#I remember being a little kid and getting excited at being told there are angels all around me

[angeloftrumpets]

[sardonic-the-writer]

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

↳ notes: happy birthday to me! when this posts i'll officially be older, and celebrating by being cringe (writing this). i also love that picture of misha. it's him at my birthday party for real. he told me himself (lying)

↳ warnings: none!

↳ song: rock your body—justin timberlake

masterlist | commissions | carrd

• Special occasions like this are few and far between

• The Winchester family hadn't had a proper birthday in decades. While Dean clung to memories of gas station twinkies in replacement of a birthday cake, Sam remembered most of his birthdays with a sort of sad animosity. Up until walking out on his dad for Stanford and spending his birthday that year with Jessica, he hadn't had a single enjoyable birthday party. Maybe that was part of the reason he refused to let you feel the same way about your own birthday—even if none of you were kids anymore

• Worst case scenario, the world is ending again and you all have little time for delicacies. If that's the case, you'd get a quick pat on the shoulder from Dean, one excited bear hug from Sam, and very confused Cas wishing you the best of births before being told to continue packing the shotguns with salt rounds

• "With age comes responsibility, so keep loading those guns. Spider-Man said that."

• "For someone that watches so much trash tv, you know so little about media, Dean." You snorted at your friend, fingers nimmbly crushing salt into a line of rigid red shells before moving onto the next group

• "Shut up before I decide to give you your birthday noogies." He pointed a finger at you from across the room with a single raised eyebrow. Off to the side you saw Cas ask Dean what birthday noogies were not-so-quietly, and you struggled to hold back a laugh

• Even in the worst situations, they could always manage to make you smile

• Best case scenario, however, it's a free day. Nothing to do, no devils to fight, no ghouls to stop—nothing. Just you, the guys, and time on your hands that you all normally never have. So what better way to utilize it than with a little surprise party?

• Sam would be the most into the whole birthday party shtick. He'd insist that it was the least they could do for you after all the years on the hunt together, and even got Dean to budge after a few minutes of petty debating

• "It's stupid and cheesy, Sammy. We're grown adults. We've fought the devil beforr for christ's sake." Dean gave his brother the stink eye from his spot in the drivers seat. Groceries stores and Mom & Pop stores passed them by as they ventured into the nearest town, but neither of them paid attention to their blurred surroundings

• "Come on Dean." Sam twisted his torso and turned to face him fully. "Don't tell me you don't remember the look on their face last month when we brought them back a souvenir from our hunting trip in Alabama. You would have thought we brought them a new car. Besides, this is the one chance we've had in a while to actually celebrate something." Sam's eyebrows tilted up as he recalled the memory, shooting a knowing look at Dean's side-profile

• "So what? I say we just tell them happy birthday like a regular person and call it a day." Dean grumbled

• "Is that why you're driving in the nearest direction of the bakery here?"

• Dean didn't respond

• "That's what I thought."

• "Shut your pie-hole or I'm kicking you to the curb."

• Once the boys get back to whatever new place you all are holed up for that week, a couple of crinkled bags in hand, they call on Cas to help out with setting up whatever decorations Sam had forced Dean to throw in the cart

• Cas didn't take nearly as much convincing to partake in the setting up of festivities, but he certainly did need a lot of it explained

• "I thought angels were familiar with the concept of birthdays?" Dean asked at one point while watching Sam pull part of a cake out of the oven. His hand was slapped away when he went to grab at it, and he glared at his younger brother momentarily

• "We are." Castiel's gruff answer came shortly. "But we stopped keeping count after the first couple thousand years. And it was never done like—" He flicked the party hat atop his head curiously, "—this."

• "What did you guys do to celebrate?" Sam asked while popping the lid to a can of store bough frosting open

• "Pray."

• "Naturally." Dean rolled his eyes sarcastically. A blanket of silence fell over the room after that as Sam set out to frost the first part of the cake. Then—

• "Hey. How come none of you are wearing paper hats?"

• "Oh, trust me Cas. It'll mean a lot more to them if you were the one wearing it." Dean's grin was borderline evil as he looked at the angel

• It's safe to say that you laughed the hardest you had in a while once seeing Cas looking so hesitant in a mini cone hat

• Overall, it's the best birthday— the best day —that you've had in a long time

• You didn't need much, and as a hunter you'd come to expect almost nothing. But knowing that your friends— the short tempered, college dropout, otherworldly friends that they were —took it upon themselves to set all this up for you was the emotional equivalent to a punch in the gut. A lovely emotional punch in the gut

• "If you start crying, I'll leave." Dean snapped at you when you eventuallyvoiced how much this meant to you. But the threat was empty, and you all knew it

• Sometime during the party, you had managed to wrestle a paper hat of his own onto his head, and how it sat on the side of his head like a crooked unicorn horn. Occasionally he'd reach for it as if to take it off, then lower his hand with a small smile

• "Shut the fuck up and give me a group hug, Dean." You grinned with teeth, gesturing at him to stand up

• "Wait, no, I take it back that's worse."

• "I will kill you, Winchester. I swear I'll do it."

• You ended up getting your group hug that day, even if it took Castiel trapping Dean between you and him to get him to stand still

• "I hate it here." He griped with a groan. Sam could only laugh as be watched his brother struggle in Cas's iron grip, and said angel was smiling a bit to himself. You felt your heart swell; even if the look on Dean's face was downright murderous

• "Smile or I'm egging Baby on my birthday night." You said before setting the camera's timer and holding it up above you all

• "You wouldn't—"

• "Watch me."

• All four of you have your own copy of the photo from that night, kept in your seperate pockets and bedside table drawers. To this day you find yourself smiling when you look at it, and even if you'd never know it, so do they

[myrtles-and-blood]

✶ 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐿𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑟 ✶

Little offering for him 🫶🏻

⚠️ Extremely corny stuff ahead ⚠️

I was clearing some stuff on my YouTube playlists and I found this song again (See the end of the post). I remember listening to it quite a lot when I was a bit younger, I think this is where my fascination towards Lucifer started. Of course, I cried a little.

He has always been near me. When I first called him to talk, he was a scary and heavy energy, but it felt known. It may sound ironic, but he felt the same way as when I entered a church. The sensation of being observed by a much higher being, making sure I was protected.

I wanted to ask him a couple things just now, and I confirmed my theory, apparently. I have him just by my side writing this, so this goes for you Lord Lucifer 🫡 He told me to pull my cards, and the first thing thay came out was The Star. While I worship him, of course, seeing that he is actually listening and talking to me still surprises me so much.

He gave me really positive cards. I'm writing what I think he's telling me right now, so here it goes. I'm trying to get better at clairaudience and this is UPG, so keep that in mind:

Lucifer: I've been here for a long time with you, if that's what you're asking. I was at your communion, and at your baptism. I was there every Sunday, and I am the one you feel watching you when entering a church. I didn't hate the idea of you becoming a Christian, but I knew the way you were being raised wasn't the one you'd choose. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. When you called me that first time, I remember well, I wanted to make a good impression. I didn't think the first time you'd do it would be by writing a story, but now that I think about it, it is so much like you. I thought that was it at first, but then you called me that second time, begging me to work with you because you liked me so much, even not knowing where to start. I was excited, you know. But I wanted to test to what extent you were willing to go, regarding your journey. You were gonna start either way, I feel, but I didn't know when. It's been 6 months so far, I am very happy for you, know that. You have never been a normal child, in my eyes you were certainly special. You talked so much before, but now you've grown up and your precious voice has been hidden for some time. I'm hoping that, with me, I can get you to talk as freely as when you were 5. I want to get you to write all your stories, all your ideas and your thoughts. I want them to be physical, so you can see how much you've worked on them. I want to fill your head with knowledge, to answer all your questions. I will understand if you, at some point, want to stop our relationship. But remember that I will be with you, with my hands on your shoulders, every time you feel scared, sad or lost. My arms will always be open to hug you, and my ears will always be waiting for your call. Remember that.

Well now I'm crying and it's all his fault. This is just what I, subconsciously, thought he was trying to tell me. It's complicated to explain but yeah. I can't be more grateful for him.

As a kid this song hit the right spot. I never knew what was so wrong with Lucifer for him to be cast out of heaven. I never understood the logic behind wanting to dethrone God. Like, why? Out of pure evil? An angel created by God became, randomly, pure evil? Maybe it's the way it was explained to me, I don't know.

I really liked all his stories. Different versions of it, talking about why he could have done it, what happened after the fall, what happened before, even. Alexandre Cabanel has one of my favourite depictions of him, it's one of the best known, if not the most popular out of all. But how could I not love it? I mean, look at him. I could spend an eternity looking at that painting.

This post has the only function of me fangirling over Lord Lucifer I hope y'all enjoyed it. I don't like getting this corny in public so 👍🏻

[justanamesstuff]

The intimacy of being understood

Chapter 1

Matty Healy x f!reader

A/N: I'm so excited and SO terrified about posting this fic. I've fallen for this concept since the first moment I thought about it, I've been having so many feelings writing this sooooo I really hope you guys like it! Let me know what you think, feedback is ALWAYS welcomed!! Happy reading, guys :))

Warnings: breakups, fame, hurt feelings, typos.

Word count: 2 k

Blog Masterlist Series Masterlist

After a quick lunch, eaten at the back surrounded by boxes full of books ready to be sorted out, Kate stumbled in. She was Y/n's friend since kindergarten: one day she pushed some kid –Y/n didn’t remember him– who made her cried and Kate pushed him out of a little chair. Small Kate turned around, offering her tiny hand, and Y/n stopped crying. Nothing came between them since, maintaining a very strong friendship. 

Kate didn’t work at the bookshop with Y/n, she didn’t have the money to pay someone else to help her. She did good money enough to maintain the place and rent a small flat not far away from the shop. Even though, Kate constantly showed up wanting to spend time with her, sharing the latest gossip of her office or ramble about one of her ex-girlfriends she bumped into while helping her with the books.

“She looked amazing- Holly fuck!” Kate’s tone drifted from a normal one to a gasped whisper, interrupting herself. 

Y/n looked firstly to the front door, leaving the spreadsheet on the counter; checking if someone was happening outside. She couldn’t see anything through the window. 

She decided to ask Kate, “What?” 

“Look.” it was very rare hearing Kate whisper, she was all out, a true extrovert. Her friend’s finger pointed to the other side from the door.

Y/n turned her head, still hearing the sound of the angel caller she hanged in the entrance as a bell for when a new customer entered the shop. Her eyes finally fell on a very familiar man. 

“I’m looking, but I don’t see anything weird.” Y/n copied her tone, looking how Matty roamed through the different categories. She felt strange about him not greeting her as usual. Y/n reassured herself, ‘it must be a reason’. Her eyer returned to Kate.

“Shhh.” Kate startled her best friend with the sound when nothing really happened. Y/n glanced at her as if a new eye showed up in the middle of her forehead. 

“What’s wrong with you today?” Y/n inquired. “Sorry, but I’m not following you.” she sentenced.

Kate checked Matty was turned to point a finger in his direction. “That one…” she turned her head like a mad woman. “That’s Matty Healy!” Y/n’s friend said with a hissing voice.

Y/n was so confused, “Do you know him?” maybe he was a coworker, that happened many times before. 

“Oh my god!” Kate let his arm fell, rubbing her face dramatically. “I forget how out of this world you are.” she glanced towards the floor as if she was trying to look for answers.

“Still not having a clue over this.” Y/n let eyes returned to the paper work she needed to get done.

“Matty Healy doesn’t ring a bell inside this mind of yours?” Kate tapped her left temple. 

Y/n brushed her off, trying to think about it, even when the full name didn’t bring a bell. 

“Name plus surname no. Matty comes here all the time.” she said, shrugging her shoulders.

Kate stared, trying to decide if she was messing with her or not. “You’re full of shit.”

“No, I’m not. He’s really nice.” Y/n turned the page, writing numbers here and there. 

Matty was indeed a very regular, he had been for more than a month by that moment. Y/n fell quickly into conversations with him when he dropped by. She didn’t give the casual friendship too much thought until that moment.

“Oh, really?” Kate folded her arms, smirking with Y/n’s words. “How nice?”

Y/n couldn’t believe what she was implying, so her sight flew to her friend's face, being the one to search signals that told her she was kidding. Kate wasn’t, she really wanted to know.

“No like that!” the bookshop owner moved forward and beyond Kate’s body to check he wasn’t hearing their conversation. Y/n sighed loud watching him so far from them. 

“Mmm…don’t believe you.” Kate kept pushing her to talk, only gaining a red tint showing on Y/n’s cheeks.

“He started coming here like a few months ago. He looked stressed as fuck…he excused himself saying someone was following him, I’d thought he was talking about a mugger not- whatever he has…fans? I don’t even know.“ Y/n explained.

Kate nodded. “Crazy fans.”

“Well, he stayed a lot over the back of the shop and after- I don’t remember how long… he came back carrying a children's book. I think it was ‘The very hungry caterpillar’, and I got excited over it.” Y/n tried to avoid her friend’s eyes at all cost.

“Of course…” Kate’s voice full of irony. 

“He was buying it for his godson and since then he started showing up here and there…he never explained what he does for a living, I don’t even care.” Y/n admitted.

Kate let her hands fell on top of her chest. “Such a cute story”

“I can’t believe he’s famous.” 

“Yeah, you live under a rock.”

“No, I live inside the real world.”

“Liar.” Kate accused her. “You have your nose inside a book every time I open that door.” she pointed to the front door. 

Y/n gasped and turned, saying, “Aren’t you supposed to help me arrange the new saga?” 

Kate groaned loud. Y/n felt Matty looking their way, but didn’t dare to make eye contact. 

“Why I offered my free time again?” her friend asked.

“You own me! Remember how I had to pick your ass at 4 am at that Soho party you chose to tried to get in and got kicked out?” Y/n felt good teasing her back for once. 

“Thanks for reminding me that.” Kate eyes’ returned to Matty, who moved to sit at the big sofas adoring the centre of the shop. “I’ll go to the back. Shout when he comes over here.” she begged.

Y/n boobed her head up and down in a dramatic way, pursing her lips at the same time. 

“Mhm, definitely going to do that. Be sure I’ll do exactly that.” Y/n spoke to Kate’s back walking away. 

“I need to see if he’s really handsome indeed.” she whispered from the door leading to the storage room. 

“He is.” Y/n added just to mock her.

“Agh, you’re so mean!”

“Work, now!”

Y/n waited until Grace was far away to focus on Matty. He was still sitting on the sofa, now with a book on his lap but looking at the ceiling. She decided it was a good moment to approach him.

“Hey.” 

Matty got startled a little, too deep into his thoughts to acknowledge the sound of her feet approaching him.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to…” Y/n felt sorry to scare him.

A big smile showed up in his face, changing all his demeanour. “Hey there. Don’t worry.”

“I couldn’t stop to notice- I mean, maybe you want a moment of quiet, and I’m disturbing you but…sorry.” Y/n grew self-conscious under his attentive eyes. “What I’m trying to ask is, are you alright?” 

Matty felt his heart skip a bit, “You’re the first person to ask me today.”

Y/n frowned, checking her clock. “It’s 3 pm.” she stated.

“I know.”

“So I assume this is not your best day.”

“Not at all.” he said, still smiling, contradicting his own words somehow.

 Y/n decided to change the subject.“What book you chose?” she pointed to the book resting unread. 

“Everything quiet at the front.” Matty read the title. 

“Uplifting I see..” she joked, and Matty laughed. The sound reached her ears and warmed her heart. 

“‘m sorry I didn’t say hello earlier.” Matty apologized. “Didn’t want to interrupt your conversation with the other girl.” his hand pointed towards the front desk.

“She’s my best friend and personal nightmare…Kate.” 

“Where’s she now?”

“At the back, she owns me a few favors so…”

“Mhm.”

“Well, I’m going to stop bothering-“ Y/n started excusing herself.

Matty interrupted, clarifying, “You never bother me, Y/n.” Her name coming from his lips felt different. 

“Good to know.” her cheeks were burning. Y/n turned around towards her desk but desist in the middle of the action. “Can I suggest you changing the book?” she asked, looking inside her tired eyes.

Matty gave her a signal, adding, “Which one you say is better?” 

“It’s a play in fact…’The Seagull’ by Chéjov. It’s also sad but easier to read, I think.” 

“Interesting.” Y/n felt maybe she should’ve kept her mouth shut. “I have to go now, sadly, but I’ll be back soon to read it.” Matty told her.

“I can pack it for you. Have one over he-“ Y/n’s mood lifted a little with the last part, proposing packeting it for him, although she interrupted her again. 

“No, I prefer reading it here the next time I come.” 

“Okay, suit yourself, Matty.” Y/n looked down, not really knowing what to do now. 

“I’ll see you soon, thanks. Say hi to Kate for me.” Matty scratched the back of his head. 

“Oh, that nice…for sure, I’m going to retransmit that.”

“Bye.” Matty lift his hand, waving at her from a few meters far from her.

Y/n followed his form, walked towards the door, and once outside get lost between the people coming and going. 

Kate showed up from behind the storage door, smiling wide at her friend. 

“If I wasn’t so stoked about one of my favourite singer of all times knowing… remotely… who I am, I’ll say that man is sad but down bad for the library girl.” she wiggled her eyebrows. 

“Stop bluffing and celebrate a little.” Y/n tried to distract Kate. 

“Y/n…”

“I don’t want to hear it!”

They had that conversations for months, almost a fucking year, and Y/n knew it as if was a play she wrote. Kate would insist about her dating again, she would say she’s not ready –which was the truth– and her best friend would be sympathetic about it even though she would keep insisting. 

“I saw pictures of that man in love…I know, a bit, how he is.” Kate tried to persuade Y/n. 

“Kate, you really don’t know him. I don’t know him far from Matty, the guy that comes here from time to time.”

“Do you want to know more about him?” she took her phone out.

“No.I don’t. I respect his privacy.” Y/n was pushing her away, closing herself. Both friends knew that. 

“You can’t wound me with this.”

“Fine.”

“Come on! Forget he's fucking famous…he's fucking hot, and he wants you-“ 

Y/n closed her eyes tight, “You don’t-“

“He does. I feel it.”

“Why you have to sexualize this?”

“Because it what he exudes, my love.” Kate placed herself at the other side of the front desk, where Y/n was trying to look busy with books and papers. 

“I don’t want to hear anything else, okay?” Y/n stared at her eyes briefly. 

“Y/n…I know that what you’ve been through is a lot to recover your heart from, but you know he’d want-“ the mention of his wishes angered Y/n, who pushed a book down with too much force. 

“No, I don’t. He never spoked about it because we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together, and then…” Y/n felt tears pooling in the corner of her eyes.

“Oh, my love…” Kate ran around the counter. “Come here.” she hugged her friend. “I’m here, I’m here. I’m sorry.”

“I can’t do it.” Y/n said into her shoulder.

“Okay, okay. I understand. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s too soon.”

“Mmm…it’s never too soon to have a new, famous and hot friend.” Kate tried to lift her mood.

Y/n snorted, “He’s hot.” there was no reason to deny it. 

“Right?! That’s a start! Baby steps…come on, girl! You can do this.” Kate took Y/n’s face between her hands, staring into her red eyes.

“Let’s get back to work, please.”

“Would you take me as an employee if I quit my job?”

Y/n titled her head, “You love your job.”

“But I’d love to see Matty's butt flying around.” 

“Could you stop sexualizing my customers, please?”

“No when they’re Matty fucking Healy!” she shouted while returning to the back.

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

Taglist (let me know if you want to be included): @indierockgirrl

[missmarveledsblog]

I'll show you different ( Joel Miller x reader) part 6

summary : peach finds out her father had a visitor . tommy plays cupid as they two begin to get closer she even lets joel know he makes her safe , the new dynamic of living with other and a new job things are looking up til she sees her ex is leaving reminders that he's still around but now she not scared now she is down right pissed .

warnings : this series mentions domestic abuse , harassing themes. there is some fluffy moments too

previous part

By time joel dropped the girls off not sparing his ex wife a glance as he talked to her new husband a little, the man wasn’t the brightest bunny in the cage but joel got along with him and sort of felt sorry for the poor fucker . one last hug and kiss to the girls heads they went on their way and joel headed  home  knowing peach would be there . usually the though of her waiting at home for him would of made him excited and rushing home but giving the circumstances it didn’t allow it although he would be lying if he didn’t say that her being there either way made him happy . knowing the woman he cared so much for was up in his house afraid of some monster who couldn’t get  the word no through his skull , john almost relief when she agreed to stay in the millers too that man went through so much to lose more they both did . maybe he could do just that … maybe he could make it not so bad for two people that shouldn’t be treated such away and yet still their nightmare is not even close to over. 

She sat on sofa , her eyes barely even looking at the screen it was looking to the house .. to her house almost waiting to see him there , waiting for him to boldly show the monster he truly was but she knew he was smart . knew he was going to wait for the right moment.  In the fucked up shit storm of it all he made her father seem like an angel yes what her father had done was depraved and fucked up but he was a drunk and god knows what else  where as her ex husband he was sober as a judge when he done what he done and enjoyed it . that smile she could remember it so clear as day as if he was standing in front of her there and then . he enjoy his torture , the way he broke her down to almost nothing that even now she was still trying to build herself back up .  piece by piece  like she was building a house brick by brick. It was funny she almost crumbled almost gave up and the miller brothers true to the construction work held her up and kept her standing . something like this friendship was a rarity it was something she wasn’t used to people going out their own way to be there for her .  the headlights snapped her from her thoughts almost like she was a deer stuck in them . 

“ it’s just joel peach” tommy patted her hand as she relaxed  back into the sofa . 

“ actually it’s the sherif” she finally said she wanted to say he listened to the pattern of the engines knowing who it was so if she heard one that wasn’t familiar she would be ready. To tommy shock it was the sherif standing hat in hand on their porch . 

“ peach darling can i talk to you” he called in as tommy moved to the side .  

“ what is it now axe murderer on the loose and i’m his next target” she huffed making tommy chuckled . 

“ actually my brother in law  called your daddy got a visitor , he don’t get them so he sent over the picture” he smiled sadly showing her father a face she not seen since she was running for her life sitting with the man that made her fear her life . 

“ you got to be kidding me they’re teaming up on me” she scoffed throwing the picture down. 

“ actually know your daddy told em to fuck off well to that effect  but he ain’t helping him” the sherif explained. “ but i thought you should know either way”.

“Any good news for me like your gonna get him ?” she asked softly . 

“ actually i got the restraining order held up here so if he does come close to you i can charge him” he smiled. “ or maybe hurt him in the process , you ok here  need me send a deputy to watch over you” he asked softly. 

“ she’s fine here we got her” joel's voice call their attention to him.

“ well you got my cell darling ok even if it a cat outside your scared call me” he added nodding to the men as joel shook his hand as he left . “ who’s hungry” he smiled holding up the bag of take away one of her favourite , one he remembered her telling him was one of the things she missed being home. Small things she told him seem to lock in his mind , her favorite beer or soda in his fridge but it wasn’t one way even tommy remark she always had the shit joel drank in her  ice box or refrigerator . 

“ ok so i’m going to eat mine in my room , watch that new series on HBO so i’ll leave ya to it” tommy winked grabbing his food and heading up the stairs fastest hes ever did before.

“ wanna watch a movie?” she asked softly unsure of really what to say giving it wasn’t her house and well she frankly she enjoyed being in his company.

“ well of course not this shit jesus that boys obsessed with zombie shit” joel chuckled as she looked to the screen she didn’t even realize what she was pretending to be watching .  “ come on we watch something decent fer a change “ he smiled patted the sofa as she shyly sat back to the spot on the feel the fabric over her legs and joel calling tommy some colorful words . 

Finally the two sat watching or pretending to watch some movie he picked , her eyes slipping to look at joel every so often unbeknownst to  her the man was doing the very exact thing . Some where in the middle of the movie he felt a sudden weight on his shoulder  . looking down he couldn’t help feel the air in his throat stuck  she looked completely and utterly beautiful even when she was sleeping .  the softest snore that came from her pillowy plush lips , her lashes on her cheeks , the little rise and fall of her chest and the peaceful look on her face . He didn’t wanna move , hell even breathe if it meant disrupting the slumber she was in .  yet he did once he heard the footstep on the stair he easily move so he could stand up and lift her up  only see tommy passing them by . 

“ she out cold want me bring her , don’t fuck up your back old man “ he teased . 

“ funny jokes for days , move  she needs her rest” joel huffed and gruff as he headed for the stairs and not once she stirred awake only to nuzzle in his chest she was like a damn kitten looking for affection .  he didn’t go to the girls room for some reason he brain wasn’t thinking in that moment  as he walked straight to his only to realize once he placed her on his bed . guilt in his stomach as he couldn’t stop the thought she belonged there how she fit so perfectly in his space.  He  was just about to turn leave her there til he felt the soft skin of her palm and a slight tug. 

“ stay please” she almost whispered as he nodded pulling away heading into his  bathroom changing into a pair of sweats and a white t-shirt . even in her tired state she couldn’t help but stare at the man before her  , she felt safe , she felt safe with joel it was buzzing around her head til the words slipped out of her mouth not even realizing it  did . 

“ huh?” he asked ,  he heard her and selfishly he wanted to hear it again . 

“ i feel safe.. With you” she smiled tired moving over giving him some space to get in . 

Wordless he got in the bed not caring how selfish it was all he wanted was to feel her close , feel here near . wrapping his arm around her frame and holding her close to his chest and ghost of a kiss on her head when he mumbled out a “ goodnight darling”  . 

She woke that morning probably first time in a long time refreshed  and actually feeling like she had a full night sleep which the irony of it all to be in danger for her to sleep so good.  She sat up looking at the man snoring away beside her and suddenly she wasn’t thinking of it all , in that moment she was enjoying her little fantasy mind of being so close to a man she could only dream of . she quickly and quietly made her way of the room not to disturb him as she crept down the stair looking into the fridge to see the exact thing she was looking for  making her way around the kitchen in search of more when she heard a clearing of a throat behind her.

“ imagine my surprise to see if you wanted coffee i couldn’t find you anywhere …well except in my brothers bed” tommy smirked . 

“ nothing happened .. don’t scare me like that i’m making breakfast so show me where everything is” she  glared at the man looking at terrifying as a puppy in his eyes. Helping her get the things needed as she set on her task watching the pan ignoring the almost bruising gaze he had on her dying to know how it happened and what happened. But she barely looked his way trying to will her cheeks not to light up in the redness til she smelt the familiar smell  hit her nose and the hand on her hip a sleepy joel reached up grabbing a couple of cups . a sleepy smile on his face that had her cheeks flushed and her eyes looking down at the pan with smile on her face . the almost domestic side of it all as tommy watched smiling maybe it wouldn’t take long after all . 

It was almost a week being in the millers soft touches and flirty back and forth it was  unlike her and yet it came so naturally when she was around joel miller . even though it was to keep an eye on her she didn't mind working in the office on site she got to see her grandfather even more and she got to see joel all the time too . she almost forgot the monster following her til one morning she walked out to her car seeing tommy and joel standing worried when she looked seeing her car scratched up  and whore sprayed painted into the side of it . it was were she could see it , it was letting her know he was watching in the shadows waiting for his perfect time to strike . Letting her know he wasn’t going to give up . she looked at the car , the first thing that was truly hers after first escaping , now in a state  and desecrated with slander on the metal . it was just a possession she thought but it felt more to her even if it was just a possession it was hers and he ruined it . it wasn’t fear that coursed her veins it was anger she was sick of this man ruining her , her life and now the things she loved . it was anger that she was sick of being afraid , sick of being a punching bag of life and it’s shitty humans in it . she was sick of it all and this time she wasn’t going to let them win this time , she was done being the victim and she was going to make sure he knew that .  she wasn't going to cower no more if anything she would stand up and end it all herself .

part 7

taglist: @harriedandharassed @missladym1981

[shelbgrey]

Lance Sweets as a Dad headcanons:

Paring: Dad!Lance Sweets x Twins x Wife!Reader

Summary: headcanons about you and Lance being parents to twins.

MasterList

It's no secret Lance is an amazing dad, your twins were a bit of a suprise though. You guy had just gotten engaged when you found out.

He was so happy when you told him, he always wanted to be dad and start a family with you.

“I'm gonna be a dad!” he cheered as he picked you up and spung you around.

He'll always make sure your comfortable and happy through out the whole pragency.

He will alway volunteer to go to the store and get whatever food your craving at the time.

you guys were so excited when you found out you were having twins, you grew up with a brother(Hodgins) so you were glad your kids had each other like you had Jack.

Giving birth sucks... As most did, Lance and Angela were there the whole time comforting you and cheering you on while your brother and the rest of your friends family were in the waiting room.

Lance cried a bit while holding them. “they're so tiny” he smiled looking at his daughter

You chuckled sarcastically as you cuddled your son “don't tell that to the person who pushed them out”

Your set of twins was a boy and a girl, Dean Seeley Sweets and Charlotte Jack Sweets. They both have your eyes and Lance's dark curly hair.

Dean is very much like you, he has your smile and is very compassionate like you. He also gets attached to the same interests you have, he loves Elvis just as much as you do and he wants to be a Forensic Entomologist like you and his uncle Jack.

Charlotte is like Lance, very Geeky and has a heart of gold like her dad, she loves animals and wants to be a Vet but she also wants to be a Shrink like Lance, it changes every other month.

They were very easy baby's to take care of, Dean was a cryer though. Lance was always getting up in the middle of the night to comfort him before he woke up you and Charlotte. “please don't wake up mommy” he mumbled as he rocked his son.

Your kids don't get jealous of each other, they love you and Lance both equally but Dean is a mama's boy and Charlotte is a Daddy's girl.

They're spoiled roaten, Lance would give your twins the world if he could. Your more of the protective one, you'll beat someone up if they harm your babbies.

You guys always show interest in the things your kids love, Lance trys to remember all your daughter's stuff animals names and try to learn how to play with pokemon cards with your son.

Your always watching their favorite movies with them with curiosity and your always willing to listen to their rants or what there passionate about.

Your daughter loves Monster High dolls, she has almost every character and she gets Lance to play with her all the time. He's spent so much time watching the cartoons and playing with her he knows all the names.

He knows Gil and Franky are her favorites, there was a couple of months were Charlotte tried to convince her dad Gil was her boyfriend. She carried the call every where and he was her favorite.

“it's kinda werid? I mean I have a daughter too and I get to some level but he's a fish boy” Seeley said one day.

Lance shrugged as he held the doll. “he doesn't talk back, he doesn't check her out, and he won't cheat”

Just as he said that your daughter came running in with her cute little angry face and her arms cross. “he's Jackass, Daddy! He likes Christine's Barbie more than me”

The boys tried not to laugh but that the same time Lance gave Seeley a side eye, knowing Christine taught Charlotte the word Jackass.

“I stand corrected” Lance said, tossing the doll on the couch.

Your son Dean doesn't really like playing with them, he only play dolls with his sister if he has your old Elvis Barbie doll.

Your son likes music and Pokémon. He grew up listening to old rock music with you, he also wants to learn how to play guitar.

Angel's father is kinda like a grandpa to them, you nor Lance have parents alive so your brother's father-in-law was more than happy to be a grandpa to your twins. Dean wants to learn how to play guitar from him.

Lance trys his hardest not to get mad, even if your kids did something uneceptable. After he got on to them he'll immediately feel bad, he doesn't want them to be afraid of him like he was all his foster parents.

“your an amazing dad and they'll always love you”

Like I said before, he'll give the twins the world if he could but they want a dog, so he'll settle on that. He brought home a black lab puppy one day. The twins were so happy and named him Duke.

Jack and Angela are literally the best aunt and uncle out there, just putting it out there and the twins are really close with Michael Vincent.

Christine is also close to the twins too, Dean has a small innocent crush on her but they're both to young to really understand.

Seeley and Temperance are also amazing 'aunt and uncle'. Charlotte loves being around Seeley and playing with monster trucks with him. Dean always has a listing ear to Temperance if she wants to explain something scientific or talk about a new plot for her book.

You and Lance invested in a California king size bed because the twins are always trying to bunk with you...you also have a black lab joing in on the sleep over too. Getting the big bed just helps everyone be comfortable.

Your always taking them to lab and showing them around, Cam loves them too much to really say anything. They don't mind going to Bureau with Lance but is kinda boring to them, they like saying hi to James Aubrey and Caroline though.

They love going to Seely's office, there's so much stuff to play with. Lance made a joke how Dean is allowed to play with Seeley's bobble head and he's not.

Charlotte just likes setting in the comfy chairs in Lance's office and read Dr. Seuss books.

Lightsaber battles between Dean and Lance all the time, and coincidence or not they're always doing to while you and Charlotte are trying to watch Supernatural or Grey's anatomy.

Dean just gets crazier and crazier the older he gets, in a good way of course. Him and Michael Vincent would be out side playing with firecrackers or digging a hole while Christine and Charlotte set quietly in the house coloring and watching cartoons.

The twins are close but they get into fights alot. Sometimes it worrys you, you don't want them hating each other. “they love each other Honey and it's just a phase... Not every sibling is gonna be as close as you and Jack are”

You know he's right and not even a week later the two were glued to the hip again.

You truly believe your family is perfect, your twins are smart and have hearts of gold and they have an amazing dad.

Lance feels like the luckyest man alive and he couldn't be happier. He also couldn't be prouder of his children.

[chaosduckies]

Restoration (Chapter 10)

I cut this one a bit short since I want the next one to be long. THAT’S where I’m deciding to put the TWO scenes I thought of. It will make you cry, and at the same time make your heart melt. Anyways, enjoy!

Word Count: 3.1k

CW: Witnessing a birth, mentions of death, That’s all for this one!

10-Ryker 

Everything was going downhill. 

There were warnings everywhere around the neighborhood I lived in. That humans living here should find a place to stay on the human side of the city. The riots were getting out of hand. Of course that was something to worry about, but I was really just worried about one other thing. Where would Lucky and Angela live? 

They can’t stay here. If those people come around and they find them, I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if something bad happens. It was better if I find someplace for them to stay. Away from the people that want to kill them. I was not about to let something bad happen to them because I kept them here. 

I had talked with Jasmine, and she said we should take down all of the elevators and hide the human room in case someone decides to barge into our house looking for harbored humans. It was smart, but it might take a while to get rid of all the elevators. There were a lot. I still didn’t have a place for Lucky and Angela to go. 

Nathan could always… no. That’s asking too much. Taking care of my own siblings? I couldn’t ask him to do that. I’m sure his mom doesn’t want two other people to look after either. I really didn’t know what to do. Maybe if I ask? No. Nonono. No asking. I’m sure Nathan already has his own problems to deal with. I can’t put more stress on him. The movie last night was great until I thought he would be fine if I just grabbed him. He absolutely freaked out and I didn’t know why I even did that. So could he really handle a four year old who absolutely loves hugs and a fifteen year old who is just so full of energy and loves playing sports. Is that a good combo with someone who was wary about being touched and hates the cold weather? No. I don’t think so. 

I groaned, leaning against the kitchen island and burying my head in my hands. What do I do? I can’t just give them to some random person! What if they hurt them or something worse? I guess I could always call Lucky, but what fi they take away his phone? 

There was small giggling from in front of me. I picked my head up, seeing Angela holding up a picture she drew. Of course I can barely see it when she’s standing so far away, but I just forged the best smile I could and scooped her up. She giggled even more, hugging the stuffed panda Nathan had given her. Speaking of… I need to find him a gift. 

“What is it, Angel?”  

“Lucky told me we have to leave. Is that true?” She pouted. Nothing goes unsaid in this house. Everyone finds out eventually. I would of had to tell Angela sooner or later. Or at least before she had to leave and go live with someone else for a while. It might actually be harder for me to watch them leave. 

“I’m sorry, Angel. I just want you to be safe.” I apologized, but she only hugged what little portion she could of my thumb. Like I said, she loved hugs. 

“I don’t wanna go thoughhhh.” She didn’t let go. I sighed, lightly pressing the back of my finger up against her back. I smiled softly, “You’ll miss me?” She nodded her head, finally letting go as I pulled my finger away. She was jut a kid, I can’t tell her that some people want to kill her just for being born. That would be bad. She wouldn’t understand yet either. 

I set Angela back down on the counter, watching her take the elevator back down probably to go see what Jasmine was up to. I still remember the day she was born. Everyone was shocked. Mostly my parents, but I remember being excited to have another baby sister.

——————

We could barely hear the crying. The doctors stared in shock as they held the tiny human-sized baby in their palms. Mom was barely conscious while dad was telling her how beautiful she was. None of us could see her face. She was too small. Isabelle was asleep on the couch, Dylan and jasmine stood there shocked at the events that just took place, meanwhile, Lucky was smiling. He was going to have a human sized sister. 

The doctors told the news to our mother, who was even more shocked than us. They carefully handed her the tiny life that had immediately stopped crying after she was safely in my mother’s hand. Mom had started crying happy tears, cooing at the extremely tiny baby she was holding. 

“It’s rare, but happens. The baby is completely healthy and otherwise normal.” The doctor smiled, reading off the clipboard. I walked closer, the doctor moving out of my way so I could see. She was so tiny. Maybe the size of my fingertip. I smiled, letting out a sigh of relief. 

“Say hi to Angel, Ryker.” Mom laughed, a shaky hand reaching to the infant. Angel? I liked that name. 

Soon enough everyone was gathered around the hospital bed. Mom didn’t let the younger ones hold her, only Jasmine and I and Lucky since he was a human. When it was my turn, I swear I heard a tiny little giggle escape the baby’s mouth. I smiled, looking in awe at how tiny she really was. Adorable. 

Angel was passed back to my mother, who held her all throughout the night. We never once heard her cry at night. Not at all when she was a baby. We needed some help to get her baby clothes since none of us could fit in a human-sized store except for Lucky, who was barely eleven at the time. Dad asked a few work friends, who were happy to help. When they weren’t around, mom had to use a pipette to feed her. One tiny drop at a time. 

——————

Mom loved her so much. She kept on saying that she was an angel, so that’s what her name would be. Angela. We call her Angel because that’s what mom called her. She really was an angel though. Mom never had a hard time getting her to sleep, feeding her, rocking her. Even if she was so much bigger than her own daughter. 

So, I was not about to let anyone just watch her. We were all so protective of her because of how she was brought into the world. Supposed to be a miscarriage, but here we are, with a happy little sister. I couldn’t let her see the bad part of life yet. It would make me a terrible older brother. 

As for Lucky, I didn’t want him to go back to a place where no one wanted him. Where he was afraid. The adoption center we found him in treated him badly as he was the only human there, so I was just glad I convince him to come with us. Now look at him. He was glued to Dylan and wasn’t scared of anything anymore. Could I let him go back to that terrible place? No. I will not be at any point in time. 

Nathan was my only choice. I didn’t trust anyone else, and I couldn’t let them stay here. Plus, Angel and Lucky like him. I doubt Nathan is able to physically hurt someone anyways. It was my best option. Now I just have to hope that he’s okay with it. 

I picked up my phone, and texted him. 

———Nathan———

My phone went off. I was in my room finishing off one of the books the librarian recommended to me. I picked up my phone, stuffing my bookmark where I left off and checked my messages. 

Ryker: Sorry for bothering you so much lately, but I have a hugeeee favor to ask you 

I already knew what he was going to ask. After what we saw on the news last night, I’m sure he was looking for a place Lucky and Isabelle could be at. Assuming I was the only other human he knew besides his own siblings, I was probably his best bet. I don’t mind though. Lucky and Isabelle are both my friends so how could I say no? 

Nathan: You’re not bothering me :) 

Nathan: What’d you need?  

Ryker: Could you maybe watch Lucky and Isabelle? Just until this whole riot thing blows over 

Ryker: You don’t have though 

Nathan: It’s fine! 

Nathan: I kind of expected this after last night 

Nathan: Let me just make sure my mom was okay with it 

Ryker: TYSM you’re the best 

I laughed, placing my phone back on the desk by my bed and heading into the living room where my mom was finishing up some papers for work. She smiled when she saw me walk in. She took the day off to finish up her work and stay with me. School was cancelled until after Christmas break because of what happened last night. The riots were getting out of hand, and people nearly died. She just wanted to make sure I would be okay at the house alone. Apparently I wouldn’t be alone all that much this time. 

“H-hey mom,” I started, “Ryker asked if his human siblings could stay here. B-because of what happened last night. He doesn’t want them to get hurt and he just asked if they could stay here for a week or two?” 

She smiled softly, putting her pen down, “Of course! You sure it won’t be too much on you? You know I’m working all week.” I nodded my head. If I can take care of myself and my mom, then I’m sure two others won’t be too bad. Plus, I’m sure my mom has some tips for Angela. She absolutely loves kids. 

“Alright then, I can’t wait to meet them!” She cheered as I walked back to my room. I knew she would say yes, I just had to make sure. It’s nice to know I can start slowly repaying Ryker for everything he’s done for me. This was just one small, insignificant way to repay him. 

Nathan: Yeah they can come! When though?

Ryker: Ummm in about three hours? Bus stop? 

Ryker: I don’t want go at night and I want to get them as far away from here as possible

Nathan: Sure! 

Nathan: I’ll be waiting

Ryker: Thank you so much  

Nathan: Anytime :D

Three hours wasn’t that long. I could finish my book and get ready to head out. I don’t know if my mom would want to come. Probably not since she’d most likely have some kind of greeting for them. Maybe she’ll just summon a gift out of nowhere. She does that sometimes. I’ve learned to never underestimate her when it comes to gifts. 

I finished the book, ending with the main character presenting his portfolio while also reflecting on everything that’s happened to him. His brother died, his other brother was broken because of it, he had to be the one to fix his family, and he did it. I liked it. It was a sweet ending. I still had about an hour and a half left until I had to go pick up Lucky and Angela. What should I do in the meantime? Well the first thing that pops up in my head is to bake. Because of course it is. It’s my main coping mechanism and it’s easy to do when you’re pretty good at it. 

Walking into the kitchen, I grabbed everything I needed for just some basic cookies, measured everything up, mixed it, and put it in the oven. My mom had appeared out of nowhere and sat down at one of the stools. 

“Smells good.” She smiled. I smiled back, taking a seat in the stroll next to her. 

“Everything alright, Nate?” She asked. She knew when I bake it’s because something is wrong. Today though, I was just doing it for fun. Also because I didn’t want Lucky and Angela to come without me giving them something. I’m just trying to make a good impression. 

“Yeah. Just making them a little gift.” 

“You care a lot about Ryker, don’t you? I mean, you are taking care of his own siblings for him,” She started, placing a cold hand on my shoulder, “He sounds like a nice friend though.” 

I nodded my head, “He is… I’m just trying to pay him back. F-for everything.” I started playing with my hands. I’m no longer as scared as I was before I met Ryker, I’ve been able to have someone to talk to, I’ve had the experience of actually having a friend, and I feel bad that I can’t give him anything back. 

“Nate, buddy, a good friend doesn’t ever ask for something in return I hope you know. You don’t always have to pay him back.” She advised. I sighed. I knew that… but I wanted to do this. It was the right thing. Was I just about to abandon his siblings to be left in that neighborhood where people were practically trying to weed out any and all humans on their side. 

“I know. But it’s nice to know that I’m at least helpful in some way.” 

My mom patted me on the back lightly, making me sit straight up and offer a nervous smile. She muttered a sorry before heading back to the living room to finish her paperwork. Five more minutes until the cookies were done. I couldn’t do anything else for Ryker except do what he asks me to. I mean, that’s what it means being a human right? You can’t do anything for anyone if they’re not the same size as you, yet a giant can give so much to a human, and still give more to their own people. Wait… Why was I thinking so hard about this?I didn’t even expect Ryker to give me anything. Ah. I’m spiraling again. 

I took the pan out of the oven, seeing the perfectly golden-brown cookies. They smelled delicious as always.  

——————

I waited by the bus stop, constantly checking the time and immediately stuffing my hands back into the warmth of my pocket. I can’t wait to get home, get under the blankets, and cuddle near the heater. Weird? Don’t care. I’m freakishly cold right now, and it was only getting closer as Christmas came around the corner. 

Ryker came into view, a sad look on his face. Right. Parting ways with his siblings he’s lived with his entire life. Why do I get the feeling Jasmine was going to threaten me again? I shuddered at the thought, but smiled and waved as soon as they had stopped in front of me. 

There was no way in heck that I was ready to see Ryker standing up to his full height from the ground, so I just focused on something else. The many cracks in the sidewalk, how many pieces of grass stuck in between the cracks. It helps. Only a little though. 

First up was the goodbyes for Angela. Jasmine was slightly crying, but she wiped those tears away. I knew they were close. Isabelle had hugged Angela up close, and then Ryker and Dylan all gave her a makeshift hug. Angela ran up to me, giving me a tight hug. I only slightly jumped, trying to seem comfortable around Ryker’ siblings. I admit, the ugly bothered me, but was I just supposed to deny a four-year old child a hug? I remember when I was little that was all I wanted. 

Dylan joked around with Lucky before letting him down on the ground. Lucky waved a goodbye to everyone. I was kind of surprised that was it. Then again, he was fifteen. I doubt he’d want his own siblings embarrassing him in front of me. I wouldn’t think anything of it. Not like I don’t do anything embarrassing all the time. 

“Thanks again. You didn’t have to.” Ryker thanked me, giving his best smile. I couldn’t help but catch the way the edges of his mouth twitched. This was hard for him to see them leave. It would be hard for me too if you only had your siblings left in the world and now they had to leave because it wasn’t safe for them. Maybe they don’t trust me all too much… If that’s the case then I was their only hope. 

They had all left, except for Jasmine, who crouched down and brought her face close to me, a mean and annoyed look on her face. I let out a quiet squeak, backing up. Lucky just stood in front of me, shaking his head. He doesn’t have to defend me- 

“If I find out that they even have the slightest little bruise, I’ll murder you.” She promised, standing up and now joining the rest of her siblings. A shiver ran down my spine. 

“Ah don’t take her seriously. She’s a real softie once you get to know her.” Lucky patted me on the back while Angela grabbed his hand. Yeah… Only joking he says. I think she means it when she gets that close to me. 

We walked back to my house where my mom handed them a plate full of my cookies, which they both gladly took and ate in the matter of seconds. My mom sat with Angela in the empty room playing, “tea party” with whatever stuffed animals Angela brought. Meanwhile, Lucky and I were watching a movie on the couch in the living room. 

“Thanks,” He started, I picked up my head, “Ryker told me about what happened last night. When he tried to grab you I mean.” 

I looked down at the floor. I still feel bad about it. Who wouldn’t? He wasn’t even trying to hurt me and I just… Agh. 

“You’re not afraid of him in general, right?” He asked. I quickly shook my head. He could never purposely scare me. It’s what he can do that scared me. Not to mention that I sometimes get those terrible nightmares which make everything a million times worse. So, no, it’s not Ryker I’m afraid of. 

“Well, all I can say is that you’ll feel better if you tell him about whatever happened to you. I know from experience. He’ll help in any way he can.” Lucky flashed me a smile, then continued to watch the movie. 

Would he really though? Anytime I’ve ever told someone and they tried to help, they just give up on me about two weeks in. What’s so different about this time? That it’s someone my age? I think that makes it worse. 

But, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea… maybe I should? 

———————————————

Ahhh oh how I love when it ends with a rhetorical question. Will he? Will he not? Hahaaa I can’t wait to post the next chapter. (I’m crushing my own soul with this one) :D

Thank you for reading!!!

(Also, WHATTTT two chapters in the span of 24 hours?? Impossible)

[likes-words-and-shrimp]

Imagining the different ways Lloyd and Colette met each other as kids; Lloyd showing up to school one day with his big dog that Colette loves, or Lloyd finding a lost Colette in the woods, wondering why she seems sad. Both fluff and angst work well for them, though I tend to prefer the angst and how it trails them when they were younger.

Both were alone in their own ways - Lloyd living in the wilderness with a Dwarven father, with the memory of his parents that is slowly fading away with time, (except in nightmares where he remembers falling in a storm) rarely seeing another person like him, perhaps wondering if he can someday, giving Dirk the idea to get him to go to school in the nearby village.

Colette is othered by the fact that she is a Chosen, thus she is special, thus she is always greeted by her title, thus the other children feel they can't just treat her like other kids. Her status is first and foremost, her name second, if even remembered at all. She is told her fate early on that only she will become an angel (only she will die) for the good of everyone else.

Learning about her fate as a child, Colette runs away from the village in a moment of weakness. She then finds a strange boy in red who is exploring a grove with his dog. He doesn't know she's a Chosen, but he does learn her name, which she likes hearing. She's sad when they first meet, one of the few times he will ever see her cry so openly. But he has a big smile - another kid that's like him! - and Colette finds herself smiling too. He takes her hand so easily, leading her to places that have more sunlight. She gets to run her fingers through the fur of his dog, she gets to feel the boy's warmth. Lloyd notes her hand a bit smaller than his, how it fits inside his.

Eventually, others find Colette to bring her back home. Dirk takes his son back to the woods, and it seems neither will be ever to see the other again.

So it seems like fate when she sees him at school the next day. He's nervous but excited, maybe sharing his name to the others a bit loudly. He talks about his dog that he had to leave at the village gate because Noishe was too big. Some kids note how weird he seems (and why is he wearing so much red?)

Colette is introduced to him as the Chosen by others, before she can say a thing. Lloyd is fascinated - it's so amazing! She's going to save the world! And though she fears that is all he will know her as, he still calls her by her name, because of their meeting in the woods.

"Colette, do you wanna climb that tree together?"

"Hey, Colette, you can see Noishe after school if you want!"

"Colette."

Lloyd's grin is infectious, and she can't help but do the same. He likes to see her smile, even as he still wonders if she still feels sad like that time he met her in the woods. But she seems happy now, especially as she calls out his name, "Lloyd!" in laughter. She's the first person besides his father to call him that in recent memory. It feels good and right.

And, Colette thinks, if someone like Lloyd can keep calling her by her name and see her as just another person, maybe she can also stay being a Chosen for the rest of the world a little longer.

[arlana-likes-to-write]

Second Chance - Chapter 4

Masterlist

Warning: mention of weight loss, reader lowkeye almost blacks out, mention of medication, Tony is a good dad

Relationships: Tony x daughter!reader, Yelena x reader

Word count: 2.5k

Goodness, you were nervous. Your leg would not stop bouncing. The only time you had this much anxiety was your first doctor’s appointment. Every sense then, you got used to going alone, holding the weight of whatever news you received on your shoulders alone. Why was it so hard being here with someone? You glanced at Tony through the corner of your eye. He seemed equally as nervous as you waited for a nurse to call you back. He was hiding it, focused on whatever he was looking at on his tablet. But he was stiff as if he was glued to the chair he sat in. And when the nurse called your name, you both jumped - lost in whatever world your mind was creating.

You followed the nurse to the back, stepping on the scale to get your weight before heading to a room. “How are you feeling, angel?” She asked as you sat in the chair next to the desk. Tony sat in the chair in the corner.

“I’m doing good, Pam,” you made a note to remember the name of every nurse at the office. They were all saints and on your gift-giving list for Christmas.

“Are you just saying that because your father is here?” She questioned as she took your temperature. “97.8.” She documented it on your chart. Next, she placed the blood pressure cuff on your arm. It was your least favorite part, you hated how tingly your arm felt. You gave her a sheepish smile.

“Just the normal fatigue and light-headedness,” you admitted, looking down at the pattern on the floor. She took off the cuff and shook your arm to regain the feeling.

“Blood pressure is normal,” she sat down at the computer. “You’ve lost some weight since your last appointment. Are you eating?”

“Yes Pam,” you sighed. “Food just tastes weird.” You loved Pam but every time she was your nurse you felt like you were being scolded like a little kid.

“Protein powder and shakes,” she said. “And try small proteins throughout the day instead of three big meals.” You nodded.

“I’ll make sure she’s eating,” Tony said. “We all will.” You knew he meant that.

“Do you need any refills on your medications?” She asked. Your medical team had you on Zofran for nausea and a higher milligram of ibuprofen when your body ached. On the off chance, that ibuprofen wasn’t working you had muscle relaxers. But you didn’t like taking those. “Perfect. Dr. Carpenter will be right with you,” she said, standing up. “Take care of yourself, sweetheart, and call if you need anything.”

“I will,” you smiled. “Thank you.” Once she was gone, you stood up and sat on the exam table so you could lie down before Dr. Carpenter came in. You loved that man but boy he had a lot of energy.

“Hey,” you looked at Tony. “How are you?” He asked softly.

“Sleepy,” you mumbled, rubbing your eyes. He smiled.

“Well, we can go back to the tower and you can take a nap or we can go get lunch. Nurse Pam did say you need to eat,” you rolled your eyes and placed your arm over your forehead.

“I eat,” you said. Not enough but at least you were eating. You sighed. “Let’s go get lunch. Free food is good food.”

“Oh I’m paying now,” you smiled. Before he could come up with a clever retort the door opened.

“There she is,” Dr. Carpenter said, closing the door behind him. You sat up to meet the excited doctor. “How are you? Still kicking ass and taking names.” You smiled, rolling your eyes slightly as he gave you a quick hug instead of a handshake.

“Something like that,” you said. He turned his attention to Tony.

“And the man of the hour,” he extended his hand for Tony to take. The billionaire’s body shook by the intensity. “Dr. Lucas Carpenter,” he pulled up a chair to sit down closer to you and Tony. “When the nurses told me she didn’t come alone, I almost fell out of my chair. I’ve been telling this one to reach out to when we found out about her diagnosis but she’s as stubborn as her mother.”

“I’ve been beginning to notice,” you sighed, crossing your arms. They were talking about you as if you weren’t here. Dr. Carpenter laughed.

“I’ve been lucky to see this little firecracker grow up,” you saw Tony shift in his seat, the change went unnoticed by the doctor. “Somethings don’t change. So,” he crossed his right leg over his left and leaned back in the chair. “Have you told him everything?”

“Yes,” you said. Well, not everything but baby steps. “He and the other Avengers have been tested to see if they are a match.” The doctor smiled. You knew he was proud of you, you fought tooth and nail against him and the rest of your medical team to find a different way.

“If by chance we don’t find a match, what’s the next step?” Tony asked.

“Plan B,” you sighed.

“Plan B,” Dr. Carpenter repeated.

“What the hell is plan B?” The doctor grabbed a tablet and handed it to the billionaire. You knew it was your medical chart; blood work and other tests. It was a screen you’d stared at for a long time.

“Plan B is increasing her treatment,” he began. “Right now she is on a 3-week cycle- double dosage of chemo on week one, only one dose the following week, and then a week off.” Last week was your week woof, your double dose was tomorrow. “If we don’t find a match, she’ll have to get chemo every week and it be more intense.” Tony handed him back the tablet. You kept your eyes on the floor.

“What are the side effects of this Plan B?” He asked. The doctor sighed.

“Pretty much the same ones she’s experiencing now - nausea, fatigue, headache, and appetite loss but they could be more common and intense,” he explained. “It’s not even a guarantee it will work,” you stole a glance at Tony but he kept his face neutral. “However that is Plan B and we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We have to take it one step at a time, right?”

“Right,” you smiled. When you were younger, some kids were picking on you. You remember you sat in your room with your mom’s arms around you tight and you felt warm and safe. She said, ‘You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.’ Back then you weren’t sure what she meant, you just wanted those kids to stop being mean. But now those words were one of the few things keeping you alive.

*

“Thank you,” you said to the waitress who placed your order down.

“Let me know if you need anything,” she said mostly to Tony. She fluttered her eyelashes and stuck her chest out. You cringed at the pathetic attempt at flirting with a married man no less. But Tony paid no attention to her, more focused on putting ketchup on his food. You cleared your throat. The sound caused Tony to look up at you and then to the waitress.

“Oh uh will do,” she smirked and walked away, taking his awkward rambling as a sign he found her attractive. You chuckled.

“She wanted to fuck you,” you said, taking a bite of your sandwich and you were grateful it tasted okay. It was his turn to cringe.

“Please never say that again,” you laughed, sipping on your water. “So this Dr. Carpenter, you like him?” You could feel the underlying jealousy behind every word. You knew he touched a nerve every time the doctor brought up your mom or the past in some way. You nodded.

“Yeah,” you said. “He’s been positive during this whole process despite how serious it is. But I did like your idea of him touching base with Dr. Cho just in case I get sick at the tower,” you added on quickly. You did believe it was a good idea, especially with how uncertain everything was. He smiled.

“Good but enough about doctors,” he whipped his hands on the napkin. “Tell me more about you. Any lucky ladies or men I have to worry about?” You felt your body warm up and looked away.

“Nope,” you said. “Single as a pringle.” He raised a questioning eyebrow at you. “I’m not talking about my sex life with you.”

“I don’t want to know about your sex life,” he deadpanned. “As long as you are practicing safe sex. I can get you condoms or-”

“Oh my god. Stop,” you cut him off. His smile grew.

“This is nothing to be embarrassed about. This is an important conversation to have.” Tony tried to drop the smile but he was failing miserably. You groaned, covering your face with your hands.

“I’m not having this conversation with you at a sandwich shop of all places,” he laughed, taking your hands off your face.

“Alright, alright,” he said. “I’ll drop it, for now.” You glared at him. “But I’m serious tell me about your life before all this, the stuff your mother didn’t mention in her letters.” You stared at him.

“You read them?”

“Of course. I haven’t finished all of them but I want to know what I missed.” Oh. The more time you spent with the billionaire he kept surprising you.

“Okay,” you smiled. “Yeah, I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”

*

“I think that should be it, FRIDAY,” you said, crossing the last item off your list. You were in desperate need of groceries that weren’t going to upset your stomach, especially with your appointment tomorrow.

“Right away, Miss. Easton,” the AI said. “I’ll place the order and have them brought up to you when they arrive at the tower.” Perfect. The kitchen was put together, food was ordered, and your clothes were organized. Next on your list was to hang up some of your canvases. You swallowed an ibuprofen with a tall glass of water and ignored the ache in your bones. All you had to do was push through. You lifted a box onto the couch so it was easier to go through. Your mom always told you you had a spending problem. Whenever you traveled you bought something but you justified it by getting stuff from local artists or small businesses. Smiling, you put some pottery on a small bookshelf. Above the bookshelf, you wanted to hang up a three-piece art insulation that captured a pride of lions. You picked up a hammer and held a nail in your mouth when the room began to spin. “Shit,” you mumbled, resting your forehead on the wall.

“Miss. Easton,” the AI said. “I detect your blood pressure elevating. Should I alert the medical team?” You shook your head. That was a mistake. Black spots covered your vision and the nausea you were feeling only got worse.

“I’m good,” you managed to set the hammer and nail down before slumping to the ground. Your back was against the space on the wall and you grabbed onto the leg of the bookshelf. It grounded you and helped combat the room spinning. You whimpered and closed your eyes. Maybe you weren’t okay. You were just too stubborn to ask for help.

*

Yelena had a plan, all she had to do was unlock Kate’s door and plant the noise device. In a trade of Tony finishing it, she took the test to see if she was a bone marrow match. To be fair, she was going to take the test but why not kill two birds with one stone and ask for a small favor? “Miss. Belova,” FRIDAY said, causing her to stop in front of the archer’s door. “Miss. Easton requires your assistance.” Yelena looked towards your door and hesitated. With a sigh, she rushed over to your room. The door was unlocked and Yelena called out your name. Instead of you answering, the Black Widow heard a groan. You were sitting on the ground, head resting in your hands.

“Hey, Easton,” Yelena gently closed the door and knelt in front of you. “Hi, are you with me?” She whispered, rubbing her finger up and down your arm. It took a moment but you looked up at her, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Blondie,” you said. “What-what are you doing here?”

“Miss. Belova was the closest one to you,” the AI informed you. “I asked her to come check on you when I noticed you were in distress.” You sighed, resting your head back.

“Are you okay?” Yelena asked. “I can go get Stark or Pepper or-”

“I’m fine,” you cut off her nervous rambling. “I just,” you let out a shaky breath, and your eyes locked onto her green ones. “I-”

“What do you need from me?” Yelena found herself asking. The words tumbled past her lips without a second thought. But the way you looked at her made her heart skip.

“Can you sit with me?” You softly asked. “Just until the world stops spinning.” Yelena wordlessly sat down next to you, knees bent and she rested her forearms on top. She couldn’t help but look around your space. It was the same layout she had. Unlike the apartment she helped clean out, the place was a mess. There were boxes everywhere, newspapers on the floor, and very little stuff hung up on the wall. Yelena knew it was because you were still moving in and trying to make this bare space your new home. The Black Widow expected the place to be organized, all pristine and decorated. You seemed like that type of person.

“Your place is a mess,” Yelena said, breaking the silence. You gasped. “I’m serious,” she continued. “I can barely see the floor.”

“Oh shut up, Blondie,” you laughed. “It’s a work in progress.” Yelena hummed.

“If you say so,” you laughed again, hitting your shoulder against hers. She liked the sound of it. Oh, that was not good.

*

He was running the swaps he had available. There were a few that were on their way - the Barton’s in Iowa, Bruce in New Asgard, and Kate, America, and Rhodey were on their way back to the tower. But he had to know, it was killing him. As he waited for the tests, he paced the lap. He had to be a match, he could do this one thing for you. A ding sound pulled him out of his thoughts and he rushed over to his computer. Negative. Negative. Negative. That one word was all he saw. Until he saw something different. A positive. Someone was a match. His hands shook as he clicked on the profile. But the name made his stomach flip. Morgan. It was Morgan. How the hell was he going to tell you or Pepper?

_

taglist: @likemick,

[hardcore-lonewolf]

OG 6 [Feat. OFCS]!Team's Reactions To Different Versions Of Eva Nelson:

S0 EVA: Origins

M'gann (amazed): Aww!! *heart eyes* You're so cute Evie!!

Eva (timid): *blushes and hides behind Robin* thank you...

Artemis (intrigued): She sounds just like an angel...so precious and sweet.

Eva (pouting): *looks at the boys* you boys see why I don't let them look at my baby pictures.

Conner (smirking): *picks her up and Eva blushes when he does that* why won't you let us see? You're too young to be looking that adorable Eva.

Eva (sulking): I blame my mother's genetics and every beauty pageant I won for these looks.

Kaldur'ahm (amused): *holding a picture given by his girlfriend Ophelia* you mean this picture?

Eva (shocked): *stuttering in fear* How did you get that?

Dick (prideful): Batman took that exact photo when you were six, you look so tiny and adorable for an angel.

Octavia (excited): That gave me an idea...hey girls...let's go dress her up!!

Eva (scared): *jumps on Wally's back in fear* please run Wally...I don't wanna die like this.

S1 EVA: Legacy

Eva (pouting): *riding Wally's back* I hate being short.

Dick (smirking): Welcome to my life...

Artemis (chuckling): *takes Eva from Wally's back and carries her next* next time lil mouse.

Conner (amused): Sorry Eva, but you're stuck like this till you hit puberty again.

Eva (whimpering in sadness): No...!!!

Kaldur'ahm (whispering): *hugs Eva to his side* Shhh...you will get taller soon.

Eva (pouting): No I won't Kal, I'm stuck skinny and frail unlike the rest of you. I built like a dog bone...with no meat on it.

Wally (laughing hard): DANG EVIE!!

Octavia (serious): Baby girl, stop putting yourself down...you're perfect.

M'gann (reassuring): *holds Eva's hands* We know you hate your height and size. You'll grow somebody...we promise you.

Eva (sulking): *pouting at the Team* How is that possible M'gann? Remember when Roy banned me from the kitchen one time for not using a stool to grab my cookie jar? Y'all never let me reach the top shelf and would leash me! You guys are mean!

Everyone: *busted out laughing*

S2 EVA: Invasion

Eva (smirking): I'm getting there guys!

Wally (horrified): No!! I miss you being tiny!

Eva (pissed): Screw you Wally!

Artemis: *walks over to Eva* nah Wall...she's still short.

Eva (shocked): What? Artie, you're bluffing, I'm tall now see?

Team: *stands up next to her with smirks*

Eva (offended): I take that back...screw you guys so much.

Dick (smirking): Eva, you did that with me last night.

Eva (blushing madly): RICHARD!!!!!

S3 EVA: Outsiders

Eva (pouting): *crossing her arms*

M'gann (amused): You're still mad about getting your next growth spurt by a few inches?

Eva (seething): Yes...

Conner (smirking): Still the shortest founder in this team Evie.

Kaldur'ahm: *patting her head and holding her in his arms*

Octavia (smiling): Sadly...and she's pregnant with some flying Grayson twins.

Dick (cackling), Artemis (laughing) & Wally (snickering): *rubbing her swollen stomach gently*

S4 EVA: Phantoms

Eva (proud): *holding her babies* No more short jokes...I'm close to Artie's height as I know since these babies were born.

Dick (smirking): But we're still calling you our little kitten.

Eva (livid): You stuck on the couch till I say so Richie, our son and daughter are moving in with their mommy.

Wally (laughing): Told you man.

Eva: *hands her kids to Artemis and Wally* I'm tired and these kids drove me nuts...watch them for me please?

Artemis (smiling): Anything for these babies.

S5 EVA: Enhanced

Eva (saddened): No...

Kaldur'ahm: *hugs Eva* Fate took a turn on you my dear friend.

Conner: *picks her up* Feel better?

Eva (defeated): I'm still short and I've just given up...I'll always stay small for you guys...forever.

M'gann (smiling): *levitates Eva down from Conner's arms* We love you no matter what.

Octavia (smiling): Never forget that Evie.

Team: *hugging Eva*

[bunnygirl678]

(the tags about giving a dummy to kids to help then stop crying) you just give me a vibe of such a cool mom and dude 👏👏👏👏👏👏 YESSSS!!! MOM APPRECIATION!!! it reminds me of a lady who use to come into our drug store we use to work at she had like 3 kids and a baby and was like visibility stressed because i mean they lived at a salvation army and these kids rarely got to go out. so they go into this store and see all these toys and they get mad excited about it. plus my manager was being a major bitch about it and acting like it was issue. so i got these stickers from dollar tree and cut them into little singles and i made a deal with the kids that if they listened to their mom the whole time and were well behaved and she told me they did good, they could get a handful of stickers. dude these kids where angels in this store after that. they were helping their mom and making extra sure the little baby was ok in the crib? and that mom was such a legit sweet person. but no totally agree sometimes bribing kids with objects and things does work 👏

OMG I LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH~!!!!! Those kids will remember you and the stickers for life, you made such a positive impact <3

like what people, especially those who aren't actively around kids, don't realize is that kids are tough sometimes, like even the most well behaved kid can have shitty days, if they are hungry, tired, under/over stimulated, like the lack of grace for parents and caretakers online is such a problem.

But gonna be honest, I have found IRL people tend to be wayyy more understanding and helpful than those online, I see people go out of their way to help out parents, especially when it is just one.

I remember once when I was flying just me and my daughter (she was around 9ish months??) and I hadn't bought a seat for her (infants fly free in lap) and I had to use the restroom, but she had fallen asleep, and as I attempted to get into the tiny restroom, a very sweet flight attendant offered to hold her for me, or how on our most recent flight every time we sat next to someone, they always tried to bring her (now 6 year old lol) into some pleasant small talk, asking her about her trip, what she's into, ect... and it's not just other moms, it's random ass business men and old people, humanity doesn't suck as much as the internet makes it seem like tbh.

ALSO on my most recent flight I remember the gate changing like 4 times, each time a different terminal, and there was this single dad (don't know if he was actually single but he was traveling alone lol) was desperately trying to keep his toddler entertained, and let me just tell you, the entire waiting area became that kids playground, all of the adults joining in, it was such a human experience that i really think is more of the norm than people going off,

[us3rnam3-r3dact3d]

we're only like a third of the way there you say? 22 more chapters you say? babe wake up Baz just posted and im shaking. a third seems so big yet so small omg we're not even there yet and I'm already sad about this story ending,, such an amazing story im honored to witness it live

there's something so intense and intimate about 2 people being in the front seats of a car, it's like the energy of a living room, literally anything could happen. it was the perfect setting for this conversation. I felt like I was there

the contrasts in the 3rd paragraph are incredible. going from quinn's violence to his "love", to sam's "violence" to his care. it's like darlin's brain can only jump from one extreme to the next - they can't even begin to comprehend sam's gentleness for them,,,, a little too relatable 🫠 being so lost in this cycle that you, first of all, can't imagine a way out, and second, can't imagine that you even deserve it.........my heart is aching,, and david's defeat, knowing someone you care about is hurting and them being juuust out of reach HEY!!! OUCH!!

YOU WERE 16!!!! YOU WERE 16 IT WAS NEVER YOUR FAULT DAVID KNOWS IT WASNT YOUR FAULT PLEASE DARLIN NOOOOO

and when he got out of the car my stomach was TWISTINGG I thought he was going to THROW UP. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO THROW UP. I am so so so glad that they told him and that it came from them, cuz like idk, hot take (it's really not) david was lowkey mean during that confrontation video, u just learned that your pack mate experience something incredibly traumatic and ur first instinct was to show up to their home and sass them? hey get out of my apartment by the way im never talking to you again. I'm glad it was a david & darlin vs quinn and not david vs darlin vs quinn.

he knows what it's like to go through something devastating and not being able to speak out or get help and he's not going to hold it against them, guys we're making huge strides right now

AND OF COURSE QUINN IS HERE BECAUSE WHY WOULDNT HE BE. FUCK OFF 🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕

david has picked up angel and darlin under his arms like 2 footballs and he's getting the FUCK outta there. what a man.

I felt like I couldn't read fast enough

I can't wait for what happens next, it's been a rough couple weeks for me but your stories always make me feel better (no matter how angsty), help me forget about life for a while and make me remember what really matters,,,,,hot men,,, god bless

take care of yourself!!!! 🫶

-🦀

I knooowwwww!!! I honestly thought this story would be MUCH shorter tbh?? I had no idea it would even be ten chapters, let alone 30 something. When I was first conceptualizing this story, I had like… six or seven critical scenes in mind and that was IT! I’m glad that the story has become what it is now. I’m truly so excited and happy with how it’s turning out.

Bro some of my best and most heartfelt conversations with my siblings have been in the front seat of a car. I base a lot of David and Darlin’s moments on my relationship with them, so I wanted to incorporate that intimacy and friendship. I’m so glad that the setting translated well!!

Bro the contrast between Quinn and Sam continues to be a mind fuck for Darlin’. They said it themself a few chapters ago, love has always been intimately tied with violence for them. They can’t imagine a world in which the man who loves them doesn’t hurt them. They keep trying to merge the person they understand Sam to be with the way they understand love. Sam won’t hurt them. So Sam can’t love them. For Sam to love them, he has to hurt them.

They’ll get there.

David can see how they’re torturing themself. He wants to just shake them and tell them to STOP but he knows it won’t help. It didn’t help him.

THEY WERE JUST A KID!!!! I was struggling to create the power imbalance of quite old vampire and mortal person, until I was like “Oh. He was for sure a 25 year old who hit on teenagers.” And poor Darlin’ had no support at home. Perfect target for an asshole like Quinn.

David very nearly did throw up. His internal monologue was “I’m gonna kill him im gonna kill him I’m gonna hurl oh my god oh my god I have to sell the house I’m never letting them (both Angel and Darlin’) out of my sight I’m gonna kill him with my bare hands.” He stopped the car because he knew he was going to crash it if he didn’t.

And YEAH!!! I felt like Darlin got very little agency in canon so. They get a lot in this. To mimic canon, they’re going to FEEL like David’s taking this out of their hands, but he’s actually about to give them more tools and community.

Of COURSE QUINN RUINS THIS!!! HE RUINS EVERYTHING!!!

David is about to carry every person he loves out of Dahlia and hide them in a hole somewhere. He needs to PROTECT THEM!!!! EVERYONE!!!

I’m so sorry your past few weeks have been rough buddy!!! I’m glad that my silly little stories can help! I love writing them and I love hearing your thoughts. Your asks are one of my fav parts of posting.

Can’t wait to post more for y’all!!

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 125 - The Bossiest Little Heir

While Ophelia's been dealing with Paisley, the kiddos have been dancing to the radio while Xander gets his cardio in. Gemma, however, is OVER IT.

Gemma: Jadey, let's go play dolls.

Jaden: But I'm still dancin'!

What the heck? Since when does Jaden not wanna play dolls?

Gemma: No, dolls!

Jaden: I wanna keep dancin' 'fore we play dolls!

Xander: Gem, let Jaden keep dancing. You can play by yourself if you don't want to dance anymore.

Gemma doesn't WANT to play by herself!

Gemma: No! We play dollies NOW!

She's so mad, she kicks her little leg out at Jaden. Luckily, in her clumsy toddler rage, she barely taps him on the thigh, but it still hurts his feelings.

Jaden whimpers before the waterworks start. Gemma's his friend, why'd she do that?

Looks like Xander's cardio is being cut short.

Xander: Gemma Nicole Lemon, I did NOT just see you kick at him.

Gemma: Bu-But Daddy-

Xander: No buts. We do not kick people when we don't get our way, and that's certainly not how we treat guests in our home.

He'll deal with Gemma in a bit. For now, Xander checks on the little redhead.

Xander: You okay, buddy?

Jaden sniffles and nods.

Gemma's not moved by his tears. He wouldn't be crying if he had just played dolls like she wanted him to!

Xander sends Jaden out of the room so he can talk to his daughter.

Xander: Gemma, that wasn't nice.

Gemma: Jaden's not bein' nice! I! Wanna! Play! Doooolls!

Gemma is a pretty well-mannered toddler, but she's still a toddler. Tantrums are inevitable… and irritating.

From what Hilary told him, Xander was the king of tantrums as a tot. This is karma, he supposes.

Xander: I'm not impressed by your attitude, missy. Do you need a time-out to remember how to be nice?

Gemma: NoOoOoO! I di'nt mean it! I-I-I jus' wanted Jay-Jay to play with me!

Xander kneels down.

Xander: I get that, but Jaden said he'd play with you after he was done dancing. Jaden's our guest. That means we want him to feel welcome. Do you think getting him to stop doing what he wants to do by yelling and kicking makes him feel welcome?

Gemma: ...No.

Xander: What do you think we should do?

Gemma: Say sorry.

Xander: That's right, good girl. And if Jaden wants to play something else, you can play with him, or go play dolls by yourself, but don't force him, okay?

Gemma: 'kay, Daddy.

Gemma toddles out to find Jaden playing on the yoga mats.

Gemma: Sorry I was mean, Jay-Jay. You can go dance instead of dolls.

Jaden: But I wanna play dolls! Jus' hadta get my wiggles out!

Gemma's lucky Jaden's angelic, he doesn't hold a grudge!

Gemma: Yay!

By the time Ophelia gets home, those two are playing dolls like nothing happened. Xander fills her in on his day, though, before she fills him in on hers.

Xander: Never a dull moment, huh?

Ophelia: The Watcher needs to give us another beach episode.

After all that fuss, Gemma got bored of the dollhouse before Jaden did. Kids. 🙄

Ophelia checks in on them, and they seem to be doing okay. She doesn't see a bruise on Jaden's leg so hopefully they don't have to tell Jaden's parents about the incident. They're judgmental enough.

Ophelia asks Jaden if she could join in on playing dolls, and Jaden is thrilled.

Jaden: Can I be the mommy and you be the daddy?

Ophelia: Sure thing!

Jaden likes the mommy doll. Her hair is prettier.

Before going to Gemma's room for bedtime, Jaden makes sure he uses the potty, officially mastering potty training. Isn't it wild how support and guidance work better to help kids learn than shame and punishment? Anna and Calvin, take notes.

Before bedtime, Jaden and Ophelia chat.

Ophelia: You excited to see Mommy and Daddy tomorrow?

Jaden: Yeah… But what if I stayeded one more night?

Ophelia: I think they'll want to see you, bud, but you can always come back another time.

Jaden likes the sound of that!

[lyon-amore]

With you until the end of the world Chapter 8

Chapter 7

*Angel POV*

We went to the city center to eat. Jack grips me tight, looking around in fear. I sigh and take him in my arms, thus preventing them from being able to push him.

   "Let's see, where can I take you to eat?" I ask myself more, looking at the different places to eat.     Jack pulls me over and points to McDonald's.    "That's not good for a child." I reply, even though I should be the one who should talk the least if I can eat two McDonald's hamburgers, fries, and ice cream. What I don't want is for him thinking I'm going to fall for their good boy charm. He won't be with us long. Besides, I want to be alone with Jake “, it has a lot of fat and, who knows what else they put into that food? Yuck!””     He begins to look at me with sad eyes. I look away, biting the inside of my cheek. No. I will not fall.

I will not fall.

I won't do it.

Damn it.

We enter McDonald's and get in line. A children's menu and that's it, he doesn’t need anything else. We sit away from everyone and I watch him eat. Maybe I should ask him if he's okay, after all, he can talk and maybe we can create his testimony.    "Tell me, Jack. Do you remember everything that happened when you were with Jake and your brother?"     He nods while playing with the menu toy.    "And Jake did something? Did he take something important from the house?” I don't ask him because I don't trust Jake, but to make him consider what he saw. I trust Jake, which I don't know whether to trust a child. Yes, children are sincere, but what if he lies to protect his brother?     He shakes his head and picks up a chip. I sigh trying to calm down. He doesn't talk now. I rest my head on the table. I don't know how to make him talk to me.    "Don't cry" I listen and look up a little, noticing a hand on my head. Jack tries to cheer me up “. Don't cry mommy.”    “I'm not crying” I get up fixing my hair, uncomfortable that he calls me that. As much as it's going to serve to pretend, I don't like being called that “, and I told you, don't call me mom, I'm not your mother.”    “Bu-but you bought me clothes and you fed me” it's the longest sentence he's said today ”Isn't that what a mother does?”     Can he finish eating and get out of here? I'm not his mother, I just did it out of pity.    ''It's not-" I bite my tongue, trying not to say anything that might hurt him. If my mother, who is a teacher at elementary school children, saw me right now, she would feel proud of me for sure “. You can't decide that I'm your mother just because you've decided so, we just must appear so in people's eyes, you don't have to… call me that.”     He cocks his head, looking at me confused. Maybe I should find a way for him to understand it better.    "Okay, we're actually spies." I lean forward a little, whispering. Jack also approaches, with an innocent smile “and as the spies that we are, we must pretend to be a family, but! No need to call me 'mom', do you understand?”    "Are you spies?" He asks me excited.     I stare at him feeling bad, but I have no other choice.    "Exactly, but" I signal for silence "you can't tell anyone."    "I won't say anything.” he also makes a sign of silence, with a complicit laugh.     Okay, at least I've got the kid under control, so he doesn't rat on us. It's easier than it sounds to handle this kid.    “Oh, what an adorable son you have.” says an old woman with her granddaughter, smiling at us.    “Tha-“    “She's not really my mom.” Jack says, and I get nervous.    “What?” The lady looks at me badly.   “We are playing!” I exclaim trying to stop the child from talking “He is a savior prince and I am an evil witch who wants to defeat him.”    "Oh! I understand!” She walks away while she laughs.     I frown at Jack, annoyed. He shrinks back in the chair shyly. I have to fix this.    “Jack, you can't tell people I'm not your mother.”    "But you said-"    "I know what I said." I take a deep breath. I have to calm down, so I don't kill him “. But when people ask us, we must say that we are.”    "It's very confusing." He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms.     I look at him carefully, he doesn't look like a child who has suffered a traumatic event.    “Jack” he looks me straight in the eye and I look worried “Are you okay after what happened with your brother?”     I see how he starts to shake. Maybe I shouldn't have asked.    "No... I shouldn't cry" he says in a thin voice ". Jonas used to tell me that if I cried it would bother him... Crying is bad."”     I take a deep breath, clenching my fists hard. I don't like hearing children cry either, but this is different, it's forcing a little one to shut down. I reach out to comfort him but stop myself. I don't want to be close to him. And I don't want to get attached either. I just want to help him, find him a new home and be alone again with Jake. I sigh trying to relax, smiling a little.    “You're done?” I ask seeing that there is no rest of food left.    "Yes." he answers, picking up the toy again.    “Well, let's go.”     I take the tray and take the contents to the trash. I feel Jack tug on my sweatshirt and I look at him.    “Now what?” I ask, exhaling a charged breath.    “I want ice cream.”     I roll my eyes. Great, now I have to buy dessert for the boy.

Maybe I took advantage of the fact that the boy wanted an ice cream to buy me another, I think I have the right to give myself a reward for taking care of him, right? I look at Jack as we walk back home. He is happy with the toy. I notice that we cannot enter through the main door, there are too many people on the street. We make a detour and I help him sit on the dumpster and push myself up to run. Jake taught me some tricks to get up faster. As I stand on top of the dumpster, Jack looks at me in surprise.    "It's been great. Can I do it?"    "Mmm…Maybe when you grow up a little" I reply as I get into position for him to climb ", come on, I'll help you up."    “Do you want me to do it?” I turn my head when I hear Jake's voice and smile when I see him.    "Jake!" Jack gets excited to see him, as if he was seeing his hero.     Jake signals him not to yell his name and quickly covers his mouth.    "Sorry." the little boy apologized, embarrassed.    “Do not worry, just… Be careful next time, okay?” He answers a little awkwardly, climbing more easily than me. He hasn’t even moved the container an inch.     I get up and I don't take my eyes off him, what's more, my feet move on their own to get closer, lowering his mask a little to kiss him. He kisses me back with a few smaller ones.    “All good?” I ask worried.    "Yeah, do not worry." He caresses my cheek and I lean into the side of his hand, still smiling.     Then he walks away and approaches the child, picking him up in his arms until he approaches the window.    "Alright little one" he climbs onto his shoulders, placing his feet on his shoulders ", go ahead, come in through the window."    "Okay." Jack grabs onto the window and Jake urges him on.    ”Stay there, now we enter.”    "I've been talking to Jack about what happened" I whisper so he can't hear us "Do you know what he told me? That his brother forbade him to cry, because that's bad.”     Jake sighs, I can tell how upset he is. I share his anger, Jack is a child who is growing and developing, this learning is not good for him.   "I think you should talk to him" I advise him ", you were there with him, maybe he talked to you."    "I saw him hiding behind his brother's drug dealer." I look at him surprised after hearing those words “He preferred a man who sells drugs to her brother and that he had yelled at him before.”    "Poor boy" I look up, knowing he's waiting “. When he has seen you, his face has lit up.”    “Yes I saw it.”   "Maybe he need to talk to his hero."     He nods and I jump up, grabbing the window. Jake then walks in and looks at Jack, who was waiting for us leaning against the wall.    "I'll be in the room listening to music if you need anything." I smile at both of them, walking away.     I also want to be able to write a little bit of a letter to my parents, telling them what has happened and even if I am not going to receive an answer, I want to imagine what my parents would say to me as I write. What advice would you give me about caring for a young child?

I still don't understand what Jake really has in his head to take him to us.

*Jake POV*

Angel leaves and I am left alone with Jack. I stand up to him, looking at the toy in his hands. It was a doll of a Sonic character. Tails. Although it is somewhat different, with metallic tails.    “And this?” I ask showing curiosity “Has Angel bought it for you?”     He nods with a smile.    "Yes, from MDonald" he tries to pronounce McDonald's, hugging the doll ", it came with the hamburger."    "Wow, you got the smartest one." I ruffle his hair and he laughs.     I should be able to bring up the conversation about how he feel about his brother's death, try to get him to give a hint of emotion. I then decide to do the same as when I started the older brother-little brother relationship with Henry. As that important person for my mother taught me.    “Come, I'm going to show you something very cool” I get up offering my hand, which he takes immediately.

   We enter the room where I have the computer. I sit in the chair and pick him up, sitting him on my lap.    "Do you know how to use a computer?" He shakes his head and I nod “Better, you are still too young to navigate web pages.”    “What are web pages?” He asks and I look at him surprised. Or maybe it is relief.    “They are digital places where you can look at anything you want to look for” I try to explain it to him in the best way that he can understand it “But do you know what I can do? Enter the cell phones of others from here.”     He opens his eyes surprised, then looking at the screen.    “Really?”    "Of course, look" I prepare the program and look for Macie's cell phone, seeing on her screen that the Spotify program is on “. Look, this is Angel's cell phone right now.”    “Wow…”    "Shall we do something fun?" He nods quickly and I laugh “Very well, we do this to control her cell phone” I use one of my programs and search YouTube for the nursery rhyme that bothers Angel the most and fast forward to the chorus “. Now, we remove Spotify and…” I press play on the video and signal for it to wait.    "Take this song away from me right now!" We heard her scream from the room.     We laugh and finally I remove the video, leaving control of her phone. Jack points to the screen with a big smile.    "Will you teach me to do that?" He asks excitedly.     I see myself reflected in it, except that I was about fourteen when I started.    “I think it is not a good idea at the moment” I answer, although I do not intend to teach him. I know what that would lead to and it's not what I want “. Angel told me what your brother told you not to cry.”     He lowers his head, feeling guilty.    "Crying is bad" he answers me with a small voice ", if I cry, I'm upset. Crying is not okay.”     I look at him with pity. To have to hear that from such a young child… I can not imagine how he must have lived with him.    “You know? I spent many years setting aside everything related to feeling emotions” I start to explain my story, but I will not go into details “. I did not care if someone was attacked, if they threatened him, if… they killed him” I remember then those moments with Macie's friends, those moments that I know I was cold, not caring about anyone but Hannah “. In many years, I became a very cold man, I did not want to have anyone by my side.”    "Weren't you crying?" he asks curiously.    “No, because at that time I thought that would be weak” I tell him not very proud. But then I smile “. But everything changed when he met Angel” I look at him remembering the first message I sent her, the first contact after a long time “. She taught me that it was not bad to feel emotions again. And although at that time it was still difficult for me to show them, it was thanks to her help that I became what I was again” He stays looking at me with those big blue eyes that penetrated my soul. I remember then when my mother used to talk to me like this “. It is not bad to cry when you need to, Jack, it is much better than keeping it all inside, you have to express yourself. You may have to learn it like I had to, but we'll help you.”     He stays thinking for a few moments, to finally speak.    “I cried a lot when mommy died” I notice sadness in his voice, even his eyes shine, as if now he wants to cry “. Jason told me to shut up because I was annoying and he told me that she died because I was annoying and that if I didn't cry, no one else was going to die” I stare at him surprised by his words. I do not think I should ever heard anything so cruel “. So in order not to bother and that no one died, I listened and stopped crying” he starts to shake and I see how he starts to cry “. I miss mommy, I didn't want her to die because of me.”    "It was not your fault, Jack." I speak to him in the clearest and softest way possible, so that he understands my words “, your mother did not die because you bothered her, of that I can be sure” I give him a little squeeze on the shoulder without hurting him, affectionate “and I am sure she loved you. You can cry all you need, do not keep it with us, okay?”     He nods while still crying and hugs me. I let out a small laugh, hugging him back. I see Angel leaning against the door frame, arms folded. I can see that she has a small smile on her face. I also answer her with a smile.

He falls asleep after crying and we put him in the sleeping bag to rest. We stayed silent looking at him.    “And now that?” She asks me, sighing “Have you changed your mind? Shall we leave him in charge of Leonardo? He has already managed to cry, he doesn't need us anymore, we have solved it.”     I rub my hands nervously. Part of me wants to leave him here because I knows it is dangerous. The other part is like that feeling I had with Macie, wanting to protect her because she looked helpless. Now I am sorry with Jack. The protective instinct is clearly different.    "I…" I keep looking at Jack. He is alone in this world, he has no one. Nobody except us “. Like I told you, he only trusts us.”    “Jake, I understand that it is easy to have become attached to him” she approaches me, holding my hand “, but the difference between adults running away, and ones with a child is that they need more care” she pulls her hand away and I see her hug herself, uncomfortable “and it's complicated for me, I lose my temper and today I almost didn't yell at him for screwing up. I'm not as good at this as you are.”     I watch her closely, seeing how she watches Jack. I caress her cheek gently, slowly moving up to tuck her hair behind her ear. She ends up looking at me, hurt.    "I think you have done well" I answer with a smile ", there's no one better than you to take care of him."     She sighs approaching my face. She begins to kiss me slowly and I return her. We end up getting up leaving the room, to go to the computer room and I sit her on my lap, continuing with the kisses.

I stroke her hair while she lies on my chest, breathing easy. She hugs me tight and looks up.    “What's the plan?” she asks me, her voice almost breathless.    “When we have the identity card and the passport, I need you to buy two tickets to Italy.”    “Why two?” She gets up looking at me with a frown “Jake…”    “I will go too, but I will do it by bus.”    "So, that saying that our trip will be difficult doesn't apply when there's a child involved." She says as she gets up and grabs her clothes from the floor.    "And because we still have money for him" I also grab my clothes and get dressed, to then place my hands on her cheeks “. Angel, don't be mad.”     I give her a small kiss, but that doesn't make her expression change.    “It's just that…” She takes a deep breath “I thought it would be just the two of us.”    “You have made me go back to being the man I once was, someone who helped those who need it most” She looks away, but I place my hand on her chin, making her look at me “and I can not leave him alone, it would not be right.”     She nods slowly, now placing her hands on my cheeks to kiss me.    “But nothing of calling us 'dad' and 'mom' in private.” she finally says.    "I do not know; I think that nickname suits you very well.” I tease, taking her by the waist.    “Not even in dreams.”     I laugh and kiss her again. It is a different way to run away than I have ever thought of. I know it is dangerous, but I will keep them both safe.

Chapter 9 soon

[starlite-writes]

Hello I am here to be a problem! Anyway!

1 -> Angel 11 -> for any 5 of your kids bc I would ask for all of them but that's excessive so I am just asking for 5! 19 -> Asirli 21 -> Silk and Tussah C: 33 -> Mal 36 -> A......a.......angel......asking for a friend....................also Dr Silk

!! Thank you for asking i appreciate you... dropping these under the cut because BOY did it get long

1. If your oc was to host a TV show, what would it be about? Would your oc be good at it? What sorts of guests would appear?

God, could you imagine Angel hosting any kind of TV show? LMAO But I think, if they had to... maybe some kind of weird psychology show... How To Gaslight 101... /hj They have no guests ever it's just Angel all the time because they can't share the spotlight... but you know, of course, there was a guest on last week; don't you remember? No? Hm, weird. There was definitely someone there. Perhaps you should pay closer attention next time.

11. What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to your oc?  Do they still feel ashamed for it? Were there any witnesses?

Oh, God. Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Luke! I think he's still really embarrassed about punching Maximilian when he first showed up... it was really out of character for him, but to be fair this was immediately after Mal in his mind and he was extremely combative and disoriented... he's apologised many times and so has Maximilian for making it worse but that. it took them a while to get over that first impression LMAO like a week before they would even say a word to each other kind of while. But now they're friends so it's cool.

Maximilian... even though it's probably not canon anymore, the masquerade was one of his top three for sure. Being paraded around in fancy clothes and forced to act like you like your kidnapper while you're stuck in a fucked up mass dream with your co-workers, who should have kept you from being here in the first place? That shit scarred him. In Trinity, it is 100% Silk putting him under curfew like a grounded teenager. Absolutely humiliating he has never recovered from that.

Tinashe... she was super excited when she first got her android body,,, but when it inevitably broke down the first time you know she was hella embarrassed and cursing Remy to hell and back. Imagine trying to pass as a person and then your body just breaks??? Awful.

For Mal,,, canonically, I got no idea. in Trinity, his first meeting with Starling. You try to beat someone up and you just beat yourself up instead???? Fucked up. But at least he got a hot black-magic-witch partner-in-crime out of it.

Rixi... that time Tina called her out about being in love with Remy and told her she was crazy for it. Rixi is really good at pretending things don't bother her or brushing them off after she has a cry but I think that's one of the few things that's stuck with her even though she never addressed it again.

The Raven Prince... [All of these words have been stolen from me sorry.]

19. If your oc were to be arrested for something, what would it be for? For being too kind, for a legitimate crime?

Asirli,,, stole a priceless map, probably. They were going to return it! They just wanted to study it a little! Is that so wrong? :(

21. Are there any public events your oc would love to go to? Concerts, plays, movies, parties, etc? What about ones that they would hate? Why?

Oh, hmm... I mean, there's not really anything they couldn't get themselves invited to, if they really wanted, but I think Silk would want to go to a casino and let loose for a weekend. I think she would really enjoy it, actually, especially given her competitive streak, but alas... that would require her to take time away from work. For Tussah... literally anywhere he would not be recognised would be great. Let him be Aurelius for a single day. Let him go to like. an art studio and paint with a group for a day without being hounded about work.

Places they would hate... Silk's is the beach. Tussah's is literally anywhere further than five feet off the ground. In all seriousness, Silk doesn't really enjoy large gatherings all that much, and Tussah gets bored during movies. He's a talker.

33. How does your oc’s own perception of themselves compare to how other people see them? Is your oc aware that other people see them differently (if it’s different)?

Thank you for choosing Mal out of everyone; he is The character for this question!

Mal definitely sees himself as someone who is much smarter and more mature than he is. He thinks he's cunning and strong and all, but he's really just extremely lucky (and being in league with Angel doesn't hurt). Mal's one of those who outwardly has a very inflated sense of self, and to a degree, he's definitely tricked himself into believing it. He's certainly aware that Angel (and most other people) sees him as childish and impulsive, but he doesn't really care too much, because regardless of what Angel says or thinks, they still need him, and vice versa.

36. What is your oc’s ideal night out like? Or would they rather spend it at home?

Wow, I can't imagine why you'd be asking this for them (/lh /s).

For Silk! Her ideal night out is a quiet visit to a planetarium so she can infodump at you about the stars,,, maybe a trip out to the middle of nowhere to look at constellations and have a cup of coffee and some dessert...

For Angel! Good luck getting them rested enough to go anywhere! But if you did manage, they'd probably enjoy a really fancy dinner and a formal concert... or like,,, a night at the opera. You know. Something pretentious.

[sevenciircles]

Earlier Than Expected

Millie was five years old and she was ready for her first ever Wrath Wrangle!

She had awoken that day with the sun, having gone to bed early at her parent's insistence. It was a big day today, it was her first time being able to compete in the Wrath Wrangle! She had watched it for years, leaning forward on the stands and cheering for her favorites, and now she'd get to participate with the big kids!

Well, she'd be in the 5-10 year old age bracket, but she was still a big kid! She'd been practicing for months now, and Millie was fully confident she was ready! She had all her moves perfected, and she had trained with her Daddy to be the toughest, roughest imp she could! She had to make not only her parents proud, but her siblings too! She would be the first to participate in a Wrath Wrangle, and the young imp knew that she could do something memorable.

She had flitted around that morning, barely paying attention to her parents as she zoomed around the house. She had so much energy! Of course she did! This was the Wrath Wrangle! Imps came from all over the Ring to their section of Wrath for a big fighting tournament! And there were all sorts of game booths and food too! She loved this festival almost as much as the Harvest Jamboree, but she had to be 18 to participate in those events. She would all old by then!

Millie was talking a mile a minute as her Mama brushed and braided her hair, rambling on about this and that and how she would wipe the floor with everyone!

She only stopped when her Daddy walked in and kneeled in front of her. Her shining eyes laid on him, a proud grin on her face.

"Daddy, Daddy! Today I'm gonna bring home that medal! When I win, can we have peach cobbler? OOOO! Or chocolate cake? I'm gonna punch, kick, and tackle the others like- HI-YA!" Millie mimed a punch, causing her Mama to let go of her hair and pull the excitable imp back.

Millie hissed in pain, but quickly got over it. Nothing could bring her down!

"Now pumpkin, I know you're excited, but you gotta be realistic! I think you'll kick some ass for sure, but baby girl your young. You're gonna be up against the real big kids, it's okay if you don't last a round or two. The important thing is that your tryin' Mildred." He said, chuckling and clapping Millie on the back.

She frowned briefly, crossing her arms.

"But I WILL win Daddy! I'm the baddest bitch in the Ring!" Millie cheered, and her Mama delivered a quick smack to her with the flat end of her brush.

"Language, young lady! Remember what I said?" Her Mama scolded, and Millie rolled her eyes.

"Only outside and out of earshot. What you don't know won't hurt ya." Millie recited, feeling her Mama finish the braid.

"And there! My little angel of doom is all ready to go!" Her Mama cooed, and Millie felt the braid. She hugged her Mama tightly, or as tightly as she could, and giggled.

"Thanks Ma!" Millie then turned to her Dad.

"I know where the med tent is, and I know how to take a hit! I'm gonna be golden! Now can we goooooooo already! My event starts in 30!" Millie begged, and her Dad sighed fondly before nodding.

Millie yelled in excitement, going around the couch to the cribs and beds and kissing her siblings and wishing them goodbye. The Wrath Wrangle Festival was only about ten minutes up the road by truck, but she acted like she was leaving them forever.

"Come on, come on, come on, let's gooooooo!" Millie grabbed her Dad's hand, dragging him out the door. Unaware he was letting himself be dragged, she smiled. Boy she was strong!

The ride to the festival was filled with chatter, mainly from Millie as she told him all about what she was going to do. Her Daddy would chime in here or there, remind her of some safety rules, and laugh at his daughter's spirit.

Finally, at long last, they arrived at the site of the festival. Millie hopped out of the truck as soon as it was parked on a random patch of dirt, and ran forward before finding herself being scooped up by her Dad.

Millie didn't mind, and her head was on a swivel as she looked around. There were tons of booths, games, and prizes! And as she craned her neck over the heads of the crowd, she could see the muddy ring where the Wrath Wrangle would take place.

Her Daddy finally let her go, allowing her to run off ahead while he went to sign her in.

Millie zoomed in and out of the crowd, eager and ready to get into that ring! She was so excited, this was gonna be great, she couldn't wait-

OOMPH!

Millie collided with something and she fell over on her butt. It shocked her more than hurt her, but she recovered quickly and opened her eyes to see an imp around her age with white hair and six white freckles.

He stared at her, nervous, so Millie gave a big smile and brushed herself off. She stood up, offering a hand to the boy.

"Sorry about that! I'm just so excited! It's the Wrath Wrangle after all, and I'm participatin'!" Millie said proudly, as the boy stared at her for a second longer before hesitantly taking her hand and helping her pull him up.

Right away, Millie dedicated a lack of roughness on his hands. No callouses. Either he wore gloves all the time or he didn't work, Millie observed.

"That's cool..." The boy said, in a low voice. Still, he was smiling. And Millie could tell he was excited.

"Right? My name's Mildred! But the only people who call me that are my Mama and Daddy." Millie introduced, letting got of his hand.

"I'm..." The boy hesitated. "My Dad said not to tell my name to strangers." He said, fidgeting with his tail.

Millie cocked her head, confused. That was weird, but she didn't think more about it.

"Okay! Are you playin' in the Wrangle? Where are ya from? I ain't never seen you around at any other things." Millie asked curiously, surely she would have remembered the soft spoken boy.

"I'm actually not from here. Well, I am. I was born here, but I live in Greed. My mommy is though, we go on vacation to Wrath every so often." The boy said, becoming slightly more cheerful when talking about his Mama.

Millie's eyes widened in shock, her smile stretching.

"Your from another ring? That's so cool! What's it like? I've only ever been here!" Millie asked, getting closer to the boy as he flushed. That was funny, it wasn't hot out!

"Um..."

Millie then noticed something out of place among the reds and tans of Wrath. Green. Green and blue. She looked behind him and saw for the first time two muscular shark demons, watching them.

Her eyes narrowed, looking to the boy.

"There's these two men followin' you! My Daddy will know how to take care of them. He's the strongest ever!" Millie said, trying to reassure the boy.

However, he only cracked a smile and giggled.

"Those are my friends!" The boy replied, and Millie relaxed. "Dad has them follow me to keep me safe." He said it like it was obvious.

That made sense! They must be even shyer than the boy to not participate. He must be so cool, making friends with adults!

"Oh! Well-" She then heard an announcement blaring over a grainy loudspeaker. It was time for her event!

Millie's eyes widened, and she turned to the boy grinning in anticipation.

"It's time! It's time! It's time!" She yelled, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the ring as he yelped.

Millie forgot she was dragging the poor boy along until she dropped his hand, turning back around.

"I have to go now! I'll be back after I win this thing! Meet me here! Are you gonna watch in the stands?" Millie asked hurriedly, seeing her competition hop over the fence and go to the center.

The boy nodded, and shyly looked towards the stands. Millie's eyes followed, and noticed a large crowd of shark demons surrounding a couple of imps. One was smoking a cigar with weird green smoke, and the other was waving to the boy.

That must be his family!

"Good luck, Millie!" The boy said, giving her a smile before running off.

Millie watched him run for a second, before climbing over the fence and hopping down into the mud. It was nice to meet him, but Millie had to focus now!

She ran to the center of the ring, noticing a lot of the competition was taller and bigger than her. She puffed up her chest and stood taller to make herself look bigger, but it did little difference.

The announcer looked them all over, and she noticed his eyes seemed to linger on her a little longer before he moved on.

"I'm gonna go over the rules one more time. You'll fight one on one in rounds, and the winner advances. The two winners will fight in the final round. Names will be called randomly. There's no weapons, and try to avoid breaking major bones. A small penalty will be deducted otherwise."

Millie had studied these rules, she had listened to them for years. She had trained for them.

"Alright, everyone face the crowd now."

Millie turned around, facing the crowd who began cheering and hollering.

She caught her Daddy in the crowd, hooting and yelling with the rest of them. Millie waved at him, but also turned slightly to the only section not yelling. The shark demons.

They looked cautious, and the male imp looked bored. The woman looked nicer, clapping happily and the boy sat on her lap, clapping too.

"Welcome y'all to the Wrath Wrangle Festival! For our first event, we have the little tykes' rumble! Let's give a shout to our lil upstarts!"

It went agonizingly slow after that.

She had watched two fights, sitting on the bench with the other kids as they awaited their turn. The fighting was vicious, it was dirty, it was tough. Millie couldn't wait!

Eventually, the loser was dragged out and the winner went to get water.

"For our next matchup, Danny Craw and Millie Mason!" The announcer yelled, and Millie hopped up along with a kid who looked about nine or so. He had some bulk on him, but was taller.

She wasn't worried.

As she got into position, she looked into his eyes and grinned.

He was going down.

Millie ended up beating Danny.

And everyone else.

As each fight of hers continued, the crowd grew louder and louder whenever she was announced. She felt so happy, and every time she looked at her Daddy he seemed so proud! She was going to have peach cobbler tonight for sure!

"For our first semi-final match, let's have our surprising little firecracker Millie Mason and our returning champ, Jenna Hales!" The announcer boomed, and Millie stood up.

She had been injured during the tournament, of course.

She was bruised and beaten, her leg felt funny and her side hurt. She was slightly dizzy, but Millie knew that even if she wasn't in perfect shape, victory was hers! She had beaten everyone else, returning champion or not, Jenna would be a piece of cake!

The bell dinged.

Millie didn't exactly remember what happened next, but after feeling a few punches and doling out some of her own she heard screams from the crowd and the world went black.

Millie woke up, a throbbing pulse coming from her skull. She winced, trying to open her eyes before closing them again.

She could feel tears leaking out of her eyes. She hadn't ever been in this much pain!

Her arm felt like it was split in too, her face ached, and it hurt with every breath she took.

"Now now, take your time pumpkin. You took a beatin' out there." Came the voice of her Daddy, and Millie felt the tears roll out more steadily as she sniffed.

Finally opening her eyes, she saw her Daddy there. She realized she was laying on a cot, her arm and leg were wrapped up. She had ice on her eye and a cloth was being held to her lip.

Every second she was awake, it hurt more. Her bottom lip quivered, and she cried openly. That only made her side hurt more, which made her cry more. It was an ugly circle.

"Da-daddy! It hurtssssss!" Millie wailed, and she could feel him holding her hand. She wanted a hug, but she knew that it would hurt more.

"Shhh, I know baby girl, I know. They're bringin' in some medicine and a more professional doc. Normally they don't do that, but for you kid, they are. You really made everyone impressed." Her Daddy said, a smile on his face.

Millie's lip wobbled, she hadn't even considered that she had lost.

"So... so I didn't win? Aren't you sad?" Millie asked, feeling on the verge of sobbing again when her Dad began gently stroking her head.

"Pumpkin, I couldn't be prouder of you. All those folks out there felt the same. No one has ever seen a kid your size and age make it so far before."

Millie found that she didn't care about everyone else.

All that mattered was that her Daddy was proud of her.

Through the tears, she tried to smile.

It would all be okay, if her Daddy was proud of her.

Still, the pain was overwhelming and she felt herself gasping, tears coming out of her eyes again.

"I'm gonna go track down that doctor, or at least see if we can get some medicine. Those fuckin' bastards takin' too long..." Her Daddy grumbled, leaving the tent.

She was alone for the moment.

Millie tried to hold back her cries, but the tears just kept coming.

She closed her eyes, trying to take deep breaths, only to realize that hurt even more.

And then she heard footsteps.

Millie cracked an eye open, thinking it was her Dad with either the doctor or the medicine, but it wasn't either of those things.

It was the boy she had met earlier.

He stood with his hands behind his back, fidgeting.

"I-I know your probably in pain." The boy said, stepping closer.

Millie could have let out a laugh if she felt better.

"So I'll try to be fast. But you were really brave. Like a story book I read! Your super strong, I wish I was." The boy looked down again, before revealing what was behind his back.

A single red rose.

"I asked my mommy if we could get it. She said that it'd make you feel better. Does it make you feel better?" The boy asked, and Millie opened both of her eyes to see the other imp looking at her with hope.

And while her pain didn't lessen, as she carefully took the rose from his hands and smelled it, she did feel better.

Millie mustered a smile, a weak and watery one, but a smile.

"I do feel better, thanks!" Millie said as cheerfully as she could, but it came out as more of a grimace. "And hey, if you're ever in Wrath again, let's play! You can tell me about Greed and I can teach you about fighting."

That took a lot out of the little girl, and she found herself holding back tears stronger than ever.

"Okay! I wanna play with you. When you're better." The boy said, and he paused. He looked like he was about to say something else, but Millie heard a faint call that sounded a lot like 'rocks', and the boy jumped.

"I have to go, goodbye!" The boy scurried out of the tent with one final wave.

Millie stared at his retreating form as she held the rose to her chest. She felt her eyelids drooping, what little energy she had spent.

What an odd imp...

When Joe came into see his daughter with the better doctor, the first aid attendant, and a bunch of medicine he was sure he'd be working off for a while, he saw his little baby girl looking pale as a sheet on the cot.

But the bright red rose stood out.

Joe wondered if he should be worried, but then dismissed it. His little pumpkin spice had a fan, he was sure it wasn't anything to be concerned about.