#Toothless has a stutter which I find adorable

[guess-i-do-art]

I’ve read like… 1 and a half of the HTTYD books and HOLY MOONS I LOVE THESE TWO

[asfateentertwines]

Friendships

Kiri and Spider have been best friends since the beginning

They met when Kiri was still an infant and Spider around 2. He still wasn't allowed to leave the labs but he snuck in to one of Kiri's checkups

He was a climber and a builder - hence his name - and so it was hard to keep him out of where he wanted to be

So when the toddler heard another cry in the building it was only a matter of time before he found it

He wanders, stumbling through the offices he's confined to and sneaking until he reaches the Avatars

Jake is there, Kiri in his arms, sitting next to Ms. Grace's tank. He's talking and it sounds like a story which Spider loves so he of course toddles his way over. He climbs into the Na'vi's lap without regard for his size, skin, or the fact that he's only met Jake a handful of times.

Jake, to his credit, catches the tiny human with a free palm under his butt. Paying no heed to the flabbergasted look on the mans face, he peers down to stroke the girls cheek

He flies for a moment while Jake tries to keep them apart but then the girl has his hand in her palm

She blinks up with big eyes and Spider offers a giant toothless grin: there was no going back after that

Neteyam comes with Kiri

He's Spiders age but double his size, 2' taller for the 2 months he's younger

Still, Spider doesn't let the few kids his age on Pandora get away. He's a social butterfly and opts to conquer Neteyam's introverted ways.

And so he toddles after the blue boy everytime he comes with his sister

Kiri is growing fast, especially next to human growth standards, but she still has a ways to go to meet Spider, so her big brother will have to do

It's 3 months of toddling after him, pulling his tail, and playing with the pretty beads adoring his hair while Neytiri tries desperately to keep the little human away from him

But, once again, containing Spider is mission the adults surrounding him have yet to accomplish

And so Neteyam finds himself with a little blonde flea attached to his side

He chases the younger boy through the halls, giggling at the tiny hisses Neteyam lets out when he catches him. He pulls his tail and climbs onto his big boy bed - he can use the grown up bunks now! - while Neteyam tackles his obstacles with ease.

The other boy is shyer but Spider has learned how to rile him up by now

They play for the hour or two that Jake spends with Kiri getting monitored in the labs. If Neytiri is there then it's harder, but Spider can normally get a story for them at least.

It continues on for a while with Kiri joining them as she starts to crawl, then toddle with their hair or her brothers tail in her fist

And it seems that gets Spider a little too comfortable

Namesake on full display, he tries to climb the bunkbed ladders of the bunk room while Neteyam is chasing him

He's gotten far too big for most of Spiders tricks to slow him down so the child thinks this is his chance to get a rare upper hand

Except bunk beds are tall and metal is slick and maybe Spider isn't really that much of a big kid yet

He really does try to catch himself but its too slippery and he hits the ground hard

The scientists around the lab don't like it when he cries and really does try to keep it in, but his arm really hurts and he can't help but let it escape

He waits for Neteyam to mock him or tell him to stop but instead finds himself craddled against the boys chest.

"Shhhh, shh, 's okay Spi, just stop cryin'. I-I'll get my Daddy and Uncl' Norm." Spider only shakes his head and cries more, clinging to the other boys beads.

"No'uh, 'm okay. 'm a big boy."

Neteyam stutters for a minute before he nods. The two boys stay curled on the floor for a few minutes then with Spiders arm cradled between them.

"Don't worry, 'm here Spi. Every'tings okay."

Their relationship is never as close as the others growing up but there's an understanding between them the others never have

They're equals, the two oldest brothers.

They might be opposites but they've got one another's backs...even if that's just taking left while the other takes right to corner Lo'ak at highcamp.

Neteyam never made friends easily

Spider forced himself into the picture and his siblings never really got a choice in the matter

Sure, being the Ole'ekytans son meant some of the other kids would clamor for his attention but he never did good at being more than casual

Responsibilities stack on him like like the berries on Tuks tarts: he doesn't have the time or strength to devote to anything else

His siblings are enough though. There's a war and he can't loose focus or they'll get hurt

He left them once and lost Spider - he won't let it happen again

It gets lonely though

He chases after his kid brother and protects his sisters from as much as he can but...there's no one to look after him

Then he meets Ao'nung

Ao'nung is brave and cool and gets it in a way his siblings just can't

He may not have grown up in a war but he has a little sister and another on the way - he knows the responsibility of an important father and its addicting to have that person in his life

They lean on eachother, quietly, and he finally has something for himself

He tells him things he never told anyone else

He talks about his fathers expectations and pressure, his mothers trauma, his worry over the human they left behind, and his fear for Kiri's future. He talks about Lo'ak running into danger and Tuk losing her innocence and Ao'nung talks about his anger. About the fear he has of whats to come, about Tsireya and how he worries this will break her. He's weak around him and Neteyam savors it.

Time goes by and he gets hurt. His arm might never be the same as it was and his ear still rings with the echoes of gunshots but he has his brother back and his family is safe

Neytiri finally, finally lets Spider come home but it's not over

He doesn't think it ever will be

But Ao'nung slips his hand into his and maybe he'll be okay

Maybe he doesn't have to do this alone

Rotxo was Ao'nungs first friend

They were friends from the first time they sat through lessons together and they've been attached at the hip ever since

Rotxo knows Ao'nung will be a great Ole'ekytan but he'll need a right hand and Rotxo is ready to step up

For a long time he thinks maybe he'll be more than that but the Sullys arrive and they both find that path a different way

Still, they're eachothers person

They back one another up no matter what and there is rarely one without the other

In training they pair up, have joint moves that they make just for themselves and know the others gaps or weaknesses like its their own

Tonowari didn't want to train them for war but they didn't want to risk being unprepared

So when the sky people reach their waters, they spend every hour they can steal with one another

They spar and wrestle and carve more weapons

Their hands shake with fear and adrenaline but they keep their thighs pressed to the others and carry on

Rotxo gains muscle mass and Ao'nung learns to use a bow Neteyam carved. They grow their skills, their strength, but also their fear

Unlike the Sullys, they didn't grow up with war on the horizon

They don't know what's coming and cling to each other while they can.

No matter what, they know they can rely on the other

It isn't until they see Quaritch dead that they'll let go of the breath they're holding but they hold the other up until then

Nothing could pry them apart and nothing that tries will walk away

[lowlevelkoboldadventures]

Dragon tier list?

Ok so, there's too many dragons out there for me to rank by tier specifically, but here's a list of the dragons in media I think about the most and tend to think are the coolest. (also I've never read any of the Wings of Fire books IM SORRY IM SORRY)

Smaug (from the Rankin Bass animated movie) This one is probably my favorite depiction ever of the stereotypical "big red dragon in a mountain sitting on a hoard of gold" for too many reasons to list all here, but everything about the scenes with him in it are just SO good

Toothless (from the HtTYD BOOKS) Dragons don't have to be big and powerful to be good dragons! If you are unaware, Toothless in the books that the movies were "based on" is about the size of a dachshund, can speak (but with a stutter), and is basically a little disobedient rat with wings who has no teeth, is afraid of the dark, and has self confidence issues. Absolutely fantastic little dragon, I do still wish we got a movie adaptation with this Toothless too

All the dragons from the "Reversal of the Heart" animation I love this animation for a lot of reasons (especially because it uses Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2) but I also love the way that the dragons are proportioned and shaped too. I also think it's my go to depiction of "dragons aren't the bad-guys, the humans that hunt them are" whenever that trope gets talked about

The Ahamkara (Destiny 2) In Destiny lore, there's this race of paracausal wish dragons known as Ahamkara who feed off the wishes people make with them, and the changes to reality that come with it. They are incredibly tricky, even the weakest among them being able to find the loophole in even the tightest sealed 100 page legal document, and, while never saying no to a wish, will almost always have a way of benefiting from whatever you wish for, if not also screwing you over in the process. They have very unique designs, the one which you fight in game almost looking like a whale skeleton around the face, and also are an incredibly unique kind of 4th wall break in that they genuinely, canonically, know that they are in a game being played by us players. They talk specifically to You, The Player, and always talk with "... oh (name) mine~" at the end of their sentences

Pokemon Dragons - Just going to run thru these quick and easy Dragonite - I LOVE DRAGONS WITH ROUND BELLIES Goodra - Very large! Very friend Appletun - Dear GOD... words cannot describe how adorable....

And to technically make it a tier list, bottom tier is Gaping Dragon from Dark Souls.

Ok that's all!!! Thank you SO MUCH for the ask! I love answering these, and it makes me happy when people are curious to hear more!!! Hope you're having a wonderful day, thank you again!!! 🥹🙏

[that-was-anticlimactic]

wait bestie how come u don't like httyd??

oof okay please no one come for me but… i love the book series too much. they were my everything growing up—i had a *poorly* hand-drawn map of the world hanging on my wall and i would try to find Berk—I came up with a tune to the Berk anthem (“i didn’t mean to come here, I didn’t mean to stay, it’s just where the sea winds blew me one accidental day…”). i still listen to the audiobooks to this day…

they were so important to me and the movies are… oof. they’re very inaccurate to the books. astrid isn’t a character in the books, she doesn’t exist. actually, my two biggest complaints about the movie are that they replaced my favorite character, Camicazi, introduced in book three how to speak dragonese, with astrid and I think Camicazi is a more dynamic character. she was a huge female role model for me growing up and broke misogynistic stereotypes that astrid never really does.

my second big complaint is toothless. I know he’s adorable but… night fury isn’t a dragon in the books. toothless is the smallest dragon in the hairy hooligans tribe. he’s a “common or garden dragon” (in quotes for reasons that are MAJOR spoilers so i won’t say lol) and Hiccup can talk to Toothless because he loves dragons and learned their language based on observation (and hiccup actually is such genuinely great male representation that defies toxic masculinity!!! actually, camicazi is more traditionally masc than hiccup and he’s more traditionally fem than camicazi which is really cool especially for its time!) and he talks to Toothless all the time.

Toothless also has a bad stutter in the books which is never made fun of (unless it’s done by Snotlout’s dragon… but are you surprised?) and it’s amazing rep. he is also the biggest sh*t ever and he goes out of his way to cause chaos and it’s AMAZING.

also i’m p sure Alvin is barely in the movies and he’s not the cunning, sly, mastermind villain he (and his mom oops) are in the books and i just… oh, I love Alvin so much😂

the movies also did Fishlegs dirty (he’s like… one of the main-main characters in the books. he’s a skinny kid with curly hair and with bad asthma and allergies—again, rep the movies left out) and they kind of did Snotlout dirty because his development is really really good.

there are just a lot of things that made me:// and I also personally can’t stand them because there have been many occasions where I mention how i dislike them and give my reasoning and everyone gets personally offended and starts berating me??? like y’all can like it but dang. so I get a bit defensive when people bring the movies up due to how many times I’ve had to defend my opinion:/ (I was in a theatre class once and was the oldest student in the class since it was an intro and I was a senior and I got so angry at everyone basically telling me that my opinion is invalid that I said “i’m getting really angry we need to stop talking about this or I’ll say something i’ll regret)

I can appreciate the brilliant musical score and the animation is really pretty—like as much as I say that I hate the movies, I know there are really great things about it. the plot is good on it’s own, but I have trouble separating them as their own thing. it’s just sad that the movies stole the name of the series, some of the characters’ names, and then just… changed everything and most people don’t even know they’re books.

oof this is pretty long and I was trying to be nice because I know most people I follow LOVE the movies and I can be uhhh pretty harsh unintentionally and could probably point out everything wrong with them but that’s just genuinely rude on my part. I have watched the first movie and I was forced to watch the second one on a school field trip (though I had headphones in so i didn’t actually hear it, just saw it lol) and that’s it.

I hope this doesn’t come across as rude! the books and Camicazi were just so genuinely important to me growing up and it just makes me :// knowing that most people think the movies were original and don’t know that there are books and I’m a very passionate person so I tend to get ‘AHHHH’ about stuff like this haha

thanks for asking:) I hope this clarifies some stuff!

[thegreatbigfourmain]

Royalty!AU

The young chief had a somber expression on his face as he readjusted the fur cloak resting upon his shoulders. Although Drago and the former Alpha retreated to the ocean, the battle had taken many casualties within the village of Berk. Both dragons and Vikings suffered in the crossfire, leaving them with half their population still standing. It left him with the drastic decision of needing a treaty with a neighboring village to keep his people and dragons armed for another attack.

However, that proved to be a problem. No one wanted to encounter what Berk did in their village. Many of his allies rejected his request no matter how much he emphasized the superb protection done by his dragons. Thankfully to the gods, one did accept. The kingdom of Corona could never turn away a desperate plea for help. And Thor Almighty he was in dire need of assistance.

The arrangement showed to be more than what the Vikings bargained for.

As a way to kill two birds with one stone, the King of Corona agreed to the Viking chief’s wishes if he complies in escorting his daughter, the princess. All other suitors were sent away by her highness, though she is compelled to choose one. He tried to weave his way out of it, but the king would not budge. In his words, “It is not an arranged marriage, but rather being a potential candidate for the role.” To his displeasure, he had no choice but to accept it for the good of his people. It forced him to have a very long conversation with his girlfriend, who was livid when she heard of the final decision. It was the cause for the look on his face.

Hiccup Haddock the Third put on a brave face before entering the throne room where her grace awaited his arrival. He did notice how Corona was the complete opposite of Berk. Everything from the buildings to the atmosphere was different and foreign to him. Banners of the kingdom’s emblem hung everywhere. It seemed like these people are obsessed with the sun. He shouldn’t think much of it considering he’s just as obsessed with dragons, something Astrid also poked fun of whenever they trained.

Astrid…

The brunet made his way down the aisle as he stepped on the softest lavender carpet his feet have ever felt. Then again, he hasn’t much use for fancy rugs and such in his home. The closer he moved toward the royal family, the more his heart sank in his chest. A future without Astrid was unheard of, but the world without dragons was one he simply could not live without. Like the king said, it is not an arranged marriage, just a courtship. If the princess prefers not to marry him, she might be willing to tell her father to keep the treaty. It was the only shred of hope he had for his relationship.

Finally, Hiccup stood in front of the three of them sitting in their lavish thrones. He had seen the queen and king before, but never the princess. He bowed respectfully to them before his forest green eyes couldn’t help but glance at the rumored beauty. When he did, it took every ounce of power within him not to gawk in wonder.

In layman’s terms, she was gorgeous. No, that did not fully define the vision before him. Hiccup could not find the words to describe being in her presence. He was utterly speechless. It horrified him.

The chief knelt down before the princess in an attempt to not gaze any longer. He kept his eyes on the carpet beneath him.

“Your highness,” he said as soon as he realized no words escaped his shocked lips.

“I am here to escort you back to my village of Berk. I hope you will enjoy it there for the time being.” Hiccup said while his fingers rubbed against each other, something he does when thinking of his next sentence. If he raised his head, it would only entice more emotions and thoughts within him.

"You may rise, Dragon Rider," spoke a soft, yet confident voice. Despite what his brain was telling him, Hiccup did what the voice told him to. In the back of his subconscious, he knew he would do anything that voice would tell him to do from now on.

Once he looked up, he was hooked.

Just what was it with him and blondes?

The blonde beauty dressed in a lavish lavender gown with intricate patterns stood before him. It felt as if they were the only two people in the room, no doubt due in part to the way his forest green eyes met her emerald irises that reminded him of spring. Her adorably speckled freckles spread across her button nose seemed to disperse once they reached her rosy pink cheeks. Her unusually long golden hair was braided behind her frame and decorated with freshly picked flowers will most definitely be out of place in Berk, though he wouldn't mind if she asked for him to pick those flowers for her every day.

What was he thinking?!

Probably depicting his nervousness, the princess flashed him a heart-piercing smile. If she meant it in a friendly way, it was anything but. It took every ounce of his being not to continue gawking at the princess before Hiccup cleared his throat to form some sort of response.

"Are, are you ready to leave Your Highness?" He stuttered his words like he was back to being a teenager, though his 20 years of age.

She gave a quick nod as she descended from her throne to meet him, the Viking holding his breath for the close encounter. When she was a mere few feet away, Hiccup gulped down the knot in his throat.

"What is your mode of transportation to Berk, Chief Hiccup?" she inquired curiously, with a slight tilt of the head. Could she stop being adorable for a moment while he tries to wrap his mind around everything right now?

"Umm, dr-dragons. Dragons Your Highness."

"Rapunzel. You can call me Rapunzel," she responded with a soft grin.

"Rapunzel," he repeated, testing out how the name rolled off his tongue.

"Is it safe?" A loud, anxious voice asked in the room. The pair glanced behind to the king standing up at the mention of his only daughter riding on the back of a dragon. Hiccup has mentioned their way of living in between the letters they exchanged, but maybe the realization finally caught up to his majesty.

"Very much so, Your Majesty. I built all the mechanics myself and tested them out numerous times. I have the scars to prove it," he chuckled, though it did not seem to ease the tension in the room.

Tough crowd.

The blonde giggled behind him, grabbing the brunet's attention. He didn't think he's heard such a melodious laugh before in his life.

"I'm sure it's fine, father. If Chief Hiccup believes so," Rapunzel confirmed as she stood beside him. Her presence alone was enough to nearly hinder the Viking under her spell.

The king still seemed to be hesitant, though gave the pair a nod in conformation to allow this stranger to take his child on a possibly dangerous journey back to his homeland.

"Very well. I wish you both well on your route to Berk," he replied in a baritone voice, though there was a hint of sadness in his bright blue eyes. Rapunzel must have seen it as well, considering she picked up her dress skirt to rush over and give her father a hug. The whole image might have been heartwarming if Hiccup didn't first notice the fact that this certain blonde seemed to be barefoot.

Just who is this girl?

The princess then gave her equally gorgeous mother a hug, the small family exchanging a few words before the blonde returned to Hiccup's side. Her smile was something his heart was beginning to enjoy.

"Ready when you are Chief Hiccup."

"Hiccup, just Hiccup is fine Your- Rapunzel," he chuckled, running his fingers through his hair out of embarrassment.

"Okay, Just Hiccup," she joked before taking the lead to show him outside.

The pair walked through the same elegant doors Hiccup did when he arrived to find his best friend waiting for him. He was accompanied by a guard who nervously kept his distance away from the nigthfury.

"Hey bud," Hiccup greeted, feeling much better seeing one thing familiar in this land. The nightfury jumped over to him like a dog, licking his face.

"No Toothless! You know that doesn't wash out! The princess is here~" the Viking groaned when Toothless backed away when he was satisfied.

"I'm so sorry Rapunzel," he muttered, clearly embarrassed by how informal the interaction was. The blonde didn't seem to mind, evident by the huge grin on her face. Toothless already lost focus on his human, examining the blonde and advancing towards her. His snout sniffed her face, getting close enough to ruffle her bangs. Hiccup noticed the way more guards readied themselves in the chance this might turn ugly. He chuckled, how naive.

"Hello, Toothless. Are you going to be taking us to Berk?" She asked softly. A slow yet confident hand reached for his snout, which surprisingly Toothless went in with no hesitation.

"What a sweetheart," she beamed as her other hand went to cup the dragon's muzzle. Hiccup couldn't help but smile himself. It seemed she could easily adapt to their ways faster than he assumed a princess would be.

While she kept herself occupied gaining more of Toothless' love, Hiccup glanced at the royal couple who gave him a knowing nod. His high from facing the princess quickly faded away with the realization that there was an agreement between the two lands. This was a courtship for potential marriage, not simply showing her around his land. The thought of Astrid returned to his mind and the guilt of anything he felt towards Rapunzel weighed heavy on his chest. She never once passed through his thoughts once he met Rapunzel's eyes.

The Viking mounted himself on the nightfury to ready himself for the long trip back to Berk.

"Are you ready, Rapunzel?" Hiccup asked in a monotone voice as emotions swirled within him. Thankfully, the blonde was oblivious to his change of attitude from playing with Toothless when she heard him.

"Yes Hiccup," she replied, walking over to him and trying to figure out how to mount the dragon. "Umm, Hiccup, how do I...?" she trailed off.

He had been so caught up in himself, he didn't realize her unfamiliarity with riding dragons. It reminded him of when he taught Astrid all about them a few years ago...

"Oh, I'm sorry. Here," he stuttered over his words as he reached his arm out. The blonde gently took it and steadied herself for Hiccup to heave her body weight, which was lighter than the axes he swings around, to settle behind him.

Thor Almighty give him the strength for the remainder of the trip to not have his heart pound like a Thunderdrum's roar when her arms wrapped around his lean form. He could feel her warmth all down his back, his arms frozen in place sensing Rapunzel adjust herself comfortably in her seat.

"Okay Hiccup, I'm ready," she said in a nervous, yet excited state.

Sensing her anxious tone, Hiccup absentmindedly reached down to gently hold her arm to ease her nerves.

"Don't worry. I got you," he muttered softly, sighing in defeat that this girl was doing something to his soul. It must have to deal with the fact her people are still new to dragons, and the more positive promotion they can have, the better it is for future generations. At least that's what he kept repeating to himself in hopeless denial.

"Take it easy with the flight bud, we need her to like us" Hiccup whispered to Toothless. The last thing he needed on his plate was Rapunzel not having an easy time on the way to Berk.

The nightfury seemed to get the message as extended his wings out for the wind to gingerly lift him off the ground. Despite the easy takeoff, Rapunzel still tightened her arms around him while letting out a cute squeak of surprise at the new sensation of being in the air.

This is going to be a long ride.

[5hfanfiction]

Why Did I Get Married? (Camren)

Part 17: A Revelation 

“Buenos días, princesa,” Camila greeted her daughter with a kiss to the forehead. The child barely opened her eyes. It was Saturday after all, so why did she have to be up at these ungodly hours? She just groaned in response causing her mother to laugh. “Izzy, baby it’s time to wake up,” she passed her hand on her daughter’s face and smiled as the child’s eyes fluttered open.

Izzy yawned. “Good morning, mummy. Is mama back yet?”

Camila shook her head ‘no’. “Just a few more days baby and she’ll be back. We’ll FaceTime her tonight again, okay?”

“Okay, mummy,” the child mumbled and snuggled up to her mother. “What are we doing today?”

The young mother couldn’t help the fluttering sensation she felt in her chest, which she was experiencing right now looking at her daughter. The child was extremely adorable. How could she have spent so many mornings without this sight?

How could she have been gone for so long?

“You don’t remember signing us up for your bake off at your school, princesa?” Camila asked.

Izzy gasped. “Oh yes! Mama was supposed to come with me. She makes a yummy quesillo.” The child smiled and licked her lips as though she was currently tasting it. “But mama isn’t here.” She pouted.

Obviously, ignoring the fact that her other mother was. However, between the both of us….Camila in a kitchen? Just have the fire brigade and the ambulance on the sidelines.

“So what about me? I’m here,” Camila pouted dramatically. “I can make some Alfajores. You like that, don’t you?” Izzy nodded. “Or I can make some Torta Mil Hojas.”

Izzy nodded frantically. “Yes! I love that. Abuelita makes it sooo good! Can I ask abuelita to come?”

Camila laughed and kinked an eyebrow at her daughter. “Is there something you’re not telling me baby?” The five year old looked down and shook her head 'no’. Not wanting to say anything to hurt her mother’s feelings. “Aww, princesa come here.” Camila patted her lap and her daughter took her position on it. “It’s okay, princesa. I know I’m not an amazing cook like Mama, but it’ll be fun. Right? With the two of us?”

Her daughter nodded. “It would…but I really want to beat Brittney.” Camila laughed. She didn’t know what her daughter had against the child, but she wasn’t a fan of the child’s mother either.

Caitlin Garcia, aka the bane to every parent at Izzy’s preparatory preschool existence. She also seemed to be completely into Lauren. And Lauren being oblivious as fuck, had not realised it once; too smitten with her wife and child to notice the stares of anyone else. The woman had acted as though Camila didn’t even exist when she tried to flirt with Lauren. So yes, beating Caitlin at the bake off wasn’t a big deal, but it would’ve just given Camila bragging rights.

“So…are we gonna do this?” Camila asked her daughter.

Izzy thought about it for a moment until she smiled. “Yes. We’re gonna win and beat Brittney!”

***

“Mrs Jauregui - Cabello,” an elderly woman stuck her hand out to greet Camila. “It’s nice to see you. How did Izzy manage to drag you into this?”

Camila smiled when she saw her daughter’s teacher. The woman was always super friendly. “She didn’t have to do anything. She literally came home one day and showed Lauren and I the note informing us that we’ll be partaking.”

Miss Kylie laughed and shook her head. “That’s Izzy for you. She’s always talking about you guys, especially you.” When the woman saw the look on Camila’s face she added something else. “She really adores you. She always gets mad when a student that goes here; Brittney is singing one of your songs.”

“Why? Izzy never really says why she doesn’t like Brittney and she basically likes everyone.”

The teacher examined the contents in Camila’s shed in preparation for the contest. It was basically a charity event. The school was raising money to donate to needy families around the area.

“I don’t think Izzy likes anyone who sings your songs or talk about you,” Miss Kylie turned to face Camila. “She seems a bit possessive.”

Before Camila had any time to process what the teacher said, she came face to face with the bane to her existence.

“Caitlin,” Camila greeted her. She had to practically force herself not to roll eyes to hell and back. “Hey, Britt,” she stooped at the girl’s height. Brittney wrapped her arms around her. “How are you, mija?”

Brittney smiled a toothless grin, well not toothless because she was only missing her two front teeth. “Hi, Mrs Jauregui! I’m great. Izzy didn’t say you were coming.” The child seemed awfully excited that Camila as there.

“That’s because I didn’t tell you,” Izzy butted in and began to tug on her mother. “Mummy, we have to get started on the cake.”

Caitlin rolled her eyes. “You should teach your child some manners.”

“You should shove your opinions up your ass,” Camila muttered under her breath.

“Did you say something?” The other woman kinked an eyebrow.

Camila was about to respond and tell the woman exactly what she just said, but that’s when her best friend came into her view.

“WALZ!” Dinah wrapped her arms around her friend. “Ugh, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”

Camila smiled and hugged her friend back. “Dinah, I’ve literally seen you a couple weeks ago for my birthday. Andddd we Skype every other night.”

“I said what I said,” Dinah turned to face Caitlin. “You should run along now. There’s some single fathers over there.”

Camila laughed when she said the look on the woman’s face. She didn’t say a word. “What are you doing here? I don’t think I’ve been gone so long but Elijah doesn’t go here, right?”

Dinah shook her head and laughed. “Nah, he doesn’t. I was forced to buy a ticket to attend this,” she playfully rolled her eyes as she stared at her friend’s daughter who just smiled at her. “This little nugget insisted that I had to come taste test her and Laurenzo quesillo…but I’m not seeing your wifey here, and as much as I love you, Walz, I’m not gonna die trying your food.”

The singer scoffed and stomped off behind her make shift kitchen. “First, Izzy didn’t want me to come because I quote unquote, can’t cook, now,” she fake glared at her friend. “You’re saying I can’t cook?! Where is the love? Where’s the loyalty Dinah Jane? I thought we were better than that!”

The two went on to banter back and forth throughout Camila’s preparation of her traditional Argentinian dessert. Izzy was allowed to stir and pour in the ingredients because it had to have been a parent-child event. After finishing baking and decorating the Torta Mil Hojas, and having the judges sample all the desserts….who did you guys think won?

Well, duh. Caitlin obviously.

Sike. Just messing with y'all. Camila and Izzy had won. It was not the best tasting dessert, but what the judges had observed was the way both mother and child had interacted whilst baking. Camila had practically involved her daughter in everything. And what did anyone really expect when the average five year old was helping you in the kitchen? Nothing that tasty to be honest.

“In your face, Caitlin,” Camila said triumphantly when she collected her ribbon. Causing her friend to face-palm. You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick how they embarass you.

***

“Camila,” a familiar voice caused the woman to turn around. She came face to face with Becky; the girl at the park who she hadn’t seen since Izzy’s birthday. Also known as one of the only people who met Camila Jauregui - Cabello and did not once ask for a photo or even an autograph. Was Becky even right in her head?

The singer smiled. “Becky, hey. How are you? It’s been a while.”

The teenager nodded. “Yeah it has. I haven’t seen the little munchkin in the park since forever,” she stooped at Izzy’s height and ruffled her hair. “How you been, kiddo? I was worried something happened to you.”

“I’ve been good. Mummy and Mama haven’t been taking me to the park. How’s Nugget?” Izzy asked. She had taken a huge liking to the dog. It was true that her parents haven’t took her there in a while, but only due to busy schedules and Camila being too lazy to exert herself physically.

“Nugget is good. I think he misses you a lot though.”

“Can I get to see him soon?” Izzy looked at the girl with pleading eyes.

Becky shrugged. “If your parents will allow you, then of course. You know where to find me,” she winked. “Anyway, I should probably get going.” She saw the way Camila was staring at her, it made her feel a bit uncomfortable. It was almost as though the woman was analyzing her. “Um…” she said awkwardly. “Everything…okay?”

Camila snapped out of it and blinked her eyes continuously for a few moments. “Y-yeah,” she stuttered. “It’s just that you possess….your resemblance to someone I used to know, is uncanny.”

“I guess I just have one of those faces,” she smiled, however her facial expression seemed as though she was hiding something and Camila just couldn’t figure out what. “Was it someone close to you?”

The singer sighed. She looked down at her daughter who was seemingly starting to get tired of standing in one spot. After the bake off, Camila decided to stop by the grocery and grab a few items. Since her wife had been away, she had mainly ordered food because not just Izzy, but she as well was terrified of her cooking. “It’s just water under the bridge now I guess…” She trailed off. It wasn’t necessarily forgotten, no matter how hard she tried to simply just forget it, but it was in the past and she would rather keep it there.

Becky reached out her hand when she saw the said expression on the singer’s face but she pulled back at the last minute. The two weren’t exactly that close. “Hey…if you ever…you know want to talk about it, I’m all ears. My friends tell me I’m a great listener.” The teenager smiled when she saw Camila’s lips slightly curl upwards.

“Thank you, Becky. That really is a nice offer. I might just take you up on that offer one day,” she looked down at her daughter again, who sighed dramatically. “But I really should pay for these stuff and get dinner started. This one here seems as though she’s going to pass out.”

Becky laughed and patted the child on the head. “Yeah, I understand. I’m late as it is. So, my mom would probably have my head. It was nice seeing you Camila. You too, Izzy.”

The brunette watched as the girl walked away. She wasn’t exactly sure but she felt as though this girl was her sister. She felt some sort of connection every time she was around her.

Rebecca.

But if she was, didn’t she know who Camila was? Her mother had said that she did. Unless Becky did have one of those faces. There are supposedly seven people in the world who look exactly like you, so maybe it was just a coincidence.

***

“Buenas noches, mija,” Lauren greeted her daughter when Camila had accepted the FaceTime request. It’s a wonder how some people can answer a FaceTime video call just like that without having the need to prepare, because unfortunately, some of us are ugly. 

That’s just the perks of being beautiful.

“Hey, Camz,” the photographer smiled when she laid eyes on her wife.

Izzy perked up when she saw her other mother. Camila barely having any chance to greet her wife but it was already late, so she was allowing her to get all that she needed to say out. “Hi, mama! How are you? I miss you so much. Do you miss me?”

Lauren couldn’t help the tinge of sadness she felt when her daughter said she missed her. It was obvious that she would. FaceTime isn’t exactly the same as being there but it was what they had to work with. “Of course, I miss you. I miss you so much. I’ve been annoying Natasha all day with how much I miss you.” She pouted. “Is mummy taking good care of you?”

“We won the bake off today! Mummy and I made Torta Mil Hojas,” Izzy informed her mother. “You were going to come with me and we were going to make a Quesillo, right?”

The older woman nodded. “Congrats you two! I didn’t think you had it in you.” Camila childishly rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out. “Did you have fun with mummy, princesa?”

Izzy nodded her head. “I did! Aunty Dinah came as well. She said she loved the cake but she didn’t think I saw but I did, I saw her throw it in the garbage.”

“Wait what!?” Camila asked clearly shocked. “Dinah did that? But she said she loved it.” Lauren snorted in the background. “What!? Lauren that’s not funny! I’m going to call her right now.” She grabbed her phone that was resting on the bed. She dialed her friend’s number, and she answered on the second ring.

“Walz, hey…” but before she could finish her sentence, Camila had cut her off.

Lauren and Izzy both staring at her as though she was crazy. Maybe she should just make like Elsa and just let it go.

“Dinah Jane Milika Ilaisaane Hansen Amasio Kane,” Camila said her friend’s name all in one breath. The choreographer muttered a quiet 'shit’ on the other side of the phone. She didn’t know what she did, but obviously when someone uses your full name that just means that you’re in deep shit. “Did you or did you not toss my dessert that I slaved over into the bin?”

If Camila could’ve seen the look on her friend’s face right now, she probably would’ve smacked her. She was trying her best to bite back a laugh but was failing miserably. “Are you being forreal right now? Is this what you called me about? What if I was getting it on with Dante?”

Camila rolled her eyes. “You didn’t answer my question Dinah Jane. Did you or did you not toss my dessert into the bin?”

“I meannnn…maybe I did. But come on Walz, you and I both know you’re not the best cook,” Dinah said. Which was true. Izzy decided to ignore the conversation between her mother and Dinah, and continued to talk to Lauren. “I’m sorry if it hurt your feelings. I didn’t intend on you finding out. Wait…how did you even find out?”

“Izzy,” Camila said. “It’s okay anyway, I just wanted to mess with you for a bit.” She laughed. “Was it THAT horrible though?”

Dinah snorted. “Guurlll…okay no it wasn’t that horrible. But I was afraid it would’ve kicked in and killed me.” She laughed. “Wait, shouldn’t you be FaceTiming your baby daddy right now?”

Camila rolled her eyes at the mention of her wife. “I am right now. Izzy is getting sleepy, so I should get going. Good night you terrible, best friend.”

Her friend laughed. “I love you too, Milz. Good night. Kiss baby Camren for me!”

“What?” Camila asked when she saw her wife staring at her with one of the biggest smiles on her face.

Lauren just shook her head and shrugged. “Nothing.”

“Then why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

Camila rolled her eyes and couldn’t hold back her own smile. “Like, I don’t know. Like you love me.”

Izzy butted in. “But mama loves you, mummy. And she loves me too. But I think mama loves me more. Is that right?”

The green eyed mother laughed. “Of course, princesa. I love you the most. You’re perfect.”

Right when the child was about to respond, she yawned and rubbed at her eyes. “I tired,” she muttered and snuggled up to her mother.

“Aw, are you ready for bed?” Izzy nodded against Camila’s chest. “Tell mama good night and then I’ll tuck you in.”

The young Jauregui turned to the screen again. “Good night, mama. I love you, so much.” She blew a kiss and Lauren pretended to catch it, placing her fist over her heart.

“Good night, mi amor. Sweetest of dreams. I love and I miss you already.” She watched as her wife walked away with their daughter to carry her up to her room.

Do you remember when you were a kid and you fell asleep on the couch or  in the car and your parents would take you up to your room? Now you pass out on the couch and wake up on the floor. 

And we really wanted to grow up. 

A couple minutes passed and Camila reentered the room. She paused when she heard the soft singing coming from her MacBook. 

“We even counted us out, We weren’t sure we’d make it, But we’ve learned no matter what they dish out,” Lauren sang softly but loud enough for her wife to hear her.

Camila smiled to herself when she heard Lauren’s raspy voice coming out of the speakers. She had never really heard her wife sing before. It was usually her who sang. “It’s nothing, we can take it. We’ll go down in history. They’ll describe our love as…”

Lauren looked startled for a moment as she wasn’t expecting Camila to be back so soon.

“Incredible,” they both sang together. Their voices complemented each other’s perfectly.

“Sorry,” Lauren muttered. “I didn’t hear you come in. Is Izzy asleep?”

Camila nodded. “Yeah she is.” She paused. “I see you listened to my album….” She trailed off trying to gauge a reaction from her wife, but her face didn’t expose anything. “What’s your thoughts on it?" 

Her wife shrugged. "It’s okay.”

The brunette fake gasped. “Ouch. You cut me deep, real deep, oh terrible wife of mine.”

“I’m kidding. I like it. It’s raw and filled with emotion….emotions you never told me you felt,” Lauren looked at her wife. “Did it…did it really hurt you that bad?”

The singer sighed and looked down. She played with her fingers for a moment until looking back up at her wife. “It did. When I didn’t know what really happened, it had hurt that much.”

“Because of your dad?”

Camila nodded. “It just brought back the memories of what he did. It was as though I was a kid again,” she sighed. “But it wasn’t just that. I’m afraid of losing you, Lauren. I don’t have a life without you.”

The photographer shook her head 'no’. “Camz…I’m never going to hurt you the way your dad hurt you. I don’t want to destroy our family the way he destroyed yours. I know I should’ve told you in the beginning what actually happened, but we’re working pass that.”

Camila nodded. “I know…I just. We were a family. Mom, dad and I. Then we weren’t one. We were, then we weren’t and that broke me,” she wiped at her eyes and laughed. “I’m sorry. You didn’t call to talk about this shit.”

“I called to talk to you and Izzy. And if you’re not okay, let’s talk about this,” Lauren said sincerely.

“I feel like…” Camila paused trying to gather her words. “I feel like when we think about 'meant to be’ we think about forever. A lifetime. But maybe it isn’t supposed to last forever. Maybe it’s just someone who’s supposed to come into your life to teach your something or to make you feel something,” she shrugged. “Maybe the forever isn’t the person, but it’s what we get from them.”

“Camz…” Lauren began but she stopped. She didn’t know how to respond to what her wife had just said. “Maybe you’re right. But, Camz I could never have a forever if you’re not the person there with me. Maybe we met each other for a reason. To teach each other something. But I am irrevocably in love with you. Our forever should be with the person and it should be to learn something from each other.”

Camila sighed. She knew her wife wanted to be with her. She knew Lauren was sorry for what had happened between them. But what was the problem?

The problem is that when we’re in love we become insecure. Things we were so sure about, even though we may have known the truth for years, we decide to question it now. We spend a wasteful amount of time and energy questioning, analysing the change in behaviour, in tone, speech and we begin to blame ourselves for it. When it probably has nothing to do with us.

The thing is, we need to trust ourselves, our guts and know that we didn’t do anything wrong. But yet, that’s easier said than done. If we know it in our heart, in our minds that we didn’t do anything wrong, then why do we make such a big deal out of it?

So maybe, the way Camila reacted to the situation, wasn’t entirely her fault, but at the same time, Lauren didn’t know anything or much about her past because she had done a great job at keeping it hidden. But Lauren had apologized constantly about what had happened, but maybe all it did was further irritate the situation.

“A year ago, everything was different you know?” Camila stated rhetorically. “I wouldn’t have pictured myself like this, us like this. But now I realise as I look back, a year can do a lot to a person.”

A relationship, a marriage, means you come together to make each other better. It’s not all about you, and it’s not all about them. Its all about the relationship that the both of you decided to come together to make. You support their dreams and visions. You help them find themselves when they’re lost in the wilderness. You help calm those dreadful thoughts in their head. You help them because they help you. Make each other better. Make each other the better version that they can be. Challenge each other to go beyond average. Find the greatness within each other and help them to find a way to tap into that and release it.

Make sure they can find their biggest fan in you, and you can find yours in them.

A relationship isn’t all about sex. Or having someone to hold you during the night. It’s about the emotional connection that you two possess, where you can talk about any and everything.

“I love you. Please never doubt that. Even if you can’t see it right now, just know that in my heart, I am hopelessly in love with you.”

Camila had a small smile on her face. “I love you too, Lauren. So much more than I could even begin to say.”

***

“Becky?” The teenager was startled when she heard someone call her name. She was currently strolling through the park after going for a mid day jog. 

When she turned around, she smiled. “Camila. Hey.” She put the cap back on her water bottle and then addressed her. “You’re out jogging?” She smirked.

Camila rolled her eyes. “Yes I am. What’s with that face?”

“I thought you don’t like doing anything physical?”

“And I thought you weren’t a fan of me?” The singer countered back causing Becky to toss her head back in laughter. 

“Okay. You got me there,” Becky admitted. “But I think if anyone else were in my position where they kept meeting someone famous, they would do their research on them. And I may have watched an interview or five.” She shrugged.

Camila drank some of her own water. She wasn’t exactly sure why she went out for a run, besides the fact that it was a beautiful day and she was just lazing away at home. She could’ve gone to the studio and mess around a bit with some vocals, but she wasn’t in the mood to do that. Plus, if she had started to do that, Izzy would’ve been left waiting at the pavement for her. “And after watching these interviews, what are your thoughts on me?" 

"I just think that someone needs to give you a damn high five already,” Becky started to laugh causing Camila to join right in. “But, I don’t need any interviews to know what type of person that you are. I already think you’re pretty dope." 

The singer smiled, and playfully bumped shoulders with the teenager. "If it’s any consolation, I think you’re pretty dope yourself.” They walked around aimlessly for a few minutes until they found an empty bench and took a seat. “How come you’re not at school?”

“I don’t have any classes today. I go to Lion Crest; it’s a private high school not too far from here. There’s some event today and I decided to ditch for a bit.”

“Does your mom know?”

Becky nodded. “Yeah she does. If I ditched, my mom would have my ass on a silver platter, to be honest.” She laughed. 

“Is your mom strict?”

The teenager sighed. “I won’t say that she’s strict, she just cares a lot. She just wants me to be the best version of me that I can be. Since my dad passed away, I think it got a lot worse because now I have to grow up without a father, so I guess she’s trying to take on the both roles of a mom and of a dad.”

Camila looked at her. She saw a tinge of sadness in the girl’s eyes. She knew how it felt to lose a father. She had lost hers when she was 8, but he was lost to the world when she was 15. The thing is, she had spent so many years hating him, that she didn’t ever take the time to mourn his death. Seeing Becky now, and thinking about Alejandro….well, the tug at her heart made her realise that maybe just maybe, she didn’t hate him as much as she thought. 

“How old were you when he died?" 

Becky shrugged. "I was 5, turning 6. I don’t…I don’t remember much about him. I just remember how he would sing to me every night when he got home. How he would take me to the park. He always promised to get me a dog, but he never could,” she sighed heavily, feeling her throat begin to tighten. “He was diagnosed with liver cancer. He would drink himself to sleep almost every night. I didn’t know why he would do that. Why would he purposely hurt himself like that, but when he died and I grew up, my mom told me.” She sighed heavily and looked into Camila’s eyes. “Tell me…tell me what do you see when you look at me." 

Camila furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She felt as though she knew what Becky was talking about, but at the same time, she was in shock. "What do you mean?”

“Uncanny resemblance, remember?” Becky asked. “Rebecca Marie Cabello. I’m your sister." 

Even though Camila had made assumptions as to the identity of this girl, of who Becky was, hearing her say it was completely different. Instead of saying anything, she just stared at her. It all made sense now; why she looked so familiar. 

She could now see her father’s smile, whenever Becky smiled. Her father’s eyes, even though the teenager’s own were a light shade of blue. Looking at Rebecca was practically looking into a mirror at a younger version of herself. 

"I..I…” Camila stuttered not knowing what to say. 

“Do you hate me?” Becky asked softly. “I would understand if you did. I’m the cause for your family breaking up…I.”

But before she could even complete her sentence, Camila butted in. “No…no. No. I don’t hate you, Becky. I could never hate you. I never even thought about hating you. And I don’t blame you for what happened. You didn’t even exist back then, so how could I?” When Camila saw the relief flash on the girl’s face, she smiled. 

“Can I…can I hug you?” Rebecca asked meekly, afraid that Camila would’ve said no, but when she felt arms being wrapped around her, she knew that wasn’t so. When they pulled away it was silent for a moment. “Did you know about me?”

The older sister nodded. “I did. But not for long though. My mom gave me your number, and I just…I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to meet you as yet." 

Becky nodded in understanding. "I get it. When I accidentally met you the first time, it took everything within me to not tell you who I was, but I managed to control myself. I had told my mom that I met you, she was a bit worried that you might’ve I don’t know pissed off on me.”

“Does your mom know you’ve been meeting me all this time?”

The girl shook her head 'no’. “I had to lie about Izzy’s party. She wanted to meet the person who’s party I was going to, but I had to convince her not to. She’s overprotective, for good reasons I guess." 

Camila nodded. She stood and pulled Becky up with her. "To be honest, I always wanted a sister, and I never wanted to have one the way I have you. I have so much going on right now, but I want you to know, that I don’t hate you, nor am I mad at you. I can’t say the same about your mom,” Becky nodded. She can understand why Camila felt the way she did towards her mother, but this was a start. “But, I’m looking forward to having you in my life. In time, I’ll tell Izzy about you and my wife. Possibly even my fans….but not right now." 

Becky smiled. "I get it. I’ll have to ease my mom into this as well. I mean, she and Sinu talk, but she knew how you were when shit went down, so I guess my mom is just a bit skeptical.”

“I should get going though,” Camila glanced at her watch. “It’s almost time for me to pick Izzy up from school. I’ll bring her to the park later. Maybe you can drop by and bring Nugget?" 

Her younger sister nodded. "Yeah. I think I can.”

Camila smiled. “I’ll see you around?”

“You will." 

***

Wattpad: Commander_Camren