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makayla-angelic · 3 years

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Helsaween-Week 1-Harvest

Summary: The 1st graders of Arendelle Elementary are going on a Halloween trick or treating at a local pumpkin patch! Hans is excited to go, mostly because he can’t wait to spend time talking to Elsa, a fellow classmate he’s got a crush on. Hans is sure that Elsa likes him back, and he’s determined to impress her in any way he can.

Pumpkin Patch Happenings

One beautiful fall day at Arendelle Elementary, Ms. Simms burst into her classroom with exciting news.

“Guess what class?” she asked, with a smile on her face. “We’re going on a field trip this Halloween to a local pumpkin patch! And that’s not all, there will be games, stories, and trick or treating!”

“Yay!” shouted all the boys and girls. It sounded like fun to them, as they began talking excitedly to one another.

“I’m going to dress up as a monster,” said one boy.

“I’m going to dress up as a mermaid,” said one girl.

Hans tapped his pencil against his head. He didn’t know what he wanted to dress up as. He thought about dressing up as a monster too, but he did not want his other classmates to think he was playing copycat.

“I going to dress up as Cinderella,” said a girl named Elsa with a giggle.

Hans smiled at Elsa. He liked her and found her nice and pretty. But he was shy to talk to her. They had spoken a few times on the playground, but Hans was always so shy. Hans wondered if maybe Elsa liked him too. Maybe at the Halloween field trip they could play games together! Maybe he could win all the prizes, just for her.

Ms. Simms passed out little pieces of paper with the date and the location of the field trip. Everyone in the class couldn’t wait to go! Halloween was still a little over two weeks away, and to all the little boys and little girls in the class, it felt like forever. Hans couldn’t wait to go have fun and talk to Elsa.

When Hans got home, he told his parents excitedly about the field trip.

“That sounds like fun,” said his mother. “We can go get you a costume this Saturday, and see what you like.” Hans nodded his head. He wanted to find the right one.

So on Saturday, Hans woke up, and got dressed, ate breakfast, and Mom took him to the costume store. There were so many costumes to choose from! There were ghosts, goblins, monsters, spiders, orcs, and zombies. Hans walked past all of them and headed towards the back, where all the superheroes and warriors were. He took a knight costume complete with a sword and shield off the shelf.

“You don’t want to be a ghost or a goblin, Hans?” asked his mother. Hans shook his head no. He was too shy to say that he didn’t want to dress up as anything too scary for Elsa when he talked to her. He decided that being a knight would be cooler. So Hans’s mother bought the costume, and when they got home he hung it up on his closet door so that he could see it. He hoped no one else in his class would dress up as a knight.

Another week passed, and it was Saturday again. The day of the Halloween field trip had arrived! Hans could hardly wait. At last, evening was coming, and it was time to get ready. Hans put on his costume, and he and his parents set off to the pumpkin patch. By the time they arrived it was dark, and all the little boys and girls from his grade level were walking around with their parents, looking for their class teacher. Just then, Hans saw Elsa! She was walking up with her parents and younger sister. Elsa was dressed in a beautiful Cinderella costume and tiara that seemed to sparkle in the moonlight.

“Hi Hans,” said Elsa, waving to him.

“H-hello,” said Hans, waving back shyly.

“I like the knight costume,” said Elsa.

“Th-thanks,” said Hans. “I like yours too.”

Once everyone in Ms. Simms class was lined up, they all followed her to an area where they were going to play their first game. It was bobbing for apples, only a bit more modernized than usual. The apples floating in the water were plastic with a magnet piece on top, and there were little fishing rods with magnet ends on the bottom.

“First person who fishes out the most apples in one minute wins a prize,” said the man in the charge of the game.

“Only three at a time can go,” said Ms. Simms.

Elsa and two other girls were up first. “Ready, set, go!” cried the man, and he started the timer. Elsa and the other two girls rushed to get an apple on the end of their poles, yank it out, take it off, and go for another one. Hans, Ms. Simms, and everyone else cheered them on.

“Time’s up!” cried the man, one minute had gone by so fast!

“Pooey!” cried Elsa, for she did not win, her classmate dressed up as a fairy did. Hans felt sad for her. So, when it was his time to go, he was determined to win.

“Ready, set, go!” cried the man, and Hans and his other two classmates rushed to fish for the apples. When the minute was up, the man yelled to Hans, “You win!” And Hans was happy. The man gave him a little bag of toys as his prize.

When that game was over, Elsa was still feeling a little sad. Hans walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Here,” said Hans, giving her the bag. “Have my prize.”

“Really?” asked Elsa in surprise. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” said Hans.

Elsa grabbed the bag excitedly. “Thank you!” She said.

“You’re welcome,” said Hans with a smile.

The next game they played was bean bag toss. “Whoever scores the most points wins a candy apple.” said the game instructor.

Once again it was three to a station, for there were three bean bag toss boards. Hans and two other classmates were up first, and when the the instructor told them to ready, set, go, off they went, as fast as they could in one minute to make points. This time, Hans did not win, and he tried not to be sad about it. Elsa and two other classmates went up next, and this time, Elsa won! And just like Hans did, as they walked away to the next game, Elsa tapped Hans on the shoulder and he turned around.

“Here you go,” said Elsa, giving the treat to him. “I have candied apples at home.”

“Wow, thank you!” said Hans.

“You’re welcome,” said Elsa.

They played one-legged race, they played tug a war, and they played a guessing game. Hans and Elsa and everyone else were having so much fun! They shared gifts with each other and soon, they had quite the stash! After a long time of playing games, it was time for refreshments. Everyone ate delicious pumpkin spice snickerdoodles and drank fruit punch. Then they gathered around the campfire and listened to a man tell a scary story.

“This is a story about a man who’s house was haunted by a zombie’s foot!” said the storyteller. Hans, Elsa, and everyone else listened with wide eyes.

After storytelling, it was time for the final game of the night. The farmer led them into a giant barn.

“This is a game where everyone can win a prize!” he said. “There are bags of candy hidden around the barn. See how much you can find in five minutes! When time is up, come out and stand with your teacher.”

Hans, Elsa, and everyone else were excited to play the game of finding the candy.

“On your mark, get set, go!” cried the farmer, and all the children spread out in the barn to find the candy. They all laughed as they raced each other to different spots and grabbed candy before the other did. Before they knew it, the farmer was yelling, “One minute left!”

Elsa hurried to find the last bit of candy that was left. Suddenly, her and another classmate spotted a not so well hidden bag of candy on top of a block of hay, peeking out behind another one. Elsa and the boy both rushed and climbed onto the block of hay to reach the candy. Elsa was about to grab it, when suddenly, without warning, the boy pushed her! Elsa fell to the ground, and landed on her right wrist.

Hans, who had seen the boy push Elsa, he hurriedly rushed over and grabbed the boy by the back of his costume, and yanked him down. The boy, angry that Hans had pulled him down, pushed Hans, and Hans pushed him back.

“Hey, hey, hey! What’s going on here?” asked the farmer as he walked in with Ms. Simms and pulled them apart.

“He pushed Elsa,” said Hans, pointing at the boy.

“Is that true?” Ms. Simms demanded as she stood with her hands on her hips. “Answer me David.”

David just shook his head no.

“Is it true, Elsa?” asked Ms. Simms to Elsa, who was sitting on the ground, holding her wrist and crying. Elsa nodded her head yes.

And so Ms. Simms got David and Elsa’s parents.

“How dare you push a girl down!” cried David’s Mom as he scolded his son. “When we get home you’re going to take your bath and go right to bed. No candy for you tonight mister.” They made David apologize to Elsa, and then they marched him to the car.

“I don’t think it’s broken, but we’ll make an appointment to the doctor’s in the morning,” said Elsa’s Mom, as she looked at her daughters wrist. Hans felt so sorry for Elsa. He was mad that David was such a big fat meanie and pushed Elsa. Hans’s Mom and Dad were proud that Hans had stood up for Elsa.

There was one final activity to do, and then the Halloween field trip would be over. The farmer let all the little boys and girls go to the pumpkin patch and pick out a little pumpkin to take home! Elsa sat on the side. Her wrist was hurting and she didn’t feel like playing. So, Hans went out into the field, found the nicest, shiniest, and roundest pumpkin he could find, and presented it to Elsa. Elsa smiled and was happy.

“Thank you,” said Elsa. Then, she leaned forward and kissed Hans on the cheek!

Hans was surprised, and then he could feel his face turning as red as an apple.

“You’re welcome,” Hans managed to say.

At last, the field trip was over, and it was time to go home. Hans and Elsa walked side by side each other as they followed their parents to the car.

“Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!” they sang as the full moon shone high overhead. The end.

I hope you all enjoy this short story!

#hans #elsa #helsa #helsaween

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let-the-dream-begin · 3 years

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In My Daughter’s Eyes Chapter 29: Butterly

Chapter 28

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The rest of August flew by. The power was restored a little over a week after the storm had initially hit, and getting Faith back into her normal routine (sleeping in her own bed, brushing teeth in the bathroom) was a bit of a struggle. Dismantling the fort had been a feat as well; Faith was not at all happy about it. Claire would absolutely not sleep on the floor, but she couldn’t bring herself to force Faith to sleep alone with no nightlight or option to turn the lights on, so she’d been allowed to sleep with Mummy until the power was restored.

September was upon them, and with it, the terror of a day that Claire had been anticipating with dread and excitement for months.

On September ninth, Faith was going to school.

In the middle of August, Claire had rearranged her work schedule to be able to take her to the orientation, tethered to Angus. They’d been picked up by the bus together so that Faith could practice with a school bus. The orientation leader had been extremely kind and helpful, showing them the whole school before they got to the special education room. It was a different district than the one they lived in, but Mrs. Lickett (and Claire’s research) had told her that this was the best program for Faith’s specific needs. The classroom was smaller than the others, but her class was only eight children altogether. Claire had heard horror stories of special needs children in a classroom that was essentially a glorified closet, no windows, no color in the room. So when the room they entered was nothing short of the most adorable, sunshine-y kindergarten classroom she’d ever seen, Claire could have cried with relief.

Each child’s individual aid was waiting in the classroom, including Carole, Faith’s aid. She’d been told about Angus and what he was specifically meant to help with in terms of Faith’s behavior and education. He’d responded well to a few experimental commands from Carole, and Faith seemed to like her well enough. Miss O’Reilly was the teacher’s name, and she gave a small sample lesson to demonstrate for the parents, and for the children to practice. Claire hung in the back of the room with the other parents, who all looked equally as terrified as she was.

Watching Faith at her little desk, her aid pointing to her pencil and paper, whispering in her ear to encourage her participation, was overwhelming. She was squirming a bit, turning around occasionally to reach for Claire. Angus was dutiful, however, nudging her, applying pressure in her lap with his head to bring her back, to calm her down.

She can do it. They can do it. Together.

Claire took the day off for Faith’s first day; she knew she wouldn’t be able to focus on a damn thing at work, and she didn’t feel like being responsible for people’s lives while her mind was otherwise occupied. Jamie insisted on taking the day off as well, on being there to see her off on the bus, and then staying with Claire like her own emotional support animal. She’d insisted he didn’t need to, though it was a rather weak insistence, because she knew deep down she needed him.

He had arrived promptly at seven o’clock, being that Faith’s bus was to arrive at eight-fifteen. He seemed surprised to find her fully dressed already, full-well knowing by now that his girlfriend was not a morning person. He’d apparently expected her to be in her pajamas.

“I hardly slept last night,” she admitted, standing aside to let him in. “I finally gave up around five, got dressed around six.”

He smiled with sympathy and gently pulled her in for a brief kiss. “I didna sleep much at all either.” He pulled her in for a comforting embrace, and his heartbeat in her ear did wonders for her nerves, if only temporarily. She felt his breath on the top of her head, and he pressed another kiss there.

“She nervous at all?” he asked.

“I don’t know, it’s hard to tell. I’m not sure she realizes that I won’t be going with her this time.” The thought sent her stomach turning again, filled with dread over Faith’s heart-crushing realization that Mummy was sending her away.

“Aye, suppose we’ll find out.” He pulled away to offer her another smile, and she craned her neck to kiss him again. “Here.” He produced a paper bag from behind his back, and Claire started, not even having realized he’d been holding something the whole time. “Picked ye up a wee treat fer breakfast. Ye deserve something better today than those crumbly chunks of oat ye call a meal.”

Her eyes smoldering with affection, she took the bag and peeked inside. “Granola bars are quite good for you. Fiber and protein are important.”

“Perhaps. But so are taste buds.”

She rolled her eyes as she shuffled away, depositing the bag on the kitchen counter. “I’ll eat it later. Could you get her cereal ready while I wake her up?”

“Aye, certainly.”

They brushed past each other in the doorway of the kitchen, and Claire entered Faith’s bedroom, her heart hammering in her chest.

“Angus, come,” she said lightly, and the previously sleeping dog sprang up from his spot beside Faith, trotting next to Claire. She sat down on the edge of Faith’s bed and began stroking her head. “Faith, darling. Time to wake up.”

Her eyes fluttered open, and Claire was greeted with a sweet, absent smile.

“There she is! Good morning, lovie.” Faith sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Do you know what today is? It’s the first day of school! Yay!” She signed applause, and Faith copied lazily, her hands apparently not totally awake yet. “It’s time to get up and get dressed. Do you want to look pretty for school, Faithie?”

Faith nodded excitedly, giving a little hum.

“That’s right. Up we get now, come on.” Claire stood up and went to the dresser, picking up the blue dress she already had lain out. “Look at your pretty dress, baby. You’re going to look so pretty. Yes?”

She gave an excited little hop, and she raised her arms up, indicating she was ready for Claire to pull her pajama shirt off. Claire chuckled and obliged her, talking to her gently as she got her dressed. Claire insisted she give her a twirl when the dress was on, and Faith was more than happy to do so. Dressed and twirled, Claire loosely pulled half of her wild curls up, then clipped the tartan hair bow at the base of the ponytail.

“There. Pretty dress, and Merida bow. You’re all ready.”

Faith hummed loudly, jiggling her hands, and she followed Claire into the living room, trailed closely by Angus.

“Look who’s here, Faith! Special for you on your first day of school!” They entered the kitchen, and Faith practically launched herself at Jamie, throwing her arms around his legs right where he stood at the counter.

“Ah, there she is! Good morning, my braw wee lass!” He cupped the top of her head, and looked up at Claire as his fingers brushed the hair bow. “Ye’re a proper wee Scot today, aye? Wearing the hair bow I gave ye?” He pointed at the bow, and Faith giggled.

“It’s her favorite. Of course she had to wear it for such a big day.”

Brimming with affection, Jamie crossed the room, swinging Faith as she clung to his leg, and pressed a sweet kiss on Claire’s lips. Claire giggled into the kiss, the silly image of him wearing her daughter on his leg impossible to ignore.

“Alright, little monkey. Let Jamie go, please. Time for breakfast. Angus first.”

Faith obeyed, marching over to Angus’s bag of food and dumping the scoopful into his bowl, and Jamie handed her the pre-measured cup of water for her to pour into his water bowl.

“Good girl,” Claire said warmly as Angus already began digging in. “Your turn.”

A bowl of Cheerios was already waiting on the table, and Jamie hurried to pour the milk in. “Didna want it to get soggy while it waited fer her.”

Claire’s heart felt fit to burst for the fifth time that morning. Before Faith had interrupted, Jamie had been cutting up an apple at the counter, and he finished up before putting the plate next to Faith’s cheerios.

Having finished his breakfast in a matter of seconds, as usual, Angus was free for Jamie to pet and coddle while Claire carefully arranged Faith’s lunch and snack in her Frozen lunchbox.

“See, Faith?” Claire said. “Lunch is all ready to go.”

Faith looked up from her cereal to give a thumbs up.

On the way home from orientation, as a reward for being a good girl, Claire had stopped at Target and let Faith choose any lunchbox and backpack she wanted, along with a few folders and fun pencils. They were all Disney, of course, mostly Frozen dominated.

“These are for school, lovie. All of your favorites are going to help you be a big girl in school, yes?” Claire had said while Faith filled the shopping cart. Faith had simply hummed contentedly, smiling dreamily.

Claire checked said backpack about eight times before Faith finished her breakfast, and she heard Jamie coaxing her to drink the milk leftover in her cereal bowl.

“To make yer wee bones grow big and strong, a leannan.”

She re-entered the kitchen to see him popping an apple slice in his mouth, making an absurd face, and Faith squealed, shaking her head.

“If ye dinna want me to steal every slice, ye’d better hurry.” He picked up another slice, and Faith tried to grab it, but he stealthily dodged her and popped it in his mouth. She squealed with laughter again, and then countered by popping a slice in her own mouth.

“Och, I wanted that one.” Jamie leaned back with contrived exasperation, crossing his arms. Faith giggled incessantly, and Claire had to bite her lip.

“Ridiculous human being,” she said, shaking her head.

“Can Mummy have any apples d’ye think?”

Faith squealed and adamantly shook her head, curls flying wildly.

“Oh, I can’t?” Claire challenged, crossing the room to join them at the table. She swiped a slice off the plate and popped it in her mouth, and Faith shrieked. “You heard him. You’d better hurry before we finish them.”

Faith ate another slice, looking back and forth between the adults like a little conspirator. They carried on like this, Jamie and Claire bringing slices to their open mouths, but then depositing them into Faith’s instead.

Eight o’clock came much too soon, and Claire cleaned up in the kitchen while Jamie led Faith into the living room. When Claire joined them, Jamie was giving her a quiet pep-talk while tying her shoes, her pink princess sneakers that didn’t at all match what she was wearing, but that she insisted on wearing no matter what.

Claire picked up her backpack when Jamie finished, not wanting to interrupt. “Alright, lovie. Ready?”

Faith nodded, extending her arms and allowing Claire to put the straps over her shoulders.

“There you go. All ready for school.”

“No’ quite,” Jamie said, reaching behind him into his back pocket. “I’ve got something special, Faith. Since ye’re such a big girl now, going to school and all.” He produced a tiny plush brown horse, attached to a little hook. “It’s a keychain, fer yer princess backpack.” Faith smiled, reaching out to hold it. “It’s a wee Pippi. See? She’s even got the white spot.” Struck by the familiarity, Faith stroked the white snout gently.

“Aye, very good, lass.” Jamie smiled widely. “Since ye canna take yer noble steed to school, or Horsie, I figure this’ll have to do.” He gently pried it from her hands to clip it to a loop on the backpack strap where she could reach it. “I’m very, very proud of you, Faith. When ye miss yer mam, I want ye to give wee Pippi a squeeze. Alright?”

They exchanged a thumbs up, and Claire almost burst into tears.

“I’m very proud of you too, baby.” Claire joined them, kneeling beside Jamie in front of her. “You’re such a big girl now.” She pushed her hair behind her ear. “Are you a big girl? Big girl, Faith?” Claire signed big girl, and Faith bounced with excitement, signing big.

“Yes, good girl.”

They spent the last few minutes before the bus arrived trying to coax her to uncover her face long enough to get a picture of her first day of school outfit. Claire and Jamie took turns being in the pictures, and Jamie even insisted on getting a selfie so they could all (Angus included) get into one picture.

There was suddenly a honk from outside, and Claire’s stomach lurched. She looked up at Jamie with terror, and he gave her hand a squeeze.

“Angus, come,” Jamie called, and he made quick work of getting him vested, leashed, and tethered to Faith.

Claire stood up and opened the front door, waving to the bus driver. She turned back to see dog and child ready to go, Jamie holding her hand.

He looked just as terrified as she felt.

Together, the four of them made their way down the steps to meet the bus, and they stopped a few feet away from the curb.

“Okay, baby. There’s the bus.” Claire said, kneeling in front of her on the concrete. “Are you ready?”

Are you ready, Beauchamp?

“It’s only for a few hours,” Claire said, perhaps more for herself than for Faith. “And then you’ll be home again with Mummy. Yes?”

“Ye’re gonnae have lots of fun, Faith. Show Angus to all yer new friends, learn sae much,” Jamie chimed in.

She was not humming, but her hand was jiggling at her side, and Jamie grasped it.

“It’s alright, mo chridhe.” He pressed a kiss to her little knuckles. “It’s alright.”

Claire bit down fiercely on her lip. No tears until she’s gone.

“I love you, baby.” Claire held up the sign, forcing a tiny smile. “I love you.”

Faith returned the sign, touching her thumb, finger, and pinky to Claire’s as their foreheads rested together. They held the sign and their embrace for several lingering seconds, until the constant chugging of the bus’s engine reminded Claire that time was still passing.

“Alright. Hugs.” Claire pulled her in for a quick hug, fervently kissing the top of her head.

“A hug fer me too, lass?” Jamie said tentatively, and Faith did not hesitate. He pulled her in and kissed her head as Claire had, offering her a wide grin when they pulled apart.

“Alright. It’s time now, baby.” Claire and Jamie stood up, each taking one of her hands and leading her to the bus. Carole was waiting at the top of the steps, smiling kindly.

“Hi, Faith,” she greeted warmly.

“Hold onto the railing, now,” Jamie said quickly, releasing the hand he was holding so Faith could grasp the metal railing.

Claire had to force herself to let go of Faith’s other hand, her heart stinging as Carole took it instead. She hesitated at the top of the stairs, stopping Carole from pulling her into a seat. Faith turned around, and Claire thought she was going to faint. Jamie seemed to read her mind, and he desperately grasped her hand, squeezing like his life depended on it.

Faith looked like she may cry, and her hand was jiggling in a way that both of them knew was not happy.

Angus pressed the top of his head into Faith’s side, and she laced her fingers in his fur, ceasing her jiggling.

“It’s okay, baby,” Claire choked out. “It’s okay.”

Angus stayed rooted in place, waiting patiently for the panic to pass, and Carole looked back and forth between girl and dog, and the anxious couple.

“Ready, Faith?” Carole gave her a thumbs up, and Faith turned away from Jamie and Claire to look up at her. “Ready?”

Faith returned the thumbs up, removing her hand from Angus.

“Okay. Let’s go sit.”

The doors to the bus closed, and Jamie and Claire staggered back, clinging desperately to one another. The bus lingered for several more seconds, and Faith soon appeared in one of the windows, or rather, her eyes and forehead did. Carole was talking to her, waving through the window, and Faith started waving, too. Claire and Jamie waved wildly with their free hands, and then the bus was pulling away, and Claire felt a piece of her heart leaving with it.

As soon as the bus was out of sight, Jamie crushed her to him, and she finally released the sob she’d been holding back.

“It’s alright, mo nighean donn,” he crooned into the top of her head, rocking her gently. “That was the worst part. Dinna fash, now. She did it.”

Claire wept quietly into his shirt, not caring if any one of her neighbors decided to peek out their window and see them on the curb. She felt his tears in her hair despite his calming words, and she held him tighter.

He was right; the worst part was over. She’d imagined so many different scenarios that ended either with Faith bolting off the bus, or with Claire dragging her down herself. She’d imagined Faith screaming her head off, red in the face with tears, inconsolable even by Angus.

But that hadn’t been the case.

“What if…what if she’s crying now? Just after we couldn’t see her anymore…?”

“She has Angus. He’s quite good at his job, ye ken.”

“I know, but she…” Claire couldn’t put words to her exact fear. “What if she’s not ready? What if I’ve just thrown her to the wolves…?”

“Ye’ve done all ye can to prepare her. Ye got her excited wi’ her supplies, ye trained her dog fer this moment fer months. If she canna handle it after all that, it’s no’ yer fault.” He kissed her head, and she felt its warmth reach her outermost extremities. “If it doesna work out this year, she’ll be all the more prepared next year. Mrs. Lickett said it’s alright if she’s no’ ready ’til next year.”

Claire nodded against his chest, sniffling loudly.

“Carole said she’d call if there was a problem on the bus. So there’s no need to worry, aye?” He pushed her away just enough to look into her eyes, and she nodded. He kissed her gently, brushing away her tears as he did. “Let’s go inside. Ye’ve got quite a tasty muffin waiting fer ye in the kitchen, if ye recall.”

She forced a tiny smile, hiccuping a bit. “I hope I don’t vomit it up.”

“If ye do, I’ll hold yer hair and rub yer back.” He put his arm around her shoulders and led her up the stairs. “Then I’ll get ye some saltines and ginger ale and take care of ye.”

She sighed and leaned into him. “I don’t deserve you.”

He scoffed. “Ye deserve to be taken care of, ye stubborn fool.”

She couldn’t help but smile as they entered the apartment, Jamie shutting the door behind them. “Thank you. For being here today. I think it helped ease her mind. And I…” She swallowed, catching her breath. “I really needed you.”

“Aye. I ken ye did.” He kissed her soundly again. “Come on, now. No more weeping. Breakfast time.”

——

Jamie did his best to distract Claire; it really was a valiant effort. They tried sex, but when he could see that her mind was elsewhere, he stopped, not wanting to force it when she wasn’t fully with him. Admittedly, even Jamie was struggling with that particular activity today. And he’d never had that problem before.

They settled on watching mindless television, but it didn’t do much for either of their nerves. He could feel Claire’s pulse going far too fast against his body, and Jamie’s fingers continued tapping anxiously on his thigh, his leg jiggling.

They were on perhaps their tenth episode of The Office, the sandwiches Jamie had made and tried to force Claire — and himself — to eat sitting untouched when Claire’s phone rang.

He swore Claire might have been having a stroke given the way she completely stiffened in her seat. She scrambled for the phone, resting idly on the coffee table.

“It’s the school,” she stammered, simultaneous with accepting the call. “Hello?”

Jamie’s stomach lurched, and he was grateful Claire put the phone on speaker.

“Hi, is this Miss Beauchamp?”

“Yes.”

“Hi, this is Miss O’Reilly, Faith’s teacher.”

“Yes, hello,” Claire said impatiently. “Is she alright? What’s happened?”

“Everything is okay, don’t worry. I’ve got Faith here with me. She keeps signing ‘mom,’ and she got more and more distressed every time, so we thought we should call you so she could hear your voice.”

Claire flashed a heartbreaking, guilt-ridden look up at Jamie. “Yes, give her the phone. Thank you.”

In a few seconds, the sound of sniffling came through the receiver, and Jamie instinctively grabbed Claire’s hand, squeezing for dear life.

“Faith? Hi, baby, it’s Mummy.”

Claire’s voice was wavering.

“It’s okay, lovie. I’m here. Jamie is here, too.”

“Hello, Faith,” Jamie chimed in. “It’s great to talk to ye.”

“I know you miss us, we miss you too,” Claire said carefully. “Don’t cry anymore, baby. It’s okay. You’re going to be home so, so soon. And then you get Oreos, remember? And a sticker.”

Mrs. Lickett and Claire had worked to put together a system where every day she went to and from school without a problem, she got a sticker on the sticker chart. She would earn little prizes for every filled row, and then, once the whole chart was full, she earned a big prize.

“I know you can do it,” Claire continued. “You’re such a big girl.”

“Aye, Faith, we’re verra proud of you.”

“That’s right,” Claire said. “I love you so much, baby. I’m doing the sign. Can you do it?” She paused for a bit. “I love you. Can you please give the phone to Miss O’Reilly?”

“Okay, thank you Faith.”

“How is she? Did that help?”

“I think it did. Now, just so you know, she did wet herself at her desk. And I know you said that she hasn’t really had bathroom issues in a while, so I assume it was just the stress.”

Claire’s grip tightened painfully on Jamie’s hand.

“Yes, I’m so sorry, I didn’t think she’d…”

“It’s okay. It happens to someone on the first day every year. It usually doesn’t happen more than one more time. She’s wearing the clean clothes you packed with her.”

“Ehm, okay,” Claire stammered. “Thank you so much.”

“Okay, I’ll call you again later to let you know how she did with the rest of the day.”

“Great. Thank you.”

“Bye-bye now.”

“Bye.”

The line went dead, and the phone collapsed in Claire’s lap as she buried her face in her hands. Jamie hung up the call to stop the ringing, and he pressed her against his chest.

“It’s alright, mo ghraidh.”

“No, it’s not…” she muttered tearfully against his chest. “I can’t do this, Jamie, I can’t. I’m going to go pick her up.”

“Hey.” Jamie tightened his grip on her, physically restraining her from getting up. “Ye’re no’ gonnae do that.”

“She hasn’t wet herself in nearly a year! Something is wrong! You could hear her crying. I have to go.”

She was nearing hysterics. Jamie pushed her away just enough to look in her eyes.

“Claire.” His voice was firm, tightly holding her shoulders. “Miss O’Reilly said she calmed down. What reason would she have to lie to ye?”

“She could’ve started right back in again once we hung up.”

“If you go get her now, she’ll never learn. She’ll think that if she pitches a fit that Mummy will come get her, and she can get out of school, or anything else. She needs to learn.”

He could tell how badly Claire wanted to look away, but she held his gaze. She welled up with fresh tears, and Jamie watched them trickle down her cheeks. Her chin trembled, and he, like the hypocrite he was, very nearly gave into her just to stop her from crying.

“You’re right,” Claire rasped, swallowing thickly. “I hate it…but you’re right.”

Jamie loosened his grip and moved his hands up to cup her cheeks. “It might be a long learning curve, but she will learn. She’s ready for school, I ken she is. She just doesna ken it herself yet. And ye canna give in before she has the chance to figure that out. She needs ye to give her this chance, Sassenach.”

Claire nodded, inhaling with a shuddering gasp. “I know.”

He tenderly kissed her forehead, letting it linger. “She’s a strong wee thing. And she gets it from her mother,” he said with pointed emphasis. “If she can do it, so can you.”

Claire nodded, swallowing again. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Sassenach.”

——

A bit after 3:30, the bus pulled up in front of the driveway, and both Jamie and Claire raced down the stairs. The doors to the bus opened, and Faith and Angus descended the stairs, Faith letting go of Carole’s hand to launch herself into Claire’s arms.

“Oh! Hello, darling!”

Jamie untethered her from Angus and commanded him to go upstairs and inside. Faith properly wrapped her legs around Claire’s waist, and she hoisted the girl up higher. Carole smiled sweetly down from the top of the stairs.

“How was she on the bus?” Claire called up.

“Fine, much more excited on the way back.”

The three adults shared a laugh.

“Oh, I bet,” Claire said, more to Faith then Carole. She fervently kissed her temple. “Thank you so much. I’ll be here tomorrow in the morning with her caretaker, and she’ll be getting her off without me.”

“Gotcha,” Carole said. The bus driver nodded as well.

“Okay, thank you, have a good day,” Claire said, waving. “Say bye-bye,” she crooned to Faith.

“Bye, thanks,” Jamie said, waving as well. Claire held Faith’s hand and waved with her, and the bus rolled away.

“Okay, time for Oreos!” Claire said.

“Aye, Oreos fer our big girl.” Jamie took Faith, knowing that Claire would have a hard time walking up the stairs with her. She was getting bigger every day.

They all sat at the kitchen table, Faith with her Oreos on her napkin, scraping the icing off with her teeth, Jamie and Claire watching her like she hung the stars, hands laced together.

Jamie gave her hand a squeeze, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “She did it.”

Claire nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. “We did it,” she corrected.

Jamie’s answer was a fervent kiss to the crown of her head.

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kingreywrites · 3 years

Text

Tradition

Fandom: Tangled

Word Count: 2624

New Dream Appreciation Week Day One: The Day of Hearts

Summary: "Hey Blondie," Eugene said quietly. She looked down at him as he turned around a little to face her more comfortably. "What do you think about… You know, this whole tradition about signing Herz Der Sonne's diary to celebrate your love?"

Note: not my fav fic for this week, but I hope you’ll like it!!

Read on ao3

@gleamful-lanterns @autumn-ravenclaw

-1-

Sat cross-legged on Eugene's bed, Rapunzel was scribbling intensely on the list of activities she was making to convince Cass that a double date with her and Eugene was the best thing ever, adding little doodles everywhere to support her arguments. Eugene, for his part, was lying down lengthwise on his bed next to her, head and shoulders sticking out. He was tracing mindless patterns on the floorboards under him, looking thoroughly bored.

"Hey Eugene?" she asked suddenly, pencil in her mouth.

"Yes?"

"An activity of swimming together under the stars, yay or nay?"

"Nay," he grunted.

"Really? Why?"

"The water's cold, and Cassandra in it would make it freezing," he grumbled, looking up to see her frown. "Hey, the water really is cold. Plus, this Andrew guy and Cass only just met in person, maybe it's a little too soon to put on swimsuits in front of each other for them."

Rapunzel pondered on that for a second, before nodding. Swimming would have to wait for another double date. She hoped the fifty-six other activities she had planned would be enough to compensate. This was so exciting, she thought with a grin, already fantasising about how great it would be to do all of these things with Eugene, while Cassandra could do them with Andrew.

"Hey Blondie," Eugene said quietly. She looked down at him as he turned around a little to face her more comfortably. "What do you think about… You know, this whole tradition about signing Herz Der Sonne's diary to celebrate your love?"

She beamed at him, forgetting her list for a second as she thought back on the story Big Nose told them not so long ago. "It's so romantic! I love the idea that, for generations, couples signed this book, and that their love will forever live through it!"

"I do too," Eugene answered with a soft smile. He opened his mouth, about to say something, but she didn't notice because right at this instant, an idea struck her.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, lightening up visibly.

"Oh?" he parroted.

"Do you think Cass and Andrew are gonna sign the diary together? That would be adorable!" she squeaked, bending down to add book signing on the list. Oh, she was so impatient for this date - she just needed to get Cassandra's permission, but with so many fun things to do together, how could she say no?

When she looked back towards Eugene, he seemed to have deflated, and was looking at the ground again.

"Are you okay?"

He hummed, before grumbling: "You know, the Herz Der Sonne's diary is for really serious couples. Like, those that think that they're gonna spend their lives together, that kind of deal."

"Ah… And you think Cass isn't ready for that?"

"I- urgh," he groaned, "forget it."

She hesitated, sensing there was something more here, something she wasn't understanding. Gently, she put her hand in Eugene's hair and brushed it away, and he raised his head again to give her an honest and loving smile. She smiled back hesitantly, but he didn't add anything. After a few seconds, she decided to keep making her list of activities.

Just for Eugene, she added a couple manucure, knowing how much he loved these things.

-2-

There were a lot of cool things to do on the road - and a lot of less cool things too, like being in charge of the laundry day. Rapunzel had to admit, though there were plenty of tasks she actually enjoyed doing, laundry was… not one of them. It got her hair wet, and it took a long time to dry, and when she arrived in the castle, she had absolutely no trouble giving up on that.

On the road, though, there weren't many options. Thankfully, Eugene offered his help, so now they were both sitting near the river early in the morning, scrubbing clothes together in peaceful silence.

"Sunshine?"

"Mmh?"

"Do you know what today is?" he asked, meeting her eyes quickly before focusing back on the pants in his hands.

"Monday?"

"No I mean- the day today is, it's special."

Rapunzel frowned, trying to remember what Eugene was talking about. She knew it wasn't anyone's birthday, because if there was one thing she learned religiously, it was birthdays. It wasn't any day significant for their relationship either, she knew those by heart too. If Eugene thought she knew it, it had to be from Corona, so…

"Oh! You're right, it's Corona's annual pie eating contest!"

"Ah… no I think that's next week actually."

"Hmm." She put her hand on her chin, trying to think. "Is it 'share with your neighbour' day?"

"Uh… I think that was last week?" he answered hesitantly.

"... are you talking about the day of the snakes? Pascal's really not a fan of this one."

"We have a-- Corona really does have too many celebrations, doesn't it?" he groaned, but he seemed amused anyway, so she laughed.

They did have a day for everything, it felt. She didn't take part in all of them, but she loved learning about these traditions, and she loved even more seeing people enjoy themselves and having fun. Her favourite celebrations were the ones that were beloved by all of Corona, like the Gopher Grab, or-

"The Day of Hearts!" she exclaimed triumphantly, beaming when Eugene nodded. "Today is the Day of Hearts! Aww, I can't believe we're missing it, I'm sure people are having so much fun today!"

"I'm sure they are," Eugene agreed easily, looking back down at the clothing he was still washing. "And, uh, I-"

"I hope my parents are having a good day," Rapunzel said, a little quieter. She knew how much they loved that day, and thinking about it made her miss them more than usual.

Eugene cleared his voice, bringing back her attention to him. "Blondie, I was thinking… Maybe we could organise our own Day of Hearts? Here? Of course it won't be the same but-"

"Eugene, you are a GENIUS!" she jumped to her feet, too full of excitement all of the sudden. "This is the best idea ever, this is gonna be so fun!"

"I have my moments," he grinned, looking proud of himself. "So, what do you wanna do for our Day of Hearts?"

"Apple bobbing," Rapunzel announced without an ounce of hesitation.

"Of c- wait, what? Apple bobbing?"

She nodded eagerly. "I didn’t get to do it last year, what with Andrew turning out to be… Well, you know. I really wanted to, though, and I swore to myself that I would do it next year, which is today!"

"But you played that game in Corona already."

"Not on the Day of Hearts! It wasn't the full experience. Ah, and I'm sure Lance and Hookfoot will find it fun too, plus you know how Max is with apples," she said with amusement.

"Ah." Eugene seemed a lot quieter. "You want everyone to participate."

"Of course!" she sat down again to finish the laundry, a new energy in her actions. The quicker they did that, the quicker they could start. "That's really an amazing idea Eugene, I can't wait!"

He smiled, but it looked a little weird to her. It wasn't the proud and happy smile he had only minutes earlier. "I'm glad you like it, Sunshine."

"I love it, really," she insisted.

Eugene's smile seemed a little more genuine after that. And he actually had fun too during the apple bobbing - Rapunzel wasn't sure what he had been disappointed about at first, but she hoped it was resolved.

-3-

Oh, Rapunzel thought one year later, I am an idiot.

She… She had never really considered the idea that Eugene might want to spend the Day of Hearts with her only. She knew it was a day for romance, and couples, but- but she had always seen it as a day for other couples, for some reason.

Even these last days, when Eugene had asked again and again about signing Herz Der Sonne's diary together, she had been more focused on her parents' relationship than anything else. She didn't mind the idea at all, she even wanted to do it, but she didn't feel like it was that important in the grand scheme of things.

Then, King Trevor destroyed the diary. And she had decided to make a new book, thinking that it would be enough, but even now as she was painting the cover, she understood it would never be the same. All these names, these signatures written by people who wanted their love committed to memory, sometimes hundreds of years before today… All of that was gone. And though she liked to think that their love was eternal, and wouldn't be affected by it, she couldn’t help but mourn these lost memories. Corona was what it was now because of these people, and the love they had shared. They didn't deserve to be forgotten.

That line of thought led her to Eugene's insistence that they sign the diary, and suddenly she understood it more - understood the desire for their love to be part of a shared history, a shared tradition. They didn’t need it, but the gesture held a certain significance she hadn’t realised before. With this fact in mind, his behaviour from the previous years made much more sense all of the sudden. The propositions he hadn’t been able to voice, his frustration that he was quick to hide when she mentioned spending the day with other people… Eugene obviously cared about this celebration, and about the meaning it held for their love, and he had wanted… He had wanted to spend time with her, and she hadn’t even noticed. Surveilling her work on the new Book of Hearts, Rapunzel felt a pinch of guilt, but squashed it quickly. She knew Eugene would not blame her for not reading his mind, and instead of wallowing, she could make sure that this time, their love would be her entire focus for the remaining time.

Starting with the Book.

Smiling, she turned the still blank pages, imagining all the new names that would soon fill it. As much as she wished the ancient diary hadn’t been destroyed, she knew that love in Corona still had a bright future, and that these pages would soon be entirely covered by the signatures of couples old and young.

But there was one page she wanted to keep. One page that was for Eugene and her only. There was no hesitation in her mind when she chose the page in the exact middle of the book, because their love was the center of her own universe. Eugene was neither her beginning or her end; he was her entire life, the one holding her pages together. She hoped it was how he saw her too.

Going by the beaming smile he gave her when she gave him a quill, and made them sign the new Book of Hearts together, she’d say she got it right. He held her tightly against himself when they embraced, glowing with a joy she wished she had given him earlier.

She got distracted, after that, by her parents starting to recover their memories. They stayed together all evening, all four of them, just chatting together like they used to do when she first came to the castle - Rapunzel loved it.

When night fell, and her parents retired for the evening, Rapunzel and Eugene went to hang out in her bedroom. His bedroom was full of eggs anyway and, she reasoned, and it was easier for him to sleep in her room than to find an empty one.

This was a logical decision, see, not simply her wanting to cuddle with him all night.

"Hey Eugene? Can I tell you something?" she asked, once she had gotten in her more comfortable nightgown, and he had foregone his jacket and his boots.

"Of course," he smiled, shifting so she could sit next to him. "What's up Blondie?"

"I… I wanted to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't understand how much the Day of Hearts meant to you before, and I'm sorry you felt like you couldn't tell me."

"What? Hey, there's absolutely nothing to be sorry about," he immediately answered, hand going to her cheek.

"Let me explain?" she asked gently, and after a short hesitation, he nodded. "I don't think I did something awful, but I think I didn't pay attention to your feelings on this subject, and I'm sorry for that. The Day of Hearts is…" she paused, trying to find her words. "I think it's an adorable celebration, and I love how much people love it, you know? But I never really- I never related it to our relationship. I care so much more about… the day we met! Or our birthdays, or the day you first gave me flowers, or the day you let me paint on you, or- i think you get it," she chuckled, grabbing a strand of her hair to play with. "I didn’t think you wanted to celebrate the Day of Hearts with me, and only me, and I should have… asked you, instead of assuming."

She grew silent, and Eugene took it at his cue to resume stroking her cheek, eyes soft and somewhat amused.

"Again, I don't feel like you have to say sorry. I never asked you either, and you can't read minds, even mine. I… To be honest, I felt a little bad for caring so much about a day like this one," he chuckled, looking embarrassed. "I didn’t want to admit I'm a sap, I guess."

"That's part of why I love you," Rapunzel grinned. Eugene looked cute when he blushed.

"But also, you're right," Eugene added, an intense honesty to his words. "These moments we shared, they're all so much more important to me than this day will ever be. It's okay, if you prefer to spend the day uh… apple bobbing."

Rapunzel snorted at that, surprised. It wasn't long before they were both laughing, remembering the mess that their "homemade" Day of Hearts had been. Hey, at least it had been a fun day. Maximus had fallen into the river because he had been so excited to grab an apple.

"You know what?" she exclaimed. "Last time, I was the one to choose the activity, so now it's your turn! What do you want to do Eugene?"

"It's nearly midnight," he laughed.

"And? There's still a lot of things we can do at midnight! Oh, we could finally go swimming under the stars-"

"The water will be freezing!"

"You have a point." She put her hands on his knees, bringing her face close to his. "Come on Eugene, there has to be something you want to do!"

"I…" He took a second to think, seriously think, before he said hesitantly: "I wanna dance with you?"

"Oh!" Warmth spread in her chest, and she couldn't contain her excitement at this. "Eugene, I'd love to dance with you!"

She grabbed his hands and made them both stand up next to the bed quickly, linking her fingers with his as they stood close enough for her to hear his soft breathing.

"There's no music, though," he whispered.

As if summoned, Pascal popped his head out of his bed, and played with the little guitar he had on him all day. Just like that, they were laughing, and taking stumbling steps together as they swirled around the room. They were both barefoot, only illuminated by some candles and the moonlight, but they didn't need anything else.

Rapunzel went on her tiptoes to kiss Eugene, and he eagerly returned it, holding onto her waist as they slowly swayed together.

#tangled #Rapunzel #Eugene Fitzherbert #tangled the series #New Dream Appreciation Week

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cagestark · 5 years

Note

Could you please do Peter wanting to show how much he loves Tony by spoiling him and being the world’s biggest sap and doing all that romantic jazz

Hope this works. If not, hop in my inbox and yell at me. Thank you so much for this prompt, it was nice to try to write something soft and sweet without angst. Requests are open!

Warnings: none. Just fluff. Peter is 22, but it isn’t explicitly stated.

Read here on AO3!

Something is different. Tony knows it before he opens his eyes, though he can’t put a finger on what it is. With an arm he reaches out, feeling for the warmth of Peter’s body, but the other half of the bed is cool and empty.

“Good morning, sir,” Jarvis says.

“Time?” Tony croaks.

“Just after nine in the morning. Miss Potts alerted me that your 8 AM meeting with the shareholders was cancelled. Since the rest of your schedule for the day was clear, I took the liberty of letting you sleep in.”

Tony blinks, heart still pounding from the aborted anxiety of being late. Since reaching the third trimester of her pregnancy, Pepper had asked Tony to personally step up more around the company. Considering all the stress he’d put her through for the last number of years (not to mention the stress she must have been under creating human life), Tony figures it was the least he could do. Not to mention, if he didn’t treat Pepper right, he was liable to end up with an earful from Happy. Last time the man had felt Tony slighted his wife, Happy had dropped him off at the wrong location for a business lunch. Tony’d had to catch a taxi. The horror.

Tony and Pepper had been in meetings with the shareholders every morning for a week. It couldn’t be a stuffier group of old men to spend his time with, and their inability to compromise or see the big picture drove Tony up the wall. More often than not, he left with tension headaches that no amount of coffee and aspirin could fix.

“Did Pepper say why the meeting was cancelled?” Tony asks, rolling out of bed. His joints creak from his ankles to his neck, but he feels rested and strong—a miracle if he’d ever witnessed one.

“From what I gather, she managed to resolve the issue via email late last evening.”

“Well, I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, J.”

“Of course not, sir,” Jarvis says wryly. “You are the picture of graceful gratitude.”

After dressing (casually, for once this week!), Tony wanders out into the living area. He hopes that Peter will be there. Maybe sitting on one of the stools at the island, the ones so tall his feet can’t touch the floor and therefore swing freely. Or maybe he’s on his stomach on the floor, coursework in front of him, biting a pencil into shavings with his ankles crossed demurely behind him. To his disappointment, Peter is nowhere in sight, but there is a note on the counter beside the full pot of coffee—fresh, it smells like—pinned to Peter’s spidey-suit.

Tony, it says. Sorry I’m gone before you’re up. Jarvis said your meeting was cancelled (yay!). If you’re free, would you look at my suit? Karen’s targeting system has been off. Love you!—Peter.

Smiling warmly, Tony pours himself a mug of coffee. He groans at the first taste; it’s just how he likes it. Strolling to the elevator, he hits the button. “You know where I’m headed, J.”

“Just so, sir.”

It only takes a few simple tests for him to see that there definitely is a problem with the targeting systems. He didn’t skimp on the AI for Peter’s suit—it’s an AI that keeps him safe, keeps him alive when he’s throwing himself off of buildings and webbing up bad guys—but even Jarvis had his hiccups in the early days.

“Put on a playlist, J,” he mutters, running tests on the suit’s calibrations. Classic rock fills the room, bass throbbing. For once, he doesn’t have a headache, so he lets the beat swell until his teeth chatter.

He loves this part about R&D: problem solving. It’s the pressure of a puzzle, a knot waiting to be untangled. He used to spend hours like this when he was younger and with less obligations. Part of him would have been happier like this, spending all his days in the lab instead of in board meetings and jetting to other countries to meet foreign dignitaries.

“Tony.” A hand startles him. He turns, pencil clutched between his teeth, and there is Peter, smiling softly. In his hands is a takeout box. It’s pizza from his favorite place, nearly forty-five minutes away deep in New York. The smell of garlic and cheese and peppers is strong enough that his mouth waters. On instinct though, his eyes drift back to the equations he has scribbled down, mind still turning over the problem in his head.

“Hey Pete,” Tony says, distracted. “What time is it?”

“Lunch time,” Peter says, holding up the box. He sits it on the lab table, far away from Tony’s papers. A figure catches Tony’s attention, decimals rounded instead of left as the irrational numbers they are—no wonder his calculations are off by a tenth of a point. It’s a rookie mistake. Jesus, he must be slipping in his old age.

He turns to answer Peter, but the boy is gone. Frowning, he puts a hand on the pizza box to see it has gone lukewarm. Who knows how long he has stood there, too lost in thought to respond. Promising himself to make it up to his love, he opens the box and grabs a slice, nearly inhaling it whole. And holy fuck, it’s good. Scratch making it up to Peter, the kid deserves Tony’s heart on a platter.

Later. When he can finally be sure this issue with Karen is solved. He can’t put his boy at risk—and he can’t rest knowing there’s a technological problem he hasn’t solved.

By the time he figures it out and has everything in working order, it is late. Heart content, he feels lighter than he has in weeks. Smelling like the lab, faint metal and motor oil, the music still hums in his bones as he arrives at the penthouse. Peter is curled up on the couch under a blanket, smiling sleepily. The windows are dark and open giving them a breath-taking view of the city at night.

“Hey baby,” Tony says, dropping a kiss on Peter’s curls. The kid practically purrs.

“Hey,” he croaks softly. “Go shower okay? I’ll warm up dinner in the oven.”

“Angel,” Tony swears, just to watch him blush sweetly. He has just undressed, the walls of the glass enclosed shower fogging with the heat of the water when the door opens and Peter slips in, also naked.

“Joining me?” Tony asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Washing you,” says Peter.

It’s a first for them. They’ve showered together, but it usually leads to sex—something about his lover’s incredible body, heightened libido, and the sensuality of the low lighting and water—but tonight feels different. Peter lathers Tony’s hair, nails scratching at his scalp. He soaps Tony’s body, using his slick hands to rub at the muscles of his shoulders which ache after a day bent over in the lab. When he brushes Tony’s cock, it’s just to gently clean him before moving on. Peter insists on drying him off, too, and there are clean lounge clothes waiting for him to slip into.

Lasagna is warmed from the oven and waiting. Peter fixes him a plate and they eat it curled up in the sofa together, the kid stealing a bite or two despite his own three helpings earlier that night. When the plate has been scraped clean, they rest, half dozing, lazily stroking each other’s skin.

Tony is almost asleep when the thoughts connect, sparking in his brain: “Did Pepper really handle the shareholders?”

Peter hums. Tony can’t quite see his face, but judging by the apples of his cheeks, he’s smiling.

“Jarvis is where you slipped up,” says Tony, putting the pieces together. His heart feels warm, like it’s held right between Peter’s hot palms. “He would never let me sleep in. Not unless someone asked him too. Then the coffee, the day in the lab, the pizza. You went through a lot of trouble for me today kid.”

“Wasn’t trouble,” Peter says. “You’ve been working so hard. I wanted you to have one day—one good day. With no one there to bother you, spent in the lab doing what you do best. I’ve been running interference all day with Pepper. Sorry if when you go back to work on Monday, the company is in ruins. Did I do okay?”

“Perfect, almost. There was just one thing missing.”

Peter pulls away to turn in Tony’s arms, frowning. “What was it?”

Tony presses a kiss to his forehead. “You, kid. You at my island to drink coffee with. You in my lab on a stool watching me work. Stealing my pizza. I might want to get away from people and my responsibilities sometimes, but I never want to get away from you, Pete. Next time, let’s spend a day together.”

He absolutely melts in Tony’s arms. “I think that can be arranged.”

#starker #fluff #ff #sfw #tony deserves all the good things

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acespacethefanfictionplace · 6 years

Text

Chapter 2: Drinks

Pairing: Dean Winchester X OC

Request: Human AU where Cas has a little sister, Elizabeth, who lives in Lawrence Kansas and Dean is the superintendent at the middle school. Elizabeth misses her brother and when the boys invite her out for drinks, lonely Lizzy can’t resist.

Authors Note: Yay part 2! I would link to part one if I knew how (I am going to look into it). Always let me know if there are any grammar mistakes because I know how frustrating that can be to read.

Word Count: 1162

At home, I looked at myself in the mirror. Red jeans, white floral button up that contrasted with my dark skin, black combat boots, and a fitted leather jacket. This is a step up right? I took my dark, curly hair out of the tight bun it had been in and let it fall to my shoulders.

I glanced in the mirror again. Well don’t I look half decent?

I sat in my kitchen playing crossy road until I heard the unmistakable sound of the Impala’s engine.

I made my way to the door as Dean took the keys out of Baby and came to meet me.

He looked me up and down, “Much better. Wait… did you cut your hair?”

I giggled. Hold up, I did what?

“Looks great Lizzy!”

“Thanks.” I said shuffling my feet, “Shall we go?”

“Yeah.” Dean said opening the door for me, “Sammy is awful excited to see you; it’s been too long really.”

“I know,” I said looking down at my lap.

A slightly awkward silence filled the Impala. Dean slid a bright white cassette into the player, Radiohead - Karma Police. A track I recommended.

Dean and I arrived at the bar. It was nice, cozy, with soft yellow lighting. The horseshoe bar was small, but not cramped. There were clusters of people sat at the barstools and in the booths on the opposite walls. It was a Friday, but in a small bar in a small town, the crowds were never huge. However, one person could be distinguished from the rest.

“Sam!” I half shouted as I ran to hug him, “It’s been too long.” I said hanging on to him.

“Missed you too Liz,” Sam chuckled, “And I am glad Dean and I could save you from puppy movies.”

“So Sammy, how has lawyering been?” I asked hopping onto a barstool.

Sam rolled his eyes, “Only Dean is allowed to call me that.”

“Calm down Samuel,” Dean said sitting down next to me.

Dean and I burst out laughing as Sam glared at us.

“So Elizabeth,” Sam began, “How is Cas doing in the big apple.”

“Sam,” Dean said, concern in his voice, “Cas is working in Chicago; New York is the big apple.”

“Right,” Sam confirmed, “Anyway, how is he doing?”

“Good…” I said, Directing my attention to my beer and pretzels.

“What is he doing?” Dean asked, “Something with… Data?”

“Yeah,” I said, “Data analysis, for one of those big companies out there.”

“I am going to nod my head like I know what that means.” Dean said, with an overdramatic nod, “But really, I have no clue.“

“Basically,” Sam said, facing us, “They look at existing data and based…”

“Sammy,” Dean cut him off, “I am pretending to understand so that you don't have to explain it to me.”

“Roasted,” I said, laughing.

“Okay, you two are the worst,” Sam said pouting.

“Aw Sammy,” I teased, “Are your fweeling huwrt?”

Sam simply rolled his eyes and focused his attention on the bottle of beer.

“So Dean,” I said, twisting to face him and propping my elbow on the bar, “How are the kids, any PTA moms pestering you recently?”

“Other than the single moms who can’t take their eyes off of you,” Sam added.

“Ha, ha.” Dean said “laughed” sarcastically, “The kids are good, there’s always one in trouble though. This week I had a group set off diet coke and mento bombs in the locker rooms.”

“Do they even have access to soda at school?” Sam asked.

“No!” Dean said, “That’s the thing! They literally brought those things from home!”

“It was premeditated.” I interjected, “Did they get a longer sentence?”

“Three days of lunch detention.” Dean said, “And they had to clean up the mess, which was the real kicker.”

“That is completely evil,” Sam said.

I agreed, “You are despicable.”

Our conversation went on like that for another hour or so. We each had a few more beers and discussed the woes of our life. The Gluten-free moms demanding that I bake them special gluten-free bread in the NEXT FIVE MINUTES! People actually requesting that Sam take cases like, “he stole my football when I was 5.” or “he never gave my pencil back in high school.”

“Well, was it mechanical?” Dean asked.

“I don't know Dean!” Sam said in exasperation, “The point is I didn’t take the case.”

“Rookie mistake,” I said laughing.

After we had our fill of beer and fries we paid and left a damn good tip because we are decent people. And headed out to the parking lot; Sam to his charger and Me and Dean to Baby

“We should do this again soon,” Sam said unlocking his car, “I enjoy law and all but… it can be so damn exhausting.”

“I know,” I said as Dean opened the passenger door for me, “I love baking but, the people I have to interact with…”

“Well how about we have a movie night or something next week?” Dean asked, “You know what, I’ll text Y'all.”

“Okay,” Sam said getting into the satin black Dodge Charger, “Y’all.”

“Don't make fun of me!” Dean said as Sam drove away.

“Listen, Dean,” I said getting into the car, “there will never, not be a time that Sam and I make fun of you.”

“Oh, goodie,” Dean said rolling his eyes and starting the engine.

As dean backed out of the space, I grabbed the cassette tapes looked through them.

“Woah, Woah!” Dean said trying to grab the box, “You know the rules.”

“Hold on,” I said yanking it back, “just trust me!”

Dean grumbled as I looked for the perfect tape.

“Ha!” I said lifting the perfect tape above my head, “Attention! Black Sabbath Volume Two!”

“Not bad Lizzy.” Dean said turning up the volume, “It seems I may be converting you!”

“Not a chance,” I exclaimed, “Five Seconds of Summer will always live in my heart!”

“Not if I can help it.” Dean murmured.

“I can’t hear you over the sound of Luke Hemmings beautiful voice.”

The rest of the car ride was filled with similar playful banter, from how five seconds of summer is a good musical artist to the practicality of vodka.

When we arrive at my house, Dean and I both existed the car. Forever the gentleman Dean Winchester walked me to my door.

“Seriously Elizabeth,” Dean said I unlocked the door, “movie night next week.”

“It’s not like I’ll have plans,” I said only half sarcastic.

Dean raised an eyebrow, “We all know you would make it work.”

“True,” I said, “see you for movie night, Dean.”

I closed the door, managed to change into my pajamas and crashed onto my bed. I plugged my phone in to charge and checked the time.

2:04

How did I manage to stay awake that long? Work tomorrow is going to suck. At least I won’t have too major of a hangover.

#Mod Daisy #Supernatural #supernatural au #dean winchester #dean winchester x oc #dean x oc #oc #poc #dean winchester x poc #dean x poc #fanfiction #supernatural fanfiction #sam winchester #sam #sammy

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ultyso · 7 years

Text

I haven’t written one of these in forever.

(For the PAAS weekly fanfiction. This week: Another character Googles Prompto and is surprised by what they find. Feel free to tell me what you think. I don’t really write that often anymore.)

Rating: K

Original post: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12428812/1/You-re-the-Best

Summary: It's time to write a report about someone important from history, living or deceased. Everyone wants to talk about the past King Noctis and her father Gladiolus Amicitia, but Amaryllis Amicitia has other plans, to report on the very unacknowledged, Prompto Argentum.

Undercut cause it’s looooooooooong.

“Alright settle down, class” the young teacher pitches to the boisterous classroom.

“Today students, I will be assigning our next assignment!” She claps her hands together, whilst the children all give a heavy groan.

“Now, now. This will be a fun one! “She walks around the rows of desks. “We will be doing a report, on anyone of your choice, from our history. It will be at least four pages and due in one week. Not too bad, now is it?”

The children start to murmur about, interest more heavily piqued. She starts to hand out the credentials, handing one to each student.

“I need you all to start researching! Depending on who you choose, get in contact with the one you wish to report on, they will be the best resource! Such as Amaryllis’ dad, Gladiolus Amicitia! A fine candidate to write about! But don’t stop there! There are many more to write about!”

Amaryllis slinks into her seat, embarrassed by the unwanted attention.

“Oh, I should write about King Noctis!” a girl with pigtails exclaims, wiggling in her seat with excitement. She turns to Amaryllis and her group of friends with a smile. They cheer at her suggestion.

“Oh nice, Lizzy! I’m totally going to write about Amaryllis’ dad! He’s sooo cool!!” A girl with ravenous hair and rather round cheeks, squeals.

Amaryllis looks back at her friend with a roll of her eyes. “But everyone talks about my dad, Adry.”

“But he’s so cool! Being the king’s shield! He was the strongest one of the group!”

“Hey! Sir Ignis was also a part of the group! I want to write about him! He was the brains! Well, he still is! I mean, he’s our new king!” the smallest of the girls, Vada, replies with a shimmer in her eyes.

The girls nod to each other in agreement that they have all chosen good candidates. Their eyes grow big as they lean into Amaryllis. “So who do you want to write about?”

Amaryllis nods affirmatively, “Mr. Argentum!”

“The photographer?” They all say, quite unenthused.

“Uh yeah.”

“But he’s…just a photographer….” Adryanna retorts.

“Pfft…and I heard he’s just what they call uh…. a skirt chaser!” Vada also shoots down Amaryllis, a smug look on her face.

“What is so bad about him?”

“Well…uhm…he was a close friend of King Noctis. So, he can’t be all that bad. But like the others were saying, he’s not exciting! What’s there to write about? He just took photos. Boooooooooooooring!” Lizzy yawns, waving her hand in front of her face. “Well good luck finding anything fun!”

At the end of class, Amaryllis, bids her friends farewell for the day.

“Make sure you can get a time for your dad to help me with my report! I want to learn all about Mr. Amicitia!!”

“Yeah, yeah…” Amaryllis kicks at the ground. “Well see you all tomorrow.” She heads out and walks the couple blocks, back to her humble abode.

“I’m home!”

“Hey honey!” Gladiolus swiftly picks her up from her feet, twirling her in a circle. “How’s my little Amaryllis?”

“Dadddd, put me down!” she wiggles her feet to and fro.

Gladiolus plops her down back to her feet. “So how was school?”

“Oh, same ol’ same ol’. I have to write a report on someone from history.”

“Ohhhh, do tell me more, over a plate of your favourite!” Gladiolus heads to the kitchen and pulls out a plate from the fridge and sets it down on the counter. The plate is adorned with various slices of apples, shaped like bunnies.

“Yay! Thank you, daddy!” She sits down and begins to nibble on the scrumptious fruit.

“So who are you going to write about?”

She swings her legs back and forth. “I was thinking…uhm…Mr. Argentum!”

“Prompto, huh?” He leans down on the counter. “Such a goofball, big heart that guy. What made you choose him?”

“Well, no one ever talks about him! He played just as big of a part as anyone else! And he still does…everyone just knows him as the photographer. They forget everything else…” She continues to rant onwards, causing her father to wave a hand at her.

“Whoa, easy there, hon.” He chuckles and moves around the counter to hug her. “He’d love to hear how you stick up for him, sweetie.”

“Oh, you think?” she replies, her face growing scarlet.

“Yup, well, wouldn’t want to keep you from your assignment. Go on ahead sweetie, if you need some info, just give your dad a holler.”

“Yeah, will do.” She finishes her snack and heads to her room, booting up her laptop.

“Alright Mr. Argentum, let’s see what you’ve got going on in your life.”

She pulls up Google, typing “Prompto Argentum” into the search bar.

Results ping up, one by one, many focusing on articles of his prestigious photos.

“That’s great, but I need older…”

She searches arduously, page by page.

“Chocobos…photography…Ms. Cidney…Oh here’s one!” She clicks the link, hoping for promising and informative results, to only obtain lackluster information.

“All this article talks about is King Noctis…. Ughhh.” She slams her laptop shut and smacks her head down onto her desk. “Why doesn’t anyone talk about him. What he’s done. He’s more than just his photos. I just know it.” She picks up her head, upon looking at her notebook. She quickly picks it up, a pencil also in hand, and heads out of her room.

“Dad!” She shouts, heading to the living room, finding her father reading the paper.

“Hmm?” He looks at her notebook, tightly clutched in her small hand. He pats down at the seat next to him. “Having some trouble?”

Amaryllis nods, a bit dismayed. She gently sits down, turning towards her father. “There’s not much about Mr. Argentum from what I found online…” She sulks, her lip quivering.

“Hey, no need to get sad!” He puts down the paper and pulls her into a hug. “I’m here to help. Ask away.”

“Well what was he like back then? Aside from being a skirt chaser…” she mumbles the last bit.

“Heh, yeah he was, wasn’t he? Well he isn’t of royal blood…” As he begins to talk, Amaryllis rapidly writes down his every word. Gladiolus chuckles to himself. “He was taken in by the Argentum’s. He never really told us, well me, early on, that they weren’t his real parents.” He rubs the back of his head. “They were never really around, even on the day we left, he wanted to show them his crownsguard attire and well, they weren’t there.” He frowns a little. “Kid barely had a family, I guess…but he had us, he always goofed off, hah, getting Noct and himself in all sorts of trouble. But that kid, as crazy as he was, he was a good kid. He always tried to be our little comedic relief, even in the roughest patches of time…with Ignis, when he went blind…You bet he was there to help him any chance he could. Heck the guy even helped Ignis most out of all of us in the kitchen.” He again laughs to himself, remembering the fond memories. “But does that guy know how to complain. Damn, I always had to tell him to quit b---“he catches himself. “being a booger.” Amaryllis giggles, “This has been really informative! Thanks, dad!”

“Of course.”

“Hey, daddy…”

“What’s up, hon?”

“Is there a way I can get in contact with Mr. Argentum?”

“Hmm… with Ignis, the guy does have his hands full…hmm worth a shot. I mean he can’t turn down a lady.” He smirks and pinches his little girl’s cheek.

“Daddy!”

He gives Amaryllis a hug and then picks up his phone. “I’ll see what I can do.”

A little later in the day, Gladiolus’ phone chimes, emitting a message from Prompto. “Looks like you’re in luck, sweetie.”

“What? Really!?” she jumps to her feet. “When can I see him?”

“He’s got a little bit of time, we’ll have to head out now, okay?”

She nods and quickly takes her father’s hand and leads him to the door. “Let’s goooooooooo!!!!!!!”

“Weight, slowly, taking, over…” He slowly droops down to the floor.

“Daddy, now’s not the time! I have to see Mr. Argentum!” She attempts to push him up.

“Persistent little one, aren’t ya? Alright, alright, let’s go.” He grabs his keys and escorts his little one out the door.

Upon the arrival, they are greeted by various guards. Amaryllis’ eyes gleam. “Wow, I haven’t been here in so long! You’re so lucky to get to work in this big place!!” She hurriedly heads up the big steps and to the doors. “Come on, dad! Pick up the pace!”

Gladiolus smirks, “Never seen someone so excited to see Prompto.” He follows suit and heads up with her.

Amaryllis looks back at her father with a grin and opens the heavy ornate door, running fast inside, her feet pitter pattering against the shiny and sleek marbled floors. Gladiolus quickly sweeps her up. “Starting to remind me of Iris, don’t be so hasty now.”

Amaryllis pouts as he sets her back down. She searches around the enormous room, hoping for Prompto to show up soon.

“Wow, you really are that excited to see him, huh?”

“Well I don’t get to see him like, ever!!!” she taps her foot to the floor. “You always say he’s too busy cause of King Ignis…who I don’t really get to see either…I don’t get to see Mr. Argentum’s chocobo rarely either! I miss going for chocobo rides…”

“Is that what this is about? You miss the chocobos?” He leans to one side.

“Well yeah…but that’s not all! He’s funny! I enjoy talking to Mr. Argentum!”

“Is that so?” a voice chuckles from behind. Amaryllis, spins around quickly to find Prompto walking in. He looks a bit tired, his eyes looking baggy, many more freckles standing out against his paler complexion, and his hair a less vibrant blonde, age taking over the once young lad.

“Mr. Argentum!” she runs up to him and hugs him tightly.

“H-hey, kiddo! Long time no see!” He kneels to her, ruffling her hair. He greets Gladiolus with a wave before putting his attention back to Amaryllis.

Amaryllis’ face grows bright red. “I-I have to do a report a-and I’d like to write about y-you! I-I tried looking you up…but there’s not much about your past. You know, your adventures with King Noctis!”

At the mention of Noctis, his smile fades and his eyes grow slightly misty.

“Noct…been a long time…”

“I-I’m sorry Mr. Argentum!”

Seeing the worry on her face, he rustles her hair again, “Don’t worry, it’s okay. Anyways, here, let’s go to one of the offices and you can ask away, how about that?”

She nods and takes his hand, “Let’s go!”

“Alright, Am, make sure you don’t talk too long, he’s got a busy schedule.” Gladio says with a wave before the two set off.

Prompto guides Amaryllis to the office he mentioned. The room was filled with blacks and golds. She sits down in the cushioned chair in front of the desk. Whilst Prompto sits behind the desk, and leans back in the chair. “Alright lay it on me! Whatcha got?”

Amaryllis asks him question after question. Intrigued by his various answers. Things relating to his family, about Niflheim, his barcode, friendships, insecurities, everything Amaryllis wanted to know and more. By the end of their conversation, she had a notebook filled with vast amounts of information.

“Wow Mr. Argentum!”

“Again, no need to be so formal, Am.” He chuckles.

“R-right. P-Prompto…t-thanks for your time! I learned so much stuff! You really are so cool!”

“Cool? Heh thanks.” He laughs to himself and rubs a hand through his hair. “Well glad to have helped, kiddo.”

“P-Prompto? Is there at all a chance…that maybe…maybe you could come in and listen to my report I’ll present in class. I would love for you to hear it. I’m going to work really hard on my report and to also show everyone just how cool you are!”

“Hmm, I’ll try my best, Am.” He shyly looks away, a bit flustered at all the proclamations.

“Thank you, thank you!!!” She runs up to him and gives him a hug. “I should be getting back to my daddy now.”

“Yeah of course, let’s go.” He takes her hand and guides her back to the entrance.

Gladio looks up from a chair he sat in, reading a book. “All done, honey?”

She nods and looks up at Prompto and gives him another hug.

“Thank you again!”

Gladio stands up and walks over to them. “How’ve you and Ignis been?”

“Oh you know, busy as always. I try to help him as best I can!” He salutes, a silly grin plastered on his face.

“Take a break every now and then.”

“Hah, I try.” He rubs the back of his head. “Well good luck on your report Amaryllis!” He cheers back at her.

She quickly looks away, shyness encompassing her. “T-thank you.”

Gladio furrows his brow at his daughter. “Am, do you…?”

She snaps her head up, her eyes wide at her dad, “I think we should get going. Got a paper to write! Yeah, haha, let’s go. By Mr--- Prompto!” She pushes her dad by the back as her eyes shut tightly in embarrassment.

Gladio starts to move, her hands now freeing from his lower back. He goes to look back at her, to find her running back up to Prompto.

“Hm, something else you need?”

She tugs at his arm, having him kneel down to her level.

She doesn’t say a word, but wraps her arms around him, forming another hug.

Shocked, he blinks a few times before hugging her back. “Haha, quite the hugger, aren’t you?”

She hides her face into his shoulder. She mumbles something incoherent, before kissing his cheek. His eyes grow wide. “Whoa there, Am.” He nervously chuckles.

“B-bye…” She turns around, grabs her father’s hand and heads out with Gladio, leaving a mouth agape Prompto.

As the two head to the car, “So, is that why you wrote about “Mr. Argentum?”” He gives his daughter’s hand a squeeze.

“D-dad, I d-dunno what you’re t-talking about.” She refused to say more as she gets into the car and puts on her seatbelt. The car ride home is quiet, but as Gladio looks back from the rearview mirror, seeing his daughter’s face still flushed as stares intensely out the window, he lets it be and begins to drive off.

Back in the classroom, it’s loud with students talking about their reports. The teacher settles them down and calls out a student to stand up at the front of the class to recite their report. The boy’s topic was about Aranea Highwind. Amaryllis can barely focus, the nerves about talking about her report getting the best of her. She twiddles her thumbs together, to try and ease the tension to the back of her mind.

Before she knows it, students go by and by, time flying by with each report. Her name is called and she jumps at the sudden wake up call. Her friends pat her on the back.

“Let’s hear about Mr. Cameraman!” Lizzy snickers.

Her friends giggle, not expecting the in-depth research Amaryllis has managed to obtain.

She slowly steps up to the class, a bit shaken. She has never been one for talking in front of the class. Her friends try to motivate her, giving her a few claps and thumbs up. Amaryllis crinkles her paper slightly in her hands, trying to focus. The focus is broken when the teacher says to hold on a moment.

“We have a special guest with us today, upon the request of Amaryllis here.” She opens the door to find Prompto standing in the door way. He nods his head to Amaryllis. “I think I made a promise for you.” He smiles widely and sits down in her much to small seat, and cheers on for her. He looks to one of her friends and whispers with a hand to a corner of his mouth, “Hey, I know her!” he giggles. Her friends stare in awe at him, never actually seeing him in person. They quickly bring their focus back to Amaryllis.

She begins her report, a bit shakily at first, but she looks back at the smile on Prompto’s face, takes a deep breath, and focuses again. She recites her report then with ease, bringing intrigue to all her classmates, they all begin to look from Amaryllis to Prompto. Unaware of all the interesting aspects to Prompto. By the end of her presentation, the class begins to clap loudly, some even standing up. Amaryllis looks down, a bit shy at all the attention. She slowly lifts her eyes to look at Prompto through her eyelashes. His eyes now watery as he tries to wipe the few tears with his hand. She walks up to him and gives him a hug. “Aww no need to cry!”

“Pfft, me crying! I was just, just so moved by your paper! You made this ol’ loser sound so cool.”

“Loser?” One of the students shouts from across the room. “Far from it!” the students around the room start to nod and head over to Prompto, all coming in for a hug.

“Well this is certainly unexpected.” He smiles and pulls the kids into a hug, happy to be accepted by so many and to have those many applaud him for all he’s done.

The children begin to settle back down and head to their seats.

“Well, I should get going, thanks for writing about me, kiddo.” He gives the children a final wave, Amaryllis following him to the door.

“No problem at all Prompto!” She gives him a big toothy smile. “What can I say, you’re the best!”

#prompto argentum #final fantasy xv #gladiolus amicitia #prompto #gladio #fanfiction #writing #one-shot #prompt

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