#Molly Huddle

[studentofthesport]

So I just started this account, but!, I’m planning to do some overviews of distance running books, as well as books about other sports because we can all learn from each other, and plan to do post this over the next few weeks!

Some of the books that I will be posting about are:

- Running with the Buffaloes, by Chris Lear

- Let Your Mind Run, by Deena Kastor

- Eat & Run, by Scott Jurek

- How She Did It, by Molly Huddle and Sara Slattery (with interviews with many elite, women distance runners)

- The Performance Cortex, Zach Schonbrun

- Once A Runner, by John L. Parker, Jr.

- Strong: A runner’s guide to boosting confidence and becoming the best version of you, by Kara Goucher

- The Competitive Edge, by Richard Elliot

- (memoir by a soccer player) When Nobody Was Watching, by Carli Lloyd

- Running to the Edge, by Matthew Futterman

- Brain Training for Runners, by Matt Fitzgerald

- Bravey, by Alexi Pappas

- How Bad Do You Want It?, by Matt Fitzgerald

- What Made Maddy Run, by Kate Fagan

[chemung-valley-curator]

One Foot in Front of the Other  by Susan Zehnder, Education Director

Runners in the Finger Lakes welcome the arrival of autumn—temperatures are cooler, the humidity is less oppressive, and the colors in the hills can be stunning. Although the Wine Glass Marathon (held since 1981) was virtual last year, this year it returned in person, attracting male and female competitors from more than 41 states. Today we take for granted that both women and men can participate in the event, but a look back at the history of long-distance running shows that women have had an uphill battle when it comes to marathons. The story of one local runner can be an inspiration to keep going. (READ MORE)

[thegardengrows-infrozenrain]

gamers it's so joever (<- has a tummy ache)

[ddejavvu]

Could you do something for cat animangus reader x Sirius where they're older like order of the phenix older during winter time and Molly makes a comment to Sirius about him having a sweet cat and when he turns to corner he finds reader cuddled up to Remus again do to his body heat and Sirius just reacts to a "really this again?"

Things between Molly and Sirius are still frosty, but the same stuff that chills between them glazes over the windows, and the winter air serves as a healing balm while everyone huddles around the fire for warmth.

The heating systems in Grimmauld Place are functional, but ancient, and it's much easier to stay by a roaring fire than to huddle by the floor vent on one of the upper levels. Sirius has insisted, as the owner of the house and as the man unwillingly cooped up inside of it for years, that he will make the cocoa, because if he goes any longer without making himself useful he will begin yearning to touch the fatally cursed objects his mother hoarded before her demise.

Molly relents, if only to keep his callused hands away from a music box that will kill him if the tune reaches his ears.

"Oh, that's lovely," The woman coos, peering at your feline form curled up on Remus's lap in front of the fire, "Remus, I didn't know you had a cat. I thought the only one we had was Hermione's, but he's orange."

"She's not mine," Remus hums, though he drags a palm flat over your head, letting you butt into it to your own liking, "She's Sirius's."

Molly's brows scrunch; surely Remus doesn't mean the dog man that stands eerily alert at the back door whenever he hears the pitter patter of little paws on the back fence-? But when the aforementioned animagus comes into the room with a tray of cocoa, she confirms Remus's words straight from the source.

"Sirius, your cat is lovely." She muses experimentally, watching the way the man's eye twitches slightly.

"Oh? And where is the little devil-?" Sirius peers around the room, and when his gaze lands on you lounging on Remus's legs, he shoves the tea tray haphazardly onto a side table with a scoff. It makes a cacophony of sounds; most of them unpleasant as glass-on-glass tends to be, "Oh, you're joking."

"Sirius, it's warm here," Remus attempts to calm the man, but it's no use as he steals a mug of cocoa and makes a break for the staircase. You're glad to see that prison never took his flair for dramatics, but he's being a tad ridiculous. Remus keeps explaining, "You're welcome to take her if you want to sit by the fire! She's just getting warm!"

"Keep her! Keep her," Sirius calls from the ledge of the second floor, "And Moony, why don't you just take the deed to the house, too! And my things, you can steal the clothes right off of my back next time."

With a huff and a flourish that are aided by his chin-length curls, Sirius turns to beeline for his room, and the slam of a door that rattles the paintings on the wall is your confirmation that your husband will be sulking until you pad upstairs and settle on his chest.

"Well, that was fun while it lasted." Remus drawls, scooping a hand beneath your belly and hoisting you out of his lap. He sets you on your feet, and you mourn the loss of the fire's warmth.

"Go humor him, love," Remus nudges you towards the stairs, and Molly watches bewildered as you begin your ascent.

"We've been having this fight for over a decade," Remus muses, sipping at his cocoa and skillfully avoiding a whipped cream mustache, "When your children aren't eavesdropping with that extendable ear, I'll tell you about the time he found her curled up in my bed instead of his."

[runa-falls]

Omfg I just had an amazing idea (I hope this hasn’t been done before or I’ll look stupid LMAO)

In ATSV, there’s that scene where Miguel Molly rocks miles into that train or whatever, and says that he’s been left to clean up his mess yeah? And no one ever acknowledges how much he’s really doing to keep everything together :((

Reader who appreciates everything that Miguel does for the multiverse in more ways than one. Fluff/smut porn with a little bit of plot for the distinguished gentlemen/ladies/people (I also just like longer fics lol)

Plz I’ll literally drop to my knees and beg you’re my savior 🙏🙏🙏

GN reader plzz ❤️❤️ily

pairing: miguel o'hara x gn!reader

cw: explicit (18+), angst, nipple play, comfort head, face fucking, rough handling, choking, cum eating.

wc: 2.5k

a/n: thanks for sending this in nonnie! i love angst/comfort :)) wasn't sure if you were ok with a reader who has female genitalia so i just wrote non-penetrative stuff...

thank you @campingwiththecharmings for reading this over <3 LOVE YOU BAE

masterlist

--

sometimes miguel comes home in silence.

he won't announce himself as he enters the front door or walk into every room to find and greet you with a tired smile and kiss like he usually does.

you won't even realize he's home until large arms suddenly wrap around you to pull you close late at night. Until he's guiding you into bed, holding your body so tight that you can't get away. you can't leave him.

sometimes he doesn't come back at all.

sometimes you have to sleep alone, huddling your face into his pillow, reminding yourself how capable he is -- that he's going to be okay. that he'll be back soon.

miguel is sweet. too sweet for his own good.

he works hard to make his life with you as normal as possible. he does it for you, but also for that part of him that craves domesticity.

the part that remembers having a family, a house in the suburbs, and a regular routine of waking up, eating, working, and sleeping.

he tries to keep everything bad -- all his stress, frustrations, anger, and fears -- at work. he never wants to bring it home to you. never wants you to have to hold the weight of his struggles on your shoulders.

so when he starts to lose his grip, he hides away.

and when he can't hold on any longer, he doesn't come home at all.

---

today, miguel came back quiet but not silent.

he opened the front door swiftly, kicking it shut behind him before making a beeline to the kitchen and grabbing a drink.

even if you weren't already downstairs, you'd be able to hear him.

he immediately hid away to the back porch, still in his suit, sitting on a bench that he put together when you first bought the house. his glove-covered hands clutch a cool beer that's already sweating from the balmy summer air.

you watch from the living room, perched on the couch, as he sits there in silence, barely moving a muscle.

he completely missed you when he walked in, too distracted by the mound of thoughts rushing through his mind.

this must be where he goes when he doesn't want to worry you. when he wants to be home but not present.

his dull crimson eyes drift shut as he lets the stress of the day roll off of him in waves, releasing the tension from his shoulders and the pinch at the middle of his eyebrows.

he tilts his head back until it bumps against the back wall of the house, letting out a sigh as he's supported from falling back.

slowly shutting your laptop and setting it to the side, you choose to just stare out the window and observe him as he watches the world move around him.

ever since you've known him, the fate of the multiverse has weighed on his shoulders and no matter how much he tries, how much he's done, it just keeps going. it's a never-ending cycle of protecting, saving, and destroying.

it's not healthy, but where would you be without him? where would anyone be?

there's an unspoken rule in your relationship to never talk about these occasional scenes of silence because you both know that you'd risk breaking the illusion -- the faux life where he can hang up his suit at the front door and come home to dinner with his partner.

like how it was before. how it could've been.

your shared temporary happiness, or sporadic bouts of happiness, was never meant to last long in the first place.

so why ruin something that can only be yours for a few more moments?

by the time he gets up from the old bench, the sun is setting, and his beer is long drained, bottle dangling prettily from his long fingers.

you don't even realize the hours of silence you've shared with him through the glass window until you hear the back door squeak open.

you look up and meet his eyes as he stands there frozen. he wasn't expecting you to be there. to see what you saw.

"...have you been there the whole time?" the door clicks shut behind him, but he stays put. you nod sheepishly, feeling like you've been caught doing something illegal. "i-i'm sorry i didn't say hi...i was distracted."

"no, it's ok. i was just answering emails--" you look down at your laptop, the one you shut off a few hours ago, "--until i decided to rest my eyes."

you aren't a very good liar, but it doesn't seem to matter. miguel hums absently, lost in his thoughts, placing his empty beer bottle on a table nearby. his movements are slower than usual when he shuffles closer to the couch.

"are you okay, honey?" you put your computer on the coffee table and turn toward him.

his eyes shut and he takes a deep breath, one hand holding onto the back of the couch for support. that answers the question for you.

you should've known not to ask that question. it never leads anywhere good. he'll either lie with a flat 'fine' or --

"I'm...tired." he finally says, a mere whisper like he doesn't want to admit it. you tilt your head, finally taking in his slouched shoulders and exhausted eyes.

of course, he's tired. he should be tired.

"come 'ere," you stretch out your arms, gesturing him to sit next to you. he walks over, plopping himself right against you, nearly sitting on you, but you don't mind. you wrap your arms around his broad shoulder, feeling him melt at your comforting touch.

it feels so good to have him in your arms again, to feel his unnatural warmth permeate through his super-suit. though you wake up in each other's arms every morning, you still crave his touch and his tendency to lean his whole weight against you like a lazy housecat.

"you've been working so hard, miguel..." he nods silently against your shoulder, nuzzling his head further into your space.

"someone has to..." he mutters, body already less tense than it was a few seconds ago.

"you don't have to, but you do anyway. you put your life on the line, day in, day out, protecting those who don't even know the dangers you're keeping them from."

he snorts, "you're making me sound a lot more heroic than i actually am. i'm just doing what needs to be done."

"you are heroic! you're a hero -- my hero."

his head lifts from your shoulder, "...really?"

his burgundy eyes sparkle when they meet yours, the first glimmer of energy that you've seen in him today. you smile, but you can't decide if it's a happy smile or not. on one hand you're sad. sad that he can't see how amazing he is, or how much he's done for the universe -- the multiverse.

but you're also happy that you get these moments with him. that you are at the receiving end of those sparkling eyes and hopeful looks. that he cares about your opinion that much.

"yes, really."

"you're not tired of me yet? of dating the busiest man in nueva york?"

"never." you lean into him, gently pressing your lips against his. you're suddenly giddy when he kisses back, lips moving expertly against yours. then he's smiling against you.

before you could pull back, he tugged you closer by the collar of your shirt, deepening the kiss, tongue tangling with yours. you giggle lightly when his hand slowly drifts down, fingers running over your chest and squeezing at your waist.

"thought you were tired?" you tease when you pull away. miguel is barely listening, too focused on pulling your shirt off. "miguel!"

"not right now, cariño. wanna see you." the cool air of the living room quickly wraps around you, your nipples pebbling right under his stare.

his eyes darken to a deep cherry hue as he teases you with a flick of his thumb. you whimper at how sensitive you feel, especially with how the texture of his gloves contrast with the softness of your skin, the delicate point of your bud.

"you're always so responsive for me..." he coos, "so nice, jus' letting me touch you like this." you gasp when he pinches you, goosebumps raising over the expanse of your body. his touch drifts down to the top of your pants, tan hands fiddling with the waistband teasingly.

you take a hold of his wrist before he could pull them down and he immediately stops, looking up at your face, wondering if he overstepped. you bite your lip as you build the courage to say what you want.

"wait, i-i wanna do something for you."

"what d'you mean?" miguel's hand comes up to cup your cheek, "you always do something for me, just by being by my side."

you want to fawn over his words, melt against his body while he does whatever he wants to you, but you quickly remind yourself that sometimes he needs to let go. that you should do the work and let him relax.

"please, miguel, just... let me." your hands move over the large bulge that presses against his flexible suit. you hear him sigh as you squeeze him gently. his hips buck into your hold, eager for your touch. "c-can you take it off please?"

"you mean you weren't just going to mouth over my suit until i cum?"

an intense heat flushes throughout your face at the idea. how filthy and needy that would be! you could imagine how his cock would throb under the material, how his cum would soak over the front of his crotch...

"i-i could--"

"-- i'm kidding, sweetheart." he chuckles, clicking a few buttons on his watch. his suit disappears without a warning and his muscled torso flexes under you from the sudden coolness of the room. he's wearing tight briefs underneath his suit, contouring his desperate hardness underneath.

you experimentally smooth a hand over him, watching avidly as the veins in his forearm pulse as he attempts holds himself back. you carefully tug his underwear down to reveal the wet mess that his dripping cock has made for you.

you run a finger over his sensitive tip and spread the precum that spills every time he takes a breath. he shivers at the feeling, eyes glowering as he watches you tease him. "are you just gonna stare or actually do something about it?" he growls, tired of the delicate touches and shy looks.

you don't answer him, instead, you dip down, licking softly over his shaft before shallowly suckling his tip into your mouth. he groans deeply, fingers instinctively burrowing into your hair without pushing you down.

"you're so sweet to me, baby. sucking my cock into your throat just to make me feel better..." you close your eyes as you start to take him deeper, swallowing around him until you feel the head of his cock nudge the back of your throat. "you like this don't you?"

his grip on your head tightens when you moan around him, saliva dripping messily over his lap.

"fuck!" his hips buck and it shoves him further into your throat. not expecting the harsh intrusion, you choke around him, eyes watering as you struggle to breathe through your nose. "s-sorry, you're just so hot when you drool over me."

your legs tighten as his rough voice whispers soft apologies. he sounds so needy and desperate like he's barely holding himself back from fucking your throat.

you quickly recover with a hum, hand resting against his firm torso for support as you lift yourself off of him. he lightly holds onto your arm, staring lustfully at your flushed face and slick lips as you breathe heavily on top of him.

you're suddenly shy as you wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, despite sitting over him topless and cock-drunk.

"you know you can fuck my face if you want..." you offer, unable to meet his eyes. he doesn't let you look away though. his rough hand holds you by the jaw, making sure you can't escape the simmering heat in his eyes.

"don't say that baby...'cause i'll actually do it." his hips start to move as you stroke him again, fucking your fist harshly until your hand starts to tingle from the wet friction.

"...i want you to."

"really?"

"you work so hard, mig. you deserve some appreciation..."

"please, cariño..." he begs, breathlessly.

you lean over him and take him back into your mouth, bobbing your head as your tongue slicks against the underside of his shaft. he doesn't hesitate when he shoves your head down, forcing you to swallow all of him down.

he feels you gag a few times before he lets go. he almost didn't though. the feeling of your whine was euphoric as it vibrated up from your throat and against your lips. you're a mess on top of him, precum and drool coating your mouth, chin, and hands.

miguel lovingly brushes some stray hairs that have fallen in front of your face behind your ear as you continue to suck on him. he starts with soft thrusts into your mouth, dragging his cock slowly over the silk touch of your tongue. you open wide, round eyes staring politely up at him as he fucks your mouth from below.

he loves having control over you -- actually, he loves it when you give him control because it means you trust him, even after seeing all sides of him, good and bad, you're still with him.

he groans at how cute you look, his huge cock stuffing your pretty mouth. his hands move to hold both sides of your head, guiding you onto him until you can fully engulf him between your lips.

he can't hold back anymore; he needs to feel your throat tighten around him as you struggle to swallow him down your throat. he watches himself disappear down your throat, how eagerly you drink him in without a complaint.

his hips snap against your mouth, filling you over and over until your jaw aches. you whimper, heavy eyes watching as he falls apart for your mouth.

"i-i'm getting close--" he warns shakily, unable to stop his frantic movements when you look at him like that. it only takes a few more thrusts before he's spilling into your mouth. he finishes deep inside of you, cock prodding the back of your throat.

you drink him in, tasting his distinct salty sweetness, listening to his delicious groans as he comes down from his high. he jerks when your soft touches start to push him towards overstimulation, moans turning desperate.

"baby, enough, please."

you release him from your mouth, lips tingly and plump.

"feel better?" you sound raspy, even with how quietly you're speaking.

"i feel amazing, mi vida." he pulls you on top of him and holds you close (though it's insanely hot with your skin pressed against his like this). you cuddle him back, smiling as he pecks your tacky neck and shoulder lazily.

[sevcasejay1chicago]

We chose you- Matt, Kelly, Jay

Summary: You hear Erin Lindsey bad mouthing you in the bathroom at Molly’s. She opens up old wounds that only your boys can heal.

Warnings: cursing, mentions vomiting, diabetic

Authors note: Here it is my loves. This is a request from an anonymous friend. I hope you enjoy!

——————

Molly’s was packed. Stella was hosting her monthly karaoke night. The night was young, the drinks were cold, and the people were packed in the bar. You were sat at a back table with Jay, Will, Matt, Kelly, and Natalie. The music wasn’t the worst your group had heard, but that was the last thing on your mind. You and Will Halstead were up next. You had lost a bet to him earlier that day, so now you were stuck singing We Are Never Getting Back Together by T-Swift. Will won the bet, which got you on stage. The catch was that you got to pick the song.

When Stella loudly announced your song and called you and Will up, you practically had to be dragged away. You couldn’t believe that you had been talked into this. Hopefully the liquid courage would be enough.

About half way through the song, you realized that a very drunk Erin Lindsey with flirting with Kelly and Jay. Their attention was solely on her and, from the looks of it, they were not pushing her away. You felt anger rise in your chest, but locked eyes with Will and kept singing.

Once the song was over, you handed your mic to Will and stormed off into the bathroom. Reaching a stall, you immediately went in and sat down, grabbing toilet paper to blot the tears away in hopes of Matt not noticing that you had been crying. You figured Kelly and Jay wouldn’t notice, given that they were entertaining Erin.

Suddenly, you heard giggling as the door swung open. You huddled up with your feet above the view from under the door, hoping that nobody knew you were there.

“They could do so much better than her.” Erin slurred, giggling as Hailey Upton handed her a wet paper towel.

“Erin.” Hailey sighed, crossing her arms as she watched her drunk companion dab the paper towel on the back of her neck.

“What? She’s not as pretty as me. She has WAY more issues than me. I mean, I could hide my feelings for the most part. She’s just so whiny. I even feel bad for Matt.” Erin slurred, slapping the paper towel onto the counter and scoffing loudly. “They just pity her. Why have her when they could have me?” Erin asked as she walked out of the bathroom.

Hailey muttered something under her breath before she gave her reply, which got drown out by the music and then the door shutting behind her. You, however, were completely horrified. Deep down, you knew she was just talking shit. Right?

Pulling yourself together, you made your way back to your table and practically sat yourself in Matt’s lap as you eyed Kelly, Jay, Erin, and Hailey. You laid your head on his shoulder as you took a sip of his water.

“You okay baby?” Matt asked, lifting your hair from the back of your neck as he felt the heat coming from you.

“I don’t feel good. Can we go home?” You whispered in his ear before laying your head back onto his shoulder.

Matt rubbed your back and nodded. “Absolutely. Let me go collect the guys.” He replied, starting to stand and hand you off to Will to keep you company.

“Just leave them. Will can fill them in and Upton can bring them home.” You said, pouting at Matt. “I really don’t feel good and I wanna go home.” You whined, giving him your best puppy dog look, though you were literally getting nauseous by seeing the way Erin was all over them.

Matt eyed you and finally gave in with a nod to Will. “Alright baby. Come on. Let’s get you home.” Matt said, standing with you braced against his chest, kissing the top of your head.

After a short goodbye to the people at your table, Matt guided you through the crowded bar and out of the side door. He kept his hands on your waist and almost laughed when you breathed in a lungful of the cool night air. From there, he picked you up, bridal style, and carried you to Jay’s truck, easily depositing you into the front seat and buckling you in.

“Just tell me if you need me to pull over, ‘kay?” Matt told you, cupping your burning face in his palms.

“Kay.” You hummed closing your eyes and enjoying the coolness of his hands. You had to hold back a whine when he moved back and closed the door, missing the coolness of his hands and the comfort he brought you.

Matt drove home with your hand in his, making sure to be easy on his stops and turns. When he parked the truck, he looked over to notice that you were asleep with your head leaned against the back of the seat, your face toward him. Instead of waking you up, Matt quietly took you out of the car and carried you inside. He tried to gently undress you, but you woke with a start when the cool air hit your chest.

“Shhhh. I’m just changing your clothes baby.” Matt soothed, leaning over you to make eye contact. He could see the fear in your eyes until you recognized him. An old PD casing coming back to haunt you if Matt had to guess.

You breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, laying back again. “I’m good. I’m ‘Kay.” You slurred, still pretty drunk and very much half asleep.

Matt nodded. “Okay baby. I’m almost done and then we can go to bed.” Matt whispered, quickly changing you into one of his shirts before laying you against your pillow. “Need anything?” Matt asked sweetly, tucking the blankets around your shoulders.

You thought back to Erin’s comment and quickly shook your head, almost regretting how much it hurt to do so. “‘M good. Go back n have fun.” You whispered, starting to turn over and go to sleep.

Matt chuckled and started taking off his clothes. “No ma’am. I’m staying here with you.” Matt said, tossing his clothes in the hamper, along with yours. “Let’s remove your makeup so that your eyes aren’t irritated in the morning.” Matt proposed, walking toward the bathroom for your makeup wipes.

You wiped silent tears from your face as the feeling of being a burden almost immediately tried to swallow you whole. You weren’t completely sure if he was doing this out of habit or obligation after hearing Erin’s comments. “You don’t have to.” You said, trying to make your voice sound strong.

Matt came back in the room, wipes in hand. “Baby.” Matt cooed, immediately coming to your side. “Shhh. It’s alright.” Matt shushed, taking you into his arms as you shook with a sob. “Baby. What’s wrong? You feel sick?” Matt asked, knowing throwing up was a major fear of yours. You did, so when you nodded, you weren’t exactly lying. “Need to go to the bathroom?” Matt asked with a hum, staying calm to hopefully promote the same feeling within you.

You shook your head. “Sleep.” You whispered, sniffing and pulling yourself together.

Matt nodded. “Okay hunny. Hang on.”

Your loving boyfriend then proceeded to wipe your face clean of makeup and tears. Holding the wipe to your nose to blow after the crying made you sniffly. Then he tucked you back into bed and kissed your forehead.

“I’ll be right back to cuddle sweetheart.” Matt promised. He was only gone for a few minutes before he returned with some water, meds for your hangover tomorrow morning, and a trash can. “Trash can will be on the nightstand if you wake up feeling sick.” Matt said, placing it on his side of the bed, which meant you would end up waking him if you got sick in the night.

Matt finally slid into bed, plugged in your phones and turned out the lights. You weren’t going to object when Matt immediately pulled you into his arms since he initiated the contact. Instead, you got comfortable and fell into a fitful sleep.

You barely stirred when Jay and Kelly stumbled in at 5 am, but you were immediately hit with the smell of alcohol when you woke a few hours later. Luckily, Matt was already up and cooking in the kitchen, so he didn’t hear when you made a mad dash for the bathroom and threw up everything you consumed the night before. Afterwards, you brushed your teeth and showered, needing to make sure that the smell of vomit didn’t linger and to calm your racing heart. You brushed again before going out to join Matt in the kitchen.

For the next several days, you dodged Kelly and Jay. Constantly making an excuse to not be in the same room as them. You even went to bed early every night and slept on Matt’s side of the bed to ensure that the other two wouldn’t touch you at night. Every time you saw the boys do something for the other or heard them talking to each other in a loving way, your heart twisted in sadness. They sound and look so happy when you aren’t bothering them. The thought made you physically sick, which led to more vomiting and skipping meals, claiming that you had a big lunch or ate a snack.

However, you failed to notice that the boys were in fact taking notice of your presence, or lack thereof. It was bothering them, but they weren’t going to push you. They knew that you had your moments when you needed to be left alone, so they did just that until they couldn’t anymore.

A week after the incident at Molly’s, the boys were setting up their Friday night date night. They figured, since you haven’t wanted to be around them, that you wouldn’t want to be around other people. They were just finishing setting up when you walked through the door. Everyone stopped and looked at you. You were frozen in place, pale as a ghost and trembling as you breathed erratically. Everyone stayed frozen for a moment until you threw your stuff on the counter and ran for the bathroom.

All three boys were hot on your heels. Matt got there first, pressing you against his side with one hand and keeping your ponytail back with the other as you bent at the waist over the toilet. You were still hyperventilating and shaking.

“Shhhhh. It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m here.” Matt shushed, lightly rubbing your right side. It seemed odd that he could feel your ribs after only a week of barely touching you.

Jay and Kelly were moving about the master bathroom, both getting things you normally liked when you were sick. Jay eventually came over with a wet wash cloth and laid it over the back of your neck while taking your temp with the forehead thermometer.

“No fever.” Jay announced, reaching up to rub your back. He startled slightly when you flinched. You have never flinched when any of the boys touched you, when your sober anyway. Jay and Matt made eye contact when it happened, but were quickly drawn back to you as you heaved loudly.

“I-hmmm. Just l-leave, Pl-hukk.” You tried to plead, being cut off by a gag.

“No way.” Kelly said, taking you by the hips. You were swaying slightly now, the hyperventilating, plus the heaving and you locking your legs was clearly causing you to lose your balance. “Kneel down baby.” Kelly coached, pushing your hips slightly down to lead you onto your knees.

“Mm-m.” You shook your head, moving closer to Matt. “G-go. Ju-out!” You tried to exclaim, but it ended in a whisper as you sagged into Matt’s arms.

“Woah!” Matt said, catching you and lowering you to the ground.

Kelly immediately took a towel down and pillowed your head with it. Jay knelt down to check your pulse as Matt helped Kelly pull you into the recovery position.

“Pulse is strong but tacky.” Jay announced, keeping a hold of your wrist.

“Y/n? Open your eyes.” Matt called, tilting your face upwards to open your airways more.

You didn’t respond. Kelly took out the blood pressure machine and handed Jay the glucose monitor. The exchange was done silently and the devices were used immediately. Jay gasped as your blood sugar came up on the small device.

“Holy shit. It’s 45!” Jay exclaimed, immediately diving for the bag and pulling out the glucagon and spraying it into your nose.

“BP is pretty high for her, which makes since with a blood sugar that low.” Kelly commented, standing to run to the kitchen and grab you some orange juice.

“Let’s take her to the living room. Can you grab the trash can just in case?” Matt asked Jay, shifting you into his arms as you began to stir. “Shhhhh. We gotcha.” Matt murmured as Jay nodded and grabbed the first aid kit and trash can, following Matt out into the living room.

Matt barely had you laid down when you woke up. Immediately, you attempted to get up, still feeling nauseous and kinda flighty. You felt like a caged animal needing to escape.

“Hey hey hey. No baby.” Matt exclaimed, pushing you back down. “You just passed out from low blood sugar. Kelly is getting you some juice I think.” Matt soothed, sitting down next to you.

“M fine.” You said, trying to push yourself up again.

“Bullshit.” Kelly said, walking into the room with Jay behind him.

“Fine my ass.” Jay muttered, ripping open one of your zofrans and giving it to you.

You took the Zofran and sipped on the orange juice that Kelly brought in. Everyone was staring at you, but you averted your gaze as you began to connect the dots on what just happened. You knew what was coming next.

“Alright. Spill. What’s been going on with you lately?” Jay asked, sitting on the coffee table and trying his best not to seem intimidating.

You shook your head. “Nothin.” You said, trying to sound normal.

“No. That’s not an answer.” Kelly said, coming to kneel next to you. “You’ve been avoiding us, mostly me and Jay, for a week now. What did we do?” Kelly asked, pleading with his eyes.

“You really wanna know??” You exclaimed, hands trembling from more than low blood sugar. “I’m just surprised you haven’t gone back to Erin. I’m sure she’s still in town.” You scoffed.

“What?” Kelly and Jay both said.

“At Molly’s, she was flirting with you and you were flirting back. Then you didn’t come home until 5 am.” You had tears streaming down your face. “Erin didn’t know I was crying in the bathroom when she told Hailey how much better she is than me and how sorry she feels for you guys for having a needy girlfriend.” You explained, hastily wiping the tears from your face.

“Baby, we-“ Jay started, but you shoved the orange juice into his hand and reached for the trash can instead.

Matt pulled your pony tail back again as Kelly reached over to steady the trash can. You were just panting heavily, but saliva was dripping into the trash can along with your tears. Luckily, the Zofran was completely dissolved under your tongue.

“Shhhhhh. Breathe baby. Slow down.” Matt soothed, rubbing your back. “Let it pass baby. Just breathe and let it pass. You’ve gotten yourself all worked up.” Matt whispered, letting you keep the trash can as long as you needed to, but hoping that this was just nausea from anxiety.

You nodded, spitting and letting Kelly take the trash can. You immediately turned into Matt and hid your face in his neck. You let yourself sob, having been pent up for too long. You missed this. You missed your boys.

“Baby. We chose you.” Jay said, placing a hand on your back. “She did try, but we chose you and Matt.”

“We would never chose her.” Kelly said, sitting down next to Matt. “We had our fun, but that was the past. You and Matt are our future.” Kelly explained, placing a hand on Matt’s thigh.

“And we love taking care of you. We love that you love us enough to trust us with anything.” Matt said, planting a kiss on the side of your head. “I knew they wouldn’t leave us because I know how much they love us. How much they love you.” Matt whispered.

Tag list:

@treehouse-mouse

@shadowmeadowsworld

@sorry-i-spaced

@zephyrmonkey

@allisonargent144

@amie134

@lane-rodgers-barnes

@pensfan5871

@dumb-fawkin-bitch

@marvel-and-chicago-fan

@daggersquadphantom

@mattangel11

@stellakiddsblog

@100yroldteenagers

@senjoritanana

[dreamwatch]

Exposure

Written for @corrodedcoffinfest

Day #24 - Prompt: Behind The Scenes | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: scars, ableism, facial differences seen negatively by others (a photographer) | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: emotional hurt/comfort, photoshoots

It was inevitable, honestly.

Their first professional photoshoot, not just Matty’s brother, Brian, with the family Pentax, shooting in black and white because it’s ‘artistic.’ Usually they didn’t put photographs on the flyers, just their logo, but once they moved to Indy a couple of independent labels came for a sniff of the goods and they wanted photos. Thank you, Brian, your services to photography will be forever remembered.

Once they were signed though, the label wanted professional photographs, which was fair, because honestly Gareth’s garage didn’t make the sexiest back drop. So anyway, here they were in a studio in Indianapolis getting their photographs taken, with a real professional photographer.

He doesn’t know a lot about this kind of gig, but he knows guys on TV get their makeup done all the time on account of the lights making their faces shiny, so at first it’s like, whatever. But then they’ve got them all lined up, real Metal Hammer pose, cloudy blue and gray backdrop like some extreme high school portrait, and the photographer is eyeballing him. Like hard stares. And he’s not looking him in the eye. He’s looking at his cheek.

Then the guy’s in a huddle with the makeup artist, and she’s looking at him and the photographers looking at him, and now they’ve got the assistant there. 

“What the fuck is the hold up,” whispers Gareth, and the boys mutter but Eddie says nothing because he knows. He knows and he’s dying a little inside.

Then the huddle is broken, and they’re getting moved around and now Eddie’s facing a different direction (‘we can just flip the neg’) but that’s not working for them either, and the studio lights are getting dimmed on his side, and his heart is racing, and the makeup girl is in his face, “Sorry,” she says, and she’s being gentle, likes she’s trying to be respectful, but she’s painting this shit on his face, on his neck, and he can see the shock, the way her eyes go wide when she starts to move the collar of his shirt and she realises it goes further down and that’s it—

“Can you—“ he snaps, ducking backwards.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean…” she says all sheepish and apologetic, and she probably means it but he doesn’t care, he’s done, he wants out.

The photographer wraps it up, and he’s talking but Eddie’s not listening, he’s gone, out to the Jeff’s car waiting by the door, but they’re up in the studio playing rockstars, like they’re not driving to gigs in shitty vans, and he’s had it actually, fuck this.

He walks for an hour and then stops at Molly’s and has a few beers. And it feels stupid, at this point, like he’s over reacting, it’s a scar, and they’re in the image industry, and of course they’ll try to hide it. So what? So fucking what?

It’s dark when he finally comes up for air and heads back to their dank little apartment. The guys do that thing where they’re being casual but watching him out of the corner of their eye, but he shoos them away, he’s fine, thanks, nothing to worry about. Gets himself a sandwich and then goes to his room to sleep the day off.

He’s half asleep when he hears his door click, the dip of the bed as someone sits down. He opens his eyes, checks his watch, it’s a little after two in the morning, and when he flips over in the bed Steve Harrington is sitting next to him.

“Heard you had a day.”

“Who called you?” he asks.

Steve kicks his shoes off and slides up the bed, back against the headboard. 

“Gareth. He told me what happened. It fucking sucks.”

Eddie sits up, pulls himself next to Steve. “You drove all the way here to commiserate with me on my sucky day?”

“I drove all the way here to make sure you were okay,” Steve says, like it’s nothing, like Eddie can’t feel his heart squeezing tight at the words.

He doesn’t say anything for a while, needs to process it, what to say.

“I just wasn’t expecting it you know? Which is fucking stupid, and all, but you know, when have I ever been known for my smarts?” he jokes, half assed, because none of this is funny. “It’s just… like, it was so… they looked at me like, how do we fix this? How do we make this go away? Like I was ruining the shoot with my…” he gestures to his cheek, to the jagged red scar that runs all the way down his neck.

Steve listens, because he’s good at that, doesn’t butt in even when you know he’s trying to think of ways of fixing everything.

“And like the thing is, if we make it, it’s gonna be a thing you know? It won’t be the last time.”

Eventually Steve chips in. “I know mine are easier to hide, so I don’t like, know how it is, exactly, but… but people see them and then they’ll forget about them. People look out of curiosity, you can’t stop that, but then they just, they’re not bothered, you know? Like, your fans—“

“Fans?’ Eddie scoffs.

“Yeah, fans! They’re not gonna give a fuck, man. I know that doesn’t really help, not right now, but…  I think it’ll get easier.”

“It doesn’t feel like it,” Eddie says under his breath. He rolls his head to the side, making eye contact for the first time.

Steve kicks his jeans off and they climb under the covers, Steve’s back against his.

“You know when you’re rich and famous, first thing you need to do is get a bigger bed. This is ridiculous.”

Eddie can’t help himself, lets the giggles take him, feels Steve’s arm wrap around his waist and pull him close. He finds himself being infinitely grateful to his friends for knowing what he needed, and infinitely grateful for Steve Harrington.

[georgeweasleyslostearhq]

BUTTERFLIES

Pairings: George Weasley x Fem!reader Summary: George gets flashbacks of your relationship as he watches you walk down the aisle to marry him Warnings: mention of tears, i think that's it

George's eyes met yours as he stood at the end of the aisle, waiting there for you to reach him as you walked to the music

the butterflies made their appearance in his stomach as he stared at you with pure love and longing

he had waited years for this, and it was finally happening

George couldn't help but remember all the times the butterflies invaded him stomach throughout knowing you before this moment

-

"Fred! George! hurry up, we're late!" Molly yelled at the twins

"we're right behind you mum, and the train doesn't leave for another 3 minutes!" Fred spoke in defense, trailing after Molly.

Molly rushed all of her kids through the wall of the train station.

Fred and George ran through it for the first time with their trolleys, which held their luggage for their first year at Hogwarts

George went through the wall and came out on the other side, slightly losing control of his trolley and bumping into somebody, making them fall

George panicked as he heard them wince in pain

he let go of his trolley and looked down at you on the ground

"I'm really sorry" he apologised, holding his hand out to help you

"it's fine" you huffed, taking the boys hand

"I'm Y/n" you introduced yourself

George felt a flutter inside his heart when you smiled at him sweetly

"George, are you alright?" he asked after telling you his name

"I'll be just fine"

-

"we're so going to make the team, Georgie" Fred smiled as a large group of Gryffindors huddled up for tryouts for Quidditch

"we'll be the best beaters on the team" Fred smirked

Oliver wood started talking about the rules and taking down what positions people wanted to play

"Y/L/N, what are you trying out for?" Wood called, seeing you in amongst the people

"Chaser" you replied

George turned around to see you with the newest broomstick in your hands, standing with Angelina Johnson

"you play quidditch?" George questioned as you caught his stare

"yeah, i do. is that a problem?" you frowned, teasing him

"n- no" he stuttered, feeling the nervous butterflies rise up in his stomach as you glared at him

"i'm just surprised, you didn't strike me as a quidditch type of girl" he went on

"I bet I'm better than you" you laughed, looking him up and down

George only blinked nervously

-

Fred and George rushed through hogsmeade to finally get to the store they've heard all about from their brothers

the twins excitedly walked through the door of Zonko's to look at all the things they dream they could have

George explored the shop, going in a completely different direction from his older twin to find you looking hiccough sweets

"never thought i'd see you in here" George spoke up with a smile

you turned to him and rolled your eyes with a grin

"what can I say, i like the common sweet prank" you grabbed a few and walked closer to him

"although i know you and Fred are the kings of pranks here so, any suggestions on what's good? I need teach a douchebag a lesson for burning my homework" you smirked

George raised his eyebrows "Tristen?" he asked

you nodded your head in reply

"I've always been interesting in tricking somebody but never really acted upon it, this just gives me a reason" you shrugged mischievously

George's 13 year old heart pumped faster in his chest as the butterflies swarmed in his stomach

you couldn't've gotten any better

"well...you could always try some dungbombs, they always do the trick or..."

he went on to have a ramble for about 10 minutes that day, telling you the best way to get Tristen back, and even offered to do it with you

-

George sat on the couch, head in his hands as he thought about Ginny, worrying about her

you had walked in after a long study session for potions when you found him in the common room, looking stressed

"you ok there, George?" you wondered, not knowing what to do

"I'm fine, don't worry" he sighed

Fred had gone to bed, also worrying while George decided to stay up a bit longer

you had heard about what happened to his sister, so you knew he wasn't entirely 'fine'

so you stayed with him, you slowly walked up to the couch and sat next to him

"I'm really sorry about your sister...it'll be ok though, I'm sure she can handle whatever's happening" you started, hoping it would help, even it was a lie. you didn't know it would be ok

George sat frozen, if it were anyone else next to him, he probably wouldn't yelled at them, saying that they had no idea. but he knew you were trying to help

"she'll be ok, George" you placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a sad smile even though he wasn't looking at you

"she's lucky to have a brother like you...caring as much as you are" you sighed

that made George finally look up at you

you moved your hand from his shoulder to around his torso, giving him a comforting hug

the way your hands wrapped around him made the butterflies make another appearance, George had been used to them by now, he welcomed them in with a smile as he hugged you back

-

George had grown closer to you, becoming good- if not best friends

you would help with his school work and with his and Fred's pranks

the one problem was that you had a boyfriend that year, but not for long

you came rushing through the common room, tears in your eyes as you ran for the dorms

"hey, Y/n, what's wrong!?" George came to your aid as soon as he saw you

he got up from the couch and pulled you into his arms before you got to the stairs

you cried in his arms "he cheated on me" you murmured

your words made George's blood boil, He never liked that guy, and deep down he knew he would do something to hurt you

he brought you over to the couch and made you tell him what fully happened

"why do the nice ones always turn out to be the assholes?" you wept

"well if they're assholes then they were never the good ones, the good ones are the good ones and the assholes are the assholes" George shrugged, he didn't know what to say

he had never been in a relationship before, mostly because of the way you had always made him feel

"well why can't they all be like you? you're good, great" you sobbed

George cleared his throat, caught off guard by your statement

he let the butterflies fill his stomach as you cried into his chest, telling him how he would be a good boyfriend

-

George stood beside you as the professor told the class about the potion

you, along with many other girls took a step closer, entranced by the smell of the potion.

Amortentia.

George laughed at you when you smiled lazily, your eyes almost almost having pink hearts in them as you breathed the scnet in

what George hadn't expected was to get the very strong scent of you as he finally breathed through his nose

George took a step beck and cleared his throat, looking at you in the corner of his eye as he let the smell fill his nose

the butterflies rose to his stomach and made him feel faint, feeling overwhelmed

you had noticed his faint figure beside you and leaned closer to him

"you alright Georgie?" you whispered

"I'll be just fine, Love"

-

George wandered the halls, trying to find you, to ask you to the Yule Ball, after smelling you in the Amortentia last week, he realised that he needs to ask you out

the feeling he gets when he's around you is too good to lose

he heard your voice behind him and turned around

"george! there you are!" you beamed

"hey! I've been looking for you" he asked, meeting you in the middle of the hallway

"me too, I need to ask you something" you said

"oh, you go first" George spoke quickly, really wanting to ask you, or he'll start to overthink and chicken out

"do you have something to tell me too?" she wondered

"yeah but you go first" George smiled

"well I was just thinking...Justin Thornhill asked me to the ball at breakfast this morning, I don't know why I told you that- right, um. well I said no, obviously. b- because I want to go with you. do you want to go to the ball with me?" you rambled, getting to the question that has been on your tongue for a week

George's eyes went wide and the butterflies piled into his stomach as soon as the question came from your mouth.

you had said what he'd been dying to say

George's heart pumped inside his chest rapidly, he almost thought you could hear it

"yes, t- that's what I was going to ask you!" George grinned happily

it was safe to say the butterflies never left after that, every time he'd see you after that, they would pop in and say hello

the whole night of the ball they stayed there

-

George fiddled with his fingers as he told you his plan on leaving with Fred early to start the shop

you had been dating since the day after the yule ball and he was nervous you wouldn't support it, just like his mum

"that's..great! I'm really proud of you, I know you'll do great" you said, kissing his cheek

"really?" he raised his eyebrows

"of course...the shop will be amazing, I just know it" you nodded, full heartedly supporting him

you had no idea how much that meant for him to hear, that you thought he'd do good, that you supported him

it made the butterflies flutter in his stomach, knowing that you approved of what he's doing

-

George felt the tears coming when you finally reached him, taking his hand and smiling up at him, happy that you would be marrying him

and all these years, he still gets butterflies when you look at him

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

[emeritusemeritus]

One for George and y/n: Easter egg hunting at the Burrow with all the Weasleys (George's siblings and their children)

Such a cute idea! 🖤

Warnings: Minor swearing, mentions of pregnancy, cute Weasley fun and fluff.

Words: 1.3k

Easter Bunny's gift.

Easter at the Burrow was always one of the things you looked forward to the most, especially now you had children of your own with George.

Ever since the first grandchild had arrived, Molly and Arthur had started a wonderful tradition of a magical Easter egg hunt on the land surrounding the house.

Your daughters were 5 and 3, both now at the age that they took the egg hunt very seriously, especially as they were essentially competing against their cousins. George had given them tips before hand, because of course he had, and you'd arrived at the Burrow with two very excited children. And a very excited husband, who had been to set up the race with Arthur earlier that morning, no doubt putting his own mischievous twist on the egg hunt.

The wonderful thing about Molly and Arthur having seven children was that as you all grew up, the number of family members inevitably doubled and then tripled, at least. Siblings, spouses, children, cousins; everyone packed in to the space you'd always loved, the heart of the family- the Burrow.

You were immediately greeted by most of the Weasley siblings and their partners, the kids all chasing each other and giggling in glee with squeals of delight echoing through the open fields. Bill and Fleur, Ron and Hermione, Harry and Ginny, all of them stood around tables of food and drink that you knew Molly would have agonised over all morning. You couldn't see Percy or Audrey but you could see little Molly and Lucy running around with Victoire, Rose and Lily and so assumed that they were around somewhere. It was always funny to see the entire family gathered together, the sea of Red hair only broken up by a few blonde and brunette children running around.

"Rory! Poppy!" Dominique squeals in excitement, spotting your daughters and immediately falling into an excited conversation that was almost too high for adults to hear, their excited squeals and giggles so loud it almost made you wince. She pauses briefly to flash you a smile, missing her two front teeth. "Hi aunt y/n, hi unky George! Come on, Granny's got toffee!"

Now child free, George smiles at you as he takes your hand and leads you down the path towards the Burrow, greeting his family with warmth. You mingle through the crowd until you make your way inside, offering Molly some help in the kitchen.

"Oh y/n dear, you just get prettier!" She says with a wide and motherly smile, approaching you with hands outstretched as she pulls you in for a tight hug. She's all dressed up in her most vibrant colours, a glittery beret clip in her hair with the signature apron tied around her waist.

"Right, almost time!" Molly says with delight as she steps outside, giving Arthur a little nod who claps his hands together and smiles, walking off towards the back lawn.

You shoot George a little smile as you look over at your daughters, huddled together with the other cousins almost bouncing with excitement. Molly had made a ridiculous number of little eggs for the children, some with chocolate, marshmallow, toffee, everything that would keep your girls up way past their bedtime if they ate too much.

"Right Weasleys," Arthur says, taking lead of the gaggle of excitable children. "Two rules only. Number 1, share and be mindful of your cousins, we want everyone to have fun. Number 2, grab as much as you can! Ready... set.... Go!"

Just as Arthur said the words, a little firework shot up into the sky which transformed into the shape of a bunny in the sky, the words 'this way' scrawled out next to it as it moved towards the start line that Arthur had made. Your mouth opened in disbelief and turned towards your husband who was putting his wand back in his pocket with a mischievous grin. He turned to you and gave you a little wink, little butterflies erupting in your tummy at the look even after all these years.

With a resounding squeal of excitement, the children ran off, following the rabbit, each of them clutching their little baskets ready to swoop on the eggs that had been meticulously placed by their grandad. You watched and laughed as they giggled, all of them picking up little eggs and slinging them into their baskets.

Some were suspended in the air by magic, others tucked into trees and the ground as normal. George had jinxed the tree near the border to rain eggs when the kids ran under it. You laughed as you watched Hugo and Albus scream in sheer delight when they stepped under the tree and hundreds of little eggs rained down on them, dropping into their baskets. They immediately called the girls over to look at what had just happened, all fo the adults watching beginning to laugh when the girls also squealed out in delight as the eggs rained down on them.

"Y/n, can you please watch Louis whilst I go to the loo?" Fleur said from beside you, her French accept as strong at ever, holding out baby Louis, his little blanket covered body making him look like a beautiful little bundle.

"Of course I can," you say with a smile, readily accepting your youngest nephew into your arms, he was crying a little, whimpering and trying to break free from the blanket. Fleur thanked you profusely as she handed over her youngest before walking quickly back to the house.

"Ssssh, it's okay sweetheart, your mummy will be back soon," you coo, assuring little Louis as you rocked him in your arms. He was beautiful, a little patch of striking blonde hair beginning to grow on his head. You adjusted his blankets just slightly to keep his fingers in and swayed with him in your arms as you watched your daughters giggling from higher up the field. The enchanted bunny firework had started dancing around the kids, dodging them and attempting to steal their eggs making them all giggle.

When you looked down at Louis, he was asleep, his eyes closed and looking the definition of comfy, all snuggled in his warm and soft blanket.

"I'll never get over how much that suits you," you hear your husband say, appearing behind you, looking down at the baby in your arms.

"Oh yeah?" You smile, looking up at him as his arm slips onto your shoulder, his lips descending upon your hair to press a gentle kiss just above your ear.

"I think it's your best look," he pauses, "though I do like you pregnant too."

"Well... I'd say you're in luck Mr Weasley," you say with a glint in your eye, watching as his eyes light up even more than the kids collecting their chocolate once he realises what you were telling him.

"What do you think? I think a little boy would be a nice addition," you say, looking down at the sleeping little boy in your arms, imagining one of your own.

"I'll have a word with the Easter bunny," George says with a smirk, leaning down to capture your lips in a sweet kiss, both of you sharing a little moment.

"No way Hermione," you hear from the side, Ron's dead set voice drawing your attention away from George.

"Oh come on Ron!" Hermione says, getting frustrated with him. "For Hugo and Rose."

"You're not transfiguring me into a bloody rabbit!"

[cure-orchid]

Part 3 of Mollytober Prompts

Next few are done!

Day 16 Prompt-Death Day: Todd/Scratch was not so good at hanggliding apparently. He and Adia found that out in a shocking way.

Day 17 Prompt-Frightmares: ‘We’ve never met, but I carry on your legacy. Sometimes I fear, what you were could one day be me’

Day 18 Prompt-Movie Night: Molly and Ollie were huddled up watching a movie, Scratch sat across the room complaining. (Scratch) ‘You cute couples are your need to cuddle.’ (Ollie) ‘You can come in here too.’ (Molly) ‘Join the hugfest, Scratch!’… soon Scratch plops himself in between them and enjoys the movie.

Day 19 Prompt-Memory: The memories are gradually coming back to Todd. Suddenly he recalls a moment where his soul ruined his lunch and pants for his shell.

[theanoninyourinbox]

New Longstar AU - The Final Countdown or Four Once More

-Prologue-

  Thunderclan is in mourning – Hollywish is presumed dead, and the traitorous Sol hasn’t stopped his wheezing laugh at every waking moment.  Purdy is horrified that the cat he once considered to be a friend has done such a terrible thing, but begs Longstar to not kill Sol on the spot – he can’t eat, and seems to have gone mad.  Swiftpool, as the mother of the victim, is given the final word.  She demands that Sol be left where the Twolegs will find him – let them decide his final fate, she sobs into Crowfeather’s fur.

  Flamewish and Longstar mourn for days with their grandkits, leaving Brightheart to govern for nearly a week, with Mousefur backing her up.  Eventually Mousefur drags the leader and his family out of their mourning – Sol wanted to break you, don’t you DARE let him win!

(The Twolegs bring the injured and babbling Sol to a vet, who sends him to a cat rescue.  The poor thing has some kind of brain injury, and his poor tongue is nearly gone.  Sol spends his final days as the thing he hated most – a pampered Kittypet – but his mind is too far gone to feel anything.)

(Brambleclaw looks for the spirit of Hollywish, wanting to keep her from Starclan, but is blocked from the tunnels by winding vines and sharp leaves.  A cat ghost, all drenched and freezing, drags the injured molly deeper into the tunnels – he will protect her from the stabbing claws that pry at his safe haven.)

  Windclan is in mourning with Crowfeather – Hollywish was a beloved ally!  Breezepelt and Heathertail reminisce about her, while their mate Antfur nods along, but his mind is elsewhere…

  Shadowclan is in mourning – Hollywish helped save Blackstar from Sol’s manipulations, only to lose her to those same powers?  What a tragedy.  Goldenheart, Dawnpelt, and Embertail make her a little shrine deep in the marshy territory, where no one will disturb it.

  Riverclan is in mourning – Hawkfrost and Mothwing are near inconsolable.  And to top it off, Leopardstar has been getting sicker and sicker lately…and the otters have been getting restless – the lake water has been slowly dropping…

  (The Miretrees celebrate a victory – one Prophecy cat is dead!  They are one step closer to victory!  The disgraced clan cats are joined by the collared Kittypet dead and a few loner gheists, each and all reveling in their depravity. But in the shadows, several figures huddle quietly.  They know that the Visitor will be back tonight, and one by one they slink away.  At a secluded hollow - the sight of a quiet and unassuming death of a long ago murderous Healer, name now long forgotten – several Dark Forest cats meet with a group of regretful kittypets spirits…and the Visitor descends like a Star from the sky…)

  (In Starclan, Yellowfang and Bluestar have a spat – Bluestar forbids Yellowfang from interfering with her living kin, and Yellowfang is having none of that.  My great-grandkit is missing, the Dark Forest is trying to devour us all, and you want us to BACK OFF?!  ARE YOU INSANE!? It takes the combined strength of Nightstar and Runningnose to keep Yellowfang from physically fighting the former Thunderclan leader, but they convince her to guard her family closely – and they will help her…)

  (In the city, the Hope’s Rest Clowder is preparing for war.  The Stars have spoken of a battle coming for the Clans, and that the Clowder will be needed to defend them.  Pieces of discarded Twoleg trash are crafted into armor with clever paws.  Battle plans are discussed, discarded, and reworked over and over.  Darkstripe and Sasha are training with a group of younger cats when a clamor rises at the entrance to their settlement.  The Healer Twoleg sits outside, closer than they’ve ever ventured before, with a sack of some kind.  Sasha peers out, and the Healer Twoleg reaches into the sack…and deposits more of the armor pieces that the Armorers desire, but already trimmed of sharp edges that would catch and cut the wearer, and with bristles attached to make attacking the wearer difficult.  Sasha makes eye contact with the Twoleg – and sees a cat spirit wrapped around the Twoleg’s shouders, batting their head against the Healer’s ear.  The Twoleg and Sasha exchange blinks of trust, and the Clowder cats marvel.  Darkstripe begins dragging the armor in – it seems the Stars have given them one more ally.)  

(At the Barn, Ravenpaw and Barley see a Ghost wind around the legs of the Farmer, who bends down and holds them like a Queen holding a kitten.  The voice of Redtail echoes from behind the pair of Barn Cats – the Dark is rising, and All must fight; for if the Dark wins, All souls will be lost, not just cats…)

-Apprentice Tales-

Moons have passed, and the nursery kits are ready to become apprentices.  Ivykit and Dovekit are being groomed by Birchfall and Whitewing, and the kittens joke about poor Wormkit being groomed by both his parents Ashfur and Flyshadow.  The kittens are summoned by Longstar, and he ceremonially asks them what Roles they have chosen (even though he asked them earlier, it’s important to the Clan to announce it like this – Ivykit thinks it’s silly but obliges anyway).

Ivykit chooses to be a Hunter, and Ivypaw is apprenticed to a surprised and delighted Charheart.  The pair touch noses, and Ivypaw promises to not let her down.  Charheart quietly insists that Ivypaw will make mistakes, but so will she, and they’ll learn together.

Dovekit, with her partial hearing loss, is apprenticed to Jaywhisker to be a Tracker, with Snowthorn there to provide support.  Dovepaw bounces on her feet, and nearly headbutts Jaywhisker.

Wormkit wants to be a Crafter AND an Herbalist too, so is apprenticed to Goldenflower, with Fireheart providing Herbalist teaching.  Goldenflower bestows a woven legband for Wormpaw to wear, which he immediately starts fidgeting with.

Their first task?  To bring water to the Clan, as a drought has been ravaging the territories.  Dovepaw swears that she can hear Riverclan arguing about the otters taking all the fish, but Wormpaw jokes about her “selective hearing” and Ivypaw bats at his ears until Jaywhisker separates them.  Dovepaw looks over the slowly draining lake, and hears faint chewing noises in the distance…

Spiderleg and Berrynose get stuck in the mud on their own water patrol, and Thornfur leverages them out with a large stick.  Wormpaw pokes at a dead fish, and gets jumpscared by Rainstorm…who then ALSO gets stuck, and feels humiliated that Thunderclan had to save him.

Later, after a long day of training, Dovepaw lays quietly, and does not hear the ghostly pawsteps that trod closer.  She only sees a flicker out of the corner of her eye, and assumes it’s Ivypaw.  She tells “Ivypaw” that her hearing isn’t working right now, so can she just sit by her for a while?  When the cat leaves, and actual Ivypaw walks in, Dovepaw is confused, but the sisters sit in peace, and Ivypaw watches her sister’s back.

(Bluestar grumbles at not being heard, but is distracted by Yellowfang pointing out her hypocrisy – oh so YOU can visit the living but I CAN’T?  Eventually Bluestar admits to feeling useless, and Yellowfang comforts her – if we don’t help them together, we all fall.)

Some time later, Dovepaw confides in Jaywhisker that she’s been hearing some strange noises upriver, and swears that sometimes she SEES brown animals blocking the river with trees.  Jaywhisker has Issues with this, and with the help of Lionblossom, talks to her about the Prophecy – and that she’s probably part of it now.  This sends Dovepaw into a panic attack, and she flees to Ivypaw, who threatens to slap the answers out of Jaywhisker, respected clanmate or not.  She gets read into the Prophecy, and vows to protect her sister.  Dovepaw tearily tells her that Ivypaw is her favorite sister, and Ivypaw ruffles her fur, I’m your ONLY sister dummy!  Unless we count Wormpaw as our bonus boy-sister.  The two laugh and embrace – and Jaywhisker and Lionblossom have a bittersweet moment of memory with the fragile image of Hollywish…

(In the tunnels, Hollywish crouches by the underground stream.  She fishes out a juicy lost fish, and the soggy form next to her congratulates her.)

Lionblossom feigns having a vision, and Hawkfrost confirms that the brown creatures must be Beavers – he’ll get the otters involved in helping.  A patrol with members  of each clan heads out – Jaywhisker and Lionblossom, Ivypaw (strictly to help Lionblossom) and Dovepaw from Thunderclan; Hawkfrost, his otter friends Weed and Log, Rippletail and Petalfur of Riverclan; Sedgewhisker and Whitetail of Windclan; and Smokefoot and Goldenheart of Shadowclan.  Jaywhisker, Lionblossom, and Goldenheart chat about their apprentice days, Rippletail boasts about how he’ll kill a Beaver, and Petalfur scolds him for his arrogance, and Ivypaw and Dovepaw learn some Otterspeak from Hawkfrost.

Unfortunately, Rippletail is lost in the fight against the Beavers – Ivypaw tried to stop him, but he shoved her aside and leapt basically into the mouth of one of the creatures. Weed, Log, and Sedgewhisker avenged him, and the dam was broken, but Ivypaw still felt useless.  She couldn’t save him – and Hawkfrost breaks through her thoughts.  He chose to do that – Rippletail was a good fighter but he made a poor decision, and that’s not on you!  Sedgewhisker chimes in, you did what you could, but in the end it was his time – I only hope that his spirit is at peace…and if he shows up here I’m boxing his ears for idiocy, Petalfur scowls tearily.  This does cheer Ivypaw up a bit, but she still saw violence, and her heart aches…but she curls up with a shaken Dovepaw and they share their fears together.

The Patrol returns to the lake refilling, and split off to their respective Clans.  The four Thunderclanners are welcomed back with open arms, and Ivypaw is treated to her mentor’s reassurances after hearing the story.  Being back on Thunderclan land brings Ivypaw’s confidence back up, and eventually she’s back to her old self, if a bit more thoughtful.

-Dark Forest Rising-

A few nights after the group returns, a heavily pregnant Poppyfrost, acting as a surrogate for Berrynose and Honeyfern, asks Lionblossom to escort her to the Moonpool – she’s been having nightmares about losing her kits.  He obliges, but once they’re within sight of the pool, a cat attacks them.  The molly, eyes heavily scarred over and mouth dripping, slashes at Poppyfrost’s side, but hits Lionblossom’s shoulder instead.  He strikes at the stranger’s throat, and his paw comes back coated in black and foam, but she backs off.  Poppyfrost makes it to the Moonpool, but Lionblossom calls out a warning – another cat is leaping at her!  But this cat is thwarted by the timely appearance of Berrynose and Honeyfern, who saw Poppyfrost wasn’t in the Nursery and were concerned. The mates charge at the attacker and strike as one, and the coward flees into the evening, leaving behind bits of feather and shreds of heather.  Only then does Lionblossom realize that his shoulder is torn open, and that the gunk coating his paw has vanished.  At camp, Poppyfrost comfortable in the Nursery, he talks to Jaywhisker, who remembers the old stories of Brokentail…something horrible is happening…the Dark Forest cats are escaping the Mire…but their conversation is interrupted by Poppyfrost going into labor!

(In Windclan, Antpelt returns to camp injured, telling everyone to watch out for a very angry Hare.  Heathertail puts new heather in his fur, and Breezepelt finds him a new feather to wear.)

(In the Dark Forest, Brambleclaw gathers beautiful flowers from the scene of a long-ago crime, and plots on how to bring his next trainee in…a jealous sibling should be no problem to him…)

Some time later, Dovepaw tells a dozing Lionblossom that someone is going to the Moonpool.  He takes a look, and sees Mothwing and Mistyfoot.  He sighs, and goes to Longstar – I think Leopardstar died Gramps.  The next morning it is confirmed by a visiting Hawkfrost – Mistystar has risen to power.

After a series of failed hunts and trainings that left her despondent, Ivypaw throws herself into sleep, and wakes in a strangely bright meadow – no sun in the sky, and odd depressions in the tall grasses.  But she is distracted by the appearance of a large and well decorated tomcat, who asks if she needs some help.  Thinking it’s just a weird dream, she asks for help training, and the stranger obliges.  The next morning, she tries one of the moves on Charheart, who asks where she saw such a move?  That’s very advanced but seriously, who taught you that?

Ivypaw, freaking out, tells her about the tomcat and the meadow – Charheart freaks out, and the pair head straight to the Healer’s den.  Darkmoon sees their distress and calls for Longstar and Fireheart, who were chatting with Mousefur.  The situation is explained, and explained again to Dovepaw and Jaywhisker and a very confused Wormpaw.  After hearing everyone trying to figure out the Dark Forest’s next move, Ivypaw surprises herself by offering to be a spy.  There is arguing, but after vowing to call on Yellowfang for help if she needs it, Ivypaw becomes a Dark Forest Trainee…

A huge storm sweeps through camp, and to the horror of all, a tree falls onto some fleeing cats!  Mousefur is gone in an instant, and Briarpaw’s back is broken by a branch – not to mention Ashfur’s bruises and Coldlight’s crushed tail tip!  Millie is distraught, but is reminded of Feathertail, and of how she survived a broken spine!  Graystripe vows to help his daughter in any way he can, and Longstar decides to promote her – and her siblings – for their bravery evacuating the camp.  Briarlight, who had already been training to be a Camp Guard, breaks into tears at her ceremony.

Dovepaw is awoken one night by a brown cat, claiming to be Onewhisker.  He says Shadowclan is planning an attack on the borders, and Dovepaw relays this to Longstar the moment the spirit leaves.  A battle patrol quite literally runs into a patrol on Thunderclan territory, and a fight ensues.  Someone shoves Jaywhisker from behind, and his claws catch on the tender throat of Russetfur.  Everyone breaks apart, and Jaywhisker wails in horror when he realizes what happened.  Back at camp, Dovepaw describes Tiger”star” to a horrified Longstar.  But it’s far too late to stop what’s happened… (Starclan is in crisis – how did Tiger”star” sneak through to Dovepaw!?  Bluestar finds a crack in their defenses, that makes her suspect more…)

-Plans Coming Together-

(In the city, the Twoleg Vet Tech gathers bandages, stitches, anything she might need to treat mass wounds.  The ghost of her childhood cat Nanigans perches on her desk, purring softly.  She had talked to her grandfather, who had his beloved Barn cat Sweet Pea show up, and he’s been preparing to help as well.  When you start seeing cat ghosts, ghosts that the suspiciously smart neighborhood cats see too, it’s time to start worrying…)

At camp, Lionblossom treats the wounds of the patrol, while Darkmoon and Fireheart try to calm Jaywhisker.  He’s retreated into a ball in the corner of camp, and it takes his mother to pry him out.  He yowls in grief and horror, and Swiftpool takes him to a quiet place in the territory, to let him grieve.  Dovepaw covers her ears – her hearing is now flinging from nonexistant to too much too loud with little warning and no time to adjust.

Jaywhisker, resting fitfully in camp, is woken by Charheart.  You don’t look too good, and something big flew over camp – maybe you need a walk?  He agrees, and the pair scare off a small owl.  They walk in silence for a time, but then they are interrupted by a call – Embertail.  He looks devastated, but asks Jaywhisker what happened to Russetfur – some of the Brawlers are saying you did it on purpose, but…I don’t believe them.  Please, what happened?  Jaywhisker, supported by Charheart, lays out the events, and Embertail sighs – that sounds like a total accident! Oh Jaywhisker I’m so sorry – I’ll talk to Blackstar about it.  With that, Embertail wishes the pair farewell, and heads off.  Jaywhisker leans on Charheart and thanks her for the help.  Of course, silly, what are friends for?

(In Shadowclan, Redwillow seethes.  How DARE Embertail step in like that – Russetfur’s murder was all planned out, another wedge between clans, and then this?!  Redwillow seethes, and in the Stars, Russetfur thinks hard.)

Ivypaw and Dovepaw have their first real fight a few days later, Dovepaw insisting that Ivypaw stop her spying Right Now – look what they did to me, think of what they’ll do to you!!  Ivypaw snaps back, well maybe if you’d thought to double check who you were talking to, MAYBE your mentor wouldn’t be traumatized, and someone wouldn’t be dead!!! They stalk off away from each other, but at Wormpaw’s insistence, talk over their issues a few days later.  Wormpaw asks Goldenflower if there’s a role for helping cats get along, and Wormpaw starts even more training with Darkmoon, to see if he wants to also be a Therapist.

(Dovepaw keeps running into Goldenheart on her patrols – not on purpose, but it just. Keeps. Happening!  After a while, it becomes less annoying and more funny, but still…Starclan why?)

(Bluestar chuckles, not seeing Yellowfang behind her with a scowl.)

In Shadowclan, Blackstar, Embertail, and a sickly Littlecloud go to the Moonpool.  The spirit of Raggedstar advises that the clans stay apart, but Embertail argues that if the clans were closer, maybe Russetfur would still be alive!  He then crouches in shame for speaking Like That to a Starclan Spirit, but the laughter of Yellowfang gives him confidence.  Russetfur herself appears, and tells Blackstar that she will wait for him, her chosen brother, but to also stop being a pompous idiot and be social.

(Nearby, Juniperclaw watches silently.  Perhaps it’s time someone visits this interfering Seer…)

Ivypaw wakes in the Dark Forest, and on her way to train, she stumbles through a new place – the edge of a raging river in a storm.  She sees paws in the water for a moment, too small and horrible to think about, when she’s startled by a massive tortie molly, all flapping throat and rippling fur, emerging from the waves.  The molly advances on her, blurbling words just out of hearing, and Ivypaw backs up – right into Brambleclaw and his thorns.  Brambleclaw tells the molly, Mapleshade, to back off, but his voice is unsteady.  Mapleshade laughs like a drowning bird, and vanishes out of the stormy clearing. 

Ivypaw, seeing an opening in Brambleclaw’s armor, starts praising him.  Obviously tricking her sister was HIS idea, because it was so good!  He eats it up, and brings her to training.  As she trains, she sees a white cat, half coated in ice, weeping sleet.  They make eye contact, and Ivypaw sees pain in his eyes, but also regret…that’s new.  Eventually, she sees Tiger”star” talking to Goldenheart, and when she wakes, Longstar is Very interested in the regretful cat, and asks her to keep an eye on him.  Lionblossom and Jaywhisker are horrified at Goldenheart’s appearance.

It's Leafbare, and Jaywhisker has been cultivating his friendship with Embertail.  They’re sliding rocks on the frozen lake, when Jaywhisker hears an ominous THUNK beneath them, followed by cracking.  Embertail falls into the water, but is quickly hoisted out by Jaywhisker and Dawnpelt.  But even after he’s treated, even after he’s warmed, Embertail won’t wake up…

(Mapleshade drags the blank-faced spirit of Embertail to the Miretrees, something like a smile on what remains on her face…)

Ivypaw is greeted that night by Mapleshade, who drags her along with her sodden tail, and shows Ivypaw the drowsy spirit of Embertail. K I L L, says the monstrous molly, but even as Ivypaw reluctantly lifts a paw, Goldenheart charges into the scene and bowls her over.  They argue, and Mapleshade just laughs, until she sees that Embertail is just gone!  The trainees scramble away from the furious tortie, and Ivypaw hisses that she would never hurt Embertail.  Goldenheart thanks her, and the two part ways.

(A silvery tom with biting beaks in his neck helps a faceless, gurgling tom guide Embertail away.  The white frozen cat is waiting at a hollow tree, and the Visitor ushers Embertail to his body.  The Seer awakens, dazed and confused, with no memory of anything after the ice.)

Then Icecloud falls into the tunnels.  Jaywhisker and Charheart both huddle together, experiencing some very nasty emotions, but Icecloud is freed and the tunnel opened.  Lionblossom does NOT find his sister within, but instead a tuft of fur, and crushed holly leaves…maybe, just maybe…Hollywish is alive?

(In the background, Icecloud lifts the apprentices spirits by placing a betting pool on when Charheart and Jaywhisker will start dating.  Ivypaw confides that Charheart thinks that they are, but Dove giggles and says that Jaywhisker has no idea.  Wormpaw suggests maybe a betting pool on when Jaywhisker figures it out, and a deal is made.)

-Times Are Changing-

None of the apprentices expect what comes next – Longstar calls them to receive their adult names!  Ivyleaf is named for her rapid growth and sheltering nature, Dovewing is named for her adventurous spirit and kind nature, and Wormwood for his steady and dependable nature.  Their vigil is calm, and their sleep sweet…except for Ivyleaf…

(That night, she fights Antpelt, and when he tries to help her up, Broken”star” attacks him.  That night, Heathertail wakes to something sticky in their shared nest, and her horrified screams wake Breezepelt, whose yowls join hers quickly.  Antpelt lays between them, so bloody he looks like a different cat altogether.  Kestrelflight rushes to treat him, but it’s far too late…)

At the next Gathering, Goldenheart tries to flirt with Dovewing, which is a surprise, but Bumblestripe steps in and Brightheart has to break it up before a fight starts.  Wormwood is asked about Briarlight by Grasspelt, who promises to come for a visit, I mean if that’s okay?  Ivyleaf thinks it’s sweet.  She finds it less sweet and more annoying when Goldenheart tries to get time with Dovewing and Ivyleaf has to distract Bumblestripe.

Lionblossom begins to experience strange dreams, of being a cat named Lion’s Roar, and hearing the voices of cats from said dreams coming from the mountains.  Knowing that this is important, Lionblossom asks for Longstar to assign him a patrol to go check it out – he asks for Graystripe and his family – including Briarlight - and Foxflight and Shrewleg.  Frostfoot asks to go as well, and the patrol prepares to go.

On the morning of the patrol’s departure, Jaywhisker and Charheart are on one of their morning patrols, and are discussing the Prophecy and the Dark Forest.  Charheart admits to feeling insecure sometimes, courting a cat chosen by the Stars, and Jaywhisker nearly runs into a tree.  WAIT HANG ON WHAT cough cough what do you MEAN we’re COURT - oooooooonnnnnoooooo I’m a moron…Jaywhisker puts his head in his paws, I’m supposed to be the smart one HOW DID I NOT NOTICE!?!?!? Charheart please stop laughing at meeeee!  Charheart, at this point out of breath from laughing, wheezes out, it’s been moons, and Jaywhisker starts cackling like a loon.  The two lay there laughing for a while, but eventually DO have a relationship conversation.

(Wormwood wins the bet, and Ivyleaf, Dovewing, and Icecloud all pay up with tasty mice)

Up at the Tribe territory, Stormfur and Feathertail greet their father and siblings and stepmother, and figure out quickly that there are no problems in the Tribe!  This is Great! Lionblossom offers to teach some healing techniques, and Briarlight and Feathertail bond. The mobile patrollers do have to fight off an eagle that tries to steal Swoop, but she escapes with a broken leg.  However, every night they stay, Lionblossom has dreams of another time, and of a beautiful cat named Half Moon.  She promises to wait for him, and when the patrol leaves the Tribe, Lionblossom sees another shadow following him.  They return triumphant, with tales of eagles and a few new hunting and healing techniques.

In the Miretrees, Ivyleaf sees her father and Blossomfall training and is a little Concerned, but refuses to blow her cover.  In camp, Dovewing begs Whitewing to get Bumblestripe off her back.  I gave him one compliment and now he thinks we’re in love!? Mom PLEASE I’m going to slap him if he keeps this up!!  Whitewing pats her daughter, and whispers she saw a molly looking at Bumblestripe like he hung the Moon, and to leave it to her…

(Whitewing sets up a little shrine in the woods, just a few stones and berry pawprints, and tells all the single mollies and toms except Bumblestripe (and warns her kits about it) that it’s a Love Shrine.  That if they bring a piece of prey there at Sunhigh and ask Starclan for their blessing, that the mate they seek will appear to them soon after.  Rosepetal leaves a frog on the offering stone and begs the Stars for Bumblestripe.  He’s the sweetest tom she’s ever known!  He brings prey to the Elders, and helps his sister exercise, and lets kits crawl all over him, and he’s so beautiful she wants to cry sometimes!  He’s brave and his fur looks so soft and she wants to cover him in Courting flowers and I just want someone that devoted but aimed at me!  Is that so much so ask!?  She stares at the sky, sighs tearily, grabs her frog, and turns to head for camp-

                                          -And nearly runs into a wide eyed Bumblestripe.  Whitewing told him that she wanted some flowers from the meadow nearby, and he saw Rosepetal with a frog, his secret favorite prey and then she just-

                                                                              -he smiles tearily, you think I’m pretty?  I mean, I’m not even that attractive- And Rosepetal tackles him into the meadow with an indignant yowl, SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!  They roll down the little hill as she sputters out how his stripes are so pleasantly Shaped and his little hair tuft is so Cute and how DARE he talk about himself like that!!!  They end up side by side, panting, and Bumblestripe gently turns to her – well, you’re pretty great yourself y’know.  She stammers, and shoves some flowers in his face.  He laughs, and she laughs, and right there, for a little while, everything is beautiful.)

(Dovewing hugs her mother tightly, I don’t know what you did but THANK YOU, he even apologized?! Mom you’re a miracle worker)

-And Now What You Were All Waiting For-

Cherypaw and Molepaw get lost in the tunnels, but are led to safety by “a shadow and a wet thing ma stop licking me I’m fINE” and Swiftpool wonders…but refuses to get her hopes up.  But Dovewing hears “Somethings” down there, so she, Ivyleaf, and Wormwood go to investigate.  And get lost.  The three start to panic but then the Somethings Dovewing heard show up – a cat ghost, all drenched and sopping wet, and a barely there shadow with green eyes.  They lead the trio to the exit, but the watery ghost has a soft conversation with the shadowy cat, who presses their head to the ghost, washing away the mud covering their face, revealing tortie spots.  If it’s alright, I’ll come with you, they say, and Wormwood agrees for the stunned sisters.  They know who she MUST be, but Wormwood can be a little dense sometimes…

As they approach camp, Swiftpool calls out – oh thank Starclan, we were looking everywhere for…you…

Hollywish?

HOLLYWISH!  MY BABY!

Swiftpool nearly tackles the dusty molly off of her feet, wailing in joy and relief – Jaywhisker screams WHAT and charges out of camp, Charheart and Lionblossom in hot pursuit – Mistlenose running circles around her family - Foxflight screeching YOU’RE HOME and flinging herself forward, Shrewleg cheering – Longstar and Flamewish and Fireheart breaking through a crowd of gathering cats and falling into the pile – Hollywish sobbing out I’m Sorry I’m Sorry I’m So Sorry – Darkmoon yells from the edge of the mess to get Crowfeather – Snowthorn jumps in to brush against her then bolts for Windclan - in a moment or maybe an hour Crowfeather crashes in MY KIT MY KIT MY KIT - it’s chaos but the most welcome kind of chaos

Hollywish is home!

She explains what happened – the friendly Gheist, named Fallen Leaves, had saved her, but to do so had to bind her to the tunnels until her injuries would have naturally recovered.  Longstar swears to build a shrine for him, so he can gather his strength again.  The news spreads through the Clans like lightning – and not just the Clans…

(The Dark Forest yowls in rage – there are four Prophecy cats again!  Brambleclaw is thrown about by Tiger”star”, cats are thrashing in rage – some of the oldest fading in an instant of fury.  But some cats quietly celebrate – they have a better chance now.)

(Starclan cheers wildly – there are four Prophecy cats again!  This makes things SO much easier!  Yellowfang is crying – no I AM NOT – and somewhere, a cat quietly slips into the Miretrees again – just another Visitor…)

In a rage, Brambleclaw commands Ivyleaf to fight the remnants of Antpelt – a twisted façade of someone that she knew – someone who was loved – this isn’t him anymore.  Ivyleaf destroys the not-Antpelt, the was-Antpelt, and watches it crumble like dry sand and ashes.  She struts past Sunstrike and Furzepelt, refuses to make eye contact with Goldenheart, and

                            As soon as she’s out of their view

                             She                             B R E A K S

Ivyleaf weeps as soundlessly as she can, slashing her clotted claws into the rotted wood of an ancient tree.  She heaves up everything she ate before, until nothing comes up…that had been her friend, and now he’s gone forever…and then she hears movement. She whips around, claws ready, but – it’s the white cat, with the frozen body.  I’m sorry you had to go through that, he mews, but I think what I have to show you may help.  My name is Snowtuft, he crackles, and if you want to stop these horrors, come with me.  And he walks away.

And she follows, heart in her throat, and they pass through a far-too-familiar field of flowers.  She can see that the odd depressions in the grass are where cats lay dying, and sidesteps bloody pawprints, where someone sprinted through the scene.  Snowtuft leads her past Mapleshade’s river, through a tunnel choked with bones and thorns, over a Thunderpath shrouded by fog until finally, they reach a hollow in the trunk of a tree.  It smells like poppy seeds and tree sap, but what catches her attention is the other cats. Snowtuft gestures to them – these are my fellow rebel leaders.  We were sinners, were monsters, were horrible in life, but we want to make up for our past mistakes.  This, he croaks, is Silverhawk – the silvery tabby has the beaks of birds protruding from his neck, snapping soundlessly at his face.  This is Sparrowfeather – a misshapen molly with thin birdlike legs.  This is Maggottail – the grey-white tom glistens with slime and his eyes bulge strangely.  And this is Boulder – the faceless cat gurgles at her, ineffectively wiping his dripping spit away.  Behind him sat a – a Kittypet?  A brown and white collared Kittypet, unkempt and bony.  I’m Dastardly Dan, Dan’s fine, that one hacks.  Those lot’ve been snatchin the worst o us outta the Dark Place, but well, they ain’t th’only ones.  And he gestures upwards, where a glimmer drops down and lands before Ivyleaf.  She hops back but – that’s – that’s a Starclan cat if she ever saw one.  Hello brave soul, the yellowy spirit murmurs, my name is Micah.  And I am VERY glad to meet you.

-The True Reason and The Power of the Powerless-

And Ivyleaf learns everything that has happened here.  How Micah was the mate of the first Oracular Healer, who separated their kits because she couldn’t care for them and do her Role.  How he had tried to change her ruling but was overturned.  How he wandered from Starclan, and found the Dark Forest, and watched it grow from the wrath and hate of a cat named One Eye.  How Micah had tried to save some of the souls here, and been injured – and how a long-ago Healer, who had killed their most ill patients instead of trying to heal them, had nursed him back to health.  That healer had made this hollow from the memory of their first victim, their own sibling, and hid there until Micah crashed in.  And how the Healer had been the inspiration of Micah’s mission in his afterlife – to save the repentant souls that came here.  The Healer had been the only one Micah had been able to save in any way – their spirit had begun to fade, and Micah had brought them out of the Miretrees and to a litter of cold kits – and they had splintered into the kits, saving their lives and being reborn. 

Starclan has refused to help me, or to change their ruling on Healers having kits…but the world is on a moment of great change.  When the Stars foresaw that the Dark Forest would rise up, many wanted to simply destroy the Dark Forest, and be done with it, Micah mews.  But instead, I crafted a Prophecy, and gave gifts to those who would need them, and hoped for the best.  And the best has happened – here you are, the brave soul that chose to enter the darkness, to save the light.  You I gave no gifts, for you need no gifts but your wit, bravery, and kindness.  You have what may be the most important role here –

You’re going to save the trainees.  You’re going to clear their eyes.  Micah pauses, have you ever wondered why your father, a loyal cat, is here?  Or Goldenheart? A mire is hard to escape once entered, and the darkness has clouded their minds into believing this is Good and Right. But you came here, knowing it would do you harm, and with many to support you, so the dark failed. Some may be beyond saving, but if you bring them to me, I will clear the shadows from them.

Ivyleaf is shaken and confused, but – I’ll do anything I can to save them, she agrees.  Micah smiles gently, and the gathered cats sigh in relief.  Now, when you awaken, please tell only those you can trust to not gossip.  And with a touch on her forehead, Ivyleaf awakens.  She bolts to the Leader’s Den, waking Longstar and Flamewish, and shakes them awake.  We have hope, she whispers to their astonished faces, we have hope and a plan.

(Each night, she corners a trainee, come with me, I’m giving you Special Training.  She starts with Goldenheart, who hacks and heaves and shakes in horror.  Her father collapses against her, begging forgiveness.  Icewing and Beetlewhisker huddle together.  Sunstrike tries to dash herself on sharp branches, only to be met with the strong but gentle embrace of Micah.  She can’t find the hollow when she brings Redwillow, and convinces him that her training is stealth, then ditches him.  She can’t get to all of them, but the time is coming.  When the Dark Forest is weakened, they will see what they have done…if they survive)

-Preparations-

The leaders meet in secret, and Longstar tells them some of what Ivyleaf discovered – keeping the news of Micah’s plan for the changes to the Code and who the spy is.  Mistystar is appalled but ready to begin getting the camp ready for war.  Blackstar is unbelieving until Mudstar tells them how Antpelt died – clawed to death, black rotten water in his lungs, between his loving mates.

The Healers begin stockpiling herbs, and the Nursery Guards and Camp Guards begin to clear out exit routes for the Nurseries and Elders Dens.  Crafters pull bark from the trees, reeds from the rivers, and scrap from the twolegs, to make armor and reinforce the walls.  Brawlers sharpen their claws, Historians and Tacticians work on battle plans, and Herbalists prepare poisons and paint.  Mates talk quietly, friends stick close, families promise to make it out together.

(Starclan prepares for war.  Warriors draw the stars into their claws, Healers into their pawpads.  Yellowfang rallies the Elders into a frenzy.  Spottedleaf and Cinderpelt gather the kits and ask them to scout from above, the only place that the Dark Forest cannot reach them.)

(And a school bus, driven by a Farmer and his granddaughter the Vet Tech, draws close to the scene)

The curtains rise, the stage is set.

Lights

Camera

-Action-

The Dark Forest strikes at Shadowclan first – Graystripe and Jaywhisker lead the charge to help.  The scene is chaos – Gheists everywhere, but Shadowclan is holding.  Jaywhisker can smell the stench of darkness and rot, and pounces on a Mire Warrior, shredding their already shredded form.  He hears Blackstar couch to life, and Redwillow screech as he dies.  And he hears the familiar voice of Feathertail, with the chimes of the Stars through it, call Starclan to battle.  Graystripe sobs as he attacks a skinny ghost, and hears his daughter vow to protect Briarlight.

Goldenheart and Ivyleaf fight back to back for a moment, and she sends him to help Dovewing – I can’t be her ears in this mess, go help her!  If you ever loved her- but Goldenheart is already gone.  She claws what’s left of the face off of a kittypet ghost, and turns all her attention to the battle.

In Windclan, Furzepaw leaps for Mudstar, and Sunstrike intercepts her.  Please stop, Sunstrike begs, the Dark Forest killed Antpelt, don’t let them kill you.  A furious Breezepelt slices through the back of a ghost, as Heathertail sobs over the fading corpse of another.  Nightcloud and Crowfeather tag-team a dog-faced ghost, scattering them to the wind, and Hopfoot’s starry spirit joins them.  Go on son, go to your kits, we’ll hold them off!  Tallstar and startlingly Onewhisker leap from the skies, and Crowfeather bolts.

Brambleclaw confronts Ivyleaf, snarling about disloyalty and punishment.  Ivyleaf smirks, did you really think you were in control of everyone? And suddenly the Dark Forest cats are fighting each other.  Snowtuft leaps onto Brambleclaw, and Ivyleaf goes for the stake in his throat, but both are thrown off.  Before Brambleclaw can do any major damage though, Hawkfrost and his otter friends attack.  Hawkfrost finishes what he started before, and the otters sit on Snowtuft until Ivyleaf can coax them off.

Broken”star” leaps at the Thunderclan nursery, and Honeyfern clashes with the monster of a leader.  She falls to her claws, and Berrynose screams in horror.  Poppyfrost slashes at the blinded beast in fury, but it’s Yellowfang who sends her child to a second death.  Honeyfern rises into a starry form, and takes up her place at the Nursery entrance. Mapleshade charges at Swiftpool, but is stopped by the timely intervention of Crowfeather.  The mates slay her, but there are more and more ghosts appearing every moment…

Tiger”star” laughs at the weakened and half blind form of Longstar, I have more ghosts at my disposal than you will ever understand!  Starclan will fall!  The Mire will rise!

And then

A noise pierces the night.

HWONK HWONK HWONK

A massive yellow monster charges down the Thunderpath, scattering the charging Dark Forest forces.  It screeches to a halt, and its side opens and

-HOPE NEVER DIES!!!-

Is screeched by the throats of the cavalry – the Hope’s Clowder cats, arrayed in thick armor and bristling with energy.  They overrun the gathered ghosts like water over stones, and they are not alone.  The Barn cats charge after them, swooping in on any injured cat and carrying them into the monster.  The monster’s twoleg bursts out, wielding a long stick with a flattened and curved edged end, and begins swatting at any remaining ghosts with vigor.  The spirits of kittypets descend like a swarm of ducks on twoleg treats, and the ghosts that the Miretrees depended on are scattered and destroyed in moments.

Tiger”star” screeches in horrified confusion, which only doubles when Darkstripe, sleek and plump, and Sasha, bright eyed and healthy, charge towards him in armor of their own.  Fireheart, rushing from the camp to help Longstar, goes for Tiger”star”s dangling organs, and then the fight goes on in earnest.

And then it all

Just

Stops

Tiger”star” fades away, nothing more than a terrible memory.  The ghosts of the Dark Forest and the Dark Place scatter.  The friendly spirits of the Dark Forest and the Dark place gather to lick their wounds.

And Longstar and Fireheart are dying.

Flamewish crouches by them, weeping.  Their children and grandchildren gather around their father and uncle.  Brightheart begs Longstar to stay – she’s not ready! Everyone still needs him!  No one is ready for this, Crookedstar intones, but you will be amazing my dear.  And surrounded by friends and family, Thunderclan’s leader and his dearest friend pass into Starclan.  They rise up together, gathering the newly dead behind them.  And not just Starclan is leaving.

Dastardly Dan is greeted by the Farmer’s friend Sweet Pea, who invites him and his friends to join her.  My Twoleg would love the company, and when her mate joins us, we’ll have a barn to explore!  Only if we can ‘elp the others, twasnt just our lot that feel bad fer what we did.  Of course, says another cat, Nanigans, everyone deserves a second chance.  With a glance at Micah, who stands with the Miretrees rebels, Dan agrees, and the group of dead kittypets trot off together, past the Farmer and past the Vet, who has emerged from the monster.  They disappear behind the monster, and all that is heard of them after is sighs of relief and cries of joy.

Micah steps forward, and what of these cats?  What of these who want to change, to be better?  They deserve a second chance as well.  The gathered Starclan cats mutter and murmur, but the still-present Longstar loudly agrees.  Darkstripe was given a second chance, and now look at the fine Clowder he leads!  These cats deserve the chance to change!  I will make a place in Starclan with my own paws if I must, adds Fireheart.  And an agreement is reached.  A place is made – not Starclan or Miretrees, but a place where those who desire to change may go and rest.  The gathered rebels cheer, and as the living are told of this new place, the rebels begin to change.

Snowtuft ceases his constant crying, and the ice of his body clears.  Silverhawk’s biting beaks become a collar of silent spikes.  Sparrowfeather’s legs become sturdy enough to carry her weight properly.  Maggottail’s skin looks less rotten and gooey, and his eyes shrink.  Everywhere one looks, the rebels are somewhat restored.  Micah, tears in his eyes, leads the group to – to the Restful Fields.

(Not everything is so terrible as the deaths and burials.  Sasha is reunited with her kits, and screams in joy at the sight of her thought-dead Tadpole-now Crowfeather.  She meets her grandkits and weeps in joy.  Darkstripe is able to apologize in person to Sorreltail, and while they will never be close, she does forgive him.  Frostfoot walks with Darkmoon, and meets his sister once again.  Ruby changed her name to Smoke, and changed her nature as well.  Forgiveness is had, with tears at time lost.)

And life goes on.

-Epilogue-

Brightstar surveys Thunderclan from the leader’s den, Cloudtail and Daisy at her side.  She watches her deputy, Charheart, work with her former apprentice Ivyleaf and HER apprentice Hollowpaw, and wonders if Longstar approves of her choices.  Daisy nudges Brightstar, and asks if she really doesn’t mind being a momma to her kits, and both Brightstar and Cloudtail snuggle her in – they’re a family now, and everything is going to be wonderful.

(In the city, things are going well. No group of rogues cat best the Brawlers or Scouts of the Hope Clowder, and their Healers are backed by the Twoleg Healer, who takes the worst cases without complaint. They stay in touch with the Barn, and often tell stories of how they all rode in a car to go fight ghosts)

(In the Dark Forest, ghosts lick their wounds and snarl angrily.  But as they try to regroup, someone is watching.  Someone who will use them for her own gain…)

(In the Dark Place, Quince flees from her former lackeys.  Mapleshade promised her power and freedom, and now she’s back at square one!  As she fumes in her hiding place, she doesn’t see the amalgam of cats creeping behind her…)

(In the Restful Fields, Micah is visited by Moth Flight.  They talk for quite some time, and she finally agrees to a change in the Code.  But not today – today is for rest and renewal)

[toasttt11]

confessions

November 17, 2023

Lex ignored the look she knew was coming from Rutger and continued tying her skates.

“You know you can’t ignore him forever right.” Frank leaned over from where he sat in his stall next to hers whispering, Lex looked up glaring at him making Frank put his hands up in defense.

Lex finished her skates and stood up slipping on the rest of her gear and putting on her number four jersey with her embroidered A on it, and headed with her team as they headed towards the rink.

“Can we please talk after this.” Rutger softly whispered to Lex as he caught up with her. He knew she’s been ignoring him for the last week since they almost kissed.

Lex looked over seeing Rutger looking like a kicked puppy and nodded agreeing to talk before they focused on the game.

Lex was passing the puck across the ice to Rutger who took the onetimer as Lex watched him get smashed into the boards, and it felt like time stopped as she watched the way his stick slowly drop as he crumpled to the floor.

Lex barely remembers moving before she was on top of the player who had hit Rutger and she could feel the blood on her knuckles as she hit him straight across the nose before she was pulled off.

Lex stood with her team as they watch Rutger get loaded onto the stretcher in obvious pain and hurried out of Yost.

“You good to play.” Jacob mumbled to Lex knowing how she cares for Rutger.

“Let’s kick their asses.” Lex looked at her captain, determined for Rutger, for Dylan and for Mark who were both injured as well in this game.

And Michigan did just that. Lex getting the winning goal, making them win 6-4.

Lex quickly rushed a shower and changed into a pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt and saw almost all of her teammates getting dressed quickly to go see Rutger.

Lex silently handed the keys to Frank not sure if she wanted to drive this emotional and knew Frank would understand.

Lex looked out the window not even noticing they had got to the hospital until Frank gently nudged her arm, her head snapped up and saw they were there.

The whole hockey team met up with Rutger’s parents and sister as Rutger was with the doctor getting everything checked over and figuring out what the problems were.

Lex sat down next to Molly having always been close to her and grabbed her hand giving it a squeeze and Molly leaned her head on Lex’s shoulder sniffing worried for her brother.

It felt like forever before the doctor finally came out, “Good news your son is okay,” the words brought sighs of relief across the room, “Bad news he does have a punctured lung and broke rib.”

Cindy and Jim took in a sharp breath worried for their son.

“He should be awake in the morning and we given him meds to sleep through then night to start his body healing faster.” The doctor finished and excused themselves.

Rutger’s parents and Molly went into the room first spending a few minutes alone with a sleeping Rutger, before they gestured for the team all to squeeze into the room.

They all spent a few hours all huddled in the room all worried for Rutger, before Cindy told most of the team to get back to school and get some sleep. Cindy got all of the stubborn boys to head back but Lex was even more stubborn and she stayed in the chair in the room.

Frank rested his hand on her shoulder, “Want me to take you car back?” He leaned down to one of his best friends.

Lex nodded and handed her keys to him.

Cindy had Jim take Molly home wanting them to get a goodnight sleep at home.

“You care a lot for my son?” Cindy looked over at the girl she knows her son has been in love with for years and she seen her grow up.

Lex looked up at someone who’s always felt like another mother to her and knew she couldn’t lie, “I always have.” She admitted the truth.

“I know.” Cindy smiled softly having seen how much Lex has taken care of Rutger over the past few years, “He loves you, you know.”

“I know.” Lex soflty nodded knowing how much Rutger cares for her and some days she feels as if she doesn’t deserve all his love.

“Give him a chance.” Cindy softly squeezed her hand and sent Lex a motherly smile.

“I plan too.” Lex soflty smiled as she looked at sleeping Rutger and felt some tension come out of her shoulders seeing him peacefully sleeping even though he is badly injured.

November 18, 2023

“Mom?” Rutger groggily spoke feeling her hand brush his hair as he slowly woke up in the hospital bed.

“Hi honey.” Cindy McGroarty smiled softly down at her son who gave her the scare of a lifetime, “How you feeling?”

“Alright.” Rutger softly muttered back, “Where’s Mols and Dad?”

“I sent them to get something to eat.” Cindy replied, “Your teammates were all here last night but they had to go back to get some sleep, expect one wouldn’t leave the whole night and stayed with me.”

Lex was curled in one the hospital chair with a blanket draped over her, Rutger smiled softly seeing her. Cindy smiled at her son’s smitten look and knew the two would get together eventually.

A few hours had went by and the doctor had come in to talk to Rutger.

“How long am i going to be out?” Rutger desperately questioned knowing the World Junior Championship is in a few weeks.

“Six to eight weeks, depending on how fast you heal.” The doctor informed him.

Rutger head dropped and he could feel the tears fill his eyes realizing he most likely won’t be able to play, Lex frowned grabbing his free hand squeezing it tightly.

Rutger took a shuttering breath leaning his head back onto the pillows, he squeezed his hand.

His parents and sister had walked out of the room to talk more with doctor out of the room.

“Do you think i’ll be able to play?” Rutger choked out looking at Lex, his face covered in tears and the saddest frown on his face.

Lex looked at Rutger feeling her heart break seeing how devastated he is, “I think you will.” Lex had a feeling Rutger would heal in time to he able to play.

November 20, 2023

Lex went to her classes when she woke knowing Rutger was coming home today and she made sure to grab all his work as they have almost every class together.

She drove over to his parents house and knocked on the door, Cindy smiled at her as she opened the door, “Lex come in!”

Lex smiled waking in, adjusting her backpack on her shoulders, “How’s he doing?”

“Good today, think he is happy to be home.” Cindy smiled walking her down to Rutgers room, “He is pretty out of it today and been sleeping most of the day.” She opened the door to Rutger’s room and he was fast asleep in the middle of his bed.

“That’s okay, i just wanted to check on him and i brought his work so whenever he’s ready to start working on that.” Lex smiled and opened her backpack pulling out the work for Rutger and set it on his desk.

Cindy stayed at the door smiling at Lex, Lex walked over leaning down pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before leaning up and walking back to the door.

“You can stay you know.” Cindy smiled soflty at her.

“Thank you but i should probably get back to the house and get some work done before practice later.”

“Alright, Let me walk you out.” Cindy walked with her to the front door, Cindy pulled her into a gentle hug, “Thank you for coming.”

“Course.” Lex smiled back before pulling away and waking to her car.

November 21, 2023

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Cindy asked Lex as she walked through the door.

“Really it’s not a problem i was gonna spend the day with him anyways.” Lex reassured her with a smile.

“Thank you really.” Cindy had gotten an emergency at work she had to get to and Molly was in class taking an important test and Jim had to go into work as well. Cindy knew Rutger was supposed to be not alone for a little while and she trusted Lex, “He was sleeping when i checked on him last, and thank you again.” Cindy rushed out the door.

“It’s not a problem.” Lex smiled before heading down the hallway to Rutgers room in his parents house, the door was open and she could see Rutger kinda sleeping but not fully asleep.

Lex stepped in and set her backpack on his desk and unzipped it pulling out the gift she got Rutger. Lex walked over and gently sat on the edge of the bed as Rutger’s eyes were fluttering open.

“Ollie?” Rutger mumbled with a goofy smile.

“Hey pretty boy.” Lex smiled soft brushing his hair off his forehead, “How you feeling?”

“Good.” Rutger slowly nodded before nothing something in her hands, “What’s that?”

“Uh I uh thought you might like it.” Lex rushed out setting the snow white teddy bear next to Rutger.

“It’s cute.” Rutger picked it up feeling how soft it was before looking at Lex seeing how she was avoiding his eyes and felt his heart clench in fondness for this girl, “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Lex cleared her throat, “Your stuck with just me for the day, your mom had to go into work.”

“And you came over?” Rutger titled his head looking at Lex for an answer.

“I uh planned to come over anyways and i uh got your work so you wouldn’t be behind.” Lex simply explained fiddling with her finger not enjoying how nervous she felt.

“You do care for me.” Rutger teased with a smug smiled.

Lex took a deep breath and looked up towards him, “Of course i do.”

Rutger’s eyes widen and he tried to lean up towards her, “Woah relax!” Lex quickly put her hands out stopping him from moving and made him stay put.

Rutger ignored her words and looked at her, “You care for me?”

“Of course i do Rut.” Lex softly admitted leaning closer to Rutger.

Rutger slowly breathed out in disbelief hearing the words he’s been waiting for and gently brought his hand up to cup her cheek, he smiled as Lex leaned into his touch.

He gently pulled her chin down to him, “Can i? Please?” Rutger breathed out desperately looking up at her for permission, to do the thing he’s been dreaming up for years.

Lex nodded and leaned forward connecting her lips to his in a gentle kiss.

Lex gently pulled away leaning her forehead on Rutger’s forehead.

“Took you long enough.” Rutger softly chuckled teasing her as he pressed another kiss to her lips.

“Whatever.” Lex fondly rolled her eyes.

“Lay with me.” Rutger looked at her with his puppy eyes making her nod and slowly lay next to him and rest her head gently on his shoulder.

“Will you let me take you out of date?” Rutger softly questioned, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I could be persuaded.” Lex quipped back with a small smile.

“Oh i see how it is.” Rutger laughed feeling Lex let out a chuckle, “How about being my girlfriend?” Rutger nervously asked.

Lex’s eyes widen and she quickly sat up looking at Rutger, “Girlfriend?”

“Yeah.” Rutger softly nodded nervously looking at her.

“Are you sure?” Lex softly questioned.

“Alexandra Zegras i would very much like to he your boyfriend if you will have me?” Rutger gently grabbed her hand and looked at her as he spoke.

“Ok, Yeah, Yes!” Lex breathed out smiling leaning over to let Rutger kiss her again.

Rutger fondly cupped her face and smiled kissing her again.

They pulled apart resting their foreheads together and smiling at each other.

“Took you long enough.” Rutger softly teased his now girlfriend.

“I know.” Lex nodded softly pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, “I’m sorry.” She nudged her nose to his.

“It’s okay, i’ll always wait for you.” Rutger softly cooed cupping her face in her hands, he knew she hadn’t been ready in the past and was more than willing to wait for her to figure out her feelings.

“Thank you.” Lex pulled back and laid back down next to Rutger laying on his shoulder and was playing with his fingers.

Rutger could feel himself slowly falling asleep and before he knew it was fast asleep. Lex wasn’t far behind and fell asleep.

Cindy came home a few hours laters and walked into the quiet house down the hall and peaked into his room seeing Rutger and Lex cuddled together both peacefully sleeping looking content in each others arms, Cindy smiled fondly and quietly walked over to the bed and pulled up the blankets over the two and quietly walked out and closed the door behind her.

[ddagent]

Halloween headcanons?

Margo's favourite all-time holiday is Halloween. Christmas and Thanksgiving was full of detached parents and the Fourth of July was obnoxious. But Halloween? A spooky, scary time filled with candy? This was meant to be Margo's holiday. They don't celebrate Halloween in the USSR so Sergei has no idea what he's getting into.

The first Halloween in their house, Margo takes an entire afternoon to decorate. Sergei comes back to find cobwebs covering the front door and a giant skeleton in an old Apollo spacesuit with his visor down. There are fake spiders and a massive pumpkin on the kitchen counter. Margo is at the piano playing I Put a Spell on You and Sergei cannot agree more.

The afternoon of Halloween, they carve the pumpkin. Sergei finds it ridiculous the tools available merely to shape the front, and the smell is rancid. Yet, he relishes watching Margo pulling out the guts and delicately carving the front. She opts for a scary face, ghastly in nature. He carves a rocket, shooting into the stars, with the flickering candle as its booster. Margo calls him a show off before kissing him.

Their first trick-or-treater is Javi, who is dressed as some superhero neither Margo nor Sergei recognise. He is happy with the Tootsie Rolls he is given by Tia Margo. The other neighbour kids are happy, too – Margo bought an entire shelf in Walmart to keep their bowl full. They smile at the kids dressed as astronauts, as Neil and Molly and now Dani, several children with orange dust on their boots to simulate Mars.

With the night winding down, they retreat to their living room and watch some horror movies. They watch Species, rented from the video store a block away, and The Crow from last year. Margo takes it easy on Sergei, not subjecting him to Halloween or A Nightmare on Elm Street. He still huddles close, jumping and setting the popcorn flying. Margo goes to turn it off but he just grabs a blanket and snuggles closer.

[feathersandfarmers]

Big and Brave

One detail in Dawn of the Nugget that I really admire is how Ginger's words of kindness are what help Molly to be strong.

As an audience, we first hear Ginger calling her daughter "her big and brave girl" just before she leaves for the meeting with the other chickens. It's not, "Goodnight, sweetie" or "Goodnight, princess" or any of the more common phrases a parent would say to their little girl. Instead Ginger emphasizes her daughter's bravery. Ever since Molly hatched, it seemed she craved adventure!

"goodnight, my big, brave girl!"

Later on, after witnessing the trucks, it almost seems that this compliment became a source of frustration for Molly. In the child's mind, she is brave and practically all grown up! So why won't her silly mother let her explore whatever is across the water??

"why am I not ready? I'm a big, brave girl! You always say so!"

"No...I'm big and I'm brave!"

When Molly is at the factory, it's almost as if she's hit with the "real world" and things are actually getting scary. When Frizzle is given a mind-control collar, Molly realizes she is all alone. She huddles against the wall and curls up into a ball to cry. Most likely, she wished she had never left the island...she wanted her mommy and daddy...she just wanted to be home safe again.

But suddenly, she stops! She wipes her tears and remembers her mother's words of affirmation...big and brave! She decides to get up and help herself get out of this situation, and be sure to take Frizzle and all the other hens with her!

This part of the movie really touches me when I think about it all together. Ginger putting loving words into her daughter's mind had a big effect. It gave Molly the strength to keep going.

[loveysloveclub]

THE MAN! UMICH AU chapter iii. training

in which, molly formally meets her new teammates.

the next few weeks before hockey training began were filled with classes, late night pit stops at a local diner and ava choi.

the asian girl was quick to find a place in molly's heart. she was more academically driven then molly, and had informed her that the less frat parties and the more studying, the better. michigan wasn't her top school of choice, and in order to transfer at the end of her freshmen year, she had to step up her game and get the grades necessary.

but alas, the settling down period of molly's college experience had come to an end, hence why she was up much earlier than she was used to, running around her dorm to make sure she had everything for her first training.

nervous would be an understatement to how she was feeling, molly maxwell was freaking the fuck out. this was important to her, but so many things could go wrong. she already knew that the level she was now playing at would be harder than her last, especially since hockey was an american sport and not an australian one. and to add to that, apart from the small conversation between her fellow freshmen teammates she ahd eavesdropped on during her first day, she had no idea how the rest of the guys on the team would react when they were informed that the new teammate was a female. she knew how some of these guys work, having played with and against them before. if they didn't think she was supposed to be there, they would have no issue telling her so.

"i've watched you check that bag four times, you've got everything and you've got this. now scram!" ava was sat at her desk, revising for a quiz she had in her law class. she was up early nearly every morning, and the dedication to her education genuinely surprised molly. she could barely find the motivation to attend her classes, and they weren't nearly as hard as ava's.

molly nodded her head before heading for the door, hands shaking with nerves. all the boys, even the freshmen, had already met each other due to some pre season bonding over the break. and a quick stalk of one of the seniors instagrams told molly that they were a close knit group already, which only increased her nerves.

molly had made sure to visit the rink once or twice over the pass few weeks, just so she knew the layout and wouldn't get lost. both times, she was told by cleaning staff that it wasn't opened and she had to leave the premise.

finding the extra changing room, which is where she was told through email by her new coach is where she would get changed as she obviously couldn't change with a bunch of boys in the room, was easy enough. however, walking towards the ice proved to be difficult. not because she got lost, but because she quite literally couldn't get her feet to move.

by the time she actually made it to the rink, all the boys were huddled around coach, receiving a talking to.

"speaking of the new teammate, here she is boys. everyone, i'd like you to meet molly maxwell, she comes from australia. make her feel welcome, but not too welcome, please." a few of the other staff on the ice giggled at his innuendo, but molly was more focused on the confused glances from the rest of the team. only one was glaring at her and only one was smiling, offering her a small wave, in which she returned quickly. she vaguely recognised him as one of the boys who were throwing a football and talking about her a few weeks back.

"alright, boys and girl! let's start the season!" quickly abandoning the shock of having a girl playing with them, the team all cheered before venturing further out onto the ice.

practice passed in a blur. none of the boys had made an effort to talk to molly, which she was fine with. she was still wary on all of them and would rather observe from the sidelines for the next few weeks to pick the ones who wouldn't treat her differently because she was a girl and befriend them.

that didn't stop her from feeling left out every time one of them jumped on the other or laughed loudly at something another one had said. but her exclusion was partly her fault as well.

after training, all boys headed back to their change room, while molly opted to sitting on the bench to untie her laces. it wasn't as bad as she had thought it was going to be this morning, and the team seemed good enough. she was only interrupted from her thoughts when the same boy from earlier sat down beside her.

"dylan duke, but you can call me duker." he said immediately after taking his seat, also untying his laces. "molly maxwell, but you can call me-"

"maxxy, your nickname is now maxxy."

molly had never gotten a nickname from her teammates on her old team, despite hockey being notorious for it. the idea made her smile.

"you a freshmen, too?" molly nodded her head at the question, to which dylan responded with a small nod.

"well, it was nice meeting you maxxy. but i have to go study for a test that i'm gonna fail." and with that the boy was standing up and running off. his run was funny looking, which earned him a laugh from the blonde girl.

"what's so funny?"

"your run is mad goofy." molly retorted. "your face is mad goofy." dylan shot back, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. molly's jaw dropped, and dylan wondered for a moment if he had already crossed a line with the new girl. his questions were answered when she stood up, charging for him.

the boy let out a shriek before taking off in the other direction. both of their socked feet became wet from the ice as they slid around, slipping and falling as they chased each other.

"duke! maxwell!"

both college students head snapped towards the exit of the ice, where their coach stood with his hands on his hips. "get the hell out of here!"

next chapter previous chapter

[writersblockedx]

To Share This Grief

Pairing - George Weasley x Fem!Reader Summary - After Fred's death leaves his girlfriend and his twin mourning, they seek comfort in one another. Warnings - Sad. Mentions of death and violence, drinking, very small implication of sex Words - 3.2K

Masterlist 

The war had taken several witches and wizards. It had taken mothers, fathers, children, teachers, siblings. It had taken partners. Y/n was just one of many who was left behind, left trying to stitch the black hole which Fred had once filled. Of course, she couldn't be so picky about it. She was one in many who had lost their lovers and were collectively trying to figure out how they were going to go on without them.

Everyone had lost someone. It just so happened Y/n and George had lost their person. And their person happened to be the same.

Many celebrated the death of Voldemort, choosing to drink and dance their way through the grievance which burdened the magic community.  Others found the music and the laughter only tormented their grief. Y/n was one of them. George, however, he wasn't so sure how he was meant to deal with the death of his twin. To him, there was just a shadow. No amount of drink or music was going to change that; he'd always feel the looming empty space next to him.

The funeral had brought many of them together. The whole family of Weasleys under one roof. Past school mates joined too, family friends, wizards who saw it best to pay their respects. They huddled around the grave and, one by one, they said their goodbyes. Y/n was the last to leave. She'd waited until everyone had their time first, Molly getting gently tugged away by Ron as they were ushered inside where food was being served.

Y/n was the last one - and she was alone for it. She had attempted to hold in her tears, but then she sniffled and they escaped from her waterline. She would have let go completely had it not been for the palm which pressed against her back. The girl jumped and looked to find George had come to join her. "You shouldn't be alone for this." He had said as his gaze tracked the gravestone.

"I can't-" Her words choked her throat. They were on the tip of her tongue but they were tightening it, suffocating her. "It's stupid, but there's times, very small moments, when I just forget. I forget he's really gone and then I remember all over again and it's like I've just been punched in the gut."

George nodded as his arm came around her, pulling her closer, "I know the feeling." He replied.

She sniffled once more and tried to hold it in, but she soon failed. Her head fell to George's shoulder and her tears soon followed.

The two stood there for an unknown about of time. There was no telling with grief. There were times when everything moved too quickly, times when everything was a drag and things moved in slow motion. Y/n wasn't sure which one it was, only that by the time they had returned to the main building, Molly had been questioning George about where he had been all that time.

It was after the funeral when things got more difficult. It was the way she felt as if she had been spat back into society and forced to live in it again as if she hadn't just lost a part of herself. Y/n went on day to day, slowly feeling as if she was falling into that hole Fred had left her with. It drew her in close and encompassed her until she felt stuck again. There came a point where her thoughts had collectively decided that there was no end; there was no end to grief, just that black hole which would never fail to leave her.

It was around this point in time when George knocked at her door with a proposition. He came and sat down in her small home and she made a pot of tea for them to both share. A part of her had been relieved that someone had come to see her, possibly check in on her, and that it was someone she hoped to share her grief with.

"I was thinking," George started as he placed the china cup back down to the circular kitchen table. "If you were up to it of course, that maybe you'd like to help out. At the shop." He watched her expression carefully, watched in thought as if the idea may comfort her, or whether it disgusted her. "It's an idea. I need the help and I thought maybe it'd help you..."

He trailed off, feeling as if his next words may cross a line they had drawn.  Alas, Y/n finished them for him: "Feel closer to Fred." His name felt foreign on her lips. She hadn't spoken it for a great time. Maybe not even since the funeral.

Y/n recalled a time when the name had been yelled down the halls in glee, or conventionally when she was in need of his attention or the times when it was whispered against the touch of his lips. Now the name seemed to carry only heartache and memories which no longer glowed.

"I thought it might work." George suggested.

Y/n's gaze fell to her tea and the swirls it was creating. She sniffled at a thought and looked back up to face the boy. "George, I would love to help you, truly, but I can barely open my wardrobe and stare at his jumper still hanging there without breaking down. If I can't even do that, how would I deal in the shop? It's like there's glimpses of him at every turn." She told him. She realised then that this was the most honest he had been since Fred's passing. "I would like to, truly, but I don't think I'd be of much help."

George nodded, trying not to let on his disappointment in the decision. He stared at his tea; Y/n did too. A silence suffocated the air. The boy glanced up and spoke softly, "Forgive me, Y/n, if I'm overstepping, but do you ever wonder that maybe things need to change? I understand the grief and the sadness, trust me, I do, but if you don't face it enough, then it'll consume you." He went on as her gaze drew to him, glossy and nostalgic. "I don't mean this as a way to persuade you to come work at the shop, I mean this as a way of telling you that everything will remind you of him one way or the other. You can't let that control you."

A tear slipped from her eyes. Her hand swatted it away before it could fall any further down her cheek. She wasn't wanting to cry. She wasn't wanting any pity. She just wanted some common ground. George seemed to be that common ground. But, in that moment, as she faced his words she knew to be truth, it freighted her core. The silence returned.

George chugged the rest of his tea and abruptly stood from his chair, gathering his things with him. Without a word, he headed for the door.

"What if I can't?" Y/n's tone seeped through the air. She turned to face him, still sat the table, worried that if she tried to stand, her knees may buckle. "What if I'm not ready to move on?"

If only George knew such answer. Instead, he looked at her warmly and said, "No one ever is."

She gave no reply and the boy left, leaving Y/n's head with filling thoughts she would attend to.

His words echoed for weeks. And for them weeks she changed nothing. Maybe her glare on that jumper in the wardrobe lingered more. Maybe her thoughts at night were beginning to question George's suggestion. Maybe she was slowly coming around to this idea. No matter how hard she had tried, it never left her head and it came to the point where she had to act on it.

One weekend came by. Another weekend in which her plans were minimal. In fact, she had no plans. She never really had plans anymore.

Alas, she picked up her coat and made her way to Diagon Ally and then, the shop. Luckily with it still being in the school term, it was quiet. A few families with young children and babies wandered around, giggling at the silly noises the toys would make. Y/n found her gaze lingering for a moment, finding herself remembering a time when that was what she wanted between her and Fred: a family. Another great big Weasley family.

George was right; she couldn't look at anything now without the thought of Fred daunting her mind.

"Y/n," The girl turned to find George standing behind her. "I didn't expect you here."

She took a few steps closer to him, making their conversation less out in the open. "Sorry, I should have called-"

"No, no, it's fine." He assured. "I'm glad you're here." A whisker of a smile glazed his lips which Y/n struggled to match.

She nodded and waited a moment before continuing, "I couldn't stop thinking about what you said. All of it." He was listening ever so intently, hanging onto every word that fell from her lips. "I think that maybe you were right. I think it could help. I think it could help us both if I came a worked here for a bit."

His smile tugged slightly. "You're certain?"

"Yes."

"Well, whenever you're ready to start then-"

She cut through his words without even thinking, "Now."

George's brows raised, unsure if he had heard her correctly, "Now? You wanted to start now?" He reiterated.

"May as well." Truth was, the idea of going home terrified her. Going home would mean going back to being alone. At least here, with George, she had someone. And maybe someone wasn't much, but Y/n was certain he was better than standing in a crowd of people who didn't care to understand her.

"I'll show you around then."

He took her around the levels once again. She'd been in the shop before, many times. Though, she hadn't stepped foot in it since they left for the battle of Hogwarts. And she was right in finding them many glimpses of Fred when she glanced around, but then she would turn and find George and suddenly that hole wasn't so daunting.

Y/n's jobs weren't exhausting, maybe tedious, but she was able to get through them. Mainly they consisted of her stocking shelves and sweeping. But it had calmed her mind and kept her from returning to that lonely place in her mind where that black hole was sucking her in. So she agreed with George to come again the week after. And then the week after that too. Before either of them could realise it, they had seamlessly slipped into a pattern.

Y/n started coming more often, showing up at least three times a week at one point.

There came one night, when she was closing up the shop, that George caught her. "Thanks again for today." He said as they walked side by side towards the back of the shop where Y/n kept her things.

She glanced up and forced a smile to crack at her lips, "Of course."

He slowed as she took hold of her bag and her coat, slowly slipping them on. She was curious when she looked back up to find the boy still standing there, deep in some thought Y/n was unable to pin-point. "You alright?" She questioned the boy.

His gaze snapped back to her. And while he nodded, there seemed a distant speck in his eyes which led Y/n believe he wasn't. "No, fine, fine." He mumbled away. "I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to get a beer at the Leaky Cauldron? It is Friday after all. But, of course, there's no pressure for you to-"

"I'd love to, George." Suppose if it meant longer from that lonely place. Or maybe, after these weeks and these months, maybe it was less about Y/n keeping away from the black hole, and more about keeping close to what was filling that space.

He struggled to conceal his smile which he feared was too much in the moment. "Great." He replied. Then he grabbed his coat and joined the girl's side as the wandered out into the street and towards the pub.

The pub was bustling at this time. Many witches and wizard calling their orders, chucking and talking about what a future without you-know-who would hold. It was sense which felt foreign to Y/n after all this time. She stuck close to George as they got two drinks and snuck into a quiet corner towards the back.

"Thanks for coming. I've always been alone past few weeks." He uttered as they took their seats, not daring to mention Fred's name yet.

"Well I suppose you're welcome." She replied. "I'm trying to get out more - if you hadn't already noticed."

He grinned and carefully went into his next topic of conversation. "I've thinking about the work you've been doing at the shop. I'd like to offer you a propper job. One where you get paid and you get time tabled shifts." He explained, watching as she followed along curiously. "There's no rush to make your decision yet, but just know that the offer is there."

There was a few moments of silence before Y/n piped up again. "You're meaning to tell me that all this free labour I've doing these past months for you, I could have gotten paid for?" A smile rose to her lips. A real smile. One of which wasn't forced, wasn't plastered on there as she was assuring someone that she was alright. One of which was genuine and came with ease. She hadn't even realise she had done it until the moment passed.

"Is that a yes then?" George quirked a brow.

"Of course it is."

They both took long swigs from their cups, drinking to a new future. "There's a spare room as well. It's above the shop. Might make things easier for you." He added as he placed the cup back down.

"Fred's room?" She questioned as something in her pupils faded.

George took a second before nodding lightly, "Yeah."

"I'll think about it."

With that, George went to get another round of drinks. Then Y/n went after they finished them. A few hours had passed, and before they realised it, their vision was hazy and their words were slurring. Several empty cups were laid out in front of them as the pub fell quiet. By now, groups of people had left and the remaining had simmered down until their voices became background noise.

George was in the middle of a ramble. Something about a new item idea he had. Though, Y/n could barely follow his words, "And of course, the construction of such would be tricky. Though, I know a guy." He went on.

"Oh, you know a guy?" The girl repeated with a small giggle. "Sounds not at all conspicuous."

"It's not, I promise. He's an upstanding citizen!" George defended.

She shook her head and raised her cup towards her lips, "You're digging yourself a hole." She told him before taking a swig.

Y/n found her gaze wandering towards a window. White speckles had started to pat against the glass. At first, she wasn't sure what it had been. Then common sense hit and she matched the bitter air and the declining tempture to such icy specks; it was snowing.

Almost instantly, she stood from her chair. "Y/n?" George inquired, concern woven throughout his tone. "Everything okay?"

She said nothing. Rather, the girl just started walking. A brisk walk towards the exit, leaving George no choice but to follow behind. She lept out from the comforts of the building, finding the cobblestone path glazed in a white drizzle as the darkening sky fell with the snow. She swirled around slightly, her head titled upwards, her doe-eyes seeming full for the first time since Fred's passing.

"This is what made you run out?" George had questioned as he shivered, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. "Snow?"

"Yes, snow." She answered as she came towards him, gently taking a hand and dragging him towards the middle of the street.

He looked down at her in awe, "It's cold." His voice came out as a whisper, battling against the crisp air.

"It usually is when it snows." Her voice too only a whisper.

George felt like he was in a trance and Y/n was his hypnotist. He was ever so captivated and seemed to fall just at her touch. His gaze flickered to her lips. He didn't make a move. He wouldn't. Not when considering the fact that she was still his brother's-

She leaned in. She made a move. She kissed him.

It was sweet and enticing like they could - for a second - forget that black hole which plagued them both.

As years passed, and more kisses were shared, their lives seemed to mould into one. They had the shop, they had the starts of that great Weasley family and their black holes had shrunk to the point where it was only noticeable during such small moments.

There was one Summer when Y/n was seated on their living room floor, their young daughter sat with her. She was at that age when she was beginning to question the things around her. In the midst of her inspecting one of the new toys George was wanting to put on the shelf, all out of the blue, there came a question Y/n had never known how she was going to answer: "Mummy, who's that?"

Y/n glanced up, finding her daughter pointing over at something on the mantlepiece. It was a photograph, one of which her and George had framed and placed there when they first moved in. A picture of her, him and Fred. It had been taken after they finished school, the last time they ever had wear uniform again and Molly had demanded a photo of the three of them.

"That?" Y/n said as her gaze lingered over the memory of Fred. "That's your uncle. You know what an uncle is don't you? Like uncle Chalie and uncle Ron?" She nodded along. "Well that's your uncle Fred."

She looked confused and Y/n wasn't sure if she understood. "Where- Where is he now?" She questioned with bright, curious pupils.

"He's erm-" She paused and thought for a long moment. "He's not around anymore. He passed away, do you understand?" It took a second but the young girl nodded. "He died during that battle. You know the one that me and your dad fought in? He dying fighting for what he believed in." She nodded and like that, like it was only casual conversation, she returned to her toys.

Y/n found her gaze pulled towards the doorway where George had been standing silently. He'd wandered in and stopped when he caught the conversation about Fred. As the two stared at one another, Y/n could only think one thing: At least she and George had found something beautiful hidden within the grief.