#If you haven't heard of Welcome Home i recommend it if your a fan of args and psychological horror !!!!

[prince-less]

I KNOW THE SONG WALLY IS SINGING ON THE DUET PAGE.

HI. UM. Sorry for the sudden Welcome Home post, but this arg has been plaguing me and my roommate all fuckin day.

When we got to the Duet webpage and listened to the singing, I felt like I knew the tune but couldn't place it. It wasn't until i was driving home while listening to it again that I finally bit the bullet and looked up the only word I could parse from his singing:

Beautiful Dreamer

Low and behold, it's literally the name of the song he's singing. He's shaky in voice, but it's the same tune and listening with lyrics pulled up makes me parse it even better. He's singing Beautiful Dreamer by Stephen Foster, but it sounds most like the Bing Crosby cover of it. It matches best with how Wally sings it.

Now, after figuring that out I went digging on the song itself and it's meaning. Apparently, a lot of Foster's songs are tunes about young dead women. This is no different. This song is described as, and I quote, "a lover serenading a 'beautiful dreamer' who is oblivious to worldly cares and may actually be dead."

HEY WHAT.

NO PERFECT IDEA WHAT THAT'S INSINUATING, BUT IT HAS TO MEAN SOMETHING RIGHT?

I have no clue if this has already been found out, but it made me so excited to finally figure out I had to share it. If it hasn't been figured out yet, yippee I unearthed a dinosaur !!!!!

Anyways, super excited for this arg and of course go support @partycoffin and the Welcome Home team !!!! Everything is absolutely stunning and im ready to get digging when the next phase comes out :]] !!

Here's a link to their Ko-fi if you're interested !!

[alittlebitofloveliness]

Do you have any songs that you associate with each greaser?

I do have a few actually, thought they're based purely on vibes!

Darry Curtis- Waves by Dean Lewis (just trust me guys, listen to the lyrics)

Ponyboy Curtis- I'm still standing by Elton John (need I say more?)

Sodapop Curtis- Cover me in sunshine by P!nk (it's such a mix of sad and hopeful and sweet . It's also deceptively upbeat and i just think it fits him so well!)

Steve Randle- Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley (I know they're all canonically Elvis fans but I can literally see Steve dancing around in my head every time I hear this song)

Two-bit Matthews- Life Rolls On by Florida georgia Line (the slow but good nature of the song and the take it or leave it nature of the lyrics fit him well in my opinion)

Johnny Cade- Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khalid (it fits. the mournful way the last lyrics are 'hello, welcome home' just gets me every time)

Dallas Winston- Way Down We Go by Kaleo (if you haven't heard it I highly recommend giving it a listen, it's so Dallas coded)

Angela Shepard- You Should be Sad by Halsey (Literally any Halsey song is Angela coded but this one in particular. Every time I write an Angela fic I'm listening to this song to get into the right headspace

Darry Curtis or Tim Shepard- Hey brother by Avicii (this requires zero explanation I'm sure)

PaperCut/Purly ship- Why'd you only call me when your high? by the Arctic Monkeys (I think this one could also work for tarry)

Honourable Mention:

Steve and Soda- I'm just Ken (no i will not elaborate)

Steve Randle- Hold on by Belle Sioski (don't ask me why, it just does)

Thanks for the ask anon!

[transman-badass]

Okay here's what I've got for this Southern Gothic idea

@cljordan-imperium @words-after-midnight @

this is going to be one of my darker stories so under the cut it goes.

The story involves a transman historian returning to the town one of his ancestors founded in Alabama. It's not for pleasure - he has no fond feelings towards the South - but rather he's following up on a theory of his. During the Civil War and Reconstruction period there was a female abolitionist who wrote under the name Mary Tuesday. She was a widow, or spinster, in her 30s, who dedicated her life to the cause, and to charity, and was extremely well-liked by those around her. As the story goes, Tuesday went down to Alabama after the Civil War to help with Reconstruction efforts, but her group was attacked by ex-confederate bandits. The supplies were stolen, the men were killed, and Tuesday taken, along with any other women, presumably to a brutal end. But the historian has a theory, one that's gaining popularity among his peers - Mary Tuesday might have been an early transman, living a double life as a man unknown to most. And the protagonist suspects Tuesday might have survived and escaped the attack.

So down the protagonist goes to the south, to face off the ghosts of the past - his own included. Most people don't recognize him, he transitioned after he left. The class divide, between his lower middle class/working poor upbringing and the world of the upper middle and higher, is immediately on display. He's allowed to stay in a former plantation outside of the city, which he has mixed feelings about. The plantation was the home of the man who legend says led the attack against Tuesday, a man so infamously cruel, even years later, when the town put up statues of quote unquote 'southern heroes', they refused to honor him. They say the only person he loved was his wife Dolly.

And sure, they say the plantation is haunted. Sure the town has some spooky tales, most well known to the protagonist being the local boogeyman figure [that I haven't named yet]. But the ghosts they say still walk the streets and houses turn out to be very different from the ghosts the protagonists actually encounters.

This story is partially a vent. I've lived in the south my whole life. I'm not a fan. All the bad things are true, and all the good things seem locked behind a paywall. And the bigotry is getting worse, at least, that's how it feels in this small town I live in. It's all Jesus, no love. Though I will say, I have never, in all my 30+ years, heard 'bless your heart' used as an insult. Last time I heard it, the full sentence was 'bless her heart, she's so deaf she can't understand me on the phone', said with a smile and small shake of the head.

Another thing that inspired this story was how many damn stories written before the millennium romanticized the south and the confederacy. I was looking through books that are probably long out of print and just boggling at them. The past really is a foreign country.

Other inspirations include Ghostland - highly recommend that book.

I aim to have a reasonably diverse cast, just like the south I've known my whole life. Don't plan to have any romance right now. There isn't really an external goal here. I don't know who's gonna read this, and when I first thought of the idea, I joked that I'd be cancelled for it. I'm writing this story for me, I think, more than some of the rest I've worked on. But if you like this idea, you're welcome to join me.

[unknown-limes]

Oof, I know the pain of having to work so far from home! I'm not much of a fan of narrative podcasts, but I would recommend checking out My Brother, My Brother, and Me. The McElroys are podcasting legends for a very good reason, they're incredibly funny! Distractable is another good one, run by the YouTuber Markiplier and his long-time friends Bob and Wade. They're great too. Mark also did a narrative podcast a few years back called The Edge of Sleep which I've heard fantastic things about, though I haven't listened to it, so I don't know. If you enjoy a little bit of true crime or cryptids, I would recommend Mystery Team Inc as well. They're focused on overall mysteries in true crime, history, science, and the more out-there stuff. Unlike many similar podcasts, they make a huge effort to be respectful of the victims when discussing true crime cases. I find this podcast to be rather unique because of their approach to each topic with enthusiasm and a zest for mirth. If you end up enjoying Welcome to Nightvale, Nowhere, On Air is similar podcast I've found incredibly enjoyable. It's got the vibe of a dying small rural town, like you're driving down a highway in the country and this is a radio show you find flipping between the pop music stations playing the same garbage. It's bittersweet nostalgia to me since I grew up in such a place. No episode is over 30 minutes, so it'd be a good burst between episodes of another, longer podcast.

And I'll just add one more The Adventure Zone recommendation on your plate. Again, the McElroys are legends for a very good reason, and TAZ is a huge part of that. The Balance arc is definitely getting its day in court on this post, but I think a lot of the other main arcs like Amnesty and Ethersea are really underrated.

So I now have a >1hr commute 3-4x a week. I need narrative podcasts and I know nothing about podcasts.

I'm considering getting into WTNV? I guess? It's literally the only one I know of with a narrative.

Suggestions????

[suchalonelysunflower]

“Unsteady”

(Ashton Irwin X fem!Reader || Angst)

Summary: Based on the song “Unsteady” by X Ambassadors. You and you husband Ashton, got into an accident. As the months pass, Ashton is starting to lose hope.

Warnings: ANGST, mentions of Drunk Driving, hospitals, coma, accidents (kinda explicit) panick attack, a lot of crying, swear words, death, blood, violence, overall sadness, bad English (not my first language, my apologies)

Word Count: 3.9k

A/N: here I am with another Ashton Angst. Hope you like it 🦋 and remember that reblogs and likes always help and feedback and comments are always welcome! I would love to hear your thoughts 💙 You can check my other works HERE.

”Hold

Hold on

Hold on to me

'Cause I'm a little unsteady

A little unsteady”

‘Her hand is too cold’ Ashton thought ‘She must be very cold’

You were lying in the hospital bed, unfazed. Ashton knew you couldn’t feel anything, at least that’s what the doctors told him. But he couldn’t help but wonder if you were cold. If you could feel your skin becoming more like ice every second but were unable to ask for a blanket.

He would give you the sun if you asked.

But you couldn’t.

Ashton hasn’t heard your voice in over three months, and damn, how he missed it. He misses you, all of you. He often wondered what he’d do if when you open your eyes. Would he cry? Kiss you? Pass out? He didn’t know. All he knew is that he’ll be the happiest man on earth once you did.

But your hands were cold against his. Your body numb in the bed. And he was by your side, unmoving.

The nice nurse came in, he liked her and knew you would too, once you meet her “It’s four already” she said, smiling kindly to Ashton. He nodded and stepped aside to let her work.

He became familiarized with the routines pretty quickly. He memorized the medicines, the sounds of the machines attached to your body, every single technicality. Ashton always hated not to know, so he spent many nights next to you studying everything he could so he’ll be up to date. It became his life mission to make sure you were treated correctly and that you were safe.

“Her hand is cold” he muttered

“Okay, I’ll make sure to bring something warm for her when I come back” the lovely nurse smiled. Ashton breathed a small ‘thank you�� as she left, taking his usual spot in the chair next to your bed, holding your hand.

“You will love her” he said to you. He read that talking to you could be helpful, since you could probably hear him “She’s very nice to us, to you. And she has that ‘loving granny’ energy you talk about. I don’t know if she’s a grandma, though. She’s probably around 52… you would know better. You always do”

His eyes landed on your face, you look beautiful as always, but you didn’t move a muscle. Ashton squeezes your hand, waiting for a reaction of any kind, but getting nothing as a result. He felt the tears coming back, they haven't left since that night, and his voice broke as he tried to hold them.

“Baby, please come back” he pleaded “I - I know you’re trying to fight when you feel like flying. I know you’re there, Y/N. Please, hold on to me. Come back to me” breaking down as he couldn’t contain the tears any longer, he whispered ”I - I miss you”

“Ashton, you can’t be serious” You said giggling.

You were coming back home after a concert. The last concert of tour and you were ready to have your husband all by yourself again. You looked at Ashton as his smile spreaded through his face, making all of his dimples pop out and your heart flutter. His hands were on the wheel, but his eyes kept drifting from you to the road.

“I mean it!” He said with a laugh “Don’t tell me you didn’t think the same thing when you saw them!”

“I did, I’m not gonna lie” you admitted “But do you think we are ready? I mean, a kid is a lot more responsibility than some plants in the garden”

It was not the first time the ‘baby conversation’ popped out. But it was always dismissed, stating that neither of you were ready for that yet. Tonight, however, one of Michael’s friends brought her baby backstage and your mommy instincts kicked in. You were pulled towards that baby like a magnet, impossible to deny how cute they were, specially in a little 5SOS hoodie customized to their size. Ashton saw from a distance how good you were with that little baby that he felt the need to have one of your own. Falling in love with the thought of you being a wonderful mother to your child.

“I know that, but think about it, love. The tour’s over, the boys and I already decided to take a little break before starting to work on a new album, we all want to dedicate some time to our families, so I’ll be around for anything you need. Not to mention that we are financially stable and completely in love” Ashton grabbed you hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently “Plus, think how beautiful you’ll look with a baby bump”

“Yeah, all bloated and irritable”

“Still beautiful” He fixed his eyes on you, still smiling “Look, if you’re not ready then we can wait but -“

“Let’s do it.”

“What?”

“I said, let’s do it. Let’s try for a baby”

Ashton’s eyes gleamed under the night sky as he looked at you with adoration. You were both smiling like fools. It was decided then, you were going to have a baby! You were so immerse with happiness at that moment,, maybe that’s why you didn’t see the car heading towards you.

“You should go home for a bit, mate” Michael said as he placed his hand on Ashton’s shoulder. He didn’t move.

It was visiting hours, Michael, Luke, Calum and their girls came today. They always do. Making Ashton company as he patiently waits for you next to your bed.

“I’m fine”

He really wasn’t. His hair was a mess, he had dark circles under his eyes and he can’t even remember the last time he ate a proper meal or took a real shower. But he didn’t care. All of his attention was on you, all of his hopes, his prayers, his pleads, all came back to you and the chance that you’ll open your eyes.

“You’re not fine, Ashton,” Michael pleaded again, but got no response from him “Look at me” He squeezed Ashton’s shoulder, turning Ashton around to look him in the eyes. The same hazel eyes that a few months ago were filled with love and spark, that now were empty and sad “You need to go home”

“But-“

“Go home, Ash. If not for you then do it for Y/N”

Ashton was taken aback. Michael never spoke with such authority as he did at that moment. He knew he was right but still he couldn’t leave you.

“Mike and I will stay with her” Luke said “Visitors hours don’t end until two hours from now. That’s enough time for you to grab some things from home”

“And for goodness sake, take a shower” Cal intervened.

“We’ll be here and we’ll call you if anything happens. But you can’t take care of her if you don’t take care of yourself, you were hurt too”

Ashton felt like he was being cornered by his three best friends. They were right, of course they were. But this was harder that it seemed and he didn’t know if he was ready to face it.

“I- I can’t” he mumbled looking down, feeling three pairs of eyes on him “I can’t go home without Y/N,, I don’t think I’ll be able to take it”

A pitiful look was exchanged between the three men. All of them hurting for him, for you.

“I’ll go with you, mate. You don’t have to go alone” Calum said, extending his hand to his best friend, helping him getting up.

When they reached the parking lot, Ashton tossed his keys to Calum, not saying a word. He was not ready to sit behind the wheel again. So Calum drove them through the familiar streets of LA, back to an empty house that was once filled with songs.

Ashton held his breath when he opened the door and stepped in. It was all too familiar but at the same time so strange. Everything was like the way you left it, the news paper on the kitchen table, next to the glass of wine you didn’t get to finish. The pair of shoes you decided to change at the last minute were still by the door and your perfume invaded the house as a ghost. Every inch of this house had your presence in it, but you were nowhere to be found.

Calum placed his hand on Ashton’s shoulder, something they all seem to be doing a lot lately, as he took in the empty house “Take all the time that you need” and he did.

Ashton walked through the deserted halls, stopping in front of his and your room. He placed his hand on the doorknob but didn’t have the heart to open it, knowing you won’t be there waiting for him like each night. He felt the tears coming up again and his breathing was uneven. It took all of him to step away from the door and head towards the guest room. At least he knows it won’t smell like you.

After a much needed shower, he went to the basement. The basket filled with laundry was still there, you told him you lost track of time and forgot to put it back up. He was glad you didn’t. Ashton grabbed a few shirts and jeans and put them in a bag, he also put a few of your clothes in there, thinking you’d feel more comfortable once you wake up. He couldn’t ignore the pain of smelling your perfume so close to him after so long. He didn’t want to.

He was about to head out when he walked by his music room. The door was open, so he was able to catch a glimpse of a few books you recommended him, but that he never had the chance to read. Maybe he could read them to you, he thought.

Stepping into the room he found thousands of papers scattered around the coffee table. Bunch of scratches and unfinished songs he was ready to show you.

It wasn’t a secret that you were Ashton’s muse. Every song he wrote was inspired by you in every possible way. And you were his number one fan, always encouraged him to do what he loves and to do better by himself. Always taking care, not only of him, but of everyone else. No kindness in the world could compare to yours, no love in the world could compare to yours and now…

Where were you? Why? How could this happen? Why you?

A million questions ran through Ashton’s head, making his senses go black as he ripped apart every piece of paper he could find. Not really paying attention to the damage he was causing as he threw everything in his way. Glasses, picture frames, drumsticks, the drums themselves… all for what? What did it matter? How could anything matter if you were not there?

Calum heard the thundering sounds and cries of his best friend and ran to him. But, to his eyes, it was almost impossible to describe the broken scene that played before him.

Ashton was crying out of rage, sadness, hopelessness and some relief. Letting it all out as he trashed the music room that was once a comfort for him. The tears were mixed with his sweat, grunting and panting as he destroyed every piece of himself in that room.

“Ash!” Yelled Calum as he stepped into the chaos, trying to reach his friend “Ash-Ashton!” He managed to dodge a few pieces of glass and plastic from the broken drum kit.

He reached him mid rage, grabbing his fisted hands with all the strength he could use “Ashton fucking stop! You need to stop!”

Ashton froze as he opened his eyes and found Calum staring at him in fear. Trembling and falling to this knees, he found himself unable to stand on his feet. Tears streaming down freely.

“She’s gone” he sobbed. Completely broken.

Calum let his guard down, softly saying “She’s not gone, Ash. She’s not gone” He grabbed the tall man and pulled him into a hug. Ashton didn’t put on a fight as he let himself be comforted by his friend “She’s going to be fine. You hear me? She’ll be okay”

“We were supposed to start a new chapter together. We- we were going to start a family and… it all happened so fast, Cal”

He cried even harder “Cal, I don’t remember if it was my fault”

“You were hit by a drunk driver, none of this is your fault”

“I should’ve paid more attention! It should’ve been me! I should be the one in the fucking hospital bed”

It was all too much. It all hurt too much. It’s just,, it wasn’t fair. You didn’t deserve this, being connected to a machine, fighting to stay alive when he was the one driving the car. Three months without opening your eyes, without hearing your laughter, or your off key singing. He would do anything just to feel your arms around him one more time, to hear your voice saying that everything was going to be okay. He needed you. He needed you desperately. How could he live without you when you were all he knew? How could he sing about love when you’re not here to hear it?

“This house doesn’t feel like a home without her” He sobbed “I- I don’t know what I’ll do, I can't lose her”

“You won’t” Said Calum, fighting his own tears when the image of you fighting for your life came to mind. But he knew he had to stay positive, for Ashton, for everyone “We won’t lose Y/N, she will wake up”

“Cal, I -“ whispered Ashton in a broken voice “I don’t think she will”

“Y/N?!”

Darkness. Everything was dark and everything hurts. Where was he? Why,, why couldn’t he move?

It took him a second to figure out that you were upside down, still inside of the car. He called your name one more time, but there was no answer. His eyes needed to adjust, he needed to find you. But then..

“A-ash?”

Your voice was weak. Barely even a whisper filled with pain.

“Y/N?!” Ashton called, his hand immediately trying to get to yours. He didn’t care about the broken pieces of glass and concrete that cut through his skin, he just needed to hold your hand “It’s okay, you’re okay”

“Ash” you cried in pain. Squeezing his hand, trying to hold onto something real “I can’t move. Everything hurts”

“Don’t move, Love. Don’t move until they come for us, okay? They’re going to help you. You’ll be okay”

Ashton tried to remain calm for you, soothing your cries by running circles in your hand. “Just hold onto me, baby. Hold my hand. We’re gonna get through this, okay? We are going to be fine”

You could only cry in response. Every ounce of pain hitting you from different parts. It was almost intolerable, but Ashton tried his best to comfort you and you got lost in the sound of his voice, starting to drift away.

“Don’t let go, Y/N. Baby. Don’t let go of my hand, okay? I need you here with me, you understand me?”

“Ashton, I’m tired”

“No, no no no, baby stay with me. Tell me, what names do you like?”

“N-names?”

“Yes, Love. For the baby”

“The baby…”

Ashton was crying, but he wouldn’t let you see it. He squeezed your hand.

“Yes, yes the baby” He could hear your breathing slowing down “You can’t go to sleep, love. Baby, hold on”

He could hear the sirens coming closer, they were going to be okay.

“W-what about Alex? Do you like that one?” You could only hum in response “Stay with me, Y/N. What about Rose? You told me you liked that name, remember?”

The lights of the ambulance shined in the pavement. They were here. Help was here.

“Rose…” you said faintly

“Yes, yes baby. We are going to have such a beautiful family” Ashton cried as he felt your hand gave in “And you’re going to be an excellent mother.”

“You’ll be an excellent father”

“Y/N?”

“I’m so tired, Ash. Everything hurts” you cried.

“Baby no, don’t leave me. Just hold onto me, keep holding onto me”

He was panicking now, feeling you fade away.

“I love you” you said.

“Y/N?! No, baby c’mon. Hold on, please. If you love me don’t let go. Don’t leave me here”

Ashton didn’t feel when the door of his car opened next to him. He didn’t feel when they pulled him out of the car and into a stretcher. He just wanted to know that you were okay.

“Y/N?!” He screamed at the paramedics, trying to find you among the crowd that has gathered around the wreck “Where’s my wife?! Y/N!”

All he could hear was “She’s losing a lot of blood!” “We need to take her now” “I don’t feel a heartbeat, we’re losing her” as he saw your figured being pulled away in another ambulance, away from him.

He yelled, screamed, cried and kicked, trying to get to you somehow. He needed to be with you. He needed to know that you were still with him. That you were okay.

He didn’t feel when they injected him with a sedative.

From that moment on, everyday was the same. Everyday hoping that it might be different.

After the wreckage of your home, Ashton came back to the hospital to find you still asleep on the bed. He thanked the boys and said goodbye, promising them that he’ll be fine.

“I went home today” he said as he sat down on his usual spot, cupping your hand in his, letting your wedding bands touch “everything is where you left it. I - I didn’t dare to put everything back, I know how mad you can get when I move your stuff” Ashton let out a sad laugh, holding your hand even tighter “I’m sorry if my hands are a bit rough, I.. well let’s say you wouldn’t want to come into my music room for quite some time. I’m sorry”

Ashton looked at you. The bruises and cuts from the accident were almost fully healed. Your hair was longer, but it wasn’t as soft as it used to be. Your eyelashes rested peacefully over your cheeks, it was almost like if you were dreaming.

“I wish you could tell me how stupid I am. Believe it or not, I miss your nagging” he sighed “I miss everything. I miss you”

The machine that was connected to your heartbeat played its usual melody, filling the gaps that were created by your silence.

“I can’t help but think that this is all my fault. Everyone tells me it’s not, that I wasn’t the one driving drunk on the streets of LA. But then I look at you and, fuck Y/N, I don’t even know if you’re in pain and it kills me. If I could trade your life for mine I would, darling, in a heartbeat.”

‘“ I should’ve paid more attention to the road. I should’ve moved out of the way or.. I should’ve done something to avoid this” silent tears rolled down his cheek, he didn’t even attempt to wipe them away “We had so much ahead of us… we were going to start a family and I.. I can’t help but think that I took that away from you, from us”

‘“ I need you here, Y/N. I need you here by my side. I can’t live without you, I don’t want to live without you, baby. You are my everything, my Y/N, my love. Without you I’m unsteady, you’re my rock, my ending and beginning, my North Star.. Y/N you’re my home. And I know it sounds selfish but I’m not ready to give you away. I love you. I love you so fucking much, Y/N. Please don’t leave me, don’t let go. Come back, baby. I need you”

He cried through every word, every confession. He cried for everything they had and all that they could have if she wakes up. He cried so hard he didn’t notice when her Heart Rate went up all of the sudden.

“Y/N? Baby don’t. No no no no don’t let go” The beeps were faster, violent, shaking up Ashton from sorrow. Having him screaming at the top of his lungs for a doctor.

It all happened so fast. A sea of white coats surrounding the room and pushing Ashton out of the way and into the hall. He tried to step in again, but a nurse cut his way.

“I’m sorry, sir. You can’t go in there” he said, sternly.

“B-but that’s my wife.. That’s my wife!”

“Sir, I will need you to stay calm and stay here while the doctors work. Okay?” He went into the room, opening the door just enough for Ashton to see two paddlers hit your chest.

Ashton punched the walls out of frustration, almost breaking his hand and making it bleed. He rested his head on the furthest wall and slowly fell to the ground, sobbing his heart out.

He stayed like that for a long time before the doctors and nurses stepped out of the room, all of them ignoring him as he stayed on the floor. It wasn’t until Y/N’s head doctor appeared that he got up.

His eyes and face were puffy red, his hand was bruised and swollen. But he couldn’t seem to find a care. Not now. Not when his Y/N was all alone. Not when there’s a chance that she’s not there anymore.

“Mr. Irwin” said the doctor in a low voice that made Ashton’s world fade to grey, swallowing the lump he had in his throat “Mrs. Irwin went into cardiac arrest. It seemed like all of this got the best of her. Her vitals were…”

But Ashton couldn’t hear her anymore. In his mind everything was pure bullshit. All of this speach saying how sorry they were and that you’re in a better place, bullshit. You were gone. You were really gone. The universe could fall apart right there and there and he wouldn’t bat an eyelash. His universe died with you.

His eyes were an empty void. He could see the mouth of the doctor still moving. But all he could think was you. You and your perfect smile, the way your eyes shined every time you talked about something that you were passionate about. The way you looked in your wedding day and how nothing could even come close to the feeling of happiness when you said your ’I do’s’ How you would dance on each and every concert, cheer him up from the side of the stage, waiting to be kissed once it was over. And now you were gone.

He would never hear you laugh or say I love you again. He would never see you walk around the house in one of his shirts, trying to call his attention. He would never feel you close in the mornings, cuddling until you eventually had to let go. You were gone. And he wasn’t ready for that. He will never be ready for a life that doesn’t have you in it.

“... So would you like to see her?” The doctor said. Calling Ashton back to the real world.

“I’m sorry, what?” His shock was palpable. Voice sounding broken and weak as he was. Lips trembling as he held his breath, afraid that he misheard her.

“She’s stable, at the moment. She asked for you. She mentioned something about a rose....”

You were okay? You were awake?!

Ashton burst into the room without a second thought. Tears falling as he saw you looking at him from the hospital bed, smiling weakly. He stood there for a second, whispering as he thought it might be a dream.

“Y/N?”

“Ashton....”

”If you love me, don't let go

If you love me, don't let go”

[memotherhood-blog]

Maternity Perks: Welcome Boxes I liked and recommend

Here is a list of Welcome boxes I liked and recommend to all moms.

Babylist

Noobie Box

Target

buybuyBABY

Amazon

Babylist

I started my registry with babylist because of its innovation in letting you add things like Home Cooked Meals, Pre-loved clothes, and Baby Sitting to your registry. It’s a nice reminder that parents need help as well when welcoming a baby! Any help is absolute essential when the newborn arrives.

Before asking for your Hello Baby Box you need to meet some requirements. And those requirements are very simple:

Complete your user information (including baby's due date and US shipping address);

Add 3 items from the babylist store to your registry; and

 Add 3 more items from any other store (like amazon, target, etzy and so on).

After meeting the requirements they will ask you to pay for a $4.95 shipping fee to send you your Hello Baby Box. It took me less than a week to get my welcome box from Babylist, even though they tell you that it can take up to 2 or 4 weeks to be shipped.

What's inside the Hello Baby Box?

Here is a pick of what is inside, but it may vary according to when you'll get the Hello Baby Box.

My favorite items:

MAM Bottle (4 ounces). It is a small anti-colic bottle that is also self-sterilizer! I found it very practical and cute.

Chicco natural fit pacifier. This pacifier is very similar to the Phillips Avent Soothie pacifier when it comes to the nipple shape and how soft it is. That is a plus, because my baby loved this pacifier and I was able to leave it in her crib without worrying if it could hurt her when she slept on it.

The babylist insert cards. These insert cards are just the right size and they make it easy for you to share your registry with your friends. You’ll receive a good amount of them and you can ask for more whenever you need (without paying for them).

Lansinoh breast pads. These breast pads are essential for when you're constantly breast feeding! I like this brand but any other one would serve you well. You can get washable ones or opt for the disposable breast pads, but never leave the house without them!

Pampers' bag. It comes with a diaper, sensitive wipes and coupons. I'm a huge fan of pampers because it is very good at avoiding diaper blow outs (holds everything in) and it keeps your baby dry for longer periods.

 Noobie Box

I heard about the Noobie Box website later and I really liked their ideas as well. They created gift boxes that have essentials and good quality products for baby and parents. They have what is called A Year of Wonders (4 baby boxes) that are sent during the baby's first year of life with very thoughtful gifts. They also have the Noobie Parents Box, which is a box designed for parents with products and tips for new parents. You can also find coupon codes in their website (see here).

To receive your Noobie Pregnancy Box you just need to register (NO subscription required) in their website and pay a shipping fee of $6.95.

What’s inside?

 Note: If you would like to get a 20% discount for a Noobie Box click here.

My favorite items:

MAM Bottle (4 ounces).

Lansinoh breast pads.

Aquaphor sample. This was a good size sample from aquaphor. I like to use it on my baby whenever she gets a diaper rash or after a blow out diaper.

Purell surface disinfectant. Especially while you're in the hospital with your baby it is essential to have one of these with you to spray on your hands and the visitors before touching the newborn.

Natural Nasal Saline Solution from Dkids. This is very helpful when your baby gets a cold and a stuffy nose, you'll be thankful for having a nasal solution and a nose bulb with you to relieve your babies symptoms. After my baby was born, it seemed that she had a cold for her first 3 months and the doctor told me it was normal because most babies retain fluids after birth.

Cuties (5 diapers). In most of my other baby welcome boxes I would get 1 or a maximum of 4 diapers, but this time they sent 5 of them and I'll try out this brand (they look very similar to pampers).

Target

Target is a very good store to buy their brand of baby clothes (Cat & Jack) and baby essentials (Cloud Island), but not of diapers. If you find Cat & Jack's clothes on sale, you can't lose the opportunity to get them because there are so cute and well made. A few weeks ago, for example,  target was selling sets of 5 onesies for $8 dollars. I especially like the Island Cloud Muslim blankets and towels because they're very durable.

To get your target welcome bag you just need to register with them and go to the store to pick up your bag. They are one of the best welcome bags you can find for free.

My favorite items:

MAM's newborn pacifier. This newborn pacifier is very small compared to other brands and I absolutely fell in love with it!

Dr. Brown's bottle. I haven't tried this bottle yet but while doing some research on it I found out that they are very good at preventing baby spit ups.

Target's coupons. Target gives you several coupons organized in a small booklet, and that helps a lot when trying to find that one coupon you want to use. Very smart and useful!

 buybuyBABY

The buybuyBABY store just requires you to build a registry with them in order to get the welcome bag. If you're looking for a good variety of toys, this is the place to find them. They have everything you need for your baby and more.

 My favorite items:

Pampers’ bag. With a diaper, sensitive wipes and coupons (again).

Lansinoh breast pads. It came with 2 samples, a little more than expected.

Gripe water sample from Mommy's Bliss. Gripe water in general is a good thing to have once you're baby is around, but using this gripe water was a good choice for me. Very often the baby gets fuzzy due to colic or any other discomfort, but having it will make your baby feel a lot better!

Newborn essentials (lotion and baby wash) from Noodle & Boo and Shea Moisture. I like to have those samples because they are easy to fit the diaper bag and designed for sensitive skin (hypoallergenic). Note: A quick search on amazon showed me the cost of $16-$18 for each of those essentials.

Seventh Generation box. This box came with wipes, 5 diapers (yay!) and a coupon of $2 dollars off for buying their diapers at buybuyBABY. I really liked this box as well.

 Amazon

If you have Amazon prime and started a registry at amazon you can get the welcome box after completing a checklist. You don't need to add everything from the list, just check the box and add the things you consider important for you and your baby. And the good news is that it's totally free because of Amazon prime. Even though they say it can take up to 2 weeks to arrive, it got at my house in about a week.

I personally didn't have the best experience with my amazon welcome box because I expected a lot more than it was actually included in the box. Watching some Youtube videos on the amazon welcome box I saw people getting 2 or more onesies, plus a Muslim blanket. I wasn't that fortunate, so I just got the Muslim blanked, which wasn't bad.

I still recommend it because you can still get the onesies and the good sized Muslim blanket.

My favorite items:

Muslim blanket from Amazing Baby. It is a very good sized baby swaddle 46x46 inches and of good quality.

 Avent bottle (4 ounces).

Pampers bag. Includes 1 diaper, sensitive wipes and coupons.