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#yes that is one of the RoM sages

q-gorgeous · 8 months

Text

What Will It Be? Chapter 3

ao3

fanfiction

@kinglazrus

woooooooo

Dash and Kwan walked out of the school together. Their last couple classes had passed without incident and now it was the end of the school day.

“What do you mean you can’t come to our nightly run? You always come!”

Kwan shrugged. “Sorry, Dash. I’d love to get all sweaty with you in the dusk of night…”

“Why did you have to say it like that?”

“But my mom scheduled for me to get my senior pictures done today and then we’re going out to eat with my grandparents.”

“Ah, yes, can’t disappoint the grandparents.”

Kwan nodded sagely. “Sorry. You could always skip tonight's run.”

Dash waved the comment away. “Nah. Then I’d have to make it up on a different day and I’m gonna be using the whole weekend to relax.”

“Face masks, rom coms, and ice cream?” Kwan smirked at him.

“You know it!” Dash held his hand up for a high five and Kwan hit his hand with a whoop.

“Well, I gotta go. Have fun getting sweaty by yourself.”

“I will. Bye.”

Dash waved at Kwan as he walked away. Stuffing his hands in his pockets he began to walk across the schoolyard. He had time before he had to go home and start working on homework. Maybe he could go to the Nasty Burger.

He heard a loud laugh and he looked up. Standing there were Danny, Sam, and Tucker. He smiled and started heading towards them.

“Hey, guys!” He waved at them. “Kwan’s being a nerd and being busy, you guys wanna go hang out at the Nasty Burger?”

Sam and Tucker both shot Danny looks and he was about to respond when he was interrupted by a gasp coming out of his own mouth.

“I, uh, sure. But I gotta go to the bathroom real quick!”

Danny ran off and Dash raised a quizzical eyebrow at him. He was about to ask Sam and Tucker why Danny always had to use the bathroom so much, but a scream interrupted him.

Running from around the back of the school was a giant green dog with red eyes. It stopped running and looked around everywhere. Its eyes landed on Sam and Tucker and it barked, looking at them excitedly with its butt in the air as its tail wagged.

“Does this dog know you guys?” Dash asked them.

“Sort of.” Sam said.

“How-“

“Cujo!” Phantom yelled. “I told you, no visiting the high school! You’re too big like this!”

The ghost dog panted happily, wagging its tail. It brought its face closer to Phantom’s and gave him the biggest, wettest lick Dash had ever seen.

“Gross!” Phantom yelled, shaking saliva off of his arms. “Playtime isn’t until later, Cujo. You don’t even have your toy yet.”

Cujo’s ears picked up at the word toy.

“Yeah! Your toy! Can you go find it for me? And bring it back at the time we’re actually supposed to have play time?”

Cujo barked before giving Phantom another lick. He shrank down and started running quickly through the air into the distance.

“He couldn’t have shrank back down before licking me again?” Phantom groaned and shook his arms off a second time. “Now I have to go home and take a shower.”

“Bro just phase it off.” Tucker cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted up at Phantom.

“Yeah, then you don’t have to go take a shower.” Sam shouted.

“Ghosts shower?” Dash asked.

“This one does.” Tucker smirked. “Stinkiest teenage ghost there is.”

“Hey!”

Sometimes Dash was jealous of the relationship Sam and Tucker seemed to have with Phantom. He didn’t understand how they managed to become so close to him while Dash could hardly ever get a conversation out of the guy.

“Hey Phantom! Want to come hang out at the Nasty Burger with us?” Dash shouted.

Phantom glanced at Sam and Tucker and then back at Dash. “Sorry I’ve, uh, got previous engagements already. I’ll see you guys later!”

He waved and flew away. A few moments later Danny came walking back out of the school.

“Ready to go eat our faces off?” Danny smiled up at him.

“You bet I am! I think I’m gonna be able to stuff my face more than Foley over there.”

“No you won’t!” Tucker yelled at him as he turned to start walking towards the Nasty Burger. “I’ll have you know I won Casper High’s hot dog eating championship with a new high record! There’s no way you can beat me.”

“You guys are so gross.” Sam wrinkled her nose as she followed after Tucker. “What’s the point of eating if you’re just gonna inhale your food anyways? You won’t even be able to taste it.”

“It’s the principle of it, Sam.” Danny said. Dash fell into step beside him as they started walking.

“What principle?” She waved her hands in the air. “Of being gross?”

“Of being a man.” Tucker puffed his chest out and smiled at her.

“Yeah, okay. I’m sure real men eat Nasty Burger’s entire stock.”

“Yeah, exactly! Now you’re getting it!”

Sam rolled her eyes and continued walking.

Dash looked around them as they walked. The trees that grew alongside the sidewalks were a bright orange and red. Football season had just ended and he was looking for a more relaxing couple of weeks before basketball started. It gave him a good opportunity to actually get outside and admire the pretty colors.

Dash glanced at Danny. He was also looking around at his surroundings, admiring the leaves. Maybe one of these days he’d have to take everyone to his favorite hiking trail. Or just him and Danny could go. That could be where he confessed his feelings to him.

Then Danny’s eyes met his. Dash could feel his face turning red and he quickly looked away. How was he going to confess anything if he couldn’t even look Danny in the eye?

“They’re pretty, huh?” Danny said. Dash looked back at him.

“Huh?”

“The leaves.”

“Oh.” Dash nodded. “Yeah, they are.”

“We should go walk around the park before they all fall to the ground and turn brown. It’s really pretty there.”

Dash smiled. “Yeah! We should do that.”

“There are prettier places to walk around and see the leaves.” Sam turned to face them. “We all have our licenses. We could drive somewhere over the weekend and do some hiking.”

“Yeah!” Tucker smiled. “Tiny roadtrip!”

Danny rolled his eyes. “It won’t be a road trip, Tucker. We’ll probably only be gone for a couple hours.”

“That’s why it’s called a tiny road trip.”

Dash smiled as he watched Danny and Tucker bicker. It was nice that they could be like this, that they were friends now. Danny threw back his head and laughed.

Dash hoped he never got to stop seeing his smile.

#gorgi writes #danny phantom #invisobang 2023 #dash baxter #kwan #danny fenton #sam manson #tucker foley #swagger bishie #fanfiction #phic

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poisonouswritings · 2 years

Note

Hehehehehe I imagine once everyone split their separate ways for their rooms, their was a group chat/ group call going on between everyone except Sage and MC congratulating themselves on their plan that night…I love these idiots

Roadtrip Part 1

Roadtrip Part 2

This group has one braincell I don't think they can stay on topic long enough

2:03 am

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: ugh finally in the room ಠ_ಠ

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: You had just as much luggage as I did, darling

🐰Trixareforgays: f u both yall had way 2 nuch

🐰Trixareforgays: *much

🐰Trixareforgays: I think it is far more pressing to discuss the events today?

🐰Trixareforgays: This is Elowen. My phone is in my suitcase some where

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: pendeja unpack ur own bag >:/

🐰Trixareforgays: No 💅✨

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: Why is Anisa not online?

🐰Trixareforgays: bathroom

🐰Trixareforgays: I believe she is doing her skincare routine

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: oh fuck tell her to bring her creams over i wanna use the rose one

🐰Trixareforgays: eat ass

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: 😈

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: If we can stay on topic?

🐰Trixareforgays: felix cant believe u get ur ass ate

🐰Trixareforgays: wait ye i can

🐰Trixareforgays: I do hope you wash beforehand

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: IF WE CAJ PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Rime use yr own creams

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: *your

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: no gimme gimme

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: plz

🐰Trixareforgays: bets?

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: What time shall we leave tomorrow?

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: Bets on?

🐰Trixareforgays: Give me fifteen on the mutt trying to make a move and chickening out

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: fifty on me and fe fucking before Sage gets the balls to try anything

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: R I M E

(💅Pretty_Deadly💀 has been muted)

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: anyways

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: not cool annie

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Get off Felix's phone or ill mute him too

🐰Trixareforgays: Shall I add Lucan and Balsam to the chat?

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: When are they leaving?

ElowenTheMighty: Tomorrow, supposedly. They should catch up with us in two days.

ElowenTheMighty: Also Tulsi got my phone for me

🐰Trixareforgays: die

(💅Pretty_Deadly💀 has been unmuted)

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: FUCK BITCH ASS CUNT

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: o you unmuted me

(💅Pretty_Deadly💀 has been muted)

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: heh

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: Add them tomorrow I suppose

🐰Trixareforgays: im putting 30 on sage bing a bit h

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Ill raise double for that

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: Assuming they can keep it a secret

(💅Pretty_Deadly💀 has been unmuted)

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: Ann that isn't how betting works

ElowenTheMighty: They can

🐰Trixareforgays: shut up bambi let her bet hows he wants

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Rime I can mute you again

(✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨ has been muted)

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: BET

ElowenTheMighty: At least Balsam can

🐰Trixareforgays: uh oh an just left the rom

🐰Trixareforgays: room

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: No one ever answered what time we should leave tomorrow

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: I told you earlier you just weren't listening darlnk

🐰Trixareforgays: darlnk

🐰Trixareforgays: cant we leav later

🐰Trixareforgays: I HATE TTPJNG KN THIS FUCKING PHONE

🐰Trixareforgays: THE SCREN IS FUCKINF SCEAXKED

ElowenTheMighty: I'm astonished you haven't just gotten a new one yet

🐰Trixareforgays: gotta wait abogfer week before I can tuen it in

ElowenTheMighty: being sleep deprived likely doesn't help

ElowenTheMighty: where did Anisa go?

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: She's here bedding up Rime

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: *beating

🐰Trixareforgays: lmaooo can't believe Ann is fuckibc rudolpg

(✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨ has been unmuted)

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: back :)

ElowenTheMighty: So we're keeping these sleeping arrangements for the rest of the trip, yes?

🐰Trixareforgays: ye i don't wanna deal with dages snoring

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: yeah it's gonna take that knucklehead forever to actually use this to his asvantage

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: congrats to me for thinking of this

🐰Trixareforgays: UM EXCUSE ME MOTHERFUCKET

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: heh

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: fucket

ElowenTheMighty: Fucket bucket

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: heh

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: It was an excellent idea

🐰Trixareforgays: THAT WR ALL CAME UO WITH

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: alright alright calm down bunny

🐰Trixareforgays: I WILL FUCKING END YOU

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: I'm honestly shocked the car plan didn't work better

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: I cannot believe you all left me out of planning that!!

🐰Trixareforgays: hah

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: love you're horrible at keeping a secret

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: I am not!

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Felix

ElowenTheMighty: Yes you are

🐰Trixareforgays: ur the worst actually

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: I am refusing to further entertain this ridiculous notion

💀TheBellTollsForThee💀: I am going to sleep. Good night.

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Sorry fe

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: ill keep him up for longer 😈

🐰Trixareforgays: gag

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: Rime please shut it

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: hey tulsi if your dumbass still doesn't hit on mc maybe you should threaten to

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: light a fire under his ass

🐰Trixareforgays: ill thnik about t

💅Pretty_Deadly💀: ANN DID GOU STEAL MY CONCEALER

✨🌸Anisa_Pizza🌸✨: ✨😇✨

#last legacy #fictif last legacy #felix iskandar Escellun #rime solano varela #anisa anka #Tulsi ain #elowen de Bhaldraithe #idiots (affectionate)#anon asks #ozzy answers #ozzy daydreams

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izayoichan · 2 years

Photo

Meadow: Welco… Oh -she stared at her brother, noticing Lucas standing there as well. - I guess you got my flowers. River: I did. -his eyes fell on the photo of her graduation again.- I think I owe you an apology. Meadow: Ya think?

River frowned.

River: Alright. I owe you an apology. I’m sorry, I have been a lousy brother. Meadow: Meh, just a little.

She rubbed her neck, like every time she stood in front of him, she felt so small, so insignificant, it made her feel like she had something she needed to prove, to be good enough and she just did not know how and regardless of how hard she tried, she’d never be enough.

River: You’re not the easiest…-he felt the small squeeze of his hand, that had him look at Lucas, that shook his head.- I’m sorry, again. I’m sorry I let you leave, and I am sorry I missed your graduation, you deserve better. Meadow: It’s okay… -she shrugged, looking down. It wasn’t.- River: It isn’t, your flowers say so. -he managed a small smile. - Meadow: Just a second...

She realized that her shop was open, standing like this would be bad for business really. So she walked past them and flipped the sign to say closed. Then she led them out back, so they could talk some more.

Meadow: There, now at least we won’t be interrupted. River: Yeah…

They stood there for a while, neither really sure where to actually start this conversation. They both wanted it, but they were still stuck.

Lucas: That exam you took... Is it one you can never take again? Meadow: Eh... I can, but I would need a sage’s blessing...-she looked at her brother, she had hoped he would have done that back then, given her a second chance..- but I never got one. So there really isn’t a point anymore. I’m not in RoM anymore so… Yeah, I didn’t get a second chance. River: Wait, you... Did you want me to? Meadow: Well yes, of course! You're my big brother! I thought that…-she crossed her arms. - I thought that was something you would realize.

There it was, that look and that tone of voice that always triggered the memory of his mom. It was so hard to fight that feeling.

Beginning - Previous - Next

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mahvaladara · 2 years

Text

Part 4 - Couple Asks

Do they go to sleep at the same time as each other?

They try. They often have different schedules. Fannar as a small town doctor has a pretty 9 to 5 schedule, unless there’s emergencies or house calls.

Arlo as a self-employed medium as the schedule he wants, but as the Sage of Mischief, he must often answer calls from RoM. His schedule is a bit more unstable. But whenever he’s home at the same time as Fannar he tries to go to bed at the same time as Fannar.

2. What do they do when the other is stressed?

When Fannar is stressed or having a nightmare, Arlo’s first instinct is to brew him tea and sit down with him so they can talk out their anxieties and stress.

When Arlo’s stressed, Fannar will just hold him tight or drag him for a walk so he can air out his anxiety.

3. How do they spend time if the other is gone?

When Fannar is away spending time with family, Arlo tries to keep himself occupied with either RoM work or with his seances and studies. He also spends a lot of time outside taking care of their chicken coop and the bunnies.

Fannar hates being away from Arlo because he fears getting home and finding out Arlo had an episode and no one to wake him out of it. But when he goes visit his family and Arlo doesn’t go, Fannar tries to drown their worries with quality time with his twin and his family to try and get his mind off it.

4. Do they enjoy going camping together?

Yes and no. Arlo likes sleeping under the stars, but Fannar likes a bed. So if they can pull the bed or matress outside, Fannar is fine with camping.

5. Thoughts on PDA(Public Displays of Affection)?

Fannar is okay with it, Arlo is uncomfortable with it. Arlo is fine with kissing, holding and embrancing Fannar as long as they are alone, when there’s people ‘watching us’, he doesn’t like it as he is ‘aware’ of what unlookers feel. He will hold Fannar’s hand in public and will peck his cheek and even hug him, but he keeps everything very PG13.

6. Thoughts on each other’s friends?

Arlo doesn’t have friends. Just his sister, her wolf of a boyfriend and little siblings, and Fannar loves all of them. He doesn’t consider the other sages his friends and neither do them.

Fannar does have a lot of friends and everyone loves him. Arlo is fine with it and likes all of Fannar’s friends. He is happy Fannar has friends and is often motivating Fannar to go visit Flynn and Emil or to go out with his friends and not be cooped up all week with him at the cottage.

7. Would they ever get married?

They elope. The party is small, just Flynn and Emil and Syra and Mal. Fannar had wanted a party, but realizing it would be too much for Arlo’s Eye and he’d loose sense if there were so many people together, one of which who despises him deeply (Vy), he’d probably breakdown, so they decided to make something smaller.

8. Thoughts on kids?

Arlo wants to have children and so does Fannar. They both like kids and Arlo, much like his dad, would be a good father/mother.

9. How’d they meet each other’s families?

Arlo tried to kidnap Fannar as an egg then as an adult.

10. Thoughts on each other’s family?

Fannar likes Mal, finds him curious and cunning, dangerous too, but knows Mal adores his son an is harmless as long as no one poses a threat to him. Fannar also likes Maeve, she’s nice enough. They absolutely love Syra who loves him back. She sees Fannar as a borrowed big brother and she will kick Arlo’s ass if he hurts Fannar again. Fannar despises Apollo. As for Alcina and Dimitri, Fannar is pretty neutral to them, they’re pretty unaware of everything going on.

Arlo is a bit reticent with Fannar’s family. He knows Flynn cares about him and he likes Flynn, he also likes Chris. He’s afraid of both Hayle and Yvreon, or more like, ashamed and guilty. Though Vy aided in saving Arlo, Vy despises Arlo and Arlo can feel how deep Vy’s hatred and grudge for Arlo goes. He knows the only thing stopping Vy from hurting him is simply the fact hurting Arlo would hurt Fannar. He also can recognize some rage and distaste coming from Hayle towards him. Eltanin is supicious of him and Arlene and Emil seem pretty neutral. But the two dragons are enough to smother Arlo with guilt and self-loathing. Whenever he’s around Vy or Hayle he feels like he’s being chocked and the Eye can’t focus.

#arlo #fannar #oc asks

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deepspacedukat · 2 years

Note

I do really want to know your reasoning on the Cardassians because sometimes I just go ✨PRETTY✨ and have absolutely no other thoughts. It’s a little embarrassing.

But also, if you were stuck somewhere for like a year who would you pick to live with from Trek and why? I’m picking Jadzia, Kira, Dr. Bashir, and Rom. Also Garak because then I could learn how to sew better.

-Horta-in-Charge

Look, honestly, sometimes the ✨pretty✨ reaction is all I have too lol. Okay, so for the placement reasoning:

Fuck: Garak - The man would absolutely know what he was doing, but I feel like because of his Obsidian Order past he wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable with something as traceable as a marriage record revealing that he had a weakness (aka his s/o). The sex though...the sex. Not giving that up! Dukat - I mean, the man would know his way around, if you know what I mean. The guy has multiple children so obviously he knows what he’s doing. Might not be smart to marry a villain, but to be his good little slut...? *nods head sagely* Madred - Look, he’s evil. He tortured Picard. But...also...I would let him rail me till I couldn’t stand. No logic on this one. Just ✨dirty thoughts.✨

Marry: Macet - He doesn’t seem as bad as his cousin, and he’s still got the sexy voice, so um...Yeah. Not really any logic with this one either. Just would absolutely take pretty lizard’s last name. Daro - I mean, this one to me is obvious. He seems like he’d be sweet and protective and just perfect husband material, so...yep. We don’t even have an official first name for him, but I’d take his last name. Damar - Ok, so...no logic for this one either...He’s a big, pretty, square lizard. And I’d go there. Tekeny Ghemor - He’s a widower and he’s a very sweet man. 10/10 would call him daddy in bed and take his last name. He also feels like the type of person who would be v protective of the person he loved and since he’s obviously had a kid, he knows what he’s doing in bed...

Kiss: Telle - Tbh, he wasn’t my favorite Cardassian, but he was still cute and rather square. 100% would give this lizard a smooch. Boheeka - Look. LOOK. This man deserved better than the Order making him disappear for Quark’s requisition code. Add that to his slutty little comment about a Dabo girl almost bankrupting him, and I’d definitely kiss him. Also, he’s pretty, so... Ari - This good boy just wanted to protect Iliana!Kira and for Cardassia to have a better future. HE DESERVED BETTER. 10000/10 would smooch. Entek - Bad Lizard™ but would I let him pin me up against a wall and kiss me like a back alley whore? Yes. No logic. Only ✨pretty✨

Hug: Mavek - He was on Terok Nor during the Dominion’s occupation of said station, and he was sweet enough to bring Major Kira her coffee every morning. Look. Any guy who remembers AWAKE JUICE for somebody EVERY DAY has EARNED a hug. At minimum.

Kill: Evek - Look. I have strong feelings about Cardassians. For some reason, he evokes a very visceral reaction. Also I’m convinced he’s one of the ones who suggested the Central Command try to blame Dukat for the weapon smuggling in “The Maquis” Parts 1&2. R.I.P. Danar - Idk why I have this reaction with him?? So many of Vaughn Armstrong’s characters are calming or just give me a different reaction, but with Danar, I...I don’t know. Confusion lizard. R.I.P.

As for your second question, oooooh, I love that idea! I’ll do 5 people since you chose 5.

If it can be anyone from any Trek series, I’d say... Shran, Julian Bashir, Spock, Malcolm Reed, and Dukat (for chaos and laughs). Would we survive? Probably not. Would it be fun? Yes (for me; I guarantee nobody else’s enjoyment but my own).

If it can only be DS9 characters...Bashir, O’Brien, Martok, Garak, and Dukat (again, for chaos and laughs).

Are both those sets reverse harem situations in my brain? ...Perhaps...

#again if there's any I missed or that anyone thinks of later lmk #deepspacedukat asks #deepspacedukat wine talks #horta in charge

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hiswordsarekisses · 2 years

Text

Since our Scriptures affirm that “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28), we must trust God for both perceived evil as well as perceived good, since all circumstances of life come from the hand of the LORD our God (see Job 2:10). Despite appearances that sometimes seem to the contrary, we believe that the all-powerful, supreme LORD has not abandoned the world but actively sustains and upholds it with benevolent intent (Heb. 1:3). “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). When bad things happen to the righteous, we trust in God’s personal care for their ultimate good, despite their present troubles. As the prophet Job said: “Though he slay me, I will trust in Him” (Job 13:15). This is the heart behind the Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, that expresses acceptance of God's world, despite the pain, sorrow, loss, and so on.

The term hashgachah pratit (השׁגחה פרטית) refers to God’s personal supervision of our lives (hashgachah means “supervision,” and pratit means "individual" or "particular"). Since He is the Master of the Universe, God’s supervision reaches to the smallest of details of creation - from subatomic particles to the great motions of the cosmos. God not only calls each star by its own name (Psalm 147:4), but knows each particular lily and sparrow (Matt. 6:28-30, 10:29). Each person created in the likeness of God is therefore under the direct, personal supervision of God Himself -- whether that soul is conscious of that fact or not. As Yeshua said, even the hairs on your head are all numbered (Matt. 10:30). Indeed, the God of Israel is called אלהי הרוּחת לכל־בּשׂר / Elohei ha-ruchot lekhol-basar: “The God of the spirits of all flesh” (Num. 16:22), and that means He is LORD even over those who vainly attempt to suppress His Presence and reality. "Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth?" (Jer. 23:24).

The Talmud says that when Moses asked God, “Please show me your glory” (Exod. 33:18), he was asking for God’s vindication in the light of the gnawing question: “Why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper?” Moses was not given an explicit answer, and some of the sages said he wrote the enigmatic Book of Job to demonstrate that the question can only be reduced to God’s inscrutable will: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job 38:4). In other words, the question can only be answered by the One who knows the beginning from the end, the Infinite One who sees the implications and concatenation of all things. As finite beings, we see only a fraction of the big picture, and therefore we must yield our trust to the Wisdom and Power of Almighty God (Deut. 32:4).

It is written, “Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb; in your scroll everything was written, my days were ordained before they came into existence” (Psalm 139:16). In light of God’s providential ordering of our lives, Blaise Pascal asked, “What is left for us but to unite our will to that of God himself, to will in him, with him, and for him the thing that he has eternally willed in us and for us.” The Mishnah says it this way: "Do His will as if it was your will that He may do your will as if it was His will" (Avot 2:4). In other words, what else can we do but learn to trust, accept, and to say “yes” to life -- even if at times we may feel like orphans, lost in a fatherless world... All our days are recorded in God’s scroll. [Hebrew for Christians]

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aceofsages · 2 years

Text

the lost city: my thoughts

I loved it. It was refreshing, tbh.

Often when I watch rom-action or romcom movies, which I tend to avoid because of reasons i will state now, I keep finding myself either rewriting a scene or flipping the characters’ genders simply because of the sheer passive sexism in the movies.

but this was one of the movies where I was surprised to find that I didn’t want to. It was perfectly non-sexist, and there were no gender norms that were adhered to. 100% recommend

spoilers:

Sandra Bullock plays a writer, Loretta Sage, who took up writing steaming romance against the backdrop of adventure (adventure that is actually based on actual historic findings made by her and her husband) because no one wanted to publish her non-fiction books. She’s lost her husband, and one of the things i found really amazing was that yes, her husband had died, and yes she had isolated herself in her grief, but her husband wasn’t her entire identity. the story does not take place because her husband had been searching for the same crown of fire and he died, and now she has to complete it because she has the chance.

she does it, she steals the parchment from Abigail Fairfax (played by Daniel Radcliffe), not because of her husband or anyone but because if it’s true, she wants to find it, she wants to preserve the history, preserve the memory of Queen Taha and King Kalaman (or possibly Calaman) love. Is her husband and her grief referenced? Absolutely. but her character is not minimised to it. and i love that.

another thing that is very subtle is that Loretta is obviously older than Alan (Channing Tatum’s character) and I love that, because almost always do you see this young girl and an older boy.

also, there was basically a dirty talk scene, well not exactly dirty talk, where Loretta describes how she would write Dash and Lovemore’s sex scene if Dr Lovemore had been helping Dash with his Eczema outbreak. honestly, amazing, because Alan was obviously turned on by that, and also because it’s often times the boy who dirty talked and made some sort of reference that turned the girl on.

Another thing is that Alan never demeans Loretta. Never diminishes her experience and listens to her. Does he want to save her? Yeah, but to prove to her that he can, not because she can’t save herself because she’s a woman.

I love that Alan was also made this complex character who understands his thoughts and his feelings and that he didn’t suddenly know how to fight when he previously had no experience whatsoever. you’ll be surprised how many times that happens. also it was hilarious how he stated that Jack Trainer (Brad Pitt) loved him. I love how starstruck and obvious his crush was on him. Alan was bisexual (well, it’s not explicitly stated, but it showed) , and it showed and was not diminished at all.

i also loved beth (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) , the publisher, she was just this freaking amazing badass person who was referenced to be aromantic (as seen by her telling Oscar that he was her platonic male friend, at least i took it to mean that and not her telling him that they were never going to be together) and I loved Oscar Nunez’s character. Brad Pitt was awesome!!!!! basically this story was awesome and I’d recommend it to everyone.

oh, and how could i forget Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter. LOVED HIM! Someone stated on Youtube that Daniel Radcliffe should keep playing evil billionaires who makes people steal for him, and honestly, I agree

#the lost city #sandra bullock #channing tatum #my thoughts #equality #comedy #romance

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byrdly · 3 months

Text

All the webcomics I'm reading

First off

This is an active list that will be updated as I read more web comics, or enter/leave hiatus

I am not tagging the creators of these comics on purpose

there will be links to

the works themself

creator socials as needed

my own reviews, commentary, and live blog tags

If a comic doesn't already have a review/commentary linked feel free to ask!

The order of the list is random

Check out @gnu-paint for any MS Paint adventure/Fan adventure comics

The list is below the cut

Ongoing Comics:

Comics that are actively updating

Awful Hospital - By Bogleech - Read it Here - If your especially squeamish I would avoid this one

Nothing Girl - Content Warnings are tagged for individual pages - Read it Here

Triggered - by Khale Mchurst - Please Check Content Warnings - Read it Here - Autobiographical

XKCD - by Randall Munroe - Read it Here - generally a gag of the day style comics about a bunch of nerd topics and general life

Val and Issac - By Tredlocity - Read it Here – soft sci-fi comedy about Val the space captain, Issac the wizard, and friends

The Glass Scientist – By Sage Cotugno - Read it Here

Dead Heads - By Majora Mortis – Read it Here

Heart Work – By Lake Fama – Read it Here – Campy Rom-Com

Growing up Gerudo – By Junior and Roy – Read it Here – Legend of Zelda fan work

Joe vs Elan School – By Joe – Read it Here – Content Warning for Child Abuse and it does not let up, Autobiographical

Bugtopia – By Idolomantises – Read it Here

Monsters and Girls - By Idolomantises – Read it Here

Death-Head’s Deal – By Niuniente – Read it Here

The Adventures of Wiglaf and Mordred – By Grey Liliy – Read it Here – gonna be real this isn’t that good, found it looking for any Mordred related content, I still read it though

Rectify – By the-pigeon-queen – Read it Here

Provil – By El Dentman – Read it Here

Modern Elements – By AJ Box – Read it Here

Another Story – By Snarkiwi – Read it Here

Way Back to Hell – By GongpoMochi – Read it Here – creepypasta fan work

Poor Neo – By Lunar_Neo – Read it Here – autobiographical

Aurora – By Red of Overly Sarcastic Productions – Read it Here – Archetypical Fantasy world, pretty good characters

Sparkle Care Hospital – By the zany clown posse – Read it Here

Soul Food - By CiciEnixa – Read it Here

What Happens Next – By Max Graves – Read it Here

The Property of Hate – By Mod Mad – Read it Here

My Own Personal Demon – By Jonni Lynch – Read it Here

Nose Ears – By Wuzzy – Read it Here – A little heavy handed sometimes but cute

Coupon Kids – By Tang – Read it Here

Through Hell with You – By Arthur Arbetman - Read it Here

Finished Comics:

Comics that posted up to completion

I do not have an Eating Disorder - by Khale Mchurst - No longer available free online - buy it here ($9): Link - Please Check Content Warnings

Polyamory Isn't For Everyone - by Khale Mchurst - No longer available free online - buy it here ($7): Link - Please Check Content Warnings

Post Cards in Braille - By Coni - Read it Here

Outcasts - By Majora Mortis - Read it Here

Drop Out - By Gray Folie - Read it Here

Fresh Meat - By Gray Folie - Read it Here

This is Not Romance - By Gatobob - Read it Here - 18+ and Please Check Content Warnings

Under Hiatus:

All comics that are on an official or unofficial long term pause in updates

Hard Lacquer - By Amelia Allore - Read it Here – Spy Drama-Comedy

Kitty Corner - By Chickpea (link to her tumblr) - Read it Here

To Greener Pastures - By Wunderground - Read it Here – Content Warning: Abuse, seriously, its there by the second page and it does not leave

Soil that Binds Us - By Tess Thompson - Read it Here -

Unfamiliar - By Lavendertowne – Read it Here

Welcome to the Circus – By Najsigt – Read it Here – some great clown designs

Scoob and Shag – By Misterie Krew - Read it Here – a “Yes and…” sort of comic

Drugs and Wires – By Mary Safro and Io Black – Read it here

funwithcolorz - by oakmovies - Read it here

Pasta monsters - by oakmovies - link to be added

Tales of the Otherfolk – By Zal Cryptid – Read it Here – a lil heavy handed and a lil clunky, but still a good time

Forever Unfinished:

These are all comics that are never getting finished

Cucumber Quest – By Gigi D.G. – Read it Here

#byrd.txt #webcomic post

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damnedsoulsneedsleep · 8 months

Text

❛ You must be quite special, Stefan. ❜ Nyx observed from her seat on the couch as she lifts her cup of blood-laced tea. She takes a sip, then adds on. ❛ It’s been a while since Sage has introduced me to anyone he sees or speaks of someone for hours to the point where it feels criminal for me not to at least make the request to meet them. ❜ She eyes Sage as a slight flush spread across her partner’s cheeks like a character from one of those rom-coms he made her watch. Some gentle teasing whilst speaking truthfully. She hasn’t been near a demon in a while and she’s holding up pretty well, considering she’d been tortured by some in the Circle of Greed. A prison she could’ve avoided centuries ago if she’d said yes i do to Lucifer instead of spitting in his face. But Nyx wasn’t going to be the wife of anyone anymore for her heart and soul would always be married to her fallen wife Enora. Stefan was different, she could tell. He was different and yet there was an aura of darkness around him. A darkness that somehow felt eerily familiar… She hadn’t noticed it before, too preoccupied by the fact she had a stranger — a demon — into her home. She sets her cup down on the lounge table and leans back into her seat as her fingers come to play with her pendant in which a vial of her wife’s blood resides. She seems lost in thought for a moment. Then, it hits her. Enora’s binding spell. This is what feels familiar, though her wife’s craft has been altered. Tainted. And that is the darkness she senses all over him.

❛ You alright, mon coeur? ❜ Sage asked, his voice laced with concern, as any warmth seem to have vanish from his partner’s features. His beloved looks like she’s seen a ghost. ❛ Perhaps it was too early for— ❜ Nyx doesn’t answer the question. She points to Stefan’s pocket where she knows the object is hidden. ❛ Where did you get this—- this abomination from? ❜ She inquires, at last, finger shaking from the anger and anguish she tries to contain, her deep brown eyes slowly turning to crimson red. @undertheinfluence

#sage and stefan #nyx and stefan

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baekhvuns · 1 year

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I'm literally leaving Feb 1st and coming back mid-March 🤡 I hate that someone I know will see them on Valentine's Day, even though idc for that holiday, she's gonna brag about it 🔫 maybe I'll catch a sight of them in the summer, but knowing my luck lmao. Also I need to save a lot of money for Korea, I'll earn some, but travelling isn't cheap, so yeah can't really get distracted with other shit. But I think I'm gonna see CIX in January then, their tickets aren't extremely expensive

Noooooo why would they give people more sex ideas 😭 do you even know why is the avocado there? I don't think Canada is particularly known for 🥑

I know GOMs don't do it for charity, but if your main priority is to win as many fan signs as you can, something is not right

The guy in My Little Monster was a yandere, so possessive and sometimes abusive? The girl was strange too, they're really mismatched, and he needed psychological help for sure. The story wanted to tackle serious problems, but ofc minimised them so 💀 I think the only good recent romance anime are Horimiya and Kaguya Sama, but yeah I need the isekai rom-coms back <3

Okay, but I'll forever be team Tasir, I'm sorry but he's smart, funny, entertaining, dumb and slutty, with good fashion sense and I think him and Latil fit together 😭 if he turns out bad I'm gonna kms. But the soft dick story??? The Great Sage curing it, what's going oooooon.

I wanted Neymar to cry, not score. Fuck poor SK IT WAS CARNAGE. I don't really watch a lot of matches, at least not actively, but I hope an underdog wins lol, it would be funny. Lmao so true Sorry, but Key is G.O.A.T get with the times. Also what a dumb banner anyway?

Yes a week-long wedding. The theme hmmm, is vampire too obvious?

If you knew how Alaric's story has ended too, nasty nasty man on and off screen

You're right, I can't stand not being able to see blonde Hwa, so no one should. Bald it is!

I don't remember all the SuperM songs that well, tbh and I don't trust SM now except for solo work and Shinee, because everything else is so mid or bad 💀

Bestie I don't even have legit winter boots ahdyasghzhsjssbgsgs but the snow is gone at least for now. It should be law to cancel everything once snow falls, life is over

I know Hyuna and Dawn were THE kpop couple and relationship goals etc, but people need to sit the fuck down and let them be. Yeah they were public, but it doesn't mean we need to psychoanalyse them

I know my tutor isn't very good at maths, but at least he's good looking <3. Yunjin is so cool, and actually you might be onto something with the Krystal comparison? Knock Down is so so good, I also recommend Pirates by them if you don't know it already, the song makes me a lil crazy and stupid

Hmmm. I prefer the beach, I clearly sucked at certain subjects, FUCK JACOB TEAM VAMPIRES who cares about some wolf men, family... no comment 🤐 but forest green is pretty nice

I wanted to say Seonghwa adopted Soul, but maybe it's the other way round. 🥰

Bestie have you seen Disenchanted... what a garbage, if they do the same to Princess Diaries 🔪

Naomi legit looked at him lmao, also Lewis Hamilton, Rob... fashion shows always bring so many unlikely matches together. I saw Eunwoo chatting with Robert though

Really trying to make me give model Hwa a second chance, huh?

I got two versions of the album, the Hwa one and one full black(?) idek I just wanna kiss vampire Seonghwa

This is appalling.... how, why, I'm not the best cook, but this???

My vampire instincts are kicking in... - DV 💖

hello!!

NAURRRRR STOP IT GET OUT 😭😭😭 stop bc block her rn idc idc u gotta CHOOSE YOU DBWMFBS,, maybe in summer tho! cb season and them tours again!!! earning big girl money! OOOOOO CIX???? PICTURES VIDEOS EVERYTHING WE NEED EVERYTHING !!!!!

Noooooo why would they give people more sex ideas 😭 do you even know why is the avocado there? I don't think Canada is particularly known for 🥑

😭😭😭 LMFAOOOO RIGHT ITS THE WAY PPL FOLLOW THEM FBWKD i have absolutely no idea but apparently an artist had made it so u can sit in it and reflect on ur uni experience and it has a shiny side so it reflects ??? a $20k statue just for hookups 🥰

I know GOMs don't do it for charity, but if your main priority is to win as many fan signs as you can, something is not right

yeah! like in the end of the day, most just do it out of the good, so the shipping is cheaper and ppl can get their wanted pc’s but this 😭😭😭 it’s too far 😭😭

IM SORRY???? but ur right, we need a comeback of those animes we are deprived of romance

LOOK IF SONNAUGHT DIDNT EXIST TASIR WOULD BE MY MAIN CHOICE, he’s so witty and dumb and a SLUT with a tiny waist, I SHIP THEM !!!! but sonnaught 😩😩 DBWKDHWK THE GREAT SAGE IS SO FUNNY HE GIVES KLEIN A RUN FOR HIS MONEY 😭😭😭 im very team sonnaught bc they give me the duke and the general vibes but reversed

LMFAOOOO HE WAS DANCING FAR FROM CRYING

ITS SO FUNNY FHWJDHQK 😭😭😭😭 IT TRULY WAS BUT THEY HAD A GOOD RUN! richarlison came at it again! japan could’ve been the new underdog if not for the missed penalties now its just all super predictable 😭😭 morocco tho! can be considered a underdog, their defense was SCARY,,, BDMWBDAKBDKW RONALDO COULD NEVER !!!!! no bc the banner thing is so funny, why r u comparing kpop to football 😭😭 in the end of the day who won that match anyways 😭🤚🏼 also 😭😭

Yes a week-long wedding. The theme hmmm, is vampire too obvious? /// If you knew how Alaric's story has ended too, nasty nasty man on and off screen

week long wedding AND A VAMPIRE CONCEPT??? BESTIE THE DRESS BETTER BE SOME FLOWY VAMPRESS ART !!!! …i just looked up what he did,, what the fuck???

You're right, I can't stand not being able to see blonde Hwa, so no one should. Bald it is! //// I don't remember all the SuperM songs that well, tbh and I don't trust SM now except for solo work and Shinee, because everything else is so mid or bad 💀

EXACTLY!! if u can’t see the blond, no one else in europe can 🔫🤚🏼 BALD IT ISNTJWJHDKW,, ur right,, sm truly has amazing solo projects,, they tend to give their older groups (ngl the rv cb’s have been mid, we need to stop the experimental and constant orchestral pieces! give us something like zoo! or something that actually screams S M,, not nct or aespa better songs + bsides recently, the whole experimental music thing has taken it away from actual music,, where did the sm harmonies go??? where iS THE TITLE TRACKS THAT WOULD HAVE WAS BY OUR NECKS??? the quality has been deteriorating ever since that chris lee began his reign 😭😭😭

Bestie I don't even have legit winter boots ahdyasghzhsjssbgsgs but the snow is gone at least for now. It should be law to cancel everything once snow falls, life is over

if i catch u slipping 😭😭😭 UR RIGHT IT SHOULD BE A LAW BC HOW’RE WE GONNA GET TO OUT WORKSPACES WITHOUT NOT HAVING TO WORRY ABT CAR CRASHES

I know Hyuna and Dawn were THE kpop couple and relationship goals etc, but people need to sit the fuck down and let them be. Yeah they were public, but it doesn't mean we need to psychoanalyse them

RIGHTTTT!!! the over psychoanalysis of relationships ruin the thing, the whole kai and jennie thing??? looking at posts and connecting the dots and shit??? when it was months apart?? the thv jennie thing?? analyzing every SINGLE interaction,, ppl have way, way too much time on their hands, kpop’s beyond ‘scary’ just leave them alone 😭😭

LMFAOOOO and just that factor alone will help u pass <333 yunjin is so cool, her ig?? i wanna be her friend so bad, her charisma?? of the ROOF,, DO U SEE IT TOO??? I THOUGHT I WAS GOIKG CRAZY I KEEP SEEING KRYSTAL IN HER ???? im about to stan yunjin to my deathbed after this

wait bestie do u rmr this, another year went by now 😭😭 we could’ve got krystal lore,, or even her in the new sm’s got! SM NEEDS TO ROT!!!!!

they are onto something

Hmmm. I prefer the beach, I clearly sucked at certain subjects, FUCK JACOB TEAM VAMPIRES who cares about some wolf men, family... no comment 🤐 but forest green is pretty nice

FBWKDHWK SET US UP AGAIN HC I GOT THE SAME 🔫🔫🔫 WHEN I SAW THE TWILIGHT I IMMEDIATELY SCREAMED BC FURRIES 😭😭furry core <33 💖💓🥰☺️✨ forest green is! pretty nice, what a calming colour truly

I wanted to say Seonghwa adopted Soul, but maybe it's the other way round. 🥰 // Bestie have you seen Disenchanted... what a garbage, if they do the same to Princess Diaries 🔪

IT DEF IS THE OTHER WAY AROUND THEIR FRIENDSHIP IS SO PURE BUT AWKWARD BUT WHOLESOME 😭😭😭 stop i have not IS IT THAT BAD??? if they ruin princess diaries oHo they’re catching HANDS

Naomi legit looked at him lmao, also Lewis Hamilton, Rob... fashion shows always bring so many unlikely matches together. I saw Eunwoo chatting with Robert though

THEY ALL DID AND THE MF WENT TO EUNWOO ALL GIGGLY AND SHIT 😭😭😭 no bc what was mr hamilton doing there?? 😭😭 eunwoo & robert ate idc idc, two modern age vampires in one photo 🤌🏼

Really trying to make me give model Hwa a second chance, huh?

I got two versions of the album, the Hwa one and one full black(?) idek I just wanna kiss vampire Seonghwa

HELLO????&£€£€ WHAT PC’S WHICH ONES WHEN IS COMING !!! FRAME THE ALBUM JUICE AYO !!!! EVERY PC NEEDS TO BE FRAMED

This is appalling.... how, why, I'm not the best cook, but this??? // My vampire instincts are kicking in... - DV 💖

they’re this bad??? how are they gonna get someone to marry then if they cant cook?🤨 vampire instincts or a neck kink..

u ever just be so jealous of someone’s lips

????

and this? what goes on 😭😭

this yeosang edit!

and 😶😶

got another quiz bc they set us up

#✉️ : ask #dv 💖 anon

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spunsugarsims · 3 years

Photo

Delphine took some time off from her job as a musician during her pregnancy. Yvette invited friends over occasionally to make sure her wife didn’t get lonely. She was working long hours in the hopes of getting a promotion to better support her growing family.

#ts4 #berry sweet sims #eevee legacy #Évoli legacy #Évoli gen 1 #Yvette Évoli #Delphine Wave #yes that is one of the RoM sages #he just showed up at their door one stormy night like a stray animal #now he's their friend

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pinkoptics · 3 years

Text

AU-gust 2021 Prompts

3. Hipsters / 16. Hippies

Erik detests hipsters and hippies and, to be honest, isn’t even sure what the difference is, nor does he particularly care. The things he will do for Charles…

Modern AU. Still have powers. Grumpy Erik. Adorable Charles. Meet Cute. Silliness.

3392 Words

Erik hated everything about this place.

Absolutely everything.

He could write a dissertation on its failings, which were abundant.

Its first sin was being directly across from his apartment building. When he looked out his window, he saw it. When he stepped out of the lobby doors, he saw it. When he pulled his car out of the parking garage, he saw it. It was an unavoidable part of every single day of his life.

Its second sin was what it had replaced. Previously, there had been a diner. A kosher diner. A diner that had tasted like his childhood. It had been a hole in the wall, never looked quite clean, but the coffee had been strong enough to caffeinate an elephant and the food almost as good as his mama’s. Most people had passed it by. Just another slightly dingy New York eatery that you didn’t give a second thought. Quiet. A refuge for those in the know. Then came the hipster gentrification, ruining not only his precious diner, but the neighbourhood in general.

Its third sin was its name. Plant. In and of itself the name ‘Plant’ was harmless, inoffensive. Just a word. It conjured images of a vegan eatery, bistro, restaurant, or maybe if taken 100% literally, a store that sold plants. All of which would have been fine. He had nothing against plants and, sure, he ate meat (kosher meat), but happily ate vegetarian dishes as well. But no, it was not a plant store or even a vegan eatery, it was a vegan coffeehouse. Coffee came from plants, Erik knew this, so the name passed on that technicality, but it did not scream ‘coffee.’ Why not ‘Bean’ if it needed to conform to the trendy one-word-naming that had for reasons unknown come with the gentrification. It was couched between ‘Table’ (a restaurant) and ‘Sweat’ (a boutique gym). Plant did not equal coffee, and that knowledge crawled under his skin every time he saw the stylized lettering.

Its fourth sin was the coffee. Erik wasn’t particularly picky about his brew, whether at home or out. Cheap diner swill, the finest Italian espresso, the Keurig at the office, the ridiculously expensive machine that produced the perfect cappuccino at Emma’s apartment, whatever. Plant’s beans were fine as beans went, the roast satisfactory, but then ruined with its accompaniments. They carried a variety of ‘mylks.’ Yes, with a ‘y’. He preferred lattes, and would have been fine with oat or almond— if only it was spelled with a fucking ‘i’. Every time he saw the pretentious letter, he felt the urge to take a sharpie and commit as many acts of misdemeanour graffiti as necessary until all the ‘y’s were gone.

Its fifth sin was its staff. He could have tolerated their always sunny dispositions (even if it were literally impossible for any customer service employee to be that happy all the time). He could have tolerated their ridiculous hipster (or was it hippy?) apparel, moustaches, beards and hairstyles (what was even the difference between the two?). What he could not handle was the way they called him ‘friend.’ Every. Single. Time. He could count his friends on one hand and none of them worked at Plant. Their ‘peace, love and joy’ vibe made him grind his teeth and wish he had a mutation that would allow him to send them back to the 1960s.

And yet…

“Good morning friend! Amazing day, right?” It was, in fact, pouring so hard the streets were borderline flooding. “Usual? Or do you want to try—”

Erik had long ago learned to immediately tune out the suggestions, but was sure he caught the word ‘sage.’ Who in their right fucking mind wanted sage in their coffee? Yes, he was inside the loathed establishment wasting precious brain cells wondering why anyone felt the need to mess with the simple perfection that was coffee and milk. Yes, he was there often enough that the employees knew him on sight. Yes, he had a usual order.

It wasn’t his fault.

It really wasn’t.

It was the fault of a pair of the bluest eyes he had ever seen.

This shouldn’t have been the case. The whole thing was ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. The entire story more at home on the W Network or Hallmark, than in his very real, not-a-rom-com, life. And yet, here he was, having his 24th latte with mylk in a row and questioning his very sanity.

It had all started, just over a month ago, directly in front of Plant. To this day, Erik wasn’t sure whose fault it had been. He’d been on his phone, eviscerating a junior partner for a monstrous fuck up, and so livid that he was not at all paying attention to his surroundings. The blue-eyed man he’d run into, however, had claimed equal distraction, so perhaps the blame rested on both of their shoulders.

They had crashed into each other— papers flew, his phone flipped through the air and they ended up in a heap on the sidewalk, Erik atop the smaller frame beneath him. Already late for work, already pissed off with the junior partner beyond reason, Erik had been ready to re-direct his anger and tear whoever it was a new one, when the aforementioned blue eyes had arrested the words in his throat. He had admitted this to no one. Hell, he barely admitted it in the sanctity of his own mind because he was not a 12 year old girl, but a senior partner in one of the most prestigious architecture firms in New York. He did not go soft over a pair of gorgeous eyes (except, apparently, that he did), particularly when he hadn’t even seen the face that went with the eyes, which could have been grotesquely unattractive (it wasn’t).

The mouth that went with the eyes was absurdly red and absurdly kissable. The face angelic. To his eternal, internal embarrassment he had thought that exact word— angelic. He wished he could have blamed his temporary insanity on hitting his head, but having fallen on top, he couldn’t. If anyone had a concussion it was the ocean-eyed, ruby-lipped angel man. The ruby lips had spluttered apologies in a gorgeous British accent (not something Erik had until now found to be a turn on) as they scrambled off each other, righting clothes and belongings.

“Your phone!” the man had moaned. “Is it all right?”

The screen did appear to have a crack, but in another moment of lunacy, Erik pocketed it before the Angel could see and muttered something about it being fine. Instead, Erik helped him to collect the papers that had fluttered every which way, including the road, where they were already being demolished by a steady stream of vehicles.

“I hope those weren’t important.”

The man laughed, it was a very nice sound. “Not as such, no. I’m sure my students will be delighted to hear that their papers were torn asunder. They already mock me for printing them at all. I could mark them on my laptop like a proper 21st century individual, but there’s something about the feel of paper and pen that I just cannot let go of. It’s— and, as I go on and see your expression, I realize a simple ‘no’ likely would have sufficed.”

What did he see in Erik’s expression? A man besotted? Enamoured? Smitten? Any other number of words he had never used in regard to himself or anyone else in his entire life? Fuck. Erik tried to school has face into its usual disdain for the world and ninety-nine percent of the people in it, but if he was as in control of his facial muscles as he was of his thoughts, he knew he was failing miserably.

Erik handed him the last of the papers they could possibly retrieve. “I agree— about the pen and paper, I mean.” He did. As incredible as design software was these days, he always started on paper. The precision needed to draw the perfect straight lines and angles of a new building gave him a feeling of immense satisfaction in a way little else did.

“Oh, well, glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t forsaken the old ways.”

His smile.

Fuck fuck fuck.

Erik cleared his throat. “Let me buy you a coffee.”

Had he just said that?

Traitorous voice.

Was he gesturing at Plant?

Traitorous body.

He’d never been inside. On principle. Apparently, principle flew out the window for charming British men with cornflower (cornflower?!) blue eyes. The man blinked those eyes, as though not expecting the kindness.

Erik gestured at the papers. “I’ve clearly set your work back and I’ve ruined your—” cardigan. Erik blinked as his clothes came into focus. The man he was suddenly, desperately, attracted to was wearing a baggy, grandpa cardigan. Erik began to wonder if he had never woken up that morning. Maybe he was still in bed, across the street. Maybe this was a fever dream.

“Oh! I’ve dozens more just like it. It’s nothing.” He swatted ineffectually at the dirt covering one sleeve.

“Please.”

The man cocked his head. “Well… all right.”

So Erik had. In the end it had been a tea, not coffee. Earl grey with mylk. The interaction had ended there, awkwardly. Most likely his own fault. He didn’t do flirting with random strangers he’d just plowed into on the street. He didn’t generally do flirting at all. Moreover, he was now very late and had the junior partner’s fuck ups to fix before this afternoon’s meeting with their client. So, he’d left, stumbling over his goodbyes.

The day that followed hadn’t afforded much opportunity to think on the chance encounter. Not with employees to castrate and clients to placate. It wasn’t until he was home, looking out the bank of front windows at Plant that his thoughts drifted back to Blue Eyes. Which was, unfortunately, what he had christened him in his head because he’d never gotten the man’s name. Erik had gone to bed, mind clouded with thoughts, dreamt of him, and woken up with those same thoughts. Emma had always said his was one of the most disciplined minds she had ever encountered.

So much for that.

It was only a complete loss of that discipline that could possibly explain why he’d unnecessarily crossed the street the next morning and entered the obnoxious establishment for a second time, without even a moment’s hesitation. His eyes had immediately scanned for a mop of just overlong brown hair (yes, he’d noted that too, as well as just how much he wanted to run his hands through it). When they’d landed upon said hair, curling delightfully upon Blue Eyes’ forehead, Erik had been genuinely surprised. This clearly made the man a Plant regular, which should have been a point against him — a massive point — yet here Erik was, seeking him out regardless. Blue Eyes had looked up at him then, gifting him with a smile and acknowledging him with a nod, before returning to a set of what Erik had to guess were re-printed term papers.

Such was the story of how Erik had become a regular customer with a regular order.

Most days Blue Eyes was there before he came in, sometimes working on laptop or in a notebook, other times reading a book or a journal. Erik had caught a title once — The Oxford Journal of Genetics — which led him to conclude, that along with clearly being a professor, this proved the man must have a brain to back up the looks. Another point in his favour, as Erik had no patience for stupidity, no matter how pretty a package it came in.

Erik’s day was such that he usually needed to take his order to go. The few days where he could scrape together a few extra minutes, he grabbed his own table. He hadn’t once attempted to kid himself that it was because he enjoyed the ambience— that level of denial would have been absurd. No, it was clearly so he could spend a few extra minutes trying to stare, in a way that wasn’t blatantly obvious, at his… crush. Crush. He might as well think the word because that’s what it was. Only days after meeting him, Erik had caught himself, pen poised, about to doodle hearts on his notepad at a meeting. The mental pinch and knowing look Emma had sent his way had made him extra testy for the rest of the day. The wide berth everyone but Emma had given him was a testament to that.

And yet…

He never approached Blue Eyes. They exchanged nods, occasional hellos, but never anything more. Out of all of his out of character behaviour — and there was a lot of it at this point — this rattled him most. Erik had a reputation in professional and personal circles. He was confident, forbidding, occasionally arrogant, and brazen in pursuing designs no one else thought possible to execute. Erik went after what he wanted in life with borderline fanaticism.

He did not sit and observe from afar, mentally warring with himself, while also berating himself, for not having the balls to ask to join him, or buy him another tea, or inquire as to what he was reading. There were any number of conversational openings, but 24th latte in, he still hadn’t taken any of them. With each passing day the side of him that decided against it (or ‘chickened out’ as the nastier part of his mind supplied) became stronger and stronger. Blue Eyes hadn’t engaged with him either. Maybe he wasn’t gay. Maybe Erik wasn’t his type. Maybe he was already in a relationship. The chances that he was being just as melodramatic as Erik was being in his own head seemed slim. So, Erik continued to act foolish — alternately wondering how long he would continue to do so and how good a kisser Blue Eyes might be with lips like that.

It was on latte #26 that everything changed— no thanks to Erik.

He had decided to sit at a table that day and engage in his usual ‘I’m staring but I’m not staring’ routine. He was in the ‘not-staring’ portion, scrolling through his emails without really paying attention to any of them, when he was startled out of it by the chair across from him suddenly becoming occupied.

Blue Eyes.

“I can’t take it anymore.”

“Wha—”

“You come in here every day. Every day. Sometimes you stay, sometimes you don’t. It’s baffling because there is one thing I know for certain— you hate it here. No, you loathe it. And, there are literally dozens of other coffee houses within walking distance. You clearly don’t belong—” Blue Eyes gestured up and down at what was likely Erik’s three piece suit, then at Plant in general, where there wasn’t a single person so much as sporting dress pants. Erik counted at least two man buns, one head of dreadlocks and a form of baggy pants Erik didn’t even have a name for. “—and I am fascinated by things that don’t belong. Things that don’t make sense. Puzzles. You don’t make sense. There is no way the coffee is that good. And yet, here you are. Oh! Where are my manners? I’m Charles.”

Blue Eyes — no, Charles — extended his hand across the table and, reflexively, Erik took it, shaking it gingerly.

Charles laughed. “I don’t bite. I entirely talk too much, ask anyone, but I don’t bite.”

Erik rather wished that he did.

“How did you— my suit?”

Thankfully, Charles seemed to follow his meaning. “Oh no, the suit is only corroborating evidence. As is the way you look down your nose at everything in here. It’s your mind.” Charles tapped his temple. “Telepath. I swear to you I haven’t dug any deeper than the surface swirl of utter distaste for this establishment. Then I’d know, wouldn’t I? Wouldn’t be here asking.”

Telepath. Blue E— Charles was a mutant. Erik was fairly certain his knees went a little weak. Good thing they were sitting. However… what on earth could he say? ‘I’ve essentially been stalking you’ hardly seemed like an opener that was going to get him where he wanted to be. Erik cleared his throat, buying time, as those keen eyes continued to look at him expectantly. While Erik wasn’t verbose, he also never found himself at a loss for words, except for here and now, where the truth was exceptionally embarrassing.

His pause, it seemed, went on too long because Charles jumped back into the fray. “Good lord, I’ve ambushed you, haven’t I? Clearly, you don’t have to answer the mad man who mowed you down on the sidewalk and then ambushed the peaceful solitude of your morning coffee. I apologize and will bugger right off if you tell me to. However, if it helps any, I don’t like it here either. It’s trying too bloody hard to be ‘on trend,’ isn’t it? For a cultural subset who pride themselves on not being pretentious they’ve entirely failed, haven’t they? And, I’m English, I know pretentious.” He laughed self-depreciatingly at that.

A beat for his mind to catch up to the second verbal barrage and Erik finally had a response. “If you like it as little as I do, then why are you here?”

Charles’ mouth formed a perfect little ‘o’ of surprise. He scratched the back of his neck and, for a moment, looked everywhere but Erik. “Blast. I’m caught, aren’t I?”

His cheeks reddened adorably. Since when did Erik find anything adorable? Since now, apparently. This man broke all of his rules.

Charles gave an adorable (christ) little shrug of his shoulders. “I suppose I best come clean.” He looked Erik squarely in the eye. “You’re gorgeous. You bought me tea. I came back thinking I’d ask you out. But you’re so… I lost my nerve. Have been doing the same daily ever since.”

“I’m so… ?”

The cheeks reddened further.

“Entirely too gorgeous for me.” Charles gestured at today’s grandfatherly cardigan. “Besides that—”

“You’re perfect.”

Fucking hell. When had his mind decided to say things without his permission?

It produced another, adorable, surprised little ‘o’. “I’m sorry— What?”

In for a penny…

“I had never set foot in Plant before we crashed into each other. Never would have because I do hate everything about it. Everything except you, who I thought were a regular—”

“I thought you were a regular.”

“— and wanted to ask you out.”

“I’d never been here before ei— you wanted to ask me out?”

They stopped, collective words sinking into respective minds.

Charles threw his head back, laughing. “If I didn’t know better—“ He tapped his temple again. “— I’d think you’re having me on.”

His laughter was infectious and Erik found he was smiling despite himself. He gave his own little shrug. “I don’t lie.”

“No, you don’t, do you? I can’t believe we both—”

“Me either.”

“This is too much. Wait… Why are we still here?”

“I’m sorry?”

Charles leaned forward and plucked Erik’s latte with oat mylk from his hand. “Can I buy you a coffee? A real coffee? Where they know how to spell the word milk? At the cafe I actually frequented before I began co-starring with you in a romcom so terrible my sister wouldn’t even watch it?”

He was already standing up, as if assured Erik would say yes, which every single bone in his body was blaring loudly for him to do. It didn’t seem to matter to any part of him that he would be blowing off work, a thought he discarded as quickly as it appeared. Just another out of character thing to add to the list. He followed. “I’m Erik, by the way.”

Charles looked back, as he collected his belongings, and grinned sheepishly. “I know.”

That was the last time Erik set foot in Plant until exactly a year later. He ordered latte #27 with Blue-Eyed Charles on his arm, after having crossed the street from their apartment, to celebrate their first anniversary. As Charles smiled at him over his Earl Gray with mylk, Erik found he couldn’t quite hate the damned coffee shop as much as he had before.

#cherik #cherik fanfic #charles xavier #erik lehnsherr #pinkoptics fic #au_gust #augustwritingchallenge

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kraekat29 · 2 years

Text

@wannabestarkeysgirl here’s part six enjoy:

*My love by Sia plays *

It was the night of prom at the Kook Academy, Sarah stood behind Ruby and applied the last pin to her hair.

Ruby looked at her reflection, her brown hair was in loose curls, pulled back to almost half up half down, her knee length blue dress was borrowed by Sarah, she grimaced at the black walking boot that went up her thigh.

she’d told Rafe she fell down a flight of stairs but actually she was messing around with JJ on the H.M.S. Pogue, and flipped off the boat, hitting her leg so hard off the side it broke.

She turned once Sarah was done and sighed, “Sarah can I tell you a secret? Promise you won’t tell?” Ruby asked and Sarah nodded,

“yeah of course, I promise” Sarah said and Ruby turned to the mirror again, “my name isn’t Butterfly.. It’s Ruby, Ruby Routledge”she said, god her name sounded so foregin.

Sarah was quiet for a moment then laughed, “ I knew it!” she said and Ruby turned around,

“does- does Rafe know?” she was terrified of the thought, “no, he doesn’t know” the blonde got up and hugged the brunette, she hugged her back, a weight was lifted off her shoulders, if it was this easy to tell Sarah she could tell Rafe.

Sarah opened her bedroom door and Ruby locked eyes with Rafe, even with a simple black suit he was breathtaking, she reached forward and took his hand in hers, shivering slightly as he trailed his hand up her arm and shoulder.

***********************************************

They arrived at the prom, the lights were bright and music was blaring. Ruby wanted to run away, she wanted to go to the chateau and curl against JJ while watching some stupid rom-com and throw popcorn at John B.

But here she was with Rafe, she looked over and saw Sarah with Topper, she sighed obviously that was a no go.

Rafe lifted her over the curve in led her inside, it was all too much but she stopped seeing Sage ‘oh god please no, not tonight, please not tonight’ she thought to herself but felt her heart shatter as JJ went over to Sage with two cups, “do you wanna get out of here?” Rafe asked, feeling Ruby’s death grip on his hand, “please?” she asked and he nodded, leading her out to a small gazebo.

*Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine plays* Rafe pulled Ruby closer and lifted her so her feet rested on top of his, he started to slow dance with her, making her mind finally find peace.

Rafe kissed the top of her head and Ruby relaxed against him, her heart still ached but Rafe was calming it,

“Rafe.. I-I need to tell you something..” she started but he put a finger against her lips as they danced, “run away with me..” he said and she looked at him in shock, “Rafe-” she tried, “ is it not enough to just have a long and happy life with me?” he asked and she nodded, “for now.. Yes..” she said and he connected their lips, dipping her down and kissing her slowly but passionately.

He pulled her back up and they began to dance again, no one would surrender tonight, it was prom and she wanted nothing more than the Cameron boy in that moment.

From the overlook JJ looked down and watched them, a stray tear slipped down his cheek but then he smirked and turned to walk down the stairs, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

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disneygirl626 · 3 years

Text

Peter Parker x Reader :Journey: (2/2)

(Y/n) stood sideways in front of the mirror, a frown etched deep in her features.

“If you keep frowning like that your face is going to get stuck.”

She jumped and turned, watching her husband walk over to her. “Haha, very funny.”

“What’re you doing anyway?” Peter asked with a chuckle.

“Pete, look, the baby bump is already showing! They’re going to see right through me!” (Y/n) said, looking back at the mirror and placing her hands on her stomach.

While she was right, there was a bump, that’s also all it was. A bump. Barely even that, to be honest.

“Honey, I don’t think they’ll notice it,” Peter said, wrapping his arms around his wife from behind. His hands landed on her stomach and she smiled.

“What time is dinner again?” (Y/n) asked.

“Pepper said to be there at 6, but Tony said 7 so I have no idea,” Peter said, earning a laugh from (Y/n).

“May and Happy are coming too, right?” (Y/n) asked.

“Yep. How do you think we should tell everyone about the baby?” Peter asked.

“I don’t know. There’s so many options!” (Y/n) had been watching YouTube videos all day in preparation. She figured this is something they should’ve planned beforehand, but time had gotten away from her and before she knew it it was the day of the dinner and they still had no plan.

“We could do the picture thing,” Peter suggested.

“But who would take it?” (Y/n) asked as she went back to getting ready.

Peter plopped down on their bed with a bounce. “Oh yeah… Why don’t we do the onesie thing? Where it says ‘coming soon’ or something like that.”

“I think you have to have those custom made,” (Y/n) said.

The couple sat in silence, each racking their brains to think of something.

“What do you think of the ultrasound idea?” (Y/n) asked.

“Nah, it needs to be more creative,” Peter said, making his wife smirk.

“What’s that look for?” Peter asked, grinning.

“You’re just adorable,” (Y/n) said.

Peter’s grin widened before it slowly started to fade. “Have you.. have you thought anymore about telling your parents?”

His wife’s smile faded as well. After (Y/n) had gotten engaged to Peter, she and her family had gotten into a huge argument with her family. Her parents highly disapproved of Peter and wanted (Y/n) to go back to school instead of settling down so quickly.

They’d been invited to the wedding but no one had shown up. When Tony found out about that, he had offered to walk (Y/n) down the aisle and give her away. To say that she had started crying was an understatement.

Anyway, she hadn’t heard from her family since before the wedding so she hadn’t planned on telling them about the baby.

“I’ve thought about it. I just don’t know, Peter. There’s only two ways this could go and neither of them are good.”

“It’s completely up to you, (N/n). I’ll support whatever you choose,” Peter said. (Y/n) gave him a small smile.

She finished getting ready, but couldn’t shake that thought out of her head. If she did try to call them they could either ignore her or answer and give her a lecture about how she’s too young to be a mom and yada yada yada.

Her and Peter discussed how to surprise the rest of the family during the whole ride to the compound and came up with the perfect plan.

(Y/n) began shaking with nervous excitement as they pulled up to the compound.

“You ok?” Peter asked, frowning a little bit.

“Mhm,” she replied, climbing out of the car as May came to greet them.

“Hi guys!” she said happily. She ran over to (Y/n) and squeezed her in a hug. “I’ve missed you both!”

(Y/n) laughed as she hugged May. “We’ve missed you too!”

“Are you ok? You look… different. Not bad different, just different. Like you’re… glowing almost.”

(Y/n) froze for a split second. Peter saved her from having to answer as he walked over and squeezed his aunt in a hug.

May eyed (Y/n) suspiciously as the trio headed inside, but she didn’t say anything else about it.

“Hey, lovebirds,” Tony said with a grin.

Peter rolled his eyes but (Y/n) just smirked. The night continued on with (Y/n) on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She was sure they saw right through her. What if they weren’t happy about it? What if they thought they were too young to be parents? Her mom had been in her life, but she wasn’t exactly the best mom in the world. What if she wasn’t a good mom? What if-

“Hey.”

(Y/n) pulled herself out of her spiral of worry and looked up to find her husband watching her with a frown. “You ok?” he whispered, giving her hand a squeeze.

She forced a smile and nodded. “I’m ok. Just… tired I guess.”

Peter didn’t look like he believed her, but they didn’t have the chance to talk about it before FRIDAY announced the takeout they ordered had arrived.

As they sat around the living room and munched on the food, (Y/n) caught her husband’s eye and nodded, biting her lip in a smile. Her hands trembled as she handed May and Happy and Tony and Pepper a small gift as the conversation died down.

“What’s this?” May asked suspiciously, eyeing the small rectangle box with a little smile.

“A present,” (Y/n) replied, sitting next to Peter and taking his hand.

The couple’s opened their respective boxes, pulling out a sandwich baggie with ‘Spider-baby coming soon!’ written on it and a positive pregnancy stick in it.

Pepper was the first to catch on. She let out a happy little scream and jumped up, throwing the baggie at Tony in the process.

(Y/n) stood as Pepper practically bounced over and threw her arms around her and Peter. (Y/n) laughed as May caught on next, having about the same reaction as Pepper. Happy and Tony caught on shortly after that. They were excited but their reaction was a bit calmer than the women.

The months seemed to fly by after that. The first trimester had been rough. Morning sickness had hit (Y/n) like a brick wall. Most of the time she could only eat a couple saltines and drink some chicken broth.

There had been one point where they’d almost had to go see Helen, but thankfully everything worked itself out. They did call Dr. Cho a couple times, but without being able to actually see (Y/n), she had to guess it was from the radiation that changed Peter’s DNA.

“But-but he or she isn’t going to be an actual spider-baby, right?” (Y/n) had asked, having gone pale.

“No, I don't think so, (Y/n). He or she might have some powers, but I highly doubt it,” Helen had replied.

During the second trimester, the morning sickness gradually left and (Y/n) was hit with a whole bunch of cravings. The second trimester became (Y/n)’s favorite part of the pregnancy. She was able to actually eat normal food without puking her guts out ten minutes later and she felt great!

“(Y/n), are you sure you should be up there?”

“Ned, relax, it’s just a ladder.”

“Exactly, it’s a ladder! It could topple over at any second!”

“It won’t if you’re holding it.”

Ned tightened his grip on the metal ladder as he watched one of his best friends attempt to paint the wall in front of her. They were keeping the baby’s gender a surprise until he or she was born, so they had been a pretty sage green for the walls.

Peter was returning tomorrow night from a business trip with Stark Industries, so (Y/n) had called Ned and MJ to come help her decorate the nursery to surprise Peter.

The puking from the first trimester had taken its toll on (Y/n). She was a lot thinner now, except for the growing bump, and got dizzy pretty easily.

(Y/n) inched closer to the wall, much to Ned’s dismay. “(Y/n), do I need to call MJ?”

“No, I’m perfectly capable of doing this,” (Y/n) said, tongue poking out the side of her mouth as she concentrated on not hitting the ceiling.

“Capable of doing what?” MJ asked as she walked in. She carried bags from various baby stores, which she set in a pile in the middle of the room.

“(Y/n)’s trying to give me a heart attack,” Ned replied.

Said woman glared at him. “Am not.”

“(Y/n), do you really think you should be up there? What if you have a dizzy spell?” MJ asked, crossing her arms.

“I’ll be fine. Just let me get this last part then I’ll - oh!”

MJ and Ned raced over, but (Y/n) didn’t fall. Instead, she dropped the roller as her hand flew to her bump.

“What? What’s wrong?” Ned asked.

“He or she kicked!” (Y/n) said, grinning. She got down from the ladder and grabbed her friend’s hands, placing them on her belly. The baby kicked again, making grins pull at Ned and MJ’s lips.

“I wish Peter was here!” (Y/n) said, smiling bigger than she had in a while.

“(Y/n)?” someone called, making all three heads turn to the living room.

“Peter!” (Y/n) said happily, running to the doorway. She planted a kiss on his lips before grabbing his hand and putting it on her belly.

“(Y/n), what-?”

“Shh! Just watch!”

Sure enough, the baby kicked Peter’s hand. “Whoa!”

He grinned and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

The third trimester brought cramps, swollen feet, and weekly checkups. As the baby grew bigger, (Y/n)’s body began having a hard time adjusting. She became iron deficient and was confined to bed rest within the last couple weeks of her pregnancy due to other complications.

“Peter, I swear, I’ll be ok. Go be Spider-man for a little bit. I’ll call you if anything happens,” (Y/n) said, giving her husband’s hand a squeeze.

“But-”

“No buts. Baby and I will be ok, I promise.”

“What if you have to go to the bathroom? Or what if you get hungry?” Peter asked.

“I called MJ. We’re going to have a girls night,” (Y/n) said, one hand rubbing her large stomach while the other held her husband’s hand tightly.

Peter hesitated. “You swear you’ll call me if anything happens?”

“Yes,” (Y/n) said with a loving smile.

“Fine. I’ll only be gone for a few hours though, ok?”

“Ok. Stay safe, love,” (Y/n) said, pecking his lips before he got up.

“You too,” Peter said. He gave her belly a kiss before suiting up and jumping out the window.

“I will never get used to that,” (Y/n) sighed.

MJ showed up half an hour later and the girls filled up with junk food and cheesy rom-coms.

“So when are you due?” MJ asked as she left to refill the popcorn bucket.

“Two more weeks. But we don’t even know if it’ll actually happen on that day,” (Y/n) said, resting her head on the pillow behind her as she scrolled through Instagram.

A sharp pain shot through her body, making her wince. She didn’t think much of it, it’s been happening a lot lately. Then water began pooling under her thighs. She paled and muttered a curse.

“Uh.. Michelle?”

“I’m coming! Don’t play the movie yet!” MJ called back.

“MJ, my water broke!”

A crash came from the kitchen as MJ ran back into the bedroom. “Are you ok? Does anything hurt?”

“No-no, I’m ok. What-what should I do?” (Y/n) said as the situation began to set in.

“Call Peter. I’ll get your bag and your shoes,” MJ said.

(Y/n) had never been more thankful for her friend’s calmness before now. She tried her husband five times before giving up and leaving a message. She then tried Tony, who answered on the third ring.

“Hey, (Y/n), what’s up?”

“Tony, my water just broke and I can’t get a hold of my husband. I sent him out to be Spider-man for a little bit, but now he’s not answering!”

“OK, stay calm, (N/n). I’ll go look for him and make sure everything’s ok. Are you by yourself?”

“No, MJ is here with me. Call me when you find him!” (Y/n) said as MJ ran back in with (Y/n)’s sandals and hospital bag.

“Will do, kid.”

They hung up and called the hospital. Due to all of her complications so far, they told her to come in right away.

So MJ hailed a cab and helped her very pregnant friend down the stairs and into said cab. ON the way, they call Ned who met them at the hospital.

(Y/n) was called back into a room almost immediately with her friends by her side.

“Anything from Tony?” (Y/n) asked MJ.

As if on cue, her phone began ringing. MJ put it on speaker and said, “Tony? Did you find him?”

“Yeah, he’s fine. We’re on our way now. How’s she doing?”

“I’m fine, just get here quickly please!” (Y/n) said.

“We’re almost there!” Tony said before they hung up.

Well, after that phone call things rapidly went downhill. They gave her an epidural, and shortly after that (Y/n)’s blood pressure began dropping drastically, resulting in some panicked nurses and doctors.

(Y/n) began having trouble staying awake and the epidural wasn’t even working, which meant she was still in pain.

“MJ!”

MJ and Ned looked up from the seat they’d claimed as Peter and Tony ran in. Peter had a black eye and a cut on his cheek, but other than that he looked ok.

“Where is she? Is she ok?” Peter asked.

“Her blood pressure is dropping. They kicked us out,” Ned said.

“She’s in that room,” MJ said, pointing discreetly to the room across from them.

Peter raced in to find his pregnant wife pale and asleep while a doctor and nurse talked next to her. They both looked up when Peter walked in.

“I’m Peter, I’m her husband. What’s going on?” he said quickly.

“We’re going to have to do an emergency c-section, it’s not healthy for your wife or your baby if we try to wait,” the doctor said.

So that’s what happened. Almost three hours later, the Spider-baby was brought into the world and (Y/n)’s blood pressure started rising back to normal. She woke up almost thirty minutes after the baby was born to find Peter sitting next to her bed and holding her hand.

“Is the baby ok? Where-what happened?” she asked weakly.

“The baby is great. They have her in the NICU just to be safe for a couple days, but they said as soon as you feel like it we can go visit her,” Peter said, a soft smile on his face.

“Her? It’s a girl?” (Y/n) asked, smiling.

“We have a daughter, (N/n),” Peter said.

They found (Y/n) a wheelchair then went straight to the NICU.

“You must be Baby Parker’s parents. She’s doing great, she should be able to leave in a few days,” a nurse said with a kind smile.

“Thank you,” Peter said.

“Pete, she’s so beautiful,” (Y/n) said with tears in her eyes.

“What should we name her?” Peter asked.

“You pick the first name and I’ll pick the middle name,” (Y/n) said.

“Clara,” Peter said almost instantly.

“May,” (Y/n) said, just as quickly.

They smiled. “Clara May Parker.”

——

A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for reading! I know I brought up the parent thing, then never did anything with it so I was thinking of doing a little spinoff oneshot of this later on. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed these twoshots!

#peter parker x reader #peter parker #reader inserts #x readers #pregnant reader #peter parker x pregnant!reader #tom holland #zendaya #jacob batalon #tony stark #may parker #robert downey jr #michelle jones #ned leeds #fanfiction #fanfic #marvel #spiderman #marvel movies

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izayoichan · 3 years

Note

For the 100 OC Questions:

Flynn: 91-100

Fannar: 81-90

Chris: 31-40

Hayle: 51-60

Hayden: 61-70

Vy: 71-80

Lucas: 21-30

River: 41-50

Brooke: 1-10

Meadow: 1-20

A few questions for almost everyone XD

This will be LONG, so under a line.. because LONG!!

Flynn:

91. Do other characters respect your OC, if so, is it out of fear? Or do they respect your OC because they like them?

Some respect him, most do and it's mostly from him being who he is. A friendly guy that's generally nice to everyone. Flynn is simply a very likable fellow.

92. If they were given minutes to live, what would they do? Who would they want to see and say?

The one person Flynn would go to see is his dad, and he'd probably tell him that he loves him and to not take blame for anything that has happened, and to care for the rest of his family. Then he would just hug him until his time was up. His dad is the most important person in the world for Flynn

93. How do they deal with stress?

He tends to go for a run, or talk to someone about what stresses him if he can. Most often this person is Brooke, or later Emil.

94. Do they have a more submissive or dominate personality type?

I think he is a bit of a mix, but like his mom, leaning on the submissive.

95. Do they have a pet?

Atm not really, he has Emil as a familiar, and the family has two pets in Lobo and Felix that he kinda considers his as well without either really being his.

96. Do they have a stash of weapons?

Nope, no stash!

97. Where do they live? Who do they live with?

They live in Brindleton bay with their entire family. It's a lot of people, but he likes that in a way. Even though sometimes some alone time is good too.

98. How do they calm themselves down?

Watching movies, working at the shelter, or just talking to their dad. His dad is his biggest source of calm.

99. Are they co-dependent?

In some ways yes, but also not. He is a very independent person, but he is also used to living very close to family and friends. So he would be a bit lost without them all I think. College should be interesting ;)

100. Are they a day, or night person?

Day person, definitely.

Fannar:

81. Do they have any tattoos? If so, are they significant?

Is it bad that I don't really remember? I don't think I gave them any, but I also have a bad memory.. so maybe, but they're not significant, just something they would have done for fun.

82. Are they good at mental math?

Very, they have that after their dad.

83. Do they get along with others?

Yep, he does, he also has a bit of a tendency to get fans along the way somehow. He doesn't exactly like that part as much though.

84. Are they lazy?

Generally no, but they also can be. They do like to not do anything but slack on occasion ;)

85. Are they self-motivated?

They tend to be more motivated by others, but when needed, they can motivate themselves, so I guess a bit of both?

86. How do they cope with anger?

He isn't a very angry type of person, but when he gets angry he copes fairly well with it. He has always been told being angry is okay, and a valid way to feel.

87. Have they ever been in a situation where they were helpless?

When they saw Emil attacking their mom, and then their twin stepping in and eventually making it his familiar. He felt awfully helpless then and it was not a feeling he liked.

88. Are they organized or messy?

Their fairly organized, better than most teens.

89. Can they remember a lot of information at once?

Yeah, they have a dragon's memory, and they are pretty good at remembering a lot of information at once.

90. What is their occupation?

Currently, they are to be College Student.

Yvreon/Vy:

71. Who do they dislike?

Mages.. hunters.. yeah.. that's their main dislikes.. Death to an extent.. Jael mostly for breaking the Heartlight.

72. What is their motto?

I think to help, and just be helpful in general. Or learn, as much as he can.

73. Do they have any markings on their body?

They have quite a lot of scars, from being attacked by hunters. They also have a heart-shaped scar on their chest, from sharing their heart with their husband Hayden.

74. Have they ever been abused?

Sadly, yes, both by the first humans they encountered, hunters who wanted their heart, and also to an extent the mages at RoM who wanted to experiment on him.

75. What is their biggest fear?

To lose Hayden.

76. What are their goals?

Healing people, helping people. He would love to get his Heartlight back if it was possible so that Hayden would be well, or better. Learning as much as he can, and of course, acquire many shiny things and books!

77. How do they go about achieving their goals?

He works at a hospital, where he helps as many as he can. And the money he earns often go-to books and shiny trinkets as he knows he is well cared for at home money-wise.

78. Do they have a fight or flight response?

Depend's on son the situation. If Hayden or his family is close, he will fight with all his might. If he is alone, it would be flight, to come home and protect those he loves.

79. Is there someone in their life that they care about more than themselves?

Their kids and Hayden.

80. How would they fare in a zombie apocalypse?

Fairly well I think, they are a dragon after all ;)

Hayden:

61. Are they comfortable being in a crowded room?

Yeah, he doesn't really mind. He prefers quiet, but a crowded room doesn't bother him much.

62. How do they relax?

Lying in bed watching movies, preferably using Vy as a bed, as that is the best and most comfortable thing he knows. Oddly helping the kids with math is also relaxing to him.

63. Have they ever harmed anyone and regretted it? Verbally or physically?

The sharing of the Heartlight with Vy, hurts Vy when he feels bad. Or well it did when it was connected. He was never comfortable with that, and it always made him feel bad. Even if Vy told him it was fine.

64. Do they like to dance?

Yes!

65. How do they get around their environment? Examples - horses, bike, vehicle

They have been carried a lot.. other than that, he mostly gets flown by a dragon or uses a portal.

66. What is their pet peeve(s)?

People who mistreat animals, he hates it, and he will call you out on it.

67. Do they have a disability?

Yes, they were born with one. They were born with two magic types that fight each other. Ice and Fire, where the fire side is slightly stronger and was damaging him. He quickly gets tired, and after the loss of his twin, and the breaking of the Heartlight, he has once again gotten worse.

68. How do they react to getting flowers?

He would be surprised, but thankful. He likes flowers but prefers them alive in the ground.

69. Would they ever wear a flower crown?

Yes, especially if made by the kids or given by Vy.

70. Do they like themselves?

Somedays yes, most days.. not really. He tends, still, to feel he is everyone's burden.

Hayle:

51. Do they like science?

Yep, he finds it fascinating!

52. Are they more emotional or logical?

They used to be more logical.. now they're more emotional, and perhaps a mix of both. The mix makes him a very good dad and grandad.

53. How do they deal with their emotions?

Depends on the emotion. Most he talks with Chris about.. Anger on the other hand still gets handled by hitting things, hard. Preferably a boxing bag.

54. How do they cope with sadness?

Often with anger.. by hitting things because being sad makes him angry. But also with talking to his husband, or his family. Sometimes though, destroying an old house into dust is needed.

55. What is something they care about?

His family.

56. Would they die for anyone/anything?

As above.

57. What do they do when they are happy?

Smile a lot, dance with their husband, laugh, and cook!

58. How would they come across to other characters? Examples- messy, lazy, childish, caring, etc.

Caring, very much like a dad friend, that type of person that feels like a dad when you talk with them.

59. Do they have a phrase they use over and over?

Hmh... not really no.

60. In a crowded room are they in the corners, sides, or in the middle?

All of the above depends on the crowd and why they are there.

River:

41. How was their childhood?

Not the best, their dad only saw them as a mage and pushed for him to be the strongest, while his mom kinda tried to make him into his dad after his dad dies. He had an awful relationship with his mother by the time he was a teenager.

42. Are they close with anyone who is going to screw them over?

Nope.

43. How do they adapt to different situations? Do they adapt at all?

It depends a lot on the situation. As a Sage, he adapts to whatever is needed of him. As a Vet, he adapts to what is needed of him there. And for his son, he tries to adapt to being the parents the kid needs.

44. How do they speak? Examples - Are they soft-spoken, hot heated, vulgar, etc.

They have a fairly soft way of speaking, a caring one. But it can also be brunt, harsh and aggravating to many.

45. Are they opposed to violence?

On a general basis.. yes, for occasions, they're fine with it.

46. When is their birthday?

I don't think it has ever been mentioned, I think Mahv will have to say, if not, I guess it is time I give him a date for it!

47. Are they quick to judge?

In general, yes, but he is trying to be better after he misjudged Rylan so badly when they met.

48. Do they have anything they are trying to hide from others?

Mostly how bad they still feel after the death of their husband. How guilty they still feel and so on.

49. Do they act differently around different people?

Yes. He can be loving and caring to some, while asshole to someone else.

50. Do they enjoy the arts?

Yes, especially music.

Chris:

31. How do they overcome obstacles?

By thinking things true, finding the best way past it most of the time. On occasion, he pulls the reaper card though.

32. When faced with a difficult decision do they get stronger or break?

They get stronger. They have a breaking point, but it takes a lot for him to hit it. 15 years away from his family was close to his breaking point, and both Jael and Kieran knew it.

33. Do they have any special powers?

He is a reaper..he has quite a lot. For instance, he is one of very few reapers that can kill a god.

34. How do they change throughout the story?

Well, Chris was a bit of a loner.. so they changed to become someone's lover, a dad, a family man, and someone who often wishes he could be home a lot more than he can.

35. Do they have any friends? If so, are they close-knit?

He has one, Nat, with whom he is very close. Kieran is more the boss than his friend. There is also Mark, who's after him to finding love, they have slipped a bit apart, both having a life outside of work. His best friend is of course his husband.

36. How is their family life?

Busy, especially with his work being on top of it all. But he would not trade it for the world!

37. Are they likable?

Yes, it's a good trait to have when you ferry souls over to the next step.

38. Are they the hero, or anti-hero?

He wouldn't consider himself either, but to some, I guess he is the hero

39. Do they make questionable choices?

Not all too many most were perhaps made before he died 😎

40. How do they become who they are?

They did something questionable and stupid and died. Luckily for them, they also said yes to becoming a reaper and that's why this story even exists.

Lucas:

21. What are their hobbies?

Singing, which is also his job.. he is also a pretty decent kitty bed by now if that qualifies as a hobby.

22. What are their ticks?

Hmh... not sure he has any, probably just fiddling with his fingers when he is nervous if that counts?

23. Do they like children?

Yes, mostly, unless they cling to him and want a photo.. although that more teenage girls. 😂 But in general, yes he likes children, he grew up with quite a lot of them around.

24. How do they react to being around wild animals?

With fascination and awe.

25. If they were given the task to prank someone, who would it be, what would they do, and would the prank work?

It would likely be a bandmate, and it would probably be putting something they hate in their drink. As she isn't the type to prank someone, he would probably fail miserably.

26. Do they have any survival skills?

Yep, they can make fire with two twigs, and they can play music to make some busking money if needed.

27. Are they more book smart or street smart?

Street smart, he likes books, but he grew up in an orphanage, so he learned street smarts along the way.

28. How do they get out of a difficult situation?

Would depend on the situation, he can pay his way out of it, or he can try and run of course. He isn't a fighter so he would rather try and avoid stuff like that.

29. Do they use their body, mind, personality, or force to get what they want?

They don't really do that much.. but to work at the shelter, he used his personality and what he knew they would have to say yes to.

30. What music do they enjoy?

Absolutely everything! If it's music, he likes it. Although everything for its situation. Its not always that black metal fits what you're doing.

Meadow:

11. Do they have a romantic interest?

Yep, and you will soon see who that is.. soonish anyway.

12. How do they cope with struggles?

Fairly well really. They work their way through it, although often they can be a bit snarky when it happens. It's just their way of dealing with it.

13. Do they have anyone they can lean on?

Her half-brother River, his family, her dad, and her mom. Unlike River, she is quite close to her mom, and their relationship is much better.

14. How do they react to someone dying?

If it's someone she cares about, she would like most people be sad. If it's not, then it's more.. eh, shit happens!

15. Can you name 5 personality traits they have?

Friendly, Hardworking, Ambitious, Romantic, Proper

16. How did they become a character?

It was Mahv's idea to have River have a little sister, then she kinda became the kid's mom friend and person outside the family to talk to.

17. Do they get along with others?

Yes and no. She has a way of being that alienates some, but if you see through it, you find a sweet person who is easy to get along with really.

18. What flaws do they have?

They can be a bit hot-headed, snappy, and abrasive when put in a situation they don't expect. She also expects a lot of herself, like becoming the first sage potion maker!

19. How do they influence the story?

She becomes a bit of an icebreaker between River and his mom when they are re introduced. As well as becoming a very good friend to the current kids in the story, the one they go and talk to when things are meh, and parents aren't an option.

20. What do they look like?

Sneaky I know.

Brooke:

1. How do they present themselves to others?

Very straight forwards really, they are nicely dressed and well behaved in general.

2. Do they like animals?

Yes, they love them, specially horses. Sadly animals don't seem to love her back for unknown reason to her.

3. How do they dress?

Nice clean clothing? Nothing special, and never high fashion.

4. How many languages do they know?

Quite a few actually. She speaks Simlish (English), Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian, German and Spanish.

5. How big is their family?

Not big at all, its basically only her and her parents.

6. What is their purpose in the story?

Now that is a secret still. But it will be shown eventually, and she does have a purpose yep! Her purpose has even changed several time over already.

7. Do they know how to fight?

Yes in her own way. (Cryptic, I know, but you will see one day)

8. What is their back story?

There isn't that much. She has grown up with her parents, they have always been strict but quite fair. As long as she follows their rules and guidance, she is fairly free to do what she wants. Their not overly happy with Flynn as her boyfriend, and think she could have done better, but they have accepted it.

9. Why is their name, their name?

Because random name generator made it so!

10. Do they have any nick names?

Not really, Brooke is short enough on its own. Closest is Flynn calling her his Brooke I think.

AAaaand that is that.. thank you for asking, I hope you enjoy!

#100 you say #yes #happy birthday again #figured today was the right day #dandylion240 #my head is now tired #that was a lot of thinking #and pondering #and answering

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vanchlo · 3 years

Text

The Partner / Chapter One

Word Count: 10.4k words / Story Masterlist / Read The Assistant / Read on Wattpad / Song: Green Eyes by Coldplay

“The best love language is being irritating. I will annoy you because I love you.”

- Unknown

It smelled next to awful, and the feeling beneath my hands made me cringe. I didn’t know what I was expecting when I had wandered in here after a long day of work. Several other people seemed to have the same idea at five o’clock on a Tuesday, so I wasn’t the only one. Their drinks aren’t that great, either, I quickly found. Nevertheless, they did their job, and they were cheap, so I’m not sure what more I could ask for.

The flat screens above the bar area played nothing but American baseball and footie matches. I silently made a promise to myself that if I ever opened a pub of my own, that Rom-Coms and FRIENDS would fill the tv screens, not bloody sports.

“‘s this seat taken?” a voice hums, pulling me away from my inner monologue. My eyes begin their lull back into my head at the stranger’s question.

“Ye-,” begins on my lips when my eyes tear away from the orange colored drink before me. That is, until, they still when I look at the stranger who stands in front of me. He’s bloody gorgeous - all curls, legs, and those dimples. Hell, you own this seat already. Please, do sit down. “N-No,” my words come out rushed and therefore, sloppy. He doesn’t seem to mind as he pulls out the wooden stool to sit down beside me.

I swallow against a dry throat when my eyes nervously flit away from him. Never have I had an actually handsome bloke talk to me at the pub. I sound more than selfish, and far bitchy than I intend, but it had always been some lousy drunk who had a bit too much liquid courage. Not that I’m anything special, especially compared to him.

Listening to his slow drawl as he orders a drink, I can’t help but try to remember as many details about him as possible. First, there were the chocolatey brown curls. Then, there was the way his violet button up was opened to show ink donning his chest, a cross sitting in the middle, and the wildly attractive chest hair around it. I only saw a glimpse of his unwrinkled, black suit that looked far too good on him. That wasn’t the best part. No, not by far. That award went to the cavernous dimples that sat in his cheeks when his lips spread into that heavenly smile. One that made me wonder how it could be just for me.

“Ta, mate,” he murmurs to the bartender, the gold liquid greeting his lips. All of a sudden, I’m quite jealous of a lousy pint of beer. He doesn’t notice me watching him, the way he licks the foam from his lips, or how I admire his thick eyelashes. Most of all, I catch the long sigh that passes his lips, tugging on his drooping eyes with circles underneath them.

“Rough day?” bravery finds me a moment later, but I don’t announce

myself until I’ve looked away.

“Huh?” he hums distractedly, and not in a rude way. I wait a moment before doing anything, looking at him or even replying. It feels longer than several seconds, and stirring the ice chips around with my red straw doesn’t make it pass any quicker.

“You look like you’ve had a hard day, is all.”

“Oh,” he rasps, clearing his throat after taking another drink of the amber colored liquid. At last, I turn my head to look at him, finding that light stubble covers his cheeks in every place. I don’t know how in the hell I had missed that, because, God, does that look good on him. “Ya, reckon you could say that.”

I nod along with his words, feeling like we belong in the same boat. It only rings all the more true when he shifts in his seat, and my eyes catch something on his breast pocket.

“It must be a hard case, then.”

“What?” he asks. When I see the way his bold eyebrows near his inquisitive sage colored eyes, a laugh escapes my lips. It warms my cheeks and surely reddens them furthermore at the appearance of those dimples again. “How’d you know?” his smile is heaven and everything more than that.

My shoulders rise and fall, answering his question, before I do, “I just had a feeling.”

“Yer good,” his answer is concise, finished with a staccato like laugh. The next sip of his pint is silent, and I would know because I can’t help but watch. At last, there’s something good to watch at this pub. It only took me two drinks and far too long of waiting for it to happen. “What ‘s it now?” his question is light and affable when he finds my eyes waiting on him, holding back a laugh.

“You have something,” I begin, pointing a finger to his mouth, but he doesn’t get it. Instead of wiping the foam donning his upper lip, he brushes under his eye, and then his nose. “Here,” it’s louder than I intended it to be, but my laugh makes its way out with a soft snort, something else I didn’t intend. His upper lip is sand papery from his stubble when I wipe away the foam from his pint.

“Thanks,” he murmurs gingerly, and all I can do is nod, because my lips had begun to fall. “Y’know, I usually don’t let a bird get tha first flirt in befo’ I introduce meself.”

“I wasn’t-,” I start, but his shaking head of curls stops me, and so does the hand that he holds out. More ink marks it up in places when his sleeve rides up above his glinting watch.

“‘m Harry.”

“Becky,” I announce, once again greeting the ball that’s appeared in my throat, ever since he asked me that first question. His hand is cold at first from caressing his pint, but then it warms in my own. The rings that adorn nearly all of his fingers greet my own, lingering a few moments too long. His handshake is firm, and yet gentle. Surely, I must have set the world record for how quickly you can fall in love with a stranger.

“How’d y’know ‘m a lawyer? Really, ‘s it that obvious?”

“Yeah, Mr. Styles,” I tell him, reaching a hand out as his face contorts with confusion again. My fingertip comes under the plastic corner of the name tag against his breast pocket. “Harry Styles of Styles and Lawson law firm.”

Surprise gives away to realization on his face when he looks down his nose at the name tag that gave it all away for me, just a little.

“Oh, ‘d forgot ‘d been wearin’ that,” his answer is giggled, and it truly couldn’t be any more cuter. He slips a hand into his blazer and removes the name tag held to the fabric with two magnets. “I had this convention thing t’day, speakin’ at a uni t’ promote me law firm.”

“Ah, I’ve heard of those. I know they used to have them quite often, those job fairs, when I was at King’s.”

“You went t’ King’s College too?” the surprise rises in his voice, and it fills me when he pushes the basket of chips over that had just been dropped off. His eyes are patient as they wait on me while he feeds a hot chip between his rose colored lips.

“Yeah, I graduated last year, after taking a bit of time off and coming back to my degree,” I answer him, relenting after he nodded his head at the basket and then to me. Ignoring him in part, I reach for the heavy glass bottle of Heinz beside the napkin holder.

“What was yer focus of study?”

“Really?” now, it’s turn for my lips to rise, as if they hadn’t been stunted for the last several minutes, hiding their secrets.

His question comes out in that breathy laugh of his, in between munching on chips and licking his fingers. Good God, Mr. Styles.

“You’re a lawyer yourself and you can’t tell when you’re speaking to another one?” it doesn’t come out haughty or anywhere near cocky, but I still relish in the astonishment that comes over his face.

“You too?” Harry says, excitement loud in his voice, and which I nod at. “Where at?”

“Turner and Jones.”

The chip is perfectly salty when I take my first bite of it coated with ketchup. I echo his laugh as he shakes his head, murmuring about how stupid he is, and it takes everything in me to not tell him he’s the least bit of that.

“I see, so how’re you likin’ it there? ‘ve heard good things, but y’know, I may be a bit biased towards Styles and Lawson. They’re rather great, ‘ve heard.”

“Oh, I can only wonder why,” it’s becoming difficult to say all of my words before they’re overwhelmed with laughter, especially when his are too. “But, I like it. I did my clinicals there for my degree, and was offered a job. You couldn’t really ask for much better than that.”

His eyes are brimming with laughter as questions float between us until the basket of chips is no longer. Then, when the greasy tacos come, and the next few drinks only loosen our lips more.

“So, ya got a crush on that Ben Sanders there like ev’ry other bird?” Harry drawls, words muffled against the rim of his third Scotch Coke a little later on.

“What? No, why would I?” my response is framed with laughter, especially as I think of what to say next. “Are you worried or something, that your reputation for London’s heartthrob lawyer is being threatened?”

“‘Scuse me?” his drink is soon running down his chin. He coughs again after it had went down the wrong pipe when I stole a laugh from his lips.

“God, learn how to breathe, would you?” I tell him, slapping him hard on the back a few times as he presses a napkin to his mouth.

“No,” his chuckled reply comes a few moments later.

“No, what?” I say, taking the turn for furrowed brows when I set down my own pint.

“Don’t reckon me heartthrob status ‘s bein’ threatened,” he shrugs, plucking one of the taller billiard cues from the rack on the wall. “I seem t’ be winnin’ my way with you, afta-all.”

Now, it’s my turn to choke on my drink. Thank God, my back is turned to him so he can’t see it dribble down my chin, or more importantly, the scarlet that fills my cheeks.

“Would you shut up? You’re so cocky. Newsflash, you’re not in the courtroom anymore, mate, you don’t have anybody to win over,” I insist, grabbing a shorter cue and stepping up to him where he sets up the balls.

“I have you t’ impress, don’t I?” his greens lift for a moment to find mine. I can’t help but notice the way that they sparkle.

“You already have,” my answer is gentle and quiet enough for only me to hear. I thought wrong, because he steps towards me and keeps going. For the first time tonight, the sour pub smell has gone, and replaced by it is his cologne. What is that? Leather? Warm vanilla? His nose just brushes past mine, his lips hovering above mine until they pass and press softly to my cheek.

“Have I now, ‘s that right?” his breath is warm against my ear. The skin there sings when his teeth graze it. “Winner buys tha next round ‘o drinks?” his proposition is laced with a knowing glint on his lips when he’s facing me again.

“I thought you had agreed to cover the tab, Mr. Hotshot Lawyer? I only remember one of us being a partner and co-owning a firm.”

“Ah, givin’ me that lawyer lip o’ yers, are ya now?” Harry smirks, dusting the tip of his cue with the blue block.

“Maybe, I am. What are you going to do about it?”

His shrug is accented by his lips turned down with a thoughtful question, “‘m sure I could find somethin’,” he muses aloud, staring off into the distance. When his eyes turn back to me, a corner of his lips pops the dimple out of one cheek. It only falls deeper when he walks around me holding his cue proudly. I feel his hand pinch my ass.

“Harry Styles!” it comes out as nothing less than a giggle, all firmness absent in my voice.

“Y’know, yer not very convincin’ with that voice o’ yers. Ya sure yer a lawyer?” his shit eating grin spews another line as he leans down, readying his cue. “Yer bum ‘s rather nice, ‘ve been wantin’ t’ do that all night,” he has to shut his eyes to ride out the rest of his laugh when I walk over to him and swat him on the shoulder.

“You’re bad,” I murmur, stepping away to grab my drink again.

“And who said that’s not a good thing?”

Turning, I find him mere inches away from me, cue forgotten on the table amongst the array of billiard balls he’d just cracked.

“I dunno,” is all I can think to say, until it hits me. “Why’re we playing billiards when we could be playing Truth or Dare?”

“Truth or Dare?” he wheezes. My insides continue to melt when his large hand comes into view, dragging his fingers through my hair. “What, are we thirteen ‘gain, Becks?”

“Becks? My name is Becky,” I protest, but all he has to answer with at first is those shrugging shoulders of his.

“Don’t care, I like ‘Becks’ better. It sounds mo’ like you,” he insists with lips that haven’t stopped smiling since . . I can’t remember when. “I choose tha dare, then.”

Setting down my finished glass, the hops-y flavor remains on my lips, sending courage into my veins. I ready my question, staring back into his eyes, trying not to think so hard about his thumb nudging at my bottom lip.

“What, are you a pussy or something?”

“N’body calls me a pussy, love,” he denies softly, his quiffed curls shaking with his disagreeing head.

“Then, show me . . I dare you to kiss me.”

“Oh, d’ya now? I see you went right fer it, didn’t beat ‘round tha bush one bit.”

“Yeah, but you are, because you’re still talk-,” I have one syllable left when his lips steal it away from mine. His hair that I’d wanted to touch and caress all night is at last between my fingers. I taste Scotch and Corona on his pillowy lips, and feel the warmth of-

“Becks, wakey wakey, my love,” comes a voice, ripping the dream away from me. Grunting, I shift under the covers, feeling my tired limbs. My expression tightens when I feel lips sponge kisses across my face slowly.

When at last I open my eyes, I find my favorite face in the entire world hovering above me.

“Mornin’, bubs. Did ya have a good sleep?” Harry murmurs with a dopey grin stuck to his face. His voice is deep and slow like molasses, even more so after sleep. It only makes him all the more attractive as my eyes dance along his shirtless chest.

“Yeah, did you?” I yawn, and his mumbled reply is heard between kisses pressed to my lips.

They stir a laugh from me, especially when his own wander to the crook of my ticklish neck.

“Time t’ get up, my Mrs. Styles,” he coos, his words sending an instant tingle up my spine.

“Harry, I’m not your Mrs. Styles.”

“Not yet, you aren’t,” he replies from his position underneath my chin where his lips lie. A smile doesn’t come this time though, and even if it did, it’d leak of melancholy, at best.

“What were ya dreamin’ ‘bout, li’l one? You were extra hard t’ wake up t’day.”

My answer is framed by yawns, “What’s it to you?”

“Oooo, I see somebody ‘s upset I woke her up,” his response tickles against my cheek in his warm breath tinged with the taste of mornings. I squirm away from him, tugging the covers back up my shoulders, feeling their returning warmth. “It must’ve been good, then.”

“I was having a good dream, and you ruined it.”

“Oh no, poor baby Becks,” the pout couldn’t be stronger in his answer, and my groan couldn’t be louder. His facial hair leaves zings of irritation across my cheeks and temple where his lips trail. “‘s time t’ wake up, bug. We hafta go t’ work.”

“Why can’t we ever just have a late day, like a ten to six, instead of eight to four?” I moan, taking the covers back when he pulls them down my body.

“Hey, you were tha one who wanted t’ have three rounds o’ sex last night, so don’t be gettin’ mad at me now.”

“Harry, don’t act like you didn’t want to too,” I sigh after twisting and turning until I find that perfect spot again.

“‘Kay, but doesn’t change tha fact that we hafta be at work in a li’l over an hour, my love,” my lips sputter a short laugh at his admission. “Alright well, ‘ll be in tha shower, and if yer not up by tha time ‘m out, we’re gonna be late. Again. Y’know how I feel ‘bout bein’ late, bug.”

“I miss the time when you liked being late. You being this responsible boss isn’t much fun anymore,” my words are muffled by the firm pillow. They’re ended with a yelp after he pinches my ass. “Fuck you, Styles!”

I know my regret the second his sweet laugh hits the air, “You already did last night, Becks, but . . if ya wanna have a quickie befo’ work, y’know where t’ find me.”

“Ugh,” I groan into the off white pillow case, turning my head to find his naked ass walking away from me. “You’re a tease, Harry Styles! A proper, no good tease!”

“And what’re ya gonna do ‘bout it, Rebecca Styles?”

The cold air greets my skin when I at last sit up, our duvet cover falling to my waist. Any words that had been ready to spring off of my tongue stop there, replaced by others, “Don’t call me that!”

“Why not? I thought you liked it,” he calls back, raising his voice to be heard over the hum of the shower starting.

“Just . . don’t.”

“I don’t like it when yer crabby in tha mornin’s. I can think o’ somethin’ that’ll cheer you up, tho’,” Harry comments wryly. I take the bait unknowingly, mumbling a ‘what’ when I step foot into our walk-in closet. “Dick,” his voice is right behind me. I should’ve known, is what I think to myself when I’m lifted off of the floor and soon have hot water hitting my skin.

“You’re so bad, Harry Styles,” it comes out in a giggle that grows throaty and belly deep as he pulls the shower curtain shut behind him.

“Am I, now? I rememba you sayin’ you liked that ‘bout me last night, so why ya seem all upset?”

A squeal jumps from my mouth when his teeth nip at the corner of my neck. By habit, his name leaves them next when he surrounds me with his body, and his fingernails dig into the flesh of my ass. It’s carried with a laugh as he takes the brunt of the hot water, sponging kisses to my neck that the shower washes away.

“When’re you gonna work again with me, bug? Huh? I swear, you’ve been with Rose fer months now. Simon and that intern Jilly are hoots and smart ones, but I miss workin’ cases with you,” by now, his nose has reached to my shoulder, and so have his lips.

“I dunno, Harry,” is all I say, because those are all of the words that I can find right now.

If I’m telling myself the truth, they are the only words that he can handle to hear. I had been with Rose off and on for the last six months, and my off with Harry had never been longer. We hadn’t talked about it for a while now, but it may have had something to do with him having a fit when we last worked a case together. Like, a proper fit. It was a difficult case, to say the least, and because of that, it made things outside of work hard for us too. I usually loved working with him, but I’d found out the hard way that it’s already hard enough having your boyfriend as your boss. You’re only adding more hell to the handbasket when you throw in working with him every minute of every day, leading to being with your significant other quite literally twenty-four/seven. I loved him, quite a lot, but I also get sick of him, quite a lot. Just don’t tell him that part, is all. I try not to as his lips wander my body and so do his hands, first with cloudy intentions, and then with body wash.

“Eat,” the word comes out clipped until a stubborn curl comes to my lips.

“No.”

“It’s not a question, Harold, eat your fucking breakfast. Since when did you stop liking eggs?” I insist playfully, shoving a plate towards him where he sits sipping his plain coffee.

“Since I said I don’t, Mum. Now, would ya leave me be t’ drink me cuppa and read tha paper?” he returns with a lift to his brows, a mischievous glint in his eye. “And me name’s not Harold, dunno why ya fancy callin’ me it lately. Yer not funny.”

“I am, you just don’t want to admit it,” it comes out in a sigh. A shock of cold air slaps me in the face when I open the freezer, grabbing a plastic wrapped block of chocolate ice.

“Are not.”

“Are to,” I grumble in response, scraping his plate of eggs onto mine. Shaking my head, I turn around with the plate in hand, grabbing the toast peeking out from the toaster. “Grape or strawberry today?”

“Mix ‘em, please.”

“I’ve never met somebody who likes to mix their jams,” I comment playfully, soon hearing the nostalgic sound of a butter knife against toasted bread.

“‘ve never met somebody who cared so much ‘bout eatin’ bloody breakfast.”

“What, as if I didn’t used to get you Starbucks breakfast every morning three years ago?” he tries not to smile at my wheezed words, but I see it when I set down the new plate in front of him.

“Now, eat something, Harry. We need to leave soon, since somebody is intent on being on time.”

When I turn my back, the silence is interrupted by him biting into the toast. The microwave beeps and I gingerly carry the plastic wrapped steaming muffin, plopping it onto his plate.

“Our kids better not be picky eaters like you someday. These chocolate veggie muffins are like, the only way I can get you to eat vegetables for breakfast.”

“Why not, Becks? You think ‘s cute,” he smirks, cocking his head to face me when I take a seat next to him.

“Do not.”

“Do to,” I can hear the grin in his voice as he devours the rest of his toast. Shaking my head at his stubbornness, I pick up my fork to fill it with scrambled eggs.

“What features o’ mine would you want ‘em t’ have, then?”

“Um,” I idle, unsure of why I have to, seeing as how I’ve thought this through about a hundred times, by now. It’d only made it harder before, his hand cupping my knee, but it brings me comfort, by now. “It’d be easier to say what I wouldn’t want them to have of yours.”

“God, do I even wanna know?” he scoffs, showing me his dimples sunk into his cheeks full with food. Licking the dollops of jam from his fingers, he picks up the wrapped mozzarella cheese to peel the wrapper off.

I almost choke on my eggs when a laugh finds me, but as I chew and then swallow, his hand rubs circles on my leg through my sheer black tights.

“Ya sure ya won’t consult with me on my new case startin’ t’day? I know ya jus’ finished that Doud theft case with Rose.”

“What, are you spying on me?” it comes out hearty and laced with a joke. I listen to him sip his coffee and flip the paper, scooping eggs onto my buttered toast.

“No. Did somebody fo’get who their boss ‘s now?” Harry smirks, flashing me those god awful eyes that by now he knows I can’t resist. I sometimes really hate it when he pulls that card, but at other times it’s undeniably sexy, and he knows it.

“Yeah, his name is Myles Lawson. There’s this other guy he works with, Harold something or other, he’s this rubbish lawyer who keeps hitting on me.”

“Hush, you, or no tacos t’morrow,” his words make me groan through my mouthful of food. It’d become hard for us to honor our Taco Tuesday dates when I teamed up with Rose, and we had different schedules. Eventually, they’d fell away to consist of random days here and there, until we’d started it back up again.

“Be nice,” I warn, feeling the cold wood under my feet when I get to them. The warmth from the toast and eggs is replaced by the cold wetness when I pour orange juice into two glasses, setting one before Harry.

“I am?” he laughs, holding up his glass in question before gulping half of it down. “C’mon, Becks, jus’ give this case a shot with me, please? Ya can quit after a day, and if you don’t like it, that’s fine and you can go back t’ Rose.”

“You know it doesn’t work that way, and so do I after working with you for a year and a half now.” And dating each other for the same length, just about.

“Why you bein’ so mean t’ me, bug? I jus’ wanna work a case with you, ‘s been ages,” he whines from my side once again, feeding the last chunk of mozzarella between his grumpy lips. It’s always boggled my mind why he doesn’t peel it, and instead, eats it in chunks. He really is a weirdo, but he’s mine.

That thought sticks with me as my eyes remain glued to his handsome figure. Some sleep still clings to his captivating green eyes framed with thick lashes. His hair couldn’t be more curly these days, cropped to its usual length below his ears and longer on top. He had caved, letting Skye work her magic on him, and to the surprise of both of us, he had been happy with a recent cut from her. Even if it had only been a measly trim, as well as giving him some tips to keep it styled so the top wasn’t always in his eyes. Bringing his coffee to his lips again, a question sits in his eyebrows.

“Whatcha thinkin’ so hard ‘bout?” he wonders aloud, rosebud colored lips moving under a dark brown beard claiming the outskirts of his mouth. If that wasn’t enough to get me going, that new maroon suit he dons does. It’s fitted perfectly for him, just how he likes it. Me too, since I get to see his bum in nearly all of its glory in it. His legs. His crotch. His arms, too. The dusty black button up beneath leaves little of his chest to imagination, just the way I like it.

At times, I still catch myself wondering how he was all mine. Well, almost, that is.

“Oh, here’s one. I hope that they don’t have your weird eating habits.”

“What weird eatin’ habits?” Harry wonders aloud, leaving smears of chocolate against his lips a moment later from his muffin.

Declining to answer, I finish off the rest of my eggs after checking the time. “Eat your banana and clementine.”

Sure, I’d missed working with him too, but not his micromanaging, how he’d sometimes pick the most challenging cases as if he had to prove something, or how I still couldn’t get past the added pressure I felt working with him. I’d wished for so long that it’d be the opposite, but it was wishful thinking, at best.

The hum of the air conditioner fills the silent space as I tap away on my phone, sighing at the weather forecast. The warm front that had come in a few days ago wasn’t leaving anytime soon, leaving me in dresses for work. I find Harry without his blazer once again when my eyes turn to the window, admiring his attractive backside while pumping petrol.

“What?” I murmur, lifting my head when the door opens, sending a rush of hot air inside.

“I said d’ya need anythin’ from inside? Ya want a soda or anythin’?”

“No, and don’t you get one either. I know what you’re doing, Harry,” the reply comes out giggled and with a finger pointed at him.

“Becks, I jus’ want one Coke, please.”

“No, you said you wanted to do a no soda challenge, and we’re only a week in and you’re caving.”

“Am not, but I crave it bad, bug,” his response is whined, pulling more happiness from my lips.

“I know, but don’t even go by the coolers. Just go in and pay, please, or better yet, pay at the pump.”

He mutters a defeated ‘fine’ before closing the door, walking away from the car and towards the small building.

I hope that our kids have that feature of yours, I think a few moments later after watching him pick up and return a dolly a little girl had dropped. From here, I can even see the dimples fall into his cheeks as he speaks to her. The selflessness you’ve always had, even if it took awhile for you to share that page of yours with me.

We didn’t drive separately to work very often, unless he had an early meeting or a long day. It didn’t make sense to spend money to drive two cars to the same place five days a week when we usually get there and leave at the same time. Sure, one of us sometimes had to wait around for the other, but it worked rather well, we’d found. I usually won the fight of who got to pump petrol less than half of the time, if we were together, and even less in the winter. Mr. Stubborn usually beat me to the punches, first one out of the car got to do it, and it’d become a little race of ours that we enjoyed. I hope that our kids learn from their father about how to treat others, even doing things that you dislike to show your love for them.

“I don’t care what you say, it’s never me who makes us late, it’s always you. Usually, it’s something to do with your hair or suit, and you know it,” I jest when the lift doors close in front of us.

“Sure, it ‘s,” Harry sighs, leaning his back against the furthest wall. My head soon finds his shoulder, and his arm wraps around me. “Sorry, ‘ll see if we can get done early t’day. I know you’ve been up late tha last few nights finishin’ yer last case.”

“It’s okay,” I yawn from my place in his arms, not opening my eyes until he’s standing up straight again, my forehead itchy from his kisses. “I’ll tell you what.”

“What?” he grins at me. It takes a lot in me to not roll my eyes at his dad joke once I’ve come back to full attention. Forgotten it is when his fingers dive into my hair behind my ear, and his lips press to the imperfection below my eye. “Are you gonna say you’ll reconsider me offer o’ workin’ with me on me case?” “Yes,” my sigh is everything but sad, and neither are my lips when they meet his own.

The same word flies from his lips with excitement when we part. “Missed you, bug. I think it’ll be easier t’ have sex in me office now if we’re workin’ a case t’gether.”

“Shut up,” I giggle, savoring the feeling of his lips against my forehead, and my arms laced around his middle warm underneath his blazer.

“‘m glad I don’t have t’ say goodbye t’ you this mornin.’ ‘s been a while since ‘ve gotten t’ keep you fer tha day, my love.”

“What happened to absence makes the heart grow fonder?” I titter beneath his sporadic lips covering my face happily in kisses.

“Reckon we’ve had enough o’ that rubbish, dontchu?”

Indeed, we have, Harry. Indeed, we have.

“Ooo, the salmon’s on sale,” the whisper is soft as I pour over the page, numbers and pictures jumping out at me. Switching my attention, I press the pen to the paper until I stop. “Wait, does Harry even like salmon?” Pausing for a second, I think until shaking my head.

“Okay, what else did we need? Bananas, veggie muffins, chicken bullion, garlic, quinoa, broccoli . . ,” the words dropping from my lips soon show up on the notepad held in my hand. Call me old fashioned, and Harry will, believe me. “Granola, roasted pumpkin seeds, pistach-.”

“Beep beep,” somebody chirps from behind me. A scoff leaves my lips next when a cart bumps into my behind. Whipping around in surprise, my mouth is open in astonishment. It only falls further when I find the culprit. “What, not happy t’ see me?” Harry smirks with his face squished into a question, head cocked to the side. His hair is more disheveled by now after our day, a busy day two of researching for his new case. “Meetin’ yer other boyfriend here, or somethin’?”

“No, I just . . I thought that you had a meeting after work today,” I murmur, feeling my lips oblige with a smile.

“It was cancelled, and moved t’ t’morrow. Some schedulin’ thing fer tha space, I dunno,” his lips hum against my forehead when he wraps an arm around me. My reply is measly and suffices for a verbal understanding, interrupted by his lips on mine for a second.

“How are you feeling about that?”

“Fine, things have been good lately,” I nod my head along to his response, flipping through the grocery ad, finishing up my list. “Journalin’ has helped loads, so ‘m glad I picked that up again . . ‘m jus’ sorry you can’t enjoy a glass o’ wine at home, anymo.’ I feel bad I took that away from you.”

“It’s just wine, Harry, I’ll survive. Plus, I have one every now and then at Skye’s. Your sobriety is more important . . you are.”

“Thank you, dunno what else I can say ‘sides that,” I feel his smile on my face not just from the sunshine it spills, but through his lips on my forehead.

“That makes me happy to hear that things are going well, though. I know that it’s hard to talk about together sometimes, which is okay, and how you had a tough day this past weekend,” I murmur, setting the list and ad in the front basket of the cart his hand sits on.

“Ya, me too, bug. ‘m better now . . So, what’s on our list t’night seein’ as how we ran into each other at tha supermarket, havin’ told tha other we’d get tha groceries.”

“Yeah, we didn’t communicate that too well,” I wheeze, feeling his arm come around my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

“That’s okay.”

We’re quiet except for the sound of the moving cart, and our feet amongst the chatter of the shop. I wish I felt that way.

“Are you sure you are? You’ve been quiet t’day, Becks,” his question comes at the exactly wrong place, and the wrong time. How is it that he can always read my mind? I wish you would pick up on that one thing stirring up trouble in there, Harry.

I murmur a convincing enough answer, hoping that he believes it. It only reminds me of the promise I made to myself last February to not lie to him, and it only gets worse when that memory pulls with it another. The one of how he couldn’t stop saying that communication is key, and that we’re no good without it.

“Stop it,” I scold him with a light laugh, pulling on his arm when he wanders over to the cases of soda. Turning around, his lips dip into a pout. I hook my arm with his and keep walking down the aisle, having to pull him back when he goes to reach for junk food and sweets.

I’m just not sure about how to communicate this one.

“Reckon our case ‘s comin’ along nicely so far. Dontchu think?” his murmur threads its way through my thoughts, but it doesn’t quite succeed. Instead of a reply, my silent words wander to describing the way he tugs at his briefs that ride up his legs. “Becks? Babe, can ya focus mo’ on what ‘m sayin’ and less on me gettin’ undressed?”

“Oh, s-sorry,” the words are rushed out with a shake of my head as he titters. I try to apply myself to the conversation, but my eyes hold the remote, gluing themselves to his round bum when he turns around.

“Yer doin’ it again.” My voice is small when I yawn a question in return, waiting for him to return from the closet. With a hand caught in his hair, he does, rushing over with his arms around his otherwise naked body. “Actin’ weird, ‘s what.”

“Warm me up, bug,” Harry chatters, hurrying under the covers and over to me. My spontaneous giggle only lasts until the sound of his next words, “And while yer doin’ so, would ya please tell me what’s botherin’ you lately? Y’know I can’t help unless you tell me.”

The words escape me, like they have for the last few days as I’ve thought and thought of how to say them. More than anything, I’ve debated whether or not to even put them into a sentence that I could speak to him.

“No lies. Rememba, sweetheart?”

“I remember,” my voice is small and quiet. His hairy legs feel contrasting to my smooth pair tangled under the covers.

“Ya gonna show me those pretty eyes o’ yers, love? Tha ones I love so much I hope our babies have ‘em?” his question is answered with my head, and a denial at that. “‘s it easier t’ tell me what’s wrong without lookin’ at me?” this time, my head says something else. I hear his gentle hum amongst the drowning guilt.

“‘s okay, Becks, but y’know, ya never hafta be afraid t’ tell me anythin.’ Y’know that, right?” I myself hardly hear my vocal confirmation, but it’s hard to make it out over the hammering of my heart. I can’t decide if it does or doesn’t help the way his fingers are losing themselves in my hair, his cold toes against mine. “When yer ready.”

My head goes up and down with his words until it lifts, and his eyes are patient. I don’t need to look that hard to see the sunshine waiting in them for me, and how it curls his lips into his cheeks. With each second, I doubt what I’m about to do, and my body takes the brunt of it.

“Will you marry me?”

“What? No,” Harry chuckles, his face screwed up in confusion. My own falls indefinitely, turning away to hide in my pillow. “Becks, honey. C’mere.”

“No, I can’t believe you said that you wouldn’t marry me, Harry,” the whining in my voice is mostly authentic, but I do my part to milk it, as well. My guilty regret only comes once I’m on my feet and walking into the ensuite bathroom, having forgotten to take my contacts out.

“Hey, where d’ya think yer goin’?” Harry insists. As I unscrew the caps to the case, the worry almost overwhelms his voice. “I didn’t mean it that way, bug, please believe me.”

His cheek against mine from behind brings back that tingly sensation as I remove my contacts. “Why’d it sound that way then?”

“It didn’t, I promise you that, Becks.” I give him a smile when I turn around, taking his hand to pull him back into our bedroom. “Babe,” his laugh continues, seemingly never going to end as it grows deeper and heartier. Despite my upset, it finds the crack in my armor once we’re under the covers again. “‘Course ‘ll marry you, that’s not what I meant, bug- Hey, stop ignorin’ me and come gimme a cuddle.”

After a bout of failed attempts, his strong arms hook under mine until he’s pulled me into his chest. His warm hands manipulate my slack body until my chin is lifted, “Look at me, would you?”

“No.”

“Rebecca Ann Holte, look at me, so I can talk t’ you,” he replies firmly, but laced with honey. Always. Sighing, I oblige and open them. “Hey, dontchu cry on me. You bloody well know that I want nothin’ mo’ in tha world t’ marry you and have a family with you.”

“Then, why don’t you? It’s almost been a year and a half, Harry,” all fight and joking aside, my voice drips of a melancholy type of honey. Instantly, I see the effect it has on him, pulling his lips down into a sullen line.

“Where’s this comin’ from all o’ a sudden, huh? What’s happened, baby?” his question is spoken aloud. I avoid answering it, not wanting to share. I don’t need to, because within seconds, I watch the lightbulb go off behind his eyes. “‘s this ‘cos Amelia jus’ got engaged? ‘s it, Becks?”

“Yeah,” I mutter, looking away, and he lets me. Swallowing against a dry throat, my hand ventures to one of his where I remove a ring. I slide it onto a blank finger of my left hand, two others already claiming a spot. “They haven’t even been together five months . . it’s not fair. Jennings too, the other day. It’s like everybody else is . . “

“But you, love?” his murmur is gentle, and so are the pads of his fingers on my cheeks. “E’vrybody’s different, Becks. ‘m not innna rush, I didn’t know you were, love. That’s why we hafta communicate.”

“That’s why I’m telling you . . although a few days late, and I’m sorry.”

“‘s okay. Thank you fer tellin’ me,” his lips warm my face, willing the sadness away. “‘m gonna marry you, y’know that, right? . . Right?”

“Yeah,” again, I sound like a mouse. This time, he lifts my chin so I’m looking at him again, and no longer his ring dotted with black figures.

“Ya don’t sound very convincin’ . . but maybe that’s my fault. I didn’t mean t’ say no at first like that. ‘course ‘ll marry you, my bug, but I wanna be tha one who asks,” Harry explains, catching the dwindling tears that remain on the apples of my cheeks. A softness sits in his eyes that makes me pool with sour regret.

“How come? You said we could just go and do it at the courts one day, easy as that.”

“That’s not whatchu want, nor do I, Becks,” he states. Despite my stubbornness, I know that he’s right. “Same goes fer askin’ you t’ marry me . . I know we both want it t’ be special, and I need some mo’ time t’ make sure it ‘s.”

“You’ve jokingly asked me how many times now? Called me Mrs. Styles how many times a day lately?” I muse aloud, unsure of how to stop once I had taken the plug from the drain.

His laughing lips are what I first see, and then hear, “Yes, I joke ‘bout it ‘cos I can’t wait t’ ask you . . figuratively, bug. And, I love callin’ you that, don’t think it could sound any better . . But, you and I both know that we want it t’ be special . . t’ have a grand story t’ tell our kids one day. ‘m only plannin’ on doin’ it once, so I wanna make it unfo’gettable, Becks . . ‘m sorry if I made you feel like ‘ll never do it, and that yer sad it hasn’t happened yet, but it will. I promise you that.”

“When?” my question appears in the air before I can stop it. So do the dimples in his cheeks, again. “Thank you, I mean. I’m sorry I’m being impatient and rude, I know there’s more to getting married than just a pretty ring.”

“Yer okay, li’l one, I understand. Well, that wouldn’t be very much fun if I told you, now would it? It’d take away tha surprise.” his brows do the rest of the talking for him. Letting out a long breath, I dive into his arms, and start to relax when his chin rests on my head. “Soon, ‘s that good enough fer you? . . ‘kay, good. Bloody hell, yer a funny one, thinkin’ you can get away with askin’ me like that. And thinkin’ that ‘m not over tha moon mad ‘bout you that ‘m not gonna marry you one day,” he chuckles. I feel his stomach shake with the sound, and soon, mine does too.

“I can’t believe your knee jerk reaction was to say no.”

“C’mon, Becks, I didn’t mean it that way. I jus’ meant it as in, I don’t want you t’ beat me t’ it.”

“Yeah, well, I did. Again,” I giggle, and he joins me with that lovely sound his lips make.

“Seems ya did, like always . . Would you like t’ come with me t’ look at rings t’morrow afta work?” at the sound of his words, something blossoms inside of my chest, and quickly on my lips. It’s that effervescence that I find sitting in his eyes at times, an unbelievable bubbly feeling.

“I’d love to, Harry.”

“Good, I thought that’s what you’d say,” his trademark wheeze is like music to my ears, and at last, I feel my heart start to beat normally again.

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothin’ t’ be sorry fer, bug. I feel as if I do, leavin’ you in the dark ‘bout this. I thought you knew from our talks that I was plannin’ on it soon, my love,” and the guilt train just speeds along, taking me with it.

“You’re too good to me, Harry.”

“Hush, li’l one, you deserve it and so much mo’, my Mrs. Styles. Now, let’s get some sleep, we have a big day ahead o’ us t’morrow. Interviewin’ witnesses, and engagement ring shoppin,’” he coos with an excited lilt to his voice. I can’t do any longer without seeing it in those sage abyss eyes. “Hi, Mrs. Styles. That sounds rather perfect, dontchu think?”

“Yeah,” I smile, combing stray hair away from those beautiful eyes. I don’t know, I think I want our kids to have his eyes, instead.

“Rebecca Styles. Becky Styles.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Styles.”

“Tha married lawyers,” he whispers until his lips explode with a laugh made of dreams. I taste it on his lips when he kisses me.

“I love you, Harry Styles.”

“I love you mo’ than you will ever bloody know, Rebecca Ann. Can’t wait t’ put a ring on yer finger, see you walk down tha aisle t’ me, and have so many babies t’gether,” he speaks animatedly, holding me tight and still holding my eyes with his. “Love you, Boops,” is the last thing he says before kissing my nose, and then underneath my eye.

I love you, Styles.

“He’s still alive, ‘s he? Hmm, dunno if ya have a green thumb quite yet, considerin’ you’ve killed ev’ry other plant ‘ve gotten you.”

“Hey! Plants just aren’t my forte, okay? But, succulents? Eh, they’re better . . easier. Plants are harder than they look, Harry,” my protest is weak, and we both know it. He wheezes while thumbing at a thick leaf on ‘Frankie the Succulent,’ the very plant that’s been here just as long as I’ve been a lawyer here.

“So am I,” I nudge him away when his lousy dad joke drifts over my shoulder.

“Shut up. I’m going to go and fill my water, so he can have some too. I’ll be back and then, we can have lunch.”

“Noted. I bloody well hope yer better at keepin’ kids alive than plants.” I have to roll my eyes at him this time too for the lame comment. “Hey, watch those eyes o’ yers, Rebecca Ann, or no churros fer you.”

“You never have, and you never will, Styles.”

“Oh, ya sure are temptin’ me now, woman,” he sighs with a finger wagging at me. Rolling my eyes again on accident, and from pure habit, I hurriedly leave the room, giggling after seeing the look on his face. “Yer gonna get it, Rebecca Holte!” I hear called after me, only urging my lips further.

When I return, his lips are still twitching with a smile, and part of me grows nervous. In one way, ever since we looked at rings last week, I feel on edge every time he has that glint in his eye, never knowing when he’s going to fall onto a knee. This time, I’m nervous about the way he bites at his bottom lip.

“What’s that look for, Styles?” my lips twitch with nerves. Swallowing against a dry throat, I lift my water bottle to my mouth briefly as I walk up to the succulent.

“Frankie’s jus’ lookin’ sad, ‘s all. Ya better hurry and water him befo’ he dies on ya too.”

I hear it, and the puzzle pieces all click together when I spot the long box adorned with glittery, purple wrapping paper in the middle of my desk. That definitely wasn’t there before.

“Harry-,” I begin, setting down the water bottle as my body turns to face him.

“Open it,” he interrupts softly, something I once hated him for. At times now, he’s become rather good at finding the best moments for it.

Squishing my lips together into an eager smile, I pull the box into my hands, unwrapping the violet colored bow. My body jolts when his arms come around my waist from behind, his massive height allowing his chin to rest on the top of my head. Lifting the lid of the rectangular box, I’m greeted by a surprising sight.

“Harry,” his name drops from my lips, something that had become so easy over the years, despite the times it had been the hardest word for me to say. His lips are touching the sky almost and his dimples couldn’t be deeper as he beams at me.

“Try it on, Ms. Lawyer. Figured you needed one too t’ stay organized.” Nodding to it, he licks his lips while watching me.

“This is too much, Harry, I-.”

“Happy One and a Half, bug, and congrats on yer sparklin’ review, as always. Ya deserve it. Now, try it on already. I wanna see it on you,” he wheezes with that sunshine smile spreading even more warmth across my face. The redness coating my cheeks I’m sure only reaches further when he turns me around to steal a kiss from my lips.

The lavender colored band feels buttery under my fingertips. I have to ask for Harry’s help, but within moments, an Apple watch similar to his, despite the purple band and purple hard case, sits on my wrist.

“You like?”

“Yes, I love it,” I sigh happily, exploring the small device’s possibilities. His giggle eggs me on, especially when he shows me the Walkie Talkie feature that he insists we experiment with from opposite sides of the room. “But, I didn’t really get you anything. Well, nothing as nice as this.”

“Hush, you. You didn’t need t’ get me anythin.’ ‘m mo’ than pleased with our dinner planned fer t’night. ‘m excited t’ cook with you, bug. Steaks, alfredo, honey glazed carrots, and yer famous chocolate cake. There’s nothin’ mo’ that I could want.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll just take back your present then,” I huff with sarcasm laced in my voice, plucking the present wrapped in Beatles paper from a drawer in my desk.

He too holds back an excited smile, reaching his hands out while walking towards me. “Gimme,” he nearly squeals, and I oblige. Biting on my nail, I watch as he tears the paper away, oooing and awwing at the square box that now sits in his palm. “Oooo, another wordy board game, me likey.”

Chuckling, I relish the way he turns it over in his hands, examining the front and back, “It’s called Boggle. You shake up the dice with letters and then have to make words from the touching letters before the timer is up. Then, you go through what words you have, and whoever has the most unique words wins . . My gran and I used to play it loads when . . when she was alive. I found it at my Dad’s the other weekend when I was there, so it’s not a new one, I’m sorry.”

“Becks,” he begins, having forgotten the game entirely to meet my eyes. Stepping forward, his hand comes to cradle my elbow, all smiles gone. “You shouldn’t have, bug. I can’t imagine how special this ‘s t’ you, thank you so much. ‘ll keep it safe and be careful with it. ‘ll keep it at home, then. We should play it t’night afta dinner. ‘ve been wantin' some new games.”

“I’d like that, and don’t worry, it just goes to show you how much I love you,” I smile, feeling his honesty when his lips touch mine. “But, for the record, I get it in the divorce. I’m putting it in the prenup.”

“Shut up, would you? Stop talkin’ and kiss me, honeybug,” Harry smirks, whisking all of my words away with his lips tasting of honey. “Love you.”

“I love you mostest,” it’s a titter against his lips, but it grows fuller as he shakes his head at me, gnawing at his lip.

“God, I can’t believe you did that. Ya went right fer it. What am I gonna do with you?” he tuts, clucking his tongue at me. Before I know it, his fingers are dancing along my sides, and his laugh is mingling with mine.

Who knew that it could ever be this good?

It had been information overload, and my noggin was ready for a break a few days later. Beginning it with a coffee in hand, my legs inch closer to his door. My reprieve is closer with every second as I near the door with my favorite person’s name on it. That was the last thought in my mind when that frosted glass door swung open, and two men turned around to face me with surprise. At first, I have a hard time telling them apart, until I blink a few times.

“Oh, I-I’m sorry. I should’ve knocked,” the words are automatic on my lips, and so is the apology on Harry’s face.

His parting lips are fast, but they don’t beat those of the man who stands closer to me, “You’re okay, love. I was just leaving.”

I nod along with his words, but I don’t have any of my own. Instead, my eyes veer to Harry’s pair with a question in mine. The alarm that had risen inside of me at the sight of the man only worsens once I find his pages unreadable to me. His lips curls just the slightest, but there’s something else there I see as they ready themselves to speak.

“Becks, this ‘s me Dad, and Dad, this ‘s me girlfriend, Becky,” he announces warmly, removing a hand from the pockets of his beige blazer, pointing to the tall man in a dark suit. I can’t stop my eyes from widening at my boyfriend and he nods at me. I don’t have any more time to look, because Harry’s dad is stepping towards me.

“Reckon we’ve met once before, if I remember correctly. Anyways, I’m Dez. Dez Styles, ‘s nice t’ meet me son’s girlfriend at last,” the man says in a slow drawl with an accent similar to Harry’s. A smile appears on my lips from nowhere as I take his hand in my own, shaking it. If I look hard enough, I think I can see a hint of Harry’s eyes, and more in him.

“It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m Becky.”

“Pleasure t’ meet you, Becky, but I best be going. I have to get back to work meself. Maybe we could talk more another time. I’d love t’ hear more about you, and how the two of you met over some fish and chips, or a pint some time,” he continues, and so does my nodding.

“Ya, we’ll see,” the words are soft, but they’re from Harry as his dad nods to the both of us before leaving the room.

“Have a good day, the both of you. Talk soon.”

Suddenly, we’re joined by the silence, and Harry only feeds it when I wish he’d end it. No matter the looks I give him or the questions that shout from my eyes, he remains silent, despite the recent bombshell.

When he does speak, at last, it’s the least from what I expect, “Wanna play some Boggle? Reckon ‘s that point in tha day, I need a break.”

“Really, Harry? Boggle?” my question graces the air, long overdue, even if only for the last few minutes it’s sat inside of me being a bother.

Again, he deprives me. Instead, he plops onto the trusty old sofa, removing the playing items from the box to set them on top of it. When I find my seat, a blank notepad and pen both with the logo of Styles and Lawson await me across from him. The loud clatter of the plastic dice bouncing around inside of the container fills my ears when I wish it was something else. Somebody else.

When he removes the lid to set it aside, and tips the sand timer over, I leave it at that. For the next minute, we sit in an absence of words, concentrating on forming random ones of our own from the arrangement of random letters.

“Time’s up,” I announce when the white sand has completely filled the bottom half of the timer. His frantic scribbling comes to a stop, but my lips resume, with a laugh.

“What’re you laughin’ at over there?” Harry hums, lifting his narrowed eyes at me. Despite the number of times I’ve asked, he’s never let me near his beloved eyebrows, but of course, they’re rather perfect as it is. Big surprise, there.

“Your handwriting has gotten so bad, Harry. How do you even read it, anymore?”

“Hush, you. I can read it, that’s all that matters,” he whines, carding a hand through his hair.

“I hardly can, though! I barely could when I was your assistant, it took me forever to learn.”

“‘Kay, thanks fer tha lecture. Now, ‘ll start,” he shrugs with a laugh, pointing the tip of his pen to the first word on his list. His handwriting was a cross between cursive and chicken scratch, that’s all I could ever explain it as.

“Can we please wait, Harry? I want to talk,” my question is slow and gentle, or so, I hope. If anything, my hand is when I place it on top of his. He doesn’t meet my eyes, but it’s enough when he forgets the pen to cradle my hand in his.

“Are you mad I didn’t tell you?”

“No, of course not, Harry. I-.”

“Thanks, ‘cos I don’t wantchu t’ and ya don’t hafta be. I didn’t know it was gonna happen, either. I . . ,” a sigh steals his words away as his thumb worries away at my promise ring. “I texted him, askin’ him how he proposed t’ me mum . . and if he had me gran’s ring. His mum’s. He asked if he could stop by tha firm t’ speak ‘bout it, and I said sure, not thinkin’ ‘d actually happen. Things had been good lately, y’know. He was at Gem’s a few weekends ago when I stopped by, you were at a show with Skye, I think.”

“Yeah, I remember. How’d it go today with him?” my broaching of the question is careful, but if anything, this is a topic I know how to talk about. We both ride the parent trauma train, unfortunately.

“Good. It was brief, but it went good,” he answers, gracing me with a look of his beautiful eyes. Finally, they hold all of the pages to his books, open for me to read, as I like. “He gave me some tips, and we spoke ‘bout rings. It was actually really nice, and I think he was really tryin,’ which meant loads t’ me. He wants t’ get t’gether t’ meet you- Well, reckon he already did, once or twice, now. But, I think ‘d like that, too. ‘m not jus’ lettin’ him back into me life tho’, but I want to try with him again. I want t’ have a Dad again, Becks,” a happy wheeze accompanies his words, and so does a glassiness to his eyes.

“I’m so happy for you, honey.”

I feel his breath on my cheek, and then his beard when I surround him with my arms. Laughs dripping with hopes and dreams pass between us as I hug him back, stroking the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Thanks, babe. I jus’ hope it’ll stay this way . . that it’ll stay good.”

“I know. I’m sure it will, Harry,” trying to ignore the weight of our words, and the impending future that settles in my thoughts.

Me too, Harry. Me too.

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