#feed big bertha

[angeloftheodd]

Feed Big Bertha Arcade Game 🎀❤️

Big Bertha was/is such a doll! 🥰 I loved her even during the 90s, when I would go out of my way to play her game. To win the game, the player had to throw balls into her mouth so she gained weight. I knew her existence was meant to be a fatphobic joke, but I’ve always adored her nonetheless. 💘

📸 CapeCod.com

[teetytotty]

throat goat

[barbreypilled]

I feel like the reason why my past two autism obsessions being media that the average high school graduate should be able to at least kind of grasp has been driving me up the wall isn’t that I’m not being stimulated or challenged or whathaveyou but more that the ppl I come across are so deeply incapable of actually wrapping their minds around it in their 30s. how are u 36 and basic analysis of Jane Eyre has u on the ropes

[riberoibeis]

A friend was winding their shrimp tank down after ~4 years so they gave me their shrimp, including Big Bertha the gigantic and ancient Amano shrimp who has quickly become the queen of the tank and my heart.

VD: a tiktok set to the song 'Da Biggest Bird' by Saint Mercat∅r of Big Bertha the huge female Amano shrimp hanging out with Gonzo the bamboo shrimp and swimming into the cherry shrimp feeding frenzy to take an entire food pellet to eat by herself. I also introduce Medium Michael the normal sized amano shrimp, also eating his own pellet.

ID: a realistic chalk pastel drawing on grey paper of Big Bertha the amano shrimp, outlined in black and rendered in white with orange and blue highlights.

[doodle-pops]

good morning I’m sharing cute chickens with people I consider friends 🥰 they’re skittish around me so it was a little difficult to get good photos lol.

they’re just little girlies & they are named Henrietta, Birdie, Big Bertha, & Hazel. I hope you enjoy them an have a lovely day

You consider me a friends (gonna hyperventilate in a corner) 😍😍🥰you have cute little baby chicks ajsldjalkslssk and they're so fluffy and smol and I want to hold them all. Big Bertha and Henrietta are adorable names...and they have a mirror to check themselves out😂

I had chickens (well not exactly mines, my neighbour's) and they hatched by me so I used to feed them. Anytime I went outside they would follow me everywhere I went picking my foot for food

[simon-newman]

Long Overdue Animal Post Part 1

So. I’ve promised to make a large update post to celebrate the 2 years of my tarantula keeping...

It’s been quite overdue... And by quite I mean... I’ve been keeping tarantulas for 3 years and 4 months now...

A lot has changed. I had some losses and... Well. I went a bit over my set limit of 6 spiders...

But here’s the deal.

1. Tliltocatl vagans (ex. Brachypelma vagans) female

So. My first spider luckily turned out to be a female. She’s grown quite a bit but is not nearly as large as some of my younger spiders - being from a medium-sized species in general.

One thing for sure - she’s a big and healthy female even if she likes to disappear underground for several months at a time (I haven’t seen her from December 2021 to July 2022).

She’s also the first spider I’ve paired. But you should know that from the post I’ve made before.

2. Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens - male (Typhoon)

My first spider. What most keepers consider to be the most beautiful species out there - the Greenbottle Blue Tarantula.

Has matured as a male in 18 months and not long after I’ve loaned him to one of the breeders in my country in January 2021 - in return I’ve received two slings from the same species.

Unfortunatley, when I inquired about his fate 2 months later they confirmed that Typhoon was eaten by a female they paired him with.

Here’s one of the last pictures I took of him:

3. Phormictopus Sp. “Green - Gold Carapace” - female, Draka

The BIG ONE.

Probably the largest spider in my house. She’s huge and likely has not yet reached her maximum.

For a while I was convinced she’s a male and called her “Durotan”.

Hearing I have a sub-adult male some people offered me a nice price for “him” as the price for this species tripled since I’ve got mine. I could have made 5 times what I paid for the spiderling.

Luckily I haven’t sold her as the adult female is likely worth even more.

Now - finding a male for HER might be more problematic than most.

To add to this - this is the spider I am actually nervous when dealing with. Draka was moody and jumpy all the way back as a sling and now she’s extremely defensive. Every feeding is a potential angry fit from her and I don’t want her fangs in my hand.

Yes - I have much more venomous spiders now. Draka is simply big and much more eager to bite when compared to them.

Here’s the most recent photo.

Yes - she threw a threat posture right after I took those pictures... I had to wait with watering the enclosure - doing it with her already angry risks a case of spider outside.

4. Psalmopoeus cambridgei, famale Bertha

The one that got away.

Yes - the only spider that escaped in my care. She spent some 16 hours loose in my house and neither me, my mom or my sister’s cat were able to find her until next morning.

Also quite large but less bulky spider. Mostly a ghost. I see her once every few months now that she’s in her final enclosure.

I’ve got a mate for her at the same event I’ve got a mate for #1 but... I don’t know why he died some 3 weeks after molting. I fed him a week before and he seemed perfectly healthy. Then next week I just found him dead.

Anyway. Here’s the most recent photo when she decided to grace me with her presence.

5. Lasiodora klugi, ?????

Okay I am confused. I can’t tell if it’s a male or female tho my last attempt would indicate it’s a male after all this time.

Potentially the largest spider in my collection. Definitely rivals Draka when it comes to sheer bulk.

A bit jumpy but nowhere nearly as moody as her and overall a good specimen to deal with when you want to get used to huge ass spiders that aren’t pet rocks.

Keeping him (?) has been a delight and the fact it’s likely not female is only a bit of a downgrade. Some breeders already told me they’ll gladly take him as males from this species are hard to come by. In fact when I got him as a spiderling it was likely the first time they appeared on sale since 2014 - some even assumed males went extinct in the European branch of the hobby.

6. Harpactira pulchripes, male “Gilgamesh”

The golden boy. Matured too fast. Loaned. Met his demise much like Typhoon.

I looked up my spreadsheet - I’ve only had him for 16 months.

Very moody for a species often suggested as a good first Old World tarantula (old worlds are more defensive and have stronger venom).

The species has been a disaster for me.

I’ve raised Gil from a tiny sling without any issues. Loaning him I’ve got 2 slings in exchange - much like with Typhoon.

Both slings suffered from DKS - a symptom of illness that disrupts tarantula’s coordination. I don’t know what caused it. One sling passed away shortly after developing this condition. The other one struggled for over 2 months - seemingly recovering to some degree just to pass away anyway... Those were Spiders 11 and 12.

7&8. Phoprmictopus Sp. “Bayahibe”, male and female.

So. This is the species I’ve broken my limit for. Can you blame me? They are absolutely stunning:

#7 - male:

#8 - female:

They’ll hopefully get more violet coloration as they age - I’ll try to slow down male’s growth as well and hopefully pair them later on. There was exactly one time they were sold in Poland until recently. The entire population in Europe is likely very limited and I have a pair.

9&10. Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, ???

The two slings I received in exchange for Typhoon.

They’re growing nicely and now that I think about it they’re actually older than  Typhoon when he matured - being around 22 months old.

I didn’t bother to check if they’re males or females but I might be forced to do so soon.

They’re in vertical setups made in plastic jars and with their last molt both spiders destroyed most of their webbing that allowed them to use this vertical space efficiently. If they don’t remake it I’ll likely look for more horizontal enclosures for them.

To be continued...

[broomsticks]

wormtail week day 1: rats & body worship

have some HEA (ish) fluffy (ish) Bertha Jorkins/Peter Pettigrew (200 words, G)

under read more or here on AO3

-#-

Sundays were Peter’s favorite day of the week. On Sundays he and Bertha would close up shop by midday and spend the rest of the day preparing a hearty stew. The rich aroma would permeate the entire cottage, fortifying them for the week ahead.

Sunday was also feeding day for all their babies, from the largest boa to the smallest python. Bertha especially enjoyed watching their best girl Noodle — liked to admire from the other side of the glass the stretch of her jaw as she devoured her dinner, the curve of her body distended with rat.

He’d been nervous when she’d first suggested the idea — what did he know about snakes? — but he’d somehow grown into it, into this new life. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d put on the wizarding radio — really, who needed to hear about the war being fought an ocean away?

Not him, not when he had this cozy cottage, his lovely wife.

He rubbed her shoulders and kneaded her back, excitement and trepidation churning inside him. She took his hand and placed it on her big belly, and he leaned over to give her a kiss. Soon, he thought, anxiously, eagerly. Soon.

@wormtailweek

[strikercannon-archive]

puhlman ranch ! ( closed for — @sybilblanchettfm​​ )

“ excuse me , ma’am — “ striker , unlike the rest of the puhlman ranch employees , had spent the evening sleeping beneath the stars on the farmhouse porch . silver-shot hair stuck out in every which way and , if the cowboy didn’t have the mental capacity of a twelve year old , he could have easily been compared to einstein with the electrocution-esque hairstyle being sported atop his crown . trudging through the dirt to feed big bertha ( the pulhman’s prize-winning cow ) he spotted a familiar face , the same face that he had shooed from the ranch again and again , notepad in hand , whenever he discovered her on the wrong side of his handmade wooden gates , “ — you know you ain’t meant to be in here at feedin’ time . what you sketchin’ ?? are you tryin’ to capture her beauty ?? “ a gesture to the long-haired brown creature , mooing to greet her favorite cowboy of the bunch , “ you reckon you could draw her for me ?? “ 

[izdatazn]

S.U.I.T.S - Terran's Hidden War

TERRAN 21 - GUNKATA

"I asked, 'How long until I see you again?'" 

"It's only a couple of months," Asuka teased. "Do you already miss me?"

"I definitely do," I admitted.

She giggled shyly and said, "Me too, I miss you too."

I stood in front of the mirror in my private quarters, having a video chat with Asuka. It had been a long time since I saw her in person. The current conflict kept us both busy with SUITs, but whenever we had some free time, we used it to talk about random stuff through private communication. She looked stunning as always, but even better in person than through the screen; she knew it too.

"It's pretty stressful as usual. You already know the details of where I'm going," I continued. "When we get back, let's go on a date. It's been far too long since I last saw you."

"What kind of place do you want to go?" Asuka asked.

"Anywhere with you is fine by me," I answered.

Asuka grinned and shyly answered, "So it's okay if we go to a hotel?"

"You know what? I'm grateful for these soundproof walls so that our conversations remain private," I chuckled. Suddenly, a red light flashed in my room, irritating me as I massaged my temples.

"Go," she whispered softly. "It seems like something significant."

I nodded and promptly terminated the video chat before exiting my personal quarters to join my team who eagerly awaited me in the main room.

"I asked, 'What's the situation?'" I inquired.

Big Bertha chimed in, "We have two teams requesting backup."

An audio transmission followed. "Good afternoon, Kobayashi. This is Team Leader Ann Younghee reporting in. I have Park Haeun's team with me as well. I'll keep it brief. We received information suggesting a massive production line is concealed in Colorado's Black Canyon, located 50 miles away from Arcane Headquarters."

"How did Arcane Conglomerate overlook this?" Harmony questioned. "It was right under their nose."

"Similar to the ordinary world, there are ways to easily hide illegal products from prying eyes or produce assets in inconspicuous locations," I explained. "Big Bertha, how much longer until we reach our destination?" 

"In a couple of hours," Big Bertha replied.

Hauen interrupted us. "Miyoung, it's good to see you working with a team instead of being on your own. I'll see you soon."

Miyoung nervously stammered, "Shut up."

I looked at her, confused, and then glanced at my other team members. Had she just stuttered? It was clear from her bright red face that she had. I turned back to her.

"Ahn Younghee, we will arrive within the hour," I said.

"We'll be waiting, Kobayashi," Younghee answered. "I'm excited to see you too, Miyoung." The feed suddenly cut off. Awkward silence filled the air for a few seconds. It was evident from Younghee's expression that something was wrong.

Viktor took a step closer to Miyoung and asked cautiously, "Miyoung, did you..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Miyoung struck him with the butt of her gun and said firmly, "I didn't do anything." She walked away as Viktor crumbled to the ground in a fetal position.

"But what did Viktor do?" he groaned as he lay in a fetal position.

We reached our designated location in less than an hour, arriving in a small town somewhere in Colorado. Harmony took the wheel while Viktor stayed in the infirmary temporarily. It was Tuesday, July 16th, 2079. Big Bertha was the vehicle that brought us to our destination, with Harmony as the driver. We met up with Younghee and Haeun's team at a family restaurant and acknowledged each other's presence before proceeding with our individual tasks.

Miyoung chose to guard our meeting point on top of the rooftop, possibly avoiding her friends. I wanted to ask about it but hesitated because I didn't want to end up in the infirmary right after like Viktor did earlier. Viktor stood by the entrance.

Ahn Younghee, born in 1215 during the Goryeo Dynasty, came into this world thirty years after the military coup d'état of the Sambyelocho Rebellion. She lived under the reign of King Taejo of Goryeo and served as one of the few female chefs in the palace. In 1231, when Korea was invaded by the Mongols, she bravely saved King Taejo from being assassinated by Kublai Khan's assassin in 1234. Because of her heroic act, she was promoted to lead a protection detail for several years until her unfortunate demise on the battlefield in 1236 while defending King Taejo against another attack from the Mongol Army.

We sat at a corner table towards the back of the restaurant, opposite Younghee and Haeun's team. Facing towards the dining room, I scanned the area as we waited for our food. Younghee sat at a table near the window while Haeun occupied another table near the register. When a waitress approached us, we placed our order before she left again. To communicate discreetly with my teammates, I tapped my right ear twice and continued our conversation

Park Haeun was born in 1370 and took part in a coup alongside Yi Seong-gye, witnessing the downfall of the Goryeo Dynasty in 1392 and the rise of the Joseon Dynasty. Later on, she witnessed Yi Seong-bye, who became King Taejo of Joseon, establish the Joseon Empire. Throughout her career, she served under King Taejo and later King Sejong the Great. It was during this time that she encountered a young blind individual named Lee Miyoung and became his adopted personal guard at the request of King Sejong. Haeun trained Miyoung extensively in archery, swordsmanship, and survival skills in natural environments.

"Miyoung," I whispered, "What is the current situation out there?"

"It's loud and clear," she replied. "Haeun and Younghee's teammates are three streets away from the restaurant. They have already established a perimeter. Younghee's scout is positioned on a rooftop across from the restaurant, while Haeun's guard is stationed across from Viktor."

"Viktor?" I questioned.

"Yeah," he answered. "She's a pretty cool girl."

I continued, addressing Haeun and Younghee, "Nice to meet you both."

"You have an impressive system here, Kobayashi," Haeun remarked.

"It's nice to finally meet you in person and see you collaborating with a team instead of working alone, Miyoung," added Younghee. Miyoung remained silent. A few minutes later, our waiter arrived with our ordered plates and left shortly after.

Younghee carried on talking. "I briefly mentioned a potential target during our previous meeting, but I will provide more details to your team because we've discovered that there might be multiple targets."

“Hits?” I asked. “As in multiple locations?”

"We have three locations," Kobayashi said. Younghee continued, "The Black Canyon, Painted Wall, and Denver. Each site has production lines for drugs, poison, and viruses."

"They have a production line under the city of Denver," I declared. "This could mean that they might release the virus or the drug among the citizens and cause panic. What else do we have?"

Haeun added, "There's a possible sighting of Zaporg leaving the Black Canyon and entering the Painted Wall in the last 24 hours."

"It's good to know we have that information as well," I replied while taking a bite of bread. "If we target the Painted Wall, Zaporg would already be long gone. Our main concern is in Denver since their production line is beneath the city. We need to focus on that first." I let out a sigh before continuing, "Miyoung."

"I'm on it. I've always had a personal vendetta against Zaporg," she answered confidently. She then turned to Isabel and asked, "Are you joining us?"

"Let me finish my lunch first," Isabel responded casually. "I'll be there in a couple of minutes."

"Haeun playfully questioned, 'The lone wolf asking for help? That's quite a character development! I'm proud of you, Miyoung.' Miyoung stuttered in response, while Younghee couldn't resist teasing her further through our communication device.

Isabel added teasingly, 'We had a girls sleepover in my private quarters the other day. Miyoung is such a cutie when nervously sleeping next to me. I saw a vulnerable side up close and personal that I never got to see in public.'

'ISABEL!' Miyoung shouted. 'I'm signing off!'

Isabel giggled and took her last bite of egg, gulping down the remaining orange juice. She stood up, grabbed the untouched bread from her plate, and left with Harmony.

"Do I want to know what kind of history you all have?" I asked.

"Probably not," Haeun answered.

“Noted."

Haeun's squad assumed responsibility for the north side, while Younghee's squad took charge of the southwest region in Denver. Meanwhile, my team was tasked with covering the southeast side. We diligently patrolled the streets, remaining vigilant for any signs of suspicious activity that might lead us to a hidden entrance to the production line. The absence of Miyoung's sharp senses and keen sight put our team at a disadvantage.

I noticed a sudden change in weather as dark clouds rolled in overhead. Within moments, rain began to pour down from above, followed by intermittent flashes of lightning.

Curious about this unexpected weather phenomenon, I turned to Haeun and asked, "What has the weather been like over the past few days?"

Haeun responded, "We've been here for a month now, and it has consistently been sunny. The forecast didn't mention any rain or lightning."

"Do you feel it too, Kobayashi?" Younghee asked.

"Yeah, I do. Contact SUITs and activate the shields," I said.

"I'm on it," Haeun replied.

I looked up at the sky and witnessed the rain pouring down and lightning flashing in different directions. Something faint caught my eye emerging from the clouds.

"Guys, look above us. Can you see it?" I asked.

There was a moment of silence before I noticed more objects descending from the sky. They were drop pods landing all over the city - not just a few dozen, but hundreds of them. And that's not all; there was also a small carrier descending stealthily through the clouds.

"Kobayashi," Isabel spoke up. "Zaporg's location is correct, but he's heading west."

"He's once again one step ahead of us," I gasped. "Isabel and Harmony, gather everyone immediately."

"We'll be there as soon as possible," Isabel answered.

"Miyoung," I continued.

"I'm already on it," she replied determinedly. "He won't escape from me again."

"What's the situation, Haeun?"

"We're expecting reinforcements from Arcane Headquarters within an hour and some SUITs personnel are already stationed in the city," Haeun informed us.

As we huddled behind a wall for cover, three pods crashed down around us. We found ourselves surrounded as enemy combatants emerged from the pod doors.

"I wonder if I can take on two people at once," Viktor grinned confidently while urging Vivian to stay behind him.

I unsheathed my sword with determination. "We won't let Denver fall into their hands.”

Despite being on a transport vehicle, Miyoung followed Zaporg discreetly in the forest from a distance. It didn't take long before another security vehicle joined Zaporg, and both vehicles eventually slowed down and came to a complete stop. Five figures, including Zaporg, emerged from the vehicles. Miyoung found cover in the bushes while observing from afar.

Zaporg yelled out, "I'm aware of your presence, human!" He chuckled. "It's not that difficult to figure out that you're tailing me." Taking advantage of the opportunity, Miyoung silently took down one of the guards near Zaporg without giving away her exact location with her noiseless gun. Zaporg remained standing there, still amused by the situation.

"Little girl," he scoffed, "Just because your gun didn't make a sound doesn't mean I know where you are." He shifted slightly to his left as a bullet whizzed past him from behind and successfully struck another guard. "You're a thousand years too early to kill me," Zaporg laughed, tauntingly. "You should go help your friends back in the city."

Miyoung swiftly took down the remaining guards and emerged on top of a tree branch, fully visible to Zaporg.

"So, you've finally arrived, little girl," sneered Zaporg. "Your head will be a great addition to my trophy room." He pointed his gauntlet towards her.

"You've been nothing but an annoyance since you showed up," Miyoung declared as she detached her pistol from her leg and removed her eye patch. "Kimchi, Precision is Key." Her mechanical eye shifted as steam emitted from it.

"Analyze," I whispered as I prepared myself to face off against a reptilian creature equipped with four mechanical legs and two tails. Although I felt somewhat disadvantaged in this fight, observing Viktor simultaneously battle two other creatures gave me confidence that I would be able to handle the situation.

I successfully blocked an attack from one of the reptilian's tails and swiftly evaded a strike from its other tail. As I focused on the intense battle, crucial information began appearing in the corner of my peripheral vision through my device. After glancing at it multiple times, I decided to seek assistance from Big Bertha while simultaneously dealing with the creature.

According to the data provided by Big Bertha, this particular creature belonged to the subspecies Baeno of the species Crocodilio. The Baeno subspecies was among only a few found on their homeworld, Cotorus, which resided in Quadrant 2 of the Milky Way Galaxy—just like its counterpart that Viktor was currently engaged with.”

"Viktor, what should I name him?" I inquired.

"Dexter," he replied.

Dexter continued relentlessly attacking me. Despite my efforts to defend myself, I managed to damage one of Dexter's mechanical legs. Dexter redistributed its remaining legs for better stability before detaching the damaged leg from its body. I noticed a new tail growing from behind. Dexter's attacks became more aggressive and precise, making it difficult for me to get close.

"Are there any other potential threats I should be concerned about?" I asked.

"Dexter is Zaporg's second-in-command," Viktor informed me.

"Miyoung, did you hear that?" I questioned.

"I suppose Zaporg really wants us off his back if he's willing to sacrifice his trusted second-in-command," she responded. "Dealing with Zaporg is such a pain."

"Yeah, his right-hand man is no joke either,"I changed the topic. "Isabel, where are you?" As Dexter lunged at me with its clawed tail once again, I narrowly evaded it but failed to react in time when the other clawed tail struck me. Dexter pulled me closer and lifted me up to eye level.

Dexter growled menacingly. "This is what Zaporg was worried about? A worthless bag of water?" It chuckled mockingly

Dexter snarled, questioning, "Is this what Zaporg was worried about? A useless water sack?" He chuckled, but before he could react, I heard honking noises coming from behind him. "You forgot two worthless water sacks!" Isabel shouted as she jumped off her vehicle just in time to avoid crashing into Dexter. Acting quickly, I sliced off his clawed tail before I could be dragged along with him.

"Leave for a few minutes and the team leader is already struggling without his best wingman," Isabel scoffed as she helped me up to my feet. "Do you guys need assistance?"

"Assistance?!" Viktor grunted as he tore off another claw and thrust it into his enemy's chest. He clapped his hands together defiantly. "Viktor doesn't need any help."

"That's my boy," Isabel said proudly.

Suddenly, we noticed Isabel's vehicle being thrown in the air and hurtling towards Viktor. With reflexes like lightning, he turned around and caught it with both hands just before it crashed.

"You think that would hurt!" Dexter shouted arrogantly as he charged forward.

"Dexter, please," Viktor dismissed him casually while tossing the vehicle aside. "Don't mess with my toys!" He joined the fight without hesitation, with Isabel and me right behind him. However, despite our efforts combined against Dexter's advantage remained intact in this three-on-one match.

Miyoung and Zaporg engaged in a fierce close combat battle within the forest. Unfortunately for Miyoung, Zaporg had the upper hand due to his superior weaponry and armor sets. Despite Miyoung's exceptional aim with her gun, her bullets proved ineffective in penetrating Zaporg's armor.

Miyoung relied on her experience and knowledge of the terrain to gain an advantage over Zaporg. She strategically fought up close when it suited her, but would retreat into the forest momentarily whenever she sensed a disadvantage approaching. Once out of danger, she would aggressively launch another frontal assault in an attempt to weaken Zaporg's armor. Whenever Zaporg adapted to her tactics, Miyoung quickly changed her approach - a strategy that was currently proving successful.

"You've been quite the annoyance, human," Zaporg sneered irritably.

"Not bad for a mere mortal," Miyoung grinned back.

She expertly evaded his right hook and counterattacked by forcefully slapping him across the face with her pistol. In one seamless motion, Miyoung spun around and delivered a powerful blow with her feet, swiftly followed by another strike from her other leg. While performing these maneuvers, she fired multiple bullets at his body armor, but they had no impact whatsoever. Undeterred by this setback, Miyoung holstered her pistol and retrieved the sniper gun attached to her back. She continued to relentlessly attack him while skillfully avoiding any counterattacks.

Miyoung released two latches on top of her gun and slammed it onto his shoulder, causing two sections of the gun to unlatch and wrap around his shoulder. She firmly grasped the tip of her gun and snapped his arm off his body. Kicking him backward, she quickly reattached her guns before discarding his arm.

"Pretty impressive for a human," grumbled Zaporg as blood spurted from his injured arm. "I would love to keep fighting you, but I have more urgent matters to attend to." Zaporg chuckled as something crashed behind Miyoung in the forest. "However, I'll leave my first commander to finish the rest of this fight."

Multiple claws emerged from the crash as Miyoung did her best to dodge their attacks. In a few quick movements, Zaporg managed to elude her sight. "Kobayashi, I lost him. I think I need some assistance," she said.

I responded, "We're currently occupied with Dexter."

"We'll be there soon, Miyoung," Younghee assured.

Miyoung noticed a claw retracting into the forest, followed by an eerie silence for a few seconds. Then, three claws simultaneously shot out towards her. Reacting quickly, she used the power of wind to push away three of the claws but couldn't avoid the final one in time. She leaned left and narrowly avoided having her arm sliced off as it passed just above her shoulder. In an instant, Miyoung vanished and reappeared in a safe location.

"You took your time, Haeun," Miyoung said.

Haeun appeared on the right side of her. Miyoung watched as the two other claws and arm quickly retreated back into the forest.

"Nothing gets past your extra sight," Haeun grinned.

"Pay attention, Haeun and Younghee. We're not out of danger yet," Miyoung said. "Kimchi, Guide Me."

Haeun sighed. "Always serious. Spit Fire, Gochujang."

"Haeun's right. Lighten up," Younghee appeared on the left side of Miyoung said calmly."Tranquility is Key, Ssamjang."

A massive mechanical tripod emerged from the forest and charged straight at them followed by several smaller lizard creatures.

"Damn it! This doesn't seem as dangerous as last time," Younghee casually remarked."What do you say we rough them up a bit?"

"Miyoung, you take down the big guy; we'll deal with these smaller ones," Haeun suggested confidently.They charged forward with Miyoung a few steps behind.

"This is not a game guys!" Miyoung grunted.

"Status?" I shouted.

"Zaporg escaped," Miyoung spoke. "His right-hand man slipped from our grasp, but we managed to take care of the rest. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Kobayashi, what about you?"

"Dexter also escaped from the city. They sent a small strike force for us to handle, and it went according to plan for Zaporg," I continued. "Viktor and Isabel suffered minor injuries, but we can quickly patch them up."

"Viktor is ready to go," Viktor stated.

"What's your next move, Kobayashi?" Haeun asked. "Younghee and my team will stay behind and provide support until reinforcements arrive."

"We will continue pursuing Zaporg; he remains our top priority over the decks of clubs and other dangerous matters on our planet."

[chappythegardener]

Can You Grow Bell Peppers in Texas?

Here are unique and specific tips and methods to grow bell peppers in Texas: Choose the Right Varieties: Select bell pepper varieties that are well-suited to the Texas climate, such as 'Sweet Banana', 'Red Beauty', or 'Big Bertha', which thrive in hot conditions. Start Indoors: Begin growing bell pepper seeds indoors in early spring, around 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. This allows for a longer growing season and ensures the plants are well-established before transplanting outdoors. Harden Off Seedlings: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures over the course of a week. Transplant Carefully: When transplanting seedlings outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Provide Sun Protection: In the intense Texas heat, provide some shade for bell pepper plants during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn. You can use shade cloth or plant taller crops to create natural shade. Mulch for Moisture Retention: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Water Consistently: Bell peppers need consistent moisture, so water them deeply and regularly. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal diseases. Fertilize Regularly: Feed your bell pepper plants with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit development. Provide Support: As the bell pepper plants grow, provide support by using stakes, cages, or trellises to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruit. Pruning and Pinching: Pinch off the first flowers that appear on young plants to encourage the plants to focus their energy on establishing a strong root system. Later, selectively prune branches that are overcrowded or damaged to improve air circulation. Monitor for Pests: Keep a close eye on common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, or hornworms. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil sprays or introducing beneficial insects to manage pest populations. Disease Prevention: Prevent common diseases like bacterial spot or powdery mildew by providing adequate spacing between plants, watering at the base of the plants, and ensuring good air circulation. Protect from Temperature Extremes: In Texas, both heatwaves and cold snaps can be challenging for bell peppers. Use row covers or cloches to protect plants during sudden temperature fluctuations. Harvest Properly: Harvest bell peppers when they reach their mature size and desired color. Use sharp pruners or a knife to cut the peppers from the plant, taking care not to damage the stems or surrounding branches. Crop Rotation: Practice crop rotation by avoiding planting bell peppers in the same spot for consecutive years. This helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil. By following these unique and specific tips, you can successfully grow bell peppers in the Texas climate, ensuring a bountiful harvest of delicious and vibrant peppers. Happy gardening! Read the full article

[aj-the-satyr]

The Meeting

Kokora settled themselves into the largest, comfiest looking chair that he could find in the… well considerably plushly furnished waiting room of the guest house they had found themselves in. “Only thing missing is a small selection of books.”

“Those will be in the library in the main house.” rumbled Borvath as he wandered the room running his fingers over various pieces of furniture.

“Library?” perked up Kokora.

“Yes. Mother likes books. Perhaps not as much as you do, but you are….. You.”

“Wonder if we can get a look at that.” said Kokora, pulling out a book and flipping it open. “Only thing we’re missing is some snacks.”

Borvath snorted but turned at another voice.

“Perhaps I can help with that, sirs.” said a elderly looking human man.

“Bernard.” Borvath’s voice was softer as he said the name.

“Master Borvath.” came a surprised reply. “I was not made aware of your return.”

“I doubt Father made anyone aware of it.” sighed Borvath.

“That’s even if he knows the Bull from the famous duo The Bird and The Bull is you.” smirked Kokora without looking up.

“Infamous. And I’m starting to wonder.” disagreed Borvath.

Bernard waited politely for a moment to interject. “I could provide the master and his friend with a plate of various meats, cheeses and fruits, along with some wine, if that is wished for?”

“Please, Bernard. No rush, but that would be appreciated.” said Borvath with a nod towards the servant.

Bernard left the room promptly.

“Servants.” said Kokora pointedly.

“Yes. Father is rich, remember.”

Kokora looked up from his book and briefly gestured around the room. “Really, Big guy? I hadn’t noticed that every piece of furniture in this ‘guest house’ could probably feed a family for several months if not a year or more.”

Borvath narrowed his eyes and rumbled. “Yet still you agreed to come here, take this case.”

“I did.” Kokora turned his attention back to the book.

“Are you hoping for a big payday?” Asked Borvath.

By way of reply, Kokora only flipped to the next page.

…

Bovath had finally settled into one of the chairs when the snack tray arrived.

“The Master of the house is on his way, Sirs.” Bernard informed the duo before retreating out of the room.

Borvath merely poured himself a goblet of the wine and downed it in one.

Kokora tilted his head at that. “Nervous?”

“Unsure.” came the rumbling reply. “Uneasy perhaps, but not nervous.”

Kokora thought about replying but remembered that his friend tended to pick his words very carefully, not that many gave the almost 8ft tall Minotaur the benefit of the doubt when it came to knowing many words. Others saw the brawn first and failed to look beyond that. He simply nodded and continued to munch on the, rather delightful spread, that had been provided and read his book.

A few moments later the pungent smell of tobacco seemed to almost sneak into the room followed by a pair of well dressed Lizardmen who were very openly armed and proceeding a tall, black furred Minotaur who was smoking a pipe and dressed in enough finery to make his desired impression. 

“Son. It is interesting to see what your time away has made of you.” The voice was as smooth as the silks of their robes.

“Cut the bull, why are we here?” Borvath kept an eye on his partner as he spoke.

Kokora seemed to keep his focus on his book, fingers tracing the words he was reading.

“No pleasantries for your dear Father then?” Smiled Grigori as he puffed on the pipe.

“No more than you afforded me when we last spoke.” Borvath turned his attention once again to his Father, noting the ease at which he stood.

“Fair, time is of the essence after all. My daughter has been kidnapped by one of my current business associates seeking an edge. I would like her recovered and The Bird and The Bull have a one hundred percent success rate, if an unorthodox method.”

“Bertha?” asked Borvath, turning his attention back to his Kenku friend.

“No, Bernice.” answered his Father.

“One problem” interjected Kokora “I don’t like you” he said as he flung an Eldritch Blast towards their potential employer.

[guessimate]

I believe this is the last post of this round, unless I move in the last [merchant] family later. That means the war is slowly coming to an end, and some men will return safely to their homes (read more on that in the asylum post)!

That’s interesting what I rolled for the Emeres – “me and my big mouth!” – a social demotion. I couldn’t really figure out, if it was supposed to be for just one sim or for all of them, but it wouldn’t really make sense to me, to have just one of them demoted. This is a fate worse than death for this family, in my view, as it has far-reaching consequences. Also, I don’t think merchants would just lose their class, they would probably move to another town instead, but for the sake of this challenge that’s what’s happening.

They had ~50.000$ in the bank and got ~70.000$ more for selling their rank 10 business, so they could have really bought their way up to the gentry class even..., but I stripped them of their riches, built a bakery for them and left them with just 100$, as that’s what yeomen are supposed to start with. They were really the force driving the economy in town, earning a total of 100.000$ in their business.

This ROS really destroyed my plans for this family. Now they’ll probably have to marry into the Underwood family who share interest in Cuisine and have a tavern. I also have no merchants in town anymore now, so either someone new has to move in, or everyone has to start a business yet again. This challenge has me doing a lot of mental gymnastics, I have to admit.

I have an idea as to why they could have offended someone. Perhaps it was due to their Asian style of clothing and the fact that they were not fully supporting the local economy, but were also selling some imported goods… And also, the Mons family – who brought lemons and pumpkins with them – just arrived this round, bringing new produce to town. They must have been looking down on the Emere family.

The family still has a lot of harvestables and other things they bought from townsfolk to resell, but that’s not happening now, so they might as well just use these items.

Their children are no longer allowed to go to school, as they are not merchant class anymore, but I don’t think the family should lose their ability to read.

I decided to let them take their pieces of furniture with them, especially that I was moving them to the – now vacant – old plantation of the Gardiner family. I feel like the money should at least go to someone instead of vanishing like this, but I’m not sure. Maybe the money was lost in some investment or in shipping exotic goods.

I decided they wouldn’t keep the rat anymore, as rats don’t really do anything and their bank would be drained, just by feeding the pet. I’m sorry, rat.

~*~

I built a bakery for the Emere family, close to the hill (it’s on 1x3 lot, because nothing else could really fit there). 

I got kids the kids’ oven so that they could contribute some muffins to the bakery, and I even got some [Victorian] food replacements. Bertha got to cooking level 3 (almost 4), and Adelbert has 2 cooking points. If they have to start baking on their own, they’ll have to change the menu a bit, as they cannot bake cakes yet.

They sell:

vanilla game berry pie + cake;

muffins [made by kids];

shortbread [santa cookies replacement] – to me it looks a bit like pizza, so it could also serve as one;

grilled cheese sandwiches;

toasts [replaced toaster pastries].

They got to levels 1 & 2 of the business almost immediately, during their first shifts. They’re both master sellers after all. The reviewer also came by and was impressed by the establishment on one of the following days.

Scarlet became pregnant on Friday, to give birth to their last child. They really need children, if they want to keep selling muffins.

~*~

Kids aged up on Saturday night and I allowed their father to take them to the bakery on Sunday, because I wanted them to learn the ropes, so as not to destroy the family business when they take over. It’s harder to manage this one, because it’s so small, but they still have so many customers.

I rolled Adelbert to be Knowledge and Bertha to be Romance, unfortunately – a female romance sim is really just a scandal waiting to happen. It’s probably due to the influence of Myron Farina who was a Romance sim – alas not a very happy one – by whom they were partly raised.

Adelbert for sure makes sense for a Knowledge sim, as he maxed out Logic as a child. Another child in town that maxed out a skill. Vanilla game childhood might just be a bit too long.

Adelbert managed to get a Bronze register badge, but not before they lost some customer stars. I think the business really needs to drop to a slightly lower rank, because they can’t serve so many customers in this small establishment. Bertha got the Restocking badge.

Adelbert ended up, being a Dramatic Snob who’s a Born Salesperson, and is Never Nude. He probably still remembers the days when they were merchant class and he doesn’t quite like being a yeoman, hence the Snob trait.

Bertha is a Dramatic, Excitable Kleptomaniac, and a Vehicle Enthusiast.

~*~

Myron died childless and quite unhappy on Sunday, leaving some inheritance money to this family, but also to his lover Euphrosina, and a friend, Drifa Imago [who he wanted to befriend last minute, perhaps because he wanted best for this family and she’s the new midwife].

Before he died, they had 3835$ and so they earned 3735$ this round, so that’s what the tax is calculated off.

1000$ – rent.

1121$ – tax.

= 2121$ (rounded down to 2100$) to the Royal Treasury (total in the Treasury so far = 116,900$).

374$ – tithe.

100$ – burial fee [for Myron Farina].

= 474$ (rounded down to 450$) to the Church (total earned by the Church so far = 19,400$).

So they were left with 1285$ before Myron died. I forgot to give money to the midwife, but she got enough from Myron anyway, so that should be enough to pay her off. The Emeres got 1995$ total from his will. After they got the insurance, they were left with 3280$. The money they got from Myron will only be used for improving the bakery, nothing else. If I can build even a tiny room with it, it will be a miracle.

Euphrosina got 495$ apparently, and she probably didn’t even feel it (she didn’t seem to be too unhappy about his death either). Drifa got 385$, which can actually serve as her dowry.

They dug up just a bone.

~*~

Scarlet gave birth at the very end of the round, at 9 a.m. on Monday morning… to another pair of twins – boy and girl… again! I’m sure her daughters – if they ever have kids – will have twins, too. I rolled 96, 27, and 64, so they survived the birth. She must be used to birthing twins by now.

They are 1 child above the limit for yeomen, but it is just within the limit of their initial class, and as these are twins, I will let them be. I called the twins Clement and Charlotte. According to memories, this time she gave birth to the girl first, and then to the son [it was the opposite earlier]. Charlotte is quite similar to her older siblings (she’s a blue-eyed redhead, I believe). Clement, however, is another story. He’s distinctly different from his other siblings – he’s a green-eyed blonde. He also has a darker skin of his mother’s.

[hortascountrysidenotes]

Cutting Back

We are all cutting back on lots of things - fuel most notably but the title of this entry is more concerning the first big cut back in the garden!  We always laugh in this house at how we nurture and encourage all the plants in the garden only to start cutting them back towards the end of June early July.  This year seems to have brought this phase on even earlier, due one supposes to the kind spring and then in this area the chronic lack of rain.  I understand that most of the UK has had a fair sprinkling of rain but here we have really only had perhaps two or three moments of rain since mid March, and each of those was accompanied by a strong wind which dried us up almost immediately.

The lovely underplanting in the borders of early perennial Geraniums such as G. phaeum, Tellima grandiflora and Brunnera all need either dead heading or cutting back to the ground to promote good new growth again in 6 weeks time. None of these are repeat flowerers but look the better for being refreshed albeit ghastly to have a temporary hole.  The same applies to catmint - for the last 6 - 8 weeks this has been a lovely blousy splash of bluey purple and now even the hues of the spent flowers provide colour, but if one is bold it is best to cut it back as it will flower again on second growth in September.  Not as floriferous but nonetheless valuable.  I always feel bad hacking it off, still covered in bumble bees but I stagger it a little and always leave an odd plant.  In the borders here, it is beneficial as lovely purple leaved Sedum Jose Aubergine is often lurking underneath and it is good to let it see out as it starts to prepare for its flowering time.

The borders are looking good - the best year ever for the peonies so all the early watering and feeding paid off.  Roses are mostly past their best now and I aim to dead head a great number before going away next week.  However the Ghislaine de Feligonde and Felicite Perpetue climbers are at their best.  Dahlias are already budding up - they benefit from being watered if one has time but it is hard work getting round everything here.  I am just keeping an eye on newish trees such as the step over apples but many things have to learn to cope with the endless droughts that we experience in East Anglia.

Barley is already turning in the fields - in some cases almost seeming ripe and the grain becoming hard - if this weather keeps up it will be an early harvest.  Hay is being made on the common - for the last time by the Cooper family as the farm is on the market - how much change will there be we wonder.

The sky over the garden is full of swifts and the baby swallows are safely on the wing.  Whatever went on the first time is still a mystery - were we maligning the third one and he or she wasnt nasty at all!  Could there just have been death in the whole clutch and the parents threw them out - they have moved nests for the second brood so one does wonder.  We really should put a camera in there one year. 

Bertha is improving - she has not been lame now for 6 days despite some heavy exercise and training - maybe the course of antibiotics has worked and it was simply and infection.  We go back tomorrow for a check and it might be worth having another course while I am away just to be sure.  We have been doing some early and late walks which they love and Inca springs along first thing then collapses in one of three favourite places - up by the holm oaks, under the garden table or just inside depending on the heat levels!  Good training at Sandringham on Tuesday night - lots of water retrieves and I am pleased that in the main I am managing to get Bertha to hold the dummy on exiting the lake until she gets to me.  It is still not perfect but will be by 10 July I hope.

Gooseberries are pretty much ready so I must pick all of them - thank goodness they will freeze until I get back and then I can process them.  I am letting the birds have the bulk of the redcurrants as we don’t need any jelly this year. Rhubarb is over for another year as with little rain it would be unfair to make it work harder.  I also need to pick and freeze another batch of broad beans which I shall do this afternoon.  Normally I would be podding them in front of Wimbledon but as that has been pushed back a week now, it might just be sitting at the garden table - they do stain ones hands so I tend to wear gardening gloves!

Next week the Alps so a report on the flowers there - I understand it has been very hot and dry there too though the current forecast would leave me to believe otherwise!  Better next week all being well.

HORTA

[freykitten]

What do you think of the queens in the promo for Drag Race France ?

Hiya 👋

This ask actually made me go and look them up, so thanks for that 😉 I don't think I have that many solid opinions to be honest! I'd love to watch Meet The Queens first (do they do that for international seasons?), so for now it's just first impressions

(I’ll add a read more because it got long)

I'm mostly excited for the show because I can't wait to see Nicky as a judge and I love French sense of humour (when it not, you know, racist and sexist). From what I saw on Instagram, I'm expecting to fall in love with the runways, and a lot of the queens seem to work in cabarets, so I hope we're in for something really great performance-wise

As for the queens:

I'd say so far Soa de Muse intrigued me the most. She's unfairly stunning in and out of drag AND SHE SINGS TOO. Like, look at her:

(photo credit to marina_vgr on instagram)

I obviously know Kam Hugh, but I've only seen gorgeous photos and no performances, so I'm stupid excited to get to know them more as a person. I felt that way about Mik too when season 13 was announced.

I love the fucking with gender expression aspect of drag, I live and die for bearded drag queens - that would be enough to make me interested in La Big Bertha, but she's a comedy queen AND SHE SINGS. Definitely looking forward to seeing her perform.

Paloma's drag seems very graphic and conceptual, which is my weak point. AND HER PROMO WIG, HAVE YOU SEEN IT?

I'm obsessed. I really hope to get more of that fun, artsy approach to fashion from her.

I feel similarly about Elips. I love their makeup, it's so graphic and extra. And it turns out they often work with MC Monin, a photographer I really like, so I'm having some high hopes for very elevated, very editorial looks

Like, LOOK AT THEM, COME ON

I really like Lolita Banana's promo look, and I think she's a dancer? I'm always 👀 at the dancers because my body can't do that, not sober and not very well. Oh, and while looking at her feed I found this gem:

How haven't I seen Nicky in this outfit? Where was it my entire life?

I think that's all for now? I've just gotten myself more excited. Some first seasons can be rough, but I fingers crossed this one will be good. If you read all that and got here, what are your opinions, nony?

[dangerousenemies]

IDEALS.- scrapped chapter.

He had been torn away from his home not once, but twice. He wanted to return. But he wanted it to be along his own terms. He was certain… certain he would see them all again. That he could not have been so lost within time, that wherever he did end up - there was always a choice. An option. He did not like parting ways.

There's a lot of people who never got to say goodbye. There's plenty more waiting to say hello again.

A republished fix-it fic. Ingo has been returned from his unexpected time in Hisui, found by Clay just outside route 6. Sorry, I don't know how to format fics onto Tumblr.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Enjoy !

Lucas had been home for all of one week. It was… weird being home. It was warmer, by proxy - but it was still cold. It was still Sinnoh after all, but he could tell the change in degrees. His leg was bouncing as he sat with Cynthia's pokemon, the Champion preoccupied hand-feeding her pokemon their pre-chosen meals. His Mom was busy ordering food for him, Cynthia, Dawn & for all of the other pokemon. Lucas had been practically glued to everyone's sides since he'd gotten home, well aware of the toll it took on them as well as him. His Mom had even had a movie night with him the first day he got home, both of them & his team, fell asleep in the living room that night. He didn't want to be alone. And he was pretty sure his Mom thought he'd go & disappear into thin air if she didn't have an eye on him that first day. Lucas had been practically suffocated by Luxray who decided it was best that he laid on top of him, pinning him down as it groomed his head just about every five minutes. Though he was pretty grateful it hadn't been Houndoom, with his bony body & horns that threatened just about every piece of skin they hung by. He had situated himself beside him, though his little pleading eyes always found him a scratch on the head & the occasional piece of popcorn snuck his way. Always seemed hung up on the butter, though. As much as the last few days had been nice, they’d been kind to him — he was really, really out of touch with everything.

Suddenly appearing in the League, out of the blue in the dead of night was a pretty jarring start from the get-go. His team from Hisui was still on him, & his uniform rang alarm bells in any sensical person's mind. On his sleeve was the symbol of Team Galactic — he really had to explain it was okay, he wasn't being indoctrinated as some runaway Grunt. He promised. When he had remembered being there last, he had been staying overnight until his Mom could pick him up. The week had been full of challengers – and he was having a blast! But it was coming up on the weekend, & Bertha had been insisting he head home for a few days. As to not worry his Mom. The idea of him disappearing on them all was what hurt him most. When did she get the call that he was gone? Did she come all the way up to the League to find him gone in the morning? Countless adults who were trusted to keep him safe, unable to find a trace of him? When did they stop looking?  Even his team had been left behind, they had been in his bag or all around him, sharing the room he spent his time in when he stayed overnight. He knew his Empoleon had to have been outright destructive in his absence. He'd practically raised him from an egg. The big guy was as glued to him as Lucas was to everyone else, neither he nor Empoleon really wanted to be apart again. He had even woken up to him lying against the couch on the first day home, his head placed next to his. Pleading with big eyes that told him he needed to get up, & get up now. But Empoleon had the same issue as Houndoom. Plenty of spikes & jagged parts on him, & little humans are too squishy.

Flint had been the first to notice he was gone, apparently. He had been first to find him when he'd come back as well. Practically shaking as if he’d gone & seen a ghost before immediately questioning how someone could have gotten in at night. It wasn’t hard to explain, the moment Lucas opened his mouth Flint knew who he was. All questions, asking what he was wearing. Where he had been. He told him he’d explain if he helped him get ahold of his Mom. He was on it almost immediately, though almost immediately left him on his own again. He came right back for him, dragging him to Bertha while he went & found his phone.

It was all smiles & tears - ' where were you's ', & plenty more phone calls. He remembers sobbing into Flint's phone, crying on the floor the moment he heard his Mom's voice for the first time in months. They'd both been crying. Bertha had been combing his hair at that point, telling him it was a Honchkrow's nest dotingly, although he could tell she was trying to remain calm about the situation. He still hadn't cut his hair since he came back. Wasn't even sure he planned on it. Aaron hadn’t been in the League itself that night, but he was there in the morning. Lucian had been busy getting Cynthia on the line in another room, she had been home, & awake, so it didn’t take long for her to show up. She had stepped back in as Champion in his place until he was found. Not to mention had been the one rearing his pokemon where his mother couldn't. Barry had offered, but when the six of them alongside his own proved too hard to handle for him & his mother alone, she took them in. Apparently none of them thought to offer his team to Palmer, who was plenty capable of handling the rowdy bunch. And had plenty more space to allow them free range on his hands. The six of them really had been through everything with him. They were ride or die, for Lucas & for one another.

It wasn't hard to get the six of them to intermingle with his Hisuian team, they'd all been through so much with him, although separately. They seemed to synergize well, even if Typhlosion & Empoleon liked to squabble for his attention. He loves them both very dearly, but they are both very big, & very, very petty. Both of his Luxray took to each other well, though his male Luxray, Rogue, did seem to defer to his larger, older female Luxray, Scout. He had to keep them both, it didn't feel right not having a big doting kitty. Even when he still couldn't remember where he'd come from, a Luxray soothed his nerves. She was even more of a mama than Rogue was, & Rogue practically babied him like he was his own kit.

His Empoleon, Luxray, Roserade, Houndoom, Gengar & Gastrodon were the team that brought him to success when he was eleven. His Typhlosion, Drifblim, Sylveon, Scizor, Gardevoir & another Luxray had aided him in closing the rift, & sending Volo for a run for his money. Although when it came down to it, his Gardevoir had been left to the past. When he returned home, he had been carrying a Sneasel, dotingly named Conductor, he had recently caught & planned to train. He really hopes he never thought he was abandoned. It was training. Field work. More information for Professor Laventon, so he hadn't even thought he could have been leaving him behind that day. A sweet pokemon, he hopes he went on to be of help to the Galaxy Team's work. Psychic & fairy types were invaluable, so his dual-typing would have – maybe could have done wonders for Pesselle & the Medical Corps.

He really hoped all of his little stragglers in time had been happy & cared for when he wasn't there anymore.

Was Laventon worried over him? Fussing over a child he'd never see again? Trying to ensure he kept an eye on Akari, hoping & praying that she, too, was not stripped away from him? There one minute, gone the other. Did they find his living space empty, with nothing but the clothing he had left behind & the box of supplies by his door full? Of dirty food dishes, stained by berries, plants & meats for his pokemon. What did they do with the countless creatures he had caught? Did they keep them in the hopes that one day, he may return, & claim them? Or did they release them as he had amassed so many, countlessly losing track of the beasts that he amounted. They were all good. Even the ones he mellowed, even the ones with a track record with the Galaxy Team's Security Corps. Did everyone think he abandoned them?

He had wanted to say goodbye. He really did. Seems like gods don't have time for little things like that.

Lucas hadn't realized how much he had been tapping his foot.

He really should get something to keep him busy when he’s left with freetime like this. But ever since his journey, then his time in Hisui, he really, really hated just sitting still. Especially when he was outside. He had to be doing something, he was always doing something. He kind of wants one of those bead charms you can fidget with.

He had way too much free time now. Getting in touch with other kids from Johto could be fun - they had years of mastering the craft of pokéball construction. He had a few months, & his own were still functional! Although he was really considering swapping his team into more current styles. He liked learning from others, who helped him develop the skill further, long before any mass marketing of them happened. Lucas fidgets with his jacket's zipper, just about flapping his wrist as he did.

A buzzing caught his attention. He checks his own phone, wholly expecting a play-by-play from Barry who was doing an internship with his father. It was kinda disappointing that he couldn't come out with them today - they had a lot of catching up to do, & he really wanted to see how his new team fared against Barry who'd been training with a Frontier Brain. His dad kicked his team’s ass when they were younger.

No new texts, no new notifications. No one was calling. All that stared back was his own reflection & the screensaver he had taken with all twelve of his interchangeable team. Cynthia’s phone however, was lit up face down.

He looked up from where he was sitting to where Cynthia was standing, her phone buzzing against the table, on silent. Oh. He looked at it, then went back to her. She was holding Garchomp's food for her to eat it out of her hands, taking the leek chunk by chunk like Dawn did with her Torterra. Lucario stood beside her, munching on a hand baked treat between his paws. Togekiss rested beside Lucas. Whatever fairy aura they said he emanated didn't seem to wash away his worries, like some said it would. He didn’t have a very good track record with the little guys, as of recently, but his hand still ran through his coarse feathers gently. It wasn't that he didn't like him. He just reminded him of a fight he would have never won without earning the favor of literal gods. And the ire of more.

"Um." Lucas says quietly, looking at Milotic, who had her head resting across his lap, subject to his ceaseless foot tapping. Then to Togekiss. "Could you two…" he laughed a little, nudging the sleepy oarfish gently. Cynthia looked over at the trio as Lucario padded his way to join the bunch, noting Lucas' attempts to wake Milotic. Spiritomb was in her stone, just to the left of him, away from the public eye - so it wasn't her causing issues. And Roserade was sitting beside Garchomp eating her own meal, a spicy berry that she seemed to favor. Cynthia gave him a look.

"Lucas?" Asks Cynthia, finding her gaze on him as he tried to stir the sleepy creatures.

"Oh! You um - someone's calling!" he says, smiling at Milotic who was now slowly raising to her full height. Lucas pats her side, smiling up with a wide grin before looking back at Cynthia. Garchomp snatched the last of her greens. She gave the dragon a gentle rub of the head as a parting touch, as she strode to where Lucas sat. She picks up her device, seating herself beside Togekiss.

"Who was it?" he asks. He watches as Milotic disturbs Spiritomb, her large head resting under the shade of the table, rattling the stone. The spirit flashed to life, crying out in an attempt startle the other. It wasn’t very effective, as Milotic just huffed in her face & rolled over, lazily sleeping off her own meal. He was pretty sure Spiritomb didn’t have to eat, so for the most part she didn’t, but he also had seen her be one to indulge in a poffin or two. That made him smile. Not so spooky after all.

Cynthia clicked her phone open, flicking to her contacts app. "Clay, from the Unova region."

"The gym leader? He specializes in ground types! I fought him when we went over a few years ago! You let me & Mom stay in your spare room in the beach house. Remember when I’d gone & got sick from eating my weight in Castelia Cones?”

"I do. And, yes, that's the one." She chimes, thoughtfully as she questions the call. "I do wonder what he could need, though." Cynthia hums thoughtfully, scanning the phone as she stares at the missed call screen. She looks down at him, curiosity lighting her eyes. "Any ideas?"

"Nothin." Lucas says in response, twiddling his thumbs.

“Me either.”

Lucas was half listening as Cynthia calls the gym leader back. What time was it there? Was it late? He remembered being severely jetlagged when he had pleaded to come along a few years ago. Cynthia was his aunt, or cool older sister, sorry Mom! He had plenty of new Aunts & Uncles, & new friends. Plus it was nice to have someone who was there for him, especially because she'd be the one taking care of all of the paperwork until he turned 18. Or until he lost & a new Champion was named. That wasn't going to happen any time soon. He swore to it. Though he… Really needs to get back into the swing of that. It took a lot of his Hisuian team getting used to all of the artificial lights, & how loud it was. And how much more gentle they had to be, but not too soft on opponents! They just weren’t fighting for their lives any more. People often asked if Typhlosion was sick. Or if Sneasel had gone & grown himself a winter coat. His attention stirred as he caught the tail end of the conversation Cynthia was preoccupied with - "It isn't late there is it?"

"No, as a matter of fact this is probably the best hour you could have called. What is it, sir? Is something amiss?" Cynthia was offering Milotic a berry, the serpent lazily taking half of it in one go.

"I uh-" That sounds bad. Lucas leans forward, looking at Cynthia, catching her expression. She looked perplexed, if anything. He guessed it was kinda weird. But Clay was a businessman, though for what Lucas didn't really remember. Maybe evolution stones. That sounded right for a ground type guy like him. And because he was pretty sure he was related to Lian in some way. "Sorry, I was wondering how much you knew about any old Sinnoh legends. Especially about the Lords 'n' Ladys of Sinnoh, the Deity, not the region."

Oh? What did he know? Lucas nudges close to Cynthia, as if wanting to pry his own way into the conversation. She looks down at him inquisitively. "If that's what you're calling for I can see if I can lend you to Professor Rowan - he'd be much more concise about these kinds of things."

That was her work voice. He knew her work voice. That was her boring voice. But the look in her eye was something far too familiar. A curious glint that he'd seen time & time again. Cynthia wanted to talk for hours about something like this, but knew better after the stunts of so many in the region. Too many people want to know things for the wrong reason, & he's seen it first hand, twice. Besides, what did Clay want to do with Sinnoh? With the literal Sinnoh, too, that is. All four of them - though did Giratina count into that? He guessed xe did. Though it was all written history! It couldn’t be that bad of a question. He’d learned about Hisui & Sinnoh when he took a few years worth of school, alongside his role as Champion.

"Are you certain? I know you've been to Unova a spill to poke around the ruins - you got nothin on say, the Pearl Clan?" Okay. What did he want to know that he couldn't just go find in a library? He knew there was a huge library in Unova. He fought in it! The gym leader was really nice, too.

Lucas takes Cynthia's sleeve in his grip, looking at her as if he wanted to shout to the whole world.

She gave him a look that said ‘Don't. For now.’ Lucas stared back, before pouting. He stuffed his arms across his chest, tapping his foot. He needed to know. He wanted to ask. Lucas felt like he was practically vibrating where he sat, foot unable to keep up with his ankle as it patted the ground. Lucas stands up - he needs to get out the jitters.

Cynthia sighs. Uh oh. "Why are you asking me in particular?"

Lucas looks down, turning to not catch her gaze as he had expected to.

"You'd be less biased towards the science-y type things, than the fantastical. Am I right?" He sounds really tired. It has to be late. No other way. What, was he back in some late night history class or something? Gotta get a good grade so he went to an ex-Champion? He has to know.

"You'd be right." Says Cynthia, looking at Lucas now who stared at her with an expression that could only be described as baby-doll eyes, but from a human. He puts his hands together in a pleading gesture.

"Please? You gotta let me - come on." he says, leaning forward now. "Rowan hasn't even gotten back to us!"

Cynthia hesitates. He wasn’t proving his point. Cynthia relents. She holds her phone out towards him. Lucas' eyes glitter. He steps forward, perhaps maybe a little too excited, taking the phone in two hands although not out of Cynthia’s grip. "And what do you wanna know? Huh?" He outright barks the question, long before he could realize he was being rude. Too forward - Cynthia pulls the phone back with a knowing smile, & shakes her head. Not the way to ask.

"Lucas. Have some tact." She was taking the phone off speaker, tsking quietly, to his dismay. He pouted. The guy - someone he hardly knows - is asking about the exact place he went for six months, & he's not allowed to ask questions? Come on. Come on! This sucks. This sucks!

Lucas pouts, slouching as Spiritomb bumps his leg. He stares down at her. That smile was mocking. Of course the ghost was mocking him.

"Lucas is very intrigued by your interest. Would you care to elaborate?" Cynthia says, standing up, gently taking his arm to usher him towards his Mother & Dawn. "Go help your mother, okay?" She points out they had their food now, quiet as she speaks. Two trays for people but one for the pokemon who weren't Cynthia's. All hands on deck.

He pouts. Okay, fine. Lucas stuffs his hands in his pockets as he makes his way over to his Mom & Dawn, who had ordered maybe a little too much.

"Isn't this a lot?" he asks, as he approaches. He took the tray of pokemon food - a few fish shaped foods he didn’t recall the name of, spicy berries & peppers, he only had Typhlosion, Empoleon & Sneasel with him, so the others had to be for Dawn's but the two other trays seemed excessive.

"Oh! We're just celebrating." his mom said, hand waving away any worries. "Come on, then. I'm sure your little ones are hungry."

It did look really good. And it was a good time to celebrate. Even if he was super, super stressed.

"I - yeah." He kicks a pebble under his foot before looking at Dawn, who was a few feet away with Buneary standing at her side, hopping as she awaited her own food.

"You got a milkshake didn't you."

Dawn hadn't looked up from where she was diligently looking for a straw. She turns to look at him slowly, then all at once laughs, rubbing the back of her head, a bit red faced & smiling. "Yeah! I did… We got one for Cynthia, too - you said they’re still too sweet, right?"

He makes a face, placing a hand on his stomach.

"Right." She turns to face him, placing a spoon on the tray before waltzing up beaming with a grin. "Where're we sitting? Cynthia's pokemon & yours combined practically take up two tables - I know we're outside & all but it’s a little much."

"Oh, uh." He nodded his head to a table beside where Cynthia sat, Garchomp lazing in the sun with Roserade by her feet. "There's a spare one. And don't act like Torterra's any smaller! She's not gonna stop growing, unlike mine."

"Sneasel still hasn't evolved." She sticks her tongue out. He sticks his tongue out in return, blowing a raspberry.

Lucas leads the two of them over to where his mother had set a tray by Cynthia's side, smiling. The woman smiled back, lifting her hand to say ' hello ' , despite still being on call. Lucas sets his tray down at the secondary table, letting Empoleon out first, then Typhlosion, then Sneasel. The trio looks up at him curiously, & he smiles back as he sets their meals down at his respective heights. Sneasel’s on the ground, Typhlosion's on the bench & Empoleon's on the table top. Lucas looks back at Dawn, who's Torterra was blending in comfortably alongside the outdoor decor. It was a pokemon inclusive area, so a team of six was expected of trainers like themselves. Dawn only had Torterra, Buneary, & Pachirisu at the moment. She'd gone off setting her food in the grass by her side, letting the tortoise stay where she was basking in the unusually warm rays.

Lucas looked at Cynthia, her face looked… contemplative, at best.

"Do you know his name?" He heard her ask, as he settled himself down next to Sneasel. He was gnawing away at a few roasted berries held between his claws. Lucas smiled, rubbing the fur between his ear & feather gently.

"What would it be?" Lucas listened intently, knowing this had to be about whatever mystery of Sinnoh that Clay wanted to know. He didn't really see his interest, grabbing at something to snack on. His stomach was growling. He found himself eating some snapped peas, although he wasn't very focused on his meal so much as he was Cynthia's mystery man. Dawn sat next to him, & nudged him with her elbow.

"Feeling nosy?" She teased before taking a bite.

"Little bit."

Cynthia looked to Lucas, catching his gaze for just a few seconds. He felt his confidence die in that moment. She looks away, offering Garchomp another leek. The dragon leaned up, snapping it in half with a contented noise. "Ingo?" She hums, placing a finger to her chin as quietly as she contemplates the name.

Ingo? He sat up, no, he stood up.

Almost nearly stepping on Typhlosion's paw, which he immediately apologized for, putting his hands out in an apologetic manner. He trilled in response, holding a once fish shaped treat between his paws. All was forgiven when there was food involved. He half heard Dawn question his sudden jolt, as Lucas now rushed up to Cynthia's side, almost tripping over his own feet as he did. He caught himself, half way through - hands landing on the table. He breathes a sigh of relief. Cynthia casts him a glance. A look of 'What are you doing?'.

“Lucas?” He could hear his Mom - Dawn was standing up behind him.

Cynthia shakes her head. Kids. "That's your version of the Battle Frontier, is it not? I don't particularly know the name, but-" Lucas grabs at the phone, catching her by surprise with a gasp.

"Please," He says, watching Cynthia stare at him for a moment, unrelenting. She pulls the device away from him with very little force, then turns it, delicately offering it to him. Be polite. Right.

She smiles. It was knowing. "You could have asked." She gestures with one finger. He really hates it.

"I need to know." He replied.

Taking a deep, full breath to embrace whatever conversation that lied before him, he wasn’t very certain he was ready. His hands felt clammy against the plastic case. Lucas holds the phone with two hands as he steals his nerves. He was never good on phone calls. He needed to know Ingo was okay. He needed him to help him not sound insane. He hadn't even considered he could have possibly been from the same time period.

It was an accident caused by Cynthia's own grandparent – never, ever would he blame her – but Ingo had nothing to fulfill except getting himself home & back to his family. He had a family. Just as he knew he did, too. Lucas finished what he had to do. So he went home. But Ingo had no divine task - nothing that ate away at him at night, besides his own past.

Lucas had been lost to something he could not understand, something beyond him. Divine, & holy. Sinister, & malevolent. Like tides pulling against one another until it spat him out as the solution. Something that told him if he didn’t fulfill a quota, that he would never see his family again in so many words. Not until he met the demand. Something that seemed unreachable, as he remembered more, time & time again that he knew more pokemon that existed beyond Hisui. Pokemon he had worked alongside - raised. Fought against & cheered for. Pokemon he adored, hated. That he grew up with - that he had raised, even. It was an intangible task, one that his mind still fought with – still could not get past. He had fulfilled his purpose, but he was nothing more than a tool to a god who saw him as an easy scapegoat. Why did it have to be him?

Ingo knew he was lost. Lucas thought he was a lost cause. His breathing shook for a moment, inhaling again to calm himself.

"You know Ingo?" He asked, maybe a little louder than he’d preferred. He was always a little loud. Everything was always exciting – but this felt like the day he had come home. When he’d been embraced in his Mom’s arms, when he’d wept into her shoulder. When Barry downright tackled him into a hug - squeezed him so tight he was pretty sure he’d been winded. Ingo was lost like him. Just like Cogita said. They didn't have to be lost.

"I do. And from the sounds of it, you do, too. Lucas, am I right?" He had a really, really heavy accent. He forgot about that.

"Yes, sir. Is that why you were contacting Cynthia? I – You. You’re asking about a lot of things I know about. And – It’s really freaking me out. And I know that – that sounds really dumb coming from a kid. I know! I am a kid. But—”  Maybe it was better for Professor Rowan to handle things like this. Lucas took a deep breath.

"Woah, woah now. Hold your horses. Let's start from the beginning'. I'm Clay, nice to meet you." Lucas felt like he was about ready to implode. Cynthia places a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. Maybe she could tell he was seconds away from vibrating out his skin. He hadn't told her about the man stranded in time, just like him. He was like family at this point. Like an older brother, or an uncle. Like Cynthia, in a way. He idolized them both so much, they were such big parts of his life.

"...You ok, kid?”

Lucas hadn't noticed he had been tearing up. He had gone silent on him. Cynthia offers her hand, as if to say 'I can take it from here.' he shook his head vigorously. Lucas rubs his eyes dry. "I'm okay. Really. Please tell me everything you know about Ingo. He's a very dear friend to me. Like family. He’s part of the reason I was able to get home unharmed.” There's a pause. He could hear Clay's hesitance. "Did you find him?”

The receiver crackled. "I did. Alive."

Ingo's home. Just like him. It took longer - but he was home. Maybe he had to change something about the past before he could come home. Just like him. Lucas holds the phone a little looser, although the bottomless pit in his stomach did not fade. He was quiet, feeling himself tremble - but his grip was not so tight. He felt less lightheaded. "Is he okay?”

"Did he always forget where he came from?"

"Yeah! Yeah. It was a big deal, too. I uh — I did, too, but it was only for a week or so. But if he wants to talk to me, call me Rei. Okay? I don't really want to explain, but he's not going to know me if you call me Lucas. You really have to trust me on this." Rei was his father's name. It was the first thing he could think of when Professor Laventon was talking to him when he woke up. Just… His dad.

"Alright, one thing at a time. What pokemon did Ingo fancy himself to use?"

"A uh… A really feisty Gliscor, a real docile Machamp, a Tangrowth, a Magnezone. Um." he looked down at the ground as he thought, long & hard on it. He had two others that were really slipping his mind. “Alakazam?”

"You've sold me already.” That was quick. “Don't fuss yourself tryna remember fine details." And that was a first. Lucas swallowed hard. He could see his Mom worrying about him. He flashed her a smile, but it was quiet, & tired. It was unlike him.

"Is he awake?" he asked, casting a glance at his food that had been getting cold as time went by. Though thankfully it was mostly just leafy greens - stuff that wasn’t really warm to begin with.

"No. He's passed out like a sack of potatoes, but comfortable ‘n’ safe with me. That Gliscor you mentioned wanted my head the moment the phone rang, it's mighty protective of him." Lucas can't help but let a small laugh escape him. He nods his head, smiling at the image of the large bat, who always had draped himself over his trainer. Full of malice, but the biggest softy on his team. Ingo didn't mind his big head laying on his chest, he said he liked the pressure. That it reminded him of a dragon he once trained, although its mouth was an occupational hazard so letting it snuggle was often done with safety in mind.

"Is he hurt?" He asks, looking up at his Mom who had gently pat his shoulder with a reaffirming smile. She waved it away as she walked to where his pokemon & his own meal sat. He looked down at Milotic at his feet, then back up as his mother who stood next to him, tray in hand. She smiles at him, & sets his tray down. Oh. "Thank you." he whispers gratefully, placing his hand over the speaker, & she smiles softer, now, ruffling his hair.

"Not recently, that I can tell at least. Though he looked like he'd been flushed outta the sewers, like a half-drowned Rattata."

"He always looks like that." Although a particularly loud strike of thunder that was picked up over the phone sought to prove him wrong. Lucas turns to face the table properly, taking one hand off the phone to take a large chunk out of his salad, using a fork to stab different chunks of what he’d wanted. He takes his fill, munching quietly as his eyes drift to his mother & Cynthia speaking amongst themselves. Lucas' eyes fell on his food, knowing they were talking about him. He picks his food over, mulling over the situation. "Does he have any family? Have you told them? They might wanna talk to us – we have a lot of explaining to do.”

There's a low hum from Clay at the last statement. Rowan might really, really need to explain somethings to whatever family Ingo did have. "Yes & no, it's very late. I was kept late at the gym - it was a miracle someone he knew found ‘m in this storm. That's why I rang up Cynthia - I was lookin' for someone who wouldn't say I'd gone & lost my marbles. Then I got passed t'you. Which wasn't my plan. Not that it's bad, but it's a bit sidewindin."

"Sorry. Right, sorry." he took another bite, holding the phone away a bit as he chewed. "Well I don't think you're crazy. I just wanted to know if Ingo was okay. I don't think I should be the one to handle things like this." Despite what some people might think. “I don’t… Want to deal with things like this anymore.”

Lucas heard a hum of agreement from Cynthia, who had a single hand over her drink as she wrote something in a notepad. His mom was looking over from her own spot. He gazed over at Dawn who looked a little lost at the whole situation. He still had nightmares about being hunted by Luxray, despite his own being very timid. He still had dreams of people who he would never see again. Lucas stuffs his mouth before he can think about it too hard. "I'll pass you back to Miss Cynthia, I just… needed to know he was home. And not dead. Don't be surprised if I come knocking down your door though! I think Professor Rowan would really like to talk to you. Or his family.”

Lucas looks up at Cynthia whose eye met his. He takes the phone from his ear, holding it out to offer it to Cynthia. She smiles, almost wistfully, taking it. She places it between her chin, & her shoulder as she was still finishing writing something down. Lucas looked down at his food, almost shoveling it in now that he had his hands free. Sneasel had joined him, his little grey blue head nudging his side as he begged for a scrap of his food. He looked at his Mom who couldn't help but laugh. She looked so stressed. Lucas tries to smile for her, keeping it as authentic as he could.

"Look at him, Luke. He's skin & bones." She teases, watching him try & weasel his little claws onto his plate. Lucas offers him a snapped pea. He makes a curt face as he sniffs it, taking a cautious bite. "Look at him! Didn't think he'd – " Sneasel immediately spit it up onto the ground, pawing at his mouth. "Nevermind."

He laughs. It felt good. This felt good. Things felt… normal as they could be, despite all odds.

[fenfyre]

Belonging - Part VI

Part I Part V

"Oh wow, their feathers are so soft...", Eren murmured as he finally dared to pick up one of the five small chickens that had moved into the chicken coop in the backyard barely a week ago. "I really thought they'd be more ... murderous..."

"The feathers?", Marco asked with a grin, refilling the grain container they used to feed their new guests. Soon he had to scoot backwards as the first beaks came pecking.

Two of the chickens, Bertha and Ethel, were particularly insitent when it came to feeding times. Lucky for Eren the one he was holding, Martha, was way more patient. She remained in his arms, clucking quietly as she watched her friends compete for the freshest corn. Of course the tables would turn rather quickly should Jean decide to throw in the leftover lettuce. But he was not that heartless. Not when Eren was starting to actually bond here.

"Very funny. But I was right. Look at those two go!"

"They're hungry", Marco snickered, handing the empty box he had used to refill the grain reservoir over to Jean who stuffed it back into the grain barrel. At the moment they still kept the chicken feed in a barrel next to the outside pen of the coop. In the long run Eren had already planned on some sort of lockable shed for the feed as well, unless they planned to draw in mice and other animals who would like to enjoy the goods. For now though it was practical having it this close. He pressed on the lid as tightly as he could and stepped into the pen, looking around with proud satisfaction. It was more than big enough for the five hens they had gotten barely a week ago from a farmer who was friends with one of his mother's neighbours. As many people as Jean knew her contacts were still more widely spread and often times quite useful.

"My girl Martha is, too. But she has manners", Eren pouted, carefully thumbing her feathery little head. She allowed it even though Jean was not quite sure weather it was out of enjoyment or because it had not yet become too bothering.

"You want to feed her?", he asked, reaching into his jacket pocket to pluck out the slightly wilted leaves of lettuce he brought, holding it out for Eren to take. The chicken in Eren's arms immediately came to life and began pecking upwards at the greens.

His mate flinched so hard he almost dropped the chicken at the sudden struggle in his arms. But he managed to hold on with one hand, carefully reaching for the lettuce with the other.

While Eren was distracted feeding the chicken that began to rip the green leaves from between his fingers Marco stepped over and gently pulled Jean aside.

"Thank you", he murmured, low enough so Eren would not hear it over the not so gentle clucking of the chickens around their feet. "For organising ... this..." He gestured over towards the patch of the garden where they had prepared the long table for the barbecue later today. There was still a lot to do, salads to make and a grill to fire up, but the table with the many mismatched chairs collected around it was already a promise of the gathering that was about to take place.

"You really didn't have to, after everything..."

"I had to because of everything."

Confusion passed across Marco's features and Jean smirked before he added his explanation.

"I was the one who made you settle here..."

"You didn't make us..."

"But I never welcomed you the way I should have. You were on your own for so long. You deserve more than a witch and his cottage. You deserve a family to turn to. A community to feel included in. And I have plenty of both to share."

For a moment Marco did no respond. He looked at Jean, then over at the table they still had to finish preparing. When his eyes flicked back at Jean they were suspiciously misty and he swallowed.

Across the pen Eren perked up despite the feathery distraction in his arms and Jean felt a tug of worry that was not his own so he reached out for his mate before he could even say anything. Eren carefully set down the chicken and the greens before following the silent invitation.

"What's going on here?"

"Marco is just really happy about the barbecue, isn't that right?"

Jean had learned a while ago that trying to hide things from his mates, good or bad, was never a solution. Not when they physically felt his lies, even the harmless little white ones. There were times this forced honesty made things harder instead of easier for them. But not so at this moment when Marco turned to grab their mate and pull him into a hard, joyful hug.

His voice was thick with emotion as he nodded and whispered:

"We're home, baby. We're..."

With a sigh of relief Eren snuck his arms around his mate and Jean felt like a decades old weight was lifted from his shoulders as he watched them melt into each other.

"Yeah", Eren whispered back and for some reason the lone syllable made goosebumps prickle up on Jean's arms. "We're done running."

By now Jean had some sort of idea what he meant. What kind of running they had done for so many years of their lives, always having each other but nearly nothing else. And as much as they had always wanted to believe that having each other was enough, and how that had been true for them for the longest time, they were also only just beginning to understand what else there was for them to have. What had been denied to them for so long. Long enough they were just beginning to allow themselves to enjoy it.

Even though the swell of warm, almost stifling emotion spreading through Jean's chest and up into his throat was not really his own he gladly accepted and welcomed the feeling. It was one of those things they so openly, preciously shared with each other and he was grateful for each spark and throb and shiver of love and light he could feel with as well as for them.

When his two mates noticed his answering thrum and pull across their bond they wordlessly reached for him, welcoming him into their embrace. Just like Jean had welcomed them into his home and his life to forge a connection so much deeper than either of them had ever believed to be possible.

"Thank you", Eren whispered, pressing his warm face against Jean's neck while Marco breathed a kiss against his temple.

"Thank you, Jean."

Jean could hear it. But he could also feel it in the way they embraced and kissed him, in the way their bond hummed and sang. Their gratefulness and love. How much this small gesture, this simple get together with their neighbours meant to them. It meant a lot to him as well and he was glad they could appreciate his effort the way he had hoped they would.

They revelled in their shared connection for a few minutes longer, breathing and hugging and sneaking kisses from each other, before slowly, softly unravelling. Marco's eyes were reddened and Eren's cheeks sticky and Jean had to clear his throat at the sight of the soft way both of them looked at him.

"We still have a lot to do", he reminded them and Eren laughed, his fingers easily finding Jean's and intertwining with them.

"I'll help you in the kitchen", he grinned, beginning to tug Jean along towards the gate of the pen. And even though Jean knew that twinkle in his eye and could hear the telling laugh of Marco in his back, even though he had a suspicion they would not get to actually take on any of the tasks they still had in the kitchen for quite a while if he allowed Eren to accompany him now, he still did not protest. They still had all day until their guests would arrive and he was not opposed to his mates showing him their appreciation in other way as well. Not opposed at all.

~

The End

~

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