#family fight | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

strnilolover · 2 months ago

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NNN - matt sturniolo - family issues

!Warming! : this writing may contain sensitive topics for some people, including family fighting and burn out. please read with caution if family arguments or arguments in general easily trigger you.

You had slammed the cabinet door shut harder than you expected to. Your mothers words cutting your skin like a knife, your patience snapping like a taut rubber band that had been stretched too far. “I can’t believe you just said that.” you gritted, turning to her.

Your mom stood across the kitchen, arms crossed, her eyes narrowed in irritation. “I said what I said. You’re always lounging around, doing nothing, while I’m the one keeping this house together.” she spat out.

“Are you kidding me?” Your voice rose as you turned to face her, incredulous. “I vacuumed the whole house this morning, cleaned the bathroom, and scrubbed the kitchen. I’ve been running around all day trying to keep this place livable while you’ve been sitting on the couch!” your voice raised more — you were irritated and upset.

why can’t she just see how hard you work?

“And yet, the laundry is still sitting in the basket, isn’t it?” she shot back, her tone sharp and cutting. “You can’t even finish one thing properly!” her own hands slammed against the counter as her words left her lips.

Your hands balled into fists at your sides, shaking. “I can’t do everything! I’m one person! You don’t even notice the things I do unless there’s something left undone.” you could feel the tears brimming in your eyes — but you couldn’t let her see she was affecting you, you had to be strong.

“Oh, poor you,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Life is so hard for you, isn’t it? You act like you’re doing me some huge favor by cleaning, but you live here too. It’s your responsibility.”

You stared at her, your chest heaving. “Do you even hear yourself? I am doing my part, and then some! You’re the one who doesn’t lift a finger but still complains that nothing’s good enough.” you choked out.

Her face twisted in anger. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that. You have no idea what I deal with every day, keeping this house running and keeping you in it!” she screamed, coming around the counter and getting closer to you,

“Keeping me in it? Are you serious right now?” you echoed, your voice trembling more with disbelief and hurt. “You act like I’m some freeloader who doesn’t contribute. I’m breaking my back trying to help you, and all you do is tear me down!” Your said. “And on top of everything, I worked a full shift this morning. What more do you want from me?”

you were trying, you really were. Did she not see that?

Her scoff was sharp, cutting through the room. “Oh, sure. You do barely the minimum and expect a medal. Maybe if you spent less time pretending to help and more time actually contributing, I wouldn’t have to ask you for money all the time!” she was almost in your face now, you could feel her breath fanning you.

You stared at her, your hands trembling with frustration as you leaned back a little. “Are you seriously throwing that in my face? Every time you ask me for money, I give it to you. Every single time. Do you even know how hard it is to keep my job and still manage everything at home?”

She shook her head. “Don’t act like you’re some kind of saint,” she snapped. “You live here. It’s your responsibility to pitch in. Or do you think you’re entitled to a free ride?”

“I do pitch in! I’m doing everything! I pay bills when you’re short, I clean up after everyone, and I still go to work to make sure I can cover my own expenses. What do you even do besides sit there and criticize me?” you snapped back, leaning forward from your leaned back position — though that might not have been the best idea.

Her nostrils flared as her eyes turned dark, and she jabbed a finger at your chest — the force digging into your skin making you wince slightly. “Don’t you dare take that tone with me. I’ve sacrificed everything for this family, and all I ask is for you to pull your weight.”

“Pull my weight?” you repeated, your body beginning to tremble more from your overwhelmed emotions. “I’ve been carrying this house on my back, and you know it! But sure, let’s pretend I’m the problem. It’s easier for you, isn’t it?” you sniffled slightly, the words barely making it past your lips and you tried to keep it together.

“You know what?” she snapped, throwing her hands up. “If you hate it here so much, then maybe you shouldn’t come back. Go find somewhere else to stay if you think you’ve got it so bad.”

Her words stung, piercing deeper than you expected. “Fine,” you said, your voice cold and steady despite the tears beginning to spill over your waterline. “I will.”

Grabbing your keys and slipping on your shoes, you muttered under your breath, ��Maybe you’ll finally notice how much I actually do when I’m not here to do it anymore.”

“Don’t come crying to me when you realize how easy you have it,” she called out as you slammed the door behind you.

The cold night air hit your face, mingling with the tears that spilled over as you made your way to your car. Your hands were shaking so badly that it took three tries to get the keys into the ignition.

You barely registered the drive to Matt’s house, your mind replaying the fight over and over like a broken record. By the time you reached his front door, your tears were coming harder, the lump in your throat so heavy it hurt to swallow.

You hadn’t even raised your hand to knock when the door opened. Matt stood there in sweatpants and a hoodie, his hair tousled like he’d been lying down, but his entire demeanor shifted the moment he saw you. His brows furrowed in concern as his eyes scanned your tear-streaked face.

“Baby,” he said softly, stepping aside to let you in. “What’s wrong?”

As soon as his arms opened, you crumbled into him. The second you felt his warmth and smelled the familiar scent of his cologne — something woodsy and comforting — you broke down completely. Your hands clutched at his hoodie as your sobs wracked your body.

“Hey, hey,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around you tightly. “It’s okay. I’ve got you. Just let it out.”

He gently guided you into the living room, keeping you close as he sat down on the couch and pulled you into his lap. His large hands rubbed soothing circles on your back while his other hand cradled the back of your head.

“I-I can’t do it anymore, Matt,” you finally managed to choke out between sobs. “She doesn’t see anything I do. She doesn’t care. She just — she just keeps tearing me down.”

“Who?” he asked softly, leaning back just enough to look at you. His hand moved to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. “Who’s tearing you down?”

“My mom,” you whispered, your voice breaking. “She said I don’t do anything, but I do everything. I worked this morning, cleaned the whole house, and then she asked me for money again — like she always does — and still told me I don’t pull my weight. It’s like… no matter how hard I try, it’s never enough for her.”

Matt’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with anger. “That’s not fair. You work so hard, and she has no right to treat you like that. I’ve seen how much you do, how much you give. You’re amazing, and if she can’t see that, then that’s on her — not you.” he said, holding you tighter to him.

You sniffled, wiping at your cheeks. “It just hurts, you know? I’ve been trying so hard to keep everything together, and she acts like I’m nothing but a burden.”

“You are not a burden,” he said firmly, tilting your chin up so you had no choice but to meet his gaze. “Do you hear me? You are not a burden. You’re one of the strongest, most selfless people I know. She doesn’t deserve you.” he stated, making sure you knew his words were true.

“But she’s my mom,” you said softly, your voice trembling. “I want to make her proud. I want her to see that I’m trying.” Matt’s expression softened, and he leaned in to rest his forehead against yours. “I know you do. But you don’t have to destroy yourself to earn someone else’s approval, especially hers. You’re enough just as you are, okay? You’re more than enough.”

You let out a shaky breath, fresh tears spilling over, but this time they weren’t just from sadness. There was something in his words, in the way he held you, that eased the tightness in your chest.

“Thank you,” you whispered. He shook his head, “You don’t have to thank me,” he said gently. “That’s what I’m here for.”

He adjusted you in his lap, tucking the blanket tighter around your shoulders before pressing a soft kiss to your temple. “Listen, you’re staying here tonight. No arguments. I’m not letting you go back there like this.” he muttered against your temple.

“I don’t want to go back,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “Then you won’t,” he said firmly. “This is your home tonight, and for as long as you need it to be.”

You rested your head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His hand rubbed slow, soothing circles on your back, and his voice was soft when he spoke again.

“You know you’re not alone, right? You’ve got me. Always.”

You sniffled once more. “I know,” you whispered. “I just… I feel so unappreciated sometimes. Like nothing I do matters.” you could feel the self doubt settling into you now — from your mothers words earlier. Were you really not doing a good enough job?

“It matters to me,” he said, his voice steady and sure. “Everything you do matters to me. I see you, and I’m so proud of you. You’re doing more than anyone should ever have to, and you’re doing it so well.”

You looked up at him, your heart clenching at the sincerity in his eyes. “You really mean that?”

He hummed, “Of course I do,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll tell you as many times as you need to hear it until you believe me. You’re incredible, and anyone who can’t see that is blind.” And a soft laugh escaped you, he grinned, his thumb brushing your cheek. “There she is. There’s my girl.”

You felt your cheeks flush at the nickname, and for the first time all day, the tightness in your chest began to ease. “Do you want to talk more about it, or do you just want to relax?” he asked gently. “Relax,” you said after a moment. “I’m too tired to think anymore.”

“Good call,” he said with a smile, grabbing the remote from the coffee table. “How about something stupidly funny? Or do you want me to cook something for you first? I can make you those pancakes you like.” You shook your head, leaning into him. “Just stay with me.”

“Always,” he murmured, pulling you closer.

He put on some random comedy show, and you both sat in comfortable silence for a while. His hand never stopped tracing lazy patterns on your back, and every now and then, he’d drop a kiss to the top of your head. By the time you started to drift off, your body nestled against his, you felt a little lighter than you had in days.

a/n : am i self projecting? maybe. but i’m not in that situation anymore and haven’t been for over a year. but please, if any of you are in this kind of situation, know that there is always a way out. don’t be afraid to ask for help. (i also wrote this on the bus without my glasses so i’m so sorry if some parts may not make sense)

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guardian-of-da-gay · 2 months ago

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What Lies Unspoken

Read on Ao3

For Whumptober 2024 Prompt 24: ALT: Secrets Revealed

tw for fantasy racism, hate crimes, assault, family drama

They couldn’t even get inside the house, there were so many flowers and offerings. Complete strangers made for a massive but quiet crowd, all there to grieve and honor Longclaw on this Remembrance Day.

Knuckles pulled his hood close. He looked at his exposed spurs and quickly tucked his hands out of sight in his cloak. This was not the time or place to be a proud echidna. He kept his head down and hung back. Maddie kept whispering that he could come closer. Sonic wanted him here. Sonic felt weird with all these strangers here, he needed his family. Knuckles needed to be supportive. And Knuckles whispered back that he was being supportive.

Sonic dismissed his concerns earlier. He said that if anyone gave Knuckles trouble, he would explain that Knuckles was there with the blessing of Longclaw's apprentice. He also said he doubted there would be anyone there. He was hugely wrong.

Knuckles doubted Sonic's word would mean anything to a crowd this size. If just one of these people realized there was an echidna there at Longclaw's shrine... Well, he'd had owl worshipers throw rocks at him before, he couldn’t imagine what a crowd this size would do.

No, being supportive meant not causing a huge, ugly scene when Sonic was here, for the first time in a decade, to honor his fallen mother. That was why he wasn’t the only one disguised.

He had insisted Tom and Maddie cover themselves. Frustratingly, they had resisted until Tails backed him up. The galaxy could be very dangerous if you were noticeably Different. Tails could get by. He was an unusual fox, but he was a fox . Humans were unknown and would draw far too much attention. Wearing hooded ponchos with scarves, they passed for scavengers… Which were still unusual to see at Longclaw’s shrine, but at least the crowd gave them a wide berth and avoided looking their way.

Knuckles saw someone steal a look at them and resisted the urge to adjust the scarf over face. His hands are far more recognizably echidna than his face, he must keep them down and concealed. He just had to make it through this.

There was a service. A Babylonian raven perched on a branch across from the treehouse and extolled Longclaw’s virtues. He spoke of her life. How her people were whittled away by war until only she remained and she was so very brave. How she built this secret life for herself alone in the woods for she was so very wise. How she took on an orphaned child as an apprentice for she was so very giving. She was kind. She was patient. She was so very, very good.

“In her last act, she rid the galaxy of that vile race: the echidna.”

The Wachowskis all grew tense. Sonic and Tails looked at Knuckles, but Knuckles did not look back.

“It broke my heart to hear that one had survived when she did not. But eventually the universe will right itself again. The evils of the echidna will be extinguished forever!”

Knuckles grit his teeth. He would like nothing more than to throw off his cloak and say that Longclaw had extinguished nothing! Despite the best efforts of her ‘vile race’ and all their followers, he was still alive! But he bit his tongue. His cheeks burned with shame. He would have to apologize to his ancestors later, but Sonic was part of his tribe now. He must bear this insult to be supportive .

The raven seemed to be winding down at last. “Though the forces of evil reached out and took her from us, we must always remember the good brought to the galaxy by the final sacrifice of one owl. The owl warrior, Longclaw the Generous!”

Maddie grabbed his shoulder and Tom shifted closer to him. He wasn’t sure of the intention but he felt... something. Something unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

There was some scattered applause as people didn’t know how to react to this finale. The raven took off from his perch and joined the crowd on the treehouse railing. The silence that had prevailed until then broke and people began to speak among one another softly. The congregation that had been so still came alive, with some moving to leave and others moving in to speak with the raven or to pay their respects at the shrine.

Sonic turned to the rest of the Wachowskis. The glance he shot toward Knuckles was quick, but not quick enough that Knuckles didn’t catch it. He was aware that the other Wachowskis were looking between the two of them.

“Okay… I think it’s time to get going.”

Knuckles would like nothing more, but he had a mission. He was going to be supportive! “Have you paid adequate respects?”

“Yeah…” Sonic’s voice was high and strange. “I think I’ve seen as much as I need to today.”

“Wait,” Tom held up a hand. “Did you two… know about this?”

“Know about what?” Knuckles and Sonic said at the same time but in very different tones.

“About the whole…” Tom lowered his voice and stooped, which only succeeded in drawing more attention to him. “Longclaw was… killed by echidnas?”

There was a long moment where they all just looked at one another. Tails looked confused. Sonic looked a mix of distressed and guilty. Tom and Maddie looked like they were expecting shock. Finding none, Tom’s face shifted to outrage. “Wait, you knew?!”

Knuckles started at his tone. “You didn't ?!” He looked to Tails, but the fox seemed just as surprised.

They all looked to Sonic who winced under their combined gaze. “Uh… I forgot?”

“ Sonic ,” Maddie scolded.

“Look, when was I supposed to tell you that? During the wedding-crasher avalanche? The giant robot battle?”

“After. Sonic. You tell us after . It has been months ,” Tom hissed. He looked to Knuckles accusingly, then to Tails. Sonic stepped between them.

“It didn't come up organically!”

A Babylonian goose stretched out his neck into their space to scold them. “Excuse me, this is a memorial . Please keep your voices down!”

“Sorry,” Maddie rushed to apologize. She grabbed Tom’s shoulder and Knuckles’ arm and pulled them both in close so she could lower her voice. “I don’t think this is the place to discuss this.”

“I don’t know, Maddie, I’m kind of freaking out over here,” Tom said. “Longclaw–”

“Tom,” Maddie warned, “this doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s not like all echidnas know each other.”

“I knew them,” Knuckles was quick to correct. “They were my tribe.”

He didn’t know why, but Sonic cringed.

“Oh… So you… You had family there?” Maddie asked.

“My entire family.”

“Which was like… barely twenty people,” Sonic waved a hand, but paused the motion halfway as though even he found his flippancy distasteful.

“It was fourteen people,” Knuckles said. “Longclaw killed them all.” Maddie’s hand squeezed on his shoulder.

Sonic’s lip quirked back slightly as his ears drooped. “She was defending herself,” he said in a quiet voice.

Knuckles had just listened to a sermon that praised the elimination of his people as one of Longclaw’s many accomplishments and held his tongue. Perhaps that was why he forgot his mission to be supportive and said: “That is cold comfort when all my kind are dead.”

Sonic looked away. He was doing a better job holding his tongue, but his thoughts might as well have been written on his face. They deserved it, he thought.

Knuckles looked at the rest of the Wachowskis. Tails wouldn’t meet his eyes either. Maddie’s gaze flit between him and Sonic and back again. Tom was looking at him like he’d never seen him before. That strange feeling was back. Knuckles felt hot and cold all at once. Though the cloak concealed his face, he felt exposed. He was so distracted by the sudden pit in his stomach, he didn’t sense someone behind him until there was a hard yank on his cloak.

Then he was exposed for real.

Everyone froze, Knuckles included. The crowd was large enough that those further away hadn’t noticed any, but those nearby were too close not to see. Several of them gasped. Knuckles held his breath Normally he would strike the one who’d touched without permission and then tactically retreat. But he was here with the Wachowskis, in support of Sonic. He did not have a precedent for this. …Maybe the respectful atmosphere would deter any outbursts?

“An echidna!”

Or not.

The crowd rippled as heads turned. Knuckles grabbed for his hood and pulled it up again, but those closest were already pointing and speaking. The Wachowskis instinctively closed in around him.

“There!”

“Could it be–”

“Didn’t get a good look–”

“It wouldn’t really come here –”

“I saw!” The goose honked, pointing with one heavy wing. “I heard you!”

“Hey–” Maddie started.

“You saw nothing. You heard nothing,” Knuckles insisted.

Sonic darted between them, holding his hands up. “Look, I’m Longclaw’s apprentice–the orphan she took on? I brought him here. I say he’s allowed to be here.”

“Could that be true–”

“Wouldn’t she adopt another bird?”

“No follower of Longclaw would ever associate with an echidna!” The goose thrust his beak into Sonic’s face, forcing him to lean back.

It was Tom’s turn to insert himself. “Hey, we’re just here to pay our respects, just like you.” The goose’s feathers fluffed.

Knuckles raised his fists, uncertain. He wasn’t sure how to handle a situation where he wasn’t allowed to fight. But it seemed like a fight might be coming anyway.

“It is an echidna!” Someone yelled. “Look at his hands!”

Oops. Knuckles lowered his hands again, but it was too late. The crowd was shifting uneasily. Some people grabbed their children and urged them away, others shoved closer. The angry voices increased, enough that it was getting hard to tell apart individual words. Knuckles could only hear ‘echidna’ said over and over.

“Okay!” Sonic turned to the Wachowskis, his wide eyes betraying his joking tone. “We should definitely get going before this gets ugly.”

Knuckles was attacked from behind. Talons grabbed beneath his quills, claws slicing into his skin. Surprise had him drop to one knee before he knew it. Instinct told him to retaliate first. He lashed out. The raven preacher was thrown back with a squawk. Before he could stand, the goose was on him. He lashed out with his wings. Knuckles raised his fists to block the worst of the blows.

In a flash of blue, the goose was gone. Someone fell on Knuckles and grabbed him. He snarled and swung wildly. He narrowly missed hitting Tom in the face. The human was shielding Knuckles while Sonic ran interference and Maddie lifted Tails above the frantic crowd. Half the congregation was trying to get away while the other was surging forward, trying to get to Knuckles. Knuckles looked around for an escape. He took in the forgotten treehouse, the flowers getting trampled. Oh. Knuckles was ruining this. This place was meant to be sacred to Sonic, and Knuckles was ruining it.

Tom let out a labored wheeze as he lifted Knuckles up and the next thing Knuckles knew they were falling–through a warp ring.

His belly flipped unsettlingly as gravity shifted around. They landed in a bush just outside the Wachowski house. Tom let out another wheeze when Knuckles landed on him. Beside them, Maddie yelped. Sonic jumped through the warp ring while Tails flew down. The angry voices grew more indignant on the other side of the portal, but no one tried to follow. The golden ring closed and they were left with the quiet of evening cricket song.

“Good thinking, Tails,” Sonic praised.

“Thanks…” Tails landed beside him. “Um. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!” Sonic let out a high laugh. He crossed his arms and looked away quickly, toward where Maddie was struggling out of the bush. In an instant he was beside her, helping to pull her out.

Knuckles got up before he could be offered help. Tom groaned behind him.

“Are you okay, Dad?” Sonic asked, rushing to his side.

“I feel like an anvil with quills fell on me, but I’m fine.”

Maddie was beside Knuckles with a speed to rival Sonic’s. “Knuckles, are you–”

“I’m fine,” Knuckles lied.

“Great. We’re all fine!” Sonic reported. “Let’s not do that again.”

“Do what?” Tom asked as he struggled out of the bush. “Lie to us for months? I agree, let’s not do that again.”

“I didn’t lie,” Sonic insisted. “I just neglected to tell you!”

Tom looked at Knuckles. “And you didn’t think to mention it?”

Knuckles bristled. “I thought Sonic had already done so.”

Tom looked like he was going to respond with something angry, but Maddie cut him off. “Tom, this isn’t Knuckles’ fault. Sonic is the one who knows better.”

Sonic didn’t know better about anything than Knuckles! Well, except for how to relax. And Earth customs. And about Tom and Maddie. Was that why he had hidden the truth of the war over the Master Emerald? Had he thought Tom and Maddie would not accept Longclaw’s ancestral enemy into their home? Was Knuckles’ admittance to the Wachowski tribe based on a lie?

“I… I knew too,” Tails volunteered. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything.” He wrung his hands anxiously and looked to Knuckles. Their eyes met and it seemed they both knew what would happen next.

Knuckles had had enough of this exchange. He waited until the hedgehog was in a heated exchange with the humans over his punishment for this deception, then slipped away. Only the fox watched him go, his eyes wide and apologetic, ears slowly drooping down.

Knuckles was experiencing that same unfamiliar, uncomfortable feeling he had felt when the preacher spoke and Tom and Maddie had shifted around him. It was as though he was suddenly aware of himself and what he was, his people, their history. He was used to being hated by strangers, but he had never had it laid out at the feet of anyone he cared about. What did the Wachowskis think of what the raven had said? They’d belonged to Sonic before Knuckles joined them. On some level, they probably agreed with the preacher. Longclaw was so very good, so good she had rid the galaxy of all but one of the evil echidna.

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