#HIGH TOP SNEAKERS DOG PAW

[glimpsesofgoodness]

Etsy listing available in my shop

Check out this item in my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/listing/1354640514/womens-high-top-dog-paw-sneakers-paw

[trash-monkey]

Disappeared

----------------------------------------------------------Warning: male on male content in the future of this story, don't like don't read.

----------------------------------------------------------

One day my boring ordinary life of a teenage high schooler was turned up side down and suddenly I'm alone in this new world I have found myself in, a silence fall onto the world as the noise of the old fades away.

My eyes feels like someone has glued them shut before putting tape on as a finale touch when I regain consciousness and as I become more aware I started to feel blazing heat pour onto me while whatever I'm on heats up. Suddenly feeling cooked I force my eye lids open only to see a blurry image of the blue sky with the Sun smiling at me, feeling so out of place I slowly sit up. Only to found out that I've been laying in the middle of a street and confusion hits hard as no people are walking about, a low breeze flows through blowing pieces of paper across the street.

'It's the middle of the day and I don't see a soul, where is everyone? What happened?'

I questioned myself only to find that I'm wearing a light blue short sleeve flannel with a white tank top underneath, tan shorts and sneakers.

'I remember being in biology class and anything after that turns black but how did I get here?'

With hardly any control over my body, I struggle to get on my two feet before something fell into place and I'm able to moved without wobbling.

"Hello?" I called out to any one as I walk into a random store only to find it empty so I moved onto the next store.

"HELLO! ANY ONE!" I finally yelled out while standing in the street after looking through many stores and panic is starting to sit in. My voice echos, scary some birds into flight before running my way home and once there without a care in the world I slammed my front door open cracking it against the wall, the house is silent.

"Hello! Mom! Dad!" My voice carries through out the house while I look around on the first floor, only to find nothing and the only response I get are two sets of paws running across the floor from upstairs towards me. A light brown Bitbull (Dot) and a black German Shepherd (Lily) comes running down the stairs and towards me, bouncing on their feet as they're excited to see me. They whine and bark once they saw me causing me to laugh as I pet them before telling them to clam down, they settled down after a few minutes and sit down near my feet looking up at me.

"Where did everyone go?" I question myself as I look through the top floor of the house with the dogs following behind, time slowly passes as the realization sits in as the panic and disbelief fades. With hard feelings I started looking through the neighboring houses for any clues as to what's has happened, I even looked through stores and the town over -which is also a ghost town- but only to come up empty handed. After two weeks I give up looking and decided to leave not even wanting to stay in a place that was once alive while now covered in silence. I look through the many cars the dealership has until a dark red truck that has a large bed catches my eyes, I look through the inside and deciding that this truck will do fine before going into the dealership offices to find the keys. Once I find the correct keys and got the truck to the house I filled the bed with everything I need, food, water, clothes, blankets, food for my dogs, weapons just in case, bathroom stuff, and some of my family albums while I put a tarp over once it's filled so nothing can fly out. Once I have everything set I look around the house for the last time wearing a tank top, blue jeans, and boots as sunglasses sit on top of my head before getting the dogs into the back seat of the truck with all the windows rolled down, I slipped into the driver seat as I turn the engine on before hitting play on the stereo causing music to play through the truck from the cd I have put in there and put the sunglasses over my eyes before finally hitting the road.

Days becomes a blur as I travel without a destination, any city and town I come across lays deserted while wild life starting to take over. I only take what I need and never stay more then two days, never finding any clue to what happened. Soon I come across a very small town/village that's not even marked on the map I had found, only three stores, a small school, small library, tiny gas station, small police station that's neighbors with a fire house, and some homes. From the many animals I have found when I looked around I can tell it's one of these farming towns and once finish looking I decided this town is mine, I even found a house that stands in the middle of all the animals so that I don't have to walk to far to feed them. I made the bedroom in the back of the bottom floor mine room since it's the closest to everything on this floor while leaving the upper floor completely empty.

Once settled in me and the dogs walk to the library to read anything that will help with my survival like farming, medicine, and other things. It takes awhile since I'm taking notes and feeding the animals with what I can find as I learn how to grow a garden since it still early in the summer. Everyday I keep myself busy so I can't think about the loss, loneliness, and that I might never see another human being again. I wake up early, bathe, eat, feed the dogs and animals, pick food from the garden once ready to eat and can what I don't so I can have canned food for winter which I learn how to do from a book I have found in the library on how to can about anything.

At the beginning it was very hard especially not being taught and only learning from text, I was the pale skinny boy who would joke around at school and over time I've become muscler with tanned skin but by then I have already gotten use to working every waking moment. Once I noticed summer fading I began cutting down some thin trees for fire wood since the house didn't have any heating or cooling system expect for water, I also hunted for meat to smoke which I hated at first but got use to it.

Before I know it two winters pass by and the third is coming up, today I'm two towns over getting anything I see that I'll need and move it into the bed of my truck or the trailer I have hook up to it. I have left Dot to watch over the truck as me and Lily look through the last store before she started growling and runs out the door, with speed I grab my handgun from it's holster and follow behind her.

"Stop right there." I harshly spoke with lack of use as I hold the barrel of the gun to the persons head as they slowly hold their hands into the air.

_______________________________________________

[apple-scrumper]

finally time to post my piece for the @intrepidadventureszine​ !!! you can pick up your copy here !! i really am not proud of this anymore uhjvfdsjk but !! i like it for how much time i spent on it and its contribution to me growing as an artist ! plus someone please notice all the references i put into the books in the bg jdmvns

Image ID under the cut

[Image ID: 4 images, the first image is a full page piece, while the following three are close-ups of image 1.

Image 1 is a page sized piece set in the Compass Points library from Dimension 20 Fantasy High. The shot is through a stone window into the Friendship Section of the library. Ayda Aguefort, a Black woman with red/orange flaming hair and wings is gesturing out the window at the sky, while excitedly speaking to Tracker O’Shaughnessy, who is sitting next to her. Ayda has black sclera and orange/yellow flaming eyes. She is wearing a brown vest over a white button up with rolled-up sleeves, with a red cloth tied around her waist over white billowy pants. She has a bracelet with the colours of the lesbian flag on her wrist. Tracker has a knee up on the windowsill, with her other leg hanging out the window and off the page, and is looking up to where Ayda is gesturing with a chill smile on her face. She is wearing a black singlet with a grey wolf on it over denim shorts and red converse. She has tan skin and short black curly hair swept to one side.

Behind them is Fig, Ragh, and Baby on the floor of the library, a book flapping open between them with shadowy hands and tendrils coming out of it. Fig is sitting with her legs crossed on the ground, looking down excitedly at the book with her hands outstretched as if she is summoning whatever is coming out of the book. An orange anarchy symbol glows on her forehead. She is a red tiefling with purple lipstick and long brown hair tied back in a braid. She is wearing a black jacked with the bi flag on the shoulder. Under it is a pale blue shirt with a skull on it and a red plaid skirt. She is wearing black boots and a black net sock on one foot. Behind her head floats Baby, a small red imp with horns, wings, and a scorpion tail. He rubs his hands together and looks down at the book with wicked glee. Ragh stands on the other side of the book, looking down at it expectantly with his arms crossed. He is a green-skinned orc with dark green hair shaved at the sides and short on top. He has tusks and black sclera/white irises. He is wearing a red and white letterman with a white A on the chest over a black singlet, brown pants, and red and black boots.

Behind them, the rest of the chracters play on the bookshelves on the other side of the room. On the right side, Kristen is jumping off a shelf while twirling her ribbon to slow her descent. Gorgug attempts to catch her while Fabian looks watches with shock, The Hangman asleep in his lap. Kristen is midair, with her legs kicked back behind her, her arms and orange hair thrown back behind her. She has white freckled skin and is smiling with her eyes closed. She is wearing a purple tye dye shirt that reads ‘IDK’, denim shorts, and purple sneakers, bracelets, and hair tye. Gorgug is running beneath her with a worried expression on his face as he looks up at her and holds his arms out. He is a green orc with tusks and black sclera/white iris. His hair is black and shoulder-length, with a white streak at the front. He is wearing a grey hoodie overpurple jeans and grey sneakers. Fabian is sitting atop the shelf Kristen is jumping off of, resting on a pile of pillows with one hand resting on The Hangman’s back, the other holding a book. He is looking shocked towards Kristen. He is Black with his white hair tied back into a small ponytail. He is wearing a red and white letterman over a black shirt and grey pants, red sneakers, and a black eyepatch. The Hangman rests his head and paw on Fabian’s lap, his eyes are closed and he smiles contently, with a white sheet draped over most of his body. He is a large black dog with yellow/orange snout and paw, orange cracks cover him and tiny flames emit from his mouth, eyes, and ears.

To the left of them, Riz, Aelwyn, Boggy, and Adaine surround a conspiracy board taped to the bookshelf behind them. Adaine is faced away from view, standing at the top of a ladder and holding a book over her head triumphantly. Riz looks at the book excitedly with his hands clasped together, and Aelwyn smiles towards Adaine, holding up a sheet of paper covered in writing. Boggy sits in her lap, smiling. Adaine is a dark-skinned elf with cloud-like pale yellow hair. She is wearin a blue denim jacket with fluffy sleeves over black pants and heeled boots. Riz is seated on a big purple beanbag surrounded by books and papers. He is a green goblin with fluffy dark green hair and a long tail hanging over the shelf. He is wearing  a brown vest, over a white collared shirt with rolled-up sleeves, beige pants, and dark brown suit shoes and cap. Aelwyn is sitting on her knees, with one hand on the ground to support her and the other holding up a piece of paper to show Adaine. She is smiling with her eyes closed. She is a brown elf with pale yellow curly hair tied back in a bun. She is wearing a large red flannel over a maroon sports bra, blue jeans, and brown boots. Boggy, a big, green, round frog sits in her lap smiling, wearing a tiny blue, red, and yellow backpack.

The library they sit in is filled with orange light, the ground is a desaturated red, and the shelves are filled with books and knick-knacks that are purple, red, blue, and yellow. The knick-knacks are: A worm on string, a globe, a telescope, a photo frame, a planet model, and a ship in a bottle.

Image 2 is a closeup of Kristen jumping with Fabian looking on.

Image 3 is a closeup of Fig and the book with the shadow hands.

Image 4 is a closeup of Aelwyn with boggy on her lap.]

[voiceswithoutlips]

Woof! goes the demon

— pairing: Jung Hoseok x Reader (Female) — genre: Fluff — word count: 1.3k — Rating: G — warnings: none — collab with: @biaswreckme​ my partner in crime <3

— summary: 

Hoseok nodded at you, taking the paper from your hands. “Y/N, don’t worry, I got this! I love dogs!,” he said cheerfully as he made his way to your living room. You failed to notice how he cautiously looked around the room before entering, or how he avoided sitting on the sofa that Odin was perched on, looking at Hoseok like he was a whole meal. 

— A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RARACUBE @heejinnien!! I hope you like the fic, its our first attempt at crack (we’re not good at that) HAVE AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY, MAKE LOTS OF MEMORIES, ENJOY YOUR CAKE. YOUR BOOMERS LOVE YOU <333333 — birthday party:  @hoebii, @jinings, @voiceswithoutlips, @biaswreckme, @xiaokoo​ @tae-cup​ @taegularities​ @moccahobi​

“Hobi!!” you said as you opened the door to your apartment. You had to leave for  an emergency meeting at the office but unfortunately you couldn’t find a dog sitter for your precious puppy so your friend Hoseok had agreed to look after your dog, Odin, for the day. He was standing in the doorway, looking like a runway model with his red hair combed back carefully to show his glorious forehead. He was wearing a grey sweater with washed blue jeans. The sweater had an actual stuffed bear attached to it, it was adorable, you almost reached out to pet the cute plushie. Maybe not the best choice to be a pet sitter, but it was completely and unashamedly Hoseok.

“Hey,” he greeted you with a cute smile and stepped inside to remove his sneakers. 

“Okay, so here’s Odin’s schedule, all you have to do is feed him and play with him a bit, he’s still young so he has a lot of energy,” you instructed as you handed Hoseok a piece of paper. You had written down your dog’s meal times and what he liked to eat to make it easier for Hobi. “You don’t really have to take him for a walk since I’ll be back in a few hours.” 

Hoseok nodded at you, taking the paper from your hands. “Y/N, don’t worry, I got this! I love dogs!,” he said cheerfully as he made his way to your living room. You failed to notice how he cautiously looked around the room before entering, or how he avoided sitting on the sofa that Odin was perched on, looking at Hoseok like he was a whole meal. 

“Thank you so much Hobi, I don't know what I’d have done without you!” you quickly pecked his cheeks and left the apartment, missing how his whole face turned red, like a cute tomato. 

When your boss said the words “emergency meeting” you thought something had gone wrong, turns out he just wanted to go over the project details, again. You had already heard all the arguments and details so you just sat back in your chair and toyed with your phone, bored out of your mind. Your thoughts far away on your favorite boy, Odin, the cutest Shih Tzu you’d ever seen. 

You discreetly moved your phone under the table as your boss rambled on and turned on the application that was linked to your nanny-cam. You had bought one out of concern, since you always left Odin with a dog sitter.

Your jaw almost dropped as soon as you saw what was happening in your living room. Hoseok was standing on the sofa, his blue shark socks in stark contrast to the brown leather, he was holding a chicken breast in his hand. Odin was trying to jump up on the sofa but his tiny legs barely reached the top of the seat, he was yapping at Hoseok, tail wagging at the speed of light. Hoseok bent down on his knees and brought the chicken closer to Odin but instead of going for the chicken, the little Shih Tzu mustered all his strength, leaped high into the air in a graceful display and effectively tore off the left leg of the stuffed bear that adorned Hoseok’s grey sweater. 

You almost jumped in your seat guiltily and quickly looked around to see if anyone had noticed it, but apparently you had been discreet enough. You could see Hoseok was as shocked as you were; he was frozen in place, his eyes and mouth wide open staring at Odin, who was happily running around with the bear’s leg on his mouth, unfazed and unaware of the rip on the human’s sweater with stuffing coming out of it. You had no idea what to do now. Would Hobi be angry with you?

You looked at the clock and even the seconds seemed to slow, the meeting dragging over and seemingly never-ending, until it finally did. You stopped looking at the feed when you saw what happened, a little apprehensive on how Hoseok would react when you talked to him in person, but there was no more stalling. the meeting was finally over and you needed to get home to deal with the situation. You were dreading going home to the chaos and Hobi’s expensive sweater ruined, so you stopped by the bakery to get his favorite treats to try and appease the situation.

You almost considered taking the stairs going up your apartment, but that would be too much of stalling and you didn’t really want to walk up several flights while carrying a big jar of Nutella. You stopped at your front door, pausing and carefully and quietly pressing your ear against the door, trying to listen to what was happening inside.  You heard a loud sneeze with some sniffling noises and a soft, “Odin, no!” You take a deep breath and press the password to enter, gathering the courage, and you step into the place. 

You were certainly not anticipating the scene you found. Hoseok is a tall man, so to see him like that was unexpected, to say the least. You found him perched on the sofa’s armrest, crouching, a panicked expression that was visible not only in his face but his whole body, and Odin was just sitting there, innocently looking at him with his head tilted to the left, that ripped leg still in his mouth. If you didn’t know your dog was a very good boy, by the way Hobi was looking at him, scared like that, it would’ve seemed like Odin was evil incarnate.

You could not believe your own eyes. There was a turned glass on the coffee table, water spilled all over it, the books you usually kept on it ruined for now; there were little pieces of fluff scattered on the floor that you were certain they were from Hobi’s sweater;  Odin’s food bowl was turned over and there was kibble all around it. Had World War III happened at your place and no one let you know?

You gasped when you saw the true state of your friend’s sweater, the second leg of the bear was gone too, stuffing dripping everywhere. It was a massacre. As soon as they heard you, Odin dropped the bear’s leg and ran to you, putting his paws on your legs and stretching his back, tail wagging happily, telling you what a good job he did, while Hoseok stared at you with a look of guilt mixed with shock that you were back earlier than you said you would be. You leaned down to pet Odin’s head, but you maintained Hobi’s gaze and raised your eyebrows.

“What… What happened?” your voice could not hide your state of shock at the scene.

“Oh, its uh….” Hoseok trailed off looking around the room, trying to form an explanation in his head. “Y/N, I have to be honest with you, I think your dog is possessed…” he said in a low voice, almost a whisper. His eyes trained on Odin who was comfortably sitting on the floor, between your legs. 

You looked down at the small Shih Tzu, the puppy looked like an angel, innocent eyes stared back at you with love. You tried to keep it in, but you burst out laughing at the ridiculous thought. You saw Hoseok grinning, he was still sitting on the armrest with half a bear hanging off of him. 

 “By the way Hobi, I’m so sorry that he did that to your sweater...” you start feeling a little guilty, that sweater was really cute and now it was ruined. But deep down you thought it wasn’t entirely the dog’s fault, after all, there was a cute bear dangling off Hoseok the entire time, of course it would strike a dog’s attention. “It must be pretty expensive, and I don’t know if I can afford to buy you a new one or even if it’s mendable at this point…” you rambled, nervously clenching your hands.

Hoseok looked at you with amusement in his eyes, clearly not mad about what your dog had done to him and his clothes.

“Well… you have to repay me for that expensive sweater, don’t you think?” he smirked,  “So ...how about a date?"

[wontlastimokwiththat]

Witches Mates-Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of Witches Mates is here! I hope you guys like it!

Warnings: None

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

After meditating for about a hour, I went to my room. Snow was perched on the chest at the foot of my bed, staring at me with her big green eyes. 

 "What?" I asked her. Because she's a familiar, she can talk. I can chose who can hear her, though, so mundanes don't randomly hear a cat talking. 

 "Those were vampires," she said. "It tried to pet me." 

 "That was Ashton," I told her. "And you need to be nice to the vampires and the hybrid. They aren't going to hurt me or you." I patted the top of her head.

 "Why are they here?" she asked.

 "They're Liam's friends and we trust him. Plus, they're my mates." 

 "All four of them?" 

 "Yes, I know. Snow, I can't help it and they can't either." I sat down on my bed and she turned to look at me from her spot on the chest. 

 "How long will they be here?" 

 "Liam and his pack are here for two more days. I don't know about the others but they're welcome to stay as long as they'd like." She glared at me but said nothing. "Hey, did you see who blew out my candles?"

"I did but I don't know who he was," she told me. She paused for a minute. "Jonathan left that." She lifted her paw and pointed in the direction of my desk. I stood up and walked over my desk, picking up the book that had a red ribbon tied around it with a note. After lighting the candle on my desk with my magic, I read the note that was written in his hand writing:

For my daughter, 

Though I can't support your path, I know every new witch needs her own grimoire. You're as powerful as you are smart so I know you'll find a way to fix the unbalance of our world. Happy 21st birthday, Mystia Firelight. 

All my love, Dad

"How did he know the name I chose?" I mumbled to myself as I pulled the ribbon off and looked at the black, worn-leather bound book. On the front cover, engraved in gold, was the Firelight family crest and, under it, my witch name. I opened it to find the pages were made of old parchment paper with ragged edges. I sat down at my desk and picked up my pen. On the first page, I wrote this:

Mystia Firelight 

Daughter of Constance Firelight, the head of the New Orleans coven and Witches Council, and Jonathan Moore, a rouge vampire 

Born on All Hallow's Eve in 1998 at exactly 5 P.M. 

Familiar: White cat with green eyes; Snow 

Mastery of the elements: 

Fire- Age 7 

Water- Age 8 

Air- Age 8 

Earth- Age 8 

Spirit- Age 9

On the back of that page and the front and back of the next two pages, I wrote down descriptions of the 5 elements and drew pictures. On the next ten or so pages front and back, I wrote down the uses of different herbs with the proper ways to use them and drew pictures of them. On the next 35 pages front and back, I wrote the 70 spells and potions I had created over the years with their ingredients, uses, and side effects. 

When I looked at the clock, it was almost 5:30 A.M. I looked back at the grimoire to see I had no pages left to write on.

 "Been a full witch for twelve hours and I have a full grimoire," I said, looking at Snow, who had jumped on the desk and was watching me closely. 

 "That's great but you should sleep," she told me. 

 "You're right," I nodded. I blew out the candle and stood up. I grabbed my grimoire and walked over to my chest, unlocking it and putting the grimoire in before locking it back. I yawned, climbing into my bed and falling asleep quickly. 

**** 

I rolled over in my bed and felt air blow on me. I opened my eyes to be met by a huge wolf. It took me a minute to register that it wasn't Liam or his pack. I squealed like a little girl as I fought to get out of bed of the other side. The wolf ran to the other side of my room as I raised my hands, about to light it's furry ass on fire. Just as I opened my mouth to start a spell, Ashton ran into my room. I locked my eyes on him, lowering my hands. 

 "J, it's okay. It's just Luke," Ashton told me. 

 "He about gave me a heart attack," I said, pulling my eyes from Ashton to look at the wolf with sandy blonde fur. "Give me a heads up next time you want to cuddle." Ashton smiled and the wolf squinted his bright blue eyes. I heard a cat meow and turned to see Snow perched on my desk behind me. "It's fine, Snow. Some dogs just need to learn manners." Ashton laughed as the wolf let out what sounded like a sigh before trotting out of my room. 

"Is that who you were talking to last night?" Ashton asked, looking at Snow. 

"I talk to Snow all the time," I nodded, walking to her and picking her up. 

"Sounded like the two of you were having a conversation," he said. 

"We were," Snow said, though Ashton only heard a meow. 

 "We were," I told him. "Snow understands me and I understand her." 

"Like Damien and Annette with their Pitbulls?" Ashton asked. 

 "You met Joker and Harleen?" I smiled. He nodded. 

"How long have Damien and Annette been together?" he quizzed as Snow jumped out of my arms. 

 "Forever." Literally, they're mates. Yes, witches can have mates that are other witches, it's just really rare. "Our parents are all really good friends. Damien and Annette have been a thing since before they were a thing." 

"Must be nice to have met their person so early in life," Ashton said. 

"How old are you?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. 

"If I told you, you'd freak out," he told me. 

"Try me," I smiled. 

"One hundred and fifty-two," he admitted. 

"How old were you when you were turned?" 

"Twenty-two." 

"You didn't even get to live," I mumbled. 

"Michael lived as a human the longest. Luke, the shortest." 

"How old?" 

"Michael was twenty-three, Calum was twenty-two, and Luke was twenty." I felt a white hot rage shoot through my body. None of them had experienced life a mundane, not that I had but at least I could enjoy walks in the park without wanting to drain every human of blood. "We've accepted it, J. Michael's one hundred and thirty-six and Calum's one hundred and eighteen." 

"And Luke?" I asked, not really wanting to know the answer. 

"He's twenty-three," he told me. "And he had it the worst. His first time feeding, he triggered the werewolf curse by killing a mundane." 

"Liam and his pack voluntarily triggered theirs. Why didn't Luke?" 

"Liam and his pack help with the Witches Council. As soon as they turn thirteen, they have to kill a rouge. It's not voluntary, they're forced. If they don't, they're killed." Okay, that's news to me. Liam had said they chose to and my mom had never said anything about forcing wolves to trigger their curse. 

"Why?" 

"Not sure," he shrugged. "It's just how it is. It would've been better for Luke if he was forced." 

"Why do you say that?" 

"He had to learn to control his thirst and his shifting at the same time. He was in hell when we found him a year ago and he still isn't completely in control of either. Now, he's freaking out about this whole mate thing, which is what triggered the change earlier." 

"Stress?" He nodded. "Is there anyway I can help?" Ashton smiled a sad smile. 

"No one can. We don't know what to do." 

"Oh." I paused, trying to think. "Hey, I'm gonna change and I'll meet you downstairs, okay?" 

"Yeah," he nodded before walking out and closing the door behind him. I quickly unlocked my chest and dug through my families old grimoires. I finally found the one of my grandmother's she had dedicated completely to werewolves. I flipped through the pages until I found what I was looking for. I quickly wrote down the ingredients and spell before putting them all back in the chest. I left mine sitting on my bed, thinking it would be okay there. 

I pulled on black high waisted jean shorts, a red cropped tank top, and a pair of red sneakers. I brushed my hair into a neat ponytail and shoved the list I had made in my back pocket before running downstairs. I found Calum, Michael, Ashton, and Luke sitting in the kitchen. 

"Where is everyone?" I asked, grabbing an ice cream sandwich from the freezer and turning to face them. Snow was standing on the island in front of Luke, staring at him. 

"Just left for food," Michael told me as I unwrapped my ice cream sandwich and took a bite. 

"Where are you going?" "I left something at the shop last night so I'm gonna run and get it. Shouldn't be long," I told him. "Snow, stop staring." Snow turned to look at me and meowed loudly. Well, they heard a meow. I heard: 

"That is the dog." 

"Are you eating an ice cream sandwich for lunch?" Calum asked. 

"High metobolism. I could eat an entire pizza and wouldn't gain a pound," I grinned. "Joker, Harleen, I'm leaving!" The blue nose and red nose Pitbulls came running into the kitchen and Snow jumped on my shoulder. 

"We're coming," Harleen told me but I knew the others only heard a bark. 

"Are you taking all the animals?" Michael asked. 

"No. I don't take, they just come," I told him. "They like being at the shop. Snow was there yesterday but you never saw her. Joker and Harleen are there whenever Damien and Annette are there." 

"They live here, don't they?" Ashton asked. 

"Hell no!" I exclaimed. "They're place is being remodeled and should actually be done tomorrow. I live here alone and living with Damien and Annette the past few weeks has been awful. Trust me, you don't need supernatural hearing to know what they're doing." I shuttered and they all laughed. Well, Luke didn't laugh but he did smile slightly. 

"How do you afford this place?" Calum asked. "I mean, it's a mansion." 

"It was my great great grandmother's. It's been passed down and my mom didn't want it so I got it. The shop pays well enough that I can afford it easy." Calum nodded. "Alright, we'll be back."

[moonlightriana]

Brunch Dates &  Sunday Walks

It was going to be a warm day, so when getting ready Ariana opted for a pair of jeans and a crop top. She would usually match those with heels, but over the last year or two she had grown more comfortable in flat shoes and the thought of trying to take a stroll by the pond in high heels wasn’t working well in her mind. So she decided on sneakers instead, which really would leave her a lot tinier than Alfie, but neither of them really cared for the other’s height like that anyway. “Don’t look at me like that,” the young woman said as she saw Myron staring up at her. “You can’t come with me, but I promise I’ll make it up with cuddles tonight.” She leaned down to scratch the dog behind his ear and let him try to give kisses. When was the last time she had been this nervous? Ariana couldn’t exactly say, because this was different than pre-interview or red carpet nervous. And part of her didn’t even feel that worried, but more so excited. Alfie and her had been friends for a while now anyway, and she wasn’t nervous about spending time with him, but this was a date and that had a very exciting and thrilling ring to it, but also left room for being a little nervous. She heard the dogs paws rushing across the hallway floor and laughed softly as she heard Snape’s bay. Of course he would be the first one to realize someone was coming, before Alfie could even get to the door. She pulled the ponytail a little tighter and slipped on her shoes before heading off to open the door. “Hi,” she said with a smile spread across her lips, shooing the dogs out of the way, or trying to. But Toulouse slipped past her to greet the man and so did Snape who was wagging his tail happily. “Oh they’re so excited for you to be here, but I don’t think they really understand we’re not going to hang around here,” Ariana giggled softly.

@enochalready

[crystalgirl259]

Wolves Of Secrets Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Lone Wolf

Dark was the night as the full moon shined over the great city of Ninjago. The cold, misty wind whistled through the city as the citizens went about their own business, either going home to be with their families for the rest of the evening or to their evening jobs. The city of Ninjago was built on the sunny side of a gentle mountain and was truly a beautiful place. Its grace was only matched by the backdrop of lush, green forests which have helped shape the ancient city to what it was today.

The city had a very clear Japan, Tokyo feeling too it.

The city's skyline was growing with stylish skyscrapers and they each represented the many different aspects of the sizeable city. Businesses were booming in Ninjago and it had attracted a lot of attention. A few new cultures had left their mark not just on education, but also upon the city's identity. What historically was a city of predictability has grown into a new culture of variety and it's this that united the nearly 6 million people to this day.

It's this multicultural identity that had truly left its mark.

Hundreds of gastropubs, bakeries, and clubs offer a plethora of culinary choices. Those who felt hungry for something else could enjoy art galleries, musical activities, photography, or one of the many other recreational activities. Just outside the main city area, right on the edge of the dark forest, stood a large, lone house. In this house was a very special family. From the outside, this house looked cosy. It had been built many, many years ago with white bricks and had spruce wooden decorations.

Small, half-rounded windows added to the overall style of the house and had been added to the house in a fairly asymmetrical pattern.

The house was equipped with a large kitchen, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms. It also had a large living room, four bedrooms, a roomy dining room, a garage, and a large basement. The roof was high and slanted to one side and was covered with black ceramic tiles with a small chimney. Many smaller windows let in plenty of light to the rooms below the roof. The house itself was surrounded by quite a modest garden, with mostly grass, a few colourful flower patches, and a small shed at the other end of the garden.

Inside the house, a young teenage boy sat on the couch, eating popcorn and watching a movie.

This was Lloyd Garmadon. He had long, blonde tousled hair, and brown arched eyebrows with bright emerald green eyes that many people would state could sometimes glow in the dark. He wore a dark green jacket with a white t-shirt and black pants and black and dark green sneakers. As the clock was about to strike midnight, Lloyd was about to turn the boring movie off when suddenly with was a rustling sound outside. Fearing the worst, he quickly switched off the TV, grabbed his coat, and ran outside.

As soon as he stepped out into the cold night, however, instead of the rustling he had heard mere seconds before, all he could hear was an owl hooting nearby and the wind howling through the trees.

He was about to go back inside when all of a sudden he heard a loud crash from the other side of the house. He quickly ran towards the sound and was shocked by what he saw. He saw a full-grown, grey timber wolf sniffing around some turned over trash cans, snacking at the rancid chicken meat. He looked to the steel doors to the basement and was horrified to see another wolf attempting to jump out. As soon as the grey wolf sensed him, it slowing turned around to face the teen with a low growl, baring its sharp teeth.

Lloyd, however, was completely unfazed by this and he simply stood up straight.

"Get back inside!" He roared, startling the wolf for a second before it crouched down and started snarling louder. Instead of running away, however, Lloyd simply lowered onto his knees and bared his blunt teeth at the wolf. His emerald green eyes suddenly turned to a stunning gold that shined in the dark. The teen and the wolf snarled at each other as Lloyd slowly crawled forward, making the wolf back up. The grey wolf suddenly yelped as it fell back into the dark cellar.

Lloyd's eyes returned to their normal color as he stood up and looked into the dark pit.

Suddenly one of the wolves jumped up and bit into his thick coat's sleeve, ripping it off as the wolf fell back down. Not missing a beat, Lloyd quickly closed and locked the cellar doors, looking at the full moon as the wolves muffled howls sounding into the night...

****************

The next morning, as the rain came pouring down, Lloyd quickly got dressed and ran down to the cellar. He loudly slid the iron door open and stepped inside where he saw his mother Misako and his uncle Wu slowly getting to their feet as the finished getting dressed. His mother had ash grey hair braid into a ponytail with a snowy white streak and pale green eyes. She wore a pale khaki utility jacket with dark brown pants and a short, dark green scarf.

Wu was an elderly man with a long white beard.

He was wearing white robes and a conical straw hat. They both yawned and stretched as Lloyd glared daggers at them.

"I think that chicken was off." Misako gagged as she clutched her stomach.

"I can't believe you two." Lloyd glared Breaking out and raiding the bins."

"Oh, Lloyd!" She cried as she rushed forward and examined his arm. "I am so sorry! I didn't break the skin, did I?! Does it need stitches?!" She panicked, but he pulled his arm away from him.

"You always say how I have to stay hidden from humans and never give in to our wolves." He growled as they walked back upstairs to the kitchen. "Yet the moment you get a chance, you're out of the cellar and away!"

"You don't understand how powerful the pull of the full moon is," Wu explained. "When you're old enough to take wolf form-"

"I won't be a hypocrite, who says stay hidden and then breaks out at the first whiff of food!" He replied and turned to his mother with a slightly disgusted look. "And that chicken..."

"Actually, your mother's not the only one who's been eating things she shouldn't, is she?" Wu frowned as he opened the trash can to reveal the leftover popcorn.

"Yes, and you were still dressed when you came outside, young man." Smiled Misako when her son froze. "Didn't we agree in bed at 10 on school nights?"

"I'm going to miss the bus." He quickly said and ran for the front door. When he made to grab his coat, however, he let out a long sighed when he saw the missing sleeve...

****************

Lloyd blushed furiously as he kept his eyes on the school floor as the other students stared and laughed at his soaked clothes. He let out a small growl as he shivered; his mother owed him a new coat.

"Hey, Lloyd!" A voice called out and he looked up to see his friends Zane Jullien, Jay Walker, Kai Smith, Nya Smith, and Cole Brookstone stood by their lockers, waiting for him.

Jay reddish-brown curly hair with brown eyebrows and light freckles with dark blue eyes. He wore a blue jacket with a white stripe over a white t-shirt and blue pants with an orange wooly scarf.

Zane had platinum blonde, almost white, hair that stood up straight in something like a crew cut and bright icy blue eyes. He wore white pants and shoes with a long-sleeved, cyan blue shirt under a navy blue knitted vest.

Kai had tall, thick spiky brown hair, shaped like fire and bright amber eyes that shined like burning embers. He had a focused expression on his face, with a scar visible on his right eyebrow and bandage above his left. He wore a red half-zipped-up jacket over a white shirt with some kind of Japanese symbol on the back of the jacket and brown pants.

Nya was Kai's younger sister who had long black hair kept in a ponytail, pale pink lipstick, small dimples on her cheeks with dark brown eyes, and she had a beauty mark on her right cheek. She was wearing a leather jacket over a white shirt with blue stripes and dark blue torn jeans.

Cole had a very muscular body, being the strongest kid in the whole school, with long, shaggy black hair and bushy eyebrows with very dark green eyes that reminded Lloyd of cold emerald stones. He wore a black leather jacket and pants with a dark brown tank top and black heavy-duty boots.

Lloyd smiled as he walked over to them. They were the only people who could possibly understand the struggles he faced every day as a teenage werewolf; because so were they. Well... sort of anyway. Only he and Nya had yet to transform on a full moon, but they knew it could happen any month now and they were both nervous and excited.

"What happened to you?" Jay asked when they saw he was dripping water into the hallways.

"My coat got eaten by werewolves." He deadpanned.

"Don't you start too." Kai groaned.

"We've already had this from... Oh, Pixel!" Nya suddenly smiled as the said girl walked over to them. Pixel had pale, almost white, skin with wide lips and bright green eyes. Her hair was styled like Nya's and was a very light platinum blonde. She had a purple dress with red details and an opening in her left arm that showed a part of her chest, and red heels. Lloyd simply smiled and rolled his eyes. Pixel Borg was the only one in their friend group that wasn't a werewolf.

She was a very good friend to them, mostly to Zane, since childhood and it hurt them they couldn't share their secret with her.

"Did you hear last night in the forest?" She asked with a big smile on her face, but they all shrugged. "Howling." She replied and they froze as she pulled out her cell phone. "Here, look what I found on Carper's Lane this morning." She explained as she showed them a picture of a paw print in the mud. "I'm going to compare it to paw-print photos of different dogs."

"What, every type of dog?" Cole scoffed.

"This is proof." She insisted. "Proof that there's something weird over there in the forest."

"Pix, if your father found out that you snuck off into the forest in the middle of the night again he wouldn't be too pleased," Zane warned.

"If I can prove there is some kind of undiscovered creature in the forest then that alone would guarantee my scholarship into Horizon Academy."

"You know your father could pull some strings and get you in there no problem." Jay pointed out.

"I know, but I want to earn my spot and my father understands and respects that." She explained.

"Hey, Pixel!" One of the cheerleaders, Maggie, suddenly called out. "I saw something weird in the forest, you!"

"Haven't you got hair-curlers to play with or something?" Nya snapped before she and her friends quickly walked away.

"I really need to start my research, I'll catch up with you all later." Pixel smiled before she made a beeline for the library; as soon as she was out of sight, Nya suddenly grabbed the boys and shoved them into a nearby janitor's closet.

"Alright, who was it?" She glared.

"Wasn't me!" Jay exclaimed fearfully and the rest quickly denied it as well. Lloyd eyed each of them carefully. It could only have been Cole, Kai, or Zane; they were the only ones who spent the full moon on Zane's father's property deep in the forest. Since she couldn't transform yet Nya stayed in their apartment in the city and Jay spent it on her parents' junkyard on the other side of the city. The only problem was that Dr. Jullien's home was far from where Pixel said she found the paw prints.

He also knew the guys wouldn't go near the city, full moon or not.

"Maybe it wasn't one of us," Lloyd suggested. "My mom managed to get out the cellar last night and when I got them back in they started howling, and that paw print could have come from a normal dog."

"I suppose." She sighed when the bell suddenly rang; the group sighed as they made their way to their first classes. Lloyd quickly ran to his locker to get some of his textbooks when he suddenly caught the scent of something odd. It was a new scent, meaning whoever it belonged to was here very recently. He was about to follow the scent when he walked right into one of his teachers, Miss Koko. She had bright orange hair with amber eyes.

She wore orange lipstick and a pale brown suit.

"Lloyd, what are you doing? It's time for class." She ordered and Lloyd quickly scurried to his first class, making a mental note to investigate the scent later...

****************

As soon as Lloyd ran into the classroom he immediately took his seat next to Jay. This was one of the few classes he and all his friends had together. As soon as he took his seat a teacher he hadn't seen before walked in with a big smile on his face.

She had greying brown hair tied in a bun and a dark blue dress.

"Welcome aboard students! My name is Ms. Laudita and I'm your new Social Studies teacher," She smiled as a student stepped into the room. "Everyone! This is Morro Ren, he's new here so I hope you'll all make sure he feels welcome." She explained and Lloyd was suddenly hit with the same smell from before. He looked up and saw the new kid eyeing them all cautiously. Lloyd quickly looked to the others and saw they had realized the same thing as him.

Morro Ren possessed long jet black hair with a dark green streak dyed in it and dark brown eyes.

He was wearing a pale green shirt with torn brown pants and black boots. As he moved to take a seat at the back of the class, he and Lloyd glared each other down without a word. The class continued as normal until the bell rang and Morro all but ran out, Lloyd and the others following close behind. As soon as Morro stepped into an empty stairwell Kai and Cole blocked his path.

"What are you doing here?" Nya growled.

"What?" The new kid asked, confusion clear on his face. "I'm looking for-

"No, here! On our territory!" Jay exclaimed.

"Do you not know the rules?" Zane asked.

"You can't stay here." Kai huffed.

"If my mom and uncle get a sniff of you-"

"I don't even know you!" Morro snapped as he took deep breaths.

"Exactly!" Lloyd exclaimed in frustration.

"I don't care whose territory this is; I'm not sticking around anyway, and why would I in this dump?" He sarcastically asked. "No smelly brats tell me whether to stay or go." He stated before shoving passed Kai and Cole and running down the stairs...

****************

Later that day everyone was sat at their usual table in the cafeteria, enjoying their lunches. When Pixel and Dareth had joined them, Zane had explained what had happened with Morro when Pixel asked why they were all in a sour mood; leaving out some key details of course.

"We're not smelly!" Cole hissed angrily as he devoured a large slice of cake.

"Well, except for Jay." Kai shrugged absently, getting a hurt cry from the said boy and a kick from Nya.

"You did kind of start it." Pointed out Pixel.

"No, we didn't." Nya defended.

"Someone must know something about him or his family." Suggested Zane. "Seen moving vans, something." He added as a member of Kai's soccer team, Chad, walked over to their table.

"Hey, Kai, are you going to ask the new kid to try out?" He asked though it sounded more like an order.

"I don't think he's the right sort for the team." He replied, keeping his eyes on his food.

"Fine, I'll ask." Chad huffed and walked over to Morro's empty table.

"Wait." Cole gasped but it was too late.

"Relax guys, he won't bite." Pixel frowned at their behavior and the group shared nervous looks. They turned back to Chad and Morro when the new kid suddenly got up and right into a startled Chad's face.

"I don't like soccer and I don't want to hang around with you and your weirdo friend! You got that?!" He roared, sending a pointed look at Kai and everyone sat at the table.

"Obviously, they don't teach manners where he's from." Nya glared as Chad speed walked over to them on shaking legs.

"Next time, you need to approach the weird kid." He hissed to Kai as the cheerleaders suddenly pushed passed them and over to Morro's table, completely looking over the way he had just spoken to Chad. Before the new kid could escape, a blonde cheerleader named Harumi Jade took a seat next to him and practically curled around his arm, much to his disgust. Harumi had long white hair with long bangs fashioned in a bun with chopsticks.

She wore a green jacket with matching pants, a white shirt with red lotus flowers, and full lips painted red.

"Hey cutie, since you've only just got here the principle thought it would be a good idea for someone to show you around, and we know everything about this school; all the best clubs and people to hang out with." She explained as she flashed him a big smile.

"Those weird kids, who're they?" He asked as he pointed over to Lloyd's table, where they were still watching him.

"Oh, that's just Lloyd Garmaddon, Pixel Borg, Zane Jullien, Jay Walker, Kai Smith, Nya Smith, and Cole Brookstone." One of the cheerleaders happily said, only to cower away at Harumi's glare.

"Their families have lived here for centuries." She quickly dismissed. "Never leave the area, don't like strangers or questions."

"They're all cuckoo!" Another cheerleader added.

"What are we talking about them for? Let's talk about you." Harumi smiled as she leaned closer, only to gasp when Morro suddenly stood up, grabbed his bag, and stormed off, leaving a furious Harumi and a dumbfounded Lloyd behind...

****************

After an awkward lunch, with Harumi and Chad and their groups giving them the stink eye, Lloyd and the others finally had had enough and went to their lockers to get their stuff for their next class.

"Are you guys joining us on Miss Jinro's forest stakeout?" Zane asked hopefully.

"It's open to anyone but is part of the ninth grade syllabus so all freshmen have to go," Pixel added with a smile. The others just rolled their eyes and chuckled, only to stop when Cole suddenly froze right in front of them. They looked over the taller teen's shoulder and were irritated to see Morro looking through his own locker from something.

That wouldn't have been a problem if it wasn't for the fact that his locker was right next to theirs.

Before they could do anything, however, Chad and his gang pushed them and 'accidentally' knocked into Morro, causing him to drop his bag and pieces of vegetables to come flying out. To say he was still sore about what Morro did in the cafeteria was an understatement.

"I thought I smelled something funny," Chad smirked as his gang laughed. "Is that your snack, freak?"

"Piss off," Morro growled. Unfortunately, this only made Chad angrier as he marched over to the new kid and violently shoved him into the lockers.

"Got a problem?!" He challenged, failing to see the veins on Morro's hands darkening as he bared his teeth. Before anyone could even blink, Morro suddenly jumped up, almost as high as the lockers, and pounced on the bully, sending them both to the ground. Feeling their stomachs dropping, Lloyd and his friends didn't miss a beat as they ran to stop the fight before any serious damage was done.

Kai and Cole managed to rip a snarling Morro off Chad while Pixel and Jay checked on the jock to make sure he was uninjured.

Quickly, Nya and Lloyd pushed the new kid into an empty art classroom just as Miss. Koko burst through the crowd of onlookers.

"What on Earth is going on here?" She glared as Zane, Cole, and Kai leaned against the door to the classroom, and Jay and Pixel helped Chad to his feet. Meanwhile, in the classroom, Nya and Lloyd mirrored their friends leaning against the door as Morro curled up on the ground, gasping for breath.

"What are you doing?" He cried out between breaths. "Get out!"

"Just breathe." Lloyd tried to reassure but Morro started growling as he backed further away.

"You have to get out!" He screamed as the veins in his face and neck started turning dark and his brown eyes turning a stunning yellow. Realizing it was too late now, Morro slowly looked up at them with a defeated look in his eyes. "I'm so sorry." He whimpered before he erupted into growls. Nya and Lloyd could only watch as his body shrunk and rearranged itself.

His clothes fell off his body as his skin was replaced with thick dark brown fur.

His face stretched out into a muzzle as his blunt human teeth sharpened. Once it was over, Morro slowly stood back up, but instead of a human, a full-grown timber wolf looked back at them. He snarled at the two teenagers before he suddenly started running around the room and on the tables, knocking several art supplies onto the floor.

"Morro!" Nya shouted and the wolf jumped down and snarled at them again.

Slowly, both teens knelt down to the floor with their heads down; when they did raise their heads they revealed their own bright yellow eyes, causing the wolf to freeze. He stared at them for a few moments before relaxing and lying down on the floor. Unfortunately, things weren't going so well outside the classroom for the others.

"He's crazy!" Chad cried as he finished telling his side of the story to Koko.

"You started it!" Pixel exclaimed.

"And where is Morro?" She asked but everyone just shrugged and looked around, still leaning against the door. "I'll catch up with him later; you two, follow me." She sighed as she led Pixel, Chad, and his group away. The friends waited until the crowd of students finally disappeared before they quickly ran into the classroom; only to find a human Morro putting his shirt on as Nya and Lloyd picked up all the items he had knocked over.

"I knew there was something about you guys." Morro smiled like a child on Christmas Day. "It's true, isn't it? You're all like me!"

"We're not like you!" Cole quickly said, a look of rage on his face, causing Morro's smile to drop.

"Yeah, we don't show off and pick fights and invades other packs' territory." Kai hissed.

"You're a danger to us all and the sooner you leave, the better," Nya added when all of a sudden the door to the classroom opened and one of the teachers walked in, only to freeze when he saw the state of the classroom.

"What happened here?" The teacher asked in shock. Morro simply huffed in annoyance as he pushed passed the stunned teacher and stormed down the hall and out of sight. They just let him go. Lloyd wanted to chase after him but he knew the others were right; Morro didn't belong here...

****************

After school, the gang went to their favorite hangout, the Yin & Yang Bistro, to gather their thoughts. They would have gone to Wu's tea shop, Steep Wisdom, but they didn't want Lloyd's uncle to listen in on their conversation. Alas, instead of a quiet place for them to discuss what they had witnessed as they had hoped, the gang had to watch as Miss Jinro's forest stakeout class met at the cafe to prepare.

"Apologies, students." She sighed as the class started to get impatient. "We're waiting for the last few stragglers to show and then we go."

"Ya've got five more minutes unless yer buying somethin'" The cafe owner, Mr. Burke, grumbled from the counter.

"I still think we should tell someone, you know," Jay whispered.

"Yeah, let's tell Mom and Uncle Wu that a strange werewolf just showed up at our school and trashed a classroom after trying to attack a student." Lloyd laughed bitterly.

"To be fair who hasn't wanted to kick Chad's ass." Kai snicked, only to yelp when his sister kicked him under the table.

"This isn't a joke Kai." She hissed as Pixel and Zane walked over to them.

"Are you coming to the forest walk too?" Zane kindly asked.

"Pass," Cole said as the rest scrambled for excuses. Just when they thought their day couldn't get any worse, however, Harumi and her army of cheerleaders suddenly walked in and scanned the room.

"Hey, Burke, has Morro been here?" She asked sweetly.

"Who?"

"He's this tall and dreamy and he beat the crap out of Chad."

"Ah, the Dobsons' new foster kid." Burke laughed and the gang paled.

"M-Morro's in foster care?" Zane asked.

"Yeah, must have been a bad boy ta get moved all tha way up here for a fresh start."

"He's an orphan?" Cole gasped as a look of shame on his face, hard with the others.

"Most foster children have parents somewhere." Pixel stated. "He was probably moved up by Social Services so he to get away from them." She added and Lloyd's stomach dropped in horror. Morro was probably all alone in the world, stuck in a strange place, with no-one to turn to; trying to make it in the world all alone and he and when he does meet another one of his own kind they reject him. Before anyone could say another word, Lloyd, Cole, Jay, and Kai ran out of the bistro, leaving everyone in a stunned and confused silence...

****************

The four teenage boys spent the better part of half an hour tracking the new kid all over the entire city until they followed his scent to the forest at the edge of the city. The giant forest was tremendous, gloomy, and lush. Its canopy was ruled by willow, oak, walnut, and cottonwood, who let through enough dancing beams of sunshine for a hodgepodge of sprouts to rule the insect riddled soils below. Many people were too scared to enter.

Only nature lovers, hikers, and the occasional dog walker ever went in the forest.

Coiling branches clung to many a tree, and a potpourri of flowers, which desperately tried to avoid the shadows, spruced up the otherwise homogeneous scenery. A mixture of beastly sounds, most belonged to foraging animals, added life to the forest, and were out of sync with the sound of the wind blowing gently through the forest. Many normal humans had gotten lost in the dense green world, but Lloyd and the others knew this place like the back of their hands.

They decided to split up, hoping to cover more ground.

Jay and Lloyd went to search closer to the road while Cole and Kai went deeper into the forest. As they walked along the empty road, Lloyd suddenly grabbed his friend's arm and pointed further up the road where they saw Morro Ren walking along the edge of the road, his head down. They knew must have smelled or heard them, so he was simply ignoring them.

"Morro!" Lloyd shouted as they ran to catch up to him.

"Don't worry, I'm out of here." He growled, still looking at his feet as he picked up the pace.

"Please don't! We're sorry, don't go, we can help you." Jay pleaded.

"Help?" He scoffed. "I've had help; counseling and other stupid shit."

"You need to learn to control your wolf self before someone gets hurt... probably you," Lloyd explained, only for them both to jump when Morro suddenly turned around and glared daggers at them

"You're just like the rest of them!" He snarled.

"We know about the Dobsons," Jay replied in a trembling voice. "We know you're alone."

"So?"

"We're like you, you saw that." Lloyd tried to reassure, only for the new kid to shove them away.

"You might like me, you think the same as them!" He snapped. "You're just trying to make me better; but, you know what? What I am, what I turn into, that is way better!" He roared with a big grin on his face. "It's better than anything I've ever known and I'm not letting anyone take that away from me!"

"We're not gonna let you do this," Lloyd warned.

"Go ahead, stop me!" He jeered with a cruel laugh. "Use your wolfy powers and see how long it takes for someone to find out what you are; because no one at school knows your little secret, do they?" He asked and they looked away, their thoughts drifting to Pixel for a brief second. "I thought not; I've got nothing to lose here, unlike you." He smirked before taking off into the forest at full speed.

"Hey!" Jay cried as they chased after him.

"Stop!" Lloyd called as he disappeared into the trees. If they hadn't been werewolves Lloyd and Jay might have lost him, if not for their incredible sense of smell, or Morro's cheap cologne. They quickly tracked him down and before the smug kid could even blink he was tackled by them both. They all cried out and grunted as they rolled down the hill and crashed into the dirt trail. After they managed to untangle themselves, Lloyd was shocked to see Pixel and Zane standing in the middle of the trail with Miss Jinro's forest stakeout class.

Seconds later Kai and Cole came running over the hill and into the awkward tension.

"Sorry, we're late, everyone." Kai weakly chuckled. "Seen any squirrels yet?"

"No, you lot have scared off every animal for miles." Miss Jinro glared before turning to the group of students. "I'm sorry, everyone, we'll have to come back another day." She sighed as they walked away, leaving the gang, Pixel, and Morro alone. As soon as the teacher and class were gone, Pixel glared and advanced towards the group of boys.

"Well done, guys! This was something important to me and Zane." She snapped.

"There's something important we have to do." Cole tried to explain.

"Like what?"

"Morro is more important than any club." Lloyd glared. "The thing is... Morro and I... are related?" He quickly lied, shocking everyone. "Distant cousins; he's the black sheep of the family, and I didn't want him here, so I treated him badly, which is why he lashed out and trashed the classroom."

"We don't have to be best friends, but Morro's here now," Zane added.

"OK." Jay smiled.

"Sure." Pixel sighed.

"Welcome to Ninjago." Cole smiled as he gave the new kid a firm handshake.

"You really don't like soccer?" Kai suddenly asked. Everyone stared at him for a few seconds before they all burst out laughing, Morro included...

****************

Later that evening, as the sun was starting to set, casting it's beautiful orange and shadows among the forest, instead of going home with Zane and Pixel, Lloyd and the others stayed in the forest to have a talk with Morro. There were things they needed to sort out.

"So... where you from?" Kai asked.

"My parents used to live in Stiix; they... they died when I was two," Morro mumbled, his eyes fixed at the rustling branches of the trees.

"And nobody knows what you are?" Cole asked in shock and awe when he shook his head.

"So, what did you do for the full moon last night?" Jay asked.

"I couldn't stay in my bedroom, could I?" He scoffed. "I climbed out of my window and made for the forests."

"So it was your paw-print that Pixel found!" Lloyd gasped; none of them would have been nieve enough walk so close to the city in wolf form.

"Was it your first full moon change?" Asked Cole sympathetically, knowing how scared he was for his first full moon transformation.

"Second." He replied. "The first got me kicked out of my last foster home."

"What happened?" Jay asked.

"Don't know." He shrugged. "I went to bed and woke up in a ditch naked; turns out I trashed my bedroom, so they kicked me out." He mumbled before clearing his throat and straightening up. "Anyway, what about you? I mean, full moons must be epic out here."

"Yeah, they're pretty cool." Cole shrugged.

"Well, I and Nya haven't started transforming yet." Lloyd sighed.

"So, I know more about this stuff than you do?" He laughed.

"Yeah, you're the expert." Kai laughed. "That's why you lost it with Chad in front of half the school."

"I didn't know that could happen." Morro glared. "I only thought werewolves went hairy at the full moon."

"We feel the urge to change when we feel threatened or angry too," Jay explained. "Learn to control it, and you can transform whenever you want."

"How do you know all this stuff?"

"Our parents tell us." Kai shrugged and Morro's eyes grew to the size of saucers.

"You have parents like us?" He cried.

"Well, sort of." Lloyd winced and turned the others, who all gave their nods of approval. "I live with my Mom and uncle who are like us, Kai lives his sister and his parents are werewolves too but they're usually out of town on business, Cole lives with his dad but Lou's human, Zane lives with his dad who's one of us and Jay lives with his parents, but they're both humans."

"I'm adopted but they know what I am and they don't care." Jay quickly added when he saw Morro's confused look.

"We were all born this way, you're normal." Lloyd smiled. "Everything you thought made you a freak: sight, hearing, speed, sense of smell, they're all completely normal for a werewolf; if you stay you'd have a pack, at last, people to teach you."

"So, say I did stick around, only for a bit, no promises." He quickly said when he saw the hopeful looks on their faces. "No rules, no lectures, you can keep your group hugs and your big, furry family, I'll do things my way."

"A lone wolf, huh?" Kai smirked. "I think you and I are gonna get on great."

"Next time you lose control over your wolf self, what happens then?" Cole asked.

"Well, that'll be an interesting day, won't it?" Morro smirked as he got up and walked away. Lloyd and the others shared a nervous look, worrying about what the new day would bring...

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Acting Your Age (Part 8)

Summary: Jensen and the reader are living together full time now and they start to explore what that means for the rest of their relationship...

Masterlist

Pairing: Jensen x reader

Word Count: 5,000ish

Warnings: language, age gap, implied smut

____

“Jensen,” you said, giving him a big hug when he trudged out of the bedroom in Austin the morning after you got home from your trip. “Jensen…”

“Yes my dear?” he chuckled, walking into the kitchen with a laugh.

“Happy Birthday!” you said, Jensen laughing at all of the balloons and streamers you put up.

“Aw, thank you, honey,” he said, kissing your temple. “I’m so glad I managed to get an extra day off work.”

“Okay, so I know you didn’t want anything for your birthday but I may have totally gotten you an amazeballs present,” you said.

“Oh really? What’s that?” he asked.

“Surprise!” echoed through the house, Jensen jumping slightly as his family and some of his friends popped out from the hallways and the TV room. 

“You got me,” he laughed. “Not too many people throw a birthday party at ten on a Saturday after all.”

“Well why doesn’t the birthday boy get dressed and we can celebrate?” you said.

After a few hours, Jensen’s surprise pool party started to dwindle down and you were itching to take him to his last surprise. Jensen figured it out pretty fast when you brought a towel, dog collar and leash with you, Jensen smiling when you pulled into the animal shelter parking lot.

“Ready?” you asked. He nodded and you went inside, following the staff into the back, Dean looking healthier than the last time you’d seen him. 

“Oh, poor baby,” said Jensen, kneeling down outside the pen Dean was hiding in the back of. “Is his skin okay?”

“Yes. The fur will grow back. The vet had to shave him down in some places so we could fix him up,” she said. She opened the door, the dog staying the back. “Dean, these are your new parents.”

The dog whined and Jensen got to his feet, going inside a little closer before he sat down.

“Hi Dean,” said Jensen, holding out his hands in front of him. The dog whined again but Jensen sat there patiently. “You come over when you’re ready.”

The dog turned it’s back to him, staying that way for close to five minutes before it turned around. It carefully walked over to him, giving him big puppy dog eyes before it bumped his hands with his nose. He did it a few more times and licked his finger, Jensen very slowly moving his hands and petting him.

The dog whimpered the second it was touched but quickly stopped when Jensen pulled away. They did that for a few moments before the dog climbed in his lap and rested his head on his leg.

“You want to go home, Dean?” he asked, running his hand carefully over the dog’s body. He didn’t make any sound so he carefully stood up with him. “Alright. Let’s bust you out of this joint.”

“You’re such a smart boy,” cooed Jensen when you were home, Dean wagging his tail nonstop as he looked around. “I can’t believe he’s potty trained.”

“I can’t believe people could hurt a poor animal,” you said.

“I know,” he said, sitting on the floor, Dean immediately running over and hopping into his lap. 

“I think you make him feel safe,” you said.

“You feel safe, baby?” he asked, the dog already going to sleep. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“I bet you’d make a really good dad,” you said. He smiled, glancing away for a moment. “We’ve never talked about kids, have we.”

“That’s a pretty serious conversation,” he said. 

“We don’t have to have it right now,” you said, taking a seat on the floor beside him. 

“Asking you to move in...that’s not…” he said, pursing his lips. “I swore to myself I’d never live with a woman again unless I thought…”

“Jensen. I know six months is not the longest time for a relationship. I’m not asking where you see us five years from now-”

“Right here,” he said. “Maybe some more roommates.”

“I’d be happy with that,” you said. “Roommates.”

“Hypothetically...kiddo, I know you’ve never carried about the age difference. I know. But kids with me...I will be in my sixties when they graduated high school. I’d be seventy by the time marriage happened, if they even got married younger. I may never see that or grandchildren. Honey, there are good odds that I would go out while you’re still some hot sixty something year old,” he said.

“Way to make it morbid,” you said, looking out through the back doors to the porch. 

“We never talked about it but it’s the reality of our situation,” he said. 

“You could die in a car accident tomorrow. So could I,” you said, Jensen lifting his chin. “That’s like saying not to live life because someday it gets taken away. I hate to break it to you but nobody makes it out alive. We have no idea how the rest of our lives will go, Jay. I got an idea of who I’d like to spend it with though, however long it ends up being.”

“Y/N. I want you to pick me when it ends up being that time. You have no idea how bad I want that. All I want is you to consider those things so you end up happy. That’s all I was trying to say,” he said. You scooted closer to him, his head turning to face you.

“You want me to be happy? Even if it wasn’t with you?” you asked.

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“You’re my best fucking friend. I’ve never been this happy in my life,” you said. “I don’t care how old you ever get, Ackles. We’re gonna be the ones causing havoc in the nursing home when we get there but until then, I don’t want to go anywhere.”

“You’re my best friend too,” he said, resting his head on your shoulder.

“You want kids?” you asked.

“I was thinking one. How many were you thinking?”

“Three,” you said, a chuckle coming from him. “Too many?”

“Two?” he asked.

“We have time to figure that out,” you said with a smile.

“You want to figure it out someday?” he smiled.

“Yeah,” you said. “Do you?”

“With you, yeah. Yeah, I want to,” he said. You gave him a kiss when you felt something move onto your lap, Dean sprawling out half on top of each of you. 

“He wants us both. That’s adorable,” you said.

“I talked to one of the people at the shelter while you were signing Dean’s paperwork. They said you walked in there a few weeks ago and when they asked what kind of dog you were looking for, you asked for the one that’d been there the longest,” he said. “No one wanted him because of the vet bills and how scared he was of everything. He didn’t scare you though.”

“What can I say, I have a soft spot for Dean’s,” you said.

“I wish I could stay here with you and Dean,” he said, resting his forehead against yours. “I’ve got two months of work left and then the bed and breakfast is going to pick up and-”

“And you’re not doing it alone,” you said. 

“I know,” he said quietly, giving your waist a squeeze. “I haven’t been in a long time.”

Two Months Later

“Guess who’s home, Dean?” you said when Jensen pulled into the driveway from the airport. Dean took off out the front door and ran over to the car, jumping up as Jensen got out. “Is daddy home?”

“Oh I missed you too,” said Jensen, bending over and giving him a hug. You walked out the door and walked outside, Jensen smiling as he pulled out a bundle of flowers from behind his back. “Pretty flowers for the pretty girl?”

“I’m so happy you’re home again,” you said, giving him a big hug. “Also, I have some big news.”

“What’s your big news?” he asked.

“The house I did for Jared and Gen’s friends...it’s going to be featured in Architectural digest. Cover story,” you said.

“Seriously? That’s amazing. We should go out tonight to celebrate,” he said. 

“They want to interview me. They never let us do that sort of thing when I worked in a firm,” you said.

“You’re gonna knock it out of the park,” he said, picking you up. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Afh!” yipped Dean, pawing at Jensen’s sneaker.

“You proud too?” he asked, Dean barking again. “Your boys are proud, kiddo.”

“I haven’t done anything yet,” you said as he set you down.

“Yes you did,” he said, bumping his nose against yours. “So does the star designer have the time to help me with my little bed and breakfast still?”

“Duh,” you said. “Once the place is fixed up, I can’t wait to get in there.”

“You know the house, our house...what’s some stuff you’d like? We got so busy with everything, we kind of put that on hold and it’s your house too,” he said.

“Honestly, it’s very beautifully done. The only thing I don’t really like is your office space,” you said.

“The den?” he asked as you nodded. “I never remodeled that room. It had a built in desk. I only ever go in there to do bills or brewery stuff.”

“It’s just...blah. It doesn’t fit with the rest of the house really,” you said.

“Why don’t you redecorate? You need the space more than I do,” he said.

“Are you sure?” you asked.

“Yeah. Make it your own,” he said. “Just give me a desk to work at every once in a while and I’m good.”

“Maybe I’ll tackle that next week then,” you said.

“Oh no. Next week you’re hanging out with me and Dean by the pool. I’ve been looking forward to some lazy time for weeks.”

“Hey,” said Jared, popping into the backyard later that day. You were reading a book by the pool, Jensen and Dean passed out for a nap under some shade in the hammock. 

“Hey, Jare,” you said, setting your book aside when he sat down on the chair next to you, giving you a smile. “What?”

“Kids trip. The siblings and spouses. I told you that you get to pick this year,” he said. “It’s coming up soon and I haven’t heard anything about if we got seven or eight going.”

“Are you sure you guys want me to go? It’s always been your thing,” you said. 

“We love you. We all love you. It’s our thing. We never pushed before because you were always doing internships or were working overseas but I’m putting my foot down this year,” he said.

“Okay,” you said, leaning back in your chair.

“Is Jensen coming?” he asked.

“Yeah, he’s coming,” you said. Jared was quiet for a beat, your head turning to the side. “What?”

“I never thought the person that helped me would end up helping you too,” he said.

“He’s a pretty good best friend,” you said, Jared chuckling.

“You’re good for him too. I’ve never seen him this way,” he said.

“Is this where I thank you for setting us up?” you asked.

“I’m happy you two are happy is all,” he said. “And Dean’s very happy he has you two.”

“We were thinking maybe someday Dean can get a little brother,” you teased.

“Oh my God. Don’t get a dog named Sam,” he laughed.

“We didn’t pick his name. Must have been fate,” you said, looking across the yard, Dean rolling over onto his back between Jensen’s legs. “They’re so cute.”

“The dog is. Jensen is hideous,” he said.

“I think your diseased face rubbed off on him,” you said.

“So many comments I can make,” he laughed. “I just came over to check up on you. You guys are invited to dinner at our place, sometime around six? Dean’s invited too.”

“I’m sure we’ll be over,” you said. “We can talk about vacation.”

“Sounds good, Y/N.”

One Month Later

“Well if that’s not the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen,” said Jensen when you walked out of your hotel bathroom. You looked down at your dress, Jensen smirking to himself.

“Oh, you can take it off later,” you laughed. “It’s just a dress.”

“Pretty dress,” he said.

“Are you all set to head out?” you asked.

“My phone, my wallet. Your phone, your wallet,” he said, pointing at his back pocket before holding up his wrist. “Emergency hair tie.”

“I’m so keeping you,” you said.

“I’m so okay with that,” he said.

“Like totally okay?”

“Like super totes okay,” he chuckled.

“You look handsome,” you said, taking him in. He was wearing a pair of white pants and one of his usual light blue button downs he wore for dates, his hair a bit fluffier than normal. “Floofy.”

“I know you like it like that,” he said, smiling as you stepped into your sandals. “Ready?”

“Mhm. Let’s go catch up with the other guys.”

“It’s beautiful here,” you said after dinner, you and Jensen walking along the path on the edge of the resort by the beach, your siblings all hanging back at the restaurant still.

“Yes, it is,” he said. “Reminds me of Hawaii almost.”

“It was beautiful there too,” you said. 

“We can go back someday,” he said.

“I don’t need fancy trips, Jay,” you said.

“I know,” he said. “But I like the memories.”

“Me too,” you said, his hand brushing yours lightly before he took it and laced your fingers together. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he said shyly, slowing his walk. 

“Y/N?” you heard. You spun around, Jensen frowning beside you when you saw a guy round the corner on the path. 

“Gavin?” you said, scrunching up your face.

“British douche?” said Jensen.

“Excuse me, mate, but I am not a douche,” he said, turning to you. “Wow. You’re still with this guy?”

“Get lost Gavin. You had your chance,” you said, turning to leave with Jensen when you heard Gavin mumble behind you, Jensen planting his feet.

“What did you just say to her?” growled Jensen.

“I called her a whore, as she is,” he said. Jensen shook his head and you felt his grip on your hand tighten. “Mate, this one only wants one thing.”

“Don’t make the mistake of insulting my girlfriend twice,” he said, narrowing his eyes.

“Jensen, let’s go. Forget about him,” you said.

“She doesn’t care, mate,” said Gavin.

“I’m not your mate, buddy,” said Jensen. “You know what? Thank you for fucking it up because now, I have an amazing woman I love so while I don’t appreciate how you made her feel, thank you for giving me the opportunity to show her what a real man is like, entitled jackass.”

“Let’s just go,” you said, tugging on Jensen’s arm. He finally let you pull him away, Gavin taking off in the other direction. Jensen was tense, his fist clenched as you walked him out onto the sand. “Relax, Jens. I’ve been called worse.”

“Fucking asshole,” he mumbled, pulling his hand away from you. “Ruining everything.”

“Jensen, forget him. Nothing’s ruined,” you said, grabbing his arm. “Let’s go get a drink at the bar.”

“Alright,” he said with a sigh. You went back to the path, walking the long way around before he went off of it. You didn’t say anything as you found another path, a quiet little hammock tucked away between palm trees with a perfect view of the water. 

“You were leading us here, weren’t you,” you teased.

“I have my moments,” he chuckled. You smiled as the wind picked up, a large boom overhead. “Uh…”

You glanced up just in time to feel it start to rain, Jensen breaking out into a laugh.

“I don’t know if the universe is trying to tell me something here,” he said, his hair getting wet and sticking to his forehead, starting to soak the both of you. 

“What?” you asked. He looked around, shaking his head as he grabbed hold of both of your hands. He took a small step back, kneeling back on one knee as it took a moment to realize what was going on.

“So,” he said, thunder booming over head, Jensen laughing as you nodded. “Nice and romantic right?”

“Oh yeah,” you said, the wind whipping your wet hair around, everything drenched at this point, water running down both your faces. 

“Y/N,” he said, the thunder cracking again. “Kiddo. Would you-”

You couldn’t hear what he said, Jensen throwing his head back.

“What?” you said, Jensen starting to crack up.

“Would you marry-” he got out before the storm was too loud. “Would you-”

“I can’t hear you!” you shouted.

“I said-” he said, shaking his head at the storm. “Ten seconds! That’s all I’m asking for!”

“Jensen,” you laughed, taking a step forward when you slipped in the wet sand, landing straight on your butt. He stared for a moment before you both laughed, Jensen cupping your cheek. 

“Would you marry me, kiddo?” he said with a big smile. 

“Yes,” you said, giggling as you looked him over. 

“I know right? I bet this was your dream proposal,” he laughed, giving you a kiss.

“You’re here so yeah,” you said, Jensen chuckling again. “It’s perfect.”

“I love you,” he said, giving you a hug.

“I love you too,” you said, giggling when he reached into his pocket. “No offense babe but with our luck, let’s save the ring for the hotel room and not the sandy beach?”

“Probably a good idea,” he said. “Let’s get out of here, kiddo.”

“Hm,” you hummed an hour later, curled up in bed with Jensen, staring at your hand. “You made this?”

“Mhm,” he said.

“Are you good at everything?” you teased, wrapping your arm around his torso, resting your head on his chest.

“Yes. Yes I am,” he said, nuzzling his cheek against you. “You any warmer?”

“Yeah. You?”

“That hot shower was pretty awesome,” he said.

“The shower sex was awesome too,” you said, Jensen kissing the top of your head. “All sex with you is awesome actually.”

“Speak for yourself,” he said, wrapping his legs around you. 

“Cuddles?” you asked.

“Obviously,” he said, letting out a big breath of air.

“You okay?” 

“Yeah. Very long day,” he said. “I was nervous enough and then it all started going to hell and then it had to storm like that and all the pretty lanterns got put out and the wind and you were just laughing your ass off and I knew you were gonna say yes no matter how bad it went.”

“It really was perfect,” you said. “Very memorable.”

“I get to marry you,” he smiled.

“Ah, I want to squish you, cutie,” you said, Jensen chuckling as he pretended to roll away, letting himself get caught by you. “Mine.”

“Yeah I am, kiddo.”

“Well, well, well,” said Jared at breakfast, you and Jensen smiling as you walked in to join them the next morning. “What did you two kids get up to last night?”

“Oh nothing,” you said. “Got engaged is all. No biggie.”

“No biggie,” said Jensen, your sister and both your sister in laws already out of their seats. “Don’t crush my fiance now.”

“It took you long enough,” teased Jared, the guys congratulating him while you were swarmed. Ten minutes later everyone was seated back at the table, Jared giving you a smirk.

“Yes, Jared?”

“Nothing,” he said. “Later.”

“Hey,” said Jared that afternoon while you hanging out by the pool. “Mind if I steal your bride to be?”

“Go for it. If I recall correctly, there’s a certain Gen around here somewhere I owe for shoving me in a pool last fall,” said Jensen. Gen popped up from her pool chair, Jensen smiling darkly. “Oh, I didn’t forget, Padalecki. An Ackles never forgets.”

She took off running, Jensen hot on her tail as Jared chuckled, grabbing your hand and leading you over to where your brother and sister were waiting. You cocked your head but followed them down to the beach, taking a seat when the three of them formed a little semi-circle.

“Uh, what’s going on?” you asked.

“Big sibling speech,” said your sister.

“When I get engaged, dad gave me this speech,” said your oldest brother. “Then when Jared did, I gave it to him but modified cause you know, siblings.”

“Then the boys gave it to me when it happened for me,” said your sister. “Now it’s your turn.”

“This isn’t some like, you guys will murder Jensen thing if he ever hurt me, right?” you asked.

“No,” said your sister, your brother nodding his head. “Kinda. I mean we would but we don’t plan on it happening.”

“Yeah, but this time is a little different,” said Jared, giving the others a sad smile. “You’re our kid sister. None of us were ever the best siblings.”

“We barely had a relationship until last year,” said your oldest brother.

“I never talked to you, even when the boys were moved out and it was just us. Not about boys or girl stuff or anything,” said your sister.

“I thought you thought I was selfish so that’s why you were always avoiding me,” said Jared. “But all three of us, we made you feel like you didn’t belong. We all know mom and dad didn’t plan you and we fed into every fear you probably ever had about being an accident and unwanted.”

“It’s fine,” you said with a shrug, playing with some sand.

“No, it’s not,” said your brother. You lifted your gaze, getting smiles from all three of them. “We weren’t mean. We were indifferent. We’ve been that way since you were a little girl. You always tried to talk about things we wanted to, talk about us. We never asked about you.”

“But we hope you can forgive us,” said your sister. “We’re happy you found Jensen. Well, okay, I was a little weirded out by the age thing at first but he loves you so much and he makes you this person we wish we’d gotten to know a lot sooner.”

“What we’re saying is, we fucked up in the past. We’ve spent most of the past year trying to make that up to you,” said your brother.

“I’m going to guess this isn’t the part of the speech dad gave,” you said, all three of them laughing.

“We’re gonna be there, no matter what,” said your sister. “You guys are gonna have fights. You're gonna have bad days and if you’re like us, you’ll twist it around in your head.”

“You can always call us, good and bad stuff,” said your brother.

“And you can always crash at one of our places if you guys ever have a big blowout and need some time to cool off,” said Jared.

“And we know we aren’t as close as siblings should be but we hope you still let us help with wedding stuff,” said your sister. 

“Guys,” you said. “I appreciate it and when I do have bad days, I will ask for help. When I need babysitters in the future or how to change a diaper, I’ll be calling. But I love you three. I have no resentment over anything. I wouldn’t be engaged to the manchild chasing Gen over there if my life had been different and I love him. I love you guys. Nothing’s going to ever change that. We good now?”

“We’re good,” they said, your head whipping around as you heard a large groan, watching Jensen get tackled by Gen into the ocean. She stood up with a smile and walked back up to the pool, Jensen shaking his head. 

“This ain’t over, Padalecki!” he said.

“Kiss my ass, Ackles. Learn how to…” she trailed off when he started running again, Gen running past the four of you quickly.

“That’s going to be my husband,” you said, Jensen finally catching up with her and picking her up, Jensen tripping in the water, the both of them going under and popping up with a laugh. 

“You could do a lot worse than that one.”

Nine Months Later

“Tom? Could you let Dean out to go potty?” you asked when you saw him pattering around near the door.

“Sure, Aunt Y/N,” he said, rushing past you, nearly knocking Jensen off his feet. “Sorry Uncle Jensen.”

“S’okay bud. Slow it down in the kitchen though,” he said, setting the pizza’s down on the counter. “Pizza’s here you animals!”

“That’s our family,” you laughed.

“Have you seen them eat? They’re like hyenas,” he said, a barrel of feet coming down from the TV room where everyone was watching the playoff game. “Told you so.”

“Where’s the buffalo chicken?” asked Jared as Josh took a few boxes up.

“I only got the one,” said Jensen, handing him a box. “Carry those up to the dining room, would you?”

“You got it brother,” he said, shoving a piece in his mouth before he carried a few boxes away.

“Alright, you’re not wrong about Jared at least,” you said, your dad and Jensen’s coming down, each grabbing a box for themselves. “Whoa. Guys. How about you two share one, hm?”

“Had to teach your daughter manners, didn’t you Padalecki,” said Jensen’s dad.

“I could say the same. I had this guy knocking on my door at two in the morning because he knew she was the one and wanted to ask permission. Two in the morning! I almost said no out of principle,” said your dad.

“You asked?” you said with a big smile. “Aw, I didn’t know he did that.”

“Yes, he’s adorable,” said Jensen’s dad with a smirk. “Aren’t you Jenny?”

“Mom!” shouted Jensen. 

“Behave!” you heard both your mom’s shout back.

“How are we the one’s getting in trouble?” said your dad.

“Because it’s you two together which is somehow worse than Jensen and Jared together,” you said.

“True,” said your dad.

“Fine. Take the two pizzas,” said Jensen. They high fived and went back upstairs, Jensen shaking his head at them.

“You asked permission?” 

“Yeah,” he said with a shrug. “What are you gonna do about it, Mrs. Ackles?”

“Maybe that’s like, super sweet cause I know my dad would appreciate that sort of thing,” you said. “Maybe you’ll get some baked goods out of it. I don’t know. What are you gonna do about it, Mr. Ackles?”

“Uh,” he said, pulling out the pizza box on the bottom marked mushrooms. You raised an eyebrow, Jensen opening the box to find buffalo chicken. 

“I married an evil genius,” you said, grabbing a piece and giving him a high five, both of you hearing the door open and Tom standing there. “Hey, Tom.”

“Are you hiding the good pizza Aunt Y/N?” he asked, crossing his arms.

“Here,” said Jensen, grabbing a cookie off the tray for later.

“Pizza, Uncle Jensen,” he said, narrowing his eyes.

“Son of a…” he said, begrudgingly handing him over a slice. “You don’t tell anyone about this now.”

“We’ll see,” he said as he took off back upstairs, Dean coming to sit between the two of you, staring up with puppy dog eyes. 

“Sorry but it’ll hurt your tummy, baby. None for you,” said Jensen.

“More for mommy,” you said, taking out another slice. 

“Speaking of mommy, Dean,” he said, giving you a kiss, “You’re gonna have to get used to somebody else being around little guy. According to the doctor, mommy has a very small bun in the oven.”

“I’m eight weeks,” you said. “I’m barely pregnant.”

“You’re pregnant!” said Tom.

“She’s pregnant!” you heard the whole other room say.

“Well that’s one way to break the news,” said Jensen.

“We’ve never been one’s to stick to the rules,” you said, leaning up on your tiptoes. “Better go face the music.”

“In a minute,” he said, giving you a kiss, rubbing his hand over your stomach. “I love you so much, kiddo.”

“Me too, Ackles. So, so much.”

_______

A/N: Read the timestamp here!

[yeeharley]

8 and 11 for Halloween prompts please🥺

Of course, dear! I really hope you like it!

8: came to investigate someone screaming next door

11: dog chased me up a tree when I tried to knock on the door

Isn’t it a major Halloween faux pas to follow the sound of extremely loud, shrill, terrifying screaming and find out what it is?

That feels like a bad idea. It feels like the moment a clown jumps out of the bushes and chops your head out. It feels like Harley is about to die a bloody and horrible death.

But it also feels like he really wants to know who’s making that awful noise, so. Onwards and upwards.

Armed with a baseball bat from his little league days and an amount of trepidation that could kill a horse, Harley creeps out of his apartment and closes the door behind him as quietly as he can. The screaming is quieter, further in between (which probably isn’t great).

The sound of a dog barking has joined it.

Don’t the Robertsons have a dog? A german shepard?

Yeah, they do.

Is the Robertsons’ dog mauling somebody to death?

Maybe, Harley thinks, creeping along the boundary of bushes between his house and his neighbors’, baseball bat still slung over his shoulder and gripped between white knuckles.

He would rather not have to hit a dog. He’s always liked them, but if someone is being actively attacked, he’s probably going to have to.

Abby would kill him if she found out.

She’ll have to never find out.

There aren’t many trick-or-treaters out anymore, which is probably a good thing considering the amount of attention screaming on Halloween would draw.

Harley crosses the yard, bare feet crunching against short-cropped grass, and makes his way around the driveway. The barking is louder now, more frequent.

And there it is.

Yeah, it’s the Robertsons’ german shepherd (Gertrude, he thinks, but it could also be Giselle or something else that starts with a ‘g’. Probably Gertrude). 

“What’ve you got?” Harley shouts, breaking into a light jog as Gertrude comes into view. She’s barking up the side of a tree, one paw set against its trunk, jaws moving quickly to reveal really sharp teeth (dear God, that’s terrifying). 

There’s another shout from the canopy of the tree. Then, “Hey, would you mind helping us get down?”

A boy’s voice, lower than that of the screams. So there are… two people in the tree? 

Okay. Okay, he can deal with this.

Harley reaches down to grab Gertrude by the collar and pulls her back, gritting his teeth as she tries to move closer. She’s big, strong, but not as strong as him. He’s able to pull her back to the house and attatch her leash (she must’ve gotten off of it) to the doorknob before turning back and peering up at the top of the tree.

Just as he’d guessed, there are two people clinging to the slim branches. One is a little girl in a Spider-Man costume- sans mask- with teary eyes and a bag of candy clutched between her little fists.

The other is a boy who looks to be around Harley’s age. He’s not dressed in a costume, just a pair of jeans and a gray t-shirt, and his curly hair droops down around his eyes as he peers down at Harley with a nervous grin on his face. 

“Uh- hey,” The boy says, freeing up one of his hands to wave. “Can you help us out?”

The little girl chokes out another sob, gripping the boy- her brother, maybe- like he’s her only lifeline.

“Yeah, I got you.” Harley drops the bat to the dewy grass, shaking his hands out before stretching his arms up above his head. He can reach just shy of the girl’s feet, but it’s high enough for the boy to lower her into his grip. 

The minute she can, she wraps her arms around Harley’s neck and attatches herself to him like a little monkey. He chuckles and bends down so her feet, clad in light-up sneakers, can reach the ground.

“I’ve gotta get your brother down now, okay?” He says gently, before nodding at her bag of candy. “Eat some of that while I help ‘im.”

She nods eagerly and digs into the bag with relish, fear clearly forgotten. “Thanks, mister.”

Main problem taken care of, Harley turns back to the boy in the tree and tilts his head, trying to figure out how in the world he’s supposed to do this. He can’t weigh that much if the branches can hold him, which is good, but he’s still just a little bit too far above Harley’s head for this to be easy. 

“What’s your name?” Harley calls up, neck craning uncomfortably.

The boy blinks, bites his lip. “Peter Parker. That’s Morgan.”

Sounds familiar, but he can’t seem to place it. 

“Alright, Peter.” God, this is hard. “Uh- can you come down a little so I can reach you?”

Peter grits his teeth, shakes his head. “I, uh, don’t think so?”

“You’re stuck?”

“In a way.” He shrugs before reaching up to grip the branch above his head. 

“Think you could jump?” Harley asks, spreading his arms wide like he’s about to catch something. “I won’t drop you if you do.”

From the way Peter’s face pales, he’s not exactly fond of that idea. Nontheless, he swallows convulsively and nods, staring down at Harley like he’s his saving grace. 

There’s a nasty scrape on the side of his face. It’s dripping blood into his eyebrow. Looks painful.

“Alright,” Harley says quietly, carefully. “Go ahead and jump. I’ll catch you- promise.”

He sees the minute Peter’s legs tense. He swings out, eyes clenched shut, and drops neatly from the treetop into Harley’s arms (he really doesn’t weigh that much, so it isn’t terribly difficult).

There’s a pair of arms around his neck and a pair of eyes fixed on his, glimmering with something akin to surprise. Harley stares, dumbfounded, as Peter tilts his head slightly to one side and makes absolutely no effort to get down.

He’s awfully cute. 

Even with the steady trail of blood making its way down to his eyelid.

“You’re bleeding,” Harley mutters. 

“Scraped my face on the tree when I was trying to get her up.”

Absently, he reaches up to brush his thumb over Peter’s eyebrow, wincing as the boy hisses and blinks rapidly. “You alright?”

He shrugs, eyes fixed on the red that stains Harley’s finger. “I think so.”

Harley stands there, still holding Peter securely in his arms, transfixed by the pink color of his lips, until there’s a quiet cough and a hand tugging at his pants.

“You got candy at your house, mister?” Morgan asks impatiently, staring up at him and showing off the little spider insignia painted onto her right cheek. “You gonna put Petey down?”

Harley chokes out a strangled laugh and sets down Peter as quickly as he can, leaning down to pick up his baseball bat. Peter brushes himself off, cheeks faintly pink, before turning to look down at Morgan.

“He’s done enough, Morg,” he says gently. “I think it’s time we go ahead-”

“Yeah, I’ve got candy,” Harley says. Smiles and jerks his head at his own house. “And first-aid supplies. You shouldn’t walk back with your head bleeding like that.”

If it’s possible, Peter’s face seems to get even redder. “I couldn’t impose on you like that-”

“It’s not an imposition if I invite you.”

Morgan laughs, high and clear, before attatching herself firmly to Harley’s leg and looking imploringly up at Peter. “He’s got candy!”

It’s obvious that he can’t say no to her; Harley recognizes that- he’d felt the same way about Abby when she’d still lived with him. Peter nods slowly, the corner of his lips curling up, before he reaches down and slips his hand into Harley’s.

Oh.

Oh.

Oooooooh, okay.

Harley leads the siblings (maybe?) back to his house, head turned away from Peter to hide his smile, before depositing his bat beside the front door and leading Morgan to the stash of candy under his kitchen sink. She happily starts to fill her bag, stuffing handfuls of candy into her pockets and under the neck of her suit.

He loves kids. God, he loves them.

When Morgan’s happily occupied, Harley sits Peter down at the counter before pulling his first ait kit out and digging through it for butterfly bandages, alcohol, and cotton pads. He perches on one of the stools a foot or so away, leaning in slowly and dabbing at the cut as gently as he possibly can. 

Peter still hisses and grits his teeth, but he doesn’t move, allowing Harley to finish his work and tape the bandages over the cut, holding it closed. The bleeding has pretty much stopped at this point, only a slow drip of red, and Harley leans back with a satisfied hum.

“Thanks,” Peter murmurs, reaching up to poke at his forehead. “I appreciate all your help.”

“No problem,” Harley says. He packs up the kit, closes it, and pushes it aside.

He does impulsive, possibly stupid things all the time.

This might be one of the most impulsive and stupid of them all.

He grabs a pen off of the counter, pulls a napkin out of the nearest drawer, and scribbles down his number before pressing it into Peter’s hand.

“Text me when you get back to wherever you’re supposed to be goin’,” he says with a smile. “So I know you got back safe.”

Peter nods and grins back at him, folding the napkin into fourths and shoving it into his pocket.

“Thanks.”

Thirty minutes after they’ve left, Harley’s phone vibrates twice in his jacket pocket. His stomach erupts into butterflies as he pulls it out and reads through the messages, eyes wide, a warm feeling growing in his chest.

hey it’s peter? we got back safe so

also i was wondering if you’d maybe want to get coffee with me sometime? totally fine if you don’t but i figured i might as well pay you back

Harley blinks, biting his lip. He feels like a lovesick teenager about to go on his first date- is that a date? That could totally be a date, right?

Yeah, I’d really like that. You free Saturday?

absolutely.

[mysteryideasgroup]

Josh and Matilda meeting Mystery Ideas and Mystery Skulls Part 1

Josh and Matilda are arrived at towns and cities. Josh knows that search for old scary abandoned houses. He with his friend, Matilda is looking for ghosts.

------------------------

Appearance

Josh is pale skin with blonde hair that spikes backward with two strands of hair that grow from his hairline upwards, one larger than the other.

He has a small, triangular goatee with sideburns that are accented with two orange stripes. His eyes are a similar orange shade to the accenting lines, above having two bushy eyebrows that are reminiscently heart-shaped.

Matilda is very light skin. She has blue hair with bangs, sides and back being off the shoulder and held back with a darker blue headband

Molly white dog with black paws. She has a red and black spiky mane of hair on her head. True form large Kitsune with six tailed.

------------------------

Josh wears his inner necklace orange, his vest orange with badge pins like Arthur’s, his four badge pins; Skull, Thunder, blue badge pin, star. He wear white t-shirt and yellow pants with shoes sneakers, wristbands are dark brown.

Matilda wears her glasses are magenta, her blue scarf, her headband with flowers and snowflake. She wear her aqua-blue sweater, thigh-high stockings are light blue with short heeled shoes are aqua-blue, skirt top blue and bottom are aqua-blue.

Molly wears a pair of tiny, gold-tinted glasses. She also wears a dog collar with a question mark on it.

------------------------

Josh’s Van drove to stop at a scary abandoned mansion. Josh looking seen at a scary abandoned mansion. Josh is worried and quiet

Josh: Here at this. It’s a scary abandoned mansion.

Matilda: I’m right, We going scary abandoned mansion.

Molly: Sure, I’m going.

Matilda: My dog with him, Molly.

Molly: Yes, sure.

The trio is arrived entered a scary abandoned mansion, they are looking at the old mansion. 

Josh: Whoa... I never seen ghosts before... I search for ghosts.

Matilda: Yes, I look. 

Molly: Hmm... 

Josh is walking to upstairs to the hallway of doors, he is open the door and seen not here ghosts, he noticed that the mirror. He walking to seen himself in the mirror reflection. He is feels happened to seen mirror

Matilda: ??? *seen the mirror* Hmm?

Molly is worried

Molly mind: What happened? They are feeling like they have seen mirror reflection of Ghosts of dead relatives? I think it's Ghosts and Spirits that family members are worried that Josh and Matilda are right...

[absolute-maniac]

Katherine

Hello tumblr! I am a bit nervous about this, but for the first time ever I am going to publish a short story of my own. I would really like to hear your opinions on it. So here it comes, I hope you like it!

I had just graduated from high school when it happened, something I had no control over, and which would come to change and control my life forever. No one had warned me of what was going to happen, not even my mom who knew about everything.

For almost nineteen years I had lived in a little town named Ulvsborg together with my family which consisted of my mom, my stepfather and my half-sister. I had never met my real dad and mom refused to talk about him. My little sister Caroline wasn’t even aware of the fact that we didn’t have the same father.

It had barely passed a week after I graduated high school when the changes begun. My body started making sudden and very noticeable changes at av vary rapid speed. My hair and nails started growing impossibly fast, my appetite quadrupled, small wounds I got healed in no time and for every passing day I grew much stronger and faster.

My mom observed the changes with an almost unnerving calmness to her but still she refused to explain what was happening to me. All she did was to repeatedly tell me that it was nothing to worry about and mom wasn’t someone to be contradicted when she said something.

 It was an unusually warm and dry summer for being the middle of June in Sweden, so I had made a new habit of go running late in the evening when the air had cooled down quite a bit compared to during the day. The full moon lit up the sky so well, I could see every single detail in my surroundings.

I had just reached the top of a hill when it suddenly happened. Out of nowhere I collapsed to the ground and my whole body started cramping and with the cramps came the pain which was like nothing I had ever felt before.

It felt as if every single bone in my body cracked open, healed together and then broke once again and again. After what felt like an eternity the pain slowly started to fade until it was gone altogether but I didn’t dare to move even a millimeter from my spot on the ground out of fear that the pain would return.

It wasn’t until I heard the sound of sneakers against the gravel and the sound of rustling leaves in nearby bushes that I dared to open my eyes to just as quickly shut them again. A huge canine sat within very close proximity to me, so close I should have been able to feel its fur against my body. I was utterly convinced that I had seen its front paws in front of me, but for some reason I couldn´t feel anything except for the ground beneath me and my own rapid heartbeats.

“Katherine love, are you feeling okay darling?” My eyelids flung open and I stared in surprise at my mom´s cherry-red walking shoes. “Try to sit up.” My mom encouraged me, and I did as she said. It felt weird to sit, it felt wrong somehow but I couldn’t quite figure out why. The rustling of leaves started again but now it sounded much, much closer and what came out of the bushes and up on the track behind mom just seconds after that made me want to scream at the top of my lungs. I wanted to shout for my mom to run away from here as fast as she could, but I couldn’t seem to form the words no matter how hard I tried. I tried to get up so I could drag her with me, but I couldn’t get up.

The beast behind her drew closer, to the look of it, it looked a lot like a wolf. I knew wolves could be massive but this one was more than colossal it was like two wolves stacked upon each other. Its piercing eyes were huge and just a shade or two lighter than the color of fresh blood. The time to escape was gone and all I could do now was to wait for it to take the leap and rip my mom into shreds, but it didn’t. Instead it came up and sat down right beside her like a gigantic dog. My mom started to pet it and then she talked to it as if that monster was an old friend of hers.

“Nice to see that you´re still strong and well after all these years Johan. How long ago is it now? Seventeen years since the last time we saw each other?” I thought mom must have lost her mind until I thought it looked like the wolf thing nodded in response. Apparently was I the one who was going mad cause wolves did NOT nod to verify what humans said.

“Welcome Katherine, I´ve looked forward to see you for many years now.” The voice came from out of nowhere, it almost seemed as if it came from the inside of my own head. “I understand that you are probably both confused and really scared as of right now, but I will explain everything very soon. All you have to know right now is that you are a werewolf just as your mother and me. I´m the Alfa or in other words the leader of Ulvsborgs pack and from now on you are a part of it.” It was first now my mind realized why the way I sat felt so weird. I sat just like a dog would have done. That must also have been the reason why I hadn’t been able to stand up, I had tried to stand up the way humans do. I looked back and forth between the werewolf Johan and my mother.

“I know this is a lot to take in right now sweetie and I’m really sorry to leave you, but I really need to get back before Lars start to worry about us, Johan will take care of you for the rest of the evening. But don’t you worry, I will make sure to have lots and lots of food ready for when you are getting back home. Do trust me when I say you are going to need it.” My mom said and stroked me behind the ears before she turned around and started running back towards town in a speed that was very surprising for her age while I was left behind with a wolf I had never previously met.

“Come with me, I have a lot of showing and explaining to do before morning and I´d like to go thorough as much as possible of it before I let you back home to Antonia.

It took several minutes and several opportunities for my face to hug the dirt before I figured out how to effectively walk on four legs with clawed paws. Johan claimed that I thought to much about it, but I didn’t trust his words. After some minutes of light trotting, I could perceive a flickering light further ahead in the woods. Once we came closer, I could see that the light came from small fireplaces surrounded by benches made out of thick logs of wood and a to me bizarre mix of even more huge wolves and very lightly dressed humans of varying ages.

“Welcome to the camp.” I flinched when Johan’s voice once again materialized itself into my head. “This is our gathering place and refuge away from the humans where we can be ourselves without having to pretend to be something that we´re not. No humans ever go this far into the woods and even if one or two would dare to go all the way out here they would be so afraid that the sound of a branch breaking would be enough for them to run home as if the devil himself were after them.” I listened attentively while shyly letting my eyes take in the sight of the camp. When the others heard us coming thorough the woods their eyes immediately turned towards me and all the attention made me feel uneasy. The camp turned out to be much bigger than it had seemed from afar. It seemed to consist of several compartments where the cooking place and the sleeping place seemed to be the most obvious ones.                      

“The first thing we are going to do is to introduce you to the pack, it´s an ancient tradition. After that I have some things to explain to you before I´ll let someone show you the way back home. You and your mom will most likely have a lot to talk about tomorrow, but you can´t mention anything that has with us to do to your sister or stepfather or any other human.”

I nodded and immediately felt how my stomach twisted into a ball of nervousness. Johan started trotting again and while he ran, he started to make strange barking sounds. I had no other choice than to follow him unless I felt like getting left behind all alone in the middle of the camp. Once we came out into a glade, I realized what purpose the barking sounds had. The Glade were already filled with around twenty wolves of different colors and sizes and even more were on their way coming from every direction.  It was first when all of them had sat down in neat row formation that I noticed their glowing eyes. The wolves had sat down in an arrangement based on their eye color, from the darkest orange to the lightest yellow. I found it strange but intriguing and put it on my mental note of questions to ask the first person who could answer them. My chain of thoughts were interrupted by Johan in his gigantic black wolf form who just called for everyone’s attention.

“As most of you already know I’ve called to this meeting tonight to welcome a new member into our pack. What most of you don’t know is that this one isn´t just any newbie.” Johan paused shortly in his speech to gesture me forward to his side where everybody could see me. I did as I were told so nervous, I could barely breathe. “This is Katherine Grimberg, my only child and heir of Ulvsborgs pack.” Already at my last name a huge wave of noises went thorough my head and before the sentence were over the noise had grown to be unbearably loud. This was probably what made it take such a long time for me to react to what he had just told the pack. When I finally realized what his words meant the realization hit me so hard, I quickly had to lie down so I wouldn’t fall and embarrass myself in front of the whole pack.

 I paced back and forth thorough the kitchen fuming with constricted fury as mom and the young man, who had followed me home, watched me with vigilant eyes. They looked almost as if they were watching the numbers on a timed bomb count down what might be what was left of their lives. Just as mom had promised it had been a huge dinner set on the table when I came home but I had been way too upset to eat it then. I tore away small pieces of meat every now and then as I passed by the table. I was too hungry and exhausted to be able to speak and too upset over tonight’s events and revelations to sit down and eat. After about an hour of quiet angry pacing mom seemed to be fed up with waiting for me to explode. She pulled out a chair from the table, firmly pushed me down on it with surprising force and stuffed an extra fat chicken thigh into my mouth before I got time enough to resist. The sudden, amazing taste of the chicken helped my hunger to win the fight over my anger and then I was way too occupied with eating to feel anything at all until I was so stuffed, I couldn’t possibly take another bite.

Then hell broke out.

I shouted, swore, hell I even threw things all over the place for at least half an hour. It was probably a good thing the young man which had followed me home stayed for dinner cause the very same moment I thought of attacking mom he had thrown his arms around me and carried me out of the house and into the yard. Then he stepped in between us every time I even thought of taking my anger out on her. Let´s just say that he received more than his fare share of my hits and kicks, but if anyone felt any pain from my violence it was me. The guy was as hard and stable as a rock.

“So now when you’ve finally calmed down a little you could perhaps consider using words to express your thoughts instead?” mom suggested with a smile I usually would have taken for caring, now it just looked scornful.

“What is there to talk about? The fact that you’ve never bothered to tell me that I am in fact a big hairy monster? That I tonight met my father for the first time in my life, the man whose name you’ve refused to mention even once to me all of these years even though he lives literally within a few kilometers from here? Or what about the fact that I am apparently the sole heir of the responsibility over a whole fucking pack of werewolves once one or both of you decides it is about time to kick the bucket? What about what I want?! No one have even thought of asking me about my opinion, I bet no one even had the thought of giving me an early warning that this was a possibility.” The tears flooded my eyes so much I couldn’t see at all and I didn’t even know why I was crying.

“So let´s say that I would have come to you a year ago and told you that you one night during a full moon would transform into a big chestnut colored wolf, would you really have believed my word?” Moms voice were clear as glass and as cold as ice.

“No, probably not.” I confessed slightly ashamed. “But you are a werewolf yourself, you could have proved to me that you spoke the truth!”

“No, that wouldn’t have been possible. It is against the rules to bring someone who haven’t gone thorough all of the changes into the camp and if I myself would have shape shifted into my wolf form again after this many years it would be like giving heroin to someone who has one been strongly addicted to the drug. I would get stuck in it all over again and I wouldn’t be able to regain the control until it had destroyed the human life I´ve build up for myself here. I have left that part of my life behind me and I don’t think there is anything on this earth which could make me take back that decision.” I flinched when something hot touched the side of my hand. It was the guy who decided to pry my fingers away from my bloody palms. Apparently, I had clenched my fists too hard around my long, hard nails.

Thank you… eh…” I felt stupid but I couldn’t for my life remember what his name was.

“Magnus, my name is Magnus.” He said with an unexpectedly deep voice considering he couldn’t be much older than myself.                      

“Oh right I almost forgot. There is one more thing I need to bring up with you regarding your new personal life and you are not going to be happy about it. I think it might be better to tell you now when you are too exhausted to make any real harm to anyone and since you’ve already yelled and shouted so much half of Sweden have gone to bed with earplugs to try and close out the noise. Or do you prefer that Johan takes it up with you tomorrow evening so the whole camp can witness your tantrum?” I did my best to take a deep calming breath before I nodded for her to continue.

“Magnus, I would probably let go of Katherines hand now if I were you. Her hand strength wasn’t something to play with already before she went thorough the changes, a crushed hand can be pretty hard to heal even for our kind.” The warmth surrounding my right hand disappeared immediately, that was the moment I realized that whatever she was going to tell me it must be something really bad. It was probably a good thing mom had somehow convinced Lars and Caroline to go and visit Caroline’s grandpa before Magnus and I got home, because the next words that left my mothers lips made me flip so hard, I got a blackout afterwards, unless I actually fainted.

“Considering you are our only heir to the pack it is of outmost importance that you continue our bloodline. Because of this your father and I has done as the traditions urge us to do and chosen a suiting husband for you to be your partner either until you get a living heir or until death do you part, whichever may come first.” That is the last thing I remember.

 Everybody demanded things of me. My father thought I didn’t put enough effort into my training, mom thought I pressured myself too hard to try and be perfect. My friends always complained that I never had the time for them anymore, Lars complained that I went out too much and Caroline thought I had suddenly become a lousy sister who never spent any time with her anymore, it made her feel like I had abandoned her. I had at least seemed to find a new friend in Magnus since he had followed me home after my first transformation. He helped me with my daily chores, answered all questions I didn´t want to ask my parents about and didn’t seem to mind listening to my long rants about how much my new life sucked. So I couldn’t really say that I was surprised when my parents two weeks after my first transformation announced that he was my betrothed all along. I couldn’t in any way say that I was very happy over the arranged relationship, but it was at least acceptable.

I didn’t have enough time nor energy left to be mad about it anymore and even if I would have it wouldn’t have made any difference. Mom were so tenacious a mountain would have moved out of her way if she told it to.

The wedding ceremony was very simple Magnus and I both cut our left-hand palms with a special knife and let the blood drip down into a golden goblet while we said the traditional vows that had been given to us. When the blood flow stopped, and the wounds had healed we gripped each other’s left underarm and mom as the packs female Alpha tied our arms together with a white silk ribbon. Then she took a step back and Johan took a step forward with the golden goblet containing mine and Magnus mixed blood. He said a few words in what must have been ancient Swedish before he let the blood slowly drip over our left arms, so the pure white silk ribbon got permanently stained with blood. Then mom declared us husband and wife and let us tie up the blood-stained ribbon which she told us to keep in a little box at a safe location as the ribbon now represented the bond which had now been created between us.

 After the ceremony I wasn’t really sure what expectations my parents and the pack had on us. They held a big party in our honor just like at any other wedding and it made me start worrying about if people were expecting me and Magnus to seal the deal later tonight. My worries grew stronger the further the night went on and I cursed my fast metabolism for stopping me from becoming even a little tipsy even though I practically chugged everything I could find containing strong amounts of alcohol.  When we upon that at the end of the evening got pulled away from the party by a couple of pack members into a big luxurious tent, I had to press my hands as hard as I could against my thighs so no one would see how much they were shaking. The tent were so high even Magnus could stand upright in it. Once the others left us alone it was more than just my hands that were shaking.  

“You are shaking.” He noted with a worried expression as if he expected me to collapse any second.

“Did you know my mom has never let me date or have a boyfriend?” Magnus continued to look at me with the same expression without answering. “She always claimed I were to young and immature to handle the responsibility and that it wasn’t good for my health to have that kind of relationship too early in life. When I got older and those reasons weren’t enough anymore, she instead said that it would have too much of a negative effect on my grades.” I wasn’t entirely sure why I told him all of this, but I didn’t have the strength to stop the chain of words that came pouring out of my mouth like a waterfall. “Now I’ve realized that she didn’t do it for the grades but for this. She didn’t want me to go thorough the pain of having to break up with a human boyfriend when I went through the changes. All this time when she didn’t let me have a boyfriend, I was so mad cause I thought I was ready for it, but this is not what I had in mind! This is way too much pressure at once.  I´m so fucking inexperienced and the fact that I don’t know shit about these things makes me feel like a scared little girl. What…” Magnus stopped my monologuing by putting one of his big warm hands on my shoulder. With the other hand he carefully wiped a tear from my cheek, I hadn’t even realized that I had been crying.

“Breathe, to faint due to lack of oxygen won´t make this situation any better.” I did my best to do as told and after a few tries I successfully drew a shaky breath.

“What are you so worried about? Do you really believe I would ever touch you without your permission?” I was going to shrug my shoulders but then I looked into his deep honey-brown eyes the sincerity in them made me shake my head and relax a little bit.

“One day we will have to produce an heir, but not yet. We are young, we have many decades before we even need to think about that if you don’t want to. On the paper we might be husband and wife now but what about we take it slow?” I felt very moved by his little speech.

“How slow are we talking about here, and where do we begin?” I asked as I felt more and more relieved.

“What about we begin as friends and then take it from there?” He suggested with a little smile.

“Let´s begin as friends.” I agreed and returned his smile with one of my own.

[fishingaddictusa]

HIGH TOP SNEAKERS DOG PAW

[theartificialdane]

Andromeda: Maybe this year

A Melati focused Andromeda about not doing as well in high school as she had expected.  Originally inspired by “Anybody have a map” from Dear Evan Hansen.

A million thanks to @veronicasanders for not only being a fantastic beta and cowriter, but also forcing me to confront my angst for angst and do what is needed to make the story work!

{Melati...} Violet wanted to reach over the table, wanted to touch her daughters hand. {Is there something on your mind?}

Violet ran, her feet hitting the pavement, her heart beating rhythmically, her breath coming in and out, in and out. It was early morning in mid autumn, the air chilly.

Violet’s watch beeped, and she slowed down, finally stopping in front of the property she and Sutan had bought when they relocated back to America. It was a lovely three story house, a brownstone on the Upper West Side, their neighborhood one of the reasons they had picked this specific property, but the real reason was next door.

Violet could see a dim orange light from the second story window. A shadow moving around inside. Raja was already up, the woman without a doubt sitting in her study and getting some work done before everyone else woke up. Violet smiled to herself. She should have known that Raja and Sutan would find a way to buy houses right next to each other, though she suspected Jinkx had had a finger in the game since two almost identical properties had shown up at the exact same time. It was all worth it though, when she had heard her husband’s sigh of pure relief as he took his jacket off for the first time in their new house, the world finally right again for him since his twin was back where she belonged; only a single set of walls away.

Violet checked her watch, the slim fit bit on her wrist telling her that her time was a little slower than the day before. Violet had never cared about how fast she ran, she had never done it for the physical fitness, but instead the quiet that overtook her mind, the nagging voice in her head only a tiny presence at the very back of her skull, but now, she was training with an actual goal in mind. A half marathon she would be running with Shane, the watch on her wrist a gift from the man that had been consumed by the idea of doing it before he turned 45. Violet hadn’t planned on joining him, Shane having never ran before, but she had volunteered when she saw the look of pure terror on Betty’s face the moment her friend realised her husband was serious about it.

Violet opened the door to their garden, the sound of tiny paws and yiffs coming around the corner hitting her before she even had a chance to reclick the lock. Asta and Nora both looking up at with big eyes, the pugs’ small tongues out their mouth. “Don’t look like that, darlings.” Violet smiled, bending down to quickly pet each of her dogs. “You’ll get your breakfast.” Violet quickly waved to their security camera. She was unsure if it was ever watched, but she felt weird not acknowledging its presence. Fame had forced everyone to get security installed when a fan of the show had followed Sutan into the bathroom at a bar, and Violet was grateful that Fame had taken that step, the woman one no one spoke against, even when she was being paranoid or unfair since she wasn’t one to ever let anything go.

Violet opened the patio door, and Asta and Nora followed her inside as Violet finished the rest of her morning routine. Shower, hair and makeup, all before 6.30.

The next step was her least favorite part of her morning, but she knew she had to do it.

The walk to the third floor was an easy one, but the task facing her was not. Violet knocked on the door, carefully opening it, the light from the hallway shining in and hitting her sleeping daughter in her bed. Melati was burrowed under the covers, the only thing visible her dark curls. She had inherited her father’s heart for sleep and late nights, Violet sometimes waking from the sounds of Melati working away in her room. Violet turned on the lights, the light dimmers they had installed in there on Juju’s recommendation a true lifesaver.

The soft jade green walls were filled with trinkets, the curtains were closed, the door to her walk in closet opened and her clothes spread everywhere, canvases lining the wall. Melati had a craft room, the space freeing up in the house when Violet had relocated what had turned into an ever growing workshop to an actual studio space, but Melati still prefered to keep much of her stuff in her room. Her computer was still open on her desk, the screen dark.

Violet took one final deep breath, stepping into the room to wake the most terrifying creature known to man. A cranky teenager.

///

{Melati, you have to wake up.}

Melati could feel her mother's presence looming by her bed. She cracked an eye open, her phone still in hand from when she had fallen asleep texting her dad last night as he had been making his way home, promising that he’d be there by evening.

He and been gone for over two weeks, helping the Indonesian producers shoot the first edition of Asia’s Next Top Model.

{It’s 6.45..}. Melati knew why she had been woken up, but she still wished her mom would get off her back a little. She didn’t know anyone else who’s mom was as overbearing as hers. Not that she had many American friends to ask, but she was certain that no one else was still woken by their parents at 14.

{You’re riding with Auntie Raja today.}

{Do I have to?} Melati turned, looking up at her mom, standing by her bed. She had only been in high school for a little over two months, and she still hated every single second of it, none of it made better by the fact that she more often than not had to ride to school with her demonic cousins. Normally she’d go with her dad, Sutan going downtown anyway because of work, but he was an entire world away. {I’d rather ride the subway with Maggie.}

Violet cringed. She’d always hated the subway, and the fact that her daughter was so independent should have made her proud, but instead it just consumed her with worry.

{Please? I’ll text you when we get to school.}

{Fine,} Violet sighed. {10 minutes, or you’re gonna be late.}

///

Melati opened the patio, Nora and Asta shaking their feet. Melati could hear her mother in the kitchen, walking the dogs one of her responsibilities in the morning. She was just about to leave the living room to change her socks, the damp grass soaking her sneakers, when their home system dinged. Someone was calling them. Melati turned around, the caller ID a familiar bright and smiling face. Melati quickly accepted, and Courtney Act showed up on the screen. Both Asta and Nora perked up, the pugs yipping happily.

“Courtney!” Melati smiled brightly, a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Hi!” Melati wasn’t proud of it, but no matter how many times she met her, she always felt a little starstruck around Courtney. She had seen her movies almost as many times as she had seen Moana, and she had performed her songs for every school talent show when they still lived in Paris.

“Hi lovebug! How are you doing?”

“I’m good.” Melati pulled a lock of hair behind her ear. “Another day of school.” Melati laughed, the English feeling like wool in her mouth.

“Awww, hang in there, babe. It won’t last forever.”

“Thanks.” Melati felt a rush of relief. She had spent some time with Courtney and the kids in LA during the summer while Bianca and Sutan had been filming last season’s Top Model, and the whole thing had felt like a dream. One day, Courtney had taken her out for sorbet, just the two of them, and actually listened to her. Courtney was her favorite adult to talk to, the blonde always understanding.

“Is your mom around, sweet pea?”

“Uh, she’s making breakfast...”

“Oh, bummer. I was hoping to ambush her with a little project,” Courtney said, eyes twinkling with glee.

“I can tell her you called,” Mel said, smiling. “So… I read that you’re leaving your talk show? Is that true?”

“It’s true. I’m stepping down at the end of the year.”

“Really? Why! I love your show,” Mel told her.

A smile pulled at the corner of Courtney’s mouth as she said, “Well...let’s just say that I’m trying to be a supportive wife.”

“A supportive wife?” Mel’s brow furrowed, confused. What did that have to do with her show?

“No no,” Courtney said with a giggle. “I’ve already revealed too much! But you’ll find out soon eno- Violet!” Melati saw Courtney wave, a grin on her face. “Good morning!”

Melati turned, her mother coming out from the kitchen.

“You’re awfully chipper.” Violet walked over, a note of mild irritation in her voice. “Is this about your email?” Melati knew her mother hated having her routine interrupted, but she was still being overly hostile.

“I’m great, thanks, and how you you?” Courtney said.

“Is it so important that you can’t wait? You have kids yourself, you know how mornings are-”

Melati bristeled. She was 14, that meant she was only two years away from getting a driver's license, and four years away from college. {I’m not a kid.}

Violet turned to Melati. {I didn’t mean-}

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” Courtney smiled, holding up her hands. “But I just couldn’t wait.”

“For what?” Violet had crossed her arms, her eyes narrow as she watched the screen. “I think my reply to your request was perfectly clear.”

“Listen. I know you don’t want to design kids’ clothes.”

“That is one way to phrase my direct decline.”

“Right, but that’s not what I’m asking for. I was just hoping that you’d do some low key consulting. It could even be anonymous. You know how much I value your input-”

“I’m not a children’s designer, Courtney.”

Melati rolled her eyes, falling back on the couch. Sometimes she felt like her mom spent so much more time telling people what she didn’t want to do compared to what she actually did. Melati knew Violet designed couture, that almost everything her mother made was sold and designed directly for her clients. She knew the waiting list for Violet Chachki's time was miles long and that the chance of getting an appointment almost non-existent, but that didn’t excuse being so rude to someone Melati cared about.

“Okay, I hear you, but please, Vi, just take a quick peek before you give me a final answer!  I mean I got to Amsterdam this morning and they showed me some of the samples and they are just so cute! Like look at this, you think it’s just a little gender neutral pea coat but then look closer and THE BUTTONS ARE DISCO BALLS!! And then there’s-”

Without even looking, Violet grabbed the remote and hung up, cutting Courtney off mid sentence.

{You just hung up on Courtney Act!} Melati knew her mouth was hanging open, her jaw slack with surprise.

{I did.}

{You can’t do that!}

{Actually, I can.} Violet looked at her watch. {You have to get going. Are you sure about the sub-}

Melati crossed her arms. {You were really rude. She’s supposed to be your friend.}

{Go brush your teeth.}

////

Violet had just finished making breakfast when Melati came down the stairs, this time dressed for the day in a soft cream sweater and jeans, her curly hair collected in a half bun. She was wearing pearl earrings, a thin gold bracelet and a ring Violet had given her.

Melati grabbed a bottle of juice from the fridge, dumping her backpack on the floor as she sat down at the table, her teenager still prickly from the mornings conversation. Violet liked Courtney, had maybe even come to love her, but the blonde was still much like the devil. Give her a finger, and she’d take your entire arm and Violet did not have time for Courtney’s project, not when Melati acted like a porcupine ready to fight whenever Violet dared say anything to her.

{Do you have to throw your things?}

{What?} Melati barely even looked up, her eyes occupied with checking the French news on the kitchen screen. Violet sighed as she sat down, Melati obviously ignoring her. Violet hated how much tech that had made its way into their house, Sutan always hopping on whatever the latest trend was with enthusiasm while Violet would happily have prefered a home with no electronics at all. At least she had managed to keep their bedroom a screen free zone, though keeping Sutan away from his work email often turned into an uphill battle. Violet placed her hand in Melati’s field of vision, the teen finally looking up before she repeated her words.

{Do you have to throw your things?}

{Does it matter?}

Violet looked at the bag. It was a designer backpack, the thing a gorgeous black with thick rims and leather that had clearly been cared for and crafted lovingly.Violet hated the look of how her daughter was mistreating it, Melatis laptop and her books distorting the shape. It had been given to Melati by Raven, a ‘welcome to american high school’ gift. When Violet protested at the extravagance of it, Raven informed her that it was very important - Heaven forbid Melati get bullied at school for having the wrong school bag. Violet relented, although she suspected that Raven’s idea of high school bullies was a little out of touch.

{It does.}

Melati rolled her eyes, but then picked up her bag, putting it on the chair next to her. Violet desperately wished Sutan was home, her husband a master at navigating Melati’s moods. Her daughter as prickly as a cactus most days when Violet only wanted to soothe and understand, though Juju had insisted that was just how teenagers were. But although Violet could begrudgingly accept a certain degree of surliness, it seemed like this week had been especially unpleasant. Her kind, loving, enthusiastic daughter was suddenly slamming doors, refusing dinner and not answering direct questions. Something was wrong.

{Melati...} Violet wanted to reach over the table, wanted to touch her daughters hand. {Is there something on your mind?}

{No.} Mel snatched her hand back.

{Okay...} Violet retreated.

Melati finished her juice, the clock nearing 7.30, which meant they had to get going. Melati picked up her bowl and took it to the sink while Violet did the same, her own breakfast almost untouched. She’d text her assistant later and ask for some breakfast, though she wasn’t sure the hunger would come, her stomach turning into a knot. Violet missed Sutan more than she wanted to say, but she was also happy her husband was traveling the world and chasing his dreams, though it kind of beat the purpose of why they had moved continents in the first place.

{Do you want me to send a car to pick you up after school? I have to stay late at work.} Violet had never planned on running a studio of her own, to have people that depended on her and wanted to have meetings and hear her opinion on things she genuinely didn’t care about, but it had become her life, and her team did give her the opportunity to do things she never would have accomplished on her own.

{I’m going to Maggie’s.}

{Again?} {What's wrong with Maggie?} {Nothing.} Violet tightened her robe. {It's just, maybe you should try making more friends in your class, someone you haven’t grown up with-} {I wish /Dad/ was here...}

Violet barely heard it, the words whispered under Melati’s breath. She reached for her daughter, attempting to give her a hug, but Mel ducked away, picking up her backpack and heading to the door, barely glancing over her shoulder as she grunted out a goodbye.

////

Melati descended into the subway, scanning the platform for Maggie’s tiny body and sparkly blue backpack.

“MelMel! Over here!” Maggie waved excitedly, a ball of energy as always. Her brown bob, orange sweater, matching miniskirt and huge glasses making her stand out amongst all the other uptown commuters. Maggie jumping up and down as if they hadn’t seen each other in years was so cute that it was /almost/ not embarassing.

“Hey Mags.” Mel leaned in to give her friend - or rather, her ‘almost cousin,’ as they called each other - a hug.

Maggie adjusted her glasses, asking, “Sooo… How was your night?”

“Okay.” Melati bit her lip. VIolet hadn’t been home because of a fitting until after dinner, so she had spent the afternoon in her room with Asta and Nora, working away. “I almost finished my collage, but then I accidentally fell into a black hole on Youtube. Did you know that the world's biggest species of bumble bees come from South Africa and is called Bombus Dahlbomii?”

“Cool. Weird, but cool,” Maggie said.

Mel smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the whoosh of air as their train approached.

“Aaaand…” Maggie said, linking arms with Mel as they entered the subway car. “... did you talk to your mom about that English test yet?”

“Ugh, no way.” Melati knew the question would come, but that didn’t make it any better. “Are you kidding?” Maggie had been bugging her about it all week, but there was no way Melati would willingly walk into the lion’s den.

“It probably won’t be as bad as you think. I know I was really freaked last year when I got a B in Spanish, but my moms were so sweet about it. Alaska ended up taking me to the spa to de-stress.”

“Yeah, well, that’s your family.” Melati crossed her legs, the sense that everyone around them could listen to their conversation extremely uncomfortable. “Your moms aren’t uptight like mine. And I didn’t get a B. I got a D. A /D/, Maggie!” Melati sighed. “She’s going to /murder/ me.”

Maggie took a deep breath and stood in front of Melati’s chair. She placed both hands on her shoulders, singing sweetly and earnestly, “/Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens… bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens-/”

“Maggie…” Mel hissed, glancing around at the subway car self-consciously. It was great that Maggie was so confident and unconcerned with what everyone else thought, but Mel didn’t mind blending in. In fact, she preferred it.

“/..Brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things!/...Did that help? A little Julie Andrews magic?”

“No.” Maggie kept staring at her, her brown eyes expecting and filled with mischief. “Besides.. That movie is only.. I don’t understand why you love it so much? It’s not that good.”

Maggie gasped dramatically, and then made the sign of the cross, clasping her hands together. “She didn’t mean it, Julie!”

Melati blushed and pulled Maggie back into her seat. “Why are you making a cross? Aren’t you Jewish?”

“Jinkx says that the Church of Julie is non denominational.”

“Ugh, I wish my dad were here,” Mel sighed, hugging her backpack to her chest, her exam inside it almost burning. Melati hated keeping secrets, and this was growing bigger each day.

“Like, back in New York, or here with us on this Subway car?” Maggie joked.

“My mom is just so impossible!” Melati exclaimed. “And, she said that I’m hanging out with you too much.”

“... She said what? But I thought your mom loved me? Remember that time she almost smiled in my general direction?” Maggie did a little shimmy, making Mel chuckle.

“Okay, she’s not that bad. She just wants me to make new friends.” The train lurched forward and Mel nearly fell out of her seat, grabbing a pole nearby. “But how am I supposed to make new friends when my cousins have already told everyone I’m a weirdo?” Tanya and Isolde Amrull were seniors. Seniors in the way Melati had only seen on movies. They were ever popular, dressed every day as if school was their personal runway, a group of people always around them to get their approval or to hope they rubbed off on them. Melati had only been in the school a few months, but she had already seen hoop earrings disappear from one day to the next, since Isolde had said they were over during a lunch period.

“Well, first of all, you are a weirdo, but in the very, very best way. And second, Tanya and Isolde are the /worst/, so only total assholes would believe them. And you don’t want to be friends with assholes, right?”

“I guess not.”

“So, when’s your dad getting home anyway?” Maggie asked, leaning a head on her shoulder.

“Tonight… I really didn’t want to deal with this on his first night back, but...I think I have to.”

“Or you could just like… Never tell them?”

Melati smiled, the train stopping. “That’s good… Let’s call that Plan A.”

///

Violet sighed, looking over the printouts she had made her assistant do of the several emails Courtney had sent her. The collection was...Violet didn’t know what it was, except hideous, but Violet also didn’t know anything about children’s clothes. Melati had thankfully never requested glitter slippers or bunny shirts. Violet had no idea why Courtney had requested her advice. The only thing she really knew anything about was fabrics, and as she was running through the different suggestions from the Dutch company, her brows shot higher and higher since most of it would be terrible for toddlers. Cotton in colors that would stain horribly, nylon so close to the skin it would irritate, and shoes so narrow it could impact the shape of a baby foot. Violet was two pages into an email, detailing everything that was wrong, when her phone rang.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Violet put the phone under her chin, her private phone only for family members and the very few people Violet considered friends.

“What are you working on?”

“What?”

“I can hear the pencil.”

Violet looked down, a small laugh leaving her as she had not even realised she had been sketching away on her notepad, creating a new version of the jackets for Courtney’s line.

“I’m sorry.” Violet put it down, quickly flipping over the paper and turning her chair around so she was looking out on the street instead of her computer. She could hear Sutan chuckle, but also the bone deep tired of her husband's voice. “How far are you?”

“Made it to LA. Boarding in 30.”

Violet felt a hot surge in her stomach, her cheeks blushing instantly at how stupid she felt. They had been married for almost 15 years, and she still didn’t feel right when Sutan wasn’t with her, her excitement to have him home after two long weeks prickling in her fingertips.

“God I hate this fucking airport.”

Violet laughed, knowing exactly how much Sutan hated LAX.

“I’m in the worst mood, I’m sorry.”

“We can get pizza tonight? If you want?” Violet knew Sutan would most likely be dead to the world the moment he touched down in New York, her husband never sleeping well on planes because of his height. If she was lucky, he’d be up and about when she got home that night, and the promise of pizza even if sober Violet didn’t enjoy it much, was a certain way to get Sutan to do pretty much anything.

Sutan groaned, and Violet could almost hear how he sunk a little deeper into his seat. “I love you. You know how much I like traditional Indonesian, but nothing beats a double pepperoni”

Violet smiled, her fingers tapping against her chair. “Love you too.”  

“So.. I read your texts.”

“Ah.” Violet could hear the change in Sutan’s voice instantly, and she knew she only really had herself to blame. She had messaged him from her closet, her body almost shaking when Melati had left the house that morning, her daughters words still ringing in her ears.

“I know you’re worried.”

“I-”

“But Violet, I promise you. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“There is.” Violet said. “There has to be something wrong Sutan, you haven’t spent time with her, she’s.. She’s never been like this before. She talks back /every/ chance she gets.”

“Like every other teenager in history?”

Violet bristled, the smile in Sutan’s voice not helping her mood at all.

“This isn’t normal.” Violet knew she hadn’t exactly had the normal experience of being a teenager, the ballet academies indisputable hierarchy and the pure time it took to not only manage a fulltime job but also keep her physical fitness up had meant she had never had anyone to argue with where she could win, no skipping school or drinking in the parking lot, but there was something called basic respect, and even if Melati was a teenager, she was still her child, their child, their sweet and kind girl. “Something is bothering her, something extra, I just... I know it.”

“A mother's intuition?”

“Don’t make fun of me.” Violet sighed. She knew Sutan was only trying to make things better, but most of the time Melati was a completely different girl around him, her father never making mistakes in her eyes, even though Sutan’s job was the true reason they relocated back to America.

“Do you want me to talk to her?”

“Thank you.”

///

Melati unlocked the front door, dropping her key in the bowl by the door. The house was quiet, just as she had expected, her mom rarely showing up until after it was dark outside when she said she was working late, but Melati had still hoped someone would be home, since she had gone to Maggie's after school. Alaska had been there, the tall blonde chatting away in her slow drawl while Maggie had happily reenacted everything that had happened at drama club and Melati had sipped her tea.  

Melati was just about to take her shoes off, when she bumped into something. It was her dad's suitcases, the four bags taking up the entire hallway. A surge of happiness rushed through her, and Melati bolted for the stairs, her shoes still on.

[DAD!]

She threw open the door to her parents bedroom, fully expecting to see her father underneath the covers. The room was small, heavy curtains keeping out the sunlight, and dominated by a king sized bed, a set of double doors leading to her parents closets and their bathroom, but the bed was empty though also unmade, which meant he had to be somewhere in the house. Melati took another set of stairs, her dads office on the other end of the floor from her bedroom. Melati stopped in front of the door, the muffled sound of music coming from inside. Melati knocked three times, waiting for a reply.

[Come in puppet!]

Melati opened the door, looking inside her father’s office. [How did you know it was me?] Melati stepped inside, feels calm. A bookshelf lining one wall filled with Batman memorabilia, heavy oak dominating the room, small bar, stacks of magazines and things Sutan’s current and former models have worked on.

[Mama never knocks like that.] Sutan turned in his chair, and pushing his glasses up, and opened his arms.

Mel rushed over for a hug. Sutan laughed, kissing the top of her head and pulling her into his lap. He turned the chair back around, facing his computer.

[I’m just ordering pizza for tonight.]

[Really?]

[Mmh. Which one do you want?]

[Spinach please.] They sat together for a while, Sutan absentmindedly asking Melati how her day had been, the two just enjoying each others company when Melati realized that she was still wearing her backpack and stood up. [Actually... Dad?]

[Changed your mind?]

[No. I... I got back my grade from that test last week. You know, the English exam?]

[You did? Anything fun to share?] Sutan smiled. [Shall I call the framers?] Melati sighed. Normally her dad’s teasing and enthusiasm would make her happy, but today it just grated on her nerves.

[Just read it. Please.] Melati handed the blue book to Sutan, watching nervously as he grabbed his glasses and flipped to the back, reading the first grade she had ever gotten that was below a B+. Melati had no idea how her mom would react, but she was counting on her dad to be the calm one, and hopefully help her break the news to her mom. Maybe even offer to do it for her if she was really lucky.

[Well, that’s disappointing.] Sutan looked up. [Is this grade correct?]

[What?] Melati hadn’t even realised how small her voice sounded. [Umh... Yes. Yes it is.]

[Did you study? Or did you expect to skate by without any work? Because that’s not going to cut it at this school.]

[Yes! Yes I studied! I tried my best. I...I guess I just didn’t understand the book and-]

[Well, you’ll have to do better. When I was your age, I had two jobs, and I still managed to get straight As. There’s no reason for anyone as smart as you to get grades like this.] Sutan shook the pages of the blue book for emphasis.

Melati stared at her dad. Her laid back dad, who had always told her to just try and try again, who walked through life as if everything always worked out for him. Melati had never been asked to take a job, had never even considered it since she used so much of her time on her art. Melati had expected her mother to be the one to tell her these things, to be the one who ignored how she had tried, telling her it wasn’t good enough, but here her dad was, looking at her as if she had somehow done this on purpose.

[And if you need help, you tell us. We’re not paying for one of the best schools in the country so that you can just-]

[I didn’t know I needed help!] Melati yelled, Sutan growing quiet instantly. [It’s not my fault, I tried! I really tried!] Melati had had been to every class, taken diligent notes, read the texts multiple times, had even discussed them with Maggie - but somehow, in the classroom, with the seconds ticking down, it was like everything had slipped from her mind. Her thoughts were a confusing jumble of three languages and twisted phrases, and none of it came out right on the page. [It’s - it’s this stupid language and not enough time and I don’t understand why we’re even living here!]

[Melati-]

[I hate this country! I hate it, I HATE it!]

Sutan stood up, holding up his hands in surrender. [Calm down, and we can talk about this-] His voice was calm, even, like everything she had said didn’t matter to him at all.

[Calm down?! Do you even understand anything?!] Melati’s voice had reached a shrill, fevered pitch. She felt like an animal in a cage. Trapped against her will. [Of course not! Of course you don’t because no one cares about me!]

[Melati.]

[Why don’t you just leave again like you always do?!]

Sutan swallowed. He had never seen his daughter like this, fat tears streaming down Melati’s cheeks. Before he could attempt a response, Violet appeared in the doorway, her coat still on, her keys still in hand like she had run upstairs the moment she got home.

{What’s going on?} Violet asked, {I heard yelling, is everyone okay?}

“We’re only talking, lovely eyes, just give us-”

{No! No! It’s not fair, it’s not- it’s not!} Melati whirled around, her fists clenched in anger.

{Little darling, I-} Violet didn’t know what she had expected, but Melati flinging herself into her arms, sobbing like she had as a kid when she was consumed with worry and missing her dad, was not anywhere on the list. Violet grabbed Melati, pressing her cheek to the top of her head, rocking her back and forth, holding her closer than she had in years. {What’s going on?}

“It appears we’re fighting.”

“‘A mother's intuition’ huh? What about a father’s?” Violet shot Sutan a dirty look, her husband visibly cringing, though she couldn’t entirely blame him. She couldn’t remember the last time Melati had yelled, and least of all at Sutan. Mel said something, the sounds of it muffled in Violet’s coat.

Sutan cleared his throat. “We were just discussing her grade.”

“And that leads to my daughter crying?”

“She got a D, and I was just telling her she needs to take school seriously if she ever wants to-”

“She’s a child, a teenager, not a robot. I know you got into UCLA but-”

“She needs to work hard if she wants to-”

“Sutan, just- Melati.” Violet gently took Melati’s face, turning it up. {Why didn’t you tell me, puppet?}

{You’re… not mad?} Mel gulped, breath hitching. {I thought you’d be mad..}

{Over this?} Violet wrapped her arms more tightly around her daughter. {It’s just a test.} Her whole body felt lighter, the relief that Mel’s problem was a simple academic one flowing through her, filling her with gratitude. {I know you’ve worked so hard.}

{I did... I promise I did} Melati wiped her face, clearly both ashamed and embarrassed over the yelling Violet had heard from downstairs though she had no idea what had been said. {Everything is so different from the other school and I can’t... I don’t know...}

Melati felt a touch on her shoulder, Sutan’s hand closing around it. [I’m sorry I’m an idiot.] Melati turned, looking up at her dad. [You’re right. I’m not around a whole bunch. You didn’t chose this move and you didn’t chose an American high school, but we’re not leaving, and I just want you do to do well.]

Melati nodded. [I know...] She pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear, very aware at how both her parents were looking at her. [I think...a tutor might be a good idea...]

[I’m sorry for going all...tiger mom on you.] Sutan smiled, still looking extremely apologetic.

[It wasn’t your shining moment.] Melati told him.

[Yeah..]  Sutan hugged her tightly. [Sorry.]

///

{What are we watching?} Violet sat down, Melati and Sutan both grabbing their pizza boxes and opening them at the exact same time.

{Glimmer!}

Violet looked at her daughter, Sutan pressing play on the ever familiar movie. {You get to pick any movie you want, and you pick Courtney’s Disney debut?}

{With the English audio. It’s educational, Mama}

{Yes Violet. It’s educational.}

Sutan laughed, and Violet couldn’t help but smile. Violet grabbed her plate, picking a piece of Sutan’s pizza out of his box, her husband and daughter back to being two peas in a pod. As she settled in, Sutan’s arm behind her back, she felt a sense of peace fall over her. Nothing was perfect, but Melati was okay, and her problem was fixable. Everything would be okay, and they would get through it together, Melati getting everything she never had.

[hanniejji]

Aesthetic Side Tag 🌸

rules: bold all the aesthetics that you relate to

thank you @tinylix for tagging me oof this is amazing actually I enjoyed doing this oof

side a - the city glittering lights, yawning skyscrapers, broken glass shards, street gangs, hip hop music, late night strolls, blinking stars, sleek cars, flickering neon signs, glittery earrings, small tattoos, empty subways, dark eyeshadow, snapping cameras, cozy apartments, fried churros, silver necklaces, dyed hair, ripped jeans, bright lipstick, dazzling smiles

side b - the book nerd large glasses, steaming hot chocolate, thick books, lofi music, hot pastries, soft smiles, large sweaters, quiet libraries, small flowers, melting candles, sweetened coffee, messy hair buns, soft pillows, fairy lights, vanilla scents

side c - the stereotypical girl soft pinks, mini skirts, crop tops, romantic fantasies, love songs, strawberry milkshakes, lipgloss, high ponytails, candy hearts, nail polish, starbucks coffee, clear skies, hoop earrings, excited ramblings, stuttering heartbeats, rose bouquets, soft blushes

side d - the stereotypical boy arcade games, graphic t-shirts, baseball caps, chocolate milkshakes, messy rooms, acoustic guitars, chocolate chip cookies, multi-colored bruises, rap music, nightly escapades, stolen glances, pencil-drumming, chocolate milk boxes, low hums

side e - the nature hippie mini plants, cloud-watching, star gazing, damp forests, sandy beaches, ocean waves, wildflowers, hiking, iced lemon tea, gardening, hippie music, buttered toast, birds chirping, multi-colored leaves, evening sunlight, fruit cups, sundresses

side f - the rebel cherry lollipops, devil hand signs, grape flavored bubble gum, rock music, killer boots, dark make-up, horror movies, denim jackets, switchblades, handguns, stargazing on rooftops, glowing cigarettes, large headphones, skull rings, converse shoes, graffiti murals, glowing moonlight, rose thorns, fishnet stocking

side g - the winter, busy cafes, oversized hoodies, drizzling rain, small snowflakes, marshmallows in hot chocolate, loose hair, sad music, reading a book, blanket forts, frozen lakes, crackling fireplaces, old movies

side h - the summer tank tops, lemonade, sunny days, dripping popsicles, short haircuts, tinted sunglasses, cotton candy, amusement parks, traveling, blasting music on the car radio, wagging dog tails, large sunflowers, snow cones

side i - the autumn pumpkin lattes, warm bakeries, warm colors, hair braids, soft sweaters, colorful leaves, purring cats, dark chocolate bars, romance movies, soft music, zentangling, vintage cameras

side j - the spring floral scents, peach tea, mint shampoo, tinkling laughter, video cassettes, colorful paintings, excited smiles, lollipop sticks, blooming flowers, melting snow, action movies, singing in the shower

side k - tinylix’s aesthetic

sweater paws, old sneakers, pencil sketches, organized chaos, small handwriting, paperbacks, inside jokes, the smell of roses, awkward hand gestures, waterpaints, sunsets, making playlists for friends, resting your head on someones shoulders

side l - sprouttsse's aesthetic

beach sunsets/sunrise, cats, baking, polaroids, soft playlist over rain pats, admiring smiles, simplicity, safe keeping letters, homemade food, cuddling, fond smiles, nature traveling, displaying meaningful pictures

tagging @chimneycloud @ahreminho @littlefallenrebel @kimwowjin @lee-knows-it @jisungshotfirst @hyunjinsgiggle and @3gacha

[bestshirttrend]

I’m A Simple Woman I Love Cross Dog Paw Stethoscope shirt

There may be plenty of fish I’m A Simple Woman I Love Cross Dog Paw Stethoscope shirt . in the sea, but you're the one that your special someone will never want to throw back. The I'm a Keeper Short-Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt from Awake lets you show off your irresistible charm and style, and it pairs easily with just about anything in your closet. Wear this fun graphic tee over slim-fit jeans and high-top sneakers to let everyone know that the Catch of the Day has arrived in style.Whether your drink of choice is a daiquiri, mojito or Mai Tai, you know there's nothing better than a quick, refreshing trip to the tropics. Celebrate your poison of choice in style with. This versatile crewneck tee is perfect for pub crawls on the town, Caribbean nights at home and any other occasion in need of a little tropical boost.I’m A Simple Woman I Love Cross Dog Paw Stethoscope shirt, hoodie, sweater, longsleeve and ladies t-shirtSay "aloha" to casual style and all-day comfort with I’m A Simple Woman I Love Cross Dog Paw Stethoscope shirt . This cool graphic tee is the perfect way to bring a little vacation vibe to the office or the weekend. Pair with jeans and sneakers for a casual look, and layer a jacket or hoodie if the weather isn't quite as tropical as you'd like it to be.Proclaim the correct way to make your favorite sandwich with. Read the full article

[mollymauk-teafleak]

Dog Park AU

Okay so! For my darling @childofdustandashes because we were both far too impatient to wait until it’s valentines day for both of us so we’re making the most of our time zone madness to get even MORE VALENTINE’S DAY!

But yeah, I love you baby girl and I will write a big mushy post about you tomorrow tomorrow when I’m a little more coherent. Love you! 

Theo Burr was a very high stress person by nature. It ran in her family, if her father, with his daily hours formulaically chipping away at the ever-growing mountain of paperwork in his office that she made sure to periodically check hadn’t fallen on him and put him in desperate need of rescue, were anything to go by. And she couldn’t say it didn’t have its uses, it had gotten her through high school, through college, through law school and put her in the positon she currently was now- confidently facing the bar exam this summer with an actual hope in hell of passing and a shining career just like her father all neatly laid out for her, like a road map she just had to follow determinedly.

But it was in those very few and far between moments, where she found herself completely relaxed and free of worry, that she realised what a burden it actually was sometimes. She knew she didn’t truly want to, couldn’t really want to on some very basic and fundamental level of her mind, but Theo couldn’t help thinking longingly of her brief oases of calm, daydreaming of curling up in them and living there forever, never having to return home and pick up all the burdens she carried.

But no, that wasn’t the kind of person she was. And Theo knew what kind of person she was and she was proud of it; it had taken a lot to reach that point it and she wouldn’t give it up easily.  

Still, she smiled and sighed in satisfaction on that pleasantly chilly October morning, as she stood on the threshold of another pause, another brief moment of peace. She could always sense them coming, she knew exactly the conditions, the situation she needed to set up to make one happen and as such she could engineer them into her schedule as tightly and efficiently as she did everything else.

All she needed to do to get there was exactly what she did that morning, to the letter. Theo woke late, when the morning sun was already filtering in from under her curtains, a little thin and washed out with the oncoming winter sapping it, but all the same. She enjoyed the warmth of her thick, down comforter (Theo believed in being frugal in most parts of her life but never, ever skimped on her bedsheets), reading the paper in bed, filling in the crossword, recording the time she completed it in so she could proudly text it to her father and see if she’d managed to beat his time. She had last Sunday, for the first time since they’d started doing this when she was fourteen, and she was eager for another taste of victory with her morning coffee. The coffee was a ritual in itself, made with her extra special, uber expensive, strictly-saved-for-the-weekend beans, cream and two sugars, drank at the window seat of her small studio apartment as the news played in the background, as she surveyed the street below, never failing to get a sense of calm. Theo always felt part of something when she’d rest against the window and watch the people going past, all with their own senses of purpose and place, fuelling her own even though she couldn’t even see their faces.

Maybe that young man was going to fetch breakfast for his pregnant wife. Maybe that mother was on her way to pick up her daughter from dance class. Maybe this was that couples second date, so much potential and promise hanging in the air between them. Maybe that group of young women were old college friends and hadn’t seen each other in years but were spending a weekend in the city together. All these possibilities would make Theo smile.

Full and awake and content, she bathed and dressed, taking her sweet time in the shower, using her favourite shower gel, the one that smelled of full, rose skinned apples and pomegranate seeds heavy and pregnant with red, tart juice. She would wash her hair thoroughly, singing along to her music as she did so, even dancing a little, turning and swinging her hips for her imaginary audience, hitting high notes and belting without a care in the world. She then lounged in her towel for a while, reading magazines on her bed and performing a little more carefree choreography through her bedroom before drying her hair, massaging a little coconut oil into it. She took care with her clothes too, this being one of the few days she didn’t have to resolutely stick to her uniform of pantsuits and neat skirts and pressed blouses. She ended up with a long skirt in a bright, bold pattern, as bright and bold as she felt, her nana had brought it back from Barcelona for her. A crop top went on too, she’d be cold but fuck it, she looked too damn good not to show off a little, just for herself. Some sacrifices were worth making. Kicks, not her best ones but her old, worn favourites, hair in twin buns, bold lipstick and she was done.

Now for the hard part.

Theo strode over to the basket under the table in her kitchen, knowing that’s where he’d be, even though she had been awake for hours.

She hunkered down, grinning brightly, “What kind of guard dog are you, lazy bones?”

Titus gave a whine in response, hefting one huge, tawny paw over his eyes, like he thought that would save him from being woken up. Like he suddenly became invisible to her if he did that.

“Nice try,” Theo snorted, reaching in and ruffling his thick mane of fur, “Up, up, up! Time for walks!”

That magic word had him. He made his resentment clear through huffs and whimpers but he eased himself out of his basket all the same, tail managing to wag for her, eyes managing to brighten as he hopped up, forepaws on her knee, for his good morning hug.

Titus had originally been intended as a guard dog, a house warming present from her father, given with the express promise that he would keep a young lady living in downtown New York all on her lonesome the protection and security she desperately needed. It ended up being a bit of a running joke in their family. Titus was big, there was no denying that, he was actually bigger than most other German Shepherds, but he also happened to be the world’s biggest wuss, preferring to use his huge bulk to hug rather than for any safekeeping purpose. He jumped when leaves blew past him on the sidewalk and taxis honked as they passed by. He hid behind Theo’s legs if a cat happened to appear, bolting from an alleyway as they walked past. He would whine and fuss mercilessly if his lady happened to leave his sight for more than five seconds, even if she’d just ducked into a store for an ice cream which she would, of course, give him the cone from. All in all, he didn’t really fulfil the role Aaron had had in mind when he gave him to his daughter.

But Theo adored him all the same. And he adored her right back.

She hummed brightly to herself as she tied his usual red bandana around his neck and slipped him into the harness she’d got for him back when he was still a puppy and way too small to fit in it (“He needs to feel big like the other dogs, dad!”). She put on her headphones, show tunes turned up, and together, both full of optimism and fortitude that only comes with a good morning well spent, they set out for Central Park.

 Theo had a smile on her face a mile wide as she bounced on her heels along the path, head swaying in time with the music in her ears, making her buns waggle with perfect timing. Titus ploughed on ahead of her, as if clearing the path and making sure no threats lay ahead of his mistress for him to jump at and get scared by and need cuddles. A blanket of leaves that looked as if they’d been moulded and shaped from copper itself littered the path ahead of them, rustling under four paws and two sneakers as if in quiet conversation. Squirrels skittered from branch to branch just over their heads, ink drop eyes glittering curiously, and birds broke the constant clear blue of the sky with their arrowhead silhouettes, probably flying off to somewhere much warmer than New York city in the middle of autumn. The season didn’t come without its gifts, though; there were bright lavender and yellow bursts of crocuses along the path. Theo saw them and gave a slightly melancholy smile. They made her think of her mother, having been her favourite flowers, but it was a good memory. Not a twist of a knife, just a dull ache from doing work she was happy to do. She made a mental note to buy some from a florist, half to go on her mama’s grave and the rest to fill a glass vase on her kitchen table. Knowing they would see the same colours, smell the same delicate scents, brought Theo comfort, as if her mama had bought the flowers for her rather than the other way around. It was kind of a hangover from something her father had told her when she was younger, just after she’d died. He’d told her that Mama sent the crocuses up in Central Park just for Theo, so she’d know she wasn’t really gone and was always watching over her baby girl. At twelve, Theo had been a little too old to believe that story even then, but she appreciated the effort and would always associate those proud, regal blooms, like tiny paper crowns made by a careful, loving, attentive hand, with her mama.

Titus took her a little off the main track through the park, he liked the thickets best, they came with the opportunity to stick his long snout into a bush or too and find some interesting smells or a nice smooth stone he could present to his mistress as a gift. Theo whistled pleasantly to herself as some good old fashioned soul music kicked in through her headphones, gearing herself up to get lost in Aretha Franklin’s feather-boa-rattling voice.

That was what distracted her.

She didn’t even hear Titus’ yelp as the blur of black and white and grey barrelled into him and knocked him off his paws completely, sending him sprawling in the dirt at the side of the path. Which, of course, as Theo was holding the end of his leash, she got to go sprawling right along with him.

“What the-?” she managed to exclaim just before the surprise of no longer being vertical and suddenly rolling (thankfully harmlessly and painlessly) onto damp and unpleasant grass took her breath away.

It dislodged her earbuds too so she managed to hear her Titus whining and wailing in distress, as well as a new, much more fierce, much more energetic yapping that belonged to the black and white and grey blur, still a blur as whatever it was when it wasn’t going five hundred miles an hour zig zagged this way and that over the poor, downed Titus.

“Hey! Get off him!” Theo demanded, not able to do anything more than make her threat before her lap was taken up with nearly 88 pounds of dog as Titus hid in her arms.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry!” another new sound cut over the pandemonium, “Othello’s only little, he’s not got the hang of making friends yet. Othello, down boy!”

A lot of thoughts were running through Theo’s mind at that point, very quickly, but the one that got to her mouth was this.

“What kind of name is Othello?”

“Huh?” the owner of the voice, a nearly impossibly tall young man, about her age and with face covered in more freckles than Theo thought could exist on a human person, blinked in confusion.

“Uh, sorry,” Theo felt her face flush, she hadn’t wanted to sound so incredulous. Though, really, she had every right to be, seeing as she was sat in the mud thanks to this guy.

The man caught the blur in both arms, hauling it up and suddenly, it manifested as a very small, very hairy dog, panting, scrabbling his paws in the air and looking very disgruntled at having his game interrupted.

“I really am sorry about that,” the guy said again, looking embarrassed as he held out one hand to help Theo up, “He slipped his collar and got away from me back there, I had to chase him through the whole park…”

“I’m not surprised,” Theo said breathlessly, accepting the offer of help after she managed to convince Titus to get off, “I’m not sure they even make dog collars that small…”

Fortunately, he laughed at that, “Yeah, he’s kind of a runt. Fast though. Big personality.”

“Yeah,” Theo brushed down her skirt, “Yeah, I got a taste of that personality…”

The kid flushed red, biting his lip guiltily, “I am sorry. You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Nah,” Theo shook her head, recentering her braids, “Titus might have some emotional damage, though.”

He winced and addressed the cowering German Shepherd behind her legs, “Sorry, buddy. He doesn’t mean any harm, I swear, he’s just got a lot of energy.”

That much was obvious, Othello- if that really was the thing’s name- was squirming and wriggling so furiously in the guy’s arms, Theo was genuinely impressed he was holding on so effortlessly.

“He’s not that dented up, really,” Theo said quickly, not wanting to come off like she was criticising, “He’s just a wuss. A big old furry wuss.”

Titus whined, as if in indignance, though he soured his argument a little by diving back behind Theo’s legs when Othello gave a growl.

“Behave!” he snapped, patting his dog’s head, “Stop being a meanie!”

“Maybe he’s mad cos some doofus named him Othello,” Theo muttered, a little louder than she’d intended. She cursed herself, god damn her big mouth…

But the guy only laughed again, a nice sound, one he clearly used often.

“I’m a literary nerd, what can I say?” he grinned hugely, “I’m hoping he grows into it.”

Theo blushed a little, smiling back, “Did you just get him?”

“Is it that obvious?” he chuckled, “Yeah, I got him from the pound the other week, we’re still, ah…establishing who’s the alpha in the situation…”

“Well…best of luck with it,” Theo smiled, wanting to leave this particular exchange before she embarrassed herself any further, or before Othello escaped his owner’s arms and Titus had a heart attack.

“Hey, um, do you…do you have somewhere to be?” the guy blinked, “I mean, the least I owe you after that mess is a coffee?”

“A…oh…” Theo’s blush was back with a vengeance.

“If that’s okay, I mean?” he smiled, that same hundred kilowatts smile that outshone even this harsh, autumn sun, “Although, god, what am I even doing, I haven’t even asked your name…”

“Theo Burr,” she interrupted him gently, “And a coffee sounds great.”

“Theo,” he repeated, eyes brightening, finally letting Othello slip from his arms, letting him land in a heap at his feet where he thankfully stayed.

“I’m Philip Hamilton.”