#he would have lip quivering then sniffles then he’d cry that someday she will marry someone

[suguru-getos]

satoru would bawl and cry like a child when he hears his babygirl say “dada” for the first time

[allisondraste]

Temperance (24/?)

Pairing: Nathaniel Howe/ Female, Non-HoF Cousland

Story Summary: Nathaniel and Elissa were childhood friends, but time and distance tore them apart. In the aftermath of the Fifth Blight, and Ferelden’s Civil War, both Elissa and Nathaniel must attempt reconstruct their tattered lives. As a series of events lead them to be reunited, both are reminded of so many years ago when things were much simpler.

Chapter Summary:    Fergus get’s married, and Liss tries to cope with Nathaniel’s absence.

First Chapter Previous Chapter [AO3 LINK]

Highever, 9:23 Dragon

Dear Nate,

I have been sitting at my desk, staring at this blank parchment for hours now, trying to figure out what to say.  It’s weird, writing letters. Planning my words carefully is not exactly a skill of mine. It’s hard for me to write an entire conversation without being able to see your face.  How am I supposed to know that I am being ridiculous if you aren’t here to roll your eyes at me?

If you were here right now, I’d just skip the words and hug you.  Too bad I can’t send a hug with this letter.

How is Starkhaven?  Mama’s been there before. She says it’s beautiful, and quite a lot different from Ferelden.  Do they really eat fish pie there? It sounds absolutely disgusting, but you know I’d try it at least once.  I’ve been reading about the Vael family, too, but I am certain that you don’t want to read pages of me going on about Amadis Vael and the Ruby Drakes who aided the Grey Wardens during the Fourth Blight , so I’ll just leave it at that. (She was really amazing, though. You should read about her sometime!)

Fergus’ wedding is today.  Actually, I probably should be running around like a headless chicken just like everyone else, getting ready.  I am just not that excited about it. Don’t get me wrong, Oriana is wonderful, and I am so glad my brother has someone who loves him and makes him happy, but it just reminds me that I’m alone.  It’s not as if I want to be married any time soon, or even ever. That’s not a priority of mine, but it would be nice to think that someone might love me like that someday.

Last summer, I almost thought— well, never mind what I thought.  It doesn’t matter now. You’re gone, and any feelings you might possibly have for me are gone with you.  I just wish we had actually had time to talk about the kiss and what it meant. I tried and tried to tell myself that it was just some stupid, drunken thing, but that’s not true, at least not on my end.  

Nate, I think I’m in love with you.  I’ve tried everything I can think of to explain my feelings, but none of it makes sense.  I think I’ve loved you for a really long time, and didn’t realize it because it’s not like the love I’ve read about in stories.  It’s not some grand, magical thing. It’s not anything I thought love was supposed to be. I’m still not sure how to explain it, but it hurts, especially now that you’re not here.  It’s like a part of me is missing. It’s stupid, I know, but that’s the truth.

I don’t expect you to feel the same way about me.  Please don’t think that. I just think that I might actually explode if I hold all of these feelings inside.  I thought I owed it to myself to be brave and tell you. I thought you should know.

Really, what I want to say most, is that I miss you.  Summer just isn’t the same without you here. I hope that you are faring better than I, and that you learn a lot during your training.  I know you didn’t want to go, but I am still envious of you. Maybe one day, when you come back to Ferelden — if you come back to Ferelden— you can tell me all about it.

Love,

Liss

Liss folded the parchment, slid it in an envelope, and sealed it with a wax stamp as quickly as she could. Before someone could read what she wrote.  Before she could change her mind. She could, of course, still shred the letter or drop it in the fireplace. That was the good thing about letters: Until they were sent, you could always take back the words you wrote.  She didn’t think she would. As much as the thought of telling Nate she loved him terrified her, the thought of not telling him terrified her more.

A tear dropped from her chin to land on the polished wooden surface of her desk.  She had done so well, too, making it through the entirety of the letter without crying all over the parchment.  She wiped at her eyes and cheeks with the backs of her hands, attempting to scrub away the evidence of her broken heart, but they just kept coming. Stupid heart.  Stupid eyes. Stupid tears.

A knock at the door stiffened her back and she worked even harder to hide the fact that she’d been crying.

“Y-Yes,” she muttered, “Come in.”

The door creaked open behind her and she looked over her shoulder to see her father, dressed in his formal attire. His greying hair was combed and styled handsomely.  Despite being so polished, his expression was haggard as it always was when Liss did something bothersome. This time, it was probably just her red eyes and swollen nose.

“My girl, what in Thedas is the matter?”  His voice resonated with concern as he moved closer to look at her face as if he would find the answer written on her forehead.

“I miss Nathaniel,” she said, standing and turning to face him, pressing her lips together to keep them from quivering.  She held the envelope between her fingers and extended it out to him. “I was just… writing him a letter.”

“I know you care for Nathaniel, and that it’s been difficult for you since he left,” he answered gently, but the irritation was evident in his voice, “But Fergus’ wedding will start in just over an hour.  Don’t you think it could have waited until later?”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t.“

He laughed and smiled sympathetically as he took the letter from her hand and tucked it into his coat. “All right, pup,” he said, kissing her forehead, “I’ll take your word for it.  I’ll send it out first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you, Papa,” she mumbled, “I’ll go get ready now.”

Liss turned to wander away and get ready, when Papa called out to her again.

“Liss,” he said and she stopped to look back at him.

“Mhmm?”

“I’m sure that you already know this, but your mother asked me to remind you—“

“I know Arl Howe is here,” she interrupted, “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything to him. I’d actually rather pretend he isn’t here.”

“Well, you can’t blame us for being concerned.” He sighed. “You have a history of… saying whatever comes to mind.”

“I will be on my best behavior,” she promised, meeting her father’s gaze directly to show him she was serious.

“Please do,” Papa said, almost a plea, “If not for mine and your mother’s sake, for Fergus’ and Oriana’s.”

Liss nodded, kissed him on the cheek, and he exited the room.  He closed the door gently behind him, leaving her to make herself presentable.  If she could not engage in outward protest of Rendon Howe’s presence at the wedding after he ripped Nathaniel from their family, she would at least refuse to let him get to her.  He would not have the gratification of seeing her upset.

Of course, it was easy to tell herself that he wouldn’t bother her, and another thing entirely to see his beady-eyed arrogance as he walked into the Chantry with Thomas and Delilah at his side. Liss had not expected her reaction to be so staggering and visceral, and she’d never wanted to spit in someone’s face as much as she did that slimy weasel of a man.  Maker help her if he attempted to flaunt his preferred son about in front of her face like some sort of twisted consolation prize.  

Delilah, pretty as a flower, long dark hair braided elegantly, waved at Liss subtly from across the room, and Liss returned the gesture.  At her side, Thomas stood stiffly, all of the color washed from his handsome face, dark eyes sunken in and hollow. Liss pitied him. It was difficult to imagine the pressure he was under as his father’s heir.  Nate once told her about how Tom had the hardest time handling their father, and how he’d been drinking a lot. She imagined things had only gotten worse without his big brother.  

The ceremony was lovely, even more so than Liss would have imagined, elaborate Antivan decorations brightening up the drab Fereldan chantry hall.  Liss focused her attention on the front of the room where her brother stood, fidgeting nervously and wiping at the corners of his eyes as he looked at Oriana.  He seemed so grown up in all of his finery that it was hard to believe he was the same person as the clunky boy Liss had always known. He was a proper man now, and she was so proud of him.  She turned to see both of her parents smiling, sniffling, and blotting tears from their eyes while Fergus and Oriana promised, before their families, friends, and the Maker himself, that they would love one another forever.

Liss hoped, with everything she had, that they could.  

The formal ceremony concluded with the newly married couple’s kiss, and the attendees filed out of the Chantry in a hurry, most likely ready to return to the castle, where a feast was to be had.  Liss was in no such hurry and meandered about slowly behind the crowd. She wasn’t exactly hungry, and the idea of a large hall full of rowdy people and loud music was not as appealing to her as it typically would have been.  When she reached the castle, chatter already rang out into the courtyard, where several of the guests stood about gossiping.

Several pairs of unfamiliar faces examined her as she approached.  It was rude, but she smiled at them nonetheless. When she walked past, she could hear them whispering behind her.  Lies and nonsense spread about after her dance with Nathaniel last year. She could not count the number of rumors her parents had to discount since then.  Rumors that she was betrothed to Thomas and having an affair with Nathaniel. Rumors that she danced with Nathaniel as a cover for her secret relationship with a servant.  Rumors that Liss was “promiscuous,” and Nathaniel was just one of a long list of romantic conquests. Rumors that Nathaniel was a troubled young man who took advantage of her, and that’s why he was sent away the very next year.  Liss wasn’t certain that Nate’s father hadn’t concocted every last one of them himself.

It all infuriated Liss so much she thought she might catch on fire, her hands tightening into fists at her sides as she bit her tongue and held her breath to keep from turning and giving the noble arseholes a piece of her mind. It made her sick to think that grown men and women had nothing better to do than spread vile, hateful rumors about people more than half their age, about children.  She tried to remember what Papa had told her when she’d first heard them.  “Anyone who matters, knows better than to believe this nonsense, and anyone who believes it doesn’t matter.”  

She managed to keep her nose down and make it past the gossipers and through the gates into the main hall without incident.  She realized she probably shouldn’t have kept her nose down for so long when she bumped directly into another person. She looked up, prepared to apologize, and her blood ran cold.

“You shouldn’t walk with your head down, Lady Cousland,” said Arl Howe in a voice that sounded as if it came more from his nose than from his mouth, “It is unbecoming.”

She would show him unbecoming, she thought, but knew better, and painted on an apologetic smile on her face instead. “Forgive me, my lord.  I am afraid my brother inherited all of the good manners.”

“It seems that is the case in every family,” he replied with a hateful grin, pausing to watch as Liss attempted to not show her discomfort, and then continued, “Nathaniel sends his regards.”

“What would I care for his regards, my lord,” she asked, through her teeth.

“It is my understanding that you two were close,” he explained with more than a little insincerity.

“We were.”  Liss fought back the tears in her eyes and the rage in her chest.

“And yet,  you don’t care for his regards?”  He quirked up an eyebrow at her.

“No, my lord,” she stated, cooly, “I don’t.  Not from you.”

Arl Howe flinched, opening and closing his mouth a few times.  He had clearly not expected her to be so bold. If she were honest, she hadn’t either and instantly regretted her decision.  There would be no taking it back. Panic swelled in her stomach and flushed her face, and then a hand fell gently on her shoulder.

“My apologies, Arl Rendon,” a silvery, voice Liss knew to be Oriana’s rang out, “I need to borrow Lady Elissa for a bit.  Family business and such.”

Liss turned to look at the woman whose gaze was locked on the arl’s, a beautiful and sincere smile painting her face.  Then she shifted her gaze back to Arl Howe, who narrowed his eyes.

“By all means,” he muttered and waved them away with a dismissive flip of his hand.

“Come on,” Oriana said to Liss, motioning to the door that led to the gardens with her head.

They walked arm in arm to the gardens, Oriana smiling and waving graciously at guests as she passed by, stopping just a few times to thank a few people who congratulated her.  She was perfect and elegant and everyone loved her in a way that made Liss know she was made to be the Teyrna of Highever. She’d never felt more thankful for “family business,” in her life, whatever it was.

When they reached the gardens, Oriana released Liss’ arm and turned to face her, placing a hand on each of her shoulders.  “Are you all right?”

“Mhmm.”  Liss nodded absently and looked around for the other members of her family before looking back at Oriana.  “What is the family business.”

“There is none,” she replied with a wink, “I just wanted to get you away from that horrible man.  Are you certain that you are all right?”  

Liss wanted to tell her she was fine, that she had just had an uncomfortable exchange with the arl, and that it was not a big deal.  She didn’t want to burden Oriana with her own stupid problems on her wedding day. She should be inside with Fergus, having fun eating and drinking, celebrating their marriage.  She shouldn’t be out in the gardens consoling her husband’s pathetic little sister.

She wanted to do all of those things, but she could not keep the hot tears from pooling in her eyes under Oriana’s concerned gaze.  She couldn’t stop them from falling down her cheeks, and dripping from her chin. So she shook her head slowly. “No,” she said hoarsely, “I’m not.”

“Oh, poor girl,” she said sweetly and pulled Liss into a protective sort of embrace with one hand in her hair, “I am sorry I did not get to you sooner.”

Unable to hold back the flood of emotions any longer, especially with the other woman’s overt sympathy, Liss wrapped her arms around her and sobbed as Oriana raked gentle fingers through her hair, occasionally reassuring her that everything would be okay.  Liss eventually calmed down enough to pull away from Oriana and apologize.

“I’m sorry,” she said, sniffing, “You shouldn’t be… it’s your wedding and—”

“Nonsense,” Oriana interrupted affectionately, “We are sisters now. Family.  We take care of one another, yes?”

“I, um…” Liss trailed off, too flustered and appreciative to form coherent words, “Thank you.”

Oriana took her hand and led her over to one of the stone benches that sat before the fountain centerpiece.  She sat down and motioned for Liss to join her.

“I have heard the lies these people speak about you, Elissa,” she began, staring out at the water glistening in the fountain, “They have made similar claims about me.”

“Really?”

“Yes.  Anything to destroy my relationship with Fergus, to make him question me.” Oriana closed her eyes and laughed. “Did you know that I am secretly the black sheep of a wealthy Antivan family, who paid your father handsomely to take me off of their hands?”

“They said that about you?”

“It is easier for them to believe than the truth, which is that Fergus fell in love with a commoner.”

“That’s so—” Liss began, but paused when she realized her voice had grown too loud in the excitement— “Stupid.”

“They are small people, Elissa. Insignificant.  Their tiny little minds cannot understand anything beyond power and wealth.  That Rendon Howe is the worst.”

“I hate him,” Liss spat.

“Me, too,” Oriana agreed, sighing and shifting a bit where she sat.  She was silent for several moments and then a smile twitched on her lips.  “It feels good to say that out loud.”

Liss giggled in agreement, and then looked at Oriana more seriously.  “Thank you for rescuing me.”

“It is nothing, honestly,” Oriana said with a laugh, waving her hand vaguely.

“I am glad you are part of our family.”

Oriana smiled gently. “I can’t imagine a better family to be a part of.”

Footsteps rustled through the grass several feet away, and Liss snapped her had in the direction of the noise, only to see Fergus grinning from ear to ear.

“Oriana, love, everyone’s been asking where you’ve—” he stopped when he noticed Liss— “Liss?”

“Surprise,” Liss said dryly.  

Fergus narrowed his eyes and stared at her much as Papa had done earlier, and she began to wonder if she really did have answers written on her forehead.  “You’ve been crying?”

“I always cry.”

“Not like this, you don’t.” He knelt down and placed his hands on her shoulders.  “What happened, Liss? Was it those damned rumors again?”

Liss nodded, tears coming back to her eyes.

“Who?” Fergus’ tone was more serious than she could recall ever recall it being. “I will kick their arses out so fast, Liss, just say the word.”

“Nobody I recognized,” Liss explained quickly, as touched by her brother’s protectiveness as she was alarmed, “It was just a lot, and then I ran into Arl Howe… literally.”

“Shit, sis.”

“He was not pleased, but I apologized, and I did so well…”

“But?”

“He told me that Nathaniel sent his regards,” she answered sheepishly.

Fergus sighed. “And you told him where to shove them, didn’t you?”  

“Basically,” she admitted, but immediately added, “I was so angry it just slipped out.  Luckily Oriana showed up before anything else happened.”

“And thank the Maker for that,” he said, eyeing his wife with admiration before turning back to Liss, “Sadly, Howe is probably the only person whose arse I can’t kick out tonight, or I would.”

“I know,” she replied before frowning playfully, “Now go back and enjoy your party.  Both of you.”

“Only if you come with us,” Oriana chimed in and Fergus nodded.

Liss feigned a sigh, and relented.  She would not let Arl Howe or an army of rumors get the better of her.  They were small and insignificant, especially with her family by her side.

[littlemisssquiggles]

RWBY Squiggle Script #21: The Fox and the Farm Boy

Picture it.

The Anima Farmlands near the Kingdom of Mistral. The Past.

 A seven-year-old Oscar Pine, with his head held low and his face a perfect canvas of anxiety, walks across the front lawn of his home as he slowly made his way to the single barn shed housed on his mother’s property.

It is the aftermath of a squabble. Given that he was frankly the only boy around his age  in a small cul-de-sac populated by farm folk with mostly daughters, Oscar was rather popular with the girls his age who constantly made it a habit to eagerly encourage him to come play with them. Whether he liked to or not.

On this particular day, one of the neighbourhood little girls had tried to force Oscar to come play. Her name was Amber Potts---named for her striking golden eyes and equally golden blonde curls. However, around the block, Amber was known by another name by most of the neighbourhood kids: Big Am. 

At age eight, Big Am was a juggernaut; feared by most of the other kids. All with the exception of Rosaline Fox, who Big Am specifically disliked the most due to her burning jealously of her close friendship with Oscar.

Big Am was also notorious for having the biggest crush on Oscar with her pursuit of him being relentless. Today was no different. While playing out in the fields near Oscar’s home, Big Am interrupted Rose and Oscar’s playtime. She showed up with a matching pair of bigger boys claiming to be her older twin cousins from out of town; demanding that Oscar come play tag with Amber instead of Rose.

When Oscar refused, Big Am got surprisingly rough with the young farm boy. She suddenly grabbed Oscar by the arm and started painfully tugging him away with her twin cousins even chiming in to help her pull Oscar along when she barked at them to give her a hand. Let’s say that even her older cousins were intimidated by Big Am and her bratty demeanour.

This led to Rose immediately intervening, pushing Big Am off a distressed-looking Oscar; practically in tears from the pain in his arm. The next thing anyone knew, Big Am tackles Rose and both girls wound up on the grass tussling about. There was lots of screaming, hair pulling and slapping. All the while, Oscar is doing his best to stop the fighting along with Amber’s cousins who tried pulling her off of Rose as she began cuffing her shoulder violently.

At some point, Big Am even pushed Rose against a sharp piece of stone that left a harsh graze along Rose’s arm. This made Rose furious and in her feral rage; the Faunus girl bites Big Am in the midst of her aiming another slap to her while she was down.

This move took Big Am completely off guard. The bigger girl shrieked loudly as she recoiled, clutching her hand that was now bleeding profusely from the deep bite marks embedded in her skin.

Oscar stared horrified as drops of Amber’s blood stained the grass at her feet; the sound of her pained crying echoing throughout the lonely fields as her cousins made a fuss over her. One of them even turned on Rose aggressively while she was still seething from her savage outburst.

If it weren’t for Dorothy Pine intervening after hearing all the commotion, the situation could’ve gotten far grimmer. 

As Oscar entered the shed, he is greeted to the sight of an eight-year-old Rosaline Fox seated on a bed of hay where she had been patiently waiting for him to return from speaking with his mom. 

Though Dorothy had done a fine job patching Rose up, the Faunus girl appeared peeved as she nipped at the bandages wrapped securely around her arm. Normally Oscar would have laughed at his best friend’s flair for mischief and silliness like this. That day was begrudgingly NOT one of those days; unfortunately.

Young Rose: *chewing on her bandages* I think your mom tied this way too tight. I hate bandages! They’re the worse! So…itchy…and…annoying!

Rose smiled big and toothy as she finally succeeded in untying the knot on her bandages. Now the dressing slowly unravelled along her arm.

Young Oscar: *cautiously* Rose, you really shouldn’t take that off. You were hurt!

Young Rose: *nonchalantly* What? It’s fine. It’s just a scratch. See?

To prove her point, Rose removed her bandages entirely to show Oscar the scrap on her arm. Despite a couple blots of dried blood, the wound more or less seemed harmless.

Young Rose: *confidently* Nothing to worry about.

Rose flashed Oscar another toothy smile. However, to her surprise, her best friend didn’t return her cheery optimism. Instead Oscar stood hugging his arm quietly with his back hunched and his gaze far; appearing smaller than usual. This was a classic Oscar Pine stance that Rose knew all too well meant he was distraught about something he wasn’t telling her. Taking the farm boy’s hand, Rose gently guided him over to sit next to her on the haystack.

Young Rose: *concernedly* Hey, what’s wrong with you? Why so blue?

Oscar’s lip quivered.

Young Oscar: *uneasily* I…my mom…got a call from Amber’s dad. Said he was pretty mad about what happened. About what you did to Amber ---

Young Rose: *incredulously* What I did! She’s the one who was bullying you! I was just trying to help! Did you tell your mom that part?

Young Oscar: *nervously* I did but…Amber’s dad is still really, really mad. You know how his family feels about…you and…your kind of people.

Young Rose: *scoffs indignantly* Oh yeah? Which part still bugs him about me the most? The part where I’m a Faunus or the part where my human mom married a Faunus and had his lil beast baby?

Young Oscar: You’re not a beast, Rose.

Young Rose: Not according to Mr. Potts. Y’know he tries to hide his disgust but one of the great things about being a Faunus is my great hearing. Comes in handy when picking up all the nasty things people say about you and your family behind your back when they’re supposed to be your friendly neighbours.

Oscar’s expression drops apologetically.

Young Oscar: *disappointedly* Rose I…I’m so sorry. Mom did her best but…she still says Mr. Potts is going to talk to your mom about...you.

Rose frowns before shrugging indifferently.  

Young Rose: *nonchalantly* Well of course he’d talk to Mama instead of Papa. Story of my life, right? Now it was Oscar’s turn to frown.

Young Oscar: Rose, can you please take this seriously! You hurt Amber.

Young Rose: *huffily* Why? I didn’t do it on purpose! You know how I get when I get really mad like that. It’s not exactly something I can really control. It just…happens. My dad calls it ‘feral instincts’. It’s a fox Faunus thing, you wouldn’t understand. Besides, I did it for you, Oscar!

Young Oscar: *snappily; voice rising* Which is why you should NEVER EVER do that again! NOT EVEN FOR ME!

Rose’s eyes widened at Oscar’s sudden outburst; staring at him taken aback by his words.

Young Rose: …Oscar…

Rose started by Oscar shook his head interrupting her.

Young Oscar: *insistently* Promise me you’d NEVER hurt anyone like that again, Rose! Promise? PROMISE!

Young Rose: *caving* Okay, okay, I promise.

Oscar a shaky breath. Rose eyed him with a confused expression.

Young Rose: *cautiously*…Oscar…are you alright? How’s your arm? Is it hurting? Are you in pain?

Young Oscar: *irritably* How could you be thinking about my arm! That’s not important right now!

Young Rose: *crossly* Hey no need to bite my head off!  I just want to know if everything’s okay.

Young Oscar: *distressed* No it’s NOT! EVERYTHING IS NOT OKAY!

Oscar buried his face in his hands and it was then when Rose noticed his shoulders shaking. Rose’s shuddered a breath of guilt. As before, she also knew what this classic Oscar posture meant. As the Fox girl gently lifted the farm boy’s hunched form; her instincts were proven correct as she removed Oscar’s hands from his face to reveal the fresh tears of frustration pooling from his eyes in streams that stained his flushed puffy cheeks.

Young Oscar: *sobbing*This…this is all my fault! None of this would’ve happened to you if it wasn’t for me. I should’ve done something. I should’ve helped you stop Amber. I should’ve defended you! I should’ve fought for you but… I did nothing! I always do nothing! I’m so useless! I---I’m nothing but a big cry-baby that can’t do anything!

Rose shook her head; cupping Oscar’s teary cheeks as she looked him dead in the face.

Young Rose: *firmly* NOT TRUE! Oscar, listen to me. Those kids---Big Am and her stupid dunderhead cousins---they’re the real jerks and you know it. You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re wonderful and you know that. I know it too.

Young Oscar: *sniffling* I---I…am?

Young Rose: *smiles reassuringly* Yes. Don’t worry about it. You don’t have to fight.

Young Oscar: …I... don’t?

Young Rose: *confidently* Nope. Because I’ll protect you! Always.

Young Oscar: *doubtfully* But…don’t you wish I was…tougher?

Rose tilted her head, looking confused.

Young Rose: Why would I? We’re the dynamic duo, remember? I’m the scrappy one and you’re the sweet one. Besides I like you just the way you are, Oscar.

Oscar’s eyes widen.

Young Oscar: R--Really?

Young Rose: *grins toothily* Uh huh!

Young Oscar: Well…

A soft grin played at Oscar’s lips as he beamed at Rose.

Young Oscar: *smiles softly* I like Rose just the way she is too.

Rose returns the gesture; smiling big and toothy as she clapped Oscar on the back. Though he wore a smile, Oscar’s positivity didn’t last long as his expression fell again with him looking away tensely.

Young Oscar: *worriedly* Hey Rose? What if…what if we end up fighting someday? What if…I end up doing something or saying something really stupid and you get mad at me and then we stop being friends and…and---

Young Rose: *resolutely* NEVER gonna happen.

For a second time, Rose touched Oscar’s face prompting him to look at her.

Young Rose: You’d never do anything to hurt me Oscar. I trust you. Besides you know I don’t like seeing you cry so I’ll never make you cry. I’ll never hurt you Oscar. Ever.

Young Oscar: Promise?

Young Rose: Promise.

Rose reaches over and wipes a tear off Oscar’s flushed cheeks. A big smile of appreciation cracks across the freckled farm boy’s face. The two friends even share a small hug before Rose ruined the moment by rocking backward onto the hay. Rose laughed out loudly as she took Oscar plummeting into the hay with her; strands scattering all around them.

Oscar only blew a couple strands of hay in Rose’s face, joining her with raucous laughter of his own. There was a momentary period of mischief as the two childhood friends played together in the hay. After a while, their playfulness dissolved into quiet contentment as both kids settled down, now lying side by side close to each other. Rose turned her head to the side to smile at Oscar.

Young Rose: Hey Oscar?

Oscar tilted his head to meet Rose’s beaming face.

Young Oscar: Yeah?

Rose’s smile widened.

Young Rose: You're my very best friend.

Now Oscar smiled.

Young Oscar: And you're mine too Rose.

Rose then scooted close enough to Oscar so that their foreheads were touching. Despite his cheeks turning pink from the sudden close contact, Oscar couldn’t help but close his eyes with a comfortable sigh. Rose mimicked her gesture.

Young Rose: *whispering softly* We'll always be friends, won't we?

Young Oscar: *whispers back* Yeah, we're going to be best friends forever.

When a curious Dorothy Pine entered into the barn shed moments later with an anxious Marian Fox in tow, both mothers were graced with the sight of their children nuzzled next to each other; foreheads still touching closely as the best friends slept soundly with their hands intertwined.

Neither mother had the heart to wake them. So instead Dorothy and Marian exchanged warm smiles with Dorothy beckoning Marian outside. Quietly the mothers left Rose and Oscar in peace.

A few more minutes alone wouldn’t hurt, right? After all, what kind of mothers would Dorothy and Marian be to disturb such an adorable tender moment in their children’s friendship.

If only this moment could be savoured for a life time. If only Oscar and Rose could’ve kept their promise to one another. Best friends forever? Sure at the time, it seemed like the perfect possible wish befitting of any small simple soul that age with an air of hopeful optimism. If only things could’ve remained the same between the two childhood friends as it always did. As it always was and how it always should’ve been.

However; as a wise old soul once remarked: Time has a way of testing our bonds.

And scene.

Squiggly Scriptwriter’s Commentary:

Another Rose Fox themed script in the bag with another one to come. This was originally meant to part of a much bigger script. However I decided to split the script into two parts with the first installment sharing a memory from Oscar’s past with Rose; to provide you readers with an insight into the nature of their friendship as children. Plus I wanted a fine excuse to make a reference to The Fox and the Hound with Rose and Oscar.

In a way, they are like Copper and Todd. Two kids from two species known for their disputes who formed an unbreakable close friendship that, unbeknownst to them, would transcend years to come. Yep that sounds like Rose and Oscar for sure. Besides, pay close attention to Fox and the Hound inspiration. It’ll definitely come more into play in the next half of this script. Coming soon. 

In the meanwhile, hope you liked the new script.

Other Rose Fox Squiggle Scripts:

- His Two Favourite Roses

~ More Squiggles’ RWBY Content

 ~LittleMissSquiggles (2019)

[probably-not-star-lord]

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume Two: Part 9 (Peter Quill x Reader)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

A/N: Wow guys...this is literally THE final part of my GOTG series!!! I’m honestly really sad to see it go. Thank you all so much for all your wonderful feedback and making this fic what it is!! As always, I hope you enjoy.

Warnings: swearing, mentions of death, fluff

-

Your eyes flutter open slowly and you wince at the feeling of the cold, metal ground beneath your back. The pain from the stinging, electric shock fades when you feel a warm hand comb through your hair. As your eyes adjust to the light, you are able to make out the only face you want to see.

"Peter?" His hand freezes in your soft hair as he turns his gaze down to you.

"Hey, Y/N," he whispers. You sit up immediately and don't allow him to even take another breath before your lips are on his. His hands find your back as he pulls you in closer to him. It hasn't even been that long since you last kissed Peter, but your longing for him made it feel like a lifetime.

You break away from the kiss and take a deep breath. "You're alive," you say, smiling and wandering your eyes over every magnificent detail on his face.

Peter laughs. "Of course I'm alive! I couldn't not come back to see you, darlin’." He grabs the back of your head and pulls you in for another, quick kiss. "In all seriousness, Y/N, I really did need to come back and be with you. I thought of the life we could have here together, on the ship I promised you months ago, surrounded by our new family. I love you so much Y/N and I can't stand the thought of being away from you."

"I love you too, Peter," you respond. "Which is why you're not allowed to scare me like that anymore, okay?"

Peter nods. "I actually wouldn't have made it if it weren't for Yondu."

"Where is he?" you ask, taking a gander around the room. Peter's eyes bore into yours as they gloss over with tears. You can read the solemn expression on his face and you understand. You wrap your arms around him and soothingly rub his back. He doesn't hesitate to hug you tighter, never wanting to let you go. "No..." you mumble. "No, I...I can't believe this. I'm so sorry, Peter."

"Thank you, Y/N," he sniffles into your shoulder.

"You're gonna be okay. I promise you, everything will be okay."

"I just...I don't know what to do. Yondu always had my back and protected me, even when I betrayed him or did the wrong thing. He taught me everything I know and didn't care how many mistakes I made because he'd come back for me anyway. Who is going to look after me now?"

"I'm here," you tell him reassuringly. "I'm always going to be here and so are the rest of the Guardians. We have your back and we always will." He continues quietly sobbing and you want to take away every ounce of pain he is feeling right now. You think back to all of the times he had your back when he didn't even have to protect you. There was the first time he needed to help you get off the planet you met him on. There was also the time he couldn't help but risk his life for you out in space after the Orb was stolen. There were countless others after, as well. You owe him for the hurt he's felt and the risks he's taken.

"Y/N?"

"Yeah, Peter?"

"What should I do?" he asks. "What should I do about Yondu?"

"I think you should do what you believe he would have wanted. But, whatever you choose to do will make him proud, just like you've always made him proud," you answer, using your thumb to wipe the tears from his eyes.

He leans into your hand and grins weakly. "I think I have an idea."

Yondu's body lays on top of a table, dressed and prepared for a proper funeral. Beside him are candles that everyone helped light, as well as a beautiful assortment of flowers and the little items he kept on his dash at the flight deck. You, Peter, Drax, Gamora, Mantis, Rocket, Kraglin, and Groot gather around the table, looking down at the man you are all so grateful for today.

Peter's hand brushes slightly against yours and you take it in your own, sensing his nervousness and sadness. He squeezes your hand in gratitude for calming him down and you send a squeeze back. "I told Y/N about how when I was a kid I used to pretend David Hasselhoff was my dad." Drax and Rocket share a look of confusion. "He's a singer and actor from Earth, really famous guy," he explains, his voice low and glum. You can hear how choked up he is with the faintest glimpse of tears in his eyes. Your heart breaks for him. "Earlier, it struck me, Yondu didn't have a talking car, but he did have a flying arrow. He didn't have the beautiful voice of an angel but he did have the whistle of one. Both Yondu and David Hasselhoff went on kick-ass adventures and hooked up with hot women and fought robots. I guess David Hasselhoff did kind of end up being my dad after all. Only it was you, Yondu. I had a pretty cool dad," he says, the tears now falling down his cheeks. "What I'm trying to say here is... sometimes that thing you're searching for your whole life...it's right there by your side all along. You don't even know it."

"I am Groot."

"He did call you twig," Rocket mentions, the hurt in his voice present as he mourns for Yondu.

Gamora places a comforting hand on Peter's shoulder before walking away from the table toward the corner that Nebula was previously lurking in. You give Peter's hand one last squeeze and follow her. 

"Nebula!" she exclaims, causing Nebula to stop in her tracks. "I was a child like you. I was concerned with staying alive until the next day, every day, and I never considered what Thanos was doing to you. I'm trying to make it right."

"Me too," you speak up. "I was just a kid worried about my own wellbeing when I ran away. I should have taken the two of you with me or came back once I had found a safer place for us to go. I didn't think about the consequences of what would’ve happened if I left. And for that, I'm sorry."

"There are little girls like you across the universe who are in danger. You can stay with us and help them," Gamora conveys.

"I will help them by killing Thanos," Nebula states.

"And so you shall," you tell her confidently. Knowing she will set out to find Thanos and being worried about Nebula's safety, you go and hug her. You hesitate for a second, unsure what her response will be, but you decide to do it anyway. She surprisingly returns the gesture and embraces you tightly.

Once the two of you back away, Gamora also hugs her. Nebula doesn't give in right away, but when she finally wraps her arms around Gamora, they linger for a few moments. "You will always be my sister," Gamora whispers in her ear.

After you part ways with Nebula, you make your way back over to Peter and the others. They had just finished sending Yondu away to disintegrate, waiting to release his ashes into space. You sling your arms around Peter's waist from behind him, standing there silently.

"Pete!" Kraglin voices, pulling a device from his pocket that is attached to headphones. "Captain found this for you in a junker shop. He said you'd come back to the fold someday."

Peter takes it in his hands, studying the mysterious object. "What is it?"

"It's called a Zune. It's what everybody's listening to on Earth nowadays. It's got three hundred songs on it."

Your and Peter's eyes widen and he turns around to face you. Your expressions match one another's in shock. "Three hundred songs?" Peter asks excitedly. Kraglin nods, starting to walk away. "Wait." He stops him, pulling Yondu's fixed arrow from his boot and passing it over. "Rocket grabbed the pieces and reassembled them. I think Yondu would want you to have it."

Kraglin stares at the arrow in disbelief, lip quivering as he keeps himself from crying. "Thanks...Captain."

Peter intertwines your fingers in his and drags you to his quarters. The two of you plop down on the bed. He spreads himself across the mattress, laying down and taking you with him. You rest your head on his chest, placing a hand on his lower torso to snuggle into him. He loves the warm feeling of you beside him and he never wants to be without you again.

Peter places a headphone in his ear and one in yours. You adjust it accordingly and stare at the Zune in his hands. He scrolls through the songs, reading the name's of each one until he comes to a song titled "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens. He presses play, and the slow strum of a guitar fills your ears. Groot manages to crawl up between the two of you, wanting to be there for comfort.

None of you speak, but the silence says a million unspoken words as the melody plays in the background.

It's not time to make a change,

Just relax, take it easy.

You're still young, that's your fault,

There's so much you have to know.

"Y/N, I'm so glad I met you," Peter says, rubbing circles on your back. "I don't know where I'd be right now if I never saw you that day singing your heart out to my favorite song. I'm so happy you're here with me."

Find a girl, settle down,

If you want you can marry.

Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.

You smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Peter. You've saved me so many times when shit went down."

I was once like you are now,

And I know that it's not easy,

To be calm when you've found something going on.

"You're right, you'd probably be dead without me saving your ass." The two of you laugh. "But I think you're the one that saved me." You peck him on the cheek at his kind words. Maybe, in a way, you and Peter saved each other. You were both so lucky to find your soulmate coincidentally on Morag that day when you've always had the whole galaxy right in front of you.

But take your time, think a lot,

Why, think of everything you've got,

For you will still be here tomorrow,

But your dreams may not.

Groot taps you on the arm, causing you and Peter's attention to turn to where he is pointing. Several ships storm the starry sky outside. You furrow your brow. "Who is that?"

"Let's go find out." Peter takes you and Groot back into the main area, where you find everyone else staring out the window at the ships.

"What is it?" Drax questions.

"I sent word to Yondu's old Ravager buddies, and told them what he did," Rocket replies.

Peter gasps. "It's a Ravager funeral."

How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again,

It's always been the same, same old story.

From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen,

Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away,

I know I have to go.

You all watch as the hundreds of Ravager ships send out fireworks that illuminate the dark space. Every color in the rainbow and beyond shines brightly, creating a gorgeous show for Yondu's final send off. This is what he would have wanted, and it is certainly what he deserves.

"He didn't chase them away," Rocket mutters, standing next to you and Peter.

"No."

"Even though he yelled at them...and was always mean...and he stole batteries he didn't need."

The two of you glance down at the raccoon, understanding his worry for what all of you might think of him. "Well, of course not," Peter reassures him.

It's not time to make a change,

Just sit down, take it slowly.

You're still young, that's your fault,

There's so much you have to go through.

You pass baby Groot along to Gamora who gives him to Drax. He lets out a weak yawn and falls into a peaceful sleep on Drax's shoulder. You turn next to you and stare at Peter. Right here is the man you love more than anything else in this whole damn galaxy. He's the one you didn't know you needed your entire life until you finally found him and never wanted anything else as badly. He's the one who knows your flaws and quirks and still loves you for them. He's the one you spend late nights with, bonding over every little thing you have in common. He's the one who gets your idiotic jokes and makes similar ones right back at you. He's the one you plan to spend the rest of your life with. He's the one.

Find a girl, settle down,

If you want you can marry.

Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.

All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,

It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.

If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them you know not me,

Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away,

I know I have to go.

Peter catches you staring at him with a big, stupid smile on your face like you're so crazy in love. He returns your gaze with his classic smirk. "What?"

"I love you so much, Peter Quill." He chuckles in response, wrapping an arm around your shoulder to kiss the top of your head.

"I love you more, darlin'."

As Peter leaves his arm resting on your shoulder you snake your own arms around his waist to pull him tighter to you, never wanting to let go. There is nowhere else you'd rather be than in his arms.

You've never been happier.

You hope nothing comes along to change all of that.

-

Infinity War: Coming soon...

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