#such as kicking puppies and stealing from the elderly

[god-is-alive-ministry]

DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART

I THINK HEBREWS 3 NAILS IT. WHAT DO YOU THINK? ARE YOU RUNNING AROUND WITH A HARD HEART AND NO COMPASSION WHATSOEVER? I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. YOU WOULDN'T KICK A BABY PUPPY WOULD YOU? WHAT ABOUT THROWING A NEW BABY ACROSS THE ROOM BECAUSE YOU ARE TIRED AND LOST A LOT OF SLEEP OR ARE YOU JUST PLAIN MEAN WITH NO CONSCIENCE WHATSOEVER. WHAT ABOUT A WEAK ELDERLY PERSON? PLEASE DON'T TELL ME YOU WOULD KNOCK THAT PERSON DOWN AND STEAL THEIR MONEY OR JUST A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS PERSON IN GENERAL BUT THIS IS NOT WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS. IT'S ALL ABOUT BEING TESTED BY THE ALMIGHTY GOD TO SEE WHAT YOU GOT IN TRUSTING HIM(THE ALMIGHTY GOD) OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU MAY HAVE FALLEN INTO SINCE HE LAST SAW OR HEARD FROM YOU. WANT TO HEAR THE GOOD STUFF NOW? THAT WAS WHY I WAS ANGRY WITH THAT GENERATION; I SAID, THEIR HEARTS ARE ALWAYS GOING TO STRAY AND THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN MY WAYS.WELL, DID YOU DO THAT? SEE TO IT THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE A SINFUL, UNBELIEVING HEART THAT TURNS AWAY FROM THE LIVING GOD. THAT'S NOT YOU IS IT? HAVEN'T YOU SEEN ENOUGH ANGER FROM GOD AND PLAGUES COMING FROM EVERY DIRECTION, OOOUCHHHHH. SURELY NOT GET IT TOGETHER WHILE YOU STILL CAN. WHAT'S COMING NEXT IS VERY SERIOUS, WHAT IS, THIS NEW, OLD DISEASE WE ARE NOW DEALING WITH THAT JUST STARTED. I MEAN, LEPROSY WAS BAD, BUT TYPHOID AND CANCER HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR SOME TIME. BUT NOW MALARIA. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? YOU ARE BRINGING THESE THINGS ON YOURSELF. MAKING GOD ANGRY AND THEN HAVING A HARDENED HEART TOO.DON'T STAND NEXT TO ME ALRIGHT I SEE A LIGHTENING BOLT COMING. I REALLY FEEL WITH ALL MY HEART THAT YOU GET THIS MESS STRAIGHTENED OUT WITH GOD BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. BE BLESSED.

[incorrect-league-of-villains]

Hawks: Well, this "buffoon" knows your secret plan! You want to steal Christmas!

Geten: ...not even close.

[sasukesun]

people say “i love tobirama” and i understand “i love kicking puppies and mistreating the elderly and stealing candy from kids”

[atomicfilm]

The types as people I know

ENTP: dnd enthusiast, trying to sell the world on his beliefs, owns like 69 :0 rubix cubes so people will know he’s smart, probably wears a cloak when he’s home alone, loves volunteering at bingo w/ elderly people, always trying to compete w/ me to finish our work first/best and usually looses because he overlooks something, 98% of people are annoyed by his presence, likes to start fights/debates, actually super sweet and big on respect but misunderstood

INTP: we all adopt really random catchphrases (mine is “that’s hot” and my friend’s is “j’accuse”), we have very specific interests (”your thing is learning about concentration camps in the Czech Republic? Mine is 18th-century poems about cats in fishbowls”), devoted to comedy, going to vote but doesn’t openly support anyone because the candidate will mess up, caught between dreaming and reality, doesn’t really understand other people’s perceptions of them, built to withstand anything (and I mean anything, more on that later), managing my bookmarks is my routine chore

ENFP: stereotypical gemini through and through, I love her but I can’t stand to be close friends with her, has a bunch of plans to marry people and move in with friends later in life, friends w/ everyone she has ever met (if you say you don’t like her then you’re on her hit list), very nice but definitely scheming, attention split between 8,917 things rn, falls in love easily and obsessively, so so creative, great singer, wants to go into advertising but will probably become a pediatrician, loves babies and taking care of things

INFP: lots of feels, really into the arts, nervous about talking, people pleaser, writes poems in their spare time, would adopt 500 puppies if it made financial sense and wouldn’t stress them out, stressed out anyway, sees the red flags but ignores them, either your literal mom or the mom friend

ISFP: aesthetics-oriented, their room is really clean except for one area with whatever they collect (shoes, tchotchkes from Asia, snowglobes, ect.), usually overshadowed in the art department but turn out to be the best artist in the room, speak French and/or want to move to Paris (except it’s dirty, wah), they typically measure in oofs (”big oof”, “little oof”, “8 oz. of oof”)

ESFP: a new boyfriend every two weeks, eyebrow game strong, funniest person in the room (or at least that’s what they think), extremely sassy, watches videos of tobacco spitting contests in the Midwest for fun, 9/10 times (this is a fake statistic) they’re a theatre kid, forget who you are if they haven’t seen you in a year (even if you were close friends prior), drives fast (and poorly), hot (and knows it), very confident, their default state is shirtless, dramatic 

ISTP:  everything is an adventure, their ideal romance movie is Baby Driver, wants to learn how to hot-wire a car, doesn’t realize they look punk but they do, should be employed as a makeup artist, probably pretty kinky (or at least act like it), either a fake f-boy or a very, very real one 

ESTP: wants to be an architect or CEO, mostly wants to be paid to do nothing, most-often found asleep during class or telling a story in a crowd at a party, drives drunk a lot, already dating someone but tries to get with you anyway, straight male w/ dangly earrings (queer vibes), very hilarious and everyone knows who they are, their closest friends are introverts who they force to share the spotlight w/ them, either don’t show up or show up late, fun to be around, class valedictorian but everyone thinks it’s someone else

ESFJ: once had a nightmare where all of their friends got drunk and they had to take care of them, brings you cupcakes on your birthday, all of their friends are social degenerates and they don’t know what to do, watches children’s movies their entire life, has more stuffed animals than friends, everyone knows who they are 

ISFJ: their catchphrase is “I need healing” (warning: they will steal your catchphrase), carries a singular band-aid at all times, makes lots of jokes about Communism, makes racist jokes against themself, their extended family lives with them, uncomfortable about breaking rules, always wants to pay for things, everyone’s boyfriend but only dating 1 person/no one, big on the American Dream, literally Captain America, appears to be a virgin at first, makes lots of sex jokes once you get to know them, n e r d, good at everything /  you thought perfect people didn’t exist? you were wrong

ISTJ: ESTP’s best friend, the obviously intellectual one, does everything with amazing skill, supports their friends tirelessly, great at math, understand systems really well, the designated driver, try to follow the rules as best as they can, laughs a lot at other people’s engineering mistakes, quiet and unnoticed most of the time, surprisingly funny

ESTJ: give you advice even when you don’t ask for it, seem like they’re judging every decision you have ever made, won’t speak to you if you lie to them, the stereotypical club president, takes initiative, likes to mention that mission trip they went on very frequently, shops at Dillards (always hunting for good deals), has a very traditional sense of fashion until you see their crocodile cowboy boots, they have a very idealistic sense of society and if you don’t meet their standards they’ll yell very loudly, remembers everything, constantly fact-checking, actually should be president 

ENTJ: control freak, but only because they don’t trust you enough to make the right decision, ready to race you at all times, could probably run a mile in 6 minutes without breaking a sweat, confident, prefer strategy games like Settlers of Catan, if they were a society they would be Ancient Rome, want to motivate you to succeed, see themselves as the best but want everyone to match them, running out of patience, seems insensitive and ready to cut you off but probably has a warm, beating heart (idk I haven’t dissected them, personally)

INTJ: I don’t think they really exist, supposedly everyone on Tumblr is one but they only make up approximately .8% of the population, if I met one I would probably think they’re a weirdly assertive/controlling INTP, I think people mistype as one because their ideal sense of self is being an effective problem-solver who challenges tradition from the comfort of their home and purposefully does things (i.e. learning a new language for business) but are they really

Idk 

I can’t tell if they have a high sense of self or are trying to demonize themselves

INTJs are textbook villains in the movie world but also probably a lot of detectives or something

ENFJ: don’t know any of them/anyone I think could be one personally but I wish I did / I feel like if I met one I would want to be as good of a person as them all the time

INFJ: not very reality-oriented yet in love with science, wants to be a writer, curious, wants to figure everything out but primarily wants to love everyone, passionate about a few specific projects that they talk a lot about (social issues), always reblogs positivity posts, once gave a ted talk about mental health, he’s the debate captain yet cries every time he loses a debate (because he has a lot of self-doubt), prefers to nap than to talk sometimes, eventually realizes they wants to adopt all of the people younger than him and protect them from the world, easy to love, they may reflect your personality, may also have very particular body movements (the one I know does a lot of fan kicks), actually make NTs feel (like a lot, like a lot a lot, like real crying), eventually dates their best friend and marries them, doesn’t draw but collects art

[fanficshiddles]

I’m still breathing, Chapter 30

‘Sophie, duck!’ Loki called out, throwing a dagger in her direction.

Instead of ducking she phased through the flying dagger, allowing it to penetrate the alien that was behind her. It fell to the ground crying in some weird alien language while it writhed around on the ground.

The aliens were around Loki in regards to height, but more like Hulk with width. They were odd sludge shapes with no nose or eyes that were visible. But it turned out they were relatively easy to kill if you hit the right spot, right where their heart would be. That was thanks to Sophie for figuring out, she phased into one to see. The entire thing was made of sludge, aside from its heart which was not unlike a human one.

‘What the fuck are these things?’ Clint asked in disgust, pulling his hand free from one of them that was dripping in a sludge like substance.

‘They’re like Muks!’ Peter said, swinging through the buildings and landing a hard kick to one of them, but he hadn’t quite mastered the exact place to hit them so his foot just kind of sank into the alien.

‘What’s a Muk?’ Thor asked, killing one with a lightning blast.

Loki teleported over to Peter and grabbed his arms. ‘You’re a Muk!’ He called to his brother while pulling the kid out of the alien before he disappeared into it entirely. He put him down and then leapt back into action.

Sophie couldn’t contain a laugh, especially at Thor’s confused puppy dog like face.

‘Isn’t that a Pokémon?’ Wanda asked while focusing her energy to contain the aliens to the one area.

‘At least someone here knows what I mean.’ Peter said, trying to kick the slime off his legs.  

‘I know what Pokémon is!’ Sophie said excitedly as she tore a heart out of her third alien, while actively avoiding the slime balls they were throwing at the team. ‘It’s like Pikachu, right?’

‘Pika-what?’ Vision asked after taking out one of the alien space-ships with the stone on his forehead.

‘Pikachu!’ Sophie replied while gasping to get air back to her lungs before running to take out another one.

‘Bless you.’ Said Tony, swooping down to land so he could use his blasters to take out multiple ones at a time.

Sophie rolled her eyes and carried on concentrating.

‘Can we stop the chit chat and get this finished?’ Steve demanded. He was half tempted to turn off his coms so he wouldn’t have to deal with their chatting.

‘Spoilsport. I want to hear more about this Pokémon.’ Natasha teased, shooting one with her gun while she kept dodging them impressively.

Sophie was concentrating on one alien on front of her, using her dagger to stab into him until she found the right spot, that she never noticed another approaching her from behind and it was ready to cover her in its disgusting slime.

Loki teleported right on front of her, sliding his arms around her he pulled her in close and then tossed two daggers at the large slime ball, stopping it dead in its tracks. Literally.

‘Thanks.’ Sophie smiled up at him.

‘Welcome. I’d rather not have a girlfriend covered in slime. Would make a mess of my bed.’ He winked at her.

‘You ass!’ She laughed and hit his chest, which only made him hold her tighter to him.

He leaned down and kissed her hungrily. That was something that Sophie had picked up on over the months. Whenever he came back from a mission, or they both got back, he was always more amorous than normal. The adrenaline from the fights always got him going, not that Sophie was complaining.

‘Get a room you guys!’ Bruce called out over the coms, watching from the twin jet. He wasn’t needed yet, so decided it was best not to Hulk out unless necessary.

‘There is a time and a place for that, and this is not one of them.’ Said Natasha.

Sophie shrugged. ‘They’re right. And there’s one of the big ones coming from behind you.’ She told Loki. It was rather difficult to miss the largest sludge alien that was there coming towards them. Considering it was the leader and the size of a house.

Loki gave her a knowing smirk. ‘Ready to unleash hell?’

‘Oh yes.’ Sophie matched his smirk.

The rest of the team happened to be watching, slightly stunned and in awe at the couple’s next move.

Sophie took a step back from Loki. He clasped his hands together on front of him and crouched down slightly. The mutant ran towards him, stepped onto his hands then as he pushed up she used the extra momentum to fly through the air towards the alien. There was a wave of sludge that started to go towards her and just as she phased the sludge wave came down over her, making her disappear.

The team waited with bated breath, unsure of what happened. But then the alien collapsed down, leaving a big puddle of sludge. Sophie emerged from the other side, holding its heart which was the size of her head.

The rest of the aliens were useless without their leader. So the few that remained retreated to the last ship and when it took off, Bruce aimed the jets gun and took it out in one blast.

‘Holy shit! That was incredible! That was like out of a movie. That would be SO COOL in slow motion.’ Peter said excitedly, rushing over to Loki and Sophie.

Sophie dropped the heart, glad it was different doing that to an alien race instead of another human. She much preferred the alien missions.

‘Very impressive.’ Thor said, patting Loki on the shoulder.

‘Did you two practice that?’ Steve asked.

‘Nope.’ Loki said with a smug grin when Sophie approached his side and he slid his arm around her, kissing her head.

‘We just seem to work well together.’ Sophie grinned and looked up at Loki.

‘This is disgusting.’ Wanda whined, trying not to stand in any of the sludge that surrounded them. It was everywhere.

‘At least they are gone now.’ Steve doubled over to get his breath back.

Loki teleported himself and Sophie back onto the jet. To save them having to walk through any sludge. Tony flew in and so did Thor, but he had some on his cape.

‘Get it off! Get it off!’ He flicked his cape around, causing some of it to splatter around the jet.

‘Thor, watch it you idiot!’ Loki snapped.

‘Oh my GOD that stinks!’ Bruce covered his nose with his shirt.

Sophie and Loki scrunched their noses up too when the rest of the team got on, bringing more of it with them.

‘I think we all need a shower when we get back.’ Said Clint.

Everyone rushed to get changed and showered when returning to base. Even Loki and Sophie too, even though they didn’t have any sludge on them. Sophie had never been more relieved for her phasing powers than she was for that fight.

Loki followed Sophie into her shower. ‘Save wasting water by just having one shower.’ He said with a mischievous grin as he proceeded to pin her to the wall and have his wicked way with her.

‘I think we waste more water when we do shower together.’ Sophie giggled, relaxing in his hold. Her back still against the tiled wall with her legs wrapped around Loki like a monkey.

Loki laughed and pressed his forehead against hers. They were both breathing heavy after having their fun together. ‘Perhaps. But it is much more fun.’ He kissed her again and Sophie was pleasantly surprised to feel him growing hard inside her again. Giving them a round two before eventually washing and emerging from the shower.

‘So what exactly is a Pokémon?’ Loki asked while they got dressed.

Sophie laughed and booted up her laptop to show him, as it would be easier than trying to explain it.

When the couple went to see what was for dinner with the others, Fury was there. Which was almost never a good thing... Unfortunately.

‘Good work on today’s mission.’ He looked over at Loki and Sophie. ‘I must say, pretty impressive you two. You work well together.’

Loki raised an eyebrow, that was the first time Fury had ever complimented him. Sophie elbowed Loki secretly and smirked up at him.

‘You seem to have impressed a lot of the world too. You’ve gone viral.’ He said, not entirely sure whether that was a good thing or not yet.

‘Gone viral?’ Loki questioned.

‘Someone was filming us fighting, they caught you two in action! And actually did put it in slow motion! Look!’ Peter said, grabbing his iPad to show Loki and Sophie.

‘That does look pretty badass.’ Sophie admitted, watching it a few more times.

Loki rubbed her back and chuckled, though he did agree with her.

‘Why do I feel like there is a big but coming?’ Loki looked up at Fury.

‘Well, as expected, we have received backlash about damage control.’

‘Tony’s minions are there cleaning up now. What more do they want? We saved them… Again.’ Loki snarled.

‘I know. But the people are not happy about the buildings that were damaged. It will take a long time to repair.’

‘We didn’t cause that damage. It was the aliens. And they would have done a whole lot more damage if we just left them to do it.’ Tony said, irritated. ‘It’s not like Hulk went on a rampage just for stubbing his toe.’

‘Hey!’ Bruce frowned. Tony just shrugged.

‘I think you all need to help the public out more. Show yourselves out there doing some good.’

‘Like what, saving people’s lives? Oh, wait… we already do that.’ Natasha snapped.

‘You know what I mean.’ Fury grumbled.

Steve pinched the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t happy with it either, but knew that Fury was right to an extent. ‘Alright, alright. Tomorrow we will go and… help out the public.’ He sighed.

‘Like the friendly neighbourhood Spider man!’ Peter smiled.

‘The what?’ Loki asked.

Loki’s question was answered the following day when he found himself helping an elderly woman home with her shopping bags.

Sophie was already at her home, doing some housework for her. She wasn’t able to do it herself anymore and she barely had any help.

‘Aww she was lovely.’ Sophie said when they left later in the day.

Loki grunted in response.

‘Come on, Loks. I saw you actually smiling at her back there.’ Sophie nudged him.

Loki sighed. ‘Alright, alright. She was a sweet lady.’

They caught up with the rest of the team. Peter had stopped a guy from stealing a woman’s purse. Thor aided a cat that was stuck up a tree. Clint and Natasha helped to buy a bunch of toys for children that weren’t as lucky as others. Bruce, Tony and Vision had found themselves helping out to re-do a skate park that had become run down. Wanda and Steve helped the police in finding a missing child.

‘What else should we do?’ Clint asked, looking at Peter.

‘Uhmmm.’

‘I have an idea, if I may?’ Sophie asked and Peter nodded. ‘There is something I’d like to do…’

The team all found themselves going around the streets, giving out large gift bags to any homeless person they came across. It was filled with some clothing, washing products, snacks and vouchers to use in food shops and food banks. They covered as much of the city as possible. The homeless were all incredibly grateful, not quite believing their luck.

‘That was a great thing you did today, kid.’ Clint gave Sophie a pat on the back.

‘It was all of us.’ She smiled.

‘You came up with the idea though.’ Loki said, circling his arm around her waist.

‘I do have good ideas sometimes.’

[written-within-the-stars]

Always Expect the Unexpected – Together

Collin

When I woke up the morning after getting her back Nova was still sleeping on the end of the bed. It was unusual for her; the heat was always too much for her after a while. She loved curling up next to me or in front of the fire until she remembered she was a Husky and found the coolest spot she could. The tapping on my leg that had woken me up, happened again. Her back legs were kicking in her sleep. I reached down and rubbed her belly, giving her a little shake. She looked at me like I’d just pulled her out of a good dream, and she was not at all impressed.

I laughed and in seconds she was jumping around the bed and all over me. I just laughed as she jumped off of the bed and ran at top speed into the living room; followed by a loud crash. “Nova!” I called, she was always a little clumsy; she bolted back into the bedroom and jumped onto the bed, all four paws landing on my stomach at once, winding me for just a second. When I looked back, she was sat there all innocent, with the TV remote in her mouth.

“Nova.” I tried not to raise my voice because I knew exactly what was about to happen. I put on a friendly voice. “Drop it. Not a toy baby-girl.” I lunged for the thing when I thought she was distracted but she was gone. She bolted from the room and skidded on the wooden floor as she did and headed straight for the kitchen. I scrambled out of the bed and chased after her.

She slid again, on the kitchen tiles this time and bumped the back door, making the new dog door swing a little. “No! Drop it!” I was a little firmer this time, but she darted through it and out into the yard. “Shit!” I twisted the doorknob, but it was locked, and the key wasn’t on the hook. I always left it on the hook.

“Dammit, Brady!!” I growled and looked around until I found the key on the table and wrenched the door open. Nova was at the bottom of the garden chewing the remote with her paws wrapped around one end of it the way dogs do. “Nova!” I yelled now, and she ran away leaving the remote behind. I walked to the end of the yard barefoot and picked it up to examine it, as the dog ran laps around the garden.

“Fuck.” I huffed, the thing was intact, but a few buttons were missing and after a quick search of the grass, I was left with only one conclusion. I glanced at the dog’ she was licking her lips liked she’d just finished a treat. I headed back inside and grabbed my phone. I knew that there was a new vet in town, someone Doc Hill had picked to take over, so I knew he had to be good. I went to my room and grabbed my phone, hoping the number hadn’t changed.

It was answered pretty quickly, by a very peppy girl. After I explained the situation she hummed for a moment and I heard clicking like she was typing. “Okay you should bring her in, and we’ll squeeze you in between appointments.” That was when it clicked with me who she was.

“Jessica?” I pinched my brows together as I pulled on a paint-stained, but clean work shirt. It was pointless trying to replace things with my job, whatever didn’t wash out was just ignored.

“Yeah… Who’s this?” She asked.

“Collin Littlesea” I grabbed my car keys as I clipped on Nova’s lead and she started to pull me to the door, well… she tried to.

“Oh! Is it Mr Custard you’re bringing in?” I heard more clicking.

“No, it’s Nova. He’s on my Dad’s account. Her records will be under Josie’s name but she --- It’s a long story, can I tell you when I get there?”

“Sure. I’ll let the Doc know you’re coming.”

This wasn’t my first rodeo with Nova swallowing things she had no business swallowing. I shoved the chewed remote into my pocket as evidence. I opened the door to my truck, and she jumped in with one bound. She couldn’t walk on tiles, but she could leap into a truck with no hassle at all. I called #Brady on the way and told him I was going to be late for work. And headed to the vet clinic, I was very curious to meet the new guy.

Harper

‘Thank you, Dr. Jenkins.’ I smiled opening the door to my exam room, letting the woman out with her elderly lab.

“You’re most welcome, you are doing a great job. Let’s keep an eye on that hip and make sure she doesn’t jump up and down too often. It’s time for her to rest and take the strain off of it.” Smiling I lent down and patted the lab’s back gently.

I loved Labradors, they were such calm and joyful dogs. Which is why it was hard to see them in their older years suffer. Lab’s always have hip and joint issues when they got older unless the owner took extra care with them when they were younger. Added vitamins and a richer fish diet was something I’d tell anybody when they came in with a puppy lab. ‘Don’t let them jump around and climb too much while they were growing.’ Which I knew was hard when you had a bouncing puppy and all you wanted to do was to play with it.

Saying my goodbyes, I let the two of them leave, turning on the heels of my feet to face #Jessica. She was sat behind the reception desk and on the phone. But she held up a flask towards me. Pulling my brow together I reached over and took it from her with a questioning look. She scribbled something on a post it note and held it up for me. ‘Charlie said DRINK IT!’ and I laughed, nodding my head. #Charlie had said when he dropped me off that he’d drop by with ‘something’ for me on his way into work. I’d not expected it to be a flask let alone it being something I needed to drink.

Shaking the flask, I take out my phone and send #Charlie a message.

[ Hope you aren’t trying to kill me here. -Too Scared to Drink x ]

The reply was instant

[ CHUG IT -The Dreamboat x ]

Laughing as I walk into my office, looking at the flask I do as I was told. “God Help Me.” Flicking the lid back I down a large couple of gulps surprised that it didn’t taste too bad at all.

[Okay, I’m still alive, next time more poison -Never Going on a Cruise x]

The reply was instant

[ Noted – Bringing the Party boat to you x ]

Laughing again drinking it and looking over the messages. We really had to stop trying to outdo the other with our sign offs.

Finishing off what I think is a green juice with the after taste of protein powder, I heard the main door open and #Jessica talking with someone. She appaired at my door with a soft knock. ‘Sorry Doc. Mrs Blake is here with Pickles early. Also, I’ve had to add one more to your list for today between appointments too. It’s a puppy who’s eaten the T.V remote, but I’m not sure how much of it she managed to consume.’

#Jessica was starting to look and sound like herself once again. The scared young girl I’d spoken too this morning had seem to have vanished. Or she was getting better at hiding it as the day progressed.

Standing up, “That’s fine Jess, it’s a good thing Pickles came in early. I will keep us on schedule.” I leave my phone on my desk with the now empty flask and go to greet my next patient.

Collin

Nova was always at her calmest in the car, I liked to think it was because she was clever enough to know it wasn’t safe to jump around like a lunatic in a moving car. But realistically I figured it was because she thought she was going for a run.

I pulled up outside the clinic and grabbed hold of Nova’s leash before I dared open the door. “Let’s go.” I said like we were headed to get a treat. But she’d been here before… Socks… Lego pieces she found on Jo’s sister’s floor, coins and an incident involving unattended chicken bones. Those were just the ones I knew about, I had no idea what had gone on in the six months since I left. She wasn’t cooperating but she didn’t really have much choice.

Once she was out of the truck, I had to pick her up and carry her in, just to stop her giving out. She wasn’t exactly the kind of dog you expected to see carried. Once inside I spotted Jessica behind the reception desk and I set Nova down and held her leash tightly.

“Hey, Jess.” I smiled. “I didn’t know you were working here, now?” She was a lot younger than me, but we didn’t live far from each other when I lived at home, and she was #Seth’s cousin.

“Yeah, for a little while now. You said her records were in someone else’s name?”

“Yeah.” I pulled the signed paperwork from Jo out of my pocket and set them on the counter. “I have all her paperwork here. Is there any way we can change her records without getting in touch with her?”

Jess’s eyes narrowed. “Why did you steal her?” Then mine widened. “Kidding! It’s fine once the signatures match; it’s all good.” Jessica did what she had to do and took my new address and contact number. I really did think it was going to be harder than that. I could see she wanted to ask why I had her now, but I was thankful she didn’t.

“I told the doctor about your little troublemaker. Someone just went in, but you’ll be next. It won’t be long.”

“Brilliant.” I was meant to be at work about now, but I wasn’t in a rush, making sure she wasn’t sick was the main thing. “Is the new guy good?”

“Yeah.” Jess looked inexplicably irritated. “The new guy is great. Nova is in good hands.”

I walked over to the waiting area and took a seat, waiting to be called while Nova tried to chew on her leash. I distracted her by scratching the top of her head.

Harper

Mrs Blake had brought her two young daughters with their guinea pig Pickles. The girls were home schooled and with Pickles being pregnant she was helping to teach the girls about birth and life.

“Okay ladies, as you can see here.” I gently moved Pickles closer to them. The younger of the two girls stood on a step stool so she could see the top of the table. “Pickles has been scratching her fur and skin in this area. Can you guess why?” Of course, I wasn’t expecting a diagnosis from them. However, from what their mother had been telling me the girls were the once looking after the guinea pig (under her supervision).

‘Is it because she is bored?’ said the youngest of the two making me smile.

‘No silly, she could have a skin issue?’ said the ten-year-old. These girls were ahead for their age that was for sure.

“There are no silly answers, as a vet you have to think about all the things that have changed for the animal.” I said in a low calming voice.

‘Is it because she is having babies?’ asked the youngest now. and I nod my head “It could be.”

I show the girls how to clean the area and what to do to help Pickles not to scratch her skin. “Have you young ladies notice a change in Pickles eating? Or has anything else changed in or around her cage?” I asked.

The older girl opens the notebook she had been writing in and frowned. ‘Pickles is not eating her food as much. And the amount of water she is drinking has gone down too.’ Yes. I was impressed by these girls. I could see the older one as a doctor or a vet when she was older. She reminds me of me.

Looking at Mrs Blake, she had a smile on her lips, I could see she was proud of her girls too. “Okay that’s great information. Let’s make some small changes to her food. I’d like you both to add Blueberries, and fresh basil to her diet for the added vitamin C and A , Bok Choy, as well as a small number of beets too. Everything else is looking good, she should be ready to have her babies in the next week or so. You have to keep a close eye on her.”

Putting Pickles back in her carrier I walked the three Blake ladies out. Once we were in the waiting area I bent down on my knee. “Ladies, thank you so much for taking such good care of Miss Pickles. You really are doing a great job.” They both smiled at me so chuffed with themselves and so they should be. “Now why don’t you go and take Pickles to the seating area while I talk to your mom?”

Carefully they carry the small box and I stand to look at Ms. Blake, I keep smiling and keep my voice low so nobody else can hear. ‘Is everything okay Dr. Jenkins?’ she asked.

“Yes, but I need you to add those fruits and vegetables to Pickles diet as of today. She could give birth soon and with her not eating or drinking her water, she will be malnourished. It’s rare but guinea pigs can eat their young if they are unwell.” She looked shocked and I place a hand on her shoulder. “It’s going to be fine, keep your eyes on Pickle, you will hear her when it’s time. But today. Vitamin C is a must. Fresh fruits and vegetables. And Jessica will give you my cell number, any time day or night. Call if you need me.”

#Jessica nods her head when I looked at her, to say she understood. I pumped some hand sanitizer on my hands saying goodbye to the two girls. “Who is next Jess?” she hands me the tablet and points behind me.

‘We have Nova, A husky, she is 1 year and 2 months old, , and the puppy likes to eat things. She has been here before with Dr. Hill, we had everything from Lego to socks in her young age.’ I smiled which puppy didn’t like to eat things?

Turning to face the waiting room, I stepped forward seeing the beautiful black and white husky with her big brown eyes. “Well. You must be Nova? I’m Dr Harper Jenkins, it’s nice to Meet you.” Leaning down next to her I hold my hand out and she placed her paw in it and then licked my face, making me laugh. “Hey there baby-girl, aren’t you the cutest?” I always like to introduce myself to the animals, they were my true patients.

Looking up at the man sat with her lead in his hand, I smiled. “Hello, I’m Dr. Jenkins. Would you like to bring Nova into the exam room for me?”

Giving Nova a rub behind her ear I stood up to lead the way. Pushing the door open and waiting for the two to follow, this always gave me time to watch how the dog walked, a basic check to make sure there was nothing to worry about in the hips, legs or the body of the animal. But really it was also a test to see how the humans managed to deal with their pets.

Collin

I watched two kids come out of the exam room and sit one seat away from me. The taller kid was holding a box with a Guinea Pig sitting in it.

“Wow! That is the biggest hamster I have ever seen.” I teased them.

The little one sighed dramatically and glared at me. “It’s a Guinea Pig!” She corrected me with a click of her tongue that any reality TV diva would aspire to. And I heard Jessica giggle at her desk, and she glanced over at me.

“Can I pet your doggy?” She asked almost immediately after.

“Sure, you can.” I smiled. “But you have to clean your hands right after, because she was rolling around outside today.”

The girls rubbed Nova and she flipped onto her belly for a belly rub and the kids obliged. Jessica called the kids over when they were done and squeezed a little hand sanitizer onto their hands and then her own and showed them what to do. “Scrub, scrub, scrub!” She grinned at them. “Good girls.”

The girls retrieved their guinea pig and walked over to their Mom when she came out. Nova was pulling on her leash wanting more attention from the kids. I scratched her behind her ears, and she stopped. I heard Jess talking to the Vet, but I didn’t look up, I’d learned not to give away my wolf hearing a long time ago.

The moment I hear the vet’s voice I realise why Jess looked irked at me when I came in. I’d accidentally offended the female gender. My eyes shot to her when she called Nova baby-girl, weird coincidence. It all happened in a millisecond.

All the air was sucked out of my lungs and then came rushing back, sweeter than it was before. I felt like I was falling, my hands gripped the edge of the seat I was sitting in and my brain screamed at me ‘Breathe!’ but I was breathing… I think. My life flashed through the forefront of my mind and the memories pulled together in a jumble of thoughts and arranged themselves like a storyboard. A bit like the one on the back wall of my living room, where I had my story told in pictures. From the ones I was too young to take myself; even before I was born, up until now.

My parents' wedding, my mom when she was pregnant, the pictures they took after I was born; when I fit easily in my father’s cupped hands at less than two and a half pounds, my short childhood before I joined the pack and began to document my own journey. Each member of the pack, including Jacob’s, was represented, even Jo was in there. But right now, it was all history. The pictures slipped away as quickly as they had flashed up; all that was left was her. Her face had slipped into each and every one of those pictures. I was still falling. She was becoming the centre that my universe turned on, the reason the sun rose and the force that pulled in the tides.

‘Harper.’ Harper was all I heard, but she was still talking.

And walking away…. Why was she walking away? Something tugged at my hand where it was still gripping the chair and her leash. I stopped falling. Nova. Shit! The vets… the dog. She was waiting for us. Shit! Nova pulled wanting to follow her. ‘Get up!’ The wolf’s voice perked up. ‘Get up, you fool!’ I stood up too fast, and followed her, looking down briefly at my pup and back at her. Thinking ‘Please be good! Please be good.’ Fuck! I caught a glimpse of myself when I looked down, paint-stained work clothes, threadbare ripped jeans, scuffed steel-toed boots, at least those were clean because I wouldn’t trek that crap all over the floors I’d spent days restoring when I moved in.

Fuck!

I hadn’t even brushed my hair today… I hadn’t showered. Damn!

And she was… She was perfect.

Nova behaved and walked next to me with her nose down, having a good sniff around and looking up at me like I was crazy. I was crazy. I froze at the door, did I walk in ahead of her or wait and follow? She was beautiful; I’d never seen anything or anyone that came close. ‘Get a grip! It’s a door! Go!’ I smiled at her and stepped into the exam room. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

I could do this, I’d seen this. I’d relived this before, this was… This was nothing like anything I’d seen in the guy’s heads. Shit!

I was here for Nova; she swallowed the buttons from the TV remote. I repeated the information in my head that I knew I was going to be asked. Just a vet’s visit. That changed my entire life, gave me a whole new purpose, an entirely new calling. ‘Just a vet’s visit’ the wolf whispered sucking more sweet air into our lungs. I crouched down to pick Nova up and whispered, “Be good baby-girl.” as I lifted her onto the table. I took a deep steadying breath and tried to prepare myself for the moment I laid eyes on her again. ‘Don’t be an idiot.’

Harper

I stood there with the tablet in one hand and the other holding the door open. The man sat there looking at me as if he was lost and was unsure of what to do. My head fell to the side, the smile still on my lips gesturing towards the room with a small lift of my chin and then he stood up.

I turned to look over my shoulder at #Jessica who was also watching the man. And she gave me a shrug of the shoulder as to say, ‘He’s your problem Doc.’ Making me narrow my eyes at her. I knew some people didn’t do well with visits to any type of medical facility, so this behaviour could be chalked up to nerves maybe?

He was young, and I could see he was in his work clothes. It was clear that Nova had gotten herself into trouble without checking her dad’s work schedule. But it was a good sign that he was willing to drop it all to bring her in right away.

My glance fell to Nova, she walked well on the lead, no tugging or pulling, her back was straight and her legs in alinement. I smiled at the way she was inquisitive, again another good sign. And most of all she looked happy and her dad looked in control. However just how in control was yet to be seen. From the quick glance I had over the records the Husky had been in on average once a month with the same issue. Clearly some training was needed here.

But it wasn’t until I saw the husky turn on her side that my gaze fell on her tummy area. I narrowed my eyes bending my knees a little to get a better view as the two walked past me. “Jess, you said a year, right?” I asked her in a low voice as the man and Nova went into the exam room and #Jessica nods her head then points to my tablet. My eyebrows pinched together, and the smile faltered a little. That voice in my head shouting ‘What is wrong with people?’ and another voice saying, ‘don’t assume, check the puppy over first.’

Stepping into the exam room I closed the door behind me. My eyes went over the tablet to look over the history a little deeper, and I was really only looking for one thing and I couldn’t find it. “Okay, Miss Nova. Would you mind if I give you a belly rub and look over?” I try to keep myself light in the way I spoke, as I put the tablet down, I stood to the others side of the table in front to the man and Nova on top of the table. Giving the husky a rub behind her ear again which she liked by the way she was reacting.

“Miss Nova. Would you like to explain to me what happened today, or should I ask your dad?” Looking down to the tablet again. “Mr. Littlesea?” Turning my attention to him I found myself looking at him for the first time. Without meaning to my eyes connected with his, and a warm flush moved over my cheek. I couldn’t explain it but out of nowhere it felt like I knew this stranger. Like I really knew him. But I knew that wasn’t possible. I’d never set eyes on him before. ‘Maybe in passing?’ I asked myself and then shook it off, trying to work out why that feeling washed over me.

I pulled my eyes away from him and down to the tablet again, but this time looking at his information and his name. “Would you know Mr. Custard. I mean Kevin?” I was always better with the animals than the humans.

My hands started to move over Nova’s coat. Checking her back out of habit, I always liked to check the full body and not just what issues the pets came in to see me for. Something Dr. Harris had ingrained into me. Finally, my hands moved around to her tummy.

Collin

I heard her double-checking the details as I passed through the door. I figured it was because Nova was a little rounder than expected for a young husky. Most of them looked a little too skinny until they reached their full height and then they filled out; my girl still had a little more growing to do. She’d gotten chubby; Jo had a habit of giving in to the puppy eyes when she begged for table scraps, which was fine with me, depending on the food. As long as it wasn’t fried or fatty, I had no issues, but clearly, she’d gotten less strict. But A couple of weeks with me and she’d be fine. Not many humans could outrun a husky, but I could wear her out.

I couldn’t stop the smile when she spoke to Nova like she was expecting an answer from her and tried not to draw parallels between that and how I had my conversations with her, albeit one-sided… but still. A connection, something.

‘Don’t cling!’ The wolf whispered in my mind. She peered at Nova through the glasses perched on her nose and I did everything I could not to stare but, she was astounding. I knew even without… this I’d still be awkward as hell around her.

I snorted a laugh when she called me ‘Mr. Littlesea.’ My eyes met her briefly and my heart pounded. “Just Collin.” I pulled the remote with the four missing buttons from my back pocket.

“Apparently, I was too slow getting her breakfast ready, so she took matters into her own hands… paws… um…” I dropped my gaze.

Damn! That started out so clever! ‘Idiot!’ a chortle in the back of my mind. “I um… I didn’t feed her.” I remembered that from her first incident. “She hasn’t eaten since her dinner last night.”

She was intently examining Nova; her eyes were soft, and she had a kind smile that wasn’t at all forced; the look of someone that truly loved their job. Though something like this was more of a calling than a job, I’d always thought. I was stunned by the mention of my childhood pet and my father.

“Oh… eh… Yeah. My father.” I laughed a little. “Not Mr. Custard. Kevin… my dad. He’s Mr. Littlesea.”

I felt the wolf shut down in my head, too humiliated to watch the rest of this interaction unfold, he retreated with one last scowl of ‘Idiot’ and I repeated the sentiment in my head one more time. That was probably the stupidest thing I had ever said in my life. And it would forever be one of the first things I said to my imprint.

Harper

I smiled at him again. “Okay, Collin it is.” Turning my attention back to Nova. “Dad is a little late on breakfast and you go to find your own?” I laughed softly.

Looking back to Collin “May I ask why you haven’t had Nova spayed as of yet? She should have had that done about six months ago. Are you planning to have her become a breeder?” I prayed that the answer was no.

Too many people got these beautiful animals for the wrong reason. And knowing that this person was Kevin’s son made me give him the benefit of the doubt. I remember the look in Kevin’s eyes when he brought Mr. Custard in, and I knew too well that fear and worry only came from love. People who only wanted to make money from their pets didn’t have that look in their eyes.

I took a step back and leaned over the table to take a look at the remote, or at least what was left of it. “Doesn’t look as though she managed to get her hands (Yes I didn’t say paws ) on too much. I’m counting four missing buttons, unless you found them?”

My eyes glanced up at Nova’s dad when he spoke, that warmth filled me again and I felt a small shiver and my arms cover with Goosebumps. ‘This is silly. Stop it.’ I chastised myself. It was his eyes. They reminded me of his father. That was the reason behind my feeling of knowing him. It had to be.

“Not your first rodeo I can see from Nova’s records and the fact that you knew to keep her tummy empty.” I said once I pulled myself out of that place I was being pushed into, I noticed how he’d also gone so quiet on me. Raising my eyebrow, realising that he was uncomfortable, I try to make a joke, so he knew it was fine. I had gotten the joke he’d attempted to make.

“Oh, are you sure? I mean.” My eyes glanced up to him from where I’d been examining the remote. “You do have Mr. Custard’s eyes.” My lips curl up into a smile, glancing back to the husky who sat licking my cheek now that I was leaning back into her.

“Miss Nova, I can see eating things you shouldn’t runs in the family. I hope Mr. Custard hasn’t been eating anymore wedding rings or anything else he shouldn’t have in his mouth.” Most definitely training was needed for the humans of the Littlesea family.

Now knowing what Nova may have swallowed, I moved to examine her tummy again. “That’s a good girl.” I closed my eyes letting my fingers move into the husky’s tummy, pressing lightly but firm at the same time. Nova winced a little.

“I’m sorry baby-girl, it’s okay. I promise not to do that again.” She was tender and there were a mix of reasons behind it. My brows pulled together into a small frown, when I moved my fingers down her tummy and I could detect a thickening of the uterus and the presence of 'bumps' which indicated what I was hoping it wouldn’t.

Collin

I was a little lost in the way her hand moved over my dog, but my eye’s travelled up her arms and to her face again. Moving over each feature, her dark deep-set eyes that weren’t as hidden behind her glasses as – I think – she believed they were, her lips were full, and the butterflies in my stomach protested when I pulled my gaze away. They didn’t seem to care if I came across as a creep… But I sure as hell did.

My eyes shot wide open when she said she wasn’t spayed. “Wait… What? No, she should be?” My brows pinched together. I’d even paid for it. Jo was supposed to take her in… she had called to tell me about it because when I bought her the puppy I told her I’d pay for the big things; her chip, her license, puppy classes (that I was certain she didn’t actually go to, at least not all of them) and neutering. After that, she was supposed to be her responsibility. I was going to have to explain why I didn’t know this fact. I was going to have to give ‘the ex’ speech to my soul mate before she knew anything about me other than my name.

“She hasn’t lived with me for the last six months. But she was supposed to come in to be spayed. Are you sure she isn’t?” My focus was 100% on Nova now, ( okay… ninety at least.) Then I shook my head. “No. Just a pet, we… I… There were no plans about breeding her.”

I was glad she moved on to the current issue. “I searched the garden where she was chewing on it, but I couldn’t find anything.”

I couldn’t hold back a laugh when she said I had Custard’s eyes and I nodded. “I’ll take that as a compliment, he’s a handsome boy.”

I flinched when Nova did and moved my hands either side of her face, hearing Harper… Dr Jenkins… I shook my head again. Harper. Call her baby-girl again and I smiled and rubbed Nova’s face. “It’s okay; you’re such a good girl.” I kissed the top of the puppy’s head.

I saw a frown on the Vet’s face and worry coloured my expression, something was wrong. I knew one of these days she would eat something she shouldn’t, and it would be worse than the injection and projectile vomiting. “What’s wrong? She’ll be okay, won’t she? I just got her back.” I tried not to look panicked, but my eyes stung from not blinking and my jaw was tight. My hand moved to rub the back of Nova’s neck, but my eyes were on the woman in front of me. Still so stunning with her serious expression.

Harper

When I did look at the man from time to time, his expressions were not giving me the most comfortable feelings. Adding to that the way that something in me was pulling me forward when I wasn’t the kind of person to ever do such a thing. It was the way in which he was looking at me. The way his eyes moved over my face. The hair at the back of my neck were stood up and I tried to keep my full attention on Nova. Then it was hard to miss how much he cared and loved her. He jumped a little when she was hurting. He kept himself in close to her. He was attentive for her needs. ‘How could he be someone who couldn’t be trusted?’ I asked myself

“I agree. Mr. Custard is a handsome little Jack Russell.” Is all I could say, trying to keep my energy calm and easy.

The last thing I wanted right now was for Nova to pick up on anything that could turn this into a bad experience on our first meeting. I never liked the first meet with new pets to end in a way that they would be scared of seeing me again, but times like this it couldn’t be helped. I knew soon I would have to administer the Apomorphine to induce vomiting so that she could be rid of the buttons she’d eaten. But for now, it was about building her confidence and trust in me. As I moved my hands over her chest and kept touching her, so she knew I was here for her. To help her.

My eyebrow raising over my glasses when I heard him say; ‘We’ and he was questioning me about Nova’s spraying. But the distrust I had about him had disappeared now knowing and seeing the shock on his face at learning the information. “Sounds like your mom and dad have had a slight miscommunication at home Nova.” Moving my glance up to him and stepping back from the Husky who had forgiven me with another lick to my cheek. “I am positive—"

I was cut off by a soft knock on the door and #Jessica popped her head in. “Harps… Sorry I mean.. Doc I’ve readied the x-ray, would you like me to take Nova now?” She asked smiling and I shook my head, making her frown a little.

“Could you set up the ultrasound for me instead please Jess? We’ll be right there.” Turning my attention to him. I felt guilty now for ever thinking he could be one of those owners who only wanted to make money from his Husky. The worry and fear I could see in his eyes and his jaw was doing that clenching things some men did sometimes. He reminded me a little of #Seth in that moment.

I tilted my head a little to the side with that realisation, my eyes widening, and I really looked at him. ‘He reminds me of Seth.’ It made me relax a little. How had I not seen it before? It was his father’s eyes and the fact that he has the same build and calmness in his aura that Seth had too. That had to be the reason why I felt like I knew him when I in fact didn’t.

“Mr. Littlesea. I. uhm. I mean Collin, I need to confirm this, but congratulations may be in order. I hope you are ready to become a grandfather. I’m sure Kevin will be so happy to become a great grandfather.” I smiled, but there was worry there too. Nova was only a year and 2 months. She was a baby herself, she wasn’t fully grown and was still learning about life. For her to be pregnant at this age was going to test her and impact her body. And most of all it was going to test his commitment to her.

Collin

I was freaking her out. I could see it in the way her eyes flit from me to Nova. ‘Get a grip, it’s just a vet’s visit.’ I needed to get myself under control this was her job, I needed to give her the space to do it. Her words were cut off as she told me she was sure Nova wasn’t neutered. And then she asked for an ultrasound. I told myself I was sure she could see the buttons on that too. Then her next words took away my blissful, fleeting ignorance.

“Wait… no. She isn’t even fully grown?” I stammered, a rush of stress and a little panic swept in. I didn’t know how to look after a pregnant dog. I didn’t know how to look after new-born puppies. Puppies! My puppy was having puppies, and panic was swiftly replaced with anger. “I can’t believe she let this happen!” I muttered to myself. My wolf re-emerging from his hiding spot to remind me I said that out loud. I looked at Harper and softly said. “Sorry.” And looked back to Nova, running my hand over the side of her swollen tummy.

I cleared my throat and let all the rushing emotions fall to the back of my mind; to process later. Here were the facts. Nova wasn’t neutered, she was pregnant, and she has swallowed the remote-control buttons. Taking a breath I looked back at the woman. “Will she be okay? I read that husky should be two, at least, to be bred? Will this do… damage?”

I took another measured breath. “And what about the puppies? I mean they weren’t planned but still… they’re puppies. They’ll survive, won’t they?” Oh hell! What if they didn’t!? I heard of dogs getting depressed after losing litters, having phantom pregnancies, even after being neutered. ‘No!’ The wolf was firm. ‘Focus.’

With another intake of breath, I put all my attention on the situation, and a stab of guilt that Harper was supposed to be the centre of that now. Stop! “And what about the buttons can we still do the puke thing?” The wolf growled and retreated again, now ‘puke’ would forever be one of the second things I ever said to my soul mate.

This was not how I imagine meeting her… but still. It was perfect.

Harper

“The puke thing?” I asked with my brows arching over my glasses. I witness first-hand how much he was I want to say ‘traumatised’ by learning about the pregnancy. His features and demeanour had completely changed within a flash. Not that I could hold this against him.

He’d said, ‘I can’t believe she let this happen’ But how could he not have known? How could he and his wife/ girlfriend have forgotten one of the most important things for Nova at this age? But the thankful part of this, even with the concern and worry he was showing, was that he was asking all the right questions. He had done some research at least on his fur baby. Which brought me back to the same question again. ’How could they have let this happen?’

“Jess?” She was halfway out of the exam room. One thing that I liked about #Jessica in the five months she’d started to work with me, she’d learnt to read the room, the people. Sure, personal space when it came to me was still something we were working on. But the way she turned slowly to close the door and leave showed me the improvements in her.

‘Yes, Doctor Jenkins?’ She was trying to be professional which I appreciated at this time. Turning her body back into the room. I moved around the table to stand next to Collin and my attention back onto Nova, my voice still calm and easy, the husky knew something was wrong. Nova had turned her attention to Collin, moving into him her eyes searching his for a queue as to what was wrong. Her tail had moved between her legs and she was knocking him with her nose.

In my mind she was asking ‘What did the lady say dad? Are you okay? It’s okay I’m here with you.’ In my mind Nova had a soft voice which as she grew up would become formidable. I placed a hand on Collins upper arm to let him know that the panic he was feeling was okay, but not right now.

“Could you take Nova out to the back yard and let her empty her bladder,” I looked to Collin hoping he could see that Nova needed calm and not to feed off the energy of his fear right now. If she was anxious it would make this harder on her. “No treats please. Just a little walk and play with you?” Jess beamed; this was one of her favourite parts of the job, playing with the puppies.

“Miss Nova, would you like a Walkies?” The dog didn’t look away from Collin, she was worried about him. “Miss Nova?” My voice a little more excited and I clap my hand for her attention, and she was with me again. I lean down a little. “Come on. Let’s have some fun.” Helping her down from the table I gave Jess her lead. Still smiling. “Remember Jess, no treats.”

Once they were gone, I turned my attention to Collin, pushing my finger to the rim of my glasses to move them up. “You have to get better at not showing Nova your anxiety and fear. She feeds off it.”

Moving around the table again, it was like having a barrier between the two of us. A safe place if you may.

“Collin, I’m not going to sugar coat this, I’m not going to lie and say, ‘It’s all going to be fine.’” That anger I felt when I thought people weren’t taking their role as a protector of their pets seriously was dancing in my voice.

“I’m not sure how you and your wife/ girlfriend could let this happen. I know I still have to confirm it, but I am 89.8% sure that Nova is pregnant. And Yes, you are asking all the correct questions, I just wish you had been more attentive to her needs when Nova came into season.”

Placing my hands on the table flat I know I was being a little harsh here, but this was not a small matter.

“Different vets will say different ages. But I myself would be a lot happier if Nova was 3 years old before she was pregnant. This will impact her in so many ways. She hasn’t fully developed herself; she hasn’t learnt the need or the desire to be a mother. She won’t know or even understand what it is she needs to do to look after her babies. She is still a puppy herself and this will put strain on her small still growing body.”

My fingers playing now with the pen I hadn’t remember picking up and my voice was strong and annoyed. “I’m not saying it will happen, but I’ve seen it, this could impact Nova’s growth. She may stop now because her body will be tricked into believing this is it. She is a mother, so no further growth is needed.”

Now my eyes were on him again, up until now I was trying not to really look at him. “And all of that is if Nova manages to go to full term. If she…” I cleared my voice, because now looking in his eyes I could see the panic in them again. And I was being hard on him. “If she.. loses the puppies, there are other impacts to her, her body and mind.”

People who said that animals didn’t ‘understand’ or that animals didn’t really have ‘Intelligence or emotions’ I always had a major issue with. Any animal was no different to a human, they feel hurt and loss, they understand the emotions of their humans. And they felt their own too. If a dog lost her puppies, it was no different to a mother losing her baby.

“We can still administer the Apomorphine to induce vomiting to rid Nova of the buttons she has eaten.” I moved to stand up straight now, my annoyance I knew could be felt. “But. Mr. Littlesea” Yes I used his surname, so he knew I was not joking. “This will be the last time I am willing to do it. You must take the responsibility to train with Nova. She shouldn’t have to go through this every month or so. It’s not on her for doing it. It’s on us to teach her what is good for her and what is bad for her. Just as our parents had done for us.”

I couldn’t pull my eyes away from his, and once again I could see pain in those brown hues of his. I stepped around the table again, closing my eyes and taking a moment before placing a hand on his upper arm and then removing it, just a comforting moment for him to know what I was saying was out of my apprehension for Nova. This was not just a ‘job’ for me, and I know I got too attached to my patients. Something Dr. Harris had told me was a gift and a curse at the same time.

“No matter what happens. I am here for Nova. I will help and support her in anyway she needs me to. That is something I can promise you. But you need to meet me halfway here.”

Collin

Nova was nudging at my hands and chest with her snout, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe #Jo had not spayed her and then let her be around un-neutered males. That was ridiculous! I should have taken her in myself, but I knew #Jo never would have agreed to that, that was why I just sent the money to her bank account (Nova was the main reason I didn’t delete her information from my account after I moved out). I rubbed the top of her head and smiled at her. I knew that it was an empty gesture; she was reacting to more than my facial expression. I felt a hand on my arm and my heart rioted and melted at the same time.

When Harper suggested Jess take her, I knew it was a good idea. I rubbed her head again and animatedly said. “Good girl, Nova. Go play.” Before they lifted her down and #Jess took her, giving me a confident smile. It actually made me feel better, not as much as Harper’s hand on my arm had, but nothing was going to top that unless it came from her. Not anymore, not from anyone else. I nodded when she said I needed to be more careful and not freak Nova out. I knew she was right. I choked a little when she said wife and then girlfriend. This was a nightmare and a dream all at once.

“I know… I’m sorry. And it’s ex-girlfriend…. I left around the time Nova was supposed to be spayed. She was technically her dog. I only got her back last night. I thought she was… because I paid for it.” I sighed, I paid for something. I was a fool. “I thought I had the house ready for her but clearly I missed a few things. Her Mo—my ex tried to sell her, so I managed to get her back.”

I didn’t blame her for the tone in her voice. I’d feel the exact same way if I was hearing this news from #Josie. It was only now I realised I'd paid twice to buy the same dog; the money hadn't even been a consideration when I was trying to get her back.

I listened to everything she was saying. Nova was here every month? That was more than normal; not that I could say what was normal for Nova anymore. I’d not been there. I’d decided at that moment to take her back to the puppy classes myself, surely, she wasn’t the first dog to retake them. She wasn’t a bad dog. She was just excitable and too curious for her own good.

Harper’s eyes were lingering on mine and it was making my heart pound, I was trying so hard to focus on her words. Her hand was on my arm again and she sounded less annoyed now.

My mind was fixed on Nova when she stepped away. “Thank you.” I said softly, dropping my eyes. “So, this scan will tell us for sure?” I ran my hands over my face and got a grip of myself. “Okay, let’s do it.”

Harper

Taking a few more steps back, the sensation of a hot flush working over my cheeks, and then the tips of my ears started to burn listening to him. My eyes moved to my hands and then back up to him. Collin had stood there, listening to me berate him for not taking his responsibility for looking after Nova seriously. He just nodded his head and agreed with me. Only then to lay it on me in a much kinder way that Nova hadn’t even been living with him.

What was I meant to do here say ‘Oh I’m sorry your relationship didn’t work out, and sorry I was being so hard on you?’ Because that was such a professional thing for me to say and do?

“I’m sorry.” It’s all I could say. I wasn’t sure of it myself as to which part I was apologising for here. The fact that his Ex had kept custody of their pet, or the fact she wasn’t doing the best of jobs looking after Nova, or the fact that I’d just given him the righteous speech when none of this was done or happened on his watch?

But then I found my mind fixed on one of the things he’d just said. ‘My ex tried to sell her, so I managed to get her back.’ It was like a slap in the face, to hear. His Ex was going to sell Nova? As in she had a fur baby and she was going to not give her to a loving home, but was going to ‘Sell’ the husky?

Looking down to my hands again, I licked the corner of my lip. Trying to let the information sink in. Clearing my throat once he was ready to take the next steps.

“Yes, the ultrasound will give us a clear picture of the pregnancy, as well as a view on the buttons to confirm if Nova did swallow them. We wouldn’t want to make her ill if the buttons could be in your yard somewhere.” Moving back, I reached out and opened the exam room door. Motioning with my chin for him to follow me out.

“Okay, let’s go and see if your baby-girl is done with her little play time.” My glance moved over the waiting room and there was nobody here. I was glad as I needed Jess to take care of Nova until we had everything set up. Pushing open the side door to the larger exam room housing the x ray and the ultrasound, I stepped in leaving the door open for Collin to follow.

While I waited for Jess to bring Nova back, I went to work setting the room up. Turning on the ultrasound monitor and readying the table for nova.

‘Here we are.’ #Jessica’s chipper voice rang in the room as she and Nova came rushing into the room and Nova went straight to Collin.

“Thank you Jess, please let me know when the next patients are here.” Which was code for, ‘Please let them know I’m running a little late.’

Tapping the table and looking towards the Littlesea family, “Shall we?” I smile to the both of them.

Collin

I smiled at her when she said sorry; I could see my story made her awkward. There was nothing for her to be sorry about, but it was just something people said to sympathize with someone else’s experiences.

"Thanks. But it was still worth it. If I had to pay for her a third time; I would." Crap! Those words were not meant to leave my mouth. I cleared my throat; certain I’d just made myself sound like a gullible fool. Not that this was news to me, but I was really messing this up. followed her out of the room into a larger one; I'd been here before too. I watched Harper set up the machine until I heard Nova’s paws on the tiles, and I turned to see her coming right for me. I hunker down and rub her, letting her lick my face.

“Hey baby-girl, did you have fun?” I smiled and Nova seemed like herself again. A little quieter than normal, but it had already been a very busy day. “Was she good?” I looked up at #Jess, who just nodded with that smile of hers. But I had a feeling that even if Nova dragged her around, she’d have nodded too.

I smiled up at Harper from where I was squatting on the floor, I probably looked ridiculous, but Nova was happily rubbing herself against me like an overgrown cat. I laughed at her and wrapped my arms around Nova, Avoiding holding her around her swollen belly. I lifted her onto the table and lightly pressed on her back, right by her tail. “Lie down.” I rubbed Nova’s stomach and on cue, she flopped onto her side for a belly rub. I obliged until Harper was ready to do the scan.

I watched her get ready, and that flushed feeling washed over me again. I kept my hand running over Nova’s belly and tried not to let myself worry, while she licked my fingers. I looked over at Harper as she worked; there was something about her… it made me feel like no matter what, with her help Nova would get through this. I didn’t care what it cost or how many days work I’d need to miss. Nova would be fine. Together Harper and I would pull her through, even if she was unaware of the depth of it right now.

Harper

Part of my job was to watch, to listen and gather information on the dynamics of the pets and those they were living with. It helped me to understand the way in which the families work when they weren’t here in front of me. As I readied the equipment, my glance kept returning to Collin and Nova. #Jess stood by the door watching them too.

Once again, I found his voice ringing in my ears from before. ‘If I had to pay for her a third time, I would’. To most that may have sounded foolish. They may ask him how he could allow himself to be taken for a ride in such a way. Or even tell him ‘Just get another dog.’ But this, his actions. The fact that he was willing to go that extra mile. It told a story in itself to me. The man had a kind heart, and he truly loved Nova.

When I look back at them both on the floor and the way in which Nova was acting with him. I could understand how after been apart and only together one night, they were still this close. He’d clearly shown her true care and love when she was a new puppy to build such a bond with her.

I froze, my eyes darting over to Collin. My head fell to a side, hearing him call her ‘Baby-girl’. I shook my head and saw that #Jess was watching me with a questioning look. And again, I shook my head to tell her ‘it’s okay.’

“Jess, why don’t you pop your head out and if it’s all clear come and watch.” It was clear she didn’t want to go, and I was meant to be teaching her. Showing her the ultrasound would be something to put her ahead when she started school next year.

‘Really? I’ll be right back.’ And she ran out. For me calling after her. “No running Jessica Clearwater!” and laughing a little.

When she was gone, I turned my attention back to Nova and how she was laying down the moment Collin asked her. “She’s really well behaved, did you manage to get her to some training classes, or had you been going it alone while you were with her?” Rubbing her tummy, just to reconnect with her before doing anything. “I hope you don’t mind my asking Jess to observe, I promise she will not do anything, I’m just helping to give her some hands-on experience before she starts school.” It was only right of me to explain why #Jess would be watching.

‘It’s all clear Dr. Jenkins, and I’ve washed my hands like you showed me.’ She closed the door behind her and came to stand next to my side but giving me room and not making Nova feel over run.

“Okay, we are going to do an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy.” Talking to all three of them as I got to work, picking up the transducer probe and adding the gel to it. “Miss Nova this will be a little cool, but it will not hurt.” Placing my hand low below her tummy and to the area of her bladder so she knew this is where I am working, I placed the transducer probe on it and then glanced at the monitor.

“You are doing so well Baby-girl.” I whispered my eyes moved over the screen as I pushed the transducer probe up and around her bladder and then.. “There we go.” I smiled; I couldn’t help it. Seeing the black 2 to 3-centimetre dot made my heart warm. “Congratulations Miss Nova.” I pointed to the first. “This is puppy one.” I pushed the capture button on the keyboard as I moved on to find.. “And here is number 2.” Again, repeating the process. Still moving the transducer probe around her tummy. “And we have number 3.” And again, I captured the image and kept looking for more.

‘Oh my god, those are the puppies? They are so small.’ #Jess was excited as she was witnessing this for the first time.

“Yes, there they are. 3 Puppies, about 3 weeks in, and—” I pushed a command moving the transducer probe back over them and the small mild beating of their hearts started to fill the room. “That’s your babies Miss Nova.”

Looking back to the screen “And Here we go, four remote buttons in her tummy.” I could see them right away with the fact that Collin hadn’t fed her this morning. I moved my glance over to Collin, to make sure he was okay.

Collin

The sound in the room changed a little, and it took me a while to figure out what it was. There so many sounded you learned to push back as a Spirit Warrior, heartbeats, breathing, the constant soft rustling of clothing and shuffling of feet. But it was Harper, she looked up and the rhythm of her heart changed a little. I looked up at her and smiled, she was incredible.

"She has her moments." I chuckled, scratching between her ears. "Until she gets something in her mouth she shouldn't have. Then all bets are off. She went to puppy classes... but I was working for some of them, so I honestly don’t know how many she made it to. I'll sign her back up; it couldn't hurt right?" I was genuinely asking. I wasn't sure if it was a good time, with the pregnancy. But part of me thought there was no better time... especially if it stopped her eating non-food items.

"No, I don't mind at all." I smiled warmly when she asked if it was okay for #Jess to watch. "I've known her my whole life... La Push is the epitome of a small town. We all know each other. She grew up down the street.” We hadn’t really run in the same circles, but we ended up at a lot of the same events and parties. I couldn’t help but laugh at how excited #Jessica was. I didn’t even know she still wanted to be a vet.

She said ‘baby-girl’ again and I looked up from Nova, wanting to meet her eyes, but she was focused. Beautiful. I expected my heart to pound again, but something about her kept me calm. I saw the shapes on the screen, and I was stunned! It did not look like a puppy, but it was obvious at the same time. Nova lifted her head as she moved the scanner over her tummy and I was glued to the screen, still rubbing Nova gently so she wouldn’t move. #Jess was glued to the screen too and had her hand resting gently on Nova’s shoulder as she got excited over the puppies.

Harper’s eyes found mine and I smiled as the new heartbeats ushered from the machine. I was nervous, I was a little afraid for Nova, but I had faith we could get her through this. “Beautiful.” I whispered, but damn! They must have heard. I cleared my throat, hoping she thought I was talking about the scan because this was not the time or place! “They’ll be okay.” I smiled with my eyes still on hers and then I looked at Nova. “You’ll all be okay. Right Baby-mama?” Nova cocked her head and made a happy little sound. “That’s my girl.”

Harper

Smirking at him saying La Push was the ‘epitome of a small town.’ Boy did I know it. I’d been in town for all of ten minutes on the first day when people started to address me as they knew me forever. There was no hiding in a place like this, but that was no different to Thompson Falls too. Everybody knew everybody’s business, but the upside was that everybody was there to help if you allowed them in.

“Puppy training can help no matter the age and as long as you are not doing the hard-core agility training there will be no impact to Nova’s pregnancy. We should always look to refresh ourselves and our babies. It’s not a ‘One and done’ deal. Also, sometimes when we have fur babies who have been neglected and not taken care of, I will have them train to learn sometimes for the first time how to follow basic commands such as Sit, Come or Stay. I think it will help to strengthen the bond you both have already. I believe it will help her see that you are her Dad, The Alpha of your pack and family. And she must do as she is asked.”

My gaze moved from Nova, to #Jessica and then finally to settle on Collin. He looked to be overwhelmed and nervous by what he was witnessing. And I knew from my experience that this was indeed going to be a testing time for this little family. They would need to find a way to learn and develop and he would need to really step up and look after Nova. But from what I saw with my own eyes here, that wasn’t going to be a problem.

I move the probe back over the puppies now that I knew we only had the three, I started to check on their size and dimensions. Looking over my shoulder to #Jessica and lifting my chin to the tablet, she knew I needed her to take notes.

“Puppies are at three weeks. Please insert today’s date and time. Puppy One is at 2.6 centimetres, Puppy Two is at 2.8 centimetres and puppy three is at 2.1 centimetres. All at a good size for the age and weight of the mother.”

I couldn’t help but smile when I heard Collin whisper ‘Beautiful.’ #Jessica was smitten by that I could see. “Isn’t it just? Seeing the miracle of life and knowing your baby is going to be a mommy?” Another pang of guilt hit me at how I could have assumed that he wasn’t doing his best to look after Nova when I first saw her.

Nodding my head, a little “We will do everything to help make sure they are all going to be okay, and now that I know you and Jessica know each other, I’m sure she will help support you too.” I look to #Jessica who was nodding her head and giggling a little giddy still seeing the black dots on the screen.

I cleaned Nova’s tummy of the gel and gave her a rub. “Well done Miss Nova, and just like that you have gone from his ‘Baby-girl’ to become the ‘Baby-mama’.” I teased a little hearing him call her that.

Stepping back I pushed the rim of my glasses up my nose. “But now comes for the part where you may not like me anymore.” I lean in and give her ear a rub.

“Jessica please could you take care of cleaning up in here and looking after the Littleseas, I’ll be right back with the Apomorphine.”

This was the part of the job that was important, but I took no joy in doing. And yet it was the better of the two evils. Inducing vomiting for Nova was better than hoping the buttons would pass her system without causing blockage or damage.

Excusing myself I left the room to walk to the back of the practice towards the locked medicine cupboard to prepare and gather the injection.

Collin

I laughed when she said no hardcore agility training. But then I started envisioning Nova when we ran in the woods or chasing balls on the beach, the way she’d leap logs and driftwood; and skitter around like the lunatic she was. Hell, even this morning when she crashed into the living room.

I cringed when I thought of the crash she’d made when she disappeared into the living room before reappearing with the remote. I hadn’t even stopped to see what she’d knocked over in my hast to get her here. It was going to be hard trying to keep her calm. She was such a hyper dog.

The word neglectedmade me flinch too. I didn’t want to be harsh on #Jo but… Nova was a baby and she was pregnant. And all it would have taken to prevent that was a trip to the vet, that she didn’t even have to pay for! And monthly vet visits for swallowing things she shouldn’t? Was there another way to describe it?

“Sure… Alpha.” I joked, if only she knew. I couldn't think about that yet, about telling her everything. It wasn't like I could just blurt out everything right here. I needed to figure this out before I did anything. I heard her read out the sizes and #Jess started to mouth out the numbers as she tapped them into the tablet. I did notice that the size difference of the third puppy was a lot different, half a centimetre wasn’t a lot but it just seemed big in comparison to the other two. Harper didn’t seem concerned though, and that comforted me. These pups weren’t planned, but they were here now... those tiny fluttering hearts beating away. And all I wanted was for them to be okay, and Nova too. I heard #Jessica giggling, she sounded exactly like she did when she was a little kid. "She'll always be my baby-girl." I smiled at Harper. "Even when she's all grown up. She's not going anywhere now that she's back with me."

#Jo was going to find out what happened eventually but, there was nothing she could do about it now. I’d just need to buckle down and ride out the drama until she moved on to the next thing that took her fancy. Harper pushed her glasses higher on the bridge of her nose, I had to bite the insides of my cheeks to stop myself from smiling; it was probably the cutest thing I’d ever seen in my life.

#Jess started to put everything back into its place and I watched Harper leave the room.

‘She’s pretty, huh?’ Jessica sniggered, as she pushed the ultrasound machine back into a perfectly sized gap between the cupboards and machines lining the walls. I swung my head back to her as Nova realised, she wasn’t having her belly rubbed anymore and stood up on the table, shaking herself.

“What?” I stammered. “No… that’s not. Well, yeah… but I wasn’t…” I jerked my thumb back towards the door where Harper had disappeared.

“Wow!” #Jessica laughed. “You really suck at this!” She walked back over and tapped a few more things into the tablet before leaning over the table to pat Nova again.

‘It’s a good thing your Dad has you to attract all the girl’s attention… because he’s such a goof. Yes, it is!’ She switched to a baby talk voice at the end and my face flushed. She was definitely a Clearwater.

Harper

The vile of the drugs I needed, the syringe and wipes in a tray I carried them back into the room. The drug would make Nova sick, and the hope was that she would vomit out whatever she’d managed to eat.

Slipping back into the room with the others. “Who is a goof?”

I smiled pushing my glasses back up the bridge of my nose. Making a side note that I needed to go and get the arms of my glasses tighten when I had a moment spare.

Setting the things on the side table out of the way, my gaze moved to #Jessica who was looking at Collin and then she just smiled at me.

‘Nothing Doc, just saying how some people can be so goofy, cute and worried all at the same time.’ I stilled looking over to her, not the professionalism I was attempting to instil in her. But then again, I knew that in a small town there were going to be some lines blurred. And with the two of them having had history and living close by, it was most likely a private joke between the two.

Turning my attention to Nova who was now sitting up on the table, I rubbed her ear. “Collin, I know you most likely have work to get to, if you like you could leave Nova here with us, I’ll inject her now with you here to keep her calm, and then Jess and I can take care of her until you are done for the day? Not sure you’d want to leave her alone at home even after the drug has passed her system.”

Reaching out I took the tablet #Jess had placed to the side to double check Nova’s weight before stepping back from her to ready the syringe for her injection.

“Nova, I will ensure I am as gentle as I can be baby-girl, and I’m sorry.” Wiping her skin clean and keeping the syringe at a safe angle. I gave her another rub and injected her quickly and as smoothly as I could. Nova winched a little and she let out a small whimpering sound, and my heart stopped.

I wished this was something I could deal with in another way, but ever since Daisy there was something about a voiceless animal in pain that just made my heart stop and wish there was a better way to help them.

“I know baby-girl.” Putting the syringe back to the side and out the way, I engulfed her and gave her a rub before I stood back up. “You are so brave and so good. Well done.”

Glancing over to Collin I half smiled. “It’s a waiting game now. I’m sorry I had to hurt her.”

Collin

I gave #Jess a grateful smile when she covered for me and she gave me an entirely different, teasing grin. The sad part was… she was right. I was a goof. I had made an absolute joke of myself… this was not the first impression I’d imagined making on my imprint.

The messy, flustered, dorky, disorganised guy that can’t keep his dog from eating plastic; that wasn’t me… well, maybe I was always dorky and flustered around girls I liked, but today I just came across like a train wreck.

My eyes shot up to Harpers again behind her glasses. I hadn’t thought about what to do with her during work. She was not coming to the site until she learned not to eat things that weren’t food, and not while she was pregnant. I probably would have just dropped her at my parents, but I’d not thought that far ahead, I knew I had options and then… well, everything happened, and it went out of my head. All I could think about was Harper, Nova and new puppies. But this way I could see her again, I could talk to #Brady, maybe even #Sam and tell them what happened, regroup, get my head around it and maybe when I picked her up, I’d be a bit more composed, a bit more together.

“Actually, yeah that sounds like a better plan.” I smiled at Harper. I knew she’d be well looked after here with #Jess and Harper for company. I didn’t hold onto Nova any more than I was already when Harper approached with the syringe, not wanting the dog to anticipate it, the whine made me flinch and I cursed myself silently; until I heard Harper’s heart jump a few beats; a Vet that felt the pain every time she gave an animal a shot. I was beaming, she was something else. I gave Nova a hug and whispered. “Best girl, you’re so brave.” I chuckled. She was a big baby, but it was how I liked her.

And then something dawned on me. “Hey… Can I um… I keep this… photographic timeline, I guess, of my life. Could I get a photo of you two with Nova? I have a feeling this is going to be a big feature in the story.” My face was flushed, but I figured if I asked #Jess too it would be less creepy.

‘Are you still doing that?’ #Jess blurted out, but it validated my point for me. This wasn’t weird… it was something I always did. I shrugged and grinned. ‘You were so annoying with that camera!’ Jess rolled her eyes but in a playful way and glanced at Harper, waiting for her response.

Harper

Picking up the tablet I took the time to double check that #Jessica had correctly inputted the information she was tasked with, making a couple of corrections, but she’d done a good job. She was holding on to the knowledge I had given her.

Glancing up at the two of them over the top of my glasses as they shared a look. My eyes were really set on #Jessica now more than anything, this was the girl I was used to seeing, the happy, bubbly and carefree thing. The girl I’d been seeing of late wasn’t the same.

“Sorry?” I asked being taken off guard by the question, my gaze moving from #Jessica to Collin, and then back to #Jessica as she asks him if he was ‘still doing’ it. I replay the conversation in my mind, and it hit me what he’d asked. He wanted to take a picture of this moment. I looked down to Nova, who had turned to me and her nose was pushed into my hand resting on the table asking for attention. Which I’d happily give her. Setting the tablet down to the side again I give her a rub over her back and then her ear.

‘Collin takes photos of everything Doc, growing up I can’t remember a time I’ve not seen him taking a ‘record’ of his life.’ She was giggling again, and her eyes set on him.

Hearing this I moved and turned away from them, with a couple of tabs on the tablet I sent the scan of Nova’s puppies to the printer in the reception area.

“I mean.. Yes, I’m happy to if you are sure. Wouldn’t you prefer I take the picture for you with Nova?” I had to smile at such a request, he’d been the first person to ask me for such a thing.

‘Let’s do this.’ #Jessica came into the side and brushed her fingers over her face. ‘If I don’t look cute, you are taking another one Collin.’ She was joking and not so much all at the same time.

“Jess” I raised my eyebrow at her, “Collin has to get to work, and we have to look after Nova and the others coming in. He is not standing here to take pictures until you are happy with the outcome.” Giving Collin an apologetic look.

Collin

I watched the way Nova nuzzled at Harper’s hand for attention; even she knew this woman was something special. I smiled at #Jessica’s explanation and rolled my eyes a little. And when Harper spoke, I chuckled. “Well, it’s you two I’ll be coming to for help when I need advice about all of this.” I reached into my pocket for my phone, chosen purely for the potential of the camera. “So, I think it’s more fitting.”

I stepped back as #Jess fussed and gave her a pointed look, when she teased that the photo better be cute. “Sure, Jess.” I teased right back. I clicked the shutter before I continued “Let’s not pretend that I didn’t take half the pictures on your Tinder profile.” I waited the split second it took for her cheeks to flush and her smile to turn shy, then I clicked it again. Any party or event on the Rez; I was normally there with my camera, and the girls always asked me to send them any pictures I took. I turned to Harper as I lowered the phone.

“There’s no rush, my boss is cool, and he knows I’m here.” I didn’t need to wonder if #Brady told him or not. “I’m never late so I’ve earned a little leeway.” I shrugged and raised my phone a little. “Thanks.” I smiled again.

But #Jessica stepped around the table and held out her hand for my phone, no doubt to inspect the photo and make sure it was up to her standards. I opened it for her and showed her the pictures. Then she swatted my arm. “Since you’re not in a rush… You can get into a picture with her too.” She waved her hand at me to step around the table and stand next to Harper. I fought the urge to drop my eyes to what I was wearing but, my hand automatically ran through my messy hair. But if I refused it would make my request seem weird… right? “Um… Yeah sure, if that’s okay with you? If you don’t have people waiting.” I flashed Harper a smile, turning up one corner of my mouth.

Harper

“It’s what we are here for Collin, to make sure you have all the support you need with Nova.” But it was more than that for me. There was no way I could turn my back on someone who needed and asked for help. It wasn’t in me to be that person.

I smiled watching him take his phone out. #Jessica moved in close and half hugged me, and Nova and she made me smile. Nova set herself up as though she knew there was a camera set on her like a pro. And Collin set of with his phone.

I wasn’t sure what it was about watching the two of them but standing here listening to their exchange made me miss home a little. More the fact that I missed my gang. The people who knew me the way these two knew one another. The way they teased, and I knew it was no different to how #Damian or #Seth would be with #Kenz, #Jenna or me.

I cleared my throat and my eyebrow raised over the frame of my glasses at the mention of #Jessica’s Tinder profile. I mean I knew I shouldn’t be shocked by it; she was 18 or 19 years old; it was how people met now. Not that I could remember the last date I’d been on. And that voice in my mind whispered, ‘The night in Seattle?’, but that wasn’t a date. It was a night out with #Charlie and #Teddy. And the thought of the both of them made me smile. This was ‘home’ now, and I was slowly making friends. Which was something that took time.

As the two of them spoke and teased I stepped back giving them space, checking on Nova to make sure she was okay. The drugs would soon start to work, and the poor thing wouldn’t be this happy playful puppy for a little while. Leaning into her I whisper into her ear.

“I know you aren’t going to feel too well soon baby-girl, but I promise you. Once this is over, you will be as right as you can be.” Kissing the side of her head #Jessica hitting Collin on the arm brought both mine and Nova’s attention back across to them.

My eyes lifted and I couldn’t help but notice that lopsided smile of his, making me smile right back at him as he came to stand beside me now.

“Oh, Uhm... I don’t believe anybody has come in as of yet, we would have heard them.”

But before I could say anything more #Jessica rushed her head out the door and then came back ‘All clear. Now get in close you two. This is an important part of Nova’s journey here.’

Shifting a little on my feet I stepped closer to Nova, her face in my hand and I smiled. “Sit baby-girl, this is for you.” She did as she was told and once again, I could see she was a good girl, just with the need of a little more training.

‘Smile guys!’ #Jessica exclaimed and I did as she said. Moving in closer to Collin and Nova, I lent down and just then Nova turned and licked my cheek making me laugh out. “Nova!” But I didn’t mind it. Puppy kisses were the highlight of the day.

‘Wow Doc, you have a pretty smile, we should see it more.’ My gaze flickered to her and then to Collin and I stifle a groan. She really did say what was on her mind, with no filter. ‘Maybe Collin will take some photos of you for your Tinder profile. He’s really good—' This time I cut her off.

“Jess!” shaking my head. “Keep this up and I’ll make sure to tell #Seth not to send you those boots you wanted from Thompson!”

She’d fallen in love with a pair of my winter boots which were handmade back in Thompson. And I’d sent her details home for Seth to have a pair made for her, it was turning into a nice little bargaining chip when I needed her to rain her thoughts in.

‘Sorry Doc.’ She reached over to show the photos she’d taken and smiled. ‘But you both have cute smiles.’

Looking at the photo I moved my gaze to #Jessica. She had a point; Collin did look a little less worried now than when he first came in. “Thank you.” I replied and I felt my cheeks heating a little. Hoping they didn’t notice it.

“We should take Nova out to the built-up hanger out the back, with some hard toys to keep her mind off things. The nausea will soon kick in for her, the poor girl.”

I moved back a little seeing how close to Collin I was standing now. I was trying to teach #Jessica of personal space? Here I was all up in Collins.

Collin

I heard Harper’s whisper to Nova but again, I played it off like I hadn’t; I knew in that instant that leaving Nova here with her was the right choice, and not just so that I would get a chance to see Harper again and hopefully make a better impression. I smiled at the pair of them, as I took my place next to them and #Jessica told us to smile. I did, but I caught the little flick of Nova’s tail as she turned her head to lick Harper’s cheek.

Even I flushed a little on #Jessica’s behalf when she mentioned her bosses dating profile, sometimes that girl forgot that the real world had boundaries. Growing up in this fishbowl and knowing everyone, left a lot of room to forget those things. I took a look at the phone when she held it out. The candid smile on Harper’s face was perfect, but the picture just didn’t capture the purity of it completely. But still… perfect. “Thanks, Jess.” I smiled and tried not to chuckle when Harper used the boots as blackmail. By the look on her face, I could tell Jessica was one of those girls that put a much higher value on her shoes than what they cost.

I could see the flush of colour in Harper’s cheeks and I turned my gaze back to Nova, grateful that no one in this room could hear the skittering beat of my heart as it struggled to hold a rhythm. I tapped the toe of my boot into the floor and leaned over Nova. “I’ll see you in a few hours baby-girl.” I kissed the top of her head and gave her a rub. I felt bad that she had only been back with me a few hours really… and I was leaving her again. But I reminded myself that I would have left her with my mom today anyway, I didn’t want her home alone all day, especially the first day in her new house. This was no different, and she was with a vet, there was no better place for her today.

‘I’ll walk you out, and I just need your signature on a form for her stay today.’ #Jess moved towards the door and I took a few steps to follow her, and glance back at Nova and Harper.

“Thank you.” I said with a smile. “For everything… and seeing her so quickly.” I couldn’t think of any reason to prolong the conversation. I followed #Jessica to the reception desk, trying to swat down the guilt when I heard Nova give a little whine.

Harper

“Thanks Jess, and I’ll keep Nova in here, so she doesn’t pine after you Collin.” #Jessica was truly making me proud today.

Moving into Nova once Collin had stepped away, I rub her head. I could feel the small shakes in her body and knew from past experiences that things had started to work inside of her.

My glance moved up hearing Collins words, I thought he had gone, but he had held back in the room. Pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose I smiled up at him.

“You are welcome, and we are happy to help really. Please don’t worry, your baby will be looked after.”

Watching this time as Collin followed #Jessica out of the exam room and into the main reception, the sound of Nova’s whine pulled me back into her. And I kissed her head. “Just a short visit with me today baby-girl and then dad will be back to pick you up. I promise.” Helping her down from the table but I didn’t take her out into the waiting room. Instead I got down on my knees with her and played a little to distract her.

She kept looking over her shoulder towards the door, and I knew if she could speak, she’d ask me where her dad had gone. “Don’t be upset baby-girl, your dad really does love and care so much for you. Did you see how worried he looked before? And I misunderstood him. That was bad of me.” I smiled and let her lick my cheek again. “He is going to go to work, and then Jess and I will play with you, and we will all have some fun. By the time you see him again, you will feel so much better Nova, I promise you.”

Once #Jessica was done outside with Collin she popped her head back into the room. ‘All clear Doc, would you like me to take her to the back.’ I shook my head.

“No, I’ll take her. But I’ll need you to keep a close eye on the cameras if you need to come into the main office. I don’t really want her to be left alone. In between appointments I’ll sit with her. She is a baby, and this is a lot for her to take on.”

The sound of the door opening outside made the both of us jump a little and laugh. Kissing Nova’s head, I stood up and took a hold of her lead. We all walked out to greet the next appointment, I moved to the back of the practice to settle Nova in, making sure she would be okay and comfortable with her stay.

Collin

I smiled when she told me not to worry. I couldn't lie I was worried for Nova, but it wasn't about leaving her here for the day. I was worried about the pregnancy and the puppies but leaving her with Harper wasn't something I needed to think about. I knew she couldn’t be in better hands.

“Should I settle the bill now or when I come back?” I asked and she glanced up.

‘You could pay for today when you come back, but with a pregnancy, a lot of people wait until the puppies are born. There can be a lot of visits involved.’ #Jess slid me a tablet and pointed to where I needed to sign. I scrawled out the closest thing to my signature as I could with my fingertip. It was clear this new vet had some eco-friendly policies.

‘Don’t worry too much about the cost. Dr Jenkins is very reasonable.’

It wasn’t something I was worried about, Nova’s health was priority number one, the bill I could handle, with that though I added buying pet insurance to my ‘to-do list’ for when I got Nova home. I knew from when we first bought her that breeding related charges weren’t covered but, she still needed it for everything else. #Jessica assured me again that Nova would be fine and would get lots of cuddles today.

“I have no doubts Jess.” I grinned at her and headed outside to my truck. Once I saw the girl disappear into the back, I finally let out a heavy, relieved breath and leaned back into the headrest, pressing my hands to my face. An ecstatic laugh bubbled up from my chest, muffled by my hands. I found her… and it was exactly like #Sam had said. ‘These things happen when you least expect them to.’ He had always told us.

“I found her.” I whispered; my eyes on the sliver of sky I could see above the roof of the clinic and where the roof of my truck cut off my line of sight. “Thank you.” The almost silent gratitude sent back through the generations before me. I whispered; as I pulled my hands away, triumphantly fist-pumping the air and accidentally punching the roof of the truck. There was a little gasp from next to me and I flinched. I had startled a middle-aged woman that was climbing out of the car next to me; I hadn’t even heard her pull up. But I wasn’t going to worry about that, I was entitled to be a little distracted right now. I pulled my window down. “Sorry.” I smiled at her. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m um… having puppies. My dog, I mean… obviously.” Dammit! What the hell was wrong with me!?

“Wow… Congratulations.” She was clearly mocking me a little (in a good-humoured way) but I didn’t care. She laughed and headed inside, and I pulled out of the parking space. I was tempted to call #Brady now and tell him everything but decided it was best to just get to work first and then fill him in. As I drove, I felt the pull in my chest, my heart and soul stretching back to her. The feeling was unbelievably physical, it wasn’t painful or distressing but it was undeniably real.

Harper

Nova whined a little when I settled her down into the hanger. She had room to walk about freely, without endangering herself. She was a puppy, and I could tell that the drugs had started to take a hold. When I watched Nova curl up into a ball to protect her tummy, my heart sank like a lead balloon. “I know Nova, I know baby-girl, I’m sorry.” Falling to the ground beside her, on my knees I gave her a few long slow strokes over her back.

‘Doc?’ #Jessica’s voice made me look up towards the door where she stood, her smile dropped seeing how I was hunched over Nova. ‘Is she okay?’ The girl asked taking a few steps into the hanger with us.

“She will be, but this is the hard part of it all. Did you need me Jess?” I asked as my hands checked Nova’s tummy as I spoke to her.

‘Oh, yes. Mrs Walker is here with Snowball, it’s her annual check-up and booster.’ #Jessica didn’t take her eyes off Nova and they were filled with worry.

“Right, right.” Glancing down to Nova who had placed her chin over my hand now. “If you could sit with Nova. And I’ll go see them. Any issues—” She cut me off.

‘I will rush to get you.’ #Jessica crossed the hanger to come join me and took over from where I had been with the puppy.

“Jess is going to be right with you Baby-girl, don’t worry not long to go now.” Pushing myself up off my knees I stood looking down. “Jess if Nova is sick, we need to watch for the buttons and whatever else comes with it.” Moving towards the door I stopped to look back again. “Also, if there is any blood in the vomit I need to know.” Nova’s brown eyes were following me and again it reminded me that this was the part of the job I disliked; however, it was important. “You’re a good girl Nova.” I whispered.

Leaving them both I smiled as #Jessica was baby talking with Nova when the door closed behind me. Someday I knew she would make for a good Vet; she had the same empathy for animals that I had in me. It’s why I found it so easy to give her all the time she needed.

“Hello Miss. Snowball” I called out stepping into the waiting room. The apricot coloured Miniature Poodle wagged her tail at me and looked up to her owner to ask if it was okay to go to me. Reaching out to the desk I took a pump of the hand sanitiser and rubbed it in. “I’m sorry for keeping you and your Mom waiting.” Smiling to Mrs. Walker now. “How are you Mrs. Walker?”

The middle-aged woman stood up as I opened the door to the exam room for them both to join me in there. ‘Oh, we are both really well thank you Doctor Jenkins. I hear there is good news?’ My eyebrows pulled together, and I adjusted the frames of my glasses. She must have seen the confusion on my face. And continued ‘There was a young man out front fist pumping the roof of his vehicle, excited for his dog becoming a mama?’

My eyes moved to the front of the practice and I smiled. So, the worry Collin had been experiencing had turned into excitement? My eyes were on the door, and right there in that moment that pull I felt before was back. My feet were trying to move me towards the door, I wanted to follow it to see where it led me. But that was not me, I didn’t just drop things and follow a whim. And this? Whatever this was. It was something I didn’t understand.

‘Doctor Jenkins?’ I shook my head free and followed Mrs. Walker and Snowball into the room.

“I’m sorry, yes it’s an exciting time for them.” Closing the exam room door behind me with one last glance to the main door telling myself to ‘stop it, this was ridiculous’.

Collin

The drive to work was a blur; it was probably a good thing that we’d been working on this job for a few weeks. The drive was so familiar that I was pulling up in front of the restaurant without even remembering to consciously make the necessary turns. I pulled my tool belt out of the back of the truck and made my way inside as I clipped it on.

I ran into #Lucas first and he asked how Nova’s first night was. “She’s kind of impossible not to fall in love with, and I only had her for about twenty minutes.” He said with a chuckle. “Even if she is a little hyper.”

#Brady walked in through the side door and laughed. “I’d be careful if I were you, Collin thinks that dog can do no wrong. Even after she ate the remote.” #Brady laughed. “Is she okay?”

“First of all, she’s not hyper, huskies just have a lot of energy, and yeah she’s okay. Well, once she pukes up the buttons she should be.”

I explained everything to them and then waited for #Lucas to go back to his job for the day. #Brady and I got to work on our plans for the stairs. I looked up from the workbench and smiled at him. “Hey.” I got his attention. “I imprinted on the Vet.” I blurted it out, and then there was a heat in my chest the spread up into my face.

“Wait… what? Are you serious?” He was stunned and grinning.

“Very serious. I thought the new vet was a guy… but nope. She’s so gorgeous and I’m pretty sure we're the same age more or less.”

“Of course, you think she’s gorgeous. That’s kind of how it works.” Brady chided.

“That’s not how it works!” I pulled out my phone to open the photo and slid it to him before I went back to marking the boards in front of me.

“Remember Jared and Kim?” He raised his brow as he reached out for the phone. We all knew the story, #Kim was crazy for him for years, but #Jared never really noticed her like that. Not until he saw her for the first time when he came back to school after his first phase and imprinted on her in class. “Dude what have I told you about the picture thing! It’s creepy when you’ve just met someone!” He took a second look. “Wow! Okay, she’s…” he stopped and looked at me, probably gauging how I might react to whatever he was going to say to me. “You’re not wrong.” He set the phone back down.

“Very diplomatic.” I teased him. But I got what he was doing; a lot of the guys could be touchy about others choosing the wrong words when they were talking about their imprints. I remember #Paul snapping at the ankles of a few guys that thought for a fleeting second that #Rachel was hot.

"Did you make a fool of yourself?" Brady asked, but he looked like he already knew the answer to that question.

"No!" I scoffed too vehemently, and then reluctantly admitted. "I was a little thrown. I wasn't exactly expecting to meet anyone, let alone have this happen. I mean it's been ages since the pack had a new imprint. Honestly, I didn't think any more of us would in this generation." There was the largest active pack than we'd ever known right now. Things were calm, and while we always kept our eyes and ears open for new threats. Saying that La Push was safe wasn't an understatement; our purpose now was to keep it that way and train to be ready if a new threat rose.

"What did you say to her?" Brady's brow furrowed.

"About the imprint? Everything." I smirked. "She was totally cool about it all." Brady glared and I just laughed. "Nothing, obviously! I just talked to her about Nova and the puppies; I'll see her when I pick Nova up… Maybe I’ll invite her to have a coffee or something. Is that too weird?" I lifted my hand to my chest ,the hot, pulling sensation was still there. I felt like if I were to follow it blindly; it would lead me right to her. But I knew that wasn't how it worked. If it did the guys wouldn’t freak out so much when the girls didn’t pick up their phones right away.

"Yes, it’s weird." Brady chuckled. "But whatever that is-" He pointed at my hand, still seated above my heart. "She is probably feeling it too, so it’s worth a shot. If she says yes…. just don't talk about Nova the whole time."

I was glad when I had the boards all measured and marked and it was time to fire up the table saw. It gave me time to think. We could easily hear each other over the sound of it, but if the other guys we worked with a walked in they'd have questions. Plus, even a Spirit Warrior couldn't regrow a thumb.

Over lunch I had a conversation with #Lucas, as we ate, he made the observation that #Jo hadn't once hinted at the possibility of Nova being pregnant and wondered if it had something to do with why she sold her. I couldn't help but wonder, was she the type of person that would hold back that kind of information when she knew it could have a negative impact on the dog's health?

"No." I shook my head. "I'd say she was just so much as a hint.

Before the days end the owner of the restaurant, we were refurbishing came in to see the progress, we had most of the staircase built. Brady and I were excited to talk to her about the design elements of the stairs. Both of our hearts dropped when she said she wanted the whole thing painted white. But she had been determined that she wanted a custom handcrafted job, so we tried to tell her that if she did that, she might as well save herself the cost and just buy factory machined parts. After a quick look through the book of the jobs we had done before and pointing out the natural colours and wood grains we had her convinced. The boss always told us we could sell snow to Eskimos and that we could make more money in real estate or selling cars.

But I knew that wasn't true, we loved what we did, and it was easy to make other people love what you were passionate about. Once she left Brady and I high fived, glancing down at the rough sketch we'd made of the different elements. I quick round of rock, paper, scissors and we divided up the tasks of finalising designs for the newels, the handrail and the balusters for the evening. Then we got back finishing up installing the steps of the stairs.

Harper

“I have to ask Mrs. Walker, why the name Snowball?” When I first saw the name, I’d expected to see a small white ball of fur waiting for me in the waiting room. But the fact that I was greeted by an apricot coloured miniature poodle.

My hands moved over Snowball’s back and then her legs. I was parting her mouth to check her teeth and gums as the middle-aged woman giggled and I could see was daydreaming.

‘We couldn’t find the right name for Snowball for the longest of times after she came home to us. Mark and I just couldn’t seen to agree on one. If I liked one, he found a reason not to and vice versa. That was until we caught the children from next door one day feeding her snowballs. We were lucky their mom is always on a health kick and only let them eat ones she makes at home with fresh fruit juices. But Snowball couldn’t get enough of them. She’d sit in the yard each day waiting for the children to return from school and they would share their snowballs with her. So, we named her Snowball.’

It felt like Snowball could tell we were talking about her and she moved closer to her mom and licked her hand just as she stopped talking.

“It’s why I love to ask about names. There is always a story to tell behind them. Well, mostly.” The small poodle nudged my hand with her nose, and I gave her, her treat. “Thank you for being so good sweetie, you really were so well behaved.”

Saying my goodbyes to Snowball and Mrs. Walker, I made my way back to the hanger to check on #Jessica and Nova in between seeing other patients coming into the practice. We could never tell from day to day how busy we would be, with walk-ins and emergency call outs. But I was thankful that #Jessica hadn’t really over booked us today.

Stood in the waiting room I stretched out my back and then took my glasses off. Rubbing the bridge of my nose before I placed them on again. Moving around to #Jessica’s desk, I checked on the tablet to see who else we had coming in and it wasn’t until now that I realised that the day had run away from us. My eyes moved to the screen with a view of the hanger and I rushed out to the back.

The moment I opened the door I could tell that Nova had been busy. #Jessica was over the husky and holding her back. “Jess don’t do that. Let her be free. If she gets dirty, we will clean her. But we don’t hold her back.”

#Jessica looked up at me apologetically and let Nova go, who was thankful for the space as she dropped her head and heaved and let go of a flurry of vomit. ‘I’m sorry Doc, she looked so helpless and I wasn’t sure how to help her.’ #Jessica’s eyes were teary, and I half hugged her.

“It’s okay Jess, you didn’t do anything wrong here. It’s not the same for Nova as it is for us. We don’t mind a friend holding our hair back, however Nova will want the space and the freedom. She will come to us when she is done and ready. We just have to watch her and make sure she isn’t in any danger.”

Nova let out another whine followed by another heave, and then she dropped to the ground her head slumped into the vomit. “Oh, Baby-girl!” We moved in close to her and I picked her up out of it. Looking into what had come out of her. “Jessica, where do we stand now?” I asked her.

‘She moved around Nova and me to look at the vomit and she covered her nose and mouth. I knew this was something #Jessica would still need to get used to. ‘There, that’s number four now and here.’ She pointed to another dark lump of plastic. ‘Think that is a part of the remote too?’ She asked.

“We will collect and wash it to check. Good job.” I kissed Nova’s head. She was spent and I could tell it had been hard on her. The trembling had stopped as had the pacing she was doing when she was trying to expel her vomit. “You did so well Baby-girl, I really am sorry.”

Once I saw #Jessica had cleaned up and collected the plastic from the vomit I asked her. “Could you go and fill the tub with warm water?” I didn’t need to explain why, she disappeared back into the practice where we have the deep tub sink for clean ups.

“Let’s get you cleaned up Nova, you will feel better if you can’t smell all this on you.” #Jessica returned to tell me the tub was ready and together we took Nova back in to give her a bath, to clean her mouth.

‘This is so hard.’ #Jessica stood with a dry towel held out to me for Nova and I took it. ‘To see them hurting and you just have to stand there, watch and wait.’

I spoke as I was drying Nova who still wasn’t back to her normal self. “It’s not easy Jess, sometimes the best thing we can do is give them space until we are needed. This is a good time for you to work out if this is something you can really do. It’s not all puppy kisses and cuddles, there are also hard choices and work to be done.”

Once Nova was dry, we tried to settler her down into a kennel with some blankets and water. “Only water for the first few hours until we know her stomach is settled.” I told #Jessica. “Miss. Nova you should sleep a little baby-girl, it’s been such a long day for you.” Rubbing her head, I moved back to close the door and she started to whine and cry. “It’s okay, we aren’t going to be far from you. And we will be back to check on you.” I smiled and pulled the blanket down in the hopes that the dark will help to settle her down.

When I stepped back into the waiting room and reception #Jessica had the screen changed to the kennels and she was watching Nova’s kennel, but the sounds of her crying were coming through the doors. “Jessica, we missed lunch, so if you want to leave early tonight you can.” I offered her a small smile rolling the sleeves of my coat down, noticing how wet it was I just took it off glad I always wore a white t shirt under it.

‘No, it’s okay, I’ll stay.’ She held out the tablet for me with the day’s notes, both of our heads turning to the door to the kennels at the same time, as Nova let out a howl and my heart sank again.

I closed my eyes and took a deep low sigh. “Do not tell anybody.” I muttered and I rushed back to Nova, with #Jessica on my heel. Lifting the blanket, I saw those beautiful brown eyes looking up at me. “It’s okay Nova, we are here.” Opening the kennel, I let her out, and gave her a hug when she stepped into my legs. Asking #Jessica to bring the Vet’s mat and blankets with her, I grabbed the bowl and we set Nova up in my office. “I could do with the company anyway, and we don’t have anybody one else coming in now.”

This was against all procedures, but after her being sick all day I couldn’t leave her crying. The moment I settled her down beside my desk and sat with my back against the wall, Nova curled up next to me and fell asleep.

#Jessica came back into my office and stopped seeing how Nova was curled up into me. Whispering as she handed me the tablet, a bottle of water and a plate with a sandwich on it. ‘Mom always makes me two, we can share.’ She sat down on the ground in front of me with her legs crossed under her.

“Thank you.” I whispered back, my stomach rumbling at the thought of food because neither of us had stopped to eat today.

‘It was lucky that Collin brought her in when he did?’ She asked taking a bite of her sandwich. And I nod my head.

“It’s never a good idea to wait too long when puppies eat something they shouldn’t.” I nod my head again as I spoke, then taking a bite from the sandwich.

‘He was so cute with her, the way he was worried.’ She was looking at her sandwich and moving the chicken in it around before taking another bite.

“Hmm.. He was I guess.” Raising my eyebrow, as I chewed another mouthful.

‘He has always been the kind one in the group of his friends, well. Not as kind as my cousin Seth, but kind.’ She was talking but it didn’t look to me that she was putting much thought into it.

“If you say so.” I replied but then that warm feeling was back again. This was the first time in the day that I wasn’t worried about Nova or moving between patients. The first time I had a moment to note the change in me and how just the mention of him had my heart speeding up a little. I scolded myself again at allowing myself to be so childish.

‘He’s one of the good guys’ #Jessica muttered with her mouthful, and I knew that had to be true. Just from how I witnessed him with Nova, he had to have a warm and kind heart.

Shaking those thoughts out of my head, I picked up the tablet and rested it on my lap, eating and getting to work on the days notes as I sat there on the floor of my office.

Collin

“No way, #Brady!” I repeated for the eight-time as we locked up the site and I dusted off my shirt and pants as best I could, kicking the grit and sawdust out the threads of my boots.

“I’ll have to meet her at some stage.” He was smirking.

“Meet who?” Boss came around from the back as we chained and padlocked the gates. The smell of the water from the marina filled my senses.

“Collin has a crush on the new Vet in town.” #Brady deliberately understated.

“I’m pretty sure she’s been here a few months.” I corrected him and he just rolled his eyes.

“You better get a move on kid. You know how the guys around here get with a new face in town” Boss smirked and clamped a hand on #Brady’s shoulder. “And Fuller… Go home! If she’s a Vet, this one doesn’t need a wingman. He’s practically a puppy that walks upright.”

Before I left, I tried to shake more dirt and dust off my clothes then I heard #Brady whistle; he was stood at the side of his van digging into a small backpack. He tossed me a t-shirt and a black bottle. It took me a second to realise the bottle was deodorant. I shook out the black tee to make sure it wasn’t one of the several shirts he owned that read things like, “F.B.I Female Body Inspector”. I was relieved when it was a plain black shirt.

“Never say I don’t have your back!” He grinned and climbed into the van. I didn’t need to ask why he had a change of clothes with him. In fact, it made me question why I didn’t have one in my truck. I shamelessly shrugged out of my dirty shirt and sprayed myself with the deodorant. “Text me when you flame out?” #Brady mocked as he pulled away. I pulled his shirt over my head and tugged it down.

“What are we, fourteen-year-old girls?” I teased right back before he was out of earshot, knowing that was exactly what I was going to do. When I got into the truck, I pulled my hair back into an elastic band at the nape of my neck just to look a bit tidier.

I plugged my phone into the car stereo and scrolled through the artists, settling on Maroon 5 and hitting shuffle. They always lightened the mood, I grinned when the third song played. My fingers tapped along to the beat as I drove. My mind drifting from Nova to Harper every few seconds.

( Music: Feelings · Maroon 5 )

When I pulled up outside the clinic evening was descending and the car park was empty. I turned off the truck and looked at myself once more in the rear-view mirror and glanced down, I was still wearing the dusty work pants I had been this morning and my boots were a little dusty too. But it was fine… or so I kept telling myself. The pulling sensation that had stayed with me all day had eased with each turn I made getting here, now it was a low, lingering warmth.

I climbed out and made my way inside. There was nobody behind the reception desk, but I didn’t want to let myself into the back. I propped my elbows on the counter and called out.

“Hello?”

Harper

Nova was shaking a little after she was sick again. #Jessica rushed up off her feet and ran to get me some cloths and some warm water for me to clean Nova’s mouth.

“It’s okay baby-girl, let it all out.” But when I looked to see what she’d expelled from her stomach it was nothing more than bile. “You poor thing.” Sitting there beside her, my hands moved over her head and her back. Soothing her and letting her know that she wasn’t in any trouble. That this was okay for her to do.

‘Harps will these do?’ #Jessica rushed in with the disinfectant spray, a roll of cleaning cloths and a bowl of water with a towel for me.

“Those are perfect.” Setting the bowl and the towel down beside me, she got to work on the floor, and I got to cleaning Nova up.

‘Should the vomiting not have stopped by now?’ #Jessica asked as the two of us set off doing what was needed.

“It has, this is just an after reaction. Her muscles are still reacting from all the heaving and the acids in her stomach will be unbalanced. It’s okay for her to do this, it’s why we have her here to watch.”

Nova whined and then lay back down curled up with her head in my lap this time. “It’s okay Nova, you will be okay sweet girl.” I whispered to her.

‘I’ll go and dispose of all of this and finish the filing and the letters at my desk.’ She gave Nova a soft rub on her head standing back up to leave.

“Jess please turn the lights out in here, and could you set aside 4 Omeprazoletablets for me and bring me the bottle of the Ranitidine Solution with a small mouth syringe too?” She gave me a nod as she rushed out of the office.

Nova’s eyes were heavy, and she drifted off to sleep the moment we were alone without the lights on. I knew that the dimness in the office would help her to relax and feel protected with the warmth of my body beside her. But because she was a husky, I also knew soon she’d shift away from me because she would become too hot.

“You will be as right as rain in the morning, I promise you.” My hand resting on her body I let my head fall back into the wall. Taking my glasses off I set them on the floor next to my outstretched legs. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I closed my eyes. “It’s been a long day for us all sweet girl.” I whispered to her.

There was a sound from the main area, and I could hear the light mumbles of #Jessica’s voice speaking to somebody. ‘Come back this way, they are in the office’ I just made out and looked towards the door to my office that was ajar.

'Look who I found outside?' #Jess whispered as she pushed the door open and walked towards me with the small tray in her hand with the medication, I'd requested from her.

Setting it on top of my desk as she turned her head to the door and my eyes followed her gaze too.

Collin

#Jessica appeared from the back room and smiled up at me. She pulled open a drawer and rifled through it for a second, she clearly knew exactly what she was looking for. “Collin.” She beamed, happily and I couldn’t help but think it was the Clearwater genes. “Nova is fine, but she’s still not feeling very good.”

She dropped the things in her hands onto a small tray and nodded for me to follow her into the back. But she led me past the exam rooms this time. “Come back this way, they are in the office.” Jess said, her ever-present smile still plastered on her face. I didn’t think it was a normal thing for the dogs to be in the vet’s office, but honestly, I wouldn’t really know. “What did Nova do to get herself sent to the principal’s office?” I chuckled, mostly trying to convince myself that #Jess wasn’t just trying to make me feel calm when she told me Nova was okay.

“Nothing bad.” #Jessica gave a look that was a promise too. “She just needed a little company.”

Even through all the cleaning and animal smells, I recognised Harper's scent as #Jess pushed open the door to the dim office. I saw Harper sat on the floor next to a sleeping Nova. I froze in the doorway for a second and my heart started to thump, Jess fluttered her fingers to let me know it was ok to come in. I crouched next to the two of them and Nova looked up at me and licked my hand when I rubbed the top of her head. The fact that she wasn’t jumping all over me like her usual crazy self was concerning. “Hey, baby-girl.” I whispered and she laid her head onto Harper’s leg. I chuckled.

“Looks like someone found anew best friend.” I looked up at Harper, resting down on one knee next to them.

“Is she okay? I hope she wasn’t causing trouble; she can be a little destructive sometimes.” My hand ran over Nova's side, until I felt Harper's hand undermine, I froze for a second, my palm hummed with electricity. I didn't want to yank my hand away too fast; I cleared my throat and lifted my hand. "Sorry." I said with the hint of a smile. When I looked back up #Jessica was heading back out of the room saying something about being at her desk; but my focus was on Harper, Nova and the sounds their hearts were making, while mine threatened to break right through my chest.

Harper

When I saw Collin stood in the door, I gave him a smile showing him like #Jessica had that he was welcome to come on in. Reaching out I picked my glasses up and slipped them back on, brushing my hair out of my face.

Without thinking about it my eyes glanced over him as his look had changed since he was last here in the morning. His hair was pulled back, so this time I could see all of his face. His complexion so like that of #Seth, and the realisation of this once again made me smile thinking of my friend. I could swear that Collin had also changed his shirt from the one he wore this morning. His pants were covered in some sort of dust as were his boots. It was a dust I was used to seeing in my childhood and growing up.

The thought of my father made my heart jump and I looked away toward #Jessica holding my hand out for the tray which she lifted from my desk and gave to me.

He called her ‘Baby-girl’ again and it brought with it a warmth in me to hear it. “Nova is a gem, and she has been well behaved. We really didn’t give her the time to destroy anything here.”

I could see the concern in his eyes for his fur baby. “She wasn’t settling in the kennels, so I hope you don’t mind that I brought her in here with me to settle her down. She needed to sleep and not to stress.”

Looking down at Nova resting her head back into my lap I smiled my hand still in her fur giving her light touches and rubs. “You can never have too many friends, I’d be lucky to have this beautiful baby-girl as one.”

‘She’s such a good girl.’ #Jessica hugged herself as to emphasise the fact for Collin.

But then I noted how then her eyes moved down and widened, she had a big smile growing on her face. I’d been distracted to notice until I felt a jolt of something move over my skin and it occurred to me that Collin’s hand was over mine. I couldn’t pull mine away abruptly, so I pressed it into Nova’s fur a little more. He moved his hand and apologised, and I just shook my head as to say, ‘Not to worry.’ But the beating of my heart was saying something completely different. Making me scold myself once again.

#Jessica excused herself and left my office, and I turned my attention to Collin.

“I know it’s worrying to see her like this; however, it has been a long day for her, and she is tired.” Reaching out to the cupboard beside me I set the tray down and picked up the small specimen jar to show him.

“Nova did really well, here are the buttons and another bit of hard plastic. It’s all out of her, but as you can imagine being unwell, and vomiting has taken it out of her.”

Placing the jar on the ground, I reached out to pick up the small bottle of the Ranitidine Solution with the small mouth syringe. I filled it to the correct measurements to her body weight. “Okay Baby-girl, this will help you feel better.”

Nova opened her eyes and then turned her face away making me smile. I looked across to Collin and laughed softly. “I think she just told me to jog on.” I teased a little.

Bringing her face back to me and parting her upper flews. I found an opening between her teeth because she’d clenched her jaw closed knowing something was coming for her. I pushed the syringe to empty the liquid into her mouth. Nova shook her head and licked her flew. Making me smile and kiss her head.

“It is good for you. This will stop the bad feeling in your tummy and the heart burn from the acid imbalance.” Speaking to her but my eyes moved to Collin as this information was more for him. “I’m going to send you home with 4 Omeprazoletablets too, one each morning for the next two days to be taking before breakfast. And two extra just in case you aren’t back to your normal playful self by then.”

She moved her head into Collin now, “Guess we aren’t friend after that.” Again, I was teasing.

Collin

I tried my best not to let my expression change when I heard Harper’s heart skip; surely it wasn’t because of me. It couldn’t be, maybe it wasn’t professional to be caught sitting on your office floor with a sleeping patient.

Personally… I thought it was kind of adorable, like she was willing to do whatever it took to look after the animals in her care.

Her explanation of how she ended up in here made me smile. “I appreciate that… She can be a little diva sometimes. She’s not used to being on her own.” I scratched her between her ears. “I was thinking of adopting an adult dog for company… but I guess she’ll have plenty of that soon.”

I hadn’t really given it much thought during the day, but I suddenly realised that I had subconsciously decided I was keeping one of the puppies.

The thought brought another crooked smile to my face.

When #Jessica spoke, I didn’t even look up at her, there was too much for my eyes and mind to process with Nova and Harper right now. Then there was the way Harper’s heart thumped when I touched her. And I couldn’t rationalise this one away.

I rubbed the puppy’s side when I saw she was getting ready to give her some medicine. The puppy… I guess I couldn’t really call her that anymore, not now that she was having puppies of her own.

This little habit she had of speaking to the dogs when she was clearly meaning the information for me was fascinating. My wolf told me it was time to listen, not just admire. So, I listened to her explain the medicine and gave her a nod to show I understood.

“So, she can come home?” I asked, when I saw her like this, I wasn’t sure if she was well enough to come home. I figure the injection to make her throw up was tougher this time because of the puppies. I chuckled when Nova laid her head in my lap now and smiled at Harper.

“Trust me… It’s nothing a belly rub or two won’t fix. She loves everybody. Don’t you baby-girl?” I patted her head again flattening her ears. Of course, I didn’t look to Nova, waiting for an answer like I would at home.

Harper

I had to smile at the way he took care of her, but more so at the way he also spoke to her, just as I did.

“Are we speaking about the same puppy here? ‘little diva’? Nova? I just don’t see it.” Leaning forward I gave her tummy a rub. “It’s okay Nova, I won’t believe your dad.” Smiling I sat back in the wall again.

My eyes met his for a few moments before I pulled them away, putting the vile in my hand and the syringe away on the tray to my side. My hands stilled and then I turned my attention back to him.

“You are thinking about keeping the three puppies?” From the shock I had seen on Collin’s face before he left, I wasn’t sure what his plans would have been.

I didn’t ask because let’s face it he had just been given a lot of information. I’d had conjectured that he would need time to decide what action to take. But now with the time of the day passing, with the shock of it all sinking in?

Without thinking I licked the corner of my lips as the scenarios played in my mind.

1. We would need a safe pregnancy for Nova.

2. We would need the three puppies to grow at a good rate, even with one of them measuring smaller today, that wasn’t too much of a worry. She/ he could make up for that in time, it was still early.

3. We would need a safe delivery for Nova and the puppies

4. We would need Nova to nurse and look after the puppies. But if for any reason she couldn’t we could help her with it.

“Uhmm?” His question about taking Nova home pulled me out from the list of actions and timeline I’d been creating in my mind. “Oh, sorry, yes. If you are up to taking her home? I know you are working, so if it’s too much to keep an eye on her tonight and tomorrow I could keep her. It’s up to you.” Reaching out for the small box on the tray #Jessica had left for me.

“She needs rest, water, maybe some small amounts of very plain food tomorrow or later tonight if she asks for it. And one of these in the morning.” I held up the box with the 4 Omeprazole tablets in it.

It wasn’t the first time I’d spend the night in the practice, and I knew it wasn’t going to be the last. It was all about the animals and keeping them safe and healthy. And for me, no or little sleep for a night or two was a low price for me to pay for the pay-out of seeing them happy again.

Collin

I laughed a little when she disagreed with Nova being a diva. “Me either… But it seems to be the general consensus.” My eyes widened when she asked if I was thinking of keeping all the puppies and I chuckled. “All of them? No.” I shook my head. “Though if time, money and space weren’t any issues I might be tempted.” I gave a short laugh. “But one maybe… if everything goes well.” I looked up from Nova and found Harper’s eyes. “I need to think about it a bit more obviously before I make a decision. I hadn’t even really thought through adopting another one before all of this.” I rubbed Nova’s belly and grinned. “I guess… there are still no guarantees, but right now is not the time for a new dog. I know that much.” I looked back up to Harper again.

“I wasn’t even sure I’d ever get her back until last night. It’s not even been twenty-four hours.” I wasn’t really sure I wanted to tell Harper I had tricked my ex-girlfriend into selling the dog to me. Even though I still felt completely justified… I wasn’t sure how it would sound to someone that didn’t know the whole story. “It was a… complicated situation.”

I paused for a moment… had she just offered to stay the night at her job to look after my dog? But I didn’t want to be without her tonight. “I can take her home. I have someone that can watch her while I’m at work tomorrow.” I took the box from her and smiled gratefully. “I have a feeling she’ll look for something tonight… She eats everything.” I pointed to the specimen jar and chuckled. “There’s the proof.”

My eyes swept over her face again, and my heart thudded. I knew I had to get up and take Nova home. But just being this close to her was having an effect on me. It was new and strange, and overwhelmingly soothing. I just wanted to be near her. But that thought had the wolf stirring again, so before he could tell me I was being weird or clingy I made the choice that it was time to go.

I turn my attention back to Nova and gave her a gentle shake and rub all at once. “I think it’s time to get up baby-girl. Ready to go home?” She whined at me again and moved her head back to Harper’s lap. “See… You’re forgiven already.” I laughed and stood up hoping Nova might do the same if she thought I was leaving.

Harper

“Well, we disagree with the ‘consensus.’ As we know the truth of the matter is that Nova is a gem and a scholar.” Crossing my legs under me I shifted a little watching how Nova was at peace and settled with her head on Collin.

My gaze moved to catch Collin watching me and I gave a knowing smile, thankful that he wasn’t living in an unrealistic bubble when it came to the puppies and Nova. He knew it wouldn’t be as easy as saying ‘Yeah more puppies.’ There was so much more to it. Training, Insurance, grooming, check-ups and medication, food and toys and about a million other things too. “You are going about this the correct way. This is still all too fresh for you to know what would be right for you and Nova, it’s only day one of a long journey. You will get there I am sure of it. And if you like, I am happy to help with finding the puppies homes when and if you think that is the path you wish to take.”

My smile faltered just a little when Daisy and her puppies came to mind. #DrSteveHarris had let me help to find them all families and then the big brown eyes of #Private flashed into my mind. His brothers and he would be three years old now, and then of course #Kai was there in the background too. I knew that #Kai would have been taking great care of #Private wherever they were. Which helped to bring my smile back.

My hand was still on Nova’s shoulder giving her a rub when Collin stood to move, and I laughed softly at her staying in place. Leaning down I kissed the top of Nova’s head when she moved back to me. It made me smile.

My voice low as not to disturb her too much, “This is why I love animals, so innocent and forgiving. I caused her pain, and within moments she is showing me affection.”

I jolted out of myself, realising I had just been speaking aloud and not in my mind. My cheeks blushed red hot, and I pulled myself off the wall. Trying to remember what Collin had been saying to me.

“My evil plan is working; I won’t even have to kidnap you Baby-girl. You will just walk into my car for the ride home.” Kissing her head again, I whispered. “But dad just got you back, and I know he has missed you by the way he is looking at you. So, for now you should go home and look after him?” Nova’s head popped up off my lap and she shifted her head to the one side and then to the other, her beautiful brown eyes looking into mine and I could tell she understood me.

I pulled myself up onto my feet to stand and stumbled back a little. I caught my hand on the wall. Bending down to smack my thigh a couple of times. “Wow, dead leg.” I half laughed again feeling a little embarrassed at being caught off guard.

Nova wasn’t happy about me moving but she got up onto her paws and stretched herself out. A yawn and then she shook her head. “Let me walk you both out.” I said stepping around him and heading out of my office. I smiled when #Jessica looked up at me from behind her desk.

“Jess, there should be a scan printed out on the photo printer. Could you just take a—” She was reaching down to find it, turning back she held it up to show me that she had it. I watched her pull open a file on her desk taking a small card and clipped the scan into it. The top of the card reading.

˜”*°• ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝔾𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕒 ℙ𝕒𝕨 𝔾𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 •°*”˜

‘Congratulations You Are Going to be a Paw Grandparent’

I gave her a look and she gave me that large ear to ear smile of hers. ‘I thought it was a nice touch.’ And she wasn’t wrong.

I was laughing softly, “I like it. Well done.”

She was really coming into her own here now. Turning to face Collin and Nova.

“I know you didn’t take this picture, however maybe it can become a part of Nova’s journey thing you are making?”

Collin

"She is." I mused quietly, stroking her fur again and lifting my gaze to the beautiful woman next to me. I listened to her; she was saying everything I was thinking.

"It’s not a spur of the moment decision. It’s a life you’re choosing to be responsible for... I guess that’s why it was so hard when I heard my ex was selling her." I sighed; I knew the ex-talk probably wasn't smooth. "But we made the choice together... she was mine too. Kind of. I love Nova as well, she should have -" I stopped, I was getting too deep. But we had done everything right. Even made a plan for her in case we broke up. We talked about it for a long time, planned her training and even to have her spayed, which clearly hadn’t been followed through. “I’m not too worried about finding homes… let’s just say Nova has a large extended family. One of the guys from work spent twenty minutes with her, fell in love and threw his name in the pot for a puppy already. But I told him not to set his heart on a new addition just yet. Not until we see how the pregnancy goes.”

But while I was a little lost in my past, so was she. Or so it seemed by the faraway look in her eyes. I laughed a little when she talked about the forgiving nature of animals. "Like you said… she is clever. She knows it's for her own good in the long run." I couldn't help the impulse to reach out for her when she staggered a little; but she caught herself on the wall and my wolf pulled my arm back be for I could, knowing it was far too soon for such a gesture.

I could see the hint of a blush in her cheeks and I smiled. "Happens to the best of us." I chuckled and followed her out, my heart thumping again when she came closer and walked past me, I was glad that human ears couldn’t tune into the sound like ours. I smiled widely when I saw the picture; something I always figured was reserved for babies.

I gave #Jessica a grin when I read the little card; there was no denying this girl was a Clearwater. “Thank you.” I looked from #Jess to Harper and smiled. “This will definitely make it into her story. Um…” I looked up at the two of them. “So, should I schedule her for a check-up on the puppies or anything? I don’t really know what way this works.” I asked Harper with a laugh rubbing the back of my neck, I guessed with her age and size it was best not to leave too long between visits.

Harper

I heard him talk about his ex-girlfriend and chose not to make any comments on the matter. This was something private for him to manage and deal with. However, I did find my heart drop into my stomach at the mention of his ex-girlfriend trying to sell Nova. How could somebody do such a thing? Nova had only spent a day with us in the practice and already #Jessica and I were in love with this brown eyed puppy who was going to become a mother for herself.

#Jessica leant forward asking Collin to step into the desk. ‘Before you go, I need you to autograph here on the screen, you can use your finger to do it. Also, I took the opportunity while you were busy to set up the rolling schedule of Nova’s check-ups and scans. All the appointments have been emailed to the address you gave me earlier today, and reminders will be texted to your phone a week before and then again two days before.’

I stood back, leaning on the side of #Jessica’s desk and watch the girl in the flow of her job. She was something to look at. Dropping my head and smiling to myself when I thought back to how #Anna, would never have thought so far ahead to do any of this in the time that I was talking with Collin. When I looked back up at her, she was pulling out some documents.

‘I have printed out some help and advice for you, and here.’ She was pointing to the folder with Nova’s name on it. ‘You can keep everything in this folder to keep it all save for your own records Collin, but if you do lose anything or miss place it, I’ll be happy to print it or email it out to you if you like.’ She was going 100 mph again, the girl never stopped for air and I was sure her lungs must have been screaming out for some.

The sound of the main door opening pulled my attention, as #Jessica had Collin busy. And I smiled from ear to ear. #Charlie stood in the door smiling back at me. ‘What no hug Doc?’ Dropping my head. Before looking over at him again I pushed off the desk and excused myself. Pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose as the two of us crossed the waiting room and he engulfed me into his arms lifting me off the floor. ‘Did you forget you were going to meet me for dinner woman? I don’t take being stood up lightly.’

“Put me down. Oh, no. Wait what time is it?” I asked him, I’d not even checked to see the clock or time.

‘It’s 45 mins past the time I should have a burger in my stomach, and we should be curled up watching Schitt’s Creek.’ #Charlie set me back down on my feet and I felt my cheeks going red.

���I’m sorry, work got busy. We had to look after this beautiful girl.” I turned to the side so he could see Nova.

#Charlie’s eyes moved to Nova, and then he waved to #Jessica. Stopping when he saw Collin. ‘Hey Littlesea, didn’t know I’d see you here.’ One of his hands on my back he stepped up to Collin holding his other hand out towards him.

Collin

My gaze drifted back to #Jessica when she slid me the tablet and I scrawled the closest thing possible to my signature with my fingertip. My eyes widen when she filled me in on everything. Damn… She must really like her job. “Seriously? “ I grinned at her; she was very dedicated for someone so prone to flights of fancy. The reminders weren’t necessary, I’m a pretty organised person but, I wasn’t going to point that out when she had been so diligent.

Then she handed me the folder of reading material. “Wow.” I opened it and flicked through a few pages. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate this Jess.” I gave her a genuinely if, a little sideways, smile. I turned to Harper and grinned “You should keep her.” I pointed to #Jess with the corner of the folder in my hand.

#Jess was still talking when Harper moved to the next customer… or patient? Client? Well… whatever it was. My eyes followed her as subtly as possible. #Jessica was on a roll and hardly noticed. I watched Harper get lifted off her feet by the guy that came in and my heart started to thump like a jackhammer in my chest.

‘No! No, no, no!’ My wolf was wide awake now and trying to tell me something but, all I could hear were the words coming out of this guy’s mouth and the rush of all the air in the room being sucked out. My boss’s words in my head replaying. ‘You better get a move on kid. You know how the guys around here get with a new face in town’

This… It… was fine.

I was okay…

This was okay.

I mean… Not all imprints start off like… Look at Claire and Quil.

It was fine.

I was fine.

I was breathing.

Wait…

No, I wasn’t!

A snarl ripped through my mind reminding me to take a breath. There was a hand on my arm, and I realised I was leaned back against the reception desk. There was another hand pressed against my chest. I looked down, it was mine, the one on my arm was #Jess’s and then I heard my name. I looked up and actually saw the guy. I knew this guy. I shifted my weight back onto my own two feet.

‘Yes, you do!’ The wolf chimed in. ‘Think! You fool.’ What was his name? Dammit… I couldn’t think straight.

“Hey!” I said as casually as I could and took his hand. “Long time no see, man”

The bar! That was it. I sighed in relief; before I could say anything else #Jess asked; ‘Are you okay?’ Her brows pinched together in a picture of concern.

I cleared my throat. “Oh, yeah. Sorry, busy day is all.” And I got the same look I was so used to when I was a kid, that look you give a sickly child when you feel sorry for them. He gave it to me as well, but a lot more briefly than #Jess. ‘There’s no malice in it.’ My wolf reminded me.

#Charlie… His name came back to me. He had a boyfriend… or did at one stage at least. I didn’t know if he still had. But he was gay… Please! By the Spirits let him be gay!

It dawned on me all of a sudden that he would know all about why #Jo and I had broken up. After all, the bar she tried to cheat on me in, was where he worked. In fact… she probably did. I had no idea what happened that night after the other pups had left to get away from her drunken advances. I had no desire to; I had seen it all in the guys’ heads… Someone that determined to cheat would find a way; I wasn’t so naïve to think that not knowing meant it didn’t happen. But she wouldn’t ask him about me. Would she?

Did it matter if she did? I hadn’t done anything wrong and it was months ago. Maybe it was sooner than she would have heard the story but… I would have told her at some stage.

Harper

Seeing the way Collin had moved back into #Jessica’s desk I took a step forward, but I stopped the moment I saw #Jess move her hand onto his arm. ‘She has this.’ I told myself. There was a small pinch I felt from seeing her hand on his arm and I chastised myself. I had no right, what in the name of god was I even thinking? Pulling at the hem of my t-shirt. I bit my lip seeing the concern all over #Jessica’s face when she asked if he was okay. Making me look back towards him, noticing the hand he’d placed over his chest. I took another step forward, but #Charlies arm around me stopped and grounded me. ‘You don’t know him; he is a client. Be professional Harper Lee Jenkins.’ I chastised myself. But how can one stay ‘professional’ if another human was in discomfort? Allowing myself to glance at him a little closer this time. The colour in his face had drained slightly, and yet he looked okay, but had I missed something? When I allowed myself to pull my eyes from Collin, I saw something in #Jessica’s eyes, worry? Without thinking I looked up to #Charlie and there it was a flash in his expression too, however, it didn’t stay long before it was gone, and his crooked smile was back as he and Collin spoke.

‘Yeah, been too long man. So, the little troublemaker Jess was telling me about belongs to you huh?’ #Charlie mused dropping his hand to his side.

“She isn’t a troublemaker Char, just a puppy.” I snapped myself out of the worry that had been growing inside of me. I didn’t know why, but it was there. And there was some irritation at Nova being called a ‘troublemaker’ too. Then again, I knew I was the same with all my patients, in my eyes they weren’t the issue, 93% of the time it was the human’s they were surrounded by who caused the trouble.

‘Okay, okay, Jeez Harps it was a joke.’ #Charlie poked me in the side, this was a conversation the two of us had often and he knew I was super protective over the animals in my care.

I nudged him in the side, before pulling away to bend down to Nova and gave her a rub behind her ear. Whispering to her. “Don’t you listen to him or anybody else who say bad things. You are beautiful and have a heart of gold baby-girl.” Nova still wasn’t looking herself, yet she still licked me on my cheek.

‘Baby-girl? Harps Really?’ #Charlie joked again, making me reach out and smack him on his thigh.

“Keep it up Waterson, and I’ll ask Teddy to make you sleep on the couch for a week.”

‘Never going to happen, you see how fine my arse is woman.’ I cringed. This was so Not professional.

#Jessica giggles speaking in a stage whisper to Collin. ‘You should watch them fight over egg rolls. Hilarious!!’

I dropped my head and covered my face. Yeah, these were the people I was surrounded with. What must Collin be thinking right now?

Standing up I partly smiled. “Collin, let me walk you out, before these two really start to open up their comedy act. Trust me, we do not want to be in the middle of that.”

Taking a step towards the door, #Charlie shook Collin’s hand again. ‘Come by HWH, first beers on me. Just don’t tell the boss.’ He let go of Collins hand and jumped up on #Jess’s desk and engulfed her into a hug too.

“Oh boy.” I mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ to Collin, I wasn’t sure what part of all that I was really sorry about. These people all had known one another for all their lives, I was the knew face here. So, really this had to be the ‘Norm‘ for them? Maybe? Oh God.

I pulled the door open and held it for Nova and Collin to pass on by, the cold evening air blowing into me making me shiver a little. Only once I was outside did I turn to him and against my better judgment ask. “Are you okay?”

Collin

It took me a few seconds to comprehend the question #Charlie had asked. “Oh yeah. All mine.” I smiled, trying to fill my lungs with normal breaths but I hadn’t caught up yet. But saying those words about Nova was soothing. I was being a fool; I had no right to react like that… To feel like I had lost something, even for that fleeting moment. She was a whole person, not just what she meant to me and she had her own life before this morning… So, did I, only now it seemed it wasn’t a life at all. It was just waiting, for her, so my life could really begin.

Okay… So, this wasn’t her boyfriend. But she could have one, and I had to be okay with that. ‘Finally, some sense.’ The wolf sounded pacified in the back of my mind. Harper’s defensiveness over Nova made me smile again. I could tell she could see the sweet girl that was under the mischief everyone else saw, but everyone loved her anyway.

“It happens to be her favourite nickname.” I chuckled, watching Harper rub Nova’s head; I was starting to regain myself again and remembering I actually liked this guy… after the initial shock of his entry. They were clearly close, so I knew it was important not to let my stupidity and knee-jerk reactions colour my opinions.

I laughed at #Jessica’s comment and wondered if she meant Harper and #Charlie or Charlie and #Teddy, who I now had a vague vision of in my –still a little cloudy- mind. But despite my inability to think straight right now, I knew that I didn’t know him well enough to ask. I took his offered hand and smiled. “How can I refuse?” I chuckled. “It has been a while; I could use a night out. But it could be a while… this little thing is gonna need me at home for the next few weeks.”

I waved the folder towards #Jess again. “Thanks again, I owe you some new Tinder pics.” I teased her with a mocking wink, before turning back towards the door. I knew putting this together wasn’t exactly in her job description; recommending a book or a website, sure, but she put time and effort into this. “See you, Charlie.”

I smiled when she walked with me out the door. “I did tell you… you landed in the epitome of small towns when you ended up here.” What I didn’t say was that it was destiny; it was written in the stars that somehow, someway we’d cross paths. The fact that it was my beautiful baby-girl that led me to her was almost too perfect.

The cool air was exactly what I needed; I inhaled a deep breath of the settling evening air. I looked at the door. “Oh, that….” I shifted, digging my toes into the ground. “Yeah… sorry… I’m fine. “Nothing a decent dinner can’t fix.” I wasn’t oblivious to the little shiver, I knew I couldn’t do what I would with anyone else to warm them up so I just took a step towards her and reached down to pet Nova; so it didn’t seem like I was trying to get closer to her. I cleared my throat. “Um… I just want to say thank you. For taking such good care of her, I know you gave her the VIP treatment.” I smiled at her, and it was brighter and wider than I had intended. After a second, I dropped my eyes, scratching the back of my neck casually, or trying to be casual anyway.

Harper

“The epitome of small towns.”

Letting those words dance their way into my mind, I moved my glance out towards the street and found myself smiling. Just over three years had passed from the first time #Kenz, #Jenna and I had come across Forks and this small town. We hadn’t even planned to come here, it was #Jenna’s stupid idea for us to stop by and take a hike when she saw the cliffs and the beaches. The whole ‘Girls trip’ had been to bring the three of us back together after everything that had gone wrong in our friendship. And it had worked. ( even if #Kenz and I wanted to murder #Jenna that night. ) It was the night #Seth said he fell in love with #Kenz, it was the night that I was ready to kick him in his crown jewels, until he picked #Jenna up and carried her all the way back to the motel for us. The day we’d left after the hike, #Seth stood waving us off, and I never dreamt I would be here again. That I would walk these streets let alone call it home.

“We never know the impact a place truly has on our lives until we find ourselves in a moment of Deja’vu.” Shaking my mind free, the apples of my cheeks heated at the realisation the words had left my lips.

“I mean—” what had I meant? I knew I hadn’t meant to say those words out loud. I had to work on my internal voice not slipping out. “—It’s not that different from Thompson Falls, I know how people and lives can become interlaced. It’s been kind of nice really. Feeling not so different than home.”

Shifting, I hadn’t realised I had been rubbing my hands over my arms from the cold. My shoulders a little hunched over, I really shouldn’t have come out here in just a t shirt. ‘Change the subject, talk about the weather?’ I told myself. Before he thought I was irrational with my train of thought.

“But it’s a lot wetter here than home. We have snow and yes it’s cold, however with the sun and the blue skies it doesn’t feel as cold there.” I knew it had to be cold back home, but the sky was grey here and blue at Thompson. It did make a difference; I was sure of it.

He shifted to give Nova some attention and with that I felt a little warmer, I didn’t feel the need to rub my arms. Pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose I smiled looking down at the two of them together. He was apologising for not feeling too well. “Low blood sugar can be dangerous; you really should keep some candy bars or something with you if you suffer from it.” What was I his mom? Telling him to eat his meals? I could hear #Kenz and #Jenna in my head. ‘Stop Talking Nerd!’ and I did. “I mean, If you like I could pop inside and get you a cookie or something.” And again. ‘STOP!’ making me move my hand over my mouth and leaving it there. I had to stop. “I mean. Dinner. Yes. Good Idea.”

Thankfully Nova nudged my leg with her nose, and I bent down beside her. All other things forgotten in the moment her beautiful brown eyes were on me. “She’s a VIP for sure, I think Jess is in love.” I knew I was. I fell in love with my patients, it couldn’t be helped. They were so innocent and pure. “Remember Baby-girl, no more eating bad things.” Leaning in and whispering. “I know the human thinks he has to look after you, but we know the truth is the other way around.” Winking at her I kissed her forehead, pulling my gaze towards Collin. “If you have any issues, questions or problems. Please reach out.”

Standing up after giving Nova one last rub behind her ear. “It was nice to meet you both today.”

Collin

She was lost in thought and my eyes were glued to her, I let the way she made me feel wash over me and breathed in deep, the scent of her, the evening air and Nova felling my senses. Letting myself really see her, the new centre of my universe… My north star. She had no idea, how important she’d become to me, in an instant… I could not mess this up.

I couldn’t help but wonder what she meant by Déjà vu. I wanted to know everything; all the details that added up to Harper, everything that made her who she was, why she became a vet, why she came here. ‘Patience.’ The wolf whispered; he was channelling #Sam.

I had a feeling by the way she spoke that her hometown was the type of place most people never left, much like La Push. Yet somehow, she was here, this move was destined, but all that mattered was that I was wherever she was, from now on. I laughed when she mentioned the weather. “Yeah, the skies are a little dark here, but there are silver linings when you look hard enough. Trust me, they’ll show themselves soon enough.”

She was rambling… I smiled and my ears started to turn red. Was she nervous too? I took another step closer and listened for a change in her heartbeat. ‘That’s just what people do when they think someone isn’t well!’ My wolf goaded.

‘Yeah… people that care about the people around them. Even ones they just met.’ I threw the thought back at him silently and he quieted. He knew that was what we liked in people. I was so tempted to take her up on her offer. “Thanks, but you’ve had a long day with this one… and you have people waiting on you.” I laughed and nodded towards the bobbing heads in the windows they abruptly turned away, the pair were instantly deep in conversation; so obviously I was sure Harper’s human eyes had to have caught it too.

I’d give anything for five more minutes, but I needed to let her go… Just for now. ‘Just for now.’ The voice in my head agreed. And I repeated it back to him again. I watched her lean down and kiss Nova, the smile was immediate and wide, she was perfect.

I picked Nova up before I opened the car door because I knew she would hop right up into the front seat; I wasn’t sure that was the best move for her right now. I set her on the seat and tossed the folder and pills into the glove compartment. I buckled Nova into her harness and connected it to the seat belt. It was a fifteen-minute drive home, but still. I was glad at least that my truck was always clean, so if she noticed she wouldn’t think I was a total slob. After the state I showed up in this morning and even now… with a clean shirt, I was still a mess.

“It was really nice to meet you, Harper. I know it’s a little late… but welcome to La Push. And I guess I’ll see you soon for her next visit?” That wasn’t supposed to sound like a question. It was a chore to step away, around the front of the truck to the driver's side door.

Harper

My eyes moving up to the now dark sky. It had been light when #Charlie dropped me to work this morning after our workout. And now the day had run away from me. The skies had cleared because I could just start to make out the stars up there in the night. “Silver linings are always something to look forward to. I have patience, waiting has never been an issue.” Looking back to Collin I smiled.

Following his gaze to the large glass front of the practice I saw how #Jessica and #Charlie immediately pretend to turn their attention away from us. Had they been watching us? What was wrong with them both tonight?

“I have trouble waiting for me.” I joked and tugged on the hem of my t-shirt. Collin stepped away and with him I felt a rush of cold air engulfing me once again.

Curling my arms around my waist, not even sure why I was feeling this way. Something was clearly off with me. Making me believe he was right it had been such a long day today. And I’d missed dinner, it was all explainable. But this silliness, out of nowhere feeling uncertain of myself and my words. This was something I’d never done or felt before. I was always the one with the answers in our group, the one to pull the others along. I pushed it all away, now wasn’t the time to think of such things. And watching Collin lifting Nova into his truck made all my thoughts disappear in an instant.

“I will see you for Nova’s next check-up, and please remember one pill for two-days, first thing in the morning before breakfast” I reiterated the instructions taking a few steps back until I felt the door behind me. Smiling at Nova one last time, “Better late than never, or so they say.” I smiled at him now. “Thank you. Drive safe and good night Collin.”

I pushed the door open to the sound of #Jessica and #Charlie chatting away, but I could tell it was one of those false conversations you strike up when you want to hide what really had been happening. They reminded me so much of #Kenz and #Jenna. Except the fact that #Jenna would have been waiting at the door with her absurd theories and biting at my ankles by now.

- 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 -

[zrtranscripts]

Season 7, Mission 14: Caravan of Love

First impressions

SAM YAO: No, I mean, I don't mind the guys from the castle. They're nice kids! Just, well, you know. Shower rota time is less than five minutes now.

PETER LYNNE: Yeah, I know what you mean. Still, have you heard some of their stories when Kytan runs those sharing circles? That girl Tijuca who ran with the Last Riders for a while, the story about how they made her kill her brother. I mean, it made dying in a collapsing skyscraper seem like a light romantic comedy!

SAM YAO: Yeah. Still, I think they've told Janine a lot of useful stuff about how the Riders operate. You know, where their stashes and haunts are. And Veronica's installing and testing that clean version of the ANNIE software. When it's stable, she'll be able to hook up her new core. So we're getting closer to dealing with the Last Riders and the V-types.

JANINE DE LUCA: Runner Three, Runner Five, abort your patrol. Colonel Sage, leader of Banktown, has an urgent message. Patching you in, Sage.

COLONEL SAGE: De Luca, I have received a distress call from a convoy en route to my settlement through Pennant Valley. Playing it for you now.

CONVOY: We've been hit. An arrow. A flaming arrow. Oh God, the Riders! They're in the hills!

COLONEL SAGE: The situation is grave, and I have no runners in the area. Colonel De Luca gave me to understand at the peace conference that I could contact you if I were in distress.

SAM YAO: We're on it. Guys, Pennant Valley's not too far.

JANINE DE LUCA: The convoy is north-northwest, formed of 32 caravans and has 342 souls aboard. Runners, you must not alert the Riders to your approach. Surprise is our only advantage. Many lives are at stake.

[zombies moan]

SAM YAO: Including yours, not least because zombies in the tree line. Run.

SAM YAO: Okay, convoy's to your left, 32 vehicles. Uh, mostly slow-moving. Everything from minivans to a couple of articulated lorries fitted out as dormitories. The Riders’ll have to come along this road. It's the only pass between the ravine and the woods.

JANINE DE LUCA: I know I don't need to emphasize the importance of this mission to you, runners. Much is at stake in addition to innocent lives. This is an opportunity to learn about the Riders. And Sage would be a valuable ally to us. While the UK is crumbling, Banktown stands strong.

[motorcycle engines rumble, Riders whoop]

PETER LYNNE: Riders at 6 o'clock. They've set their own helmets on fire, so that's alarming. That, and the ululating. I think my blood might have curdled. There aren't actually that many of them, though.

JANINE DE LUCA: We've been fortunate. A few outriders must have happened upon the convoy. Runners, distribute caltrops at six inch intervals across the road.

SAM YAO: Colonel Sage, what is this convoy?

COLONEL SAGE: A mobile resettlement colony. It travels the country collecting people from one township and reuniting them with friends and family in another, colloquially known as The Long Way Home.

SAM YAO: That is just so lovely. Was it your idea, Colonel?

COLONEL SAGE: Yes.

JANINE DE LUCA: An excellent idea, and one that I ought to have had myself. Most admirable, Colonel Sage.

PETER LYNNE: [under his breath] Oh, can you just fry him in butter and serve him with gnocchi?

JANINE DE LUCA: The bikers are closing in on you. Impact in five, four, three -

[motorcycles zoom past]

SAM YAO: Uh, uh, those caltrops don't seem to have had much of an effect. Um, are they slow-release caltrops?

JANINE DE LUCA: No, Mr. Yao. The Riders have clearly reinforced their tires.

PETER LYNNE: Not great news, but they haven't seen us. We can sabotage the -

[truck horn honks, tires squeal]

SAM YAO: Oh, one of the lorries is veering off course. Oh no. They've hit the driver. Flaming arrow right in the face. Oh, that's horrible.

COLONEL SAGE: That is the vehicle in which the most vulnerable travel. It is full of children and the elderly.

PETER LYNNE: No puppies? I'm surprised.

SAM YAO: Crap! It's heading for the ravine.

JANINE DE LUCA: Runners, you must intercept it. Run!

SAM YAO: Five, Three, the lorry's going to pass under the overhang you're on. Jump when I say. You'll land right on top. And... jump now! Now!

PETER LYNNE: Here goes nothing!

SAM YAO: Peter, are you on the top? I see Five, but well, my cams are partly obscured and I don't see you.

PETER LYNNE: Five is on the top. I have splatted myself on the windshield like some sort of giant immortal fly.

SAM YAO: Right. Okay. Five, you're getting close to that ravine. Lean into the cab to get at the brakes.

JANINE DE LUCA: No time. Runner Five, reach in the window and turn the wheel hard!

[tires squeal, metal creaks]

SAM YAO: Uh, my cam's a bit far off, but am I right in saying that half of the caravan is dangling precariously from the edge of the ravine?

PETER LYNNE: That's about the size of it. I'm climbing up onto the roof. Pull me up, Five. Let's head to the back and get those doors open. [doors open, children cry] Hello, everyone. Please make your way to the end of the vehicle that isn't hanging over a precipice. That's it. Slowly, slowly - [explosion] Not slowly! Not slowly. The engine's on fire. Everybody out.

SAM YAO: Oh, it's going to blow! Five, there's a couple of children there too small to run. Pick them up. Peter, round out the rest. Get those people out of there. Run!

[explosion]

PETER LYNNE: There goes the lorry. It was nicely kitted out, too. Could well imagine going on holiday in that. And then getting out of it and staying in an expensive hotel.

[horn honks]

SAM YAO: Uh, guys, there's a big rig on the horizon. Well, that's never good. We've all seen [?].

COLONEL SAGE: That is a Last Riders war party. This escapade may have been a trick to lure any possible defenders away from the convoy. I believe they mean to steal the contents of the last caravan. I'm sorry, De Luca. I've put your people in danger.

SAM YAO: Why? What's the last caravan?

COLONEL SAGE: That is the transport for the convoy's weapons, for defense against the zombie attack. The Riders must have heard rumors that the weapons are of high quality.

JANINE DE LUCA: We've only one option. Colonel Sage, tell the convoy to double back into the ravine.

COLONEL SAGE: If the convoy enters the ravine, it will have to slow down, and the bikers will be able to board it.

JANINE DE LUCA: Yes. And my runners will be able to board them.

[horn honks, motorcycle engines rev, Riders whoop]

PETER LYNNE: So a ramp has risen from the big rig, and bikers are pinging off it like flaming Evel Knievels.

JANINE DE LUCA: Remember, Colonel, the possibility of victory lies in the attack.

COLONEL SAGE: Very well. Far be it from me to contradict Sun Tzu. I will contact the convoy to instruct them.

JANINE DE LUCA: Runner Three, Runner Five, meet the convoy at the entrance to the ravine. You'll need to be fast. Run!

[engine rumbles]

SAM YAO: Okay. The convoy's heading into the ravine. Runners, you'll have to board it as it moves so they don't have to stop. Grab the ladder on the lead vehicle. Uh, yeah, that's good. Up you go. Right. So now you're at the front of the convoy, whereas you want to be at the back. You'll need to head across the tops of the caravans, then hop onto the Last Riders' big rig, and um...

JANINE DE LUCA: Plant the device.

SAM YAO: Plant the device, and – what device?

JANINE DE LUCA: One placed in Runner Five's pack for precisely this type of situation. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, Mr. Yao.

[arrow thuds into caravan]

PETER LYNNE: Sam, they're firing arrows at us from up there on the ravine. They've got special guns. The arrows are attached to cables. [Riders slide down cables and whoop] Right! They're zipping down the cables toward us whilst whooping and being on fire. I'm starting to get that “good thing I’m immortal or I’d never see bedtime” feeling. 

JANINE DE LUCA: Remove those lines at once! They must not be allowed to board.

PETER LYNNE: You get that one, Five. Ready? Pull! [Rider laughs and then screams] Ha! How'd do you like that – [arrow thuds] Arrow in my foot. Arrow in my foot! Get it out, Five! Get it out!

[Rider slides down cable and lands on caravan]

SAM YAO: Oh! Guys, you've got a hop-on.

PETER LYNNE: Get off me, you big [?] idiot! Oh! Nice flying kick, Five. There he goes. Bye, now!

JANINE DE LUCA: Runners, the big rig is coming in backwards. The Riders must be planning to couple it to the rearmost caravan.

SAM YAO: Guys, you need to get to the big rig as fast as you can, and then... and then... and then do something brave/heroic.

COLONEL SAGE: This is all rather seat-of-the-pants, I must say.

JANINE DE LUCA: Horrifies me, too, Colonel, but they seem to work best that way. Peter, Runner Five, run!

SAM YAO: [laughs] Great platforming, guys! Couple more jumps and you'll be on the big rig. No, hang on. Oh, bugger. Can you see that, guys?

PETER LYNNE: Unfortunately, yes. Bikers swarming up the sides of the caravan in front of us with their skull-shaped helmets on fire.

[horn honks]

JANINE DE LUCA: The hogs have coupled the big rig to the weaponry caravan and are pulling it backwards. You'll never get past those Riders in time. Colonel, I'm sorry. We have failed.

PETER LYNNE: Oh, look. There's something stuck in the jaws of defeat. Could it be spinach? No, it's victory! With me, Five!

SAM YAO: Peter, what are you doing? Oh, what? You're grabbing a zipline gun from that Rider you kicked off the caravan. [cable launches] You're – you're firing the zipline at a tree!

PETER LYNNE: Grab onto me, Five. Oh God. Here it goes!

[PETER LYNNE and Runner Five swing along cable and land on rig]

SAM YAO: [laughs] Wow! Nice landing, Tarzan. By the power of Greystoke! – oh no, wait. That's two different things. Okay, good. Good, good. I'm glad you followed through on my very clear instruction to do something brave/heroic.

JANINE DE LUCA: Runner Five, retrieve the device from your bag. [backpack unzips] Press the red button - [device arms] and stick it onto the chassis of that lorry. [metal clanks]

SAM YAO: Okay. Well, that device which I can only presume is a bomb.

JANINE DE LUCA: Yes. Five, Three, climb down the ladder on the side of that lorry. Jump free, and roll!

PETER LYNNE: [shouts] Landed on an unstable bit. Ow!

COLONEL SAGE: Good Lord!

SAM YAO: It's okay. He's impervious to everything except pain. [horn honks] Get clear of that big rig, guys. Run!

[horns honk, Riders whoop]

SAM YAO: Okay. The convoy's on its way safely now the Riders have what they want. But our device is on it, so success. Now return to Abel and resume your perimeter patrol. [laughs] Just kidding. Come home and rest those tired old legs.

COLONEL SAGE: Colonel De Luca, the weapons truck is far enough from the rest of the convoy now. Activate the device.

JANINE DE LUCA: The device has already been activated.

COLONEL SAGE: So it has failed to detonate. The weapons are lost, and the Riders are better armed than ever. Well, this is hardly the outcome I had hoped for.

JANINE DE LUCA: The device was not a bomb, Colonel. It was a tracker. We have not lost the weapons.

SAM YAO: Uh, we did lose a bit of Peter's face, though. Ugh.

COLONEL SAGE: Colonel De Luca, my apologies. You have shown yourself a formidable tactician, and your runners have overcome overwhelming odds despite their unorthodox methods, or perhaps because of them. We have much to learn from each other.

PETER LYNNE: Pretty sure Five and I deserve a special mention here.

COLONEL SAGE: I suggest we learn on the job. I have a plan to put a stop to the Riders' mindless pillaging. Will you help me execute it?

JANINE DE LUCA: Yes, Colonel Sage. We will.

SAM YAO: A fellowship is formed! Watch out, Sauron. [imitates Gandalf] Rest well, for tomorrow, we march on Mordor.

JANINE DE LUCA: Mr. Yao.

SAM YAO: Sorry. 

[dogcollar101]

How to Prepare Your Dog To Your Newborn Baby

If you should be just like a lot of the populace, your friend can be the initial"baby." Lots of men and women worry needlessly about the way their pet will probably manage a kid in their lifetime. Many owners think to eliminating their family pets as a result of fears they could hurt the infant. Please don't try so unless there's not any alternative choice. Many dogs, when trained and treated correctly, are designed for life with a toddler well.

Kids and pets create wonderful companions when increased correctly together and instructed how to act with eachother. Kids that grow up in a house with pets learn love and respect for creatures, and what's more, respect for lifetime. As the kids age they could find responsibility by helping care for these critters. Animals improve our children's lives outside view.

Having an infant can cause issues for both dogs and humans, since canine has been treated otherwise, and due to this, might behave otherwise. Some owners baby canine longer, causing your dog to become tender and hard to take care of. Different owners get over stressed and punish your dog for ordinary, interested behaviour supporting the baby. Frequently our pets would be at the guts of the society, our"babies" in the event that you'd, and certainly will acquire"jealous" or even equipped to take care of losing that status into the brand newest baby. If you're eager to really generate the full time and attempt to ready your pets to the newest coming, everybody is able to live in harmony.

On occasion the dogs eventually become over protective of their infant. Many owners like and even choose canine being a protector for your own infant. As soon as it's normal for your pet to turn out to be protective of their baby, it's dangerous for your dog to turn out to be over protective and perhaps not let anybody close to the baby. Each one the aforementioned mentioned scenarios may cause your dog getting kicked from your home!

Since you're making preparations to make home baby, you want to get ready your pet (s) to exactly the exact same ahead of time if at all possible. When most dogs is likely to be quite tender with the baby, most dogs usually do not find babies as humans as a result of the size, smell, and also the odd sounds they create. By finding enough opportunity to present your puppy some additional attention and love he needs to be nice and maybe not turn into lousy behaviour to receive your consideration. You want to get ready yourself and educate your puppy to that which lies ahead. This will make sure they are ready and prepared to just simply accept the new relative using loving and open paws.

Employing soothing remedies (herbs, aromatherapy, oils) or prescription medications are also the possibility to help alleviate a much better behaved dog. You're able to speak with your vet to check out such services and products and also the consequences related to their usage. I will be a believer at the holistic process whenever you can, rather than using medication.

Pleaseplease be aware your pet is a creature and creatures can snack or do problems for a kid, unintentionally or intentionally. However wellbehaved or enjoying your puppy is NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE WITH YOUR BABY! I can't stress that enough. Accidents may occur. You don't need to hurt your infant or really need to knock out one's pet due to an unfortunate, and also potentially avoidable, episode.

If you're unsure your pet encourage your infant, please seek the help of a skilled trainer or behaviorist before making any decisions.

Contrary to popular belief, your own behaviour together, along with also toward your pet things. It will make or break the pet's approval of and esteem for the baby. If you behave as a pioneer, you'll be treated as a pioneer. You would like your puppy to honor every individual being on your household, together with your baby. You have to teach your pet esteem to your baby. This is likely to make life easier for those involved.

Be firm but honest -

Don't allow your pet get away with things, but avoid being a drill sergeant either! Attempt to generate any corrections as gentle as you can, but be certain that they're effective. Attempt to enjoy your pet and working out - you need to like it or one will require to keep on! Click here glow in the dark collar

Your Style of voice things -

DO NOT YELL in your puppy! Convey the meaning of the control throughout the modulation of voice - fit your voice into everything it is that it is you might be telling your own dog. Commands should really be succinct and short, at a low, nearly growling voice. Your voice must not receive high while you give your control. Don't sing for the own dog or ask canine a query! You aren't going to receive the solution you would like! When giving compliments, seem just as if you mean ! It needs to be the contrary of a control - high pitched as well as enthused. If your furry friend becomes too excited once you praise himtone it down somewhat and speak gently. Your furry friend will still know he could be doing a fantastic job, however he will probably be less inclined to want to jump around and become mad.

Be calm and assertive-

Our dogs feed of their energies and emotions. This affects their behaviours and responses. If we have been relaxed and convinced, our dogs may probably have exactly the same, also also be aware that we're LEADING them, plus so they don't need to lead us.

Use a cage -

If your puppy will not use a crate, then now's the time for you to get started. A crate isn't cruel, it could really be a fantastic and safe location for the furry friend. Confining your puppy at times, like for times or sleep when you can't manage, is not any different than putting your infant in its crib to get your same. It's in fact quite simple to show your pet to simply just accept being at the crate. A lot of men and women believe your dog who's not utilized a crate will have difficulty, but this isn't usually correct. My two elderly dogs started utilizing the cage once they were 8 and 7 yrs of age, on the time that my son started running and investigating by himself. This enabled me to learn that my child and my dogs were both so safe and nothing bad might happen. Your son or daughter might be hurt with your furry friend as easy as the youngster might hurt your pet. The issue is in the simple fact if your pet gets even the smallest danger to your infant or even unintentionally hurts your own baby, it's the puppy's fault. It's maybe perhaps not fair for your dog for some thing like this to happen as you weren't supervising the 2 together at all moments!

Eliminate bad etiquette -

Bad etiquette can't be accepted since they are sometimes dangerous to some brand new baby and also a brand new mom. Jumping and nipping are behaviours which will need to be stopped straight away. Stealing and rough-play additionally ought to get nipped at the bud immediately.

Teach your puppy how to be more calm and tender, by praising and handling this behaviour.

Running commands to regular activity and also play leaves listening easy and ordinary for the dog. It will become natural for your dog also it's less-likely your pet will probably be outofcontrol. It's also excellent for you too, since it's certain you are training your puppy regular, which makes you the first choice - maybe perhaps not the follower.

Exercise Is Crucial for good behaviour -

As I mentioned previously in this guide, exercise is imperative for the dog. This makes certain your pet will probably soon be better behaved as it will not always have the ability to misbehave! Routine walks are crucial. If you don't need the opportunity for you and energy to walk for miles, then employing a doggie backpack may earn a brief walk appear to be a very long walk for the dog. Your pet dog backpack instantly puts your pet in to work style, that'll assist to drill your own brain. In the event that you calmly balance a few weight on every side, such as water bottles, then it'll further the sum of bodily energy that's expended by your furry friend. Teaching your puppy to walk well near your stroller is additionally crucial. It's quite tough and dangerous to possess your dog pulling out and outside of hands when trying to go a stroller. If your plan is on using an infant carrier, sling, backpack or carseat your pet should act to the leash and walk on you, perhaps maybe not tug you. It's a great idea to rehearse with the apparatus before baby comes (make work with of a doll set of their baby) to ensure you are able to solve any kinks or issues.

Have routine watering sessions along with your pet in order she doesn't forget her orders and recalls she has to listen at constantly. This helps to drill her mind! Attempt to work the orders in to regular activity to ensure that it will become 2nd nature for her.

Is the pet allowed onto your own furniture? -

If a dog is now allowed on the furniture you might need to reevaluate this because your infant will probably be to the furniture a whole good deal. Dog dirt and hair may irritate your infant. Additionally you do not want to wash up after your dog. Your dog may also unintentionally hurt the infant leaping on the furniture or depriving herself. It's ideal to confine usage of this furniture that issues don't occur.

Time-out to the puppy -

Make certain that you provide your dog away time from your infant to repay. Time workouts are a great tool to permit your pet to maintain its sanity and for once they're doing some thing amiss.

Your brand new program along with your puppy -

It's time to re adjust canine's program to familiarize her with all the up coming changes. Think realistically about exactly the time you have to your dog for matters such as excursions, feeding, potty breaks, attention and play. Attempt to preserve the program consistent for the pet so she will not truly sense unnecessary strain out of the changes which are happening before your child develops. Having as little disruptions as you can may assist you accomplish this objective. Once your pet feels safe and can be employed into the new pattern, make an effort to begin using slight variations in your everyday happenings. If your child arrives things don't necessarily go as intended. You can take every intention of staying on program and necessarily something will transform which program! Babies tend not to follow programs! Do attempt to remain on program, when you can, in order for the pet is permitted any semblance of a regular. Dogs feel safety once the guidelines and patterns stay exactly the same.

Pay attention to your puppy -

It's time to instruct your dog to expect extra attention out of you personally in just one sitting. Once the child arrives you won't need exactly the exact identical quantity of high quality time and energy to spend on your pet, however, it's still critical to create time for your own dog. Schedule routine 5 to 10 min sessions daily where you pay attention to a furry friend. You certainly can certainly do things like drama, grooming, petting or just speak with your pet. This permits your puppy to comprehend he is still an significant part one's own life. You want to instruct your dog this time might function with or without your baby. Additionally, this is a fantastic time to unwind and unwind as pets have become healing. Be mindful that in the event you've got more than 1 pet, each and every be needing individual attention when at all possible. You might even offer the bunch the interest at exactly the exact identical time, giving them together, or let them play together to burn off up energy.

Your pet Has to Be balanced and calm -

You want to be certain your puppy is balanced and calm until baby enters your home. It's essential for the pet to understand the way you can be calm so he can not hurt the infant. Your dog should be balanced that he can not worry and behave inappropriately. If your puppy isn't balanced and calm you will find tactics that will assist you to accomplish that. Training and exercise are all good places to begin out to accomplish a serene and balanced dog. If those don't work your pet could possibly have some thing amiss with him, like a physical or psychological issue. Seek the advice of your vet along with local puppy behaviorist or trainer. They ought to have the ability to direct you in the ideal direction. They could help inform you of this path you should take, while behaviour modification, drugs, or even alternative remedies.

Is the puppy tender? -

Teaching your pet how to be tender is also vitally essential therefore he won't unintentionally harm the infant. Most dogs utilize their teeth a lot of and have to be taught the correct method to make use of their mouths - minus one's teeth!

Does your puppy jump? -

If your furry friend is still a jumper, teaching proper greetings can assist you curb this issue. It's critical your puppy is able to observe people without jumping or becoming too enthused. After the child comes there will be a lot of folks visiting and he'll want to be on his very best behaviour. Additionally, it eases the proper, tender behaviour your pet should consume across the baby.

How can my dog manage the infant being rough ? -

Teaching your pet the best way to expect from the baby is vitally essential in order she can deal together and know very well what to do if baby pullsstrikes or pushes her. Babies and children aren't fundamentally tender naturally, and need to be taught how to achieve . Your puppy also has to learn to manage one of your behaviours from his leaders that are small. Start to softly handle your puppy at a more demanding fashion whilst praising good behavior and softly, if at all possible, correcting improper behaviour such as nipping or mouthing. Kids have a tendency to furry friend about, pull tails and ears, put their hands at your pet's head and signature sensitive areas on canine. You want to mimic these behaviours as a way to show your pet exactly what to expect and how to manage it appropriately. Make it a regular habit to take some time on to the floor along with your puppy touching every facet of the body at a fashion that is loving. That really is good since it permits your dog to just accept touch in areas it could possibly well not need relieved. Additionally, it instructs your dog to become more tender while about the ground and also to be submissive for you along with your infant. Do so gradually and your puppy will know

Obedience training your puppy -

Your dog should be obedience trained and possess basic ways. I recommend that you sign up for an exercise class in the event that you are able to. Assess the community practice teams, or centers, such as classes and be certain that you watch a class so you may view how they train. Make certain you are familiar with their methods and also the teachers. If you aren't permitted to watch a class, please look else where. Trainers that are valid must not have any issue with this and invite one to achieve that.

These are some fundamental commands and activities Your puppy Ought to Be able to perform to ensure He will listen to and be under management:

Walk well on a leash Sit Down Stay Leave-it NO Understand bounds Quiet Attention/Look Drop-it Go For Your Spot/Place Teaching your dog to respond to hand signals are also more beneficial. A sleeping baby is not as prone to receive awakened if you aren't talking.

It's also a fantastic idea to instruct your pet to just accept wearing a leash in and outside of the home. This makes sure you have control over the dog also has a tendency to really make canine better off. Most cities and towns have leash laws therefore it's very important that your puppy become accustomed to the leash. You also ought to walk your pet regular. This provides your puppy emotional stimulation, in addition to physical activity, which can help to out them, hence making them less inclined to get in to trouble along with also an over all better behaved pet.

Spot, Go To Your Spot! -

The"Go to Your Spot" control is a excellent control to get in your toolbox to get a high-value dog. It is possible to use this exercise to permit your pet to be together with you personally and never under foot, or maintain your pet in a space and know where he is and what he is doing. It educates your pet to go take a nap on a blanket or rug and then stay until published.

Long down remains are crucial in overall, whether he could be"in a spot", since they enable one to keep control over your furry friend. From the furry friend needing to work with youpersonally, it eases a relationship by that you're dominant (accountable or even the alpha stage ) on your own pet's head.

Teach your puppy that which he could chew -

All dogs consider . Each features a certain reason behind this, and also has a physical requirement to chew. They will need to chew over to exercise their limbs and to discrete pent up frustrations. Excessive chewing may be a strain attribute. To help avoid problems, don't put your self up for failure.

Soiling at the home -

If a pet has an accident inside your residence, or isn't housetrained, then you want to completely wash it precisely to avert further"accidents" or even remarking of the exact places also to keep a sanitary surroundings. Dog urine may contain parasites and other undesired disorder. Giardia, E-Coli, additional parasites and rats are sometimes found from the stool and lots of are transferrable into humans.

Use high-value treats-

Use treats of top value - snacks your pet enjoys and will not normally get - if coping with fresh baby sights, smells and sounds. This tells your pet which all these really are nutrients, and he needs to enjoy them and connect them with rewards, so in the place of sense malice or fear . Be certain that you keep the snacks special, and just use them to the goals of having the puppy familiarized in everything the newest baby will probably resemble.

The wellbeing and cleanliness of your pet is critical -

It's very important your puppy has a clear bill of health insurance and can be clean until you bring your child home. Carry your puppy into the vet to get a checkup to be certain he does not have any health conditions since these could cause undesirable behaviours on your pet which may restrict his entire own life with your infant. Make certain he is uptodate with all shots, or his titer ranges are all good, and he could be worm-free.

The next point that you ought to make certain of is that you wash your pet have him dressed BEFORE the baby comes back home. If your puppy exits, it's a fantastic concept to initiate a de-shedding app, for example as routine grooming and including an item like Linatone (that you may get in the community pet store, on the web or at any groomers) that features a distinctive mixture of oils to help skin and coat. Take care to not over-bathe your pet since this can lead to skin issues from most dogs. Make certain he has no ticks or fleas as that really is unsanitary and will introduce your infant to health troubles. Additionally, it creates issues as you won't need a lot of time to wash him once the baby is still around. Employing special tick and flea medication may assist you ensure he remains flea-less along with tick-less.

Start teaching your pet to take his toenails and human anatomy discharged when he will come from outside will help with cutting the total quantity of dirt he buys at your home. Additionally, it reduces the chance Your pet will take in Something Which will cause an allergic response in you personally or your infant

Additionally, make certain that you vacuum or brush regularly as pet hair collects quickly. That is particularly crucial once your baby starts to crawl or be about the bottom alot, unless ofcourse you would like the baby for an individual Swiffer!

Carry a doll-

The thought of carrying out a doll (rather the one who cries) might appear absurd, however it's an excellent means to secure your pet used to a addition to your family. What's different with a kid. Maintaining a child affects your position, along with your mannerisms, which means that your dog has to become comfortable and accepting with the. Canine also has to check out orders and also be obedient once you have the baby or your child is out and around. Employing a doll whilst practicing regular orders will let your pet react better if the baby develops. Simply take your dog for walks, and play with your dog, and also most of of the things you can do with your puppy together and with no infant doll and equipment.

Baby seems -

Having the pet properly used the noises of an infant can be a fantastic idea. This permits your puppy to familiarize himself with the strange sounds it could possibly well not have heard before therefore it is perhaps not just a surprise if baby returns. Matters such as yelling, gurgling, yelling/screaming, along with baby babble aren't necessarily normal to get your pet dog to listen. There are numerous cds and tapes you could buy for this use. Start the quantity low and expose your own dog for brief intervals in the beginning. Gradually raise the amount and quantity of time that you play with the noises. Attempt to play with the recording regular before baby arrives.

Real babies and kids -

Yet another fantastic idea is always to expose your puppy into the actual item - real babies and kids. When you have relatives or friends who've babies it's possible to ask if they'll allow your puppy to listen or even list them . It is possible to see places like parks, even if a dog is wellbehaved, which means that your pet can hear most the sounds kids create. Be certain you begin out this a way from the house in order for the pet doesn't feel endangered within their particular territory. The next thing to do is always to expose your pet dog into your yard, then in your residence. Get this to a slow process so that your pet can gradually accept it.

Baby scents -

The scents of a kid in many cases are unknown to your dog. Slowly begin to receive your puppy used to those new scents utilizing these services and products that you can utilize for your own infant, such as baby oil, powder, baby wash and diaper lotion. Putting the services and items on infant cribs and baby clothes may additionally help. For those who have relatives or friends who have infants, then ask to borrow properly used and un-washed blankets and burp cloths therefore that your pet can get familiar with the scents of a kid.

The Nursery-

Preparing the nursery allows your pet to get familiar with changes from your home. It enables your puppy to become familiar with the sounds and sights related to baby gear, and hence avoiding jolt when baby develops.

In the event you never want your puppy from the nursery you want to get started restricting access today. Keeping the door closed or perhaps even a baby gate at the door will help to do so. Your dog won't feel overlooked or worried about no more being allowed inside this room. Yet another fantastic idea is always to set your pet dog mattress out the nursery in order for the pet remains near for youpersonally, however, perhaps maybe not within the space. He won't feel banished, however may feel included. Spending some time at the room with no pooch therefore he knows that will soon be ordinary, and it is nolonger his land. Since he starts to recognize that the space is no more his, he'll accept it and also become likely to attempt and have within if the baby comes back home. This helps keep the room tidy and free from hair and dirt. You may have a lot more than enough to wash the nursery since it's!

If your plan is to permit your dog at the nursery begin to show the appropriate behaviours whenever possible. Teach her to be more calm inside there and maybe not to jump around the furniture and baby equipment. It's also a fantastic idea to instruct her todo down-stays when from the nursery so she actually is allowed to be with you and also the baby, however, has gone out of this way and acting. You might also desire a bed or carpet from there which the pet is allowed to lay (eliminate it whenever you and canine aren't at the space ). After the child starts to crawl and continue around you might need to set a restrict on the quantity of time that the dog spends within and not leave the baby with your dog.

Baby's items are Offlimits -

Be certain you always reinforce that the infant's things aren't your pet's things. Though you could have practiced this until the baby came home, dogs don't want reminders.

It's crucial to get rid of diapers precisely to make sure your puppy doesn't buy them. Dogs love items which have individual waste on these, like filthy diapers and feminine merchandise. Keep the items out of reach since they'll make a horrible wreck and therefore so are very bad for the furry friend to consume. They've compounds which aren't good for the pet and will result in blockages. In any case, the swallowing of human waste may make your pet ill (and possess disgusting breath!) .

Teach your puppy to make baby blankets and not to lay or measure . Lay them onto the furniture and a ground to show your pet they are offlimits. If your pet attempts to walk or put them employ a strong"NO" and divert your pet into a proper spot and also have him put out. Whenever your puppy averts those on their or her own, commend him because of his good behaviour with a cure or petting and he'll know that these products aren't at all some thing to really move close. You would like to stop potential accidents to a own baby from the own furry friend whilst baby is lying or hiding underneath the blankets (as frequently babies do!) .

Teach your puppy that toys Participate in him

It's encouraged to show your pet what toys would be his or her exactly that which toys are your infant's before baby arrives to ensure you won't need issues afterwards. Additionally, this is a fantastic idea as you're able to buy toys very similar to that which your baby could own rather than fret about using baby's particular toys to all these exercises. A simple solution to do so would be to make use of peanutbutter (or some thing like it as cream cheese or cheese spread) and sour apple (you may obtain this on the internet or at pet stores). Put bitter apple to the infant's toys along with peanutbutter onto your pet's toys. Before you give the pet the decision about what he wants, choose a tiny bitter apple onto your own finger and wipe it on in your pet's mouth. This will aid your pet to instantly recognize the horrible flavor on the babies toys. If you don't try that bitter apple regularly dilutes and canine should have the ability to have the infant toys as the taste will be bearable. Be certain that you get some snacks prepared to benefit your pet when he selects his possessions on baby's. Put your dog's leash and you're prepared to commence. Place the"marked" toys onto the ground and let your pet pick that toys he favors. When he tries to consider the infant toys, then tell him"no, leave-it", of course when necessary tug away him with the leash using a fast rotational movement. Don't attempt and hurt your dog, simply offer a fast correction since you repeat"no, leave-it". Whenever your puppy does"leave" the babies toys praise and cure. You might even teach your dog the notions of"Mine","Baby's" and"Yours" by the addition of these phrases into working out sessions. After your dog goes because of his toys it is possible to state,"Good! Yours!" After your dog goes to your infant toys state,"No, Leave-it, Baby's". You are able to use exactly the exact identical principle as useful to your infant toys once your dog goes for some thing which is yours by simply substituting"Mine" inplace of"Baby's."

Please be aware that in the event you depart from your infant's toys lying about your puppy will probably decide to make an effort to slip them. The temptation will be too much for her to handle and that she may very well neglect. Don't place her up for failure! Attempt to acquire toys to the dog which are like the infant - no stuffed creatures and items which spin. There are a great deal of superior dog toys which are quite different from toys. Last, just keep a couple of your dog's toys outside at any given moment. This will definitely avoid her falling victim into the syndrome of"everything within my reach is mine!" In case she knows that the 3 toys on a lawn are hers, she'll soon be apt to carry stuff she shouldn't.

If you abide by the instructions put forth within this essay you need to have the ability to accustom your puppy to a own toddler without a lot of difficulty. Bear in mind, if in doubt, always consult with a trainer.

[amymel86]

Bound Souls - Jonsa Exchange

This is my Jonsa Exchange gift for @lydiia-martins! :-)

I really, really hope that you like it! It’s kind of become a bit of a monster at 17k+ words (yeah - I’m apparently unable to keep things short and sweet!) and is as yet, unfinished (sorry! It will be done by the end of the weekend though!)

This is a loooong post - but if you would prefer to read it in more manageable chapters, I am posting it bit by bit on AO3 here!

So, under the cut, you’ll find my very first Jonsa soulmates au - their ‘milestone’ will be at the end ;-)

Sansa Stark, Age 7

“Bound Souls are rare, but not unheard of Mrs Stark, it seems that your daughter is....afflicted with the condition.”

A seven year old Sansa swivelled her head from between the Dr Luwin and her mother.

“Afflicted? Condition?....Is...Is there a cure?” Mrs Stark asked, her eyes beginning to glimmer with tears that she held back with a sniff.

“Well, ‘afflicted’ might be too harsh a word for me to have used” the elderly doctor paused to give Sansa a kind smile “Sansa will be able to grow in to a normal, healthy young woman and-”

“Apart from the blackouts” Sansa’s mother interrupted.

Dr Luwin inclined his head, his understanding eyes closing momentarily. “yes, apart from the blackouts.”

“How often will they happen?”

“It might be best if you read this, Mrs Stark” Dr Luwin opened his filing cabinet with a metalic clatter. After rifling around for a time, he produced a small leaflet and handed it to Mrs Stark. “Everything you might want to know should be in there.”

Jon Snow, Age 8

Jon awoke beneath the playground climbing equipment. Red and yellow metal bars coming into view as he groaned at the sting on his cheek and knee. It had happened again - a blackout. This time she had been upset with another little girl - one that seemed short, with messy brown hair and expressive grey eyes. The girl had come into his Bound Soul’s bedroom and left muddy hand-prints all over the pink polka-dot bedsheets and then proceeded to run off with one of her dolls.

Jon brought his hand up to his cheek, his fingers coming away red. He hated dolls. He hated his Bound Soul.

“Did it happen again?” Sam puffed, his face going red from where he’d run over to Jon from the see-saw, his younger brother Dickon still sat on the piece of equipment looking bewildered.

“Shhhh!” Jon hissed as other children gathered round to see the commotion. “I just lost my grip is all” he grumbled, rising to his feet and brushing his clothing down. There was a large scrape on his knee that will no doubt make a good scab tomorrow. He should probably let his Mum look at it though.

“Did you see her again?” Sam whispered as they began to walk back to Dickon together. Sam was the only one of his friends that he’s told about this Bound Soul thing. He had been with him when he’d had his very first blackout a year ago - when he had first saw her, practising her skipping. 

“I wish I had a Bound Soul” his friend muttered to the floor when Jon refused to answer.

“No you don’t. It’s stupid and annoying, and you never know when you’re gonna collapse” Jon huffed. Sam nodded.

His friend was silently contemplating something whilst they walked. “But it would be like having a friend linked with you all your life.”

Jon shook his head. “She’s an annoying girl.”

“I’m sure she’s not that bad! And by the time you get to meet her, you’ll already know loads of stuff about her....and she’ll know loads of stuff about you.”

Jon seated himself behind Dickon on the see-saw, whilst Sam sat at the other end. “I’ll probably never get to meet her. Most people don’t.”

“Samwell! Dickon! Jon!” Sam’s mother called “Come on boys! That’s enough time in the park - let’s get Jon home!”

Jon shoved his hands in his short pockets and kicked at a couple of pebbles as he made his way to Mrs Tarly’s family car. His friend’s words rolling around in his head. He didn’t like the sound of his Bound Soul knowing stuff about him. How long had she had the blackouts too? Had they even started for her? When was it that she was staring through his eyes? Seeing what he sees? Irritation rose in his stomach again, he didn’t want to share his experiences with anyone, let alone a complete stranger.

Sansa Stark, Age 12

“So how often does it happen? Margaery asked, face full curiosity as she sat cross-legged on Sansa’s bed, surrounded by magazines and a bag of strawberry laces.

“It’s not as simple as that” Sansa answered, swiping a lace from her friend. “I only had two blackouts for the whole of last year, but I’ve had five so far this month. You just can’t predict it” she shrugged, chewing on the sweet treat.

Maraery rearranged her legs to be kneeling, looking like she was positively bubbling over with curiosity. “And what do you see?”

Sansa fixed her eyes to the ceiling of her bedroom, trying to recount her last few blackouts. “Well sometimes they are just flashes. One time all I saw was him reaching for a piece of pizza.” Margaery raised her brows, urging her friend to continue. “Sometimes I blackout for longer - maybe a couple of minutes at a time. He seems to play a lot of video games.”

“Are you sure it’s a boy? Your soul could be bound to a girl.” the brunette asked, stealing the lace back from her friend.

“Yeah, I’m sure...he....sounds like a boy when he talks” Sansa said, a blush creeping up her neck at the memory of when she’d blacked out to a vision of standing in front of the toilet and unzipping a fly. Luckily, her bound soul had looked up when he’d pulled his ‘thing’ out to pee so she didn’t see anything. Sansa couldn’t seem to look anyone in the eye once she came round from that one. 

“Do you know anything about him?”

Sansa shook her head, her high ponytail dancing behind her. “Not really. You have to really concentrate to hear what anyone is saying sometimes. It’s sort of muffled....I think his name is short...like ‘Tom’ or something like that.” Sansa took another strawberry lace from the bag, gripping it with her teeth before winding it around her fingers and yanking a bite free. “He has a Mum I think...but I haven’t seen any men. There’s a fat boy that he hangs out with a lot - he’s either his friend or a brother?” Sansa said with a shrug.

“A Bound Soul” Margaery sighed, her eyes going glassy as she stared at nothing at all. “How romantic.”

Sansa gave her friend a quick, glimmer of a smile before it faded - not that Margaery was paying any attention anyway. She remembered the statistics she’d read online - only 30% of Bound Souls ever get to connect. Meeting each other is rare and ‘sufferers’ of the condition should prepare to be ‘unpaired’ indefinitely.

He could live half way around the world.

Jon Snow, Aged 14

It was a dumb theory that his Mum had read somewhere on one of her ‘hippy’ websites, but Jon was not about to contradict her when it meant that they would be getting a dog. He’d always wanted one and when his Mum said that some dogs could sense when Bound Souls are about to suffer a blackout, well, he just went with it.

“I just want you to be able to have some independence love” his Mum had said “I can’t be with you all the time and that time that you collapsed while we were crossing the road really scared me.”

Jon knew what she was talking about. He’d been helping his Mum with carrying the grocery shopping one minute, and then the next he was in a store, looking at a multicoloured row of nail varnishes.

“I’ve only got enough money to get two. I think I’m gonna get ‘Weirwood Red’ and ‘Snow Pearl’”, he had heard his Bound Soul say in a muffled voice. 

It was only a short flash of an ‘insight’, but once he’d come to, there were cans of food and oranges scattered all across the road whilst his Mum was desperately trying to stop the traffic. He hated having a Bound Soul.

“I like this one” he said as the little white ball of fluff continued to lick his hand and playfully nip at his fingers.

“The runt?” the man whose German Shepherd bitch had welped the pups “you sure lad?”

Jon looked from the man, to his Mum and back to puppy, his red eyes almost pleading as he whined and placed a paw on Jon’s knee where he was knelt on the floor. Jon smiled down at him before the pup gave a tiny little yelp and jumped up to sniff and lick at Jon’s temple with his paws braced on his chest. “Yes” Jon laughed “can we have him Mum?”

Sansa Stark, Aged 13

Her Bound Soul was squirming and laughing as she saw an excitable little white pup jump up to lap at his face. She felt like giggling herself, but of course she couldn’t - she was having a blackout. 

“Yes” she heard him laugh “can we have him Mum?”

Her Bound Soul looked up at the woman she’d seen before.

So she IS his Mother. 

“Alright Jon, we can have him” the woman smiled back. “What are you going to call him?”

Jon?! Not Tom!

Her Bound Soul managed to subdue the puppy by holding him in place by the shoulders. A little white tail continued to wag furiously as the dog clearly wasn’t finished with his attentions with her Bound Soul’s face.

“Ummm...”

He’s a cute little thing, as white as a ghost, Sansa thought.

“Ghost” she heard Jon proclaim, clear as day.

Sansa gasped as she awoke, she was on the floor of her bedroom, near her desk.

I could hear him clearly!....Jon.....his name is Jon!

She used her stool to heave herself up off of the plush cream carpet. Sansa stared unseeing at the jumble of math homework before her. She had been working on it before the blackout. Shaking her head, she opened the desk drawer and brought out her journal and plucked her glittery pink pencil with the fluff on top from her pen pot. Jotting down the date, Sansa began to recount the details of her most recent ‘Blackout Insight’.

Jon Snow, Aged 15

Ghost let out an unexpected bark and started pawing at Jon’s calf where he stood making himself an after school snack.

That’s odd.

“Down boy” he ordered in the sternest voice he could muster, but the dog took no notice. “Ghost, stop.”

The next thing he knew, the world turned on it’s axis and everything went black, he distantly heard his plate smash on the tiled kitchen floor.

Jon groaned internally when his vision began to clear. He saw a desk, some open books, and a pink fluffy pencil. He hoped that this would be a short blackout.

His Bound Soul was focused on the numbers in a squared workbook. She tapped her pencil on the paper near to an equation. She was wearing a distracting shimmery white nail varnish.

Snow Pearl, Jon thought.

He watched as she hesitantly scratched out an answer.

That’s wrong. You forgot to carry the seven.

As soon as his thoughts manifested, his Bound Soul reached for a little heart shaped eraser and began scrubbing out her numbers. She brushed away the rubbings and began to tap the paper again.

1635.2, Jon thought as he made quick work of the sums. His Bound Soul let out a huff of frustration that Jon was surprised he could hear very clearly - every other blackout had been a bit like listening to things from underwater.

1635.2, he thought again, willing her to come to the correct answer. He watched her pencil move slowly across the squared paper.

1...6-

Yes!

1635-

That’s it! Point two! Point two!

1635.2

If Jon had control of his body right then, he may have punched the air. His Bound Soul moved on to the next equation and Jon wanted to hit himself over the head with something.

This is swell and all, but me watching you struggle at math is seriously cutting into my gaming time!

Suddenly, his Bound Soul closed her workbook.

Oh thank the Gods!

She gathered up her math books and put them back in her pale purple backpack, zipping it up before going to her set of drawers. There, she grabbed a large canvas that was propped up against the item of furniture. She brought it back over to her desk and leant it against the wall behind it.

Whoa!

On the canvas was a half finished painting of a wolf. The creature’s face took up almost the entire of the surface as its eyes seemed to bore in to Jon. She opened her desk drawer and brought out some paints and brushes and set to work on finishing her painting.

Jon watched as the squeezes of paint oozed out of the tubes on to her palette. He was mesmerised with how she knew which shades to mix with which, and by how much. Her brushstrokes were quick, making the wolf look alive and full of energy. She even used unnatural shades of purple and turquoise to highlight the creatures form and personality. His Bound Soul may struggle at math, but this, this was a gift.

Jon awoke with Ghost licking his face.

“Alright, alright! I’m awake, I’m awake” he protested, shoving away the owner of the smelly dog breath. Ghost gave his master a snort and turned to chow down on Jon’s dropped sandwich. 

That night, he dreamt of a wolf watching him, but he was not afraid.

Sansa Stark, Aged 14

“No, no, no! Not now! Not while Mum’s out of town!” Sansa muttered as her eyes widened at the red smear on the toilet paper. She shoved some clean paper into her underwear and went to sit on the stairs as she wondered what to do.

Pulling her phone out of her jeans pocket, she selected her Mum’s number in her contacts as her leg bounced nervously. The call was answered on the third ring.

“Hello honey, is everything alright?”

“Um, yes” Sansa squeaked, unable to keep her voice even as she chewed at her thumbnail.

“What is it? Sansa, what’s happened?”

“It’s...it’s nothing...it’s just..” she sniffed, trying to hold it together as her eyes began to water “...Mum...I think....I think I’ve started my period...and I don’t know what to do! I don’t have anything, and you’re not here, and....and...” Sansa screwed her eyes shut.

I will not cry. I will not cry.

“Sansa, oh baby, this is a good thing, sweet girl. My baby’s growing up” came the crooning voice over the phone. Sansa took a deep breath and wiped at her eyes with the heel of one hand.

“I know” she croaked “I just wish that you were here when it happened.”

“I’m sorry sweetie, I wish I was too, but we couldn’t have predicted this now could we?”

“No” Sansa sniffed.

“Anyway, I’ve just two more days left of his blasted conference, and then I’ll be back home darling. Don’t worry.”

“Okay.....Mum?”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“I need....towels” Sansa whispered the last word. “Do you have any?”

“No darling, I don’t think I do....I have tampons...but....I don’t suppose you fancy using those?” Sansa shook her head even though she knew her mother was unable to see her. “You can ask your father to go and fetch you some from the shop?”

“Dad?!” Sansa yelped, getting to her feet and walking back to her bedroom “No...I can’t...”

“Okay sweetie. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to your father and send him out to get you the things you need. He won’t mind darling. You shouldn’t be embarrassed.”

A little while later, after her call, she heard her Dad’s mobile phone ring somewhere in the house, followed by the deep murmuring of her father’s voice. She pressed her ear to her bedroom door to try and discern the conversation but it was useless. Suddenly, her Dad’s voice stopped and she could hear the thump thump thump as he climbed the stairs. Sansa bolted from where she stood and practically leapt upon her bed.

Knock knock.

“Sansa? Sweetheart? Can I come in?” Came her father’s soft voice.

“Yes” 

The door creaked open as he stepped inside. “Your Mother says you need me to get you some things” Ned said, sitting down beside his daughter, making the mattress bounce a little. “She also said that you were upset?”

Sansa nodded, a sniffle that she hated escaping her as she allowed her Father to pull her into his side with a warm embracing arm.

“This is nothing to worry about sweet girl. You know that don’t you?”

“Yes” Sansa whispered “I don’t know why I’m upset.”

Ned stroked his daughter’s hair before giving a soft snort. “Well, in my very limited experience with these kind of...’womanly things’, I would say that’s fairly normal” his shoulder bounced a little under Sansa’s cheek “Don’t tell your Mother that I said that though.”

“I won’t” she chuckled quietly.

Jon Snow, Aged 16

Jon awoke on the couch at Sam’s house. Luckily, he had had Ghost with him and Jon had started to link some of his dog’s behaviour with an oncoming blackout. As soon as the German Shepherd yapped at him and began pawing at his legs, Jon knew he needed to sit down or risk falling.

“Jon? Jon? Are you alright?” Sam’s voice sounded distant as the light of the room began to blind him.

“Yeah” he answered groggily, scrubbing his hands down his face.

“What did you see? What was she doing?” his friend asked.

Jon’s face flushed a crimson red.

She got her period. She had to ask her Dad to get her the things she needs.

“Um...nothing much....just...umm...reading.”

“What was she reading?” Sam asked excitedly. Jon should have known his bookish friend would enquire further.

“I don’t know! I didn’t get a proper look!” he snapped.

“Oh...ok” Sam said in a defeated tone before a silence fell on the two friends.

Jon finally looked at Sam’s fallen face. He had bit harshly at a perfectly reasonable question and felt bad at acting like that with his best friend. The guy had enough on his plate with his overbearing father shouting at him whenever he was home - he didn’t need a quick tempered friend too. But, for some reason, Jon just felt....irritable.

“Her name is Sansa” Jon finally said in a quiet voice as he stared at the Tarly’s coffee table.

“You found out her name?” Sam replied, his interest piqued again. “Sansa?” his friend tried out the word on his tongue “that’s a pretty name.”

Yeah. It is.

“Hey Sam?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you have any Ibuprofen?”

“Probably. Why?” Sam shrugged.

“I’ve got this really weird stomach ache and my back hurts” Jon answered, rubbing his abdomen.

Sansa Stark, Aged 15

Sansa knew that she was likely to witness something like this at some point, but she was just not mentally prepared to experience this with her Bound Soul.

“Jon” the redhead moaned as he buried his head between her neck and shoulder and began sucking a hicky on her skin. Sansa could see the pattern of the couch that she had seen a countless number of times by now.

He’s at his house. With a girl. Who is she?

The redhead shimmied beneath him, wriggling her hands down to pull her top up over her head, leaving her in a black bra.

Jon rose up on his hands. “Yg, we don’t have to...only if you want to” he said, moving to cup her cheek, gently stroking her temple with his thumb.

“I want to, Jon” the girl grinned back up at him, poking her fingers into the cup of her bra and pulling out a condom.

Sansa’s gut twisted. She didn’t like this. Not at all. And yet, some strange part of her was excited by it. This was her Jon’s first time - she was sure of it. She was just sad that it couldn’t be with her.

That’s just ridiculous Sansa! He might not even live in Westeros! What’s he meant to do? Hold out on the tiny chance that we might meet?

Jon laughed nervously and was about to swoop down and kiss ‘Yg’ again, when the door suddenly opened, banging against the wall. Both teenagers jumped (as did Sansa) as Ghost came banding in to sniff and lick at Jon’s face.

Gods! He does that a lot! Sansa thought happily as the jealous part of her heart praised ‘Ghost the cock-blocker’.

Good boy!

“Ghost! What the fuck?” Jon muttered as he tried to push off the relentless attentions of his dog. ‘Yg’ laughed and tried to help.

“I think he was mad that you were giving me all your attention.”

“Yeah well-” Jon said, giving Ghost a final shove “he’ll just have to get used to it won’t he?”

 Sansa awoke in her own living room floor, being cradled in her Mother’s arms.

“Sansa? Honey?” Her Mum asked “are you alright? What did you see?”

“I’m fine Mum” she said, peeling herself away from her Mother and standing on shaky feet. “I just...I just want to go lay down.”

“Oh...okay darling” her Mum said as she watched her eldest daughter slowly climb the stairs.

Somewhere, my Jon, whose soul is bound to mine, is experiencing something special with someone else, she thought numbly, knowing she should feel happy for him, but not quite managing it. 

Jon Snow, Aged 18

Jon and Ghost slowly made their way back home after an evening at the well-lit nearby dog park. The streetlights were flickering on, illuminating their way as Jon was lost in his thoughts. He’d had a meeting with a careers adviser from the Fire Service that hadn’t gone as Jon had planned.

Wish I never had a bloody Bound Soul - is there anything good about it?!, he thought, kicking a pebble with perhaps more force than necessary. Ghost looked up at him by his side with a lolling tongue. Except you buddy, Jon reached down to scratch his dog’s ear. At least I’ve got you.

“Hey Jon, late night stroll with the mutt?” came a voice from a nearby porch. Jon turned to see Mance Rayder, his neighbour two houses over, sat on the steps of his house, puffing cigarette smoke into the night.

“Yes Mr Rayder Sir” Jon replied, shoving his hands in his pockets and wandering over the man. Jon liked Mance, he didn’t use any flowery language and told things straight. He remembers cutting his lawn for him when he was younger. The man made him go back and remove the plant pots to go over it again before he paid him. No good doing a job unless it’s done right, lad.

“You’re a man now Jon, I reckon you can call me Mance” he said with a smile before taking another drag of his cigarette. “You look troubled, take a seat” Mance said, nodding to the space on the steps beside him.

Jon sighed and sat down. “Can I have one of those?”

The older man raised his eyebrows and then chuckled. “Whatever you do lad, don’t tell your Mother” he said, shaking a cigarette out of the pack for Jon and fishing out his lighter from his pocket. “That woman may be small, but damn it if she ain’t fierce - especially when it comes to her boy.”

Jon grinned and cupped the flame from Mance’s lighter to shield it from the evening breeze.

“So what’s got you all twisted up and angrier than usual?”

“I’m not usually angry.”

“Might I remind you of the fate of one of my terracotta plant pots that one summer years ago?”

Jon laughed. “I just....set it down with a bit more force than I realised was all.”

“Aye...is that what it was?” the old man chuckled out some smoke.

Jon took a long drag and blew. Ghost grumbled in his throat and bounded up the steps behind them to lay on the decking of the porch. “I had a meeting today with the Fire Service - turns out I can’t join” Jon said to the street. 

Mance nodded to himself. “Hm...that ‘cause o’ your....condition?” Jon didn’t like for everyone to know about his Bound Soul, but sometimes when he was younger, Mance would watch over him when his Mum had to work late - he had witnessed a few blackouts for himself.

“Yep” Jon chirped before bringing the cigarette back to his lips “they said I’m a risk. If I blackout in a burning building, I’m just one more person that needs saving” he said, turning to the old man beside him.

“Hm” Mance nodded “and I suppose you can’t very well drag that there mutt of yours into burnin’ buildings neither” he surmised 

”Nope....I wouldn’t anyway - Ghost wouldn’t wanna do that” Jon murmured, twisting round to look at his canine companion asleep on the deck.

“So what you gonna do then lad?”

“I dunno” Jon shrugged “I’ve wanted to join the Fire Service since I can remember-”

“That for that fancy uniform to get the girls all goo-goo-eyed over yer?” Mance nudged Jon’s ribs with his elbow.

“No” he laughed. “I....I just wanted to help people...to...save people if I could....I don’t wanna be stuck behind a desk in some stuffy office, punching numbers into a computer.”

“Well, there’s plenty o’ other jobs out there for tha’ lad.”

Jon took the last drag of his cigarette and stubbed it out on the concrete beneath his sneakers. “Yeah, but all the answers will be the same, won’t they? I can’t be a paramedic because of the blackouts and I can’t have Ghost with me in an ambulance - Gods know what one swipe of his tail would do to all of that equipment-” as if on cue, Ghost’s tail began to thump against the wood. “It’s the same for a cop or the army or-”

“Alright, alright, I get the picture” Mance offered another cigarette from his pack, only to shrug and put it in his own mouth once Jon refused it “how often do those blackouts of yours happen anyway?”

“It’s different...I got three in one day once, and one time I didn’t have any for seven months.” The old man stayed silent making Jon feel compelled to fill the quiet. “Sometimes I’m out for only a few seconds - I’m literally pushing myself off of the ground straight after I’ve hit it.... But, sometimes, I’m with her longer, I see more of her life” Jon’s words trailed off. He took a steadying breath and shook his head “It’s just weird being in someone else’s head, you know?”

“No lad. I don’t.” Mance smiled “What do yer see when you’re in ‘er head?”

“Mostly flashes of stuff. TV shows she’s watching, talking with her friend, eating her food.......she paints” Jon blurted and then ducked his head to smile at himself “she’s good at it....she’s got a real talent for drawing and painting....I...I like watching her do that.”

“You think you’ll ever find ‘er?”

Jon stood and tapped his thigh to wake his dozing dog. “Probably not.....listen, Mr Rayd- Mance, thanks for the cig...I better get home.”

“Alright then lad...goodnight.”

Jon and Ghost made it to the end of Mance’s front lawn before his dog began yapping at him, Ghost’s front paws padding up and down before he started clawing at Jon’s legs.

“Oh shit.”

“Something wrong?” Mance called.

“I need to sit down” Jon said as he did just that “I’m gonna have a blackout.”

Mance got up from his place on the steps “you’d better lay d-” he watched Jon fall back onto the lush green grass before his words could escape him in full.

At first, all Jon saw was blackness, but then lots of little swaying lights came into focus accompanied by many murmuring voices. It took him a while to realise what he was looking at, but Sansa, his Bound Soul gave him a clue in the way of riffling through a bag to fish out a lighter. Jon noticed that she had luminescent paint in swirling patterns and dots up her arm. Sansa swiped her thumb over the spark wheel making a small flame come to life, she lifted in the air to join the others.

“And where did you get that from?” he heard someone say beside her. Sansa turned and Jon was able to see her older brother, Robb with a poorly concealed grin. It was still fairly dark, making the white of Robb’s teeth stand out, along with the glow-in-the-dark yellow dots of paint he had under his eyes.

“Don’t look at me, this is Arya’s bag” he heard his Sansa say in response.

“Thanks for ratting me out, traitor” came another voice. Sansa turned so that Jon could see the owner, but before he had a chance to focus on what he suspected to be his Bound Soul’s little sister, some soft music started playing in the dark and the crowd joined in a collective ‘whoop’ of excitement.

A falling star fell from your heart and landed in my eyes I screamed aloud, as it tore through them, and now it's left me blind

I know this song, Jon thought as he listened to the woman’s melodic voice and the ethereal notes of a tinkling harp. With the sudden introduction of a dramatic drumbeat, the lights of the stage burst into life, shining bright against the night making the crowd erupted as the woman sang on.

The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out You left me in the dark No dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight In the shadow of your heart

It’s Florence and the Machine,Jon realised as he heard Sansa’s voice join the others calling out the lyrics. She’s at a festival. Jon could practically feel the atmosphere charged with the crowd’s collective excitement. There was a buzz in the air, so strong he felt like he might be able to taste it.

And in the dark, I can hear your heartbeat I tried to find the sound But then it stopped, and I was in the darkness, So darkness I became

“Hey” came a half shout of a voice in Sansa’s ear. She turned and Jon saw a guy that he did not recognise.

“Harry!” he heard her say in happy greeting, before throwing her arms around him to give him a warm hug. ‘Harry’ gave Jon’s Bound Soul a kiss on the cheek before dragging his finger down the side of her face.

“Nice paint job.”

“Thanks” Sansa giggled “I can do you too if you wan- I mean, I can-” she stuttered as Jon realised that something about this guy made her nervous and flirty. He did not like it - at all. “I have more paint, I mean...if...if you want me to paint your face?”

“Yeah, I’d like that” Harry replied “you wanna come and ‘do me’ in my tent? Me and the boys got a pitch in the west field” he said with an insufferable smirk. Sansa giggled - Jon didn’t like that either.

Uh - No!? Say no to this creep, Sansa! C’mon! 

“Yeah I’d like tha-” Sansa started with a nod.

“No way!” Robb inturupted, tugging on Sansa’s wrist as she was about to be led away by Harry “Mum will kill me if I let you out of my sight....and you’re definitely not going anywhere with him!”

Jon would have kissed Sansa’s big brother right then if he could.

“Sorry” Sansa shouted, leaning close to Harry’s ear and gripping on to his shoulders.

“Hey, that’s alright” he answered with a shrug, shooting a look at Robb and darting his eyes away when he was met with a deadly glare. “See you in English Lit on Monday Sans” Harry smiled before giving her another peck on the cheek and disappearing into the crowd.

I do not like that dude.

“I do not like that dude Sans” Robb shouted over the music and crowd noise “he’s got a reputation for being a fuckboy.”

“And you had a reputation for being violent and starting fights at school, when everyone knows you’re just a big soft puppy at heart” Sansa countered “I’m not paying attention to rumours and reputations, Robb.”

There’s no smoke without fire though.

“There’s no smoke without fire, Sansa” Robb said, glancing back at where Harry had melted into the crowd “I just don’t want you to wind up getting hurt is all.”

“I know you don’t” Jon heard Sansa say as she leant forward and kissed her brother on the cheek. Her attention returned to the singer and band up on stage as the song reached the slow, moody interlude.

I took the stars from my eyes, and then I made a map And knew that somehow I could find my way back Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too So I stayed in the darkness with you

“Jon? Jon? Yer coming round yet lad?” Mance said, peering down at him and shaking his shoulder. Jon responded with a mumble as he sat up. “What did yer see?”

“She was at a concert...a festival” he replied, rubbing his head. The corners of Mance’s mouth turned downwards as he nodded.

“Enjoying herself I bet?”

“Yeah...I think so.”

“Listen, Jon, how do you fancy workin’ with me at the park?”

Jon turned to look the old man in the face, his interest piqued “At Wolf Wood Nature Reserve?”

“Yeah....you can bring yer mutt with yer. He seems to know what he’s doing” Mance stretched a hand out to ruffle Ghost’s fur “you can train to be a ranger, if yer want?”

“Really?”

“Yes lad” the man smiled before his smile dropped and he pointed a finger “although, I’ll warn yer - that young lass I used to see you sneakin’ into your house works at the tourist hut - if you get caught with ‘er on my time that’ll be it mind you.”

“Ygritte? We’re just friends now” Jon smiled bashfully.

“Mm-hmm, see that you keep it that way too, yer hear?”

“Yes sir. Thank you.”

“Alright. Be here at 7:30am, I’ll drive you in.”

After thanking Mance a few extra times for good measure, Jon and Ghost wandered back home, where Jon went straight to his iPod dock. He selected the very same song that Sansa had been swaying in the crowd to and laid back on his bed staring at the ceiling.

Jon’s thoughts ticked over and flowed into one another until he tugged his phone out of his pocket. He pulled up a search for festivals that Florence and the Machine were playing at and saw that they were headlining at the ‘Free Folk Festival’ just outside of Karhold.

That’s not that far, in the North at least...what if.....no, people travel from all around to go these things though. It doesn’t mean anything.

Placing his phone screen down on his chest, he stared back at that unchanging ceiling again as his iPod flowed into the next song.

She’s close for tonight at least.

Sansa Stark, Aged 17

Sansa was bursting with excitement to get home from the festival, recharge her phone and finally, finally text Marge to tell her that she’d kissed Harry.

It was a miracle that she’d managed to slip out of Robb’s ever watchful gaze at all whilst her and Arya had tagged along with him and Theon to ‘Free Folk’ - but there it was - a golden opportunity. While the boys were busy packing up their tents, Harry snuck up on her and whispered behind her ear. Me and the lads are all ready to leave, wanna come give me a goodbye kiss?

Ok, so hiding behind a burger van wasn’t an ideal romantic location for a first kiss, what with the empty wrappers at their feet and the smell of grease in the air, but this was Harry-Fucking-Hardyng - a girl can’t afford to be so choosy when there’s those pecs, shoulders and abs like a washboard at stake.

Sansa hummed pleasantly to herself after finally stepping foot back in her bedroom and plugging in her phone. The screen came back to life but only offered her the battery symbol. Sansa huffed and scraped her hair up into a ponytail before yanking open her desk drawer and pulling out her blackout journal.

She’d witnessed one, very brief insight blackout whilst they had been away for all of three days. It couldn’t have lasted more than twenty seconds but she was determined to write every single one of them down, in the hopes that she might one day crack the puzzle and be able to meet her Bound Soul, her Jon.

She pulled out the pink fluffy pencil from her pen-pot and tried to recount the experience from a couple of days prior.

There were a lot of trees. A forest? Ghost was there, he came bounding back to Jon and started to jump up to try and lick his face like he does so often. He was wearing hiking boots. He was humming a song. I think he was happy.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sansa caught a glimpse of her phone returning to it’s normal state, with all her apps lined up and ready to use. She squealed and reached over for it, but fell to the floor instead.

A scene swam in front of her eyes before the ripples of unfocus mellowed and she could see what she was looking at. 

Jon was in his and his Mum’s living room, sat on the couch, with his laptop perched on the coffee table. He seemed to be leant forward reading something on the bright screen. As the words came in to focus, Sansa surmised that the website Jon was looking at held information about all kinds of poisonous plants.

Now, why in the world would you want to know about that, Jon?

The music in the background came to a natural halt and Sansa saw the cursor on the screen move to a different browser tab. She saw him click on to a YouTube page and press the circular ‘replay’ button before the melodic notes of ‘Cosmic Love’ by Florence and the Machine started up again while Jon hummed along. If Sansa was in control of her facial features right at that moment, she would be grinning at her memory of the concert she’d just returned from.

I wonder if he went too?!....No....don’t get your hopes up too much Sansa - it’s just a coincidence.

Jon returned to the screen with the helpful information about recognising poison ivy and Sansa soon grew bored.

C’mon! I wanna text Marge!

The song came to a close once more and she heard Jon let out a long huff of air. His eyes flicked to his watch and then to the closed living room door quickly before he opened a new tab on his laptop and typed in a web address.

Oh my gods!

Jon reached over and plucked two tissues from the square box and unzipped his pants.

Oh my gods! Oh no!

A video started playing on the screen of a woman in a very skimpy nurses uniform, holding a clipboard and a stethoscope slung around her neck, framing her very on display cleavage just so. 

“Mr Martell, is now a good time for your sponge bath?” The woman purred at the male actor in bed with a bandage loosely wrapped around his head. Jon leant forward and dragged the video along, making the actors move speedily as they rid themselves of their clothes.

Well now you’re just missing most of the plot, Sansa thought wickedly.

At the point in which the video started playing again, both actors were completely naked, with the ‘nurse’ straddling her ‘patient’ on his hospital bed, bouncing up and down with moans and gasps.

I wonder if this treatment is is covered by his health insurance? Sansa chuckled to herself before she saw Jon reach down and pull his cock out of his pants. Oh my!

She felt a little guilty at witnessing him stroke himself - he didn’t know he was being watched after all, but she would be lying if she said it didn’t excite her a little - until the actress on screen started screaming like a banshee, making Sansa internally roll her eyes.

There was a sudden loud bang as the living room door swung open and in bounced Ghost to perform his usual ritual of licking at Jon’s face.

“You’re kind of killing the mood here buddy” Jon grumbled as he pushed at his canine friend.

“Jon? Honey, are you home? Do you want lasagna tonight? Or shall we get chinese take out?” Came the obviously unexpected voice of Jon’s Mum.

Oh Shit!

“Oh Shit!” was all she heard him mutter before witnessing Jon slam his laptop shut as she came-to in on the floor of her bedroom. 

Sansa pulled herself up to sit back on her stool and write in her journal again, forgetting all about texting her friend. She smirked at herself as she wrote down the name of the website she’d seen him visit - XXXRedheadsOnly.com 

Well there is that.

Jon Snow, Aged 19 (just)

“So what happens if you never meet her?” Pyp asked curiously as he opened up the tinfoil that encased his sandwiches. Jon had met Pyp and Grenn as fellow trainee rangers at The Wolf Wood Nature Reserve and founded a quick friendship with them both. The three of them were currently sheltering from the pitter-patter of raindrops in the reserve’s large equipment storage shed. It was a little early for their lunch break, but the wet weather forced them inside, so they had decided to tear free from their schedule. 

“It’s apparently different for different couples” Jon took a large bite of his own sandwich and continued to mumble through his chewing “I’ve heard of some people losing the connection with their Bound Soul over time. The blackouts can stop completely.”

“Is that what you want? For them to stop?” Grenn asked as he poured coffee from a flask.

Jon sighed, he didn’t like talking about his condition. He just wanted to be the same as everyone else. But his new friends had asked why he needed Ghost with him at all times whilst he worked, and he saw no other way round telling the truth. So of course, they had had questions.

“They are not particularly fun, so yeah, I wouldn’t mind if they stopped” he said, tearing a corner of his sandwich off and offering it to Ghost.

“You ever seen ‘er naked?” Grenn asked, a grin forming on his mouth as he brought his plastic mug up to his lips.

“Uh...yeah, sort of” Jon felt his cheeks heat a bit as he remembered two very brief blackouts - one where Sansa had been dressing herself, allowing him to catch a glimpse of pink nipple before her breast disappeared into the cup of a pale blue bra. And another when she had been laying in the bath, singing in a sweet voice that echoed off of the tiles as a ridiculous amount of bubbles floated and sloshed on the water, covering various areas of her body from his view. He’d pictured slippery, soapy skin when he’d jacked off that night.

“Wish I had a bloody Bound Soul!” Grenn laughed, nudging Jon with his elbow.

No, you don’t, Jon thought, but he did not voice it.

“Have you seen anything that shows you where she is?” Pyp enquired, brushing crumbs off of his fluorescent waterproof jacket.

Jon shook his head. “Not really. She was in Karhold about two months ago, I know that for sure. But, as for where she actually lives? I haven’t got a clue.”

“Are you gonna try and find her?” he heard one of his friends say, but he had not really registered which.

“I...” he started, furrowing his brow as he paused, listening to the ding-ding-ding of raindrops landing on the corrugated tin roof over their heads  “...I honestly don’t know...she may not even be having the blackouts yet. What am I gonna say? ‘Hi, I’m Jon, I’ve been watching you since you were around 6 years old’? She might not even know that she has a Bound Soul yet.” He paused and took another bite of his lunch, chewing hurriedly before talking around his mouthful “what if she’s with someone? What if she’s happy?” Jon swallowed his food and shook his head “nah, I can’t do that to her.”

Jon’s mind wandered to that guy, Harry, causing an uncomfortable pang to appear in his gut. 

“But aren’t you like...’soulmates’? I thought that was the whole point?” Pyp asked. “Aren’t you ‘meant to be’?”

Jon snorted. “Nothing is ‘meant to be’ in this world, Pyp.”

My mum thought that her and Dad were ‘meant to be’ but that didn’t stop him from running out on us.

Standing up and brushing the crumbs from himself, Jon began to make his way over to the door. “Mance wants us to check the fences over by the east entrance.” He opened the door and peered out and up into the crying sky “do you reckon it’ll let up or shall we just get on with-”

Ghost sprang to his feet and began barking and pawing at his leg.

“Ah, shi-” he managed to mutter, before collapsing.

Jon heard a girls voice before he saw anything.

“So you did it, yeah?”

“Yeah” came the response that was quite clearly his Sansa. Jon’s vision cleared and he saw her pink polka-dot bedding - but not the owner of the other voice.

“Aaaand?”

“’And’ what Marge?” Sansa responded, getting up off of her bed and wandering over to her bedroom window. The sill was deep enough for her to perch upon it, so that is what she did, swinging her legs up onto it too. Jon saw her long legs covered in her pink plaid pyjama bottoms and grey socks - they had a repeating pattern of cartoon white dog faces with black noses and pink tongues lolling out of their mouths. They looked like Ghost. At her feet was a small china dish with little shells and pretty stones. It reminded him of an insight blackout he’d had a few years back where all he saw was that Sansa was clearly at the beach, her toes wiggled in the sand as she bent down to pick up a swirly shell. 

“You know! How was it?”

Sansa sighed and Jon only just realised that she must be on her phone. She leant her head to one side, against the window pane. Jon swore he could feel the cold of it on his own skin. Outside, the sky looked grey as raindrops beat against the window. “It was....fine....it was fine.”

“Fine?! Sansa.....did you not want to have sex with him?”

Wait, what?!

Jon felt like he’d just been thrown into an ice river. If he had had control of his breath at that moment, he was sure that he would have held on to it.

“No, that’s not it - I did want to sleep with Harry, but-”

“Sansa, he didn’t force you did he? Because if he did, I’ll chop his dick off!” Marge’s tinny voice suddenly sounded menacing coming in through the small phone speakers.

Yeah, and I’ll hold him down while you do, then run his balls through a mangle, then I’ll-

“No! No! I wanted to - I did! It’s just....”

What? ‘It’s just’ what, Sansa?

“’It’s just’ what, Sansa?”

Jon watched as his Bound Soul brought up a delicate finger and drew a heart in the condensation on the window, the drag of her finger making a slow, quiet squeak against the glass. She huffed and then swiped her whole hand across her doodle, erasing the heart completely.

“It just wasn’t how I thought it’d be.”

“What do you mean? Did he hurt you?”

If he did, I’ll-

“No...well, no more than what’s normal for a first time, I guess.”

Something constricted in Jon’s chest like a tight squeeze that he dearly wanted to rub better. It burned.

“Well, it’s not much of a surprise that Hard-of-Hearing-Harry doesn’t know what he’s doing in the sack Sans, he’s not the most considerate guy going.”

Jon saw Sansa move her phone from one ear to the other as she straightened where she sat. “’Hard-of-Hearing-Harry’?”

“Oh c’mon! Don’t think I didn’t see how your face fell when you opened the birthday present he got you.”

“The gift voucher was-”

“Was for a measly ten dragons and you don’t even shop at that store! Honestly, it’s like he doesn’t know you at all!” Marge’s voice became a little shrill before it softened “Everyone knew that you’d been dropping him major hints that you’d wanted that watercolour paint set, Sans.”

Sansa stayed quiet - which Jon took to mean that her friend had probably jabbed at the truth.

“I didn’t want to seem ungrateful” she eventually said in a small, thin voice “I just thought he knew me better than that is all.”

“He’s just an inconsiderate ass-”

“He’s not that bad Marge....anyway, enough about that, how was your weekend away?” Sansa deflected.

Jon was only half listening to the easy girl chatter as his mind conjured images of Harry’s incessant smirking face, of him panting, of his undeserving hands grasping her soft skin and of his Sansa’s hands pushing him away.

No. She said that she wanted to. 

His gut twisted never-the-less and he tried hard to extinguish the anger bubbling in his chest.

She’s not yours. She might never be. She has to live her life just as you do yours. 

Before he knew it, Sansa was swinging her legs down from the windowsill, hanging up the call and throwing her phone onto the pink polka-dot bed. She went to her closet and, rather curiously, took a deep breath with her hand poised on the handle of the white painted door. Once open, Sansa dropped to her knees and reached in to shift a box out of the way on the floor. Behind the box was a pair of hiking boots. Jon watched Sansa dip her hand into the left boot and bring a hidden object out.

What the?...OH SHIT!

Sansa sat back and stared down at the object framed in her hands - a small long white box with blue writing - Home Pregnancy Test.

“Jon? You alright mate?” Pyp’s voice was echoing around in his head before he heard himself groan.

“Urghhh, how long was I out?”

“Not long” came an unexpected voice. An unexpected female voice. Jon cracked his eyes open to see a pretty blonde girl kneeling beside him. “I put you in the recovery position” she smiled.

“Uh...thanks” Jon mumbled, sitting up and rubbing his head.

“Mance sent me to find you lot. I’m Val” the lovely blonde said, offering her hand.

“She’s ranger training too” Grenn supplied where he stood behind her, eyebrows waggling suggestively.

Jon wasn’t sure if it was from the shock of the blackout or from the beaming smile Val was giving him, but he felt dazed and uneasy.

Sansa Stark, Aged 19

Harry would have hated this, Sansa thought over the loud buzzing noise as she grit her teeth and let her head fall back onto the red leather headrest. ‘Slag tags’ he called them, she remembered, gazing around at the tattoo designs framed on the walls. Thank the Gods I’m no longer with him. The prick. Would I have stayed with him if that pregnancy scare had turned out differently?

“How you holding up?” Marge called over, breaking Sansa free from her thoughts. She grimaced in response at the sharp scratch of needle currently penetrating the skin if her thigh. Margaery laughed which earnt her a stern look from the tattoo artist who was currently working on her arm. Sansa glanced down at the nearly finished tattoo on her leg. the work had been painful and slow-going, but it was beautiful.

A beautiful, fierce wolf.

Sansa had designed the piece herself. It reminded her of a painting that she had done a long time ago. She had given that painting to her father - it now hung proudly above the fireplace in his study. She had also sketched the design for Margaery’s rose tattoo, although, Sansa had originally created it as a beautiful blue Winter Rose - “Golden darling, it must be golden” - her friend had insisted.

Gods, she was going to miss her friend. Margaery had been accepted on to her dream degree, Fashion Marketing, and would soon be moving away to Highgarden to attend Uni there. Sansa would be starting at Winterfell Uni herself soon. Harry had tried to convince her to join him and study at Eyrie Tech, claiming that she should give up her ‘airy fairy’ fantasies of arts programmes and creative careers - “Just do Business Management with me Sans. What does it matter what you study anyway?” - Sansa shuddered at the thought of being stuck miles away from home, and Harry being the only person she knew. She winced when the tattoo artist’s needle hit a particular spot, drawing in a long breath over her teeth and screwing her eyes shut.

“Not long now little bird. Nearly done” Sandor, the great hulking man who had been working on her skin said. Sansa gave him a smile through her grimace which made him chuckle when he saw it. “I’ve seen grown men cope a lot worse.” 

Sansa didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure that she liked the pet name he’d given her in the space of a few hours. Lowering her head back down to the headrest, Sansa closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing. Her skin felt hot all over - like a flame hat been lit beneath it. She could feel her hairline becoming damp with sweat and wondered if Sandor would give her a break from it all if she asked him for a glass of water.

She very almost did just that when the room began to spin and her head felt lighter than a helium balloon. Sansa’s vision was lost, which brought on it’s own panic - that is, until she heard his voice.

Jon.

She had not had a blackout in so long - almost a year. A fearful part of her wondered if something had happened to him, severing the connection that they had. Sansa felt relief flood her body.

“You knew. You knew about this Val. I have been honest. You knew right from the start!” she heard Jon plead as the scene before her slowly bled into her vision.

‘Val’? Sansa could see a blonde woman with her back to Jon. She was standing at a kitchen counter that Sansa did not recognise. She wondered if Jon was in ‘Val’s’ house, or if he had moved.

Has he moved in with her?

“Aye. I knew” the blonde said, turning her head but not looking at Jon “I knew what you told me.”

There was a heavy pause between them that Sansa did not like. This woman meant something to Jon and she hated herself for detesting the idea.

We both have to live our own lives.

“I told you everything” she heard Jon say, although the words sounded practised and Sansa wasn’t sure that she believed them.

Val turned to face him, a mirthless laugh upon her lips. “Everything? You told me that there was hardly any chance that the two of you would meet. You told me that your condition was just a nuisance and that you don’t put any stock into that ‘soulmates’ rubbish. You told me that I have nothing to worry about!!

Oh. Oh no.

“Val, please. Let-.....let me explain.”

“Go on then. Explain why you have gifts for your Bound Soul? For a girl that you’ll never meet? For someone who means nothing to you?” Val spat as she shoved a small box along the counter. Sansa recognised it as a Watercolour Paint Set - a decent one too.

Val’s words rang in her ears and thumped against the inside of her skull - someone who means nothing to you - had Jon really said that? Had he meant it? The paint set screamed differently, and yet the realisation had not made Sansa happy. The silence between Jon and Val stretched on and Sansa could see the blonde crack and crumble over the unsaid words. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to witness this. She didn’t want to be the cause of this.

Jon finally spoke in a slow, even tone. “I saw it...and I remembered that she likes to paint. That’s all it is. It would be like giving a gift to a friend.”

“A friend?” Val retorted incredulously. “So, are you saying, that if somehow Sansa walked into your life whilst you’re with me, that that is all you would be to each other? Friends?”

Suddenly, Sansa’s vision began to cloud and the sight of Val on the verge of either succumbing to her tears, or smacking Jon around the face started to fade to a black nothingness as Sansa was left to wonder what Jon’s next words might be. She couldn’t even find it in herself to celebrate the huge discovery that he knew her name.

“Little bird? You alright? Little bird?” came a deep, gruff voice, right by Sansa’s ear. Multiple pairs of concerned eyes gradually became clearer. Margaery spoke first.

“What was he doing this time?”

Sandor turned to give Sansa’s friend a curious look.

“I.....I think he was having a row with his girlfriend....because of me” she replied, taking a gulp and knitting her brows.

“Did he dump her?” Marge probed.

“No....No, it’s not that simple...it’s...” Sansa’s voice trailed off as she stared at nothing at all. Margaery was beckoned back to the other tattooist’s work station, but that did not stop her friend from contantly throwing some concerned glances Sansa’s way. Sandor turned his needle back on, the electric buzz humming loudly.

“Ahh!” Sansa flinched, when he made contact once again. She had almost completely forgotten where she was. Sandor wiped her leg and looked up at her.

“So you one of those Bound Souls then huh?”

Jon Snow, Aged 21

Jon bounced his leg up and down nervously as he sat in the waiting room. He’d shown the strange red mark that appeared on his thigh a few days ago to Sam, who was studying to become a Doctor, but his friend was at a loss - so here he was.

He was staring glumly at the three mediocre paintings that were framed upon the magnolia painted walls of the Winter Town Doctor’s Surgery. 

One of Sansa’s paintings would look so much better.

“Jon Snow, Room 15 to see Dr Luwin” came a disembodied tinny voice through the speaker attached to the wall near the ceiling.

“Hmmm....” the kindly old man had said once he’d had a thorough look over the blotch of red on Jon’s skin. Jon hurriedly pulled his jeans back up.

“So what do you think it could be?” he asked, pulling his belt through the buckle to secure it.

Dr Luwin scratched at his balding head. “It is definitely an odd kind of rash Jon, it almost looks like a birth mark, but since you say it has appeared recently, I am sceptical” he scooted his wheeled chair back over to his desk and tapped at the keys on his computer. “I’m going to book you in to see the dermatologist, Jon, I-” he paused, moving his mouse along on Jon’s file and making a few clicks here and there. “I see that you are a Bound Soul? Are you paired?”

Jon shook his head with a sad smile upon his lips as he sat back down on one of the patients chairs. The older man nodded thoughtfully.

“I have only ever treated six other Bound Souls in the entirety of my career” he sat back and clasped his hands together, his thumbs rotating around each other as he regarded his patient. “It is not a very kind condition on the heart, for one that does not directly affect it, medically speaking” the doctor finished with a kind upward tilt of his lips. 

Jon bobbed his head in agreement, glancing down at his own hands as he leant forward, his elbows on his knees. Jon did not want the old man’s pity, but he also found a little comfort in his understanding. “Have any of your Bound patients been paired?”

“No, I’m afraid not, Jon.”

Jon nodded. “The blackouts...I’m not getting as many of them as I once did” he looked up at the doctor “is that normal?”

“Well, all individual cases are different I’m afraid, but it is not uncommon for the blackouts to diminish over time, sometimes stopping altogether.”

Straightening in his seat, Jon wasn’t sure if the prospect of losing his connection with Sansa was a welcome one or not.

I could be normal.

“Are-” Jon started “are any of those other Bound Souls that you’ve treated current patients of yours?”

The greying man smiled sympathetically back at Jon “you know I can’t tell you that, Jon” he patted the pile of folders on his desk “doctor-patient confidentiality.”

“Oh...yes, of course, sorry.”

Jon returned to his mother’s house after his appointment. He flopped back on his bed and groaned into his hands as they covered his face. Propping himself up on his elbows, he surveyed his room. There were boxes and a couple of suitcases in front of his wardrobe. He’d lived with Val for nearly 8 months and felt like the contents of those boxes held their relationship. He wasn’t yet ready to unpack.

Why’d you have to buy that paint set? Idiot.

He sat up and grabbed the watercolour paints off of his bedside table - it being one of the only things he’d unpacked so far. Jon hunched over the little tin box, turning it around in his hands and opening it up to see the different coloured blocks of paint. Huffing out of his nose, he snapped it shut again and threw it into his drawer, slamming it closed as he stood to go and look out of the window. It had begun to rain.

Bracing his hands against the windowsill as he watched the droplets run down the pane of glass to join with their siblings, racing southward even faster. Jon’s finger nudged at something on the sill. Shells. He’d forgotten about those - they had been hidden amongst the smooth pebbles on Stony Shore when he’d taken a trip there with his Mum over a year ago. They had reminded him of Sansa and her little dish of shells on her own windowsill. He picked up the twirly stripy one and glanced back at his unpacked boxes.

What do I have of Val? There’s....there’s....the map from our hiking trip-

“Thanks for fitting me in with such short notice. I really appreciate it!” came a voice from outside Jon’s window, causing his head to snap back to the drizzly scene outside.

Down below, he could see a woman emerging from the neighbour’s house. It wasn’t unusual - Ros worked long hours at a nearby hairdressers, but she also supplemented her income by taking clients at her home. There was a flash of coppery red - brighter than Ros’, before the woman popped open her purple umbrella, obscuring most of herself from Jon’s viewpoint.

“That’s quite alright! I hope the lucky guy on your blind date appreciates the effort you’re putting in!” Ros replied from her doorway. 

“Yeah, it’s a weird kind of blind date really” he heard the woman say as she turned to walk back towards her car parked on the street.

“Good luck!” Ros called after her before closing her door. 

Just then, the rain began to pound down more heavily, the noise of it against Jon’s window rapidly becoming deafening. The woman below gave out a little shriek as she hurried along to get into the safety of her car. There was a flash, then a few seconds later, a rumble of complaining thunder. Jon continued to watch as the woman took down her umbrella, allowing him another brief glimpse of her red hair - bright against the grey of the rainy day, and expertly curled by his neighbour. Her head quickly disappeared into a little blue car. Jon gently placed the shell back down on the windowsill next to the others and turned around to unpack his belongings.

Two hours later, he was awoken by his Mum calling him from downstairs.

“I know it’s raining but are you at least going to let this dog out into the yard to do his business?!”

Grumbling to himself, Jon dragged his body from his bed. He’d fallen asleep after unpacking all of his boxes. Something about the sound of rain just made him relaxed and sleepy. Just as soon as he’d stood up on his feet, he was unexpectedly falling towards the floor.

“Would you care for another drink while you wait, Miss?” Jon heard a male voice say as the scene before him became clear.

“No, thank you” Sansa answered. She was sat alone in a restaurant, fiddling with her finely manicured fingers. The room was dimly lit with candles and low lighting, there was some slow piano music coming from somewhere and all around her was the happy chatter and cheerful clatter of cutlery or chink of wine glasses. Sansa held the delicate stem of her wineglass and sloshed the pale honey coloured liquid around in a circular motion.

She’s nervous.

Jon watched as she brought her phone out and tapped a message to Margaery.

Sansa: He’s not here yet. What if he took one look at me and left?

She’s on a date.

Marge: That just wouldn’t happen darling. I saw the dress you bought for tonight - you’ll knock him dead, you foxy mama!!

Sansa: What if there’s no spark?

Marge: How can there not be a spark with your Bound Soul?

Wait, WHAT?!?!

Sansa: I don’t know. I’m just really nervous about meeting him Marge! Jon has been a part of my life and yet not a part of my life for so long now. What if we clash? What if we-

“Here you go sir” a waiter interrupted Sansa’s typing to seat a dark haired man in the chair opposite her.

“Sansa” the man smiled, offering his hand to her over the table.

WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?! 

There was a pause where Sansa’s hands were still frozen with her phone cradled in them, her thumbs still hovering over the screen to finish her text to Margaery. “Jon” she finally breathed with so much warmth in her voice that it felt like Jon’s insides were coated in melted chocolate just to hear his name in that tone.

The pleasant feeling was only fleeting however, when he saw the gleam in the unknown man’s bright blue eyes.

WHO ARE YOU?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH SANSA?!

“I’ve waited so long for this day” the pretender purred, bringing Sansa’s hand up to his lips.

“Y-yes” Jon hear Sansa stutter “s-so have I...it’s...surreal, really.”

It’s surreal because it’s NOT REAL. Get out of there Sansa! Get out of there!

“Tell me about yourself” the man said, signalling to a waiter.

“Well I...I don’t know what you already know” Sansa giggled prettily “I don’t know what you’ve seen.”

“Not nearly enough” the man smiled, his blue eyes quite visibly trailing down to Sansa’s chest.

What the fuck, dickhead?! Gods, if I ever find out who you are I’ll-

Sansa followed the pretender’s line of vision and glanced down her front.

Good lord! She looks amazing. She dressed up for ME. She thought she was meeting ME. And she’s got some predator dude trying to scam his way into her bed because she thinks he’s ME! How did this even come about?!

Jon felt like tearing his hair out as Sansa giggled nervously and tugged the front of her dress up to try to cover her cleavage a bit more. The pretender ordered a bottle of wine before turning back to survey Sansa like a piece of meat again. He folded his arms in front of himself on the table, the candle-light glinting off of a large expensive looking watch on his wrist.

“I haven’t seen you wear that before” Sansa blurted “I...I mean, it’s very nice, Jon...sorry, I’m a little nervous” she apologised, taking a sizeable gulp of wine.

The mystery man pursed his lips “That’s quite understandable.”

Sansa’s gaze travelled down to the ostentatious thing on his wrist again.

Come on Sansa! If you know anything about me, you know that I’d never wear anything like that!

“It was a present from my father” the man replied quickly.

YES! Thank you deadbeat Dad for being the clue of the century!

“Your father?” Sansa responded in a puzzled tone.

That’s right. No father here! You know that about me Sansa! YOU KNOW THAT! 

“Did....” Sansa started “did he give one to your brother too?”

Clever girl!!! YES! 

The pretender brought his glass of wine up to his lips as soon as it had been set down on the table. “of course” he grinned a dangerous grin.

GET OUT OF THERE!

“Umm...would you exuse me, Jon, I just need to use the rest room” she mumbled, grabbing her phone and clutch before trying not to run towards the back of the restaurant.

That’s it. Act calm. Get out.

“Don’t be long” the man called after her as Jon heard her try to control her breathing. 

She pushed through a swing door and halted in a long narrow corridor. “Fuck!”

Yeah. ‘Fuck’ is about right. Don’t hang around, just get yourself out of there! Get to somewhere safe, Sansa!

Sansa turned around and peered out of the little round ‘porthole’ window in the door. She watched as the pretender glanced about suspiciously before his hand disappeared into his jacket, only to reemerge and drop something into Sansa’s wine glass.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”

I’ll kill him.

Sansa ran. She pushed open the first door she came to and barged past members of staff before stumbling through another, shouting apologies as she went. Jon could hear the panic in her voice. She made it to what must be the restaurant kitchen as she heard culinary commands being hollered back and fourth in amongst clatter and steam. She ran for another door and finally made it out to a side street where she gulped inlungfuls of cool night air.

Sansa craned her neck in each direction to find the main road. Once there, she practically launched herself into the nearest cab waiting at the rank. 

The driver swivelled around in his seat, folding closed the newspaper he had been reading. A look of surprise crossed his face. “You’re big date over already?”

Jon heard Sansa panting “Just take me home” she sobbed. The man stayed silent and returned to facing the wheel. The car’s engine roared into life.

“Same place as your pick up?”

“Yes, please” Sansa sniffed. Jon felt like a piece of his heart had just been painfully chipped off.

They travelled in the quiet of Sansa’s attempts to reign in any tears, the driver’s concerned eyes glancing at her through the rear-view mirror a number of times.

She pulled out her phone and Jon watched as she tapped the screen, making her way to a website called ‘Bound Soul Network’.

What is that?

She scrolled through numerous posts. “You said earlier that you have a daughter about my age?” Sansa said, pausing her perusal of the website to look up at the driver.

“Yeah.”

“Do her a favour and tell her to never trust anyone on the internet.”

“I will” Jon heard the man say, his voice now sounding distant as the scene before him bled away. 

Jon awoke to two sets of concerned eyes, one belonging to his Mum and one to his canine friend. 

“I’m alright” he murmured, reaching for his head as he sat up.

“Are you sure? You were thrashing about and shouting ‘get out’. You’ve never done that before, love.”

“Yeah, I’m-” Jon froze.

The website.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and with shaking hands eventually found the Bound Soul Network social site. He scrolled and he scrolled.

Her post has to be here. It has to.

He almost scrolled right past it. But there it was. A post made by a user calling themselves ‘LadyWolf’.

Is there a Jon here? He has a white German Shepherd dog called Ghost.

That’s her! That’s Sansa!

Jon waited not so patiently for the buffering circle on her blank profile photo to stop going round and round so he could finally, finally see her. He noticed that her post had a response from a user named ‘BoltonBoy’ - ‘That sounds like me’

No it fucking doesn’t mate. She’s my Bound Soul you fucking piece of shit.

“Jon? Are you alright?” His Mum asked, making him jump. He’d forgotten she was even there.

“What?...Uh, yeah...I’m fine” he replied distractedly, his eyes never leaving his phone screen. Finally, the buffering circle stopped and a message loaded.

User not found.

Shit. She deleted her account!

Sansa Stark, Aged 22

“Excuse me” Sansa called over the thumping base of the music in the club. She’d been waiting to get to the busy bar for what seemed like an age, and could stand it no longer. The guy in front of her had been standing there idly chatting with his friends, blocking her way to the bar, his drink already in his hand.

The man turned and looked her up and down, his eyes settling on hers as he answered with a salacious grin. Sansa gave him one of her best ‘Don’t-even-fucking-try-buddy’ looks, which seemed to have worked as he backed away with an apologetic expression.

Finally, she thought as she reached the bar. I hope the girls get here soon. Sansa craned her neck around the bar area while she waited to be served. Jeyne and Beth were meant to have met her about 20 minutes ago. Jeyne spent about 5 hours trying to decide what to wear, no doubt.

Sansa’s eyes followed the rushed bar tenders, trying to silently will one of them to come over and serve her. One of them scurried over to the optics at the far end of the bar bringing Sansa’s attention to a set of eyes watching her.

Oh my! He’s cute!...More than cute, actually!

The dark haired man gave her a bashful smile after he’d realised he’d been caught staring and ran his hand through his raven curls. Sansa ducked her head and bit at her bottom lip to try and stop herself from grinning. When she looked back up, the handsome stranger was still staring at her.

You can come and talk to me. I wouldn’t mind that AT ALL.

Sansa smoothed her hand over her hair, trying not to make it look like she was fussing, all while being aware that he was watching her intently. She tried to be demure about the looks she was throwing his way as she watched him wrap his lips around his beer bottle to take a swig.

Good lord! I’ve never been more jealous of a bottle.

One of the stranger’s friends started shouting in his ear - not that Sansa could hear what was being said over the booming bass of the music and general crowd noise. The man kept his intense dark eyes on Sansa as his friend talked, nodding or shaking his head a time or two.

Should I go and talk to him? No, I couldn’t do that. Please come over to me. I don’t bite....well...I might, Sansa thought to herself with a cheeky grin. I bet you’re plenty bite-able...

“Have you been waiting long?” came a velvet smooth voice from beside her, waking her from her lustful daydreams about the dark stranger across the bar. Sansa turned to see green eyes, blonde hair, a dazzling smile and a jaw that could cut glass.

“Uh...yes” she smiled nervously “I’ve been waiting for ages, but they are very busy tonight.”

Wow, you’re...um...well, you’re gorgeous. A bit older than me, but, umm, yeah, still gorgeous.

“Well, no beautiful lady should be left waiting” the man replied before leaning over the bar and getting one of the tender’s attention to order drinks for them both.

Sansa glanced over at the dark haired guy as their drinks were being poured, he didn’t look too happy as his eyes darted between herself and the chivalrous blonde.

“I’m Jaime” the older gentleman said, bringing her attention back to him as they were passed their drinks.

“Sansa” she smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear and taking a suck on her straw.

“Sansa” Jaime repeated like sweet, smooth honey, “my brother owns this club, would accompanying me to the quieter VIP booths, Sansa?”

“Uh...” she peeked at the dark haired guy across the busy bar. He was still watching her with a glum expression on his face and a tight jaw. One of his friends slung an arm around his shoulders and tried to pull him away. He took a last look at Jaime, and with an irritated glug of his beer, allowed himself to be urged away from the bar.

Oh no! Come back gorgeous bite-able guy! Sansa thought sadly.

“I’m waiting for my friends” she replied to Jaime.

“Well, they are very welcome to join us once they get here” he smiled.

Jon Snow, Aged 25

Moving house is a brutal activity. Jon has come to appreciate this as he plonks his ass down on the second-hand sofa his Mum gave him. Surrounded by boxes in various states of being unpacked and a beer in his hand, he surveys his new house. It was a little run down, but Jon was not afraid of the hard work that it would take to bring it up to scratch. Besides, if it had been in any better condition, Jon would not have been able to afford the mortgage on it.

It’s gonna take a good long while to get this place nice. But it’ll be worth it!

He rummaged under his butt for the TV remote and flicked on the newly plugged in set. A talk show appeared on the screen, making Jon groan and loll his head backwards. On the host’s couch was the singer, ‘Shae’, she was all over the media these days, what with recently being paired with her Bound Soul, Tyrion, a nightclub owner. The couple were on every TV show, in every magazine, even landing advertising deals for ‘couples only’ resorts. It seems everyone was fascinated to hear about how they had found each other.

Everyone, except Jon.

Ghost came padding in to the room, his claws clicking against the hardwood floor that badly needed replacing. “Hey buddy, like the new place?” Jon asked, ruffling his hand through the dog’s scruff. Ghost snorted out a sneeze. “Yeah. It is a bit dusty isn’t it?”

Getting up with another groan, Jon went over to open a window, feeling Ghost trailing along behind him, whining and scratching at his leg. It had been so long since his last blackout, that Jon almost missed what his canine friend was trying to tell him.

Oh!

He whirled round and looked his dog in the eye, silently asking if his friend was sure. Ghost yapped back at him and Jon found himself almost welcoming the ground as it rushed towards him.

I haven’t seen her in so, so long.

Humming. Beautiful sweet humming is what he heard first of all. Then there was the sound of running water, splashing off of something. His sight began to return and he saw expensive looking slate grey tiles with water droplets all over them.

Sansa started singing to herself and Jon felt a little dizzy from it. Her lovely voice echoing all around him in steam. She brought her arms out in front of herself and Jon saw her rub a foamy lather up and down her slender arms.

She’s in the shower.

Sansa bent down and Jon saw her reach for the shower gel bottle that rested on the tiled floor. ‘Lemon Burst’, he noted as she squeezed some of the pale yellow soap into her palm.

Then she looked down as she began to wash the rest of her body.

Holy Shit!

Sansa slipped her soapy hands over her breasts and stomach, the spray from the shower chasing the suds down her skin and to the floor where it swirled around the drain.

Jon knew it wasn’t right to look his fill of her body - but Gods, it’s not as if he could help it. It really wasn’t helping that he’d not had sex for quite some time, but he’s sure his reaction would have been the same regardless of that fact. He stared at her nipples, so dearly wanting to suck one into his mouth and swirl his tongue around it. It felt as if his mouth was watering at the very thought.

Sansa looked back to the tiles in front of her and Jon near enough whimpered. She carried on washing herself, facing forward, until her eyes closed and Jon was left in darkness once again.

She’s probably ducking her head under the water jet.

“Mmmmm...”

Or not.

He heard Sansa sigh rather sinfully and start get a little breathless.

Gods! She’s.....she’s...

Sansa opened her eyes and gazed down briefly, Jon saw one of her hands had disappeared down between her legs, the other was occupied as she pinched her nipple. Her breath hitched and she closed her eyes again.

FUCK!

“Not starting without me are you?” came a sudden male voice. Jon’s heart plummeted.

What the?...No! Who’s this guy?!

“Jaime!” Sansa yelped in surprise, turning around to see an older man getting into the shower. “I thought you wouldn’t be back for another hour?” Sansa obviously looked ‘Jaime’s’ body up and down because Jon got a particularly thorough eyeful.

I did NOT need to see that!

“I wrapped up the meeting early-” Jaime replied, pushing himself close to Sansa and ducking down to give her a kiss. If Jon could have looked away, he would have done at this point - all he could really do, was pray that he would come round from this blackout soon - although, this ‘Jaime guy did look oddly familiar to Jon, he just couldn’t figure out why. “Besides-” Jaime continued after their lips parted. He reached to grab something before looking down, Sansa followed his line of vision. “I couldn’t keep my little wolf waiting now could I?”

Jon saw how Jaime must have reached to pull Sansa’s leg, hitching it over his hip. To his surprise, she had a sizeable tattoo of a wolf on the top of her thigh - exactly where his strange rash had appeared and never left. Jon felt helpless and hopeless as he was forced to watch Jaime’s fingertips delicately trace the outside edge of the artwork on her skin.

The pair began kissing again and Jon was thankful that at least Sansa closed her eyes, even if he did have to endure some of the noises. Jaime broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to Sansa’s. There were water droplets littering his face as he caught his breath.

“When are you going to move in with me, love?” he breathed. Jon’s heart stopped.

Sansa pushed Jaime away a fraction. “You know why I can’t do that” shereplied sadly.

“Because of this ‘soul’ thing? Because of him?”

Sansa sighed. “Yes, because of him. Because of Jon.”

“Sansa” Jaime started, reaching forwards to cup her face “you know that it’s very unlikely that you’ll ever meet him. Just because my brother managed to-”

“I know that” she muttered, shrugging off his touch and avoiding his eyes. “You said this ‘thing’ between us could be casual” she levelled with him.

Jaime stared at her a while, his green eyes intense and the muscle in his jaw ticking.

He doesn’t like sharing her with me, Jon realised.

“You two might not even like each other if you met. There’s been cases of-”

“I know, Jaime... I know” Sansa’s eyes dropped as she studied the last of the soap suds gathering around the drain. “You don’t understand” she said so softly that Jon was hardly able to hear her over the sound of the running water.

No, he doesn’t. No one does. Only me. Only you.

Sansa’s focus returned to Jaime, standing naked and wet before her.

“You said that you don’t have many blackouts these days. You said they might eventually stop.”

“I had one today” she confessed “it was only quick. I....I think he was moving house...or...or helping someone to move house...there were boxes.”

Jon felt stunned. It was the same feeling he got every time he learnt something new about her. It was the same feeling he got when he heard her speak his name.

Jaime gave a her an echo of a smile. “You were never going to change your mind and be mine...were you? Not truly. I was a fool to think so.”

“I’m sorry” Sansa mumbled in a small voice. Jaime nodded to himself and turned to leave the shower cubicle.

Jon awoke with Ghost panting dog breath on his face feeling empty and alone in his run down house.

Sansa Stark, Aged 26

Two years! Two whole years since I’ve had a blackout, Sansa thought as she re-read the last time she saw through Jon’s eyes in her journal. Gods! I hope he’s OK.

Sansa closed the book and tucked it back into the drawer of her vanity. Sitting up straight to regard herself in the mirror this morning. She glanced at her clock. 8.02am. If I just do 5 minutes, I won’t be late.

Sansa had started the ritual of spending time in front of a mirror every day in the hopes that Jon might see her. All around her mirror were different coloured post-it notes with various methods in which he could get in touch with her. She had applied the same method about her house too - on her refrigerator, her brightly coloured letter magnets spelled out her full name and email address. In her lounge hung a little painting she had completed which had her phone number in big numbers accentuated with pretty little flowers. Her bathroom mirror was constantly sporting messages to Jon written in lip liner. Her friends thought she was nuts - Sansa didn’t care.

Her 5 minutes was soon up. She closed her eyes and sent a little prayer to the Gods that maybe this time, Jon had been looking through her eyes, seeing what she sees.

Right, now I really must go, she thought, straightening her jacket. She had an important meeting today with an Art Gallery who were interested in stocking some of her works and it wouldn’t do to be late. Sansa stood, only to sit back down again, feeling suddenly woozy. Thinking that perhaps she just got up too quickly, she hadn’t realised what was happening until she heard singing. Bad singing.

Jon!

Sansa heard a radio blasting and Jon trying and failing to keep up with the lyrics. He was pushing a roller up and down on the wall in front of him, coating it in thick, clean white paint.

Ghost suddenly yapped and came bounding over.

Oh no Ghost! Don’t-

The large dog jumped up, straining to lick and sniff at Jon’s face.

“Get off you great oaf!” Jon grumbled, trying to push his friend away. Sansa held her breath as she watched the dog’s paws dance around the paint tin resting on the new looking oak hardwood floor.

Oh look out! You really should have put dust sheets down, Jon!

Ghost jumped up again and was pushed down once more. Jon seemed to have noticed the tin of paint this time.

“Ghost! Stop it buddy!” he insisted, before muttering “I really should have put a dust sheet down or something.” Sansa would have laughed if she could.

She watched as the big dog tried his luck again, his paws braced on Jon’s chest as his tongue curled out to try and reach him.

Down Ghost!, she thought, and to her surprise, the dog relented. That’s weird.

“Alright” Jon said, straightening his clothes “don’t try any more of that until I’m finished, you hear?” he waved his roller at the half painted wall. Ghost snorted and continued to stand there watching him as he painted.

Jon kept on glancing over at his dog, no doubt wondering why he didn’t have anything more interesting to do.

Hmmm... I wonder?...Ghost! The dogs ears pricked up. Sit! Sansa watched in awe as ghost complied to her command, whining softly as he parked his furry butt on the hardwood floor, wagging his tail and padding his front paws in excitement. Holy shit! she thought, just as her vision blurred and she was brought back to her own body, crumpled on the floor, the side of her face pressed into the carpet near her vanity.

Jon Snow, Aged 28

Jon wondered if he was a total real-life embodiment of a romantic cliche right now as he kept throwing covert glances at the cute redhead in the coffee shop that he was pretty sure he was already in love with.

I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere before.

She glanced over the top of the laptop screen she was working on, catching his eye and giving him a coy smile. Her eyes were the blue of a summer sky and her hair looked silky soft to touch. She wore a purple polar-neck sweater that complimented her red locks and Jon wasn’t 100% sure, but he suspects she might be sporting a few freckles. Gods! He was a sucker for freckles.

That’s it Jon - just be a total fucking creep staring at a pretty girl and drooling into your coffee. He averted his eyes, cleared his throat and took a sip of his drink. It’s not like you can approach her anyway is it? It wouldn’t be fair - not on her, not on Sansa. It’ll end with someone getting hurt.

Like a magnet, he couldn’t help but be attracted back to the beautiful redhead though as his eyes honed in on her again. She gave him a shy smile and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. 

Fuck. She’s gorgeous.

Jon shook his head of his thoughts and took the last gulp of his coffee before sliding out of the leather booth seating and grabbing his bag. He was attending a management training course today in Winter Town. Old man Mance was retiring in a months time and it was Jon whom he had chosen to replace him as head ranger at the reserve.

Goodbye beautiful, he thought as he was acutely aware of a set of bright blue eyes following him out of the coffee shop. I’m sorry, but I’m too fucked up for you. He glanced back at her as he walked past the windowed frontage, she was giving him a sad, doe-eyed look as she watched him walk away.

Alright. Enough of that. Forget about the beautiful redhead. Jon shook himself clear of his thoughts, pulling his phone out of his pocket to search for the address of the building he was heading for. A man tutted directly behind him as Jon stood still in the middle of the street, partially blocking the main thoroughfare. “Sorry” he muttered as the grumbling man barged past.

The street was bustling with people as Jon meandered through them. Trying to keep an eye out for the correct building and not bump in to anyone in the morning rush. he wasn’t used to this kind of hubbub during his working hour - you didn’t tend to get crowds at the nature reserve. Suddenly feeling like he may have gone a little too far and walked passed the place, Jon turned to double-back, knocking into a man before he had a chance to see him.

“Hey, watch it buddy!” the guy yelled.

“I’m sorr-” Jon started before his head was spinning as he collapsed on the pavement. 

Jon could hear the murmurings of different conversations, none of which, Sansa seemed to be part of, for he could not hear her voice. What he could hear however, was tapping. Fast tapping. And....a loud whooshing gurgle?

Where is she?

His vision slowly cleared in a swirly pattern that made him feel a little nauseous until it stilled. A computer screen was suddenly slammed shut and Jon saw Sansa’s polished fingernails tap on the closed laptop in front of her as if she were contemplating something. Her focus narrowed upon a barista behind a till area that was frothing milk at a large silver machine.

That’s-....I swear that’s-...that’s the coffeehouse I was just at!! 

Sansa took a sip of her drink and swiped her phone from the table. Jon’s heart near stopped at the sight of her purple sleeve.

She has a purple sweater on! Jon thought, his brain connecting too many dots, all too fast. She’s....SHE’S THE BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD! SANSA IS THE BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD! THAT WAS SANSA! I SAW HER! OH GODS! I SAW HER! I WALKED RIGHT PAST HER!

He watched helplessly, desperately urging his body to wake up as Sansa started typing out a text message to Marge...

Sansa: Am I mad for waiting for Jon?

No! No you’re not! FUCK! I need to wake up! WAKE UP!

Marge: No sweetie. Why’d you ask?

Sansa: It’s just there was the really hot guy just now at the coffee shop and I was so tempted to go over and talk to him but I didn’t. Because of Jon.

That was Jon! HE was Jon! I AM JON! Aaargh!!!

Marge: Sans, you deserve love and if you think that Jon could give you that, then you should keep looking for him.

Sansa: But what if I never find him? What if I could be happy with someone else? What if I could love someone else?

Jon could barely stand reading her words. WAKE UP! WAKE UP AND GET TO HER!!

Marge: Do you think that you could?

No! NO!

Sansa: I honestly don’t know. I don’t even know if it would work out between me and Jon if we ever found each other.

It would! It would work out! It has to!

“Hey, hey, are you alright?” he heard distantly as he felt hands on him, shaking him awake.

“Sansa” he mumbled into the cold concrete beneath his face. He ached everywhere but forced himself to sit up and find his balance as his head span.

Come on! Get back to the coffee shop! Get to Sansa! SANSA! ACTUAL SANSA!

“Hey, do you need to see someone?” A woman asked as she crouched down with a hand on his shoulder. Jon looked around, he seemed to have drawn quite the little crowd. Several concerned faces peered down at him.

“Should we call an ambulance?” another woman said.

“Are you with anyone? Can we call someone for you?”

“Did you hit your head?”

Jon screwed his eyes shut in a bid to stop the image of worried strangers from swimming and swirling about in his vision. He tried to stand, feeling a couple of hands help him up.

“Sansa” he groaned.

“Is she with you? Where is she?”

“The coffee shop” Jon lurched forward, only to find himself needing to grab a hold of a man before him to keep from falling again. “The coffee shop” he repeated before he began stumbling forwards, his head starting to clear as his footing became surer. He distantly heard protests from the group of worried strangers he was leaving behind but he didn’t have time to thank them or wave away their concerns.

He soon found himself sprinting through the throng of people, dodging them this way and that. Sometimes bumping right into them, only to shout an apology and continue to run. His legs couldn’t work fast enough. Every person in his way was an infuriating obstacle making him groan and growl and cuss under his breath.

Get to the coffee shop - get to Sansa!

Get to the coffee shop - get to Sansa!

Jon burst through the door violently, the bell above it tinkling as he panted, scanning for the beautiful redhead in the purple sweater. Scanning for Sansa.

Her table was empty.

No! NO! NO! NO!

He rushed over to the old man who was seated in the booth next to where Sansa had sat. “Where did she go?” he demanded, arms braced on the table, near enough knocking over the man’s drink.

“Where did who go?” the man spluttered.

“Sansa! She was here!” Jon indicated to the now vacant table. “HERE!” he gesticulated wildly “...She-she wore a purple top...she has red hair, blue eyes...” his words tumbled out in a rush, spilling all over the place. People began to stop and stare. “She’s beautiful!” he exclaimed. The old man continued to gape back at him, shaking his head. “ARRRGH!” Jon slammed his palm down on the table and stormed back out into the crowd.

Craning his head back and forth, he desperately tried to catch a glimpse of that copper red hair. He even got up on top of one of the chairs that the coffee shop had set up outside, thinking that perhaps he may be able to spot her if he could see over everyone’s heads.

Come on! Come on! Where are you?! Jon almost sobbed.

It was no use. She was gone.

Jon Snow, Aged 29

Jon was angry. Angry at the world and frustrated. He’d tried everything he could think of to try and reach out to Sansa. He’d placed an ad in the newspaper. He’d made various posts on Bound Soul websites (although he suspects that Sansa was steering clear of those since that horrendous incident with ‘BoltonBoy’). He’d even left notices on the local bulletin boards at stores and community areas. And still, nothing.

He hadn’t had a blackout since that day of the coffeehouse a year ago and he missed her. He missed her. Was it so ridiculous to miss someone that you’ve never met?

Ridiculous or not, Jon felt like a heartbroken pining fool as he lounged around his house, completely ignoring the awful TV shows blaring in the background as he studied the ceiling.

Ghost came padding in, licking his lips from just having had a drink from his bowl, water droplets falling from his soggy muzzle.

“What am I gonna do buddy?” Jon asked his friend, sitting up from the couch. Ghost cocked his head to the side before wandering over to his doggy bed, padding around in a tight circle before finally settling down with a yawn.

“You’re no help” Jon grumbled, getting up to clear some dirty plates and general detritus from the coffee table - evidence of his day of moping about, feeling sorry for himself. Ghost’s head popped up with a whine in his throat, his tail began to thump against the dog bed as he watched Jon walk out to the kitchen.

“Oh no - no treats for you mate! You haven’t come up with any suggestions for my midlife crisis yet have you?” Ghost let out a single loud bark. “No use complainin’ buddy!” Jon halted midway out of the room, hands full of used crockery and food wrappers. “Look, either tell me that you’re gonna fork up half the mortgage, or help me find her because I could really do with some good news right about now, Ghost.”

With that, Ghost yapped again, springing up from his position on his bed, continuing to bark at Jon.

“Alright, alright! Calm down!”

Jon continued out to the kitchen, keen to leave his dog’s deafening barks behind. He dumped the dirty crockery on the kitchen counter and spun round to find Ghost had followed him. The dog whined and began to paw at Jon’s leg.

Oh!.....OH!

Jon quickly sat on the floor and stroked his big fluffy white friend before he felt himself slip down to the cold tilled floor.

“I can’t believe you’ve written all of these down!” Jon heard a woman say.

I’m pretty sure that’s Margaery.

The scene before Jon melted into clarity. Sansa was pouring two glasses of wine, the light honey coloured liquid glugging out of the bottle.

“Hey!” She spun around and Jon saw that his guess had been correct - there on a couch was Margaery with her legs tucked up beneath herself and a book in her hand. Sansa set down the bottle and raced over to her friend, yanking the book from her grasp. “That’s private! Jon wouldn’t like anyone reading those! And stop rifling through my bag!”

I would like her reading what?

“Oh, what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, darling!” Margaery laughed as she took the offered drink from Sansa.

“That’s not the point!”

Margaery dismissed Sansa’s statement with a roll of her eyes over the sip of wine she took. “Have you seen him have sex with someone else?” She pried, eyebrows raised in anticipation.

Oh please Gods, no! Don’t let her have seen anything like that!

“....sort of...”

Jon internally grimaced.

A wicked smirk crossed her friend’s face. “Have you seen him have sex with himself?”

There was a pause. A very long pause.

“YOU HAVE!” Margaery cackled.

Oh SHIT!

“Only once! Only once!” Sansa called over her friend shrieking and clapping happily. “It was when we were much younger. We were teens. He was a teen!” She defended. If Jon could groan right now, he would have. If Jon could smack himself in the head, he would have. If Jon could walk away from this conversation right now, he really would have.

Right! That’s it! No more wanking for me! I’m on a strict no-jerk policy from now on. Oh what a fun-filled life I will lead!

“What else have you seen over the years? I bet there’s some really juicy stuff in that journal of yours!” Marge said excitedly, finally calming down.

She writes it all down?

Sansa reached down between the cushions of the sofa to retrieve the journal from where she’d stuffed it out of her friends grasp. “I wouldn’t call it ‘juicy’ per se” she replied, opening up the book.

Jon saw her elegant handwriting across pages that were flipped altogether too fast for him to be able to fully read what it was she had witnessed. He glimpsed words or phrases but couldn’t properly comprehend the context with which they were written. What had she seen? What did she know of him?

She finally settled on a page and Jon could focus on the words.

Jon was packing boxes. He must be moving or helping someone to move. There was a lot of bubblewrap. He seemed to spend more time popping it than actually using it though. Ghost tried to lick his face.

Jon was throwing a ball for Ghost but he didn’t want to chase it. He just wanted to lick Jon’s face off. They were in a wide grassy area.

Jon was singing (terribly!) while painting a wall. The colour was white and the pot of paint was just there on the lovely wooden floor (no dust sheets!) Ghost came in and tried to lick Jon’s face like he usually does. I was worried about the paint spilling and tried to will Ghost to stop jumping up - he did! Then I thought the word ‘sit’ - and he sat! I wonder if Ghost can hear me when I’m with Jon? Maybe I should get a dog too? Would that help?

Jon’s face felt numb. His nose twitched when a warm wet tongue slobbered across it.

“Eurgh! Ghost!” he grumbled as he sat up, wiping away dog saliva with the back of his hand. Jon was back on the floor of his kitchen - back in his home.

He stared at his canine friend intently, until his tail started to wag and his front paws danced about on the floor. Jon furrowed his brow.

“Do you....do you know when she’s in here boy?” he asked disbelievingly, tapping his temple with two fingers.

Ghost sat and tilted his head to the side as he regarded his master.

OK - PHEW! That’s it so far - I will finish this very soon! I promise!

[taesthetes]

WELCOME, FIRST TIME WITH BANGTAN POLICE UNIT?

↳ a series of bts x reader oneshots by @milknotes and @taesthetes.

“In the Bighit justice system, romance-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In Seoul, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Bangtan Police Unit. These are their stories.“ ― Law and Order: Bangtan Police Unit.

Located in the heart of Seoul, the Bangtan Police Unit is made up of seven officers: Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Kim Namjoon, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook. From scandalizing traffic tickets to cuffing criminals, the seven cops must navigate their way through the dangerous streets of bad pick up lines, stealing of hearts, and a whole lot of doughnuts.

Shall we meet the members of the Bangtan Police Unit?

CASE FILE #1: TBA.

FILED BY: milknotes and taesthetes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Kim Seokjin. POSITION: traffic cop.

LIKES: food, dad jokes, singing bruno mars songs through his megaphone. DISLIKES: oysters, Taehyung stealing from his secret ramen stash.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Seokjin takes his job as traffic cop very seriously and enjoys it immensely. Armed with his trusty speed gun and megaphone, he makes sure the streets are safe and sound. He is often found helping elderly ladies across the street with their groceries or directing school children across the crosswalk. While some offenders try to flirt their way out of a ticket, they find themselves actually falling for the handsome cop instead. And although he is very flattered, he still writes up their ticket, and yet, they aren’t angry at all. In fact, he’s pretty sure he has seen the same handful of housewives speeding up whenever they pass by his area.

STATUS: open – pending investigation.

CASE FILE #2: lovers’ paradox.

FILED BY: taesthetes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Min Yoongi. POSITION: lieutenant.

LIKES: sneaking into the backroom to nap, doughnuts, going home early. DISLIKES: the shitty coffee at the station, Jungkook throwing doughnuts.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Yoongi runs the unit as lieutenant, and his second in command and longtime police partner is Hoseok. He is strict and orderly, but everyone secretly knows he has a tiny soft spot for his squad. How else would Taehyung get away with stealing the K9 pups once in a while? And while most new recruits are intimidated by him, Jungkook isn’t, and he is somewhat puzzled, but impressed that the kid has balls. The only two times the others have ever seen him move faster than the speed of light were when Captain Bang announced an impromptu visit and when there was a special going on at the doughnut shop a couple blocks down the street.

STATUS: closed.

CASE FILE #3: double-cross (my heart and hope to die).

FILED BY: taesthetes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Jung Hoseok. POSITION: sergeant.

LIKES: dancing, long walks at the beach. DISLIKES: ginger, when Namjoon uses case files to write philosophical thoughts down and makes him think for three hours and forget work.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Hoseok is the sergeant at Bangtan Police Unit and second in command. He and Yoongi go a long way back as they trained together and have been partners since the beginning of their careers. He and Yoongi like to play good cop, bad cop respectively when interrogating suspects. Hoseok is also probably the only one who sat in Yoongi’s office chair and lived to tell the tale. He, Jin, and Jimin all like to volunteer together regularly at the nearby community center. The older ladies there enjoy being in the company of such “strapping young men,” while the children like playing around with their shiny badges.

STATUS: closed.

CASE FILE #4: cops and customer services.

FILED BY: milknotes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Kim Namjoon. POSITION: officer.

LIKES: collecting soft plushies, secretly doing underground rapping. DISLIKES: getting caught headbanging to hannah montana in the locker room, Jungkook creating a tinder for him, seafood.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Namjoon is a newly recruited officer for the Bangtan Police Unit. While he aced the written examination, he barely scraped by with the physical test. Jungkook was the complete opposite with his test results, which is why they were ultimately paired together. He is a lanky, but very clever guy who doesn’t know what to do with his limbs, but his determination to achieve his dream in the police force was what got him through surviving all the training. He is very calculating and excels at quickly processing any situation calmly, which balances out perfectly with Jungkook, who is often more impetuous and hot headed.

STATUS: open – under investigation.

CASE FILE #5: TBA.

FILED BY: milknotes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Park Jimin. POSITION: detective.

LIKES: you, singing in the shower, having perfectly styled hair, Jin’s jokes. DISLIKES: Taehyung’s bad pick up lines, when Taehyung randomly turns on the sirens to scare him, being away from his girlfriend.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Jimin is Taehyung’s police partner at the Bangtan Police Unit. Originally from a small town, he was transferred to this city station and misses his girlfriend back home dearly. Even though he witnesses crime more than the usual person, he still cries when he sees the injustice, and Taehyung very helpfully tries to cheer him up with terrible pick up lines. And he always gets very confused when Namjoon suddenly spews out deep thoughts about the crispy delicacies with the perfect sugar coating. They’re only doughtnuts. And Jimin just really wants to grab a chocolate one and leave, but he’s much too polite to do that.

STATUS: open – pending investigation.

CASE FILE #6: sugar-coated confessions.

FILED BY: taesthetes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Kim Taehyung. POSITION: detective.

LIKES: strawberries, scaring Jimin with the sirens, messing around in Yoongi’s office when he’s not around. DISLIKES: when Jimin purposely cockblocks him, the fact that he’s not allowed to take the entire K9 unit home to his apartment.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Taehyung can be found lounging at his desk or patrolling the streets with his partner, Jimin. He once got caught trying to sneak out five puppies from the K9 training unit when he was a cadet and was almost kicked out of the academy. Fortunately, he figured out how to slip past the officers in charge—who happened to be Yoongi and Hoseok. Yoongi has a penchant for old fashioned glazed doughtnuts, and Hoseok is too kind to let a poor officer in training get kicked out for succumbing to cute puppies. And when he graduated, he was assigned to be under their command. Unluckily for him, he is always stuck on doughnut duty now.

STATUS: open – under investigation.

CASE FILE #7: in the midnight hour.

FILED BY: milknotes.

PERSON OF INTEREST: Jeon Jungkook. POSITION: officer.

LIKES: partaking in Taehyung’s wild shenanigans, secretly practicing girl group dances in the empty locker room, lamb skewers. DISLIKES: bugs, microwaves, cell duty, when he’s stuck with cleaning and organizing the case files room.

P.O.I. DESCRIPTION: Jungkook is a newly recruited officer and Namjoon’s police partner. Graduating from the same class at the academy, they were officially paired together since they each complimented their strengths and weaknesses with Namjoon being able to rapidly come up with solutions and Jungkook executing the plan to perfection. He is also frequently Taehyung’s partner-in-crime, and the two of them concoct up office pranks very often. He singlehandedly beat everyone at the annual police vs officers-in-training sports fundraiser event when he was still a trainee. Also, no one should ever mention the microwave incident in his presence.

STATUS: closed.

For more information and better organized case files, please go here.

[gingerwithinher-blog]

Loathe Thy Neighbors

Oh, the neighbors. The ones to the right of us are lovely. The gentleman mows our lawn for us (for am extremely low price compared to other maintenance companies down here--since when does the price of cutting grass equivalent to what I pay for car insurance for 2 months?) and the lady is always checking on Nana if she notices that both mine and DD's cars are missing from our driveway. When our AC decided to implode and make our house feel like the third level of hell (seriously, I thought pitchforks and horned creatures we're going to begin appearing in our living room) they graciously offered to let Nana chill out (ha, get it?) with them so that she wouldn't get heatstroke. Just the other day they asked us if we wanted a very nice recliner chair. Used, of course, but in excellent condition. It reclines, it has cup holders, it has remote holders, it has heat settings (above the button it says "cuddle settings"--how cute is that?) it has massage settings...Nana is in love with this chair. They always send over a holiday gift and we always send over an enormous plate of homemade Christmas cookies. All in all, they are kick ass neighbors. But the ones on left. Hate. No one needs to see a woman in her 70s mowing their lawn in a bikini. No one needs to let their army of vicious dogs out at the crack of dawn and leave them to bark their little evil heads off for an hour. Granted, 2 of our Puppies have come from them because they refuse to neuter the leader of the Evil Dog Brigade. Or spay his underlings. Litters appear once every few years and twice we have fallen in love with one of those little munchkins (taken into our home before the Evil has spread to their adorable tiny souls). But what tipped the scales from irritating yet able to co-exist peacefully with to I Fucking Hate Them is the following story which happened last year: Doorbell rings (sending The Puppies into a barking, running circles frenzy) Neighbor: "Did you know that there are a bunch of *insert plural of racial slur beginning with the letter N* in your backyard?" It takes me a moment to process what she said, so I stare at her open-mouthed until she snaps her fingers at me. Me: "We're having a tree removed back there. So...yes, we are aware that there are men in the backyard completing the job we hired them for." Neighbor: "They're going to steal from you!" Me: "Oh, that's doubtful. One of the men is friends with my uncle." (Plus? They've been singing uplifting gospel songs in beautiful baritone voices as they work. I actually opened my window to hear them better) Neighbor storms off and I shut the door and continue reading Gordon Ramsay's memoir (Great read! Go get it!) A half hour or so later I hear Bad Neighbor screaming and cursing IN MY BACKYARD. I rush out to find out what the hell is going on and Nana is following me at slower pace, teetering with her can on the uneven ground. Bad Neighbor is arguing with the delightful gospel singing landscapers, telling them that "She wasn't going to let no *again horrible racial slur beginning with N* take advantage of her elderly neighbor and I'm staying right here to make sure you don't steal from them or mess up MY plants!" (This? Right here? Is why they don't get our delectable Christmas cookies) I intervene, advising Bad Neighbor to please return to her own home and ignore our landscapers if they are bothering her so much. She turns to begin to give a verbal lashing (no joke, her face was a deep shade of purple by this time and spittle was running down her chin), when Nana steps in and talks to Bad Neighbor in voice normally reserved for naughty toddlers. Nana calms down Bad Neighbor, and Bad Neighbor retreats back into her own house, but proceeds to watch like a hawk through her window. So when I take the awesome landscapers out sandwiches and cold bottled water an hour later, not only do I feel good about doing something nice for nice people, I also turn around to see Bad Neighbor's head practically fucking exploding and get a sense of accomplishment is pissing off the wench (I've said I'm a bit of an asshole, yes?). Bad Neighbor has not spoken to me since. I've exchanged hellos and pleasantries with her daughter and son-in-law, but nothing from Bad Neighbor herself. And this is fine with me. Because I despise racists with every fiber of my being. So she shouldn't be surprised when I call out "Perhaps you should put some clothes on, a lady of your age should NOT wear that in public!" the next time I see her mowing her lawn in a bikini. I may get a disapproving look and tongue click from Nana, but in the Big Book of Karma her check marks are not nearly completed. *Update: she still mows her lawn in that damn bikini. And when they let their Evil Dog Brigade out at the crack of dawn to bark their little faces off, I have begun letting out The Puppies to bark right back through the fence that divides our properties. Apparently this offends Bad Neighbor and she takes her dogs back in house posthaste. I win.

[gotnervegvmoved]

                                do you accept your dare?

Sam Winchester, you have been dared. ( $1215.00 )

For $150 dollars, you have been dared to recite a scene from Romeo and Juliet with Selina Kyle.

For $720 dollars, you have been dared to shave your head.

For $870 dollars, you have been dared to walk through traffic blindfolded for five minutes.

For $900 dollars, you have been dared to steal a puppy.

For $1200 dollars, you have been dared to spend an entire night in a motel with a clown.                                  

                                       do you accept your dares?

Octavia Blake, you have been dared. ( $1835.00 )

For $310 dollars, you have been dared to find Archie Andrews and dine and dash at an expensive restaurant.

For $430 dollars, you have been dared to go “big game hunting” for muscular men using a nerf bow and arrow set. Make five “kills” within half an hour.

For $900 dollars, you have been dared to spend the night in a cemetery with Isabella Grace Shapiro.

For $975 dollars, you have been dared to go bungee jumping with Samantha Darko.      

                                      do you accept your dares?

Claire Novak, you have been dared. ( $695.00 )

For $110 dollars, you have been dared to steal a bouncers ID scanner.

For $200 dollars, you have been dared to fart ( real or fake ) on five people.

For $615 dollars, you have been dared to ride the nearest hotel for an hour and ask every stranger that enters to make out with you.

For $725 dollars, you have been dared to fake an orgasm in the middle of a restaurant.

For $800 dollars, you have been dared to book a fancy hotel room with Gina Thompson underneath fake names, trash the hotel room and leave without paying.

                                     do you accept your dares?

Phillip Gallagher, you have been dared. ( $1760.00 )

For $100 dollars, you have been dared to handcuff yourself to Samantha Darko for the duration of all your dares.

For $120 dollars, you have been dared to lick a strangers ear. 

For $210 dollars, you have been dared to find a stranger and convince them to give you a shirt off back massage.

For $900 dollars, you have been dared to spend an hour and a half in a deprivation tank.

                                    do you accept your dares?

Gina Thompson, you have been dared. ( $595.00 )

For $370 dollars, you have been dared to wax Jack Wilder’s chest.

For $400 dollars, you have been dared to find a street performer and lick their face.

For $555 dollars, you have been dared to get everyone to evacuate a movie theater without yelling fire.

For $800 dollars, you have been dared to book a fancy hotel room with Claire Novak underneath fake names, trash the hotel room and leave without paying.

For $6000 dollars, you have been dared to run through a burning building.

                                    do you accept your dares?

Clarke Griffin, you have been dared. ( $160.00 )

For $110 dollars, you have been dared to convince three strangers to change clothes with you.

For $260 dollars, you have been dared to pull down the pants of the nearest person.

For $50 dollars, you have been dared to meow at ten strangers.

                                   do you accept your dares?

Dean Winchester, you have been dared. ( $510.00 )

For $475 dollars, you have been dared to drive in reverse on a busy road for five minutes.

For $670 dollars, you have been dared to hold a one man protest against shoes in a crowded subway station.

For $750 dollars, you have been dared to make out with another player while standing on the ledge of a rooftop.

For $900 dollars, you have been dared to confront your brother and convince him that you hate him.

For $4000 dollars, you have been dared to go sky diving with Samantha Darko.

                                   do you accept your dares?

Selina Kyle, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $150 dollars, you have been dared to recite a scene from Romeo and Juliet with Sam Winchester.

For $230 dollars, you have been dared to sneak past security and get to the top floor of an uptown apartment complex.

For $450 dollars, you have been dared to give a stranger a massage.

For $480 dollars, you have been dared to steal 6 dogs from a pet shop and give them to Sam Winchester.

For $600 dollars, you have been dared to drink gutter water.

                                   do you accept your dares?

Mickey Milkovich, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $100 dollars, you have been dared to dance the chicken dance in front of a crowd 100 or more. 

For $600 dollars, you have been dared to give another player a strip tease to the song “My Pony.”

For $725 dollars, you have been dared to find an elderly person and serenade them with a slow jams version of “In Da Club” by 50 Cent.

For $830 dollars, you have been dared to find the nearest safe bridge over water and jump into it.

                                  do you accept your dares?

Samantha Darko, you have been dared. ( $1940.00 )

For $250 dollars, you have been dared to eat one cup of plain mayonnaise.

For $325 dollars, you have been dared to find a bug on the ground and eat it.

For $975 dollars, you have been dared to go bungee jumping with Octavia Blake.

For $4000 dollars, you have been dared to go sky diving with Dean Winchester.

                                  do you accept your dares?

Venus Delmonico, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $100 dollars, you have been dared to dye your hair neon blue.

For $150 dollars, you have been dared to eat a bowl of pasta using no utensils in a restaurant.

For $340 dollars, you have been dared to get yourself kicked out of a pet store.

For $400 dollars, you have been dared to get your tongue pierced.

For $600 dollars, you have been dared to drink dirty toilet water.

For $900 dollars, you have been dared to go up to a significantly stronger / jacked up person and punch them in the face.

                                 do you accept your dares?

Isabella Garcia Shapiro, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $200 dollars, you have been dared to find Jack Wilder and steal his pants and underwear.

For $240 dollars, you have been dared to get four people drunk.

For $360 dollars, you have been dared to eat an entire bowl of raw jalapeno peppers.

For $490 dollars, you have been dared to find a woman with a child and convince her to punch you in the face.

For $600 dollars, you have been dared to ask a police officer for drugs.

For $900 dollars, you have been dared to spend the night in a cemetery with Octavia Blake.       

                     do you accept your dares?

Ty Jethro Baker, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $100 dollars, you have been dared to find Venus Delmonico and cut off a part of her hair.

For $400 dollars, you have been dared to steal a motorcycle.

For $550 dollars, you have been dared to steal from Mickey Milkovich.

For $700 dollars, you have been dared to dress up as Pennywise the clown and spend the night with Sam Winchester.

For $1300 dollars, you have been dared to find street vermin, capture it, cook it and eat it.

                                 do you accept your dares?

Jack Wilder, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $115 dollars, you have been dared to eat five live bugs.

For $230 dollars, you have been dared to hop behind the counter at a fast food restaurant and steal food.

For $370 dollars, you have been dared to let Gina Thompson wax your chest.

                                 do you accept your dares?

Archibald Andrews, you have been dared. ( $0.00 )

For $220 dollars, you have been dared to find and wear a Spiderman costume and throw your old clothes in the trash can.

For $310 dollars, you have been dared to find Octavia Blake and dine and dash at an expensive restaurant.

For $430 dollars, you have been dared to smash your guitar.

For $545 dollars, you have been dared to steal a stranger’s dog.

                                do you accept your dares?

[sketchy-vore]

Undertale AUs I’ll probably never use!

So yeah, I’m great at getting a bunch of ideas but never really doing much with it. Since I don’t really know how to change these into full-fledged stories, but some of you might like to fantasize about these, here are a few of the better (and more presentable) ideas.

1. Deserttale (Gaster Blaster Brothers)

This AU takes place in a post-apocalyptic desert-like world where civilizations fight over water.

In a big city that has taken claim over the largest sources of fresh water, a scientist is ordered to create a weapon to conquer more water-settlements so the city can control them instead. The scientist does what is asked, but as his creations, called Gaster Blasters, grow and start to show self-awareness he refuses to let them be used for military gain. When he tries to go into hiding he is promptly shot for ‘treason’.

When the government tries to take control of the two creations however, they quickly bump into a huge problem: The scientist could not speak, and he wrote and signed in his own made-up language. So they can’t use his notes to create more weapons (most of the notes were burned beforehand anyways), and the two existing creatures were trained in and would only answer to the doctor’s sign language. They do end up finding a use for the two brother creations though, as a method of execution.

The two creatures, especially the younger one, do have a strong instinct to kill ‘corrupted’ people (murderers, rapists, high degree abusers, etc.), and they find out the older of the two will do anything to keep his brother from harm. They turn it into some kind of game show (a la Hunger Games) where they send criminals (both major and minor, they pull straws to pick them) into a jungle enclosure where they have to run and try to survive, with the two creations on their heels, until all of them are dead. Usually, it takes just a day, once a month, with Papyrus impulsively (and not remembering afterward) going after the heavier criminals while Sans goes after the more ‘innocent’ people to spare his brother from doing so.

Frisk is a mute orphan living in the streets. They know the universal sign language that is used by the people, but ever since birth, they also know another kind of signing. It just came to them ever since birth, no one else understands it, and they sometimes mistakenly start to sign in it, especially when they’re nervous.

One day Frisk get’s caught for trying to steal some food and their number is drawn to be executed. They and about 9 other criminals are released into the arena, where they immediately scatter to get out of there before the two monsters are released. Frisk hides and it actually takes Sans quite a while to find them. When he does there is a short chase before he corners them. In panic, Frisk starts to plead for their life in their own sign language and Sans actually stops, confused. To keep up the show he pretends to eat Frisk whole, while actually keeping them safe in his jaws as he smuggles them into their stables.

Once Sans is sure no one will see the kid, he spits them out and Papyrus and he instantly start to feel a kinship with the child. In turn, Frisk’s brain starts to fall in tune with the two brothers. Their movements, their sounds they make, even the way the brothers glance at something/someone, it all makes sense to them. Eventually Frisk learns the codes that unlock the stable doors and shock-collars of their friends and they manage to escape into the desert outside the city.

After running for hours (and Frisk suffering under the burning sun) they decide to stop near a tiny settlement. It is built in the Ruins of a village that died out after it’s well dried, but the new inhabitants found a way to dig the old well deeper and be more thrifty with the new water source.

The trio decides for Sans and Papyrus to stay hidden in the dunes while Frisk goes to see if they can get their hands on food and water. Frisk get caught (again) trying to steal some apples, but this time by an elderly lady that gently scolds them instead. When Frisk admits that they don’t have a home or family to return to the lady introduces herself as Toriel and invites Frisk to stay with her. Frisk refuses and tells Toriel that they have to return to their ‘brothers’. After being offered and once again refusing for them and their ‘brothers’ to stay with her, she buys a bag with apples and a waterskin for all of them. She also gives Frisk 3 large pieces of fabric they can build a shelter from against the burning sun and freezing night: A long strip of red cloth, a blue, aras style rug with fluffy white tassels at the ends, and a blue and purple striped shawl.

They put the red fabric around Papyrus’ neck (so they don’t lose each other in a sandstorm), the rug around Sans’ rib cage (to protect and hide his fragile soul) and they themself wrap the shawl around their head (against the sun).

Before they can leave though, another tribe appears with the intent to take over the tiny oasis. Within the community of the Ruins there are only a few person that is both trained and able enough to fight off the intruders, lead by captain Undyne.

Undyne’s forces are too small and she desperately fights off the nomads to try and save her village, and then it turns into a struggle so her wounded soldiers can be brought back to safety. Witnessing the clash between the honest desire to protect her loved ones and simple greed, Papyrus’ instincts kick in and he rushes into battle. Sans and Frisk don’t have much choice to go after him.

The opposing forces rapidly grow frightened of these two strange, powerful creatures and their ‘rider’, and they quickly decide to retreat. They take Undyne back to the village, where they are met by it’s equally terrified inhabitants. Toriel, however, recognises the articles of clothing the trio is wearing. She introduces herself as the leader of the settlement and tells Frisk that, even though she now realizes why they refused her offer before, all three of them are more than welcome to stay with her. They accept this time.

Then Undyne and Papyrus quickly grow to be friends and battle-buddies, though she’s kinda pleasantly surprised that this ferocious war machine she saw before, is actually a giant, friendly skeleton puppy. Alphys, who is now the village’s scientist, used to work for Gaster, she was lucky to escape since Gaster thold her to get out of the city before he could start packing. Thus she actually knows the brothers inside and out, and helps to train them and bring out their full potential.

Together they’ll be going against the misguided Asgore (unstable after the death of his children during an accident with the escape of a few criminals) and his wicked and power hungry advisor, Flowey.

2. Sans’ soul (my only AU in which Chara is the actual bad guy)

I once talked about this one before. But recap for those that didn’t read that post:

Sans loses the fight in the genocide route. His body turns to dust, but his soul desperately refuses to die, to let this world be destroyed. The soul manages to escape Ebott when the barrier is scattered by Chara’s immense determination and frustration over having failed ‘the game’, and latches itself to the first friendly person it can find, allowing itself to be absorbed. Now this person has to learn to get along with a very bitter skeleton, share their body without looking weird and ridiculous, use monster magic in preparation for a battle with a possessed child, and stomaching more ketchup than human taste pallets can handle.

3. Mountain King (with G/t and some vore) (I even made a little song for this one!)

The villages of a mountain range are terrorized by a skeletal giant. The legends go that a god had betrayed his kin and thus was cast from heaven. Taken by bitterness and vengeance the god lost his heart and everything else soft and vulnerable on his body, leaving a cold, marble white skeleton to roam the earth for eternity. He is often called the King of the Mountains, because he is always seen wearing a royal blue cloak with a white-furred collar, and because he decides who lives or (more likely) dies if they dare to climb the mountains. If he is in a mild mood however, some have been known to survive if they win a game against him.

Frisk and Chara are two children living in an orphanage and care for each other like siblings (Chara is the younger of the two). Both have been brought there because children get a prophecy from the moment they are born, and those for Frisk and Chara were less than favorable.

Frisk: Your fate will be chosen by the mountain’s maw.

Chara: The person you love most will take the blade meant for you.

Everyone always looks at Frisk with pity since they are more than sure they’ll die in the mountains, or even by the King himself. Chara, on the contrary, is constantly shunned and people are always trying to drive them away out of fear that they might grow to care about them, thus making them the victims of the child’s prophecy. Chara is pretty bitter towards most humans because of this.

They are however always welcome at lady Toriel’s house. She is considered too old to adopt and properly care for any children, but Frisk and Chara always go there to keep her company and help around the house. Chara often wondered if Toriel wasn’t worried about their prophecy, to which she laughed and said that with whatever little time she had left in this world, she’d gladly give it to save them.

One day Toriel is out of firewood and Chara quickly volunteers to get more near the foot of the mountain. Frisk quickly offers to do it in their stead, it’s misty outside and Chara might be a little more helpful cooking then hauling around twigs and logs.

Because of the fog though, Frisk starts to wonder higher and higher up the mountain, only to realize how high up they are when they bump into a huge, skeletal leg.

Sans isn’t in the best mood because of the cold, wet weather, but he does end up challenging Frisk to a riddle game, because they’re just a lost kid. Each taking turns they both have to ask the other a hundred riddles, the one who answers most wins the game.

Frisk notices after about 60 riddles that they are losing, they aren’t that good at riddles and Sans has had way more experience with them. So in the hope to throw Sans off guard, they tell him a joke riddle. Sans is completely taken aback, his cold, sly composure cracks, and before Frisk’s very eyes, the feared King of the Mountains, starts to giggle like a child.

With a smile that now looks genuine instead of mocking, Sans informs them that for every one of those that can make him laugh, he’ll take away two of their losses. With some new hope Frisk keeps on playing the game, but they quickly lose that hope when Sans suddenly starts to ask way more complicated riddles, as if he really want’s them to lose.

Eventually Frisk just gives up, realizing they can’t win this anymore. Sans frowns at this and hisses that in that case, he’ll take his prize. He dangles them over his mouth, causing Frisk to freak out, and once he drops them in they faint out of fear.

When they wake up though, they’re inside a huge room, locked in a cage. Sans notices them waking up and tells them that he liked their jokes, so now they’ll be staying here until they stop amusing him.

The first days are extremely stressful, with Sans threatening Frisk’s life if they’re stubborn and unwilling to tell jokes. But after Frisk literally blocks up and faints because of the stress and Sans fails to recognize it for a while, Sans becomes a little more patient (as long as he can laugh at jokes instead if that guilt gnawing at the back of his mind over a tiny limp body in his hands).

As it starts to get harder to think of new jokes, Frisk also starts to tell stories. First funny things that happened to them, Chara and Toriel, then stories and even songs known by their village, and eventually Sans starts to show interest in their personal life, not just the things that make him laugh. He even shares some small talk when it relates to their stories.

Sans starts to grow fond of Frisk, putting their cage on the table instead of dangling high above the floor, looking for stuff to make the cage more comfortable, having meal times with them, allowing them to sit on him in the easy chair when they tell stories, ect. He also starts to get more uncomfortable when Frisk recites stories the village tells about him. He wants to give Frisk more freedom and see them being happy, but after everything that has happened he feels a bit awkward to talk about it.

Frisk, however, has been told their whole life that the Mountain King is heartless and apathetic towards others, so they don’t notice any of this.

Frisk usually tries to think out a routine for the day after before they go to sleep: Fists some funny stuff to get him in a good mood, then some calmer things to keep him content for the rest of the day. A few weeks after Sans first caught Frisk, they have a much harder time thinking about what jokes or stories to tell. They stay up all night trying to think of something until they hear Sans’ voice greeting them in the morning.

Frisk blurts out the first joke that comes to mind, but they mess it up and Sans has heard it already anyways. Sans get’s worried over Frisk’s behavior, and Frisk mistakes his look for displeasure. So they start to ramble out jokes (‘yeah, a sunburnt penguin, you told me that one‘) and pieces of stories (‘wait, does this one relate to that story where you and Chara got chased by chickens?’) until they start to slip into a panic attack.

Sans tries to reach for them, but Frisk scrambles back as they plead for their life and promise they can come up with more jokes, until they start to hyperventilate so badly that they faint.

When they wake up they are confused at their soft, glowing surroundings and the warm, blue liquid they’re sitting in, until they remember that Sans might have just eaten them, deciding they weren’t entertaining anymore. As Frisk starts to panic again, Sans gently confirms where they are, but also promises that ‘it won’t hurt’ and to ‘rest, it’ll be over soon’.

Frisk starts to cry at this, not wanting to die. Who is gonna take care of Chara and Toriel now after all? But Sans’ promise is a tiny bit reassuring (maybe he’s making it painless because he is a bit grateful for entertaining him for a while). Frisk eventually lets their hopelessness and exhaustion pull them back to sleep.

They wake up to a faceful of soft, white fur and blue fabric cozily wrapped around their body. It takes them a few confused seconds to realize that they are very much alive and not inside Sans’ stomach anymore, but wrapped up in his cloak on top of the easy chair instead.

When Sans returns into the room Frisk quickly hides under the cloak but Sans just lifts the edge to slide a plate with berries underneath with them, saying he understands if they’re scared, but he just wants to talk. He won’t be impatient though, they can come out in their own time.

Frisk is skeptical and scared at first, but they notice it’s not quite the anxiety that was ingrained into them over the past few weeks. They can hear Sans moving around but he doesn’t try to interact with them again, except to slide some nuts onto the plate for dinner. It’s only by the next day afternoon that Frisk gathers the courage to face Sans again.

Sans, in turn, is very careful around Frisk, staying low and close to their eye level and talking in a soft voice. He explains that Frisk isn’t just a form of entertainment to him anymore, that he didn’t mean to scare them that badly. He ate them to he could heal them more easily, taking away the trauma connections their brain made. That way they can make a clear decision with the memories of everything that happened between them, but they wouldn’t have any trigger reactions that could suddenly pop up anymore. He promises he will take them home, but he asks for a second chance, since he grew really fond of the child.

It does take a while and a lot of tenderness on Sans’ part, but they do end up properly becoming friends.

Sans starts to open up a little more to Frisk, telling that long ago he and the others were seen as protectors of the villages they roamed near. But one day a group of people started traveling around and killing them for payment, claiming to the villagers that they were evil and the villages were trapped under their tyranny. And after hearing it enough times, people started to believe it. They paid to have him slain as well, but no one had counted on Sans’ unusual strength. With the lies and fears having taken roots now though, many more came up the mountain to try and kill him. So Sans had decided never to trust humans or tolerate them so close to his home again.

In turn, Frisk also opens up about their worries about them and Chara’s prophesy. Sans wonders if that didn’t happen already though. After all Frisk took a blade (a small axe) when Chara wanted to take it (to gather wood) and Frisk had entered his maw as well, two times even.

Eventually, Sans takes Frisk back down the mountain to from where they can find their way back home. They are ready to let the kid go forever, only for Frisk to turn around and tell him they’ll see him again sometimes. Once they return they make up a story, and Frisk quickly becomes the child that got lost in the mountains and won an epic battle of words against the King.

In the meantime, Frisk juggles spending time with both Chara and Toriel, but also visits Sans regularly. The two grow even closer to the point where Sans doesn’t know what to do anymore without Frisk’s company, and Frisk starts to feel safe in Sans’ maw.

One day however raiders start to plunder the village and the sound of panic quickly causes Sans to rush over to make sure Frisk is safe. He scared most of the raiding troops away by showing his face and flings away any he can find in the village. He realizes the prophecies might not have been fulfilled yet when he finds Frisk freshly run through with a blade, the one responsible drawing back and ready for another stab. Sans get’s a hold of him though, but he decides it is a little more important to take care of Frisk than to exact some thorough revenge on the guy. So he gives him the deadliest stare he can muster before flinging the human as far away as he can.

Sans starts to panic at Frisk’s condition, but remembering their prophesy he gently slides them into his mouth and swallows. He hears a tiny whimper as he does so. He crouches down to look for the sound and gently questions if they are Chara. He manages to pry the crying child out from hiding a broken door and quickly reassures them that everything will be okay, and Frisk will be fine too.

Many people, especially the village leaders start to wonder what Sans is doing there, but he refuses to speak. At least until Toriel literally flings her cane into his face and demands to know where here children are. In the end Sans can sooth many people’s nerves when he finally regurgitates an unharmed and healed Frisk.

After that I don’t really know what I want to happen, but the villagers start to see Sans as more of a protector again, Toriel is allowed to take care of Frisk and Chara (as long as Sans provides for the family), and Sans slowly but surely turns into a jungle gym for the children of the village.