#yes these two are brother and sister from the same litter!!

[chibistarlyte]

these are the sunshine siblings! if you see this picture on your dash, your day will be filled with sunshine ☀️💛

[1800naveen]

Spoilers?? (Mentions of major character deaths)

Greenies can joke about Rhaenyra's death all they want but it's one of the coolest ways someone can die in a song of ice and fire and as a Targaryen.

If you aren't aware of how Rhaenyra dies, she is cut at her breast which alerts Sunfyre and he (she?) doses Rhaenyra in dragon fire before devouring her.

That is metal as fuck.

That's a dragon rider's death. That's a Targaryen death right there.

"Rhaenyra Targaryen had time to raise her head toward the sky and shriek out one last curse upon her half-brother before Sunfyre’s jaws closed round her, tearing off her arm and shoulder."

SHE WAS BEING BURNED ALIVE BUT SHE CURSED OUT AEGON ONE LAST TIME! SHE DIED NOT A COWARD BUT A QUEEN WITH HER HEAD HELD HIGH. I wonder what she said to him.

And you want to know how Aegon died?

He got poisoned.

"A cold wind was blowing. As the litter set off, the king closed the curtains against the chill. Inside, as always, was a flagon of sweet Arbor red, Aegon’s favorite wine. The king availed himself of a small cup as the litter crossed the yard."

"Ser Gyles and the litter bearers had no notion aught was amiss until they reached the sept, and the curtains did not open. “We are here, Your Grace,” the knight said. No answer came, but only silence. When a second query and a third produced the same, Ser Gyles Belgrave threw back the curtains, and found the king dead upon his cushions."

“There was blood upon his lips,” the knight said. “Elsewise he might have been sleeping.”

Poison is considered to be a woman's weapon. Aegon who usurped his sister's throne because she was a woman, died by a woman's weapon. Gotta love the irony. There are theories that Corlys or Larys poisoned him, what do you think? I think Corlys did it.

"Aegon was a good king!"

"Septon Eustace tells us that a “strange euphoria” took hold of King’s Landing; Mushroom simply says that “half the city was drunk.” The corpse of King Aegon II was consigned to the flames, in the hopes that all the ills and hatreds of his reign might be burned away with his remains. Thousands climbed Aegon’s High Hill to hear Prince Aegon proclaim that peace was at hand."

Mfs was getting turnt the fuck up when they found out that he died. They could finally be at peace after his reign. Yeah, don't say Aegon is a good king when this quote exists.

And Aegon and Sunfyre don't have the most powerful bond. A good example would be Daemon and Caraxes, Dany and her children too.

That answer was no answer, plainly. “Not Silverwing,” His Grace declared. “I will have a new Sunfyre, prouder and fiercer than the last.”

Sunfyre in the afterlife hearing that:

Your dragon died due to the shit you put them through and you want to get a new one? Damn, at least mourn or something. The dragons deserve so much better.

Everyone on team black died cool or interesting ass deaths. Rhaenys taking on two dragons and not even fleeing when she realized that she wouldn't win the battle, Jace and Luke dying alongside their dragons like a Targaryen and being buried in the sea like a Velaryon, Daemon leaping off Caraxes and driving Dark Sister into Aemond's eye; the eye that Luke took out.

Team green?

Otto got beheaded, Aemond looking up at terror when Daemon made him Dark Sister's place holder, Criston Cole getting arrows in him by the winter wolves who declared that no one will sing songs of him and his head was put on a spear, Daeron Tentsbane dying in a tent fire, and Alicent was driven mad after the dance, regretting her choices and hating the color green. Dark sister and Vhagar's skull were retrieved but they left Aemond's skeleton down there. They buried what was left of Rhaenyra but didn't do shit from him.

Helaena will not be mentioned because she didn't deserve any of this, the same for Jaehaerys, Maelor, and Jaehaera.

"Sunfyre ate!" Yes, Sunfyre did eat Rhaenyra. You want a cookie for reminding us?

"Sunfyre, it is said, did not seem at first to take any interest in the offering, until Broome pricked the queen’s breast with his dagger. The smell of blood roused the dragon, who sniffed at Her Grace, then bathed her in a blast of flame."

Sunfyre was nearing death, animals will stop eating when they near death (does it count for a dragon?).

Anyways, remember that Rhaenyra and Daemon's bloodline prevailed and gave us Daenerys, the current Baratheons, the current Martells, Brienne (through Duncan), Jon Snow (not yet to be confirmed in the books). And Aegon's line was brought to an end.

WHEN YOU USURP, YOUR LINE SHALL END! Maegor and Aegon: usurping the throne and having their line ended because of it.

"The choice is his, but he shall have no children. My sister’s line must end.”

Should've specified which sister.

Now enjoy some art of the rightful queen and her king (consort):

🎨: Jotasaraiva! So good, power couple.

🎨: Daewithmon! (Tried to make out the credits below but it's down there)

🎨: Chillyravenart!

@paparinka, give them a follow if you like the art!

DON'T TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY, I LIKE TO YAP🙏🏾

[e-nonsense]

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗟'𝗦 𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗡 - 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵. 𝘻𝘦𝘳𝘰

prev / next | masterlist

pairing. batfam x batsis!reader + platonic!matt murdock x batsis!reader

warnings. swearing, child neglect, mentions of an accident that makes you blind, canon/typical violence, nothing goes with comics

series masterlist

You got to Gotham city when you were five, you didn't want to go but you had no choice your mother was dead, and had left you in the care of your father.

But even at five years old your father had no time for you. Always busy with the public, or with Batman.

At the time Dick was fifteen, he had no reason to care for a little sister, but Jason. Oh Jason Todd, to you he was an angel.

Your big brother who at eight years old you deemed cooler than Dick Grayson.

Everyday after patrol, he'd come up and check on you, tell you a story usually a more child friendly version of his missions.

You kept him grounded, you made all his anger go away, an anger you blamed Bruce for because when you two first met he wasn't angry he was a happy kid. Everytime you called his name, the soft mutter of "Jay" would knock some sense into him.

But after the accident, the one you went blind, you were nine nearly ten and Jason would stay fifteen, in that year you had lost two things.

Your sight, and your big brother.

You were often met with pity than concern because of it. Everyone always asking if you were alright, but never truly caring about the answer.

You heard about the headlines when it happened, "Y/n Wayne, gone blind" or "Gotham's little princess now Gotham's latest victim"

It's not like they actually cared, no of course not they only gave a shit about the publicity they'd get from selling stories like this.

You were only nine years old, you'd think five years would be enough to adjust.

Apparently not..

"Miss Wayne" you heard a gentle knocking at the door of your father's office- well it's your office now. Bruce signed Wayne Industries off to you, because it would make everyone's lives easier if you (someone they deemed quite useless) were actually doing something important, it gave them more vigilante time. Besides you finished school already, you were a smart kid, always top of your class you managed to skip a couple of grades and graduate early like super early.

You were a disappointed when nobody but Alfred turned up, then again you'd stopped caring about that a while ago. Jason - your beloved zombie brother - wouldn't stop apologising, and he took you for ice-cream and hung out with you for the rest of the night as an apology. You couldn't stay mad at him.

"Yes?" you'd been running the company for a few weeks, Alfred was usually helping you. Reading out things that weren't in braille, but since the first thing you did when you got Wayne Industries was buy braille embossers mainly 'cause you knew Alfred would always be there to help you with everything.

"Sorry to disturb you Miss, but y'know that guy that you fired last week?"

"Yeah, the one that was caught uh- having sex in the storage room right?"

"The very same Miss" if you could see right now Tani's face would be littered with pink on her cheeks, "He wants to sue"

"And?" you groaned, that came out harsher that you intended, you could sense that she understood.

"Well he's got a pretty compelling case against the company. When your father owned it that is, very incriminating"

"shit" you muttered under your breath, mentally thanking any godly being out their that Alfred wasn't there to hear you.

"how hard is it to get a good lawyer?"

"No" Matt's voice was firm, he didn't want to take the case and nobody could make him.

"no what do you mean, no" Foggy didn't get it, I mean he sort of did but you were offering a nice pay- like more than what's in their pay grade- but it had nothing to do with criminal law, sort of.

"I don't want to do it Foggy, it has nothing to do with my job or qualifications"

"I'm going to do it then"

"No" Foggy wasn't even listening, he had already walked out of the room and went to reply to the email your secretary had sent to him and various other lawyers.

Foggy stepped up to Tani's desk- Matt beside him- and smiled, eying to the elevator that led all the way up to your office, two security guards on each side. You had put them there for Tani because when she didn't let people up they'd harass her.

"Hi, we're here to see Miss Wayne" Foggy's voice only slightly louder than the crappy music in the background. Tani looked up, "name?"

"Nelson, Foggy Nelson"

For the first time since they arrived Matt talked, but only to utter his name.

"Through the elevator please"

They walked as silently as possible, neither in the mood to talk to one another. Once they were inside and going up Matt was talking.

"Y'know kid’s probably just gonna be another spoilt rich kid, who's daddy running the business behind their back because they can't do shit"

Foggy only let out a sigh, and walked through the elevator doors when he saw it open, only to reveal another door, one he assumed led to your office.

He was shocked to hear laughter coming from inside the room, what ever happened to professionalism?

"Alfie, I swear this guy was high-"

Matt heard a this 'Alfie' guy chuckle "Miss Wayne you can't say that about them, they're lawyers that came hear to help you"

"I know I know, but you should've seen them" you exaggerated the word seen and it made Alfred laugh.

But the laughter stopped when Foggy knocked on the door and Alfred cleared his through smiling while gesturing for them to come in.

"Oh my god, she's blind Matt" Foggy whispered, as he watched you move from leaning on the desk and stood up straight.

"Sorry I'd shake your hand but I'm not exactly sure where you are"

Matt smiled at that "Don't worry 'bout it, 'cause I don't know where you are either"

"He's blind" Foggy not so discreetly whispered to you.

"I can see that" you whispered back with a chuckle, you cleared you throat "now onto business then?"

"Of course"

Okay maybe Matt was a little wrong about you, alright very wrong about you. You were nothing like he imagined, but then again he hadn't put much thought to what you might be like.

He could tell that you could handle yourself, and that impressed him a lot. He could also tell that you were still grasping the ropes of being blind.

And well he wanted to help you, to train you. He thought it was funny, him training someone but he wanted to try. Maybe you could be the next Daredevil.... scratch that he didn't want that for you.

Now how is someone supposed to reveal a secret identity to a complete stranger?

ᴛᴀɢ/ꜱ: @fandxmslxt69 @jaguarthecat @bxdbxtxh15 @byebyeeye @8-29pm

© e-nonsense. do no copy/steal/translate. do it and I’ll bite your toes off

[mayhemories]

Obvious x oblivious trope Neteyam and reader

Uncomfortable

Ok so, did this but sprinkled in some jealousy trope too? It’s short I’m sorry :( 

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x Reader (James Cameron’s Avatar) 

Requested: Yes | No

Warnings: none? Swearing. Characters are aged up!

Words: 2.5k

Author’s Notes: Characters are aged up! Omaticaya!Reader, they live happily in high camp because I'm a wuss and I don’t want anything bad to happen to Neteyam and the rest of the Sully Family. 

Taglist: @lilprettypetite @nyotamalfoy @weasleytwinwheezes @aonungs-tsahik @rainbowsocks @glitterandgoldfinds @bluealiensimp @melsunshine @ussoppl @wondxrgurll @luvlykrispy @myheartfollower @gloryavila @itssiaaax @mashiromochi @punkrockrogers

Read Below the Cut:

Being a hunter provided you with so much purpose. You provided food, safety, pelts, strength and everything in-between to your clan. And in turn they provided you with love and support. You had felt this way since you were eighteen and finished the rites of the hunter, since you technically became an Omaticayan woman. 

Being a spoter in the war party provided you so much more. You felt adrenaline, you felt responsible for all your brothers and sisters in the fight. You felt like you were personally making a difference against the enemy. 

And besides, by taking this life path you were able to meet your best friend. 

“Neteyam!” You squealed as he picked you up, throwing you over his shoulder, spinning you both around. Despite your squealing and protests he did not put you down, until he threw you onto the plush moss bed of your secret hideout. 

A glen a few clicks away from high camp, nestled between caves and vines in an adjacent, floating mountain. It had been a secret refuge for the two of you growing up. A place where you could come and get away from it all, simply be best friends alone. 

You laid there, looking up at the glow worms that littered the roof of the cave. Neteyam by your side, this is how it always was and probably would always will be. You don’t know what would come between you and Neteyam. Potentially his mate, you thought. Though you found posessiveness to be lame, especially between friends. That’s all you were, and if a female respected Neteyam she would show the same respect to you too, no? 

“What’s cooking in that pretty little head of yours?” Neteyam asked, bumping your arm with his own. 

“Nothing really, just life.” You sighed, placing your hands behind your head and crossing your ankles over eachother. “Do you think I should start trying to court someone or just let it happen naturally?” You asked. 

Neteyam rolled his eyes. You were so fucking dense sometimes it hurt. He loved you, always has, always will. He often felt like you were the only person who saw him, really saw him. And yet at the same time, you didn’t. How oblivious you were to Neteyam’s crush was astronomical. He constantly called you beautiful, highlighted your intelligence and talents. The boy couldn’t go longer than ten minutes without skin to skin contact for Eywa’s sake. Out of his twenty-one-years of life, he’s sworn that he has loved you for nineteen. 

And you were none the wiser. 

“Well, who would you court?” Neteyam asked, trying to remain calm and steady, but everytime the two of you toe this topic he wanted to rip his own brain-stem out and have Lo’ak stomp on it. 

“Yeah, good point.” You sighed, frustrated. You didn’t think you were ugly or untalented. You had no idea why the males in your clan showed no real interest in you. You turned your head, your best friend looked grumpy. Neteyam had his plush lips downturned, face willed into a scowl. You pushed him in the arm, he smiled gently. “Maybe I should just court you, huh.” Neteyam laughed in response, shaking his head. 

“Maybe you should.” 

You didn’t bring it up after that, sensing that Neteyam was obviously uncomfortable thinking on his future. You couldn’t blame him being the eldest son of Toruk Macto is a life of insurmountable pressure. 

Instead, you enjoyed Neteyam’s presence. He always calmed you, provided you with such comfort and solitude. Your best friend, your partner in crime (although Neteyam was often the one pulling you out of the crimes). The two of you had always, always been attached at the hip and you did not want to sever that relationship. Not for any girl. 

“C’mere,” Neteyam said, opening his strong arms, gesturing for you to take your usual position- your head on his warm chest, his arms holding you close, tails intertwined, legs following suit. You felt like home in between his muscle and sinew. “Spend time with me, my lovely girl.” 

The two of you laid there for hours, but as the night grew darker you knew time was running out, you had to get home, you had to sleep, so that you could wake up and do it all again tomorrow. 

You went home, he went to his. And you could not help but to think about who Neteyam would court, who Neteyam would mate with, who Neteyam’s Tsahik would be. As you settled in for bed, willing for sleep you could not help but to feel uncomfortable, too. 

Today was a training day, you and Neteyam were helping younger hunters master some archery. And you had no idea what was wrong with you. Your eyes would not stop finding Neteyam. His eyes, his smile, his strong back, broad shoulders. 

You shook your head, as if to get the thoughts out, refocusing on the boy in front of you. 

“Tighter, hold it tighter, do not be afraid.” You said, adjusting his grip on the bow. The teen, Ayue, sighs, dropping the stance entirely.

“I am scared, (y/n), I’m never going to do it right and I’m never going to pass trials.” He sounded so genuinely defeated and your heart hurted for him. You remember admitting the same thing to Neteyam years ago. And you remembered fondly how he had helped you. 

“Well, let’s pick a new target.” You said, smiling, hoping to help the boy refocus. 

“I did it Neteyam!” Lilä, the young female hunter that Neteyam had been helping successfully got three bullseyes in a row.

Neteyam smiled at her enthusiasm, but he knew he had to be careful with the girl. She had a crush on him, which he could understand. Not because he was handsome or anything like that, Neteyam did not like to think of himself like that. He just recognised that it’s so easy to like people that are nice to you, especially if they’re older and have some kind of status. Being Jake Sully’s son had its moments. But Neteyam also knew that Lilä was not as cautious of the boundaries that existed between them. He tried his best to remind her that he was her teacher, nothing more. But when she ran her hand up and down Neteyam’s arm he knew he had failed. 

You and Ayue looked around the archery field, trying to find something new the boy could hit. Your own bow and arrow ready to shoot with him. 

“There,” Ayue said softly, taking aim. “That little gap in Lilä’s target.” 

You looked to where the boy had said, indeed noticing the little gap between arrows in her target. But that was not what you were aiming at, yourself. 

Lilä had her hand running up and down Neteyam’s muscular arm, fiddling with his armband. She was sixteen. Why were you jealous of a child? It was not that, that sent you over, rather, it was Neteyam’s uncomfortable eyes, his tense posture. He did not want to be touched. Furthermore, you did not want to watch another touch him. 

You let the arrow fly. 

Lilä screamed, jumping back from Neteyam. He stood, glued to the spot. Staring at the arrow buried in the ground at his feet. Absolute inches away from where Lilä’s feet had been. The purple feathers with mottled yellow gave you away. 

He looked up, found your striking eyes from across the field. You were tense, but silent like an assassin. 

“Neteyam do something!” The teenage girl squawked at him, rapidly gesturing between herself, the arrow and the love of his life across the field. “She could have killed me!” 

Neteyam laughed, shaking his head. 

“Trust me, if she wanted to kill you, she wouldn’t have missed.” He smiled at you, sending a small wave. You returned the gesture, but Neteyam did not miss the glare you sent his pupil.

Something like hope grew in his heart. While something strange, that you could not name bloomed in your own. 

“So,” Lo’ak started at dinner. You sat between him and his brother, his two sisters and parents across from you. “Why did you nearly kill Lil-” 

You groaned, rolling your eyes and cutting him off. “Do not mention her name to me, I’ll be sick.” 

“Woah, woah, woah, what’s this about nearly killing someone?” Jake questioned, smirking. He liked to treat you like one of his own girls, teasing included. 

“Forget it, Sir, it was not like that.” You said piling more food onto your wooden disk. 

Lo’ak scoffed at you, shaking his head. 

“Lilä said that (y/n) almost shot her today during training.” Kiri pipped up. You glared at the girl, knowing that she was not your ally tonight. Jake laughed, and you noticed Neytiri graced a small smile at the sound. You let your mind briefly wander, did you make Neteyam smile like that?

“Almost? Doesn’t sound like you kid, you don’t miss.” Your Olo’eyktan pushed the conversation along, and you could not help but blush at being the centre of attention. You did not enjoy the spotlight, despite your actions today. 

But before you could answer, Neteyam spoke:

“Lilä was being inappropriate towards me during training today, I did not know how to quickly shut down the situation. I was quite grateful (y/n) reacted when she did.” Neteyam shot you a quick smile, and you felt it again, that strange blooming in you chest. “Besides, it was an impressive shot, Love.” Neteyam said, holding your eyeline. 

“Good girl.” Neytiri said, reaching out to pat you on the thigh afew times, before going back to attending little Tuk. 

You smiled, relieved that you were not in trouble. Though you knew the chances of that were going to be low anyway. 

You felt uncomfortable, as all the Sully’s shared a similar look with one another, with Neteyam. You felt left out on an inside joke. Or worse, like you were at the end of one. 

You swallowed the feeling down, with your food and decided not to dwell on it. Rather, you listened to Tuk recount the Na’vi folk-story she heard during her lessons today. 

You laid on your back, the moss of your spot squelching beneath your shoulder blades. Waiting for Neteyam was rare, as he was always prompt but Jake requested a word with his eldest after dinner, so you made yourself scarce. 

What was this uncomfortable feeling that you could not shake? You though back on the last twenty-four hours. 

And suddenly, it clicked. 

“Pretty little head of yours”

“Maybe I should just court you, huh?” 

“Maybe you should.” 

“My lovely girl”

How Lilä had touched him. How you had felt when she had done so.

“It was an impressive shot, Love.”

“Oh fucking shit.” You said aloud, pulling your legs to your chest, smooshing your hands into your face. 

You went back further in time in your catacombs of memory: Every smile, every touch, every flower, every gift, every soft word spoken, every big event, every mundane day everything. 

It was all Neteyam. 

“Oh fuck me!” You cursed out into the glen, hearing your own voice echo around the walls of the chamber-like cutaway. 

“When and where my sweet girl?” Neteyam chuckled as he entered your spot.

You sprung to you feet. You were uncomfortable, you were overwhelmed. Uncomfortable, uncomfortable, uncomfortable.

“No!” You barked, pointing at him. Neteyam raised his arms in mock surrender. He was confused, but always let you call the shots. “No! You do not get to say that to me.” Your voice wavered, your eyes filling with tears. You didn’t know why, you didn’t know what you felt or what was going on. He had been teasing you. And that was the secret joke they had shared, he had been teasing you for years and the whole family was in on it.

Neteyam saw your eyes brimming with unshead tears and he felt rage, who had hurt you? He made a move towards you, gripping your shoulders, pinning you to the spot. 

“My love, what is the matter?” He asked softly, after he confirmed that you had no external injuries. 

“Do not call me that, Neteyam.” You couldn’t bear to look at him, you looked at the moss under your feet, wishing it would open up and swallow you. 

Neteyam felt his heart sink. You had never, ever told him off for the pet names. He was certain you didn’t even register them most of the time. You were just too oblivious. 

That obliviousness was obviously gone. 

“(y/n)”, Neteyam spoke softly, but his voice was commanding, full of purpose. It was how he talked to his students. You refused to look at him. Grabbing your chin he coaxed you to look at him, look at him in his beautiful eyes and you felt your knees go weak. “Can you explain to me what is upsetting you?” What is upsetting you, my beautiful girl? Died in his throat. 

“What is upsetting me is that you have teased me, my whole life, with your pet names, and you do not actually love me or want me, at all!” You could not help but sob as Neteyam held you still. 

He felt like his stomach swallowed his heart, the acid burning it away. You were so wrong. So, so wrong. How could you even think that? Think that of him? 

“You’re always so oblivious, aren’t you?” He asked. His hand remaining firm on your chin. “I have tried to make it obvious to you our entire lives, I have tried to make it obvious how much I love you, how much I want you.”  

You felt shame and stupidity burn across your face like a brand. 

“Honey, I thought you made your reciprocative feelings obvious today,” His hands moved from your shoulder and chin respectively, finding their usual home on your cheeks. “I thought you made it really, really obvious when you nearly killed my sixteen-year-old student out of jealousy.” 

You giggled at him, shaking your head at how stupid the whole thing sounded aloud. He always knew what to fucking say. You wish you could hate him for it, but all you do is resent yourself. You had time to make it right.

“My beautiful Neteyam,” You bought your lips closer to his own, a hairsbreadth apart. “I am so sorry for not realising your love sooner, we have wasted so much time because I’m so fucking dense.” 

You kissed him, and that uncomfortable feeling left. It was right, everything was right and normal and as it was supposed to be. 

It was the best moment of Neteyam’s young life. 

“We will have time in the rest of this life and the next.” He whispered against your lips.

[drabblesandimagines]

Request for Joshua getting married?

I got a bit carried away from a drabble with this one. Anon, please lemme know what you think! x

-- Joshua Rosfield x female reader, fluff, tiny smidge of suggestive spice at the very end

It was foolish to think the two of you would’ve ever got away with a quiet affair, not when the Bearer of the Burning Quill was around. When Joshua had announced his intention to marry you, Cyril had appeared laden with parchment denoting the wedding rites of the Phoenix over years upon years.

The Undying had been so loyal to Phoenix that he had found them quite impossible to refuse, especially when some had expressed their joy at the prospect of being allowed to see such a ceremony, unsure if it would be held in their lifetime.

“A small, short ceremony at Phoenix Gate,” Joshua had proposed as a compromise. “Then whatever else you want, wherever you want, my love.”

How could you refuse?

The gown is prepared for you, a vibrant red, off the shoulder sleeves, gold threads embroidered throughout in the pattern of feathers by hands far more skilled than your own – the same hands that now help you dress, murmuring words of how much it is an honour to prepare the Phoenix’s bride. The finishing touch is to be a circlet of pure gold, studded with rubies, fetched from the vault below the sanctum.

“Every partner of the Phoenix has worn this as long as the records have been kept,” Cyril had said in his usual soft manner as he placed it upon your crown, before stepping back with a bow. “Long may the tradition continue after today.”

You barely have time to look at yourself in the mirror when you are ushered out of your chambers and towards a waiting carriage.

“You look beautiful, my lady,” Clive offers you his hand as you emerge from the sanctum at dusk. As the First Shield, sworn to protect the Phoenix, it is only right he is charged with escorting the bride to him. “I will go as far to say that you will render my brother speechless and I know we would both admit that will be quite the feat.”

You smile, thankful to have him there. “Thank you.”

You accept his hand, squeezing it a little too firmly as you step up into the carriage, wary of the adoring eyes of the acolytes on you, those not granted an invitation but wishing to catch a glimpse all the same. You let go of Clive’s hand as you situate yourself on the bench within and he soon joins you, sitting opposite. A lantern burns brightly from the ceiling and the windows are shuttered – not that it matters as the sun continues to set.

“Are you going to be okay?” You ask as the carriage sets off on its journey. He looks perplexed at your question, so you continue. “With the ceremony being at Phoenix Gate, I mean.”

“Indeed - I made my peace there a few years ago. It will be nice to make a happier memory there of gaining a sister, though.”

“Mm.” You smile at his sentiments. “I am afraid I am a little nervous.”

“Allow me to assure you that Joshua will be even more so.”

--

The ruined stone walls of Phoenix Gate have been ladened with candles – the flickering flames greeting you as Clive once again offers his hand to escort you down from the carriage. The ceremony itself is going to take place within the chamber – right in front of the door Joshua was due to enter all those years ago.

A single Undying acolyte waits by the entrance, head bowed low, heavy brown cloak in hand. They hand it to Clive, wordlessly, before retreating into the chamber, not once raising their eyes from the ground.

The First Shield shakes out the cloak from its folds and pauses. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

He drapes it over your shoulders, fastening the clasp underneath your chin before gently pulling the hood down low over your face. He guides your arm through his and steps forward, kicking at the door once with his foot before they are opened before you.

It is hard to see beneath the hood, but from the shadows on the floor you know the chamber is littered with even more candles. Dozens of Undying are lined up along the sides and the whole room is silent, besides the occasional spit of flame and scuff of yours and Clive’s footsteps on the stone.

He leads you up to the makeshift altar and you so desperately wish to lift your head, to see Joshua’s eyes but the scorn of Master Cyril prevents you from doing so. If you can just be patient for a few more moments, you can stare into his eyes as long as you like.

“We are here this night,” Cyril’s voice booms around the chambers – much louder than you’ve ever heard him speak before, “to witness the union of the Phoenix and his beloved. First Shield, do you confirm the one you have escorted here is the one the Phoenix wishes to wed?”

“I do confirm.” Clive’s hand then takes your own and he holds it out in offering. Butterflies erupt in your stomach as you feel Joshua lace his fingers with your own – though it had only been a day, you had missed his touch something awful in the lead-up.

“Phoenix, do you confirm this is the one you wish to bind your heart with?”

Joshua’s other hand grips your chin, tilting your head up so you can finally meet his eyes. Tears brim his own as he smiles – not being able to see you has been akin to torture. He is dressed more or less the same as usual, though his somewhat frayed red cowl has been replaced with a new one, embroidered with the same gold thread pattern as on your gown.

His hand moves from your chin to grip the hood of the cloak – a flame dancing between his fingers as he does so. In a blink of an eye, the cloak disintegrates in a flash of fire, revealing your gown to an audible gasp from the acolytes watching. Joshua’s face slackens, rendered speechless as Clive foretold, wide-eyes… Cyril gently nudges his foot with his own, a reminder he does need to answer.

“I… I do… I do confirm.” He’s almost breathless, before the boyish grin creeps back into place. “Absolutely, completely confirm.”

“And, my lady,” Cyril turns to you, your fingers still entwined with Joshua’s, “do you confirm that the Phoenix is the one you wish to bind your heart with?”

“I do confirm.”

“Then may the binding of your hearts here on this night shield the firebird’s flame forevermore.”

Joshua wastes not a second before he has wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you forward into a deep kiss – as if he needs you to breathe. For once, you are unaware of the eyes of the Undying upon you, feeling that you and your husband are the only ones in the chamber before the silence is broken by applause over your shoulder – Clive trying to bring a little joviality into the crowd. Slowly, the acolytes join in and Joshua pulls back from the kiss to murmur in your ear.

“Thank you, sweet one.”

He tucks his arm through yours and leads the two of you back through the chamber, the Undying bowing their heads as you pass, back to the carriage you and Clive left only minutes ago – Joshua had promised the ceremony would be short, after all.

Aided by Joshua’s hand, you climb back up into the carriage and he follows to nestle in at your side, shutting the door before peppering your face and neck with kisses.

“Joshua,” you giggle, the carriage once again lurching forward. You were heading back to the sanctum where more Undying will be waiting to see the Phoenix and his wife and at this rate you’re going to be as red as your gown by the time you arrive.

“I can’t help it,” he withdraws. “It’s this dress – you look… I mean…”

You laugh again, cupping his face with your palm. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He moves your hand from his face, kissing your knuckles. “So much.”

You stare into each other’s eyes, soaking in your first private moment with your husband -  the word makes your stomach flip – before he lets go of your hand and plucks at the fabric of your skirt.

“Hm.”

“What are you thinking?”

He bites his lip before he responds, the boyish grin returning. “I am wondering if, when we enter our bedchambers, this gown will burn as quickly as the cloak did.”

--

Masterlist . Requests welcome . Commissions/Ko-Fi

[stat1cstarz]

🫧HOUSE OF WAX | MERMAID AU | SERIES|🫧

A/N:Their is still no title,and I don’t wanna just call it the little mermaid, so this will be the title for now! And yes, you’re apart of the royal family

Warnings:None

Genre:Fluff

Prologue:

A large shipped sailed over the briny depths, a wooden giant, carrying hundreds of men. The Captain, Gunther, and his companions. Bo, a skilled fisherman, famous for discovering countless of fish, even a close relative of the kraken. Even though it was probably untrue, he was the professional and many people believed it. The third, Bo’s little brother Lester, was a poor farmer, who lived on the outside of France. He had a wife and a few kids, and who merely survived on what few animals he had, as well as the vegetables and fruit his wife worked on that weren’t rotten.

Lester and Bo relied heavily upon Bo’s twin and Lester’s older brother, Vincent. A famous artist that owned a huge museum in Paris, and an estate on a nearby island. He was his brothers only source of income, when waters were frozen over with Crystal water, or the orange trees and chilled air stopped food from growing. The ship was littered with many other crew mates, ones that the heads didn’t care to remember, some even went hungry if they weren’t memorable. The ship had been sailing for a while, Bo was currently managing the net, Lester was cooking in the canteen, and Vincent was drinking with the captain in his study. A black sheet fell over the merfolk and the people on the top of the sea, encouraging everyone to eat dinner and go to bed. The anchor was dropped, and dug into the sand, coming close to a coral reef

————————

You were exploring the same coral reef, you followed the ship for a while, the humans truly fascinated you, their way of life seemed so relaxing, not having to deal with huge squids and sharks. They got to walk on two.. fleshy sticks..legs? You wanted to be one of them, but you knew that if your family found out you went against their orders, you’d be exiled, you had to come up with a plan, but for now, you would only admire from afar. The anchor fell from the sky, almost crushing you, you had to swim out of the way as fast as possible, so you or your tail wouldn’t be crushed under its weight. The coral reef was pretty much destroyed, broken coral floating around, as the ship stilled for the night.You got an idea, a dumb one of course, but an idea nonetheless, you swam up to the surface, wanting to look at the ship. You swam up as fast as possible, your tail flapping behind you, as you reached the surface.

You couldn’t stay up there for long, knowing your gills wouldn’t allow it, so you stopped at a rock, allowing you easy access to the ocean, you laid yourself on it, watching the ship. Some of the men were still awake, probably drinking, while everyone else was in the sleeping quarters. Vincent however, was sat on the bow of the ship, a sketchbook and pencil firmly clasped in his strong hands, and his long legs dangled over the sides. His raven hair was in a tight braid that fell down his back, a small rope secured it, as he was drawing on the paper. He looked beautiful in the moonlight, the bright stars enhanced his dark red scaring.

“Vincent” a crewman yelled, holding a harpoon over his shoulder. The man walked closer to Vincent, and because of the harpoon, you went back into the ocean. The men both noticed the splashing water by the rocks, but believed it to just be a manatee or something. They decided that it was time to go to bed, and hurried to the sleeping quarters, while you were heading back to the castle, you were hoping that your dad wasn’t up, or your sisters. Once you were finally back, you took a moment to catch your breath, leaning against a pole in the castle. Once you weren’t tired, you headed up to your bedroom. The bedroom includes a giant shell as a bed, with a full set of bedding, and a lavender blanket, and matching pillows. There was also a vanity sat in the corner, and a nightstand next to your bed. You pulled your blanket and sheets back, and climbed under, and let your head fall upon the soft pillows.

You woke up pretty early, from your father standing at your door with a bell. “Wake up Y/N, breakfast is ready.” He said, ringing the silver bell. You woke up from the loud ringing, and sat up, stretching. “I’m up, and thank you for making breakfast” you told him, getting up to adjust your bed, and swimming past him. You met your sisters downstairs in the dining hall, who were already busy eating, seemed to be shrimp and octopus. You found your seat and followed suit, you weren’t really focused on breakfast, though. You were to entranced on the man you saw last night, how badly you wanted to play with his long hair, or use his pecs as a pillow. The sister next to you started snapping to get your attention. “Y/N, eat your food, the hunters worked really hard to get it”, S/1 told you, annoyed at you. “Ok, I apologize. I just saw a man last night, and I can’t stop thinking about him.” You replied, you were sure their were love hearts in your eyes, as you began to chew on a tentacle. “Who’s the lucky man?” S/2 replied, jokingly raising her eyebrows, as most of the sisters were cleaning up. “I don’t know his name, but he’s a human I think” you said dreamily, causing both of your sisters to choke on their food. “Girls, is everything alright over here?” Your father appeared from behind you, his hand resting on your sisters head. Once sister gave a thumbs up, while she was downing her drink. “Everything’s alright father, don’t worry” you said, feeling your heart drop.

“Alright, but please follow me to my chair, I need to talk to you.” He told you, as he swam to the throne room. You followed behind him, as he sat in his chair. You sat on the chair closest to him, so you could hear what he says. He loudly cleared his throat, before he began speaking. “Y/N, how’d you meet this human?” He asked you, his brows furrowed. “You heard?” You replied, anxious. “Of course I did, now answer the question” he told you. “I went to surface, and saw a ship.” You said, fidgeting with your fingers, as an angry expression tainted his face. “I told you that you were forbidden from going to the surface, and you still go. Do you not know how tiring that is?” He said angrily. “I’ll have Sebastian watch over you, to make sure you don’t go anywhere near that man or the surface again, do you understand?”, you nodded in agreement, as you saw Sebastian swim as fast as possible. He landed on your shoulder, noticing your fathers look. “I came as soon as I heard my name..oh” he knew what was going on, and wasn’t ready to deal with it, but he knew it was his job. “Sebastian, can you please watch over them, they’re a bit rambunctious.” Your father said, and Sebastian reluctantly agreed. “Alright your majesty, I got her in between my claws” he joked, a raspy laugh leaving his mouth. “Y/N, please follow me?” He asked you, and you agreed.

You followed him to your bedroom, where you both sat on your bed, with a golden brush in his big claw. He sat atop your head, brushing your locks, while he allowed you to speak. “Y/N, you mind telling me what was going on?” He asked you, detangling your hair. “I saw a very beautiful man, he had long hair” you said quietly, causing Sebastian to squeal “Who is he?” He asked, excitedly. “He’s a human” you said ashamed. “Oh child, why do you have to be so difficult, theirs plenty of merfolk desperate to marry you” he said, trying to be convincing. “But I don’t want them, I want him” you said. “You don’t even know his name child” he told you. “I’ll learn it than” you said, swimming off, causing him and the brush to fall off your head.

[blues-sues]

Did a Clangen thing! Meet Wildcatclan! And yes, I chose them bc of their name. Also ignore how I switched to pronouns halfway through instead of Tom/she-cat

Wildcatclan is described as The Efficient and Pleasant, so many of them are very kind souls! Though some, like Shadowstar, lean more into the "efficient" role and think that pleasantries should be saved for after everything is done and over with.

Brief descriptions:

Shadowstar- Mates with Beestorm, father of Applepaw and Copperpaw. Strict, but is lenient with his children. Probably why Applepaw is so energetic and carefree.

Juniperwhisker- Mates with Rookstone. Step-mom of Greypaw. Juniperwhisker is the deputy, and is kind to many, but she doesn't talk much. She's mostly concerned with making sure everything is in working order, and does it herself if need be.

Cootface- A lynx. Aroace. Was originally meant to be the "muscle" of the clan until she decided she'd prefer not to fight, and instead help her clan in a different way. Nobody objected, because the medicine cat was getting older and older anyway.

Starlingfang- Sarcastic. He, Sootstream and Blackstorm are the youngest warriors, all having been trained around the same time. Younger brother of Shadowstar.

Sootstream & Blackstorm- Always seem to know what you, and your eachother, are thinking. Sootstream is more talkative and Blackstorm listens to it all.

Cormorantstorm- Rookstone's younger sister. She's quiet, and often jumpy around others. Nobody quite knows why, but she always seems to be frantically listening and looking.

Skipperpaw- A former kittypet whom was dumped on the outside of the territory as a kitten. Upon being found, she was taken in immediately and raised alongside Copperpaw and Applepaw.

Goldenpaw- Another kitten dumped at the edge of the territory. He and Skipperpaw are friends and relate to each other over this aspect. It's suspected he was abandoned because the family couldn't afford to keep him. He was around 3 moons at the time and wasn't raised by any particular cat.

Greypaw- A salty young cat who always speaks her mind. Always. It's concerning how many times she's gotten in trouble for speaking without a filter. It's not that she means to be rude, but she thinks if something's obvious, she'll point it out. "Beestorm, are you sure you're not expecting?"... She was the first to guess and got reprimanded by Starlingfang for asking a rude question- that is, until Beestorm interrupted and confirmed it.

Copperpaw- She's always working. Running around and doing things. If Juniperwhisker needs help, she's there. It's truly a good thing that's her mentor. Juniperwhisker always appreciates the help and is considered an aunt figure to her.

Chanterellepaw- One day, he and Campionfoot arrived, and never left. After a recent flooding in the area, many cats were left stranded and alone. Shadowstar was eager to accept any newcomers he could. Nobody really knows where he found a kit and an elder, but they'll take it!

Applepaw- If you ever hear loud mewing from the woods or exciting chirping, it's most likely Applepaw. She is the most excitable of the clan and is constantly bouncing around. Shadowstar doesn't even try to give her stuff to do anymore. He knows she'll finish it quickly and go right back to racing around so what's the point?

Rookstone- After her mate, a rogue, had left her during her first litter's pregnancy, Rookstone was devastated and spent many nights simply lying in her nest with her tail wrapped tightly around her. Many warriors noticed, but it was Juniperwhisker who popped up and began talking to her. It was the most any cat had ever heard her speak, and whatever it was worked, because by nightfall, Rookstone was giggling like a young apprentice again and Juniperwhisker was puffed up proudly. Over the next few moons, Juniperwhisker was always there to help her when she was feeling down and the two grew closer, soon learning they had lots in common. Once Greykit came around, Rookstone was sure of it as she watched Juniperwhisker play with her kit. She was head over paws in love.

Beestorm- a complicated cat. She's not the kindest, but nor is she cruel. She likes to go with the flow, see where the tides take her- and, well, they took her to Shadowstar. Nobody really knows if the two actually are in love after all these moons, but neither have backed out yet, so it's safe to say they're sticking together.

Campionfoot- A washed up Tom found by Shadowstar and invited to join Wildcatclan along with his grandson, Chanterelle. He took the chance quickly. He wasn't willing to risk wandering for a moon or so just to find a stable home when there was one right in front of him! And while he's old, he still helps out around camp and is often a medicine assistant for Cootface.

Asterwhisker- Asterwhisker is the father of Rookstone and beloved by many. Always cracking jokes and pulling pranks- some aren't sure he's as old as he says he is, because he doesn't seem to have graying fur or becoming thinner. The Tom simply seems young as can be- and he always says his trick is a full night's sleep.

Squirrelcloud- always getting headaches and constantly being irritated by anything around him, many consider Squirrelcloud to be the most sour and he's often the one the warriors use to threaten the younger cats. "You don't wanna have to go and check Squirrelcloud for ticks, now do you?" And while he knows he's got a sharp tongue, he truly does want company. It's just hard to ask someone to simply sit with you and not talk.

Fennelheart- The oldest cat in the clan. Despite being blind and slowly going deaf, Fennelheart is always the first to volunteer for hunting patrols and never seems to falter in her step. It's an ongoing belief that the day she starts her retirement is the day the clan starves. Fennelheart always giggles as she hears this theory and finds it hilarious.

[sirenarts]

MERRY CHRISTMAS✨

Here’s a little something something for the amazing @starswhogaze I’ve tried to make this has heartfelt and sweet as possible. There’s some greys anatomy and game of thrones references here that I know you’d love! So here is your Elain and Azriel garden rain confession!!

I love you.

Azriel was a mess. A complete and utter mess.

He sat on the floor of the training rings whilst ignoring the orders of his brothers.

Rhysand telling him that sitting down is not “training” and Cassian had only laughed at the idea of a sulking azriel that wasn’t in the mode to fight.

He was grumpy-yes. And kicking himself for the stupidity that happened during solstice. But it had only been a four days since.

Now they were hours from Christmas Day. Prythian surrounded by stars and drenched in rain. The city of starlight glittered with thousands of decorations and joy.

Azriel ignored his brothers comments. He quickly stood up and walked towards the empty balcony that provided much relief against the heat and sweat.

Everyday he’d been here. The farthest room away from the one female he started an obsession towards. Elain.

His most beautiful and yet challenging female. Since solstice, that fateful night he had to leave her behind like a lucid dream. Azriel had worked tirelessly to collect every bit of strength he had to stay from her.

Most nights he could get through a few hours with the help of alcohol. Which didn’t really help for the hunger that his body started to feel-.

Meanwhile, elain had been outside the house. Deep within the greenhouse she’d been working on.

After speaking to her sisters and construction workers. Elains garden had expanded into a three story mansion with a great open clearing.

The plant life had thrived so much since, Elains presence had it turned into a glowing oasis.

Trees that grew emerald leaves spread throughout the clearing. Cobblestone paths that glowed from the night sky and beautiful blue butterflies.

Blue- the same color as cobalt.

Elain told herself she’d get through her pain and her abandonment. But she never thought that cobalt would follow her around.

With the rain as it was, the garden was most definitely soaked. And Elain still needed to decorate the outside portion of the garden.

The trees provided a lot of privacy which worked against two very close shadow wraiths. Most days she’d tell them where she was and they’d leave her be to mingle with her devices.

But Elain was hurt. And most of her holiday joy had been saved only for her family.

Her view by the house really made it obvious she was outside. The glowing garden only having its strange magical blue light whenever Elain walked in.

Taking a few steps, the long cobble path and through the wisteria tunnel. Elain made her way to the only part of the garden that viewed the training rooms.

She could see into that balcony where an irritated Azriel stood. Watching the stars and clenching those scarred hands to the railing.

Somehow the male heard Elain moving. His eyes darting towards her figure that peeked through the greenery.

MOVE!

He shouted in his mind. There was no excuse he could make for the sudden jump over the railing. Azriels wings snapped open and a gust of wind aided his flight into a steady stream of air.

Elain heard that snap and the whistle of wind like a song. A song that sang when an Illyrian was in flight.

She made her way to the only open patch of the garden. It was no more than a five foot empty space in the middle of those emerald green trees.

Everything faintly littered with frost.

Azriels figured landed gently against the soft tamed grass. It was truly well taken cared of even.

He wore all black fighting clothes instead of the fighting leathers. He needed free rein of his body if he was going to do what he wanted too.

“H-how are you here?” Elain asked softly. The trees above provided no space large enough for a male with very big wings to enter.

“I saw you and followed your direction.” Azriel explained. From his position, he could only see elain through a few branches. But that didn’t stop him from turning into a body of shadows and sifting through the leaves with ease.

“You shouldn’t be here..it’s a waste of your training time.” Elain spoke. turning away from the male who already stood his full height.

“I’M SORRY!” Azriel shouted towards her.

To Elains shock she nearly covered her eyes at the power of that voice. Her hearing still being a strange mystery for all.

“Your what..?” Elain asked cluelessly. She knew what he was saying sorry too. She just needed him to talk. And elain wouldn’t get that if she forced him.

“I am sorry. For solstice. That night was never a mistake to me.” Azriel began. Elain taking steps towards him, the male focusing only on the beautiful flowing cobalt dress that was now soaked from the rain.

“I am sorry for my stupidity. I am sorry for getting so close to you. I am sorry for putting you in a position that made you feel unworthy.”

Silence between the two. But now they were closer- much closer, just a few feet apart still.

“I am sorry for every second I spent dreaming of you. For every minute I prayed you’d look my way. For every hour I tried to steal just so I could have your time.”

He took a slow breath, the rain drowning out the outside and cloaking them in a bubble.

“I am so fucking sorry that I have started to love you.”

Azriel spoke those words with so much honesty it sent Elain a wave of emotions.

The male she met when she was human first. The male that sang to her while she baked. The male she had dreams of helping start a family. Had well and truly said, “I love you.”

“You hurt me.” Elain started, striding for a closed space between them.

“You hurt me and I felt so lost when you left.”

Elain pulled her hair off her shoulder, Azriel only looking at the powerful doe eyes.

“You hurt me and for once in my life, I didn’t feel like some constellation prize.” She took a breath.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“I couldn’t eat.”

“I couldn’t breathe, without you.”

“I tried so hard to understand what I did wrong, what I might’ve done to make you say this was a mistake-“

“It never was a mistake.” Azriel countered.

“Then why did you leave! Why did you leave me like that?”

Azriel stood silently. Listening to the rage full heart beats of the beautiful female in front of him.

“Rhys had saw us. He said Lucien was up stairs and if he had came down…cauldron boil us we didn’t know what would have happened.”

Elains eyes widen. The thought of her brother inflicting more pain than good to separate her from Azriel was infuriating.

“I had to leave because I was given an order. To stay away from you and to seek out other females for a realize. I couldn’t touch you, even when I struggled too at night.”

The pair stood in silence before a few cries of thunder stroke out. The lighting revealing the pained expressions of exhaustion on their faces.

“I would burn myself for you.” Elain spoke.

“No- what? No!” Azriel shouted.

“I would stay a thousand years in hel and in that cauldron if it meant I’d have you be mines.”

“Elain stop this-“

“I would risk my life over and over if it meant I could touch you and hold you and kiss you whenever I wanted too.”

“That’s enough Elain!”

“I wanted you to be my mate! I wanted you to be mines and I begged for the cauldron to make me yours!”

Azriel was gaped at those words. And Elain only continued before he could make a sound.

“I can’t stay away because it’s exhausting, I can’t function everyday without needing you in the room, I can’t sleep unless you’ve been near me. I don’t have peace unless you’re there.”

Elain began to shake. Began to crack. Began to reveal those words she kept so near and dear to her heart.

“I can’t love a male my heart doesn’t burn for.”

Elain pulled the front of Azriels work out shirt towards her silk dress body.

“My heart and soul burn for the male that saved me. That saw me for me. That rescued me, gods azriel you rescued me.”

Elain moaned softly before Azriel took her arms and pulled her forward into a hungry kiss. The warmth of their lips matching together with whatever fire that burned within.

The thunder rolled louder and the stars began to move. The garden grew more and more as those same blue butterflies swarmed them.

The garden was singing- no.

It was Elains heart that cried a soft melody. One that awoke a beautiful wave of joy and laughter and love from Azriels.

White tulips began to glow blue. Elains dress had somehow changed with that light, glowing more and more the beautiful siphon color.

And Azriels wings- gods his wings started to change. The red and gold membrane changed and shifted into floral patterns and some language only he knew.

That language was burned into Elains skin. On her chest showed a series of shadowy patterns and flowers.

But Azriel? Azriels wings in every surface revealed those same designs. A matching pair. Two hearts that burn for one.

“Stay the night, stay the night because I can’t keep using the sheets for help elain..” Azriel laughed as elain clutched to his form and began embracing him in the most dearest hug he dreamed of.

Elain leaned to kiss the heart that kept this male alive. While Azriel knelt down on one knee and kissed the torso that kept her standing.

“I vow my life to you Elain Archeron.”

“I vow every part of my body, mind, soul and heart to be yours.”

“I vow that every second of my existence is to love you and burn for you and you only.”

“I vow to have you satisfied and content for the years to come.”

“ I vow my future children to be yours.”

“And I vow my hand, my ring finger, to only carry the band that ties me to you.”

“My perfectly imperfect soul to only say one name: Elains”

Elain and azriel had stayed in that position. Her hands forming a shield over his head, while Azriel leaned his forward against the plush flesh of Elains body.

“And I vow to never let another soul hurt you and get away with it.”

Elain spoke strongly. Kneeling down to his level and hugging him tight.

“For I vow that the powers I have gained and taken from the cauldron, will be to protect you.”

“I vow to be your undying flame and true heart beat.”

“I vow every touch of your hand to ruin me for good”

“I vow to never let you go, no matter how close to the edge I am.”

“And I vow to never let my heart stop beating for you.”

Elain and Azriel looked at one another before saying vows the pair never even knew.

“Father”

“Smith”

“Warrior”

“Mother”

“Maiden”

“Crone”

“Stranger”

“I am hers”

“I am his”

“And she is mines”

“And he is mines”

“From this day, until the end of my days”

[evermaze]

copycat — lo'ak sully

pairing: lo'ak x reader (platonic)

tags: fluff, lo'ak is a cat, minor violence, almost animal attack, cat, lo'ak is a cat!

wc: 1,8k

summary: where lo'ak meets the reader's cute best friend and finds out they're more alike than he imagined at first.

You and Kiri found Lulu when you were both running around in the lab like the eleven years old kids you were. All it took was one usually locked door to be open for the two of you to get into a place you definitely should not.

The room was full of animals, mostly white rats and hamsters in cages, but you saw it in the corner of your eye, a cat with at least four kittens around her. You immediately ran to their direction, so excited to finally see an earth animal in real life.

“Look Kiri, it's a kitty!” you patted one of the babies’ heads, and heard them meowing. “They're so cute, oh my god.”

“What is it called?” Kiri asked, being curious as always. She immediately loved the tiny unknown animals, and quickly noticed how they lacked a queue to perform tsaheylu. “How are you supposed to make the bond with it?” her head hung to the side, brows furrowed and lips pressed together.

“This is a cat, and these are her kittens”, you said pointing first to the mom and then to her pups. “You don't perform tsaheylu like that,” while eyeing the entire litter, your gaze focused a little too long on the smallest kitten, her fur black with big yellow eyes “they bond with time. You need to give it lots of love, and food too, for a long time. It's just natural.”

Quickly you took the black kitty into your arms, and she was quick to cuddle to your embrace, earning a small giggle from you.

“What should we name her?” you asked, eyes glimmering as you looked to Kiri.

“Her? It's a girl?” you nodded, and kiri looked around the room, like searching for inspiration. “What about Lulu? She’s all black, like a palulukan”

“My baby, Lulu”

5 YEARS LATER

It was finally time for you to go outside with Spider, being only a few weeks since you left with him, but you were so excited to leave it almost seemed like they were keeping you hostage in your own home. The two humans quickly got a breathing mask each before taking off to the forest.

“Hey, wait up!” You screamed as Spider was quick to build a distance between the two of you. After hearing your request, he slowed his pace. While the human boy got all the strong and fast genes, you got the brains, it was nice and all, but not so useful when you're both hurrying up to the village.

“You're so slow, you're like a baby!” He mocked and rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the smile when he held your hand to help you. “My lovely baby sister”, he teased.

“By five minutes”, now it was your time to roll your eyes.

When you both finally reached the village, Kiri and Tuk were already waiting for you in front of their family’s tent, big smiles when their eyes finally met the two smaller figures.

“Hey guys”, you said while Tuk raced to give you a hug. Even though she was only seven, she was already the same height as you, if not taller. “Hi Tuk, how is my favorite girl doing?”

You and your twin brother spent the entire afternoon at the village, he was somewhere with Lo’ak while you spent your time with the sully girls. When you noticed that eclipse was right around the corner you both prepared to go home, not wanting to venture around in the dark when you weren't so familiar with the forest.

“Hey, can I come with you?” Kiri asked, “I want to visit my mom”

“Yes, sure” Spider replied instantly, “but should you go back alone? Maybe ask Neteyam to come with you”

She nodded and went inside her family tent, when she stepped back outside she had her younger brother glued to her side.

“Hey bro! I thought you had flying training to do now?” Spider questioned.

“Yeah, I got grounded so no flying for a week” he shrugged and rolled his eyes to the side, noticing you. “Oh, hi y/n. Sorry, I didn't see you”

“It's okay, don't worry” you said and gave him a wink with a tiny smile.

All four of you left high camp on your way back home just as daylight started fading, still bright enough for you to go without any problems, or so you thought.

A single viper wolf cut your way, suddenly appearing to your side, snarling loudly with its threatening fangs exposed.

“Spider!” you yelled before being tackled to the ground by your brother, the animal flying right above the two of you. As much as you liked the forest and the Na’vi, you weren't very used to it, being a lot more comfortable in your room with your books, old movies from earth and your best friend Lulu. When you watched the dirt under your shaking hands you remembered why the thought of leaving home wasn't as pleasant to you as it was to your twin.

You kept your head low and closed your eyes when you heard some fuss around you, only getting up and opening your eyes when Kiri’s prayers to Eywa reached your ears. You saw Lo’ak putting his knife away and staring at the animal on the floor, next to Kiri who had her hand on the animals’ chest.

“Are you ok?” His eyes traced you, looking for injuries, only finding a few scratches from your fall.

“Yes,” you took a deep breath, still shocked about what had happened. “Thank you. I'm sorry, I was making too much noise”.

“It's ok, you aren't as used to the forest like us” Spider said, finally getting to his feet. “I'm glad the mighty warrior Lo’ak was here to save you!” he mocked, laughter escaping everyone’s throat, except for the subject of said joke.

He hissed –or tried to– at your brother, but all that came out was a broken sound that eventually ended in your friend coffing and the rest of you laughing even louder this time.

“Dude, you gotta work on your hiss,�� Spider tapped his shoulder while giggling, the group was walking again, the two boys behind you this time, so you couldn't see them anymore but you still heard the annoyed sounds coming out of Lo’ak’s mouth. “that one sounded almost like Lulu”.

“What's Lulu?” he asked and your brows furrowed, confusion clearly running on your face.

“You haven't met Lulu?” Kiri asked as she looked to her brother, her eyes meeting his shaking head in disagreement. “It's her cat”

“Cat? Like the ones from earth?” his ears picked up in excitement. Lo’ak, just like Kiri, was very curious about earth things, probably because of their parents and the stories Jake must've told them. “How did I not know you had a pet?”

“She is not a pet! She is family!” you argued, almost yelling as you were now almost entering the lab base. “She never gets out of my room, and most of the time we talk you're the one responsible for all of the, you know, talking.” you shrugged, realizing how you didn't tell Lo’ak much about you, despite considering him your friend. “You'll meet her tonight”.

As the four of you walked inside the base, you were immediately welcomed by Max who was operating the linking pods, and soon after Norm came out of one of the spots.

“Hey kids!” Max greeted first, watching as you took off your mask and boots, leaving them near the small cabinet you settled for you and your brother. “Did you have fun?”

“Y/n was almost eaten by a viper-wolf” Spider spit out like the words didn't almost make Max pass out. “But Lo’ak saved her.” he laughed at Max’s scared reaction.

“Enough,” you said, annoyed that this was being brought up, knowing how worried everyone would be, and that maybe you wouldn't be allowed outside any time soon. “let's go meet Lulu already!”

You lead the way throughout the hallways to your own room, this was unexplored territory for Lo’ak, who was only familiar with the main room where Grace’s avatar and the other linking pods stayed. After a few turns, you reached a locked door that required a password to be open, you quickly typed in the numbers and opened the door, letting your friends and brother enter first.

“Mi casa es su casa!” you said and quickly three pair of confused eyes were staring at you. “Forget it, just get in”.

You closed the door behind you when everyone was inside, the Sully kids crouching as they were almost taller than the ceiling. Kiri, being more used to your room, was quick to take a spot on your bed, and Lo’ak was about to do the same before you yelled at him not to.

“It's not strong enough for the two of you, please don't.” He sighed before sitting on the floor, legs crossed in front of his body and arms on top of his knees.

After everyone was settled, you started looking around your room for your small partner, finally spotting her under your bed, right behind Lo’ak, eyes glued to the boy’s back. When you reached for her and got her out of there, a loud hiss came out of her as she bared her teeth to the Na’vi boy.

He immediately hissed back, staring at the small animal in your arms, and he noticed she was way smaller than he imagined it would be, that's when it hit him that he was being ridiculous for hissing at such an inoffensive animal.

“Sorry buddy!” he tried reaching the pet with his fingers, but once again another hiss reached his ears. “Easy, boy!”

“Lulu is female” you replied, trying to contain the laughter that wanted to escape your lips. This interaction was just too cute.

Lo’ak was no longer sited, but on his knees, one hand holding his weight as he reached forwards, trying to touch Lulu again, his tail swiping excitedly around him. “Easy, girl” he said again, voice low and calm, really trying to soothe the small black ball of fur you called a cat. He tried to reach for her head once again, and when he finally touched her soft fluff, she meowed and gave him a strong bite.

It wasn't enough to hurt him, but it was enough to scare the both of you, making you loosen your grip and letting her leave your arms. He pulled his hand back and stayed in the same position, staring as his new friend went back to her hiding spot, eyes glued to the blue figure in front of her.

“Dude, they are the same, look!” Spider said, noticing how both of them stared at each other with curiosity, tail moving franctly, yellow amber eyes linked as if a thread was connecting the two of them.

[fuyuswifey]

|Peaches and Eggplants|

Pairing: Gf!Hinata x Gf! Reader x Naoto

Cw: Threesome, Bi reader, fem reader, established relationship, exhibitionist, smut, short

💫In which your Hina’s girlfriend, but Naoto wants you💫

Hinata and you have been together for two years now. You guys both met when you were working as a substitute teacher at her elementary school, covering for a someone who was out on paternity leave. It started off as you guys being friendly coworkers. Eating lunch together, talking about work, buying each other a cup of coffee in the morning. Slowly though, it turned into more. You guys would flirt subtly in the break room. You both would find any reason to slightly touch each other: Giving each other hugs, high fives, even going as far as sitting close to one another to brush hands against each other “accidentally”. Eventually, Hina worked up the courage to ask you out on a date, to which you happily agreed. You guys went on a total of two dates before you asked her to be your girlfriend, and from then on you guys had a happy relationship. You guys always spent time together and had lots of fun dates. Three months into your relationship you had met her younger brother, Naoto. He was a sweetheart. Sometimes he could seem very serious, but nevertheless, he was a good person. He would also agree that you were a good person as well. You were always kind to him, and you made his sister very happy, which made him happy. You always made sure to check up on him daily, and you guys had the best conversations. You even went as far as inviting him out with you and Hina sometimes. If you asked Naoto, he would say you were amazing. He liked you.

A little too much.

He hated to admit it, but yes he was attracted to his sisters girlfriend. He didn’t mean for it to happen, and he hated himself for it. He couldn’t help it though. You were always so kind to him, and you treated him so well. Maybe he looked too into it, but it didn’t change how you felt. It didn’t change the growing butterflies he felt in his stomach when you gave him a tight hug every time you greeted him. It didn’t change the blush that grew on his face whenever you smiled at him, which he had to hide by looking away from you.

It definitely didn’t change the churning feeling of jealousy that took over him whenever you came out of Hina’s room with clear evidence off your guys sexual activities. Even if he never heard you guys or saw it, it was clear by your state whenever you were done. Your hair that was no longer in the neat style you came in. Your cheeks stained with tears. Your neck that was littered with hickeys and sometimes lipstick marks. It made him want to scream. Not only did he hate that you weren’t his, but he hated that you were his sisters. Maybe if you were dating a random stranger he could let it go, but seeing you in his home continuously, but not for him. It drove him mad.

Despite how he felt, he always fought against his urges. Until one day, he couldn’t anymore. It was midnight, and you were spending the night once again. Naoto was in the kitchen getting a glass of water when he heard soft footsteps approaching behind him. When he turned around, he nearly dropped his glass. He wasn’t expecting to see you in one of Hina’s t-shirts. Since you both were around the same height and weight, it fit you like a normal shirt, so your baby pink underwear’s were exposed to him. His breath hitched, and he swore if he died in this moment he wouldn’t mind. At least the last sight he saw was a beautiful one. He didn’t realize how long he was staring and it was only when you were snapping your fingers in his face that he fell out of his trance. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“I said, are you going to just stand there like a deer in headlights? I need to get to the fridge” You repeated, your words followed by a chuckle. You wasn’t for sure why Naoto was stuck in his place the way he was, but you didn’t think about it too much. When he finally moved over, you walked over to the fridge, fetching a bottle of water out of there. You closed the door and leaned against it, taking a nice long sip before letting out a sigh. There was nothing like the first sip of nice, cold water. As you continued drinking, you couldn’t help but notice the man still staring at you. You furrowed your eyebrows as you placed down your bottle of water. At this point, the way he was gawking was too obvious, and you wanted to know why. “What gives Tachibana? You been looking at me funny since I got in the kitchen”. However, his next words surprised you.

“I want you”

Your mouth fell agape. You were unable to form any words. Your brain was trying to process the words that just rang through your ears. He wants you? “W-What are you talking about?” You asked with a shaky voice. You refused to believe you heard his words correctly, but there was no mistaken that’s what he said. “Naoto, how could you say such a thing when I’m dating your sister”. You were looking at the young man in front of you, but he was looking everywhere but you. That stop you from noticing his red cheeks, a sign that he was both flustered and nervous. “Naoto” You called once more. “Say something please”.

“You heard him. He wants you” Both of your guys heads snapped towards the entrance of the kitchen, shocked to see the sight of the pink hair girl. Hinata. Naoto’s eyes widened, and he has the same expression as a child who was caught doing something they knew were wrong. You on the other hand were biting your lip anxiously. You knew she must of heard everything, and you weren’t for sure how she would react. Would she mad? How could she not. I mean after all her brother just said he wanted you. Maybe she would be more so sad. What if she hated her brother now. All these thoughts flooded your mind, but as you looked over Hina’s face, they washed away. She was… smirking. Why was she smirking? Why was she not furious. “Hina, why don’t you look upset?”.

The pink hair girl let out a chuckle as she walked closer to both of you guys. “Because it was obvious the whole time. The way he looks at you. How he finds any excuse to talk to you. How he’s always blushing around you. I’m surprised you didn’t notice sooner y/n”. You hadn’t thought about it like that. You always thought Naoto was just a friendly person at times. Now you feel stupid for being so dense and oblivious to what was right in your face the whole time.

Naoto had finally decided to speak up.“Hina, listen-“

“Shut up” The older Tachibana sibling interjected, causing him to immediately close his mouth. “You want my girlfriend that bad? Maybe you should have a taste”. Your eyes widened at what she had said. This almost felt like a fever dream. There was no was she was suggesting what you thought she was, but it was clear by her face she was serious. Her words were seductive, her obvious teasing manner getting to both you and Naoto. Your girlfriend walked closer until she was standing in front of you. She leaned her head beside yours, her lips ghosting next to your lips. “What do you say? Are you gonna give my brother some?”.

That’s how you ended up in the position you’re in now. You’re face buried in the pillow, you’re back arched, and your ass perked up as Naoto continuously rammed his hips into yours. You hadn’t expected him to be as big as he was, but he stretched your walls in a way that you had never experienced. Sure, you had sex with guys in the past, but none of them were this size. You couldn’t help but continuously tighten your walls around him, especially when the tip of his cock rubbed against your g-spot so nicely.

If it wasn’t for you being faced first in the pillow, your moans would fill the room alongside the sound of your wetness. However, the sound of Naoto’s continuous noises was definitely the loudest sound within the room. He meant it when he said he wanted you, and it was clear by the way he relentlessly pounded at your cunt, and the way he let a groan slip past his lips whenever your guys hips connected. He had imagined this moment over a million times, but they didn’t even come close to being there and experiencing the real deal. The way your wetness covered his entire length, and even dripped onto the bed made him want to go feral. His grip on your hips tightened, and he brought one hand to come down across your ass, slapping it harshly which caused you whine into the pillow.

He did it a few more times, and the skin was starting to turn red, but the sound of Hina clearing her throat served as a reminder that he had limitations to what he could do to you. Marking you was not one of them. He didn’t mind though, because just being able to be buried inside your warmth was more than enough for him. Honestly, the whole thing was a sight to see, and Hina got to witness it all from the chair she sat in in the corner of the room.

A/n: This was inspired by the line in the song ‘Peaches and Eggplants’ that go “But if you wanna come, give my brother some”. I honestly never see any writings of Hina or Naoto so I had to do it. This was my first writing for this page, so I promise it will get better soon. I hope you guys enjoy, and feel free to leave any request or whatever in the ask me section💞

[anyalovesu]

tolerate it.

iii. i notice everything you do or don't do.

—“i noticed everything. every little detail. every little flaw. most days i wish i couldn’t. it would be easier to care less if i didn’t. maybe then i’d seem as careless as he was. like nothing in his life was important but himself.”

The house has been exactly as it has been when they called their bosses to announce that the house was built and done. Their team had worked on this house for an entire year, making sure every corner and every piece in the house worked in harmony along with the other parts and yes… that includes all of Ynes Hwang and Elijah Yang’s silly innuendos that were scattered around the house that were barely noticeable unless accidentally discovered. 

The duo has always been known for their slightly eccentric designs and this house was no exception to that. Being given with a hundred percent creative freedom to design the inside of the house sent the both of them into a frenzy of this and that which led to the both of them scouring the country for amazing stained glass window makers and floral light fixtures. Santi and Simon could only laugh at their sisters at how passionate they were into putting the house together. Building the mystery  house, as they call it, because none of them knew at the time the actual person who they were building the house for, really pulled out the best bits of the team. It wasn’t even listed for sale but real estate agents were pulling strings to be the one to sell it. Now it makes sense why the house was never sold no matter how hefty the price tag got.

Eli was pulled out of her trance with the sudden loud noise coming from outside the house. By looking at the open window, it was easy to see that the noise came from two pick-up trucks, both trunks filled to the brim with boxes, parked outside. One of them rolled their window down to reveal Tobi Park, the one sitting in the driver's seat, to ask if they were in the right place.

Cielo manages to dash out of the house to greet them, confirming that they were in fact in the right place. Bianca Park was first out of the car, coming up to greet Cielo and Eli, who had now come out against her will to greet the other tenant of the house—her supposed fiancé. 

Eli could not help but notice the sour look on Leon’s face that he did not even bother to hide at that moment. Bianca looked up the location of the house that morning when she and Tobi arrived at his brother’s condo unit to help him move. It impressed Leon at first but after the discovery of who had built the mystery of a masterpiece, he could not get himself to be interested in it anymore. In fact, he couldn’t care less anymore at Bianca’s rambles about all the art pieces that littered the walls of the home from the pictures on the internet.

“Eli,” Tobi greeted, walking up to Eli to give her a short hug. Bianca followed to do the same thing. Leon only looked at her and walked past with his suitcase.

Okay. You have to be nice.

“Nasa taas si Kuya, he’s just checking if working lahat ng lights and waterworks,” Eli chimes as she follows them inside. “There’s rooms sa taas, then the master’s bedroom is right up there rin.”

“Naka lipat ka na?” Leon asked, his tone sounding dry and uninterested. 

“Not yet,” she replied curtly. “Sabi ni Kuya better daw kung pagusapan muna before–”

“I’ll have the master’s bedroom– Aray ko Kuya!” Tobi had slapped the back of his head for his response.

“Buti nga sa’yo,” Bianca chuckled at him before glancing back at Eli. She’s grown so much since the last time Eli saw her four years ago. Two more years and she’ll be in college as well. “So, Ate, what do the rooms look like?” 

Bianca walked up to Eli and linked arms with her. She’s always been a nice girl. Always so polite and soft spoken. Unlike her two older brothers that had been boisterous ever since Eli could remember. 

“You can have the master’s bedroom,” Eli smiled at him awkwardly. “If you really want it. I don’t mind.” It’ll be too big for her anyway. She’ll only feel even more lonely if she stays there. She thought that the size of one of the rooms upstairs would be more fitting for her. 

It took a while before Eli decided she’s had enough awkward air and went back to talking. “There’s actually four rooms upstairs. One of them is a nursery, which is…” God fucking damn it. “We built this house with a young couple in mind that’s expecting– or at least trying for that matter.”

Tobi was holding his breath not to laugh, Eli could see it as she glanced at him instead of Leon with her lips pursed. “Either way, I never imagined na ako pala ang titira dito.”

“That’s okay,” Tobi chuckled through his nose, obviously trying to hold back his laughter at how awkward this situation has gone.

The tension was so thick in the air that you could cut through it with a knife if you tried to. While Bianca and Cielo seemed immersed in the design of the house, Leon did not seem to care about anything. Eli doubts he even remembers which room she claimed to be the one she’ll be taking as hers or which one was the door that led to the master’s bedroom. He did not seem interested in anything she said and while she expected that from him, it still hurt to see the person that used to listen to everything she had to say not give a shit anymore.

“So, ayon, there’s also a music room here in the basement. It has instruments na but I don’t know if you’re fond of the brands that we bought. It’s also insulated so, if you want to practice here, that’s completely fine. I’m not at home rin naman most of the time, so I don’t think magiging problem yon with me.” Eli smiled. It felt pathetic that she was still trying to get a reaction from Leon but he just stood there as stoic as he was when he got here. 

Somehow that hurt. Leon used to be one of the biggest fans of her art; now he seemed to be so nonchalant about the things that Elijah had created. How can he be so nonchalant about the house that really set Eli and her partner apart from the rest of the interior designers in the country?

The most reaction that Eli got from Leon was him nodding when he saw the master’s bedroom. After that, all he did was stare at his phone pretending to be busy just so he can avoid making conversations with Eli. He didn’t even enter the supposed music room where he and his bandmates could literally have as much creative freedom they want, just like how it was for Eli and Ynes when they were given this project.

Santi had joined them mid-house tour, making it easy for him to notice the slight change in Eli’s mood after they finished the tour. “Ayon lang naman. I guess, you're welcome here any time. Magstart na akong magunpack ng mga gamit upstairs. You guys, do what you want to do.”

“What do you think of the house, kuya?” Bianca chimes, still obviously enamored by all the details that Eli had chosen to disclose to them during the tour. She could not help but keep her eyes at the ceiling and the colorful light fixtures by the window.

“I think it’s nice,” Tobi smiled, going up to Eli to give her a fist bump. “You did great, my sister-in-law!”

“Yeah, too early for that,” Eli manages to laugh, referring to the nickname, as she accepts the friendly advance. “Pero thank you–”

“It looked like you gave a child a coloring sheet tapos yun na ang sinunod nila ni Hwang.” Leon spoke so bluntly that even Tobi was too shocked to hit him again for saying something atrocious. “It’s childish, Bianca.”

“I like it,” Bianca defends herself. “I think you’re bitter lang kasi you never made anything like this.”

“I… Um… That’s okay–” Elijah could not seem to find the right words to say... Did he really just say that?

“That was the point, Leon,” Santi chuckled, cutting off his sister who is clearly in discomfort at how Leon reacted, trying to make the situation lighter than it is. “It’s supposed to be a place where you can rest and feel like a careless child again. I think kailangan mo rin ng konting kulay, Leon. You need more perspective.”

Eli just stood there dumbfounded with how everyone reacted with what he just said. Was it really childish? She looked around the receiving room to go through every little detail that she and Ynes have created. Is it really childish?

She watched as Leon nodded with dissatisfaction before walking out of the scene with as much suitcase as he could.

“He’s being an asshole, ate,” Bianca shrugged, rolling her eyes at her older brother. “Ang galing galing mo magdesign ng bahay. He’s just bitter na hindi n’ya kaya gumawa ng ganito.” 

Her statement was then followed by a series of doors opening and closing, proving Eli’s thought just a while ago, that he does not remember which room was hers and his, was right. 

“Wow,” Eli sighed, all of a sudden feeling uneasy that by tonight, she will be left alone with this nonchalant monster to live with for possibly the rest of her life. 

It’s not that she felt unsafe. It was the fact that she did not feel as comfortable as she used to being with Leon anymore and she didn’t know what words to say to not tick him off and push him further away because God forbid she want to be ignored and invalidated even further than she is right now.

“By the way, kailangan n’yo na rin daw pagusapan ang mga preferences n’yo para sa kasal,” Tobi mentioned as he began picking up his brother’s boxes as well. “Mom will send your schedules para sa mga appointments n’yo para sa kasal.”

“Agad?”

Tobi only gave her a tight lipped smile as he nodded.

“Please be more patient with my kuya, okay?” Bianca smiled at her, such a beautiful kid to look at, asking for someone to be more understanding of her older brother. “He’s being hard lang right now. Pero he’ll warm up to you rin. You know him naman before.”

If Eli had a little more balls and said what she wanted to say the moment that it was there, she would’ve explained how hard everything is for her to do every little favor to do the work in rekindling what they had before. Leon was so much different than she knew. The Leon that was with them a while ago seemed so absorbed in his own world to care about what she was saying— what anyone was saying. All he cared about was what his phone contained and that annoyed her. She wanted to slap the phone out of his hands to actually get him to pay attention but they don’t have that kind of relationship anymore for her to do that.

And she tried. To pay less attention to what he did and did not do. But the thought kept looming in her head, she kept looking over his direction, in hopes that he would care even just a little bit like he used to… like suddenly the Leon she knew would appear out of nowhere and notice how much blood, sweat and tears she gave just to put together something she loved… like he always used to. But there was nothing. He looked like he didn’t want to be there.

Eli looked at Bianca, hopeful that she would understand why she’s not able to fulfill the request immediately especially after her feelings being hurt with what her brother had to say about the house. 

She wanted to cry. The house that she used to be so proud of… The house that she worked so hard on making every little detail perfect to their vision… was childish? Did that mean that she was childish? Was she too immature for him?

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ characters ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ previous ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ next ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[residents-of-the-darkforest]

Dark Forest Resident: Ospreyhope

Aliases / Nicknames: Mother, Mama, Fox-hearted Beast

Gender: female

Sexuality: heterosexual

Family: Troutcry (mother), Flutterdapple (father), Toadpelt (sister), Micawhisper (half-sister), Flightswan, Flurryaster, Wildshard (brothers), Spiderpaw (half-brother), Havenbeak, Mothheart, Brookchirp (daughters), Bouncebloom, Hyacinthtuft, Slumbermouse, Inkcrawl, Amberblossom (sons), Riftshade (niece), Frostwhistle, Marshdrift (nephews)

Other Relations: Patchoulispore (mentor), Wildshard (former apprentice)

Clan: RiverClan

Rank: warrior

Characteristics: vain, secretly insecure, full of hatred, strict, beloved kitsitter

Number of Victims: 3

Number of Murders: 3

Murder Method: feeding deathberries, smothering, drowning

Known Victims: Hazykestrel, Sleekecho, Bouncebloom

Victim Profile: cats she didn’t like, her eldest kit

Cause of Death: complications from raspy lungs

Cautionary Tale: ??

Story:

Hazykestrel always freaked her out, with their old smell and the way ticks clung to their pelt like burrs.

So when she was just a moon old, she disposed of the old tom. Being a kit, she was caught, obviously, but she managed to convince the queens that honest, she would never hurt anyone again, honest!

Sleekecho was her next target, the micromanaging old queen who never looked at her the same after Hazykestrel’s death.

How was she to know that the old bat’s death would be pinned to her so quickly? In an effort to clean her stained reputation, she had kits early.

She hoped and prayed for a bountiful litter, one that would do the Clan proud.

Instead, she got Bouncekit, who she admittedly didn’t care for, but she never neglected the little scrap of fluff! She fed him, talked to him, and tried her best to present the image of a loving queen who definitely did not want to smother the little singleton.

Her second litter ended with a miscarriage, and she could’ve throttled the medicine cat when they told her

But her third litter… Now that showed some promise!

Two lovely little well-mannered kits, who knew their manners and were never impolite!

She left them in the nursery for fresh air, only to be accosted by her now-grown son, Bouncebloom, who asked her if she needed anything.

She barely resisted telling him the truth.

She took a mate soon after the birth of her third litter, and was thrilled to learn that she was expecting! A sentiment that quickly went downhill when her ‘mate’ broke up with her.

She had a litter of four after that, her third litter growing to be fine warriors, but she still couldn’t quite suppress her true nature.

Bouncebloom acted like the perfect son, yes, but he was wrong. He should’ve been born with siblings, instead of alone.

So one day, her anger got the best of her.

And the prodigal son was no more.

Maybe if her lungs were a little stronger, she could’ve withstood the final murder.

But as it was, she had always had trouble breathing.

Additional Information:

--Submission by @ambitiousauthor

--HOW DID SHE KILL SOMEONE AT ONE MOON OLD

[thistlethimble]

location: district 8 date: the reaping

I grieve to sew up my heart's delight. heigh ho says thimble.

district 8 was packed to the brim with each inhabitant of the textile focused urban infrastructure. as usual, the stage was set up in the main square of town just in front of the government buildings. while surrounding that and reaching well into the sky were the nicer factories. the wealthy and well-statused families were grouped and seated nearer the stage. the less fortunate had a much longer walk, and those of little cove could barely even see the large bowls of names from where they sat on the very outskirts.

thimble still felt uneasy. it was the first year that reaper blue, her older brother, had aged out of the process, thankfully, so she sat on their bench alone. well, not alone alone; there were all the other lucky lottery participants, but it felt absolutely isolated.

the night before, thimble accidentally pricked herself on a needle while sewing her reaping dress. the blood quickly welled up on the tip of her finger and stained the white linen fabric. that felt like a bad sign. reaper noticed too. he and clementine rose, their eldest sister, always spent the night before the reaping in the same room. soft carpets were rolled out in padded stacks across their grandmother's floor and pillows were littered in the corner. one messy stack of blankets contrasted sharply against the ones perfectly folded next to them.

clem was already tucked beneath those folded blankets and attempting to get some rest, but reaper noticed and frowned. thimble hadn't done that in years. he hopped up to get her a bandage and suggest that maybe she wear one of her dresses that were already done. there was no chance of that happening. thimble loathed to repeat a style, especially not on a day like this.

"I'll make it work. it is still fixable!"

he crossed the room and sank down next to her to tend to the minor wound. it seemed like there was a lot that he wanted to say, but for maybe the first time, could not find the words. he opened his mouth, but thimble interrupted him. "sing the song for me." she suggested instead. reaper obliged. he began to sing a ballad about falling stars while she stitched a big, red rose blooming from the stain on the corset of her gown. he sang until thimble herself tumbled into the mess of blankets all tuckered out, and the morning it appeared he had the words.

"thim." his voice had always been a pleasant tenor and warmth as winter breakfast. "listen. just save the one in a million for your dresses, right? I love you." he pressed a kiss onto her forehead. clementine brushed her hair out and arranged it with a flower before they went down the two levels to meet their parents and walk together towards the reaping. thankfully, their grandma was elderly enough now that she was no longer forced to witness this sort of sight.

it took forever for them to bumble through the first drawing. yet, the second happened so terribly suddenly.

the mic feedback whistled. 'THIMBLE VIRIDIAN RENALDI' oh. her brother cried out before thimble even realized what was happening. she looked over her shoulder to catch reaper doubled over and clem allowing silent tears to slide down her cheeks. thimble stood up. thousands of faces turned to look at her now, but every sound disappeared behind blood rushing in her ears. if thimble looked at her family again, she would weep. she couldn't cry now. the game had already begun. thimble tried to swallow which was entirely useless as her mouth was dry.

in a few steps, thimble made it out of the benched seating to the runway that lead up to the stage. it was a long walk. good. that would give her some time to calm down and think. no one was going to volunteer for her so how did she survive this? could she? could thimble win? yes. they could. it wouldn't be easy. there was no way the playing field would be even, but had it ever been? didn't she already play those odds? hell, it may not be worth it, but shouldn't she try?

as her pace remained steady, people began to whisper through the crowd. the cameras panned and pulled to see her full gown. style was always a statement. thimble, by happenstance or fate, was making a loud one. her dress made it appear as though blood were already pooling at her rib cage; stabbed in the gut as she had been by her name being called. it was appropriate. it told a story. a story that could help her. thimble took the stage, found the camera, and offered a knowingly empathetic smile.

this could work.

it had to.

[thatringboy]

I think it’s super interesting that all of Tanjiro’s POV moments in the FS&S series are all littered with self-doubt and the realization that Nezuko is changing rapidly and that Ubuyashiki says that he finds nothing more disgusting than change, even though he is the one who physically changes humans into demons

Likes yes Nezuko is physically changing from all her battles (growing white hair, her eye, all her face scars) and we as readers can see her emotionally changing too. She’s becoming more crude, more thoughtful, more mature. All traits she’s picked up from her friends. And Tanjiro is continuing to be surprised by it because, as a demon, he cannot change. He is Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s Perfect Creation, incapable of changing and “ruining himself”. Nezuko is now older than him and her behaviors reflect that. He sees himself as a failure of an older brother because he couldn’t keep up, which is why he had no qualms with throwing himself into the Sun just to help Nezuko win her fight

If that isn’t a beautiful foil then I don’t know what

You’re so right about all of that, but let me get a little deeper for you

Kudos on you for bringing our king of demons into the discussion, that’s a creative comparison to make!

Below the cut is us looking a little deeper into Tanjiro’s psyche because I love talking about it

If we recall back to their childhood, Tanjiro and Nezuko were the caretakers of their siblings. Their mother died when Nezuko was ten and it was up to her to fill that role, Tanjuro being physically unavailable to care for the children so Tanjiro had to take over the family business around the same age. Add him being a child and messing up making charcoal, Nezuko has been providing income for the family in his wake with charcoal and her fabrics

When attacked by mountain lions, Nezuko’s the one who ran up the mountain and grabbed fire to save everyone. When traveling on foot, Nezuko’s the one who carried her tired brothers so their feet wouldn’t hurt. Nezuko has always been protective, mature and thoughtful, Tanjiro too

The Nezuko we see now, over five years later, is a very different woman for sure, but how different? She cusses more, sure, but that really seems to be it. She has more self confidence? She’s more courageous? You could argue that

The reason why Tanjiro can’t see the similarities is because of Nezuko’s physical changes. He takes every scar she has as a slight against his responsibilities from the universe and fate. Tanjiro’s inability to comprehend that his little sister is growing into her own woman is ultimately why each of his POV scenes are filled with anxiety and self-doubt.

That can be tied back to his demonic nature not letting him grow and mature, but it could also be deeper than that. Tanjiro, as a human, always had a purpose. He was the eldest son, the money-maker (sometimes) and the caretaker. As we see in all of the flashbacks, Nezuko is also the caretaker, but Tanjiro’s responsibilities also cover taking care of her too.

However, now he has nothing. His family that he was supposed to care for is dead and now Nezuko is the one taking care of him. Tanjiro has become a ticking time bomb of disaster and Nezuko’s life has been in jeopardy several times just because of him. In one fell swoop, Tanjiro went from his purpose being a protector to now someone else’s purpose being to protect him. That weighs on a fifteen/sixteen year old’s psyche (speaking as an older brother)

So Nezuko hasn’t actually changed that much. In fact, her only change is her cussing, but that comes from being around Swordsmiths. Tanjiro’s inability to differentiate between Ten year old Nezuko and Sixteen year old Nezuko is purely because he doesn’t remember how many burdens she shouldered herself during their childhood.

The difference between the siblings is that Nezuko had two years to grieve the loss of her family and find a new purpose to life, but Tanjiro is only grieving now

[readythefanons]

For the kiss writing meme: Ashedue and 21. ...on a place of insecurity

[Thank you! I hope you enjoy]

“Hey.”

Ashe turned and smiled at Dedue. The frustrations of the day had left him with a headache, but the pounding in his temples receded at just the sight of the other man.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you until later tonight,” Ashe said, coming out from behind his counter in the dining room. Dedue opened his arms, and Ashe tucked himself into his solid embrace.

“The council birthed a litter of sub-councils, and neither the king’s presence nor mine was needed.” Dedue kissed the top of Ashe’s head, then lifted his head to nod in the direction of the kitchen. “It smells good. Soup?”

“Fish and three-pepper soup with fresh bread.” Ashe reluctantly disentangled himself from the other man’s arms and was about to fetch a bowl when Eleo appeared. Ashe’s employee had two bowls, a plate of bread, and two cups of water. He smiled cheekily at his employer. “Oh. Thank you.” Ashe’s cheeks heated. “I didn’t need any though—”

“You haven’t eaten yet,” Eleo said, setting the meal down on a table in the corner. “And drink all your water. He forgets all day, and then he can’t figure out why he doesn’t feel well.” This last comment was directed at Dedue.

“I have noticed that too.”

“This is a conspiracy,” Ashe complained, but the young man was already gone. Eleo and his sister had been born in Duscar, but they’d been out of the country when the massacre took place. After a period of time that they didn’t discuss and Ashe didn’t pry into, they came to work in the kitchen of Ashe’s inn.

Ashe watched attentively as Dedue tasted the soup. His inn had been in business for years, and Dedue said his cooking kept getting better, but Ashe still—Dedue’s lips curled into a soft smile, and his eyes fell shut as he savored the next bite. It was good then.

Dedue’s eyes opened, and Ashe felt pinned in place by his green gaze. “You’re not eating.”

“Oh! Right. Yes.” Ashe followed Dedue’s example—hm, it really was quite good, if saying so wasn’t too self-congratulatory.

They ate in silence for a while, and Ashe was chagrined that the others had been right: he was feeling much better with food and drink. Dedue looked like he wanted to ask something, but before he did one of the inn’s new guests stuck his head into the room and shouted a question to Eleo.

“The kitchen closes before the night watch begins, but I can heat a quick meal for any who needs it,” Ashe supplied, standing to make himself known. His guest nodded and withdrew.

“He’s a knight,” Dedue observed as Ashe sat down again.

“One of several. They’re here on a special assignment,” Ashe confirmed. He sprang to his feet again, then realized he didn’t know what he was about to bustle off to do. He could refill his cup? He could refill Dedue’s cup. He could clear their plates, except that Dedue was still eating and his plate was still half-full. He should really eat some more…

Dedue reached a hand out to him, palm up. After a moment, Ashe placed his hand in the other man’s, then allowed himself to be coaxed back down, to sit on the bench next to Dedue.

“Living in the capital, you must see many knights,” Dedue observed carefully.

“I see them around, same as anyone. They haven’t stayed here before.”

“You’re becoming better-known. People tell their friends visiting the city about you. Even the nobles mention it.” Dedue had kept hold of Ashe’s hand. His skin was warm, and his deep voice rumbled agreeably in Ashe’s chest.

“They’re our age, maybe. Or even younger.”

“Greenhorns.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“… You could have been among them. Your fellows, your comrades. It is what you wanted since you were young,” Dedue said heavily. To his surprise, Ashe shook his head.

“During the war, all I wanted was to see it through, and to stand on the other side with… with my friends. In school, all I wanted was to be a knight like in the stories. Before Lord Lonato, all I cared about was making sure my brother and sister had enough to eat. Before our father died…” he smiled a little. “I wanted to own a restaurant, just like him.”

Dedue lifted their joined hands to his lips and kissed Ashe’s knuckles, then his fingertips and the palm of his hand. Ashe’s archery calluses had softened, as had the toughened skin on his fingers and palms from holding a sword. The scars still lingered—on his hands and arms and elsewhere, traces of the war—and his hands were still strong and nimble, but they weren’t the hands of a knight. Dedue kissed the soft skin of Ashe’s wrist, earning himself a sharp intake of breath. His eyes glittered as he looked at Ashe, and he kissed his wrist again.

“And now you do own a restaurant.”

“And inn.” Dedue’s hand was warm. “That’s more than my father had. He was never visited by nobles, either.”

“And he never knew the cuisine of Duscur.” Dedue gently grasped Ashe’s other hand and kissed that too.

“No, but I do—with your help—and I can share it with others.”

“One of the visiting nobles asked me about the spices of Duscur the other day. That never would have happened even a year ago. A number of her retinue ventured outside the palace and must have found their way here.” This time, he followed the kiss he laid on Ashe’s wrist with a nip of his teeth.

“Oh! That’s—gratifying.”

“Is it?” Dedue’s green eyes glittered behind heavy lids. Ashe thought of Dedue’s hands—warm and strong, and also no longer the hands of a fighter—and nodded. Dedue kissed the delicate skin of his wrist again, lips pressed to the spot where Ashe’s pulse fluttered on the skin… and sat back. “Then we should finish our meal,” he said.

“We… what?”

“It would be shameful to waste this delicious food. It is so carefully and skillfully,” Dedue said, eyes all spring-innocence now. Ashe resisted the urge to gape at him.

“Or we could retire for the night.”

“That does sound appealing,” Dedue said gravely. He picked up his spoon and deliberately slurped his soup. “After this meal.” Ashe rolled his eyes, but he slid back into his spot across the table from Dedue and picked up his own spoon.

“Of course… And you will need your strength.” He grinned as Dedue choked.

[msfbgraves]

Do Daniel and Terry know the secondary gender of the pups? Is it that they present later in life but it's "obvious" if a pup is Alpha or Omega especially? I headcanon it as they have a few Alphas first. Adorable brave Alpha pups who are territorial and protective over Daniel, who hero-worship their Dad and hang on Terry's every word. They must have an Omega or two, who is absolutely worshipped and doted upon. A soft angel. Daniel loves all his puppies fiercely but there's something about his sweet, pure, gentle Omega pup that makes him need the pup in his arms at all times.

Let me tell you a story, Nonnie.

Someone is banging on the church door. Which is curious, because it isn't locked; merely closed against the fierce wind and threatening rain. But he hears a voice over both the wind and traffic:

"Father Martin? Sister George? Anyone? Hey!"

Yes, that's one of his flock, alright, but - Terry Silver? The last time he was here, alone, outside of Mass must have been decades ago. He speeds towards the entrance as the banging continues.

"Come in, my son, before you hurt yourself."

"Father." He really looks distraught, but rushes in, hurriedly makes a sign of the cross. "Father, I need your help."

"Do you need a doctor?" It's a question he always asks; some people feel more comfortable rushing to him when they would do better with a physician. And wasn't his mate with pup? ...Again.

"Doctor's been, father. I need you."

Father Michael turns for his coat. "I'll come now -"

"He's not dying, father, would I be here if he were dying?"

"And the pup?"

He's perplex for half a second. "What do you take me for?"

He's known him as an altar boy, and yet an irate Terry Silver is not something he feels comfortable seeing. Still, he knows the brothers at St. Mary's will have left their mark, too.

"Then watch your tone in Church, my boy."

He backs off only slightly. "Maybe God I have a problem with!"

He would fight God. ...gladly.

"Do you need to confess?"

"No!" Those eyes. Father Martin needs some restraint not to cross himself. "I don't think this one's my fault!"

"My son." He takes a breath. "You are in distress, and you sought Him. That means you still trust in His love."

"His love." He snorts. "Good one! Good one, father!"

He straightens his back. "Now you hear me, Terry Silver. I will not have blasphemous talk from you, no matter who you are!"

He looks around, breathes in. "Didn't you say, Father, that Angels used to lie with humans?"

"...come again?"

"Isn't it in the Bible, father, that Angels used to come to earth, and take humans for their mate?"

"Do you mean Nephilim?"

"I don't know what I mean, father, this is supposed to be your job!"

He's going to let that one slide. "My son. That reading is heavily disputed, and most agree that it happened before the time of Noah."

"He did it again, though, didn't He?" And now the man is pacing between the pews. "Came onto Mary? That Joseph may have been a beta, but if He thinks...!"

"Still your tongue before you sin, young man!" That seems to finally pierce through his skull. "Now. I want you to remove your hat, pay proper respect and pray three Hail Mary's and Our Father's each, before you join me and tell me what has upset you so."

He glares at him but does it, and father Martin takes the time to send up a quick prayer for patience.

When the man joins him in a front pew, he seems slightly less agitated.

"My son. Tell me. From the start."

He takes a deep breath. "You've seen my litter."

"Yes, I've baptized three of them." The other three were baptized by father Lorenzo, and he's still none too happy. Usually, mates join his congregation, and that's the end of it.

"Well, I have six." A proud smile. "So I know what pups are like, father. And Danny. I know him. He's a champ. Usually home the same day, doesn't want to be away from the other ones."

"A good Christian mate." The man flashes a smile he doesn't want to know the meaning of. But then his face darkens.

"So I know my pups, father. I don't think that Robby and Anthony are Alphas, but they're mine, they're clearly mine, and I love them, father, I've always loved them!"

His distress is palpable, and if he were anybody else, father Martin would have felt compelled to put a soothing hand on his shoulder. "But of course you do, Terry."

"We weren't supposed to have this one," he continues. "Sam's not nearly old enough to help, and my Danny needed a break, too, Anthony was a surprise as it was."

Father Martin smiles. "You've been well blessed then. And they, well kept and provided for."

He likes that, Terry Silver. And it's always good when he can compliment a father on doing a good job, if he does disagree with all the extortion and occassional killing going on.

"This heat was different." He looks away in embarassment. "I'm sorry to say it, father, but it was not supposed to happen, and I've never seen him so soft. I was afraid I'd break him."

Best keep it to the facts, now. "So you did lie with him."

"Yes!" He wrings his hands. "But he was like a different person! I couldn't keep him close enough! And when I took him..." He looks down. "He even looked like an Angel, father, it was obscene, alright? Like..."

"No need to elaborate, my son. I understand."

"Do you? How do I know there wasn't something else going on?"

"Was there any religious experience? Voices, visions?"

"He didn't say. But he was different the whole time."

"Different, how?"

Silver gives another amused smile. "You know he is a bratty little punk, father, even after that growth spurt. Keeps me on my toes, that one."

"He's said to know his duties - "

"Oh, sure, when he wants." Now, it's a wolfish grin. "We work out any spats quite nicely, father, that's never been an issue."

"Then why are you concerned?"

"He's too soft." There's fear in the eyes of this hard man. "When he looks at me, it hurts. I want to break something sometimes."

"You wish to strike him?"

"No, no!" He jumps up. "Father, what goes on in here? Is there someone I need to straighten out? You know I won't have it -"

"You see a lot of life, here, my son. But tell me about your Daniel."

"He's singing. He didn't use to. And he's much softer with the pups, if that's even possible. Robby likes it, bless him, but the others are concerned. And Eli's six, father. Won't leave his side more than three minutes, I swear, he almost bit me when I brought him to the Don."

Definitely an Alpha, that one, father Martin agrees. Impossible to keep quiet during Mass. "You haven't talked about this before, though."

"Can't really complain about that, now, can I? But now the pup's here..."

"So it's true. Congratulations!"

"I've barely even seen her." The Alpha cringes together. "They say they're fine, the both of them, but Daniel won't let her go. Has been in the hospital for three days straight, I've only been allowed in once. He's not sick or anything. He's not there. I can't reach him." He looks to him, eyes wet. "The only thing he said, father - 'Her name is Luna.' Didn't let me get a word in."

"As was said of Our Blessed Virgin, too?"

"Yes - but..."

Father Martin smiles. "One thing that isn't much emphasized when celebrating our Lord, my son, that he is both the Alpha and the omega made flesh." He subtly stresses the last words.

He thinks, one beat. "Mandy wasn't like that."

Father Martin laughs. "Your sister is a very interesting woman, Terry Silver. But aptly named." He thinks back on the many hours he's spent teaching beginner Latin, to Terry Silver too. "'She who must be loved.' Your mother may have had an inkling."

He shakes his head. "But Mammy was a beta. Lucille is beta. You said so yourself, Amanda was one in a million."

He clears his throat. "She's certainly not typical." He stands up. "Give thanks, Terry Silver. Most likely your mate was blessed this way. They need a mother's devotion more strongly than most puppies do, if my memory serves." He walks away. "I look forward to her christening!"

When he looks back, he sees Terry Silver, on his knees, in front of the Virgin Mary.

Strange, the forces that will bring a fighter to his knees.

*

When Terry comes home, he's greeted, strangely, by Lucille, and a Sammy that launches herself into his arms before he can even take off his hat.

"Daddy!"

"Samantha!" Eli bellows. "We're supposed to be quiet!!!"

Lucille shrugs. "They're all yours. Lisa is bringing her Billy tonight, too, there's only so many pups we can handle."

He squeezes Sammy tight before putting her down, ruffles Elis head. "Where's Daniel?" he says, with a nod to Lucille.

"I wondered where you'd gone." His mate comes in, the puppy bound tightly to his chest, but with his hands free. "Thank you, Mama," he says, kissing Lucille on the cheek. "We'll manage from here."

"You sure?" she says, eyebrow raised at Terry.

Ah, feck it. He lunges at him, embracing him as tightly as he dares. "Don't leave me," he whispers in his ear.

"Leave you?" His mate is truly stunned. "There's someone I would want you all to meet." He turns around. "Ragazzi!"

They pile in, even little Anthony, who doesn't know what's going on, but envies the puppy her place in Mama's arms. "Sh, sh," Daniel says, untying his daughter. "This is your sister, Tony love," he says, and holds her up to Terry. "Say hi!"

Terry grabs her from him before he's even fully reached the couch where Daniel's sitting. She's exposed. She should never be exposed. He needs to up security. He - he looks at the impossibly soft face. He needs to start planning meetings. Which is strange, because no Alpha is even looking at his daughter without being pre-emptively killed. It's for the best. He -

Danny kisses his hand. "What a beauty you gave me."

Terry blinks. "I- "

"But if you touch me in the next six years I'll do a murder," Daniel chastises. "Seven puppies, Terry, and it's only litter one!"

Terry finds it in him to smile. "You're irresistible." He hands her back, so the strangely quiet brood can get a look.

"I know." He laughs. "And I know how to shoot, right, Mama?!"