#we had 2 get out (masked of course). and my grandma was there. and at one point like we wwre standin off 2da side and she was infront of me

[ravenmichaelisstuff]

Part 1

Part 2

I think A LOT about Soap trying to give back the childhood Ghost lost. (Part 3)

When a perfect opportunity to bring some of his childhood to Ghost accured he decided to act.

They were on mission the day before, Soap was cleaning out an area while Ghost was keeping an eye on him with a sniper. They didn't get injured or anything like that, but Soap took his sweet time to finish the mission and Ghost had to sit in one position for a couple of hours looking at every move the sergeant made. He didn't mind then.

But men did Ghost's back hurt after. He was always kind of tense, Soap knew that. But today Ghost was huffing and puffing everytime he as much got up from a chair. Even Price told him to "Lie the fuck down". Ghost of course said that he was fine, but when they all went on their evening training Ghost excused himself quite quickly. This was very out of characters because usually he was the last one to leave and the one who made Soap push his limits.

Soap decided to follow after Ghost not too long after, going straight to lieutenant's room. He just walked in, eyes on the floor like always. Just in case Ghost doesn't have his mask on. Soap knows he is unbearable, but he would never let himself break the trust Ghost gave him with being disrespectful. It's not like Soap was clueless, he was aware that if it was anybody else just barging in Simon's room, that person would be greeted with a knife to their skull. Soap was greeted with an exasperated groan. Soap lifted his gaze when met with no protests.

Ghost was lying in bed on his stomach, face burried in pillows- maskless. Soap quickly looked down.

"Ghost! Yer mask!"

"You are the one who walked in here, like it's your room." Ghost said, voice muffled by the fabric.

"Well yeah! But you always tell me BEFORE I actually look at ye."

"You saw nothing, you won't get a lot of my face from looking at the back of my head. I am not moving, you can look"

Soap hesitantly looked up. "So... Everything is fine huh?"

"Fine and dandy" He muttered.

Soap refused to accept those words as the truth. He rolled his eyes seizing the opportunity that Ghost weren't looking. He walked up to him and carefully put his hand at the base of Ghost's nape. He gave him time to move away and when he didn't, Soap put all his body weight on his arm.

Ghost groaned and grabbed Soap's arm tightly.

"I can feel how you are perfectly fine."

"You are certainly not helping, Soap."

"But ah could be! You just have to let me." The Scott pulled out his hand from Ghost's grasp.

"I am not rubbing my back with this stinking magic alcohol you try to force on everyone."

Soap made an exaggerated shocked expression, even if Ghost couldn't see it. "It's from my grandma! And it's good for literally everything! Sore throat? Drink it. Stuffed nose? Rub a little on your neck. Something hurts? Rub it in! It's magic and you all don't believe me!"

"I will reek like a fucking distillery."

"How do you know?" Soap crossed his arms.

"Because you use it almost everyday and I can smell it. I am surprised that Price didn't think you were drunk after you used it the first time."

"Well- ok, maybe. It isn't even what I wanted to do. I will give you a massage."

Ghost shifted on his bed. "No."

"But why! Ye want to suffer for the rest of the week? We have a mission soon." Johnny whined.

"You won't do it properly and it will fuck me up even more, besides you know how-" Ghost seemed to be considering his wording. "How I deal with-" Ghost couldn't finish the sentence. So Soap finished it for him in his mind- 'touch'.

Ghost wasn't a fan of touch. When they have met, Soap was unaware of that fact, but now he could tell when Ghost will be tolerating his touchiness and when it was better to keep his distance. What was important is that sometimes Soap seemed to be the only one falling under 'somehow comforting' instead of just 'tolerated'.

"I can massage you through you clothes if it would make you feel better, Simon. And ah didn't mean a normal massage. I want to try something my ma used to do when I was small. Will you let me?"

"......Get on with it then."

If Soap could scream he would, of course he mostly did it for Ghost, but he would be lying if he said that he didn't enjoy it. Bringing comfort to people he lov- cared about felt especially rewarding to him.

Soap hopped onto the bed, swung one of his legs over Ghost and sat on his things. "Alright?"

Ghost's ears were burning red, but he nodded. Soap took a deep breath.

"Close yer eyes and at least try to relax. You are a pile of stiff muscles... And do not laugh at what I am about to do or I will break your spine lad."

Soap laid his palms flat on Ghost. "It was a stormy day..." He tapped his fingers all over the Brit's back and shoulders. "The rain got stronger that ever." He put a little bit more strength into taping his fingers, pressing longer when he felt tension under the fabric. "Suddenly a lady in heels appeared, running through the storm." Soap mimicked a walking pattern with his hands. "After her there was a man in heavy boots." He pushed his clenched fists into Ghost's shirt, kneading the tension away. And Soap could feel it, the tension leaving Ghost's shoulders, the muscles relaxing under him. Soap continued with his little story, trying to represent it with his hands on Ghost. Ghost was shuddering every now and then, holding his sheets for dear life.

Suddenly Soap blew cold air on his neck. "Did the goose bumps go away?"

Ghost took a sharp inhale.

"Usually I would be already asleep when my mom did that or tell her 'no' so she would do it one more time." Soap was mindlessly caressing Ghost's shoulders now and noticed that Ghost is still shuddering. "Hey, you alright, Si?"

"Close your eyes." Ghost whispered, voice strangled.

Soap did as requested, he felt some movement under him.

"You can look." Ghost was resting just as before, face pressed into the pillows. The only difference was that, now he was shirtless. "Go again."

Soap felt butterflies exploding in his stomach. He was never met with so much trust from Ghost, he not only let him see him but also let him touch his beautiful skin. Soap felt special.

And if Ghost still had his face burried into pillows, only because his cheeks were wet with tears- no one had to know. Soap not only made Ghost enjoy touch again, he made him crave it.

My mom used to do that when I was stressed or couldn't sleep so I really wanted to include it. The story Soap is telling is what I remember to be told, but it all sadly starts to get blurry.

#hope you all like it #soapghost #ghostsoap #ghost x soap #john soap mactavish #cod #cod mw2 #soap cod #cod modern warfare #soap mctavish #ghost cod #simon ghost riley #autistic simon ghost riley #soft simon riley #simon riley #touch starved simon ghost riley #soapghost fic #soapghost headcanons #cod soap #soap x ghost #soap mw2 #bltn soapghost fic

[indecisivemuch]

Time wasn't in our favor - Part 1

Pairing: TASM Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) x Female!Reader

Summary: "Ooh, I can give you a mini tour of my New York city!" - What if...your soulmate is from another universe but you didn't know? Soulmate AU. Set during NWH, fluff.

Note: This will stray from NWH's main events since I needed to make it longer cause in the movie, they were only there for probably a few hours. Also, I just took 2 random elements as part of the cure, don't hold me responsible for that. Based on 'See you later' (ten years) by Jenna Raine.

Word count: 5k

Series Masterlist: Prologue, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Happy Ending, Sad Ending.

"Damn, was I gone for years? Since when could you do magic?" Y/N jested as she walked through the portal that apparently Ned had conjured up. Her two friends smiled as they spotted the familiar glimmer in her eyes.

"Oh, you missed a lot," MJ commented, smiling sweetly at Y/N. "We all miss you a lot," she admitted. Ned nodded eagerly at this.

"Awe, MJ, I miss you guys too. It's boring not getting into trouble," Y/N half-hearted joke.

"Anyways, where am I? and where's Peter?" Y/N asked, observing the cozy living room she was in.

"You're at my grandma's house, and see...we don't know where he is, but since we managed to portal you here, we figure let's try to portal Peter here too,"

"I am so not used to this magic and portal talk," Y/N sighed. "But alright, let's do this."

Circling his fingers again, Ned muttered, "Find Peter Parker." The portal flickered but didn't open. With more determination, the boy repeated, "Find Peter Parker!"

This time, he successfully opened the portal. The three teens looked at the alley way presented in front of them. Stood afar was Peter Parker in his Spiderman suit.

"Peter! It's us! Come!" MJ yelled, watching as the boy confusingly turned around and looked at the portal. Y/N, however, wasn't convinced about the person despite her vast distance from the boy in spandex.

Even from afar, she could tell he was too tall.

"Strange question. Are you sure that's Peter and not someone clowning us?" Y/N muttered.

"Of course that's Peter, I doubt that there is another Peter Parker who is Spiderman," MJ responded before gesturing for Peter to come into the living room. The boy did as told, jogging towards the portal. Y/N watched as he grew taller and taller until MJ and Ned both scrunched their face in the same confused state Y/N was in.

That was the moment he took his mask off.

"Who the hell are you?" MJ accusingly pointed out, crossing her arms.

"I'm Peter Parker," the unbelievably attractive stranger repli-

wait, what - unbelievably attractive? Y/N snap out of it.

"That's not possible," MJ left no room for discussions.

"I'm Spiderman - in my world, but then yesterday I was...I-I was just here...String theory, multi-dimensional reality, and matter of displacement - all real?" Peter asked, looking at the portal with dorky amazement. The sight somehow made Y/N feel giggly.

And so she did - a chuckle left her mouth, drawing the stranger’s attention. As his gaze landed on her, Peter's lips parted a bit. Their eyes locked and something about this first moment seemed like it won't be the last. Those chocolate brown eyes, how could something hold such softness yet the same amount of pain? An overbearing feeling tingled every inch of Y/N's body as she froze in her spot.

His eyes were seemingly whispering to her, “have we met?” Something about him just pulled Y/N in.

"Yeah," MJ grunted skeptically.

"I knew it," he broke the eye contact, looking at MJ, while Y/N averted her gaze to her foot.

"Prove it," MJ quickly filled the silence.

"Prove what?"

"That you're Peter Parker."

"I don't carry an ID with me. It kinda defeats the whole anonymous superhero thing," Peter spoke up. What surprised him, though, was how his eyes automatically trailed to the quiet one of the three teens. It was as if his body begged for a response from her. If he didn't know any better, he would say his mind was trying to impress her.

Just as a piece of Peter started reminding him of Gwen, it evaporated as he watched Y/N’s lips twitch into an amused smirk.

Taking advantage of his distracted state, MJ threw bread at him.

"Why did you do that?" Peter asked.

"I was trying to see if you have the tingle thing."

"I have the tingle thing, just not for bread- can you not throw the bread again? You're a deeply distrusting person and I respect it." he launched to the ceiling, hoping the girl would believe him. His eyes once again crawled back to Y/N. Peter grinned internally when he saw her eyebrows lift in silent approval.

"Crawl around," Peter looked back at MJ again upon hearing her demand.

"Crawl around?"

"Guys, let's not even start. We need to find the real Peter," Y/N interrupted, deciding to stop the quarrel that was wasting precious time.

"Ouch," the boy muttered, grinning at Y/N when they made eye contact again. She only shook her head lightly in a joking manner.

"Ned, do the magic thing again," Y/N said, standing back to let the boy get his focus.

"Find Peter Parker!" repeating the message three times, Ned managed to open a portal. However, instead of appearing in front of the teens, it opened from behind them.

"Great, it's just some random guy," Ned muttered.

"Hello," the middle age man greeted.

"You're Peter." Y/N stated, piecing the situation together.

"Yeah...Peter Parker. I've seen you three..." he looked at the previous Peter. "Wait...he's not your friend." Before the other three knew it, the two Peters started shooting webs at each other, grinning as if finding the situation amusing.

"Wait, so you're Spider man too?" Ned asked

"Yeah, and this might sound kinda weird, but I've been trying to find your friend ever since I got here...I just have this sense that he needs my help," " the oldest Peter replied.

"He does, but we don't know where he is and honestly...right now we're all he really has left." MJ spoke up.

"Is there someplace that he might go that has meaning to him? Like a place where he would go to-"

"Get away from everything?" the tallest Peter interrupted, a mutual understanding look flashed across both Spider-mans' faces.

"For me, it was the top of the Chrysler building,"

"Empire state. Better view..." the Peter who arrived first responded, eyes landing on Y/N, who was standing near him.

"Yes...yeah, I think I know exactly where that would be."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After convincing Peter to give the other two Spiderman a chance, the whole group snuck into a lab from Midtown High School. Y/N felt the tears threatening to spill again after being told about all the events that she has missed while being grounded at home. It was heartbreaking to hear how Aunt May had passed away. She was like Y/N's second mother.

"I'm so sorry Peter..." Y/N trailed off, sniffling slightly as she saw the evident pain in Peter's eyes.

"It's okay, we just need to create a cure for all of them, the last thing I wanted was for her to die in vain," Peter muttered.

"She definitely didn't die in vain. We can do this, Peter," Y/N said, hoping her words would ease the boy. It somewhat worked, as determination made its way on the boy's face.

"Right, so what should I help with? You guys all seem to know what you're doing."

"We all know you became smarter than me-"

"My life's achievement," Y/N jested, grinning as smiles grew around the room at her comment. But her gaze stuck on the tallest Peter, her heart ached over how gorgeous his smile was.

"So finding a cure would be a lot faster and frankly...I miss you a lot," Peter continued. His sentimental words made Y/N smile, feeling appreciated.

"Alright, let's do this," Peter 1, or this universe's Peter, spoke up, determined to dive back into work.

"I don't know who to help," Y/N whispered to MJ, who immediately smirked at the question.

"How about the one you were staring at?"

"I wasn't staring at him."

"So we know which Peter we're talking about huh?"

"I deducted and also, let's not talk about this because they all have super hearings," Y/N immediately spotted all of Peter's mouths quirking up from the corner, which caused her to roll her eyes playfully.

"Well, just help Peter 3, maybe get to know him and who knows," MJ suggested.

"Yeah yeah, alrighty," Y/N sarcastically concluded, but approaching Peter 3 nevertheless, pulling a chair with her.

"Hi," she plopped down, greeting the stranger who managed to colour her intrigued.

"Hello," Peter 3 greeted. He deliberately met eyes with her, knowing fully well that despite her words to MJ, they definitely held eye contact for longer than normal. Much to his enjoyment, a part of him felt immense guilt for even glancing at another girl who wasn't Gwen.

"Do you need help?" Y/N asked, holding that eye contact deliberately as well.

"Yeah, I just can't remember this one thing that I added back then, maybe you can figure it out?" Peter 3 gave her the note that he had written down. Y/N looked down on the paper.

"I don't think there's a Y/N in my world - at least, I didn't know her," Peter started, clearly trying to start a conversation.

"Well, there's a Peter in my world and he's really sweet. If other versions of himself are the same, I think they should grow on me just the same," Y/N grinned, skimming through the paper. As Peter was about to reply, Y/N spoke again.

"Four..." grabbing the pencil in his hand. Their hands grazed at this, distracting the boy.

"Hm?"

"It's supposed to be four, rather than three drops here to balance up with other chemicals. Also, I think you're missing either Pralidoxime or Sodium bicarbona-"

"That's it! Sodium bicarbonate - thank you so much," he jumped out of his seat for a second, giving her the most beautiful smile she had ever seen again for the second time.

"You're welcome..." Y/N trailed off again, watching as the boy eagerly worked on his cure. She couldn't get rid of the smile he just gave her, or the face of pure joy. It was cute how he jumped up like a little kid on Christmas day.

It was quick, but she noticed his glance at her covered wrist. Y/N looked down at it and gave a dry chuckle, "Do you guys have soulmates in your Universe?"

"Yeah, we do."

"Well, I just...gave up on it in a way. It feels weird for me to fall for somebody just because they're my soulmate. I want it to happen naturally. And if the concept is true then maybe when I fall for somebody, they would happen to also be my soulmate," Y/N explained, even though she realized she didn't have to. Somehow she felt the need to justify herself to the boy.

"Hey. No, no, no, no. Look at me. I'm here." Y/N glanced at Peter and MJ. The two were clearly sharing an intimate moment. Despite being around the couple all the time, Y/N couldn't help but feel sour at the scene.

"I'm not going anywhere. We're gonna get through this. We're gonna get through it together." MJ concluded. "Okay?" MJ asked, to which Peter nodded.

She glanced down at the covered tattoo again and sighed quietly. Deciding it wasn't worth it to be gloomy, she looked back at Peter 3 again. However, she spotted the look of wanting and guilt on his face.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Gwen...she was my soulmate, and losing her broke me. I never thought I could feel such pain. Especially being Spiderman, I was prone to injuries. This was unhealable," Peter 3 gulped, his voice breaking.

Y/N had seen people who she loved sad before. She would try to cheer them up. However, seeing this Peter in pain made her want to rip the world apart for causing such a feeling for the boy. The sight brought searing displeasure to her. It was heartbreaking for Y/N to know what he had been through. It made her want to do anything for him to never feel such emotions again. She wanted to bring the pain, sorrow, guilt and bitterness away.

"I'm so sorry..."Y/N muttered, though her mind was more overwhelmed by this unfamiliar feeling of protectiveness.

Peter 3 couldn't look at Y/N this time. His head reminding that this would be disloyalty.

"I'm sure she would be proud of you for everything..." Y/N muttered, trying to comfort the boy.

Just then, the substance Peter was whisking turned a slight shade of green, indicating that it was done.

"Looks like we're finished," Peter half grinned at the cure.

"You finished? That's good then, we're also almost done," Peter 1 spoke up, peering at the cure with intrigued eyes, clearly impressed.

"Gosh, I'm so hungry," Ned muttered. MJ muttered something along the same line, letting out a sigh in the process.

"I can get us all something, yeah?" Y/N asked, though her voice came through as a stern motherly statement. The girl grabbed her jacket, and jogging to the door.

"Wait, I'll come with," Y/N looked at Peter 3, who ran after her.

"Ooh, I can give you a mini tour of my New York city!" Y/N said.

"Also, you do realize people might see your Spidey suit under that lab coat, right?" Y/N questioned, hand holding the door knob.

"Wait, you can borrow some of my clothes," Peter 1 suggested, nudging Ned to open a portal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sight was one of a kind - Peter 3 in Peter 1's clothing. They were a few sizes smaller, so the view caused the girl to giggle when she initially saw it. To be entirely real, she had not stopped giggling since then.

"I'm so sorry, it's just...you're a lot taller," the girl gasped between giggles, watching as Peter 3 rolled his eyes playfully.

"Never would I imagine myself getting bullied because of my height," the boy commented.

"Well, there's a first for everything, isn't there?" as the words left her mouth, the two arrived at their destination.

"Welcome to Richard’s, only the best sandwich shop in New York City!" Y/N dramatically introduced.

"Wait - this is your favorite spot?" Peter 3 asked. He opened the door and gestured for her to walk in first, to which Y/N obliged.

"Yeah, I can literally go here every day."

"This is my favorite spot as well!"

"No way! The Peter here keeps insisting Delmar is the best, but I beg to differ. Nothing can top Richard’s," the girl was glad to know that another version of Peter agreed with her.

"Y/N! It's been quite some time, how are you?" the shop owner asked, the sympathetic smile on his face clearly indicating his awareness of Y/N's situation.

"I've been better," the girl replied honestly.

"Anyways, what do you want to order?" she asked Peter, watching as he peered at the menu that was exactly the same as his universe.

"I'll have a meatball sandwich, but without pickles, please, and extra cheese," the boy ordered, watching as Richard chuckled at this.

"Oh, are you ordering a 'Y/N's'?"

"A 'Y/N's'?" Peter peered at the girl, who still wore an amazed look on her face.

"Yeah, she's been ordering that for like three years already, we decided to name it after her."

Peter looked down at the girl, "You're telling me that's your favorite?" As a response, Y/N nodded slowly, copying the smile growing on the boy's face.

"No way, this is unbelievable. I always order that!" Peter chuckled.

"Well, make that two 'Y/N's sandwiches', two ham and egg, and two grilled chicken. Thank you!" Y/N paid for the purchase, quickly rushing Peter to one of the tables.

"My Richard’s didn't name it after me though, the decency," he huffed, grinning as Y/N laughed at this.

"Ah, but I personally think 'Y/N's sandwich' sounds better than 'Peter's sandwich' though," the girl teased, immediately giggling when Peter's mouth dropped in a feigned offended look.

"Damn, I never knew you were so mean."

"I bet the me in your universe is even feistier."

"Yeah...I think it would have been fun to know you in my world..." Peter trailed off, a faraway look on his face when he looked at the girl. He imagined the things they would have done together if he had known her. He thought of how good friends they would have been, especially with how well they were clicking now.

"I'm sure she would have bossed you around, and I would be sure damn proud," Y/N beamed, standing up when she saw Richard finishing up her order and putting it on the counter. Peter stood up as well, waiting for the girl to return with the food.

He often found himself in moments like these lately: what could have been and what ifs.

How have I not met her before? - Peter wondered.

"Well, let's head back now. I'm sure the others are dying of starvation," Y/N over-exaggerated, dramatically pretending to faint, which abrupted a laugh from Peter.

"Besides, we can't deprive them of such good sandwiches," the girl muttered, skipping a few steps ahead before slowing down to walk beside Peter again. The boy quickly laced his fingers between hers and the plastic bag, trying to untangle it from her hand.

"It's fine, I can carry it," the girl responded, but the bag slipped out of her hand and into his, nevertheless. "Hey! It's fine. I insist," the boy spoke up, watching as a look of appreciation beamed on her face.

The two walked across a field of green grass, and a small chuckle emitted from Y/N.

"Ooh, dandelions," she pointed. Indeed, there were plenty of dandelions on the small field they were walking past. Deciding to take a break from saving the world, Y/N walked towards it and casually plucked one from the field, showing Peter the little plant in her hand. It was surprising how Y/N could see the dandelions despite how dark it was.

"Wanna make a wish?" Y/N asked.

"I think you should make it though, you're the one who found it," Peter 3 replied, switching the bag to his other hand.

Silence engulfed them for a second as Y/N looked at the dandelion intently. The boy could not help but admire her at that moment: how cute she looked while in deep thinking.

Y/N glanced back up at him, "I think you might need it more than I do."

Doing what she did previously, Peter 3 stared at her for a bit in silence, mirroring the intense look. Y/N was under the street light, making her illuminate like an angel gracing her presence on Earth.

"Okay...I'll make a wish," Y/N grinned at the reply, watching as the boy took a step closing to her and into the same light she was standing under. He peered down at her. The height difference caused for her to look up at him. Peter closed his eyes and scrunched his eyebrows, clearly taking this silly thing very seriously. Meanwhile, Y/N couldn't take her eyes off the boy. It was too soon to say, but she could see herself falling for him. Yet once again, her heart ached, knowing that he once had a soulmate, who he did love a lot and lost. She also knew she was falling for 'impossibility' because, in the end, he would have to leave.

Y/N snapped out of her trance as Peter blew on the dandelion, setting free the little mini dandelion flying.

"Now let's hope it comes true," something about the way he gazed into her eyes seemed so genuine and meaningful, yet Y/N couldn't understand why.

Suddenly, the wind gushed. The black bandana that was once wrapped around Y/N wrist somehow flung open and flew with the wind, causing the girl to gasp and attempt to chase after it. Just seconds after, however, she realized that her item was gone for good, Y/N sighed in disappointment.

Peter, who was behind her, peered at her tattoo.

"A spider, huh?"

"Yeah, he's probably an arachnologist or something," Y/N sighed.

"It's kind of a big coincident though, you being friends with Spiderman and then having a spider tattoo for a soulmate."

"Well, Peter's soulmate is MJ so...here we are," Peter had sensed bitterness in her words.

The boy pushed the guilt away as he stepped closer to her. His fingers delicately touched the tattoo, as if scared that if he held her wrist a little too hard, he would break her. Y/N shivered at this. Partially because this was the first time somebody else touched her soul mark. While, the other reason was unknown to her. Something about his touch affected her in a way nobody had done before.

Sparks.

"...Were you in love with him?" Peter asked quietly, watching as her shoulders tensed. Silence, once again, took over the conversation. Unlike before, it wasn't lighthearted. The atmosphere was tense and strained.

"I was in love with the idea of who I thought he was."

Peter was finally able to put the pieces together and understood the reason why Y/N disliked the concept so much.

"Anyway, uhm - what about you? What is your tattoo?" Y/N tried to divert the subject to Peter instead, wishing to keep the memories of her heartbreak forever buried. She pulled her wrist from his hands.

"I got a spider web," Peter informed, following Y/N as she started walking out of the field. The two headed back to the lab again.

"It faded to gray when she died," Peter muttered.

"You know 60% of our conversation is so gloomy," Y/N tried to break the tension. "Maybe we should talk about something else! What do you like? What's your hobby?"

"Skating and photography."

"No way! I love photography. Never tried skating though, pretty sure I would fall flat on my face," the girl grimaced at the thought, which caused Peter to laugh.

"Wait! Oh. My. Gosh! Do you have this ice cream store in your universe?? Please say you do, or else you're missing out so much," Y/N rambled upon spotting her favorite ice cream truck.

"We actually don't," Peter replied, staring at the subject of the conversation.

"I can't believe you've never had the chance to try this before. Clearly, my New York is superior. You know what? My treat - even though the others are waiting. It'll just take five minutes," the girl rambled again, dragging the boy with her.

What she didn't notice though, was the look of sheer admiration on Peter's face as she held his wrist, pulling him to the truck.

"What flavour do you want?" Y/N asked, already having a flavour for herself in mind.

"How about you choose?" Peter answered, though this choice was intentional. The boy was testing something.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, Sam, can I have two cups of cookies and cream? Thank you."

"No way," Peter immediately chuckled at her order.

"What?"

"That's my favourite ice cream flavour."

"It's mine as well..." the girl trailed off, disbelieving the amount of similarities between the two of them.

"Here you go, Y/N," Sam, the ice cream truck's owner gave them the ice cream as Y/N paid.

For a second, the moment was too nostalgic for Peter. It reminded him of the night he had ice cream with Gwen. Except this time, it was in another universe. Strangely enough, the moment felt different and...right.

"Talking about photography, what's your type? Like portrait? Or wildlife...?" Y/N asked, munching on the ice cream eagerly.

"Definitely portrait, especially natural moments and interactions between peopl-" Peter halted, his eyes lighting up.

"This is...amazing," he gestured to the ice cream. Y/N lit up at this.

"I KNOW! And yes, I love to capture interactions as well. There's something so pure and beautiful about it..." she trailed off, noticing how Peter was staring at her.

"What?"

"No no. Nothing, carry on."

"As I was saying, I love photography. Photos in general, since I rely heavily on them to recall lovely moments, because they never seem to fade...unlike my memory."

Peter laughed in amusement at the girl's words. The moment caused for the girl to halt for a second. If only she had her camera at that second, because the sight was heavenly for her.

"Surely your memory is not that bad," Peter tried to defend her.

"Don't ask me what I had for dinner last night, cause I genuinely can't remember," Peter laughed again at this. Y/N bit her lips as warmth spread through her heart. The desire to have a camera at that moment grew larger than before.

"If I'm not wrong, there's a photo booth around here," Peter spoke up, snapping the girl out of her trace. It was as if he had read her mind.

Peter picked up his pace. Y/N quickly matched his speed.

"Nice, it's also here in your universe," Peter breathed out, looking at the familiar sight.

Peter dug through the tiny jacket that belonged to Peter 1. He let out a chuckle and showed her the coins.

"Wow, stealing money, huh?" Y/N teased as Peter lifted the curtain for her to walk in.

"How could I be stealing from myself? Peter replied cheekily, grinning as the girl rolled her eyes.

"Ready?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Which one do you like more?" Peter 3 asked, each hand holding a set of photos that they took from the booth.

"This one, but they're both cute," Y/N looked at each photo individually. She giggled at the one they did Spiderman's hand pose.

"Say...have you ever been to the top of the Empire State Building?" Peter asked, catching Y/N off-guard.

"No...why?" the girl asked, feeling unease if this was a suggestion as to where she thought this was going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"YOU HAVE TO WARN ME NEXT TIME," Y/N whisper-yelled as her foot settled down on top of the Empire State Building.

"I think I almost had a heart attack," Y/N muttered to herself, trying to get her heartbeat back to normal.

Clearly, someday I'll have a heart attack because of Peter - no matter which version from which universe. - The girl grumbled at this thought.

"And also people might see you and think that there's a second Spiderman or something. Then they might come after you. I don't want you going through what Peter 1 is going through. It's horrible," Peter simply stared at her. His eyes softened as he realized that she cared.

"Also I don't get how you do that everyday, just swinging in the air," Y/N finally looked at the boy, partially trying to break the soft moment with a joke. Unlike before, she did catch the deep gaze he was giving her.

"Peter?"

"Hm?"

"You okay?"

"...Yeah," for once he was being honest with the question.

The boy approached her, hands smoothing down her hair that was in multiple directions due to the wind while swinging up here.

"Thanks," the girl smiled at him. Her eyes were then averted to the scenery behind him.

"Woah. This is wicked cool!" she ran to the edge, staring at the view doe-eyed.

"In my universe, this would be the place I'd go to every time everything gets too much," Y/N let the word sunk in, remembering him briefly mentioning this before.

"Thank you for sharing this to me, Peter."

The two stared at each other. Both had the same thoughts in their minds. Just being with one another had healed their wounds, even if it was temporary.

"I completely forgot, we need to head back," Y/N reminded, watching as Peter's face dropped at her words.

"Right, can't let the others starve, can we?" Peter quoted. As a reaction, Y/N gave him a wide smile, but she didn't reply yet. A part of her wanted to embrace this good moment. It had been a while since she had this much fun. It was almost as if Peter had become the light in this little darkness of hers.

"Let's go, Spidey."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As much as Y/N disliked the idea, it was the fastest way back to the lab. So here she was, screaming again at the top of her lungs as Peter had his hand wrapped around her, while she clung onto him like a koala, swinging through Queens.

"Yeah no, we're never doing that again," Y/N muttered as she unwrapped herself from the tall boy. She couldn't fathom how MJ managed it, being the more frequent passenger to the swings.

As they were about to start walking, a kid skated right at the two, almost knocking over Y/N. Luckily, Peter had his spider senses, which automatically made the boy wrap his hand around Y/N's waist and pull her towards him to prevent the accident from happening.

There it was again. Those damn sparks that made Y/N's heart flutter.

Peter gulped at the familiar feeling.

"Guess a superhero never stops working, huh?" the girl jested, soon realizing his hand was still around her.

"I guess not..." he trailed off, seemingly looking down at her lips before flicking his eyes back on hers again. It was too quick that Y/N thought her eyes were lying to her.

There was no way he did that. - her mind tried to replay the moment while keeping itself calm.

"Do you see now why I don't like skateboards? They're out for me!" Y/N joked.

"Oh come on, they're not that bad. Some people are just reckless."

"Yeah yeah, I can't risk breaking any body parts anyway."

"I promise it's not that bad, Y/N. How about I teach you?"

The words left his mouth before Peter had thought it through. Both of them froze at his words. His eyes flickered elsewhere.

"Right..." he trailed off.

She's never dreamt of anybody like him. If she thought that Peter 1 was the one she clicked with the fastest, then Peter 3 was out of this world. They complimented each other so well. So a part of her easily understood how he had forgotten about the fact they were from different worlds. Y/N thought of how similar they are with stars to the night sky. From the perspective of others, the two seemed close. From their perspectives, they were light years away.

"Hey, under different circumstances, I would absolutely let you teach me, Peter," Y/N tugged on his arm, making him look at her.

"Now, stop being sad, we've done enough of those already, Parker. Let's go."

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

Thank you for reading Part 1!

Series Masterlist: Prologue, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Happy Ending, Sad Ending.

#peter parker x reader #peter parker imagine #peter parker x y/n #peter parker x you #peter parker oneshot #peter parker #peter parker fanfiction #peter parker x fem!reader #spiderman x reader #spiderman x y/n #spiderman imagine #spiderman x you #tasm!peter parker #tasm!peter parker x reader #tasm!peter parker x y/n #tasm!peter parker x you #tasm!peter parker fanfiction #tasm!peter parker imagine #tasm fic #andrew garfield #nwh #nwh imagine #spiderman: no way home #marvel #no way home

[marmixedwithabitofintellect]

The Story of You

Hello friends! We have another chapter here for you! I am so excited for you to read this chapter, I think this is one of the most expected chapters, we will see Y/N with a whole new light and things will start getting heated! Come talk to me after you read it, I love to hear your thoughts! All the love, Mar

Disclaimer: In no way do I wish to spread hate or negative opinions about any of the characters here depicted, this is just fiction and with the purpose of entertaining you guys

Click on the visuals to enhance your reading experience!

Part 13: Delicate

October 2, 2021: Week Thirty

New York, New York. 11:15: AM

Hi baby! Let the countdown begin!! I cannot believe we are just ten weeks away from meeting you, I am getting emotional just seeing all the boxes of your nursery stuff arriving, your daddy and Uncle Mitch have agreed to build your crib and other furniture while your Aunt Sarah will help me organize your toys and clothing. I also have some very exciting news…your grandma Anne and auntie Gemma will be staying here until you’re born!! They have been able to meet you through video and pictures, but they cannot wait to feel you kick and of course to meet you! Your daddy is back in New York tomorrow and we will be going to see you again, I swear that every time we go see you, you definitely get bigger and chunkier, it’s crazy how much of a resemblance you already have with your daddy, it makes my heart feel warm and happy, maybe you will get my personality! Your auntie Sarah has some pictures of your daddy that I will be adding here so you can see how awesome he is! I’ll write again soon baby, I’m sure I will have so many adventures to tell you, I love you so so much little bean <3

A knock on my door made me furrow my brows, I wasn’t expecting any visits, and Harry told me he would be getting in on the early afternoon, I stood up and peeped into the peephole and was surprised to see Harry standing there and holding some flowers.

I reached to unlock the door and grabbed a face mask before opening, even though the face mask I could see he was smiling and so was I, “Hey! what are you doing here, I thought we wouldn’t see each other until later!”, “Surprise! I wanted to see you, so I’m here”, I let him in and closed the door

“These are for you”, he handed me the flowers and then reached to remove his mask and grabbed some of the gel I had on the entrance, “Thank you, these are beautiful”, we went into the kitchen, and I placed the flowers on a vase while he stood back, once I turned to him, he smiled and asked, “May I?”

I nodded and he got near me and down in his knees, “Hi little one, I missed you, I grabbed his hands and placed them where I had been feeling some kicks and told him to press a little, which in return had the baby throwing some good kicks, I turned to see Harry and he was smiling, he then placed a kiss near my belly button and that made my heart start beating faster.

He stood up and reached in to hug me, before I could even really understand what was happening, I was settling into his embrace just like old times, my face nestled in his neck and I took a deep breath, his musky smell bringing back so many memories.

This was also enough for me to come to the realization of what was happening and pulled back, he did too and just before he could speak I did, “So, let me see if Betty can push up our appointment”, he cleared his throat, “Oh, uhm, yes, may I use your bathroom?”, I nodded.

I had just hung up when he came out, “Good news, she’ll see us at 12”, “Okay, so, shall we leave?”, I nodded, “Sure, just let me grab my bag okay?”, I went into my room and grabbed my bag and folder, then met him on the foyer and we made our way to the car.

Traffic today was crazy; Harry was playing to back-to-back shows and the city was quickly filling up with fans but thankfully we made it with 5 minutes to spare. When we got in Brandy said hello, she took my vitals and then lead us to Betty’s office.

I sat down on the exam chair per her instructions and while we waited for Betty, I started playing with the baby that was kicking, I pressed where I could feel either a foot or an elbow and I also found the head, I knew that Betty would want to know, and I was happy to feel the head on the mid lower section of the belly.

Betty came in and greeted us, I laid down and pulled my top up, she spoke up, “So, where do we feel baby’s head?”, I pointed to the lower section of my belly and she smiled, “It seems that baby is doing his or her job well by positioning for birth”, I smiled and turned to see Harry smiling.

After feeling my belly, she used the doppler to heart the heartbeat, “That’s a perfect heartbeat, shall we see this baby?”, we both nodded, Harry pulled his chair near me, betty then place some gel on my belly while the machine turned on.

As soon as she placed the probe on my belly, we were met with the profile of the baby we had feel in love, “Oh, how I’ve miss this”, Betty smiled at Harry, “I understand, but I bet every time you can see them it makes everything worth it huh?”, “Definitely”, I smiled when he said this.

She showed us a 4D ultrasound and after printing some copies I cleaned myself and with the help of Harry I sat up and got down of the bed, we then sat down on her desk, she finished writing everything on my notes and then turned to look at us

“So, we are on the final countdown”, my heart started beating so fast when she said this and Harry reached to squeeze my arm, “Okay, so we will be bringing what we call the ‘birth kit’, which includes all medical equipment we may need both for you and the baby”

Harry and I nodded, “Were we thinking of a water or land birth?”, Betty turned to look at us and Harry turned to look at me, “Whichever you choose love, I only want for you to be the most comfortable as you can be”

I smiled at him and turned to look at Betty, “I am hoping for a water birth, but as long as baby is okay”, Betty smiled, “Of course honey, and we will make sure of this, so along the birth kit I will bring the pool, I will have Randy drop it off at your house, okay?”, I nodded

She handed us some stapled pages, “These are the things that we need for you guys to have, I would suggest to maybe start storing the things on the nursery, that way you guys know everything is ready”, Harry smirked at me, both knowing that we still had to finish the nursery

“Also, I need you guys to prepare a hospital bag in case of an emergency, I am not saying we will need it, but it is better to be safe than sorry, okay?”, we nodded, and she handed us another packet of stapled pages

“Okay, is there any other question?”, “Yes”, Betty turned to look at me and Harry did too, “So, as you know, the US has lifted travel ban to travelers from the U.K.”, she nodded, “Well Harry’s mom, Anne, will be flying to meet him for the San Diego show and she will then fly to New York”

I turned to look at Harry, he smiled at me, I turned to look back at Betty, “Well, I wanted to ask, if there was maybe a possibility that I could travel to San Diego?”, Betty smiled and smirked at me, “I feel like there is a ‘but’ in there”, we both laughed, “Well, it would be on my 36th week, returning to New York on the 37th”, she sighed

“Darling let me be honest with you, you have had a lovely pregnancy save for those two scares, but this is your first pregnancy, and baby will come when they decide, so I would feel more comfortable if you stayed here”

“I understand”, we said our goodbyes and made our way out and into Harry’s car, I really don’t know why but I started tearing up, Harry turned to look at me with a sad smile, “Hey hey, what’s wrong huh?”, he handed me a tissue and I wiped my tears and sniffled, “I’m sorry, it’s stupid, but I guess I was excited to surprise your mom”

He smiled at me and wiped my tears, “Hey you don’t need to feel sorry; I know how excited you were”, he gave me a small smile, “I know, I feel so bad for the both of them, they haven’t been able to experience this pregnancy and it’s their first grandbaby and niece or nephew”

“Love it’s okay, I know the situation isn’t ideal, but they will be able to experience it; my mom will be here for your 37-week appointment and Gem for the 38th, I am the one who is suffering, they will be here for some of the last appointments”

I turned to see him, he has a sad look and I felt my heart clench, “Hey, I can make sure that the 38th week appointment is when you get here”, I grabbed his hand and squeezed it, “I would appreciate it”, he kissed my hand and I broke the tension, “So, how about lunch huh?”, he laughed and turned to ignite the car, “Greek?”, I nodded and smiled at him.

October 3, 2021: Week Thirty

Harry. New York, New York. 11:15: AM

We finished rehearsals and Olivia and I decided to go buy some juices and walk around lower Manhattan, I had noticed that she had been quiet since she got here, “Liv, you, okay?”, she turned to look at me and gave me a smile, “Yes, of course, just tired”.

I nodded and believed her, we headed back to my apartment and got ready to leave for the arena, while we were doing so, Jeff let me know that the car I ordered would be picking up Y/N and she would get here a little before the fans.

When we arrived at MSG the buzz was already going crazy, I was so excited to be here because definitely it was one of my favorite places to perform at. A knock on my door made the both of us turn, Anthony then appeared, “Hey H, sorry to bother but I wanted to see if we could take some photos?”

I nodded and turned to look at Olivia, “I’ll just wait here”, I nodded and left the room with him, after taking some pictures we were making our way back to the dressing room when the elevator opened and out came Jeff and Y/N, I smiled so big when I saw her.

“Hey, you, how are you?”, “Hi H, I’m good, how about you? Nervous?”, Jeff and Anthony had said goodbye to us and left us talking in the hall, “More excited than nervous, I love playing here, it is one of my favorite venues”, my heart was hurting a little knowing how many memories this place held for us.

Before I could speak up Sarah called her name, “Sorry boss, I’m stealing her”, she grabbed her hand and they made their way into her and Mitch’s dressing room, while I watched the door close Olivia called my name, and I turned to see her, “Hey you, what took you so long?”

“Sorry as I was coming back, I found Y/N but Sarah stole her”, she rolled her eyes subtly, but I noticed it, “You okay?”, she nodded and went back into my room, I continued to get ready in silence and a few minutes later Jeff told me it was time to get into the box.

We made our way out into the hallway when I saw Y/N with Lambert and Anthony, she gave me a thumbs up and I nodded as a thank you, I turned to look at Olivia, she smiled reassuringly and kissed me before disappearing int the box.

The concert was over, and I still felt the adrenaline rushing through me, I hugged the band and when I went to hug Olivia she whispered in my ear, “I need to talk to you”, there was something on the way she said it that had me walking faster to my changing room.

I closed the door and saw that Olivia was sitting on the couch and playing with her fingers, meaning she was nervous, as I was going to ask her what was wrong, she spoke up, “I’m late”, my heart dropped to my stomach, “What?”

She sighed and spoke up again, “I’m late, a week, I am never this late”, I sat down next to her, “Oh, wow”, she turned to look at me, “Are you excited?”, I was still processing the news, “Harry?”, she stood up, “Oh my God, you are not”

She laughed sarcastically and started pacing the room, “I can’t believe it Harry!”, I stood up and followed her a little, “Liv, I’m sorry, you just took me by surprise, I am still trying to digest everything”

She looked at me with a fury I had never ever seen before, “Oh and she didn’t?”, something inside me turned into fury in a matter of seconds, “Hey, do not talk about Y/N like that”, “And you defend her? I really cannot stand you right now”, she went into the bathroom and shut the door.

I sat down and ran a hand through my face, holy shit, I was probably going to have another baby. The reality of what the next years of my life was going to be started settling in, and the dream I so desperately hung up to slowly disappeared.

About ten minutes later she came out of the bathroom and grabbed her purse, she handed me a pregnancy test and turned to look at me, “I will be staying at Diana’s house tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow”, she then left the room and I turned to look at the test.

October 4, 2021: Week Thirty

New York, New York. 09:45 AM

The shrill of my phone woke me up, which I answered without looking at who was calling, “Hello?”, “Oh, I’m sorry for waking you up”, “No worries, Harry, what’s wrong?”, he took a deep breath, “Are you up for breakfast?”

“Uhm, sure”, “Great, I’ll be there in twenty”, we hung up and I got out of bed, showered, and cleaned a little around and just as he said, twenty minutes later there was a knock on my door, I opened it and he came in, he had two takeout bags.

“Hey, good morning, how are you?”, “Hi H, I’m good, come in”, I closed the door and after removing his shoes he made his way into the kitchen, he unpacked the food and I served him a cup of coffee and made myself a tea.

He thanked me and took a sip, we then set up everything in the dining table and sat down to eat, I could see that something was bothering him, so naturally, being the nice person I was, I decided to ask. Dear future Y/N: that was a mistake.

“What’s wrong?”, he sighed and gave me a half smile, “You always know huh?”, he took a bite of his sandwich before speaking again, “Let’s finish breakfast and then we will talk, okay?”, I nodded, and we made small talk related to the tour, some baby stuff I wanted to buy and names we liked.

After finishing breakfast and sitting on the couch with a new cup of tea, I nodded at him, wanting him to know that I was ready to listen if he was ready to talk, “Before I tell you, I need you to promise me something”, I nodded again, “You will let me say everything I have to say, okay?”

“Harry, you’re scaring me”, he ran a hand down his face, “Olivia’s period was late”, my heart dropped to my stomach, as if he sensed it, he continued, “She took a test, it came back negative”, I nodded, too stunned to speak, “But I think that wasn’t the worst part”

He took a sip of his tea, “The worst part is that when she told me, I didn’t feel the joy I felt when you told me you were pregnant, I actually felt like ‘this cannot be happening’, which I know is shitty to say, but it is the truth”

I sighed, “And why are you telling me this?”, he turned to look at me, “I really don’t know, to be honest I am not entirely sure, I guess… I guess when she told me, well obviously the shock was the first emotion I had”, he laughed a little

“But the second thing was this baby”, he placed his hand on my belly for a moment, “And how scared I was of losing them if Olivia and I were to have a baby, and how much I wouldn’t forgive myself”

Silence overtook us, I am not sure how much time passed until he spoke up, “I’m sorry, that was loaded”, I nodded and rubbed a hand on my belly, “It was, how is she?”, “Uhm we spoke this morning, she is relieved? But also sad, I don’t really know where I stand”

I took a sip of my tea before turning to look at him, “Harry, I’m sorry if what I said about this baby coming first was one of the triggers for your reaction, it wasn’t my intention”, he squeezed my hand, “It wasn’t, after all I did tell you we are on the same page remember?”, I nodded

“Harry, I think you have a lot to discuss with Olivia, after all you guys re in a relationship, and... and you have to discuss what you want for the future, and how you both will make everything work”

“I know, but I don’t know how to bring it up, I don’t want to end up having another fight”, I squeezed his hand, “Harry, the only way you guys will be able to work through this is if you guys talk”, a ding on his phone broke the conversation, Harry reached for it and unblocked it

“I’m sorry, I have to go, rehearsals start in an hour, but I’ll see you later?”, I walked him to the door and nodded, “Say hello to everyone for me, okay? And hey, everything will work out”, he smiled and placed his mask, after doing so he left, and I closed the door.

New York, New York. 11:15 PM

Harry had rocked another concert at MSG, crowds were amazing, and his outfit was very Harry, we were all on the common room enjoying some drinks and waiting for Harry who had disappeared to shower in order to have a little toast for the success of these two nights.

After my conversation with Harry, I thought about a lot of things, including the fact that I, reluctantly, would have to work on my ‘relationship’ with Olivia, I had learned from Elin that she wouldn’t be joining them for the next few concerts, so I knew i should take this opportunity and talk to her.

She was laughing with Anthony and Ayae when I called her name, she turned to look at me and gave me a small smile, “Hey, I was wondering if we could talk?”, she nodded and spoke up, “Uhm, let’s go to the next room yeah?”

We went in and sat down on the couches that were set there, “So, how are Daisy and Otis?”, she smiled a little, “They are good, having fun with dad”, I smiled, “I’m glad”, silence overtook us again and I decided to speak up, “Listen, I want to get to know you better”

Her surprised look made my stomach churn a little, “Sorry?”, I shrugged my shoulders and gave her a small smile, “I think we were both thrown into a mess due to the situation, look, I know we aren’t exactly ‘friends’ but-“, she laughed a little, “So, let me get this straight”, she stood up

“You want to be friends? After meddling on my relationship”, I furrowed my brows, “Sorry?”, her humorless laugh was something that threw me off, “Excuse me?”, “I have kept quiet, for so long on the fear that something could happen, but you know what? I don’t care anymore”

She stood up and started pacing, “WE HAD PLANS, WE WERE THINKING OF MOVING IN TOGETHER, MAYBE HAVING A FAMILY, BUT YOU HAD TO COME BACK! YOU HAD TO RUIN EVERYTHING! WHY DID YOU COME BACK HUH? COULDN’T YOU HAVE BEEN A SINGLE MOTHER?”

That had me stunned, she took this as a chance to continue, “And you know what the worst part is? That even after all of this I feel guilty!”, I snapped at her, “WELL MAYBE YOU FEEL THAT WAY BECAUSE YOU ARE”, she stopped in her tracks, “What?”

I stood up, “Oh please Olivia, you started this! Or do you not remember that you started seeing Harry while we were still together?! So how dare you come talk to me about meddling a relationship, when you are the expert of it”, I winced when I felt a strong kick but still kept going on

“I WAS HAPPY, I HAD A RELATIONSHIP THAT WAS GOING ON THE RIGHT WAY, WE HAD PLANS, WE WERE SUPPOSED TO RELOCATE TO LONDON! HELL, I EVEN FOUND AN ENGAGEMENT RING ON HIS SOCK DRAWER!”, tears started falling when I said that last part, I still remember when I saw the box, I was putting away his laundry and doing some organizing, when the little robin egg blue box showed itself, the thrill and excitement I felt.

After wiping my tears, I continued to speak, “I admit I was wrong for having agreed to dinner and drinks with him, and for having had sex with him, but truth is, I don’t regret it, and I will never do, but you did me wrong first Olivia, and not just me, but Jason too”

She pointed her finger at me, “do not bring him into this discussion, you don’t know how things went down”, I turned to look at her, “See, that is where you are wrong, he did tell me, but it is not my place to discuss to, so forgive me for bringing it up”, she scoffed

I sighed, “I just wanted to get to know you better, I really thought you deserved a chance, but maybe I was wrong”, she turned to look at me, “Want to know something funny? The other day I had the same thought, after all we will be co-parenting”, that made me stop in my tracks

“What are you talking about Olivia?”, “You really think that Harry will let you have sole custody of that baby? He will file for shared custody, and when he does, we will be co-parenting that baby”, I teared up again, “Stop lying Olivia”, “Y/N, I am not lying, I mean Jason and I do it, so why would you guys not do it?”

I shook my head, “You are full of shit”, she shrugged, “Think what you want, but at the end of the day, he will do it, because it is the right thing for his baby”, I interrupted her, “It’s mine too, do not forget that”, “Oh right, like I could”

Before I could answer the booming voice of Harry interrupted us, “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

October 5, 2021: Week Thirty-One

Harry. New York, New York. 12:05 AM

I had finished showering and was just finishing getting my things ready when there was a frantic knock on my door, when I opened it, Mitch stood there and he looked distressed, “Harry, you need to come”, I turned to grab my mask, “What’s wrong?”, I started following him

“It’s Olivia and Y/N, they were talking but it has turned into a screaming fight”, my heart dropped to my stomach, just as I went in, Olivia dropped the custody bomb on Y/N. Shit. Before things could get more heated, I spoke up, and they both turned to look at me.

Olivia gave me an incredulous look before speaking, “Oh, now you will deny that we did talk about the custody issue?”, “Olivia shut up now”, Y/N turned to look at me and the tears in her eyes had my heart doing somersaults but not in a good way, “Harry, what is she talking about?”

I opened and closed my mouth, she gave me a look that said ‘please, don’t lie to me’ and in that moment I wished to wake up from the nightmare I was having, only to realize that this was real life, she pulled me out of my thoughts when she spoke again

“Why would she say that?”, “Y/N”, she walked away from me, “No Harry, if she said that it is because you have thought about it”, she sobbed, “And the mere thought that you have breaks my heart”, I wiped my eyes and I turned to look at her

“So congratulations Harry, for breaking my heart once again”, she stood up to leave and I wanted to follow her, before she could leave she turned and said to me, “Oh, and Harry? Try to do fight for it and there will be blood and tears”, she then ran out of the room we were talking in and I followed her.

I started calling after her, but she was moving faster that I was, Olivia also running after me and calling my name, I turned to look at her furious, “WHAT?! DON’T YOU THINK YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH ALREADY? I TOLD YOU TO NOT MEDDLE INTO THAT ISSUE”, she rolled her eyes, “I meddled because it also involves me, Harry!”

I gave her a sarcastic laugh, “Oh please! Enlighten me then on how this involves you! Because as far as I’m concerned and as far as biology goes, that baby is Y/N’s and mine! NOT YOURS”, Jeff then spoke up, “Okay, let’s just get back in the room”

We followed him and I started pacing the room, Sarah came in and I swear I had never seen her so furious at someone, “What the hell just happened?! Why did Y/N leave crying and running?!”, I stayed quiet, “HARRY!”, I stood up and walked to the door, “I need to find her”

Olivia stood up but I turned to look at her, “I think you have done enough, I really can’t deal with you right now”, “And what do you want me to do?”, “For starters, stay in the guest room”, she scoffed, “You can’t be serious”, I turned to look at her, “Stay in the fucking guest room, we will talk tomorrow”

She left the room shaking her head, I then grabbed my phone and started calling her, but I got no answer, “Jeff, what if something happened?”, I could feel a panic attack come over me and Sarah must have seen it too because she grabbed my hands squeezed them, which in turn made me look at her

“Hey h, I need you to take a deep breath, okay? I will call her, maybe you and Jeff can see if you see her in the blocks around here”, I nodded and we left, I continued to call her while praying to whoever heard me that they were both safe. I couldn’t lose them.

New York, New York. 1:00 AM

I closed the door behind me, my breathing and heart rate was erratic, I walked to the couch and sat down, my mind was still processing what I had just witnessed. My headache had intensified, and I felt like the air was missing from my lungs.

My phone hasn't stopped ringing with both text and calls, but I couldn't pull myself to answer; after taking a few deep breaths I felt myself calm down, just as I did my phone started ringing again, it was Sarah.

I swiped to answer, “Hello?”, I heard Sarah sigh on the other line, “Babes where are you? We saw you run out and we have been looking for you. Harry has gone out with Jeff on his van to look for you”

My heart felt guilty but then I remembered the fact he stood quiet while she was talking about me and my baby and the guilt disappeared, “I am home, I'm sorry, I couldn't be there anymore”, “I'm on my way”, “No S, you have the baby”, she laughed, “Babes, he has a father who is completely capable of taking care of him, okay? I need to see you and you need a friend”

I teared up at that and sniffled, “S, please just let Harry know I'm okay, but don't tell him where I am”, “Sure Babes, but is everything okay? What happened?”, “I'll tell you when you get here”, we said goodbye and hung up the phone.

Harry. New York, New York. 1:30 AM

We were just finishing our lap down 34th when my phone rang, it was Sarah, I answered over Bluetooth, “Sarah?”, she whispered, “Hey H, I’m with her, she’s safe and she’s sleeping now”, I sighed, “Oh God, thank you”

Jeff squeezed my arm, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath hoping to stop the tears from falling but failed terribly so, “H, what do you want to do?”, “I don’t want to go home”, Jeff nodded, “The you can stay at my house”, I silently thanked him and we made our way to his apartment.

Jeff was grabbing two beers from the fridge, I normally wouldn’t do this but I needed it, “Jeff I need a family lawyer”, he turned on his tracks and gave me a surprised look, “No, it’s not for that, I actually want to sign an affidavit that I will not b filing for shared custody, I know for a fact that we will be able to co-parent without the need of having arrangements and I fan can give her some peace of mind I will”

He nodded and we finished drinking our beers silently, when we both were done I threw the case son the recycling bin and Jeff stood up too, just before I closed the door to my room, he called my name, “You will be a great dad, I know you and Y/N will work everything out”, I knew that ‘everything’ had a deeper meaning that he was letting on.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my phone, I was hoping it was Y/N but it was actually Olivia, I had thought of not answering but if I didn’t, she wouldn’t stop, “Hello?”, “Where are you?”, I rolled my eyes, “I stayed at Jeff’s”

“Are you planning on coming home?”, “I don’t know Olivia”, she sniffled, “Harry, please”, I took a deep breath, “Harry please, really? I asked you to do one thing Olivia, and what did you do? The exact opposite, and now I don’t even know if I will see my child, so Olivia, I really don’t want to see you”

There was some silence, “My flight leaves tonight, I’ll be leaving for the airport at 5, will I see you before?”, I sighed, “I don’t think so, I’m sorry”, she sniffled, “Go to hell, Harry”, she hung up the phone and saw that I had a text message from Sarah

From Sarah J. (8:30 AM): Hey H, just wanted to let you know we had to call Betty, she was having some trouble breathing, we will be going to see her just to make sure baby is okay. will call you when we’re out.

To Sarah J. (10:15 AM): What? I’ll be there in 20.

From Sarah J. (10:20 AM): We just got home, Betty says it was stressed caused but she’s fine now and baby too. She needs to rest, asked me if you could please not come over today, she wants to rest. Harry, please listen to her.

My heart broke again, the only thing I wanted today was to see her and explain why things had gotten that bad, but by the looks of it, that was going to wait. I got into the shower and got out; Jeff knocked on the door letting me know that the lawyer was here.

After explaining everything and signing the affidavit he left, Jeff and I ordered some lunch and I continued to try calling Y/N, only to be declined, which in turn had me tearing up, Jeff knocked on my door and poked his head in, “Hey, everything is set to leave for Florida in the morning”

My heart started beating fast, I knew I couldn’t leave New York without talking to Y/N, “Jeff, we need to leave in the evening”, “What?”, “I am not leaving until I can talk to her, please”, he sighed, “You have until 7”, I nodded, “Thanks Jeff”

October 6, 2021: Week Thirty-One

New York, New York. 9:30 AM

My alarm woke me up and thankfully, I was feeling better. I made my bed and got myself a cup of coffee and some breakfast when there was a knock on my door, I looked into the peephole and saw Harry standing there, he was wearing sweats, “I know you’re in there, I can see the shadow of your socks”, shit, I cracked open the door a little

“Why are you here Harry? I think I had enough of you right now”, I was adamant to let him in, my heart still hurt, “Because I need to talk to you, because I cannot leave for Florida without telling you that I would never do this to you”, he sniffled and wiped the tears from his eyes, “Please, let's talk”

I sighed and closed the door, removed the lock, and let him in, he closed the door and followed me into the kitchen where he sat on the other side, “How are you feeling?”, “Fine. Thank you”, I continued to stir my coffee, “Y/N…”, “What Harry?”

“Please…”, the tears in his eyes almost made me feel bad, “Please what? How could you have done that? And discussing it with her instead of me Harry?”, I stood up, “I knew we would have that discussion later but the fact that you went behind my back, that is something I find hard to forgive”

“I know it was wrong, and I want to apologize for Olivia and how she treated you and the things she said, “I think she is a grown woman and can own up to her actions Harry, so stop making excuses and apologies for her”

“You are right, but you also have to believe me that I did not want to things to happen like they did, and that is why I brought you this”, he handed me a folder and I opened it, “What is this?”, “it’s an affidavit, it states that I will not be doing anything related to filing or any other legal motion in relation to this baby’s custody”

I was shocked, I couldn’t believe he had done that, “Thank you Harry, I will have my lawyer look over this?”, he stopped in his tracks, “What?”, I looked up at him from the document, “I told you that day, I will fight with blood sweat and tears Harry; I won’t go down without a fight”

He started making his way to where I was sitting, “Y/N”, I stood up “You know what the worst part is Harry? I was willing to make things work, I was willing to go on tour with you”, I laughed a little, “Hell I was willing to move to London if you were thinking of settling there, my boss had even allowed me to move to home office”

But then I turned to look at him, “But now, you have made things hard; you made up your own bed, now you have to sleep in it”, before he could speak up, I said, “Please leave”, “Y/N”, “Harry, leave. Now”, I walked to the door and opened it, he grabbed his mask and placed it, “Oh and Harry? Good luck in Florida”

Taglist @tinydestinybear @amyleeeee @harry-is-my-sunflower @beachwoodcaferryy @msolbesg @clarawolf22 @harrysficreblog @infinitely-yellow @cherrylovesblog @wherethehellhaveyoubeenharry @harryspirate @kaitieskidmore1 @michellekstyles @qualitygiantshoepsychic @irelilien @futuristicpalacegardenpsychic @shawnsblue @behindmygreyeyes @sunshinemoonsposts @dirtytissuebox @little-freak-satellite @tinydeskwriter @be-with-me-so-happily @watercolorskyy @goldenlouvr @sunshinemoonsposts @jgoff717

#harry styles x reader #harry styles imagine #the story of you #harry styles #harry imagine #dad!harry #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fluff #harry styles x y/n #harry styles x you #harry styles x oc #harry styles angst

[bayouette]

Maybe because I’m #enlightened because I have two close relatives with higher needs/intellectual disability autism, but some people want to “cure autism” as a beneficial thing for their children so they can live “full” lives and not for eugenics shit (disabled people pollute the blood line) right? Growing up I wanted to study neuroscience to cure autism because it affected (so called “took energy out of”) the women in my life so much. All of us are aware that my cousin is alive and deserves to be alive and is able to love and have likes and dislikes and we love him so much we would do anything for them you still have to recognize that he will never have a “normal life”. Possibly a “bad life” because of it. And it’s kinda like oh that’s why autism is a disability.

So that’s why even though I am a “#gtkidburnout kid who turned out to be high masking autistic” I recognize that I am the minority with what is actually autism. Many times I think I am more OCD or anxious than having high sensory over loud (which I do) or having trouble communicating (which I do, but I can hold a professional conversion in so called “masking” even though it pains me to look them in the face and I’m sweating and wishing to kill myself”. My uncle or cousin could never do anything other than simple or physical or “disciplinary’ (don’t run away from me don’t run into the street please youre my baby im scared you might die or get taken advantage love I’m so tired I loved you more than I love my anxious maybe sub-clinical daughters but maybe just a little anxious and antisocial, if you’re beautiful soul ever got hurt before me—) therapy. Showing love in our family was taken care of them if something happened to their parents. My mom cried when I was 10 and said if anything happened to grandma I would take care of my uncle (her older brother) at any cost. My mom never ever cries. My (born during ww2) grandmas whole life was her clearly autistic (r word stupid possessed he should be put somewhere and never see his loving family again)son who was the first generation of autistic kids to get equal (special ed) education within public schools. My grandma (who was born working class first-language-Spanish) and used her smart wit with stocks so became somewhat upper middle class’s) life is of course her own, but very much donated much of it to her son who only likes a particular style of clothes and we need to hide snacks from him because he’s diabetic but we don’t know if he knows that like I’m just like stop stop we’re not supposed to talk about this if I say this I’m “ableist” against people who are billionaires won’t you just listen to me 30% of ppl with autism are intellectually disabled most of us don’t have a job (I had a 2 “jobs” first time it was a temp position that I was never called back after the first day and never officially fired me and never gave me money? And then I became an intern at a company because I told them I’m organized because I “may have autism” and then went to the mental hospital for a week after 2 months of doing one speed sheet because she wanted me to do daily meetings and I want to fucking killl myself so I had to go the hospital to get out of the internships but never tell my college or the company that it was because I was fucking neurotic anxious fucking autist.

Look oh “autism speaks is bad” isn’t because they want to cure autism. Autism is a disorder. Most people don’t like have disorders. So when they impact your day to day lives 24/7 can’t be left alone remember to close the bathroom door please say more than yes or no do you remember me I’m your niece yes it’s because he is smiling and nodding and thumping his chest I love him I’ll do anything with him I could never have a conversation about lord of the rings like with my other uncle who may have been a diagnosed with “a little bit of the autism” if he was a tween today to someone who you love like a son a precious baby son who sometimes does tricks that’s shows that he loves us (do you want to hug me? No? Come on I’m your aunt?? Aw, okay, oh, OHE HE GAVE ME A KISS!! OH BUESO BUESO BUESO MY LOVE MY DARLING” (I CANT BE AUTISTIC BECAUSE I FORCED DOWN MY DESIRE TO HURL EVERYTIME SOME HUGGED ME “please don’t hurt me where do I put my arms you’re smelly you’re kinda creepy is this what uncles do??? Mexicans are just more touchy I watched too much law and order to feel something to explain why I felt so alone and in grief and in rage I tour up my leather chair I need to bleed so that explains someone must have molested this is why because normal people don’t fucking feel this way!!!!! When they touch their uncles????? WHAT HAPPENED TO ME??”

Autism speaks sucks because it endorses autism as a death sentence. “I want to kill my ‘heavily autistic’ daughter because she’s violent and dangerous to her other siblings and I’m so tired and my misogynistic husband doesn’t love me anymore let’s just go to heaven and meet Christ heaven anything is better than this” that IS MURDER!!! AN Autistic CHILD IS NOT A FUCKING ANIMAL!!! THAT GIRL IS RIGHT THERE SHE KNOWS WHATS GOING ON ITS NOT THAT THEYRE ARE STUPID THEY HAVE THOUGHTS MY UNCLE GENUINELY LOVES SEEING HIS COUSINS AND NIECES AND NEPHEWS HE LOVES ME ‘IM HAPPT (name) IS HEREE’ he types on the print-out keyboard (he technically isn’t talking (is that non-verbal selective mutism TikTok) because my 4’11 mid 80s grandma is guiding him with her beautiful old wrinkled calloused veiny beautiful could stare all at day I could paint that and be put in a museum fingers) and he can’t do it on his own. But I love him like a fucking human not a fucking lamb to be slaughtered!!! I refuse to have my uncle or cousin of Isaac!!!!!!! They are not damned!!! We are weird and I’m the least weird but I’m fine I keep in my grimace mom mom you have no friends mom That’s NOT NORMAL Mommy.

But my cousin from my dad’s side just got diagnosed over the computer with AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER and she cried out in glee!! ‘Finally!!! I’m in the special club!!! That’s why I’m so QURIKY IM SO ALONE!! Hehehe.’ And she said ‘oh your maternal uncle must have been hidden inside’ ARE YOU ISNANE??? MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD KILL HERSELF TO SAVE HER AUTISTIC SON. SHE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST IN FUCKING THE USA TO DEMEND EQUAL TREATMENT (WITHOUT LABOTOMIES WITHOUT EUGENICS) FOR HER YOUNG BOY ONE OF THE FIRST IN OUR COUNTY THEY SAID SHE WAS A BAD MOM THAT IT WAS ALL HER FAULT R WORD DEMON SPAWN YOU KNOW THE SPARTANS KICKED CRIPPS OFF THEIR CLIFFS WHEN THEYRE BABIES TOO BAD THEY DONT HAVE THAT NOW!!

YOU KNOW NOTHING BESIDES TUMBLR! YOU DO NOT TRUST YOUR ELDERS (many queers are autistic?)!!! MY GRANDMA MY MOM MY AUNT MY UNCLE MY COUSIN MY SISTER MY DAD ARE THE ELDERS DIPSHIT!!!! SOME OF THE PEOPLE ABOVE ARE THE somewhat NEUROTIC ANTISOCIAL NOBODY TALKS FOR THIRTY YEARS BUTS THATS NORMAL. — BUT THEY SPEAK FOR THE ONES WHO CANNOT SPEAK!!! WHICH IS A LARGE FRACTION OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE!! WHICH IS WHY ITS CALLED AUTISM SPEAKS DUMBASSS!!!!!!!!!!! DUMBAESSSS!!!!

I WISH I WAS FUCKING NORMAL AND IM NOT ABELIST FOR WISHING THAT. I WENT TO FOUR HIGH SCHOOLS. IM MAYBE GOING TO MY THRID COLLEGE AND IM A SOPHMORE STILL.I HAVE TWO FRIENDS!!! IM 20 and HAVE NEVER BEEN ON A DATE!!! NOT TALKING ABOUT GREEK MYTHOLOGY??? SHUT UP SHUT UP LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE LAYERS OF TROY OH WHAT ABOUT SIGNING UP FOR CLASSES? NO IM SCARED IM SO SCARED WHAT IF THEY SEE IM NOT NORMAL IM A FREAK IM MONSTER IM A BAD PERSON!!! I WISH I WAS MORE AUTISTIC SO PEOPLE WOULD BELIEVE ME!!!! I’m not gonna make it past 25!!! I have been near bed ridden for 5 months ish.

In the end I made it about me..:… I’ve been depressed/anxious for what’s seems like my whole life I went through diaries that said I never was a child because I was so careful and scared and neurotic and shy and please don’t scream at me please don’t touch me!!….. and I wished I was like my cousin who is “level 2” who they asked if it was okay to touch. But they never asked me… it wasn’t until I started questioning our fundamental autistic anxious antisocial please don’t be estranged like that one uncle and said “oh my good I think I’m autistic” that people went softer. Only a handshake. A wave. Didn’t chase me down to demand a goodbye hug. Then I got my diagnosis (which comes with its own sense of grief) and it’s like “:))) it’s okay”” and it’s like finally finally!!!! You understand!! I love you but I don’t know you!!!! Why do you love me??? I’m so hopeless!!!!

Goddd I’m making it ABOUT ME AGAIN!!!!

I’m sorry to all autistics. Autism does not make us monkeys or dogs or demons or freaks or deserved to be choked in their crib we are human beings!!!! And I love my uncle and cousin and my family so much but I can’t talk to them I’m so scared.

And you can make the best of it! You can say, “oh because of my autism I’m really into aquariums!!!” And get special interest energy (respect) and be really passionate about your job as a marine biologist and you’re super organized as a person you are a technology whiz!!! You devote all your time to work and aquariums (and maybe some other special interests like anime figures that make her literally squeal) instead of hanging out with family or friends or coworkers or potential partners because you’re so odd and hahahaha sorry I actually have a headache yeah I can go to that company party but really you’re just so scared you’ll say the wrong thing). But you live with it. You don’t need much affection or attention—but sometimes from the right couple people it feels nice. And you don’t like many people anyway, few ‘get you’ And you may be happy like this. You never get married. Sometimes people talk to you like a baby but you never get why. You know the most about random details that come in handy sometimes. People trust you but aren’t necessarily affectionate towards you. And you have your parents who are cool and siblings that are okay and a couple friends who really ‘get’ you and you be happy. You may love being autistic.

It’s a spectrum, remember? I wish my uncle and cousin were happy and full. I want to be functional and half-way normal. I want every kid who thought they were a secret alien who didn’t know when to look into peoples eyes to be acknowledged and be told ‘ you are not normal but that in no way means you cannot be happy.’ And I wish special ed had more funding. You can make an argument that gifted is special ed whatever but it in should no way get more money than special ed.

I

#autism #actually autistic #neurospicy #neurodivergent #suicide tw #csa tw #I was high when I wrote this

[engagedtobefree]

Chris

I guess it’s time to talk about my dental hygienist.

Back last year my old dentist, who I wanted to get rid of a for awhile, called to cancel my appointment because they were short-staffed and it would be a year and a half wait for my cleaning. That prompted me to finally look for a new place. I wanted to go somewhere with an oral surgeon because I needed something looked at, and I narrowed it down to two places. Sat on it for awhile before finally picking the one that just gave me an overall better feeling about it.

My first appointment I had x-rays, an evaluation, and talked with the oral surgeon. My second appointment was only a few weeks later, toward the end of October. I show up in a sweater and skinny jeans, with my glasses on and my hair up in a big bun. I think I’m just here to get a cleaning and go home, with nothing really significant at all happening in between those two things. Boy, was I wrong. I get called back and walk up to the hygienist, who is holding the door for me. I don’t remember looking right at him because I saw him do a double-take when I get closer, and my first instinct is to just pretend I don’t notice whenever a guy appears interested in me. I’d much rather just be left alone and not have to deal with anything, unless of course I also happen to have an interest in the other person, which is rare.

So we go back to the room and my hygienist introduces himself as Chris. He offers to take my bag and hang it up for me, but I already put it on the floor and I tell him the floor is fine. He makes a comment, something like, “My grandma would roll in her grave if she saw you do that.” It seems he’s a little shocked by my complete lack of concern lol. Chris is really friendly and immediately just starts talking with me. He has on Corpse Bride on his little tv, and he makes me laugh twice in probably the first 2 minutes of me being in the chair. He asks me all sorts of questions and actually pulls out of my mouth so I can answer him, which is unlike any other cleaning I’ve ever been to. We have a bunch of shared interests, like Halloween, comics, and he also does some yoga, and I find talking to him is really easy and calming. I notice he has a sort of glow about him, like the energy around him is pure and light. At one point I actually see a light coming from him, one that’s so bright that it obscures some of the room. This intrigues me. I’ve never met a man with this type of energy before. I’ve never met anyone with this type of energy before. Then Chris asks me how old I am. I get the impression that this isn’t something he asks everyone. I tell him I’m 30 and he’s absolutely shocked, “You’re thirty?!?”. I look over at him and see his brown eyes go wide. I turn back and he leans forward to work on my mouth again, but then I burst out with excitement, “Oh no, wait! I’m 31! I forgot. I just had my birthday.” I wonder how old he is, but I don’t ask. He seems to be around my age, but he has had a mask on the whole time, so it’s really hard for me to tell. He asks me where I live and I think he also asks if I live with anyone (or maybe I just voluntarily give him that info). He doesn’t ask in a creepy way, but I also get the impression that again, he’s asking for a reason. I tell him where I live and that it’s just me and my cat. When Chris is done, he goes over to a cabinet to give me stuff to take home, but I decline since I use eco-friendly products at home. He says he feels bad to let me leave without anything, and then I get the urge to flirtily ask if I could leave with his number. I’m not sure I even say anything back to him because I’m just so surprised at what is going on inside of me at the moment. He walks me out to the check-out desk, and I start to feel really disappointed that I can’t keep talking with him. When I get out to my car, I send a Snapchat video to my two best friends telling them how great my dental hygienist was. I have this strange feeling that I’ve never felt before, as if we are the same, like he’s me and I’m him, but that we are still separate individuals. I don’t know what to make of that. When my friend Stacy responds, she says he was into me and that I should date him. I insist it was just friend vibes. I know that I’m lying, but I feel super conflicted. At this point in time, I am still waiting around for Scott, but I barely hear from him anymore and I have been feeling very dissatisfied with our dynamic for a long time now. 

As soon as I get home, I try to look Chris up. I don’t have any luck finding him on any social media sites and I feel bummed about it. I look up reviews about the dental office and find a handful of ones mentioning Chris and how great he was, which actually makes my heart sink. Was I just imagining things? Was I picking up on the wrong vibes? I’ve never been wrong about someone being into me before, but there’s still a chance I could be wrong. For the time being, I push him out of my mind. He trickles back in here and there, but I just keep pushing him back down.

Some time in December, he keeps persistently crossing my mind, so I decide to try to look him up again. This time, I do some serious hardcore digging. I am determined to find this man. I keep telling myself I would find him so I could see what he looks like, lose interest, and then get on with my life. Welp, my life had other plans for me because when I do finally find him, I find that I am very attracted to him. This isn’t something that normally happens for me. Objectively, I can acknowledge someone is attractive and not really care beyond that. I’ll just get on with my day. But there is the super, incredibly rare, almost non-existent phenomenon where I am actually attracted to another person, and Chris happens to cause that to happen for me. He’s also very conventionally attractive, which makes it even more rare that I am so attracted to him, because I don’t usually find myself going for people like that. So the odds of me being physically attracted to this man were like a 0.01%, but it happened. It fucking happened. So now I have this dilemma where not only am I completely attracted to his personality and energy, but I’m also physically attracted to him. 

I find he’s in a band, so I watch a few of their videos. There’s some where Chris and bandmates are talking, and I can tell by his voice that I have the right person. This is not a drill. He’s even more mesmerizing seeing him talking and laughing in the videos. 

I remember that the dental office sent me a feedback questionnaire after my appointment, and I didn’t bother filling it out. I think about submitting it, but again, I’m conflicted. At this point, Scott and I are just no longer happening, but I’m still holding onto hope. But then, it doesn’t feel right to not pursue this. After a few days of sitting on it, I decide to submit the questionnaire. I have no idea if Chris will see it, but I decide it can’t hurt to try. I answer the multiple choice questions and then when I get to the last part, where you can write in anything, I mention Chris. I only write two sentences, and I don’t remember the second one, though I think it’s just a general comment about the office. My first sentence was along the lines of, “Chris was really sweet and left a great impression :)”. It’s basic enough where if someone else reads it, they won’t think much of it, but if Chris reads it, he might. 

I spend the next few months just going about my life, and working on moving forward from Scott. When it gets closer to April, I start to get nervous. What if I read things wrong? What if Chris doesn’t have an interest in me? I start to look at all his stuff online again, and I keep thinking about just our brief interactions and how much I got out of them. I decide that I will just read the vibes when I see him next and then go from there. I assume since he’s working I will need to make the first move and ask for his number if I get the impression again that he may also be into me. 

Just like before, I have x-rays and a follow-up with the oral surgeon a few weeks before my next appointment with Chris. That was this past Tuesday. They had called me a few hours before to tell me Chris had an opening that day before my scheduled appointment if I wanted to come in for my cleaning sooner, but I have stuff to do beforehand and I don’t feel quite ready yet, so I decline. When I get there, I go up to the front desk and Chris isn’t at the other computer like he was for my previous two appointments (both times he said how our last names were similar lol). I sit in the waiting room and after about half an hour, Chris comes out to get someone. I nearly jump out of my seat when I hear his voice. I keep looking at him, then away, then back at him, and away again. He has on his mask again, but the rest of him is very nice to look at. He doesn’t appear to see me. My heart sinks. Okay, maybe he just doesn’t know I’m here. He might’ve even forgotten about me, but I didn’t actually expect him to remember me anyway, just for me to hopefully refresh his memory when he sees me again. I remind myself to just trust myself, and that I’ll make all the right choices here. It’s another half hour before I’m called back. As I head through the door with the woman who called me, Chris rounds the corner up ahead, bringing his patient back out front. I stop to untwist my bag, and when I turn forward and start walking again, Chris is pretty close. I can’t help but closed-lip smile, and I can feel it reach my eyes. I look over at him and he’s already looking at me, and we lock eyes as we pass each other. His eyes show me that he’s smiling at me too. My insides go ”!!!!!!!!!!!!!”. Any shred of doubt I had completely dissipates. Chris remembers me. He knew I would be here today and he is definitely interested in me. This is better than I even imagined.

I get into the little x-ray room and talk with the woman who brought me back. It’s a tiny room, really the size of maybe two or three closets. About two minutes later, Chris comes up behind me and hangs in the doorway. He asks if the machine is working okay now and says he’s the one who fixed it. Him and the other women talk back and forth briefly, and I look back and forth between them as they talk. My eyes finally stop to rest of Chris, taking him in and waiting to see what he does when he walks back out. When he does turn to leave, he turns towards me and we lock eyes again. I wish I could know what he’s thinking. I don’t see him again before I leave, but the brief encounters really shift everything for me. I also got the impression that I may not even need to be the one to ask for his number. I thought because he was working that he might not take that chance so I’d have to be the one to, but when we locked eyes in the hallway I got a really strong vibe from him that he will actually go for it when the time comes. 

And so now, I am literally counting the days until my next appointment (as of right now: just under 16!) so that all this can get set into motion. I know that I don’t really have much to go off of, but I can tell Chris is a really great guy, and I just have such a good feeling about him. I have never had that feeling before about a man. Just being confident in knowing he is a great person is such a new thing for me to experience. I am working hard in my own life to be the best I can be, and to be completely open to something new, and in a short amount of time, I feel like I’ve made huge progress in both those areas. I feel so aligned with everything that is happening right now, and I have the absolute best feeling about this man. I hope my next update about him is even better than this one.

#chris #personal

[radiotorn]

Holy moly I slept for so long

#and i had. a dream abt my friend coming back to us........ #it kinda made me think that i forgot to respons to my friends in the server because ot felt. WAY too real #like mt dream somehow perfectly replicated how they would sound when sending messages #and it got their pfp's right....qns the layout of discord...and just? it felt...too real. thay was way too real #i like woke myself up ajd was like SHOOT I FOROGT SHE CAME BACK I GOTTA WELCOME HER BACK!!!! but then #i woke up ans rememebeed it was only a dream and i got sad :( #i still...cant get over just how weirdly real that dream felt. like the way I thought in the dream. my friends ans rhe way they ttyped. and #then my genwral surroundings....it was all...so weirbd ans steangely real??? maube thise means I'm one step closer to lucid dreamin #id love to be able to do that!!!! i heard from someone that if u flip a light switch in a dream and it doesnt do anything thays jpw u kno ur #dreaming and idk how true that os but im gonna try it anyways (and prolyl scare myself when the lightswitch actaully works in my dream) #...oj the topic of dreams a bit ago i had. really terrofying dejavu. we went for a drive by visit to my cousin for his first communon and #we had 2 get out (masked of course). and my grandma was there. and at one point like we wwre standin off 2da side and she was infront of me #and we began talking about SOMETHING i think it was school and whtvr but at that moment the Strongest dejavu ever hit me #lile id never truly felt it b4 but that. was STRONG. like i swore id experienced thay exact moment. down to the last word. in a dream #and frankly? im like...intruiged but in a more excited way #like if thise means something???????? amazibf great very cool. but also terrifying just how vivid ans real my dreams have become #like they used to...not be so real. lile yeah they almost always tooo place on my hpuse (dream got my house dpwn to a T) but there were #things in the dream thst were never real!!! so thwyre was somethinf there to tell me it was a dream #or. maybe. Mmm i gotta stop im creepin myself out #but. i went off really long but point is...i really miss my friend and i hope shes okay and not. like....hurt or something.. #tori if you can see this...i hope youre alright. and i hope you come back soon. #....hooh....... #i dont even know whaf 2tag this as bc its not really...a vent? yea sure im not .... particularly happy but its not..vent #maybe just.... #dreams #bc im sure theres more to come

[neoculturetravesty]

We met in online class - Last Part

Image adapted from here.

Pairing: Renjun x Reader Genre: College AU, romance, angst, fluff Warnings: Strong language Word Count: 3.4k

Navigation: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | You are on the Last Part

A/N: And so it comes to an end, and let me tell you guys, I am not okay 😔 This is going to be a bit of a longer A/N, so please bear with me. If you’d like to get straight to the story, I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND, so feel free to click Keep Reading!

Lowkey, I had a bit of a meltdown as I typed the final words on this fic because I hadn’t realized how attached I had grown to the characters. This is the first time I wrote three different chapter openers before deciding on one, because I simply couldn’t believe it was goodbye after this.

These mofos had constantly been on my mind for the past two months and a half. I would spend most days thinking about where to take them and then bringing them to life at night, after my entire day was over. When I wasn’t writing, I’d make little notes about thoughts I had into the night about them so that I wouldn’t forget them when morning comes. 

This was my first ever (and as of right now, my only) chaptered fic. I had no idea parting with it would be as emotional as it was. When I think back to when I first received the prompt for this, I had never even imagined I could write Renjun, let alone a series. But there was something in the prompt that had gotten my wheels turning. And I am so immensely glad that it did. There were days when I thought “Oh man, what have I gotten myself into.” Some days, the story would just flow. Other days, I’d keep staring at the blinking cursor not knowing what to type. But when I did, I found my emotions so deeply connected with the characters. I was happy when they were happy. I was sad when they were sad. So, parting with them is very hard to say the least.

But through this journey, I got to experience the joy of reading all of your reviews and comments and honestly, it made it all worth it. THANK YOU to every single one of you that read this story and waited on it and laughed and cried with it. You have made my life better in more ways than you can imagine.

In this moment, I want to thank 🍙 anon, because it was their prompt that put me in this mess in the first place. And so, it is only fitting that I dedicate the final part to them 💛

“Oh, we definitely need a picture together. How about here? I think this place would fit everyone.” Kim Doyoung looks about, finding a spot best suited for the photo he wanted.

“I think right there on the platform would be better. We could get everyone in two tiers.” his assistant suggests.

“You’re a genius. Let’s gather everyone. It’s not often that so many NCTU grads and students come to Midnight Arthouse,” Doyoung nods.

“How many of us are here, anyway?” Renjun muses. The assistant looks at her iPad, checking once again.

“I think there’s 23 of you. So, let’s definitely go for the platform.” she nods.

“Okay, then.” Doyoung claps his hands together once, “Gather everyone,” he says to no one in particular and walks ahead with purpose. Renjun and the assistant’s eyes meet and they smirk. Of course this was directed to the both of them. So, they set about to work.

As it would turn out, gathering 23 people from a charity event with art and food and drinks would be a bit of a task. But somehow, they manage to gather all alumni and current students on the platform in three tiers instead of two for a somewhat chaotic picture. There must’ve been something in the water at NCTU because none of it’s students could stand still for very long. They get maybe one decent picture and several in which someone or the other was moving or pulling a face.

His friends aside, looking around at the group, Renjun realized that he recognized nearly all of them. Yangyang and Hendery and the rest of their frat were here. As were the 127s, old and new. Renjun recognized them all, except maybe two boys, who didn’t seem to know a lot of the others either. When the pictures were done and the main events were over and the crowd had started to dissipate, Renjun finally walked over to the artwork to observe it up close.

Honestly speaking, watching the work with his own two eyes left no doubt in his mind that this artist deserved to be spotlighted like this. This work was in a league of its own. Watching it makes Renjun smile; because looking at it makes him think back to a few months ago when he was sitting in Kim Doyoung’s office, thinking of himself as some sort of a big shot. But the truth is, there was no way he had that caliber then, and there is no way he has that caliber now, though he was sure as hell working on it.

“This is the piece I lost the bid on.” Renjun hears a voice and he turns around to see Zhong Chenle’s father observing the art with him. Renjun bows politely and smiles under his mask,

“I mean, this is a remarkable piece. You have good taste.” Renjun acknowledges.

“What about you? Why isn’t any of your artwork displayed here?” he asks and for a while, Renjun smiles a bit nostalgically. He could’ve been here, had he made something for the Annuale. Had he just selfishly taken that shot. Then again, there would’ve been no real guarantees. Because Kim Doyoung was pretty particular in the people he chose, whether they were recommended by his family or not. Working with him closely in the last couple of months had taught Renjun that. It had also taught him how underdeveloped his skill was in the real world context.

“I guess I still have a long way to go.” Renjun replies humbly.

“Don’t we all?” Chenle’s father nods, “Are you working here at this establishment?” 

“Um, I… I suppose I am. I am Kim Doyoung’s apprentice. He is my mentor.” Renjun nods.

“So I might see your work here soon enough, eh?” Renjun assumes the kind man is smiling under his mask because his eyes seem to be making the same shape as Chenle’s do when he smiles. So Renjun grins back.

“I mean… if I work really hard, I might get to shoot my shot in the next Midnight Arthouse Annuale.” Renjun fantasizes.

“Or maybe you’d get lucky like this young artist,” he points his chin towards the artwork.

Renjun smiles, “I would credit her luck, too if I hadn’t seen her work. But her talent is… it kinda speaks for itself.”

“Oh, no, you should definitely credit her luck. Talent isn’t enough. The stars have to align. Luck, talent, the right place, the right time. It all has to come together.” he says nodding. 

Renjun considers his words. They seem to be coming from the wisdom of experience. 

What if Renjun hadn’t received the phone call about his grandma back then? Well, then he probably would’ve made something lackluster and gotten rejected. Working with Kim Doyoung has taught him as much. It didn’t matter who had put a word in for him. At the end of the day, his work had to be outclass.

What if he had received the phone call and then still had enough time to submit something for the Annuale? Then he still probably wouldn’t have because… well, because of you.

What if he had gone ahead, regardless of you or his grandma and just made something and submitted it? Then he still would’ve been rejected. Because the truth of the matter is, he just didn’t have the caliber that artists associated with Midnight Arthouse did.

In that sense, Renjun supposes everything was in fact happening at the right place and right time now. Doyoung was mentoring him and he was getting better by the day. The stars were aligning for him. He knew it in his heart.

“Then I would wish that it all comes together for me, too.” Renjun says.

“When it does, young man, I’ll be the first one to bid on your work.” he says and Renjun doesn’t even have the time to react when he feels a presence breeze in his direction and invade his personal space.

Renjun doesn’t even have to look up to know who it is. He can tell by the way this body fits perfectly into his side. He can tell by how naturally his own body responds and just puts his arm around it’s waist.

“Oh man, I missed all of it, didn’t I?” you lament, as you loop your arms around his neck from the side instead of a hello.

“Not all of it. The guys just left but your brother and his friends are still here. Besides, you had work.” Renjun turns his head and looks into your eyes to reassure you. “Y/N, this is Chenle’s father.”

“Oh, hello!” you say cheerfully and respectfully bow and give you greetings. “It is so nice to meet you. Chenle looks just like you!”

“Yes, I’ve been told I’m a more handsome version of him,” he smiles then turns to Renjun, “And who might this young lady be?”

“This is my girlfriend, Y/N. She goes to NCTU with us.” Renjun introduces you and you bow again. Oh, the thrill he got every time he got to introduce you as his girlfriend. Fuck, he’s pretty sure he’d never tire of it, even if it had just been a few months. The serotonin boost in his veins is strong and he gets the urge to squeeze you and hold you forever.

“Oh, that’s very nice. Come have a meal with us before we have to catch a plane back home, okay?” Chenle’s father invites the two of you. 

“Oh, I would love to!” you say in your chipper tone before your eyes start darting around “I’m going to have to excuse myself for a little bit, I just wanna say hi to my brother.” you say and you politely bow before you start moving away.

“Babe, hang on…” Renjun says, holding you back by your hand. He brings his fingers delicately to the bridge of your nose and softly pinches down the mask over it so it sits more snugly on you. “There, it’s much safer now.” Renjun nods and watches the affectionate smile your eyes give before you move away. You looked so pretty today, even if you were just coming back from a four-hour internship. You were easily the most beautiful girl in this room, though Renjun suspected that you’d be the most beautiful girl in any room you entered. 

Albeit sometimes, Renjun had to wonder if your talent or your beauty was greater. Because you had become the only junior in NCTU to land an internship at the SMK Trainee Drive. And now that you were a senior, you were somehow managing to keep your grades up alongside it. 

Renjun, on the other hand, would find himself struggling with balancing his apprenticeship with his school work. So he knew firsthand how your discipline was something else altogether. Recently though, he had experienced a rise in his grades because you had been taking him on so many study dates that your organizational skills and motivation had started to rub off on him.

Renjun walks around the studio and the party and feels like it’s been too long till you’re finally back by his side. 

“Love in the Time of Corona,” you read the title of an art piece displayed in front of you. “That was supposed to be our thing.”

Renjun laughs and has no qualms in looping his arms around your waist and finally pulling you into himself.

“I guess we should’ve realized then how un-novel the idea would become in a few months.” he comments. 

“Un-novel is not a word, Huang Renjun.” you narrow your eyes at him.

Renjun laughs. “It is now,” he says and lets out a long exhale, “I missed you today.” he complains, though he looks down at you with warmth.

“Well, you’ve got me now. And you have me for the entire weekend.” you reassure him, your palms on his chest.

“Mhmm.” Renjun smiles and he wants to lean in to kiss you. But Kim Doyoung specifically had people assigned to walk around and make sure that everyone had their masks on when inside. “Also, we already have a thing.” he reminds you and winks.

You laugh, and say “I guess we do,” then let out a happy sigh as your eyes avert from his for a moment, taking in your surroundings. “Our Couple Thing should give you some ideas on what you can make when your work is displayed here in the 2022 Annuale. I won’t be late to that, I promise. I’ll take a day off from everything else in my life.”

Renjun's heart grows warmer still, and he’s sure his eyes reflect what he feels, “How can you be so sure my work will be displayed in the 2022 Annuale?”

“I don’t know, Huang Renjun. I just have a feeling about you.” you say and Renjun can see you smile even if your lips are covered by a mask. Your eyes always smiled before your mouth did, anyway.

“Y/N L/N, I have a feeling about you, too.” he retorts. 

“And what feeling would that be?” you raise an eyebrow.

“It’s a secret.” he says, but now he sees your pout, even if he can’t see your mouth because your cheeks have puffed up over the mask. It makes him laugh.

“You’re no fun.” you protest.

“I’ll tell you once we get out of here.” Renjun offers.

“Well, I’m ready to leave.” you jut your chin up. Renjun grins and offers you his arm. You grab it with your entire body and the two of you start walking out together.

You had plans for the weekend, after all. And Renjun was determined to keep you all to himself for once, with no one else demanding your time. Not your internship, not your assignments, not any of your friends, and especially not Lee fucking Donghyuck. He was finally going to take you away where it could just be you and him and nobody else.

This moment felt way too surreal to Renjun.

The campfire had simmered down from a glorious roar to a comfortable burn, giving off just enough heat in the cool of an early winter evening. The sky was in it’s fading moments, where the pink of the light was slowly turning to violets and the violets were slowly merging into darks. 

Renjun remembered suggesting to you all that time ago that maybe you could go somewhere together. But now that he was here, he hadn’t imagined that the moment would feel as surreal as it did. 

Because now the two of you are sitting in front of your tent by the fire, entwined in one another. You’re sitting between his legs, arms around his neck, nuzzling your cheek inside his padded jacket while he supports your head on his arm and kisses you.

He’s holding you in his arms and kissing you and everything seems so perfect that for a moment, he has to pull away to watch your face and wonder if all of this was real. And though there is a gentle smile on your face, you’re not opening your eyes much. Because you know full well that Renjun’s lips would be back on yours in no time. So you play with his hair as they fall to his forehead and when he kisses you again, you press up into him so he would wrap his arms around you and hold you tighter. He does and he rubs his hands up and down your back and attempts to close his jacket around you.

“Are you cold?” he asks lovingly. You shake your head.

“No. I just want to crawl inside you.” you say, like it’s the most logical thing to be said.

“Creepy.” Renjun remarks but holds you closer still.

“You should be happy you haven’t seen my collection of your hair clippings.” you quip as you nip into the skin of his neck.

“Oh, sweet. That rivals all your used tissues I’ve kept in my shrine at home.”

“Aww, you shouldn’t have.” you coo at him and then lean up to kiss him some more and he laughs. But soon, he pushes the arm that you were using like a pillow up so your face would be closer to his and he could kiss you as deeply as he was truly craving. 

The two of you keep kissing like that till the sky is dark. It was an odd sort of trance, being so lost in one another that neither of you cared about what time it was or how long you had been sitting here, wrapped up in one another. Your phones were zipped away in your bags and you hadn’t checked them even once since you had parked your camping van and set up your tent. It was a slow, peaceful sort of bliss, just sitting by the fire and kissing and kissing with nothing else on your minds but being here like this with one another.

“Renjun?” you say, your voice sounding like it was returning from a deep thought.

“Hmm?” Renjun asks as he combs your hair away from your pretty face.

“You know, I learnt today that a cactus can live anywhere between 10 and 200 years.” you tell him, idly tracing the birthmark on the back of his hand.

Renjun leans in and presses long into your lips. “Yeah?” he replies and watches your face. It seemed hazily focused, like it was trying to catch onto a faraway thought.

“I also learnt that it can take up to 30 years for a cactus to bear flowers.” you say in an introspective, wistful tone.

Renjun looks away to hide his smile. Oh God, you were so cute. “Yeah?” he says again, but it’s getting more and more difficult to keep a serious face.

“Sometimes, a cactus doesn’t flower at all.” you say and then you turn your head to look at him like you’ve resurfaced from your thoughts and are now in the moment. Renjun’s grin grows wider. “Renjunnn…” you whine and so he has no choice but to tenderly hold your cheeks in his palms and stroke your hair.

“What?” he chuckles.

“You said you’d think you’re worthy of my forgiveness when the cactus bears flowers.” you whine again and Renjun has to plant a loving kiss to your forehead.

“Is that what I said?” he chuckles some more and then leans in to kiss the anxious realization away from your lips. 

“Renjun.” you pout and Renjun laughs and takes his beautiful, whiny, kindhearted girlfriend in his arms and hopes that his hold could chase away all the worries from her pretty, brilliant mind.

He kisses you because his heart can’t bear it any longer. How did he manage to hold a heart like yours in his hand?

Renjun feels an indescribable amount of happiness. Like he wasn’t sure that you were really here with him, in his arms, all for him to hold, with no worry or burden afflicting him. The happiness is so immense and so incredible and so heavy that for a moment, he feels it suffocating him. He wonders if he deserved this kind of happiness.

But right in the next moment, he stops himself. He knew how easy it was to relapse into those tempting, lonesome thoughts. But if there was anything that therapy was teaching him, it was that of course he deserved happiness. 

Though right now, holding you in his arms, this happiness was choking him. He felt like his heart was swelling and pressing against his lungs and his chest couldn’t bear it and he could no longer breathe. 

“Y/N…” he exhales, holding you back so he can look at your face and you could look up into his. He pauses to gather another breath. Then, he just says it. “I love you.”

And doing so does the trick. He feels his chest slowly getting lighter, because this is what it had been bursting with. Now, he’s told you. Now, it can be unburdened.

You look up at him and there is nothing but a sparkle in your eye, and tenderness in your smile. For a while, you say nothing, just looking upon his eyes like that. “Thank you.” you finally whisper back at him.

Renjun pauses for a moment. But then, he relaxes. This was okay. You didn’t have to say it back right away. Renjun was ready to give you as much time as you needed. So he presses his lips into your forehead once again till he feels you laughing against him. He pulls back in confusion and you grab at the lapel of his parka.

“Huang Renjun…” you say and he looks back at you with uncertainty, “... I love you, too.”

And Renjun can’t help it if he kisses you too hard. He can’t help it that he’s squeezing you too tight. He wouldn’t care if the night brightens back into morning and the morning fades back into night. He was going to hold you just like this for the rest of his life. 

So he lays you down and kisses you deeper, like he wanted to make up for all the time he had lost. All the time in his life when he hadn’t known you. All the time he had known you and didn’t let himself have you. He was going to make up for it all. And as he zips the tent up and shields you from the rest of the world, he wonders if he could spend all of his days just like this. Holding you and loving you and knowing that you loved him back; and if he could, today was a damn good day to start.

The fire slows to a simmer till all that’s left are embers that keep being carried away by the breeze. But the two of you remain inside, in your own world, happy that you had found one another, happy that you could finally have one another. Happy that you could hold one another and say that you loved each other and have nothing in the world hold you back, not now, not ever.

You were Y/N and Renjun, Renjun and Y/N, two names that were forever intertwined because that’s how people would call you now. You were the couple that belonged so perfectly with one another that people would wonder if you’d been together for years. And any time someone with a burning curiosity would come up to you and ask,

“So, where did you guys meet?” you would just look at one another, smile and say, “Well, we met in online class.”

~THE END

Copyright © 2021 NeoCultureTravesty. All rights reserved.

#renjun fic #renjun fluff #renjun angst #ficscafe #kpopscape #neowritingsnet #dreamwritersnet #huang renjun #renjun #nct fic #nct dream #nct #nct dream fic #nct fluff #nct angst #nct college au #renjun x reader #we met in online class

[literaturehoeenergy]

Opportunity Pt 3

pairing: Corpse Husband x fem!reader

genre: domestic fluff baybeeeee

warnings: might give you a toothache, v sweet

word count: 1, 288

a/n: this is part 3! Wow! It’s very domestic and fluffy because that is my favorite thing about any relationship soooo... I hope you like it!

part 1  part 2

Y/N’s POV

After I ran into Corpse in the coffee shop, he’d been making an effort to see me in person quite often. And I wanted to make sure he was okay, so I was happy to venture over to his apartment with dinner basically every day. Today I decided to make it myself that way he could have some leftovers when I wasn’t there. I knocked on the door, adjusting my grip on the pan of lasagna balanced on my hip. Corpse opened the door quickly, his eyes crinkled at the sides signaling that he was smiling. He still kept a mask on until I was in the apartment, in case there was anybody in the hallway.

“Hey,” he said, quickly moving to grab the pan from me so I could come in. I followed him into the kitchen and accepted the hug he offered me, rubbing my hands up and down his back before leaning back to smile up at him. “I missed you.”

“It’s only been like, maybe 15 hours.” He rolled his eyes, chuckling and releasing me. “But I missed you too.” He wrapped me into a hug again, nuzzling into my neck before he took his mask off finally. He was so good looking, I felt honored that he was so willing to show me his face so fast. I grabbed a couple plates from the cabinet and served each of us at the table. “How was your day?”

“It was okay, I did some editing, took a nap. I’m supposed to stream with everyone in like an hour.” I nodded, basically inhaling my lasagna. “Were you hungry?” He laughed.

“Look, this is my grandma’s recipe for lasagna and it’s my favorite. She used to make it for me every year for my birthday. But now that I’m an adult, I can make it whenever I want to.��� He was laughing even harder now. “Just eat it, you will understand. I made it with looovveeee,” I said teasingly, grabbing his hand across the table. His thumb brushed across my knuckles as he took his first bite. I waited anxiously as he judged my favorite meal of all time. 

“Okay.” He started playing with my fingers as he set his fork down. “That’s the best lasagna I’ve ever had.”

“I TOLD YOU!” We were silent for the rest of our meal, occasionally glancing up at each other. He stood with me as I grabbed the plates, leaning on his island behind the sink. I felt his hands on my hips as I was washing the dishes. “Yeeeesss?” I asked, leaning back slightly so that I was against his chest. 

“You’re really great, you know that?” 

“Yeah, I guess so.” He set his chin on my shoulder, wrapping his arms all the way around my waist. 

“I’m serious.” I turned the sink off, drying my hands and turning to face him. “You’re amazing.”

“So are you,” I smiled, setting my hands on his shoulders. He hadn’t kissed me yet, but to be fair I hadn’t kissed him either. It felt like this would be the moment. Maybe. Possibly. I was getting nervous, my hands falling to his chest and playing with the strings of his hoodie. I couldn’t look at him right then. But I could feel his eyes on me, his hands were gripping at my t-shirt, pulling me closer. This is it.

I looked up and met his eyes. They were so gentle, and a small smile was on his lips. He started leaning down and my eyes started closing, and it was going to happen. Then…

                                    *brrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnggggggg*

He sighed, setting his forehead on my shoulder. “Hold on, don’t move.” I stayed at the sink, fiddling with my rings while he answered his phone in the living room. “Hey, what’s up?” I looked up and his back was to me, one hand in his hair while the other held his phone up to his ear. “Yeah, no I’m totally down. I, uh, I don’t think she’ll be able to join today actually…” He looked back to me, nodding his head for me to come his direction. I walked over, slipping under his arm and hugging around his waist. “Well, you can ask her yourself.” He put his phone on speaker and whispered for me to talk.

“Uh, hi?”

“Y/N!” Sean exclaimed. “Why can’t you get on and play with us?”

“Oh, I’m not home. I’m at Corpse’s place.”

“Oh really?” I glanced up at Corpse, his cheeks turning pink as I’m sure mine were. “You seem to be over there a lot recently.”

“Yeah, I just… like to hang out with him. And I feed him and make sure he’s okay.” He smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. 

“All right, all right. Well, I’ll see you on the Discord call in a little while then. Love you, Y/N.”

“Love you too.” Corpse hung up the phone and tossed it on the couch, wrapping his arms around my waist again. “He’s suspicious,” I laughed. He scrunched his nose up, shrugging. 

“Let him be suspicious.” I set my hands on his cheeks, smiling. 

“You’re so handsome.”

“Stoooooop.” I rolled my eyes, pressing my lips to his cheek.

“Never.” His hand started gripping my shirt again. “Did you take your meds this morning?” He nodded, leaning down again. I pulled him down the rest of the way, pressing my lips against his. And it was everything I had hoped it would be. He pulled away first, hugging me to him quickly and taking a deep breath. “Are you okay?” I asked hesitantly. 

“Yes,” he whispered against my neck. “I just really like you, and I’m always so nervous around you because you’re so pretty and nice, and you look after me but like not like a mom, like… I don’t know, you just do it. I really appreciate you.” I chuckled, running my fingers through his hair.

“I care about you, of course I look after you.” He stood back up, smiling down at me. “If I didn’t, god knows where you’d be right now.” He laughed out loud, backing out of my grasp slowly. “Wait, noooooo.” I grabbed for his hands and followed as he plopped down on the couch, hugging me again. 

“I have to start the stream in like 10 minutes.” I sighed, squeezing his waist. “But…”

“But?” I asked excitedly.

“Calm down, jesus,” he laughed. “I was going to say that you could borrow one of my hoodies and sit with me while I stream, but you have to promise to be really quiet.”

“I can do that!” He pulled me to stand up and walk toward his room to browse his hoodies. I picked out a black one that had a picture of a Final Fantasy character (I think). I slid it over my head and turned to face him in the doorway. “What do you think?”

“You look very cute.” I skipped over to him, making grabby hands at him. “Okay, okay, let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and led me into his office, sitting down in his chair. “You can sit wherever you want. The floor… The desk… Here…” he motioned to his lap, patting his thigh. I shook my head, sitting on his legs and laying my head on his shoulder. “Are you comfortable?”

“Yup.” I smiled up at him. “My phone is on silent and the volume is down. Stream away.”

“One more thing,” he said, his fingers pushing my chin up towards him. He kissed me softly, running his hand down to my jaw. “You’re the best,” he grinned as he pulled away and looked back to his monitor.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I hope you like this part bubs! Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list :)

Tag List:

@gday5sos​ @demoiselle-en-detresse00​ @itsminniekat​ @alienvarmint​ @yongboxerrr​ @anabundance0ffand0ms​ @unapprovedtrash​ @barnesdameron​ @arossebyanyothername​ @alilshit​ @booklover240​ @corvuswolf​ @bi-andready-tocry​ @oliverasindahouse​ @mitchiesdungeon​ @tsunami-m00n​ @emsies-dream​

#corpse #corpse husband #corpse imagines #corpse x reader #corpse husband fanfic #corpse husband x reader #corpse husband imagine #corpse husband imagines #corpse fanfic #corpse fanfiction #corpse_husband #stream corpse husband on itunes and spotify #and agoraphobic on youtube #E-GIRLS are ruining my life #cat girls are ruining my life #miss YOU! #white tee #never satisfied #cabin fever #opportunity #domestic fluff

[outerbankspreferences]

Flight - Rudy Pankow

A/N: This makes Elaine out to be a bitch, but I don’t think she is. I support her and Rudy 100% and think they make a wonderful couple. It was more for the plot. 

Word Count: 1885

MASTERLIST

Flying had never been a problem before. You’ve never had to film anywhere that you couldn’t drive to. You had done some acting jobs around LA, and one time you went to Nashville before getting a part in Season 2 for Outer Banks. Netflix had offered to pay for you to fly out to North Carolina, but you opted for driving instead. You didn’t know anyone you were filming with, so you drove yourself.

Of course, you had been dreading filming in Barbados since you got the part. You had the biggest fear of flying and had been avoiding it since you were little. When you got the email from Netflix that contained your ticket to say that you were panicked was an understatement. Drew, Chase, and Maddie C. were already in Barbados, so it was going to be you, Rudy, Jonathan, Elaine and Maddie B. Everyone was just going to carpool to the airport. 

Rudy had a thing for you since he met you at the first table read for season 2. You were shy at first but quickly came out of your shell when you started to get to know everyone. Rudy thought you were hilarious and enjoyed your company so that’s what caused him to be knocking on your door the night before you guys had to leave for your flight.

 When you opened the door in your sweatpants and messy bun, he still thought you looked beautiful. “Hey, I thought you would be asleep.” Rudy spoke up and you moved to let him in your apartment. “Yeah well, I guess I’m a nervous flyer.” You laughed to yourself, “do you want a cup of tea?” You asked grabbing one of your mugs. Rudy had noticed your book and mug in the living room when he sat on the couch. “I hope I’m not interrupting you” Rudy spoke up as you walked into the living room handing him a drink. “No, you’re not, I just figured I’d pass the time until I fell asleep.” You responded, the both of you sitting on the couch. “I didn’t know you’re a nervous flyer, what did you do when you had to come to North Carolina?” Rudy questioned. “Uh, I drove.” You shrugged like it was the simplest thing to do. “What, that’s like a 3-day drive.” He said baffled by your answer. “Well yeah, but it’s a good way to see the country.” You laughed thinking about the memories you made on the solo road trip. “And you did it by yourself? That’s badass Y/L/N.” Rudy said smirking.

 The two of talked the whole night away and you showed him pictures of your trip across the country and told him all the stories. Rudy thought that he could listen to you talk all night, even after he started to get tired. He finally excused himself from you place promising to sit with you on the plane tomorrow to ease your mind.

 You woke up the next morning with a sick feeling in your stomach and it only got worse at the thought of getting on an airplane. You got the rest of your last-minute things packed up and brought out by your door getting ready to meet everyone at JD’s car. You were the last to show up when Elaine shouted out to you. “I thought you weren’t going to show.” She spoke with a snarky tone, and Rudy nudge her shoulder getting her to knock it off. “Yeah, well I’ll probably be late to my own funeral.” You laughed trying to ease the tension. You guys all piled in the car and Elaine took the opportunity to sit next to Rudy and made you sit in front with JD, while Maddison sat in the back.

Elaine also had a thing for Rudy and didn’t enjoy you showing up to take his attention away. Everyone thought they were going to get together after season 1 but it never happened. Then you came along, and Rudy pulled all his attention to you. Elaine wasn’t too secretive about her hatred towards you, but you just brushed it off as a mild insecurity and jealousy. You weren’t angry that you had to sit up front but instead talked to JD and tried to ease some of your nerves. No one else knew that you were a nervous flyer and you preferred to keep it that way. Even though it was something simple, you were still embarrassed.

Once you guys got to the airport the nerves got even worse. Because of the pandemic you guys had to wear mask and you also had sunglasses on, so it was hard for people to recognize you guys. Rudy helped you carry your bag into the airport and then guided you to TSA. “Have you ever been in an airport?” Rudy asked whispering in your ear so no one could hear. “Uh once when I was little with my mom. We had to pick up my grandma.” You responded. Your eyes darted around to all the people and different screens and you started to get overwhelmed. Rudy could sense that you were started to get anxious and put a hand at the small of your back pulling you closer to him. “We’ll get checked in and then go get some air, okay?” He explained grabbing his passport and paperwork. You pulled yours out of your purse and laughed when he saw that you had everything in a little Ziploc baggy. “Alright, that’s the most mom-like thing I’ve ever seen” he said.

 Rudy helped you get through the process of security and then you guys were about to go outside when Elaine spoke up, “where are you guys going?” She asked almost annoyed of you guys leaving. “Y/N/N and I are going to find the bathroom. Safety in numbers.” Rudy fibbed, pulling you along. Once you guys got outside the two of you sat on a bench close enough to your gate that you wouldn’t have to rush when your flight got called. Rudy watched your body relax a bit when you weren’t stuck inside.

 “It’s going to be okay Y/N/N.” Rudy spoke pulling you to sit on the bench with him. “I know, I know.” You said half trying to convince yourself. “I’ll be next to you the whole time, and we can just talk, or you can read your book. It’ll be over before you know it.” He spoke and put a hand on your shoulder, and he could feel your breathing increase. He knew what was happening, you were about to have an anxiety attack, “okay Y/N, you need to take a deep breath.” He rubbed small circles on your back. “I can’t do this Rudy; I can’t be in that death box for over 11 hours.” You spoke and your voice starts to shake. You look over at Rudy and he’s got a concerned look on his face. He takes your face in his hands forcing you to look at him, “you’re going to be okay Y/N, I’m going to be with you the whole time. Nothing is going to happen, just please take a deep breath.” He spoke firmly but you could feel the softness of his hands. “You promise?” “Of course, I would never let anything bad happen to you.” You nodded your hands in his grip, but he didn’t let go and you could feel his hot breath on your face. Rudy was looking into your eyes and then his eye flicked down to your lips and you could feel yourself getting nervous again but this time it wasn’t the flight, but because of how close Rudy was too you.

 Rudy leaned in closer, and you let your eye flutter shut. You felt Rudy gently place his lips on top of yours and you pushed yourself closer to him to deepen the kiss. It that moment it felt like you were on cloud nine, as if it were only you and Rudy left in the world. Rudy pulled away and left you smiling like and idiot. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while now.” He whispered, and you kissed him again. “Me too.” The two of you giggled and then heard your flight get called. “Just remember, I’m here the whole time.”

When the two of you got back to the gate the others had already boarded expect for Elaine. When Rudy saw her, you could feel his grip on your hand tighten. “There you guys are, what took so long?” She asked seeming annoyed. “The just called for the flight, we’re not that late.” You spoke up, and Elaine rolled her eyes at you. “I saved you spot next to me Rudy, Y/N can sit next to Madison.” She explained pulling at Rudy’s arm. “Uh that’s okay, Y/N is kind of nervous so I said I would sit with her.” He explained trying not to be rude. Elaine scuffed, and the three of you boarded the plane. You were sat right behind Maddie, JD and Elaine, “here take the window seat, it’ll make it easier on you.” He said stepping to the side so you could get in. The flight attendant was giving the inflight instructions, explaining how to put the oxygen masks on and your leg started to shake. Rudy noticed and put his hand on your thigh, “it’s okay, they have to explain all this stuff Y/N/N.” He whispered in your ear kissing your cheek. You nodded in confirmation and soon enough the pilot was getting the plane ready for take off.

As the plane started to gain speed and lift in the air you watched out the window, and Rudy got you a drink of water for the flight. You guys had been flying for about an hour and you were looking out the window but Rudy’s grip on your thigh never left. He was talking to JD, when you guys hit some turbulence. You jumped and clung onto Rudy’s hand, “nervous flyer Y/L/N?” JD asked not missing the way you reacted. “I don’t know why she would take a job like this if she’s scared of flying. Kind of stupid if you ask me.” Elaine piped in making you feel embarrassed. “It’s not stupid Elaine, everyone is scared of something.” Rudy said defending you. “It’s fine babe, just a bit of turbulence.” He said and you blushed at the nickname. “Can we listen to music or something, I think I just need a distraction.” You asked, and Rudy pulled out his headphones.

“Thanks.” You spoke, not really knowing what to say to him, “I owe you big time.” Rudy laughed, “it’s no problem. When we get to Barbados you can self isolate with me if you want.” He responded. “I hope I’m not being to forward, but I’ve had a crush on you for a while now, and I’m going to assume you feel the same for me.” He explained. You did have feelings for Rudy, you always had but you kept your distance because you thought he had a thing for Elaine. “I would love too self isolate with you. it would be much better then doing it alone.” You said leaning in to kiss him. “And yes, I like you too.”

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#rudy pankow #rudy pankow x reader #rudy pankow x you #rudy pankow blurb #rudy pankow imagines #rudy pankow x y/n #rudy pankow outer banks #Outer Banks

[cloud9in]

The Half of It - 2 (Poppy x MC)

Summary: Bea, the town’s outcast is recruited by the school jock to win Poppy’s heart. But what happens when she starts falling for her as well?

HIGHLY recommend you read/re-read part 1

No warnings this chapter

Word Count: 2.6k

Chapter 2: How to write a love letter 101

 “In love, one always starts by deceiving oneself...and ends by deceiving others. That is what the world calls romance.”

- Oscar Wilde

I was tasked with what was probably the hardest piece of writing I’ve done in all of my years of highschool, and I wrote eight different versions of the analysis on David vs Goliath my freshman year. That’s besides the point, it wasn’t like any normal research essay. No. For some reason I found that my one and only letter to Poppy would have to be the best thing I ever wrote in the entirety of the universe. Too bad I had to make it sound like it was written by Carter, that big stupid jock. You can guess how severely depressed I became after reading what he had initially written…

 “Dear Poppy, I think you’re really beautiful. Even if you were ugly, I’d want to know you, because you are smart and nice, too. It’s hard to find all those things in one girl. But even if you were only two of those things, I’d be into it. But you’re, like, all three, just to be clear.”

 Bea reads off the paper, turning her head with cringe and confusion at the confident jock sitting next to her. Carter smiles, “She’s all three, like you know all three backs of football. The running back, the fullback-”

 “Thanks for clarifying...:”

 Carter stares awkwardly, waiting for her to continue on. And Bea does, with a big ass sigh.

“...About me. Some people think I’m the cutest one in my family. Those people being my grandma...who’s dead now...Never mind about my dead grandma. All I’m saying is that I like fries. I like dipping them in my milkshake. Is that weird? It’s actually really tasty. Would you like to try that with me sometime?

 CJ, school quarterback.”

 Bea takes a good five minutes to compose herself. Yeah this was definitely gonna be a long week. She lowers the paper slightly and turns to Carter, a puzzled look in her eyes. “So what you’re trying to say is-”

 “I’m in love with her.”

 That confession definitely would have sent her sprawling a few feet back if she hadn’t been sitting. Love? What was love? And why does she despise it now that Carter has mentioned it. 

“...Have you ever spoken to her?”

 “Well...no, I’m not good with words. Besides, would I be here with you if I did talk to her?”

 Bea rolls her eyes and huffs exhaustingly. “Carter, you're not in love. You’re just stubborn.”

 “No I’m not! It’s love, I know it’s love. Love feels different, it doesn’t feel...real. It almost feels impossible. But we indulge in it because of the thrill, the adrenaline of chasing someone mindlessly...and wanting to be present in everything they do. There’s that ‘what if?’, the question that could make or break that love. Even if the ending isn’t what you had hoped for, at least you know how it felt to feel so much joy, so much want.”

 Carter stares up at the ceiling in thought, his eyes seem to be unfocused, staring at nothing and everything. Bea gazes over at him in part shock and part admiration, a smile painting her face. “...Wow.”

 “...Hm, yeah. I heard it in a dating app commercial once.” 

 Bea gasps and smacks Carter repeatedly with the letter in her hand, clearly disappointed. 

 “Wha- Ow!”

 “And here I was thinking you were being original.”

 Bea eventually sits back in her seat, her shoulders slumping as she reads the letter over and over again, trying to make sense of it. That was the problem though, it didn’t make sense, well maybe the fries part did, but the blonde had a lot of work to do. Carter watches her silently until he can’t hold back the lingering question in his head. “...Haven’t you ever felt it? That screwy feeling that love gives you? Poppy makes me feel screwy.”

 Bea continues to read, her eyes glued onto the words that are slightly falling out of the printed lines of the notebook paper. But her mind is fully elsewhere, she heard his question loud and clear. The only thing she could muster was an annoyed “no” in efforts to not become vulnerable.

 He intertwined his hands together, leaning back on the bench. “...Oh I get it, you’ve never been in love have you?”

 Bea’s legs were already one step ahead of her mind as they sprung her out of the seat. She grabs her bag and swats the papers in Carter’s direction, a scoff leaving her lips. “You want a love letter? I’ll give you a love letter!”

 “Yeah but will it be something that makes her fall in love with me and not walk away like you’re doing right now-” Carter’s voice rings out hurriedly yet Bea can’t hear anything except the pounding of her heart getting louder as she stalks out of the church. Love, love, love, what even is it? Will I ever feel it? There is nobody who could make me feel-

 The blonde was cut abruptly out of her thoughts as she crashed into someone, who was most likely on their respective part of the sidewalk. All of the materials in her arms fell to the concrete and Bea rushed to pick them up, “I’m sorry I-”

A familiar blonde set of locks and porcelain skin came into view and she immediately stopped and looked up. Poppy’s eyes were already boring into hers, a look of slight concern, and maybe annoyance? on her face. 

 “...I’m-I’m Bea Hughes…” She could only stutter, all those moments that she pretended to talk to Poppy in her room were definitely not paying off. 

 But maybe it did pay off because a small smile, masked with sparkly pink lip gloss started to form. Poppy bit her lip as her eyes crinkled with amusement, “...Yeah I know. You’ve only been playing my dad’s services on Sunday for, like, four years. He does favour you...even if you are a heathen.” Poppy peers over at the church that Bea had just come out of and raises an eyebrow in curiosity. She picks up a stray book from the ground and grins with an impressed look. “Remains of The Day...Loved it. Mr. Stevens is quite the character.” Okay, so Poppy has great taste in literature, that’s another thing to add to the list that Bea totally doesn’t have stored in the notes app of her phone. Listen, she has to write a love letter to Poppy Min Sinclair, so every piece of information is vital. 

 Poppy hands the book to Bea, their eyes never leaving each other while standing up. Say something Bea. Anything. It’s almost like the strawberry blonde was waiting, hoping, for her to speak . 

 But she said nothing. No, all the insecure blonde could do is stare into Poppy’s eyes, almost as if she wasn’t afraid to turn to stone. 

 The sound of car tires scraping against the pavement caused Poppy to break eye contact before smiling one last time at Bea. “This is me.” Bea watched the shorter girl stroll past her so casually, the complete opposite of what she was feeling in the moment. She didn’t speak until Poppy closed the car door and the driver took off, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. “I’m Bea Hughes? Really?”

 ***

Bea sat in front of her tv, a pen and notepad in her hand. She couldn’t think of anything to write down. How do you write a love letter, or a confession? This is the one thing she had trouble writing. The tv blasted on with 1987’s “Wings of Desire”. Bea cocked her head to the side when the man started to profess his love. She put her pen to the pad and started writing. 

 Poppy,

 You don’t know me, and truth be told I see that as a good thing. You know that saying, there are plenty of fish in the sea? Well I am not a fisherman, nor do I think you are a fish. Letters are not the form of communication that I would personally prefer, but I am the one writing to you. So no more complaining. I think you are interesting. Like a book I want to read. I’d even read the author’s notes at the end just to get every bit of you. I don’t desire a lot of things, but I long for a wave of love to swell up in me. That’s what makes me so clumsy: the lack of pleasure.

 Yours, 

Carter 

***

Bea pushes down on her pedals, pacing her breath with each turn of the wheels beneath her. The voice of Carter appears as he races behind her, careful not to send her flying last time. Then she’d never write a letter again.  “Bea! She wrote back!”

 The blonde pulled the brakes on her bicycle so hard a wheel might have popped off. She was out of breath but suddenly the reason for it was different. Bea grabs the letter from Carter’s hands and makes haste to read the words she imagined would sit on the paper. 

  Carter,

 I like Wim Wenders too. Wouldn’t have plagiarized him though.

 -Poppy 

“Who’s Wim Wenders and why’d you cheat off of him? Bea I looked up what plagiarism meant.”

 “I didn’t cheat off of him!...Okay maybe I did but this is a good thing!”

 “HOW?”

 “It’s...it’s like a game. She’s challenging us..but in a good way.” Bea nods to Carter but also to herself. There was a response. She didn’t think that Poppy would write back but she did and it has changed Bea’s outlook on everything. She was in, and there was no way it could stop now. 

 “So...are we back in the game?” Carter’s words jumble Bea out of her thoughts and she stutters, “Yep..yes we are.” No you are. “We are definitely back in it.” Nope just you Bea. 

 Bea leaves Carter with an awkward fist bump before peddling away, her mind racing with a million thoughts. But they always seem to close back into one familiar blonde who danced and did everything Bea couldn’t. She sighed, the adrenaline pumping its way out of her lungs. 

 “Game on, Poppy Min Sinclair.”

***

 Bea spent the following days perfecting her next letter to Poppy. This one would be more heartfelt, and less cringe and plagiaristic like her last one. It would come from her and only her...but for Carter of course. The thing is, when Bea started writing again, she didn’t think about the fact that Carter would take credit for everything on the paper, and that he would be the one that develops a *possible* relationship with Poppy. Maybe she didn’t want to think about that part, but the other parts brought just the right amount of serotonin to make her shitty day better. Everything she read, everywhere she went reminded her of the strawberry blonde, and of the unfinished letter. Bea attempted to step into the life of Carter’s and speak like a jock would, without making him seem like something he is not. But that was hard. Because it was her words, her mind. Carter would take that from her, even if it was unintentional. 

 It didn’t help that Carter didn’t want them to be seen together in public. He would slide to the opposite end of the bench in the church when his football buddies would come in. Bea didn’t take it personal. She of course had other things going through her mind. 

 It took 7 days. One week. To finish the second letter, a very short one. Bea wouldn’t describe herself as a perfectionist, but every word that Poppy would read had to be perfect.

Dear Poppy,

 Okay you got me…

 Now that that’s done, let’s start over yeah? I’ll start by saying that I sometimes hide behind other people’s words. For one thing, I know nothing about love. I’m 17 and I’ve lived in Farmsville my whole life. I hang out with my friends, I keep my head down. I’m a simple...guy. Which is to say, if I knew what love was, I would quote myself. But I don’t. I have a question for you, please answer it in any way you want. Are you happy where you are right now?

 -Carter

Bea sat in the church, silently tapping away at the keys of piano, a simple soft melody following the nod of her head. Carter had found her like that but didn’t want to disturb. Except, Poppy wrote back again, so this was big news. They both sat in confession booths as Bea read the letter quietly, her hand gripping the edges a little too harshly. 

Dear Carter,

 You know that it takes eleven muscles to yawn? This is the sort of weird fact I find myself recalling to keep myself from...well yawning. Or showing anything I feel really. And I find myself doing that a lot. So yeah..believe it or not, I turn to other people’s words too. 

 When you’re a pretty girl, and I know it makes me sound conceited, but sometimes I am, but that’s why you’re even writing to me right? I mean my image is what gives me attention, I’ve grown used to that fact. When you’re a pretty girl, people want to give you things. What they really want is to make you like them. Not like them as in, “i like you”, but like them as in, “i am like you.” You may think I’m different, but I’m like a lot of other people. Which makes me kind of no one. It looks like I’ve found my place but I really haven’t. Just a girl who’s lost in the mix. I don’t know why I feel like I can tell you this, but you provide the sort of safety I always craved. You’re interesting Carter, I like you. 

 -Poppy 

Bea read the last sentence more times than she should’ve. Carter watched her silently as she stared into the lines of the paper, maybe hoping that more words would magically appear. The blonde couldn’t describe the feeling in her chest, but it hurt. Physically. 

 “Uh...can I text her now?”

 “Too soon.”

 “No, I'm gonna do it now.”

 Bea felt herself starting to get frustrated, but calmness always overtook any other feeling she had. She was taught to be rational.

 “You do that and she’ll think you’re just like everyone else.” You’re not like anyone else Bea, she needs to know that. 

 Carter lets out a heavy sigh and pulls out his phone. Bea felt a buzz in her pocket and pulled hers out as well. A message pops up alerting Bea of another income of $50 being sent to her. 

***

 Bea slogged through the crowded halls trying to find the exit but before she can walk any further, a firm hand grabs her and pulls her into a familiar classroom. The blonde turns to scowl at the perpetrator which was probably Bradley, but instead she sees bright red lips and black glasses. Ms. Kingsley. But she doesn’t look too happy.

 The older woman holds up a paper which Bea recognizes immediately as her letter to Poppy. How in the world did she get that? 

 “So...this is why half my class is failing their essays?”

 Bea could make a snarky comment back to her, but the sight of the letter sends her thoughts spiraling once again. She lets out a defeated sigh. I mean how did this woman know she’d  written that letter? Ina Kingsley knew everything. “Look...I’ll be reopen for business soon enough.” Bea starts to turn to leave and looks at Kingsley one more time. “I can’t do this for much longer.”

 Bea couldn’t hold in her feelings for much longer as well. But not even Kingsley knew that. She walked out of the classroom with her head down, hoping to avoid eye contact with the one she wanted to see the most. 

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

End Note: Part two is here woah. Thought it would never come. 

Tags: @samanthadalton @somewillwin @clowneryme @baexpoppy @zigxryanz @uselesslesbianfr @aleiramacaii  @thedaft1 @alexlabhont @iamsimpforpoppy @cloakanddaggerthings @straightlikewetspaghetti 

#queen b #poppy min sinclair #poppy x mc #mc x poppy #playchoices #any feedback is appreciated #my brain is toast #poppy will definitely become centric in this story #starting next chapter

[strawberrylemonz]

Tonight’s Showing

Part 1 [CURRENT]

Part 2

DT: @bargledblocks my beloved <3 and @snapdragonfirefly my beloved <3

------------The screaming and yelling tore into his mind, filling him with pain. The screams, Tommy’s screams, called out to him, begging for him to save him. He didn’t want to leave the boy there, he never even dreamed of such a thing! That stupid security issue that occured a week ago had started all this, and Sam hated every bit of it. He didn’t know what to do in the situation. What was there to do? 

“SAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!”

His eyes widened at the tone of Tommy’s voice coming through to him from the communicator. Tommy sounded terrified. He couldn’t do it, he couldn’t wait any longer. Rushing through the halls towards the main cell, Sam was fully prepared to get Tommy out of there. Fueled by the screams, he stumbled into the room, flipping the switch to undo the lava. His fear and adrenaline only grew the moment the screams fell silent. Why was Tommy silent? Before he could even see the lava fall, however, a bright light momentarily blinded him. Upon regaining his sight and senses, he was quick to draw his weapon, only to realize he had no weapons or armor on him. The only thing he had were his everyday clothes.

“Why am I here? Where is here?”

He quickly turned around to see that he was not alone in this confusing predicament. Everyone from the server was appearing into the strange room, all panicked and confused. Ranboo quickly rushed to check on Tubbo, who appeared to be digging around his pockets for some form of protection. Ghostbur, Techno, and Phil stuck close to each other, the latter two wary and ready to fight. Heck, even Drista was there! Everyone was the same, armorless and weaponless. Everyone, including-

SMACK!

Everyone turned to watch as Sapnap’s fist flew threw the air, connecting to a familiar mask. Dream. Dream struggled against Sapnap for a moment, his mask as crazed as his movements. Before the two could exchange any more punches, an invisible force separated the former friends. As the two regained their senses, everyone could get a good look at the freed prisoner. Whether the blood on him was from the altercation with Sapnap or not, no one knew. Standing there, mask facing mask, Drista could only stare as she questioned her older brother.

“What did you do?”

“He did something despicable and disgusting.”

The unfamiliar voice caught everyone’s attention, causing them to turn and face the direction of it. Standing there was a petite woman, watching them. Studying all their expressions, she snorted as she turned to face Dream, who was trying to walk forward. 

“Don’t even try leaving that small area, Dream, you can’t. Then again, I’d enjoy seeing you struggle, Bitch Boy.”

“Who are you?”

“Didn’t Tommy tell you guys? Wait, I forgot that none of you ever took him seriously when he mentioned me. The name’s Clara, I’m the lady in the sky.”

Lani played with her fingers, unsure of what to say or do. Sticking close to her brother, she gathered her confidence before speaking to the mysterious “lady in the sky”.

“Excuse me? Clara? Did you bring us here?”

“Yes! Well, with a little help, of course.”

Clara smiled as a grand being glitched into the room, his white orb of a head spinning in delight. Stopping the orb from spinning, his shoulders shook in joy as his prominent ‘XD’ presented itself to everyone there. Techno and Phil pressed their lips together as they shared a knowing look, obviously not expecting to see the god once again.

“Oh, you make me blush, Clara.”

“I do no such thing, we both know that. Did you give unhacked access for the others to join us?”

“Yes, they should be here any moment now.”

“Wonderful.”

Just then, a dark door emerged from the ground. Watched as the knob twisted and jiggled, the residents of the server didn’t know what to expect. When the door opened, however, they could only watch in confusion. Everyone, that is, aside from Phil and Techno, who happily rushed to her side.

“Kristin!”

Said woman smiled and giggled as Phil gathered her in his arms, planting kisses on her face as his broken wings flapped in excitement. Her own wings, white and pure, happily fluttered behind her as she returned the gesture. Pulling away, she turned to face Techno, a hand on his face as she smiled.

“And how is my eldest child?”

“Eh, you know. Here and there.”

“Here and there, indeed.”

“I’m sorry, what is going on here.”

Quackity watched the scene unfold in genuine confusion. Who was this lady named Kristin? Why was she so important to both Phil and Techno? Where did she even come from? He wasn’t the only one confused, pretty much everyone in the room was. Smiling as she stood in front of both men, Kristin hummed as she extended her arms in a welcoming manner.

“My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself! Hello, my name is Kristin! I’m the wife of Phil, as well as the mother of Technoblade, Wilbur, and Tommy! I’m also Death itself.”

“I’m sorry, Philza Minecraft fucked death?!”

“Wait, Techno is Phil’s kid?! I thought they were just business partners!”

“Business partners? I thought they were just besties!”

“I’m still not over the fact that Techno is related to Wilbur and Tommy.”

“I knew about Tommy being brothers with those two, as well as being Phil’s son, but I didn’t know about death being his mother! You’d think he’d tell me, given that I’m his best friend!”

“You knew?!”

“Duh.”

“And you never corrected us?!”

“Thought it was just a dumb inside joke.”

Ignoring the chaos caused by those around her, Kristin made her way to Fundy, who was frozen in uncertainty. Smiling as she placed her hands on both sides of his face, Kristin gave the fox hybrid a sincere greeting.

“My my, what a lovely young man. It’s finally great to meet you, Fundy. Look at you, I’m so proud to call you my first grandchild.”

She knew that her words caused her husband to flinch, it’s what she intended. As much as she loved and adored her significant other, she did find it sad that Fundy was denied the right to be loved. He deserved to feel loved and important, because he was.

“I can’t wait to learn all about you during the free periods! Oh! Speaking of grandchildren, silly me.”

They watched as Kristin made her way back to her opened door. Peering in, she spoke out in a gentle voice.

“Twins? Can you two please come out? Grandma will make sure no one hurts you two.”

Everyone watched as two small figures made their way out of the door, tiny hands holding onto one another. Watching as the door disappeared back into the ground, the twins turned to face Kristin. Humming, she gathered the two in her arms as she presented them to the room.

“Family, not family, meet Clementine and William-”

“Hn.”

“-I’m sorry, love. Meet Clementine and Wilbur! They’re technically Tommy’s children, born from the debris of his star.”

“I’m sorry, his star?”

“That will be revealed soon enough, no worries.”

Clementine just glared at the occupants of the room, her pigtailed hair bouncing as she turned to make sure everyone saw her expression. Wilbur, on the other hand, opted to hide behind his curled hair, painted in the same blond color as his sister’s. 

“Did he name his son after his dead brother? Because if so, that did not age well-”

“Fuck you!”

Everyone watched with apaled expressions as Clementine glared Dream down, flipping him off with her tiny fingers. Kristin shook her head in mock annoyance as Clara belted out in laughter, XD following in suit. Doing her best to regain her composure, Clara spoke up once again.

“Oh my Me, she certainly is Tommy’s daughter.”

“Well, as much as I don’t enjoy hearing my youngest son and my only granddaughter curse out their issues, she did do it in her brother’s and uncle’s honor, so I’ll let it slide.”

“Hehe.”

“Go on, go sit with your cousin.”

“M’kay!”

Kristin set the twins down back on the ground, smiling as Clementine immediately took her brother’s hand in her own. Pulling him along, the two happily ran up to Fundy, smiling as they did so. The moment was interrupted by Quackity, who was unsure of everything.

“As great as witnessing this family reunion was, why are we all here?”

Sam nodded as he agreed with Quackity, speaking up as he gave Dream a pointed look.

“Not to be rude, but I agree. Something happened back in the prison, and I haven’t been able to see what.”

“Ah, yes. That is exactly why we’re here. Kristin, XD, if you will.”

The two nodded at Clara before taking each other’s hands. Closing her eyes, Kristin began mumbling as XD stood there, waiting. Once Kristin finished her mumbling, XD released one of his hands from her, drawing invisible signs on the air. Once he was done, both deities gave a synchronized nod. Rumbling was heard as a tunnel emerged out of nothing. A train emerged from it, coming to a sudden stop. As the doors slowly opened, everyone froze as they watched the occupants walk out, confused and cautious. 

“Wilbur?”

“Schlatt?!”

“And me, MD!”

Before anyone else could make a move or sound, Clara spoke up once more.

“As much as I want more of these sweet reunions to occur, we really do need to get a move on. Now, I am very tired of everyone treating my poor starchild with such unjust unfairness. Don’t get me wrong, Tommy does make mistakes and his narrative is in his perspective, but come on! Blaming everything on him? This is getting ridiculous at this point! Now, you are all going to sit here and feel and hear everything he did! I, alongside Kristin and XD, will be monitoring you all. And Dream? Don’t make me go over there.”

Without warning, the environment completely changed. The group suddenly found themselves in the vast emptiness of space. They didn’t know what they were looking for, no one but Kristin. Said woman could only grimace as she nodded to herself, unconsciously touching her stomach.

“I remember this.”

“Remember what-?”

“WHAT THE FUCK?!”

The group turned to see another Kristin scream out in pain, her hand resting on the bump of the belly. They watched as she tried to take a step, only to double down in pain again.

“FUCK YOU, PHIL. HOLY SHIT, I’M GONNA PUNCH YOUR FACE SO MANY TIMES.”

Phil grimaced as he leaned away from his wife, who laughed as she kept sikeing him out with her fist. Wilbur snickered at the sight. Turning back to the scene before them, they watched as Clara quickly rushed to Kristin’s sign, obviously not enjoying her distress.

“Clara, I- Ah! I don’t think- think I can make it to the bo-OOOOOOAH! The boys! I know I promised, but I can’t.”

“Phil will understand, dear. Breathe with me, in and out, okay? I don’t know a thing about human childbirth, but I know starchildbirth. Allow me to help, okay? I don’t like to see you in pain, and neither would your husband or sons.”

“Hurry!”

Clara pulled out a small orb from her pocket, holding it in the palm of her hand. Gently holding it against Kristin’s belly. Closing her eyes, she mumbled as the dull like of the orb brightened, growing in size as it did so.

“What is she doing?”

“That orb in my hand? That’s a dying star that I collected that morning. I’m using it to dub Tommy a starchild so that Kristin wouldn’t struggle with giving birth.”

Kristin let out a sigh of relief, her screams and sobs subsiding. Taking deep breaths to try and calm herself, she rubbed her face as she tried to wipe away her tears. Mumbling out a thank you, she watched as Clara extended the bright orb to her.

“Here he is, a healthy little boy! He’ll shine brighter than the sun, I’m certain of it.”

Kristin smiled as she took the orb into her own hands, watching as the light dimmed, revealing the newly born child. Tufts of blond hair poked out of his head as she adjusted the blanket. Kristin couldn’t help but let more tears fall as she held him close, kissing his forehead.

“He already looks so much like his father. Oh, Phil will be upset that he missed this.”

“Go and see your family, I’ll cover your shift for you.”

“Thank you.”

Kristin summoned a door, adjusting her youngest son as she walked through it. Navigating through the dark void, she came across another door. Opening the door, she stepped outside into a secluded area in the woods. Walking down the path, she approached the cozy cottage that proudly stood there. Knocking on the door, she cooed at the child in her arms as she waited for the door to open.

“Kristin?”

“Meet your son, Phil. He looks so much like you.”

The group watched as Phil dropped everything in his hands, startling his sons from the other room. Holding his newborn son and wife in his arms, he wept tears of joy as a tiny Wilbur and Techno rushed in, prepared for the worst. Seeing that it was only their mother, their worried looks morphed into joyful expressions.

“Mum!”

“Mom!”

“My boys! Come, meet your new brother.”

The two boys staggered for a bit, eyes widening at the revelation of the newest addition of the family. Watching as Phil and Kristin stared down at the bundle with great love and joy, they couldn’t help but feel excited at the sight. 

“Can we hold him?”

“Of course, just be gentle with him, okay boys?”

“M’kay.”

The twins carefully cradled the bundle in both their arms, working together to keep him safe and secure in their arms. Watching the sleeping child, they were in awe at the sight.’

“He has golden hair! Just like papa!”

“Gold! Gold! Gold!”

Kristin and Phil both laughed as they watched, joy and love filling them. Humming, Phil spoke up in a gentle tone.

“Well? What’re you two gonna name him?”

The twins just watched their baby brother as he slept soundly in their arms. Suddenly, startling the twins, their new brother yawned and squirmed in their arms. Rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists, he blinked his eyes open for the first time. Blinking up at them, he tilted his head as he squirmed. It wasn’t until Wilbur spoke up that he reacted.

“Tommy. Let’s call him Tommy.”

Everyone gasped as the feeling of immense love and wonder filled them, something they weren’t prepared for. Doing their best to cope with the feeling, they watched as the baby let out gurgles of giggles, reaching for his brothers. It was only then that they realized that Tommy was a very emotion-driven person, and they were going to feel every bit of that.

#The Reluctant Hero's Tale #The Reluctant Hero's Tale AU #Tommy's POV POGGGGGGGGG #He's also winginnit #And a piglin hybrid can't forget that #This is for you Mr. Danger Kraken Innit

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Nightlights Part 3 FINAL (Demetri Volturi x child!Reader)

@kpopgirlbtssvt​  --whilst i dont do tag lists i do gotta tag this one I’d recommend Nightlights part 1 & 2 to catch the references throughout this one but there is no necessity!

It wasn't often the whole Volturi gathered together but for your final birthday, they most certainly would. Birthdays weren't usually a thing for the Volturi so it took a little more brain power to think about it. They decided that in the evening they'd have a get together. Demetri had asked if you had any requests and to his surprise, you only had one. A very simple one. A birthday cake. He'd even pressed you about it. Reminding you, you can ask for more- but you never did. You claimed if everyone was there, having a good time then you'd be happy. Demetri could have melted, you were more concerned about everyone else on your birthday rather than yourself. You were beyond pleased when you discovered the wives would be there, your grandmother's. 

Athenodora was more excited than any of them. Caius couldn't help but find it bittersweet. Athenodora would have loved children of her own with Caius but it could never be. Having you in the castle was the closest thing she'd have to a child. You truly were a blessing even in Caius' eyes. He couldn't deny it when he saw his wife with you as you grew up. He just hoped you didn't act as a reminder of what she couldn't have too. 

However Demetri approached the two with an offer that would have flooded Athenodora with tears. He wore a soft smile. He asked if Athenodora would like to bring the cake to you. It was very often that parents did such a thing so both Caius and Athenodora was surprised by the offer. "You gave (Y/N) a lot of your time, Ma'am." Demetri explained. "It's not much to express my gratitude but...it's a start." Slowly Athenodora moved to stand in front of Demetri. Overcome with emotions and tears she'd never shed. To Demetri's surprise she hugged him. Demetri looked to Caius who nodded, with a surprisingly soft expression. Demetri gently hugged her back with one hand, keeping the other behind his back as always. "I'd be honored." She said quietly, barely managing to speak. "That child means the world to me. I cherish every second I've had with them over the years. You don't know how much this means to me, Demetri." Demetri couldn't help but get emotional himself remembering his first child he lost and the feeling he had when you called him your father. Every second with you felt like a gift that had already been ripped away once. "I think I might have a inkling." He responded quietly and Athenodora squeezed him tighter. It seemed that not even Caius was immune to the emotion but he did a very good job at masking it. "Heaven's, all because of a cake." Demetri smiled and Athenodora laughed quietly, pulling away. "It is rather silly, but thank you." She said again. "You're more than welcome, ma'am." 

Once Demetri left, Athenodora turned to Caius with a heartfelt smile. "I wasn't expecting that. What a wonderful surprise." Athenodora moved into her husband's arms who kissed her forehead. "I shouldn't be as surprised." He admitted and Athenodora looked up at him questioningly. Caius' voice was quiet. "Demetri spoke to me privately some time ago, about (Y/N)." Athenodora tilted her head slightly, her silence motioning for him to continue. "He ask if we...if something were to ever happen to him, take over as (Y/N)'s parents." Athenodora would have melted to the floor if it weren't for her husband's strong hold. "What did you say?" She asked quietly and Caius simply looked at her, searching her eyes. "Of course we would." She said quietly. "That child is family, we'd all take care of them no matter what. They're the closest I--" Athenodora swallowed hard, her eyes falling from Caius face. Caius' finger lightly tilted her chin up, making her meet his gaze again. "I know." He said quietly, so only she'd hear. "That's why I agreed. However I also told him I don't doubt that Demetri will be around for a very long time. I think he's just worrying." "Probably, but he can be at ease knowing there isn't one person in this castle who wouldn't look after them." Her expression darkened. "We'd kill anyone who didn't." 

"Are you ready to dance!?" Felix bellowed waltzing with himself. The twins eyes widened in alarm at his outburst and Heidi quickly tried to cover her laugh with her hand. "No!" You cried back in horror. "I dont dance! I flail helplessly like a fish out of water until someone puts me out of my misery!" "Lies!" Felix declared. "I'll have you know you were a wonderful dancer when you were seven!" You groaned into your hands, remembering what he was talking about.  To this day, Felix was reminded of your younger self. He couldn't help but smile at the memories. 

You grinned in a particular way that the Volturi had caught on to be a silent laugh, you didn't always audibly laugh but the smile alone was progress. You had said small words or phrases but you still had the occasion where you'd break out of your silence for some time. "Are you ready?" Felix grinned. You hurriedly turned your back to him, crossing your arms over before taking Felix's. "Good job." He chuckled, bending slightly to your height. "And feet together!" Felix grinned. "Yes, honey, you need to have your feet together!" Heidi smiled warmly. "Do you remember what this is called?" You grinned at Heidi. "What is it called, darling?" Demetri asked with a warm smile. "It's the funny word." Heidi smiled taking a seat beside Demetri. "Dip!" You said loudly. "Yes, well done sweetheart!" Heidi said as the others in the room praised you as they always did for speaking. "One...two...three...dip!" Felix tipped you and giggled. Demetri tilted his head at you with a warm smile. 

"Now it's Heidi's turn " Felix wiggled his eyebrows as you rushed into your father's arms. Heidi sighed with a smile before standing up. "Just to show the children, how it's done." She smirked her eyes meeting with the twins and other members of the guard. You had seen Felix do it to Heidi before and you were hooked ever since, wanting him to do it to you.  Funnily enough, your dips looked like Felix flailing for side to side since your were so young. Heidi mimicked her arm movement the same way you did as Felix quietly asked her if he was ready. Heidi nodded simply before she was dipped side by side. 

As Felix continued to dance with the air, when there was a knock on the door. Felix -not so gracefully- flopped onto the bed. Eyes shut. Marcus opened the door, inspecting the room. "Such joy in here." There was a ghost of a smile on his face. "Master, (Y/N) won't dance with me!" Felix whined. "They're saving their dances for this evening." Marcus smirked slightly at you and you frantically shook your head. "Unfortunately, I must borrow young (Y/N) if we don't mind." Marcus asked. "Take them! They've shattered my heart. I'll never dance again!" Felix said dramatically as you hopped off your bed and moved towards Marcus. 

 "My apologies, it seems I sought you out at a bad time." Marcus said, you caught onto the barely evident humour. You were used to that with Marcus. He did his best with you and only later on did you really find out why he was sad most of the time. "I'd say it was a perfect time." You said with a smile. You caught the ghost of a smile on Marcus' face. "Might I also wish you happy birthday. You grow so quickly." You smiled. "It's a human thing." Marcus let out a quiet hum of amusement.  He led you to his room. 

You rarely saw Aro, Marcus or Caius' rooms. There was a couple of times you were in Caius' room but that was with Athenodora and that she couldn't leave. "Aro and I were talking a short time ago." Marcus began once you entered his room to your surprise you found Aro, Caius, Sulpicia and Athenodora standing inside and waiting for you along with Demetri. "We decided a gift was in order. After some thought, we knew what we wanted to give you and informed your father." You spared your father a glance who simply stared back at you, a hand behind his back. "You mean so much to us, sweetheart." Athenodora spoke up gently. "We can't help but remember that there is someone who would have loved you just as much as we do. Someone who never got the chance to meet you.” You stood still and quiet. Aro continued Athenodora’s words with his own, as he stood by Marcus. “Marcus and I can both agree that it’s only right that we share a piece of her with you...”  “Because you remind us of her everyday with that lovely smile of yourself and the life you’ve brought into this castle.” Marcus finished, before turning towards his desk. 

You felt tears welling up in your eyes as it hit you just who they were speaking of. The grandmother you never got to meet, the woman that took a piece of Marcus with her when she died. Didyme. You were told she could make people unbelievably happy and to hear you even reminded them of her, the realisation made a tear run down your face. Athenodora broke into a soft smile. Marcus turned around with something small in his hand.  “Take care of it, because once it was hers... and now it’s yours.” Carefully, Marcus placed a brooch, a very expensive one at that in your hand. It was gold, heavy with three large amethyst stones that were surrounded by smaller diamonds. Another tear ran down your face as you looked up at the coven. The scene reminding you that they were a family and to gift you this, they considered you family, or close enough to give you something of their passed away loved one. Something personal and sentimental to them. Your mouth opened but what felt at the worst possible time, nothing came out. You tried again and nothing.  “It’s alright, darling.” Athenodora smiled. “We know.” You looked down at the brooch with a sad smile.  “Grandma.” You mouthed, a whisper of the word. Athenodora, overcome with emotion covered her mouth, leaning into Caius who stood behind her.  “You’re sure?” You managed out a croaked whisper, looking to Marcus.  “Yes.” Marcus assured you.  “I...feel like i should hug you.” You said quietly, coherent sentences finally escaping you. A soft smile grew on Marcus’ face.  “Come here then.” Marcus said as he stepped forward, giving you a gentle hug. 

Seeing the Volturi gathered together was rare, but so were happy moments. However that’s all it was, a moment because it wasn’t an ending, not to them. It was the end of a chapter. It was a reminder of why the vampires had to keep secret. To keep sacred moments like this for themselves, away from the outside forces. Where vampires could create their forever and their happy endings that many of them weren’t given from birth or death.  As Alec twirled you and Jane with both arms, a smile dawned on his face. He thought about how the human world wasn't kind to him. It had already decided that he and his sister didn't have a place in the world before they had even been born. The human in him died the night the fire would consume him, his sister the same. Yet the vampire world allowed he and his sister moments like this. Which just as for many others in the room, proved to be a reminder why the Volturi did what they did.  For tonight, the twins didn’t have to be guards, they didn’t have to be the witch twins, for tonight they could be Jane and Alec. 

“I can’t dance!” You whined with a smile.  “It’s not difficult, i promise. Nothing too complicated.” Demetri smiled slightly, pulling you into the crowd of dancing vampires. As the two of you swayed, you couldn’t help but enjoy it. It was oddly calming. It was clear to see Demetri couldn’t be happier. Neither noticed that Heidi had caught the sight. With a smile, she raised her phone recoding the scene before her. “I’ve been wanting to thank you.” You said finally.  “For what?” Demetri asked.  "You gave me so much." You said after a moment. Demetri’s response was instant. "You gave me much more." Demetri knew you’d never understand to what extent he meant that. You allowed him to be a father again, a privilege he had lost and never gotten the opportunity to remember. Now he had another child, who he loved more than anything in the world and he got to remember and cherish every second. Some are very lucky to be a parent once but to be a parent twice, that was special to Demetri- a miracle.  Even as you stood before him complete opposite to the little one he rescued prior. He could see glimpses of that little one.    It was strange at the very least, for humans you had been around for fifteen years and for vampires, that was no time at all.  Demetri looked at you and he could see the child, no older than six who hadn't dared speak a word. He twirled you and remembered the silent laughter that turned into quiet giggles which soon turned into real laughter as time went on. He pictured that child in front of him and before meeting their eyes, once again you were older and wore a beautiful smile on your face.  “I was so lucky to be your father...after everything. I’m so lucky to have you as my child.” You tilted your head slightly a small hum of amusement escaping you. “I think i’m the lucky one, dad. Don’t you know why?”  “Why?” Demetri asked, playing along.  You grinned at him stopping momentarily. "Because my dad is a superhero." Demetri’s heart melted, remembering the conversation you had with Heidi all those years ago. He kissed your forehead before emotions could overcome him. 

At the end of the night, Athenodora moved towards you with a smile holding a cake in her hands. You grinned at Demetri who sat beside you, a chorus of happy birthday blaring in your ears. Once the song was over, they waited for you to blow out the candles.  “Make a wish!” Athenodora grinned. You thought for a moment with a smile before blowing out the candles. Clapping erupted and Demetri pulled you into him to kiss your forehead. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”

Heidi smiled when she saw Demetri sitting alone on the sofa later than night when things were dying down. She knew Demetri well. He'd hadn't acknowledged her mostly because he was so deep in thought he hadn't noticed her. She knew what had his attention. You did, even when not in the room. You were always on Demetri's mind. Demetri was reminiscing and so Heidi thought there was no better time to show him the video than the present. "Don't tell me you're moping now. It was a good time." Heidi grinned sitting beside him. Demetri cast her a glance with an amused smile. "Not moping. Just thinking, reminiscing perhaps." "They're not gone, you act like you may lose them." Heidi responded to Demetri, a little more seriously this time but keeping the mood light. "It feels like that slightly. It feels like I lost the little one I found hiding under a table and that I spent countless hours in attempt to get them to speak.” Heidi hummed slightly. "Well, allow me to put you mind at ease." Demetri turned his head to look at Heidi who smiled at him warmly. "That child is still here, a little older yes, but here. They're heading to their room right now, happy as can be. Deep down, the child you rescued is still in (Y/N). It's the same person and they want the same as they wanted back then. It's what every child wants really." Heidi said. "What's that?" Demetri said quietly. "To make their parents proud." Heidi said simply with a smile. Demetri's face melted into a heartfelt smile. His emotions rising. "They make me more proud every day. I just think about how lucky I've been to have them." Heidi wrapped an arm around Demetri's shoulder however still keeping distance between them. "Children are gifts." Heidi agreed. "However I feel I must remind you, again, that you're not losing them. They'll be changed soon and their survival chances are high with us. You'll have one year where you'll want to rip your hair out because you have a teenage newborn-" Demetri chuckled and Heidi continued. "Then you'll have eternity with them. Your baby." Heidi whispered the last part. "I watched that little one grow up and I watched how becoming a father changed you. It was beautiful. A privilege. It doesn't end here. They'll still need you and you'll always be their father." After a moment Heidi looked at her phone, shifting closer to Demetri. "Look at this. You'll like it." Demetri leaned into Heidi's shoulder to get a look at the screen and Heidi rested her head on top of his. She hit play. Demetri inhaled sharply and stiffened as he saw the very moment he thought he'd never get back. A memory he treasured and hoped that you'd remember. The two of you dancing. Demetri smiling down at you as grinned up at him. Demetri smiled when he saw that Heidi had captured all of it, as he watched himself twirl you. The same moment he thought back to the much younger you.  "We're going to keep this, make copies and from this day on. You'll have this. I don't care what we have to do to keep it. We're doing it. Forever." 

 "Hey, can I show you something?" You grinned at Alec after he walked you to your room. He made a face as though pretending he was reluctant. He hummed in 'thought'. "I'm not sure, I might blind myself before you get the chance." "Alec!" You whined but laughed none the less. "You can't even use your gift on yourself!" "I might! You don't know if I've ever tried." Alec replied. You took his hand, tugging slightly. "Please!" "Of course you can show me, go on then." Alec smirked. He let you pull him into your room. "So look what I found." You dug into your desk drawer and pulled out something that fit your hand perfectly. Alec was quick to recognize it was your old nightlight. The one you had been given when afraid of the dark. "You're old nightlight?" Alec said in surprise. "I haven't seen that in a while... it’s definitely been a few years." You nodded in agreement. "I found it in my storage boxes. I didn't realize I still had it after all this time but I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it." Alec hummed with an amused smile. "Well it was a companion to get you through the nights." "He says like it ever affected him when I was afraid of the dark." You smirked. "You'd scream every night as though being brutally murdered. Believe me. We were all relieved that you got that thing and we still had our hearing intact." "Oh haha!" You said sarcastically. "Anyway, it gave me an idea. Heidi helped me out but I think you're the first to see it." "Oh the surprise continues, I thought that was it." Alec said. "I'm too old for a nightlight, but I miss it. This was the next best thing." You said as you moved to a switch that was connected to...something. Alec wasn't entirely sure what it was. 

When you flicked the switch the room lit up. Alec was taken aback. Along your ceiling was a galaxy. A mixture of soft purples, pinks and blues which mixed in with the darkness of the room perfectly. Scattered along the ceiling is specks of white that was clearly replicating stars, it did a good job at it too. Seeing technology coming so far along for anyone in the Volturi always took them by surprise. "It's beautiful." Alec said quietly. "Get on my bed." You said and Alec raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, little human?" Alec smirked. "Are you trying to tell me something?" "Shut up, not like that." You laughed. "Let me tell you, in all my years one thing has remained the same. You can't just demand someone onto your bed without it seemingly a little...forward. You’re also too young and so am I so-" You cut Alec off, who couldn’t help but laugh. "Alec!" You said exasperated. "You know, I didn't mean it like that!" Alec snickered. "Still amusing, little human. I suppose I can comply though, only because I'm intrigued by the that thing." Alec nodded to the unfamiliar object the switch was connected to. He moved the the opposite side of your bed and you lay down beside him. "Ready?" You asked. "Mmhmm." He mumbled. You smiled as you dug your hand down the side of your bed. 

In seconds fairy lights lit up the headboard of your bed. Alec's eyes immediately moved to the source of light before chuckling. "All of that build up for that?" "You made that build up by making it weird!" You shot back.  "Because how many times have we told you to rethink your words!" Alec laughed. "I don't know where you got that from." You groaned. "I try!" "I know you do, I know you try. It's just funny to torment you with it." You glared at him as he continued. "In all seriousness, it's beautiful and Caius will be the first to say that after nine years, you've finally cleaned your room." Alec smirked and you pouted. "I'm not that messy." "So that's what you've been telling yourself all these years." Alec mused and you huffed. "Has Demetri seen this yet?" "No. You're the only one so far." "Well it's safe to say you really like stars." Alec began. "Your nightlight was stars too." "I love stars." You replied. "Can't even say I know why. I wonder if it's because it was the first thing you guys ever gave me was that nightlight." Alec turned to face you with a genuine small smile. "It's so strange." He said to himself. "What is?" You asked. "Nine years ago, when we first met, I carried you on my hip and distracted you when saving you. Now you're as big as me. It's been no time at all...for me." "Yeah, now we're the same height." You smirked. "Although you could still carry me with one arm and all that." "I could but I wouldn't." Alec chuckled. "That'd be so uncomfortable." You laughed. “I can just see it now. ‘Hey guys, I've arrived. By the way, i brought my human friend.” "It was fine back then when you had smaller limbs. Now...?" Alec trailed off, shaking his head. You giggled. "You've come very far, little human." Alec smiled gently turning to look at you. "It feels like only yesterday we couldn't get a word out of you." You smiled lightly. "I'm trying." "You're doing really well." Alec praised you. "You're very good at holding conversations." "I feel safe.with you guys." You admitted. "It's easier." "I'm glad." Alec offered you a soft smile. "It's still difficult sometimes though." You said quietly. "You're allowed your quiet days." Alec reminded you. "But what if when I'm changed...I go back to being quiet all the time?" You asked quietly. "Then you embrace it." Alec reassured you. "Even if you go back to not saying a word, we'll help you all over again." "Is it weird if I said you're my best friend?" You said finally. Alec's face twisted into dismay. "Do I have to be? Can't I be the cool uncle or something? Physically we’re...possibly similar ages but im literally thousands of years older than you."  "But Felix is the cool uncle, so is Santiago- and Uncle Afton! I don't see him as much though." You decided not to point you that mentally he was not older. In fact sometimes he could be younger. "I'm so much better and older than all three of them." Alec grumbled. "Uhmmm well the grandfather roles have already been taken by Aro, Caius and Marcus." "I am not being a grandfather to anyone." Alec said, his eyes widening. "I suppose I can afford to have a human as my best friend... Temporarily human." He sighed with a smile. Your gaze snapped to his with shock. "I'm your best friend!?" Alec thought about it. "I suppose so. You're the next person I care about the most after Jane. So you could be correct. I wouldn't know. I haven't had one before." You burst out into a grin. "Stop that." Alec said quickly. "What?" You asked. "Smiling, stop it." Alec said quickly. "But-" "-and if you tell anyone I'll deny it." Alec said flatly. You tried to wipe the smile from your face. Alec wasn't a very vulnerable person and he hated being this open with someone. However, knowing that you were his best friend, you couldn't fight back your smile. 

Out of nowhere, Alec took the pillow under his head and pushed it down. You screeched but couldn't help but laugh before your voice was muffled. "Stop smiling!" Alec pressed before removing the pillow. "I will smother you." He said, turning his back to you. You barely caught his own small smile.

#twilight #volturi #the volturi #child!reader #one shot #oneshot #part 3 #demetri volturi

[mavda]

Beast Tamers

Ch.1 |  Ch.2 | Ch.3 | Ch.4(1) | Ch.4(2) | Ch.5(1) | Ch.5(2) | Ch.5(3) | Ch.5(4) | Ch.6(1) | Ch.6(2) | Ch.6(3) | Ch.7(1) | Ch.7(2) | Ch.7(3) | Ch.7(4) | Ch.7(5) | Ch.8(1) | Ch.8(2) | Ch.8(3) |

Ch.9: No lies (1)

Naruto’s body gets better with time, but it is a slow process. His father doesn’t show it in front of others, but whenever they are alone, his worry seeps out of him in waves that make Naruto feel guilty. 

But saying sorry only makes his father look more anguished, so he stops soon after. 

“Jiraiya should be arriving soon. The last time he contacted me he was two weeks away from here… that was a while ago, though.”

Naruto nods as his father presses his hand along his bare torso, and thinks of his godfather hurrying but getting distracted along the way. He smirks. His grandfather loves him and cares about him, but he also trusts Minato’s ability and his own research. 

Naruto has long stopped believing an answer will arrive with Jiraiya, nevermind a cure. His father has always been the one with hope, so he always gets disappointed when Jiraiya arrives with research and information that’s helpful but not the end-it-all kind of panacea his father still believes to be out there… waiting to be found.

Naruto trusts his body and his training and the hours he has spent honing his every fiber and being into being resilient. He trusts the hours his father has spent reading every book available and his godfather travelling far and wide to get his hands on any type of knowledge that looks promising. If he has made it this far, it has been thanks to them.

But there is no cure for him. Because he’s not sick. 

And although it has been hard for him to come to terms with it, he understands where he stands in all of this now. What he can and can not do. He wakes and meditates, then meditates again before sleeping, and each time he reminds himself of who he is, of what being himself means. 

He has a duty and a purpose and a debt with his father, with his family, with his clan and with his people. And he will see it through. 

But nowadays, at night, when Hinata makes sure that Neji goes through with the releasing of his chakras and then they cuddle before they go to sleep. Naruto is able to feel a new kind of desperation sitting at the pit of his stomach. 

“Does Hinata know about Neji and… her father?”

“Yes.”

And yet she says nothing. He owes her another apology, and somehow he thinks that she won’t like to hear it. 

“Grandma Mito…”

“Working herself ragged… as well as Shikamaru and everyone else, really.”

“Have they been able to share what I told you about?”

“Yes. Lord Gaara said the same thing, but you know… not much to go off with.”

Naruto remembers the red eyes staring back at him and the black dots around the pupil. The sharingan. A technique unique to the Uchiha, a terribly powerful clan that threatened the world with their ability to control the Beasts without the need for a vessel… which meant their demise at the hands of every other clan alive that saw them as a threat. 

A murdered clan that had been lost to history. A power that meant their complete destruction… or so they thought. 

What do you look for when the records have no more information about their abilities or their history?

The only thing they can know for sure is that they have a motive for wanting the Beast Tamers dead. But now they can only wait for whatever these remnants of the past have planned for them. 

At least until they regain their footing and start the hunt back. 

So a truce is in place and like never before, the Beast Tamers’ clans seem to be working together. And this seeming camaraderie only makes Naruto shudder with unease.

Minato rises before the door opens and Hinata stands there, looking at Naruto like he could be gone any second now. He smiles. 

His father walks to Hinata and whispers things Naruto can’t catch, but by the time he has put his kimono back on Hinata is by his side. 

Neji is not with her today and Sai sits outside their room, Minato exchanges whispers with him, too. 

“Ready for our walk?” Naruto asks with a tone dripping with energy, but his body is slow, and although he is now able to move on his own, he still has to mask the pain that courses through him. 

“Yes.” And Hinata is next to him, supporting him as he stands.

He has been regaining his strength and he has been adamant on moving his muscles on his own. Sakura shrugged at his request and told everyone that Naruto had always been the person that knew himself best. Everyone still worries over him, and having Hinata by his side, anxiously glancing towards him does make him feel somewhat guilty of forcing himself to get better at an accelerated rate, but…

Shikamaru has shared with him the current state of affairs and now is the prime time for the Beast Tamers’ clans to be attacked. Naruto and Shikamaru can only hope that the first clans to be targeted are those worse than them, but there are little guarantees of anything at this point. 

So he bites down the pain. He has felt worse, that’s for sure, and that’s the energy he tries to channel through him. He hasn’t tried to use the Beast’s chakra yet, but he knows his body wouldn't be able to channel the energy correctly anyways. He needs to reach a point in which using that is an option, an option that will not leave him on the ground gasping for air and writhing in pain. 

Hinata always accompanies him with the calmest of airs, although her eyes washing over Naruto every once in a while are enough to give her away. What else has Naruto lost thinking that her body language is enough of a tell tale? 

“Hey,” she knows and she hasn’t talked to him about her father, and he wonders… whether she would rather not talk about it to spare him the worry. Much like himself when he tried to deal with this without her knowledge. “I’m sorry about the letters with your father.”

Hinata stops for a second and then keeps on walking as if nothing happened, “Please, d-don’t worry about it.”

But he does. “I wanted to tell you, but… have you read them?”

Hinata nods her head once, a short movement that Naruto can tell comes from her being embarrassed about the contents of said letters. It’s not like she wrote them, though. 

Hiashi just wanted a source of information and since his own daughter was in the heart of a clan that prized privacy over many other things… it stood to reason that he would want to get something out of this. But Naruto couldn’t bring himself to put Hinata in such a position, even less as he got to know her and realized that she was not like her father at all. 

So Neji took over with only a nod. Nothing ever got out of that room and Neji listened and shared all he knew without reservation. Naruto had to say he had been surprised at his attitude. 

“I know it would put you in a tight spot, so that’s why… well, I got help from Neji. He wrote the letters in your stead, the same way you would with your own penmanship. I… wavered about this whole thing once, shared with him my insecurities about hiding this from you, but he told me that I was right in doing this and that he thought you would be better off without contacting your father again, and well, seeing as he never contacted you to know about… you, made it feel like he was right. If he would have ever asked about you or made an attempt to talk to you, I would have told you immediately, I want you to know that.”

Hinata stares at their intertwined arms and then looks up at him. “I know,” she whispers. She also knows her father wouldn’t do that. Neji was right- is right, she is better off not knowing about her father, and if Neji is the one writing the letters, then at least, “Neji d-doesn’t give him any v-vital i-information, right?”

“No. He does a pretty good job with the reports Shikamaru gives him regarding the clan’s standing with the outside, so- well, no, there is nothing in the letters that your father couldn’t know just poking his nose around.”

“Good.”

“I don’t want to lie to you ever again- rather, I don’t want to hide things from you ever again. I promise that. I owe you that.”

There is a strained silence before Hinata asks, with a tremble in her voice, “Will you be a-all right?” 

And Naruto’s first reaction is to smile and nod, reassure her that he will be fine and this is only temporary. But he senses her question is a little more nuanced than that. “I will. I will recover from this, it hurts and it sucks but it has improved greatly and we are already making preparations to prevent this from ever happening again, so yes, I will be all right.”

“H-how will this a-affect you?”

“We don’t know yet. It most likely had an impact on my body. None of the seals and training I go through are made to withstand a forceful tearing of the Beast, but they did help me withstand this whole thing. If I am here now it’s because of my dad and my training… as for what comes after this, well, we are waiting for me to recover and be able to perform as usual before my dad performs a deeper check on the seal. He’s actually hoping my godfather brings some sort of help that will enhance my seal or whatever, but…” Naruto sighs and battles with himself whether he should even share this with Hinata, seeing as he can’t even bring himself to discuss this sort of thing with his own father. But he did just tell her he didn’t want to hide anything from her, so. “I don’t think my godfather will bring anything that could change my current situation, Hinata. I don’t think there is anything out there that can give me a normal life span.”

Naruto feels himself be dragged to a stop, and Hinata doesn’t look him in the eyes, “What does th-that mean?”

“It means… I don't think there is a cure to having the Nine-Tails inside of me.”

She says nothing, but this time her eyes find his and she stares, something bubbling up inside her.

And somehow Naruto panics, “That- That doesn’t mean I will give up on trying any new thing that comes to my attention. Nor does it mean I will, I don’t know, stop undergoing my chakra release sessions, or doing my meditations or anything like that, okay? I will still try to-”

“I’m pregnant.”

It takes him a moment to process the words that leave his wife’s mouth. His eyes seem unable to tear themselves from her face, trying to make sense of her words. 

"Excuse me?"

"I'm p-pregnant."

There is a rush of feelings Naruto can't seem to recognize. There is the strangled feeling of desperation first, overwhelmed after by anxiousness and worry, but they all disappear in an instant as he realizes that he is going to be a father. 

A father. Him. 

His child. 

His arms find Hinata's waist and he envelops her in a tight hug, buries his face in her hair and breathes her in. 

Their child. 

"Congratulations," he says, voice full of emotion, and Hinata's arms find his body and slowly hugs him back. 

"Congratulations," he says again, and his chest starts to rumble, as a laugh starts to find its way outside. He puts distance between them and cups Hinata's face with his hands. Her eyes shine under the setting sun and Naruto can't control the smile on his face. 

He forgets everything in that moment.

His struggles, the future, his anxiousness, his role as clan leader, his role as vessel. For the first time in forever, his brain forgets to remind him that his body hurts, the pain fog that floats around him disappears. 

He is just a soon to be father with the woman he loves in his arms and the news of a baby coming is all he can think about. 

And this moment he treasures. Even after they reach their room, even after he presses his ear to Hinata’s stomach -who laughs at his antics-, even after they go to sleep and Hinata's soft breath washes over his chest. 

The room gets dark and his mind reels everything he dared to forget in a rush. His smile doesn't falter, and his heart still feels full of happiness. But he cries. 

He is euphoric at the news, and can now gather what all those whispered conversations were about. He brings Hinata closer to him, kisses the top of her head. 

He smiles still, but his eyes are wide open, and he just stares into the darkness of their room. 

#naruto #naruhina #uzumaki naruto #hyuga hinata #Naruto Uzumaki #Hinata Hyuga #fanfiction #fanfic #Beast tamers #ch.9 #part 1 #Thank you all so much for the likes and the reblogs #the tags as always are just beautiful (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ) #also #I just want you all to know that we will have a honeymoon phase again soon don't you worry about it!! (✿◡‿◡) #Then everything will be super harsh again (❁´◡`❁) #Naruto's life is just... hard you know #also also #couldn't answer from this account so I'll add it here #ariabi if you're out there I hope you read the tags lol #I will add Hinata's stuttering as a plot point as Boruto's delivery comes closer #she will not lose her stutter but it will be significantly less than now (●'◡'●) #take care people!! #and see you next week!

[callmefreakfujiko]

Power outage survival

Part 2

For those in Texas right now who still have battery and data on their phones, I think I can give some advice at least some-what.

Years ago there was a huge snow storm where I live and the power went out, though being in Wisconsin I think we’re automatically a bit more equipped to deal with this kind of thing because the power came back less than 24 hours later, but I think there’s still some things we did that can help people now.

I also can’t drive for medical reasons so I can’t tell you how to drive on ice based on experience, but here’s a website that will show you with pictures as well as tell you in text.

Edit: My husband did remind me of something- having kitty litter or sand in the car can help you get out of ditches if you’re in one for grip. I think there’s also some benefit with the weight but I can’t remember the details on that.

As far as fire goes: I’m too afraid of something bad happening if I were to try saying what you can do with fire. I’ve only roasted marshmallows over a candle and that was only one time. It went fine, but I’m kind of worried about even suggesting that much. I’d suggest looking for somebody else to give you advice on handling fire.

Assuming that you can’t leave at the moment:

Pets: At the time we had a gerbil, three rats and a dog.

For the small rodents: We gathered every blanket and towel we had, moved the small animals to the bathroom since it was the least drafty area we could find. We then placed towels over their cages (just in case there was still a draft somewhere) and gave them hand rags to cuddle with. They lasted the night confused but otherwise just fine. Also we needed new towels because the rats chewed theirs up.

We didn’t have a rabbit then but we do now and I imagine we’d do the same thing for her.

For the dog: All we needed to do to keep him warm was use all of our blankets (like, five of them) on the bed and cuddle with him. He’s a chihuahua mix so he didn’t really give us a whole lot of warmth but I’m sure he was warm. Any shirt or costume you have will also keep them warm.

Though if you also have a cat I’d put the dog clothes on the cat if they’re small enough since I’m not sure how much a cat will cuddle. (I guess it depends on the cat.) If your cat likes to roam around at night maybe shut it in with you in the bedroom with the litter box. They’d be more likely to stay on the bed with you that way I think. (I’ve only temporarily owned cats.)

My grandma owns a cat and she went through the same thing we did so I’ll update this when I can ask her what she did to keep her warm.

Food: We scooped up some snow in our cooler to keep our milk cool. We also kept the cooler in the garage (where it was the coldest but still not actually outside) and it was just fine the next day so we were able to have cereal. Soda and water will be just fine. Juice will also probably be fine. I don’t know about lunch meat. That may have to go into the cooler. I think cheese would be okay.

Depending on what you have snacks could possibly have to become your main meal for a while.

If you have canned soup I think you could possibly have it if you just combine water. It would be room temperature and kind of gross though. Again I’d look into what you can safely do with fire.

DO NOT drink alcohol. Alcohol is a blood thinner which will make your body freeze up faster. (Though if you have to take a blood thinner on prescription, still do so.)

Sleep: We had a lot of blankets and sweaters that we were able to sleep in. I don’t know what sweater sales are like in Texas though. You can use shirts, bed sheets and pillow cases for extra coverage. DO NOT sleep with a candle lit. You don’t want to be that kind of warm.

I need white noise to be able to sleep so I was able to sleep to a fan .item in Animal Crossing (Wild World, I think.) There’s probably a lot of white noise sound effects in a portable video game. Maybe there’s a rainy area in a game? Otherwise I can only think of one of those small fans that runs on battery.

Keeping warm in general: DUCT TAPE! If you have plastic bags or a trash back, you can duct tape them on any crack in the out that leads to the outside. Even if it’s just duct tape that should help. My balcony door was horrible before I got it replaced so I just placed duct tape where the cracks were and that kept most of the wind in.

Candles could help. The flame’s usually pretty small but candles are usually safe by themselves as long as they’re watched.

IF you really need to use your car for warmth or for your phone’s battery, OPEN THE GARAGE FIRST! Inhaling exhaust from your car will kill you if you breathe in too much of it. Here’s how you can open the garage door manually.

IF YOU CAN TRAVEL OUTSIDE:

Again I’m not able to drive so here’s that link again. As far as just being outside goes, if you have work shoes I think that should work as far as traction goes. Wear several layers, even if it’s just a bunch of shirts and some sweatpants under some jeans. Bring at least one blanket with you. Also if you have more than one mask, wear at least two. And wear multiple layers of socks. Socks can also be used as mittens. If you don’t have a hat that can cover your ears, wrapped a towel around your head. 

Of course I’d advise against traveling anywhere outside by foot if possible. Chances are everything is going to be closed anyway unless they actually have power. But if you need to take your dog out or something this would be the way to do this. Just stay close to home.

Once you’re back inside: Take everything that’s wet off! It’s extremely dangerous to be wet while in a cold room!

Other safety tips: Don’t use hot water to melt stuff. I’d drink it as long as it’s not boiling hot.

#texas #power outage #snow storm #texas snow storm #snow #survival

[dignitywhatdignity]

NaClYoHo Day 21

So I didn't think I'd be able to count today (much less be able to update), because 5yo is doing remote learning for election day (GO VOTE if you can and haven't yet).

But I was surprisingly productive. And 5yo is taking a break because MIL keeps going, "Aren't you done yet?!?!" so I'm like, just go play with Grandma, we'll finish later. As if she wasn't warned.

I think I mentioned before that some strong winds knocked over the sunflowers. Well, I tried propping them back up, but it didn't take, and then I'm pretty sure FIL, in the course of fixing our basement walls, stepped on them. And I'm also pretty sure squirrels got into what's left. But I salvaged and hung what I could, even though I think it's a bit too soon. Pictures to follow.

So I did all that today because I have, in fact, met my MIL, and she can't stand when I leave undone a task she thinks makes us (and by extension her, somehow) look bad, so if I didn't do it, she would... and she definitely would not have saved the seeds. While I was at it, I started pruning the Shasta daisies. I'll have to do another round of that next week, but it looks better already.

There's no bulbs in the fridge. I didn't think so, but I had to check.

Since the asbestos guys aren't coming until the 20th, I don't expect to get too much of the basement done for NaClYoHo, but eyes on the prize, right?

Now that Halloween is over, it's time to start thinking about Thanksgiving. Yikes.

I did, in fact, finish the 2019 book last year. So we're only 1 year behind. I think that will be my main focus the week I'm temping.

I really need to work on the medical stuff. Ugh.

Current Date: 11/2/2021 Current Score: 20/91 = 22%

Make this list.

Garden 2. Buy some spring bulbs 3. Plant the bulbs 4. Check fridge for bulbs. 5. Prune the sunflowers 6. prune the Shasta daisies ✅ 4. Cut down the sunflowers 5. Dig up the sunflower stalks 6. Harvest the seeds. 10. Repot houseplants

Basement 8. Set up direct deposit for the insurance 9. Upload pictures to FEMA portal 10. get an asbestos appraisal 11. Figure out insurance-vs-fema money situation. 14. Get asbestos removed 15. Get floor refinished 16. Get the walls fixed ✅ 17. Get the walls painted 18. Buy a new rug 19. Put all the furniture back 20. Buy a new couch 21. Buy a new TV 22. Replace the other stuff we claimed 23. Submit receipts for depreciation. 25. Buy new desk chairs.

Halloween 12. Have 5yo hang his window clings 13. Dig non-Christmas holiday box out of the garage and pull out Halloween decorations 14. Buy pumpkins 29. Buy 5yo’s costume

Thanksgiving 30. Put Halloween decorations in non-Christmas box and pull Thanksgiving decorations out 31. Figure out where we're going when and what we need to bring.

Masks 16. Line the white knit mask. 17. Finish knitting the blue knit mask. 18. Line the blue knit mask. 35. Start another knit mask.

Photos 20. Download the official school picture 21. order this year’s pictures 22. parcel out pics for relatives 23. Buy frame for school pics 40. frame the wallet-sized

41. Deal with papers ✅

Medical 26. find glasses prescription 27. order glasses from zenni 28. make GP appointment 29. Attend GP appointment 30. Ask GP about therapy 31. Ask GP about ADHD 32. Make OB/GYN appointment 33. Attend OB/GYN appointment 34. Get flu shot 35. Get the kids their flu shots.✔ 36. make dentist appointments 53. attend dentist appointments

Christmas 38. Make a list of needed gifts ✅ 39. Inventory purchased gifts 40. Shop 41. Pick out kids’ holiday outfits 42. Take holiday photos 43. design and order cards 44. Compile, mail merge, print addresses 61. Order stamps

photo books 46. Did I ever finish the 2019 book? 47. Compile 2020 pictures – my phone 48. Compile 2020 pictures – husband’s phone 49. Compile 2020 pictures - 5yo’s camera 50. Compile 2020 pictures –BIL 51. Compile 2020 pictures – facebook 52. Compile 2020 pictures – my parents 53. Compile 2020 pictures – desktop 54. Compile 2020 pictures – laptop 55. design 2020 photo book 56. Order 2020 photo book 73. repeat process for 2021 book

74. work through mending pile

Finish thank you notes 59. the last of last Christmas (yes I know) –J&S gave castle blocks, pirate stickers, bath book and toys, pelican sorter –J&D gave crayons, sketch pad, tiles, bead maze 60. 1yo’s baptism 61. 5yo’s birthday 78. 1yo’s birthday

79. Organize the coupon drawer ✅

Fridge 64. Contact paper 65. Magnets 82. Organize

83. Bag up clothes for Goodwill

Decorate 5yo’s room 68. frame lighthouse pics 69. Hang all art and pics 86. Hang growth chart

Decorate 1yo’s room> 87. hang art

88. Clean and organize nightstand

Windows 73. Measure all windows ✅ 74. get new blinds for bedrooms 91. get curtains for bathroom, 1yo’s room, kitchen?

#naclyoho

[purrincess-chat]

A Telling Proposal

The event is over, so I can officially post this here now. Just some good old LadyNoir/Adrinette fluff which if you were paying attention to this blog in February, I did talk about LadyNoir a lot so when I abandoned my original idea, this was the one that hit me next, and with everything going on with my grandma (who died 2 days before I published this originally) I just wanted something light, easy, and fun. 

Read on AO3

“I have a proposal for you.”

Ladybug’s eyes narrowed on her partner as he leaned against his staff to be level with her face. There was a smugness in his expression that told her she wasn’t going to like what came next, so it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to him when she sighed and said, “No, I will not marry you.”

“Ha-ha, that’s…not what I was going to ask,” he said, averting his gaze briefly before flashing her one of those boyish grins. “This time.” She rolled her eyes and waved an arm for him to continue. “Well, you and I can’t know anything about each other…”

“Correct,” she said with a nod, crossing her arms over her chest.

“So, I’ve been thinking…We can’t even do stuff like celebrate each other’s birthdays, so what if we picked a day and designated it as our birthday-day?” He said, beaming when she didn’t immediately shoot him down.

“You want to pick a random day to celebrate both of our birthdays?” She asked for clarification, mask raising to one side.

“Yes.” He nodded.

She drummed her fingers, considering it a moment before shrugging. “Alright. What day?”

“How about this Saturday? We can get each other gifts, have cake, watch the lights, talk.” He shrugged. “Anything we want. It’s our birthday.”

“Okay, sounds fun,” she said, lips curling into a smile.

“Wait, really?” His ears stood up straight in surprise.

“Yeah, I think it’s a good idea. I’ve thought about asking when your birthday is before, but I didn’t want to learn anything that could give away your identity,” she said, turning to face him fully. “I’ve wanted to get you a gift for a while, but we’ve never had the time.” A smile tugged on his lips, and she averted her gaze, cheeks burning. “It’s not a big deal. You’re my friend, so of course I’d want to get you a birthday gift.”

“Right,” Chat said, though his expression was far too smug for her liking. “So, Saturday then?”

She pursed her lips, contemplating it a moment, and nodded. “Saturday.”

***

Adrien stared out the window of his town car with a pensive frown. When he’d suggested their joint birthday, he hadn’t actually expected her to be so receptive to it, and he had to admit, he was caught a little off guard. Sure, he was excited that she’d approved the idea, but that left him with a bigger problem: he didn’t know what to get her as a gift.

Normally, he could think of a thousand romantic ideas, but this time he was coming up empty. Should he buy her a gift? Or make her a gift like he did for Marinette? Should he write her a poem? Or maybe get her a gag gift? No, that would be lame. What did Ladybug even like?

His chest clenched.

What did Ladybug like? He didn’t really know. Video games? What type of perfume did she wear normally? Did she like makeup? This was worse than he thought. All this time he thought he knew Ladybug, but the truth remained that she really kept a lot of things about herself hidden. The curse of secret identities.

Maybe he should just keep his gift general and pick something that any girl would like. After all, Ladybug made it clear that this was strictly a platonic endeavor. But what did girls like from boys that are just friends? Especially boys that you care about deeply who would risk their life for you but in a totally platonic way? He needed advice.

But from who? Chloe? No. She’d probably grill him about why he was getting a gift for someone other than her. Alya might just grill him in general. He needed someone he could trust. Someone like…

Marinette!

Black pigtails bounced up the stairs as the car rolled to a stop, and Adrien hopped out, racing to catch up to her. Marinette was the perfect person to ask. She was like a master gift-giver.

“Hey, Marinette!” He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Oops, my bad. Guess I should have warned you.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I need a favor.”

“A favor? For why? I mean- why? What’s up?” She asked, blinking several times.

“Well, I have a…friend, and I want to get her a gift for her birthday, but I don’t really know what to get her. You’re really good at giving gifts, so what do you think I should get her?” He asked, and she relaxed, a smile curling on her lips that helped ease some of Adrien’s own nerves. Marinette had a way of doing that.

“Oh. Well, what does she like?” His shoulders tensed at that.

“Uh, well, I don’t really know,” he said with a wince. “I was hoping you could give me some advice on some stuff girls like in general?”

“Hmm, who is she?” Marinette asked, but at his hesitance she added, “Or who is she to you?”

“She’s just…a friend. A good friend. Someone that I kind of hope to be more than friends with some day,” he said, cheeks warming, and he cleared his throat. “I want to get her something that she’ll love, but I don’t really know what that is.”

“Is it Kagami?” Marinette asked, and Adrien blinked, wondering how she could have come to that conclusion. Then again, he remembered not too long ago asking for Marinette’s help taking Kagami on a date, so he conceded that it was a fair assumption for her to make.

“No. It’s not Kagami,” he said which seemed to perplex her more, and he knew he had to be careful with his words. “It’s for someone I work with. You don’t know her.”

“Okay,” she said slowly, pursing her lips. “Well, whenever I give someone a gift, I make sure that it’s personal to that individual. Like for Alya I made her a new case for her phone and for Rose I knit some pink mittens.”

Well, there went his general idea.

“Do you think I should make her something?” His eyes widened, and Marinette held up reassuring hands when he blanched.

“It doesn’t have to be hand-made, but it should be something from your heart that you know she will like,” she said, but it didn’t help. “Tell you what. Why don’t we go shopping after school? I’ll help you pick something out.”

“Thanks, Marinette. You’re a life saver,” he said, pressing his palms together in an expression of gratitude.

He had to admit that having Marinette’s assistance did calm a lot of his nerves about the situation. With her helping, he was bound to find the perfect gift for Ladybug. Plus it meant he got to spend more time with Marinette which was always a win in his book.

“So, where do you think we should start?” He asked as Gorilla strolled slowly up the street. “Should I buy her clothes?”

“Do you know her size?” Marinette asked, and he pursed his lips, conceding her point. She paused outside the jewelry store and pointed inside. “You want this gift to tell your feelings for her, right? So, come pick out something that makes you think of her.”

“Well…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess, I mean, she only sees me as a friend, so do you really think I should buy her something like that?”

“You want to be more than friends someday, right?” Marinette asked, and his cheeks warmed. “Follow your heart.”

It was solid advice considering his head was a frantic mess, but what did his heart want? To get her something she’d love. Something that conveyed how much he cared about her. Something that would make her think about him whenever she saw it.

Marinette was browsing bracelets when he approached her, and she straightened, giving him an encouraging smile as he held up a golden heart-shaped locket. The front was encrusted with a ruby that reminded him of her suit, and Marinette’s eyes lit up when she saw it.

“Adrien, it’s beautiful. She’ll love it,” she said, clasping her hands over her chest.

“Are you sure? It’s not too much?” He asked, but she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“It’s perfect, and if it’s what your heart picked out then there’s no way she won’t like it,” she said with a confidence he tried to grasp for himself.

He took a deep breath, glancing down at the locket once more and nodding. “Okay. You’re right. It’ll be perfect.” He smiled back up at her. “Thanks again for your help. I was feeling really lost about all of this.”

“Any time. We’re friends, aren’t we?” She said, lowering her gaze to her shoes and clasping her hands behind her back. “Well, good luck with your gift. Let me know how it goes, okay?”

“I will,” he said as she moved for the door. “Marinette?”

“Yeah?” She paused in the threshold, turning back to face him and tilting her head to the side.

“I’m really glad to have an amazing friend like you,” he said, and something flashed on her face that he couldn’t quite read. She seemed sad almost, but just as quickly as it came, she covered it up with a smile.

“Yeah, me too.”

***

Ladybug stared out across the rooftops, twirling the ribbon of her gift around one finger. She hadn’t been able to focus ever since she helped Adrien pick out a gift for his mystery girl. Alya was joking about having her admitted for being such a space cadet, but she couldn’t help it. Adrien was going to give that locket to some beautiful model then they were going to get married, have beautiful model babies and move to private island then Marinette would never see him again. She’d die all alone with her fifty cats and a hamster named-

“Ladybug?” Chat waved his hand in front of her face, and she blinked.

“How long have you been calling my name?” She asked with a wince.

“I dunno. 15-20 seconds?” He shrugged, and her stomach did a little flip. “You okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. I had a…long week,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck. “Lots of homework. Hawkmoth making akumas every day. Juggling a double life. You know how it is.” She gestured around to the streamers she’d hung up between chimneys. “Plus, I set all this up for us.”

“You really liked this birthday idea,” he said, sounding a bit too smug as he leaned down into her face, so she flicked his bell.

“Everyone likes birthdays. Anyone who doesn’t like birthdays is a monster,” she said pointedly. “But I will admit, it was kind of fun decorating our cake.”

“Oh? M’lady baked me a birthday cake? I’m honored.” He waggled his eyebrows, and she shoved his shoulder with a laugh.

“Just a small one,” she said.

“And it’s not burnt?” He asked, mask lifting to one side, and her jaw dropped.

“I’m a very good baker, thank you very much!” She crossed her arms over her chest as his shoulders shook with laughter. “Fine. Don’t eat any of it then.”

“Wait, no! I want it. I’m really happy,” he said, holding up apologetic hands.

Ladybug rolled her eyes and paced over to retrieve the cake from the white unmarked box sitting on an orange crate. She had to go to two different stores to find a box that wouldn’t give her away, and explaining to her dad why he couldn’t see the cake she was baking was a whole other situation in and of itself. She just hoped that Chat Noir wouldn’t be too suspicious of her. Maybe she should have added too much vanilla to the frosting. Curse her years of bakery experience!

“Whoa,” Chat gasped when she pulled the cake from the box. She’d drawn their faces in the frosting, and the lettering was perfect if she did say so herself. A little too perfect, actually. “You made this yourself?”

“Everyone has hobbies, chaton,” she said as nonchalantly as possible, and fortunately, he seemed to accept it.

“Oh, can I light the candles?” He asked, bouncing like a kid who really should not be trusted with matches.

“Just don’t burn the building down. I don’t think the business below will appreciate it,” she said, offering him the box and doing her best not to laugh when he stuck his tongue out as he passed the flame over each wick.

“Ready?” He grinned, the flickering light casting shadows across his face as they started to sing.

When the song finished, they blew out the candles in unison, and Chat flashed her his signature boyish grin.

“Joyeux anniversaire, m’lady,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips.

“Joyeux anniversaire, Chat Noir,” Ladybug replied. “Cake first or presents?”

“I’m dying to try your cooking,” he said, bouncing on his heels. “But I think I want to give you my gift first.”

“Okay,” Ladybug said with a smile, retrieving her gift and holding it out to him.

“Oh, I wonder what m’lady got me,” Chat said, shaking the neatly wrapped box before carefully ripping the bow. He removed a hand-knit black beanie with cat ears and turned it over in his hands with a grin. “Wow, did you make this too?”

“I- watched a tutorial. I’m not great at knitting, but I think it’s best if a gift comes from the heart,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck.

“This looks so well made. I think you’ve uncovered a hidden talent, m’lady,” he said, pulling the hat over his ears. “Maybe next time you can knit me a blanket, and we can snuggle.”

Ladybug let out a breathy laugh as he leaned into her face and waggled his brows, pushing his nose away. “Dare I ask what you got me?”

Chat retrieved a small square box wrapped in red paper from his belt and held it out to her with a cheeky grin. She turned it over in her hands, the contents inside rattling, and shrugged, tearing away the paper. When she lifted the lid, her jaw dropped but snapped shut again as her stomach jumped up to her throat. Inside was a small golden locket embezzled with a ruby. The same locket she’d helped Adrien pick out two days ago. Which meant that either this locket was popular, or-

“Do you like it?” He asked, looking up at her through his lashes.

She knew that look all too well. It was the same shy, wanting-to-be-accepted look she’d seen Adrien give so many times. She had that look on posters on her wall. She’d always known Chat’s smile was a little too perfect to be normal. Now she knew why.

“It’s-” Your identity.

Granted, it wasn’t his fault. After all, what were the odds? It wasn’t like he’d done it on purpose. He just wanted to make sure she liked whatever he got her, so he asked a friend for advice. He didn’t know that she was that very same friend he was buying said gift for! Oh, and Adrien had been so worried about getting the perfect gift…

“It’s beautiful, chaton. Thank you,” she said finally, trailing her fingers over the jewel.

He breathed a sigh of relief, but Ladybug tensed more with each passing second. Adrien was Chat Noir. Adrien the-love-of-her-life Agreste was Chat Noir. Which meant she was in love with Chat Noir.

This wasn’t happening. Should she tell him? No. Well…maybe? What if he wasn’t really Adrien, and it was all a coincidence? It could be a coincidence, right? Then if she told him how she knew, he’d know her identity. Her head was spinning.

“Do you want me to help you put it on?” He asked, his voice more subdued and timid than she was used to, and when she flicked her gaze back to him, he looked every bit Adrien with one hand cupping the back of his neck.

“I- yes. Sorry, I just…I’ve never gotten something like this before,” she admitted, turning around as Chat draped the necklace over her head. “It’s really beautiful.”

“I gotta confess. I was really nervous about buying you a gift. It made me realize how little I know about you,” he said, fastening the clasp. “I asked a good friend of mine for help because I wanted everything to be perfect.” She turned to face him, his eyes warm and soft. “You mean the world to me, Ladybug, and I wanted you to know that.”

“Chat, I-”

“I know. You love someone else,” he said, lowering his gaze to his shoes. “I envy him every day, and I hope he realizes how lucky he is.”

Ladybug searched his expression as he smiled down at her, her heart hammering in her chest. Adrien was in love with her. She’d been rejecting him for months. Oh, how she just wanted to fall of that roof, but true to form, she panicked and hugged him to hide her face before it could betray her.

“You mean the world to me too, you know,” she said, nuzzling into his shoulder. “You’re my best friend.”

“I know,” he sighed, leaning into her embrace. “And you have no idea how happy that makes me.” He pulled away, his signature playful smirk returning.  “But if you loved me back, I’d buy you pretty necklaces all the time. As many as you wanted.”

She flicked his bell with a laugh. If only he knew. And he could know. She could tell him. Should she? She didn’t know. Adrien was Chat Noir.

“Thank you for indulging me tonight. I’ll cherish your gift forever,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips, and she hated how hot her cheeks got when he pressed a soft kiss to her fingers.

“This is fun. We’ll have to do it again next year,” she said, biting her lip.

“Happy Birthday, Ladybug.”

“Yeah. Happy Birthday, chaton.”

***

“What am I gonna do, Tikki?” Marinette flopped onto her bed and buried her face into her pillow. “I’m not supposed to know Adrien is Chat Noir.”

“Well, there isn’t much you can do to take it back now,” Tikki said pointedly, and Marinette let out a groan.

“Do you think I should take his Miraculous?” She lifted her head, eyebrows knit together in a worried frown.

“Do you think you should?”

“Well…” She sat up and moved the pillow to her lap, picking at loose threads. “It’s the rule, but…I can’t imagine being Ladybug without Chat Noir. Putting aside the fact that he’s the boy I love, Chat Noir is my friend, my partner. I trust him.”

“You are the guardian now, Marinette, so knowing his identity isn’t a bad thing,” Tikki said, floating over to sit on the pillow. “And you two work so well together.”

“Yeah, but what if I get flustered around him now that I know he’s really Adrien? What if I get distracted, or try to kiss him, or-” She covered her face with her hands. “I don’t want him to stop being Chat Noir, but now I can’t stop thinking about his identity and how he’s the boy that I…you know. I mean, should I tell him I know? I should tell him, right?”

“If you think it’s a good ide-”

“But what if I tell him and then he wants to know my identity? I mean, it would only be fair since I know his. And if I tell him my identity, what if he gets distracted. Well, more distracted than usual,” she said, clutching fistfuls of her hair. “What if he comes to visit my balcony as Chat Noir because he’s in love with me and then Hawkmoth sees him then Hawkmoth will know I’m the guardian, and he’ll get the Miracle Box, Paris will be doomed, and I’ll be the worst Ladybug in the history of Ladybug!”

“Marinette,” Tikki chided as her chosen fell back onto the mattress. “You always think too much. I’m sure everything will be fine no matter what you decide to do. You said it yourself that Chat Noir is your friend and you trust him, and you know that Adrien is a good guy too. Trust yourself to make the right decision.”

“Yeah, but what if I mess up? What if…I get it wrong again?” She flicked her gaze over to her hidden compartment that housed the Miracle Box.

“Then you’ll definitely want Chat Noir to have your back, right?” Tikki said, and Marinette gave her a small smile.

“Yeah. Definitely,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Thanks, Tikki. I’ll sleep on it and make a decision in the morning.”

“That’s a great idea,” Tikki said, flitting over to her spot as Marinette turned out the light and laid down. “Good night, Marinette. I know you’ll make the right choice.”

“Yeah…” Marinette hummed, picking at the golden locket around her neck.

It’s what she was hoping.

***

The following Monday, Marinette climbed the stairs of the school slower than usual. She’d made up her mind, but she couldn’t help questioning whether or not it was the right choice. Adrien deserved to know that his identity was compromised, and telling him her own identity felt fair. But was she telling him because of her feelings for him or because she actually felt like it was the right decision? That fact was yet to be determined. She just hoped she could find the words.

A mop of blond hair was hunched over a locker, shuffling through a silver shoulder bag, and Marinette took a deep breath. She could do this. It was just Chat Noir. She talked to him all the time. He was her best friend. He was going to be ecstatic to finally learn her identity. This was for the good of their partnership. She hoped.

“Adrien?” She called, her voice timid and unsure, and she flinched as he turned over his shoulder.

“Marinette!” A smile broke over his lips. “Thanks so much for your help the other day. My friend liked the gift.”

“Oh, that’s awesome!” She said, feigning enthusiasm. “Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about that. Do you have a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up?” He asked, those green eyes calm and unassuming. He didn’t have a care in the world unlike the quiet storm brewing inside Marinette.

“Um, it’s kind of private. Can we talk somewhere else?” She said, glancing around the other students filing in and out of the locker room. Adrien seemed confused but didn’t question it as he followed Marinette to a secluded corner of the courtyard.

“What’s up?” He asked, and she took a deep breath.

“Okay, I know this is going to be a big shock, so please don’t freak out, but…I know you’re Chat Noir,” she said, and Adrien’s eyebrows raised.

“What? You think I’m Chat Noir?” He scoffed, shifting his weight. “I mean, I’m flattered, but-”

His voice trailed off when Marinette pulled the locket from inside her shirt, and she curled her shoulders with a sigh.

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea who you were buying it for. If I had known it was going to give away your identity, I never would have agreed to help,” she said. “But what were the odds?”

“Wait,” Adrien said, blinking a couple times and tilting his head to the side. “Ladybug?”

“Hi, kitty.” She gave a small wave, biting her lip, and she expected him to break down. To panic. To do anything but lift her off her feet and spin her around. “Adrien!”

He twirled in circles, laughing and smiling before abruptly dipping her and touching his forehead to hers. “It’s you!”

“Adrien,” she hissed, giving a nervous glance at the other students in the courtyard, and he pulled her upright again, though his hands never strayed from her waist.

“It’s really been you all along,” he said, a dopey grin, crinkling his eyes. “You’ve been so close to me all this time.”

“Adrien.”

“You’re my bugaboo.”

“Don’t call me that out in the open!” She clamped a hand over his mouth, feeling her cheeks flush under that affectionate green gaze.

“But this makes perfect sense. You’re so smart, and you always look out for others. Of course, you’re Ladybug,” he said, smacking his forehead as if he should have realized sooner. One of his signature impish grins curled on his lips, and Marinette quickly learned just how much Chat Noir there really was in Adrien as he said, “So, what are you doing tomorrow night? Wanna see a movie?”

“Seriously? Just like that you’re in love with Marinette?” She gave him a look.

“Well, yeah.” He shrugged, and she felt her annoyance flaring. 72 hours ago, she would have killed to hear Adrien say he loved her, but now she felt a little offended.

“Why? Just because I’m you-know-who now?” She crossed her arms over her chest, and Adrien seemed to realize her point.

“It’s not like that,” he assured her, green eyes softening and working a sort of voodoo magic over her that she couldn’t quite resist no matter how hard she tried. “The way I see it…Ladybug is you. All of the crazy schemes, the brains, the heroism, the compassion, the kindness, everything about Ladybug that I fell in love with comes from you, Marinette. Because that’s who you are. So, yeah, just like that.”

She had to admit, it was hard to stay mad at someone so cute. Especially when he was looking at her with such fondness and adoration. She’d been trying to ignore her feelings this whole time. To listen to her head instead of her heart, but in a lot of ways, it had been just like that for her too.

All of a sudden, the giant question mark that was Adrien had become so clear to her. He became familiar. Safe. Comfortable. Her partner. Her friend. Her kitty. The boy who had once seemed so out of reach had become so close in the blink of an eye, and now he stood before her less than a meter away, heart open and willing if she would only reach out and grab it.

“I guess I’m free,” she said, pursing her lips, and Adrien’s face lit up.

“Really?” He asked, and she nodded. “Wait, really, really?”

“Yes,” she laughed, and his eyes did that thing again. “Am I going to have to put up with you hitting on me twice as much now?”

“Of course.” He grinned, and she let out a sigh, looking him up and down.

“And what are you going to do if I flirt back one of these days?” She quirked a brow.

“Die of happiness,” he said. “Wait, is that a possibility?”

“Well,” she hummed, biting back a smile. “The boy I was in love with all this time…It was you.”

“Yes!” He exclaimed, and Marinette shushed him into lowering his voice. “This just proves it. You and I are meant to be together. We’re going to be unstoppable. We’ll defeat Hawkmoth, get married, live together in a beautiful cottage with kids and a hamster named-”

Marinette silenced him with a kiss, taking his hands and swinging them back and forth when she pulled away. Adrien let out a dreamy sigh, lips glued into a smile, and at her laugh, he straightened his shoulders.

“Can I ask you something?”

“If it’s to marry you, I think we should at least wait until we’re out of school,” she said, flicking his nose playfully.

“No, that question will come in time.” He waved it away then rubbed the back of his neck. “I was just thinking…This birthday thing made me realize how little I know about Ladybug, and I do know a bit more about Marinette, but not as much as I’d like, so…I want to get to know you, Marinette. I’ve always wanted to.”

“Okay,” she said. “On one condition: I want to get to know Adrien Agreste better too.”

“Deal.” He gave her hands a squeeze, and she bit her lip.

“So, what do you want to know?” She asked, and a smile stretching across his cheeks.

“Everything.”

#miraculous ladybug #marinette dupain-cheng #adrien agreste #ladybug #chat noir #ladynoir #adrinette #reveal fic #my writing #whos who challenge