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jake-g-lockley · 2 years

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Hi Akka. I know you are not Bengali, but can I request a drabble festival season( Durga puja edition) with moon boys x desi reader.

Thanks, I love your work so much.

Mango Leaves and Chaos (Steven Grant x desi!reader, Marc Spector x desi!reader, Jake Lockley x desi!reader)

Masterlist

Summary: Festival prep is a real pain, especially when you’re sad, but chaos tends to distract you from everything.

Warnings: Small innuendos, nothing else hehe <3

Word Count: 1.8k words

A/N: Here you go! @pakhiya Thanks for the request, sweetie <333 A lot of this story is inspired by my little thieving escapade that didn’t end very well AHHAHAHA

Feeling homesick during festival time always brought your mood down a notch and you would sulk around your shared apartment, feeling like a sad hollow ghost. You tried to make yourself feel better by cooking your favorite dish but it still did nothing to dull the sad pain that brewed in your tummy each time festival season came close.

As a struggling PhD student, you couldn’t afford to take a break and go home, back to your beautiful city of West Bengal. Your boyfriends do everything to try and cheer you up during this time and this year, they were determined to make you extra happy. The day before the night of Durga Puja, Steven woke you up extra early.

“Come on love, we have stuff to do today!” he said, picking you up bridal style as if you weighed like nothing, when you refused to get up.

“We don’t have anything to do baby, it's a Saturday.” you murmur into his shoulder. “Please, let's just stay in bed the whole day.”

“As much as I’d love to, darling, like I said, loads to do for tomorrow. Now, chop chop.” he said, marching to the bathroom with you still in his arms.

You still weren’t awake enough to comprehend what he was saying as he set you down and handed you your towel. You glared at him and he grinned lovingly back.

“Shower, now.” he said pointedly, shutting the door.

When you got out of the shower, the bed was made and Jake was vacuuming and scanning a little list that he was holding in his hand, not noticing that you were standing there. You watched him squint and frown at the paper as he blindly vacuums the same spot again and again.

You giggle and walk up to him, giving him a hug and pulling the paper from his grasp, wondering what was making him so confused. You scan the list and your mouth drops. One side, there is a list of things needed for Durga Puja and on the other side are a list of places to go to source the items from London.

“You guys are helping me get stuff for Durga Puja?” you say, astounded, looking at Jake, who was grinning sheepishly.

“Well, yea, you’re always so sad about not being able to get all the stuff, so Steven decided to do a little bit of research on what to get and I did my own research on where to get it.” Jake said, gently pulling the paper back.

“Even the mango leaves?” you ask, frowning.

“Especially the mango leaves.” Jake smirked and you knew he was planning something out of the way just for leaves that certainly did not grow in this climate.

Before you could continue your questioning, Jake hands you a plate of leftover lentil stuffed poori and pushes you towards a seat.

“Comer, we will leave in a bit after I finish cleaning.” he ordered.

“Fine, dad.” you mumble and roll your eyes at him.

“Missing a few letters, mi cariño” he shouts back over the sound of the vacuum, making you groan at his corrupted mind.

☾ .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Turn’s out, the four cash and carry’s that you and the boys visited did have everything you needed, everything except the mango leaves.

“Ugh, this country and its lack of mangoes, no wonder everyone is so sad here.” You say exasperatedly to an amused Marc, who was already driving towards the place that Jake had assumed he found mango trees.

Suddenly he stops the car and switches it off. He had driven to the outskirts of London and everything was so quiet here, the cool October air making you shift closer to Marc, who looped an arm around your waist.

“Where to, Spector?” you ask, still not convinced.

“Khonshu said to go straight and turn left.” Marc said, looking between the air beside him and the street in front of the both of you.

A few minutes later, you found yourself standing in front of a nursery.

“Hmm, it's closed.” you say, eyeing the padlock on the fence.

“Or is it?” Jake says, smirking again.

“Jake, my sweet angel, whatever the fuck do you mean?” you say through gritted teeth. “Lockley, we are not going to be committing a heist for mango leaves right now.”

“Why not, darling?” Steven says, fronting and smiling down at you, twirling the pin in his hand, big wet brown eyes boring into your own.

“Jake sent you to convince me, didn't he?” you question with your hands on your hips.

“Told you it's not going to work!” Steven hissed to himself and let Jake front.

“Look Jake, my lovely crime baby, we are not commiting a crime for Durga Puja, the gods are going to curse me.” you say, frowning.

“Khonshu said he won’t curse you.” Jake said.

“Not today, at least. Besides, you’re not the one committing the crime, amor, your big strong henchmen are gonna do it for you.” He continues, flexing his arms.

You shake your head but you couldn’t help but smile.

“Fine, show me whatchu got, henchman.” You say shrugging.

Jake smoothly pulled two hairpins from your hair and began to pick the padlock, and in less than two seconds you hear a click. Jake slips inside and pulls you in after checking that there is no one around. He pulls out a knife and the two of you jog towards the little trees, looking out for a mango tree.

Finally, you find it and Jake cuts a mango stalk with five leaves and hands it to you.

“Here, my beautiful lady, all yours.” he whispers and winks and you roll your eyes but smile. He looked up again to the air behind you and hastily grabbed your wrist. “Uh, oh, mierda. We gotta go, now.”

“Hey! What are you two doing inside here!” someone yells.

“Could you have been any slower, Khonshu?” Jake curses, pulling you and the both of you sprint to the exit, almost knocking over a pot.

You both don’t stop running till you reach the car and you flop, back first, over the bonnet, breathing hard.

“Still got the leaves?” Marc asks, still breathing hard, hands on his bent knees as he hunches over.

“I didn’t know Moon Knight was so unfit.” you joke and wave the leaves in the air.

Marc stood up and pulled you off the car onto his body.

“Mmm, yea I’ll show you unfit, sweetheart.” He says, mouth twisting into a smirk as you wriggle away, laughing.

☾ .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

You and the boys spend the next few hours cooking and setting up the place for the Puja tomorrow night. You couldn’t help it but feel so grateful for them and their constant perseverance to make you laugh and smile.

The next night, you didn’t realize that you had another surprise installed for you. When you came out of the shower, the saree that you had set out on the bed had been replaced along with the jewelry.

You stare at the new saree in absolute awe. It was an offwhite saree with a beautiful red border that was embellished with gold patterns paired with matching gold and red jewelry.

“You like it?” Steven’s voice echoes into your ears. You turn and envelope him in your arms, giving him a big kiss.

“Like it? I absolutely love it!” you say, pulling back, tears falling down your cheeks.

“Well, glad you do, I had to steal one of your blouses so that the tailor could sew you one for this.” he joked, wiping your tears and kissing your forehead as you laugh.

“Get dressed, angel, it's almost time.” he reminds you as you give him one last big kiss.

You had decorated the Goddess Durga with flowers and all the other puja items were neatly placed around the altar, along with fruits, sweets and water; one tray for offerings and one more acting as prasad. You had drawn and decorated a few rangoli patterns onto the floor and you took a step back to admire your little achievement, only to be distracted by Marc, who came out of the bedroom looking shockingly handsome in his black kurta and jeans.

You hadn’t even started praying and the gods had already started blessing you.

Moon Boys’ POV

She was seated in front of the altar, chanting mantras, her heavenly voice ringing sweetly in his ears. Marc sat beside her and watched as she slowly moved the camphor holder in a clockwise motion. He’s always adored her devotion and was glad that he could help her get a little taste of home.

She set down the camphor holder and put her hands together to pray, muttering under her breath. After a while, she looked up to him and smiled, slowly grabbing a tray off the altar and scooching closer to Marc. She grabbed a little of the red powder and dragged a small line of it onto his forehead, offering him some of the sweets on the tray.

“What did you pray for?” he asked, grabbing one of the sweets and helping her up.

“For us.” she says and grinned her nose scrunching, making Marc’s heart flutter.

Stealing those leaves was so worth it.

☾ .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Translations:

Durga Puja: an annual Hindu festival originating in the Indian subcontinent which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga and is also celebrated because of Durga's victory over Mahishasur

Poori: Puri is a deep-fried bread made from unleavened whole-wheat flour that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is eaten for breakfast or as a snack or light meal.

Mi cariño: My sweetie

Meirda: Shit

Saree: A sari or saree is a women's garment from the Indian subcontinent,that consists of an un-stitched stretch of woven fabric arranged over the body as a robe, with one end tied to the waist, while the other end rests over one shoulder as a stole, baring a part of the midriff.

Durga: Durga also significantly known as Mata Rani and Devi Maa is a major deity and supreme divinity in Hinduism. She is worshipped as a principal aspect of supreme mother goddess Adi Shakti and is also one of the most popular and widely revered among Indian divinities.

Puja: Puja or pooja is a worship ritual performed by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains to offer devotional homage and prayer to one or more deities, to host and honour a guest, or to spiritually celebrate an event.

Prasad: Prasada, Prasadam or Prasad is a religious offering in Hinduism. Most often Prasada is vegetarian food especially cooked for devotees after praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Rangoli: Rangoli is a form of traditional decorative art that is drawn by using rice flour as per age-old conventions. It is also drawn using white stone powder, chalk or chalk powder, often along with natural or synthetic color powders.

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qingxin-dream · 2 years

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one of my favorite feelings is the warm breeze before a midsummer storm, especially at night when the air is ominous and exciting. the lush trees collectively sway in the wind, and not a creature in sight as the storm draws near. it’s moments like these where i feel oddly at ease despite the rain that threatens to fall and the thunder that bellows in the distance.

but maybe, just maybe, xiao would let me fall asleep in his lap to the rhythmic rustling of the tree that spreads it’s canopy over the wangshu inn balcony. no blanket needed in this hot weather—just xiao’s ghostly caress, gently brushing the hair away from my face as a small smile pulls at his lips. perhaps he wonders what it would be like to remove his glove just this once to commit the soft texture of my cheek to his memory. or to plant a chaste kiss against my temple, wishing me goodnight with all the affection he could muster in one simple act.

xiao can’t fathom why i’d find comfort in the brewing chaos of a thunderstorm. if he asked, i’m not sure i could give him an answer. nevertheless, he had quietly accepted my proposition to watch the dark clouds roll in. the wind howls, lightning flashes, and a faint snore escapes me. it is strangely peaceful for xiao, who lifts me carefully from his lap bridal style to carry me to the comfort of our shared room. though adepti do not sleep, xiao still joins me under the covers and wraps his arm delicately over my tummy, noting the calm rise and fall of my chest.

“sweet dreams, my love.”

#[dance of the blade].✿#i need comfort so i wrote it myself lol #xiao please cuddle me to sleep i’m begging #i miss you xiaooo🥺💚#ahhh i just need to go to bed😭#genshin imagines #genshin impact imagines #genshin xiao #xiao x reader

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shiemishuzenji · 3 years

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100 OC Question Meme!

created by marchenvillain <3

Your Wings edition: Shiemi Shuzenji!

1. What’s a unique skill they have? Is their any reason why they can do it? Shiemi can harness the power of the sun in order to heal wounds. Her Quirk is a mixture of her mother’s (who can bend light) and grandmother’s (who can heal wounds).

2. What are their favourite possessions? Why? (sentimentality, history, price, etc) The necklace that Hawks gave her is very important to her. She sees it like a symbol of their love.

3. Do they get jealous easily? If so, what usually causes it? She gets insecure, but she never acts on her jealousy. Often times, if women fawn over Hawks, she gets all up in her feels.

4. Are they a good gift-giver? What do they tend to give as gifts? She’s more of a practical gift giver. She pays attention to what someone really needs and she’ll get it for them.

5. What’s their reputation like? Does this reputation contrast what they’re really like? People (especially when she worked in the hospital) hail her as a good doctor but one with little to no social skills. She’s quiet, so a lot of people think she’s mean. Others, like her old boss, like her polite and respectable nature.

6. Do they prefer to have a big social circle, or a few close friends? Definitely a few close friends. She’s content with Aizawa, Kayama, and Mic.

7. What’s their “type”? What romantically attracts them to another person? Men who are confident! If one looks at her track record, her old boyfriends in high school were all jocks who loved the limelight. Hawks is cocky, but a lot of that haughtiness is a facade. She loves that he knows how to tone it down and come back to Earth.

8. What does their dream house look like? She’s a simple woman: a modern white home with a huge lawn for a garden. She’s always wanted to plant sunflowers. I’m a huge horror fan, so for some reason, I’m envisioning the villa from The Human Centipede… Just the outside! eheh... is that weird?

9. If they could change one part of their appearance, what would it be? Shiemi is actually very lithe; her mother says she’s got no meat on her bones. She would love to bulk up! Also, her cup size is a B. She would change that, too, if she could.

10. What’s a simple thing that brings them joy? Well, Shiemi’s love language is acts of service. It really warms her heart when people help do things with or for her!

11. What is their dream pet? A cat! A fluffy white one. Maybe Aizawa had some influence on her? ❤️

12. What’s their position in their friend group? (leader, mom friend, chaos goblin, etc) The voice of reason. She likes to have practical fun! She’s not as rigid as Aizawa, but nowhere near as wild as Mic.

13. How forgiving are they? What do they consider unforgivable? Shiemi is definitely forgiving, so much so that it is sometimes her downfall. However, she believes there is no excuse for villainy.

14. Who do they go to in a crisis/emergency? Any particular reason why they choose that person? Hmmm, it’s funny because most people go to her in an emergency since she’s got that nifty healing Quirk haha! Shiemi has plenty of people to depend on like Midnight or Recovery Girl, but Hawks is the one she always turns to when she needs saving.

15. How good are they at conversation? Are they a small talk master, bad at initiating, etc? The only person she likes to make small talk with is Hawks, really. She’s not much a talker, and prefers to let others do the talking. This is why she and Aizawa click so well because they both can appreciate silence.

16. What food do they absolutely hate? She actually doesn’t care for greasy foods. Pizza, for example, upsets her tummy.

17. Do they show a lot of affection, or are they pretty reserved? She’s not into PDA, but she loves to be held and kissed. When she’s sad, she almost always needs a hug. ❤️

18. If you had to represent them with a flower, colour, and animal, what would you choose? I feel like she’s more of a white lily, which I hear symbolizes humility and devotion. Her color would be blush pink, for her more timid nature and her affinity for that color. As for an animal, I think she’d be a snowshoe hare!

19. What’s their unusual quirk? (Quirk with a lowercase q, haha) Shiemi has always had very strong intrusive thoughts, and I’ve made this obvious from the first chapter. I based this on my own struggle with intrusive thoughts, so Shiemi and I can relate on the issue of fighting our inner voices to be better people.

20. Are they easy to wake up in the morning, or grouchy and sleepy? She’s an early bird! Very easy to wake up in the morning.

21. What’s their ideal date like? She loves night walks on the beach followed a busy night of makin’ love ;)

22. What’s their silliest or most unusual fear/phobia? Probably spiders. She’s not the type to scream when she sees one, but if it’s big and hairy, she’ll leave the room.

23. Is their pain tolerance high or low? Pretty low, all things considering. She knows how to fight, she just doesn’t like to because she can’t really handle her own.

24. Are they a fussy eater? Nope! She’ll try just about anything. She understands the importance of eating healthy, so she makes sure to eat her veggies every day. (Unlike me…)

25. What are their dreams like? As the writer, I’ve always made her dreams symbolic. They often reflect her true feelings or the things on her mind.

26. Are they technologically savvy? Yes! Working in the hospital, she’s a quick learner, and working in the hospital, she’s had to learn how to use all the equipment.

27. Are they forgetful? What do they tend to forget? (plans, phone, keys, etc) No, she tries to be very organized. The most that she forgets would be if she’s got a lot of work to do, she might forget one assignment.

28. Describe their morning routine. Open the curtains first (she needs sunlight), drink black coffee, watch the news, take a shower. Suuuper adult of her, I know. She’s a creature of habit!

29. Are they a good cook? If they are, what do they like to make? She’s an okay cook. Certainly not as good as Hawks! She can make basic food, but a lot of it lacks flavor -- something Hawks has had to teach her.

30. Do they consider themselves a “hero” or “villain”? Hero! Definitely. She’ll heal anyone in need, but she works for the heroes, on the side of good.

31. What holiday do they like the most? (Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, etc) Christmas. It’s the one time of year she gets to spend with her whole family. Even though tensions are high, she still loves her family more than anything.

32. What are they like at parties? Party animal, or awkwardly sitting in the corner drinking punch and reading? She’s the wallflower. She’d rather grab a bite to eat and sit back, people-watching.

33. Are they adventurous, or do they prefer to stay in their safe zone? She prefers to live life on the safe side. Though life with Hawks definitely makes things exciting!

34. What’s their favourite drink? (Coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate, soda, etc) She loves coffee; preferably black coffee. Her go-to drink at Starbucks is a venti black cold brew or a cappuccino.

35. Are they good with children? Yes! Her serene nature tends to calm kids down. She especially used to love healing kids at the hospital.

36. Do they trust easily? What would you have to do to earn their trust? She’s normally very wary of people. She automatically has her guard up when approached by someone new, but honestly it doesn’t take much for her to let down her guard. For example, she was cautious of Twice when she met him, but once she saw that he and Mr. Compress needed help, she immediately dropped everything to help. Blame her big heart, I guess!

37. Are they a hopeless romantic, or is that stuff just not for them? God, YES!! When she first met Hawks, she tried to act all tough, but she’s such a SAP! In her relationships, she devotes everything to her significant other.

38. Do they get lost easily, or are they good with directions? Nah, she’s great with directions. She tries to have a good understanding of her surroundings.

39. Are they superstitious? She doesn’t believe in superstitions; she’s more of a woman of science.

40. Do they like physical activity, or staying inside? She enjoys a bit of both. She especially likes to go for walks, but doesn’t mind spending the whole day inside reading a book.

41. What would they dress up as for Halloween? A zombie nurse -- and I mean that in the laziest way possible. She would put on her uniform and paint her face and call it a day haha

42. Do they like fast food, or fancy restaurants? Fancy restaurants, for sure. She’s a bit of a snob. She’ll eat fast food if she’s on the go, but she grew up in the lap of luxury, and really enjoys the finer things in life.

43. Are they a chaotic bastard, pure angel baby, or tired mom friend? Pure angel baby. SHIEMI MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS.

44. Do they have a good attention span? Yes, especially when it comes to her friends. She’ll sit there and listen to someone talk for hours.

45. Are they always late, on time, or early? Shiemi thinks that if you’re not 15 minutes early, then you’re late.

46. Do they cry, gasp, laugh, etc, while reading a book, or do they remain relatively stone-faced? Stone-faced. She might furrow her brow if she’s into it, but she’s more internal with her reactions.

47. Do they keep a diary? She stopped carrying a diary when she was a teenager and her parents read through it without her permission.

48. How dramatic are they? She’s not haha She cries easily, but that’s just because she feels very deeply.

49. Do they put a lot of effort into their appearance, or do they just make themselves presentable and go? She’s comfortable with her looks, so she mostly curls her bangs and thinks it good to go.

50. Why would they be a good partner for a road trip? She would be president of the backseat! Delivering snacks, giving directions, listening to you talk and talk for hours!

51. Why would they be a BAD partner for a road trip? She’s not much for small talk. If it gets quiet, she’ll let it happen and whip out a book.

52. What topic should nobody bring up around them, lest the other person be subject to a massive ramble/rant? Anything bashing on heroes, or criticizing hero society. She’s so deep in it that she’s blinded to its flaws. She’ll defend Heroes till the day she dies.

53. Are they clumsy? No, she’s too cautious!

54. Are they a law breaker, or stickler for rules? Stickler for the rules. Not as bad as Iida hahaha but she doesn’t do anything she’s not supposed to. Blame her strict upbringing!

55. Choose a vine you think perfectly encapsulates their character. I LOVE THIS QUESTION! I feel like she’s: “Road work ahead? Uh, yeah, I sure hope it does >:( ” or “Is there anything better than pussy? Yes, a really good book.” OOH, OR “How do you know what’s good for me? THAT’S MY OPINION!!”

56. Do they like to share? Yes, my girl is very giving ❤️

57. What’s the most chaotic thing they’ve done? Have sex with a bird man she just healed the night before :U Shiemi has a high sex drive

58. Which friend do they immediately become a zero-braincelled idiot around? She gets all smitten around Hawks tbh She can compose herself around everyone except for him. Then she’s just a puddle of GOO

59. Do they love or hate surprises? She does not like surprises! They make her uncomfortable and awkward.

60. What sappy thing will they cry at? (romance movies, cute cat videos, etc) Would they deny crying about it later on? She’ll cry during sad movies, but she’s stopped being ashamed of being a crybaby

61. What’s their favourite and least favourite subject in school? Health and science are her best subjects, but her favorite was literature! Her least favorite was probably physical education just because it took her away from the books!

62. Do they take a lot of photos? If so, what of? She prefers professional photos; her camera roll is practically empty!

63. Do they wear makeup? Blush, mascara, foundation, but she only ever wears makeup for special occasions.

64. Describe what their social media would be like. Instagram: “NO PHOTOS” but plenty of tagged photos from Mic and Midnight. Facebook: articles on social issues or new medical breakthroughs.

65. Do they give people a lot of nicknames? No, she doesn’t, actually!

66. What nicknames do others call them by? She thinks it’s sweet when people give nicknames to her -- e.g. “Doc,” “songbird,” or “sunshine.” Side note: I was really into Yagami Yato when I first started writing, so of course Hawks calls her “Baby bird.” And now I really regret not being more original because goddamn... I’m not gonna go back and change it because Yagami doesn’t own the nickname, but just know that I am upset

67. What’s an outrageous story about them nobody believes? Uhh, that’s a great question. I can’t think of anything, to be honest.

68. Are they easy to fluster? What would you have to do to truly fluster them? Yes! Despite being so cool, calm, and collected, it’s easy to make her blush. Hawks is a pro at getting her all worked up!

69. What’s their dream vacation like? She dreams of traveling, preferably somewhere along the Caribbean islands where she can bask in the sun and discover new plants and creatures.

70. Are they a good liar? She is a notoriously bad liar, mostly because it eats her away inside. She can make a lie work if she commits to it enough, but she’ll always come out with it eventually.

71. What do they want to do in the future? She wants a family. She’s always wanted to be a working woman and come home after a long day to her family. She wishes that a certain someone would be a stay-at-home dad...

72. How do they feel about love? Again, she’s a hopeless romantic. She believes in having strong bonds with both family and friends, but she does dedicate most of her energy into her romantic relationship.

73. Are they more book smarts, or street smarts? oh my god, BOOK SMARTS. She wouldn’t last a day on her own out there, but man she could recite a whole scene from Shakespeare if you asked her to.

74. What’s their guilty pleasure? Sex. She doesn’t come off as promiscuous, but she would get some every day if she could.

75. Is there anyone they consider their rival? No, in fact Shiemi tends to keep to herself. She’s respectful and supportive of everyone. She does have enemies, of course, like Dabi or Mr. Compress.

76. Do they have any notable physical features? Her eyes are described as gray, but they’re more purplish-gray.

77. What’s their music taste like? Classical music takes up most of the space on her phone; Joe Hisaishi is a composer that she admires a lot.

78. What’s something they’re really bad at? Keeping her opinions to herself. She’s brutally honest, to a fault.

79. Do they have a good sleep schedule? Yesss, her whole life runs on a schedule!

80. What’s their aesthetic sense like? Oh, I’m not sure how to answer this?

81. What’s something they’re really proud of? Her degrees and awards make her feel accomplished. She has a hard time seeing her worth, but the diplomas on her wall are proof, to her, of what she can do.

82. How would they spend a free day? In bed, reading a book, snuggled up beside Hawks ❤️

83. What are they like as an s/o? Lowkey, kind of clingy. She loves attention and wants to spend all her time with her significant other, doting on them, making them feel good.

84. What’s one thing they like that they don’t want anyone to know about? Her sex drive (> w >);;

85. Do they have a sweet tooth? She doesn’t; she’s more of a savory or salty person. I actually really like this dichotomy between Hawks and Shiemi, for some reason? The fact that she takes her coffee black and he takes his sweet is kind of nice.

86. How would you describe their fashion sense? I once had a beautiful professor at university who only wore maxi skirts and nice blouses. Her fashion sense inspired my vision of Shiemi a lot. If she’s not wearing her hero uniform, you can find her in a pink maxi skirt and a white blouse.

87. Do they like spicy food? She can definitely handle her spice, but she wouldn’t choose it!

88. Are they lucky? Do they believe in luck? By all means, she has the worst luck! Can’t say that she believes in it, though.

89. What would they get into a petty argument over? Shiemi stands her ground on her opinions, but she’s more or less an agreeable person. She doesn’t like to argue or cause tension, but she will if it means standing up for herself.

90. Are they a good artist? She can’t draw and she’s got that doctor handwriting lmao

91. Do they prefer hot or cold weather? Hot! Shiemi’s Quirk is most powerful if she’s in direct sunlight. When the sun is behind the clouds, it takes more energy and time for her to heal someone. Despite all that time in the sun, the poor woman can’t tan!

92. Can they play an instrument? Her parents made her play piano when she was a child, but she doesn’t dabble in it anymore.

93. What type of movies do they like to watch? Romance and mysteries! Her favorite movie is Titanic. She cries every time!

94. What does their room look like? Neat and organized. She’s got a lot of bookshelves in her room and a nice set up for her computer space.

95. How do they feel about bugs? Scared? Fascinated? She’s fascinated by bugs, but from a distance. She won’t touch ‘em!

96. What’s their sense of humour like? (Dad jokes, morbid humour, basic knock-knock jokes, stand up comedy, etc) She laughs really hard at stand up comedy. Since she’s a little more serious, she can appreciate how goofy Hawks is!

97. What do they keep in their bag? Cell phone, earbuds, portable charger, folding scissors for emergencies, Band-Aids, and if she’s not wearing it, she’ll fold up her lab coat and put it in there, too.

98. How competitive are they? She’s only competitive with herself. She doesn’t have to be the best, but she can’t stand being the worst. (I’m the same way.)

99. What would they wear to a formal event? Describe their outfit! She actually wore that beautiful red dress in chapter 10! If you Google “Elizabeth Banks Vanity Fair 2020” it’ll pop up.

100. If you, the creator, met them, would you two get along? Yes! I think that it’s impossible for any author/creator to make a character without at least adding some personal elements in them. Shiemi isn’t a self-insert, but she and I share a love of reading and we’re both overachievers. So I think she and I would make great friends!

#your wings ao3 #shiemi shuzenji #bnha oc #oc #oc questions #my hero academia oc #my hero academia #archive of our own

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khadij-al-kubra · 4 years

Text

Worst Impressions are the First (ch 6)

Main Characters: Logan, Patton, Roman, Virgil (Human AU)

Pairings: Romantic LAMP

Words: 5518

Author’s Note: *Shuffles in, hijab haphazardly wrapped, wearing a fleece hoodie over rumpled pajamas, carrying a mug that reads “I write, what’s your superpower” and wearing one slipper.* Hey folks. So um. Yeah. I know it’s been, well, a LONG while. Apologies. I have no excuse other than this last semester of grad school and my part time gig kicked my ass, stole most of my free time, and possibly my left shoe. But I haven’t forgotten this fic or all of you incredibly wonderful and patient readers. And trust me when I say that I have made the wait worth it. Plus I’m on break now and already plotting out the next chapter, and I know exactly how I plan to progress with it, right down to the number of chapters left. Can I get a wahoo? *Yawns and takes a long drink of strongly brewed black tea* Once again, thank you SO much for your patience and love, and enjoy the lovelorn chaos from our favorite gays. ^_^ (also, if for some reason the tag link isn’t working for you, please let me know)

AO3

<=PREV

Chapter 6 - (POV Patton)

The fire in your eyes

Like a grave digger’s lantern

Your passion revives…me

“Gosh dang it, one syllable too many,” Patton muttered to himself over the notepad.

He felt a staccato of taps on his arm; a signal for when the world was silenced by Patton’s big headphones and Roman wanted to talk to him. He took them off, giving his soulmate his full attention. That was still so nice to say and put an actual face to. My soulmate.

“Problem, dear heart?” Roman asked from the seat next to him. The new term of endearment made Patton blush, but he loved it.

“Nah, just tweaking a new haiku,” he said. “I want it to be perfect for my muse.”

Now Roman was the one blushing. “Well I’m sure when it’s done it will be as wonderful as everything else that’s made by your hands.”

It had been barely two days since he and Roman discovered they were each other’s soulmates (or at least one of them), but since then they had spent every spare moment getting to know each other. From walking to classes together to spending free periods together, and Patton’s mother had even insisted on inviting Roman over for dinner just last night. When Roman had complimented the pasta Patton helped cook, saying he could taste the love poured into each noodle, his heart felt near to bursting. It was such a short amount of time getting to know each other, yet Patton felt as though he’d known Roman for eons all throughout past lives.

Who knew being with your soulmate could make you feel so alight inside?

“Thank you for sneaking me your Tupperware of leftovers, Patton,” said Roman, covertly twirling his plastic fork into the spaghetti under their table.

“No problem, kiddo,” said Patton.

Technically they weren’t allowed food in the library during study hall except for water. Unless you had a blood sugar problem or something. Still, Patton was willing to break a tiny rule if it was for his soulmate’s well being. And maybe myself, he thought, sneaking bites from the napkin cookies on his lap.What? He’d had an Algebra test that morning. He earned a treat or two.

“Mom’s right, I do need to pack fuller lunches. I don’t know what’s up with my appetite lately. Least I’ve still got my figure.

“Maybe it s a puberty thiiiiiohmygosh it’s him.”

“Him who?”

“Look, but don’t look, over your shoulder.”

Roman sneakily looked over his shoulder and saw what Patton meant. It was Logan Berry, in all his brilliant glory, pulling out a book from the chemistry section. He looked lovely as always in a cream colored blouse, mint green skirt, and cherry blossom patterned neckerchief. The yellow gems of his bumblebee hair clip glittered under the ceiling light as it kept the ebony bangs out of his eyes.

Yet there was something off about Logan today. His face was neutral as always, but Patton noticed there was something slightly somber in his posture.

“Isn’t that supposed to be the school genius or something?” Roman asked.

“Debate club president,” Patton said wistfully.

“I’ve heard about his through tech club. He is really pretty! In a nerdy way.”

“Yeah, he sure is a lovely creature of nature.” Patton said with a sigh.

They must have been whispering louder than he realized, because suddenly Logan’s head was turned, and he was looking curiously at Patton. Oohhh gosh golly. He half hid behind his copy of Wuthering Heights.

“Patton my dear, you sound positively smitten.” Roman said, turning back around. “Not that I blame you really.”

Patton chuckled, unable to stop staring at his crush. “Guilty. Have been for awhile.”

“Say, you don’t suppose Logan could be one of our mysterious shared soulmates, maybe the one from yesterday, do you?”

“Maybe, but I don’t think we have the same lunch time as—Ohhh Lemony Snickett, he’s coming this way!”

“What? Here? Now? Does my hair look good?”

Patton considered himself to be pretty good at reading people on an emotional level, but Logan was usually like a tightly bound journal, difficult to look into. Except this time it was clear he did not look too happy with them. Before he could gage deeper as to why, Logan was at their table. Patton had never been this close to Logan before, never had the chance to make real mutual eye contact.

Logan’s stoic gaze went back and forth between them. His brave little Prince was mumbling Disney lyrics under his breath and clearly trying so hard not to clam up. Guess it’s up to me. Patton grasped for some sort of ice-breaker good enough for Logan. Something friendly, intelligent and totally not off-putting like he normally was.

“Umm…cookie?” Patton asked, holding up his cookie napkin in peacemaker offering.

“I don’t appreciate being stared at and spoken about behind my back.” Logan said sharply, staring pointedly at him.

“So that’s a no on the cookie.” Patton said, shrinking back.

“If you have something to say, you can express your mockeries to my face, because frankly I am in no mood for ignoring judgmental comments today.”

Ouch! Logan had never come across as the friendliest person ever, but Patton was definitely not expecting him to speak so coldly upon their fist meeting. And it hurt. Or it would have more so if Patton couldn’t tell from the look in Logan’s eyes that he was actually upset about something more than just people whispering.

“H-hey, don’t talk to my soulmate like that!” Roman said, voice cracking. He was loud enough to be shushed from another table. Yet for once, Roman didn’t duck his head down in shyness. “I-in fact, you shouldn’t talk to anymore like that, or make such harsh assumptions yourself, Mister Sub-Astute-Teacher.”

Logan turned to Roman. “I beg your pardon?”

“We weren’t gossiping about you, or whatever it is you think we were doing. If anything we were complimenting you. I mean- well yeah-yes! We were. But that was before you came at us so rudely with your negative assumptions. Just because you’re the debate club president or whatever doesn’t give you the right to talk to people like that.”

Wow. Patton had never had someone stand up for him like that before. And he’d never seen Roman be so, well, unabashedly vocal, even when people were watching. I am so proud!

Logan looked taken aback, ashamed even. “I-I apologize.”

“Yeah, you should, Blaise Pastel. And another...thing?” Roman cut himself off suddenly.

Patton was about to ask Roman what was wrong when he felt the tell tale tingle on his arm. He pulled up his sleeve and sure enough, another new soulthought was there, tattooed in navy blue ink: ‘Hm. Brontë. Excellent taste.’

“Patton,” Romans said, tapping him excitedly. “Look!”

On Roman’s arm in the same navy blue read: ‘Interesting sweater choice.’ They beamed at each other. There was no doubt about it.

Then Logan coughed, and when they turned to look at him, he too was holding out his arm on display. Beneath two purple and sky blue soulmarks, the latter of which Patton recognized as his own, were letters in bright red: ‘Nerd—Pretty—Pretty nerd.’

“Well. It would appear that we have much to discuss. May I?” Logan asked, gesturing to an empty chair at their table.

Patton checked wordlessly with Roman if he was okay with it. The drama techie nodded. “Please.”

Logan pulled out the chair across from them and smoothed out his skirt as he sat. “So. It seems that we are all ineffably bonded to one another, judging from the matching color palettes in our soul thoughts. And you both are...”

“We’re together,” said Roman, reaching for Patton’s hand on the table and lacing their fingers. “We found each other just two days ago.”

Something flashes across Logan’s face, but it was gone before Patton could read more into it. “That is...quite fortuitous.”

“And we’d love for you to be apart of this too.” Patton said. “That is, if you’d be comfortable with that. We wouldn’t dare bind your heart to ours, regardless of being soulmates, if it wasn’t something you also wanted.”

“Or if you ended up being a jerk.”

“Roman!”

“Well he—

“It’s quite alright, um, Patton was it?” Logan asked. Patton nodded yes. “Roman is within his right to feel how he does. I did not exactly make the best first impression.”

“You can say that again.” Roman muttered.

“Now Roman, you and I didn’t exactly get off on the right foot either. In fact it left a lot to be desired.” Pattona said.

“But he—

“Deserves just as much a chance as we did. He is our soulmate after all. Alright?”

“Yes, dear.”

A low chuckle from Logan caught them both off guard. The beautiful brainy boy was covering his mouth demurely. The sight of Logan, who’d always been so sharp and alabaster cold, so softened by just his laughter alone was breathtaking. It set moths fluttering about in Patton’s tummy.

“What’s so funny?” Roman asked, brows furrowed.

Logan cleared his throat and adjusted his Warby Parkers. Hey, we have the same glasses!

“Apologizes, I am not laughing at you,” Logan said. “It is merely that, well, for a moment there your bickering reminded me of my mothers. Which is quite remarkable given how, as you’ve said, you two have only known each other for two days.”

“Aw gee, it’s sweet of you to say that we remind you of your moms, Logan.” Patton said.

To think he and Roman already sounded like an old married couple. Sure it was all fast and new to him still, but he couldn’t help delighting at it. Would he get to share this same sort of bond with Logan? With his fourth unknown soulmate? He sure hoped so.

Still, he was so different from Roman. Even though Patton had been crushing on Logan fort ages, he seemed to have a much thicker wall. Could Patton ever be good enough to be invited in?

“So I take it from your reaction that you are not among the school’s percentage of ignoramuses that take offense to LGBT folk, such as myself and my mothers?” Logan asked.

“Pshh, puh-lease! I’m about as straight as this spaghetti,” said Roman, holding up a limp noodle hanging off his fork.

“You do know food is prohibited in the library.”

“And my brother Remus is a regular Ace of spades.” Roman continued, ignoring Logan. “Not that you’d ever guess it, with all the crude jokes he makes on his podcast.”

“Brother?” Patton and Logan asked.

“Trust me, the less you know about that internet troll the better.”

“As for me, said Patton, “well, just fry an egg on my head and call me pan.”

Roman nearly choked on his bite of food, cough laughing. Patton offered his bottle of water to him. Logan tilted his head to the side.

“Fry an—what? That isn’t—pan?” If there was a lightbulb over Logan’s head, it would have just clicked. “Oh good lord, was a that a pun comparing pansexuality to cookware?”

“Heh, guilty,” said Patton. “I’ve got ‘em by the dozens.”

Roman seemed to like Patton’s jokes, but Logan not so much. Patton had been trying real hard to make his jokes less dry and dark. Did Logan just not like puns, or did he not like him? Patton so wanted Logan to like him.

“Tawdry wordplay aside, I’m please to find that at least some of my soulmates are not ashamed to be themselves, unlike...”

Patton turns to Logan concerned, but he merely opened his book to a random page and pretended to read it. He was clearly holding something back, but Patton didn’t want to push him into talking. He already felt like on thin ice.

“Unlike who?” Roman asked. “Does it have to do with your soulmate?”

“You’ll have to be more specific,” said Logan, not looking up.

Roman rolled his eyes. “The one with the purple writing. Don’t think I didn’t notice that. Patton and I both have thought tattoos in the same color, and if you know who are third soulmate is, then don’t you think we have a right to know who they are as well?”

Logan closed the book. He looked at them for a moment, then sighed. “That is more than fair. Alright. It’s...”

He leaned in close to them, and in a low voice whispered a name that Patton was surprised to hear.

“VIRGIL!?” Roman shouted. Logan palmed his forehead.

A neighboring table shushed them and at least two students milling about the stacks gave them odd looks. Patton tugged his hat down and Roman slunk down bashfully. Baby steps, Roman. Baby steps. They probably would’ve gotten more than odd looks if not for Logan giving the more nosy students a steely glare.

“Would you kindly think before you open your infinitesimally loud mouth next time?” Logan asked.

He knows that word actually means really small, right? Patton thought.

“Well excuse me for being shocked that the Stormcloud of South Bay High is our mysterious soulmate.” Roman said, using his backstage voice. “I mean, look at us and look at him.”

“I have,” Logan said.

“And you’re still in one piece? After being alone with an unnerving ruffian like him?”

“FALSEHOOD!”

The sudden outburst startled Patton nearly out of his skin, and Roman actually fell out of his seat, spaghetti almost flying. The school librarian shushed Logan pointedly, and he apologized to her profusely, being luck enough to to get off with just a warning as her model library goer.

“He is not like that.” Logan said. “Yes, he is among the athletic clique but he is by no means a brute. He is intelligent and sweet and...gentle.”

“It’s true Roman,” said Patton. “I haven’t talked to him much myself, but I sit behind him in English Lit., and he’s never been mean to anyone in class.”

Patton pictured the anxious kiddo in his mind. How fidgety he got, the way his back tensed when being called on even if he knew the answer, and especially the lost lonely look in his eyes.

“Actually, when he’s not huddled in with his buddies, Virgil’s even more awkward than you can be.”

“Augh!” Roman gasped offendedly. “Patton, you wound my pride. Wait, was that a compliment or?”

“Does that mean you’ve talked with Virgil then?” Patton asked Logan.

“Indeed. We officially met—coincidentally—on Wednesday, realized we are soulmates, and spent Study Hall yesterday getting to know one another. It was quite...enjoyable.”

Then something happened that Patton would’ve gone so far as to call a little miracle: he saw Logan smiling. It was small but softened his angular face oh so nicely. Seeing Logan’s smile was like watching a sunrise. If Patton hadn’t been in puppy love with Logan before he definitely was now.

Then the overcast came, and stone faced Logan was back. “That is until some of his neanderthal brethren in lettermen’s happened upon us, and Virgil revealed the coward he truly is; ashamed of himself and ashamed of me.”

The three of them went quiet, their snacks and studies long forgotten. The library clock ticked away, turning pages crinkled like autumn leaves, and somewhere somebody was not so sneakily smoking a joint. Of course his brave little Prince would be the first to break the silence.

“Sooo I take it that Virgil is deeper in the closet than Narnia,” said Roman.

“Precisely. And I refuse to belittle my self-worth by wasting my time on anyone who does not have the courage to be themselves, let alone be associated with me simply because I am not of the same socially constructed high school status. I told him as much before leaving with my dignity intact.”

Patton tried to process this new information. It hurt his heart to hear the bitterness in Logan’s words, especially when he was so obviously trying to hide how hurt he really was. Yet even so...

“I understand where you’re coming from Logan, and I’m sorry that happened to you. But,” Patton bit his bottom lip, “Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh on Virgil?”

Logan raise a sharp eyebrow at him. “In what way am I being harsh?”

“Because, well, it’s not really your place to say when or how ‘out’ somebody should be. Even if he is your—our—soulmate.” Patton sat up straighter, blowing the curly bangs out of his eyes. “I mean, you probably came to this school already out of the closet, right? You’re used to to knowing how to handle yourself and others when they might talk bad about you. So it’s probably easier to feel like you’ve got the Pride high ground.”

“I...suppose I hadn’t considered it in that light.” said Logan. “Astute.”

“Yeah, top notch analysis there, Patton-cake,” said Roman.

“And yeah, we’ve got a modest little LGBT club and a small portion of the school has not so nice views of queer people,” Patton continued. “Which makes sense, I mean, this isn’t exactly New York. But you’ve gotta understand that Virgil is smack dab in the middle of that crowd. He probably feels like it might not be as safe for him to be out as it would be for someone like you; the debate club champ and smartest kid in school who’s also in good standing with the teachers. ...Or someone like me; the creepy emo kid that everyone treats like a ghost or is too scared of to bother with anyways.”

Lonely as it was, being invisible did have its advantages. Patton felt Roman wrap a deceptively strong arm around him, nothing but tenderness in his eyes. Well, not so invisible anymore. Patton smiled and leaned his head on Roman’s broad shoulder.

“Honestly, I see Patton’s point. Sure, I get teased by those guys all the time for being perceived as gay—not that they’re wrong—but people have picked on me for plenty of other reasons over the years.”

Roman paused for moment, using one hand to wipe his large glasses on his swirly patterned sweater vest.

“Look at me. I’m a scrawny, shy, Disney obsessed theater nerd, and not even one of the leading actor elites. I knew going in that I was bound for the bottom of the social food chain no matter what I did, so I figured, why not at least allow myself to be my full rainbow self, albeit quietly? Sure, I haven’t officially come out yet, but it’s not like I’d have much more to lose when I do. But Virgil? He has everything to lose.”

Logan sat back in his chair, mulling over their imput. Pattons was worried that he might have offended Logan somehow. He wasn’t storming away from their table, so that was a good sign. Maybe Patton should apologize anyways.

BRIIIING

Study hall was officially at an end. Students packed up their bags, and returned or checked out books. Meanwhile the librarian ushered any stragglers out so she could prepare the space for any Friday electives that would be taking place there.

“I have to get to class,” said Logan, gathering his things. “It was good meeting you both. You’ve given me much to think about. Perhaps we might converse again sometime?”

“No problem Specs. Where are you off to next?” Roman asked, closing up the Tupperware and hanging it back to Patton.

“Um, U.S. History,” said Logan, adjusting his glasses.

“With Mr. Terrence? Me too.” Roman grabbed his classic Mickey backpack. “Maybe we can, um, walk over there together? I mean, since we’re headed the same direction.”

“I have no objections with that.”

“Onward then. Farewell, Patton dear.”

“Bye Roman. Uh, Logan, I—“

Before Patton could say anything more, his two soulmates were on their way out. With a sigh he grabbed his writing journal, book, and backpack before heading out himself in the opposite direction for his last two classes of the day. He had English Lit with Miss Valerie next. And Virgil, he thought, pulling his headphones over his ears. It was high time he and Virgil spoke for real.

* * * * *

Patton watched the clock on the wall tick tock away the last few minutes of class He gripped his stretched sleeve end into a black and grey paw with one hand, and doodled furiously in his notebook margins with the other. Did I overstep my boundaries? Patton wondered for the hundredth time since the middle of class. In front of him, Virgil nervously bounced his knee and kept chewing on his cuticles, sending a twinge of guilt through Patton’s chest.

Halfway through class while Miss Valerie was writing out notes on the board, he had carefully tossed a folded note onto Virgil’s desk. Luckily he’d always been more of a thrower than a catcher. The anxious athlete saw the slip of paper, unfolded its contents, and went rigid. He’d cast a quick wide eyed glance over his shoulder at Patton before turning back to the front. Virgil hadn’t looked at him again since.

BRIIIING

“Alright class, that’s it for today. Don’t forget, your essays about the symbolic significance of the Moores in Brontë‘s novel are due next week,” said Miss Valerie.

While the rest of the class rushed to leave, he and Virgil lingered behind, packing their backpacks slower till the coast was clear. They stood up at the same time, Patton clutching his journal to his chest, and Virgil hunched awkwardly.

“Hey, is there some place we can’t talk? Privately?” Vigil asked, his voice gravelly.

“Mhm. Just uh, follow me.” Patton said.

They walked out the classroom and through the crowded hallways, Patton in the lead and Virgil following a foot behind. Murmurings of between bells chatter and tinny locker taps filled his ears. Two hallways later, Patton pulled Virgil round a courier and into the Nurses Office.

Flickering fluorescent ceiling lights cast shadows around the off-white walls. The only decorations were an anatomy poster, a poster of a cute bat dressed in a nurse’s cap, and the skeleton onesie clad teddy bear Nurse Talyn kept for students in emotional distress. Patton called him Mr Fluffybones. There were chairs, a sickbed, and a filing cabinet next to the supply closet. The office always smelled of rubbing alcohol, but it was clean, quiet, and most of all private. Talyn was a colleague of Emile’s so they let him stay in here on his bad days for as long as he needed to.

“Patton, it’s ten minutes till classtime.” Nurse Talyn said from their desk, their horn-rimmed glasses sliding down their nose. “Do you have a pass for another breather? Or is there something your friend needs help with?”

“No, nothing like that Talyn,” Patton said, smiling at the word ‘friend.’ “Virgil and I just needed someplace private to talk for a bit.”

“You know I’m not supposed to let students be in here unless they’re feeling unwell.”

“Pleeeese? We’ll head right to class afterwards. Cross my heart and hope to die.”

Then, Patton unleashed his most secret of secret weapons, used for emergencies only and rarer than a red moon: the puppy Pat pout. When Talyn saw his pouty bottom lip and big eyes, their mouth went lemon tight. They only resisted for a few seconds before an audible groan told Patton he’d one this round.

“Ugh, fine! You get five minutes while I go restock my bandaid jar.” Talyn took a not even half empty jar with them as they went to the supply closet. “I blame Emile for teaching you that puppy dog pout. It should be illegal.”

“Thanks Nurse Talyn!” Works every time.

Patton turned around to where Virgil stood behind him, hands in the oversized letterman jacket and a crooked smirk on his face. If Patton didn’t know better, he would think Virgil looked almost impressed.

“We can talk privately now, don’t worry.” Patton said.

“Worry’s my middle name but, okay. So uh, about this.”

Virgil took a deep breath and pulled from one pocket a crumpled note. He unfurled is, words facing up: ‘I know you’re my soulmate. We all do. Can we talk?’

Standing in front of him now, seeing the dark bags under his wide eyes, Patton thought that Virgil looked so small and vulnerable. All shelled up in his too big jacked, clutching that paper between his shaking skinny fingers. He just wanted to hold the poor thing close and protect him from every nasty thing in this world. Instead he settled for smiling as warmly as possible, hoping to help Virgil feel more at ease.

“Just tell me first,” Virgil’s hands fidgeted. “By ‘we’ you mean my other soulmates and not, y’know, the whole school? I hope? Not that I think you’d out me or anything; you’re not like that. Not that I’d assume what you’re like, I jus—

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, kiddo.” Patton said, making his voice gentle. “I do mean our soulmates, and of course your secret is still safe with us.”

Upon hearing this though, Virgil’s whole body relaxed. “Heh, you really do say ‘kiddo.’ So how’d you find out?”

“Logan ran into Roman and me in the library earlier. We got to chatting and figured out the four of us are all soulmates.”

Virgil gave a low whistle. “I knew you guys were my soulmates but geez. All four of us? Fate must have a weird sense of humor.”

“Our gossamer spider-silk threads of fate are interwoven into one intricate home for our four hearts to feast upon entangled love.”

Patton mentally winced. Way to get weird and dark again Patton. Wait, he’s...smiling. Oh gosh, I really have a thing for nice smiles, don’t I?

“Wow Pat, that was...really lovely. And just the right amount of creepy. I dig it.”

Lovely? Me? Patton smiled, his freckled cheeks feeling warm all of a sudden. I knew you would be kind.

“I meant what I thought, by the way,” said Virgil. “You really do have gorgeous eyes.”

“And you really need to stop calling yourself an idiot,” said Patton.

Virgil chuckled, then looked down at his purple sneakers. “Did um...did Logan tell you about what happened?”

Patton rubbed his arm. “Yeah, he did.”

“So then you probably hate me, right? Argh, stupid question. Of course you do. Or at least Logan does. He probably thinks I’m just another stupid jerk athlete. Roman too. Not that I blame him after the number of times I’ve just stood by like an idiot and—

“I will physically fight you if you keep talking bad about yourself, Mister!”

The sharp outburst startled Virgil into shutting up. Patton didn’t often use his papa bear voice (as him mom called it) outside of the house or with anyone besides his younger cousin Elliot. But he couldn’t stand hearing Virgil talk that way about himself for another second. There was only room for one self deprecating soulmate in their group, and that was him.

“Logan doesn’t hate you Virgil. None of us do.” Patton said. “He’s upset still, sure, but never hate. And I told him that what he said to you was probably a little too harsh.”

Virgil’s head shot up. “You did?”

“Mhm. Of course his feelings were valid, but that couldn’t have been an easy situation for you either. Being in the closet is a pretty scary time, and the anxiety probably doesn’t help with it either.”

“H-how did you?”

“My godfather’s a therapist. Got pretty good at picking up on the signs from talking with him. Besides, you’re not the only one with a monster living between their ears.”

Patton rolled up his left sleeve, showing the tally marks of all the times he’d managed to come back out of the darkness and stand in the sunlight again. Virgil gave a quiet gasp, but Patton refused to turn away in shame from his soulmate, even if he did look at him with pity. When he met Virgil’s eyes however, they were filled with understanding.

In a bittersweet sort of way, it made Patton feel happy.

“I’m not saying you have to come out for us. Or go public, or do anything you’re not ready for yet. I just want you to know that we’re here for you when you are ready. And,” Patton held out his hand in offering, “you don’t have to go through this alone.”

He expected Virgil to take his handshake, maybe say thanks and offer to talk outside of school sometime. Maybe.

He did not expect Virgil to take his wrist in a gentle calloused grasp, turn his arm upward, bend down, and place a soft kiss on his scars.

It was sudden. It was impulsive. It was an act of pure reverence that set Patton’s pulse point thrumming faster than a hummingbirds heartbeat.

And judging from the look on his face, it shocked the hell out of Virgil just as much. He snatched his hand back as though his touch might burn Patton.

“I’m sorry! That was—I should’ve asked—-out of line. I—NGK!”

“Virgil, wait!”

Too late. Just as someone else was coming in, Virgil was running out the door, nearly knocking the other person over.

“WOah! Where’s the fire babe?” they asked.

Virgil paid him no mind. Didn’t even seem to hear him. Once again, Patton’s soulmate was gone before he could even try to make things right.

“Guess he’s got the runs or something. Ngh-ow. Forget it. Head hurts too much to care right now.”

The student who’d just come in was also wearing a letterman jacket, and their fingers hovered over a mean looking bruise near their temple. It took a second for Patton to recognize from the sunglasses who he was.

“You’re one of Virgil’s friends, Remy, right?” Patton asked.

Remy jumped, not realizing Patton was there. “His best friend, thank you very much. And who wants to knoOOHhhh I see. You’re one of his secret soulmates he won’t tell me about!”

Patton followed Remy’s eye line leading to his still uncovered arm. He quickly pulled his sleeve back down, blushing scarlet hot and hid behind his bangs. Remy chuckled.

“You know I gotta say, not at all what I pictured, but you are a cute little black kitten,” Remy said with a grin.

“Do you know where Virgil might’ve run off to? I want to go after him, but I need to get to class soon. Oh, it was all going so well, but maybe he thought he crossed a line and I’d be upset, but I’m not! He looked just short of a panic attack and I just...is he going to be okay?” Patton could’ve cried he was so worried.

Remy gave him a long unreadable once over, then sighed. “Look, if I know Virgil—and I do—then he’s either gone to the gym to blow off some steam, or holed himself up somewhere private where he can calm down. He doesn’t like people seeing his anxiety get the better of him if he can help it. Say it makes people uncomfortable.”

“Mental health isn’t anything to be embarrassed by, or of.”

Patton must have passed some sort of test, because Remy finally gave him a genuine smile of approval and lifted his sunglasses atop his head.

“Totes babe. Look, right now I gotta see a nurse about this goose egg hatching on my head, but I’ll try to look for him after. Kay? Ow!”

Patton signed. “Thank you Remy.”

“You still here, Patton?” Nurse Talyn called, coming out from the supply closet with an armload of bandaid boxes, a bad of cotton swabs, and a now full jar. “The second bell is about to ring. You need to get—“

They looked around the room, spotted Remy, and dropped their arms. Their face fell flat, along with the rest of the things they’d been carrying. Good thing that jar was plastic.

“Remy Dormier, did you fall asleep and hit your head in the hallway again?” Nurse Talyn asked, looking just about done with everything.

“Nope. Track field. Bottom bleacher,” said Remy, wincing and he touched the spot.

“That is the FOURTH time this week! That’s it.” They pulled out a crushable ice pack from their desk drawer and handed it to Remy. “You, on the bed while I call your parents. We have GOT to get a script from your Doctor for this obvious narcolepsy problem of yours. Patton, get to class. Go on, shoo!”

Not wanting to endure the tiny wrath of Talyn in full nurse mode, Patton left. Not before getting a wink from Remy that did little to lift his spirits. He speed walked to his last class of the day, but home economics was the last thing on his mind. He could still feel the kiss from before like a memory on his skin.

I hope he’ll be okay.

General Tag: @quoth-the-sparrow @altruistic-skittles @em-be-lievable @justisaisfine @broadwaytheanimatedseries @thekeytohappiness-is-you @jynxlovesluck @queer-human-being @phlying-squirrel @ab-artist @grey-lysander @a-valorous-choice @xx-fandom-potato-xx @impatentpending @book-of-charlie @randomslasher @tinkslittlebelle @insanelycoolish @ironwoman359 @icecoldparadise @bluebloodstains @purpleshipper @patchworkofstars @axyzel @hissesssss @beautifully-terribly @pink-and-purple-flowers @thatsanswitch @6tick6tock6 @hanramz-the-fander @azlinne @helplesscreator @thestoryofme13 @bibbidi-bobbity-booyah @accidental-sanders @moonstone-fox @smokeyrutilequartz @madly-handsome @puns-and-patton @notveryglittery @eequalsmcscared @safesandersides @lizziepopanime @anxiously-unsatisfied-world @unikornavenger @fuck-my-life-i-want-food @backatthebein @mephonic @paperghastly @ravenclawangst @iamtrashcans @loganberrysanders @ierindoodles @a-new-witch-in-learning @punsterterry @goldteethandacurseforthistown @dragonsight9 @your-average-pangirl

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#KDsWriting #First Impressions AU #romantic lamp #sanders sides #sanders sides fic #LAMP #Patton Sanders #roman sanders #logan sanders #virgil sanders #remy sanders #polysanders #Soulmate au #soulmark au #soulmate tattoo #tw scars #no pasta was harmed in the making of this fic

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supertweetycherry · 4 years

Text

DIE HARD || [iii. Feeling Helpless]

—Pairings: BTS x OC

—Genre: BTS Mafia Au, Slight Fluff, Angst (a lot of it), Heartbreak, Thriller

—Ratings: 18+ | MA Content | R

—Warnings: Mentions of Sex, Mentions of Alcohol, Mentions of Prostitution, Bad boy behaviour, a bit of Abuse and lot of angry screaming.

—Summary: She belong to them. They belong to her. It’s simple as that. Period.

—Word Count: 4.9k

Navigations -> Masterlist || MASTERPOST <<Part 1 || Part 3>>

Chapter 2 - Feeling Helpless

Ring. Ring.

A loud ringing noise echoed in the room as Yoona slept blissfully on her bed. Her dark hair sprawled all over her pillow, and her limbs carelessly spread across the bed. Her comforter was nearly off the edges while her body was bent in an odd angle.

Ring. Ring.

There it was again. That sound. It was followed by a buzz of vibration that shook her tummy.

“Ughh... stop!” She groaned out, but to her dismay, the sound continued to disturb her peaceful slumber.

Slowly opening one of her eyes, she looked at her surroundings and blinked. The room was flooded with the strong sunlight coming from her tall windows. She had to squint her eyes a bit, to see where she was. An empty alcohol bottle was digging into her side as she moved her heavy limbs around, trying to get some stretch in. Luckily, the bottle managed to roll away only to find her hand collide with something squashy.

“Wha—” She looked at her fingers to see a thin layer of white icing. Suddenly, her head swung to her right to see a squashed cupcake, coating the right side of her bed.

She groaned, again. It was sticking flat against her bedsheet, spreading its creamy substance all over her bed.

How the fuck did this even get here?

“This is why I should stop bringing alcohol in this house.” She muttered to herself, before pulling her body up to a sitting position. Her head was buzzing with a strong migraine and her tummy felt like she was gonna hurl any second now.

Ring. Ring.

That sound was back. Still in her dazed state, she reached out to the source of the ringing. It was lying on her tummy, vibrating in full speed. Surprisingly, she didn’t mind it. The thing was giving her a massage, who is she to complain?

“Hello?” Her own voice sounded scratchy and hoarse. Exactly how much of the crying did she do last night?

“Yuri!” Yoona flinched as the loud voice of the person nearly damaged her ear drums. It boosted up her oncoming migraine.

“Suzy?”

“Where the hell are you?! It’s 10am in the morning! Ji-Soo is going crazy with all of us. Do you have any idea what’s going on? Everything is—”

Yoona blinked blankly at the phone. Her colleague slash friend was still barking into the phone continuously without stopping. Yoona had already stopped listening when Ji-Soo was mentioned. After wasting away her birthday night in alcohol, Lee Ji-Soo was the last person that Yoona would expect to pop up. But, apparently she did... only in two minutes of waking up.

“—you were supposed to be here! Now, I’m overloaded with all the extra work. The news has also been—”

The 26 year old wondered if she should cut the phone or let her friend talk. The words stopped making sense to her a long time ago.

“—been raining down on us. You need to check the news and come straight to the building now! Something serious is happening. The whole building is in—”

“Suzy!” Yoona finally exclaimed, cutting her friend off. “I’m coming. Just please, stop shouting.”

The plea itself sounded like a strained groan.

“But—Fine! Check the news before you reach here. It’s chaos up here.”

“Okay.”

Yoona didn’t wait for a goodbye. She cut the call before her head could explode from her friend’s loud voice.

Suzy Bae. The only cutest ball but yet, the most reactive girl in Yoona’s life. She has been the only good thing in Yoona’s life for the past 4 years. The girl was only two years younger than her but still quite competitive. She reminded Yoona of her youngest lover, Jungkook. They both were quite reactive to situations and annoyed the hell out of her most of the time.

‘Aigoo... my chubby little princess looks so cute and fluffy in her poofy dress.’

Yoona shook her head. There’s no way she’s going down that memory lane again. Her resistance level is very close to zero. She needs to build her walls back up to their previous glory so they won’t get smashed down by her uncle’s family again.

Still cursing her growing headache, she quickly cleaned the spoiled bed and got herself ready for work. Her bruises were still raw which just made her day even more worst than any other day she has ever had.

“Alright..” She said as she stared at her screwed up reflection in the giant mirror. Her eyes are definitely puffy and red from all that crying she did last night. There are dark circles under her eyes but nothing major. Makeup could fix that in a second. And her skin colour looked dull, but again, that’s how it is on her bad days.

“Okay, Day 1 of being a 26 year old... I can do this.”

And with that, she did. Within a span of one hour, she was done and ready to head off to work. Quickly pressing over her fine, collared white shirt and black skinny pants, she left the room. Turning on the stove for some breakfast, she let the TV play on a news channel. Suzy’s demands were still ringing in her head.

‘Watch the news.’

She wondered what was so important on the news that made Suzy turn into such as hyper-screaming mess.

“—Now, with the recent reports coming in, the infamous notorious criminal gang ‘Bangtan’ has struck again in South Korea—”

Hold up. Her hands stopped in mid-air, the egg only inches away from being cracked open. Did she hear it correctly? They said ‘Bangtan’ right? As in the ‘Bangtan’ gang that has been terrorizing the world ever since they have surfaced two years ago?

Turning the stove off, she headed to her living room where a middle aged women gave out the latest news on the screen. She turned up the volume so she could hear more clearly.

“—A women named Jung Jae-hee, the acting executive director of Lee Enterprise in South Korea, was recently found dead in her house. It has been only few hours since her discovery and already, the reports indicates that the women was tortured and brutally beaten to death before a close family member discovered her corpse. The local law enforcements ruled out the death to be a vengeful murder by the notorious gang ‘Bangtan’. Clear evidence haven’t been identified to support this claim yet but an inside source reported the similar markings on the women’s body has been seen before in other victims that comes under the wrath of Bangtan—”

Yoona narrowed her eyes at the name. Bangtan. The name itself sounded familiar to her but also at the same time, foreign. The gang is a notorious group of killers that have been dominating the world ever since they surfaced two years. They weren’t just a terror in Korea, their gang name has been a widely known name around the whole of Asia and up here in the states too. Their activities goes deeper than just normal drug smuggling, money laundering or loan sharking.

Yoona didn’t know much about them but, she knew enough to stay away from their paths.

She was just about to shake it off is when a thought struck her.

Jung Jae-Hee. Why does that name sound so familiar? Wait—Isn’t she the... Shit!

She gasped. Oh boy, no wonder Suzy was a screaming mess. Forget the food, she needs to get to the office. Now!

********

“This doesn’t seem good.” Yoona said aloud as they stared at the chaos in the office. Every employee was scrambling into different directions with no regards to each other.

“Ya think?!” Her friend retorted from beside her. “Our old boss just got killed in her home country. It’s obvious everyone will be in a panicking state.”

Yoona glanced back at Suzy in worry. Her beautiful friend was glaring at everything in sight. With her long, silky black hair up in a loose pony tail and long strands of bangs covering her forehead, the girl looked livid and cute all at the same time. She was dressed in a proper pristine full sleeve blouse with a black pencil skirt, complimenting her petite figure. Pretty different to what Yoona was wearing.

A small sigh escaped Yoona’s lips. “I don’t know what to say...”

“Well, I know one thing. I don’t think I’m ever going back to South Korea again.” Suzy declared, her lips pouting in sadness. “Too many murders for my poor heart to take on. I’m a heart patient you people!”

Yoona chuckled at her friend’s antics.

“YURI!”

Yoona jumped at the new voice, her head already ringing with the high octanes in the voice.

‘Yuri’ was her mother’s maiden name that she adopted when her real identity as ‘Lee Yoona’ was erased. She joined the family of ‘Kim’, making her ‘Kim Yuri’, and became the orphaned, petty, poor girl who used her cunning ways in bed to get a job at Lee Enterprise. It was horrifying and disgusting that people actually believed this kind of shit these days.

“That is not good.” Suzy commented as Yoona peeked at the person who has called her out.

Daniel. Fucking Daniel.

“Shit, it’s him. Run!” And so they did.

But like they say that trouble finds you at every corner, Yoona’s worst trouble found her too.

Lee Ji-Soo.

The ultimate prodigy of the wicked witch of the west. And also, her little cousin.

The girl was the second child of Lee Sung Woo and one of the biggest tormentor in Yoona’s life. She was only few years younger than Yoona, almost at Suzy’s age, and already has a wicked ego. She was tall and naturally pretty. Her mind was sharp but also at the same she was easily influenced and angered which causes her emotions to take over her hazy mind. Yoona had tried to connect with Ji-Soo on so many different levels, but the bossy, obnoxious girl was never interested.

“Ji-Soo...” The girl was standing near Yoona’s desk. She was dressed in the most whitest clothes Yoona has ever seen on her. It spilled with fake purity. Even the Chanel earring in her left ear couldn’t match to it.

Suzy, who had already seen a storm brewing in Yoona’s cousin’s eyes, had already ducked out of sight to avoid the hissing serpent. Daniel, the person they were running from, had stopped too and had turned back around to the way he came from.

Ji-soo’s anger is known to be a legend in this building. No-one was a match for her. Anyone who dares to come across Ji-soo’s wrath, is burned alive. And right now, Yoona seems to be right in the middle of it.

“Where are the files?!” She demanded, face contorting into anger as everyone else around them stopped and stared. Why wouldn’t they? The young girl was one of their bosses.

It’s ironic how Yoona is treated as a mere servant in her own father’s company. It was named after her family name. The Lee Enterprise. It wasn’t just a business. It was an empire built by her great grandfather through blood, sweat and tears. It was passed along to her own father who pulled the company to new heights with strong alliances and strong values. But after his death, it was now run by her uncle.

Since, she’s practically dead to the world, she could never inherit her father’s company again. It’s something she regrets now.

“Answer me!”

Yoona looked at her cousin in confusion. Did something happen?

“What files?”

“Files for Aria, Yuri!”

Yoona wacked her brain at the familiar name. Aria... Aria... ARIA Resort & Casino!

“You mean... the casino?”

“Yes!” She was being impatient.

“I don’t know where the files are.” Yoona shrugged. It wasn’t under her job to take care of such important files. She was just a mere personnel support in the office. A little servant trying to find her way in this building. Even though she has a high-class business degree and masters under her name, she will always be treated as Kim Yuri, the little spawn of a dead whore.

“They were on your desk!” She screeched.

“No, they weren’t.”

“Lier!”

“Honestly Ji-Soo, I have the lowest clearance in this building. Do you really think I will have such important files in my grip? Aren’t they supposed to be in your father’s office?”

ARIA Resort & Casino is a luxury building dedicated to its given name and located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its only an hour away from here by plane. The huge, mega complex building was originally owned by an American entertainment industry which turned out to be another counterpart of Kim Industries. But after that tragic night, and the death of all Kim’s heirs, the ownership was lost. Not only for the casino but also for many other assets that Kim industries had owned. In the end, the casino was passed around in many different hands before landing into the hands of Lee Enterprise. And for the past six years, it has been her uncle’s play baby.

“They’re not in his office.” This time, Ji-Soo’s voice was laced with worry. But then, the anger returned. “I know you have them.”

Yoona sighed. She rubbed her head in irritation.

“No. I don’t have them.”

“Don’t lie to me, Yuri!” The younger screeched, grabbing Yoona’s arm in the process. The older winced at the sudden pain that came from the bruises on her arm. “You don’t want me to tell Omma about this, do you?” She threatened with small wild smile.

Yoona glared at the younger women. That girl knew how much her mother despises Yoona and would love to beat her up at any given chance.

“Ji-Soo...” another voice interrupted them.

Both of them turned to the new voice and gulped. The voice belonged to a tall boy with dark golden brown hair locks, and a piercing look that instantly broke the skin-to-skin contact they had with each other.

Yoona had to ball up her hands into little fists to avoid feeling scared. The tall boy was her older cousin. He was dressed in a tight blue suit that covered every inch of his body. The expensive Goldmark watch on his right wrist was sparkling as the long scarf in his neck complimented his looks.

To others he might seem ethereal, but to her, he was pure evil.

“Tae-min oppa...” Ji-Soo called out to her older brother.

Yoona avoided looking at the man. She unconsciously covered her right arm, where the result of his tight grip on her from two days ago showed.

“Leave her.” He said, flicking his hair to the side. His slightly bulky body looked lean and relaxed. “Come. We have somewhere important to be.”

The man’s voice was laced with sweetness and seemed calm. That’s what scared Yoona the most. His calm demeanour that could change into something completely different in a simple second.

“But—”Ji-Soo didn’t dare to continue. Her brother’s eyes had slightly narrowed. She gulped and glanced at Yoona in fury before stalking after her older brother.

The only thing Yoona could do was sigh and thank the gods for saving her again from the endless pain.

********

Lee Sung-Woo, the current head of Lee Enterprise, sighed as he rested his head back against the soft, leather chair. He could hear his kids entering the room but he didn’t bother acknowledging them. They were mature enough to understand that their father was stressed.

Being the head of Lee Enterprise is a hard, challenging job. Not only the company was one of the top companies in the world, it was also the foundation of a large empire built in the underworld. The main family line within the circle of the best of the best. A circle that was broken and re-formed again with new masters. But now, something new was challenging the empire. Something that is ready to topple them off. And he didn’t like that one bit.

“Dad..” he heard his eldest speak. “We can still fix this. You don’t have to take on stress.”

Sung-Woo hummed at his son’s words. The boy was always the calm one. The one who stayed patient till the end before loosing his shit and letting his demons out to rule. “I have put my best men on this. We will know who actually killed Jae-Hee.”

“I know, Tae-min.” The older man spoke. “You would never disappoint me. But I’m not worried about the girl’s death. She’s an easy replacement.”

Something twitched in the golden haired boy. Jae-Hee wasn’t just any girl to him. She was special, but he didn’t dare go against his father.

“Is it the ARIA files then?” Ji-Soo spoke up, nervousness seeping into her tone.

Sung-woo’s anger flared at the mention of his play baby. Those files were important. They were the property papers for ARIA.

“Have you found them yet?”

Ji-Soo shivered at her father’s hard tone. She pursed her lips and shook her head. She didn’t need to say anything because he can see her.

“You better hope they are just misplaced. If something happens to ARIA, I will not forgive you for this, Ji-Soo.” The older man warned his daughter.

Ji-Soo felt her body freeze. Her eyes widening at the implications of his words. He wouldn’t hurt his own daughter, right?

“It’s not her fault, dad.” His son spoke up, defending his little sister. “I think they have been stolen.”

A stab of fear hit Sung-Woo. What kind of force was he dealing with? This building is under strict security 24/7. There were guards everywhere. There were high-tech cameras in every part and corner of this building. It’s impossible for someone to steal the files. He really hoped that his daughter has just misplaced them.

“We’ll talk about them later. Right now, I have to introduce you both to some people.”

They looked at each other in confusion.

“Who?”

Sung-Woo didn’t answer. Instead, he pressed a button underneath his table and the back wall opened up into a series of giant screens covering every inch of the wall space. A loud click was heard as the room’s door locked itself electronically and the windows turned into a smokey grey colour, completely cutting off the view inside the office.

“It’s time for you both to meet The Circle.”

********

The city of Los Angeles was buzzing with life. With it being one of the most populous city in all of California, the nightlife here was tremendously as lavish and expensive as they say. Having so many of entertainment industries under its boundaries and one of the best-class casinos, hotels and clubs, it is no-wonder that the heart of this city was completely submerged into the gambling and dealings of the underworld.

“Welcome to Dream Glow. Please enjoy your stay here.”

Kim Minseok smiled as he entered the large lavish building. Dream Glow. He chuckled. The name itself was grand and majestic as its owner.

“Wow. She really did turn this place around, didn’t she?” His little brother, Kim Jongin, commented as the younger male’s eyes travelled up to the outstanding classic decor. Minseok was also a little impressed. She really did a great job on this place. No wonder it’s brimming with customers.

Nodding his head in acceptance, he proceeded to go deeper into the building to find the egoistical, self-loving cousin of his that he hasn’t seen for a while. The visit itself was quite a surprise to him. Not to mention, the task he was given raised few red flags in his head.

“You sure he’s here?” Jongin asked beside him. The younger boy was eyeing the large room they had just entered in.

It was decorated in the most dark and vibrant colours he has ever seen. The Neon lights from above were giving it an extra glow, just like its name.

“Absolutely.” Minseok replied as they further stepped into the room.

The room was filled with rich men gambling, dancing, laughing and spilling their guts over the little female candies that sat beside them. These females were personally hired to pleasure these people in every way possible.

“Well, Well, well, look who it is...” a voice sang behind them.

“Hello, Charlie.” Minseok called out, not even needing to face the women that has appeared in the most darkest shade of red. Her hair were curled up into the most elegant beach waves ever seen, long diamond earrings complimenting her dress, and the perfect dark, smokey makeup that covered all of her flaws, seemingly making her look flawless.

The women looked at him with her strong gaze. She gasped mockingly.

“The big bad Xiumin? Here in my club? Oh heavens, my death has finally come upon me.”

Minseok rolled his eyes at the women. She was always so dramatic.

“Where is he?” He demanded. The women chuckled, her dark orbs glistening in the neon lights.

“Impatient are we?” She mocked with a little pout. “Come on, we just met after such a long time. Let’s have a little fun.”

A perfectly manicured hand slithered up-to his upper chest, caressing the hard muscles beneath it and rubbing over the hard abs that can be felt with one soft touch. He didn’t react. He could feel his younger brother’s muffled laughter from behind him.

“Charlie, where is Jin?” The tone was hard and clear this time. It made the women pout harder.

“Oh bummer. You’re such a party pooper. Jin was right. You will never change.”

And with that she unlatched her hand from his body and proceeded to the younger Kim who looked a bit shocked at the sudden changeover. “He’s in the private booths to the far corner, away from everyone else.” Minseok looked at the direction she pointed at. “You should go darling, he wants you alone. And don’t worry about your brother, I will play with him.” She said as she worked her magic on Jongin who was always a sucker for a little touch-n-touch anytime and anywhere.

Minseok groaned as a small purr came out from her lips. He shook his head and left the two to their mechanisms. Dream Glow Casino was a trusted place. His brother will be fine.

********

As soon as Minseok reached the booth, he was greeted by a familiar looking blonde boy who was dressed into the most simplest but custom made pink shirt and fancy white pants. His neck held a thin simple silver chain while his right hand was adorned with various rings. One in particular standing out. The dark red ruby.

His handsome face was a true fairytale beauty and way too alluring to the female candies that sat either side of him. They were all over him, being shameless from every angle while the beautiful blonde boy himself stared hungrily at them. His soft, pink, plump lips already working their way against their necks.

“Jin.”

The boy stopped and looked up. He then beamed a bright smile at Minseok.

“Hyung... come, come. Sit with us.” The boy invited, gesturing to the vacant seat in front of him. “We were just talking about you.”

The elder raised an eye brow in question. But none the less, he took a seat with his cousin.

“Did you bring what I asked for, hyung?” The boy asked innocently, lightly tapping his slender fingers on the girl’s shoulders on his right. The hired candy just purred in satisfaction as she bathed in the attention she was receiving from the fairytale prince. Who thought a man like him could ever exist in this world?

Minseok pulled out a small stack of papers all stapled together. He slided them across the table to his cousin.

“It’s yours now.” Minseok smiled as he pointed to the transfer papers. “You are the new owner of ARIA Resort & Casino. Congrats, Jin. You finally got what you wanted.”

A small smirk appeared on his cousin’s face. The boy looked at the papers in total awe. His dark brown eyes scanning over every bit of the papers that now rested in his grip safely. One of his candies tried to grab his attention again but he smacked her off lightly, scolding her with his eyes.

Minseok felt a bit uncomfortable with his cousin and his female companions. He had never gotten used to this personality change in his younger cousin since that night.

Heartbreak is such a cruel thing that can happen to a person.

“You are lucky that I didn’t have to do much.” Minseok continued. “It was an easy grab in. No strings attached.”

His cousin smiled.

“Thank you, hyung. I own you one.” The boy said happily, passing the document to his guard that had appeared out of nowhere. “How’s little kai?”

“Little Kai is enjoying his time with Charlie.”

“Oh...”

A set of giggles erupted from the two ladies. His cousin was really doing wonders on them.

“Jin?”

“Hmm..”

Minseok contemplated if he should ask the question. Would the boy get angry?

“Why are you doing this? Why go after Lee Enterprise now?”

The reaction was instant. The boy who was just flirting and nose booping the candy beside him, stopped instantly. A thin line appeared on his lips while his orbs shifted. His hand wavered at the girl’s face before retracing back to the table.

Minseok didn’t feel anything when his cousin’s dark brown orbs glided to his face. He was not afraid of Kim Seokjin. They were family. Although, he was afraid of the crazy, maniac glint that had appeared in the younger’s eyes.

“It’s simple.” The boy replied, pinning his elder with his steely gaze. “I want my investment back.”

Minseok shook his head in denial. There was something that his cousin wasn’t telling him.

“No... I don’t believe you.” He countered, crossing his arms over his chest. His cousin’s head tilted in question. “Jin, I know you since you were little. All these years, even before that night, you refused to touch the company. You never tried to take over it. Not even the boys could change your mind. Infact, you helped it grow, stuffing its body with heaps of money, connections, assets and power. It has been your very own giant teddy bear for the past ten years. And now suddenly, you decided that you want your teddy back?”

A flicker of smile appeared on his younger cousin’s face. The blonde boy stretched his lips wider and wider, until he was laughing. There was a dark undertone to his windshield laugh.

“Oh hyung... you’re so observant.” The man spoke. “Is it too bad to have my teddy back in my arms again?” He asked, cuddling to the Candies beside him. But this time, his touch was a little rough and the girls felt it. But they still continued to smile.

“Jin, I’m serious.” Minseok warned. “What the hell are you planning?”

“You make me seem like a bad guy, hyung.”

“You are the bad guy, Jin.”

Minseok was truly worried for the golden company. The boy infront of him wasn’t the same boy anymore. He was being selfish. Lee Enterprise was the last thing that remained of Yoona. He can’t let the boy destroy it just like that. Atleast, not without a valid reason.

The grip on the two girls’s shoulders was increasing in strength. Their smiles were faltering with every passing second. Soon, they were squirming in his grip.

“Jin, you are hurting them.” Minseok warned, noticing the two girls’s discomfort.

The blonde boy instantly loosened his grip on them. He looked shockingly at his two candies and then at his elder cousin.

“I’m sorry, Hyung.” He apologised. “I didn’t realise what I was doing.” He then looked at his two candies with a mocking pout gracing his lips. “I’m sorry, girls. Please don’t hate me. I didn’t mean too. I’m not the bad guy. I just got lost there for a second.”

The female companions were spooked by his suddenly weird behaviour. But none-the-less they nodded and continued to snuggle up to him.

However, the guard behind them looked depressed. He shook his head in defeat before walking off to make a quick call to the owner of ‘Dream Glow’ for a very heart-filled apology and the scene that’s about to be happened.

“Jin...” Minseok called out. He was not going to give up.

“Hyung...” The boy looked up.

“Please Jin, whatever you are planning, just drop it. Yoona will not be happy.”

A sudden chill dropped around them. At the mention of the dead girl, his cousin’s features changed. The dark brown eyes turned moist and a broken, pained look appeared in them. Minseok regretted saying the name.

“I think you should leave, hyung.” The boy spoke, biting his bottom lip. “And again, I apologise for the rude behaviour.”

“But jin—” the elder stopped. He didn’t dare to go against the evil glint that has appeared in his cousin’s eyes.

“Go enjoy with Kai.”

And he did. Not the enjoying part, but he did leave the booth, ignoring the loud cries of pain from the girls that followed after.

God bless their souls.

Tag List: @demonic-meatball , @youtube-obsessed-duh , @trinityautumn

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talesofstyles · 5 years

Text

Mess Is Mine II

Hello, hello! I’m back again with the promised Mess Is Mine part 2! This baby is quite long (nearly 10k!) but it’s probably one of my favourite fics that I’ve ever written. This doesn’t have actual smut yet (I’m planning allllll the good stuff for part 3 so watch out for that one! These four @theasstour @always-jackedup @waitingfortwilight and @all-things-fic know what I’m talking about *insert those moons emoji*) but it’s not technically kid-friendly either towards the end so read at your own risk. Hope you like it!

Part I

Harry remembers.

The other day, when he took Anya for a play date with YN and her kids at the Heath, she mentioned that she always pick her kids up from school every Tuesday (her ex-husband every Thursday, and other days an Italian student she hired as an after school nanny who also teaches the kids some Italian—Harry managed to get the agency’s website and number from YN in case he needs to hire someone for Anya too when she starts nursery later in January). After school, YN always takes the kids straight away to Kensington Garden because the kids are obsessed with the playground.

And it’s Tuesday. Which means that YN will be picking her kids up from school and take them to the playground before going home. There is absolutely no reason for Harry to go that far down there because the playgrounds around his home are perfectly fine if he wants to take Anya to get her wiggles out before her bedtime routines start at 6pm. But he figures he should give it a shot anyway. He doesn’t want to arrange another play date just yet because it’s too soon, but knowing that there’s a high chance of him “bumping” into them at the park, he knows he can’t miss it.

He will never admit it to a single living soul, but deep down he’s just as giddy as Anya when he thinks about YN and her children. Ever since they came home from the playdate at the Heath the other day, the two of them have been talking about it non stop. Their daily conversation revolves around how funny Pippa was, how fast Finn could climb and how nice was YN. He doesn’t know why they’re feeling that way exactly. Maybe it’s the excitement of having new friends? And not just for Anya but for him too? Maybe. Maybe he likes talking to YN because they have something in common? None of Harry’s friends is a single parent (well he’s got some single dad friends but usually their kids live with their mums so it’s not quite the same) besides his own mum so he doesn’t get to talk about it to someone who truly understands the joy, the misery, the ups and downs as often. Or maybe it’s because when they’re around YN and her kids, he kind of gets a glimpse of how life is with a proper family? Nobody knows exactly.

Anya is two and a half, and if you ask Harry he’ll swear it’s the best age ever. It’s his absolute favourite stage. He says that at every stage but he just can’t help it, it just keeps getting better. For now, it’s the funny, most random questions throughout the day that Harry can’t get enough. Like the other day when she asked, “is the baby wearing a swimsuit?” when Michal explained to her that the baby in Gemma’s tummy is just swimming around in there for now. Or when he managed to get her to sit on the big potty and she asked where her pee went after she flushed it.

It’s questions like these that make Harry pause throughout the day and think about how crazy it must be just starting to figure out the world, spending your days pondering life’s great mysteries like why the milk spills when you knock over the cup, why running around naked feels exhilarating and why you can’t eat just ketchup for lunch.

When Anya was about to turn two, Harry was semi-terrified. Two-year-olds usually get a bad rap and there’s this thing called terrible twos that everyone seems to be obsessed with reminding him whenever he tells them about his daughter’s age. People say they have almost zero impulse control, their brains seem to think their bodies are far more capable than they actually are (and as Harry watches Anya try to button her own pyjama top, he realises they were not joking), they cry over spilt milk (literally) during breakfast and don’t you DARE not cutting their sandwiches right. But in between these moments of chaos and complete madness, Harry realises that she becomes his baby again just like that and want him to kiss her ouchie finger and rock her to sleep and it instantly makes up for all the other stuff. It’s like all day long they’re doing this delicate dance of wanting to fight for their independence but at the same time she still needs him oh so desperately and he’s just along for the ride.

Most days Harry spend half the day wondering where the hell did his baby go and when did she get so big and the other half sniffing her little head because it still smells like a baby. He’s amazed at the person Anya is becoming, mostly because he recognises parts of himself in her. Two and a half is that perfect short-lived stage between a baby and a proper child and Harry wants to wallow in the in-between as long as he could.

None of Harry’s friends has a child around Anya’s age and she doesn’t go to the nursery just yet so she didn’t have any friends before she met Pippa. That’s why Harry is so glad to see his daughter interact with kids around her age. Ever since she was born, he’s been so protective over her and he could count only with his fingers on one hand how many times he’s taken her to a playground, so he’s definitely lying if he says he’s not nervous now.

It’s in the middle of the week so Kensington Garden isn’t that crowded. And it’s after school so there are kids on the playground but not as many because it’s a bit chilly too. When Harry gets there, there are only about five other children playing around and Anya immediately runs towards the big pirate ship and Harry trails behind her as she walks through the wobbly bridge towards the ship.

Anya can’t stop giggling as Harry pretends to be the naughty crocodile and go around the ship to “scare” her. They’re both so into the pretend-play that Harry doesn’t even notice who just enter the gated area.

“Harry?” YN says, sounding more like a question as she walks towards the big pirate ship. She has been taking the kids to that playground for years and not once she had ever seen Harry in there before.

Hearing her voice, Harry immediately turns around to see her. “Oh, YN, hi!” He smiles and walks towards her, arms reaching out for a quick greeting hug. “You alright?”

“Yeah, you?” YN nods, smiling back at him. “Where’s Anya?”

“On the ship. Go get her!” He tells Pippa and Finn and they immediately climb onto the ship.

The kids are surprised to see each other again quite so soon, and they’re over the moon. It truly is amazing to see how quick their friendship blooms. YN and Harry watch them closely as they make simple conversation about their children. It’s not that they can’t think of any other topics, but it’s just when you have kids, they became the centre of your world and nothing else matters just as much anymore.

There’s a little cafe not far from Kensington High Street that YN frequents quite often. Sometimes just before she heads to work in the morning when they’re late and she doesn’t have the time to brew her own coffee at home. They have a quite wide selection of pastries and YN usually takes the kids there on Tuesday for their after school snacks. Today, she asks Harry if he and Anya want to go with them after the kids played on the playground and of course Harry doesn’t say no.

“Anya, what would you like darling?” YN looks down at Anya as she stares at the bakery display. She takes her kids quite often there, so it doesn’t take them as long to order their favourites.

“Tha’ one, please,” she says, pointing at the rows of eclairs on the display.

“Thank you for saying please,” Harry smiles at her.

Looking up at Harry, Anya smiles back and reaches out both of her arms. “Daddy, up!”

Harry sighs and rolls his eyes playfully before he bends down to pick his little girl up and brings her close to his chest. Anya rests her head on his shoulder instantly, her little hand grips the collar of his shirt and Harry nuzzles her head.

“Harry?” Pippa’s little voice calling him as she turns around and walks towards Harry who’s still holding Anya.

Harry smiles and looks down at her. “Yes, sweetheart?”

“Can I get a cuddle like Anya please?” Pippa requests innocently, seeing Anya resting her head in the crook of Harry’s neck. Ever since they first met at the studio the other day, the two of them behave pretty much like twins. Anya wants to do what Pippa does and vice versa. Whenever Pippa goes on the slide, Anya trails behind her. Whenever Anya hops on the swing, Pippa wants to as well. So it makes sense when she sees her friend being cuddled, she wants to be held as well.

YN turns around abruptly when she hears Pippa’s request. Her cheeks flush from embarrassment as she scolds her daughter gently, shaking her head. “Pippa.”

“Of course!” Harry answers happily, ignoring YN. His face beams as he crouches down to pick the little girl up before YN can stop him.

“Harry, you don’t have to- Pippa, darlin’, come with mummy. Harry can’t hold both of you, that’s too heavy,” YN reaches her arms out to take the three year old from Harry’s right arm.

But the little girl shakes her head boldly. “No, mummy. I wanna be with Anya!”

“S’alright, love,” Harry grins at YN and she looks down to hide the smile that’s creeping onto her face at the mention of the pet name. “M’a big lad. I can surely hold two little girls, can’t I? Weighs like cotton, both of ya.”

YN rolls her eyes and the kids giggle, before returning to the till. There aren’t that many people queueing but there are at least two other people before it’s their turn. “You can just go and find us a table.”

“No, I’ll get this,” Harry insists.

“Just go, I’ll get this. You can’t even get your wallet because you’ve got your hands full, literally,” she chuckles. “You can get your turn next time.”

Harry smirks. “Oh, so there’ll be next time then?”

“Unless you’ve had enough of me and my circus troupe,” YN shrugs playfully and Harry bursts out laughing.

“Never, darlin’.”

***

Harry and YN arranged another playdate for the weekend when they “bumped into” each other at the park the other day. They thought it would be nice for them to take the kids to Windsor Great Park to walk around and get some fresh air, and maybe even see the horses and the guards marching down to Windsor Castle.

James has to work on Saturday so they agreed to switch the day; YN gets the kids on Saturday and James will have them on Sunday then take them to school on Monday morning. After James moved out of their home nearly two years ago, he decided to get a flat not far from their home so he could still see the kids all the time and so far it works perfectly. Although separation is never easy, the fact that they’re civil towards each other surely helps. Of course, they went through a period of time where they couldn’t even face each other, but they know that they have two small children and they need to raise them together.

Luckily Harry is free on Saturday as well so they can still stick to their plan, and even better because they’ve got higher chance to make it in time before the changing of the guards begins. The ceremony is much smaller than the one in Buckingham Palace so they don’t need to worry about the crowd.

It’s 9am, Finn and Pippa are still eating their breakfast when Harry and Anya show up at their home to pick them up so they can go together. The kids are beyond excited and run to the front door to greet Harry and Anya before dragging them to the kitchen right away.

“Would you like something to eat before we go?” YN asks Harry as he steps into the kitchen. “Or something to drink? Coffee?”

“Coffee would be nice,” Harry smiles at her. “Thank you.”

“How about you, darling?” YN turns to Anya as she pours some coffee from the pot into a cup and hands it to Harry who’s leaning on the kitchen island.

“I want that, please,” she says, pointing at Pippa’s bowl of shreddies and milk. “Like Pippa!”

“Anya, you already had your breakfast at home,” Harry reminds her. “Are you sure you want some?”

The two and a half year old insists. “Yes, daddy! Like Pippa,”

“Okay then.” Harry gives up, taking a sip of his coffee. As he takes a sip of the coffee, his eyes widen and he turns to look at YN. “This is really good. I’m not just saying this because I have to, but this is really good.”

YN grins. “I’ve just got the beans the other day so it’s still fresh, and nothing beats freshly roasted coffee beans.”

“Didn’t know you’re a coffee snob, love,” Harry says teasingly.

“Hey!” YN protests. “I wasn’t like this before. I was perfectly happy with my jar of Nescafé but James always took the piss of them and introduced me to proper coffee. I can’t look back.”

“Nescafé, good Lord,” Harry laughs. “What’s the bean? I can taste a bit of caramel. S’really good.”

“Colombian,” YN answers as she takes a sip of her coffee. “It’s rich, a bit sweet and you’re right, you can taste a bit of caramel.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’ve ever bought this kind before. Definitely gonna get them,” Harry says. “Can you tell me the secret to make a coffee this good?”

YN chuckles. “There’s no secret.”

“Your techniques then. Have you got some fancy brewing methods or something like tha’?”

YN shakes her head, still smiling. “French press, pour-over, brew duration, water temperature; you can refine your brewing methods and techniques all you want, but at the end of the day, the coffee beans you use are going to have the biggest effect on the flavour.”

“Mummy! I’m done,” Pippa announces as she climbs down from the dining chair before taking her bowl to the counter next to the sink. Then she pushes the stool from the corner of the room towards the counter so she can put it in the sink.

“Wow,” Harry smiles at Pippa. “You put it in the sink on your own! You’re such a good girl.”

“M’a big girl,” the little girl smiles sheepishly.

***

It’s raining when they’re in the car, but as soon as they get there, the rain stops and the grey sky turns blue. The girls are mesmerised by the castle when they walk past by it from the car park to the Long Walk. Luckily they get there just in time to see a couple of horses and the guards walking around, although it’s a bit too early for the actual ceremony. But that’s certainly enough to make the kids, all three of them, jumping with excitement.

They walk through the Long Walk, then when the kids get bored from just walking, Harry and YN combine the game “IT” and hide and seek and run around the grass. The kids can’t get enough and they need a lot of convincing before they end the game and walk again to go for a pub lunch.

The Boatman is Windsor’s only pub on the river at the foot of Windsor Castle, overlooking Eton Bridge. They settle for this one for lunch because they promised the kids before they can see the boats from the floor to ceiling windows, and fortunately there are two boats right in front of the pub because otherwise they’re pretty sure that one of them would throw a fit for the lack of the promised boats.

The kids are happy because they can look at the boats from their seat as they eat. They eat their lunch without a fuss—probably because they’re hungry too after all the walk—and because Harry and YN are feeling like a cool mum and dad, they let the kids get some ice cream afterwards and they lap it up happily as they point and gawk at the boats.

“Daddy, I want some,” Anya says as she tilts her head at the chocolate mousse in front of Harry.

“Here you go,” Harry says as he takes the spoon towards Anya. Then he takes some more of the chocolates before bringing it towards Pippa who’s sitting next to Anya. “Do you want some as well, darlin’?”

Pippa nods and smiles sheepishly before she opens her mouth so Harry can feed her some of his chocolate mousse. “Thank you.”

“Don’t think I forgot about you, mate,” Harry smirks as he takes another spoonful of the chocolate towards Finn and Finn opens his mouth right away. “Is it good?”

He ends up feeding all of his pudding to the kids. The three of them waits patiently for their turn for Harry to feed them, and they giggle every time Harry drives the spoon into their mouths like an aeroplane, fire truck, race car, literally everything they can think of; they can just request and Harry’ll do it with no questions asked.

Seeing how kind and loving Harry is not only to his own daughter but to her children as well, treating the three of them equally and giving them just as much attention gives some sort of hope for YN. Maybe there really is someone out there who will love her children like his own. Maybe one day she can start again.

She hasn’t seen anyone else after she and James were done. Not even one bloody full date—she went on a date twice but she chickened out and went home halfway through the main course. Then she called James and they shagged. And James isn’t much better, he never went on a full date either. Never even took anyone out for dinner, only drinks. And after a few drinks, he usually makes up some sort of emergency and shows up on YN’s door, and they always end up in between their sheets.

A few months after James moved out, he begged YN to take him back. Feeding YN all the things she wished he’d say before all hell broke loose, but it was too late. She’s not the one to give second chances. For her, if he could leave them once, he’ll probably do it again. It took her months to stand back on her feet and she wasn’t going to throw that away for the same guy who made her like that in the first place.

Does YN still love him? Probably yes. At least a little, she won’t lie. But will she take him back? Absolutely not. Does she want to try and love again? Yes, but there’s got to be some perfect guy sent from Heaven for her to even open up just a little.

Harry fancies YN. Kind of. He’ll never admit this to one single living soul though, at least not yet. After Anya came into his life, he has never been on a date. Ever. He thought he had loved someone before, but after he saw Anya for the first time looking like a little pink sausage in a blanket, he doubted that he ever did. He liked some people, sure, but did he ever truly love them? At least one of them? He didn’t.

Anya instantly became Harry’s whole world just like that, and she still is. She’ll forever be. Going on dates and finding new birds seem like a whole different world to him and yes, sure, sometimes he craves that but when he thinks about it thoroughly he always backs down. Because now that there’s Anya, he can’t just think about himself. If he ever has another relationship, there’ll be three people in it; him, Anya and whoever that person is. He needs to find someone who’ll love his daughter like her own. He needs to find someone who’ll accept his whole package. And it’s not easy.

He also knows it could be nothing though. Maybe he doesn’t really fancy YN. Maybe it’s just because he never sees someone who talks to his daughter like she’s one of the sweetest, funniest, smartest, and the best little girls in the whole world. Maybe it’s the fact that YN is a mother and it’s the little things that she does—maybe without even realising—that fascinates Harry. The way that she brushed Anya’s fringe to the side so it wouldn’t cover her eyes when Anya and Pippa were dancing around in front of her. The way that she instantly pulled out some tissues from her handbag to wipe the kids’ faces when their faces were covered with chocolates. The fact that she hugs Anya just as often as she hugs her own children, kissing her cheeks, holding her hand as they walk around. And Anya is glued to her.

“Anya really likes you,” Harry says, looking over to YN in the passenger seat beside him before putting his eyes back on the road before him. The walk really knocks the kids out, and they’re all fast asleep not even five minutes after they got into the car.

YN chuckles. “Nah, she likes Pippa.”

“She does,” Harry lets out a chuckle as well. “But she really does like you. I’ve never seen her warm up to someone as quick.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she smirks.

“You should.”

“Pippa really likes you as well. Finn, too. Well, Pippa does like you a little bit too much m’afraid,” YN turns to Harry and Harry laughs.

“I really like her too, she’s the life of the party. The thing she says,” Harry shakes his head as he laughs. “How did she come up with those?!”

YN tries to stifle her giggles so she won’t wake the kids up. “I’ve got no idea.”

“Have you got other plans for today?” Harry asks.

YN shakes her head. “No. Why?”

“Should we go somewhere else?” Harry suggests. The tension shifts a little as Harry begins. “Going out today and the other day, it makes me realise that I’m a really shit father. I always get scared that there will be paps around and Anya will be in danger, so I never really take her out. Well, except on holiday somewhere secluded. But that’s only like what, once a year? That’s not enough. She deserves to go out and do fun things kids around her age do. Deserves to be a child.”

“Harry,” YN glances at him. “You are the furthest thing from a shit father, I’ve seen you with Anya. You’re only trying to protect her the way you know how.”

“Thank you,” he smiles at her. “Really. That means a lot.”

“Right. Should we go to V&A? There are usually a lot of fun activities for kids. Last time we went there, the kids were given backpacks called Agent Animal Bag, and they went on an adventure to find animals, explore sounds and textures. T’was really fun.”

“Oh, that sounds great!” Harry says excitedly.

“But it’s Saturday, it’s definitely gonna be crowded. Are you sure you’re comfortable taking Anya there?”

“Screw it. We’re going there.”

***

The kids were over the moon when they woke up and realised that they weren’t going straight home after lunch. Finn and Pippa excitedly showed Anya around the museum and although it was rather crowded, it made it even better because Harry could blend with the crowd. They stayed at the museum until nearly closing time, and Harry agreed when YN asked him if he and Anya would come inside when he dropped YN and the kids at their home afterwards.

“Stay for dinner?” YN asks, sounding more like a suggestion rather than a question, bringing a smile to Harry’s face instantly as he realises that maybe she enjoys his company as much as he enjoys hers.

Harry takes a sip of the tea that YN made for him, purposely holding the cup in front of his mouth even after he takes the sip to make it less obvious that he’s having a hard time trying to keep himself from grinning like an absolute idiot. “I’d love that, but I don’t want you to go to too much trouble for me.”

“S’nothing, really,” she shoots him a smile. “Tha’ a yes?”

“Tha’ a yes,” Harry answers. “But you have to let me help you.”

“Great. You’re on babysitting duty,” YN looks over her shoulder to smirk at Harry before walking towards the cupboard to get some pasta. “Go to the nursery.”

“Nooo,” Harry groans playfully. “I mean here in the kitchen. They’re alright there.”

YN laughs. “I don’t need help. Don’t expect me to cook some fancy shit because I’m a terrible cook.”

“Now you’re just being modest,” Harry disagrees. “What are you making?”

“Chicken and broccoli pasta, don’t laugh,” YN says as she tries to look at Harry seriously but the two of them bursts out laughing merely a few seconds after. “You’re not a vegetarian, are you? Any allergies?”

“Nothing that I know of.” Harry says as he takes another sip of his tea. “Tell me what to do.”

“Just sit there and talk to me,” YN tilts her head to where Harry is sat before she opens the fridge to get some chicken and frozen broccoli. “The chef could use some company.”

“I can do that,” Harry answers, tapping his fingers on the countertop of the kitchen island. “So, how did you and James meet?”

YN rolls her eyes and looks at Harry. “Really? That’s the best question you can come up with?”

Harry laughs. “Sorry, I’m curious. Not often I get to be the other side of this, y’know. You can ask me anything too if you’d like.”

“Oh, is this the grown-up version of truth and dare? Or spin the bottle only without a bottle?”

“More like 20 questions but we can do spin the bottle if you prefer.” Harry shrugs playfully.

This time YN laughs. “Fine. Glasto.”

“Ooh, cool kids,” he comments. “Did you go together? Have mutual friends? How old were you? How did you get together?”

“Goodness you’re full of questions,” YN says as she flips the chicken in the pan. “No we didn’t, didn’t have any mutual friend either. I went with some of my mates, he was with his. He was the only person who noticed that the drunk swaying people to my left kept on accidentally hitting my face with their hippie-wear. Several times he gave me direct eye contact and asked, ‘this is funny, but seriously, are you okay?’ And I just laughed and said I was totally fine. Then he asked for my number. The seven of us—my mates and his—ended up getting along and the following weekend he tried to get the group together but after that proved to be a logistical nightmare, he was like, ‘um, so basically I just wanted to see you.’”

“Aw,” Harry sighs. “How old were you two?”

“I was 19, he was 22. Got married two years later.”

“What?!” Harry nearly spits his tea everywhere. “So you were 21? Bloody hell.”

“Yeah,” YN chuckles. “Then we had Finn about three years later.”

“How long we-“

“Hey! S’my turn,” YN cuts him short. “Is it easy for you to go on dates after you had Anya?”

Harry shakes his head and smiles, “I’ve never been on an actual full date after I had Anya.”

“You joking?” YN looks at him in disbelief.

“No, I swear,” Harry shakes his head again. “I know I need to settle down. Can’t go the way I used to before I had her, y’know what I mean? I want to find the one but I don’t wanna rush things. M’happy with just the two of us.”

YN smiles at him. Before she actually knows him, she doesn’t see Harry Styles as the type to settle down before he’s at least 54, so to hear him confessing in her kitchen that he actually wants to settle down is a bit of a surprise. “I’m sure you’ll find the one.”

“How about you? Are you seeing anyone right now? Do you go on dates?”

This time YN shakes her head. “No. Just like you, I went on a date twice but I always left early. I wasn’t ready yet and I know that I don’t have to force myself so I haven’t tried again.”

Harry is about to open his mouth when Finn walks into the kitchen and walk towards YN. She pulls him for a side hug as she stirs the pasta in the pot and kisses the top of his head. “Y’alright, my love?”

Finn hums. “Mhm.”

“Did you have fun today, Finn?” Harry asks, smiling at the little boy. Finn is shyer than Pippa so Harry needs to work hard to crack him if he wants the little boy to open up to him more. “We did quite a lot, yeah?”

Finn smiles at Harry, his hands still wrapped around YN’s waist. “T’was really fun.”

“What was your favourite thing that we did today?” Harry asks him again. Being with Finn for the whole day kind of gives Harry a glimpse if he were to have a son one day and he absolutely loves it.

“When we played at the park,” Finn answers. “T’was really fun.”

“Ah, yeah, that was fun,” Harry agrees. “Quite a runner you are, eh. You were really fast, none of us could get you.”

Finn giggles. “Mummy says if I eat my veggies, my legs will get super long and I can run very fast.”

“Your mummy’s right,” Harry nods. “You’re really tall. Must be because all the veggies you ate, huh?”

“Dinner is almost ready,” YN says as she turns off the cooker. “Could you please get the girls and tell them to come down, my love?”

“He’s a really good boy,” Harry comments after Finn nods and disappears to get the girls from the nursery. “You’re so lucky.”

“Thank you,” YN smiles as she grabs a serving bowl from the cupboard. “He’s definitely my easiest kid.”

“They’re both wonderful, your kids,” Harry laughs. “Can I please at least help you set the table?”

“Fine,” YN answers. “The plates are here, there are utensils, everything you need,”

“Okay,” Harry exclaims as he begins taking the things that he’ll need to set up the table.

It has been a while since the last time YN had a company in the kitchen as she prepares dinner. Sure, James still comes for dinner sometimes before he takes the kids to his place or even in the middle of the week, but of course, now that they’re not together it’s different.

Having Harry in her kitchen, seeing him making his way to the cupboards as if he knows exactly what goes where and saying something funny or laughing really hard at something YN says, YN feels the warm tingling feeling inside her. She tries to brush it off almost immediately. It won’t be appropriate, will it? He is the father of her children’s new friend for fuck’s sake. But as she thinks about it more, well, she is single. So is he. There’s nothing wrong about it, isn’t it?

No, don’t be daft. YN thinks to herself. He is a multimillionaire Hollywood A-List (no, in Harry’s case the A does not stand for arsehole, he is one of the sweetest people she’s ever known). Even with a kid, he can still get whoever he wants. Supermodels, chefs, singers, actresses, musicians, gymnasts, circus performers—okay, we get it—he can have them all. Women throw themselves at him. Younger, hotter, spaghetti-legged women. He’ll never fancy someone like her, not in a million years. This playdate thing is just purely for the kids. Not more. And who’s YN anyway? Just one Notting Hill based pathetic divorcée who still occasionally shags her ex-husband with a boring job at a national television (okay, let’s hope her boss doesn’t read this because she actually loves her job. Mike? In case you read this, YN’s joking, okay? She’s just having a moment right now).

Halfway through dinner, YN thinks she has managed to brush the thought of her and Harry off her mind. That, until Harry grins at her and refreshes her water. Fuck.

“Thanks for dinner, love,” Harry says as he walks to the door, Anya asleep on his chest. “And for everything today. I had a blast.”

“Dinner was nothing,” YN smiles as she trails behind him, walking him to his car. “And thanks for today too.”

“Dinner was absolutely delicious, love,” Harry smiles back at her, his head poking through his car’s door as he buckles his daughter into her car seat. “Will we see you at Kensington Garden again on Tuesday?”

“Most likely,” YN chuckles. “Bye, drive safely.”

“Bye,” Harry waves before he drives away and YN walks back inside.

It’s half ten when Harry and Anya finally leave, and the kids are already asleep. The three of them fell asleep on the couch in front of the telly in the living room because YN put some film for them to watch together whilst YN and Harry cleaned up the kitchen. When they saw the three sleeping kids in the couch, they couldn’t help but laugh in victory because they knackered them out just enough for them not to fuss about bedtime. Yes, their bedtime routine is out of the window but there was no way in hell they were going to wake them up.

Harry helped YN to carry Finn whilst YN carried Pippa upstairs to their nursery and tucked them into their beds. The sight of Harry kissing her children’s forehead and whispered goodnight in their ears definitely did not help brushing that thought from dinner about them being together off her mind, in fact, her heart is beating even faster every time their hands accidentally brushed together. Or when Harry smiled at her as he closed the nursery’s door behind him.

Fuck, she says to herself. This is not going to end well.

***

In the span of eight weeks, YN and Harry had arranged twelve playdates. Not that she’s counting or anything (okay, this is a straight old codswallop, she’s totally keeping scores). And that doesn’t count some Tuesdays where Harry and Anya would “bump into” YN and her children at the playground in Kensington Garden.

Kew Gardens, The Zoo, Sky Garden, London Transport Museum, Golders Hill Park, Petersham Nursery in Covent Garden, Discover Children’s Story Centre (this was their favourite and they went there twice), some fancy kids event in Harrods that Harry managed to get them into, The Science Museum, It’s a Kid’s Thing in Earlsfield, Bramley’s Big Adventure and The Idol in Barking, and YN is pretty sure that they have ticked off most of the places to go with kids in London from that article in TimeOut.

It’s just another Tuesday, and like most Tuesdays, she bumps into Harry and his daughter at the playground again and YN invite them over for dinner. Now, the kids are playing with some puzzles in the living room while Harry helps YN to cook dinner for the five of them.

“Y’want some?” YN asks Harry as she pours some wine into a glass, and she doesn’t even wait until he responds before she pours some into another glass.

“Thank you,” Harry smiles as he takes the glass. They’ve just put the sausage and white beans casserole in the oven so they’ve got time to just chill and have a chat for the next 35 minutes. And Harry knows if he wants to talk, now’s the time.

Harry hasn’t felt this way for a while. This, whatever it is that he’s been feeling for the past two months, he hasn’t felt it in years. And even then he swore it was never this strong. He’s happy. The happiest he’s ever been. And he thinks he knows why.

The first four weeks after he met YN, he tried to brush his feelings off because come on, it’s YN. It’s the mother of his daughter’s friends. It wouldn’t be appropriate, would it? But then he starts thinking… why? Why wouldn’t it be appropriate? Both of them are single, aren’t they? And if there’s a chance, no matter how small it is that YN may be feeling the same way, he wants to know. He needs to know. He feels bad because he may be putting his daughter’s only friendship on the line, he knows that if YN doesn’t feel the same way then they will definitely grow apart and he’ll have to explain to Anya why don’t they go out with YN and her children anymore. But he doesn’t know how long he can keep it in. YN is bound to know sooner or later anyway.

In the next four weeks, Harry has been trying to find a way to tell her how he feels. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to. Every time, he either chickened out last minute or being interrupted. So now that their dinner is cooking in the oven and their children are playing nicely together in the living room, he knows that it’s now or never.

“So, uh,” Harry finally begins, taking a swig of his Chardonnay. Hoping he’ll find the courage that he needs from the drink. “This might be, um, weird. But, um, shit I haven’t done this in years bear with me,” he laughs nervously.

“What?” YN mimics Harry’s nervous laugh.

“You can absolutely say no. We can just forget it and pretend I never ask you this. I mean, I get it, you may think this is a little bit weird. But, um,” Harry clears his throat before he continues. “Would you like to go and have dinner with me sometime?”

“Harry, we’re literally making dinner right now,” YN deadpans.

“No!” Harry shakes his head. “I mean, just the two of us, without the kids. It’s a date.”

Out of YN’s possible reactions, this is the last thing Harry initially thought how YN would react. He’d imagined three different scenarios; scenario one would be YN grinning ear to ear and nods frantically as she jumps into Harry’s arms and Harry takes her to the bed—okay that was the one scenario that had the lowest chance to ever happen but a man can dream. Scenario two would be YN sternly saying “absolutely not, Harry” then proceeds to kick Harry and his daughter out of her house. Scenario three would be YN choking on her food when Harry asks her out halfway through dinner and they end up in A&E.

Harry’s mind is pretty wild.

His eyes widen in surprise when YN giggles. “Thought you’d never ask.”

“What?!” He looks at her, surprised. “So you knew? All this time?”

YN is clearly having fun with this. “Knew what?” She asks nonchalantly.

“You’re gonna make me say it, aren’t ya?” He says, his eyes twinkle in delight. “That I fancy ya?”

YN giggles again, folding her arms. “Well, you weren’t being very subtle but you weren’t straightforward either.”

“Tha’ a yes, then?” Harry grins, taking another slug of his wine.

YN smiles back at him. “That’s a hell yes.”

Harry can’t stop grinning ear to ear. “Can I kiss you?”

“Whoa,” YN lets a little laugh.

“Alright,” he says. “But you’ll let me kiss you after the date, right?”

“Who says I don’t want you to now?”

“So you do?”

“Just shut up and kiss me, Styles.”

***

“Say I am smart,” Harry says, asking Anya to repeat after him.

Growing up, Harry always thought too much of what people think and say about him. Especially early on in his career. That’s why ever since Anya was only nine months old, he has started doing affirmations religiously during bedtime. Harry always says Treat People With Kindness but with his own daughter, in addition to that, he also wants to teach her early from the beginning of her life that she needs to speak to herself with kindness too. Because he knows that when people grow, himself definitely included, they develop a habit of criticising themselves, harming their own self-confidence and lowering their resilience. With the affirmations, he doesn’t need to worry because he knows that a positive belief system has already been created from within his little girl.

“I am smart,” Anya repeats after him, grinning to herself in front of the bathroom mirror. She’s standing on top of the counter and her back is against Harry’s chest.

“I am beautiful,”

“I am beautiful,” she lets out a little chuckle as she repeats after her daddy.

“I am kind,” Harry smiles as he says the words and Anya repeats after him. “I am loved,” he says. “I am strong,” Anya repeats after him and showing him her little muscles, making Harry giggles. “I am brave,”

“Say I’m not better than anyone,” Harry continues. “Nobody’s better than me,” Anya repeats after him and shaking her head as she does. “I work hard.”

“What’s your name?” Harry asks her, wrapping his hands around her little body, hugging her from behind.

“Anya Marigold Styles!” She giggles as Harry tickles her sides a little bit.

“If you fall?” He asks her again.

“I get back up!” She answers proudly.

“M’best girl,” he squeezes her from behind. “Now gimme a kiss.”

He knows maybe it’s still way too soon to be thinking about it, but the thought of maybe giving Anya a mum (and two siblings at once!) really does warm his heart. Don’t get him wrong, he knows he’ll be just fine if it’s just the two of them together forever too. But he doesn’t want her daughter to sit on the playground and looking around at her friends with their mums and dads together and think “why don’t I have that?”

“That’s Roo’s mummy,” Anya says as she points at Kanga. Harry is reading one of her favourite bedtime stories in her bed.

“You’re right,” Harry hums before asking a question he regrets literally the second after. “D’you want to have a mummy?”

“I have a mummy,” says Anya nonchalantly.

“What?” Harry looks at her in surprise. “Who?”

“YN,” she answers.

“Um,” Harry panics. He swears he never tells Anya that. She comes up with that herself. “Why do you think that?”

“Because she blows my soup when it was too hot, daddy,” she explains. “And she kissed my ouchie finger and give me cuddles. And Pippa calls her mummy.”

“That’s because she’s Pippa’s mummy,” Harry reminds her. “Not yours.” Yet. He says to himself.

“No!” Anya protests. “She’s MY mummy too!”

“Alright, alright, s’time for bed, night night,” he says, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Daddy loves you so much, alright? Sweet dreams, m’love.”

***

Harry takes Anya to YN’s home so Anya can stay with Finn and Pippa while Harry takes YN out on their first date. Alessandra, YN’s Italian babysitter arrived half an hour earlier before YN and Harry have to leave so Harry could make sure Anya is warming up to her first.

It’s not that Harry never trusts someone to take care of his daughter, he’s got an occasional babysitter back in LA, but it’s the fact that it’s the first time Harry leaves Anya not for work-related things. When he went on that disastrous date, his mum watched Anya so he had nothing to worry about. And he somewhat knew anyway that he would be home early because deep down he wasn’t ready.

Is he ready now? He thinks so. Aside from how Anya is behaving at home with the new sitter she has just met thirty minutes prior, he’s got nothing to worry about in his mind. Of course, he’s still a bit nervous. First dates are always nerve-wracking. But it’s YN and he likes her. And whatever is gonna happen, what matters the most to him is for them to spend some time together and really get to know each other.

Harry is taking YN to Margot, an Italian restaurant in Covent Garden. As soon as they walk inside, a woman in a grey dress shows them the cosy corner seat by the window that turns out Harry has reserved for them and presents them two large grey folders.

“Would you like to order drinks?”

“Yes please, and food, too,” Harry smiles at her before looking down to scan the menu and looks at YN. “What would you like?”

“Hmm,” YN hums. “I’d like a Negroni please, then the scallops and the tagliolini.”

“A gin and tonic for me,” says Harry afterwards. “Then the scallops as well, and the hake.”

The waitress moves away and Harry pours some water for both of them before taking a sip from his glass. “Y’know, I thought I was gonna be nervous. Well I am, a bit. But this is probably the most relaxed first date I’ve ever been on.”

“We went out for supper a lot of times already,” YN chuckles. “I could probably guess what you were gonna order.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” YN smiles smugly. “I know it was between the hake and monkfish. You wanted the fennel that came with the monkfish but you couldn’t say no to the Sardinian Fregola that came with the hake, so…”

“Wow,” Harry exclaims, impressed. “How’d you know?!”

YN just shrugs, the smug grin hasn’t come off of her face. “I’m just really good at this.”

“Okay, next time we’re definitely playing that game,” Harry says, taking a sip of his water. “I’m probably just as good. I just haven’t tried it yet.”

“Challenge accepted.”

Not long afterwards, the waitress comes with their drinks and a basket of complimentary bread. They both take a sip of their drinks and Harry pulls the bread to the middle of the table. “Bet I can guess your favourite,” he says, looking at the different types of bread in front of him.

“Go ahead,” YN smiles, taking a sip of her drink.

“Focaccia?”

“What?” YN asks, surprised. “How’d you know?”

“You’re not the only one with the talent darling,” he smirks at YN, taking the sourdough so YN can have her favourite. Harry knows this because he remembers that YN always takes the focaccia whenever they’re eating out with the kids. “You look beautiful by the way.”

“Eh, you’re not that bad either,” YN says teasingly. “Okay I’m joking, you look really fit.”

“Really?” Harry smiles smugly. “Thanks, love. S’a new shirt. Bought it just f’you.”

YN chuckles. “Did you, really?”

“Yeah, wanted to impress you,” he says as he refreshes her water. “D’you like it? I remember you told me the other day that you like men in black. Was panic last night when I realised that I didn’t have any black shirt so I bought it this morning on my way to the studio.”

“Oh my God, you shouldn’t have,” YN gives a snort of laughter and hastily stifle it. This is a posh restaurant and people are already looking at them. “Any other shirts would be just fine.”

“Yeah, but it wouldn’t be black would it? Wanna wear black f’you,” he adds.

“That’s really nice of you,” YN grins. “But I don’t believe that you don’t have a single black shirt. Bet you do, you just don’t remember where it is.”

“Okay, I’ll be honest here,” he says, taking another sip of his drink. “I have it but when I tried it-”

“Oh! Didn’t fit?” YN tries to stifle her laughter but she fails miserably.

“Oi! Don’t laugh, s’not nice,” he grumbles playfully. “Av got a bit of a belly now. Body’s not like when I was 21 anymore. Need to hit the gym again soon.”

“Don’t, I like it,” YN shakes her head gently. “Bit squishy.”

“Wanna make sure you’re the hot one between us, aren’t ya?” Harry rolls his eyes and YN let out a giggle. “Oh, I just remembered, before we get carried away I need to ask you something.”

“What is it? You’re scaring me.” YN’s brows snap together.

“No, don’t be, s’nothing,” Harry smiles at her reassuringly. “I just want to make sure that I don’t step on anyone’s toes. Especially James’s. I want to make sure that nothing is really going on between the two of you anymore because I don’t want to be the one that separates a family. I mean you’ve got children together. I really, really—and I can’t stress this enough—really like you but I’m okay to step aside.”

“Harry, I kissed you last night. In my kitchen. Wouldn’t have done it if I was still thinking about getting back together with my ex-husband, would I?” YN explains to him. “There really is nothing going on any more between James and I. When we talk it’s always about the kids or about the progress of our case. Just that. He tried, a few months after he moved out, but I didn’t want to. I don’t want to. I don’t give second chances.”

YN is debating whether or not it’s worth it to come clean to Harry now that she still shagged her ex-husband occasionally after they were separated and up to just until the night before she met Harry, but then she realises that it’s not really his business, is it? At least it wasn’t his business then so clearly he doesn’t need to know. Besides why on earth would she brings up her sex life with her ex on her first date with her new bit?

“Okay, good to know,” Harry says to her. The waitress interrupts them as she brings their scallops to the table and disappears after they both thanked her. “Also, noted.”

YN chuckles. “Write it in capital letters so you won’t forget.”

“Will do,” Harry joins her chuckling. “So, how long were you married?”

YN holds up seven with her fingers as she chews her scallops. “Wow, that’s quite long,” Harry comments before taking a bite of his starter. “Got any marriage tips?”

“Really, H?” YN rolls her eyes playfully as she brings a napkin to wipe the corners of her lips. “Asking for marriage advice from an almost divorcée?”

YN and Harry arrive at YN’s home five minutes before midnight. When they get back, the kids are all fast asleep in the nursery. Anya is sleeping with Pippa in her bed. As they walk into the house, Alessandra greets them with a smile.

“Hi,” YN greets her. “How was it?”

“Yeah, was everything okay?” Harry adds before he lets out a yawn.

“Everything was good,” she answers. “Anya was a little shy at first but she warms up quickly after you left. They’re all being really good. They finished their dinner and went to bed without a fuss.”

“Oh, that’s great, thank you,” YN says to her, pulling her phone out from her handbag to get an Uber for her.

“Thank you so much Alessandra,” Harry smiles at her as he digs out some cash from his wallet and he hands it to her.

“Uh,” Alessandra looks down at the cash in her hand. “S’too much.”

“You’ve got one extra kid to take care tonight,” Harry insists. “Also we stayed a little later than we told you.”

“Ah, your ride’s here,” YN says, looking down at her phone and taking bottled water from the fridge quickly before she and Harry walk Alessandra to the door. “Bye, have a good night. See you tomorrow!”

Harry lets out another yawn as they walk back into the kitchen. Stealing a sip of water from the bottle in YN’s hand before he slumps against the cabinet.

“You’re tired,” YN says. “Wanna stay the night?”

Harry turns to her in astonishment. Sleep is definitely gone from his eyes. “Really? Are you sure?”

“I am,” YN nods. “‘Sides Anya is asleep, don’t wake her up.”

“Okay then,” Harry grins.

“Y’look happy,” YN smiles, walking towards him. Their fingers intertwine as soon as they’re within arm’s reach.

“That’s because I am,” he says before he leans down slowly to press his lips against her forehead. “Y’make me so bloody happy, y’know that?”

“Isn’t it too early to be that soppy?” YN jokes.

“It’s midnight-“

“No,” YN laughs. “I mean, it’s only our first date.”

“Oh, that,” this time Harry laughs, taking her knuckles near his lips to press a kiss on it. “Don’t care. M’a soppy lad.”

“I had a great time tonight,” YN says, smiling as Harry circles her hands.

Harry’s grin widens. “M’glad. I had a great time too,” he adds. “So, we can do it again soon, then?”

YN nods. “Definitely.”

Harry responds by taking her chin and pulls her face close to his. As her face comes closer, he can feel his heart beating frantically as if it’s gonna jump out of his body. He knows he’ll never forget how she smells like roses and berries and with just a slight hint of vanilla. He knows he’ll never forget that one second right before he plants his lips against hers, when he just looks at her face and pause and think about how the hell did he get so lucky. He knows he’ll never forget the moment when he finally kisses her again. Right in that very same kitchen. Both of them smiling against each other’s lips.

The kiss intensifies. It goes deeper with the ticking clock. Harry swipes his tongue along her bottom lip subtly, causing her to part her lips. The kiss is demanding. He is kissing her as if he’s fighting for his life. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s been far too long since he had something like this. Or maybe it’s the fact that he truly likes her, and that to finally be able to kiss her, he can’t really put it down into words how happy and excited he is.

The kiss is soft, yet hot and breathy. It’s not about them trying to fight for dominance, but more about seeking closeness and intimacy that they’ve been craving for so long. Harry presses one long kiss against her lips before he pulls away, both of them trying to even their breath as they smile at each other.

Taking her hand, Harry begins walking to the living room and sat her down on the couch. She thinks he’s going to sit beside her and they’ll continue their snog session, but he surprises her when he stands up instead and walks towards the back of the couch.

“Where are you going?” YN asks, looking at Harry from her shoulder.

“M’not going anywhere darlin’,” Harry answers as he stops behind YN. He takes YN’s ponytail into his hand, moving it aside, leaving most of the back of her neck and shoulders exposed to him. He bends down and begins kissing the end of her hairline just above her neck, leaving a trail of little kisses down to her left shoulder, yanking the part above her shoulder from her dress aside. Then the trail of kisses go back up again towards her neck and up just behind her ear, causing her to let out a breathless moan and licks her lips.

This time he opens his mouth, letting his tongue dance around her skin. From the side of her neck, to her jawline, down her back, and the front side of her just above her sternum. Then he sucks gently, the top of her ear, the back of her neck. One of his hands roams around her back and the other squeezing her breasts through her dress. He grabs her hair again and gently pulls it to the side, leaving the other side of her neck open, giving the same amount of attention as he does to the other side earlier.

“Fuck,” YN whimpers. “Harry, s-stop. N-need to take it slow. Can’t rush this.”

“You’re right,” Harry immediately pulls away and stands up straight, trying to catch his breath. “We need to take it slow. I’m sorry.”

“Are you joking? What are you being sorry for? That was-“ YN breathes heavily. “It was- I can’t even. Where did you learn that?!”

Harry laughs at her. “Go get some sleep,” he says as he kisses the top of her head.

“You’re still staying for the night, right?”

“If you want me to,” Harry smiles at her.

“I want you to,” YN reassures him.

“Okay,” he nods. “Go upstairs first. I’ll just, uh, need to sort something out.”

YN looks at him confused for a second before something clicks on her mind. Oh. She looks down to confirm her assumption, and she was right. She snorts in laughter. “God, H, you could besiege a castle.”

“Oi!”

Part III

#harry styles #harry styles imagines #harry styles one shot #harry styles ff #harry styles fic #harry styles fanfiction #harry x y/n #harry x reader #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #dad!harry #dad harry styles imagines #boyfriend!harry #single dad!harry #single mum!yn #harry styles drabbles #harry styles concepts #harry styles blurbs #harry talk

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cirrius-akiyo · 4 years

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Chapters: 3/3 Fandom: 9-1-1 (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz Characters: Evan "Buck" Buckley, Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV), Henrietta "Hen" Wilson, Christopher Diaz (9-1-1 TV) Additional Tags: Domestic Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Fluff, Married Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz, Established Relationship, Bury me with all my grammatical errors, Not Beta Read, Songfic, Fluff and Angst, Implied/Referenced Cheating, Fluff and Smut, Explicit Sexual Content Series: Part 4 of Love in the Dark Summary:

Buck is going to fight for their love. Sugar, sprinkles and all.

[Finally we reach to the final chapter of the fourth installment ;) Thank you all :)]

Salvation of a Sinner

Eddie can smell his husband first before seeing him when he wakes up that morning. Buck smells like warm sugar and chocolate, with a hint of whipped vanilla.

For the last two and half days, Buck and Chris have been experimenting with the baked goods they supposed to prepare for the upcoming Bake Sale. Chris was quite indecisive and Buck having all the time on his hand now, decided to indulge their son and to try and see what came out the best.

The baked goods were then brought to the 118 with voting papers attached. The station actually looked brighter the moment Buck stepped inside with Carla in tow, all smiles and radiant. Eddie could see the small tension in Buck's shoulder melted away when he chanced a glance towards the locker, seeing his nameplate and gears were still there, loyally waiting for the owner to return.

Eddie himself can't wait for his husband to be cleared for duty, but presently, he needs to get ready for work, which will be long and arduous without Buck besides him.

He shifts towards Buck who is still very much asleep, marveling at the view of the peaceful features. Warm breath puffing in small huff from the parted mouth and Eddie can't resist but to lean down and kiss the edge of the red pouty lips. Buck scrunches his face when Eddie's morning stubble scratches his nose.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Eddie nuzzles into his husband's cheek, deliberately scratching the skin with his stubble knowing that will goad Buck awake.

"Ugh, go away you scratchy devil." Buck croaks, voice thick with sleep as he tries to push Eddie away before snuggling deeper into his pillow.

"Well husband of mine, do I need to remind you that you got 300 batch of Krispy treats and brownies to make today?" Eddie proceeds to scratch Buck's tousled bedhead, feeling the soft hair there, which only cause Buck to melt further in content.

"It's Rainbow Rice Krispies Treats and Cookies-and-Cream Oreo Fudge Brownies." Buck sasses. Those two got the highest vote from 118, much to Chris' delight. Despite being indecisive, Buck knew Chris was leaning towards the two, so if Buck rigged the votes just to give Chris some sense of validation, their son doesn't have to know.

"Which will not get done by themselves, fancy name or not." Eddie sasses back.

"Urgh, you’re so mean." Buck whines while stretching his elongated body like a cat. "Why can't you stay home and help me bake 'em?" Buck then plops his head into Eddie's lap, smacking his face into his husband's stomach, teasingly blowing raspberries like he usually does with Chris.

Eddie just chuckles, reminding himself how much he loves this man not to smack his arse away.

"Because you know I can't bake shit and I don't want to get my feelings hurt when you kick me out of the kitchen later. And also, why I already enlisted Carla's and Abuela's help." Eddie replies.

"You don't have to do that, you know. I can manage myself." Buck curls his hands around Eddie's waist, content with the warmth there.

"And risk Abuela killing me? No thanks." Eddie quips back. He swears even before they got married, Buck is already Abuela's favourite grandson. The man is charming, Eddie can't compete with that. But most of all, Buck is still prone to exhaustion and dizziness. Eddie sometimes caught him trying to steady himself once in a while, and while that obviously worries him, Eddie doesn't want to be condescending or patronising to Buck. Buck will hate him if he was to be treated like an invalid.

His hand then slowly travels to Buck's lower back, nearing the edge of his sweatpants and start to trace meaningless pattern there which only cause Buck to shudder with anticipation.

"Don't start something you can't finish, husband." Buck warns, breathing slightly hitched. He is not to be left alone in wanton if Eddie decides to rile him up before leaving him unsated.

"Who said I can't finish them?" Eddie smirks, bowing down to meet Buck's lips before kissing him causing Buck to grin in delight like a Cheshire cat.

"Prove it." Buck challenges.

Later, Eddie will find himself rushing through their front door trying to get to work on time, but not before leaving a very satiated husband in his wake.

///

Evan: The treats are almost done! >_< *image attached*

Eddie: They look fantastic, sweetheart! Good job! :)

Evan: But this treat *image attached* is far from being done. ;)

Eddie chokes on his freshly brewed afternoon coffee. One moment he was looking at arrays of fancy looking brownies and Krispies Treats cooling on their respective trays, then another moment he was staring at his half-naked husband, covered only in the “Lick the Spoon” apron. Buck was standing against the kitchen counter, flaunting his miles long leg with one hand teasing the gap between the thin material of the apron and the milky skin while licking a chocolate covered spatula held by the other hand. Some chocolate even dripping onto his bare chest. How did he even manage to snap this picture?

Eddie: R you crazy? Carla might see you! Or Abuela or Chris!

Eddie swears he never type that fast in his life before. He’s anxious, slightly furious, nobody is going to tell him otherwise, but he’s still saving the picture for you know, record purposes. But Eddie really wants to save Abuela, Carla and Chris from the nightmare of catching Buck sauntering around in their house naked.

Evan: Why? This treat isn’t that inviting? :(

Eddie: Evan, NO. =_=

Evan: Mean. :(

Eddie puts away his phone, determines to finish up his coffee before another alarm rings. They were having back to back medical calls all morning, so a quiet afternoon is very much appreciated.

When he is halfway through his cup, his phone vibrates again. Eddie rolls his eyes, expecting another antic of Buck sulking.

Evan: How about now? *image attached*

Eddie sputters, immediately stands up and fled downstairs while muttering furious curses under his breath, leaving a very confused Hen and Chim who are throwing each other silent glances, wondering what’s going on with the man.

“What’s up with him?” Chim whispers underneath his magazine. Hen shrugs. “Maybe a stir-crazy Buck is driving his husband out of his mind again.” Chim scoffs. “Glad I’m married to the other Buckley.” Hen smirks deviously. “Don’t be so sure. She’s still early in her pregnancy. Wait until she’s big and swollen, then we can have this conversation again.” She pats his shoulder before standing up to fix her own cup of coffee, leaving a very rattled looking Chim.

Safe in the deepest part of the storage room where nobody can take a peek on his phone screen, Eddie dares to open again the last image Buck has sent to him, slowly releasing his breath that he doesn’t even notice he’s holding. Eddie emits a strangling noise once the image popped up.

Buck is in their bedroom, grinning widely at the mirror while still wearing the damn apron. Only now his bare ass is on full display, with little to nothing left for imagination saves only with the ribbon-loop of the apron loosely tied on his waist.

Buck flaunts his body in a way that he definitely knows is able to wake Eddie’s primal desire and he can’t risk gawking upon the picture in the common area. He has a reputation to hold, a man of principle that is not easily swayed by his sexy and charming husband.

Eddie: Goddammit Evan! I’m at work. >:(

Evan: See you at home, husband. :)

Evan Buckley-Diaz is a menace and a chaos, but Eddie loves him anyway.

///

Later when Eddie return to a quiet home, his mouth water for totally different reason. Buck is no longer in the skimpy apron. Instead he found his husband sleeping on the couch engulfed in Eddie's LAFD hoodie and a very short shorts. Booty shorts short. His bubble butts perfectly filled them in, and it took greater self-restrain than Eddie initially thought he needed to stop himself from groping that ass, hard. From the look of it, Eddie dares to say Buck is trying to entice him when he comes home that night but finally succumb to the grip of sleep.

If Eddie didn't notice how tired Buck looks, Eddie would have him ravished there and then, consequences be damned. Plus, his husband has been riling him all over at work, but Eddie is a sensible man who thinks with his brain and not his dick, and his brain is telling him Buck needs his rest and sleep.

"Let's get you to bed, sweetheart." Eddie pulls Buck hand, trying to tug him into sitting up after he switches off the TV that is still flickering at the background.

"Carry me." Buck whines adorably, now hunching forward into Eddie’s tummy, still half-asleep.

Eddie scratches Buck's scalp before scooping him up in bridal carry. Buck has gained some of the lost weight, but he's still far along from bulking up to how he was before. At least his face is less gaunt, and he has more definition in his cheeks now.

Eddie peeks inside Chris’ room when they passed his slightly ajar door.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Eddie asks once Buck is safely deposited onto their bed. He then drags their duvet to tuck his husband in and fluffing his pillow up, pleased to see how content Buck looks.

"Em hmm." Buck replies albeit inarticulately.

"You're sure you don't need any of us accompanying you? Might be a lil bit late for me to opt out from work, but Carla and Abuela would be glad to do so. I can even cash my shift change with John tomorrow morning." Changing into his night wear, Eddie makes his way to the bathroom to wash up, keeping the door ajar. He already showers at the station beforehand so that he doesn't disturb Buck in case he's already asleep.

"Chris will be there." Buck replies while shifting on the bed to face the bathroom door.

"Chris doesn't count, sweetheart." Eddie leans on the doorframe with toothbrush still in hand.

"Just help me load them into the jeep first thing tomorrow morning and we're good." Buck half mumbles.

"Mmm." Eddie agrees, mouth full of toothpaste. “Are you sure?” He continues after spitting out the foam.

“Positive, Eddie. Now can you come in here faster. I’m cold. Need my human-radiator.”

Finishing up, Eddie proceeds to slide in under the duvet, shutting off the night lamp before pulling Buck into his embrace.

"Alright, your human-radiator is at full service. Go to sleep now. I love you." Eddie whispers to the crown of Buck's tousled head, soft curls tingling his nose.

"I love you more. Sex me." Buck starts to trace lazy patterns on Eddie's abs, nearing more to his happy trails, while trying to grind his groin with Eddie’s thigh together albeit weakly. The thin material of his booty short definitely doesn’t help Eddie’s cause here. While that is very inviting, he doesn't want them to make another hospital trip with Buck in tow. Eddie doesn’t want to be answerable to any of their family and friends as to why Buck is admitted again. Dying by being dicked.

"You're tired. I'll sex you up tomorrow morning if you up to it." Eddie swiftly catches Buck's wandering hand, immediately stopping the man from cupping his dick. If his half-hard dick has eyes, they would be giving Eddie stink eyes at the lost of sensation.

Buck seems to contemplate on the idea. "Sex me up good?" He finally concedes. Buck does feel tired. Exhausted really. If Carla and Abuela didn't help, he's positive Eddie might be coming home to him passed out on the kitchen floor.

Buck feels Eddie's lips pressed against his temple before Eddie brings Buck’s wandering hand up onto his mouth, pressing a kiss to the knuckles.

"The best."

"Promises, promises."

Eddie can feel Buck relax in his hold and melted against his chest. A beat after that, Buck is already snoring softly. While Eddie feels like the weight of the day lifted from his shoulder, the weight of his husband pressing against him grounding him in a very comforting manner. Before long, Eddie finds himself drowsy and sleep comes peacefully to him.

"I thank God for everything

That you showed me, that you showed me, yeah

And I thank God for everything

That you showed me, that you showed me"

///

Buck is not a stranger at Christopher’s school events. Even before they got married, Buck had attended few show-and-tells, few plays and some projects exhibitions. However, when it comes to anything related to Chris’ English Class, Buck tends to avoid them like a plague, worried to collide with one Ana Flores. Buck is a firm believer that no confrontation is the best defense.

Ana Flores who is smart, pretty, lovely and everything nice. Ana Flores who had made Eddie acting like a fool the very first time he met her.

Ana Flores whom in Buck’s drug induced dream, smiling in their annual family Christmas card, who stands beside Eddie on Christopher’s graduation day, who sits at the front row when Christopher standing at the altar, waiting for his spouse-to-be.

So, what if Buck feels threaten by another woman. Hen said his feeling of insecurity is valid when Buck turned to her one day. Even though Ana now is not Chris’ teacher anymore, she is still the teacher responsible for special education kids. So, it was not surprising when Eddie bumped into her during the last parents-teacher meeting that eventually had led to all this mess.

Buck has forgiven Eddie and they’re past that. Even if Eddie still find it hard to believe it, Buck honestly doesn’t hold any anger, what’s more any resentment towards his husband. Eddie has confessed right after he got home that night, and ever since has been trying so hard to make amends. True, the doubt on his self-worth seems to be amplified, but Eddie keep proving to him repeatedly after the aneurysm to not be. Buck takes that as a win.

As for Ana Flores, Buck is not sure about his feeling towards the teacher. It’s not mere resentment, not bitter, not anger but more like insecurity and apprehension. Ana is everything that Buck isn’t. Specifically, Ana has something Buck will never have. A womb. The ability to carry a child. Eddie has created wonderful Christopher with Shannon before. What does Buck have to offer?

And now Buck is sweating buckets under his Henley. Even though Eddie had kept his promise and sexed him up good first thing this morning, they did nothing to calm his nerves when he starts up his jeep.

Buck knows he had come out strong to Eddie, saying he would be fine. But the truth is, he is a nervous wreck. Now Buck is starting to regret denying Eddie’s offer to come along, quoting that the team is already one man down and he did not want to impose Abuela or Carla any more than needed.

Chris is excited, ecstatic to sell the sweet goodness they have baked, and Buck doesn’t want to crash his enthusiasm by being a coward.

So here is Buck standing his ground and staking his claim, fully armored with all the sugary sweetness and one marvelous son (and a slight aching bum).

Arriving at the school, a volunteer leads them towards the registration counter where a teacher is attending eager students and equally eager parents as to their respective booth.

What is the chance that the teacher happens to be none other than Ms. Ana Flores? Well, the chance apparently is 100% for Buck because sitting at the counter, is the Ana Flores, wearing a daffodil hued blouse and sky-blue skirts. There is no denying it, she does look pretty, hair all swaying in the breeze.

Before Buck can collect his nerve, Chris has trudges forward like a man with mission. Well, they do have a mission if 300 brownies and Krispy Treats is anything to go by.

“He - Hello, Ms. Flores.” Chris strides his way towards the teacher, who later smiles brightly upon seeing the little man.

“Hello, Christopher. Are you ready to sell?” Ana greets back, now shifting her whole attention to Chris after another teacher took her place to assist other participants.

“Yeah. We baked – lots – and lots and we gonna sell lots – and lots.” Chris cheers enthusiastically. Watching Chris interacting with his (former?) teacher, Buck has since regains his confidence. You got this, Buck!

Ana looks up and saw Buck, and Buck smiles his thousand-megawatt smile, one that he used to throw around at the crowd of young spectators during their rescue. One that had made Eddie extremely jealous when a young man slipped his phone number into Buck’s pocket after saving his roommate. Here goes nothing.

Buck can’t help to notice Ana’s smile falters a bit after seeing him. Does she had hope Eddie will be the one coming? Alright, time to mark your territory, Buck. Buck braves forward, approaching the two.

“Hi, I’m Buck. I think we have met before.” Buck offers a handshake, still wearing the crowd-pleaser smile of his.

Ana seems to be pulled out from her stupor. “Yeah. Yes. I’m Ana. Umm, yes, we have met before, but we didn’t really introduce ourselves. I’m sorry, I was actually expecting Mr. Diaz. Christopher said his dad will be coming for this Bake Sale.” She replied cautiously while shaking Buck’s hand.

Buck raises his eyebrows. Huh. Cutting straight to the chase, won’t we?

But before Buck is able to open his mouth to cut Ana down a size, Chris chimes in, “Buck – Buck is my other – father, Ms. Flores. He is – my Pops.”

If anything, Buck leers wider. Take that Miss. Oh, Chris is up for a good treat this weekend. “Yeah, the name is Evan Buckley-Diaz, but people usually call me Buck. Eddie is my husband. Technically, I am the other Mr. Diaz. Is there a problem, Ms. Flores?” Buck asks while batting his eyelashes, eyes never leaving Ana’s, feigning innocence rivaling Chris’.

The moment Buck introduced himself, Ana suddenly freezes, breaking the eye contact first. Buck too, freezes because Ana froze, does that make sense? Buck can feel the electrifying tension in the air during the beat of silence between them.

What Buck does not expect is for Ana to blush. “I... well...I am,” Ana is gaping like a fish, trying to collect herself. While Chris giggles as if Ana has grown another set of head, now Buck genuinely pities her. Did he come in too strong? The momentary triumph he felt few minutes ago slowly ebbed out of him. Shaming Ana in public has never been in his plan, because Buck still remember being publicly humiliated after that poor man stole his identity to catfish unsuspecting women.

“Well, Mr Buckley...Diaz...,” Ana stammers.

“Just Buck, please.” Buck offers sympathetically.

“Well, Buck...” Now she is stumbling with the checklist, flipping through the names and stops at ‘E.B.Diaz’ written beside ‘Christopher D. B. Diaz’, oh, ooh, oooh, “your booth’s number is 29. You can unload your goods at the main entryway. Another volunteer will guide you to your booth and help you with the loads.” Ana finally gets her act together, switching into more professional demeanor, albeit a bit tensed.

“Thank you, Ms. Flores.” Buck simply said.

“Sure.” She nods ardently.

“Let’s – g – go Pops. The brow – brownies will get hot in – in the car.” Chris is already tugging Buck to move, blissfully unaware of the tension rising between the two adults.

///

When Ana sets her eyes onto one Edmundo Diaz for the first time, she knew she likes him. After knowing that Eddie's wife is out of picture long time ago, she knew she got a chance. Gathering information from Christopher’s stories, Ana collected that Eddie never tried to date again. The only constant is this guy named Buck whom according to Chris is his and his father's best friend. Chris incorporates Buck into every family-related project or homework.

She saw Buck a few times, picking up Chris from school, and even attended the school play and science fair. Tall, buff, and handsome, but she already got her eyes fixed on Mr. Diaz.

Now that Christopher is not in her class anymore, she finally made her move to convey her feeling to Mr. Diaz. She thought she would be more articulate, but she ended up jump straight to kissing Mr. Diaz after the parent-teacher conference. Which she admits, not her finesse moment, but before she can deepen the kiss, Mr. Diaz pulled back before cursing in long succession of Spanish and English. The man literally dashed across the hallway faster than the school’s track and field’s athlete. Did she feel humiliated? Yes. Will she give up? Absolutely not.

So, Ana waited for her chance to talk to Mr. Diaz privately.

But her chance never came afterwards. Later, she learnt that Buck was in hospital, which might explain the reason Christopher has been skipping schools for few days here and there.

But now, with the Bake Sale is coming, Ana sure her chance is finally here. Chris had confirmed that his father will be joining the Bake Sale and Ana can't wait. She wore her best outfit, dressed to the nine and even had her hair and nails done.

Then Ana met Buck instead of Mr. Diaz, who appears to be the one accompanying Christopher for the Bake Sale. He’s thinner than the last time Ana saw him, but otherwise looked healthy. Oh wait, scratch that. Evan Buckley-Diaz. E.B. Diaz. The E.B. Diaz. And Ana never had wished so hard upon a star for a hole to suddenly swallow her into the deepest pit, never to come up back again. Let her be buried in shame and disgrace.

///

After a very successful sale at the Bake Sale this morning, Buck and Chris return to their home with heads held high, clearly pleased with the outcome. Buck just earns himself the right to gloat to Eddie for the rest of his life. Despite he can see that Ana was actively avoiding their way, Buck didn’t allow it to bother him. What’s important is that Chris is happy, and he had stood his ground, introducing himself as Chris’ other official parent.

What he doesn’t expect is for Ana Flores to stand before their front door that late afternoon.

“I kissed Eddie.” She promptly blurts out.

Now Buck senses like he is experiencing some kind of deja vu.

///

Ana Flores might be a determined woman, but a home wrecker she is not. If confessing her sin is what needed so she can sleep at night, so be it.

And that's how she finds herself standing in front of the Diaz, no, Buckley-Diaz residence, late in the afternoon after the Bake Sale. Mrs. Dolores had given her some serious side eyes when she skipped the cleaning duty, citing family emergency. Well, technically this is an emergency. A family might be torn apart because she did something stupid.

She has drafted a perfect apology speech during her drive to the couple’s residence, but every word flew away the moment Buck opened the front door. “I kissed Eddie.” She blurts out, as finesse as the first time she kissed Mr. Diaz.

She nervously waits for the impending yells, or even slaps, but they never come. Instead she finds Buck doubling over, laughing his heart out. Now she is even more confused than the first time she discovered Mr. Diaz has remarried. Has another of his aneurysm popped?

“Mr. Buckley-Diaz…?” She inquiries, genuinely concern as to Buck’s health.

“I’m sorry. One moment. Oh, and just Buck, please.” Buck gathers his breath, some small chuckles escaping him.

“Mr. Buckley, please… I am so sorry.” Ana pleads, guilty etched on her sullen face.

“It’s okay. I gather that you didn’t know?” Buck asks back. From her demeanor after Chris dropped the bomb, she looked completely blindsided. Buck couldn’t possibly hold that against her.

Ana nodded furiously. “If I had known, I would never… I swear.”

“I believe you.”

///

The smell of rich chocolate still wafts sweetly through the front door when Eddie returns home that evening. He immediately feels at ease the moment he steps into their little house.

“I’m home.” He calls out to his family whose laughter could be heard emanating from the kitchen. To be honest, Eddie has been slightly on edge about the day, and Buck doesn’t really give him much update except from “it’s great” and “see you at home later”.

“Welcome home!” He hears Buck replies (yells) back to him.

Eddie quickly makes his way towards the kitchen. The dinner table is full of the duo’s bounties today. Chris must have convinced Buck to try everything out and Buck must have been indulging their son endlessly.

“How does it go?” Eddie questions tentatively, rounding his way to hug Buck who is sitting beside Chris.

Buck cheekily shows him the stacks of empty trays sitting by sink, waiting to be cleaned by none other than Eddie himself. Eddie can see how Chris’ and Buck’s eyes glimmers and wide grins spread across their faces, both vibrating in eagerness.

Something crossed on to his mind. “Did you guys sell everything?” Eddie exaggerates his surprise, pleased to see how both are smiling even brighter.

“Y – yes – Daddy.” Chris nods keenly, Eddie worries his neck might hurt.

“Good job big man!” Eddie throws a high five.

From the side of his eyes, he can see Buck pouting. “How about me?”

“Well, you did a good job baking, but I am sure Chris here is the selling point.” Eddie smirks teasingly.

Buck huffs. “Well, then please do a good job cleaning up those trays. Abuela wants them to be shiny when we return them later.” Buck quips before walking away with Chris in tow, ready to turn for the night.

///

Buck returns to the kitchen after finishing tucking Chris in.

“He’s asleep?” Eddie asks from the sink, still trying to scrape away the residues that somehow leaked from the baking paper.

“Not even reaching another page of the book.” Now they are on the first one of the Diary of the Wimpy Kid series. Buck then leans against the counter beside Eddie who is still struggling with the mess.

Eddie hums, still focusing hard to scrape the gooey madness that somehow refuse to go away.

“You only answered part of my question just now. How does it go?” Eddie turns towards his husband, already given up on the trays.

Oh.

“Peculiar yet funny things happened, you won’t even believe me.” Buck provides while hands pulling Eddie closer to him.

Eddie’s eyebrows crease in confusion. “Dare to enlighten me?” His hands in turn snakes around Buck’s waist.

“Ana doesn’t know that we are married. Never know that you remarried. Thought E.B. Diaz is Edmundo B. Diaz, Not Evan Buckley-Diaz. Plus, Chris had graduated from her class when we got married, so she doesn’t really get the notice.” Buck explains, patiently waiting for Eddie to wrap his head on the story.

At that very moment, Eddie’s worldview just cleared up even more. Huh.

“Evan, I…” Eddie suddenly sounded a little bit on edge. If Ana didn’t know, then the burden of the guilt shifted onto him totally. Eddie only have himself to blame.

Sensing the tensing in Eddie’s voice and the way he is trying to free himself from their intertwined limbs, Buck just embraced him tighter and start swaying their bodies to the invisible rhythm.

“We’re past all that, Eddie. You didn’t know that she didn’t know. Plus, from what I gather, she’s the one who kissed you first, and you didn’t act upon it. This was all a huge misunderstanding. I love you, Eddie. I love our family. Nothing can take that from me, from you, from us, aneurysm or not. You need to forgive yourself, Eddie.” Buck says intently, sincerity and adoration clear in his bright eyes.

Eddie never thought he can fall deeper in love with Buck, but he does. He whole being just fall in love even more with the man standing in his embrace. Buck is everything good that Eddie never thought he would find again after his first marriage crumbled. Buck just has that kind of power over Eddie, but Buck seems to be oblivious of it. Eddie has never been good with his words, so instead, he pulls Buck closer and press into his husband red lips in a filthy bruising kiss.

“You are my home.” Eddie whispers against Buck’s swollen lips, pressing their bodies even closer with no space left in between them.

“And you are mine.”

#Cirrius-Akiyo's bunkdump #911 fics #911 fanfic #911 fic #buddie fanfiction #buddie fic #buddie #evan buckley #edmundo diaz #eddie x buck #buck x eddie #read on ao3 #Rambler not Writer

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