#TY FOR THE HELP THOUGH I REALIZE I KEEP SHOOTING EVERYONES HELP DOWN IM SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!

[abimee]

i wanna say as someone whos been stuck the past 4-5 years in a pretty hard art block, i think one of the best things you can do is simply accept that its perfectly ok to have it happen. like, no one expects flowers to bloom every single day of the year. and yeah it super sucks not being able to get the images out, i still have trouble getting over that part. but something that helped was for me to recognize i didnt lose my creativity as much as it started flowing into different avenues, and i had fun following them even if they didnt lead to anything tangible (for ex i got really into writing for like a month or two once but all i ended up with was a shit ton of half baked drafts, but i still had fun). idk. art is a fickle beast and sometimes all u can do is get yanked around on its leash

yeah i had a massive 2 year block of time where i just didnt draw ever when i was younger and then another 9 month block of time before but besides the fact besides the commissions ive worked on i feel like i havent farted out a ''complete'' drawing in over a year. everything just feels like sketches and wips and nothing ''complete'' and i wanna start making ''complete'' art again orz i cant stagnate forever i need to try Something cause i think im on the cusp of a beautiful breakthrough 10 years in the making

[oh-theatre]

Livin’ It Up: Chapter 2

Chapter title: To Build it Up and Break It Down

A/N: IMMMM BACCCCK!! Loook i know this chapter is stupid! and it sucks! But its finished and like actually here! Also!! the whole thing about Logan having no feelings and hating them is not what it reads as and im not trying to fall into that cliche!! But youll have to keep reading!!

words: 2682

summary: Patton finds himself allowing a slight detour in his plan and allows himself one night to...explore. He wont be doing that again. 

pairings: Eventual logicality, eventual prinxiety, eventual demus, eventual Moceit (Which then goes back to Logicality and Demus)

warnings: Swearing, alcohol, underage drinking, drinking, parties, kissing, throw up, slight self harm, emotional abuse

Ao3 Link  

“He kissed me!” Virgil cries, Patton kicks him softly from under the table. “He kissed me” He whispers once more, shushing his words. Apologetic glances to the people around him and Patton looks back to his friend.

“We are in the library” Patton eyes, Virgil shrugs but nods returning to his doodles he calls work. Patton finishes his work, packing up neatly each and every aspect of his belonging. Panic sets into once he realizes Pattons finished his work and is now preparing for leisurely reading whilst Virgil hadn't even begun. “Virge, I love you but if you don't hurry up or make a plan I'm leaving”

“You're going to leave anyway, you have cheer” Virgil mutters, rushing through his work. Patton sighs, he squeezes his friends hand before quickly leaving him alone. Once settled on the bus his pockets buzz gently.

“Patton!” He greets, he ruffles through some of his things as he gets off the vehicle, thanking the driver kindly. He walks into the school he had become ever so familiar with after all these years. He watched as the sports team made their way out to practice on the field and found his path into the locker rooms as he listened to yet another telemarketing call. He hated them sure, but he felt guilty hanging up. Especially when it was just spoken by a real human, so he listens, nodding along until they go through the niceties and say goodbye with awkward persistence. Finally changed and in his navy blue uniform, he approaches the field. Instantly he's greeted by his friends, giddy jumps as they babble on about whatever they can muster.  

He allows the team to get set up, run out their talk before calling attention forward. He ignores the rampant football team that plays behind them. Though they reserved the field Patton allowed them to use it for practice.

“Alright squad! Listen up!” He claps, a cheery grin and catching his pom poms from his friend Fiona, it begins

~~~

“I simply do not understand” Logan huffs, simply bundling himself tighter into his jacket. He follows a sweaty Roman out of the boys room, as he waves goodbye to his fellow teammates they make their way home. “Why must I have attended this practice?” Logan inquires

“Because you need to get out of the house, fresh air, you can't be huddled all day drinking away until your dad gets here” Roman explains, they stop at his locker on the way back through the school, the sounds of giggling call his attention but both continue with themselves.  

“My father returning is truly not the optimal circumstance” He sighs but shrugs, puling out a small bottle from his pocket he takes a swig before a disappointed Roman snatches it away from him. They swivel and resume their trail before a quick crash decides to tumble things down. “Ah apologies” Logan decides before even looking, but his eyes dart and land his eyes on the top of a bouncy and bountiful head of hair, a sweet blushed bow and when the boy looks up he meets his eyes through his round rimmed glasses.

“You going to help?” Roman whispers, nudging his friend adamantly. Logan furrows his brows. “Obviously not” Logan continues staring, they stand frozen while Patton reestablishes himself. “Sorry Pat” The cheerleader finds Romans eyes, “-On...Patton” An awkward moment before someone taps behind Patton.

“Right well, I have to go” Patton shuffles awkwardly, his deep blue uniform fitting him comfortably. Why Logan was eyeing him was a different topic. He begins to walk away but Logan decides he’s not finished, taking his arm with a quick snap as Patton pulls away “Yes?” Logan continues his scan, a smirk.

“Go out with me”

“Cute!” Patton giggles before his somber tone returns “Bye now” he rolls his eyes, Roman can’t help but snicker, clutching to the lockers as he regains his breath. Logan scowls as he watches the man walk away, he decides to abandon his friend and follow Patton.

“Why not?” He questions, skidding in front of him. Patton, though taken aback, nods. “Give me a good reason as to why you wont entertain my company for a night?” Logan pushes. Patton adjusts his glasses, putting away his folders he clears his throat.

“You want one? Ill give you about a million” Patton smiles “First off, even if i was interested I have about a million things to do. I never have a moment off and I'm not so sure I want to spend my only freetime with you” Patton admits, why did that hurt Logan.

“Awe, that hurt” Logan hides

“Moreno im not stupid, I’ve seen how you work around here” Patton scoffs, he checks his phone, quickly replying to many messages.  “You're charming! And honestly...kinda cute” Patton smirks, his small freckles dance upon his cheeks. “But i'm not a one night stand kind of guy” He shrugs

“Well, what if that's not what I want to do” Logan proposes, he pulls out his notepad scribbling done something before tearing a carefully neat crease and handing it to Patton. “You'll never know, if you don't give it a chance”

“I don't have time to give it a chance” Patton refuses the paper and decides the conversation has concluded. Logan flicks the note anyway, watching it land perfectly into his bag pocket. This satisfies him, now...to Roman.

~~~

“He asked you out?” Virgil inquires walking alongside Patton to their lockers.

“Eleven times” Patton sighs reaching his locker, he opens it up groaning at the sound of his phone. “Make that twelve” He looks to delete the message but quickly giggles. Virgil looks over his shoulder, quickly looking back as he meets Romans eyes and decides against it. “I have dance today” Patton notes, scribbling neatly in his planner, Virgil nods, squeezing his shoulder for luck as he walks away. “Tap shoes, tap shoes, tap shoes” He mutters searching through his bad waltzing into the auditorium.

“Morning Pat!” He looks up smiling as he greets the students. Walking backstage he fits his shoes on, tying his jacket around his waist.

“Alright students!” The teacher calls over the sound of the children warming up, Patton being the TA goes around checking on everyone and helping them out. He works with some students, holding them up as they work through his warm up. “Alright today's plan is partnering up and working through your partner dance!” Patton waits for everyone to partner up, going to the teacher. “Oh good, Patton, this is Logan Moreno, hes new but hes going to be your partner”

“What?” Patton turns, a smug Logan stands his hand extended and his feet ready. “Delightful” He sighs, he takes Logans hand and waits for the music. Once it begins he leads, and shockingly….Logan can dance. “Where’d you learn how to tap?”

“My mother wanted me to have a plethora of skills, so dance” He replies, spinning Patton in a quick circle. They dance around the room, Patton laughs as the routine moves, Logan feels a genuine rise in him as the smile flashes on the bright eyed boy's face. “Pretty…” He breathes

“What?” Patton wonders, they slow and close the gap between them. A slow dance as their taps echo carefully. “You're not bad” Patton  compliments, Logans never heard it sound so genuine.

“Thank you, although you're quite advanced” Logan notes.

“I've been dancing since I was two years old” Patton epxlains, cheering the class while they take a break. “Ballet’s next” He notes, changing his shoes, Logan flicks his hands away helping him tie the bows. “Thank you” Logan helps him up.

“Go out with me” Logan inquires, Patton chuckles. He hadn't realized they had begun a slow waltz around the room. The space between them closes further, Patton doesn't quite mind the proximity. A quick spin before Logan pulls the boy back in. “If you say no, Ill stop”

“I doubt that” Pattons been here long enough, he heard the horror stories. “You're charming, I won't lie, but I'm not a shop and drop kinda person” Patton fiddles with Logans hand, they seperate landing on their own squares. He begins his pirouettes, focusing on a specific spot. Logan comes behind him, taking him by the waist as he dips perfectly.

“Give me a simple chance, Sorian” Logan begs “Im being serious about this, I don't typically pursue but...there's something I want to explore” Patton finds it sweet, his breath gasping on his neck definitely trying to persuade him.

But he wasn't someone's pawn, and he certainly wasn't trial run.

“I'm not going to be your test dummy” He pulls away, why did this spark excitement in Logan. A quick twirl before they finish their dance, a slow dip before they stand face to face. A smirk from Logan. “However, there is a carnival on friday, I plan to attend...should you be there...” Patton trails off, suggestive glance. Logan nods with quite an understanding, the bell rings and through Patton's rare impulsivity he places a gentle kiss on Logans cheek before he's onto his next class.

“Ill pick you up at eight” He calls, Patton rolls his eyes.

Subtle

~~~

“Well well well, look at you all dressed up!” Virgil mocks from Patton's bed. His fingers tap violently on his console. Patton rolls his eyes playfully, brushing off his outfit. His flower printed shirt complimenting a simple pastel overalls. His legs, though exposed, were warmed by socks.

“Super cute” Patton claps “Ugh, remind me to thank Remus when he calls next” Patton requests, Virgil shoots a thumbs up focusing more on his game. He really went all out, he missed the more chaotic of the twins but alas a parents choice isn't always something he could understand.

“Virge what do you want for dinner?” Patton's dad knocks, leaning into the room. “I can whip up some mac and cheese” Virgil smiles delighted, nodding at the delicious prospect. “Peaches you look great” He moves his attention to his son, the boy giving him a thankful stare. “You be careful ok? Text me when you're on your way home” A nod confirms it and it's just the friends once more.

“Are you sure I can sleep over?” Virgil throws his console to the end of the bed, grunts as he loses. Patton laughs, turning to his friend.

“V, of course” Patton lays on the bed, his back sore from practice. “Never are you not welcome here ok?” his phone buzzes, drawing attention to his home screen. His smile sinks, his two fathers smile bright while he sits a giggling baby in the middle chewing on his dad's tie. Virgil continues playing and the quiet game noises bring Patton back.

Logan: I have arrived at your place of residence

Patton couldn't help but smirk, he really did come to pick him up.

Patton: Ill be out in a moment

Logan: Wonderful, its cold so bring a coat

Patton: Thank you channel five, weather report

“Alright gloom, I'm out, see you later” a peace sign as his farewell and Pattons out and ready.

~~~

“Where were you?” Logan blinks as he enters his apartment, setting his coat away. His father stands in the den, disappointed. When was he not? Seems like the man had finally reached home, no doubt his private jet was stalling on the roof ready to whisk him away just as soon as he lectured Logan.

“Madrid, it took longer than expected, but I picked up some spanish” Logan retorts, the amusings were not met well by his father. “At the school's carnival with a friend” He admits, a bored sigh. Everything was so straight forward with his father, nothing ever sparked Logan with excitement.

“I expect you to be home, ready to greet me and tell me of your school life when I return from a trip. Then promptly go to sleep. Not out with a…friend” He snipes. Logan groans slouching as walks, or at least attempts to walk by his father. Hes exhausted and truly wishes the elation of his night wouldn't be tarnished by his father's own wishes.

But of course when did Logan ever get to do things of free will or without the rest of the few seconds dictated and planned out

“Logan Moreno you will stop right there, you will not be going on any more outings, and tomorrow at seven am sharp you will be ready to meet with my sales team to discuss opportunities. A short lunch then you will meet with my associate planner, and from there you will spend as much time as he wants discussing what you will do once you graduate” He finishes, not a breath wasted, or energy. “Goodnight Logan” he disappears into the shadowy darkness of the house leaving a sickly feeling in his son.

Once the house settles and he hears his father locked away in his office for the night, Logan on an impulse grabs an almost empty bottle of the vodka and stuffs it into his jacket pocket before retiring to his room for a night of sickly drinking, binge watching tv until his boredom reaches a peak of exhaustion. His eyelids close and the world sinks into a void of vast expanse where his pain feels numb.

~~~

“It was actually sweet Virge” Patton swoons, stabbing at his salad for another delectable bite. Virgil gleams at his friend, the actual happiness is undeniable. “I know its stupid and I know im defintely falling into his trap but...i dont know” Patton sighs

“Maybe theres something there” Virgil proposes, watching his eyes gaze over to a confident Roman, flexing at a table a few miles away. “Maybe hes serious?”

“Guess we’ll find out” He shrugs, mid bite he stops feeling his phone buzz. He checks dropping his food quickly. “Crap! I forgot I had a council meeting” He rushes to pack his things, giving Virgil a little pat on the head much to his friends' amusement. “See you!”

Maybe Logan was messing with his mind, he couldnt remember where the meeting was being held. God, he wishes he had written it down.

“You're the president Patton” he scolds himself racing through the metal halls lined with lockers. Science room or Astrology...he paces. He decides a fifty/fifty chance won't matter, he’ll just end up in an empty classroom or late for his own meeting. He chooses the astrology door, texting rapidly at his phone with severe apologies, the door creaks open but its not an empty room. “Oh! I'm so-” He begins finding he's interrupted a couple and a rather...steamy encounter. But his embarrassment quickly fades and turns to anger.

“Mind closing the door?” Cynthia, Patton recognizes from the cheer team, requests. Her arms and legs wrapped tightly around Logan. He wipes at his lips turning to face Patton. The teen expects some kind of remorse, some kind of apologetic look but his eyes are glazed over. Bored with the world, devoid of emotion.

“Door...please” He basically recites. Patton takes a quick breath, a smile creeps upon his face.

“Of course, pardon the interruption” He apologizes. He may have slammed the door harder than necessary but his fuming was visible. “I will not cry, im ok” He promises, clutching deeply at his palms, feeling his nails pierce the skin.

“Patton! There you are sunshine!” Greta laughs popping her head out of the science room. “Come on! Meetings chaos without you” She beams, motioning him in.

“Coming” He mumbles weakly, one more breath and his smile returns to his face. Plastered. He puts Logan out of his mind, and begins his speech. Completely unaware of the screaming that engulfed Logan's brain. Seeing Patton shouldn't have hit him so deep, but a punch to his gut and a sickly feeling.

What was this?

As the teen walked away feeling shameful for what the planets had seen, he catches a quick glimpse of the cheerleader leading the meeting through the door.

Feelings?

Disgusting…

A genuine smile flashes across Pattons face

Do it again...

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Had To Get Creative

Summary- 1.6k Bucky x Y/N. with appearances of Steve, Sam, Nat, and Clint. Its Natashas birthday and you lost the balloons. Time to improvise much to Buckys dismay. No warnings, Fluff. Hints of smut kinda mentioned. Written for @kitkatd7​ 250 Writing Challenge, Congrats babes on your milestone! Prompt is in bold italiacs. Thank you @nsfwsebbie​ for basically supplying the idea for this. 

“NO! NONONONO!” You cry out as all the fucking balloons shot out of your car and you leapt to catch the string tying them all together, but a breeze just happened to flutter it out of your grasp, and there they go. Bright beautiful colors of purples, greens, blues, reds... gone. All gone. Up to the heavens. Or over to the next freaking state. 

In your arms your trying to juggle a cake and a bag or decorations for the compound. It was Nats birthday, and you taken it upon yourself to decorate the common room for a surprise party. And now you had no god damn balloons. Just about defeated with it, since there was no time to order more, get them blown up, drive all the way back into town before the party was due to start. Going up to the main doors, Friday scanned you and allowed you entrance, making your way to the elevator and upper floors, pondering your dilemma. 

Once the elevators bell chimed and you stepped off, a somewhat ridiculous thought began to tickle in your mind. Bucky joking last night showed you a youtube video of people blowing up condoms to see how big they could get. At the time, it was good for a laugh, you teasing that he still needed the xl. Needless to say, it boosted Buckys ego and benefited you. 

BUT there was still a mostly full box in the nightstand, and although not decorative, you could still blow them up, put them around the common room. In fact, you had your paint kit still set up in the living room. Sliding the cake into the common rooms fridge and ditching the bag on the counter, you rushed up the the avengers apartments, and let yourself into Buckys. You only had a couple hours to pull this off, but if you could... it was going to be awesome. 

Bucky finished training with Steve and Sam, all three of them heading to there respective floor to shower and change. Sam dug out his phone and took a look at the time. “Y/N will have our ass if were not in the common room soon to help her set up for Nat.” 

Steve leaned over to glance at the time over Sams shoulder himself and nodded. “I will stop over to help you guys bring stuff down in about half an hour Buck. I know shes been planning hard for this.” 

About a week ago you told the guys you were recruiting all of them. Bucky, Steve and Sam were gonna help you set up, Clint had the mission of keeping Nat occupied,Tony well he occupied the space, everyone else just had to show up by 6 pm. “Yea, shes been pretty excited about getting this ready for Natasha. She will have all our asses if we dont show up.” 

Sam sniggered a bit as the door opens “Yea Barnes your ass be sleeping on the couch a good month or two.” Bucky flipped him off as he walked into his own apartment and shut the door. 

“Y/N? Im just gonna jump in the show-” He walked into the living room to see you surrounded by clear oddly shaped balloons, that you were oh so delicately painting. You heavily concentrating, the tip of your tongue peeking out and your head is bent over the balloon, Bucky picks up a dry one and flips it around to see youve painted flowers and Natshas symbol all over them. “How come your painting the balloons? And why are they all... weird looking.” Buckys studing them closer, flipping to the opposite end of where its tied off to see it had what looked like a little nipple on it. 

“Dont you dare pop them Barnes, or your ass is grass” You mutter without looking up, setting the one you just finished aside and grabbing another. Thats when Bucky sees the box next to you with all the empty wrappers. “The ones I bought, they escaped out the car door and blew away. This is an emergency.” 

ALL OF THEM. 

Thats when he took a closer look at the “balloons” and he groaned, covering his face with his hand. 

“Are those the box of condoms I just bought for us?” 

Your dabbing your paintbrush in the black paint for a black widow spider. “do you wanna know the truth Buck, or do you want me to lie and say no?” 

“Was it the entire box?”

You balk and had the good sense to look a bit sorry, glancing around the room at the scattering of condoms all blown up out of shape and painted bright lovely colors. “Errrrr, I really thought you might have another one, stashed somewhere for emergencies?” 

“Why would I? Never mind.” He waved his hand and grumbled under his breath. “I thought you loved me.” he teased.

Hopping up and wading through the condoms, you grasp Bucky Barnes face and give him the hottest kiss you could, making him grasp your hips in surprise and his brows arch, pulling you in closer. Your paint covered hands smeared colors around his neck as you wrapped your arms there. “Course I do handsome, and thank you for your contribution to tonight's activities. I bet I can find us a few to make up for using your brand new box.” You smirk at him and wiggle brows. 

“Oh, to the street corner store?” 

You snort and roll your eyes. “Hell no, Im thinking in building. Over sized Pigeon must have some at his place. You occupy Sam, and I will put my secret stealth skills to work. Now you... shower.” 

Pushing him to go, hes laughing the whole time hes headed into the bathroom, you start to clean up your brushes and once he returns, Steve is knocking on the door, and helps himself in when you call out for him to just let himself in. “Hey Rogers, I need you guys to bring these down and tie them around the room.” Your back in your on the floor cross legged position, tying ribbon on the ends so they would be hung around the room. “And scatter some on the counters, table, etc.” You direct the two of them, Sam then arriving in the room. 

“Did you not order some?” Steve asked as he bent down, collecting the strings to bring them to the common room. 

“I uhh, wanted to paint them and thought these would just look better. Listen Rogers, I pay you just to look pretty, okay. Dont question my crazy, okay buddy.” 

Bucky is snorting in laughter as he grabs a fistful, and you tie up the last couple and hand them off to Sam. Steve is sighing at you. “Just a question Y/N, damn woman... I wont question your ‘crazy’ anymore.” 

“Good, ask Buck, it never pays off anyways. I will be down in a few minutes. I just gotta clean up a bit.” Without another word, they left, and you, well you had to get dressed and see how well Sam locked up his apartment. 

The party, Natasha was surprised to say the least, which you took great pride in being able to fool the spy. Everyone had a great time, with way to much food and alcohol to be able to move once you crashed into Buckys lap on the couch, your fingers carding through his now shorter hair and nuzzling his ear. “Did you have fun?” You ask him, and his hand rests just under under the hem of your dress, his thumb sweeping back and forth gently. 

“I did baby, better yet I think Natasha did to” Directing his gaze where Nat was half laying upside down on the couch, bouncing one of the balloons and giggling, from way to much vodka. Clint was next to her, bouncing his own condom balloon when it suddenly popped and shot across the room from the elasticity to fall at Steves feet. 

He picked it up, and thats when realization hit him what the balloons were made out of, his eye brows shooting up in surprise, Sam came up beside him and plucked it out of his hand, bursting out laughing. 

“I cant believe it, they are god damn condoms, I knew it! They werent no regular balloons.” Hes waving the phallic shaped rubber like its a prize, and you bite your lip to keep quiet, your face going a bit red. Bucky is shaking underneath you though with actual laughter, and Nat, well she flips herself right side up and pops another one, stretching it out once its deflated and snorts. “well hell if you can use them now. They lost all there stretchy stretch stretch.” she giggles at herself.

“well no, they wouldnt be safe to use after I blew them up and out of shape.” You shrug, while Clint now takes the other end that Nat was messing with and stretches them further to see just how far it would go before shooting it across the room into the vodka punch. 

“Guess Barnes aint getting lucky tonight” Sam remarks when he crashes down on the other side of the couch, and heres where your grinning to yourself. 

“Well actually Wilson...” you move to a stand and take Buckys hand to have him stand up to, you dig in your dress pockets (cause your cool like that) and pull out what looks to be a brand new box, waving it. “You were able to fix that problem for us to.” 

“What the hell, did you break into my apartment for those?!” Sam barks out with a touch of disbelief, and now its Steves turn to laugh so hard hes crying. 

“Thanks for that man!” Barnes salutes Sam and you grab his hand, tugging him along with you back to the elevator. Sam still a bit slack jaw in surprise, Steve holding his side laughing and Natasha is giving you the thumbs up while the door is closing. 

“At least someone is getting lucky on my birthday. Alright Clint, lets line up those shots again. Birthday toast to getting lucky!” 

@jtargaryen18 @what-is-your-plan-today @official-and-unstable-satan @p8tn0lish @stardancerluv @that-damn-girl​ @stuckonjbbarnes​ @imanuglywombat​

[ayyoitsalex]

Chapter 8 - Troop Mothers

Finding hobbies at a young age isn't always easy; You're not quite sure what you're good at or what you suck at. It's a lot of trial and error, and in my experience you keep your hobbies to yourself until you're convinced by someone else that you're good at it. Growing up I tried different sports and extra curricular activities to make friends or get outside, but it was a lot of misses. I tried soccer, two left feet. I tried girl scouts, no patience to go door to door. I tried softball, couldn't hit even if it was a beach ball. My siblings found their calling right away, and low key it was a little frustrating to being the designated fan of the family. Finally I started playing basketball with my dad and took to it like none of my siblings could, but never went out for any team. In my own selfish way I think I just wanted the games to just be about us. It's one on one time I spent with my dad at parks until dark, or until mom would call him to bring me home. And you know how the rest of my relationship with basketball goes. Sam and I are always trying to nudge our guys into getting out there. I don't want them growing up wishing they could've had memories. Though nothing seemed too interesting to them, but none the less they'd try. While I wanted them to have hobbies to make friends I didn't want them to feel like I was forcing them thus it becoming a chore. One afternoon walking through the outlet with Sam and the kids. We weren't there for anything in particular other than walk around and let the kids get some fresh air. There was a park nearby, so after not really buying anything we decided to hit the playground. The boys quickly ran off while Sam and I took Charly to the baby swings. "Not too far okay?" I shouted. They both gave me the thumbs up. I took video of Sam pushing Charly and posted it to my story because why not? Right then AJ ran back tugging on the legs of my jeans. "Mommy mommy!" He said excitedly. "Yes AJ what is it hon?" I knelt down. "C'mere I gotta show you something!" I smiled as he continued to pull me over. "Okay okay what do you wanna show me?" I followed behind him to a group of boy scouts. I started to get the idea. "The boy scouts?" I asked. "Yeah! Some of my friends are over there. Can I join?" His eyes looked at me eagerly. I was just as excited on the inside that he'd shown so much desire for something. Charly and Sam followed. "Baby! AJ wants to join boy scouts." I smiled from ear to ear. "Buddy! That's awesome! Of course let's get you signed up!" Sam gasped. Sam and I found the troop leader who looked like he was a father to one of the other boys. "Hi excuse me?" I tapped his shoulder. "Yes?" He asked turning around to us. "Is it too late to have my son join the scouts like is there scout season? We're not too familiar with..traditions or whatnot." He laughed at my question amused. "No no we take scouts all year round. You're all from around Oceancoast right?" We nodded excitedly. "Yeah my son has classmates in this troop we just found out." "Great great then I'm sure he'll have no problem blending right in with the troop. What about your son ma'am does he also want to join?" Sam tilted her head slightly confused. "..well yeah he's also my son." The troop leader immediately realized his mistake, and both Sam and I were waiting on the next words out of his mouth. "OH! I'm so sorry I didn't realize. I really do apologize I didn't know." He looked sincerely sorry, so we believed him. "No it's okay you couldn't have known. I guess I really should've said our son." He took a sigh of relief that we weren't about to kill him. "Then let's get your son all signed up, we have some forms here to sign and things you'll need  to get before the next meeting. This ones just about finished." "Alright, AJ! C'mere." He raced over to us while Cole waited with Charly by the stroller. Aj walked over from his friends. "This is gonna be your troop leader Mr...we didn't catch your name." "Oh! I'm not the troop LEADER, I just help out the leader. Here. Honey!" He shouted. Whoops I guess we made a mistake too. A woman blew a whistle before jogging over to us. "What's up?" Both Sam and I both began smiling even bigger. "Oh you've gotta be shitting me." Eve motherfuckin' Hunter out here teaching boys life skills. "Well it's been a long time ladies." "Wait..am i missing something?" Her husband looked around at us. "I played high school basketball with these two knuckleheads." "I thought you lived in LA!" Sam exclaimed hugging her tight. "Well we did, but y'know how things go." We all kinda drifted off from each other after Peyton and I graduated. "This is awesome! Our boys can be friends! AJ this is Ms. Eve." "Aha so you wanna join our troop?" AJ nodded a little unsure of what just transpired. "Well firstly, in my troop we are vocal and make our voices heard, so again you wanna join our troop?" "Yes Ms. Eve!" AJ smiled, and saluting for good measure. "Our salutes a little different here buddy." She showed him and he signed back. "This'll be great I can reconnect with you guys again." "Shoot all we need is Peyton and we're all here again." I said. "Wait is Kayla back too?!" Eve gasped. "See maybe social media isn't such a bad thing." Sam smirked showing her an instagram post. "Anyway our meetings pretty much up, and it looks like Dan got you all the forms you need. We normally don't have our meetings here it's usually at the rec center but still on Saturdays. Don't be late!" We nodded before waving bye. Sam and i looked over the forms and the things the scouts would be learning to do, and we both agreed it was a good thing for AJ. We spent the rest of the afternoon driving to get AJ his uniform and other things he'd be needing. "He's gonna have so much fun." Sam said reading through the scout handbook. "I think so too, but there's one thing we gotta talk to him about." "What's that?" "I think we should talk to him about being able to stick with it." "Oh for sure I think that's a good idea. AJ can you come in here please?" He poked his head through our office door. "C'mere baby we gotta talk to you." "Whats up?" He asked sitting down. "So this scouts stuff, we know you're excited. Promise us now you're going to stick with it." Sam said seriously. "I promise!" He put his hand over his heart. "Okay we'll remember this talk. Cause we're excited for you too and think you'll have a lot of fun." "I think so too especially since one of your friends is our troop leader." "Mhmm I'm sure you'll learn a lot from Eve." The next week AJ got dressed for his first meeting, and Sam and I couldn't contain our excitement. He looked so cute in his little navy blue uniform and hat. We went over the handbook since he'd need to know some scout oath before he officially joined. I snapped a picture of Sam with him and sent it to everyone I knew. My sibling group chat immediately responded. "OMG LOOK AT AJ IN HIS LITTLE UNIFORM! Augh my heart!" -Natalie "WOO! You go godson!" -Nathan "IM SOBBING DUDE HES  SO CUTE TELL HIM THAT I LOVE HIM! TELL HIM!" -Elizabeth the always dramatic. We drove over to the rec center, parking by what looked to be Eve. She was unloading a box and greeted us. "Hey guys! Whoa look at this little dude! All ready to be a scout?" She said looking at AJ. "Yes Ms. Eve!" He said proudly. "That's what I like to hear! Now they're all waiting inside you can join your friends and we'll get started in a minute." AJ raced inside eager as ever. "You guys can stay and watch if you want, if not we finish at seven. If you're late picking up your kid more than twice I will not have him back with me." Sam and I were a little taken back by the warning. "Sorry didn't mean to shake you, but I'm just required to say so." We nodded our heads. "We'll be on time to pick him up Eve don't you worry!" Sam saluted the boy scout way. Eve rolled her eyes laughing. "You never did change did you Sam?" "NOPE! ITS WHY THIS ONE LOVES ME!" Sam shouted as we walked back to the car. We had a little bit of separation anxiety for a minute because we didn't leave right away. "Look he'll be fine. This is good for him." "Right..right.." I took a breath. "Okay let's go..It's only two hours." We went back to my parent's house where they were watching Cole and Charly. It felt a little weird just having the two kids with us. Sam and I fed them dinner, and gave Charly a bath to pass the time until pick up. Around six thirty we left my parents to go pick up AJ. I was ready to hear all about it. We arrived a little early so we stood by the door and watched with some of the other parents. Sam and I also took the time to introduce ourselves to some of the other families since we figured we would see a lot of one another in the times ahead. The group of boys sat in front of Eve listening intently as she demonstrated knot tying. Even I took some mental notes. At the close of the meeting they all huddled together before howling goodbye. The boys high fived one another until AJ spotted us. He ran right over smiling big. "Have fun sweetie?" I asked. "Uh huh! I can't wait to come back next week!" "My kind of scout!" Eve smiled walking from behind him. They high fived. I never knew Eve had this kind of touch with kids, but then again I never really knew all that much about Eve to begin with. "How'd our little guy do?" Sam asked. "Oh like a fish in water fit right in." My heart couldn't be more full at the moment. "He did a great job. You wanna show your moms some of the stuff we learned today?" AJ pulled a set of strings from his pack and proceeded to show us the different knots. When he finished we all clapped for him, and I could tell it made him feel good. "Thanks Ms. Eve." "Aha you're welcome. Now be sure to practice and do some of the handbook reading with your parents." They saluted one another before Eve began to walk away. "Alrighty lets get you home so you can have dinner, finish your homework, and get ready for bed."