I absolutely love the accidental cuddling while sleeping trope as much as anyone. It’s great! But the thing is that I know that personally, I move further away from people over the course of the night when I sleep in the same bed as them. People I love cuddling. The friend who turned me into a cuddler even; he moves away too. We get too hot, we need to avoid joint pain, whatever. Sometimes we cuddle again once we are both awake. So I always have to suspend some disbelief when I read or watch stuff with sleepy accidental cuddling in bed. But I do wonder if it happens to some people.
You know...we could actually, like, do this for all the weddings. I take you, you take me. Win-win.
You're suggesting doubling down on weddings? Like on purpose?
I'm suggesting teaming up to take on the love marathon together.
[Top Gun: Maverick x Plus One wedding season AU]
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku
Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Kaminari Denki, Uraraka Ochako, Ashido Mina, Kirishima Eijirou
Additional Tags: Bakugou Katsuki Swears A Lot, Pining Bakugou Katsuki, Protective Bakugou Katsuki, Oblivious Midoriya Izuku, Movie Night, Scared Midoriya Izuku, Accidental Cuddling
Summary:
(...)
Deku actually pressed himself against Katsuki's chest in an attempt to scrunch away from the screen and if Katsuki was anything, he was a man of his word, and he protectively wrapped the hand around the smaller boy (to shield him from the evil, fictional monsters only of course).
(... )
In which Izuku is scared of a horror movie and Katsuki is smitten (and self-sacrificingly protecting his nerd with snuggles.)
*silently drops the dumb thing here and skadoodles away*
Dean and Sam are on their way to a hunt in Philadelphia when Cas joins them. They work the case together which is convenient because Dean is not at the top of his game. While figuring out (and repressing) his feelings regarding Cas he just can't concentrate on the case. A case that starts as their usual hunt and ends with them dealing with a completely different kind of evil: human criminals.
Keep reading for a sneak preview!
When Dean woke up he was clinging onto an unmoving body. It took his sleepy brain a few seconds to realize that this body was Cas'. Obviously he scrambled away from him as quickly as humanly possible.
"Hello Dean," Cas said in the same way he always did, which right now was just not appreciated.
"Yes, hello Dean,'' Sam said from somewhere behind Cas. Dean couldn't see him, but he was sure that Sam could see him. Them. And that was even more horrifying than the fact that this whole thing had happened.
He self consciously cleaned away a little pool of drool off Cas' button down. (Not even his coat, no his fucking shirt. He had drooled all over that guys' abs. Someone please kill him, seriously.) Cas didn't seem to mind, but Cas also didn't get anything human really, least of all the concept of embarrassment and maybe privacy. He wouldn't understand that he didn't want to spend one of his more embarrassing moments of the year in his brother's company.
He hoisted himself up on his elbows and looked over Cas' body in order to glare intimidatingly at his brother. Needless to say his brother was not intimidated. In fact, he was the opposite of intimidated, grinning like an absolute asshole. At least one of them was having fun. He had probably taken pictures, that sick fuck. He surely wasn't above collecting blackmail material.
"You have a bit of," Cas made a vague gesture at the area around Dean's mouth. Then he fucking swiped his thumb over the corner of Dean's mouth and then wiped that thumb off on the cheap motel sheets. Dean's mouth fell wide open in shock. Sam was biting his fist, holding back laughter. Cas was content.
Why in god's name was Dean still in that fucking bed? He got out quickly after he had had that thought, blessing his habit of sleeping in yesterday's clothes.
"Personal space Cas, seriously," he said, because he had to say something, however stupid it may be.
Thankfully, Sam pointed out exactly how stupid it was.
"You were the one hugging him, Dean. How about you take your own advice?"
Dean glared at Sam, at the floor, at the back of Cas’ head, but none of these things seemed particularly impressed by him. "Whatever. I'm going to take a shower." He stormed into the bathroom and did not slam the door.
Cas, that bastard could at least have had the decency to pick an ugly vessel.
Summary: The morning after...
Note: Elijah and Gavin are half-siblings for plot reasons, I don't make the rules ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
✧ masterlist ✧ ao3 ✧ wattpad ✧
✧ previous chapter ✧ next chapter ✧
The sun beamed through your blinds, impossibly bright due to the fallen snow. Your eyes fluttered as you woke, slowly being pulled out of the inky black of unconsciousness. Your head was pounding as you slid it against your pillow. Although… you didn’t remember your pillow being this firm.
The quiet hum of a thirium pump filled your ears and your eyes shot open. A comfortable weight was draped across your shoulder. As you slowly regained your senses, you realized it was an arm. Connor’s arms were wrapped securely around you.
Your gaze snaked up to look at Connor, who was bathed in the early morning light. He opened one eye, and his mouth curved into a small smile when he caught you staring. “Good morning, Doctor,” Connor murmured, as his free hand came up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His other hand gently stroked your back.
You pushed yourself off his chest, and his grip loosened to allow you to roll to the other side of the bed. You attempted to hide the blush that invaded your cheeks, “What time is it?”
“It is approximately eight AM and, while you were sleeping, you missed exactly thirty-six calls from Detective Reed,” Connor informed you, and your eyes widened. You forgot to tell him you made it home.
You slapped your nightstand, clawing around for your phone. You slumped back onto your mattress, your back facing Connor and your phone cradled in your hand. You weighed your options regarding Gavin, deciding that sending him a picture as proof of life was sufficient. You pulled your phone away from you, recoiling from the image that appeared. The area around your nose had turned a reddish-purple, surely to darken within the coming days. Your eyes traveled lower; the distinct markings of a hand wrapped around your neck greeting you.
Ignoring how your stomach rolled at your reflection, you threw up a peace sign with your unoccupied hand and snapped a picture, hoping it would be enough to placate Gavin.
You swung your legs over the side of your bed, wincing slightly from the movement. Everything hurts. Almost as if he had been reading your mind Connor spoke as he stood, gently smoothing the covers, “How are you feeling this morning, Doctor?”
“Shitty,” you replied, legs wobbly as you pushed yourself off your mattress. Connor was at your side in an instant, ready to catch you. You waved him away as you made your way to the kitchen, hoping that eating would somehow ease the throbbing inside your skull.
“I could make you breakfast,” he offered, “I would’ve earlier, but I didn’t want to disturb your slumber.”
You raised an eyebrow, “Do you know how to cook?”
He paused, “Well, no, but I’m sure I could figure it out.”
“I think I’ll just go for some toast this morning— putting out a kitchen fire isn’t high on my to-do list today,” you grinned, watching as Connor got to work preparing your breakfast. You moseyed over to the coffee maker, mindlessly going through the steps to acquire your daily dose of caffeine.
A knock from your front door startled you, nearly causing you to drop your mug filled to the brim. Connor strode over to the door, prying it open to reveal another android.
“Delivery for—”
The android was cut off by Connor grabbing the bag out of the android’s hands and shutting the door. Your jaw dropped, “That wasn’t very nice, Connor.”
He pursed his lips before laying the bag across the back of one of the bar stools and returning to the toaster. The toast jumped up, nearly causing you to drop your mug for a second time.
Connor set a plate in front of you, neatly buttered and perfectly cooked toast adorned it. You gave a polite round of applause, “Very good— I’m impressed.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Connor replied, a small smile gracing his features. He grabbed the bag off the back of the bar stool before disappearing into the bathroom.
He emerged from the bathroom wearing his usual Cyberlife uniform and you deflated slightly. You were secretly going to miss seeing Connor in a more casual outfit.
“You seem disappointed, Doctor,” Connor commented as he sauntered over to you, observant as always.
You sighed heavily, resting your chin on your hand, “Your casual look was a nice change of pace.”
He leaned on the island next to you, “Maybe you can convince Kamski to consider a different wardrobe.”
You rolled your eyes, venom dripping from your words, “I doubt he would listen to anything I have to say.”
Connor’s grin slipped, noticing how your mood soured.
You were quick to remedy the situation, anything to bring that smile back, “But maybe he’ll listen to you.” You nudged his shoulder before sliding out of your chair, “I should go get changed.” Connor’s gaze followed you as you stalked off to your bedroom.
You shut the door softly behind you before deciding to check your phone, discovering that Gavin had called you two more times. You rolled your eyes before calling him back, heading over to your closet, and flicking through the hangers.
It rang twice before he picked up. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He hissed, slightly out of breath.
“Excuse me?” You raised an eyebrow and paused.
Gavin let out a dry laugh. “You got nearly strangled to death yesterday and now you have some random dude in your bed, wearing what looks like my shirt, by the way,” he chided, and you knew that he was moving his hands faster than his mouth could move.
You bristled, his accusations causing you to flush, “Are you done now?”
“Yeah,” he panted. There was rustling on the other end. He’s definitely pacing.
“Good,” you replied through gritted teeth, “Connor drove me home last night and I allowed him to stay over last night after he saved my life, unlike some people.” You regretted the words as soon as they left your mouth. You knew that he wanted so desperately to help you, but he couldn’t. Anger quickly suppressed the guilt that had nipped at your heartstrings, and you ground your teeth.
“Sweetheart…”
“I can’t do this right now,” you cut him off. “By the way,” you mimicked his earlier tone, “I’m going to see your brother later today— I’ll tell him you said ‘hi’.” Gavin called your name, but you hung up before he could say anything else. You let out a frustrated sigh before tossing your phone onto your bed. Goddamn asshole.
Your heart was pounding as you got dressed, replaying your conversation with Gavin over and over again. Your holster laid neatly on your dresser caught your eye, and you chewed your lip. You didn’t think you’d need it, but you could never be too sure with Elijah. With a huff, you clicked your holster onto your belt, the familiar weight at your side providing a morsel of comfort.
You slapped some concealer on your nose, hoping that the bruises beginning to form wouldn’t be too visible before adjusting your turtleneck as high as it could go. You did not need Elijah asking about those, you cringed just thinking about the smug comments he would throw at you, especially the ones aimed at your failed relationship with his brother.
You found Connor at the kitchen sink, roughly scrubbing your plate and mug. “You don’t have to do that,” you mentioned, sidling up beside him. He set the mug down and turned to you.
“I apologize if I caused some strain in your relationship with Detective Reed,” he avoided your gaze.
You frowned, “Gavin’s an asshole who needs to mind his own business.”
“I should have left last night,” he whispered, and your frown deepened.
“I needed you here,” you gripped his bicep, begging him to look at you, “who else was going to tend to my wounds and make sure I didn’t drink myself into a stupor.” The corner of his mouth turned up as his eyes met yours.
You grabbed his hand, tugging him towards the door, “C’mon, we’re going to be late.” He grabbed your car keys from the rack before following you out the front door, which locked with a soft click behind you.
You fished around the center console as Connor drove, looking for your sunglasses. The sun reflected off the freshly fallen snow nearly blinding you and making your newly formed headache much worse. Thanks, Gavin.
After what felt like an eternity, you whipped out your sunglasses, victorious. You turned towards Connor, “You think Kamski will be pissed if I show up in sunglasses?”
The smile that you love so much appeared and he glanced at you, “I believe it is usually considered disrespectful for one to wear sunglasses indoors.”
“Good,” you smirked as you slid them on.
You were quiet for a while, mustering up the courage to confront Connor about this morning. You tapped your fingers against your thigh, “I’m sorry about this morning… You could’ve just pushed me away.”
Connor’s gaze flickered over to you before returning to the road, “I don't mind, Doctor. As you said, you needed me there and I was happy to assist.”
You felt the blush creep up your cheeks and you whispered a ‘thank you’ before turning your gaze back out the window. You committed the feeling of waking up in Connor’s arms to memory, secretly hoping that, maybe one day, that’s how you’d wake up every morning.
Connor parked your car next to the curb in front of Hank’s house, careful not to block the driveway. Not that Hank used his driveway anyways— his vehicle was parked mostly in the yard, almost as if he jumped the curb.
Snow crunched under your shoes as you walked up to the front door, Connor following closely behind you. You pressed the doorbell longer than necessary, a grin gracing your features as Hank yanked open the front door with a glare.
“Mornin, sunshine,” you greeted as Hank rolled his eyes.
“Good morning, Lieutenant,” Connor echoed from behind you.
Hank stepped aside, allowing you to enter, “You two look fuckin ridiculous together.” He shut the door behind you, allowing some reprieve from the biting cold outside.
A whistling came from the kitchen window, and you raised your brow at the trash bag covering it, “What happened? You party too hard one night?”
Hank grunted before throwing a thumb in Connor’s direction. Connor gave a sheepish look, avoiding your gaze. Before you could ask him about it, the familiar sound of paws skidding around the corner caught your attention.
“Sumo!” You beamed, leaning down and opening your arms to greet him.
Sumo charged, hurriedly meeting your embrace. You buried your hands in his fur as you returned his ecstatic greeting. He bumped your heads together and you winced.
Connor knelt beside you, taking over your duties of petting Sumo. You squeezed his shoulder as you straightened and followed Hank into the kitchen.
“You alright?” Hank’s eyes linger over your features.
You scoffed, the wooden chair scraping against the linoleum as you pulled it out. You plopped down before answering, “I’m fine, just a concussion.”
“That explains the sunglasses… You really think this plan of yours is gonna work?” He questioned, pulling a travel mug out of a cabinet before turning to the coffee pot.
“Hell no,” you replied as you ran a hand through your hair, “but it’s worth a shot.”
He poured some coffee into his mug before shutting it tightly and turning back to you. Hank lowered his voice, “You sure you wanna do this?”
You bit the inside of your cheek, “No, but I’m gonna do it anyway.” Hank chuckled, and a grin wormed its way onto your features. “How are you and him?” you asked as you jerked your head towards Connor, who had moved to the couch to continue petting Sumo.
“He’s not that bad when he’s not breaking into my house,” Hank grunted, and you huffed out a laugh.
Connor entered the kitchen, coming to a halt beside you, and dusted off the dog hair that had covered his jacket. “I think Mr. Kamski will prove useful if he decides to be, but the chance of that is very little.”
You threw your head back and let out a laugh. Hank muttered a ‘great’ before grabbing his cup and trudging into the living room. You rose from your chair and moved to wipe off the remaining dog hair, your fingers dancing across the smooth fabric of his jacket.
“Thank you, Doctor,” he whispered. You patted his shoulder and gave him a tight-lipped smile.
“Let's go pay fuckface a visit,” you replied, your eyes hardening, and Connor’s mouth quirked up. You prayed that the visit wouldn’t be eventful, but the probability of that happening was about as small as Elijah actually being useful.
Crowley has a fever and feels cold, and he accidentally ends up cuddling with Aziraphale when his snake instincts take over. Later he takes a hot shower and completely overheats because he didn’t realize how hot the water really was.
(Set a while after the events of the series, Aziraphale & Crowley are living together)
Tw mild delirium, fever, broken ribs, temporary loss of sight & hearing
———
Crowley walked into the living room, his saunter a little more sluggish than usual. He had woken up that morning, his body feeling like a brick, and laid in bed for an hour. He didn’t quite understand what was going on, but eventually he decided that he should get out of bed and try to enjoy the day with Aziraphale. The angel always made everything better anyway.
“Good morning, Crowley.” Aziraphale didn’t look up from the dishes he was rinsing. “Would you like anything for breakfast? I’ve already had mine. I went in the bedroom to check on you at 6 but you looked like you were sleeping well so I didn’t want to wake you...”
Crowley wasn’t really listening to his rambling. A chill ran down his spine. The air felt freezing inside the cottage.
“Is it cold in here or is it just me?” he interrupted.
“It feels normal to me. Anyway, I can make you something to eat or drink if you’d like.”
“Whiskey,” Crowley responded. His whole body ached. The only remedy he could think of was alcohol.
“Crowley, it’s only 9 in the morning.”
Crowley rolled his eyes. Of course his angel wouldn’t want him drinking in the morning. He didn’t understand why he needed it anyway. He slumped down on the leather couch.
Aziraphale finally looked over at him.
“Are you feeling alright? I hate to say it but you look a bit tired.”
“Nah, I’m fine.”
He could tell Aziraphale didn’t believe him. Usually Aziraphale was very bad at taking hints. He wouldn’t pick up clues if he wasn’t looking for them, but as soon as he caught on to a telling detail, he couldn’t be fooled. At least not by Crowley.
“I jussst have a little headache. I’m sure it’sss nothing.” He noticed the drawn out S sounds. It was the serpent in him coming out and he hated himself for letting it happen. He never liked the way it sounded. Nevertheless he hoped Aziraphale would believe him. He didn’t want to worry him too much. After all, he’d been through much worse.
Aziraphale sat down next to Crowley. He shivered. He could help but notice how warm and comfortable Aziraphale looked. He was talking about something, but Crowley couldn’t focus. He stared at Aziraphale’s torso, wrapped in all those layers. It must be so warm. He just wanted to slither over and... no. That would be stupid. He’s not a snake. He can regulate his own temperature. Aziraphale rambled on, seemingly not noticing the way Crowley was shivering. The angel just looked so warm...
The next thing he knew, he found himself tightly wrapped around Aziraphale. His arms were wound around his neck, his face was buried in his shoulder, and both of his legs were coiled around one of Aziraphale’s. A shocked silence filled the air. Their chests pressed against one another, allowing them to feel each other’s rapid heartbeats.
“Crowley, what are you doing?” Aziraphale finally asked.
Crowley opened his eyes. He had no idea what he was doing. He couldn’t tell him that he did it because he looked warm. That was stupid. He had waited too long to give an actual answer, so he fell back on a classic line.
“What, you don’t like it?”
“Well, no, I just- you surprised me, that’s all,” Aziraphale said.
Aziraphale was taking this better than he expected. He felt the angel’s arms wrap around his back. He couldn’t help but relax a little. As awkward as the circumstances were, he did feel comfortable.
“You’re unusually warm, Crowley,” Aziraphale noted. “I think you may have a fever.”
“Oh.”
Well that explains it. He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of that before. Although he had an odd desire to stay there in Aziraphale’s arms forever, he climbed off of his lap and stood up. He covered his flushed face by pretending to rub his eyes.
“I’m gonna go... take a shower.” He wanted to give Aziraphale some time to process what just happened. In fact, he might need some himself.
He stumbled into the bathroom. A hot shower would be perfect right now. Well, maybe just a warm shower. He did have a fever after all. He disrobed manually. He didn’t have the energy to do any demonic miracles.
The water felt amazing. He wasn’t shivering anymore. He decided to wash his hair while he was there, not because he needed to, just because he felt he should have something to do other than just stand there. Luckily they kept some shampoo and conditioner on the racks in the shower for such situations. As he shampooed his hair, he started to feel more and more tired. He figured it was just because the warmth was relaxing. He made plans to go back to the bedroom for a nap after he was done.
A few moments later he started to feel lightheaded. He knew he should probably get out soon. He would just rinse his hair and go lie down on the couch. Or maybe the floor. That sounded like a good idea. Actually he might not bother finishing rinsing his hair. His vision was spotted with black dots. He might need some help.
“Angel!” he called out in the loudest voice he could muster.
He would just turn off the water and get out. The room started spinning. The black dots threatened to engulf his vision. Forget the water, he needed to get out now. He pushed back the shower curtain. As soon as he tried to take a step his foot slipped. He couldn’t see anything anymore. He just felt something slam into his chest and break his fall.
Any attempt to breathe sent a stabbing pain through his body. His ears were ringing so loudly he couldn’t hear anything else. He could still feel the water running over his legs, but he couldn’t move them anymore. He reached out and felt the bath mat on the floor, searching for any connection to the physical world other than pain. He refused to let this be the way he discorporated.
Suddenly he felt someone’s hand gently grab his arm. He grabbed their arm back. He recognized the feel of the person’s coat. Aziraphale. He was here. Crowley pulled down on his arm in an attempt to lift himself over whatever was blocking him from getting out of the water. The angel seemed to get the idea and carefully picked Crowley up and set him down on the floor. The tile was cold and slick with condensation. He felt the water disappear from his skin.
He shivered, laying there on his side, waiting for his sight and hearing to come back to him. Waves of cold air rushed past him like gusts of wind. He longed for Aziraphale’s warmth again. He could still sense his presence in the room. He hadn’t left. The ringing slowly faded to the back of his mind. The first thing he heard was the flapping of wings. Huge, magnificent wings. No animal’s wings could make that sound. Now he understood where the wind was coming from. Crowley reached out for the angel.
“I’m here, Crowley. Can you hear me?”
He tried to say yes, but he couldn’t make a sound. His ribs hurt so much he could barely stand to breathe. His arms clung to his chest.
The wings flapping stopped.
“Oh dear. I should have known,” Aziraphale apologized.
Crowley flinched at Aziraphale’s cold touch. He allowed his arms to be moved out of the way. Aziraphale took a deep breath.
“This won’t hurt a bit.”
He knew that was a lie. While holy healing does work on demons’ bodies, it stings, like hydrogen peroxide on a scraped knee, but worse.
His bones started to reassemble themselves with an unsettling cracking noise. It burned at first, but once Aziraphale was done, the pain reduced to the same dull ache that lingered in the rest of his body. He could breathe again. He blinked his eyes open. He could see again, too. He didn’t know how long he’d had them closed. He noticed he was wearing boxers. He didn’t have those before. Presumably Aziraphale had miracled them on to allow him some semblance of dignity.
He gazed up at Aziraphale sitting there, wings out. He looked majestic. Above all he still looked so warm. Crowley was still cold. He had to resist crawling back into his arms.
“Crowley?”
“Huh? Sorry, I wasn’t listening.”
“I asked if you think you can stand up.”
Crowley blinked. His mind was elsewhere. Aziraphale’s wings retracted back into his coat.
Aziraphale said something that sounded like a question and Crowley nodded without thinking about it. By some miracle, he didn’t even have to ask for Aziraphale to hold him, because the next moment he was being picked up and carried out of the room. Aziraphale was colder than he had expected, but his embrace was soothing nonetheless. He listened to the beat of the angel’s heart. He could almost fall asleep in his arms...
Just as quickly as it had started, it was over. Aziraphale set him down on the bed.
“Uh, Crowley, could you to let go of me?”
But he couldn’t let go. Then he would have nothing warm. He would probably have to find a patch of sunlight to lay in.
“I’m ssstill cold...”
“You’re not cold at all, Crowley.”
He carefully started to remove Crowley’s arms from around his neck. A sharp hiss escaped Crowley’s lips. Aziraphale flinched. It was a sound that could be made by a snake and only a snake.
Crowley met Aziraphale’s shocked gaze.
“I didn’t mean to do that,” he said, finally letting go of him.
“It’s alright. It’s probably just because of the fever or something.”
“Oh. Yeah.” He had completely forgotten about that. He remembered why he had gone to take a shower in the first place and his face went redder than it already was.
“Speaking of which, you knew you had a fever earlier. What were you thinking making the water so hot? It was like a sauna in there!”
“I was cold, so I thought I’d just have a warm shower.”
“You know, if you wanted to, you could have just... stayed with me. I mean, I could tell you didn’t mean to do it, but... I didn’t mind being there with you like that.”
Crowley raised an eyebrow. He knew exactly what his angel wanted from him. “Well then, Angel, may I tempt you to come here and do it again?”
Aziraphale’s lips curled into a smile. He could never resist Crowley’s temptations. Little did he know, Crowley hadn’t tempted him once.
Imagine Aang and Azula discussing Roku in the context of an Avatar and a Fire Naton citizen and the different interpretations of his decision regarding Sozin's Comet.
Maybe there happen to be texts in the Royal Library. Maybe there are even some on Air Nomads.
Prodigies like learning. What if they spend a really long time in there pouring over scrolls and having long discussions?
What if they end up falling asleep, and, what if, accidental cuddling?
And someone (Zuko) finds them in this compromising position
Summary: Wearied after finally making it off the train, Jesse and Lake spend the sunset together before heading back home. They decide to enjoy a couple of laughs, jokes, and each other's company for the rest of the day, as well as their first time cuddling!
(This is a fluffy, sweet, Jesslake, accidental cuddles one-shot! I hope you enjoy reading, I had fun writing this! Here is the AO3 link! & Please feel free to share any feedback if you like & reblogs/comments are much appreciated, thank you!)
Notes: this is a short, sweet, drabble i made inspired after enjoying my dear friend's blog & i wished to make jesslake fluff, as a surprise gift for the loveliest queen of jesslake, @jessmt, who i thank very much for helping me feel determined to finally start sharing my works!! i hope you enjoy, cinny & thank you for making infinity train even sweeter!! ♡
Finally, after achieving the trials of journeying off the train, Lake's dream came true, and so did Jesse's. Free to live life on her own terms, she could do as she please. With her best friend at her side, hope for the future filled up her heart, as she beamed a grin back to Nate. He was cheerful to see his brother's face safe and sound again. Seeing Jesse’s happiness besides Lake, he decided they could use the time to relax and enjoy the sunset after the endeavors they went through. He piped up while waving, "Meet us back home for some tea tonight, alright? I'll come back to check on you guys later!" With Nate's warm welcome, Jesse and Lake waved back. Their eyes met the orange, serene skies, which graced the tops of the wondrous trees. Although they were gazing towards the sky, both Jesse and Lake felt a new definition of beauty and home within each other. Spinning around and strolling back towards the lakefront, Lake peered over the gorgeous body of water. She gently and slowly allowed herself to rest her eyes on the still, tranquil water; a reflection she no longer feared softly smiled back at her. She began tearing up with joy. A wave of concern came over Jesse, seeing the water well up in her eyes.
Hoping to know why Lake started to cry, he stared into her eyes and pleaded, "Lake, please tell me what's wrong?" "Jesse..." She hesitated for a moment, then sighed, and placed her arms around herself. "The flecs were on my tail forever. I'm finally looking at myself, here with you! I just, I guess... Thanks... Thank you for not giving up on me." A small blush glazed over Lake's cheeks. Being intimate and vulnerable was something she was still getting to know better, yet knew without a doubt, Jesse would keep her safe. A bit flustered, Jesse's cheeks filled with warmth, soft from Lake's thank you. Those two words could not be more special coming from anyone’s lips, but hers. "No worries, Lake!" He looked at the sunbeams and droplets teeming off the grass for a moment before meeting her lovely eyes again. His eyes crinkled at the corners. He spouted, "Home can be our forever now, you know you're always welcome, and I'm happy you're here with me!" Lake, with a sparkle in her eyes, was unsure of how to reply, though she wanted to assure Jesse and herself she was still as confident as ever.
She chuckled then looked into Jesse's eyes, "Of course, you would say that, Casanova!" Jesse giggled then winked, "Oh my, mademoiselle! Is that ridicule I hear? I must say, that's quite the offer, love!" Lake's heart skipped a beat at the sound of being Jesse’s sweetheart. Joking back, she snorted, "Yes, my good sir! I shall enjoy thine blessings of thy twilight!" Charmed, Jesse asked Lake, "Now, madam, would you like a hand?" He extended his palm out to her, beaming with bliss. Lake held onto him, secretly content with his fingers intertwined with hers without the worry of having to let go this time. Before Lake could come up with a witty remark, she tilted her head to the side, and the glare of the sunset off Lake's hair blinded Jesse momentarily. The sunshine flashed brilliantly into his face and he tripped over her foot. Still hand-in-hand, an embarrassed Jesse unable to glance at Lake exclaimed, "Help, I've fallen for you and I can't get up!" Lake looked down at Jesse, raised her eyebrow, and joked, “You fell over me! May I help you with that then?"
As Lake started trying to lift Jesse, to her surprise, Jesse, with all his strength, hugged Lake so she would fall into his arms. A bit alarmed, and truly not used to this feeling, she could not help but blush profusely, as Jesse's warmth enveloped her. Her delight spoke louder than anything. There was nothing more Jesse could have asked for. Despite the weight of Lake on him, all he wished was for Lake to be safe with him. His promise came true before his eyes, as they lay in the coziness of the sunset, entwined with one another. Lake, gifting herself the joy of being her own person with Jesse, felt how physical intimacy can be closeness without pain. What she had adored, yet feared, was now their comfort to share. In the moment, the pulse of Jesse's heartbeat and the warmth of his arms around hers soothed her. Lake found that the word that illuminated their moment, love, was what she now only reflected. Interlaced with one another, they ended up napping until the stars started to twinkle with a blanket Nate draped around them alongside a tea set, a dream come true for them both.
End Notes: Thank you kindly for reading, it is so special to me that you did! Here is a teeny-tiny Lake doodle, as a gift for you, Cinny & as a thank you for anyone who reads & I’d like to thank Gummi (@retosart) for inspiring me too! ♡ (Please view the doodle on a PC web browser for best quality!)
