#YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!

[hayscoded]

first sufjan interview in a long time and it’s awesome

image description under the cut:

a screenshot from an interview with Sufjan Stevens in Vulture conducted by Craig Jenkins. transcript:

JENKINS: There’s a certain subset of song you write that, depending on a listener’s perspective, can scan as either deeply religious or potentially quite sensual. This is a thread in “John My Beloved” and “To Be Alone With You” and “Javelin (to Have and to Hold).” What inspires that train of thought?

SUFJAN: The religious is very sexual. It’s erotic. Look at Catholic art through the ages, Baroque art. It’s all very fleshy and sensual and full of naked bodies. I’ve always embraced that. I’ve always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one. Sacraments are. It’s engaging with God in a physical way. You’re literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood of God during the Eucharist. It doesn’t get much more erotic than that. If you’re a vampire, that’s the ultimate erotic experience.

JENKINS: Most people who lurk the texts don’t luxuriate in the closeness of Jonathan and David.

SUFJAN: The Bible’s very gay. Just all men. That’s what you get when there’s a patriarchy that’s endured for so long. Jesus was single, never married; Disciples were all dudes …

[lesbianmarrow]

buffy the vampire slayer is the best show ever because tara is afraid that her lesbianism is a demon inside her intent on hurting all her friends and when she discovers that's not true she's overjoyed, and then a season later buffy believes her deviant sexual desires were caused by a demon inside her and when she discovers that's not true she's DEVASTATED because that means she has to accept these desires as coming from within herself, not placed there by an external force

[121231212i]

Honkai: Star rail | Jing Yuan & Yunli

[rosieroot]

[vetchtibbles]

[pause for laughter]

[luna-spacedoodles]

sleeptide pirates. bedtide pirates. nightnighttide pirates. etc.

[serpentface]

The titular white calf of The White Calf and his adoptive mother.

The calf has no name, both in that he is a wild creature and in that he is destined for sacrifice. He is ceremonially referred to as Mitlamache, the face of God he will represent at the time of his death. He is also known as 'the white calf, 'the wild ox calf', 'the calf', 'that calf', 'the cow', 'stupid cow', 'bastard cow', 'little shit', 'cute little guy', and so on.

As an albino aurochs, he is not only an ideal sacrificial beast to the Lunar Face of God, but himself a perfect representation of the form that God took to lift the foundation of the world from the waters, inseminate the primordial sea, and to bring about creation with the offering of Itself (only a lot smaller). He is set to become the most important offering in the rite to restore God to Its lands and bring back the rains.

He was spotted as a newborn and later captured from a herd of wild aurochs in the dry grasslands on the eastern outskirts of the city-state of Wardin. He was then successfully grafted to a mother cow from the king's herd, whose own calf was killed by feral dogs (the white calf wears its pelt here, in the process of getting his adoptive mother to accept him as her own via recognition of the scent).

His mother is a notably beautiful but otherwise typical cow of southern Wardi stock, being short-coated with a heavy dewlap, a fatty hump, and lyrate horns. Her halter is decorated with a full seven set of pelatoche charms (one of which has little cowbells), as means of spiritual protection and putting potential thieves under the gaze of God. Her temperament is strong and hardy but gentle and trusting of people, and she is an experienced and (mostly) successful mother, making her an ideal guide and guardian for the calf as it is marched across country. Her name is Dandelion.

Both cattle travel with a small herd (including a couple of lesser backups, in case the calf doesn't make it) alongside the mass pilgrimage, with their physical protection and spiritual wellbeing assigned to the Galenii monks Tigran Otto and Palo Apollynon, the Odonii priestess Couya Haidamane, and the soldier Etsushir as his personal bodyguard. As two of the most important individuals in the pilgrimage, these cattle are better protected (and far better fed) than the majority of the people that accompany them.

[arcanegifs]

arcane fans and MOST ESPECIALLY GIF/EDIT MAKERS!!!! we are getting arcane in physical AND IN 4K!!!! yipee!!!!!!

[petey-weety]

Even though Tord has absolutely no love bones in his body, this was a fun goofy doodle :3

[modmad]

TPoH: Update!

Update here on the TPoH website!

Read TPoH from the start here.

Have you still not got your cute cosy Assok socks, or a dazzling butterfly pin? Head on down to Topatoco town and introduce yourself to my store for books, shirts, stickers and more!

Kickstarter ahoy! Book 4 is on the horizon! If you want to be notified the second the kickstarter for Volume 4 starts, sign up over here :D

And if you're a long termer you can always support me on patreon; even one dollar a month helps!

[elleniemae]

Rewatched CATWS, fell down the Bucky Barnes Brainrot rabbithole again, and discovered, for the first time (somehow), that in the comics, BUCKY HAS A FREAKING CAT.

WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME???

Anyway, I ask forgiveness for my lack of Comic Bucky knowledge with this drawing of Bucky and his (emotional support) cat.

(Manifesting, PLZ MCU give him a cat)

[baisemains]

Elements of Desire

Chapter 11: I'll Be Your Strength

single mom!sevika x fem!reader

word count: 4.5k

contains: angst, some fluff, mentions of past emotional abuse, language, hurt/comfort

description: coming face to face with your past leaves you shaken, but the person in your corner has your back, in more ways than one.

a/n: hi guys!! i'm so sorry for not posting the last few weeks, this chapter is a bit shorter than the last few but i hope you still enjoy it, happy reading!

ao3 link | spotify playlist

previous // sevika masterlist

You can feel the instant change in atmosphere as the entire group goes from lighthearted and cheerful to suddenly on edge in a heartbeat, gazes immediately flitting to the newcomer. Spine rigid, your fight or flight instinct kicks in immediately, but you know there's nowhere to run. Swallowing harshly, you take a moment to collect yourself before addressing the woman in front of you while trying to ignore the stares boring into your back.

"Gert. I didn't expect to see you this weekend."

Your throat is tight, voice is clipped. You can feel Sevika's gaze on you, the rage and worry radiating off of her, but you don't turn, not wanting to meet those eyes just yet. Instead, your attention is focused on your ex and trying to convince yourself that she's not going to say or do anything irrational in front of the kids.

All you can hear is the sound of your heartbeat thudding in your ears as Gert takes a small step closer, that same sickeningly sweet smile still on her lips. "Neither did I, but I guess the universe has its reasons for everything."

That causes Sevika to finally move forward but the hand rubbing your legs shoots out low enough to stop her before she can do anything drastic. The motion catches the intruder's eye, gaze flickering with amusement as she puts the pieces together.

"Well, we should go, Genevieve presents tomorrow and needs her rest."

Gert then moves to place her hands on her daughter's shoulders, the teenager looking extremely uncomfortable with the situation at hand.

"Maybe we'll run into you again before the weekend's over."

Not waiting for a reply, the woman turns around to exit the ballroom, her daughter following right behind her without sparing you a second glance.

Once they're gone, you finally let out the breath you were holding in, body immediately deflating now that the immediate danger is gone. Your shoulders slump as you try in vain to get your heart rate back to normal, hands noticeably shaking. The other patrons in the room mill about like they were before the encounter, but the slight ringing in your ears is all you can focus on at the moment.

"I, um..."

Finally breaking your silence, your eyes flick around to the face of every person in your group, a varying degree of concern in all of them. "I think I'm gonna head up for the night."

Giving Ekko's parents a tight smile, you tell them you'll meet them in the lobby in the morning as previously discussed, before turning to the two teenagers and telling them to have fun at the party. Once you face Sevika, you can see in her face that she wants to say something, but you interrupt before she can get the chance.

"I'll call you later."

Ducking your head and hastily walking towards the elevators, you leave everyone behind in an awkward state, unsure of what to do. After a long moment, Sevika and Ekko's parents politely say their good nights to each other and tell their respective child to be safe at the party and when to be back at their room.

Kissing Powder on the head, the older woman watches the girl leave with her classmate, staying at the table far after they've left her sight. The last few minutes replay in her head as she begins to get upset with herself for not saying something to Gert, but she reminds herself that it was your situation to handle and not her place to jump in. Sighing deeply, she begins making her way to her room upstairs, thoughts of you still on her mind.

When Sevika reaches your shared floor, she walks up to her door before stopping in front of it and glancing over at yours down the way. Tapping her room key against her other hand, she debates whether to wait for your call like you said or to check on you now. After a few long moments, her concern wins out and she heads over to yours before lifting her hand and gently rapping her knuckles against the wood.

You've already removed your shoes and flopped down in the center of the bed when you hear the knocks, lifting your head to see if you heard right. Part of you wants to ignore it, pretend that you're already fast asleep, but you know that she won't leave until she's at least seen you. With a reluctant sigh, you push yourself up and swing your legs off the bed before padding over to the door and opening it.

Your face must look more tired than you thought, as the sight of it causes her expression to soften. It's quiet for a moment before she speaks.

"Can I come in?"

You don't protest, only moving aside to let her enter, closing the door as she walks past you and taking a few beats to collect your thoughts.

"How are you doing?"

You give a noncommittal shrug, walking over to sit down on the bed where you'd been before. "I've been better," you reply quietly, keeping your head low to avoid making any eye contact.

Sevika comes to sit down next to you, staying a few inches away to give you the space you seem to be silently asking for. The other woman fidgets with her fingers, not wanting to push you but also not wanting you to bottle your feelings up, especially when it comes to this situation. She's just about to say something when you break the silence, voice barely above a whisper.

"I didn't think I'd see her ever again, let alone this weekend. I just...wasn't prepared." You bite your bottom lip before finally meeting her gaze, trying to keep your expression neutral but failing when you see the worry in her eyes.

"And not just that, but seeing Genevieve so grown up now, I..."

The other woman gives a small nod and hesitantly lifts a hand, pausing before gently rubbing your back in a soothing motion.

A shaky breath leaves your lips as you feel the contact, leaning into her touch and subconsciously shifting closer until your shoulder bumps into hers. Her hand starts to move in firmer circles, the motion surprisingly helping to ease some of the tension in your muscles. You're surprised she's able to read you so well, but you're thankful for it.

After another few moments, you manage to speak again. "I'm just so tired. Every time I think I’ve healed and moved on, I’m pulled right back in."

Sevika continues the impromptu massage, a small sigh falling from her lips at your divulgence. "Some wounds never completely heal," she tells you, her voice quiet but steady. "They just become more manageable as time goes on."

Her palm presses down on a particular spot of your lower back, making you release a small groan as tension you didn't know was there eases, your body unconsciously curving against her. Feeling you relax under her touch emboldens her slightly, pressing her hand in between your shoulders and working out even more of the knots in your back.

"You can't keep holding everything in, you know," she murmurs, shifting to push her prosthetic thumb against a stubborn muscle and drawing a sharp inhale from your throat. "At a certain point, you're gonna break."

Nodding slightly, you exhale before replying, "I know, it's just that...I've worked so hard to get past it, I feel like I'm going backwards." With a slight shake of your head, you feel the emotions rising to the surface, but you finally let yourself embrace them, feeling safe in Sevika's presence. With a crack in your voice, you tell the woman, "I just want to be happy."

The movement against your skin stills, your words hitting her right in the heart as she hears the waver in your voice. Her warm hand then lifts to your chin, gently cupping it and turning your head to face her. "Hey, look at me." When your eyes meet her own, she sees the unshed tears that have collected, feeling her chest clench at the sight. "You will be."

With me, Sevika thinks to herself. Seeing the pain in your eyes, she pulls you in and wraps a strong arm around you as if to tell you so without words. You all but melt into her, hands clutching her shirt tightly as your shoulders begin to shudder. Her grip tightens as she continues to rub your back, silently letting you know she's there. The dam that’s been holding everything back finally breaks, tears streaming down your face and dampening the soft fabric of her top, each breath coming in short gasps accompanied by a hiccup. Sevika simply holds you through it, murmuring little nothings in a soothing manner and rubbing your back while you let it all out.

You cling to the woman, the anguish intensifying as your shoulders start to shake. "I don't want to feel like this anymore," you sob, burying your face in her shoulder and squeezing fistfuls of her shirt. Her arms tighten around your frame, a large hand smoothing over your back to try and calm you as you allow the emotions to take over. "Shhh, I got you," Sevika whispers, resting her chin on the top of your head. "I got you."

Eventually, your breathing begins to even out and the tears slowly come to a stop, the only sound in the room being the steady thumping of the other woman's heart against your ear. Your grip on her shirt loosens and you pull back, lifting your face to reveal the tear tracks on your cheeks and bloodshot eyes. Her heart breaks at the sight of you but your expression is noticeably more relaxed than when she came in, which gives her a small amount of solace. She reaches up to gently wipe underneath your lashes, softly telling you, "You're okay."

Giving her only a slight nod and a half smile, you feel a little embarrassed about the breakdown. "Sorry," you offer softly, averting your gaze entirely.

Sevika tuts quietly and hooks a finger under your chin, forcing you to look at her. When your eyes meet again, she gives you a small grin and whispers, "What have I told you about apologizing for everything?"

That gets a small giggle out of you, remembering the conversation she's referencing from a few months prior. It seems like so long ago now, and you think about the progress you've made since then, the walls you've started to let down. Without warning, you swoop in and press a gentle kiss to Sevika's lips, pushing everything else out of your mind and simply letting the other woman consume your senses.

The motion catches her off guard, her entire body going rigid for a split second before softening considerably. Her hand slides to the back of your neck, thumbing over the soft skin as she returns the affection, eyes sliding closed as she loses herself in the moment. You gently bite her bottom lip, causing her to release a small sigh in the back of her throat, and you smile against her mouth. The kiss stays slow and gentle for the next few minutes, not in search of more, but instead a bubble of comfort.

When you finally part, you remain close enough to exchange breaths, foreheads resting gently together. She slowly opens her eyes and you stare into them, taking in the sight of her so close. Her thumb rubs gently over your separated lips, breaking the silence with a soft, "Better?" You give a small nod and affirmative hum, reaching up to cradle her cheek in your palm in return. "Good."

The corner of her mouth twitches upwards slightly at your behavior, eyes still studying your face and scanning over your expression as if to make sure you're actually okay. When you don't break her gaze, she lifts her hand and places it over the one on her cheek, leaning into it as she closes her eyes and lets out a deep sigh. Something in her chest twists as a realization hits her in this moment, but she pushes it back down, not ready to voice it just yet.

Sevika changes the subject to something lighter, sensing that you're done talking about the Gert situation, which you're thankful for. As the two of you talk, the thought of her knowing you this well plays on a loop in the back of your mind, exciting and terrifying all at once. Almost two hours later, Sevika happens to see the clock on the wall behind you and checks her phone, pursing her lips as she realizes the time.

"I should get going, Vi's gonna be back from that dance soon."

You nod in acknowledgment, knowing tomorrow will be a long day. As she stands up from the bed, you follow and stretch your arms above your head with a groan, the fatigue finally hitting you. When you lock eyes, she asks, "We’ll grab breakfast in the morning?" You give her a small smile and nod, your eyelids feeling heavier by the second. The older woman has to stop herself from actually cooing at the expression you're wearing, instead opting to wrap you in a warm embrace that you reciprocate right away.

Pressing yourself against her, you inhale deeply and get a whiff of her familiar scent. She tucks your head into the crook of her neck, placing a kiss on your head before murmuring, "Get some rest, okay? I'll see you tomorrow." You nod against her, not wanting to let go quite yet, but your tiredness wins out as she gently detangles herself and heads to the entrance. Before leaving, she flashes a tender smile and closes the door behind her.

When the door finally clicks shut, you feel a wave of exhaustion wash over you that nearly makes you dizzy. You barely remember to set an alarm before slipping into your pajamas and crawling under the covers. Drifting off into a somewhat fitful sleep, thoughts of the woman down the hall dance through your dreams.

Sevika is fresh out of the shower when she hears the room door open, signaling that Powder is back. After drying off and throwing some comfier clothes on, she heads out to the living area and sees the teenager grinning at her phone and typing away.

“You have fun?”

Powder looks up from her phone and purses her lips, cheeks brightening to a noticeable shade of pink. "Yeah, a lot. Ekko's pretty cool, actually."

Sevika hums quietly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Is that why you're smiling so hard? Texting him?" The question is mostly rhetorical as she takes a seat on the couch next to Powder.

"Yeah..." Powder lays her phone face down next to her as she fidgets in her seat before facing the woman. "He asked about hanging out when we get back home."

At that, a brow lifts curiously, the older woman turning more to face her daughter. This was news to her. "Oh? And what did you say?"

Powder shrugs casually, playing off just how giddy the suggestion made her feel. "I said I'd ask you, and we talked for a bit more after that before the party ended and we had to go back to our rooms."

"I see." She doesn't miss the excited look in her daughter's eyes, deciding to take the conversation more seriously rather than playfully teasing her. Leaning back into the couch, the woman considers her next statement. "And you want to hang out with him again?"

Powder nods enthusiastically, biting her lip to try and contain her excitement. She knows her mom isn't against her having crushes, but she's also not the most relaxed person when it comes to it either. "Yeah, I do. He's really nice and pretty fun. And..." she trails off before mumbling, "he's kinda cute."

Sevika lightly bites her tongue, running it over her top teeth before replying. "I see." She's still getting used to having a teenager that asks permission before doing things and not one that she has to hunt down after doing what Sevika told her not to. "He seems respectful from the time we talked at dinner."

"He is, really," Powder affirms quickly, the eagerness in her voice quite obvious. Sevika's heart melts just a bit at the look on her daughter's face, a small sigh leaving her mouth at how much like a little kid she still manages to look sometimes, even with all the effort the teen puts into looking tough. Sevika hums in contemplation for a couple moments before saying, "I don't see a reason to say no, but we'll talk more about it when we get home, okay?"

Powder's eyes light up at that, a grin overtaking her features as she nods vigorously. "Okay, sounds perfect," she replies, trying her hardest to sound as mature as possible about the situation. The expression makes Sevika laugh softly, shaking her head at how adorable her daughter looks right now. "Alright, now tell Ekko good night and start getting ready for bed, we have to be up bright and early tomorrow."

The teenager pops up from the couch and salutes vigorously before grabbing her phone and heading to her suitcase to begin pulling her toiletries out. That gets a chuckle out of the older woman, shaking her head once again at the theatrics. She watches her daughter move around, a strange feeling blooming in her heart. It was almost bittersweet, seeing Powder begin to grow and blossom into a young woman as opposed to the little girl she used to be. The thought makes her chest ache slightly, but a happy one, the kind that comes with pride.

After Powder heads to the bathroom to change, Sevika strolls over to the decently sized fridge in the kitchen and opens it, curious if it's stocked with anything. To her pleasant surprise, there are a couple rows of water bottles on the middle shelf, labeled with the hotel's logo. Opening it and taking a sip, she notices that it's decently cold but still not to her liking. She searches the freezer before moving to the cabinet above the sink and finds several glasses along with a small metal bucket. Bingo.

After knocking on the bathroom door, she asks, "Hey Powder, I'm gonna go get some ice from the machine, you want anything from the hotel store?"

Powder pokes her head out of the bathroom before opening the door completely and tapping her finger on her chin. "Hm, something sweet would be nice, if that's okay." Sevika smiles at her before replying, "I guess I could bring you some chocolate." Powder grins and begins walking over to the double sink with a "thanks", allowing Sevika to slip on her shoes and exit the room with her wallet and bucket in hand.

She stops by the candy shop in the lobby first, already knowing Powder's taste in sweets, before heading back up to grab the ice. The machine is on the opposite end of their floor, tucked away in its own private corner, and Sevika almost gets turned around a couple of times due to the sheer size of the place. When she finally locates it, she sets the bucket in the designated spot under the dispenser and presses the large button on the front of the machine. The bucket is about halfway filled when she hears soft footsteps walk up behind her and calls over her shoulder. "I'm almost done, it should be just a minute or so."

"Oh, take your time, I've got all night."

Sevika freezes instantly, releasing the button and dropping her hand to the bucket's handle. She's only heard that voice once before, but it instantly raises her heartbeat, a scowl already forming on her features. Slowly turning around with the ice in hand, she comes face to face with Gert, a smug look dancing across her face, arms crossed and eyebrow quirked like she knows a secret Sevika doesn't.

Every muscle in Sevika's body tenses, eyes narrowed as she takes in the woman standing in front of her. She can already feel her blood begin to boil, but she keeps her composure, not wanting to allow her the satisfaction of knowing just how much she gets under her skin. "You're staying here?"

"Yes, actually, on this very floor. Isn't that a funny coincidence?"

Sevika can hardly believe the audacity of the woman trying to get a rise out of her, but as much as the thought of physically retaliating plays in her mind, she does her best to appear calm. "Hilarious," she grits out.

As she moves to walk past Gert and back to her room, the other woman makes a comment that stops her in her tracks.

"Good luck this weekend. Especially with that one."

Sevika's teeth grind together as she comes to a standstill, a sharp inhale of breath audible in the sudden quiet of the hallway. She can only stand there seething for a moment longer before turning back around, unable to stop herself from snapping, "What did you just say?"

'What you heard," Gert replies nonchalantly, shrugging a single shoulder. "I know how overly sensitive she can be, and I know running into me probably sent her into an episode. Typical."

That sends Sevika over the edge, and she steps forward until the two of them are chest to chest, smoke practically pouring out of her ears. "Don't you dare fucking speak about her. After all the bullshit you put her through, you get zero say in how she heals, you hear me?"

That pulls a wicked smile from the younger woman, but Sevika doesn't miss the flash of nerves in her eyes, gone as quick as it arrived, but still noticeable. "Oh, are you her bodyguard? How long have you known her, a few months maybe?" Gert puffs out her chest in an attempt to look more menacing, but Sevika couldn't care less, rage coursing through her veins. "We were together for years, you don't understand her like I do."

Sevika barks out a laugh at that, narrowing her gaze as she does. "Right, you understand her so much that you still went and cheated on her."

"Is that what she told you?"

"That's what she showed me. I saw the texts between you and the wedding planner, you went behind her back for over a fucking year, and she broke it off when the planner told her everything. So don't try to spin me the same shit you're telling everyone else, I know exactly what you are."

Gert's jaw tightens at the words, but she stays quiet for a moment before a scoff leaves her lips and she replies, "You think that's the whole story?"

"I think it's the truth."

"Funny how you think that you know her so well based on the one side she told you. Did she also tell you about her panic attacks? The trust issues? The constant clinginess?"

"So your answer was to go and have an affair, and then lie to everyone about who actually cheated? That's an asshole move however you tell it."

"I was in a loveless relationship, what was I supposed to do? Let her take her time with her issues while I just sit and wait for something to happen?" The words come out before Gert can stop herself, but she doesn't regret them, not when it finally gets Sevika's expression to falter slightly. The older woman's jaw clenches tightly at hearing them, eyes hardening in a heartbeat. "She was struggling so badly for months before I even started looking elsewhere. I got tired of trying to fix something that wasn't there anymore, is that such a crime?"

"So you break up! Holy shit, how hard is it to understand that you don't cheat on the person you love?" Sevika's chest is heaving at this point, several emotions swirling in her chest the more Gert tries to explain herself.

Gert scoffs, rolling her eyes like the other woman is being ridiculous by reacting this way. "Right, because she could really handle a break up in addition to the panic attacks she was already having. She could barely be alone, how do you think she would've reacted to the only person she had leaving her? She would've spiraled and you know it."

Sevika's fingers itch at her side at how indifferently the other woman says that, a scoff of her own leaving her mouth before she replies. "You say that like you were doing her a favor, how noble of you. If you were so worried for her, why didn't you suggest therapy? Why didn't you talk to her about how you felt before going behind her back and doing what you did? You have some balls to try to paint yourself as some self-sacrificing saint."

"Oh, please. You have no idea what it was like being trapped with her, watching her fall apart at the smallest thing. It's not like it was the first time she pushed me away, I was sick of being treated like an afterthought, I had needs and she wasn't giving them to me, so I found them elsewhere. And frankly, it was the best decision I've ever made."

The sound of the ice bucket dropping to the floor reverberates throughout the hallway as Sevika grabs Gert by the front of her shirt and pins her against the wall. To her credit, Gert doesn't cower at the motion, keeping her chin lifted and refusing to back down.

Sevika's face is only a couple inches away, eyes narrowing further as she snarls, "You're a selfish, heartless, lying, manipulative, egotistical snake. Count your blessings that I love my daughter enough not to jeopardize her place in this competition, but let me see you any place else outside of this hotel, and I won't be as kind."

Taking a step back, she adjusts her clothes and picks up the previously forgotten ice bucket before casting a threatening look towards the woman against the wall. "Keep her name out of your mouth and stay away from her." With that, Sevika marches off down the hallway, disappearing from the younger woman’s line of sight and leaving her to exhale deeply.

Throwing her head back, Gert closes her eyes and quietly curses herself for acting the way she did, so used to being on the defense, even when she's in the wrong.

Unbeknownst to her, Genevieve was right around the corner, listening to the entire conversation. What had started as her going to ask her mom a question after she left her phone in the room ended in a revelation of biblical proportions. The teenager then scurries back to their room, hopping in bed and pretending to be asleep by the time her mom walks back in. For the rest of the night, she can barely sleep, the discoveries of the hours before bombarding her thoughts.

taglist! @daughterofthemoons-stuff @vii-v @runawaybaby3 @ferxanda @sevikas-whore @vikashoneybee @sleepingwasp @savedforlaterr @lia-winther @bebadoobie @nymanas @dyketoast

[theriverbeyond]

as much it is fun to be dramatic about alectopause i DO think that it is fine that Alecto the Ninth is taking a few years. this is an adult fantasy/SF series that is in all likelihood 700+++ pages, not a CW show, *and* it is the last book in a series which means it has a million things to tie up and resolve. idk it might also be because I autistically hate change and don't want it to End, but until we get into GRRM territory I'm like. she + the editing process can take all the time they need, I'd so much rather wait for a good book than rush it and have it be bad yknow?

[notkingyet2]

The Terror (2018) reincarnation AU where Crozier is desperate to find his crew if he can but doesn't know where to begin

by sheer chance he glimpses a social media post with a photograph of DJ Dolleyes and he'd know those eyes anywhere

he goes to the rave (feeling incredibly awkward and out-of-place, it's not his scene, everyone here is twenty years younger than him if not thirty) again and again trying to catch the DJ's notice and find out if he actually remembers everything they went through or if he's just a victim of vivid delusions of watching over a hundred men in his care perish in the Arctic

finally as DJ Dolleyes finishes a set and slips away Crozier catches him on his way out of the venue

cries out "Jopson!" before he can stop himself

DJ Dolleyes halts. waits. slowly turns.

Crozier looks into the face of a young man he'd thought lost to him forever. and sees recognition spark in those pale eyes.

even after all these years of wondering if his crew might also be alive again, Crozier can't find the words to explain how he knows him but is compelled to ask, "Do you remember me?"

and those eyes go cold as ice

as Jopson replies, his tone clipped, "I do, sir."

because he does remember his captain.

his captain who left him to die alone.

[wiklm]

worlds worst polycule 1ish year redraw!!!! original + closeups under the cut :P

[sunsetsandsunshine]

~ Dewdrops & Decisions ~

·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*𝙻𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚢 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝙺𝙽𝙾𝚆 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 ✨*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙

𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝙷𝚞𝚛𝚝/𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜: 𝟺,𝟷𝟺𝟼

𝙻𝚎𝚎: 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 🏍️🖤 

𝙻𝚎𝚛: 𝚂𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌 🌭💙

𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢: 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝚐𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜. 𝙰𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝? 𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚜.

(𝙰/𝙽: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚌 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌 𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌—𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜: 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚐𝚞𝚢! 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚔/𝙽𝚂𝙵𝚆 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚜 𝙳𝙽𝙸!!!).

𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: 𝙲𝚞𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚜 (𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚊 𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚌 𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚜).

𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙲𝙻𝙰𝙸𝙼𝙴𝚁: 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝—𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚗. 𝚆𝚎𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 <𝟹!

·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚏𝚞𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚍𝚘…𝚕𝚎𝚝’𝚜 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝 💃🏾‼️˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙

The afternoon sun had dipped low long before Shadow had decided to come outside; the big star casting gloomy and strangely shaped shadows as a soft breeze rustled through the grass, the trees and his black and red quills. 

The black and red quilled teenager in question closed his eyes as he sat slightly in front of a tree not far from the Wackowski home, feeling the wind brush against his entire body. 

And just for a small moment, all the buzzing chaos and never ending uncertainty in his mind slowed and came to a stop.

The steady whisper of the wind felt like a gentle hand, wiping away the fear that coiled inside of his chest, booming and projecting like a loud bongo drum. 

The hand felt soothing, grounding, and comforting. 

It didn’t feel like the hedgehog was being enclosed with the same air that filled his lungs, rather, a warm and steady hug with a breeze that seemed to carry the heavy weight that was his memories. 

The small gust of wind felt like familiarity. 

The small gust of wind felt like home. 

The small gust of wind felt like…her. 

Shadow hugged his knees to his chest at the thought, not looking at anything entirely specific as he stared off into the distance that was The Wackowski residance. 

It’s funny in a way; really. 

A months days ago…he was wondering if he’d even survive to see another sunset.

Now, he was staying at his rival's home…experiencing one... 

…Guess life was funny like that. 

“‘Thought I’d find you out here.” A blue hedgehog said way too casually as he walked up to the teen underneath the tree, a bag of jellybeans in his hand as he smacked on them like they were going to disappear at any moment. 

Speaking of the devil... 

“What is that supposed to mean?” Shadow glared defensively almost like clockwork. 

“My first couple months on Earth I sat in that exact spot your brooding in right now…only makes sense you’d give it a try.” Sonic smirked as he shrugged his shoulders, his smirk widening a tad bit as he saw the older hedgehog’s eyebrows pinch together in annoyance.

The slightly taller mammal broke eye contact, looking down at the small greenery that was their lawn. “I don’t ‘brood’.” He grumbled. 

The blue devil chuckled to himself, leaning his back on the tree as he crossed his arms casually, intaking the normal yet comforting scenery, “What do you call that big frown on your face then, hm? ‘Looks like brooding to me, man.”

The older teen’s eye twitched, ignoring the snarky comment as he picked at the grass below him, “Why are you here, Sonic?” He deadpanned, hugging his knees to his chest tightly, “Because if your here to tell me about those useless Christmas color coded plumber people again—”

“—The Mario Brothers.” The emerald eyed mammal corrected.  

“—I don’t want to hear it.” The black and red quilled hedgehog finished. “Their names don’t even make sense.” He scoffed like the two video game characters' existence was a personal offence, “Only one of them is named Mario! So does that mean he is named ‘Mario Mario’ while the other one is named Luigi Mario or is there an actual last name the creators aren’t letting us know so we pay more attention to Mario instead of Luigi?” 

“…Huh.” The slightly shorter teenager hummed, “…I…never thought about it like that.” He mumbled as he scratched the back of his neck, confused but also kind of endeared at the other hedgehog’s random revelation. 

And now that he thought about it…it would be kinda interesting to see Shadow and Tails debate on that topic…

Shadow scoffed whilst rolling his eyes, “That’s your problem. You don’t think.” He said as he uselessly picked at the grass underneath his air shoes again before letting the small strands blow away.

“Yeesh…okay, honesty train coming in hot. Aaaaaall abroad.” The emerald eyed mammal mumbled as he tapped his fingers along his arm in a timely fashion, still eating his mismatched colored candies. 

Tom and Maddie had always reminded Sonic to be honest no matter what; ‘Honesty is the best Policy’ if you will. 

But Shadow…took that saying to a whoooooole other level. 

And it showed. 

“You honestly and truly think I came all the way out here just for you to find me and converse?” The antihero humorlessly snorted, (and if the situation was more light, Sonic would’ve made a comment on it…but the Chilli dog loving teen did not). 

“I came out here to be alone.” The older teenager voiced in annoyance. 

The speed incarnate stiffened slightly at the other’s grumbled statement, putting his crossed arms and jellybean bag in his hoodie pockets as he kicked a small portion of the dirt below him, “…Sorry.” He muttered, “You just…I-I dunno. You looked…lonely.” 

Shadow sighed heavily at the other hedgehog’s sudden changed demeanor, dragging his palm along his face as he rested the back of his head on the tree bark, “I’m The Ultimate Lifeform. I don’t get…‘lonely’.” 

“That’s what I used to think.” The unruly wind giggled quietly, a small smirk forming on his face due to how similar yet how different they were, “I was never ‘The Ultimate Lifeform’ like you but I did title myself as ‘The Fastest Creature’ alive…or ‘The Blue Blur’ for short.” The green eyed mammal winked as he did finger guns at the other, holding back a small snort as the antihero’s ears drooped down in disgust.

Whether the disgusted feeling was directed towards Sonic’s persona name, his finger guns or both, the blue hedgehog wasn’t really bothered to ask. 

“I am not calling you that.” The older one out of the two of them said whilst rolling his eyes. 

“Was worth a shot.” Sonic snickered as he and Shadow both jumped slightly as parts of the sky whitened for a second, displaying a loud crackling sound as light rain started to fall. 

Sonic smiled gently, walking out from under the tree and not looking at anything in particular as he gazed into the darkened cotton candy looking fluff that was the clouds; feeling the rain cascade down his ears and onto his back quills. 

And Shadow did not question it…

…Much, anyway. 

“But…I do admit, as time went on, I realized that I kiiiiiinda gave that name to myself out of loneliness.” The blue quilled hedgehog admitted, “I-If that makes sense.” He laughed softly, “Like…naming myself that would give my existence a sense of purpose o-or meaning…like I had a destiny…even if I made up.” He said as he walked back under the tree, sitting next to his ‘dark rival’.

‘And just in time, too’, they both thought as the rain began to get more and more heavier. 

But thankfully, the two stayed dry due to the tree’s leaves shielding them from the downpour. 

“You felt…invisible and powerless; giving yourself a name such as that paved a way for you to take control and create an idea that only you could command—something strong…and heroic, unlike how you might have felt back then.” Shadow concluded. 

“Exactly!”

“Well, sucks to be you then, I guess.” The slightly taller hedgehog hummed, “Unlike you, I was given my name and purpose by my creator.” 

“…Good for you, Shadow.” Sonic grumbled at the older’s…gloating? Bragging? Sonic wasn’t sure what this conversation was anymore.

“Great for me.” The Ultimate Lifeform corrected. 

“Great for you.” The other lifeform grumbled begrudgingly, “Look Shads, I’m just trying to give you advice and trying to help you—”

“Yeah? Well, maybe don’t.” The lone operative interrupted harshly; a bit too harshly. Suffocating silence soon followed after his uncalled for statement, the two awkwardly looking away; not knowing how to start up the conversation again as it seemed to die out almost instantly. 

The silence was thick…and awkward…

Ohoooooo so awkward…

Shadow kept his eyes locked on the ground, his fingers intertwined with each other on top of his knees. 

That…sharp edge in his voice still lingered in the air, curling around the tree leaves like everlasting smoke.

The wind then suddenly picked up…not loud or violent—but just enough to stir the trees in the distance and tug at Sonic’s hoodie.

The air sent a chill across Shadow’s spine; like a nudge that wouldn’t go away.

The blue quilled teen had shifted his weight, switching to sit criss-cross on the grass; clearly slightly hurt by the other’s words but not saying a word. The young teen’s hands moved slower than usual inside of his hoodie pockets; quieter. 

No humming whatsoever. 

No side-eyes or playful looks…just…silence.

Which honestly made Shadow feel even worse.

The black and red quilled teenager opened his mouth but…the words stalled in his throat completely. 

The wind blew again, sharp and steady this time—blowing some of Shadow’s quills in each and every direction.

“Alright…alright,” The antihero muttered to no one in particular, “I get it…” 

“I’m sorry. I was being a jerk.” The older hedgehog said to the blue hedgehog, his tone softer than the blue hedgehog in question had probably ever heard it, “I just…find it weird when others show that they…genuinely care about me. I don’t know how to react.” He sighed, “But you didn’t deserve that.” 

The wind picked up again—gentler this time, brushing Shadow’s shoulder almost like trying to mimic a reassuring pat.

Sonic met Shadow’s eyes, morphing his face to a small yet amused smirk as the usually stoic brooder blushed in slight embarrassment, looking down again. 

“Anyways…I suck. You're cool. I’m sorry.” The crimson eyed hedgehog said, trying to be casual but failing very very miserably. 

“Yeah…you do really really suck.” Sonic agreed wholeheartedly, “But it's okay. I forgive you...” He giggled as the red and black quilled mammal rolled his eyes for the millionth time today, bumping shoulders with him, “…For your rude words and how much you suck.” He said more sincerely. 

The world seemed to have gone still for a moment, the kind of still that made every sound feel louder than it should—the rain pitter pattering on the tree leaves, the wind rustling in absolutely anything and everything; Shadow’s own breathing. 

Sonic didn’t say anything; just pulling out his jellybeans and eating them once more. 

Finally, the crimson eyed teenager exhaled—shaky and barely audible, “…May I admit something?” He quietly asked. 

“Sure!” The blue quilled hedgehog closed his jellybean bag to the side, giving the other his full and undivided attention. 

“Although I was given my name, what I am and what I’m supposed to do…I don’t…” Shadow exhaled through his nostrils, “As ironic as it is: I-I don’t know how to execute any of those things correctly.” He locked eyes with the younger hedgehog, “You barely knew who you were when being here on Earth…and yet you still found your purpose here.”

“Ihi wouldn’t say all that...” Sonic giggled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, “…The path to certainty is never a straight line, Shads. Purpose isn’t always a push in the right direction, y'know.” He smiled as he watched the rain fall sporadically. “Sometimes…it's an unsure but steady pull towards something that feels worth the effort—even when it seems hard or challenging.” 

“I’ve known since I stepped foot onto Earth I just…wanted to help people.” The Chili Dog loving hedgehog concluded, looking at his emo counterpart, “My pull…was my family and Green Hill…what’s yours?” 

The older teen’s jaw clenched slightly at the question—was this dumbass listening to anything he’d been saying for the past hour they’ve been out here?

“I just told you: I don’t know.” The crimson eyed teenager frowned. 

“Then figure it out then!” Sonic smiled, practically shooting up from where he was sitting, not being able to contain himself. “Life isn’t gonna wait for you, Shads!”

The antihero pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to hide his inevitable smile at his strange counterpart’s contagious excitement, “What does that even mean?” He sighed. 

“Live life! Be free! Roam! You're not gonna find your quote unquote ‘purpose’ by just lounging around looking at the grass all day. You have time…use it.” The emerald eyed hedgehog said, “Even I don’t know everything. I’m learning too…but that's what makes it all worthwhile! Don’t rush the process, man. Life is a highway afterall.” He grinned reassuringly. 

“Besides…no one said you gotta figure all of that out right now.” The speedy devil said, “I know it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, but, while you're trying to survive the chore known as life…don’t forget to live through it too, yeah?” 

“You are…strangely good at giving advice.” Shadow said. 

“Heh…I get that a lot.” Sonic giggled, his laugh emitting in amused volumes.

The rain seemed to calm now as it gently pattered against the leaves from above; having no particular rhythm other than softness and steadiness like a snowflake dancing in a snowglobe.

The breeze once again returned, swaying the rain droplets gently down the tree bark and onto the soil.

Then, out of nowhere, a tiny ant, barely bigger than a baby's thumb, crawled up the toe of Sonic’s shoes. 

It seemed to hesitate slighlty but then ducked itself beneath the shoe straps, curling its little body as if to shield itself from the outside world. 

The blue devil didn’t make a sound, smiling down at the little inscent as he gently cooed the small thing, adjusting his posture so they both had absolutely no chance of getting wet. 

Despite that fact, the blue quilled hedgehog carefully hovered his hand over the ant, shielding it from an imaginary droplet that simply seeped through the leaves. 

Shadow watched the ant as well, a rare smile forming on his face as well as he watched the two interact. 

The older hedgehog couldn’t help but feel a small sense of…deja vu? Familiarity? 

…He…wasn’t quite sure. He just knew that the situation seemed so…melancholic in a way. 

“…You…okay?” Sonic asked quietly, noticing the solemn yet sad look on the others' face.

Shadow’s face remained the same, his chest feeling tight but not in a claustrophobic sense as he exhaled, nodding his head as if a chained weight had been lifted off of and freed from his shoulders. “Y-Yes…” He stammered, watching as the ant happily danced on Sonic’s shoes as the wind danced around the three of them, “…Just…remembering something.” 

Sonic nodded, deciding not to push any further as he saw the sky clear up slightly, inhaling the fresh scent of petrichor as the small ant hopped down from his shoe, planting a spot right next to him. 

The blue hedgehog got up, stretching his arms as a loud yawn escaped his mouth, “Ready to head back inside?”

“…No.” Shadow quietly admitted, cringing at the thought of being caught in the crossfire between Knuckles and Tails’ reenactment of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul’s fight from Star Wars.  

“C’moooon…I don’t want you catching a cold out here, man! We can go to the porch or something but I think my butt fell asleep!” The emerald eyed teen moaned and groaned dramatically as the small ant hopped down from the shoe to frolic around the two. 

The tension in the lone operative’s face seemed to ease up, being replaced with something more playful, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, “I say again: sucks to be you.” 

“You’re mean.” The shorter mammal pouted. 

“And you're annoying; guess we both have flaws.” 

“But that’s what makes us super awesome.” Sonic reasoned, attempting to pull Shadow up on his feet but the other hedgehog stayed stubbornly where he was seated. “Nohow. gehet. uhuuuuup!” Sonic tried lifting up Shadow but the older one just stared at him blankly. 

Sonic huffed like the other teen sitting there was a personal offence, crossing his arms as he looked away begrudgingly “You're ruining Sonic JR’s sunbathing time!”

“Sunbathing…wihith noho sun?” Shadow retorted. 

“Stohop beeheeing sohoh judgemental!” The Chilli Dog loving teen laughed, grabbing the other teenager’s arms but was pulled to the ground by him almost instantly. 

“Gehet yohohour dihirty mihihitts off ohof me!” Shadow grunted, half laughing whilst Sonic tried to drag him upright. The two tumbled on the grass, laughing more now. 

Sonic straddled the other hedgehog’s hips and pinned his wrists to the grass with a wide grin, “Oho…nuh uh! You’ve been rude to me this entire time we’ve been out here! Isn’t that right, Sonic JR?” Sonic said, looking at, well, Sonic JR. the ant before looking back at Shadow, nodding in confirmation. “Sonic JR. agrees.”

“You two look absolutely nothing alike.” The red and black quilled hedgehog huffed. 

“How dare! The resemblance is uncanny! You're just too blind to see it, faker.” Sonic dramatically said, lightly pinching the other’s right side. 

Shadow squeezed his eyes tight against the action, shaking his head back and forth as he tried to break out of Sonic’s hold but to the antihero’s surprise…the younger was actually surprisingly strong,“Ihihi’m nohot the faker heeheehere! Yohou are!” He giggly grumbled through gritted teeth. 

“Says the one giggling like a Teletubby...” The blue quilled hedgehog taunted while sticking his tongue out at the other in a silly manner, poking his stomach sporadically which caused the older to squirm in every which way. 

“I-I pffteheh dohoh nohot gihihiggle!” Shadow denied, not even attempting to ask what in the hell a ‘Teletubby’ was. 

He could honestly just look it up later on Mr. Wackowski’s computer and hope for the best that it wasn’t some dumb video game character like The Mario Brothers. 

“Oho yeah, tough guy? What’s this then? Hm? Hmmmmm~?” Sonic teased, wiggling his fingers in Shadow’s underarm. 

The older teen let out a loud squeal despite his lips being completely pursed, kicking his legs from behind Sonic, “Ihihi’m gohOHONNA freeheeHEEaking kihill yOHOou!!!” The crimson eyed hedgehog shouted. 

“Pff…with what army, man? Your squeals and shrieks?” The younger snorted at his own comeback, letting go of the other’s wrist and he stuffed both of his hands inside of his underarms, moving his fingers at an agonizingly slow pace. “God, I’m soOoOoOo scared…what ever shall I do~?”

Shadow threw his head back in complete and utter hysteria, arching his back quills into the grass as Sonic’s stupidly unbearable fingers scratched underneath his arms…

…That smug bastard. 

“PfftAHAHAH—squeal! IHIHI H-HATE YOHOHOU!” The antihero yelled in an embarrassed high-pitched shriek, much to his dismay. 

“D’aww…your laugh is so stinking cute!” Sonic teased, a big, cocky smile plastered on his face as he tickled his enemy turned rival turned emo brother into pieces. 

“SHUHUHUT. UHUHUP!!!” Shadow cried, his face fur slowly turning the same shade as his irises. 

“Shuut uppp~!” Sonic mocked without letting a single beat pass. 

“IHI hic DOHOHON’T hic SOHOUND LIHIHIHIKE EHEH THAHAT!” The other teen squealed louder than the sound barrier could obtain. 

“I don’t sound like that~!” Sonic continued. 

“SOHOHONIC!!!” Shadow yelled through his laughs as the speedy devil mercilessly squeezed at his hip area. Shadow pounded his fists on the floor as his other arm wrapped around his torso, trying to bat Sonic’s hands away.

Sonic snickered in amusement; it's not everyday you could see his brooding buddy completely belly laughing, y’know! “Shadow~!” 

“NAHAHAH—hic! STOHOP MAHAKING FUHUHUN OHOF ME!!!”

“I’m not~!” Sonic protested. 

Shadow growled lowly through his giggles, kicking the air as he let out a bone quivering squeal, “YEHES YOOHOU F-FUHUCKING AHARE!” He shouted. 

Sonic, completely unfazed by the others screechy shouts, released his hands from Shadow’s arms, letting the older one breathe for a second as he dramatically cracked his knuckles and neck as he tickled Shadow once more. “Okay…that’s enough back talk from you, Mr. Ultimate Ticklish Lifeform.” 

“DOOHOO YOHOHOU hic EHEVEHER hic hic SHUHUHUT UHUP???” The black and red quilled teen howled. 

The speed incarnate hummed in fake thought, peering up to the iridescent thing that was the night sky, “Never tried; and don’t eeeeeever plan to.” He said as he tickled Shadow’s ribs and hips with SuperSonic Speed™, catching the older so off guard he snorted loudly before submitting into a new fresh wave of desperate cackles. 

“Geez…I gotta do this more often.” Sonic beamed, “Your laugh is pure serotonin, man.”

“O-OKAHAHAY SQUEAL OHOHOKAY!!!” The slightly taller mammal cried a breathy squeal, happy tears of mirth forming in his eyes as he banged his fists on the ground and the other’s arms for one final measure, “STOHOP! STOHOHOP hic STOHOHOP IHIHIT NOHOW!!!”

“Alright, alright…I’m stopping, I’m stopping.” Sonic ceased his torturous tickling fingers almost immediately, letting the older catch his breath as he got off of him. 

“You okay…?” The emerald eyed teen asked a couple seconds after, “I didn’t overstep any boundaries, right?” 

“I-I’m ohokahahay.” Shadow grumbled despite the wobbly, silly little grin he was trying to wipe off his face. 

Jesus…this family really made him soft as hell. 

And he will admit…he kinda loves them for it. Go figure. 

“Good.” Sonic nodded, putting a hand on his hip, “Now can we pleeeease go back inside?” 

“Suhure, Sohonic.” The older one chuckled lightly, getting off from the ground as he dusted himself off, shaking his head fondly as the blue quilled hedgehog smiled down at the ant and scooped it up in his palm.  

Shadow rubbed his arm anxiously, his eyes still on the other, “Sonic?”

“Hm?” 

“…Thanks.” Shadow admitted quietly, “For the talk. And well, you know…”

Sonic smiled at the small flustered words of appreciation, “‘Course, twin. Always happy to help.” He giggled as he bumped elbows with the others, squeaking when the other in question sneakily jabbed him in the side, “AHACK! H-Hehey! Hehey!” Sonic absolutely squealed, “Yohohou're attahacking ahan uhunaharmed mahan!” He playfully scolded, “Wihith a chihihild ihin thehe vicinity!” 

“You attacked me first.” Shadow deadpanned. 

“Yeheah! Buhut you deserved it!” The speed incarnate huffed as he crossed his arms in a dramatic fashion before putting Sonic JR. down carefully and picking up his jelly beans, eating them directly in Shadow’s face, much much to the others dismay and disgust. 

“SONIC! SONIC #2!” Knuckles’ voice came distant and sharp from the porch to the two hedgehogs. The two paused their bickering, turning towards the red echidna, “MOTHER REQUESTS YOU COME INSIDE BEFORE YOU CATCH A SICKNESS KNOWN AS THE COLD!” 

“Aww man…” Sonic pouted before clutching his chest as if he’d been shot, “Hey…wAIT A SECOND…‘SONIC #2’?!” 

Shadow took offense to the nickname as well, clutching his chest as he glared at the other, “I was born before you! If anything you should be Sonic #2!”

“But my name is Sonic! That makes no sense!” The shorter teen  shouted in obvious disapproval. 

“You don’t make any sense!” The red and black quilled hedgehog retorted. 

“Your face doesn’t make any sense!” 

Knuckles blinked as he watched the two hedgehog’s back and forth from a distance, “I wonder what they are bickering about…” He stood outside for one second longer, completely baffled before heading back inside, letting the screen door swing shut behind him. “…Oh well; not my problem.”

“Whatever…we can discuss that later.” Sonic huffed before pointing to the house with his thumb. “You ready to head in?” 

“…Yes.” Shadow agreed, “Lets…Let's go.” 

“It's: ‘Gotta go fast���’…but you'll get the hang of it.” The emerald eyed teenager smirked at the other. “Bye bye, Sonic JR!” Sonic smiled sweetly as he blew kisses to the insect, “Seeya later!” He waved as he dashed to the house with his usual speediness. 

Shadow chuckled fondly, crossing his arms as he walked to the Wackowski residence. And as he did so, he looked up to the blue dusky gray/grey sky; no rain in sight. 

Shadow's chest tightened—not from the cold or uneasiness, but from that too familiar feeling that crept into his heart without warning. 

That…certain heaviness that felt like it was stuck to you like molasses. 

Sonic came back outside after realizing Shadow didn’t quite follow after him. 

But Sonic didn’t rush him, just quietly stepping towards him as he held out his hand, “C’mon, Shads…Dad popped popcorn to watch the rest of Tails and Knux’s weeb fight thinga mabobber.” 

The taller mammal looked at the smaller’s hand and then took it without a word, the both of them walking towards the house now.

The wind stirred—soft and low, almost like a satisfied sigh. It brushed through Shadow’s quills, curling around his torso like a ghost of a hug. 

Shadow blinked…and for the first time in years…his breath came a little—no…a lot easier. 

Shadow looked back at the tree and squinted, looking at the tiny ant that was still where the two hedgehogs were sitting earlier. 

“What?” Sonic asked, trying to look in the direction Shadow was. 

“…Nothing.” Shadow murmured, eyes still on the ant, “It’s just…still there.” 

“Guess Sonic JR. just really likes the wind.” Sonic giggled, slipping inside the house with Shadow. 

Outside, the wind tapped once against the window panes, stirring at the tree leaves and making them rustle gently.

But despite all of that?

The ant kept going. 

·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚𝙵𝙸𝙽˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙ 

(𝙿.𝚂.: 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚌, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐!!!)

©𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚝𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝, 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎, 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝙰𝙸, 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚙𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚢. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞.