Just What I Needed

Pairing: Johnny ‘Soap’ MacTavish x fem!reader

Warnings: Fluff, mutual pining, best friends to lovers, suggestive language, mentions of feeling insecure 

Summary: Johnny braves the snowstorm to your house, you brave the storm to let him into your heart. 

Word Count: 4.6k

A/N:  I don’t think I’ll ever be able to write as good as my last fic but here’s some sweet johnny to make up for it 🫂 sorry for all the world building I need someone to tell me when to shut up !! 

Of all the times for a snowstorm to hit, it just had to be the week your best friend finally got home on leave.

For the past few months, seeing Johnny again had been the only thing on your mind. You two kept in as much contact as you could, texting each other when he was able to and exchanging letters while he was deployed. The last time you two talked, his excitement was evident even on pencil and paper about the prospect of being reunited with you, the same words that echoed every time he was away over the course of your friendship. 

It seemed like fate brought you together all those years ago when a simple walk in the park to clear your mind coincided with the casual football match Johnny was playing with the lads. One errant ball flying your way led to your world spinning, in multiple ways, as you landed on the ground with a huff, a broad set of shoulders slamming against your own as your eyes met the most delicate pools of blue. Coupled with his tousled mohawk, scruffy stubble and that jagged scar on his chin, it was hard not to notice how ruggedly handsome he was. He took your breath away.

Truly, he took it away. The wind was knocked out of you after his miraculous dive stopped the ball from flying into the woods but failed to spare you from being body slammed into the grass. The view made up for it, however, and so did getting to hear that wonderful Scottish accent as apology after apology spilled from his lips. 

Name was John MacTavish, he said, but you could call him Johnny. This was not how a woman should be treated by a man like him, so why don’t you let him buy you a coffee sometime to make up for it? One quick exchange of phone numbers plus a flash of a boyish grin and he was running back to the field, leaving you standing there to wonder if that actually just happened.

He was a man of his word, evidently, because your phone buzzed that night with plans to meet up at his favorite local coffee shop. It took all you had in you to swallow down your nerves and agree to his plans for the next day. He was a gentleman through and through, pulling out your chair and pointing out his favorites on the menu. The conversation flowed naturally, even when you eventually let him take over while you kept quiet and nervously bounced your leg under the table. Johnny picked up on this, but didn’t let your shyness deter him or make things awkward like so many others had tried to do in the past. It made you feel more calm in his presence, knowing that he had only known you less than a day and already understood you.

Johnny told you about his family in Scotland, his sisters that he insisted would absolutely find you endearing and his mum who would be thankful he was actually putting himself out there, especially around a woman as ‘bonnie’ as yourself. You asked him what that unfamiliar word meant and couldn’t stop your breath from catching after he told you he was calling you pretty. Just your luck you managed to run into a guy who was so casually flirty and effortlessly attractive. 

The rest of that afternoon together went smoothly, and it was only right before you parted ways that he told you about his status in the army, admitting his schedule was iffy at best but he would like to do this again when he’s back home, if you wanted to, and he would pull whatever strings he could to put in the effort to fit you in.

In all honesty, you never thought you’d see him again after that. Even after your so-called meet cute that all your friends gushed about the moment you told them about it, and the ‘date’ where you found yourself completely captivated by the sergeant. You’re admittedly shocked when he keeps in contact with you, sending you message after message about anything and everything. You’d be lying to yourself if you didn’t acknowledge that you were falling for Johnny.

You didn’t have any qualms about dating a military man, but there was that voice in the back of your head gnawing at you that he would be simply settling if you got with him. The chemistry you two shared was palpable, however, and you were more than happy to stay friends with Johnny. You two were quick to talk almost every day, and it was when he came home from that first deployment after your paths crossed that he took you to meet his family. Turns out they did indeed like you just as much as he said they would. 

All these years later, and you can confidently say the man who barreled you over that day in the park was now your best friend you couldn’t live without. Funny how that works.

This past deployment was one of his longest yet, weeks turning into months as you rarely were able to hear from him. Letters helped, but all you wanted to do was to be able to have him in front of you once more.

You didn’t know why, but all the feelings that had materialized back when you met him started to resurface during this time too. Maybe it was the way he did anything he could to be able to communicate with you, the sketches he mailed with a ‘wish you were here, darling’ attached to them. The idea of being more than friends with Johnny started to cloud your thoughts about him.

All this just made it that more disappointing when the snow that was initially meant to be mild turned out to be a full out blizzard. Your heart was heavy as you shot Johnny a text telling him you weren’t going to be able to make it over to him, tossing your phone somewhere on the couch as you curled up on it to try to keep yourself warm. 

The heating must’ve been on the fritz again, because you could swear it felt colder inside than it did outside. You brought your knees to your chest, tucking your chin behind them as you tried not to cry from the sheer frustration of not getting to see Johnny and having to get turned into a miserable human icicle at the same time. 

You were just about to drag yourself to bed to make your brain shut off for the rest of the day when you heard knocking at your front door. Who would be crazy enough to be out in such a snowstorm? You probably should’ve been able to piece it together just from that thought alone, but all you could think at the moment was if fight or flight was going to win out.

“Lass? Open up. Dinnae know how much longer I can be out here.” You’d know that voice from anywhere. Unbelievable. You slowly make your way over to the door, cautiously opening it to try and prevent it from slamming against the wall from the sheer force of the wind.

“Johnny? What the hell are you doing?”

He looks like a lost puppy. Blue eyes staring at you almost pathetically while standing in at least a foot of snow. Those pretty eyes of his light up when he sees you, even though you can tell he’s tired from everything he’s gone through the past few months.

You look him up and down, soaking in the sight of the Scot in front of you. The bottom of his jeans are soaked from making contact with the snow, his hoodie either a size too small or his muscles a size too big. Not wearing any gloves and the tips of his ears are red from the wind. And yet, still so ridiculously good looking.

“Where's your hat?” You sigh after he does nothing but shrug sheepishly.

“Didnae wanna mess up the hair.”

“That’s what it looks like when it’s cleaned up?” You raise an eyebrow at him, flashing your teeth to let him know you’re just messing with him, really. The mohawk looks perfect no matter what he does to it.

Your heart flutters when he cocks his head to the side and grins back at you. God he looks handsome when he smiles.

“I’m kidding, MacTavish. You look good. C’mere.” You bury your face in his hoodie, holding onto him tightly like he’ll disappear if you don’t keep him grounded. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you more.” He sighs softly as he lets his broad arms completely envelope you. You two stay like that for what feels like forever before he reluctantly pulls away, slipping his backpack off his shoulder and unzipping it to pull out one of his spare hoodies. 

“Had a feeling you wouldn’t be bundled up enough. Here.” You lift your arms up as he slips the jacket over you, immediately warming you up and filling your senses with his own scent that you’ll never get enough of.

“Thank you Johnny.” you murmur, smiling yet again as he folds the sleeves perfectly over your wrists. You wonder if he’s ever noticed he’s the only one who’s ever been able to make you feel this happy.

“Dinnae mention it. It’s the least I could do.” he replies, completely nonchalantly as he makes his way through the living room. 

“Johnny, you’re tracking snow all over- Johnny!” you groan, shaking your head with a laugh at the trail of ice and snow falling from his boots. Oh sweet boy, he’ll be the death of you in so many ways.

“I ken I am.” He kicks off his boots, neatly placing them against the stairwell. “Sorry, couldnae resist. You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

Oh that does it. Forget the hoodie and the lack of central heating, your face is burning up so fiercely when he says that, you may as well have become a fireplace. Why does he get away with using such flirtations as casual banter? Well yes, you’re the one who allows him to do it, but damn it Johnny. Not cool.

“Wanna make ye something to fill you up, get you nice and warm.” He doesn’t even notice the way you’re still standing in the living room, jaw slightly agape as you try to settle down. Johnny goes over the admittedly bare contents of your pantry, finally landing on one of the cans of soup pushed into the back. “Perfect. C’mon, lass, let’s get you taken care of.” 

You blink, shaking your head as your legs catch up with your brain and you walk over to the kitchen, stepping over the puddles forming from the melting ice (thanks a lot, John) and rifling through the drawers till you procure a can opener. You can’t help but giggle as he fumbles with it, even though you soon fall silent as his hand completely covers yours while the two of you work to twist the stupid thing over the lip of the can.

“Just relax, doll. You deserve it.” he hums, setting up the pot with ease as you lift yourself onto the kitchen island to sit back and watch him go to work.

It’s not fair that he can look so good so casually, the sleeves of his hoodie pulling against him just right, the fabric tight against his biceps as they flex every time he stirs. He’s making soup. It’s just some damn soup. Yet it feels so... obscene? Who let him be so perfect? You can’t help but think that maybe you could get used to seeing this. 

Coming home to Johnny when he’s on leave, dinner cooking on the stovetop as a record plays in the background. Wrapping your arms around him from behind as he keeps one hand on the pot handle, the other splayed over both of yours as his thumb rubs over the backs of them. Swaying softly together as you stand in content peace. Perhaps you’ll even feel the coldness of the ring on his left hand, the metal covering up the wedding band tattoo he got with your initials for when he can’t wear his ring in the field.

It doesn’t take long for your thoughts to wander elsewhere. He’d look even better standing over the stove making you breakfast after a long night together. You wearing his shirt with nothing else underneath, him wearing just a pair of sweats to show off the trails of bites and marks you left on his skin. One of you, probably Johnny, will make a comment about how you two need to eat to get your energy up for another round. The food will be put on the back burner (literally) as Johnny turns around to slot his lips in between yours as he murmurs something about taking you right on the counter. Maybe the kiss will deepen as he plays with the hem of your shirt and maybe his fingers will slip under the fabric and then he’ll-

“Dove?” You snap out of your daydream to see those ocean eyes of his meeting yours, the mild confusion evident in his face. It takes a moment to register the wooden spoon hovering in front of your lips as he cups his hand under your chin. “I asked if you wanted a taste test?”

As inviting as that pumpkin soup looks, right now you’re still thinking about another substance Johnny can conjure up that you’d be all too willing to have a taste of. You push those thoughts to the back of your mind as you try to remember to blink.

“Y-yeah. Sure.” You can’t help but cringe at the hesitation in your voice as you open your mouth slightly for him to press the spoon into. “Tastes nice, Johnny. Really nice. You’re spoiling me.”

Your tongue flicks out as you absentmindedly lick at a drop of the soup from the corner of your mouth. Maybe if you were paying attention instead of staring at the wall in front of you as you try to regulate yourself, you would notice how Johnny’s eyes focus on your tongue for just a tad too long before he turns back to face the stove.

“You’re worth being spoiled.” he says softly, pouring the contents of the pot into a bowl. “C’mon. We’ll eat on the couch. Cannae believe how cold your kitchen is.”

You trail behind him as the two of you make your way back into the living room, Johnny chuckling at the way the ice evaporated onto the hardwood that earns him a playful punch to the bicep. Which definitely hurts your fist more than it hurts him. 

You’re expecting for you and Johnny to sit side by side, so you can’t hide your yelp of surprise as he instead lays on the couch, taking you down with him and laying the blanket hanging off the back of the couch over you. He wraps his arms around you, holding your back to his chest as he lays the bowl in your laps.

Being in such close proximity to him is definitely something you’re not a stranger to, but it feels different this time. Too perfect, too much like you’re meant to be laid against him.

Too much like a couple.

The clanking of the spoon against the bowl shakes you out of your thoughts, and you can’t help but be confused as you stare down at him lifting the spoon up towards you.

“Really Johnny, I appreciate it but I can feed myself.” you sigh, trying to lean back away from it. 

“Dinnae think you can, love. Your hands are trembling.” They actually were. How did he notice that before you did? “Please, let me do this for you.” 

You can’t argue with that, certainly can’t argue with him. It's comforting as Johnny feeds you, not to mention how much it’s warming you up. Your hands finally stop shaking by the end of it, although they might just start up again when he places the bowl on the coffee table and interlaces your fingers with his.

“You need anything else? Want me tae do anything for you?” He squeezes your hands reassuringly as you lay your head back on his shoulder.

“I’m fine with just being here with you.” you whisper, your eyes searching over his features as if they weren’t already committed to memory. “Missed hearing your voice. Missed you. Sorry. I know I already said that.”

“I’ll never get sick of hearing it.” Johnny laughs lightly, making your breath catch in your throat just from the sound. “You been taking care of yourself while I’ve been gone?”

“Sometimes.” you admit, knowing he’d want to hear the truth. “It’s real hard some days. But I’m trying, promise.”

“That’s all I could ever want from ye.” he replies gently, bringing your hand to his lips to kiss your palm.  “You dinnae have to always feel like you’ll let me down if you’re not doing yer best.  I’ll take ye just the way ye are.”

You can’t do anything but nod at that, any words you could possibly come up with would fail at letting him know just how much you needed to hear that. Needed him.

Johnny and you lay like that for a while, staring at each other with soft eyes as you appreciate the peace the two of you bring each other. You feel the steady rise and fall of his chest as you lay against it before your eyes focus on the rest of his face.

His lips are cracked, the look of them making you wince. If you had it your way Johnny would’ve had them slathered in Vaseline before he ever dared to step outside in the cold but alas he didn’t seem to think that through when he decided that trudging through the snow just to see his best friend was a good idea. 

You begrudgingly slip your hand out of his and reach around the clutter on the coffee table, fumbling around till you grab one of the many lip balms you keep scattered around the house. 

“Your, um, your lips are chapped.” you mutter, uncapping the balm and delicately running it over his lips before doing the same to yours. “Does that feel any better?”

He’s not listening, you realize, as his baby blues are completely transfixed on your mouth as you apply the lip balm. 

“Sharing chapstick now, yeah? Practically just kissed each other.” His words barely register because his eyes are still glued on your lips. You open and close your mouth as your brain short circuits. 

“Think ye missed a spot.” Johnny murmurs, and you naively assume he’s going to take the tube and go over your lips again. You feel your heartbeat pick up as he cups your jaw instead, glancing between your eyes and your lips as he leans his head down slightly. 

“Then you better do something about it, Johnny.” You close your eyes as you silently panic at wherever this newfound confidence came from and move your head up further in response. You don’t know who closes the gap first but it doesn’t matter because suddenly his lips are on yours and it’s perfect.

Your first kiss with Johnny is even better than all the times you dreamed about it. His lips are still chapped, of course, rough skin cutting against the softness of your own, but he makes up for it with the way his lips are practically glued to yours and the way his stubble scratches your skin so gently. It feels so desperate, makes you wonder if the need for it has been building inside of him for as long as it has for you.

It doesn’t take long for the kiss to get messier, rougher, Johnny's teeth nipping at your bottom lip so your lips part instinctively and he’s able to slip his tongue into your mouth. A welcome intrusion for sure, and all you can think about is how good it feels against your own.

Although it hurts both of you, the two of you finally have to part to get some air back into your lungs. This is the second time Johnny has taken your breath away and it’s just as good as that day in the park. 

You look up at him to find his eyes already on you, dazed and slightly dilated with his lips red and swollen and definitely going to need another layer or two of chapstick after this. He’s grinning down at you like he didn’t just send your head spinning.

While this was the second best thing to ever happen to you (the best thing, obviously, was getting to meet Johnny in the first place), that voice that told you you weren’t going to be good enough for him all those years ago comes back full force. You can’t do this, not with him, can’t fall in love with the man who surely wouldn’t take you as his girlfriend.

It’s all too much and you have to turn away before you do something stupid. Even if Johnny is looking at you so adoringly.

“That was sweet, Johnny. Thank you for indulging me.” you mumble, shifting away from him slightly as you lower your head to stare down at your lap.

“Been wanting tae do that for a while.” he sighs softly, looking down at you lovingly before he picks up on your new mood and his gaze shifts to one of concern. “What’s the matter? You didnae like it? I’m real sorry, honest, thought you were okay with it.”

“No, no I did like it. I really did.” Understatement of the year, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I just… I know it’s gonna leave me wanting more. Make me wanna be yours, and you’re not gonna have me.”

The silence was nearly suffocating, and even with you faced away from him you could feel his gaze piercing against you.

“What are ye talkin’ about, dove? Course I’d want to be with you. I love you.” he scoffs, his voice full of annoyance not aimed at you but at the idea that you weren’t the only person he’s ever truly loved.

“Yeah… yeah, I know you do. You tell me it all the time. I love you too.” You shrug, dragging your nails over the outline of your thighs under the blanket.

“No, I dinnae mean it like that.” He sits up against the cushion, tilting your chin up so your eyes can meet. “That was as a friend. I do love you that way, I always will even if you don’t feel this way about me.”

You’re fully at attention now, trying to gauge if this is just another one of Johnny’s jokes. You know realistically he would never be unserious about something like this, wouldn’t ever want to hurt you this way. Perhaps all the kissing cut off his oxygen for too long because there’s no way he’s meaning what he’s saying, right?

“I love you. Love you.”

Suddenly the warmest you’ve ever felt isn’t the December nights where the two of you have split a hot chocolate or the many times he’s lent you his jacket after you insisted you could handle the cold, but instead it’s Johnny’s pretty blue eyes staring into yours as he tells you the only words you’ve ever wanted to hear.

“Oh. Alright.” you finally sputter out, unable to stop yourself from smiling. “How long have you felt this way?” 

“Long time, angel. Long time.” he murmurs almost apologetically. “Didn’t kno’ how to tell you. Wasn’t sure if it was something you wanted.”

“Should’ve told me.” you grumble, dropping your head back onto his shoulder with a huff. “I’m not someone to get nervous about.”

“You are. What if I was too dafty to realize you didn’t see me the same way and then you never wanted tae see me again? Couldnae risk losing my girl.” Johnny replies simply, keeping one hand on your jaw and the other reaching down to hold your hand. 

“Wouldn’t be missing out on much. I’m not exactly a good friend all the time.” you mumble, rubbing the back of his hand with your thumb. “I’m clingy and I’m always needing attention, and I feel like there’s always something wrong with me that you need to deal with. I mean you just came home from a deployment, I should be the one doing stuff for you and it’s not fair that-”

He cuts you off with another kiss, this one even softer than before. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” he says, his tone genuine. “You agreed to spend time with me even after I made you keel over cause I was too in my head to watch where I was goin’. My mum thinks yer a sweetheart, sisters cannae stop asking me when I’m bringing you home again. You’re nice tae me and you’re nice tae everyone you’ve ever met, even when they dinnae deserve it. I like that you need me, because I need you too.”

It’s hard to know just how to respond to that, but Johnny doesn’t mind. He knows you’ve never been too good with your words, better with actions and you’ve already shown him how much he means to you plenty.

“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had too.” You settle on, glancing down nervously before looking up at him again. “So… you wanna, um, be my boyfriend?” You wince at the lack of smoothness but hey, at least it gets a laugh out of Johnny.

“Yeah, honey, I’ll be yer boyfriend. I’ll be whatever you want.” He leans down to kiss you yet again, and you realize you could definitely get used to that. “Cannae believe you’re finally mine. You’ve got no idea how much you mean tae me.”

“Think I’m starting to understand.” You rub your eyes with your free hand, feeling yourself get drowsy. The way the day has ended with the confession you’ve waited years for must be finally catching up to you.

“You look tired. Get some rest, we can sleep right here.” Johnny shifts you against him, cradling the back of your head to hold you.

“Wouldn’t you rather take this to bed?” You can’t help but feel bad, the couch is barely big enough for one person to lie on it, especially with how much space Johnny takes up naturally. 

“Shouldn’t I take you out to dinner first?”

“MacTavish. Get your mind out of the gutter.” you groan, shaking your head at him if only to cover up the fact that you wouldn’t exactly say no to that. “You know what I meant. My bed’s much more comfortable than a couch. You deserve better.”

“I got the woman of my dreams currently in my arms, wearing my clothes after I fed her and warmed her up. Why would I want to be anywhere but here?” Johnny says with a shrug, moving further onto the couch and pulling the blanket tighter against the two of you.  

For someone who’s only been your boyfriend for all of five minutes, Johnny certainly knows exactly what to say to make you melt. You turn over onto your side, laying your head against his chest as your blinks become slower and your eyes feel heavier.

There’s going to be a lot for you to talk about when you wake up, but you figure he should hear the most important part now.

“I love you too, Johnny.” you whisper, letting your eyes close.  “I always have.”

“I’m glad you do, baby.” He wraps his arms around you as you finally get to experience the feeling of falling asleep in your lover's arms. “Sleep well.”  

Johnny’s kept you safe, he’s keeping you warm. 

And he’ll keep you loved.

need to stop making reader fall asleep in soaps arms but it's too perfect to pass up UGH

my first tag list yippee; @soapsgf

Survey #361

“the world is a vampire, sent to drain”

Have you ever been through a phase of thinking emo guys were hot? A phase? Hunny, they're still hot lmao. Have you ever dated someone that could play an instrument? Yeah. Juan could play guitar, and Girt played I think the tuba in band. What’s so horrible about wearing leggings like pants? I've actually never understood why people freak about this. Like so long as they're not sheer and fit you fine, why exactly is this a problem...? Weirdest picture you’ve ever taken of yourself? Oh dear. When someone claims to be suicidal, do you take them seriously? FUCK you if you don't. Honest to god, fuck you. This is NOT something you just don't even blink at. Even if it's surprising to hear from that person, you take that shit seriously and try to talk to them about it. Ever been kicked out of anywhere? Colleen's house. Ever had Skittles vodka? No, but that shit sounds good. Ever punched someone in the face? No. If you haven’t, do you want to now? Uh, I'll pass. Do you truly HATE anyone? No one I know personally, but people like rapists, pedophiles, etc., I sure as hell do hate them. Most historical/famous landmark/building you’ve been to in your country? No clue. Favorite flavor for most things? Strawberry, watermelon, or blue raspberry, depending on what the thing is. Ever taken pictures in a photobooth? Who with? Yeah: Summer, Jason, and I'm pretty sure Sara and I did? What is the closest book to you? It's a full collection of Poe's poetry that Mom got me. Are you reading it or someone else? I'm not right now. I may eventually. Milkshakes or Sundaes? Hm, I gotta go with milkshakes. Do you like watermelons more or cherries? I'm not a fan of either, but I'd definitely pick watermelons over cherries. Who was the last person you ate with? My family and I went to Ichiban (a Japanese steakhouse that we have here where they cook directly in front of you) yesterday to celebrate Nicole's graduation. Do you prefer broccoli or asparagus? Broccoli. I hate asparagus. Do you have any bug bites? No. Do you have any flowers in your room? No. Do you know anyone that owns horses? Loosely, anyway. It's a family I took pictures for, and I still have the mother on Facebook. When you were little, did you ever go to feed the ducks? Yes, I LOVED doing that. Don't feed ducks bread, by the way. Have you seen any of the seven wonders of the world in person? No. Have you ever won anything out of one of those crane machines? Yeah. Can you remember being taught how to ride a bike? Was it hard for you? Yeah. I don't THINK it was too hard. Did you get carded the last time you ordered an alcoholic drink? No. Do you know anyone who uses medical marijuana? No, it's not legal here. Do you know anyone who’s died in childbirth? No. Which was the worst phase in your life? 2016 was. Towards the end of '15 was the breakup, and through aaaaaaall of 2016, I was just dead inside and totally useless. Every day I wanted to be dead. Can you remember your last dream? I had a nightmare some stupid kids were fucking with my snake Venus, so I was trying to protect her. Do you ever use Snapchat? No, I don't have one. What’s your favorite musical? I don't like musicals. What happened at the last party you went to? Summer prepared some little Halloween treat bags for us guests, we watched a horror movie, and everyone but me smoked some weed. Are you more comfortable sitting or lying down? I would assume everyone is more comfortable lying down... Have you ever been a fan of N*Sync? Yeah, as a kiddo. Favorite kind of cake: Red velvet, yum yum. What is your middle name? Marie. TV shows and anime you watch regularly: None. Do you want to have a big family in the future? Just a big family of pets with a spouse. What was the last thing you did that gave you a rush? Oh boy, I couldn't tell ya. Is Vegas one of your must-see places? No. Pet rat: yay or nay? YAY!! I've had many, but I don't think I'll get any more. I've just had bad luck with them, save for one that died of cancer at an old age. Would you call yourself a writer? Written any stories lately? Yeah. I haven't really written any big RP posts of the late, but I did recently write a poem. Are needles something that you’re afraid of? Okay, so this is super weird. Tattoos and piercings? No problem. Little prick, getting blood drawn, that sorta little stuff, no problem. I am, however, NOT a fan of big needles, which used to not be an issue. It's actually kinda recent, and it's why I'm nervous about my second Covid shot coming up, aha... What was the last unexpected hug you gave/received? I really haven't had an unexpected hug since Jason asked for one before he left my house after our final talk. Who was the last person you held hands with? Either my niece or nephew. Have you ever been in a parade before? If so, was it on TV? No. Do you have a fear of rollercoasters? If so, were you ever forced to go on one? If you don’t, what is your favorite rollercoaster? I have a big fear of them, yeah. Post a picture of you from a recent time. Don't feel like it. Who was the last person to give you some of their food? Miss Tobey let me try one of her dumplings yesterday when we were at Ichiban for dinner. The last person you met, what was your first impression of them? I actually didn't quite like her. Have you ever been to a football game? Yeah, because my sister was a cheerleader. Do you like the snow or rain better? Snowwww. Have you ever faked sick? Yeah. What is your blood-type? A-. Have you ever eaten a bug? Not knowingly. The last time you were in the fridge, what were you looking for? Salsa. Mom got these veggie chips at the store and they apparently taste better with salsa, which it did. They weren't great, though. Are you listening to anything at the moment? It's Gab Smolders' turn for me to watch her Resident Evil 8 upload, haha. I'm literally watching three different people (Mark, John Wolfe, and her) play it. Can you take a bra off with one hand? I haven't tried, I think? I doubt I could, given that I'm not exactly small. Do you have an innie or an outie bellybutton? Innie. Can you crack your neck? NOOOOO AND DO NOT DO IT AROUND ME YOURSELF. Are you donating your organs? Yeah; what am I gonna use 'em for? It just seems like a waste otherwise. They're just gonna decay. When was the last time you talked to you mom? Before she left with Tobey to go to the store. Do you like pumpkin pie? NO. I don't like pie, and I hate pumpkin. Do you own your own computer? Yeah. Did you ever have to share a room with one of your siblings? Yeah; growing up, my little sister and I did. Is there any piece of technology you want to buy? I REALLY want a PS4. Did you ever have a night light when you were a kid? Yeah. What TV show had you hooked from the very first episode? Meerkat Manor, 100%. I had to know that Shakespeare was okay. What is your least favorite Sour Patch Kids color? Orange or red, can't pick. Have you ever seen the movie Matilda? YES! I love that movie. What is the weirdest chant you have ever heard? Uh, idk. How are you feeling? Annoyed and hurt as fuck because shit Miss Tobey says without thinking for a single goddamn second. I'm honestly beyond sick of this woman. Do you know anyone with a unibrow? I don't think so. Doughy or saucy pizza? Doughy. Do you have anything that’s limited edition? Yeah. Do you have an air freshener in your bathroom? If so, what scent? I... think we do? If so though, I just don't notice it. The bathroom doesn't smell like anything in particular. Do you like Jalapeno Cheetos? Oh man, I forgot about those! Love 'em. Are you a fan of salads? Yeah, they're fine. I have to be in the mood for one, though. What’s one random thing that you don’t like? Uhhh carrots. What’s one random thing that you like? Shrimp. Do you like chicken noodle soup? I don't. Is it easy for you to accept loss? NOPE. I'm the absolute worst with it. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? I really wanna see Sara, so take me to Illinois. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? No, but a former best friend had her birthday the day before mine. Is there someone you just can’t imagine your life without? Not anymore, honestly. After Jason, I stopped that "I can't live without you" mindset. Truth is I'm going to lose people through life, and I'm not attaching my ability to happily exist to anyone. Are you wearing a ring? Two. Have your friends ever stopped by your house just to say hi? In the past, yeah. Do you like Chinese food? Not really. I only ever get pork fried rice and eggrolls from Chinese restaurants. Have you done any shopping for something in specific recently? No. Do you still live in your hometown? No. What was the reason behind the last time you stayed up all night? I don't recall, honestly. I haven't done that in a very long time. Have you ever had a UFO sighting or a sighting of strange lights in the sky? A very strange light, yes. Have you ever seen your mom or dad drunk? Yes to both. Seeing Mom drunk is very, very rare though. My dad was an alcoholic when I was growing up, so I saw him drunk plenty. Do your parents vote? Mom does, idk about Dad. Who’s the most romantic person you ever went out with? Jason. What restaurant has the best fries? Nowhere has anything on Bojangle's, y'all. Have you ever had a surprise party thrown for you? No.

Thoughts

Buckle up y'all this is gonna be a lonnggg one.

I know that I truly love her because she hurt me on a whole another level and I still love her. I have a right to be mad at her, but I’m not. I “should be” speaking poorly of her, but I’m not, I only speak positively about her. I could have flipped out on her, but I didn’t, I don’t want to, I see no need to. I could be the most bitter thing towards her, but I’m not, I don’t want to be, I let her go knowing that I love her and I always will, she will always have someone to turn to. I could have left her before she got the chance to leave me, but I didn’t, I gave her the decision, because if it was up to me we would be in each other’s lives forever. I want her to be free, I want her to be happy, I want her to know that she matters, I want her to know she is so dearly loved, I want her to know she is so incredibly unique and special, I want her to know I will always love her, I want her to know that my arms will always be wide open for her, I want her to know that I have yet to find anything that compares to her, I want her to know that she is so valued, I want her to know that there will always be a spark of love in my heart for her, I want her to know that I love all of her, even though I don’t know every single detail of her life, I see who she is because of it, she is strong and beautiful and so gentile and she has been hurt, I can see those parts of her and I love her. I don’t only love her because she is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, I loved her because she was raw, she had such spark about certain things, she understood, she listened, she was patient, she had a way with words, she could make me melt in a single sentence, she worked so hard, she made me feel like I mattered to someone, to at least her and that is all I needed in life, she gave purpose to life, she saw the beauty of things and the sad side of things, her mind took a while to learn, but once I got a drift of how it worked I fell in love, she has so much genuine love for her pets, she was true, she was the definition of cuteness, she was such a goofball, she had sass, she changed me, she made me happy, she made me smile, she made me cry, she made me sad. She was the only person I let my walls down for. I gave her my heart and forever I think she will have it, maybe one day it won’t be all of it, but she will always have the majority of it. I wanted to know all of her. I wanted to know her full story of life. I wanted to know why she is the person she is, I wanted to understand her in a way that no one had before, I wanted to be the one for her, I wanted to know all major events of her life, all the little ones too, I wanted to know the little things that she loved, the tiny facts that no one pays attention to, I wanted to truly know her, I wanted to feel her pain and joy, I wanted to know her favorite memories and her least favorite, I wanted to know her favorite thing about herself, I wanted to know her least favorite thing about herself. I wanted her to know I would love her no matter what. I wanted to spoil her, I wanted to take her on dates, I wanted to love her in her best and worst moments, I wanted to take her places, I wanted to finish that game of 20 questions, I wanted to love her through every mood and phase, I wanted to take her to the movies and leave not even knowing what the movie was about, I wanted to hold her hand, I wanted to give her my jacket when she got cold, I wanted to hug her, I wanted to kiss her forehead just because I could, I wanted to stare into her beautiful eyes and just think “wow”, I wanted to take her out to dinner, I wanted to stargaze with her by my side, I wanted to give her a massage after a long day at work, I wanted to dance in the rain with her, I wanted to hold her at night when she got frightened because of a nightmare, I wanted to fall asleep next to her, I wanted to wake up next to her, I wanted to see her do something she loved and watch how she would light up, I wanted to go on deep conversation walks, I wanted to be with her, I just wanted to be in her presence, I wanted to do that cute little run hug thing and then fall on our butts because it’s not a movie, I wanted to show her everything, I wanted to take her to New York City and Paris, I wanted to love her forever, I wanted to wake up every day just feeling so happy because I got to be with my love, I wanted to take her to that place she dreamed about, where we could love each other endlessly, where we could be ourselves without worries, where we would shiver from closeness, where nothing would stand in our way, where it would be every thing that she dreamed of and so much more, I want to take her there and be with her. I wanted to fall asleep listening to her voice, I wanted to show up at her work and order breakfast, only paying in change, because I know it annoys the crap out of her, I wanted to look at her, I mean just look at her, take in her beauty, I wanted to know every scar on her body and where it came from, I wanted to give her some of my own clothes, so that she would think of me every time she wore them, I wanted to buy her everything that her little heart desired, I wanted to give my little girl a kiss whenever she was down, I wanted to be a brat whenever she would try to kiss me and turn my head so that she would end up kissing my cheek, then she would get upset and she would make me kiss her, I wanted to tell her all of my useless knowledge, I wanted to tell her all of my stupid thoughts and ideas, I wanted to horribly sing love songs to her, I wanted her to meet my puppy, I wanted to meet her little bunny, I wanted to do all stupid cheesy sappy stuff with her, I wanted to teach her how to play soccer, I wanted to watch the sunset with her, I wanted to wake up early and see the sunrise with her, I wanted to enjoy her favorite month (October) together, I wanted to tackle her into a pile of leaves and then run away from her chasing me trying to tackle me, I wanted to carve a pumpkin with her, I wanted to just sit with her watching the leaves fall, enjoying the silence that we rarely ever have, I wanted to wake up extra early to make her breakfast, I wanted to get all bundled up with her go to the beach and watch the way the waves crash onto the shore, and see how the fall waves differ from the summer time waves, I wanted to catch lightning bugs with her and then let them go because we want them to be free, I wanted to take her to Starbucks and get the cliche seasonal drinks, I wanted to go through a flipping corn maze holding her hand, and I wanted to get lost doing so because we were being such morons, I wanted to watch her kick ass on the court, I wanted to kiss her in the moonlight on a night time fall walk, because I can’t resist kissing my little cutie, I wanted to be with her while the seasons changed and we had to deal with the terrible winters that we get up here, I wanted to play in the snow with her, because we truly are children at heart, I wanted to tackle her into pile of snow and again have to run away from her chasing me, I wanted to catch snow flakes on our tongues, I wanted to have snowball fights with her, I wanted to go ice skating for my first time with her, and you know of course fall on my ass and have her laugh at me, I wanted to go around looking at Christmas lights with her, and a cup of hot chocolate of course, then I wanted to kiss her when the ball drops and we start a New Year, after that I wanted to give her the absolute best birthday and birthday present ever, whatever that would have been, I would have made it happen. I wanted her to be my cheesy valentine I wanted to buy her a teddy bear and all of that stuff, I wanted to take her out on a ton of dates, whether that be dinner, a movie, stargazing, napping, breakfast, watching the sunset, dancing at 4 in the morning, watching the sun rise, cuddling, going to a carnival, or anything really. I wanted to get to know her in a way that I have never known anyone else before, I wanted to know all about her, I wanted to know all of her thoughts, I wanted to know all of her ideas, I wanted to bring her flowers, I wanted to give her everything, I wanted to be there when she gets sick so that I could give her soup and medicine and make sure that she rests and gets better, I wanted to be there when she gets a tummy ache and just needs to relax, I wanted to do all of this and soooooo much more. She will always be my 11:11 wish, my birthday wish, and my wish upon a star. I truly do think that I love her, I can’t say for sure because love never really was my forte. I believe that I am, because if I’m not in love with her, then what the hell does actually falling in love feel like?!?! Like that must be some crazy shit! I mean this is some crazy shit that I’m feeling to begin with soo….

Thank you for reading my “rant”. If anyone is hurting, I’ve heard that it gets better eventually. I feel your pain, we are all hurting together. Try listening to some Halsey she understands pain. Huge thank you to you guys too! Thank you for letting me air out my thoughts, feelings, and pain, it has helped me so much!

a year of life & travels: 2017

today is new year’s day and it’s time for a recap of last year! it was another great year of being based in southwestern czech republic, feeling like home both here and back in my home country (and realizing that “home” is just a construct), and going to some magical places.

let’s revisit them, shall we? i changed the title of this year’s post to “life & travel” because, as i learned last year, travel isn’t everything and it is also important to capture what else was going on in one’s life. although for this post, it still remains the focal point. (don’t worry) so without further ado....

in january, we had the coldest and snowiest month that i have ever experienced with low low temps that froze over all of the ponds in south bohemia. you know what that meant? checking off my life-long dream to ice skate on a frozen pond! i ended up getting a cold promptly after that day, but it was so worth it. now i am too much of an ice skating elitist to ever skate on anything man-made ever again! (kind of joking, but...)

i also cooked a several course vegetarian dinner for burn's night! (why? we are hopeless "scot-ophiles” who love any good excuse to drink an islay malt and celebrate the the works of burns on a cold, dark winter’s night) that veggie haggis was definitely worth coming back to this month... ooh, i hope i can remember the recipe. it was actually make-again delicious.

in early february we took the first of what would be many many days in the big city (prague). we brought ferdie for his first ever trip on a train, he stayed with a dog-sitter while we saw the vaclav havel exhibit at dox, and generally had ourselves a perfect holešovice day, trudging through slush to get to our favorite cafes and enjoying brunch near the marina. (did you know holešovice had a marina?) i feel like i know the district quite better now!

we also had a very memorable valentine's day tea at born in london and i introduced my favorite students to the british tradition of pancake day -- what better than a lesson where you're making pancakes?!

in early march, my mother-in-law came for her first ever trip to europe and we were so excited to travel with her and take her to all the best spots in prague, český krumlov, and crossing the border into germany to visit bamberg! i had been in bamberg ten years ago during my studies in germany and it just does not disappoint for a low-key trip with excellent food and beer and historical sights. we may have brought two kegs and a few bottles of rauchbier home with us....

april first is always a strange day as the weather is usually quite wacky -- sure enough this year it brought our first forays into summer temperatures, if you can believe it. we marked that day by visiting the beautiful terčino údolí right here in south bohemia - a valley full of blooms, trails, a waterfall, and loads of other cool things to explore. we ate schnitzels while sitting on the terrace of a chateau, because we are in europe. and it was grand.

in mid-april for our long easter weekend, we rode the train into the šumava mountains to the train station with the highest elevation in the country! there we spent our time in a cozy mountain-style house, hiking and relaxing. we couldn't believe our little ferdinand walked 22km in one day! i think this trip is when we realized hiking with him (off-leash) is one of our favorite things to do.

glorious may brought beautiful cherry blossoms, garden parties, and outdoor festivals. i spent my birthday in český krumlov, staying the night there for the first time in over ten years and realizing how magical the town is by night... and how we miss out when we go back home to budejovice before dusk falls! it was brilliant to do all those tourist things like take a coffee in the square, walking around with an ice cream, and doing a bit of shopping in shops i don't usually even bother to set foot in. with our sweet accommodation south of the center right on the river (above), i truly never wanted to leave.

we spent a nice day in june in prague's vinohrady and vršovice districts to celebrate our wedding anniversary with the best mexican food in the country and doing all those big city things. sometimes it's just nicer to avoid old town altogether! (although sometimes i do quite the opposite - there's a time for everything)

at the very end of the month, we shrugged off the long spring and school year with a night in mariánské lázně - a beautiful town in the hills of northwest czech republic that is well-known for its spas and hosting many a famous guest over the past hundreds of years. we danced to jazz in the colonnade and took a hike the next day in the rain... because when you only have a limited time in a new place, you're not going to let a little rain dampen your plans!

at the beginning of july, we woke up and found ourselves in karlovy vary again for our fourth film festival. this time we took it way easier than in past years by staying directly in the center of town and felt so extremely spoiled! it was a great festival, albeit a bit cooler in temperature than every other year. when we got back, we stayed for a weekend with friends at a cottage deep in the wilds of sobo (erm, south bohemia) to have a nice rest before summer camp ramped up.

at the end of the month, we bid czechland goodbye and said hello to chicago! what a city -- i planned to do so much and ended up doing none of the things i thought i would, but instead discovered a whole new side which ended up being one of our favorite parts of our united states trip.

we were in michigan at the beginning of august visiting family and attending a wedding before flying to portland and staying with my dear friend, megs. i can't tell you how good it felt to have landed in the northwest after so long! i felt so at home immediately in that airport terminal. we rented a car and took off for central oregon to be based out of bend for the wedding of another dear friend, julie. we floated the deschutes river, visited many local breweries, and just generally enjoyed that central oregon high desert vibe.

the second half of the month was spent back home in washington -- i was so pleased to make it to my brother's birthday party at his new house as well as a family camping trip near mt. baker, much-needed karaoke nights, hikes, and of course, visiting all the beaches and eating seafood whenever possible... i even learned how to shuck an oyster! we enjoyed our time so thoroughly that it was almost as though i forgot i had to leave again...

(but i missed this little guy quite a lot)

the beginning of september was a bit rough going, but there are so many fun things happening right in budejovice that it is hard not to enjoy being in south bohemia. we spent some lovely, lazy afternoons in český krumlov, our first czech wedding, and then at the end of the month took a "wine vacation" to south moravia -- znojmo, to be exact! staying right on the square in a spacious apartment and hiking through podyji national park to a winery was a highlight, as well as checking off another thing on my "life to-do list": drinking wine in a vineyard. 

we even moseyed on down into austria for a morning (as it was just across the border from znojmo) and hiked up to a famous windmill as well as toured a huge underground wine cellar. it was a beautiful weekend!

the weather was absolutely gorgeous here in october. we popped off to prague to spend time immersed in the beautiful old town as well as stop at some farmer's markets and get the obligatory annual pumpkin spice latte. we walked to the very end of the street we used to live in (in malá strana) which leads directly up petřín hill -- a fine time of year for a walk amongst the changing colors of the leaves, clear views, and good weather.

november was about "home" in south bohemia if i had to give it a theme -- we focused on home improvement -- we got a new couch, as well as other appreciated upgrades and went to two big dinners: our first st. martin's dinner as well as hosting thanksgiving for the second time. 

on the first of december, we found ourselves in prague yet again for a farewell party of the last of our fellow TEFLers still left in the country -- i can't quite believe that we are the last ones still here of our group from five years ago! it was an emotional time but it's was so good to reconnect with our prague buds. i visited some of the christmas markets there including an attempt to visit old town square, but y'all -- the tourist situation is out of control compared to five years ago (when it was still quite heavy). although there is something special about the market there during advent time... i will probably continue to return despite the crowds!

for christmas, as you may have read, we were in southeastern bavaria (near the austrian border) in the heart of the bavarian alps -- a fantastic and memorable time.

the top five most popular posts on adventurings this year...

-- what i've learned about language learning after +4 years-- best tips & tricks!

-- slow pace or rat race? -- reconciling the relaxed south bohemian lifestyle with what i think i “should” be doing

-- back from the usa + 10 things i love about home -- i was a bit homesick, could you tell? 

-- the expat's guide to christmas away from home -- so many tried & true tips and ideas here

-- musings on identity and being an american -- what i've made of my national identity after five years away

these happened to also be my favorite posts i have personally written this year. funny, that.

i also posted two delicious recipes: a deliciously autumnal pumpkin miso soup, the perfect springy weekday cake, & i shared my fool-proof meal planning strategy.

so, where will we go in 2018?

i am so excited that we are planning a real, actual vacation this year! not a trip. just a lay by the pool somewhere beautiful, visit wineries, eat bread and cheese from a local market, hike and bike ride through the beautiful countryside... this is likely going to take us to provence, france. i think a week or so of living the provençal life will be just the thing, and perfect timing after the school year finishes. (time to brush up on my non-existent french!)

i am also pleased to say we’re planning to head to berlin for a month this next summer! it will be the longest consecutive time i’ve spent there for ten years, and i’m looking forward to greatly improving my language study (actually being in the country should sure help!) and finally doing some berlin things i haven’t yet managed in the past decade. ‘tis time.

everything else is up in the air, so we’ll see where the year takes us! i feel oddly optimistic and ready for this new year. how are you feeling about it? where are you headed this year? if you have any provence tips, i am really all ears.

thanks for being around this year! i have loved & appreciated your comments, shares, connecting with you elsewhere, and the fact that you are here reading this right now. happy new year!

keep up with me in 2018 on bloglovin, twitter, instagram, or facebook.

this post is part of the january travel link-up.

ps, you might like ‘year of travels’ recaps of past years: 2016, 2015, & 2014.

The "Proposal" (a Drinny one-shot)

Inspired by a Harmione meme. But y'all know I don’t do Harmione lol

“Mr. Malfoy, Ginevra Weasley is here to see you. I told her that you didn’t want to be disturbed, but she insisted” said Draco’s assistant from the door of his office.

“Yeah yeah, let her in.” said Draco, not taking an eye off his work in front of him. The case had been building up for six months. He was so close to closing it. The last Death Eater, finally in captivity, and hopefully, after Friday, be a permanent resident of Azkaban.

Ginny marched herself into the room. As she did, she sneered at Draco’s assistant. “Told you I could come in anytime I want.” she said.

“Play nice, Gin.” said Draco, writing his remarks out.

“I would if you would tell your slag assistants who I am.” said Ginny sitting down on the desk, crossing her legs in her skirt.

Draco took a glance at the creamy legs that had situated themselves beside his work. He placed a hand on one and kissed her knee.

“None of that now, Mr. Malfoy.” said Ginny, pushing his hand away. “You have work to do. I brought you lunch though, as I knew you wouldn’t leave your office.”

Draco looked at the bag in Ginny’s hand and breathed in deep. “Mmmmm. Your mother’s chicken noodle soup.” he said as he reached for the bag. Ginny snatched it away.

“Ah, ah, ahhh. You know what to do.”  teased Ginny.

Draco smiled. “You’re dangerous, woman.” he said as he brought his lips to Ginny’s, kissing her deeply.

“Mmmm. I like. Do you kiss all the girls like this?” asked Ginny.

“Only the special ones.” said Draco, taking the bag out of Ginny’s hand.

He took the contents out of the bag. Sure enough, there was a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup, a couple of rolls, a cool bottle of pumpkin juice, and a slice of chocolate cake.

“I swear Mum likes you more than me.” said Ginny as she watched Draco start in on his soup.

“Well, I am irresistible.” said Draco, earning a pluck to the head. “Seriously, this was just what I needed. Thank her for me, will you?”

Ginny nodded as she looked at the paperwork on Draco’s desk. “Looks like dinner is canceled again tonight huh?”

Draco sighed. “I’m sorry, love. We’re trying to wrap this case up. I know I promised, but-”

“You did.” said Ginny, stopping the sorry she had heard the past few nights. “It’s okay though, I understand.”

“Still doesn’t make it right.”

“You have a reputation to uphold, Drayke. At 25, you’re the youngest prosecutor at your firm, you’ve been putting Death Eaters away successfully since you were 21. The name Malfoy is one of the most celebrated names in the legal field. I can’t be upset that you are doing justice by the entire wizarding world.” said Ginny, kissing his cheek.

Draco grinned. “Yeah. I’ve thought about changing it, but now that you make it sound so brilliant, I think I’ll keep it. Besides, it sounds sexy coming from your mouth.”

Ginny laughed as she took a corner of Draco’s chocolate cake and popped it into her mouth. “I bet it does. Shame your name isn’t Weasley. It’s so much better than stuffy Malfoy.”

Draco gasped in mock shock. “Malfoy is much more dignified sounding than the name Weasley.”

“I beg your pardon.” said Ginny. “I have you know that my last name sounds just perfect.”

“It would sound more perfect if you changed it.” said Draco  absentmindedly as he cleaned up after his delectable meal.

“Oh yeah?” said Ginny, rolling her eyes. “To what, may I ask?”

“Malfoy.” said Draco, immediately putting his hand over his mouth.

Ginny looked at Draco, awestruck. “What did you just say?” she whispered.

‘Shit.“ said Draco as he got up to throw his trash in the bin. “Forget it, I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh yes you did!!” exclaimed Ginny, standing up, hands on her hips. “Wait… Did you just propose to me?!?

“I’m late for a meeting, you can stay here a bit longer if you like.” said Draco, heading swiftly to the open door, his pale skin tinting pink on his cheeks.

“DON’T YOU WALK AWAY FROM ME, DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY!!” yelled Ginny. “YOU JUST BLOODY PROPOSED TO ME AND YOU’RE JUST GOING TO RUN AWAY LIKE A PRAT??”

Ginny gazed at her boyfriend as he sighed and walked back over to her.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen like this.” said Draco softly, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. “This was supposed to happen tonight over dinner with this being in a champagne glass.”

“Draco….” breathed Ginny, holding her cheeks.

“I guess this is as good as time as any.” said Draco as he took Ginny’s left hand away from her face and kneeled down on one knee.

“Ginny, ever since Hogwarts, you’ve been the only Weasley I’ve ever been able to get along with. During the war, I thought I would lose you forever, but you came back and forgave me for my sins despite your family’s feelings at first and allowed me back in your life. We’ve been through so much. You were there for me in my darkest moment, when my mother passed. You were the only person that motivated me to carry on and continue to do the right thing. You are the only reason why I’ve been able do all the good I have been doing, and the only reason I have for living. You’re my best friend and the love of my life, and I would be nothing without you. Will you marry me?” asked Draco, opening the box to reveal a white gold band with a big clear princess cut diamond, surrounded by small emeralds and rubies.

Ginny looked at the ring and then back at Draco, tears flowing from her eyes.

“YES!! YES I’LL MARRY YOU DRACO!! she exclaimed excitedly as Draco smiled from ear to ear and slipped the ring onto her left ring finger.

Draco stood up and caught Ginny as she leaped into his arms, squeezing him tightly as he held her and spun her around, kissing him vigorously.

Applause and cheers from Draco’s open door filled the room. The newly engaged couple looked to see Draco’s assistant and colleagues congratulating them from outside his office. The two laughed and kissed again, excited for the prospect of marrying.

"Hopefully he agrees to me being called Weasley-Malfoy.” thought Ginny.

“I hope she doesn’t think I’m going to agree to some Weasley-Malfoy nonsense.” thought Draco.

Tagged by @moonknightlight 💚💚 1. Are you named after someone? --ok, this is embarrassing. My mom has collected those little bear figurines for a long time, like since before I was born. When she was pregnant with me, my name was supposed to be Holly, and then she found a bear figurine that was dressed up like a pumpkin. (I guess it was a Halloween themed one??) anyways, all the stupid bears have names, so when she turned the dude upside down, it said "Breanna." She liked the name, and so now I'm named after a fucking bear figurine. 2. When was the last time you cried? --I don't quite remember, but knowing me it was probably yesterday. I'm kind of a wreck at all times. 3. Do you like your handwriting? --it's alright, I guess. I'm pretty neutral. 4. What is your favorite lunch meat? --if I have to eat it, turkey. But I try not to eat it. 5. Do you have kids?--hell to the no 6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? --maybe like casual acquaintances 7. Do you use sarcasm? --it's a defense mechanism. 8. Do you still have your tonsils? --yep 9. Would you bungee jump? --maybe? I definitely wouldn't skydive, though. 10. What is your favorite kind of cereal? --Raisin Bran crunch because I'm 60 11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? --unfortunately, I have to wear heels most days for work, so I would kill to wear shoes with laces on a regular basis 12. Do you think you’re a strong person? -no 13. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? --mint chocolate chip 14. What is the first thing you notice about people? --their hair 15. What is the least favorite physical thing you like about yourself?--just my overall general appearance 16. What color pants and shoes are you wearing now? Blue pajama pants and socks that say "motherfucking girl power" 17. What are you listening to right now?--uhm my fan 18. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? --sea green 💚💚 19. Favorite smell?--the woods right after it rains 20. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone? --some guy I had to fact check an article with for our next issue 21. Favorite sport to watch?--baseball, hockey, and soccer 22. Hair color?--it's naturally a really ugly brown, but now it's even more fucked up because I tried to bleach it 23. Eye color?-blue 24. Do you wear contacts?--unfortunately. I love my glasses, but I walk to get to work, school, etc, and the constant change in temperature makes them fog up all the time. It's easier to just wear the contacts 25. Favorite food to eat?--matzah ball soup 26. Scary movies or comedy?--SCARY 27. Last movie you watched?--a documentary on John Trudell 28. What color of shirt are you wearing?--a grey Pittsburgh Penguins hoodie 29. Summer or winter?--winter 30. Hugs or kisses?--depends on my mood. Kisses, probably, but I'm also always down to cuddle, so.... 31. What book are you currently reading?--I'm about to start the Rogue One novelization 32. Who do you miss right now?--my grandma 33. What is on your mouse pad? --the logo for the Chicago Cubs 34. What is the last TV program you watched?--umm. Someone on CNN 35. What is the best sound?--David Bowie singing. 36. Rolling Stones or The Beatles?--The Beatles! George Harrison is life 💚 37. What is the furthest you have ever traveled?--Florida 38. Do you have a special talent?--umm...I guess I'm a decent writer, at least journalistically. Which reminds me, I have fics I need to work on for y'all. I'm tagging @paulbenjamins @benfuckingmendelsohn and @senorbunny