#Alaskan kids rule

[lustral-dance]

Ready aim fire

my kids rule ❄️❄️❄️

[ldysmfrst]

American Mate (7) - Is This a Joke

Paring: Hybrid!BTS Ot7 x Plus-sized Human FemReader

Status: Ongoing series

Chapter number: 7 of unknown

Word count for Chapter: 8,093

Work count for Story: 33,341

Genre: Hybrid Playmate Au inspired by works created by @yoongiofmine

A little about the author: I am a mother of two beautiful children. One of which is special needs, and on 3/28, they lost 75% of their vision. I started a Patreon if you feel the heart to donate towards helping with the medical costs of appointments, medication, and modifications to the house, which insurance doesn't cover.

Warnings: (I am not good at this, but I will try. Let me know if I missed anything!!) NOT BETA READ!! This story will have a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter does have Anxiety, arguments, comfort, Alpha Space, close proximity, and scenting.

BTS HYBRID ANIMAL TYPES: Seokjin - Roan Ferret, Yoongi - Black Jaguar, Hoseok - Marten, Namjoon - Alaskan Timber Wolf, Jimin - Red Panda, Taehyung - White Southwest African Tiger, Jungkook - Flemish Giant Rabbit

AMERICAN MATE MASTER LIST / LDYSMFRST MASTER LIST

Silence. 

Total silence.

No one was breathing. Hell, your heart even stopped. Did he seriously tell you to become a Playmate? He didn’t even have the… whatever to ask you; he just told you.

How can he think that is even a possibility? It is not like one can just become a Playmate. There are rules, regulations, requirements, and a bunch of things you have to pass, which there is no way on this green Earth that you would pass.

Unknown to you, the pack's eyes shoot at Namjoon, just as shocked as you are because he never shared this proposition with them before making it. That is not the option that they thought of.  The scents in the room turned this way and that with confusion, shock, and concern.

Why would he suggest limiting their actions to only what a Playmate can do? You are their mate. You are not a toy to play with. How does this promise anything besides you having to stay near them and service them as a companion?

The whole idea of a Playmate was to take care of them, be their friend, help them relieve stress, or become a rut fuck buddy. Playmates were never meant to be a long-term commitment. While they wouldn't mind you doing any of that as their mate, the title of Playmate would make you think of everyone as only a job, right?

Giggling rings in the room, and the sound causes everyone to snap their eyes back to you as their thoughts come to a screeching halt. Under normal circumstances, such an angelic sound would have them cooing. This time, it has their ears standing straight, their hackles raised, and their Alphas pacing in their minds.

Your giggling bubbled to outright laughter as you looked at Namjoon with a slightly crazed look on your face, causing his smile to change into confusion as his confidence in his choice melted away. The look and your laugh reminded him of that one Quin character in the films the kids watch, which is not good.

"You're joking, right? Hahahaha. Pft... haha… Playmate… me!" You looked around the room to see you were the only one laughing, which only caused you to laugh even more. Your scent was spiking in so many ways that the boys were getting dizzy from it.

"You have GOT to be kidding me. This is … am I a joke to you?" You question, standing abruptly and stomping closer to Namjoon and Seokjin, making the boys startle with your movement “Do I look like a Playmate?” you ask while gesturing to your whole body and spinning around to accentuate your point.

"I have been doing nothing but abiding by Yoongi’s and the pack’s wishes since I got hurt,” with a deep breath, you close your eyes and stand as tall as your scent shuts off like it was never there to begin with.

“And now you are toying with me." Shaking your head, you mumble, “Just like everyone else.”

"Miss Y/n," Namjoon starts trying to explain himself, but all you can think of are excuses and lies that you have heard before that he might come up with if you let him keep going.

"No," snapping your eyes open and pinning them on the Prime Alpha.

"No excuses,” you step back.

“No lies,” another step.

“No more playing fun and games.” You turn to Jungkook with wide, panicked eyes and demand, “I need the address of this Airbnb so that I can call Derek or Evie to come and get me. NOW.”

“I want nothing to do with this sick joke of yours,” voice cracking at your declaration. It would help to get out of here before you start crying, which is your next step. 

You really want to cry out of frustration because you thought they would be different. You may not consider yourself Army, but Lily was, and with how highly he talked about the kindness of BTS, you thought they would be different. 

How gullible were you? Did you let your guard down just because of their on-stage personas? How often did you try to convince Lily that it was all an act, yet here you were, bending to their little game with some purring, chirping, and Alpha eyes?

Then again, it's you, the plus-sized four-eyed nobody. Why would the hottest band in the world treat you as anything other than entertainment to pass the time? Get with the program and get yourself back into your walls before you get hurt like before.

You see Jungkook, one of two who helped you calm down before, ignoring you and nervously picking at the rip in his jeans. Then, you finally notice that everyone is actively avoiding looking at you. Realizing that no one is coming to your aid, you stand tall and steel yourself to go and find someone who will, like their manager.

“I am going home,” you announce to the pack. Heading towards the hall, you are stopped by your black tail leash and a hand on your good wrist.  Taking a forceful breath, "Mr. Min."

You turn to face him, only to be met with powerful golden-yellow eyes that stop you in your tracks. You have seen them before, but they have never been this close—the molten gold bleeding into a darker brass surrounding the oblong jet-black pupil. Being the focus of those eyes with the discussion at hand makes you nervous but unafraid.

He steps forward to where you stand, making you practically nose-to-nose with the Alpha jaguar. His eyes search yours as his scent crashes over the room like a storming ocean wave.

Yoongi may not be the Prime Alpha, but he is strong enough to be one if he wants to be. His strength and dominance cause the pack members to hold on to each other, waiting for his next move.

He slowly reaches up and wipes away a tear you didn’t notice was falling. Bringing the tear to his lips, his tongue darts to taste it, and his face scrunches with deep concern.

"Y/n scent gone. Tastes hurt. Pain," he says as his hand returns to your face, cupping your cheek. The warmth only makes it much harder to keep your tears at bay. Your body starts to shake slightly, and you notice when it registers to the Alpha touching you.

Yoongi moves to leave the living room with you in tow. He takes hold of your good hand and says, "Come. Keep Safe. Promise. "

You don’t answer, your eyes focusing on his chest because you cannot take the fierceness of his eyes right now without breaking down.  After a few more seconds, he looks past you with narrow eyes at his Prime Alpha to say, “Leave alone."

Deciding for you, Yoongi, gently but without room for struggle, walks you out of the living room. Stepping into the hall, he looks at the door in front of him and then at the staircase down the hall. He turns to you. "Room?" He points to the closed door and then to the stairs. "Den?"

The next thing Namjoon knows, a pillow hits the side of his head from an unknown packmate. Turning to look for who it was, he gets hit by another. This one, however, ends up landing on Seokjin as well, causing the shock that had settled over the room to break.

"What the hell was that?!?!" Seokjin demands after hearing you go upstairs with Yoongi. Standing up, he walks over to the other side of the room. His irritation hits a limit that he hasn’t dealt with in a long time.

"Prime Alpha, with all due respect… have you lost your mind?" questions Taehyung, leaning back on the couch with arms crossed as he does his best to hold his Alpha back from taking over and storming up the stairs after you.

"Guys, think about it! She can pay for her flat and keep her independence. Come on… it would require her not to leave our side for the length of the contract," Namjoon defends himself.

"Yeah, the contract! That is all she will think it is—a contract job. We will only be a source of income for her, Hyung," Jungkook complains, his legs jumping with nerves. Throwing the pillows did his anger no good.

"Namjoon-ah, you know the rules and regulations that fall on Playmates. You know that she won't qualify, and I am not just talking about the ridiculous physical standards that they have in place. She is supposed to take care of us and be there for us. There is cooking, cleaning, and stuff. How can she do that with a broken wrist, huh?" Hoseok chimes in. “How can you ask that of her?”

Standing from the chair, Namjoon circles it. Gathering his thoughts, he rests his hands on the back of it, almost like it's a wall between him and his mates. "She will be able to care for us. Listen. Rules of a Playmate are pretty much what you said, Hobah.”

“Don’t you Hobah me right now, Namjoon! You are on thin ice. If you cost us our mate, you will not find yourself having a good time—at least not from me any time soon,” growls the Martin hybrid.

“Sorry, Hoseok-hyung,” Namjoon says, his scent filling with a slight smokiness as he starts to understand how much he may have messed up. “But really, think about it. The contract requires her to be with us at the packhouse or when we go somewhere, correct?"

Seeing his packmates nod, he continues, "This, technically, does not mean she has to do anything other than physically be there. No typing, cleaning, cooking, or labor of any kind. She isn’t required to do it unless we ask for it.

"She will take care of us by letting us care for her. All our Alphas will be happy to do so while she is healing. We all know that Yoongi-hyung will not be able to perform or do anything well if he is concerned that Y/n is not healing well.

“She already is instinctually being a mate by allowing our Alphas to act on their instincts, like with Yoongi right now and Jungkook in the office and back when the doctor was here. Having her as a Playmate will also be the best way for her to care for herself without the added financial stress. She is independent, and we can all see that. This way, she can keep that while learning to depend on us as mates."

Still watching their reactions, he concludes, "During that time, we will care for her and follow our instincts. We must show how well we can provide for her by tending to her needs, protecting her, and loving her as only her mates can."

"You want us to court her while she is our Playmate?" Jimin asks, watching the Prime Alpha nod. He looks around at the others, who now have contemplating looks on their faces. “I don’t get how this will work.”

"Namjoon-ah, I can see what you mean, and this may work, but what if she doesn't let us?” Hoseok questions.

“I want to cuddle with her, feed her, and feel her, but she wouldn't even take a bottle of water. She tried to run to a solo seat in the van to keep her distance from us. What makes you think she would feel comfortable accepting our courting gestures?" Hoseok continues challenging the Prime Alpha. "What happens when we interact with each other? How will she be comfortable joining in or being around that?"

"Do what you did with me," Jungkook says shyly. "Show her we are in it for more than just her being our Playmate. The companionship the contract states is not the only relationship we want because we want something deeper and stronger.”

Looking around the room with his big doe eyes, he continues, “She doesn't seem to mind cuddling with me. Next time we cuddle, maybe someone else can join. Or anyone can try to cuddle with her, and then if we are cuddling with each other, we can invite her to join in."

"Jungkook is right. Keeping the door open with baby steps is our best bet,” Namjoon smiles, knowing he has the youngest on his side now. “She may not even know what hybrid courting looks like.”

Running his hands through his hair, Namjoon continues, “Y/n has seen plenty of Playmate and client interactions. She should understand the intricacies that are involved with typical contracts. It’s good that none of us are due for a rut while on the tour, even if she has connected with two of us on an instinctual level.”

“She doesn’t know any of this though, Hyung,” Jimin whines, “How do we let her know that she isn’t going to be a regular Playmate for us, like the one who left us? Who is going to explain courting to her? What will let her know that when we flirt with her or ask her to join us for intimate times, we aren’t just using the contract to do so?”

Silence fills the room as everyone is deep in thought. 

Hoseok jumps up, “What if we showed her the other contracts we have had in the past? Show her that we are exclusive to packmates for our ruts. This way, she doesn’t think we want her for sex but for friendship to start with?”

Smiling at his words, Namjoon adds, “Good. Now, we need the rest of us to follow Yoongi-hyung and Jungkook-ah.  We need to find ways to deepen our connection with her. Meanwhile, we must show her how we interact as mates, our desire for her, and what we are meant to be for her.”

"Wh… What happens when the contract ends?" Taehyung worries. 

After a beat of silence, Seokjin speaks up while looking down the hall, "When the contract ends, we hope she understands that she is our mate and we did our job to prove we are the mates she deserves."

‘Become our Playmate... become our Playmate… Our Playmate.’ The words are replaying in your mind on a never-ending loop. His look of confidence is seared into your brain. It is like he thought it was the perfect ending to the world’s best joke or something. What else would it be?

Pressing your palms to your eyes as hard as possible, you try to think of what is going on in his head to propose that idea. Another voice in your head says what a waste you are, how you always are a disappointment and are a stain in the world.

The door opens, and you drop your hands to see Yoongi standing a little to the side. “Den not…um… no time but ready,” he says, looking around the room and then back at you.

“I understand you haven't settled in yet. Alpha, may I come in?” you ask, remembering that with any hybrid, it is better to have explicit permission to enter a den or a nest so you don’t upset them.

At his nod, you went into the room. It looks similar to the guest room but is a bit larger. Full-sized beds are on each side of the room, with a lovely natural wood shelving unit that splits the room in half. There are plenty of windows to brighten the space on both sides.

On one side, luggage lies unopened on the bed. On the other side, luggage is opened on the ground, and some clothes are tossed around. Looking over your shoulder at the Alpha, you hug yourself and wait for him to tell you where to go. 

Yoongi notices your hesitance and gently pushes at your upper back, guiding you past the bed to the attached bathroom you didn’t notice. The marble on the counters and walls is beautiful black, white, and gold. There is a double sink, a shower that looks like it has enough shower heads for an entire house, and a large jacuzzi tub. 

You get lost in wonder at the richness of the bathroom alone. You know this is an Airbnb, but did they build this house to be an Airbnb, or did it just become one? Who needs that many shower heads? Your evident astonishment allows Yoongi to hug you from behind, catching you off guard. 

“Y/n, sorry. Pack, sorry,” he says softly as he rests his head on your shoulder. “Take bath. Relax. Then talk. Towel and clothes on toilet. Outside. I will guard.” With that, he leaves and shuts the bathroom door. 

Well, that apparently was not a suggestion. However, a bath does sound nice, and it would be the easiest way to clean up and keep your brace dry. Moving to the tub, you turn on the faucet and take notice of the different bath salts, scrubs, and bombs.  

After picking a violet and vanilla bath bomb, only because Yoongi did say to relax, you slowly undress. The slowness is not by choice. Yeah, buttons are not your friend anymore. Slipping into the bath, you think about your day. So much has happened in the last 24 or so hours.

1 - BTS shows up two weeks early when the big shots are still gone. 

2 - They hate all the Playmates we had offered for whatever reason.

3 - You (and they) sent mixed signals from their arrival.

4 - Yoongi and you got into an accident.

5 - You broke your wrist, which will take forever to heal.

6 - They want you to be a Playmate.

Now, you are kicking yourself for not attending some of the seminars on the second gender of hybrids. You learned what you do know about hybrids because you grew up with Evie and her pack.

Your mom moved you and your brother to California when you were still in elementary school. Your brother, however, was in high school already and tended to travel whenever he could; he still does this today. You might as well have been an only child. 

When you were unloading (getting in the way of) the moving truck, the neighbors noticed your attempts to help and decided to have you come over to their house. Once the beta Tabby hybrid noticed you ‘helping,’ he introduced you to Evie, and that was it. The two of you were hardly ever separated, so Evie’s family included you on some of their pack trips. 

The only thing was that Evie’s pack didn’t have an Alpha, so you never got to learn anything about them. With how strong Evie’s dad, Earl, was, the pack never sought out an Alpha. You didn’t have much exposure in Colorado; as far as you knew, Alphas were uncommon to run into.

Now, thinking back on it, you see that your mother seemed only to tolerate your visiting Evie’s pack house. Your mother, Earl, and his mate Gwen never did come to your house, nor did they ever really talk to your mother other than getting permission to take you on trips. You were only allowed to go if you met a list of chores or agreed to attend certain events; it was always a bartering challenge with your mother and these trips.

Plus, you were human, so why would it be something to worry about? You were in college before you saw more than one Alpha in a single day, much less several in a week.

“Manager-nim, we need your help. Miss Y/n’s wrist is broken, and she cannot use it for upwards of eight weeks,” states the Prime Alpha.

Taking a sharp breath, Manager Sejin starts formulating options: “How did she take it?”

“Well, she took that rather well? She is rightfully concerned about functioning in her day-to-day life without her dominant hand. Also concerned with her… umm… her employment,” Namjoon beats around the bush, not wanting to get yelled at by his manager for his proposal like he was from his pack.

Silence is what comes from the other side of the call. “Manager-nim?”

Placing the container, he is holding down and braces himself against the counter. Manager Sejin has been with the pack since the beginning, and he knows when Namjoon isn’t saying what really needs to be said. Sighing, he asks, “What did you do, now?” 

“I offered her to stay at the packhouse as I should, being the Prime Alpha. I told her we would care for her until she healed and that she would not have to worry about paying for anything while she was here. She did bring up concerns about her flat and other bills,” he paused, taking a breath, “so … itoldhertobecomeourPlaymate.”

The next thing Namjoon hears is animalistic chattering intermixed with very human cursing. Yeah, that’s not a good sign. Unless powerful emotions are involved, the manager is skilled at keeping his hybrid hamster behaviors at bay.

“Manager-nim, you see, it would keep her with us so we can fulfill our responsibilities as Alphas. It would allow her to work and not compromise her finances. Plus, it will allow her to get to know us while convincing her that she is our mate,” explains Namjoon, hoping their manager would be easier to convince than some of his mates.

A deep sigh is heard, “And how did she take that?”

“Umm... not well, actually,” reluctantly Namjoon answers.

“I can tell I am going to get a migraine from this,” Manager Sejin rubs his temple. "Continue.”

“She laughed, but not in a ‘that is funny’ kind of way but more of a ‘that’s crazy’ kind of way. She flat-out refused and wouldn’t let me explain before she basically said we were playing a mean joke on her,” explained Namjoon, realizing more and more how screwed up everything had become now.

“Let me guess– none of the pack tried to help convince her of this GRREEAAT option of yours?” snarkily asked Manager Sejin.

“They didn’t know. I-ah… I just blurted it out,” Namjoon sighed. “I was panicking.”

“It serves you right to have her refuse you. Hell, I would have, too, if I were her. Namjoon-ssi, you should know better! For someone so intelligent, sometimes you are…” sigh. “Never mind. Where is she now? Do I need to get a van ready? Do I need to get the lawyers ready?”

“No, no van or lawyers,” confirms Namjoon before he pauses to continue. “Well, she did threaten to call her friends to come get her, but that was before she left with Yoongi-hyung.”

“SHE LEFT WITH YOONGI!” Sejin jumps up from leaning on the counter and dashes towards the front door.

“NO! No, no, no, not like left the pack house left. He went back into Alpha Space. He told me to leave her alone and took her to his den.” After briefly pausing, he said, “It sounds like she is taking a bath. Hopefully, she will calm down. Jin-hyung is going to go and talk with them.”

Putting his keys back down, Sejin sighs in relief. “If anyone can get you out of this mess, it will be him. Namjoon-ssi, you are an incredible Prime Alpha, but you get weird when you get a new mate. I thought by now you would be better at it.

“Namjoon-ssi, I will investigate how to modify their contract with our lawyers. IF, and this is a big if, she agrees, you may have something. Is that okay?” says Manager Sejin to reassure that while he thinks this is the stupidest way to court a mate, he still supports Bangtan Pack.

“Please, Manager-nim. Maybe if she sees what we mean written down, it will also help. Oh, and the pack wants her to see our previous agreements with other Playmates,” he adds before he takes a deep breath and ends the call. Namjoon nods to his mates to confirm that their manager is working to help make this happen, allowing the pack to relax.

The turning on of a shower indicates that you are most likely just rinsing off from your bath and should be out soon. The pack turns to Seokjin as he narrows his eyes at Namjoon.

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Looking at the change of clothes left, you debate on even trying them. You are not sure if they would fit, but you remember seeing the random lives Lily has shown you and note that Yoongi tends to wear baggy clothes. 

You also know that whenever you are around Derek, and he is in one of his moods, he always feels better when you and Evie wear clothes he keeps around for the two of you that he has scented or has worn himself.

The struggle to put on your undergarments with damp skin ends in frustration. You give up, and they join the bundle of your clothes on the floor next to the sink. So, you go ahead and wear the provided sweatpants and hoodie, which luckily fit sans underwear. 

The smell of petrichor surrounds you, making you smile. Your family and human friends always thought you were strange because you loved the smell of fresh rain and wet earth. The hybrids you have met and connected with never seem to question your love for different and unique smells.

Looking at yourself in the mirror, you are happy at how soft and comfy the clothes are. The pants were tight on you but not uncomfortably so, and the hoodie was long enough to cover your backside, so no one could tell you weren’t wearing anything under them.

Wait… what does the big V on the hoodie stand for? You were curious enough to look at the tag, which proudly states that you are now wearing a Valentino Hoodie, of all things. 

Fuck! Why can’t he have a normal person’s hoodie for you to wear?

This is totally not like the Walmart sweater you lounge in at home. You don’t even want to try to figure out where the pants are from. For all you know, you could pay rent with the money it costs to buy what you’re wearing now.

Walking out of the bathroom, you are trying to twist a towel around your long hair and toss it on top of your head to reveal that Yoongi is no longer alone in the den. “Welcome to our den, Y/n. Sorry, it was not ready for guests, but well, you know. We all got here at the same time,” Seokjin says with a shy smile while Yoongi’s eyes roam your form covered in his clothes.

“Oh, I understand, Mr. Kim. I am sorry for coming into your den without your permission. I didn’t realize it was a shared den until after I was inside,” you bow slightly in apology, sending your hair towel spiraling to the floor. 

Grabbing the towel and standing up, you look around, not sure what you should do since Yoongi and Seokjin have taken the bed, and there is no other seating on this side of the room. Looking back at the two Alphas, you smile shyly. 

“Come here, dear. Let Yoongi-ah dry your hair while we talk.” Seokjin pats the bed between the two of them, and Yoongi holds up a hairbrush. “Yes, we do need to talk,” taking a deep, calming breath of petrichor, you sit cross-legged on the bed with your back to Yoongi. His hands go to your waist to help you scoot into the right spot. “Comfy?” he asks with his still Alphan eyes.

Attempting to ignore the tingle in your spine from his hands on you, you answer, “Yes, Alpha. I appreciate your help. Don’t worry about brushing too hard. I am used to having a multitude of knots that won’t come out.”

You don’t get to see Yoongi's look of confusion, but you do see Seokjin’s concern. “My hair likes to curl when wet, so it knots up quickly. I washed my hair this morning, so it's just wet from lying in the bath. There are no products in it anymore.”

Seokjin chuckles, “Y/n, you are more than welcome to use anything we have while you are here. Yoon offered you a bath, meaning you can use anything he offers.”

“I used the violet and vanilla bath bomb. Yoongi said to relax, and the smell of vanilla always helps me do that,” you commented to let the Alpha behind you know that you did accept his stuff to help you relax, as you were told. A bright smile graces both of the Alpha’s faces at your confession. The mate scent is comforting for you, which is making them feel more at ease.

“Dry, brush now. Relax more. Time to talk,” Yoongi says as he gently dries your locks with the towel you brought. “Are you okay if we talk, Y/n? I know today has been a lot for you. I will respect your request to leave you alone if that is what you really want,” Seokjin calmly states, but the pained worry in his expression has you nodding your head for him to continue. 

Seokjin expresses a little anger at the wolf hybrid downstairs, saying, “I will not excuse what Namjoon did. He didn’t talk with the rest of us before he proposed what he did, so we were shocked, as you were.”

“He didn’t? Is that why Yoongi said the pack was sorry?” you interrupted with a shocked look of disbelief.

“I am sure Yoongi heard us confront Namjoon once we knew you were upstairs,” he says, pointing to his tiny ferret-hybrid ears. So yes, the pack is sorry that the idea of you becoming our Playmate came out so… abruptly.”

Narrowing your eyes at his choice of words, you state, “But you are not sorry that he went for that option in the first place.”

Taking your good hand, Seokjin pushes out his cherry scent along with the vanilla to help keep you calm as he tries to salvage the offer; he explains, “Y/n, I am going to be straight with you. Our Prime Alpha will have a lot of begging to do to be back in the good graces of the rest of the pack for how he handled this, but what he offers… makes sense.” When you hear this, a scowl grows on your face, but you pause as the scent of cherries, rain, and vanilla fills your lungs. After a beat, you ask, “How? Why? I mean, like… really, how?” Pulling your hand closer, Seokjin focuses on his thumb, rubbing your forearm, his wrist brushing against yours. His eyes focus on the movement while he tries to think of the best way to explain the situation. Yoongi takes this moment to rest one leg on each side of yours and scoots closer, “I brush your hair.”

“What do you know of the Playmate contracts?” inquiries Seokjin. “Oh. Ah… Well, I know there are two kinds of contract: Companion or friend contract and partner or rut and heat-based contract. Both can be done individually, as a group, or as a sub-group. Doctors, lawyers, and managers are also involved. Honestly, that is all Derek’s department. I schedule meetings and set up health screenings and such. From my experiences, most of the American Hybrid Idols only take partner contracts.” “You are not wrong about the types, but it seems you may not have a clear understanding of their limits or allowances. Also, what one idol does will not imply what others will do,” clarifies the eldest Bangtan Packmate. “I get that,” you quickly say. “Derek said that due to hybrid health, most, if not all, companion contracts must include some partner option for heats and ruts. Especially if it is a longer-term contract.”

A soft huff is heard from behind you. You start to turn to look at Yoongi, only to have one of his hands slide around your shoulder and up your neck to your jaw. Your breath hitches at the movement, and you will yourself not melt into a puddle. 

“Keep looking at Jin-hyung, Y/n. Your hair is almost done.” Yoongi orders before moving his hand away and goes back to brushing the last bit of your hair. 

Blinking your eyes, you see a smirk on Seokjin’s face as his white little fluffy ears twitch in amusement. “Sorry, Alpha.” Looking past you, Seokjin says, “Welcome back, Yoongi-ah. Is your Alpha settled now?”

“Yes, Hyung. She smells like me, and that calmed him down quickly, though her sweet pea scent has not come out yet,” Yoongi answers with a slight husk at the end, showing his displeasure that you are still hiding from them.

Looking at your injured wrist, it dawns on you that you must have turned off your scent again. “Sorry– again. I do that without knowing sometimes, but it will come back… eventually.”

“No worries, Dear,” Seokjin says to dispel thoughts about forcing your scent to return. “Anyways, back to the contacts. Our Prime Alpha is having Manager Sejin gather our previous Playmate contracts to be brought over for you to review.” This comment has your eyes snapping to Seokjin quickly, as those are customarily kept quiet, but he explains, “We want you to see that we have never taken a Playmate for more than a companion. All ruts are handled within the packmates because we are a mate-bonded pack.” “Oh, so when he suggested I be your Playmate, it wasn’t a sex-driven conquest thing…” you nod in contemplation, “but that still doesn’t explain why. It explains that you aren’t taking advantage of me, but still…” Pulling you against his chest, Yoongi hugs you close. Leaning to where you can see his face, he smiles, “We would never take advantage of you, and do not think that because our past Playmates were not a sex-driven thing, we do not find you appealing.”

You blush at the implications of his words. Unable to hold his gaze, you try to clear your head and look at the older Alpha, “How can I be your Playmate?” “Simple,” he states. “Care for us.”

“Like it is that simple. I have a broken wrist," you argue back. “Caring for us, for a pack of Alphas, is different from how you have to care for your family pack.” Seokjin explains, “You were injured in an accident involving this pack. We all know that you will need assistance in caring for yourself and your things.” “As a respectful and responsible pack of Alphas, we will follow our instinct and culture to provide for you during this time. As Prime Alpha said, you will pay for nothing while you are with us. If you are contracted as a Playmate during that time, it will allow you to pay your rent, utility bills, etc.”

“Y/n,” Yoongi calls for your attention as he hooks your legs over his and turns you to see him better. “We… actually no. I will speak for myself. I will not be able to function well knowing that you are on your own trying to make things work.”

With his eyes flashing to his Alpha briefly, “My Alpha and I are not going to be able to go about our schedule without worrying about you all the time. At this point, I would prefer you stay as close as possible to me or a packmate. I can understand that it can be a bit much.”

“Having you by our side,” Seokjin chimes in, “granting our Alphas to express the instinct to care for you will be your way of fulfilling the contract.” Looking between them, your head swims, “What about the domestic stuff? I hear about Playmates talking about laundry, making sure their idols eat, and stuff like that.”

Clearing someone’s throat quickly draws your attention to the den door. A few other packmates are shyly standing just outside the threshold. In the middle of the gathering, Jungkook says, “You won’t have to do any of that, Y/N, we really want to take care of you. We want to treat you right. We want to support you.”

“Come in, my loves,” Seokjin calls.

At his permission, Jungkook bounds forward and kneels on the floor at your feet, resting his head on your knees again. Taehyung joins him on the floor and leans against Seokjin. Hoseok and Jimin also sit on the floor. Looking toward the door, you wait for the Prime Alpha to come in, too, but no one else does. Confusion and almost a hurt look come to your face for a moment before you look at the boys present. 

The next to speak up is Hoseok, “Namjoon-ah is waiting for Manager Sejin downstairs. He didn’t think you would want to see him right now. He knows he went about this wrong, but let him come to you, and don’t go easy on him. His primeness can be on his knees, and groveling a little won’t hurt him.”

This causes you to blush and giggle, causing the whole room to smile. The scents of cherries, rain, snickerdoodles, ebony, oranges, and lilac fill the room like potpourri with a warm vanilla underneath. Slowly, you relax a little more as the scent of your (unknown to you) mates rolls over you. You lean into Yoongi, seeking the comfort of his presence in the now-filled room. “Thank you all for coming up here. Seokjin explained to me that Prime Alpha's action was a surprise for all of us,” you say, looking around at the boys on the floor as they nod.

“It is just so much right now for me. I am overwhelmed. It has been explained that it wasn’t meant as some big joke, and you are trying to follow instincts—instincts I don’t know anything about.” Looking back at your hands, you ask, “If you would explain what you each would expect, I think that would help.”

With a soft bump of his nose on your cheek, you look at Yoongi, “You already know where I stand. Before this whole mess, my Alpha made that clear outside on the deck.”

“I want to ensure that you are eating well to be healthy and happy,” Seokjin claims.

“For me,” Hoseok says, “I want to help keep you laughing during the hard times.”

“A friend. I know you have your family pack, but I hope to be your friend while you are with this pack. Be someone you can go to,” Jimin shyly says while looking around at his mates and then you.

“Expression: I hope to help you find a way to confidently express yourself around me and others,” Taehyung adds.

“Cuddles, pets, scratches, umm... More cuddles. Just think of me as your personal stress ball or life-sized stuffed bunny,” Jungkook purrs as you run your fingers through his hair.

“I will be whatever you need me to be,” Namjoon says from the hall just out of the doorway. “And I will do what needs to be done to earn your forgiveness and trust as Prime Alpha, even if I have to borrow some knee pads.”

Namjoon looks around the room with a hesitant smile and settles his gaze back on you. “Miss Y/L/N and mates, please join me and Manager Sejin downstairs. We have some things to discuss.”

“He wasn’t lying,” you softly say with realization.

“Who?” Manager Sejin asks.

“Seokjin. I mean, Mr. Kim… said they never took a Playmate for more than being a companion. None of these have the rut clause, and to top it off, most have a clause to ensure that the Playmate understands it is not even on the table for discussion.”

“That is correct; the Bangtan Pack only satisfies their ruts within their mate-bonded pack,” further confirms their long-time manager. “They ask Playmates to have someone other than their mates to find friends and hang out. It can be a bit much, even with them being mated, to always have a bunch of men around.”

“Friends,” you say, nodding. “I can do that, but I cannot do all the other services listed in these contracts. Manager Sejin, how will this even get approved by PMS? I don’t qualify to be a Playmate.” 

“Miss Y/n, sit down and let us go over the contract that Namjoon-ssi and I drafted for you. Maybe it will help if you see the modifications already approved by your employer,” offers the hamster hybrid.

Taking a seat, the two of you go over the contract clause by clause. It broke down to say,

1—You wouldn’t be expected to do any housework, cooking, lifting, working out, driving, or video gaming (Manager Sejin said it needed to be there because of the Maknea line) until medically cleared.

2—The Prime Alpha himself would pay for all of the expenses while you were staying at the pack house during the contract period.

3—Big Hit would grant a salary of more than enough for your flat, utilities, and other regular bills. Honestly, it was enough to pay off your useless student loan, too.

4—The contract lasted for eight weeks and can be extended or modified at your or Bangtan Pack's request and subsequent agreement. But what caught your attention the most was that they had omitted the ruts clause, which prompted you to ask, “Manager Sejin, What about the rut clause?”

“Ah yes, let me get Namjoon-ssi for that one,” he says while getting up and retrieving the Prime Alpha from the living where they were all waiting. “Hello, Miss Y/L/N. Manager Sejin said you had a question about the contract for me?” Namjoon questions as he sits beside the manager on the other side of the table. “Yes,” you sit up, trying to maintain professionalism. “I have gone over the contact, and while your manager has explained it well, I have one that you must answer.” Looking him dead in the eye, which causes the Prime Alpha to shift in his seat, you ask, “Why is there no rut clause in the proposed contract? I thought you said that was in it?”

You would never outwardly admit, especially right now, how cutely red his face became when you asked, “Umm… well... There are a couple of reasons.” Licking his lips, Namjoon glanced at Manager Sejin, who only looked amused and couldn’t wait to hear what he would come up with. “Firstly, right now, none of the pack are set to have a rut within the time Dr. Blackwell said you would need to heal or during the length of the North American leg of the tour. However, and I guess this is more of the real reason why some of the mates have expressed a concern… well, the pack is not…” “Prime Alpha, I get it. The elder Mr. Kim and Yoongi expressed that I may be appealing,” you smile only to cover the slight pang of hurt as you say, “but that doesn’t mean any of you would want me that way.”

Manager Sejin shakes his head as confusion fills Namjoon's face, “No, no… God, why am I so bad at this?” Namjoon says, running his hands over his face.

“You are appealing, very much so, and the rut clause is not in the contract because the pack doesn’t want you to think that skinship is off the table,” Jungkook startles the three of you from the hall. “I'm Sorry, Joonie-hyung. We could all hear you floundering, and I couldn’t take it anymore,” he says, walking in and sitting next to you. “Thank you, Kookie. You all know I can get lost for the right words sometimes,” admits Namjoon. “Mr. Jeon, why would not having the rut clause in the contract make you think that?” you ask, turning to give him your full attention. You do catch the slight frown at the use of his last name.

“Skinship consists of many things: hugs, holding hands, sniff kisses, pecks on the head or cheeks, massaging, cuddling, and scenting, to name a few. At this point, you and I have done a few of these. You also have done some with Yoongi and…” Jungkook takes hold of your good hand and brings your wrist to his nose. Sniffing, a smile beams on his face, and his leg starts to bounce, “Yep, and Jinnie-hyung also scented you.” “Miss Y/L/N, many Playmates take these actions as openings or requests to have intercourse with us. That is not what we have wanted from any of them. Therefore, it is why that rut clause is always added to their contracts,” Namjoon adds. “Oh. I am not used to skinship outside my family pack,” glancing at Namjoon and then at Jungkook. “But… It felt comforting: Yoongi’s hugs, your cuddles, and the elder Mr. Kim’s scenting. While I am not used to it, it does feel nice.”

A slight blush heats your face and neck. Thinking back to the comfort of Yoongi holding you, the calmness Jungkook and Seokjin brought you, and the warmth you felt in Hoseok's arms. All the men in the room smile at your confession.

“Good, I would have been very sad if I had to stop cuddling with you, Y/n,” Jungkook says while playing with your fingers. 

“Miss Y/n,” Manager Sejin calls your attention, “Does that mean you will agree to this contract? I can send it for finalization and set a meeting for final approval?”

Your eyes drop to the proposed contract before you. If approved, the empty line above the word ‘Playmate’ feels like it would change everything if you placed your signature there. Taking a deep breath, you smell the vanilla again, mixed with a leather-like smell and holiday cookies.

First enters Jungkook, followed by Namjoon, both dawning looks of concern.

“What happened?” asked Taehyung.

“Did she agree?” inquired Jimin.

“Do not tell me – we lost her already,” demands Seokjin.

Yoongi stands from his seat and heads toward the dining room to try one more time to talk you into staying. However, he stops when you enter the room, holding all the contracts the pack has held.

“Yoongi, Hoseok, Taehyung, Jimin,” you call their names as your eyes look over the room and end on the last one, “Seokjin.”

The boys and their Alphas shudder at having you say their actual names. Each step forward, like you are taking a roll call as they wait for some indication of what is happening.

With a deep and respectful 90-degree bow, you say in Korean, “My name is Y/L/N, Y/N. I put myself in your hands as your new Playmate.”

Previous / Next

Taglist - CLOSED

@braveangel777 @bethanysnow @smileykiddie08 @kayways @danielle143 @nenefix-on @im-gemmy @fluffy-canada-pancakes @staytinyville @juju-227592 @levislifeline @carolinexkpop @m00njinnie @drenix004 @singukieee @avadakadabra93 @dazzlingjade @sehun096rainbow @sunshinecallie @seoullove96 @reallysparklychaos @tired7o7 @channiespup @cryingpages @kittycatkrissa @hijabae2019 @captain-joongz @roseidol @hecateslittlewitchling

[gwheelerinvestigation]

Comprehensive Timeline of the Events So Far

it's come to my attention that my old timeline was probably very outdated.

1950s-1970s: MKUltra. Some crazy advancement is made that allows later events to take place.

1992-2001: The Living Brain Project. A multinational team made up of hundreds of researchers - many of them former war criminals from Nazi Germany, Japan, and Spain - is conscripted by the US government for a top-secret project. This project involved creating and then killing 999 Simulacra, and mixing their souls/code together to create an amalgamation called the Living Brain, which was portioned into exactly 14,985 flash drives.

3/30/2008: Years after the project was canned by the government, the Alaskan facility that housed the Living Brain Project is entered again for an unknown purpose.

2008-2009: "C.J.", last name unknown, somehow obtains parts of the Living Brain Project Material and begins using it to develop AI beings for a video game that became known as Urrezko Kaiola.

2009-2011: Urrezko Kaiola is beta tested. There are 28 people known to have been involved with the project, including C.J., Abigail and Caroline Wheeler, Jesus "Carmello" de la Rosa, Ross J. Blackwood, Ashton Alexander, Je-eun and Seo-hyun Park, Sarah Williams, Rose Bennett, Eric Ramirez, Kieran M. Jacobs, Kenneth G. Peterson, Maria and David Taylor, and Joshua Campbell.

Early 2012: Urrezko Kaiola is finished.

November 2012: Sarah Williams is found dead. Coroner's report indicates she was electrocuted, death ruled an accident.

May 2013: Abigail Wheeler goes missing.

1/31/2014: Abigail Wheeler is declared dead.

March 2014: Eric Ramirez is found dead in his house by a mailman with two gunshot wounds, one in his chest and one in his head. Death ruled suicide (how was it ruled a suicide?)

4/13/2014: my sister Caroline Wheeler attempts to murder a man, presumed to be C.J., with an illegally owned pistol, but he survives due to body armor. one onlooker is injured. Caroline is arrested.

June 2014: I inherit my sister Abigail's laptop. On it is a game that I played a lot as a bored young teenager. Only recently did I find out that it was apparently an earlier version of a game that would be released to the public much later (see 9/22/2017)

July 2014: Ross J. Blackwood goes missing. He was declared dead within two weeks of his disappearance (why so fast?)

7/31/2014: Caroline Wheeler is sentenced to 9-13 years in prison + 10 years of probation for attempted murder, aggravated assault, and other charges. She would much later make up a false story that I believed for years that she was falsely convicted for Abigail's disappearance instead.

Sometime in 2014: Ashton Alexander breaks into the complex that houses Urrezko Kaiola. He is caught and arrested, and imprisoned for five to six years for breaking and entering.

Summer 2015: Jesus "Carmello" de la Rosa goes missing. As of writing he has not been declared dead. The California property that houses Urrezko Kaiola's systems is allegedly still registered in his name.

December 2015: Kenneth G. Peterson dies in a shootout with the LAPD after a carjacking turned into a shootout.

May 2016: Rose Bennett goes missing.

July 2017: Maria and David Taylor are killed in a drive-by shooting. No suspects were ever arrested.

9/22/2017: Doki Doki Literature Club!!, a polished version of the horror game I played as a kid, is released. This might have Living Brain involvement as well. It was supposedly made by a guy named Dan Salvato.

Spring 2018: Je-eun and Seo-hyun Park are kidnapped at Jeju International Airport by undercover North Korean agents and smuggled across the border. (were they defectors?)

Summer 2018: An album called Urrezko kaiola is released by a Basque punk rock band. (is this even related? coincidence?) at this point, i'm pretty sure this is not related. but i'm keeping it on the timeline cause i like the song

2019: Kieran M. Jacobs goes missing.

January 2020: Ashton Alexander is released from prison.

3/30/2020: Urrezko Kaiola begins being released for consumption for free on the internet with Chapter Zero. Allegedly this version is "sanitized", lacking many of the more overtly dangerous/potentially supernatural elements of the original version. (similarity with DDLC?)

4/3/2020: Chapter One is released.

4/11/2020: Chapter Two is released.

4/13/2020: I get into contact with Ashton Alexander, the other only beta tester I've yet found besides my sisters.

Also 4/13/2020: Another entry into the former Living Brain Project facility is made.

9/5/2020: Chapter Three is released.

9/19/2020: Chapter Four is released.

September 2020: Ashton begins exhibiting strange behaviors and not answering calls. When he can be heard from, he is incoherent.

October 2020: K begins investigating both the events of Urrezko Kaiola and the Living Brain Project.

12/5/2020: Chapter Five is released.

3/8/2021: Chapter Six is released.

3/11/2021: Another entry to the Living Brain Project facility is made, that cannot be accounted for by K's entries.

9/16/2021: I get burgers with Ashton. He ominously states that he "has to do something" and "has to finish his work" before bolting into traffic. When I finally find him, he's leaning over the bridge. He says that this is the last step he needs to take to be "whole". He implores me to "take notes" and "watch what happens next", before jumping off of the 500' drop off the bridge. His body is never discovered.

Also 9/16/2021: Chapter Seven is released.

February 2022: I begin investigating the strange AI characters in earnest.

11/17/2022: Due to the degradation of the platform under Elon Musk, the Urrezko Kaiola characters stage a mass exodus of Twitter (now known as X).

12/4/2022: I create this Tumblr account.

8/21/2023: Chapter Eight is released.

[horrorsequel]

doing two for one

finally doing these things @horrorcomedies tagged me in <3

rules: tag 10 people you want to know better!

relationship status: the most single a man has ever been

fav color: pink, orange, yellow....really all of them but i will stop there

song stuck in your head: anthony's song - billy joel but specifically the nightcore version

last song you listened to: after typing the last answer, i had to pull up the video, so. that.

3 fav foods: peanut avocado rolls, salt and vinegar chips, anything with flowers in it, p much

last thing you googled: samsung worm emoji

dream trip: i really don't know cos like... idk traveling always goes bad for me so i have slightly cooled on the idea, but i DO really wanna go visit all my friends, and two of my besties are in minnesota so tHERE? also would love to go back to AUS or go to Ireland or Scotland. oh shit also i wanna go on one of those alaskan cruises... cold cruise. :)

anything l want right now: I think i need. a dnd (or other ttrpg) group REAL bad. I'm finally getting my health in order again for the first time since high school and I would love to just spend time goofing off with people

______

9 people you want to know better!

last song i listened to: okay well. we know the answer. (i'm listening to My Life nightcore now)

currently watching: rewatching a bunch of british sitcoms and variety shows i really liked as a kid/teen. MASH. watching h2o just add water with my mom. my parents always turn on Suits when i'm in the room cos they think I want to watch it but i don't lmaoooo. i stay in the room tho so ig i'm not doing anything to dissuade them

currently reading: Right Ho, Jeeves! i beleive is the name of the volume i'm on now lol. love that little bitch. also Beautiful You by chuck palahniuk

current obsession: crocheting and Jeeves and Wooster. all i do is crochet while watching Jeeves & Wooster or listening to the audio books. All i think about is crochet. It's all i want to do all the time. it's so fun tagging: @b0ytron @princessmo @holoprisms @wokeuplaughing @oblivioustoast @ohgirliepleasee @bisopod @skeletood @interlibraryloan @halfvampires & anyone else who wants to have some 2012 style fun

[citrusella-flugpucker]

FWIW, none of the pictured shows have reading (love of reading OR science of reading) as a core learning objective, like the kind that they would get notes from PBS to include specific standards-aligned content on--only one I can bring to mind that gets close is actually one you slightly cut off (and Sesame Street, completely absent from screenshot):

Alma's Way is critical thinking

Arthur (which is no longer airing new episodes) is kind of a pro-social mishmosh. It's based on a book series but doesn't feature reading as a core curricular goal.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about That (canceled awhile back, IIRC) has more to do with STEM and critical thinking. (Based on a book, reading not core objective)

Clifford IIRC is pro-social. (Book based, reading not core objective)

Curious George (ended) is scientific thinking (Book based, reading not core objective)

Cyberchase is The Math Show (with science sprinkled in more on later seasons)

Daniel Tiger is pro-social.

Design Squad (all versions, all of which are ended IIRC) is STEM (engineering, usually) for around 12 year olds.

Dinosaur Train (ended) is pro-social woven with some dinosaur facts

Donkey Hodie is pro-social, IIRC.

Elinor Wonders Why is scientific thinking and investigation

Hero Elementary is scientific thinking

...I have no idea about Jamming on the Job. Without looking up clips I have no idea if reading is a core goal or not.

Jelly, Ben, and Pogo is shorts that IIRC are pro-social but might be STEM?

Let's Go Luna (ended) is cultural differences and understanding (i.e. "here are some traditions some people in Mexico might do at certain times, isn't it cool we're all different and also kind of the same?")

Lyla in the Loop is problem solving and critical thinking

Molly of Denali (cut off in the picture) does feature information literacy as a core objective, which usually takes the form of "oh, we can look in the index to find where in a book to find info quickly" or "not everything on the internet is true" or "if I compile this information, other people will be able to refer to it later", that kind of thing. It's the first cartoon to feature an Alaskan Native protagonist so aspects of Alaska Native cultures and history also prominently feature.

(Most of these (if it's not their core conceit) also have pro-social aspects like apologizing when you hurt someone, solving conflict, that kind of thing)

What OP is referring to is a real thing that did start occurring around when the US DOE changed its focus in regards to the best way to teach kids to read. Stuff like Reading Rainbow, Wishbone, and BtL were mostly love-of-reading focused, i.e. more like "here's a story, kids, ain't it cool?" (though BtL featured quite a lot of science of reading type instruction, i.e. teaching certain letter sounds, language rules, etc.).

At some point it became easier to get funding for shows that were far more science-of-reading focused, like WordWorld or 2009 Electric Company. Some of these tried to be like "reading is cool and fun" but they didn't really seem to garner the same interest or longevity as the older shows. (WordWorld lasted 3 years, Electric Company 5.) WordGirl was a little more focused on vocabulary (and for slightly older kids) and stayed on a bit longer (and with a bigger following), from 2007 to 2015 (8 years).

There are currently no PBS Kids shows that are still in production (other than some aspects of Sesame Street, which does... a lot of things) that specifically focus on foundational reading (either love-of-reading or rules of reading). They have reran things like WordWorld or WordGirl on their 24 hour channel, but there's not really anything more recent.

This is a little of a side thing, but: If I try to search by concept for foundational reading aimed at K-2 on PBS Learning Media (a site for teachers), most of the content is from lower production value stuff that's not aired on TV (or even on the PBS Kids app, AFAICT) or it's from a show that's over, like BtL or Electric Company. (If I search for preschool ELA specifically I do get some Sesame Street relatively early but it also gives me the non-TV stuff (though more of it is "let's read a story" focused than the K-2 search was).)

By comparison, K-2 math and science favor the same not-for-TV content package but show TV series connected content (and more recent shows at that) sooner in the results. (Engineering in particular causes Lyla in the Loop to DOMINATE the K-2 results.)

There is apparently a literacy series in the pipeline but no announced air date, though.

TL;DR: No PBS Kids shows hate reading or anything, but shows that explicitly teach it are largely absent from the schedule. There's one known series soon to come, maybe, but the specific kind of show OP refers to is noticeably absent from current PBS Kids fare.

(...I'm worried this sounds like a callout. It's not a callout. I just really like PBS lol)

We need to bring back children’s programming that focuses on reading. I’m so serious

[rebeccareviews]

Finley: A Moose on the Caboose written by Candace Spizzirri with art by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

Finley: A Moose on the Caboose is a unique and fun adventure about a friendly moose who wants to travel the world via train. Candace Spizzirri’s light and funny story is easy-to-follow while Chantelle and Burgen Thorne's charming illustrations are so memorably cute!

Friendly Alaskan Moose Finley spends his mornings happily greeting passengers arriving at Talkeetna Station. His big dream is to travel the world via the rails. One day, he hops aboard the train to fulfil his dream. However, rules are rules and Conductor Jones declares that wild animals are not allowed on board! Determined Finley refuses to give up and cycles through hilarious disguises in his quest to stay on that train. But, Conductor Jones sees straight through every costume and poor Finley gets booted from the train every time. However, one day, something unexpected happens to the train. With courage and heart, Finley comes to the rescue, showing the conductor and readers that some rules can be changed!

This is a very entertaining, endearing, and easy–to-read adventure! The short sentences and simple dialogue are kid-friendly with approachable words. Young readers will particularly love that the narrative is filled with fun words and sounds that they can make while reading out loud.

Finley is such a sweet and adorable moose! I particularly love his friendliness, perseverance, and resourcefulness. He never gives up no matter the obstacles in his path. His determination and resilience are such great qualities that readers can try to replicate. I especially love how helpful and kind he is. Both kids and adults can definitely learn from Finley’s big heart and bravery!

Chantelle and Burgen Thorne’s beautiful full-colour and full-page illustrations are so wonderful! Every single page shines with fun, humour, and amazing little details. Finley is an adorable moose with his fuzzy happy face and impressive antlers. His expressions are just heartfelt and golden! I love his ever present little bluebird friend who lives on Finley’s antlers and who even gets in on the costume antics! The disguises had me giggling! The Christmas tree and hot dog outfits (complete with the sweet bluebird wearing a Santa hat and a mustard bottle, respectively) are particularly memorable! I also love the depiction of the beautiful Alaskan natural scenery as well as the diversity of the human characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review.

🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌 out of 5 friendly mooses!

[focushomeschoolss]

Things to Know Before Starting a Teaching Career in Alaska

Talking about teaching, not every state has the same rules and regulations. Even though teaching is a career mostly every person dreams of, being a teacher isn't that easy. Planning to teach in Alaska? From the homeschool curriculum in Alaska to the certification, there are many things one must know before being a teacher here. So here is everything you need to know. 1. Culture In Alaska, there are a variety of cultures that one should be aware of. Inuit, Aleut, and Athabascan civilizations are only a few of the indigenous peoples. Knowing your students' culture is crucial because it will help you understand which cultures are prevalent in the area where you live and teach. So make sure to meet these civilizations' local authorities. Also, take part in their festivities and activities to understand better. 2. Opportunity According to the reports, The total estimates that Alaska has roughly is : ● 1,000 instructors of kindergarten ● 3,000 instructors in primary schools ● 1,300 teachers in intermediate schools ● 2,300 teachers in high schools Math, science, social studies, and special education instructors are in short supply in the state. Therefore, this indicates Alaska offers several prospects if you teach these courses. 3. Salary Not only students get the benefit of homeschool allotment in Alaska. For a teacher in the state of Alaska, the average yearly pay is $71,460. Therefore, this means the remuneration for teachers is typically substantially greater than the national average! However, compared to other states, Alaska also has a greater cost of living. 4. Qualification To be certified in Alaska, a teacher must possess at least a bachelor's degree. The state recognizes bachelor's degrees from authorized institutions in any major. Teachers must complete an approved educator preparation program in addition to having a bachelor's degree. 5. License In order to get certified, you must submit an application for your teaching credential in Alaska. You can apply for an out-of-state teacher certificate if you currently hold a teaching license from another state. If not, you should submit an application for an initial teaching certificate while finishing your degree at an Alaskan teacher preparation program. Pros of Teaching in Alaska Talking about teaching in Alaska, there are many opportunities. To know here are some : ● Because the teachers often remain longer, they are more familiar with Alaskan towns, and matters like the homeschool curriculum in Alaska.  As a result, it produces superior results for kids. And this is why Alaska-trained teachers are in high demand. ● Less sick days and personal leave days mean that Alaskan teachers work an average of 189 days annually. Teachers' benefits packages include medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. ● Similar to benefits for students such as homeschool allotment in Alaska, teachers too have benefits. Teachers can choose from a number of remuneration alternatives upon retirement, including a lump sum payment and a lifetime annuity. ● Alaska enforced an 8-year vesting period for teachers enrolled in the pension plan. A pension is available to educators after 8 years of employment.

[anonymouslosersworld]

𓂀 𝔽𝕣𝕒𝕦𝕕 𓂀

Characters: Bonten

Genre: (F)

requested by : @emperorwriter

Warning :

Prompt: Reader comes off as soft and innocent, however, that’s a mask. The truth is she’s very good at fighting plus scary dog privileges

[Rules/Guidelines] {Masterlist 1} {Masterlist 2}

When Mikey first introduced you after announcing that you would be joining them they expected to see a man, not a woman.

Not that they minded of course but you just... didn't fit the aesthetic or image of a high-ranking criminal like them. You looked like someone's innocent's sweet sister/daughter who could do no harm to anyone. In all honesty, you reminded Takeomi of his baby sister Senju.

Your words were sweet and you tended to come off as soft in many situations. More often or not Takeomi would call you his sisters name in the beginning while Mikey kept his comments to himself.

They were all very wary of you, thinking you couldn't really deal with Bonten business. Sanzu especially treated you like a helpless little child in over your head. Which you quickly fixed when you baited him and rewarded him with a knife near his family jewels with you kabedonning him.

"Be a good boy and stop treating me like a kid okay?" Your voice no longer carried the sweet tone he had come to be familiar with. The knife literally centimeters away between his legs was deeply lodged inside the cushion of the chair.

Sanzu stayed quite still in shock from being baited and nearly being departed from his balls.

"Are you listening to me?!" You say condescendingly before taking a second knife and stabbing the area next to his head cutting his cheek causing it to bleed. Your hand grips his face forcing his cheeks to squish together and you playfully let the fat of his cheeks settle.

"The next time I won't miss. Understand?"

Sanzu nodded without a word still in shock from your change.

"Good boy."

You lick the cut on his cheek and pull the knives away from him. You place them back where they originally were and took out a cute little bandaid you had. Once the bandaid was placed you kissed it like he was a little child needing comfort and then left giving Sanzu the biggest whiplash he ever received in his life.

Mocchi received the same treatment after he pissed you off in a meeting. He unlike Sanzu and Mikey believed a woman like you shouldn't have a place with them. But since you already know too much you should be killed.

"Didn't you just say I was incompetent?"

"You are."

"Then how would I know too much if I don't know how to do my job?."

"w-ell you..you-"

"Well, I...I what? if I'm as incompetent as you say then I should know nothing about Bonten since Sanzu does my job right??."

" you've seen us!"

"Anyone who's anyone knows who you are, why haven't you killed them?"

You sigh tired of dealing with him, your patience fading quickly as he doesn't come up with an answer. Almost as if they picked up your anger and weariness your faithful companions leaped at the chance to help you. With only moments they tear into Mocchi's clothes leaving him with tattered clothing. Your fingers snap twice before they retreat back to you leaving an intimidated Mocchi. who clearly had no idea why suddenly he was surrounded by "vicious dogs"

That's when they find out you don't travel alone. You don't have one, not two, you have almost a herd in Mocchi's opinion.

You only had a pair of Dobermanns, a Tibetan mastiff, 2 Giant Alaskan Malamute, and a wolfdog.

maybe just maybe you had a (4) Rottweiler at home.

how could you say no to such cute faces?? Anyway, you mostly take turns taking which dogs you take with you.

On Mondays- Tibetan mastiff

Tuesdays - It's the Dobermanns

Wednesday - its's Giant Alaskan Malamute

Thursday - the wolfdog

Friday - Rottweiler (all 4 of them)

Now, do they terrorize Bonten?

yes.

Do they love messing with Bonten's executive underlings?

Yes.

Do they to ruin Kokonoi's luxury brand rich person shoes?

yes.

But does Bonten retaliate?

No.

This is why Kokonoi, Mochi, Rindou, Sanzu and ran booked straight to the meeting table (as if the table stopped your precious little puppies.) while Kaku tried so hard to calm them all down.

one of you little "Demon spawn" Mocchi liked to calm them managed to snag his shoe as Sanzu was clinging onto Rindou and poor Rindou was being shaken in Sanzu's panic and shoves Mocchi off the table.

Ran salutes Mocchi as your dogs decide to pay attention to the thing that just dropped.

"I salute you soldier for your brave sacrifice." Before the trio starts cackling like the hyenas in the lion king.

Almost on the dot timing Mikey and you walked in with your other dog goofing off together as your other dog joined the other terrorizing.

"Today's such a good day."

[beomglocks]

alSOALSO since you said yeonjun is a rich!dilf, any headcanons on this cuz im just all over the place with aotm yeonjun😩!!! HE IS JUST SO FINE GODDAMNIT-

well here’s this gif then ^ 🤗

richdilf!yeonjun headcanons

warnings & other: ofc writing this assuming the reader is LEGAL and of age, if you’re not comfortable w age gaps dni!, this is short bc i wanna save the good stuff for an actual fic 🤗

is actually really nice???

like i feel like he would meet you by coming up to you if you’ve spilled coffee on yourself by bumping into him (or something like that) and he’s like let me buy you a new shirt

like huh

a new shirt???

usually, people will just offer to help you clean up (;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`)

why would you refuse i mean

look at him

that's when you find out he's rich asf

like corporate rich

he walks with a confident dominant aura as if no one can touch him

because no one can

good thing he’s nice tho!

definitely has a set of rules

if you break any of them good luck charlie

will shove a vibrator in you and make you beg for forgiveness

he doesn’t play and he doesn’t take shit

but tbh riling him up is fun

bc you'll get a good couple of orgasms from it

is into some outlandish kinks too

you have a safe word

anyways rich dilf

has 2 kids

who are probably spoiled brats

maknae line

but you see he likes you bc you don’t really care abt his money all that much

this is why you always get gifts and presents from him

really wanted a sub to spoil and someone to have to pleasure him

he’s busy and barely has time for his actual wife

lol that’s where you come in

giving head in the office after hours is probably his favorite vibe

it’s yeonjun so obviously possessiveness trope

hates seeing you around other men

hates bringing you to events

hates when people stare at you for too long

just hates that other people have to perceive you like why can’t he be the only one to know of your existence

nicki minaj said it best

rich sex

y’all fuck in expensive places

his bugatti veyron that’s always parked outside his house bc he never uses it

his alaskan king size bed (that you notice he normally sleeps alone in)

random luxury restaurant he took you to just bc you gave him good head the other day

don’t be surprised if one day you’re greeted by the sight of dollar bills covering the bed and new lingerie set

a note in fancy letters saying “ill be home in a bit”

[xoxo-teddybear]

His Home - Bakugou Katsuki

Bakugou x f!reader

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Injury, Blood, Sexual harassment, implied rape, murder, NOT SPELL CHECKED

BAKUGOU’S MASTERLIST

Request: So could you write a husbandbakugo x wifereader where when bakugou is away on a mission or anything, there's a villain who break into his house and kidnapped her (the reader is not a hero). And please be a happy ending :) but the rest is up to you💕

It’s been 2 weeks. 2 weeks too long for Katsuki and his family. Pro Hero Dynamight had been recruited on a mission to stop a drug dealing case out in the states, leaving his beloved son and loving wife behind. Even though Y/N wasn’t a pro herself, she could still take care of herself really well, including their baby boy. After constant reassurance that they’d be fine, Katsuki was okay with leaving for a few days.

A few days. A few days, NOT WEEKS. He had been gone for too long. Of course he trusted his wife to protect herself and their son, but he didn’t want her to have to protect them. After arguing with the chief of the mission, coming to a conclusion, and stopping the entire case himself in desperation of getting home, Dynamight could finally return home to his family. At least....that’s what he thought.

Bakugou drove home quite quickly in hopes of being smothered with love and affection from his son and wife, but as he pulled in, he noticed something was...... off. The porch light wasn’t on, it was too early for the lights in the house to be off, and even the cold chilly air stilled in silence gave him all the indications of something being in distraught. He quickly exited his car and slammed the door shut, forgetting to lock the vehicle as he hurriedly jammed the house key into the lock and busted the door wide open.

“Y/N!....Y/N?!....Katsuo??!” The blonde cried out. When his eyes finally settled to the dark atmosphere, he noticed how the bright moon lighted the house to show the terror that lay in. Glass and plates smashed on the grown, shelves and book cases thrown around, the T.V fallen from above the fireplace that had soot, ash, and stray wood surrounding it. He looked over and saw the couch out of place and on it, his unconscious child covered in scratches. Katsuki quickly ran to him to check on his poor boy.

“Katsuo,” the older blonde exclaimed as he shook his double awake, “please, wake up! Katsuo!” With a final shake, the child finally began to open his eyes and adjust to what he saw. A shadow of a man shaking him.

“Ahhh! Please, please don’t hurt me! Please! I didn’t do anything!” The younger blonde cried out and hugged himself in fear. Katsuki’s heart broke seeing his son in such fear. Who the hell did this to his poor boy.

“Katsuo! No, no, no, no, no. It’s me, it’s dad.” Katsuki reassured his son as he rubbed his back to calm him down. Katsuo turned to the man with teary eyes in shock and relief.

“Dad?” The boy questioned as he got a better look. Once he confirmed it was his father, he jumped into his arms.

“Dad! It’s you!” The boy sobbed into his father’s chest. Katsuki grabbed onto the boy, hugging him tighter as if the world was going to end, as he whispered reassurance into his ear.

“It’s me buddy, it’s me. Are you okay? Are you hurt? Who did this to you?” Bakugou asked as he examined his son’s body. The young blonde had his gray sweats teared, his white socks covered in soot and stains of blood along with his white tee.

As the child wiped his eyes, and looked at his father, he apologized.

“I’m sorry, dad.” The boy looked down in shame. Bakugou was so confused. What could his child be apologizing for at a time like this?

“I wasn’t strong enough.”

Oh, why did his son have to be exactly like him. Katsuki had to hold him once more to tell him it was all okay.

“Katsuo, none of this is your fault.” Bakugou said while holding onto his precious child.

“...These 3 men..they came in with a briefcase and said they wanted to “get something to trade.” They broke open the door as me and mom were watching T.V and told us to go with them. Mom put up a good fight, and I tried to help. I used my quirk to blow up the case they brought with them. After that though, the knocked me out. I see mom is gone, so they must’ve taken her and left me behind. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything else.” The younger blonde said in shame once more.

“Katsuo....I’m so proud of you.” With those words, Katsuo looked up to his father in confusion.

“You’re 5 years old and you took great action to protect yourself and your mom. Not a lot of kids could do what you just did. I’m proud of you, and I’m so glad you’re okay son.” Bakugou said. His child finally showing a smile with a face identical to Katsuki’s and E/C eyes that replicated yours.

“Thanks dad.” The young boy said as his father picked him up.

“Of course. You’ll be an incredible hero in the future. The best of the best. I know it.” Bakugou said as he carried his son to the bathroom. “Let’s wash you up, change your clothes and get you to bed. You had a long night.”

“But what about mom? Shouldnt we go look for her.” Katsuo said in worry.

“Of course we will son. I will do everything in my power to bring her home to us as quickly as possible. That’s a promise, but right now, my priority is making sure everything is straight here at home. You’re mother is the strongest person I know, she will be okay, but I have to take care of you first. Okay?” Bakugou explained.

“Okay dad.”

——————————————————————————

When Katsuo was washed up and tucked in bed, Katsuki went downstairs to clean up and fix whatever he could. When he finally saw the horrible sight, terrible thoughts came to mind of what could’ve went down. The longer he thought about it, the closer he was to tears. Y/N and Katsuo are his entire life. If one of them were gone, it would throw his entire being all out of wack. But he had faith in his powerful wife. She can withstand anything they throw at her....but he wasn’t sure how long. Bakugou began to sweep the glass and soot, throw away the broken wood, mop the floors of blood, put the couch and coffee table back into place, and moved the T.V to the side. That could be fixed in the morning. Once he was done, he took a shower and headed to his room for bed.

The Alaskan king sized bed was huge. It was giant, especially for just 2 people and the occasional child, but the love of his life was always right next to him to make the cold, empty bed feel warm and full of love and happiness. Now she’s not here. As Bakugou lays with his eyes open, staring at the ceiling, he realized he wouldn’t be able to sleep. He journied out of his bed and to his son’s room. As he opened the door, he saw his child right in front of it as he seemed to have opened it as well.

“Whatcha’ doing bud?” Bakugou asked as he looked down to his mini me.

“Couldn’t sleep. Too cold..... Too scared..... Too lonely.” He son replied. Bakugou internally smiled at how his son and him were so similar. He really was a carbon copy of Bakugou Katsuki, that’s for sure.

“C’mon son,” Bakugou said as he lifted his boy up and walked towards the full sized bed. “We’re gonna need some sleep.” As the two blondes lay side by side, still staring at the ceiling, the younger one spoke up.

“.......Everything’s gonna be okay....right dad?” His son said with a break in his voice and teary eyes. “Mom will come back, and we’ll go back to being the awesome family we always are...right?” The boy said while looking at his father.

Bakugou stared at him for a bit, before pulling him into his chest and rubbing his back.

“I promise, Katsuo.”

The young child quietly sobbed into his fathers chest once more, after holding in all these tears for so long, and held a firm grip on Katsuki’s shirt. As Katsuki held onto his sad son, he too let a few silent tears shed as he hid his face atop of his son’s head.

‘I promise.’ The loving father thought to himself as he kissed the top of the boy’s head and held him a little tighter than before.

——————————————————————————

It’s been 3 days. 3 days too long for Katsuki and his worried son. They’ve been apart from Y/N for 3 days and are worried sick. After the two woke up from that sad night, Bakugou called in the Bakusquad to help find Y/N. The squad was lucky enough to be able to find DNA evidence and find out exactly who was in the house. Through the power of the internet and high tech power, they were able to track the villains and gather intel. Where they stay, what they do, their quirks, and where their base is. They’ve taken a very knowledgeable guess and estimate to find out where Y/N was, and now it was time to come up with a plan. They’ve been working for a few days and Bakugou was starting to get frustrated.

“AGH! WE’RE NOT GETTING ANYWHERE!” Bakugou exclaimed.

“Hey man, don’t you think it’s time we go to the agency and get their help and permission on this?” His best friend asked.

“I would love to get more help, especially from the agency, but there’s too many rules with them for a case like this. We have to go off the books to find Y/N, because when we do, nobody and no rules are gonna stop me from killing the idiots who thought it was okay to touch my wife!” Bakugou screamed out.

“Well you do realize how illegal this is right? We’re heroes, we’re supposed to abide by the law, stop those who break it, and kinda enforce it too.” Mina said.

“We were Y/N’s friends and family before we were pro heroes. If you’re too scared to go on, I won’t force you to continue, but nothing is going to stop me.” Bakugou calmly said.

As the silence filled the room, everyone bowed their heads. They were all confused and scared and worried for their dear Y/N.

“......How’s Katsuo taking this?” Kaminari asked.

“For a 5 year old, really well. Since I dropped him off with Deku and Round Face, he’s had other things to do but I’m sure his mom is all he could think about....I made my son a promise and I’m going to keep it. I’m gonna get her back.” Bakugou said.

With that, another silence fell upon the room. The squad came up with multiple plans but they all had major flaws. The one with the biggest risk however, would be the most efficient one. After thinking about it and having it in the backs of their minds, Kirishima spoke.

“Bakugou, let’s go with your plan.” The entire group looked up at the faux red in shock.

“Kirishima are you crazy?!” Mina asked.

“People will die if we go through with it. People who don’t deserve death as a final punishment!” Sero added on.

“Well Y/N is gonna die if we don’t do something about it right now. We have the best option right now, and yeah, it’s not the most holy, but it’s what we got! Do we wanna save our friend or not?!” Kirishima exclaimed.

After exchanging some looks and nods of agreement, the group was in. They were so lucky they weren’t doing this by the books.

“Okay then. Cover our tracks, don’t leave behind any evidence, and nobody get caught. We keep a steady flow and waste no movements. Get in, save Y/N, get out.” Bakugou explained while standing up.

“Let’s go save my wife.”

——————————————————————————

Here we are. The Bakusquad right infront of the warehouse they were keeping Y/N in. How did they get here? Bakugou’s plan of course. Go in to the HQ, demand answers, kill when getting no answers, kill when you got the answers. Kill, Kill, Kill. Blood now stained the hands of the Bakusquad both literally and figuratively. Whatever it takes to save her.

As Bakugou blew down the door with an explosion, multiple men came attacking the 5 heroes. Each henchman and goon getting killed in the process. When the crowd of people was left to just the pros, they looked around and saw Y/N right in the middle of the room. Her arms were being held up to suspend her and she was barely moving. Her body left in nothing but her panties and bra, her torso covered in blood and gashes, her arms littered with tears in the skin, her body covered in bruises, and her legs filled with cuts. The sight was torture to Bakugou as he attempted to run out to her.

“Y/NNN!!!” The blonde said as he sprinted towards his hurt wife, however, he was stopped.

“Come any closer and I’ll slash her pretty little throat.” Said a man as he showed up behind Y/N, coming out of the shadows and keeping Bakugou at bay.

Bakugou growled in frustration before speaking. “Let her go! Please! I’ll give you anything!” He bargained.

“Oh I know you will. That’s the whole reason why we took this gorgeous thing right here,” the man said while tilting your head to make you face him. Bakugou saw your blurred eyes stare right at the man in a dull manner. You were almost gone. “We want......well....we just want nothing to be honest. What we really want is you gone, but we’re aware we can’t kill you. None of us stand a chance against Dynamight BUT, there’s more than one way to destroy a person. When I kill your wife, your heart and soul, I’d be destroying you. Dynamight wouldn’t be able to function without his precious girl, and would be a shit hero because of it. More crime to the villains.”

Bakugou grunted at the whole thing, shaking in his boots. His dear wife, right there infront of him and he couldn’t do shit. Bakugou really got ticked on when the man spoke of what they did to Y/N.

“Don’t her scars look beautiful? She had the most melodious screams. It made the lot of my men wonder how she would sound in bed,” the smirked at he went to grab at Y/N’s breast.

“You bastard! Get your hands off my wife!” Bakugou screamed.

“That’s fine, I, along with others, have already had our fun with Y/N. Her pussy is completely stretched out now.” The man said with a smirk.

Bakugou saw red. “You fuckers RAPED MY Y/N?!???!!!!” The villain only smirked towards Bakugou before holding silence for a few seconds.

“Her cries were quite lovely,” the man said as he licked Y/N’s lips and kissed her. Everyone could see Y/N flinch and struggle to get away from the nasty attack. And they couldn’t do anything about it.

As the villain went on, Chargebolt noticed something. Rubber boots! How could he forget! After being on so many missions together, the Bakusquad all agreed the bottoms of their hero costumes should consist of rubber, so Denki could do his attack through the floor without hurting them. So with the villain distracted and back to talking, Denki shot 4 million volts into the floor, shocking the man, hearing him scream in pain. When Denki stopped the attack, the man was left there standing, still alive of course, but weak enough for Bakugou to take his anger out on him. Denki is such a good friend.

Bakugou blasted off and went straight to the man, grabbing his throat and beating him. He littered his with bruises and let the man experience all types of pain. It was a brutal murder and Bakugou ended it with grabbing the man’s neck and blasting him right then and there. It was over. It was done.

As Katsuki ran towards Y/N, he told the squad to clear the place of any proof they were there. Once he reached his wife and got her down and held her close and cried.

“K-Katsuki..” Y/N said weakly. Bakugou held her closer in his lap as he cried into her hair.

“I-...I’m here Y/N. I-it’s ok, I’m here. I got you....it’s over now.” Bakugou felt Y/N snuggle into him as she let a sigh of relief and comfort. Bakugou was too busy crying and saying his apologies. He couldn’t hear his sweet wife utter the most important phrase she had to say at the moment.

“Thank you.” She softly whimpered out.

——————————————————————————

It took a few days for Y/N to be fixed up again. The rape was hard on Y/N, but that’s okay because Bakugou was willing to wait for her whenever she felt ready. He was just happy to have his family back together....well..almost. After having multiple appointments with recorvery girl and extra TLC at home, Y/N was ready to get her son back. The drive to Deku’s house would be excruciating. Y/N just wanted to hold her baby boy in her arms and feel his love.

“You ready?” Bakugou asked with a smile as he saw Y/N looking at herself in the mirror. She returned the smile and walked up to her husband, embracing him in a loving hug, which he gladly returned.

“Thank you....for everything, hero.” Y/N smiled with the side of her face pressed against his chest. Bakugou kissed the top of her head before speaking.

“I love you, Teddy Bear.” Bakugou smiled.

“....Yeah...well not as much as I love you.” She said back with sass.

Bakugou’s eyes shot open at that comment.

“Is that a challenge shitty woman?!” Bakugou said while shaking her at her shoulders. Y/N only giggled before speaking.

“Nope, a challenge would be who gets to drive the new car to pick up Katsuo!” Y/N said while taking the keys out of Katsuki’s hand and running off.

“Wha- but-.....BUT I WANNA DRIVE IT!” He said like a child. The two tussled for the right to drive and laughed as they finally got to be together as the loving couple they are.

——————————————————————————

As Bakugou drove, Y/N held onto his hand. They were both smiling and couldn’t wait to be a happy family again.

“I’ve missed him so much..” Y/N said aloud.

Bakugou looked at her with content before speaking.

“And he’s missed you, Teddy Bear. We both did. It didn’t feel right with you gone.” He said while picking up your hand and giving it a kiss.

“Well I’m back now.” You said while smiling.

“And everything is almost perfect, we just need to get one more thing.” Katsuki said as he pulled into Deku’s driveway.

When the green haired hero opened the door for the couple, his eyes sparkled with joy and relief.

“Y/N! You’re safe!” The young pro said while embracing you.

“Safe and ready to see my son!” You said with excitement.

“He’s upstairs in his room. I don’t think he woke up yet, oh and I’m sorry Ochako isn’t here. She would’ve loved to see you back home, safe.” Deku said with a smile as he made way for you both.

“No worries, I’ll give her a call,” you said as you dragged Bakugou’s hand up the stairs. Before you continued, you turned to look at Deku.

“Thank you for taking care of Katsuo while we were gone, Izuku. It means a lot to us.” You said with appreciation and friendly love.

Deku nodded with a smile as he gestured for you to continue your journey to your son. As you walked into the room, you saw him with messy bed hair, a little drool on his mouth, and covered in blankets. The sight of him almost brought you to tears. As Bakugou closed the door, you sat in his bed just petting his head, waiting for Bakugou to join you. With Katsuki now by your side, you shook the little boy gently until he stirred awake.

“Katsuo...I missed you, love.” You whispered.

“Wha...huh?” Katsuo said, while looking around. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw an Angel. His mother right next to him, giving him the kindest smile he’s ever seen. With tears in his eyes, he jumped on her, giving her the biggest hug.

“MOM!!!” The boy loudly sobbed as he held onto you tight. The moment was perfect. The light shining in on the room, a mother and son embracing each other, and tears of joy all around.

“Hi baby. I’m home.” You sighed as you held him tighter. “I’m so sorry if I worried you, Katsuo.”

“N-no, it’s okay. Dad p-romised me you’d be back. H-he promised he would bring you b-back and dad always keeps hi-s promises.” Katsuo said while trying to fight the little hiccups coming his way.

“He really does, doesn’t he?” You said while looking over at your husband. His eyes were filled with tears and he was smiling so much his cheeks were turning red.

“I-I love you both, so damn much.” Katsuki said with breaks in his voice. He leaned into to hold the two in his arms as he teared up along side with them. The family all together again, the love for one another stronger than ever before.

Bakugou thought they should be getting home soon, but that word seemed to mess with him. Home. It wasn’t a big mansion or the buildings that could be considered a house. His home was all right here in his arms. His home consisted of his wife and his son. His home are the two people in his life that mattered most to him. His home is right here, with them. No matter where they are, where they go, or what happens, Y/N Bakugou and Katsuo Bakugou will always be his home.

A/N: y’all I’m sorry if this sucked😭 I started this about a week ago, and took a minor break and wasn’t able to finish it. I finally did, and it’s kinda sloppy but I hope you enjoyed it none the less. I really just wanted to get it out bc the person that requested it was waiting for awhile so I felt so bad but HERE IT ISSS!! I hope you enjoy it. I’m sorry for the delay. See you soon Bear Cubs! 💗🧸

[a-supernatural-writer]

Candle in the Wind Pt.1

Next Part

Everyone is a witch because I said so and Michael deserves some loving. Also, sorry for posting this so late. Meant to post this a long time ago but it's been a little crazy.

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1502

Michael Emerson x gender neutral reader

“How long have they been going at it?” Michael asked from his spot on his bed. He was leaned up against the headboard, tarot cards laid out before him.

The sounds of yelling and arguing traveled from downstairs and broke through Michael’s closed bedrooms door. Lucy and her husband, well, soon to be ex-husband, were fighting.

You sighed, “For an hour, at least.” You pulled one of Michael’s throw blankets closer to your body as you sat next to him, watching him take the cards on the bed and reshuffling them.

“Think they’re gonna stop?” Sam asked as he sat down on the floor with his familiar Nanook, which was an Alaskan malamute.

Michelle, who was Michael’s twin sister, scoffed at her younger brother's question, “Probably not for a while, bud.” She had long brown hair that was curly like her twins and the same blue eyes.

Michelle was walking around her and Michael’s shared room, lighting a few candles that were scattered about. Some were on the dresser and nightstands while others were placed upon stacked moving boxes.

Michael’s and Michelle’s room was sort of a safe haven for all of you when Lucy and her husband fought. It was the one place that all of you felt safe. It also helped that each one of you put a warding around the door so only Lucy could come in.

The only other place that the Emerson siblings went to get away was your little apartment that you had down the street with your own mother. Your mother was also Lucy’s closest friend and she was helping the poor woman through her divorce.

You smiled a little as your own familiar, Angel, a pure white fluffy cat purred as she rubbed her face up against yours and Michael’s arms. Michael shared your smile, leaning down to place a kiss on top of Angel’s head affectionately, which she purred even more at the action.

Even though Angel was your familiar, Michael treated her with the same love that you did. Not all witches had to have familiars, they were more of a choice if you wanted to have one. Both Michael and Michelle chose not to have one, while you and Sam did.

But the majority of the time, Michael really did enjoy taking care of her and in a weird way, she was his familiar too, even if it wasn’t official.

Michael then placed a soft, quick kiss upon your own lips before returning his focus back on his tarot cards.

You smiled, leaning your head on the brunette's shoulder, watching him as Angel curled into a ball between the two of you.

You and Michael have been dating since last year. You both grew up together and as the both of you got older, feelings became stronger. Suddenly, at a high school party the two of you were kissing in the backyard and made your relationship official. And it’s been wonderful.

That smile quickly disappeared as the fighting downstairs suddenly stopped when the front door slammed. Each one of you froze in your spots as the sound of footsteps came closer and closer to the twins bedroom door.

All of you breathed a sigh of relief when Lucy was the one who opened the twins door, giving all of you a sad smile.

“Hi mom.” The three Emerson children greeted their mother as she closed the door behind her, all five of you now in the room.

You gave Lucy a comforting smile, “Hi, Lucy.”

Lucy smiled a little bit more when she saw that you were in the room, “Hi, y/n. Michael called you?” She asked, stepping into the room and taking a seat at the end of Michelle’s bed.

You nodded. Michael called you just when their parents started fighting and without even asking, you immediately went over. You flew through the twins window with your broom to not get in the middle of their fight.

“Thank you.” Lucy said, patting the spot next to her and gesturing for Michelle to sit down.

Michelle flicked off her lighter and sat down next to her mother, resting her head on her shoulder, “Dad still angry?”

Lucy sighed, putting an arm over Michelle’s shoulders and rubbing it, “Very.” It was a simple answer but the rest of you couldn’t help but deflate at the words.

Their father never knew about Lucy and her kids being witches. It was something that they hid from him until they thought he was ready to know. They thought it was gonna go well, but they were proven wrong when he started saying words that you dared to never to repeat.

And it wasn’t just the fact that they were all witches that caused everything to go down hill, but their father, in general started fighting with Lucy about stupid little things. Like what Michael and Michelle were going to do for college, or Sam being into comic books. Basically wanting to control his kids lives and not listening to Lucy in the process.

He even took a stab at you. Saying that Michael could do better and not be with a ‘nobody’ like you. Of course, that’s when Michael stopped talking to his dad, with Sam and then Michelle falling behind.

It even amped up more when their dad stumbled upon Michelle making out with a girl on their front porch. He said some words that made you very close to hexing him, and that’s something you never do. He hated Michelle for being a lesbian, so in return, Michelle went against every single rule that their dad put in place.

Lucy defended each and everyone of you, taking the brunt of his words. All of you were just thankful that in less than a week, he would be out of the house and out of state. Away from all of you.

“Is he gonna be back tonight?” Sam asked while petting Nanook. You hoped that their father was staying at his friends house tonight. You didn’t want to have to face him, nor would you want your boyfriend and his family to see him for the rest of the night.

Lucy shook her head, “Probably not. I don’t think he’s coming back for a few days.”

All the anxiety in the room washed away at Lucy’s words and you wanted to almost jump up and down in celebration.

“Good.” Michael simply said, setting out his tarot cards in a new formation.

Lucy bit her lip, “Come on.” She patted Michelle’s shoulder and reached down to ruffle Sam’s hair, “Help me with dinner.” Lucy didn’t respond to Michael, she knew that he was at the point of fully hating his father, so there was nothing really to say.

Lucy got up from her spot with Michelle and Sam following. Nanook followed Sam, leaving just you and Michael in the room.

Michael said nothing, just stared down at his cards with a furrowed brow and clenched jaw.

You sighed, “Hey.” You said softly.

He turned his head towards you, his gaze softening just a little bit. He was pissed, holding back a lot of anger towards his father.

“Things will get better.” You said, placing a small kiss on his cheek before resting your forehead against his.

Michael breathed out, his tensed shoulders now relaxing as he leaned into your touch. You were always good with calming him down. “You know that for sure?” He asked you, his eyes boring deep into your own.

“I can’t see into the future like you can, but I know how strong you are Michael. You’re going to pull out of this better than ever. You, Michelle, Sam and your mom are going to be okay, as long as you have each other.” You said, trying to ease his mind about the future. Things were going to be tough, but you had a feeling it would turn out alright in the end.

Michael couldn’t help but smile a little, “What would I do without you?”

You hummed in thought for a second, “Probably fall on your ass every time you ride your broom. Sometimes you can’t fly for shit, Michael.”

The two of you chuckled at your joke. You weren't wrong. Michael had a hard time flying his broom when he first started. You had to save him from his face meeting the earth floor more times than you could remember. He was pretty good now. But he was much better at riding his bike than he was his broom.

“Promise to be with me through it all?” Michael asked you, his hand cupping your face.

“Promise.” You answered, pressing your lips to Michael’s who moved his lips against yours. You were never going to leave Michael, you loved him too much to even think about it.

Whatever the future had in store for all of you, you were ready for it. And you were going to walk hand and hand with Michael every single step of the way.

[plannedparenthood]

Stories From People Who've Received Care Through Title X

"People have been rallying, contacting their representatives, and sharing their stories about what Title X and birth control means to them. Congress needs to listen to the people and #ProtectX. 

As the nation's program for affordable birth control comes under attack, we’re sharing the voices of people who’ve received care through Title X. Here are their stories. 

Karina, Arizona

“I walked into a Planned Parenthood health center outside of Phoenix, Arizona with $20 in my bank account. I was scared, nervous...and so, so overwhelmed. My period was late, and I had spent days wondering how I'd ever juggle a baby and college. Planned Parenthood was there for me. Title X was there for me. Thanks to Title X — the nation's program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care — and a wonderful, kind provider at my Planned Parenthood health center, I was able to get a pregnancy test and find the right birth control for my body. I could stop worrying, and focus on my future.

Without Title X, I would have had literally nowhere to go. And that’s why it's so, so important that all of us throw our support behind Planned Parenthood in this moment. Health care should be a human right — something we never have to stress about, scrounge for, or bargain over. That's not our reality, though.

There's a huge divide between who can get health care in this country, and who has to go without — and it's people without means, people of color, and the immigrant community who suffer. People like me. Title X levels the playing field by making basic health care accessible for 4 million people. That's 4 million people who can go to work, study, and care for their families without worrying about how they'll afford their next Pap test or breast cancer screening.”

Emma, Washington

“It was the week of my 22nd birthday that my OBGYN recommended to perform a laparoscopy to diagnose or rule out endometriosis. After the procedure, my doctor informed me that I do have endometriosis, a common health problem that causes chronic pain, and if left untreated could lead to infertility. At this time, I was working a minimum wage job in customer service and could not afford to pay for health insurance or doctor’s visits out of pocket, so I went to my local Planned Parenthood health center.

The woman at the front desk gave me a form to fill out before my appointment and told me not to worry, they would take care of me, with the amount of money I made yearly, I qualified to pay for services on a sliding scale. I met with a health care provider that day and she went over my medical history I brought from my OBGYN and we decided on a plan: I would get the Depo-Provera shot to minimize and hopefully stop my cycle.  During a time when I wasn’t sure if I would be able to even have children in the future, or exactly how to manage this new disease, the last thing I wanted to think about was the cost and how to navigate the system. Title X was critical to me finding care and managing my disease. Without it, I don't know where I would be today.”

Ixya, West Virginia

“As a university student, planning for my future is extremely important. As a Latina, the topic of sexual and reproductive health does not come up and can sometimes be dangerous to talk about. I want to make sure I am prepared, safe, and do not have a surprise pregnancy, so I decided I wanted to get an IUD. Unfortunately, if my parents found out I used their insurance to get an IUD I'm afraid they'll make me leave WVU and make me go back home, which is why utilizing Title X helped me get affordable birth control without risking my relationship with my family and risking my education.”

Ray, Oregon

“I had moved to Eugene, Oregon for school and needed to get tested as well as start a new form of birth control. I went to the Title X funded facility off Franklin Blvd and received the care I needed — at no out of pocket cost. Inspired by this new wave of access when it came to sexual health, I decided to get involved. I was still at a point in my life where I felt ashamed and disgusted by my sexual history — unable to overcome the taunting as a kid and the self doubt as a young adult.

When I started out I was doing the Health Center Advocacy Program, collecting stories from my community. And I as I asked, complete strangers, if they had a story to share, I discovered that I was far from alone in my experience. I was not the only one that was raised in this culture of shame and silence. I knew that the only way to break this stigma — was to break that silence. As I spent the rest of my collegiate career sharing my story, expanding resources on campus and fostering a culture of affirmation, I couldn’t help but look back at that 16 year old girl and see how far I have come. And that’s exactly what Planned Parenthood does for their patients. Throughout my life Planned Parenthood has given me information and resources to address my mental and physical health — but the most important thing they have done is help me find my voice.”

Elizabeth, Alaska

“I am one of the millions of Americans and thousands of Alaskans who rely on Title X for BASIC health care: pap smears, cancer screenings, and STI testing. I have traveled a lot and lived in many places, but no matter where I go, Title X and Planned Parenthood are always there. Because of Title X, I’ve never had to worry about whether I could afford the basic care I need. And in times when I’ve not had insurance, I’ve been able to pay what I could afford. Because of Title X and Planned Parenthood, when a Pap test came back abnormal a few years ago, I didn’t have to worry. Planned Parenthood took care of me, and got me the follow-up care that I needed. Today, I’m grateful to have insurance. And I’m grateful that I can continue going to Planned Parenthood for high quality care. Health care is a human right, but too many policymakers treat it like a luxury. Title X is one of the few positive cornerstones of our American healthcare system. And it works.”

[linkinaboxx]

Hc of SOME of the Ilvermorny teachers

Native American man and his wife, many students think they are immortal. They love teaching and they watch over the school.

A native Hawaiian woman who teaches Hawaiian and Greenlandic. She has so many plants in her room and the windows are almost always open. She wears sun dresses and is barefoot most of the time and her room always feels like a beach. She misses her home but loves to teach her language and culture.

An Alaskan man, he look terrifying but he teaches Astronomy and Yupik. His room always has a chill and he keeps coats for his students. He’s a happy man and keeps his dogs with him at all times. Kids love ‘dog therapy’ it’s when you just lay with the dogs and they just love on you. It’s the best.

He also teaches dog sledding and coaches hockey.

Canadian man and a Montana woman teach Dark arts and Defense of the dark arts. Same room different sides with a moveable wall.

They also teach hockey and are “rivals” but they are just frenemies.

A muslin woman from northern Canada teaches art and transfiguration. She’s really nice and likes to wear flower crowns. Students think she’s married to the flight teacher

Vietnamese woman teaches flying, she's from Texas and also teaches Vietnamese and shes second generation immigrant. She can be rough around the edges but just cares a lot and doesn’t want anyone getting hurt.

Herbology is taught by a Mexican woman who is worshipped like a god because she brings snacks.

A dude from Oregon teaches history of magic. The kids like him because he gives them nap time before quizzes and makes kahoots. Otherwise he’s just a normal white dude.

Bill Nye is the science teacher, they may be in a magic school but they need to learn the basics. He also teaches potions. The kids LOVE him.

An Flilpinio woman teaches charms, the kids like her. Her kids and husband visit sometimes so you might have a 5 year old sitting next to you in charms.

A scary looking man from Nunavut teaches care of mythical creatures. He’s really soft on the inside. A petite black woman shadows him as a student teacher, she wants to be a teacher that cares for mythical creatures so she’s still a student at Ilvermorny even though she’s about 22.

Twins from Canada teach Math and Arithmancy. One has a new york accent and the other has an Ontorio one. It’s weird but they have perfected each others accent and like to mess with the students and staff.

Nice Russian man teaches Russian and he’s trying to get used to the ilvermorny rules. He wants to teach russian history once he gets a better grasp of how Ilvermornry works.

There are many other teachers I’m just too lazy to outline over 100 teachers

Feel free to add some of your own, repeats of classes are ok because it’s a huge school

[skrunklyfella]

So I got a little bored and decided to make a character sheet for my Obey me Oc (I didn’t make the sheet it was made by https://www.deviantart.com/magicalalchemist17 I just took off what I didn’t feel like adding)

Full name: Fukumi Hamasaki

Nickname(s): Fuku, Fukurō (Owl), kid, fuki,

Birthday: 11/17 Age: 18

Physical Appearance: due to a curse her mom put on her she a witch, she takes 3 forms a young loli appearance where she’s more childish, a more younger teen appearance, and a full teen who looks very adult like. Always has long brown hair with a center bang that can be moved in multiple ways, big amber eyes, pale-ish skin

Height: 5’7

Gender: female

Nationality: Alaskan/Asian

Species: Human(in an au shes more of a half archangel half demon/ shapeshifter)

Occupation: student

Sexual Orientation: Bisexual

Love Interest (s): (don’t attack me but) Levi, Belphie and luci

Former Residence (Optional): human world (in au its the celestial realm

Current Residence: devildom

Personality: quiet, keeps to herself, mysterious, peculiar, short tempered, well mannered, distant but can be aggressive, violent, sassy and rude if pushed

Family: her witch mother Elena(or “goddess” mother Lyra) her brothers Tai and Yang and her sister Kayla

Friends: Her cousins Enard and Roule

Pet(s): Large barn owl named Stolas along with a snake named Akali

Students (Optional): her younger cousins (thought them self defense)

Mentors (Optional): Yin and Yang

Likes: Politeness and respect for anyone

Dislikes: Rudeness and faked identity(fake friends, fake life etc)

Hobbies: drawing, playing, swimming

Fears: the unknown and the dark

Weapon(s) (Optional): scythe(I love the scythe), sickle, bow-and-arrow

Powers (Optional): during an au she has ice powers and shape shifting and speed

Relationships: not in one but has 2 ex’s she despises

Relationships with Family: pretty damn good 13/10

Relationships with Others: 9/10

What if Voice Actors (Optional): ashling (secret of Kells) maleficent(when shes pissed off)

Theme Songs (Optional):

1. Kokia- fukurou

2. Imagine dragons- warriors

3. Darling in the FranXX- Vanquish

4. White snake - yuan qi (I cant find the original artist of the song so I just put the movie it’s from)

5. Vocaloid- Ghost rule (mafumafu cover is my personal favorite)

6. Vocaloid- self inflicted achromatic

[spacetimewraithwrites-archive]

OC Interview Tag Game

@sidhewrites said “do this if you want” and my dumb brain said “I want!”

Rules: Pick a character from your WIP and have them answer these fifteen questions, then tag fifteen people.

I’m tagging @starlitesymphony this time because her characters are great and I wanna know more forever

1. What is your full name?

Uh, Warren Levi Cougar.

2. What does your full name mean?

Hmm....

[From his jacket pocket he pulls out a device that looks like an advanced smartphone and types into it.]

According to this, Warren means “guard,” Levi means “joined in harmony,” and I don’t think I need to explain what a cougar is. If there are any of the cat version left on Earth, go out and find one, then pet it real hard.

[He smiles cheekily at the camera. Thrive rolls his eyes in the corner of the room.]

3. What are your nicknames/other names?

I’ve always just kinda been Warren. My parents and grandparents would give me the full First and Middle when they were pissed at me for something. Sometimes Thrive will call me “love” or....

[He looks at him expectantly. Thrive gives a small nod. “Th’saiya.”]

Yeah, that one’s real special.

4. What’s your gender?

Male.

5. What’s your sexuality?

Gay. So gay. I still don’t know if...that was like, dormant inside of me my whole life or if it kinda manifested later on, but I’ve only known it for the past, what...three years? Three of my years. I’m still trying to get used to acknowledging the gay.

In retrospect, though, I think I remember there were signs when I was a kid. Girls always made me kinda feel out of place, just in the romance department...whenever it’d become clear a girl had a crush on me my gut instinct was to shut it down immediately but usually I ended up going with it anyway. I think I tried to explain it away as a shyness thing, it just never even crossed my mind that that was what was going on. I think it wasn’t even until I met Agent Freddy Great that it kinda tickled my brain and I started to put together the feelings and what they meant for who I was as a person.

Wow, that was a slow burn, wasn’t it? Took me ten whole years to be like, “Um, excuse me, I think I kinda would rather fuck dudes, actually.”

6. Where are you from?

I was born and raised in a sleepy little Alaskan town called Somerwilde. Maybe not so much sleepy ‘cause it was cold as fuck.

[He laughs.]

7. How old are you?

God, I don’t know.

[“You’re thirty-two.”]

Yeah, but what month is it? I hate trying to keep track of time when I’m in space. I could already be thirty-three.

[“I would tell you if your birthday passed.”]

Yeah, I guess you would. Well, actually, in that case, I’m....

[He does some quick calculations in his head.]

...Two hundred and fifty-six years old? 

8. What is your magic form/what species are you?

I’m human. I think? I have doubts.

9. What does your human form look like?

Okay, uh...my human form is my only form, but I’ve got...kinda somewhere between brown and beige skin, I think I’ve heard it described as terracotta or tawny...my hair is deep brown with some hints of umber reddish-orange...kinda shaggy right now, I haven’t gotten it cut in a while, it’s developing its natural curl again.

My eyes are bright aqua, I’ve got a gnarly case of stubble since I haven’t had time to shave in the last few days...I’m a little on the tubby side—

[“You look fine, Warren,” Thrive interrupts gently. “You still haven’t gained back the weight you lost almost obsessively while you were incarcerated on the Destiny.”]

I haven’t exactly been able to find the time to stuff my face lately.

10. What’s your aesthetic?

Forests, lots of flannel, frozen lakes....

[“You’re more or less describing things that can be found on or around you at any point in time.”]

Jesus Christ, babe, I didn’t talk nearly as much during your interview.

11. Who’s your best friend?

Well...

[He pauses, then his face falls slightly.]

Esther was, for a long time. God, I haven’t thought about her in a little bit. And that’s terrible of me because, to me, it wasn’t that long ago that I last saw her.

...It’s been difficult to come to terms with being so far ahead in the future, I just...never really get the chance to let myself fully let it sink in. I guess part of me doesn’t want to. Anyway...let’s move ahead before I get emotional.

12. Would you ever get a piercing/tattoo?

I’ve had my ear pierced before. I’d do again, honestly. I wouldn’t mind having a cool thread earring like Guetry wears sometimes.

As for tattoos, I guess I never thought about it before.

[He suddenly flexes his left hand and rubs his ring finger.]

Maybe I could get something here, for me and you?

[Thrive raises his eyebrows. “That’s permanent.”]

That’s the point.

13. When are you happiest?

When I’ve got a big nebula right in my face. There is nothing in the universe that makes me feel more at peace than when I’m out there in a ship, just being one with the stars. It’s so calming. I can’t really even fall asleep anymore if I can’t see the stars somehow. That’s why I always demand to have a window in my quarters on any ship I’m occupying. Bonus points if Thrive’s there.

More bonus points if I can see his butt.

14. What’s your biggest secret?

Hmm. I guess it would...technically be the reason I was put into cryo in the first place? I don’t like to talk about it all that much, it was kinda...traumatic. I think I’m still trying to recover.

You know, I believe in my heart of hearts that someday I’ll be able to go forty-five minutes without being traumatized by something.

[Thrive lets out a mild chuckle.]

15. What was your first impression of [Guetry]?

Well, he kinda just...if he had his way I think he would’ve dropped onto my lap and introduced himself. In fact, I’m kinda surprised he didn’t.

He’s not all that different after getting to know him than he was when we first met. He was having a good day, so his eye makeup was killer, his hair was teased and I think he might’ve spent more time on his appearance that day than he did actually tracking down the allegiant he was chasing at the time. He was fun, is fun. Poster boy for extroversion. He’s probably the closest thing I have to a best friend these days.

In other words, Guetry was a big dumb fool then and he’s a big dumb fool now but we love him and wouldn’t have him any other way, right?

[gretagerwigcollection]

Greta Gerwig: My Mother, My City By Greta Gerwig  Greta and Chris Gerwig in Washington Square Park. Photo Credit Kathy Lo for The New York Times. Jan. 4, 2018

The first New Yorker I ever knew was my mother, Chris Gerwig. I grew up in Sacramento, and that was the only place I’ve ever known her to call home. She had, in fact, lived in Brooklyn briefly as a child, but that was not what made her a New Yorker. She had and has the spirit of a quintessential New York City gal. She’s brash and smart and tough and funny, and was always the mother my school dreaded a call from because she would push and push and push until she got what she wanted. I was the only kid who was allowed to take both band and Spanish because of her insistence. She has more go-get-’em energy than almost anyone I’ve ever met.

I was too young to remember New York City the first time I visited from Sacramento. My dad was there on business, and there are pictures of me at 2 years old toddling around Central Park, sitting on the statue of Balto the Alaskan sled dog hero and having “tea” with the “Alice in Wonderland” characters. In the photographs, my mom is right there beside me, looking like I do now, with her big (slightly gummy) smile and lanky arms and a desire to walk until she can’t walk anymore.

At 5, I visited a second time. We were staying with family friends who taught at Columbia. It was summer but also somehow gray. As a Californian I had never known a gray summer. It was the late 1980s, so New York still had something seedy and dangerous about it. There was a story of the professor’s wife walking into a drug deal going down in the hallway of their apartment building and how she street-smarted her way out of getting hurt. I didn’t understand drugs or mugging, but I did remember an anxiety that was indistinguishable from excitement. It felt a universe away from the kids-on-bikes town that was Sacramento. It seemed impossible that it was the same country. And yet somehow, it also felt like home.

Sacramento is a place where you can always see the horizon. It is flat and beautiful and open. But I loved the crowdedness of New York City, how when it rained it seemed like the buildings were raining, not the sky. My mom held my hand tight as she walk-sprinted through the city. She was in her element here; everyone was moving as quickly as she was. She was joyfully sweaty. So was I. The Gerwig women belonged in New York.

The only thing standing out from the concrete and asphalt were the neon lights advertising kicks of different stripes. Musicals, alcohol, women. (I had just learned to read, and the concept of “Live Nude Girls” was extremely interesting.) When we waited for hours to get rush tickets for Broadway shows, Mom befriended people in line, just as she makes friends everywhere (the grocery store, the D.M.V., the library). They became very invested in the little blond girl getting in to see the show. And I did: “42nd Street” with Jerry Orbach. “Gypsy” with Tyne Daly. “Cats” with cats. At night, back at the apartment, everyone would play music — my dad on trumpet; his friend, the piano; his friend’s wife, the tuba. Someone taught me how to play spoons. My mom would clap along, saying, “Your dad is the one with the talent” although she had talents that were less performative but no less impressive.

There were children in New York, of course, but they seemed confined to the playgrounds. “It’s a great place to have a family” is a true thing that is often said about Sacramento. To be a kid in Sacramento then was to be in the right place at the right time. Nearly everyone had a backyard; some people had pools and even their own personal jungle gyms; you could choose which kids were invited to slide and swim and swing. My mom did not believe in having your own play set. She thought it defeated the point of a playground, which was to make new friends and get comfortable with people who weren’t your family. In Sacramento, she would walk me down to McKinley Park. It was a couple of miles away, but it had the best playground. I was walking that distance with her by the time I was 4.

Later, when I told a boyfriend about the walk, he didn’t believe me: “That’s just a story your parents tell you.” He thought it was an exaggeration. But I am certain of its truth. My mother had raised me to be a walker, to be on the move. Two miles to the playground at 4 years old was real. My mom wasn’t my playmate, but she was the person who brought me out into the world and taught me that it was not scary. In New York, no one, not even the very wealthy, had their own private paradise; it had to be shared. City kids were good at playing, everyone was a stranger and everyone belonged. She had prepared me well.

But New York, ultimately, seemed to be a city of grown-ups. It was the adult world and I was a guest there. It was always past my bedtime, and all the normal rules were suspended. Once, my mom and I were in a cab (maybe we were late to something? My mom would never just “take a cab”) and I told her that the next day I wanted to wear my rock ’n’ roll outfit. It was a pink skirt and top with white guitars all over them. The cabby overheard and met my eye in the rearview mirror. He winked and said in a thick New York accent, “I’ll wait for you, doll.” Maybe now I’d think it was creepy; maybe my mom did think it was creepy; but at the time it was thrilling. New York was the place to be a grown-up, and I had to figure out how to get back.

At home in Sacramento, my mom took me to Tower Records to order the double cassette tapes of the original cast recordings of the musicals I had seen. She found me the best tap-dancing teachers in town to support my newfound love, and when I also expressed interest in hula dancing, she found the sole Polynesian dance group in Sacramento and signed me up. We had left New York, but she was still bringing as much of it as she could to me, with just as much bravado and hustle as the city itself.

When I finally made it back to New York to attend Barnard College, I was 19 and felt “Ah, yes, now life can really begin,” as if life hadn’t been going on before. Against explicit warnings not to, I climbed to the roof of my dorm to look down at the city below. It was my city, or I wanted it to be. But I had no idea which way was uptown and which was downtown. This place I had wanted so badly to be part of was still a mystery.

So I did the only thing that made sense to me. I got on the subway and rode it as far away as I could, deliberately getting lost to learn it. I spent the next several hours trying to find my way back without a map. Walking the streets and puzzling out how West Fourth Street could be right next to West 12th, I realized that I was doing alone what my mom had done with me years before. Walking, walking, walking, learning the city by foot, every inch. She was the reason I believed this was the proper way to introduce myself to the city. And the city felt like my mother. New York City felt like home because it felt like her.

A version of this article appears in print on Jan. 7, 2018, on Page AR16 of the New York edition with the headline: Greta Gerwig: My Mother, My New York.