#I got to walk in the parade today yay!!

[shy-sapphic-ace]

I went to my first Pride this weekend!! I had a great time and it was really fun <3

[kazoosandfannypacks]

chapter summary: sabine, ezra, chopper, jacen, and hera head to lothal for a celebration in ezra's honor chapter word count: 2K a/n: not the best chapter. later than normal. no beta. i'm starting to understand why i usually write the entire fic before i post chapters. bon apetite. taglist:@laughingphoenixleader@accidental-spice@kanerallels@piraterefrigerator@jedi-nurse@dootchster@lucasbridger@redroverrider@light-umbra@commander-tech {if you’d like to be added to or removed from my Sabezra taglist, let me know!}

also on ao3!

Chapter 4: Dar'tome

 Despite how restlessly she'd slept that night, she still found waking up in the morning to be a miserable and tiresome thing.

 She ought to be used to this by now. How many night's sleep had Sabine already lost because of Ezra, keeping herself up with the thoughts of "where is he now?" and "I could've stopped him?" and "why did he have to do something so kriffing stupid in the first place?" Losing sleep over him was nothing new— but like this?

 Sabine shivered and curled back under her blanket, trying not to remember her warm wakeups from the past few days, or the joy she'd felt in her dreams last night, or the conversation from last night that had her in such a stupid funk.

 Ezra had started talking about his feelings.

 And she had walked out on him.

 Given her experience with people, she knew what would happen next. Once she'd somehow convinced herself to get out of bed, she'd run into Ezra. If she was lucky, they'd awkwardly avoid each other all day. If she was unlucky, there'd be angry glares and a few heated words— and if she was really unlucky, there'd be a conversation about feelings, and if there was one thing she didn't want to talk about right now, it was that.

 So she was surprised when, upon entering the galley and finding Ezra and Jacen laughing over their plates of space waffles, instead of ignoring or snarking at her, Ezra greeted her with a smile, and a "good morning, 'Bine."

 "Morning, Ezra," Sabine said, waiting for it to register in Ezra's mind that he was supposed to be annoyed with her this morning, "morning, Jacen."

 "Morning, aunt 'Bine," Jacen said, "mama left your breakfast on the counter." 

 Sabine rolled her eyes at the dish of space waffles next to the nanowave, wondering when Hera would remember she was old enough to make her own breakfast.

"Did you sleep okay?" Ezra asked, without a touch of irony or insincerity.

 "Yeah," Sabine shrugged, as she poured herself a lukewarm cup of caf, "once I finally got to sleep."

 "Good," Ezra smiled.

 Ezra hadn't said anything rude to her yet, so she figured he wouldn't freak out if she sat next to him, like she had last night.

 "Aunt Sabine," Jacen said, "are you coming to Lothal with us? Mama said there's gonna be a celebration." "Hera said that as soon as Governor Azadi heard I was back in the galaxy, he declared today some kind of planetary holiday," Ezra explained, "something about me being a hero and all that stuff. There's gonna be a parade, and a feast, and a bunch of speeches or something."

 "Can't wait," Sabine rolled her eyes, then smiled at the boys, "I'll be there."

 "Yay!" Jacen pumped his fists in the air "mama said all of Uncle Ezra's old friends are gonna be there!"

 "Then who would I be to miss it?" Sabine smiled.

 "I'm gonna go tell Mama you'll be there," Jacen said. He left his mostly-eaten breakfast on the table and raced off to the cockpit, leaving Ezra and Sabine alone together again.

 "Maybe the only reason he wasn't being weird about last night was because Jacen was here," Sabine thought, "now that the kid's gone, he can talk about it."

 "Did you sleep okay?" Sabine found herself asking, trying to fill the silence before he did.

 "Not really," Ezra said, "were the bunks on The Ghost always so hard and uncomfortable?"

 "I guess," Sabine half-laughed.

 "Yeah," Ezra shrugged.

 After an uncomfortable minute of silence, Ezra spoke up again.

 "Look, Sabine," Ezra said.

 "Here it comes," Sabine thought.

 "Yeah," Sabine sighed, "look, I…"

 "I'm sorry," Ezra said.

 "What?" Sabine asked. If anyone had to be sorry, Sabine would've thought it was her, what with walking away from him after he'd done something so small.

 "I guess I wasn't thinking very clearly last night," Ezra said, "I feel like I might've made you uncomfortable, and I'm sorry."

 This was probably the best possible outcome, right? He didn't ask her to explain herself. She didn't have to worry about him trying to flirt with her again. Everything could go back to the way it was.

 "It's okay," Sabine said.

 So why did her forgiveness feel like a lie?

 "Good," Ezra said, "because you're the best friend I've ever had. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you again."

 Was it because he'd dismissed his affections for her as "not thinking clearly" and simply called her his "friend?"

 But Sabine simply nodded and smiled and tacked on a "yeah," wondering if Ezra knew what she meant— that she never wanted to lose him again either.

 But before she could find the words to say it, Jacen and Chopper came in, and she knew she'd be best to drop the conversation, especially because she might've led herself to say something very stupid.

— — —

Ezra had a good view of Lothal as The Ghost jumped out of hyperspace, and Sabine had a good view of him as he saw his home planet for the first time in a decade. His eyes lit up with their soft blue glow, and his smile parted to make room for half a laugh and a sigh of amazement.

 "Just like you remember it," Sabine asked, leaning on the back of Ezra's seat in the cockpit.

 "Better," Ezra shook his head, and though Sabine could tell he wanted to say more, for once he'd apparently been rendered dumbstruck instead of just dumb.

 Sabine had been on Lothal for a while before she'd found Ezra, but now it seemed to come to life in all kinds of new ways as she watched it come into view over Ezra's shoulder. The closer they got to the planet's surface, the more landmarks he pointed out with amazement and wonder, at how much had changed, and how much was still the same.

 "Look, there's the old comm tower," Ezra pointed out, as they flew past the tower en route to the capital.

 "Yeah," Sabine nodded, trying not to let on that he wasn't the only one who'd taken up residence there.

 Hera brought The Ghost over Lothal City, which was rich with color and a palpable spirit of festivity today, and landed behind the Capitol building.

 "All these people are here to see me?" Ezra asked, noting the large crowd already gathered in their hangar.

 "The whole city's here to see you," Sabine said, "if not most of the planet. You're their hero."

 Ezra smiled, which is almost redundant even to note in light of how much he'd been smiling since they made it out of hyperspace, but this one was somehow different. Instead of just being the smile of a soldier returning home from a long battle, this one was of a soldier realizing his sacrifice mattered, that he'd done something to bring change in the lives of the people he fought for.

 Moments later, Lothal's hero stood before his friends as the ramp onto the ship lowered, Sabine and Chopper at his right, and Hera and Jacen at his left.

 Sabine started recognizing faces even before the ramp was in position— Jai, Ryder, Tseebo, Senator Organa— and wondered if Ezra remembered them— or if they would've recognized him if they hadn't known he was coming. He hardly looked like the same young man who'd left them all those years ago— though his heart had scarcely changed.

 Jai, Ryder, Leia, and a few others with political significance stepped forward to greet him.

 "Welcome home," Jai said, and as he noticed Ezra's confusion as he tried to remember who he was, he gave him a hint by addressing Ezra with a familiar nickname, "Dev Morgan."

 "Jai?" Ezra asked, "Jai Kell?"

 The two boys were about to give each other a hug, when Jai got pushed out of the way by someone with twice his size and massive purple hands.

 "Zeb?" Ezra asked.

 "It really is you," Zeb laughed and picked Ezra up as he gave him a hug— which was something that, ten years ago, Sabine never would've thought she'd see.

 Chopper beeped something at Zeb along the lines of an "I-told-you-so."

 Zeb set Ezra down and addressed the droid.

 "I believed you right away!"

 Chopper beeped back at him.

 "And I did not put a wager on it." Zeb grumbled. "Actually, I'm pretty sure you did."

 They turned to see Kallus walking over to them, through the gap in the crowd that had been caused by Zeb's pushing and shoving to get to his long-lost crewmate.

 "If memory serves," Kallus said, "you owe the droid and I each fifteen credits."

 "Kallus?" Ezra asked, "you gambled on me coming home?"

 "I spent too long trying to get rid of you to think it'd be that easy," Kallus smiled at Ezra, "welcome back, Bridger."

 "You couldn't've waited another two years to come back?" Zeb mumbled at Ezra over his shoulder as he handed some credits to both Kallus and Chopper.

 Ezra laughed, "if you want, I can go missing again for another decade or two." "Don't you ever do that again," Zeb said, the same way he would've told Ezra not to disturb him while he was sleeping in the old days.

 "Yes sir," Ezra said, "but that's hardly a way to talk to someone who saved your life…." "Hey," Zeb said, "I thought we were even!"

 "Well," Ezra smiled, "technically, I also saved your life when I saved the entire planet…"

 "I'm beginning to wonder why we even wanted you back," Zeb said, and he ruffled Ezra's hair like he was still a little kid.

 "Well," Senator Organa said to Ezra, "I suppose that's a warmer welcome than we ever could've offered you. The New Republic owes you a debt of gratitude, Ezra."

 "Thank you, ma'am," Ezra said, "it's good to be back."

 "It's good to have you back," Ryder said, "Lothal welcomes you with open arms."

 "Then let's get this party started," Ezra said.

 Everyone laughed a little, but for Sabine, it was a lot.

 In all of the greetings and reunions, she'd kept a bit of distance, and as he was swept away with the crowd, she fell behind, watching from the outskirts as he followed them onto the festivities.

———

 Sabine had taken her time in getting to the Capitol balcony— she'd seen parades on Lothal; she wasn't missing much. When she finally made it there, she'd expected to see everyone huddled around Ezra, hounding him with questions and support and camaraderie, and for her place to be off to the side, apart from it all.

 Instead, there seemed to be a little space near where Ezra stood. She saw him turn back and smile at her— double-taking as though he hadn't expected to see her, but had hoped to regardless— and nodded at the empty space next to him, gesturing for her to join him.

 "How could I refuse Lothal's hero?" Sabine thought, though she didn't really need an excuse to be close to him anymore.

 "This is strange," Ezra told her, Sabine barely able to hear him over the sound of the parade below.

 "What is?" Sabine asked.

 "Having a parade in my honor," Ezra said, then waved at the people below, "usually we try to stop these things.'

 "A lot has changed," Sabine said, "but I can't say I don't miss adding some fireworks of my own sometimes."

 A firework exploded above them, though it didn't stand out much against the midday sky.

 "Ametuer," Sabine rolled her eyes.

 Ezra smiled a little, and she found herself smiling back.

 Zeb, who was standing at Ezra's other side, started talking to him, and Jacen and Chopper, standing in front of them, joined in, but above the noise around them, she couldn't hear the boys at all.

 But why did that bother her? Why was it so hard to have to share Ezra's attention now?

 She knew the answer to that one— she'd stumbled upon it last night— those kriffing feelings she'd somehow grown for him, the ones that had, against all logic, made her turn away from him last night.

[asksuccubussides]

(Hi, me again. I’ve got a bunch of different ones so feel free to pick yours favourites and ignore the rest. Obviously platonic asks for everyone but Remy and Emile.)

Janus+Virgil - 6, 8, 10, 14, 23

Roman+Remus - 7, 12, 20, 30, 41

Emile+Remy - 3, 11, 17, 24, 31

Sketch

(Yay i was hoping someone would pick 3 for Remile C: also sorry this took so long, been busy with some personal stuff. not proofread)

Janus & Virgil

8. What do they love most about the other? Why?

"I don't like this question" Virgil replied instantly as he blushed just a little. Though he was so pale even the tiniest bit of blush made his cheeks look red "This question sucks"

"We can skip ahead to the next question I suppose"

10. Do they share any hobbies or interests? How do these things bring them together?

Janus looked over to Virgil "What don't we share? We both enjoy arson, debauchery and most of all tax evasion. just to name a few"

"Not true! Especially the second one! I like all things supernatural, occult, frieghtening and generally scary" Virgil's voice constantly sounded hoarse and just a bit darker than it was naturally supposed to be "And unlike the slimey snake I have awesome music taste"

"Oh pleassse-"

"I can take the smooth jazz and the blues but my line is drawn at showtunes dude"

"Come ON Virge! The black parade is basically two box steps away from being a full on musical. You can not look me in the eyes and tell me your little dressed up boys aren't just as theatrical as mine"

Virgil just rolled his eyes while moving his hands like it was a mouth non stop blabbing.

"I have a theory that the interests you share with your childhood best friend sticks with you like a mold for the rest of life which is the only reason why I do enjoy less sophisticated things like ghost hunting videos and cryptids" Janus explained to which Virgil butted in with.

"I'm the mold"

"Though most of the time I tend to focus on philosophy, psychology and general hatred for the way society is today. Very healthy enjoyable activites all around"

"We hate society...Together!"

Janus and Virgil both nodded dramatically while high fiving over that.

14. Do they enjoy PDA, or are they more private with affection?

"If someone tries to touch me I will gnaw their arm of....Or more realistically just run away" Virgil said "Janus can touch me sparingly because he's not a person, he's a snake"

"Obviously"

"Yeah obviously. Especially not in public. I don't even want to be visible in public or exists there! Much less all" He grimaced while waving his hand around "That"

"I for one definitely would neeevveer enjoy any sort of public affection because I am obviously very much against those sorts of theatrics" Janus snarked out.

23. What are the defining characteristics of their relationship?

"I'm a dramatic bitch and Virgil is 60% pure anxiety and therefore far too compassionate to me for his own good" "We grew up together so we're kinda stuck together now" They both said at the same time.

They looked at each other before continuing.

"He's a genuinly good person where as im not" "Seeing him rot makes me so fucking anxious I gotta do something bout it. He keeps me down to earth..Literally...I mean he- you help me with the brain spiders"

They were sitting on the floor of their shared dormroom doing a puzzle precisely because Virgil had seen Janus laying in bed all day and had dragged him up to do anything even if it was just walking around the room a few times before doing a puzzle. Jan went along only becuase he knew it calmed Virgil down.

"I'm not lazing around it's called philosophing" Janus argued "If we were living in ancient times I would be the next Socrates"

"We're living in 2023 and everything is a fucKING NIGHTMAREEE" Virgil took a deep breathe "Screaming helps sometimes"

"Did you get it all out? Want to scream together?"

"YES!"

They sat on the floor next to each other and screamed while continuing with the puzzle.

Roman & Remus

7. How often do they say “I love you”?

"UuuuuuuUUuuuuUUuuuhhhh...Neva? Never!" Remus replied before smiling. "I think I show it well enough nonverbally! Like this"

Remus dove to bite his brother directly in the skin of his knee to which Roman tried to swat him away. Instead Remus started to bite the ends of Roman's hair.

"Stop eating me!!"

"I'm so lovegiving" Remus said with a mouthfull of hair.

With the same wrath in her eyes as a kitty cat about to strike Roman lifted her hand and absolutely smacked her brother down into the floor.

"I for one am muuucchhhh" She sang that last word "better at showing love than you! That is to people deserving of it!! But yes I do say it sometimes...even to...that thing"

"I dont remember you saying mucky ucku lovey stuff to me"

"Yeah! because you're always off your ass when I do and never remember! Maybe if you stopped acting like a sack of poatoes every few weeks you would remember more!!"

"Or you could just say it more" Remus mocked while waging his tail back and forth.

Roman just rolled his eyes.

12. Do they have a difficult time when separated from each other, or are they fairly independent?

"Bitchfuck you spend like all your time on earth obviously we're independent. I spend more time with the dustrats under my bed than I do with you!" Remus exclaimed, waving his arms around like always.

"If anything it's a relief to be away from you" Roman turned his head up while fixing with his hair "A prince such as myself has no reason to be around a blegh like you 24/7"

"And I don't have any reason to hang around a boring non creative little assshit! Except to leave totally awesome bugs in your clothes!"

41. What would they do if they lost the other?

Neither of them answered at first. A quiet gasp left Roman's slightly pursed lips while his ahnds stayed frozen mid air on their way to cover his mouth. Remus insticly moved his tail to wrap around his brother.

"I....I don't like thinking about that..." Roman murmured out "....I already think about it often as it is.....Every time....I am so afraid dukey is going to break the rules in a horrible way some day and I wont be there to.....I don't want to think about it...."

She moved her arms around herself while looking down at the floor. Remus looked to her but she didn't even glance back.

"Well I would hunt them down to the ends of the earths and kill them obviously! And then I would find a way to resurect people so I could kill them again!!"

"...I have to go....I have...something...i have an art show to see" Roman lied while standing up. Remus tried to reach for him with his tail but he quickly left the room.

Through the thin wall Remus could hear Roman take a deep shaky breathe before beginning to quietly mumble to himself "Strong prince. A strong prince doesn't break at something small. Strong brave prince" He began to hymn to the tune of one of his favorite disney songs while walking away.

Emile & Remy

3. What was their first impression of each other?

As soon as the two of them heard the questions they both started to smile silly little smiles. The type of smile reserved to passing to notes to each other during class and holding hands for the first time.

'Alright so girl it was-' Remy began to sign.

"-We met at one of those live dissections they used to have at universities back in the day!!" Emile exclaimed "Of a corpse of course!! I don't support murder!"

'I was there 'cause like I had nothing to do and I was like a demon in the late 1800s what was a bitch to do? I love concerts and like if you think about it a live disesction is a sort of concert! And I' Remy ran their finger mindleesly down their cheek to their lip and spoke the rest of the sentence "I just remember like looking back and seeing you a few seats behind and you were just like....shining...it was blinding and I was like girrrl what the fuck is someone as sweet looking as you doing here"

Emile moved his arm around his lover and nudged his head against theirs "A....supernatural like me wasn't supposed to be in a place like that but I was simply so fascinated by the brain and the body and the beautiful biology of it all. As soon as I saw you I got so nervous you would see me and-" he laughed "I don't even know how you would get me in trouble for it I just thought somehow y'know sweetie?"

"I know babe"

"But gosh once the dissection began I forgot all about my worries I was so intrigued"

"Girrl I could not have cared less bout that diessction. I couldn't stop like eyeing Emile"

"And then at the end you when everyone was leaving you, my sweet little honeybun, talked to me"

Remy moved their tail around his back and pressed a kiss to his temple.

Emile let up into a snort "You asked me why the hell I was there-"

"Which is like toootally the worst first line I coulda said. I know! I should have like asked if you'd sat in sugar 'cause your ass is so sweet"

When Emile laughed again Remy laid their hand against his chest and let the feeling of their laughter reverbete into their hand.

"I love your laugh babe"

24. How do their personalities affect their relationship? Do their characteristics compliment each other, or clash often?

'Bitches like always assume our personalities gonna clash 'cause I'm a rude loudmouth and my sweetie here is a sweetie but eh I think we go together good' Remy signed.

'We've leveled each other out I think. I tell you when you're being too rude and you tell me when I forget personal boundaries and become rude by therapising-"

'You can be a bit naive sometimes' Remy teased with a smile.

Emile poked at their cheek 'And you're too quick to assumptions. But for the most part we're like a puzzle with no pieces missing'

'Nice metaphor'

'That was a parabel but thank you. The best part is that I'm less social than my honeybun but they enjoy sleeping which I don't so I have all of my peaceful alone time and watch all of my cartoon reruns while they're asleep. Cozy cuddles!!'

31. Do they often go out on dates? What are these like?

'How love we been together now babe?'

"Uuuuuhhh we're coming up on 127 years I think. I remember because we look around 27!"

'Yeah were like in our old couple phase sooo like we dont go on dates as often as like we used to do cause now were tots more chill but like maybe once a month right`?'

'Something like that yes' Emile moved his arms around their upper arm and squeezed tight 'I cant go to earth without my honeybun. Im physically unable to open a door to earth. So we like to go on dates on earth'

'I like going to concerts and like testing different beds to sleep in' They bumped their head against their lovers 'Both meanings of sleep in' to which Emile chuckled.

'My favorite part is just walking around in nature and people watching which is good because as long as my sweetie has a coffee we can just sit and stare at people for hours'

'Oh i LOVE bitching bout peoples clothes'

'Gosh when I say it out loud our dates sound so boring'

'When you get over a 100 I think people like get why. Like what else can we do at this point. Look at the fucking mona lisa again!? Cmon now. I know that bitch in and out at this point. I can piss on Freuds grave again'

'We can stay at the hello kitty hotel again'

'That place Was sweet as hell. Good point'

[castle-dominion]

5x20 the fast & the furriest ngl I thought this would be about furries. I feel like castle would secretly be a furry. Or maybe not but he would end the episode by buying a fursuit

Fast car. Drops a body!? WHAT IS GOING ON

rc: They were right here where this hole in the fridge is. Mmmm Mulligatawny soup MR: Well, maybe you’ve been sleep eating … again. RC: Again? I’ve never sleep ated - sleep ate - eaten. (MARTHA gives him a look) Have I?

Alexis is good enough of an actor, but I remember this episode & last...

WHAT IF IT IS KATE oh nvm SUPER RAT?

Where is ryan?

Perlmutter my beloved They've seen dead bodies before they've even seen someone cut in half... How long was she in trauma bay?

Onondaga, of course she was in new york then. Haudenesaune, right?

Yay finally a native american character who is native to NORTH america instead of latin america. Except ofc depending on the FNMI person you talk to, bigfoot was just a myth they made up to scare the white people. Still tho, as an fnmi person I'm happy to see this on television.

Native & no siblings?!?!?!? No cuzzins? (also ryan not good outfit today) Old folks confess to crimes all the time bro Curious george fan? Me too bro. KR, while they are walking away: George would never do that!

Castle don't tap on the glass u idiot *takes off the baby's head* MOONSHINE growls at CASTLE again and makes a ‘slitting your throat’ gesture. CASTLE gulps.

ruggedly handsome XD

the hospital thing really WAS sus. Why drop off your murder vic? Why not STAY if you're trying to save them?

take out a side mirror? srs? KB: A convicted killer with an attack dog? All right. Pick him up. eight years is a long time

He's right tbh

He was telling the truth! no no noooo no no castle nope no way shup & besides they are not in the right place come on bro no shush

SP: Professionally I can’t speculate what those are, Mr. Castle, but personally I can say that anyone who believes in Bigfoot is an ass.

Bigfoot lives in chicago bro

she's right: These are the footprints I’m interested in. They’re near where the body was. CSU said that they were made within the last 24 hours.

Ryan XD I feel like castle is half just being funny not actually believing but castle believes enough & pretends to believe the rest of the way that he gets ryan to make a fool of imself too often

clipping "rain on your parade" lol

KB: No, not a coincidence. Just a hoax. KR: If it’s such a hoax then tell me why I found this. (he pulls out a paper) I dug through her phone records. Turns out, the last phone call she ever made was to Darrell Meeks. RC: The Darrell Meeks? KB+JE: Who’s Darrell Meeks? RC+KR, sarcastically: “Who’s Darrell Meeks?” KR: Just a world-reknowned cryptozoologist. RC: That’s a scientist who searches for as yet undiscovered creatures. KB: (lightly) Such as unicorns and centaurs? JE: Banshees and leprechauns? ((both fae)) RC just gives KB a look. He holds KR back from smacking JE.

SP: Ugh. The B team. JE: Talk about the B team. KR: Yeah. SP: I’d hoped to see Castle’s look of dismay when I told him cause of death was nothing more exotic than blunt force trauma to the cranium. (off their blank look) It seems she was clobbered over the head with a club or a pipe. I love perlmutter. "HAMMERED into her skull!" it's your job to find out why she swallowed it, it was his job to find it in the first place.

Gigantopithacus

*takes away the yeti finger*

Every partnership needs to have a skeptic & a believer. Meeks & his wife, caskett, rysposito, shane madej & ryan bergara, myself & my brother when we inevitably go ghost hunting

KR: Kind of Crocodile Dundee meets Indiana Jones meets Ted Nugent. hook hand? Cool

What is that growling? Remember the tiger episode? These guys need headlamps KR: Dude, I’ve got a bad feeling about this thing, man. I – I don’t think that we should – Why a bow & arrow? At least let it be a compound bow. Or that

Love his accent lol

Sasquatch bigfoot & yeti are what like homo erectus & homo sapiens?

She was faking evidence, see castle!?

Also are there no female bigfoot fellows?

The traditional bigfoot photo Love esposito's hair btw. It's a little bit too long but it is better than the s3 buzz cut

RC: There was no camera at the crime scene. KB: Maybe our killer took it. RC: Which would explain why there’re so few photos of Bigfoot. KB: I meant our human killer. RC: Right. JE: shakes his head.

RC: And a year later her pendant is found in her murdered friend’s stomach?

Nice, they get to go to bed for the day

KB: Is there anything that you don’t believe in? RC: Sure there is. There’s … um … He thinks for a minute. Finally she smiles in victory. there is the ocean. The ocean is horrifying.

She is so pretty in her PJs

ALEXIS!? WHAT IS EVEN GOING ON Hey avatar reference, a new one just came out

Hold on she's a cardinal? Of fricking course she is. Every native worth their tobacco has a cardinal in their family. Including me lol. Ryan looks pretty af but not super pretty in terms of colour Too many people drop out of school from sexual harrassment Ooh music Esposito bisexual outfit

She does a whip? she is not a filmer

See? Sometimes people don't recognize ppl from sketches or w/e but COULD if a feature was changed

tory my beloved she has a name woah that is some crazy smart stuff KB: Well, the good news is we have our crime scene. The bad news is it’s in 2 square miles of remote wilderness with no access by road. (she turns to CASTLE) You up for a hike?

*mimics howling*

I love how castle is wearing camo AND orange RC: It’s not Wookie. I’m not doing Wookie. I can’t do Wookie. Alexis does a really cute Wookie.

RC:

Because at any moment life can surprise you. *They stop for a minute but then the ground gives way.*

He mentions his knee! Thank you! Just like that time I fell down the mountain!

Castle should have markiplier's unus annus branded tactical shovel

RC: Shouldn't you be wearing a short skirt for this? That’s the rule. Lol a granola bar

Ryan XD XD I could clip that if I wanted to wait kurt wilson is out here not outdoors?

Why is it just the two of them going on a hike?

CASTLE is trying to dig hand and foot holds into the side of a pit with a spork. RC: Ah, spork. They all laughed at you. He tries to use one of his foothold to climb, but his foot just slips out. He looks at the spork in disgust and throws it down onto the ground.

Oh no banging with a stick Oh no bigfoot

At least it doesn't land on castle

SHOOT IT SHOOT IT don't shoot.

Didn't you say you took a pic? you said you did lay eyes on this beast.

It was castle THE CLUB THAT'S THE CRIME SCENE

My man has been living in the woods for all this time...

Castle believes him & it is important to have someone on your team

That's big ngl

Beckett's coat is v nice

They got together after this happened?

This is why you turn off your phone

RC: Well I’m not so sure there isn’t. I’m thinking maybe he’s out there somewhere. And if he is, I’m hoping to see him one day. Preferably from a safe distance.

hsdfjksjhksdfjskdhfjshf bigfoot is real lmao

What speech? Oh that speech AC: I think he could make a real difference in the world. And okay, maybe it was stupid to give him all of my allowance, but I’m not the first person to do something stupid for something they believe in.

[luvspence]

girl scout cookies

spencer reid x reader

synopsis: spencer has a soft spot for children and baked goods

word count: 605 

masterlist 

———-

spencer presented as a just a socially awkward, incredibly intelligent and distant person

but through your relationship you found that he had some soft spots

you

children

and sweets

“so what’s on our list today?”

you asked him ask you were getting out of the car to enter the grocery store

“asparagus, chicken, lemons, cheezits, coffee creamer and cereal”

“my human note pad”

you grabbed his cheeks and he blushed, near the entrance was a table of girl scouts around 8 years old, their hand made signs strung up about and they were yelling

“girl scout cookies! girl scout cookies!”

spencer was immediately over taken by how cute they were

right before you were about to enter spencer said

“here wait a second”

he walked over to the table

“h-hello can i get a box of thin mints and then a box of the tagalongs?”

“yes!” the little girl replied while she reached for the boxes, she outstretched her arms as much as possible but spencer still had to crouch down to reach the boxes, there was a stark contrast between the 6’1 man and the 3rd graders selling him cookies

“i like all your patches on your vest” he said as he gave the moms $10

“oh thank you mister! i got this one for selling 200 boxes last year, and and and i got this one from being in the local parade and then i got this one for making blankets for the doggies! and this on-“

her mom cut her off “let the man go honey”

spencer laughed “oh no it’s really no worry, her patches are very interesting!”

the mom laughed as spencer waved goodbye

you were watching from a distance, absolutely admiring spencer’s natural ability with children

“look i got cookies!”

“awe yay, you know i was a girl scout when i was younger”

“really?”

you continued to chat as you walked into the grocery store

———

over the next couple weeks you noticed your cabinets becoming very full of girl scout cookies

“hey spence how come we have so many boxes of girl scout cookies?”

“oh, didn’t you get some the other day?”

“yeah maybe 4 boxes, there’s gotta be like 30 boxes in here”

spencer nervously said “hmm, well i have to head out i’m out of shampoo”

he waved to you as you examined your cabinet full of girl school cookies

he eventually returned, with even more cookie boxes in his hand

“spencer?!”

he stood there with the shampoo and thin mints in hand

“i thought you had work?”

“yeah, they called me off... what is with the cookies spencer?”

he set the boxes on the counter and sat next to you on the couch

“i can’t not buy cookies y/n. every time i pass by and i see their little faces i have to buy a box... or 3. they’re just so adorable with their little vests and hats. and i love cookies and i physically can not walk past by there table without buying at least 3 boxes. and then at work sometimes some of the workers daughters will come in, and one of them told me if she sold 500 boxes she’d win a bike! and she was so excited! and i had to help her”

“you are absolutely the most adorable man to ever exist”

he smiled at you and kissed your forehead

you opened a fresh box of somoas, and took a bite, spencer immediately motioning for you to give him some, in which he devoured the rest of the cookies

“are you sure your not just addicted to these cookies spencer?”

[spicycreativity]

Yooo I’ve been reading your fic Intertwined and it is super good and giving me major moceit brain rot! Since you’re thinking about taking prompts, mayhaps moceit with something enemies-to-lovers and/or secret relationship?

Ah yay my first ever request! I wrote this as a series of vignettes because I knew if I gave myself half a chance I would go waaay overboard with it. Thank you so much 🥺🥺🥺❤❤❤

Length: 3.5k

Content Warnings: N/A; ask to tag

Oh also I did try to make it obvious, but just in case it isn't, I is post Can Lying Be Good, II is post SvS, III is post DWIT, IV is immediately post PoF, and V is later after PoF

I.

Some nights, Patton's head felt like a pressure cooker with no vent valve. The weight of his covers seemed to crush his chest, forcing him to hyperventilate as he desperately tried to pull in a full breath. Emotions swirled in his head like hot steam, a sickening mix of betrayal and shame, anger and guilt and fear. The knowledge of what Deceit had done, had tried to get Thomas to do, sat heavy in his stomach and brought the temperature up, up, up, until Patton was forced to move. He had to do something, dispel some of the steam before it boiled over into-- Well, something. Sometimes he felt on the verge of something scary and wholly out of his control, some kind of terrible explosion that would liquefy the support joints in Thomas' psyche and send all of them crashing down.

But not tonight. Tonight, Patton would scream into his pillows or pace the halls or talk to the mirror, anything to slow the roaring boil in his mind. He threw himself out of bed, bare feet touching down on the carpet, and was out the door before he could even think of grabbing something to cover up with. Not that the others had never seen him in boxers and a T-shirt, but Roman preferred to sleep in the cold and dropped the temperature accordingly.

Patton had smiled when Virgil had pulled him aside to explain what had happened. That Deceit had impersonated him and, like the Pied Piper, paraded the others behind him with a beautiful song. Thinking about it made the world tilt a little, but Patton had smiled and would have ruffled Virgil's hair if he'd thought Virgil would let him. Because it had turned out okay, hadn't it? And Patton was stupid for still feeling the way he felt. It was stupid to feel hurt that the others hadn't noticed right away. Deceit was a good actor and they had eventually noticed anyway. It was stupid to be scared. Thomas had rejected Deceit's temptation.

And then all Patton's thoughts vanished like a bursting soap bubble, because Deceit was in the hall. His look of wide-eyed astonishment was already morphing into a much more familiar expression of contempt.

"Oh," said Patton, once he'd recovered his own wits.

"Fancy seeing you here," said Deceit, who, Patton noticed with a jolt, was also in his pajamas. It was hard to be scared of someone wearing sweatpants decorated with little cartoon snakes, but it didn't entirely ease Patton's trepidation. It certainly didn't slow his pounding heart.

"What are you doing up?" Patton asked.

Deceit rolled his eyes like Patton's question was unprecedentedly stupid. "I was on my way to kill you in your sleep so I could take your place permanently." He shifted awkwardly as he talked, and Patton realized he was trying to gesticulate with his hands jammed deep in his pockets.

Patton didn't know what to say to that, so he did what he did best and smiled. He needed a way out. Forget feeling like a pressure cooker, he wanted to run back to bed and hide under the covers. He wanted Deceit to go away.

"Anyway," said Deceit, glaring, "I could ask you the same question."

Evil. He was evil. And here was Patton making small talk with him. Abiding him. "Are you sorry?"

Deceit's snake eye caught the light and almost seemed to glow under it. "Am I sorry?"

"For doing wrong." Patton scrambled to find confidence, find righteousness, conviction, faith. Anything he could use to keep Deceit at bay. "For encouraging Thomas to do wrong."

Deceit smiled, but not the way Patton had. This was cruel and mocking. He shook his head slightly as though in disbelief and almost seemed to laugh, his hands drawing the fabric of his sweats tight as he clenched them into fists. "Oh, yes, Patton, I'm so very sorry for trying to help. Yes, I repent! Shall I get down on my knees for you so you can forgive me for looking after Thomas? Hm?"

"I…" Patton took in a shaky breath. "I don't think we have anything more to say to each other. And I don't think I want to see you again."

"Don't worry," said Deceit as Patton turned his back on him, "you definitely won't."

II.

"I'm not angry," Janus said for what felt like the billionth time. He adjusted his arms where he had them crossed over his chest, huffing out a breath through his nose.

"You," said Remus, pointing at him, "have been throwing a tantrum ever since you got back. 'They're too stupid to manipulate, Remus! They didn't even listen, Remus! You're so sexy and well-hung, Remus!'"

"The are too stupid to manipulate! Is that my fault?"

"I'm just saying, you're kind of harshing my mellow."

"You've never been mellow in your life and you know it."

Remus only grinned and shook out the contents of another matchbox to add to his pile. He was planning on building a life-sized Roman out of matches and burning it in effigy. Janus remembered with a twist of guilt that Remus had seemed remarkably at ease in the two seconds before Janus had popped up and started ranting.

"Alright, since you're such a zen master," Janus huffed, "what do you suggest I do? Burn Patton in effigy?"

"I mean…" Remus held out a matchbox. "We can take turns with the Krazy Glue."

"Oh, forget it." Janus took the matchbox more by instinct than anything. "I'm going for a walk."

"You could burn down Virgil's door," Remus suggested.

Janus just shook his head and continued to stalk away. A few hours had passed since the courtroom disaster. It was now early evening and the matchstick of rage still burned quietly in Janus' chest. They were all so stupid! So naive. And it was all Patton's fault.

Janus turned the matchbox over in his hand, careful not to drop it. Scorched earth had never been his preferred modus operandi, but if Patton kept pushing back at him like this, Janus was going to shove, consequences be damned.

Oh, and speak of the angel. Janus didn't much feel like playing it coy, but he forced himself to. He leaned because against the wall, the matches still in his palm, and looked Patton slowly up and down. "We've got to stop meeting like this."

"Deceit!" Patton stopped dead, the smile sliding from his face. "What are you doing here?"

Janus brandished the matches, barely controlling the furious hiss building in the back of his throat. He'd already slipped once today, lost control of his temper. He couldn't allow that to happen again. "I've come to burn it all down."

Patton's eyes went wide, his gaze hot on the matches. "You should know better than to play with fire."

The knowledge of Patton's fear burned hot and triumphant in Janus' veins, filling him with the idea that he could still win something. He got closer to Patton with measured steps, slipping behind him when Patton tried to back away. "No, Patton," he purred, silky and cool in Patton's ear. "You're the one who's playing with fire."

"What…" Patton's voice shook and he cleared his throat, turning his head to try to look Janus in the eye. Janus was momentarily distracted by the freckles' on Patton's neck, the soft pulsing of his jugular vein. "What do you mean?"

Annoyed at himself, Janus backed up. The paper matchbox felt feeble in his grasp now, as feeble as his pathetic little display of power. He could bully Patton all he wanted and it wouldn't change a thing. "The Duke and I, we're the one thing you can't control," he boasted. Might as well see this through, since he started it.

"I have to try," Patton said. "My friends trust me, Thomas trusts me to keep him safe from the likes of you. I won't let you make Thomas into a liar. I won't let you lead Roman astray. But Deceit?"

"What?" Janus growled. His frustration was directed inward now, that he had thought any of this might make him feel better. Right. He should just go read Hobbes in the bath with his fire extinguisher handy.

"If you ever decide you want to… Well, be good. There's room for you at my table."

Janus crushed the matchbox in his clenched fist. If Patton applied his arbitrary standards fairly, he would see that Janus was good. But no, he was quite content to wear the blindfold of his own hypocrisy and leave Janus out to rot. "You're impossible," Janus said through clenched teeth. Before he could change his mind, he palmed the ruined matchbox into Patton's hand and turned to go.

"What's this for?" Patton asked.

Janus paused and gave his well-practiced supervillain smirk. "A promise."

Time to unleash the beast.

III.

Now more than ever, Patton was certain he was in over his head. He sat on the kitchen floor, hot chocolate untouched beside him, and stared at the crumpled matchbox in his palm. 'A promise,' Deceit had said. Patton hadn't been sure what to make of that, but he had an idea now.

Deceit was right. Patton couldn't control Remus. But that just meant he had to try harder. So now what was he supposed to do? Thomas was looking at him for guidance, but… He was supposed to ease up on judging Thomas for having evil thoughts, while simultaneously not letting Thomas be evil. Was he being too harsh or too lenient? And why did it feel like both?

"Well, well, well." Deceit's voice grated on Patton's ears. He made no effort to bolster himself, no effort to look anything other than despondent. Deceit must have been feeling truly bold to venture so far into enemy territory.

"Did you get what you wanted?" Patton asked, still staring at the matchbox. He didn't want to see that smirking face.

"Obviously not," said Deceit. "Chaos for chaos' sake was never the endgame."

"Then why are you here?" Patton asked, finally looking up. The angle and the brim of Deceit's hat kept his eyes in shadow, so all Patton could see was the mouth housing that forked serpent tongue.

"I'm here to offer you one last chance, Patton. Get out of my way."

"You can't put this on me," Patton said, looking again at the matchbox. "You said you were going to burn it down. If you're willing to hurt Thomas to get your way, then you shouldn't get your way."

Deceit twitched slightly and Patton could tell he was rolling his eyes even if he couldn't see it. "Have you heard of prescribed burns?" He didn't wait for Patton to answer. "It's when humans deliberately set fires to destroy some of the forest underbrush. Now, it seems counterintuitive, but regularly burning parts of the forest actually prevents wildfires from raging out of control. Does it hurt the underbrush? Yes. But sometimes things that seem harmless or even good are actually quite deadly if left unchecked. So a little bit of destruction actually serves the greater good. Do you understand?"

Patton furrowed his brow, trying to navigate this. "So you are willing to hurt Thomas to get your way."

"Why," said Janus, flexing his hands, "do I even bother?"

"Why do you bother?" Patton asked. He had never thought to wonder before. Evil was just evil and there was understanding it. But something in him had broken a little today; he could feel the edges of it poking at his chest.

Deceit sighed and shifted his weight. For a moment, Patton thought he might sit or kneel so they could talk at eye level but no, of course not, Deceit would never give up an advantage like that. "Because!" he said, agitated. "Because I know I'm right. I know Thomas needs me. I can help."

"If you truly loved him, you wouldn't be willing to hurt him," Patton said with conviction. That, he could be sure of.

"This is precisely why I've had to take such drastic measures!" Deceit actually stamped his foot, and Patton watched as he balled his hands into fists, the knit of his gloves straining at the knuckles. "None of you ever listen to me! You decided what I am long before I made my entrance and you only hear what supports that illusion." He took a slow, deep breath, and his voice was back to its usual silken glide when he spoke again. "I am asking you, one last time, to get out of my way."

"And I'm telling you" --Patton got to his feet so he could look Deceit in the eye-- "no."

IV.

They found each other in the aftermath, both their worlds shattered and still on fire. Janus, for once in his life, didn't know what to say. The walls around them flickered from the force of their combined imagination, showing crumbling drywall and collapsed framing, the smoldering ruin of everything they could have sworn was truth.

Janus had known that Patton was wrong about him, but he had never suspected that he might be wrong about Patton. The realization buzzed through his veins like electricity, along with a fatal determination that he and Patton were inexorably linked now.

Janus never thought he would say the words now coming out of his mouth and mean them, but Patton's magnetic draw seemed to pull them out as it pulled Janus closer and closer. "I was wrong, Patton. Maybe not about everything, but I was wrong about you."

"I did this," Patton said, gesturing at the broken-down walls. He seemed to feel the pull, too, if his gentle shuffle toward Janus was anything to go by.

Sarcasm seemed far beyond Janus' reach tonight, but perhaps not a few well-placed lies. "It's okay, Patton. Everything is okay." The flames moved in closer, consuming some of the wreckage, but Janus knew they were safe. It was all made-up, all of it. He could put the fire out if he could just focus on something other than Patton's tear-streaked face and oh, they were still getting closer and closer together. They'd be chest-to-chest soon. "I think…" said Patton. He wasn't crying now, thank God, because Janus didn't know what he would do. "Is it bad to find something beautiful in all of this?"

And there it was. The contact. Their foreheads touching, their hands intertwined. The two survivors of the wreck, drawn toward each other like magnets. "Very bad," Janus murmured, and he knew that Patton knew he was trying to talk himself out of what he did next.

He kissed Patton.

It was a terrible thing to do, probably his most selfish act to date. Here was Patton, devastated and willing to take whatever comfort he could find, and Janus was taking advantage. Even he had morals, but, oh, this was nice. He hadn't realized just how tense they had been with each other until it all suddenly snapped. And Patton was kissing back and had released his grip on Janus' hands so he could wrap his arms around him. Janus pulled away. "I shouldn't have done that," he said. "You don't need that. "

"Am I that bad at kissing?" Patton asked innocently.

"You didn't want that," Janus explained. "You're upset and you're not thinking straight." Patton was still holding him and despite the tear tracks still gleaming on his cheeks, he looked amused. Something ached at the back of Janus' tongue. "You don't want me."

Patton kissed him again, sweet and chaste this time. "Tell more about how I feel, Janus."

"I--" Couldn't think, couldn't think. "You--" Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Short-circuit. "But I-- You don't--"

"I didn't learn anything today," Patton said, "but I think I realized something that I've always known. Does that make sense?"

"This doesn't solve all our problems," Janus said. This couldn't be real. He couldn't allow himself to delight in this, not when it was going to go away. "You still don't approve of my methods and I don't agree with yours. We're going to disagree."

"You think I don't disagree with the others?" Patton asked and was that hope in his eyes. Here in the fire and ruins, here at the end of the world, Patton had hope. "I want to make this work."

Janus kissed him. This felt like less of a decision and more of a necessity, like breathing.

"So you believe me?" Patton asked when they parted. "You trust me?"

The answer was already yes despite the fear eating away at Janus' insides. It was more like a thrill than existential terror, and on some level he knew he must have been high on endorphins and adrenaline. "I trust you. But Patton?"

"Yeah?"

"What do we do now?"

"We make it work."

V.

There was something undeniably thrilling about seeing Janus in secret. But mostly, Patton just felt awful about it. Sneaking out of his room at night like a teenager was fun, tip-toeing down the hall to hide away in Janus' room definitely had a sort of teen movie appeal to it. It was the pretending that made Patton feel all sick and guilty.

"You look tired," Roman said. He still wasn't back to his vibrant self, but Patton had vowed to be gentle with him until he found his footing again.

Patton was tired. He and Janus had spent most of the night just talking, innocent as could be, both tucked beneath the covers of Janus' bed. He tried and failed to think of a good pun, something that might distract Roman. "I was up kinda late, I guess."

Roman nodded. It was just the two of them that morning, Virgil being a late sleeper and Logan having been increasingly reclusive as of late, despite his reconciliation with Patton and the others. "I'll make you a coffee. Something fancy. Dare I say, the best coffee you've ever had."

"Oh," said Patton, cheeks heating up. "You don't have to!" Guilt flooded his chest at the idea of taking advantage of Roman.

"I'm offering," said Roman. "But if it makes you feel better, I'll make one for myself, too."

That did make Patton feel better, if only a little. He sighed as Roman got up from the table and started bustling around in the kitchen. These days, Janus was always on the tip of his tongue. He didn't want to risk ruining Roman's good mood by bringing up such a painful subject, but… Patton couldn't keep going like this.

Hiding the relationship had of course been Janus' idea, but Patton couldn't deny the safety of it. For the first time, he realized how Deceit and Self-Preservation could share an identity. And while Patton knew his reasons were noble, he also understood that lying hurt. His friends would be devastated regardless of how they found out, but the destruction would be much worse if they found out accidentally.

"Something's bothering you," Roman said when he got back, holding two mugs piled high with whipped cream covered in chocolate shavings.

"I don't want to talk about it," Patton said.

"C'mon, Padre, we've talked about this. Sharing your feelings doesn't make you a burden. Especially if I'm asking."

Oh, Patton really didn't deserve Roman. "I know, kiddo, I just-- I'm not ready yet."

"Is this about J-- Him? Because I swear, if he hurt you, if he did something--" Roman cut himself off, and Patton appreciated that he looked a little embarrassed. "Sorry."

"I promise I'll tell you when I'm ready," Patton said.

"I suppose that's all I can really ask," Roman said with a nod. "Well, I'll be here when you're ready. It's the least I can do."

"Thanks, Roman." He was still having issues with negative self-talk, but Patton didn't feel like nagging him about it today. So he smiled and picked up a spoon to scoop up some whipped cream. "You're a good friend."

When Roman wandered off to go work on a new creative vision for Thomas, Patton booked it to the Other living room (he was no longer comfortable thinking of it as the Dark Side). While he wasn't exactly on friendly terms with Remus yet, he might be able to navigate a conversation with him if required.

But thankfully, Janus was sprawled out on the couch reading a book of blank verse poetry and Remus was nowhere in sight. “Everything okay, angel?” he asked, tilting the book down so Patton could see his eyes. He sat up so Patton could sit next to him, cuddling closer when Patton put an arm around his shoulders.

Patton fidgeted with the hem of Janus’ capelet. “I’m thinking I want to, um…” He paused, looking for the right words. “Bring you up? See what the others think about you coming around every once in a while. Or all the time.”

Janus stiffened. Patton rubbed his arm. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled at the idea of having me around.”

“I wouldn’t leave you alone with them!” Patton said. He had learned, more through hints and inference than anything Janus had outright said, that Janus was deeply afraid of rejection and guarded his heart closely. “I just want… I want to stop lying to them and I want to stop sneaking around.”

“It’s safer this way,” Janus said, nudging Patton.

“But it’s not fair to them or to us to keep going like this,” Patton said. “I promise I won’t let them hurt you.”

“Oh, yeah?” Janus asked archly, one hand inching up Patton’s thigh. “You’ll be my hero?”

“You don’t need a hero,” Patton said, putting his free hand down on top of Janus’. “If you decide to go off on them, what you’ll need is a referee.”

“That is true,” Janus said, and Patton noticed with a rush of affection that he was trying not to smile.

“So can I?”

Janus turned and kissed him softly on the forehead. “Yes, angel. But only because you’re cute.”

[maybeimamuppet]

in her pride

happy Wednesday and happy pride, friends! this is a request fill for @jusanotherconfusedfangirl who requested our art freaks and Elijah attending pride!

trigger warnings for:

homophobia

one use of d-slur

panic attacks

I think that's everything, but as always please let me know if I've missed something and I will add it in.

enjoy!

-

“Hey, Peanut,” Janis greets as Cady leaps into her arms. “You look cute!”

“Thanks!” Cady chirps happily. She does look rather adorable in her shorts and tank top combo, complete with bi flag suspenders and a matching headband. She also found bi flag socks and stole a pair of Janis’ boots. Cady pulls back to see Janis’ outfit too. “Wow. You look… really good.”

“Why thank you,” Janis purrs. She’s in her usual shorts and tights, but this time has a lesbian flag t-shirt and matching socks poking out from her own boots. She does a spin to show off her outfit, revealing that one the pockets of her shorts has also been painted with the many orange and pink stripes of her flag, and her infamous ‘female power’ painting done in miniature on the other. “Come on.”

Cady follows her into the house and up to her room. Julie waves as they pass her open door. She’s got on a rainbow shirt in solidarity, but wouldn’t be joining them on their little excursion.

“Do you want your flag painted on your face?” Janis asks, pointing to her own cheek decorated with yet another lesbian flag. Cady nods excitedly, so Janis gestures for her to sit across from her on the bed and grabs her paints and a brush.

“What’s it going to be like?” Cady asks as Janis tenderly brushes a thick stripe of blue onto her cheek.

“Loud,” Janis replies immediately. “In a lot of ways. There’s gonna be a lot of bright colors, obviously, and a lot of noise. And probably a few weird smells.”

“Okay,” Cady chuckles gently so she doesn’t mess Janis up.

“It’s a lot of fun, though. You’ll get to see and meet all sorts of people who’ve been through and experienced all sorts of things,” Janis says. “You’ll love it.”

“I’m so excited,” Cady says happily as Janis finishes brushing magenta on top of her purple stripe. “When did you start going?”

“Ninth grade,” Janis says quietly. “Damian and I went with our moms.”

“Aww,” Cady coos. “You sound sad.”

“I’m… I don’t know,” Janis says. “It was a great thing overall that year, but I had an… ordeal, let’s say, with a group of protestors there. I’m still not sure how I feel about that Pride as a whole.”

“Oh,” Cady frowns. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not right now,” Janis says. “It’s your first pride, let’s just focus on that for today. I’ll tell you some other time.”

“Okay,” Cady says. “You look good in warm colors, you should wear them more often.”

“You think?” Janis chuckles, putting her hands on her hips and striking a pose. “Haven’t worn this much pink since I was a Plastic.”

“Love, you wore that pink shirt so many times during our junior year,” Cady says. “And last year, too.”

“What pink shirt?” Janis asks in confusion. “I don’t have any pink clothes.”

Cady heads over to her closet and pulls out the two-toned pink striped shirt, a dress with pink flowers, and a pink sweater.

“Then what color are these?” She asks, holding them up to show off.

Janis goes very quiet and purses her lips. “Diet red. I don’t wear pink.”

Cady bursts out laughing and comes to kiss her cheek. “You’re allowed to wear pink if you want, lovey. It suits you.”

“Humph,” Janis grumbles. “Do you have everything you need?”

“I think so,” Cady says. “Sunscreen and sunglasses, ear defenders, hats, water, snacks, phone, ponchos, flags.”

“Sounds good to me,” Janis says. “Dame and Elijah should be here in a few minutes and then we can go.”

“Yay,” Cady says happily, coming to straddle her girlfriend for cuddles.

-

Sure enough, Damian and Elijah come quite literally parading into the room about ten minutes later, having let themselves into Janis’ house. Cady and Janis are more than a little concerned when they hear Julie yell “Oh my god!”

Until they see what she’s on about. Damian is looking… colorful in a full rainbow outfit, complete with cloud hat, bright red lipstick and wearing a trans pride flag as a cape. Elijah is entirely topless but in a rainbow skirt, long and made of tulle. He’s also wearing a flag cape, but his is the demisexual flag. He has a fan in each hand. One says ‘Oh honey’ with a bee pattern on it and the other appears to say ‘Power bottom’. Janis gags a little as he hands the latter back to Damian.

“Jesus Christ, guys,” Janis laughs. “Looking good.”

“Whoa,” Cady blinks. “I want a cape!”

“Do you have a flag?” Damian asks. Cady nods and grabs her larger bi flag that she’d impulse-bought a while ago out of her bag. He takes it and ties it loosely around her neck to match them. Once she has her cape, Cady does a superhero pose with her hands on her hips and her chin jutted out proudly.

“Bi-der girl,” Janis mumbles under her breath. Cady hears her and laughs, nodding in agreement.

“Can we go now pleeeease? I’m so excited,” Cady begs, tugging on Janis’ hand to get her to stand up.

“Yes, we can, easy,” Janis laughs. “Save your energy.”

“She’s got plenty,” Damian chuckles. “Let’s go, E can drive us there.”

—————

“Whoa,” Cady says in awe, looking around at all the bright rainbows and fun outfits surrounding them. They got a spot near the start of the parade, to get the best goodies. “Is that person-“

“Naked? Probably,” Janis finishes as Cady trails off. “There’s a lot of different things people are here for, some are a little ‘out there’ even for me.”

“Hm,” Cady hums thoughtfully. “Fun!”

“Just wait ‘til it starts, Butterfly,” Janis says, kissing her cheek. Cady flinches a little when the screaming begins along with the parade, and Janis quickly realizes she can’t see much. Cady accepts the offered perch on Janis’ back and watches like that, waving at people passing by and catching them a few of whatever is flung their way.

By the time the last few floats and groups have gone by, Janis is almost totally covered in all sorts of rainbow and pride accoutrements. Necklaces, other beads, candy, flags, and even some condoms.

“That was awesome!” Cady squeals in her ear. “What now?”

“Now we get to walk around and enjoy it,” Janis responds, following Damian and Elijah down the street. “Ooh, cupcakes.”

Cady is glad Janis seems to have forgotten she’s still on her back, since it means she doesn’t have to walk around. Janis buys them each a cupcake with their respective pride flag frosted on top, and Cady climbs down to dig in happily.

“Ooh, mine is funfetti!” She says around a mouthful, showing Janis her cupcake with the bite missing.

“I think mine is strawberry,” Janis says around some of her own, showing off the pink center to hers. Cady cheekily leans in and takes a bite of it. “Hey!” Janis leans in and takes a bite of Cady’s. “You got frosting on your nose.”

Cady crosses her eyes to see, and sure enough, there is a little bit of purple frosting from her cupcake on her nose. She pokes her tongue out to try to get it, but Janis kisses it away instead. Cady grins and clambers back onto her girlfriend’s back, peppering a few kisses over her cheeks.

“What’s that?” She asks, pointing to a group of people who seem to be doing some sort of craft as they listen to a local band on a stage nearby.

“I dunno, sometimes they have art stuff here. Do you want to go see? I think we’ve officially lost Dame and Elijah,” Janis says.

“How did we manage that? Damian is literally dressed as a whole rainbow,” Cady mutters confusedly.

“Exactly, it’s perfect camouflage,” Janis chuckles. “They’ll find us eventually, come on.”

Cady clings to her shoulders contently as she’s carried over to the area. A lady is running a booth there and explains they’re painting rocks to go in a garden outside the local LGBTQ+ youth shelter. People are painting anything from pride flags, to animals and other random things, to supportive messages on some of the larger ones. It’s free, so Janis grabs a few rocks for each of them and a paper plate with all sorts of colors of acrylic paint.

“So what do you think so far, Butterfly?” Janis asks as she gets to work painting a bee on one of her rocks.

“It’s fun! You were right, it’s loud, but it’s… safe feeling. A good loud,” Cady responds, deciding to do a rainbow lion, as a little nod to her pride of lions from Kenya. “And everything is so interesting, there’s so much here.”

“Good,” Janis replies, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Someone from one of the other blankets yells over that they make a cute couple, and they both call back a thank you with a giggle.

“And everyone is so nice, too,” Cady chuckles, brushing a streak of purple into her lion’s mane.

Once all their rocks have been thoroughly decorated with all sorts of flags and rainbows and messages, they return them to the booth to dry and be placed, and then head off to find another thing to do.

“Oh, there’s Damian,” Cady says, having been on her tippy toes and scanning the local area.

“Of course he found the food trucks,” Janis mumbles under her breath. She yelps slightly as Cady grabs her hand and starts running them in that direction.

By the time they make it to him, she’s thoroughly out of breath. Damian turns around at the sound of her panting and chuckles.

“Hey guys!” He greets. “I found tacos. You good, Jan?”

“Gimme,” Janis puffs, reaching for his slushee. He hands it over begrudgingly and lets her have a few gulps. “Ooh, blue raspberry. Thanks.”

“Get your own,” Damian whines. “They’re, like, two bucks.”

“And you owe me ten,” Janis shrugs. “Mine now.”

“Why does Damian owe you money?” Cady asks worriedly.

“I bet him ten bucks I could steal a sheep without being noticed,” Janis responds. “And then I did.”

“You-you-“ Cady stutters. “Wh-what-why- why did you-“

“Good job, Janis, you broke your girlfriend,” Elijah chuckles.

“I put it back after,” Janis says, as if that makes anything better. Cady is still stuttering over several questions. “I named him Walter.”

Cady just blinks and then sighs, leaning her head against Janis’ shoulder. “Stop stealing livestock. Just leave them alone.”

“I didn’t steal the cows! Or the chickens,” Janis defends quickly. “And the sheep was fine. I just borrowed him for a second. Also, did you know sheep are not as soft as you would think? They’re very scratchy.”

“There’s a reason I can’t wear wool,” Cady chuckles in response. “Now get us some tacos, you heathen.”

Janis pouts, but does head up to the window to order them some food. Cady takes hers and leads them all over to a picnic table nearby, trying to navigate around the sticky soda spills and leftover gum.

Elijah tells them about the clothing and accessory booths set up a ways away, showing them all the cool pride necklaces he had purchased along with a few t-shirts. In return, Cady points out the cupcake place back closer to the beginning. Damian suddenly looks much more excited than he did a second ago.

“They’re really good! Mine was funfetti, and Janis let me try some of her strawberry one,” Cady says.

“I didn’t let you, you stole a bite,” Janis retaliates. “Don’t twist this story.”

“And you took some of mine,” Cady argues jokingly. “You would’ve given me a bite anyway.”

“No I wouldn’t! You’re a thief,” Janis says. Damian and Elijah both shoot her a look. “What?”

To prove her point, Cady juts out her bottom lip and blinks at her pleadingly. “Jayjay, can I pleeeease have a bite of your taco?”

“This is a trap, this is a trap,” Janis whispers to herself, trying her hardest to resist. Cady takes it up a notch and leans into her shoulder, blinking those long eyelashes at her adorably. “Fine!”

Cady laughs victoriously and steals her bite. “I told you. I have the power.”

“Outside the bedroom, maybe,” Janis mutters crankily. “Ow!”

“Janis Sarkisian,” Cady scolds, whacking her arm once more. “We just got a whole intervention a couple weeks ago, did you not learn your lesson about keeping things private?”

“I was joking, ow!” Janis laughs. “Stop hitting me, I’m sorry. I gave you my taco.”

Cady chuckles. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have hit you. I love you.”

Janis grins again as Cady cuddles back into her shoulder. “I love you too.”

Damian shoots them a warning look, so Janis restrains herself to one kiss against Cady’s hair and less aggressive cuddling than she wants.

They finish their food and sit there chatting for a while before Cady pipes up again. “I’m bored, can we go find something else to do?”

“Sure, Cads,” Damian chuckles. “Come on, there’s some photo booth thingies this way.”

Cady says, “Ooh!” excitedly at the same time Janis gives a groan, but they both follow Damian and Elijah regardless. “Jayjay, it’ll be fun! Oh, look at all the backdrops, they’re huge!”

Janis can’t help but smile at her excitement, remembering the joy she felt at her own first pride. Cady takes all sorts of selfies and pictures with her little squad at every flag backdrop, even the ones nobody in their group belong to. They are all very pretty and do make excellent photo backdrops.

Janis takes some of just Cady in front of the bi flag pasted to the side of a building. Cady smiles happily at her and does a few poses. Damian cheers her on from the sidelines before joining her for a few more. Janis smiles even more. She and Damian are and always will be platonic soulmates, but he and Cady have something special too.

Cady eventually comes back to her girlfriend after no fewer than fifty pictures. Some Plastic habits have taken longer to fade than others. “Do you want any of you?”

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks, Peanut,” Janis says. She’s perfectly content to peruse their group shots or the photos of Cady, she’s never been one to enjoy taking pictures of just herself. “I’m in plenty of the group ones.”

“Okay,” Cady says. “What do you want to do? You’ve just been following me around so far.”

“No, I got the cupcakes,” Janis reminds her. “And you’ve picked good stuff to do. Let’s go check out the shopping stands, though, they usually have good stuff.”

Cady nods and takes her hand. Damian and Elijah realize they’re leaving and follow after them at a slight distance. Cady looks around curiously at all the rainbows and other color schemes in various forms around them. “I’ve never felt so… safe. Or secure in my sexuality,” she says quietly as they pass under a rainbow balloon structure.

“Good. That’s how it’s supposed to feel,” Janis says back with a smile. It quickly fades. “Too good to last.”

“What?” Cady asks. Janis points to a crowd of religious protestors nearby, holding signs with all sorts of cruel phrasing on them. “Oh.”

“Just ignore them for now, unless they start getting physical or go after someone young,” Janis shrugs, turning to browse some pride earrings. Cady nods and follows.

She notices Janis tense up as they’re forced to get closer to keep browsing, so she squeezes her hand gently to comfort her. Janis squeezes back thankfully.

Cady and Janis manage to ignore them and continue browsing. Cady buys everyone scrunchies patterned with their respective flags. Elijah puts his on his wrist, but Damian goes the extra mile and manages to get a little ponytail together on top of his head.

He and Elijah continue walking around for a while, but Cady and Janis stay and find a place to sit. It’s quiet and peaceful as Cady braids Janis’ hair down her back and ties the end with her new scrunchie.

So quiet that Janis forgets where they are and who’s nearby, and leans in to kiss her. All she knows is Damian and Elijah aren’t particularly close by, so she has free reign to kiss her girlfriend as much as she wants.

She’s violently brought back to reality when she hears some yelling. All she can make out is the word ‘dykes’. And to make matters worse, her hand suddenly feels warm and wet. One of them spat on her.

Damian and Elijah make a return as they hear the slurs being yelled, and Janis runs to cuddle into Damian. Cady, however, is fuming.

Cady knows she’s not supposed to engage these people. It won’t change anything, and puts her at risk. But, as she sees Janis being led away by Damian apparently in tears, she can’t hold herself back. Elijah is waiting for her, and there’s plenty of safe people around.

“Listen up, you fucks!” She snaps, getting the mob’s attention. “You know damn well you don’t belong here. This is an event for us, to give us a safe space. You’re entitled to your opinions, but attacking my girlfriend is where I draw the fucking line. Fun fact, pride actually has two meanings. This, and a family of lions. I grew up surrounded by several prides. I know how they fight, how they protect each other. The same applies here. If you even think about doing anything to anyone here again, I’ll show you how a whole pride of lions fights. Now fuck off.”

Surprisingly, they listen and back down a little bit. They don’t leave like she had hoped, but deep down she knew they wouldn’t. They’re suddenly swarmed by other pride-goers, congratulating her on her speech and going to try to cover the signs of the protestors.

“Damn, Cady,” Elijah says lowly. “Nice.”

“They hurt Janis,” Cady growls furiously. “Where did they go?”

Elijah points to an alleyway and leads them to it, quickly revealing a sobbing Janis being cradled by Damian. Cady’s seen her like this a few times before. She’s having a panic attack.

“Oh, darling,” Cady breathes sadly, any trace of anger gone once she sees the state Janis is in. “I’m so sorry.”

Janis reaches for her, so Cady cuddles in by Damian and squishes Janis between them. Elijah waits a little bit away, but in earshot if they need him. Janis doesn’t know him as well and his presence seemed to be making her more upset.

Cady pulls her bag off her back and roots through it, pulling out a water bottle and one of the snacks she brought, Janis’ sunglasses, and her own ear defenders.

“Mpenzi, do you want to try these? You don’t have to, but they help me when I’m overwhelmed,” Cady says lowly, tenderly stroking over Janis’ braid. Janis nods with another burst of sobs, so Cady helps her get the sunglasses on without poking her eyes and gently pops on the headphones. “Deep breaths, love, everything’s okay.”

Janis continues weeping in their embrace, sniffling anxiously every once in a while and clinging to both of her comfort people. Cady usually would offer a calming strategy, but she gets a sense that this time it’s important for Janis to just get it out.

A few people pass by the alley and ask if she’s okay, but Elijah plays bodyguard and sends them on their way again with the assurance that they’re handling it.

Very, very gradually, Janis does calm down. She pulls the headphones down around her neck and tucks the sunglasses into her shirt, reaching for the water and snack.

Cady unscrews the lid and hands it over, but helps her hold it when she sees how violently Janis is still shaking. Janis downs a couple gulps and continues clutching it as she shifts off of Damian and closer to Cady.

“Can I kiss you? Here?” Cady asks, tapping Janis’ forehead. She doesn’t know what triggered this, yet, and she doesn’t want to overstep. But Janis nods, so she pulls her close and peppers kisses against her temple. “You’re okay now, they’re gone.”

Elijah gets a little closer now that Janis is no longer in tears, sitting across the alley against the other wall.

“Did they-did they do anything? To you?” Janis chokes quietly, checking over Cady for any injuries and her face for any hint of sadness. Elijah snorts. “What?”

“Cady cussed their asses out,” Elijah responds. “She went off, even I was scared. They didn’t have a chance to get anything in edgewise.”

“That’s not- not safe,” Janis whispers anxiously. “Wh-why?”

“Shh, darling, I know it was a bad idea,” Cady says, blushing slightly at Elijah’s summation of the events. She just said whatever came to her. “But they hurt you. I’m not gonna let anyone get away with that. Nothing happened, and I won’t do that again.”

Janis looks warily to Damian, who gives her a sad nod. Cady gives a weak grin watching their apparent psychic connection.

“When I was-well. The first-the first time,” Janis begins shakily. “I was-was fourteen. Stupid. I-I made f-fun of them. And-and-and…”

She breaks down again, crying into Cady’s shoulder gently. Damian asks her if he can tell the story for her, and she nods.

“She kind of taunted them. I did too, it was funny for a while,” he says quietly. “But then one of them got really angry. He got them all to yell at us a lot louder, and Janis was obviously still kind of sensitive to the whole d-slur thing. Which they noticed, so they yelled that over and over. And then he threw a rock, and it hit her. She had a bruise for almost a month, it almost broke her arm.”

“Oh god, love,” Cady whispers in sad shock. “I’m so sorry.”

“That guy was arrested, but the rest of them weren’t. And he got out pretty quickly, unfortunately. His church paid his bail,” Damian growls. “We’ve tried to avoid them since.”

“Was he there?” Cady asks him quietly.

“No,” Damian says with a shake of his head. “But it was similar enough to what happened last time. She wasn’t right for a long time after it happened. And it makes sense she’s traumatized a little.”

Cady nods sadly and cuddles her girlfriend closer. It’s so hot, but Janis is crying so hard into her shoulder that she can’t think about anything else.

“Shh, darling, I’m so sorry,” Cady says quietly, rocking her girlfriend from side to side. “You’re safe, I’m safe. All of us are safe, nobody got hurt this time. Everything’s okay, I promise.”

Janis nods gently against her and tries to calm down, matching Cady’s slow, deep breathing as best she can and inhaling her comforting scent of rosewater, cherries, and books. They all mingle in an enchanting aroma around Cady, and Janis can’t get enough.

After another few minutes she stops crying again, and is just sniffling quietly in Cady’s hold.

“Okay?” Cady asks quietly. Janis nods gently again. “Good. Do you want to go fix your makeup or stay here a while longer?”

“You could do both,” Damian shrugs, pulling out a pack of makeup wipes and a few basic products. “What? You never know what you might need.”

“Gay,” Elijah teases. Damian pokes his tongue out at him.

Cady takes a few of the wipes and tenderly swipes the mascara and streaky remnants of a pride flag from Janis’ face. Her lipstick survived, so she leaves that. “Look up, dearest.”

Janis does, so she gently swipes on a new coat of eyeliner and several layers of mascara, as Janis likes it to be. “Thank you.” She says quietly, blinking a few times to get everything in place once Cady finishes.

“You’re welcome,” Cady responds with a kiss to her cheek. “Do you want to go home? You’ve been through it today.”

“No,” Janis replies instantly. “I-I went home last time. I let them get to me. I can’t do it again.”

“Okay,” Cady says. “If you’re sure you’re okay.”

Janis nods and stands up, brushing over her cheeks to try and help any remaining tear tracks fade. Cady, Damian, and Elijah stand as well.

“Oh, hang on a second,” Cady says hastily, taking her bag off again and rooting through it. She pulls out Janis’ pride flag and ties it gently around her neck so she has a cape like the rest of them. “It came off your face. You need another one.”

Janis grins weakly and squeezes her hand, leading them out of the alley and back to the festival.

“Hey,” Cady says quietly as they follow Damian and Elijah back closer to the entrance. Janis looks at her with a questioning hum, still not really in a mood to speak. Cady holds their intertwined hands up. “I love you.” She squeezes Janis’ hand three times, one squeeze for each word.

Janis smiles and leans in for a quick kiss. She looks around anxiously before she does, but the fact that she’s even willing to do so at all is frankly a miracle. “I love you too.” She squeezes Cady back four times, following the same pattern.

Eventually they get close to the area where they had painted the rocks earlier. And Cady gets an idea.

“Darling, will you be okay if I leave for a few minutes? I think I left something back that way,” she says to throw Janis off slightly. Janis pouts but nods and picks up a bit of speed to catch up with Damian. He screams and whirls around when she taps him on the shoulder, and Cady muffles laughter into her hand as she loops around a building and runs over to the booth.

“Oh, hello! Welcome back, are you here to do some more?” The kind lady asks.

“Um, yes, do you have any that are like that one?” Cady asks, pointing to one of the ones she decorated earlier. “And could I maybe keep this one?”

“I’m really not supposed to, but I don’t see why not. Our gardens aren’t that big,” the lady shrugs, handing over a rock of a similar size and shape.

“Thank you!” Cady calls, squeezing out all the colors she’ll need and running to hide from her little group. She copies the design she wants, and grins when it turns out even better this time. The paint dries within ten minutes, so she holds it carefully as she returns her supplies and takes her time returning to Janis.

Once it’s dry enough, she tucks it into her backpack and rejoins her friends and girlfriend.

She finds them by the cupcakes again. Damian seems very pleased with his lemon transgender pride flag one, Elijah got a cookies and cream demisexual one, and Janis seems content with another lesbian pride one since she gets this one all to herself.

“Hey, love,” Cady greets, once again leaning in and taking a small nibble of her cupcake. Janis whines in defeat, but turns to greet her with a smile.

“You’re a thief,” she gripes jokingly, kissing Cady’s cheek.

“A cute thief,” Cady responds.

“You got me there,” Janis chuckles. “Did you find your thing?”

“Yep! All good,” Cady says. “Now you have frosting on your nose.”

Janis scrunches her face up to see, making Cady giggle. She leans in to kiss it off, returning the favor Janis gave earlier.

“Jan, are you done?” Damian asks around the last mouthful of his cupcake. Janis takes the last bite of hers and nods, standing up to throw the wrappers in the nearby bin. Cady sneakily puts their backpack on Janis’ shoulders. She looks at her oddly, but puts her arms through to carry it around.

“Should we leave? I think we’ve done all there is to do,” Elijah says. “And I want ice cream.”

Janis perks up at the mention of ice cream. She’s lactose intolerant, but will be damned if it keeps her from enjoying her favorite cold treat.

“Janis, no,” Cady says. “You get sorbet.” Janis pouts, pulling her own puppy eyes pleadingly. Resist, Cady. “Fine, we’ll stop somewhere and get you your lactose pills.”

Janis thinks for a second before giving a begrudging nod. She’d rather not deal with a stomachache on top of everything else today, maybe her lactose pills are a good compromise.

“Good, come on,” Cady says. Janis shrieks in surprise as she picks her up piggyback style and starts following Damian and Elijah to the gates. “What?”

“When did you get so strong, babe?” Janis asks, clinging to her shoulders as Cady grips her thighs.

“You’re not that heavy, Jay,” Cady chuckles, adjusting her grip slightly. “And I did grow up in Africa. I carried a lot of water around.”

“Are you from Africa, baby, really? I had no idea,” Janis teases.

“I will drop you,” Cady threatens in retaliation. “If you don’t appreciate my services.”

“No, I appreciate them,” Janis says hastily, clinging to her tighter. She rests her chin on Cady’s shoulder and squishes their cheeks together. The rhythm of their steps nearly lulls her to sleep. “‘S nice.”

“Good,” Cady giggles. “You’re so cute.”

“No,” Janis whines, turning her head away to hide her blush. “That’s not how this is supposed to go.”

Cady laughs again. “Well, it’s how it’s going, so I suggest you learn to live with it. I think you’re absolutely adorable.”

“Why?” Janis pouts. “I spent so much time trying to make myself not cute.”

“Because you just are. Your eyes are so big, and you care so much about the people you can be bothered to give a shit about, and the way you stick your tongue out when you try to focus just… hurts me, almost,” Cady says, listing a few things. “And you love cuddles and when I hold you, and you still blush every time I call you Jellybean, and you pout when you get tired, and-“

“Okay, okay,” Janis says desperately, cutting her off so she can calm down. Her face is bright red by this point. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Cady says, depositing her safely just outside the car. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Janis says, leaning in for a kiss.

“Oh my god, get in, losers!” Damian yells far too loudly. Janis and Cady both laugh and slide into the backseat.

————-

“You have an ice cream mustache,” Janis chuckles at her girlfriend once their tasty snack is finished. “Come here.”

Cady reaches for her, and Janis presses their lips together contently, the flavors of chocolate and strawberry mingling on their tongues.

“There,” Janis says once they finally pull back. Damian and Elijah went inside to browse the candy for sale, so she doesn’t have to worry about being scolded for kissing Cady so aggressively.

“Thanks,” Cady giggles. “Oh, I have something for you.”

“Huh?” Janis says confusedly as Cady takes the backpack back from her and starts rooting through it. Cady pulls out her rock and holds it behind her back.

“You have to promise not to laugh at it, I did my best,” Cady demands. Janis nods in confusion and holds her hands out for her gift. Her brows furrow for a split second when Cady drops the stone in them, but she smiles widely when she turns it over to see what it’s been decorated with.

“The rainbow lion,” she says happily, tracing a tender finger over a piece of his mane.

“I went back and made another one for you, the lady let me keep it,” Cady says. “Do you get it?”

“No, I didn’t know there was something to get,” Janis says. Cady sits next to her on the bench and smiles as Janis leans onto her shoulder.

“A group of lions is called a pride,” Cady says quietly. “And you’re in my pride. In more ways than one. I love you, so you’re in my group. And I’m so, so proud of you. For just… being you. And being here. And letting me love you.”

Janis pulls back, and Cady notices her eyes brimming with tears as she suddenly tackles Cady in a tight hug. Cady squeezes her back just as tightly.

“I love you so much,” Janis sniffles. “Thank you.”

“I love you too,” Cady says, stroking down Janis’ braid. “Oh, darling, don’t cry, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay,” Janis chuckles through her tears. “Good cry this time.”

“Ah, okay,” Cady says, gently rubbing up and down Janis’ back as her girlfriend moves to sit on her lap. The sun is finishing its journey for the day, the stars are just barely visible and the horizon is still bathed in varying shades of pink and orange and purple. “Happy Pride, darling.”

“Happy Pride, Peanut.”

I’m glad I’m in yours.

-

well i’ve had quite a bit of excitement trying to get this posted, so i hope you enjoyed!

requests are still paused, but i am hoping to get them re-opened in the next few weeks. nearly there.

thanks for reading!

lots of love,

ezzy

[the-fiction-witch]

Pregnant Lady

TV SHOW: THE QUEENS GAMBIT COUPLE: BENNY X READER RATING: SWEET 

I walked slowly though the hotel I kinda missed my heels I miss the noise they made as I clacked across the hotel floors frightening all these chess boys half to death but heels was not going to happen. Just my little white tennis sneakers with my stockings I was honestly surprised they still fit me, I walked though the hotel seeing all the boards still getting set up going over to the little bar looking at the chalk board of everything they had to sell, I felt a kick so I giggled and ran my hands over my little black long pinafore dress and my cute stomach. stroking my tummy over and over to calm them down.

"Aww there you are" I heard behind me I felt a hand on my back and Benny's soft tickly kiss on my cheek "You're late sweetheart"

"Yeah well, it takes me longer to get ready nowadays" I smiled

"How so?"

"I am a pregnant lady"

"so?"

"It takes me longer to have a shower I can't reach some places, and a bath isn't an option I can't get in and out, that and making an outfit is harder when half my clothes don't fit me"

"Well you look beautiful sweetheart" He smiled kissing my head he smiled putting his hand on my own feeling my stomach "Aww he's kicking"

"They are kicking a lot today"

"Th-they? awww sweetheart that's adorable" He says "Come on I wanna show you off to the chess boys"

"why?" I giggled

"Because I wanna show you off"

"You just wanna show everyone you got a girl pregnant?"

"Can't I be excited? about our baby coming? about the tiny human I put in your tummy"

"Really? this whole thing just inflates your ego doesn't it?" I sighed

"A little bit" He smirked

"Fine" I sighed "But I'm not wondering around like a parade, I don't have the strength"

"why not?"

"I am a Pregnant Lady"

"You can't keep using that at an excuse when there is stuff you don't wanna do sweetheart"

"Yes I can, at least till there born"

"Alright," he laughs putting an arm around me and tugging me along with him to the main part of the hotel

"Benny? after can we get ice cream?"

"Maybe we'll see"

"But I want ice cream, you have to do what I say and be nice to me"

"why do I have to be nice to you?"

"I am a Pregnant lady! Impregnated with you're child"

"fine, I'll get you ice cream"

"Yay!" I giggled nuzzling with his shirt

"But not too much ice cream, you'll get chubby" He jokes

"... I will vomit on jacket benny"

"I didn't mean it sweetheart, you are soo touchy today"

"Yes Because I'm pregnant!"

"You can't keep using that as an excuse y/n"

"Yes I can" I smiled "Like you don't use it as an excuse to get blow jobs?"

"....I only do so because I kinda don't wanna stick my dick in you that seems like a bad idea"

"Benny I'm already pregnant, not like you can get me double pregnant"

"But what if like... I hit his head or something"

"Your dick does not reach all the way into my womb benny... and also if you did hit his head that means My water has broken and the baby is coming out literally within the next couple of hours so I should hope your not trying to have sex with my while I'm in labour"

"that's why I ask for blow jobs"

"You are so gonna freak out when i got into labour"

"Ohhh no I won't. I shall be in the husband room down the hall with a chess book"

"You're holding my hand benny weather you like it or not"

"why? I wanna go sit in the husband room"

"Because I'm a pregnant lady, and what pregnant lady says goes."

"Fine, but just hold your hand I'm not looking"

"why not?"

"... I do not. want to watch the head of a human being coming out of you. my head is messed up enough thank you"

"Messed up?"

"seeing a human coming out of you, its gonna be weird"

"yes it is, well it's your fault for getting me pregnant"

"Alright that's fair sweetheart" He smiled kissing my cheek

"Benny!" I smiled excitedly moving his hand back to my stomach as my tummy kicked

"Awww hey kiddo," he smiled stroking my stomach and giving my stomach a kiss "Come on lets get to work, then we can get back to the hotel and rest the tummy" he smiled kissing my head and tugging me along to where he needed to go play chess.

[detectivejay-chuckles-halstead]

30 Days // Jay Halstead x Reader // Pt 3:6

Description: 30 Drabbles of Jay and Reader’s life together

Words: 2385

Warnings: Canonical Violence, FLUFF

Pairing: Jay x Reader

A/N: The third installment. I am simultaneously working on this, a new upcoming long fic, and requests. Not to mention I get to go back to work for the first time in 6 weeks (YAY!) So my posting may be out of wack, or only maybe once or twice a week. Hope you all enjoy!

Doing Something Together

“Why do you always insist that you can beat me?” Jay asked as the two of you walked into the firing range. Yes, your boyfriend had been an expert marksman as a Ranger, worked as Intelligence’s sniper when needed. That didn’t mean that one of these days you wouldn’t beat him when it came to target practice. 

“Because one day, someday, it’s going to happen. And today is going to be that day,” you answered with a smile, Jay just shaking his head with a laugh. It was like this every time the two of you went to renew your certification for work. 

It didn’t take long to sign in, being sent to your respective areas. You both put on the protective eye-wear and earmuffs. As the targets were sent back, you took out your gun and took a wide stance. One clip was all that you were firing that day. 

“You may begin,” the evaluator stated, the two of you firing your guns multiple times until no bullets were left. You holstered at that point, taking the earmuffs off as you looked at Jay with a smile on your face. This had to be it, right? This was going to be your day! The targets were brought up for evaluation

Most of your hits were along the 8 and 9 marks just to the left of the silhouette. When you looked at Jay’s target, at first you thought it was a joke. There was no way he only hit the target once dead center. Until you took a look at it again, realizing he’d hit the same spot multiple times. 

“Good job. We will see you guys back next year,” the evaluator then told you, writing down his comments before walking away. 

“One day, babe,” he assured you as you pouted. 

“Maybe next time, I just need to distract you,” you suggested, walking away from him with a sway to your hips. 

In Formal Wear

Voight had more or less ordered the team to go to this fundraiser that the CPD was hosting. Not that you minded, but you knew Jay hated these events. He said he felt paraded around. Which definitely wasn’t a lie, though none of you had a choice. If Voight said to jump, the answer would be ‘how high, sir?’

“Stop fussing with your tie,” you scolded for the fifth time since the two of you had arrived, swatting his hands away to fix the fabric. He huffed, letting you do your thing as he looked around the room. “We’ll be here an hour, two tops.”

“I will complain the entire time,” he assured you with a smirk, getting a chuckle from you. “You look gorgeous by the way.”

He’d been left speechless when you’d walked out of the bedroom in the black, low cut, tulle gown. Not like you saved it for special occasions or anything. You realized that Jay had never seen you dressed up like that before. And you’d never seen him in such a crisp, form-fitting suit before. 

“If you behave, maybe I’ll even let you take it off me,” you whispered as you leaned in, hands pressed to his chest. The glimmer of hope in his eyes was enough for there to be an understanding. All he had to do was put up with the event. That was all. 

A waiter walked around, Jay grabbing two champagne glasses off the tray like a pro. You couldn’t help but lean into him slightly as the two of you walked around the room, mingling with all the important names. As much as you loved the dress, you hated the heels. 

“Don’t you two look like a handsome couple,” Voight mentioned as you neared the huddled group of Intelligence officers. You couldn’t help the blush forming across your cheeks.

“Thank you, Serge,” Jay said softly as Kim and Vanessa pulled you into their conversation. Your eyes would meet Jay’s occasionally, wanting to just get lost in him until one of the other women would pull you back. Maybe you needed to go to these events more often. 

Dancing

“Why does this song sound so familiar?” you asked Jay as the two of you were cooking dinner, the tune on the radio bringing back clouded memories that you couldn’t quite place. 

“Really?” he countered, looking a bit hurt. Though you weren’t sure why. “Don’t you remember this was the song that was playing at Molly’s the first time we kissed.”

“How could I forget that?” You weren’t sure how to answer your own question, feeling crappy about not remembering. But you were a bit surprised that Jay remembered. There was no doubt that you would have remembered if you hadn’t been as drunk as you were that night. 

“Dance with me?” he asked, holding his hand out for you. There wasn’t even a second of hesitation as you took his hand, letting him pull you close to him before the two of you began gently swaying in the kitchen. He looked at you with complete love and adoration -- a look nobody else had ever given you before. 

It felt right, being with Jay. This moment was the moment you realized that he was the one for you. He was the one that you’d never let go. The one that you'd move Heaven and Hell for. You and Jay were endgame. You’d never been more sure about anything in your life. 

In Battle Side-by-Side

The case you’d all been working on for the better part of a week --the one that had already made most of the team shed sweat, blood, and tears -- had led you all to an abandoned factory on the south-side of Chicago. Everybody’s cars were huddled in a parking lot a block away, out of sight of the building to keep from blowing the whole operation. The team stood together as Voight spoke. 

“We bring this guy in dead or alive. Got it?” Everybody agreed with a ‘yes Serge.’ “Halstead, you and Y/L/N take the north entrance. Rojas and Atwater take the south entrance. Ruzek, you’re going to cover the north entrance in your vehicle. Burgess, you and me with the south. Nobody goes in or out once we start this except us.”

Jay helped you secure your vest over your shirt before grabbing his gun out of the trunk. His pistol remained holstered on his thigh. As much as you loved your job, it was moments like these that made you hate it. More like, you hated working in the same unit as your boyfriend. If things went south...you didn’t let yourself think of it, Jay pulling you out of your thoughts with a smile, handing you your own gun.

“I love you,” he told you softly, squeezing your free hand. You sighed, looking at him as everybody got ready.

“I love you too.” 

It was a go. You and Jay walked to the north entrance, your boyfriend in front of you as your hand rested on his shoulder, following right on his heels. Why a lone offender would be hiding out in an abandoned factory was the real question you were asking yourself, but you didn’t mention it to anybody else. As long as you got this guy, that’s all that mattered. 

The two of you silently breached the door, moving slowly and methodically. You’d done this a thousand times before, no different. He came to a T in the hallway, motioning for you to go left. There was no hesitation as you stepped to the side of him, hugging the wall as you went down the hallway while he walked the other direction. 

The only sound you could hear was the sound of your breath and your heart beating in your ears. The further you got away from Jay, the less you were able to hear his footsteps until they disappeared. You were on edge, creeping down this hall, taking turn after turn. Was this a factory or a maze? The second you heard any type of movement, you froze in place before slowly looking around. 

It was a bit of a scare when you found yourself looking down the barrel of a gun, releasing your breath when you realized it was Jay. The look on his face matched yours. Confusion.

“Something doesn’t feel right,” he said softly, getting you to nod in agreement as you continued down the new hallway. Eventually, the hall opened up into a large room. As you looked around, you noticed Vanessa and Kevin at the other end, about twenty-yards ahead of you. As far as you knew, nobody had seen an entrance to a second floor, realizing you missed something. There was no second floor, but there was clearly a window to the right as well as a door. 

“Jay,” you whispered, motioning for him to look. As soon as he started to turn his head, you heard clattering. 

“Flash grenade!” he called out, pulling you to the ground with him, trying to shield you from the flash. 

Your ears were ringing, feeling Jay’s body weight on you as you tried to assess what was going on. Shots were the next thing you heard, seeming to miss everything besides the walls. It sounded like it was only coming from one gun, which meant your offender was indeed working alone. 

“Stay down,” Jay told you softly. “Don’t key your radio.” Fear flooded over you. There’d only be one reason he’d tell you not to key your radio. 

“You think there’s a bomb.” There was no question about it. That’s exactly what Jay was thinking. “Vanessa and Kevin!” 

“Right now, we have to move,” he interjected, getting off you so that you could crouch. There was nowhere to take cover. No boxes, no equipment. The room was empty. The only way to get out was the way you came. The two of you looked over at the other pair who seemed to have the same idea.

“Jay, we leave, this guy will be in the wind,” you snapped as he grabbed your arm, ready to drag you out of that building. “Trust me.” 

He hesitated before nodding, the two of you pressing against the wall before moving quickly towards the corner. Kevin and Vanessa seemed to get the memo, mimicking your movements. The other pair waited, not daring to cross in front of the window as the offender stopped firing. Most likely out of confusion due to there being no active targets he would be able to see. 

Jay nodded at you as you busted in the door before firing a single shot at the offender, the man falling to the ground. Quickly, you kicked his gun away from his reach, though you knew it wasn’t necessary. A single headshot. Kneeling down, you felt for a carotid pulse, feeling nothing. He was dead. 

You sat down next to him, elbows on your knees as you rested your head in your hands. It was over. It was finally over. Nobody keyed their radios still, not until the bomb squad got there to do a search of the building to ensure there weren’t any extra surprises. 

“Nice work,” Voight told you when you finally exited the building. It didn’t feel like good work. You knew the order was to bring him in dead or alive...but never did you think it would be your gun that killed the man -- your shot, your decision. 

“Let’s go get this paperwork done, then go home,” Jay suggested softly, kissing your temple as you silently agreed. 

On A Birthday

“You know, all I want to do is just relax at home with you for my birthday,” Jay told you as you walked out of the precinct to the car. 

“Okay, promise not to get upset?” You’d waited until he was securely in the passenger seat of your car before you’d asked him. “The guys planned a surprise party that I’m supposed to be taking you to. I told them it was a bad idea, but can you just go for an hour at least to please them?”

“One hour, then just us,” he agreed. 

This was the third birthday you’d spent with him, still not getting a clear answer on why he never wanted to celebrate. The first year, you practically had to force a piece of cake into his mouth. He’d opened the present you got him the day after his birthday. The second year went smoother, but he still resisted nearly every idea to actually celebrate. This year though, it wasn’t your doing. You’d finally given in, still forcing him to get a cake at least and always getting him a present. Birthdays were a big deal for you growing up, family always making it a big deal. 

You pulled up in front of Molly’s, his arm hooked around your shoulder as you reminded him to ‘act surprised.’ Which he did, smiling as friends came up to wish him a happy birthday. He drank some beer, had some laughs, but as soon as that clock hit the hour mark, he excused himself from the party, ensuring everyone promised they’d keep it going for him. 

You followed close behind as the two of you stepped into the cool Chicago night air. When he suddenly stopped, you nearly walked into him before he turned to look at you with a smile, small box in his hand. 

“You’re the one who’s supposed to be getting presents today, silly,” you reminded him before he kissed you.

“I know, but I think you deserve this,” he countered, flipping the top of the box open to reveal an engagement ring, shock evident on your face. “You know I don’t really like celebrating my birthday. My mom was the only one who ever made a big deal of it, and after she died, I didn’t really find a reason to celebrate. Then, I spent two birthdays in Afghanistan...I was going to wait to do this, but I wanted a reason to be able to be happy on this day again. You’ve tried so hard the past few years...my mom,” he sighed softly, “she would have loved you. And she would have told me to keep you forever. So, Y/N...Will you marry me?”

[hermankopusortizorsumshite]

Walsh

PART TWO

Warning: smut, violence, gore, breaking and entering, sarcasm. So much swearing. Mentions of Shane c*ck.

Kennedie curls up on the couch with a book while Carl watches ‘Finding Nemo’. His favorite move thus far, as he’d already asked to watch it four times. Finding Nemo played once more, before finally it was seven o’clock. “Carl, buddy. It’s bath time.” She calls as she stands up. Looking out the window, she sees a patrol car pass by slowly. Looking out she sees Shane watching intently inside. Flipping him the bird he just chuckles and drives away. Shutting the blinds in the living room, she heads to the bathroom and starts the water for his bath. Tossing in a bucket toys, Carl cheers as he jumps into the tub.

“Wow! Look at that!” He points, writing on the bath tub wall with bath crayons.

“Nice! Write your name.” She points to the wall with her finger and Carl splashes her. He splashes her, and she splashes back. “Tip back. Tip back.” She cheers, dumping water on his head. “Sudsy time!” She laughs, scrubbing his blue soap into his hair. “Tip back!” She dumps another cup over his head.

“Water!” He cheers, scrubbing her arms with his wet hands.

“Yay! You ready to get out?” She asks, holding up his duck towel with a hood temptingly.

“Uh, yeah. Can we watch a movie?” He asks as he climbs out and gets onto the mat, letting her wrap him up with the towel.

“Sure. You can hang with me in the living room.” She smiles, letting him follow her to his room. Pulling out some Cars undies and a tee shirt, she lets him dress himself. “You collect your favorite blanket and pillow and head to the living room.” While he collects his blanket, pillow, and favorite animals, she lays out his clothes for tomorrow on his dresser. Jeans and a tee shirt, some green dino socks and a pair of shoes.

“I got them!” He cheers, running down the wood-floored hall with a blanket and a pillow, stuffed animals falling from his grip.

“Okay, come with me.” She waves him to the basket of blankets under the side tables and hands them to him. “Let’s do this.” She sets up a blanket fort and heads to the couch with her blanket and pillow. As they curl up, she starts a movie on Netflix they both fall asleep. As her alarm goes off at six, she hears bustling in the kitchen and springs from the couch in sleepy stupor, grabbing her phone. Her eyes finally focus on the curly haired, grown man standing in the kitchen making eggs at the stove. The coffee hits her nose and she smiles.

“Morning, chewbacca.” He greets her with a laugh and she hears Carl spring to his feet.

“Uncle Shane!” He cheers, his little feet pattering on the tile floor as he hugs the officer’s legs.

“Christ, Walsh. What did I say? Not a morning person.” She croaks, met with a cup of coffee being handed over.

“And here I am, your savior. I don’t normally do morning breakfast for women so, consider yourself lucky.” He chides, pointing a spatula at her.

“My God, I’m so lucky. Shall I parade around the neighborhood with you on my arm? Are we to be married now? I’m the only woman to ever domesticate a Walsh?” She dramatizes, slapping a hand to her chest.

“You are the most sarcastic woman I’ve ever met.” He grumbles, looking over at her.

“What do you expect Walsh? I don’t like you.” She shrugs, taking the plate from his hands and digging in as he serves Carl a smiling plate of bacon, egg, and toast. “Boo! How come I didn’t get a smiling plate, Walsh?” She calls, pushing the plate back to him.

“You don’t like him.” Carl responds, stuffing a bacon piece into his mouth.

“Ooh, little dude’s got a point, Ken.” He points to Carl with the spatula as he puts it down and puts his own plate down, eating rather quickly.

“Are you eating on the clock?” She asks, looking at him a crooked smile.

“Yes, ma’am. And then I’m gonna take little dude to school. You don’t mind right?” He asks.

“No of course not. He likes the cruiser more.” She shrugs, grabbing the plates away. “And since uncle Shane decided to wake me up early, I think he should dress you.” She raises her brows excitedly at Carl and he flings from his seat, grabbing Shane’s hand and dragging him down the hall.

“You’re evil!” Shane’s voice trails off. She chuckles as she quickly tugs on shorts and yanks off her tee shirt for a tank top. “Me and Carl are headin’ out. Don’t drink too many mimosas, princess.” He calls as he and Carl head out the door.

“Walsh! Backpack!” She shouts, grabbing Carl’s backpack and running out the door. For a moment, Shane smiles. He could almost imagine it; Kennie chasing him out the door with their kid’s backpack. He shakes his head, licking his lips as he snatches the bag from her.

“Thanks.”

She hangs around the house, leaving only to get pepperoni and mozzarella and a few ingredients for pizza. As she finishes the pizza dough, she hears the door open and Shane’s laugh echo through the hall.

“Shoes little dude, aunt Kennie hates muddy tracks.” He hushes, quietly trying to sneak in. When his eyes meet hers, his cheeks flame red.

“Awe Shane, you don’t like me do you?” She digs, giving him her best puppy dog eyes and pouty lip.

“Lori’d be mad if she saw foot prints too. Anyway, what’s with the white powder all over? You feel like Betty Crocker today?” He snorts, slapping his hand into the flour and slapping her ass hard; leaving a flour hand print. Carl comes from his room when he hears her shriek.

“Aunt Kennie, you okay?” He asks. Shane just chuckles under his breath.

“I’m fine. Uncle Shane spanked me.” She huffs, twisting and slapping a floury hand print onto his ass, his uniform pants almost black, leaving a white almost perfect hand print.

“These are my work pants, shit.” Shane barks, jumping back from the confusing feelings welling in his stomach.

“Unit eight-two respond. We’ve got a call for a wellness check at 106 North Athens street, 63 years old, Alice Gratiot.”

“This is unit eight-two responding. Ten-four on a wellness check. Heading over there now.” He responds into the radio at his shoulder. Giving Kennedie a wink, he heads out to the door.

“Walsh? Don’t get shot by Missus Gratiot, also. Pizza will be ready in an hour or I can save you some.” She calls to him. His tongue shoots out across his bottom lip and gives her that half goofy smile.

“I’ll be back for pizza.” He nods, heading out the door and getting into his squad car. She watches a moment longer as he pulls out of the driveway. Shaking her head, she and Carl start working on making homemade pizza from scratch.

As soon as Shane’s out of eyesight of the house, he pulls over and he finds it hard to breathe. When had he found her attractive? And since when was he a breakfast cooker? When was the last time he was excited to eat cold pizza because she’d offered it? He never thought of her like this until now.

After his wellness check and writing a ticket to a speeder, he gets to the station and walks into the locker room.

“Damn Walsh, you gettin’ it in the squad car?” Chuck asks, looking down to Shane’s ass. As he twists to look, he groans, a small minuscule smile cracks across his lips.

“Nah, Kennie’s watching Carl while Rick’s gone. She’s got major hots for me.” He nods, changing into jeans and a tee shirt.

“Wanna get beers?” He asks, looking to Shane with a smile.

“Nah thanks. I’m gonna head home.” But he wasn’t going home first. First, he was going to stop and see her, get himself some cold pizza and possibly break down another wall. Pulling into Rick’s he sees the lights off but the TV flashes across the dark living room. Damning himself, he checks the time.

8:07PM.

Getting out of his Jeep, he heads up to the door. As he reaches up to knock, the door opens and her smiling face greets him as she peeks around the door.

“Geez, good thing we saved some for ya.” She hushes, waving him in.

“Sorry, is Carl already sleeping?” He whispers, looking over the couch to see the little tyke laid out on the floor on a pile of blankets.

“Yeah, but that’s okay. Here.” She offers him a plate of steaming warm pizza.

“Thanks.” He offers. She just nods, heading to the couch and curling up on one end. “You mind?” He asks, pointing to the empty spot on the couch. She just nods, offering popcorn without taking her eyes off the screen. The opening scene rolls and Shane gets comfy. As the movie plays on, she starts to doze, leaning over slowly. Finally resting on his shoulder, he looks down as she sleepily frowns at him before falling asleep.

Gently, he slips his arm behind her, hugging her lazily to him as he watched the movie. He loses track of time as he watches her sleep, his eyes never leaving her face until the movie’s end credits roll and she jerks awake, looking at him confused.

“You couldn’t resist me in your sleep, darlin’. I’m tellin’ ya. Moanin’ my name.” He whispers, picking on her. Her wide green eyes meet his dark, burnt umber orbs and she feels her breath catch. She’d never seen Shane like this. Relaxed on the couch in jeans and a tee, not giving back the snarky comments hard, or throwing insults her way. “Oh Shane, yes. I like it like that.” He squeals gently, raising his voice and making Kennedie laugh, gripping her sides. He chuckles at her, her laugh was brilliant and it rang in his ears like sweet music. Rising to his feet, he stretches back and a sliver of lightly tanned skin peeks through.

“Oh Walsh, yes. There it is! Yes. No. I don’t remember saying that. I was actually dreaming of killing you and then going to a beach.” She retorts, even out of a dead sleep.

“I gotta head out. Thanks for tonight. It was nice to shave your head while you slept.” He calls as he heads out to the front door.

“You are such an ass.” She laughs softly, rolling her eyes.

“Good night, Kennedie.” He smiles, feeling his breath quicken as his hand reaches for the knob.

“Good night, Walsh.” She gives a shy smile back, fists clenched at her sides.

Saturday was already here, and Walsh’s patrol car was parked out front as she got Carl’s breakfast made.

“Morning, kids.” Shane calls as he steps in, seeing her with her back to him. He fights hard against his hands reaching for her waist.

“Gross, Walsh. You can just like, wave from the driveway.” Her insult leaves a bad taste in his mouth as he sits at the counter and scrubs Carl’s head.

“Hey, I have a double today, so I may not get a chance to swing by later. If it isn’t too late I’ll swing by.” He smiles, a small sparkle in her eyes doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Got it. You want some lunch that isn’t fast food? That stuff will kill you.” She states as she makes a sandwich and packs some chips into a bag. “Here. I’ll even let you take my lunchbox. We’ll take the cooler. Where are we going today?” She asks Carl, patting his hands.

“The beach! Aunt Kennie’s taking me to the beach! You should come uncle Shane.” Carl whines, grabbing Shane’s arm.

“As much fun as that sounds, I can’t, bud. I gotta work. You two have a fun day, thanks again.” He chuckles, holding up her lunchbox in his hand. Heading out the door, he waves through the window before getting into the cruiser and driving away, a huge grin on his face. She’d packed him a lunch. He felt so special.

Kennedie spends the next hour packing and getting ready for the beach.

Snacks.

Suits.

Lunch.

Towels.

She nods into her totebag, sure she has every thing as they get into her honda.

They spend the next four hours at the beach, Kennedie taking lots of photos and sending them to Lori. Receiving cute emojis in response, she puts her phone in her bag and heads to the beach with Carl.

They finally get home around eight at night and Carl crawls immediately into bed. Tired, she puts away their things when she hears the front door.

“Shane?” She asks, normally he announces himself. Something didn’t feel right. Peeking into Carl’s room, he’s fast asleep so she pulls the door shut quietly as she heads into the kitchen.

“Hey, bitch. Get on the ground!” The man shouts, jabbing a gun at her.

“Please, I’m just house sitting. Take what you want.” She cries. One holds a gun to her head as the other ransacks the house, Carl’s door being untouched in the process. As they start to leave one turns around and starts talking to the other.

“Kill her, Jake. I told you. You gotta kill her.” He shakily points a gun at her and she starts to sob quietly, biting her hand to keep from waking Carl. The gun goes off and a burning sensation hits her shoulder. She drops to the floor and sobs, looking around to be sure they were gone before she staggers to Carl’s room to see him still asleep. Shakily dialing the emergency line, she hears the sirens wail before she can hit send.

Shane was mid thrust in his cruiser into an old flame when his radio crackles to life. He’d met up with Maylynn in the employee parking lot of the hospital where she worked.

“Walsh. We got a break in at five-nineteen east Gordon street. Walsh, respond. Break in.” The radio crackles. He thrusts a couple more times.

“On my way. Walsh responding.” He calls, ramming his hips into her a couple more times before he finally falls off the edge of euphoria. Buttoning his pants, tosses on his shirt, missing a few buttons here and there. Maylynn jogs away to her car and Shane heads for five-nineteen east Gordon street. His foot steps hard on the gas when he realizes it’s Rick’s address. Squealing into the driveway, he dives out of the car but doesn’t see anything wrong at first.

Stepping inside, he looks around to see things strewn about.

“Kennie?” He coos, gun raised as he finds his way through.

“Shane?” She whispers, looking up to him like a knight in shining armor.

“Kennie are they still here?”

“No. Left five minutes ago.” She whispers, coughing and gasping at the pain that erupts from her shoulder. Shane’s eyes land on the blood and his legs start to sway.

“Where’s Carl?” He chokes.

“In his room. Go check on him, Shane.” She begs, “but don’t wake him up until I leave. I don’t want to scare him.” She whispers, her arm burning.

“Okay, stay there okay. This is Walsh. I ne-need a bus. Five-nineteen ease Gordon street. I got a woman, late twenties, gun shot wound to the shoulder.” He nearly chokes on his words, all of this like a surreal dream. A nightmare. She lay on the floor in a puddle of her own blood, only worried that Shane didn’t wake up Carl.

“Walsh, ca-can you grab me that t-t-towel? Not the white one, the black one.” She points a weak finger at the black towel hanging on the edge of the counter. He grabs it and kneels in the blood, sliding a hand gingerly under her shoulder and pulling her to sit up on his knees. Pressing the black towel into her shoulder, he smooths her bloodied, sticky hair away from her face.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers, feeling his heart constrict. He’d been too busy having sex in his cruiser. He wasted those five minutes. He could’ve had those assholes. Though, he decided it was for the best. He’d have killed them. “Dammit Kennie, I’m so fuckin’ sorry. Okay?” He whispers over and over like a mantra until he hears the ambulance wailing getting closer.

“Don’t let Carl see me, okay? I know the ambulance will wake him up, but please Shane. I don’t wanna traumatize him.” She coos, holding his forearm in her pale, bloody hand.

“Yeah. Yeah, okay.” He assures as the EMT’s come in with a stretcher to load her up. He rises with the stretcher, heart slamming in his throat as he follows the stretcher to the ambulance, his hand gripping hers tight.

“Shane, let go. Go help Carl, please.” She whispers, grabbing his hand and trying to throw it. He chuckles and pats her hand, tears almost falling as he lets go.

“I’ll be right behind you, Ken. I’ll be right behind you!” He calls as he heads inside to get Carl. “Hey buddy, you gotta wake up okay? We gotta go, pal. Aunt Kennie got hurt and we gotta go see her, okay?” He asks as he wakes up the little guy. Carl sleepily sits up, confused, but Shane doesn’t have time. He scoops up the little boy and takes him to the cruiser. Grabbing his seat out of her car and buckling it in.

“Walsh! C’mere! We need to talk, man.” Billy calls, waving him over.

“What?”

“So when you got here the burglars were gone, right?”

“Yes. And one civilian injured. Listen, Kennie’s at the hospital okay? I gotta see her.” He stammers, heading for the cruiser.

“Walsh! Why were you so late?” He calls. Shane stops in his tracks and looks over his shoulder. He climbs into the cruiser and heads for the hospital.

“We’re here to see Kennedie Gunner, gun shot wound to the shoulder.” Shane breathes as he gets to the counter carrying Carl.

“Sure, down the hall, room two-fifteen.” She smiles, winking at him. Any other day, he might consider flirting but he didn’t have the time. Jogging down the hall scanning numbers, hers pops up and he clicks open the door, scared of what he might see. There in chairs sit Rick and Lori, talking to her. He puts Carl on his feet and he finds his parents. Rick gives Shane a thankful smile.

“The hero returns.” Kennedie coos softly, reaching for Shane. Holding his breath, he sticks out a hand to her. She tugs him down to hug him. He feels the weight on chest increase and he sucks in for a breath. She thought he was a hero.

“Shane. Thank you.” Rick smiles, patting Shane’s shoulder. He didn’t care. He didn’t hear anything but her breathing. His eyes danced across her finding her nearly perfect, except for that hole in her shoulder.

“Walsh? Why are you staring at me?” She asks, cracking open an eye at him.

“Because I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Stop being nice Walsh. I’m fine. Just painkillers and rest left.”

“I’m sorry, Kennie. I should’a been there sooner.” He coos, looking at his hands.

“Shane, you did the best that anyone could’ve done. You did good, Walsh.” She smiles, patting his hand.

"I’m sorry I didn’t come by at eight. I always come by at eight.” He huffs, chewing on his bottom lip nervously.

“Christ Walsh, I’m still alive. Shut up.” She laughs, earning a laugh from Rick and Lori. Rick stands and leads Shane out into the hallway.

“Why all of a sudden, are you and Kennie buddies?” Rick chuckles, hitching a thumb over his shoulder.

“I don’t know, man. It just kinda happened. She packed me a lunch this morning like she didn’t hate me. She made dinner both nights and invited me to stay, or come back. I don’t know what it is, Rick, but I can’t stay away from her anymore.” He scratches his head, fingers running through his hair.

“Sounds like Shane’s in loooovvee.” Rick chuckles, drawing a sweeping heart with his finger in the air.

“Nah, stop that.” Shane brushes it off and he heads to the door.

“We’re not done talking Shane.”

“We’re not?”

“Nope. Sheriff wants to know what took so long to respond?” Shane’s heart hits the heels of his shoes.

“What took so long? I was--uh--parked here tryin’ to eat some grub and my keys got lost between the seats. It was honest mistake, man.” He stammers, looking to the ground.

“Alright, well. You better tell Chuck because he’s pissed those little asshole got away.” Rick nods before going back into the room. Shane’s phone rings and he sees it’s Maylynn. Holding his breath, his tongue jammed into his cheek as he debates answering.

“Yeah?”

“I left my panties in the cruiser.” She giggles, and he bites his first knuckle.

“Shit, okay. Meet me down there in five.” He hushes, shutting his phone and heading down to the cruiser. It never crosses his mind where he’d parked.

[kyouxa]

Diabolik lovers Lunatic Parade: Date with Mukami

Please no reposting onto other sites, and please ask me before translating this into another language! Loving the Mukami family hours! (´-ω-`)

Place: Mukami mansion — Living room

Yui: (Ah… these clothes are really cute. They’re fashionable even when walking around the mountains…)

(I guess mountain climbing is still popular after all)

(Hey, the trend this year is—)

???: M Neko-chan! What are you reading?

Yui: Ah, Kou-kun! I was just reading a fashion magazine which was released this month.

Kou: Ehh, show me!

Oh! Isn’t this a magazine with one of my interviews in it?

Yui: Huh, is it?

...Ah, you’re right! It’s amazing that Kou-kun has his own special feature on page five… !

Kou: Fufu, thank you.

So what? What page did M Neko-chan look at that she didn’t even noticed mine?

Yui: Uhh… I’m sorry.

Kou: Fufu, just joking. Can I look at it too?

Yui: Yes, of course!

Kou: Hmm, is camping trendy this year? Speaking of which, maybe someone was saying that on a site?

I’ve never been camping before, but it seems nice to me.

Have you ever been camping, M Neko-chan?

Yui: Eh? Hmm… does a school event in the past count as that?

Kou: Ehh! You’ve serious been there!? You’re lucky!

You can only go camping in the woods, right?

It seems like climbing mountains would get you tired, but sometimes it’s nice to go out in the nature too!

Ruki: You seem to have fun.

Azusa: You two… what are you talking about?

Yui: Oh, everyone… !

Kou: She just told me that camping seems to be a lot of fun.

And it’s fashionable this year!

Yuma: Camping? Come to think of it, I’ve never been doin’ that before.

Azusa: Hey, Eve what do you normally do when you are camping… ?

Yui: Hmm… everyone cooks together and then they maybe play at the river… something like that… 

Yuma: Aren’t these the same things you could do at home tho? Is it really that much fun?

Ruki: Those are activities you usually do in the nature… is there any real pleasure in doing them?

Yui: Yes, I do think so.

You would do everything yourselves, so I think you guys might be able to deepen your relationship together like this...

Yuma: Ah, so that’s how it works.

Azusa: In that case… I too, want to go camping.

Kou: I want to go too! Hey, Ruki-kun. Let’s go camping all together!

Ruki: Hm… maybe doing that kind of thing won’t be bad for us.

Shall we go doing so next weekend then?

Kou: Yay!

Azusa: Ruki… thank you… I’m looking forward to it… Eve.

Yui: Eh… am I going with you together?

(Although it’s a really long trip, wouldn’t they feel like I’m a bother if I went with them… ?)

Yuma: What are you saying? You were the one who got us hyped up to go camping, didn’t ya?

If it wasn’t because of you we wouldn’t even be talking right now.

Kou: He’s right. M Neko-chan is obviously supposed to go together with us!

Or is it… that you’d hate going with us… ?

Yui: N-No… ! That’s not true!

Kou: Then M Neko-chan needs to join in! That’s fine, right Ruki-kun?

Ruki: Yes, I don’t mind. In addition… I know that Kou is the type to be in high spirits.

Which means it would be safer if there were two leaders.

Kou: Ah, Ruki-kun, you’re treating me as if I’m a problematic child! That’s mean!

It’s normal to be in high spirits because of that! It’s the first time all of us are going camping together after all…

Yui: (I’m seriously going camping with everyone… I’m so excited!)

Ruki: Since it’s decided, we now need to prepare ourselves.

Azusa: Eve… what should we do to prepare ourselves for going camping… ?

Yui: Hmm… when I went there… we first of all made a list of belongings and put them on a guidebook.

Ah, that’s it! How about making a guidebook for this camp too?

I think it sounds like fun to write down what you want to do there… !

Yuma: It would be fun you say… I probably can’t do that. I’m not really good at doing such detailed work.

Ruki: Then let’s make one together. If you have something in mind that you want to do, speak up.

Kou: It’s getting all serious now. I’m seriously excited about it!

Azusa: Yes… I am… excited too... I want to go as soon as possible…

Place: Shopping mall

Yui: (Today we all came together to buy what we need for going camping…)

Ruki: —Okay, you guys. As I noted in the bookmark, each of you can bring up 200 yen for sweets.

I don’t accept anyone even exceeding 1 yen. Please think carefully before buying something.

Kou: Yesss. But who decided that the maximum amount will be 200 yen?

Ruki: I heard that there is an upper limit on the amount of sweets you can bring while traveling. Isn’t that right? Livestock.

Yui: Uhh… yes… that’s right…

(When I talked about when I went camping for the first time, Ruki-kun was surprisingly excited...)

(I didn’t expect it to be 200 yen but that’s okay…)

Kou: I wonder what kind of sweets I should buy. I’ll go and look at the shelf over there!

*Kou runs off*

Ruki: Hey, Kou! ...Haa... good grief, I should write down that I should keep their group behavior in mind as well…

I’ve got no other choice. I’ll have to leave you alone for a moment.

*Ruki leaves*

Yui: (Ruki-kun just left…)

Yuma and Azusa-kun, have you decided which sweets you’d like to buy?

Yuma: Yes, I already bought them.

Yui: Oh, really… !? That was quick…

What about you, Azusa-kun?

Azusa: Oh…

Yui: What’s wrong?

Azusa: ...I need 50 yen…

Yui: (Wow… Azusa-kun’s basket has many sweets in it…)

(50 yen… Ruki-kun said that they shouldn’t even exceed 1 yen…)

Yuma: Ah? What’s it, if that’s so… here.

I have some left over, so that’ll do it.

Azusa: Eh… are you sure… ?

Yuma: Yea. I didn’t buy that much anyway. If I’ve got some excess, it will do it for you, Azusa.

Azusa: Yuma… thank you.

Yuma: ...Still, do you really like candy that much?

Azusa: Hmh… that’s not the case…

It’s the guidebook Ruki made… “mutual trade is important” was written in there too…

That’s why I thought I should buy a lot of sweets, so I could share them with everyone…

Is that… bad… ?

Yuma: Nah, it’s not bad at all. I’m pretty sure Ruki would say something nice once he figures out.

Azusa: Is that so… I hope he will…

Yui: (Fufu… Yuma and Azusa-kun are both so kind hearted)

Well then, I’ll go and look for Ruki and Kou-kun.

Yuma: ‘Kay. Once Azusa and I are done with shopping we’ll join ya’all again.

Azusa: Eve… see you later…

*time passed*

Yui: (Hmmm… where could Ruki and Kou-kun be…)

???: Ehh, but I want this!

???: It’s useless and a waste.

Yui: (Eh… ? These voices…)

Ruki-kun! Kou-kun!

Kou: Ah, M Neko-chan! Right in time!

Yui: Eh, what’s wrong?

Kou: Listen, Ruki-kun is so cruel to me!

I want to buy this saucepan over there, but Ruki-kun won’t let me do so.

Yui: (Oh… it’s a really big one…)

Ruki: We don’t need such a big one, how should we carry it to the mountains anway? Besides, the price is way too high.

Kou: I can take care of that!

Ruki: I won‘t allow you to.

Kou: Hmmm…

Yui: Kou-kun, what would you do with this pot then?

Kou: I’d obviously make Vongole Bianco! It would be my first time eating it in the nature!

Ruki: Haa… I’ve heard that excuse before already.

Yui: Ah… is that so...

Um, Kou-kun. It’s not an usual thing to make pasta while camping…

Kou: Ehh, really!? I can’t change it then… I’ll give up on it…

Instead of that, today’s dinner should be Vongole!

Ruki: Okay… that‘s fine with me.

Kou: Yay! Then let‘s hurry up and go home!

*Kou leaves*

Ruki: Wait! Kou… ! Haa… good grief.

I can’t help it, let’s follow him as well.

Yui: Yes!

*time passed*

Ruki: Now that we’re all together again, let’s make our way home.

Yui: Ah…

Azusa: What’s wrong… Eve… ?

Yui: Hm… I just forgot that I had something I wanted to buy too…

Kou: Should we go back there together?

Yui: No, thanks! It was just a little thing so it‘s fine! I’ll go back on my own, be right back!

*Yui runs off*

Yuma: …..

...Ah, since we’re gonna go camping why don’t we prepare something special?

Azusa: Something… special… ?

Ruki: What are the ideas you have?

Yuma: I didn’t really think of anything specific so far…

Kou: Ah! Well then, how about making a surprise for M Neko-chan?

We could express our daily gratitude like this.

Yuma: Surprising her… sounds good!

Azusa: That… sounds like fun… that would surely please Eve…

Ruki: I don’t consider it a bad idea either.

Kou: It’s been decided! Now we need to think of what we should do… it definitely needs to stay a secret from M Neko-chan!

*time passed*

Yui: I’m sorry, everyone! It took a little longer…

Yuma: A-Ah… you came back already? You’ve been too fast.

Ruki: Have you finished shopping already?

Yui: Ah… yes… thank you for waiting here.

Azusa: Your welcome…

Yui: (Eh… ? For some reason everyone is looking really strange at me…)

Um… did you guys talk about something?

Kou: Eh!? Nope! We weren’t talking about anything! Right, everyone!?

Yuma: Y-Yea!

Yui: Really… ? If that‘s so…

Ruki: Ahem… isn’t there anything anyone forgot to buy? It’s almost time to go back.

Kou: Yess! Shall we go? M Neko-chan.

Yui: Y-Yes…

Place: Mukami mansion — Yui’s bedroom

Yui: Nn…

(Haa, what time is it now… ?)

(It’s still the same hour… almost earlier than I planned, maybe I can already get up then)

...I don‘t feel like sleeping at all…

(If Ruki-kun and the others knew that I’m not able to sleep right now, would they laugh at me?)

(Maybe I should secretly prepare myself for now…)

(Hmm… I first of all need to change my clothes—)

*someone knocks*

Yui: (Who could that be… ?)

Yes… ?

Kou: M Neko-chan, are you up?

Yui: Kou-kun… ? Yes, I’m awake.

*Kou enters*

Yui: What‘s wrong, Kou-kun? Isn’t it too early for the meeting time… ?

Kou: Hmh… that‘s right… but could you listen to me without laughing?

Yui: …..? Sure, what’s wrong?

Kou: You know… I had so much fun yesterday that I couldn’t sleep… so I came to wake you up.

I’m sorry.

Yui: Ah… I understand… but it‘s okay, really.

Honestly, I couldn’t sleep either.

Kou: Eh? Really?

Yui: Yes… I couldn‘t sleep because I was looking forward to this day.

Kou: So we share the same feeling! Fufu… I’m glad I’m not the only one!

Then why don’t we go to the living room early together?

Place: Mukami mansion — Living room

Ruki: Hm… ?

Kou: Ah, Ruki-kun! You’re already awake!?

Yuma: It‘s not just Ruki.

Yui: Ah, Yuma and Azusa-kun too… !

Ruki: Oh my, I would’ve never expected everyone to wake up earlier than decided.

Kou: That’s because we all had too much fun yesterday, isn’t it?

Ruki: Hmph… you may be right.

Yui: (Everyone really feels the same as me… ! That makes me kinda happy)

Yuma: If we’re already up now, why don‘t we leave then?

Ruki: This is all happening way faster than I planned but… you’re right. We should start leaving.

Yui: (I wonder what kind of camp it will be? I‘m even more excited to know it now!)

Place: Demon world — Forest

Ruki: —Here, we’ve arrived.

Kou: …..

Yuma: …..

Azusa: Oh…

Yui: …..

(He said that we arrived but…)

Um… Ruki-kun…

Ruki: What is it, Livestock?

Yui: This place here is the forest of the demon world…

Ruki: Of course it is.

Kou: Of course? No!! Why did we come to the forest of the demon world!? It would be way nicer in a lower forest!

Ruki: What are you saying? If we go to a lower forest, there may be humans there.

I don’t think they would enjoy it as much as if we were there with them. That’s why we came to the demon world instead.

Yuma: You maybe get a point on that but still…

How the heck are we supposed to stay at such a creepy place!?

Kou: He’s right! This place creeps me out!

A while ago I heard a strange animal out here, crying…

Azusa: I don‘t agree… I think… it could be fun here…

Kou: Azusa-kun is seriously not scared at all…

Hmm… but this is the place Ruki-kun has been looking for…

I guess it’s alright then.

Yuma: Geez, can’t help it… Hey, sow. Is this place okay for you too?

Yui: Yes, it’s fine… !

(There surely are some eerie points about this place… but as long as I’m with everyone together it doesn’t matter)

Ruki: Hmph…

Now let’s split up in different groups to prepare ourselves for the camp.

You can look at the guidebook for details, so please refer to it too.

Yui: (Hmm… Yuma-kun’s responsible for the tents and Kou-kun for going fishing…)

(Ruki-kun is looking for other ingredients… while Azusa-kun will pick up firewood…)

Ah… Ruki-kun, it seems as if you forgot to give me something to do…

Ruki: Yes, you’re good. You can just stay here and keep an eye on everyone.

Yui: Stay here!?

Ruki: Now then, let’s be back by time.

Kou: Yesss! I’ll do my best to catch as many fish as possible!

Azusa: I’ll give… my best too…

Yuma: Aight, let’s do this!

Yui: U-Um, wait a moment…

*they leave*

Yui: (Everyone left me…)

*animal noises*

Yui: Nn… !?

(Even if Ruki-kun told me to stay here… I can’t do that while this place creeps me out…)

(And waiting here all by myself gives me the chills as well…)

(Maybe I should go and try helping everyone…)

Place: Outside — Lake

Yui: (First…)

Yuma-kun!

Yuma: ...Hm? ...Ah, it’s you. What do you want?

Yui: Ah… yes. I was wondering if there’s anything I could do to help you…

Yuma: Even if Ruki gave you no mission, you still feel like you need to help?

Yui: Yes… I’m sorry, I can’t just casually do nothing while everyone has something to do…

Yuma: Have it your way… well, that does sound like you though.

Okay, come over here. I have something to do for you.

Yui: Yay, thank you!

Now then, what should I do to help you?

Yuma: Ah… then, get the whole pile on the side over there.

Yui: Understood!

(Hmm, I’m probably supposed to use the mallet…)

U-Um. I can’t hit it…

Yuma: You need to get it in the right position before you can hit it.

Yui: I know… I’m already holding it properly…

(It’s surprisingly difficult to do that…)

Yuma: You seriously can’t even do that?

Yui: T-That kind of thing is…

Yuma: Kuku… how is it?

Yui: (Hmm, is it okay like this… ?)

Yuma-kun, how is it like this—

Eh… !?

(The tent fell together… !?)

Yuma: Tch… look out!

Yui: Kyaa… !?

Yuma: ...Nn…

Hey Yui, are you okay… ?

Yui: Y-Yes… I am… but… !

(I-I’ve been pushed down from Yuma-kun… !?)

Yuma: Geez, if the stakes don’t fit very well they´ll obviously fall down like this.

Yui: Oh, I see… I’m so sorry, because I couldn’t do it properly you…

(Uhh…  even though I was trying to help him out…)

Yuma: Hey, why are you going silent now?

Yui: Because I might be annoying to Yuma-kun…

Yuma: Idiot, you shouldn’t worry about that

It doesn’t matter if you weren’t able to do it.

You’re a woman so you should leave this to me instead.

Yui: Ah… thank you, Yuma-kun…

(Yuma-kun, after all he’s very kind…)

Then… could I ask you to get off me… ?

(It would be really embarrassing to stay in this position…)

Yuma: Ah? Hm…

Yui: Um… Yuma-kun… ?

Yuma: You’re getting impatient, don’t you think it would be okay if we stayed like this a little longer than this?

Yui: Ehh!?

W-We can’t do that… ! I still have to rebuild my tent!

Yuma: We can do that kind of thing later together real quick.

Rather than that...

Kuku… you seem to enjoy being teased by me, don’t ya?

You… just got a little closer to my face and yours instantly turned red.

Yui: That is… !

(That’s only natural since we’ve got so close to each other… !)

Yu-Yuma… kun…. !

Yuma: Hey… don’t you think it’s exciting to be sucked out here?

C’mon, it’s fine, isn’t it?

Yui: ...Nn… !

N-No, you can’t… !

*Yui hits Yuma*

Yuma: Ngh! That hurt!!

Hey! You shouldn’t get up that suddenly… !

Yui: Ah… I’m sorry…

But! It was Yuma-kun who suddenly started approaching me… !

Yuma: Yea, it was ridiculous to tease you.

Don’t be so angry at me for mocking you… I should slowly get back to work anyway.

Ouch…

If it’s okay with you, you can go to another person instead.

Yui: Oh… but…

Yuma: I told you to leave it to me. Which means… why don’t you go to someone else in exchange?

Yui: Okay… ! Well then, I’ll go try helping someone else.

Yuma: Yea, see ya later.

*time passed*

Yui: Well, next…

???: Hmm… I think I’m not skilfull with angling…

Yui: Ah, Kou-kun!

Kou: Eh… ? Ah, M Neko-chan!

What exactly are you doing here?

Yui: I’m just going around wondering if anyone needs any kind of help.

Kou: Really? So you just got here to check on me...

But now that you’re already here… may I ask you to help me out then?

You seem to be pretty bored of being on your own anyway… ah yes, this here is the fishing rod.

Yui: T-Thank you.

(...Mentioning that, I’ve never been fishing before… I wonder if I can even do that properly)

Kou: What‘s wrong? ...Ah, could it be that this is your first time fishing?

Yui: Yes… it is…

Kou: Fufu, you don’t have to worry about it, you’ll be fine. I will tell you what you need to do.

Yui: For real!? Ah… but isn’t that rather getting in your way than helping you?

Kou: You don’t have to worry about that either! Here, hurry and take the fishing rod.

Yui: Ah, okay…

L-Like this… ?

Kou: Hmm… it looks slightly wrong like this…

Ah, that’s it. I’ll go and support you from behind then.

Yui: Eh!? I-I’ll be fine on my own… !

Kou: Don‘t hesitate now! C’mon, go a little forward.

I’ll take it with you from behind like this.

Yui: O-Okay…

(Ah…)

(I can hear Kou-kun‘s voice right next to my ear… !)

Um… don’t you think it would be better if you wouldn’t get that close to me… ?

Kou: Ehh, you think so? But you can’t fish without holding it firmly, right?

Yui: That’s right but…

(But it’s still way too embarrassing… !)

Kou: Hm? Did your face turn red right there?

Don‘t tell me… that you’re embarrassed because I’m so close?

Yui: ...Nn!

Kou: Bull‘s-eye? Fufu, M Neko-chan really is a cutie.

Yui: Kou-kun—!

Kou: Oops… it looks like we caught a fish!

Yui: Eh… !? Ah!

(Nn… it‘s pulling back with huge powers too… !)

Kou: Wow, it might be a big one!

Yui: (...Nn! Kou-kun got closer again… !)

Um, Kou-kun! You’re being a little too close… !

Kou: Ahh! If you keep saying that, the fish might run away!

Okay, let’s pull it out together! Ready? Now!

Yui: ...Nn!!

Kou: Uwahh… !

Yui: ...Kyaa… !?

Kou: W-We caught it… !

Yui: Yes… !

(And moreover, it’s a really big one… !)

Kou: You did amazing, M Neko-chan! I would’ve never caught such a big one!

Yui: Thank you… ! But I couldn’t catch it all on my own… it’s all thanks to Kou-kun.

Kou: You think so? Fufu, thanks.

Okay, then let’s hurry up and remove it from the... uwahh!?

Yui: What’s wrong… ? Ah!

(Amazing… this fish has three eyes…)

Kou: As expected from a fish from the demon world… but can we actually eat this thing?

Yui: Hmm… I wonder about that…

Kou: ...Let’s go and ask Ruki-kun about that later. Anyway, I’ll have to remove it from the needle first now.

Nn! Stop struggling so much!

Yui: Kou-kun, are you okay!?

Kou: I’m fine! Leave this thing to me.

Nn!

Haa… I guess it’s fine like this. Thank you, M Neko-chan.

Yui: (It was nice to have Kou-kun helping me out with fishing… !)

Ah… then I‘ll go and try to help the next person.

Kou: Ehh!? You’re going to leave me!?

Yui: ...I haven’t been able to help Ruki neither Azusa-kun yet…

Kou: Ahha, that‘s a shame. I thought I could keep you to myself a little longer…

But I can’t change it then… Ah, listen! If you’re already going to Ruki-kun,

Ask him about the fish we caught, if we can prepare and eat it!

Yui: Okay, understood! I’ll be on my way then!

Kou: Yess, take care! I’m gonna try to catch more fish!

Place: Demon world — Forest

Yui: (I also want to hear about the fish we just caught, so maybe I should try and look for Ruki-kun first)

*animal noises*

Yui: ...Nn!

(I didn‘t feel this weird near the lake… the forest is really creepy after all…)

(I hope I can find Ruki-kun as soon as possible…)

*bush shaking*

Yui: ...Nn!? W-What!?

Ruki: ...Livestock?

Yui: Ah, Ruki-kun… ! I’m so glad it’s you… !

Ruki: What happened? In such a place…

Yui: Ah… yes. I actually have something I want to ask you, Ruki-kun.

Ruki: Me? What is it?

Yui: I was helping out Kou-kun right before we just crossed paths...

And we both caught a fish which has three eyes, so…

Ruki: Does that mean you want to ask me if it’s edible?

Yui: Yes…

Ruki: If I can‘t look at the fish itself, I won’t be able to tell you if we can or not…

But I did hear that the three eyed fish is a true delicacy in the demon world.

Yui: Is that so…

(Even if it‘s a fish I caught, I don’t know if I’ll have the courage to eat it…)

Ruki: Talking about it, what do you mean by “I helped him fishing”?

I’m sure I only told you to keep an eye on them…

Yui: (Uhh… I spilled out everything…)

Ah… I know Ruki-kun said that, but…

I’m sorry, I should’ve done nothing, like you told me to…

Ruki: ...Ah, I expected you would say so…

...However, it doesn‘t make sense to scold you now.

Yui: (Eh… what did he say just now… ?)

Ruki: —Anyway. Since you’ve already come so far, would you mind helping me out as well?

Yui: Not at all… ! Ruki-kun is looking out here for food, right? I’ll help you searching.

Ruki: Hmph… right. Then follow me.

Yui: Ruki-kun, how about this wild grass?

Ruki: Hm? Ah, this is…

*opens guidebook*

Ruki: ...It’s a poisonous plant. Eating it is supposed to make you laugh for an entire week.

Yui: Oh… really…

(The tree nuts I found earlier, they were poisonous as well…)

(Meanwhile Ruki-kun is the complete opposite of me, he only finds edible things…)

(As expected from him)

Ruki: By the way, the poisonous plant you found right there… if processed, it can be used as medicine.

Yui: Eh… !? So there is one convenient use for such poisonous plants—

...Nn… !

Ruki: What happened?

Yui: Ah… it looks like I’ve cut my fingertip in the grass right now…

(I listened carefully to what he said so I didn‘t look around myself at all…)

Ruki: Haa… good grief, you truly are troublesome.

Yui: Uhh… I’m sorry…

Ruki: Let me see it.

...I think it’s just a light cut.

...Nn.

Yui: Uwah… Ruki-kun… !?

(He licked my fingertip… !?)

Ruki: Hmph… I didn’t expect you to turn as red as this.

Yui: That’s because Ruki-kun did that so suddenly… !

Ruki: With salvia, this kind of scratch should heal immediately by itself… but

Just in case… you should wear this too.

...This will advance the preparation.

Yui: (Ah… Ruki-kun wrapped a handkerchief around the wound…)

Ruki: You are not allowed to have any other wounds than my bite marks. Did you get that, Yui?

Yui: Eh… ?

Ruki: Hmph, just kidding. Don‘t fall for it so easily.

Yui: Ah… t-that’s right… I was actually falling for it…

Thank you for treating me, Ruki-kun.

(Uhh… my face is still so hot…)

*time passed*

Ruki: —This should be it for the ingredients.

I will return back to Yuma for a little… what will you do?

Yui: Me…

(What should I do?)

I haven’t gotten to help Azusa-kun yet, so I’ll go and try to find him right away.

Ruki: Okay. Azusa should be picking up firewood from this point onwards.

Yui: Thank you, I’ll go and search for him!

*Yui runs off*

Yui: — Azusa-kun!

Azusa: Oh… Eve… ? Why are you here… ?

Yui: I was wondering if I could somehow help you out here…

Azusa: Eh… you came to help me out… I’m glad…

Then let’s pick up the firewood together… okay… ?

Yui: Yes… !

*time passed*

Yui: ...Puh

(I think we’ve gathered quite a lot… !)

Azusa: Eve… are you okay? Are you tired… ?

Yui: No, I’m fine… ! What about you Azusa-kun, are you tired?

Azusa: …..

...Maybe a little bit…

Yui: Fufu, why don’t we take a break then?

Over there, this tree looks like we can sit on it!

Azusa: ...Thank you.

Yui: You’ve gathered quite a lot on your own.

Azusa: ...Ruki-kun, I hope he’ll be pleased…

Yui: Yes, I’m sure he will be happy!

With this much wood, cooking should be more than easy… !

Azusa: I see… I’m glad… cooking with everyone… sounds like fun…

Yui: Yes, you’re right!

*Yuis stomach growls*

Yui: Ah…

(Oh, no… ! Talking about cooking made me hungry… I’m so embarrassed… !)

Ah, Azusa-kun! This just now… !

Azusa: Fufu… it‘s okay… I’m hungry as well...

Yui: I wish we had something to eat right here…

Azusa: ...We have the sweets I brought… but I left it in my luggage…

Yui: Me too...

(If I would’ve known that we would take a break in the forest, I would’ve brought them…)

Azusa: Ah… the fruit over there looks delicious…

Yui: Oh, where? ...That’s true! But is it really a fruit?

(I want to eat it… but I can’t reach it because of my height)

Azusa: ...Hey, Eve. Wait there.

Yui: Y-Yes… okay...

(Azusa-kun, what is he doing under the tree now… ?)

Azusa: Nn… even I… can’t reach it…

Yui: Ah, Azusa-kun… ! It would be better if you wouldn’t overdo it…

Azusa: …..

Ah… I think, I’ve got a good idea…

Yui: An idea?

Azusa: Yes… wait there, Eve. I will prepare myself…

*Azusa squats*

Yui: (Azusa-kun is squatting…)

Azusa: ...Okay, Eve… get on…

Yui: ...Eh!? What do you mean… by get on!?

Azusa: ...If I give you a ride… you might be able to reach it…

Yui: (I do think I‘d be able to reach it like that, but it would be so embarrassing… !)

No… even so…

Azusa: Eve just needs to be carried… right…?

Yui: (Uhh… even if he says that…)

…..

(But Azusa-kun told me to do so… it would be bad to refuse it, right?)

Okay… excuse me… !

(...This is so embarrassing…)

Um… am I heavy?

Azusa: Not at all… Eve is really lightly…

Well then, I’ll stand up…

Yui: E-Eh… kyaa… !?

Azusa: Ah… I’m sorry, Eve… are you okay… ?

Yui: I-I’m fine…

(Azusa-kun stood up so suddenly… no wonder I got surprised…)

Azusa: But… Eve, doesn’t your skin feel somehow hot… ?

Yui: Nn… ! T-That‘s not true… !

Azusa: Is it… ?

Yui: Let’s just take it as quick as possible… !

...Ngh… !

(Okay… got it… !)

Azusa-kun, I got it… ! So um, could you drop me down now… ?

(I’m more than embarrassed doing this…)

Azusa: …..

Yui: Um… Azusa-kun… ?

Azusa: Hmm… but, I want to stay like this…

Yui: Ehh… !?

Azusa: Is that bad… ?

Yui: No… it’s not bad… I just want to eat it quickly…

Azusa: Ah… that’s true… I forgot that I’m hungry too…

Well then… I’ll let you down slowly…

Yui: Thank you, Azusa-kun. Yes, here.

Azusa: Thank you… let’s eat it right away together…

Yui: Yes!

(So this is a fruit of the demon world. It smells sweet and sour at the same time, I wonder if it’s okay to eat it… ?)

(I won’t know unless I try it though… Nn… !)

Ah… it also tastes sweet and sour at the same time, it’s delicious!

(To be honest, I was worried about how it will taste… but it was amazing!)

What do you think, Azusa-kun?

Azusa: Nn… it‘s delicious…

Yui: Fufu, I’m glad.

(Azusa-kun looks happy… ! In the end it was super embarrassing, but also totally worth it!)

Shall we go back to Ruki-kun and the others?

Azusa: Ah…

Yui: Huh? What’s wrong?

Azusa: This… was really delicious… I want to bring them to Ruki and the others too…

Yui: That’s a good idea! I’m sure everyone would be happy if we did that!

(Azusa-kun really is a kind soul… !)

Azusa: Then… I’ll give you another piggy back ride, okay… ?

Yui: E-Eh… !?

Azusa: If we want to share them with Ruki, we have to go for another ride…

Yui: Ah… !

(Again, it’s embarrassing.. but it’s for everyone)

...Please excuse me.

Azusa: Fufu…

Place: Outside — Lake

Yui: (I would’ve never expected to get a piggy back ride twice today…)

Azusa: I managed to get a lot of wood because of Eve… this will surely make Ruki and the others happy…

Yui: (...Azusa-kun looks happy as well, that’s good enough for me…)

???: Ah! M Neko-chan! Azusa-kun!

Yuma: Finally, you two!

Yui: Ah, everyone! Sorry to keep you waiting for so long...

Azusa: We picked up various things… so we’re late… but we got this…

Kou: What is that? A fruit?

Yui: Yes. We found it when we started picking up firewood. It was really delicious when we tasted it…

Ruki: Well, it doesn’t seem bad. We could surely eat it as dessert.

Yuma: Alrighty! Let’s start preparing the meal now.

Kou: Today we won’t leave all of it to Ruki-kun himself, we’ll help you out too!

Ruki: Yes, please do.

Yui: (We’ll cook together… I’m excited! Alright, let’s do our best!)

*time passed*

Ruki: —Does each of you have a dish?

Kou: Yep!

Yuma: Yes!

Azusa: Yes…we were quite diligent…

Ruki: Then let’s eat.

Kou: Let’s eat!

Yuma: Let’s eat!

Azusa: ...Let’s eat…

Yui: Let’s eat!

(Having a meal around the bonfire together… it’s really fun!)

Kou: Hmm! The stew is delicious!

Yuma: Hm, it’s definitely delicious! Ah… yet I wonder if you were the one cutting the potatoes.

Kou: Ehh!? Why?

Yuma: Because they’re all in a messy shape.

Kou: Ah, that’s mean to say, Yuma-kun! Do you want to say that I’m a clumsy cook!?

Yuma: Kuku… so I was right about that?

Kou: Mm…

...That’s enough! Yuma-kun won’t get this grilled fish from me then!

Yuma: Hah!? Why!? This is not about the fish! Give it back!

Kou: I and M Neko-chan gave our best to catch that fish… so I won’t give it to anyone who complains about my cooking skills!

Right, M Neko-chan!?

Yui: Eh!? Uhh…

Ruki: Hey, you guys. Don’t drag her into your futile fight.

Kou: Ehh… even if…

Yuma: Yes, yes, it was my fault. Now give it back to me!

Kou: Fine, I’ll give it back.

Ruki: Haa… good grief…

Yui: Fufu…

(Kou-kun and the others seem to have fun too…)

Azusa: Oh…

Yui: What’s wrong?

Azusa: Say… did you cut these carrots, Eve… ?

Yui: Yes… why?

(No way, did I cut them in a strange shape too… !?)

Azusa: This one is a heart-shaped carrot…

Yui: Oh, that… ! Yes, I only made one in this shape.

I’m surprised you got it, Azusa-kun!

Azusa: Only me… ? Really… fufu, I’m happy…

Kou: Woah! Azusa-kun, what is that!?

Ruki: You must have secretly done it some time ago… but what is the reason you did it?

Yuma: What’s the reason behind only making one anyway?

Yui: Hmm… to be honest I made it just for fun…

Kou: Azusa-kun, give it to me!

Azusa: I won’t do that…

Kou: Ehh!

Ruki: Hey, stop being so noisy, Kou.

Kou: But…

Yui: Ah… I can make surely make them again…

Kou: Then make one, which is especially for me!

Yuma: Why would you be the only one!?

Hey, make one for me too!

Yui: Ehh!?

Ruki: Haa… good grief, you guys…

Hey, Livestock. Continue eating without worrying about them. They’ll calm down.

Yui: Ah… okay. Thank you…

This stew also contains the herbs Ruki-kun picked up, right?

Ruki: Yes, that’s right.

Yui: It’s delicious, it gives off a different taste than usual.

Ruki: Hmph… I see. If you liked it so much, we can make it again once we returned home…

But I do think that it makes more sense to eat this outside in the nature.

Yui: Yes… that may be true.

(This way, we’re all together surrounded by a bonfire)

(It’s such a nice thing to do—)

*time passed*

Yui: Pwaaah…

(Once I finished cleaning, I suddenly became sleepy again)

Yuma: Looks like you’re getting sleepy.

Yui: I’m sorry. I woke up early this morning… so I’d like to take a rest soon.

Azusa: Ah… wait, Eve…

Kou: You can’t go to sleep yet!

Yui: Eh… ?

Kou: Actually, there is something we want to show you.

Yui: (They want to show me something… ?)

Kou: We needs to walk a little from here. Okay, come with me!

Yui: Please wait, Kou-kun!

Place: Demon world — Forest

Yui: (Even though everyone is here… the forest of the demon world is still really creepy…)

(I wonder where we’re going… ?)

(...I guess I’ll ask Yuma-kun about that)

Um… could you please tell me where we’re going?

Yuma: Eh? Where you ask? Kuku…

Yui: (He’s messing with me…)

(But seriously, where are we heading? I actually have no idea…)

Ruki: —Yui.

Yui: Eh… Ruki-kun… ?

Ruki: ...Don’t worry about it so much.

Yui: (Wow… Ruki-kun patted my head…)

Azusa: That’s right… because you’re with us…

Yui: Y-Yes… thank you.

Yuma: Hey, Kou. Isn’t it around here?

Kou: Yes, it is.

Okay, M Neko-chan.

Yui: Eh?

Kou: From now on, I want you to close your eyes until we’re there.

Yui: Close my eyes… ? Okay, but why?

Kou: Hmm, because… that’s still a secret♪

C’mon, close your eyes!

Yui: O-Okay…

Kou: Yes, yes… it’s okay. You don’t need to be afraid, just take my hand.

Yuma: Geez, it can’t be helped. I’ll hold your other one too.

Azusa: Then… I’ll carefully push Eve’s shoulders…

Ruki: I’ll take over the lead. Everyone, keep up with it.

Yui: (Everyone supports me while walking… I don’t need to be worried…)

(But I still don’t know what’s going on here…)

Um… where are we going?

Kou: Hmm, it’s no fun if we tell you before we arrived there.

Yuma: We’ll be there soon, be patient!

Yui: O-Okay…

Ruki: It’s about time we arrive.

Azusa: Eve… when I say now, you can open your eyes…

Okay? Now…

Yui: ...Nn…

Yui: Wow… !

(It’s beautiful… ! Is this a meteor shower… ?)

Ruki: ...As expected, it does look more beautiful if you actually see it.

Kou: It really looks like it’s raining stars!

Azusa: It’s very… beautiful…

Yuma: It’s greater than I’d imagined it.

Yui: Um… everyone, this is…

Kou: Yes, this is exactly what we wanted to show you, M Neko-chan!

Azusa: We wanted to keep it a surprise… that’s why we kept it a secret…

Yui: Really… !?

Ruki: The surprise seems to be a complete success.

Yuma: Tell us, are you surprised?

Yui: Yes… ! I was really surprised… I’m so happy! Thank you so much, guys… !

Kou: Originally we wanted to show you our everyday gratitude like this.

Ruki: Yes. That’s why once you started to ask to take a rest, it went out of our preparations…

At the end it was something worth seeing.

Yui: Ah… about that… I’m sorry.

Azusa: Don’t apologize… Eve… because you came to help me… I was glad…

Yuma: Well, you’re not wrong. It really was fun to actually built up the tents with you.

Kou: Me too, me too! Since I was with you, I was able to catch such a big fish!

Ruki: Thanks to you finding the poisonous plant earlier, I may be able to do something with it.

Yui: Everyone… thank you very much.

(What should I do… I’m so happy that I’m about to cry… !)

Kou: Hey, we should immediately make a wish!

Azusa: Make a wish… ?

Kou: By the time any shooting stars disappear, it’s said if you say your wish three times, it will become true, right?

Ruki: I certainly do know that such a tale exists.

Yuma: Hmm… well then it’s fine. The stars are basically flowing, so there needs to be success in at least one wish.

Azusa: I’ll do my best… too…

Kou: We came to an agreement! Did everyone think about what to wish for?

Yui: (If I wish for something… I wonder if it really becomes true then)

Yuma: I picked one.

Azusa: Me too…

Ruki: Yes, you can wish for anything you want.

Kou: What about M Neko-chan?

Yui: I…

…..

Yes, I’ve got one.

Yuma: Hey, over there!

Ruki: …..

Kou: …..

Yuma: ...I wanna grow up… I wanna grow up… I wanna grow up…

Azusa: …..

Yui: …..

(I managed to make a wish… I think?)

Ruki: Yuma… aren’t your wishes something you shouldn’t say out loud?

Yuma: Ah? Are you serious!? Hey, what I just said… did you really hear it!?

Ruki: Seems as if I heard it by accident…

Azusa: I… maybe I wasn’t able to say it three times before it disappeared…

Kou: It’s okay, there are still so many flowing around after all!

Oh! Hey M Neko-chan, what did you wish for?

Yui: Eh… !? That’s not something I’m supposed to tell others… !

Kou: Ehh, it’s fine! You can tell me later in private about it.

Yui: No, it’s a secret… !

Ruki: Hm? When you say it like that, I want to know it as well.

Yui: You too, Ruki-kun… !?

Yuma: I also said mine out loud so I wanna hear yours too!

Yui: S-Such… !

(Even though Yuma-kun said it out loud accidentally…)

Azusa: I too… want to know about Eve’s wish…

Yui: ...Nn…

I um, I’ll maybe tell you next time… !

*Yui runs off*

Kou: Oh, she escaped! Wait, M Neko-chan!

Ruki: You guys, get her back.

Yuma: Roger! Hey, sow! Once I got you, you have to prepare yourself to confess what you wished for!

Azusa: Eve… wait… !

Yui: (Ugh… everyone is seriously chasing after me now… !)

(But…)

(Like this we went outside together, ate together and even played together…)

(I want to enjoy way more calm days like these with all of them)

(I wish that we’ll all stay together like this forever…)

(I hope this wish comes true—)

[go-dark-turtle]

(This had very tight writing limits and I just managed to keep under them. So yes there is mega time skips and stuff. Please enjoy this is for a contest.)

A day off with an opportunity and a rescue mission?

(A Mario x Nintendo loop crossover fanfiction)

It was the day of the annual Toad Town festival, Luigi was up bright and early. He had breakfast and a cup of coffee to start his day. Mario, his older brother, was still asleep in the other room. Luigi smiled with excitement and left a note for his brother and went to town on his kart. An hour later Mario stirred awake and walked to the kitchen and saw the note left by his younger sibling. He smiled softly and got himself dressed and ready to take part in the annual festivities.

***Meanwhile in the south of south Toad town, up on top of the hill***

Irri and his other guardians, Ralfonic, Andi and BreadSquid were all chilling at Irri's mansion.

"Hey BreadSquid could you handle the queue today please? I'm having a day off today and I wish to read my new book in the library." Irri nodded to the small inkling.

"You got it boss!" BreadSquid gave a peace sign "Leave the requests to me!"

"Excellent, Thank you." Irri took his leave.

He started to make his way downwards the spiral staircase to the basement where the library was. He smiled finally some time to himself he thought. He grabbed his new book from the shelf and took a seat on the old velvet chair in the corner of the room. He opened his book, started to read but was interrupted by loud music and the townspeople making such a noise.

BreadSquid tried their best to get the queue up and running but alas due to the towns people using the same wifi nothing could run. BreadSquid was so annoyed and shut down the computer.

"What is all this ruckus about! I'm trying to read here!" Irri burst through the door which made BreadSquid jump.

"AH! I dunno boss, it could be the townspeople, I think the festival is today?" BreadSquid grabbed a telescope and peered out the window "Ah see I was right, look, there's Toads everywhere. Oooh the princess is there and oh my is that Luigi?"

Irris eyes beemed with excitement and snacthed the telescope and looked at town square with Luigi and the princess giggling and having a good time. "Perfect, Breadsquid tell Andi to get the car ready. We are going to town."

"Oh yay road trip! Road trip!" BreadSquid ran out the room and kicked the door to the games room open "OI ANDI, IRRI SAYS YOU NEED TO GET THE CAR!" BreadSquid left the room.

*** 10 minutes later***

Andi flicked the switch in the garage and there in the middle was the Parade Kart.

"Out the way Andi I'm driving!" BreadSquid nudged him out the way.

"Hey!" Andi started to protest and sat next to Ralfonic sulking.

"It's fine you can drive us back. Come now, we must make haste" Irri sat in the top seat, crossed his legs and pointed forward "To Toad town!" BreadSquid giggled and floored it to Toad Town.

***Meanwhile in Toad Town***

Luigi had treated Peach to chocolate and ice cream, they giggled by the fountain but all that came to an end when BreadSquid swerved by them. Ralfonic and Andi got out of the car and snacthed the princess, BreadSquid sat in the back and smiled at Peach while Andi took the driver's seat and floored it back to Irri's mansion on the top of the hill. Luigi was furious and chased after them, a few Toads gave him a few starman power ups and he raced after them.

"ANDI STEP ON IT! LUIGI IS GAINING ON US!" BreadSquid looked behind and saw Luigi had almost caught up.

"Relax BreadSquid this is all part of my plan." Irri smirked.

Once they got to the front gates Irri waited for Luigi to catch up whereas the other headed inside, once he got there Irri bowed to him and invited him in.

"Okay princess you are free to go" Irri smiled and opened the door for her to leave

"But what about Luigi?" the princess asked while she stood on the step.

"Oh, he will be staying here for a while. Now off you go." Irri smiled

"Yeah you heard him, scram princess!" BreadSquid slammed the door.

The Princess in a panic ran back to town to tell Mario about what happened.

"Ah Luigi it is so good have you here. You will have a grand time let me assure you" Irri smiled.

"Um.. what did you have in mind?" luigi started to sweat.

"Andi prepare the tea room, Ralfonic get the scones from the pantry, we have a guest." Irri clapped his hands.

****Meanwhile back in Toad town***

"Are you telling me a bunch of people kidnapped you but it was a plan to kidnap Luigi. That's horrible" Toad shook his head " Mario we got to do something!"

"Leave it to us. Come Princess, Yoshi, Toad lets go and get Luigi back!" Mario smirked and jumped into Luigi's kart and made their way to the house on the top of the hill. They crashed into the garden fountain.

***About 30 minutes later***

"And you see Luigi, I thought you would appreciate a grand tour of my home as you can tell I was a big fan of you in Luigi's Mansion. Great game. Let me tell you it's one of my favourites." Irri smiled as he held the door open for Luigi as they left the upper living room.

"Ah why thank you Irri. I'm glad I had my moment in the spotlight." Luigi smiled back, they both started to head down the spiral stairs.

The Mario gang kicked the door open and they started to search the main lobby to find Luigi, Peach accidentally nudged against the picture frame and it smashed to the ground

"GOOD IDEA PRINCESS! LET'S TRASH THE PLACE!" Toad was excited and nodded to the others.

Mario smashed the boo statues in the middle of the lobby, Peach knocked off more pictures from the wall, Yoshi started to eat the curtains and Toad ran off to smash some vases on the windowsill.

Luigi and Irri got half way down the stairs and they saw the Mario gang had trashed the main lobby.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Irri gasped " THOSE ARE MY VELVET CURTAINS STOP EATING THEM AT ONCE"

Everyone stopped but Yoshi was mid eating and slurped the rest of the curtains. Furious, Irri marched down the stairs and discovered the whole lobby was destroyed. He stood there in disbelief.

"HA! TAKE THIS YOU KIDNAPPERS!" Toad threw one of the vases and it landed by Irri's feet, Toad looked up and saw Luigi was safe and sound. "Oh hey there's Luigi. Thank goodness you are okay."

Irri clasped his hands together and took a small breath "I think it's time you all left my house now. Please leave"

"Mario why would you do this?" Luigi folded his arms annoyed.

"We came to save you!" Mario said while hugging his younger brother

"Yes yes yes, now he is saved now get out before I get really angry." Irri pushed everyone including Luigi out the front door and slammed the door behind them.

"Oh well at least we saved you right?" Toad smirked

"I guess so but Irri was so nice to me, we had tea and scones and gave me a grand tour of his house. It was pretty nice." Luigi sighed "OH NO MY KART!" Luigi saw his kart totally destroyed by the garden fountain.

"It's okay Luigi, we can borrow theirs!" Toad said as he jumped in the driver's seat of the Parade Kart. "Lets go!" Everyone jumped in the kart. "But first...."

Toad smiled and pulled a lighting bolt from his pocket and held it in his hand and launched it backwards towards the house.

*Cue Roundabout*

Everyone inside started to feel woozy, they fell over as the house and everyone got smaller.

"Oops... I guess my hand tilted." Toad laughed as he drove back to town.

[<----To Be Continued----]

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #387

“today i woke up, & i hate myself”

What common problem have you never experienced? The loss of a close family member (that doesn't include pets). Alternatively, what's an uncommon problem you have experienced? Homelessness. Do you know anyone who opposes marriage equality? I sure do. What was the last thing you got really emotional about? Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty premiering. What's the longest amount of time you've been ill for? I don't really know. I don't get sick a lot at all. Who is your closest male friend? Girt. Do you know anyone who hunts for meat? Sadly. I say "sadly" because it's not like they need it. Have you ever lived with a boyfriend/girlfriend? Yes, although I wasn't a technical resident. I was there all the time, though. What do you wash dishes with? Sponge, scrub brush, rag, something else? A sponge. Is there anything you prefer to do the old-fashioned way? There's probably something, but I can't think of anything. Do you put your glasses and mugs right side up or upside down on the cabinet shelf? Upside-down. What was the worst part of your childhood? My parents fighting. Have you ever seen a high school relationship last long-term? (like 10+yrs) Yeah. Do you know any cancer survivors? Quite a few. Leftover pizza for breakfast... yay or nay? Good shit, man. Do you personally know anyone who's a psychopath or sociopath? I don't think so. What is your most used kitchen appliance? Lately, it's been the apple slicer. I've been on a real apple slices + peanut butter kick lately. What is something that you would personally like to be remembered for? For being a caring person towards all living things. Have you ever been diagnosed as clinically depressed before? Yes. Do you like bowling? Yeah, it's fun. Do you own binoculars or nonoculars? What do you use them for? No. Do you ever wish you had a telescope on the roof or attic to stargaze? Yeah, that'd be cool. Have you ever had to deal with someone close to you going off to war? No, thankfully. Who do you feel you have the most in common with? Sara, easily. Who in your life causes you the most stress or negative feelings? My damn self lmao. Have you ever had a teacher that also taught your parents? No. My parents didn't grow up in NC. What’s one thing that people definitely CAN’T count on you for? To remember like... anything. What about something they definitely can count on you for? Someone to listen to encourage them. What’s one food that you want to try but haven’t yet? I've always thought macaroons look good. Do you have anything planned for the summer? No. Do you walk fast or slow? Slow. Would you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie? No. What is a common slang word from where you live? Plural "you" does not exist. It's "y'all," lol. What’s the scariest thing you’ve accidentally found on the internet? *shrug* Probably something as a kid, going on those sketchy websites with loads of games and stuff. Thinking of every Halloween costume you’ve had, which one was the most creative? I don't think I've had any creative costumes for Halloween. What’s one random city you want to visit? It's not exactly "random" as it's a popular location, but anyway, I would love to visit Venice. What subjects do you or did you get the worst grades in? Math. When was the last time you ate cake and what type of cake was it? That's a good question, actually. Maybe my niece's birthday in February? I don't remember what kind of cake it was. Do you have photos to go with all of the contacts in your phone? No; I don't have any. Do you like snowy winter days or do you prefer rainy days? SNOWY! Name 3 things you find most beautiful in nature: Mountains, large waterfalls, and desert dunes in the wind. If you could ask one person one questions and get a completely honest answer who would it be and what would you ask? Jason. I'd ask if he thought I was emotionally abusive. What is your favorite winter activity? Building snowmen. Who is the greatest singer who is no longer living? Freddie Mercury. What is your idea of heaven? I don't know, really... I have to ask myself IS there a heaven in eternity? Living forever just... doesn't appeal to me. "Living" is an odd word to use there, but hopefully you get it. Existing on and on and on and on seems like it'd just be a drag, but at the same time I do like the thought of feeling relentlessly happy and peaceful with my loved ones. I guess that would be my definition of it, if it does exist. What’s one of the scariest things you’ve ever done? ODed. Have you ever watched the Superbowl all the way through? Just once, on my 16th birthday because I was at Jason's place and all of his family was watching it. I had absolutely zero interest, but we wanted to hang with the family. If you had to move to another country, where would you move? Canada. Do you watch American Horror Story? I haven't in years. It was Jason's and my first "show," and the first season was excellent. I lost interest in the second one, honestly. I'd be up for watching other seasons, though. How many relationships have you been in this year? None. What's your favorite cereal? Probably Cinnamon Toast Crunch. That's also the only cereal where I can happily drink the milk afterwards. Twitter or Facebook? Facebook. Do you like to paint your nails? No. What's the coolest place you've ever been to? Disney World, probably. Have you ever punched anyone? No. What's something you wish you knew how to do? Cook. :/ I really need to make an effort to learn. It'd be great to not rely on a microwave for the rest of my life. What's a celebrity that everyone likes but you don't? *shrug* What food do you eat the most? Probably bread in some form or another. That really needs to stop. Green or purple grapes? Either one, but they have to be firm. I cannooooooot with soft grapes. Have you ever cried over a text? Yeah. What's the background of your phone of? My lock screen is this pretty, simplistic periwinkle color with "work on you for you" written on it. It's one I plan on keeping for probably a long time because I connect to it so deeply with my stupid damn head frequently demanding I have to improve "for Jason" to prove him wrong. Which is a very unhealthy mindset to have, I know. My home screen is a cute lil Mark edit someone made with a very similar pale blue background, so my phone is just currently an #aesthetic. Do you have a Snapchat? No. What's your favorite sports team? (if you like sports)? I don't like sports, but I'm biased towards the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team because of my dad. Last thing you ate? I had Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast. Do you take a lot of selfies? Definitely not. I just hate how I look so much; it takes way too much effort for me to get an "acceptable" one. Do you prefer strawberries or cherries? Strawberries. I hate cherries. How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Maybe like, three. -_- Our A/C is still out, and it was like, 87 in the house last night. It was impossible to sleep. Do you listen to music daily? Not EVERY day, but usually. Biggest insecurity? My weight. Do you play video games? Not as much as I used to. I'd probably play way more if I actually had a PS4 + the games I'm DYING to have. Do you consider yourself lazy? "Yes, but a lot of it is also health related for my lack of energy and motivation." <<<< This for me as well. What recently made you laugh? I was watching a bit of The Nanny with Mom yesterday. We love that show. Do you like gummy bears? Yep. What was the last song you listened to? I'm randomly hooked on "My Nocturnal Serenade" by YOHIO. Like, I've known the song for a long time, but NOW I'm bingeing it???? Describe your mom with one word. Selfless. What's the biggest turn-off? Probably being misogynistic. But being a cocky ass is definitely high up there, too. What fish scares you the most? Mfkng whale sharks terrify me. How do you feel about snails? They're cuties!!! What's your favorite app? Pokemon GO. Would you rather time travel into the past or future? The future, to see what's coming. I feel like you could come back with some pretty valuable information. What is the saddest song you've ever heard? I think "Terrible Things" by Mayday Parade has to come on top. What insect do you hate the most? I was reminded that stag beetles exist last night, and omfg those. Well, "hate" is the wrong word, really, I'm just terrified of them. Would you ever have a wild animal as a pet if possible? I 110% want to rescue an opossum, emphasis on "rescue." I'm not plucking one from the wild or anything like that. I would be in HEAVEN raising one of those angels. Are there any decorations that makes you happy? (lights, candles, plants..) I love those beds decorated with fairy lights, and just Christmas lights in general. Halloween and Christmas decor tend to give me sparks of happiness when I see 'em. Does race matter to you when it comes to dating? Not at all for me. When was the last time you painted something? Not since I was still in school and took a Painting course. When was the last time you really felt alive, and what were you doing? I have NO idea. What is one question you would like an answer to? Why the worst things tend to happen to good people. Name one favorite thing to do with kids while babysitting. I don't babysit, but if I was to be in charge of a kid, I'd love to teach them to play video games from my childhood. Playing Pokemon with my niece and nephew is always a blast, ahhhh. Name one flavor you like. Strawberry is pretty consistent. Name one thing you are hoping for. Venus' new terrarium soon... big sigh. I can't for the life of me find one that's a reasonable price and also adequately sized. I'm willing to put the rest of my cash into it, but Mom is helping, so I can't just buy the first one I see. Then I'd need more substrate, I seriously want a temperature gun and hygrometer, a cool hide, sticks and stuff for cover... It's going to be expensive, but I want Venus to have a truly proper environment she can thrive in. Write the name of one of your imaginary friends from when you were younger. Oddly enough, I can't remember the imaginary wolf that was my "friend." I say "oddly" because his whole idea was important to me as a weird-ass kid. Name one girl's name that starts with a "J" that you like. "Justine." Name one boy's name that starts with a "J" that you like. Maybe "Jaxson." Have you ever been kissed? Yeah. Have you ever feared that you would be killed? It's never been like, a fear I actively worry about. I just acknowledge it's always a possibility for anyone. What is the last great opportunity you missed? This was quite a while ago by now, but I'd say by dropping out of school, I really let photography opportunities slip since I became the newspaper photographer...

[fsketchart]

Daminette December - Fire

Slight angst sorry also taglist coming very soon so yay also @noirdots ur the best thanks.  Also this is absolutely not realistic rip. Enjoy!

Marinette was oohing and ahhing as she walked around the New year's festival.  Everyone was gathered around the center of the festival as a parade marched down, and from the very back she could see a huge float.  She was getting excited and whipped out her phone to take a video for her family. Next to her, Kagami was jumping up excitedly. She had never seen a parade before.

Marinette and Kagami could only watch in awe as the large float from the end began to make their way to them.  They marveled at how much organization and elegance, and of course patience, it must have taken to make such a large float.

------

Bruce was already banging his head against the table.  He and his family were asked to run one of the floats this year, and unfortunately, the people who run Gotham's annual New Year's parade decided to make a Bat Family themed float.

Since they obviously couldn't dress as themselves, they each took turns going outside to the front of the float to perform and pretend to be another bat fam member other than themselves.  It was becoming a disaster.

When it was Dick's turn, he had to pretend to be Red Hood and he was having way too much fun with it.  He dressed up in a mock version of a Red Hood outfit. When he went outside, he took advantage of the moment.

"HIYA Y'ALL!  Y'ALL ARE LOOKING LIKE QUEEEEENS TODAY!  I HOPE Y'ALL ARE HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIVES BECAUSE I TOTES AM!  LEMME HEAR Y'ALL MAKE SOME NOISE!"

The crowd screamed as fans began to reach out towards him.  Dick winked back.

"CAN I JUST SAY THANK YOU TO MY AMAZING CO-WORKER, MY BUDDY, PAL, BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER, NIGHTWING?  LIKE HE'S SO AMAZING. AM I RIGHT Y'ALL?"

The crowd screamed even louder as people grabbed their phones to record.  Marinette and Kagami began to fall over giggling.

"HONESTLY I WISH I WOKE UP LOOKING AS FLAWLESS AS HE DOES...ANYWHO WHO'S READY FOR TONIGHT?  WE'RE PLANNING A SPECIAL SURPRISE FOR Y'ALL, SO BE READY! CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU GUYS WHAT NIGHTWING HAS WORKED SO HARD ON TO MAKE PERFECT!"

The crowd began cheering, "Nightwing!  Nightwing! Nightwing!" Dick waved at them and walked behind the curtains for the float and returned to the back of the float (closed off section that can't be heard from the crowd.)

Jason immediately lunged for him while screaming, as Alfred tried to pull Jason off of him.  Damian just gave them looks of judgement as he suited up. They decided it would be perfect to send him as Batman, but Damian wouldn't accept a mock outfit.  He wore the real Batman suit, but for obvious reasons...that wasn't the prettiest sight. Damian began tripping everyone and when he reached the stairs to go up on stage he stepped on the cape once more and went flying.  He face plants onto the stage Suddenly, the Batman symbol pops up from one of the lights they set up as the crowd cheers. Damian is still trying to adjust the mask that is covering half his body.

Damian is trying his best to do a Batman impression.  He recalls how his father speaks when talking to Dick, and tries his best to imitate it.  The crowd seemed to like Dick, so that's a good sign right?

"Yo my flip was so hip bro," Damian says in an obviously fake deep voice.

The crowd loses it and goes into hysterics.  Kagami is on the ground laughing as Marinette is just in awe at how cute he seems to be.

Damian sees that he clearly isn't having the tough guy effect.  He tries again.

"Why are you all laughing?  I was so...dope," Damian says, but this time his voice cracks at the end.

Kagami is now sobbing on the ground from hysterics as Marinette begins to giggle a bit.  Marinette sees his small smile, and her heart almost stops. She swears she's seen that smile before.

Damian is done.  Go big or go home.  He tries one last time.

"I hope you all are having a... groovy time?" This time Damian tries finger guns for a moment before immediately stopping and just ditching it.  He runs off the stage but trips again on the cape and a loud thud can be heard from behind the curtains. The crowd just laughs, having caught it all on camera.

Marinette is just giggling, before she realizes where she's seen that smile before.  Damian, she realizes. Her cheeks redden a little bit. Kagami is almost passed out beside her but using Marinette to balance herself.  Kagami wipes a tear from her eye while smiling brightly.

------

Damian is running to the closest corner he sees.  He swears he saw Marinette in the corner. He tunes out the rest of the noise, including Dick's yelling at Jason's mock performance of Nightwing, and he just rips off the mask.  He sighs and joins his father in banging their heads against the wall. Alfred already taped a pillow to the wall in preparation. (ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ @noirdots)

Alfred pats them both on the back.

"Father?" Damian asked.

"It's your brothers.  What about you?" Bruce asked.

"...Marinette."

"The one from school?"

"...Yes.  I think she just saw my little performance."

"Sorry you inherited my love life."

------

After Jason and Tim finished their performances, Bruce was last.  They had to drag him outside to the front. The crowd was screaming at the sight of Bruce in a bright red outfit with green elf shoes and green shorts and a bright black and yellow cape.

Bruce bowed his head in utter shame and humiliation, while all the former robins were getting a kick out of it.  Alfred was recording it.

Bruce wouldn't even speak.  He just stood there awkwardly trying to form words but just settled for awkward silence.  The crowd took photos and Bruce was sure he was going to be on the cover of newspapers and magazines.  Bruce groaned. Clark was going to have a field day.

The robins backstage high fives in their victory.

Jason laughed, knocking off a few boxes.  He made them no mind. Even though the boxes were quite close to some electronic…stuff.  (I'm sorry I don't know what to put here rip.)

------

The last performance, all of them came dressed up, Bruce having to carry Damian to the front because he couldn't see in Bruce's mask.

Together, they took a bow.  Marinette waved from the crowd and Damian got red.  He shyly waved back, still being carried by Bruce piggy back style.

They gathered around and were about to announce some bat fam merchandise when their planned surprise, ended up going off.  Behind them, a loud boom came from behind the stage. Bruce screamed a high pitched scream while everyone else just stared.  The crowd was confused while the bat fam was panicking. They weren't planning on setting on the surprise until later. That's when Jason remembered the boxes.  He slowly walked behind Dick and hid there.

Suddenly, fireworks were exploding from behind them.  The fireworks were designed to show the Batman symbol, and little logos for each bat fam member.  They were all being set off at once, and Jason was severely panicking by now. That's when Alfred noticed the look on his face and in turn, returned Jason with a judgemental one.  Everyone turned to him.

The crowd was still in awe of the fireworks, oohing and ahing.  Marinette was excited as she hugged Kagami next to her. Kagami returned the hug.

Meanwhile Damian was still clinging onto Bruce for dear life and Jason was screaming.  Dick was running around asking for a fire extinguisher or whatever he could find while Tim was trying to get everyone off the float.  That was when the crowd realized this wasn't supposed to happen. And that's when they smelled the burning.

Marinette darted forwards from the crowd.  Her parents have had plenty of accidents in the bakery before, and began trying to evacuate people.

Kagami already dialed 911 and everyone was screaming.

Bruce led the way off the float while but in the mess, Damian fell off his shoulders.  Everyone kept pushing and shoving each other trying to get away from the float. They pushed and shoved Bruce farther and farther away from the float.

Marinette saw the Wayne family exiting the float, but with no Damian in sight.

Bruce noticed Damian was missing and immediately ran back.  He was screaming his name and that's when Marinette realized what had happened.

A short girl passed Bruce and shoved him out of her way.  She was running towards the float and Bruce let out a curse.  She kept running and running while screaming his name. That's when Bruce joined her.  They entered the burning float and saw his lying there unconscious. Bruce grabbed him, but before they could leave, the roof collapsed.  Marinette jumped into action, trying to hold the roof of the float up. She was muttering under her breath, and Bruce could only hear the name Tikki.  Marinette's eyes seemed just the tiniest bit brighter, as she tried to keep the ceiling together. Bruce ran out and Marinette followed behind him, just barely missing being crushed by the roof.  They ran out of there and onto the front stage. Marinette pointed near the edge and suggested they try to jump there. Bruce nodded and together they jumped off the edge of the float.

Kagami finally saw them on the float and raced forwards.  Marinette broke her ankle, but Bruce managed to land alright.  Kagami grabbed Marinette and ran, Bruce following behind her.

------

Jason apologised profusely to all of them and even offered to wear the OG Robin outfit as a punishment for a whole week.  The bat fam agreed, and while his pride was tarnished, Jason deemed it worth it. However, Dick added that he had to keep a post it note on his forehead at all times saying, "I am so not cool beans." He was also required to say goodbye with, "toodles." Damian approved.

Bonus : Damian's face wearing the Batman mask.

[naturaldisasterfanfiction]

23. Part 2

I text Chris where he is, he’s stuck in traffic and the thing is, he was just behind us so only god knows what detour his driver took him “I don’t want to speak on what was said again but I just want you to know that I am not upset as I was but it does make me think, I did think about it and you aren’t wrong but I also know that Chris is going to be a great dad to my child, to all of his kids actually. He is misunderstood because nobody takes into account he has bipolar mom, dad was just a dickhead now I am not taking up for Chris’ behaviour he does display at times which can be really bad but he does have a mental illness and I love him no matter what, he is my baby and I will not let anyone discredit him. And I am not getting at you mom but I know people forget this, he is vulnerable, he just needs someone to help him and I am there for him” my mom looked a little taken a back by it “I do forget that Chris has that, not going to lie. He just seems like a normal guy that is being mean, and that is what I see. But I am not saying he is now, I just don’t think of that” she is like every person in this world “he just takes things differently mom, I have looked into this for far too long to not try and understand him. But all is well, I know he will be ok but that is why I know Chris is better than my dad” my mom smiled at me “I do love you so much, ok?” nodding my head “Miss Fenty” looking up “hi Doctor Wen” I smiled “well, it’s been a while and wow. You have become so close to the date now, all those missed appointments” I laughed nervously “missed appointments?” my mom said, oh no “well I have been busy mom, out of the country. You know” I said defending myself, I mean I need to defend myself in this because nobody else will “you know? Robyn Rihanna Fenty! This is your first baby and you have not taken care of yourself!? I did not know that I am sorry doctor. Are you being silly? This baby means more then your silly behaviour, oh my word. You have not taken care of yourself!” oh, my mom is angry, silly girl is coming out of her mouth “I know, I just been doing things” my mom is not happy “things!? This your baby Robyn, this comes first. Doctor my daughter is silly, I did not know. I am sorry” my mom apologised “it’s ok, honestly but we have a lot of things to check. So I need you to drink this while you are sat here, it’s for a glucose screening. Check for diabetes, we need to get through a lot” nodding my head taking the drink from her, this does not look cute at all.

I gagged drinking that shit, it took a lot to drink that and my daughter is moving so much, probably because of me gagging “well now you are finished gagging with that, why did you miss appointments? This is your first baby; you do not know what it is like having a baby Robyn. Anything could be wrong, just because she is moving doesn’t make it ok” my eyes lit up “finally” I got up, Chris can save me from my mom “yeah, like it’s so weird but we hit traffic and then it wasn’t moving. You good?” getting up from the chair “save me from my mom, quick. She is angry at the appointments I missed�� hugging Chris “I told her Monica, she wouldn’t listen to me” I scoffed at Chris lying on my name because he knew about it “it’s so bad that this happened Chris, I am not happy with the both of you” my mom knows then, she knows it’s the both of us “what did I do? Actually I got angry when she mentioned it, she said she isn’t bothered” I gasped moving back from the hug, hitting Chris’ chest “that is rude! I did no such thing, mom I am sorry. What happened was I became very busy” sitting down next to my mom “and if anything is wrong with the baby then it’s going to be your fault” I pouted in sadness, my mom is right actually “and then I will cry, is that what you want because you have become really good at that” my mom is a pain “well next time go to your appointments, this baby comes first” I wish I left my mom at home now, she is actually annoying me the most today.

I can’t believe Chris is wearing a shirt for this, it’s making me giddy “why are you laughing?” Chris asked, he looks so nervous too “why are you nervous? I should be nervous” Chris shrugged “I don’t know what will happen that is why, what happens anyways?” he is cute “you will find out baby, also I called Mel to get you some weed so you will be ok, you can stop acting all irritated. Just relax, honestly baby everything will be ok” placing my hand on his lap “I just want to be good for you, like everything that is happening is making you look crazy for being with me. I am making it worse. I wish I could just get rid of it all” I cooed out “it’s fine, let’s just think of this. It is about our baby now ok?” Chris nodded his head “I love you so much, I love you the most. She keeps harassing me on text now, she keeps telling me how she will show the world how I am, and it’s like you’re trying to show this and she is trying to show that and people will prefer that side” rolling my eyes “and fuck that bitch, I don’t care right now” my doctor walked into the room “please come with me Miss Fenty, I need to take some bloods from you” getting up from the seat and so did Chris “it’s ok Chris, wait here. I will be back” I said to him “is this the father?” she asked “uh yeah, this the father” Doctor Wen looked at him all wide eyed “nice to meet you Chris” she smiled “if you would like to come with me” smiling at Chris squeezing his arm before I walked off behind the doctor, I do feel like I have gained some weight to be honest. Doctor Wen just smiled at me; she is giving me a weird look “did I do something?” I asked, seems like I have “not at all, just I kind of wasn’t shocked but shocked at the same time” she laughed, nodding my head smiling.

I am actually the happiest right now, Chris is sat next to me rubbing my bump “I am glad we have this private waiting room, imagine if it wasn’t. NDAs for everyone” I laughed “how crazy is that we have a baby in there? Your stomach is really an oven, she is going to be a the most beautiful girl in the world. I just know, maybe a soccer player. Royalty does soccer too, but she kicks so much so she may do it also” smiling at Chris “but I also don’t think she will, I feel like she will be so classy. Maybe bougie, she has you as her mother so I can see it” Chris knows already “then you already know, I will never force her to do anything though. She can be as free as she likes, try and be a good supportive mother for her” Chris kissed my bump and moved back “how long they taking with your results” Chris moved back from me “I don’t want our daughter paraded in front of people, right now I want her to have her privacy because I know how depressing it can be to be in the public eye. What do you think to it? I mean your daughter and also son is in the public eye” he should know “it’s judgemental, like they will say that ain’t right, the baby ain’t perfect enough. This is wrong, you’re not the dad. I would like to show off our daughter but it’s up to you, maybe we can see what happens when it’s announced. They will be dying to know, I want privacy for us both” smiling at Chris “Doctor Wen is ready” the nurse said “yay, let’s go” this should be fun.

I am excited for this because Chris is here, I am so happy and I cannot stop smiling “nice to meet you Chris, to see you are here. So shall we speak on baby Fenty” Doctor Wen smiled at me “why does everyone call it baby Fenty already?” Chris asked “because it goes on the maternal side, I am sorry to all the men out there, but we give birth to them” she laughed “oh, that is interesting. So like it will always just go on the mother’ last name?” Chris is asking all these questions when I just want to know about the baby “yes that is right but of course when the baby is born that is all different” shaking my head at Chris “how is the baby?” I just need to know that “I am not going to lie Robyn we should have had these checks a while ago so I was nervous about the results because I felt like I failed you because you was not coming to the appointments, it was hard to get a hold of you, then your assistant picked up and she was always delaying the process, when my assistant actually got a hold of you I was like thank god but it’s been hard Robyn, I was not happy but I have done the checks and we have looked over your urine sample, your bloods and they have all came back fine, I am happy with it all. So I am happy with that, you have gained around just around two stones from when we last weighed you” my eyes bulged out “excuse me?” I said shocked “I am not surprised the heavy snoring is driving me crazy” Chris would speak up “anyways! I have gained weight, is that because of the baby or what?” I questioned “it is the baby of course, from the weight gain we can say she is healthy but we need to be careful so shall we see what she is up too, if you have dilated too” I am not amused by this weight gain but I am literally out of breath at times.

This is so surreal to me, this whole thing like I haven’t seen this whole checks thing and how the doctor was so concerned, like I know having a baby is hard and it’s scary but it seems so I don’t know easy because like in the movies or whatever it seems like they go to a scan and that is it, and now I am like ok this isn’t easy. Robyn is just there with her legs wide open, sometimes that is hard to get her to do that for me. Moving to the side a little to see, I mean I know what Robyn’ pussy looks like, but I still like to have a look. Nodding my head impressed, her legs are wide open. I totally forgot that Monica is sat right next to me, I looked away from her laughing nervously, she just watched me do all of that. What is exactly happening, I am confused “what is happening? Why is she gearing up to do something?” I asked, “check if I am dilated, why?” Robyn looked over at me, we just both laughed because she knows damn well what I am thinking. My eyes widened; she is using two fingers. The way she is setting up, like I could do this “can anyone do this?” I asked, the doctors laughed “depends on what you are speaking Chris? Like in what way” she glared at me, this doctor is sassy “mhmm” I smiled at her “don’t get ideas, thanks. You ain’t no doctor” Robyn giggled saying “ok fat” I retorted “fuck you, it’s the baby” she big, like her fat ass speaking on anything “my daughter ain’t big, like how dare you try and say it’s baby fat. It’s you, she is crumb for a reason, and you’re a dumpling” Robyn is ready for war, she really wants to slap me.

Those fingers were wet, I peeped that. Leaning over to Robyn’ ear “always wet” I whispered “I hate you” she always does “good news, baby’ head is down so that is perfect. And you have not dilated at all, but these moments are especially important moments now for you, lots of rest. You have been doing too much” if the doctor thinks that is good, then it is good “shall we do the scan now, if you want to get up and put your pants on” getting up from the chair “I rather you didn’t” Robyn said “I got you, I mean come on. It will be me there” picking her panties from the chair “so you are thinking on a water birth?” placing Robyn’ panties around her legs, I think it’s the right way but if not then she will complains of course “yes, I have been reading up on the benefits and I think it will be a better environment for me” Robyn got off of the bed and I pulled up her panties “I don’t see that being an issue, we do have birthing pools here?” the doctor said, grabbing Robyn’ leggings she got “but if you wish to do it at home that is ok because I am happy for that to happen, I will give you the details to call for when you are ready to give birth and we can send out the midwives to you, you can at any point change your mind too Robyn, there will always be a bed here for you. If any complications that the midwife thinks they cannot handle at the home then you will be bought here straight away” maybe Robyn should just do it here, but she decided already I guess.

This is it now, this is the moment I get to see her “I am so excited” I clapped my hands “I ain’t ever been to this before, this is my first time seeing this. I get to see the girl that been kicking my side every night. The leading lady in my life now, I am so happy!” I spat jumping in my seat “his ADHD is kicking in, baby you’re so excited I love that” Robyn said, I am so happy “well she has been a blessing for us, for me. She has been the biggest thing I needed, she is an angel and I love her already, let’s see her! I hope she is awake, is she awake?” I asked Robyn “I think she is asleep to be honest Chris but we shall see” shuffling my chair closer to the bed, holding onto Robyn’ hand tightly “front row seat to baby Fenty, where is Dennis?” I am sure he is supposed to be around “he will be back in a week, he is having time away and will be back for the birth, he can also get cussed out at the birth” that will be exciting “so we will do 3D first” looking at the screen “I want to see big forehead, I want to see all the forehead” kissing the back of Robyn’ hand, my eyes widened and we all cooed out “she is on her back, look at the side of the face” my mouth hung open in such shook, a beautiful shook “oh wow” looking at Robyn’ bump and then back at the screen, that is mind blowing that is the baby in there right now “she is asleep, she is content. This is her hand” I feel choked up, this is really my love chile and I get to be here, I get to see it with the woman I love. Robyn caught my eye “beautiful ain’t it” my voice broke putting my head down.

I am trying my hardest to keep strong but seeing this, like my baby heart beating “very healthy heartbeat too, let’s hear it” she said, hearing the heartbeat “that is like the biggest blessing, my crumb ain’t so little” putting my head down “she is beautiful, man” looking down at my leg “we can switch over to 4D real quick, and see if we can see more detail” I am here trying not to cry but it is hard not too, like this moment is something that creates a bond to the baby, to see her heart beating, she feels and she knows already “look Chris” Robyn said, looking up “this is 4D” my eyes widened “what!?” I spat “the detail, her lips. Oh my god, she is..” I drifted off, I can see every detail of her face and her hand “she looks like you, I seen your baby pictures. She is you” she really does “I can see it too Robyn, she has your face. I think she has Chris’ face shape but feature wise. She is all you” Monica said, I think Monica is right “I am overwhelmed, like this is a lot for me” Robyn said, I am so happy I came to see this.

Smiling down at the scan picture, it’s so much detail on it. We are waiting for the doctor to sign off for some things, but Robyn and I can’t stop staring at the scan photo “I am so in love with her, I can already see she is you. How wanted she is, Fenty Brown. The name that will be on everyone’s lips” I am excited but it’s a lot for my daughter too, people will expect a lot “imaging it, being called Fenty Brown and having your empire called Fenty and Fenty Brown, it’s just so set up for her. She will appreciate it, so will her kids, kids” Robyn is right, they will. I smiled lightly as Robyn placed the scan picture on my lap, moving my arm “what are you doing?” I questioned, Robyn got her phone out “fatherless these nuts, just keep your arm there” putting my arm back “I am not even going to show your hand, your shirt will hide your arm” nodding my head, Robyn placed her tattooed hand over her face of the 4d scan and took a picture “look at you sneaky, sneaky now” taking the scan photo from my lap, looking over at Robyn watching her post it on her Instagram, she is right. They can only see an arm but it can be anyone’s arm there, sitting back in the chair looking down at the scan picture, it’s amazing that they can actually do this “so I wrote, we can’t wait to meet her hashtag fatherless these nuts, hashtag don’t worry about mine, hashtag he is sick of her kicking him at night, hashtag I am in love hashtag daddy is home” Robyn is funny, she is angry about the shit being said and I do not blame her at all “I will keep away from the page, well try too. That is clever, but you’re going to have them so angry about this, they want to know” she is annoying them, it’s funny.

[your-local-grubdog]

The Engineer’s Heart

Pikmin 3 fanfiction thingy yay! This was cross-posted to Ao3 if you want to read it there instead.

Summary: Alph couldn't keep this bottled up any more. He had to say it, he had to tell him how he felt. Unfortunately these kinds of things don't come easy for Alph.

Parings: Alph/Charlie

Misc. notes: Short n sweet, one shot, fluff 

Alph smiled wide as he stood before Captain Charlie – his captain! He was going to go to PNF-404! He was going to be a hero!

He had seen the captain many times on TV. But never in person, not until today. 

“You’re Alph? Drake’s grandson?” the captain asked as he approached him.  

“Yes sir!”  

“I’ve heard of you.” That alone made Alph flush up a little. "I've heard you do good work. I expect good things from you.”

“I won’t disappoint, sir!” Anxiety began to eat away at him a little. He couldn’t disappoint Charlie. He wasn’t sure if he could handle such a thing.  

Alph crumpled up the paper and tossed it into an already over-flowing bin. None of it sounds right! Why does none of it sound right?!? He grunted as he leaned back into the chair. They were leaving the planet, and now well on their way to Hocotate in order to return Olimar home.  

Alph couldn’t keep it bottled up any more. He had to say something – he HAD to do this. He thought that making it a poem would be easier, but that wasn’t turning out to be the case.  

He pulled out another sheet and tried again.  

“I think of you so much

You are strong. And kind.  

A true leader for us b”

Alph quickly balled the paper up. No! No no no – it still didn’t sound right!  

He’d have to try again.  

Alph stood there as the Vehemoth Phosbat fell to the ground, letting out one final death cry. He stood there, side by side with Brittany, the both of them stiff as they waited.  

Was... was the captain okay?

The beast then twitched, once, twice, and then its mouth was pushed open by Captain Charlie.  

He jumped out of the creature, a look of relief spread across his face. “Ah, it’s great to see yo-”

He was cut off with an “oof” when Alph ran over and hugged him tightly. It was rather awkward, given that their helmets got in the way, but it was also still genuine.  

“Captain! Thank the stars you’re alive! It took us so long to find you and Brittany was pretty sure you were dead and I was starting to worry that myself especially when your signal came out of that thing, I was for sure it had managed to kill you but you’re alive!!! You’re alive!!!” Alph spoke quickly, and part way through he had started to cry which made it even harder to understand him.  

“Woah, woah... hey, hey it’s okay Alph, it’s okay...” He gently began to rub the engineer’s back. “I’m okay now... you don’t need to cry over me.”

“To think one could find love on a planet such as this  

Yet here I am  

Smitten and awe-struct by your bravery, your kindness, your”

Alph once again crumpled it up. “Dammit. Why can’t the words just... work?”

“What ‘cha up to?” Charlie asked as he walked closer.  

Alph looked up from his work. “Oh, just some basic upgrades to the Drake’s computer. Nothing too fancy.”

“What will it do?”

“Eh, just make things run more smoothly on a software level. Useful, but nothing too big.”

Charlie looked at the code work Alph had done. “Really? I thought the Drake’s computer ran just fine.”

“Oh, it did. But it could be better. See, the Drake’s computer ran on code based on the work of Eric Rinnal, who then became famous for his work. That basic “Rinnal” type code has been used in all Koppait space craft sense. And it works well! Really well! But it has some flaws. See, Rinnal’s work was based off of Halbert Trenok’s own work in the field. And Trenok’s work... it was good, and it was super useful and amazing back in his day. But that’s the thing – back in his day! It’s quite outdated now. Rinnal was able to fix most quirks that Trenok’s system had but there’s still a few little wrinkles that could be ironed out. You know, that’s why REKO model ships are infamous for being so awful – they still run on the Trenok system! I mean, it works, I guess, but-” Alph stopped himself midsentence when he saw the bewildered look on Charlie’s face. “O-Oh... sorry if I was being kind of annoying there.”

“You were not being annoying.” Charlie quickly insisted. “You were sharing your interest. I couldn’t quite follow but that’s no reason to feel bad.”

Alph smiled a little. “Oh... thanks.”

“Now how about you tell me exactly how this Tree-nook's stuff was out dated, hm?”

“Trenok.” Alph corrected. “And... I’m not sure if I can word it in a way that would be easy to understand.”  

“So? Just keep talking. I’ll keep listening.”

Alph smiled more, and reaching back into his college days he began to explain (and quite frankly, heavily criticize) the Trenok system of space craft code.  

“You listen. You listen and you care,

Oh Charlie,

How could I not love you?”

Alph stared at the page. Maybe this? He sighed and leaned his head into his hand. It was a start.  

Alph laid awake in his bed, overcome with a strong realization. He couldn’t fall asleep, not after this.  

He loved him.  

How Alph didn’t realize this sooner, he did not know. He thought about him constantly, he felt a nervous happiness when around him, hell he wrote a damn poem about the guy. Any yet he kept trying to convince himself that he just looked up to him? No.  

He loved him.  

He loved him so much that it hurt.  

What was he supposed to do about it? They were fighting for their life on an alien planet – he couldn’t be distracted by this. And that wasn’t even counting the numerous other issues. Did the captain even like men at all? Would he consider a captain–crew relationship to be too unprofessional? Stars forbid that he’d see a gay relationship taboo. What if the captain simply didn’t like him? What if he was rejected?

Alph curled up into a tight ball. He had to tell him. He had to. He loved him.  

But at the very least, it would have to wait. People were depending on them back home, and he couldn’t distract himself or the captain with whatever outcome the confession would have.  

But... it would hurt so much until then.  

Alph kept staring at the paper in frustration, unable to come up with anything else. He eventually crumpled it up too, and threw it at his door. He laid his head down on his desk. This wasn’t working. None of his ideas were working.  

He heard a knock at the door.  

“I’m not feeling well.” Alph replied. He didn’t exactly want to deal with any of the others right now.

The door opened anyways. “Alph? What’s wrong? I can get you some medicine.” Charlie’s voice rang through the room.  

Alph jumped up a bit. Oh stars, he was the last person he wanted to see. “Oh... I... I’m just burnt out is all.” He looked away from the captain again. “I think I just need to call it an early night.”  

“Struggling with your poems?”

“Yeah...”

A pause, then “Well, let me look at this one. Maybe I can help?”

Alph’s eyes widened and he quickly stood up to stop the captain. But it was too late, he had already uncrumpled the page and was reading it. It had only taken him a short moment to finish it, being only three lines long, and then he looked up and locked eyes with Alph.  

That was it then, huh? His heart had been exposed to the captain, and was laying out there bleeding. Alph could only lean his ears back and cling to his desk least he fall over.  

“Alph...” Charlie’s words were soft, kind. “Alph, you don’t need to be afraid.” He was suddenly much closer now, and held out a hand to the shorter koppait. Alph looked at it, then at Charlie who seemed to be genuinely concerned. Alph elected to just hug him instead.  

He wanted to cry. He wanted to cry into the captain’s shoulder and let his worries fade away. But he didn’t. He just stood there as Charlie gently rubbed his back. The captain said some things that Alph couldn’t fully process, but it all seemed to be an effort to calm him down.  

After a few moments, he could hear the captain say his name clearly. He looked up at him. “Yes, Charlie?”

“Alph I... a lot has happened over the course of this mission. And I can’t fully understand most of it yet.”

Alph’s ears leaned back. Was he being rejected?  

“I don’t know how I feel about you – about this. I’d need time to think it over.”  

Alph sighed as he looked down. So no, not a rejection. But not an acceptance either. “I... I understand.”  

“Thank you, Alph.” The Captain pulled away a little. “I can promise you only this; I won’t leave you in the dark about whatever my choice is, regardless of what I choose.”

Alph nodded.  

Well, at least he had that?

----------

It had been a little under a week now. They had just left Hocotate, and were now heading to koppai. It should realistically only take a few hours.  

Alph was in his room again, writing some things down again. He was having a much easier time with it, given it was just about nature and not something as weird as love. Once again, he heard a knock at his door.  

“Come on in.” he replied.  

Charlie entered the room. “Hey, uh, I had something to ask of you.”  

Alph felt his stomach tighten. He couldn’t help it, he felt like he was going to burst from his pent-up emotions. Yet the captain knew about them, and that somehow made it worse. “Y-yeah?”

“It, uh... It’s also related to what... what I found out before.”

Alph’s stomach grew even tighter. “O-Oh...”

“Basically, once we’re back on Koppai, and once the media is done parading us around would... would you still be interested in going out for some dinner with me?”

Alph’s eyes widened a bit as his heart raced. “Yes!” he squeaked out just a little too quickly.    

Charlie smiled. “Oh! Well then... I guess we can figure out the details once we’re home. Does that sound alright?”

Alph had already stood up and was walking to Charlie. “Yeah! Yeah that’s good.”

Charlie raised an eyebrow and sighed. “Alright, I know what you want.” he said as he held his arms out. Alph immediately clinged onto him, and Charlie hugged him back. The two stood like that for a good few moments before Alph pulled away a little to look up at Charlie. He was going to say something, but forgot what it was he wanted to say. He and Charlie just stared at each other for a moment, before the taller man gently leaned down and kissed his cheek. Alph squeaked, his face a bright red.  

“We’ll be back on Koppai very soon.” Charlie explained. “So go ahead and get ready, okay?”  

Alph nodded as Charlie slipped away and left the room. He would get ready, but it’d be hard to focus.  

He was really doing it! He was really going to go on a date with Charlie!