#sheltered and yet adventurous

[drakonovisny]

making up lore for zephyrus in my head as i play

[soaln]

i read ur op jealous hcs and they were so cute ! i also saw that you mentioned your inbox was open, so can i request zoro x reader who’s the completely opposite of him? reader who’s sweet and kind to everyone, and very gentle unlike their mosshead bf.. i love him lol

𝓞𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓

𓏵 ﹒ ┈ warnings : pure fluff, gender isn't mentioned. I realized I have a lot Sanji and Zoro request 😭😭 anyw req open I changed few things｡— ◟ 𖦹

The sun was setting low on the horizon, casting warm light across the deck of the Thousand Sunny like it was made of gold. The ocean stretched out endlessly, a sparkling blue as the ship drifted smoothly over the waves. You were sitting on the railing, your outline lit up by the fading light, your fingers busy making a crown out of flowers. Each petal brought a splash of color—soft pinks, creamy whites, and bright yellows—showing off your easy-going vibe and the simple happiness you found in little things.

Zoro was standing across the deck, looking like a statue made of stone as he pumped some weights with serious determination. His brow was furrowed, jaw tight, and his green hair—which everyone joked looked like messy moss—was shining with sweat under the setting sun. He was the definition of strength and toughness, rarely saying much and showing even less weakness. But every now and then, his sharp eyes would wander over to you, pulled in by the warmth of your presence.

You two were totally different. While you were all about warmth and sunshine, he had this tough vibe that felt shady and intense. Your kindness shone like a beacon, making people feel good, while Zoro’s rough edge seemed to push folks away. Still, there was this cool connection between you that neither of you could fully put into words, but you both respected it a lot.

“Oi,” he said, his voice deep and rough as he walked up to you, a towel tossed over his shoulder. “What’s up? Just hanging out here alone?”

You turned to him, your smile as radiant as daylight. In your hands, you held the finished flower crown, its delicate magnificence a stark contrast to the man before you. “I made this for you,” you told, your voice a melody that seemed to soften even the edges of his hardened demeanor

Zoro’s brow arched, his expression a mix of skepticism and amusement. “Flowers? Seriously?”

You laughed, the sound like wind chimes dancing in a gentle breeze. Rising to your feet, you placed the crown atop his head, your fingers brushing lightly against his green hair. “There,” you declared, your tone teasing yet tender. “Now you look like a silly warrior ruler.”

A faint blush crept across his cheeks, and he reached up to remove the crown, but your hand caught his wrist, stopping him. “Leave it on,” you pleaded, your eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just for a little while, Please?”

He hesitated, his hand hovering in the air, before he let out a resigned sigh. “Fine,” he grumbled, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward ever so slightly. “But if anyone sees me like this, I’m blaming thus on you.”

Your heart swelled with affection, and you leaned up to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, Zoro,” you murmured, your voice warm filled gratitude. “You’re the best.”

He muttered something incomprehensible under his breath, but the faint blush that wiped his cheeks betrayed his true feelings. Beneath his gruff exterior, Zoro sheltered a deep appreciation for your gentle nature, even if he would never admit it aloud.

As the crew began to gather for dinner, the deck came alive with the sounds of laughter and camaraderie. Luffy’s wild voice echoed across the ship as he demanded more meat, while Sanji moved with practiced grace, setting the table with his usual flair. Nami and Robin conversed in calm tones, their laughter like music, while Usopp and Chopper animatedly recited one of their many adventures.

Zoro glanced at you, his expression softening in a way that was reserved only for you. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go eat before Luffy devours everything.”

You nodded, slipping your hand into his, your fingers intertwining as if they were always meant to fit together. “Okay,” you smiled, your smile as bright as the stars beginning to appear in the night sky. “But you’re keeping the flower crown on, right?” You grinned.

He rolled his eyes at you, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed his actual feelings. “Yeah, yeah,” he stated, his tone gruff but affectionate. “Whatever makes you happy.”

After that, the two of you joined the rest of the crew, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment settle over you like a warm blanket. Despite your differences, you and Zoro were a perfect match—a symphony of opposites that created a harmony all your own. And in that moment, you knew that your gentle heart and his rugged soul were forever intertwined

[queenofwands89]

The Storm Within Tyler Owens x fem!reader

Summary: What dramatic turn of events unfolds when Y/N storms off after an argument with Tyler, only to face the fury of a tornado that strikes their town and leaves Y/N injured?

Warnings: Tornado (duh lol), angst, arguing, mention of injuries, description of injuries, sad.

Notes: I wrote this because I am a whore for Tyler, and I love angst and pain. Enjoy byeeee

You feel the tension build in the air long before Tyler raises his voice. It's the kind of unease that clings to the back of your mind, an ineffable sense that something is about to go terribly wrong. You stand in the spacious, cluttered garage that serves as the command center for Tyler's storm-chasing crew. The storm models flashing on the multiple screens show bleak promises of another monstrous storm front moving across Oklahoma.

It starts as a simple disagreement. Tyler is passionate—almost recklessly so—about chasing a particular storm cell that evening. You object, voicing your concerns about the jeopardy it poses not only to Tyler but also to the entire crew.

"You never listen, Tyler!" Your voice quavers, your frustration edging too close to the surface. Your heart hammers in your chest. "You treat this like it's some adventure, but it’s dangerous!"

Tyler rakes his fingers through his hair, his expression a mix of determination and exasperation. "It's because it is dangerous," he shoots back. "But we do this because it saves lives, Y/N. If we can predict these storms better, we can give people the time they need to get to safety."

"And what about us? What about the people who love you? Are we just collateral damage in your crusade?"

Boone, who has been editing footage on his laptop nearby, looks up, his usually cheerful face clouded with concern. Lilly and Dexter exchange worried glances, while Dani silently tinkers with a drone, her stoic demeanor betrayed by the slightest furrow of her brow.

"I can’t sit by and do nothing while you risk everything, Tyler!" Your eyes well up with tears that you fiercely try to blink away. "One day, you might not come back."

Tyler sighs heavily. He takes a step towards you, but you instinctively recoil, the hurt in your eyes deepening the chasm between you. "Y/N, you know I love you, but this—this is what I do. It’s who I am."

"Well, I can't do this right now," you say, your voice cracking. "I need to clear my head."

Without another word, you grab your coat and storm out of the garage, slamming the door behind you. The echo of the slam lingers, punctuating the silence that envelops the room.

Tyler turns back to his crew, realizing that the argument has sapped the collective energy and morale. Boone breaks the silence with his usual attempt at lightening the mood.

"She'll cool off, man. Just give her some time," he offers, though his eyes betray the uncertainty he feels.

Lilly nods, her calm demeanor trying to instill a sense of reassurance. "Tyler, she just needs space. She loves you; that much is clear. Just let her process this."

Dexter, wiser and ever the emotional compass, adds softly, "Sometimes the best way to show love is to step back and let them come to terms with their fears on their own."

Tyler nods, although doubt gnaws at him. There is a sort of irony in chasing something as unpredictable as a tornado and yet being completely at a loss when it comes to matters of the heart.

You storm off down the gravel road, away from the storm-chasing headquarters. The expanses of Oklahoma stretch around you, vast and indifferent. You walk quickly, your thoughts a tumultuous whirl that rivals the storm brewing on the horizon.

Before long, a low rumble of thunder echoes in the distance. Your instincts tell you to seek shelter, but you are too consumed by your emotions to heed the warnings. Your phone buzzes, probably Jake checking in with you, but you ignore it.

As minutes turn to an hour, the sky darkens ominously, the oppressive weight of the storm hanging palpably in the air. You look up just as the first sharp gust of wind howls past you, sending a chill down your spine.

Your phone rings again. This time, you pick it up. It is Tyler.

"Y/N, you need to get back here. Now! There's an strom projected to hit our area. It's not safe out there!"

Before you can respond, the roar of the wind drowns out his voice. In the distance, a wall of debris begins to rise—terrifying in its beauty and formidable in its power. You feel a jolt of fear as you realize the windstorm is bearing down on you.

Panic-stricken, you try to find cover, but there is nowhere to go. The winds intensify, whipping your hair across your face and pulling at your clothes. In a desperate attempt to hold onto something, anything, you grab onto a nearby fence post as the monstrous tornado descends upon the town.

Back at the garage, the team is glued to their screens, tracking the terrifying path of the cyclone. Tyler's eyes are wide with dread, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"We need to go find her!" he shouts, his voice breaking with worry as he lunges toward the door.

Dexter and Boone spring into action, their grips tight on his arms, holding him back with all their strength. "Tyler, we will find her," Dexter insists, his voice steady yet intense. "But rushing headfirst into this will only get us all killed. We need a plan."

Tyler struggles against their hold, desperation etched into every line of his face. "You don't understand! She’s out there, and every second counts!"

Lilly's eyes mirror his fear but she nods in agreement with Dexter. "He's right, Tyler. We have to be smart about this."

Dani is already at the armored storm-chasing vehicle, her fingers flying over the controls as she starts the engine. "Let's go," she commands, her voice a beacon of resolve amidst the chaos.

The ride out is like plunging into a nightmare. The town around them is unrecognizable—a hellscape of uprooted trees, shattered windows, and debris swirling in the violent wind. The roar of the storm is deafening, a monstrous wall of sound that seems intent on swallowing them whole.

Every turn is fraught with danger, every street a potential deathtrap. The armored vehicle groans under the force of the gale, but it presses onward, cutting a determined path through the destruction.

Tyler's eyes scan the devastation, his heart pounding, every fiber of his being focused on one thing: finding you. The storm's fury lashes at them, but their resolve is unbreakable. They are driven by a singular, desperate hope—to bring you back alive.

As the harrowing storm begins to relent, the world around you is a landscape of devastation. The monstrous tornado has passed, leaving behind a chaotic aftermath. The team ventures deeper into the wreckage, eyes scanning anxiously for any sign of you.

Then they see you. Crumpled on the ground, clutching a fence post as though it’s the only thing tethering you to life, you lie unconscious, battered by the storm’s fury. Debris is scattered all around, a haunting testament to the storm's wrath. Tyler's heart wrenches at the sight.

Without a second thought, he leaps out of the vehicle, ignoring the stinging wind and flying debris that tug at his clothes and batter his body. "No, no, no," he mutters under his breath, sprinting towards you with a singular focus.

"Y/N!" he cries out, his voice breaking as he nears you. The sound barely cuts through the howl of the wind. He kneels beside you, wrapping his arms around your frail form, shielding you from the remnants of the storm. "Please, Y/N. Wake up."

Boone, sitting in the driver’s seat, immediately jumps out of the vehicle as well. He turns to Lilly and Dexter, his expression serious and determined. "Lilly, grab the emergency blankets. Dexter, I need you to help get Y/N into the truck, now!"

Boone rushes over to Tyler, his mouth set in a grim line. "Tyler, move aside. We need to get her stabilized." He swiftly yet carefully checks your pulse and breathing. "She's still with us. We have to move quickly."

“Be careful!” Tyler shouts over the wind to the crew, his voice tinged with panic. “She’s hurt!”

They work with meticulous care, gently extricating you from the wreckage. Tyler's hands shake as he helps lift you, his mind a whirlwind of desperate prayers and fear.

Dani, standing nearby, fights back tears, her voice breaking as she says, "Hang in there, Y/N. We’re not losing you."

They rush you back to the relative safety of the vehicle, urgency in every step. The vehicle starts moving, navigating through the storm’s terrible wake with a singular mission: to get you to medical attention.

Tyler sits beside you, cradling your hand in his, his eyes never leaving your face. “Hang in there, Y/N,” he whispers, as though sheer willpower could keep you tethered to life. “We’re almost there. You’re going to be okay. I promise.”

The crew speeds through the chaotic aftermath, dodging fallen branches and uprooted signs. Dexter keeps a vigilant eye on the road, never slowing down. Lilly's hands shake as she dabs at your wounds with a cloth from the medical kit, trying to do whatever she can to help.

All the while, Tyler stays with you, his heart breaking and yet holding onto hope, as the vehicle barrels towards the hospital, each mile bringing you closer to safety. Tyler holds you tightly, his voice trembling and tears mingling with the rain on his cheeks as he whispers, "I'm so sorry. I love you. Please, hold on. Just hold on a little longer, baby."

[cap-winter-barnes]

Home (Tyler Owens x Reader)

You're soaked to the bone, clothes torn, bloody and clinging to your skin. Hair plastered to your face, blooding running down your face like tears. The wind still howls around you as you help people to safety, Tyler by your side. The gash on your forehead is numbed by the adrenaline pumping through your veins. You've always loved storm chasing, but this time it's different, too close to home.

That moment in the motel pool, clinging to the piping for dear life, Tyler moments from slipping through your fingers - that was the most terrifying moment of your life. Yet here you are still riding your fears.

As the streets of El Reno begin to tumble and tear apart before your eyes, you push forward, trying to save as many people as you can. With no space in the small number of bunkers, basements & shelters there are, you have no choice but to guide everyone to the movie theatre.

"Y/N!" You turn at the sound of Tyler's voice above the cacophony of chaos around you. You still lose you breath every time you look at Tyler Owens and fall in love with him like it's the first time you met all over again. "Baby Girl, we need to get inside before it's too late." His hand wraps around your forearm, pulling you closer to his side.

Tyler was the one who brought your love of storm chasing to life, made your childhood dreams a reality. Your parents thought you were crazy to go off with the self-proclaimed 'Tornado Wrangler' but upon learning the reason behind his dangerous adventures and of your utter happiness and adoration of the man, they came to terms with your decision.

With a chaste kiss to your forehead, Tyler takes your hand in his and pulls you along hurriedly toward the movie theatre. Gathering the last few families through the doors with you and taking a glance back at the fast approaching tornado, you close the door behind you. Once inside the theatre, hunkered down between rows of chairs, the adrenaline begins to fade.

With the horrendous sound of the rain, wind and destruction echoing around the large space, panic begins to set in. This building wasn't made to withstand such a destructive force of nature. Tears spring to your eyes as your fear takes over. The cut on your forehead still bleeding, throbbing above your eyebrow. "Ty?" He can barely hear you above the roar of the storm above you, chunks of ceiling ripping away into the sky. "Ty?"

"I'm here Baby Girl, I'm here." You feel him wrap his body around yours as you both lay on the ground, arms tightly wrapped around them to keep you anchored. His warmth envelopes you and the smell of him immediately calms you somewhat. "I'm here, I gotcha." Sobs wrack your body as you try to take your mind away from this godawful situation. You should be celebrating your engagement but instead you're fighting for your lives. "I gotcha, darlin'. We're gonna go home after this." He kisses your temple, his body wrapping tighter around yours as the eye of the storm grows closer. "Wherever you wanna call home, that's where we'll go. We'll st-"

What's left of the movie screen disappears as the wall is torn away from the building, debris and innocent people being ripped away with it. Your fear returns tenfold, Tyler holding on with all his strength to protect you. His life, his home. "We'll start that family we talked about, hmm?" He presses his cheek against your own. "We're gonna make it through this, darlin'. I promise."

You turn to face him, noses brushing against each other. "I promise you, baby." You waste no time in pressing your lips to his own, the taste of blood, dirt and tears on your tongue as you press yourself to him.

"I love you."

"I love you, Baby Girl." You rest your forehead against his as you both prepare for the worst. The building shudders and shakes, groaning against the worsening wind speed. With eyes closed tightly, hands wound around each others, both you and Tyler hope with all your might that you survive this. But no matter what, you were home. Tyler is your home.

[stellarsecrets86]

Groom(5129) In the Houses of the Groom Persona Chart

Other posts you might like:

Masterlist

[The house placement of the Groom asteroid in the groom pc will show where in life, as a husband, his focus as a husband will be most evident, and where within the marriage his role as a husband will be most impactful. Its aspects show how this energy interfaces with other parts of his persona chart to influence his approach to love, partnership, and shared goals.]

[PS: For entertainment purposes only. Have fun.💚]

💐💐💐💐💐💐-------------💐💐💐💐💐💐

1st House

Groom in the 1st house is indicative of the groom who assumes the character of a husband with the utmost pride and confidence, his identity being closely hooked to the role of the husband in the marriage; he sees himself as both a leader and protector in the relationship. He is likely to be very initiative-taking and make sure his partner feels valued and taken care of. However, his strong focus on a role might at times make him overly concerned with appearances or what people expect. An ideal partner for him likes his sense of responsibility yet encourages him to be a little vulnerable. This placement favors a groom who seeks shared growth and harmony in marriage.

2nd House

Groom in the 2nd house brings forth a groom desirous of stability, security, and material comfort in marriage. He is likely to be a dependable provider, working hard to build a solid foundation for his family. His approach to marriage is practical and grounded, emphasizing mutual respect and shared goals. However, he might sometimes equate love with material provision, overlooking emotional intimacy. His partner should remind him that emotional connection is just as vital. This placement suggests a marriage based on trust, mutual effort, and shared financial goals.

3rd House

Groom in the 3rd house shows a groom who wants to communicate, intellectually connect with, and share ideas in a marriage. He is sure to be articulate and a thoughtful partner, engaging his spouse in meaningful conversations and encouraging open dialogue. His ideal relationship thrives on mutual learning and intellectual growth. He might, at times, however, be given to overthinking his emotions or avoiding deep feelings and going into intellectual discussions. His partner needs to encourage him to strike a balance between logic and the expression of emotions. This placement promises a marriage based on mutual understanding and clarity in communication.

4th House

He is very attached to family and home when it is placed in the 4th house. He looks upon marriage as the starting point to establish a loving, secure home, primarily with the aim of maintaining a harmonious atmosphere and peaceful domestic life. He can be very caring and overprotective, wanting to let his partner stay in shelter for comfort. Yet at times, this may make him overly concerned with home life and wary of alterations. The partner needs to support his need for stability and build up flexibility. This placement suggests a groom who gets fulfillment from the emotional and familial aspects of marriage.

5th House

Groom in the 5th house points to a groom who would marry with passion, creativity, and a great belief in romance. He thrives on shared joy and seeks a partner who can bring excitement and spontaneity into the relationship. His marriage is likely to be filled with laughter, adventures, and romantic gestures. However, his need for constant excitement might at times override deeper emotional needs. His partner should try to get him to balance up the fun with deeper connection. This placement does indicate a groom who considers marriage a celebration of love and shared experiences.

6th House

In the 6th house indicates that this is a hardworking and dedicated groom who will try with all his might to be of practical service to his spouse. He values teamwork and tries to maintain a balance and order in marriage. His ideal relationship should be based on mutual support and sharing responsibilities. His perfectionism, however, may sometimes overwork or make him sacrifice too much of himself. His partner would need to remind him that he needs to take better care of his emotional needs and himself. This placement would show a groom who finds satisfaction in serving and supporting loved ones.

7th House

This placement can suggest that the groom views marriage as a partnership of equals. Groom in the 7th house is all about harmony, balance, and mutual respect in the relationship. He is looking for someone to complement him and one who believes in open communication and joint decision-making. He is very much a committed partner but at times might tend to avoid confrontations because he focuses too much on balance. His wife needs to be encouraging of frank discussions and emotional openness. This placement can indicate a groom who is at ease in relationships based on mutual trust and respect.

8th House

In the 8th house is indicative of a groom who desires deep emotional and physical intimacy within marriage. He is drawn to transformative experiences and seeks a partner who matches his intensity and depth. He needs trust, vulnerability, and emotional connection. Marriage for him is often a path to mutual growth and healing. His passion is the strength here, though it can turn possessive or emotionally turbulent at times. His partner needs to foster balance and frank communication. This placement indicates that the groom finds deep meaning in an emotional and spiritual connecting with his partner.

9th House

Groom in the 9th House: Being with an explorer, studying and growing with a life companion, and seeking or taking a spiritually growing road within marriage-these will provide the base for partnership to this kind of individual. He foresees love filled with travel and studying or with the discussion of world outlooks together. His union would involve exchanging culture or undertaking some spiritual voyage. At the same time, one should realize that too much idealism fosters restlessness and perhaps unreal views about marriage. The partner should keep him grounded, yet support his desire to learn and grow. This is the placement of a groom who enjoys shared adventure and mental stimulation.

10th House

Groom in the 10th house indicates that for the groom, marriage is a partnership in supporting his public image and life ambitions. He is ambitious and looks for a spouse that can support his vision and ambition. His approach to marriage is very practical and goal-oriented, always focusing on shared achievements. The same strength of his-namely, the focusing on external accomplishments-could at times shadow the emotional intimacy. The partner will help him strike a balance between his ambition and personal connection. This placement suggests a groom who looks at marriage as coming together of two people in building a legacy.

11th House

Groom in the 11th house indicates a groom who desires shared ideals, social connection, and community involvement with his marriage partner. He is drawn to partnerships that can facilitate change or contribute something to a higher purpose. His ideal spouse shares his vision for making a difference and supports his dreams. While his idealism is laudable, it may at times lead him to sacrifice personal needs for the greater good. His partner needs to encourage him to strike a balance between social aspirations and private connection. This placement promises a marriage based on shared values and mutual inspiration.

12th House

In the 12th house brings out the sensitivity of a groom emotionally and his spiritual approach to marriage. He searches for a partner who will understand his introspective nature and help him sail through his inner world. This could play a very significant role in his marriage, as deep-seated trust, forgiveness, and emotional healing could make a great impact on the self-realization of individuals. Very empathetic and sensitive, he may struggle to let his emotions be seen out in the open. His partner should create an environment of safety where vulnerability can be experienced and self-awareness nurtured. He sees this marriage as a spiritual journey-one filled with growth lessons and change.

[gvshing]

Roommate Vi✧ ˚ 　· 　　 .

Masterlist C.W. mentions of being drunk

Roommate Vi loudly plays her games in the middle of the night. It’s 2 am and she’s screaming at 14 year olds for getting her killed in Fortnite. “Dude! What the fuck! You were supposed to cover my ass!” Is all you hear, all night long, through the paper thin walls. When she gets too loud you’re throwing pillows at the wall. Her big ass headphones planted atop her head, denting her hair into the shape of them, tuning out the sounds of quiet thumps against her wall. You eventually have to go knock on her door to tell her to keep it down around 3 am. She has work in the morning, you can’t quite wrap your head around how she plays all night and still makes it in on time. Vi will apologize, embarrassment etching her features. Though she would be lying if she said she didn’t like seeing your frazzled state standing at her bedroom door every night. Cozied into your pajamas and a blanket wrapped around you, sheltering you from the cold. She keeps it cold as hell in the apartment. She runs naturally hot so you never complain, enjoying wearing the hoodies around the apartment and the old stained sweats you’ve owned since you were a teenager. They were more comfortable than the shorts that rode up or the tank tops you were always worried would move and flash her. She loved seeing your sleepy eyes and frizzy hair from all the tossing and turning trying to tune her out. She stays quiet for as long as she can, but she has a hard time controlling her volume when she’s angry or heavily enthused. Usually, she’ll get loud about an hour after you’ve scolded her, but that works for you. By that time you’re sound asleep.

Room mate Vi comes home drunk on the weekends after nights of bar hopping with her friends you still have yet to meet. Except in passing when they’re helping her get into the apartment. You’ll do a silent exchange of taking the load of Vi’s weight into your arms, nodding and a quiet thank you slipping through your mouth before they’re gone again. You’ll pull her into the room, wrecked from her getting ready earlier. Clothes thrown all over her bed and hair products splayed across her dresser. Moving the clothes to the side, you carefully help her into bed, she throws herself the rest of the way down and cackles loudly. “Woah! Hi Y/N! When did you get here? Or me? I missed you~” In a sing-song tone she’ll realize she made it home safe once again. She cracks her eyes open into slits to glimpse you taking her shoes off. Sighing loudly as you place the shoes on the ground, she huffs in annoyance. “What could you possibly be annoyed about, Vi? I’m helping you.” You say, frustration lacing your voice. You’re not mad that she’s come home like this again, she’s still young, that’s what she’s supposed to do at this age. Still worry swirls around your chest at the thought of her friends not being there one day, but deep down you know she’ll always make it out safe. She’s strong, even shit faced drunk. And to be honest, you never mind helping her after a night of drunken adventures. It warms your heart to know you can be there for her in such an intimate way, even if her drunken self always finds something to groan and pout about. She’ll continue sighing loudly until you sit next to her lying body on the bed. Stroking her hair until she settles, “I’m going to grab you water and some medicine for when you wake up, okay?” She groans once more and throws her arms around your waist, rapidly shaking her head, holding onto you until sleep finds her. You sneak out of her room and return with the hangover remedies, softly setting them down on the nightstand and quietly exiting the room, fearful you’ll wake her up.

In the morning, she’ll wake up in a haze, quickly take the medication and gulp down the water you left for her. She’ll stumble out of her bedroom, finding you in the kitchen making breakfast. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get that drunk or make you take care of me.” She apologizes profusely, clambering over to the table to sit down, wincing at the way her head pounds harder when she sits down a bit too hard. “I never mind, Vi. You’ll feel better soon. Want breakfast?” You both sit in silence until after she finishes eating. Slowly she’ll feel better and then you’ll recount your night of babysitting her drunken persona. Secretly, she loves when you take care of her, drunken or not. And you love to be the one taking care of her. Love the feeling of being useful to her. 

Room mate Vi has a bad day at work like 70% of the time. You’re not sure why she still works there if she hates it, but she needs the money and you can understand that. She slams the door open and closes it a bit loud and viscous. Stomping to her room to scream into a pillow and punch her mattress out of anger. You hesitantly walk up to her door and knock lightly. You hear a quiet ‘come in.’ through the door and you slowly open the door and stand in the threshold. “You- What’s wrong?” Anxiety spreading through you. You’re never mad at her for getting as rough as she does when she’s mad. But, it still makes you feel uneasy. She exhales a breath of irritation. “Just a bad day. Work fucking kills me. The customers have to be having meetings in the mornings about how they’re all going to come in and ruin my day. Like they have to be. It’s insane.” You give her a look of sympathy and walk over to her desk chair. “I’m sorry. Tell me about it?” She’ll rant for an hour about how every customer was rude, obnoxious or stupid. Ending it feeling better about her day having gotten it out of her system. You truly make her feel at ease.

Room mate Vi and you reserve Sunday nights to hang out together. Usually cozying up in the living room, a shared blanket and too many snacks for one night, a movie playing on the TV. Every Sunday you trade off who gets to pick the movie. Vi usually picks an action movie or a romcom that she makes you promise not to tell anyone she enjoys. You taunt her with the threat of telling whatever friend that brings her home that week and she’ll tickle you until you can’t breathe and you’re promising over and over you won’t actually tell anyone. She settles back into her spot and gleams with triumph. Throughout the night you guys always find yourself moving closer to the other until you’re practically cuddling. Snuggled into her side and her arm thrown around the back of the couch, that’ll eventually get tired of being up there and trail down to being wrapped around your shoulders instead. You fall asleep like that and she gently scoops you up and brings you to your room. Tucking you into bed, she’ll push your hair back behind your ear and lean down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head. She tells herself it’s normal to feel the way she does with you. You’re friends after all. She walks out of your room and softly closes the door. She stands in front of your door for a minute and catches her breath, waiting for her heart to slow down back to its normal pace. She just likes being around you. Nothing more, you’re a good friend. She finds herself staring at you, often, yeah. Friends do that. Catching herself missing you when you walk away, and imagines kissing you, more than she probably should, it happens, it’s normal. Yeah, friends feel that way sometimes. Sure.

Room mate Vi who isn’t able to convince herself she doesn’t like you when you come home one day, giddy about a first date you have that night. She starts feeling a searing jealousy rising in her. She can’t push it away and she’s pouting all day long. Sending you off with just a “Yeah, have fun. Be safe.” when you’re leaving. It leaves you perplexed, her sudden coldness. She sits at home, brooding, the rest of the night until you’re home. When she sees the look of disappointment on your face, she feels her heart leap. She feels bad for finding joy in your disappointment, but she can’t help herself. “Are you okay? Date not go well?” She hears the eagerness in her voice and inwardly winces. You huff and trudge to the couch, throwing yourself on it. You lay across her lap and stare up the ceiling. She strokes your hair and raises her eyebrows. A soft ‘hm?’ sound leaves her throat. “It wasn’t bad, but there just wasn’t any chemistry. I feel bad. I was so excited but she was so bland. I almost feel like she did it on purpose to drive me away. Maybe she didn’t want to go out and was just being nice when she said yes… I don’t know.” you sigh in defeat and toss yourself around to shove your face into her lap, shading your face away from her. She exhales softly and clears her throat, unease setting in. “Maybe? I doubt it. I bet she was just boring. Who wouldn’t want to go on a date with you? You’re so pretty and funny.” You snort in amusement. Twisting around to face her again. “You’re just saying that because you have to. But, I appreciate it.” She stares at you in disbelief. “I’m not just saying that, babe. You are a catch, people should feel blessed to be in your company. Let alone in such an intimate way.” You stare at her, unable to convince yourself that she’s being real. “Thanks, Vi. I appreciate you. It was just disappointing, but my feelings aren’t hurt.” She nods in a solemn agreement. She swallows her anxiety and reaches over to grab your hand. You interlock fingers and smile down at your connected hands. “Go on a date with me. I’ll show you what a good time with someone who values you, should feel.” You choke on your spit when you hear her say that and sit up fast. “What? I-” you stare at her and she continues staring at you, confidence spilling out from her. “Come on. It’ll be fun.” She smiles mischievously. “Uh.. Okay. Fine. If you want to, you don’t have to do that just because you feel bad for me. That’ll make me feel worse.” You trail off and she shakes her head, chuckling lightly. “I mean it. I was going to ask you either way.” You laugh loudly and throw yourself back into her lap, covering your blushing face.

Room mate Vi plans the most thoughtful dates. A picnic with your favorite foods, stay at home movie night with a fort she made herself, though it looks janky and falls down a few times, surprise beach days. By the end of every date you share, your cheeks hurt from smiling so much, feeling like you did a thousand sit ups from the pain of laughing too much and butterflies making a home in your chest. She always makes you feel that deserving feeling she preached to you. With her it felt easy, it made sense. And you felt silly for not seeing it earlier. It felt obvious that you both would be a good match together, but yet it took you so long. And it took her asking you. What if she didn’t say anything? Would you be living your life going on mediocre dates until the end of time? Either way, you’re glad you don’t have to do that. Glad you have each other.

Girlfriend Vi adores you and never goes a day without telling you how pretty and smart you are. She loves to see you shy away from her, loves to see your coy smile. You continue your Sunday movie nights, but with more kisses and cuddling now. You go with her on the weekends to watch how she gets herself to that point of drunken-ness. But, you’re the one taking her home now, not just tucking her in. You’re cuddling into bed next to her now. Her warmth radiates off her, no need for blankets when you have her to warm up. You wake up to her head shoved into your chest, arms wrapped around you and legs locking you in place. She snores lightly, peacefully resting off her hangovers, hard work days or rough workouts. You kiss her on the top of her head and snuggle closer into her, closing your eyes to drift off into that same peaceful rest. Feeling thankful you’ll never have to live without her or her calming presence. Even when she’s mad. 

[quinngefail]

Saw XI will do something bold and crazy where at the end of the movie the entire world is suddenly blown to smithereens with no explanation. And then people will be like "oh thank god that's it there will be no more Saw movies" BUT what they won't expect is the post credits scene which reveals that the iconic bathroom has actually been a doomsday shelter/rocket ship the entire time. And then the next 15 movies will be about Hoffman's cool adventures in space with his awesome skeleton crew of Adam, Zep, and Xavier

The closing shot of XI will be Hoffman putting on a pair of sunglasses and saying "Looks like the game isn't over yet, huh... Step on it, doc" and then an epic sci-fi remix of Hello, Zep will play as Lawrence's foot hits the gas and the bathroom rocket ship blasts off into the cosmos

And it's gonna go so fucking hard. You won't believe it til you see it

[eu-nicola]

Morocco part 3

and final

summary: Rafe says goodbye to Sofia and leaves her in outer banks while he goes to Morocco, where you are also and the danger that happens there rekindles the spark both of you thought had lost

warnings: mention of death, pregnancy

word counter: 10706

author's note: spoilers of s4, things have been changed but there are still spoilers, english is not my first language, this is long so get ready to read

The ride home was shrouded in a fog of silence and empty stares. No one talked much; JJ’s death had left an open wound, an empty space that was impossible to ignore. You felt that weight in every fiber of your being, as if the air you breathed was thicker and harder to swallow. Even Rafe, always tough, showed a certain discomfort. It had been he who, in an act of unexpected humanity, had taken the shovel and buried JJ’s body with his own hands. His movements had been slow, while the echo of the earth falling on the body still resonated in your mind as a cruel reminder of how ephemeral life was. 

They had achieved what they had sought so long. The Blue Crown, the relic that had led them all to the most dangerous adventures of their lives, was now in their possession. But the triumph tasted bitter, tinged with the boy’s absence. The laughter, JJ’s jokes, his unbridled energy and his unwavering loyalty were things they could never replace. Outer Banks felt different without him, as if a shadow had fallen over the place, obscuring happy memories and hopes for a better future.

Despite everything, there was one dim light that held everyone together: Sarah and John B’s baby. It was as if the news of his arrival was the only thing keeping the spark of life in everyone’s eyes. You knew that this baby would be named after their lost friend, a tribute that would forever connect them to the past. And John B, despite his pain, had already hinted that he wanted Pope to be the new godfather, a gesture that had brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

You watched all of this from a sort of distance, as if you were trapped in limbo. You didn’t know what to expect from your own life, from your future. The trip to Morocco had changed everything, not only because of the experiences you had lived through, but because of the promises and decisions yet to be made. You were expecting Rafe’s child, and the uncertainty of what that meant kept you on edge. What he had said in Morocco, the words laden with desire and a commitment you barely understood, kept fluttering through your mind. Was it real? Could you trust him to accept it, to keep those promises now that the adventure was over and reality was setting in again? 

Rafe, sitting beside you on the shuttle back, stared out the window with his jaw set and his eyes lost somewhere on the horizon. You hadn't exchanged many words since JJ's death. You didn't know if he remembered what he had said, if the heat of the moment had faded into the coldness of reality. 

The landscape passed by at full speed, but for you everything was suspended in a strange waiting pattern. There was no certainty about what would happen once you returned home. Rafe was a mystery, an enigma that you had loved and feared in equal measure. And now, with a child on the way, the future felt like a blank slate, ready to be written with the decisions that were to come, decisions that would define not only your life, but that of your child.

Hours later, upon returning home, the air was filled with a familiarity that contrasted with everything they had experienced abroad. Each of the group dispersed, returning to their own lives, immersed in a cloud of exhaustion and memories. You, with your heart still reeling, headed to your family mansion. The high walls and long shadows of the place greeted you with a sense of relief, as if you had finally found shelter after a long and stormy journey. 

The first to see you was your father. His always imposing bearing seemed even firmer that afternoon. He approached you with determined steps and, to your surprise, a slight smile on his lips. He was not a man known for his displays of affection or fatherly affection, but this time, his hand rested on your shoulder with a touch that spoke more than a thousand words. “Well done,” was all he said. You had heard him say those words in contexts of success and victory, but this time, you knew there was something deeper behind them. He had underestimated you for so long that seeing his approval made you feel a weight less on your chest.

The conversation turned to what you had achieved, the Blue Crown and all that it had meant. Despite your father's joy, your mind kept wandering, divided between the euphoria of his approval and the constant shadow of uncertainty that Rafe cast over you.

Rafe arrived shortly after. Your father wasted no time and, with a look that combined defiance and humor, he addressed him with a few words: “Well done, Cameron. And congratulations on your engagement, although it seems it was not as solid as I thought.” Your father's ironic smile was a knife in the air.

Rafe reacted immediately, raising his chin with that mixture of haughtiness and tiredness that you knew so well. “I finished it,” he replied, his words sharp but full of conviction. The look between the two men was fleeting but intense. Your father, who had always been a good reader, let out a short, dry laugh, as if he had just won a game that only he understood. He didn't insist any further and walked away, giving you one last look that seemed to say that everything was fine, that you had done the right thing. 

After the brief meeting in which your father and Rafe had exchanged words, you felt the weight of fatigue take hold of you. As you watched Rafe walk away, his silhouette fading into the dusk of the evening, a long, deep sigh escaped your lips. You knew you needed space, not only to process what had happened, but also to find clarity in the whirlwind of emotions and decisions that were crowding your mind.

You stayed in the mansion, allowing the silence and familiarity of the place to envelop you like a hug. You walked through the halls with slow steps, touching the walls and letting the coldness of the stone remind you that you were there, that everything had been real.

You reached your room and closed the door behind you, leaning against it as you closed your eyes. You headed to the large window that looked out onto the garden, the lights of the night beginning to flicker, and for an instant, the view gave you some calm. Outside, the breeze moved the leaves of the trees, and the whisper of the wind was a reminder that, at least for now, you were safe.

The desire to rest was overwhelming. You took off your shoes and let your feet feel the soft carpet beneath them. You changed your clothes into something more comfortable and let yourself fall into the bed, which seemed softer and more welcoming than you remembered. You closed your eyes and tried to clear your mind, but the images and memories kept coming, like flashes you couldn't ignore.

What you needed most was a moment away from him, a space to put your thoughts in order without the intensity of his presence influencing you. You had shared so much in such a short time that your world seemed to revolve around him, and that scared you. You wanted to think about what it all meant, what you would be able to accept, and what you really wanted for yourself and for the future that, without realizing it, you had begun to imagine.

With a tired sigh, you lay down on the bed, letting the softness of the sheets envelop you. The distant sound of crickets and the tranquility of the place helped you disconnect little by little. Your body, physically and emotionally exhausted, was leading you to sleep, giving you the rest you had longed for. For the first time in days, you allowed yourself to not think, to not feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, and just be you, in the shelter of your home.

When you woke up, the soft glow of the morning sun was streaming through the window, enveloping the room in a warm, golden glow. You blinked slowly, still sleepy, and your gaze landed on your phone. A notification caught your attention: a text from Rafe. It didn't surprise you, but it did make your heart beat a little faster. It said he wanted to see you, to come to his house.

Without answering, you put your phone aside and got up. You headed to the bathroom, letting the hot shower water run over your skin, washing away the tiredness that still lingered in your body. When you were done, you changed calmly, choosing an outfit that made you feel comfortable and safe. Breakfast was brief; just a cup of coffee and some fruit that you savored without haste.

When you finally felt ready, you grabbed your keys and left the house. The drive to Rafe's house felt longer than usual. When you arrived, an unexpected scene greeted you.

Rafe was standing on the porch, his expression tense and his hands gesturing in frustration as he argued with Sofia. Sofia, eyes bright and cheeks flushed with anger and distress, was trying to defend herself. You heard her say in a broken voice that everything she had done was because he had called her "Pogue," a word that to her was more than an insult; it was a rejection.

Rafe’s face hardened even further, his blue eyes flashing with anger. To him, that justification was a mockery. He couldn’t believe the ridiculousness of that confession. He demanded that she give him back the ring he had given her, a ring that belonged to his mother, a symbol that had once meant a future together. His voice was so firm and icy that even from your position, a little apart, you could feel the tension in the air. With one last look of despair, Sofia took off the ring with shaking hands and handed it to him. Without another word, she quickly left, passing you by with tears running down her cheeks. She didn’t say anything, didn’t even look at you. She simply disappeared down the road, leaving a trail of pain and failure behind her. 

Rafe stood still for a moment, staring at the ring in his hand as if it were a weight he wanted to get rid of immediately. When he looked up and saw you, something in his expression changed. The hardness faded briefly, replaced by a flash of something you certainly didn’t know what it was. 

As you approached him, you noticed how Rafe, with a quick and almost instinctive movement, put the ring in his pocket. Without hesitation, you moved closer and greeted him with a kiss, feeling the slight tremor in his lips.

“What happened?” you asked, trying to read in his eyes some sign that betrayed the conversation he had just had with Sofia.

“Nothing important,” he answered, looking away for a second before looking at you firmly again. “I just had to make it clear that this,” he said, making a gesture that implied everything that had happened with Sofia, “doesn't mean anything anymore.”

You nodded, although an uncomfortable knot formed in your stomach. The conversation you had been avoiding since Morocco was unavoidable, and the time had come.

“Rafe, we have to talk,” you said in a more serious tone, causing his expression to change as well. He nodded, waiting for you to continue. “What will happen to us now?” After everything that happened in Morocco... everything we said...

Rafe looked at you with an intensity that made the air feel thicker.

“I want to marry you,” he said, without hesitation. But there was something else in his voice, a note that you recognized as uncertainty.

You sighed and looked down for a moment, searching for the right words.

“I’m not sure, Rafe. You were with Sofia. If what happened hadn’t happened, would you have left her?” The question hung in the air, weighing between you like an unspoken truth.

He didn’t answer right away, and the pause made you feel like your heart stopped for a second. But then, with a determined gesture, he came closer and took your hands.

“You’re right to doubt, but listen,” he said, his voice deep and sincere. “If Sofia did what she did now, she would have done it sometime later. And it would have ruined everything, our marriage, my life… it would have brought me down. Her doing it now opened my eyes. It made me realize that the one I really wanted was you. Because I couldn’t stand to see you with someone else, to see you married to someone else, happy with another man. Not after everything we’ve been through together.”

His words were a torrent of emotions, and for a moment you were silent, taking in each one. The warmth of his hands in yours was an anchor, and when he raised a hand to caress your face, you felt a single tear run down your cheek.

“Rafe…” you whispered, and he closed his eyes for a moment, as if your words were all he needed to keep going.

You spent the day at Rafe’s house. Every corner of the place reflected his presence: the photographs on the shelves, the personal details on the furniture, and the subtle aroma that seemed to permeate the walls. You walked slowly, observing everything carefully, aware that this space would one day become your home.

Rafe watched you from the other side of the room. He knew that, although you had agreed to be there and spend this moment with him, there was a gesture he had to make. The ring that had once belonged to his mother and that, for a time, had been on Sofia's hand, was no longer a pure symbol.

As he walked towards you, he thought about how he knew you better than anyone else. He knew that you would not agree to wear that ring, not after everything that had happened. As much as it meant something special in his family, you would understand the burden it carried and what it symbolized. His thoughts were intertwined with the decision he had made: he would look for a new one, perhaps more than one.

Still, in time, you would wear both rings: the new one, and his mother's. But using just the old one wouldn't be an option, and Rafe understood that.

It had been two weeks since they returned from Morocco. Everything had calmed down, but there was still a tension in the air that didn't seem to want to go away. There were things you still hadn't talked about and you wanted to but you didn't know who to talk to.

The idea of ​​talking to Sarah crossed your mind several times, but you quickly put it aside. Although you both shared something very big in common, the reality was that you had never been very close to her. Besides, she had her own problems: the pregnancy, her relationship with John B., everything that had happened with JJ... and you didn't want to add more to her burden. It wasn't the time.

You decided that the best thing was to go to the doctor alone, to confirm that everything was okay. Maybe find some peace at that moment.

When you arrived at the clinic, you felt a little nervous. The atmosphere was calm, but the discomfort of what you had to face didn't let you be completely relaxed. You sat in the waiting room, going over the thousand and one things that were running through your mind.

Finally, your name was called, and you walked into the office. The doctor greeted you kindly, motioned for you to sit down, and began asking you some general questions about your health and emotional state. You knew that was important, but you couldn’t help but feel like everything was about to change.

“Everything seems to be in order,” the doctor said with a smile as he looked over your results. “Your pregnancy is progressing well. You’re in the sixth week. It’s early, but everything we see so far is positive.”

You felt a wave of relief run through your body. At least at the moment, things seemed to be going well. But, inside, you were still a little lost. How were you supposed to handle all of this? How was something like this supposed to be handled?

The doctor, as if reading your thoughts, continued.

“The most important thing now is that you eat well. Your body is working for you and the baby. You need to make sure your diet is right for both of you.” He looked at you with slight concern. “And don’t stress yourself out.” That's a very important factor. Stress can affect not only your well-being, but that of the baby. Try to get enough rest and not overload your mind.

You knew it wasn't going to be easy. Stress was a constant in your life, but, for the moment, those words were what you needed to hear.

As you left the consultation, you felt a mix of relief and confusion. Everything seemed fine.

When you got home, the atmosphere seemed different. You had been alone in your mind all day, reflecting on everything you had experienced in the last few weeks. Despite everything, your father's call had taken you out of that bubble and brought you back to reality.

He was waiting for you in the living room, sitting in his usual chair, staring at the turned-off television. He wasn't watching anything in particular, he was just thinking, and you knew that. When you walked in, he smiled at you, although there was something in his eyes that you couldn't decipher.

“Take a seat, daughter,” he said in a calm tone, inviting you to sit in front of him. It wasn’t common for him to talk about personal matters like that, but you knew something important was coming.

You sat down, leaving your bag on the floor and crossing your legs, preparing yourself for what awaited you. The silence between the two of you was heavy, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was more like a kind of calm before the storm.

“Your mother…” he began, and you already knew what he was going to say. There was something in his voice that showed a mix of tiredness and resignation. “She wants to see you again.”

You didn’t know how to react. Your heart skipped a beat, a kind of knot formed in your stomach. Your mother had never been a part of your life in the way one would expect. Since you were nine, she had chosen her freedom over you, over family, over everything. She left in search of something you never understood. And now, after all those years, she wanted to come back as if nothing had happened. As if life could go back to the instant it left.

Your father continued, not looking directly into your eyes, as if he preferred to talk about her without doing it face to face.

“I know it hasn’t been easy for you,” he said quietly. “She was never there when you needed her the most. It was my job, my responsibility… I raised you, I gave you what you needed, and although I know it wasn’t perfect, I did it with everything I had.”

He sighed, and for a moment, the weight of his words filled the space between the two of you. You knew how much it had cost him, what he had had to sacrifice to be a father and a mother at the same time.

“I’m not asking you to forgive her or accept her right away,” he continued. “What I’m asking is that you don’t treat her badly. If you want to reject her, do it, but don’t argue with her. She’ll be here for a while, and we’ll both welcome her.” If we’re lucky, she’ll be gone soon, and you can go back to your normal days, to your life, as if nothing had happened.

You stayed silent, processing his words. It wasn’t just what he was telling you, but also what he wasn’t saying. You knew he was worried about how you might react, how difficult it would be for you. But he didn’t want you to get into something that could only make things more complicated than they already were.

“And one more thing,” he added, finally looking at you, his eyes steady and sincere. “I don’t want you to talk to her about Morocco, or Rafe, or anything that’s affecting you right now. She’s not here to get involved in your life again. If you do, you’ll only open a door that we don’t need to open. She has her own life and you have yours.”

You couldn’t help the feeling of anger, frustration, and pain rising in your chest. It wasn’t just that your mother abandoned you, but that she now intended to come back as if she hadn’t left a mark. As if the years of abandonment could be erased in the blink of an eye. But what hurt you the most was that your father was asking you to accept all of that. You understood it, somehow. He just wanted to avoid more conflict, more pain. And what he was asking of you was reasonable, but you couldn't help but feel trapped.

"I will, father," you said, your voice a little cracked. "I promise."

You stood up, knowing that this would be a difficult moment. You knew that the situation wouldn't be easy for anyone. But for your father, and for everything he had done for you, you were going to try. At least, you owed him that.

"Your mother won't be home for another month," your father said in a deep voice, as if the weight of that word, "month," was the only thing you could take in. "Don't worry."

That was the last thing you heard, as you left the room, you felt a mix of emotions. The weight of what was waiting for you was upon you, but for a moment you held on to the idea that everything could be better.

Your life was going to change once again, and you didn't know if you were ready for it.

Despite this, the days passed peacefully, more peacefully than you had imagined. You focused more on yourself, on your baby, without saying a single word about it to anyone. Despite being surrounded by people who loved you, you decided to keep that part of your life to yourself, letting your body and mind adjust to what was to come. Each day that passed, your heart was filled with a mix of excitement and fear, the future was uncertain, but you knew there was something beautiful and new waiting for you.

You and Rafe spent your days as you always had, but for you everything you did now seemed to revolve around that little life growing inside you.

One afternoon, when the sun was beginning to set and the sky was turning an orange color, Rafe invited you for a walk. There was something in his attitude that made you suspect that something was about to happen, but you didn’t give it any importance. The two of you were walking through the garden, enjoying the peace, when suddenly, he stopped in front of you, his expression serious, but with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

“I want to do something,” he said in a low, but firm voice.

You stopped, looking at him curiously. You didn’t know what to expect, but the calmness of his tone only increased your intrigue. Before you could say anything, he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket and opened it in front of you. Inside, not one, not two, but four rings glittered. Each one uniquely designed, with vibrantly colored gemstones that reflected the sunset light in an astonishing way. They were beautiful, ostentatious, almost as if he had wanted to encompass everything he felt for you in a single display of his love.

You looked at him in silence, not knowing what to say. He smiled, not losing his composure, but with a spark of nervousness escaping from the corner of his lips.

“I know this is a little… excessive, but I wanted you to know how much I love you, and that the future I want to build with you has no limits,” he said in a tone that tried to be serious but couldn’t hide the slight amusement he felt at the extravagant gesture.

You laughed, a light, genuine laugh, which filled the air with a warm feeling. Rafe looked genuinely nervous, but there was also something so sincere in his gesture that you couldn’t help but smile even more. Four rings? What kind of proposal was this? But at the same time, you understood what he meant by that act. It was his way of showing that he wanted you by his side, of making you feel special, unique. And he had succeeded, without a doubt.

You approached, took one of the rings and looked at it, then another, and another. It was an impressive collection, but you laughed again, amused by the exaggeration of the situation. You felt a little overwhelmed, but also touched by the gesture. Finally, you decided on one of the rings, the one you liked the most, but not before showing Rafe that out of those four, you would wear only two.

“I can’t wear all of these, but this one…” you said as you took the one you were most attracted to. “This one will be perfect.”

Without thinking twice, you let your laughter take over the situation. You fell into his arms with a mix of excitement and affection. “I do, Rafe. I do!” you said between laughs and hugs.

The relief on his face was instantaneous. He put his arms around you, holding you tight, as if he didn't want to ever let you go. There was only you and him, in time you would also wear his mother's ring but for now you wouldn't tell him. 

After the proposal, the days passed too quickly. Although the news was still recent, you knew that, somehow, everything was falling into place, the news of the engagement soon reached everyone's ears, and one of the first to find out was your father. 

One afternoon, when you came home after a long day, you found him waiting for you in the living room. His posture, always serious and of a man who rarely showed his emotions, was somewhat different that day. There was something in his eyes, a glint that you normally didn't see, as if he had been waiting for something in particular.

You sat down in front of him, and before you could say anything, your father broke the silence. “I heard about your engagement to Rafe,” he said in a firm tone, but with a slight smile on his lips, which he barely managed to hide.

“No… I didn’t know you already knew,” you said, surprised by his reaction.

“I’m your father,” he replied with a slight smile, “it’s hard for something to go unnoticed.” Then, his tone softened a little, and he looked at you intently. “I always wanted you to marry Rafe. He’s a good man, and although I’m not very given to showing it, I’ve always trusted him. Beyond emotions, what he does for you, for this family, gives me the peace of mind of knowing that you’re in good hands.”

You were surprised to hear those words from him, since you had always seen him more concerned about business and image, than showing you that kind of emotional support. But now, in front of you, it seemed different, like what she felt for Rafe was more than just a working relationship, like she really thought he was the best for you, for your future.

“Besides, I always had a good relationship with his father,” she continued, “and now, with what is going to be your marriage, we are going to have more than just a business relationship. This is going to be positive for everyone, for the family and for business.”

You stayed silent, processing his words. Although you didn’t like to see things only from a practical angle, you knew that your father was right in many ways.

The next day, you received a text from Sarah. She had been quiet for the past few days, but as soon as she found out about the engagement, she was quick to send you a text. The message appeared on your screen as soon as you opened your phone:

"Congratulations, future Mrs. Cameron. I can't believe you're marrying my brother. You know, I wish you the best, but don't expect me to agree with you about all this. You're not rid of me yet, I'm going to ask you a lot of questions!"

You laughed at the message, you knew Sarah was never one to express her feelings to you, but you were relieved that she at least agreed, even if it was in her sarcastic and funny way.

You quickly responded with an equally playful message: "Thanks, Sarah. Don't worry, I'm going to need you for the tough questions, be prepared!"

The conversation continued with more jokes and laughter, something that allowed you to relax a little after so many days of uncertainty. But even the days you had to relax would come to an end, in your life those kinds of days didn't last long and this was certainly not going to be the exception.

Shortly after the engagement, everything seemed to calm down. Family, friends, and even acquaintances seemed to be content with the idea that you and Rafe would really take that step together. However, something inside you still hurt, something you hadn't been able to share with him yet: the fact that you were expecting his baby.

The days went by and, although the idea of ​​being a mother was beginning to settle in your mind, the fear and uncertainty about how Rafe would receive the news paralyzed you. It wasn't the perfect time to talk about it, not when you had just accepted his marriage proposal, not when everything seemed to be going the way you wanted. But you couldn't keep ignoring it.

Finally, after a quiet afternoon, while you were both relaxing at home, the moment you were dreading happened unexpectedly.

Rafe approached you in the kitchen while you were preparing something quick for dinner. There was something in his gaze, a slight uncertainty on his face, but he didn't seem to want to talk about it. However, when he came closer to you and ran a hand down your back, a loving gesture, something clicked in your mind. A small movement he noticed, but you didn’t expect him to have such a big reaction.

“You’re… different,” he said, more of a statement than a question. “Are you okay?”

You stopped, turning your back to him so he couldn’t see how the news affected you. But it did. His gaze had changed.

“Rafe…” you murmured, turning to look him in the eyes, knowing you couldn’t hide it anymore. “I’m pregnant.”

The silence fell heavily between the two of you. Rafe stood, completely still, as if those words couldn’t be processed. He didn’t say anything right away, he simply watched you, as if he was expecting this to all be a joke, a misunderstanding.

“What?” The word came out of his mouth as a disbelieving sigh, but his gaze left no doubt that he couldn’t understand what you had just confessed.

You stopped short, anxiety beginning to take over you. You tried to calm your breathing, but your hands were shaking slightly. You knew this moment was crucial, that everything was going to change from now on, and the pressure of telling him the truth about the pregnancy had choked you until now.

“I’m sorry, Rafe… I… I was waiting for the right moment,” you began, your voice soft, but full of uncertainty. “I was supposed to tell you, but… I didn’t know how to do it.”

What you didn’t expect, however, was Rafe’s response. He was silent for a few moments, his expression distant, almost as if he wasn’t there. The initial confusion quickly gave way to a mix of anger and frustration.

“Since when have you known?” His voice came out louder than you expected, the question laced with a pent-up rage. “How long have you been keeping this to yourself?”

You felt yourself caught by his gaze, a mix of fury and confusion that you didn’t know how to handle. “Before I came back from Morocco,” you finally said, not looking at him directly. “I knew right before I came back.”

The change in him was immediate. Fury flared in his eyes, and for a second, he looked like he was going to explode. His breathing became faster, and the space between you was filled with palpable tension.

“Before I came back from Morocco?” he repeated, his voice now laced with disdain. “So you’ve been lying to me all this time. You’ve been avoiding me, hiding something so important from me. Why? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

You tried to get closer to him, but he took a step back, as if your proximity made him even more uncomfortable. “Rafe, I didn’t want this to change things between us. We were already going through so much… I didn’t know how to say it. I didn’t want everything to fall apart.”

He kept looking at you, anger more than evident on his face. “What do you mean you didn’t know?! This changes everything! And you hid it from me, as if it wasn’t important. I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me before.”

His words hit you, Rafe’s rage was palpable, and for a moment, you felt small in front of him. You had never seen him so furious, so distant. He wasn’t the man you trusted, he wasn’t the man who had proposed to you with that promise of a future together.

“Rafe, I didn’t want everything to fall apart,” you tried to explain, but words didn’t seem to be enough. “You know that’s not the case. I knew this wasn’t the time to tell you… we already had too many problems, and…”

“We had too many problems!” He interrupted bitterly, a growl coming from his chest. “And you think that makes all of this any less important? What, because we were in the middle of chaos, so it wasn’t going to be relevant that we were expecting a child? Did you really think I wasn’t going to care?!”

You stopped, the weight of his words had hit you like a hammer. You didn’t know what to say. He was angry, confused, and there was a part of him that seemed like it was about to fall apart, but the rage he felt was blinding him.

“Rafe, I…” you didn’t know how to continue. “I thought it was best to wait, that maybe after everything that happened…”

He interrupted you again, his tone already cold, as if he had completely shut down. “I don’t want to hear any more excuses. What bothers me, what really bothers me, is that you didn’t trust me enough. You didn’t care about how I was going to react. You didn’t think for a second about how this was going to affect me.”

The anger wouldn’t go away, and the worst thing was that it seemed to be closing in more and more. There was a wall raised between the two of you, a barrier you didn’t know how to break down.

“I’m sorry,” you murmured, your words empty. “I didn’t know any other way.”

The room was so quiet that the echo of his breathing was the only thing you heard. He wasn’t looking at you, his face a mask of frustration and sadness, and you didn’t know how to make it right. You didn’t know how to fix it.

Finally, after a few moments that felt like hours, Rafe took a step back and sighed deeply. “I need to think, I need time,” he said in a tense voice, not even looking you in the eye. “This is… too much.”

You watched him walk away, his figure disappearing down the hallway. You stood there, in the middle of the room, not knowing if the words you had said would ever bring you closer to him or if, on the contrary, you had pushed them further away. The future you had imagined with him now seemed uncertain, and the only thing you knew for sure was that everything had changed in the blink of an eye.

But beyond the anger and frustration, what hurt you the most was the feeling that, somewhere deep down, Rafe was still as lost as you were, and you didn't know if you would ever find him again.

After the argument with Rafe, you felt more lost than ever, not knowing how to face everything that was happening. The pressure of your pregnancy and the growing distance between you had left you exhausted, both emotionally and physically. You had tried to avoid talking about it, but something inside you knew you needed support. So it occurred to you to visit Sarah, she could understand you, she was the only one who could understand you.

When you got to where she was, the door was ajar. Sarah was sitting on the couch, staring into the horizon, as if thinking about something very deep. The sound of the wind coming through the window seemed to accompany the calm of the afternoon. You didn't say anything at first. You stood there, watching her for a moment, feeling that alien calm embrace you, even though you knew your mind couldn’t find peace.

“Do you mind if we talk?” You asked quietly, with palpable uncertainty in your tone.

Sarah turned her head upon hearing your voice and motioned for you to come in. Her eyes reflected a mix of surprise and curiosity, but there was also something in her expression that indicated that perhaps, at some point, she already sensed that this could happen.

“No, of course. Come in.” She replied as she settled down on the couch, moving some things around her.

You sat down next to her, keeping a little distance, but at the same time needing to be close. The silence between the two of you was heavy for a few moments, but finally it was you who broke the ice.

“I’m pregnant,” you said suddenly, as if blurting out the phrase was the only way to relieve a weight too great to carry alone.

Sarah looked at you for a few seconds, her expression soft but attentive. He knew you were waiting for his reaction, but he didn't say anything at first, not wanting to interrupt the moment when you decided to share something so personal.

“I knew it…” he replied, after a pause, almost as if he had already suspected it, but without any sign of judgment. “I'm so sorry, but it's… well, I can't imagine what must be going through your head.”

You sighed, letting yourself fall back a little on the couch, staring at the ceiling, searching for the right words.

“It’s… hard, Sarah,” you continued, your voice now a little more broken. “I was trying to hide it, to not think about it. But, after everything that’s happened… with Rafe, with everything… I don’t know what to do.”

Sarah nodded silently, her expression now serious, as if she were trying to understand you. Then, slowly, she turned to you and looked at you with an understanding you had rarely seen in her.

“I’m scared too,” she said suddenly, dropping her mask of perfection. “Of what’s going to happen, of how everything is going to change. It’s not easy, especially when you have no idea if you’re going to be able to do it right.”

Sarah’s words, so simple and sincere, made the pressure in your chest ease a little. The fact that she was scared too gave you a feeling of company, as if you weren’t completely alone on this uncertain path.

“What I worry about the most is… whether I am enough for this baby, whether I will be a good mother.” Your voice shook as you spoke those words, as if what you were saying was also an accusation of yourself.

Sarah looked at you for a long moment, thoughtful, and finally answered, in a soft but firm voice: “There is no manual for how to be a mother. There is no right way, and every day will be a test. But all I know is that when the time comes, you do the best you can. And that is all that matters. Because when you have that baby in your arms, you will know that you will do whatever it takes for him or her, whatever it takes.”

Those words, full of wisdom and unconditional love, were what you needed to hear. The uncertainty and fear were still there, but for the first time, you did not feel so alone. You knew that Sarah was going through something very similar, although her situation was different, but they shared the same fear, the same longing for an uncertain future.

“And about Rafe…” Sarah started, but you cut yourself off, feeling your stomach tighten at the mention of his name.

“I don’t know what to do with him,” you said quickly. “Everything is so broken between us right now… I feel like he’s not ready to be a father, and I don’t know if I am either.”

Sarah looked at you with a glint of understanding in her eyes. “It’s normal to feel that way. No one is ever really ready to be a parent. But you know what? Rafe is… complicated, I know that. But, if there’s one thing I can tell you, it’s that he’s going to have to deal with this somehow, because there’s no going back. And even if you don’t know it now, you might be surprised when you see how much he’s capable of loving that baby. Men have a different way of showing it, but that doesn’t mean both of you don’t feel it.”

You could see that Sarah, despite all her own fears and challenges, was trying to give you some hope. It was rare for the two of you to talk so deeply and openly, but you needed to hear those words from someone who was in a similar situation, someone who understood what it meant to take that leap into the unknown.

“Thank you, Sarah,” you finally said, with a sigh of relief. “I really needed to talk to someone about this.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied with a warm smile. “We’re a team now.”

You felt comforted knowing that even though life wasn’t easy, at least you now had someone to lean on, someone who, like you, was trying to find her way in this new chapter you were both beginning.

The conversation between you continued for a while longer. You didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time in weeks, you spoke to someone who was willing to listen to you.

The days following the meeting with Sarah felt like a mix of surface calm and internal storm. Your father had also found out about the pregnancy and had congratulated you, but he had made it clear that you had to get married before giving birth, and you certainly agreed with that. Despite the uncertainty that continued to surround your relationship with Rafe, you knew that the engagement was still on, at least in appearance. It was not a topic that was openly discussed, but the presence of the ring on your finger was a constant reminder of what was to come. 

You decided, in an attempt to distract yourself, to go for a walk through the town. The fresh morning air embraced you, and although your thoughts were still focused on other thoughts, for a moment you let yourself be carried away by the routine, by the simple pleasure of being alone, breathing the clean air and not having to worry about the awkward conversations that always seemed to haunt you. 

The town seemed to be quieter than usual, perhaps because many had stayed home or were busy with their own affairs. The streets were more deserted than usual, which allowed you to enjoy the walk in peace. You walked down the quiet avenues, greeting some neighbors who knew you, without thinking much about your surroundings. The sound of your footsteps on the pavement was the only thing that accompanied you.

But as you turned a corner, you came across a figure that, at first, you couldn't quite recognize. The sun was low, and the dim light cast long shadows, but as soon as you looked up and your eyes met hers, you immediately knew who it was.

Sofia.

The moment was brief. She looked at you with a mix of surprise and something harder to identify, as if she didn't expect to see you there, but also as if she had known that sooner or later you would meet again. You, on the other hand, felt a mix of discomfort and some satisfaction at seeing her. The situation had changed, and you knew that was something that couldn't be ignored.

You both stood still, watching each other for a long minute, without saying a single word. The silence was heavy, the kind of silence that speaks for itself, that says everything without any need for any pronunciation. Sofia seemed to hesitate for a second, as if she didn’t know whether to say hello or continue on her way. Finally, it was she who took the first step, forcing herself to smile with an effort that seemed forced to you.

“Hello,” she finally said, her tone warm but with a slight awkwardness behind it.

“Hello,” you replied, keeping your cool. I didn’t want to seem like the situation affected me more than necessary, although the weight of the conversation that wasn’t being said was on you like a thick layer of snow.

You couldn’t help but let your hand slide, almost involuntarily, towards the engagement ring that sparkled on your finger, just as Sofia looked down. The gesture was subtle, but the way you watched her as you did it made it clear that you didn’t need to talk about what had happened for both of you to know what it meant. 

Sofia, noticing the direction of your gaze, tried to smile again, but this time it was more of a nervous movement than a genuine one. A slight blush appeared on her cheeks, and you could see how her eyes filled with discomfort. She knew what the ring meant. She knew what was happening. The silence between the two of you stretched, each of you struggling to find something to say, but neither of you really knowing how to handle the tension that had settled between you. 

Finally, Sofia spoke, her voice a little lower, as if she were carefully evaluating her words: “So… you’re engaged, huh?”

Your heart was beating harder than usual, but you managed to stay calm, looking at Sofia with an expression that didn’t give away what you were really thinking. “Yes,” you answered with surprising calm. “Rafe and I are engaged.”

Sofia’s reaction was almost imperceptible, but the change in her expression was evident. Her smile faded a little, and her eyes, although still shining with a layer of confidence, no longer seemed as sure as before. She didn’t say anything else about it. Instead, she took a step back, looking around as if looking for some way to escape the conversation.

The atmosphere between the two of you was filled with that silent awkwardness, a space where words were unnecessary and gestures spoke for themselves. You didn’t know if she was expecting some kind of confrontation, or if she had reached a point where there was nothing left to say. All you knew was that the situation was no longer as it was before, and you were no longer the same person who had once felt insecure or small in front of her. You had changed, and that transformation was evident, even if you didn’t say it out loud.

“Well, I have to go now,” Sofia finally said, in a voice that, while trying to sound casual, was full of tension. “Congratulations,” she added quickly, as if she were looking for an excuse to escape.

You watched as she walked away, her steps quick and determined, without a backward glance. A sigh escaped your lips when you were no longer looking at her, and even though you knew the situation hadn’t been resolved, something inside you felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. You didn’t need any more explanations, you didn’t want any more confrontations. The ring on your finger and the way she had seen it was enough for you.

You stood there for a moment longer, the fresh air surrounding you, before continuing on your way, with the feeling that, even though things between you and Rafe were still unclear, at least there was no longer room for Sofia’s doubts.

After the unexpected encounter with Sofia, the awkwardness still throbbed in your chest as you walked to Rafe’s house. When you arrived, the house was empty, silent as if it hid secrets within its walls. A sudden impulse led you to search for answers; his phone was there, forgotten on the living room table.

Nervously, you picked up the phone and tried his birthday as the password. It unlocked easily. You scrolled through messages and notifications, hoping to find something that would explain Rafe’s recent distance. To your relief, there was nothing incriminating, just a text from Sofia, unanswered except for a short one from him that said, “I have a new life now.”

You sighed, putting the phone back, feeling guilty for the invasion of his privacy but, at the same time, calm. There was nothing else to see, nothing that could break your already fragile peace of mind. You decided to walk around the house to find any sign of him, but everything was silent. Rafe had left.

You didn’t stay long waiting, you didn’t have time. When you returned home, you were surprised to find your mother waiting in the living room, her elegant figure and imposing presence as if the years of absence had left no trace. She had heard about everything: the engagement and your pregnancy, and although she smiled approvingly, there was a sadness in her eyes.

“Child, I am happy for you, I really am,” she said softly, but her tone changed, “but it hurts me that you didn’t tell me yourself.”

The conversation became tense, and although you wanted to avoid conflict, frustration and resentment built up. For years, you had learned to live without her support, and now her sudden involvement felt almost foreign to you. The words began to flow, first in murmurs and then in a more frank discussion about her absence, about how she was never there when you needed her most.

Your mother nodded, apparently understanding, although pain was reflected in her eyes. Silence settled between you, heavy with the unsaid, the lost years and the opportunities that could no longer be recovered. You left the room leaving her alone, you did not have the energy to continue arguing with her.

She could stay here as long as she wanted but in regards to your life, you would not let her in, you would not give her that privilege again. She left you, very well, now that the consequences are taken care of.

After the tense conversation with your mother, you went up to your room in search of a refuge where you could gather your thoughts. You sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the room you had known all your life, now so full of memories and at the same time so strange. You tried to calm your mind, but it was useless. Emotions crowded one after another.

You lay down on the bed, hoping that fatigue would overcome the whirlwind of ideas, but not a single second of sleep came. The hours slowly slipped by, the sun rose and slanted towards sunset, dyeing the room in orange and gold tones, but your thoughts did not cease for a moment. Reality was overwhelming, and every detail that emerged in your mind made you feel more trapped.

You knew that things with Rafe needed a solution. The conversation about your pregnancy, the uncertainty that floated between you and the weight of doubts were like shadows that did not fade away. And on top of all this was the presence of your mother, someone who had decided to return after years of absence and whose return complicated things around your life.

When the afternoon began to dye the sky a deep grey, you knew you couldn't continue like this. It was time to act, to do something to break this cycle of incessant thoughts and regain, even a little, control of your life.

You grabbed your phone with shaking hands and sent Rafe a short but direct message: “I need to see you.” Rafe’s reply was not long in coming; a simple “Come on over, I’ll be home” appeared on the screen. There were no more words, and with your heart racing, you prepared to go to his house.

The drive there was silent, interrupted only by the pounding of your heart and the crunch of gravel under your feet. When you arrived, the house was calm. The soft lights of dusk filtered through the windows, bathing the walls in a soft gold. You took a moment at the door to breathe deeply and calm yourself before entering.

Rafe was there, standing by a window, watching the horizon with a thoughtful expression that faded when he saw you. His eyes, usually confident and calculating, reflected a mix of emotions that were difficult to decipher. The tension in the air was palpable, but there was also a softness in the way he turned to look at you.

You took a couple of steps towards him, words stuck in your throat, until you finally broke the silence. “Rafe, we need to talk,” you said, your voice sounding firmer than you expected.

He nodded slowly and moved closer, his hands hanging at his sides as if he didn’t know what to do with them. You took a breath and began to speak, your voice breaking at first, but gaining strength with each word.

“Rafe, I want you to know that I love this baby and I love you. I want you to be there, to love him as much as I do. I don’t want fear to drive us further apart.”

Rafe’s expression changed; his eyes darkened for a moment, reflecting a mix of guilt, fear, and something deeper. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture you made when he was nervous. “I know I’ve been distant, and I know this hasn’t been easy for you. But… I’m scared,” he confessed, and his eyes searched yours, waiting for a reaction.”

You approached slowly, each step feeling lighter than the last. You raised a hand and placed it on his arm, forcing him to look at you again.

“No one is born knowing how to be a parent, Rafe. We’re going to make mistakes, sure, but you’re not alone. I’ll be here with you, always. We’ll do it together, we’ll learn together. I don’t want you to think you have to be perfect, I just want you to be here and try.”

For a moment, the tension seemed to fade. Rafe closed his eyes and let the words sink in. When he opened them again, there was a different glow, a spark of hope and resolve.

Without warning, he put his arms around you, holding you with a mix of strength and tenderness. You felt all the accumulated weight begin to fade in that contact. No more needed to be said. The reconciliation was not in the words, but in the gesture, in the way his hands trembled as they caressed your back, in how his lips brushed your forehead like a silent promise.

After the reconciliation, you spent the rest of the day at Rafe's house. There was something different about him, a renewed energy and a genuine interest that had only been hinted at in fleeting moments before. As you sat on the couch, the afternoon light illuminated the room. Rafe plopped down beside you, his gaze curious and soft, free of the shadows that used to accompany him.

“Have you been to the doctor yet?” he asked, breaking the silence with a voice that denoted both concern and contained emotion. His eyes searched yours, eagerly awaiting an answer.

You smiled slightly, remembering the visit to the doctor. “Yes, I went a few days ago. Everything is fine, he told me that the baby is healthy and that I should take better care of myself. Eat better, rest more... things I haven't done much of lately.”

Rafe nodded, and for a moment his lips sketched a calm smile. “I'm going to make sure you do. I don't want you or the baby to lack anything.”

The air in the room felt lighter, almost cheerful, as the two of you began to imagine what this new life that awaited them would be like. Rafe, with an unusual sparkle in his eyes, leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Have you thought of names? Because I have a couple in mind, but I don't know if you'll like them.”

You laughed softly, relieved to see him so engaged. "Actually, yes. If it's a girl, I've always liked the name Clara. It's simple, but strong."

Rafe nodded in approval, repeating the name as if to test how it sounded in his voice. "Clara... I like it. But if it's a boy, I have one in mind: Luca. What do you think?"

A smile formed on your face at the name. "Luca... yeah, I like it. He's got strength. But, to be honest, I hope it's a boy. I've always imagined having a boy, someone to teach all the things I love."

Rafe looked at you tenderly, his hand reaching for yours and interlacing your fingers. "Whatever it is, I don't care. I just want him to be healthy and have your smile," he said in a firm and serene voice.

That simple comment made you feel an indescribable warmth in your chest. "He's going to be spoiled, you know that, right?" you commented in a playful tone, trying to lighten the conversation.

"Oh, I know," Rafe replied, laughing. "He's going to be the most spoiled child in the world, and you'll be the first to spoil him."

You burst out laughing, and looked at Rafe with a mix of love and determination. "And I wouldn't mind one bit," you added, as you moved closer to him and placed his hand on your belly, a gesture that seemed tender to you.

The days passed more peacefully than you had imagined. Tensions had calmed down, and you and Rafe were better now, and you were even going to move into his house. Sofia appeared from time to time, but her presence was no longer a concern for you; you had confirmed that Rafe had completely eliminated her from his life. That security gave you the peace you needed to move forward with your head held high.

In those days, it was decided to organize a family dinner at your father's house. The event was more than a simple meeting; it was a celebration of your engagement to Rafe and the arrival of the baby.

You invited Sarah and John B, knowing that their presence would make the evening even more special. You had noticed a change in Sarah since you shared about your pregnancies, and you felt a growing connection between the two of you. You wanted to reflect that new union, so you decided to prepare a gift for her, something small but meaningful.

That day the house was decorated with warm lights that illuminated the night, and the tables were adorned with simple but elegant arrangements. The aroma of freshly cooked food mingled with the breeze coming through the open windows. Guests arrived slowly, filling the place with laughter and lively conversation. Rafe stood by your side, attentive. The atmosphere was light, but there was a feeling in the air that everything was changing, that they were entering a different and exciting phase.

When Sarah and John B arrived, their smiles and welcoming words broke any hint of tension. You watched as Sarah instinctively caressed her belly, and a warm feeling ran through you at the thought that one day their child would play together.

As the hours passed, the evening exceeded all your expectations. The house, filled with light and laughter, reflected the life you had longed for. You felt safe and at peace, as if everything was finally falling into place. Throughout the evening, you saw Rafe interact with your family and guests. His eyes met yours from time to time, and in those moments you shared glances that said more than a thousand words: you were in this together, and that was the most important thing.

The conversations flowed naturally, sprinkled with anecdotes and comments that elicited laughter and smiles. Sarah and John B seemed more relaxed than you had seen in a long time, and you liked that, they too needed a moment of peace after everything they had been through.

Everything you had ever dreamed of was beginning to materialize before your eyes.

As the night progressed and soft music accompanied the voices that were held in quieter conversations, you felt Rafe's hand take yours under the table. It was his way of reminding you that you were where you belonged, and that, no matter what, they would be together. The evening, in your opinion, was perfect; a silent promise of what was to come.

[mydearlybeloathed]

── "𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄… 𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒"

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: mihawk has a time honored tradition, and you're the sorry soul who has to tell him it's being broken.

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: platonic!mihawk x gn!reader

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 0.5k

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: reader is mihawk's assistant, inspired by the headcannon that mihawk is a baratie reg, named "the assistant of all time" in my docs

𝐚/𝐧: kinda really wanna continue this 🤭 if you have ideas of shenanigans mihawk's assistant can get up to i'm happy to hear them. i've got a few swirling around my brain already

𝐎𝐏 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

Waiting till your employer (and close friend, if you let yourself admit it) sat down, you stood before his desk rather stiffly. In your arm rested a number of papers, some correspondences from the government, others new wanted posters he might find of interest.

“Milord,” you began, “I have… bad news.”

Instantly, Dracule Mihawk’s shoulders squared up. You liked to think you knew him like the back of your hand. For the past four years, you’d shaped your every waking moment around your boss. Kuraigana had been your home since the day Mihawk found you, wounded and hissing like some feral stray, and offered you shelter on his ship.

“I don’t want charity,” you grunted, eyes pinched as he pressed a warm cloth to the gash on your arm.

He wasn’t having any of that, eyes flickering over your dusty figure. “Then work for me. I’ve been meaning to find an assistant to deal with the more boring matters, but no one ever has what it takes to handle my… line of work.”

You met his gaze, mustering up your strength. “I do.”

Mihawk knew that; he felt that you were cut from the same cloth, in a way. 

Family was too fuzzy to name what the pair of you were, but boss and assistant was too far removed. The paychecks never stopped rolling in, and your devoted work never strayed into the realm of favors, yet a layer of friendly understanding rested atop your companionship.

You always hated disappointing him, fighting tooth and nail to avoid doing so. Yet, here you were, stiff as a board about to do just that.

“I’m sure you remember Don Krieg.”

Mihawk’s brows met instantly, expression cool. “What about him?”

You picked at a splinter on the desk, making a mental note to sand it down. “He’s been—spotted at the Baratie.” You chanced a glance up at him. “I don’t think your table will be available tonight.”

Mihawk blinked, before all at once the exhaustion of the week flooded his features. He slumped over on his elbows, nursing an ache in his temples. “Every Saturday… we always get our table…”

His use of we and our had a soft spot deep in your armor buzzing with delight, quick to be snuffed out with a nod. “I’m aware. I have thought up several top-of-the-line establishments—quiet spots with the same flair as Baratie.”

The warlord raised a single, perfect brow. “You say that like we’re not going to settle this little disturbance.”

Again, we. You fought down the tiniest of smiles and nodded firmly. “I expected as much. Just leaving the option open. Shall I prepare your ship?”

He waved a dismissive hand. “I shall do that. You sharpen your blade. I have a feeling things will get… messy.” 

You met his casual air and scant grin accordingly, allowing a smirk to slip past your walls as you left the room swiftly. Things had been getting quite dull in Kuraigana. Perhaps this will liven the adventure up.

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @100520s @kryscent @kultofkorii @dreamcastgirl99

[revelboo]

Does the other Humans knows about Thundercracker novel? I just know that novel opened a lot of bots for human fuckers

The humans don’t know yet… 🔞 🌶️

Caught

Bluestreak x Reader

• Swiping to turn to the next page, Bluestreak isn’t sure what he’d expected when Jazz had distributed the novel to several of them, but for being written by a Decepticon, it’s surprisingly good. About a Cybertronian adventurer and his human companion. And it’s sweet, the two slowly getting closer. Falling in love to make his own spark ache as he glances at where you’re amusing yourself painting your nails. In his colors even though he doesn’t know what to make of it. The longing of the Cybertronian in the novel for his human something he understands all too well. Needs you by his side, needs your warmth and voice so he’s not so alone.

• Carefully screwing the lid back on the polish, you wander closer to where Blue’s stretched out. “Work or pleasure?” You ask and his head lifts. Just staring at you, those blue optics so confused your heart melts a little more. He’s so sweet and innocent, you just want to hug him. “Reading something fun?” You clarify, gesturing at the alien gibberish on his datapad. Figure it’s not work related, because he’d been smiling as he reads. And you like it when he smiles to himself. You’re happy when he’s happy because you get the feeling he’s not had a lot of happy in his life.

• “Oh, yeah. It’s an adventure story and the characters are holed up hiding from the bad guy during a storm,” he says, watching you duck under his wrist to sit leaning against the crook of his elbow, little fingers splayed and he can almost taste the chemical bite of your paint the scent is so strong. “The human’s worried about the Cybertronian, he got hurt getting them both to safety,” he adds, turning the page. “I think they like each other. Yeah, he just kissed her and… and…”

• He’s just staring at the page, optics wide and you hear his fans click on. Blowing on your nails to try and help them dry, you frown. “You good, hun?” Because he looks almost horrified staring at the datapad. “Blue?” It’s not like him to be stunned into silence, the bot talkative to a fault, though you know it’s mostly a nervous tic. That he doesn’t mean to do it and can’t seem to help himself. He’s silent right now, though. He kind of looks a little horrified.

• Venting loudly as his internal systems overheat, he’s staring at the graphic description of a human and a Cybertronian interfacing. The mech mass shifting, then stripping and mounting his human and rutting against them as the thunder rolls outside their shelter. Horrified when his spike stirs behind his modesty panel reading the paragraph. And he’s quickly fumbling the datapad screen off as you stare worriedly at him. Knows you can’t read Cybertronian and right now, he’s so thankful for that. Can’t seem to cool off or meet your eyes, too embarrassed. “Good. I’m good,” he manages, very aware of the warmth of you against his arm. Remembering Megatron’s intercepted PSA and wondering if humans and Cybertronians are really compatible that way. Trying and failing to not think about you and interfacing. Shouldn’t be fantasizing about you that way, you’re his friend. Even if he wants more. Wants all of you to be his.

• Almost falling backwards when he lifts up and scoots sideways to lay down away from you, optics shuttering, you lift your brows. Because, yeah, he’s not acting suspicious at all. If you didn’t know better, your alien boy scout is acting like he got caught with a copy of Playboy or watching porn. “So what happened next?” You ask and his fans get even louder as he pretends to be recharging. How bad could it be? You wonder if it’s a smutty novel. That would mean they have sex, though. Do they have sex? Part of you is tempted to keep pestering until he spills, because he can’t keep a secret to save his life. But he’d looked so mortified you resist the urge, but you can’t help but wonder about if Cybertronians have sex, because you’d be willing to bet that they do.

[starburstsobsessions]

ITS FINALLY BACK AFTER ALMOST A MONTH- WITH A SCENE IVE BEEN WANTING TO DO FROM THE START!

Previous!

I’d like to think a good chunk of time has passed by now/during this for him to have this many Feelings that aren't Evil. Stone too also managed to get past the “I’m dropping it off at the shelter tomorrow” stage, and now he’s locked in. Eventually giving in to cute animals is universal I think- even when you’re cat Rob.

Stone's vest is totally based off the one in Cats and Dogs 2 and also their collars LOL they have the wildest nonsense in that movie but it TOTALLY matches here.

What adventures are next? What awaits them? Whatever I please!! I do have some more little things planned that I do want to draw, but I think this might be the end of the more exact chronological posting of the AU- but worry not! He isn’t even bald yet and I really wanna draw that vat of acid. I also think I need to draw Cat Rob doing more CAT things bc Stone gets to do so many DOG things.

Again guys totally send me asks abt them (if u want) bc I LOVE drawing little extra things for this and brainstorming <3 ty for reading alllllll this yapping. Maybe it should have been a fic LMAO

ofc, my irl cat laid with me as I typed up the alt text and all this! Not my dog she is destructive LMAO.

[sematarygirls]

how did sunshine!reader ans rafe met?

⠀     ♯┆Sunshine!Reader &&. Rafe's First Meeting.ㅤ  ۪ ୧

ᰋ. ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎they are my cutie babies. i love them sm !! ‎‎ ‎ : ‎‎ ‎ ‎WARNINGS . . . none!.   ̼ ₊

YOUR HEART WAS RACING, practically pounding out of your chest. Your hair was a mess, strands sticking out in all directions, some sticking uncomfortably to your forehead thanks to the thin sheen of sweat covering your skin and wetting your hair. Your clothes clung to your body, chest heaving as you tried to catch your breath.

It had been at least two hours since Biscuit, a little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from the shelter, had taken off out the front door after one of the other volunteers left a door ajar, and you were starting to worry that something bad may have happened. The roads and water were your biggest concern for such a little dog who couldn't swim and wouldn't easily be visible in the road.

You were the first to jump up after her when she made her escape, but her little legs moved much faster than yours as she took off into the distance, leaving you in the dust. You'd been aimlessly wandering around, knocking on doors to ask people if they'd seen her as well as get permission to search their property.

Rafe stared at your wide-eyed expression, disheveled appearance, and heaving chest. You looked like you were on the run, your eyes gleaming with desperation the moment he opened the door. When he didn't immediately slam the door in your face, you reached into your pocket, pulling out a picture of Biscuit that was previously hanging on the shelter wall and holding it up for him to look at.

"You lost your dog?" He asked, quirking an eyebrow, though his tone suggested that he didn't actually care.

"Well, not my dog," you corrected him. "And, technically, I didn't lose her. Her name's Biscuit. She ran away. She's a very curious little thing, very adventurous—" you started to ramble, a bad habit you had that was often exacerbated whenever you were nervous.

"And this is my problem, how?" He cut you off, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms. He was being a bit rude, but you were just grateful that he hadn't dismissed you yet like some of his neighbors had.

"Well, I was thinking she may have ran onto your property," you explained, flashing a hopeful smile, clearly not deterred in the slightest by his abrasiveness. "I was hoping I might be able to take a look real quick. She could be hurt or worse."

Rafe let out a sharp exhale, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. This was the dumbest thing he'd ever been asked to consider in his entire life, but something stopped him from just telling you to shove it and get lost. It was the way you were looking at him, not like he was useless or someone to be avoided but like he was someone to be relied on—like asking him a favor was so natural.

"Yeah, whatever, knock yourself out," he shrugged, waving you off, but then, you beamed at him—actually beamed like a little ray of sunlight—as if he'd offered to give you a million dollars rather than begrudgingly, and rather rudely, letting you snoop around his property.

"Thank you!" You grinned happily, immediately bounding back down the steps, calling Biscuit's name as he watched intently. Then, before he could stop himself, he let out a heavy sigh, closed the door behind him, and followed after you. He didn't know why he was doing it, but he felt compelled to see this through, to find out if you found your stupid dog.

"Biscuit is a stupid name for a dog," he said to you, crossing his arms as he watched you search high and low for the missing pup. At this point, he just wanted to get under your skin, but it seemed like the only thing that rattled you was runaway animals.

You shrugged as you knelt down, peering under a deck chair near the pool. “I understand how it might not be everyone's tastes, but I think it’s cute,” you replied easily, your voice light, unbothered.

"Yeah, well, whatever makes you happy," he scoffed, leaning against a nearby tree as he watched you kneel down in the grass next to a bush.

"Oh, Biscuit!" You gasped excitedly when you saw her huddled up underneath the foliage, looking a little dirty but completely unharmed. Your voice showed only joy that you had found her and not a semblance of annoyance that it had taken hours of searching on foot through the heat. "Come on out, girl, it's me," you cooed softly, patting your lap to draw her out.

Rafe watched curiously with his arms crossed as you coaxed the dog out from her hiding place. He didn't know why, but he was suddenly invested in the outcome of this little situation. How utterly quaint.

"C'mon, Biscuit. I've got treats for you," you said. reaching into your back pocket and pulling out some small bacon-flavored dog treats. You held them out in your palm, letting her see and smell them.

The bribery seemed to work because she shuffled out from under the bush, her pristine white fur a little tangled and muddy. She happily took the treats before jumping into your lap. "Such a good girl," you giggled, nuzzling into her head as you petted her happily, relief flooding your being that she was okay.

Rafe watched you with a mix of intrigue and mild annoyance. You were genuinely happy. No sarcasm, no bitterness—just pure, unadulterated joy. Biscuit seemed just as pleased to see you as you were her, wagging her little tail and licking your hand, her muddy little paws now smearing dirt across your clothes, but you didn’t seem to mind at all.

He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide the tiny spark of something that tugged at him. "You seriously look like you just won the lottery over a dirty dog."

You looked up at him, a soft, grateful smile playing on your lips. "She's not dirty. She’s just been having an adventure." Your eyes flickered back to the dog in your lap, and you scratched the spot behind her ears that had her eyes closing halfway and her tongue sticking out.

"Whatever you say, Sunshine," he said, his tone laced with something between teasing and genuine curiosity. It was the first time he had spoken to you, but the nickname fell so easily from his lips, as if it belonged there. “You usually get this excited over ratty dogs? I mean, what else do you do with your spare time? Collect rocks or something?”

“I, uh, actually do collect rocks,” you said, laughing a little and brushing your hair out of your face as you looked up at him “But also coins, buttons, postcards, records, stamps—lots of little things.” You glanced down at Biscuit, who was now happily snuggled against your chest, and you couldn’t help the soft smile that crept onto your face. "They all tell stories, you know? Just like this one. Biscuit’s probably got some wild ones from her adventure.”

"You're a weird one, Sunshine," he shook his head, trying to seem annoyed despite the smile that tugged at his lips.

You ignored his comment, holding Biscuit to your chest as you got to your feet. "Anyway, thanks for helping, Rafe," you thanked him, despite the fact that he hadn't really done anything at all.

He opened his mouth to ask how you knew his name—a silly question because everyone knew Rafe Cameron—but you caught him by surprise when you threw the arm that wasn't holding the dog around him in a hug.

He stiffened, clearly not used to being touched like that, especially not from someone who was little more than a stranger, but after a moment, he relaxed, hesitantly patting your back awkwardly. "Dont—uh—Don't mention it," he cleared his throat.

You pulled away, giving him one last grateful smile before heading back in the direction of the animal shelter. He watched you retreat, overhearing you talking to the small dog like it was a person, which he usually would have found an annoying quality, but something about you made it almost endearing.

[kinichval]

haiiii ;3 can i request kinich and a reader who’s like half siren? like in h20 where when they’re dry they have legs and mualani finds her injured and keeps her in the springs and one night when he goes to see her she’s singer and he like falls in love? i’m not the best with ideas but ignore if you don’t want to lol

hi !! ty for requesting :3 i love the idea so i gave it a shot. i'm not deep into the siren mythology so i switched the lore and tried my best writing this one < 3

"you can't just take in a random stranger in your house just because they're injured, mualani."

"but they were suffering and needed urgent help!"

"then, you should've taken them to the clinic. who knows how severe their injuries are or if they have good intentions."

the conversation of your savior and a stranger stirs you awake from your slumber, eyes fluttering open as your mind gradually processes that it is time to get up. well, maybe if your legs weren't a bit impaired then standing up would've been useful.

except you're not in the best shape as you found yourself tangled in washed-ashore seaweed causing you to trample over rocks and bruising your legs; this means that you can not transform back to your siren appearance (and vice versa if your tail was injured). thank archons, your ridiculous situation ended soon when a kindhearted mualani decided to tend your injuries.

you were honest with your true self with mualani, believing in your instincts that she is as kind as she shows herself to be. like you, she was one with the waters, a soul that's tied to the flow of the oceans and destined to live freely just as the waters liberty to just be.

in the silence of mualani's shelter where you rest and heal, there's the envy creeping up in your heart that you desperately want to repress. but no, it makes itself known for you are not like mualani.

mualani is a free-spirited surfer, an adventurer of the seas; while you were a siren shunned out by society, viewed as a menace and a threat to the land's safety. kill a siren on sight before they destroy your life is what the people would say.

but you do not have the heart to decline her kindness, rather you want to see her heart as a chance to be seen by humans in a different light. because if mualani can, then why can't they?

still, you uphold the value that your mother had instilled in you; there's no point in proving your kindness when they do not believe in your existence. so you remain hidden within the confines of mualani's home, waiting for your injury to subdue until you're able to become siren again.

"kinich, this is yn. yn, this is 'malipo' kinich." mualani introduced you to a trusted friend of hers with enthusiasm high enough to reach the heavens. simply, you give the dendro user a nod and a gentle smile, he returns the gesture with a civil nod of acknowledgement. kinich's reserved attitude is intimidating, given that mualani is the only human you had ever interacted with, you're confused how human relations work and whether the land culture is different from those who reside under the waters.

you trust that mualani hasn't let a word out about your identity, yet it doesn't assure you when you feel the man's skepticism clawing at your skin as if he's ready to capture you the moment he confirms your true nature.

or maybe you're just overthinking.

kinich never intended for his lingering stare to feel like a dagger pointed at your neck, on the contrary, he harbors the curiosity to learn about you. he often finds how his mind wanders off to mualani's newfound friend whenever the usually occupied space in his head is vacant. who is she? why is he so subconsciously adamant on knowing her? only he fails to grasp a clear picture of reason as to why the voices inside his head are telling him to seek at least a fragment of her soul.

"mualani, thank you for taking care of me."

as a parting token, you granted mualani to experience your siren form. the two of you are within the privacy of the springs that only a few ever come to visit under the moonlit night sky.

your heart sinks at the thought of returning back to the deep, uncertain if you shall ever come up to the surface once your clan learns about your predicament knowing that despite you were well taken care of, they will only emphasize the what-ifs and assert the dangers of a siren caught on land.

natlan's springs are peaceful. you requested to have time in the waters for yourself the next night; promising that when morning comes, you are off to return to the ocean where you belong. but right now, you are neither your ascribed identity or whom you want be, you are just part of the waters.

cold air hits your skin, you lightly splash the water with your luminescent tail and softly smile at the quietness. sometimes, the water doesn't have to be constantly flowing, staying still is alright.

in the midst of your solitude, you hum a tune that your mother used to lull you to sleep when you were a young siren. your voice mimics the gentleness of a mother's love, a cradling feeling of tenderness and comfort. slowly, it shifts to a song, your voice becoming louder and alluring.

and just like a serenade, your song had captivated a certain saurian hunter's attention, he stands on the opposite edge of the spring right across where you were situated in. your eyes still closed and immersed in your enchanting euphony.

"i believe i'm not under a spell, but allow me to compliment your melody. may i stay here and listen?"

kinich fixes his composure, hiding the nervousness inside his pocket. but oh, the moonlight acts like a spotlight on your figure, your true nature completely open for him to realize that you are not human at all.

but kinich isn't fazed, neither does he yield the urge to capture you in exchange for the prestige that comes with catching a siren alive.

"are you not afraid?"

instead, you were the one afraid, wrapping your arms around your torso as if it's any help in shield your true form from his green and amber eyes.

"i'm fascinated. you are a beauty."

at this point, kinich does not intend to supress his longing need for you. he's conscious and sober, implying that a siren's song is not all about luring prey into the waters.

sometimes, just like yn, a siren's song is an open book to her innermost thoughts and heartbeat's poems. it doesn't need to hold words for kinich to depict the sentiments carried into the wind as she sings; to be known, to be understood.

"may i stay with you for tonight?"

this time, you wish for the moon to stay in its place, for time to pause, and for kinich to stay in the springs with you.

[ablobwhowrites]

That soul jam of compassion was so good!! Please, I beg for more!!

This is probably just some lore stuff cause I don't know if I'll cook with fic for it. But also here's the first fic of this au here.

The new y/n and the ancient y/n who sacrificed themselves are kinda two different cookies. Cause reborn y/n is kinda like a exact copy of ancient y/n except for minor changes cause when I tell you ancient y/n actual got incinerated like they where just cookie crumbs at that point.

Plus it I ever do make another fic for this au. Then let me tell you, the ancients are devastated cause y/n has bascially no memories of them, the adventures they went on, making their first kingdoms or even how they met. That y/n is gone for good like I'm not joking when I was writing the fic I got reminded of that tiktok audio of when that girl lost her applepen in her blanket so that's why ancient y/n is dead. (If it wasn't for that video to pop up in my head then maybe y/n would have lived.) But this reborn y/n cookie is basically like a timeline of y/n never became a ancient but y/n is treated like one when looking for shelter in the kingdom built for them.

I do imagine y/n being able to easily befriend a lot of cookies on their travels like how they did before when they were a ancient. But the other ancients don't want to lose y/n again, the friend that saved their kingdoms and themselves from being hurt by the blast of the spell but their soul jam is looking for them and trying to reconnect with them but y/n hasn't connected with their necklace that could basically house the soul jam in cause if they do then they'll become a ancient again but the cycle will happen again as well. Cause like think of it and how horrible that would be to see your best friend in the whole wide world basically sacrifice themselves and basically be evaporated before your eyes but come back like almost decades later like nothing happen but they aren't the same, they don't remember you or even recognize you like they haven't even seen you or just forgot all those memories, the quiet moments, the moments filled with laughter, celebration and sadness or fear and anger just all gone. Plus the legendaries seeing y/n basically reset because y/n doesn't remember them to as they know the sacrifice y/n had made just like their mom.

But I love the thought of y/n cookie just reuniting with hollyberry cookie after princess cookie invited them over for the night as hollyberry was hosting a party and when hollyberry saw y/n, she took a quick second to let her mind process if that really y/n and when she realized it was y/n. She gave y/n probably the biggest bear hug known in earthbread as poor y/n would have been crushed to death if princess cookie didn't step in but the realization of y/n actually not being her y/n hadn't set in yet and hollyberry changed the party into a celebration of y/n's return. I have so much planned for this au.

(that's all for my short yap session for now. But if you like this or want to share your ideas please don't be shy and request any ideas for stories or y/n's. But for now please stay safe and drink water!)

[waywardstation]

Gosh your content tugs on my heartstrings, I can't recall the last time I've absorbed fanfics and incredible comics for hours! :)

Some of your incredible AUs have swept into my daydreaming, and having recently rewatched some scenes from Wolfwalkers, I couldn't stop this from strirring into the mix. So now I'm stuck with the idea of Akari becoming somewhat of a 'wolfwalker', or a zorua/zoroark-walker to be more specific!

Now I can't stop picturing Zorua-Akari causing trouble in her new form, and it's hard to conclude she's behind it all; her body is sheltered somewhere and likely sound asleep! If we opt for more angst though, maybe she would be driven from jubilife village as zoruas are (were?) shunned for manifesting illusions? Yet on a brighter side, there could be valuable lessons and exciting adventures waiting around the corner!

But what I can't really flesh out is how Akari (or Ingo if he is there to witness it) will handle this bizarre shift in her everyday experience: I like to think she'd be on edge at first, but quickly come to see the perks of being a 'wild' zorua. But if something did escalate, how much can she handle?

I apologise for this lengthy brainstorm, but I hope you don't mind! :) Thank you for so much great content and well fleshed-out AUs! Your portrayal of the characters are so good and made me see them in a new light!

HEY ANON!! Thank you so much for the kind words!! I’m so so so happy you like my works!! ;w; it means a lot to hear that!! Thank you!!

Now for your idea; I LOVE WOLFWALKERS. It’s a great movie and cartoon saloon’s strong shapes in their visuals is always so well done!! Wonderful movie, and I think your concept is such a fun one to work with!!

Akari getting to be a zorua while she sleeps is such a fun idea, just like the movie I could see it really being about her getting used to being one with the other wild zorua and zoroark. And then as it goes on, I really like the idea that this extends into the exile part of PLA’s narrative, and gets more serious.

It would be interesting to see how these media’s narratives mesh. Would the red sky be blamed on zorua and zoroark walkers in this narrative? I think for Akari, how I see it is she would find being a zorua exciting and fun. She’d keep it a secret for a while but eventually she couldn’t help but start showing it to close people — there’s nothing wrong with it, people are wrong for thinking it’s dangerous. But maybe the wrong person sees, or she shows someone she thought she could trust. Then uh oh, she gets exiled and a hunt is initiated.

And as for Ingo (if you are considering the dynamics I write them in), I feel like he would handle things much the way Robyn’s dad Bill did, it’s a struggle at first and he doesn’t understand. But at some point he must make a choice and embraces it — either like Bill does, actually becoming a wolfwalker (zoroarkwalker?) himself, or just more accepting Akari is now one herself and he can’t separate her from that.

Not sure how it could go, but ultimately it’s your AU idea!! Such a fun concept anon, there’s a lot you could do with it and I would love to hear more if you ever want to share! For now I just had to try and put these guys into the wolfwalkers artstyle. Thanks for sharing this with me!!!

[thanksbutno98]

The Adventures of Molly (Part 1)

John Price x wife!reader OC

Summary: The Price’s family dog gets into just as much trouble as the rest of them.

Authors Note: To make up for my lack of including Molly in my fics I decided to dedicate one to her. I’ll be doing one or two more of her through the years as the Price children get older.

Warnings: Swearing, injury, pregnancy, not edited

——————

It was a windy spring day as you and your family stood in the small shelter where the new litter of puppies were housed. You and your husband John Price were finally pulling the trigger and getting the dog you always spoke about. It had been a dream to have lambs in your large plot of land but in order to do that you needed a herding dog.

So here you were, picking one out together. You brought your four year old son Jj and two year old daughter Evelyn. Jj was enamored by the mother dog who birthed the litter while Evelyn was giggling over the puppies wrestling.

“The mummy puppy must be so sad.” Jj was on his tip toes trying to get a better look over the wired fence.

The female blue merl border Collie was curled up in the far corner with a single one of her pups laid on her back by her head. The others were running around and playing. Letting out little yelps and high pitched barks as they tackled each other.

“What makes you say that?” John inquired wondering what his son was getting at.

“People are taking her puppies away. Mummy would be so sad if someone took me and Evie away.” Looking up into John’s matching sky blue eyes Jj had a serious expression on his face. His eyebrows were knit together and full lips fixed in a frown.

“He makes my heart swell and ache at the same time.” You whispered to John.

“Intuitive little guy.” He whispered back.

The two of you were immensely proud that teaching your son empathy wasn’t a challenge. The boy came hardwired carrying about others and now you knew that extended to animals.

“That’s why it’s so important we take good care of the pup. So his mama never has to worry.” Squatting down John spoke softly yet seriously to his son.

He didn’t realize that single sentence seared itself into his son’s mind.

“I’ll walk her every day, feed her lots of treats, and she can even snuggle in bed with me.” Shaking his head admittedly you could see your son was taking this seriously. At four years old he seemed to understand the importance of taking good care of a dog that some adults struggled to grasp.

“Which one do you think, John?” You asked your husbands opinion not knowing what attributes made a good herding dog.

“That one!” Jj’s chubby finger pointed at the sleeping puppy laying on her mothers back.

The small pup had a similar blue merl coat as her mother only she was tri-colored. Her little face was an almost lilac grey with pure white running up her snout and disappearing to the back of her head. One eyes was hugged with a crescent shape of tawny fur while the other had a single dot above it. Her ears matched perfectly with black fur at the point and tawny fur on the inside. The pale grey fur that ran along her body matched her mother’s with the black speckled spots and splotches of pure white.

“You sure? He seems a little. . . lazy.” John, now standing back at his full height, was scratching the back of his head watching how the five other liter mates wrestled and totted around clumsily.

“She’s just sleepy and needs a cuddle.” Jj reasoned with John.

“Oh let him have her.” Bumping John with your hip he continued to look at the sleeping puppy not completely sure this was a good choice for the dog’s intended purpose.

“C’mon! She’s my best friend! She loves me already I swear she does!” Jj was bouncing up and down while pulling on John’s belt loops. Hooking his fingers into the loops Jj arched his back and let his head fall back.

“Pleeease daddy.” Bearing his teeth Jj lightly swung back and forth as he dangled himself backward.

“Okay fine.” John caved. Seeing his son ask so cutely was enough for him to give him what he wanted.

“Can we meet that one?” John pointed to the tiniest of the liter who was sound asleep and making little yipping noises as she dreamt.

“Yes, go right into that pen and I’ll bring her right over for you all to meet.” The elderly woman motioned to the empty pen behind you that was used to introduce the puppies to potential families.

You all piled in and John was giving you a funny look. Rubbing his back you tried to silently reassure him this puppy was fine. That he was being a good father by entertaining his son’s opinion.

Soon enough the small tri-colored border collie was placed on the opposite side of the pen as you. She wobbled on her tiny paws and then turned back to look in the direction of her mother. It was the cutest noise she let out lightly yelping and then howling for her mother.

“It’s okay if you miss your mummy. I’m right here.” Jj kneeled a foot behind the tiny pup with his right hand outstretched.

She turned to look at Jj, tilted her head to the side, took a single step forward and sniffed the space right before his hand. Taking another step she gave him a better sniff then a little lick. There was a few second pause as the gears in her little head turned and then it seemed like she made up her mind. Trotting forward she climbed into Jj’s lap, circled a few times, then plopped down and went to sleep.

“Told you she’s my best friend.” Jj spoke in a tiny voice trying not to wake up his new companion.

“Seems like a perfect match.” The elderly woman smiled sweetly seeing this adorable display of two babies finding their forever family in each other.

“I can’t say no to that. She curled up on him in seconds.” With outstretched arms John barely glanced at you. He was snapping picture a second later which you would end up hanging up in your downstairs hallway.

“Got a name picked out?” The elderly woman asked you and John.

“Molly. Her names Molly.” Jj spoke with the sweetest smile plastered across his young face.

——————

“Jj, where’s Molly?” John asked as he entered his son’s room.

Jj’s room was rectangular shaped with his door located in the right corner. These forest green walls held where Jj loved to play with his toys the most. There was a birch desk in the right corner across from the bedroom door. It was new yet still had marker stains and smudges of water color paints. There was a navy blue rug in the center of the room with a recent stain from when Jj threw up all over John.

In the center of the wall that shared the bedroom door was Jj’s twin sized bed. His bed stuck out to bisect the room and had two night stands on either side of it. After that was his closet door. There was a toy chest at the end of the bed and a dresser on the far wall between the two windows.

It had been a week since you brought your new family member home. Jj kept to his word and walked her every day. The only thing was, he kept battling you and John constantly that Molly needed more treats and should be allowed to snuggle in his bed. She wasn’t house trained yet so it was a firm no from you both. You also told Jj she wouldn’t be allowed on any furniture, that she would have her own dog bed. This made your son throw an absolute fit. That didn’t stop you from finding Molly hidden under his covers fast asleep.

“I think mummy has her.” Jjs voice could be heard from the opposite side of his bed. Little did Jj know you were the one who sent John to go find Molly.

John couldn’t see Jj since he was clearly hiding. There was a soft lapping sound of something being licked that gave the four year old away. Walking around the bed John saw his son lying on his belly with Molly lying right next to him. Jj had a jar of peanut butter opened and his hand coated in the sticky substance as Molly licked it clean.

“The good peanut butter, really?” With a straight face John asked.

Jj slowly looked up with a sheepish smile.

“She should have the best treats. Her mummy would want that.” Jj tried to reason.

Sticking his full hand back into the jar he lathered it up again and offered it to Molly. John was partially annoyed for his son’s lack of listening but he couldn’t deny how cute Jj looked being sweet to their new dog. Dressed in his fire truck pajamas with multiple dog toys lying around him.

“Jj that stuffs expensive.” John chuckled.

“I’ll eat the bad peanut butter, I don’t mind. I want Molly to have the tasty kind.” Getting up to kneel Jj gave John a toothy smile that didn’t reach his icy blue eyes.

Jj was unsure if he was in trouble but if he was it was worth getting his new best friend a yummy snack. Jj went to lather his hand again but gasped when John grabbed the jar off the floor and screwed the lid back on.

“Daddy-“

“If she has anymore she’ll get sick. Like the time you wouldn’t stop eating m&m’s.” With a smirk John motioned for Jj to get up.

“Mummy shouldn’t have left them out.” Jj explained to John as if he wasn’t the one to have his son throw up all over him from eating way too much candy.

“Go and wash your hands. Then we can take Molly out back and let her run around off leash.” John started to laugh as Jj gasped in excitement and ran out his room to go wash up.

“Molly you’re gonna love this!” Jj squealed from the bathroom.

To John’s amazement the 9 weeks old puppy trotted after his son. She breezed right by John like he didn’t exist and was fixated on the little boy.

——————

“Jj! The peanut butters missing again.” You called from the kitchen.

It didn’t sound like a warning but it was. And soon enough your son appeared in the kitchen doorway looking guilty. Next to him was your new puppy who had been a part of the family for four months now. She had grown incredibly fast and no longer looked like a puppy. At the rate she was growing she’d be the same size as Jj in a few months.

“Can we get a ‘Molly’ peanut butter?” It came out as a whine.

“We have one.” You reminded your son and motioned for him to hand over the nice glass jar.

“But it’s gross.” Jj complained as he handed you the overly priced jar.

“Dogs shouldn’t be having all this sugar. It’s not good for them. That’s why we got her a sugar and salt free one.” You were surprised to see Jj roll his eyes and you could feel the sass about to come which was unlike the normally agreeable child.

“Don’t worry Molly I’ll make sure meanie mummy isn’t giving you that gross stuff.” Petting her head Jj ran for the back door.

“Slow down.” John chuckled as Jj ducked between his father’s long legs and ran into the yard. Molly barked and ran after your son clumsily.

John was just walking into the house from work. He was dressed in beige cargo pants and a green t-shirt that was tucked in. There was a stack of files in his hand that he tossed on to the kitchen table before coming over to greet you.

“Where’s the little gremlin?” John looked around for his daughter.

“Napping. She’s been a menace today. Laughing like a maniac every time I said no and then doing whatever it was right in front of me.” The thought of you dealing with that all day made John chuckle.

“Sounds like she takes after you.” The cheeky comment had you dodging his hello kiss.

That didn’t seem to deter your husband who pinned your arms to your side from behind and pressed his body against you so you were half leaning over the counter. Your bum was firmly pressed to his crotch while his hands were getting very close to your breasts. John kissed your cheek over and over until he was sick of it and went for the other one. He picked you up slightly, your feet hovering a few inches above the floor as he continued his assault.

“Let go.” You giggled and wiggled in John’s grasp.

“DADDY!!” The sound of your son shrieking had John dropping you and full on sprinting for the door.

You were right behind, your chest tight and an instant panic kicking in. Jj was sweet and a tough little boy. He hardly screamed unless it was from laughter. The only times he screamed your names was when Evelyn was taking his toys or the few times she bit him. This type of scream was very uncommon. Your son sounded scared.

You and John were running like hell to your son who was much farther away from the house than he was normally allowed. The rule was if you weren’t outside with him he was not allowed near the pond or past the soccer net. Right now he was at the edge of the forest stumbling back to his feet.

“Are you okay.” John had his hands on Jj grabbing his shoulders and jostling him around to look at him.

Jj was covered in mud but only on the front of him. It looked like he must have belly flopped into a puddle or something.

“Molly chased a fox into the woods! YOU HAVE TO GET HER!” Throwing his head back Jj began to wail.

Fat tears rolled down his face and he plopped down to the ground on his bum and weeped pathetically into his hands.

“Molly’s mummy would be worried about her!” Jj shrieked and tugged at his hair realizing this all of a sudden.

You had just caught up at this point catching the latter half of the conversation. That’s when you saw Molly dive through the woods seemingly chasing after something. If she was to get lost in there you weren’t sure you and John would be able to find her. Without thinking you took off into the woods after Molly. You followed the sounds of her barking. Ducking under branches and leaping over fallen trees you followed after her as fast as your legs would take you. Eventually you saw her again growling and barking up a tree a good distance into the woods.

“Gotcha!” You scooped the pup up into your arms. You were huffing and puffing trying to catch your breath. Turning back you realized you couldn’t see your house anymore.

“Oh, fuck.” You turned back around trying to see if there were any land markers so you could find your way back.

You couldn’t hear or see it but Jj was now lying on the ground crying hysterically at John. John was doing his best to try and calm the four year old down.

“We lost mummy and Molly!!” Jj could barely see straight with how the tears blurred his eyes.

“They’re not lost.” John glanced back at the house.

This was not a good situation for him. Jj was probably right and you were lost in the woods, that would be so like you. The only thing stopping John from going and finding you was the fact Evelyn would be left by herself in the house while she napped. But John knew the worst thing that could happen was she cried waiting for you to come get her. Picking up the sobbing four year old John began his trek through the woods to find you.

It didn’t take long you were about a quarter mile in the woods sitting on a fallen tree holding Molly.

“MOLLY!” Jj wiggled aggressively until John placed him on his feet.

Sprinting over Jj slammed into your thigh and started hugging the sleeping puppy.

“Molly I’ll never lose you again!” Your little boy started to cry half way through his sentence. Laying his head on her soft fur he began to weep all over again.

“I’m sorry Molly’s mummy! I’ll keep her safe!” Jj cried into her fur, a guilt you didn’t realize he was carrying spilling out.

“Found you quick.” John placed a kiss to your head and then squatted down to hug Jj.

You wrapped John and your little boy up in a hug as he continued to cry until he was too tired to walk back. John carried the now sleeping Jj while you carried Molly.

“I’m surprised I found you so quick.” John spoke softly as you made your trek back to the house.

“I decided to just sit down and wait for you. I thought if I tried to find my way back I’d only get more lost.” You shrugged.

“He’s so much like you Y/N.” John whispered and placed a soft kiss to the top of Jj’s sleeping head.

“You think?” You asked wondering what John meant.

“Crying over Mollys mum maybe being worried about her. I would’ve never thought that way as a kid. But you? That’s all you. The caring so deeply it leaves you guilt ridden.” Johns words made your heart swell. It felt amazing to be seen on such a vulnerable level and how your son had inherited some of your traits.

By the time you were back at the house Jj was waking up and asking for a snack. You sat him at the kitchen table and gave him apple slices and peanut butter. You and John realized quickly that the snacks you gave Jj were shared with Molly. So now you had to make sure every snack was dog friendly.

“Jj I’ve got a question for you.” John asked his puffy eyed little boy.

Jj hummed devouring his snack and getting peanut butter all over his face. Molly was lying just beneath his feet chomping on an apple slice.

“What do you think about Molly’s mummy? You bring her up a lot.” Sitting next to his son John took one of the apple slices and ate it.

“She would want Molly to run and play all the time, eat the best treats, learn stuff like how to sit and shake. She’d want Molly to have the comfiest bed and all the snuggles in the world.” Speaking with his mouth full Jj pretended to drop another apple slice that was quickly eaten by his best friend sitting under his feet that didn’t reach the floor.

“Why do you say that?” John followed up.

Jj paused for a second and looked up at John and then at you. You were standing on the other side of the kitchen getting lunch ready. John’s line of questioning had you curious to hear what your son was thinking.

“If Mollys mummy took me, mummy would want her to do stuff like take me to the trampoline park and get us fancy peanut butter. Or special snuggles, big fat kisses, and let me and Evie sleep in her bed sometimes.” Jj waved around his apple slice dipped in the brown sweetness.

You squeaked lightly hearing your son’s words. It was involuntary how tears welled in your eyes and a rock formed in your throat. Your lip began to quiver knowing that’s how your little boy saw you. That you would want only the best for him and he knew that. Taking a deep breath that came in rather sharp you wiped your eyes quickly.

“I love you more than anything in the world Jonathan.” You were making your way over to your son and soon hugging him tight and placing kiss after kiss to his cheek.

Jj giggled and tried batting you away. Giving up he hugged you back his sweet laugh filling the kitchen.

“Seeeeee mummy gives me snuggles.” Jj stuck his tongue out at John who was chuckling at you two.

“Good lad.” John ruffled the little boys hair and then plucked an apple slice with extra peanut butter and gave it to Molly.

——————

“MUSH!” The Price children shouted in unison.

Jj and Evelyn Price were sat on the bright blue sled at the top of the small hill to the right of their homes driveway. It slopped down and became flat for about twenty yards before the thicket of trees that hid the property from the street. Jj had tied Molly’s leash to the end of the sled so she could pull them down the hill. Molly was officially full grown at 32lbs and spry. Today was her birthday making her a year old.

Jj, who was almost five, was dressed in a red snow suit with the hood up and pulled tight. He had lime green mitten on and matching boots. Evelyn, a few weeks away from being three, was dressed in a pastel purple snow suit with a pink scarf and hat snuggly on. She refused to put her hood up and wore Jj’s old dark blue boots that were a size too big.

“Jj!” Evelyn whined at the fact Molly wasn’t moving.

“Molly, mush!” Jj tried again, kicking his feet.

Molly looked back at Jj and then squatted and peed. It had become obvious over the year together Molly was sweet but not the smartest dog. Jj would become shrill whenever John called her dumb. But even he at times blankly stared at her when she ran into the glass door for the hundredth time.

“Ew.” Evelyn’s nose scrunched.

“Wait here, I have an idea!” Jj got off the sled and ran over to where you and John were shoveling the driveway.

It was a snow day for daycares and schools leaving you and the children home for the day. John called out saying he had family matters to attend to which was truly playing with the kids in the snow. You two just had to get the long drive way cleared first.

“Where are you going?” Sticking his shovel into the snow John watched Jj hop off the small mound of snow forming along the driveway as you two shoveled.

“Mummy I need a tennis ball.” Jj ran straight into you, his feet catching on some ice and unable to stop himself.

“Careful.” You slipped at the force but caught yourself before you took Jj down with you. Reaching into your pocket you gave Jj the tennis ball you grabbed before heading outside.

“Thanks!” Grabbing it with both mittened hands Jj turned and went to run back to Evelyn. She was lying down flat in the sled with her tongue stuck out trying to catch snow flakes.

Jj took two steps away from you then slipped and fell backwards. Before you or John could ask if he was alright he was slipping while he got back to his feet and was off running again.

“Evie look!” Jj waved the tennis ball around.

Still lying on her back Evelyn turned her head to look at her brother. Once again Jj tripped a few feet away from the sled and face planted into the snow. Lifting his head up with a face covered in snow Jj watched the bright green tennis ball begin to roll down the hill. Evelyn sat up quickly to check on Jj.

“You oka-“ Evelyn began to ask but went flying backward hitting her head off the sled.

The tennis ball rolled right past Molly and she took off after it. In her haste the sled slowed her for only a second so she pulled harder to catch up to the bright green ball quickly rolling down the hill.

“MUMMY!” Evelyn shrieked at the top of her lungs.

Her tiny mittened hands gripped the edges of the sled as the sky and tree tops whizzed by. The uneven grooves of snow sent her small body bouncing up in the air and colliding back down against the plastic of the sled.

“EVIE!” Jj was scrambling to his feet and began chasing after the sled as it flew down the hill with Molly still pulling it.

The sound of crunching snow echoed in the little boys ears as he ran after his baby sister. He was running extremely fast in his mind and would catch up to her in no time.

The screams caught you and John’s attention. It was comical to watch the sled lurch forward and then take off down the hill quickly behind Molly. Jj was running so slow you wondered if he was even trying. After a few steps he fell face first into the snow again so hard he slid down the hill a couple feet.

John dropped his shovel and ran after Molly and Evelyn before she was dragged to the street. You made your way over to Jj who was struggling to get up after falling so many times.

“You okay?” Jj heard your voice over his shoulder.

He stayed laying there face first in the snow not willing to get up yet.

“Yes.” His sweet voice was muffled against the snow.

With a small laugh you picked him up and set him back on his feet. Jj’s cheeks were tinted from the cold snow that you were brushing away. He could feel it sticking to his eyelashes but you soon had those cleaned off too. Looking to the bottom of the hill Jj saw his father walking up the hill with Evelyn on his hip and the sled under his other arm. Molly was trotting behind, jumping and trying to take the tennis ball Evelyn was holding.

“Smart idea, Jj.” John praised as he made it to where you and Jj were.

“You okay Evie!?” Jj asked clearly worried.

“That. Was. WICKED!” Throwing her hands into the air you and John laughed at her reaction.

“I’ll stand at the bottom of the hill and your mum will get you two set up.” John placed Evelyn down and then handed you the sled.

“Really!?” Jj was now bouncing up and down at the prospect of you and John joining in on the fun.

“And then when we’re done with sledding we can build a snowman.” You added which had Evelyn cheering.

“I want to build a snow dog so Molly can have a friend!”

——————

“How you feeling little man?” John was just walking into Jj’s room.

Jj who was now six had caught the flu and was held up in bed. He was curled up under his blankets with a pile of tissues sitting on his night stand and a few had fallen to the floor.

As soon as John opened the door Molly busted through with so much force the door slammed into the wall. She dashed across the room and jumped into Jj’s bed not caring if she squished him in the process. Standing over the boy she frantically licked his face which made him squirm and giggle.

“Someone missed you and I thought you could use a buddy.” It made John’s heart flutter seeing how much Molly and Jj meant to each other.

Molly had been whining at the bottom of the stairs all day wanting someone to open the gate and let her upstairs. Evelyn entertained her for a little but they both grew bored of one another. You tried to take Molly for a walk but two steps out of the door Molly became a statue. She pointed herself towards the house and you knew it was because she wanted Jj to walk her, not you.

“You sick of Evie? She can be a pill can’t she.” Jj ruffled the scuff of Mollys fur while he spoke in a mock deep voice.

“Get some sleep.” John gave Jj a kiss to the top of the head and the ruffled Mollys head.

Molly circled a few times and then laid herself on top of Jj’s legs. The two fell asleep quickly and Jj was finally able to get the rest he needed.

——————

It was quiet, much quieter than John was use to. The kids and you must be out shopping or running errands. This was a rare occasion and John was ready to seize his moment of solitude. So he thought this would be a good time to make himself a sandwich.

Piling the lunch meat high and adding an extra slice of cheese John squished the sandwich down enjoying the sound of the crisps crunching between the bread. Next John poured himself a glass of milk to go along with the blueberry danish he grabbed as dessert. Setting off to the living room John placed his plate and cup on the coffee table.

Molly who had gotten a bit rounder over the years was napping on the chaise lounge of the U shaped couch. John use to shoo her off furniture and usher her over to her dog bed but had given up in recent years. The children invited her on the couch or their beds whenever he wasn’t in the room. You had even joined in, having Molly nap with you on the couch or in bed when John was abroad.

“John.” Your voice called from the back door as soon as John turned on the television.

Falling back into the cushions John groaned in disappointment. He almost got away with having a snack, that you considered a full meal, by himself. Looking down at the delicious sight in front of him John sighed and accepted defeat. Now he would be sharing this with his kids once they saw it.

“Coming.” John called back.

Getting up from the couch John made his way to the kitchen. He saw your kids carrying a large brown paper grocery bag each. That’s when John remembered you asked him what he needed from the grocery store before he headed out that morning.

“Thank you, darling.” John gave you a sweet peck to the lips.

He hated shopping and it was especially difficult with the kids. They were either at each other’s throats or asking for everything they knew they couldn’t have and whining about it. It almost always ended in a quiet car ride home because John demanded silence and if there was a single peep there’d be consequences.

“Can you two go clean up the yard toys please?” You asked your children as you began to put away the groceries.

“No.” Evelyn spoke sweetly, smiled and began to walk down the hall toward the living room.

“Oi, don’t be cheeky and go pick up the toys.” John was flabbergasted by her response.

“Why ask if I don’t have a choice.” Turning on her heels the sweet demeanor flipped to a sour one.

“You’d rather I boss you around?” You asked unable to hold back your laugh.

“I’d rather not do it at all.” Evelyn grumbled, slipping her shoes back on and heading out the back door.

“Molly!” Jj called from the back door for her to come join them outside.

“Think she’s napping.” John told his son only to eat his words.

Molly appeared at the end of the hallway and slowly, very slowly, made her way out the back door to join Evelyn and Jj.

“Think she can walk any slower?” You asked John who just walked in with the rest of the groceries bags hugged to his chest.

“Laziest dog I’ve ever met. To think we were going to use her for herding.” John chuckled.

Placing the bags on the counter John dipped out to grab his food and eat in the kitchen. That way he could chat with you and still enjoy his snack. Entering the living room John wasn’t sure what he was expecting now that he thought about.

His plate was licked clean and even his glass of milk was drank.

“No wonder she was moving so slow.”

——————

“MOLLY!” John’s voice echoed in the house as he shouted like a banshee.

“Jesus, John you’re going to burst a blood vessel.” You had waddled into the kitchen from the living room at the sound of your husband losing his mind.

You were eight months pregnant and feeling irritable with your husband today. John hadn’t done anything but for some reason just the sight of him had been ticking you off since this morning. Once you saw what he was shouting about you felt your blood pressure spike.

“MOLLY!” You shrieked.

The shoe rack you kept by the back door was flipped over and every pair of shoes had been torn to shreds. Molly didn’t discriminate. She went for your heels, sneakers, slippers, and crocs. The kids shoes and Evelyn’s ballet slippers were decimated. John’s boots, trainers, and a few hats were also casualties.

“That damn dog!” Picking up the sole to his expensive dress shoe John flung it forcefully at the tattered remains of hundreds of dollars of shoes.

“I’ll go find her.” You stopped John from storming upstairs and shouting even more.

“Why weren’t you watching her?” John hissed in your face.

“Why weren’t you watching her!” You snapped back.

“I was busy!” You knew it was just a fit of rage that John was turning on you but you didn’t appreciate it. As if on cue your little girl kicked in your belly as you prepared to verbally eviscerate your husband.

“Yeah, and I was over in the corner twiddling my thumbs! Oh wait I was cleaning your mess in the living room with swollen fucking ankles.” Your venom had John putting up his hands as if saying he gave up and then he took a deep breath.

“Sorry. Let’s go find her and make sure she didn’t eat any of this. Then it’ll be a vet bill on top of it all.” John gave you an apologetic smile and hugged you to say sorry.

His hands rubbed your large belly and lingered on the little feet kicking away.

You stood there with your arms crossed over your chest and refused to hug him back. With a kiss to your lips that you didn’t return you both made your way up to Jj’s room where Molly most likely was. Once up on the second floor and down the hallway you could see Jj’s door was shut which was unusual.

Everyone in the house kept their bedroom doors open unless they were changing or sleeping. Knocking firmly John didn’t wait for a response and tried to open the door. Only it didn’t budge.

“Jj you can’t hide her in there.” Rattling the door by the knob John then knocked again a little louder.

There was silence behind the door. You and John shared a look and then you nodded for him to go ahead. With the tips of his finger John searched the top of the door frame for the skeleton key you hid up there. The sound of the key turning in the lock finally elicited a response from the eight year old.

“IM NAKED!” Jj blurted out as you and John entered his room.

Jj was standing on the far left corner of his bedroom fully clothed. His bed bisected the room blocking you or John from getting to him quickly. The closet door popped open for a second but Jj casually leaned against it.

“What’s in there?” The gravel in John’s voice rumbled from his chest.

The look John was giving his son had Jj gulping in suspense. The young boy was trying his best to stay straight faced but he realized how much better his sister was in moments like this.

“Nothing.” It surprised you how smoothly Jj spoke.

“You sure about that?” You followed up.

Jj wouldn’t even look at you. It was one thing to fib to his father but it felt impossible for him to do it to you.

“Jonathan, look at me.” You told him sweetly.

John was slowly rounding the bed. Jj had his eyes locked on his father. Slowly he pressed his back fully against the door no longer pretending like he wasn’t hiding anything. With a frown on his face Jj apprehensively looked at you who was nodding your head for him to give up.

“We just want to check if she’s okay. We’ve never punished her before and we aren’t going to start now.” Trying to reassure Jj didn’t seem to work.

“Whatever it is she didn’t do it.” Jj blurted out at John who was now standing directly in front of the boy.

Realizing he had lost Jj decided he wouldn’t go down without a fight. Grabbing the door knob Jj rushed forward opening the door behind him. Throwing himself at John Jj bear hugged his father pinning his arms to his sides.

“RUN MOLLY!” Jj shouted holding on as tight as possible so John couldn’t run after her or free his arms right away.

When Jj realized his father wasn’t struggling he looked up at him. John’s icy eyes looked amused and he had an eyebrow quirked down at the eight year old.

“I commend your tenacity.” John chuckled and then nodded with his chin for Jj to turn around.

Letting go slowly Jj then turned quickly to look at Molly. Molly was lying at the bottom of Jj’s closest chewing on his brand new football cleats.

“MOLLY!”

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