#anyway wow valentine's treats for me with every drawing of valentine's boys
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Happy Valentine's Day! 💕
All 4 pages of yesterday's little community draw time!
Thank you all again for your contributions, I blow a big fat kiss to you all 🥰
(Here are my little contributions yahoo!)
#kingdom hearts#soriku#sora x riku#valentine's town#there's also some shuake in there#anyway wow valentine's treats for me with every drawing of valentine's boys#ALWAYS SO HONORED THANK YOU EVERYONE
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AOT Valentine’s Day Headcanons
eren jaeger x reader, jean kirschstein x reader, armin arlert x reader, levi ackerman x reader, erwin smith x reader, porco galliard x reader, genderneutral!reader
genre: insane amounts of fluff, comfort
warnings: slight cursing, insane amounts of fluff
synopsis: small scenarios of what some aot boys would do for you during valentine’s day.
a.n: enjoy the lovely day with some of these cuties! remember to take care of yourselves and know you’re all loved <3
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eren jaeger
this man would definitely try to cook a nice dinner for you
especially if you’re having a hard week
expect him to be researching the best recipe a couple days beforehand
“what are you doing, eren?”
he’ll glance up and nonchalantly mutter, “nothing, babe” while scrolling through fancy recipes
on valentine’s day it’s his time to shine
waits for you to leave the house and go to work before leaving to pick up the necessary ingredients
gets in a verbal argument with a store clerk if he doesn’t find the exact name of what he’s searching for
“are you deaf? I said I needed a bag of shrimp”
“and we have that, sir. you said you needed a bag of prawns right?”
“it’s shrimp! how many goddamn times do I need to repeat myself?”
gets home with bags full of groceries and gets to work
slowly chops all the vegetables and curses when he nicks his finger with the edge of the knife
puts too much oil in the frying pan and tosses everything in there
scrolls through his phone while waiting
spends fifteen minutes ogling at his screensaver
of course it’s a pic of you
ends up burning everything he made
orders takeout, plates it real nice, and attempts to brush off that it was his cooking once you’re home
“this is so good, babe!” you exclaim while lifting the fork to your mouth, “tastes like the order we usually get at that one French restaurant.”
“glad you like it, baby”
cue his nervous sweating
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jean kirschstein
simp energy!
makes previous reservations to take a painting class with you
tells you to dress warm before the two of you head out
so! happy!
has the goofiest smile on the actual date
tucks your hand in his pocket while walking to the art studio
spends the whole time checking over at your easel
audibly approves of everything you do, even if you’re drawing a line
“wow, it looks great sweetheart”
scrunches up his brows while concentrating
listens to the art instructor say to paint something that they love
takes it quite literally
paints you
tries to get each pretty feature about you
swipes his hand over his cheek and gets paint on it
literally sweats out of pure focus and won’t want to leave until he’s done
“jean, babe, we gotta go”
“five more minutes please. almost done”
five min turns into five hours
jean’s painting of you is surprisingly amazing and he’s even lowkey impressed
has a random stranger take a pic of you and him together while holding up the paintings
treats you to an expensive restaurant afterwards and pays
full stomachs = happy couple
pulls you close while walking through the downtown streets
whispers cheeky pickup lines into your ear and presses a kiss against your head
best. day. ever.
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connie springer
did you say it was valentine’s day?
shit
definitely forgets about the whole holiday but is quick enough to put something together for you
you both aren’t super invested in sappy holidays but connie tries each time
the morning of, he’ll run to the nearest shops and try to pick out a bouquet of flowers for you
everything’s sold out
will curse his luck and literally sprint out of there
kicks himself for not planning in advance as he’s walking up the driveway of your house
notices the neighbor’s beautiful flowers
idea!
he will dash through each neighbor’s yard and pick their flowers so a mismatched bouquet rests in his hand
“happy valentine’s day, my favorite goofball!”
“thanks, babe,” your wide eyes stare at the uncoordinated bouquet in your hands, “I love it”
cue the mud that falls to the floorboards
you scold connie about the dirt that’s still stuck on the roots since it dirties the floors
he’ll take you out to watch a comedy show too!
whole evening of laughter while his arm is wrapped around your shoulder
you were both glowing in happiness (along with having a sore stomach) afterwards
wraps his sweater around you since the evening was getting chilly
drives you home and gives you the sweetest kiss
he’ll pull away with a, “wow” while being completely dazed out
let’s you take his jacket home and texts you corny jokes the whole night
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Maro Bott
desperately! wants you to be his valentine
almost cries tears of joy when you accept his confession which only makes you confused
“Marco, sweetie, we’ve been dating for two years”
“doesn’t matter, love”
shows up extra early with a bouquet of roses
“happy valentine’s day!”
expect him to walk inside the house and look through all your cabinets for a vase
helps you pick out an outfit because he has the “perfect date” planned
causes you to be wrapped in bundles of clothing
won’t tell you where he’s taking you once the two of you are in the car
“an,” you tilt your head and albeit a bit puzzled, “ice rink?”
“time for some ice skating!”
laces up your skates before he even does his own so he makes sure it’s secure
will ask multiple times if your feet are comfortable
once he has his skates on, it’s game over
can’t walk without holding onto your hand for a couple moments
“this is harder than I thought,” he confesses with a nervous grin
gets on the ice and falls
hard
the thump causes everyone to look at the two of you and he only responds with, “oh look (Y/n)! I’ve fallen for you! Get it?”
undoubtedly makes you giggle and onlookers awe
gets the hang of ice skating and teaches you how if you’re scared of falling
makes excuses to pull you close and sweetly kiss your cheek
“it’s part of the learning process”
the day was as sweet as Marco is
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Armin Arlert
bookstore date!
will definitely plan in advance because he wants everything to be perfect
expect a good morning text that’s a whole paragraph long <3
still asks you, “can I be your valentine?” even if you are both dating
plan on wearing matching outfits for the day
light academia style of white turtlenecks, beige pants, and cardigans
will take a selfie with you and set it as his lock screen so he can awe at it every second
“you’re breathtaking”
intertwines your fingers with his when you’re holding hands
swings it while walking
lots of attention once the two of you step inside the bookstore
constant whispering about the matching outfits and innocent affection
he’ll lead you to the back of the store and spend the entire day there
sits on the floor, leaning against the wooden bookcase, and stroking your hair while you’re laying on his lap
silence = peace
piles of books around you both
“how’s the plot, love?”
will ask that when his head is resting on your thigh and inwardly loves how comfy you are
buys all the books you want and waves away your credit card when you try to pay
“consider it repayment for spending the day with me”
holds the tote bag of books the whole time despite it being heavy
stops by the cafe to buy cups of hot chocolate
notices a small amount of whipped cream on the corner of your mouth
chuckles and stops to literally lean down to press his lips against yours in order to wipe it off
whispers, “you’re so lovely, angel”
both of you will pull away with flushed faces and lovesick smiles
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Levi Ackerman
“what’s this for, brat?”
frowns once he opens his front door and you’re standing there with a wide grin
“happy valentine’s day, dear! I wanted to watch a movie then-”
“yeah, yeah”
lets you in anyways
takes the large basket full of movies, snacks, and skincare out of your hands
sets it on the kitchen counter and you immediately pop a bag of popcorn into the microwave
your movements are quick as you’re scurrying around the kitchen retrieving bowls, plates, and napkins
levi watches you from the couch, inwardly pleased that you’re able to memorize the layout of his house since you’ve been over so many times
he’d never tell a soul though
movies with levi!
he won’t pay attention to the movie at all but still comments film mistakes
“he wasn’t even wearing that sweater in the previous scene”
“levi, honey, who even pays attention to that”
“people with eyes”
allows you to cuddle close to him but his fingers itch to bring you even closer
audibly groans when you move away to fetch something
“self care time!” you exclaim while holding up a pack of face masks
will not let you put one on him once he sees how silly they look
“please?”
“no,” he states, “they look fucking ridiculous”
does it anyways once your puppy dog eyes are on display
curses as you slick his hair back and put one on him
hates it and voices his opinion
but at the end of the day, he agrees with the saying, ‘happy wife, happy life’
and oh yes, you were going to be his wife one day
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Erwin Smith
imagine sleeping in and waking up to breakfast in bed
pancakes, waffles, bagels, raspberry streusel muffins
and everything’s like
in the shape of a heart <3
turns on some classical, romance music
sweet candles that smell like vanilla = burning
that’s what this man would do
wakes up super early
determined to whip everything up pronto
folded all the laundry, cleaned the dishes, vacuumed the house
amazing
10/10 gentleman
“good morning, love”
edges the bedroom door open with his shoulder while holding a tray of delicious food
definitely still in casual wear clothes
a sweater and grey joggers that he wore to sleep
loves the smile on your face
says “happy valentine’s day” and presses a kiss on the back of your hand
sits on the edge of the bed while you eat
chuckles when you feed him
lets you though
brushes your hair back each time you take a bite to eat
amusingly shakes his head whenever you over-exaggerate a hum in delight
pleased smirks!
definitely tried to swipe whip cream over your cheek just to hear you giggle
it’s beautiful
watches the way the sunlight pours through the window and creates a glow on your face
serenity, calmness, and adoration
discreetly pinches himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming
wouldn’t want this day to end
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Porco Galliard
“you doin’ anything today or what?”
will be the first text you get from him in the early morning
after a second passes, the little dots show up to indicate he’s typing again
“nvm. lemme take you out today”
shows up to your place unannounced and immediately notices what you’re wearing
“you’re wearing that? like for real?”
“is there something wrong with it?”
notices the panic in your eyes and immediately stutters
“nah, just,” he’ll bring his hand up to swipe at his noise while avoiding your gaze, “think you’ll be cold but you can wear my jacket or whatever.”
leads you to his muscle car and opens up the passenger door for you
surprisingly chivalrous for the day
drives throughout town to pick up stuff like a blanket, picnic basket, pre-made food, drinks
pays for it, of course, because he claims he’s the better man like that
“only scummy men let their partners pay”
spends the whole day driving around, hand on your thigh, while blasting your fav songs”
rolls the windows down so other drivers look your way
will also flip off anyone that suggestively gazes at you
loves when you belt out the lyrics and eagerly want him to join your singing session
rolls his eyes, “me? singing? gross.”
will sing 100% but only if you don’t call his bluff
pulls to the side of the road and sets up a romantic picnic spot nestled in an open field
drapes his jacket over your smaller physique and only mutters, “wear it before you catch a cold”
spends the evening star gazing, letting you rest your head on his chest while his hands are folded behind his neck
carries you back to the car once you’re asleep, snaps on your seatbelt, presses a kiss on your forehead, and mumbles, “thanks for lettin’ me take you out today, idiot.”
#eren x reader#eren jaeger#eren jaeger headcanons#jean kirschstein#jean x reader#jean kirschtein headcanons#armin aot#armin arlert#armin x reader#levi ackerman#erwin smith#porco headcanons#porco galliard#connie springer#connie x reader
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Sparkles (Valentine’s Day Special #2)
Pairing/s: Zora Ideale X Reader
Warning/s: Profanity
Note: Yes, I know. Valentine’s is basically over by now but this is the only time I can actually post these now. :sighs in disappointment: Welp. There are more of these to come so there’s that! (I was actually surprised a lot of you voted for Zora like wow :0000)
This was not one of your best days. Heck, you'd even dare say it will go down in your memory as one of your worsts.
Everything began incredibly nice with you waking up at the right side of bed, but things took a turn as soon as you went to work. Your manager had recently found out that someone, who you assume is that one bitch who despises you with every fiber of their being, has stolen the weekly earnings of the shop.
That certain despicable person that you hate then pointed out that you were the one who probably stole it, given the fact that you were poor and hated the boss.
Yes, you are indeed poor, but your situation would never be a reason for you to take something that is not rightfully yours. And also, you do not hate your boss! You just dislike the way he treats the young children who work for him secretly that he pays little to nothing.
When your boss ordered your co-workers to inspect your bag, you willingly complied because you were innocent. But as soon as the sight of yuls was seen from your point of view, you knew that you were being framed.
You tried explaining your situation to the head, but they immediately pulled you out of the shop and left you out in the open as they yelled several complaints at you. In the end, you could only be thankful that they didn't even bother and call Magic Knights to arrest you because that would honestly be worse.
So, here you are now, walking home with a burden of wanting revenge of that petty co-worker yours. Several knocks were made on the door of your shared house with your boyfriend. But to no avail, there was no answer.
You fished the keys in your pocket and opened the door. You expected him to be at least home and welcome you kindly enough that it would ease your irritation for the day, what you did not expect was that a whole pale of glitter went down on your body.
Another one of his pranks. today. out of all days.
"HA! Look at your face!" your boyfriend laughed, pointing at your figure that was covered in glitter.
"What the hell was that for!?" you yelled at him, but he did not take it seriously at all.
"Fuck you, Zora." You rolled your eyes at him, and stomped your way to the bathroom.
Your boyfriend's eyebrows furrowed at the tone of your voice. It became clear to him now that he shouldn't have pulled a prank on you.
Slow and steady footsteps could be heard from the living room as he went closer to you, spooning you from behind, "Are you ok, babe?" you scoffed at his question before removing both of his hands on your waist to dampen a towel to clean yourself.
Something was clearly in your mind and whatever it was about, you were pissed, "Here let me help—"
"No. You've done enough." the crimson-haired mage sighed at your stubbornness. nevertheless, he was persistent and yanked the towel from your hand to wipe the glitters that were on your face.
Zora has always known to be the prankster of the squad he was in. There were even times when you pitied a certain magicless boy he always pulled one of his mischiefs on, but you knew it was only his way of making people smile.
"I'm sorry for yelling at you." you apologized, pouting slightly as the male chuckled at your face.
He continued to rub off the glitters on your face before speaking, "You know, I only did that because the other day you said you wanted to be the brightest thing in the world." this statement made your blood boil. Is he seriously that dumb?
You attempted to smack his chest, but he caught it anyway, "I did that because I wanted to prove your dumb little brain that even without these sparkly decorations, you're still brighter than any star in that stupid dark sky. I was gonna give you flowers after explaining that to you, but I didn't know you were in a bad mood. Sorry. " you couldn't help but feel guilty.
"I'm really sorry, Zora." you said as he engulfed your frame in a tight hug, drawing circles on your back.
"It's cool, babe. Don't worry about it. So, you gonna tell me what happened?" he inquired, as you intensely nodded your head and pulled him back to the living room to tell him what happened at work.
Even in your worst days, you were glad that you had someone like him that listened to your incessant rants in life. He too, was happy over the fact that he was blessed in this life to have been given someone like yourself who stayed with him despite his flaws, and gave his dull life the sparkle it needed.
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BnHA Bonus Diversion: Horikoshi’s Sketches
of all the things I could have spent time writing a post about on my morning off, it ended up being this. but in my defense, Horikoshi’s sketches are actually amazing and this was kind of overdue.
so! as you may know, Horikoshi Kouhei frequently gets bored and doodle-y and is then kind enough to share the resulting drawings with us. sketchy boi. but not sketchy like that. though he did invent Mineta so maybe a little.
anyway, because he’s so disgustingly talented, these pictures are usually amazing. and there are a lot of them. when I finally got around to doing this post, I ran a search for “Horikoshi sketches” and it turned out there was a whole wiki page dedicated just to them (god bless whoever is running the BnHA wiki, they do such a good job). and, well...
two hundred and eighty-eight. you may recognize this as being nearly fifty more than the current number of chapters. this would mean he’s releasing at least one sketch a week and has been doing so for the past five years! fortunately (for me, who has to do a recap of all these), this number is slightly misleading, as this page apparently includes some of the character sketches he did for the volume omakes. so I don’t have to go through 300 sketches omfg. but still, there are a lot! so I’ll just go through them and post my favorites and see how many we can get through in this post I guess.
these are all in alphabetical order according to their file names on the wiki, and like I said, I’m not doing all of them, just the ones that catch my eye the most. which is still a ton of them. honestly we’re about to find out whether tumblr text posts have image limits. (ETA: the limit does not exist!)
right off the bat we are getting off to a great start! love me the ladies of class 1-A. these girls are all so, so valid. I love how Deku is there too and his hair is transforming into a tree or something.
this is a sketch from chapter 10. this cat I guess just came up to them and they were like “...” and the cat was like “...” and long story short they’ve been like this now for a whole hour. meanwhile Aizawa is wondering where his cat has gone.
why are they dressed like it’s world war I. ??
holy fuck this cat. did it eat the other cat. anyway do you guys think Momo and Todoroki were walking to school together because that’s some cute shit omg. we know there is a cat that hangs out around Shouto’s house, so he’s probably good at playing with stray cats, and they probably really like him because he is calm and kind.
holy shit.
oh my god I need Tsuyu’s siblings to come visit the dorms at U.A. and play with Eri!! now.
posting this one because it’s cute, but also because it notably has nothing at all to do with the actual chapter 120. but that’s okay.
what, and I mean this sincerely, the fuck.
are they making chocolate?? you know, canonically we haven’t actually had a Valentine’s Day yet in the series, and now I’m really hoping we get a little mini plot. things that would happen:
every single girl makes chocolate for Todoroki and he just accepts it very politely and obliviously.
they actually make enough chocolate for everyone (except Mineta. and honestly they would have, except they know how that’s gonna go down, and no. Tsuyu really would have made you some pity chocolate dawg, but you brought this on yourself). but don’t end up giving it to everyone. specifically several of them thought better about giving some to Bakugou after seeing him react to the first unlucky person to give him some (y’all know that song I THREW IT ON THE GROUND by the Lonely Island? I’m sure you can understand my meaning here). and also Jirou gets way too flustered about giving some to Kaminari and chickens out. she gives it to Momo instead. hmmMMMM.
Satou also makes chocolate for everyone, EVEN BAKUGOU, and it’s delicious. no one is throwing his chocolate on the ground.
Aoyama makes chocolate for Deku because!! ☆ ☆ WE ARE FRIENDS, MON AMI ☆ ☆ ☆ oui oui baguette.
I love everything about this, but especially Ochako’s face. she’s just like. sincerely trying to figure out exactly where she went wrong.
excuse the fuck out of me but DID HORIKOSHI SERIOUSLY HINT AT THE FUCKING A-BAND A WHOLE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY CHAPTERS BEFORE IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. omfg. “what a cute AU!” “yes... AU,” Horikoshi agrees, nodding to himself. although after giving it some thought, he made the wise decision to switch Kaminari and Bakugou’s instruments. because we all know Bakugou was born to play the drums.
NO!!! VIDEO GAMES!!! IN CLASS!!!!!!!! [does a fucking aerial while emitting furious little huffs and bitchslapping Kirishima in the face]
I can’t figure out what’s going on in this picture. it appears to be baseball, except that Bakugou doesn’t have a bat. which I guess is the joke?? because his quirk is so strong he doesn’t need the fucking bat? except that I feel like that would result in either a broken arm or a blown-up baseball. idk this would make more sense with him as the pitcher.
“we really do love this AU, Horikoshi-sensei.” “yes... AU.”
this time it’s Shouji on the drums. I get that we all want to see Bakugou shred guitar, but it feels like he was just postponing the inevitable.
a full 85 chapters before he actually did this in the manga. god he really does enjoy foreshadowing with these things. I need to start paying more attention to these.
I have no words.
actually I do have words, and they are, “is that a fucking toothbrush.”
also is it just me or does he look, like, really swole in this pic. like, this is what the scarf has been hiding the whole time?? here we all thought he was a beanpole who subsisted off of energy bars and plain rice, but like. nope.
:) showing that there’s no hard feelings about the whole shooting-you-in-the-fucking-face thing. All Might is squeezing his hand awfully tightly, though.
all of them are so good-looking when they’re not trying. and then they open their mouths.
I am pained that there hasn’t at least been a karaoke chapter in one of the light novels yet, guys. pained. I NEED THIS.
holy fuck Todoroki. what are you, a mermaid?? I feel like this is a result of a prank gone wrong. like the other guys were sick of the girls always pining after him, and so they tried rubbing a balloon on his head in an effort to make him look ridiculous, only IT BACKFIRED COMPLETELY. shit.
fuck me I love this. of course Kami blowdries his hair and puts a ridiculous amount of effort into achieving the same kind of boyishly tousled look Todoroki is JUST NATURALLY BORN WITH. some things in life just aren’t fair. also lmao Deku.
oh my god. how are they all so cute. this was from episode 12 btw. you’re welcome for saving your life All Might.
I don’t have the slightest idea wtf is going on here but omg.
this was for episode 16 of the anime, a.k.a. the obstacle course episode of the Sports Festival arc in season 2. I can’t read what they’re saying, but I’ll tell you what, I know Bakugou is being a rude little shit and I’m here for it.
SHINSOUUUUUU. this was for episode 20. his one and only appearance in the anime so far. he knows he’s here for a good time not a long time.
lmao. my headcanon is that Monoma actually ended up losing after this, but somehow still managed to be smug about it.
lmaoooo. Kacchan refusing to even acknowledge that this is a thing that is happening for some reason.
HAWKS DID YOU REALLY KILL THIS MAN. COME ON OUT HERE I JUST WANT TO TALK.
I feel like taming Deku’s hair is arguably even more of a feat than taming Bakugou’s. meanwhile Iida looks 90% the same. and Todoroki is. well. just goes to show that this look is not for just anyone.
I have never in my life seen Katsuki so full on just done with life. like he is so fucking over this shit. he’s just rolled over and accepted it. I have never seen Bakugou fucking Katsuki just sigh and be all, “you know what, this might as well happen.” not until this moment. wow.
you guys I’m crying.
is it just me or do the little matroyshka dolls actually look like little nun Jeanists. though the hair swoosh is going the wrong way. Monomas, maybe.
HOLY SHIT I LOVE THIS? my god, how useful would Shouji’s quirk be for this sort of thing. and Shouto looks so surprised (on like, a Todoroki scale) to have actually caught something. oh my god. so fucking cute. c’mere you. someone needs a hair ruffle.
I feel like this is how Tokoyami would want to be remembered. yes I know he’s not dead.
oh my god. so I’ve seen this one floating around on tumblr, but like. ffff. it’s my favorite ever. they are. so. fucking. cute. both looking up to All Might. and then the contrast between their innocent happy faces and their shocked and worried expressions watching All Might at Kamino. god it fucking destroys me. all four of these kids need hugs goddammit. the older ones because they’re heartbroken, and the little bubbas just because they’re so stinkin’ cute omfg.
I LOVE HER AND I’M NOT SORRY. please Horikoshi give me more Bakufam in this upcoming arc. who do I have to bribe or threaten.
STRANGER DANGER omg. Toga no. that’s not nice.
Horikoshi what did my heart ever do to you for you to treat it like this.
villain Iida from episode 7 holy fuck I’m dying.
here come the New Year’s sketches! I’ve been looking forward to these. Kacchan photo strategy: never look directly at the camera.
I wonder which animal year 2016 was. rooster, probably.
fucking look at Todoroki fucking Shouto stuffing his face yet again. can you stop chewing for one fucking second. we’re trying to take a picture you slob.
the year is 2018. Horikoshi Kouhei attempts to draw a dog, because it’s the year of the fucking dog. it does not go well. panicked, he takes the All Might he’s already started drawing, and for some reason attempts to turn it into another dog. it goes even worse. now he’s really starting to sweat. “oh shit,” he whispers, drawing Deku upside-down in his unrest. “oh fuck.” finally he just draws Bakugou shouting the words HAPPY NEW YEAR in giant letters across the screen, hoping that’ll be enough to distract everyone from all the rest of it. it is not.
oh my god. thank you so much to everyone who went to SDCC and made him so happy. this is the purest thing I’ve ever seen. also loving Bakugou tolerating the shit out of All Might leaning on him omg. I’m so fucking weak for this as always.
this is Horikoshi’s most recent sketch! lookit, he’s so happy with the toy him omg. it actually is really badass.
league of dorks. I love Toga’s face. and how Horikoshi clearly put more effort into drawing Tomura’s Face Hand than the entire rest of the picture.
I don’t understand a single element of this. wow. also this is twice now that Horikoshi has drawn the fucking Predator in these sketches. just pointing that out. of all the films to make multiple references to. what’s going on here. and is Mineta playing the fucking little sister in Totoro. am I losing my fucking mind.
this was for the season 3 premiere. I love how Bakugou and Deku are wrestling for control of the screen. but he knows better than to touch Mineta I guess.
Iida and Ochako are the only two reacting appropriately here. Bakugou just looks concerned. to be fair I guess that’s appropriate too. but Deku is all “fuck YEAH All Might you go ahead and SMASH YOUR FACE RIGHT THROUGH THAT MONITOR” and I feel like his blanket approval of all his mentor’s actions has finally gone too far.
this just goes to show you that even a very simple sketch concept can pay off dividends if you play your cards right. good job Horikoshi.
he could run faster if he just pulled his fucking pants up. does anyone have any brain cells to spare for my son here. please he needs them. I don’t know what he thinks a belt is actually for...?
hello this is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and also is Kirishima doing the kage bunshin pose from Naruto or.
sob Aizawa I’m dead. I fucking love how Mineta is like HE’S CLEARLY FINE IT WAS A FLOP as though Kirishima is not literally covered in fucking grape balls. something else I also love is that Katsuki is number 10 and Deku is number 11. even in a soccer match he can’t stand to be lower then his rival sob. also Ochako is straight up about to rip off Mina’s head jesus christ girl run.
there aren’t even words for how much I ship this. just emotions. omg.
this is one of those pictures that keeps getting more wtf the longer you stare at it. naturally your eyes are drawn to Todoroki’s reindeer antlers first. by contrast, Ochako looks relatively normal, even with the odd pose. but then you notice Deku’s Christmas tree hair. from there your eyes are drawn down to his strange lack of a shirt. and then, finally, you spot him. Tokoyami. you wonder if the mangaka has finally gone too far. you’re still not sure.
for once it’s not Todoroki who’s leaping into action with his mouth full. never one to back down from a challenge, Bakugou has picked the absolute least practical food to consume whilst in the middle of battling. I can barely eat spaghetti without making a mess when I’m not throwing down. I’m not sure what a good food to eat while throwing down would be, but maybe something more portable, like a calzone.
I feel drawn to him the same way one might be drawn to a stray cat, even though you’re pretty sure the cat is really wary of people and will probably try to claw or bite you if you get too close. I would like to pat him on the head, but he might try to blow me up. eh, worth it.
look at the Baku Protection Squad trying to do some fucking Abbey Road thing. damn you can really see how short Tokoyami is in this. also Bakugou buys pants that are at least three sizes too big I s2g.
and that’s it! anyways, this was fun as heck. I’ve bookmarked Horikoshi’s Twitter now so I can keep up with the new sketches as they’re released. this is fucking great, and a whole new bonus to being caught up with the manga that I haven’t been appreciating until now. fucking love it.
#bnha#boku no hero academia#bnha spoilers#class 1-a#horikoshi kouhei#horikoshi sketches#makeste reads bnha#sorry if I accidentally skipped anyone's favorite#they're all so good honestly#I tell you what you can never unsee the tokoyami christmas turkey thing though and that's going to keep me up at night
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A Thrill I’ve Never Known (Chapter 39)
Country Pursuits
Reader’s art dealer job has some unfortunate (but is it really unfortunate..? You’ll see) results. Arthur starts making plans. The bank job is looming on the horizon, y’all... Enjoy!
(All chapters tagged with #ATINK and also posted on Ao3, username PorkChop)
-
The men were out doing the art dealer job. My art dealer job. I felt full of nervous energy, sitting by the campfire with my sketchbook and pencil, tapping the end of it against the page as I looked around for something to draw that'd take my mind off of it.
The day had been pretty uneventful until then. Arthur and I had returned to camp with a pair of pronghorns for Pearson and the gang, so nobody commented on the fact that we'd spent the evening away from camp. I thought that was a nice trade. Food for their silence. Not even Dutch had anything to say, only stopping to tell Arthur that he had been thinking of how to deal with Bronte, and that he'd need to talk to him once he, John and Lenny returned from stealing those paintings.
That was so long ago, it felt like. The boys had only been gone a couple of hours and realistically it was going to take a few with how far they'd be travelling to Valentine, then Emerald Ranch provided everything went correctly (Hosea had spoken to a friend of his over there, Seamus, who'd be taking the art off our hands). Even so, I was restless the entire time.
I focused my attention on Javier's guitar where it was leaning up against a barrel, and started drawing it. I sketched it to fill up a page, giving it plenty of detail in a bid to stretch out the process, have it consume more time before the boys got back. I could only pray that the job went well, considering I'd brought it to them. If anything went wrong, I wouldn't be able to stomach it.
"You, uh, you ever drawn me in that book o' yours?" The log I was sitting on shifted unsteadily as someone dropped in beside me. Micah. I froze for a moment, eyes going wide with shock.
Micah hadn't been particularly friendly with me as of late, given our quarrels and the whole Arthur kicking his front teeth in thing. He either didn't speak to me at all or he barked some order at me, got me to do something for him. A lot of which, I simply didn't do. I wanted to be useful, not a damn servant.
"Why, you gonna demand that I do so if I say no?" I asked, not taking my eyes from the guitar, carrying on sketching. Micah chuckled, and my throat itched from cigarette smoke as he exhaled it, not bothering to direct it away from me.
"Well, would be nice if you did. Show a little friendliness, make out like you might just be able to stand me," it was all spoken in jest. I finally looked at him.
"I stood you for a long time, remember? More than that, thought you were a decent feller if you tried."
"Well, I told you you was wrong, that this is just who I am."
"Yeah and I never believed you. Though, that was 'bout the only thing that came out of your mouth that's true, so I should've."
"You saying I'm a liar, princess?" He questioned and my mood withered further, eyelids lowering in irritation.
"I ain't gonna waste my breath asking you again, Micah. You know I don't like you calling me that," I deadpanned, and I heard him exhale a drawn out breath. "And lying might not be the right word for it. Twisting things, though, that you do plenty of."
"Still think I was going 'round trying to convince people I'd fucked you? That's all rather conceited of you, don't you think?"
"Perhaps. Not half as conceited as you thinking me showing you the barest of kindnesses means I must want you to kiss me," I quipped back, and there was a pause before he made an unconvincing chuckle.
"Whatever," he breathed, sucking on his cigarette hard enough to hollow his cheeks, the end glowing bright before ebbing again when he exhaled the smoke; once again in my direction. It made my eyes water.
"I don't wish to be unfriendly with you, Micah. I never was one for conflict."
"Then I guess you chose the wrong business, this ain't a life that comes free of conflict. That pretty gash in your neck's some pretty solid evidence of that," he muttered, gesturing to my throat.
Every time someone mentioned it, it burned.
"I can't argue with that. I guess I could be more clear; conflict with people that once upon a time I got along with, dare I say liked," I replied, snapping my sketchbook closed when I became too distracted to carry on.
"You liked me?" He smiled and spoke in a sickly tone that was completely condescending and not in the least bit pleasant or sincere. "First time I've ever been told that. Truly, I am touched."
"Maybe it'd happen more often if you didn't go 'round treating people like crap."
"I've never treated you like crap," he told me in all seriousness, brow forming a heavy line above his eyes. I cocked a brow at him and snorted.
"You ain't? How about dumping all your shit on me, telling me to wash this, fix that, I stood in horse shit, scrub my boots? And saying all those dirty things to Arthur right in front of me?" I provoked and he laughed, shaking his head. Anger fizzed up and over inside. "And telling me that all I'm worth is my unsullied body, and you only wanted to fuck me 'cause I'm a virgin?"
Micah's eyes snapped to me at that, and it was a fair bit of time before he responded.
"If I'd've buttered you up real good, would you have been up for it? If I whispered sweet nothings in your ear and called you beautiful and scattered rose petals on the bedroll? Would you have fucked me then?" He levelled his gaze to me, looking directly at me after flicking his spent cigarette away.
"No!"
"Then what's your problem? So what if that's all I wanted you for, if I weren't gonna get you anyway?"
"Well, I suppose you would look at it that way."
"What way do you look at it? Educate me."
"It just weren't nice having that spat at me like I was nothing, like I was completely useless to you since I weren't gonna give you what you wanted. Especially with how well we worked together, how we got along whenever you weren't in one of your moods."
"Well, I guess I figured I owed you the truth. Otherwise you'd be walking 'round thinking you'd hurt my feelings, feelin' guilty, and we can't have that," he shrugged and I rolled my eyes, looking away. "You got an attitude somewhere in you," he added at that. He was smirking.
I didn't respond, opening up my sketchbook again and flicking through it absentmindedly, opening it to a blank page.
"Well, you should know," he began, "I ain't got no hard feelings. It's pretty clear the ship has sailed, anyway."
"I'm sorry?" I questioned, looking at him.
"You think nobody notices when you walk in here with Morgan, acting like he ain't been pokin' you all night? The bags under your eyes are as tellin' as they are unflattering, my dear," his tone was low and dirty and I screwed my face up in distaste. "You ain't no virgin no more."
"Whatever," I hissed, though my face felt hot.
"Those marks on your neck, too, you didn't get those from that O'Driscoll's knife, did you, sugar plum? Likes doing that, does he? Marking what's his," he added, and I stared at him, mouth agape. He was unbearably audacious!
"I don't know. But he sure liked kicking your teeth in," I reminded him, narrowing my eyes. His lip curled up, revealing the gap in his teeth, and he wriggled his tongue between them crudely. I wrinkled my nose. "Just leave me alone," I eventually sighed.
His nasty little laugh petered off as he surprisingly did as he was told.
-
I must have dozed off at some point when I was supposed to be darning a pair of socks, leaned up against the large tree by the fire. I woke with a start when something tapped my arm; for a moment I was ready to receive a lecture from Miss Grimshaw for sleeping on the job, but instead a hand holding a bundle of cash was in front of my face. My eyes travelled up the arm it was attached to and settled on John.
"Here's your share, sleepy head. Get up before someone sees you, I know Hosea don't take kindly to people doing what you're doing," he advised me, and I took the cash from him, my brows raising.
"Wow, this is my cut? Just for setting it up? You must've got a lot."
"Yeah, we didn't do too badly at all," John nodded.
"Did it go okay?"
Amusement twisted his features.
"Yeah, went off without a hitch. We all rode off without having to fire a single bullet, no one was hurt on the job," he began, and I was about to voice my relief when he continued, "didn't stop Lenny from fucking his leg up somehow on the way back."
"What?" I balked, sitting up. John stepped aside and gestured to where Arthur was helping Lenny down off his horse. Well, dragging him off of it with control while Lenny clung to him, wincing at every jostle of his leg.
I bolted up and raced over there, John hot behind me.
"Lenny! What happened? Are you alright?" I asked uselessly holding my arms out towards him and Arthur in some vague attempt at offering to help. Arthur managed to get him on the ground, balancing on one foot.
"Sure," Lenny said, face frozen in a grimace, "don't worry, ain't nothing to worry about."
"The kid's horse threw him," Arthur informed me, mild amusement on his face too. Neither Arthur or John seemed too concerned, which brought me some relief.
I looked at the horse in question. Little, tiny Maggie.
"She threw you?" I murmured.
"She saw a snake and got spooked, that's all."
"Was pretty impressive, the way he landed on his feet," Arthur mused.
"Till he hit the floor, screaming bloody murder," John added and they both chuckled.
"Glad it's so amusing," Lenny sighed, looking nothing short of mortified.
"We just robbed a whole bunch of valuable artwork from a serious collector without a single problem, but you can't manage to ride home? Yeah, it's a little amusing. Don't worry, it don't look broken, you probably just sprained it," John said. Lenny shook his head, leaning heavily on both Arthur and John as they helped him towards the house. Arthur called Hosea over, who immediately joined us.
They set Lenny down on a chair inside, and Hosea kneeled down in front of him. He inspected the injured ankle, asking him about the pain; where it was, how bad it was, if he felt anything snap. Hosea seemed satisfied after some investigation that no bones were broken, but he needed to rest it. He sent me off to fetch some medical supplies, and when I returned he bandaged up the ankle firmly to support the joint, and Arthur gave Lenny some whiskey for the pain, patting him on the shoulder.
"Now, you just take it easy for a few days, keep your foot up. You keep moving around on it, you'll make it worse," Hosea explained, tying off the bandage before pushing up to his feet, leaning on Lenny's good knee for support as he did.
"What about the bank?" Lenny queried, and Hosea went quiet for a moment. Arthur and John looked to him for his response.
Bank?
"Well, I'm sure we can manage without you, son," Hosea started, and Lenny sighed and leaned his head back, face a picture of disappointment. "Hey, don't be like that. How irresponsible would it be of us to have you along on a bank job when you can barely walk?"
"I know," Lenny grumbled, "I just wanted to be along for that. Show you fellers I can do a good job."
"I trust you would. Don't worry, there'll be other opportunities, I'm sure."
"'cept Dutch keeps saying this'll be the last big score," John noted with a humourless chuckle. Hosea looked at him, unamused and with a certain look in his eye.
"Well, I ain't got much to say about that," Hosea replied, his tone abrupt. It was clear he believed as much as they did that their scores were numbered. "Anyway, you stay here, Lenny. Rest up. Can we bring you anything?"
"If I'm gonna be sat here on my ass for the foreseeable future, some books would be nice," Lenny snorted, slumping glumly in the chair as Hosea dragged over a crate and had him rest his foot on it.
"Books," Hosea repeated with a nod, "certainly."
With that, he headed off. John left too, with a parting sympathetic pat on Lenny's shoulder, leaving just the three of us behind. I immediately turned to Lenny, fiddling with my own fingers, chewing on my lip a moment before speaking. I felt Arthur's eyes on me the whole time.
"Lenny, I'm so sorry," I began, and Arthur laughed.
"I was waiting for that," Arthur said, and I frowned at him in confusion.
"Huh?" Lenny simply grunted, looking at me cluelessly.
"I'm sorry about your ankle, I was praying all day that none of you'd get hurt, but…"
Lenny looked at Arthur, a hint of a smile curling his lips.
"Is she for real?" Lenny shook his head and I flushed a little, feeling foolish. Was I missing something?
"Just tell her it's okay," Arthur put an arm around my waist and carefully began leading me away.
"You think this is your fault?" Lenny called to me, then laughed, "hey, don't worry about it. I forgive you for making Maggie throw me, I don't appreciate it, but at least you're sorry," he teased.
I stopped in my tracks and turned back to him, resisting Arthur's tugging.
"It was my job you got hurt on, that's what I meant. I mean, obviously, right?"
"Listen, somethin' I came to learn real quick. Shit happens. Sometimes it's somebody's fault, but most of the time? It's just shit," Lenny snickered, shaking his head and grinning at me.
"You're speaking to the lady who felt bad over killin' an O'Driscoll who was about to slit her throat, just let her say what she's gotta say," Arthur explained and I frowned deeper.
"Hey, don't tease me for having… morals and– and guilt. You were the one blaming yourself for that O'Driscoll ordeal just 'cause you didn't make me leave the gang, Arthur, so you're one to talk," I snapped.
"That was a whole different thing," Arthur frowned, going serious, "I still think about that, you know."
"Well, don't!"
"How long you two been married?" Lenny asked and we swivelled our heads to look at him, observing his mischievous grin. Hosea walked back in then, a bundle of books in his hands.
"Here you go, son. These were by your tent, but I can ask around, see if anyone can lend you something different?" He began, putting the books down next to his foot on the crate.
Arthur took the opportunity to lead me off again, with that marriage comment ringing in my ears I didn't try to resist. Oh, to be married to Arthur Morgan… I stopped myself before I got carried away.
He led me outside and we took a seat at the front of the house, on the edge of the fountain. He groaned as he sat down, sighing in exhaustion. He looked about as tired as I'd felt all day.
"You alright?" I asked. Arthur nodded, yawning. "Wow. I hope last night was worth it," I said light-heartedly, smirking.
"Oh, it definitely was. Much better than a restful night, princess," he chuckled. "That job went well, John give you your cut?"
I nodded. "It's a lot."
"Yeah, we did real well. I'll tell Dutch… I gotta speak to him at some point. Wants to talk about Angelo Bronte. Dutch is on about robbing a bank in town, so something's gotta be done about him; the man who seems to run the whole damn city."
"You're gonna rob a bank in the middle of the city?" I balked, eyes going wide and bile rising uneasily in my throat.
"Apparently. Hosea thinks we can do it, couple of the girls have been out scoping the place. Doesn't look too heavily guarded," he explained, though it didn't quell my fears at all.
"Yeah, but what about after? Fleeing through the city? It ain't like Valentine, where you run for thirty seconds and you're out on open plains," I exclaimed and Arthur shook his head, agreeing with me.
"It's a risk. I know. But Hosea says the place is full of cash and gold, so if we get away…" he trailed off, looked up towards the house. Hosea and Dutch were sitting up on the balcony above us, talking.
With a sigh, Arthur took my hand and led me away, over towards the edge of the water, out of earshot from any of the camp. I went along with him wearing a concerned frown. He turned to me, then, taking both of my hands and looking down at them.
"If we get away," he continued, not yet meeting my eye, "we should have a lot of money. Enough for the whole gang to get out."
I stared for a moment, wondering why he needed to tell me that in secret. "That's great, but–"
"Not only that, my cut… my cut would be big enough that – put together with what I have saved – you and I might just be able to– to– we could get away," he finally met my eyes at that. "You and me, princess. We could leave, we'd have enough to support ourselves. I could keep you safe."
My lips parted. I had to admit, that all sounded rather wonderful. A totally fresh start, far away from Dutch and the Pinkertons and the O'Driscolls… with Arthur. Just him and me. I must've started smiling a little because Arthur smiled too, pulled me into a hug.
"We could do it. We'd see that the others made it out alright; Charles, John, Mary-Beth, all those people you've grown close to. We'd have peace of mind and then we could leave, be done with all this getting shot at and knives held to our necks. Start leading a proper life," he whispered against the top of my head, swaying me from side to side in his arms.
"You gotta do the bank, first," I reminded him, "oh, please be careful, Arthur."
"I'm always as careful as I can be," he told me, then pulled back to look at me, "I want this. I'm so certain of that."
"Me too," I nodded, cupping his cheeks.
"All that's holding me back is not knowing what'll happen to these people. I want to make sure they're gonna be okay," he whispered and I nodded in understanding. "This bank could be it, princess."
"Arthur!" Dutch yelled across the camp. I looked over Arthur's shoulder to see him leaning over the edge of the balcony, waving him over. Arthur held a hand up in acknowledgement, then let out a soft breath.
"I'll see you later," he said, kissing my forehead and squeezing my hands. I watched him walk back to the house, a feeling in my stomach a bittersweet combination of hope and dread.
-
I awoke the next morning in my bedroll, laying on the floor of Arthur's room. I knew he'd be returning at some point in the night after heading out with Dutch, so I'd left his bed free. I had to smile to myself, then, when I felt his presence behind me, a hand softly resting on my hip.
The next thing I registered was the smell. Wet, stagnant, musky… unpleasant. I shifted, looking over my shoulder at Arthur to see him lying asleep in just his union suit. His clothes were in a pile nearby, and I realised they were the source of the smell; his jeans and shirt sodden with filthy water, his boots caked in mud. What on Earth had he been doing last night?
I laid back down, lacing my fingers with his on my hip, lifting his hand from me as I rolled to face him, replacing it on my other hip. Arthur woke up a moment later, either stirred by my movement or sensing my eyes on him. His eyes creased with a smile when he saw me, but before he could say anything, I couldn't help but ask;
"Have you been swimming around in the swamp?"
Arthur only paused for a moment before answering. "Yes."
I quirked a brow, utterly perplexed.
"Dutch had us helping out some feller with a boat, reckons he'll get us to Bronte's house so we won't have to go in through the city," he told me sleepily. He started to appear more alert until it all seemed to come back to him in a rush and his face shifted to urgency. "You should'a seen the goddamn alligator out there. Big as a damn bison, I swear."
I nodded in understanding. "Yeah, some big ones out there. You couldn't pay me to set foot in the water, and I grew up there, what on Earth were you doing out there?"
"It's a long story. Ended with me in the water saving some kid, almost had his leg torn off. This alligator… there's big, and then there's big,” he shook his head in disbelief.
I stared at him, a little bit horrified. "You were in the water with a bloodthirsty gator?"
"I still got all my fingers and toes, don't worry," he chuckled, but it quickly faded off, "this kid weren't so lucky. Well, everything's still attached, I just hope he don't get gangrene. Could be pretty bad…"
"Goodness. And where was Dutch during all of this? It was his thing, getting the boat, right?"
"He was in the boat, yelling, but otherwise being unhelpful," he said drily, moving to sit up with a groan. He stretched out his back and I watched the muscles work through the clingy material of his union suit, my head propped up with my arm. "Still, I reckon he was shittin' himself. Course he weren't getting in to help."
"Course," I tutted. "I'm so glad nothing happened to you. Gators, they can be real vicious."
"You're telling me," he snorted.
"When I was a kid, my closest neighbour's son met his end that way," I started, Arthur looking to me with widened eyes, "was out there fishing, waded in too deep and didn't see this big guy in the water."
"Shit…"
"Yeah… all I know is, his dad started firing his gun at the gator, but ended up aiming at his son just to– well, it was the kindest thing to do, apparently," I murmured solemnly.
"Jesus. This ain't filling me with confidence about getting back in that boat, heading out into the swamps again tonight," Arthur breathed, shaking his head.
"Just make sure everyone keeps their limbs inside the boat this time. You'll be fine," I offered him my most comforting smile.
"Noted. I don't particularly feel like watching someone get torn limb from limb by some dinosaur-looking bastard," he sighed. "Anyway, I best get dressed."
"Me too. And I'll wash those nasty clothes of yours. They stink," I laughed, sitting up and reaching for my suitcase, pulling it over to me and retrieving my corset.
"They do? I'm sorry. I can't smell it, must be used to it. Either that or I stink too," he snorted.
I leaned over and sniffed him, amusement worming its way onto my face. I held my thumb and index finger an inch or so apart and gave him a sheepish smirk. He dropped the clean shirt he was about to put on before nodding.
"I'll wash up first."
#rdr2#red dead redemption 2#arthur morgan#fanfiction#arthur morgan x reader#atink#arthur morgan x female reader#reader insert#rdr2 fanfic
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Be My Valentine’s? - Part One – Together
❁ Harper ❁
Smiling as I see the message from #Nova. Collin had sent a photo of her winking at the camera, with a pink and green heart around her. The Message read. ‘𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒?’.
A smiled grew on my lips as I sent my own reply to her via her dad of course.
“To My Dear Valentine, I will be yours, if you will be Mine?” I attached a photo on me pointing to myself, with red hearts and a message for #Nova saying 𝐵𝑒 𝑀𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒.
“And so, you know... I was thinking of you my beautiful baby girl... a little gift for you and..... Maybe a little something for your dad too...”
I sent an open box with treats, toys, a bottle of pawsecco for her, and a grey t-shirt for Collin saying ‘Husky Dad’ on the front with small black paws under it, as well as a small Huskey charm for him to add to the bracelet I gave him for Christmas. His two loves would sit on it now, a charm of a camera and one for #Nova.
❁ Collin ❁
She was just too sweet, I couldn't stop thinking today. I mine... I hardly ever did anyway... But today...
Not long after her I was on her doorstep. Pressing the bell with Nova at my side, and a basket full of homemade goodies such as, honey butter, baked muffins, freshly made frittata and a glass jar of marmalade in my hands.
❁ Harper ❁
Glancing up from the tablet, out of the window from my seat in the couch. My heart started racing. That truck of his couldn’t be mistaken for another.
“Oh mine...” combing my fingers through my hair, I pushed it back off my face. As I stood and made my way to the door.
“Hi!” Smiling as I saw #Nova and him and the box in his hands. Bending down to rub #Nova’s head and kiss her.
“Would you like to come in?” Surprised to see them.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled my heart outpaced hers and redness flushed up my neck and held out the small basket in my hands. “I was hoping you... I'm, might have a few free minutes to eat with me.” I cleared my throat.
“Us...” I nodded to Nova. “She wanted to say thank you... For the treats.”
❁ Harper ❁
Stepping to the side to let them both in. My eyes on the basket, and wow. “It all smells fabulous.”
Reaching out towards him. “May I help by taking anything?”
#Nova had other plans. She jumped up to my open arms, and I hugged her. Laughing. “Or I could just hug you baby girl”.
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed at Nova. “She's still not slowing down at all... And as you can see... She never says no to a hug.”
I smiled and stepping inside. “But when she gives a free hand, we did get you a gift too.” Showing her the mug with the words ‘𝐼 𝒮𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒜𝓃𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓁𝓈, 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇’, written on it. As well as a Chilly’s rain forest print drinking bottle.
❁ Harper ❁
“It’s a good thing... I love her hugs.” Leaning down to kiss her head. “And I’m glad to hear you received your gifts.”
Glancing up towards him, my glasses slipping down my nose.
“You didn’t need... to get me anything..” my heart racing a mile a minute.
#Nova moved to go find her toys and I told the gifts. Opening and smiling from ear to ear.
“I love them.. th.. thank you... both...”
My eyes on him, the basket in his hands. Unsure if I should hug him... or... “Thank you.”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled. "I know... neither did you. But... its Valentine's Day... and Um..."
Damn it!!! I had thought about what I wanted to say and it was just fine gone now...
"I was really hoping that I could steal a little of your time before you got called to the rescue of some poor innocent creature."
I wanted to hug her... or kiss her... both. But... I had shown up unannounced. I thought that was sweet and spontaneous... and now I was second-guessing myself.
❁ Harper ❁
Standing up again, I pushed my glasses up my nose and then took them off. I knew I’d not be working now he/ they were here. Stepping up to him, I looked in the basket.
“Is that an Omelette or a frittata? And honey butter?” The warm sensation and the pull in my chest started to make itself known again.
“How could I say no? You, #Nova, beautiful gifts, and food? You are spoiling me.”
Unsure where the confidence to say all that without stumbling came from. Leaning up on my toes. I kissed his cheek. Whispering.
“Thank you for coming to keep me company”
❁ Collin ❁
“Oh... Um... Frittata?” that wasn't meant to be a question. The kiss to my cheek had me flustered; my hand rested high on her waist when she moved in close.
My arm moved gently around her, and I leaned down to hug her. Every cell in my body came alive have her this close. Her scent, the sounds of her heart and her breathing; were amplified a hundred times. The soothing coolness of her skin.
“Thank you, for inviting me in when I never even called.”
❁ Harper ❁
His arm kept me in place, and I moved to curl my own arm around him the best I could with the basket in his other hand.
I closed my eyes, the warmth I felt around him drawing me towards it. My heart started to play up.
“Did you honestly believe I wouldn’t?” My voice a low whisper, and again the warmth makes me press my cheek to his. Why did this feel safe? Like home?
❁ Collin ❁
I pressed a kiss to the top of her head and the rush of a new warmth washed over me and I felt her lean into my cheek, and I inhaled deeply.
"I thought it was a great idea when I was at home cooking, but when I was on your doorstep, I started to worry I was being rude." I laughed softly.
I noticed when she was this close, I didn't trip over my words.
"It’s hard to be spontaneous and a nervous wreck all at once." I chuckled and moved back a little to see her face.
❁ Harper ❁
Such an innocent way to kiss my head had my heart fluttering. I moved back a little with him, my eyes finding his right away.
“Did we not agree to be foolish together? Coming and standing on my doorstep.... not something to be nervous about is it?”
I blinked, seeing the way he was looking down at me. He really was tall. And strong, however it’s the kindness in those eyes I found myself lost in.
❁ Collin ❁
I was awestruck by her eyes and by having her so close. She was beautiful on the deepest possible level. "Only because I..." I paused, I couldn't say I liked her, it was such an understatement that it was basically a lie. "I feel this... amazing connection with you... and I don't want to scare you off before we get to know more about it, or... making assumptions like you wouldn't have plans on Valentine's day."
❁ Harper ❁
I bit my lower lip, not fully sure how to answer him here. Praying my heart would stop playing up this way so that I could think clearly.
“Oh... Uhm...”
Did he think I went around kissing boys on a beach and then set up Valentines with other boys? No. He wasn’t like that. Right?
“No.. I.. umm.. had no plans at all.” Oh god did that sound pathetic. Should I have lied?
Taking a step back heart flushing into my cheeks.
❁ Collin ❁
My heart started to pound. Dammit!! I dropped the ball, didn't I? I cleared my throat. "I... um... I really wanted to ask... but... I know how busy you get... and um..."
I shook my head and ran my hand down her arm and took her. "I, um... I'm sure you've noticed that I'm really, really BAD at this. But..." What could say?
𝐼'𝓂 𝒶𝓃 𝑒𝓍𝒸𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝒷𝑜𝓎𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹? I mean I was pretty sure I was. but... that was a weird thing to say.
"I... will make it my personal mission to make sure all your Valentines are booked solid from now on."
Shit!! I should have said the boyfriend thing.
❁ Harper ❁
"Oh.." Okay, now I felt bad for a whole different reason. "Of course, work is... always busy." I didn't want to rub my cheeks in front of him, the heat was radiating.
Glancing down at my arm his hand sent a jolt through me. I stopped myself from walking away. Shifting on my feet, blinking up at him now.
"I'm sorry?" my lips half curling up.
"You promise to what?" tilting my head to the side a little. I could not have heard him correctly.
❁ Collin ❁
I wanted the earth to swallow me whole.
"I just.... Sorry. I mean..." I took a deep breath. I just mean that... maybe, someday... if I stop saying stupid things like that..." I paused, thinking hard. "I might be lucky enough to have another chance at... getting this... particular day right, with you... if um... you'd want to. I mean, obviously. But..."
I stopped and laughed at my own awkwardness... "I told you I was bad at this, right?"
❁ Harper ❁
My bottom lips curled in, and I held it in place with my teeth. Trying so hard now not to laugh, however the smile had started growing.
Leaning in my fingers curled around the basket and I took it from him as I whisper into his ear. “Let’s be Foolish together, remember?” The scent of him drew me in, I closed my eyes for a moment before pulling back. Turning to walk off into the kitchen.
“Would you like some biscuits with this honey butter you brought? I have a batch in the freezer I could bake up?”
Turning my head to glance back at him before disappearing into the kitchen.
My heart was racing again. Seeing him this way. We both managed to get ourselves into these muddles.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at the words and the warmth of her breast n my ear as she spoke made butterflies rise up in my stomach. Anyone else would have faked a phone call to get away from me by now... But not her.
"Some of are clearly more foolish than others." I chuckled but, there was relief in the gentle sound.
She took the basket and stepped away. "That sounds amazing." I smiled... She really wasn't trying to rid om me? I mean... not even politely but eating with me and sending me on my way.
She was making suggestions to extend our time together? I wasn't going to turn it down.
❁ Harper ❁
I couldn’t stop the sensations in my tummy. I had heard of butterflies flying, but this? It was like an army fluttering to the point where I didn’t know how to stop it. Or even if I wanted to stop it?
Setting the basket down on the counter. “Great, you don’t have to rush off do you?” I should have asked him this before, right? I rubbed my forehead.
#Nova came to join me, touching her paw to my leg. “What is it baby’s girl? Aww I know.”
Walking over I turned the oven on. Then took out her water bowl, filling it with water and setting I down for her. She started to lap it up right away. “Good girl.” I patted her back.
“Would you like a drink? Help yourself from the fridge.” I called out. Getting to work on making the biscuits, taking out a frozen whole carrot for #Nova and giving it to her to eat and play with too.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled and followed her to the kitchen. "No, I don't." I watched her with #Nova again. She was amazing.
"The only thing I wanted to do today was see you." I admitted honestly... not stuttering or turning bright pink! Just an easy honest statement. I opened the press that I'd seen her take glasses from the last time... well the first time I was here. And open her to find another jug of homemade juice that made me smile and poured us a glass each.
❁ Harper ❁
My heart missed a beat, and another, and another. And the smile wasn’t going anywhere from my lips.
“I’m glad you both came.” My hands clean, I took out the baking tray, placing the biscuits on it. Moving around him to grab a bowl to make the egg wash in for them.
Laughing as I heard #Nova ‘talking’ to the frozen carrot flying cross the floor. “You tell it off Nova, good girl..”
Every now and then I glanced towards him. “How have you been?” I asked.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled... Chuckling and Nova’s little noises. “When she does that I remember that she's still just a baby.” A small sigh, I knew she was doing well she was still eating still acting like herself... Even if she got tired easier now.
“I should have taken her with me on the first place.” I shook the thought away.
“I’m good... This little thing keeps me on my toes.” I chuckled. “What about you? I'd work letting you get any sleep?”
❁ Harper ❁
"She is a baby, and it's nice to see her this way." my voice soft as I placed the tray in the oven. Calling out.
"Alexa set timer for 10 minutes." and she called back. '𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚎𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚠.'
Sitting the bowl in the sink, my head turned back. "You didn't know. No one knows what will happen. You have her now. She is happy, loved and cared for. It was what matters."
Not one break in my voice. my gaze had moved to #Nova happy in her own world on the cool floor. Smiling at the fact that she was indeed keeping her dad busy.
"Work..." My smile grew. "It's been great, a few nights here and there. However, the people and the animals here make it all worth it."
Walking across the kitchen, I opened the cupboards to take out the things I need to set the small table by the window of the kitchen.
"How are your family?"
These were easy things to talk about, normal things to take my mind off my beating heart. On top of which, I truly wanted to know how they were.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at Nova and then up at Harper. I nodded as she spoke about work. "Just make sure you're careful when you have late-night calls, the roads around here can be really dangerous after heavy rain... especially around the farms. If you're tired you should call someone come and drive you."
I watched her move around the kitchen, my heart picking up its pace again. I felt like should help but I also felt like that was an intrusion.
"They're all great, Custard hasn't eaten any more jewellery and as predicted... my sister is madly in love...𝓐𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷." I laughed. "How about your friends back h-" I stopped myself from saying 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. I wanted this to be her home, it was selfish... but it was one of my deepest wants. "Thompson Falls? Do you get to talk to them much?"
❁ Harper ❁
Working away, I saw the two glasses of juice he has poured for us. Taking then I set them in the table before taking out two plates. “I have noticed. My poor car is not liking some of the off roading necessary.”
The sound of his laughter had me lost. Tilting my head to the side to watch him before I shook myself out of it. ‘Jeez stop staring.’ I told myself.
“Kevin did say he was planning to keep a closer eye on Mr Custard, however it’s always good to head progress is being made.”
Biting my lips, I was sure I was missing something. The food! “Ana is in love?” My face lite up, I knew what he told me of her. His baby sister loved easily. However, it was sweet.
“Do you approve of this one?” I asked walking to the basket to look inside it. My eyes were back on him when he stopped himself. He was about to say ‘𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚’ I was sure.
“I don’t speak to them as much and I want to, however we all still have dinner once ever feel weeks if I don’t get pulled away on a call.”
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed, picturing the tiny car... more of a city vehicle really. "Yeah... not exactly the best for country roads. But if you ever need to borrow the truck just ask... if you think you handle it. Brady can always take me to work." I wasn't sure had comfortable she'd be driving something so much bigger than her car.
"She is... He's a poetry major so I think I should worry more about her breaking his heart than the other way around." I chuckled.
"Hopefully, the council will get you your proposal soon and you'll be able to bring in some help. Then you can make some plans that won't get interrupted.
❁ Harper ❁
“However, she is so pretty.” Moving back on my heel to glance toward the window, not that I could really see her from here. And I knew she wasn’t made for the roads outside of town.
“I bought her when I thought I was going to live in Seattle. The plan was never to move here.” Taking the basket, he brought apart I held out some of the things. “Would you mind placing these on the table please?”
Blinking my eyes at him. “Aren’t men supposed to be really protective over their trucks? Dad only let me drive his Ram when we went fishing and he may have drunk one or two beers.” Smiling at the memory of those days by the lake.
“A poetry major? Poor boy.” They were all soft hearts and arty. “I am sure Ana will be kind?” I asked as Alexa started to chime the reminder and I rushed to take out the tray of biscuits.
“Oh, Billy was sure that they would agree, I guess all I can do for now is wait to see how long it all takes to go through. I have a practice in Port Angeles willing to sister with us here as soon as we have a green light.”
Picking up the biscuits I start to pop them into a basket. “Ouch!” shaking my hands and blowing on my fingers from the heat of them. “Ouch…!”
❁ Collin ❁
I chuckled and nodded my head. “She does have a certain charm.” I admitted about her tiny vehicle. I think that mostly came from the fact that it was a pure expression of Harper’s personality. I would put money on it the inside of it was even more immaculate than mine. When she explained why she’d bought the car it made even more sense.
“It’s definitely a perfect city car.” I said, small… easy to park light on fuel in heavy traffic. Another chuckle when she talked about men and trucks. Taking the things from her to set on the table, the smell of the biscuits filled the room. “Boys are protective of their trucks… Men know the truck is probably in safer hands with a woman.” I smiled. I would have to thank #Embry for instilling that kind attitude in us when it came to girls from a young age. “It’s different with Dad’s… Even when Ana went to college Dad still insisted on driving her… even if that meant I had to follow him there in my truck to take him home.” I laughed at the memory.
I turned back to her when she said ‘Ouch.’ and took her hands. “Easy.” I tried to give a light chuckle but that familiar protective rose up in me. I guided her to the tap and held her fingertips under the cold water. “There’s no rush… no need to injure yourself.” I tried to keep my hot skin away from where she’d singed her fingertips.
❁ Harper ❁
‘𝘉𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘴… 𝘔𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯’ “How true and yet not many people.. Men.. can bring themselves to admit it.” I replied before burning my fingers.
“I’m sorry.” It was a foolish mistake to make. He was by my side before I had a chance to suck on my fingers and his hands were holding mine. Then he slowly guided me to the sink. I could tell that the burns weren’t deep. “It’s just a small superficial burn.” Wincing a little when the cold water flowed over my skin.
#Nova was stood by our side and she was pawing my thigh asking what was happening. “I’m okay baby girl. You play.” But those big brown eyes did not leave me and she sat herself down next to her dad.
My eyes moved to his face, and I was lost in him again. Everything else blurred out of sight. The sound of the song was in my ears, the warmth I always felt when he was close was back once again. And my heart skipped a few times. He was taking care of me? This was new. I was always the one who jumped up to help and protect, however here we were. To see him this close… I blinked my eyes to push the thoughts away. He had said something to me? Damn it. what had he asked? Racking my thoughts for the words.
“I wasn’t thinking.” What was wrong with me? Shifting a little the relief set in. My voice was low now. “I could always blame the smell of fresh biscuits, and wanting to try them with the honey butter?” He was so close, caring, and sweet. I could smell him even with the fresh baking in the kitchen.
❁ Collin ❁
Nova came around to my side when harper reassured her, I smiled. She talked to her like I did… like she was waiting for a response. I let the water run over her finger for a few moments. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” H said in a tone as low as her. “It’s okay baby-girl.” I soothed her when she pawed my leg this time. I picked up a towel and gently patted Harper’s fingers dry but my eyes never left her face. Her heartbeat harder like it was trying to drown out her words.
Rested her palm on mine and only dropped my eye to the pink tips of her fingers for a second. “So clumsy Doctor Jenkins, these hands are needed to heal others.” I teased, the flurry inside me settling when I knew she was okay. I lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “You should treat them with kindness.”
My eyes found hers again and a ball the fluttering and pressure built up in my stomach and the urge to kiss her. I leaned in and let my lips touch softly against hers, every cell in my body was away at the contact.
❁ Harper ❁
Seeing #Nova’s reaction, hearing the small whimper coming from her. I knew she was worried. They picked up so quickly when a person they cared for was hurting.
My eyes flickered down to her as Collin also tried to reassure her. And it made me smile. I loved how the two of them interacted with each other. They really were a small family.
“I’m not always so clumsy Mr Littlesea...”
I wanted to continue with 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦... However, I didn’t dare. Biting my lower lip, my heart skipped a few times as I saw him lift my palm and kiss it. Butterflies fluttered freely in my stomach, and I couldn’t stop the blush on my cheeks.
My eyes met his when he glanced at me, and then I was lost. I closed my eyes when his lips touched mine. My body relaxed, my shoulders fell, the butterflies danced like the first time he kissed me, and I was left light headed.
❁ Collin ❁
My heart thundered, I felt the cool soothing touch of her lips against mine, quelling the fire in my vein the soft, glowing warmth. I moved my arms around her waist and drew her nearer, leaning down and resting my hands high on her back. My lips moving with her hers, I could hear her heart drumming alongside mine, my wolf was silent. My stomach was a riot of fluttering and twisting.
I felt her sway a little in my arm and I pulled back just barely, allowing us both to breathe. Nova giving a high pitched yip… as she did when she wasn’t the centre of attention and made me smile, but my eyes never left Harper.
❁ Harper ❁
My feet altered to move a little closer, as he placed his arms around me.
I wasn’t thinking clearly, however the thoughts I did managed to hold on to were of how sweet he tasted, how warm his lips were on mine, and how this kiss, every kiss with him was extraordinary. My lungs pulled on the air when he pulled back. I hadn’t even notice that I had stopped breathing all together. My lips tingled when he pulled back away, but it didn’t do anything to stop the rampage in my stomach and heart.
When I heard #Nova I opened my eyes to find him watching me, making the sensation in my cheeks increase and the temperature exceptionally hot.
I wasn’t sure what he saw when he looked at me through his eyes.
“She needs a kiss too.” I whispered.
❁ Collin ❁
Spirits! My head spun my lungs expanded and filled with the unique scent that was hers alone. Her cheeks-stained crimson and I smiled.
Beautiful.
She was so, incredibly beautiful.
“So does her dad every now and then.” I pressed my lips against her one more time.
Nova was up on her legs paws against my leg, I chuckled and scratched her between the ears.
“We should eat before everything goes cold. You take a seat. I'll finish up... Before you wound yourself again.” I teased and started placing the biscuits in the basket like she had before she burned herself.
❁ Harper ❁
“Are you aspiring to have her feel as though you are trying to steal her new best friend here?” My cheeks flushed as the words sat between us.
The burn was just a mild throb on my fingertips. And somehow him kissing me had dulled the little pain I did feel. I was smiling and then parted my lips to protest. I wasn’t an amazing cook; however, I had never had any complaints either.
Then noticing he meant the fact that I seemed to be hurting myself around him. I moved from the sink after patting my hands dry, I bent down on my knees and gave #Nova a hug and kiss on her forehead. “I always have kisses for you baby-girl.” I told her standing up, I went to sit down at the table.
“I’m not making a good impression here as a host. The fact that my guest is now working in my kitchen.” I was in a semi-trance while watching him work. He really did know his way around a kitchen.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled and took the over to the table and smiled as set the basket on the table and gave #Nova another pat and a kiss on the nose.
"You did all the hard work." I chuckled and washed my hands before I return to the table and sat down. "But just as a counterpoint... I do enjoy cooking. So really you're being an excellent host by allowing me to help out a little."
I smiled my eyes on her face, focusing on the tiny details that made up her expression and the lingering blush.
❁ Harper ❁
Waiting for him to take his seat before I took the two oranges from his basket, which sat on the table and handed them to him and a knife. “Would you mind slicing these for us?” I asked.
“I never really had someone else who liked being in the kitchen other than Seth. He used to help me with bakes on the weekends we were all together.
Taking out the frittata, I set it between us and then unwrapped the honey butter. “Did you make all of this today?” Pointing to the table. The scent of it was mouth watering and I couldn’t wait to dig in. But then I lifted the glass jar and gave him a questioning look. “What is in here?”
❁ Collin ❁
“Yeah, #Sue always wanted to make sure her kids knew how to take care of themselves. Especially after what happened to Mr. Cle… #Harry.” I was still young and only ever really called him Mr. Clearwater. If I’d had a chance to get to know after I joined the pack, I was sure he’d have insisted I called him Harry… just like #Sue had.
“Of course.” I took the oranges and the knife and started to slice the first one. “Yeah, I did say I enjoyed cooking… It didn’t take much time... I like my breakfasts pretty simple.” I turned to the basket again and smile. “Oh… that’s homemade marmalade but I can’t take credit for that… my friend Emily makes that. But’s really good… I told her she should sell her preserves at the farmer’s market. But she gives the stuff away.” I chuckled.
❁ Harper ❁
My heart felt a flutter at the mention of Mr Clearwater. “I never met him, however from the stories Sue and Seth shared with Kenz and us...” I smiled at another memory. “…Dad said he was a man he would have gone fishing with. Which is high praise.”
Opening the jar, I took in the aroma and it smelt delicious. Taking a spoon, I added some to my plate. “Are all the people in La Push talented when it comes to cooking? Well, everyone but Leah. She’s not the cooking type I am sure of it.” It was a vibe #Leah always gave when she was around.
I placed a biscuit on his plate with some of the frittata, the muffins remained in the basket as I was sure he would help himself. I took a sip of the Watermelon and Mint juice and waited for him to start. This was something as a host I knew I should do.
❁ Collin ❁
"He was a hell of fisherman for sure." I smiled, thinking back to the too few memories of being on my father's boat with Mr Clearwater. It wasn't my preferred activity, but I went... mostly for the time with my Father. Ana complained about the cold and stayed home.
"Leah cooking?" my brow furrowed at the thought. "I'm sure she knows the basics, but she's always rushing around I doubt she'd spend hours in her kitchen cooking."
"Thank you." I smiled and sliced the frittata with my fork and took a bite... soundly realising how hungry I was after spending the morning cooking and not eating. I had to try her biscuits too. Taking a bite and nodding at her. "Wow... this is so good."
❁ Harper ❁
“The time Sue told Kenz that Mr Clearwater would have loved her…” My heart swelled at the memory of that night we were all filled into the living room of my dad’s house. He’d invited #Sue, #Leah and #Seth for dinner and the rest of us too. But with #Seth, #Leah and #Dam in the same room, it had felt a little tight.
“It was when we all knew… Kenz is in good hands.” My eyes stung a little, with a lump in my throat. Remembering the way my friend, my sister had tears rolling down her cheek. Happy tears which then flowed down #Sue, #Jenna and my cheeks too. with Leah rolling her eyes at us asking for something strong to drink before she shook some sense into us all.
My cheeks flushed as he took a bite of the biscuit, I wasn’t sure why, but I was a bundle of nerves. ‘It’s a biscuit! Not open-heart surgery on a chihuahua. Deal with it woman.’ I told myself but my heart was still jumping around like some teenager waiting for a crush to notice her. What was wrong with me?
I let out a breath I didn’t even realise I had been holding in when he finally spoke. Smiling I reached over breaking my biscuit open, taking some of the honey butter and spread it before taking a bite. “Oh wow... this is really good.” Covering my mouth when I spoke.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled. "She definitely is... I mean just look at how they met... travelling so far on vacation and meeting like that." I knew I couldn't mention the imprinting... yet. "And to end up in the relationship they are now... If that's not fate, I don't know what is."
They would never be anyone more perfect for her friend then #Seth. I knew by extension the same should apply to me and Harper... but I couldn't express that right now.
I heard her heart race and I tried to contain my smile. I spread some of the honey butter of the biscuit too and nodded. "We really do make a good team in the kitchen, don't we?" I beamed, my attention solely on here now. "So... you like to cook too than?"
❁ Harper ❁
“Now there is a story no one will ever believe, especially the part that he followed her home. However, I was there. I witnessed it all.” Even if to start with I was the one who had been worried about #Seth. I mean who did that? But over time he had become family too.
Smiling I nodded swallowing my mouthful before I spoke again. “I do love to cook, unfortunately I don’t have as much time as I once used to, hens…” I pointed to the biscuits and then the freezer. “..I try to make big batches when I find a moment space and then it goes into the freezer for a time like now.”
Cutting into the frittata I took a fork full and moaned with happiness. “Gods… This is so soft and fluffy!” He wasn’t joking. “A kitchen goddess and god if you ask me.” I teased taking another bite. “Oh and the hazelnut butter you made... Char and Teddy loved it too. Char had it on toast and Teddy added it to his smoothy. And me…” my smile grew. “..Pancakes.”
❁ Collin ❁
"Some people are worth following to the ends of the earth." My eyes never left her, as if to say... She was worth following to the ends of the earth.
"Do I need to start dropping by with bigger baskets?" I chuckled. "With some freezer-friendly meals to make sure you have at least a few decent meals a week?" I wanted to tell her to just come over and I could cook for her anytime... but I was sure she used her free time to eat, sleep and shower... and offering those last two was a long way off.
Even after I told her everything... we were still getting to know each other and I was sure she'd time to understand it all. and decide what she wanted.
I smiled. "I'm glad they enjoyed it... will I have to make you another batch before we get a chance for our lesson?"
❁ Harper ❁
Adding some more of the marmalade to the biscuit, I found myself nodding in agreement. “Kenz is an amazing woman, she is worth going to the ends of the world for.”
Popping the food into my mouth, I felt his eyes on me. And when I glanced back there they were. It felt like those deep brown eyes of his were trying to tell me something. And that pull in my chest was back. With the song whispering for me to listen. To really listen. However I was listening.. to everything... was I not?
My blush burnt my cheeks, placing my hand in my cheek in the sorry attempt to hide myself from him.
“No.. you don’t have to do that.” How kind and sweet of an offer. “I made spend some night eating PB&J or toast. However, most night I can always make a quick stirfry, or some sort of pasta. I...” stopping because I could hear #Jenna in my head and I pushed her out. “I manage.”
Taking a sip of the juice, when I felt a nudge on my thigh. I knew #Nova had come to sit by us. So I reached out a hand and rubbed her head.
“You are spoiling me, and I’m not going to say no to more of the Hazelnut butter. It’s the best I’ve had in a long while.. really I should just ask for the recipe and not take up so much of your time.”
But I really wanted to learn with him.
❁ Collin ❁
"Oh, I know." I chuckled. "#Seth talked constantly about her after he met her. And then the same when he first moved." I smiled and took another bite of the food on my plate.
"He started calling a lot more lately. I think Kenzi is making him check up on me." I smirked. I thought it was kind of cute, she was so protective of her friend. "You have a hell of a family looking out for you."
She was blushing again and that pink tinge in her cheeks was beautiful. I nodded along as she told me about her eating habits, not seeming to notice that I was probably too concerned about her diet than I should be.
"I have no problem giving you the recipe, but honestly... I would much rather teach it to you and then... Maybe the Spirits will be kind enough to make sure you don't get called away and we can have that movie date you promised me afterwards."
I smiled I was actually doing pretty well... I hadn't staggered over my word in a while. She made it so easy to be comfortable around her.
❁ Harper ❁
I stopped chewing and felt myself wanting to hide. “Seth is checking up on you?” My mind swelling with the thoughts of how I’d have done the same, but still.
“I... uhm.... I am so sorry...” There was an uneasy flutter in my stomach at how this may look to him. “I will - speak with them. I don’t know why they...” I shook my head. “... actually, I know why they are this way, and it’s as you just said. I’m lucky to have family like the ones I do.”
I wasn’t going to feel embarrassed, not when I knew it came from a loving place. My eyes flickered from the plate, to #Nova and then back to him. “You know. I’d like that much more. And...” I smiled even wider again at hearing him say ‘Spirit’ just as #Seth and #Leah did.
“Fingers crossed; we will have the movie night too. I will have to think long and hard, which Hallmark to share with you first.”
Placing the full fork into my mouth.
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed a little and swallowed the food in my mouth,. "No... it's good. To be honest... I wasn't really being good at keeping in touch with him lately, but know I have a great reason to." My eyes settled on hers and even my wolf snapped to attention. "And we have something in common now too... I mean talk about a small world... He meets a Thompson Falls Girl in La Push and I meet a Thompson Falls girl in La Push."
I smiled at her, my eyes moved to Nova as hers had. At least she was enjoying herself too, hearing Harper so she'd rather spend time with me then have me just giving her the recipe.
"Oh, I already have mine locked in. I know exactly where your B-movie education is going to start!" I grinned and fixed my gaze on hers again.
❁ Harper ❁
There was something to be said in his point. Gods how had it not occurred to me before? One of my best friends, my sister.. she had found the love of her life right here. It was a two night stopover and she’d met him when we were out on the hunt for a very drunk #Jenna. And now.. my eyes glanced up at him, my chin down trying not to over think.
My inner monologue working over time: ‘Just getting to know him.. don’t overthink and race too far ahead like Kenz and Jenna. You are the level headed one.’
“We.. I... all this time, it hadn’t occurred to me.” Biting my lip as I could hear my dad saying.. “Thompson Falls has the best girls, with the kindest hearts and the prettiest souls.” Laughing softly as I said it out loud.
My eyes widened. “You know which movie already? I feel so underprepared now. And I’m a planner!”
I would have to step up and movie game.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled watching the thought sink and laughed softly at her words. I couldn't help but think what would have happened if I met her when #Seth met Kenzi. Would have followed her to Thompson Falls like #Seth had followed her friend? I had no doubts about that. Would I still be there? Would she have stayed?
Would she know everything?
Would we be together?
Would she love me? Would she be happy?
'𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥. 𝘉𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵-𝘪𝘧.' My wolf whispers softly in the back of my mind.
"That's one thing I can certainly agree with." I smiled. There was no denying Kenzi was beautiful... even without seeing her though #Seth's eyes. But Harper... I may have been biased... She was exquisite. "Do you have any single friends? I have a few wild friends that need taming and they clearly put something ing in the water back there." I half teased. But honestly... it was too much of a trend to dismiss.
❁ Harper ❁
I almost choked on the juice as I sipped on it. Putting the glass down I wiped my lips with the napkin as I cough. Embarrassed rushed into my cheeks. I couldn’t even drink now.
Patting my chest, I sat up as #Nova pawed to check in me. My hand reaching out to rub her head to say ‘I am fine baby girl.’
Clearing my throat, I took another drink, this time making sure I did not choke.
“You want me to become a Thompson match maker?” Gods what could that mean? “Really friends is a small group Jennifer, Kenzie and myself.” One was married, one engaged and one single. “I know many of the girls..” trying now to think of #Anna because well. no. “I’m sure you will meet them if you go to visit Seth at some point.”
However, as I thought of it, only #Sue and #Leah were the ones who had visited while I was living there.
❁ Collin ❁
I sat up when she choked and watched her pat her chest. "Are you okay?" I asked grinning, I could hear her breathing still and I knew she was okay.
“Not for me… I’ve… um…” And here it came rushing, the awkward, rambling fool. “I’d rather… eh, see how things go, with the Thompson Falls girl sat across from me.” I smiled at her the word sounding steadier towards the end. I wanted her to know that she was the only person on my mind now.
“But my friend #Embry might finally settle down if he could land a Thompson Falls girl…. And #Brady too if you can find another one.”
I smiled at her, she had to know I was falling for her…. I mean the rest of La Push did…
❁ Harper ❁
“Fine, fine..” My eyes were on the ground now, I wondered which demon I would need to call and make a deal with for the ground to open up and swallow me whole, and at what cost?
“Oh…” When I finally willed my heart to stop thumping in my ears, my cheeks were still a flush. I dared to glance back up. My eyes fluttered from his, to just past him, this was awkward. “I.. you… me..” Okay, what was one to say to such a declaration? He wanted to see how things worked out for me and him? This wasn’t knew to me, right? And I still felt so out of place with how to react to his knowledge. Even if my heart seemed to tell me it was happy to learn this. “I’d like to… uhm… see.. how things.. go too.” I missed my glasses, I would have used them to hide behind about now.
“I have to be honest…” Setting the glass down beside my plate. “You are, maybe better off asking Kenz, she’s a lot better at this dating and match making thing. I’m certain right away she would have your friends delt with for you.” She was always the one who picked up on vibes, on guys looking at us with intent in their eyes. “She has some special skills with it if you ask me.”
❁ Collin ❁
She was flustered and blushing again, and it was beautiful the pink tint in her tan skin... I was staring and I didn't care if she knew it. The rhythm of her heart changed.
"Good." I smiled, trying to sound confident but my voice low... low, but steady. "It's good to know we're on the same page." I picked up the juice and took a drink listening to her say Kenzi was a better matchmaker.
"You know? I don't know her very well.... but when I think about it... it does seem like something she'd be suited to. She's definitely a dreamer... the world needs more of those."
I leaned over the table slightly... "Can I ask you..." I didn't finish that question. We were past that right. "Did you really think I could possibly be thinking about anyone else since we kissed on the beach?" I pressed my lips together. She was all I thought about since so long before the beach.
❁ Harper ❁
#Nova settled herself between the two of us, just like she had on the beach that night. It was like she could tell I needed to feel her fur on my feet. To know she was here, and I had nothing to worry about. However, I truly didn’t have anything but myself to worry over.
Collin had this way to calm me and twist me into a bag of nerves in a different way. It wasn’t a bad feeling, just a new one.
“Kenz?” I was smiling again at his comment about my friend. “She really is. Dreamer is the best way to describe her. She is always looking for the good, the glass is always half full, and never empty.”
My body reacted to him like a magnet. He moved forward into the table and I found myself doing the same. However, my cheeks filled with fire ants at his next question. “Uhm…” The truth was the only way forward. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I cleared my throat. “I don’t usually do this… Answering a question with another question… However, it seems to be the only way forward….” I was rambling again. What was Wrong with ME! “Uhmm.. What I mean is… As possible as it was for you to believe I could have made other plans with someone else today?”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her... listening to everything before I said anything else. I reached across the table and took her hand like I had when we had hot chocolate.
"Since we're leaving all the cards on the table." I smile my confidence thrummed now after she slightly rambled words. "I want you to make assumptions and maybe even make a few myself... If I can ever work to the courage to make some."
I squeezed her fingers and smiled. "We're kinda hopeless at this, aren't we? Maybe it's a good thing we have #Seth and #Kenzi checking in on us." I laughed.
I had no doubt she was getting calls for updates too.
❁ Harper ❁
I fought the urge to pull my eyes from his face, especially because his laughter made him light up. However, the fact that he had taken my hand, sending a surge of electricity in the same way as the day he took my hand in his at our coffee / hot chocolate catch up, made it hard not to glance down.
Our hands fit as one, his big hand took mine, and his warmth caressed me. I curled my fingers into his and squeezed back hoping he could see that I liked it when he did it. That magnetic pull in my chest had me moving in a little more. The soft voice sang in my heart leaving one work with me 𝐻𝑜𝓂𝑒 .
Biting my lips, I dared to glance back up into his eyes. “Let’s be fools who are happy to make the correct assumptions?” Because saying ‘Let’s be better at communicating’, was such a nerd thing to say. And #Kenz and #Jenna, #Teddy and #Jess would take my head if it ever got back to them.
Laughing softly at the fact that he too thought of #Seth and #Kenz in the moment I nod my head. “I would be lost without them all. However…. I wouldn’t say we are… Bad…. Just that we need… uhm… to do things our own way? Doing things that we feel comfortable with? Maybe?”
❁ Collin ❁
I lifted our clasped hands and leaned slightly across the table to kiss the back of her hand. I settled my gaze on hers. “That sounds perfect to me.” I said softly and smiled. I felt her hand warm in mine and savoured the sensation the spread across my chest from the contact.
“It will always be on our terms, I promise. You said #Seth was one of the kindest people you ever met… and that is definitely true. But as for me… well, I’m the most patient. So…” I finally released her hand, but it didn’t feel like I was letting go of anything. I picked my glass up and held it out. “To being fools… together?” I laughed at the fact that it sounded like a question.
But even my wolf didn’t reprimand me for it today.
❁ Harper ❁
A new rush of blushing heart spread to my cheeks when he kissed the back of my hand. It was such a chivalrous action to take. I shook my head free from the image from my dreams. Seeing Collin kiss my hand as he did now, took me back to the man who walked in the sky with the clouds with the light shining from around me.
“Oh… Uhmm…” My words were at a lost, I took my hand back as the butterflies took over ten-fold this time. He was right about #Seth, and I believed him when he said he was patient.
Gathering myself I picked up my own glass and held it up too. “To being fools… together!” This time I was sure of myself, it was a true statement now. We were going to be foolish together.
❁ Collin ❁
There was that blush again. My heart pounded. I touched my glass to hers with a clink.
I took a drink and I set the glass back. I kept eating and smiling up at her. “See we already have a lot in common.” I smiled.
“It seems like work is slowing down for you a little.” I said trying to steer the conversation towards something a little more normal. “I suppose springtime will see it starting to pick up again right?”
I looked up from the plate to her and smiled, still marvelling a little at the fact she was an amazing cook.
❁ Harper ❁
Clinking my glass to his, I took a sip of my juice. When I set it down, I reached over for one of the muffins and broke a piece off to pop into my mouth.
Covering my mouth, I nod, swallowing before I spoke. “It is a little, I believe it’s a good sign. We finally have some sort of normalcy falling into place.”
Work talk came so much easier. “I knew there would be a gab we would need to fill, bringing all the animals back into their annual checks, ensuring we have everyone seen to etc.” Cutting up my food to fill my fork.
“Spring! It’s one I look forward, and at the same time I am a little afraid of too. So much to do, and to stay on top of.” I shrugged a little. Filling my mouth. Now I couldn’t stop talking.
❁ Collin ❁
I chuckled. "Oh no... Neither of us is normal Harper... I don't think we ever will be." I smiled I would never want us to be.
"I know the farms and things around here get busy this time of year. But that one thing I can't wait for. Getting back to the regular check-ups with Nova. I think I'm doing good at not worrying around her... but it's still there in the back of my head."
Nova bolted across the floor after her treat and I laughed. "And then she does something like that I think she must be doing good because she's so happy." I smiled... she was playing with the carrot instead of eating it now.
❁ Harper ❁
My cheeks heated up again, but not as much as they had before. “Okay, I will agree with not being normal, only because if we were to start this debate. I am worried I will indeed prove you right. And who wants to do such a thing?”
My gaze moved to #Nova when he spoke of her check-ups. And I can’t help but feel a little guilty that I hadn’t gotten to connecting them about her before. “I’m sorry that I didn’t connect you or #Nova’s mum before you came to us. We were working our way through the charts and records. There is no excuse for it. I dropped the ball.” And it’s not a ball I planned on dropping again.
“Jess and I are going through all our records once again, and I know it doesn’t help baby-girl. However, we won’t let it happen to another puppy.” She bolted across the kitchen making me smile. “This makes me happy to see. Her puppy side still coming to play.”
❁ Collin ❁
I pressed my lips together and I tried to remember if I had told her about what #Jo had done. “Oh… Um that’s not… it’s not on you or the clinic or anything.” I took a long drink of the juice. Making a mental note to ask her exactly how she made this because my watermelon juice never tasted like this.
“I don’t know if I told you but when I bought Nova I made a promise to pay for all the basics her first shots, and neutering licenses and the first year of insurance and all of that. Thankfully that was still in my name. But I broke with my ex before she was old enough and um… Well, I actually sent her the money to pay for her neutering. But… I’m pretty sure she probably called and cancelled it… and just went shopping.” I shrugged, I wasn’t even mad about it anymore. Ex talk on Valentine’s day wasn’t really a great move.
“But All I care about is getting Nova through this and the puppies… and I know the Spirits will give us a blessing out of that bed of thorns… because they sent us you too look after her.”
❁ Harper ❁
Nodding my head as I listen to him. His Ex, he had told me that she had #Nova at the time and he has been responsible for her bills.
But we as a practice should have followed up. Even if at the time Dr Hill was only the visiting vet. “We are here now, and the baby girl is doing well. What is the saying about it needing a village and all? So, you know have your village when it comes to Nova’s care.”
Breaking off some more of the muffin as I continue to speak. “And your friends and family are excellent too.”
Popping the muffin into my mouth, my gaze back in her playing. And jumping around with her carrot. “Would you like some more juice? Or I could make you some coffee?” Seeing his glass close to empty when I pulled my attention from #Nova.
❁ Collin ❁
I watched her reaction, there was no judgement or irritation in her tone, all she cared about was looking after Nova going forward. “It does take a village…” I chuckled. “And yeah I’m really lucky… I had planned on getting a local kid to check in a few times a day and take her on a walk for me… But after finding out about the puppies, I didn’t want her left home alone. So she bounces from house to house when I work. But #Rachel works from home so she’s great and helping out when everyone else is busy, but I try to give her a break when I can. Mom takes her sometimes and I have friends that help out.”
I looked up at her again and smiled. “Coffee actually sounds great.” I had skipped mine today when I was cooking for us. I reached out for one of the muffins and broke a piece off. “Oh wow... Emily has some competition with you around.”
❁ Harper ❁
Finishing off my juice as I listened I recalled my first impressed of Collin. And I shook my head. How wrong had I been about this man? He was so caring and so worried about his baby.
“If you are ever in a bind, you are welcome to drop Nova off with us at the practice. ust another back up if you ever need help.”
Standing up I stepped around #Nova rolling on the ground. “You’re so cute.” Smiling I went to work on refilling the coffee maker.
“Emily?” I glanced back down the kitchen to where he sat at the table. “Why does that name sound familiar to me?”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her offer; it was probably I would normally have said ‘Thank you and I wouldn’t to impose on you like that.’ But it was Harper she was my imprint… I didn’t need to wonder if the thought the borne from some intrinsic compulsion to take care of my needs like all the imprints felt. She would do this for anyone; I didn’t doubt that for one second.
So instead I just said. “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”
“Emily?” I asked. “Oh maybe from #Leah and #Seth. She’s their cousin. She moved here from the Neah Bay reservation when she got engaged to my friend #Sam. Her cooking is legendary around her especially her baking skills.” I said with a soft smile. “Have you met her?”
❁ Harper ❁
“You are welcome, it’s an open offer. I’m sure Jess would love to have the baby girl to play with at work.”
#Jessica was really great with the animals. And we kept some pets if they needed a little extra care and the owners had to work.
But this would be different as #Nova wouldn’t be unwell so could play, or sleep which is what she was about to do now. I saw her slowly walk into the living room and curl up on the rug.
“Maybe you are right. Or maybe Sue mentioned her?” Shaking my head as the coffee started to brew.
“I’ve been really bad at meeting people. Unless they have visited the practice, or I have been on a house call. I’ve not met many people at all.”
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed softly. "I really think that working with animals is a calling for her too... she's a pure soul. Thank you... for the offer. I will definitely keep it in mind."
The smell of coffee filled the kitchen. "She probably did. Em and Sue are the great minds behind most of the charity events or community projects that happen around here. They work together on them all the time."
"You've been so busy and working so hard... I don't know how you do it." I shook my head, smiling wide. "I'm going to have to start driving you to your late-night calls, so I don't have to worry about you falling asleep at the wheel."
❁ Harper ❁
Pouring the coffee into two cups, I smiled. “Sue really does do it all doesn’t she?” #Seth’s mom really had been someone who walked into the room and we were all drawn to her like magnets, the first night we had met her. And nothing had changed. “I look forward to meeting Emily now.” Turning to return to the table I placed a cup before him taking my seat.
My eyes flickered up to him, a little shocked at what he said. “I love my job, it’s more than just work for me... Please tell me you really will not do that?” A little of the old Harper popped her head up. Because his words were like déjà vu of a conversation with my dad after the trouble with #Jimmy. My back stiffens even thinking of him and I tried to shake it off. “I mean it’s sweet of you to think of me like that. But you have a day job, and I don’t need the babysitter.” Smiling I sat back blowing on the hot coffee. “It’s not too bad here, people are kind and I’ve not had much trouble in La Push at all.”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled and gave a nod. “Yeah, she's amazing. She's really is a force to be removed with. And the only woman on the Tribal Council. My Uncle says she's not one to be tricked with.”
I picked up the cup and laughed softly. “I know you need a baby sitter... but you do this all night, every night. I can spare a few hours once in a while if you ever feel hesitant to get behind the wheel because you've had such little sleep. Just keep it in mind, for a busy night, or in dangerous weather, four-wheel drive is safer on the farm roads. I can't help but worry a little."
She had no idea how much I couldn't help it. I lifted the cup and took a sip. I hoped I hadn't overstepped with the offer. I really needed to think before I spoke.
❁ Harper ❁
I bite my lips, setting the cup down and breaking of a little of the muffin left on my plate.
I’d done it again I’d jumped to a conclusion that he was trying to stop me from doing my work, when what he was doing... was worrying?
My cheeks flushed as the realisation. And I could hear #Dam in my mind. ‘Not all guys are the same Harps. Some of us are really nice. Even if we don’t always act it.’
And then he had pointed to #Seth holding #Jenna’s hand helping her, as #Kenzi sat smiling up at her boyfriend. “I’m sorry, I’m not used to having others worry about me. And you hardly know me...” bushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I sat up.
“Thank you, for the offers. I promise to keep them in mind.” This was the correct reaction.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her. “That’s because you’re the one that looks after everyone else. I know we haven’t known each other long but…” I shrugged with a playful grin. “We’ve already established the Foolish thing. So, I’m reserving my right to worry.”
I sipped from my coffee and drummed my fingers against the table softly before deciding the reach across the table and take her hand again. “And like I said before you are important to this whole community, so until there’s some way for you get a few nights off… You should have a little support. Not because you need it but you deserve it.”
❁ Harper ❁
My brown eyes followed his fingers as they tapped in the table. And then as he reached over. My heart singing again when his hand engulfed mine under it.
“The foolish thing.” I laughed softly, turning my hand in his and squeezing. “It seems to be working out really well for me. I need to find a way to pay you back for all your generosity. Talking with your uncle to help, the hazelnut butter, the breakfast today....”
Setting the cup down I trailed my necklace and the small wood carved flower. “This beautiful flower... the scales are tipped for sure.”
Curling my bottom lip between my teeth. “If this keeps up, you may ask for refund from this club of ours.”
❁ Collin ❁
I shook my head. "No... no scales. No scorekeeping." I smiled at her. "After everything you've done for Nova..." So much of it was well above and beyond the call of duty. "Because if you did... by the time these puppies come I will never be able to catch up." I laughed, because, Spirits! It was true.
This was the easy part the further along Nova got the more help I was going to need.... and when he puppies came? I didn't want to think of how often I'd be calling for help or with all kinds of questions.
"Plus, I don't think this breakfast counts... my motives were purely selfish." I chuckle, the back of my neck heating again and travelling quickly up to my ears. "I was just looking for a way to hijack your Valentine's Day... and lucky for me... it seems to have worked."
❁ Harper ❁
His hand still held mine, and as much as I wanted to forget about it and act ‘normal’. I found my eyes drift down to the table.
It was such a new sensation to have someone in your life who felt like they always belonged. The magnetic pull still had a hold of my chest. However, when he touched me or held my hand. It’s dissipated a little and eased. Leaving me feeling calm in the moment.
“Oh. Well. Uhm.. I’m not sure how I feel about this now.” Trying to keep a straight face as I spoke.
“I mean I was 100% behind this when I thought I could win. But now...” I burst out laughing unable to hold it in any longer.
“Collin, I prefer the no score cards. I was just trying to tease you.”
Squeezing his hand with mine. “And I believe I already told you. I’m glad you and Nova came today.”
Nodding my chin to the table. “If you are done, I can clean up and maybe go sit in the living room with the baby girl?”
❁ Collin ❁
Her hand was still in mine and sending electric shivers up my arm and into my chest. Being with her was amazing, but touching her… the simple innocent touch of holding her hand was the most comforting and fulfilling feeling I experienced.
I laughed and nodded. “No scorecards.” I lifted our hands and laced my fingers through hers. “Just this and maybe the teasing too, I like that cheeky smile.”
“I’ll help clear up… I’m making up for not asking you out in advance so I can at least help clean up.” I smiled at Nova who had now decided to eat the carrot instead of just playing with it.
❁ Harper ❁
Tilting my head to the side a little, I was smiling from ear to ear. “The teasing and the cheekiness I believe we can both make a part of the being foolish thing?”
Curling my lip into my teeth, I shook my head still holding his hand.
“If we aren’t doing scores, we also are not doing the making up thing. Things happened, however....” my voice lowered as I spoke. “... we just set out cards on the table. So... shall we... Uhm... say fresh start?”
I wasn’t holding anything back now. If we were getting to know one another, and he could stand up and say he liked me. I could do this right? Squeezing his hand, I stood up.
“However, I will never say no to help.”
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed again… I laughed so much when I was with her. It was so easy and effortless. “Deal… at least on the days that I can string two words together around you.”
The tiny lip bite made my heart thump.
I released her hand and stood up too, keeping my eyes on her. I picked up the mugs and glasses and brought them over to the sink. “I’m always glad to help… I always enjoyed the cleaning up… It’s a reminder of the small things in life that are in our control when the world is so far out of it.”
Okay… that was lame. “Same… that… sounded…. dorky.” And there it was...I was stammering like a fool again.
❁ Harper ❁
I loved the sound of his laughter, and the way he looked so at ease in those moments. I picked up the plates and the flat wear taking them to the skin, then I started to fill the water and soap.
Listening to him. “You are doing just fine with the two- and three-word sentences.” Not that I could say much. “You sometime make it hard for me to find my words too, you know.”
Cleaning off the plates, I placed them to the side and started to clean the cups and glasses first. “You do not sound dorky; I actually understand exactly what you mean. This. Here. In the kitchen. I have full power over. It is up to me how things work out or don’t while I’m in here.”
I shrugged a little. “Now I sound like a nerd...”
❁ Collin ❁
"I do?" I beamed a wide smile. I knew it was silly but hearing her say it made me feel an odd sense of pride. "Well, I'm not doing it on purpose."
"It's probably a little OCD passed on from my mom being so overprotective." I chuckled. "My dad and sister are kinda messy and disorganised. So guess as a family we balance each other out."
I grabbed a dishtowel and waited for her to pass off the cleaned dishes. I nudged her playfully with my elbow. "Wanna know a secret? I always had a thing for nerds."
❁ Harper ❁
“Really. I’m sure you are being kind by not pointing it out. I’m not always this lost for word.” Oh and this revolution I could give him without a hiccup? What was wrong with me?
“Cleanliness is close to godliness.” I died a little as I handed meant to say it out loud at all. “Oh lord! Someone needs to stop me from talking around you!”
I covered my face with my arm and shook my head. Feeling him nudge me my cheeks were on fire again. Lowering my arm to look at him. “I told you I’m a proud member of the Nerd Association.”
Handing him a glass once it was clean. “So, you are more like your mom and Ana is more like Kevin?” I asked to take the attention off my burning face.
❁ Collin ❁
"Not at all... I'm just glad I'm not the only one." I laughed. I took the glass from her and started to dry it. "No, keep talking. I want to know al the in's and out's that make Harper Lee Jenkins tick."
"Yeah, she's a proper little Daddy's girl.... until it comes to fishing. She can't even stand on the boat without getting seasick." I chuckled and out the glass into the cupboard.
"That was always mine and dad's thing. And Ana loved shopping with Mom.... for anything... I mean even grocery shopping and that girl was right out the door and into the car."
❁ Harper ❁
Smiling I listened intently. Taking in each word he had to share. They say if you wanted to know about a man, you should listen to him talk about his family and friends.
And from the way Collin spoke about them, as well as the way they did about him. It was all so sweets. “I’d have to kind of agree with the fishing thing. I mean I went fishing with dad, but he never does it as a sport. It’s not a sport if you’re hurting a living being with a heart and soul..” I was rambling again.
“We always eat what we catch. And only catch what we can eat, - if that makes sense?”
I had to laugh handing him more dishes as I spoke. “And it sounds like she is well balanced with both your mom and dad.”
It was clear they are a close family.
❁ Collin ❁
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it makes perfect sense. anything we caught we either ate or threw back whatever was too small. It was mostly about spending time on the water together for my dad."
"We make a great team." Smiled and took the dishes from her. "But La Push is one of those places where you have family everywhere you looks... blood or not. I don't have any biological brother but sometimes I feel like I have several." I chuckled, setting a cup into the cupboard.
"In a good way though."
I wondered if she missed that about being in Thompson... Her family might be gone, but her chosen family were still there.
❁ Harper ❁
I like this, hearing about him and how he spent his time. It felt like a view into a picture of his life.
“Yes, exactly. My mom and dad the trips up to the lack were about family time. Dad teaching me to fish, while mom lazed in the warm weather when we had it. Drawing and painting.”
I smiled at the memory, and then I felt a tug to my heart. My eyes stinging a little when he spoke about extended family who are not blood.
Mine was hundreds of miles away from me. And I did miss them when I gave myself time to think.
Clearing my throat, I handed him the last plate, before I pulled the plug and started to clean out the sink and the surrounding area.
❁ Collin ❁
“Your mom was an artist?” I asked with a smile. “That’s awesome. Do you have any of her drawings? I’d love to see them if it’s something you’re okay with sharing?” I wasn’t sure if she had many things of her mothers, and might want to keep it to herself. That would be understandable.
I saw that faraway look in her eyes. I give her a minute and dried the plate, by the time I put the plate in the press she was scrubbing the sink. I didn’t stop her because I knew it was little things like this that made her feel better. I put my hand on the centre of her back and leaned in to press a kiss to her hair.
“You don’t have to do that around me, Harper.” I said softly. “You don’t need to bury the things that make you sad or homesick… When I said I wanted to know all about you I mean 𝕒𝕝𝕝 about you. Whenever you’re ready for that, I’m here.” I pressed another kiss to her hair.
❁ Harper ❁
Rinsing out the sponge I set it to the side. He moved behind me and didn’t push to talk, giving me a moment without the need for me to ask for it. How did he know? When to be here and when to step back and give me time?
He asked about mom, wanted to see what she made? But then he wasn’t so different was he? He worked with his hands too.
“She.... yes she was, it was something mom loved to do when she wasn’t rushing around.” Thinking for a moment. “I have a few unopened boxes. I believe Jenna and Kenzi would have packed some of them for me maybe we can go take a look in then once we are done here?”
My friends knew me better than I knew my self. “I’d be happy to show you.” It was a joy to see others look at her work on the walls at home. Like a part of her was still sharing her love.
I closed my eyes feeling his hand on my back and found myself leaning into his kiss. My heart swelling at the kind words.
“I...” Trying to find the words, trying to understand why he of all people I wanted to be here? Why didn’t I want to keep him at a safe distance?
“I’ve never been one to be so open. And yet here I am, willing to share with you.” It was the tenderness in those two kisses, that now warmed me and made me smile.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her and leaned against the counter and moved my hand to her arm. "I'm glad... And I think coming from a woman like you that counts as high praise."
It really was... she was so intelligent, so clever, and strong and independent. So, if she trusted me... high praise was an understatement.
"You know the more I learn about these girls the more I like them." The fact that they would've thought to do that for her. I smiled again and lifted my hand to her cheek.
"How about we take a look and see if we find some of those pictures... I have a very keen artistic eye you know?" I leaned in again and kissed her forehead.
❁ Harper ❁
My eyes dropped to his hand on my arm, it sent that spark of something sweet alight within me again. My cheeks turning crimson I was sure at his words. Nothing I had said was a lie, he had been someone who was so easy to speak with. And then there was that pull I felt towards him. That magnetically charged hum which drew me to him.
“I am very lucky to have them in my life, and then the boys too who are like the cherries on the sundae.” Without even thinking I leant into his touch. My eyes searching his, however for what I wasn’t sure. He really did have an interest in seeing things from my past?
Nodding my head slow. “If you are sure you… Let’s do it.” I folded the towel in my hands and set it down to the side. “However, I have to warn you. The boxes are in the closet in the hall, and I’m not look in them yet.” I sent out a prayer to anyone listening hoping that #Jenna hadn’t added any more of those ‘𝑔𝒾𝒻𝓉𝓈’, to any other boxes.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled, it was strange to think that #Seth had been part of her family for so long now and I only just met her… But at the same time, it sort of made perfect sense… It was probably safe to assume that #Kenzi was descended from the same tribe as Harper if they grew up that close together.
My heart was eased at the fact she was trusting me and not questioning why it was so sudden and intense. I felt like it was a step closer to being able to tell her the whole truth.
“Oh really? So we might find some of your deepest darkest secrets then?” I laughed. “Even better! Let’s do it?” I rubbed my hands together with a cheeky grin.
“Lead the way and let’s dig out those skeletons… I mean… pictures.” I smirked. Okay… I was definitely getting better at this.
❁ Harper ❁
“Deepest, darkest secrets? Skeletons?” My eyes widening at the sound of what he said. I knew he was joking. His smile was very telling.
“Uhm... I’m not so sure this is a good idea anymore.” I smiled as I started to walk out the kitchen backwards still facing him. “I mean are skeletons and those dark secrets a eighth or ninth date thing?”
Turned around to fact the correct way now. I laughed. How fast things had changed between us? And how fast had I started to trust this man? It was amazing and a little scary and a lot of being 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.
I looked over to #Nova curled up in the rug and I wanted to go hug her. “The baby girl is need of a nap.” I whispered leading him to the hall way to the bathroom, my bedroom and the closet at the top end of it.
❁ Collin ❁
That smile and the way she laughed… Spirits… I could listen to it forever. Nova was already half asleep on the rug and I couldn’t but wonder if she was going to completely cover in with dog hair… like she did with pretty much everything.
“If you can still put up with me by the ninth date I will be a very happy man.” I teased… but also… a hint of insecurity.
I followed her to her room, this entire smelled like her… but in here…. Wow! I couldn’t stop myself from looking around as we came into the room. Here her scent was softer and seemed to wrap around my senses like a blanket. I was instantly more nervous just from being in this room with her.
❁ Harper ❁
I bite my lips, tucking some hair behind my ears. I hadn’t even realise what I had said m, until it was out and he had commented on it.
Ninth date? Really? Had I really said it? Yes.. yes I did? I didn’t dare to glance back at him, that prayer out again for the ground to open up, however it wasn’t happening today.
“Uhm... well.. you know... just getting past the movie thing should take us up to there right?” I was rambling again. Until my eyes drifted to my bed.
Oh Lord! I had brought him into my room without even thinking about it! Who did that?
I rubbed my forehead, recalling where I had hidden the boxes. “Okay. Boxes!” I saw one poking out for under my bed. So, leaning down I dragged it out.
❁ Collin ❁
I heard the change in her heart when she seemed to realise the same thing that I had. I just smiled as she pulled the box from under the bed. Of course, I hadn’t taken the invitation into her room as anything more than helping her look through the boxes. But still… most of the time a woman would think twice about it with someone she was still getting to know, the fact that she hadn’t… meant something.
“I am hoping if I play my cards right… we’ll get to the point that we lose count.” I smiled; it was an easy confession because it was the truth.
I crouched next to her and smiled. “You really need to unpack.” I teased her. But I knew why she’d not gotten around to it.
❁ Harper ❁
I glance my my said where he was by my side. “Uhmm...” I bit my lips and then just said it.. if he were #Dam or #Seth or even #Char or #Teddy I would just say it right?
“That was either really smooth which would make you a player Mr Littlesea, or it was the kindest statement with the hopes of something good to come?”
I laughed softly as I pulled on the tap to the box. And I believed I knew the true answer. I could feel it in my heart. However I wasn’t sure how? I was only getting to know him.
“I know..” shifting a little. My hands on top of the box. I had been busy with work, trying to get the practice up and running. But also, unpacking would have a deeper meaning. It would mean I wanted to stay here.
Opening the top of the box my eyes widened at all that I could see. Lifting the first pack. “Bedroom throw?” The things all in different shades of Emerald green.
“Cushions?”
The next pack I took out. “Bathroom and kitchen curtains?”
The box was full of things for every room, things to make a house into a home. “I didn’t buy any of this.” I said more to myself.
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed at the idea of me being a player. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered that you think I could be a player when I can hardly speak when I'm around you." I leaned closer until my arm brushed hers as she searched through the box.
"Only good things to come Harper." I smiled at her another truth, because even anything tough to come with her was still better than anything that could without her.
I smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "Okay well, those ladies obviously know you well enough to know that you'd never make time to shop for these things yourself. We need another home improvement date so I can make sure their visions of your dream home are realised."
❁ Harper ❁
“I have this small inkling.” I held my thumb and index finger about an inch apart in front of him. And smiled at his promise of good things to come.
An electrical spark jarred me out of my mind, until I realised that it had been him. His arm brushing mine had made me react too?
“I told you... They really do have some special powers when it comes to our small family. And you are correct, they know I wouldn’t go out to shop.” I had told them when I was setting up my place in Thompson that Home was my dad’s place. Of course, they disagreed with me and I was thankful for it.
“Now you are working with them from afar without even knowing them?” I was teasing him, nudging my shoulder into his. “If I didn’t know…. I would say you don’t trust me to put curtains up?” I could hear myself and internally I had to agree with the fact. I wouldn’t trust me too.
Setting all the things back into the box. “I’ll take a better look and maybe make a start some evening.” I said as I closed the lid on the boxes and pushed it back under the bed. Scratching my temple I slowly stood up and opened the small hidden closet at the back of the room hoping nothing falls out of it on me.
❁ Collin ❁
I chuckled. "They clearly want the best for you so yes... I have a feeling I'll take their sides on most occasions." I smiled and my gaze fixed on hers.
"Plus, the fastest way to a girl’s heart is through her sisters and best friends."
I laughed again. "I have no doubts that you can... I just have plenty of doubts that you will make the time to do it." I grinned because I knew I had nailed that one and managed not to insult her accidentally.
I watched her open the closet and heard something shift inside as she slowly opened the door. I moved to her side a little too fast and reached up to stop the box on the top shelf before it could fall.
❁ Harper ❁
My head turned to look back to where he stood; I knew that anyone else would pull him up for saying such a thing. 1 He was openly saying he’d take the side of others over me, and 2. He was saying that I wouldn’t make time for my house. However. The first make me want to kiss him… He was willing to stand by my best friends, my sisters in order to make sure I was kept honest. And the second... I really couldn’t fault him; it had proven to be true. Six months since I’d moved here, and boxes were hidden and not unpacked.
My heart jumped out of my chest, I jumped back out of the way. However, it was from the way he saved me from being flattened by a box I didn’t even see coming. “Lord!” I exclaimed my heart racing in my chest. “I.. I…” pointing up to the box, but then.
“Weren’t you over there?” I pointed back to the bed. How had he made it to the closet and by my side?
❁ Collin ❁
I heard her heart race and lifted the box down. It wasn’t heavy… but still enough that it would have hurt but not injured her. “It’s okay…. It’s not actually that heavy.” I glanced back to the bed. “When you live with Nova you have to be quick on your feet?” I laughed, hoping she wouldn’t ask too many questions, because I wasn’t going to lie to her. But, I wasn’t sure she was ready… close… so, so close, but not yet.
I touched her arm, and I felt the jolt again right into my heart. “You got a bit a scare there… Are you okay?”
I set the box on the ground in front of the closet and looked up at her. “Should we check this one?”
❁ Harper ❁
He had to be fast because of #Nova, of course... she was a husky, they are runners. So if she were to get herself into any trouble, then it would made sense.
“I...” my heart was still racing, and I could feel the flush on my skin. “I’m okay.. th... thank you..” He took the box down for me. And then it was there again. When he touched my arm there was a jolt of electricity surging through me.
“Hey baby girl..” I smiled #Nova must have heard the commotion and her name, she patted in and sat by the bed.
“Yes, let’s look at that one.” I smiled, looking from the bed to the closet. Of course, he was right. It wasn’t that far the move.
I sat down on the ground by #Nova and rubbed her side, kissing her head before pulling the box before myself.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at Nova when she came into the room to check on us. I scratched her chin as Harper kissed the top of her head. She was really just perfect… My eye stayed on the two of them for a moment before I realised she had said something. waited until she flipped the box open. I could clearly see framed pictures even if the bubble obscured what the pictures actually were. “You haven’t even hung your photos yet? You really must have been busy.” I chuckled. She had obviously thought these memories were worth displaying to frame them in the first place.
She really needed that extra support at the clinic. I knew my uncle would get it done, he’d never let us down yet. He always went to bat for the pack… and that included Harper now too.
TBC...
#HarperLeeJenkins#Harper#Harps#CollinLittlesea#Collin#TheNerd#TheGoofball#Nova#TwilightRp#AU#TwiRP#LaPush#Storyline#Storytime
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