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@arthursluvr
Intro post
AO3: @arthursluvr
Back up tumblr @emilysprxntiss
I rarely post fanfic but I will write (I get really self conscious about my work and will probably repost a lot of work as I will not be happy with something, delete it and then repost it): Aaron/Emily (Crimi), Arthur/Charles (RDR2), Amy/Jake (B99), Buck/Eddie (9-1-1), and Farah/Alex (COD)
Will be open for chats and rants any time :)
(ao3 link at the bottom)
Rating: General
Steve/Peggy (Steve yearns for Bucky though)
Additional Tags:Angst with a Bittersweet Ending, Fluff(Kinda), Coming Out
Summary:
After a long, difficult time after Bucky fell off the train, Steve struggled with his feelings of grief. He craved the love of his best friend in more ways than one.
Thank you to Meg247 (on AO3) for beta'ing this fic, you're amazing
Lying in bed, Steve tries to convince himself he has everything he ever wanted. At least, that’s what people keep insisting. Since Bucky fell off the train, he’s felt a profound emptiness, as if a vital part of him is missing. He lingers like a shadow, unworthy of the happiness others easily find.
Whenever he shuts his eyes, memories of Bucky torment him, a constant ache gnawing at his chest, an unceasing reminder. The grief feels far worse than anything he could have imagined, a weight pressing him down and leaving him desperately gasping for air.
Every day is a struggle between the mask of routine and the ache of quiet despair pressing on his heart. He yearns for when he felt complete. He yearns for Bucky.
He was glad for Peggy’s support. She was always saying, “It’s what any good girlfriend does.” It was true, in a way, but he couldn’t feel too grateful. He was leading Peggy on. Every moment of love he gave her felt like a double-edged sword, teetering between honesty and betrayal.
In another universe, he’d be grateful for a wife, a house, and hope for the future. He doesn’t blame the serum. He wants Bucky, though it now seems impossible. He is afraid to admit he has romantic feelings for a man, especially since he is with Peggy.
Steve’s fear of his homosexuality being discovered has diminished, but pretending was never a lasting solution. His deep, consuming love for Bucky threatens to spill over, tempting him to unravel everything he’s struggled to achieve.
Steve knows the key to happiness would also be his undoing: accepting himself. Disappointing Peggy stops him from confessing, and this regret looms as his sharpest torment.
Hearing Peggy’s footsteps approaching the bedroom, he sits up, squinting at the sunlight streaming through the open curtains. He can’t remember the last time he went outside, but he sees no reason to if he can’t meet Bucky.
Peggy walks in, her tone light but coaxing. “I know it’s not the most exciting thing, but we should finish what’s left before it spoils.”
“No problem,” Steve mutters, raking his fingers through his hair. Peggy always seems to pick his favourite dishes. Maybe she thinks it will help cheer him up.
Peggy settles beside him, smoothing down his hair. “What do you say we get some fresh air later? I’d love to see you outside for a change.”
Steve pokes at his plate, his appetite gone, but he takes a bite anyway. “Yeah, okay,” he offers, meeting her eyes for a moment. He wishes feelings could simply be willed into existence.
Peggy shuffles off the bed, running her hand through his hair one last time. The sudden emptiness makes Steve want to pull her back into bed.
Peggy’s voice drifts over as she sorts through her wardrobe. “Have you thought about how you’d like to remember Bucky?”
The question twists in his gut, filling him with guilt. He hadn’t even tried to plan a memorial. It makes him wonder if he’d really loved Bucky as much as he always thought.
He shakes his head, glancing apologetically at Peggy. “Honestly, it hasn’t crossed my mind until now.”
She catches his eye, offering a small, understanding smile. “It’s okay. You’re still grieving.”
Steve hums, lost in thought. He still avoids calling Bucky’s parents about his death. A week has slipped by, and deep down, he knows he should reach out. Still, he cannot bring himself to destroy their world. He feels ashamed to tell a lie. Bucky would have never lied to his parents.
Peggy stretches out beside him, watching his troubled face. “I know I can’t make this go away for you,” she breathes.
Steve presses a kiss to her hair. “Never expected you to,” he says.
Each kiss makes him question the nature of his own affection for her. Peggy sighs, looping her arm around him.
“Hard to believe Captain America would want me, huh?”
Steve lets out a small laugh, free of bitterness.
“And who’d have guessed Peggy Carter would give me the time of day?”
He grins as he nudges closer to her, soaking in the rare warmth breaking through his grief.
A sickly feeling soon replaces the moment of love. Steve wonders if his affection for Peggy is genuine or just an act. He even questions his own sexuality.
Peggy soon pulls herself away, though reluctantly, before sitting up. She cannot help but notice his deep-in-thought expression. Someone might misinterpret it as anger if they did not know him well enough.
“Come on, you,” Peggy laughs, tugging on Steve’s hand until he sits up.
Steve groans, half mocking and half genuine in his refusal, but Peggy yanks harder.
“Seriously, out of bed!” she insists, lightness masking her determination.
Seeing Peggy struggling makes Steve giggle under his breath. “I’m coming, I’m coming.”
He sighs as he sits up. There are not many moments when he feels this happy, not since he lost Bucky months before.
***
The breeze snaps around them as they walk, Peggy looping her arm through his.
“Hey,” she says quietly, fingers grazing his arm. “What’s going on in that big head of yours? Do you want to talk, or just get some air?”
Steve hesitates, weighing his thoughts. “Maybe later,” he mumbles, making brief eye contact as his hands nervously fiddle with hers. Every instinct presses him to keep hiding. The truth is not ready to tumble out just yet.
Peggy lingers, letting him be. She recognises it as subtle communication, though she is unsure what he wants to say. She has never seen Steve so undone and wonders what rattled him enough to leave him this unsettled.
Steve avoids looking at Peggy. Seeing her mirrors his turmoil and how it bleeds onto others. Her gaze burns, and he knows she sees through him.
“I’m fine,” he mutters before she can speak.
Peggy nods, not pushing further, but concern is etched on her face. “Please talk to me?” she says as Steve pulls away, his guilt written in the way he avoids her eyes. He hates hurting her. Peggy is not Bucky, and no one ever will be.
Steve catches a few stares, the world tightening around him as he draws a sharp breath. “I’m sorry,” he mutters as sincerely as he can manage for the onlookers. He wishes he could genuinely be sorry, but nothing feels natural anymore.
Peggy sighs and steps back, concern creasing her brow. Tension clings to the air like fog. Her eyes search for reassurance she never finds, as if Steve believes she is not worthy of it.
They hardly speak. Their steps align, but it is not like when they left home. A silent barrier rises between them, awkward and familiar.
When they finally reach the bench under the old oak, Peggy hesitates.
“Do you remember the last time we sat here?”
The question floats between them, a gentle invitation more than a demand.
“Yeah,” Steve replies quietly. The memory is blurry for him, but he senses it matters.
“It was perfect,” Peggy breathes, leaning closer for comfort. She lets her eyes drift closed, allowing memories to fill the silence. “We used to laugh so much. Everything just felt easy.”
Steve touches her shoulder. His hand is tense and reluctant. He had not wanted this closeness, not when his mind races with Bucky. He pulls away, and silence falls as they both grasp for words.
The weight of unspoken thoughts lingers in the air, wrapping around them like thick fog.
“Steve,” Peggy finally whispers.
He clenches his fists, feeling the turmoil inside him. Images of Bucky flash in his mind, the warm laughter of a friend now a distant memory, overshadowed by darkness. “I’m so sorry,” he mutters, the regret heavy on his tongue.
“Sorry for what?” she asks, her voice steady though her gaze is hurt. “For being here? For being with me?”
He hesitates, wrestling with the truth. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for this. Any of this.”
The confession hangs between them, fragile and vulnerable. She takes a breath, grounding herself. “I want to understand, but I can’t help you if you shut me out.”
Steve looks away, guilt washing over him tenfold. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Then let me in,” she pleads softly, reaching for his hand again, this time more confidently. He glances back at her, torn between the aching need for connection and the fear of what it might bring. In that moment, he realises the silence might be the most difficult part of all.
“I think I’m gay.”
Steve cannot bear to look at her as his Adam’s apple bobs nervously.
Peggy’s face falls, though it explains a lot. The empty touches. The words that seemed to mean nothing.
“That’s… fine.”
She pauses, collecting herself, though her eyes burn with tears.
Steve reaches out, but Peggy flinches. “I can’t. Not now.”
Peggy feels ill as she stands. “I need to be alone right now.”
Steve understands. He has shaken her entire world and cannot help but feel stupid. He certainly knows how to ruin lives as much as he saves them. He cannot trust himself to do anything right at that moment.
“I’ll go,” he says, his throat scratching with unshed emotions and regret. “I won’t collect my stuff until you’re ready.”
Peggy nods. “I’ll write,” she says solemnly. “Bye, Steve.”
Steve wants to protest her goodbye. He wants to make Peggy understand what he has put her through. However, he thinks it is best to let her go. Steve has disappointed her and made her grieve over a life they could have had.
Steve slowly plods out of the park, dragging his feet. Regret settles in every fibre of his body as he stares at the moon.
“You really ruin my life, Buck,” he mutters at the sky, hands clenched.
Emotions get the better of him. Tears hurtle down his cheeks in rapid succession. He cannot stop them, no matter how much he tries to.
He pauses, gathering his thoughts. “I need you,” he says, speaking whatever rests on the tip of his tongue. “I wish I could have you right now.”
The moon shines brighter, or maybe his tears cloud his vision. Part of him wants to believe Bucky made it brighter, that he is listening.
“I love you, Bucky.”
A short, sharp breeze slaps him across the face. For once, Steve actually smiles, as if the wind gave him the confirmation he needed.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/81560896
Guys would anyone in the TLOU fandom be open to fanfic ideas? Genuinely I have ideas, but have no intention for writing for the fandom in the near future.
If you want to know the ideas, please let me know
https://archiveofourown.org/works/75137281/chapters/198018071
Rating: General
Word Count: 668
Tags: Fluff, Team-Bonding
@fluff-cember Day 13, Prompt: Board Games
It had been one of those painfully slow weeks at the office: the kind where the hours seemed to drag themselves across the floor, leaving everyone restless and half-desperate for something, anything, to break up the monotony. With their last case finally wrapped up and no new leads coming in, the team found themselves adrift, caught between exhaustion and boredom.
Derek, never one to sit still for long, decided he wasn’t going to let another empty afternoon pass without at least trying to boost everyone’s spirits. So, on his way in that morning, he ducked into a small convenience store, spotted a familiar box on the shelf, and made a snap decision that he hoped would save the day.
When he walked into the bullpen and placed the bright red Monopoly box onto his desk, Penelope’s eyebrows shot up immediately.
“Monopoly?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and amusement.
“Thought it would distract us from such a boring workday. We’ve done all of our work and nothing else to do.”
Emily clapped her hands, noticing Monopoly. “Haven’t played Monopoly in years. Though I’ve been known to be insufferable playing it.”
However, Aaron wasn’t happy about it. He voiced his concerns, believing that games could be a distraction from their work in case they were called to a case. Despite his objections, Emily stepped in to defend Derek’s intentions.
"It’s just a little break, Aaron. We’ve been so stressed lately; a game might actually help us recharge and come back more focused," she argued.
Derek smiled at Emily's support and set the box down. “Yeah, come on, Aaron. Just one game,” he urged, a playful grin on his face. "We won’t be gone for long, and it’ll be good for all of us."
Aaron crossed his arms, still sceptical but feeling the weight of the room's mounting enthusiasm. “I just don’t want us to lose our focus. You know how unpredictable things can get.”
Penelope chimed in, “But isn’t that the point? To take a breather?”
The group began to rally around Derek’s desk, their spirits lifting at the thought of a game. Emily grabbed the game board and began setting it up. "Let’s make sure we keep it light," she suggested, "No hard feelings if you lose, right?"
“I make no promises,” Aaron replied with a half-smirk, finally softening. “Fine, one game. But if the phone rings, we drop everything.”
“Deal,” Derek replied, as he shuffled the paper money.
Halfway through the game, the office phone rang. They all paused, heart rates quickening at the potential disruption. Derek reached for the phone but stopped, glancing at his teammates with a grin. “What if we just let it ring? I mean, Monopoly is pretty serious business.”
Penelope raised an eyebrow. “And the boss would just love that. But maybe after this round?”
Spencer grabbed the phone, causing the rest of them to groan, though Aaron gave him a thankful smile, taking the phone from him.
Aaron, who had looked momentarily relieved when the phone rang, now shifted back into business mode. “All right, let's wrap this up and head out,” he said, already gathering his belongings.
Derek sighed, glancing at the Monopoly board sprawled out in front of them. “Well, I guess our game will have to wait,” he said somewhat wistfully.
Emily began gathering the pieces, scooping up houses and hotels with a small frown. “I was just getting warmed up,” she said, though there was warmth beneath the disappointment.
Penelope bumped Derek’s shoulder. “Hey, we can always finish it later. Consider this just a very dramatic intermission.”
As they filed out of the office, leaving Penelope in the bullpen to tidy up, there was a shared, unspoken comfort in knowing that no matter how heavy the job could get, they had their little moments of escape waiting for them: Monopoly money, playful banter, and the simple relief of being together.
And when the chaos settled again, the game would be there, ready for round two.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/75137281/chapters/197858686
Rating: General
Word Count: 808
Tags: Fluff, Family Fluff, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 12, Prompt: Chalk
Aaron returned home from a late-morning shopping trip, nudging the door open with his shoulder as he carried a couple of grocery bags inside. The familiar scent of toasted bread and fruit drifted through the air, and he found Emily in the kitchen assembling a snack for Ben, who had been buzzing with energy all morning.
“I thought Ben would love this,” Aaron said, reaching into one of the bags and pulling out a brightly coloured pack of chalk. “It was on discount, and I immediately thought of him.”
Emily smiled, knowing Ben loved to draw and would think it would be fun to display his art on the pavement. “I think you would make his whole year with that.”
As if summoned by the sound of his name, Ben burst into the kitchen, skidding slightly on the tiles. His gaze latched onto the chalk, and a wide grin spread across his face, crinkling his eyes. “For me?” he asked, almost whispering the words, unsure but hopeful.
“Yeah, for you, buddy,” Aaron replied warmly.
Ben let out an excited clap. “Can I use them today?” His whole body tilted forward, ready to sprint outside the moment he got approval.
“You know it,” Aaron winked.
By the afternoon, they were all on the front porch. Aaron spread a big blanket across the wooden boards while Emily set out a couple of cushions. The sun glowed high and golden, and a soft breeze danced through the trees, carrying the faint scent of summer flowers. It was the kind of afternoon that begged to be remembered. Emily handed Ben a piece of chalk in his favourite colour, bright blue, and watched as he eagerly ran onto the pavement and bent down to start his creation.
At first, it was simple squiggles and random shapes. Emily joined in, using pink and green chalk to draw flowers and butterflies around him. The yard quickly transformed into a vibrant canvas filled with imagination and laughter.
As Ben continued to scribble with enthusiasm, his concentration was palpable. Emily couldn’t help but chuckle at the serious look on his face as he meticulously added details to his imaginative world. He drew a big sun with spiky rays beaming outward, then shifted his focus to a giant rainbow, carefully layering the colours in bright arcs.
“Look, Mommy! It’s a happy rainbow!” he shouted, excitement filling his voice.
“That’s beautiful, sweetheart!” Emily replied, her heart swelling with pride.
Leaning back against the porch railing, Aaron watched the two of them with a smile.
After drawing for a while, Emily decided to take a break. She poured herself a glass of lemonade, the ice clinking softly, and settled on the blanket. From there, she watched Ben dive deeper into his masterpiece, chalk dust coating his fingers and smudging his knees. The bright colours popped brilliantly against the grey pavement, and the garden surrounding them framed the moment with lush, vivid greens. It felt peaceful. Whole.
“Do you need any help, buddy?” she called out.
“Nope! I’m almost done!” Ben answered, not looking up from his masterpiece. He was now adding little stick figures, which he proudly announced were his family enjoying a picnic under the big sun.
“Wow, I can’t wait to see it finished!” Emily encouraged, sipping her lemonade and soaking in the joy of the moment.
Aaron joined her on the blanket, and they both enjoyed watching their son’s creativity unfold. The gentle sound of his laughter as he narrated a story about the picnic filled the air, warming their hearts. Soon, he might ask for more colours or perhaps try his hand at drawing a dinosaur or a spaceship, but for now, they were content simply watching him create.
Time slipped by gently. As the sun began its slow descent, the light softened into a golden wash that stretched across their front yard. The pavement now glowed with colour, a tapestry of afternoon memories drawn in chalk.
But eventually, even the best days have to wind down.
“Let’s get you to bed, buddy,” Emily called out gently.
Ben turned around dramatically, lower lip jutting out as if he’d suffered a terrible injustice. Aaron laughed softly. “Hey, it’ll still be there tomorrow,” he reminded him. “Your artwork’s not going anywhere.”
Ben trudged over reluctantly, then dropped the chalk back into the pack with a tiny sigh. Emily lifted him into her arms, and his head found her shoulder immediately. His eyelids drooped, heavy from the long day of excitement.
“All that drawing wore you out, huh?” she whispered.
Ben gave a slow, sleepy nod. “More drawing tomorrow?” he mumbled.
“Yes, buddy,” Emily said, gently brushing his hair back. “More drawings tomorrow. As many as you want.”
And with that promise, he let his eyes finally close, trusting completely that tomorrow would bring another day filled with colour.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/75137281/chapters/197731511
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating : General
Word Count: 467
Tags: Fluff, Family Fluff
@fluff-cember Day 11 Prompt: Glitter
Darcy loved her arts and crafts more than anything, and she had a massive box full of equipment. However, Emily used to curse the day she introduced it, the clean-up being almost torturous. She had resorted to putting a cover on the kitchen table, hoping that it wouldn’t ruin the new table.
“Mama, look at the glitter!” Darcy squealed, holding up a shaker filled with pink glitter.
Emily turned to face her daughter, half-amused and half-dreadful about the impending mess. “That’s beautiful, sweetheart,” she replied, trying to hide her wince at the thought of the sparkles that would inevitably end up in every nook and cranny of their home.
“Can I use it for my picture?” Darcy asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Just a little, okay? We can’t have the whole house looking like a disco ball,” Emily joked, unable to suppress a smile.
Darcy nodded vigorously, her curls bouncing, and immediately poured a generous amount onto her drawing of a unicorn. The pink shimmer spread across the paper, transforming her creation into something magical.
“Look, Mama! She’s magical now!” Darcy exclaimed, her voice rising with joy.
“So magical,” Emily replied, mirroring the excitement in her daughter’s voice. However, Darcy knew that the glitter wouldn’t stop at just one piece of paper.
Darcy made a few more drawings, each one glimmering more brightly than the last as she liberally sprinkled glitter over her artwork. The room filled with her delighted giggles until, without warning, she accidentally knocked the shaker from the table. It clattered to the ground, and with a satisfying pop, the lid flew off, sending a dazzling cloud of pink glitter swirling into the air.
Emily froze, watching as tiny sparkles rained down over the kitchen, settling in her hair, the countertops, the floor, and likely the next three years of laundry. Darcy gasped, completely delighted, before plunging both hands into the glitter on the floor, sweeping it around like she was conducting a glittery orchestra.
“Oops! Mama, look!” she cried out, her eyes wide with excitement, leaving gleaming trails beneath her palms.
“What have you done?” Emily asked, half-amused and half-dismayed, unable to fight off a smile as she scanned the room. The kitchen truly had transformed into a giant sparkly unicorn, just as Darcy described it.
“Now the whole house is a giant unicorn, Mama. It’s beautiful.” Darcy beamed, spinning around with her arms wide open, taking in her glittery masterpiece.
Emily sighed, then gave in with a laugh as she rolled up her sleeves. “Well, I suppose a magical unicorn kitchen is better than a boring old table.”
As she prepared to tackle the glitter storm, Darcy continued dancing through the sparkle-covered floor, blissfully unaware that Emily would be vacuuming pink shimmer out of the grout until the end of time.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 622
Tags: Pre Relationship, Fluff
@fluff-cember Day 10, Prompt: Mistletoe
The annual BAU Christmas Party; Strauss made it a thing for “team building”, but knowing how the team was after Emily’s return, they needed something to cheer them up, make them feel like a team again. Something light, warm, and a little magical.
This year, Penelope had a plan.
A very specific plan:
Get Aaron and Emily together.
She was the only one trusted with both of their secret confessions, and she was determined to give them the push they clearly needed.
“Mistletoe… Emily… Aaron… kiss,” she whispered to herself, scribbling the words in her diary and circling them three times. It had to be perfect.
Her office clicked open, and Aaron walked in. Penelope closed her diary instantly before spinning around her chair to face him. “What can I do for you, my favourite team leader?”
“I’ve been your only team leader.” Aaron says, a smirk on her face.
“Still makes you the best, sir,” Penelope replied, clicking her tongue.
“Have you heard where this Christmas Party is?” Aaron asked.
“I have offered to do it around mine,” Penelope said cheerily. Aaron raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Your place? That sounds... cosy. Are you sure you can handle all of us?”
Penelope leaned back in her chair, her confidence shining through. “Oh, please. It’ll be fun to have everyone under one roof. And,” she added with a playful glint in her eye, “it’s the perfect opportunity for some holiday shenanigans.”
Aron looked at her hastily, his eyebrows raised. “Holiday shenanigans, huh? What do you mean by that?”
“Wait and see,” Penelope replied quickly, shutting down the conversation before it began. Once she started talking, everything would slip.
Aaron nodded, though he knew Penelope had something planned. He couldn’t quite figure out what, but that look on her face definitely showed trouble.
**
The night of the Christmas party arrived in a soft glow of fairy lights, warm laughter, and Penelope’s signature over-the-top decorations. She kept a careful eye on Emily, who was chatting comfortably but hadn’t yet managed to speak to Aaron.
“Em, you should go speak to him,” Penelope suggested, her voice casual but her intentions clear. She leaned back in her chair, trying to gauge Emily’s reaction. Emily looked uncertain, glancing over at Aaron, who was chatting with a group of colleagues.
“I don't know, Penelope,” Emily replied, a hint of hesitation in her voice. “What if it’s awkward?”
Penelope couldn’t help but wink, her mischievous smile growing wider. “Trust me, it won’t be. Just go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? Besides, it’s Christmas! A little holiday cheer never hurt anyone.”
With a gentle push from Penelope, Emily took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and made her way towards Aaron. As Penelope watched them, she felt a rush of excitement, knowing that she had orchestrated a moment that could change everything.
As JJ pulled out a chair, Penelope seized the moment. With a sly grin, she discreetly positioned a sprig of mistletoe right above Aaron and Emily's heads. A soft creaking sound caught Aaron's attention, and he glanced up, quickly realising the implications.
Emily followed his gaze, and a smirk spread across her face. “You don’t mind me kissing you?” Aaron asked, his tone playful but laced with genuine curiosity.
Emily's heart raced as she replied, “Not at all.”
With that simple affirmation, their hesitation melted away. They leaned in together, their lips meeting softly, igniting a spark that had been waiting to happen.
Penelope couldn’t help but squeal in delight, her plan unfolding perfectly. This was exactly the holiday cheer Penelope had hoped for, and as she watched Aaron and Emily pull away from the kiss, she knew she had just created the perfect holiday memory.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 807
Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship, Gift-Giving
@fluff-cember Day 9: Prompt: Frigid
Emily thought minus temperatures were utterly ridiculous. She’d experienced them once as a child overseas and had never forgotten the misery of wearing half her wardrobe just to stop shivering. Even the memory of bundling up made her spine tingle with phantom cold.
As the weather report blared from the TV- loud, because Aaron always had the volume up, she rolled her eyes.
“Just what I need,” she muttered, filling her glass with water. A chill seeped in from the window despite the heater working overtime. The mere thought of stepping outside in that frost made her stomach twist.
“Are you ready for our hike tomorrow?” Aaron called out cheerfully, blissfully unaware of her dread. He was always enthusiastic about the outdoors, even in conditions she considered borderline deadly.
“Do we have to?” she replied, trying to mask the exasperation in her voice. She pictured herself waddling through snow, bundled up like a marshmallow, while Aaron frolicked ahead like a snow-loving golden retriever.
“Come on, it’ll be fun! The view will be absolutely gorgeous.”
Emily took a sip of her water, weighing her options. She didn’t want to disappoint him, but the thought of grappling with icy winds and frozen toes made her hesitate. “Fine, but only if we can stop for hot chocolate afterwards,” she finally replied, a smile creeping onto her face despite the cold creeping into her thoughts.
Aaron grinned, triumphant. “Deal. My treat.”
He turned his attention back to the screen as images of snowy peaks filled the room. Emily stared at them, caught between dread and reluctant excitement. Maybe winter wasn’t completely terrible… at least, not when she had him beside her.
Taking another sip of water, another shiver sifted through her body as if the cold was already tormenting her.
As she braced herself for the impending hike, Emily couldn’t shake the memory of that one winter trip: the biting cold as snowflakes danced in the air, and her frozen fingers fumbling with the zipper of her jacket.
“Just think about the accomplishment. And the cafe after. Emily,” she whispered to herself, trying to drown out the voice of hesitation in her mind. The warmth of the cosy café they always visited afterwards flashed into her thoughts.
“Did you say something?” Aaron’s voice broke into her daydream, and she realised she had been staring at the weather report, lost in her musings.
“Uh, just reminding myself why I agreed to this,” she said with a laugh, wanting to keep the mood light. “That cafe is my true motivator.”
“See? Isn’t it worth it then?” He winked, obviously pleased that she was warming up to the idea, albeit reluctantly.
Emily rolled her eyes again, but this time it was playful. “Alright, Mr Outdoor Enthusiast, I’ll trust that you’ll keep me cosy somehow.”
“Of course! Layers are your friend, remember?” He smirked, always ready with tips that often amused her more than anything. “And I’ll pack some extra snacks, too. Can’t go hiking on an empty stomach!”
The thought of munching on chocolate bars during their expedition made her grin, and she couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for his unwavering enthusiasm. Even as she battled her fear of the cold, the prospect of spending time with him made it feel a little more bearable.
As night fell and the glow of the living room lights bloomed, Emily snuggled deeper into the blanket draped over her, both regretting and enjoying the idea of their hike tomorrow.
**
“I can barely walk anymore,” Emily complained on their walk, swearing her layers were chafing her thighs. She was happy she wasn't shivering, but the discomfort was immense.
“We’ve been walking for ten minutes,” Aaron said, waving his hands like he couldn’t quite understand her pain. “You’ll be okay.”
“You’ve not got enough layers on to understand the pain of chafing.” Emily retorted, trying to catch up to Aaron. “Can you stop for one second?”
Aaron shook her head, almost enjoying seeing her like this. “Maybe you could watch faster.”
“You—“ Emily gritted her teeth; she wasn’t about to get unnecessarily aggravated, knowing he was teasing her.
Aaron then slowed, taking her hand into his. “Right, come on, slowpoke. We’ll be in that cafe in no time.”
After an hour of slow walking, with Emily cursing Aaron under her breath for making her do this, they soon reached the cafe.
“Two coffees, black,” Aaron began. “Please.” He added before pulling change out of his pocket.
Emily sat down in a corner seat, waiting, wanting so desperately to be home bed.
Aaron brought the coffees over. Emily wrapped her hands around her cup and took a big sip, the heat scalding her throat in the best way possible.
“Warmth. Finally,” she muttered.
Aaron laughed softly. “Worth it?”
Emily exhaled a long, relieved sigh. “So worth it.”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 821
Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 8: Prompt; Evergreen
10 years. Emily still marvelled at it. A decade of love, something she once believed she’d never reach with anyone. But loving Aaron had been effortless, like nothing had mattered. She had felt like life had blessed her with him after so long for ‘praying’ for a miracle in her lonely life.
Emily had a meet-up with JJ at their favourite café. As she settled into their usual corner table, she couldn't help but feel excited. It had been a while since they'd caught up, and with their upcoming anniversary approaching, there was plenty to discuss.
“Okay, so tell me everything,” JJ said with a glint in her eye, leaning in closer. “What do you have planned for you and Aaron?”
Emily sighed into her coffee before taking a sip. “It’s difficult to plan anything. It’s like we’ve done everything.”
“I know that feeling,” JJ replied, a smile gracing her face. “Will and I struggle with gifts. One year, I got him a tree.”
Emily scoffed. “May steal that idea.” JJ’s grin widened. “An evergreen tree would be perfect. Symbolic and cute. Like ‘your love will last forever’ kinda thing.”
The idea stuck. When Emily got home, she spent the afternoon browsing online, her mind buzzing with possibilities. She wanted something meaningful: something Aaron would instantly understand.
As she scrolled through various websites, an image suddenly caught her eye: a beautiful miniature evergreen, perfect for their small apartment. The description promised that it would thrive indoors and even come with a decorative pot. Most importantly, it symbolised their love.
After placing the order, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had envisioned the moment when she would surprise Aaron with this gift. His eyes would light up, and he would understand just how much she loved him. The thought warmed her heart.
The next morning brought sunshine and nerves. Their anniversary had arrived. Coffee in hand, Emily cleaned the apartment, strung cosy lights around the living room, and prepared Aaron’s favourite meal: lemon herb chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. She wanted everything perfect when he stepped through the door.
As she settled into her evening routine, Emily received a message from Aaron, letting her know he would be home a little late. ‘No worries,’ she replied, suppressing her impatience. The anticipation was almost unbearable. With each tick of the clock, she checked the oven, made sure everything was perfect, and rehearsed her surprise in her mind.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door clicked open. Aaron stepped inside, wearing his usual casual attire. His eyes instantly lit up as he took in the glow of their home, filled with warmth and the delicious aroma wafting in from the kitchen.
“Wow, Em, what’s all this?” he asked, grinning as he stepped forward to embrace her.
“Happy anniversary, love!” Emily beamed, pulling back to take a good look at him.
“You spoil me,” Aaron said, his eyes dancing with happiness.
After finishing dinner, Emily felt the moment was right to unveil her gift. “Okay, I have something for you,” she said, her heartbeat quickening. Aaron considered her with curiosity as she disappeared into the other room, her excitement barely contained.
Returning with the tiny evergreen tree in her hands, she approached him slowly. “I know we’ve done a lot together, but I wanted to give you something that represents us, something lasting.” She carefully placed the tree on the table in front of him.
Aaron's eyes widened as he took in the evergreen, its deep green needles standing tall and vibrant. “Emily… I love it. I love you,” he exclaimed, his appreciation evident in his tone.
“I thought it would be a lovely symbol for our anniversary. Just like this tree, our love is always growing and never dies,” she explained, her voice filled with sincerity.
He looked up at her, his expression softening. “It’s perfect. Thank you so much.” He reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, and smiled. “I had no idea what to expect today, but this is incredible.”
As the hour grew late, they found themselves nestled on the couch, with their favourite film playing softly in the background. The evergreen tree sat proudly on their table, illuminated with some fairy lights they found.
“Aren’t we lucky?” Aaron murmured, leaning back against the couch and encompassing Emily in his arms.
“Very lucky,” she agreed, feeling safe and cherished.
With a sigh, she closed her eyes for a moment, savouring the feeling of belonging and love.
“Hey, maybe we should decorate it for the holidays?” Aaron suggested, breaking her reverie. “It could become a little tradition for us.”
“I can’t wait,” Emily said, her smile bright.
In that moment, Emily couldn’t help but think that she had reached her miracle; this love, this life. It was everything she had dreamed of, and she couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them.
shoutout to AO3 authors who write 100k fics for free while juggling mental illness, academic burnout, 3 jobs, and a deep-rooted need to fix fictional people.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/75137281/chapters/197119881
Rating : General
Word Count: 1264
Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 7: Prompt: Polar Bear
“Mama!” Darcy cried, holding her dishevelled, now broken polar bear teddy.
Emily paused mid–sip of her first morning coffee, instantly recognising the tone: something serious had happened. She hurried into Darcy’s room as fast as anyone could at six in the morning.
“What’s the matter, my sweet girl?”
Darcy held up her teddy, showing the back right leg hanging loosely, a threadbare remnant of what once was a sturdy limb. Emily knelt beside her daughter’s bed, examining the well-loved toy.
“Oh no, sweetheart,” she murmured, her heart tugging. “Let’s see if we can fix Polie together, okay?”
Darcy’s eyes shimmered with hope. She nodded hard, still sniffling.
“Can you make him all better, Mama?” she pleaded, hugging the toy tight.
“We can certainly try,” Emily promised with a warm smile. She examined the damage, tilting Polie thoughtfully. “We just need a needle, some thread… and a little bit of magic,” she added with a wink.
Excitedly, Darcy hopped out of bed, her tiny feet padding against the floor as she dashed to the craft box in the corner. “I know where the stuff is!” she called, her earlier sadness forgotten.
Emily chuckled to herself, feeling a wave of relief that her daughter was brightening. As Darcy rummaged through the box, pulling out colourful threads and a needle, Emily prepared a cosy spot on the floor.
“Let’s sit here and make Polie good as new,” she said, sliding down next to her daughter. The two settled into a comfortable position on the carpet, and Darcy placed Polie carefully in Emily’s lap.
With every stitch Emily made, she recounted Polie’s adventures, weaving a narrative of bravery and friendship. Darcy listened intently, her eyes wide with imagination, and soon enough, laughter filled the room again.
Hours passed, and before long, Polie stood proudly with a newly stitched leg.
“Look, Mama! Polie’s all better!” Darcy exclaimed, beaming with joy and hugging her beloved stuffed toy tightly.
“Yes, he is! And you were such a great helper, Darcy,” Emily replied.
Darcy stared at her polar bear toy, giving it a small kiss on its nose. Emily smiled at the scene, loving how happy her daughter was now that her teddy was fixed.
“I want to see a polar bear, Mama,” Darcy announced suddenly, voice bright.
Emily hesitated. “I don’t know if we can visit real polar bears, sweetie.” Darcy’s face fell immediately.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Emily added gently. “But we might have to settle for collecting our own polar bears instead.”
Darcy sighed but nodded. “Can we look on Daddy’s laptop?”
“Of course.”
Emily ducked into the office while Darcy snuggled Polie protectively. When she returned, Darcy sat up straight, expectant.
“There is a polar bear in a California zoo,” Emily said, surprised herself. Darcy lit up like Christmas morning.
“Can we go see it?” she begged.
“We can,” Emily said, knowing the joy it would bring.
**
Darcy talked about the trip nonstop. Emily invested in a chalkboard, putting a countdown until the weekend, hoping the visual would help Darcy understand (and stop asking every 10 seconds!)
As the days ticked by, Darcy’s excitement only grew. One afternoon, she burst out of school squealing, “Mama!”
Emily laughed, taking her hand. “Did you tell your friends?”
“I did! And they’re all super jealous,” Darcy said proudly. “I told them I’d bring pictures!”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Emily said, helping her into the car. “We’ll make sure to take lots.”
On the drive home, Darcy’s imagination exploded. “Mama, can we get a special polar bear book? And can we learn how to say hello in polar bear language?”
Emily smiled. “A book, definitely. And while polar bears don’t really have their own language, we can learn fun facts to share when we visit.”
After they arrived home, they settled into their nook with a stack of polar bear books Emily had ordered online. As they flipped through the pages, Darcy pointed out pictures and facts with wide-eyed wonder. “Look at how big their paws are! And did you know they can swim for miles without getting tired?”
Emily nodded, pleased to see her little girl so engaged. “They are amazing creatures, aren’t they? One day, you might even want to help protect them.”
Darcy's eyes sparkled with a new idea. “Can we be their superheroes, Mama? I want to help take care of polar bears!”
Emily chuckled, wrapping her arm around her daughter. “Absolutely, darling. Every little bit helps. Even sharing what you learn with your friends can make a difference.”
As the days passed, the anticipation for their California adventure grew. Each evening, Darcy would check the chalkboard countdown, her excitement bubbling over. They packed for their trip, discussing which snacks to bring and which games to play during the drive.
Finally, the weekend arrived. Darcy woke up early, bursting with energy. “It’s Friday. Mama! We’re going to see polar bears tomorrow!” she squealed, her eyes shining with joy.
Emily smiled, her heart full as she watched her daughter bounce around the room. They hurried through dinner, packed the last-minute items, and loaded the car. As they set off, Darcy kept asking questions about what they would see.
“Mama, do you think the polar bears will like me?” she wondered, staring out the window at the rapidly changing scenery.
“Of course. They’ll feel your love from afar. Just make sure to respect them by admiring them from a distance,” Emily advised gently.
As they crossed state lines, the landscapes shifted from city to mountains, then to expansive fields flat under the blue sky. Darcy pressed her nose against the glass, soaking in the sights with such enthusiasm that even the mundane seemed magical.
“Look, Mama! Cows!” she exclaimed, pointing excitedly. “They’re just like stuffed animals!”
Emily laughed, appreciating her daughter's vivid imagination. “Yeah, they are! But remember, they’re not as cuddly. Just like the polar bears, we’ll admire them from a distance.”
After hours of driving filled with sing-alongs and stories about polar bears, they finally arrived at their hotel.
“Let’s get some sleep. We’ve been on the move for ages,” Emily said. However, looking at Darcy, excitedly jolting, she could tell there’d be no sleep involved.
The next morning, Darcy was sluggish, much like Emily and Aaron, as they all hadn’t gotten much sleep due to Darcy’s excitement.
“Let’s get ready, Mama,” Darcy exclaimed, trying to pull Emily out of bed. “I’m coming, baby, I’m coming.”
Darcy spent the rest of the time bossing her parents around while they got changed and drove to the zoo.
As they stepped through the zoo gates, Darcy’s excitement grew, almost dragging her parents inside.
“Look, Mama, there’s the sign!” she squealed, tugging on Emily’s hand. They rushed toward the exhibit, and there it was: a massive polar bear glided through the water, white fur rippling like silk.
“Wow,” Darcy whispered in awe, her eyes wide. “He’s so pretty.”
Emily knelt beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “He is incredible, isn’t he?”
Eily took a picture so Darcy could show everyone in school the polar bear she saw. They spent the afternoon learning about the bears, watching their playful antics, and even attending a feeding demonstration.
As they left the zoo, Darcy clutched her stuffed polar bear tightly. “Thank you, Mama. This was the bestest day ever.”
Emily smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it, sweetheart. Remember, the adventures we share bring us closer together.”
As they drove home, Darcy recounted her favourite moments from the day, her laughter echoing in the car.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating : General
Word Count: 653
Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 6: Prompt: Movie Night
Snuggling close to Aaron, Emily shivered, pulling a blanket over the two of them. “Do you think we could just skip work today?”
Aaron shook his head, a playful smile dancing on his lips. “We both know we can't afford to ditch; everyone else would have our heads for ditching when they're stuck at work,” he replied, rubbing her arms gently to warm her up.
Emily sighed, shaking slightly but refusing to turn up the heating. “I know, but surely just one day wouldn’t hurt. Look at this weather, it’s perfect for a movie marathon.”
Aaron chuckled as Emily’s dark hair tickled his arm. He shifted closer, their bodies intertwined beneath the blanket's soft fabric. “As tempting as that sounds, I think Strauss would have something to say about that. Plus, the coffee at work is way better than anything we could brew here.”
“True,” Emily admitted with a dramatic pout. “You always have to be the responsible one, don’t you?”
“Someone has to be,” he teased, nuzzling her neck softly. The warmth of his breath sent shivers down her spine, making her forget about the cold.
“Fine, but can we at least make a deal? If we finish everything early, we can treat ourselves to a movie night,” she proposed, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “You know I’ve been desperate for one.”
Aaron paused, considering her suggestion. “Alright, deal.”
After a massive case that drained them both, Emily and Aaron finally returned home, mentally and physically exhausted.
Emily sank onto the sofa. She let out a deep sigh, her body relaxing for the first time in days. “Finally, some peace,” she murmured, allowing herself to melt into the cushions.
Aaron, still in the kitchen, pulled out the snacks he’d prepared. “I hope you’re ready for a movie marathon,” he called over his shoulder, his voice light, despite the weariness in his demeanour. “I bought your favourite popcorn – sweet and salty.”
“Best boyfriend ever,” Emily said with a grin, her energy beginning to resurface at the thought of settling in for a cosy evening. Her eyes sparkled as he walked back into the living room, a bowl of popcorn in one hand.
“Just don’t eat all the popcorn before the end,” he joked, plopping down beside her and draping the blanket over their legs once more. “I need to keep some for my sweet tooth.”
Emily laughed, playfully swatting at him with a cushion. “No promises,” she replied, her laughter chasing away the stress of the previous few days.
The opening credits flickered across the TV, casting soft light around the dim room. Emily tucked her head against his shoulder, a content smile gracing her lips. The familiar warmth of their routine washed over her, reminding her of why these moments mattered so much.
Halfway through the film, Aaron’s fingers slipped between hers, warm and steady. Emily glanced up at him, catching his eye, and they shared a soft, unspoken moment of connection.
“You know,” he began, his tone slightly serious, “even if today didn’t go the way we hoped at work, I’m happy we got to do this.”
“Me too,” she replied softly, her heart swelling at his words. “It’s nice to forget everything for a while and just be… us.”
As the film played on, Emily let her mind drift, finding solace in the familiarity of the narrative woven by their laughter, the shared snacks, and the warmth of their bodies beneath the blanket. With every passing scene, the bond between them felt more fortified: an essential reassurance that, despite the chaos outside, they could always return to this comfort together.
By the time the credits rolled, Emily’s eyes had drifted shut. Aaron shifted, stretching out on the sofa and pulling her onto his chest, holding her close as sleep finally claimed him too. The room fell quiet, wrapped in the soft glow of a night they both desperately needed.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 1164
Tags: Family Fluff, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 5: Chocolate Chip Cookies
During her pregnancy with Ben, Emily developed a fierce craving for chocolate chip cookies. No matter how many batches she baked, the craving never seemed satisfied. But once she returned to work, she found herself with little time to bake at all. She’d expected life to get busier, but losing her favourite way to unwind only added to her stress.
On Ben’s fourth birthday, she had planned to bake cookies again, but she found out she was pregnant once more, and the thought of cookies made her feel nauseous. Though she felt guilty about it, she didn’t want to worsen her condition by forcing herself to bake.
“I’m sorry, buddy,” she said, kneeling to look him in the eye. “Maybe we can make a special treat together another time?”
Ben's eyes widened with a mix of understanding and disappointment, and though he didn’t fully grasp why they wouldn’t be making cookies today, he nodded. Emily hugged him tightly, reassuring him with a smile. Deep down, she was determined to make their next baking session even more special, cookies or not.
Ben looked up at Emily, a glint of sadness in his eye, though he wanted to be brave. He knew things had to change, and he couldn't get what he wanted all of the time. “Another time, mama?”
“Another time,” Emily confirmed, booping the tip of his nose with a kiss. “I promise.”
**
After his baby sister Darcy was born, Ben became obsessed with baking. Every morning seemed to start with the same question: “Cookies today?” And every day, Emily had to gently explain that she didn’t have the time. It broke her heart a little each time.
But one week later, with Aaron’s birthday approaching, Emily finally pulled the baking equipment from the cupboards. She pulled out the chocolate chips just in time for Ben to come running in.
“Mama!” Ben shouted, ready to pester Emily again, wanting to bake. But as he watched Emily place chocolate chips on the kitchen counter, his face lit up.
“Want some!” Ben exclaimed, pointing to the chocolate chips.
“Well, if you can help me make the cookies for daddy, you can have some." Emily couldn’t help but smirk, seeing Ben nod vigorously.
Ben tried to clamber onto a stool by the kitchen island, looking back at Emily. “Help Mama,” he puffed, reaching tiny hands up for support.
“What do we have to do before we begin?” Emily asks, looking down at Ben. “Wash our hands.” He squealed before stumbling over to the stepladder so he could wash his hands.
While Ben quickly washed his hands, Emily grabbed the scales and placed them on the island.
“Mama, I wash my hands!” Ben said excitedly, showing her his hands. “Good job, buddy,” Emily said as Ben wiped his hands on his shirt.
“Now we bake!” Ben said as he tried to clamber onto the stool. Emily helped him up before washing her hands. Ben cheekily giggled, reaching for the chocolate chips.
Emily knew that giggle, guessing Ben was doing something he shouldn’t. “Uh-Uh, Mister, what are you doing?”
Ben immediately pulled his hand back, feeling Emily’s burning gaze on him. “Sorry, Mama.”
“It’s okay, baby. We just have to be patient.” Emily said, drying her hands on a towel before rolling up her sleeves.
“Alright, let’s get started,” Emily said with a smile, moving to gather all the ingredients they would need. “First up, we need to measure out the flour. Can you scoop it for me?” She reached for the flour canister and handed Ben a measuring cup.
Ben’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he took the cup. He carefully dipped it into the flour, his tongue poking out in concentration. “Like this, Mama?” he asked, trying to make sure he got it right.
“Exactly like that!” Emily encouraged, feeling a sense of joy as she watched him. “Now, we just need to level it off.”
Ben took the back of a butter knife and smoothed the top of the cup, proudly showing Emily his work. “All done! Can we put it in now?”
“Not yet,” Emily laughed. “Sugar and baking soda next.”
As they moved through the steps together, the kitchen started to fill with warmth and laughter. Ben bounced on his stool, asking countless questions that Emily found endearing. “Why do we need sugar, Mama?”
“To make them sweet, just like you,” she replied, giving him a gentle nudge.
With each new ingredient they added, a swirl of vanilla extract, a soft crack of eggs, Ben became more excited, wanting to do more and more. They took turns stirring the mixture, Ben giggling each time the spoon hit the bowl.
”Here comes the best part,” Emily said as she opened the bag of chocolate chips. “Ready to dump these in?”
“Yes!” Ben shouted, his hands waving enthusiastically.
Emily poured the chocolate chips into the bowl, watching as Ben squealed with delight at the sight. He grabbed a handful before his mother could stop him. “Can I have some first, Mama?”
With a playful sigh, Emily replied, “One and only one for you, Mister.” She laughed at his wide smile and one adorably puffed out cheek.
Once all the ingredients were combined, they shaped the dough into balls, Ben’s tiny hands pressing the dough into perfect little rounds. “Look, Mama! I’m making a ball!” he beamed, proud of his little creations.
They placed the cookies on a baking tray, and Ben bounced on his stool with anticipation, waiting for them to bake. “How long till they’re done?” he asked, peering into the oven through the glass door.
“Just a few minutes, sweetie. How about we clean up a little while we wait?” Emily suggested, knowing the finished cookies would be worth the wait. With a brave face, Ben nodded. “Okay! Cleaning is fun too!”
“We need to clean!” Ben insisted, flustered.
“Baby sis can’t wait, honey. Cleaning can,” Emily said gently. “She needs loving too: just like you do.”
Ben followed her upstairs, tiny feet pattering behind.
As Emily calms Darcy, Aaron came home early, inhaling the scent of cookies. Ben barrels down the stairs, smiling happily.
“Daddy! Me and Mama made cookies for you! They’re in the oven!”
“Thank you, buddy.” Aaron smiled, kicking off his shoes before Ben pulled into the kitchen.
Ben tugged him toward the kitchen.“Can we check them?”
Aaron nodded, peeking through the oven’s glass. “A couple more minutes,” Aaron states, and Ben scrunched his nose in annoyance. “Patience, bud.” Aaron reached for the egg timer and set it for two minutes. “Once this buzzes, it's two minutes closer to eating cookies.”
Emily finally came downstairs after putting Darcy to sleep and noticed both Aaron and Ben eating a cookie each. “Eating without me?” Emily asks with a raised brow.
Aaron turned with a cookie halfway to his mouth. “Just… testing. Birthday quality control.”
“They’re yummy!” Ben announced proudly.
Emily laughed, warmth blooming in her chest. “I bet they are.”
https://archiveofourown.org/works/75137281/chapters/196651326
Rating: General
Word Count 949
Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 4: Summer Rain
Summer with a newborn was more complicated for Emily than she could have ever imagined. She was constantly worried about her baby boy and often questioned whether her frayed emotions were clouding her judgment. Aaron, however, gently insisted that getting out of the house would do both her and Henry some good.
Reluctantly, Emily agreed, realising they both needed some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Aaron took them to the park, hoping the open space and sunshine would ease Emily’s mind. The sun filtered through the leaves overhead, their soft rustling creating a calming backdrop. But as they settled on a blanket beneath a broad, shady tree, a familiar wave of anxiety washed over her.
Henry cooed softly in his stroller, his tiny fingers flexed as if he wanted to touch the world around him. Emily couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, her worries momentarily forgotten. Aaron unpacked a small picnic, laying out some snacks while keeping a watchful eye on their son.
“See? This isn't so bad,” he said, glancing at Emily as he took a sip of his drink. “Just a little time outside can do wonders.”
Emily nodded, taking a deep breath of the warm, fresh air. For the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of ease. Leaning back on the blanket, she watched Henry doze off in the stroller, her heart swelling with love. Perhaps Aaron was right; a little outing could help them all feel more like themselves again. She could see how the fresh air was calming Henry, too, calming him when she was unable to while staying awake for sixteen hours.
“The fresh air seems to be doing him good,” Aaron said as Emily took a swig of her drink.
“Yeah… maybe I was wrong not to take him out sooner,” she admitted. With the sun’s heat intensifying, she tugged the stroller hood forward to shade Henry’s face.
Emily was surprised Henry lasted this long in this heat, expecting him to start crying like he did at home. In the past, the slightest discomfort would send him into a wail, but today, he seemed content, his soft coos occasionally breaking the peaceful atmosphere.
“What do you think he’s dreaming about?” she asked, her voice low, watching his blissful expression.
“You,” Aaron replied with a smirk. Emily chuckled, "You're just saying that.” She took a bite of her sandwich, still acutely aware of the warmth enveloping them. Now and then, she felt a bead of sweat trickle down her back, reminding her of the challenges of summer outings with a newborn.
While she attempted to savour the moment, thoughts of home crept back in. But when she looked at Henry's peaceful face, she felt a flicker of hope. This picnic may be a step toward reclaiming a bit of normalcy.
The heat seemed to get too much for Emily, wiping sweat from her brow. “This weather will be the death of me.”
Aaron rubbed his thumb over the sweat drops on her cheek. “I've never seen you struggle this much.”
“Never,” Emily repeated, shifting on the blanket. The smell of rain soon felt strong.
Soon, the gentle drizzle began to fall, dampening the blades of grass and the blanket. Emily smiled, believing that the universe wanted them to get out that day.
“See? Even the weather is on our side,” she joked, attempting to lighten the mood as she quickly pulled a light blanket over Henry to keep him dry.
Aaron laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “If it starts pouring, I’ll take full responsibility,” he teased, but his grin showed a hint of truth.
“I'm blaming you already,” Emily scoffed, inhaling sharply as the rain began to pick up slightly. She could feel the droplets dance on her skin, bringing a refreshing chill that was contrasted with the heat.
Aaron glanced at Henry, adjusting the small blanket to shield him from the light drizzle. “But look at him. He’s loving this.” Emily couldn’t help but smile at the thought, envisioning their little boy laughing and playing in the rain.
As the rain lightly tapped against the leaves above, Emily leaned back to really soak in the moment. The world around them felt alive, colours deepening with the moisture, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that this small adventure was just what they needed.
“You know, this is kind of nice,” she admitted, looking sideways at Aaron.
Both watched Henry stir, a small smile creeping onto his lips as if he could hear their laughter. Emily felt her heart swell with warmth, treasuring these moments amid the chaos of new parenting. She thought about how far they had come just by stepping outside their door, leaving behind the overwhelming anxiety that often consumed her.
“I think I really needed this,” she said softly, looking back at Aaron, who was busy rummaging through the picnic basket. He paused, meeting her gaze and nodding with understanding.
“Me too,” he said, his voice gentle; a comforting embrace in itself. The rain might have been unexpected, but it felt symbolic somehow, a welcome reminder that a little bit of chaos was now part of their new life.
As the rain continued to sprinkle around them, Emily reached for Aaron’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Let’s promise each other to do things together, no matter how small. Even if it rains.”
“Deal,” he said, giving her an affectionate smile.
With the soft patter of rain around them, the world felt brighter. And as Emily looked at Henry, still peaceful in his stroller, she felt ready for whatever came next. Together, she thought, they could weather anything.
Rain or shine.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 1359
Tags: Fluff, Domestic Fluff, mentions of pregnancy,
@fluff-cember Day 3: Prompt: Barbeque
Aaron and Emily had been preparing to move out for months; their two-bedroom flat would soon become far too cramped. The second pregnancy had been a surprise; unexpected, but definitely not unwanted.
Their 3-year-old, Darcy, however, had been deeply unwilling to share anything with her incoming younger sibling. Emily couldn’t help laughing every time Darcy’s little nose scrunched up like a grumpy rabbit whenever the baby was mentioned.
But once Darcy learned she’d get an entire playroom to herself in the new house, a new sibling suddenly didn’t seem so villainous.
“You know, you shouldn’t have promised that.” Aaron chided Emily as he moved a small sofa into their playroom, Darcy pointing to exactly where he wanted it. Emily shook her head. “You try to tell that face no. And I want Darcy not to hate their younger sibling.”
Aaron bent down, putting the sofa back in place with the help of a moving person before picking up Darcy and kissing her cheek. “Well, she’s channelling her older sibling. And, for you, miss being bossy, you’ll put your younger sibling in their place.”
“Anyway, when are you planning that barbecue you wanted?” Aaron asked.
“Maybe next week? If that’s enough time to get settled,” Emily asked, looking at Aaron with a smile that Aaron knew he couldn't argue with.
Aaron smiled down at Darcy as she snuggled against him. “It’ll be fine, then we can really get settled in after.”
Darcy whined, looking up at Aaron. “Don’t really like mama and daddy’s friends.”
“Well, you like playing with Henry,” Emily retorted. Darcy’s scowl softened; the mention of Henry immediately cheered her up.
“Yes, I want to play with Henry,” Darcy said happily. “I suppose Mummy and Daddy can have friends over then.”
“Knew that would work,” Emily muttered.
Darcy looked over at Aaron, a grin on her face. “I really want to see Henry, daddy,” she whispered. He’s my bestest friend.”
As unpacking continued, Emily escaped to the kitchen, where boxes labelled “KITCHEN ESSENTIALS” were stacked almost to the ceiling. She pulled out a few cups and the kettle, determined to make their first proper cups of tea in the new home.
Aaron and Darcy joined her, and within moments the kitchen became a happy chaos of chatter and tearing cardboard.
“Can I help?” Darcy asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, practically vibrating out of her shoes.
Emily smiled, knowing how much her daughter loved feeling included. “Of course. You can help me find the tea bags. They should be somewhere in that bag.” Eily pointed to the bag of things they bought to last them a couple of days while unpacking.
Darcy dove into the nearest bag, flicking through the boxes of food until she found the one Emily always got for tea. “These?” she asked, holding up a colourful box of herbal tea.
“Well done, little helper!” Emily praised as she took the box and began filling the kettle with water. In moments, the kettle started to whistle, filling the room with a comforting sound.
Aaron watched them with a fond grin, appreciating these small moments. “I’ll set up the dining area,” he said, heading towards the adjoining room where the table and chairs lay untouched.
While he worked, Emily turned to Darcy, who had begun twirling happily in the lingering whistle. “Tell you what, how about we decorate your new playroom after tea? We could hang your drawings up.”
Darcy’s eyes lit up, and she quickly nodded. “Yes! I want the rainbow one first!”
“Should’ve guessed,” Emily replied, pouring steaming water into mugs with a hint of excitement in her voice.
After the tea steeped, they sat together at the small table, warm cups in hand, chatting animatedly about the week ahead. Soon the conversation drifted to the barbecue, and Aaron began sketching ideas on a piece of scrap paper.
“What if we have a little treasure hunt for the kids? It’ll keep them entertained,” he suggested, animatedly drawing out a map.
“I want a treasure hunt,” Darcy cheered. “Can I hide some treasures?”
“Absolutely! You can be the treasure master,” Aaron said. He loved how involved she wanted to be in their plans.
Later that evening, after the initial unpacking frenzy had settled, Emily and Aaron found a moment alone on the couch. They exchanged smiles that spoke of both exhaustion and contentment.
“Did you ever think we’d be here, planning treasure hunts and barbecues?” Emily asked, leaning against Aaron.
“Honestly? I always hoped so,” he confessed, wrapping an arm around her. “It feels right.” Outside, the sky blushed with orange and pink as dusk approached.
Over the following week, Emily worked her way through shopping lists, picking up food and drinks for the barbecue and snacks both kids would actually eat. Especially picky little Darcy. Doing the errands alone made things easier, and she could sneak baby items into the trolley without Darcy’s dramatic protests.
Emily held the phone between her ear and shoulder as she browsed the aisle, her fingers grazing the soft fabric of a newborn onesie. “Yeah, no problem,” she replied, her attention momentarily shifting to the adorable outfit. “I’ll grab the ribs on my way home.”
As she admired the onesie, she couldn’t help but picture how adorable her baby would look in it. “What kind of ribs do you want?” she asked, putting the onesie in her cart. “Barbecue or something else?”
“Barbecue. You know I can’t resist them,” Aaron chuckled on the other end, and Emily laughed softly in return. “Alright, I’ll be quick. Love you!” she said before ending the call and heading toward the meat section.
Once at home, Emily shuffled through the halls as she brought one of many bags through the front door, seeing Darcy colouring Aaron’s nails with a felt-tip pen in the kitchen. “Need any help?” Aaron called out.
Emily peeked through the living room door. “It would be nice to have help. I struggled lifting the heavy items while putting them into the car.” Aaron stood immediately, looking at Darcy. “I’ll be back in a minute, baby, I just have to help mama.”
Dary nodded reluctantly. “Be quick, daddy. Your nails aren’t finished.”
Aaron nodded. “Yes ma’am, McBossy! I’ll do my best.” He saluted before heading outside.
**
Saturday arrived far too quickly, and unprepared was a severe understatement for Aaron and Emily. Emily woke up rough, but refused to let all the food they bought go to waste and still invited everyone around.
“Baby’s making mommy feel yuckyl,” Darcy pouted, as she snuggled close to Emily on the sofa, a position they’d been stuck in all morning. “I don’t like you, baby,” she whispered.
Emily scoffed. “Me neither at the moment.”
Aaron passed through, a pair of tongs in his hands. “The slow-cooking stuff is nearly ready. Anyone’s pulled up yet?” Emily shook her head before hearing a car pull up. “Guess someone’s here.”
The knock on the door scared Darcy a little, furrowing her brow. “Scared me.” She muttered.
Aaron opened the front door, greeted by Will, JJ, and Henry. Letting them in, Henry immediately looked up at Aaron. “Where’s Darcy?”
“In there.” Aaron pointed to the living room as JJ helped Henry with his shoes. Once JJ finished, Henry ran off the stairs and into the living room.
“Hi, Henry.” Emily greeted. “Darcy, you want to play?” Henry asks, looking at Darcy.
“Maybe. Mommy isn’t well,” Darcy said. Emily tapped her shoulder, looking down with a soft expression. “It’s okay, sweet girl, I’ll be okay. Go show Henry the garden.”
Darcy reluctantly went, taking Henry out to the garden, quickly getting swooped up in a game. “Henry was excited for today. Never stopped talking about spending time with her.”
Eily smiled as she shifted in her seat. “Darcy was convinced to let us do this if she saw Henry.”
“I suppose Darcy was against your idea of a housewarming party?” JJ asks, sitting next to Emily.
“Yeah, you could say that,” Emily said.
Aaron kissed her head. “Today is gonna be a long day,“ he mumbled, causing Emily to smile.
Emily leaned back, sighing softly, “But a good one.”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 1064
Tags: Fluff, Gift Giving, Established Relationship
@fluff-cember Day 2 Prompt: Caramel
Aaron had treasured his dates with Emily, making sure she felt his love. He thought that by spending time alone and having meals at their favourite restaurants, Aaron could appreciate his time by spoiling Emily.
Christmas had always been an awkward time; neither of them spoke to their families often, or really at all. Aaron either cooked too much or they had to get takeout. Emily had suggested a meal; Aaron agreed, seeing it as a date.
Taking the initiative, he started looking up a restaurant he’d been to before, confident Emily would enjoy it too.
Looking at his laptop, Emily rolled her eyes while sighing loudly. “You’ve got to let me book something for once,” Emily whined playfully, resting her head on his chest. Aaron wrapped an arm around his shoulders before resting both hands back on the keyboard.
“Well, you know I always pick the best restaurants,” Aaron jested. When he noticed her slight frown, he pressed a kiss to her hair. “You can book the next one. Promise.”
Emily sighed, knowing she wouldn’t win this time. He always had far superior choices in restaurants, and the only ones she had been to were far out of their price range. She was far too tired to argue with him, falling asleep almost immediately after. Aaron pulled her into his side, comforted by having her close.
Over the next five days, though, his calm evaporated. Panic rose the moment he realised he had no idea what to get her for Christmas. It only worsened when he walked into her apartment and spotted her carefully wrapping a gift at the kitchen table.
His heart sank as he watched her smooth out the wrapping paper, securing it with delicate stickers, and curling the ribbon into perfect spirals. But as he observed her keen concentration, doubt crept in, souring his mood.
Aaron crossed his arms, feeling a lump in his throat. Instead of excitement, he found himself spiralling into insecurity.
Emily didn’t notice him in the doorway as she tucked the finished gift into a drawer. Aaron slipped away to the living room before she saw his expression, biting back the urge to huff.
“You ready?” Emily called out as she entered the hallway, rolling down her blazer sleeves. Aaron grunted, watching Emily put on her small-sized heel boots.
She studied his tightened eyebrows: he only looked like that when something was bothering him. “Rough case?” she asked gently.
Another grunt. No clarification.
The car ride was stiff and quiet. Emily kept trying to get him to open up, unsure what she’d done to upset him. But Aaron only withdrew further, locked behind his own worry.
Putting her go bag under her desk, JJ perched herself on the edge of her desk. “Can you babysit Henry on the 28th. Will is taking me out on a late Christmas treat, and I can't find a babysitter.”
“Of course,” Emily said, a small smile gracing her lips. Aaron watched the two of them chat, knowing Emily loved looking after Henry, before making his way to Dave’s office and knocking on the door before stepping inside. “I have no idea what to get Emily,” he confessed with a sigh, and Dave shot him a knowing look. “I’ve felt like I’ve gotten her everything, and I cannot do repeats.”
“Have you thought about it at all, or are you just panicking?” Dave asked, amusement in his voice.
Aaron groaned inwardly, frustrated that his feelings were so transparent. Most people wouldn't catch on so easily, but Dave had a knack for seeing right through him. However, he trusted Dave more than anyone else with his feelings for Emily, hoping he could offer the guidance he desperately needed.
“Was thinking of a necklace,” Aaron began, sitting in the chair on the opposite side of the desk. “But I feel that’s cliché, like any other jewellery.” Dave leant forward, elbows perched on the desk.
“Just think of something. It may never get used, and that's fine. The thought counts.” Dave said. “I know you want to impress. But I can tell you I think Emily doesn't need much impressing when it comes to you.”
Aaron tried not to smirk, knowing that it was somewhat true; Aaron could exist, and Emily would love him.
**
Aaron awoke on Christmas morning, the soft glow of early sunlight filtering through the curtains. As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, stress surged within him; he had finally located the perfect gift Emily had talked about, as if she knew he might not have gotten her a gift.
If he couldn’t find it, he promised himself he’d at least bring her the pancakes she loved.
Carefully sneaking out, not wanting to wake Emily, he prayed silently that he could get either option, or hopefully both. As he stepped outside into the crisp morning air, he finally felt happiness, one where he’d finally surprise Emily with gifts like she did with him.
The first stop was the little shop downtown, the candle shop Emily loved so much. Seeing the candle Emily desperately wanted, Aaron immediately bought it, not looking at the cost. “Thank you,” he muttered to the cashier, taking his change.
Clutching the cream paper bag tightly, he headed to the diner that made the “dreamy” pancakes Emily adored. He could already picture her sleepy smile, her delighted squeal.
As he opened the door, he could hear the TV playing. Putting the Candle bag down on the mat, he made his way into the living room. “Merry Christmas,” Aaron said, placing the pancakes into her lap before kissing her head.
“Dreamy’s Pancakes,” Emily beamed, her voice a squeal. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Aaron said as Emily shivered the small gift into his hands, “It’s not very good.” She muttered.
Unwrapping it, he saw a locket. He smiled as he opened it, a picture of the two inside. “It’s more than enough,” Aaron smiled softly.
Emily saw the gift bag by the door. “A candle?” Emily questioned, recognising the emblem immediately.
“Yeah, the caramel one you wanted.”
Emily couldn't help but smile. “I can't believe you remembered,” she whispered, clutching the gift to her chest.
“You don't think I would remember things like that,” Aaron said, sitting next to her before kissing her cheek. Merry Christmas, baby.”
Emily leant into Aaron’s side, snuggling close. “Merry Christmas,” she smiled tenderly.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: General
Word Count: 935
Tags: Family Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Tooth-Rottingly Sweet, Aaron and Emily are the best parents EVER, Established Relationship
Thank you to Meg247 on AO3 for betaing
Work beneath the cut
@fluff-cember
Sunlight poured through the house, casting golden rays on the walls. For Aaron and Emily, summer became magical after Darcy was born. Their days brimmed with joy as they adjusted to the lively chaos of raising their baby girl.
During her first year, Darcy was obsessed with water. Aaron joked she was channeling her inner summer baby, and Emily agreed; the little girl’s pure delight during bath time was unmistakable.
After a particularly messy painting session meant to encourage Darcy’s fine motor skills, a bath was desperately needed. As soon as Darcy’s toes touched the water, she lit up, splashing gleefully.
“She would love swimming,” Aaron said, wiping droplets from his face as Emily fetched a towel.
“I think she would,” Emily replied, draping the towel on the tub. She sighed, stepping in a wet patch, glancing at giggling Darcy. Emily vaguely recalled taking Darcy swimming as a baby, but the stress of the time made her forget.
“I swear I get wet socks every day,” she grumbled, tossing her damp sock in the basket and sitting next to Aaron.
Aaron looked over at her and giggled. “Should we put waterproof mats everywhere so this munchkin can get as wet as she wants?”
Emily rolled her eyes but smiled. “Trying to make us spend more?” She teased, tossing her sock in the basket. “Though it is a good idea. We could get her a swimsuit too and take her swimming later this week.” Darcy squealed to join the conversation.
Aaron smiled, but Darcy splashed him with water. “Daddy's all wet!” He couldn't be mad; her cheeky smile melted him.
Emily saw how much Aaron loved being a dad; she could not find the words to express how deeply grateful she was for his love for them both.
After bath time, Aaron held Darcy snug in her pyjamas. Her damp hair sparkled in the light as she nestled into his chest, her small fingers curling around his shirt.
"Read me a story, Daddy," she whispered, her eyes wide and sparkling with anticipation.
Aaron smiled, gently brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "Of course, sweet girl. What story do you want tonight?"
Darcy thought for a moment, then shouted, "The one with the brave little rabbit!"
Aaron nestled into the rocking chair with Darcy sitting comfortably on his lap. Despite their efforts to move it, they couldn't part with the chair because of Darcy's fondness for it. He opened the book, pages rustling softly, and began to read in a low, soothing voice. Darcy’s eyes fluttered, fighting sleep as she listened, captivated by the story.
From the doorway, Emily watched, her heart full.
**
Emily knew the upcoming shopping trip could go either beautifully or disastrously, purely based on Darcy’s mood. But as she watched her daughter bounce excitedly around the room, her enthusiasm proved infectious.
“Baby, how about we choose the best swimsuit!” Emily said, trying to get Darcy on the same page, not wanting the whole mall to distract her, though she wondered if she was unrealistic.
“I’m going to pick the bestest ever!” Darcy replied, her eyes sparkling with delight. She dashed off to grab her tiny rainbow backpack.
“And how about we grab some ice cream while we're out?” Emily called out as she heard Darcy rummaging through her toys.
“Yesss!” Darcy squealed from the other room. With sunlight streaming in and fresh laundry in the air, Emily felt a wave of gratitude. These were the days she treasured most.
In the playroom, Darcy rummaged through her toys.
“Pick one friend to take with you,” Emily said. “Just one. Not the whole basket.”
Darcy paused, concentrating hard, before proudly lifting her worn, beloved teddy bear.
“This one!”
Emily smiled. “Perfect.”
As they arrived, Darcy excitedly sang the intro to her favourite cartoon. Emily smiled as she pulled into a parking space. “You really love that cartoon,” Emily remarked, glancing back at Darcy.
Once they entered the mall, Darcy's eyes widened, and she clutched her mom’s right hand tightly. “It’s so big,” Darcy murmured in awe.
“Yeah, it is really big,” Emily replied, noticing Darcy’s fascination with the mall. Darcy attempted to pull Emily toward a toy shop, but Emily gently held her back. “Not right now, little miss. We need to get you a swimsuit first.”
“But I want a toy,” Darcy whined, displaying a typical childlike stubbornness. Emily smirked, trying not to giggle. “Maybe afterwards.”
Darcy let out a small grunt of disappointment, but it was enough for Emily to continue with their shopping. Emily led Darcy into the right shop, desperate to find something, anything, that would suit for one day of swimming.
After a few minutes of searching, Emily spotted a bright pink swimsuit adorned with playful dolphins. "How about this one, Darcy?" she asked, holding it up for her daughter to see.
Darcy’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands excitedly. “Yes! Now I can be a mermaid!”
Emily bought the swimsuit, glad Darcy enjoyed going out and buying something without too much fuss, not caring to look at the price.
As they exited the shop, Darcy stared at Emily. “Mommy, can we have ice cream now?”
Emily nodded. “Of course, my sweet girl.”
Once they had their treats, Emily and Darcy sat at the table outside the shop. As Darcy enjoyed her scoop of strawberry, she looked up at her mom and said, “I love you, Mommy. I’m so excited for swimming,” Emily’s heart swelled with love, enveloping her in warmth as she realised just how much those moments truly meant to her.
