#Poor Poppy though she's STRESSED

[rainbyte]

So I've recently seen your Grove AU, care to tell me a bit about it? :D

Of course!!! Here is!! A bit of a messy tldr of the story? Though I haven't figured everything out yet 🎉

In Welcome Grove, it takes place on the actual set that they used to film the show- which then was eventually cancelled. The entire set , props were just left to sit there. Which!! Unfortunately was the fate of a lot of older TV shows or films at the time.

Time would carry on, and nature does what it does best. It reclaimed the building - the once sparse woods surrounding it growing thick and old. The Neighborhood set outdoors was certainly not spared from the elements. Even the studio building it's self becoming carpetted with grass, vines hanging from the walls.

All of them had been stored away inside the Studio building, with the expectation that the crew would be returning soon. All of them except for Wally Darling, whom had been left inside Home, seeing as normally he would have been perfectly safe in there. Home was meant to be pretty structurally sound and the door locked!

But.

Eventually, one day. They woke up again. Not all at the same time- Wally was the first. He then eventually braved the Studio halls to find the rest- repairing them so that THEY could also wake up.

From most of puppet's perspective- everything was perfectly okay in the neighborhood one day. Then the next they woke up and everything was in disarray! The bugs looked completely different, the leaves green, the stars far brighter! Yes- this was definitely not the neighborhood they knew before. It was all very exciting and frightening at the same time!

But it's the only home they ever knew. This was their neighborhood and they were going to reclaim it! Bit by bit, and piece by piece! After all before all of this they were a perfectly well functioning place, everyone helped out in their own ways. Just as before really! It was a .. A lot harder in some ways! But they managed. And eventually the Neighborhood became Home again.

But.. They all can't help but wonder about that abandoned Studio nearby, and the outside world it represents.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

My Little Twinkling Star ~ Ominis Gaunt x Slytherin!Reader

Summary: Reader misses her family to the point of crying, but is too afraid of telling Ominis, knowing his bad relationship with his own parents.

It was no news for anyone that Y/N loved her parents more than she loved life itself, almost to the point of obsession. Why? Certainly, no one could really understand. Most of the children her age were attached to their parents, yes, but not like this - Not to the point of crying just thinking about them. And the more the years passed, the harder the separation became. Once again, not even she could understand why - After all, she had the best of friends in Sebastian and Anne, and an absolute angel of a boyfriend in Ominis. Not only that, she loved her time at Hogwarts, the studying, the Professors, the environment, the creatures, the forest; There was not a single thing she disliked about her years spent at Hogwarts... But at the end of the day, she knew she wanted to return back at her home village and be close to her mum and dad.

Now, in her last year of Hogwarts, with the stress from the NEWTS weighting so heavy on her shoulders, she wrote to her mother more than ever before - In fact, if the poor Owl could handle the tedious flight, she would write her parents ten times a day, at the minimum. At some point, she even asked her mum to send her a few Howlers, just to hear her voice, as so many months passed without seeing each other, without feeling her warm, loving touch, or her protective embrace.

It was always late into the night, when sleep refused to visit her, that she’d go to the Common Room, with a calming tea laced with some sleeping draught and honey, that she would listen to the sweet voice of her mother, calling her all sorts of cutesy nicknames, like ‘My little twinkling star’, ‘My precious little angel’ or even ‘My beautiful sweetheart’. 

Of course, she got along very well with her dad too, always playing around and going on adventures, playing games or doing tech-stuff, as he was a muggle carpenter and built everything around their home, including the cozy little cottage all with his own hands... But there was always a special connection with her mum, her guardian angel, her most beloved person alive.

And tonight, like during many other nights, she laid on the couch, hugging the plushie that her mum gifted her on her birthday many years ago, along with the fluffy blanket, and she opened the envelope. A bittersweet smile appeared on her face, hearing that tender voice, telling her words of love, of the mundane, and how much she misses her little twinkling star. Y/N’s face became wet with tears, hugging the plush tighter to her chest and stifling her sobs in the blanket.

Oh, how she wished she could explain what she was feeling, how she wished to talk to someone without sounding pretentious or spoiled. Sebastian and Anne both lost their parents, and her sweet Ominis... He didn’t even want to hear about his dreadful parents. Poppy’s parents were just as awful, and she ran away from them... Though perhaps she would understand, as she loves her grandma as much as she loves her mum... And then there’s Natty, who still blames her father’s death on herself, and she has a little bit of a rebellious state with her mum.

Y/N was so absorbed in her own thoughts, comforted only by the envelope’s voice looping the message over and over again with each flick of her wrist, that she didn’t hear the sound of soft foot steps, until a familiar voice called out her name, confused. “Y/N?” Ominis called out in a soft voice. “O-Oh! Ominis, h-hi! It’s late, why aren’t you sleeping?” she quickly closed the envelope, hiding it underneath the pillow. “I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d get a glass of water.” he explained. “I can only guess you’re pretty much in the same boat as me, huh?” “Y-Yeah... Sort of. I made myself some sleeping draught tea with honey. It’s still a bit warm, if you want some.” she offered, patting the spot on the couch next to her. “Sounds lovely, thanks.” with a soft smile on his face, the boy sat next to her. “I heard your mum’s voice. Is everything okay?” Y/N’s breath was hitched in her throat, unsure of how to answer. “Y/N? Are you okay, my darling?” he asked again, hearing no answer. “Ah, y-yeah, of course, everything is alright, no need to worry. I, uh... I guess I just miss my parents, that’s all. No big deal.” Ominis, however, frowned. He might not be able to see the blatant fidgeting of her body, or the way her eyes were looking everywhere but at him, but her voice was betraying her. “Y/N, come here.” he extended his arms, and by instinct, Y/N cuddled into his embrace, getting herself comfortable and covering the both of them with the blanket. “Please, tell me what’s bothering you. I’ve heard you crying on a couple of occasions - And it’s not only me worried, but Anne and Sebastian too.” he tenderly caressed her hair. “Is it the gossips from those nasty girls? Because, if it is, I don’t want to hear any of that. I won’t accept you agreeing to some low-lives degrading you for your softer nature. I have told you once, and I will tell you again - Your emotions are endearing, and the fact that your love for the people you care for is so strong that’s overflowing... I think it’s beautiful.” “Ominis...” she whispered his name in disbelief, feeling his hands softly make their way to her face and wiping away her tears. “It’s a selfish reason, I don’t... I don’t want to bother you with it. It’s really... It’s really silly, you know?” “Is it exam stress, then?” the boy could feel her head nodding at first, only to shake just after. “So not only that.” “I just... I just really miss my mum, okay? I know, it’s a stupid reason to cry. It’s very, very stupid. But I just want to go home, and... And hug my mum, and joke around with dad, and play with my puppy, and be in the comfort of my own home... If it makes any sense at all.” she sighed deeply. “I’m stressed from the exams, yes, but... I don’t know why I’m so emotional. I thought I was getting older, tougher, more mature... Instead, I’m just turning into a huge weeping mess. It’s... It’s stupid. It’s ridiculous!” she gritted her teeth in exasperation. “I have the perfect life with my family, and I feel like I’m selfish if I cry about it, when people like you are one step away from being estranged for not sharing the same bigoted beliefs as your family, or -- Or Sebastian and Anne, whose parents died... Or Poppy who ran away from her criminal parents... I just... I don’t want to burden you with my silly, makeshift problems... Because they aren’t even problems, I’m just being a spoiled brat.”

Ominis was silent for a few seconds, before pulling Y/N into a sweet kiss, and smiling at her like the loving angel that he is. “Now, now, didn’t I ask you to tell me, whenever something bothers you? Even the little things? You missing your family is included, you silly little lady.” he chuckled softly. “It’s not your fault that my family sucks. In fact, I think your family is more my family than my own family ever was. Didn’t your mum say two years ago that I’m as good as her son?” his smile widened. “I’d say, I miss your family too.” “R-Really? You do?” Ominis nodded affirmatively. “Then, after we finish Hogwarts, would you like to move in with me, in the same village? A pretty little cozy cottage, just the two of us, in the comfort of a familiar and very friendly village - Which so happens to be rather close to Sebastian’s?” “Ahh, you want the world to explode, don’t you? If the four of us are reunited after Hogwarts ends, then no doubt, bad things will happen. Either the end of the world, or... Erh... Sometimes similar.” Ominis joked. “But I do fancy that idea, I can’t lie, especially if I get to taste more of your mum’s cookies or meals. They were positively fantastic.” “Ominis.” Y/N abruptly murmured his name. “It was me who baked the cookies.” “Even better!” he exclaimed in surprise. “I just have to wife you now, and it’s all good. Everything is going according to the plan.” If only he could see the heavy blush painted on her cheeks - Though Y/N suspected he could feel the warmth at least, as the cheeky grin never did leave his face. “Ah, you got all quiet, have I flustered you so? Forgive me, my little twinkling star. Just wait a bit more, until we’ve graduated, and I can get you a proper ring, beautiful, to match your own charm.” Y/N had to bury her face in the crook of his neck from embarrassment. “It’s times like this when I’m really upset I can’t see. I would do anything to see that look on your pretty face.” he just won’t give her and her beating heart any break, will he?  “Ominis, you’re embarrassing me!” she finally managed to whine.  “I might have done that, but at least you’re not upset anymore, so I don’t regret anything. After all, I meant every word I said.” he rose her face, just enough to place his forehead against her own. “The love you have for all of us is magnetic. It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s what attracted me most to you. You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever met in my life, and I never want to lose you. All jokes aside, I hope you will actually come to me, no matter what silly thing bothers you so. I can feel when you’re upset, just as you always could with me. We are connected, the two of us, didn’t you say that - Remember, when you touched my wand, and you said you felt happy? That you felt a comforting warmth take over you? That’s what I feel whenever I’m with you. Any bit of sadness I have, simply disappears. Do you know why?” “Why?” Y/N dared to speak, though her whole being was frozen from all the heart-warming words addressed her way. “Because I love you.”

[vampzillarocks]

BROPPY ONESHOT!!!

Branch wants - you know what, no! He needs comfort. Terribly...

The poor troll had been suffering in silence for a week now! And it's all because of his stupid brothers! But deep down, he knew that wasn't true. It's just that! Ever since the five reunited, it's been nothing better than hell!

All they do is baby him! And it's very draining...

Luckily, there was a certain pink troll who could help him forget it all.

Poppy! His wonderful girlfriend!

He just hoped she wasn't busy...

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Branch knocked on the door of his girlfriends pod as he patiently waited for a response.

One minute passed...

And then another...

She must be busy. Shit, now what?

Guess he'll just head back to the bunker. With his brothers...

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Branch rubbed his hands over his face, letting out a groan as he sat at the kitchen counter of his bunker.

His brothers were currently fighting. Per usual... But this time, unlike other times, it was bad. Not physical bad, but bad non the less.

What were they fighting over again?... He couldn't even keep track at this point... It was one topic after another. It was like they only fought to cure their boredom...

He sometimes wondered if they even wanted to be here... Were they only here... In his bunker, because he wanted them to be?

Long story short, he was miserable. Usually, he wasn't nowadays. But with the reunion and the rock tour not being too long before that... He was under so much stress. And the commotion his brothers were causing wasn't helping.

The formerly grey troll let out another groan as he got up from his seat. The four older brothers heard this and looked over. Their eyes were met with a noticeably more grey branch walking back to his room.

The four frantically started to apologize, but the dull troll ignored them as he continued walking.

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So far, Poppy was having a wonderful day! She had gotten to meet up with the Snack Pack for the first time since Branch's Reunion!

She couldn't believe Branch had brothers! Though she couldn't exactly be mad at Branch for not telling her... They abandoned him... And for that, she held a bit of a grudge against the four... But enough of those negative thoughts! For now, her day was going amazing! So she'll keep it that way!

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"Sorry Poppy, I have to go." Biggie said, "Aww, Biggie, that's okay! We can all hang out another time! Right, guys?!" She asked the Snack Pack. A chorus of, "Yes!" And, "Yeah!" Erupted from her friends as she smiled. Biggie smiled down at the bright pink troll as he walked away.

The rest of the Snack Pack separated. Now Poppy was left alone. What should she do now? Oh! Branch! Her wonderful boyfriend! He's probably at his bunker! So that's where she'll go!

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Branch was currently in the corner of his room with his head leaning against his knees. The troll sat there as he listened. They must have left.

He assumed his brothers gave up in trying to apologize because they were no longer pounding on his door.

God, he wished Poppy was there...

Then he heard another knock on the door.

Ugh, his brothers are back again...

"Please just go away!" He pleaded in desperation.

"Branch?" He heard a familiar voice from the other side of the door. "Poppy?!" The troll quickly got up, walking to the door. He opened it as his eyes were met with a set of very familiar bright pink ones.

"Branch! It's so good to see you!" She said excitedly as she kissed him on the cheek. A small smile formed on Branch's face as he blushed. His girlfriend always made him feel better when just her presence.

"It's good to see you to Poppifer..." He said, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Wait, Branch, is something wrong? You look a bit more grey than usual.." Poppy frowned. With that question, Branch stiffened as he spoke nervously, "Wha- No! I'm fine!" He blurted out.

Poppy's frown deepened as she let out a sigh. "Sweetheart, tell me... I can't help you if you don't," She pleaded.

Branch sighed. He absolutely despised seeing his girlfriend upset. "Fine, come in." He sighed.

And with that, Poppy's usual smile returned as she stepped inside the room.

The pair walked over to Branch's bed, taking a seat. Poppy put a paw over Branch's as their eyes met. She nodded, signaling him to speak.

Branch sighed as he started, "It's just my brothers Poppy... Nothing serious, really... Just a lot of stress..." He explained tiredly. "Sweetie, is that really all?..." She asked, knowing he was lying.

God Branch could not lie to save his life.

The dull trolls bottom lip started quivering as tears formed in his eyes. He inhaled sharply as he looked at Poppy.

Poppy returned the eye contact, meeting the water-filled eyes. She gasped. She frantically started to apologize, "I'm so sorry, Branchifer! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!" She pulled her boyfriend into a hug.

Branch sobbed into her shoulder. The poor troll couldn't even speak as he would choke on his words.

Poppy felt terrible for her partner. She knew he was under some stress but not this much...

"I'm so sorry, sweetie..." She whispered into her lovers' ear as she intertwined their tails. Branch only sniffled, not being able to get out a response.

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The two stayed in that same position until Branch's breathing finally started to simmer down. Poppy pulled away so their eyes could meet. "You feel any better?" She asked, cupping both of his cheeks. Branch only nodded in response. "Just take a minute, and we can talk about it some more, okay?" She spoke comfortingly.

Her voice always did have a way with putting Branch at ease. The dull troll sighed shakily as he nuzzled his head into the crook of his girlfriends neck.

The bright pink troll smiled softly as she rubbed soft circles into her lovers back.

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GOD, THEY ARE SO SO CUTEEEEE!!!!

ILY YOU ALL🩷

Vampz out~

[theplanetofthesnapes]

Happy Accidents

Sorry it’s been such a long time since I posted anything. Life happened and then I struggled to find the motivation but I hope you like this one.

Summary: You find out you’re pregnant after a one night stand with Snape.

Warnings: talk about pregnancy, menstruation that kinda stuff, also references to sex and minor bad language.

I woke up and it felt like a normal day. I get in the shower and get dressed for another day of work as assistant in the greenhouses at Hogwarts. Today I have a great day ahead of me…not, repotting the mandrakes is my least favourite job and I always end up with a massive headache no matter how tightly I put on my earmuffs.

I go to the breakfast hall and sit at my normal seat at the end of the staff table and look out at all the students and smile because those Weasley twins seem to have put something in Lee Jordan’s pocket and I can guarantee it’s something that Lee Jordan probably wouldn’t want in his pocket. Soon enough I can hear a small chirping sound and Lee Jordan looking rather annoyed as he pulls a handful of crickets out of his pocket and attempts to dump them on the twin’s heads.

It’s all going great until he walks in, he walks passed where I’m sitting. “Morning Severus”. I say cheerily.

“Morning” he retorts not even glancing in my direction. My heart sinks, I mean it’s not like I expected him to be in love with me or suddenly be my best friend after what happened the other week after Slughorn’s party but did he really need to act like he didn’t even know me? Maybe I’m thinking too much into it, I mean so what we had sex and now I like him but he clearly doesn’t feel the same way. It’s not like I won’t get over it right? But he could at least smile when I say hi and not just treat me like anyone else, the same way he treats his students.

I shake my head determined not to let his not so warm greeting get to me and ruin my day and start chatting with Poppy who is sat next to me.

After breakfast I go down to the greenhouse where Pomona was taking her 3rd year Herbology class, I sit at the back and start preparing the pots for the mandrakes that I am going to repot after the students leave. “Okay now I need to pop to the greenhouse next door I will be back in 15 minutes until then carry on with your venomous tentacula dethorning and any problems talk to Miss Y/L/N at the back” Pamona said as she nods at me and walks out of the classroom.

Ten minutes later a nervous looking Ravenclaw approaches me. “Miss Y/L/N?” she says timidly.

“How can I help?” I reply smiling warmly to try and ease her anxiety of whatever she’s about to say.

“I kinda need to go to the toilet, it’s um girl problems” she replies not looking at me.

Now this I can sympathise with, I write her up a pass and allow her to leave without question and as soon as the professor gets back I let her know she’s out of class and carry on my business. The interaction though got me thinking, it’s been a while since I last had my period, I count back in my head and shit I’m about a week and a half late. Shit shit shit, okay don’t panic, I mean I’ve been stressed recently and I’ve literally only had sex once with one person in the last month and I was careful. Except I’ve never been this late in my life. Oh man “don’t freak out, don’t freak out” I tell myself.

Once the break after first lesson arrives I tell Pomona that I have to slip out for a minute and briskly walk down to the hospital wing. Poppy is talking to a student so I wait a second. “Hey Y/N can I help you with something?” Poppy says after the student leaves with what looks like the cure for the Weasley’s puking pastilles, poor kid.

“Um yeah I was wondering if you maybe had anything, I don’t know how it works in the wizarding world being muggle born but um something to test for pregnancy.” I say trying to sound calm, I don’t want any rumours to be spread and Poppy is known to be a bit of a gossip so if I act panicked she’ll expect it to be some big scandal. Which if I am pregnant it probably will be, oh god no I can’t think like that.

She doesn’t even look phased “Oh yes, well I do have the wizard methods but I’ve found the muggle pregnancy tests to actually be much more effective, here you go all you have to do is…”

“Thanks Poppy, yes I know what to do and um could we maybe keep this between us, I’m barely even late yet I don’t want it to get out, it might not even be…” You trail off.

“Oh of course my darling, I take an oath as a healer I would never tell anybody. But sweetie if it’s positive please let me know if I can help you out in any way.” She replies with a warm smile.

I run to my room where thankfully I have my own private bathroom and do the test. The next three minutes are torture as I pace back and forth not daring to glance at the stick that will soon predict my future better than Professor Trelawney ever could. Finally my timer goes off and I go quickly to pick up the stick not being able to bare waiting anymore and glance down.

My heart feels like it stops. Two lines. I’m pregnant… and Severus Snape is the father.

The next two days are fuelled with anxiety and indecision. I did three more tests to make sure and they were pretty conclusive. So I made up my mind I do need to tell Severus as soon as possible so then I know what page he’s on and I can then decide what to do but every time I build up the courage to walk to his office I chicken out. Finally I see him walk down the steps to the dungeon after classes have finished for the day so I follow him. I see him in his office through the frosty glass window and I’m about to knock the door when I chicken out again. I’m about to walk away when I hear “Is someone out there?” Shit Severus noticed I was there well I guess there’s no turning back now.

“Um yeah hi, it’s me I err I was hoping maybe we could talk.” I say and my heart is racing so much it can’t be good for the baby.

“Very well come in then.” He said sounding bored with the conversation before it’s even started.

“Hi” I say as I walk in slowly.

“Hello” he replies warily.

“God okay so umm you know that thing that happened the other week after Slughorn’s party that we haven’t really spoken about or even acknowledged or anything.” I say rambling because I really don’t know how I’m going to start what I’m going to say.

“Yes I’m aware of when we had intercourse after one too many firewhiskeys” he smirks.

“Ah yes well about that” I say still stalling.

“Look I’ll save you the trouble of you telling me how much you regret it, I understand that in a sober state no woman would want to be with me and that you must be repulsed by yourself right now and I was trying to save myself by avoiding you the last month in order to maintain at least some of my dignity.” He says seemingly getting annoyed now.

I’m shocked “What? Severus, oh my god no I don’t think that, I don’t regret it at all. In fact I was honestly kind of upset you were ignoring me, it felt like you had just used me and then treated me like everyone else like what we did that night meant nothing, less than nothing in fact.” I can feel my eyes start to well up as I speak. “Don’t cry, don’t cry” I tell myself internally cause that really won’t help the situation.

“Wait, are you telling me you really don’t regret that night?” He responds hopefully.

“No I don’t Severus and even if you never want to see me again I’m happy we did it, I feel like I saw a whole new side of you that night. One that was kind and caring compared to this hard shell I’ve seen since then.” I reply softly.

“You’d want to see me again?” He looks a lot less solemn now as he replies, maybe even happy I can’t tell.

“I mean yeah but I ugh that’s before I”

He cuts me off “Oh I see you found someone else” his face falls again.

“No damnit Severus please just let me talk, I’m trying to tell you I’m pregnant.” I say almost shouting it at him. He looks shocked, the tears that were threatening to leak out before now do and roll down my cheeks. “And it’s yours just in case there is any doubt” I say in almost a whisper at this point.

Severus stands up and walks over to me, he pulls me into his arms and lets me cry. After a minute he says softly “How long have you known?” There was no hint of anger in his voice anymore “I did notice the last few days something has been off”.

I pull back to look up at him “You noticed that? I found out two days ago, I’ve been building up the courage to tell you since then” I say weakly.

He chuckles. “Yes I did notice you skulking around the dungeons a lot, and I thought it must be because you wished to talk to me but I didn’t say anything since given how I thought this conversation was going to go. I wanted to avoid it at all costs. Have you thought at all about what you want to do? It’s okay if you haven’t there’s time and it must be a shock to you. If I’m honest I don’t know how to process it myself just yet but my priority is making sure you are okay.” He says surprisingly calmly.

“I don’t think I could live with myself if I.. well if I at least didn’t try. But I don’t expect you to be part of anything you don’t want to be, I’m strong I can do this by myself if I need to.” I say determined this time as I wipe my tears. It’s the first time I’ve let myself consider this but I know in my heart raising this baby is my only option, the amount of love I feel for it already is crazy . But I don’t say this part to Severus, I don’t know where he stands on this or even if he can think about that right now after the shock of hearing this.

“I have no doubt you can raise a child by yourself, you will be an excellent mother. I see you with the students, how kind and compassionate you are. Any child you would be mother to would be lucky to have you. However if you will let me, I would love to be part of the child’s life. I never believed for a second I may have children of my own and I have to admit that it’s not something I ever envisioned for my future but the idea of raising a child and even more so raising it with you, the women that I’m in love with fills me with a hope I don’t think I’ve ever had before in my thirty eight years of life.” He says with a kind tone that I’ve only ever heard him use once before, when he was asking me permission to kiss me before we did the thing that got us into this mess.

“Wait? What? You love me? I… Severus” I stutter really not knowing what to say except actually I do know what to say. “I think I love you too, What do we do now?”

“We figure it out together, but first are you free this evening? I think we might have skipped a few steps and it might be about time we have our first date” He smiles.

I smile back and pull him into another hug, he kisses my head and I smile into his shoulder. Maybe everything is going to be okay after all.

[shirogane-oushirou]

poppy red, chocolate cosmos, and maroon for ren? :3c

nick my friend nick~!! hope you're having a friend lead-up to valentines day with kylar and rika and the squid kids~~~! you're going to have a busy day KJNASKJDN. 🙏🏻💕 ty for the ask!!!

Poppy Red: How familiar is your f/o about Valentine's Day or their source's equivalent of it? What's their opinion of it?

ren has had a number of partners in the past, and so has had multiple experiences with valentines day, ranging from "that was... fine...!" to "DISASTER" :'( he tried to make up for a socially isolated childhood by finding Someone. Anyone. to be in a relationship with, and he'd often flip from completely overdoing things to trying to play it too casual. his partners would inevitably leave feeling some level of disappointed... so the day's somewhat tainted by bad memories. that plus his general negative feelings towards holidays (family shit yippee) makes valentines supremely stressful for him, even though the /CONCEPT/ of the day seems nice! it takes someone with similar social expectations and views of most holidays (hieeeeee. smile.) to finally find a good middle ground approach to the day that works for both of us!.... it still stresses him out though. poor thing. 😫

Chocolate Cosmos: If your f/o was talking about you to someone like a close friend, how exactly would they talk about you? How would they describe you? Characterize you? And how often do they talk about you to other people?

before dating, doc! and v!ren spend a lot of time trying to avoid the fact that he likes me (doesn't want a repeat of past bad relationships, doesn't want to ruin something good, etc), so i feel like he's the "oh they're such a fun FRIEND, i love being their FRIEND, my FRIEND ro showed me this thing--" type, like he's trying to convince himself that that's how he sees me. most others see right through him though KJASNDKJN. r!ren doesn't have as many hangups about his relationships so he's more straightforward. if he was talking to his coworkers, he'd keep things to a Normal level. he'd mention me if he needed to refer to me for something ("oh, ro said that movie was good, do you recommend it too?" "ro and i went to a botanical garden this weekend, how about you?"), though if he was watching me stream art during a lunch break and someone asked about it, he'd fawn over me ("YEAH it's cool right? that's my FRIEND ro, they drew all of these things, look look look you can see them drawing now, they're--") kJNASDKJN. around his sister, though? no holds barred. she's the one who puts it in his head that he's ALLOWED to try romance again, and that i seem sensible and that we'd be fairly attuned to each other, so ofc she's the one he always goes to if he needs to gush. i think he'd focus on my perseverance and passion, but also my art skills, the efforts i've made to improve myself, the "gap moe" between my resting blank face vs my care for others + excitement over my interests, and uhhhhh how cute he thinks i am KJNSKJN. and i think he'd want to stress how much calmer he feels in our relationship. his past relationships all ended up being pretty shallow and unhealthy because he wasn't in the right mindset for it. now that he has a relationship that, even on days when we don't agree w each other, is infinitely healthier and easier... he wants anyone listening to know that i'm irreplaceable to him.

Maroon: What are both of your love languages? How much do they clash and/or mesh with each other?

his are quality time + physical touch, mine is acts of service. i feel like we've worked things out pretty well, actually! when he's done with work, we'll spend the evening just sitting together, snuggling and enjoying each others' company and catching up on each others' days. i like to cook nice meals for him when i can; no matter which ren it is, he could use a little extra nutrition sjkdfn. if i'm in his place, i also like to tidy up while he's out, and with my health situation, i deeply appreciate when he goes out of his way to bring things to me or help clean things around my place when i can't get up ;;; 😭 and we'll sometimes do things that combine all of our languages together!! once in a while, we'll take a night to shower together, one of us sitting in a shower chair while the other thoroughly washes their hair and body, massaging their scalp and helping them relax, and then we switch places. then we get into soft pjs, dry each others' hair, maybe continue with some skincare... yknow. just. spending time really focusing on each other, connecting physically in a non-sexual way, and doing something kind to help let out tension. 🥺💕

(ask game here)

[newtonsheffield]

I want to see Tharman in trouble with his parents for not telling them about Mary! Grandpa and grandma Sharma were the gift I didn’t know I needed!!

Happy New Year Molly!

Oh Poor Tharman. He got himself into such a pickle. He didn't tell his parents about Mary because he thought Mary was bound to come to her senses sooner rather than later and he didn't want his Mum making a big deal out of the fact he was dating again. And to be fair, he didn't think he was going to be getting engaged when he went over there, he didn't think he'd been spending thousands of pounds on this ring either,

He's had a stressful few days

Tharman knew he'd made a mistake the second he opened the door. And he'd had such a good morning. He really had. He'd woken up with Mary tucked against him, both of them still warm and sated from last night and instead of the panic he thought he'd feel in his chest at being engaged to his girlfriend of four months, all he felt was satisfaction. As though something in his life had clicked into place. He'd felt the same, watching Mary with Kate this morning, watching Mary walk with Kate standing on her feet and his daughter giggling happily into the hall to see him off to get eggs. He'd whistled all the way there and back, even when Gary behind the counter had blinked.

"You're cheery this morning." He'd drawled, "Where's your little hellcat?"

"She's at home." Tharman had said, dropping chocolates on the counter at random along with his eggs. "With my new fiancée. I got engaged yesterday."

"Congrats, man." Gary whistled, "Excited for you."

"Yeah, me too. Mary's great."

He'd whistled all the way home, humming happily. Right up until he'd thrown open the front door of the flat and seen his mother, tugging Mary back into the kitchen. Mary's eyes were wide her hand twisted in the front of the King's college shirt she'd tugged from his dresser this morning as her tongue tangled with his and her hair had tickled his nose

"Oh Fuck!"

His mother's eyes shot to his spinning around while Mary waved awkwardly at her side. "Yes! Do not cuss at me Tharman! You're in rather a lot of trouble young man, get inside!"

He shot forward scampering after Mary and his mother.

"I'm so sorry! Mary, I love you!" He hissed at her, "God, please don't split up with me, I got you a double-decker!"

Mary blinked bemusedly back at him, "Well if you got me a double-decker I suppose we're locked in for life."

"I like this one, Tharman." His mother chuckled,

"Now, Son," His Dad said as he turned the corner, Kate sitting on his knee, her legs swinging, grinning up at him.

"Papa! You're back! Can you start on the pancakes? I was so good, you can ask Mary. Right, Mary?" Kate called, lining up the sweets his father had given her already on the table.

"You were great, sweetheart," Mary said gently, kissing Kate on the forehead, the scene making a lump rise in Tharman's throat.

"Son, why were you hiding this lovely girl from us?" His father smiled, patting the seat beside him, while his mother pushed on Mary's shoulders until she sat.

"I wasn't hiding her from you, exactly." He swallowed. "And Appa, can you please not give Katie sweets? it's 7:30 in the morning."

"But she's such a sweetheart." His father said, kissing her on the forehead. "She said Please Poppy, and what was I supposed to say?"

"You used to tell me Broccoli was sweeties." Tharman sighed dryly.

"Do not change the conversation!" His mother hissed. "I didn't even know you were seeing anyone. Can I not even be trusted with that? Am I so ridiculous that I can't be trusted with this information? Were you not going to invite us to the wedding? Do I need to call your sister?"

Tharman sighed, "Please don't get Im down here."

"In Tharm's defence," Mary said gently, "I asked him to marry me a little... spontaneously yesterday. He had no idea."

His mother softened, turning towards Mary, "Mary, darling, you don't have to cover for him."

"That's true though!" He said a little indignantly.

His mother sighed, "Oh throwing your wife under the bus. Tharman."

"Bad move, Son."

"I was going to tell you?"

"After I died?!"

"Amma, you and I both know you intend to never die so, that'd be pretty impossible." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"For the last time, Tharman, Someone has to be the first person to live to 200: Why not me?"

And god help him, he caught Mary's eye, and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

[paper-starz]

*walks in in a very normal fashion, nothing weird about it at all*

Hiya it's me, Dot's friend again.

So.

*AHEM* I want to ask both you and Dot this (it's about Dot's OC Effie) (feel free to ignore)

Hypothetically speaking, what if Effie was apart of the SAS AU? Do you have any ideas on how she would react to finding this stuff out, or how she would cope, etc.

Hehehe! What a coincidence! (I just finished drawing her!)

Hypothetically, I see Effie as a very capable girl. At first, (just like Howdy) she would deny such things! Her? In a children's show? Cannot be possible! Her memories said otherwise! (Plus, Frank was the one who told her... and she isn't very keen on trusting the butterfly enthusiast's words...)

But, the evidence kept on adding up! She couldn't really avoid it much longer... She tried telling Howdy about this.... but he stayed in denial much longer than her.

She was a bit confused, a bit angry. Wondering if her feelings towards Poppy were even real, were they even meant to be real? How can something as simple and as joyous as love be... forbidden in the rest of the world's eyes?

But while she was angry, she also knew she just had to help somehow. She stays near Poppy, trying to calm everyone down as best as she can (she also tries to help Poppy as best she could too! She doesn't want to her love to overwork herself...)

Whatever Poppy needs, whether that would be getting some needles, some thread, some stuffing, or holding down a screaming puppet while Poppy sews their arm up... she would do it, no hesitation. (Sometimes she wonders how Poppy sleeps at night.... do the screams keep her awake?)

As for Howdy, she tries as best she can to get Howdy to stop drinking. To see her best friend let himself go like this breaks her heart. Sometimes she's successful.... most times she isn't (and ends up taking care of the poor guy).

Her coping habits aren't as bad though. She smokes a bit more often (but not as much as Barnaby! They are smoking buddies :D)... But i feel like her biggest coping mechanism is making sure everyone has at least a little bit of fun... She's based on the flapper ladies of the Roaring 20s! She knows how to have fun.

She acts suave, elegant, and confident, which puts everyone at ease! She puts on some music and makes everyone dance (the charleston of course!) And she won't stop until she sees everyone smile (even the butterfly enthusiast!).

She's unsure how to feel about Wally. Sure, he's innocent but.... he's kinda the sole reason everything is happening the way it is. She somewhat tries to be friendly with him (at least when Poppy's around, mama bird still genuinely loves Wally, so maybe Effie can pretend to like him.)

One thing is for sure, Effie hates Home with all her heart. It's the reason everyone is so fucked up, it's the reason Howdy can barely look Wally in the eye (and drinks himself silly in the Bugdega), it's the reason that Poppy is stressed out of her mind trying to keep the rest of the neighborhood safe...

She wants nothing more than to burn that damned building down to the ground.

(EFFIE DOES NOT BELONG TO ME, she belongs to @dottyorange )!!!

[ketho484]

Part two of my collab with @nonomives. We decided I'd write and she'd draw what I write. Please check out their art. It's seriously incredible.

Also, the first part will be seen as a prologue, so this'll be seen as the first chapter. Hope ya like it!

🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧

Chapter 1: Establishment of Trust

🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧

The door opened and the little puppet took a few steps back, fear invisible thanks to her mask despite the tears pouring out. A puppet with yellow skin and blue hair opened the door. The moment their eyes met, he became very concerned as he pulled off his blue cardigan.

"What are you doing out here by yourself?" He asked, wrapping the cardigan around her damp shoulders "Not only is it late, but it's raining too…Are you lost?"

That kind smile he wore felt…different. The little puppet's initial fear quickly faded into confusion. She wasn't sure why he didn't drag her inside. Why didn't he hurt her? Why did he seem so concerned? Why…Why did she want to hug him? She was aware of why they were meant to be close, but why did she feel better just being in contact with him? It was all so overwhelming that she fell to her knees and began to weep. She didn't hold back, either. She started ranting, trying to unburden herself from all this stress and fear she's been dealing with, her voice soft and broken in spirit.

"I-I'm sorry to bother you, Mister Darling, but I need help. I-I went to check on Howdy, but he was on the ground, so I went to find someone else to help him and-and I found them all in the same condition. H-Howdy, Julie, Sally, Poppy, Frank, Eddie, Barnaby, th-they wouldn't respond. They…They all stopped moving…"

All movement ceased the moment she said that. Wally's eyes were wide with surprise and fear as the little puppet cried harder, putting her masked face into her hands in a futile attempt to hide it. They…stopped moving? What did that mean? Was something wrong? Did they get sick? Whatever it was, it had rattled this little kid to her very core. She thought she was alone, didn't she? She thought she'd find Wally and Home like that too, didn't she? It broke Wally's heart to think about it. This poor little girl must be so afraid. Though…Why did she think to come here last?

Wally took a deep breath and stepped closer to her. He would table the questions for later. For now, he had to get this little kid out of the rain. He placed a hand on her head and she jumped a bit as he gently ruffled her soaked hair. Her teary little eyes looked up at him through the blank mask as he reached out a hand. She took it and he helped her to her feet before placing a hand on her shoulder, giving her the kindest smile he could muster.

"It's cold and dark out here. How about you come inside?" He asked quietly as not to startle her

The little girl peeked inside. It was dry, and it did feel warm, even from here. Where else would she go, anyway? Wally and Home were the first signs of life she's seen all day. She had to take a chance if it meant safety. With a timid nod, she let Wally lead her inside, Home closing the door as they went.

Crrrreeeeeaaaaaaak!

Click

[pixiepixells]

From my “leaving home” au

What the puppets be like after many years of staying in the real world?

Hello! Sorry for taking so long to answer this! Anyways here you go: All the puppets have become desaturated from dust and grime from the human world! Some also started to wear some human clothes for comfort or disguise to fit in. Its been a number of years since they left home so I believe most of them would have come to terms with the fact they were apart of a kid's show and know the basic gist of how the human world works.

(characters below cut!)

Poppy: -Primary caretaker for of everyone! She is the only one who knows how to sew so therefore she fixes wounds! - I feel like in the beginning she would of struggled a lot with realizing that she was from a kid's show. Mainly because people were watching her. Her every move. (she seems to be a pretty introverted bird and at most a hermit, so this realization was probably terrifying for her) -She is still an extremely anxious bird so when she needs a break from everyone and everything, she alerts Howdy and he takes over. She loves her friends and every time they get hurt she gets so sad. Like "OH NO! my poor friends! who did this to you :(" This all is still so overwhelming for her even though it has been years of doing it. Its so much responsibility for one puppet. She blames herself when they get hurt and how she should of prepared better for it.

Sally:

-Still a very dramatic and elegant gal. However is much more in touch with what her new friends are feeling! It's important to know what's up in order to help them. She managed to find old typewriter and is now writing up new scripts and characters (its very therapeutic to use it! great for her wellbeing when she's stressed). Wally:

-He has been so used to being the only one that knows about the audience, that he wasn't used to anyone else figuring out about it. I feel like the sense of needing to evacuate the show caught him by surprise. He couldn't bring home and he has never felt so guilty before. If he stares at home themed item for too long he starts to tear up. He blames himself for his friends leaving.

-Since it's been many years since they left, he now understands more complex emotions like sadness, anger, disgust, embarrassment, etc. He has more wisdom. He still likes to keep up his appearance, unfortunately for him the hairspray he uses now is not as strong as the one in the show.

Barnaby: -Comedian and Caretaker. makes sure that everyone can get a good chuckle -He has grown to be rugged and makes much more dark jokes. I mean it's not like a kid's watching you, so you matters well. He seems to be very caring to rebels so I feel like he has been dub caretaker of the group. (Also he knows how to cook)

Howdy: -The shopkeeper also kicks out thieves and criminals.

-He has grown to be aggressive but also still has that "nice customer service" personality so he can switch it out like an flip of dime. It's terrifying. He is very protective of Eddie and Poppy because they are all he has left from his former life.

Eddie: -The delivery man! He helps Howdy and Poppy put things into shop. He misses frank the most out of everyone. At least he still has Poppy and Howdy. His temper has gotten worse since leaving the group. Frank: Since he is now a scientist fighting for a cause that they are very passionate about. They are very diligent, determined, and very easy to upset. He doesn't like talking about his past, Frank seems like the type to suppress things. Julie: Is extremely helpful and most likely the most chaotic of the rebel group. Since they can't die, she doesn't mind running into the battlefield to protect her fellow rebels. She is full of rage and aggressive kindness.

[echantedtoon]

Love Is For Bloomin' Pecknecks! Ch2 Apologies And Acting

From that day forth the two would barely interact with each other. She felt bad at first but Mr. Grooves reassured her everything was fine.

"That old bird was due for a telling off, Darling. I'm just surprised no one's told him those things sooner. He'll be fine. If anything the Conductor's a rough old bird, so it'll take a little more than a small spat to scare him off."

To his credit the moon penguin was right. Because she ended up seeing more and more of these two having argument. Or more precisely Conductor yelling at Mr. Grooves as he stared back calmly but whenever he saw Cookie he would shut up, turn tail, and quickly stomp off yelling at nothing which Mr. Grooves didn't care about...At first. As the months went on a lot of things happened. Cookie ended up visiting the girls more with Muriel and one day met their new live in babysitter when cooking something for the girls to eat when they came back. A girl from the country with flaming red hair named Poppy. Poppy Rose Bloomington. Poor thing was wet and cold and starting a cold. Never fear! Cooking cat is here! She made sure she got a bath and washed her dress for her, making sure to hand over back her bracelet that fell out of the pocket, and made sure she had a hot meal before she was forced to leave to make sure Muriel was alright. Poppy was such a nice lady, poor and lost, but nice. She could sorta relate to that. Though there was something else happening too. Mr. Grooves had noticed the way the cat had acted so motherly around Muriel, and sweet to the moon penguins and stressed Express owls. Everyone seemed to love her. BAH! What do they know!? She was just a cat! A thieving. Bad....Nice...K-Kind. Pretty colored. Cute giggles. Feisty...She'd be a good grandmother to his little wee ones- That thought made him shake his head and pull at his yellow feathers! Stop that! She was a cat! A cat that was...r-really pretty and ...and not afraid to own up to her mistakes. He should know because it was the first time anyone had apologized to him genuinely. She felt so bad for yelling at him. He remembered well. He was on Lunch break when she came over. The first thing catching his attention was the sweet smell of birdseed cookies, and a second later a small plate of freshly baked cookies were set down in front of his sandwich by an orange paw and he looked up. Nearly choking on his sandwich when he saw HER there. Staring with a guilty kicked puppy expression hat in her hands staring at him.

"L-LASS!!," he choked out as he swallowed the food but she stopped him from talking further.

"Please don't say anything," she replied calmly with a guilty undertone to her voice, "I just came to apologize to ya."

And his mind blanked. "......Wot?"

"Ah've been thinking about it a lot lately and well-..I feel really bad for yellin' at you like that. I mean..You didn't even know me. For all you knew I was a thief. I can't blame ya for feeling that way when my kind haven't really done anything to squelch those fears of yours. So.." She gestured to the plate of cookies in front of him. "I hope you like cookies, and that you can forgive me. I-If not for my sake then for a better workplace?"

He stared at her. Then at the cookies. Opening his mouth and closing it a couple times before turning red again. She cooked...for HIM!? After a moment of awkward of silence he cleared his throat. "It's...Tis n-nah a problem!" He looked away quickly grip tightening on his food. Why was he feeling like this. "Tho...I-I guess I was in the wrong too. *ahem* Apologies a-accepted..An..Given back to ya?"

Cookie blinked back in surprise as well before smiling. "Well ah'll accept the apologies given back to me. I'm just glad we could come to an understandin'. And here others said you were unreasonable." ...Wait. He snapped back at her- "But that's fair from the truth ain't it?" She sat down next to him making him pause as she giggled. "Mr. Grooves told me about how much ya care 'bout your grandchildren and son."

"...Oi. He did did he?" He asked slowly raising a brow. The peckneck was talking about him huh? "What else has that flipper flapper said?"

"Oh nothing bad. Just that you had a family and you ran the train on top of being a movie director which I must say is quite a feat. I'm impressed by your skills and dedication." Her smile ever genuine. "I adore some of your films."

His feathers puffed up more as she smiled widely. "I-I-I w-w-wot-"

"The Cactus Casualties! I never expected that an actual cactus enchanted by a Sand Witch was the culprit. I could've sworn it was the saloon owner puttin' the cactus juice in the nutmix!"

"Ahehe. Well I-..Wait." His head snapped back to her faster than a bullet. "Ye actually knew that was nut mix and nah birdseed!?"

She nodded. "As someone who works with food you have to pay special attention to food details. It's a habit I formed so I noticed it straight away. It's the small details that count. Dontcha think?"

"Ah...." He smiled back at her. "Aye. Tis the details that make ye movie. ..Y'know. Ye was the first one to point that out?"

"Wait. Really? I thought it was obvious it was a plain old nut mix. Birdseed is totally different. Those owls were totally confusing the audience calling it birdseed all the time."

"That's wot I said but it was too late to change the script!! And refilming everrrrything would've been too much time! That's why I now write me own scripts! Hmph!"

Her eyes widened. "You write your own scripts too!? Wow! You're better at multitasking than I am with three pots on one stove."

He nodded. "...Oh. By the way, Lassie. That DJ Pe-...*ahem* Grooves wouldn't have happened ta mention anything else about me to ya, would he?"

"Hm? Oh no. Not really. Only that you had a family and liked birdseed cookies." He sighed reaching for a cookie and deciding to toss it into his mouth. "Oh. And that you were single."

Conductor choked on his cookie-

Things weren't tense anymore. Well..at least back to normal tense concerning the Conductor and Cookie now. The two waved when seeing each other and sometimes she'd come bring him lunch on his breaks where they'd talk about his movies and she'd give him tips on food presentations for his movies which he took serious. He was a perfectionist when it came to movie details after all, and it didn't hurt to have a pretty lady cooking for him. And OH PECK!! Her food was grand. He never liked sweet things like cake before but she revealed his hidden sweet tooth for her-..uh these things. The owls were still yelled at by him and he still yelled at most people but with less bite until one day. The theme for the Bird Movie Awards was announced. Romance. Why? Well with a few of the judges for the movies falling ill the date had to be pushed back to allow them to recover and that put the new rewards ceremony close to Cupid's Day, so Romance would be the new theme. And with her first season of her cooking show coming to an end so Mr. Grooves could focus on the movie- No wait. Play he was working on she was glad for the break and was happy for him. He had gotten the idea from a very popular children's book and he seemed super excited to try it out. As for Conductor he was working on his own movie which was coming along great. At his rate he should have it done long before Cupid Day was here. Or at least we would've if it wasn't for an accident. Cookie had taken Muriel with her to the little aliens ship and met up with Poppy again. The poor dear was so cooped up she invited her to come shopping with her and the girls in Express Town and she agreed. After grabbing some gold for money the five ladies made their way into Express Town. Exchanging the gold, buying some new clothes, things like that. And when everyone got hungry she offered to give everyone a free lunch at her cafe, only thing wrong was that she accidentally left her purse inside her set up at the studios again so they had to take a small detour to grab it....She was only gone for fifthteen minutes! No more and no less! And in those fifthteen minutes Conductor's entire movie was destroyed, a fight had broke out between the bird and Poppy, Poppy had somehow accidentally broken the Directors' shared VERY expensive camera, Poppy agreed to work for Mr. Grooves for free in exchange to pay him back, and now Conductor was forced to resort to another idea since his first movie was completely wrecked and it would take too long and costly to refilm everything in the original. .....All she did was get her purse and come back! How did these things keep happening to her!? Sigh. Oh well. At least it wasn't something caused by Muriel's stunts again. Cookie was given the chance to catch up on what happened taking them to lunch and keeping the three company until the next train back to the Moon City.  From then on for a while things were calm for now but she was wondering how Conductor was doing now that he was set back farther back than Mr. Grooves now. Last she heard he was looking for someone to play a southern bell damsel in distress but had no luck with any of the ladies who auditioned. Which lead to one fateful encounter when they decided to grab some food from the Jukebox Cafe and load and behold there was Conductor sitting in a quiet corner. His jacket was discarded next to him at the booth, looked to be on his hundredth cup of coffee, a stack of what must've been script in front of him lying on the table, and he mumbled to himself over nothing staring at the papers in front of him. So naturally Cookie walked on over to him with Muriel trailing right behind her.

"Mr. Conductor!" The owl gave a squawk as he jumped up towards her. In return she gave a big smile towards him. "Ah wasn't expecting to see you here today? What do I owe the pleasure?"

Conductor stared at her for a moment before opening his mouth, turning red, and clearing his throat. "L-Lassie! A-Aye was just...M-Mullin' over me movie scripct! Yeah!"

"Oh how nice. And how's that comin' along?"

He gave a long sigh before his hand reached up before rubbing his head. "Nah good. I got rrrroles to fill in but nah anyone I look at is good at the bloody roles! If only I had snagged that country red haired lass ta play the darned role! She would've had the accent for it at least!" Oh. He must've meant Poppy. The two of them had similar accents. "But nnnnooo!! She's working for DJ Sunglasses while m' stuck with empty slots like a broken poker game!"

"Oh I see. Poor man. Must be exhausting. Let me get you some food on the house."

"Wot? Nah! I can't ask ye to do that, Lass."

"You aren't. Ah'm offering and I insist. This is my cafe after all. It's the least I could do."

"Yer too kind, Lass."

Cooking looked over as Muriel also tugged insistently on her shirt. "Hey! I'm hungry too! How am I supposed to defend the world if I have an empty stomach?"

"Oh alright. My children have a healthy appetite. Waiter!" She waved to one of her employees who immediately paid attention. "Bring out two orders of burger and fries and another coffee for this gentlemen, and some katsu curry for myself."

The waiter disappeared and five minutes later the two girls were sitting in front of Conductor with their respective foods chatting away although he was still mostly thinking about his movie. He was more behind than that flashy peckneck by now and no one was fitting his darned roles! It shouldn't be this hard! Where was he supposed to find a southern bell that was kind and caring with a really sweet personality!?..Reality then hit him in the middle of taking a bite of his hamburger. When Muriel happily eating her own burger got ketchup and mustard all over her face. Cookie fussed and scolded her lightly in a motherly way before taking a couple napkins and hastily wiping at the fussing girl's face. Such a kind, sweet, and caring gesture. Then it hit him with the speed and force of his own train. 

"THAT'S IT!!" His voice boomed out happily in new found excitement and he smiled startling the two ladies into looking at him. "Ahehehehe!! That's it! That's wot I've been missing!"

...Cookie blinked. "Uh..W-What?"

He pointed right at her. "You, Lass! You're the perfect one to play the rrrole of Catrina in me big film!"

Cookie's fur fluffed up in surprise as Conductor rubbed his hands together in glee. Napkins dropped so her paws could point at her. "W-Who me!? N-Now Mr. Conductor you must be mistaken! I-I haven't gotten an acting bone in mah body! I wouldn't be able to perform none!"

"Lassie please!," Conductor begged, "Ah now you'd be perfect for the rrrole! And I need ye help with this! I nah can do it on me own! And the deadline is leavin' me with nah choice! I'll make it up to ye in whatever ye want! Please help this old bird out once!"

Muriel's eyes widened at the thought of Cookie acting and snapped to her. And Cookie looked at the desperate bird in shock. Conductor was quite literally begging with his hands clasped together looking at her with a pleading frown on his face. She'd never seen the proud bird act like this before even when he was stressed so he must've been really desperate if he was resorting to begging out in the open where everyone could see him. And she couldn't blame him. Losing his first movie and scrambling to finish a second one must've put strain on him. She felt bad for him and she could help him now. Couldn't she?

Cookie continued to stare at him for a long moment before sighing. And smiling at him. "Well..If it really means that much to ya then I guess I could lend a hand."

"YES!! THANK YE LASSIE!! YA WON'T REGRET IT!!"

"Hey! What about me?," Muriel exclaimed with a frown, "Don't I ever get to do anything?"

"Oooh! I think I got the rrright role for the wee one!"

"hmm. What kind of role are we talking about here?"

"A hero! One who'd be the key piece ta helpin' the lassie escape from ye train mugger!"

Muriel looked real interested now. "A hero huh? Alright! Ya got yourself a deal! I can't wait to see everyone's face when I nail that bad guy in their ugly mug!"

"Ahahahaha!! That's the spirit! Ooh! We're surrre to kick that peckneck out of the rrring now!"

Now all his roles were filled in! They could begin filming now! HA! Watch out DJ Peckneck! His winning streak was back on track now!....And then he was scolded by Cookie for using the p word in front of Muriel. 

[agereoneshots]

(I'm including my They/Them Rika headcanon for this.)

Larry sighed as he stared at the paperwork on his desk. Today was going to be long...and what didn't help was Poppy calling him every 15 minutes for a challenger.

After what had to be the twentieth person that morning, Larry sat down at his desk to get through the paperwork again. He picked one up and started reading it. He frowned, why was it so complicated? Larry groaned and put his head in his hands. He was slipping, and at work of all places. Larry stood up. If he was going to get through the day, he'd have to find Hassel. He hasn't seen him since the first battle but he had to be in his office, right? Before he could even leave, Poppy called him. Sighing, he made his way to the challenge room. The trainer was easy and he only had to use Ruffles. The problem was that Ruffles clearly caught on to him slipping and now refused to go back into his poke ball.

"Fine. Just follow behind me." Larry mumbled as he walked off to find Hassel.

"Hey Larry! Wait up!" Rika called out. Larry stopped to let them catch up.

"What is it?" Larry hoped he sounded normal.

"During the fight, I got a message from the front desk. Brassius stopped by to see you and Hass for lunch."

"Oh. Thank you for telling me." Rika nodded before going back to their own duties. Larry walked to Hassel's office.

"Larry!" Hassel hugged him as soon as he stepped in. Larry hugged back.

"Brass stopped by for lunch."

"Well then! We shouldn-"

"Mr. Larry!" Poppy called out. Larry sighed.

"Sorry, I have to go." Hassel waved to Larry as he headed back to the challenge room. The fight didn't go as well, he won with only his tropius, Banana, and his Alteria, Cloudy. The frustration caused him to slip enough that he had tears.

"You ok Larry?" Rika asked concerned.

"I-im fine." Larry said, wiping the tears away before Poppy could ask.

"I'm going to go find Hassel." Larry quickly healed his pokemon before leaving. He found Hassel in the lobby with Brassius.

"Larry!" Brassius ran up and kissed him. Larry simply laid his head on Brassius shoulder.

"Long day?" Brassius asked. Larry hesitated before responding.

"small..." he whispered.

"Oh you poor thing..." Brassius led Larry over to Hassel.

"He's small." Brassius quietly explained.

"Do you know how small you are?" Hassel asked Larry.

"Months..." Larry mumbled, saying he wasn't even a year old.

"Too young to be in the elite four. Hassel, you take Larry to the picnic spot, I'm going to see if I can convince Greeta to let Larry go for the rest of the day." Brassius explained.

"She won't...too many challenges...." Larry mumbled again, trying to stay big. Brassius was about to speak when, as if on cue, Greeta showed up.

"Larry! Challenger! Let's go!" Larry sighed and followed her to the challenge room. When he lost, he called for Hassel and practically stomped his way to the sidelines with Rika and Poppy.

"Mr.Larry, are you ok?" Poppy asked.

"Yes, today is just stressful." He hoped he sounded big. When Hassel won and the challenger left, he walked over to the three.

"Hassel, what's up with Larry?" Rika asked, crossing their arms. Before Hassel could come up with an excuse, another trainer walked in.

"I hate it when Greeta double books challengers." Rika sighed. The trainer managed to get to Larry. Even though he had slipped enough to fumble his poke balls and throws, and almost slipped so far he couldn't give commands to his pokemon, he still managed to win. As soon as the trainer left, he went straight to Hassel, no longer having the energy to even pretend to be big.

"Wait...this is a shot in the dark....but....is....does Larry....age regress?" Rika asked. Hassel was surprised Rika knew what that was but nodded.

"That explains his behavior..."

"What's wrong with Mr.Larry?" Poppy asked, concerned.

"Well...Mr.Larry does a thing called age regression. When things get too stressful, his brain handles it by making him younger. His body is still the same age, but his brain isn't." Rika explained.

"So...Mr.Larry is younger than me right now?" Poppy asked.

"Yes. Right now, Larry is the youngest...not even a year old..." Hassel mumbled the last bit but both Rika and Poppy understood.

"You take him to Brassius, I'll talk to Greeta." Rika left, searching for the champion. Poppy opened up her key shaped purse and pulled out a doll.

"Here you go Mr.Larry. You can have her until you're big again." Poppy handed the doll over. Larry took it and held it close.

"Thank you Miss.Poppy." Hassel said before taking Larry by the hand and finding Brassius at the picnic spot.

"Larry! Hassel!" Brassius patted the spots next to him on the blanket. Hassel sat on his right while Larry sat on his left.

"Where'd you get your dollie?" Brassius asked.

"Poppy gave it to him. Said he could keep it until he was big again. He didn't have the energy to keep pretending to be big after the last fight. Rika's talking to Greeta."

"Well then, I'm glad I went home and grabbed his bottle and pacifier then." Brassius brought out the sandwiches he prepared and the three ate, Hassel and Brassius taking turns to feed Larry. As Larry drank the angel milk Brassius had made for him, Greeta and Rika walked up.

"See? I wasn't lying." Rika gestured to Larry drinking from his bottle. Larry looked away, a little embarrassed but too little to care.

"When Larry's big again, have him come find me. I've had gym leaders and elite four members in the past regress. I made a protocol for this." Greeta waved a hand as she spoke before walking off.

"How's the little guy doing?" Rika asked. Larry looked over, done with his bottle.

"I think he's doing better than earlier in the day...eating lunch is less stressful than fighting challengers." Brassius half joked as he traded Larry's bottle for his pacifier.

"Well, enjoy your afternoon guys!" Rika called before heading back to the elite four office. Larry curled up closer to Brassius and yawned.

"Is the little komala getting sleepy?" Hassel asked. Larry responded with a small whine before closing his eyes. Maybe today would be shorter than he thought.

[plotandburn]

Harry Potter Gets Adopted By ....

ok so, before anything starts let's get to the rules:

No reader-inserts, self-inserts or unhappy endings are allowed.

spanking, watersports, extremely underage ships or parent/child incest are only allowed if portrayed on a negative light.

Peter Petigrew and Dolores Umbridge must be bashed

Dumbledore must be gay and atracted to Grindewalt and Grindewalt alone.

poor grammar is not allowed (you don't need a beta but at least use grammarly some form of grammar corrector)

You are not allowed to bash Severus Snape, Sirius Black,Draco Malfoy or Remus Lupin

Hagrid can only be paired with Madame Maxine and no one else

8. Mad Eye Moody and Amelia Bones can't be paired with anyone

9. Minerva Mcgonagal can only be paired with Poppy Pomfrey or anyone on the staff that she never taugh herself.

10. Crabbe and Goyle can only be paired with Daphne Greengrass, Astoria Greengrass, Milicent Bulstrode, Susan Bones, Hannah Abbot, each other or an Oc.

Now,just to clarify, Harry won't be adoted by all the mean girls at the same time ofc. You get to choose. Here's how i envision him turning out if adopted by each of them:

Harry James Heron Samuels (Adopted son of Cady and Aaron):

+Crazy good at math. As expected since Cady is his mom.

+Like Cady, he loves animals and nature so he ends up being as found of magical creatures as Charlie, Newt or Hagrid.

+Also compares high school to a jungle.

+Highly observer/this nigga is in no way in hell oblivious like his canon self.

+Loves Pranks.

+I'd imagine he is a major bookworm, specially since canon Harry most likely would be if it weren't for the Dursley's

+Gryffindor through and through.

+ Takes Care and Artimancy.

+Goes on to work with magical cratures.

+Has a major vengefull streak.

+recomended ships: Harmony, Huna , Notter and Charry (is this the oficial name for the Harry/Charlie Weasley ship? )

Harry George Oman (Adopted son of Regina and Shane ):

+A major Jock, who like his mom, uses sports as a way of relieving stress.

+Can be hella intimidating but would never bully someone since his mom learned from her past mistakes and taught him better than that.

+ Also Has a major vengefull streak.

+Also highly observer/this nigga is in no way in hell oblivious like his canon self.

+ an extremely good liar and manipulator.

+Extremely confortable in the leadership role.

+Slytherin through and through.

+takes care and runes.

+ grows up to become a professional quidditch player.

+Recomended ships: Drary, Blarry, Hinny, Haphne, Hansy, Hastoria.

Harry Wieners (Song of Gretchen and...someone):

+Major gossiper. his mom is Gretchen afterall.

+ also Highly observer/this nigga is in no way in hell oblivious like his canon self.

+also an extremely good liar and manipulator.

+Fluent in Vietnamese thanks to his mom.

+ Takes Ancient Runes as one of his electives.

+ Grows up to become a jornalist ( something his canon self would probably never do but it's dowright perfect for him)

+Slytherin through and through.

+Recomended ships: same as Harry George Oman but with the inclusion of Harvati and whatever the name of Harry/Lavander Brown ship is.

Harry James Smith ( Adopted son of Karen Smith and someone....Her cousin Seth? idk you get to choose):

+Extremely Responsable.

+Does the taxes for his mom, since i'd rekon she wouldn't know how.

+Major Mother Hen.

+ Friends with everyone

+As oblivious as his canon self, not due to being unobservant but to often being to distracted thinking about other things.

+Either a Puff or a Raven. Not Slytherin or Gryffindor though.

+Takes care and Artimancy.

+Grows up to become a teacher or a healer.

+Will cut ties with anyone that calls his mom stupid or anything or the sort.

+Recomended ships: Harmony,Huna,Hinny, Hedric.

You can also make Harry be adpted by two plastics at once, in wich case the traits will be combined.

++++++++++Bonus:

Harry James Ian ( Adopted son of Janis Ian and Kevin):

+Major Goth

+ Also Crazy good at math.

+Good at making plans that actually work.

+Loves pranks.

+Hates bullying but has a bit of a mean streak.

+ Also Takes Artimancy.

++ also Highly observer/this nigga is in no way in hell oblivious like his canon self.

+Goes on to do something in the ministry(you get to choose)

+Gryffindor through and through.

+Recomended ships: Hinny,Huna, Hedric.

Harry Cocco ( Glenn Cocco and Someone):

+Glenn Cocco is a blank slot so in this case the sky is the limit.

[angelonasher]

my last post was an elaborate ruse to get to ramble about my own hanahaki au idea

because i dont anyone will read this but i need to talk about it-

(it's myct btw)

ahem anyway-

So we mainly follow Pearl, our wonderful Pearlescentmoon, as she hacks out flowers into her trash can. Does she know why she's coughing up petals? No. But she's been doing it for a while, so maybe its time to stop procrastinating and search up her symptoms online.

Hanahaki. (wha-)

anyway she finds a website about a (somewhat experimental) program relating to the hana-diseases. she's like aight seems legit, seems cheap, why not?

So, hanahaki's been around as long as soulmates have been around (nobody knows when soulmates became a thing) but its only in the past 10 years that people have really started studying it (and trying to find more reliable cures)

Hanakanjo and hanauso have been studied for even less, but apparently this program is reaching into those too.

Anyway, she goes to the program place, and meets some people, other patients, basically.

A larger facility, with more patients and volunteers, it would be sorted by which hana-disease you got, but this is fairly small, so it's separated between platonic and romantic love.

(There are some other sections of the program, such as the very experimental stuff regarding the side-effects of/recovering from hanahaki surgery. but not what Pearl's here for)

the person in charge of our little ragtag group of flower-related relationship problems is uh- i never actually thought- Stress. yeah. why not.

to top it all off, here's a list: (everything's platonic unless i say otherwise)

Pearl: hanahaki. it- it's scott. of course it's scott. they were really good friends but the second they became/discovered that they were soulmates, he suddenly wanted nothing to do with her. very sad :( she got yellow roses and burgundy dhalias. can't really tell that they're yellow- cause- blood- but yeah

Tango: hanakanjō : got lots of flowers and a lot of thorn-shaped scars. poor guy :(

Joel: hanahaki : he mostly just vibes and makes jokes. and coughs. his hanahaki's gotten pretty bad, and he's had it for a while. he's got a whole array of flowers, but mostly irises and yellow roses

Scar: hanauso : at first, he'd make small talk, show around his cat jellie, scam everyone else out of small things like pencils, and started making a credit system. (except he somehow scammed jimmy into life-long loyalty? pearl has no idea how that works) but as his disease got worse, he can't talk so much. now it's just jellie. he still manages to scam people, though. He refuses to talk about whoever's causing it, and mostly grows poppies.

Martyn : double hanahaki : pearl hates him. that's all you have to know

Fundy : hanahaki : everytime i think i'm out of the dsmp fandom I stuff dsmp!fundy somewhere- is the dsmp even a fandom still? he's had his hanahaki for the longest out of anyone (although it's not as bad as joel's), familial hanahaki, actually. wilbur bcuz why not. he's accepted that he's just going to have it instead of opting for surgery, and he uses an oxygen tank a lot. purple hyacinths and petunias. he's in the program not because he thinks it'll help, but because "his friends convinced him to"

Jimmy : he's just there to be Tango's supportive soulmate. and he brings little gifts and snacks. he's very much appreciated (and by very much appreciated i mean everyone teases him but wouldn't trade his friendship for the world.)

Etho : he's actually from another part of the program but pops in from time to time. gives advice on how to manage hanahaki while he's there

Lizzie : Joel's fiance and sometimes comes to say hi. brought cupcakes once. she's apparently jimmy's brother

Bdubs : came twice with etho, once looking for him. apparently a volunteer at the program.

Grian : he appeared once and seemed to know Scar and Jimmy. in a very strained relationship kind of way. he had a whole lot of white lilacs in his outfit. seems familiar

as you can see it's mostly double life people because yeah. i am not big brain enough to think of more people right now

if you got to the end, thanks for that, actually /gen

[amazinggraciegurl]

Expect the Unexpected (Chapter 20: Come Back Home)

Monday December 7, 2020 6:43 pm

Lucia stands by the water's edge, the cool sea air blowing against her face. The grief inside her is like a candle, the molten wax pouring down the sides, leaving the candle hollow. A ship's horn calls in the distance. Overriding every sound, though, is the memory of her mother's screams as their car crashed, glass flying in every direction. She

Holly’s typing stops as her Mirrorphone rings, playing her favorite song, Bohemian Rhapsody. She squints as she picks up her phone, her eyes sore from the hours of staring at the computer screen. "Hmmm, Briar," she says, laughing softly. "Must be another party idea." She answers the phone. "Hey, Briar. What's up?" "Hey, Holly," Briar says. "Not much. What's up with you?" Holly can immediately tell something's wrong. Briar doesn't sound nearly happy enough to talk about a party. "Briar," she says, her voice suddenly serious, "what's wrong?" "Well…" Briar says, her voice about an octave higher than normal. "I…" Holly sighs sharply. "Briar, I know you have trouble giving bad news, but spit it out!" Briar takes a deep breath. "Okay. What happened is...Dexter got into a dragon riding accident."

Holly gasps, panic rearing up inside her like a startled horse. "And now he can't remember anything from the last eight years," Briar says. Holly's mouth is wide open with shock. She can't even begin to comprehend what she's hearing. "So…" She gasps. "He doesn't remember Raven?!" Briar sighs sadly. "Yes. That is, unfortunately, correct." "Oh, the poor girl!" Holly exclaims, tears filling her eyes. "And Darling!" She gasps for what feels like the hundredth time, placing her hand over her chest. "Is she okay?!" Holly nearly yells. "Why hasn't she called me?!" There's a moment of awkward silence. Holly's stomach crawls with anxiety. "Uhh... I'm sure she meant to," Briar finally says, her voice uncertain. "She's just been so stressed out, it probably slipped her mind."

Holly sighs, staring gloomily out the window of her house. The sky is gray. A distant rumble of thunder sends her heart racing. She hates storms. She always has ever since she was a little girl. She glances at her watch. Poppy won't be home from work for another hour. She takes a deep breath, hoping that when she speaks she doesn't sound as terrified as she is. "When did the accident happen?" she asks, her voice shaking slightly. There's another long pause before Briar answers her. "Five days ago." Briar's voice is low. She sounds scared, which she should be because she didn't think to tell Holly sooner. "Five days?!" Holly shrieks, hot anger welling up inside of her. "And you're just telling me now?!" "I'm sorry, Holly, but it's been crazy here! Nobody knows how to handle something like this! We're all still reeling. Raven is a basket case and needs constant care; which is partly left to Ashlynn and me because Apple has to take care of Darling. And on top of that, we have Willow to take care of; and as sweet as she is, toddlers are still a lot of work. And–"

"Okay, okay, okay," Holly says. "I'm sorry. I just–" she sighs, "you know how much Darling means to me, and it hurts knowing that I wasn't there when she needed me most.” "Oh, Holly," Briar says, her voice soft. "But she still does need you. You still have the chance to be there for her." Holly takes a deep breath. "Okay," she says, sitting up straighter, "Poppy and I will be there tonight." "You can stay with Ash and I," Briar offers. "We have plenty of room." Holly smiles, touched as she often is by Briar’s generosity. “Thank you for the offer, Briar, but I think we’ll stay at a hotel for now. I kind of need my own space to write.” “Alright, I understand,” Briar replies. “Just know that the offer always stands.” “Thanks, Briar. That means a lot.” “Of course. What are friends for?” Holly laughs lightly. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says. “By the time I get there, it’ll probably be pretty late.” “Well, I can’t wait to see you,” Briar says happily. “Drive safe, okay?” Holly chuckles. “You know me, Briar. Got an A+ on my driving test.” Briar laughs. “Just like you do on every test.” Holly grins. “True. I’m going to get packing now. See you soon, Bri.” “Alright. Bye, Holly.”

XXX 6:50 pm “Poppy!” Holly exclaims as soon as Poppy answers the phone. “Dexter was in a terrible accident, and he’s lost his memory, and Darling needs us, and–” "Okay, slow down!" Poppy orders. Holly takes a deep, shaky breath. "Okay. Dexter got into a dragon riding accident, and he hit his head really hard, and now he can't remember anything from the last eight years!" There's a long silence as Holly, breathing heavily, continues to throw clothes into the suitcase. "Yikes," Poppy finally says, her voice tight. "That's horrible!" "I know," Holly groans. "I'm packing for me and you right now, and as soon as you get home, we're leaving! We'll get some fast food burgers on the way." Holly knows that Poppy would normally object to Holly packing for her, but she must know how serious the situation is. "Okay," Poppy says resolutely. "I'll be ready to go as soon as I get home." "Okay, good," Holly replies. "I'll see you then." "Okay, sis. Bye for now."

Holly continues to race around the room, throwing belonging after belonging into the big purple suitcase. After high school, she and Poppy lived with their parents again for a year. Holly then got accepted into the the English literature program of the prestigious University of Jackville, so she moved to Jackville, which is an hour and a half away from Book End where most of their fellow Ever After High students stayed. Poppy moved with her, as the two sisters are inseparable, and started her own hair salon in Jackville. It's become a wild success. Holly works as a writer for a book blog called The Jackville Book Review. She reviews and writes analyses of the latest books. She's been writing up a storm for years, and is finally finishing up her first novel. They pay their friends monthly visits. Briar stays in close contact with her and Poppy, as she does with all her dozens of friends.

One friend that Holly misses the most is Darling. The girl she didn't become close with until senior year of high school, but has taken such a large place in her heart. She still imagines sometimes that they're girlfriends, that Darling never got with Apple. She tries not to dwell on those childish fantasies, though. Darling and Apple are true loves. They're meant to be together forever. She needs to accept the truth. She and Darling see each other every month, but it's not the same as it was in high school. They don't go on nighttime adventures anymore. They don't paint each other's nails and sing along to Taylor Quick songs. They catch up over coffee or lunch. They take walks in the park. Sometimes she stays the night at Darling's and Apple's house. She lies awake in the guest room, painfully aware of Darling and Apple sleeping together in the next room. Holly sometimes wishes that she could go back to the days where she and Darling were closer than ever; but they're adults now and she needs to accept that.

She sighs, throwing her and Poppy's snow gear into the suitcase. It's always a white Christmas in Book End. She makes sure to pack a lot of books. Reading is one of her favorite pastimes. Being read to also comforts Darling, and Holly has a feeling Darling's going to need a lot of comfort right now.

XXX 9:08 pm Holly and Poppy finally arrive at the hotel in Book End. Holly sighs with relief as they enter the warm lobby. Her teeth still chatter from the bitter wind outside. "I have a reservation for Suite 122," Holly tells the woman behind the counter. Once they're checked in, the woman hands Holly the room key. "The pool and spa are open eight to ten," she says. "Continental breakfast is served from six to ten." Poppy's eyes light up. She sure loves luxury. Holly laughs at her sister's starstruck expression. "Thank you," she tells the woman. "Have a good night."

XXX 9:36 pm Holly and Poppy stretch out on the king-sized bed. "It's so nice in here," Poppy says, sighing contentedly. "I know, right?!" Holly exclaims. "I love this place!" "There's a bit too much air freshener, though," Poppy says. "It's making my eyes water. I'll go open the window a crack." "What?!" Holly splutters. "It's like twenty degrees out, Poppy! No way!" "Awww," Poppy whines. "Fine. Too bad you're so cold-blooded. You're like a reptile." Holly snorts. "A reptile?!" Poppy giggles. "Yup!" They look at each other before bursting into laughter. They laugh until their bellies hurt. As their laughter dies out, a thought occurs to Holly. "I should call Darling and let her know we're here!" She sits up, pulling her Mirrorphone out of her pocket. "Isn't it a little late to call anybody?" Poppy says. "No, Darling always stays up late," says Holly. "Alright," Poppy says, shrugging. "I'm going to go change into my pajamas."

When Darling answers the phone with a feeble "Hello," Holly doesn't think she's ever heard her friend sound so defeated. "Hey, Darling," Holly says, her voice soft. "How are you doing?" She mentally curses herself. Why would she even ask that? Darling is obviously far from okay right now. Still, Darling answers with a quiet, "I'm doing okay," and Holly doesn't know what breaks her heart more–Darling's condition or the fact that she feels like she needs to pretend to be okay. Holly takes a deep breath. "I heard about Dexter," she says, her voice soft. "I'm so sorry." Holly's eyes burn at the sound of Darling's shaky sigh. "Well, I'm here now," Holly continues. "Poppy and I are staying at the hotel in Book End. Is it okay if I come to see you tomorrow?"

There's a long silence. Holly's stomach crawls. She lets out a breath of relief when Darling speaks. "Yeah, that sounds nice, Holly. Maybe we could meet at the Golden Egg Cafe and get some lunch? Then maybe we could go see Dexter for a little while?" Holly smiles, her chest filling with warmth. "That sounds lovely, Darling. I can't wait to see you!" "I can't wait to see you too," Darling replies, sounding much happier than she had when they first started talking. "So, does twelve o'clock work for you?" "Yep, that works perfectly." "Okay. See you soon! Have a good night." "You have a good night too," Holly answers. "Goodbye." "Goodbye."

After they hang up, Holly sits still for a minute, her heart racing. Just hearing Darling's voice is enough to sweep her off her feet. She's prayed for the attraction to fade, but it stubbornly remains, intent on tearing Holly's heart to pieces. There's a special kind of pain that unrequited love brings. And Holly is an expert at it.

XXX Holly can’t sleep that night. Images of Darling swirl through her mind like snow. What state is Darling going to be in when she sees her tomorrow? How broken is she? What should Holly say to her? The indecision is paralyzing. She closes her eyes, trying to breathe deeply. Her heartbeat slows as she listens to the sound of Poppy’s steady breathing next to her. She scoots closer to Poppy. Poppy heats up like a furnace at night, and Holly just realized how cold she is. Finally, surrounded by her sister’s warmth, she is able to fall into a restful slumber.

XXX 12:07 pm Holly taps her foot impatiently as she waits for Darling to arrive at the restaurant. When is Darling going to get here? Could she have forgotten about their lunch date? The thought of the word “date” sends Holly’s heart racing. Calm down, she tells herself. Don’t be a hot mess when Darling comes. She sighs with relief as she sees Darling walk into the restaurant. Immediately, her heart starts racing at the sight of her friend. She swears that there’s a light around Darling, accentuating every one of the girl’s beautiful features, from her platinum blonde curls to her strong, lithe form. Holly takes a deep breath, willing her nerves to die down. She raises her hand, waving. “Over here, Darling!” she calls. Darling’s face lights up when she notices her. Holly’s heart skips a beat as she sees Darling’s joyful smile. Darling being this excited to see her makes her overwhelmingly happy.

“Hey, Holly!” Darling exclaims as she approaches. “Hey, Darling!” Holly replies, barely able to contain her excitement. She jumps to her feet, sighing happily as they embrace. The hug is warm and tight and feeds Holly's soul the way only Darling can. It feels like an eternity before they slowly part. Holly squeezes Darling’s arm before sitting back down, hoping that her cheeks don’t look as flushed as they feel. “Sorry I’m late,” Darling apologizes. “I was talking to Raven on the phone trying to calm her down. She has classes this afternoon, and Apple is at her castle doing royal business, so she called me rather than Apple when she got a panic attack. She’s really taken this whole incident hard.” She sighs sadly. Holly frowns sympathetically. “I’m so sorry,” she says, “about, you know, everything.” Darling smiles softly. “I’m sure everything will work out,” she says. “It’s difficult right now, but we’ve all gotten through rough times just fine before.” She sounds like she’s trying to convince herself. “We have,” Holly says reassuringly. “And I’m here to help with whatever is needed.” Darling smiles appreciatively. “Thank you, Holly. That means a lot.” “Of course,” Holly replies, her voice soft. “Anything for you.” She stiffens. “And everybody else, of course.” Darling smiles. “So, I know you and Poppy are staying at a hotel right now, but you can stay with Apple and I of course. I mean, Raven’s with us at the moment as well, but there’s still plenty of room.”

Holly’s stomach drops at the thought of staying at Darling’s and Apple’s house, witnessing their cozy domestic life up close. The thought jabs her heart like a needle. “Thank you for the offer, but Poppy and I are good in the hotel for now. I’ll be sure to let you know if anything changes.” “Okay,” Darling says, “if you’re sure.” Holly smiles. “I am. Don’t you worry.” She knows how much Darling worries about everybody else. She doesn’t want to put any more pressure on Darling than there already is. “So, how have you been?” Darling asks. “I’ve been good,” Holly replies. “Just working hard at school and work. It’s stressful sometimes, but everything is going according to plan.” Darling chuckles. “You’ve always been a planner.” Holly laughs softly. “I sure have.” “So, how long are you going to be staying?” Darling asks. “And how are you going to do school while you’re here?” “Well, I guess I’ll be staying as long as I’m needed,” Holly replies. “We’ll just have to see how long that is. And as for school, all my classes are on Monday and Thursday; so, I’ll just commute those days. It’s only an hour away, after all.” Darling nods. “Well, it sounds like a good plan to me.” Holly smiles.

A waitress comes and takes their orders. Holly orders a Caesar salad and Darling orders a Greek salad. “You’ve always been a Greek salad girl,” Holly laughs, as the waitress leaves. Darling giggles. “You know me too well.” Holly smiles, the familiarity and comfort of being with her best friend filling her with warmth. Though the circumstances surrounding her visit are unfortunate, it feels so good to be back with Darling, to be seeing her for more than a few hours. It might even be a little bit like high school. A thrill rushes through her at that thought. She’s not sure what the future holds, for her, Darling, Dexter, or any of their friends; but with Darling by her side, Holly knows that everything is going to be okay.

XXX 2:33 pm Darling takes a deep breath before opening the car door and stepping out into the hospital parking lot. Holly follows suit, walking around the car to meet Darling. Darling lets out another breath before turning to Holly and giving her a small smile. “Let’s go,” she says, clearly trying to sound more confident than she feels. Holly reaches over, squeezing her hand. “I’m right here with you,” she murmurs. Darling smiles gratefully at her. “Thank you for everything, Holly,” she says, her voice shaking slightly. “For coming to stay here, for visiting Dexter with me, for being there for me when I need it.” Holly smiles, her chest swelling with pride. “Of course, Darling,” she says, giving the girl’s hand another long squeeze. “That’s what friends are for.” Darling smiles at her, and just as Holly’s heart feels like it’s going to soar out of her chest, she turns away, facing the hospital building. “Now, let’s really go.” Holly chuckles, following Darling across the parking lot.

XXX 2:44 pm The breath is sucked from Holly’s lungs as she and Darling enter Dexter’s hospital room. He’s sleeping in the bed, his face pale and covered in gashes and bruises. Seeing him like this makes Holly want to sob, to scream at the world for being so unfair. She takes one look at Darling’s solemn expression, though, and knows that she has to keep her cool. Darling needs her. And Holly’s number one priority is to support her. So she forces an encouraging smile onto her face. Darling gives her a small smile, but her blue eyes are stormy. “Let’s go sit down on the couch,” Darling says softly. “He’ll probably wake up soon.” Holly follows Darling to the gray couch in the corner of the room. They settle side by side. Holly is acutely aware of the distance between them. More than anything, she wants to snuggle against Darling, to wrap her in her arms. She knows she can’t, though, and it hurts; this distance between them that Holly so desperately wishes she could fill.

Instead, she takes a deep, calming breath and tries to relax. She slumps back against the cushions. She turns to Darling and frowns when she sees the pained expression on her face. Her heart hurts for Darling. All she wants is to make it okay for her, but there’s no way to do that. All she can do is be there for her. So she takes Darling’s hand and gives her a reassuring smile. She needs to distract Darling with something she enjoys, and she thinks she knows just the thing. “Hey, do you want to read my latest book review? It’s about the Whitacher’s Creek book by Suzanne Hoffman. You read it, right?” Darling’s face instantly lights up. “Yeah, I read it,” says Darling. “And I read your review, too. I read every one as soon as it comes out. You know that, right?” Joy surges through Holly. She almost squeals, but bites her tongue, pushing down the excitement. “That’s so sweet, Darling,” she says happily, squeezing Darling’s hand. “That means so much.” Darling squeezes her hand back. “Of course I do, Holly. You’re one of my very best friends, and reading your reviews and seeing how far your writing has come makes me so happy.” Holly’s eyes sting with gratitude. “Thank you,” she says, her voice shaking. Kingdoms, she is so sappy. Crying over compliments? Yeah, that would be her alright. But it’s extra special when it comes from Darling. Darling means more to her than she could ever know.

“Hey, Dexter,” Darling says softly. Holly quickly looks over and smiles as she sees Dexter sitting up in bed. It’s such a relief to see him alert and focused, to know that he still has his spark. Holly follows Darling over to him. They sit down in chairs by his bed. Holly is opening her mouth to greet Dexter when she remembers that he doesn’t know her. She and Poppy were homeschooled until high school, so Dexter didn’t meet her until freshman year. Eight years of his memories have been wiped away; so she and Poppy are literal strangers to him. She isn’t prepared for the wave of emotion that overtakes her when he looks at her, his brows creased with confusion. Don’t cry, she sternly tells herself. Stay strong. She takes a deep, shaky breath. “Hey there, Dexter,” she says, her voice soft. “I’m Holly. I’m a friend of yours. We went to high school together. I know you don’t remember me, but don’t worry. We’ll make new memories together. I promise.” Darling gives her a soft, grateful smile. Holly squeezes her hand. “Hey, Holly,” Dexter says, his voice hoarse. “It’s nice to meet you. Again.” The three of them chuckle, smiling warmly at each other. That’s right, Holly thinks to herself. We will make new memories. Things will never be exactly the same as they were before, but everything is going to be alright.

XXX Holly and Darling get burritos from Chipotle on the way home from the hospital. They arrive at Darling’s and Apple’s house at five in the evening. Holly continues to shiver from the cold outside as they walk into the kitchen. Darling sets the paper bag of food on the counter. She takes her Mirrorphone out of her pocket and looks at it. “Apple and Raven aren’t going to be home for a couple hours,” she says. “She and Raven met up and ate out for dinner, and now they’re going to go see Dexter for a while.” Holly hates herself for feeling as happy as she does when Darling tells her this. “I’ll start us a fire in the fireplace,” Darling says. “Ooh!” Holly exclaims. “We can eat our burritos by the fireside. Doesn’t that sound lovely?” Darling smiles softly. Still, the quiet sadness that’s taken over her since they left the hospital remains. “That does sound nice,” Darling says.

Holly unwraps their burritos and puts them on plates, while Darling starts the fire. There’s already a pile of logs by the fireplace. Darling always keeps firewood stocked at home in the winter. She’s ever the survivalist.

Holly sighs happily as they settle on the couch by the roaring fire. She looks into the beautiful orange flames and smiles. Sitting by the fire, eating a delicious burrito with her best friend by her side makes her more content than she’s been in a long time. “Do you want to watch a show?” Darling asks, picking up the television remote. “Sure,” Holly says. “Any show is good with me.” “How about The Office?” Darling suggests. Holly chuckles. “You can never go wrong with The Office.”

They fall into a comfortable silence as they watch the show and eat their dinner. When Darling finishes her burrito, she sets her plate on the coffee table and picks up a blanket from the other side of the couch. “Want to cover up?” Darling asks. “Yeah,” Holly replies, setting her plate down as she too finishes her burrito. Darling spreads the blanket over both of them. Holly lets out a contented sigh, melting back into the cushions. They continue to watch the show, laughing at the characters’ antics. A few episodes in, Holly notices that Darling is not laughing anymore. Concern rises in her, but she continues to watch the show, sensing that Darling wants to be left in peace.

Suddenly, as the end credits of an episode roll, Holly hears sniffling. She turns and gasps when she sees tears streaming down Darling’s face. “Oh, Darling,” she cooes, her heart sinking. “It’s okay. Come here.” She scoots closer to Darling, draping the blanket over the girl’s shoulders before wrapping her tightly in her arms. Darling buries her face in Holly’s chest, her body shaking with sobs. Holly fights the urge to cry herself. She hasn’t seen Darling break down in a long time. She’d forgotten how much it hurts to see her friend like this. “Everything is going to be okay,” she murmurs, gently rubbing her hand over Darling’s back. “I’m right here.” “I’m just so sad!” Darling chokes out. “My brother’s never going to be the same, and I just--” She can’t continue, as her sobs overwhelm her. Holly holds her tighter. “I know, sweetie,” she whispers. “I know.” She gently presses her lips to Darling’s head. “Just don’t let go of me,” Darling sobs, gripping Holly like a lifeline. Holly’s eyes burn. “I won’t, baby,” she promises, her voice trembling. “I won’t.” And that’s how they remain, holding tightly to one another, as the flames in the fireplace slowly die out.

[sleepypz-blog]

the Alchemist's Rot

Elies scratched his spiny horn, though it never itched, it purely became a habit, during stressful situations, a sort of comfort, despite hating it. Everyone was disgusted at seeing it, sprouting from his head. How they threw stones at him, some even trying to burn him with torches, like he was a monster. At least that's what his father always told him, because of this curse he couldn't quite remember, which forced his father to have to remind him why he should never leave the forest.

No, no no, He thought, rapidly scratching his horn. Seeing the large monster lumbering towards him. It looked alot like a chimera, a mixture of wicked and grotesque beasts. It possessed a head of a bear, tentacles sprouting from its massive back and a deadly scorpion tail. Poor Elies's knees were shaking, due to the grave aura the mighty beast was giving off. Should he run? Would it chase him if it did? Perhaps chucking stones at it would cause it to flee, but it also could enrage it.

All of this contemplating didn't help him in the slightest, his mind continued to run wild with what he should do rather than what he should be doing.  The  dark red fur of the monster was like blood, perhaps it was, coated from its last victim. As soon as the young boy could see the fierceness in the monster’s amber eyes. He finally realized he needed to do something. But what?

On a whim he removed himself from the bark of the tree and ran for his home. Luckily he wasn’t too far in and knew his way. But Elies didnt think about those two things. No, he was more concerned about the loud, and closer encroaching crunching noise coming from his backside, oh how the sticks cracked and broke beneath such a creature. One could mistake it for the sounds of bones snapping. The frightened boy did not turn to see the snarling face that he believed would be there, waiting to pounce and rip him apart as soon as he turned. No he continued to run, faster and faster, as the noise became louder and louder.

His home looked as if there were deserted ruins. Nature overtook the man-made cabin. Vines crawled up the sides, slowly strangling it like it wanted to drag it down into the dirt. It was on its last legs, the window shutters hung asque from its hinges and the roof was concave, like it would collapse in on itself if something heavy would fall on it.  But seeing that rundown home of his was a joyous sight to behold. But right before he made it to the door and into sanctuary, his foot caught a root, tripping him in the process. He quickly flipped around, throwing his arms up, somehow thinking that would shield him from the many teeth and claws that were about to leap upon him. But strangely they never came.

After a moment of hesitation, and panicked breaths, Elies removed his hands, placing them down at his sides. With wide eyes he stared ahead,waiting for the monster to appear, but it was gone, like it was a figment of his own imagination. Tears began to swell in his eyes, believing fully that he was about to die a moment ago. Only after his nerves settled and streams of sadness left his face did the young boy stand and hobbled inside his home.

Thanks to that root, each step he took, the feeling of a bitter pain roared up from his ankle. His ankle was red and beginning to swell, but seeing no other option he persisted through the house. He noticed his father wasn’t around, most likely working hard in the basement again. There was a feeling of loneliness that always seemed to infect his heart whenever he entered the house, like his body knew something his mind didn't. His father always spent his time in the lab, at least as far as Ellies could recall. This hollowness, thankfully faded  quite quickly after he paid a visit to Poppy. She was clawing at the cage, when Elies entered through the door.

He unlatched the cage and held open the door for her to exit, which she did with stride. Her appearance was strange, and her species unknown. Elies wasn’t sure exactly what kind of species it was. It had long ears like a rabbit, a lizard-like tail and a small pear shaped body. his father only ever mentioned that he created the creature one day, while working on his cure. So it had no use being classified as a specific species. She gurgled and clung to Elies’s leg with her little soft paws.

“You wouldn't believe the day I had.” Elies said, rubbing his hand through the fluffy chestnut fur that covered her skin. She began to tug at his pants leg, and then she ran to the door. “Sorry but you can't go do your business outside today. There's something bad out there.” He said, peering out of the window, looking for the whereabouts of that ghastly beast. “But don't worry.” he looked down to look at Poppy, who was currently clawing at the door, gurgling even more. “I’ll put down some rags or old clothes for you.” He smiled. She did not look pleased.

The alchemist slaved over his table, violently mashing up pits of fungus root with his mortar and pestle, muttering about formulas. It became like white noise within the room, constantly echoing across the many glass bottles and jars of varying sizes. He never ventures away from his work bench. It was important after all, if he could just find the right combination, everyone would know his name. They shall deem him the greatest Alchemist that ever lived, rather than a fester fool that wasted what little time remained.

 He did not leave his work long, not even to sleep or eat, he rarely showed himself in sunlight, why would he? He had too much to do. If he didn't do it, someone else would, and he sacrificed too much to allow that to happen. He only left his dank basement for two reasons. One, to resupply his dwindling assets, and the other was to test what he had created. 

Elies, who was currently humming to himself while fixing himself and Poppy food. Only when those shrill hinges screamed did his playful humming stop.  “Are you hungry? Do you want me to fix you something?” He said looking over to the wild eyed man that he called father.

“No time, no time.” the alchemist stuttered. He then stumbled over towards Elies like a man with two left feet. In his hand was a small bottle with a strange elixir inside. The liquid had a foggy pink tint to it. “ Here boy drink, quickly now, quickly! Before the sediments settle.” his voice was ragged and unhinged, like his own mind unraveled like a piece of string that was unknotted.

This happened a lot, the constant drinking of various medicines his father cooked up. He remembered not having to do it so often when he was younger, but now he did it almost daily and still he was no less cured then when he begin. Elies reached for the drink but paused for a moment, his attention being stolen by poppy. She was tugging at his pants even harder. She was always stubborn, especially when it came to going outside. Eventually, He grabbed the potion and being the good boy he was he began to drink from the small glass bottle until the entirety of the liquid vanished down his throat. It was for his sake after all.

Elies could taste a slight bitterness to the drink, not overwhelmingly bad, certainly not good either, most of what he foraged for his fathers research were mushrooms, corpse flowers, and certain bugs only native to this region.

After drinking the odd mixture. His father watched with wondrous anticipation. It caused a powerful feeling to run throughout his entire body. From the tips of his toes to the point of his horn it verberated within him, growing warm, eventually becoming a painful burning sensation. He could no longer escape this turmoil that his creator had given to him.  His vision began to warp and spin. In order not to vomit, Elies had to close his eyes and hold his mouth shut, refusing to allow his body to cough the medicine up.

The Alchemist stared widely at his son as his breathing became heavy. His father began to stroke his mighty, tangled beard in delight. Was this it? Was this the right combination? The wrinkles in his face began to tighten as his mouth shifted into a giddy smile. All of his painstaking work, all of his sacrifices. Was this the day that the alchemist finally did it?

Elies’s body began to grow, noticeably  like he was growing into an older version of himself. to both his and his son’s dismay. A twisted horn began to protrude from ELies shoulder causing him great pain, causing him to drop to his knees. Slowly it dug its way out from beneath the poor boy's skin. The shrieks he gave off,  it was lucky they lived deep within the forest because many people would confuse the screams of Elies for a terrible murder, but in their fairness they sounded very similar.

Only when the new horn stopped growing did Elies become silent and his wet eyes opened. One of them, now jet black, both the iris and sclera were now void of color, completely dark, almost as if it wasn’t even an eyeball anymore. His vision was still slightly blurry , but he could still see his father, examining him still. His smile faded into a more serious look. “It seems I'm still far off from the right formula,” he muttered. From his pocket he pulled out a clean vial and scraped a bit of sweat that now coated his woozy son’s flesh. He returned to his subterranean laboratory to further his research, while his son is forced to figure out what exactly that potion changed within him, as well as out.

Elies sank down further to the floor, not having the strength to stand up any longer. Poppy hopped towards his face. She gurgled dreadfully and rubbed her head against Elies chest. Like she was trying to provide comfort to him. His head slowly swiveled over to the crooked horn that was stabbing out from his shoulder.

He didn't quite understand what had happened. The cloudiness in his mind felt like a dream. Am I sleeping? Thought Elies, but that couldn't be, his eyes were open. But that horn, this strange creature nuzzling him and this place… Where exactly am I? He thought before he faded away into a deep sleep.

All of his memories returned to him after he awoke, at least he thought so. There was still a strange feeling lingering in the air, most likely due to his new found deformities but the young boy paid it no mind, he still had chores to do after all.

Poppy joined him as he journeyed up stairs. The second floor only had three rooms in it, his room, his fathers room ( even if he doesnt use it much) and the third was his older sister’s room, but now it was used for storage. Elies lit the candles and began his dusting. Since his father had to much important work on his plate, it was up to him to keep the cobwebs at bay.

He first started with his father’s room, even though Poppy insisted on the storage. But the young boy never listened to his pet, he wanted to make sure as soon as his father finally completed his work, he would have a nice clean bed to sleep in. Elies hummed as he went around cleaning the shelves and de-webbing the corners of the room, Poppy watched from his bed, looking a bit down since he awoke, perhaps she was frightened by his new form, it was all for the best. His father was trying to save him. Since his mother and sister passed from the same affliction as he. He did nothing but put in every second he had into finding a cure for his son. After the first room was completed, he entered the storage room. Poppy raced in ahead of him and disappeared behind boxes. It was filled with things from their old life. The belongings of his sibling and dear mother were also stashed here, untouched. He sometimes came in here to visit them, to remember things he’s forgotten, they helped him remember them if only slightly, it was more than a feeling he got, then a past vision, a feeling of happiness and safety that they are still with him.

Poppy seemed to have perked up a bit, and began to adventure around the room. She sniffed and crawled around many old relics of the past. Elies was busy wiping clean the old wheat scythe that laid propped up against the wall. When a small chest crashed to the floor, severing the old lock on it and scattering its contents across the floor. “Poppy!” He yelled at the adorable little creature who had undoubtedly knocked it over. He couldn't stay mad at her, with a slight smile on his face , he began to clean up the mess.

 As he was stacking the papers in the box, one of the books caught his eye. It was a leather bound one with a strap on the side to keep it closed. But what stole his attention was the name written on it, It was a name so familiar, so, so safe that it brought forth a bloom of the past. The Alchemist didn't mention his wife much, not after she passed, but Elies knew what his mother’s name was, it was the same one written in this journal. It seemed he would never forget that.

Opening it he discovered her hand writing, beautiful and elegant, perhaps she came from nobility, It talked about her life, Marrying his father, having her daughter and son, but after they all moved to this isolated home, her hand writing became much more scratched on then how she began her journal. It read, I don't know what's happening to me, my hair began to grow abnormally, turning scarlet red, when it was before black. I can't seem to remember my past, whenever I try to recall my parents, my mind becomes foggy. What is happening? My dear husband said it is a curse placed upon me, and says he can cure it. I hope he can, Please my beloved save me. I don't want to forget our children’s faces. He continued reading, completely until the last page written on, which read, the medicine, it's always been the medicine. What is he doing to me.

Elies wasn't sure what to make of this. Was she talking about his father? And the same medicine he takes? No it couldn't be? I just remembered. I need to leave this place quickly, with my children and escape this mad man. Her panicked scribbles abruptly ended, as if ripped away from her desk. 

A New idea began to form with Elies’s troubled mind. It was true his memory was flawed, but he now could sense danger with in the house, with in his own father. The worried look upon his face grew terribly. Seeing this made Poppy excited, she jumped brightly on his shoulder. All he was concerned with now was getting out of the house.

He crept down the stairs, hoping not to stir up too much trouble. the  small creaks in the steps now sounded like loud shockwaves. Before he made it to the bottom steps, His father whipped open his lair door. “Elies! I have a new mixture to try!”  he yelled, searching the kitchen. When the mad man’s eyes were set on his son, he was observant enough to know something was different in the boy. He usually jumped towards him at his medicine. His eye fell down towards his hands. Elies was holding something.  A book? It was hers! He yelled again “Elies, give that here!” but that started a fire by the boy’s feet. Dashing for the door as quick as he could but his father was closer grabbed him and through him down on the wooden floor. The alchemist held his son down and pried open his mouth. “Please!” He begged his father, but he wasn't listening. The mad man poured the blue tinted liquid down his throat causing Elies to cough and choke. “That's it” his father said through gritted teeth, not leaving a drop in the vial.

Many weeks went by or maybe it was only just a few days, Elies never could tell anymore, between the constant potion trials and never changing environment surrounding him, as well as his dwindling memory, time no longer was relevant to him. The things his father asked for were becoming more and more obscure. Just last week he requested an albino toad. But that was fine, he’s trying to cure his ailment after all. He forgot all about what had transpired after he read his mother’s words. He never found that journal again.

Nowadays the wind that occasionally drifted through the trees had a strangeness to it. Perhaps the seasons were changing or a storm was encroaching, or maybe the many twisting horns that grew from the poor boy’s body played a part. He looked alot more like a distorted porcupine, both his eyes were now pitch black and his body grew large he was now over five five feet tall. Ten years old and he was now the same height as his own father.

Ever since that first sighting, the crimson beat never returned, Although Elies could still hear its cries echo through the trees. It  sounded bleak and angry, with a hint of sadness with each roar. Elies was glad it was gone, but he wondered why it vanished so suddenly before. Perhaps it was for the best. Before he knew it, somehow the very sky was black. How long was he out here? It couldn't have been an hour since he left, but that was in the morning. This happened a lot recently, how time just slips by. Elies’s mind became much more hazy, like it was filled with a constant stream of static. Sometimes he even woke up outside, unaware of how he got there.

I need to save him. That is easier said than done, everything she tried failed and he was already forgetting himself. All that bile is rotting his brain. He doesn't even remember her anymore. She was at least lucky enough to retain her intellect. Poppy gilded her paw across the bars of her cage. As she did she reminded herself that she already tried to kill that batty man, but this body that she now resided in was no more lethal than a still stone. What could I do? She paced in her cell. When Elies finally found his way home it was nightfall. He’s been coming home later and later recently. Most likely forgetting where he lived. Oh how she wished their mother was here, but she was gone too, lost forever stumbling through this forest.

The mad man barged upstairs, most likely hearing his son’s large feet scraping the floor.“Finally “ he said, ignoring his son’s tortured posture, and swiping his bag that was tangled between the ridged horn like spikes sprouting from his arms. “Give it here!” he barked, ripping it off him. He gazed upon what was inside and smiled a hellish grin. “Finally!” he shouted throughout the wilting house. He rushed back down stairs to get to work on the formula that finally do it.

Elies, sat at the chair, his mind was drifting, he usually let Poppy out of her cage but not today, he completely forgot about Poppy, just like he did when she was once his sister and just like his mother before her. Poppy saw him hanging on by a thread, she began to rush back and force, hoping he could break through the small cage. She tackled the door. It didn't budge. She did it again. It still didn't open, but the cage did move, if only slightly. It was up to her to save her little brother. She no longer had the journal to bring light to her father’s crimes, she saw it herself. He burned it, and then… wept to the sight of it. Perhaps inside he still had some semblance of how he used to be, before he became obsessed.but even so he was a monster that needed to be stopped. 

To Poppy he was gone and he did too much to her and her family to ever be forgiving. She rammed against the cage again, harder this time. Beyond the short fur, her body was especially squishy, but with determination alone, she still managed to get her prison closer to the edge. One more should do it, she thought, pressing herself against the back of the cage, before charging against the front.

Her cage crashed to the ground, grabbing her younger brother’s attention. “hmm “ the nothingness of his eyes focused on the cage on the floor with the small creature inside, looking awfully dazed. After a moment, he remembered “Poppy?” he said, his voice now deep and frightening. He walked over and bent down, to open the small door. Poppy quickly regained her wits and crawled her way out.

Now that Poppy was now free, there was only one other option that she could think of at this point, it was dangerous and might not work, but it was either this or watching him slowly become someone else, worst case they all died quickly.

She ran over to the door and began to scratch at it. Elies stumbled over to let her out, as soon as he opened up, Poppy bolted past the tree line and into the forest. She ran as quickly as her small, rabbit like legs could carry her. She was determined though, to saver her brother and end her father tyranny. She needed to find their mother.

The forest that surrounded the haunting the house was vaste, filled with flora and fauna a plenty, well more flora and fauna. The ripped apart corpses of deers and wolves made it seem more like a feeding den rather than a forest floor.  Despite her many warning signs to turn back the small creature persisted.

A teeth shaking roar lured her closer. She hopped atop a low hanging branch to get a better view and that's where she saw her, the crimson beast. It was over top of a large bear, gorging on its abundance of flesh. Poppy’s heart raced at the sight of her. Of all this time she never caught a glimpse. She remembered he slowly changed into the ravenous monster she now witnessed. She wished she could have realized sooner, cursing herself for being so naive. To think her father wanted only to destroy, rather than heal their mother. Poppy took her small paws and slapped her bouncy cheeks, she couldn't think of that right now. If mother was still inside that beast of gorey red, she needed to find her.  She hopped down from the branch and approached her.

Poppy’s first words were supposed to be mother, but the only thing that came out of her mouth was a purring, gurgling sound. It must have been loud enough because she stopped eating the bloody meat she scooped out from the bear’s remains.  Eying the small creature before her, the beast growled as she turned around to face her new prey.

Mother, please! Its Elies, you need to help, she tried desperately to plead with her, but her voice was gone, and her mother didn't even recognize her. Her new body came with new instincts as well, ones to sense danger. These alarms were screaming at her right now to run, but all she wanted to do was cry, to let whatever happen happen, but when she thought of her poor younger brother still being subjected to those horrid experiments…

Poppy turned around and wiggled her rump towards the maddening beast This way mother, she thought before taking off towards their once warm home. Her little butt wag worked a little too well, as the crimson beast that was soaked in blood was right on her heels, the only thing that slowed her down just short of getting her were the abundance of foliage and stone, she swiftly glided through. The sound of small trees breaking and the pounding of her large claws against the soil filled the air, like it was a dust cloud moving across a plain.

When Poppy finally made it into their yard. She was panting heavily and her eyes were focused on her mother who halted her pursuit at the tree line.  refusing to step any closer, she remained just beyond the clearing, still growling, no longer at Poppy, but at the house itself. The beady eyes of hers stared at the looming house like it was about to grab her and pull her closer. Her daughter noticed this, this must mean she still had a bit of her former self within her. She at least hoped so.

What could she do to get her closer, to remind her of who she really was? That's when an idea struck her like lightning.

The alchemist toiled in his laboratory. Every concoction he mixed turned into was a complete failure. What was he missing? His son’s withering mental state was also costing him valuable and much needed resources. Elies was out there for hours and yet he only procured enough supplies to hold in one palm. He stopped thinking about what to do about his gathering issues. He was too focused on his latest feat. This one for sure! It had to do it. Eternal youth, that's what it will bring, for both his name and mankind.

When his father made his way up those shaky steps. He found his son holding a broom in the other room, staring blankly at the cold fireplace. The same fireplace where they once shared memories together and the same place where he had burned his wife’s journal. “Elies, I believe I have done it this time. Your cure. Try it!” he said, handing over the potion. His son slowly turned his head to face him. The mind was all but absent from this task now, it was merely instinct at this point. He had done this so many times that it had been ingrained into his very muscle. He removed one of his hands from the broom handle, showing off that they had changed too. Insead of five fingers he was born to, he now had three large ones, like the extra two were absorbed by the others.

He slowly brought the potion to his lips, but before it could reach his mouth and fall down his throat, Poppy came bursting through the window and knocked the elixir from Elies's mangle hand. The glass vial smashed into pieces, spilling the bubbling mixture everywhere. “You! What have you done!” He had said to his former daughter, as he clutched his head in frustration. To make matters worse she taunted the grief stricken man. Wagging her dairy air at him, much like she did with her mother. Things were dire and she needed him to follow him and boy did he ever.

He let out another anger-filled grawl as he barreled towards Poppy, but thanks to her agility and small frame, she easily maneuvered around him, much like a mouse. She jumped through the same window she entered from. The alchemist raced out the door, after her. But when he did He saw something he preyed on never to see again, his wife’s angry face staring back at him. “M- Mar”  he began, but soon went cold. Like Poppy hoped for, the beast removed herself from the safety of the trees, her eyes firmly set on the demented man that cursed her and all her kids. All of the anger she felt, that festered inside of her heart, finally remembered the object of her hatred.

Elies watched his father and his pet chaotically dash around the room. It didn't dawn on him until the two took their chase outside, that he had dropped his medicine. He stared down at the liquid that was now spread across the floor. Perhaps it was still good? His father did seem sure of himself with this one. He slowly fell to his knees and began to drink up as much as he could.

The scorned mother stumped towards The alchemist, growling and roaring. It was like she was trying to yell at him, to curse his name. The old fool tripped backwards as she approached “Ma- Ma- Martha” he said quickly “ I am doing this for everyone’s sack, humanities, imagine how far our kind will expand, if we no longer aged.” he pleaded, hoping she could still understand him. In his eyes he was a saint, a man willing to sacrifice anything to better the world. But to everyone else, he was a twisted mad man bending morality to his design. A foolish man playing god.

Martha seemed to want to hear him out, or perhaps she liked seeing him in this panicked state. She bent her face down and bared her massive teeth inching them ever closer to her husband's pale face.  He crawled backwards until he felt something hard behind him. It was the steps of the house.  his  eyes were large and shaky as he stared down her vengeful eyes. He was so close, so very close, he could feel it. And yet it was gonna end here, his work unfinished, his name forgotten. “No!” He refused to let that happen. He found a nearby branch and pointed at his former wife.

Poppy sat on the side lines, watching the miserable man stumble and crawl away from her mother. She couldn't help but to feel happy, maybe even a little bit satisfied with her action, but in the chaos she forgot to check up with Elies. When she ran back inside she found a horrific scene. Elies was licking the remains of the potion up. Poppy tried to stop him but it was too late, the potion was already taking effect.

The three fingered hands grew more claw-like, much like a mole’s, his jaw began to grow wider, creating a large underbite, revealing sharpened teeth, and his two large blackened eyes became one. When  Elies, the cyclops saw Poppy he yelped, frightened at seeing her.  His vocal cords seemed to only give off loud aching sounds when he tried to speak. Even he was surprised at this, clutching at his neck. Poppy yelped and gurgled trying to make him calm down. In his new form. She contemplated doing a little dance or rolling over to better soothe him, luckily he seemed to have settled. Until a mighty roar shook the house. Elies, curled up clutching his ears tightly.

The alchemist stormed into the house, only pausing at seeing what became of his son, his face grew more irritated then frightened. It didn't work, he thought for sure it would have worked! Did the roots already? He completely forgot about the monster he was running from, until she made herself known again.

Martha crashed through the wall right behind her husband, barely missing him with her sharp, poisonous tail. He dashed for his beloved basement door but she did not pursue him. She froze just like her husband did at the sight of her son. It wasn't to figure out some god foreskin mixture that would probably never grow fruit of eternal youth. No, it was of a mother gazing upon her son, her once beautiful child that looked so sweet and innocent, now a monster. She saw Poppy trying to comfort the scared little boy she gave birth to. Martha looked back over to the closed basement door, the alchemist’s  sanctuary, his room of evil.

 She could have easily tore it to pieces and gotten to him, but… should she? Death could be a blessing, for a man that lost his mind, that would be constantly tormented with his desire to achieve greatness. Perhaps a lifetime of obsession and loneliness was a suited punishment for a man that brought rot to their once happy family. So that's where she left him, toiling his days away in his own creation. While she took her kids, and tried to pick up what remains of themselves and start their new lives together.

[rubykgrant]

Here's my OCs Junonia and Poppy, in a line-up with the other ladies! (from the left; Tex, Carolina, Junonia, Kai, Poppy)

Overload of info on them below...

Junonia is tall, but not as much as Tex. She's also chubby, but not as curvy as Kai. She also uses a mobility aid, a cane and some knee braces that help with ease stress. She has a cane with her armor as well, but it's more high-tech, and doubles as a weapon, while the suit itself helps compensate stress on her knees (the idea of having a character who needs mobility aids, specifically canes, actually came from seeing a different character from another series; the character used them in a civilian form, but when fighting bad guys, they just magically could walk fine... I thought, hey, if sci-fi magic is involved, why not just give them a SUPER COOL cane, that can adapt to their needs in battle and what-not! so, I transferred this thought process to Junonia. the high-tech one can automatically fold-up into a gauntlet when she's sitting, and has several other adjustments, making it like multi-tool). Her armor would be black/gray with pink accents.

She has two prominent tattoos; around her neck/collarbone is a design of a gold chain, pearls, and a seashell. On her arm is a design of a seahorse, with the tail wrapped around her wrist (the way they sometimes hold on to rocks with their tails~). She has most of her hair pulled back, in box braids (they are short on one side, getting longer as it goes to the other side, in sort of an asymmetrical line).

Part of her story involved getting tricked into working for an organization that claimed to help people without being "restricted" by government rules... which is a cool idea in theory, but unfortunately, the people in charge of this group were insidious a-holes. Junonia was in charge of gathering intel, a medic for her team, and occasionally helping with defensive fighting (not that she isn't perfectly capable in any forms of battle, but she's a bit like Doc, not entirely a pacifist, but reserves violence as a last resort, or to defend herself/others). When the organization began to fall apart, including the people running the show trying to take out the underlings to erase evidence, Junonia got out of there quick and hid under the radar for a while... more recently, she's been involved with helping people find resources for recovery, and she's also gotten back into her habit of collecting information (like what happened to other people in her group, and where the ones responsible for the problems are hiding).

Junonia is generally a calm and graceful person, but she's also VERY clever, and can have an icy form of anger when dealing with somebody unpleasant. She's very compassionate, but doesn't compromise in specific situations. She grew up being fascinated by sea creatures, but never got to visit the ocean until she was an adult. When she was hiding, she finally was able to find a place to stay by the water, and worked on putting all her knowledge of marine life into practice. Within the group, she's something like a "reverse" of Carolina, without being an adversary/antagonist. She has the same level of tenacity, but more tempered (if Carolina is a bit hot-headed, Junonia is more cool). It's a bit ironic, because she knows about all the others, and at first some of them wonder if this will somehow be "uneven", but Junonia is fine sharing facts about herself, and it's very easy to enjoy/accept her companionship. She really likes horror and action/adventure movies. She's in her late 30s, and is a trans lesbian.

Poppy is short, though not as much as Kai, with a fairly thick and solid build. Poppy didn't actually "join" the army. She was "selected" to be part of a "special training program", which turned out to be tricking poor and homeless people into working at dangerous outposts. When one area was getting attacked, a lot of the people running the show took escape ships for themselves. Poppy was able to find a set of armor, and now looking "official", she helped guide all the people who would have been abandoned to safety. When she got them all to a rescue ship, a soldier asked if she had been in charge of that outpost. She basically pretended that yes, she TOTALLY was the boss. Yep. Hired herself, and gave herself a promotion. Before she could back out or escape, she was thrown into a new "assignment". Whoops!

She was then sent to a different group of Red and Blue Flag Zealots, meant to identify needed supplies and order more ammunition. She was designated "neutral", and had white armor with tan accents. When the teams ran out of bullets, they kept fighting in non-lethal ways, which Poppy thought was preferable to a clearly pointless war, so she just never put in the order for more. Both teams considered her a friend, playfully fighting over who's side she was on. After a dangerous incident left her knocked-out and recovering, Temple's group arrived to recruit more Sim Troopers. Poppy's group refused to join. When she woke up, they were all gone, and she had to work on making cybernetics for herself. Because she's still considered part of the Flag Zealots, the UNSC decided to throw her back into a new training program (which was actually pretty shady), and that's where she meets Sarge.

Poppy is meant to sort of mirror Simmons. The fact that Sarge likes her, and she's a nerd, SHOULD make Simmons hate her guts... but after one conversation, he internally just clicked with her- "Oh, sibling? Sibling!". Also, she and Simmons are trans in opposite directions (Poppy never cared much about having surgery, but she always wanted really long hair). Poppy’s got a bit of a “cheerfully dismissive” attitude when she’s not in a mood to deal with somebody. She also likes making people laugh, and when she’s really close to them, she tries to be a source of comfort. She’s got a temper brewing under there, though (she can shout and rant with the best of them). For the most part, Poppy is easy-going (because she’s been through a LOT, and knows what she’s capable of), and pretty quick with sarcastic little comments. She also feels her painful emotions VERY deeply, and freely cries when upset. One of her skills is messing with audio communication, and her favorite trick is to play annoying songs as a distraction. With white armor, the prophecy of Red Team being the lesbian flag has been fulfilled!

hey rvb fandom!!! tell me about your freelancer (or other) ocs!! im curious