#flower hat duckling

[paper-swirls]

Flower hat duckies!

[emirkocturk]

Sessiz ve derin uykular diliyorum bazen. hiç karışmadan rengarenk rüyalara..

Cute baby duck..

[hearnoweevil]

Some ducks to keep my frogs company

[julianplum]

more ducklings in flower hats, I cannot be stopped

🐤 🌸 🌱 ✨➡ check out my shop for this painting & more work like it!

[lethalchiralium]

Ducks | Simon “Ghost” Riley x Wife!Reader

a/n: listen… i don’t have to explain anything. i think we all are onboard with great dad simon

warnings: vague mentions of simon’s trauma, mentions of you (you’re not really in this one), winnie and mellie being cute kids because i said so, mentions of miscarriage but he’s explaining it in a good way to winnie, mentions of medicine

summary: It’s hot in England, so it’s time to pull out the plastic kiddie pool and dip toes in the frighteningly cold water. Winnie finds a new friend.

PREVIOUS << | >> NEXT | SERIES MASTERLIST

“She can be Duckling too!”

Winnie pushed the little ducks in her plastic kiddie pool around, making them tap Simon’s leg that was in the water. He looked down at the little mini you in between his calves, sitting against the very small wall of the little pool and admiring the little octopus in her hand.

The sun was beaming down and even with the windows open, Simon was sweating up a storm. What better idea than to take out the foot tall kiddie pool, fill it with water and toys so he and his girls can stay cool? Even though he wouldn’t be sitting on a chair next to the pool with his feet in the water, he still had his dark blue swim trunks on and a white t-shirt, sunglasses on his eyes but his gaze never left the water. Even a moment’s look away can kill, he knew it was able to happen.

Winnie was sat in her light green swimsuit with her hair messily done up, Simon had pulled it into a little high ponytail but there were strands poking out from the top. The curls she got from her mom always gave Simon a little tug on his heart - if he could tell Winnie’s mom one thing right now, it would be that her daughter was happy.

Mellie cooed from her snug seat between Simon’s feet, little hands splashing down her smaller toys into the water.

“Or Duckie.” Winnie suggested. “I like Duckie, Melsie can be Duckie.”

“What if I like a different nickname?” Simon asked, leaning forwards to adjust Mellie’s mini boonie hat, purple with flowers, to make sure the sun didn’t hurt her little face. He almost heard his mum in his head, reminding him that all children need sunscreen, even babies!

Winnie hummed a little, splashing down one of her bigger yellow rubber ducks, the water spraying on Mellie. “I like Duckie.” The baby giggled, splashing her own duck back at her sister. The older girl smiled wide. Simon glanced up at the sky before back down to his daughters, deciding to grab the sunscreen stick beside his chair. He uncapped it, holding a hand out for Winnie. “C’mere, little love.”

The five year old glared at her father, almost grumbling as she stood out of the now lukewarm water, moving out of it so he was able to reach her. Her little hand was so small compared to his huge bear paw of a hand, yet he held hers with care as he began to smear sunscreen on her little face. Her nose scrunched, eyebrows furrowed as she complained, “I’m fine, Daddy!”

A stripe of sunscreen down her nose almost made Winnie stomp her foot if it wasn’t for Mellie giggling. The big sister was now distracted as she peered around Simon’s legs to see what the baby was doing, he wiped the sunscreen stick on every showing part of skin on his daughter, knowing that his mother would come from the grave to kill him if he didn’t. “Melsie!” Winnie squealed, a smile on her face, he could feel the baby’s head hit his leg to look for her big sister.

His nose twitched as he recognized how he thought of his mother more now, and not in the way he used to. He used to dream about her tears, her arms shielding him from his father, her hands settled on his face to tell him that it’s okay. Now, it was like she was making her presence known by forcing him to think about her again.

Simon Riley wanted his mother and brother to meet the little girls playing in the water in his backyard, wanted his mother to have been here while you were pregnant with Mellie. He wanted his mother here to hold him one last time, and tell him that he was doing this right - because he was flying blind.

As soon as the last swipe of sunscreen went to Winnie’s hand, she tugged herself from his grasp and got back into the pool, purposefully sitting in front of her sister in the water. She began to pull her bigger plastic dolls and rubber ducks towards Mellie, a smile on her little face. The toy haul was short-lived when Simon pulled Mellie up and out of the water, settling her on his lap so he could see her face. The baby scrunched her nose just like her sister did, all he had to do was swipe the sunscreen on her feet, hands and face since her swimsuit covered the rest of her little body. He was a little more gentle with Mellie, holding her back as she shook her head, trying to escape the sunscreen. She let out a little huff, eyes that matched his stared at him with an intensity like his own. He was happy that Winnie didn’t stare as a baby, but Mellie stares like he does when he’s on deployment - like the person on the receiving end is going to die.

Please tell me there’s a way to make babies forget how to stare.

White streaks on Mellie’s skin meant she would be protected from the sun for at least another couple hours or so, he made sure to get her little chubby chin. The baby squealed a little, her hands always trying to grab for the sunscreen yet failing.

“Well, Wins, you call her Melsie,” The baby in question cooed at the nickname as Simon looked to his oldest daughter. “Why do you want her to have another nickname?”

“For you, Daddy!” Winnie smiled, brown eyes warm in the sunshine. He capped the sunscreen stick, tossing it to the ground before moving Mellie to have her actually sit on his lap, her back against his stomach. The baby began to kick out her legs, whining as he kept his hand on her belly, keeping her secure to his body.

Winnie pulled out a small duck from the pool, holding it up and towards Mellie, who cooed and reached for it. “Melsie’s mine, but I’m Duckling too! She can be Duckie or something, what do you want to call her?” Winnie looked up to her dad as her sister took the duck in her hand, curiously inspecting it. “She can be Duckie.”

“I like Bug.” He said, a smile on his face while Winnie lit up - her smile even wider.

“Buggie!” She declared, moving away from him and out of the pool, beginning to run around the small grass backyard.

Simon’s attention went to Mellie, who was now looking up at him and squinting. “Hi, Bug.” The baby babbled, lifting up her duck towards his face. He then picked her up again, moving down and placing her in the water in between his feet again. She kicked out her legs, splashing the water and giggling. She threw the duck down into the water, letting the water spray out of the little pool.

“Daddy!” Called Winnie, his head snapped up and whipped to his left, scanning the small yard for Winnie - his eyes widened.

Winnie stood by the little yellow shed, a wide smile on her face as she held up what looked like a kitten.

“Only my kid,” He mumbled to himself before picking Mellie up - who protested by screeching in annoyance - and placing her against his chest, water dripped down his shirt as he stood. “Winnie, put it down.”

“It’s a cat!” She exclaimed, the little thing squirmed in her harsh grasp. “Daddy, it’s a cat!”

“I can see that.” He answered, stalking towards his oldest daughter. He was not a fan of pets, definitely ones that his daughter probably scooped up out of the garden. “Put it down.”

Winnie’s nose scrunched again as she pulled the kitten back into her chest, the little thing barely even moved. “No.”

Simon almost stopped walking towards her, eyebrows furrowed. She had never defied him before, and he sure as Hell was not going to make a scene because he knew that if she cried, it would be over for him. He’s break instantly and do whatever she wanted. He took in a small breath through his nose. “Winnie, you need to put it down. It’s dirty.”

“She’s sick, Daddy.” Winnie mumbled, looking down at the ground as he finally reached her. He kneeled in front of her, she looked away. He could clearly see the kitten now, it was small and dirty - it looked barely a couple weeks old. His daughter met his gaze, her best puppy eyes being used as she whispered, “Can we help her?”

There was nothing wrong with cats, he just didn’t like them. Scratching up furnishings, hairballs, peeing everywhere - well, that was what his brother’s cat was like when he was a kid, before his dad found it and it disappeared. Simon shook the memory from his head before sighing, keeping Mellie farther from the cat since she was trying to reach for it - the baby squirmed in frustration.

He scrunched his nose too, trying to decide if doing this was a good idea. Yes, responsibility for Winnie and blah blah blah, but he had no idea if his wife would be okay with it. She was sleeping right now and he didn’t want to bother her now so it was just him, his daughters, and a sickly looking kitten his eldest found somewhere. He sighed. “Mum’ll decide what to do later.” His daughter’s face lit up. He glared at her. “She’s not going to stay here, Winnie. We’ll wash her up and get her medicine, but then she has to go back to her mum, okay?” His hand goes to brush a small strand of hair behind Winnie’s ear, her smile quickly faded.

“But… I want to keep her.” Her bottom lip quivered, he sighed.

“It’s not up for discussion. Go inside and hold it, don’t let it wander.” He stood then, Winnie darted away towards the back door. He looked down to Mellie, who stared up at him with an annoyed face. He found it incredible that she was more like him than Winnie was, he smiled to her. She didn’t like it.

He followed his oldest daughter inside, moving to grab a towel he had placed on the counter to dry off Mellie. He pulled off her boonie hat before wrapping her in the fluffy towel, he wanted to go back outside so he moved to the living room and placed her in the mesh-fenced play pen, lined with soft toys. The baby no longer made her upset face and cooed as she unraveled herself from the towel to begin to play. He moved away towards the kitchen, finding Winnie standing next to the sink, the little kitten in her arms hadn’t moved. His eyebrows furrowed before he opened a drawer and grabbed a tea towel, holding it on his hand and saying, “Give it here.”

“You’re gonna put her outside.” Winnie’s bottom lip trembled, he sighed.

“Gotta wash it, Duckling. It might be injured.” He explained. “I won’t take it outside, I’m gonna wash it upstairs. Go play with your sister for me, it’ll be as good as new soon.”

Winnie looked up at her dad, weariness in her eyes before she gently pulled the little creature from her chest and gently placed it on the towel in his hand. He lifted it towards his face, now noticing the black cat with a dirty white face was barely even breathing. He turned away from his daughter, moving towards the stairs as his other hand began to gently poke at the kitten’s face, trying to get it to respond. He glanced behind himself, seeing that Winnie had found her way into the playpen with Mellie, and turned back to the upstairs. Taking the stairs two at a time, he made it to the hall bathroom, which was decorated with pinks, blues, and greens. He moved towards the sink, rubbing the little kitten’s face to try and wake it up.

After a few seconds of rubbing its face, its eye opened and revealed a light yellow eye. The little thing shuddered, he frowned. He pushed the drain plug into the sink drain with his free hand, then starting the faucet with warm water. The kitten barely moved an arm, he noted how frail she looked. Probably abandoned by her mum.

“Alright, Missy, let’s getcha cleaned up, yeah?”

The little thing pawed a little at the towel, he settled her on the counter before shutting off the water so it was just a little water in the basin. He gently settled it in the water, using Mellie’s baby soap to wash its fur. The kitten was still in his hand, little yellow eyes watching the water. He washed its back, looking for fleas, finding none. He inspected its neck and face too, no injuries or fleas - it must have been malnourished, he could very distinctly feel its bones. He gently washed its little face, the dirt falling away and revealing white rings around its eyes. It almost reminded him of his mask.

As soon as he was confident that the kitten was throughly washed and not injured, he grabbed a hand towel from underneath the sink - something that would be a lot softer on the creature. It had closed its eyes as soon as he gently wrapped it with the towel, he moved the small bundle to his chest as he pulled the drain plug. The water drained as he left the bathroom, silently walking down the stairs and to the living room.

Winnie was standing in the play pen, watching him intently as he walked towards them. He saw Mellie on her back, chewing on an ear of a stuffed dog. He chuckled a little as Winnie asked, “Is she okay now?”

He looked down at the kitten’s head, seeing its ear twitch a little. “She’s fine for now, kiddo. We’ll keep her ‘til she gets a little bigger, but then she has to go somewhere else.”

She pouted a little before holding her hands out, “Can I have my kitty please?”

He laughed humorlessly. “No.”

His daughter made a noise of confusion. “I asked nicely.”

“Yes, you did. But it’s too sick for you to take care of.” He answered. “You can have it when it’s better.”

Winnie scrunched her nose and turned away, sitting beside Mellie and refusing to look at him. He looked down at the little kitten, sleeping away in its little cocoon. He sighed, not wanting to believe that his little girl was getting big enough to have tantrums.

He spent the rest of his day taking care of the little kitten, keeping it in an open cardboard box with a couple towels in it, it slumbered away after he fed it was little cow’s milk he had left in the fridge. He made a mental note to go to the market in the morning as he now held Mellie on his chest, bouncing a little on his feet as he neared her crib. She was sound asleep and in comfy colorful pajamas, her little hand gripped his shirt. He slowly peeled off the baby from his chest, laying her on her back in her crib. He gently pet her head, whispering a sweet good night before leaving her room.

He then walked down the dark hallway to Winnie’s room, her lamp illuminating her room as she laid in her bed, facing away from the door. He saw her green bear on the floor next to her bed, he quietly stalked into the room to grab it. As soon as he grabbed it, he almost jumped back when Winnie turned towards him, annoyance on her face. He held out the bear names Pricey to her, she took it.

“I’m not giving the cat away for fun, you know.” He whispered, kneeling beside her bed. “It’s for the best.”

She stared at him. “What if Mummy wants a kitty?”

He shrugged. “It’s not good a time to have a cat right now, honey. Mum’s still sick.” He hated not being able to help ease his wife’s pain, going through a miscarriage of a baby you really wanted was tough - it was rough for him too, but he put his children first to let you take the time you needed.

“Mummy’s been sick for forever.” She murmured, arms wrapped around her bear. “Why can’t she get better so I can have a kitty?”

He fought the urge to roll his eyes, moving to tug her blanket up to her chin. He spoke with a gentle calmness, “Remember when Mum told you you’re gonna have a brother?” Winnie nodded. “And then he went away?” His daughter nodded again, he sighed. “He put Mum in a lot of pain, both in her tummy and in her heart. She feels sick all the time,” He gently brushed Winnie’s curls around her ear as he looked into her brown eyes. “Mum just needs all the love she can get and a long time to feel better.”

“The kitty can love her.” She whined, pouting a little.

“Mum only feels better when you and Mellie and me love her, Duckling.” He was losing the battle, knowing that Winnie would end up winning by outsmarting him with her little kid brain. That’s when he had an idea. He retracted his hand from her head, saying, “Once the cat gets better, I’ll give it to Uncle Soap until Mum gets better. Then you can ask her about the cat, okay?”

This way the cat would get attached to Soap and never have to be back in the house. Great idea, hope he’s not allergic. You know what? I hope he is. It’s what he deserves for pranking my ass every chance he gets.

His daughter nodded, whispering, “Can you name my kitty, Daddy?”

His eyes widened a little, lips pressed into a thin line. “Why don’t you name it?”

“I don’t want to.” She shrugged, he sort of laughed.

“Alright, Duckling. We’ll call her Missy.”

The girl smiled. “What’s her real name then?”

His eyebrows furrowed, he grew confused. “What do you mean?”

“My name is Winter, but it’s also Winnie.” His daughter then yawned, her eyes fluttering to try and fight off sleep. He gently settled his hand on her cheek, her little hand sat on top of his.

He almost smiled, almost broke his straight face as he said, “Missile Launcher.”

His daughter smiled so wide as she giggled, “Okay!” Yep, she’s just like me.

“Alright, now go to sleep.” He leaned forwards and kissed her forehead.

He moved to stand but Winnie spoke, “Tell Pricey good night too, Daddy.”

He sighed, facing her bear and saying, “Good night, Pricey.” He gently pat his daughter’s face before he stood and turned to her lamp, turning it off. Her little nightlight beside the door now dimly illuminated the room, he whispered, “Love you, little love.”

She whispered a little, “Love you too, Daddy.”

He was silent when he left her room, closing the door behind him before making his way to his bedroom. He closed the door behind himself, his own lamp illuminated the room. You were curled into a ball on your side of the bed, his pillow tucked under your chin as you faced his side. He moved towards the bed, being careful of the cardboard box settled on the floor next to his side. He peered into the box, observing the little black kitten until he could see it breathing. He then got into bed, reaching to shut off his lamp before moving towards you.

He would be okay without a pillow to sleep on, but he would never be okay not holding you as you were in pain. He rested his head halfway on the pillow, his arms coming to pull you into him. You murmured in your medicine induced slumber, the sleeping pills giving you a while without pain. He kissed her forehead, gently brushing his hand down your back.

He’d ask you about the cat beside your bed later.

taglist: @sigynxlokiwifelover @lumpypoll @multitargaryen @chloeforde @blueoorchid @vir-tual

Copyright © 2023 lethalchiralium. All rights reserved.

[aquabunart]

A little duckling with a flower hat I painted with watercolor.

[triona-tribblescore]

✨💛Just wanted to pop in and say you and your art are amazing!!💛✨

*proceeds hand you a duckling wearing a flower hat*

IM- ITS SO LIL. AND AND- AND IT HAS A LITTLE FLOWER HAT AND- IM ON THE FLOOR :'( /POS <3333

[tradetobest]

do u still think abt the golf au bc i would pay billions for you to infodump about it…

YEs i love thinking about this au so much thank you so much for asking me about it anon ilysm....

(under the cut bcs it feels a bit long to me)

this was my first act as a hockey fan it has such a special place in my heart.... i thought about it while i was in class and sorted everyone into categories Definitively. thank you for making me do this. of course some of the things i have these guys do you Shouldnt Do on a golf course, and like this is Super unrealistic but i love having my fun ok…. just Good Vibes… (also, im generalizing “clubhouse” as both people who work as servers at the course’s restaurant and the people who help golfers with carts/clubs/etc and all that. i did Not work there At All so it just makes it easier for me to loop them…. imagine they just like rotate around or something….)

OK… so…. starting with the two who started it all, mitch and auston.

i dont ever think i ever totally explained what mitch and auston's roles were besides surface level stuff so!! mitch is a member of the turf team at the golf course, which are basically the group of people who go around and cut the grass and do the landscaping and all of that. like ice crew, but just for the golf course.

auston is like. i don't know. some sort of moderately rich guy. maybe he's Auston Matthews or maybe he's just rich, i have no clue. all that matters is he golfs. maybe he's a professional golfer. of course, i imagine everything in this au as happening at my course, but tbh it works at any course...

(now, of course, one of mitch's friends works at the clubhouse, and tells mitch every time auston is sitting there looking for him... willy nylander youre a real one)

just imagine mitch driving around a work truck with a rake, a bucket of sand, and a leaf blower in the back and auston (dressed prim, and proper, white pants white shoes white hat purple shirt all nice) literally falling all over himself to talk to him. loitering all over just Hoping that Maybe mitch will drive by and he can rope him into conversation. meanwhile when mitch sees willy he’s like “yeah auston’s so cute but like idk if he’d ever go for me” and willy is like “yeah you have no fucking idea”

i used to have to do this task which was just. watering all of the flowers near the clubhouse and i can imagine mitch doing that and like surroptitiously glancing over his shoulder to check if auston is around or watching or something… just some good old fluffy pining yk…

i have a like Whole Ass procreate file w everyone sorted into lil groups so here’s some little tidbits …

i think i mightve talked abt this in another post but sid (crosby) and claude (giroux) both work for turf and are both Incredibly Competitive about it in the most insane way ever… im talking “you take half the course i take half the course and we see who finishes faster” (starting at 6am ish) mowing competitions and theyre both done at 8 on the dot…. insane people shit…. they did it with bunkers ONCE and claude tripped and fell into a bunker and broke his wrists so they do not do that anymore o7….

in honour of my boss feeling like my dad i put patty marleau and matt martin in turf…. they do rough mowing in honour of the two guys at my course who Only did rough mowing…. big ass machine

the thing to know about guys who are higher up on the turf echelon is that not only do they all know each other but they also went to school for it… turf school…. all this to say top grad of turf school Sidney Crosby got some little ducklings and thats how Connor McDavid (top turf school grad) got to this course…. we love that for him

shoutout to other guys who also have fun little romance stories but who arent mitch and auston, including but not limited to:

connor mcdavid, who keeps getting his work paused by these three golfers, which always makes him grit his teeth and smile softly at them, because Holy Shit Let Me Get Back To My Job Please. matthew tkachuk (son of Great Golfer Keith Tkachuk) seems to take joy in interrupting connor while he’s in the middle of something, jack eichel always catches him bent over and sweaty trying to shove the wheels back onto a greens mower for one of the kids, and leon draisaitl stands on the side to wait until connor’s at least done a pass to ask him something. matthew jack and leon can be seen at the clubhouse after they finish a round, head in hands, because connor is oblivious to their flirting. maybe they should try learning the names of different types of grass.

jamie drysdale (uni student staying with his grandparents over the summer) always comes to the clubhouse for breakfast with them, which absolutely delights bored server trevor zegras… too bad the summer has to end some time! lol! anyway

tyler bertuzzi (turf) seems to always have dirt under his fingernails, some mulch and woodchips stuck to his shorts, scuffs on his knees, and a dirty ass sweater on. dylan larkin (clubhouse) finds him INCREDIBLY endearing.

brady tkachuk (son of Great Golfer Keith Tkachuk) when he’s not driving his brother around so he can try and find connor (“seriously, matthew, he looks busy” “no, it’ll be fine, look—”) is smiling sweetly at the fumbling german waiter who always engages leon in rapidfire german conversation. tim, his nametag says, and brady would love to have more than a few word conversation with him. maybe he should interrupt leon’s brooding time with matthew and jack and ask him to teach him some german.

if you want to communicate with the turf team’s mechanic and don’t want to be asked “where sid? tell him—” you should bring sid with you to see him. however, if you do bring sid, you will have to watch him and said mechanic do Weird Flirting for a good 30 mins before your question is answered. this is outside of the Weird Flirting they do anyway, all the time. if a day goes by without sid twirling his hair kicking his feet over some shit geno said to him earlier in the day has the day really gone by?

followup turf/clubhouse Flirting (I CANT BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT TO MENTION THEM IYKYK) tyler seguin, Pretty Boy Galore, and his loud, bubbly, and all consuming obsession with quiet doe-eyed turf worker jamie benn. now thats what i call oblivious. “yeah i flirt with jamie all the time but he just thinks its a joke haha he couldnt want me i know that like have you seen him?” “yeah tyler flirts with me but he’s just joking he doesn’t mean that he could never like me like that have you seen him?” and all that good good shit… tyler sees jamie take off his shirt once because it got soaked and loses his mind.

jack hughes (brother of turf guys luke and quinn) absolutely has the biggest crush on his coworker, fellow clubhouse worker nico hischier. once nico got wet in the rain and soaked through his white work shirt and jack almost lost his fucking mind. absolutely twirling his hair kicking his feet.

both pairs of bruins that i like (bergeron/marchand and swayman/ullmark) are fun little golf tandems. me when i get a hole in one and hug and twirl around a kiss my golf partner. what if we kissed in the front seat of a golf cart. and all that.

finally… honourable mention to john tavares (golfer, has his own labelled golf cart at a course in toronto… love that for you king….) kris letang (turf) and marc-andré fleury (clubhouse) who get to listen to sid moan and groan about geno, and self jarvis (turf) who is completely out of place among the other teams included in this au but i love him so hes here lmfaoo

anyway. yeah. i have LOTS of ideas about this au if you couldnt tell and anon i am SO happy you asked abt it… sorry it took me a few days i have to write like most days for school this semester and its leaving me Very Little time to do anything but reblog posts and draw matty and woller. MATTY AND WOLLER. oh my god i cant believe i almost forgot them uhhh…..

matthew knies and joseph woll are….. both turf workers maybe… yeah. call that lets talk while filling divots on the course or raking bunkers. what if we kissed in the rain while shovelling dirt and seed mix into small holes over and over again. Them

OK IM DONE FR NOW. thank you so much sorry there are no visuals i have written this mostly in class now but if you want to know more or if you want me to elaborate on a specific dynamic (or add some people, because god knows these are just the guys i know/like) or want visuals for anything i can 100% provide, might just take a bit again haha… ilysm anon you made my week

[dollypopup]

Colin Bridgerton learns early in his life not to be too loud. Too open. Learns not to give all of himself to anything, putting on a perpetual pretense. To be cheerful. Charming. Agreeable. It makes him feel useful. It makes him feel in control.

His papa dies when he is twelve. Colin is still shorter than Daphne. She laughs at him when they play games together because she can reach the taller branches on the tree. He skinned his knee last week trying to run after the family dog, Tippet, or Tippy, as he liked to call her, when she ran off with Frannie's doll. His papa dies when he is 12 and as it happened, all he could think was that Papa would get back up, soon, as he watches him laying there among the flowers, Mum in shambles and the whole family on the steps. Colin learns. He learns no one has the space for his grief in light of their own, and Anthony is the new head of the family, and Benedict is trying to take care of the siblings, and what good is Colin?

Colin can't do anything. Colin can't do anything but try to make it lighter, better, easier. Try to be useful any way he can.

So, he comes to his mum, cradled away in her dark room, the curtains perpetually closed, pale and wane and laying on the bed, always, her palms feeling at the linen on the left side that she refuses to have changed. Because he thinks he can be useful. He thinks he can be good. Make her smile. And he loves her. And he misses her. In confinement, several months pregnant, when she lays on her side, she still cannot adjust to the feeling of a flat bedspread, back perpetually turned to the door. She doesn't want to see anyone. Almost can't even bear to. But Colin sneaks in. Colin sneaks in with biscuits he foists from the kitchens, and paper flowers (like the kind she taught him to make for all those birthday hats, fingers quick and nimble, some of the only time he is ever allowed to favor his left), and flowers he picks from the gardens of Aubrey Hall. He sneaks in, calling a hesitant

Mum?

into the dust, and maybe it's only because he will be gone, soon, off to Eton, that she tolerates it. The time he has left with mum is short so yes, Colin comes into the mausoleum. As often as he can. As often as he is capable of. And he tries to make mum happy. But he can't. He can't make it better for her. He brings her treats and he holds her hand and he tends the tomb. Changes out the funeral flowers when they rot, the way the maids are never allowed to, tucks mama into bed as she blinks glassy, swallows, then turns away.

In his boyhood, he has one final, awful cry with her. The last sobs of his childhood to his mum. Comes in to try to cheer her up again, to bring levity, but today is a bad day, he feels it near instantly. There are always bad days. They aren't always, but there always will be. Mum's voice rings out, soft and disbelieving

he's gone

he's gone

he's gone

over and over as Colin eventually realizes all he can do is hug her. hug her and listen as she cries

he'll never see you grow up

my darling

my boy

he'll never see you get married

never see who you'll become

wringing dry. and Colin has never felt more tiny. He can't hold all that emotional overflow even though he tries. He hugs her and he tries. Tries not to let it get to his heart, all that she's saying. Tries to hold her together. Tries to make it better. If not better, painless. If not painless, not alone. But he just lost his father. and he's small, and he's scared and he'll be leaving, soon, everything familiar to him, all his family. Eton, so, so soon.

Last week, all he wanted was for dad to finally take him out on a hunt, like he did with Anthony and Benedict. Every time it was a

One day, when you're older.

There would never be a one day. Last week, he was betting dad on how many ducklings would hatch from the nest, eager to win from him extra candies, which dad would always give him, anyway. Somehow, the sugar was always the more sweet when he won it from Papa. Never again. Papa won't ever see the man he'd become, and he didn't even know what that would look like. He tries to keep it in, he does, but he breaks at each whisper Mum can't help but spill, trying to assure her until his voice goes crackly and thick and his snuffles snot at the shoulder of her dirty housecoat when he wipes his face and then

he's wailing. Just a boy crying to his mum because he needs her, but it only makes Violet feel worse, cry worse, hurt worse, because she can't be needed. Not now. Can't provide him any comfort, and Colin knows. he feels it. after that moment, he knows. he knows it's agony for his mum to see him upset and he knows she can't help him. he knows she can't handle it and he knows he feels awful asking her to. so, when he leaves the room, completely wiped out, he promises himself he'll never put her through it again. and he sticks to it. because Colin's already lost his dad, he just can't bear to lose what he has left of his mum, too.

So, Colin learns to be cheerful. Is cheerful, up until the day he goes, off to learn about Greek Mythology and Abstract Mathematics, studying philosophy and religion and boxing and learning how to be a man from strangers.

but of course it aches. Colin cries alone. Curled fetal in bed in the secrecy behind a locked door. No one wants his sorrow. Or his anger. He's scrappy as a boy, angry at Eton. His father didn't go here. Nor his brothers, off at Oxford. A distinguished school for distinguished men, men of titles, men of power. For Colin, for a third son, Eton was beyond agreeable, beyond generous of his father to have set the funds aside for. And Colin appreciated Eton, yes, but it was also where he learns to lock his fury behind his sternum and even when it claws to be free, he shoves it down until he can wrap his wrists for a spar. Colin learns to hide in plain sight.

Everything, everywhere, everyone: he leaves.

Colin cultivates a talent for leaving. Until it thrums in his blood, bleeds out into the tapestry of his existence. As a boy, he sneaks snails in Benedict's bed and leaves off to hide in the linen closet from his fury. He waves goodbye to Daphne on the steps, his younger sister already looking so much older and heavier and faraway, leaning on Eloise as his carriage rolls off. His papa dies and he leaves. Each year, Eton, he leaves and finds Mama a shade more vibrant than last time. The world moves on away from him, aside from him, outside of him. Marina breaks his heart and he leaves. Lady Whistledown break his heart and he leaves. and each time he is Back, he is also in the background.

when he returns after his second tour, this time, it's Penelope who's changed. Penelope who looks at him differently. Penelope like he has never seen her. and he feels so much a stranger as he always did each time he left, but never felt with her, before. in a way, their closeness had been his sanctuary. steadfast. like a heartbeat. like a drum. when it falters, when she avoids him, and when she breaks his heart unknowing she could, and when he finds out she's Lady Whistledown, he leaves. and he hides. and he keeps it in secret.

keeps it poorly. because his mum is a smart woman and even though he's tried not to let her see it, somewhere in her, she can always know when her boy is in pain. he's of her blood, her body, a fragment of her soul. and when she comes to him, this time, when she recognizes this heartbreak and he can no longer keep it in, for the first time in a decade, Colin breaks open, and he cries to his mum

and he starts to unlearn.

[mumusmarket]

I've been meaning to draw these animals with flowers for hats for a while now! I drew the duckling a while back but when I saw the rabbit, I really wanted to draw them again.  If anyone has more of these, please show me!!!

Posted using PostyBirb

[icanreadthisbutnotbooks]

So this is my first time doing this so I don't know if it's going to be good or not constructive criticism is appreciated.

So I recently I thought it would be kind of funny if some characters where followed around by a child because the child thought the character was someone they admired so I thought I would write this. The reader is a 3 year old girl here.

Featuring

Kartien, Veremonte

Kartien

He was at the store buying cat food, was definitely a bit extra wearing his full ensemble

He notices pretty quickly that the 3 year old girl is staring at him, it was kind of hard to miss her, given the little light up fairy wings and bright pink tutu she was wearing.

He doesn't really care much and wrote it off as the child just loving magic, until said 3 year old follows him around like a duckling while doing a bad job at hiding. The light up wings gives her away giving her away like a neon sign.

He's actually in a some what good mood that day and decides to talk to the child.

Any reason you're following me around you should be staying close with your mother instead of following strangers.

Child reader quickly shuffles to him with sparkles in her eyes

Mister are you a fairy your eyes are like pretty blue diamonds, and your face is really really beautiful, oh oh if you're a fairy does that mean you have a really pretty unicorn too? Do you have really pretty fairy magic? Since you're so beautiful your magic must be pretty too.

Kartien gives a light chuckle and squats down to readers height.

I'm not a fairy and I too wish I had a pretty unicorn, and you're quite adorable yourself so I think you'll make quite the adorable little fairy.

Really? you think I can be a fairy? You're the best I like you a lot and even if you're not a fairy.

Child reader happily bounces up and down and does a little dance in joy.

Ooh oops I didn't tell you my name I'm Y/n it's nice to meet you mister.

I'm Kartien it's nice to meet you too.

Umm mister Kartien I know you told me not to follow strangers but um I think I lost mommy... sowwy.

Kartien gives a tired sigh and shakes his head, grabs the cat food and takes child reader with him to the lost counter. Gives you a long lecture while you wait for your mother on why you shouldn't trust strangers.

Turns out you're neighbours with Jiwoo whenever you see Kartien you always run up to say hello, and give him something fairy related,like flowers crowns or little drawings. He's the first person you show any magic tricks you learn. The gang has made you an honorary member.

*side note: you don't know that he turns into a cat but you specially made cat Kartien a little sweater with a unicorn. Doesn't admit it but he likes the sweater.

Veremonte

Veremonte

Jurion

Ian

Reader

He and his grandsons are out for simple outing, they finished some sort of important meeting and are now sightseeing realise they are being watched and that it may be a security measure at first. Veremonte realises that there isn't any unknown awakener nearby since he doesn't sense anything.

Jurion is the first to realise it's just a little girl following them on account of the little girl wearing a huge fluffy bright pink coat and a little hat with raindeer antlers.

Ppft aww she like, a little pink cotton ball with antlers.

Veremonte waves at the child and signals her to come over

Little one why are you following us? you must stay with your mother she must be in a fright at this moment.

The little girl cupped her hands around her face like she was trying to whisper

Umm mister Santa Claus are you on spy mode right now?

Santa Claus?

Ppft

Spy mode?

You twiddle your gloved fingers while shuffling your feet

Uh huh spy mode, mama said Santa is super big, has a fluffy white beard,a big coat, and a loud laugh. So um are you on spy mode to see who to put on the naughty or nice list?

Ian is trying not to laugh, Jurion face freezes and Veremonte is in shock.

You walk up and tug at the end of Jurion's coat while looking up at him in curiousty

Um mister if he's Santa does that make you the head of the eleves at Santas toy workshop? Mama said elves are pretty and you're pretty and he is too also my name is Y/n

You say while also starring at Ian who is now attempting to cover his mouth as he choked on laughter

Aww thanks little bud you're hilarious

Ian..*sigh*.. little one I'm not Santa Claus neither is Jurion an elf. I am Veremonte and the one laughing is Ian. Little one you should not run behind strangers just because you think they look like Santa. It could be very dangerous and something bad could happen.

You pout and sadly look at your shoes

Sowwy mister Veremonte

Veremonte chuckles and gently pats your head

Say why were you so concerned about whether or not you were on the naughty list?

Thewe was a boy at school he said my cat Mittens looked ugly so I bit him

Good for you he deserved to be bit

Ian

No

Ian lifts his hands in mock surrender and squats down to your eye level

Ok ok listen I'm sure you'll get back on Santa's good kid list, just uhh eat all your veggies and milk or something okay

WEALLY? Okay I pwomise to eat all my veggies and dwink all my milk

You happily bounce up and down and give Ian a hug

Thank you bye bye mister's

You happily wave and run off

She's probably lost she came from the other direction.

She's going to come back here isn't she?

Definitely I give her 5 minutes max.

You're back in 4 minutes and tugging at Veremonte's coat

Sowwy mister Veremonte I know you said that following strangers is bad but umm I'm a little lost.. sowwy

Ian holds your hand and they take you to the lost child centre, you receive the stranger danger lecture from Veremonte as you wait for your mother.

Side note: Ian now sometimes calls Veremonte grandfather Santa.

[paper-swirls]

Sometimes things don't quite make it out of the kiln in one piece... Don't worry though, this little one went to a good home!

[hydreesia]

I adore the new underwater creatures in Fontaine omg I cannot shut up about them they are SO cute

Like look at them, I'm 90% sure these r sea slugs or based off sea slugs, because they very strongly remind me of the blue glaucus and cyerce elegans nudibranches. I'm so excited to see them in game, they look so cuddly even though they probably aren't....

more of me rambling abt fontaine creatures below vvv

And the jellyfish!! They look so squishy, and also they've got big dumbo octopus vibes bc of those ear flaps, it makes them look even cuter

The manta rays r also so cool.. the bottom two look matching and they kind of remind me of the divda rays in enkanomiya??

also omg look at the seahorses.. the big one lowkey reminds me a bit of a dragon as well, which reminds me of how a lot of dragons are depicted with pearls in China, and the eastern myth of how seahorses are actually baby dragons..

And the lil baby seahorses too!! I love how they look like they have little capes, and the variations in their designs make me think of other sea animals, such as the blue tang or the emporer angelfish for the two seahorses on the left, and a shark for the one on the right!

And them! They look like somebody combined seals with manatees and created these lil guys... They look extra friendly and soft n squishy

AND THE OTTERS... look at them!! They are so so adorable, but they also lowkey give me beaver vibes, probably because of their tail and maybe a little bit of how they're shaped? Either way they're quite charming and I hope that we can catch or befriend them cause <333

The gulls are just Neat <3 They look a lot less mean than real seagulls, like they're just some silly lil dudes. They also remind me of corvisquire and corviknight from pokemon a lil bit? But maybe that's just me

Lastly, the umbrellafinches are just adorable. You cannot tell me they don't look like those photos where people put flowers on the heads of little ducklings that make it look like they're wearing a cute little flower hat.

Actually a bonus if u actually decided to read lol, but I noticed these in the background of one of the shots from the livestream?

In the livestream the way they move is w/ undulating fins (think of how a cuttlefish's head fins move, or how stingrays do) which lead me to think that they're inspired by stingrays? Maybe even are some sort of stingray-adjacent thing? But tbh they also kind of remind me of nudibranches too with their pattern and the little horns on them so who knows... but oh man am I excited for them and all the other new lil creatures..

[emyluwinter]

Events after a very stormy and eventful day in a Masquerade event. Yuu is a girl here.

Following like ducklings after a duck, barely shifting from foot to foot, and in the case of one student with paws. NRC students followed Professor Trein, tired, without any strength even to bicker among themselves. Of course, they cursed Rollo to the very last knee in his family. But their curses were more like the grumbling of an old disgruntled cat who was unlucky enough to be in the energetic hands of a very annoying child. Only Riddle looked completely rested compared to the others, because of Epel's unique magic. He literally "slept in a coffin" for most of the events. Of course, he was not greatly encouraged by the fact that the freshman took all the initiative and fought off very dangerous plants and flowers for a long time. Therefore, he took responsibility for everyone to reach the rooms where they were provided with overnight accommodation and all the amenities for the duration of the trip. Slightly shuffling his bruised foot on the floor, Deuce hoped that it was just a bruise and his great time at the athletics club would not come to an end. Although remembering the past, there were worse wounds, which is why now any scratch on him healed faster than in childhood.

-How's your leg, Deuce?- Yuu asked cautiously, covering her yawn with her palm. She could barely stand on her own, but still continued to take care of someone. All this running around and endless weeding definitely dried up all the energy reserves that could be.

-I think a little rest and the pain will subside. - picking up a yawn, Deuce wiped the tears that had arisen in his eyes from yawning with his palm.This was immediately picked up by Epel and Sebek, yawning sleepily and rubbing their eyes a little childishly. Trying to brush off fatigue and don't sleep.

-You know, I'm even glad that Ace didn't come with us…

-Yeaaah, me too. When this guy is annoyed, he just can't be shut up.- Deuce grinned and complained, remembering how Ace 20 minutes continuously complained when Vargas was particularly cruel during one of the physical education lessons. The sudden honesty and irritation at the behavior of an absent friend from their unspoken quartet, made Yuu laugh.

-Imagine his face when he hears how "fun" we had today.

-It will be priceless..

What surprised the other students more was that the guys from Diasomnia didn't look so tired and battered. While the rest were grimy with dirt and dust, in the remnants of flowers and sticky with sweat. Feeling that they won't set foot in the botanical garden for at least a week. But this trio looked like they had just dressed up and were ready to go to the next battle where they would accidentally win a couple of castles. In addition to a few curses against Rollo, a number of questions were added, how the hell do they do it.

-So students. Now I'll tell you who will go to which rooms and that's it for today. - despite all his stamina and manners to the last, even Mozus could barely stand up straight because of the acute pain in his back. The professor stubbornly refused the students' help to walk on his own.

-Yaaay … - the students rejoiced quietly and almost exhausted when they could hardly restrain themselves from falling asleep right on the move.

-Yuu…..I can't take it anymore… I'm tired..carry me - complaining, tormented by all the events, Grimm lay down on Yuu's feet. His battery lasted until the first stop and unfortunately it was not enough to get to bed.

-Hey, Grimm. Yuu is also exhausted! - Deuce swore, looking at how their furry friend no longer even bickered with him and just lay there without any movements.

-He didn't even twitch. - Epel chuckled, looking at Deuce's unsuccessful attempts to wake up Grimm.

-It's okay.. - She taking off coat and making a kind of bandage for the child. (baby sling) Yuu bent down and took off the hat from the already peacefully dozing Grimm. And then, not the first time, of course, she managed to put it in the fabric in front by distributing the weight correctly. So as not to fall on your back and collapse on the floor.The Grimm was definitely not a fluff despite all the fur. Unfortunately for Yuu, Grimm weighed more than two ordinary cats. The only regret was that her hands could not carry him at his every whim.

-Fuf… it will be easier to transfer this way. After all, it's heavy… - after looking at the very, now very smug face of the Grimm, Yuu held the fabric from below. It was like she had a huge baby in her arms.

-Hey, Yuu, can you carry me too? - smiling slyly and even a little envious of the care of this little rattle, Ruggie also want to be carried so carefully to the bed. Especially for free. -Someone would have carried me to bed…. - Azul and Idia complained in one voice, literally drilling holes in the Grimm. The poor fellows did not feel their legs from the moment they reached the middle of the bell tower. Rollo seriously heard their quiet whispers about throwing him from the highest point of the bell tower, so that they would not have to drag themselves here again.

-Draconia, Ashengrotto and Shroud will be in room number.. - Meanwhile, Trein continued to tell the students where they can sleep and finally rest. Waiting for her turn and unable to resist, Yuu affectionately pressed her lips to the fluffy forehead of Grimm, who had already begun to chatter slightly in his sleep.

What no one expected was the sudden onset of a very loud and rather purring on the part of a small sleeping ward.

Yuu is already used to the loud and very very satisfied purring. In truth, she loved these moments, and also the Grimm was so warm, so soft and fluffy. That she even stopped being angry because of his behavior. Who can refuse the moment when vibrations pass through the entire chest of this poor student, and find themselves under the "kneading of cookies". A light massage with cat paws sometimes did not hurt after a hard day.

-Ah, Professor, I want to go to the room with Yuu. - suddenly said Idia, interrupting Mozus and what greatly surprised everyone. He also wanted to listen to the purring of the cat, you know!

What he did not expect to see was the face of a very angry and irritated Malleus who literally incinerated Shroud with his eyes. In them it was possible to read very clearly "Have you completely lost the fear,Shroud?" For some reason, Idia suddenly discovered that Malleus somehow don't understood his request to spend the night in a room with a cat.

-Ahah…you'll have to listen to him talking in his sleep all night. He is very talkative in his sleep. - Adding softly and swaying slightly on her feet, Yuu tried to banish sleep for a couple more minutes. She was exhausted from the warmth and purring of the Grimm and all she wants to do now is change her suit for pajamas and sleep for the next week or two.

-Do you kiss him on the forehead at night like a child? - Jamil snorted softly, not believing his eyes that there were still grains of energy left in the freshmen.

-Well….if you ask nicely and politely, I can also kiss you on the cheek at night. - Yuu mumbled sleepily. When she was completely without any strength, she became very gentle and caring. The red line is where her limit was before she was captured by sleep. A protective mechanism to avoid swearing at everyone and not being irritated by a lump of nerves and grumbling at everyone around.

For one student, it was a great chance when the brains weren't working properly.

-Oh, Yuu, you look very tired. Are you getting tired of the responsibilities of caring for and maintaining your dorm building? I can offer you…

Even before she could finish the sentence, Yuu began to hiss angrily at him. Yes, she still picked up some habits from Grimm. Which surprised the others very much.

-Azul, I swear I admire your stubbornness. But. Even now, you can't convince me to sell my dorm…I'm still sane.

-Damn it - cursing softly and immediately acquiring a completely don't unhinged look, Azul added with a business smile.

-Oh, what a pity, you don't want to give in to Yuu so much. Really, your stubbornness breaks my heart~

-Which of the three, please specify.

At that moment Jamil had to turn away because he was already coughing with laughter, like Ruggie and Deuce with Epel.

*** -Good night boys, you all did a good job. You fought bravely against these crazy dangerous weeds. I am proud of you and please be more careful with yourself in the future. - Yuu whispered sleepily, gently stroking the head of Epel and Deuce before going to their rooms. Thinking that this would be a good encouragement for them, so that in case of danger they would not rush headlong into the thick of things, but also think about not hurting themselves.

-Oh, yes….thanks…And good night to you, Yuu - synchronously, extremely embarrassed and very pleased with themselves, Deuce and Epel answered.

-HUMAN!!Do you think that I'm like a knight of the Great…!!!!

Once again starting to talk about her superiority, Yuu rubbed her eyes for the umpteenth time in half an hour and guiltily shuffled with a shaky gait as far as her strength and mixed center of gravity allowed because of the sleeping Grimm.

-Oh…of course, of course….Sebek, you did a good job today too. You didn't even get scratched and looked after the others. Such a good boy. - standing literally on tiptoe to reach the top of Sebek's head, Yuu gently stroked him as well. Hoping that the freshman won't wake everyone around with his powerful voice. Stunned, looking at the hand and then at the Prefect, Sebek quieted down and only nodded. He wasn't used to this kind of praise, and it felt damn good.

-Who would have thought that you would be so affectionate yourself. Silver grinned without malice, watching this.

-I'M NOT AFFECTIONATE, SILVER!!

At the same time, Silver and Yuu immediately shushed Sуbek.

-Sebek, please be quiet….it won't be good if you wake everyone up. It won't be good if everyone tried so hard, and you don't give them the necessary rest that you also need. ***

Looking around in great surprise, Yuu blinked owlishly. Malleus who decided to carry her to the room in his arms in a wedding style.

-Um…..Tsunotaro….why are you suddenly? - Confused, noticing how easily she was being carried, Yuu looked curiously at the expression on Draconia's face.

-Considering that you are carrying your furry ward, I thought it wouldn't hurt for you to lend a helping hand. In addition…you look very exhausted Yuu.

Fleetingly recalling everything that had happened during her stay in Twisted Wonderland, Yuu lowered her gaze in embarrassment and shyly pressed her cheek to Draconia's chest. It was caring, so soothing and so gentle that Yuu couldn't find any words to object.

-Heaven apparently took pity on me and sent the best friend you can only dream of…Thanks Tsunotaro..

[julianplum]

flings myself at the feet of tumblr HI IT'S ME please accept: Some Very Professional Graphics. Small Business Saturday is here and I! have! Stickers!! and also prints and a few other things (washi tape......). ✨ I am ready to sell them to you! ✨

Are there gay nerds in your life? Do they like frogs? Of course they do! I have glow in the dark frogs for them.

Are there soft cottagecore queers in your life? Do they like mushrooms and ducklings in flower hats? Good news! I have stickers of those too.

Are you looking for a neat thing to buy for your cool goth girlfriend? I have a print called Poison Garden featuring a bunch of beautiful poisons!

Anyway, jokes aside, I really do appreciate the support from y'all, it means the world to me, which is the nice side-effect of spending your money at a small business: instead of giving money to Capitalism you are funneling it, via capitalism, to someone who is really really really going to appreciate it.

I'll also be reblogging other business' stuff all day so keep an eye out!

[dedmau]

*Gives insect a little flower hat like that one duckling* for the baby

🌷🌷🌷