#cove you will always be so sweetie. to me

[phosphorlily]

I can't stop doodling herrrr

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Follow You Anywhere 12

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, obsession, controlling behavoiour, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: You’re online existence threatens to leak into your real life.

Characters: Captain Syverson

Note: yuhhhhhh.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Asking for more or putting ‘part 2?’ is not feedback.

Love you all. You are appreciated and your are worthy. Treat yourself with care. 💖

Gulls flap across the cornflower sky. Thin wisps of cloud crest beneath the gemlike sun, shining at you with a blinding gleam. You shield your eyes with your hands as Sy steers along the crooked backroad around the cliffs the face the coast.

Aika pokes her head out between the seats as she sits in the back. She is your only comfort on the long journey to a beach you’ve never been before. 

You don’t ask where you’re going. You wouldn’t know the difference, you only know that most people head to West Cove. You jostle with the truck. The sun reaches its apex. It’s a bit late to just be getting to the beach then. 

Yet, he doesn’t stop. He keeps driving. Around the rocky crags and cliffside, on and on, through the scatter of trees, and past that. You can still see the water but the clock ticks on. 

You sit up, more rigid than ever. You haven’t been able to relax but you’re on edge as you realise how far you’ve gone. How long he’s been at the wheel. 

“Everything okay, sweetie?” He asks. 

“Y-yeah. Um... does Aika need to go?” 

“She’ll let us know, don’t ya worry,” he chuckles. “Pretty, ain’t it? The water?” 

You peer around him as the water now stands at his shoulder. 

“Shouldn’t we be going towards the coast?” You ask. 

“We’ll get there, sweetie,” he assures you. “Just a little further. Didn’t I mention I got a surprise?” 

“Erm, no. A surprise?” 

“Don’t wanna spoil it,” he smiles and runs his hand over his beard.  

You shrink down and go silent. You don’t want to push him. You can’t help but hear the echo of his booming voice and the crack of plaster around his head. No, you won’t do that again. 

You come in sight of a house. The siding is beaten wood, the blue paint chipping away, and there’s a crooked shed around one side. The pillars of the porch are dusted with dirt and the old windows boarded up. A tickle creeps up your spine as Sy steers toward it. 

“Surprise,” he blusters excitedly. 

“Surprise?” You squeak and stare at the house. 

“It’s a beach house,” he proclaims proudly. You don’t have the heart or the courage to extinguish his excitement. Does he not see how decrepit it is? 

“A beach house?” 

“Oh yeah,” he shuts off the engine. “Just us.” 

“Wow,” you breathe. 

He laughs so loud it makes you flinch. He slaps his hand down on your thigh and squeezes, “don’t be so nervous. We’re gonna get it all cleaned up. Won’t take much.” 

“Mhm,” you hum as you look down at his large hand. You gulp and he lets you go. 

He gets out and you look at Aika. Her wet nose touches your cheek. Sy whistles and she hops between the seats and follows him out the open door. You climb out on your side and peer up at the house in dread. 

“Sy, it’s... it’s gonna be dark in a few hours though.” 

“Well, we won’t be driving back now,” he scoffs. “We’re gon’ be here a while. Just you and me. Like a honeymoon or such.” 

Your heart sinks. This man took over your life barely two days ago and he’s talking like you’re married. Worse, you let him bring you out to who knows where. Why hadn’t you been paying attention? 

“I’ll just get it opened up and air it out,” he says as he marches up to the porch. 

You watch him. Stunned. You really can’t believe this. It can’t be real. You scratch your scalp as panic razes through your skin. Aika sits on the steps and you turn back to the truck. You don’t understand... 

You go around the bed of the truck. It’s covered. And locked. You can’t pull it open. 

You hear him stomping before he appears. You quickly move away from the truck and pretend that you’re admiring the wooden bench amid the patchy grass. He calls your name and you turn to him, swallowing your fear down deep. 

“Wanna come see? Got a flashlight.” 

He wiggles the yellow plastic and clicks the button. He hits it to make it turn on. You blow out a breath and nod. You go to him, choked of your voice. 

He waves you ahead of him. You enter as he shines the flashlight around you. There’s furniture draped in sheets and an old cross stitch hung over a chest of drawers. There’s a fire stove that could be a century old and a carpet with fraying edges. You don’t know if this place is forgotten or condemned. 

“Get the boards down, get the dust out, and it’s perfect. Isn’t it?” He purrs as he comes up and puts his arm across your shoulders. 

You wince and nod. He guides you along as he aims the light into the kitchen and the stove that looks right out of a mid-century advert, well maybe if it got a fresh coat of paint. He squeezes you closer and stops. 

“You alright, sweetie? You quiet?” 

“Yes,” you sniff, “y-yeah. Like you said. It’s a surprise.” 

“Now I know you wee probably looking forward to the beach today but we’ll get this place nice and cleaned up and have a good fire. I brought stuff for smores. Heh, another surprise. Then tomorrow, we’ll have the whole day in the sun.” He waves the flashlight around, “you know, it’s not ten minutes walk to the shore. I know a shortcut.” 

“That’s... great,” you eke out. How does he know this place? 

“I’ll get the windows open. How about you pull them sheets off the furniture?” He suggests. 

“Okay,” you agree softly. 

You turn and go back down the hall. Aika watches through the door. You’re trapped here with this mad man and his trained dog. There’s no way out, even if you did know where you are. 

All you can do is distract yourself for as long as you can. Take your time, stay busy. It’s once you have nothing to do that he’ll be able to do anything he wants. 

You work at uncovering all the furniture. Then you find a cloth to dust the surface. Sy tosses the boards from the windows in the yard and you take the straw broom form the corner to sweep the floor. The sky ripples as the sun sets and you work in the dimming haze. 

Sy lights an old lantern, struggling to catch the wick. He leaves it with you as he takes the flashlight. He mutters something and continues into the shadows the hallway. There’s a clatter and Aika taps through the open door with breeze. She stops as her snout points after her owner. 

Thump, thump, thump, thump... the noise whittles off and you look down as you hear noise beneath you. There’s a basement? You wait as Aika keeps vigil, unmoving. You scratch the floor with the bristles as you try to get up as much dirt as you can. 

There’s a crackle and some more creaking. Sy thunders back up the stairs and you look up as he searches the wall. He twists a switch and shuts off the flashlight. The tinted bulbs on the wall light up.  

“Found the generator,” he says. “Look at you. Looks good in here.” 

“Um, yeah,” you continue to brush the floorboards. 

“Should I make up the bed?” He asks coyly. 

You put your head down as you move with the broom, “well, I am getting tired.” 

“Tired...” he mutters. “Mm, sure, but we’re still gonna have a fire, huh? It’s a nice night.” 

You nod, “if that’s what you want.” 

He sighs, “hm, I’ll... I’ll go fix up the bed then.” 

You know he’s disappointed. You’re trying to play along but you’re terrified. As the crickets buzz louder and you hear the forest cracking and swaying, the desolation sets in. Your hopelessness cannot be staved off much longer. 

Mistake after mistake, you can’t help but blame yourself for this. He might be the villain, but you set yourself up. You started that Instagram, you didn’t pay enough attention to security, you spoke to him at the grocery store, and you let him take you home. You let him invade your life and when you finally tried to get him out, it was already too late. 

It is too late. 

You still the broom and squeeze it. You stare at the window. You're lost. Entirely. 

He comes back out and you flinch. You try to shake off your despair. It clings but you make yourself smile. You lean the broom against the wall. 

“Can I help?” You ask. 

“Help, er, sure.” He accepts, “I got some fresh stuff in the truck.” 

He ushers you ahead of him. You go outside and he’s close behind. The keys jangle as he comes up next to you and you walk with him to the bed of the truck. He unlocks it and you nearly collapse. He drags out a large plastic bin. What is all this? It’s like he’s moving... 

How long has he been planning this? 

You step back and blink. You’re woozy with horror. All this stuff, you don’t think he’s planning on leaving. 

“Ah, this one,” he drags out another container. “Got the sheets in there.” 

He lifts the big blue bin and you take another step back. You shake your head as you stagger around dumbly. He doesn’t notice as he hauls the container in his arms toward the porch. 

“Be a sweetie and get the door,” he says. 

“No,” you wisp and clear your throat. “No,” you say loud as you stumble back. “No, no!” 

You shake your head as he turns to you, his face contorted in confusion. You spin and nearly trip over your own feet. You burst into a sprint. You’re not thinking. It’s purely your body moving on fear alone. 

You pump your arms and lift your knees, heading for the spatter of trees. They aren’t thick enough to hide you completely but you might be able to weave around fast enough to lose him. And then... 

Then... 

You don’t know. All you know is that you have to keep going. You can hear him. His footsteps crush through the twigs as he hollers, “Aika.” 

He whistles as you puff shallowly through the pain in your chest. Go, go, go. It isn’t fair. It’s two against one. 

You get past the first few trees as you hear his next order but don’t understand it. It’s in that other language. You’re hit from behind, a toppling force that sends you onto your stomach. You land painfully in the dirt as Aika stands on your back and growls in your ear. 

“Aika, please. You’re a good girl,” you plead, “Aika, off! Aika--” 

“She don’t know English,” Sy snarls as stomps up behind you and kicks your foot.  

You whimper and drop your head down. Your stomach, knees, arms, hands, legs, even your cheeks are scraped from your fall to earth. And fall you did. Back to reality. 

“Please,” you snivel. “Please, Sy. Take me home. I’m scared.” 

He sighs and snaps his fingers. Aika quiets and hops off of you. She turns as she stands by your head and Sy approaches you from behind. He pulls you up and turns you to face him. 

“You are home, sweetie,” he grits through his teeth. 

You pout and shake your head, “no, Sy. Why? Why are you doing this to me?” 

“Doing what?” His forehead wrinkles and his eyes dull. “I’m takin’ care of ya. What do ya mean?” 

“But... we can’t stay out here.” 

“Why not?” 

You stare up into his eyes. They’re empty. Like before. Like when he went rabid. You squirm and grab at his thick fingers. 

“Because,” you exclaim. “I don’t know you.” 

He winces and blinks. His throat bobs as his head tilts back and forth. He squeezes your shoulders and huffs, “no, no, you know me.” 

“I don’t,” you whine. “I don’t know you.” 

“You do. You do.” He insists. “You spoke to me. You smiled at me. Every night.” 

Your lip quivers and your tears overflow, “Sy,” you sniffle, “Sy, you... you... you’re not a bad guy, you’re just confused. Please, I know you don’t want to hurt me so take me home.” 

He closes his eyes and sucks in through his nose. His chest rumbles and he his breath out slow. His lashes lift. His pupils swallow up his irises. You shiver at the pools of black. 

“Captain,” he snarls. “I am your Captain.” 

[fangirlfrom-hell]

The Funeral || Jay and Will Halstead x Halstead Sister

*re-posting this because I'm stupid and accidentaly delated my blog 🫠 (I'm so relieved I found this one)

One of my hamsters passed away early in the morning and it was a bit dramatic. He died of old age, he was 2 and a half years. I've been crying all single day, nonstop. I was also planning on going out to skate this afternoon, but I couldn't. I wrote this thinking about him, of course. Ugh, I'm way to affected by this. I hope you read this story until the very end.

Even when he was profundly asleep and deep into his dreams, Jay's eyes snapped open and jumped when he visualized the face of his sister very, very close to him.

-"Jay". She kept repeating and moving him by the shoulder. Her eyes were red and her tiny face all wet, but it was hard to notice. It was dawn and the sunbeams coming through the window weren't that strong to illuminate the room.

Still half asleep and feeling confused, Jay couldn't do anything but blink fast and rub his face trying to wake up. It was until Becca talked again that he noticed she was crying.

-"Jay, something's wrong with Gus".

He put on his shirt and next thing he was leaning towards the hamster's cage.

-"See? He doesn't move".

Indeed, the small orange animal was still in one of the corners, his heavy breathing was notorious because the sides of his belly were moving very fast. His black eyes were almost closed. Jay had the idea to give the rodent a sunflower seed, but he didn't take it even when it was his favorite treat.

-"How old is he, Becc? I don't recall when you adopted him"

-"About two years old...I got it when mom got sick".

He turned to look at his sister with a bit of pity in his eyes. He didn't know a lot about hamsters, but it was sure that two years was a very advanced age for these kind of pets.

-"Alright. Let me search a bit, maybe we can find a clue about what's going on with Gus". He reassured the girl by touching her shoulder and went back to the couch to pick up his phone. The clock marked 6:20am, too early to take it to tje vet. He googled whatever came to his mind: Why is my hamster breathing very fast? or My hamster is struggling to move and also How to know if my hamster is dying. He scanned a lot of articles gathering any information that could be useful for the case.

-"Becc, it says it could be something about abrupt temperature changes..."

-"But he-- is always warm-- enough". She managed to say between sobs.

-"Right. Um, I don't think it would hurt to put something like a small blanket in his cage. Wait--". He dissappeared into his room and after a lot of noises came back with a sock in his hands: "Here. This might help". His hopes were very low, but it was worth trying.

Gus simply didn't heed about the sock. Instead, he tried to move around the cage, stumbling with each object on it. He tried to climb his little house-castle, but failed. He kept walking, struggling to move his hind legs, until he fell over the plate of food. Instinctively, Becca tenderly took him out of there.

-"Jay, he's very cold". She sniffled, getting more upseat as seconds passed. The girl placed the hamster in the table, but this time he couldn't even hold himself up. "Jay!" Becca cried loud.

Her brother knew that was the final sign: Gus was going to die and there was nothing to do about it. He grabbed the animal putting his both hands together. There, the hamster began to take his last breaths, which was a very hard scene for Becca to witness.

There was only one way of saying, the fastest the better: "Sweetie, Gus is dying".

She knew it, but was unable to say a word. Jay passed the little body to his sister and it gave the last breath in her little hands. Immediatly, Becca seeked for her brother's arms and started bawling.

The first rays of sunlight began to enter through the window and dimly illuminated the rodent.

-"He--looks so--beutiful--and in--peace". She sobbed still attached to the detective.

-"Yes, he does. But we should cover him, Becc. Just let me..." He released his sister for an instant and procedeed to tenderly put the hamster inside of the sock.

-"We are going to bury him...".

-"Of course".

Becca started weeping once more, her feelings were very volatile : "...make a funeral and all. Gus deserves it. Call Will, he should be here too".

-"I'll tell you what. Later we'll go out to buy a plant and a cute flowerpot to bury him in there, it will be as a new home for him. We can leave it in the window and that way you will always be close to him. But right now is still too early and you really need to rest". He tucked her hair behind her ears to clear her face. He also tried to wipe the tears, but there were so many more comming out of her big eyes.

The two siblings sat in the living room couch. Becca settled her head on her brother's chest and quicky fall asleep, snnifling from time to time. Jay sent a text to Will before threwing his head back to rest.

It was already the evening. The colorful flowerpot and the suculent cactus Becca chose for Gus were placed on the table, right next to his cage. Even when the hamster was covered inside of the sock, the little girl couldn't help to cry whenever she saw the spot. Actually, her crying had been intermittent along the whole day, something notorious in her pink puffed eyes and pronounced baggy eyes.

The name Hailey Upton appeared on Jay's phone screen and he twisted his mouth as soon as he read the text:

See you later?

The whole Intelligence unit was going to gather at Molly's and he had forgotten about it. He wasn't in the mood, anyway. Jay was also feeling a bit down, not so much for the animal, but for his sister. They were very attached, so it was easy for him to absorb and be affected by her amotions. It was also important for him to stay by her side, he felt it was his responsability to make her feel secure. So it wasn't hard to answer back to his girlfriend:

I have to organize and attend a funeral.

By the time the sunset came, the orange rays of sun trespassing the windows gave a touch of solemnity to the atmosphere. Becca was wearing a formal black dress and shiny shoes of the same color. Jay put on the clothes he would usually wear for a trial day, only without a necktie. When Will arrived to his brother's appartment, he noticed his little sisters' glassy eyes from the distance and walked right straight to hug her: "I'm sorry, Becc. I know how much you cared for Gus".

-"He was my friend". She stated with a lump in her throat.

-"Alright. We should start".

The three Halstead siblings positioned themselves in front of the cage. Becca was in the middle, half a step in front of her brothers. Will fixed his necktie while Jay lit a candle, it was a touching scene to see them this united. Becca was about to start speaking, but got interrupted by the doorbell.

-"That's weird"Jay frowned: "Hold on a sec".

Confusion was evident in his countenance when he opened the door and saw Hailey and Trudy Platt on the other side.

-"Hey! Sorry to interrupt". Hailey started talking in a low voice: "Everybody was asking for you at the bar and when I told them why you couldn't go, well...we decided to come over".

The rest of the detectives started to arrive ony by one from the side of the hallway.

-"I hope we're not late, bro". Kevin said as soon as he showed up.

-"Not at all. We were actually about to start". Jay fully opened the door to let them all in: "Becc, you have visits".

Platt was carrying three boxes in her hands: "I brought cinnamon rolls for the outcome".

-"And I got everything to prepare hot chocolate". Kim passed with a bag in her hands: "Hot chocolate eases the pain". She winked to her friend.

Becca's lower lips started quivering, she was moved by the presence of her brother's friends. Even Hank Voight attended the ceremony and shared some words with the grieving girl: "I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure it was a great pet".

-"He was, indeed". The youger sibling muttered with puffy eyes.

Adam, Kim, Kevin, Platt, Voight and Hailey gathered around the cage, standing up around the Halsteads ready to start the funeral.

Becca cleared her throat before her speech, but it didn't help at all to her shaky voice and chocked sobs: "Gus--you were named-- after the mouse from Cinderella. Mom--helped me picked your name--because it was our favorite movie". After the mention of their mother, Will squeezed her shoulder. -"You were always there--for me--during good and--hard times. You always made me feel a--ccompanied even during the time I was a--lone. You al--ways helped me re--member my mommy". Jay and Will shared a painful look. -"Thank--you for listening to--me at all ti--messs, for kee-ping my se-crets, and ta--king away my so--rrow. I don't know wh--what I'm gonna do with--out you in my room, it will be so emp--ty. I fffffeel empty. You were so--good to me, I just hope I--was good for you too. I hope you had a good life, I did my-- best. I--already miss you so--much. Now my mommy--will take care of you. I'm sure she miss-ed you. I--love you and I al--ways will". She ended with an attack of hiccups.

The room was in complete dead silence. Burgess was swallowing hard trying to avoid the tears to roll down her cheeks. On the other hand, Hailey being closer to the family, couldn't avoid it. Voight was standing with his hands on his pockets staring at the floor, Kevin next to the boss with his crossed arms and tight lips. Everyone in the room was touched in a way by the little Haltead speech.

After a few seconds of pause, Becca turned yo face Jay, who was freezed, deep into his toughts.

-"It's time to..."

-"Sure, sorry". He opened the cage and fondly took the hamster out to carefully place him inside of his new spot.

Becca got closer and grabbed some soil with a hand shovel to start burying him, but she paralyzed at the image of her little orange friend wrapped in the sock already half buried. She stared at her brother and slowly moved her head from one side to another, saying no.

-"Do you want me to do it?" He asked already proceeding.

Silent tears quickly transformed into a strong bawling for Becca. Will rushed to hug her and she hid her face in his shirt, leaving it all wet.

When Jay finished planting the cactus over the buried body, he opened the jar of sunflower seeds and took one tu put it over the fresh soil of the tumb: "Thank you, Gus, for taking care of our sister". He said outloud, from the bottom of his heart. He knew the hamster was important for her, but he never imagined how much.

-"Yes, thank you very much". Will followed his brother's idea and then passed the jar to Becca. The girl kissed the seed before leaving it in the place. The dynamic was supposed to stop there, but Hailey affectionately took the jar from the girl's hands and made it roll until every single person in the room did the same gesture.

With the ceremony being over, everybody got comfortable and found a place to sit between the kitchen chairs and the small living room. Becca sat in the sofa, laying over Jay who was holding her as tight as he could. She was physically devastated and tired, her big eyes looked small after all the crying, some silent tears were still rolling eventually.

Hailey was sitting on the other side, with her hand touching her leg as a soothing gesture: "You took good care of him, you shouldn't doubt it. He had a very long life for a hamster".

-"Now he's a plant" Her voice was broken and raspy: "And he has a new little house".

Every now and then, Jay and Will crossed their eyes and stared at each other for a fragment of seconds. It was enough to know they were affected by her sister's words and the mention of their mother, the same ideas going around their minds, meaning they would have a conversation as soon as they find themselves alone.

Trudy, with a cinnamon roll in her hand, bent to be at Becca's height and offered the piece of bread: "I know you like these a lot". Her smile was so warm it would melt the poles.

Following Platt, Kim stretched her hand with a mug of hot chocolate: "And this will help to ease your heartache, trust me".

Thanks for reading. If you liked it, it would help my soul if you give it a like, comment or share. 😌♡

♡ A video of my buddy happily moving his whiskers, because I want you all to have this mental image of Gus (Altough his name wasn't it):

[differenteagletragedy]

Hello, are your requests open? If so, do you have any hcs/thoughts on Cove with a shy mc that works in the aquarium as a professional mermaid? Like, how he found out, how he feels about it- (how his dreams at night change after this revelation lmao)

If not, then please don't mind this request! Thank you for all the fics that you wrote, they bring a smile to my face every time you upload❤️

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to youuuu

This is extra sweet because it's a shy MC! Bless these little babies.

-- If you're shy, then it probably took a lot for you to go for this job, good for you! So since this would be a bit unexpected probably the best way to tell Cove would be to surprise him.

-- You line everything up, sneak off to training, and on your first day you just tell Cove that you should meet at the aquarium! Even if you live with him at this point lol, you can't go together, you've got some errands to run, your moms need help with something, whatever. It's ok to fib for the first part because it's for a surprise!

-- But he is a little sweetie who will do anything for you, so sure, he'll meet you there! You tell him to meet by one of the big tanks, the ones where those mermaids are sometimes. He is very down for that.

-- Mermaids are a thing for you and Cove, they always have been. You talked about them when you were little, when he got his cast off sometimes you'd play mermaids when you went to the beach. You still played mermaid sometimes if we are being honest. They're his favorite mythological creature, obviously. He's gotten you little gifts with mermaids on them.

-- So he gets to the spot and you're not there yet, that's fine, he'll just watch the mermaids! Oh look, there's a new mermaid! That's cool OH MY GOD IT'S YOU

-- Jaw dropped, eyes wide, he better not have been holding anything because it would be on the floor. Because there you are with a FANCY MERMAID TAIL in the AQUARIUM and there are FISH swimming with you and why is this everything he never knew he always needed.

-- Just total awe for this whole part. And like he'll think it's hot too, come on.

-- But he is so proud of you! What a neat job, and way to step outside your comfort zone! He'll have a billion questions about how you got the job, what made you want to do it, can you play with the fish, can he touch your tail, etc.

-- He wouldn't think to do it the first time, he'd be too amazed, but eventually he'll start taking so many pictures and he'll look at them a lot. Just very very often.

-- He will also tell anyone who will listen (actually listening is not a requirement) that you're his partner.

Cove: See that mermaid right there? The prettiest one? They're with me.

Toddler who didn't ask for this: I LIKE ARIEL

Cove: *smug smirk* Yeah she's pretty cool too.

-- Lol not his dreams

-- He may have looked up how mermaids hook up and then deleted his entire search history over and over, tossed all those cookies straight in the trash. If you ever found out somehow, he would deny it until he's on his deathbed, then he would deny it again with his last breath.

-- Ok so I'm not super sure on this one but I thought about it and want to throw it out there: what if Cove gets a tattoo of a mermaid for you? Not like with your face or anything, but maybe it's got your hair color or the tail is the same color as the one you wore.

[mochidreambubble]

From Golden Grove, Love Sunset Bird

Ao3 version here

previous - next

Two: Now and Forever Step 1 Prologue ~ Pretty Smiles, Pretty Words

Dear Mermaid of Sunset Bird,

Sorry for making you wait so long for my letter. I really miss getting letters from you too, so know one of the first things I’m doing is writing to you. 

<A polaroid photo of Golden Grove, stuck to the letter with small maple leaf stickers>

It’s pretty right? I was nervous, since Mama said it’s so different from our last home in the city, but everything here feels like it’s right out of a storybook. I’m still just a tiny bit nervous. I left all my friends behind. I still have Mama, but…

Kids my age already have friend groups right? What if no one wants me to play with them…

I’m glad I have you at least. I wish you were here. I wish I could go to Sunset Bird! I want to meet you! I want to meet Cove! I know so much about him, but it’s different when you meet face to face! 

Mama says I should think of this as an adventure, like in my favourite books, but

-

“Sweetie! Come over and take a look.”

You stop writing and stand back up from your crouch, clipboard securely in your arms again, your camera dangling from your neck, and you rush over to Mama’s side. You place your clipboard, the half written letter securely collapsed, and gently place it atop one of the carry on bags on the porch. Good thing too, as Mama starts insisting you explore. Tempting of course, as you’d bet you’d take some pretty nifty pictures. Mama also always has good reasons for suggesting things. 

Maybe Mama just had magic, or could see the future. For it led to a mystery of a paper plane thrown your way. Gave you a bit of a shock. Mama considered it a mystery, one you were obviously up to ask for. It was just like your Stony Girls or Herlock Sholmes mystery novels! 

You take snapshots of the forest path, the beautiful colours of fall. A crossroad, a choice to make. 

A boy named like the season, the prettiest person you’ve seen.

A sparkly surprise from a very pretty girl!

You think there has to be some kind of record for meeting very pretty people back to back.

The boy, Qiu or Autumn - he said both were fine right? - was a funny kid but he was also a bit… Airheaded? No, not quite right. Scatterbrained? Who’s to say? 

“Next time I’m not gonna tell you about it…”

Definitely. You were so totally not gonna tell him about lost pages. (A lie, of course. Not that you would know it just yet.)

Qiu smiles, in the way only someone who breathed and lived confidence could. Smug even?

“I don’t know about that,” He grins, hands casually supporting the back of his head. “You seem really nice. You’d help me out again. Thanks.”

The girl - with such a pretty name!! - Tamarack, made you really curious. She lived with her Omi and Opa - her grandparents. You never know what it was like to live without your Mama…

But she was so sparkly and bright you couldn't help but feel drawn to her. And she said she liked the earmuffs your Mama got for you! So she was a certified good bean in your book~

You tell your Mermaid Friend as much, as you huddle in your sleeping bag. You hesitate, for a moment, to tell them about the weird butterflies you get when you see Qiu. It’s different from the sparkling joy you know you have when you think Tamarack may be your first gal pal in Golden Grove. 

It’s kind of confusing I guess. Maybe you have words of wisdom, oh Mermaid of the Sunset Seas.

(You decide to tell them after all.)

Anywhoosies ;3 

Write to me soon! I miss hearing from you. Let me know if you want me to send you a postcard next time instead. I think I may find some pretty ones.

Love,

Golden Grove~ (Because yay!!! Mama and I officially moved in!!)

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Hi, this might be a crazy request but since you asked for something platonic. Could you maybe write something where reader is a lonely siblingless kid and has three imaginary friends that are Jade, floyd and azul? For an example the parents see there child come home with all these toys despite only giving them 10 dollars and they ask if she stole them and there child just responds "no azul told me what to say to the sales clerk so I got these for 10 dollars but he keeps telling me to sell them!"

Ooh, this is a really fun idea ✨ so I took it and ran with it~

This prompt almost perfectly describes what I was like as a kid AHAHAHAH so it hits close to home... I hope others are able to relate, too.

***Mild spoilers for Dorm Floyd’s personal stories~***

Imagine this...

From a young age, the sea had always resonated with you.

There was something so calming about it--its depth, its expansiveness, the way light caught and sparkled on its surface. The waters were comforting in a way that human company never was. With no siblings and few friends to call your own, the sea was your solace--the thing that set your heart at ease.

The moon, like a pearl, an eye, in the sky, watched over you as you wandered along the shore, waves gently lapping at your ankles. Sand squishing between your toes, the chill of water delighting you. You clung to your mother and father’s hands that night, letting them guide you through the darkness, illuminated only by a silvery glow.

“Do you know why they call this beach Mermaid’s Cove?” your mother asked, pursing a finger to her lips. “They say that you can hear strange singing at midnight. That’s when the merfolk come out to make music.”

“Really?” Your eyes sparkled with wonder. “Do you think we’ll see some mermaids today? I wanna meet one.”

“We know you do, kiddo,” your father sighed. He gave you a playful ruffle on the head, messing up your sweat and sea-slicked hair. “But your mother and I worry that you’re a little lonely. You need to get your head out of clouds... uh, water... and make some friends outside of your imagination, too.”

“It’s not just my imagination. Merpeople are real, and I’m gonna be one when I grow up!” You prodded a seashell buried in the sand with a foot. “I’ll make a deal with the sea witch and get a magic potion, and when I drink it, I’ll grow scales and gills and a tail.”

“Then we’ll have to move you to an aquarium,” your mother joked, giving your small hand a squeeze. “And you won’t be able to hug all your sea creature plushies--they’ll get soaked if we try to bring them to you.”

“I’ll play with them by the water, then! I’ll keep’m dry!”

“Will we have to feed you sushi every day, too?” your father asked, wagging a finger teasingly. “Raw seafood? And get you seashells for your hair?”

“Yeah!! I’ll eat sushi and raw seafood and seaweed. I’ll wear all the fishy fashions, with seashells and coral! I’ll...” Your voice trailed off.

In the distance, a faint sound skipped across the waves to greet your ears. It was soft at first, a few notes that gradually evolved into an expertly woven melody. Slow and a little sorrowful, a song of ruin and rebirth.

Your heart skipped a beat, excited and aching at the same time. You tore away from your parents to dash out toward the waters, kicking up sand in your wake.

The sea was an azure blue, fading into jade at some points, and frothing with foam, a mixture of whites and pale greys. You squinted, and there it was. A crash, a splash--and a flash of a slender fin.

A fish, or...?

“Sweetie, wait...! Where are you going...?”

“I hear the mermaids!” you called back to them, pointing out into the sea. “They’re out there, and they’re putting on a special concert for us! Look, look! I just saw one of them diving back under!”

Your mother and father stared dubiously out into the waves, then at each other.

“... I think it’s well past your bed time now, dear. We should head back to the cabin and tuck you in for the night,” your mother murmured, slipping her hand back into yours.

“But mom...! I’m awake, I really, really am! I saw them, I know I did!”

“Your mother is right. Come along, now. The mermaids aren’t going anywhere. You can... see them again another day.” Your father patted you firmly on the back.

“But what if they do go somewhere?”

“[Full Name]. You heard your mother. Let’s go. We’ll return in the morning.”

“Awww, fine.”

You allowed your parents to herd you back, stomping dejectedly in the sand all the while, leaving your tiny footprints behind. You grumbled under your breath, something about how stinky stupid this whole thing was, and how you had longed to listen to the music for longer. The watchful eye of the night sky followed you and your tantrum.

“It’s not fair,” you muttered. “Not fair at all.”

“You should work on your negotiation skills, little one,” advised a dulcet voice.

A young man had emerged at the water’s edge, striding alongside you and your parents at a brisk pace. He was dressed in glasses, some kind of a fancy suit, and a hat, a scarf and jacket hanging off of his shoulders and trailing behind him. His locks were the color of moonlight, and his eyes, the sea itself.

Neither of your parents reacted to the young man--yet you could hear him, could see him, quite clearly.

“Knee-go-shee-ah-tions?” you whispered, your eyes swelled with confusion. “What’s that?”

“What he means,” cut in another smooth voice, “is that you have much to learn in the way of speaking up for yourself. Ah, but there will be plenty of time for that.”

Another stranger had appeared, bending at the hip and bowing to you as you passed. He wore a similar suit to the first person, though his coat was entirely buttoned up, and his bowtie perfectly affixed against his collarbone. A single earring, comprised of three diamond-shaped scales, dangled from his left ear, twinkling teal in the moonlight. He raised his sharp eyes to yours, revealing one olive, one gold--and a stripe of black against turquoise hair, cropped short.

“Ahahah~ I can’t wait to play with you some more,” added a third in a singsong. “They’re so small, but feisty, too! Just like a little shrimp. Hey, that’s what I’ll call you from now on, okay? Little Shrimp.”

You tilted your head--and there was a spitting image of the second stranger. His coat hung open, and his bowtie was undone, shirt not fully buttoned. He walked along with hands shoved in his pockets, lips turned up in a toothy grin and downturned eyes creased with glee. A stripe of black hair ran along his right side, along with his earring and the golden orb of his eye.

“Who are you guys?”

“Us?” The three of them shared a knowing smile--unseen and unheard by your mother and father. “Why, we’re your new friends.”

The house always felt empty when your parents were away at work. They often fretted, filling your room with more stuffed animals than you could count to keep you company. When those could no longer hold your attention, your father had returned one day with a plastic bag filled with water and a big, fat goldfish. Its tank was mounted in the living room, where you could make faces at it for hours on end until the front door swung open, and your parents paraded in.

Day 3 of goldfish watching, and you were already bored out of your mind.

You puffed up your cheeks and stuck out your tongue, blowing a raspberry at the fish. It gaped at you blankly, mouth opening and closing to let bubbles escape.

“You’re not very interesting,” you told it, tapping the glass accusingly. You wore a frown as you laid your cheek upon your arm, eyes slowly following your pet as it floated around aimlessly.

“Mm? Is Goldfishy boring you, Little Shrimp?”

You craned your head, finding Floyd to have plopped himself down beside you. He mimicked your motions, smushing his own cheek against his arm--but he wore a mischievous grin rather than a frown.

“That’s not his name! I called him Riddle, so you’ve gotta call him Riddle, too.”

“What kinda name is Riddle? Goldfishy makes way more sense.”

“That’s a silly name! Riddle is already a goldfish, so naming him Goldfishy is repeating. It makes no sense.”

“Riddle makes about just as much sense if you ask me.”

“You make no sense, Floyd!”

“Ehehehe. Where’s the fun in making sense?” He threw his head back and laughed. It sounded raspy, and on the verge of crazed, but there was still a musical quality to it that you liked.

“You stink at coming up with names,” you declared stubbornly. “You call a goldfish Goldfishy but you call me a Little Shrimp when I’m not even a shrimp!”

“It’s cuz you’re so teeny tiny,” Floyd cackled, flicking you on the forehead, “like a shrimp. I’d like to see you try to come up with something better.”

“I can.”

“Then...” He displayed two rows of dagger-like teeth. “What would you call me if I wasn’t already ‘Floyd’?”

Your answer was instantaneous: “Shark.”

“Eeeeh? You picked such a scary one. Am I scary to you, Little Shrimp?” Floyd leaned in a bit, his large form casting an ominous shadow over you. His smile remained lazy and laid back. “If you’re not careful with what you say, I might just gobble you up for lunch~”

At once, you leapt onto your feet, emboldened by his words. “Nuh-uh! Bet you can’t catch me in the first place!”

“Bet’cha I can,” Floyd retorted, hauling himself up to his full, imposing height--over 190 cm, easily towering over your puny form. “Sharks are fast swimmers! I’ll get you in no time at all.”

You looked at Floyd, then at his legs. Long and lithe, almost like a mermaid’s tail, split down the middle. You didn’t doubt his claim for one second.

... Which was exactly why you raised a leg and kicked him right in the shins as hard as you possibly could.

Floyd howled in surprise and doubled over, clutching at his knees--and with that head start, you made a run for it. His maniacal laughter carried after you as you raced down the hallway. "Ahahahah! That was a dirty trick you pulled, Little Shrimp!! I’m going to punish you when I get my hands on you...!!”

You skidded around a corner and scrambled into your bedroom, leaving the door hanging open so as to not draw suspicion to yourself. With a squeak, you dove under your bed and lodged yourself into its dark depths. You slapped your hands over your mouth to muffle your panting, and instructed yourself to stay still.

Sharks can smell fear, can’t they?

You inhaled shakily.

This was your safe haven, your undersea lair, as you called it. You had spent countless hours pretending to brew potions and tending to an anemone garden here, tucked away from the rest of the world. A familiar warmth swept over you, slowing your racing heart.

Stomp, stomp.

You could see Floyd in the distance--his polished shoes clicking against the flooring, and his funny striped socks. He made a great show out of checking every door, knocking at first, waiting a few moments, and then kicking the door down with a powerful foot.

To your horror, he quickly made his way to your bedroom. The merman paused at the threshold to knock.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are!! Uncle Floyd just wants to have a little talk!” He cried out, voice tinged with a bit of madness. “If you give up now, I promise I’ll squeeze you gently!”

No reply came.

“Ohhhkaaaay, looks like we’re gonna have to do this the hard way!”

Floyd prowled in, sweeping to stick his head in your closet, your toy chest, even in your desk drawers. He made a full round, stopping just short of your hiding spot. If you reached out, you could touch his foot.

Your heart caught in your throat, and your hands clamped down harder than ever around your mouth. A frantic mantra repeated in your head. Don’t look under the bed, don’t look under the bed, don’t look under the bed...!!

“... ‘Kay, I guess you’re not here!”

And with that, Floyd spun around and his heel and bolted out.

Huh? You blinked, flabbergasted. Had you done it? Had you outsmarted the shark?

You held your breath, letting a few seconds pass, then cautiously poked your head out from under the bed. You shimmied, carefully wiggling your body out from down under. Bit by bit, you crawled your way out of the undersea cavern.

Then came the harsh tug at your ankles, yanking you back into the darkness.

You shrieked as you sailed backwards, limbs flailing in desperation. You kicked and punched at the air, but to little avail. Try as you might to fight against the monster from the deep, its grip held tight like a vice grip.

A familiar shadow loomed overhead as you came out on the other end of the bed. The shadow of a shark.

“Caught you,” Floyd announced giddily. “Ehehe. You’ve been pretty bad lately, Little Shrimp--so for your punishment, I’m gonna tickle you until your stomach hurts!! Prepare yourself~”

“Drink up, Flowey!” you chirped, tipping your watering can, heavy with water, to grant a refreshing drink to a bed of flowers.

(Once, you had called repetitive names stupid, but thanks to Floyd’s influence, you practically named everything after what it actually was. Was it a blessing or a curse? Perhaps both.)

While your parents were away, you looked after yourself at home--doing your homework, amusing yourself, even taking care of a few household chores. You had taken up “gardening” recently, if only because it was an excuse to be near some water. Hosing down the plants was great fun (until mother warned you you’d drown the poor things), so now you made it a habit of watering them a bit in the afternoons.

You set the watering can down and stepped back to admire your work. Flowey now glistened with fat droplets upon its petals, its soil soaking up its midday drink. “Grow up big and strong,” you whispered, patting its petals.

Of course, the flower did not answer--but you liked to think that it was nodding along to your wish.

“... [Name]-san? Ah, so this is where you were.”

Your ears perked up. Glancing over your shoulder, you found Jade perched on the backyard porch, hands dutifully clasped in front of him.

“What a good child you are, assisting your parents with looking after the garden,” he mused, striding over. Though shorter than Floyd by a few centimeters, Jade still towered over you. It was only when he crouched down that he was able to meet you at eye level. “How are the plants faring today?”

“They’re doing really good!”

“Well. They are doing really well,” he corrected.

“They’re doing really well!” you parroted back. “Maybe one day they’ll be even bigger than you and Floyd!”

“Fufufu. Will they, now? I look forward to that day, then.” Jade’s mismatched eyes glimmered with anticipation. “With all of these flowers and herbs you’re cultivated here... When the time comes to harvest, you will have a bounty on your hands.”

"Yeah! Mom and dad can make something really good with the herbs. And we’ll have fresh flowers to make the dinner table pretty!” You giggled, pleased with yourself. “We might get an apple tree, and plant some potatoes too, so we can have even more food from home.”

Jade nodded, his eyes carefully tracing the perimeter of your fenced-off garden. He tucked a hand, fingers curled, under his chin. “... Have you considered adding fungi as well?”

“Fun-guy?”

“Mushrooms.”

“Don’t mushrooms grow in icky places?” You grimaced, wrinkling your nose. “I don’t wanna eat something that grows in caves and between my toes.”

Jade chuckled. “They are more than just a means of nourishing oneself. Mushrooms can be used for poison medicine as well. Some can glow in the dark, some create their own ‘ink’, some change color... They are fascinating. What’s more, mushrooms can enrich the soil and make it easier for your other plants to grow.”

“They can?” you gasped, a hand flying to your mouth.

“Yes. You wished for your flowers to grow as tall as myself and Floyd one day, correct? Mushrooms can assist you in that endeavor.”

“Wow, are they magic or something?”

“Fufu. You could say that, yes.” Jade grinned from ear to ear. “But if you wish to see this ‘magic’ for yourself, then I would highly suggest investing in some mushrooms of your own. Do bring it up to your mother and father when you next discuss plans for the backyard.”

“Okay! I’ll do that!”

“Responsible and obedient. My, your parents must be so proud of you, [Name]-san,” he cooed, reaching out and running hand through your hair.

“... I dunno.” Your voice was small in the shaded garden. “They look at me funny sometimes. Dad says my head’s full of water, and mom worries that I don’t have friends from class.”

“... Is that so?” Jade’s smile turned sympathetic. “I suppose it is only natural for parents to be concerned for their child. However, in my humble opinion, there is nothing wrong with being considered an odd duck.”

“There isn’t?” A touch of hope honied your tone.

“Oddity is what gives the world its flavor, its spice. If we were all exactly alike, life would be quite dull to experience. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yeah, but...” You bit your lower lip. “My classmates don’t like odd. I get picked last for sports and group projects. They don’t want to play with me during recess. I’m always alone.”

“It is their loss--but you need not fear. You are not without friends. You have myself, Azul, and Floyd now, yes? We are your friends, and we enjoy your oddity.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

You fell silent, letting his words stir around in your head.

“... Thanks, Jade. I feel a little better now.”

“I am glad to hear it.” He rose to his full height and offered a gloved hand. “If you are finished tending to the plants, might I invite you inside for a snack? Your parents have left a platter of fresh fruit for you in the fridge. There are apples, bananas, oranges, and a berry medley.”

“Can’t I have cookies instead?”

Jade’s smile widened. “Most certainly not.”

“You’re no fun!! Floyd lets me eat cookies for snack time.”

“Floyd and I are not one and the same. You may say what you will, but I am merely doing my part to help maintain your health. Were you to be malnourished, I would not nearly have the same amount of amusement that I currently enjoy.”

“What does that even mean?”

“I wouldn’t concern yourself with it.” Jade placed a hand on the small of your back and gently ushered you indoors. “Come now--right this way. I will fetch you your fruit, in addition to some granola and a cup of low-fat yogurt. After all... What are friends for?”

You folded your arms, squinting down at the stacks of homemade play money spread out before you. Each “coin” was a haphazard circle with a number scrawled in the center, and each “bill” was colored in crayon and boasted crudely drawn mermaids or fish in the center. Seated across from you on the floor was Azul, his arms also crossed, patiently waiting for your answer.

“Let me repeat the question again to refresh your memory,” he suggested. “If I purchase the rights to the Mystery Drink from the Mystery Shop for 100 madol, tax included, then resell it at the Mostro Lounge for 1500 madol a glass, not yet including a 20% tip and a 8% tax, how much profit do I stand to make for each sale of the Mystery Drink?”

“You’re making it too hard, Azul!” you squeaked in protest. 

“I am challenging your intellect,” he insisted, pushing his glasses up. “Now then, your response?”

“I like you better when we’re playing board games. Even Monopoly’s better than this.”

“Your response, if you please.”

“My response is that you’re a meanie!!” you cried, shoving a handful of play bills and coins at him with a loud huff.

He glanced at the amount--quickly calculating the sum in his head--then grinned down at you. “That is correct. Well done. I knew you had it in you--all you needed was a little push in the right direction.”

“Hmph! You’re still a meanie.”

“This is the thanks I receive for helping you get ahead of your studies in math? How cruel of you, [Name]-san,” Azul sighed dramatically, bringing a hand to his forehead. “And here I thought you would be more grateful for my services... especially after I assisted you in cutting a deal with that toy vendor. Sob, sob, sob...”

“Liar. I can tell you’re fake crying!”

“Oh dear, it seems like I’ve been caught and foiled again. What ever shall I do?”

You laughed, chucking the rest of the fake money at him. “Make it up to me by getting me a Mystery Drink! I want to drink some, too!”

“As you wish, dear customer.” Azul swiftly collected all the bills and coins, tucking them away into an inner pocket of his jacket. “Shall we make the trip to the kitchen together to pour you that drink?”

“Yeah! Let’s go!” You eagerly hopped to your feet and trailed after Azul.

Click clack. Each step he took was accompanied by his walking stick snapping against the floor. Sharp and resounding in the long, empty corridors of your house.

You stared up at him quizzically.

“Azul, are you old?”

“Old?” He made a face. “Older than you, yes, but no older than the twins. By month, the twins are actually considered to be older than me.”

“You act a lot older. Plus, you’ve got this cane, and glasses, and grey hair!” you pointed out.

“I beg your pardon? For your information, this is no cane. This is a magical staff. One wave—” Azul pantomimed sparkles shooting through the air with a wiggle of his fingers. “—and I can make all your dreams a reality.”

“Can you make yourself real? And Jade and Floyd, too.”

“... That, I’m afraid, is simply not possible.” Azul glanced away, his expression solemn.

“You lied to me again.”

“Only if you consider us to be dreams. You’re very much awake right now, aren’t you? So technically, it was no lie.”

“Sneaky sneak!!”

Azul laughed. “Pay attention to wording, and you can find loopholes and grey areas in nearly anything. That is what makes for a skilled negotiator and debater.”

“You said something like that at Mermaid’s Cove.” You bounced on your tip-toes. “Have I gotten better since then?”

A sly smile. “Perhaps.”

“Geez, just gimme a clear answer!!”

Your banter continued as you crossed the threshold into the kitchen. Seated at the dining table, your father, newspaper in hand, and your mother with a cup of coffee. Sunday evenings were moments of reprieve for them, yet their eyes were deep and dark, almost sunken in.

Their heads turned to you as you, still bickering with thin air, entered. They exchanged a worried glance.

“Who are you talking with today, sweetie?” your mother asked nervously, staring at where Azul was—and seeing nothing there.

“It’s Azul, mom!” you replied cheerily. “He’s making me a Mystery Drink.”

“A... Mystery Drink?”

You swept by her and to the cabinets to retrieve a cup for yourself. Then you flung open the fridge and pulled out an assortment of fruit juices (though in your mind’s eye, you imagined Azul perched behind a classy bar area doing this for you). Unscrewing each cap, you poured off some of each juice into your glass (picturing Azul in your place).

Apple, orange (with pulp for texture), grape, cranberry, lemon, lime, fruit punch... You thought of them all dancing around in your mouth in a conga line.

You replaced the caps and, using a spoon, stirred up your drink to incorporate everything. (He handed it over with a crafty grin. “It’s on the house—no need to thank me, [Name]-san. Drink up.”)

“Thanks, Azul!” you told the air. Glass of Mystery Drink in hand, you plopped down between your parents at the table. “Oh, and Azul says ‘hi’, mom and dad. He thinks you should visit the Mostro Lounge one day.”

“And the ‘Mostro Lounge’ is...?” Your father raised an eyebrow.

“It’s the restaurant he works at with Jade and Floyd. They have lots of yummy stuff like this!” you explained, taking a loud slurp of your concoction.

“Right...” Your mother pursed her lips. She opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, but immediately closed it before any words could escape. “We’ll have to go there next summer vacation, then.”

“Where did you say you met these... fishy characters again?”

“At Mermaid’s Cove a few years ago, dad. Remember? We heard them singing.” You paused, listening to Azul’s business pitch. “The Mostro Lounge usually has jazz music. They’re thinking of starting in-house band performances every weekend. Azul on the piano, Jade on the bass, and Floyd on the drums.”

“I see...”

Another concerned look was exchanged between your parents.

“Well... as long as you’re having fun, dear,” your mother said at long last. Her smile was kind, but a little weary.

It went over your head--but Azul took note of it.

The moon came out to play in the evenings. You liked to lie on your side and gaze out your bedside window, watching the moon and the stars twinkle until sleep overcame you. It was your silent fourth friend, the one that followed and guarded you when the others weren’t around, swathes of silver ribbons embracing you in a gentle hug.

But tonight, you were fully alert. Sugar coursed through every fiber of your being, refusing to let your eyelids drift shut--and there was pressure upon your bladder.

... Maybe I shouldn’t have had that Mystery Drink.

Your bladder seemed to gurgle in agreement.

You groaned and sat up, swinging your feet over the edge of your bed and letting them touch the floor.

In the dimly lit space, you slowly padded toward the bathroom. Only a few steps in, you caught a golden ray spilling out from further down the corridor. Light within the darkness.

That’s weird. Did mom and dad forget to turn off the lights?

Your feet drifted past the bathroom and curiously headed toward the kitchen. Words slowly came into focus, set upon familiar tongues.

“... rried about [Name],” came your mother’s voice.

“I am, too,” said your father.

What? About... me? You pressed your back to the wall, and strained your ears to listen.

“They should have outgrown imaginary friends by now... but they still talk about Azul, Jade, and Floyd as if they’re real people. Adding more and more details every day... It feels as though they’re disassociating themselves from reality.”

Ice climbed over your skin. Your body was present in the moment, but your mind felt far away--soul and spirit disconnected, jarred by the declaration. It was a punch to the gut, sending your thoughts whirling.

“They do the same thing in school,” your mother continued. “Their teacher called the other day, said [Name] sits and talks to themselves instead of with their classmates. They’re a bright child, but they’re so closed off from others... it’s alarming.”

“We can take them to the doctor. Maybe they can help us sort it out.”

“No! No, that can’t... that won’t do. I don’t want to ruin their fun, or make them think they have some kind of problem...”

“You’d rather we wait for it to go away on its own? How long would that take? The kid’s growing up fast. They might sooner lose sense of who they are before the issue poofs away.”

“You’ll crush their spirit. All their hopes and dreams.”

“At least then we’d still have our child intact. Not these... fake fish folk they speak through. They can’t keep living in a fantasy world forever, and we can’t keep sheltering them in it.”

“I… I suppose you have a point. Sooner or later, they have to realize a fantasy is a fantasy. Better that we address it now.”

“I’ll call the doctor in the morning, then.”

“Please do.”

The ground fell away at your feet, the world tilting.

Your chest tightened as you took a shaky step back. Then another, and another--until you bumped into something. No, three someones.

“... [Name]-san, it is well past your bed time,” Azul tutted, placing his hands on your shoulders to steady you. “You shouldn’t be up and about like this.”

“You should go about your business in the restroom, then see yourself off to bed,” Jade chimed in calmly.

“You’ll need your shut-eye if you want to have the energy to play, Little Shrimp!” Floyd added.

“Mom and dad think there’s something wrong with me,” you mumbled back, eyes dazed and blank.

You stared at your hands. The very same ones that clung to others, tapped goldfish tanks, watered flowers, played games, and poured drinks. They seemed so foreign now--so alien.

Otherwordly and unreal.

Azul grasped your trembling fingers.

And without another word, the trio guided you through the dark world.

You stood in silence by your bed, clutching onto Azul’s hand until your knuckles turned as white as the moon. Jade was busying himself with fluffing up your pillow, while Floyd was folding up your comforter into various origami-like shapes. The moon peered through your window, training its gaze on you.

A heaviness permeated the room, stifling all sounds.

Your various sea creature plushies looked on--an audience, watching, waiting.

Azul cleared his throat. “[Name]-san, I believe the time has finally arrived for us to part ways.”

Your snapped to him, face contorting in horror. “What? You’re… You’re going away?”

“It is for the best. You’ve grown far too old to continue clinging to shadows of the past.” Azul readjusted his hat, the brim casting a shadow across his features. Eyes as blue as the sea, and hair like moonlight--just how it had looked when you had first seen him.

“But I don’t want you to go. You’re my best friends. My only friends!”

“Little Shrimp can make new friends!” Floyd unfurled your blanket upon the mattress, blinding a number of your stuffed animals. “You won’t have any problems, since you’re so fun to play with!”

“None of them will be as cool as you guys! Or as strong and smart. I bet none of them are merpeople, either!”

“I’m afraid that flattery will get you nowhere.” Jade set down your pillow—freshly fluffed. “Azul is right. You’re growing in every sense of the term—our services are no longer needed here.”

“Lingering for longer than is necessary…” He shook his head, his earring clinking. “That would be coddling. Fufu. Such an insult to one who is already perfectly capable of looking after themselves.”

“But…”

“Depend on others too much, and you will incur a debt that you cannot possibly pay off,” Azul warned, wagging a finger.

“I don’t care! I’ll do whatever it takes to make you guys stay! You can take all the money in my piggy bank, all the mushrooms I raised, and Goldfishy too!”

“I can keep Goldfishy? Yaaay!”

“Floyd, please. We’re having an important discussion here!” Azul sighed in exasperation, hands folded as he regarded you.

His expression and his voice softened. “... We care for you—and because we care for you, we must also learn to let you go. Just as you must also learn to let us go. It is the only way you can continue growing splendidly.”

Azul patted the bed, now fully made. “Even if change is difficult or painful, it must be done if you wish to be your best self.”

You didn’t let go of his hand, and made no effort to climb onto your mattress.

Azul sighed, scooping you up in his arms and depositing you onto your bed in a swift motion. You stared up at him. His face was engulfed by shadows, moonlight outlining his form.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” he asked quietly. “Think of that, and let it be your motivation and courage for change.”

“A merperson,” you squeaked, voice hoarse. “I want to be where the mermaids are. I want to see them laughing, and dancing, and swimming through the sea. I want to be a part of that world—a part of your world.”

“... Is that truly what you wish for?”

“Yes. I want it more than anything.”

Jade and Floyd slinked over, flanking either side of Azul. Their golden eyes pulsated under the cover of night.

“You will always be a part of our world, so long as you are thinking of us,” Jade reassured you in a soothing cadence.

Taking your comforter in both hands, he neatly tucked you into bed. You raised your head to argue, but he eased you back against your pillow with a nudge on your forehead.. 

“We won’t be gone forever! The water’s always around. You can look for us, like a big game of hide-and-go-seek.”

Floyd seized a shark plushie from beside you and, with a giggle, tickled your nose with the stuffed animal’s maw. You laughed, swatting at him with your arms. The shark tumbled out of his grasp and rolled onto your lap, its silly smile a reminder of Floyd’s own.

You snatched it up and held it close to you. Squeezing so tight, you feared the shark’s button eyes would pop off.

You dared not look them in the eyes when the next words left your mouth.

“... I’ll miss you,” you sniffled, eyes watering and burning—threatening to spill over.

“Hey now, Little Shrimp! Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Floyd ran a hand through your hair, tangling it all up between his fingers. “I had a blast while it lasted~”

“Do not think of this as the ending,” Jade advised with a bow. “Think of it as a new beginning. The start to a new song, simply with fewer performers than the last number.”

“A new song…?”

Azul expelled a sigh. “That is enough talk, you two. You are prolonging things.”

“Boo, lame.”

“My apologies.”

The twins silently stepped back, rejoining Azul.

“[Name]-san, it is late, and you look absolutely exhausted. You’d best be off to sleep now—perhaps dreaming of swimming in the sea.”

“I’m afraid that if I close my eyes, you’ll already be gone when I wake up.”

“... A lullaby would help,” Azul suggested. “You always were a fan of our songs, weren’t you? It was how we first met—and now, let it be how we depart.”

“I’m not sleepy.”

The bed creaked in protest as Azul and the twins seated themselves upon it. You weren’t sure who started it, or when, but before long, a low hum had floated over, wrapping itself around your head. The opening notes to a sorrowful song from the distant past.

Ruin and rebirth.

You couldn’t quite understand the words. They slurred and melded together, like a stream of water in constant motion—yet there was a comforting, soft cushion to their composition. Valleys and crests in the notes, filled with tears and fragmented hearts. Sad and happy at the same time.

Bittersweet.

Your eyes fluttered, despite your best efforts to keep them wide open. A pleasant, tingly warmth enveloped you from head to toe—thanks to magic of the music, and your blanket cocoon—and a curtain of drowsiness descended upon you.

You yawned, fresh tears forming in your eyes as they, at last, shut. The world went black, and sounds muffled, as your consciousness slowly faded away.

The last thing you heard...

“Sweet dreams, little one. May we meet again in another time and place.”

The moon looked on through the window, and shed a tear into the sea.

[mokuhchi-manuscripts]

Cove Holden with an S/O who has Chronic Pain

A/N: I'm unsure how many other disabled people are in the OL fandom so this is pretty self indulgent <3 hope y'all can still enjoy!

CW(s): Mentions of chronic pain

➸ Cove Holden

He feels horrible that you have to go through pain, and would do anything in his power to help you feel better

Cove won’t climb to your window; he’d feel bad if he made you get up to open it for him so he surprisingly uses the front door

A tapping at your window woke you up from your nap. Immediately, you knew it had to be Cove. Too tired and in too much pain to get up and open the window, you sent a quick text.

‘Bad pain day. Sorry :(‘

Not too long after you hit send, the tapping ceased at your window and you figured Cove had left. A couple minutes later you heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

“Hey sweetie. Cove is here. I thought I’d ask before sending him up since today’s a bad day.” Your Ma always made sure to ask every time Cove visited during bad pain days just in case you’d rather be alone.

“Yeah, it’s okay.” Ma nodded, and you could hear her footsteps retreating, soon followed by another set approaching. Cove walked into the room and sat on your desk chair.

“I’m sorry you’re having a bad pain day.” You shrugged in response.

“Do you want me to stay?”

“Yeah, I like your company.”

“Do you need anything?”

You thought for a moment. “Can you pass me my water over there? I’m going to take some more pain killers.” He nodded in response and promptly handed you your water bottle. After you took your medication you spoke again.

“You don’t have to stay. I know I can be kind of boring on days like this.”

Cove shook his head, “No, if you want me here then I’ll be here. If you don’t then I can leave. It’s completely up to you but just being able to be here for you is enough for me.”

He’ll spend as much time with you as you’d like

He’ll try to do small things with you to keep you distracted from the pain like playing hangman, or card games

Whether or not he’ll be okay with cuddling with you, if that’s what you want, depends on what you’ve already done

If you haven’t shared a bed yet, he’ll try his best but may get overwhelmed and and possibly just end up sitting near your bed

If you’ve already shared a bed, he’ll be nervous about hurting you but will lie down with you; he’ll probably be very stiff at first and scared to put his arm around you or anything since he doesn’t want to make your pain worse

"Can you cuddle with me?"

Wh-what?!" Cove sputtered at your question.

"it's okay if you don't want to. I just wanted to cuddle." A blush quickly spread across his face.

"O-okay." He said as he stood up and made his way towards your bed. He initially just sat on the edge of your bed, attempting to collect himself, and eventually laid down next to you. His body was rigid, even as you curled into his side.

"Is this okay?" He asked as he wrapped his arm around you, pulling you a bit closer. You hummed contently. "I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"No, not at all. If you do something that causes me pain, I'll let you know." you offered. He nodded in response and hesitantly began to run his hand through your hair.

If you ask for any pain killers, heating pad, or ice, he’ll gladly get it for you

If for some reason you’ve run out of something you need (like painkillers) he will definitely go buy some for you

If you want to be alone he’ll leave you alone, but occasionally text you to check on you. He’ll remind you to rest, eat, and if you need anything you can always ask him

He doesn’t try to mask his worry; not because he doesn't want to but just because he can’t. He doesn’t want you to worry about him being worried, but he’s concerned for you nonetheless

· · ─────── · ☆ · ─────── · ·

Masterlists || FaQ || Requesting Rules/Remarks

[yukidragon]

What are/is your favourite moment(s) of Our Life? Personally one of mine is punching young Jeremy in the face.

Gosh, there are so many moments that draw me back in over and over again at every step, including the new patreon moment.

Oh, spoiler warning for those who haven’t played Our Life: Beginnings & Always yet. If you haven’t and are even slightly curious and don’t want spoilers, stop reading here and click the link and play it! The main game is free and it’s got a lot of the stuff I’m about to gush about!

Yes I had to plug the game here too because I will never stop. Never.

Let’s see... I think the scene that I replayed the most was when Jamie confesses to Cove that she loves him (or even just confesses she likes him and all the ways she can do it!) The way Cove reacts to it is just so beautifully emotional (and funny if Jamie confesses with a kiss and surprises him!) So that might be my favorite scene in step 3 overall. A close second might be the proposal... gosh. I don’t even know how @gb-patch​ will top it in Step 4! Though my favorite moment overall has to be Happiness. It is just full of so much love I just cannot even. My heart!  ❤️

I’ll try to pick a most favorite for each step I suppose. In Step 1... probably my favorite scene is in Run Away when Jamie and Cove are at the sign outside of town. Maybe. I just get all mushy from seeing how much they mean to each other already by that point. But I also get the feels massively when Cove says, “I pick her and she picks me.” I mean my heart. Then there’s the friendship discussion in that moment and the two sneaking under the covers to read Jamie’s book... So maybe Sleepover is my favorite moment in step 1 overall. Although I also adore when Jamie keeps squeezing Cove’s hand to reassure him after his balloon pops in Shopping. It’s one of the reasons why I interpret Jamie’s love language as primarily physical touch. It just makes me melt seeing such gentle affection.

I’ll stop there and move onto the next step before I gush too much.

Step 2... I think it’s got to be the loft with its adorable CG that is my favorite scene. Just... it’s sweeties cuddling up together because they are both crushing on each other so hard and want to be close. How can I not love it? The flirting that happened before that and Cove reacting to Jamie wearing his shirt just adds to it. The favorite overall moment probably has to be Soiree though. I mean, gosh, it’s such an adorable first date for these two I cannot even! Jamie is so cute being overwhelmed by how excited she is for her date with Cove!

Though, interestingly enough, Family was the moment that pushed me to start writing a novelization for Our Life. It was the first moment I started writing out actually. There was so much good drama in it, but at the same time it didn’t quite mesh with what I had in mind for Jamie. The solution? Write my own route through that moment (and add plenty of comfort from Cove!) After I got it mostly finished I just started bouncing around writing my interpretations of every other moment.

(Speaking of, I’m overdue to show another clip of said novelization aren’t I? Maybe later today!)

Not to say confronting young Jeremy isn’t fun. Punching him does have a certain oomph to it, especially when Jamie is doing it in reaction to Jeremy making fun of Cove’s scar, and add on Cove’s reaction afterwards... I mean, I’m weak for that wobbly shy smile of his. Still, my favorite way to deal with Jeremy is DOOT DOOT DOOOOOT! It’s just too hilarious! Not to mention the little play fight Cove and Jamie have with the noise makers before that... so cuuuuute!

Naturally the Patreon Moment is just... *chef kiss* but it’s technically not part of each step, so it gets to be the favorite all on its own by default. I have a hard time picking a favorite scene in it since it’s just stuffed to the brim with so much sweet, sweet vanilla goodness that made me fall in love with this game. It’s just pure fan service for fans like me who are here for the romance and how precious Cove and Jamie’s relationship is and how much they care about each other I love it.

Sadly, I can’t give my favorites of Step 4 and the wedding DLC... yet. I, like every other fan of this lovely game, just have to wait patiently for them to be released.

[sabineelectricheart]

Work of Art

Summary: Cove has self-esteem problems, but Jamie is on the case.

Rating: K - Intended for general audience 5 years and older. Content should be free of any coarse language, violence, and adult themes.

Words: 1700

Notes: If you have self-esteem issues, clap your hands. If you have self-esteem issues, clap your hands.

Jamie and Cove were curled up on the couch at the Last residence in the afternoon sun, his head in her inviting lap as she played with his seafoam coloured hair, twirling her fingers on the waves of it.

His eyes had drifted closed a few minutes before and his besotted girlfriend took the opportunity to take in his features. The way the sun streamed in from the window directly onto his face made everything more defined.  High cheekbones, a strong jaw, straight nose, athletic frame and soft lips made the girl wonder why he was not a model.

Jamie smiled at the thought. Cove was the most beautiful person she had ever seen, especially with the delicate tip of his lips into that sweet, comfortable smile that she did not see often enough.

She felt herself laugh lightly. With such, her lower abdomen vibrated, disturbing the boy’s rest on her lap.

“What?” He asked with a sleepy voice, sitting up and opening his eyes.

“I was just laughing at myself, Cove, that’s all.” Jamie said, smiling.

He tipped his head to one side, his long hair falling over. “Why?”

She had found that he asked a lot of questions. It was his curious nature coming out whenever he would get comfortable with people, and she is quite sure that he is not more comfortable with anyone else other than her. She found it endearing, a cute childish habit that kept him jovial.

His serious and focused personality could seriously afford it.

Running her soft fingers through his hair again, she closed her sweet eyes and let her straight smile widen.

“You should really be a model, you know.” She said, opening one eye, as if spying his reaction.

He sat up, pulling away from her.

“Don’t be naïve. I can’t be a model.” He mumbled, curling into himself.

“Sure, you can. I mean, have you looked in a mirror lately?” She laughed.

The green haired boy watched her as if he was sure she was joking. “That’s why I know I can’t.”

Jamie snorted a laugh, but it put her in near physical pain knowing that he did not see what she did. Leaning forward, she placed her hand on his cheek.

“What’re you talking about?” She chirped.

He shook his head, hunching his shoulders so he looked smaller. “I have a funny pair of eyebrows. Even an idiot like Jeremy used to say so.”

She flinched. It is not as if this was any news to her, as he would complain often about his clothes and appearance, never satisfied with any positive change he achieved, and always fixated on whatever he could not improve, like the weird design of his eyebrows. In fact, she wonders if his Spartan workout routine was steaming from that self-esteem problem of his.

It was an absolute crime that he could not see what she saw in him.

“You’re absolutely handsome, Cove, magnificently so.” Jamie said, holding a sweet look on her round face. He refused to meet her eyes as he shook his head.

He pulled his knees to his chest and hunched up his shoulders, like he was afraid of she actually seeing him. For a moment, she cursed herself for ruining one of his rare moments of peace. She thought for a moment. Suddenly a thought hit her. She would just have to show him what she saw.

Popping up off the couch, she began to walk away. He raised an eyebrow in question, but she only offered a smile in return. She held up one finger and half jogged to her bedroom.

Just to the right of the door was an old full-length mirror. She plucked it from its spot and lugged it out to the couch where Cove was waiting with a puzzled expression. Still, he said nothing as she arranged it so he could see himself.

Reaching out, she motioned for him to give she his hand. Sometimes he was a little skittish with his hands, but she was a patient woman. He looked at her outstretched hand for a few moments. She knew that he had to think about it. That was okay.

Slowly, ever so slowly, he drew his eyes up to meet hers with an anxious expression. She tried her best to look encouraging. Eventually, he placed his sun kissed hand in hers.

Offering him a soft look, Jamie pulled him to his feet. He still stood the way he had when she had first met him when he was nervous: head down, hands tucked behind him, and shoulders hunched.

He was nervous.

The girl slipped behind him, nudging him a little closer to the large, oval mirror so his face was close.

“Do you want me to tell you what I see, Cove?” She asked quietly, resting her chin on his shoulder.

He nodded, just barely though.

“I see high cheekbones, an incredible jaw line, a straight nose, and soft lips. I see hair wavier than the sea, unlike any I’ve ever seen before, a colour that reflects light in extraordinary ways. I see some very cute, slightly pointed, ears. I see a pair of gentle and light green eyes so shiny that they’d belong on a jewellery store. I see a tanned, beautiful work of art.” She said, running her fingers through his hair again.

“Art.” He breathed, in awe of her statement.

She frowned at the surprise in his voice. “Yes, art.”

He tipped his head, looking at the mirror. Thinking. He always had to think about things.

“Art…” He repeated once more, sounding just as surprised as he had the first time. Now she was registering that he had begun to blush.

“A masterpiece, really.” Jamie reiterates. “I don’t know what you see, but that’s what I see.”

Blinking slowly, he stared at his own reflection.

“You really see all of that?” He asked, cautiously.

“I see so much more than that, honey.” She laughed. “Standing right in front of me is an unbelievably strong young man. A kind, gentle soul who strives to do better, to be better, so admirable. A person with cool scars and heart-wrenching stories that you will never tell and a valuable life. A life so bright and precious that is worth the whole world and back. There are so many good things about you, Cove, and if I have to show you all the mirrors in town until you believe me, then so be it.”

“Oh.”

Just one little word, but it said so much. The way his voice trembled when he spoke and how his breathing had shifted like he wanted to cry made she want to cry too.

She wished that she could find better words to express how wonderful she thought he was. He still stared into the mirror. Glossy eyes gave way to tears and she reeled back. She had not meant to upset him.

“I’m sorry, Cove. I shouldn’t have…” She trailed off.

Slowly, he turned around and looked at her. She wiped tears from his face with the pad of her thumb, beginning to cry as well. A single finger came up and tentatively brushed a tear away from her eye. He looked confused, but happy.

As much as she hated to see Cove cry, this time it did not seem so bad. Unlike any other time he cried, he seemed grounded. She smiled at him. He offered a shy one in return.

“Thank you, Jamie.” He whimpered. “It means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me.”

“Just telling the truth.” She said.

He shifted around for a moment, beginning to hold his arms out.

“Can… Am I allowed…?” He asked, arms twitching towards her.

“If you want a hug, Cove, just know that you’re always allowed to hug me. You don’t have to ask.” She chuckled, pulling him into her inviting arms. He clung to she like he had never been hugged before.

“Really?” He whimpered, as if he was surprised with her declaration, due to his badly defined hang-ups about physical intimacy.

She cut him off and clutched him a little tighter.

“If you want affection, just say so. I’ve got it in spades.” She giggled.

He pulled back, eyes shifting around from her face to the floor, flitting back and forth.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, observing carefully his tells as in to decipher the unsaid request.

His cheeks flushed red and he dipped his head down so his face came closer to hers. Finally, she understood, or she thought so.

“Um…” He mumbled.

“A kiss?” She asked.

Again, his eyes fluttered away and his cheeks flushed an even deeper red, but he nodded shyly.

Turning her face up, she pressed her lips to his lightly. It was no more than a soft brush, but it caused him to squeak.

She breathed a laugh.

Cove connected their lips as second time. Then a third. Then a fourth, staying longer this time. Smiling, she kissed him back. She let him get used to the feeling of her lips on his, glad to let him figure things out. Hesitantly, he put his hands on her waist; she could feel the roughness of them through her shirt. She was not sure how much time had passed when he pulled away.

“Will you hold me? Please?” He asked, stumbling on the word hold.

She smiled, gently pulling him back onto the couch so that he was laid next to her with his head on her chest.

Wrapping her arms around him, she kissed his hair. “Nothing would make me happier, sweetie.”

He snuggled into her, pressing his nose to her chest and his arms wrapped around her midsection as he made himself comfortable.

The late afternoon sun bathed both of them in a warm, golden glow and Jamie began to admire her boyfriend again. This time he was admiring her back.

There were still tear tracks on his face, but he was smiling at her. Just a soft tip of the lips. She sincerely hoped that he would keep that expression for the rest of his life.

Cove Holden, especially with that smile, was a true masterpiece.

*_*_*_*_*

Our Life Masterlist

[confessions-but-fnaf]

Foxy and Mangle parents anon here with more stuff for that ask that i didnt get to last night:

Foxy keeps a box of spare parts stashed away in case anything needs fixed in an emergency

Foxy has become somewhat of a role model for kids with disabilities like how mangle is a lgbtq+ icon

The first rule in pirate's cove is that everyone is a pirate, no matter who they are, they're all his crew in his eyes

Mangle has gotten stickers put on them at one point and now there's always stickers in kid's cove. They don't like when they come off from a wash or just coming undone. The guards are actually the ones who started this trend

Mangle has no idea where the extra head came from or who it belonged to but it comes in handy if theyre doing a bit with foxy that requires more than two performers

Foxy is still trying to find gender neutral words to replace "lad" and "lassie" and so far has settled on "matey" and "bucko"

However he calls Mangle "darling" and occasionally "sweetie"

(if it helps ill try to sign my asks with 5nights/fivenights from now on?)

5nights/fivenights sounds good to me, pal!!

Also oh my goodness those are adorable!!!

Also why can I see Foxy with a peg leg, like Rockstar Foxy so that any disabled kids feel like he’s really one of them if you get what I mean-

The pirate rule is best rule, hands down-

Awww yes!!! I feel like kids can bring in their own stickers and stick a few of them on Mangle if they wish because they like to grow their collection

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

AWWW THATS SO CUTE- I feel like some of the kids probably come up to him with ideas too 🥺🥺 if it’s any help, I have a fox OC for Fnaf in my own little restaurant called Hook and she calls the kids her little sailors as a nice gender neutral term when addressing them all and if someone wants to be addressed more femininely, she calls them a sailette :))

Also the pet names for Mangle are absolutely adorable 🥺🥺🥺

Thanks for your submission, 5nights/fivenights anon!!!

[kieraswriting]

Searching for Home Chapter Twenty

Masterpost 

The poor boy had stumbled along compliantly, but Emile kept being worried that he would trip and fall.

“Hey, sweetheart, do you mind if I carry you? You want to try a piggyback ride?”

The boy looked at him for a long minute, his eyes distant, before shrugging noncommittally and chewing on his lip. Emile knelt down, and Remy had to help lift the poor kid onto his back. He buried his face in Emile’s shoulder silently. 

Emile exchanged a worried glance with Remy. What had those thugs done to him to make him act like this? Emile had seen children act like this before, but only when they were extremely sick or when they’d been hurt badly or inappropriately.

He trudged along, Remy trying to crack jokes for the kid, until they made it down to the beach. 

“Hey, Remy has to carry us for a bit, and that might be just a bit scary, but we’re going to help you, ok?”

He just nodded into Emile’s shoulder. 

It was a little difficult, trying to get onto Remy and to hold on to both him and the boy, but they managed, and Remy flew them to a little cove, where Emile knew some selkies would come when they wanted to talk with humans. He just hoped that one of them was there now.

“Would you like to get in the water?” He asked.

The boy shook his head, and that concerned Emile more than anything else had. Still, he made an effort to speak calmly, and as if he wasn’t worried. “Alright, that’s fine. Can you cover your ears for me? I’m going to call and see if any of my friends are around and I don’t want to hurt your ears.”

Emile bent over a bit so that the boy could keep his balance on his back without using his hands, and waited until he’d covered his ears to let out a piercing shriek. 

It didn’t take long for a head to pop up out of the water, and then Saoirse climbed up onto the shore and shifted into human form. 

“Hey, Emmy, haven’t seen you in a while. And Rem, of course, hate you like always.”

Remy, standing back a bit, just grinned. 

“Oh, who’s this little guy?” Saoirse asked, her voice dropping to a soft coo.

“I’m pretty sure he’s a selkie,” Emile said. “We’re trying to find his family. He says he wants to go with someone named Logan.”

“Oh, I don’t know any Logan, honey,” Saoirse said sympathetically, brushing Patton’s hair softly. “But I can ask around. Do you know your mom’s name?”

Emile wished he could’ve thought to warn her before she said that, as great tears rose up in the poor boy’s eyes. He shook his head, sniffing pitifully. 

“Ohhh, baby, I’m so sorry. Come here, do you want a hug?”

To Emile’s surprise, he held out his arms to Saoirse and let her hug him. 

“I can take him with me and see if anyone recognizes him at all,” Saoirse offered. “He looks just a little… familiar… already…”

“What?” Emile asked. 

Saoirse shook her head. “Well, he just looks a bit like you two. It isn’t a lot, but it’s there.”

Emile frowned, and then frowned deeper, looking at Remy, “You don’t think…”

Remy shrugged and rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t put it past him, knocking up a selkie.”

Saoirse covered the boy’s ears. “Hush! Not in front of the baby.”

Remy stuck his tongue out.

“If he feels comfortable going with you, I’d really appreciate it, Saoirse.”

Saoirse smiled brightly. “Of course he wants to come, don’t you, little cuddlebug?”

The boy just dug his head into her shoulder. 

Saoirse’s grin faded into a worried frown. “I’ll talk with you later, Emmy.”

She slowly waded back into the water, tucking the boy’s coat around him and softly encouraging until he turned into a seal. Only after that did she transform herself, and the both of them disappeared under the water. 

••^*^••

Just the feel of the water made Patton shiver. It felt so right, and yet so wrong. He wanted Logan more and more, no matter how kind these people were. 

The nice lady selkie still had him in a pleasant hug, spinning downward through the water and making happy, cheerful sounds at him. But Patton didn’t want to return the sounds. He wanted Logan. 

She took them down a long way, and then back up inside a cave. It was a large cave, and at the top there were openings to let some sunlight in. There were quite a few other selkies in the cave, and many seals. 

“Hello!” Saoirse said loudly. “I could use a bit of help over here!”

As soon as she spoke, spoke without changing back human, Patton had a sudden intense memory. 

He was sitting on his mama’s stomach, and they were floating along in the sun, and she was talking to him, teaching him how to speak in the way only selkies could. 

It was gone as soon as it had come, leaving Patton shivering and crying. 

“Oh, sweetie, what’s the matter?” Saoirse cooed. “Did I yell too loud? I’m so sorry.”

Patton shook his head, and tears ran faster, cause now he knew what his mama looked like. He knew, he’d seen her. The memory was fading fast, even as he tried hard to hold onto it, but he would know now, if he saw her. He was sure he’d know. 

But several other selkies were gathered around them now, trying to calm him down, and distracting him. And eventually it was just gone, vanished like it had been a dream. 

“What’s going on here?” A crotchety old lady asked. Just from her voice Patton didn’t like her, even though that was a rude way to think about someone. 

“I’m looking for his parents,” Saoirse explained. “Especially his mom, since she might have been related to us at some point.”

Old eyes scrutinized him. “Well there’s no doubt of the father, he certainly looks like a bastard.”

Saoirse clapped her hands over his ears. “How dare you! He’s just a baby! And no one likes his dad, but you don’t have to be mean to him because of it. Besides, we’re looking for his mom.”

The older selkie hmphed. “Change back, child, let me see you that way.”

Patton wiggled slightly, and Saoirse abandoned her hold on him that hadn’t really worked to keep him from hearing anyway. He changed back to human, and held onto Saoirse. He didn’t really know her well, but she seemed the safest of anyone here. He wanted Logan. 

“He does look familiar…” the older selkie said, and several of the others nodded in agreement. “But whoever she is, she isn’t with us now. And he’s too old to be from the splitting of the pod.”

“What about Aine?” A selkie asked. 

The old one narrowed her eyes, staring intently. “It might be Aine. She’s been gone long enough. Is your mother still living, boy?”

Patton thought, and the scream rang through his head. “I don’t know,” he said, his voice small. 

Saoirse changed back to human and picked him up in a hug. “Don’t worry we’ll find, what was that name, Lo-something?”

“Logan.” Patton said, and sniffed, tears welling up again. “I want Logan!” He cried, burying his face in her shoulder. 

Saoirse started asking around again, but Patton didn’t pay attention. Logan wasn’t down here. Logan would be somewhere near the city or near the river. And unless he heard Logan he wasn’t going to pay attention to anybody, cause he just wanted Logan! Just Logan, and that was it. He didn’t care that Logan wasn’t his dad anymore, he just wanted him!

[differenteagletragedy]

omg i’m the one who sent in the more poly hcs request and i’m living! i have so many thoughts i want to share (all good ones!) so sorry if this is monstrously long!

i love the idea that the Cat Distribution System just dumping all these cats onto baxter and everyone else is just 🤨 “are you stealing cats this can’t be a coincidence anymore”

also roadtrips! i never even thought of that and i love it! i like to believe my mc is most comfortable being a passenger princess (i.e she sits in the backseat and doesn’t help with directions or anything) despite being able to drive and having her license. she will obv help if needed, like in roadtrip in step 3. but it’s funny to imagine everyone else running around at a rest stop getting snacks, gas, etc. and a passenger princess mc is there, just stretching their legs and looking cute, honestly prob giving step 2 kyra vibes with some sunglasses and just serving.

and the wedding! so sweet! i do think it’s funny to imagine someone (prob derek, but maybe cove) being like “omg what if we hyphenate our last names” and then someone else going “sweetie, i love you, but that’s four last names and it’d be ridiculous. we aren’t doing that” so everyone just keeps their own last names for the sake of ease, assuming it’s poly in that way. although, i feel like if they were to take anyone’s last name, it would be mc’s, since they’re like the pin holding them together nicely.

also thanksgiving!! and holidays!!! omg i’m Obsessed! i just know someone’s going to go crazy and deck the house out with decorations for holiday! they’d be known as like That House on the block with the crazy awesome setups every year. on the thanksgiving front, they’d def host thanksgiving (prob cause they have the biggest house and most space). i think it’d be a decently sized gathering of like 12-14 people at first, including them, but as the years progress and they make more friends and people join their families, i can def see it growing to like 20+ people, easily.

okay i’m done! sorry that went on for like Ever! i just have so many thoughts about a poly relationship and i loved your hcs so much! skfjsjdjdk

Thank you for sending it in! I was initially nervous about it but it's been a blast to write about!

-- The Cat Distribution System HIGHLY favors Baxter. As he gets older he turns into a Cat Dad and I won't be convinced otherwise lolol.

Baxter: *comes home covered in scratches, holes in his suit, hair all messed up*

Everyone: ????

Baxter: Oh, my apologies for not explaining -- the neighbor came and said she had an issue with some feral cats that had made a home under her porch, I went to pay them a visit. They're not feral, it turns out, just a bit skittish!

Cove: *to Derek* Does he need a rabies shot?

Derek: He needs something.

-- I always love road trip stories! Your MC is so valid for being a passenger princess, like just let her sit pretty while the boys take care of everything. Lol Cove is coming out with bags of snacks, Derek asks for something healthy and Cove pauses then gives him some of Baxter's gummies.

Cove: *whispers* They're fruit gummies.

-- But LOLOL Cove would absolutely suggest hyphenated names, bless his heart, that's killing me lol. Baby no, shhh. He's like doodling "Cove Holden-Suarez-Ward-Last" in a notebook, he's so sweet.

-- I agree on the decorations! I put this in another list, but I think Baxter would try to keep things a little tasteful but Cove and Derek are like "Nope, we have A Vision" and it's just so much stuff.

[robotsandzombiesarebi]

Looking at the same sky

HSS (CA)

MC (Bailey Westlake)

MC x Skye

Notes: This is my first attempt at a choices fanfic so I hope I can do some justice. This is going to be a few instalments long so bear with it. Hope you enjoy.

————————

Bailey wiped the sweat from her brow as she rushed from table to table, trying to clear with one hand and jot down orders with the other. The Golden Griddle was swarmed with people as it usually was on a Friday evening. Cedar Cove was a nice town, but there wasn’t much of a dating scene which left young couples with the choice of the arcade, the beach or the Golden Griddle. While balancing a small stack of dishes on her bent elbow, Bailey held the note pad and pen, turning to the next table without taking her concentration off of the precariously balanced stack. 

“Welcome to the Golden Griddle” She said, breathlessly. “What can I get you?”

“A black coffee…. and a kiss.” Said the soft voice that Bailey could only just notice.

“OK, that’ll be out for you in just a sec.” With that, she rushed to the window that joined the kitchen to the dining room. “Hey Casey. We need 3 Apple pie slices for table six, franks and eggs for table two and a black coffee and a kiss for table five. I’ll get the coffee if you pass out the rest.”

She ran the tap that poured out piping hot water, quickly nudging a cup in to the stream. After stirring in the coffee and setting it on a dish with a few small sugar packets she called back to Casey. “How are those orders coming?”

“Here’s table two and six.” Casey chuckled as he passed the plates through the opening.

“What about table five?”

“Bailey, read the order.”

“I did! Black coffee, which I’ve done, and a…” She stopped short, looking slowly up at the table across the diner where she saw the familiar shine of deep red waves spilling over the matching stripes of a tight top.

There sat Skye Crandall, trying her best not to burst with laughter at Bailey’s obliviousness. Bailey turned and scowled at Casey for not correcting her sooner. She quickly tore open the sugar packets, emptying six into the dark drink before rushing it over to the table where her girlfriend sat.

“Hi…” Bailey said with a tired smile.

“Hey yourself. Sorry about the order, I just know how you get in to work and couldn’t resist messing with you a little.” Skye smirked.

“It’s fine. I should have recognised your voice.” Bailey laughed, setting the coffee in front of Skye. “I already poured your ridiculous amount of sugar. Why do you have so much anyway?”

“The coffee here is really bitter. My mom always buys this almond infused stuff so I don’t have as much at home. What time do you finish?”

“Maybe another hour or so. Why? Are you going to whisk me away?”

“Um, no? But I wondered if you wanted to walk me home. But only if you want to. No obligation or anything.” Skye stammered.

“I’d love to, as long as you don’t mind waiting. Where have you been?”

“Nowhere, just thought I’d come see you at work. Is that weird?”

“Wait. You came all this way to see me for a hot minute at work and you’re worried I’ll say no to walking you home?”

“Urgh, I knew this weird. I’ll just leave.”

“NO!… I mean, no, stay. I’ll finish up as quickly as I can, then I’m all yours.”

Skye laughed. The faint embarrassed blush creeping away from her cheeks. “All mine?”

“All yours.” Bailey said with a salute as she walked backwards to get back to work. As she turned, she collided with a large frame, knocking herself to the floor while the person she bumped into stood firm.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.” She squeaked as she scrambled to her feet. Looking up she saw the person she had crashed into was Jordan Daniels (JD). The most popular girl in school, captain of the football team and victim of the leg breaking incident of Bailey’s first day at Berry. “Oh, JD. Sorry!”

“You said that already” She laughed, straightening her clothes. “Its fine, no harm done. Are you OK?”

“Yeah. Yes, I’m good. Just overworked.”

“Yeah…” JD said as she glanced around the diner. “Its usually pretty quiet in here. Serves me right for craving your dad’s chilli-cheese dogs on a Friday, huh.”

“Yep. It’s like…”

“BAILEY!” A stern voice interrupted. “Come on, there’s people waiting.” Came her dad’s voice from the kitchen.

“Sorry! Can you start a chilli-cheese dog please?”

“Oh, and a double strawberry shake and fries?” JD called out to Bailey’s dad, doing her best Bailey impression; laughing when he failed to notice, also buried under his workload. “We’ll be in the corner booth, Bailey.” She smiled, making her way over to the beautiful blonde sitting across the diner.

Bailey continued her work, clearing table after table and waving goodbye to customers as the diner slowly started to clear out. When just a few patrons remained, she caught her dad’s eye and gave him a pleading look, motioning towards Skye. He gave a stiff nod, and barely hid the sorrowful look on his face as he turned back to finish clearing down the kitchen. 

“Time to go” Bailey said with a grin as she put out a hand for Skye to take. “Sorry you had to wait. I hate Friday shifts.” 

“its OK, really. i wasn’t expecting you to just drop your work for me.”

“But, you know i definitely would if i could. I’d give anything for more time with you.” at that, Skye looked taken aback.

“You really mean that don’t you?” It was more of a statement than a question.

“I do.” Bailey laced her fingers through Skye’s as they walked together. “And i always will.” The two of them walked closely through the town in time to see the lights of the stores and other restaurants shutting off. The night was quiet aside from the occasional rumble of a motorcycle passing somewhere close by. They walked in silence for most of their journey. This was a usual thing. Skye wasn’t much of a talker at the best of times and Bailey was glad to enjoy the peace after the rush of the diner. Another usual thing that occurred was, the closer they got to Skye’s family home, the more she would start striking up things to talk about. Bailey could easily recognise what was happening. Skye would try to keep her talking for as long as possible to buy herself valuable minutes before re-entering the house and switching her attention from the one person who brought her serenity to those who gave her nothing but stress and anxiety. 

Midway through Skye talking about a new movie they should go and see, (not even one she would usually be interested in, but that was irrelevant right now), Bailey cut her off.

“Hey, so tell me if this is too forward, but…” She blushed furiously, earning herself a half smirk from the darkened lips of the beautiful girl before her. “…Did you want me to ask my parents if you can stay over tonight?”

Now it was Skye’s turn to blush. Her face heated at the mild implication and her breath caught in her throat. “Um, yeah… Yeah, that sounds, nice.”

Without wasting another second, Bailey called her mom and had to focus to stop herself from bouncing on the spot with nervous energy.

“Hello?” Her Mom answered.

“Mom…..” Bailey dragged the word out, tryng to soften the blow of what she was about to ask. “Skye and i were wondering….”

“Are you about to ask me if she can stay over for the night?” Her voice had a slight teasing tone which sounded positive to Bailey.

“Yes. But!… I’ll keep my door open a crack and we’ll just be watching movies and its not like she never stayed over before, but this time there’s no one else to worry about. Also, i’ll walk Biscuit every day for the next month, even the days that Casey owes me and you definitely let Erin stay over super late for Casey and i am technically the older sibling…”

“Bailey!” her mom’s voice rang through so loud that the phone was almost unnecessary. “Thank you for being mature enough to ask me, and you do make a very convincing argument. But i’m afraid tonight just wont do sweetie”

“oh… OK. but, why not?” She asked, sounding as though the breath had been pulled from her body along with every ounce of her excitement.

“Your Dad and I need to talk to you and your brother. Don’t worry, the discussion is not off the table. We’ll talk about it very soon OK?”

“Yeah, OK Mom. i’ll head home now.” They said their “I love you”s and hung up. Bailey turned back to Skye who had a look of grim acceptance on her face, her eyes flicking repeatedly over to the lit-up window of the living room of her house. More-so, the shadows that kept passing it. “I’m sorry Skye” 

“It’s OK. At least i always know i have you near, and if i need you, you’ll come rescue me, right?” 

“Always” Bailey smiled 

“Then there’s nothing for me to worry about, right?”

“Right!” Bailey pulled Skye by their still linked hands in to a tight embrace. it was never going to be long until they saw each other again, but the moments in between haunted Bailey. Knowing what the Crandalls were like was bad enough, but what truly haunted her were the things she was sure Skye didn’t tell her. 

“Get home safe, OK?” Skye whispered against the tender skin of Bailey’s neck.

“You be safe too.” She said concernedly 

“Duh, i live right there…” Skye smirked, pointing to the house a few feet from them. Bailey smiled back but was sure that Skye knew what she meant and was just covering up her own worry. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow” She waved as she walked out of the yard and on to the streets. “I love you.”

At that they both stopped, still getting used to the three words passing beautifully between them. 

“I love you too.” Skye smiled earnestly before opening the front door and disappearing inside.

The walk home wasn’t far from Skye’s house and though it wasn’t cold out, Bailey could feel the chill on her hand and up her arm, in all the places that Skye had been making contact on their walk together. Seeing her house come in to view, her mind began to wander. Thoughts of how different things could have been tonight, if Skye had been allowed to stay with her. First came exhilaration of the possibilities of having her first serious girlfriend to herself all night, and the things that they had talked about up until now, maybe, finally happening for real instead of just fantasies. Exhilaration gave way to worry when she thought of where the girl she loved was instead. In a pit of vipers that hiss as venomously as they bite, and her alone to face them.

Forcing herself to push the negative thoughts aside, promising silently that she would text Skye as soon as she was in her room to check in, she opened the door to her home. What she saw inside was curious. Both of her parents looking extremely guilty, and Casey just looking confused.

“Whats going on?” she asked, looking from one member of her family to another.

“Bailey, come and sit down. You need to hear this.” Her mom said calmly. Bailey made her way to the dining table where they were sat, trying to figure out the unfamiliar look on her twins face. “The thing is honey…”

Before she had a chance to finish her thought, Casey stood abruptly up, knocking his chair over with the force. “They’re making us move, Bailey! Regardless of our friends, our relationships, our school!”

She was sure she could still faintly hear Casey yelling, but her ears rushed and her head span. Fighting past the feeling of sawdust in her mouth, Bailey only managed two words before the tears pricking at her eyes threatened to spill.

“But…No….

To be continued.

[akp-1327]

dear diary // chapter three

Hey! Long time, no see! I am so, so, so sorry that this chapter is late. I’ve been having a bit of a busy time recently and haven’t had many opportunities to write/edit like usual. But now I have a looser schedule so updates to the series should go back to normal! 😄 I hope you are all doing okay wherever you are! :)

Find the series masterlist here to catch up on the previous chapter!

Word count: 4.6k

(*) Warnings: mentions of bankruptcy and emotional abuse

All I could see was red. The anger that flowed through my veins was terrifyingly smooth, leaving my entire body shaking. The news that my mom just told me, well, sobbed to me, left me in awe. In terrible, heart-wrenching, shocking...awe.

Sweetie, my mom’s sweet and clear voice bellowed through my memory, I’m so sorry. So, so, so sorry, darling.

“Charlotte, you need to calm down. Seriously. I don’t know what’s--” Leila said softly, her hands firm on my shaking shoulders.

At a time like this, I didn’t need her soothing me. I needed her to slap me out of this impending doom that I thought would tear me apart. I needed to get a grip on reality, to comprehend that this entire nightmare was actually happening.

“Leila, do you know what my mom just told me?” I huffed, throwing my phone onto the tidy bed that I had just made. Our first night in New York had started off amazingly, as if it was taken straight out of a movie; we met new and amazing people, found Leila’s wayward bag, explored the dorm building...

Then, when called my mom once we got back to our dorm...everything came crashing down like a colossal, teetering tower of Jenga blocks.

Leila scowled at me then, squeezing my shoulders harder. Her eyes, usually a coffee bean brown, looked inky black when her entire demeanor changed from confused to quite ticked off. I immediately regretted the tone I used, though there was no going back now.

“Does it look like I do? God, you can be so dense sometimes!” Leila stated, glaring right into my eyes with a look that sent a chill down my spine. “Something’s up and you need to tell me immediately.”

This wasn’t something that I thought I could even have the guts to say. But, sooner than I though, words started forming on the tip of my tongue at the speed of light; but one stood out in particular, one chilling me to the bone.

“Bankrupt.”

This set her back, making her hands falter a bit on my shoulders.

“What? Charlotte, I need deta--”

“The diner, Leila.”

The words slowly tore my heart into microscopic pieces. Every notable memory I had from my childhood took place at the diner. I could distinctly remember the scent of buttermilk pancake batter being mixed and the sounds of plates being stacked. I could remember the outside, the bright yellow paint standing out against the lifeless gray colors of the neighborhood that it’s surrounded by.

“T-The Golden Griddle?” Leila asked, confusion consuming her features once more. The intense look in her eyes slowly fizzled out and turned into pure fret. As she’d always been, Leila was not well-composed in these types of situations.

“Yes. There’s just too many complications with the building, too many expenses and so little money...” I sighed sadly. Tears welled in my eyes, though I didn’t need to show Leila that. And so, with a deep breath, I sniffled and shook my head to clear the emotions away. “My dad spent what he could to fix the cheaper things like the light fixtures and seats, but then he got carried away with fixing the rest of the bigger issues. It all added up over time, Leila. Now the diner...the diner doesn’t have anything left.”

The diner had so, so many issues for such a long time. The interior, for as long as I could remember, was small. There were only ten tables, half of those being booths that lined the walls, in total. The kitchen was also considerably compact for the amount of business that the diner would face. My parents always wanted to get around to renovate properly, but could never keep up with the overwhelming amounts of money spent on necessities like ingredients, napkins, utensils, advertisements...so DIY projects and repairs it was.

“But your parents still own it, right? They can bounce back?”

My heart yearned to be at home with my family. Why would I leave? God, I really am dense. Forget school, forget dreams. Home is where I should’ve been when that news was unveiled, not thousands of miles away.

“No. I guess the health inspector said that there were so many things with the building that set off a lot of red flags. He condemned it right on the spot.”

Leila’s eyebrow’s furrowed in thought. It was never easy for me to talk about these things - the serious things - with her. Of course, though, she knew almost everything about me; she knew that I was never the “open book” type and would always need a bit of encouragement to work my way up to talking things through. I’d rather sit and wallow in my misery than get help. The whole mindset had definitely not been ideal for anyone, but that was always the least of my worries.

The moment Leila looked back into my eyes was the moment she started to speak, her voice soft like it was before; again, I didn’t need to be sympathized, I needed to be able to see reason. This whole thing caught me completely off-guard.

Leila whispered, shaking her head, “How did this even happen?”

In high school, a very wise teacher of mine once said that there is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people who ask questions. However, by the looks of it, this was definitely an exception. Even with her ingenious, Leila had just asked one of the stupidest questions known to man. 

She knew exactly how this happened, and has known for years. The Golden Griddle’s financial instability had never, ever been able to be kept secret in a town such as Ceder Cove, no matter how many times my parents tried.

“Oh, wait. Sorry.” Leila stammered, looking up at the ceiling to collect herself.

“It’s fine. I just can’t fathom what my parents are going through right now. Henry, too.” I sighed, stepping back from Leila and letting my shoulders deflate. I slowly sat on the edge of my bed and crossed my legs, my gaze trained on the aged wood floor. “Even if I should, I’m not calling my mom back with more details tonight. This...this is just too much for me to handle right now.”

Leila was silent and I looked up to see her scrolling through her phone. 

Seriously? I cleared my throat to get her attention...but she didn’t even flinch.

“Leila. Are you even listening to me? Or...are you texting Skye?”

Leila’s eyes immediately averted from her phone to look at me. The smallest hint of a blush crept into her cheeks, though she played it off and rolled her eyes.

“Actually, Erin wants to take us shopping for the party next week when we’re available. Check your phone.” Leila stated, a defensive edge in her tone. I was the one to roll my eyes this time.

Now, let’s get this straight; I am not fond of parties. Leila had dragged me to each homecoming, each winter formal, and the two prom nights that we had. My date to prom both years, a guy named Harold Longhorn (a total snob), would not shut up about politics or the “oh-so-stupid” stock market. I only went with him because he said he’d tutor me for free with my AP Euro and AP Chem homework in collateral. Oh, and did I mention that his dad is a major entrepreneur in the Portland area? Wait, that’s unimportant; just like every single party I’ve ever been to in my life. 

“Do I have to go? I’d rather stay here and reread Pride & Prejudice for the millionth time or something that I actually enjoy. Dancing the night away doesn’t sound as interesting to me as my daily dose of Mr. Darcy.”

Leila scoffed and looked over at me again, her eyebrow quirked in such a way that left me a bit uneasy.

“News flash, Charlotte Parker, but Mr. Darcy is fictitious and will not save you from this.” Leila scolded, though she was playful about it. “I’m not letting you stay here because you’re a college girl now and you need to socialize with people other than me!”

“Ughhhh,” I groaned, laying down onto my bed and turning away from her and burying my face into my pillow that sadly smelt like home, “you sound just like my mom!”

Leila burst out into laughter that sent a faint chill down my spine. Whatever her plans were, she knew I’d loathe them.

“I’m glad.”

*

*

August 10th, 2020

Dear Diary...

Okay. Sorry for the radio silence. Lots has happened over the course of a couple weeks that I need to get off my chest. As Scar would say, be prepared...

First off, NYU is amazing. I’ve already met lots of (!!) people, though 4 have become friends! Two girls, two guys: Skye, Erin, Rory, and Ajay. They’re all really down-to-earth and genuinely cool people that I’m getting along with! 

Rory and Leila are really like two peas in a pod, and so are Skye and Leila. Leila is just a social butterfly, so she honestly gets along with everyone. Erin and Ajay, though, are more mellow and easy-going. Erin is so...laid back? Like she’s the type of person that you could spill your life story to. She’s just so, I don’t know... nonchalant? - definitely in a good way.

However, I feel more drawn to Ajay; we share similar interests and outlooks on life. He even saw my performance at Spotlite! He’s also a student director here at NYU, so if I do somehow wind up in the show, I’d probably work with him. It even helps that he’s kinda cute, but you didn’t hear that from me.

Overall, though, the campus is absolutely stunning and the view from our dorm window takes my breath away each and every morning.

Second, The Golden Griddle is doomed right now due to both bankruptcy and condemnation. My parents are all torn up about it, and to be blatantly honest, so am I. The diner has always been a home away from home, and now that I may have to face losing it forever...

Third, I HATE PARTIES. With a deep, burning passion.

Leila, if you’re reading this, then you can call me George Eacker: piss off because I’m watching this show - also known as Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist - now...well..when you’re at the party! There’s no way in hell that I’m stepping foot into anything resembling a disco or a dance or even, god forbid, a hoedown like that one during our sophomore year. Nope, nope, nope. Over my dead body.

All in all, I’m having a wonderful time settling into my new life in New York. Of course I miss home, but I also feel like it was time for me to spread my wings and learn to fly!

Alright. I gotta run. I’m going shopping. And, yes, it’s regrettably for this pointless party that I’m being forced to go to against my will. 

Talk, er, write soon!

Charlotte :)

*

*

“Ooo, what’re you writing about?” Leila asked, barging back into our slightly messy dorm after finishing with her morning routine. I hastily closed my diary and forced a smile.

“Um, it’s just the address of my uncle’s new house! Mom said to write it down somewhere in case I lost my phone.”

Shoot. Thank God Leila wasn’t really paying much attention to catch how bad of an excuse that was; she just turned her back to me and scavenged through a pile of dirty clothes already heaped in the corner by her closet. It’s been six days since we’ve moved in. I still haven’t really organized nor have I gotten around to calling my parents or Henry with updates about the diner.

“Right, right. He moved a couple days ago. Though, with our plans today, are you ready to go? Erin and Skye are already waiting for us downstairs.” Leila said, grabbing her purse. I gave her a scowl and grabbed my own, sighing as I slung it on my shoulder.

“Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess. But I have one quick question,” I said, finally catching her attention, “why are you wearing those?”

My eyes went to the unscuffed black stilettos on her feet; they had to have been at least 5 inches tall. She laughed and instinctively brought one of her ankles up to rub it as if she’d been in pain. The stilettos were paired with a pair of skinny and holey whitewash jeans and a black Shinedown sweatshirt with a crow and a butterfly printed in white; from what I remember, that was one of the band’s songs.

“I’m wearing these to the party so I figured I’d break them in a little first. And I need to find a dress that looks good with them, so why not?”

“Fair warning, you might actually break something else before you walk a block in those death traps.” I teased, making her huff. This was obviously not something she wanted to hear, but let’s remember who was dragging me to this stupid party in the first place. My sarcasm comes with the territory!

“Jesus, you make it sound like I’m breaking a law! They’re just heels!” Leila laughed, shaking her head. Her hair had been in two Dutch braids, making her outfit even more unique. To each their own, I suppose.

“Just heels that might put you on crutches,” I mumbled, rolling my eyes as I slipped my (comfortable) light pink flip flops on. We headed down to the lobby and quickly spotted Erin, chatting with Rory and Ajay, and Skye standing a little off to the side.

“Ah, there you guys are!” Erin grinned, running over and leading us over to the group.

“I thought this was a girl trip?” I asked, playfully eyeing the guys. Ajay gave a tight-lipped smile and rolled his eyes.

“Oh, don’t worry, it is. We were just heading out to find Rory another outfit that he apparently needs because his six other ones aren’t enough.” Ajay explained, making direct eye contact with me. I could see the different blends of brown tinges in his eyes - the light from both the windows and the bulbs above hitting just the right angles - shimmer behind his glasses. I also noticed that he was wearing a simple green t-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts with black Nike’s. 

Wait, what?

“I may have a slight obsession with shopping,” Rory said sheepishly, slowly creeping away from the group, “but I also need something fresh. I can’t be seen in the same maroon shirt that I wore to--”

Ajay’s groan interrupted him but he followed in Rory’s footsteps with a small shrug. “We’ll be going now. Have fun.”

I immediately felt myself missing his eyes. The brown sparkles that caught my own. Was it so wrong to find his eyes...gorgeous? Didn’t think so.

As they waved goodbye, Leila migrated from my side to Skye’s. The redhead looked particularly sad today, but let out the slightest trace of a smile when Leila started talking to her.

“So, where’re we going to go first, o’ wise Erin?” I asked, turning to her. She looked a bit lost in thought, a bit dazed when our eyes met, but I could tell she regained herself before she answered.

“Well, I thought we’d take a trip to The Shops today,” Erin said smugly, her hand resting on her hip, “we can take an Uber in case we want to make other stops along the way!”

Skye visibly revolted at the thought, her arms tightening around her chest and her glower intensifying. The way her blue eyes darkened was just a bit unsettling, too.

“Okay. Sounds good...” I sighed, gripping my leather purse strap a bit tighter.

“Sure,” Skye groaned, “good. Great. Grand. Just how I wanted to spend my day.”

*

*

The nearby mall, The Shops, had a wide array of stores that we buzzed in and out of, Erin and Leila eagerly leading the way.

“You know,” I said, looking over at Skye, “I really don’t understand why we need new clothes for this party.”

Skye shrugged. “Me neither. I never really had to get new clothes for the banquets that I went to as a kid with my parents.” 

I instantly noticed that her hands were in tight fists at her sides.

“What do your parents do?” I asked, trying to keep her talking. I really wanted to get to know her better; she was still such a mystery and I was destined to change that.

Though, the bitter grimace she gave at the question was all the hint that I needed to know that I’d said something wrong, maybe even crossed a line.

“They do nothing but make a lot of money and prioritize themselves over anything else, even their own kids.”

Oh, wow. I blinked rapidly, willing my brain to say, something, anything, to break the agonizing silence building between us.

“Oh. I’m sorry I brought it up.” I stammered, though she shook her head.

“It’s okay. It’s just...not something I really like to talk about.” Skye sighed, almost ruefully. Despite my pending curiosity, I left the topic be.

“What’re you here in New York to do, Skye?” I asked instead, hoping to lighten her spirits a little. When she looked back over at me, she gave me a neutral expression.

“Graphics,” Skye stated, her tone firm and assured, “I want to be a graphics designer.”

“That’s really interesting. Have you designed anything yourself?”

Sadly, before I could hear her answer, Erin and Leila gasped in unison and pointed to a store. A quick glance at the shop name was enough to make me roll my eyes.

“Windsor! Yes!” Leila squealed, bolting into the store without a second thought. Erin rushed after her, gesturing for Skye and I to follow.

Several racks of dresses filled the store and even lined the walls, some popping with bright color and some glittering with infinite sparkle. I watched Leila pluck several dresses off their racks and fold them over her arm, shaking my head.

“Wow, look at this abomination.” Skye murmured, plucking a dress made of plastic (well, not literally, but basically) off the rack. It was a flamingo pink and looked like something a Barbie doll would wear. A laugh escaped her as she sifted through and pulled out the other options, the colors ranging from a vibrant cobalt to a neon yellow.

“I’ve always wanted to be Barbie disguised as a highlighter! Skye, how’d you know?” I giggled, taking a resembling green one off the same rack. My poor eyes ached at the sight of all the vivid colors.

“Pure intuition, obviously.” Skye responded, putting the dresses back on the rack. “Jeez, I could never wear any of these.”

I could agree; I would never be able to pull any of these off. Also, it didn’t help that they were so effervescent and looked severely uncomfortable. (I mean, how do you even move in that kind of material?)

“Me neither,” I said wistfully, plucking another dress off a nearby rack. It was a black sweetheart-necklined dress that cut off at (what I’d say) the knee. It had some lace detailing on the straps and a few sparkles scattered across both the bodice and the skirt. It wasn’t over-the-top, nor was it boring...

I held it up to Skye, making her jump back a little with surprise. I giggled and closed an eye, coming to a conclusion about how this dress would look incredible on her.

“Whoa, what’re--” Skye asked, her eyes widening. I smiled warmly and laid it over her arm.

“I think this is a good option for you, and I’m guessing your a 4?” I smirked, watching her gape in both confusion and amusement.

“How’d you...know?”

“Pure intuition, obviously.” I playfully mocked, making her crack a tiny smile. As we continued throughout the store, we came across a few more ridiculously bright options, thankfully not made out of a faux plastic. 

About five minutes into our little exploration, I spotted a dress; it was a silvery mauve skater dress with a flowing skirt and spaghetti straps. By some sort of force, it spoke to me.

“That’s pretty,” Skye said, nodding in approval as I held it up, “ it definitely speaks ‘girl who can read minds’ to me.”

Oh jeez, she’s cool. She’s really cool.

“Perfect, it’s just what I’m looking for, then,” I joked, folding the dress over my arm and walking further into the store. Erin and Leila, practically having the time of their lives, had their arms brimming with dresses that ranged from super glittery to extremely bright. I could swear I could see a familiar highlighter yellow in Leila’s stack, but that could just be my mind playing tricks on me.

Speaking of Leila, I stifled a giggle as I watched her wobble around in her stilettos, grimacing whenever she walked too fast. Not to say I told you so, Leila, I thought, but...I told you so.

“Ladies!” Erin squealed, pointing back to the dressing room area with her free hand. “Let’s go try these on!”

*

*

“How about this masterpiece?” Leila giggled, sauntering out of the dressing room. Erin burst into laughter, Skye rolled her eyes, and I, well...

“Oh my God, Leila...” I playfully gagged, covering my eyes. Turns out that she really did pick out a highlighter dress to try on. After a few laughs, she turned around and changed into a royal blue dress with a deep V neckline. It was sparkly, sassy, and overall...very Leila.

*

*

“Wow, you look great, Skye!” I cheered, giving her two thumbs-up as she examined herself in the mirror. The dress was a perfect fit and she seemed to be comfortable in it. Her hands idly fiddled with the skirt, experimentally flicking it back and forth in thought.

“It seriously looks amazing on you!” Erin smiled, nodding with approval. Skye gave me a small, appreciative smile in the mirror.

I took a quick glance over at Leila and was met with her wide eyes and deep red cheeks.

*

*

“Charlotte, phew, you look hot!” Leila whistled, gesturing for me to spin around. I didn’t really gush over the “dream dress” as much as I had hoped. In fact, the more I looked at it, the more I disliked it.

“Maybe we can find a different color?” I said, looking back at Erin’s face; she definitely did not like it. She shot up out of her chair and came back a moment later with a similar option. It was the same style of dress but in a jade green shade instead. It was also not as shimmery, but more dull and had ruffles on the neckline.

I ducked back into the dressing room and quickly changed. With just a glance at myself now, I knew I found the one. I stepped back out and saw everyone’s face light up.

“Yup,” Erin said smugly as she crossed her legs, “that’s the one.”

*

*

Erin walked out in a tight-fitting midi white dress that popped against her flawless chocolate brown skin. It had a plunging V-neck and a small slit on the left side that climbed all the way up toward the middle of her thigh. Needless to say...she was killing it.

“Now I just need some hoops...” Erin mumbled as she examined herself. Leila looked over at me and just gaped.

“Stunning!” I said, and Erin gave me a warm and self-satisfied smile.

*

*

Finally, we were heading home in an Uber. But because of how long the shopping took, we decided to stop and get some ice cream from a local parlor; all after persuading the driver to wait for us with a hefty tip.

Erin munched on a mixture of raspberry and vanilla, Leila got creamsicle all over her face, Skye picked at her brownie swirl, and I delightfully ate two scoops of cake batter.

“So. Are you two excited about going to this party now?” Erin asked, eyeing Skye and I. At the same time, we both shook our heads.

“New dress, same feelings.” Skye sighed, looking down into her dish. I nodded in agreement only to hear a dramatic sigh from Leila.

“You two will have fun. We’ll find fun things for you guys!” Leila grinned, glancing at Erin. The two shared a look that, like all the times before, sent a chill down my spine.

“You guys can’t make us have fun.” Skye said, figuring her face was serious; but I looked over to see a teasing smirk on her face.

“Well, we can sure as hell try! Besides, what do you guys have against parties?” Erin said, her tone a bit more tame then it was before. My eyes averted from theirs, and without looking, I could tell Skye was doing the same.

Awkward silence wracked the table for what seemed like hours before Skye spoke up.

“You can thank my parents for being the pessimistic and narcissistic assholes that they are. My distaste originates from them.” Skye said, her teasing tone completely replaced with a hiss. She spoke in a mumbled tone, as if she wished she didn’t want to speak.

“I’ve just never been really...happy with the ones I’ve gone to in the past.” I added awkwardly. I thought about the one good party I went to...and of course it had to be from the diner. Emotions bubbled in my throat and were about to escape before Leila (thankfully) interjected with a disapproving groan.

Then, right after, all three of us got looks of unbridled hope and amusement from Erin.

“That’s going to change because, dearest freshmen, you’ve never experienced a party quite like a college party.”

And it can stay that way, I thought.

*

*

The rest of the ice cream was eaten alongside lighter conversation, and then, FINALLY, we were back in the dorms.

The afternoon flew as I decided to buckle down and unpack the remainder of my things. Leila went to hang out with Erin and Skye (without heels, if you were wondering) as I slaved away at stacking my t-shirts in my closet, that is until I got a knock at my door.

As soon as I opened it, I saw a familiar pair of gorgeous eyes lock onto mine.

“Hi, I know this is kinda weird,” Ajay said casually, “ but I have a question for you.”

I leaned against the door, praying I didn’t look like an uncoordinated mess. “It’s not weird at all, actually. Shoot.”

God, his eyes are just breathtaking in any and every way. Was it weird to be obsessing over an acquaintance’s eyes like this? Yes, I thought, yes it was.

“Well, since we really don’t want to go to the party, I was hoping we could try to get something out of it?”

What does he mean? If we didn’t want to go, what good would we be able to get out of it?

I tipped my head a bit to the side in curiosity and felt some of my blonde hair come loose from its bun.

“Let me escort you. To the party.”

Wait, was that an actual thing? An escort to a college party? No way. It sounded so childlike, almost like something an elementary kid would say.

“Hang on. Do you mean, like, as a date?” I asked, my tone packing more intensity than I had hoped. His eyes widened and he shook his head.

“No, no. I just want to get to know you better. I thought that this would be a better option than hunting you down in a huge mass of drunk people and ending up not being able to find you.” Ajay explained, a light smile tugging at his lips. “So...?”

Maybe spending the night with someone with the same ideals as me would make the night less dreadful, perhaps even fun. I barely gave the idea a thought before words left my mouth. 

“Sure, Ajay, I’ll be your escort.”

[achtung-attitude]

A half year passed, and the child was born in November 1998. A perfectly healthy baby girl. It was the happiest moment of Gangak’s life. He said so himself. Sanjo was not there, nor were any of his lieutenants. None were present except the three of them.

“She’s got your eyes, baby…” he says, gently passing the infant back to her after looking at her for a long time.

“... Yeah, I guess,” she says. The baby in her arms squints its eyes tightly.

“So? What are we gonna name her?” Gangak asks, excited, like a kid.

“I’m OK with whatever you want…”

“No. I want you to name her.”

“... Why?” she asked, turning. The labor had been long, and her act was not as strong as it might have been, too exhausted to catch every slip of her true self. Gangak didn’t appear to notice, smiling softly. 

“It’s only fair!” he replied, “You’re the one that carried her this whole time. I want you to give her a name that makes you proud.”

The infant squirms in her arms and coos, and when T’onga looks down, she sees its face relax and that her eyes, indeed, were the same color as hers. Of all things, she started thinking of Sanjo.

He was watchful, and sharp, and suspicious, but was it for that alone that she did not attempt to slip away one night? Her reason for not clandestinely terminating the pregnancy was because the old man might have caught her, but she was T’onga Kim. She could have found a way, and yet she… didn’t. No, she hadn’t even tried. 

Was this the first time in her life that she had been dishonest with herself? The baby in her arms squirmed more, and she held her closer to her chest, to keep her from wriggling away. A name formed in her mind. Something she would ordinarily suppress, but she was too tired, the labor had been too long. A word slipped out before she could catch it, and of course Gangak loved it.

“I think we should name her…”

                                                      ---

The baby grew, as did the business. By summer of 1999, Gangak’s syndicate had established trade links with cartels from the Philippines all the way up to the Korean peninsula. At the same time, they acquired a number of properties around the Morioh area. It was a surreptitious little empire on the coast of Japan. T’onga observed all of it, absorbing every detail, having won the full confidence of her lover.

One night, she was nursing the baby from a bottle, alone in the living room. Gangak had already fallen asleep upstairs. Suddenly, the home phone rang two times, then stopped. It started ringing again, and didn’t stop. This was the signal. She placed her baby in her playpen and headed for the phone, before picking it up.

“Boss,” T’onga whispered.

“T’onga,” replied All-Kill, who was on the other end. “Updates.”

“I have the ins-and-outs of the entire operation,” she said, keeping her voice low, “I know where the drugs are coming from, who’s selling it to them, and who’s buying. They’ve got drop points and hideouts mostly in the coves along the coast. I’ll fax you the rest of the details as soon as I can.”

“You’re sure you have everything?” he pressed.

“Everything. Gangak trusts me completely, more than his own lieutenants of his little wannabe mafia. He never suspects me of anything, that’s how I was able to gather this much information.”

“Then it’s time. You’ve done good work, T’onga. Now complete your mission. Kill him.”

“... Understood.”

A pause. “... That sounded like hesitation. Are you having doubts?”

“No, boss…” she answered quickly, shaking her head. “It’s just… the gang is so much larger now. Killing Gangak might not be enough to end their operation-”

All-Kill interrupted, “All that matters is that Gangak and the other traitors that went with him die. Your only concern should be making that happen.”

“Yes.”

“How soon?”

“Th-they’re holding a get together this weekend, celebrating their success, I guess. In a warehouse they bought, outside of town. I could get them all there-”

“Do what you have to do. You’ve been gone long enough. It’s time to stop playing house with that fucking traitor.” 

At that moment, the baby let out a cry, neither a laugh or a wail, just a loud noise. Her mother’s heart skips a beat, and she looks furtively around, expecting someone to appear and catch her red-handed.

“What was that?” All-Kill inquiries over the phone.

“N-nothing. Nothing…” T’onga replies, when no witnesses appeared in the dark room.

“Was that… the kid? You have her there with you?” All-Kill asks. His voice is different now, no longer irritable, but curious.

“... Yes. She was… I was feeding her when you called… Boss? What… What do you want me to do with her?” T’onga replies. There was a tightness in her voice. Her heartbeat was loud in her ears. Too loud. She thought surely the entire neighbourhood must hear it. 

“Do with her?”

“She… I know I should have been more careful, Boss… I’ll do whatever you need me to do--” 

“Does she have a Stand?” All-Kill asked, cutting her off.

“What?… No, I don’t think so.”

“It’s not always the case but… the children of Stand users usually have the potential to develop Stands of their own. If she’s your daughter, then she should have the potential. I’m looking forward to meeting her,” he said, letting out an uncommon chuckle.

“Meet her? … You’re not mad…?”

“You know that to me, family is the most important thing. She’s yours, T’onga. Your own flesh and blood. I would never ask you to give her up. She’s my family, as much as you are.”

“... Did you want anything else, boss?” she asks after a silent moment.

“No. You know what you have to do. Good night, T’onga,” he said, his voice returning to his usual, indeterminable tone, before hanging up.

T’onga held the phone for a second, before laying it on the receiver. She turned  and walked back to the baby, finding that she somehow wriggled out of her clothes, lying naked in the playpen.

“Why do you keep doing that?” T’onga whispered to her, laying her down and pulling her clothes back on. Done, she leans against the rim of the playpen and gazed down at her. “What am I gonna do with you, huh?”

The baby answered with a giggle.

                                                         ---

The weekend arrived, and the celebration along with it. At around 2pm, they were ready to leave. Their baby was left securely in her playpen. Gangak spoke to a teenage girl, dressed in his best clothes. “She sleeps most of the time, but if she wakes up, there’s a bottle with a green lid on the counter full of her formula. Make sure it’s the one with the green lid, not the blue! The blue is for dinner!”

“I understand, Yeoh-san! I’ll look after her like she was my own kid sister!” the babysitter promised, smiling brightly.

“If she starts to cry, there’s a doll upstairs in her crib, a stuffed leopard” he said, “It’s her kitty. It’s her favorite. Kitty never fails to make her smile!”

“Honey,” T’onga called reproachfully, reaching up to fix his tie, “I think she gets it. We’re going to be late.”

“God, I hate to be away from the house for so long. I’ve always hated parties,” he groaned, tapping his foot.

“It’s only for a couple hours, you just need to look good for your employees to boost morale. You’re gonna do fine,” she said, touching his face and smiling sweetly.

He smiled back, and took her hand. The taxi outside honked for the fourth time, and Gangak yelled, “We’re on our way!!” They leave and get in the car quickly. The baby lies sound asleep in her playpen.

The location of the get-together was a refurbished warehouse, just outside the Morioh town limits. It did not look like much from the outside, but inside, one might mistake it for an expansive mansion. Swept and polished floors, all the surfaces dusted, and bullet-proof windows tinted black so none could see what was happening inside. 

There were around 30 people in attendance, including Sanjo, and all of their local subordinates, as well as those who came with Gangak from Los Angeles. The celebration was in honour of their acquiring clients in the Moscow syndicates, representatives of which were also present. But the star of the attraction was Gangak himself. Indeed, much of their success was due to his sheer force of charisma. T’onga stood to the side, playing her role as well as ever, but keeping her eyes peeled all the while.

They’re all here. Everyone she was sent to find, are all together in one place. She approached Gangak and whispered in his ear, “Gotta powder my nose.” He smiled and nodded, and she smiled back before walking away. That was the last time she would see his face.

At the same moment, Sanjo also left the party, stepping outside to take a call on his cellphone. “Service is pretty good, even all the way out here. Must be that new cell tower they put up,” he remarks, shutting the steel door behind him.

                                                           ---

At the house in the suburbs at the very edge of town, a baby began to cry for its mother. The teenage girl sighed and switched off the TV. She got up from the couch and went to attend to the baby, picking her up and gently rocking her. The stuffed leopard lay upstairs, in the baby’s crib.

                                                           ---

After checking for the final time that every door and window was shut, T’onga stepped into a stairwell and shut the door, placing her hand flat against it. She whispered “HOUSE OF PAIN,” and her Stand emerged from her. It immediately merges with the wall, no trouble at all.

It began after a moment. The coughing first, then the raised voices. Then the shouting. Then the screaming. She had expected this, but the worst of it was the pounding on the door from inside. The futile pounding. Once HOUSE OF PAIN merged with a target space, it became completely impossible to get out from the inside. 

The knocking grew louder and louder. She thought that surely the entire countryside would hear it. It then abruptly stopped. She waited another minute, then crept back inside, to check and be sure they were all dead.

                                                        ---

The baby struggles out of her clothes and cries louder. The girl tries to calm her down, but to no avail. “Oh come on, don’t do that! Keep your clothes on! Shhh, it’s ok, sweetie, it’s ok. Uh… Oh! You want your kitty? Your papa said you’d stop crying if you had your kitty. I’ll get you… Oh, right!” she says under her breath, remembering what Gangak said. She puts her back down in the playpen and trots out upstairs. ���D-don’t worry, baby, I’m gonna get your kitty…!” The baby cries louder still, and the babysitter dashes up the stairs. If she had stayed a second longer, she would have witnessed the baby go transparent, like a ghost, for a split second.

[royal-rage]

1-5?

1. Selfie

This is the last selfie I took and liked. It was the other day at the cove near my home, it was too hot for black clothes so i went and paddled

2. What would you name your future kids?

I never want to really have kids, and if I did I would adopt an older kid

So have animals instead. If I had a duck I would name it Apricot. If I had a goat I'd name them Mr chonkers or tuffy. I'd love to have a fluffy dog named peach or rascal

3. Do you miss anyone?

I miss 3 people rn. my friend mayrra who I was in college with she was a living meme and a good friend. My friend pashmia who 8 met up with every Friday. Wed go wagamamas and get bubble tea alot. And my current only close friend I have loving near me Ruby, she is my girl, my bubble tea buddy and just a down right sweetie, she's like a sister I never had

4. What are you looking forward to?

The day I will have a home with @chocolatechippi and we will be married and get to wake up every day to each other and just be with each other forever and always (I'm gay an d long distance pinning is beating my heart)

5. Is there anyone who can make you smile?

Without a doubt @chocolatechippi, shadow just radiates this energy that always makes me feel happy and safe, it's hard not to smile when talking to him