer.. we just got here. Go mingle a bit, I’ll behave. I promise I’m fine.” Y/N cooed, pushing a few pieces of hair away from his eyes. “Lets go inside yeah? We’ll stay for a little and then we can go back..”
“But... what if I want to go home?” Harry murmured, cupping her cheek again so he could kiss her again. Not having gotten enough beforehand. He wanted to kiss. And kiss, and kiss, and then spread her open and fuck. He had so much love for this woman right now. It was growing every day but he was hit hard with it. “Just want to be alone with you and remind you how much I utterly adore you and your every bit.” He nibbled her bottom lip lovingly, pulling back. Their sex life was erratic. Some weeks just having cuddles but others being full on fuck fests. Right now, he wanted an even mix. “C’mon. Want to be close to you.” He slid a hand down her body to rest on her ass. “You’ll give me that, yeah?” 
Oh. 
Harry wasn’t usually this forward, it was often Y/N who wanted to love up on him and have him completely and utterly ruin her. Not Harry who was pleading for them to leave an event that could be important for work. Oh how the tables have turned. This was a welcomed change though. 
“Is that so?” Y/N murmured truly surprised by the way he was acting, but she was going along with it. She wanted to see what could come of tonight. “Of course I’ll give that to you, baby, I’m just—” She bit her lip when his hand squeezed her ass tighter. “Okay, alright!” Y/N giggled, leaning up to press another kiss to his lips. “Let’s go.” She decided they’d slip away unnoticed. No one would really look for them. The cars were already waiting out front and Y/N made sure she snatched a bottle of champagne for them to take in the car with them.
Harry felt like the kitten who had gotten the cream— even though he hadn’t quite yet. He had gotten her to leave, was touchy and finally got her in the car where they finished the bottle of champagne quickly. He pulled her closer to him, feeling like a needy puppy with the way he nuzzled at her neck. A hand slid up the slit of her dress and touched the softness of her inner thighs, purring at the heat of them. 
“Haven’t told you how much I love this dress.” He muttered against her neck. “S’so lovely. But I want to get you out of it.” He was only slightly buzzed but he felt even more in love right now. “Want to see somethin’ like this on you when you’re pregnant. Mmm— fuck, that’ll look so gorgeous. Can’t wait for that.” He had a bit of him that hadn’t realized how much he had a bit of a breeding kink until she showed up. The idea of filling her and letting the cum catch in her, claiming her in that most primal way? It was godly. “When are you gonna let me, pet?”
Y/N was definitely feeling the champagne because his comment caught her off guard for a moment. She remembered when he first told her about this kink of his, how he wanted to put a baby in her and just... pretend that that was the goal. How he had a thing for knowing he could get her pregnant. She had been on birth control for a while and they’d been having sex without protection for a while. There was really nothing to fear. All she had to do was give in, let that primal instinct take over and let him live this fantasy that quite frankly, turned her on. The way he wanted to be a father of her child, the way he wanted to see her stomach swell with life. It was hot. 
“Wanna put a baby in me?” Her glossy eyes looked at him, a loopy smile on her face as his fingers pressed against her skin.
“Mmmm. Yeah, so bad.” Harry rubbed his face against her. “Sooo fuckin’ bad, bunny. Just want to stuff you up full, over n’ over again and make you hold it in. Even tho’ it looks so pretty drippin’ out. Love cleaning it with my tongue but I want it to catch.” He sighed. He thinks perhaps it’s a mix of the alcohol buzz and the way he felt like maybe she truly needed to see his desire for him that set him free. He really wanted her to be able to see that he was so into her, he never wanted to leave. Ever. Add in the fact she just made him unbelievably horny. “Wanna get it all stuffed in that little tummy of yours, yeah? Just... wreck you n’ make you cry from his good it is, then keep fillin’ you up.” He muttered. “Jus’ wanna get inside cause I’m so hard. Want to fuck. Get back inside my pussy.” He always referred to her cunt as his own, and he knew she liked it even if she didn’t tell him that.
“Daddy..” A whimper left Y/N’s mouth at his words, her whole body heating up with a sudden burning desire to be at her home and in a car with the partition up. Goosebumps spread across her skin as he continued to speak, lips brushing against her sensitive neck making her squirm. Between the alcohol and hormones, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could take it. She dared to look out the window, seeing that they were only a few blocks away from her place. Thank god they weren’t driving all the way to Brooklyn, she would’ve had him fuck her right in this car. Y/N moved her hand to rub over his hard cock, giving it a slight squeeze. “What’s gotten into you, daddy?” Y/N smirked, her voice coming out much darker. “We’re almost there... then you can take me upstairs and do whatever you want. Anything.” She hummed, knowing that whenever they were in this mood something kinky always went down.
“Haven’t been in you in too long. I’m so... I want it.” Harry grunted against her neck. “Jus’ wanna be inside of you. You’re all hot and slick. I know it.” He moved his hand up and startled her, groaning against her skin as he felt his suspicions become reality. “Mmm— Yep. Knew you’d be wet for me.” He smirked to himself, placing his fingers on her pussy. He didn’t move them yet but kept hold of it. “S’all mine. Let me touch it whenever I want to just do this. Want to make you go crazy with how good it feels.” He muttered, kissing her jaw and finding her ear to talk into. The vibrations of his dark voice tingling against her, making her shudder. “Daddy’s hot little cunt. And you’re such an eager slut for it. Already slick for my cock. Gonna have a hard time keeping still when I lick your pussy up and get you cleaned up. Plus... have a bit of dessert.” He felt her shiver as he pressed his finger tighter against her.
Y/N inhaled sharply, feeling his fingers press against the place she needed him most. It had in fact been a while, a few days. It’s not long by most people’s standards, but for them? It had definitely been a while. 
“Fuck, please—“ Y/N bit down on her lip as the car had come to a haunt. “Thank you!” She called today the driver, hesitantly pushing Harry to get out of the car as she followed with the empty bottle of champagne. Y/N threw it out in the trash can in the lobby, hoping her dress still sat correctly on her body after Harry had a proper feel in the car. Seeing him all drunk and disheveled, nice suit and hair a mess was the hottest fucking thing she’d ever seen. She swore it. Seeing that loopy smile and his hungry eyes on her was making her forget why they even went out in the first place. Y/N stumbled into the elevator with him and hit the button for the top floor, looking at him from over her shoulder. “What?” She giggled.
Harry grabbed her and pressed her front against the wall of the elevator, ankle hooking hers and knocking her legs open. Immediately his fingers found her cunt, sinking two inside of her. The shocked gasp and moan mix make him smirk, fingers moving in and out of her pussy. 
“Couldn’t wait to feel it. Missed my pussy so fucking much.” He smeared his mouth over her jaw biting down gently. “Fucks sake, sometimes I think you forget that it belongs to me. S’daddy’s pussy. Think you need a proper reminder of that today.” He bit down on her ear this time, moving his fingers harder into her pussy, the slick little squelch of his fingers filling the enclosed space. She was squirming in his arms and making these noises— fuck. “Keep making those little mewls. Such a dirty kitten. Letting your daddy finger fuck you in the elevator.”
It was all so sudden. Y/N really thought he’d at least wait till they got inside, but before she knew it she was pressed up against the cool wall of the elevator, her heart racing. Harry really wasn’t playing tonight and Y/N surely wouldn’t underestimate him again. 
“Fuck me— daddy, ah!” She whimpered out, cunt clenching against his fingers while they moved inside her. Her head fell back on to his shoulder, the feeling of him biting at her jaw and smearing kisses against her skin sending her wildest thoughts over the edge. “‘S your pussy daddy! Fuck— yours, all yours!” She pleaded, feeling herself shiver at the sound of her own slickness against his hands. Y/N had never been quiet and Harry was well aware of that, hitting all the right spots inside of her that would make her go crazy for him. “Please— please!” She begged, “feels so good! Don’t stop!” Y/N begged, knowing she could easily cum just from how insanely turned on she was.
Harry didn’t hesitate to make her cum. She came all over his hand in the elevator, a devilish grin on his face as he pressed his fingers in and curled them just so, having her drip all over the digits. He truly felt like he was going feral because he really couldn’t wait. He loved his Y/N so much, he felt the tiny bit of buzz hitting him and all he wanted to do was fuck. Show her how much he meant it every time he promised forever. How he cherished her pleasures. He had swiftly picked her up and thrown her over her shoulder when they’d gotten to her penthouse. Carrying her through the whole place to her bedroom with a dirty hand he had sucked clean and a squealing Y/N over his shoulder, he finally got to her bedroom. 
“You’re going to be a good girl for me. Aren’t you?” Harry smirked while Y/N looked up with her innocent eyes and nodded, seeming to be in awe of his behavior. Harry hadn’t exactly gone this primal before but she was wet as fuck and he was as happy as could be. Taking his tie off, he smirked down at her and held it in front of him. “Wrists.” He demanded. At the rapid blinking, he gripped her throat, leaning down over her. “Don’t make me ask for them again. Give me your wrists.” It was quickly after that, she was stripped and they were tied and held to the headboard. Naked and all at his mercy, Harry stalked the end of the bed with a dark gleam in his eye. “Look so pretty, my sweet girl. Innocent, if it wasn’t for your drippy little cunt making a mess of those expensive sheets.... Said they were silk, didn’t you?” He chuckled, unbuttoning his shirt. “Where are the toys?” At a drunken 2 am they’d ordered sex toys one night and a little toy chest she had gotten for them, and he wanted to play with them. 
“Daddy!” Y/N whined, but the sharp glare he sent in return immediately sent darts of hot arousal and a bit of fear through her. “Closet....”  the whisper was given as she clenched her thighs together. Harry brought the chest out and hummed as he looked through things, happily finding what he was looking for. 
“Ah!” 
When Harry took out the wand vibrator, it had her heart racing faster. She hadn’t ever used one with someone else before. Usually she could control when she took it away and just how much she could handle at a time, but with the way Harry was acting... Y/N knew that he wasn’t going to be nice about it. 
“Daddy... please, I just want you inside.” Y/N tried, not sure she could handle all that pleasure. 
“Hm. It’s a shame I didn’t ask, isn’t it?” Harry knew that she would be okay with this, because he had gently asked her colors and she had genuinely responded green. He knew her well enough and had permission beforehand. They’d spoken about this being something they did anyways. “Now. I can see you’re all slicked up. Already came once tonight so I’ll be nice and make sure this one is even better.” He cooed, leaning down over it and spitting right on it. The flinch had him grinning, Y/N moaning and bucking her hips at the sensation of it. 
As soon as the vibrator was clicked on, Y/N knew she was in trouble. Still sensitive from the knee weakening orgasm from the elevator, the buzzing had her legs stiffening. 
“Oi.... keep them open.” Harry scolded. “Daddy’s been so nice to you. So sweet. And now you’re out and trying to take away my fun?” He gave a faux pout, but his voice was thick with arousal. 
“I forgot about how much of a slut you are sometimes. Been so gentle with you lately but you really have been wanting a bit of fun.” He murmured, clicking up the setting. 
Y/N was laying with her mouth open, breasts heaving with the way Harry moved the wand up and down. The powerful vibrations had her shaking a tiny bit and she knew she wouldn’t last long. Another pitiful whine of his name had her getting a bit more pressure over her clit. 
“Shhh. That’s my girl. Daddy’s dirty whore, hm? Can’t get enough.” 
Her hips were bucking up and the heat coursing through her was intense. Harry’s behavior well was fueling this intense arousal. He was all man. All.... perfect for her. She loved being admired and needed and even a little bit degraded when it came down to it, and he was giving it to her. 
“Fuck... look at you. Dripping down to your sheets and panting like a bitch in heat. All you want is cock inside your precious cunt, isn’t that right?” 
“Yes! Daddy, please. I’ll be so good. So, so good just... inside me!” Y/N pleaded, bucking her hips needily. Harry was so good to her. More generous than any other lover. More caring and loving in general but in bed, it was a whole other level. 
“Begging... sounds so good coming from you.” Harry muttered, pressing the setting up as he leaned over her. “One more orgasm before you can take me. I know you love being filled up. Pounded. Like when your makeup gets all messy and smeared because you’re so fucked out you can’t breathe. I know that you want to be so sore in the morning that it’ll be obvious that you have the best cock in your bed.” Harry has also shown off his possessive side lately. Been increasingly so. “Want everyone to know and to see that you’re well taken care of. Daddy’s princess.” He muttered, watching her face. 
Y/N was losing it. Her stomach was hot with heat and she kept bucking her hips and grinding into the wand Harry held firm against her cunt, playing with her breasts with gentle movements of his fingers. Two types of sensations. 
“That’s it. I can see it.” Harry encouraged, it was obvious when she was close. “Be a good girl. Cum.” 
At the demand, Y/N lost it. Shaking, she let out a gasped sob as her body writhed against the sheets, a squeal of his name and holding on to the tie holding her wrists to the board, her back arched and her whole body trembled in the best way possible. She didn’t even know what was happening as she felt her wrists get let go of, flopping to the bed. All she felt was herself being turned over to her stomach, propped her hips up with a pillow and then— fuck. 
Harry filled her. A loud moan came from him, a pathetic whimper. Harry’s hand gathering her hair up and holding it firmly, cock buried deep inside of her for a moment before he began to go. There was no mercy with his thrusts. Hard, bed shaking, dirty. Leaning his body over her, speaking into her ear. 
“That's it. This is what you were made for.” He muttered into her skin. “Made to be fucked by me. Act so spoiled all the time but no one knows... you come home, my sweet little angel. Want to be so sweet to me and then a needy little bitch in bed.” He cooed, hands slipping between them. He wasn’t going to last very long. “Had me all worked up all night with that sexy fucking dress, your pouty lips. I love it so much. My pretty girl. I love showing you off. I want to do it more.” He grunted as he pressed her further into the bed. “Mine. You’re all fucking mine. This pussy belongs to me. I want every fucking person to know that I’m yours. That you are mine. No one else gets to take you. I’m keeping you forever.” He wasn’t even hesitant to say that. He loved her. His woman was the only one for him. “Mine. Fuck... I’m gonna cum soon. You got me all worked. Fuck, I needed this pussy so bad. Needed you.” He groaned into her ear as he ran sloppy circles across her clit. 
Y/N was more than happy to take it, whining loudly as she felt him take every bit of his cock and slam it in. Truly, she felt cock drunk, eyes crossed and mouth unable to close. She was so sensitive and needy, but she had let go completely in his hold. It felt like shocks every time he pounded into her and the stream of whimpers and little noises was loud but pitiful. She needed this so bad. To be fucked out by him.
“Daddy! Daddy! Plea-” Her whines got caught in her throat as his hand grabbed at her hair and pulled her back. 
“Yeah? Begging to cum again like the good little cum slut?” Harry practically growled, “Squeeze for me, yeah… that’s it… fuck, you’re so good, so perfect.” He knew he wouldn’t last long. Her cunt felt like heaven. Nothing had ever felt better. With every thrust Harry felt like he was struggling to hold back his full power, essentially shoving his cock as deep as he could manage. Y/N’s sweet sounds of pleasure only edged him on, his own grunts and mutters begging her to cum for him so they could share a sweet release. 
And my god was it sweet. A series of throaty moans left the both of them, nothing but the added sound of skin slapping against skin and the slickness of their climaxes filled the room. Harry slowed the pace of his moving hips and stayed hovering above his love whilst they caught their breath. 
“You mean everything to me, you know that? Nobody, and I mean nobody will change that. You’re mine, Y/N. I love you.” Harry meant it with every fiber of his being.
He was going to marry this girl.
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A/N: hehehe fore-shadowing? 😈- n + d
let us know what you think!
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νοσταλγία (Chapter 29)
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νοσταλγία Masterlist
Pairing: Ivar/Reader
Word Count: 4.1k (I’m sorry)
Warnings: The usual
A/N: I know today was supposed to be a PoV update day, but I am struggling with those atm, so for now I’ll post every Saturday and Tuesday, and if I write and want to post an Ivar PoV or smth, I will do so out of schedule. I’m so sorry, but otherwise I’ll just stress myself out.
There’s a bracelet mentioned in this, I had this one in mind. Pretty, innit?
And just an fyi, (I haven’t done these in a while, damn): Falcons are symbols of Freyja, who has stories referring to how she cries tears of gold at the absence of her husband from her side. Bats are symbols of Persephone, and in my canon I’ve always portrayed her as a woman of dark skin and blind eyes. Oh, and snakes are symbols of Hades.
Taglist: @youbloodymadgenius​ @heavenly1927​ @toe-vind-ek-jou​ @xbellaxcarolinax​ @pieces-by-me​ @angelofthorr​ @samsationalwilson​ @peachyboneless​ @1950schick​ @punkrocknpearls​ @ietss​   @itsmysticalmystery​ @revolution-starter​​
The air around you is strange, a mix of warm and cold that doesn’t quite manage to be lukewarm, each second the breeze changes from a welcoming moment in the sun to the biting winds of a coast. Even the sky looks wrong, somewhere between night and day, the sun shining brightly one moment only to turn cold and distant the next.
You can almost see the silhouette of a woman standing in the distance, and because you know you must, you walk to her.
She extends a hand, her smile vicious but her eyes warm.
For a moment, when you blink, the blind eyes disappear and pale eyes look back at you, crying tears that shine like gold. Her lips aren’t stained by the red tint of pomegranates and blood anymore, but she still smiles, a mother beckoning a child into her embrace.
It is not the face you have come to know, yet she’s still familiar, and their voices when they whisper your name sound like one.
You reach with trembling fingers, try to reach her, and for a moment you can almost feel her warmth, burning like the fire that was once all you could feel. But the moment your hand finds hers, the moment the tips of your fingers touch hers…the cackle of a falcon, the screech of a bat by your ear, and she is gone.
All you have left is the cold that seeps into your skin and the certainty they have heard you, and answered, each and every time you’ve prayed.
A murmur of your name brings your attention to the youngest son of Ragnar, forcing you to return your attention -your mind- to the here and now, to the city that starts to wake up, to the streets you are supposed to be walking.
You answer the question written in Ivar’s eyes with a smile.
“I’m fine,” You promise quietly, “I have been having trouble sleeping, that’s all.”
“Dreams?”
“Are you to trust dreams as visions?” You ask, a little life returning to your voice as you tilt your head to the side.
“You told me yourself that your Goddess’ form appears in your dreams.” Ivar argues.
It wasn’t just her.
You refuse to admit to the son of a Viking seeress that you have dreamt of Freyja. If by chance some of Aslaug’s gift remains with Ivar, you dread to hear him decipher the meaning behind the form you saw in your dreams. So, you keep that to yourself.
“But you do not believe in my Gods.” Is what you argue with instead.
He shrugs with his arm not on the crutch, “I believe in you.”
You stop in your tracks, stunned into silence. Your eyes are glued to Ivar’s back as he continues walking, and a tremulous smile starts lifting at your lips, aided by the fragile hope and foolish emotion blossoming in your chest.
Ivar turns to you when he sees you are not coming, rolling his eyes exaggeratedly at your surprised and commoved expression.
“Don’t overreact. You were never wrong about your…dealings with your Gods before.”
Shaking off the surprise and the foolish hopes and feelings that have no place here, that cling to your mind like cobwebs, you skip the space between you, offering him a smile and a nod.
“I still appreciate the trust, Ivar.” You tease, skimming bold fingers over the back of his hand, a smile on your lips.
He regards you in silence for a few moments, not walking anymore, and you see in his gaze that he ponders with himself whether to say something that’s in his mind or not.
“Let’s go eat, woman.” He finally huffs, turning his attention to the path ahead. You bite down your disappointment at him swallowing whatever his words were to be, and walk at his side.
The thralls that greet you when you enter do so with a smile, although their eyes linger on your hair for a few moments, and move cautiously about as they set the food in front of you both and take their leave.
“You keep confusing them, you know.” Ivar starts casually, already focused on his food but still demanding that you sit at his side while you eat your bread and drink your herbal tea. You have no idea how these people manage to eat so much so early in the day.
“Me?”
Sucking his fingers clean, a gesture you shouldn’t be following with your eyes the way you are, Ivar lifts his gaze to focus on you.
“You refuse to let them braid your hair unless we make a deal, you reuse that old dress every chance you have.”
“I like my hair this way.” You quip, rather obstinately.
Ivar’s eyes go to the gentle twirls and the delicate updo holding the hair away from your face, studying the style for a few moments. Finally, he shrugs in response.
You have an inkling that’s the closest you will get to receiving a compliment, so you let yourself enjoy the victory as if it were one.
“You still get cold in that dress. You keep trembling when night falls, woman, it’s annoying.” He mumbles.
“It’s…mine.” You offer as explanation, smiling down at your infusion as you watch the herbs swirl and smell the familiar scent of red clover and chickweed.
When you lift your gaze from the swirling herbs in your cup, you catch his eyes on you, but he adverts his gaze to his food once again when he speaks, “You have dresses in our room. Those are yours.”
“They are not mine, they are clothes you had people bring to me.” You insist, fingers tracing the worn Byzantine thread with care.
“You can ask them to bring you the ones you like.”
“I don’t want to take it from them, they…deserve compensation.”
“Would it be better if you bought your own, then?” He offers, and even if excitement bubbles in your chest and into your lips in a small smile, you still refrain.
“I don’t have any gold.”
“I can give you all you need.” Ivar sentences, and although for a moment your mind lingers on the meaning you think he intended behind those words, you soon find yourself with a smile on your lips and only thoughts of the peplos and chlamys you had back in your home before it burned down.
It has been so long since you have had time -or coin- to make some dresses.
“I don’t want to be in your debt.” You insist, even if you have to bite your lip to keep from smiling.
Ivar regards you silently for a few moments, resting his elbows on the table between you and challenging your eyes with his, his expression asking you why you decide to be so difficult about everything. You offer a shrug in response, wondering if he sees the hypocrisy in complaining about you being difficult to deal with.
“Think of them as…gifts, then.”
“Alright.” You murmur, your gaze holding his for once not feeling like it’s a duel, but an encounter. When it is a genuine one, however rare they are, Ivar truly has a lovely smile, you realize.
When you are done with your meal and murmur your goodbyes as you prepare to head for the apothecary home, Ivar interrupts you, sly smile on his lips and a shine in his eyes that, were he to be any other man, would make you think he is flirting.
“I like red.”
You smile in response, bending down to press a kiss against his cheek. Ivar grumbles his way away from your affection, but the shine in his eyes, the faint color in his ears, give him away.
“Come with me to the market and I’ll see what I can do.” You offer, already knowing you are triumphant.
____
“Oh, this is fun.” You laugh, dangling your feet over the chariot’s end as you watch the ground quickly move underneath them.
Ivar grunts something in response to your enthusiasm, and you can almost tell he is exaggeratedly rolling his eyes as he faces the horse and guides it through Kattegat’s roads.
You say nothing, still beyond thankful he agreed to come to the market with you, aware as you are of how…uncomfortable he is walking around the people of Kattegat. If his words the day you witnessed first-hand what happens when his eyes get that blue tint to them are anything to go by, and you know they are; it is evident he hates the reminder, for himself and especially for others, that he is disabled.
You’ll never know what life was -is- like for him, you know you couldn’t fathom the pain, the anger, the resentment. But what you can do is try to understand him, understand his rage and his hunger.
I spent most of my life crawling around in the dirt, having to look up at everyone, like I was always kneeling in front of them.
And again, the part of you that is soft and foolish wants nothing other than to give him the happiness, the certainty, the safety, the love some may say he does not deserve but you would gladly give freely. And the part of you that is cruel and angry wants to watch him conquer, triumph, wants to stand by his side and see the world that pushed him to the ground burn.
A voice that sounds so alike his whispers there’s no reason why only one of those things has to be possible.
Still, in your mind lingers the image of a younger Ivar, heartbroken and hopeless at the seemly inability to fight, to earn his right to Valhalla; and it sends a pang of pain through your heart.
You know the stubborn King would only call it pity if he were to know, so you keep your tone light when you say,
“Thank you for this, Ivar,” He only answers with a huffed ‘hmphf’, so you add with a side smile, “I hope you know I will ask for chariot rides way more often.”
“For the right price, I’ll give you anything you want.” Ivar finally answers, and you catch a glimpse of his blue eyes turning to you for a moment.
“Dare I ask what the price might be?”
You could swear you hear him chuckle, and before long the market is in your sights, bubbling and colorful, and your attention is stolen by the wares and chanting vendors.
As you walk eyeing every little trinket and odd curiosity, you cannot keep the nostalgic smile from your lips.
“When I was a child my mother and I used to walk markets just like this one. She…she had this tradition, bought a new dress or a new piece of jewelry each time my father was to return from a campaign.” You recall with a watery laugh, fingers caressing the hanging necklaces of colorful beads you walk by.
“Campaigns? Like raids?”
“Yes, she…she used to say it was so he would have some surprise to return to, and my father would joke it was her way of keeping him in Eleusis, a threat that if he left us too frequently she would spend all our coin on pretty things,” You answer softly, running your hand over a piece of cold blue cloth, “Our temple looks over the sea, and I would sit with her on the steps, waiting for my father’s ship to return. He used to say our smiles guided the navy home,” You laugh. The smile in your mother’s lips as the sea reflected in her burdened and yet loving eyes is brought forth in your mind, and you cannot keep the next words from stumbling out of your lips, “I think…I think those are the only times I remember her being…happy.
She fought so much, through her noble title and the title of wife of a Strategus, through her worship and her strong voice. And yet she perished amongst flames, her death cheered by her own countrymen.
The cold hand of fear grips your heart, and after being once so close to ending your tale the same way, for a moment you refuse to expose yourself to that bitter and barren end, no matter the cost.
You shake off the dark thoughts, and focus on the market and the life bubbling within it.
“I don’t think I ever said this, but Kattegat truly is beautiful, Ivar.” You offer after a while in silence, the sharp focus of his blue eyes setting on you at your words.
“My mother turned Kattegat into a trading hub, allowed the town to prosper through commerce. When I became King, I…wanted to honor that.”
“Did Queen Aslaug teach you of trade?” You ask curiously, your lips still smiling as your eyes rake over the stands of so many different colors, of the offered spices and cloths and pets. It all is beautiful, loud, and with pieces of everywhere in the known world scattered throughout.
It feels like the Silk Roads. It feels like the first home you knew.
Ivar huffs, a combination of amusement and maybe regret, “No, she didn’t. I did not care for it, but my older brothers learned from watching her rule,” He explains, and remains silent for a few moments, for so long that you think he’s not going to speak again, until he takes a deep breath, “Hvitserk has been the one dealing with commerce and foreign trade, and he has done…good for Kattegat.” He says finally, the praise towards his brother gruff and carrying the bite of rancor, like admitting the other man’s success irks him.
“You should tell him that.” You murmur as casually as you are able to, pretending to eye a display of metal bracelets.
Your fingers trace over the snakes on one of the intricate metalworks, and you are reminded of the altar in the forest of Eleusis: Persephone, sitting in her throne with a scythe, symbol of Demeter, held in her hand to demonstrate her pledge to her mother, and snakes, symbols of Hades, curled around her body as proof of her husband’s love.
“Do you like it?” Ivar asks, ignoring your previous words and looming over your back as he regards the delicate bracelet you hold. Not waiting for your answer, he motions for it and talks to the man behind the stall in his own language.
You place your touch back on the King’s arm, but this time is a call for attention, “Thank you, but I couldn’t, I don’t need it.”
But he shakes his head, lips pressed into a line, “I asked if you liked it, not if you needed it.”
“Must we argue about everything?” You sigh, exasperated as you watch him pay for the bracelet with curt words.
When he turns his gaze back to you, he does so with the arrogant and maddening smile you have learned to hate, “I don’t know. Shall we argue about that?”
You just huff in response, striding your way to a stall with bright linens and leaving him -and his bracelet- behind.
“Sure, make the cripple chase after you.” He growls, the bite in his voice paired with shame that even with your back turned to him you can sense, making you falter. A moment regret pangs at your stomach, but you will not apologize. Instead, you move to one somewhat empty passageway, so you can speak freely,
“I don’t like that word,” You grit out as you turn to watch him approach, “Rather, I don’t like how you use it.”
Ivar stands in front of one of the more secluded alleys, and you can sense the tension in his frame, the shame and despair, but say nothing about it.
He is quick to fire back, “Well, I don’t particularly like being a cripple, wife.”
“Oh, for the love of-…” You growl as the word rings in your head, and you pace away from Ivar for a moment, running a hand through your hair as you roll your eyes. When you turn back to the King, you face his angry and defensive gaze with your own, determined and fierce, “You are much more than your legs, you are what you made out of yourself past them, because of them,” Shaking your head but keeping your voice down and the people from hearing, you hiss, “It would have been easy for you to wallow in pity and let the world look down upon you, but you didn’t. You are dedicated, and strong, and brilliant, and…and many more things; and you chose to show them to never underestimate you, you made the choice to fight.
His eyes look into both of your own, the movement of the Greek-Fire like irises hinting at a desperation, a hesitancy, a fear, you once would never have believed Ivar would be able to show.
You reach with impulsive, careless, stupid fingers to trace the scar that has mesmerized you for so long, that runs right over his cheekbone, under his eye. He jumps at the touch, although not as violently as the last time you were this stupid, and keeps silent as his eyes, his mesmerizing eyes, jump between yours with a thousand questions written in them.
With a deep breath and refusing to move your gaze from his, even if you feel as exposed as he is, you continue,
“And it wasn’t easy, was it? It wasn’t and it is not fair. And if you use that word like…like they use it, you prove them right. And we both know they are not right about you.
With one last caress of his jaw, you lower your hand and press a vulnerable palm over his armored heart, looking up at him with determination.
Ivar regards you in silence, surprising you at his lack of defensiveness, of bite, of cruelty. But his guarded, so tightly controlled expression that it almost looks fragile makes something within you relent, something within you soften.
And your voice is just as quiet as before, but this time lacking the bite when you say, “So…stop using that word like an insult, because you turned that word into so much more. Because you are so much more,” You say, the fervor in your voice surprising you. After a beat of silence, you add in a mumble, “Like an insufferably stubborn man, among other things.”
He says nothing in response, only stubbornly offering you the bracelet with a clenched jaw. You roll your eyes, but extend your arm and allow him to put it on your wrist, trying to dispel the electrifying effects his warm touch has on your skin.
With his fingers still on your wrist, Ivar tugs and draws you closer. Surprised, your feet clumsily cross the space he demands to be crossed, and you look up into his eyes, those alluring eyes that both threaten and adore.
Ivar says nothing for a few moments, before finally moving forward, and your heart skips a beat, your breath leaves you. For a moment that lasts an eternity, you think he will be the one to give in.
But Ivar only leans close to speak by your ear, a murmur of your name. A moment, and you hear him again, quietly, barely a breath, “Thank you.”
“Don’t,” You warn, just as quietly, “I did not say those things expecting gratitude, I said them because they are true.”
Uncertain fingers trace one last hesitant caress along the skin in your wrist, right over the bracelet he gifted you with, and it is a silent agreement between you that you both return to browsing the market.
“Almost as fine as Byzantine silk, I swear on it,” The woman promises, offering you a display of soft and flowing linens. “Fit for the Gods, even.”
You laugh as you shake your head, “I am far from divine, good woman.”
“Because you lack my silk,” She insists with a toothy smile, and another light chuckle leaves your lips as you look over the different colors of the silk she offers, eyeing the varying colors and trying to decide on a good one for a formal peplos.
A rough hand grabs one of the dark red pieces before you can make your choice.
“I like this one.” Ivar says, and even if his tone makes it sound like an order, you still nod your approval and ask the vendor for the needed linens.
Later, after spending part of your day browsing the dresses and cloth offered in the market so tirelessly your feet now ache, you relax in your bed with a warm cup of milk and honey in your hands, watching as the pale sun settles over Kattegat’s horizon.
The warmth of the fire, the safety of the house around you, the rhythm of this city; none of this should feel as familiar, as comforting as it does.
Drawing your knees to your chest, hiding bare and cold feet under the furs, you set the cup down and keep your tired eyes on the horizon, even if the sun’s light is quick to blind you.
When you blink past the light, you find yourself looking into eyes as blue and as burning as Greek Fire, and a small smile pulls at your lips. He extends a hand, offers you a bracelet.
You roll your eyes, but accept Ivar’s warm touch as he places the bracelet around your wrist. Proudly keeping your place at his side, you walk with him through the street.
A woman keeps her dark eyes on you as you walk her by, and when you offer her a small smile and a nod in recognition, she offers you a smirk.
“Snakes curl at your feet. They bind you to this realm.” She says, her Greek harsh, only slightly better than Ivar’s. You swallow past the knot in your throat, and turn your gaze once again to the path ahead of you, jaw set tightly.
“Not for long.”
She laughs, darkly, hungrily, knowingly.
“You should know better than to say that, chosen of Persephone.”
You stop dead in your tracks, something off about her flawless Greek startling you. She holds your gaze, a challenge shining in her blind eyes. You blink, trying to see what changed of her face that unsettles you so, but you cannot seem to focus.
The woman lowers her face, a dark laugh echoing around you as darkness consumes the once vivid and loud streets. You turn around wildly, looking for…for…
The woman appears in front of you, face bare and blood dripping down her full lips. She extends her hand, offers you a red veil.
A gasp makes its way out of your lips as you sit up in the bed, eyes frantically searching for…her, as if she is to still be here.
You cannot shake from your mind the snippets of the dream -Vision? Message?- from your mind, and when you straighten from the fire you were occupied with, you catch sight of the clothes and linens you bought today and are startled by the amount of red you can see.
The color of a bride’s veil. The veil she offered you.
When you lift uncertain hands to run through your loose hair, you catch a glimpse of the bracelet Ivar gifted you on your wrist.
A shackle. A snake to curl at your feet and bind you.
Trying with all your might to dispel such thoughts, you return to your seat with the now cold cup of milk and honey in your hands and close your eyes tight.
Try as you may, each time you manage to shake off the images of your dream, behind closed eyes you see the countless dreams that came before it, the countless times you saw a figure that wasn’t quite mortal lurking in your dreams.
All the times before and after your return to Eleusis where you saw clearly in the distance a pair of thrones, though you knew one would remain empty for quite a while. Even after finding yourself shackled and bound in Kattegat, the dream of the snakes that slithered around you, only to then make you trip and fall, only to let Ivar move over you, promise you a kingdom against your lips.
Gods, the vision of…of the woman that cries gold, the motherly smile, the armor covering her chest. How you could blink and see blind eyes and dark skin instead, bloodied lips and still the same warm and welcoming smile. Both hands extended towards you, of which you found yourself unable to hold on to neither.
You never believed it to be a curse, to be a woman born destined to be close to the Gods.
But your eyes fill with tears, your heart grows heavy, and you cannot help but think how life could have been so much easier, how you could have been so happy, if only you had never known both of the Seer and the Oracle, of Freyja and Persephone. Of Kattegat and Attica.
And how you wish for a life where you don’t feel Fate tearing you in two.
____
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you liked this chapter!
Also, yes, I made a Phantom of the Opera reference lol
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some-dr-writings · 4 years
Text
Gundham and Kokichi get Hanahaki
Gundham Tanaka:
·       Gundham stared down in disbelief at what he had coughed into his hands. No longer was it flower petals but full, pink, camellia blossoms… longing. His loyal generals scurried about in panic. “Hmm, so the curse you sensed on me. Is this it? … not just Hanahaki but these blossoms... their meaning…” He wanted to keep denying it like he had been for the past month but no longer could he.
·       He had heard of Hanahaki before, but he thought it was but a rumor. He knew of the only three cures, death, a surgery that removes that wretched plant at the price of the feelings it bloomed from, or confessing… He bitterly chuckled which swiftly morphed into that booming laughter. “So the world now seeks to end me by any means necessary. Whether it be by my body, or my spirit…” Clenching his fist he crushed those soft pink petals. “Fine! Let it try, for all those efforts will be in vain. I’ll carry on these emotions and live! I shall not sacrifice my life in this world nor lose my spirit in doing so.” Immediately after that hacking started up again as he felt that irritable scratching crawl through his throat and lunges. Concerned, his generals cuddled up to him, wanting to help him in some way.
·       As he was lacing up his boots that winter morning, he heard a knock, knock, knocking from his door. “I’ll be but a moment my Emperor!” He called out, hopping on one foot towards the door, making that last knot. Swinging the door open he was happily greeted by your pale smile. “Running a little late I see.” “My apologies should I have kept you waiting for long.” “No, no, it’s fine. I’m just used to you being ready before me. Like, seriously, how do you get all that makeup done every day and be ready before me?” He smirked seeing your genuine curiosity. “Ibuki helps Gundham get ready on date day!” “Ibuki!” The girl merrily slipped past you and Gundham. “He always goes on and on about ‘not keeping his beloved waiting’ how ‘on the days of courting rituals he must be as presentable as possible as to-” “ENOUGH IBUKI!” His face was absolutely flushed as he began to chase after her. She dashed away wishing he and you well. “I-ignore those words. They were but nothing!” You had your arms crossed, a sharp smirk creasing your lips. “Suuuuuuuure. Absolutely nothing. Heh.” “E-enough! We must get our ritual started.” Still chuckling you took his bandaged hand and lead the way. How was it that even thinking of your laugh send his heart a flight.
·       He strolled down that path, getting absorbed in the light sound of his footfalls against the stone. It was a particularly hot and muggy day, not helped by there not being a single cloud in the sky, allowing the sun’s harsh rays to beam down in it’s full glory. Sighing, he loosened the scarf around his neck. Holding up his hand to shade his eyes just a bit from those rays, his gaze lingered on the dull red and black bandana tied around his wrist.
·       “Are you sure you’re feeling well enough to wander around like this?” “I’m fine! Don’t worry so much! I got permission from the doctors and everything!” You trotted on ahead down the trail, spinning around loving the fresh air. You had been cooped up there for far too long under observation. It was good to see you out and so lively at that. All too quickly you got winded and started to collapse. Gundham dashed to you, cradling you against his chest. “My Emperor don’t be so demanding on your body right away. You’ve yet to be released fully. This is but a day to get fresh air.” “I know, but… I want to enjoy being out… even if it hurts a little. But I won’t do anything stupid!” Snow gently fluttered down and Gundham pulled you closer. “All I ask is you be careful.”
·       Sitting under a lone tree he felt that awful sweltering heat suffocating him. He felt his heart beating just a little faster than usual. He looked out to the lake, the blue sky reflected on it’s surface. Mindlessly he fiddled with the ends of that bandana.
·       “… Gundham.” “Yes?” “What do you think it means to survive?” He looked to you, raising a brow at the question. He was intrigued why you’d ask such a thing, but his own questions could be saved for later. He looked out to the horizon to ponder, though an answer had already sprung to mind. “To survive is to do anything and everything in your power to stay in this realm. To survive in some cases may even mean to allow your own life to extinguish so the majority may live on and prosper even in your absence.” “… Is there a difference between surviving and living?” “Surviving and living you say… Hmm.” He shivered as the cold wind rolled past. “… Living is making the most of each moment you have. Even if it’s something small like being awake in a dream or merely being near a cherished one. Living is appreciating the moment.” “So… can you live and survive?” “… That depends on the circumstances.” “If you had to choose one, which would it be.” “Me?... I’d choose survival.” “I thought so.” “And you?” “… Don’t know. I… I think it depends on the circumstances.”
·       Survival…
·       Placing a hand on his propped-up knee, he tried pushing himself onto his feet. Even merely standing up caught his breath in his throat, those accursed blooms clogging his windpipe. He desperately tried repressing those blooms, keeping it all in, even covering his mouth with his hands. He couldn’t let them out. Not just yet.
·       “Hey, there’s a street market! Let’s go check it out.” As the two of you entered you were immediately hit by the wafting sent of fried food and incense. Hand in hand the two of you wandered from stall to stall, admiring the unique items. In one such stall as Gundham was looking at some plain furin bells you approached him. “Hey, I got you something!” “Oh? What sort of charm have you procured?” “Hold up your not bandaged hand.” Obediently he did as told. “I thought this’d look good on you!” You then tied the bright red and black bandana around his wrist. “Hmm, you have a good eye. I can already feel the power you transferred into it, radiating brilliantly!”
·       Sitting at one of the stalls Gundham ate a tin box of jam and powdered sugar covered aebleskivers with a small paper bag of newly bought items. He watched as the thinning crowd almost dissipated entirely as the midday heat made being outside too unbearable. He watched as the wind rustled the leaves of the trees. Unable to take it anymore he took off his scarf and instead tied it around his waist. He reached for his wrist, flinching, feeling the fabric. He felt that cough seemingly puncture his throat.
·       As he walked, he slowly came to a stop. For a moment, he looked to the hospital that stood just across the street. He continued to walk. Down the street, down the sidewalk, up the hill, across the road, past the temple and into the large, lush green forest. The wind seemed to howl the deeper he went. The cool air and shade complimented the calm of the forest. His eyes wandered from the treetops to the moss-covered stone walls. Off in the distance he heard, assumedly a monk, playing a tibetan bowl. The stone pathway was neatly cleaned, hardly even any dirt on it, clearly well cared for. Down the stone stairs he had but needed to take a left to arrive at his destination. As he offered incense, he couldn’t keep it in anymore coughing and hacking up pink, bloodied camellia blossoms between raspy gasps for air.
·       Shaking he fell to his knees before the snow-covered stone.
·       He clutched a hand on his chest that prickling pain seemingly wanting to burst through and break his rib-cage. He managed to force himself up, ladle out water on the grave from a wooden tub.
·       His eyes blurred only seeing a haze of gray and white when he poured the water.
·       He placed a hand on the grave.
·       He…
·       “It’s not winter, but summer.” Looking to the dates he sighed, only for that coughing to start up again. Taking a deep breath, he put his hands flat together in prayer. “It’s been a year and a half since you’ve passed on my Emperor.” His scratchy voice began to crack. “I… I’ve come to you today to apologize. I wish to live, but more so to survive. I can no longer confess my love for you, for your everything over and over as I once had done when you were beside me in this world. Even if I continue to do so in my dreams this curse won’t leave me be… so… it seems…” His breath trembled just as his body did, tears streaking down his cheeks. “My… my Y/N… I thank you, for spending your time with me when you were here. I… I love you so much, even now that you’re gone and can no longer love me back, I love you… And… goodbye… for… forev-…” He couldn’t bring himself to finish that last word. Hiccups, raw sobbing, gasps, and coughing got in the way.
·       On unsteady feet he dragged himself away. He couldn’t be late.
·       As snow drifted down past the window, entering the room he saw how longingly you looked to him. “Gundham… I… don’t worry about me, please.” “How dare you say that! I always shall!” “No, Gundham. Look at me. I’m withering away here. All this stuff is just prolonging the inevitable. No cure is just going to suddenly appear! It’ll be at least ten if not more years before there’s even anything close to a cure. I don’t want to just sit here and wait to die!” “… W-what are you saying?” He clutched you hand tightly, interlacing your fingers. “I was told that I can give my body to research, but… I… won’t be here…” His eyes widened, staring at you in abject horror. “no. NO! Y/N YOU CAN’T! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!” Tears cascaded from his eyes as he hugged you. “Y/N I… You… please…” He sobbed even harder feeling you hug him back, hearing your own cries. “I… I understand why, but… my Emperor, Y/N…”
·       Taking a deep breath, he wiped the tears from his eyes before entering the hospital. That oppressive summer heat seemingly choking him.
·       The surgery was successful with no complications, so he was able to leave right away. After collecting his belonging, he swiftly left, wanting to make sure his creatures were properly cared for in his absence.
·       Without a second thought he tossed his bag of items onto his bed to be placed away later. He needed to care for his creatures.
·       It was late into the night when he finally got the chance to put the bag of items away. His zodiac generals scurried up to him, bucking the bag and nuzzling into him.
·       The last item he had taken out was a worn out red and black bandana…
·       He hated this.
·       This was ridiculous. His vision blurred, and he hurt. He hurt knowing looking at the cloth no longer hurt him so deeply. It meant nothing to him now… that’s why it hurt so much… because he still knew it used to mean something to him… but not anymore.
   Kokichi Oma:
·       The moment he felt that tingling in his throat and he coughed up petals Kokichi already knew what had befallen him.
·       Hanahaki.
·       This… was a very cruel thing to pull on him, especially considering his situation. He thought it stupid that the universe or his own body or whatever made Hanahaki happen decided to set this into motion. He was content, even happy with the way things were and he didn’t care that you didn’t love him, as long as you were happy, he was fine. So, though he was fine with this, something he thought most people would not be, whatever made this happen forced him into the position of dying or getting rid of his feelings all together!? Those were the only options, he never even considered confessing to you. At heart, Kokichi was a clown, all he wanted was joy and laughter, confessing would only hurt you, so it was not an option to him.
·       Immediately he set to researching what accursed plant was entangling and clogging up his lungs and throat.
·       Scilla meaning loyalty and constancy… Truly the irony was palpable with this flower choice.
·       Sighing he flopped onto his bed, letting the sketchpad, papers, crayons, and colored pencils momentarily hopped up. “So… what am I to do now… Die, or throw away my feelings?” He stared up at the ceiling before gleefully hopping off of his bed. “I’ll make a game out of this!”
·       Having bought his bouquet, he skipped out of the flower shop. He mindlessly hummed to himself plucking the petals of one of the flowers. Then the next. Then the next. And the next, and so on. That was till he was down to the last flower. “… Die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live, die, live… I guess I’ll live. Maybe. No I will!” Dumping the stems and wrapping in a garbage can, Kokichi smiled, reminding himself that when lying to anyone you must be confident! No room for doubt.
·       Well, if he were going to live, he was going to have to get the surgery, to entirely remove his feelings for you… You were his best friend. He was not sure if his friendship with you was entirely removed from his more romantic feelings for you. If he were to remove his feelings, would you two still be best friends, or friends at all? You were very observant, it was one of the many things he loved about you, because of that, you’d likely notice he was acting differently. Maybe your friendship would end up breaking apart… He might end up hurting you because of that. he couldn’t bear that thought. So… by removing his feelings he decided to end your friendship while he still loved you. He wouldn’t actually end the friendship though, just make some excuse as to why he would be far away for the rest of his life and how you and he could only have very minimal contact. Yeah, something like that. You wouldn’t get hurt that way, the worst of it would be missing him, but nothing more.
·       Now that he had finally come to a decision, he had some planning to do!
·       He gathered all of D.I.C.E. at their headquarters in order to plan this out. He needed this to be perfect. They spent hours and hours on end planning, only taking short tea breaks for rest.
·       Kokichi was surprised at how quickly his condition had worsened in only a week. What had been single petals had already evolved into closed blossoms. He needed to hurry.
·       He had boiled down everything to two plans.
·       Plan A. Make you hate him so you wouldn’t care about him. There were… several problems with this plan. Even the mere thought of actively hurting you, to the point of getting you to loath and detest him, to not caring he no longer was your friend… He’d have to hurt you, but at least if you weren’t friends, you’d never miss him… But he was a clown. Even the mere though of this plan sent him into an awful wheezing, coughing fit. Tears would percolate in the corners of his eyes from all of the pain. He knew he’d act on instinct and rush to your side and make a fool of himself. He’d do anything to make you laugh and smile…
·       To hear that beautiful bubbly laugh that sent his heart a flight with fantasies of always being by your side, of no matter come what may, being there to make you happy after you indulged in the pain accepting whatever happened.
·       … He could never hurt you.
·       So all he could do was go for the other plan.
·       Plan B. Make a giant show for you. Endless pranks for an entire day and by the end tell you he was moving very far away, maybe to Prague or something he still hadn’t decided where he was going yet, and tell you all these pranks were to make up for all the lost future time together. You’d likely hurt from missing him, but it wouldn’t be anything major…
·       Maybe even after a while you’d forget about him. Then you wouldn’t care at all. You wouldn’t get hurt… Maybe… Maybe that would be for the best. Even if it made him feel sick, terrified even… maybe it would be what was best for you.
·       He just wanted you to be happy. He was determined to conceal you in a kind happy lie, surely it was better than a painful truth.
·       Reading over his plans his vision began to blur. That awful scratching pain clawed up his throat, erupting into that hacking and coughing. He shut his eyes, clutching a hand to his chest. Keeling over he gasped for breath. This was certainly the worst fit by far. Slowly opening his eyes his vision cleared. There were the full blue blossoms, red dripping from them and dyeing the pages beneath. “Already? I thought I had more time…” he then noticed which page got covered in red. Plan A. “Heh, plan B it is. Guess I’ll have to put this plan into action tomorrow.”
·       All through the night he made calls and plans with D.I.C.E. to have everything prepared for endless pranks. He needed this goodbye to be perfect. It was the last time you’d be seeing one another after all, and he wanted his last memory of you to be happy, smiling, and laughing. As long as you were happy, he’d be okay, no matter what.
·       Till the early morning hours, he and D.I.C.E. was running about preparing pranks in any and all locations you frequented and could possibly even go to, even if it meant breaking into your bank and some other places. It was no big deal, it was for very good reason after all, the best goodbye ever!
·       As he and two other D.I.C.E. members were trying to break into a rather stubborn vending machine, he got a call from another member saying you had left your place, awfully smiley in the way you only were when Kokichi pranked you. “Yes! Keep an eye on them! We need to know where they’re going!”
·       Dashing after you, he managed to catch up rather quickly. You were sitting at a park bench. He was about to run up and tackle you when he suddenly stopped himself and instead hid in a tree. You promptly stood up, running to your partner, hugging them… He desperately tried repressing that coughing. It hurt. It hurt so much. Just everything. The one thing that made you even happier than being surprised by Kokichi’s mischief or seeing him playing the fool or him telling you an off-hand joke was your partner. Your partner was the light of your life, what Kokichi wished he was. You were always so undeniably happy with them, you didn’t want anyone else.
·       … This was fine, this just meant he’d get to see more of your smiles on this last day together. He just had to pull back on the pranks as to not be overbearing and annoy you and your partner.
·       Kokichi’s plan had now changed slightly. There were still pranks through the whole day but now he and D.I.C.E. decided to help out the date.
·       When things were getting dull they’d add in a prank. When things were getting romantic, they start playing a beautiful song adding to the mood. They’d separate you from crowds so you could more easily steal a kiss. They’d dim the lights around you and place spot lights on you. They made sure you always had something fun to do. And with each time they intervened you’d catch a glimpse of Kokichi somewhere smiling that toothy grin, giving you a thumbs up. Little did you know that the moment your gaze shifted back to your partner, when they were the center of our world, capturing all of your attention Kokichi hid away, the pain of those cuts slicing deeper and deeper into his heart, lungs and throat came bursting out of his mouth as bloodied flowers, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clutched his chest. Yet moments later even with the red staining his lips and petals clinging to his chin he smiled, knowing he was helping to make this day great. After all, he was a clown. Clowns make others happy at their own expense, even if it hurt them. As long as others were happy, if you were happy, he was happy too. Perhaps, that was the one solid truth he had never lied about in any capacity to others or himself. One could lie just about anything, but that was the one undeniable truth that could never be obscured no matter how he tried, even if he wanted too.
·       And thus, the day went on, joyously, as it should have. Till you heard it. From his hiding spot under the bridge where he and D.I.C.E. set off fireworks for you, you heard that horrendous hacking. Kokichi crumpling over clamped his hands over his mouth. Just a little longer he had to keep it all in. But… he couldn’t breathe, no matter how he gasped, he couldn’t get anything. His vision was darkening and blurring. Everything was suddenly so cold. Even his hearing was muffled as if he were underwater. “Kokichi!” Suddenly he was in your arms, cuddled against you… You were crying. You… you had said something else but he could only clearly hear his name, everything else was a blur, like how only you were clear and everything was a haze. “s-sorry… I… want to… to leave you with… a smile… n-not this.” This was the first and only time he truly broke down before anyone, not trying to hide or obscure anything at all. All the pain and heart break was etched into his every feature. You screamed something… he thought… it was hard to even think.
·       … Even in the end he was a liar. He had to lie to himself to do this. He was a clown, it was in his nature to only make you smile, but… this was his only choice. He was loyal to himself and you alone. He would never throw away his feelings for you. It was simply not even an option he truly considered, even if he lied to himself saying he would. “hey… it’s… okay… you shou… laugh… i… want you too… it’s what I do… you’re alright… live happily… that’s… all I ask… and… that’s…… not…… a……… lie”
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lovemesomesurveys · 3 years
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*Where is everyone?? Me and Lina are the only ones lately, everyone else seems to have disappeared.*
1. Can you remember what you were doing at 8:15 this morning? I had just woken up at 8, so I was still in the process of waking up and watching The Middle. 2. In your phone’s contacts, who is the first person listed under the letter ‘R’? When did you last see that person? My brother. It’s been a few months since I’ve seen him, he’s been out of state.
3. If someone is sticking their nose into your business where it isn’t wanted, how would you deal with that? Would you say something to them? I most likely wouldn’t say anything.
4. What did you have for lunch today? Or, if you haven’t had lunch yet, what do you think you will have? Probably fast food of some kind. 
5. Is there someone you desperately want to see/speak to atm, but you can’t? No.
6. Do you and your significant other have a special song? What is it? I’m single.
7. If you HAD to sing something on karaoke, what song would you choose? Something 90s and alternative.
8. Can you remember the last time you felt ill? What was wrong with you? I feel ill most of the time due to health issues. 9. What time is it now? Are you tired? It’s 9:31AM and yes, of course I am. Always.
10. If you wear make-up, do you take it with you, to reapply throughout the day? Does your make-up stay for a long time after you first apply it, or do you find that you need to reapply often? Are you wearing any make-up atm? Nah. And no, I’m not wearing any at the moment. I did wear a little makeup for the first time in years the other day for my bro’s grad party, though. 
11. What if you found the last person you kissed, in bed with the last person you texted? That wouldn’t happen.
12. The last person you held hands with - have you ever kissed them? Yes.
13. Can you remember what your parents bought you for Christmas last year? Yes, of course.
14. Think about the person you fell hardest for. Why do you think your feelings for this person were so strong? How is he/she different compared to everyone else you’ve had feelings for? There’s just those people you have a special connection with, you fall for, and it just feels right. We had a lot in common, I felt comfortable with him, we could talk about anything and everything... he was a genuinely good guy. 
30. Have you ever caught your friend cheating on their boyfriend/girlfriend? If you have, what did you do about it? If you haven’t, what do you think you would do? Yes. There wasn’t much I could do, but when she asked for advice I told her she should figure things out between her and her boyfriend and not pursue anything further with the other person until then.
31. When your last relationship ended, how long was it before you felt ready to think about being with someone else? It was like a year.
32. Has any of your friends ever had a boyfriend/girlfriend that you found attractive, and you would secretly have liked to have for yourself? No.
33. How many guys do you know named Matthew? Zero.
34. Think about the last person that made you cry. Would that person be there for you if you needed help? Yes.
35. Who was the last person you talked to before you went to sleep last night? Do you remember what you talked about? My mom and brother. My brother was discussing his job and asking us for advice on some things.
36. Has someone of the opposite sex made you cry at any point during the last 24 hours? No.
37. Is there anything you would like to say to your most recent ex? No.
38. If your friends are sexually active but you aren’t, does that bother you? Have you ever felt pressured to have sex before you were ready, because your friends had done it? It hasn’t bothered me.
39. In your opinion, what is the difference between having a crush and being in love? Have your own experiences helped you to realise that there is a difference? There’s definitely a difference. A crush to me is more surface level and in the early stages. Being in love goes a lot deeper than that. It’s more intense. 
40. Did the last person you hugged have any of these letters in their name: T, R, K, P, J? Yeah.
41. What’s the most unhealthy thing you’ve eaten in the last 24 hours? Ramen.
42. What was the last compliment you received from someone of the opposite sex? I don’t recall.
43. Who did you last say ‘I love you’ to? What colour are that person’s eyes? My mom. Her eyes are brown.
44. If you took away the first and third letters of your name, what would you then be called? Tphanie.
45. Name 7 things that make you happy, and explain how it might affect you if you had to give them up. Nah.
46. Think about your Facebook profile photo. What kind of assumptions do you think a stranger might make about you, from seeing that photograph? Would any of these assumptions be correct? Uhh. I don’t know.
47. You buy a bar of chocolate, but you decide that you don’t want to eat it now, and put it in the fridge. When you go back later, half of it’s gone - someone else has started eating it! Who are you most likely to blame? My dad.
48. Choose 5 friends, and talk briefly about each person’s longest/most serious relationship. Who was the relationship with, and how long did it last? Nah.
49. Do you think it’s wrong for someone to commit themselves to a long-term relationship at a young age? Explain. Wrong? No. If they’re happy and things are going well then I don’t see the issue.
50. Is there something happening in the near future, that you’re looking forward to? No.
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sandpumpkin · 3 years
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Written for the wonderful @burnthoneymint​​  ‘Come and play’ birthday event!
My prompt was ‘Person B gives Person A a gift, which is handmade because Person B couldn’t find anything Person A might like’ 
I am an idiot because I was in festive mode. I wrote more a christmas style gift o(╥﹏╥)o I didn’t realise until I was almost done. And now I’m worried..because I chose Family times rather than reader insert...you know I should check up on rules more frequently when I’m doing stuff like this. 
BUT here we are! 
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Family Festivities
Toto Land was forever a hive of activity, with the homies bringing life to all matters of mundane objects and the townsfolk being genuinely lively and jolly people and with the ever changing scenery. When seasons changed so did the local cuisine of the islands. Food changed to compliment the weather and so did the buildings. Gingerbread houses were re-decorated to fit the seasons and new chocolate statues erected to match. Autumn was the best season some would say, the rooftops were frosted with red, yellows and browns creating a myriad wave of sparkling ambers which represented the treetops. Smells of pumpkin pies, apple strudels, cinnamon buns and with the milder weather casserole and stews flowed through the air of the towns. 
During the seasonal changes, Katakuri made an extra round to ensure everything was following smoothly. 
The most chaotic time of year was the switch between Autumn and Winter. The end of year festivals were fast approaching and everything had to be bright, bold and spectral, if they wanted to win the best decorated island award. Katakuri towered over the townsfolk who all greeted him pleasantly as he walked by. The smell of freshly baked mince pies and fruit cake filled his nose. “Minister please, take this.”
“Sir and this.” 
He always ended up with so many new snacks and treats to try, he often sent guards back ladened with boxes of biscuits, pies and cakes. 
Katakuri had a terrible sweet tooth, as did most of his family. He appreciated the change in flavours, complimentary hot drinks that paired well with these desserts made him look forward to his  Meriendas even more but with the extra patrols and work, his meriendas were fewer and far between which did not do well for his mood. 
The only downside to this time of year were his siblings: notably the younger ones.
The gifts he receives from siblings which feel thoughtless, bought for the sake of vying for attention and favour from him. All the same gifts of food. Which usually he wouldn’t mind but the gifts were simply bragging rights for the siblings: who bought the biggest present, whose gift was grander, more delicious. Katakuri appreciated the gifts none-the-less not letting the sweets go to waste but some things he couldn’t enjoy their flavour or texture knowing how little thought had been put into purchasing them. 
Another long day was coming to an end, the sun had started to set behind the winter themed rooftops and candy snow began to fall. Katakuri was feeling the hungry pangs from missing not one but two snack times, but the problems just hadn’t persisted today. Sighing deeply, he crossed a bridge over a river of mint syrup.
“Brother! Brother Katakuri.” he was met at the other side by Brulee, it was rare to see her out of the forest she secluded herself in. 
“Brulee, is there a problem?” he questioned. She shook her head and smiled warmly at him. The scar across her face always stabbed him in the heart, a scar caused by him and yet she bore him no ill will. If there was anyone Katakuri trusted in Toto land, it would be Brulee. With siblings being at each other's throat for one thing and another, it was nice and relaxing to have someone that genuinely cared. She produced a large package from one of her mirrors. It was wrapped in bright pink wrapping, tied together with black ribbon and a delicate bow on the top. 
“Here.” she said, holding out the gift for him to take. 
Katakuri took the package with one hand, the wrapping crinkling loudly under his grip. He stared at the package vacantly for a moment before looking up at his eagerly awaited sister “May I open it?” he questioned, it wasn’t quite the day for opening presents yet. 
“Of course. I hope you like it.” she said, watching him excitedly. Katakuri tugged at the bow and teared open the wrapping paper. The feeling of shock ran through him, he pulled out a long hand knitted chunky scarf in black and pink to match his usual wear. 
“To keep you warm dear brother.” Katakuri held the scarf carefully in his hands feeling the soft wool it was made out of, smiling beneath his spiky scarf. He glanced up briefly from the scarf and noticed all the plasters around her fingers, she had sustained such injuries making him a gift and he hadn’t gotten her anything in return. 
I am truly no better than my brothers. 
 Sensing no one nearby, Katakuri removed his scarf quickly, handing it to Brulee as he promptly and carefully wrapped her scarf around his neck making sure it was secure around his face. His eyes widen in well hidden surprise. He instantly felt warmer from the evening chill, he had had his usually black and white scarf for quite some time and it was probably not as well insulating as it used to be.
“Do you like it?” she asked, nervously awaiting his verdict.
Katakuri nodded “It’s warm.” he replied simply, “I didn’t- I didn’t get-”
Brulee laughed “you needn’t get me anything in return dear brother, that's not why I made it.”
Katakuri felt a little ashamed, she had always been there supporting him even if it was his fault she was scared. What can I offer in return? What can match this kind of gift?
Taking a quiet deep breath, Katakuri scratched the back of his head “Will you join me for my Merienda?” he felt like it wasn’t nearly good enough to thank her for such a gift  “I have too many new treats to sample from the townsfolk.” he rambled. 
When was the last time I allowed someone to see me eat?
“I would love to dear brother.” Brulee smiled brightly “I have some delicious peppermint chocolates that Pudding made too.”
“Thank you.” he said, his hand reaching to linger on the soft scarf “I don’t deserve something this precious.”
“You do.” Brulee stated firmly, almost a scolding tone to her voice “You keep us so safe, you look out for all of us siblings. I just wish I could do more to help you.” Brulee smiled, “thank you, dear brother.”
Katakuri closed his eyes as he smiled under his scarf. He rested a hand on top of Brulee’s purple hair “you do more than enough already.” the siblings headed back through the town enjoying the sights and smells that often reminded them of simpler times when they could just be children and everything was a little more magical.
Maybe one day. One day all of us siblings can enjoy a moment like this. 
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kpopmalereader · 4 years
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prom ; lee chan
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• summary: dino asks you to go to prom with him after your relationship builds • pairing: lee chan x male!reader • word count: 2049 • to do
You and Chan were never really friends. You weren’t enemies by any means, but you weren’t friends. You knew of each other. And that was about it.
When you finally truly met and got to know each other it was during your last year of high school. Both of you still needed volunteer hours and wouldn’t you know it, you signed up for the same service. You actually passed each other on the way to sign up.
Being surrounded by dozens of different types of animals while also getting service hours seemed like a pretty good deal to you.
Plus, the cute boy that walked in with his sweatshirt only on one arm was an added bonus.
You had your first conversation together when you were assigned to the front desk, signing in the animals and their parents. Anytime someone was not standing directly in front of you Chan’s mind would wander. He could get distracted by Computer the Cat and feed her treats in a steady stream until she left him. Or he would start to spin around in his chair until he was sick and dizzy.
And he became very close to you. Unbeknownst to you, he would ask to share the same tasks as you (no matter how meaningless or nasty) and he didn’t take much convincing from you to do anything you didn’t want to. You never noticed his want to spend more time around you or his willingness to do jobs every volunteer complained about if you mentioned not wanting to do them. You thought you noticed how often you were paired together but never thought it was because of Chan, instead thinking you were looking too far into things or that the person in charge thought you two were good friends.
You were becoming friends. In the process of starting a friendship.
At the beginning, it wasn’t obvious. You would nod at each other in the hallway. And he smiled at you once in the cafeteria while you were with his friends. You felt like you were on cloud nine the rest of the day, though you couldn’t pin down why you felt the way. After a little while of working together and getting to know each other while playing with and bathing dogs you started to say a few words in passing then he would end up by your locker before class and then if either of you were ever alone, you would keep each other company.
You met his friends. He met yours. They had questions but you both said you were only gaining a friend.
By the end of the first semester, your friend groups had mixed. Everyone knew of each other and acted friendly when able. You and Chan began hanging out after school and before going to the office. You learned his favorite color and his favorite animal, his favorite food, his life story, everything he told you, you absorbed.
By Valentine's day Chan was falling. He couldn’t help it. You seemed to care about everything. Every detail anyone else would pass up or forget, you remembered. The candy Chan mentioned one time? You bought it for him a month later. The song he hummed to himself while he was doing inventory? You told him you liked the artist a few days after.
It was really your fault. How could you show interest in him in these small ways no one else really had before and not expect him to fall?
The moment he really “fell” he’ll remember forever. Someone brought in an Orange Dream Ball Python. They said it wasn’t too old but they couldn’t take care of it and didn’t know what to do. You paged for one of the vets and asked the person to wait a minute but as you got the words out they dropped a writhing bag onto the counter and half-ran out of the office. With no hesitation you grabbed the bag and peeked inside, seeing that it did, in fact, look like some type of python. You brought it to the back and Chan followed. The vet was busy and couldn’t walk out but seeing the animal fight against itself in the cloth bag made your face morph into the saddest frown he’s ever seen from you. You stuck the bag in one of your hoodie’s pockets and went on a mission for some kind of cage for it. You found a small cage and took the lid off.
*
“What are you doing?” Chan’s jaw had long been on the floor.
You looked at him like he was the crazy one.
To you, the answer and solution was obvious, but to everyone else in the situation (only Chan), nothing was going to happen until an actual adult walked into the room.
He still looked very confused and a tiny bit frightened, so you spelled it out. “I’m going to let him out. I don’t know how long he’s been in there or if he’s hurt, where they got him from, I’m going to release him into the cage and let him slither around.”
You placed the cloth bag into the cage. Chan took three half-steps backward. The bag fell open and you slowly tug at the other end of it until the snake falls onto the plastic cage.
The snake isn’t too big. It’s sort of small. But it’s still a snake.
It balls up in the middle of the cage and hides in itself. Chan hears a small noise of adoration come from you and you sit in a chair, watching the creature closely.
“Hey, little guy. What happened to you?”
*
The vet gave clearance on the snake. Said it was what the owner said it was and that it didn’t appear to be injured. They had an enclosure for it and one of the techs was sent to get some extra supplies.
You became attached to him immediately. You set the little cage he was in by your station at the counter, checking in with him any time you could. Chan watched as you became more and more okay with the reptile until you had him quite literally wrapped around your finger. The “little dude” slithered over your hands and your keyboard, your smile growing bigger and bigger when he did anything at all.
And as Chan watched you interacting with the snake he felt enamored. You would look up at Chan and point excitedly and he was lightheaded. He wanted to spill everything about himself. He wanted to tell you every secret he’s ever had. And he might have if the head vet mentioned some patrons might be afraid of the snake. You frowned and hid him behind the desk, smile turning sneaky.
He didn’t say anything. Just felt every emotion possible.
You wanted to keep the little snake so bad. Came to school the next day with a pout, recounting to Chan exactly what your parents said about it.
You said Chan saved the day when he said you would know the whereabouts of the snake at the vet’s office.
Every day that passed once Chan’s feelings truly set in they only grew. Most of his friends were quickly let in on the secret and a few of your friends found out soon after.
His feelings came to a head before prom. Chan’s mind began to race when he watched everyone’s prom-posals begin. The more they happened the more Chan began to wonder if you were going to get asked. Or ask someone else.  And the thought was unsettling to him. He didn’t want anyone else to think of going with you or for you to think of going with anyone besides himself.
Your best-friend was finally made aware of his feelings when Chan caved while planning the “perfect confession” and asked for advice. They would say they didn’t hold it over his head. Chan would disagree.
Chan took it as a compliment when they didn’t seem completely disgusted at the idea.
When he started planning, he also started preparing for the embarrassment he would endure if you were to say no. Embarrassment he did not plan for was the embarrassment in asking the head veterinarian for help and permission.
He hoped you wouldn’t notice the change in who you were working with throughout the day.
You did.
*
“Hey!” You stop halfway to turning the light in the stockroom off. Computer the Cat darts out between your legs and you hear the yelp of one of the nurses in his path. “Didn’t see you there.”
His attempt at not being suspicious is anything but good. “Hello.”
“You weren’t at the front desk with me today,” You scrunch your face and lean against the door. “You know how awkward the silences are when you’re not close to the person you’re working with? I’ll answer it for you. Very. It was awful and as far as I’m concerned it’s all your fault.”
He scratches the back of his neck and pushes the stack of paper towels to the left. “Sorry. I asked if I could do more work alone today. I guess I should have warned you.”
You shrug your shoulders and let the door close. You sit on the stool he was using earlier. “It’s not like a real problem or anything. I just missed you. Is everything okay?”
Your genuine concern and thoughtful expression eat away at him until his straight expression breaks into a light chuckle and smile. “Yeah. I just had some stuff on my mind today. It’s okay, promise.”
You nod and jump up, going out of your way to bump your shoulder into his on your way to the door. “Well, if you get tired of doing inventory or being alone, come see me. I’ll ignore more of my work to talk to you.”
“I’m sure I’ll see you later.”
Chan breathes out and bangs his head against the metal shelves as the door closes behind you. He shuts his eyes tightly, rethinking every step of his plan.
*
With an hour and a half left of the day with no attempt at the plan happening every time the head vet passes Chan, constant watch-tapping occurs.
Chan sees you cleaning out one of the cages and sets his plan into motion. He pours a few cat treats into a bowl and corrals Computer the Cat into an empty exam room. She tolerates Chan enough for him to set up his sign. He adds more food to her bowl to keep her in place and walks out of the room.
He catches you as you’re washing your hands, the smaller dog cages fully cleaned and redecorated. “Hey,”
“Hello.” You flick some of the water on your hands at him and smile.
“Have you seen Computer?”
“I saw her earlier, why?”
“She was acting kind of strange earlier; I didn’t know if you noticed anything different.”
You pout slightly and shake your head. “No, where is she? What was she doing?”
Chan leans back into the door. “She keeps sneaking off into Room Three.”
“Poor thing, I wonder if she’s okay.” You walk into the hallway, leaving him to pick his heart off of his shoe.
You moving towards his surprise forces him to recover. He follows behind you, breathing in raspy breaths.
You walk into the room, looking up to first see Computer eating then seeing the sign. “Prom?” is written in big letters and you turn around quickly.
Chan smiles at you with one of his eyebrows raised. A white rose is in his hand and he holds it out to you. “I don’t know if I can handle asking but I will if you want me to.”
“You don’t have to ask again.” Your ears go pink and your smile grows as you take the flower from him. “Thank you and… yes. Yes. I will go to prom with you.”
He laughs and nods his head. “Great, good. Yeah. Okay.”
“I didn’t think you were going to ask me. I was hoping but didn’t think you would.”
“You were hoping?”
“Obviously.” You smell the flower and shake your head.
He scratches the back of his neck and rocks up on his toes. “Thank you. Prom.”
“Prom.” You repeat.
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generaldisdainn · 4 years
Text
Mandatory Relaxation
Happy Kristanna Christmas in July @somecallmejohn !! I’m your secret santa! :D Your suggestion was Kristoff being a goofball and Kristoff and Anna spending the day together in canonverse, so that’s what I tried to do!!! There isn’t too much plot- just a sweet snapshot of their day spent together. :-) I hope you like it!!! <3 <3 <3 
Rating: K
Pairing: Kristanna 
Word count: 2780
Kristoff hated watching Anna spread herself too thin. He could always see it coming- the frantic energy, the tired eyes- it all pointed to her over-expending herself.
He knew that assuming the role of queen meant more responsibilities and less free time for the two of them to spend together, but he felt that lately she hardly had any time at all. She was a brilliant queen, and Kristoff watched the way she ruled with reverence every day. He whispered how proud he was of her into her skin each night as they cuddled close. But lately she had seemed so tired. She was doing too much all out of the goodness of her heart. A neighboring kingdom had been dealing with a food shortage, and Anna was working diligently to figure out a way to allocate food and supplies to this struggling kingdom while still making sure that her people were taken care of. It was impossible to make everyone happy in situations like these, and he knew how much she hated disappointing people. 
She had finally come to a consensus with her advisors and the officials of the struggling kingdom, but the whole ordeal had left her tired and spent. He could tell in the way she carried herself, in the soft shyness with which her usually bright smile now tugged at her lips. It was why Kristoff decided to take it upon himself to help her relax. 
***
Anna awoke in the morning to heavy eyelids and a sore back. Despite the general aches and pains, she noticed that she felt surprisingly rested. Her mind was agile and ready for the day. It was refreshing. She opened her eyes and stretched against the morning sun, noting the way in which it crawled higher up the wall than what she was accustomed to seeing. She jolted at the sudden realization. There was way too much sun for it to be the time she usually awoke. 
“Kristoff, what time is it?” She glanced around the room in frantic search of her fiance. The bed next to her was empty. “Kristoff?”
Kristoff emerged from the bathroom and made his way over to the bed, a soft smile splayed across his face. “Morning, beautiful.” He reached over to embrace her, lips pursed to place a gentle kiss on her temple, but Anna pulled away, tugging at the covers and moving to get out of bed. 
“What time is it?”
“Sometime around noon,” he admitted sheepishly. 
“What?! Kristoff, I had a meeting at 8 this morning! Kai was supposed to wake me up hours ago!” 
Kristoff placed a hand on her arm to still her sudden movements. “Hey, easy feisty-pants. I called off your meetings today.”
“You what?”
Kristoff took a breath. “Anna, you’re exhausted. You haven’t had a break in weeks. You’ve been doing so much, and you know how proud I am of you, but you really need a break.”
Anna hummed thoughtfully. The anxious stutter of her breath calmed as she looked at the soft brown of her fiance’s eyes. She realized she suddenly had nowhere she needed to be. Relief washed over for a moment as she relaxed into his touch.
“Besides, I’ve missed spending time with you,” Kristoff added. He placed his lips to hers and she smiled against him. She loved the feel of him in the mornings- scratchy stubble and soft lips bringing her eagerly into her day.
“So everything’s cancelled for today?” she finally asked after they pulled apart.
Kristoff nodded.
“And no one’s upset?”
“No, Anna, not at all. Kai and Gerda thought that this was a great idea and were actually really excited. And they said everyone they talked to understood.”
Anna nodded slowly. “So we have a free day together then?”
Kristoff smiled and took her hand. “It’s all ours.”
***
They picked fruit from the garden for a late breakfast, letting the juice from nectarines run down their chins and kissing the remnants of the fruit off of each other’s lips. 
“We should do a picnic for lunch,” Anna suggested.
Kristoff nodded in agreement.
“I can have the cooks make something for us,” she said.
“I have a better idea.”
Kristoff led Anna into the town after grabbing a picnic basket and money from the castle. He intended to walk through town with her and purchase food for their picnic from the townspeople. He held Anna’s hand as they walked down the castle steps. He guided her, holding her as she held up the flowing fabric of her skirts to walk into the square. She was stunning. Her hair glowed in the warm rays of the sun.
He brought her to stands and carts where people sold fresh foods and hand-crafted items. Kristoff bought food for their basket as they went. He tipped each person generously. One of his favorite things about being a part of the royal family now was having the means to tip so generously. When he was a young ice harvester, he never had enough to tip at all, let alone well. He always wished he could give more, and now he had the means to do so.
Anna stopped and spoke to people in the bustling square as they made their way through the crowds. People were excited to see the two of them. Anna was adored for her endless grace and kindness, and Kristoff had even become a town favorite with the kids as he let them take turns riding on Sven and often told them stories about adventures in the mountains and tales of large ice golems in far away ice palaces. 
“It’s been so long since I’ve been out here. I forgot how much I love it,” she said to him as she swung her arm with his. They had made their way out of the main center and walked along the water at the pier, boats lining the shore with pride. Anna walked on a small ledge right next to the water and he held her as she balanced. “Look at how happy everyone is.” Anna sighed as she looked towards a group of kids who were playing some sort of made up game. They looked so happy, so carefree.
“You know, you play a big part in that.”
“In what?” 
“In helping make everyone feel so happy here.”
Anna blushed. “So do you, you know. I don’t think I tell you enough, but I’m so proud of all that you’ve done. I know you don’t always like the whole royal thing,” Anna straightened his collar and ruffled his hair. “But you’ve brought so much to Arendelle.” He truly had. She meant every word of what she said. He was the driving force behind building Arendelle’s first orphanage. He lead ice harvesting trips and taught the kids how to care for the reindeer. 
Kristoff rubbed a hand at the back of his neck and fumbled with something to say. He still found himself getting tongue-tied when he received such genuine compliments. He was always caught off guard by the way his heart would take flight at her kindness.
His fumbling was interrupted by the kids who were now barrelling towards the two of them.
“Kristoff! Queen Anna!” the youngest of the group cried. 
“Hey, guys!” Kristoff smiled. He immediately recognized the group from hanging around the stables. He knew the youngest boy as Bjorn- the one who was always asking for a ride on Sven.
“Kristoff, I’ve been practicing the song you taught me!” Bjorn began humming a gentle tune. 
Anna gave Kristoff’s hand a squeeze.
“I can never get that last part,” Bjorn grumbled as he faltered on the last section of the tune. “Can you sing it for me?” The other two boys lit up at the suggestion.
“Maybe some other time,” Kristoff offered. “I don’t have my lute on me.”
Bjorn gasped and scampered off suddenly.
“You’ve been singing to them?”
Kristoff shrugged. “Sometimes in the stables. They like to help me out in there.”
She had heard him sing many times, but she didn’t know he’d been singing to the kids in the town. Her heart swelled. 
Bjorn returned with a lute in his small hands. “It’s my dad’s! Please Kristoff?” The other two boys clapped excitedly and gathered around Kristoff as Bjorn pushed the lute into his hands. Anna smiled and sat down next to the boys. 
“Alright Kristoff, you heard the boys. You have to play. Queen’s orders.”
Bjorn giggled at that. 
Kristoff smiled and shook his head at his fiance. She was sitting like an eager child, legs criss-crossed and hands propping her head as she gazed up at him with eager eyes. 
He began strumming softly. Anna could tell he was a bit nervous. She knew he was more used to playing for their little family or in the stables, but not in the open like this. But it was just her and the boys on the pier. She could see him start to ease into the song.
Anna watched as he sang. He had a beautiful voice, something she always found herself learning all over again whenever he used it in song. He sang about a beautiful girl who rescued her sister and then saved a forest, a girl who was so deeply loved by a wandering man of the mountains.
***
They made it out to a secluded spot in the woods together. The trees dappled the ground with spots of sun and shade. It wasn’t too far off the beaten path. It was within walking distance of the town, but it was still off the trail just enough so that they were alone amidst the birds and the whispering of the wind through the trees. They shared breads and cheeses and stories and dreams. Anna watched Kristoff talk. She was in awe of the way his face glowed in the spotted sunlight, his hair shining in neat tresses.
“Here- tilt your head back like this, but make sure to keep your eye on my hand.” Kristoff instructed Anna as he posed to throw a grape into her mouth. He had offered to teach her after he had shown off his own ability in catching them. “Ready?”
“This is stupid,” Anna replied, although she stayed in formation.
Kristoff geared up and threw a handful of five, hitting her in multiple different places on her face. “You didn’t catch a single one!” 
“You cheated!” Anna tackled Kristoff to the ground in mock anger. She collapsed on top of him with bubbling laughter and he held her close, breathing her in and feeling her warmth on top of him. 
They laid like that for a moment, breathing and laughing together. Kristoff looked up at the tree-covered clearing and let out an easy breath. He felt so at home.
Anna clambered off of him and patted her lap. “Lay down- I want to play with your hair.”
“Hmmm you’re going to have to pay money for that. My hair doesn’t come for free you know.”
Anna rolled her eyes. “Just get over here, silly.”
Kristoff laughed and laid his head in Anna’s lap. She strung flowers in his hair. They were full of good food and laughter. He smiled contently as she ran her fingers through his locks, putting another flower carefully into place.
“Sing for me?”
“You sound just like those kids,” he teased.
“Can you blame me? You have a beautiful voice.”
Kristoff opened his eyes and looked up at her, her face softening into a smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She placed a hand on his cheek and he leaned into it. It was soft and small and warm. 
He hummed a gentle tune as she worked.
***
“You know, we’ve been so busy we’ve hardly gotten to talk about our wedding,” Kristoff mentioned as they walked back to the town from their picnic. 
“I think we should have two weddings.”
“Two?”
“Well, a more traditional one of course for all of the stuffy dignitaries and ambassadors, but also a special one with your family.”
“You’d do that for me?”
“Kristoff, of course. And it wouldn’t be just for you. I want that too. And I know the Northuldra would come to that one.” Kristoff thought about Anna professing her love for him underneath a night sky, draped in a mossy cape. His heart swelled. “Do you remember when your family tried to marry us after we had just met?”
Kristoff laughed at the memory. It was the first time he really felt him start to fall for her, her radiant smile illuminated by the gems on her headdress and cape. “That was so embarrassing.”
“I thought you were cute. I know we hadn’t known each other for that long and that I was technically engaged to Hans at the time,” they both made a face at the mention of her ex-fiance, “but I think that was when I first started liking you.”
“You mean you like-like me?” Kristoff asked in mock surprise. 
Anna stuck her tongue out at him. “Like you didn’t like-like me then too. You came back for me in the middle of a snow storm.”
Kristoff’s eyes got serious for a moment. He reached out to take her hands in his and held them there, stopping their walk to look at her with sincerity. “I would do that all over again for you. I never want to lose you.”
“I know, Kristoff. I’m right here. I love you.”
“I love you too.” They shared a look in mutual understanding. It wasn’t something they spoke about often, but they both still dealt with the fears of losing each other after enduring life-threatening adventures. Every once in a while they needed to remind each other that they were there- that they were okay. 
“So two weddings, huh?” They began walking again. He looked down at her with a smirk.
“Yup! Is that too much pressure for you? Are you thinking about pulling out now?” she challenged, a playful gleam in her eyes.
He knew she was joking, but he couldn’t help but answer with sincerity. “Never.”
***
Anna read before bed that night for the first time in weeks. What used to be a nightly ritual had become something of a broken habit that she now hoped to get back into. 
Kristoff came out of the bathroom and approached the bed much like he had that morning, arms outstretched and leaning towards his fiance, but this time, she didn’t pull away. She closed her book and nestled into his arms, leaning against the wide expanse of his chest. It was still early in the evening. Usually she would be coming in from a long day of work and head straight to bed, but tonight they felt as though they had all the time in the world. She felt relaxed and at peace as he ran his fingers through her hair. She had taken it out of its braids and it fell down her back in gentle waves.
“Thank you, Kristoff.”
“For what?”
“For everything. For today. I really needed this.” She felt his lips on the top of her head, felt him nestle into her hair and inhale deeply. “I’m going to do this more often.”
“Like take days off?”
Anna nodded. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’m right here. And whenever you need another day off just let me know. I’ll beat up anyone who tries to meet with you.”
Anna snorted in laughter. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“Imagine you punching a dignitary,” Anna said with a chortle after a moment of silence passed between them. Kristoff laughed alongside her at the thought. 
They fell asleep that night in each other’s arms, sleeping peacefully not because their day was filled with meetings and large decisions, but because their day was spent with laughter and sunlight and music.
Anna awoke that next morning with no aches or pains, no groggy feeling in her head or weights on her eyelids. She awoke to Kai like usual, but for the first time in a while, she took an extra moment to snuggle up to her fiance, to plant a gentle kiss to his temple, and breath him in before going about her day.
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santiagoswagger · 4 years
Text
i've never fallen from quite this high
Amy's birthday falls one month into her very new relationship with Jake, and he promises her he has plans to blow her mind.
Set sometime after “The Funeral.”
In all the years Amy’s known Jake, she’s been witness to the downfall of most of his relationships, and she knows they all tend to follow a similar pattern.
He was disorganized and completely consumed by his work throughout most of them, perpetually forgetting to show up for dinners or drinks because a case always took precedence. He could be selfish, unfiltered with his words and competitive to a fault. Most of the women he dated never seemed to last very long, and if they did, Jake usually found a reason to end things. There were a few exceptions, just as there are with any rule, but Jake was nothing if not consistent. He was a lone wolf, even in his personal life.
But the Jake Peralta that Amy finds herself dating now might as well be a stranger.
In the month since they decided to screw being light and breezy, she’s observed several small changes in him that often have her questioning if he’s the same man who once took her on a date designed for maximum humiliation.
When they make plans, he immediately adds them to the calendar on his phone so he won’t forget. He shares his snacks with her at the movies, even if he rolls his eyes while passing her the popcorn bucket. He takes the time to compliment her whether she’s dressed up for a date night out or wearing her ratty sweats on the couch at home, and genuinely means it either way. He’s still overly competitive, but that only makes her like him more.
She catches herself staring at him from across their adjoined desks, in awe of the person he was and the person he’s becoming. She can’t believe she’s actually falling for her goofy, infuriating partner. It’s scary, just as any big change is for a control freak like Amy, but she’s starting to believe that anything worthwhile begins with a little fear.
Much to Amy’s chagrin, Jake catches her mid-stare and smirks.
“Amy, I know you think I look extremely handsome in my new flannel, but this is a workplace. What would the Captain say?” he asks smugly, keeping his voice quiet enough so their coworkers can’t overhear. It’s something they’ve both perfected over the last month.
She rolls her eyes but can’t stop a traitorous grin from materializing on her face.
“Jake, we both know you took that flannel from the lost and found last week. And I wasn’t doing anything,” she says unconvincingly, burying her head in the open file next to her keyboard. “I was thinking. About my case. Because I’m a detective.”
Jake leans back in his chair and crosses his arms behind his head. “Does this ‘thinking’ have anything to do with a major life event happening this weekend?”
Amy cocks her head to the side. “’Major life event?’ What are you talking about?”
Jake lets out a loud, triumphant laugh, startling Hitchcock and Scully from their afternoon naps a few feet away.
“Amy, please tell me you didn’t forget your own birthday. No, wait, please tell me you did so I can make fun of you.”
Her jaw drops in horror. Amy Santiago, queen of organization, forgot her own birthday. Work had been so crazy the last few weeks and nights spent analyzing her planner were few and far between now that she had someone to go home with after work so something was bound to fall through the cracks. But she would rather let Charles cook dinner for her than let Jake know that.
“Shut up,” she says indignantly. “Just because I don’t obsess over my birthday like some people doesn’t mean I forgot it.”
Jake leans forward with a softer smile than before. It’s fond, almost. “You did, but that’s okay. I’ve got a few things up my sleeve for Saturday.”
“You do?” she says, surprised.
“Mmm-hmm,” he nods, grinning. “Prepare to have your mind blown.”
She laughs. “Okay, I’ll hold you to it.”
As they pack up their desks to leave for the night, Amy allows herself to wonder what Jake could possibly have planned. It’s their first birthday or holiday as a couple, and it’s so early. Their relationship is still so new and exciting, but a birthday is a big commitment. They haven’t even discussed where they see things going or if there’s a future for them. She doesn’t want this birthday to be the thing that scares him away before the relationship really gets off the ground. She’s pretty sure it could be something great if they let it.
Amy wakes up Saturday morning to the smell of fresh coffee wafting into her bedroom. It’s a shock for two reasons: she’s fairly certain she ran out of coffee grounds earlier this week and she knew Jake was scheduled to work an overtime shift today. The rumpled sheets next to her confirm his absence, but they’re still slightly warm to the touch; he must have just brewed her a pot before stumbling out the door.
She takes the time to brush her hair and teeth, and wash and moisturize her face – she refuses to let her morning routine slip, even if it’s her birthday – before walking out into the kitchen. It’s where she finds a full pot of coffee, complete with a new bag of beans from her favorite neighborhood café. It’s annoyingly expensive hipster coffee, and she can’t believe Jake shelled out the cash for it.
She also finds a note written in Jake’s awful chicken scratch on some stationery he must have grabbed from her office. Lucky for him, Amy’s been forced to decipher a few hundred of his case files over the years and can read his appalling handwriting without a problem.
Ames,
Happy Birthday, weirdo! I’m sorry I have to work on the day of your birth but I promise to make it up to you later ;) See you at 5.
Jake
She smiles as she finishes reading before pouring herself a large cup of steaming coffee and taking a long sip. She sighs, and she’s fairly sure it’s not just the coffee warming her from the inside out.
Truthfully, a day to herself is the best birthday present she could have asked for. She spends the day fielding calls and texts from her family and Kylie while also managing to organize her binders alphabetically and catch up on her very full DVR.
But by the time 5 o’clock rolls around, Jake is nowhere to be found and Amy can’t help but be a little disheartened. He had been making much more of an effort to be punctual lately, especially once he discovered what that earned him from Amy, but she supposes he hasn’t completely let his old habits die. She does her best to shrug it off. He probably just got caught up finishing a case, she thinks.
By 5:30, Amy is concerned. By 6, she’s spiraling.
He’s never been this late to meet her before, and never this late without sending an emoji-filled apology text. She, more than most, knows things can get out of hand at the precinct within an instant, but a shadow of a doubt still manages to nestle its way into Amy’s brain as the minutes tick by without word from her boyfriend.
She pours herself a glass of wine and takes a huge gulp. She knows from past observations that a month is usually Jake’s tipping point in a relationship. It’s entirely possible that he’s starting to have second thoughts about turning their friendship into something more. The thought rips through her like lightning.
It’s then that her front door opens and an exhausted looking Jake practically stumbles into the living room carrying two stuffed takeaway bags. His hair is a mess and his flannel is even more rumpled than usual. Her previously racing thoughts are immediately quelled when she sees him.
“Ames, I’m so sorry but I couldn’t find the restaurant and then the order was wrong and then I had to go to a different place and it was a whole thing,” he says in a breathless jumble. She can barely make out individual words.
“Are you mad?” he asks as he catches his breath. He looks genuinely gutted at the mere possibility he’s disappointed her.
She puts her wine glass down on the coffee table and moves to wrap him up in a firm hug. She can feel the tension leave his body at her touch.
“No, I’m not mad,” she mumbles into his shoulder. “But I wish you had texted me so I knew you were alright.”
“Phone died,” he says sheepishly. She pulls away slightly and gently swats his arm.
“I thought I bought you a charger for your desk!”
“I may or may not have been playing Kwazy Cupcakes all day and it totally drained my battery,” he laughs. “The precinct was so boring today, Ames.”
She smirks. “Did you miss me, Peralta?”
“Pshh, no,” he says, eyes darting around the room.
“You did,” she says smugly and he rolls his eyes, visibly grinning. “Now, tell me about this food.”
She pulls away from him to rummage through the plastic bags he’d placed on her dining table when he came home. It smells unbelievably familiar.
“I, um,” he stutters. “Remember when you told me about your favorite birthday parties as a kid? When all of your extended family would come over and it was just a giant party with games and the best Cuban food?”
“Yeah, I do,” she says softly. It had been such a throwaway conversation, late night memories shared while cuddling on his couch in front of the TV after a long shift. She’s genuinely touched that it stayed with him.
“Well, I found a place in Park Slope that sells those cheesy guava pastries your mom used to make you every year on your birthday,” he says, rubbing his arm uncomfortably. “But they messed up the order and I had to drive around to a bunch of Cuban restaurants to find them. That’s why I was so late.”
Maybe it’s the nostalgic smell of the pasteles de queso y guayaba bringing back her childhood, or maybe it’s the look of pure vulnerability on Jake’s face, but Amy can feel the warmth from this morning’s coffee returning tenfold. A lump begins to grow in her throat and she swallows hard to tamp it down.
“I can’t believe you did this,” she says, astonished. “I haven’t had one of these in forever.”
He’s rubbing his arm again, a nervous tick. “I hope they’re right. The woman at the last place I tried didn’t speak English so it was a lot of charades and pointing.”
She laughs. “They’re definitely right. They smell just like I remember.”
She puts the bag down and walks quickly over to where he’s standing in her kitchen doorway. She kisses him delicately, bringing her hand up to cup his cheek, thumb sweeping his jaw as she pulls away. His eyes are half-mast but they’re shining brightly.
“Happy birthday, Amy,” he whispers, moving to gently grab her hand as it pulls away from his face.
She scrunches her nose and smiles. “Thank you. Now, are you ready to try some cheese and guava pastries?”
He wrinkles his nose. “Ugh, no, thank you,” he says vehemently, backing out of her embrace.
She walks closer. “Please? For my birthday? You did say you would make it up to me after working all day.”
He groans. “Fine. But this is the last time I do anything nice for you.”
She smiles. “Deal.”
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tinytigerrrr · 3 years
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11 for 11 may 🙏, 15, 21, 23, 25, 28, 31, 38, 45, 48 😉 & 49!
11 for 11 may, my god bless you my friend!! <3 And Also THANKS FOR THE ASKS!! <33 Sorry it took so long I really wanted to take my time hehe c: 11. Describe your ideal day. I think my ideal day is sleeping in late, what for me is normal, around 12pm. Then I wake up, eat a good breakfast, sit with my cat on my lap for smtn like an hour. And then I go outside, bcs the sun is shining. I meet my friends and we go picknick somewhere in the sun beneath a few little trees. I buy smtn to drink somewhere because its very hot and ofc I forgot my drink. Its so refreshing and I feel so alive and the world is so beautifull. Me and my friends, we laugh a lot and just enjoy the good weather, the nice day and the little foods. And than at the evening we bbq or eat smtn else nice, and have a good evening. We sit outside for a while, feeling the summer evening becoming cooler. We watch as the stars come out and think to ourselves if we ever looked up at the same stars together in another life. And then when it’s really late, I go back home, feeling the cool breeze against my skin while I ride my electric bike. At home everyone is asleep so I walk in very softly and there I see my cat sleeping in the chair so I walk to her and bent over giving her a gentle kiss on her little head. She makes mmrrr sound and I tell her I love her and that I had an amazing day. After that I give her some food and I go to bed. Maybe take a showe bcs it was so hot today. And then I lay in my bed, tired but very fufilled after such a wonderfull day. Storing the happy memories in my head thinking how blessed I am with my life. As I fall asleep I feel gratefull for today and all the beautiful things that brought it.  Yeah, I think thats mu ideal day. Friends, good weather, sunshine, little food, laughter, love, my cat lucy, summer - yeah smtn like that c: 15. What is your favorite compliment to recieve? I like all kind of compliments. Im a sucked for compliments. I know I do a good job most of the time, but there’s just smtn in me that really likes the validation? I know I don’t need it. But it just makes my soul shine like: Ohmygawd thank you so much this makes me so happy D:. But If I had to think, I think I like the compliment saying I have a good energy or vibe the most. Bcs its so pure and real and not everyone can sense/say that. And you’re energy is not smtn you can fake or make more beautiful. So its such a sincere compliment, that I think thats my favorite compliment to recieve c: 21. Tell us about your music taste. Bro, this is a long one HAHAHA. But I will keep it short: ‘Diverse.’ I think that describes my music taste the best. Because I listen to A LOT of different things. Just what I feel like or in what mood I am. And one thing I also like a lot is when a song makes me feel ‘free’. As if im totally cut off from the world. Thats a really nice feeling music can give you. And ofc songs that make me feel things. Bcs often then I can use it as inspiration. So yeah, thats abt my music taste haha c: Also! I like it when songs have a deeper meaning. Idk why, but thats just megical c: 23. Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a kid? OH I already answered this one so I will just copy and paste it here! c: ‘’ YES! I HAD. AND I STILL HAVE IT! I dont sleep with it anymore but it has a honorable place among my other stuffed animals. It is a cow, that is formed like a teddy bear so its more cartroony instead of animal like, her name is Koetjeboe and you could play a musicbox song of A Small World from Disneyland. It was my favarite soung and whenever I felt anxious as I child I would play it and it would sooth my soul and fill me with happyness. Aaah good times c: I also had a cat, named, Poes, she is very very very soft, well was, nowadays she aint HAHA she looked like my cat when I was younger, Sjimmie, I loved the plush. Mom bought it for me in England in the Harry Potter castle. It was amazing c: So, I kinda had two, but Koetjeboe the cow is rly my birth stuffed animal haha c:’’ 25. What dream trip would you take with your wife? Honestly, anywhere with her would be a dream. And if she has somewhere wehere she really wants to go, I would just go with that c: Seeing someone you love happy is such a gift so I totally wouldn’t mind going anywhere. That is also because I have so many places I want to go, and almost every place interests me. I can’t think of a country or city or place I am not interested in visiting. I always loved to travel, and still do, so anything would be good c: But if she’s like: Hey what do you want badly? I would probably say somewhere with a beach. I love the sea and I love the beach. So that would be a thing I would love too hahaha. But yeah, anything rly, and the beach c: 28. What makes you smile? Oh boi, what doesn’t?! HAHA. A lot of things make me smile tbh bcs I get happyness out of almost everything. I can remember that I was crying and felt sad, and even then I smiled because it was such a special experience haha. But if I had to say some things I would say; My cat Lucy, cant help but smile whenever I see her, my friends, you super included <3, sunshine, good food, baby animals and honestly just life in general c: 31. How do you show your love? Again, how don’t I? I learned at a very young age to show love in different ways. Bcs I wanted to be a good person. And one of those things is showing love. So I do it with words, saying I really love someone or giving them compliments, thats a big one for me haha. I also like to really support my friends through words. Just supporting them for whoever they are! I also like to give things. It can go from small presents to food to many or big presents on their birthday. Also I like to help people, to give them advice or agai support them any way I can. I also show it through physical contact, as in hugs ans such. And I even sometimes lean toward just really cuddling up to someone HAHAHA But I don’t do that tbh, bcs at the same time it makes me feel uncomfy, but at the same time im like: Ohmygawd I love yo uso much just lemme huddle up against you to share my love with you and ahfgs. So amny ways HAHAHA some more difficult for me and others really easy. Like presents or food, hit me up, imma get you some nice flowers or some sweets or a book you really like bcs I love yu!
38. Who do you admire? Myself *smirk* HAHHA no kiddin. I admire my friends. Because those people have been through hell, or still going through hell, and still decide to be genuine good persons. I’ve seen from upclose what they have to deal with. And they still give so much love tot he world and people and want to help. Its really a blessing to have people like that around me. And I thank the heavens for that. So I would say my friends. Yes. (pls know you are in this picture too. Hello, going through hell still being super good person, ok.) 45. Do you have tattoos or want any? Yes, I have one underneath my feet. HAHA oke jokes, sorry HAHA. No I don’t have any. And I would like one yes. Im not sure what I want tho. I am always thinking of a tiger. Or a lotus flower. Or a little symbol on the inside of my left wrist. That last one I smtn I’ve had for years. I dont know why but I would really like that. A small thing on that place. But what that is gonna be, I have NO idea. OH and I want a smilie face underneath my big toe! Thats just one for fun, but I would rly like it haha.
48. Did you know you’re actually a gift tot he world, for real? IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE *SOB* Thank yo uso much frend!! It means so much to me to hear that I just can’t. My gosh. When I see yu imma hug ya big time. SOB 49. What’s your favorite memory? Ooh this is a hard one. Mostly because I have many good memories and also because Im actually pretty bad at remembering things HAHHA thats two opposites I know xD But uuh, oke I thought about it, but im so sorry i cant think of one RIP. But if I had to choose I would choose smtn that made me smile. That made me really happy. So one with Lucy, many with Lucy, or one with my friends, many with my friends, with my mom, traveling, and so fort. There are a lot and I wish i could show them all to you. Sadly I can’t. BUT We can make our own favorite memories. So lets do that, okay? <3
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beyondconfessor · 3 years
Text
Principle Decisions [20/?]
Rating: Explicit
Pairing: Zelda Spellman/Lilith
Summary: It’d been a while since she’d waltzed with anyone, she realised. She didn’t mind how it felt, especially when Lilith looked at her with such bright eyes. As if she’d never been so happy. 
N.B.: Also posted on AO3. This is pure fantasy, please suspend your disbelief.
Christmas Eve was spent ensuring Sabrina had absolutely everything she needed, before dropping her off at the Walkers, and then Zelda returned home and casually mentioned to Hilda that they would need to set an extra plate for tomorrow’s dinner.
The moment Zelda mentioned that Mary Wardwell had planned on spending Christmas alone, her sister had practically choked up, going on about the poor dear, alone on Christmas! Until Zelda pointed out that she wouldn’t be, and then Hilda had given her a strange look as if she’d been surprised by Zelda’s empathy.
Perhaps empathy wasn’t always obvious in her attempts to look after those she cared about, but she did make an effort.
Lilith arrived around eleven in the morning, which meant that Ambrose was still asleep upstairs and Hilda was working away in the kitchen, midway through meal prep so Zelda was able to press a kiss against Lilith’s lips without anyone seeing, uncaring in how self-indulgent it was. “Hello,” she greeted.
“Hello,” Lilith purred. “Is this where we make some excuse about exploring the house, and you show me your bedroom?”
Zelda laughed. “Later,” she said. “Things to do first. And before you think of yourself a comedian, you’re low on that list for today.”
“I’m sure I could find my way on top.”
Zelda rolled her eyes, helping her set down her bag, and pulling off her jacket to set on the hook. With ease, Zelda laced their fingers together and led her through the house. There was no reason to do it, but for the fact that Lilith’s hand in her own, their fingers laced together, felt comfortable in a way she couldn’t ever remember having with another.
As they came to the dining room, she gave her fingers a squeeze, before dropping her hand as they entered the kitchen.
“Oh!” Hilda greeted as she pulled off her oven mitts, untying her apron to come over and kiss Lilith’s cheek. “Lovely to see you, Mary.”
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Oh, you’re perfectly welcome. But I can’t take credit––that was all Zelda, so I’m to understand.”
“Indeed,” Lilith said, turning her eyes to Zelda’s. “Quite insistent that I didn’t spend the holiday alone.”
“No, that would have been dreadful. And we have plenty of food to share around,” she said, making her way back to the kitchen to put her apron.
All of the food had been prepped the night before, the ham was well on its way to baking since the early hours of the morning, which left only the finer things like finishing the pie and roasting the vegetables.  “You too don’t need to loiter around here, I’m sure there are other things you could be doing.”
Had Zelda not been well familiar with her sister, she would have suspected that Hilda knew something. As it was, she merely raised her eyebrows and led Lilith out of the room.
“And where does that leave us?” Lilith asked.
“Setting the table,” Zelda advised. “Ambrose will likely be down soon.” Showing Lilith where the fine china was set, they removed the plates and cutlery, setting out the table for the four of them, with the good crystal. And then Zelda folded the Christmas cloth napkins into bishops hats.
“Oh, Zelds!” Hilda called from the kitchen, “Why don’t you put some carols on?”
Zelda rolled her eyes. So far, she’d deflected her sister’s attempts to find and dig-up the radio in the kitchen. But it seemed that Hilda was now trying to corner her with Lilith’s presence.
“Not a fan of carols?” Lilith inquired.
“Certainly not,” she said.
“But it is Christmas,” Lilith countered. “Wouldn’t want people to think that you’re a grinch.”
“Hardly. Does it look like a reside in some cave?”
“Oh, my apologies. I should have said a Scrooge.”
“Bah-humbug,” she said flatly, watching as glee shot over Lilith’s face. It was enough to make her smile, a warmth filling her despite the chill that settled in the old house.
“Well, despite your loathing of Christmas, I hope I get to unwrap something later.”
Zelda shot her a warning look, her mouth tilting into a smile. “Careful,” she warned, her voice low so Hilda wouldn’t overhear. “You may be my Queen, but this is my domain.”
“And what happens in your domain, should someone act up?”
“Mm, are you sure you want to find out?”
“Now you’re just teasing.”
Zelda rolled her eyes, heading into the parlour to set up the record player, placing on one of the classic Christmas records that Hilda owned. Familiar songs drew from it, and Zelda couldn’t help but feel her heart lift as she watched as Lilith settled to lean on the arm of a chair, smiling at her with genuine warmth.
At the very least, they were friends. Friends who fucked and engaged in kink, but friends nonetheless.
“Is there something on my face?” Lilith asked. “Or are you just caught in the rapture of my beauty?
Yes, she wanted to answer, but she shook her head instead. “Did you want a drink?”
“What did you have?”
“Hilda’s made apple cider on the stove from an old family recipe. Otherwise, we can open up a bottle of something if you prefer.”
Lilith drew in a deep breath, and her eyes stared at Zelda, awash with delight. “Mm, no, I think I want to keep a clear head. The cider sounds nice,” she agreed.
Zelda hummed, drawing the woman into the kitchen again to pour the drinks for three of them, and then they hovered as Lilith spoke of her mishaps with eggnog as a teenager as Ambrose made his way downstairs, entering the kitchen before he saw Lilith. Eyebrows raising, he looked between the two women but had the decency to hold his tongue––though Zelda suspected he’d was putting two and two together.
She should be anxious about that, but when her eyes glanced to Lilith’s, she felt an ease flood through her as she sipped at the cider. Would it be so bad if her family did find out?
“Morning,” he greeted.
“Afternoon,” Zelda corrected, pointing to the clock. “Though you’re just in time for lunch, I suspect.”
“Oh yes,” Hilda said, setting out the ham. “Meat’s done, salad’s set, and I’ll just pop the pie in to warm.”
“Quite a feat,” Lilith commented.
Zelda hummed in agreement. “Traditionally, we usually open up Christmas presents after lunch, but since Sabrina’s spending the holidays with Miss Walker, we decided to open them up early as a family.”
“I’m sure she appreciated that.”
“I did get one for you,” Zelda said. “Should you feel so inclined.”
Lilith paused to look at her, her mouth going to say something before she seemed to remember the context of where they were. “That sounds lovely,” she said instead.
Hilda coughed, summoning the attention on her. “Shall we?” she said.
They adjourned to the dining room, with Zelda sitting next to Lilith, Hilda and Ambrose across from them. Unlike the dinner party, the conversation stayed away from pressing topics, instead of discussing work, the weather, school for Lilith and Ambrose both, before moving on to other topics as the record player continued to fill the room with songs of Christmas carols.
When that finished, Ambrose rose and change the record to another Christmas album of the 80s and 90s hits that usually played through the grocery store around this time of year.
The food was delicious, the cider complimenting it well, as it’d been every other year, and yet all of that paled to how bold she felt, setting her hand on Lilith’s leg, knowing that their chairs were too close together for Hilda or Ambrose to notice.
“I’m stuffed,” Ambrose declared, setting back in his seat. “I think I need to lie down.”
“You only just woke-up,” Zelda scoffed.
“I was up all night working on my thesis,” Ambrose explained. “I’ve only had a few hours of sleep.”
Zelda softened at that, pleased to note her nephew’s dedication to his work. “Why don’t you and Hilda adjourn to the television and put something on. Li-Mary and I,” she said, quickly correcting herself, “will put everything away.”
Ambrose nodded, making an ungraceful act of unbuttoning the top of his pants as he walked away. Hilda shook her head, “Boys,” she murmured, sharing a smile with Lilith and Zelda both before she looked around. “You sure you don’t need help?”
“You cooked, Hildie. It’s the least we can do,” Zelda said.
Hilda flushed, and then for an unknown reason, began to look quite misty-eyed. For one horrible moment, Zelda wondered if her tone had been sharp before she realised her sister was grinning. “Oh, well, alright then,” she said. “I’ll grab the cookies and set up the television set.”
Confused by her sister’s softened mood, Zelda rose from the table, watching as Hilda drew to where the gingerbread biscuits were before she took them over to tv room. Already, Zelda could hear the distant sound of Ambrose setting up the television, flicking through their collection.
“This was lovely,” Lilith said.
“You’re not leaving yet, so don’t even think of making an excuse.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Lilith said. “After all, I need to give you your present. And collect on mine.”
Zelda turned, giving her a look. “And what, exactly, is your present?”
“Exactly as you asked.”
Zelda’s eyes narrowed, trying to recall, but all she remembered was a rather distasteful comment about a pearl necklace. Were Lilith to have bought a real set of pearls, she would be torn between amusement and annoyance at the woman’s expensive idea of a joke.
“Good, because I really do have something for you, as well.”
“You already gave me one.”
Zelda smirked, feeling pride flush through her at that memory as she picked up the food to take into the kitchen. “It’s only something small,” she assured.
Lilith helped her clear the table, and as she began filling up the sink to wash dishes, Zelda placed the food into containers, setting them in the fridge, knowing that Ambrose would likely pick at it through the night.
The music from the record player filtered through the room, and once all the food had been set aside, the main counter wiped down, she grabbed a tea towel and began drying the dishes, setting them aside to be placed away.
“Were your family not so close,” Lilith said. “I would have you bent over this counter.”
Zelda smirked. “And what makes you think that I wouldn’t have you? I think you’d look rather lovely on the dining room table spread out for me.”
She watched as Lilith dropped a fork, her cheeks flushing red as she turned and looked at Zelda, desire spreading through her expression. Zelda knew she had her there as she stepped closer, reaching into the water to take out the dropped knife before she began drying it on the tea towel. “You know, I’m very handy with a knife,” she informed Lilith, staring boldly at her.
“Are you now?”
“Mm. I would enjoy unwrapping you.”
Lilith’s breath came in short, and then she turned, looking at the two doors before the sound of Ambrose and Hilda’s laughter echoed from the other side of the house. Washing up forgotten, Lilith grabbed her by the hips and kissed her with hot, feverish passion.
Zelda melted against her, feeling the thrill rise inside of her before she stepped back and laughed. “Be good,” she warned.
“And if I’m not?” Lilith dared.
“Then I’m sure I can find a wooden spoon in one of these drawers before I strong-arm you into my office.”
“That sounds like encouragement to me,” Lilith said, and again Zelda watched as desire seemed to draw from her, a deep hunger for what was being offered. Zelda enjoyed it, especially the way Lilith looked at her as if she was prepared to do anything she asked.
There were so many things Zelda could ask of her. Her family was far away, the island counter would hide her should anyone come creeping into the kitchen. She could make Lilith service her here.
But no, that would be wrong.
Zelda cleared her throat, returning to the drying up, watching as Lilith plunged her hands into the water again. A comfortable silence sat between them, and Zelda found her thoughts drifting as she peaked at Lilith from the corner of her eye.
She could feel the words filling up her throat again, a need to tell Lilith that she loved her before she pressed them away. They were happy, she reminded herself. This, what they had together now, was enough. She didn’t need to ruin it by telling her feelings.
Zelda focused on cleaning the fork, she hardly heard the woman’s voice until dishwashing foam was flicked onto her face.
Zelda blinked, recoiling as she blinked at Lilith. “Did you just––“ Lilith flicked her hands again, and Zelda flinched, glaring at her before she grabbed at a piece of foam and flicked it back at the woman. “See, that’s not very––“ she cut off as Lilith flicked her again with foam, and then before Zelda could even find in her self to snap back at her. Lilith had grabbed her, pulling her close.
“I was telling you that looked beautiful,” Lilith said. And then before Zelda could even realise what they were doing, she was swaying, as Lilith had one hand on her hip, the other in hers, pulling her into a waltz.
It’d been a while since she’d waltzed with anyone, she realised. She didn’t mind how it felt, especially when Lilith looked at her with such bright eyes. As if she’d never been so happy.  “So you thought you’d dance with me?” Zelda asked
Lilith nodded. “I did, indeed,” she said, and it was then that Zelda noticed the music swelling high in the background. It was hard to remain cross when Lilith held her firmly, hips swaying, feet leading her before she spun her around in what was not a part of a waltz.
Laughing, she turned back and grabbed at Lilith’s waist, her other hand still in Lilith’s grip as she took to leading, showing her how to actually waltz.
“Oh, I see,” Lilith said. “So even here you have to lead?”
“My domain,” she reminded, dancing her around the kitchen. “I used to be quite adequate at partnered dancers.”
“Of course you were. You went to boarding school, didn’t you?”
“And what does that mean?”
“Just that…the great Zelda Spellman never ceases to surprise me in the many things she knows.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Zelda pointed out, though she did mean it. There was a grace to Lilith that came from experience.
“Mm. Well, I did take-up partnered dancing to practice for my wedding.”
Zelda kept moving, continuing to lead them around as she watched Lilith’s expression soften. Her eyes sparkled in the kitchen light, but she didn’t grow distant, almost as if she was reaching out, hoping to share that part of her.
“You would have been beautiful, a beautiful bride. He was fortunate to have known you.”
“He was a better dancer than I. Took to it naturally.” And Zelda watched as Lilith’s expression turned fond, drifting in the memory, before her eyes returned to Zelda’s, softness returning. “Have you ever married?”
“Almost, a few times, but the love of my work became too much for any partner that proposed.”
“Their loss,” Lilith said, and then suddenly Zelda was being spun again before dizzyingly been brought back into Lilith’s arms. “Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
“I would say the same about you.”
“Mm. I wonder what that means?”
Zelda smiled, feeling her heart warm as she dared herself to say something before Lilith paused suddenly and let go. Zelda turned, looking over her shoulder to glance at Ambrose hovering outside of the kitchen, momentarily stunned by what he’d witnessed. “Don’t mind me,” he said. “Just…” and then he made his way to the fridge, picking at the pieces of the sliced ham before disappearing back to the movie.
Zelda bit her lip, waiting for the panic to set…but it didn’t come. If anything she felt an almost relief flood through her.
Ambrose saw them, and although he’d been awkward from stepping into what had clearly been an intimate moment, he had the decency to act like it was not something to be worried about.
Zelda reached beside her, taking Lilith’s hand and giving it a squeeze. They returned to the washing up, with Zelda finishing the drying up. Through-out it Zelda found herself smiling, still awash with happiness from dancing. A part of her wanted to reach for Lilith again but knew the moment had passed. The record was winding to the last song as they set the plates back in the cupboard, glasses and cutlery set away.
The dining table was wiped down, the kitchen was swept, and napkins were taken to the laundry before, at last, Zelda poured Lilith and herself a glass of cider both as they made their way to where the television was. Ambrose was lounging across the arms of the armchair, as Hilda sat in her usual chair, glasses low on her nose and a quilt over her lap.
Zelda sat on the lounge and watched as Lilith sat on the other side of the couch.
A random Christmas movie was playing––likely from Ambrose or Sabrina’s collection––and as it did, Zelda felt the chill of the room settle over her. The fire was dying, and Ambrose seemed half-asleep in his chair, making no attempt to feed it.
Standing up, Zelda went to where the other quilt was kept and brought it out, moving to sit closer on the lounge seat next to Lilith, so as to set the quilt over them both. She didn’t care, she decided, if Hilda or Ambrose knew.
It was Christmas, and she was happy. And she wanted a relationship, a real, proper relationship with Lilith. Loathe as she was to admit it, given how rude it’d been, but Marie was right to question Zelda in her hesitance to take the next step.
She wanted to sit next to Lilith and hold her hand and flirt with her openly. And kiss her if she so chose.
So she slid her hand next to Lilith’s, allowing their hands to brush, and from the corner of her eye watched as Lilith glanced at her, before smiling. The woman lifted her hand, fingertips brushing over the back of hers in a tease.
“I hate this movie,” Lilith whispered, low enough for the others to not hear.
“So do I.”
When the movie finished, darkness had crept outside. “I’ll make some cocoa, hmm?” Hilda said, rising to her feet.
Ambrose blinked tiredly, stretching, before he took out the movie and placed another in, returning to sit back in the chair like it was any other Christmas. It was another movie that Zelda took no favour to, but she found herself not even half minding as her shoulders brushed against Lilith’s.
Hot cocoa was brought out, set up and Hilda made no attempt to say anything, though Zelda didn’t miss her not-so-secret smile to herself.
Zelda took the cocoa and then nudged at Lilith, knowing the woman was likely finding the movie as tedious as she was.
Pushing the blanket aside, Zelda grabbed their coats and lead her to the back porch, opening the door to sit outside. It was cold, the frostbiting, but the cocoa kept her hands warm as she moved to sit on the bench, sipping at the cocoa as Lilith drew next to her.
“So,” Lilith said. “Forgive me for being candid, but I couldn’t help but notice how…cosy you were.”
Zelda swallowed, taking a moment to steady herself. “May I be honest?”
“Of course.”
“I…like you a lot,” she said, turning to look at Lilith. “I don’t want this arrangement to be just an arrangement. I can’t…enter into a relationship until I ensure both Ambrose and Sabrina are fine with it, but I want that. With you.”
“A relationship?”
Zelda nodded, looking away to stare out at the evening sky. It was dark with the cloud cover, cold, so cold she felt that it might even snow. “I detest the word girlfriend, but…you don’t have to agree to it. We can keep it as it is, but I—“
“Zelda,” Lilith said, her name a soft whisper in the night and Zelda turned to look at her again, watching the woman’s mouth smile, before she was leaning forward to kiss her.
She tasted of chocolate and cinnamon, and Zelda moaned against it, her mouth tasting her again and again, before she pulled away, watching as Lilith licked her lip, a bright smile on her face. It was enough that she wanted to kiss her again.
“Am I to suppose that means you also want this?” Zelda asked.
Lilith laughed, her breath coming out in fog into the night air. “Yes,” she said, turning to look at Zelda. “Now invite me upstairs, and I’ll show you the Christmas present I bought you.”
“Are you wearing it?” Zelda asked, eyes drawing over Lilith’s body.
“No, but I’m intrigued as to what you think it is.”
Zelda ignored the question, choosing instead to do as she was asked and lead her back inside, through the kitchen, up the rear stairs and to her bedroom. And then the bedroom door was being shut, and Lilith was drawing her eyes around the room, looking like she was going to start rifling through her drawers.
“Don’t even think about it.”
Lilith turned on her heel and smirked. “Think about what?” she asked.
“Touching things.”
At that, the mischief returned to Lilith, and she had turned to face Zelda completely. “And whatever ever will you do, Professor Spellman, if I were to touch things.”
“Try it and find out.”
Lilith drew in a long deep breath, her eyes running over Zelda’s form as if to drink her in. “I need to start visiting you in your own domain more if this is how you act.”
“Tired of seeing me on my knees?”
“Never,” Lilith said, her face completely serious. And then she was walking over, and Zelda could feel the coolness of her hands as she held her waist. “Do I get to unwrap my Christmas present, now?” she asked.
Zelda laughed. “You asked me here to give me my gift, or have you forgotten?”
Lilith grinned and then she was pulling out a box from her pocket. It was long and thin, wrapped in emerald paper and tied with a ribbon. Zelda smiled, wondering if it was, indeed, an alleged pearl necklace as she removed the ribbon and then gently unpeeled the wrapping with her nail, careful to not tear it.
“Oh,” Lilith said. “You’re one of those people.”
“Careful, or you won’t get your present.”
“By the time you finish unwrapping, it’ll be morning and no-longer Christmas.”
Zelda rolled her eyes. “Honestly,” she said, before setting the wrapping paper aside and then carefully opening the box.
Inside was a necklace, a fine gold chain, with an elegant design of gold loops that would hang low between her cleavage. It was beautiful, and Zelda picked it up from the box, admiring it.
“There’s a thing in the kink community known as a day collar,” Lilith advised. “I was planning on…officially asking if you would consider entering into an exclusive relationship with me as well. But it seems that you asked me first.”
“You were going to propose monogamy?”
Lilith became shy, an uncertainty wavering over her. Zelda stepped closer, and then handed her the necklace, turning around to pull her hair over the shoulder. There was a pause, and then Lilith placed the necklace carefully over her throat before her lips pressed against her skin. Zelda sighed, feeling warmth spread through her chest.
She turned in Lilith’s arms, looking to her. “There’s something to be said about monogamy,” Zelda advised as she set her hands on Lilith’s shoulders. “I won’t ask you to give up your work. But I would like to be the only person you come home to.”
Lilith smiled. “I should hope you don’t ask me to give up my job. It’d be rather strange for you to request me to stop being a Principal to date you.”
“No, I meant––“
“Zelda, I closed those services off days ago. I only got back into the business because…” she paused then, looking pained. “Because I was lonely, and it was a way to feel intimacy without damaging the memory of Adam.”
“If it hurts, we don’t have to do this. We can––“
“You don’t listen, do you?” Lilith said, laughing. “I want this. I want you. There’s only you, Zelda.”
With those words, Zelda felt incandescent in that moment. A foolish part of her want to leap into her arms or spin her around, or kiss her so suddenly that Lilith would be melting under her touch––but she did none of those things. Instead, she just looked at Lilith, and for a moment, she could imagine their lives together.
All the Christmases, the Thanksgiving and birthdays. Even Valentine’s Day. There would be anniversaries and holidays, excuses to disappear together for the weekend or travel or a hundred and one other things.
The thought should have terrified her, and maybe a part of her was scared about how easy it was to see a possible life flash before her, but it settled and then there was only the here and now.
Only Lilith.
She leant forward and pressed her mouth to Lilith’s, feeling the necklace slide between her breasts. It was a beautiful gift, making her own pale in contrast––though she supposed she could always offer a filthy fantasy to be fulfilled, should Lilith so wish.
“You want to know my favourite part about this,” Lilith said, giving the last loop of the necklace a tug. “There are attachments that go right…here,” she advised, fingers tweaking at nipples through the material of Zelda’s clothes.
Zelda recoiled, grabbing at her chest. “How did you do that?” she asked.
“I have a gift of always knowing where a woman’s nipples are,” she advised. “You wouldn’t believe how handy it is.”
“I’m sure I can imagine,” Zelda said, trying to ignore the way that her nipples were now painfully erect. She pulled away from the woman then, shooting her a look before making her way over to the dresser where she’d set out the printed file earlier that morning. “I need you to understand that I thought about this before…I even realised how much I––wanted you,” she said, hoping Lilith didn’t notice the brief hesitation as she tried to focus on not saying the word ‘love’.
Lilith softened, moving to sit on the end of Zelda’s bed as she watched her shuffle with the papers. “Did you write me a love letter?” she asked. “Or something filthy?”
Zelda flushed. “Certainly not.”
“Shame, I haven’t had any erotic poetry written about me.”
Zelda looked away, hating how seductive the woman looked as she crossed her leg, bouncing her foot absent-mindedly, grinning at her. It was enough to make Zelda’s thoughts utterly distracted by how her mouth formed the word filthy.
“I…had thought about what you said with Marie, about the arts,” Zelda advised. “And I liked the idea of…going to an Art Museum with you, so I looked, and next week there’s a new show that’s opened in the city on modern art, which I felt you would likely enjoy showing me around.”
Lilith’s grin only widened. “Did you plan the Girlfriend Experience for New Year's Eve?”
“I…no, nothing like that. And I still need to speak to Sabrina before we’re together, but I just thought––“
“I love it,” Lilith said, and her face was soft as she looked at her. “How many days?”
“Thursday, coming back Sunday morning. And then I’ll pick up Sabrina that night and…” she trailed off, feeling the future flash before her. Of speaking to Sabrina, of her niece’s indifference or perhaps, conserved annoyance, before Zelda pushed through and found her and Ambrose’s acceptance for her to date.
And then it would be her birthday, and she’d have someone to share that with.
“Zelda,” Lilith said, and then she lifted a hand and crooked her finger. Zelda came over and presented the papers and watched as Lilith adjusted her legs before she grabbed at Zelda’s waist and tugged her down on her lap.
Only then did she take the papers and look them over, her eyes scrutinising the exhibition tickets, the hotel booking, confirmation of a restaurant.
“Whatever would you have done if I said no?”
“Gone by myself,” Zelda said. “Or taken someone else. It’s…” she trailed off, and coughed, not wanting to admit that she’d been self-indulgent and had planned it as part of her birthday to herself. She could find a friend to attend the museum and the dinner, there was no reason either of those things had to be romantic.
But she wanted them to be.
Lilith continued to look it over. “I like that you print out your travel plan. I expect you’ll probably take it with you in a folder.”
“Don’t be rude,” Zelda said, not wanting to admit that she would do something similar.
At that, Lilith’s eyes looked up at hers. “Or what?” she asked, her tone turning suggestive. “You’ll…punish me?”
“I just might.”
Lilith smirked at, and then Zelda felt a hand on her back. There was a tension laying between them, as Lilith held back, waiting for her to make the first move.
So be it.
She leant towards her and kissed her, drawing her mouth over Lilith’s before adjusting herself, turning in her lap. She drew up the skirt of her dress and straddled Lilith’s legs, her hands sliding over the woman’s shoulders and parted her mouth, slipping her tongue over Lilith’s to feel her moan sweetly.
And then she heard the sound of the papers being tossed beside her.
Zelda made a murmured noise of annoyance, pulling away to turn and look to where they’d been tossed, only to have Lilith’s mouth move down her neck and throat, kissing her firmly.
And then Zelda was sighing, feeling her breath come out in an exhale.
“You could treat the present with some respect.”
“They’re papers,” Lilith said. “I’ll be on my most wicked behaviour for you on the weekend.” And then Lilith was lying back, pulling Zelda with her as she continued to kiss over her neck, her hands drawing behind Zelda’s back to unzip the dress.
Here, Zelda drew back and looked at Lilith, spilling the dress down her arms before she stood off from the woman and undressed, watching as Lilith did the same. And then when clothes were removes, discarded to the ground like the thrown paper, she settled again on Lilith’s lap, kissing her slowly, sweetly as she tasted her mouth, hands running through her hair.
“What do you want?” Lilith asked, and Zelda felt her hands draw over her thighs, sliding up her hips. “You could sit on my face,” she teased.
Zelda laughed and then looped her arms around Lilith’s neck, a sudden shyness creeping on her. “I…” she swallowed and watched as Lilith’s humour softened, an earnest curiosity as she patiently waited.
“Whatever you want,” Lilith said. “I don’t have any judgement.”
“No, I…I want to lead,” she said. ��But only if you want that. I know last time you––“
Lilith’s hands settled over Zelda’s shoulders as she leant up and kissed her briefly. “I would very much so enjoy that,” she said. “Now you have to live up to all of your boastings.”
“I will,” Zelda shot back. She paused, glancing over Lilith’s face, ensuring the woman was genuine in her excitement before she pressed forward and kissed her.
She was slow in her desire, wanting to take a chance to drink at the moment. She kissed Lilith’s mouth, then her jaw and down her shoulders before pressing the woman back on the bed. And then she kissed down her body.
It was a form of worship, in her own way, as she kissed over her breasts, drawing her body down the abdomen and feeling Lilith’s breath slowly draw in and then out in a low exhale. She kissed down her sides and over her hips. She wasn’t sure if Lilith wanted more if she wanted teeth and nails and a passionate romp.
And maybe Zelda wanted those things too.
But right then, she wanted to taste Lilith’s body, she wanted to feel her lungs expand with a breath, feel the vibration of a moan in her throat. She wanted to see the skin prick with anticipation as she drew down. She wanted, more than anything, to hear her sigh and watch her hands dig into her sheets.
So Zelda was slow. She pressed her mouth down the woman’s thighs, kissing up between them as Lilith parted them. She slid her fingers up the woman’s hips and, her mouth over the public mound and watched as Lilith tilted her head to look at her, a soft smile tugging on her lips that made her heart flutter.
And then Zelda kissed over her sex, her tongue slow and lazy, tasting over the labia and the coated arousal.
Lilith sighed, her hand drawing through and combing through Zelda’s hair. It was gentle, soft as if she was reaching out just to hold her.
Zelda’s tongue drew firmly, eagerly until Lilith’s hips were rocking in sync, her thighs clenching. Zelda felt her hands tug in her hair before relaxing, a slow-building tempo growing with them.
She loved her, and it was easy to allow that to spill in how she flicked her tongue, how she stroked and kissed and tasted her. She loved her, so she ran her hands up her hips and pulled her deeper onto her tongue. She loved her, so she moaned between her legs and heard Lilith gasp in response.
She loved her, loved her with her entire being, so when Lilith’s moans turned to whimpers and small cries, Zelda felt her heart pull inside of her.
She’d give Lilith anything, anything she wanted. She would reach up to the skies and pluck the moon if Lilith wanted to wear it around her neck.
She loved her, but she couldn’t tell her, so she said it over and over and over with her tongue, as Lilith’s hands curled in her hair, and her hips rocked against hers and she came with a loud, gasp and her name on her lips.
And then Zelda drew up on the bed and kissed her, feeling Lilith’s eagerness to draw over her.
“Perhaps it wasn’t boasting,” Lilith teased, when she pulled away, her hands stroking over Zelda’s face gently. It was enough to make Zelda’s heartache, desperation pulling in her to tell her.
Zelda felt insecurity rising in her, wondering if she perhaps hadn’t satisfied her before she settled it down. “I’m not done with you yet,” she purred.
“Are you sure? It’s getting late?“
“Stay,” Zelda said. “I would very much so like it if you stayed.”
“If I stay overnight, your family will know.”
“I’m sure,” Zelda said. “I don’t care what they say. I just want you.”
In the dim light of the room, she could see Lilith smiling, and for a moment, it looked almost as if her eyes sparkled. “You could steal a girl’s heart by talking that way.”
Zelda pressed forward, kissing her again before she pulled back. “There’s one other thing I want,” she said, as she began to lazily draw a pattern on Lilith’s hip, watching her eyebrows rose in curiosity. “After all, you are my Queen.”
“I am,” Lilith said, and her expression softened with arousal. “Tell me, handmaiden,” and then Zelda felt the woman’s fingers tug on the new necklace, reminding her. “What is it that you desire from your queen?”
“A queen deserves a worthy throne,” she teased. “And what better throne than her handmaiden?’
“Mm. Are you asking me to sit on your face?”
“I am,” she said boldly.
Lilith laughed and then shifted in the bed to sit up. “Well, how could I refuse such an offer.” She paused then, looking at her and seemed to smile as she tilted her head. “You don’t need to be gentle with me.”
“Oh––“ Zelda gasped, feeling a sudden rush of embarrassment.
“Don’t mistake me. I needed that, especially for the first time since I’d let anyone have sex with me. But I trust you. You don’t need to gentle, and…I would very much like to see what you can truly offer.”
“Perhaps that’s it,” Zelda said. “Would that be so terrible?”
Lilith smiled. “Not at all. If your mouth was on me like for the rest of my days, I would die a very satisfied woman.”
“But you do like it rough?” Zelda asked, ensuring she understood.
“I do.”
“And you want that?”
“Mm, only if you do.”
“Well…I’ll see what I can do,” Zelda teased. “It might be something I need to work up to being able to do as well as you.”
“Of course,” Lilith nodded, and her expression shifted into a genuine smile. “I won’t ever ask for anything you don’t want to do. You can refuse.”
“Sit on my face, and we’ll discuss after that.”
Lilith nodded.
Zelda felt an excitement grow, knowing that Lilith’s expectations were lower. She was asking, politely, for more passion, and Zelda was promising to attempt.
Zelda settled back on the bed, fixing her hair behind herself as she laid down on the bed and watched as Lilith shifted, her knees adjusting on either side of her head. And then Zelda’s hands were drawing up the woman’s hips, and she felt Lilith’s fingers entwine in hers, holding her hands steady before she settled her sex down onto her mouth.
This time, Zelda wasn’t lazy or sweet. She was eager with her tongue, tasting over the women and feeling the arousal coat over her tastebuds. There was nothing more she wanted than to taste her again and again, feeling her shake and shiver.
“Zelda,” Lilith gasped, and Zelda felt her hands let go before there was the creak of Lilith grabbing at the bed head. Zelda didn’t let up. Last time was a declaration, this was a need to prove how wicked her tongue could be. An unholy offering that had Lilith forgetting where she was as she gasped and purred her name in eagerness.
Zelda’s nails dug into her hips, moving them as she desired when Lilith’s rocking became shaken her by the building orgasm. She tugged her deeper onto her tongue, and drew her mouth over the labia, sucking over the clit as her teeth drew over it dangerously, warning what she was capable of.
And then, where Lilith was drawing close, she drew her mouth up, focusing on the clit as she slid two fingers inside of her, curling and pressing inside of her as she listened to Lilith’s panted breath turn into desperate eagerness.
Lilith’s hand grabbed at her hair, tugging her forcefully as Zelda laughed between her thighs, returning to sucking on the clit, tongue swirling around it decadently as she continued stroke inside of the woman, feeling the muscles clench forcefully around her.
She could take more, so Zelda slid another finger inside of her, filling her up as she stroked firmly.
“I’m––“ Lilith gasped, “Going to get you…” she gasped, her eyes opening to look down at her. “I’m going to fuck you with an inch of your life after––oh my God, Zelda, don’t stop.” Lilith’s head tossed back, her body bowing over the bedhead and Zelda couldn’t help but feel the growing pride inside of her as she watched the woman rock over her fingers and tongue, how she looked beautifully erotic coming undone.
Lilith clenched around her fingers, her body jerking with a cry, and then Zelda pressed harder, stroking firmer to be rewarded with Lilith gasping a short, "God Zelda…” and a sudden rush of warmth that spilt across her tongue and down her throat.
And then Lilith was gasping and bowing forward, allowing Zelda to slip out from underneath her as she caught her breath.
Sitting up, Zelda turned on the bed, watching as Lilith looked over her shoulder and glared at her, “Might be something you need to work up to?” she mocked. “You are mine, Zelda Spellman and you’re going to regret that.”
“Regret it? You didn’t enjoy it?” Zelda asked, knowing very well that she had. She could taste distinctly how much she enjoyed it, and would very much enjoy causing Lilith to squirt again in her mouth.
Lilith grinned at her, sharp and feral. “Oh I did, and now I know how well you can use that mouth of yours, I’m going to fuck it until I’ve dragged out every missed orgasm from it.”
Zelda shivered, feeling thrill spill down at her. “Well then,” she said, using her thumb to wipe her chin clean. “I’m yours to command.”
Lilith drew in a deep breath and then smiled at her. “Lie down,” she commanded.
Zelda laughed as she obeyed. It was certainly going to be a long evening, but Zelda didn’t care in the least.
She didn’t care if her tongue went numb, or if the muscles in her forearm burned with exhaustion. She would service Lilith until dawn.
It was early in the evening, but as Lilith’s sex returned to her face, Zelda looked up at her and watched as Lilith sighed as Zelda stroked her tongue over her.
“You’ve ruined Christmas for me, I hope you know that,” Lilith said. “I’ll expect this from you every year.”
Every year, Zelda smirked, flicking her tongue. She wanted to retort with something clever, but unfortunately, her mouth was too busy to respond. So instead, she slid her hands up Lilith’s body and pinched at her nipples, just so she could hear her gasp, jerking her hips over her face.
If Zelda was honest with herself. If she indulged deep in her heart, she might even think to herself that she could see one particular image sharper than anything else when she saw the future.
Lilith waltzing with her, dressed in ivory.
But it was too indulgent to consider, so she focused on fucking her instead.
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