#but yeah uh thank you papa again for being so kind and gentle and making everything as warm as possible | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

noctumbra · 3 years

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peaches: nine [part one]

summary ─ “holy shit,” bucky breathed as he took in the sight before him. “happy fucking birthday to me, indeed.”

pairing ─ dadsbestfriend!bucky barnes x reader

warnings ─ smut, +18, age difference (reader is 21, bucky is 39 40), secret relationship, birthday sex, vaginal sex, lingerie, kissing, pet names, dirty talk, d/s undertones, fluff, oral sex

a/n ─ for our buck’s birthday, i present you a peaches one-shot lol it’s been so long since i wrote them, i missed them sm <33 thank you nonnie for the idea 😌 there you go, part one, 3.9k words lmao hope you like it! please leave a comment if you do! thank youuu <333

(the lingerie is veery similar to this one, by the way. minus the lace beneath the bra part and the string in the middle [attached to the neck] ++ this is the plug)

peaches masterlist

Bucky wasn’t fond of his birthday this year. He was turning 40 and wasn’t exactly happy about it. Every day leading up to his fortieth birthday, he watched himself in his mirror, watched the grays and whites in his beard and hair multiplying and becoming more visible.

Although she said that she loved how they made him look even sexier, Bucky couldn’t help but feel a bit old. The age gap between them wasn’t an issue, they had discussed it before, but he just couldn’t help himself. Now that he was now 40, he felt self-conscious. He was old while she was young ─ 21, to be exact─ and he had grays in his hair and beard and lines on his face─

“Fuck this,” Bucky grumbled to himself as he frowned at his reflection on the mirror. He knew Steve and Sam were planning something for his birthday, they were never slick about it. He also knew his other friends would be there, too, and maybe his sister. He didn’t want to celebrate his birthday this year, but he had no excuse to use.

“Fuck this, Jesus Christ,” he grunted this time. Bucky walked towards his closet and picked out his usual dark jeans, dark gray henley and a black t-shirt to wear beneath. Just as he put on his jeans and pulled his t-shirt on, he heard a bang coming from his living room. He frowned at first, but then chuckled when he heard her voice: “I’m fine!” Bucky shook his head with a smile on his lips. She was the only thing that was going to make his birthday party tolerable, he knew it.

A minute later, she appeared at his bedroom door with his favorite smile on her face. “Sir!” She exclaimed, making him chuckle. “Today is your birthday! How is it feel to be old?” His mood deflating a little, he shrugged.

“I don’t know,” he said, “My back ache decided to take the day off. Ask me again when it comes back.” She laughed. Crossing the threshold, she threw herself on his arms.

“Happy birthday,” she whispered, her hot breath licking his neck and sending shivers down his spine. “I’m glad you’re getting old healthily.” Bucky snorted. “I don’t know what I’m saying, ignore me, please,” she murmured, a whine hidden behind her words.

“’s alright,” Bucky murmured back. “Thank you, peaches.” Giggling silently, she pulled back and looked at him. Bucky swore that none of the women that he used to be with made him feel this way just by looking at him the way she did: All cared about and loved. A smile took over her face, and she lifted herself on her tiptoes. Her soft lips found his gently. His eyes closing, Bucky held her close to him and let her kiss him.

She moaned into the kiss, arms wrapping around his neck while a hand dove inside his hair. Bucky walked blindly towards the nearest flat surface, which was the wall next to his closet, and caged her between his body and the surface. Pulling back for a breath, Bucky moved his lips down to her neck. He kissed her there so gently all the time because it was her sensitive spot: Always got her gasping and whining, and today was no different. He heard her gasp and swallow a whine when she felt his lips on her neck.

A pull on his hair, Bucky lifted his head and captured her lips again. He swallowed all the moans, whimpers and gasps she let out. She felt so good in his arms, in his space, Bucky wanted to keep her forever and not being judged about it.

“Okay, I take it back,” she breathed when Bucky pulled back. “You’re not a old man, okay.” Bucky smirked.

“Oh, baby,” he said. “A kiss is nothing. You should see what I can do with the rest of my body.” She shuddered in his arms, and Bucky tightened his hold on her body.

“I’m aware of the capabilities that your ‘old man’ body has,” she grumbled. Bucky chuckled and lowered her on the ground. She fixed her clothes and hair, trying not to look like she just made out. When she was done, she lifted her head and kissed Bucky on the cheek. “Happy birthday, again,” she whispered. Bucky smiled. She kissed him on the lips one last time and pulled back. “I gotta go. I sneaked out, I was supposed to be helping Papa.” Bucky nodded.

“Alright,” he said. “I’ll see you tonight.” He frowned when she suddenly looked bashful.

“Yeah, I’ll see you tonight.” She smiled and fled. Bucky continued to frown after her, not understanding what just happened.

──

If Bucky had to be honest, Sam and Steve didn’t go overboard with his birthday party. It was low-key; there was Sam, Steve, Peggy, Sharon, Clint, Thor and her. Rebecca was supposed to be attending, too, but she had a last minute thing about work. She called him in the morning, and they already scheduled a breakfast date/belated birthday party for Saturday. It was nice. The cake had a small card saying ‘happy b-day gramps’, and there was exactly forty candles which Bucky knew it was Sam’s doing. He rolled his eyes playfully. It didn’t sting that much; he knew his friends were just playing with him because almost all of them were around the same age.

Bucky sighed quietly, breathing in the late night’s crisp air deeply, he closed his eyes for a second. He was happy. He had his family he called two days a week, his friends who were bunch of dumbasses but he loved them anyway.

He also had Y/N.

God, Bucky thought, recalling the memory they had about having a future and a family together. He wanted to tell Sam and Steve, but he was truly afraid of their reaction. At the end, they trusted him with their daughter, they thought she saw him as an uncle not as a lover. When their relationship came out, it was going to be a shitshow, Bucky was sure of it. She was worth every trouble, though.

“Hey,” Bucky jumped lightly when he heard her. He beamed and his lips split into a smile.

“Hi,” Bucky said, silently inviting her to be close to him. She inched closer, almost snuggling up at him.

“How did you find your party so far?” She asked, nudging him a bit. Bucky shrugged. He liked it. It was fun and didn’t actually feel like a birthday party; it was more like a comeback together party.

“It was nice,” he ended up saying. “I had fun.” She hummed. “The candles were a nice touch,” he added and got a small laugh out of her.

“Yeah, they were my idea,” she admitted. “Papa loved it, though.” Bucky chuckled.

“Shoulda known,” he murmured. She smiled and snuggled against his arm. It took almost all of his will power to not pull her into his arms and cuddle her right here. He knew he couldn’t do it, not when all of his friends were around let alone her parents.

“Can I come by your place tonight?” She asked. “I wanna give you my gift.” Bucky nodded absently.

“You didn’t have to buy me anything, honey, you know that right?” Bucky said, his voice gentle and low. She nodded and shrugged at the same time. “You can also give me your gift now, too, if you want.” She ducked her head down.

“It’s not that kind of gift, Sir,” she whispered, causing Bucky’s eyes widen. “I prefer to give it to you when we are alone.” Bucky licked his lips, swallowing audibly.

“Alright,” he muttered. “How about 1AM?”

“That’s fine,” she agreed. She kissed his cheek before pulling back, Bucky immediately missed her warmth next to him. “I’ll see you then, Sir,” she said. Bucky nodded.

He felt like he was in for something and he couldn’t wait to figure out what it was.

──

Bucky returned home quarter to midnight, claiming that he was tired and stuffed full with sugar and its energy was finally wearing off. The others agreed; it was still a week-day at the end and most of his friends were working still.

He took a shower, trying to calm down and kill some time until 1AM. He was eager to see her, to have her company and enjoy it freely. It was hard enough to stop himself kissing her the way he wanted to after he blew his candles off, so some alone would do them good, Bucky knew it.

The more his will power was being tested, the more he thought about coming out clean to Sam and Steve. He didn’t want to hide their relationship. He wanted to take her out on dates without the fear of getting seen by some people Sam or Steve might know. He wanted to hold her hand, cuddle her on the couch or kiss her wherever and whenever he wanted to. He needed to discuss this with her first, though.

Mind full of ideas about how to tell them, Bucky stepped out of the shower and moved onto his kitchen after putting on only his sweatpants (no boxers, either, because they were gonna come off anyway). It was just half past midnight, and he had half an hour to spend by himself until she came. Bucky sighed as he grabbed a glass and filled it with water. He just stood in his dark kitchen, saved from the street lights sizzling inside through the window above the sink, sipping his water in silence.

He must have zoned out because he almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the shy knock on his door. Setting down his glass, Bucky ran towards the door and opened it.

“Hi,” she breathed, quickly stepping inside and letting Bucky close the door behind her. She had casual clothes on, sweatpants and an oversize sweatshirt, but she took his breath away anyway.

“Hi, baby,” Bucky whispered and watched her getting shy delightfully. When he stepped closer to kiss her, she stepped back.

“Um,” she started, “I-I prefer─ with your gift, uh.” Stammering over her words, she played with her fingers. “Give me five minutes, and then come to the bedroom okay?” Bucky opened his mouth protest, but she was quick to shut him up. “Please, Sir?” Exhaling defeatedly, Bucky nodded.

“Alright,” he said, and she disappeared. The curiosity was eating him alive, but he wasn’t about to go and ruin this thing for her. If she wanted to give him a private gift, then she was going to give it to him on her own terms.

Walking back to his kitchen, Bucky fiddled with his half-full glass, playing with the water and sipping it sometimes.

He never knew that five minutes could feel like five centuries.

After his time was up, Bucky walked towards his bedroom, his heart beating faster with each step. The door was ajar. The major lights were off, but she chose to turn on the ones on the sides of his bed, they were dimmed. It gave the room a warmer vibe. His curtains were drawn, and Bucky could pick out the clothes she was wearing when she stepped inside his house. He moved his eyes on his bed, feeling his lungs stopped working, Bucky froze.

She was in the middle of his bed, sitting on knees. She had red lingerie set on her; the lace design bra was hugging her breasts nicely, the garter belt was around her waist and was attached to the thigh stockings and the matching underwear was carrying the same lace design with the bra. She looked so damn beautiful, Bucky didn’t know how to function.

“Holy shit,” he breathed as he took in the sight before him. “Happy fucking birthday to me, indeed.” She ducked her head down, shy and feeling a little bit self-conscious about her body. Bucky wasn’t going to have that. Not when she looked like a fucking goddess before him. He leaned forward, not getting on the bed, and grabbed her chin gently. Lifting it up, he found her eyes and looked right into them. “You look so beautiful,” he whispered. “I cannot believe you chose me, and you’re givin’ yourself to me as a gift.” She smiled. It was her shy and adorable one, Bucky loved it. “Peaches,” Bucky whispered once more. “You’re gonna give me a heart attack one day.” She chuckled.

“You promised me not to die on me until I’m right behind you, Barnes,” she whispered back, smiling widely. Bucky let out a soft chuckle and fully leaned into kiss her.

The second their lips touched, both of them moaned in relief. It wasn’t the first kiss they had shared that day, but this one was full of promises and things to come in the next few hours. So, Bucky half-climbed on the bed, cradled her face in his hands and kissed her the way he wanted to since the beginning of his party.

Her lips were so soft against his, caressing his slightly chapped ones so nicely, Bucky felt his heart flutter. She vaguely tasted like peaches, and Bucky pulled back just a tad to huff a laugh.

“You taste like peaches,” he whispered. She giggled.

“Yeah, I restocked my lip balm,” she answered and pulled him back into the kiss. Bucky groaned this time. Fully climbing on the bed, leaning over to make her lay on her back, Bucky settled between her legs. The kiss they were sharing went from soft to passionate quickly. Bucky’s hands were traveling all over her body as he tilted his face from side to side so that he could deepen the kiss as he wished.

“God, honey,” Bucky groaned as he lowered his lips to her neck. Kissing and sucking the soft skin there, Bucky rubbed his stubble all over her collarbones. He was about to move south, put his lips on her stomach and maybe give her an appropriate kiss on some place he knew so well, but she pushed him back.

“My gift, remember?” She said when she saw the confused look on his face. “Lingerie was just a side gift.” Bucky raised his brows as he pulled back a bit more to give her space. She smiled and flipped on her stomach. Her knees drawn up, hands flat on the sides of her head and her face plastered on his pillow, she wiggled her ass.

Her underwear was fucking backless.

“Motherfuck─” Bucky hissed. “What the fuck. Oh my God, peaches, what─” His hands were moving before he could process, grabbing two handful of flesh, Bucky squeezed them. She whimpered. Bucky pulled back one hand and brought it back harshly, slapping her soft flesh, making it burn.

“Oh, fuck,” she whispered as she bit her lip.

“What the fuck─ is this─” Bucky’s eyes zeroed in on the plug nestled between her cheeks. It had a heart shaped base, red jewel adorning it. It looked so pretty, Bucky wanted to leave it just like that, but he also wanted to play with so damn bad. “Sweetheart. Are you sure?”

“Mmhm,” she hummed. “Wan’ you to do it, please, Sir?” She looked at him over her shoulder.

“Ah, fuck,” Bucky whispered to himself. She always begged him so pretty, never left a chance to say ‘no’, and this time wasn’t different. “Alright, baby,” Bucky said. His fingers pressing on the plug, pushing it a bit deeper. She moaned. She lifted her ass even more up in the air, and Bucky felt like he was dreaming.

Even if he was, this was the best dream he ever had, he was fucking sure of it.

Grumbling meaningless things to himself, Bucky grabbed the base of the cute plug. He could see how wet her pussy was, could see it glistening and wetting her inner thighs, and he honestly didn’t know if he wanted her pussy or her ass first.

“How long can you stay?” He asked, voice low. She sighed happily.

“’til seven,” she answered. She was half-slurring. Bucky hummed, knowing that he had a long time ahead of him to play with her properly, he got off the bed to take off his sweatpants. Sliding a finger under the garter belt, Bucky pulled and released it, making it slap her skin. Bucky watched her ass jiggle deliciously as she gasped lightly. He pressed kisses all the way up to her spine and reached into his drawer to pull out condoms. “Mm, no,” she said, “Got an IUD.”

“I’m loving you even more every second,” Bucky said as he dropped the condom back into the drawer, pulling an amused chuckle out of her. Instead of condoms, Bucky pulled out his lube and put it someplace easy to reach. “I’m gonna tell you what I’m gonna do to you, alright, baby?” She nodded. Placing a kiss on her nape, Bucky took a hold of her hair, pulling it a little.

“First,” he started, “I’m gonna kiss anywhere I want.” Doing as he said; he kissed her neck, her jaw, shoulder blades, spine and her sides. Then, he moved up to kiss her on the lips filthily. This kiss was all about spit and passion and owning, she fucking loved it.

“Then, I’m gonna get you naked,” he whispered. His fingers were quick to find the clip of her bra and undoing it. Sliding the straps of her shoulders slowly, Bucky helped take the bra off. “But I’m gonna keep these,” he said, slapping her ass with one hand while the other one cupped her pussy from the front. She moaned loudly. “The backside of this underwear…” Bucky murmured. “The way your ass looks so damn beautiful in it…” Bucky moved down to bite her ass cheek lightly, making her yelp. “I’m gonna fuck you in it, peaches.”

Dragging one finger all the way from her clit to her plug, Bucky hummed. “I’mma fuck this little thing, first,” he said, inserting two of his fingers into your pussy. “It looks too wet and cute for me to not touch it, y’know,” he added. “But I was thinking maybe I would…” He trailed off as he leaned forward and just licked a fat line up to her plug. She shuddered under his tongue.

“Anything,” she sobbed into his pillow. “Anything you want, Sir, take it!” Chuckling darkly, Bucky did exactly that.

He trailed his tongue up and down, collecting all of her juices that were licking out constantly, licking her inner thighs clean, Bucky pushed his tongue inside of her. She whimpered and wiggled. Bucky was quick to give her a slap on her ass; a warning for her to stay still. She meekly apologized and stopped moving. Bucky slurped, his tongue dove deeper and curved just right. She groaned long and loud, Bucky was so glad that he wasn’t living at an apartment or something.

He pulled back. He was way too impatient for eating her out properly. Grabbing a hold of his cock, he dragged it up and down for a couple times. When he was sure that his dick was covered with her wetness, he slowly inched inside of her.

She gasped, her breath getting stuck on her throat as she fisted the sheets and arched her back. As Bucky slid deeper into her, he felt like was he could explode anytime. She was so tight, so wet and so warm around him, it was like sinking deep into silk sheets in a warm night… It felt so damn good.

“Fuck, Y/N,” Bucky moaned. “You’re tighter than a virgin, I fucking swear,” he grumbled as he leaned forward to cage her body under his. When his hips were flush against her, he stopped for a second. He didn’t want to come too early, but he had been Horny as hell ever since he saw that little plug nestled in its place.

This one was going to be a quick, take-the-edge-off kind of one.

“I’m not gonna last,” Bucky whispered and felt her nod. She was close already, Bucky could feel her walls fluttering around him. His eyes rolled backwards a little when he started to move his hips. Her tight as fuck heat was wrapped around him so damn nicely, Bucky was a little surprised that he hadn’t come as soon as he entered her.

His slow pace didn’t take too long to turn into a desperate, fast and hard one. His hips were slapping against hers, their sweaty skin making obscene sounds echoing in his bedroom. He was so close, so horny, that it really didn’t take him too long to feel his balls tighten. Bucky buried a groan into her neck. His hips were moving on a punishing pace. His hard cock was driving in and out of her pussy with obscene squelching sounds. All those sounds and her moaning and whimpering beneath him were getting to his head real fast. Bucky gasped.

“Sir─” She choked on a breath and gasped just like him. “’m so fuckin’ close, Sir, please!” Her legs were shaking, her chest was heaving and Bucky could feel the flutter of her walls increasing and becoming more intense with each thrust of his.

“God, honey, me too,” he moaned. His pace was halting, he knew he was about to come. Groaning, Bucky slipped his fingers on her front and found her clit. She screamed. “Shit!” Bucky cursed as she came unexpectedly. Her knees buckled with the intensity of her orgasm and she collapsed on the bed with Bucky’s cock still hard and still inside of her. Bucky cursed again, taking a hold of her knees, he spread her legs to her sides. They were quivering in his hands, and he knew she was sensitive, but he was right fucking there. Lying fully on top her, Bucky started to move his hips again. It was a filthy and only focused on chasing his orgasm kind of pace, this time.

“Oh, fuck, Sir!” She exclaimed, eyes widening. Bucky was in deep. He was in so deep, her walls were so tight─

“Shit,” Bucky cursed. “Fuck, oh, God, ah, fuuck─!” The delirious movements of his hips stopped. His balls tightened, cock twitched in her and he came. Eyes rolling backwards, Bucky groaned loud and long. His taut muscles going lax, his hot breath licking her over-heated body and her tightness was still hugging his poor cock so nicely.

“God, Bucky, what the fuck,” she panted. Bucky hummed. He rubbed his stubble-covered jaw on her shoulder affectionately. Easing off of her, Bucky dropped himself next to her and pulled her into his arms to cuddle. “My legs won’t stop quiver.”

Bucky snorted. “You’re welcome,” he grumbled. She rolled her eyes but stayed quiet, burrowing herself deeper into her lover’s arms. Their eyes were closing, they were tired and much needed orgasm had loosened up their tensed muscles. “Round two in an hour,” Bucky slurred. “Gonna play with you.”

She just hummed and closed her eyes.

A little energy nap would do them good, she knew it.

──

[part two will be up soon!]

#bukcy barnes x reader #bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes imagines #dadsbestfriend!bucky #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes angst #dad's best friend bucky #dadsbestfriend!bucky barnes x reader #peaches

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ping-ping-ying · 3 years

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Xiao VS his daughter's first crush

Note: this was requested by this lovely human being @pastelhologram so thank you for the request and don't be scared to spam my inbox with more! I made the girl 11 because you didn't specify what age the girl was. 🤩✌🏾

This mf

Please

Please don't let him know

It will not end well

So it's best to keep it a secret

But as you know, no matter how long it takes, the truth will always be brought to light

And it happens to be five years later when Xiao would discover something he wish he hadn't

His child is only 11 years so in his mind he's like "what could you possibly have a crush on?"

Well papa Xiao, it happens to be a little boy who runs around the harbor trying to sell cheap and tasty chop suey

(pun so intended)

She would come home with silk flowers in her hair, even if they started to wither

Everyday she had a different trinket that brought her nothing but pure happiness

Xiao noticed how happy his baby girl was and started to become curious of what the cause was

Aaaaaand curiosity killed the cat

One day, he followed her to a hidden cave nearby the harbor and saw her with a boy

He didn't think anything of it AT FIRST

Until he saw the way the two little ones exchanged glances, the tone of their voices, and the gentle (friendly) touches they shared

He realized that him and his partner do the exact same things

But weren't these kinds of actions are only for adults?

Behavior like this at a young age was inappropriate

So why the F U C K were they doing this?

The first thought that ran across his mind was "Are they taking advantage of her?" along with "Do they plan to hurt her?"

Something in him exploded

ALL HE SAW WAS RED

SHE WAS BY HERSELF

WITH A BOY

WHAT IF HE WASN'T THERE?

WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO HIS PRECIOUS LITTLE BABY

DOES HIS PARTNER KNOW ABOUT THIS?!

Xiao overthinks a lot which ends up getting him trouble, and this time was no different

In the midst of the young ones catching Geo Crystalflies he teleported between the two of them and snatched his child away from the boy

"DADDY? What are you doing?! Let me go!"

He wouldn't even give her a response, instead he just teleported them back to their residence

"Daddy! Take me back with Yunxan!"

"Why were you alone with that boy? Doing inappropriate actions that are meant for adults?!"

"What are you talking about?! We were just catching Crystalflies!"

"I am not an idiot, I can see just by the looks on your faces. You both like each other in a way that you are not ready for."

"But daddy- it's just a crush! We aren't dating-"

"I don't want to hear it, you are forbidden from seeing him ever again."

"DADDY THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

Which results in his daughter giving Xiao the ultimate silent treatment

Only then would he go to you and try to figure out this whole ordeal

"(Y/N) please explain to me exactly what I did wrong?" Xiao sat down next to you and let out a sigh of frustration.

All you could do was giggle, was he really that oblivious? Did he not know that that was literally what you two went through when you started to develop feelings for each other?

"Xiao honey, do you know what a crush is?"

"No."

"Yeah- but a crush is what we used to have at one point. It's the early stages of falling of love. It's normal for humans, to act on these emotions even at a young age. They don't understand these feelings, but they act on them anyway. It's harmless honestly Xiao. You need to apologize for how you acted and make it up to her."

"......"

Xiao is like "HOW THE FUCK DO I DO THAT?"

Instead of going face to face with his child, he finds the boy she was with

He swiftly kidnapped the boy and brought him to the same cave he saw him for the first time

The boy mind you, isn't afraid of Xiao

He knows who Xiao is

And he's still not afraid of him

So he's staring at Xiao with big eyes, scanning every part of him

"Listen scum, what exactly do you want with my child?"

"Uh? What do you mean?"

"You like her right?"

The boy blushes and stutters over his words, aggravating Xiao even more

"What makes you think I would let her be with someone like you?"

This question angered the boy, and he stood right in Xiaos face and told him off

"Listen jerk, I don't care what you say, (Y/D/N) is a beautiful, smart, crazy, girl that I really love! Sure we're too young for love, but true love is what we have and I won't let anyone get in the way of that! Not even the scary Yaksha or the Geo ARCHON himself!"

Xiao stands there bewildered

This little boy is fearless, and is true to his words

Xiao doesn't sense any deceiving undertones in his tone

But Xiao still wasn't convinced

Not until of course, his daughter appears out of nowhere and rushes to the boys side

"Yunxan!"

"(Y/DN)!"

The two children gave each other a hug and stood there hand in hand

"How did you get here?"

"(Y/N) told me where you were, so I went to come find you and talk some sense into you. I didn't know Yunxan was here."

This was a stage in parenting Xiao was NOT ready for, and let's be honest he'll never be ready for it

All it took was the puppy eyes his child gave him to come to a conclusion

"Listen, you two are still children, and are not ready to have a significant other. I will allow you two to remain friends. But I do not want to see anything more. Do I make myself clear?"

"Oh daddy!"

She ran away from the boy and gave Xiao a big hug

He would be lying if he said his heart wasn't pounding with joy when she wrapped her little arms around his waist and snuggled her face into his chest

All he did was give her a pat on the head, and gave the boy a serious look

"I promise daddy, me and Yunxan will remain best friends until we get older!"

"You better keep that promise little one."

Xiao still wasn't happy with her even beings friends with him after discovering this

But he loves his baby girl and would do anything to keep a smile on her face

Whenever he wasn't busy, he followed his baby and Yunxan everywhere

AND I MEAN E V E R Y W H E R E

He didn't like the kid

Xiao didn't trust or like humans so why would this one be any different

He actually appeared in person at this year's latern festival, only because his child was going with Yunxan

You and Xiao were chaperones the entire time, but always enjoyed yourselves though Xiao would rather die than admit it

When it came time for the lanterns to paint the sky, Yunxan and (Y/D/N) both held onto one and closed there eyes

They poured their whole heart into this one wish, and gently lifted the small lantern into the air

You already know what they wished for

Well both wishes were different but had the same result in the end

Xiao and you also had a lantern that he gently raised into the air

The two kids sat criss crossed on the grass holding each other's hands, and watching the sky

Xiao immediately went to go separate them but you playfully slapped his shoulder and gave him a pleading look

He sighed, and stood there next to you, watching his baby girl enjoy her time with Yunxan

Bonus:

"Oh daddy!"

"What is it?"

"You know how I'm 21 now right? An adult?"

"Yes, why?"

"I'm just reminding you of the promise I made when I was 11."

"I recall the promise."

"Great! I kept that promise all these years!"

"I'm, glad." Xiao gave her a RARE small smile, which she knew would drop when she continued speaking.

"So, since the promised was kept and doesn't apply to us anymore-" she showed him her left ring finger, that bore a ring made out of crystals. "ME AND YUNXAN ARE GETTING MARRIED!"

XIAO.EXE HAS STOPPED WORKING

XIAO.EXE HAS MALFUNCTIONED

XIAO.EXE HAS SHUT DOWN

"Daddy? Daddy? Daddy please say something?"

".........."

"(Y/N)!"

-Ping Ping

-11/13/21 1:26pm

#genshin x reader #genshin impact #genshin imagines #genshin husbandos #genshin headcanons #genshin impact xiao #xiao x reader #xiao imagines #xiao fluff #xiao headcanons #genshin impact imagines

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castiel-kline · 3 years

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Rescue

(also on ao3)

Jack’s got a lot of new responsibilities to take care of, but first he has someone to save from the clutches of the Empty.

for @dadstielweek day 6: missing scene

The Empty felt much less daunting than the last time Jack had been here. It was still unsettling, of course, but he was prepared to face it now. He knew what he’d come for was well worth it.

The Shadow slithered up in front of him, coming together in a familiar shape. His mother’s face smiled at him, eyes dark in a way Kelly’s could never be. And he felt a pang, because he missed her like always. He hadn’t been to see her, not yet. But that was next on his list.

“Hey there, kiddo. Nice upgrade. You’re even more sparkly and insufferable than usual,” it began, tilting its head. “Don’t know why you think you have any right to be here, though, after what you did.”

“I’m sorry,” Jack said, trying to ignore the screams he could hear in the distance, muffled as if the throats they sprang from were stuffed with cotton. “I didn’t mean to wake everyone up. I can fix it, I promise.”

“But you want something in return, don’t you.” The Shadow’s tone was flat, a brow arched in disdain.

“We can make a deal. I know you like those.”

“Yeah, when there’s something in it that suits me. You don’t have anything that I want.”

“I can make sure that you go back to sleep for good,” Jack assured, stepping closer. “You’ll get your quiet, forever. The Empty’s been in disorder for too long.”

“Uh huh. Might want to check your motivation there, young Atlas. Dishonesty bites.”

Jack’s heart skipped a beat. He clenched a fist, taking in a deep breath. “I’m not lying.”

“Aren’t you?” The Shadow ran a hand across his shoulders and down his arm, nails biting at the skin of his hand where it grabbed him. “You don’t care about my order, or my sleep. You just want your dead papa bear to hold you and tell you it’s okay.”

He gulped. “Just give me Castiel, and I’ll help you put everyone back to sleep. I know you can’t do it yourself, or you would have already.”

The Shadow yanked its hand away, glare sharper than any knife. “Get out, kid. I won’t ask again.”

“No.” Jack squared his shoulders. “I’m not leaving until I have my father back.”

“Newsflash, sport- God doesn’t have power in my domain. Everything Chuck managed was because I let him. Now that you’ve been grandfathered in -ha!- you’re stuck. Can’t hurt me.”

“Actually, I can. I’ve always had power here, since the day I was born. Since just a few weeks after that, when I woke you up. But I don’t want us to be enemies. I’d prefer it if we could come to an agreement.”

They would be enemies if it had really hurt Cas, but they could at least try to be allies first. He pinched at his palm, watching the Shadow think it over. It came closer, face softening in a syrupy false sympathy. It placed a hand on Jack’s cheek just like his mother had when he’d met her, and he tried not to recoil too violently.

“Oh, you poor, dumb, child,” it said. In a blink the hand on his cheek had moved, cupping his chin and squeezing his face with enough force to snap his jaw if either of them moved the wrong way. “Poor, sweet little fool. Castiel’s mine, and you’re not taking him from me. I won him fair and square.”

Jack managed to pull its hand away from him, heaving in a breath before he spoke. “Cas doesn’t belong to you,” he said.

The Shadow laughed. “And I suppose that’s because he belongs to you instead?”

“No.” Jack shook his head. “No. He doesn’t belong to me. He doesn’t belong to anyone.”

“Hmm. That so? Do you think Dean Winchester would agree with you on that?” It winked at him, smirk warping his mother’s mouth.

“Cas doesn’t belong to Dean,” Jack asserted, refusing to have his focus broken. “He belongs to himself. And you’re going to bring him back, because he deserves to live his life. He deserves to make his own choices.”

The Shadow moved forward and bopped his nose, punctuating each word. “Selfish, selfish, selfish!”

Jack jerked his head away. “This isn’t selfish. I just-”

“You need him. And that makes this valiant little rescue mission of yours as self serving as a buffet.”

“All I need is to know that he’s alive, and that he’s safe,” Jack said, surprising himself with the truth of it. “And… if he doesn’t want to stay with me, I’ll let him go. Because… because that’s what you do when you love someone.”

For a moment he thought he’d gotten through to it, but then the Shadow turned away again, a finger tapping at its chin.

“Oh, but see- if I give you a freebie now, you’ll expect more later. And resurrections fray the threads of fate, you know. Very dangerous game. Or have you forgotten that what’s dead should stay dead?”

“I know. I know, and that’s how everything after this will be. Just, please… please bring him back.” His first day on the job and he was begging, betraying his desperation. Wonderful.

“What are you gonna do with all the other angels? The demons?” The Shadow was back to staring at him, but its tone was much less harsh. Tired. Maybe it was finally going to give in.

“I don’t know,” Jack admitted. “We might need some angels to restore Heaven since it’s failing, but… you can have a say in that. Before I put you back to sleep.”

“So, I get my sleep and you get Castiel?” Jack nodded, feeling like he had no more life than a popped balloon. The Shadow gave a long, exaggerated sigh. “Fine. But you’d best not wake me unless the universe is ending again, capische?”

“Thank you.” Jack didn’t feel like that was enough. That it could ever be enough. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, whatever. Happy family time.” The Shadow snapped its fingers before sliding away, and the ground began bubbling a short distance from Jack. Castiel emerged from the depths of the Empty, dragged out by inky tendrils. He looked awful, and Jack would have been angrier if not for his agreement with the entity being one breath from crumbling.

Cas hacked up lungfuls of goo until he could breathe again, collapsing onto the ground when his vessel’s shaking arms couldn’t hold him any longer. Jack could see the entirety of Castiel’s true form for the first time- the broken wings and the hundreds of eyes, old as time. The animal heads and the quaking limbs, folded into a kind and wizened package. It was tragic, and it was beautiful. His vessel’s face was covered in tears, and Jack was struck by the fact that this was the first time he’d ever seen Cas cry.

He knelt down, swallowing hard, and placed a hand on Cas’ shoulder. He blinked the tears back from his own eyes.

“Hi, Cas,” he said, voice so soft he didn’t know if it had been heard.

“Jack.” Cas looked at him not with relief, but with panic. “What are you doing here? You have to leave. It’s not safe, the Empty-”

“It’s okay, Cas. I’m okay. And the entity- it’s not going to bother you anymore.”

Cas sat up, on Jack’s level now. He frowned, not understanding.

“You’re not dead again, are you?”

Jack smiled, a small ghost of a laugh escaping his lips. “No, I’m not. I have a lot to tell you, though.”

His voice cracked on the last word, and he bit his lip to keep the tears in. Cas’ eyes searched his, a hand on Jack’s arm to hold them both steady. The moment realization hit, Castiel breathed out a soft “oh,” his eyes blowing wide.

“Jack, you’re… you’re the Lord.”

He shook his head. “I’m not. I’m not anything special, and I’m not… I’m still just me.”

And Cas smiled, his eyes sad and yet the happiest Jack had seen since he’d made that godforsaken deal. Jack lost the battle with his emotions, feeling his face collapse into a mix of relief and sadness and fear and joy. Cas took him into his arms, both of them trembling but finding solace in the contact.

“You were always special, Jack,” Cas whispered. “And I am so, so proud of you.”

Jack shuddered, burying his face deeper into Castiel’s shoulder for just a moment before pulling back and looking him in the eyes.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to bring you back before, but I didn’t know how-”

“No, I’m sorry.” Cas gripped Jack’s shoulders, squeezing them before dropping his hands. As if to make sure Jack understood that he meant it. “I left at a very bad time, and I should have been there, to- to help with the fight-”

It was Jack’s turn to cut off the stream of apologies. “That’s not… I just really missed you.”

“Yeah, I missed you too.” Cas smiled, just a corner of his mouth ticking up. It was strange to see it on so many other mouths as well, but in a way the sight of his true form smiling too just made Jack feel all the warmer.

“I, um. I think I can fix these. Your wings.” Jack leaned forward, fingers brushing at the air where the wings hung mangled and twisted in another dimension, shimmering far outside of corporeal view. He pulled his arm back once he realized that Cas had stiffened. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought it up at all-

“Thank you.” The whisper caught Jack by surprise, but he nodded and sent out a gentle wave of grace to put Castiel’s wings back to the way they should be.

Cas stretched them, lines of tension that Jack had never noticed melting away.

“Thank you, Jack,” he said. He sounded almost reverent, and Jack… Jack didn’t want to be revered.

He stood, extending a hand to help Cas up with him.

“You’re welcome,” he said, trying for a smile. It faded with his next words as he glanced away, eyes toward what passed for downward in the Empty. “I’ve caused you enough pain. I’m glad I could finally take some of it away.”

“You didn’t bring me pain, Jack. You-” Cas shook his head. “You just brought me joy. And my death wasn’t your fault, either. I don’t want you carrying that burden.”

Jack bit his lip and nodded, wondering if he’d ever be able to believe that. He thought maybe, given enough time, he could get there. Eternity should be plenty of time to work on his self esteem, after all.

“Are you ready to go back to earth?” Jack clasped his hands in front of him, studying Cas carefully for his reaction.

He looked like he was on the verge of saying yes, but then he frowned, eyes narrowed as he looked at Jack. Something flickered over his face.

“You’re not coming.” It wasn’t a question.

“No. I can’t.” Jack shrugged. “I have too much to do. In all of those other universes, there’s so much damage that Chuck caused and I can fix. And before that, I want to see my mother. Maybe I can make Heaven better too, since it’s not really very.... heavenly.”

“No, it’s… it’s far from perfect.”

Jack sighed. “Yeah. And… I think this is where I’m supposed to be. I’ll miss Sam and Dean, but I shouldn’t be there to write their story like Chuck did. They deserve better than that.”

Cas nodded, taking it in. “Okay. I’ll stay with you.”

“What?” Jack felt his eyes go wide. He hadn’t wanted to say goodbye to Cas so soon after getting him back, of course, but he hadn’t dared do more than breathe a fleeting hope.

“I’ll stay with you. You said you wanted to fix Heaven. Don’t you think that’s my job, too?”

“No, no. I don’t want you to stay out of obligation. I want you to go and… and be happy,” Jack said, wringing his hands. Now that Cas could actually be happy, he should go and do it. Nothing else would make sense.

Cas sighed. Not a heavy sigh, but one of release. He looked up and around, breathing deeply, as if the words he was searching for lay in the nothing that surrounded them.

“I am happy,” he said at last. “I’m happy with you. Changing the afterlife -the world- for the better, side by side? It would be my privilege.”

Fresh tears sprang to Jack’s eyes, and he tried his best to keep them back.

“Are you sure? Sam, Dean-”

“I think-” Cas said, gently “-that there’s much I need to figure out regarding that. But I’ve… I’ve finally accepted myself, in spite of… well. A lot of things. And some time away to feel like myself before I face it sounds like it won’t be so bad at all. Besides- our family wouldn’t feel right without you there. We’d be missing a very important piece.”

Jack nodded. He knew Cas was being vague, probably because he wasn’t ready to talk about whatever it was that had happened in that dungeon. But Cas was looking out for himself, for once, and Jack was grateful. They could process everything together. They finally had the time.

“You’re really going to stay?”

Cas patted his shoulder. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

Jack pitched forward into another hug, this one far less desperate than the last. This one was a promise- of safety, of teamwork, of trust. Of family.

After a while they pulled apart, standing together against the great expanse of nothing. They’d have to make a plan for finalizing the deal with the Empty, for renovating Heaven… they had a lot of work to do.

Cas tilted his head and looked into Jack’s eyes, catching on to the fact that Jack was deep in thought. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

Jack smiled. No, he wasn’t alright. But he would be, and that was all that mattered. He had his father, and he had his mother to visit and universes to save. He was going to be good.

“I am now, Cas. I am now.”

#dadstielweek #spn fanfic #my fic #jack kline #castiel #the empty #dadstiel and nougat son #challenging y’all to find the two references to other shows that I snuck in here ;)#if you can I’ll be VERY impressed #kitkat writes

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plaidbooks · 3 years

Note

Hey. Could I please request something fluffy with Sonny? Sonny, reader and their toddler bonding ... honestly i have no plot whatsoever. Lol I just want Daddy!Sonny🥺 thanks💕

Glimpses (A Glimpse of the Future part 5.5)

A/N: I fucking love Papa!Sonny, and I need him. This fic made me want children...but only if Sonny’s the dad/my husband. This is kind of a spiritual successor to A Glimpse of the Future, but can be read as a standalone (I just love the name Rosa for his daughter, okay?). It also covers the Cuddling square in the VDay Bingo. Hope you enjoy, and thank for requesting @amorestevens <3

This is day 1 of the bingo, hurray! I was asked to do fluff instead of angst, but i make no more promises for any other story!

Tags: none, just fluff

Words: 1389

Taglist: @witches-unruly-heart @beccabarba @thatesqcrush @itsjustmyfantasyroom @stardust-fray @permanentlydizzy @infiniteoddball @ben-c-group-therapy @glowingmess @whimsicallymad @lv7867 @storiesofsvu @cycat4077 @barbasimp @alwaysachorusgirl @crowleysqueenofhell @reading--mermaid @averyhotchner @mrsrafaelbarba @detective-giggles

On days he worked, Sonny was lovely, gently waking you before he got in the shower so that you could get up and get some things done in the peace and quiet before your two-year-old awoke. But on his days off, Sonny was a godsend. He took care not to disturb the bed as he got up, letting you get a few extra moments of sleep. The only thing that would awaken you was the smell of coffee, food, and the deep fear that you had overslept. But by the time you’d come padding into the kitchen, Sonny would be just putting the finishing touches on breakfast, serving you as you wrapped your arms around his waist, kissing his cheek. And while you’d eat, he’d get Rosa out of bed, carrying her to the kitchen for milk and her own breakfast. Only then would he feed himself.

Today started out like that, with you happily in love with your husband, watching him wash dishes while sneaking bites of food. Normally, you did the dishes, but he was very particular about his stainless-steel knives, and you’d given up arguing about it. So instead, you fed your daughter, making sure she got more in her mouth than around it.

Since becoming an ADA, Sonny now had weekends almost always off. Almost. Which is why you were taking full advantage of it. It was a beautiful day outside, and you were determined to drag him with you to the park, to let Rosa play on the little play structure there.

“Isn’t she too small for that?” Sonny had asked, wary.

You chuckled—he was “cool Uncle Sonny,” who let the kids do whatever they wanted normally. But Rosa was his one and only child, and he kept her on a pedestal. The first night you had brought her home, Sonny didn’t sleep, instead watching her all night, making sure she was okay. You knew what kind of parent he was going to be when in his sleep-deprived state, he cried about not being able to nurse Rosa.

“She’s fine, babe—I’ve taken her there before. Besides, look at her! She’s got your height,” you replied, gesturing at her. It was true; while Rosa looked like you—besides her bright, blue eyes—she was already big for her age. She was going to be tall when she grew up.

“Y-yeah, but—”

“She’s fine, Dom,” you smiled at him. “I promise.”

***********

Once Sonny was able to let her go, he learned that you were right; Rosa was fine on the play structure. Though, she fell once, and you thought Sonny would have a heart attack. You had to grab his arm to stop him from rushing over to her. And when she had sprung back up, laughing and running around again, Sonny had let out a sigh, relaxing next to you.

“You’re going to be the dad that sits in the kindergarten class with her cause you refuse to leave her, aren’t you?” you asked, elbowing his ribs.

“Hey, I worry. My job…” he trailed off, eyes locked on his daughter.

You squeezed his arm. “I know, Dom, I know. But you can’t stifle her, either.”

“I-I know…there was just this case recently…. Never mind; I don’t want to think about it.” Sonny shuddered slightly, and you squeezed his arm again.

As you left the park, you each had one of Rosa’s hands, and she walked in between you two. Sonny would count down from three, and you’d both swing her forward, lifting her off her feet, making her squeal with laughter. Eventually, she got bored with that, though, squirming out of your hand and going to Sonny.

“Dada, up!” she commanded, and Sonny laughed, lifting her and planting her on the back of his neck, legs dangling on his chest. You grinned at the two of them, heart full.

***********

“And this can’t wait until Monday? Or at least tomorrow?” Sonny said angrily into his phone. He was pacing in the kitchen and you were doing dishes, Rosa playing with her toys in the living room, cartoons on. You glanced at him just as he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Fine, I’ll be right there,” Sonny said though gritted teeth before hanging up.

“What’s wrong?” you asked. You had just finished dinner—it was rare for Sonny to be called in this late.

“Liv needs a warrant tonight. I gotta run to the office real quick, then try and find a judge willing to sign off on it on a Saturday night,” he explained, heading out of the kitchen towards the bedroom. There was no time to get into a full suit, so he was opting for a button-up and blazer over his day-off jeans. He tried to be stealthy, to not let Rosa see, but it was too late.

“Dada?” she asked as he headed for the front door. Sonny froze in his tracks, glancing at you for help.

You walked over to Rosa, saying gently, “Daddy has to go to work really quick. He’ll be right back—”

“No!” Rosa said angrily, stomping her foot.

You sighed. “Rosa, we’ve talked about this; Daddy sometimes gets called into work. He has an important job and has to—”

“No! Dada stay!” she reiterated, crossing her arms. Then the tears came, and she wailed loudly.

You looked over at Sonny, who hadn’t moved a muscle; he was normally gone before this. “Why are you still here? Go; hurry back. She’ll calm down,” you tried, but now Sonny had tears in his eyes.

“D-does she do this every time I leave?” he asked softly, his voice barely audible over Rosa’s screams.

“Not every time, but often enough,” you confessed. You never told him, because you were afraid of this kind of reaction. “Just…go, babe. It’s only going to be worse if you drag it out.”

But instead of turning and leaving, Sonny pulled out his phone. “Yeah Liv? Family emergency; call another ADA. Sorry.” And then he hung up, shrugging out of his blazer and hanging it up before coming over to Rosa. He squatted down in front of her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. Daddy’s staying home for the night, okay? No more crying,” he cooed to her, bouncing her gently.

Rosa sobbed for a little while longer, her arms wrapped around his neck. You gave him a soft smile. “You realize you’re just encouraging her; now she’ll cry whenever you leave to try and stop you,” you muttered.

“And if I see it, she has a pretty good chance of succeeding,” Sonny whispered back, kissing the side of her head.

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

The three of you ended up cuddling on the couch, under the giant blanket Sonny’s ma made for your first Christmas together. Sonny had his arm around your shoulders, pulling you against his side. Your head was on his shoulder, his head on yours. Rosa was tucked between you both, your hand stroking her back lovingly.

When you were pretty sure Rosa had finally drifted off, you said softly, “I wanted to tell you this tomorrow, but I can’t keep it secret anymore.” Sonny lifted his head from yours, furrowing his brow as he looked at you in confusion. “I’m pregnant, Dom.”

A wide grin broke across his face. “Really? When did you find out? How far along are you?”

You opened your mouth to respond when Rosa shifted. “Mama, what’s preg…mat?”

Your cheeks warmed as you glanced at Sonny. He chuckled. “That’s all you, doll,” he murmured.

You shot him a playful glare. “Uh, Rosa, it means you might have a little brother or sister soon.”

She was quiet for a long time, and you thought she might have fallen asleep. Finally, she whispered, “I wish I had a little sister to play with.”

The smile Sonny had was blinding, and he pulled you both closer. “We’ll just have to wait and see, my little Rose.” Sonny kissed the top of her head, then pulled you in for a gentle kiss. This was the best ending to a perfect day, a family day. You hoped that you could have more of them soon, especially with baby number two on the way. You nuzzled your face closer against Sonny, heart full of love.

#sonny carisi x reader #thatesqcrushvdaybingo #law and order svu #law and order svu fanfic #fanfic #I love papa!sonny #amorestevens

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mochegato · 4 years

Text

Covert Marriage

Covert Dating Covert Romance Covert Wedding

Prompt sent in by @redscarlet95 - what happens when Marinette’s family and friends find out about the wedding?

“Okay… are you ready for this?” Before Jason could respond, Marinette continued her decent into rambling madness. “Am I ready for this? Oh God, I’m not ready for this. We are not ready for this. This is going to be terrible. They’re going to hate me and kick me out and I’ll be homeless. Homeless, Jason, homeless!” Jason gave her a bemused smile and grabbed her hand with his free hand, his other hand loosely gripping the rental car’s steering wheel. She had been catastrophizing over telling her parents about their sudden elopement on and off for the last few weeks, ever since they got back to Gotham from their wedding.

“Pixie, Love, Light of my Life, we have our own apartment and you’re already making it into a beautiful home. You won’t be homeless. And they won’t hate you. They love you. They will still love you after this,” he assured her. Marinette looked at him doubtfully, her mind still racing with all the terrible possibilities her anxiety had convinced her were inevitable.

He knew somewhere in her mind she knew he was right and he would be more concerned about the reveal of their marriage to her parents if she hadn’t reassured him on multiple occasions, after she had calmed down from her panic attack, that it would be fine, really. Her parents were amazing and they might be surprised and maybe a bit disappointed, but they would still love her and they would welcome him with open arms… eventually. So, he let her panic run its course for the time being, with only minor interference to keep it from going too dark, and instead focused on the road ahead of them, occasionally squeezing her hand to offer silent support.

Marinette looked down at their hands with a small smile before her eyes widened in horror, “Oh my God, my ring! They’re going to know as soon as they see the ring. I should… we shouldn’t… You know what? We should ease them into this instead. We should… You should be my boyfriend first. Yeah! I should take off my ring so they… so it will all be okay. They can meet you as my boyfriend first… or just a friend. Maybe you can walk by and we can pretend we are meeting for the first time? We can tell them about the marriage in a year or two… we’ll have to have a second ceremony, but that should be fine. We just have to let your family know not to mention anything whenever they finally meet. We’ll have to sedate Dick, but that’s for the best for everyone really. How long do you think we can keep him sedated before causing permanent damage?”

Jason laughed before giving her a gentle look, “Marinette, no. As much as I love the idea of tranquing Dick, it will all be okay. Please don’t take your ring off. Your parents would be more upset if they found out you lied to them and especially if everyone but them knew,” he said calmly trying to reason with her. “They love you. They can handle this. So can we. We will be fine, Pix. And I will be there right next to you the whole time, yeah?”

“Yeah?” she gave him an uncertain look.

“Yeah,” he said running his finger along her cheek with his free hand. “Come on, you’ve taken on a city full of zombies. You can handle this.”

She gave him a firm smile, “Right. We can do this. We’re a team. We can handle anything. Okay, recon report: Sabine Cheng and Tom Dupain. Marital status, married… to each other. Occupation, bakers who own their own business, a very popular boulangerie and patisserie in Paris. One child, a daughter currently in this rental car with you, who got married to you without their knowledge. Age, you don’t need to know.

“Psych work up, Sabine has a glare that would put Batman to shame and although capable of messing you up, she won’t actually, physically hurt you. She may make a vague threat on what she will do to you if you hurt me and she’ll make you feel like you disappointed her, which… which is worse honestly. But, after everything she will give an amazing hug to make you feel better and offer you food and something to drink casually mentioning that you are part of the family after all.

“Tom looks like he could crush you with one arm but is actually less threatening than Batcow. He’ll follow Sabine’s judgement, but he is likely to scowl at you until he decides for himself. He will continue to be suspicious of you even after my Maman welcomes you to the family. If you talk about how you just want to make sure I’m happy and feel loved, it will ease his suspicions. If you add in that you really want to start a family with me someday but you want to make sure I’m in a place where I feel like I’m ready and you’re letting me take the lead on the decision, he will start calling you ‘son’. After he accepts you into the family, he will cry. Brace for it now.”

Jason took his eyes from the road to look at her quizzically before shaking his head with a chuckle. “You’re not allowed to hang out with Tim anymore.”

Marinette rolled her eyes, “yeah, I’ll be sure to tell him that when we’re hanging out next week. It might delay it by a whole hour… because he’ll be laughing so hard.”

Jason shook his head and looked at her in fake severity, “I’m serious. It’s too dangerous to allow you two to hang out together. Your combined forces could take over the world.”

She smiled back at him, preening at his faith in her abilities. “Yeah, but a nice takeover, a benevolent tyranny, if you will.” Jason barked out a laugh and grinned at her.

“I can see it now. By royal proclamation, everyone must have a hamster, nobody is allowed to wear checks and stripes at the same time, peanut butter and jelly is strictly forbidden, and nobody wakes up before noon.”

She hummed in response, “Now that is a monarchy I can get behind. But my plans for world domination are going to have to wait. We’re here,” she said pointing to the corner store just ahead of them.

Marinette used her key to open the exterior door and led Jason up the back stairs to her parent’s apartment.

“Okay, how do I look?” she asked nervously, her anxiety ramped up again now that they were outside her parents’ door.

“Like you’re trying to make it hard for me to focus on anything other than getting you back to the hotel,” he answered with a sultry look.

“Good, it wasn’t too subtle,” she gave him a wicked look. “Remember, you aren’t allowed to grab me while we’re in there.”

He growled at her and grabbed her tightly, “We’re not in there yet.” He gave her a deep kiss, pulling her flush against him.

She pulled away breathlessly and nodded at him with a resolute look on her face, “Okay, let’s do this.” She turned to knock on the door.

The door had barely opened before a huge man had reached out on the landing and grabbed Marinette in a bear hug. The man was so large, Jason couldn’t even see Marinette anymore. “Sweetheart! It is so great to see you. Oh! Who is this dear?”

“Papa, remember I said I was bringing someone for you to meet? This is Jason. Jason, these are my parents, Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng,” she said indicating her father who was still holding her close and her mother who Jason couldn’t see behind Tom.

“Welcome to our home, Jason,” Tom said with a wide, welcoming smile.

“You might need to move so they can get in dear,” Sabine commented with a kind smile.

“Of course, of course. Sorry. Please come in,” he moved to the side and made a sweeping motion welcoming them into the apartment.”

“Thank you, sir. It is very nice to meet both of you. Marinette speaks of you often.” Jason shook Tom’s had with a big smile. As he went to shake Sabine’s hand he noticed her flick her eyes up to his eyes from wherever she had been looking, a glare settling in her eyes.

“Yes, welcome, Jason. Funny, Marinette hasn’t mentioned you at all.” She said coolly.

Jason chuckled awkwardly, “Huh… how about that… uh…” He floundered for what to say next, but Sabine’s glare never wavered. Her eyes bore into him like they could see every secret he had, even the ones he tried to hide from himself. Every self-doubt, every insecurity, every failing that haunted him was exposed. Everything Marinette had been helping him to recover from was suddenly laid out for Sabine to examine and judge. Jason stood paralyzed under her stare until Marinette grabbed him what seemed like hours later and pulled him away from her mother.

“Come on, Jason. I’m dying to show you the view from my balcony. I’ve missed it so much since I’ve been away. You don’t mind, right Maman?” Marinette was pulling him up a set of stairs before her mother could give her “Of course not dear,” response.

Jason didn’t even take in what her childhood bedroom looked like before whipping around as soon as the door closed, “Okay you were right. Take off the ring, we’ll do it later.” He prompted her hurriedly motioning toward her hand.

“Oh, it’s already too late. She’s seen the ring. We’re committed to it now,” Marinette said direly.

“What? Why would you wear the ring?” he asked exasperated.

She gave him a deadpan look, waiting for him to come to his own conclusion.

“Why would you listen to me? You know better. And that glare! I feel like I’ve never done anything right in my entire life. How long was she glaring at me?”

“I think it was about 5 seconds before I could get to you,” she smiled sympathetically and cupped her hands around his face to stroke his cheeks. “She does that. It’ll be okay. I mean, I’m not going to lie it’s going to be really terrible for a little bit but then it’ll be like Miraculous Ladybug sweeping all the pain away. Also, it wasn’t my ring she saw.” She gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. “I love you, Jason Todd. They will too. They are scared for me right now because they don’t know you. But when they get to know you, they are going to be your biggest supporters, a second, and actually functioning, family for you.”

He let out a stressed sigh and pressed his forehead to hers. “I just don’t want to screw this up. And your mom is intimidating as hell.”

“You can’t screw this up. It isn’t possible. And yes, I know.” They heard Marinette’s mom calling to them that lunch was ready. “Relax. You’ve taken down crime lords, you can handle my parents.

“Something tells me I’m not allowed to just shoot them though.” He muttered under his breath. Marinette gave him an unamused look as she made her way toward the door. “What? I said ‘not allowed’.”

“Lunch smells amazing Maman and Papa. I’ve missed your cooking so much! I’m going to have to rub this in Adrien’s face tonight. He says hi, by the way. He was planning on stopping over tomorrow if that is okay.”

“That’s nice, dear. He knows he’s always welcome. All of your friends are,” she said pointedly, looking sharply over to Jason.

“Thank you so much for letting me tag along with Marinette. I am really glad to finally meet you after everything I’ve heard about you from her.” Jason tried to lighten the heavy mood with pleasantries, but Marinette’s mom was not following the lighter tone. She seemed to have perfected the art of a biting remark with a smile. She would do wonderfully at one of their Galas.

“Of course, sweetie. So, how did you two meet?”

“We meet at a coffee shop. We started talking and… here we are,” he faltered. They hadn’t actually discussed how they were going to tell her parents and he figured she would want to be the one to say it.

“Well, we are really glad to meet you. You must be really important to Marinette if she brought you home.” Tom offered only scowling slightly.

“He is Papa. He is really important to me,” she paused to take a deep breath and look to Jason who gave her an encouraging nod before reaching for her hand to entwine their fingers. “He is so important to me that we decided to get married a few weeks ago. We’re married. He’s my husband,” she said quietly holding up her left hand to show her ring.

Tom sucked in a breath but Sabine’s eyes went steely. “I see,” she said in a deceptively calm voice.

“Sweetheart, are you… are you sure that was the wisest decision?” Tom hedged tentatively.

“I am, Papa. We know it was sudden and impulsive, but we know what we’re doing. It might not look like it, but we do. We love each other, but we know that isn’t enough,” she looked over to look into Jason’s loving eyes. “We know we are going to have to work at it and we are ready to do that.”

Marinette’s father opened his mouth but before he could say anything Jason continued where Marinette left off, “We know it is going to be hard at times and we’re not fully prepared for whatever is coming, but we are ready to fight for it, together. We want a future together. We want a family together, at some point, when Marinette is ready, little kids with Marinette’s eyes and creativity and my hair and determination, or my eyes and her smile,” his eyes softened as he spoke about their future children. Marinette grinned at the future children he pictured. They had never spoken about kids and it was warming her hear to hear his vision.

“I know you’re worried about me and this was a huge surprise to spring on you out of nowhere and for that I am truly sorry, but… but you need to trust me that this is what is best for me.” Marinette added timidly.

Her parents looked at one another in silent conversation for a while before turning back to Marinette and Jason. Sabine reached across the table for Marinette’s hand, “Okay dear. If this makes you happy, then we are happy for you.” She was smiling at the two of them but the smile was cautious, uncertain.

“Welcome to the family, son,” Marinette’s papa said standing with a strained smile to give Jason another bone crushing hug. “We’re so glad to see our little girl happy again and if you were the one to do it, then we are beyond happy to have you in our lives.”

The lunch continued as Marinette’s parents asked questions about Jason and his history. After lunch they kept talking about Gotham and Marinette’s career and Jason’s family. A few hours later, Marinette and Jason were finally able to take a few moments for themselves to recover from the stress of the earlier reveal. They were enjoying the view from her balcony, Marinette was reveling in the feeling of Jason’s arms wrapped comfortingly around her and the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back as he breathed. “I don’t think I’d mind just staying here like this for the rest of the night,” she said quietly as she melted into his embrace.

Jason leaned down to kiss her temple. “It’s just your friends though, right? That one should be easier, shouldn’t it? Less stressful? Then we can go back to the hotel and just lay down wrapped up in each other’s arms for a while.”

Marinette winced slightly, “God that sounds amazing. Yeah, tonight should be less stressful but… you brought your Kevlar vest right? You might need it, Kim is going to be there.”

Jason chuckled lightly, “Sounds like my kind of people. I should fit right in.”

Marinette hummed at him “I think you…” before she could finish her sentence Sabine made her presence known. “Marinette, sweetie, your father wanted you to pick what you wanted to take over to Luka’s house.”

“Okay, Maman.” She looked over to Jason with a raised brow asking him if he was okay or if he wanted her to get him out as Sabine made her way onto the balcony. Jason smiled at her and nodded toward the door, reassuring her he would be fine. His wife’s mother wanted to have a talk with him and she deserved to have her say.

“I’ll be right back,” she said, looking at Jason to reassure him that she wouldn’t be gone long and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Once she left, Jason looked to Sabine waiting for her to start the conversation. When she continued to silently watch the sun makes its way toward setting Jason started getting uncomfortable. Finally after a few minutes, Jason decided to break the awkward silence. “You have a beautiful view, Mrs. Cheng. A beautiful home as well.”

“Sabine, please. You’re a part of our family now after all,” she said kindly but with an edge to her voice.

“Sabine, thank you. And thank you for being so calm about this… about us. Marinette has been panicking about telling you since we got married. She is really terrified about disappointing you. I know this must have been a shock and hard to accept for you.”

“It is. You have to understand, it’s nothing personal, but she will always be our baby and we just want what’s best for her. This is an unknown, you are an unknown so we aren’t sure how to react yet.”

“I do understand. I don’t take it personally. And I fully understand wanting to protect Marinette. I’m not going to try to force you to like me. I’m just happy Marinette is happy and doesn’t feel like she disappointed you.”

Sabine watched him for a few moments. “I can see the way you two look at each other and I can see how much you two love each other. But I can see something else.” He raised his brow at her. “I can see the way you need each other. I want to make sure you aren’t just using each other.”

Jason sucked in a breath and glanced away. That was not the observation he had been expecting. He didn’t think either of them was that obvious about how they interacted. He looked back to her, impressed with her insight. “You’re very observant. We are using each other… but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We both offer something the other needs. But neither of us is willing to take more than the other can give,” he reassured her. “And we really do love each other. We want the other to be better, to be happy. We rely on each other and we need each other but, isn’t that the way marriage is supposed to be? I mean, I don’t have very many models of a good marriage… or any, honestly, but that’s the way Marinette describes it. And that is what I want, a happy, healthy marriage. But more than that, I want her to be happy. I’m not going to do anything that will cause her more pain.”

Sabine’s eyes softened as she gazed at him. “I think she was right… about marriage and about you,” she reached up to pat him on his cheek. “I’m glad you found somebody who helps make you feel complete. I’m glad you both did. Do you mind if I give you a hug?”

Jason shook his head, too dazed to use words. “Here, let me just…” He knelt down so he was closer to her height, “There. That’s better.”

“Ah, I see it now.” She smiled as she hugged him with a gentle but firm hug, making him feel like he was welcome and accepted.

“What’s that?” he pulled back curiously.

“Why my daughter fell in love with you. She always did appreciate a smartass.” Jason barked out another laugh and hugged her again.

Marinette popped her head through the trapdoor. “Well that seemed to have gone well.”

“It did, sweetie. Now, you guys better hurry or you’re going to be late for your party. But I want you guys here for brunch tomorrow with the wedding pictures.” Sabine said with a smile, leaving the two to prepare for their next confrontation. “Oh, and dear?” she called back before disappearing through the trap door.

“Yes, Maman?”

“This family you guys want to start, I’m won’t be finding out about it after the child is born, right?” she asked with a calculating smile.

“No, Maman.”

“Jason?” she prompted him.

“No, Ma’am… uh, Sabine.”

“Good. Just making sure dear. Now, have fun tonight kids.” She said with saccharine sweetness.

<><><><><>

The party seemed to already be in full swing as Jason and Marinette approached Luka’s new houseboat. They could hear the music and laughter from a block away. “Just a quiet, little, friendly get together, huh?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Yep. Just like your quiet, little, friendly family dinners. It should be a familiar environment. You okay with it?”

“No, I mean, no, it isn’t a problem. I’m definitely not complaining. I like this better. More witnesses if someone does something.”

“That’s cute. You think we don’t cover for each other,” she gave him a wicked smile, dragging her finger along his jaw before walking ahead of him, swinging her hips for him.

“Oh, you’re in for it,” he laughed, running up behind her, picking her up, and throwing her over his shoulder without slowing down.

“Hey,” she squawked at him, laughing uncontrollably. “Let me down, you big goof.”

“Huh. Did you hear something?” he said confused spinning around and getting smacked by the bag of pastries she was carrying. “I could have sworn I heard something. Nope nothing there.”

“Jason!” Marinette called slapping his firm ass.

“Oh! There. I heard it again,” he grinned suddenly switching the direction he was spinning getting smacked by the bag on the other side.

“You are such an asshole. You’re going to ruin the pastries,” she laughed even harder.

“Ah, it must be my loving wife,” he said setting her down in front of him with a loving smile. “I would recognize that description of me anywhere.”

She huffed in mock annoyance at him, “Why do I put up with you?”

“Hmmm,” he hummed moving his face closer to hers and letting his hands roam up and down her sides, pleased with the contented sighs she let out. “My charm, my amazing personality, my devilishly good looks, I believe. Plus, I’m the only one who could survive the coming onslaught that is your friends.”

She smiled comfortingly at him, “Don’t worry, my friends are going to love you. I mean, don’t get me wrong, they’re going to threaten you, but after that, they’re going to love you.”

He rolled his eyes, “Why is it everyone you know is coming up and threatening me if I ever hurt you but everyone I know is… also coming up and threatening me if I ever hurt you?”

“Because they think I can’t defend myself,” she shrugged.

“Have you ever thought about telling them who you are? So they know you can defend yourself? I mean, not everyone but a few people you trust.”

“No, I don’t think it’s that.” She looked down to consider how to word her thoughts. “It’s… it’s how we deal with things. You lash out. I take it out on myself. Everything I do only affects myself. I withdraw from people and things, I lose my appetite, I get more tired, I lose my passion for things. Those things don’t affect anyone else, at least not directly. But you lash out. You yell, you hit, you get drunk and say cruel things, you try to hurt them as much as you’re hurting. It… the way we deal with things, makes me look weak and you look dangerous.”

He looked at her with sad eyes. She was right and he felt comforted knowing she knew him so well, but it also upset him that she was right. That is how he responds to negative things but he never wanted her to experience it firsthand. “I don’t ever want to do that to you. I won’t ever hurt you,” he promised sincerely.

“You will. And I’ll hurt you. We won’t mean to, but we will. But we’re going to talk about it, right? Instead of brooding or detaching? We promised... and we’re fucking adults and that’s what adults do.” He chuckled but nodded, hugging her closely as if protecting her from their future fights. He pulled away just far enough to press his forehead to hers. “I love you, wife.”

“I love you, husband,” she looked up at him adoringly, wrapping her hands around the back of his neck.

“WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST HEAR?” they heard screamed from behind Jason.

Marinette and Jason froze, “Shit,” Marinette whispered out, peeking around Jason to see Alix standing close enough to have heard at least the last part of their conversation.

“You got married?” she exclaimed only slightly less loud this time.

“Uh, yeah. This is Jason… my husband.” Marinette awkwardly indicated Jason.

“When did you get married?” Alix asked hugging Marinette and eyeing Jason suspiciously.

“A few weeks ago.”

“Does Alya know?” Marinette’s pained expression was enough of an answer for Alix. “Shit. Well it was nice I got to see you again before your funeral. Good luck. Hand over the pastries. I don’t want them destroyed in the mauling. I get to be there when you tell her, right?”

“I’m telling her as soon as I get there,” Marinette nodded as she handed over the bag she was holding.

“Sweet. I’m sticking by you. This party is going to be more interesting than I thought it was going to be. Does Sunshine know?”

“Yeah. He was there… Don’t tell Alya that part,” Marinette added quickly.

“Oh God no. Two murders is enough for tonight. Well, let’s get to it. I’d like to dig into these pastries and get some drinking done tonight.”

“Thank you, Alix. It’s good to see you. What have you been up to?” They chatted amicably as they walked toward the boat. Marinette’s hand held tightly to Jason’s as she walked. She looked over her shoulder, giving him a tight lipped smile, betraying her nerves. A few friends called to her from the boat as she got close. She waved and called back to them with a genuine smile. As soon as she stepped foot on the deck there was a rush of people each trying to give her hugs and find out about her life in Gotham.

“Back off everyone. She needs to breathe,” Alix yelled at the crowd, causing them to back up a bit.

“Thanks,” Marinette whispered to her, smiling consolingly at her friends.

“And she needs to make an announcement,” Alix decreed with an evil smile.

“Bitch!” Marinette hissed at her.

“You reap what you sow. Shouldn’t have snuck off.” Alix smirked at her.

“I was supposed to tell Alya first,” she hissed through her teeth.

“Ohhh, yeah. Good point. My bad. Oh well, too late now,” Alix shrugged and stepped back so Marinette could take center stage.

Jason stepped up behind her and wrapped his hand around her waist to let her know he was there for her. She took a deep breath and gave a fake smile to her friends. “Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to Jason Todd… my husband.”

Everyone stared at them slack jawed for a few moments. The boat was so quiet they could hear the water slapping against the bow. Finally the quiet was broken by Adrien squeezing through and hugging Marinette and shaking Jason’s hand, “Good to see you guys! How are your parents? Jason, I’m so glad you made it. Max over there was just saying Shakespeare was overrated. We need your expertise, man. Well, no what I actually need is someone who knows what the fuck their talking about to destroy him.”

Marinette smiled gratefully at Adrien who just winked in response. “Go savage, man. Let the heathen have it,” Adrien encouraged, slinging his arm over Jason’s shoulders and gesturing to a man in glasses in front of them. Jason looked back to Marinette for confirmation. She nodded to him with a wry smile and leaned over to Alya who had finally made her way over to Marinette, “Watch this.” She grinned proudly as Jason proceeded to give a solid 5 minute literary critique of Shakespeare’s works, the prevalence of the themes he wrote about, and the effect he had not only on his time but on future writers.

“He’s passionate about Shakespeare.” Alya observed.

“Yeah. Our place is filled with classic literature. You should see him talk about Jane Austin,” Marinette looked down to her hands for a moment before softly saying, “I’m sorry, Alya. I wanted to tell you first, in person. It was very sudden.”

Alya nodded. “Does he make you happy?”

“Yes, very,” she nodded vigorously. “He makes me feel… again.” She looked over at Alya uncertainly.

Alya nodded again and looked away as Jason returned with a grin. “How did that feel?” Marinette asked with a knowing smile.

“That was awesome. I never get to geek out like that.” He said hugging her. “You must be Alya,” he held out his hand. “Marinette talks about you constantly. I feel like I know so much about you already.”

“So how did you meet? When did you know you needed to get married?” Alya nodded her head in acknowledgement as Kagami joined them.

“We met when she kicked someone’s ass and I knew I needed to marry her when she handed Batman’s ass to him in a verbal smack down for the ages after he interrupted our date.” He grinned proudly down at Marinette.

“Marinette!” Kagami chastised her as Alya smacked her in the chest.

“It was the second time our date had been interrupted! I was pissed. And he tried to pull that glare on me like I did something wrong.” Marinette defended herself.

“Ooh, that was a mistake.” Alya shook her head with a laugh.

“I know, right?”

“Marinette, can I speak with you a bit more privately? I have some concerns I’d like to address with you.” Kagami spoke sharply looking only at Marinette.

Marinette looked between Jason and Alya and for the second time they had a silent conversation about if he was okay with being left alone. He nodded to her and motioned for her to follow her friend.

As soon as they were out of earshot Alya started her shovel talk, staring directly in his eyes. “You understand that you are an exceptionally lucky man and you will never meet anyone as amazing as her again, right?”

“I do.” He nodded sincerely.

“And if you ever hurt her, there will be no place to hide.”

“I understand.”

Alya nodded at him but her eyes didn’t soften. “Okay. My girl has been miserable for a really long time. None of us know what caused it except Adrien, but we have our suspicions. She hasn’t allowed herself to feel anything, good or bad in years. But she finally looks happy. With you in her life, she finally seems back to her old self so…”

“So?”

Alya squinted at him and pursed her lips, “So, I will allow it. I will allow you to stay married to her. But if that changes, if she becomes suddenly unhappy, they will never find the body, understood?”

“Understood,” he nodded at her. “And just so you know, I think there’s a line now. I think you’re after Sabine, Adrien, and Fang, not to mention several members of my family.”

“Oh no, we work together. I do the tool supplying, Kagami does the killing, Sabine does the cutting up, Adrien does the feeding, Fang does the eating, Kim does the alibiing, and Max does the cover up. If your family wants to get involved, we can assign jobs.”

Jason looked at her curiously, “Should I be concerned that you seem to have thought this through?”

“Not if you treat her right.” Alya gave him a pointed look.

“Which one is Kagami? I don’t think I’ve seen her yet.” He scanned the crowd.

“That’s her skill. You won’t see her coming,” she sent him a devilish smile before pointing to a woman leaning against the balcony railing having a serious conversation with Marinette, “Kagami was the one that was over here earlier, the one that currently is interrogating Marinette. You’re lucky I’m the one doing this and not her. She still might actually, but she should know I’ve already done it. I’m higher in the hierarchy.”

“There’s a hierarchy?” he looked at her with a raised brow.

“You think you’re the first one to get this talk? We protect our friends and we all know who gets to give the talk to who’s significant other and who is second up in case that person is unavailable. In most of these scenarios, Marinette is the one doing the digging. We don’t usually have the option of Fang. You didn’t wet your pants so you’re doing better than most of the significant others.”

“Thanks. Have you ever had to enact it?”

“Not that anyone has been able to prove.” She shot him a finger gun and a wink.

“Hey, new guy! You look like you’re in shape. You’re getting in on this, come on.” A large man with frosted tips tugged him to one of the ship’s two masts. Jason looked back at Alya who just gave him a thumbs up. “It’s a race to the top. Whoever sits on their mast first gets a prize.” The man announced excitedly.

“What’s the prize?”

“If you win, we let you stay married to my little sister.”

“I’m not your sister,” Marinette yelled from her spot at the railing.

“She says such hurtful things,” Kim mock whispered to Jason, his hand held sadly against his chest. “If I win, you buy the alcohol at the next party.” Jason nodded at him and looked over to Marinette with a wink.

“Winning this one for you, Pixie.” He gave her a dashing grin and a wink.

“Show ‘em what you got, Red. Mulan that bitch.” Marinette yelled back.

Marinette looked over as Adrien threw his arm around her shoulder, eyeing him suspiciously, “Hey, awfully convenient you guys were talking about Shakespeare when we got here.”

“Awfully wasn’t it. Couldn’t get Max talking about anything else.” Adrien shrugged with a false nonchalance.

“Right, classic lit. Max’s favorite subject,” she rolled her eyes. “Thank you.”

He gave her a tight side hug. “Don’t know what you’re talking about, Bug.” He shifted his focus to the center of the boat as Jason and Kim’s race started. He soon doubled over laughing as Kim slipped and fell from about half way up the mast all the way back to the deck, landing on his ass with a thump, followed almost immediately by Jason losing his footing and smacking his face against the mast but managing to keep his lead. “You married that. That’s yours now. You own that.”

“Yeah, but have you seen him without his shirt on?” he shook his head. She looked back with adoring eyes and a wicked smile at her amazing husband, engaging in dumbass challenges with her friends, “Worth it.”

Covert Pregnancy

#maribat #jasonette #Covert Jasonette

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wrenhyperfixates · 3 years

Text

Of All the Places

Chapter 10

Pairing: Loki x reader Series Summary: Washing up in a small town in Oklahoma was definitely not part of Loki’s plan when he came to conquer Midgard. There is one good thing about it, though: No one recognizes him as the one who just wreaked havoc in New York. So, Loki plans to recover from the battle and move on with his life. The only problem? He’s not sure he can leave you. Chapter Summary: The time has come for Loki to tell you how he feels, and he insist on doing it right. Now he just has to hope that you feel the same way he does. Chapter Warnings: zip, zilch, zero A/N: This was a really fun chapter to write, and I’m so excited to share it. Want to tell me what you thought of it or what you think will happen next? I’d love to hear it! Updates every Friday. Happy reading, all :)

Tag List: @lucywrites02 @frostedgiant @lunarmoon8 @twhiddlestonsstuff @marvelousdaydreams @parkastoria @lokistan @thelokiimaginechroniclesficrecs

✥ Start at Beginning ✥ | ← Previous Chapter | Next Chapter →

Disclaimer: Gif not mine

His promise to John was one Loki intended to keep. He’d gotten hardly any sleep these past few nights, trying to think of the perfect way to tell you how he truly feels. And, he had to confess, he already missed your warm mortal body snuggling up against him while slept, and waking up to your arms wrapped around him, safe and content. Well, that was all terribly off topic, and Loki refocused on the task at hand, which, in addition to figuring out his dilemma, was not burning breakfast.

The atmosphere in the kitchen was very awkward right now. Papa had stepped out for a minute, so it was just Loki and Mama. They hadn’t spoken since the confrontation in the barn, and he wasn’t sure if it was because she still hated him or felt bad about what she said. He sighed, knowing if he were to ever be with you, it would certainly hurt your relationship with your mother more. It pained his heart to think that you’d never get to meet his mother. That he’d never get to see her again, either. The thought gave him all the confidence he needed to do what he knew he must.

“I am sorry,” he said.

“What?” she said, utterly surprised. Then more hostilely, she added, “What did you do.”

“I have, perhaps, not been as polite to you as I should have, and for that I am sorry. But I need you to know that I mean it when I say I would never do anything to hurt this family. I could not live with myself if I did.”

“You know what James always said?” Mama asked after a moment of silence, her voice breaking and tears welling in her eyes. “He said everyone deserved a second chance. That we’re all just trying to do the best we can, and we shouldn’t judge anyone too harshly. I’m thankful every day that he wasn’t as cynical as I am. So I’m sorry too, for not giving you a chance.”

Loki fetched her a tissue to dry her her eyes. He never had been very good at dealing with emotions and was unsure of what the correct procedure here was. In the end, he just bowed his head and gave her a moment to compose herself.

“I know what you’ve been planning, and though you didn’t quite ask for it,” she began once her tears were dry, “you have my blessing. I really do want my babies to be happy, it’s just so hard to let go.”

“I understand,” he said. “And thank you. My sole mission in life shall be to make them happy.”

Mama gave a sad little smile, almost like she did not believe him. Or perhaps she was just upset for herself at having to move on. Either way, he was grateful they’d come to an understanding. Hopefully a lasting one this time.

“Loki, one more thing,” she said.

“Yes?”

“Your waffles are burning.”

He quickly saved the batch before they were ruined completely. Thankfully, Papa came back to help him soon. Though they were a great deal harder than pancakes, they still came out pretty well, making Loki’s chest swell with pride that he was assimilating so well. He smiled to himself, thinking how this could be the rest of his life with you. Maybe the two of you could even get your own plot of land one day, right near this one. This whole mentality of thinking optimistically was much easier than constantly preparing for the worst, Loki decided.

“Morning, Loki. Did you make those?” you asked, spying the plate of waffles. “They smell great.”

“Thank you,” he blushed. “Would you like to taste one?”

You nodded, and he impaled a small piece on a fork. He held it to your lips, and you ate it, the interaction making his heart stutter.

“It’s delicious! You’re quite the chef, if you ask me,” you complimented him, grabbing the whipped cream and syrup to put on the table.

“Again, thank you, my darling. I’m sure it’s nothing special, though.”

“Sounds to me like you should try it, too,” you said, mimicking his actions from before and feeding him. Needless to say, his cheeks went bright red. “See? Delicious.”

“Morning guys,” John said, walking in. “Congratulations, Loki. I’m glad you finally did it.”

Loki started motioning for him to shut up, immediately understanding that John thought your behavior was due to him telling you how he felt. Alas, that was just how the two of you behaved with each other. Though, perhaps it was good, and he should see it as a sign that you reciprocated his feelings.

“Finally did what?” you asked, completely perplexed.

“Oh, uh, just making waffles. Big step up the breakfast ladder,” John said, giving Loki a subtle thumbs up.

“Indeed! That’s it,” Loki heaped onto the cover up. “In fact, we should eat them before they get cold.”

He shepherded both of you to the table where the rest of the family joined you. He could tell you were all being genuine when you said how much you enjoyed the food. Lies were his specialty, after all, and he couldn’t spot a single one. Except his entire reason for being there, obviously. There was always that untruth hanging in the air, ruining what would otherwise be bringing him bliss.

“Sorry about this morning,” John said as they headed out into the fields later that day. “Hope I didn’t spoil anything.”

“No need to worry. It was a close one, but we covered it up just fine,” Loki replied. “In truth, I have not even found the right words to tell them. And believe me, I’ve been wracking my brain.”

“Well, maybe that’s the issue.”

“What is?”

“That you’re thinking so hard. Just speak from the heart.”

“Perhaps, but the scene must be set just right. I insist upon having that planned out, at least.”

“Fair enough. Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.”

They set about the usual chores, and Loki thought about the situation the whole time. It wasn’t until they were heading back in for the evening that inspiration struck. You were waiting for them on the porch, waving as they came in. Besides the fact that it was rather picturesque, it made him realize you'd had some important moments there. Like that day when you went to the creek, the first time he’d really felt close to you, it had started with you talking on the porch. When you’d almost kissed the day of the party, that was on the porch, too. Perhaps it was just the place to start the next phase of your relationship.

“John,” he whispered as you walked inside. “I believe I have the perfect idea.”

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

“What do you think, little one? Is it perfect?”

“Hmm,” Matt said in reply, then adjusted a napkin ever so slightly. “There. Now it is!”

“Thank you. Everything must be just right for tonight.”

“And it will be,” Ana said, laying a comforting hand on Loki’s shoulder.

“She’s right,” John added, coming out of the house and placing a kiss on his wife’s cheek. “You planned it out all week.”

“I know, but these nerves will not settle.”

“Well, maybe it’s time to just go for it.”

“He’s right,” Ana encouraged. “Once you do it, there’ll be nothing left to worry about.”

“I suppose you are right. No time like the present.”

He shook himself out, feeling more nervous than he had in his whole life. Even with the encouragement of his friends, he wasn’t sure he could do this. Though, the fact that he even had friends did give him a boost of confidence. On the flip side of that, he was saddened by the fact he could not share this with his family. Because even after all this time, he still thought of them as that. Well, Thor and Frigga anyway; Odin, not so much.

“You can do this, Loki!” Matt cheered, hugging Loki’s legs.

He fondly smiled down at the boy and pat his head. “Thank you, little one.”

“And don’t forget, no one can resist a god,” John said with a wink after Ana and Matt were gone, then headed in himself.

Loki waited a minute before going in, too. As he traveled the halls to your room to invite you down, he recalled all the time he’d spent in the house. Before he came here and met all of you, he was convinced he was doomed. But now, he thought happiness was possible again. He’d been so broken, but you’d healed him with your gentle touches and kind words.

This world around him, he owed all to you. You’d showed him a way to live he’d never even considered before, extended the offer of a place in your home to him. He deeply wished he could do the same for you, raise you to the level of the gods in Asgard. He wanted to show you the gleaming, golden city, give you a tour of the place where he grew up. It was pointless, though, for he knew it could never be.

“Darling,” he said, knocking on your door. You opened it up, and he tried to calm his wild heart. “Do you suppose you could meet me on the porch in, say, ten minutes?”

“Oh! Yeah, sure. What for?”

“You will see,” he smiled before going back down to check over everything one final time.

After giving everything a once over, Loki conjured a bouquet of your favorite flowers on a whim. It felt almost strange to use his powers after keeping them hidden so long. It came back to him rather easily, even so. He hoped that one day he would be able to show you all the tricks he could do. To amaze you with magic out of your wildest dreams. If tonight went well, he was certain he would.

“Loki. I’m here. I-” you paused, taking in the set up on the porch. “What is all this?”

He gulped, hoping he didn’t go overboard with the twinkle lights and lanterns. Your family had said that it wasn’t too much, but maybe they were wrong. For once, your face was unreadable. Although, maybe that was just because he was going through a million emotions of his own.

“It’s for you. I was hoping we could dine together this evening,” he told you, presenting the flowers, which you gratefully accepted.

“Of course we can. But, if you don’t mind my asking, why just the two of us?”

“To be perfectly clear, my darling, I like you. I like you as more than just a friend, and I want to be more than that. So, I suppose this is me asking you on a date.”

“Then, this is me accepting.”

You both stood there grinning like idiots for a minute before he cleared his mind. He pulled out a chair for you and then sat in his own. Papa had been enlisted to help Loki cook one of your favorite meals. You raved about how good it was, and Loki had never felt lighter. It was like he was floating on air. The dessert, too, you thoroughly enjoyed. Everything was going swimmingly, but Loki was still not satisfied with his confession when there was so much else he wanted to say to you.

“My darling,” he began, circling around to your side of the table. You got up, too, and invited him to sit on the porch swing. “I must admit, I do not think it sufficient that I have not completely expressed how I feel. You see, when I first came here, I was so lost. But then there was you, so kind, so accepting. You became my direction, the only place I want to be, regardless of where I was before all this. You’ve said before that you do not think your life would be complete with me in it. Well I have yet to tell you that I feel exactly the same way, but I do. More than I can even express.”

You whispered his name, and he yours in reply. It was both a question and an invitation, full of desire and longing as his hand cupped your cheek. He leaned in towards you. A part of him did not want to do this until after he’d shared the whole truth, something he’d originally planned on doing tonight. But right now, the overwhelming majority of thoughts in his head were urging him to follow through with this. The second before your lips were going to meet, the front door slammed open.

“I thought you two might like to come inside,” Mama said. “It’s going to rain, and it’s getting awful late.”

Whether the part about the rain was true or not, Loki did not know, but either way he did not appreciate the interruption. After all, sitting on the porch you did have protection from the elements. He thought she was okay with him dating you, but apparently not. It didn’t particularly matter though, since he wasn’t going to call her out on it.

“Thank you,” he said instead. “I guess we should be heading in then.”

You nodded and began the trek up to your rooms. How he wished you could have finished that moment on the porch, but it was too late now. You bid each other goodnight, and he cast a longing glance over his shoulder at you. Before his hand could touch the knob of his door, you spun him back around and placed a kiss to his lips. It was hasty and sloppy, but it was still perfect.

“Goodnight, Loki,” you whispered breathlessly and leaving him in a daze.

He flopped onto his bed and stared at the ceiling, quietly laughing to himself once he fully processed what had happened. Tonight had gone better than he ever could have imagined. Except for one thing. He realized he never told you the truth about who he was. His heart sank, thinking how he might ruin what he’d just gained if he did come clean now. But he knew he must. And soon. Because if there was one thing he’d truly meant, it was that he never wanted to hurt you. He could only hope that telling you wouldn’t do just that.

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drethanramslay · 4 years

Text

A funny thing called Fate: Chapter 2

Pairing: Bryce X MC (Aisha Khurrana)

Word Count: 4.6 K words (yeah yeah its more than usual)

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

Warning: None, just some cursing

Author’s note: The next chapter is here and it is in Aisha’s POV!!

I decided to take part in @choicesseptemberchallenge20 and the prompt is heaven which you will find in bold.

TERMS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

- IIT, Delhi: It’s one of the most premier institute for engineering in India. Delhi campus is said to be the best one in the country. The majority of the Indian CEO’s like Google, at least have a degree of IIT under their belt.

-ku'uipo: Sweetheart

-'Ae: Yes

- Beta padhai par dhyaan do, dost aate jaate hai: Child, focus on your studies, friends come and go (TBH this is the one line which maximum desi kids have heard while growing up. That's why we can be uh.. awkward in making new friends lol)

-Main kya gadhi hoon: I'm such a dumbass (side note: gadhi (female) actually means donkey in hindi)

-Duniya main maine itna bada gaandu kabhi dekha nahi hai maine: I have not seen a bigger asshole than this guy. (yes I love swearing in hindi and what about it)

Forgive me if i made any errors

10 YEARS AGO- AISHA'S POV

My fingers ran against the spines of the book, my head tilted as I searched for a new book to dive into.

"Found anything of your liking, Aisha?" Tina, the librarian asked, her kind eyes twinkling. The old librarian loved me because I always helped around in sorting the books or with checkout. She suggested that if I were to help her, she would pay me so I decided why not?

But the lack of people coming to the library and their constant need to be fake on social media, flexing about their looks instead of textbooks often left the library empty which consequently resulted in free time.

Not that I minded.

In that free time I would either catch up on my study assignments or I would read the books recently added to the collection be it fiction, politics, history, astronomy... I wasn't picky about the genres.

But lately, my attention is being drawn to medical journals and textbooks. Yes, I'm 16 and that its definitely not people my age do but, to be the person balancing on the tightrope between life and death, the person who stands between existence and heaven... it's just a beautiful paradox that I can't help be captivated by the concept.

That and my strengths are biology and chemistry so its just an added plus. So, I definitely dream of being a world class doctor.

Not to brag, but I know all the pulse points in the body and can name the bones of the skull in my sleep. My parents don't know that because... let's say there is a reason why I stay out of home for the majority of the day.

Are we again going to go over this? I am sick and tired of your fucking indiscipline. How I wish you could be more like Aditya... Mama's voice rung in my ears which made me close my eyes and take a shuddering breath.

Now is not the time to think about how awful you are. I repeated it in my head like a mantra, making it a point to message my brother and rant about the newest development.

Despite our parents trying to pit me against bhaiya, we were thick as thieves. We always had each other's backs and we're there to cheer each other up. Whenever our parents would scream at any of us, we would wait until they fell asleep to do something to lift the other person up. Midnight feasts, movie binge or just cuddling and imagining a future where we were away from them... That always managed to cheer me up and I knew bhaiya enjoyed it too.

I don't think we fought that much either because we were pretty close in age, with only three and a half years difference. We are pretty like-minded and scientifically inclined only he was interested in computer engineering while I was fascinated by the engineering of the human body.

It sucked that he is in IIT, Delhi while I'm so far away. We still manage to video call irrespective of the time zones but it is not the same as having the comfort of your older brother.

"I think I will take this." I handed her a battered copy of Gray's anatomy.

Tina just gave a knowing smile and I checked out. I headed to the nearby Fleming Beach Park, which is one of the most popular beaches in Maui. It was a five-minute walk from the library and the majority of the school population used to come here to hang out in the evenings.

Not that I was paying any attention to my oblivious classmates.

I headed to Kimo's Beach Shack and the owner gave me a gentle smile.

"What will it be, ku'uipo? The usual?" They asked as they wiped their hand on the dishtowel.

"'Ae." I smiled at them and they started making my favourite drink- Strawberry milkshake.

Precariously balancing my bag, the drink in one hand and my wrist-thick library book under the armpit of my other hand, I headed to the quieter side of the beach, away from the raucous.

I settle down under the shade of the palm trees and lean back against the rocks, taking in the view around me. I could see people from my school roaming around in their swimming suits either playing volleyball or surfing. As I sipped my milkshake (looking like an absolute loner, must I add) my eyes drifted to their happy faces as the joked around, laughing and having fun with their friends.

The two concepts that are so unfamiliar to me.

When I was back in India, I had a good group of friends who I would hang out with and play basketball with. It was good but shifting to a new place can strain those relationships. I do follow them on social media but seeing them enjoying and doing the things which we used to do together, it causes my heart to ache.

And I never really tried making friends here in Maui because a) The people here didn't consider me as one of them and b) My parents kept on saying it is temporary so there was no point focusing on that. Beta padhai par dhyaan do, dost aate jaate hai. My dad told me the one night I decided to express my excessive loneliness.

Thanks papa, real helpful. I shook my head, sipping my drink as I carefully opened my library book.

"You look sad." A childish voice spoke up breaking me out from my melancholy. I looked up and saw a four-year-old girl, her doe-like eyes staring down at me. She was wearing a pink summer dress and a cute bow hairband, taming her light brown hair.

"Huh?"

"You look sad... and lonely."

"I am okay, keiki... Don't worry."

The kid's eyebrows furrowed with confusion. "How did you know my name?"

My eyes widened. In the two years in Hawaii, I had learnt a little bit of Hawaiian and spoke in bits and pieces. And I'm pretty sure keiki meant 'child' in Hawaiian so you could imagine the shock I felt when her name was the literal translation of child.

Who the fuck names their child... child?

"A lucky guess. It is nice to meet you Keiki." She moved her hand forward and Keiki's hand clutched my big hand with her small ones shaking it. Her hand was as big as my palm.

"What's your name?" Keikie asked as she sat down next to me.

"I'm Aisha. And, what are you doing here all alone?"

"I came with my elder brother but he and his friends were playing and he forgot his promise to build a sandcastle with me. So I just went walking." She huffed and crossed her short arms across her chest.

"Well, your brother would be worried about you, won't he?" I asked as her eyes scan the crowd, looking for a guy who remotely looks like my little companion.

"Well, I think that's a go-good puni-shi-ment for him." She struggled with the big word.

Aisha chuckled and soon Keiki's giggles joined hers.

"You remind me of the times when I used to bother my elder brother like that. He would get so mad."

"Where is he now?" She asked as her hands fisted the sand, her eyes moving to look at the brunette.

"Well, he is in university, in a completely different country."

"Do you miss him?"

"A lot." I sighed. Her puppy eyes met mine and she reached to hold my elbow. I smiled down at her, appreciating the gesture. She opened her mouth to ask me more questions when we heard a commotion.

"KEIKI!! There you are!" A shout wafted towards us, interrupting Keiki. I saw a tall guy jogging towards us and when my eyes landed on him, I immediately recognized him.

Bryce Lahela. The golden boy of my school, with girls and guys falling for him, left, right, centre. And right now, he was approaching me completely shirtless, his abs glistening in the evening sun. He had a Polynesian tattoo wrapping around his left bicep and ending a little below his collarbone which had me feeling... uh thirsty?

Cool, cool, cool, just act like yourself.

Yeah as if that's helped you deal with your awkwardness. Her conscience snarked at her.

“Shut up.” I muttered to myself. But, I wasn’t subtle enough and Bryce turned towards me, a weird look in his eyes.

Off to a great start, Aisha. Keep up the good work. I mentally groaned as I went back to reading my library book.

"Thank god Keiki you are okay... I was so worried." He kneeled and hugged her, immediately forgetting my weird mumblings. I could feel the body heat emanating from him and suddenly, the anatomy of the kidney seemed more interesting than the hot guy beside me.

"Its okay Bryce. I was talking to my new friend." Keiki squeaked as she pulled away from the hug, two sets of hazel eyes staring at me now.

My eyes widened and I subconsciously reached to push my glasses up my nose, feeling the back of my neck heating up.

"Well, thank you so much." His voice reverberated and I swear I felt as if I would combust at the spot.

I looked up and shot a tiny smile. "No worries. Keiki here makes a nice study buddy."

I internally smacked my head. Study buddy? Really? Who uses that term now?

"Of course. Daddy says that I'm a beauty with brains." She said with a smug smile.

"Well, that's the one thing that I agree with dad," Bryce said as he settled down on her other side. The one feet distance enabled my mind to resume working.

I smiled down at Keiki and I found that Bryce was looking at me intently.

O... okay?

"Wait... You go to my school right? Lahainaluna High School?"

I nodded my head. I was about to introduce myself when his eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

He was snapping his fingers when his face lightened up with recognition. "You are Aisha, right? The newbie who joined us last year I was in your chemistry class last year."

The drink almost fell from my hand and I had to clutch it tighter to prevent myself from making a bigger mess. Clearing my throat I smiled nervously. "Yeah, that's me. You are Bryce, right? You are on the basketball team, right?"

"You know me?" He asked, shocked and I could hardly stop myself from rolling my eyes.

"Duh?! You are Mr. Popular with really good looks and either people love you or hate you." I rambled off.

A small smile played on his lips. "And which category would you belong too? The love or hate category?"

I gave a shy smile. "Let's just say I'm on neutral grounds. Give me a good reason why I should like you."

"Because of my dashing looks? My tattoo?" He stretched his hands wide, gesturing towards himself. His hair caught the evening light, making it look like a halo. His hazel eyes had flecks of gold which threatened to drown me but before I could get lost in his sheer beauty, I shook my head to snap out of the daze of his presence and gave a mocking sigh.

"Aaaannnndd, he is just like other dumb jocks who is overly obsessed with his looks. Why are they all the same?"

Keiki put her hand sympathetically on my lap. "Don't worry Ash. I don't like Bryce when he talks about his looks either."

Bryce gasped. "Keiki you are breaking my heart."

"Good."

He reached for her and started tickling her which made her squeal with laughter. I had to get up so that the sand doesn't get on me, laughing at the sight. "Brryyccee!! Stopp!!"

"Not until you tell me I'm the best brother in the world."

Gasping for breath with tears in her eyes, Keiki breathed out in defeat. "Okay, okay. You are the best... brother in... the world."

Bryce pulled back a grin playing on his lips.

"Good."

My phone rang and I saw Mama's name flash on the screen which made me sigh.

"Your mom?" Bryce asked.

"Yep. should reach home before she turns into momzilla." We chuckled as I put my book into my bag.

"Bye Keiki, it was nice talking to you."

"Bye Ash. I like you. Can we make sandcastles next time?" I laughed and nodded, "Sure sweetie."

"Where is my goodbye?" Bryce pouted.

I rolled her eyes. "Bye Bryce. See you around."

And with that, I turned on her heel, and walked home, feeling much better.

PRESENT

Aisha felt like banging her head against the wall of the hospital out of utter embarrassment. In the span of 7 hours, she had pissed off her superior, met her ex from ten years ago, got stuck with a partner who hardly did anything and now managed to embarrass herself yet again in front of her role model.

Rookie... Are you hiding from me? The way Dr. Ramsey had an eyebrow raised, as if to question why she was hiding behind another intern and the appalled expression as she stumbled over her words were forever imprinted in her mind.

Not my brightest moment. Aisha recollected as she sighed at the way she stuttered and finally came up with an excuse.

I'm doing charts. She mocked herself as she shook her head. There was a table right next to me!! I could have come up with anything but that weak ass excuse.

And she had always dreamed that if she were to meet Bryce in real life, she would definitely insult the fuck out of him and then for the finishing stroke, she would probably punch him in his handsome face or kick him in the crown jewels.

But sadly, you seldom get the things you wish for.

I don't have time for this - Main kya gadhi hoon. She mentally groaned as she tried to shut off the part of her brain which was so hell-bent on making her feel humiliated.

She entered Annie's room to find her curled up in her bed, playing idly with her phone. She perked up a little when she saw Aisha, forcing a smile on her face.

"Oh. Hi, Dr. Khurrana."

"I just came by to see how you're feeling Annie."

Annie shrugged. "The same. The nurse came by and gave me some medication a little while ago.."

Opening Annie's chart she checked. "Yeah, antibiotics. It's too soon to see any improvement yet, but hopefully, we'll see some results soon."

Aisha was about to turn on her heel and leave when she heard Annie's small voice. "hey, could you stay awhile? It's... kinda lonely, being here all on my own."

Aisha gave an empathetic smile and reached to sit down on the chair near her bed. "Of course I can."

"Thank you once again doc."

"No, thank you. I haven't been off my feet since I got out of bed this morning. So Annie," Aisha leaned forward, "what are you studying?"

Annie blinked as if she was confused by the question. She took a couple of heavy breaths before attempting to answer.

"My master's is in... English... but my... my..." She swayed, her voice woozy as she tried to finish her sentence.

Aisha was on alert. "Annie, are you feeling okay?" She asked as she felt her pulse which was dropping before Annie passed out.

The heart rate monitor sounded a long, flat tone as her heart stopped.

"OH MY GOD!! Code blue, I need some help here!!" Aisha shouted, pressing the button near her bed.

"C'mon Annie stay with me." As Aisha stood on the nearby stool, performing CPR as she waited for the code team to arrive.

"Aisha?!" Jackie's shocked voice made her lookup.

"Jackie, where is the code team?"

"Room 502 called a code blue just before you. Just keep up with CPR. They'll get to you when they can!"

Aisha's eyes flashed. "That could be too late!! Help me, Jackie we are losing her fast."

"What were her symptoms?" Jackie asked as she snapped on the latex gloves and moved towards the bed.

"Symptoms were headache and nausea. Started during her vacation to Indonesia. Aurora and I did a blood workup and gave her cefpodoxime." Aisha opened the gown and Jackie's eyes narrowed in on the rash rapidly spreading on the side of the body.

"She is breaking in hives. She is in anaphylactic shock!"

"Now that I think about it, it may be because of her allergy to the antibiotics I gave... I had fucking asked her, dammit." Guilt made her chest heavy.

Jackie's face turned into a scowl as she wheeled the defibrillator cart closer. "It doesn't matter whose fault it is. This girl needs you now! We have to get her heart started ourselves."

Aisha nodded as she opened Annie's gown, baring her chest. She took a steadying breath. You have done this numerous times in AIIMS, you can do this.

Taking the paddles, she placed one paddle on the right side, beneath her collarbone and the other paddle on the left side, just beneath her armpit.

A small impressive smile made its way on Jackie's lips. "Good, now set the charge."

"Charging to 300 volts... Clear!"

Annie's body spasmed as the paddles discharged. Keeping them aside, Aisha resumed her compressions on Annie's chest.

C'mon Annie... You can do this... Come back to me. Aisha prayed.

The monitor beeped twice before Annie's heartbeat returned, accelerated but constant.

She let out a sigh of breath as she bent over the bed. Jackie clapped her back. "You are soooo lucky."

"Shut up. Now just give her an epinephrine injection and intubate while I maintain compression."

Jackie nodded her head and Aisha shot a grateful smile as she continued her compressions, her hands aching.

"What the hell is going on in here, Rookie?"

Yikes. Aisha winced at the tone and looked up to find Dr. Ramsey glaring from the doorway.

Time to own up, buddy. She sighed and spoke up. "Dr. Ramsey, she was allergic to the antibiotics I prescribed.

She couldn't gauge his reaction from so far away. "Well... at least you are taking responsibility. Sometimes patients don't know about their own allergies. That's why you always have to be cautious."

Jackie injected the epinephrine pen into Annie's tight. Still unconscious, Annie took a shuddering gasp of air.

"And now we intubate."

"Excellent work, Doctor...?"

A self-satisfied smile made its way on Jackie's face. "Varma."

"You were assigned to this case?"

"No, I was passing and I hear Dr. Khurrana calling a code blue."

A smile made its way on his face which shocked Aisha. This man voluntarily uses his facial muscles to smile? I wouldn't have known. "The patient's very lucky you were here. I'm not confident Dr. Khurrana could have handled this alone."

Now, wait a damn minute... Aisha clenched her jaw. This wasn't her first time she was getting insulted and yeah it was called for but it didn't help her feel any better either.

Jackie bit her lip and glanced at Aisha, which Aisha pointedly ignored. Watch her jump at the opportunity in 3...2...1

"Thank you. Just doing my job, Dr. Ramsey."

There it is.

Gulping down her annoyance, Aisha spoke up. "Dr. Varma really bailed me out." Aisha turned towards Jackie and nodded stiffly. "Thank you, Dr. Varma."

Jackie tried to read her, guilt swimming in her eyes.

She should be guilty, she took the credit of the save when I was the one calling the shots.

"...Anytime."

Fuck you. She narrowed her eyes slightly which made Jackie wince.

Luckily, Dr. Ramsey gave Jackie an out. "Dr. Varma, you should return to your patients."

A relieved smile made its way on her face. "Yes, Doctor." Throwing a backward glance towards Aisha, she walked out.

Dr. Ramsey swivelled towards Aisha, his face drawn tight with annoyance. "And you... you need to have a long hard think about whether or not you're ready to be here. It doesn't matter that it's your first day, or that you're still learning. Whether this girl lives or dies is on you. Is that clear?"

"Crystal, Dr. Ramsey."

"You still have no idea what's wrong with her, and your first attempt nearly killed her. This is the real world. No room for mista--"

"Hi, Dr. Ramsey? Sorry to interrupt." A short Asian intern interrupted him and Aisha let out a small sigh of relief.

This guy would give my parents a run for their money. Why do I meet assholes everywhere I go?

"For the love of God, what now?"

"One of the nurses told me... that one of the other interns told them... that one of the doctors said..."

Dr. Ramsey certainly didn't enjoy beating around the bush. With a biting voice, sharp enough to make both Aisha and the intern to flinch, he commanded. "Skip to the point."

"Dr. Toussaint needs to see you urgently." She rushed.

Dr. Ramsey pinched the bridge of his nose, muttered something about 'interns' under his breath.

Straightening his coat, who gave pointedly glanced at Aisha. "Remember what I said, Rookie. Next time I see you, you'd better have solved the case." He turned on his feet and stormed out making the petite intern jump.

Aisha stepped out into the hall with the intern, leaned against the wall and let out a sigh.

"Thank god for Dr. Toussaint. I swear if he wouldn't have called, Dr. Ramsey would have burst a vein or something."

The intern leaned against the wall adjacent to Aisha. "Yeah... Too bad he doesn't actually need to see Dr. Ramsey."

Aisha's eyes widened and she turned to stare at the other intern. "Huh?"

"I made it up! I could hear Ramsey chewing you out halfway down the hall, I figured you might need a save."

Oh my god, that is the sweetest thing anyone has done for me.

Aisha smiled brightly. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. But you could get in serious trouble if he realizes it."

She shrugged with a cheeky grin. "If. Besides, I'm tougher than I look. I'm Sienna by the way. Or Dr. Trinh. Whichever floats your boat."

"I'm Aisha Khurrana. Thanks again." Aisha's pager beeped and she looked down and sighed. "As fun as our little adventure was, I need to get back to work. Nice talking to you Sienna and once again, thanks for the save."

"Bye, hope you solve the case. Also, wait! I heard all the doctors hang out at this bar called Donahue's. I think, just down the street. Apparently, it's like the place to go and decompress after a long shift. Wanna come?"

"Sure!! If only I survive my first shift."

Sienna gave a brilliant smile. "Assuming you live through the next few hours, I'll meet you in the atrium after we clock out."

And Aisha got back to work, tending to her other patients but Annie's unconscious face kept on flashing behind her eyelids and Ramsey's words echoed in her head, like a broken tape recorder.

You need to have a long hard think about whether or not you're ready to be here.

She took a shuddering breath, doubt slipping into her mind, making her question everything she did. Every patient she treated and every prescription she signed.

Am I really cut out for this?

She tried to stop the rising anxiety but it still continued to swell in her like a balloon. Her throat began to dry up and it felt as if the weight on her chest didn't allow her to breathe.

Oh god, it's happening.

Feeling like she was on the verge of a breakdown, she ducked into a dark supply closet so nobody could see her while she tried to pull herself together.

It's okay. You worked your way through med school to get here. You are worthy. She chanted, taking in gulps of air.

It had hardly been a minute when the door suddenly opened and she heard footsteps.

Aisha internally groaned in annoyance. "Get in or get out. Just quit holding the door." She turned around and saw Bryce.

Oh fuck.

He nervously cleared his throat and walked towards her, maintaining his distance. "I feel like I'm interrupting something. Are... are you okay?"

Thanks to the dark, he couldn't see her tear rimmed eyes. Sighing loudly she untied her hair and ran her fingers through it, something she often did when she felt like her life was on the verge of falling apart.

"Nothing. I'm just looking for something." She tried to speak in a sharp tone but it just sounded like her voice was cracking.

She knew that Bryce had definitely heard how close she was to crying. Concern laced his voice. "Hey, I know when we met I was nothing but a dumb, self-obsessed jock but it's different now. I... I know you are not okay. Want to talk about it? Or vent?"

Goddamit Bryce. "Fine! I almost killed my first patient and I fucking swear to god I saw my career flash before my eyes. But it was lowkey my fault. I should have checked for allergies. But I tried fixing my error by calling the shots and Jackie helped me. BUT that's not it! Instead of being a humble person, Jackie swoops in and takes the credit of my save and Dr. Ramsey just goes on congratulating her as if she won some fucking AMA Award-"

"Aisha, breathe."

Taking a lungful of air she continued. "- And don't even get me started on Dr. Ethan Freaking Ramsey. Duniya main maine itna bada gaandu kabhi dekha nahi hai maine. What a dick!! He should get fucking laid to work off all his anger issues-"

Bryce snorted but didn't dare to interrupt Aisha. From the short time they dated, he knew better than to interrupt her mid-rant, it only managed to instigate her.

Another deep breathe. "- Boy does he manage to make me doubt myself in every step of the way like am I worthy of being here? I mean, I threw my heart and soul into med school because I wanted to be the best doctor out there but dammit I don't think I am ready."

When he made sure she wasn't going to launch into a new roast session, he spoke up. "Wow. You managed so many years of med school, but eight hours into the shift and you're surrendering? Didn't take you for a quitter."

Excuse me? Aisha's eyes narrowed.

"You don't know me anymore Bryce. The Aisha you dated is long gone and dead." She said in a low voice.

He shrugged. "True, but I know that you still have the fire in you to do what you love the most. C'mon, you have dealt with worse but yet you are here, standing tall. This is just temporary. I know you can pick yourself back up and break down all the obstacles in front of you."

She looked up at Bryce, only able to see the faint outline of his body. He still was the same- tall, well built and with really good hair. "No offence but... you used to be the guy who would wet himself during chemistry practicals, what happened to make you so...?" She gestured her hand at him, accidentally hitting his hand.

He hesitated. "As you said, things changed and you don't know me anymore Aisha."

"Fair enough."

The lack of space and the awkward silence just fueled the tension between them. She could feel his converse bumping into her shoes and the heated gaze on her face.

There used to be a time when Aisha and Bryce would talk for hours on end and they never ran out of topics to talk about. Be it something as lame as which is the superior flavour of ice cream or as deep as life after death.

Look at us now... Aisha thought to herself, gulping.

Her hair fell on her face as she averted her eyes, unable to come up with something to talk about. Bryce's hand involuntary reached to push back the rebel strands behind her ear, his hands caressing her cheek in the process. It felt as if electric sparks shot up her cheeks, making her blush.

Bryce opened his mouth. "Aisha-"

The door opened and she heard a feminine voice. "Bryce I saw you giving me the look so I decided to join you-"

A woman walked around the corner of the help and Aisha's jaw dropped. It was not because she was shocked that he was dating, he could screw the entire hospital for all she cared but, no... she was topless.

"Oh." The unknown woman placed her hands beside her.

"Sam-" Bryce began and Aisha spoke up at the same time. "I was just-"

The confusion was interrupted again when the closet door opened again and a senior resident stood before them, aghast. "What is going on over here?"

"Oh fuck." The expletive spilt from Aisha's lips.

The topless woman, whose name apparently was Sam, quipped in. "Yeah what she said."

Well, this is totally not awkward.

AUTHOR”S NOTE #2:

Number one, yeah I dragged PB a bit in regards to Keiki’s name.. PB do your research challenge 🙄

Number two, okay so about the tattoo part, me and @bratzlahela were just talking about Bryce having Polynesian tattoos based on this post and I had to integrate it in my series lol

This is something I imagined 🤭

Number 3, Also I tried to change up the scene a bit with Jackie because tbh, Aisha is pretty fucking smart and she won’t be like “Boo-hoo. I don’t know anything” And about the part where she spoke about using the defibrillator numerous times in AIIMS, In India the medical education is a little more hands-on and focuses more on clinical practice rather than theory. Medical students from first year start doing ward duty and help around in the hospitals taking patient history, etc. Also, they have a mandatory year of internship without which you don’t get your license.

Number 4, So about that supply closet scene, how many of y’all thought would you get a make out sesh?

If yes, here is your clown wig 🤡

Number 5, AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT TODDLER KEIKI I SWEAR I WAS JUST GUSHING THE ENTIRE TIME 🥺

Lastly, IT PHYSICALLY HURT ME TO ROAST ETHAN LIKE IM SO SORRY SWEETIE 😭🥺🤧

This was a pretty long author’s note heheheh

Like, comment, reblog and share your thoughts ❤

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babysizedfics · 3 years

Text

the first time vee regressed in therapy (and meeting michael after)

NOTE: this is almost 2k words... so it continues under the cut. No TWs!

for the first few sessions of vees therapy with dr picani, patton is in the room with them because of vee's selective mutism, so patton hung around to help translate for vee during seasions until she is able to speak for herself, and thru these firsts sessions emile sees how attached the two are to each other

and after about three or four weeks, once vee can reliably talk for herself, patton stil sits in the waiting room so if vee needs him he's there

im their first session without patton, emile actually prompts vee to tell him what she calls her uncle patton. she says "patton" but emile is like do u not call him uncle? and she hesitates bc she definitely doesnt call him uncle but she hates lying

and emile smiles knowing that she doesnt. then he asks "are there any other names you call your uncle, vee?" because unbeknown to vee, emile actually heard her call patton "dad" one day in the waiting room

she is made rlly nervous by this question but emile assures her he isnt trying to trick her or anything, he just wants her to be honest. and after some more coaxing she whispers that she calls patton "dad" and emile is like thats lovely

and suddenly vee is teary and panicky because shes scared emile is being sacastic or will quiz her about it, but he insists that its very nice that she is comfy calling patton that and that they are so close and it makes vee feel a lot safer

but that prompts emile to start asking her about her biological father, janus. has she ever called him dad or was he always janus? does she know why that is?

vee really tries her best to stay calm and answer, but the questions suddenly get too much and before she knows it virgil goes non-verbal bc she realises she is starting to regress

emile notices vee's distress and changes his voice like softer and more clear. he asks what is wrong, he assures her they dont need to talk about anything vee doesnt want to talk about. Can you breathe with me? Good thank you, can you talk? No thats alright you dont have to. Is there anything he can do to make her feel safe?

and the soft caring words just push vee compeltely into half regression and she starts fully crying, tears spilling down her cheeks and shaky breaths and little squeaks and sniffles and tightly cuddling her softie she took with her (a lilac octopus, dr violet)

after a couple minutes of just crying and emile givinf her some space to let it out, the tears arent slowing down. so she cries " i w-wan pa-p-p-..." giving up after she realises her voice is definitely little now

"what do you want, vee?" emile prompts so so kindly that it just makes vee's chest ache

she whimpers "w-wan papa" and trails off in sobs

and emile instantly knows she means patton. he very easily rolls with this infantile behaviour, being a child therapist a lot of the time. he just sees her acting like a toddler and he immediately thinks okay time to turn on the toddler therapy, no questions asked

emile stands up carefully and speaks clear and gentle "okay vee. dr picani is leaving for just a moment to get your papa, okay? I'll be back very soon" and vee just squeaks through her tears, so he hurries out to the waiting room to fetch patton

pat literally jumps from his seat when emile calls him in saying vee is upset and practically runs through the corridor and into the office. he immediately pulls her into a one armed cuddle on the couch while emile just closes the door rlly gentle for privacy and hands a box of tissues to patton. so patton softly shushes his baby and wipes her tears away while emile takes quick notes in his book

patton is rlly quietly shushing her and comforting her, trying to be discreet. emile notices that this is obviously a common occurence, and also notices that patton seems to be holding back something

so when patton looks up briefly and catches emiles gaze, emile just smiles and speaks softly "do you know what age regression is, patton?"

and patton breathes a massive sigh of relief and hugs vee tighter "yeah... yeah we do"

and emile nods and smiles a little sympathetic looking back at vee and patton jumps right back to comforting her, not trying to be discreet this time, going full papa mode now that he has the confirmation that emile knows about regression

patton lifts a still crying vee into his lap and cuddles her to his chest and rocks her. "its alright, baby, shh shhh, papas got you" (vee still crying and grabbing pattons shirt tightly) "i know i know, baby, youre ok"

then emile adds in softly "youre doing very well vee" and patton smiles at him then repeats for vee "did you hear dr picani? he said youre doing sooo well! youre so so brave, hunnybunny"

and eventually when vee is comforted enough and the tears have stopped, emile raises his eyebrows questioningly at patton and pat talks to vee: "vee, are you ready to talk to dr picani again?"

she whimpers and grips patton tighter. "its okay babygirl, papas not going anywhere..." patton hesitstes and looks up at emile a little worried "uh, as long as thats alright with dr picani"

emile nods and smiles softly when vee peeks over her softie at him "of course. you can do whatever you want vee, if having your dad - or your papa here makes you feel safer then of course he can stay. would you like patton to stay so you can feel safer?"

vee doesnt respond but frowns and hides behind dr violet again, and emile looks to patton

patton explains gently "we need simpler language than that for her when she's regressed."

"oh my apologies..." emile starts, then tries again. "Vee?" he waits for vee to lower her softie from her eyes again to show shes listening. "Do you still want your papa?"

vees shoulders are tensed and shes hugging her softie so tight, still hiding partially behind it, but she nods a little

and so they continue with patton in the room

throughout the session she is REALLY shy of emile in this headspace but emile is just rly gentle and treats her like an actual young child while she sits in pattons lap and tries to interact with him, so emile manages to coax some stuff from her. and is shocked to find that this seems to be a headspace that actuslly allows vee to be more open and honest with him even if her language is limited

he asks her how does she feel right now? its okay if she doesnt know. is she scared? thats okay, it is very scary. she's being so brave. but is papas lap soft and warm? thats very nice! does it make her feel safe? does it help her tears go away? well thats good to hear, we dint want you to be sad. do you love papa? Can you show me how much? Woah that's a lot!!

and once vee has calmed down a lot and giggled a little at how nice dr picani is being to her, emile sees vee start to suck her thumb

unfortunately its not sanitary for her to suck her thumb in oublic since she must have touched surfaces, and pat brings her thumb away and desperately apologizes when vee whines and starts tearing up when papa wont let her suck her thumb. she dorsnt have her pretty paci so what else is she meant to do!

then emile announces in a very babytak voice. "vee, can you guess what I have in my desk drawer? Haha No, not frogs. Look!" and he pulls out a handful of lollipops! all different colours! and vee starts bouncign a little on papas lap and smiling

with a quick check that she has no allergies (egg, but there aint no egge in lollipops) emile lets her pick a flavor/color then givs it to her to suck on

patton needs to hold it for her though in case she accidentally swallows it, so her lil hands are just holdin gently on papas hand as he holds the lollipop for her and her legs are swingin, dangling down from papas lap bc she happy stims when she is eatin sweets by kicking her feet!

nearing the end of the session emile tells vee how good ahe's been answering al his questions and being well behaved for her papa. so he lets her pick a sticker to prove how good she was today!

but she doesn't want to touch the sticky or have it one her pretty dress, so patton asks her to point to her favourite and papa can pick it up for her. but shes too shy to pick one

so papa chooses one for her, a puffy pink kitty, then puts it on his nose to make her giggle. shes shy abt giggling in front of emile and buries her face on papas shoulder and patton cradles her head and coos and emile just watches all of this rly softly

and then their time is up and patton smiles and pats vee's leg and asks if she wants to be carried and she shakes her head with a proud smile. patton gasps "are you gonna be a big girl and walk on your own?"

then vees smile drops and she whines and grabs pats hand and patton giggles "no no not completely on your own. paps gonna hold your hand baby" so she nods and they get up with patton holding her hand

then patton says goodbye to emile and thanks him for being so kind to vee, and emile says "my pleasure. i'll see you next week vee!"

vee squeezes her papas hand and shuffles behind him a little. but she waves her softies tentacle at emile to say goodbye and emile smiles and waves to them "byebye dr violet, make sure you keep vee safe and happy this week!" and vee giggles and patton leads her outside

in the waiting room vee is much more closed off because theres the receptionist and a couple other clients in there so she just keeps her eyes down while papa signs them out - then she hears a slightly deep voice say "oh, I really like your stuffie"

vee doesnt really know how to react, she looks up a little and sees dark blue jeans and thick legs and vans sneakers but then quickly tugs pattons hand and steps behind him to hide from the stranger

"Thank you! It was a 'well done for going to therapy' gift from me" patton says cheerfully, and vee starts stroking his fingers as a comfort stim

"aw that's sweet!" the stranger says just as joyful as patton... so vee feels okay looking up now that she knows this stranger wasnt trying to make fun of her

she only catches some shaggy brown hair and a tshirt with what looks like a horror film image on it that she doesnt recognise. she doesnt dare make eye contact but she can tell the stranger is smiling at her

and she cant talk, shes too little, but shes not little enough to not understand whats happening. so she lets go of pattons hand bruefly to sign "thank you" then quickly grabs his hand again, feeling her cheeks warm and looking back to the ground

"you're welcome!" the stranger says, still happy, so vee smiles a little, then tugs pattons hand and looks up at him pleadingly

patton is beaming, his cheeks bunched in the biggest smile. "ready to go, sweetie?" vee nods "okay, here we go. It was lovely meeting you..."

"michael!"

"michael" patton smiles and holds out his other hand to shake michaels hand. "im patton and this is vee! have a good night!"

"you too, patton!" michael bids as patton and vee start walking away. then the voice soeaks again "bye vee!"

vee doesnt respond but she smiles and pulls dr violet up to hide it

patton leads her out to the parking lot and as he buckles her seatbelt for her he presses a big kiss to her cheek "im so so proud of you, babygirl"

and the whole ride home patton speaks softly and recaps what was good about theraoy this week. he does it to reinforce with vee that this is a good thing to do.

he talks about how lovely dr picani was and how he already knew what regression was. he talks about how funny his jokes were and how much she giggled. and her lollipop and her sticker - which they just realised was still on pattons nose and laughed about. and he talked about the lovely boy in the waiting room who liked vee's softie!

and the whole time vee is smiling and giggling and blushing and getting closer to full regression so that when they get home vee is just a bouncy wiggly giggly baby all night

#little/big concepts

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songfell-ut · 4 years

Text

I give up, here’s Chapter 17

I should’ve posted this a week ago, but I’ve been like “nuuu it’s cool no one minds a 25,000-word chapter” and yeah here’s only 15k that I finally split off into its own thing. Chapter is here, hi @lostmypotatoes

The Grand Hall lived up to its name: Frisk had never been to the nicer parts of the humans’ castle, but there was no way it could be more amazing than this place, which had a ceiling hundreds of feet tall blanketed with tiny lights, speckled marble columns that reached nearly all the way up, and beautiful murals on the walls showing forests, rivers, even the ocean! Monsters stood in long lines along a central aisle of sparkling white sand, so new that it had obviously been made for the humans’ visit, stretching up a gentle slope to the foot of the grand staircase leading into the Underground.

Queen Toriel had taken Frisk from the house in the Ruins through a snowy town – how did it snow inside the mountain? – and on her first-ever boat ride, which ended all too soon in a place called “Waterfall”; from there, they hurried down to the Grand Hall just in time for the Royal Guard to announce the human delegation. Luckily, instead of having to walk through all those monsters, they used a partly-hidden network of hallways to emerge right at the head of the staircase. Toriel gave the child one more pat, telling her to be good and stay where she was, before the Queen walked out to take her place beside Asgore, nodding to the guards.

Frisk was glad she didn’t have to talk to the King yet; he looked like a bigger, hairier, scarier version of his wife or son, scowling and fidgeting around until Toriel cleared her throat. They stood just in front of Prince Asriel, who noticed the child and gave her a friendly nod before he turned to face the aisle. Frisk crept out far enough to look around the rest of the cavern, wondering why humans talked about the Underground as if it was some kind of filthy mudhole. It was such a beautiful place, with boat rides and snow and twinkling lights…

Something like trumpets sounded, and the Grand Hall’s enormous bronze gates swung open. The monsters all put on their politest expressions as the delegation came through the entrance and headed up the aisle, with the frontmost humans stopping at the bottom of the staircase. “Greetings,” boomed King Asgore, extending his arms and flaring his purple cape out like great wings. “Welcome to the Underground, one and all!”

On cue, the monsters broke into cheers and applause. As the echoes faded, a fussy-looking human stepped forward to give a long speech about greetings and honor and honorable blah blah blah; it was starting to get boring when he was cut short by a cry of “Mama!” and someone rushing past him.

“Chara!” Forgetting her dignity, the Queen of monsters hitched up her robe to run to her estranged daughter. They nearly crashed into each other halfway down the stairs, Toriel’s crown falling askew as the human leapt into her embrace. There was a lot of murmuring and more genuine applause, which swelled into a full ovation as Toriel sank to her knees, holding on as though her child was drowning and her arms were a life preserver.

Asriel had also hurried down to meet his sister, and Asgore was starting toward them when it happened: Chara looked up for the briefest second, and when she saw Frisk near the head of the stairs, the woman’s eyes flashed sheer hatred, as though she wanted her dead on the spot.

Frisk jerked back so hard that she stumbled and nearly fell. When she caught her balance, she found herself looking down at Asgore; he was staring at Chara, and followed the woman’s gaze back up to Frisk. For a long second, the King regarded the human child with a question in his eyes, as though he wanted to say something, but knew better; then Chara was all teary smiles again, hugging Asriel and extending an arm to “Papa!”

The applause grew even louder as Asgore joined them, parents and siblings joyously reunited, and Frisk could have cried with rage. Why did Chara have to hate her for being there when she was lucky enough to have her own perfect family? Couldn’t Frisk have had more than a couple of minutes with those wonderful monsters before Chara stole them back?

It was too much. The child sniffled, and turned to trudge back down the hallway, trying not to think of what her mother was going to say when she found out where Frisk had been.

But as she approached the branching path that led to the Grand Hall floor, she came to a sudden halt: someone further down the hall was shouting, “I’M TELLING YOU, IT IS DEFINITELY THIS WAY!”

“sure, bro,” another person mumbled, his deeper voice echoing up the passage.

“SANS, PLEASE! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE CORRECT DIRECTION THIS TIME! THERE IS NO NEED TO LOOK AT ME IN THAT TONE OF VOICE!”

“relax, pap. i’m just impressed you know all these different ways to go.”

The voices weren’t moving—she was trapped up here. Frisk held her breath as the louder person demanded, “REALLY? THEN WHY ARE YOU GIVING ME THAT SMIRK?”

“…uh, bro? this is how I always—”

“DON’T LIE TO ME, BROTHER! THE GREAT PAPYRUS KNOWS WHAT A SMIRK LOOKS LIKE! IT’S A REGULAR SMILE, BUT IN THAT TONE OF VOICE!!”

“you got me. it means ‘pap is the coolest and knows all the directions.’ you like it?”

“…I SEE! NYEH-HEH. YES, I DO LIKE IT! FROM NOW ON, YOU MAY SMIRK ALL YOU WANT!”

“aww, thanks, bro. you’re the best…and that’s the tooth.”

The joke was so dumb that Frisk had to laugh. Whoever it was, they sounded friendly enough, not to mention silly. Were they humans she hadn’t talked to on the way here? Or—

“DID YOU HEAR THAT, BROTHER?” She jumped as the voice came closer. “IS SOMEONE THERE? SOMEONE WITH EXTREMELY BAD TASTE?”

“hey! i think they’ve got great taste. i mean, they obviously speak our tongue.”

Frisk laughed again, and was only a little afraid when the strange pair came into view. They were skeletons—not just thin people, but actual, literal bones that walked and talked. One was very tall, dressed in showy red boots and some kind of fake armor, while the other was much shorter, in clothes far too casual for an event like this. Why was he wearing pink slippers?

Both of them were also looking her over. With the tiny little lights in his sockets trained on Frisk, the taller one bent down to whisper to his brother. “OH MY GOD, SANS!” he yelled. “IS THAT A HUMAN?”

The short one stared at her for a moment, then nodded, and somehow closed one socket in a wink. “i dunno, pap. he doesn’t look that monstrous to me. who’re you, kid?”

“My name is F—Kris,” she said, giving them a bow, “and you’re right. I’m a human.”

“OF COURSE I AM RIGHT, HUMAN, FOR I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS! HOW PLEASANT FOR YOU TO MEET ME!” The tall skeleton struck a heroic pose. “HAVE NO FEAR! WE MONSTERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE AND THEN BECOME FRIENDS! THEREFORE, YOU MAY SIMPLY REFER TO ME AS ‘PAPYRUS,’ EVEN IF IT IS ONLY HALFWAY CORRECT.” He indicated the other skeleton. “THIS IS MY OLDER BROTHER, SANS. DO NOT BE DISTRAUGHT THAT HE IS NOT AS GREAT AS I AM, AND TRY TO BEAR WITH HIS TERRIBLE JOKES, NYEHH.” Nudge. “SANS! SAY SOMETHING THAT IS NOT TERRIBLE!”

Sans was watching her carefully; he looked like he was smiling, but Frisk had the feeling it was just how his face was made. He wasn’t happy to see her at all. “sure,” he said coolly. “the name’s sans. sans the skeleton.” Papyrus nudged him again, and Sans sighed, as if resigning himself to his fate. “yeah, i know what his majesty said.” He put on a wider grin. “welp, nice to meet you, kris.”

Fakeness or not, the monsters she’d met so far were still much better than any humans she knew. So Frisk smiled shyly at him, and whispered, “It’s nice to meet you, too, Sans.”

His smile dropped a little. They regarded each other for a few seconds; to her delight, his mouth rose again in genuine approval. “heh. you seem like a nice kid.” Shrug. “pap’s right. we’re all gonna be pals, so…”

Papyrus looked pleased as Sans took his hand from his jacket pocket. But as Frisk reached out to shake it, Pap’s smile suddenly vanished. “WAAAIT A MOMENT,” the taller brother said suspiciously. “SANS, DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT—”

Too late. The moment Frisk grasped the skeleton’s hand, something erupted in a palm-tickling explosion of Pfffffftttttppppppfffffffff…ffffffppp…pppf…pp……p.

Silence.

“OH. MY. GOD,” Papyrus said in the voice of doom, and rounded on his brother. “SANS, YOU IMBECILE! YOU HAVE BROKEN THE HUMAN! LOOK, IT ISN’T MOVING! IT—”

Frisk couldn’t hold it in: she howled with laughter, and only got louder as Sans pulled his hand back to reveal the rubbery, air-filled contraption that had made the rude noise. “what can i say? it’s always funny,” he said proudly. “quite a gas.”

“HOW COULD YOU, BROTHER?! THIS IS A CLEAR VIOLATION OF ACQUAINTANCE ETIQUETTE!” raged Papyrus. “HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO ASCEND THE HEIGHTS OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP NOW THAT YOUR IDIOTIC PRANK HAS DAMAGED THE SMALL HUMAN?!” Papyrus stabbed a gloved finger at Frisk, who was now doubled over. “IF THIS IS HOW YOU ARE GOING TO BEHAVE, YOU MIGHT AS WELL GO HOME NOW! YES, HOME! YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR ROOM IN CASE WE HAVE HUMAN GUESTS!”

“i dunno, bro,” said Sans, winking at Frisk again. “it’s probably too heavy for me. you should get it instead.”

“NYEHHH! I MOST CERTAINLY WILL NOT GET IT!”

“aw, pap, don’t be so hard on yourself. i’m sure if you just try harder—”

“LEAVE!! NOW!!!”

Funny as the brothers were, that seemed harsh to Frisk—the nearest houses had to be pretty far away from the Grand Hall, and making Sans walk all the way back because of a few jokes was a little much. She eyed Papyrus doubtfully, wondering if he was like humans after all.

“it’s fine, kiddo,” Sans told her, as if reading her thoughts. He winked one more time. “don’t worry, i know a shortcut. so, eye will see ya later.”

Before Frisk could react, Sans was…gone. Baffled, she looked around, then up at Papyrus. “HM? OH, YES. SANS HAS DEVELOPED HIS MAGIC EXACTLY ENOUGH TO BE AS LAZY AS POSSIBLE,” the tall skeleton said distastefully. “I CAN ONLY HOPE HE IS ACTUALLY CLEANING HIS ROOM NOW. MORE LIKELY, HE IS—”

There was a sound of clapping and cheering from the Grand Hall. “THAT’S RIGHT!” Papyrus threw his red scarf over his collarbone. “COME ALONG, HUMAN! I SHALL INTRODUCE YOU TO THE OTHER MONSTERS! YOU WILL BE DELIGHTED TO MEET THEM, ESPECIALLY THE ROYAL GUARD, AND THE FEELING WILL BE MUTUAL! NYEH-HEH! FOLLOW ME, NEW ACQUAINTANCE!”

“Um…” Frisk bit her lip. Papyrus was a lot to take in, especially without warning, but he didn’t seem to be faking his enthusiasm, or his kindness. Frisk looked at him, made up her mind, and smiled again. “Can we be friends now?” she asked, holding up her hand.

The skeleton’s cheekbones turned bright pink, somehow, eye sockets going wide and glittery. “REALLY?!? WOWIE! I CAN’T BELIEVE I—” He made a noise like a cough. “I MEAN…O-OF COURSE YOU WANT TO BE MY FRIEND, KRIS! I AM EXTREMELY GREAT.” Papyrus leaned down a little to take her hand. “COME ALONG! AS A FRIEND OF THE GREAT PAPYRUS, YOU SHALL BE KNOWN AND LOVED BY ALL! NYEH-HEH-HEH!”

Frisk sure hoped so, especially if the other monsters were as nice as he was. Even if they weren’t, she’d already made new friends, exactly like she was supposed to. Mama couldn’t be mad at her for that, and Chara couldn’t take them away from her!

The dream with Asriel was a fitting end to a frustrating night. Sans had picked the biggest inn he could find and asked for a room with the biggest bed they had, only to find that it still wasn’t big enough for him. He didn’t want to try sleeping in his disguise, which meant another night stretched out on the floor, longing for the massive bed in the High Priestess’ quarters. He never would have thought he’d want to go back to the humans’ castle—that damn bed had spoiled him for life! Not to mention that when he was sleeping in it, he had Frisk all to himself…

He had just started dozing off when the door to the next room opened and closed, a couple of human voices whispering back and forth. Sans made the mistake of concluding that that was it, and was completely unprepared for the sounds that exploded through the wall a minute later.

Sans was not an expert on human…anything, but he knew was he was hearing, and that he was hearing it very very loudly. At that point, he had several options; after mulling exactly one of them over, he sat up and ran a thread of magic through the lamp fixture over the bed, worming it through the conduits in the wall and into the next room. From there, he could feel the vibrations of the bed moving – ugh – and spread his magic in a thin layer under one side of the mattress; then he twitched his hand, and grinned at the shrieks and thuds of the couple being dumped onto the floor.

Unsurprisingly, he didn’t need to do anything else. The humans got dressed in a hurry, grabbed their things, and left, and did not come back. Sans let his magic dissipate and settled down, feeling a little smug, but mostly annoyed that the sounds were still stuck in his head.

The giant skeleton tossed and turned, dreamed, and got up in the morning a lot later than he intended; he was so unrested, and so disturbed at having seen Asriel – had it been real? Why and how would the Prince visit him of all people? Why now? – that he barely remembered to put his chain back on before he left the room. He forgot to ask directions when he checked out and had to grump his way around town at random, looking for the stables the warehouse lady had mentioned. He had to get the carts and horses, then go to all the stupid places and get the stupid things…

Well, this wasn’t the right way: he was on a street lined with cute little cafes and humans sitting around in fancy metal chairs. He stopped to get his bearings, and nearly swore as his stomach growled. At least there were food stands everywhere…but what the hell was a “crepe”?

A minute later, he found a place to sit down and gnaw on a couple of folded-over, chocolatey things, which were actually pretty good. There wasn’t much to do as he ate but people-watch, which would have been kind of neat if the people in question weren’t humans. They followed the overall pattern he’d observed at the castle, where the men were loud and stupid-looking, while the women were also loud and ranged from scrawny to actually-lumpy to extremely lumpy. Even the ones with nice faces were still too…human, without any soothing voices, or graceful movements, or sweet expressions…

It made him wonder yet again if Frisk’s SOUL was the real reason he’d been so drawn to her; the first time he’d seen it, he was scared shitless, and then he wanted to rip it out for strictly non-romantic purposes. Was it because she’d reminded him so much of Kris? Or would he have just eventually fallen in love with any human who was powerful enough for him, even if she was a gross person on the outside or inside?

…Nope. It was because she was Frisk. Satisfied with that line of introspection, Sans finished the second crepe and tossed the wrappers in a trash can, forgetting that she wasn’t there to yell at him for littering. Time to ask someone for directions to a more useful part of town.

The first person he talked to just shrugged, and the next pointed him the wrong way entirely, but an irate half-hour later, Sans was back on the right track. This street seemed much dingier, with fewer people around; it smelled weird, too, like horse pee and desperation.

Maybe that was why someone had started following him. Sans smiled to himself, wiggling his fingers inside his coat pockets. Should he get further into the back alleyways before he confronted the guy, or—

“Heya.”

Sans glanced to his right. A man in his early twenties was standing by a side street, nodding at him. “C’mon this way,” he said. “Got somethin’ to show you.”

“I don’t think so, pal,” said the disguised boss monster. “Whatever ya want, you’re wastin’ yer time. Don’t have any cash on me.” Without waiting for an answer, he speed-walked further ahead, grinning as he heard a soft whistle behind him.

Sure enough, someone was waiting right around the next corner, an older man in nice clothes. “Excuse me, sir,” he said loudly, “but do you have the time?”

Sans thought of the old woman again and snorted. “Nope,” he replied, and tried to walk around him.

The man quick-stepped back into Sans’ way. “My. Her Eminence doesn’t pay you enough to buy a watch?” he asked innocently.

What the hell? He wasn’t wearing the armband. “Who said anythin’ about—”

The distraction almost worked: the guy made a sudden feint toward him, and if Sans had been any less alert, he’d have backed right into the human sneaking up to grab his neck with a wire loop. Instead, Sans pivoted and slammed an elbow into his would-be assailant so hard that he felt the guy’s ribs crack. The man who’d stopped him cursed under his breath, turning to run.

Almost absent-mindedly, Sans waved a finger in the fleeing human’s direction. There was a shnk of bone erupting from the pavement, and a muffled scream as the man’s ankle was impaled mid-flight. The rest of his body yanked to a stop and hit the ground in a twisted heap.

Footsteps pounded toward them, and Sans turned to face the first guy who’d talked to him, then one other human. They sized up the situation and moved to either side of him, one armed with some kind of club and the other sporting a huge knife.

Sans gave a low laugh as bloodlust started bubbling to the surface. Finally! This was what he’d been waiting for! No more playing cute and harmless! No more letting people do whatever the hell they wanted with him! No witnesses!

Really, the only problem was that it was too easy. Sans let the one with the knife get in close, then grabbed his arm and broke it at the elbow, spinning the would-be assassin around and shoving him into the guy with the club. Both humans hit the ground, but the knife guy was up in a moment, scrabbling for his weapon with his good hand. Sans kicked the knife away, pinned both of his palms to the ground with a couple more bones, and lifted the remaining human by the neck with his magic.

Was that it? He glanced around at the one with the wire loop – on the ground, struggling to breathe – then the guy with the impaled ankle, who seemed to have passed out. The third was staring at his hands and making weird noises – not very knife of him, ha ha – and the last one dangled a few inches off the ground, clawing at the red mist around his throat.

Sans hummed under his breath, surveying the four men with an artistic eye. Well! Where to begin? Might as well start with the one he was holding up. The human windpipe was so fragile that one good crunch would do it…but no one said it’d have to be a quick crunch. Sans began to apply pressure, slow and hard, and grinned as the man’s eyes bulged in terror—

Out of nowhere, he froze mid-squeeze as a strange emotion hit him. It was…nostalgia, and then—guilt? That was it; the longer Sans stared at the captive human, the less he enjoyed the guy’s fear and despair. He knew exactly what it felt like to be trapped by someone stronger, didn’t he? Back in his jail cell, cowering behind a human witch’s barrier, knowing she could do any damn thing she pleased to him—had he looked like this to her?

Sans shook his head in irritation. What was he thinking? That was different! He wasn’t Frisk, and these guys had tried to kill him!

…just like he’d tried to kill her before and after she stopped him from hurting anyone. What had she done to retaliate? Kept him safe, given him her own stupidly oversized bed, let him sleep for over a day, and fed him more in one sitting than he’d eaten in goddamn weeks.

Sans tried again to shake it off, to rationalize that no one in their right mind would hold a psycho like him to Frisk’s standards, but when he looked again at the human in his grasp…

No, dammit! These assholes had attacked him out of nowhere, and he’d defended himself! Surely she wouldn’t expect him to just stand there and get murdered?

…But none of these guys could move under their own power anymore, much less hurt him. Now Sans could see Frisk snarling up at him in all her tiny, furious glory: “If you kill anyone and you cannot look me in the eye to tell me why it was necessary, I don't want you to come back at all!”

Argh! It wasn’t fair! She wasn’t here to stop him—she would never even know! Why should he quit right when it was finally getting good? Couldn’t he at least nick ‘em a few more times, enough to make them sorry? They might be pretty sorry already, but… “But,” Sans mumbled out loud, scowling.

Now he was thinking of Dr. Serif. The boss monster could practically hear his cool, smug voice: “But what, Sans?”

Tch. If he had to be hearing things, he’d much rather it be Frisk. He knew he should’ve taken a shortcut back to the Underground last night. Then he could’ve seen her and…done…something? Maybe he wouldn’t be so damn frustrated now, his mind jumping all over the place…

“Sans.”

Oh, shit. What about the fortune-teller? “Don’t kill anyone.” That guy had been right about stuff so far; would something happen to Frisk if Sans ignored his stupid, cheap advice? For all he knew, it could—

“SANS.”

“What?” he snapped. “Whaddya want, Doc…tor?” He gaped at Dr. Serif, who was standing only a few yards away, arms folded. “The fuck are you doin’ here?” demanded Sans, releasing the human from mid-air and ignoring his wheezing.

Dr. Serif came closer and made two gestures. A skeletal hand popped up and seized the fallen human by the throat, glowing green before vanishing. “He should live,” the royal sorcerer said crisply. He glanced at the man whose hands were affixed to the pavement, and the one up ahead. “In the meantime, do you plan to leave these gentlemen like that?”

Sans was still mad that he couldn’t leave them dead, but… He made a disgusted noise, and the bones all vanished. “Ya gonna tell me why you’re here, or what?”

“What.” Dr. Serif walked past Sans and snapped his fingers. Two pairs of disembodied hands sprang out of thin air, and one latched onto each human’s head; to Sans’ immense discomfort, the hands glowed blue, and each man obediently got up with sluggish, jerky motions – even the one with the shattered ankle – to come sit in a row, legs crossed like schoolchildren. “Why did you attack this man?” Dr. Serif inquired. “Only speak if you have useful information.”

The human with the broken ribs mumbled, “He’s the High Priestess’ agent,” in a voice that made Sans feel even weirder. There was good old-fashioned violence, and there was this. “Gonna hold him for ransom and lure in the skeleton.”

“Do not lie to me.” The humans jerked, eyes going glassy as the blue intensified. “This is not an instrument of live capture,” said the royal sorcerer, retrieving the wire loop with yet another hand. “Why do you, or your employers, want him dead?”

There was a round of silence. Evidently, no one knew, or probably cared. They’d had their orders, and that was that.

Sans stepped closer. “Were you the ones going after Frisk a few weeks ago—the High Priestess? Are you gonna try it again?”

“Wasn’t us,” said one.

“No one’s supposed to kill her anymore,” said another, and his associates nodded slowly.

Dr. Serif blinked a few times. “According to who, and since when?”

“Last week. Someone paid the Assassin’s Guild to blacklist her. She’s untouchable—anyone who goes after her gets a bounty put on his head.”

Sans had never seen the royal sorcerer so taken aback. “I didn’t know that was even possible. It would cost several hundred thou—no, a million dinar to make it worth their while,” he muttered. “Do you have any idea who did it?”

More silence. Meanwhile, Sans was not that surprised to find out there was a formal guild for murderers. Humans were such fucking scumbags.

“Are you affiliated with poachers, then?” was Dr. Serif’s next question.

“Yeah,” they all said at once.

The doctor’s foot tapped a few times. “Does your attack on the priestess’ agent have to do with the timing of his delivery to the Underground? Fewer monsters will be venturing outside if food is being brought directly to them—I assume you wanted to prevent this?”

Sans watched the men’s faces stay blank. That was probably too many words for them. “What’re you gonna do if ya can’t catch any monsters?” he asked instead.

The blue light intensified again, and someone finally mumbled, “Ransom. The High Priestess will pay to get her agent back. She won’t know he’s dead yet.”

Dr. Serif frowned. “And you’re hoping she’ll send the boss monster to rescue him?”

Nods. “It’s worth a hell of a lot of money.”

There was an odd pause. “For his magic?” the doctor asked.

“And ransom. She’s screwin’ it,” one man said tonelessly.

Dr. Serif grabbed Sans’ shoulder to restrain him. “Surely you’re not taking that rumor seriously,” he said. “It can’t be worth the danger of trying to capture such a powerful monster—he was relatively weak when he was first caught, and two men still died of their injuries.”

“Lady payin’ us says it’s true. She doesn’t want Her Eminence arrested for mis…missen—”

“Miscegenation?” growled Sans.

“Yeah. That. She wants us to catch it, but not kill it. We’ll keep it and get a shitload of magic, then sell it back later. Win-win.”

“Hm. So, your employer is a woman who wants to help the High Priestess? What is her name?”

No one answered. The blue light flickered, and one man finally said, “Dunno. We just got a few letters, and payment up front. Pretty sure it’s a rich lady ‘cause of the handwriting and the way the paper smelled, but we don’t know for sure.”

The doctor stared the man down, still holding Sans’ shoulder. “And she has hired you to hold the skeleton prisoner…for how long, exactly? And through what means?”

The human shrugged. “She said she’d tell us more once we killed this guy.”

Dr. Serif thought about it for a moment, then snapped his fingers again. The skeletal hands tightened, and Sans watched the men writhe in tandem and fall sideways like puppets with cut strings. “Well, that was more interesting than expected,” said the royal sorcerer. His hand tightened on Sans’ shoulder. “Come along.”

Sans shut his eyes as magic surged around them. It didn’t have the rushing-through-space feel of his shortcuts; this was more as if the ground had jumped out from beneath their feet and just as quickly hopped back into place. He opened his eyes and started. “Where—”

They were standing outside a large, well-kept stable. The doctor released him, saying, “I must commend you for not killing any of those men. We’ve acquired valuable information, and once they wake up, word will get around that the High Priestess’ agent is not to be trifled with.” He smiled, ever so slightly. “They will not recall I was even there.”

Sans gestured impatiently. “What the fuck was that about? Someone wants human-me dead, but they just wanna borrow real me to keep Frisk outta jail? An’ someone else’s paid out the ass to keep her alive? What’s—”

“It could well be the same person.” The royal sorcerer brushed some dust off his robe. “What is miscegenation?” he asked curtly.

Sans’ toes curled. “Boning a monster. It’s a literal crime. I heard somebody talking about it last night.”

“Interesting,” the doctor said slowly. “No one spreading that rumor in the city seems to know about it yet.” Sigh. “If you overheard it here, I suppose it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows.”

Sans didn’t want to talk about that right now, or ever. “How long were you following me?” he asked instead.

Pause. “Long enough.”

The boss monster didn’t like that, either. “Whatever,” Sans mumbled. “But thanks fer gettin’ all that stuff out of ‘em. You’re pretty freaky, but I guess ya come in handy.”

He heard the familiar sound of someone ignoring a pun, and then “You’re welcome.” Dr. Serif crossed his arms. “I was sent here to intercept you and the High Priestess. Given that I have not seen Her Eminence with you, may I assume you were foolish enough to come alone?”

“Uh…”

“As you were also foolish enough to leave the castle when and how you both did, I am not surprised.”

Sans snorted. “Ya think that was my idea?”

“No, but this almost certainly was.” The royal sorcerer gestured to the smushed roll of papers in Sans’ front pocket. “Come along. There should be three carts on reserve in Frisk’s name here, for when you were supposed to have picked them up on your way to the Underground.”

Sans followed him into the stable. “What, ya didn’t like us bailin’ on you?” he asked, taking childish pleasure in the older skeleton’s annoyance.

The doctor reached back without looking and took the papers from Sans’ pocket. “Hello,” Dr. Serif said cordially to the human behind the counter, who stepped right up to assist them.

This turned out to be prophetic: the doctor not only accompanied him everywhere for the rest of the morning and afternoon, he took complete charge. He made things so much smoother that Sans couldn’t even be mad about it; people listened to him, and he could fully answer their questions while Sans inspected the cargo and supervised the loading. The doctor also signed the bills of lading, reminding Sans after the first visit that as a perfectly normal human and not a monster in disguise, he was not “Sans” and needed to pick a pseudonym already.

They had almost no time to eat lunch or dinner, electing to grab a couple of sandwiches as the drivers brought the carts to the second-to-last warehouse. “So, was it your idea to swoop in on us like this?” Sans asked. “I know it was annoying to wake up and have us gone, but—”

“His Majesty is extremely unamused by his daughter’s behavior,” said the royal sorcerer, in a tone that wiped the smirk off Sans’ face. “To be very honest, I am glad I will not be there when Her Eminence receives this.” He extracted a long, expensive-looking envelope from his robe. “His Majesty assembled the paperwork yesterday for—”

“The adoption thing?” Sans interrupted. “Is it true?”

Dr. Serif made a face. “No matter where I go, the speed of gossip remains constant.” Another sigh. “Whatever you’ve heard is likely true. Should Frisk’s mission prove successful, His Majesty is prepared not only to pardon her theft, but place her directly in the line of succession.”

Sans took a long sip of water, trying and failing to figure that one out. “I thought ya said he was pissed off at her. Why…?”

“Tell me, Sans. Knowing Frisk, do you think she would appreciate being pressured into accepting such a heavy responsibility, especially in anticipation of her little brother’s death? His Majesty knows exactly how she will feel about it.” Dr. Serif paused for a huge bite of his sandwich. “Also, he may personally be unhappy with her actions, but he knows better than anyone that if she can outmaneuver him, then she is worthy of the throne.”

Fuck. “Yeah, when ya put it like that—”

The royal sorcerer glanced at him. “Out of curiosity, when did you learn that the King was her father?”

“Not till we were almost t’the Underground. I kinda found out by accident.”

Dr. Serif half-smiled. “It’s been common knowledge ever since she was brought to St. Brigid’s. And…by any chance, did she ever tell you anything about her mother?”

Sans had to whack himself in the chest as the last wad of his sandwich threatened to get stuck in his windpipe. Why did human bodies use the same damn tube for breathing and eating? “Only that she’s dead,” he rasped. “Why?”

“Wipe your hands, please, and put this somewhere safe until you can give it to her.” Dr. Serif held out the gilt envelope. “It contains copies of all the relevant documents, including an investiture of nobility—she would technically become a duchess first, then Crown Princess upon the death of the King or the Prince.”

Sans scrubbed his hands on his shirt and took the envelope. He was thinking so hard that he almost didn’t notice Frisk’s full name in fancy cursive across the front; then he looked again, and stared at it for a minute, and finally said, “Huh.”

“You don’t seem entirely surprised,” the doctor observed, sounding almost disappointed. “Have you already heard something to that effect?”

“Yeah. I had a long talk with Grillby the other day, and…I wasn’t gonna ask Frisk, but I was kinda wondering, and then she said…” Had the King done the calligraphy himself? “I never did hear her last name. I figured the High Priestess just doesn’t need one.”

“It was not hers to use for most of her life, and I would be very surprised if she chose to do so now, or ever. According to what I have gleaned from Rosa, the name does not have pleasant associations for Frisk—another fact of which the King is very aware.”

“Holy shit.” Sans looked at the envelope again. “He’s callin’ her that ta piss her off?”

“It is technically her legal name and belongs on a document of this importance. So, yes.”

“Shit.” Sans scratched the back of his head, thinking even harder. “So whoever filled out the paperwork for him knows her name, too? Which means everyone is gonna know about it by the time we get back?”

The doctor raised an eyebrow. “You’re coming back with her, then?” He let the question hang in the air, and Sans ignored it till Dr. Serif continued, “You are correct. I am genuinely sorry to leave this with you, but you will have to give her the news before you return, or else she will be completely blindsided. Please don’t do that to her.”

Sans wasn’t going to admit that the thought had already crossed his mind: throw the envelope away, let her enjoy the rest of her time in the Underground, and feign astonishment when they got back – hopefully triumphant – and found out she’d someday have the power to do literally anything she pleased, such as freeing monsters with a single decree.

Except…she was already helping monsters, and had already spent three lonely, stressful years as High Priestess. How much worse would her life be if she became the actual Queen? Would it technically fit that second fortune? Fear stabbed him so hard that he could barely breathe—what if she got surrounded by advisers and hangers-on determined to harass him away from her? There was no telling how long her father and half-brother would be around, and they probably wouldn’t let her keep a pet skeleton around, not to mention a suspiciously bony kid…

Sans couldn’t help it. Dr. Serif eyed him warily as the boss monster snickered again: a fucking crime. It was too perfect.

The carts were ready now. The boss monster tucked the fancy envelope into an inner pocket and resolved to quit thinking about it for now. Frisk could handle this; she’d know what to do. If she didn’t, they’d figure it out together.

Thankfully, the rest of the afternoon was pretty uneventful. By the time they were ready to head back to the Underground, the sun was just touching the horizon.

Everything had fit into three large-ish carts, which Frisk had accurately predicted would be a better idea than two really huge ones. The drivers were nervous about starting so late in the day, but Dr. Serif had implied that they were just headed to the city, the road to which was well-lit and patrolled by watchmen. Sans got a huge kick out of seeing the humans’ faces when the procession reached the outskirts of the village, went about a hundred yards, and came to a sudden halt. “You may remove the horses now,” said the doctor. “Please return to the village. Here is a small gratuity for your trouble.”

If the humans had questions, they were effectively answered by the five-hundred-dinar pieces Dr. Serif placed in each of their hands. They unhitched the horses and jogged them back in the fast-fading light without a backward glance, leaving the loaded carts sitting in the road.

From there, the disguised monsters waited until no one was in sight – not difficult, given the hour and the cold – and then enacted the plan they’d agreed upon earlier: Sans encased the lightest cart in a film of red magic, thought carefully about the place by the river where Undyne had attacked him, and teleported the whole thing there. No more than ten seconds later, a large patch of blackness crept over the pale bedrock; Gaster rose from it head-first, followed by the carts, and everything settled into place as the ground shimmered back into ordinary rock-ness.

“What the crap?” Sans pulled his chain off. “How do you even have that much magic?”

Gaster brushed himself off again with two extra hands, keeping his own tucked beneath his flowing black coat. He glided in a circle around the carts, checking that they had made the journey safely, and nodded. “Surely you’re not worn out from one spell?”

“No, but I’m a damn boss monster!”

The older skeleton smiled. A hand appeared in front of Sans, holding a gray orb slightly bigger than the hole in its palm. “Humans use these to store magic. Keep at least one on your person at all times and let it absorb your ambient power. Put it away when full, then repeat the process. Do so regularly, and you will soon have a supply built up for contingencies exactly like this.” The hand vanished. “Has Her Eminence used the teleportation spell I gave her yet?”

Sans remembered the brooch she’d gotten on All Souls Day, and shook his head. “I don’t think so, but she wears it a lot.”

“Good.” Gaster looked at the nearly-night sky. “Lead the way.”

The boss monster wondered exactly how many more of those stones Gaster had squirreled away in whatever fold of subspace he was using, and contented himself with the fact that the creepy bastard still seemed to be on their side—Sans hadn’t forgotten the fortune about bewaring him, but right now, he didn’t have much choice. Even the lightest of the carts was much heavier than the wagons full of monsters had been, and as tired as he was, he doubted he could’ve pulled or teleported them all on his own.

Gaster’s extra hands were pulling and pushing two of the carts with apparent ease as they followed the river. Sans tried to think of something that would pass the time without leading to invasive questions, and finally thought to ask, “The solar panel demonstration went okay?”

“Oh, yes.” Gaster’s voice was neutral, and it was impossible to read his expression in profile. “Someone attempted to sabotage it by cutting several of the wires on the main panel, so I used my own magic as a substitute. It was most impressive, if I say so myself.”

That sounded like one problem too many. They had enough crap to deal with in the Underground without worrying about sabotage or the King being passive-aggressive or some random lady who wanted to keep him away from Frisk! Get in line, he thought bitterly.

“How is Her Eminence’s mission going?” asked Gaster, as if reading his mind.

“Pretty good, I think. Asgore hasn’t met with her yet, but he’s letting her do whatever.” Sans felt the corners of his mouth lift. “She’s spent a couple nights with Undyne and Alphys at Toriel’s house, havin’ some girl time. They went shopping yesterday, ‘n pro’ly today.”

Gaster nodded. “I don’t know how you intended to do this alone,” he said, glancing at the carts, “but given your accelerated timeline, I suppose it was the best way to let her enjoy herself for a day or two. It will also help her cause if the monsters see a great deal of her firsthand.”

Sans knew what he meant—all Frisk had to do to win them over was be herself. He didn’t notice that he was smiling until he felt Gaster’s stare; the other skeleton was suddenly in front of him, drifting backwards as Sans walked. “Don’t mind me,” murmured the royal sorcerer, examining the boss monster’s sternum.

“What’s my LV?” Sans asked bluntly.

Gaster reappeared beside the cart. “You are at LV 16.”

Sans was…almost surprised. Gaster gave him a hard look. “The first time I checked, you were—”

A sound off to their left made both skeletons stop to listen. It was faint, but unmistakable. “Keep going,” Gaster said, and they picked up the pace, both assuming their disguises.

There was no question of outrunning the humans, so they let the sound of hoofbeats gradually overtake them. “Well, well,” said the first rider, pulling up in front of the carts and forcing them to stop. Two more poachers rode up alongside, and three more brought up the rear. Each man had a coil of chain slung over his shoulder, and their leader carried a heavy crossbow. “What are you doing out here so late?” he demanded. “Where you headed with all that?”

“The Underground,” Dr. Serif said calmly. “We have no monsters or valuables with us, so if you would kindl—”

“Bullshit.” The leader nodded to the other men. “Search ‘em. There’s gotta be—”

Sans didn’t even see what happened next: an unseen force yanked each man out of the saddle to hit the bedrock, filling the air with thumps, whinnying, and curses. “This is your last warning,” said Dr. Serif, still sounding very reasonable. “Leave us, or you will suffer.”

When the men didn’t answer – except for more profanity – the doctor made a gesture. This time, Sans glimpsed the skeletal hands smacking the horses on the rump, one after another; the animals screamed in panic, nearly trampling their riders as they bolted in different directions.

The poachers gaped at each other, then at the human-shaped skeletons. “What the fuck are you?” demanded the leader. With no warning, he whipped up his crossbow to fire at—

—Gaster, whose body had vanished, leaving nothing but an eerie smile and empty sockets. “Well, then,” he murmured, his eyes lighting blue and yellow. He glanced at Sans. “Please go on without me. I will see you back at the castle in…” He paused, counting on a set of hands. “…nine days.” The fingers snapped once, twice, thrice. “My regards to Her Eminence.”

Sans opened his mouth to object, and the ground dropped out from beneath him.

Silence descended in his wake, leaving the poachers in abject terror. Without the carts’ lanterns, it was impossible to see anything but the light in Gaster’s sockets. “Well,” the monster said. He looked at the men with mild curiosity, like a child with a jar full of insects. The leader jerked as a hand suddenly latched onto his face. “Can I trust you to keep this little encounter a secret?” asked Gaster.

The man nodded frantically, clawing at the hand as blood began welling under its phalanges. The others nodded, too, babbling reassurance.

“Good,” the skeleton said pleasantly. The humans had exactly enough time to start hoping before his eye-lights dilated, illuminating the hideous, masklike face. “What a pity that I do not believe you.”

There was a gruesome sound, and another, and another, and another. Silence; a tide of magic rose and swept over the bedrock, leaving nothing behind but a few splashes of blood.

Gaster nodded in satisfaction and turned to rinse his hands in the river, humming Sans’ favorite song. He paused long enough to chuckle to himself, then brushed his coat off once more, extracted a fresh stone from his coat, and vanished.

The sentries outside the Grand Hall’s gates rolled their eyes as another knock came from within. “Any sign of him?” someone asked through the crack.

“No,” the rabbit monster snapped. “For the last time, you don’t need to keep asking every ten minutes! We’ll tell you when he—”

A long, low sound from the opposite direction cut him short. “Sans?” called the guard.

“The one an’ only,” a gruff voice answered over the rise. In the still, cold air, they could now hear the sound of wheels on sandy rock, and the labored breathing of a boss monster managing three heavily laden carts by himself. “Can I get some damn help here?”

Twenty minutes later, Sans had recovered enough to get up from the cavern floor and hobble through the swarm of hungry monsters by the gates, some of whom had been waiting all day for their share of the food. “You guys don’t need to inspect it,” the colossal skeleton informed the guards, who were busy walking around the carts and poking them at random. “Me an’…someone I trust watched ‘em load it up.”

The rabbit guard looked at his partner, then at Sans. “This came from humans, right? It’s probably gotta be—”

“It’s gotta get out to people now,” Sans growled. He pointed at someone randomly. “Go get more help, whoever’s awake. I’m gonna go find Her Majesty.”

“No need,” said a clear voice. The monsters all bowed out of the way as Toriel stepped off the patchy gray sand of the central aisle. “I am glad to see you back safely, Sans. Thank you so much for your efforts,” said the former Queen. “Please, get some sleep. I will handle the rest.”

Sans was so tired that he could barely stay upright, but he shook his head. “I’m gonna check in with Asgore first.” Toriel’s face darkened, and he sighed. “C’mon, To—Your Majesty, ya know he’ll freak out if he finds out this came in without ‘im knowing.”

The other boss monster sighed, closing her eyes. “True. And if you go now, you may run into the Captain and Dr. Alphys. They will also want to know you’ve arrived safely. But after that, I want you go straight home! Do you hear me?”

He did, but sleep could wait: if those two were at Asgore’s house, then Frisk might be, too. His magic flared up, and without another thought, the skeleton took himself straight there.

Remembering how easily the women had detected him before, Sans aimed for the end of the house near the master bedroom, and caught himself with only a slight stagger into the wall. Voices were coming from the living room; the boss monster waited for his vision to clear, then pushed himself upright and crept down the hall to listen.

“It is lovely,” Asgore was murmuring. There was a musical clinking of fine metal and china—the King must be looking at the tea service Frisk had picked out for him.

“Yeah, she was pretty proud of it. Everything she’s brought has been awesome,” agreed Undyne.

Sans scowled. Frisk wasn’t here after all. Well, he didn’t have enough magic to zero in on wherever she was, and Undyne was still talking, so he might as well eavesdrop. “She got me some targets, and comi—uh, battle strategies, and stuff for my scales. It was really thoughtful,” said the Royal Guard Captain.

“And I can finally finish Adventure Lady!” Alphys exclaimed. “C-can you believe it?!”

To Sans’ surprise, Asgore chuckled. He didn’t think the King knew how to do that anymore. “I’m glad to hear it, Doctor. I know how much that was bothering you.” Clink. “What about the agricultural implements Sans mentioned?”

“Yes, Y-Your Majesty. We spent a few hours today looking them over—she knows how to treat plants so that they can go days without being watered! We t-talked about different chemicals that can improve the quality of our soil, specific nutrients for whichever crops we decide to plant first, and all the seeds she brought. The next step is to decide which fields to convert to pasture if we want to raise c-cattle or sheep.”

“Hmm. Yes, that would be wonderful.” Sans heard tea being poured and china clinking again. “What else has she been up to?” asked the King.

“We went shopping for clothes yesterday,” the Captain said, “and Mettaton is teaching her how to dance. It was pretty fun—did you hear he wants to have a big party before she leaves?”

“Yes, I have. Some festivities could be good for our people, but…we’ll see.”

“Right.” She cleared her throat. “And just so you know, Majesty, we’ve spent the past couple nights at the Ruins.”

A long pause. “I…see. Did you have a good time?”

“Yeah,” Undyne said quietly. “Everyone did.”

“That…” Asgore heaved a great sigh. “That’s good to hear. What about today?”

Undyne’s chair creaked. “Today was a little more complicated. She checked on some of the people she brought back—not that she busted in on anyone,” the fish monster added hastily. “She only got started ‘cause Vulkin asked her to come visit.”

Asgore made a startled noise. “Vulkin wanted to see her? Why?”

Sans wanted to run in and shake the King like the idiot he was, but he edged back and tried to think nicer thoughts as Undyne answered, “She said Frisk was the only human who ever gave a crap about them, basically, and her family wanted to meet her. We ended up staying for over an hour.” Another pause. “Also, Majesty…Frisk’s got this thing she does where she can hum something at you, and it’s…really nice. Not hypnosis or anything sneaky, it just…” Sans could almost hear Undyne shrug. “Right before we left, Vulkin started getting worked up, and Frisk calmed her down just like that.”

“She’s done it for us, too, right before bedtime,” said Alphys. “I haven’t s-slept so well in forever.”

“Hm. She has other abilities, then, besides creating barriers?” He poured more tea. “Have you investigated her capabilities in that respect?”

“N-No, Your Majesty. She wanted to have your permission before she made any, even j-just to study them in the lab.”

Sans got the feeling that Asgore was a little put out by Frisk conducting herself so well. “If you believe she is trustworthy,” said the King, “then by all means, study her barriers as fully as you can. The knowledge may prove…useful.” More clinking. “Thank you for your time, both of you. Get some rest. And…” His voice softened. “Please thank her for the gift.”

The giant skeleton smiled a little. Before they could get up and notice him lurking in the hall, Sans used the tiniest wisp of magic – all that he had left – to whisk himself outside to the courtyard. He waited by the tree, foot raised as if in mid-step; when the door opened, Asgore saw him and started. “Sans! You’re back!”

“Hey, Majesty.” Sans raised a genuinely weary hand. “Yeah, I just got in with all the stuff. Everything’s fine. Just wanted to let you know.”

“Thank you very much,” the King said heartily, another trace of his old self showing. “I’ll be down right away.”

“Uh.” The bigger boss monster fake-coughed. “Please don’t, Yer Majesty. Someone’s already got it under control.”

Blink. “Some…oh.”

“Hey, you,” Undyne said, moving around Asgore and hopping down the stairs in one easy bound. “How’d it go? Are you okay?”

“It’s fine, ‘m just worn out.” Sans let out a full-force yawn. “I’ll walk back with you guys,” he said as Alphys came down the steps.

“All right, then,” Asgore murmured. “Thank you again, Sans.” The skeleton nodded, and they politely waited for the door to close before turning to leave.

“Don’t even think about it” was the first thing out of Undyne’s mouth. “She’s asleep already.”

Sans was too tired not to ask, “Where? Tori’s again?”

“I’m not telling you!” snapped the fish-woman. “We had a lot of fun yesterday, but today was pretty rough on her.” She eyed him as they stepped into the elevator and waited for the grating to close. “You don’t look so hot, either.”

“I will be in a minute.” Sans swayed on his feet as the elevator descended. “After all, we’re goin’ to Hotland.”

Undyne twitched. “Nope. We’re not doing those.”

“Aww, c’mon, fish-face.” Yawn. “I’m just gettin’ warmed up.”

Twitch. “I’m serious, boss. Drop it.”

“Drop it like…it’s hot?”

“I SAID—”

The elevator ground to a halt, and he felt Alphys tug on his coat. “L-let’s go to my lab, Sans. You can take a nap and get some magic back befo—not yet!”

Sans had the impression of falling and something grabbing him, but he didn’t pay much attention till Undyne heaved him onto the lab’s concrete floor. “Ow,” he tried to say, but it was too much effort; he decided to pass out instead.

They weren’t heading to the family’s main house; for some reason, Asriel had insisted she come with him to the one in the Ruins, where he and his mother had been living before the delegation arrived. He’d told her that he had a surprise for her, but he was so anxious that she didn’t think it was going to be a good one.

Good or not, she had to admit that when Asriel opened the bedroom door and motioned her inside, she was very surprised: she backpedaled so hard that she crashed into his legs.

“It’s all right,” said Chara, very quietly, from her seat on the bed. “I wouldn’t be glad to see me, either.”

“Chara,” Asriel protested.

“It’s true.” The woman watched Frisk lean into Asriel, clutching his robe with one small hand. “Isn’t it, Frisk?” she added.

The child inhaled sharply, looking up at the Prince in alarm. “It’s all right,” he told her, smiling with such affection that she had to smile back. “I know all about you, Frisk. You’re ten years old, and you’re a girl, and you belong here. In fact, you could say you’ve come home.” He looked at Chara, beaming. “Right, sis?”

Sans must have teleported from the lab at some point – maybe in his sleep – because when he properly awoke, he was in his own room. The boss monster sat up and turned the light on with a speck of magic. A glance at the clock made him do a double take: how was it almost ten o’clock?! Sans sprang to his feet and zipped down to the living room.

No one was there, but he heard children running around outside, with the occasional shriek of happiness, or anger, or possibly disembowelment—he never could tell with kids. There was Papyrus’ voice, and Undyne’s; then he heard Frisk, and without thinking, he took another shortcut out beside the house.

Before San could get his bearings, a handful of snow hit him upside the head. “Morning, boss!” shouted Undyne. “About time!”

“GOOD MORNING, BROTHER!” Papyrus raised his head from beneath a pile of children. “WE ARE AT WAR! WOULD YOU CARE TO JOIN US?”

Sans blinked. “War?”

“Yes, indeed,” Frisk said gravely, and he looked up to see her standing on the balcony, not far above his eye level. Magic rippled through him in gentle waves as she smiled. “Is everyone ready?” she asked the monsters.

The giant skeleton came forward for a better view as the children sprang to their feet, or paws, or seahorse tail. Frisk dipped something into a narrow bottle, raised it to her mouth, and leaned over the railing to blow a stream of huge, wobbly, fast-floating bubbles.

In an instant, the kids were charging after them, leaping and clawing and even biting them joyfully out of the air. Frisk dipped the stick again and angled herself toward Papyrus to blow another round of bubbles; instead of popping them, the younger skeleton surrounded each one in blue and sent them flying in all directions, which was Undyne’s cue to materialize a short spear and leap after them, yelling, “Come back here, you cowards!”

When the last bubble had been vanquished, Frisk made even more of them, almost obscuring the pack of children; this time, Papyrus used his magic to grab all the bubbles, and instead of chasing after them, the kids tackled him again. Undyne coordinated the assault, directing her troops to surround the enemy and attack as a unit, ignoring Papyrus’ protests of being muuuurdered and that she could not have his pirate-ship bed once he was dust, because for the hundredth time even if she did have an eyepatch that did not mean she deserved to be a pirate more than him. Then everyone scattered again for Frisk to send another batch the kids’ way, and two more groups for Papyrus to keep away from Undyne.

It was hard to say who was enjoying themselves the most. Sans hadn’t seen his brother playing like this in…how long? Even some of the adult monsters were coming over to watch, standing around and chatting with each other, or asking Frisk how she’d made the bubbles and happily accepting the extra bottles she tossed down for them. It was like she’d never left…

A thought struck him, and he backed further away from the house to crane his neck all the way upward. There it was, the thin brown haze of negative energy that’d been accumulating since he absorbed the last round of it. …But—

Sans had avoided looking too directly at Frisk, and tried to take another quick peek now, only for his eyes to lock onto her. She’d taken off her cloak, revealing one of probably many new outfits: a dark-green velvet dress that accented the curves of her bust and hips, silver earrings that shimmered as she bent down to refill the bottle, and gray boots that reminded him of the fact that she had feet.

And when he finally managed to look back up toward her face, he was ambushed by the sight of a black choker. The damn thing looked like a collar, but it wasn’t even trying to be practical; it was just a little bit of lace hugging her neck, and a flagrant reminder that most things wearing collars had nothing else on. He’d contemplated keeping her as a pet, once upon a time, before he even—

Suddenly, Undyne vaulted onto his shoulder, crashing his nasal ridge into the bottom edge of the balcony. The Royal Guard Captain rapped him on the skull with the butt of her spear, dispelling the last of his lust-induced stupor. “Quit staring, moron,” she hissed, and gestured to Frisk. “C’mon, lady, we need more bad guys to kill,” the fish monster said in a normal tone, raising her voice to finish, “unless Papyrus is too weak to keep going!”

“I AM NOT!” The skeleton stomped his foot in feeble rage, trying to catch his breath as Undyne leapt down. “BUT PERHAPS…PERHAPS WE COULD TAKE A BREAK, FOR THE CHILDREN?” Two small monsters ran circles around him as he desperately added, “THEY SEEM VERY TIRED, NYEH-HEH!”

Frisk bit her lip, and Sans wanted more than ever to scoop her up for a giant hug—not only was it always hot when she did that, it meant she wanted to help Pap without hurting his feelings. Luckily for everyone, his mouth-related thoughts suddenly turned in a more wholesome direction. “Hey,” Sans murmured, catching her attention. “Ya know what you oughta do?”

The others stopped as Frisk leaned down to hear him whisper. “That’s a wonderful idea,” the priestess said warmly, and Sans felt his skull turn red. “Here, Undyne, I want the children to help me try something,” Frisk told her, dipping the wand again. “You two can supervise.”

Papyrus was happy to accept his new role, and Sans also paid close attention to Frisk’s lips as she blew a long, low stream of smaller bubbles. The kids grabbed at them and squealed as a sound followed each pop—to their delight, every bubble now contained a tiny burst of music.

Undyne reached out to poke one. “What, did you whistle into ‘em?” She jumped at the sudden sound, then laughed, popping another one. “That’s so damn cool!”

“Sans thought of it,” Frisk said. She was grinning from ear to ear, almost prancing in place. “Here!” This time, instead of a single pitch, she whistled a scale of several notes, sliding up and back down; when the children popped them, it produced a whole tangle of sounds. The adult monsters drew closer as more bubbles drifted and burst, scattering bits of music through the chilly air.

“Yo!” cried Monster Kid, bounding nearly straight up for emphasis. “Guys! Let’s try to make ‘em into a song again!”

The adults chuckled and shook their heads, but the children loved the idea. And as it turned out, they were right: the sheer futility of trying to break the bubbles in the right order was so much fun that, before they knew it, nearly every monster in the field was chasing after them. No one could hear much of anything over all the shouting and laughter, but that was okay. Everything was okay.

“Sans?”

Still smiling, the giant skeleton turned to face Toriel, noting that she was coming from the ferry and not the Ruins. “What’s all this?” she asked.

“We’re slaughtering our foes in glorious battle,” a cute little bunny said in passing. “It sounds pretty!”

“LIKE THIS, YOUR MAJESTY!” Papyrus demonstrated with a couple of quick jabs.

Toriel’s eyes widened as the sounds made a faint chord. “How wonderful!” She looked in amazement at the crowd of happy, energetic monsters. “You haven’t even received your rations yet—is this an early celebration?”

“Nah, it’s just fun,” Undyne said cheerfully. “People were fighting over who was gonna get what, and the kids were upset, so Frisk showed ‘em how she could make this stuff. Next thing you know—” Quick as scaled lightning, the Captain flicked an energy-toothpick at a bubble overhead, grinning at the resultant chime. “F sharp! Nice.” With a salute to Toriel, Undyne was off again, lifting a couple of random children onto her shoulders.

“How wonderful,” Toriel said again. She sighed, looking fondly up at the balcony. Frisk was starting to puff a bit, but clearly determined to keep going. “What a fine young woman she’s become! It’s almost like having Chara back with us.”

Sans shuffled his slippered feet. He knew it was the highest compliment Toriel could give, but the comparison really rubbed him the wrong way. Not only had he heard a lot of things recently, he couldn’t shake the dream he’d just had—the Prince so eager to have Frisk and Chara back together, and the child trying to be good, but unable to hide her fear and uncertainty…

And speaking of Asriel: “Tell her I’m sorry.” What was that about? Who was—

Suddenly, the dreams clicked together in his mind like puzzle pieces. Asriel had tricked Frisk into meeting with Chara, knowing perfectly well that the poor kid didn’t want to. Was he only sorry for that, or had something else happened afterward, awful enough to make Asriel want to apologize from beyond the friggin’ grave?

Toriel was saying something, and the skeleton shook his head. “Sorry, Tori. What was that?”

She cleared her throat. “I was asking if you’ve met the boy who’s courting her. Frisk said he’s very kind, and wealthy, but…she didn’t seem terribly enthusiastic.”

Sans almost laughed out loud. So much crap was going on that he’d actually forgotten about that guy! “Had some girl talk, huh?” he asked carelessly, shoving his emotions way, way back down and hoping his eyes weren’t glowing.

The goat monster chuckled, still watching the field. “We stayed up the other night to discuss where to distribute all the food you were bringing. Afterward, yes, we did talk about her love life.”

He made an indifferent noise. He was fine. He could do this. “I met the guy once,” he said. “Kinda boring, but I guess he could be worse.”

Toriel nodded. Her ear twitched as a longer, sweeter trill came from above—Frisk was pulling out all the stops, Sans thought proudly. “Were you there when she spoke to the fortune-teller?” she asked.

The skeleton made himself shrug, as if he wasn’t screaming internally. Stupid girl talk! How much had Frisk told her?

Well, the fact that Toriel hadn’t murdered the shit out of him meant she probably didn’t know everything yet. How she was failing to connect the dots between Frisk and Sans’ human love interest was beyond him, but he’d keep playing along for now. “Yeah, I went with her to that festival,” he said. “Pretty weird stuff. Apparently, she’s on track to have a kid soon.”

Toriel grimaced. “I certainly hope not. Frisk is much too young for that kind of responsibility.”

Sans snorted, and Toriel turned to glare at him. “Sorry, but ya haven’t seen her in action,” he said. “The first time I met her, she kept me from killin’ a whole bunch of people, all by herself, an’ she wouldn’t let ‘em kill me back. She got all bloody fixin’ up some kid who came to ‘er for help at two in the morning, she’s payin’ everything for three or four different orphanages that I know of, she keeps tabs on anyone in the whole damn kingdom who might need help, and she’s workin’ on freein’ us, too.” He shook his head. “She’s not a little kid anymore, Tori. She’s got so much crap ta deal with, and she’s been takin’ care of it all on her own. As long as she finds the right guy, it’s…”

He had to stop before he got any more worked up. Luckily, Toriel was too deep in thought to notice. “That does sound impressive, but you’re right. Her happiness depends on whether she can find a good husband, one she can trust to stand by her and care about her children—”

Now they were both grim and silent. “Just a few more,” the human called from above them.

She sounded so breathless that Sans shook his head, reaching up to tap on the railing. “Hey, Frisk? Quit it before ya pass out.”

Toriel listened for a moment, then nodded. Sans watched her stride out to the middle of the field and clap her hands. “Everyone,” she said, “I am glad you’ve enjoyed yourselves, but please return to your homes now. The Royal Guard will be here shortly to deliver your share of the supplies that Frisk arranged for us and Sans brought in last night.” The former Queen nodded benignly in their direction. “Thank you, both of you.”

The giant skeleton was rather embarrassed by the round of applause that followed, though Frisk seemed to take it in stride. Then again, it could be the fact that she was barely conscious. “Time to come in, Pap,” Sans said, jerking his head as the monsters bid each other cheerful farewells and went their separate ways. The children still seemed more excited about the bubbles than the prospect of food—were the poor little bastards just used to being hungry by now?

There was no need to ask Undyne to take care of Frisk: she had already jumped straight onto the balcony and was assisting the human inside. Sans teleported into the living room, where he immediately got in the way of the Captain half-carrying her down to the couch. “’m fine,” Frisk muttered.

Sans leaned over her, scowling. “Ya need your breath, kid. Don’t use it all up next time.” Now that he was closer, he could also see dark circles under her eyes. “How much sleep didja get last night?” he demanded, and looked at Undyne. “Were you guys at Tori’s house?”

“No,” the goat monster said, shutting the door behind her and coming to sit beside Frisk. “Mettaton kept her up so late that she spent the night at the resort.” Toriel’s hand came up, glowing green, and brushed Frisk’s cheek. “If you had stayed with me, child, I’d have made sure you rested properly.”

The priestess rubbed some feeling back into her lips. “I beg to differ,” she said a moment later. “Remember how afraid I was to fall asleep that second night? Undyne was already mad because I caught her cheating at cards—”

The Captain swelled like a pufferfish. “For the last time, I didn’t frickin’ cheat! My 6 got stuck behind my queen, and I didn’t know it was there when you asked for it!”

“Mmmm-hm.” Frisk let her head fall against Toriel’s shoulder as the goat monster stroked her hair. Sans had to look away, more irritated than ever—how stupid was it to be jealous of someone mothering her? Especially considering what she’d had for an actual mom…

“Anyway,” said Undyne. She glanced at Sans, saw his expression, and whacked him again to get his attention. “You know what your damn human did to me?” Frisk smirked as Undyne pantomimed writing huge letters across her own face. “GO FISH. Is that the dumbest thing you’ve ever heard, or what?”

Sans snickered. “What? She was probably just being supportive. You know, ‘go—”

Frisk and Toriel dissolved into laughter as the Captain smacked her forehead with one webbed hand. “Argh! That’s the same dumb thing she said!”

“It’s all right,” the human said, in what Sans gleefully recognized as her pre-pun voice. “I guess our humor is just that sofishticated.”

“NOOOOO,” moaned Papyrus, who had just come inside. “NOT YOU, TOO, NYEHH!”

“What’s wrong?” asked Sans, winking at Toriel as she covered her face with one hand. “Are you mad enough to krill someone?”

“SO HELP ME, YOU TWO, I WILL LEAVE THIS HOUSE AND NEVER—”

“But it’s so nice to sea you,” Frisk said, and Sans snorted so hard that he had to sit down before he fell over. Toriel was giggling uncontrollably, clutching her sides; Undyne just shook her head and retreated into the storage room behind the kitchen cabinet.

Papyrus looked mollified. “YES, I KNOW. BUT I—” He stopped, and they nearly died as they watched it hit him. “GRAAAAH! IF HER MAJESTY WAS NOT HERE, I’D—”

“It’s all right, Papyrus,” Toriel said behind her hand. “I know I can trust you to control your temper.” Papyrus nodded, and the goat monster added, “You’ve always been a pacifisht!”

Undyne poked her head into the kitchen, raising her voice over the din: “Pap! Get away from those nerds and come help me! We need to make room for your stuff when it gets here.”

The younger skeleton sighed dramatically, even for him. “NYEH-HEH! I SUPPOSE I MAY AS WELL. AT LEAST SOMEONE AROUND HERE WILL BE DOING SOMETHING USEFUL!”

“Thank you. You’re the least shellfish person we know,” squeaked Frisk, at which Papyrus made an incoherent sound and stormed off into the kitchen.

Sans was pounding the floor, the women nearly sobbing. “Children—children, please,” Toriel said weakly, wiping her eyes. “Really, it’s time to calm down now.” A long pause… “We can’t keep kraken up like this!”

“Oh my God, they’re gonna kill themselves,” Undyne grumbled from the storage room. They had closed the cabinet door, but it wasn’t soundproof enough. “Let’s move some of this stuff to the shed, and…hey, what’s this?” She picked up a heavy package lying in the back corner. “Huh. Looks like one of Frisk’s. Pap, go ask—”

“SANS! POSSIBLY FRISK!” Papyrus charged into the living room, hoisting the box over his head and nearly tripping over his brother. “IS THIS A FORGOTTEN PUZZLE?! MAY I OPEN IT TO KEEP IT COMPANY?”

“Oh!” Frisk gave a last snrk and accepted a clean handkerchief from Toriel to wipe her face. “Actually, Papyrus, that one is for Sans.”

“Wha?” The giant skeleton sat up and quirked a brow at her. “What’re you talkin’ about? I was with ya when we bought all this crap, and I don’t remember you gettin’ me anything.”

“That’s because you weren’t paying attention,” the priestess retorted.

…She had a point. There had been quite a few times when they were in a shop and he was so bored that she could’ve been plotting the death of all monsterkind without him noticing.

“SURPRISE PUZZLES ARE THE BEST KIND! OPEN IT ALREADY!” urged Papyrus, shoving the gift at his brother’s face.

“Yeah, boss,” Undyne said from the kitchen. “Don’t be so damn shy.”

“I’m not bein’ shy! I just…I wasn’t expectin’ it.” Scowling, Sans grabbed the package and dug his phalanges into the lid. One good rip would get this over w—

“Sans!” Frisk’s voice made him hunch his shoulders like a guilty kid. “If you tear it open like that and break something, I will end you! Do you understand?”

The others watched the colossal skeleton set the package down gently, unwrapping the paper and moving it aside as though it was made of glass. Toriel and Undyne exchanged disbelieving glances as Sans located the box’s tucked-in corners, eased them loose, and picked at the ribbons tying it shut.

But a moment later, as he removed the last layers of tissue paper, their amusement faded into gasps and murmurs. Inside the box lay a chessboard gleaming in white marble and flawless onyx, each of the pieces individually wrapped and set in neat rows.

Undyne chose one at random and peeled the paper away to reveal a knight astride a black pegasus, wings spread and hooves ready to strike. “Whoa!” She picked another, this one a rook carved in the shape of a ruined tower, complete with crumbling bricks and a few tiny bird’s nests in the windows. “Where’d you find this?! Are you gonna teach him how to play?”

“We did most nights back at the castle.” Frisk shrugged. “He beat me every time.”

“Incredible,” murmured Toriel. She took the knight and held it up to examine the sculpting of its plumelike tail. “Humans have such an amazing capacity for beauty. I never could understand…” The goat monster sighed, handing the piece back. “What do you think, Sans?”

Sans couldn’t answer. He’d calmed down a lot after all the fish puns, and he would have been fine just hanging out with everyone until the Royal Guard came by. He hadn’t known Frisk was going to give him anything, much less something beautiful and thoughtful and completely perfect—like her, dammit. How was he supposed to stop feeling all these feelings when she kept doing things?

The pause became more and more uncomfortable as he glowered at the chessboard, heat building around his SOUL until he wanted more than ever to just rip his clothes off right there. “PSST! BROTHER!” Papyrus nudged him. “YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SAY, ‘THANK YOU FOR THE MAGNIFICENT PUZZLE, NYEH-HEH! I SHOULD ASK THE GREAT PAPYRUS TO PLAY IT WITH ME, AND WEEP GENTLY WHEN I LOSE!’”

Sans fidgeted, and Frisk looked expectant. “This’s…ya know, ya didn’t hafta waste a bunch more money on somethin’ we—” His head snapped up, startling everyone. “Hey, there’s the Royal Guard! They probably need help, right? Let’s go help!”

“SANS,” Papyrus began, and huffed as his brother disappeared. “THAT’S NOT WHAT I TOLD HIM TO SAY AT ALL! HOW DID HE GET IT SO VERY WRONG?”

Sans was not surprised by the others’ reactions when they joined him a few minutes later at the cart by the town Christmas tree. He could only imagine what they’d been saying, though the glare Undyne was giving him made her opinion pretty clear.

“Good day,” Toriel said to the cat monster holding the supply list, ignoring Sans entirely. The cart had just come through Waterfall, the sacks and crates patterned with condensation that was already freezing into ice crystals. “I have a very selfish request,” the former Queen continued. “As you know, I was awake for the entire night, and I am extremely weary. I would like to bring my share home with me now, unless of course you need me to—”

“You were up the whole night, Lady Toriel?” Frisk repeated, one hand on the side of the cart. She frowned, then rounded on Sans so fast that he flinched. “You want to be helpful, don’t you? Then you can take her and her things back to the Ruins!” An imperious gesture at the three guards. “The list, please,” she ordered in her High Priestess voice.

The cat-lady handed it over, bemused. The tiny human ran her finger down the page, nodded, and turned to the cart. “It should all in that crate, there, and that stack of—look where I’m pointing! Yes, that one, and those over there. No, don’t put it—”

Sans obeyed her as fast as he could, setting the boxes neatly beside Toriel. Frisk checked them over again, then handed the list back to the feline guard. “That should be correct, but if you find any discrepancies, let me know. Has everything gone according to plan so far? No thefts or serious disputes?”

“No, milady,” the guard replied. “We should be finished by this evening at the latest.”

Frisk smiled. “Excellent work. Please keep it up.”

The Royal Guard all saluted. Toriel’s eyebrows were raised, and Sans wished she’d look at him so he could mouth Told you so. “Good job, guys,” said Undyne, not bothering to hide her grin. “It looks like you’ve got this under control, so Frisk and I are gonna go see Alphys now. You coming, Pap?”

“HMM.” He glanced from her to his brother and crossed his arms, clearly torn. “SHOULDN’T I STAY AND HELP PUT OUR FOOD AWAY?”

“Oh, but Sans wants to help so much, we shouldn’t take that from him.” Undyne looked daggers – spears? – at the giant skeleton. “He can come right back here and do it after he drops off Her Majesty. Right?”

Dammit. “Right,” grunted Sans.

Frisk was already starting to turn away. He cast around for an excuse to talk to her again, and said, “Hey.” She glanced at him as he rummaged in his inner pockets. “Ya want those invoices back?”

The priestess frowned at him. He hated it when she did that, especially when he deserved it. “I suppose it could be useful when I talk to His Majesty.” She started to extend a hand, and her eyes widened. “That’s right,” she said to the guards. “Did you give him my note?”

“Yes.” The dragon guard cleared his throat. “He said no.”

“What R02 meant to say,” the cat monster, “is that King Asgore regrets he will not be available to speak with anyone today.”

“But he does want to talk to Sans,” the rabbit said helpfully, “and Dr. Alphys.”

“I see,” Frisk murmured. “Thank you.” As Undyne glared at R01, the human stepped back, pulling her cloak around her. “You’d better keep them to show His Majesty, then.”

Sans shrugged, rolled the papers back up, and opened his coat wider to find exactly where they’d been. All he could think about was reaching over to tug down her choker where it was riding too high on her throat; he forgot what else was in his pockets till he noticed her staring at something inside his coat. His SOUL tingled in alarm: the King’s golden envelope was sticking up partway, with the letters FRISK D showing. “Sans? What is that?”

“…Uh.” Fuck. It was too late to disappear again. He glanced around at everyone listening, and at Frisk, who was already unhappy because of him. Was this really the time to tell her what her father was planning, and that the humans all knew her name now? “It’s…I-I’ll show ya later, I promise. There’s a bunch of stuff we’ve gotta talk about.”

Her frown deepened. “Agreed.” Just like that, Frisk turned to smile at Papyrus. “Shall we?”

“CERTAINLY!” He gallantly held his arm out to her, neither of them noticing how Sans’ socket twitched.

Before the bigger skeleton could say something stupid, a touch on his radius made him spin around. “If you could take me home now, I would greatly appreciate it,” Toriel said quietly.

“Sure.” He gave Frisk one last glance. “Have fun, guys.”

Undyne made another face at him, and Papyrus waved. “GOODBYE, SANS! HAVE FUN! PLEASE BE USEFUL TO HER MAJESTY AND NOT RUN OFF AGAIN BECAUSE YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY INCOMPETENT!”

Sans twitched again, and Frisk smirked. “Have a good rest, Lady Toriel,” she said over her shoulder.

“Enjoy yourselves,” Toriel replied cheerfully. But the moment the trio was out of sight, the goat monster’s smile vanished. “Back to the Ruins, please,” she said coolly.

Sans had a headache already. “Yes’m,” he mumbled. At least all this inner turmoil meant he was generating plenty of magic: she laid a hand on his arm, he made a swiping gesture at the crates, and they were all standing in the entryway of Toriel’s house, easy as butterscotch-cinnamon pie.

“I wish I could do that,” the goat monster commented, not for the first time. “Can you bring those to the kitchen for me?” She strode ahead, briskly opening cabinets and moving things aside to make room. “Also, please tell me what the matter is.”

Sans grunted, twitching a finger to waft the crates over. “Do me a favor, Tori, and gimme a check. You can probably see it for yerself.”

Toriel obligingly turned and squinted at his SOUL. “Good heavens,” she said after a moment, and looked up at him. “Sans, what in the world…?”

If it looked half as turbulent as it felt, then it was probably pretty scary. “I wasn’t kiddin’ the other night,” he muttered.

“I…didn’t think you were. Still…” She rubbed her eyes, swaying a little with sheer tiredness. “I did want to ask you something. I heard you telling the guards last night that you inspected the carts alongside someone you trusted. By any chance, was that…?”

Well, there was a convenient misunderstanding if he’d ever heard one. “Was that what? Someone I’m totally nuts about an’ hafta stay away from because she’s a human, and just friggin’ deal with it?” He rapped on his chest. “Does it look like I’m dealin’ with it?”

“No, you are not.” Toriel crossed her arms at the waist. “Sans. I know this must be difficult for you, but—”

“Let’s play pretend for a minute,” he said conversationally. “Imagine I came up to you sometime real soon with a human an’ said, ‘Here ya go, meet the wife.’” Just saying the word made his SOUL ache further. “What would you do?”

Her eyes narrowed to golden slits. “It would depend,” Toriel said with deceptive calmness, “whether you would prefer I be kind, or truthful. Do you want my blessing to try and find happiness for a few short years, and to be even more alone in the world once she d—”

That did it. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, Tori! Ya think I don’t know how screwed I am?” Sans snarled, and her mouth fell open. “I didn’t tell you about this so you could give me a kick in the goddamn teeth! I told ya ‘cause I wanted to talk with somebody who might have some idea what I’m goin’ through! If that’s too much to ask, just fuckin’ forget about it!”

“I am sorry, Sans! I truly am!” There was a puff of smoke as Toriel threw her hands up. “If you could marry a human, I would be the first to congratulate you! But as things are…” Her face contorted. “What does my opinion even matter? You know that I have no power here, no matter how many people keep calling me ‘Majesty’! I can do nothing to help you!”

“You could still be my goddamn friend! That’s all I wanted!” He kicked at nothing. “But no, yer so worried about botherin’ little ol’ Gorey that—”

Whump.

Sans stared at the scorch mark at his feet, a smoking, blackened ring on the tiles. Then he looked at Toriel, whose hand was still aimed at the floor, her chest heaving as though she’d run the entire length of the Underground. “Do not. Talk to me. About. Asgore,” she said through gritted fangs. “That wretched man has already cost me my entire family! Do you think I enjoy catering to his paranoia and living in fear that someone else I care for will be banished, or die? What do you think he would do if you were to wed a human? What would happen to you, and to her? If Asgore decided you were truly a threat—”

He could feel his eyes burning, and didn’t trust himself to say anything. Toriel gulped. “It is not safe for you to marry a human, Sans. It is not safe for any human down here! You’ve seen it for yourself! Frisk is the only one he will even tolerate, and he could still…” Another shake of her head, ears flapping against her cheeks. “You know Asgore. All he has to do is ignore her until she leaves. It would be so easy, wouldn’t it?” The goat-woman buried her face in her hands. “Those damned men would just shrug and say that she failed in her mission, and I would never see her again! I can’t lose anyone else, Sans! I can’t—”

The skeleton’s anger subsided as he watched the former Queen’s shoulders rise and fall. He took a couple of steps toward her, sliding his hands into his pockets. “What happened with Chara?” he asked quietly. “Why wouldn’t he let her come back?”

Toriel’s fingers curled, claws digging into her muzzle. “It wasn’t her fault,” she muttered, eyes hard and dry. “He said he didn’t blame her, but he still agreed to send her away. And when that bastard human would not marry her as he promised, Chara needed us—she needed her family! But Asgore said she was lying, and he sent her away again! I didn’t see my little girl for ten years, Sans! And then—”

Sans stayed silent. Toriel let her arms fall, and slid down against the cabinet until she was slumped on the kitchen floor. “I got her back, and it was too late. She hated us both,” she said dully. “She died hating me, Sans. And she was right. I couldn’t protect her from Asgore, and when the accident happened, I could not protect her or Asriel. I was right there, and I could do nothing! All I did was send the humans away, and he even begrudged me that!” The goat monster gripped her robe, nearly puncturing the fabric. “Now my only friend comes to me for a sympathetic ear, and what do I do? I sneer at him for confiding in me and complain about my troubles!” She scrubbed her eyes with her sleeve. “I’m completely useless, as always.”

“Don’t say that, Tori! Remember that one little thing where ya kept the humans from declarin’ war on us an’ sealing the whole damn Underground? Besides…” Sans shuddered as something else came to him. “For all we know, he woulda had Kris killed, too.” He crouched to her eye level. “You saved Frisk’s life, Tori. Are you sayin’ that wasn’t worth somethin’?”

She swallowed again. “I…I don’t—”

“An’ she grew up to be High Priestess, and she saved my life when I got caught. If it wasn’t for you, she’d be dead, and I’d be dead or worse.” He shook his head. “If she was dead, we wouldn’t be gettin’ any food deliveries, or monsters comin’ home, or random bubble parties—” Despite himself, he chuckled. “Or fish puns—”

Toriel managed a smile. “That was fun, wasn’t it? Poor Papyrus.” She gave a long, deep sigh. “I may have saved her life, but as far as I am concerned, you are the reason she has come back to us. Thank you, Sans.” The goat monster got to her feet and wiped her eyes again on her sleeve. “I…I still don’t know what to tell you about your human. I haven’t even asked you her name, what she is like, how far your relationship has progressed—may I assume you intend to keep courting her?”

“Uh…” Sans ducked his head, scuffing his slipper over the burned floor tiles. “Tell you the truth, she’s kinda the one courtin’ me.”

“Sans!” the goat monster scolded him. “You’ve found a woman with enough magic, strength of mind, and good taste to fall in love with you, and you’re letting her do all the work?”

The skeleton scratched his neck vertebrae. “…Yeah?”

Toriel gave him one of her squinty, pursed-mouth glares, and he held up his hands. “I know, I know! It’s just…there’s all this stuff, but it’s her, an’ I never met a her before, an’ I—”

“All right, all right.” Toriel sighed again. “I still wish you would change your mind, but I understand that it’s not so simple.” She couldn’t conceal a yawn. “We can talk more when I’ve had some rest. I promise.” To his surprise, she took his hand and gave it a good squeeze. “In the meantime, go and help the Royal Guards, and then apologize to Frisk. That was the most lovely gift imaginable, and you behaved as though she’d handed you a steaming pile of—”

“Yeah, yeah.” Sans lifted one shoulder. “Okay, Ma, I promise I’ll be good. Go get some sleep.”

“Yes, dear. And, Sans—” She gave him a look he couldn’t interpret. “I hate to be intrusive, but…if everyone is gathered again this evening, could I please join you? If it’s all right with the others?”

Sans made a rude noise. “Of course I’ll come ‘n get you. We’re almost halfway through her offishal visit.”

Toriel laughed. “Well, water you still doing here? Go on!”

He chucked, raising a hand. “‘Kay. See ya, Toriel.”

“Thank you, Sans.” She swatted at him playfully, letting him dodge out of the way. “Now, shoo!”

#songfell #why am i like this for reals

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cheerynoir · 4 years

Text

How Do We Come Back From This?

@c0ffeebee this one’s for you, and the three other people in this rowboat of a fandom. Please excuse any wonky characterization or mistakes, they’re all my own. Unebta’d. TW: smoking, drunkenness, drunk sex, Angst, Rio [Rio Is Her Own Warning].

Eventually the music gave him a headache and the crush of people made him claustrophobic. So Mateo stepped out for fresh air and shivered at the chill of it as his sweat cooled. His ears rang in the sudden quiet. Smokers huddled in little knots, here and there, and he leaned back upwind of them, breathing deep. It was nice to hear himself think for once.

“Got a light?” asked a smooth voice, and he turned and found a white woman in a man’s coat. Red hair. Dark, wide-set eyes. Something about her — the twist of her mouth, maybe — reminded him of a fox.

“Oh, uh, yeah,” he said, and fumbled for the cheap zippo he’s started carrying when he realized most of his new friends lived on cigarettes and caffeine (and Rico was perpetually short a light).

He lit her cigarette and she smoked in silence for a while, before turning to him and pulling him into a conversation. He couldn’t remember what they spoke of - dancing, maybe? - but he knew the alley seemed very small, suddenly, with how they gravitated closer and closer. She tipped her face up for him, and it was a nice face, fine-boned and sharp-edged—

“Mateo,” cut in Diego. Mateo startled. He hadn’t even heard the back door bang open. “There you are.”

He didn’t look happy, but Mateo mustered up a smile. “Hey! I was just talking with—”

“Fuck off, Rio,” said Diego, without looking at Mateo at all. It was like he hadn’t spoken. A muscle in Diego’s jaw worked, and Mateo’d never seen him so closed off.

“Good seeing you, too, Diego,” the redhead replied, smirking a lopsided little smirk. “See you around, baby. Thanks for the light.”

“Don’t,” started Mateo, but the woman was already slinking away. “Call me that,” he muttered, and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling - out of sorts. Diego’s glower settled on him, black and heavy. “What?”

“Steer clear of her,” he said. And gestured impatiently. “C’mon. Fly’s looking for you.”

“What? Why? She seemed—” Hot. Intense. Dangerous. “— fine?”

Diego huffed out a breath and slammed the service door behind them, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “Well she’s not. She’s a crazy bitch and you’re better off telling her to fuck herself.”

“Why?”

Diego sucked his teeth, looking torn. But he rolled his shoulders and gave his head a shake, looking like he was getting ready for a brawl.

“Rico doesn’t like her,” he settled on at last. “She’s banned from The Cat.”

That drew him up short. “What? I thought you only banned, like, cops and Nazis. Is she a Nazi?”

“No.” Jaw tight, he waved Mateo on. “Go on. You know how he gets.”

So he went, confused, and the feeling lingered, even through the happy fog that being in Fly’s orbit always left him in. Dett seemed to notice, because she snagged him a little later, a tray of shots in one hand.

“What’s up, baby?”

“Don’t call me that,” he said, reflexive. Then, “Hey, do you know Rio? White girl, red hair? Kind of foxy?”

Dett narrowed her eyes at him, but jerked her chin. He trailed her awkwardly as she wound across the floor, making sales and gathering empties.

“She and Rico used to hang out,” she said on the way back to the bar, mouth a lipsticked twist of displeasure. The words felt forced, like maybe he’d yanked them out along with some teeth, maybe.

“They dated?”

“I don’t know what they did, except egg each other on. Like two sides of a fucking coin,” said Dett. “Fuck this - Fly! I’m taking my 15 and stealing your duckling!”

Engaged with a rowdy bachelorette party, flashing the flirty customer service grin Mateo hated, Rico only lifted a hand to wave her off. Mateo trailed her back out to the alley, feeling weirdly unsettled.

“I thought he didn’t date,” he ventured at last, settling down on an overturned milk-crate. That was his thing, wasn’t it? Unattainable, charismatic, painfully cool Fly Rico, who’d flirt with anybody but never follow through.

“Aw, ducky. He doesn’t date the babies. Everyone else is fair game,” she said, and patted his knee. “Buck up. So Rio was this spooky bitch who hung around for a while, back when we were younger and dumber. She loved to stir the pot and drag Rico into shit. Tagging a building wasn’t enough, she had to try and smash up a police station, that kind of thing, y’know?”

Something warm settled in the pit of his stomach. He leaned forward and watched Dett light a cigarette and blow a series of wobbly smoke rings. What were they like, back then? What was Rico like, young and wild and hungry for everything? It itched at him like smoke in his lungs, the curiosity.

But Dett drew up short and fixed him with a heavy, pointed look. “Hey. I’m only telling you this so you get th point. She’s bad news. I tell you, and you never bring it up again, never even breathe this bitch’s name, you got it?”

“I got it.”

“Swear,” she said sharply.

A lifetime of promises to Fina – sacred things, big and small – had him crossing his heart with the tip of his finger before he’d even realized his hand had moved. “I swear,” he said, and meant it. What was one more secret for the pile? He’d die before he told. But Dett only eyed him and smoked furiously for a few long minutes. Then she nodded, and seemed to relent.

“So one night we’re all out partying, and Rio disappears for a bit. Gets into a fight with some dick twice her size - and Rico jumps in to save her ass, break it up, whatever.” Dett blew out about sigh, sounding frustrated. “She got him knifed - or knifed him herself. I wasn’t there, I didn’t see. And you know him. He’d never rat. But. He nearly died.”

“What?” said Mateo, as if from a long ways away. The ember in the pit of his stomach turned to ice. He swallowed hard.

“In the hospital, after - I’d never seen Papa so mad. Banned Rio for life, not that any of us were fighting for her. She took off, before the police and the paramedics showed up, while D and I - and all the blood. There was so much blood, that night.” Cigarette between her teeth, her gaze fell to her empty hands. She flexed them slowly, like she could feel the hot red stain there, still. Then she took a deep breath and swallowed. Visibly yanked herself back from the edge.

“She never visited - I would have killed her if she tried. After he healed up, she started sniffing around again, so Fly burned her, and now nobody fucks with her at all. So you steer clear of her, too. She only turns up trouble.”

“Okay,” he said, faintly. He’d thought she was hot and smooth, before. Smoking a cigarette and looking like she wanted to swallow him whole. She got him knifed. He nearly died. Attraction withered and died, there, in the alley way. He didn’t fight it, and he didn’t grieve.

A few days later, when he was taking a breather around eleven, Rio turned up again. Mateo ducked back inside without greeting her and couldn’t help sticking close to the bar, close to Fly, after. Like she was going to follow him in to finish what she started, maybe. Like he needed to see Rico whole and well and flirting carelessly for tips. It made his chest ache to see it, and his teeth hurt from clenching his jaw.

But he was fine. It was fine. Rico was perfectly healthy and what he did for his job was none of Mateo’s business.

She was gone when Mateo followed Fly out into the back alley a while later, anxiously curling and uncurling his fists. Even when Fly grinned at him, shoving his sweat-dark hair out of his eyes, even when he ducked his head to chase the lighter’s flame, Mateo couldn’t relax, couldn’t stop jumping at shadows. The pinpricks of light reflected in Fly’s eyes like distant stars, and the fire kissed his cheeks and turned his eyelashes to gauzy spiderwebs, and he watched Mateo, honey-slow, with a smile tucked into the corner of his mouth and he—

He still couldn’t relax.

It was a long night.

The door slammed behind him, the loudest sound in the whole world. Mateo stumbled, then staggered, then the wall surged up under his hands and he managed to stay upright, thank God. He didn’t think his legs would hold if he fell and needed to get back up, just now.

The world spun in a wobbly, nauseating blur. Mateo shut his eyes and tried to breathe through it, though he felt his stomach churning and his throat twitching like he was gonna gag.

He swallowed, and shut his mouth tight, and breathed. He didn’t wanna throw up. Not right now and not outside The Cat, where Rico was inside with some guy with a shitty haircut and his pretty hands all over the guy, laughing into his shoulder as they moved to the electric beat. The only two people in the fucking world, apparently.

Some night off.

Tears threatened, and Mateo tried to swallow those too. He laid his hot cheek against the brick and scraped it, feeling the roughness catch on his skin. It distracted him, and it was cool, and everything was terrible but at least he had this wall right here.

“Shit,” he mumbled, a slow-dawning realization. “Shit, I’m hammered.“

Absolutely soaked, crowed the little voice in the back of his head that sounded like Rico at his happiest. It felt like getting stabbed right between his ribs, hearing that. It hurt, it hurt. Hurt like Raul telling him, gentle and so damn kind, ‘Maybe you should give this a rest, huh?’ because he had his answer and Rico didn’t want him, wouldn’t ever want him. Mateo’s breath punched out in a ragged sob and then he couldn’t stop. The dam shattered and the tears and hurt poured out.

He wiped at his face with both hands, like he had when he was just a kid tagging along at the grocery store and so worked up about something that there was snot and tears everywhere and too many eyes watching and Tiago was getting frustrated with him again—

“You okay, baby?”

Mateo wanted it to be Rico so bad. So bad it hurt, even. He wanted Rico’s warm eyes and pretty hands and husky voice, and his arm around Mateo’s shoulders like the only thing anchoring him to the earth. The heat of him, and the smell of his sandalwood-and-spice cologne, and his quicksilver grin. Mateo wanted him. But it was only some girl with a fox face. He sniffled at her, and felt her hand on his arm like an afterthought. She was looking at him like -

Like she wanted him.

God, he wanted to be wanted. Just a little. Just a bit.

“No,” he told her, drunk and honest.

She smiled with one side of her mouth, and wiped the tears off his cheeks with both thumbs. Her hands were cool and sure. He leaned into her, and her smile widened with a flash of teeth.

“Well,” she said, “let’s see if we can fix that, huh?”

And then they were kissing and the world dissolved into heat and want and relief like cool sweet water on a parched throat. She wanted him, and it was simple and it made heat bloom in the pit of his stomach. Her back hit the brick and her mouth opened under his and it was good, God, it was so good. She tasted like mint and whiskey and he chased the taste of it while her fingernails raked down his back.

She groaned against his cheek when he hitched one of her legs up over his hip, grinding in close. It made him wonder dizzily if he could do it. If he could hike up her other leg and have her right here against the wall in front of God or anybody. Her pulse pounded under his tongue, and she arched into his hands, and she was so fucking soft and she wanted him and he wanted—

“Mm,” she sighed, and her head lolled back, and he mouthed at her neck like something starved. “Find us a room, baby.”

“Nn?” Words were too hard. He was too hard. He lifted his head when she pulled on his hair and fixed him with a black-eyed stare. All pupil. She licked her lower lip in a flash of pink, and he dipped to do the same, but her grip on his hair tightened in a stinging flash of heat. He bit back a moan.

“A room,” she repeated. “A motel or something.”

There was one a couple of blocks over. The Sunset Motel. But even a couple of blocks felt like too far, with her pressed so close.

“Alright,” he panted, and stamped a messy kiss across her mouth. “Alright. C’mon.”

The Sunset was close, but there was an apartment above The Cat that would be empty this time of night, with two of its occupants working and one with his hands all over some guy with a shitty haircut. Mateo led the way, knocking the loose brick out of the wall and scraping up his fingers to get at the spare key. The inside of the apartment was dark, and the floor vibrated in time with the music pounding below. The girl laughed, low and husky and hot, and they were kissing again, tripping over each other and the coffee-table. Mateo managed to kick the door shut behind them, and then it was a scramble – out of clothes, into the nearest bedroom – and then—

Things got a little hazy, then. Clarity came in little flashes: one cold hand against his navel while the other rolled a condom down his length, the flash of red hair against a grey pillowcase, the ragged noise she made when he pressed his fingers – his cock – inside her. The smell of musk and sweat and sandalwood that clung to the skin of her throat where he pressed his greedy mouth.

After, he must have slept, because he woke reaching for her. The whole process repeated itself – once, then twice. Her hands, her mouth, the hot clutch of her body. The fevered intensity of her stare on his face, her mouth gasping “baby, baby” until he had to turn his face away, into the pillow, the taste of blood in his mouth from his bitten lip.

And through it all, the warm smell of sandalwood and spice.

He was muzzy, half-asleep, content with her skin against his and her head on his chest when a flicker at the doorway caught his attention and—

Rico.

Rico with one hand going white on the doorknob, still as death, the other clenched into a fist with something in it. His left thumb twitched, working the spinning loop of his fidget-ring frantically. His eyes – his eyes were—

Mateo sat up all at once, mouth dry, tongue clumsy. The air was blood-hot against his bare skin when the sheets fell away.

“Fly,” he said, drunk and stupid. He sounded surprised. “Fly, I uh—”

He stumbled, tripped, babbled. The girl. The girl didn’t say anything at all. He turned to her, hoping maybe—

It hit him, then.

Fox face. Red hair. Dark eyes. A crooked kind of smirk.

“Hey, Fly,” purred Rio.

Mateo shut his mouth, feeling like he’d missed a step on the way down the stairs. The gravity of the situation seeped into his pickled brain. His stomach iced over and his lungs locked up.

“Rico,” he heard himself say. Rico still hadn’t moved. He was always moving – tapping his foot, pacing, spinning his fidget ring – but now he was still, all but his wild eyes.

“Get out,” said Rico.

“Rico,” Mateo pleaded.

He moved at last, and something hit Mateo in the face. Surprised, he sucked in a breath, and a the stink of what he’d done – smoke-liquor-sweat-perfume – washed over him. It was his shirt. He must have dropped it, before.

He was vaguely aware of Rio sliding out of bed – out of Rico’s bed, fuck – and gathering her clothes, unhurried and unbothered and smooth.

Numbly, Mateo put on his shirt. He found his jeans, and he shoes and – and he was walking out with Rio, past a dumbfounded Diego and a glaring Dett in the doorway. He walked away and expected to cry. He even wiped at his dry eyes, like muscle-memory. But no tears came.

With each step, a hole ripped open a little wider behind his ribs, black and sucking as a chest-wound. He breathed in shallow little sips, expecting pain.

Diego was the one to shut the door behind them. The slam of the deadbolt locking felt – horrifically final.

Mostly dressed in the pre-dawn gloom, Mateo couldn’t help but look around. His head felt foggy, sluggish, and his throat thick. The beginnings of a hangover, probably.

“What do I do now?” he wondered, and the words were flat.

Rio touched his arm, and he didn’t flinch away.

“We get breakfast,” she told him.

So they did.

#happy au #pdcoa #flyvega #my beloved crybaby #fly rico #mateo vega #look i know it's angsty but it's not the FIRST bit og the happy au #it's just the only bit that wouldn't leave me alone #the set up is Mateo is a baby gay and Fly is his mentor/Elder Gay and it's Complicated #the cat is a gay bar i don't make the rules ok #c writes

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lilacmoon83 · 3 years

Text

Clarity

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 16: Truth and Dissent

"You've seen the book. You saw that nursery they made...for you. Parents that don't want their kid don't do that, Emma and you know it," Neal said, as neither of them noticed David and Mary Margaret coming out of the diner.

"Why do you care so much!?" Emma cried in exasperation.

"Because we know the truth! You were cheated out of having them and they were cheated out of having you! First, because of the curse...but ultimately, because of a lie told by people that were supposed to be their friends!" he said.

"What?" Mary Margaret asked and he suddenly realized they were there. He froze and turned to them. This was not a conversation that he wanted to come back to, but clearly there was no washing it away. New York had not allowed for any time to deal with it and maybe now was the time.

"What...what do you mean when you say we were lied to?" David asked, with an edge in his voice. Neal sighed.

"Is this about Blue and Geppetto? The wardrobe and what you told us in New York?" she questioned.

"Uh yeah...I know you probably haven't had a lot of time to process it with everything going on, but it was August that told me that," Neal replied.

"Then maybe it's time we revisit this conversation," David suggested.

"We can go back to the loft," Mary Margaret suggested.

"Papa...are you coming?" Neal asked.

"If you want me to," Gold replied. Neal nodded.

"I do," he said and while Gold's expression didn't change, the look of relief and mirth in his eyes could not be mistaken. They started walking and Neal noticed that Emma was still standing on the sidewalk.

"Emma...come on," he urged. She rolled her eyes, crossed her arms over her chest, but then reluctantly followed them.

~*~

Sidney breathed a sigh of relief, as he returned to his office after the interruption. He sat back down at his computer and continued working on the retraction story. But what David had said rang true. The waters had been muddied now and a retraction story wouldn't get people to stop questioning the truth. But he continued on at Regina's request or rather order as it was. It was strange though. Lately, when he was putting together the stories for the paper, he had an incredible sense of Deja Vu. And it wasn't so much that he had put the paper together a million times, but rather it seemed like some of the stories were the same as the day before and the day before that. But that couldn't be right. New things were happening every day, though David and Mary Margaret's affair had certainly made his paper more interesting as of late, as well as the arrivals of outsiders like Neal Cassidy and Emma Swan. Still, something felt off and he felt it in the back of his mind. He stood up and looked into the mirror on the wall, but his reverie was interrupted by his phone ringing. It was the Mayor and he had to take it.

The blonde woman hung up the phone and set it down on her desk. She stood up and looked out her office window, right at the magnificent view of Time Square and remained deep in thought about the information she had been given so far by her employee.

~*~

It was finally time.

"Jocelyn…" she said, as she pressed a button on her phone.

"Yes, Ma'am?" her receptionist answered.

"Book me a flight to Portland, Maine. The soonest flight there is and set up a rental car to be waiting for me when I land," the woman ordered.

"Yes Ma'am," she answered. The woman gathered her things and intended to go pack. Storybrooke, Maine awaited her...

~*~

David and Mary Margaret's minds were swirling with questions by the time they arrived at the loft The Wardrobe. The lies. August...they remembered the name now, but so much had happened in New York that they never really dealt with that layer. Perhaps they had purposely avoided it, but that obviously wasn't an option any longer.

Everyone removed their coats and found seats where they could. And all attention turned to Neal.

"I guess there isn't really a gentle way to say any of this," Neal began.

"You said we were lied to by people that were supposed to be our friends. I'm assuming you mean what you told us in New York?" David asked bluntly. Neal sighed.

"And this August told you?" Mary Margaret asked anxiously.

"Yes," Neal replied.

"I guess that makes sense since you told us he's Pinocchio," David stated. Neal nodded.

"I...I think I wanted to forget that part," Mary Margaret murmured and David squeezed her hand.

"I get that. Things could have been very different if Geppetto hadn't done what he did in desperation. August was found with Emma that night...but he left her soon after," Neal explained.

"What the hell was he even thinking? How did Geppetto expect a little boy to take care of an infant?" David said in frustration.

"He...he wasn't thinking. He just wanted to protect his son, just like we wanted to protect our daughter," Mary Margaret said in a choked voice.

"You're being really understanding," David mentioned. She shrugged.

"I'm trying," she admitted.

"If our lying friend did leave Emma at the orphanage...how did he even know where she was?" Gold questioned. Neal shrugged.

"That's a question I still don't have an answer to. Somehow, he must have kept tabs on Emma over the years," Neal said, as he shared an uncomfortable look with the blonde.

"Anyway, he found me in Portland. I had every intention of running away to Canada with Emma...but he told me everything and convinced me that if I did, I would be interfering with Emma's destiny to break the curse," Neal said, as he looked at her rigid expression.

"I was stupid enough to listen to him and it was the biggest mistake of my life," Neal said, pleading with her. She scoffed.

"It was Emma...I was scared that my father would find me if I stayed with you and that I would get sucked back into this world," he confessed.

"But yet here you are anyway," she countered.

"Because of Henry. I would have never abandoned you if I had known. Hell, I would have never abandoned you if I hadn't let August terrify the hell out of me," Neal said.

"So August is trying to make sure the curse is broken?" David asked.

"Uh yeah...but don't think he's doing it for the good of everyone," Neal replied.

"What does that mean?" Rumple asked.

"He was turning to wood again...because Emma was off track. He showed me his leg," Neal replied.

"Ah...turning back into a puppet, so he made sure Emma was put back on her path to Storybrooke to save himself. It comes as no surprise that the stupid gnat was in on the whole thing," he growled.

"I still can't believe Blue betrayed us…" David hissed.

"Believe it...and never trust a fairy," Gold warned. David sighed and looked at his wife, whose expression broke his heart. She looked utterly broken now.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to stir all of this up again," Neal offered. David gave him a nod. He knew it wasn't Neal's fault. He had made a mistake and had hurt Emma, which he hated. But he was young and pressured into it, as he now knew. David had made his own mistakes with Mary Margaret when cursed. Like himself, Mary Margaret, and Emma...it seemed he was a victim as well. And it was becoming more clear by the day that they had put their trust in liars.

"Thank you for telling us the rest of it anyway. We didn't really deal with it before," David offered. Neal nodded.

"Do you know why he's here now? Or why would he try to help us by writing that article?" David asked. Neal shook his head.

"He's been careful to avoid me. I wouldn't even know he was here if he hadn't published that article. But before Blue put him in the wardrobe, she told him that he had to be selfless, brave, and true. And he hasn't been...far from it," Neal said.

"He's turning to wood again," Gold surmised.

"Which means he's probably trying to accelerate the curse being broken," Neal said.

"To save himself," David said bitterly.

"None of this makes any sense," Emma muttered.

"It would if you'd stop being in denial," Neal replied.

"Don't start with me," she snapped.

"No, I am going to start with you! Dammit Emma...this all gets easier if you just accept reality," Neal said in frustration.

"This...this isn't my reality," Emma refuted, as she stood up.

"You just told me that you left me, because Pinocchio told you to! What the hell am I supposed to do with that!?" Emma cried.

"Deal with it and stop running! That's what you do with it!" Neal shouted back.

"You and your parents got royally screwed! I got royally screwed and it sucks! But if we tear ourselves apart...Regina will win and she'll take our son away," he warned and Emma took a sobering breath.

"And I don't want that...but you're asking me to believe…" Emma said, but trailed off when she saw Mary Margaret stand up and stare her straight in the eyes.

"Nine months…" she said in an unsteady voice.

"What?" Emma asked.

"Nine months...I carried you, planned for you, and then prepared myself to leave your father behind and walk into the unknown through that wardrobe," Mary Margaret replied.

"I…" Emma started to say, but then words failed her.

"I was terrified, but your father told me that I had to go. I had to for you, even though he had no idea what would happen to him or if he would even survive. So I was going to do it...but then you came early and they told us that it only took one," she explained and swallowed thickly.

"So I told your father that he had to put you in the wardrobe," she said, as tears streamed down her cheeks and David was still haunted by her gut wrenching sobs as he took Emma away.

"He didn't want to...but I knew he had to. To give you your best chance," she continued.

"If..if you had ended up in Storybrooke, Regina would have never let me have you. She would have made sure you could never break the curse," she said sadly. Emma was still resisting the belief in all of this, but the pain in Mary Margaret's eyes was so palpable that it was undeniable. There was no faking this kind of pain; that she knew for certain and from experience. But she wasn't ready...she didn't know if she'd ever be ready.

"I...I gotta go," Emma stammered, as she fled the apartment as fast as she could. With another sting of what Mary Margaret could only take as rejection, she fled to her bedroom behind the curtain and they heard sobs. David followed her in an attempt to comfort her, while Neal and Gold quietly let themselves out. The younger of the two sighed.

"What is it going to take?" Neal asked.

"Her cognitive dissonance is worse than I originally feared," Gold replied.

"What do we do?" Neal questioned, finally seeking his advice.

"I'm not sure we will need to do anything. It seems like we may never get through to her, but things are not always as they appear," Gold replied.

"Papa...you know I don't appreciate the cryptic phrases," Neal said.

"I only mean that Emma likely already knows it's all very true, but she runs, because she's not ready to handle it. However, the time will come when she can no longer run and she will face either accepting her destiny or losing everything," Gold replied.

"Losing everything?" Neal asked in alarm.

"Everything will come to a head. Emma does break the curse, but I cannot see how or why. But it will not be an easy path and Regina will not sit still for it. If she is faced with losing them or Henry...she will do what she must," Gold replied. Neal sighed again.

"I hope you're right, because I know Emma and right now, she's probably itching to blow this town," he warned.

"But she won't and for now, we prepare for the one thing keeping her here. The trial," Gold said. Neal nodded and looked back at the door, before following his father.

"You're fond of them," Gold said.

"I barely know them...but they're Emma's parents. Henry's grandparents. They're good people," Neal replied.

"They are and they will be fine. Not even the curse could destroy their true love. Regina will lose," he assured him.

"Yeah...but what do we have to endure until then?" Neal asked. Gold looked at him, as they exited the building.

"Even I don't know the answer to that," he replied, as they walked back to his shop where his car was parked.

#Snowing #SnowxCharming #Emma Swan #Neal Cassidy #Mr. Gold #romance #family #adventure #drama #Clarity #A 7x15 am AU

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gryffindorcls · 5 years

Text

Day 1: I like the way your hand fits in mine. (Part 2)

Hello, lovely readers!

HAPPY LOVESQUARE FLUFF WEEK 2019!!!

The Day 1 prompt is “I like the way your hand fits in mine”; however, I already wrote the same prompt for an ask game when I hit 300 followers. So, here is the sequel I never planned to write, but I am so happy that I did!

Thank you @lovesquarefluffweek for organizing this week of fluff!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ PART 1 FIRST CLICK HERE.

---

Day 1: I Like the Way Your Hand Fits In Mine (Part 2)

Marinette was floating high above the clouds, and she never wanted to come down. Honestly, she didn’t think she ever would. Within a matter of minutes, her entire life had changed for the better.

Adrien Agreste wanted to go on a date with her. With HER! And...he had told her that he was falling in love with her. She couldn’t believe it. Yet, here he was, holding her hand and looking at her like she was the center of his universe.

When the final bell rang, she attempted to let go of his hand and take her seat, but his grip tightened. “Class is about to start. I’m going to need that hand to write.”

He looked up at her with kitten eyes that rivaled Chat Noir’s. “I like the way your hand fits in mine. I want to keep holding it forever.”

The newness of the situation still made her feel nervous around Adrien, but the steadiness of his hand and the sincerity in his eyes gave her the courage to reach up and kiss him on the cheek. He immediately dropped her hand and touched the side of his face.

Adrien’s mouth was agape. “What was that for?”

His look of shock caused her to giggle. “I wanted to give you something to tide you over until we could hold hands again.”

He quirked his brow. “How about lunchtime today?”

“I think I can squeeze you in,” she teased playfully.

***

That day, Marinette found concentrating in class an impossible task. Instead of listening to the lecture, she found herself staring at Adrien’s bouncing, golden locks on multiple occasions. When the lunch bell rang, her notes were incomplete, but her heart felt full.

As she gathered her belongings and stuffed them into her backpack, Adrien hopped out of his seat and stood in front of her. Without saying a word, he slung her backpack over his shoulder and held out his hand.

When she took his hand, he shot her a dazzling smile. “Thank goodness...my hand felt empty all morning.”

She felt a firey blush creep up her neck and spread across her cheeks. Using her free hand, Marinette covered her face and groaned.

“You can’t just say stuff like that!” she mumbled through her fingers.

Adrien chuckled. “Why...whatever do you mean? I thought you liked me.”

She dropped her arm to her side. “That’s the problem! Just because you asked me out, it doesn’t mean that talking to you got any easier! Ugh...you probably think I’m super weird...and you’re going to rethink wanting to date me...and then…”

“Woah! Marinette! No...I would never do that! Okay, so your feelings for me make you a little nervous. That doesn’t make you any less kind, selfless, or brave. I’ve seen you do incredible things. That’s why I called you our ‘everyday Ladybug’ last year. You’re amazing without even trying, and that’s why I’ve started to fall in love with you. We’ll just take it slow. Trust me, I’m not that scary.”

“I know...it’s just...sometimes my mind starts running a million miles an hour, and I get all of these ideas. Alya tells me that I tend to overthink things, and she’s right.”

“Yes, but we need people whose mind works like yours.”

“You think so?”

He took her other hand in his. “Marinette, you are smart and creative. Those are only two of the reasons why I admire you. However, if you get nervous around me in the future, I will wait patiently by your side until you’re comfortable again. I will never let anything happen to you as long as you’re with me. All I want is for you to feel safe and loved. Okay?”

Hearing Adrien’s words made her insides melt. “Okay.”

“Now, where would you like to go to lunch?”

“Oh, umm...my parents are actually expecting me to come home for lunch. And everything happened so fast this morning...I didn’t have time to tell them anything before class started. D-did you maybe...uhh...want to come over? They’d be more than happy to have you.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to cause an inconvenience.”

Marinette shook her head and laughed. “Are you kidding? My parents love feeding other people. They’re bakers. They always make plenty of food. Besides, Alya comes over all the time. There’s a chance that they’ll ask a lot of questions, but they like you. That and they’re definitely going to find out that we’re dating sooner or later, so why not tell them today? If...umm...that’s okay with you.”

Adrien beamed. “Your parents are amazing, and I would love to eat lunch with your family. Let me just text my bodyguard and let him know where I’m going to be.”

He let go of one of her hands, fished his phone out of his pocket, and quickly typed out a message. Adrien then led her towards the classroom door and carefully guided her down the stairs. They walked hand in hand all the way to the bakery.

Sabine squealed upon seeing them walk through the door together. “Oh my goodness! Tom! Get out here! Come and see who our daughter brought home!”

Tom sauntered into the store and gasped. “Has my little girl finally brought home a boyfriend?”

Marinette hesitated, but a gentle hand squeeze from Adrien gave her a much-needed confidence boost. “Yes, papa.”

“What a joyous day! Come in, son! Come in! I hope you are hungry because my wife has prepared a wonderful meal. We are so happy to have you here!”

Adrien looked at Tom with wide eyes. “Really, sir? Wow...thank you! I’m very excited to be here.”

“Son, you are always welcome here. Our home is open to any friend...or boyfriend...of Marinette’s.”

“Thank you, Mr. Dupain.”

Tom turned to Marinette. “He’s very polite. You should keep him.”

Sabine walked over and stood next to her husband. “Alright kids, lunch won’t be ready for another half an hour. How about the two of you head up to Marinette’s room and relax for a bit? I’ll call you when it’s time to set the table.”

“Okay, maman.” Still holding his hand, Marinette took Adrien up to her room and guided him to her chaise.

Instead of sitting down, he let go of her hand, put their belongings on the floor, and took in his surroundings. “I’ve always loved your room. It’s so warm and inviting.”

“Really? It’s nothing like yours. You have so much cool stuff.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean anything when you have no one to share any of that stuff with. Video games just aren’t as fun when you're always playing in single-player mode.”

“You know...we could...umm...fix that if you wanted.”

He knitted his brows. “What do you mean?”

Marinette bit her lip. “Well, the last time you were here, we played a game. We could play a few rounds of Ultimate Mecha Strike right now if you wanted to.”

“I would love to.”

“Oh, and maybe sometime you could join us for one of our family gaming sessions! My dad would love to have a new player in the group!”

“Wow...that sounds amazing! My dad would never sit down and play video games with me like that. Honestly, he doesn’t do much with me. He’s usually too busy, but that’s okay.” Adrien deflated and looked at the floor.

Seeing the sadness darken his features broke Marinette’s heart. “Hey...don’t worry about him. If you ever feel lonely, just call me. I’m always here to talk.”

Adrien’s face lit up. “You know...I might just take you up on that. Thanks, Marinette.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I care about you. If I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have had a crush on you. Also, if we’re dating now, we’re going to be talking a whole lot more. Actually, we’ll probably be talking all the time.”

“I can’t wait.” He reached up and gingerly touched her cheek. “Is...is it okay if I do this?”

She took a moment to close her eyes and lean into his touch. “Mmmhmm...it feels nice.”

“Just let me know if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable.”

“Adrien, do you know how long I’ve waited to do stuff like hold your hand or cuddle?”

“Cuddle?”

Realizing what she said, Marinette once again felt her face turn red. “Uh...yeah, but only if you’re okay with doing that!”

He grinned and moved closer to her. “I wouldn’t mind trying that right now.”

“I...um...wow...okay.” She took a deep breath, calmed her nerves, rested her arms on his shoulders, and ran her fingers through the hair on the back of his head. “That’s fine with me, but only if I can kick your butt at Ultimate Mecha Strike at the same time!”

The sound he made in response sounded almost like a purr. “In your dreams, Princess!”

Marinette moved away as she was struck with a sense of familiarity. “Wait...did you just call me ‘Princess’?”

Adrien scratched the back of his head. “I...uhhh...yes?”

“Hmmm.”

“D-do you not like being called that?”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just, I can only think of one person who’s ever called me that, and…”

Marinette looked up at her new boyfriend. She’d spent a year and a half studying Adrien’s features; however, it suddenly felt as if she was looking at him for the very first time.

“His eyes are the same color as yours. People don’t realize it, but they are,” she noted absentmindedly.

Adrien’s eyes darted around the room. “I...uh...and who might you be talking about?”

“Chat talks the same way, too,” a voice echoed inside her mind.

Marinette quickly brushed the idea away and shook her head. “No. I’m sorry. You know what? Never mind…it’s stupid. Let’s just play the game.”

Adrien’s body appeared to visibly relax after hearing her last statement. “Okay, yes...sounds great!”

Once again, Marinette buried any lingering thoughts regarding her partner and turned her attention towards setting up Ultimate Mecha Strike on her computer. However, before the game had the chance to load, an Akuma alert popped up on her phone.

Marinette groaned. “Ugh...no! Not today.”

“Hey...um,” Adrien began, “I need to go. My dad expects me to go home whenever there’s an Akuma attack.”

“Oh, really? Well, I guess that explains why I never see you during one.”

“Uh...yeah. So, I’ll just get going. My bodyguard is probably already waiting for me outside.” He walked up to Marinette and kissed her on the cheek. “Please stay safe, and if this clears up...maybe we can hang out again later? Or I could call...I’d really like to hear what suggestions you have for our first date.”

Marinette’s breath hitched. “D-date?”

“Yeah...that’s what couples do. They go on dates and spend time with each other.”

“I...umm...grounds sate. I MEAN! Sounds great!”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you later, Marinette.”

“Bye!” She waved as she watched him open the hatch and disappear into the room below.

Once he was gone, Tikki zipped into view. “Marinette! You need to transform! Chat Noir is probably already there.”

“You’re right...Tikki, SPOTS ON!” Marinette threw her head back and allowed her transformation to wash over her.

She then climbed onto her balcony and unsheathed her yo-yo.

“Ladybug?” Chat’s stunned voice asked breathlessly, “No...it can’t...that’s not...I just...why are you coming out of Marinette’s room?”

She froze. “Good afternoon, Chat Noir! I was just...ummm…I think the better question is why are you on Marinette’s balcony?”

“Okay...fine. Don’t answer, but I’ll have you know that I was visiting my girlfriend who lives close by, and I transformed in an alleyway behind near her house. I was just making my way across the rooftops to meet you at the Akuma battle,” he paused before continuing, “However, I was definitely not expecting my lady and my princess to be the same person.”

“Yes, well, you see...WAIT.” She narrowed her eyes at him, “What did you just say?”

Chat shifted his grip on his baton. “I...uhh...called you my Princess, and right now I’m just hoping that this won’t lead to our first fight as a couple.”

“Adrien?”

“Umm...yes?”

“Oh my God...OH MY GOD...It is you. I thought I was going crazy. Ohmygod...I’m dating Chat Noir!”

“Ummm...also yes?”

Ladybug groaned. “I can’t believe this. Why was I ever nervous around you? You are a pun-loving dork...a loyal, brave, and kind dork, but a dork, nonetheless.”

Chat’s ears drooped. “I guess you’ll probably want to break up then huh?”

“What? No...where did you get an idea like that?”

“You don’t like my puns.”

“No, I don’t like your timing...just like your timing for this conversation. Not good, Chaton. You probably should have waited until after we defeated the rampaging Akuma. You’re so lucky that I love you.”

He perked up. “You still love me?”

“Of course, you silly cat! I’ve always loved you. True, we have a lot to talk about, but it’s definitely going to make sneaking away for Akuma battles much easier. I was hoping to keep this a secret, but I guess it we’ll just have to figure it out. We’ll have to keep this a secret from Master Fu though.”

“Yeah...we wouldn’t want him to take...WAIT...hold on. Am I the boy you were in love with?”

Ladybug bit her lip. “Yeah. If it wasn’t for...well...you, I would have fallen for...um...you ages ago. I’m so sorry for breaking your heart so many times.”

Chat sheathed his baton, ran to her, scooped her up in his arms, and twirled her around. “No. Don’t be sorry. That’s amazing. You’re amazing. All of this is amazing. I can’t believe that I moved on from the girl of my dreams only to fall in love with the girl of my dreams again, and to top it off, she’s loved me all along! How did I get so lucky?”

“Chaton, as much as I love being in your arms and having this conversation with you, I wasn’t joking about the whole terrible timing thing. We really should uhh...you know…”

“Oh, right. Yeah. We’re the ‘saviors of Paris’. We should probably get on with that whole Akuma thing.” He gently set her on the ground.

She beamed. “Alright...shall we?”

“We shall, my lady...oh, wait...one more thing!”

“Yes, Chat?”

“When we’re done can we try that whole cuddling thing? It seems like it would be a step up from hand-holding.”

Ladybug rolled her eyes. “Only if we can defeat this Akuma before my mom calls us downstairs to set the table. We only have like 20 minutes before that happens.”

Chat extended his baton. “Okay...I get it. Work now, cuddle later.”

“Thank you, and...yes, kitty, there will be lots of cuddles.”

“Sounds paw-sitively purr-fect, my lady. I’m ready whenever you are.”

Ladybug shook her head and laughed. “Let’s get this done...together.”

<--- Part 1

AO3

#lovesquarefluffweek2k19 #love square fluff week 2k19 #lovesquare #fluff #i like the way your hand fits in mine #part 2 #identity reveal #day 1 #adrienette #adrien agreste #marinette dupain cheng #tooth rotting fluff #so fluffy

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killingkueen · 5 years

Text

Irish Twins

Previous chapters on AO3

Summary: Aaron Gold always knew, in his own way. Belle Kingston, on the other hand, had no idea. In the end, there really isn’t that much difference between water and wine. A switched at birth AU

Note: Whoops it’s been a long time. I’ve been going through some stuff.

I edited the previous chapters but it’s mostly just cosmetic stuff so don’t feel you have to go back and reread everything. But there is a change I made: Gaston is now a police man. So. That’s a thing.

Thank you to those who gently nudged me and asked after this story. It really means a lot to me that you still care.

ooo

Bae woke up to someone shaking his shoulder.

“Bae,” he heard. Sounded like Neal.

“Mmmpf.” He turned his face into his pillows, pulling up the covers to his chin.

“Bae,” Neal said again, drawing out his name in a whine.

Eyes blurry and half-focused, he stole a look at the clock, where he could make out the numbers 7 and 4 before he flopped back down and closed his eyes. He rolled over again and instead of smacking Neal with his pillow, he pulled it over his head. Bae didn’t care what time it was—it felt too early to be awake. Especially on a Sunday.

Neal didn’t seem to agree.

“Bae, come on.”

“What do you want?” he asked, turning over yet again, pulling the pillow up so they could look at each other. Neal was lucky holding a pillow over his head made it hard to breathe.

“....your papa’s downstairs.”

“So?”

Papa was always downstairs. Whether Bae was going to bed or waking up, he rarely found his father in his own bedroom. He was half convinced he never slept, period (which was actually kinda cool. It sounded like a movie: who wore suits and slept upside down in his study like a bat? Vampire Dad! Yeah, he’d watch that).

“Mom’s not up yet.”

Bae squinted. Neal was still in his pajamas, but under one arm was his new sketchbook and the pack of colored pencils that Bae knew had been left downstairs last night.

“Are you…” Bae sat up, frowning. “Are you afraid to be alone with him?”

Neal scowled. “No.”

Bae kept frowning. He knew Neal was different from him, knew that Belle was different from Gold. He and Belle clicked together like puzzle pieces, but like puzzle pieces, Neal and Gold kept having to be turned and moved about until the right sides matched up. He didn’t get why it was taking so long.

“You know, I failed the spelling test last week,” Bae said, sitting up. “And since it was the third in a row, I had to take a note home for Papa to sign.”

Neal’s eyebrows raised in alarm even as they drew together suspiciously. “What’d he say?”

“He asked if I studied, and I said ‘no.’ Then he asked if I was going to study for the next test, and I said ‘probably not.’”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. He said ‘fair enough’ and signed the paper.”

“Seriously? That’s it?”

Bae shrugged. “It’s just spelling. That's why autocorrect is a thing.” Gold had told him once that he didn’t care what his grades were as long as Bae was okay with how hard he worked

“Yeah, but you failed a test. You failed three.”

“It’s not like I fail every test,” he snapped, the annoyance sudden and sharp. He was trying to explain that his Papa wasn’t scary. “Why? What happens when you fail?” he said before Neal could respond.

Neal shifted his feet. “I don’t know. I’ve never failed a test before.”

“C’mon. There has to be something you didn’t pass.”

“I don’t do that great in PE,” Neal said after a pause.

Bae flopped down on his back, face to the ceiling. Neal was gangly; all elbows and knees, and shorter than Bae was. He bet Neal was picked last when they did teams, and was probably the first one out. It didn’t make him feel any better.

He felt the bed dip near his feet, and heard the swish of pajamas against a comforter as Neal pushed himself up.

“Bae?” he asked.

“Yeah?”

There was a long pause, longer than any before. It made Bae push up on his elbows. Neal was sitting at the end of his bed, shoulders hunched over the notebook in his lap. The colored pencils were beside him.

“What is it?” Bae prompted.

“Is…” he trailed off. Bae saw him grip his notebook tighter, then immediately release it only to hold it tight again.

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell him to ask his question or go away so he could go back to sleep when Neal blurted “Is your papa gay?”

Gay? Bae thought about what Neal had said in the kitchen last night during dinner: but you’re a boy.

“Why would you ask that?”

He saw Neal’s shoulder twitch in something resembling a shrug. “Your house is pink.”

“So?”

“Pink is for girls.”

Bae scrunched his nose. “Emma hates pink.”

“Who’s Emma?”

“She’s my best friend.”

Neal turned to look at him, first in confusion. When he saw Bae wasn’t joking, his mouth set in a half-frown, half-sneer that Bae immediately hated.

“You’re best friends with a girl?” he asked.

“Emma’s cool.”

“Girls are dumb.”

“She’s not.”

Neal scoffed, and Bae hated that, too. He drew his knees up to his chest, the covers following.

“So is he?”

“Why do you care?”

He frowned, his eyebrows drawing down, his head tilting to the side, like he was trying to do a really hard math problem in his head. “I don’t.”

“Then why would you ask me that?”

Neal flinched, but he tried hard not to. “I just want to know.”

(his papa always said that being curious was a good thing; wanting to understand the world around him was a good thing)

Bae stared at him, at his stupid sharp nose and stupid short hair. He wanted to kick him off the bed. He wanted to demand an apology, but for what, Bae couldn’t put into words. He laid down on his back, face to the ceiling so he wouldn’t have to look at Neal.

“So, is he?”

“I don’t know,” Bae said, his chest still feeling tight. His ceiling was white and boring. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Hm.” Neal ran his hands over his sketchbook. He bowed his head a little forward. “Do you think it’s bad? Being gay?”

After a breath in and one out, Bae sat up, kicking his covers off so he could fold his legs criss-cross. “Do you think it is?”

Neal was still looking at his floor (which was just as interesting as his ceiling) and he shrugged. “I don’t know. That’s why I asked you.”

He didn’t say anything for a long time, and Neal didn’t move. They stayed still, like seeds growing roots.

“Ruby has a girlfriend,” Bae said finally. “Her name is Dorothy and she likes horses.”

“She’s gay?”

“Huh-uh.”

“I didn’t know girls could be gay.” Neal hummed, and Bae could almost see everything in his head turning the new information over. “I like Ruby. She’s funny.”

Nodding hard, Be said, “If you like Ruby, then you can’t think being gay is bad.”

Neal nodded slower. “I guess that makes sense.”

“Of course it does,” he said, his eyes sliding down to his lap where Neal’s new colored pencils sat. He remembered what brought Neal to his room in the first place.

“Did Papa see you when you went downstairs?”

Neal followed his gaze to the pencils. He straightened the pack so it sat neatly on his notebook. “Oh. No. I was already there. I heard him coming down.”

As if that explained everything.

“Why were you downstairs at all?”

He shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep last night, so I went back down ‘cause I wanted to keep drawing and I eventually fell asleep on the couch. I don’t think he saw me, ‘cause he went into the kitchen without saying anything.”

“You couldn’t sleep?”

“Someone kept interrupting Mom reading.”

“He can’t live in a cupboard. There’s not enough room, even if it is under the stairs. It doesn’t make sense!”

“It’s a story about magic—”

“It should still make sense!”

“Well if you let her get through an entire paragraph, maybe it would.”

“You’re the one that said the first two books were boring anyway,” Bae said, smiling despite himself. He wasn’t that upset, and neither was Neal judging by the same smile on his face. “Did you finish, at least?” he asked with a nod to the notebook.

“Uhm, yeah, I did.” Neal ran his hands over the cover.

“Well? Can I see?”

Neal opened his notebook, but then he swallowed, hesitating. “Do you bring stuff home? From school?”

“You mean stuff from art class, right? Yeah, sure. Why?”

Neal shrugged, frowning down at his lap. “There’s nothing on your fridge.”

“Oh!” Bae wondered for just a second why it was a thing for every adult to pin artwork there, of all places. “I’m not that proud of anything, I guess. I don’t care.”

“Does he throw them away?”

“Nah, Papa keeps everything. He still has my first baby tooth, somewhere.”

“I think Mom kept mine, too.”

Bae shrugged. “Parents are weird.”

Nodding in agreement, Neal seemed to steel himself. He used one hand to hold his notebook steady, then carefully began pulling the first page from the binding. Bae held his breath as the the paper gave a small fpt with each gentle tug. A part of him couldn’t believe that Neal would rip out a page, the first page even, but he was afraid to say it in case Neal decided to stop.

“Here,” Neal said when he was done, the frayed edges catching slightly in the bed spread as he tried to slide it across.

Before Neal could change his mind and snatch it back, Bae picked it up. First, all he saw was shapeless color, but then he could make out a house.

Neal had drawn his house, lines wobbly but mostly straight, but it wasn’t pink. It had been drawn as shapes that all fit together, each shape a different color. It was like looking at a finished paint-by-the-number page, only if Neal had ignored the numbers completely and colored however he wanted to.

It was kind of cool.

“Can you give it to him?” asked Neal, watching his face with bright eyes.

“He’s gonna know I didn’t draw it.”

“Yeah, I know,” Neal leaned over and pointed to the the bottom of the porch steps (one light blue, one dark green, one a deep maroon). “I signed it, see?”

“That’s not a signature. They’re supposed to be messy and hard to read.”

“I want him to know who it’s from.”

Bae just looked at him, wondering if there was a joke he was missing. “Then you give it to him.”

“No.” Neal’s eyes flitted away from Bae, and to the floor, his ears turning pink.

“Why not?”

Instead of answering, he scooted back on the bed so he was leaning against the wall.

“Do you think he won’t like it?” Bae asked.

His only answer was a shrug. He looked back down at the drawing. It was better than anything Bae could draw, and Gold loved everything Bae made, which meant that he would especially love this.

He said as much to Neal, but again, no response. His chin was resting on his knees, and he was watching Bae with a frown.

Bae resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Come on,” he said, throwing his legs over the bed. “I’ll go with you.”

He waited until Neal had stood up before giving him back the drawing, which he took with clear reluctance. “Maybe after breakfast,” Neal suggested.

“You’ll just chicken out if we wait.”

“Will not,” he sputtered.

“Will to. C’mon,” Bae said again, pulling his door open.

“Hey Bae?”

“Hm?”

“I’m sorry I called Emma dumb.”

Bae paused in the doorway. He wiggled his toes, the carpet soft.

“If she’s friends with you she’s probably not,” Neal said, his voice fast. He was looking at the floor again.

“She’s not. Thanks.” Something deep in his stomach unwound. It felt a lot like relief.

As they came to the stairs, Bae came to a standstill, Neal nearly bumping into his shoulder. He looked behind him down the hall, to Belle’s door, which hung open to show an empty bed. She must have woken up.

“Don’t tell her I failed my spelling tests.”

Neal nodded, his face serious. “Okay.”

With a resolute nod, Bae made his way down the stairs. Neal was going much slower, but at least he was following.

As they neared the kitchen, Bae thought about how best to say I told you so when they finally made it. He knew no one liked hearing it (Emma called it being smug) but Neal clearly needed to be told several times that Gold wasn’t about to unhinge his jaw and swallow him whole (though it would be so cool if he could actually do that).

Bae paused at the threshold, waiting for Neal to catch up. He heard the clanking sounds of dishes and two voices. It was like dinner last night, but better because this time there was the smell of coffee and his mother was laughing at some story his papa was telling, and the sunlight was lighting up the hall and he never knew how good this all could feel. He woke up to Emma’s parents together whenever he spent the night with her, to them smiling in their kitchen and smelling like breakfast. It wasn’t something he’d ever thought he’d have himself, so he never bothered wanting it.

The novelty ended as soon as his stomach gurgled. With a final look to Neal, he walked through the doorway to see Gold sitting at the kitchen table and Belle leaning against the counter, coffee mugs wrapped in both their hands.

Belle saw him first. “Good morning,” she chirped.

“You’re up early,” Gold said, turning. “It’s not even 9 o’clock.”

“Only cause Neal woke me up. Good morning,” he said to his mother, trotting over as if being pulled by a magnet. She smiled at him, holding an arm out for a hug, which he was more than happy to give.

Gold took a sip of his coffee. “You, Neal, have done the impossible.” He winked at him over his mug.

Neal didn’t say anything, but considering he was the closest one to Gold now, Bae considered it a win.

“How about some breakfast?” Gold suggested. “Still interested in eggs in a basket?”

Neal nodded when it became clear no one else was going to answer for him.

“Great. Would you like to help? I promise they’re a lot more fun to make than pizza dough.”

“Okay,” Neal said. His eyes flickered to the fridge, then to Bae, who was leaning against Belle, her arm slung around his shoulders. “I finished,” he blurted, holding his paper up like proof, like a shield.

“Ah.” Gold’s eyes were drawn downward, to where he could only see the blank side. He set his cup on the table. “May I—see it?”

Neal shot a look at Bae again. “Okay,” he said, taking another slow step towards Gold.

Bae looked up at Belle, hoping to share an exasperated eye-roll, but her full attention was on the scene before them. Neal must not share his artwork all that much.

When Neal was finally close enough and holding his paper out, Gold carefully took it from his hands.

Bae watched his eyebrows rise as he took it in. “Well,” he said around the beginnings of a delighted smile. “Look at this.”

“I can redo it if you want. Make it pink.”

“Oh no. No, no, no. Neal,” Gold scooted his chair back slightly, making room for Neal to step closer. “This is perfect.”

“I got to see it first,” Bae said as Neal’s ears turned bright pink.

“Needed your seal of approval, hm?” Belle asked, running a hand through his hair.

“This is an amazing exercise in color theory,” Gold said, and Bae could see every thought of breakfast go out of his head.

“What’s that?” Neal asked.

“See how well all the colors go together? Even though you have all kinds of different shades, they don’t clash, or look garish.”

“Garish,” Neal repeated. “That means ugly.”

“Tacky,” Gold corrected. “But I can say definitively that this is neither.”

Neal shrugged, looking self-conscious even as he pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. “I just didn’t want to use pink.”

Gold huffed. “You’re a natural.” He risked placing a hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong with pink?”

Neal’s shoulders twitched like he wanted to shrug but didn’t want to displace Gold’s hand. “Dumb color, is all.”

“It’s historic,” he said. “Old Victorians like this one were often painted loud colors, like yellow or purple or, well, pink. It helped enhance the details of the building itself. That was before the first World War, though, because—“

“Papa, I’m hungry.” If they didn’t stop him now, they’d never get breakfast finished.

Gold looked over to where Bae and Belle were still standing.

“Ah. Yes. Of course. Let’s get started on something to eat, hm?” His gaze drew back to the paper on the table. “I...may I keep this?”

Neal’s eyes were round when he nodded.

Gold smiled, and giving Neal’s shoulder one last squeeze he pulled himself from his chair and limped over to the refrigerator, where he proudly stuck the drawing to the front with a magnet.

All throughout breakfast, Neal would steal glances at the fridge, the drawing the only burst of color across the steel.

“Can I call tonight?” Bae asked as he watched Neal tie his shoes.

The day had been spent inside, safe and warm in the pink Victorian. Gold had dug out all the pictures he had of Bae, and he and Belle spent the rest of the morning comparing childhoods; the growth spurts and bandages, the obligations, birthday parties and first days of school.

Gold had expected Bae to suggest another excursion out in the town, but he had been quiet as breakfast ended. After helping clear the table and load the dishwasher, he and Neal had retreated to the den and like the night before had stayed close even as they did their own activities.

It was...nice. Familiar. Again, Gold felt how easy it was to be with Belle and Neal, to have them there as if this was what all their Sundays were.

It made Belle’s constant look to the clock all the more sour.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, right after dinner,” Belle said. Her own shoes were firmly on her feet, her coat buttoned, her overnight bag resolutely at her feet.

Neal looped the laces together, pulling on the loops of the bow. He pulled too far, and the ends slipped through the knot. He started over.

“Can we go to Boston next weekend, Papa?” Bae asked, switching tactics. “We can go back to the science museum, and we can show Neal the parts he missed.”

“You have Emma’s birthday party next weekend,” Gold reminded him.

“Oh. Well, Neal can come,” he said, hardly pausing for breath.

“Bae—”

“No, that’s perfect! He can see that she’s really cool and her parties are always fun with lots of—”

He cut off when Belle hugged him. She pulled back to kiss his forehead, her smile sweet. “We’ll see you soon, okay Bae? I promise.”

Bae sighed. Shrugged. Neal pulled his laces tight, the bow finally staying in place.

“Yeah. Okay.”

“Mr. A-Aaron?”

Gold looked to see Neal staring up at him, his backpack slung over his shoulder.

Neal shot a glance to his mom, who was currently locked in a phone call negotiation with Bae. Gold had a moment to admire her will power before two skinny arms wrapped around his middle.

“Thank you for letting us stay,” Neal said, his voice muffled from where it pressed into his waistcoat.

Gold laid a hand on his head, fingers carding through his son’s short hair. “Any time, lad,” he said. He hooked his cane to the stairs so he could hug Neal properly.

“See you next time,” Neal said, ears pink, when he pulled back.

“I can’t wait,” Gold said honestly.

“Tomorrow,” Belle repeated firmly. “And we can talk for as long as you like if your homework’s done.”

“Careful with that promise, Belle,” Gold said as the front door opened. She smiled at him, and with a final wave from her and Neal, walked out.

They were cleaning up the remains of dinner when Bae’s eyes trailed over to the fridge, to Neal’s drawing that was hanging proudly by the magnet.

“You can’t throw it away,” Bae said, nodding to it.

Gold covered what was left of the pasta. “Of course I won’t throw it away.”

“I mean it. You have to keep it on the fridge forever.”

“Forever, hm?” Gold said, raising an eyebrow.

Bae scowled, not appreciating the banter. “I mean it. Gaston throws away Neal’s drawings. You have to keep it.”

Any humor left Gold’s face. His lips pursed, as if he had just bit into a lemon. “He tell you that?”

“No, but Gaston’s an asshole,” he said. “And that’s what assholes do.”

“Language,” Gold chided even as he nodded in agreement, frowning as he studied the picture. “I’m not going to throw it away, Bae,” he said, softly.

“Yeah.” He blew a loud breath through his nose. “Neal asked me if you were gay.”

A short bark of laughter escaped purely from surprise, but maybe he should have seen that one coming.

“It’s not funny,” Bae scowled again. “He asked it like, like, you were sick or something.”

“You’re right, it’s not.” Gold put his hands on the counter. The marble was smooth and clean, cold against his hands. He remembered the hug Neal had given him, and how sweet his smile was at his praise. “I don’t think he meant it like that.”

“Whatever,” Bae said. He walked out of the kitchen, and soon Gold heard his heavy steps on the stairs.

He looked out into his garden. There was an itch in the back of his mind, a thought that he had once pushed very firmly back. Here it was again, though, tantalizing in its underhandedness. Pursuing the thought would likely mean setting aflame the bridge he was building with Belle, or watching it crumble into the gorge. He might lose any chance he had at a friendly relationship with her, intimate or otherwise.

It was either burn that bridge or watch as Neal was poisoned by a man who held no love for the boy.

Really, the choice was easy.

It was a crisp fall evening on a Sunday, and he pulled out his phone to call his lawyer.

#rumbelle fic #two years is the perfect amount of time to let things marinate

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smolbeandrabbles · 5 years

Text

Sway Pt.2 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Here / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Author’s Note: Well, well. Here we are. 1 season and 4 episodes of Bloodline down. And a bunch of canon that has killed several story ideas. But I’m likely to just scrap canon in favour of... When we get there. Sorry not sorry I was going to set this story much closer to the TV show, now I’m thinking like a 2 or 3 (or more...) year gap between this and the beginning of the show... (which I know goes against the canon of his restaurant, but c’est la vie... )

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the OCs! I have given your parents names just for story points I’m working on.... FYI...I will explain your heritage eventually!! It’s never explicitly stated if Danny actually turned up to the Keys a bunch of times before the show. Buuut Robert mentioned he came back for money, he at least had contact with John so... Essentially I think this is plausible.

Premise: It’s been a few weeks since your encounter with Danny in his restaurant, your parents decided to take you on a weekend away to the Keys to see family friends...

Word Count: 7159

Warnings: It’s Bloodline, so swearing... I think that’s it this part... Rayburn family Drama?

The Rhumba is a vertical expression of a horizontal wish. You have to hold her, like the skin on her thigh is your reason for living. Let her go, like your heart’s being ripped from your chest. Pull her back, like you’re gonna have your way with her… Right here on the dance floor. And then finish… Like she’s ruined you for life. ~ Shall We Dance, 2004

I wanna love you inside out Show me what your inside 'bout I don't wanna know no word of mouth 'Cause I wanna love you inside out Grew up in south South Miami That's where I was when you found me, yeah Thought you could go on without me Now you can't see you without me

Friday, AM – Overseas Highway, the Keys.

Since you had called him and gone out for drinks, things between you and Danny had been casual to say the least. You hadn’t hooked up again, yet, and you’d done drinks here and there… But… It wasn’t moving anywhere any time soon. Part of you felt that was because he wasn’t looking to move too fast; you’d been hesitant on calling him, what was to stop you being hesitant over everything else… Part of you, however, was scared that you might end up getting your wish of loving him and leaving him. Only, you wouldn’t be doing the leaving.

So this weekend, when your parents had invited you down to the Keys with them as they were seeing old family friends of theirs you were reluctant with going… If there was one weekend Danny could slip out of your fingers, it was this one; “So, my parents want me to go on holiday with them… I mean, it’s like a long weekend, but I’ll be back on Tuesday…” “No, no. That’s cool, I’ve got a busy weekend coming up anyway…” “OH!” you were taken aback, with another girl?, the fear was always at the back of your mind. It wasn’t that Danny seemed like the type… it was that he didn’t seem like NOT the type “Yeah, family stuff… A little like you I guess.” You’d thought that was odd, Danny never talked about his family in a way that made you think he particularly liked them. So you wondered why he’d want to be doing things with them... But here you were, almost to your destination, on Islamorada. Your phone was resting in your lap; even one text from that number now would be a blessing. Anything to let you know he was thinking about you… Even though, you’d sworn to yourself you weren’t going to think about Danny for the whole weekend. But he was a whole lot to try and keep out of your head for four whole days. You had rolled down the windows of your parents’ car, hand out the window, and the warm breeze pulled through your hair playfully. It was a lot more peaceful than Miami, and with a deep breath of that sea air you had to admit, you could already feel your cares rolling away.

Friday, AM - Rayburn House.

You stared at the sign in disbelief. Your parents were chatting away excitedly in the front seats; they had clearly been here before, you had not. You cursed yourself twice. Last time you’d done this you’d ended up at his restaurant and now….! “You’re going to LOVE it sweetheart.” “Massive house… Family still live there! Straight onto the beach… They even take boating trips Estrellita.” Essentially, your dad was trying to convince you that it would be the equivalent of taking your family yacht out. You weren’t sure of that. First you had to address the name issue. “Rayburn house? So… the family is…” “Sally and Robert Rayburn. Yes.” DAMMIT. “And I’ve never met them because?” “We’ve known them probably 12-ish years… You were far too cool to come on holiday with us at that point in your life.” “Oh, how times change…!” It could be completely coincidental – and you could prey that it was. Only, as you knew, Danny’s accent was very Keys. AND he’d already told you he was doing family related things this weekend.

You only half-reluctantly followed your parents around the porch to the back of the house, where (you presumed) Sally greeted them; “Jack! Maria! Oh my goodness it’s so good to see you!” You were scanning the beach quickly, but got caught up in the view almost instantly. “Likewise! Robert out kayaking? Oh- Of course, this is our daughter Y/N!” “OH! Y/N! My goodness We’ve heard so much about you!” You accepted her hug, with a smile; “It’s nice to meet you…” you turned back to the view “This place is… gorgeous… I can’t believe I’ve never actually come here!” “Aw, Thank you! You can make up for it now!” Sally beamed as you glanced to your parents, “Clearly you two were going to keep this to yourselves!” Your dad simply laughed “Well you’re here! Aren’t you?!” “And not a second too soon…” You looked back to the sunlight sparkling on the clear water and the white sugar sand… Not even your beloved Miami skyline could beat this one… “Well, Come, I’ll take you to your cabin…” Your father tugged your case away from you as your mother and Sally went off chatting, catching up on the past year at least. Your parents were always taking breaks by the Keys. This could only have been why… “Go, enjoy it. I’ve got this.” “…Gracias, Papa.” He gave you a gentle wink, and followed the two women to the cabin. You slid your feet out of your sandals and walked tentatively down the steps into the sand. It wasn’t too hot yet, you knew that would change… You took another breath of that sea air and almost laughed to yourself. Keeping your eyes on the horizon as you walked across the sand to what looked like a beach bar. That seemed like it was you sorted for the next four days… You perched yourself on a stool and continued to look out to sea… It had always really fascinated you. But, this time it was like you’d finally got the perfect view of it…

It could have been 10 minutes, could have been an hour. But suddenly you felt a presence next to you; “What is it about you and nautical stripes!?” You visibly jumped at the sound of his voice, and turned to see another kind of blue entirely. He was of course referring to your dress today; denim blue with thin white stripes at irregular intervals. “Aw, crumbs! I KNEW IT!” You put your hand over your heart to calm yourself down “As soon as I saw Rayburn House I knew it!” “Oh, well, it’s good to see you too Y/N… I appreciate that.” Danny Rayburn leant against the bar with a smile and obvious sarcasm; “Look, I’m not stalking you across Florida I swear!” “Oh, well I wouldn’t mind that either… I mean I CAN understand…” He slid a drink across to you “Now, If I’ve memorized your drink order correctly, I’ve got that right.” “…Wait… How long have you been watching me?!” If he’d made you a drink you realised he hadn’t just seen you and walked over. “Not as long as you’ve been stalking me all the way out to the Keys, I imagine. What are you doing here anyway!?” You folded your arms and narrowed your eyes at him “My parents know your parents. Apparently!” “OH! Family friends! Well, my weekend just got better!” He hopped up onto the chair next to yours and leant towards you; “Maybe we were meant to meet…” You pondered this for a second whilst you were taking a sip; it was 5 o’clock somewhere, you supposed. He’d got it surprisingly accurate but you weren’t about to tell him that; “…Wait, what are YOU doing here.” “Uh, sometimes I come down here to help out… Sometimes I just…” he hesitated and looked away from you for a minute “…The restaurant doesn’t exactly pay all the bills…” “Hence why you said, Family stuff.” “Yeah, but see, you never told me you were coming to the Keys! So we can actually DO something this weekend!! Cuz you’ll be here!” You were about to mention taking out a boat when someone else approached you;

“Still into flirting with girls half your age, Danny!?” You turned to see a younger man, though still a few years older than you, blonde, built slightly bigger but with the same blue eyes as Danny. “Kevin.” The exchange wasn’t friendly “No that’s not-” Kevin cut across him, this time addressing you “I’m sorry about this, it’s typical of my brother to be THIS unprofessional.” And then to Danny “She’s a guest, isn’t she!? Geez, I don’t know why mom lets you within 100 miles of this place! It’s always the Fuckin’ same!” “Kevin – hold the fuck up – this isn’t a problem! There’s no problem here!” Danny motioned between the two of you “Of course there fucking is! Wait until Dad comes back!” “Oh, using dad as a threat, that’s so fucking mature.” You were looking between the two of them wondering what you had got yourself into, their argument getting steadily louder when a third man showed up. “Will you two quiet down! For Godsake, there are other people around besides you!” Then he looked to you; “God, I’m so sorry! About BOTH my brothers.” “…That’s… Ok?�� Good to see you had finally found a voice; he glared at both Kevin and Danny, before coming back to you; “I’m John, Rayburn…You alright?” “Yeah. Fine!” You recognised his name immediately “Oh! You’re the cop.” He looked at least a little surprised; making you turn to Kevin “So you’re Kevin, who owns the marina, repair shop… thing…” you were sure that you’d got them the right way around. You turned back to John, seen as he’d been the first one to introduce himself; “I’m Y/N Ervin.” “OH! Jack and Maria’s daughter! Yeah, I just came from over there!” He took your hand and shook it, “It’s great to meet you, I’ve seen your parents around here many a time. Well, welcome to Islamorada!” He pointed to Danny, “This one is trouble, by the way! I’m sure your parents probably told you that.” “Oh no…! They never mentioned you guys, Danny is how I know who YOU two are.” “I told you there wasn’t a problem.” Danny turned back to Kevin “Wait, you know her!?” “Yeah, MAN, that’s what I’ve been trying to fuckin’ tell ya!” “Woah, woah, woah, okay…!” John moved himself strategically between the two, and attempted to steer Kevin away “Just, careful Danny, alright?!” “He started it!” John sighed, and looked to you, as if to prove his point; “You know each other from Miami.” “Yes.” you answered in unison “Alright, good, finally nice to meet one of Danny’s Miami friends…” “HA! Friends!” Kevin didn’t say it quite loud enough through his laugh, but you could tell Danny was thinking about retaliating. John could sense it too and pushed Kevin down the beach “Geez, Kevin, shut up!...I’ll take this one of your hands! Nice to meet you Y/N! See you later! You watched them both go, quite unsure of what exactly had just happened, before turning back to Danny and his gorgeous blue eyes; “So are you?” “Am I what?” “Trouble?” You smirked, taking another sip of your drink “Shouldn’t you know?” You tipped your head and gave him big innocent eyes, “I don’t know. I could go for a bit of trouble…” And the smirk he gave you back let you know you were in for one hell of a weekend.

You were more than just a little impressed with the complex his parents owned and before the day was out you’d explored the surrounding area completely on foot. After Danny had seen to it that you’d finished the drink he made you, with that triumphant little smirk on his face that it must have been at least decent, he reluctantly headed off to do more work. You guessed that he wasn’t paid to do nothing! You’d been invited to dinner with the whole family on your final night here before your drive back. You were at least somewhat looking forward to that; but wondered if it would be as tense as the argument that had occurred earlier in the day. You and your parents decided to get dinner in the restaurant that night, although you knew they would head off to the market in the morning – your mom was like Danny in that she would rather cook than eat out. You only knew this because if you suggested dinner he’d always push it back to drinks or forward to lunch so you’d be forced to go to his restaurant. You wondered if there were any restaurants besides his own he’d actually frequent. Maybe you’d never know… And you didn’t dare suggest he come to your place and you cook for him. Dinner was fine, and your parents were already completely absorbed in where they would take you whilst they had you down here and all their long weekend plans. You knew they were excited about you sharing a place they loved. You knew your weekend was mapped out, and that didn’t leave so much time for Danny… Only, there was to be a party on the beach Saturday. From time to time another group of long-time holiday makers who knew your parents would stop by their table to greet them, and it was during one of these such stops that you felt someone staring at you… You could only guess who, looking up to see Danny eyeing you suspiciously from the dining room door. He leant across to pick up a menu from the holder and scanned it quickly – drumming his fingers absentmindedly against the door frame. He frowned for a second and gave a small shrug, before catching your eyes again. What, is he judging what I’m eating now!? He gave a chuckle before disappearing again; Oh come ON Danny!

This continued throughout the meal, he’d walk past your table almost nonchalantly. Pretending he was ignoring you, even though he was blatantly staring you down the entire walk over. Once you turned as he passed to catch him turning back to look at you and you received a wink. Ignoring him was harder once you knew he was here, and you didn’t want to do it on purpose like you had at his restaurant, you wanted his eyes on you. When you knew they were you’d play him at his own game, sweeping your hair out of your face and tangling it in your fingers to expose more of your skin, you’d bite your lip shyly, smile a little more and laugh a little more; pulling at the dress you were wearing so it seemed to hug you tighter. You wanted to hold his attention here, and you got a little jealous every time something would pull his gaze from you. Every time your eyes did meet his, his stare was so intense you couldn’t hold it. It made you wish you were here alone. It made you wish you were back in Miami, back on a dance floor in his arms… back in his apartment… or yours… He made you bite your lip for an entirely different reason. You can’t LOOK at me like that! Not here!

These seductive looks from both of you were unrelenting until your family left. But even then Danny wasn’t done, catching you all by the door; “Have a good night Mr & Mrs Ervin!” Then he put his eyes back on you and ran his tongue over his bottom lip, “…Y/N…” You felt yourself grow hot again as Evelyn’s deduction of the way Danny would undress you with his eyes popped back into your head. Only this time he was making it more than obvious to you that that was what he was doing. It almost juxtaposed your parent’s cheerful goodnight back. You stepped off the porch still locked in his hungry gaze… And you wanted it right there, you wanted him to come down here and relieve you of your dress and push you down into the sand and do whatever he damn well wanted to you. You’d never wanted a man as much as you wanted him right then. And it scared you.

Saturday, AM – Islamorada, Rayburn House, Beach.

You loved the sea, sun, that tangy salt air, and you loved driving, and you loved walking, dancing, running… All these things connected you to music. Music was your most treasured thing. From very young music was an association to everything you loved. Your parents had been competition dancers and your mother had not stopped when she had you. Some of your very earliest memories were of them dancing together to the most exquisite musical pieces. All you had ever wanted to find someone who was made for you as perfectly as they were made for each other; someone who would match you the way they always looked so flawless together on that dance floor. When you had decided to take yourself into the more corporate world, you figured that would always be a dream. You weren’t sure if that was still the case.

It was still early when you were crossing the sand again, it was still cool from the night before. You weren’t paying much attention to your surroundings, and even if you were, you had turned your music up so loud… Every song just made you want to get out on the dancefloor again. And that just made you yearn for tonight. Eventually as one song faded into another you heard someone yelling at you, and pulling out an ear piece you turned in the direction of none other than Danny, cigarette to his lips. “ARE YOU DEAF OR WHAT!?!” You pointed at your ear phones “I have much better things to listen to than your voice.” He scoffed at that; clearly all that confidence and sass you had currently meant you were a morning person. In contrast to the deer-in-the-headlights innocence on your face last night at the way he had looked at you because he knew you knew damn well what he was doing. He knew you could play the game, but the second he had you right where he wanted you he realised you couldn’t actually resist him. And he already knew from the way your eyes betrayed you the way YOU felt about him. “What are you doing!? Do you know what time it is!” “I’m walking…! You’re working?” You put your hands on your hips, eyeing him suspiciously… was he working, or was he simply coming to act on last night? “Well, yeah, I was finished until you walked on through it.” You looked down “OH! SHIT!” You looked back the way you had come, your footprints now a good portion of the way into the beach he’d spent his waking hours raking. “OH! GOD! Danny! I’m so sorry!” “Yeah yeah, well, I’m going to have to do it again now, aren’t I.” You looked around, now stuck “Uh! How do I get out! I guess I could just… Walk through my own footprints…” You were about to move when he held his hands out; “OH! God! NO don’t make it worse!! Hold on!” He put his half-finished cigarette out and strode towards you, around the outskirts of the area of the beach he’d finished, with a few large steps he crossed to you. Then without warning, scooped you up into his arms; causing you to shriek; “DANNY! OH! GOD!” “Try not to wake EVERY guest up Y/N!!!” You started laughing along with him “Now hold on tight and I’ll try to get you across with minimal damage to the rest of my hard work, OK?” You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, clinging tightly to him, to which he made a satisfied hum; “Y/N - if you’re going to hold me like this I might stand here all day…!” He surveyed the area “Ok… Hang on…” He tried his very best to follow his footprints back, and by the time he’d put you safely down on the soft sand again you were both nearly in stitches; “Oh! I feel terrible! Do you need any help!” You didn’t let him go as your feet touched the dunes “No! No! I wouldn’t make our guests do anything like that. You owe me a smoke, though! Also don’t want you taking any cuts of my pay check do I!?” His arms were also still around you, and he took advantage of this to attempt tickling you playfully, only making you laugh harder as you squirmed in his arms. “O-Kay! I get it!!!! I don’t want bruises before the party! Get off!” “OH-! Are you coming to that?!” He raised an eyebrow “Will I need to keep all the men on this island away from you, I wonder?!” “Oh come on. My parents are here…!” “And?” He smirked again and lowered his voice, dark and husky “Didn’t stop you last night…” You squinted “…Didn’t stop you either… Besides, of all the men on this island, I only want one of them.” “Oh, Darlin’, after your little display, I know that…” His eyes looked you over again, “Luckily for me, you are powerless to resist.” That only set you laughing again “Oh, Really, Mr.Rayburn?” “Why deny it to yourself?” “DANNY.” You both turned, and he instantly let you go. Both John and his father were standing on the porch. Both with nigh on unreadable expressions… Danny took a few steps away from you, creating a gap that forced you to let him go. He cleared his throat; “Well… Enjoy the rest of your day Miss.Ervin…” and with that he walked back to the house. Before he even got to the steps John was tugging his arm and hurriedly muttering something at him. You watched him go, a little hurt. What was that about? You knew Kevin had some kind of problem with him being around you that was at least kind of cleared up… But… did the rest of his family have a problem with it too? And, if so, why?

You caught John whilst they were setting up for the party, the sun was just on its decent – but nearly the whole family were already here to help; “John!” “Y/N!” He had this warm instantly trustworthy smile, you put a different kind of trust in him than you did Danny. No doubt you trusted the man you were intent on seeing. “…What’s up with you and Danny…?” “Nothin’… Why?” “Well, it’s just earlier…??” “Oh.” It clicked “No, it’s nothin’ don’t worry about it. How good friends are you guys?” “I guess I haven’t really known him that long…” weeks? It couldn’t have been any longer than around a month “He’s a good guy from what I can tell.” “No, yeah… Is it… friends?” His amused smile let you know what he really meant; You looked to the sand with a smile “Well, I guess you are the cop…” you made a shrug “…I don’t know. Yet.” “Well. I wasn’t wrong. Be careful. But…” He folded his arms “You seem like a smart girl. Just put some of those smarts into my brother, please, would ya?” He grinned “God knows he needs it!” Saturday, PM – Rayburn House Beach.

Once night fell and the music came up the party on the beach really started. You wondered if this was what your parents had really come for, as they were busy socialising with nearly everyone. That left you to make your own friends, as Danny seemed absent or at least elusive… It didn’t bother you once you’d met Meg, the Rayburn’s daughter – probably somewhere around your age - and her long-term boyfriend Marco; both of whom you instantly clicked with. Marco took instant interest in your heritage, and when Meg was off talking to others, he kept you company; lost in something else entirely in quick Spanish dialogue. You were playing it safe (and inkeeping with theme!) with Sangria, but a few glasses in allowed you to get a buzz. When Meg came back, she chided Marco for keeping you from meeting others and she dragged you off to some of her friends.

That was the first time you noticed Danny, he was on the outskirts of the party – trying to look like he was a part of something he really wasn’t. He was watching everyone and sipping from his drink very occasionally. You were conscious that you were stuck between two different worlds right now. The Rayburns, this party, their family, the world they lived in down here in the Keys. And His… You finally caught his eye, and he offered you a smile to match the one you were giving him. You attempted to wave him over; hand still firmly in Meg’s as she kept you locked in a conversation with other young women. He seemed hesitant, but at your insistence he downed the rest of his drink, and began to make his way through the crowd. He was about half way over before he stopped; he hesitated again, and then backed up, and took another route but not towards you. You turned, both Kevin and Robert were around the party behind you… as was John and his family. Something was certainly going on… Suddenly the DJ switched the tracks up and in unison you and Meg both yelled “Oh my God! I love this song!” She laughed “Alright, Miami girl, let’s see whatcha got!” She dragged you into the middle of the crowd and began dancing. You laughed suddenly; in the middle of all these people you didn’t know!? With your parents here!? Well, what was the difference between this and your ventures in Little Havana…? You picked up the rhythm on the next beat and suddenly you were right back in Miami, they didn’t know you in Islamorada – but they soon would. Song after song you gained confidence, the group of people at the party had almost completely stopped dancing around you and Meg, and those that were left were still watching the way that both of you moved. The music seemed to classically edge on the Spanish beats, it suited you and her (you guessed Marco’s influence) but you were wrapped up in your own movements. Still shy… The problem was you knew what you wanted, and you knew he was here. Now you knew you finally had a King… You were lost without him. Still, you kept the attention of everyone else. The sway of your hips, the travel of your hands, every movement of your head – it all told a story. Or one half of a story; you were still searching desperately for him somewhere on this beach. You were a whole now, it might only have been one night but you realised you could never go back to dancing without him… Even with what you were doing now it was half-hearted… The song switched up again and you had to literally face the music. It was the same one that had begun this crazy journey. And he wasn’t here. You were on the verge of giving up entirely, not this song. You could dance to anything but this song. You did in fact, pull out of the beat; but it didn’t last.

He didn’t shock you. The familiarity of his embrace was instantly comforting. One hand on your waist he pulled you just close enough to be respectful in a dance that demanded him to be physical. His other hand took yours as he matched you step for step. You didn’t look at him right away; because you weren’t sure what you would see. If only you knew what he was really risking to hold you like this, but he couldn’t see you out on this floor alone, how you moved so beautifully but you were so sad – you were demanding to be held, but not just by anyone. By him. He sensed that, and compelled by his Queen he moved to you. This time, you knew he would let you lead him – he would respect your body, your boundaries, your parents. But he would do as the dance asked of him and hold you closer than he had ever held anyone, romance you on this dancefloor like you had been lovers for decades, Danny Rayburn knew you were everywhere and he liked you all over him – but he liked you in his heart more. You moved effortlessly across the sand as if it was the polished wood of a studio. The others had evacuated the dancefloor pretty swiftly upon his entrance, and the ring around you afforded space Havana didn’t. He rocked his hips with yours, and you led him as if he’d never done this before; Danny was almost submissive to it, but every movement you made he copied flawlessly, like he knew your head; you felt he knew every movement you would make before you made it. He twisted you to face him and you were locked once again in his intense gaze; his hands running from your shoulders down your back, he was flirting dangerously on the edge of inappropriate and he didn’t care as you pulled yourself closer to him. The look in your eyes he wanted upon him for the rest of his life and as you locked one arm across his shoulders, you held him as strong as he held you. Still taken by his eyes you ran your other hand up from his stomach, to his chest – his heart was fast but steady enough to keep control – up his neck and through his hair. You were close enough to close that gap and kiss; but you would keep your power and deny that, this dance conveyed more than a kiss ever could. You embraced him as if he was your very heart and soul, and the look in his eyes let you know he was making love to you on this dancefloor. You could see nothing else but him. And you didn’t WANT to see anything else. However he saw himself, however his family saw him. Out on the dancefloor he was your King, and that was all that mattered. The music wound down to quiet. To nothing. And both of you were breathing heavily. But you refused to let him go. He was smiling, and then he was laughing as the majority of those around you were applauding what they didn’t know they had just witnessed. So much more than just a dance, but admittance of how you both really felt… You didn’t have to say anything, both of you had clearly stated your position, betraying your feelings to each other as if you hadn’t already. But you had to voice it. “King and Queen of Little Havana… of a beach in the Keys…. Where next, Danny?” Sunday, Early AM – Islamorada. You woke from the night before in a way you had many a time. Though, you had to admit, not for a while. You didn’t think you’d crashed at your parents’ house after a party since your early 20s. “You don’t have to say anything. Just, drink this and take two of these!” “Ugh. Dad, I’m not that bad..!!” “Well, I remember many a time when…” “Yeah okay!” You sat up and took the glass of water with thanks and two tablets. When you both left the room, your mother was already cooking breakfast - and she gave you this knowing smile. “What?” She simply shook her head and turned to your father. They shared another look, you folded your arms, taking another sip of water and looking between them; “What?!” They did it again and then laughed. “Oh! Papa! Mama! Come on!” “Oh! Dios Mio Niña!” Your mother looked heavenward “what do you think!” She pointed the spoon at you “You have much to tell us!” You looked to your dad, who lent against the kitchenette counter with an expectant look. “...This is about Danny isn’t it.” Your father turned to your mother “Danny...!” He repeated with a heavy Argentine accent he often used in mocking “I knew it was the oldest Rayburn child!” She nodded “How did you meet?” You weren’t sure if they were quizzing you because they were interested or... something else... “He lives in Miami... I, urm, met him on a dancefloor in Little Havana...” This raised eyebrows. “Should I be concerned? What’s going on between you and the Rayburn man?” Your father folded his arms and leant towards you. You shook your head “He’s good to me. I don’t know what it is. But when we dance it’s just… magic… I know he’s older and… according to his family problematic but he treats me well…” You thought on it for another second “... he’s a good person... Danny’s a good person. I know it. I just don’t know him all that well yet... what do you know about him?!” As soon as you said that both your parents burst out laughing; “You hear that? She doesn’t know him!” “Ah! Dancing like that and she doesn’t know him?!” You felt yourself get embarrassed as your father turned back to you to answer you seriously; “Danny Rayburn, aside from being the eldest son of Sally and Robert? Not a whole lot. If you didn’t know he existed... well, you likely wouldn’t know he existed.”

“So...? You’re not...” mad..? “Is it a serious thing?” “I haven’t worked that one out yet…” You were at least honest, you didn’t know what you and Danny really were, although now you were fairly confident you both felt the same way. “Well it SHOULD be. The way you danced together last night. That is not the dance of two people who do not have chemistry… You can’t teach chemistry.” “W-wait, you, didn’t think it was…?!” “What I saw out there reminded me of your mother and I in our youth. We met on the dancefloor too you know. With a bit more precision, the two of you would own any floor you walked onto professional or no. He is a good partner, and you should make him more than that.” “…I thought you’d ask me not to… see him…” you felt guilty just thinking that, and looked to the tiled floor. “Should I be warning you to stay away from him?” Your father titled his head “with the chemistry you clearly have? Don’t get stupid thoughts into your head. You’re old enough to take care of yourself, your mother raised a smart daughter-” “Damn right I did.” “-if you want to make something with this man. Then I want you to know that we both support it. On the professional dancing circuit... well, that’s a different conversation!” He laughed at his own joke. “Anyway. We only wanted to ask you about him because we wanted to know if he would like to join us for dinner this evening?” You stared at your mother in disbelief. “Sorry!?” “You heard me. Clear your head!!” She waved her spoon at you again. “You NEVER want to meet the boys I date!” “Aha-! They are dating!” Your father turned back to your mother and they shared another significant look before she hushed him; “Those corporates have nothing between their ears but facts and figures. And no rhythm... Look at this one though. Danny has much more about him! We would very much like to get to know him.” “What about his family? They don’t seem to like it...” “I will talk to his parents. You’re both adults, his family shouldn’t be getting involved. As for my name, eh. Press is press.” Your father shrugged, he seemed almost blasé about this. “Are you sure? I mean, he’s a chef. He owns a restaurant, so God knows if he will say yes...” It was like you were trying to prepare them for disappointment. “He cooks! AH! Even better! I will have to make sure I am up to scratch!” Your mother beamed “Anyway! You haven’t answered! Will you ask him?” You felt yourself smile, and nod “Yes! Yes!! I... thank you!” You ran to them both and embraced them “I think he needs this... I really think Danny needs this!” “No doubt... that man needs a family Estrellita... give him one...” Your father kissed your forehead “You have always had a big heart. We only wanted you to find the right man to share it with...” “Danny Rayburn..?” “Trust me from experience, a work in progress is much more worthy of your time.” Your father turned to your mother with a warning look; “There is nothing wrong with being a late bloomer!” You edged away from the conversation with a laugh “...I guess I should ask him as soon as possible... if things didn’t go awry after last night...” “Ask him right now.” You father pointed to the window “he’s been out there a while.” You turned, and sure enough he was working on the beach, as he had been the previous day. “Y/N. I will talk to the Rayburn’s. I promise you. Now go invite him already!” You turned back to both your parents and bowed in thankfulness before running to open the door and sprint down the beach. Your mother tutted “That man will be trouble. Good trouble. He will shake her perfect world up.” “She needs a little bit of danger... she needs someone who can give her in life what he gave her last night on the floor. Right now, at this point in her life, he is the only man she’s met who can give her what she doesn’t know she’s been craving all along...” he smiled proudly as he watched his daughter approach the older man “... she needs Danny Rayburn.”

“Danny!” You called him from across the sand, careful this morning not to walk on any sand he had carefully smoothed out. He didn’t turn to you, in fact he more seemed to turn away. “Danny!” You weren’t deterred from saying it again. He was hesitant about it; glancing back at you over his shoulder, but once he realised you weren’t going anywhere, he sighed. “... You know I’ve been told to stay away from you? I’m not supposed to talk to you... Hell, I so much as look at you it’ll start a riot. I’m surprised your parents didn’t say the same thing.” “...What!?” “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised Ms. JJ Harrison Ervin, biggest property developer and estate agent in Miami... guess MY family just think I’m going to tarnish that name too...” “Danny!!” You gasped “My father built that business from NOTHING - like YOU have!” You scoffed at the thought of Danny Rayburn being the one to tarnish your family name, considering your reputation on the dancefloor and your Dad’s reputation in business from time to time... He was a bit of a badass taking no names... You rounded the sand to get as close as possible to him without ruining his work; “How can you say that about yourself!? Did your family even take me into account!? What I want...!? Danny... Please... Look at me...” He took another breath, and reluctantly looked at you “I don’t care what your family say. I care what MY family say. And my dad told me he hasn’t seen two people dance together with that much chemistry since the professional circuit...” He didn’t ask, but he raised a questioning eyebrow, so you went for it; “Danny, my parents REALLY want to meet you...” you smiled “...So they asked if you would please come to dinner, tonight?” He stared hard at you for a minute, like he hadn’t just heard that, he looked away and you saw the smile appear before he began laughing; “They do KNOW my profession, right? I’m the WORST person to cook for!” “I explained that.” You weren’t sure if it was a yes, and after what he’d just said you were unwilling to take anything less than acceptance of your parents’ invitation. He nodded, looking back to you; “If your parents want to meet me. And that’s very kind of them. Then sure. I’ll… be glad to come over to your cabin for dinner tonight.” You lit up, and he loved the smile that crossed your face. “Thank you!” He waved off your thanks before you looked to the expanse of beach he had yet to clear “I uh… better let you get on…” Danny had to be honest, with you standing here he didn’t want to get on… But he was equally conscious of not screwing this up now. So he let you say goodbye to him and wander back to your holiday home. He watched you leave, telling himself he just wanted to watch you get back okay, before you stopped. You had something you really had to say, and after last night there was no time like the present.

You turned back; “Danny… I was thinking… when we get back to Miami… We should… start seeing each other. Properly…” He raised an eyebrow, learning further forward on the beach rake “Isn’t that what we’re doing!?” You couldn’t keep the expression of surprise off your face “Oh.” You looked to the sand for a minute, at least you could blame the sun for the heat of your cheeks. “Well, I thought it was too casual to be… serious.” Then he leant back and shook his head with a sigh; “This IS serious. You sounded like you wanted to take it slow. God, am I TOO slow for you now!?” He smiled and pointed at you “You’re the one that DIDN’T want to call me. If I had it the way I wanted it, you’d have moved in with me by now!” “…WHAT!? NO! If you think I’d be moving into THAT apartment you have another thing coming! FAR too small!” You were too preoccupied with thinking about how it looked too small for him to realise what you were saying… He grinned and looked out to sea, “GOD! JOHN! SHE’S THINKING ABOUT IT! Wait, do you want me to meet your parents so we can tell them you’re moving in!?” He mocked yelling for his brother and laughed as you turned bright red again and tripped over your words. “I hope you know I say these things to watch you blush like that… It makes you look even cuter.” You covered your face with your hands as you knew he’d sent you several shades deeper; he laughed again; “Aw, naw, don’t do that!” He dropped the rake and crossed to you, taking your hands in his “What are you depriving me of your face for!?” “Danny! Stop it!!” “Well, you’re depriving the whole beach too, I mean that’s just… rude.” You bit your lip, trying to surpress your smile and looked back into his blue eyes “…I’m sorry I just thought… Maybe…” You shook the thought away; it was stupid, you realised that now. “Ah, no. I’m one for exclusivity… That’s the only GOOD deal about being single. Playing the field… Though, I’ve made my fair share of bad plays. You’re NOT one of them, in fact, if I play my cards right… You might just be the best play I’ve ever made.” He tipped his head “…I’m not seeing anyone else. I’m waiting right here for you.” “Well, I’m here now.” He nodded his agreement, winding his arms around you, he touched his forehead to yours; “You’re here now.”

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@stcphstrange - For you! ❤

#Bloodline #Danny Rayburn #danny rayburn x reader #danny x reader #ben mendelsohn #Aiming for 9 and above notes so come on people #PRAISE BE WE HAVE AN ACTUAL COUPLE / RELATIONSHIP NOW!#I'm prepared for this to have many many parts...#danny rayburn x you #Linzi Writes #Liliana #2

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