#he hates it but he can’t properly adopt a kid without a house and a job

[angelcake10023]

Alright hear me out…. 💜

Single dad Macaque working at Pigsy’s Noodles as a delivery boy to actually earn money to get a house and stuff for his kid

Dare I say- it’s peak lmao

[serasarahhhh]

Author: Maxine Pairings: BakuDeku Rating: R Chapters: 12/? Notes: Accidental quirk shenanigans result in an unplanned pregnancy. Post-canon, no a/b/o dynamics. Summary: It's not that Katsuki didn't want kids. He figured he'd have them one day, probably. That he and Izuku would adopt or maybe figure something else out. This is NOT how it was supposed to go. ~~~~~ CHAPTER 12 “You invited All Might for dinner?” Izuku repeats, gaping up at the man who’s still got his knees bracketing Izuku’s thighs. “I – what – Kacchan.” “It’ll be fine,” Katsuki says hastily. “It’s just All Might, don’t worry.” Oh please. That’s not the part Izuku’s worried about. “Are we even having dinner with my mom tomorrow??” “…I mean.” Katsuki goes a bit shifty-eyed suddenly. “Now we are.” “Kacchan, oh my god.” Izuku presses his hands against his cheeks. “Have you told her?” “I was going to call her!” “KACCHAN.” “Izuku,” Katsuki sasses back. “You wanted to tell him, right? Now you can!” “I–” Wait. Izuku blinks. “You didn’t tell him?” “I wasn’t gonna do it without you.” “But you did see him today?” Izuku asks, brows drawing down. Katsuki nods and Izuku pauses for a moment, trying to make that make sense. “You saw him, and he saw you, and he doesn’t know?” Katsuki frowns. “I ain’t the size of a whale, ya damn nerd. I just…” He lifts up on his knees like he wants to make sure Izuku can see him properly, then pulls his shirt up and starts sucking his stomach in. “I didn’t talk to him long, had the excuse of the meeting with Nezu to get to, so I kinda just did this and spoke fast and then fuckin’ bailed. So I doubt he noticed.” …It’s actually a little unnerving watching Kacchan’s belly flatten right before his eyes. When he holds himself like that, the bump almost entirely disappears. “Okay, okay, stop,” Izuku says frantically, reaching out to palm Katsuki’s hips so he can tug him back into his lap. “Don’t, that’s freaking me out.” Katsuki relaxes his muscles and it’s like watching someone blow air into a balloon, the way he easily rounds back out again. “She didn’t go anywhere,” he mutters, as he lets go of his shirt and resettles his weight against Izuku. “Calm down, crazy.” “Dinner,” Izuku says, trying to focus. “Tomorrow. Why my mom’s? Can’t All Might just come here?” “Where would we feed him, Izuku?” Katsuki throws a hand out toward the ground. “You want All Might to sit on the floor?” “…He could have the couch,” Izuku tries, but Katsuki just scoffs and looks away. “I’ll call her, okay? I’ll call her and let her know and I’ll even help her cook. It’s gonna be fine.” “I hate putting her out, though,” Izuku says weakly. “Yeah, well, this is why we bought a house. But we’re not in it yet, so I don’t know what to tell you.” Katsuki shifts off Deku, twisting to the side and flopping onto his back on the open length of the sofa. “We gotta tell Inko she’s getting a granddaughter anyway, so. Two birds, one stone.” “…Oh. That’s true.” Continue reading at AO3. Through chapter 12 now posted!

[corrodedcoughin]

here's a rather juicy concept for you darling!!~

steve getting too into his head and after a fight with eddie, assuming they're over. the bridge burned, tells himself eddie hates him and didn't feel the same, that he'll always be bullshit, that he'll always be in King Steve's shadow.

A month after, Eddie shows up on his doorstep drenched from the rain with no other explanation than " you're worth the love it takes to fix this"

It takes time but they make up, get life sorted, and get married and adopt a dog and live as happily as they can~<3

welcome back!!!!!

Steve living life on autopilot, Robin and Dustin can’t even say that he’s doing anything wrong because he isn’t? He’s doing everything he’s supposed to, picking up the kids, going to work, feeding himself, keeping up with his appearance. It’s just…there’s no Steve in it. There’s no bitchy comments when Mike puts his feet on the back of the car seat, no raised eyebrows with Robin with a customer comes in looking for ‘a movie with yellow in the title, or maybe it was the poster that was yellow?’ He’s technically there but there’s no joy in it.

And he’s not even properly avoiding Eddie, he just happens to not be where Eddie is. Almost like they’ve subconsciously orchestrated their days so that they never cross paths. Every day that goes by Steve just seems to retreat more into himself, his personality dimming until there’s nothing he can be called out on, keeping it all inward facing so there’s no opportunity to be told he’s not good enough.

It’s affecting al of them seeing him like this but Robin and Dustin agreed that telling him would just make it worse. If they try to cheer him up, drop kick him out of his pit he’ll sense it and blame himself, maybe even push them away. He reassures them both, letting Robin know he’s okay, assuring dustin nothing is wrong They just don’t know what to do and it hurts. Steve doesn’t know what to do either. The thing is he doesn’t know if he cares. He cares about his friends. Obviously he does. There’s nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for Robin and Dustin may as well be his own flesh and blood but he’s tired, he’s tried everything he can and just when he thought he’d finally cracked it. Thought he’d found his happiness he ruins it for himself. He knows he’s thinking himself into circles but what else is there to do? So he goes home and every night he puts the tv on to try and pretend that the house isn’t lonely, that he’s okay and that he can cope with the way his life is going. Blames himself when it gets overbearing and drags himself down on the couch to sleep. Rinse and repeat.

He’s just settled in for the night, inconsequential show playing and a sad bowl of over boiled potatoes on a plate with unseasoned salmon that shrunk after he left it too long in the oven. It’s a sad state of affairs but Steve doesn’t contemplate it too long, no point.

There’s a thudding at the door as he half way through a bite of too soft potato. Thinks about ignoring it but doesn’t want to cause a problem so heaves himself up. He makes it to the door, hearing anxious muttering on the other side as he unlocks it. Doesn’t register the voice, actually he doesn’t let himself register the voice until the door is open and Eddie is stood staring at him. Sad, sad eyes meeting Steve’s own.

‘You’re worth the love it takes to fix this’ it’s a simple statement but Steve can’t accept it, won’t let himself. Believes it to be pity, a kindness eddie offers him out of the goodness of his heart. He can feel his head shaking minutely, eyes cast down.

‘Eddie, you don’t have to do this’ it’s despondent and flat. But eddie doesn’t back down, takes a step forward and crouches slightly so he’s in Steve’s line of sight.

‘I know I don’t. That’s why I’m here. When have I don’t anything because I have to Steve?’ He tries to let out a laugh but it doesn’t land, ‘I want to. I need to. Please don’t let this, us, go. I don’t think I can do this without you now’ it’s earnest and real and Eddie’s voice breaks at the end. One more step and Eddie is fully in his space, asking Steve with his eyes as he grabs his hands. Steve nods, let’s him take them.

‘You might not like it but I’m basically a vampire, you invited me in and now there’s no getting rid of me’ Steve looks at him. Finally let’s himself take all of eddie in and it’s a bone deep ache. He wants to pull him in close, bring him into his house, make a home for him, with him. He just wants so much and maybe it’s too much. He doesn’t realise he’s said this last part out loud, words slipping past his lips to show Eddie where it hurts.

So Eddie does what he’s been longing to do, he cradles Steve’s head between his hands ‘Steve, if this is too much i don’t want any less, ‘Kay?’ He finishes with an uncertain smile, then it’s quiet, a pause before Steve brings his own hand up over one of Eddie’s, let’s their foreheads rest together.

‘Okay’ and Steve feels a lightness threatening to break free in his chest, a dam built up and ready to burst with everything he’s been keeping back. The effort to unlearn what he’s been told will be worth it if it means he gets this. If he can look at Robin and Dustin and allow his love to fill him. If he gets eddie back.

[phoenixyfriend]

Time Travel ft. Leia and Vader

(Helped by @atagotiak)

I was reading a bunch of different time travel fics, and my brain slotted in that one "Vader hands over the Empire to Leia and is now her most devoted sycophant" dynamic and mixed it with the "Luke and Vader time-travel and Vader does the right thing but only because it would make Luke sad if he didn't."

I landed on "Leia time travels to prequels era, but her least favorite family member has also traveled with her, though it takes him a few months to find her because he has less resources without the entire Imperial Navy, but he's still a scary Sith in all black with a breathing mask and intimidating cape."

"Tiny angry lady who wants to force democracy and her giant Sith father whom she hates but has resigned herself to pointing at threats like a tank who inexplicably loves her" is a delightful dynamic.

The first few months included a lot of concern about "why do you know so much about Sith if you're not trained or looking to be one" and then Vader shows up and calls her 'daughter' and she insults him and it's like "Oh. That explains it."

Council Member: We have a Sith in the Temple. Vader: Former Sith. Leia: Listen. He is your best chance against Sidious. Also, do you want Dooku dead? Vader can make him dead. Council Member: Your father i-- Leia, scrunching up her face: Don't call him that.

Like Leia is deep in conversation when the Temple starts panicking because Vader just. Showed up? He snuck in, somehow? So Palpatine wouldn't catch him on video entering through the front door? And people try to keep her away from the trouble, because there's an entire array of Jedi Masters to deal with this Surprise Sith, except she can sense exactly which Sith it is and once she shouts "oh you have got to be kidding me!" she just starts running and, well, it's Leia. Nobody can stop her.

(Leia does have less combat training, at least less force-assisted combat training, than the Jedi. But then the Jedi don’t want to hurt here here. She's not fighting her way down, either, she's just running really fast and all the best fighters already left. They had a head start. So Leia's mostly running past random padawans and the like.)

She shoves her way to the front of the group of Masters who. Well, they're certainly ready to attack. But Vader is just standing there. Doing nothing. Still intimidating as fuck but he's not doing anything.

And then Leia bursts onto the scene like "You motherfucker."

She hits her head on a clipboard and whines because UGH he's a walking WMD and they could REALLY use him against Palpatine but also. She hates him so much.

She tries to hand him off to the Jedi council but he insists that he will only take orders from Leia herself.

Jedi: Wait, what. Leia, completely ignoring them: Did you follow me here? Vader, through the mechanical wheezing: I have no loyalty to my master and no empire to serve. You are all that I have left. Leia: Me? Me? I'm all that you have left? You committed a genocide that killed all the family I had except for the twin brother you later mutilated! Jedi: Wait what Vader, going to one knee: I pledge my loyalty and blade to you and only you, daughter. Leia, ready to explode: I. I just. Jedi, some of whom really want to say things but are slowly realizing that they just accidentally acquired a Sith Lord by proxy: What. Leia: I hate you so much but I can't even get rid of you, you're too useful. Vader: I live to serve. Leia: Yeah. Got that. Fuck. Someone get him a full medical rundown, I don't know the last time that mess of a life support system was updated. Jedi, agitated again: WHAT Leia: Listen, I don't like him, but I'm not stupid enough to throw away the second most dangerous person in the universe when I can point him at the most dangerous person in the universe. Especially not if he's going to listen to me. Jedi: But... he's a Sith. Leia: Please trust me when I say this: you might be able to take him down eventually, but he will take dozens of you down with him, and right now he's... honestly, I'm pretty sure he's more depressed than malicious. Jedi: You hate him. I can feel it. Leia: Yes, but I can be professional about it. Vader: They have not yet d-- Leia: Nope! No talking! Not until I've had a chance to process this mess!

There is a whole lot of Leia snapping at Vader to stop it whenever he starts giving off vibes like he wants to take the most violent shortcut possible.

She is not the gentle hand that Luke would be.

Leia isn't a Jedi or working for them but she's wormed her way into being an ally. They don't 100% trust her, especially not with Vader just showing up and declaring her family but like

How do you say no to a WMD walking into your house and saying "I will fight the monster you cower from at night."

There's a lot of Leia snapping off an admonishment that sounds just a little too odd and then when questioned she just says "He knows what he did."

tbh I'm not sure how long it takes for them to tell anyone that Anakin is Vader. They might hold it off in hopes that Anakin can just retire to be Mr. Amidala after the war is over.

Well, Leia hopes. Vader just lets Leia make that call and then glowers at his younger self every time they're in the same room.

I do feel like Leia tells Obi-Wan the truth first

Imagine. Imagine a Vader who’s past still isn’t known. But has gotten somewhat comfortable around the Jedi (not really but the bar for what counts and comfortable for him is low). And Obi-Wan habitually banters with darksiders, right? If Vader’s guard is down for a moment and he, without thinking, references an inside joke...

Might be the most fun in terms of ways to tell Obi-Wan "We're time travelers and Vader is what happens if you let Palpatine drive Anakin off the edge"

If Vader has decided to pledge himself to her orders after destroying her planet, then fine. She can work with that. She's not going to be happy about it, but she can make it work.

The Jedi Temple hates having Vader anywhere nearby but he is actually very good at hiding himself from people, including Palpatine And for all that Leia seems perpetually irritated with her apparent bodyguard, he does seem to listen to her.

Jedi council: We still haven't figured out how to handle Dooku Leia: Do you know his location? Jedi council: Yes. Leia: [sigh] Leia: Vader, deal with it. Alive if possible.

(Leia does need to clarify an acceptable level of violence against the people protecting Dooku.) (She needs to clarify... many things.)

Leia always says "Vader" and one time a poor fool just asks why she doesn't call him dad and she snarls out "He is not the man that raised me, and I am glad for it."

Someone less foolish later prods more compassionately and she lets them know she was adopted and didn't properly meet Vader except in passing until she was nineteen.

"And then he tortured you." "And then he tortured me, yes." "Damn." "Didn't even find out we were related until a few years later when he chopped my brother's arm off." "You... wow." "I know."

At least one exchange that is L: You mean when you tortured me? A: He did what. V: I was not aware of our relation at that time. L: Not the point! I am fully aware of your interrogation methods and I refuse to let you be the one to acquire the evidence for-- A: Wait no go back he tortured you? L: Move on, please, we already have. A: That means I'm... oh Force, I'm going to torture my own daughter what in the actual fu-- L: We're moving on.

(“I end up torturing my own daughter” If Leia’s feeling especially spiteful I can see her saying “you mutilate your own son too”)

Concept: Leia is very free with traumatizing details of her past re:Vader and Anakin thinks that it sucks but doesn’t think much of it bc Sith. And then some time later he finds out...

(I love characters who use the traumatizing details of their past to shut down conversations.)

It's such a wonderfully horrifying concept for him to try to awkwardly comfort this girl he kind of knows because having a Sith for a dad sounds like it would suck and Leia seems nice, even if she's kind of weird and uncomfortable around Anakin, but he saw her flinch around a few other tall people wearing black robes the way she stiffens around Vader so maybe it's just that!

It is not.

Vader does get a significant amount of medical treatment. Including a bunch of "holy shit, that's a lot of drugs" and similar. There is so much lightning damage.

hnnng I'm just really in love with the image of Tiny Tiny Leia sitting behind a desk for some fancy negotiation, the picture of professionalism, while Vader just stands behind her shoulder, looming, glaring expressionless death at whoever came to speak with his baby girl.

Not that he would call her that, because she'd just hate him more and he's really not sure how to fix that problem, other than doing whatever she asks with no complaints and hoping she appreciates it.

Vader: [looks at children wandering by, has complicated emotions] Leia, tired of his shit: What now? Vader: I killed them, once. Leia, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath: And you're not going to do that again. No killing children. Vader: I know that. Leia: Great. I am... regretting asking. I am so very much regretting asking.

I do really like the idea of someone asking Leia once if she wants Jedi training and she says, no, actually, she's fully aware of the fact that she's angry little ball of hate sometimes, especially towards her bio father, and she'd like to refrain from putting herself in a position where she knows enough about the Force to Fall. She wouldn't Fall. But it does make people shut up.

[griffintail]

Okay so I'm on an angst kick tonight so here's a fic about how Little bee feels about all her new siblings.

Old news

Bee was hitting her breaking point, ANOTHER new sibling? As if Michael wasn't enough now she had to complete with the literal angel that was Boo. Her step fathers new adopted child. How could her dad do this to her? Bringing in this new 'family' as if their real family wasn't God knows where alone. She missed her cousin and uncle dearly, Little (F/L) was practically her sister at this point and sometimes Tommy was more of a father to her then her own dad. It drove the teen up the wall how quickly her father discarded them.

Now she's supposed to consider these strangers her family? No way in nether.

If anyone wants to expand on this feel free too, I wanted to write an argument but I can't think of good dialog for it.-🦊

Hahaha. Angst that I feel on a personal level. I didn’t add Little boo because I try to keep the characters separate when I write for the Lost Ones kids but there’s most certainly Michael! I really wanted to write this....NON-CANON TO LOST ONES

Old News

Pairing: Parental! Tubbo x F! Teenage! Reader

Part 2

Warnings: Angst, Misread Situations, Feelings of Neglect

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

         She sat alone at the docks, looking back to see her father playing with Michael in the upper story window. She huffed angrily as she looked back to the freezing water.

         …They were supposed to go fishing today. But Michael was sad.

         They were supposed to go last week but Ranboo wanted a day together with no kids. So, she had to watch the stupid zombie piglin…

         God, she never thought she’d miss the days when Uncle Tommy would drag her and Tubbo off on dangerous adventures. She never thought she’d miss all his yelling…she never thought she’d miss L’Manberg…With all the good memories that it held inside…

         At this rate, she’d start missing how her father and Tommy fought Dream all the time!

         “Hey.” She jumped, looking up to see Foolish. “You’re shaking kid, you should get inside.”

         Her jacket had long since felt cold. She just didn’t want to go inside and listen to dad talk to Michael though. Not when he hadn’t properly talked to her in months. She looked at the house before looking at Foolish.

         “Is the mansion warm?”

         “Uh, kind of. There should be a few rooms, come on.”

         She got up and followed Foolish inside. She’d go to her actual room later…for now, she just wanted to sit and watch the trees sway without thinking about everything she missed…

         …

         She stirred her mushroom soup as she sat at the dining table inside their home after night fell. Ranboo was out, thank god, but Tubbo was upstairs with Michael again and she had to make and eat dinner for one…

         “Hey, I need to talk to Foolish before he leaves. Watch Michael for a few minutes alright?” Tubbo asked her as he jumped down from the ladder.

         “Ok.” She muttered.

         “Thanks.” He smiled before rushing out.

         She rolled her eyes and kept eating her warm soup. The kid wouldn’t die, he was old enough to be fine. There was no need to make her eat cold soup to watch the stupid zombie piglin. After a few bites though, she heard a loud thud upstairs and she face-palmed before going up the ladder.

         The little zombie piglin was sniffling as a little bit of blood trickled from his forehead.

         “What happened?” She sighed, going over and sitting in front of the zombie piglin, wiping the blood away with her sleeve.

         Michael pointed to the bed and the floor and she shook her head.

         “You jump off the bed?” And he nodded. “Yeah, that hurts like hell. I fell off a lot of crap, mostly because Uncle Tommy dared me but I digress.”

         Michael gave a snort and she gave a small glare with no actual heat behind it.

         “You think that’s funny little shit?” She asked and Michael shrank but she smiled. “I’m just joking. But hey, watch out, I’ve been taught by a lawyer, I’ll sue you next time.”

         She didn’t hate Michael; she just didn’t like how he and Ranboo got all of her father’s attention. Michael was a funny kid and smart when given the chance. She just wanted to avoid him though so she didn’t have to think about what he gets that she can’t.

         “Alright, come on, I think there’s some of those special potions for you downstairs.” She said, standing up.

         The teenager was about to pick him up when Tubbo came into the room.

         “Hey, how—What happened?!” Tubbo exclaimed, rushing to Michael, not a second glance to (Y/N).

         “Oh, he just fell a bit.” (Y/N) said.

         “He fell?! How? Weren’t you watching him?” Tubbo asked her with even looking at her as he carefully looked at the minor cut on Michael’s head.

         “Dad, he’s fine. It’s just a little cut from a fall.” She wasn’t watching him but she also wasn’t going to tell on Michael that he just jumped off the bed.

         “You call this fine?!” He motioned to Michael as he finally looked at her.

         “Yeah, I had a lot worse going on adventures with you and Uncle Tommy.”

         “Yeah! But he’s not you!” Tubbo huffed looking away.

         (Y/N) was taken aback by that. He wasn’t her…No, no Michael wasn’t her. He was better than her, just look. Michael always has her father’s attention. What was she? Just…just a disappointment.

         Tubbo canceled plans with her, Tubbo rarely spoke to her as much, Tubbo barely spared her a glance some days. He had a better family now…

         “You’re right.” She whispered, Michael giving little snorts seeing the tears in the older girl’s eyes. “I’m going to go.”

         “I think that will be best,” Tubbo said, once more not looking at her as he picked Michael up.

         Her lip quivered before nodding as she rushed downstairs. Tears poured down her cheeks as she grabbed a bag and threw her clothes in. Nothing else.

         She left the house, hearing nothing from her father as she walked away from Snowchester.

         It was better for everyone…They could be happy without her bothering them now…

         The darkness surrounded her as she clutched her bag as she crossed the path back towards Dream SMP land. As she got across, she looked up at the well-lit hotel her uncle had finally won back. Without much thought, she dashed up the path to the building. As she got to the door, she hesitated.

         Would it be better for her uncle if she didn’t bother him? Would he be happier?

         “(Y/N)?” She heard behind her and she once more jumped as she looked to see Tommy walking past the gates to the hotel.

         He stopped seeing her red eyes and the tears staining her cheeks, along with the bag by her side. He then rushed over, taking her arms.

         “What happened? Who hurt you? Who the fuck is going to die?”

         At his words, she sobbed. She hadn’t felt this cared about in months…

         Tommy was startled before hugging her tightly. “Hey, it’s ok, kid. I’ll fuck up their shit for you. No need for the waterworks. Let’s get inside.”

         He brought her inside as she cried harder and he didn’t get much of an explanation once she calmed down as she didn’t want to talk about it but he set her up with a room and told her they’d talk about it tomorrow when she got some rest. Yes, Tommy was worried but he knew that he couldn’t just force the kid to tell him everything when she looked exhausted.

         “I don’t know how Tubbo fucked this up, but I’ll fuck up his shit later,” Tommy told her, ruffling her hair. “After I beat the ass of who hurt you. Get some rest.”

         He left the room after that as she held back the tears this time. If only he knew, and lord did it feel so good to feel like someone cared…She had missed Uncle Tommy…

         …

         Tubbo came to (Y/N)’s door later after putting Michael to sleep. Tubbo felt guilty about getting so snippy with his daughter. She was right, kids get hurt. He remembered the clumsy little girl that would fall down all the time or who he’d have to catch after Tommy dared her to jump from various places. It made him feel guiltier when Michael tried to stick up for her, trying to take all the blame.

         He hadn’t been angry; he was just scared. He had fucked up in some areas with (Y/N), he couldn’t fuck up again. Michael wasn’t the same as her, he was more fragile, a different creature entirely, which meant he had to be extra careful. It was better she went to her room though, so he didn’t say something he’d regret. He felt regret though for being so loud with his words.

         “(Y/N).” He knocked on her door.

         She didn’t answer and he sighed.

         “I’m sorry for yelling. I didn’t mean it. I was just scared because Michael isn’t like you or me. He gets hurt a lot easier. And…shit. I forgot about fishing, didn’t I? I’m making a lot of mistakes today. I’m so sorry little lamb. I…I’ll leave Michael with Foolish tomorrow and we’ll have a day all to ourselves, no matter what. We’ll have your favorite breakfast and do whatever you want, ok? Just you and me my special little bee.”

         There was still no answer and he let out another as he nodded.

         “I’m going to stick to it! I promise (Y/N). I love you so much. Good night.”

         And he left without opening the door to see what he’d find out tomorrow…

[yutahoes]

His Girl

Part One of this ask. 

characters: vice CEO! Yuta Nakamoto, daughter of CEO! Y/N, Yuri

word count: 3.2k words

genre: fluff

idea by @nuoyipeach thank you, Amina for this.  💚💚

tagging @junglewoos​ 

Yuta has everything in his life. A supportive family, a wide range of friends, an extravagant amount of money, a fancy house, and a luxury car. Being the vice CEO of a large family company made him the most eligible bachelor in town yet he never saw himself as someone in a relationship before. Not that he hated girls, but unlike his friends, he believed in the magic of love. His parents were a great example of that. And he wanted the love they have.

Even if he had every luxury in life, Yuta had always felt lonely. Maybe because he grew up as an only child. Or because he had to grow up as an adult now. It’s like there’s a void missing in his heart.

He wasn’t new to the charity parties his mom would always host. No one would support her better than him. But he hates it when she uses this as her way for him to get introduced to other girls his age in their social circle. So even if he’s the son of the host, he would always find himself outside the venue.

Today, her party was held in an orphanage. It was a confusing theme for him. Why here of all places? Yet, as usual, he went outside the hall after being introduced to twins who were five years younger than him. He was on a call with an international client when a soccer ball went to his feet followed by a young girl in a messy bun running to where he is. Yuta had to put down his phone before picking up the ball. “Is this yours?” He asked, which made the young girl nod. “You can play soccer?”

“I can kick the ball.” She answered that made him smile, nodding. Of course. “Can you play soccer?”

Yuta smiled. When was the last time he played the sport? Maybe during high school? “When I was younger.” He handed the ball to her.

“Why can’t you play now?” She asked. There’s a lot of answers to that question. He’s an adult. He’s so busy with the company to play. “You still have your feet.”

Yuta chuckled. She was right. “Then, can I play with you?” She nodded, smiling widely. Her smile is so pretty, eyes sparkling. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Yuri.” She introduced then held six fingers up. “I’m six years old.”

The older man removed his jacket, placing it above the bench. “I’m Yuta.” The young girl giggled saying that they almost have the same name, making him smile. She’s so cute.

It’s been days since he met the younger girl in the orphanage yet his mind can’t get past the fact that she kicked the ball like a pro, she even goaled twice against him. Yuri. Almost the same name as him. Whenever he had nothing to do, he would trail off to the thoughts of the younger girl giggling. It might be the happiest day in his life.

The void he was missing all along.

He weighed the pros and cons of his decision. He needed to be responsible if he pushed for this. Needed to make time for her. Money isn’t the problem, just time. So one dinner night with his parents, he opened the topic. “Mom, if I adopt a child, can you help me take care of her?” He sounded so casual that his parents were too surprised. His mom liked the idea while his dad just smiled at him, saying that he honestly wanted a kid in the house. “I’ll make time this weekend, mom. Can you come with me to the orphanage?”

It was a decision that scared Yuta. What if instead of being beneficial to the child he becomes harmful to her? The nun running the orphanage kept on thanking him, even explaining that they were given three months if they wanted to continue with the adoption that confused Yuta. There’s such thing as that?

Yuta smiled when Yuri entered the door. She grinned, running to him and asking if they could play again. “They’re going to adopt you?” The nun said that made her look at the two in question. Yuta nodded, saying that they can play whenever they want which made her grin.

His mom kept asking Yuri if she wanted to eat while driving her to their house. The younger just shook her head, answering politely that she’s not hungry. “If you need anything, we can get you what you want. We’re going to meet your grandfather and he’ll be happy to meet you.”

“Grandfather?” She repeated that made Yuta look at her from the rearview mirror. Their eyes met. “Then Yuta oppa is going to be my dad?” The older woman nodded. “Who’s my mom?”

Yuta lightly chuckled. “I can’t promise you one for now. But we’ll see, Yuri.” The answer even made his mom smile which she hid in a cough.

She was excited to see the wide yard and a goalpost on one side, squealing that she’ll have a blast playing soccer. A large pool can be seen from the back of the house and her eyes feasted at the high ceiling and the chandelier she called Cinderella. When the older woman brought her to the kitchen, a small popper can be heard that startled them. There’s a banner welcoming Yuri in their house and different food on the table. Yuta was astounded at the fact that it was his dad who made all of this. The president of Nakamoto Corporation throwing a small party like this? They might really be too excited about having a kid in the house.

The couple was showing Yuri all the rooms in the house, introducing her to the maids and the cook while asking her to tell him what she would want to eat all the time. Yuta stayed in his own office to finish some work he brought home. The door opened followed by a small knock and Yuri was there, eyeing the large spacious room. “Can you tuck me to bed, please?” Yuta chuckled before leaving the folder on the table and standing up to follow her.

Yuri’s eyes were so wide when she entered the room. “We can change the color of your room if you want,” Yuta said that made her shake her head, plopping on the bed. “Are you fine with everything?” 

She nodded, hugging the pillow. “I don’t want to change anything. I’m just happy to be here.” Yuta smiled, pulling the blanket up to cover her. “Thank you, Yuta appa.” Once again, he smiled widely.

He hasn’t done anything. It’s too early to thank him yet.   

Yuri adjusted well in their house that made Yuta relieved. His parents were both attentive to her and whenever Yuta would go home in the evening, Yuri’s smile would always take away all his tiredness. Her, staying in their home is the best thing that might have happened in their lives. On weekends, he would teach her soccer. His mom would have tears in her eyes seeing Yuta laughing with her.    

And to formally welcome her to their family, his dad had asked Yuri to come with them to another charity party.

Yuta held her shaking hand as they got on the elevator to where the party will be held. She’s in the light violet dress that his mom picked for her and she looked really cute, but something is missing from her look. “Are your friends going to be there?” the young girl asked that made Yuta nod. “Can I tell them that you’re my dad?”

“Of course you can,” Yuta answered immediately then gave her a confused look. “Why?”

Yuri smiled, shaking her head. “Can I eat anything inside?” His parents smiled adoringly and Yuta nodded, telling her that she can eat anything except the wine. Yuri held his hand tight when the elevator doors open.

She quickly became the darling of the crowd, everyone liking her cheery aura but some stared at the younger and Yuta as if asking why. Unlike other parties, Yuta never left Yuri’s side who was seated properly at their table. He would only stand up to refill the marshmallows she liked so much. He took a long time when the wife of the chairman of another company came to him and introduced her daughters. He also bumped into some international investors or clients and stopped to greet or make small talks with them.

When he returned to their table, Yuri was giggling and talking to a girl who was sitting on his chair. “Appa!” She called that made the older girl turn to him. He knew her. Y/N. What is she doing here? “She is Y/N unnie. She talked to me while you’re gone.” Yuta apologized, putting down the plate of marshmallows while sitting on the chair beside Yuri. “She also gave me this clip.” Yuri showed the glittering clip on her hair. Yuta smiled, the missing piece of her look.

“I’ll get going,” Y/N said, smiling at Yuri. “It was nice to meet you, Yuri.” But the younger held her hand, begging not to leave yet.

She lightly glanced at Yuta in worry which made him look around. Some people were looking at them. Yuta held the back of Yuri’s head, “Do you want to go outside with Miss Y/N?” The younger girl nodded while grinning widely. “Is that alright with you, Y/N?” She looked startled but nodded, holding a hand out for Yuri which she immediately accepted.

Yuta watched the two disappear to the giant doors heading outside to the fake yard by the balcony. Maybe Yuri needed a woman’s attention. She talks a lot with his mom but Yuri might need a younger perspective. Yuta sighed, leaning on his chair. Maybe Yuri needed a mom.

While the younger girl was occupied, Yuta started talking to some businessmen he knew from the crowd. His mom asked once where his date is and he only said that she’s outside with someone. When she asked who it was, he only smiled. “Can you believe how thick-skinned that guy is?” Yuta’s dad asked and without even the name, he knew who it was. “He’s only here to get some investors from us.”

“Honey, he’s friends with the party host.” the older woman said while holding his arm and Yuta nodded at his dad, watching the rival businessman. Now that he’s staring, there’s nothing common between him and his daughter. Maybe she looks like her mom. “Do you want to go already? I’ll get Yuri.”

But Yuta shook his head, saying that he’ll do it. He smiled at some girls his age who were obviously talking about him before opening the large doors to the balcony. Yuri was seated on the fake grass next to the older girl in the silver dress, her laugh echoing in the air. “Yuri.” He called softly that made the two stare at him. “We have to go home.”

He saw how her face fell then stared at the older girl who had her back on Yuta. “I still want to talk to you more, unnie.” The girl tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, promising that when they meet again they’ll talk a lot more. “Oh, your clip.” But she shook her head, saying that it’s a gift.

Yuri ran to the older guy, bidding farewell to the girl who only smiled while brushing her skirt. “What did you and the unnie talked about?” Yuta inquired while holding her hand. Yuri grinned, answering that it’s girl stuff and she had fun. Yuri does need female supervision.

-----

It was another party, Yuri wearing the hair clip given to her in hopes of seeing the older girl, when Yuta found out how much that clip costs. It was pure diamonds and only two clips like that were made, one of them belongs to a well-known princess of a foreign country. If someone knew, Yuri’s life will be in danger. He needed to ask Yuri to return the clip. 

Since they had always been attending parties or Yuri coming with him to work, he decided to hang out with the younger girl and get her some clothes or things she needs. Of course, it’s much better to let his mom come with her but Yuri always complains that she gets tired easily that the younger can’t even ask her to play in the ball pit which she wanted to do. So to do what she wants, it was Yuta who came with her to the mall. 

It was a large place, filled with luxurious things yet Yuri doesn’t look excited at all. He was looking at the necklaces in the display, wanting to give Yuri one as a gift. But when he looked to his side, she was already nowhere to be found. Yuta looked around in panic. He just diverted his attention for a short time, she’ll be around. But he cannot spot her yellow shirt anywhere. Fuck, his mom is going to kill him. 

He can’t call someone, his mom will know for sure. How do you look for a missing child without alerting anyone? Yuta just roamed around the mall, keeping his eyes out for the younger girl. "Mr. Nakamoto." Someone called, stopping him from his tracks. The larger man bowed at him and he bowed back, confused as to why he was approaching him. Who is he? Maybe he took Yuri. "Ms. Y/N is with your daughter," Y/N? Did she kidnap Yuri? "They're at Selene's as we speak." Huh? 

Yuta just thanked him before heading to the shop he mentioned, his eyes blinded by everything pink. A girls' store, no doubt. The lady welcomed him and guided him inside a small door which read VIP, asking him if he wanted anything but he shook his head. He just wanted to see Yuri. 

The large curtains opened and he stopped in his tracks when the younger girl came out with a light blue dress. Yuta smiled at how cute she is. "Appa!" She called while grinning at him. "Where have you been? Why did you get lost?" What? He heard a giggle from another side of the room when the large curtains opened and Y/N could be seen in a wedding gown. 

Yuta gulped. She looks pretty in that. But he didn't know she's getting married. 

"Unnie, that's prettier," Yuri claimed, jumping on the couch and staring at the same girl Yuta is staring at. "Take a picture wearing that."

Y/N giggled. "And you look so pretty with that dress." She complimented then asked the lady in waiting to get a white belt for Yuri. "And please, can you get Yuta some drinks?" The guy looked surprised before shaking his head, saying that he's fine. "We'll just finish this quickly. I'm sorry." The guy nodded before she nodded at another lady in uniform. 

One lady took Y/N's pictures while the other put a belt on Yuri. He was lost at the moment. What is happening? But Yuri was having fun so he just sat on the couch, staring at the younger girl. "Unnie wanted me to model the clothes she made." Yuta was startled, she made these clothes? "She said she's going to give the clothes to me and they're really pretty." 

Yuri was called to take pictures and he only watched as she posed for the camera as if a real professional. She's so cute. He took his phone to take pictures of her so he can show his mom later. Y/N went out of another door in a shirt and jeans, watching Yuri. "I'm sorry. She saw me and said she wanted to come with me so I asked a bodyguard to look for you." Yuta shook his head. So that was her bodyguard? Heiresses really had it differently. 

"I didn't know you make clothes." 

The girl smiled. "I went abroad to study for it." He remembered her just leaving during their third year of studies in university to go abroad. Yuri skipped to where they were, twirling around. "Are you tired?" 

The younger girl shook her head. "Can I try the pink dress now, unnie?" Y/N had to look at Yuta who only nodded. The younger made a little 'yey' which made him giggled before running to the fitting room followed by one lady. Y/N had to tell another lady to get a white hat with a pink ribbon. 

"I'm really sorry." She whispered. 

Yuta smiled. "Girls." He said with a sigh that made her laugh. He watched as she put a clip on her hair, remembering the one-of-a-kind hair clip Yuri has. "Oh, I asked Yuri to return the hair clip you gave her but I don't think she brought it today. Can I just send it to you later?" 

"What hair clip?" She just forgot a million-dollar clip? When he explained what it was, she only nodded. "That was my gift to Yuri, it's fine." Yuta gave her a pointed look. "Your daughter is very lovable Yuta." She giggled before continuing, "She must have got that from her mom." 

Before Yuta could say another word, the curtains opened and Yuri was grinning in her light pink dress. Y/N kneeled to fix her skirt then took the hat to put it on her head. "This looks so good on you. You're so pretty." She cooed but Yuri held her cheeks that surprised Yuta. "So are you, unnie." Why does he suddenly feel like the third wheel here? 

He was smiling as he watched her pose for the camera, smiling widely. Yuri really loved this. And he loved seeing a new side to her. When she was done, she suddenly complained about being hungry and asking Y/N to come to eat with her and Yuta which made the older girl look at him nervously. "Listen, honey, your dad and I can't be seen in public." 

Yuri looked confused, "Why not?" Yuta had to answer that their dads are rivals and that they hate each other. "Why do they hate each other?" 

Y/N giggled at her endless question. "It's like my dad and Yuta's dad liked the same toy so they always fight to get that toy." Yuta chuckled at her explanation before Yuri's words surprised him, "Why can't they just share the toy?"

Children's minds are really simple, Yuta thought. It's true though, this company rivalry is getting out of hand. And seeing Y/N nodding, answering the younger with a 'They should, shouldn't they?', he realized it shouldn't be this way. "But you can invite her to grandpa's birthday on Saturday," Yuta claimed, which earned a wide-eyed look from Y/N. 

"Yuta, I can't…"

"Mom said we can invite anyone. You're Yuri's friend so it's just right to invite you." He explained but she only sighed. "You made Yuri's dress and you're my guest. I'll send you an invitation, Y/N." 

"I'll wear the dress you made, unnie." Yuri exclaimed. "You don't want to miss it, right?" 

Y/N had to laugh before nodding at her. "You're such an amazing negotiator," She teased the younger girl. "Probably got that from your dad." 

Yuta laughed. She probably did. 

Had fun writing this but I had to cut the fic since the next scenes are kinda dark and heavy. By now, I know you already know what the plot twist is. 🤣 

Second part will be posted first week of August.

Thank you for reading. And please, feedback is highly appreciated. 😁

[robininthelabyrinth]

Nie Huaisang is the cutest thing monsters have ever seen, they can be yao dragons or giant turtles one look at nhs and they want to feed hug or kidnapt him nmj trainning involved recovering his baby brother from every monsters nest around qinge

ao3

“I’m sorry,” Nie Mingjue said, his teeth gritted together and his arms shaking from the strain of holding Baxia up. “He’s mine.”

The massive tiger glared down at him over Baxia’s blade, currently stuck in its teeth, and growled something.

“I know,” Nie Mingjue said. His legs were shaking now, too. “I know, trust me, I know! I’m human, he’s – young, yes, yes, I know. But he’s my little brother! I’m not giving him up!”

The tiger spat out the blade, knocking Nie Mingjue backwards on his ass.

“And when you change your mind?” the tiger demanded. “Will you abandon him then?”

“No!” Nie Mingjue exclaimed. “Never! He’s my brother!”

“Mark your words,” the tiger said ominously. “Or else.”

It turned and stalked off, its tail waving arrogantly in the air, until its towering white form disappeared into the distance.

Nie Mingjue sighed in relief. “Huaisang?” he called, and a small head popped out of the nest the tiger had started building, blinking owlishly at him. “Come on, come to da-ge. It’s time to go home.”

“But Master Tiger said we were going to play…”

“Yes, well, he wanted to play for too long,” Nie Mingjue said. “Only a few centuries, give or take. Let’s go.”

-

It started back when Nie Huaisang was born.

No, more accurately, it started when Nie Mingjue’s father fell in love with someone he probably oughtn’t have, which according to the sect was not a terribly uncommon problem for him to have, and decided to bring home a bride.

Nie Mingjue could still remember the first time he’d seen the Second Madame Nie. They’d all been lined up to greet her, all the sect and close members of the clan in rows according to rank, Nie Mingjue fidgeting in the inside of the house proper in his first tangle with formal clothing outside of the discussion conferences. She had come sweeping in with her head held as high as a princess, seductive and bewitching.

Every movement had been perfect, the eyes of all the men fogging over in lust and the women in admiration – or visa versa, depending on their personal preferences – and a wicked smile had lit up her face when she had stepped across the threshold, officially becoming the sect leader’s wife, and maybe everything would have gone along with whatever plan she’d had back then if she hadn’t next seen him.

“Oh, look at you,” she exclaimed, rushing over to pinch Nie Mingjue’s cheeks between her hands. “What a delectable little morsel you are!”

“Uh,” Nie Mingjue said, staring up at her with big round somewhat-worried eyes.

“You charming little dumpling,” she said. “You adorable mouthful of meat! Spoonful of egg yolk!”

Nie Mingjue cast his eyes around to see if anyone would be willing to help him.

“My eldest son,” Nie Mingjue’s father said, not without pride – albeit perhaps a puzzled sort of pride. “He’s probably just about old enough to come to the forecourt, if you don’t want him to live with you –”

“Oh no,” she said. “He’s definitely living with me.”

And so she stayed, and Nie Mingjue stayed with her, and she doted on him in a way he found pleasant if mildly disconcerting. Within a year, she was pregnant, and irritated with it; six months after that, she was round and complaining, even though Nie Mingjue solemnly assured her that she was as beautiful as ever.

“This is your fault, you know,” she told him, and he blinked at her. “It is! Don’t get me wrong, your father’s a charming bull when he wants to be, and of course he fucks like a champion stud, but I stayed here for you, my little cabbage roll, my charming chunk of liver.”

She patted her belly.

“That means this here is all because of you. So you’d better take responsibility!”

Nie Mingjue considered the issue for a little. The argument seemed plausible, so he raised his hands and put them on her rounded stomach. “I will take care and watch over him for all my life,” he vowed, and the baby inside kicked his hand in response, sealing the pact.

“Oh you are so cute,” she said, pressing her hands to her cheeks. “My darling pork bun! My little fish cake! I could eat you right up, if only you were just a little bit older!”

When Nie Huaisang was born, she disappeared in a welter of blood, but Nie Mingjue’s oath remained.

The trouble started after that.

-

“You can’t raise a cub like that properly,” the winged lion argued, bating its wings as if that would help it make its point better.

Nie Mingjue glared at him. “Watch me!”

“It’s for your own good, little human. He needs his own kind –”

“I’m not listening to a treasure-seeker!”

The lion scowled at him. “I’ll have you know that most humans think I’m good luck!”

“You’re not trying to steal most humans’ little brothers, are you?!”

The winged lion sighed, a deep sound, so very noble and long-suffering that Nie Mingjue couldn’t resist the urge to lift his foot and kick the lion right in the paw.

“Brat!”

“Don’t care!” he shouted. “You leave my brother alone! He’s my responsibility, not yours! Piss off!”

“You can’t even feed him properly -”

“I’ll figure it out!” Nie Mingjue bared his teeth and wished he was old enough for a saber.

“You little…fine. Fine! I’ll bring you a book on how to feed a huli jing kit, and you keep to it, you hear me?”

“I will,” Nie Mingjue said. “But don’t you even think of taking him away!”

“On your own head be it,” the winged lion grumbled. “Not everyone’s as understanding as me.”

-

“Why are you wet?” Nie Mingjue’s father asked him.

“Water monkeys,” Nie Mingjue said shortly. “There was a nest.”

“Water monkeys? Don’t they normally stay away from people…? Or, I suppose, were these ones feral?”

“Thieves.”

“Ah. Well, nothing to be done about it, I suppose…bad luck for you to run into them here, of all places. But good experience! How many people your age can say that they fought water monkeys?”

“Can we go home?” Nie Mingjue asked, a little plaintively, and rubbed his nose. “How much can you really have to say to the Jiang sect, anyway?”

His father chuckled. “More than either of us would like, unfortunately. But if you’ve had enough of water, which no one can blame you for, maybe you and Huaisang can go shopping in the pier instead?”

That would work, Nie Mingjue thought, and nodded happily.

(Sect Leader Jiang was extremely embarrassed about the ghostly rats in the night-market – he claimed they’d never seen neither nose nor tail of them before the Nie brothers had accidentally tripped over their trap and had to flee from the swarm...)

-

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nie-er-gongzi,” the white-clad cultivator from the mountain said, smiling broadly and saluting deeply.

Xiao Xingchen had made himself famous during his first half-dozen night-hunts alone for his extraordinary grace, bearing and strength, and he said he was on a mission to help the world. He was beautiful, virtuous, and matched each ideal of gentlemanly arts.

Sects throughout the cultivation world were drooling at the thought of enticing him to join them, fighting for the opportunity to put in a good word with him.

Not all sects.

Nie Mingjue stepped forward, purposely putting Nie Huaisang behind him.

“Don’t you even think about it,” he said, hand on the hilt of his saber. “Buzz off, birdbrain.”

Xiao Xingchen might wear white, but Nie Mingjue knew a zhuque chick when he saw one.

-

“I found something for my aviary, da-ge!” Nie Huaisang, seven years old and delighted with his clumsy autonomy, announced.

Nie Mingjue, less than a full year into his new role as sect leader, rubbed his eyes. “Oh?” he asked, only somewhat wanting to scream endlessly into the void, which was better than usual. “That’s nice, Huaisang…”

“Come look! It’s so pretty!”

“I’m a bit busy –”

“But da-ge!”

Nie Mingjue sighed and got up, following Nie Huaisang to the door only to come to a complete stop.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me,” he said to the fenghuang currently pretending to be a rooster in a cage, as if anyone would actually mistake phoenix flames for regular feathers. “Do you have no dignity left?!”

-

“You can’t adopt the bashe,” Nie Mingjue said to Nie Huaisang, who pouted. “It eats elephants; we’d be broke within three months.”

He turned to the giant python.

“You can’t adopt Huaisang,” he said. “I will literally murder you.”

-

“Why can’t I go watch the eclipse?” Nie Huaisang complained. “Everyone else is going!”

“I’m not risking a tiangou.”

“The…dog that eats the sun? Really, da-ge, is that even real?”

“You know what,” Nie Mingjue said, “you’re grounded just for saying that.”

Nie Huaisang grinned.

-

“Maybe I want to go and live among the qilin!” Nie Huaisang screamed, fourteen and hormonal about it.

“Well you don’t get a choice!” Nie Mingjue bellowed back.

“You’re not my father! I don’t have to listen to what you say!”

“I’m your fucking sect leader and yes you do!”

“I hate you!”

“I don’t care if you hate me! You still aren’t going to go live in a field with some magic pointy deer and that’s final!”

The qilin herd wisely chose to withdraw.

-

“Da-ge,” Jin Guangyao hissed, and Nie Mingjue looked up from his work at him – he hadn’t heard Meng Yao this upset since he’d shoved him into a closet to get him out of way during the whole dangkang boar hunt debacle. “Da-ge, there’s a dragon outside.”

“Again?” Nie Mingjue said, standing up to stretch and feeling oddly unbalanced. They’d just finished another session with the song of Clarity, so he really shouldn’t be feeling like this; he would need to write to Lan Xichen again about his fears that the treatment really wasn’t working. Lan Xichen would probably only say to give it more time, another chance, but still… “Let me go talk to them. Dragons are the worst.”

“No, da-ge, you don’t understand,” Jin Guangyao said. “It’s not a water-serpent or – or even a jiaolong – it’s a dragon.”

“A flood-dragon is a type of dragon,” Nie Mingjue said, following Jin Guangyao outside. “You know that, it’s in the name, what’s the big – oh, I see. It’s a celestial dragon.”

Jin Guangyao glared at him with an expression suggesting that he was under-reacting, but Nie Mingjue really didn’t have the capacity in him to reach with appropriate fervor at the moment. He and Nie Huaisang had been fighting a lot recently, every little thing escalating into a giant argument, and he was no longer sure if he was doing the right thing in trying to force Nie Huaisang onto the path of his ancestors. After all, unlike Nie Mingjue, Nie Huaisang had – somewhat different ancestors, on his maternal side.

And, he supposed, Nie Huaisang was old enough to decide otherwise, if he truly wished…

Still, Nie Mingjue was as stubborn as a mule and had no intention of giving up his baby brother without a fight, so he braced himself and went over to the frankly massive creature draped over the entrance gateway and much of the training yard that the entirety of the Nie sect was doing its utmost best to pretend that they weren’t seeing.

Nie Huaisang was sitting on the thing’s five claws – an imperial celestial dragon, apparently – because of course he was.

“Excuse me,” Nie Mingjue called up to the dragon, which turned its head to regard him, an entire production that took nearly a quarter ké to accomplish. “The brat there is mine, please return him.”

“Da-ge!” Jin Guangyao hissed again, but Nie Mingjue waved him away.

“You have raised him well,” the dragon said, which was…a good deal nicer than most of these interactions usually went.

“…thanks?” Nie Mingjue said suspiciously, ignoring Jin Guangyao’s splutters of “It talks?!” “I think?”

“I have chosen to grant you a boon,” the dragon announced.

“…right,” Nie Mingjue said. “If this ‘boon’ is that you’ll take him off my hands, I’m afraid I’m going to have to refuse. He may be trouble, but he’s still my brother.”

“Da-ge!” Nie Huaisang exclaimed, indignant. “Don’t be rude. I asked him for this!”

Nie Mingjue frowned at him, unable to resist the feeling of hurt even though he’d already told himself to expect something like this. “…you want to leave?”

“No, da-ge, don’t be ridiculous. I asked him to improve your health!”

Ah.

“Huaisang –” he started to say.

“Don’t you ‘Huaisang’ me!” his little brother shouted. “I know you’re trying to hide it, but it’s getting worse, isn’t it? San-ge told me so! He said I should get ready!”

Nie Mingjue made a mental note to strangle Jin Guangyao, who had no right to say something like that to Nie Huaisang even if maybe it wasn’t the worst idea in the world to emotionally prepare Nie Huaisang for the upcoming bereavement and inheritance he would need to face.

“Anyway, he said to get ready, so I did!”

“You can’t just ask a divine dragon to fix me, Huaisang. That’s not how this works.”

“Uh, it totally does, and I did, and he agreed. So there!”

Nie Mingjue crossed his arms and glared. “And what did he want in return?”

“The boon is a reward for your past merit, not a trade for the deeds of the future,” the dragon said, not even slightly hiding how its whiskers were shaking with suppressed laughter. “You have travelled a difficult road, and borne the weight of it well. And besides…”

“Besides?”

“If you were to die, he would undoubtedly petition the creatures of the underworld to return you.”

“Well, fuck,” Nie Mingjue said, having not considered that. “Fine. Whatever. Heal me and I’ll try to keep an eye on my health going forward.”

Maybe more Clarity? He could try to free up his schedule, get in a few more sessions…

“I just give up,” Jin Guangyao said behind him. “I just fucking give up.”

Nie Mingjue, assuming that he was talking about Nie Huaisang’s nonsense, agreed whole-heartedly.

[vesperlionheart]

Western AU idea

Sakura came to awareness in a rush of panic, not recognizing her environment, only to settle into a jaded calm once the memories from the previous night came flooding back; bonfire, booze, boys. 

Oh yeah.

She rubbed at her face, pushing some of the hair of her eyes and grinned when she saw the exposed shoulder of her bedmate. He was dead to the world and lightly snoring so she made sure to keep quiet as she shimmed out of bed and found her things.

It was an hour or so after dawn, but townsfolk liked to rise a little later than the ranchers, so the town of Amegakure was still enjoying a soft awakening. People in the boarding house were going to be out and about soon, so it would be better to scuttle before anyone else saw her in the hallways.

Sakura picked up the colorful open front poncho but didn’t bother wearing it properly as she caught her hat off the bedpost. Boots in hand, she tip-toed out the front door, closing it as softly as she could without sparing her partner another glance.

In the hallway she crept up the stairs to the second, then the third floor, holding onto her boots before she found her own room. It took a bit more time to produce the key but eventually she managed to get the door open just in time to hear someone down the hall step out for the morning.

Safe inside she took the time to change, tidy up herself, and pretend she hadn’t tumbled a cute young visitor with the railroad company like a horny teenage. Not that anyone on two legs would judge her in Amegakure, but it was less the tumble and more the lack of wherewithal she wanted to hide. She had a reputation as being pretty reliable that she didn’t want to lose.

When she heard the knock on her door a while later she hesitated before recognizing the familiar pattern of knuckles on wood. Only one person knocked like that.

“Hey,” Temari greeted with a bright smile and sly eyes. “Missed you last night. Did ja have fun?”

“Plenty,” Sakura laughed before standing to the side to invite Temari in.

“Well you look rested and dressed enough for some breakfast. Don’t bother staying in, I’m treating, remember?”

Sakura didn’t remember, but she wasn’t the type of person to turn down free food so she grabbed her hat to carry out and locked the door behind her.

On the ground floor a few more bodies were bustling about, stirred by the warm smell of boarding house food. Shizune saw the pair of them coming down the main staircase and greeted them with a wink before clearing a table. Sakura tapped at Temari’s shoulder, nodding to the opposite side of the room where Konan was managing the front desk.

“I’ll join you in a second.”

“Fine, I know what you order anyway.” Temari left to grab them a table and let Shizune know the both of them would be eating in, ‘so please go easy on the coffee.’

Konan was in front of the oversized log book used to record the business of the boarding house and all its guests. She looked up when she heard Sakura coming and smirked as Sakura let herself in behind the counter.

“Temari was complaining when she couldn’t find you last night,” Konan chuckled with an arm extending in offering.

Sakura slipped in under the arm and hugged Konan around the waist, resting her head on the older woman’s shoulder. “I’m sure she found her own sort of fun.”

Konan hummed, scratching at Sakura’s scalp in comforting circles. “Your boy came down in a dizzy looking for you a little while ago. Do you want me to say something next time?”

Sakura had the decency to blush before giggling. “If you sent him out to the competition for breakfast I think you already had a clue.”

Konan made a noise of agreement. “Yes, he seemed the clingy type, but he dressed well and Nagato said he recognized the brand of watch, so the kid had that going for him. You’re not interested in a rich young beau?”

Sakura rolled her eyes, less motivated by material goods than the average unemployed freeloader. “I don’t care about those things. What did your other husband say about him that I should know?”

In the background the front door swung open and the visitor looked around before heading to the front desk. A few linger patrons were making idle chat at their tables, enjoying their coffee and breakfast.

“Yahiko’s been busy with the delay in mail so I’m not sure he has any advice for you in matters of romance, but catch him later and see if he has better news.” Konan pushed Sakura away enough to see her more clearly before kissing Sakura’s forehead. “We just want what’s best for you, precious. Don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing.”

“Um, excuse me,” the visitor tried to interrupt, clearing his voice when no one bothered to look at him.

It was like a candle being extinguished as all the warmth rushed out of the older woman’s expression when she turned to the visitor. “Shut up before I make you choke, can’t you see we’re having a conversation,” Konan hissed, saffron eyes flashing in enough anger to make the visitor weak in the knees.

Sakura pulled on of Konan’s hands off her shoulders and kissed the knuckles, thankful for every day the older woman and her family took Sakura in. Sakura would always be indebted to the three of them, even if she paid them back a hundred times over, it would never measure up to the love she had received.

“I’m going to have breakfast, we can talk later,” Sakura whispered loudly.  

Konan frowned but rubbed at Sakura’s forehead once more before turning to the log book to start writing down the man’s information. It appeared he had a reservation.  

Across the room Sakura pulled out a chair for herself and sat down next to Temari just in time to thank Shizune for the morning special with coffee. “No Kankuro?” Sakura asked around a yawn.

“Not if I can help it,” Temari said with a roll of her pretty blue eyes. “He’s off with Yahiko trying to track down that missing mail coach. They should be back soon enough so let me enjoy the peace and quiet while I can.”

“Where have you been the last eight years? It’s never peaceful or quiet in this town,” Sakura laughed, stabbing at her eggs.  

“Quiet enough. I’ll take the drama of she said he said over straight up murder in the town square any day,” Temari snorted before drinking her coffee. “Damn. It’s bitter again.”

“Sugar is expensive, love,” Sakura replied on almost a reflex.

She was thinking back to the early years when Temari and her brother came in on a stagecoach, rescued by Yahiko. Like Sakura, the pair of siblings had come from a messy place where the law was a little more crooked and the justice just as dirty.

From the stories she heard, Sakura suspected Amegakure was just as bad as any other place before Yahiko and his crew cleaned up the town and turned it into the haven it was.  

“Are you going to tell me about the boy?” Temari’s teasing cut through Sakura’s thoughts.

“No,” Sakura snorted, amused at the attempt. Temari knew better than to ask if Sakura hadn’t already volunteered the information.

“At least tell me if he was better than Deidara,” Temari asked with a pout.

Sakura just laughed and ate her food, unwilling to bring up ancient history for the sake of her best friend’s amusement. Yahiko would murder Deidara if he caught wind of their trysts, even if Konan thought they were funny. Yahiko was the overprotective, energetic dad while Konan worried more about Sakura’s happiness as a women. Nagato fronted well enough to convince most people he was just as open minded as Konan, but behind his wife’s back Sakura knew Nagato hated more than one potential beau in his own way.

Temari thought their dynamic was hilarious and claimed to be jealous of Sakura’s adopted parents since all she had was a great grandma who was half dead and twice as cranky.

Whatever their conversation might have devolved into was interrupted when the front doors opened suddenly and a familiar figure ran in, pushing back his hood as he searched the room for his sister. Sakura saw him first, thanks to the position of her seat and waved him over.

“Kankuro, over here!”

Temari looked up, ready to tease her brother until she saw the look on his face. “Bro, what is it? Get over here, why are you looking like you saw a ghost?”

“It-we found out where he is,” Kankuro gasped, nearly out of breath as both Sakura and Temari went still. “We know where Gaara is! He’s in Avarice.”

Temari was the one who dropped her coffee but Sakura felt like she was the one who got punched in the gut.

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Hunting Palismans" From The Owl House

Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons.

Today, I present to you reason #4,693 for why The Owl House is the best thing at the moment: It's the perfect balance of serialized storytelling with an episodic format. The story always moves forward with an exact order for how episodes should be watched, but each episode still functions as its own standalone tale. Having prior knowledge of what happened before adds more to the experience, but you can still watch whatever you want and still have an enjoyable time. Take "Hunting Palismans," for example. It adds so much more to the overarching narrative while slightly continuing other threads. But it's still something you can watch as is without remembering the past or wondering about the future.

However, to properly explain how requires spoilers. I wasn't kidding when I say that this episode adds so much, so you're going to want to be wary of that when you continue reading.

With that said, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Coven Heads Meeting: We already saw these fellow schmucks in the trailer, but that doesn't take away how cool they are! It's not explicitly stated which head belongs to which coven, but you can already tell who goes where just from their designs alone. And I love that. I love that just by showing us some excellent character designs, anybody with half a brain can already figure out the particular type of magic each Coven Head specializes in. It's a perfect example of the show-don't-tell level of storytelling that is always at its best through animation, and I'm all for it because of it.

What the Day of Unity is: Several fans, myself included, have already speculated that the Day of Unity was that Emperor Belos planned to combine the human world with the Boiling Isles and rule it all with an iron fist. That being said, figuring it out is one thing, but being told that it's true is a whole different level pants-s**ting horror that I AM NOT READY FOR! Even when it's going to happen, I can assure you that I will not be prepared to witness it ...and I am scared of when it does.

Belos Body Horror: ...Disney, I was already scared s**tless of this guy. I DO NOT NEED THIS!

That being said, seeing Belos do...whatever the f**k that was, helps explain further why he needs the magic in palismans. I always assumed because it's like fuel for a car, giving him the power he needs. Now, even though the answer is more apparent, there are still some questions to be had. Is he cursed, and the magic keeps it at bay like Eda's potions? Or did he experiment with the wrong type of magic, and the palismans keep him stable? Only the future can say for sure...and I'm also not prepared for the answers from that either.

Golden Guard is Belos’ Nephew: Gosh dangit, THE INTRO HASN'T EVEN STARTED YET, AND THIS EPISODE IS ALREADY GIVING SO MUCH!

But, yeah, the most powerful witch on the Isles is apparently Golden Boy's Grunkle Belos. That very knowledge is incredibly interesting to discuss while presenting possibilities for future narratives. I don't know about you, but I see the Golden Guard going down the path of Zuko, learning that the magic of friendship is worth much more than whatever power he gains from being Belos' nephew. And possibly earning his uncle's love seeing how he's the only family he has. It's a situation that's vastly different from Amity's because even when she defies her parents, she'll still have Edric and Emira at the end of the day. For Golden Guard, knowing that he lost a great family to wild magic, the inclination to go against Belos is a lot weaker due to him being all he has left.

Oh, and also, Belos' family getting wiped out because of wild magic. Yeah, not only does that give the best type of motivation for Belos' distaste for it, but it also explains the Golden Guard's hesitance to use it. He's inclined to so he can save his uncle, sure. It's only the fact that he knows what happens with wild magic that causes some resistance...Also, we're less than a minute in, and I'm already getting all of this from one discussion between two characters.

HOW IS THIS SHOW SO GOOD?!

Intro Changes: It's about time too. It seems weird that the crew waited to change Eda and King's designs in the intro this late in the game, but it also tells me that Amity dying her hair lavender is the last huge change this season will present. Otherwise, why change the intro at all if you were going to alter Luz, Willow, and Gus' designs anyway? It just doesn't make sense to me.

Luz Keeping the Echo Mouse as a Pet: The fact that she keeps the most important creature in the world to her as a pet...it's...it's adorable, alright? And as we established several times, I cannot hate adorable things.

Don't judge me!

Amity Staying Home: There are two plausible ways why Amity didn't go to school that day. Either she's getting punished for dying her hair or because she's trying to avoid Luz so they won't talk about the you-know-what. Either could work and seem understandable to Luz, thus explaining why she admits how "that makes sense." Although, there is something to discuss in how Luz is curious as to where Amity is. Judging from the tone of her voice, it's pretty clear that she wants to talk about the little peck on the cheek and maybe get some confirmation as to what it means. Because there is no going back from that. You can explain away saying or doing something stupid, but you cannot un-kiss a cheek. That is a point of no return, and if Amity really is avoiding Luz because of it, that means it's up to our favorite weirdo to make the first move. As for what that may entail...we'll just have to wait and see.

Frewin: We get two bits of information here for the price of one reveal here. Knowing that Frewin is a palisman is shocking enough, but the knowledge that Bump is partially blind and needs Frewin to see? That is an intriguing piece of intel that I would have never expected to get revealed. This is reason #5,279 for what makes The Owl House so good. Even when the show presents information you wouldn't guess, it's all so interesting anyways that you can't help but go along with it.

Adopting Palismans: First of all, love the fact that the Bat Queen makes a return to provide a solution to the palisman trees being rare and solving her own problem regarding the discarded palismans. It's a situation where everyone wins in a way that is so clever that I can't help but admire it.

Second, the idea of students choosing to adopt palismans instead is cute. I'd say it gives further insight into who these characters are in how they say what they want to be, but there's nothing really new added that fans couldn't figure out from the get go. But I will say that it's pretty cool to know that these characters have official staffs now. Speaking of which, if you're upset that their palismans don't match up with your headcanons...grow up.

This was a cute and smartly written scene that should not be bogged down by whiney fans who can't accept a series doing something different from what they expect.

Little Rascal: I’d take a bullet for this bird. That is all.

Luz Being Uncertain of her Future: A lot of fans offer several ideas of what the future could look like for Luz. Will she stay in the Boiling Isles? In Connecticut? Or will she go back and forth? We don't know, but one question we rarely brought up is what does Luz want? More specifically, what does she want to do? After everything Luz went through, the adventures she's gone on, and the lessons learned, what is something that Luz wants her future to be? That's an answer she doesn't really figure out, and I'm genuinely ok with that being a question that's tabled for another day. Most kids who ask that question themselves aren't always going to find an answer after a short amount of time and sometimes even need to spend their lives trying to figure it out. So having it be something Luz has to consider and probably find out in a future episode is the smarter option, as it allows time for it to simmer in her own mind and provides more insight into her character. As stated several times in this episode, she doesn't think things through, so it's nice that the writers finally allowed her some time to wonder what's next when the adventure is over.

Luz Having to Improvise Without Paper Glyphs: You want to know what my favorite Spider-Man moments are (this is relevant. Trust me). My favorite moments are when Spidey's web-shooters run out of fluid, and he's forced to improvise with that big brain of his to find a solution. That's sort of what happens with Luz in "Hunting Palismans." She didn't bring her glyphs with her (why would she), so she's forced to use the environment around her to make new ones. Plus, Luz also flexes her knowledge of the Boiling Isles by mixing her glyphs with a magical plant (which Willow certainly told her about) so that she and the Golden Guard could knock out Kikimora's dragon. It's yet another showcase of her intelligence that a lot of fans are too keen to overlook. Unfortunate to see, too, because looking at how well Luz can craft the perfect solutions by fighting smarter, not harder, is a fantastic add-on to her personality. I love characters who win through their wits rather than their raw powers, and I once again hope more people will catch onto that aspect of her too.

Golden Guard Whistling the Theme: Look, I love it when a show acknowledges its own theme song, ok? Leave me alone.

Luz and the Golden Guard: This is one of those dynamics you didn't know you wanted until you have it. And now that I have it, I DEMAND MORE!

Seriously, seeing these two interact off of each other was a ton of fun to watch. When Luz and GG are initially at each other's throats, their threats and mockery towards one another aren't out of spiteful anger between two mortal enemies. It's more like...two siblings who get on each other's nerves yet are supposed to deal with one another. It's equally adorable and hilarious, and yes, I absolutely loved that they're forced to work together in this episode because of it.

Although, while the entertainment value is fantastic, it also adds more proof of why Luz is the best character in the series. She spends one night with this guy, and that's more than what she needed to make a difference with him. I wouldn't go so far as to say that they're buddies now, but Luz definitely sowed the seeds into his redemption. He's far from willing to join her side, but he still does something he rarely does with anyone else: He told her that his name is Hunter. And this is what Luz does. Through nearly every person she meets on the Boiling Isles, she always manages to change them for the better. It'll be a while before Hunter deflects from Belos, but if Amity proves anything, Luz has a way of sneaking into people's hearts. They just need to spend more time with one another, and I can't wait to see what happens next because of it.

Kikimora Wanting to Kill Hunter: This shows a lot about who Kikimora is, but it potentially proves just how dysfunctional the Emperor's Coven can be. If Kiki proves anything, the coven must be filled with people willing to backstab and cheat their way to get on Emperor Belos' good side. Just look at Lilith. She literally cursed her own sister just to get in and received all the rewards because of it. The Emperor's Coven may be the best choice for witches to do magic, but if you're surrounded by people you can't trust, then is it really worth it?

The Guards Not Knowing Who Hunter is: This helps add to how much of a big deal it is for Hunter to reveal his name to Luz. If people can't even recognize his face, there's a chance it means that he keeps his true identity a secret except for those in his inner circle.

And the coven guards brushing off his brand is more than believable to me. They may be aware that Belos' right hand is young, but teens will be teens. Anybody with enough artistic talent can fake a brand. So it isn't too far off for those two to think Hunter was just a kid pulling a prank.

Hunter is Powerless Without his Staff: Not much to say here. It's just some more neat insight into Hunter's character that makes me wonder if even Belos' magic is real magic.

But I will say this: The fact that Hunter comes from a lineage of powerless witches, well, who's to say that isn't because of a...certain ancestor?

(*Cough* Hunter is related to Philip *Cough*)

Hunter vs Kiki: A pretty well-animated fight scene that adds potential drama to the story for the future. Now that Kikimora knows that Hunter helped Luz escape with the palismans (albeit unwillingly), she may or may not hold that over his head when the time comes. Or, at the very least, decides to keep a closer eye on him whenever he makes a slip-up.

Eda and King Getting Luz her own Palisman Wood: These last two weeks have been severely lacking in the Eda and King department, but scenes like this more than make up for it. Those two have formed such a bond with Luz to the point where they would do the impossible if it meant she would feel better. It proves just how much of a family they all are and the lengths they would go for each other. After all, weirdos have to stick together.

Little Rascal going to Hunter: Hunter is right. That was surprising.

Given how much Little Rascal stuck by Luz, I was more than positive that she would be the one he chose. So seeing Little Rascal pick Hunter instead is a much nicer twist. There could be multiple reasons why, and I'm just going to leave that to the analyzers in this fandom to decide. Especially since the answer isn't really all that important.

So, instead, I'm going to go ahead and sit in the corner as I wOrRy AbOuT tHe DaY tHaT bElOs FiNdS lItTlE rAsCal!

IT'S GONNA HAPPEN! AND I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS HOLY, IF THE WRITERS KILL HIM, I WILL NOT BE HAPPY!

WHAT I DISLIKED

First, there's...um...

Well, there was this...

Ok, as much as I liked--No, that turned out well anyways...

…

...

...I've got nothing.

I, honest to goodness, have no complaints about "Hunting Palismans" Not even the tiniest of nitpicks I would usually ignore due to how well-executed everything else was.

It's all written fantastically to the point where it's...perfect.

IN CONCLUSION

"Hunting Palismans" is an easy A+. It introduces even more plot threads, gives insight into characters, and despite being essential to the story, it still manages to be a fun episode all on its own. And, I'd go so far as to say that it's one of the best, if not the best, episodes in the series. There's nothing bad about it, and that surprises me. I rarely find nothing bad to say about any story, even the ones I enjoy greatly. I'm sure there are some flaws that others would be more than happy to point out, but why bother hunting for the imperfections when I could accept that, for once, an episode is simply perfect.

(And that’s six hits in a row...THAT STINKER IS GOING TO HAPPEN! It hasn’t happened yet, BUT IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN! I CAN FEEL IT!)

[actuallyilya]

Black-Ops Characters I believe would have cats and/or dogs. Also, these are just the Campaign characters + some Warsaw pack characters!!

Dog Only

Lazar, Lazar gives off big cuddly dude vibes™ meaning he would want a pet he could bond with better. Dogs are (usually) very playful and loving. He also CONSTANTLY attracts dogs. I also think he would adopt a Golden Retriever. Idk. Vibes™

Sims, Sims seems like the type of guy who likes being outdoors. Parks, hiking, jogging, etc. So he would 100% rather have a buddy to do those hobbies with, rather than go alone. A bit into his childhood, he had another dog he grew up with from the age of 12 and up, but once he left for school/the CIA, he felt bad, and eventually, the dog died of old age :(. But I do think that he loved that dog very much and no dog would ever come close to the memories he had with him. I think he would adopt a Border Collie.

Woods, Look this mother fucker DISPISES cats. He thinks they're gremlins and refuses to ever pet one he hasn't had a bad experience, just doesn't like them, claims that 'they're satan's little bitches'. He also would rather have a pet that you can call do cuddle, rather than hope not to get scratched. He either would have a German Shepherd or Great Dane. He wants a dog that will make him seem cool 🥶😈 but everyone knows that man is a sweetheart.

Hudson, He is most definitely a dog person, He does not care about the dogs are better than cats argument. 'It's an idiotic argument, Besides, we all know dogs are better'. His dog is a family dog, she's very friendly to anyone who comes by Woods, Mason, etc and she loves his kids. At first, Hudson hated the idea of having a dog, it would be a liability, but he was the first person who genuinely fell in love with the dog. He would have a German Shepard, who is military trained because he wants to protect his family.

Knight, Look, with the very little of the information we know about him, I GENUINELY think this man would have a dog. We know he's a little on the bad side, but still, he needs some friends. Even if the friend is a dog. He would probably adopt a Kangel Shepard. Also, he loves to play with his dog very often and is super protective of the dog.

Okay, now to the people who would have cats!

Park, Look, Park is like those people who sit in front of a window with a computer/notes in front of her while her cat calmly sits in front of her sleeping or sunbathing. Okay? I love her to pieces and I know damn well she would get along better with cats than dogs. She has actually argued with Woods about it a lot. She would also have a Chartreux

"Suck it Park! Dogs are the best pets, they won't kill ya in your sleep!"

"Woods, Cats' cleanliness makes up for more than a few scratches here and there, unlike dogs who like to sit in their own filth."

Mason enjoys silence, dogs do not give silence, they are loud and he prefers cats overall, He has had his cat for a while, a few years before David joined the military, his home felt empty, He knew he had always been rough on Mason but the cat gave them a small bonding experience, Although he loved the cat, it caused an argument between him and woods (It wasn't an end-the-friendship argument but when they're drunk they definitely argue) He would have a Birman, he also heavily enjoys cuddling with a cat.

Wraith, She strikes me as those people who genuinely love working with cats or at shelters, maybe she had a cat growing up, maybe she worked at a shelter before she went all Warsaw pact. But regardless, knowing she can't stay in one place forever, she still tries to still somewhat work at shelters, she isn't open about it because it caused an agreement between her and Knight. However, he always had a friend tag along with her while going to the shelters. She wouldn't own any pets, but her favorite breed would be Burmese cats "their fur is a black as my soul"

Stitch, This guy just loves cats, As a young kid, he didn't really have many friends, he usually kept to himself, as a result, he would wander areas a lot, during one of his walks, he found an injured cat, He nursed the cat back to health and kind-of kept this side of himself a secret as his father was very 'men do the work while women stay at home' luckily it never rubbed off on him. However, Just like Wraith, he tagged along to the shelters, he didn't wear the gas mask, but a lot of his scars showed, but he found out the cats/kittens were less scared of him if he just showed his face. Although he has an edgy feel, he loves Maine coons, they are very gentle, friendly, and very intelligent (As you can see, you can tell who is my favorite Warsaw pact operator)

Who would have BOTH cats and dogs.

Adler, look this motherfucker does not want to admit that he loves both cats or dogs. He easily gets attached to animals, cats, dogs, the whole sha-bang. So either/or, He loves dogs because he enjoys working with them, such as training, jogging, etc. (Sims stopped going running with him after Sims adopted his dog, but Adler knew he couldn't be responsible for a dog knowing he's always out on missions). But he also loves cats, he loves how majestic they are, when they purr, kneed, etc. He loves it. He occasionally invites himself to Park's house to spend time with her cat, not even with her. Park doesn't mind as she knows she now has a free cat-sitter. If Adler could, He would have a Great Dane and for a cat, he would have a Bengal Cat

Naga, Over the course of his life, Naga has worked with tons of dogs. He had always appreciated them helping him in his line of work. Whether they helped him weed out a rat amongst his men, or helped make sure no one was stealing profit, I think he heavily enjoys their company. Naga has always been a little intimidating, But with a cat by his side, even more, on his lap, on his desk, such a tiny animal had so much subtle power. If the cat had a problem with you, he had a problem with you, He even decided he enjoyed having a dog so much, he adopted a dog, luckily, after a few months of trying, they both got along and peacefully sit in his office. He would defiantly adopt a Donskoy Sphynx, and for a dog, he would adopt a Cane Corso, mostly for weather reasons.

Perseus, owns both a cat and a dog, rarely going out for rough missions, he can have two pets in his life and properly take care of them, His current dog, a Siberian Huskey (perfect for the current climate) he's had for five years, his cat, a Korat, he's had for three years. He occasionally takes them both into his office as to not have lonely days, on the days he has to either a) leave fast such as for safety, Stitch, Wraith, and Knight were made responsible as they are his trustable people.

Finally, Bell. Bell loves both of them and never really owned any animals, while working for the CIA, they had a knack for attracting animals while going for walks, they usually arrived with one or two animals, even birds! Mostly kittens and puppies, but even the impossible is possible for them. Woods and Mason found this hilarious and tried not to fall in love with the animals (even if they were there for a short amount of time) Adler or Park always had to be the one to take the animal out of their hands because he knew no work would get done and a rule had to be implemented so it wouldn't happen again (news flash, it did happen, very often)

Solovetsky Ending: let's just say Adler didn't shoot Bell, Adler would take Bell to shelters and would even go with them to save stray (injured) animals. The two actually grew very close and it sort of became a hobby. Adler got his taste of animals and Bell go to feel happy for a few hours, they both learned a lot. After one night of dinner, they found a stray kitten with no family around, they waited an hour to try and see if the mom would come back since It didn't, They took in the kitten, it was an off-day for the workers, so they nursed the kitten for like four days before having to give it up to the shelter.

Duga Ending: After Perseus took Bell in, let's just say the same thing happened, they weren't allowed to be on the field because they weren't mentally able to handle war and risk of being kidnapped so they kind of stuck around the area, although it was rare, abandoned animals did sometimes appear. The first time it happened. Bell was wearing a large coat and returned freezing with only a t-shirt on. Perseus was at the front gate, waiting for some of the operators to come back, but instead, they returned, freezing, a small fluff ball was in their hands while they were slowly developing hypothermia.

"Bell?! What the hell are you doing without a coat?!"

"I-I know, B-But I-I saved a dog."

[lumilasi]

My favorite water boy with allergy to shirts lmao

Bio below:

Name: Caelan Hasegawa (original family name was Delune, but he doesn’t know it initially)

Nicknames: Kei-niisan (by Ichirou, as he struggles to pronounce his name properly) Kei-kun (Raitei)

Age: Somewhere in his mid-twenties

Height: 177 cm

(Originally assumed) Last child of the banished members of the Telepath clan, the Delune family. 

Role: Young Master of the Hasegawa house/Toshiko’s other companion for her artifact hunting trips.

Family: Adoptive father Jurou/Araknos, honorary little brother Ichirou. Babysitter/kind of a maternal figure(s) Katana and Rui (Araknos’ mother) Cousin Azure/Laurent, adoptive little sister Hitomi.

(Original family was the exiled Delune family of the Telepath clan, but Caelan doesn’t know this at first)

Love interest: Claude Fortis

Friends: Toshiko, Raitei, Yuushi

Rival: Azure (his cousin he wasn’t initially aware existed)

Powers:

Powerful hydrokinesis; he can create literal storms and floods, or produce geysers from underground

Water breathing; he can breathe underwater

Caelan can form animals like giant sea-serpents or tigers from water and control them. He can also form more solid weaponry by freezing the water

Clairvoyance; he can use his water to look/slip into a person’s mind, by either touching them and the water he’s using as a “mirror” the same time, or taking something from the person and plopping it in the water. (this ability is actually hint towards his telepath heritage)

He can use his water to heal wounds and poisoning to an extend. He can’t replace torn off limbs for example, but can stop the bleeding of the stump.

He has some close combat skills with knives that Jurou taught him for the situation where he can’t use his hydrokinesis.

Weaknesses:

Caelan struggles to control his own powers and emotions at times, where he may lose control of them and cause unnecessary destruction. He’s also suffered from being possessed by his ancestral spirits since childhood, that are trying to urge him to take revenge on the telepath clan - and at this point, to anyone standing in the way of this revenge - making him lose control of his own power and body from time to time. As a result, Caelan hates the feeling of loss of control, and suffers from insomnia as he’s often too scared to sleep properly. This is a problem as being tired in turn makes it hard to control himself even without possession.

He’s socially awkward and struggles with concept of personal space sometimes, as well as not always picking up on sarcasm or someone trying to covertly insult him. He can also react disproportionately to small slights, such as smashing someone’s face through the floor for being lightly rude to Toshiko. 

Personality:

Caelan generally comes off like a well-mannered and friendly young man with pleasant demeanor. However he can flip his switch very quickly, going from nice to ruthless in a split second. He’s very protective over his close ones due to fear of being left alone and with no one to stop his possessions, so he can go to the extreme to protect them, especially his mentor/adoptive parent.  He’s not intentionally needlessly aggressive though, he just struggles to fully grasp his own strength and figuring out what is an appropriate reaction in certain situations.

Caelan is a very curious individual and can be awed and fascinated by the smallest and weirdest of things. He has this almost childlike curiosity to him, result of spending most of his childhood in Araknos’ island and not going out much until he joins Toshiko and Claude on their travels.

BG story:

Caelan was left orphaned due to at-the-time unknown reasons, and brought into an orphanage to be adopted by an unknown figure. During his time living in this small village, his vast elemental power and tendency for weird and creepy mumbling caused the other kids to avoid him, and even adults look at him strangely. As his water powers began to manifest stronger and stronger, rumors began to circulate that Caelan was who caused the destructive flood in the nearby port town years ago that killed over a hundred people. (This was actually caused by his cousin Laurent, but at the time nobody knew there were two kids with water powers)

 As his water abilities began to go out of control due to lack of guidance, with him accidentally harming other kids and even drowning some kattle,  the villagers drove him away from their home out of fear thinking he was some sort of demon, locking him into a cabin far away and leaving him to starve. 

Too scared to venture outside because of his powers harming others against his will despite actually being able to leave, Caelan remained trapped there for weeks with little food, up until a mysterious man showed up and took him under his wing. This man was a half-blood Spider-spirit named Jurou Hasegawa, also known as Araknos, who agreed to look after the boy if he in turn would let him devour the spirits that occasionally would try to possess him.  

What started out as a simple mutually beneficial transaction with Caelan having a place to stay in, and the half-blooded soul eater receiving a steady source of food - considering he could never eat the possessing entities fully, just chip away at them until they retrieved back to recover themselves - turned into a close father-son like relationship overtime.

Caelan spent most of his childhood in the Hasegawa House, the home of his new caretaker in an island hidden away from people inside thick fog, his only companion outside the owner himself being a mysterious and a bit spooky librarian Yuushi Seirei. Sometime after him settling in there, an amnesiac woman named Katana washed on their shores, and she ends up staying, becoming bit of a mother figure to Caelan. Not soon after this, Raitei appears on the island as well, challenging Araknos to a fight and losing it. Impressed by his strength, the House Master asks the hound if he’d like to stay and perhaps keep company to little Caelan, which Raitei eventually agrees to.

By the time he reaches adulthood, a young girl named Toshiko appears on the isle too, revealing herself to be Katana’s daughter. Katana cannot remember her however - or anything for that matter - so Toshiko sets out to try and find some special artifacts, similar to the box that led her to where her mother was believing collecting the whole set would bring her memories back, and reveal where her father is. Araknos allows her to use his island as a base as per Yuushi’s request. Sometime during this first year of her presence, Ichirou is found by Araknos and Yuushi, bringing him to the isle as well as the boy had no other place to go. Caelan bonds with his new little brother, connecting with the shared fear of being left alone and inability to always control your powers properly. 

Caelan doesn’t join her trips until after the arrival of a telepath Swordsman Claude, whom Araknos assigns as Toshiko’s “bodyguard” as per Yuushi’s recommendation, as she was becomign reckless. Caelan, after observing them for a while, starts to feel a strong pull to leave the island finally and see the world, so Araknos eventually allows him to go with the pair, although it carries a risk given Claude’s background causes Caelan’s possessions to escalate again. However, by this point he’s gained enough resistance against it to not always need his mentor to stop them. 

During these artifact hunting trips, Caelan eventually develops feelings for the telepath swordsman, as they share things in common. He also learns new things about himself, including the surprising fact that his family was actually distantly connected to Claude’s. Not to mention, he actually wasn’t the last member of his own family, and he wasn’t behind the flood that killed his parents and part of his birth town....

Fun facts:

Caelan’s original surname is a combination of the words “luna” (referring to moon and the cycles of water it causes) and “Deluge” (another word for flood)

he loves tea like Yuushi, and they often drink it together using the small tea-house section Araknos’ isle has.

While he’s very fond of Ichirou, the pair interacts rarely as Caelan is often away with Toshiko and Claude. Ichirou looks up to him a lot

Caelan could only sleep soundly inside the Hasegawa House and the isle, but after he began to grow fond of his new companions, he’s managed to get some sleep even during their travels.

He likes moon cakes, they are one of his favorite treats

Caelan knows how important Milo is to Claude, and tries not to hurt the kid too bad if they end up having to fight. he can’t promise anything however, as Milo does trigger his possessions.

Interestingly, Caelan is less likely to attack Shou when possessed, despite him also being part of the telepath clan. This is because Shou’s family opposed the excommunication of the Delune family back then. 

Caelan doesn’t like wearing shirts because he finds them too restrictive (goes back to his hatred for loss of control and bodily autonomy) and they’d get wet anyway using his powers.

Caelan is really afraid of Azure, but also feels sympathy for him after learning his full story, finding his aunt and uncle really did not handle things right at all. 

[gaysftw]

Get to know the characters✨

1. Veronica Stone

29. She/her. Cis, Ace Lesbian. Business woman, mother, wife. Billionaire. Inherented a company from her father after her bitch of a mother sulked off, and after drinking problem after broken engagement after murder attempt after big huge conspiracy against her, she’s still alive and kicking. In fact, she’s more than just alive - she’s thriving. Mostly. She still has a bit of a drinking problem, but with her trusty wife/business partner by her side, there’s nothing she can’t do. Even when it comes to mothering Aiden... Maybe.

2. Emily Stone

27. She/her. Cis, unlabeled. The brains of the family. She’s organized to the T, and every thing she does, she does perfectly. Working on lessening the pressure she puts on herself and healing after her abusive and obsessive father finally properly got everything he deserved after he tried to ruin her life multiple times, but otherwise she’s doing wonderfully. The family she wants is still around, and she will keep it that way. Gentle and warm and sweet and harmless until you cross her even one time. Then the knives hidden in her platform pumps come out and shit gets proper ugly.

3. Sugar

30. She/her. Transfem, pan/aromantic. Kid genius who went to law school and found it incredibly boring. Decided to drop out and become a prostitute because she LOVES sex and finds it wildly run (and finically lucrative). Ends up running a pleasure palace in her house and running a full operation, with a team of people an everything. Very famous for the wonders she can work - both with her own hands, and with her skills in paring up customers with just the right working person. Best friends with Veronica but that’s not public knowledge - and neither is her actual name. She goes strictly by her alias “Sugar” and only Veronica knows any other name to call her by.

4. Aiden Stone

15. He/him. Cis, gay. He ran away at the ripe age of nine after his birth family - they tried their hardest but ended up only succeeding in teaching Aiden to hate himself to the utmost extreme - finally went too far. They weren’t abusive per say, and were in fact very loving and patient and accepting... they just hate who he is. He’s a sociopath with a mean attitude and a sharp bite, and honestly he thinks they deserve better. And they do. So he’s on the street, and he picks up to the life PERFECTLY. Of course, his powers don’t hurt either - being able to conjur someone’s worst fear is enough to bring even the strongest man to his knees. And when Veronica and Aiden meet, it isn’t instant family but it sure is an inevitable one. Now Aiden’s adopted and they’re... all working on their issues.

5. Jordan Wysse

16. He/they. Demiboy, bi. Sunshine incarnate... to most people. Ridden with intense and overwhelming anxiety, Jordan decided a long time ago to be the light he wants to see in the world. Has a hard time talking about negative things and accepting weaknesses and dark emotions. In Aiden, he finds a sort of freedom where they’re both allowed to be much more themselves without endangering anyone else. Jordan always knows when and how to pull Aiden back, allowing him to be a lot more free with his true emotions. Likewise, Aiden resounds a lot with Jordan’s anxieties and negative feelings and is really good at navigating Jordan through all of it. Of course they fell in love, am I right?

6. Lilianna Jax

15. She/her. Cis, lesbian. Goes by Lili. When I say mean gay I do not kid. MEAN mean mean gay. Her and Aiden are absolute besties - they gay judge people together, and only the other person can keep up with each other’s wit and biting remarks. She’s mostly here to enjoy the drama and make fun of everyone as they try to make peace with their trauma or whatever... but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t have problems of her own. Maybe everyone could use a little genuine expression, kind words, and healing. And that’s a STRONG maybe. She isn’t fully convinced just yet, and she’s determined to never be either.

7. Jerico Herron

16. He/him. Cis, Hetero ace. Goes by Jeri and takes pride in the fact that he took his rather creative and fancy name and made it super lame and basic. Had a crush on Lili at first but quickly learned from his mistakes. Is the Stable One of the group, coming from a generally stable home environment and not having to face much adversity.... well, or so he thought. Cause the thing is, he’s an idiot. Negative brain cells in that head of his. And apparently, people have been ripping him apart over it for years. So, yeah, there’s a lot of unresolved trauma. But hey, chin up and focus ahead right? Someone’s gotta keep these ticking time bombs from going off. Jerry finally had real friends, and he’s not about to let them implode around him.

8. Hunni Cao

17. She/they, afab. Demiromantic, greysexual. Grew up bonding with her dad bc their mom was super trans/homophobic and when their dad supported Hunni being trans and also gay, she left both of them. Rip lol. Now she’s a MONSTER on the field being the most kick ass bitch on the field. ALWAYS doing some or even several sport as the seasons pass, but off of the field she’s truly just so gentle and kind and a sunshine baby. Friendly giant, bull in a china shop. No one understands how she goes from the Unmovable, Living Nightmare, to tripping and smashing a flower crown Jeri made her and bursting into tears… yeah she’s SO precious. Lili’s girlfriend. Embodiment of sunshine x grumpy and also short chaos gremlin x tall apologizes for chaos gremlin. I love them.

9. Cynthia Lyn

17. She/her, mtf trans. Straight. Was very proud of her name. As a song writer, she loved how melodic and pretty it sounded. Def wrote a song about it. And then… Jeri came along and started calling her Cyn and it stuck. She HATES him for it (…or so she says). As a dedicated, studious golden student and a perfectly behaved child and a well tempered woman, and being soft spoken and well mannered, her world is ROCKED when Jeri comes in to destroy everything like a meteor ending the dinosaurs in one fell swoop. He turned her world upside down, always knowing how to push her buttons just enough to bring out a side of her she didn’t even know she had. Suddenly much more out spoken and hot headed and fiery than before, she’s on a war path to keep her idiot from getting himself killed. She’s out of her shell for the first time and completely different before… and maybe she likes it this way. Jeri definitely likes her this way, and she can’t complain about that. As much as she pretends to hate it.

Took pride in her name being so melodic and pretty and easy in the mouth. As a song writer, she loves saying it over and over again and feeling the rhythm and such. Jeri has a thing against king fancy names and starts calling her Cyn and she HATES him for it. (Or so she says) She says she hates Jeri a lot. Didn’t stop her from writing a song about him 👀. No matter how frustrating the dumb little boy gets, he always manages to take her shyness and crush it completely as sheer frustration drives her to be more hot headed and competitive and abrasive. He helped her come out of her shell and now she is INSUFFERABLE. He loves it that way… and you know what, so does she. Even if she won’t admit it yet.

10. Chuck Lomonosov

11. Boris

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CVI (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

Words: 3,994

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Chapter Four: Family.

Mel was definitely not a fan of having Harry around. 

This was the first morning with him in the house and she'd decided to adopt a diplomatic attitude towards him, a respectable host with a guest that had to be looked after. Harry wasn't happy about this but he wasn't fighting it, part of him felt he deserved it.

"Right, you lot, you need to be careful, because doxies bite and their teeth are poisonous. I've got a bottle of antidote here, but I'd rather nobody needed it. When I say the word, start spraying immediately. They'll come flying out at us, I expect, but it says on the sprays one good squirt will paralyze them. When they're immobilized, just throw them in this bucket. All right — squirt!"

Mel loathed the chores, but she was helping the twins to snuggle a few doxies, their mother wasn't going to be watching her.

"Fred, what are you doing? Spray that at once and throw it away!"

"Right-o!" Fred happily obeyed. As soon as his mother turned around he gave it to Mel, who pocketed it.

They were doing a new type of sweets called Skiving Snack boxes that were meant to make you temporarily ill. Mel thought it was brilliant, she wanted to help as much as she could. The boys were explaining this to Harry in hurried whispers while Mrs Weasley was across the room next to Hermione.

"We take it in turns. George did the Fainting Fancies — we both tried the Nosebleed Nougat —"

"Mum thought we'd been duelling," said George.

"That was a fun night," Mel grinned.

"Joke shop still on, then?" Harry asked.

"Well, we haven't had a chance to get premises yet, so we're running it as a mail-order service at the moment. Flint's grandad helped us with that, knew some people that could help. We put advertisements in the Daily Prophet last week."

"All thanks to you, mate," said George happily. "But don't worry... Mum hasn't got a clue. She won't read the Daily Prophet anymore, 'cause of it telling lies about you and the Dumbledores."

"It was a kind of you to give away the money... they're doing their best with what they got," Mel said casually, avoiding his gaze. Although she could see Harry smiling out of the corner of her eye.

"Stay here," Mrs Weasley said firmly when the doorbell rang. "I'll bring up some sandwiches."

"Mundungus!" said Hermione, peering through the window. "What's he brought all those cauldrons for?"

"Probably looking for a safe place to keep them," said Harry. "Isn't that what he was doing the night he was supposed to be tailing me? Picking up dodgy cauldrons?"

"Yeah, you're right!" said Fred. "Blimey, Mum won't like that..."

"Bet mine won't either," Mel mumbled. "Dung's a funny idiot, but an idiot nonetheless..."

Fred, Mel and George crossed to the room and stood next to the door, discretely peering through it.

"Mundungus is talking to Sirius and Kingsley... Can't hear properly... d'you reckon we can risk the Extendable Ears?"

"Might be worth it," said George. "I could sneak upstairs and get a pair —"

"WE ARE NOT RUNNING A HIDEOUT FOR STOLEN GOODS!"

"Don't think you need 'em," Mel cringed.

"I love hearing Mum shouting at someone else," Fred smiled. "It makes such a nice change."

"— COMPLETELY IRRESPONSIBLE, AS IF WE HAVEN'T GOT ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT WITHOUT YOU DRAGGING STOLEN CAULDRONS INTO THE HOUSE —"

"The idiots are letting her get into her stride," said George. "You've got to head her off early, otherwise she builds up a head of steam and goes on for hours. And she's been dying to have a go at Mundungus ever since he sneaked off when he was supposed to be following you, Harry — and there goes Sirius's mum again —"

Mel felt something push past her and she jumped away from it, crashing against Fred. Kreacher didn't even look up, mumbling nasty stuff rather loudly.

"...Smells like a drain and a criminal to boot, but she's no better, nasty old blood traitor with her brats messing up my Mistress's house, oh my poor Mistress, if she knew, if she knew the scum they've let in her house, what would she say to old Kreacher, oh the shame of it, Mudbloods and werewolves and traitors and thieves, poor old Kreacher, what can he do..."

"Hello, Kreacher!" Fred slammed the door to get his attention.

"Kreacher did not see Young Master," The elf immediately started, but he whispered again, "nasty little brat of a blood traitor it is."

"Sorry? Didn't catch that last bit," George taunted.

"Kreacher said nothing... and there's its twin, unnatural little beasts they are."

Mel snorted, already used to his insults she turned around and stayed near the door.

"...and there's the Mudblood, standing there bold as brass, oh if my Mistress knew, oh how she'd cry, and there's a new boy, Kreacher doesn't know his name, what is he doing here, Kreacher doesn't know..."

"This is Harry, Kreacher," said Hermione. "Harry Potter."

"The Mudblood is talking to Kreacher as though she is my friend! if Kreacher's Mistress saw him in such company, oh what would she say —"

"Don't call her a Mudblood!" said Ron and Ginny at once.

"It doesn't matter," Hermione replied, "he's not in his right mind, he doesn't know what he's —"

"Don't kid yourself, Hermione, he knows exactly what he's saying," said Fred.

"Sirius said his family taught him that," Mel glanced at Harry briefly over her shoulder before turning back to the door. "He's been this lovely since day one..."

"Is it true? Is it Harry Potter? Kreacher can see the scar, it must be true, that's that boy who stopped the Dark Lord, Kreacher wonders how he did it —"

"Don't we all, Kreacher?" said Fred, then he supported one hand on the wall and leaned towards Mel, whispering, "By the way, you still haven't explained why You-Know-Who's trying to kill you..."

"Jolly topic you picked there, don't you think?" Mel scoffed. "It's complex..."

"I'm smart enough," He leaned further, nudging her side.

"Stop!" She said a bit louder, gaining the group's attention. She cleared her throat and looked at Kreacher. "Stop mumbling under your breath, Kreacher, what are you doing here?"

"Yeah, what do you want anyway?" George nodded.

"Kreacher is cleaning," he said evasively.

"A likely story," Sirius walked into the room, startling her. "Stand up straight– Now, what are you up to?"

"Kreacher is cleaning. Kreacher lives to serve the noble house of Black —"

"— and it's getting blacker every day, it's filthy," Sirius scoffed.

"Master always liked his little joke," Kreacher bowed again, "Master was a nasty ungrateful swine who broke his mother's heart —"

"My mother didn't have a heart, Kreacher. She kept herself alive out of pure spite."

"Whatever Master says... Master is not fit to wipe slime from his mother's boots, oh my poor Mistress, what would she say if she saw Kreacher serving him, how she hated him, what a disappointment he was —"

"I asked you what you were up to. Every time you show up pretending to be cleaning, you sneak something off to your room so we can't throw it out."

"Kreacher would never move anything from its proper place in Master's house... Mistress would never forgive Kreacher if the tapestry was thrown out, seven centuries it's been in the family, Kreacher must save it, Kreacher will not let Master and the blood traitors and the brats destroy it —"

"I thought it might be that," said Sirius, casting a disdainful look at the opposite wall. "She'll have put another Permanent Sticking Charm on the back of it, I don't doubt, but if I can get rid of it I certainly will. Now go away, Kreacher."

"— comes back from Azkaban ordering Kreacher around, oh my poor Mistress, what would she say if she saw the house now, scum living in it, her treasures thrown out, she swore he was no son of hers and he's back, they say he's a murderer too —"

"Keep muttering and I will be a murderer!" Sirius yelled, slamming the door shut after the elf left.

"Sirius, he's not right in the head," said Hermione, "I don't think he realizes we can hear him..."

"He's been alone too long," Sirius admitted, "taking mad orders from my mother's portrait and talking to himself, but he was always a foul little —"

"I admit he doesn't have all the blame," Mel interrupted. "Perhaps you should try and be kinder? I know he's a pain but maybe he'll calm down?"

"He's got my mother's morals way too engrained, little Em," Sirius shook his head, patting her shoulder softly. "I doubt I could do much."

"If you just set him free," Hermione pleaded, "maybe —"

"We can't set him free, he knows too much about the Order. And anyway, the shock would kill him. You suggest to him that he leaves this house, see how he takes it."

"Well, that's another thing we could try," Mel joked, earning a grin from the man.

Sirius walked towards the tapestry to take a quick look. Everyone followed.

"You're not on here!" Harry exclaimed.

"I used to be there," Sirius pointed to a hole. "My sweet old mother blasted me off after I ran away from home — Kreacher's quite fond of muttering the story under his breath."

"You ran away from home?"

"When I was about sixteen," said Sirius. "I'd had enough."

"Where did you go?" asked Harry, staring at him.

"Your dad's place," said Sirius. "Your grandparents were really good about it; they sort of adopted me as a second son. Yeah, I camped out at your dad's during the school holidays, and then when I was seventeen I got a place of my own, my Uncle Alphard had left me a decent bit of gold — he's been wiped off here too, that's probably why — anyway, after that I looked after myself. I was always welcome at Mr and Mrs Potter's for Sunday lunch, though."

"But... why did you..?"

"Leave? Because I hated the whole lot of them: my parents, with their pureblood mania, convinced that to be a Black made you practically royal... my idiot brother, soft enough to believe them... that's him." He pointed to the 'Regulus Black' on the base of the tree. "He was younger than me, and a much better son, as I was constantly reminded."

"But he died," said Harry.

"Yeah," said Sirius, his eyes darkening. "Stupid idiot... he joined the Death Eaters."

"You're kidding!"

"Come on, Harry, haven't you seen enough of this house to tell what kind of wizards my family were?"

"But he must've been so young!" Mel added.

"Were — were your parents Death Eaters as well?" Harry asked.

"No, no, but believe me, they thought Voldemort had the right idea, they were all for the purification of the Wizarding race, getting rid of Muggle-borns and having purebloods in charge. They weren't alone either, there were quite a few people, before Voldemort showed his true colours, who thought he had the right idea about things... They got cold feet when they saw what he was prepared to do to get power, though. But I bet my parents thought Regulus was a right little hero for joining up at first."

"Was he killed by an Auror?" Harry asked.

"Oh no... No, he was murdered by Voldemort. Or on Voldemort's orders, more likely, I doubt Regulus was ever important enough to be killed by Voldemort in person. From what I found out after he died, he got in so far, then panicked about what he was being asked to do and tried to back out. Well, you don't just hand in your resignation to Voldemort. It's a lifetime of service or death."

"D'you think he would've chosen differently if he'd had more time?" Mel wondered, more to herself than to Sirius. "That he would've followed you if he knew what Voldemort was truly planning to do..?"

"...I don't know."

She looked up at the man, there was a hint of something she couldn't quite place. Not anger or sadness... if she had to put a name to it, she'd say it was guilt.

"Lunch," Mrs Weasley walked in holding a tray with sandwiches and cake. Emily followed, holding a pitcher of pumpkin juice.

Harry and Mel stayed with Sirius, who was still examining the tapestry.

"I haven't looked at this for years. There's Phineas Nigellus... my great-great-grandfather, see? Least popular headmaster Hogwarts ever had... and Araminta Meliflua... cousin of my mother's... tried to force through a Ministry Bill to make Muggle-hunting legal... and dear Aunt Elladora... she started the family tradition of beheading house-elves when they got too old to carry tea trays... of course, anytime the family produced someone halfway decent they were disowned. I see Tonks isn't on here. Maybe that's why Kreacher won't take orders from her — he's supposed to do whatever anyone in the family asks him..."

"You and Tonks are related?" Harry asked.

"Oh yeah, her mother, Andromeda, was my favourite cousin," said Sirius. "No, Andromeda's not on here either, look — Andromeda's sisters are still here because they made lovely, respectable pure-blood marriages, but Andromeda married a Muggle-born, Ted Tonks, so —"

"You're related to the Malfoys!"

"The pure-blood families are all interrelated. If you're only going to let your sons and daughters marry purebloods your choice is very limited, there are hardly any of us left. Molly and I are cousins by marriage and Arthur's something like my second cousin once removed. But there's no point looking for them on here — if ever a family was a bunch of blood traitors it's the Weasleys."

"Which curiously enough, is a thousand times better than any of the ones on that tapestry," Emily offered a glass to Sirius, which he took without looking.

"Lestrange..." Harry said distractedly.

"They're in Azkaban," said Sirius, taking a large sip of pumpkin juice.

"They were there in Barty Crouch's trial," Mel mentioned, noticing Harry's face of concentration. "That's how you know them, Gla– Harry."

"Rodolphus's brother, Rabastan, was with them too." Sirius nodded.

"You never said she was your —"

"Does it matter if she's my cousin? As far as I'm concerned, they're not my family. She's certainly not my family. I haven't seen her since I was your age, unless you count a glimpse of her coming in to Azkaban. D'you think I'm proud of having relatives like her?"

"Sorry– I didn't mean — I was just surprised, that's all —"

"It doesn't matter, don't apologize... I don't like being back here. I never thought I'd be stuck in this house again. It's ideal for headquarters, of course. My father put every security measure known to Wizard-kind on it when he lived here. It's Unplottable, so Muggles could never come and call — as if they'd have wanted to — and now Dumbledore's added his protection, you'd be hard put to find a safer house anywhere. Dumbledore's Secret-Keeper for the Order, you know — nobody can find headquarters unless he tells them personally where it is — that note Moody showed you last night, that was from Dumbledore... If my parents could see the use it was being put to now... well, my mother's portrait should give you some idea..."

"You know, Padfoot," Emily said. "As far as I'm concerned. Your family is standing right beside you..."

Sirius smiled at her, and it was the first genuine smile he'd shared in the day. Emily put a hand on his shoulder and pushed the hair out of his face with the other.

"You are in desperate need of a haircut," She laughed. "You as well, Mel."

"I don't want one..." Mel held onto her hair with a pout. "I like how it looks!"

"And why should I?" Sirius said defiantly. "I don't leave the house anyway."

"Not leaving the house doesn't mean you can look like a madman," Emily turned to Harry and rolled her eyes. "The longer he stays here the more he acts like a fifteen-year-old..."

"There are two fifteen-year-olds standing in front of you," Mel reminded her.

"I wouldn't mind if I could just get out occasionally and do something useful," Sirius grumbled. "I've asked Dumbledore whether I can escort you to your hearing — as Snuffles, obviously — so I can give you a bit of moral support, what d'you think?" They all stared at Harry, watching as his smile faded a little. "Don't worry. I'm sure they're going to clear you, there's definitely something in the International Statute of Secrecy about being allowed to use magic to save your own life."

"But if they do expel me... can I come back here and live with you?"

Sirius shared a sad smile with Emily before replying.

"We'll see."

"I'd feel a lot better about the hearing if I knew I didn't have to go back to the Dursleys," Harry insisted, Mel had to bit her lip so she wouldn't smile.

"They must be bad if you prefer this place," said Sirius.

"Oh, he'd chose you anytime," Mel admitted. "I would too, even though you keep saying how much I bore you to death."

"Ah, quiet, you!" Sirius ruffled her hair.

"Hurry up, you four, or there won't be any food left," Mrs Weasley called.

"...And then Tonks stabbed the ghoul with her wand, but mum reckons that wasn't the best idea," Mel narrated to her uncle as he fixed the grandfather clock, which was extremely keen to shoot bolts at whoever passed by.

"I reckon so as well," Lupin replied. "Can you pass me the tweezers?"

Mel lifted the tool and continued. "You won't stay with us for the rest of the summer, then?"

"Haven't you grown tired of me?" He asked in amusement.

"This is the longest I've seen you since my third year at Hogwarts!" She pouted. "I'm delighted to have you around! Especially since my mum and Sirius insist on flirting when they're left alone..."

Lupin's wand slipped from his grip, he cursed under his breath.

"How come?"

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed," Mel rolled her eyes. "This isn't me making up some stupid tale, I'm certain they're up to something..."

"I don't think you should be talking about this with me, Mel. You should ask your mother..."

"I did!" She frowned.

"Did you?" Lupin cocked his head to the side.

"I tried!" Mel corrected. "I just... I know Sirius is having an awful time and my mum's not happy either but when they're left alone... dunno, they look happier."

Lupin stopped what he was doing and crouched to be at eye level with her.

"I want you to listen carefully, Mel. Sirius and Emily know how important their roles are for everything to work. They'd do it again if it meant you and Harry would be safe permanently. I'd do it too... whatever they have going on– yes, I've noticed– I'm sure they're old enough to figure it out themselves. Don't worry about it."

"I'm not worried, just curious," Mel shrugged. "Is the clock ready?"

Lupin stood up and examined it one last time.

"Good as new– Let's go have lunch with the rest."

Mel woke up early the morning of Harry's hearing. She walked into the kitchen to find her mother, Lupin and Sirius talking quietly.

"Little Em," Sirius raised a brow. "Had a nightmare?"

"No," She walked up to the table. "Can't sleep, but it's not because of the nightmares..."

"Harry?" Her mother put a cup of tea in front of her.

"Yeah," Mel frowned. "Why does everything always happen to him?"

The adults chuckled.

"Bet he could ask the same thing about you," Emily smiled.

Mr and Mrs Weasley walked in, both with tired smiles. After a few minutes, Tonks arrived as well, looking sleepy. She was talking about some Ministry business that Mel couldn't bring herself to care. Harry arrived not long after.

"Breakfast," Mrs Weasley stood up hurriedly.

"M-m-morning, Harry," yawned Tonks. "Sleep all right?"

"Yeah."

"I've b-b-been up all night... Come and sit down..."

Mel gave a start when Tonks accidentally knocked down a chair.

"Bloody hell," The girl hissed, hot tea had spilt on her hand.

Harry jumped too, holding onto his own hand with a scowl. Once again it was the same hand Mel had burned. No one but her seemed to notice.

"What do you want, Harry? Porridge? Muffins? Kippers? Bacon and eggs? Toast?"

"Just — just toast, thanks," said Harry, giving Mel a look before taking the seat next to her.

Mel groaned louder, but only he seemed to notice.

"What were you saying about Scrimgeour?" Lupin asked Tonks, trying to continue their talk.

"Oh... yeah... well, we need to be a bit more careful, he's been asking Kingsley and me funny questions..."

Every time Harry reached for something on the table and accidentally touched her, felt like pure hell. She was there because she cared, but it didn't mean she wanted him to be close.

"Molly, leave the boy's shirt, you're making me nervous," Emily said sharply, bringing Mel back from her sulking.

"...and I'll have to tell Dumbledore I can't do night duty tomorrow, I'm just t-t-too tired," Tonks finished.

"I'll cover for you," said Mr Weasley. "I'm okay, I've got a report to finish anyway... How are you feeling?"  He asked Harry, the boy was oddly quiet that day. "It'll all be over soon. In a few hours' time you'll be cleared. The hearing's on my floor, in Amelia Bones' office. She's Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and she's the one who'll be questioning you."

"Amelia Bones is okay, Harry," said Tonks. "She's fair, she'll hear you out."

"Don't lose your temper," Sirius warned him. "Be polite and stick to the facts."

"The law's on your side," Lupin agreed. "Even underage wizards are allowed to use magic in life-threatening situations."

Mel gave a start for the second time that morning and touched the back of her neck. She turned to see if there was a leak on the ceiling before realizing Mrs Weasley was brushing Harry's hair with a wet comb, and cold water was falling on his neck. He must've been feeling really nervous and scared if she was able to feel that. Or maybe, after the incident of last June, they were more sensitive to these kinds of things.

"Doesn't it ever lie flat?" Mrs Weasley said grumpily.

Harry shook his head. Mel spoke for him.

"His hair's always like that."

"I think we'll go now," Mr Weasley said. "We're a bit early, but I think you'll be better off there than hanging around here."

"Okay," Harry stood up numbly.

"You'll be all right, Harry," said Tonks.  

"Good luck," said Lupin. "I'm sure it will be fine."

"And if it's not," said Sirius. "I'll see to Amelia Bones for you..."

"Well, you'd scare her to death for certain with that crazy hair of yours," Emily said under her breath, Sirius smiled.

Mrs Weasley and Emily both hugged Harry.

"We've all got our fingers crossed," Mrs Weasley said.

Emily was too anxious to say anything, she cupped Harry's face lovingly and gave him a tense smile, nodding in agreement.

"Harry," Mel stood up abruptly when he was about to go, startling everyone.

He stopped, turned around and looked at her with a less absent expression than how he'd seen the others.

"I... er, I hope everything goes well," She said. "Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without you."

She mentally cursed herself for being soft, and five long seconds passed before Harry finally replied.

"Right," He said, sounding a bit hoarse. "Well... see you later."

Once he left, Emily got closer, putting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing lightly.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha​ @vampiregirl1797 @siriuslysirius1107 @stardusthigh @mikariell95 @vernon-dursley @thesuitelifeofafangirl @tomshollandz @kylosleftbuttcheek @reverse-hxlland @bloodorangemoonlight @omiwashere​ @t-rexs-world

[maree-ff]

Interlude: Saying Goodbye

ANDRE

Today is the day of the funeral and I’m nervous as hell! My palms have been sweaty ever since I woke up this morning and I feel that my nerves have peaked at an all time high. It's been years since I've attended a funeral, I'm not sure if I’m in the right mindset to function properly today. Camila and her father both agreed to a closed casket ceremony for their own personal reasons. Victor had his time at Emilina’s house to rake through the belongings he is having shipped to his house. Aside from his brief conversation with me, Victor has kept to himself pretty much.

The girls have too been very quiet today. This I know is due to the fact that they’re still trying to process the loss of their grandmother. I offered to get them dressed in order to grant Camila some alone time. After all, us getting ready is the last time, until tonight, that we have some quiet time. Once the girls were dressed and Camila got their hair done, all they wanted to do was lay around and watch movies. Standing up on my feet I picked up my tie from off of the ironing board to secure it around my neck.

“Andre, your tie should be good to go now.” Camila announced with perfect timing.

Finding her interjection funny, I made the knot snug just how I like it. “I got it thank you baby, thank you.” I called out to her. Running my palm over this beautiful and sentimental, black velvet tie I studied myself in the mirror.

“You look so nice, daddy.” Zoe complimented from behind me. Smiling at her through the glass I returned the kind gesture and extended my compliments to Kenja as well.

Peeking at my watch I began to panic as we only have a short window of time left before we have to get going. On cue, Camila emerged from the bathroom in a crisp white, two piece pant suit set. Wearing her favorite heels and jewelry pieces her mother has gifted her throughout the years. I admire Camila’s strength and resilience so much. Despite having to battle her own demons in the midst of preparing for this spur of the moment celebration of her mother’s life, she doesn’t look the part. She’s exuding power and grace, two characteristics she adopted from her mother.

“Mommy, wow..” Kenja gasped.

Zoe scurried to her mom’s side, drinking in the small details of her outfit. “Mom, why are you wearing white and not black? I thought we were supposed to match.” Zoe inquired, pulling down Camila’s blazer in the front and rushing around to the back to do the same.

“I’m wearing white because your nana asked me to do so a very long time ago. How do I look?

“So beautiful.” Zoe smiled.

“Yeah mommy you look very pretty today.” Kenny added in.

“Andre, what do you think? Is it too much?” She presumed.

“Not at all. You always clean up in such a way that amazes me each time. No one would ever think you’re dealing with such heavy burdens. You look incredible.” I assured her.

For the first time since we’ve been here, Camila graced us with a smile that brightened up the entire room. “Thank you.” She murmured, standing on her toes to kiss me. With my cheeks nestled in her hands she looked into my eyes, in silence.

“What is it?” I quizzed, clutching her shoulders.

She nodded firmly. “Nothing. I just needed a second to breathe and do nothing else.” She kissed me tenderly, backing away so we could get a move on it. Victor met us in the hallway, holding the girl’s hands as we headed down to the lobby. Our ride to the church was so brief I didn’t even get the chance to give myself a pep talk prior to this ceremony.

While Victor was speaking with our driver, I helped the girls out of the car. We finally make it inside the church only for Zoe to start freaking out. Intervening in Zoe’s slight outburst I carried her the remaining walk inside the church. Not only do I have to be a shoulder to cry on for my family but I also have to keep the girls in check. Camila is nearing the end of this pregnancy and I don’t want her to exhaust herself trying to discipline the girls with everything going on today.

Each of us filed in to the first row, getting settled while fighting to ignore the stares. Zoe despises having the spotlight on her so I’m going to keep her seated in my lap. This way she won’t be as tempted to look around at who’s paying attention to us. The service began after about ten minutes of us waiting. The muffled sounds of sobs and sniffles dispersed throughout the room were infectious. Despite the raging sadness within these walls, the minister is doing his best to lighten the mood. He’s speaking so highly about Emilina’s life and accomplishments.

When the time came for the family to go up and speak, Camila’s nails dug into my palm. I can feel her nerves raising the longer she sat still.

“Go ahead Camila, it’s alright.” Victor whispered assuringly. She turned to me asking for more guidance through her eyes.

“Go on, we’ll be right here. Just take your time.” I said quietly. Zoe leaned away from me to kiss her moms cheek.

“You can do it mama.” With that, Zoe fell back into my lap.

Maree hesitated for another few minutes or so before standing up from the pew. She straightened out her blazer and silently walked up to the podium to greet the minister. He managed to make her laugh and that made me feel good just to see Camila with another smile on her face. Now standing behind the podium Camila placed both hands in front of her, seeming prepared to speak. When she remained silent after about twenty seconds I noticed her studying the casket.

Clearing her throat, Camila took a half step to the left and braced the crowd. “First, I’d like to thank each of you who took time out to be here today. I really appreciate you all for being here with me and my family to celebrate my mother’s life. I didn’t have much time to prepare for a speech let alone today in general. Death is impossible to escape for any of us but I never thought I’d live to see this day. Not at such short notice.” She began.

Appearing from a hidden pocket in her blazer was an envelope housing the letter Camila’s been tinkering away at for some time now. “Dear mom, um, I guess I should start by saying thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me from the day you found out you were pregnant with me up until the last time we spoke. You were and always will be the brightest woman I ever knew. Every word out of your mouth was pure truth. You were the most amazing person in my life and you always will be. Just thinking about how long I’ll have to go without seeing you, talking to you or hugging is hard to come to terms with. It breaks me down as a woman and a mother because you’ve always been my hero and inspiration. Having you involved in Kenja’s life in the big way that you were means the world me. You were a second mom to her, she loved you just as much as I did. When Andre and I got serious and blended our families together, I was so amazed at how you responded to my life change. You welcomed our new family dynamic with grace, tenderness and open arms. You made sure that Zoe felt just as loved and important as Kenja. For that, I can never express just how grateful I am to who you are as a person. You’re acceptance over my family means the world to both Andre and I. it sucks that you were such an awesome grandmother because now you won’t-”

Camila pauses her speech to collect herself but isn’t successful. Her hands cupped her mouth as she retreated from the podium.

“I’m sorry, I can’t do this..” she cried aloud. “I’m so sorry!” She exclaimed. Finally she turned away with her back to us earning solace from the minister. I immediately sat Zoe next to me, panicking internally about Camila’s state of mind and our baby’s health.

The minister made direct eye contact with me and that’s when I made my advance to stand with Camila. I delicately cupped her lower back earning a much needed hug for her sake. Maree’s hands clutched my arms as she continued to grieve. She’s held herself together pretty well since her meltdown but us being forced to live in this moment is finally setting in for her. She’s now forced to acknowledge her mother’s death in front of so many pairs of eyes.

“I can’t do this. This is too hard.” Camila began to sob into my chest, squeezing my arms with everything she’s got.

“Yes you can. I believe in you.” Rubbing her back in large, slow circles I continued to talk Cam down from the ledge.

“I cannot do this. Please don’t make me. Please..” She begged, quickly using me as an aid to hold herself up. I can see how badly this ceremony is tearing her up inside but I do want her to finish this letter. I think it’ll be a decision she regrets if she chooses not to speak.

I plead with her again hoping to make some sort of breakthrough. “Camila look at me please, just for a second..” She stood tall in front of me, completely engaged. “I’m not about to make you finish reading this letter. You know I would never force you to do anything that you don’t want to or agree with. However, I strongly urge you to finish this letter. After today, you won’t be with her in a physical sense again so I think you should enjoy this time that you have left with her. Do this for her but also yourself. I don’t want you to develop any sort of resentment for yourself or this moment.”

Camila composed herself in silence. I know without a doubt the wheels in her head are turning as she thinks over my advice. “Will you stand here with me? I can’t do this alone..”

Smirking at her delicate request I offered my presence and support in any way she needs. With our hands joined and fingers intertwined, we stood at the podium together. Camila took several breaths before continuing her speech.

“I made a promise that I’d never allow you to become a memory in the lives of our children. We vow to always celebrate your birthday and make your existence known whenever necessary. I hate that we didn’t have more time together. There’s so much I wanted to do with you but now I can’t. Out of five kids I’m the only one who gave you grandchildren. You would’ve had three in September. My son will never get to meet the amazing woman who taught me everything I know. My son will never get to learn the ways of a headstrong woman like you. I do not know if I can live up to the skill level of parenting as you but I will make every attempt to do so.” Pausing, Camila looked up from her letter and gently squeezed my hand.

“I honor my mother for her grace and humility. She never frowned upon my life choices. She always reminded me of how special I am, how much she loved me and how proud she was of my accomplishments. She would even cheer for my failures from time to time because she said mistakes make us human. Our screw ups are what make each of us unique. She always told me that my mistakes would mold my character and she was right.” Camila said her final words and as we retreated to our seats she asked to make a stop.

“Do you want to see her?” I questioned softly, clutching her hand tightly.

“Please..” She nodded. I did the honors, being cautious to not move too fast. I secured the top of the casket, wrapping my right arm behind Camila to provide her with early support. “I can’t believe any of this.” She whispered, covering her mouth.

Leaning down I pressed my lips to her hairline, allowing her this time to live in the moment. After a few minutes of us standing here, Victor appeared with the girls. I took Kenja off of Victor’s hands, becoming her shoulder to cry on too.

“I’m gonna miss her so much..” Kenja sniffled. Cam made eye contact with Ev, leaning in to hug me from an angle.

“I know baby, we all will..” Cam agreed solemnly. Eventually, I led my family back to our awaiting seats. A powerful, warm energy settled nearby, prompting me to speak. Kenja tagged along, still nestled against my shoulder.

Standing before the crowd, I locked eyes with Camila and her father sorting through my inner thoughts.

“I just have a few things I want to say. I am beyond humbled and grateful that Emilina loved and cared for me in the way that she did. She has treated me as if I was another son to her and for that I will be eternally grateful. Around the time that my world collided with Camila’s, I was going through a rough time. I felt as if I was living in hell, excuse me. Having Camila and our daughter in my life gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. Many years ago, I promised Emilina that I would use every ounce of my power to protect and provide for our family. She instilled the utmost trust in me and I’m so happy that she did. Emilina never failed to make me feel included in her heart and her prayers. She was a living angel. I admire how soft spoken but powerful she was. I admire how deeply she loved each of us. I am honored to have so many sweet memories to cherish until the end of time.”

Peering down at my daughter I caught her eye. Her ghostly smile and minor dimple in her left cheek warmed my heart. The urge to get emotional overtook me and settled into feeling blessed beyond measure. The remainder of my speech is directly aimed at my mother-in-law.

“Emilina, you put your faith in me to keep your girls safe and happy. I promise today before God, our friends and family, to continue to do so until I’m no longer here. I have never loved any woman as much as I do your daughter. You blessed this Earth and my life with an angel. Camila is a beautiful extension of you. I am grateful that you brought her into this world. We love you so much and we will always miss you.” I closed with a prayer that the minister joined in on. He took over so I could return to my seat to be with my family.

_____________ ____________

Setting Zoe’s hairbrush back in her bag I initially planned to have her in bed an hour ago but she’s stubborn. After the service, Zoe’s energy level began to increase to new heights. Finally, after two meals, the service from this morning, a bath and getting her hair washed, she’s much more relaxed. I began to detach her from my chest but she fought me.

“Daddy, I’m not sleepy.” Zoe mumbled.

“Oh no? You’ve been falling in and out of sleep since your bath.” I tried laying her down again but she didn’t want to let go. Sighing out of defeat I went to lay on our bed with her still wrapped around me. “Why don't you want to go to bed?” I asked, pulling her pajama pants down.

“I don’t want to miss out.” She yawned, with her hands on my chest.

“Miss out on what? Kenny is asleep, mommy will be back soon and then she and I are calling it a night. We have a busy day tomorrow Zoe.” I explained.

“Ok, ok. Night daddy.” Zoe kissed my chin, finally getting comfortable enough to follow suit to her sister.

I must have passed out along with her for quite some time until I heard sudden movement. Awaking in a hurry I scanned the room to notice Cam’s return.

Sighing, I stood up to make room for her. “You scared the hell out of me..”

“I’m sorry honey, I didn’t mean to scare you. How were the girls? Did they give you a hard time?” She apologized and went on to get ready for bed.

“I’ll be fine, you have nothing to be sorry about. No, they were good. How’s your dad doing?” I asked. Pulling the blanket up over Zoe’s back I checked the lock on our door and the windows before getting back into bed.

Cam and I made light hearted conversation to shake the chip off our shoulders. We’ve each taken a hard hit of reality in the past forty-eight hours. It’s best Cam and I stay as united and positive as possible. Not only for the girls but for ourselves and our partnership. Once we return home and some time has passed, we can reopen this wound.

[youralternantpersonality]

Except For You

Embry x reader: Except for You

Warning: Death, Emotional support and control, CPS/fostering/adoption/homes.

***

Y/n was an easy-going kid growing up, full of life, happiness, and all things of that. It wasn’t until the tragic accident happened that landed you in foster care. CPS searched high and low for a family member to take you in. But to no avail, you were still in the system from the soft ages of five to 15.5 years (to be exact). It wasn’t the easiest, nicest, and not the most pleasant, but you survived and that’s all that mattered. At least, that’s what you kept telling yourself.

You were taken in by your great aunt when you were eight, but by then, the damages had been done. You were distant, hesitant, and deemed as an “aggressive” child. The only life form you ever let get close to you was the dog of the house, Manny. As soon as you entered the household, Manny was your comforter, protector, and your emotional and mental support. Your great aunt and uncle realized this and let it be. It wasn’t until another accident occurred that resulted in Manny’s death did you end up in a group home. The pain was too much, and because you weren’t properly taught how to express your emotions healthily, it resulted in a few tossed dishes, runaways, holes in the wall, and nights of screams and cries that could be heard for miles. Ever since, at the tender age of nine (at this point), you wouldn’t allow any form of being near you. The thought of going through that pain again only would hurt 20x more than the time you lost your family and Manny. And that wasn’t worth it.

That is until you were fostered by a couple who wanted to adopt you in the small town of La Push. You had met your foster mom, Emily, at the group home she volunteered at and for once grew attached to someone. It took a while, but something about Emily gave you a sense of home. She reminded you of your mother. Or what little you had of her. All you had of your family was pictures and trinkets you hid from the other kids, so they don’t mess with it.

You and Emily grew close. So close that Emily had to stop volunteering at the group home. Regret consumed you until you had a potential parental meeting to be adopted. When you walked into the room, the first person you saw was your caseworker, Lilly (the bitch), and then you saw her…Emily. You ran to her as fast as you could, hugged her with all your strength, and cried.

“What are you doing here?” You cried into her shoulder.

“I’m here to take you home Y/n/n.” you looked at her confused. She smiled and continued,

“That’s why I stopped volunteering. It would have been a conflict of interest and unethical to continue to work here and then adopt you, sweetie. So, I talked to Jessica and Leo,” the group homeowners, “and they said I would have to stop for a given month, place in an application, allow CPS to check if we’re acceptable to be able to be a contender. But Jess and Leo somehow convinced them to speed up the year process to five months. I’m so sorry Hun, I didn’t mean to be away for this long.” She said with tears forming in her eyes.

“You want me?” I said in disbelief. She smiled and looked up at a man I didn’t realize who was there. Big ass dude who looked to be “6’4”, broad shoulders, buff, and looks like he could intimidate and scare off anyone in his path. He grinned down at Emily and looked towards me. He held out his hand and introduced himself.

“I’m Sam, Emily’s husband. She has told me nothing but great things about you Y/n.” I hesitantly but confidently shook his hand and from then forward, I was accepted into their close little family. And to be honest, I wasn’t that was surprised at how easily I had grown attached to the two.

Six months later

I was in the garden with Emily fixing the flower beds when I heard the guys come from the forest. Emily and I looked at each other and went inside to clean up real fast and prepare for their ultimate feast. The guys had been training for some vampiric war due to this incompetent girl who can’t get herself out of trouble.

It was on accident really, how I found out what Sam and the guys are. Two things happened, one, Embry imprinted on me, and two, I was there that uneventful day, the first day I met Bella, where her dumbass punched Paul. Not only did I see Paul, but I also saw Jake transform.

Living with Sam and Emily for a month and a half

“WHAT THE FUCK!?” I yell at a distance, Embry, my imprint before I knew what it was, Quil, and Jered all turned to look at me.

“Fuck.” Sam said, he turned to look at me, but I took off. I didn’t know where I was running, but I ran. I wanted to go home, but I couldn’t. I didn’t know if Emily or Leah did the same thing. So, I just ran, ran until I got to First beach. I fell to the sand to catch my breath and just looked out into the ocean. I felt someone sit next to me, without even looking, I knew who it was. The second and last person I’ll let come as close as they were to me; the only other male to be within proximity of me. Enough to where our shoulders touched.

Embry. The cute and idiotic boy I took to instantly the second we met. I never understood or knew what it was about him, but whatever it was, I tried to fight it at first, but it hurt more than I thought it would. Emily said to just let it happen, let yourself feel, and not resist. It was hard, but after some time, he somehow looked like it affected him more than me, which worried and hurt me. Without a second thought, I accepted and allow myself to the possibility of gaining a closer friend. And since, he has been one of the closest people I have ever taken to. More so than Emily, and that says a lot. I broke the silence.

“Why didn’t you tell me,” I said without looking at him.

“I figured you’d want to get adapted to living here before you found out that our legends are true Olives.” I roll my eyes at the nickname he gave me as soon as he found out that I despise Olives. I looked at him and looked down as our knees were leaning on one another.

“You still could have said something…I don’t know. Anything. You know I hate secrets, especially coming from you Cilantro.” He wrapped his arm around me, and I easily gave into him. It used to bother me how easily I took to him being close to me, but now, I don’t fight it.

“I know, and I’m sorry. No more secrets, I promise. Unless I have to protect you, but I promise, I will try to keep you out of that situation Olives.” I looked up at him, I couldn’t look away even if I tried. His big soft brown eyes carried the light from the sun as if it was a sea with quiet waves. A whirlpool of honey mixed with chocolate. The boy had a grasp on me, but I wouldn’t break what we have for some weird crush. But apparently, he would because without a second thought, he leaned in and I felt two warm lips against mine. I did nothing at first, but when he pulled away, I leaned in and caught his lips to mine again to show him how I felt back. After that, we leaned our foreheads against each other and smiled. Thus, resulting in him to tell me about imprinting. Now, that, I understood why he held back from telling me. Thinking back on it, the ways the pack responded to us, it made sense.

“Awe, look at the married couple.” -Jared, when we were eating.

“You guys want us to leave while you have your privacy, or are we welcomed into the conversation?” -Brady, when we were hanging out at the beach.

“Get a room!”- Paul, when we were doing nothing but making stupid faces at each other.

Everyone knew I hated being touched or having someone too close to me, except for Emily. So, when I allowed Embry to do so, that brought on more teasing. And it wasn’t big stuff like wrapping an arm around me. It was small things.

When he’d sit next to me at the table, he would be close enough for me to cross my legs and rest my foot behind his calf, yet far enough so no one would be able to notice.

Sometimes Emily and I would be sitting at the table when the guys come in. He would purposefully be last so that when he came behind me, he would glide his finger softly at my exposed skin. At one point, he didn’t care, and Emily saw him do it then saw my reaction. She was happy to see my reaction but said nothing to me.

When Emily and I are cleaning the kitchen from cooking and the guys come in to eat, he’d get the silverware and slightly brush his shoulder to mine. Then bump me with it and head back to the table. I would do nothing but smile, which caught Paul’s attention, who then pointed it out. Asshole.

After that, Embry said, “fuck it!” and just found a way to get close to me. I didn’t mind. But it was moments like these, on the sand, with his arm wrapped around me that no one saw. It was something that wasn’t worth showing. Something that I was not comfortable showing. The slight touches, I’m ok. But PDA, I can’t do. Thankfully he understands this.

Present Day

Just as the boys were entering, Emily and I just took the food out. Like normal, the boys set the table and for some reason, Embry came up to me first, kissed my cheek, grabbed the plates, and went to the table. I was shocked, but I wasn’t mad. No one saw it, so that put me at ease.

After eating and relaxing, Embry and I went to his place to just watch a movie. It was times like these did he love the most. Why? Because I was always attached to him. With Embry, I can get lost in time and can easily feel physically deprived from. So, when we are behind closed doors, I basically turn into a big baby. Another thing that has scared me. But I am learning.

With Embry, I am learning a lot about myself. My boundaries, comfort zones, and what I want. With Emily and Sam alone, I learned what I want, Manny proved that to me too. With my great aunt and uncle, I learned what I didn’t want. At the group home, I was taught how to survive. With all these lessons, I learned a great deal about myself. And all of it came into play meeting up to the love of my life. And every day, I am grateful.

Masterlist

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #420

lol blaze it (i’m funny i swear)

In your opinion, which fast food place has the best fries? Without a doubt, Bojangle's. Good. Shit. Are there hurricanes where you live? Yeah, they're common here. What do you hate the most about yourself? I'd really rather not get into this right about now. What song are you listening to right now? "Beast of Gévaudan" by Powerwolf. What was your first concert? Alice Cooper. Also my only concert. What’s your favorite Johnny Depp movie? Alice In Wonderland. Who did you last say “I love you” to? My sister. Do you like pumpkin pie? Anything pumpkin-flavored is a hell no from me. Do you know anyone named Austin? Knew, rather. Do you know anyone who is having a baby? My friend recently announced she and her husband are having their second child in December. What was the last thing you cried about? Just PTSD. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I like both, but I prefer chocolate. Do you think you are an argumentative person? Definitely not. How many deep dark secrets do you have? Two or so, idk. What was the spiciest thing you’ve ever eaten? Some wings at Buffalo Wild Wings with one of the hottest sauces. Wanted to die. ... Yet I continued to get that one whenever I went for years lmao. Who last called you sexy? I don't know. Would you class yourself as a good role model? In some ways, but in a lot of other ways, no. Are you scared of the dark? No. Do you have a motto? No. Who did you last see on webcam? The doctor that overlooks my TMS progress. Do you need a haircut? I need a trim for sure. How would you react if your mother told you that she was pregnant again? Well, considering 1.) she's way past menopause and especially 2.) she's had a complete hysterectomy, y'know... that's kind of impossible. She also hasn't been with a guy in many years, so she would have to be joking. You log into Facebook and see the red ‘1’ notification next to the message icon. Who do you want it to be? -___- Would you rather exercise alone or with other people? ALONE. You will NOT see me exercise in front of other people. What is the most difficult or involved video game you’ve ever played? The most involved is DEFINITELY World of Warcraft, and I guess you could consider it the hardest too, given some of the much more difficult things I've done in it. It itself isn't a hard game whatsoever, but you can pursue some really hard achievements. Ever watch the show Supernatural? If you have, then what’s your favorite episode? I used to love it, but just stopped watching eventually. My fave episode... Man, it's been too long to remember many. Probably one of the funnier ones. I remember I specifically liked the bit where they were in your everyday comedy show, as well as the one where I THINK Dean kept trying to prevent Sam from dying. I just remember the "Eye of the Tiger" bit that is pure gold. Ever heard of flavored honey? If so, what’s you’re favorite flavor? Oh, no, but that sounds good. Do you remember what your favorite show was when you were little? Yeah, Pokemon. Do you put anything besides cheese on grilled cheese sandwiches? Besides butter, which I think is pretty standard, no. When it comes to books, what do you think is the “perfect” amount of pages? Uh, I dunno. It depends on the book. I don't really care about page numbers. Would you ever be interested in going scuba diving? Yeah. Out of all of your friends/relatives, who would you say has the best vocabulary? Girt, probably. Are any of your fingers or toes deformed? What about the nails? I don't think so? When is the last time you cried? I was sobbing earlier today, fun stuff. Would you ever date somebody that has been divorced more than once? Most likely not. ESPECIALLY at my age. What are some stereotypically nerdy things that you like? Oh god. WoW, M:tG, big glasses, anime (does that count? idk really), video games... a lot of stuff, really. Have you ever attended a wedding that ended where the bride and groom didn’t actually get married? What happened? Y I K E S, no. That would be SO uncomf. What scares you the most about becoming a mother (hypothetically, if you don’t want to have children)? Actually raising it properly, physically and emotionally. Would you ever want a job in fashion? What would you enjoy about that type of job? No. Would you ever be a surrogate mother? No. What do you think would be the best and worst parts about being a twin? It'd be cool to have someone you feel an almost supernatural connection towards, but I'd also feel like I wasn't as "original" as I would be if I was born alone. Do you feel that your childhood was more rough compared to others around you? I mean it wasn't awful at all, but sure, in some ways compared to at least someone. How would you react if you found out today that you were actually adopted? Well today I'm a wreck, so don't tell me. I want to know that I wasn't lied to for 25 years. Have either of your parents ever cheated on one another before, that you know of? How would you react if you found out today that one of them cheated? I'm not entirely clear on this, but I'm 90% sure Dad cheated on Mom with his now-wife. Dad also accused Mom of cheating, but I HIGHLY doubt that's true. Do you like cleaning and organizing? Not really. How would you react if you found out you were infertile? If you don’t plan on having kids to begin with, what is a long-term goal you’d be crushed to find out was impossible to achieve? Fuck having kids. I'd be a terrible mother. So to answer the other question, I'll be pretty, pretty sad if I can't get permission to spread Teddy's ashes at Yellowstone. Would you take your dream job if it were out of the country? Well, obviously not considering my dream job is a meerkat biologist, and I'm not moving to Africa. Have you ever been robbed? No. Is anyone close to you an alcoholic? Not anymore. Dad was, but he's recovered. Have you ever dumped anyone? Yes. What kind of tea do you drink? I hate tea. Do you know anyone in a gang? No, and I hope I never do. What’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for you? Risk his fucking sanity and health to try to hold my fucked up self up. What is your orientation? Gay? Straight? Metrosexual? Anything other? Bisexual. I've kinda been questioning pansexual of the late, though. I don't know. Have you ever done anything really dangerous or illegal with friends? Not to my memory. Name three feelings you’re feeling right now: Regret. Hopelessness. Loneliness. And the reasons for these feelings? Take a wild fuckin' guess. How do you feel about your life right now? It's an actual dumpster fire. Is it easy for you to like yourself? Why or why not? Fuck no. Because there's just not very much TO like about me. Even on my good days, I see flaw after flaw in myself. What subjects come naturally to you? English, some aspects of science. What subjects do not? Math, economics, politics, history... Do you read more fiction or more non-fiction books? Definitely fiction. When I read a book, I want an escape from the real world. How has today been for you? BOY HOWDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What did you do? Went to TMS therapy. Sat on the Internet. Cried. :^) Are there any candles lit in the room you’re in? No. Are there any lava lamps near you? No. I want one, though. Do you like cats or dogs better? Cats. Are any of your friends a pothead? Yes. What’s a goal you’re trying to accomplish soon? Start losing weight again. That'd be pretty goddamn grand. Are you a high maintenance person? Definitely not. The last time you yelled as loud as you could, what was the reason? I was having a nightmare. Have you ever been heartbroken? For sure. Who did that to you? First Dad, then Jason. Did you go through an ugly stage as a kid? Boy, did I. The last type of sandwich you made or ate: A pb&j. The last time you spent most of the day in bed: Literally every day. I do just about everything in bed. Pathetic, I know. The last friend or acquaintance you made: Ummmm idk. The last thing you took pictures of: A hydrangea bush. The last time you were scared: Now. The future is terrifying, my friend. The last thing you looked up online: The definition of a word to ensure I was using it correctly. The last thing you disagreed with: So I've been watching John Wolfe's old stream of him playing Alice: Madness Returns, and he went on a total soapbox about smoking being okay essentially because we're all gonna die eventually from something, and I really disagreed with it. Does your house have a separate laundry room? No, just like a closet. Do your parents still help you financially? I'm still entirely dependent on them. Does your car have a backup camera? No. Have either of your parents ever been in trouble with the law? Not to my knowledge. Have you ever had a pet that lived to be really old for its breed/species? REALLY old, no. Teddy was definitely up there, but beagles have lived longer. What was the last strong scent you smelled? Lysol. Have you ever told someone to their face that they were ugly? Christ, no. Is your bed against more than one of your walls? No. Have you ever been attracted to someone’s parent? Don't think so? Have you ever pole danced before? No. Have you ever broken into someone’s house? No. Have you ever seen a live bat? Yes. What is the most amount of money you’ve spent on a meal before? I dunno. Have you ever taken a woodshop class? No. How much time do you spend on Facebook, if you have one? Funny you ask, because as of today I decided to take a break from it for awhile. I've found it's nothing more than a breeding ground for envy and making me feel like a horribly incompetent adult. Has a teacher ever made you hate yourself/your work? I had one photography teacher in college that I was NOT a fan of. He was super, super hard on everyone, like to an unnecessary degree. We were students, not pros. Have you ever been on the barrier or front row at a concert? No. Are your parents supportive of you? Somehow.