#golden tater

[jones7thavenue]

It's wise to reblog for good luck, for I will not take any chances.

[viperbunnies]

whos ur fave delicious in dungeon character?? :3

Omgg. Honestly I adore the whole cast so much, which isn’t a surprise— Everyone’s so well written. I enjoyed learning more about them in Ryoko Kui’s short snippets. I can ramble about everyone and what I love about them 😭

However, If we were to talk about favorites I narrowed it down to 3 (+2 ish characters)

I love lovee Marcille. She’s my ultimate fave, I won’t dive into spoilers much but I find her to be a perfectly flawed character. I love how as the story goes further, we learn so much about why she acts the way she does. Aside for Marcille, I also love Falin. Her design really speaks to me— I’m a big sucker for short hair + baggy clothes 😭. And, she’s such a gentle soul which is ironic because it contrasted what happened to her in the later parts of the story. (Also if it’s not already obvious I’m a big Farcille shipper lol 😭)

I also like Thistle because similarly to Falin I adore his design (Jester designs are also a big yes for me) he also parallels Marcille a lot which mwehehehe makes for some nice character analysis.

Special shout out to Lycion and Fleki who both give me severe gender envy. 🫡🫡

Some 5 minute doodles below while I was in the car 🫡

[pretty-little-fools]

[tatert07s]

Was tagged by @brother-genitivi for this character customization game on Meiker.io! Thank you for the tag ✌🏼

I was not particularly a fan of the skin color options since the more Browner/darker skin palettes were desaturated and grey. Definitely wish it wasn’t like that.

Anyways, I decided to make my character Zara Ghasemi, and recreate her appearance from a retelling AU of Dracula from my wip! She’s a cryptozoologist that studies supernatural beings, including vampires.

Tagging (no pressure btw): @cairamelcoffee @cullenvhenan @star--nymph @tamarsart @siennamain

[wbmttinc]

February is such a great month! There are so many things to celebrate in February. Some things to celebrate are Black History Awareness, Groundhog Day, Superbowl, Valentine's Day, President's Day, and even a Leap Year and many more! For such a short month it's jam packed with awesomeness. Plus, it's my birthday month so like, EVEN better!

[thehottestbastardhere]

Thou knight of garf and field, wizard of shark and fish! I challenge you to a duel!

One not of swords!

But of knowledge! (And tma)

What fear do you think you would be an avatar of? *psst, it doesn’t have to be just one!

oooh this is a good one! and a classic no less! currently probably the eye bc i do enjoy to bee hold 🐝🫴, or the stranger bc im working customer service and the autism tends to make me kinda spooky when im tired. but back in the day it twas definitely the spiral! i have a whole self insert from like 2021 that started out as a carbon copy of michael which eventually grew to performing worm weddings and having an evil cosco and the like.

[basedtater]

going thru one of my wips and wow im crying over this interaction

its the dr strange vision spell where your inner self is revealed for all to see (because skrulls) and clint sees Steve and bucky is there this time and the commentary??? (steve is dead at this point in time btw)

“You feel like you’re still trying to be Steve," Bucky murmurs, just loud enough for Clint to hear. “I thought I stopped. I really thought I had. I went a completely different direction, but I guess a part of me still holds onto him even though I’m fighting it with everything I’ve got.” “If he left that big of an impression on you, I don’t think fighting it is the right move.” “What?” Clint asks, surprised. “In a way, aren’t you just a part of his memory living on?” Bucky threads their hands together, using his fingers to gently trace over Clint’s knuckles. “Aren’t any of us just the accumulation of living memories of those who affected us the most?”

bucky here with words of wisdom jesus christ

[lotreaux]

Thank you Mayor Gamgee for your wise words!

Sometimes you wake up super depressed and feel like you can't carry on but then you eat a potato and you feel just a tiny bit better and you're like. Well I've gotta keep going. If one potato did that what could 2 potatoes do? 5? You have to keep living for the potential of more potatoes down the line

[bluepoodle7]

#Ore-Ida#Ore-IdaGoldenTaterTotsSeasonedShreddedPotatoes#TaterTots#FrozenShreddedPotatoesReview

I tried these Ore-Ida Golden Tater Tots Seasoned Shredded Potatoes and these were pretty good.

These tater tots were convection ovened and later microwaved.

These were lightly crunchy while chewy and very soft potato in the middle in texture.

These light well seasoned potato hashbrown taste and had a light potato taste.

I like these better than fries.

These were lightly salty.

My tater tots weighed 112g.

I would eat these again.

Got at Kroger.

[tinfoil-jones]

Tate Pines AU 

(aka Tater McGucket is an oops baby Fiddlestan kid)

Note: LONG POST. This is me hyper fixating on a brain worm because the Gravity Falls Fandom roared back to life. This is probably misspelled in a lot of areas, and not the clearest or most concise post because this is me rambling at 2 in the morning. Also the characters are maybe OOC. Also, this is written without accents because I'm not from the Midwest or southern United States.

In this AU/Scenario, Stan is a transgender man, and 'encountered' Fiddleford during his vagabond years. It was a heavily drunk/high one-night-stand, so they never properly met or even knew each others names. This happens after Ford graduating Backupsmore University, and for this scenario to work let’s say that Fiddleford went to BMU for his undergraduate program, but then went to the local university in Palo Alto for his graduate studies.

Years later, just like in the OG show Fiddleford is Stanford's research partner in Gravity Falls, and married to Emma-May Dixon; but they don't have any children together at this time, and they got together *after* his encounter with Stan. So this isn't an affair baby scenario.

Tatum "Tate" Pines is 5 years old, living on the road with his dad, currently staying in a motel but they're about to move into a real apartment for the first time ever because Tate needs to start school soon. Stan is still a drifter and a con man, but he recently came upon a large sum of money because Tate accurately guessed the lottery number for the state they were currently in.

Stan still receives a postcard from Gravity Falls that says "Please Come", and is allegedly sent from his estranged Twin who he hasn't seen in almost 12 years. But this is roughly a few months before it would have happened in-canon.

Given Stan's disownment, no one knows that he even has a son, not even Ma Pines. Not like he'd want them to know. Having his own son and loving him unconditionally made him realize that his own dad Filbrick was a monster, who he didn't need to prove himself to. But he still wants to reconcile with Ford, so he decides to go just like in canon.

This post card, however, wasn't sent by Ford. It was sent by Fiddleford, who was watching Ford spiral in real time and hoped that if anyone could convince Ford that he was acting crazy and unstable, it was his twin brother.

While Stanford doesn't greet Stanley with a crossbow like in the original because this is before the portal test with Fiddleford, he's definitely shocked to not just see Stanley there, but Stanley with a tiny gap-toothed child in tow.

Stan doesn't know that Ford wasn't expecting them, and excitedly introduces Ford to his nephew.

Ford: Stanley, are you sure this child is yours? Stan: ...Ford, did you forget we're not identical twins?  Ford: ...Oh! Oh my, Stanley... Stan: *thinking* 'I don't know if I'm touched that you don't see me as anything other than a man... or insulted that you forgot something so fundamental about me'

Flabbergasted, Ford lets them both in; Fiddleford is welding something downstairs so he doesn't see or hear any of this. Ford plants Tate on the couch in front of the TV and practically drags Stan to the kitchen to talk to him privately; he's too surprised by Stan having a child to question why they were there in the first place.

Ford: Is there a... another parent..? Stan: ...It's just me and Tate. Always has been. Ford: How did...? Stan: I didn't plan a pregnancy... but I had no money for T-shots for months on end, and without the T, everything down stairs went to factory default.  Ford: Do you know who it is? The father- I mean, the other father? Stan: Not exactly, some southern guy, don't think I ever got his name. Ford: What happened? Stan: Funny you should ask. (FLASHBACK) Fiddleford, high out of his mind: -and that's how I won a golden fiddle. Stan, drunk out of his mind: That's crazy, dude. *grabs him aggressively by the shirt collar to pull him close* Now shut up and fuck me until I can't walk. Fiddleford, horny out of his mind: Hoo-whee, well don't you diddly-darn mind if'n I do. (END) Ford: Stanley? Stan: Hmm? Ford: Are you okay? You just said 'its funny that you ask', and then stared off into space for 10 seconds. Stan: Let's just say I never touched tequila ever again.

Eventually, Fiddleford does come upstairs when he notices Ford didn't come back downstairs, and see's the brothers in the kitchen just as Ford asks Stan why he even came here.

Fiddleford admits it was him who sent the postcard, that someone needed to 'talk some sense' into Ford, and then introduces himself to Stan.

While Stan isn't perplexed by Fiddleford because he was too drunk to remember a face- Fiddleford, who has very good memory, immediately knows he met Stan somewhere, he just can't quite place where, when, or why.

Ford does show Stan the portal, saying it's his life's work and he'll need to test it soon, and casually asks Stan if he wants to stay and help. Before Fiddleford can protest that's a bad idea and Ford should just stop, Stan agrees because he wants to reconnect (and also keep a roof over Tate's head, what were the chances they'd win another lottery?), it did hurt his feelings that Stanford hadn't reached out out to him after all, but maybe they could work on that.

While Ford hasn't exactly forgiven Stanley for the science fair incident, he can't just let his brother, a single father be homeless with a five-year-old (Stan had to drop the lease with their intended apartment to come to Gravity Falls). And... well, Ford gets attached to Tate quite early:

Tate: ... *staring at him* Ford: Can I help you with something, Tatum? Tate: Uncle, is your name "Stanford"?  Ford: Yes, but if you prefer you can call me Uncle Ford. Tate: Oh. Okay. It's funny, Stanford is my middle name. *later* Stan: Kiddo, why has your uncle been sobbing in his room for the past thirty minutes? Tate: *shrugs*

Not realizing the gravity (hehe) of the situation, Stan gets settled in the house and helps Ford and Fiddleford where he can (usually just moving heavy objects or punching paranormal creatures, or forcing Ford to shower). He does notice that Ford seems a bit... unhinged, and weirdly obsessed with some new geometry based religion, but people change after college right?

He does get unnerved by Fords weird episodes where his personality seems to shift and he goes into town to act like an absolute menace. Stan can't help but think that isn't Ford; its been years since he saw him but damnit he knew his brother and whatever entity possessed him just to slap a cops belly, *that* was not Ford. But Ford always brushed him off when he tried to bring it up, and one time 'Ford' even coldly reminded Stan that he could remove Stanley and his son from the home at any time if he wasn't going to be useful.

During this time, Stan and Fiddleford get to know each other, they get along quite well actually; Fiddleford is fond of little Tatum, who along with Stan enjoys listening to him play the banjo. One could say, given Fords obsession with his current passion project and prioritizing work over his relationships, that Stan and Fiddleford become close. 

Fiddleford picks up, however... that little Tate is a genius. Although he's a quiet kid, he has an advanced vocabulary for his age. He's able to read and write at what must be a 2nd or 3rd grade level despite not even starting kindergarten yet, and... one time Fiddleford left an 8x8 cubiks cube unattended, and came back no more than five minutes later to see that Tate had already solved it. And Stan had told him that Tate has actively predicted lottery numbers before.

He brings it up with Stan, who admits that he already knows Tate is a genius, but he also knows what academic pressure and high expectations can do to someone (referring to Ford), and he just wants Tate to live life by his own terms, not let other people dictate that for him based on his IQ.

Fiddleford... also see's resemblances between himself and Tate. Sure, Tate has browner hair like Stan, but the wavier texture is just like his own. And while Stanley does have a prominent nose, it's not as prominent as Tates, which is much more similar to Fiddlefords. 

Fiddleford begins to ask Stan about his past, specifically bringing up that he believes they may have met before.

Fiddleford: Say, Stan, did we meet before you moved here? You're so familiar to me. Stan: I wonder where you could have possibly seen my face before? *glances at the lab* Fiddleford: No. I feel like we've met before - you ever been to Palo Alto? Stan: That city in Cali? Yeah. I'd say about six years ago. I was just passing by, resupplying, and selling weed to college students. Fiddleford: You were a weed dealer? Stan: Among other things, yeah. California's *the* place to go to for weed. I don't do it anymore. Fiddleford: Did you... ever visit the university there? Stan: A couple times. Hated going there because it reminded me of... well, I think you know. Why? Fiddleford: I did my graduate studies there, maybe I met you there? Stan: You think so? I only saw buyers, did you buy weed from me? Fiddleford: No... I had a dealer, but it wasn't you. Stan: Other than that, I did get invited to a frat party once. Think they were called "SigEp" or something. Fiddleford: That's 'Sigma Phi Epsilon'. That was the fraternity I belonged to. Did I see you at that party? Stan: Probably - oh man that party was crazy. I made so many bad decisions that night. Fiddleford: Stanley... how old did you say your son was? Stan: Five, why? Fiddleford: ... Fiddleford: Stanley... *reaches out* Stan: *jerks back, before pointing away* Hey look over there, a distraction! Fiddleford: What- *looks away* Stan: *jumps out the window and makes a run for it*

Stan does not entertain any further discussions with Fiddleford about his past, and goes out of his way to keep Tate with him and away from Fiddleford. Given his criminal past, he's afraid that if Fiddleford is correct, he could make legal actions to take Tate away from him.

Fiddleford eventually goes to Ford about his suspicions.

Fiddleford: Stanford I'm going to tell you something, and I need you to promise you'll stay calm. Stanford: *doesn't look up from microscope* Are you going to tell me you suspect you're Tatum's father because you slept with my brother around the time he would have been concieved? Fiddleford: ... Stanford: Because you are. Fiddleford: What in tar- Stanford: *tosses a file folder towards Fiddleford* I have all of our DNA on file - Fiddleford: You do???? Stanford: Of course I do! I store the DNA profile of everyone who's entered my residence, just in case there's a shifter afoot. Comparing yours and Stanley's DNA to Tatum's, there is only a 0.001% chance that he isn't your biological child. Fiddleford: ... *speechless* Stanford: Congratulations, according to science you're a father.

Fiddleford does eventually manage to talk to Stan about it, and clear the air between them. Stan is apprehensive because Fiddleford is married, but he's at least relieved that Tate happened before Fiddleford was in a relationship with Emma-May. Stan allows Fiddleford to spend more time with Tate (supervised), but they agree Tate doesn't need to know just yet what Fiddleford is to him.

Fiddleford also holds back on telling his wife about Tate, he'd prefer to tell her face-to-face.

But then the portal test happens and Fiddleford gets a glimpse of the horrors beyond the portal, which traumatizes him just like in the original. This doesn't convince him to leave, because Ford is becoming dangerous and Fiddleford is worried about what would happen if Stan and Tate were left alone with him. He invents the memory gun, but holds up on using it on himself.

The relationship Ford has with both Stan and Fiddleford  becomes more explosive. Stan and Fiddleford are both telling Ford that he's messing with forces beyond his control.

To get Fiddleford off of his back about the portals, Ford instead lashes out at him about something else.

Stanford: Fiddleford... you know you're my best friend right? Fiddleford: ...Of course. Stanford: Stanley and I don't have a good relationship... we haven't in a long time. *puts a hand on his shoulder* But don't you dare hurt my brother, or nephew. I don't care how strained things are between Stanley and myself, or how close you and I are... He's my brother, and I'll always protect him, even if it's from you. Fiddleford: Do you think I would try to steal Tatum, Stanford?! *Pushes him away* Also, if you're going to threaten me, you could at least not be such a hypocrite. Stanford: How dare- Fiddleford: You say you care about Stanley? That you'd protect him? He's been homeless for over a decade! You SAW him get kicked out of home when he was still a minor! He escaped three different prisons, had extremely shady black-market top-surgery, chewed his way out of the trunk of a car, and gave birth by himself in an alleyway! He had walking pneumonia for nearly a year straight and almost died from it because he had to choose between himself and Tate over who needed treatment more!  But you didn't know any of that, did you? Because you don't talk to him or try to reach out. You still avoid him. You still treat him like he's your enemy. You're still resentful about that damn science project.  You don't know him or what he went through. You didn't even want him here, I called him up here so maybe somebody could set you straight!  Working with this portal, messing with these forces beyond comprehension and control- the only threat to Stan and our son is you! Ford: Get the hell out of my lab- and stay the hell away from my twin.

But this 'Mystery Trio'-esque era of their lives has a Bad End:

After Ford gets sucked into the portal the same way as he did in the original, Stanley decides to take over his identity; Fiddleford helps him with everything up until Stan fakes his own death.

As Tate's biological (other) father, and Stan having recently altered Tate's birth certificate to add Fiddleford, the boy is given to Fiddleford right away following Stan's 'death' and not put into foster care or an orphanage. This window of time is also when Fiddleford establishes the Society of The Blind Eye, but he chooses a leader after he founds it rather than leading it himself.

When Stan makes it clear he's going to dedicate himself to fixing the portal and bringing Ford back, Fiddleford makes a drastic decision. 

Knowing what the portal obsession did to Stanford, Fiddleford doesn't want Tate to be around if- no, when, the same thing happens to Stan. 

He uses the memory gun on Stan to make him forget about their son entirely. He does the same thing to Tate to make him forget about Stanley, legally changes his name to Tater McGucket, and takes him back to California with him.

He makes this decision because in this scenario he never used the memory gun on himself, so the memory of what's on the other side of the portal still haunts him, making him more desperate and callous, especially with a child involved.

It breaks his heart that he did this, but he doesn't want Tate to be dragged into Pines drama. He takes the boy home and tells his wife that he was conceived before they were together (looking at Tate's age, he was born at least a year before they started dating), and uses the news clipping about Stan's death to explain how he got custody without any trouble, and Emma-May adopts Tate. Tates memory gaps are excused by his young age, and the trauma of losing a parent at such a young age, so Fiddleford and Emma-May decide not to tell him about Stanley.

Stan forgets about both Tate and Fiddleford, but he has this deep sense of loss and betrayal that he can't place. He figures over the years that maybe it's just some of his feelings about Ford having gone through the portal...

Decades later, and after a divorce, Fiddleford moves back to Gravity Falls, bringing Tate with him so Tate can start his Bait and Tackle Shop somewhere quiet. Fiddleford is there to check up on the Society of the Blind Eye, and also to check on Stanley because he feels guilty about what he did. Although he knows that this is Stanley pretending to be Stanford, he says nothing to anybody about it, it's the least he could do.

When Stan see's Fiddleford again - he doesn't know why, because he's 'never met the guy', but just looking at his face pisses him off. And every time Stan see's Fiddleford from then on, whether its across the street or at the shops or what have you, he is openly hostile towards him even if he can't adequately explain why he feels this way about Fiddleford. Also strangely attracted to him, particularly his banjo playing, but its overshadowed by his hostility.

Stan meets Tate shortly after the Tate and Backles Bait and Tackle shop is opened... and he doesn't know why, but this young man he's never met makes him feel sad. But also... Relieved? Elated? Proud?? He comes by often, sometimes not even buying (or stealing) anything, he just chats with Tate (and Backle to a lesser degree).

Tate himself feels strangely fond of this frequent flier customer. Like he's met a dear old friend. He is awfully confused why Stan will sometimes call him 'Tatum', seemingly without noticing, and why he never feels like correcting him. 

Fiddleford knows why, because he never erased his own memory, and he feels so guilty. But it's been 30 years, he can't say anything without ruining his relationship with Tate (which became strained after the divorce, which in this timeline happened maybe around Tate's late teen/early adult years). 

One way that this whole thing can be revealed is when Dipper and Mabel deal with The Blind Eye society, they find two memory tubes, one labelled "Tatum S. Pines" and another labeled "Stan Pines" take it with them because it has their last name, and Grunkle Stans name, on them.

They play the one labeled Stan Pines at first, and realize it's Tates early childhood memories of Stan.

When they play the one labeled "Tatum S. Pines" they see it's all of Grunkle Stans memories of Tate, leading up to his confrontation with Fiddleford.

(MEMORY) Stan, backing up: Wait, what is that thing? Fiddleford, what are you doing with that?! Fiddleford, pointing the memory gun at him: I'm sorry Stan, I truly am. But I can't let you drag our son into this... I do care for you, and I wish things could have been different. But you're just like him!  **BLAST** (END OF MEMORY)

This horrifies them, and they have a real moral conundrum of if they tell Stan and Tate, or if they keep it to themselves to keep the peace. 

They deserve to know... but it'd be so painful. And this would take place before "The Tale of Two Stans" so they don't even know what Fiddleford was talking about to justify stealing Tate, or who 'him' is.

Eventually, it's Wendy and Soos who confront McGucket and tell him that he better be honest with Stan and Tate, or they're going to do it for him. That he's a selfish coward who ripped someone's young child from their arms.

Or, an alternative scenario; Fiddleford never stored those memories in the first place, or at least didn't store them with the Society of the Blind Eye, and it's Ford who brings this all up to Stan. Ford was already through the portal when Fiddleford decided that parental abduction was totally okay if there was amnesia involved.

Ford: Are these Tatum's children? *motioning to Dipper and Mabel*. Stan: They're Shermie's grandkids, and - who? Ford: ...Tatum? Tatum Stanford Pines? Your son. Stan: ...I don't- I don't have a son. *tears gathers in the corner of his eyes, but he either doesn't notice, or chooses to not react* And if I did, I wouldn't give him your name as a middle. Ford: Yes you do, and yes you did. You introduced us right before the portal incident. I even DNA-sequenced him to confirm that his other father was Fiddleford. Stan: WHAT? And- who?? Ford: Here, look *pulls up his DNA files from ones of his secret safes in the lab and shows it to Stanley, which not only has the DNA results but also pictures of Stanley, Fiddleford, and Tate from the time* Honestly Stanley, how could you forget a child you car-.

Ford realizes something is wrong when it's clear that Stanley is distressed, but also confused, like having a son is legitimately a surprise to him. He's so shocked he has to lie down for a bit. His eyes keep leaking tears but he doesn't know why 'Fords cruel and oddly elaborate joke' is making him so upset, because 'clearly it's not true'.

When Ford hears Fiddleford lives in Gravity Falls, he seeks him out and demands answers.

At first, Fiddleford tries to play it off like maybe Ford was remembering things wrong - but with enough pressure, and a ray gun pointed at his chest, Fiddleford finally comes clean. About what he did. Why he did it.

Ford is still angry at Stan for getting him trapped in the Nightmare Realm Multiverse for 30 years; and then stealing his name, identity, and house, but that's still his twin brother. And what Fiddleford did was to him was horrendous, especially after Stanford had already warned him years ago to not to hurt Stan or Tate. This was a crime against the whole Pines family. 

So Ford beats him up. No, he doesn't kill or maim him, but he beats the living dog shit out of him until Fiddleford promises the glass tubes of Stan and Tate's memories in exchange for mercy.

Mabel, Dipper (and Soos/Wendy) are clearly confused (because they wouldn't have seen the memories in the "The Hall of the Forgotten"). Although, this whole revelation does bring Dipper closer to Stan, because Dipper had no idea he wasn't the only transgender person in the family.

Ford shows these memories to Stan first, who is going through all kinds of emotions especially after getting Ford back and their bitter reunion. This allows Ford and Stan to somewhat reconcile early; just like how Ford lost 30 years of his life to the portal, Stanley lost 30 years with his own son because of his conviction to fix it.

Ford also has to physically stop Stan from hunting down and murdering Fiddleford (who Stan only knew as McGucket up to this point) with his bare hands. Reminding him that it's more important that he reaches out to Tate.

But Stan is conflicted. He wants to be Tate's dad again but... Tate is in his mid-thirties, he doesn't need him like he did when he was 5. And Tate already has two loving parents, both of which don't have an extensive criminal record, and who provided him with a stable home, which Stan never did because they were homeless the whole time.

Does he really want to uproot Tate's life and/or peace of mind with a revelation this big?  

This goes all the way to Weirdmageddon, where everyone gathers in the Mystery Shack for security; faced with a possible end of the world, Stan takes Tate to the side, dragging Fiddleford with them, and tells him the truth. Fiddleford confirms it all, ashamed and apologetic. Finally, they give Tate his memory tube, which he watches.

For a moment Stan and Fiddleford have a moment of solidarity; Stan can see that Fiddleford really did want to spare Tate from whatever unknown-at-the-time fate had befallen Stanford because of the portal.

Fiddleford finally faces his past mistakes, and apologizes for what he did. That what he did was wrong, and he can never make it up to them, but if they survive this maybe he could try to make things right.

This is their last family moment between the three of them pre memory-wipe.

The mind wipe thing still happens. Gravity Falls is saved. Mabel and Dipper manage to jog Stan's memory but there's no way to make him remember Tate - the glass memory tubes have already been used, and Stan didn't keep any photos from his homeless era because he couldn't afford it most of the time, and when he could he always managed to get kicked out of whatever state they were in before the photos were done developing.

Once again, Ford comes in clutch. Throughout his last journal, just like how he made entries about Fiddleford, he also made entries about Stan and Tate, including detailed sketches. How Tate liked to get into high places, exasperating Stanley who was afraid of heights. How Stan would take him to the woods to follow the creeks because Tate was intrigued by waterways. How Tate said so few words but Stan always seemed to know exactly what he wanted or needed at any given time. How Tate only liked eating the green M&M's but Stan was fine with it because he got to eat the rest. 

Now while Stan's heartwarming memories of his son come back, so does his desire to break Fiddlefords neck. 

Fiddleford still buys the Northwest Mansion and converts it to "McGucket's Hootenanny Hut", but because the Pines families are the heroes of Gravity Falls, they (Ford) manage to convince the local government to put Fiddleford on house arrest for an indeterminate amount of time as punishment for 30-something years of parental abduction and alienation (also the whole starting a Cult thing). Fiddleford accepts this, and Tate still lives with him.

Post memory-wipe Stan still reconciles with both of them, and his relationship with Fiddleford is... weird, but not entirely bad. It's like they're dating, but with a lot of emotional distance. Like, Stan still tells Ford he wants to murder him... but also tells him to never, ever, check their texting history. 

Stan still goes to sail the world with Ford on the Stan O'War II. They do invite Tate, who declines because "He'd rather just live the simple life in Gravity Falls, and not get involved in whatever supernatural gobbledygook his dad and uncle are sure to get into".

And Stan is so proud of him... because just like he said thirty years, there's nothing he wanted more for Tate than to live his life by his own terms. He video chat's with him as often as he does with Dipper and Mabel. 

Tate ends up keeping McGucket as his last name, but he changes his first and middle back to what it was originally.

And that's the end of this tale, thanks for sticking with me. Here's a passage where Ford teases Stan while they're on their sea adventure;

Ford: It was so sweet of you to give your son my name. Stan: Poindexter, I swear to Moses. Ford: Even after a decade apart. Admit it, you missed me so much. Stan: *rolls his eyes* Of course I did. Stan: Stan: But the real reason that's his middle name is because he was conceived at Stanford University. Ford: I- Ford: I really didn't want to know or think about that.

The End... Go home.

[wellen-katze]

Masterpost for all my BG3 fanart

You are probably here for it so here is a list of all the Baldur's Gate 3 Fanart I did so far, please enjoy! whew, that was a lot of work

Comics:(last update 19/04/24)

The circle of degradation - bg3 comic astarion, cazador

Weeping of a bhaalspawn - bg3 comic original Dark Urge Tav

astarion dialogue spoilers

Compassion - bg3 durgeTav, Astarion comic

A fun show - bg3 Astarion comic

Why not - bg3 Astarion, Tav comic

Lae'zel, Voss comicstrip

Needle and thread - bg3 comic Astarion, Halsin [TW SA themed]

the funniest pictures are created(...) - bg3 Astarion, Karlach, Wyll, Shadowheart, Gale, Lae'zel

Moon and stars - bg3 Astarion comic

Farewell of a wizard - bg3 Rolan (Gale) comic

Don't you fret - bg3 comic A.Astarion/dark urge

Hope is for the living - bg3 astarion comic (remake)

Words to care - bg3 comic, Astarion

Lae'zel the artist(?) - Astarion, Gale, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach

Filth - bg3 comic, a.astarion, dark urge

Pondering and caring - bg3 comic, astarion

Love of my life -bg3 comic, astarion

Ascended Minds - bg3 comic, Dark Urge x A.Astarion

How it might have started Tav, Jaheira, Astarion, Shadowheart, Gale

Pondering and hatching - bg3 comic Lae'zel , Karlach, Astarion

It's raining - bg3 comic, Gale, Astarion

Far away - Astarion, Gale, Shadowheart

Halsin and ducks

Calamari - BG3 comic, Astarion, Gale

Temptation - BG3 comic, Astarion, Tav 'Yaris'(by Iruka/Sabu)

Bookclub part 3 - Astarion, Gale, Volo

Yellow flower - A.Astarion

Arrow - Astarion, Durge Tav ,Gale Karlach

The past of a magistrate - astarion, durge, wyll, shadowheart, karlach, gale

Taters! -bg3 Karlach PART 1, PART 2, PART 3

Bookclub-time with Gale,&Astarion

The golden hour - bg3 Cazador, Astarion comic

I love you - , astarion,tav

A faint whiff - astarion,tav [tw trauma]

bg3 doodle comic about stupid Tav things2

bg3 doodle comic about stupid Tav things

Family runs through the magic - bg3 rolan,cal,lia comic

Death, life and fun -Astarion, Arabella, Withers, Gale PART1 , PART2 , PART3

Cold skin, colder heart - astarion bg3 doodle comic

The office meme, Astarion, Tav

Not the religious type - bg3 astarion comic

The meaning of Gale of Waterdeep, Tara, Gale

Curse of a vampyr - bg3 a.astarion, tav comic

AstarionxDragonborn Dark Urge lap scene

Path down to the heart - BG3 Dark Urge, Astarion comic [TW blood, violence]

The freedom to love - Astarion,durgeTav bg3 comic

No one is allowed to eat from Tav's buffet lol - bg3 shortcomic

Circular scars - Cazador, Vellioth BG3 comic [TW violence, blood]

Nibbles - bg3 comic [Shadowheart origin spoiler]

The library of a million realms - bg3, Astarion comic [TW trauma]

The fortuneteller - Astarion, Tav

The worst podcast - bg3 comic [epilogue spoilers]

God Gale as a motivational coach and his guest Astarion

POV you are having a very romantic date with Astarion lol - bg3 comic

Durge, Astarion and a bhaalist worshipper, bg3 shortcomic

Dark Urge&A.Astarion PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4, PART 5

Gale's burden - bg3 shortcomic

Bloodtalk -Astarion, Dark Urge,

Gale, Tara and Catstarion

The box - Astarion,Tav bg3 Comic [TW Trauma]

Astarion&Shadowheart, scars, river and talk

Gale and Astarion's Bookclub

Lae'zel is not smiling, you are smiling! -Karlach, Lae'zel, Tav

Bg3 Clown comic - Tav, Astarion, Shadowheart

Gale meets the kids - Gale, Tav, Shadowheart, Astarion

Astarion and the Gur scribble

Gale and his children

Astarion short comic [TW sa themed]

A short Shadowheart comic

Old Astarion comic - Cazador, Astarion

Ravishing Mirror - S.AstarionxA.Astarion R18! (Patreon shop)

Other:(last update 19/04/24)

kisses and hugs for gnome tav, Karlach, Astarion doodle

Shadowheart, nocturne FA

Astarion confession scene, break-up FA

Astarion face doodles

Astarion with child doodle

minthara doodle

A moment of disgust, Astarion FA

7000 pieces, Astarion FA

Gale doodle

Astarion FA

Tav Meme

Midnight chimes, eh? Astarion FA

Astarion Fa

Astarion Fa

Gale would still marry you, if you were a worm

Gale and Tara weee

Catstarion has nine lives

Very serious first 1000 words

let me know if there are any mistakes

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA if I kissed my straight friend who has a huge crush on this boy?

I (teens, F) am lesbian. I have this friend, let's call her Chicken Nugget (teens, F), who is straight. I know not to assume so I'm just putting it out there that she has willingly given me this information. She is also an amazing, supportive ally. We've been friends since we were little. I mean, tater tots little.

A few years ago I realized that I liked girls. Chicken Nugget was super supportive (as always since she's literally the definition of a golden retriever) and that was that.

Well... sorta.

I actually have a huge crush on her. And I've had it FOR YEARS I've recently realized.

Anyway, Chicken Nugget has a crush on this boy, let's call him Dinosaur (teens, M), that she's had for a little over a year. She really wants to ask him out in a few weeks and is super scared of getting rejected. She talks about him all the time, literally whenever she has the chance. Sometimes I walk home with her and she just blabs about him. Honestly, it kinda hurts and makes me jealous. I just wanna scream sometimes LOOK WHO'S IN FRONT OF YOU, I WILL LOVE YOU!

Anyway, all of my friends (except me and her) have had their first kisses. I know someone who's younger than me who has had their first kiss. It hurts knowing all of your friends have all kissed and dated without having those experiences of your own while you cheer them on.

All of this to say, I really wanna kiss Chicken Nugget. But her infatuation with Dinosaur is KILLING ME! She plans on asking him out soon and I'm super nervous for her. If she gets rejected, she's going to be devastated. I don't want to see her like that, I don't think I'd be able to watch.

So, I had an idea. One day I wanna ask if we could "practice kissing" or something like that (I haven't come up with what to say, so comment any suggestions) since I just really want to kiss her. Then we can have our first kisses and, who knows, maybe she'll realize she doesn't need him or she might be into me the way I am with her.

TLDR my straight friend, who I have a crush on, is infatuated with this boy who I think will break her heart. We both haven't had our first kisses so I want to ask if I can kiss her since it's killing me that she's so obsessed with this boy who probably doesn't like her when I, who adore her, could be with her instead.

So, WIBTA for kissing my straight friend?

[inubaki]

The Sea Queen (gift)

Chapter 1

———

story commissioned by the amazing @libby-for-life! Based off one of the first pics @sir-tater-of-the-tot made that got me hooked on this fandom to began with. I blame them entirely. ————-

Adam had lived most of his life as an orphan, navigating the world with a deep sense of solitude. The adults in his village often frightened him with their stern faces and harsh voices, their indifference making him feel invisible. Even the other children, with their boisterous laughter and intricate games, sometimes intimidated him, each taunt or exclusion echoing in his mind long after the moment had passed. 

At the age of ten, when most boys his age were in school learning, Adam found solace by the docks of his quaint island village. The salty air filled his lungs as he wandered along the weather-beaten wooden planks, searching for treasures hidden in the tide. His large hands would sift through the intricacies of seashells, each one a tiny masterpiece formed by the ocean. He often paused to help any little creatures in distress—crabs struggling to right themselves or seagulls trapped in fishing lines—as a flicker of compassion lit up his heart.

When the sun reached its zenith, casting a golden hue across the rippling water, Adam would simply lie down beneath the docks, feeling the cool shade protect him from the harsh sun. It wasn’t always comfortable; the rough wooden beams pressed into his back, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore sometimes echoed in his ears like an endless chant. There were days when hunger gnawed at his stomach, a constant reminder of his bleak circumstances. Yet, despite the trials he faced, he cherished his island village with an unshakeable fondness. It was here, among the gentle whispers of the sea and the cawing of the gulls, that he felt most alive, a small boy in a vast world, dreaming of a brighter future.

It was also where he met the being that would change his life forever. The sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the sandy expanse of the beach, where Adam often sought solace. Today, however, the salty air was tinged with an edge of desperation. His stomach grumbled audibly, a stark reminder of the meals he had missed. He had attempted to grab a few morsels from the food vendors earlier, but their sharp voices and menacing glares had driven him away, leaving him empty-handed and fraught with irritation. But Adam pushed those feelings aside, repeating silently to himself that he didn’t care about the food or the ridicule. He would cling to that thought, fostering an unwarranted sense of pride until it morphed into belief.

As he meandered along the worn path of the beach, his gaze was drawn northward, where a cacophony of yelps and hoots pierced the otherwise tranquil atmosphere. The distinctive sound of high-pitched laughter sent a chill down his spine; it was an all-too-familiar symphony that spoke of trouble. A band of boys, renowned for their penchant for picking on the defenseless, had been wreaking havoc on any small creature they chanced upon. Memories of their taunts and sneers played like a haunting melody in his mind. Adam's fists clenched tightly at his sides, determination igniting within him. He wouldn’t allow them to prey on the creatures of the shore this time.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Adam sprinted down the sandy beach, the sound of laughter echoing in the warm afternoon air. His heart raced as he approached the scene, and he slid to a halt, leaving a trail of fine grains beneath his feet. The moisture on his forehead began to bead as he took in the sight before him—a small group of boys, probably around seven or eight years old, clustered together in a circle. Even though they were younger and a bit smaller in stature, Adam had always been taller and broader than most of his peers at ten.

In the center of their attention was a small, trembling creature, the source of its muffled whimpers evident in the way the boys kicked and taunted it. Rage surged through Adam as he realized what was happening; instinctively, he surged forward, ready to protect the defenseless animal. The laughter that had filled the air was replaced by shouts and yelling as Adam confronted the trio, his voice rising above their jeers.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a chaotic struggle, with Adam shoving and shouting as he tried to shield the small creature from further harm. The boys, once bold and confident, quickly realized they were outmatched and began to retreat, their laughter fading into terrified cries as they scurried away, calling out for their parents. As silence settled over the beach, Adam knelt, his heart still pounding, to check on the little animal who had been the target of their cruelty.

Only… it was no ordinary creature that lay before him. This being was a bit taller, and if he were upright he would be towering over the ten-year-old boy. Its body was a bizarre tapestry of red and white skin, slick and iridescent in the filtered sunlight, contrasting sharply with the golden sands of the beach. Jagged fangs jutted menacingly from its maw, gleaming like polished ivory. But perhaps the most disconcerting feature of all was the tentacles that writhed restlessly on the ground, leaving shallow impressions in the sand as they gestured in a seemingly anxious dance.

Adam's heart raced, pounding in his chest like a drum; he instinctively swallowed hard, his throat dry and tight with fear. The thought of being devoured by such a creature sent a shiver coursing down his spine. His initial instinct was to bolt—to turn on his heels and sprint away from this nightmarish figure. But just as he prepared to flee, a soft, plaintive whimper reached his ears, halting him in his tracks.

Curiosity wrestled with terror as he turned slightly, his breath hitching when he encountered the creature's gaze. Those glowing red eyes held an unexpected depth; they shimmered with pain yet communicated a profound sense of fear. At that moment, Adam realized that the creature was not just a predator lying in wait; it was terrified as well, caught in a situation it didn't understand.

Adam sighed heavily, a mix of compassion and responsibility flooding through him. He felt a strange kinship with this strange being, both of them ensnared by their own fears. "I'm going to have to do the right thing here...aren't I?" He muttered.

Carrying the creature was a daunting task, especially given the palpable tension between them; it was clear they both harbored deep-seated distrust for one another. Adam, his heart racing and palms slick with sweat, tried to sound more assertive than he felt. "Look," he began, his voice wavering yet determined, "I'm trying to help you. If I leave you here, you'll die. Is that what you really want?" 

The creature responded with a low, rumbling growl that rumbled from deep within its throat. Adam’s pulse quickened, and he swallowed hard, forcing himself to push past his fear and carry on. "Well? Let’s prove those kids who hurt you wrong, okay?" he urged, trying to inject some conviction into his words.

For a moment, the creature merely huffed in response, a puff of air escaping its nostrils, as if it were deliberating Adam’s intentions. Yet, there was a flicker in its large, wary eyes—a hint of understanding, perhaps, or a willingness to trust. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the creature seemed to concede to Adam’s plea.

Relief washed over him like a warm tide, but as he felt the weight of the creature shifting in his grasp, a nagging thought crept in: if he had known that saving this remarkable sea creature would be so fraught with difficulty and uncertainty, he might have hesitated a bit longer before diving into this intricate dance of trust and fear. Adam tightened his grip, resolved to navigate the challenges ahead, both for himself and for the creature he was determined to save.

Adam gently placed the strange creature onto a cool, damp floor of a small cave, feeling the rough texture of the rock beneath his fingertips. As he studied the creature, he noticed that several of its long, slender tentacles were missing, leaving jagged stubs where they had once been. A pang of empathy surged through him, and he winced at the thought of the pain it must have endured to lose those appendages.

"Okay, I can try to get some—" Adam was abruptly interrupted by a sharp yelp that escaped his lips. In an attempt to push himself up from the jagged ground, he had inadvertently pressed his palm against the rough, unforgiving surface of the rocky wall. A sudden, stinging pain shot through his hand as he felt a jagged edge bite into his skin. "Jeez..." Adam muttered under his breath, frustration mixing with the sting of the cut.

As he prepared to wipe the crimson stain onto his shirt, he suddenly felt a cold, slimy tentacle coil around his waist. A chill ran down Adam's spine as he belatedly realized the creature had ensnared him. He froze, the blood on his hand momentarily forgotten, as dread washed over him. The child instinctively stifled a scream, but to his surprise, the creature did not lunge or attack. Instead, it brought its form closer, its eyes studying him curiously as it gingerly sniffed his palm. In that surreal moment, Adam understood that it had no intention of harming him; it was merely inquisitive, and the fear that had gripped him started to wane.

He was not prepared for the creature to lick at his palm. Adam wrinkled his nose. "Ew. What are you doing?" The tongue was rough on his bare skin and he wiggled in the creature's grasp. It must have known that it was weird because he immediately looked at Adam with a pleading gaze before gesturing to his still-bleeding palm. Adam sighed reluctantly. "Fine. Go ahead." For some reason, the creature's face went red but it continued to lap at the crimson liquid falling from his palm.

Adam stood frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief as he witnessed a transformation right before him. Lucifer's body emanated a soft, dull red glow that pulsed like a heartbeat, casting an otherworldly light across the dim room. The creature's skin, marred by small cuts and bruises, began to mend as if some unseen force were stitching the wounds closed. Each laceration faded away, leaving behind nothing but smooth skin, a process that felt like pure magic to the ten-year-old. The creature smiled at Adam as he gave one more lick to Adam’s palm before letting him go.

"Had your fill? Good." Adam remarked, trying to keep his tone light despite the strange situation. The tingling sensation in his palm still lingered, a reminder of the bizarre encounter he had just experienced, but he chose not to voice it. 

Before him, the creature sat motionless, its deep red eyes glinting with an almost intelligent curiosity. It seemed to absorb every word he spoke. Adam shifted a little, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. "Well...are you hungry?" he asked, a hint of hope lacing his voice.

In response, the creature perked up, an eagerness evident in its posture. It nodded enthusiastically, its movements fluid and almost graceful, which made Adam tilt his head in surprise. "You know...you're pretty smart," he continued, the admiration creeping into his voice. "I wish I could talk to you."

At that, something unexpected happened. The creature's skin flushed a vibrant shade of crimson, and it turned its face away, seemingly embarrassed by the compliment. Adam blinked, taken aback. Well, that was odd, he thought, as he watched the creature's demeanor shift from eager to bashful in an instant.

Suddenly, the creature gestured to its mouth, blowing air out before pointing to its throat. Adam blinked at it, trying to decipher what the hell he was witnessing. The creature turned a darker shade of red, before gesturing towards Adam to come closer. The child hesitated before complying. He didn't fight it when two tentacles wrapped around his face to make his mouth. When the creature blew air down his throat, Adam flinched but let it happen.

The creature released its hold on Adam, a wide and unsettling smile spreading across its face. “There. Now we can finally have a conversation,” it said, its voice a curious blend of smooth and gravelly tones. Adam blinked rapidly, processing the scene before him. Once, twice—then, impulsively, he let out a piercing scream that echoed off the damp walls of the underwater chamber.

The creature flinched at the sudden noise, its eyes widening in surprise. "Why are you screaming?!" It exclaimed, the earnestness of its query cutting through the panic that had seized Adam.

Backing away, his heart racing, Adam stammered, “You can talk?!” The creature, momentarily taken aback by his disbelief, adopted a deadpan expression and replied, “Of course I can! It’s you humans who struggle to understand us! Blowing air into your throat was the only way I could communicate with you that didn't involve you being underwater!” 

Adam barely absorbed the creature's words as he continued to fixate on the floor, grappling with the surreal revelation. “You can talk… you can actually talk,” he murmured, the incredulity in his voice betraying the turmoil churning within him.

He stared at the creature and the creature stared back. "Do...do you have a name?" The creature smiled. "Lucifer."

———————————————————-

To willing offer one’s blood to the kraken is one wishing to build a deeper bond. Bonds lead to.. many things for a kraken. Whether Adam actually becomes aware of that context, I doubt Lucifer would ever admit it.

Sorry. You’ll have to deal with my art on these few parts. I know.

Next:

[rainforestakiie]

hi everyone! this is for @lilacwriter07 and @sir-tater-of-the-tot ! based on the bunny hybrid Lucifer and wolf hybrid Adam. i turned it into the omega-verse as i always do. i hope you like it!

omega bunny hybrid Lucifer x beta wolf hybrid Adam

(Lucifer is still the top in this!)

i do not know if this will become a series? it was just an idea.

Lucifer strutted down the bustling market street, his tiny frame radiating an air of untouchable confidence. The sun caught the soft fluff of his rabbit ears, which twitched with irritation as yet another admirer dared to whistle in his direction. His sharp blue eyes, the color of ice on a frozen lake, shot daggers at the offender, and his delicate nose twitched as though catching a whiff of something unpleasant.

“Back off,” he growled, the sound oddly menacing coming from someone with cheeks as rosy as an autumn apple and a round, cherubic face. His sharp little teeth glinted as he bared them ever so slightly, a warning that he wasn’t just some helpless omega bunny waiting to be scooped up.

Lucifer knew he was cute—irritatingly cute, devastatingly cute. He was a walking contradiction, all soft fur and big eyes, but underneath the fluff lay a temper as fiery as a dragon’s breath. And oh, how it drove the hybrids wild. The alphas prowling the market would stop and stare, their gazes lingering a little too long on his slender figure. They’d see an easy conquest, a bunny omega who must surely need an alpha to take care of him. How wrong they were.

He adjusted the strap of the leather satchel slung across his chest, deliberately ignoring the lingering gazes. The hybrids could look all they wanted, but they’d never have him. Lucifer had no intention of being anyone’s submissive little bunny, no matter how persistent they were.

“Lucifer, darling!” A flirtatious voice cooed from behind him. He turned to find a tall fox hybrid leaning casually against a fruit stand, a sly grin spread across his pointed face. His auburn tail flicked back and forth as he held up an apple like it was some sort of peace offering.

Lucifer rolled his eyes dramatically. “Felix, don’t you have something better to do than stalk me through the market?”

“Not when the company is this good,” Felix replied, his amber eyes glinting with mischief. He stepped closer, but Lucifer raised a hand, sharp claws glinting in the sunlight.

“One more step and I’ll take a chunk out of that fancy tail of yours,” Lucifer snapped, his voice low and threatening.

Felix chuckled, completely unbothered. “Still playing hard to get, huh? You know, for someone so small, you’re awfully feisty.”

“And for someone with ears that big, you’re awfully bad at listening,” Lucifer shot back, turning on his heel and striding away. His fluffy tail gave an indignant twitch as he muttered under his breath about “Arrogant foxes with too much time on their hands.”

Felix smirked, his sharp fox teeth gleaming as he leaned casually against a nearby wall, his auburn tail flicking with amusement.

“You know, Lucifer,” he said, dragging out the words in a tone dripping with mockery, “One of these days, someone’s going to put you in your place. You can’t snap at every alpha who tries to get close.”

Before Lucifer could spin around and verbally rip him apart, Felix’s smirk faltered, and his golden eyes shifted to something behind Lucifer. “Ah, looks like your shadow is getting himself into trouble again.”

Lucifer froze, his floppy rabbit ears instantly standing on end. His soft, twitching nose picked up a scent on the air, faint but unmistakable. His heart skipped a beat.

That scent. He’d know it anywhere.

In one fluid motion, Lucifer spun on his heel, narrowing his ice-blue eyes at the commotion just a little further down the crowded marketplace. And there he was: Adam, his beta wolf, with his ever-messy mop of muddy brown hair and those green eyes that always seemed so full of quiet warmth. But now, Adam was clearly in trouble, locked in what seemed to be a heated argument with two lion hybrid alphas who were puffing out their chests like territorial fools.

Lucifer’s protective instincts roared to life like a wildfire. Without thinking, he took a step forward, ready to intervene, but Felix’s hand shot out, gripping his arm.

“Whoa, whoa,” Felix said, his voice lower now. “What do you think you’re doing, running into that mess? He’s not worth it.”

Lucifer yanked his arm out of the fox’s grasp so hard that Felix stumbled.

“Touch me again, and you’ll regret it,” Lucifer hissed, baring his sharp teeth in warning. His fluffy tail twitched furiously, betraying just how livid he was.

Felix threw up his hands in exasperation. “I’m just trying to stop you from getting yourself hurt again, you lunatic! You’re always throwing yourself into danger for him, and for what, huh?”

He sneered, his voice turning bitter. “I’ll never understand what you see in that wolf. He’s just a beta. And weak, at that.”

That hit a nerve. Lucifer’s icy eyes burned with fury as he whirled back toward Felix.

“Don’t you dare call him weak,” he snapped, his voice low and dangerous. His claws flexed at his sides, itching to strike. “I’ll do what I want, and if you don’t like it, stay out of my way.”

Felix sighed heavily, muttering, “Suit yourself. But one day, you’re gonna regret wasting your time on him.”

His tone was laced with something almost like jealousy, though Lucifer didn’t care enough to notice.

Lucifer didn’t respond—he didn’t have time to. His sharp ears caught a sound that sent a bolt of panic through his chest: a yelp of pain.

His head snapped back toward the scene, and his heart dropped. One of the lion hybrids had grabbed Adam by the scruff of his neck, shaking him like he was a rag doll. Adam, bless his clueless soul, looked more confused than afraid, his brows furrowing as he struggled to free himself.

Lucifer saw red.

With a final snarl in Felix’s direction, Lucifer darted off, his small frame weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. His bunny ears flattened against his head as he moved, his sharp teeth bared in silent fury. Nobody touched Adam. Nobody.

Adam had always been oblivious, a trait that Lucifer found both endearing and maddening. They’d been attached at the hip since they were kids, the beta wolf with no sense of smell and the fiery bunny who never let anyone mess with him. But Adam, dense as he was, never quite realized just how fiercely Lucifer loved him.

For years, Lucifer had tried to show Adam that he wanted to be more than just a friend. He’d given every subtle signal he could think of—and some not-so-subtle ones—but Adam never caught on. Whether it was because of his obliviousness or his lack of self-confidence, Lucifer didn’t know. But it didn’t matter. Adam was his, even if the wolf didn’t realize it yet.

And now, seeing his wolf in danger ignited something primal in Lucifer.

He reached the scuffle in a blur, his sharp claws glinting as he lunged at the lion hybrid holding Adam.

“Get your filthy hands off him!” he snarled, his voice cutting through the chaos like a whip.

The lion barely had time to react before Lucifer’s claws raked down his arm, forcing him to release Adam with a howl of pain. The second lion stepped forward, but Lucifer whirled on him, his icy blue eyes flashing like lightning.

“You want some, too?” he hissed, his teeth gleaming dangerously.

“Whoa, whoa,” the second lion stammered, raising his hands and backing off. “We didn’t know he was yours, okay? Chill!”

Lucifer didn’t relax until both lions had slunk off, muttering curses under their breath. Only then did he turn to Adam, his chest heaving as the adrenaline began to fade.

Adam blinked at him, utterly bewildered. “Luci? What are you doing here?”

Nose twitching as Lucifer glared up at him. “Saving you, obviously. What were you thinking, arguing with alphas like that? Do you have a death wish?”

Adam rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “I wasn’t arguing. I was just… correcting them. They were wrong about how much meat you should get in a stew, and I—”

Lucifer groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You’re impossible,” he muttered. But the anger in his voice was softened by something else—something tender.

Tilting his head, Adam’s green eyes studying Lucifer. “You didn’t have to step in, you know. I could’ve handled it.”

Lucifer crossed his arms, his cheeks flushing. “Yeah, sure. You were doing a great job getting shaken like a chew toy.”

Adam chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. “Thanks, though. You’re always looking out for me, huh?”

Heart stuttering at the smile Adam gave him. Lucifer looked away quickly, his ears twitching in embarrassment. “Someone has to. You’re hopeless.”

Adam reached out, ruffling the fur between Lucifer’s ears.

“Well, I’m glad it’s you,” he said softly.

Lucifer’s cheeks burned, but he didn’t pull away. Maybe—just maybe—Adam wasn’t as clueless as he thought.

The marketplace buzzed around them as Lucifer and Adam strolled side by side, the chaos of earlier already forgotten. Stalls overflowed with colorful fruits and vegetables, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with that of blooming flowers. Lucifer stuck close to Adam, as he always did, brushing against his side every few steps and occasionally grabbing Adam’s arm under the guise of pulling him toward some interesting trinket or snack.

“Look at this, Adam,” Lucifer chirped, holding up a small, hand-carved wooden charm shaped like a crescent moon. He leaned against Adam’s side, tilting his head up to show him the piece. “Doesn’t it look like something you’d wear?”

Chucking, Adam scratched the back of his neck. “You think so? I don’t really do jewelry.”

Huffing, Lucifer’s soft nose twitched as he pressed even closer. “Well, maybe you should. You’d look good with it.”

He held the charm a moment longer, then dropped it back onto the stall with a shrug. “Or maybe I’ll get it for myself.”

Adam gave him a teasing look. “You? The great Lucifer wearing something so plain? I don’t believe it.”

Lucifer smirked up at him. “Maybe I’d wear it if you gave it to me.”

His voice dipped into something softer, something almost teasing, but Adam, predictably, missed it entirely.

The two meandered through the market for a while longer, Lucifer touching Adam at every opportunity—brushing imaginary lint off his shirt, leaning against him when the crowd grew thick, even tugging on his sleeve to guide him to stalls Lucifer claimed were must-sees. Adam, oblivious as always, simply went along with it, as if this closeness were entirely normal between them.

When the heat of the sun began to bear down, Lucifer tugged at Adam’s arm and gestured toward the park just beyond the market.

“Come on,” he urged, his soft, fluffy tail flicking behind him. “Let’s sit under the trees. It’s too hot to be out here.”

Adam let himself be led, chuckling as Lucifer practically dragged him toward the shade. They found a spot beneath a large apple tree, its branches heavy with ripening fruit. The grass was cool and soft beneath them, and Lucifer wasted no time flopping onto his back with a contented sigh. His fluffy ears twitched lazily as he stretched out, one hand brushing against Adam’s thigh as he lounged.

“This is nice,” Lucifer murmured, his voice soft as he tilted his face toward the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. He purred faintly, the sound vibrating in his chest as his fingers absently toyed with the hem of Adam’s shirt. “I like spending time with you.”

Adam, seated beside him, leaned back on his hands and glanced down at him with a fond smile.

“You’re always saying that,” he teased. “You’d think you’d get tired of me eventually.”

Lucifer snorted, his icy blue eyes sliding open to meet Adam’s green ones. “Tired of you? Not in this lifetime.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the summer breeze rustling the leaves above them. Eventually, Lucifer broke the quiet with a soft hum.

“My heat’s coming soon,” he said casually, though there was a pointed edge to his words as he turned his head to study Adam’s reaction. “You know what that means.”

Adam blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. “Uh… it means you’re going to be grumpy for a week?”

Groaning, Lucifer can’t covered his face with one hand. “No, you idiot. It means I’ll need someone to take care of me.” He dropped his hand, his gaze turning sly as he propped himself up on one elbow, leaning toward Adam. “You could always volunteer, you know.”

Adam laughed, shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous. You’ve always been able to handle yourself.”

Lucifer’s ears twitched in frustration, though he quickly smoothed his expression into one of resignation. He flopped back down onto the grass with a sigh. “You’re hopeless.”

Sharing his heat with Adam…it was hard not to fantasy about it. Lucifer tended to do it often. He would become wet and hot every time. Lucifer really wanted to throw Adam down, mess him up and rip his clothing off. Rub their bodies together and make sure Adam knew who he belonged too!

Adam in his hands and knees…bubble backside up in the air for the bunny. He’s sure he’d get that wolf whining by the end of the night. Maybe can a bark~

A pause hung between them before Adam, his tone suddenly more thoughtful, asked, “Lucifer… would you ever take an alpha as a mate?”

Freezing, Lucifer’s ears perked up in surprise. He turned his head to look at Adam, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Why do you ask?”

Adam shrugged, but his lips pressed into a faint pout. “It’s just… you’re almost thirty, you know? Most omegas your age are already mated by now. Some even have their first litter. Don’t you want that?”

Lucifer blinked at him, momentarily at a loss for words. Then, muttering under his breath, he said, “I would have that if a damn wolf could catch a hint already.”

“What?” Adam asked, confused. “What does that mean?”

Letting out a bark of laughter, Lucifer rolled onto his side to face Adam fully. He reached out, his hand brushing against Adam’s knee as he preened at him, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

“It means nothing,” he said lightly. “And no, I don’t want to mate with just any alpha.”

Adam hummed thoughtfully, his green eyes flickering with curiosity. “Then what do you want in a mate?”

Lucifer’s smile widened as he sat up slightly, resting his chin in his hand.

“Oh, that’s easy,” he said, his tone almost sing-song. “I want someone who’s kind, someone who’s steady and calm. Someone who’s brave, even when they don’t realize it, and who’s always there when I need them. Someone who makes me feel safe.”

Nodding along, Adam was completely oblivious to the way Lucifer’s gaze softened with every word. “That sounds nice,” Adam said thoughtfully. “Do you know anyone like that?”

Lucifer rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the fond smile tugging at his lips.

“Yeah, Adam,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I might know someone like that.”

Adam missed the obvious hint, as usual, and Lucifer didn’t press the matter. Instead, he leaned against Adam’s side, resting his head against the wolf’s shoulder with a contented sigh. His fingers toyed idly with the hem of Adam’s sleeve, and his purrs grew louder.

Adam, clueless as ever, simply smiled down at him and said, “You’re so clingy today. Are you sure your heat hasn’t started early?”

Chuckling, Lucifer’s lips brushed against Adam’s arm as he murmured, “Maybe it has.”

He smirked to himself, already plotting his next move to get his dense wolf to finally, finally catch on.

Lucifer’s ears twitched as he rested against Adam’s shoulder, the summer breeze brushing against his face. His purring deepened, but his thoughts drifted, pulling him back to the days when everything changed between them. He closed his eyes, letting the memory unfold like a cherished dream.

Back then, Lucifer had been so small, so quiet. A timid little bunny omega, easy prey for anyone who felt like having a laugh at his expense. The alphas in their class were the worst—they’d corner him, tugging on his ears or making crude jokes about what omegas were “good for.” And no matter how much he tried to deny their words, his trembling voice always betrayed him.

One particularly bad day, they had surrounded him by the playground fence, shoving him back and forth like some sort of game.

“Aw, what’s the matter, bunny? Gonna cry?” One of them sneered. Lucifer’s cheeks burned with humiliation, his ears drooping as he tried to keep the tears at bay.

He didn’t know what he had expected—certainly not for anyone to step in. But suddenly, out of nowhere, a young wolf pup with wild brown hair and a determined expression appeared in the fray.

“Leave him alone!” Adam had barked, his voice cracking but firm as he placed himself between Lucifer and the alphas.

Lucifer had been star-struck. Who was this boy? He was smaller than the alphas, his lanky frame no match for their size, but he didn’t back down. Even when one of them pushed him to the ground, Adam scrambled back to his feet, his green eyes blazing with defiance.

“Pick on someone your own size!” Adam growled, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

The alphas, finding it more amusing than threatening, shoved him aside and left, laughing as they walked away. But to Lucifer, Adam’s bravery was nothing short of heroic.

Lucifer’s heart had pounded in his chest as Adam turned to him, panting from the effort.

“Are you okay?” Adam asked, his voice softening, despite the scrape on his cheek and the dirt on his clothes.

Lucifer could barely nod, his cheeks flushed with an emotion he didn’t quite understand.

“Y-you… you didn’t have to do that,” he stammered, his voice small.

Adam grinned, the expression bright and disarming despite his bruises. “Yeah, well, someone needed to. Those guys are jerks.”

Lucifer stared at him, awestruck. No one had ever stood up for him before. And as Adam reached out, gently brushing a stray tear off Lucifer’s cheek, something inside Lucifer shifted.

That was the moment—the moment—Lucifer had started falling for Adam. He didn’t realize it back then, but looking back now, it was so obvious.

The next time the alphas tried to mess with him, Adam had been there again, stepping in without hesitation. But something was different this time. Watching Adam get pushed around again sparked something new in Lucifer—a protectiveness, fierce and unrelenting.

“Stop it!” Lucifer had shouted, his voice ringing out louder than it ever had before. When one of the alphas sneered and moved to shove Adam again, Lucifer stepped forward, his sharp little teeth bared. “Touch him again, and I’ll bite your hand off!”

The alphas, stunned at first, quickly dissolved into laughter—until Lucifer lunged at the biggest one, sinking his teeth into the bully’s arm. The alpha yelped and stumbled back, and the others quickly followed suit, muttering insults as they left.

Adam had stared at him, wide-eyed. “Whoa… I didn’t know you could do that.”

Lucifer had wiped his mouth, a little embarrassed but mostly proud. “Well, someone needed to.”

From that day on, the alphas didn’t bother him anymore. And Adam, bless him, never stopped trying to protect Lucifer anyway, even if Lucifer had clearly proven he could handle himself.

Lucifer’s heart warmed as more memories bubbled up. Like the time Adam had carried him home after he’d twisted his ankle climbing a tree (“Bunnies don’t belong in trees,” Adam had scolded, but he’d been smiling the whole time). Or the time Adam had stayed up all night helping Lucifer bake cookies for a school fundraiser, even though he’d been terrible at it and burned half the batch.

And then there were the quieter moments—walking home together after school, sharing snacks under the shade of a tree, or the way Adam would instinctively tuck Lucifer’s ears out of the way when they started to droop too low.

Lucifer didn’t know exactly when his feelings had gone from admiration to love, but somewhere along the way, they had. And now, years later, those feelings were as strong as ever.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Adam said, his voice breaking through Lucifer’s reverie.

Lucifer blinked, looking up at him. Adam’s green eyes were bright in the sunlight, and his messy hair framed his face in a way that made Lucifer’s heart ache.

“Just thinking,” Lucifer murmured, his hand drifting to rest lightly against Adam’s arm. “About us.”

Adam tilted his head, curious. “Us?”

Lucifer hummed, a sly smile curling on his lips. “Yeah. You’ve always been such a hero, haven’t you?”

Adam laughed, scratching the back of his neck. “I don’t know about that.”

Lucifer’s gaze softened. “I do.”

He leaned into Adam’s side again, purring contentedly as the warm summer breeze rustled the leaves above them. He didn’t need Adam to understand everything right now. He was used to waiting, after all. And as long as Adam stayed by his side, Lucifer didn’t mind waiting a little longer.

Lucifer shifted against Adam, resting his chin on his hand as he gazed up at him with a teasing smirk. The summer sunlight dappled Adam’s face, highlighting the curve of his strong jaw and the softness in his green eyes. He looked so calm, so blissfully unaware of the storm Lucifer was keeping at bay in his heart.

“Hey, Adam,” Lucifer purred, his voice honey-sweet yet deceptively casual.

“Hm?” Adam glanced down at him, his brow raising in curiosity.

Lucifer’s smirk deepened, though his tone held a note of sincerity. “Do you ever think about… mating?”

The question hit its mark. Adam stiffened slightly, his green eyes widening as his cheeks flushed a soft pink. He cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing away as if trying to compose himself. “I, uh…”

His voice faltered, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess… yeah, I think about it sometimes.”

Lucifer’s heart gave an excited thrum in his chest. He leaned closer, his soft, fluffy tail flicking lazily behind him as he pressed further. “And?” His voice dropped into a whisper, just teasing enough to make Adam squirm. “What do you think about?”

Adam let out a nervous laugh, avoiding Lucifer’s gaze.

“I don’t know,” he mumbled. “It’s not like I have any plans or anything. I mean…”

He hesitated, the blush on his cheeks deepening. “I guess it would be nice. Someday.”

Lucifer bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from grinning like a fool—or worse, jumping Adam right then and there. Instead, he sat up slightly, resting his chin on Adam’s shoulder and peering up at him with wide, innocent blue eyes. “Someday, huh?” he murmured. “So, what kind of mate would you want?”

Adam blinked, clearly flustered.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice low. “I’ve never really thought about it. I mean… I’m just a beta.”

The way he said it—soft, almost self-deprecating—made Lucifer’s heart ache. He straightened up, reaching out to gently swat Adam’s arm.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he demanded, his sharp teeth flashing in a mock scowl. “Being a beta doesn’t mean anything. You’re plenty amazing.”

Adam chuckled, though there was a hint of shyness in the sound. “Thanks, Luce. But you know what I mean. Betas aren’t exactly… well, we’re not exactly the first choice for most people.”

Lucifer’s ears twitched, and his icy blue eyes softened as he looked at him.

“You’d be my first choice,” he said, his voice dropping to something quieter, something more serious.

Adam blinked, clearly startled, but before he could respond, Lucifer waved it off with a laugh, leaning back on his hands and glancing up at the branches of the apple tree above them.

“Not that it matters,” he said breezily, though his heart hammered in his chest. “You’re probably too dense to even notice if someone wanted to mate with you.”

Adam frowned, clearly trying to process the shift in tone.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

Lucifer just grinned at him, leaning closer again until their faces were only inches apart.

“It means,” he said softly, “You should start paying more attention. You never know who might be waiting for you to catch on.”

Adam opened his mouth to respond, but whatever he was going to say got lost in the jumble of thoughts visibly racing through his mind.

Lucifer chuckled, leaning back again and letting the moment hang in the air between them.

He’d been waiting this long for Adam to notice him. A little more waiting wouldn’t kill him—probably.

Adam was, without a doubt, the most adorable creature Lucifer had ever laid eyes on—and possibly the most infuriatingly oblivious. Ever since they were pups, Adam had always been the one to miss the most obvious cues. Lucifer could stomp his foot, pout, and practically throw himself at Adam’s feet, and Adam would just blink at him, utterly clueless, like a happy, wagging puppy who didn’t understand why everyone else was growling.

Lucifer often wondered if Adam’s naivety stemmed from his lack of a sense of smell. Scenting was practically second nature to wolves, a crucial way for them to pick up on moods, signals, and intentions. Without it, Adam was like a wolf pup with his nose permanently buried in a snowbank—lost and blissfully unaware.

At first, Lucifer had assumed it was because Adam was a beta. Omegas and alphas both had stronger instincts, but betas? They were somewhere in between, typically pragmatic and balanced, neither too driven by instinct nor ruled by emotion. But that theory went out the window the day Michael, Lucifer’s older brother, introduced his intended mate to the family—a charming and witty beta mouse hybrid who was as sharp as a fox and twice as observant.

Lucifer had begrudgingly admitted that the mouse hybrid was cute, though not Adam-cute. But what struck him the most was how different this beta was compared to Adam. Where the mouse picked up on every subtle shift in conversation, Adam would just tilt his head and smile. Where the mouse hybrid could assess a room in a glance, Adam would stare up at the ceiling, probably imagining shapes in the light fixtures.

Adam’s obliviousness was unique to him. And Lucifer adored it as much as it drove him insane.

The feeling only solidified the day he met Adam’s mothers—an omega wolf couple who were just as dreamy and scatterbrained as their son. Lucifer had gone over for dinner, intent on learning more about Adam’s family and sizing them up. But by the time dessert rolled around, it was painfully clear that Adam had inherited his daydreaming tendencies and airy demeanor straight from his parents.

“Oh, Adam’s always been such a sweetheart,” one of his mothers had said, smiling fondly. “He used to get so distracted by clouds that he’d walk straight into trees. Remember that, darling?”

“Oh, yes,” the other mother chimed in with a soft laugh. “We used to joke that he was part bird, always looking at the sky instead of where he was going.”

Lucifer had smiled politely at the time, but inwardly he’d been seething. If Adam was so distracted, who had been looking out for him? Protecting him from anyone who might take advantage of his kind, carefree nature?

That answer, of course, had always been Lucifer.

Still, even with his protective instincts on high alert, Lucifer couldn’t help but find Adam utterly endearing. The way he giggled at his own thoughts, cracking into wide, toothy grins out of nowhere. The way his green eyes would sparkle when he talked about something he loved, like his favorite books or a recipe he wanted to try. Or the way he would tilt his head, his messy brown hair flopping to one side as he asked, “What’s so funny?”—completely unaware that the joke had been him.

Even now, as they laid underneath their apple tree in the park, Lucifer watched Adam out of the corner of his eye, marveling at how utterly at ease he seemed. He was picking at the grass and flowers with one hand and was humming to himself, licking the edge of his empty lemonade bottle absentmindedly. Lucifer’s sharp eyes caught the way Adam’s long fingers curled around the bottle’s neck, and he felt his cheeks flush.

Adam didn’t even realize the effect he had on people—on Lucifer. He was just so… Adam. Sweet, thoughtful, and so completely oblivious that Lucifer had spent years being simultaneously charmed and exasperated by him.

But maybe that was part of the reason Lucifer had fallen so hard. Adam wasn’t calculating or sly. He wasn’t trying to charm anyone. He simply was, and it was that unassuming genuineness that made Lucifer’s chest ache with longing.

Lucifer sighed, leaning closer, his shoulder brushed against Adam’s, and when Adam glanced at him with that wide, easy smile, Lucifer felt his heart skip a beat.

Yes, Adam was infuriatingly clueless. But Lucifer wouldn’t have him any other way.

Lucifer snapped out of his thoughts, the warm, happy haze of his memories dissipating like morning mist. Blinking, he looked around, realizing with a sharp pang of irritation that Adam was no longer beside him. His ears twitched, swiveling instinctively as his blue eyes scanned the park. It didn’t take long to spot him.

There, by the park vendor, stood his Adam, casually chatting with a hybrid omega. She had sleek red hair, striking golden eyes, and dainty features that screamed delicate and sweet—a typical omega. She wore a bright smile, her laughter ringing out like soft chimes as she handed Adam an ice cream cone.

Lucifer’s sharp eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. Adam was smiling at her—really smiling. The kind of smile that made his green eyes light up like sun-dappled leaves. The kind of smile Lucifer had only ever seen directed at him when they were kids. A knot of jealousy coiled tightly in his chest, twisting and burning until his foot began to tap against the ground.

At first, the stomps were slow, methodical, but they quickly picked up pace as Lucifer’s frustration grew. His floppy ears stood straight, his nose twitching as he glared daggers at Adam and the omega. The audacity! That sparkle in Adam’s eyes was supposed to be for him, not some random, overly sweet, ice-cream-peddling cat!

He crossed his arms tightly over his chest, his sharp teeth grinding together as the soft thump-thump-thump of his foot hitting the ground grew louder.

“Mommy, look! That bunny is doing the stompy thing!”

Lucifer’s ears twitched again, catching the amused voice of a nearby child. He turned his glare slightly, spotting a fellow bunny hybrid with her little one in tow. The mother giggled, giving Lucifer an understanding smile as she gently patted her child’s head.

“That’s what bunnies do when they’re upset, sweetheart,” she explained in a hushed tone. “It’s called ‘thumping.’ See how he’s frustrated about something?”

“Or jealous,” she added under her breath, loud enough for Lucifer to hear.

Lucifer’s cheeks burned as he whipped his glare back to Adam, feeling thoroughly exposed. His foot, however, didn’t stop thumping. If anything, the pace increased. How dare that omega stand so close to Adam? And how dare Adam smile like that at her? What was she even saying to him? Something funny? Charming? Did she—did she just brush her hair back all coy-like?

Lucifer’s claws curled into the fabric of his sleeves as he seethed. He wanted to march over there, grab Adam by the arm, and yank him back to their spot under the apple tree where he belonged. Preferably far, far away from the likes of her.

But he couldn’t just stomp over there and make a scene… could he? His foot thumped harder, almost against his will, betraying his inner turmoil. His icy blue eyes darted back to the omega, watching her giggle again as Adam said something in that easy, carefree tone of his.

The fire in Lucifer’s chest burned hotter. This was ridiculous! Adam wasn’t supposed to smile like that at anyone else. And certainly not some random park vendor with perfectly coiffed hair and—ugh—pristine nails! He glanced down at his own hands, noting the faint scratches from earlier when he’d accidentally pricked himself trying to gather apples for Adam.

How dare she look so perfect?

Lucifer’s tail flicked irritably, his thumping foot making the earth beneath him feel like it might crack open from sheer indignation. “Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath.

A soft giggle from the bunny hybrid mother reached his ears again.

“Whatever it is, dear, just go talk to him,” she called lightly.

Lucifer froze, turning to shoot her a glare, but her warm, knowing smile softened the edges of his frustration. He huffed, muttering something incomprehensible, before deciding she was right. Enough was enough.

With a sharp flick of his ears, Lucifer pushed himself to his feet, his small frame nearly vibrating with determination. He didn’t care if Adam thought he was being possessive—he was. And if that omega thought she had a chance, she was about to learn otherwise.

Lucifer stalked toward the vendor, his footfalls light but his presence unmistakably charged. His blue eyes locked on Adam, and a small, wicked smirk began to curl on his lips. Oh, this was going to be fun.

“Adam!” he called sweetly, his tone deceptively bright as he approached.

The sound of his voice made Adam’s head turn, his green eyes lighting up in recognition. The cat hybrid blinked, startled by the sudden interruption.

“Oh, hey, Luci,” Adam greeted warmly, oblivious to the tension radiating off him.

Lucifer wasted no time, slipping smoothly between Adam and the omega with an innocent smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You wandered off,” he said, his tone teasing but laced with accusation. “I thought you got lost.”

Adam blinked, looking confused but amused.

“I was just grabbing us something to drink,” he explained, holding up a bottle of lemonade and an ice cream cone.

“Oh, how thoughtful,” Lucifer replied, leaning against Adam’s arm in a way that left no room for anyone else to stand too close. He glanced at the cat hybrid, his smile sharpening just a fraction. “I didn’t know you were such a good multitasker—chatting and shopping at the same time.”

The omega looked between them, clearly sensing the sudden shift in the air.

“W-well, um, enjoy your day!” she chirped nervously before quickly retreating to the other side of her cart.

Lucifer watched her go with satisfaction before turning his full attention back to Adam, who was now giving him a puzzled look.

“Luci, are you okay?” Adam asked, tilting his head.

Lucifer just smiled sweetly, looping his arm through Adam’s and pressing closer.

“I’m perfect now,” he said, his purring returning as he tugged Adam back toward their tree.

Adam, as usual, didn’t suspect a thing. He plopped down beneath the apple tree with a contented sigh, the sunlight filtering through the branches and dappling his messy brown hair in warm golden hues. He stretched his legs out lazily, taking a long sip of his lemonade, completely unaware of the storm brewing beside him.

Lucifer sat close—too close by anyone else's standards, though Adam didn’t seem to notice. The bunny hybrid’s sharp blue eyes were trained across the park, locked on the red-haired omega, Eve, who was doing her best to focus on her customers despite the metaphorical daggers being glared her way.

“She’s really nice, Luci,” Adam said excitedly, breaking the silence and pulling Lucifer’s attention back to him—briefly, anyway.

“Who is?” Lucifer asked, feigning ignorance though his ears twitched irritably.

“Eve!” Adam exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. “You know, the red-haired girl at the vendor. She’s new to the city, just like I was when I first moved here.”

His green eyes sparkled as he spoke, completely oblivious to the tension radiating from Lucifer. “She told me she’s from Eden Town too! Can you believe that? We’re practically neighbors!”

Lucifer’s stomach twisted unpleasantly. Of course she was from Eden. Of course, she had to come along and have that in common with Adam, a connection Lucifer could never share. He’d only known Adam after he moved to Pentagram City, after Adam’s life in Eden Town was already a thing of the past. Lucifer had never even seen Eden Town—only the pictures Adam occasionally showed him, full of rolling green hills and small, cozy cottages. It was an idyllic place, nothing like the bustling chaos of Pentagram City.

And now she had a piece of Adam’s past that Lucifer could never touch.

“Oh,” Lucifer said flatly, his arms crossing over his chest. His sharp claws tapped against his sleeves as his gaze flicked back to Eve, who was doing her best to avoid looking in his direction. “How… nice.”

Adam either didn’t hear the edge in Lucifer’s tone or didn’t think anything of it. He was too busy rambling, his voice full of excitement. “She even remembered some of the old bakeries I used to go to as a kid! We talked about the apple pies from Mrs. Green’s shop, and—oh, Luce, you’d love them! They’re so much better than the ones here. I told her all about you too.”

Lucifer blinked, startled by the sudden mention of himself.

“You… did?” he asked warily, his ears twitching again.

“Yeah! I told her I had this amazing best friend who always looks out for me and keeps me company.” Adam beamed at him, completely unaware of how much those simple words made Lucifer’s chest tighten. “She said she’d love to meet you properly sometime.”

Lucifer’s sharp gaze darted back to Eve, who was nervously handing a customer a popsicle while glancing over her shoulder every few seconds, no doubt feeling the weight of his glare.

“Mmm,” he hummed noncommittally.

“She’s really sweet,” Adam continued, leaning back against the tree with a dreamy expression. “I think you two would get along if you gave her a chance. She kind of reminds me of you, actually! She’s got that same sharp tongue and a little bit of sass, you know?”

Lucifer’s jaw tightened. Did he just compare me to her?

Across the park, Eve glanced nervously in their direction again, her golden eyes catching Lucifer’s icy blue ones. She paled visibly, almost dropping a bottle of water she was handing to a kid. Lucifer didn’t even bother to hide the venom in his gaze, silently daring her to keep talking to Adam.

Back under the tree, Adam let out a soft laugh, completely oblivious to the invisible war happening across the park. “It’s funny, though. She was just as surprised as I was to meet someone else from Eden. She said she hasn’t been back in years either. Can you imagine that? Two people from such a tiny town, meeting here of all places?”

Lucifer’s ears flattened against his head, his nose twitching as he fought the urge to thump his foot again.

“How… quaint,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

Adam, predictably, didn’t notice. “I was thinking we could all hang out sometime. Maybe I can introduce her to the park? Or we could take her to the diner! You think she’d like that?”

Lucifer resisted the urge to snap his lemonade bottle in half.

“I’m sure she’d love it,” he replied, his voice tight but deceptively sweet.

Adam finally turned his attention fully to Lucifer, tilting his head in confusion. “You okay, Luce? You’re kind of quiet.”

Lucifer forced a smile, his sharp teeth glinting. “Oh, I’m just wonderful, Adam,” he purred, leaning closer until their shoulders touched. “It’s not every day I get to hear about how amazing and sweet your new friend is.”

Adam blinked, clearly missing the sarcasm. “Right? She’s great!”

Lucifer’s smile twitched dangerously, his gaze flicking back to Eve. She was now desperately trying to ignore him, her tail puffed out as she focused on the line of customers.

“Well,” Lucifer said, his voice taking on a saccharine tone, “I suppose I’ll just have to meet this Eve of yours properly someday.”

His claws curled into the grass beneath him. “It’ll be… enlightening.”

Adam grinned, completely oblivious. “Yeah, I think you two would really hit it off!”

Lucifer’s smile didn’t waver, though his thoughts were anything but pleasant.

Not if I have anything to say about it.

~#~

The following week had been nothing short of torture for Lucifer. His heat was approaching fast—he could feel the simmering warmth in his veins, the subtle ache in his body, and the heightened sensitivity that made everything seem sharper, from the rustling of leaves to the way Adam’s scent lingered in the air around him. Normally, he’d enjoy this time of year. It was an excuse to be a little clingier, to lure Adam closer, to tempt him with everything he had to offer.

But this week? This week, Adam had been bouncing around like an overenthusiastic puppy, grinning from ear to ear, and all of it—all of it—was because of her.

Eve.

That blasted red-haired omega had apparently wormed her way into Adam’s world in the blink of an eye, and Lucifer couldn’t stand it. He’d tried everything to redirect Adam’s attention, to remind him that he was the one Adam should be spending time with, but every attempt was met with oblivious smiles and excited chatter about how "nice" Eve was or how "cool" it was to have someone from Eden Town nearby.

And today? Today was the last straw.

Lucifer was curled up on the couch in Adam’s apartment, his chin resting on his palm as his sharp blue eyes followed Adam darting around the room. The wolf was gathering a small pile of things—snacks, a board game, and a ridiculous-looking scarf—and humming happily to himself. His tail wagged faintly, completely unaware of the storm brewing in the bunny hybrid sitting mere feet away.

“What are you doing?” Lucifer finally snapped, his voice sharper than intended.

Adam paused mid-step, tilting his head in that endearing way that always made Lucifer’s heart flutter despite himself. “Oh, I forgot to tell you, Luce!” Adam beamed, completely missing Lucifer’s irritated tone. “Eve and I made plans to hang out at her place tonight! She invited me over, and I said yes—obviously. I mean, how cool is that? I haven’t had a proper hangout with someone from Eden in forever!”

Lucifer’s eye twitched. How cool is that? Very uncool, actually. So uncool it made his teeth ache and his claws dig into the cushion beneath him. “Her place, huh?” he said flatly, his nose twitching as he tried to keep his jealousy at bay. “Sounds… fun.”

“It will be!” Adam grinned, completely oblivious to Lucifer’s lack of enthusiasm. “She said she’s making this apple pie recipe that’s been in her family for generations. I mean, how could I say no to that?”

Lucifer’s ears flicked irritably. Apple pie. He didn’t care about apple pie. What he cared about was the fact that Adam was running off to spend the evening with another omega when his omega was sitting right here, practically radiating need.

“Well,” Lucifer began, trying to keep his voice steady, “that’s… nice, I guess. But, you know, my heat is fast approaching.” He leaned forward slightly, his sharp blue eyes locking on Adam’s. “I could really use some company. You’ve always been so good at taking care of me, Adam. Maybe you could…” He trailed off, letting the suggestion hang in the air like bait.

Adam blinked, his green eyes wide and innocent. “Oh, yeah, your heat’s coming up, huh?” He tilted his head again, clearly thinking. “You want me to bring you something from Eve’s? Like some pie or something? I’m sure she’d be happy to share!”

Lucifer’s jaw nearly dropped. Pie? Did this dense wolf really think pie was what he needed right now? His claws dug deeper into the cushion as he forced a smile, though it was strained. “No, Adam. I meant I’d like you to stay with me. Here. During my heat.”

Adam’s ears perked up as if the idea had just occurred to him. “Oh! You mean like last time, when I helped you out with the water and stuff? Sure! Just let me know when it starts, and I’ll swing by after my hangout with Eve. That way you won’t be lonely!”

Lucifer stared at him, his patience hanging by a thread. He’d been dropping hints all week, trying to make Adam understand what he wanted—what he needed. And yet, here they were, with Adam smiling at him like everything was perfectly fine, completely unaware that he’d just stomped all over Lucifer’s carefully laid plans.

“That’s… great, Adam,” Lucifer said through gritted teeth, his tail flicking in agitation. “I’m sure that’ll be just perfect.”

“Awesome!” Adam said cheerfully, oblivious to the sarcasm dripping from Lucifer’s words. He grabbed his pile of things and headed for the door, pausing only to flash one last grin at Lucifer. “Wish me luck with the pie! And don’t worry—I’ll bring you a slice if there’s any left!”

Lucifer watched as Adam disappeared out the door, leaving him alone in the apartment. The second the door clicked shut, he let out a frustrated growl, his foot thumping furiously against the floor.

Pie. He thinks I want pie.

Lucifer flopped back against the couch, his arms crossed over his chest as his ears flattened in frustration. Adam might have been oblivious, but Lucifer was quickly realizing that this level of cluelessness was bordering on sabotage.

Still, as much as he wanted to stay mad, he knew he wouldn’t. Adam had a way of melting his resolve with a single smile, and Lucifer hated how much power the wolf unknowingly held over him.

But if Eve thought she could steal Adam’s attention for much longer, she had another thing coming

Lucifer sat on the couch, seething quietly, his claws tapping rhythmically against the fabric as his mind spiralled.

Thump. Thump. Thump. His foot hit the bottom of coach repeatedly.

The nerve of Adam, running off to spend the evening with her. The thought of the wolf laughing, smiling, and sharing stories with that red-haired omega made his skin crawl. It wasn’t fair. Adam was his, whether the dense wolf realized it or not. And yet, here he was, abandoning Lucifer during the most vulnerable time of his year for some pie and idle chatter.

The jealousy and possessiveness that simmered beneath Lucifer’s skin began to boil. His sharp teeth clenched as his foot started tapping irritably against the floor. It wasn’t just frustration anymore—it was an overwhelming, instinctual need to be near Adam, to remind him who he belonged to.

Suddenly, Lucifer shot to his feet, his ears flicking upright as if struck by an idea.

“Wait!” he shouted, loud enough to echo in the empty apartment.

Without giving himself a chance to hesitate, he bolted for the door, yanking it open and charging into the hallway.

Adam was just a few steps ahead, leisurely making his way toward the elevator with his arms full of snacks and games. He turned at the sound of Lucifer’s voice, his green eyes wide with surprise.

“Luci?”

“I’m coming too!” Lucifer declared, stomping toward him with determination.

Adam blinked in surprise before breaking into a grin. “Really? That’s great!”

He adjusted the pile in his arms and started walking again, this time with Lucifer stalking alongside him.

“You know, I was kind of worried you didn’t like her,” Adam admitted with a sheepish chuckle. “Even before you met her!”

Lucifer’s eye twitched, but he managed to keep his expression neutral.

“What would give you that idea?” he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Adam, predictably, didn’t pick up on it. “I don’t know! You just seemed kinda… grumpy whenever I mentioned her.”

He grinned at Lucifer, completely oblivious to the bunny hybrid’s increasingly murderous glare. “But I guess I was wrong! I mean, you wouldn’t be coming along if you didn’t want to get to know her, right?”

Lucifer didn’t answer, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as he stalked alongside Adam, his body language radiating pure territorial energy. Every instinct in his body screamed that this wasn’t about “getting to know” anyone. It was about making sure that Eve knew exactly where she stood—and that Adam knew exactly who had always been there for him.

“Yeah,” Adam continued, completely oblivious to Lucifer’s mood. “This is gonna be so much fun! I think you’ll really like her, Luci. She’s funny, and she’s got this great laugh—”

Lucifer’s ears flattened, his nose twitching in irritation. He didn’t care about her laugh or her personality or any other detail Adam seemed intent on sharing. As far as Lucifer was concerned, this wasn’t about her at all.

“She better be as amazing as you keep saying,” Lucifer muttered darkly, his tail flicking behind him as they stepped into the elevator.

Adam laughed, completely missing the threat in Lucifer’s tone. “Oh, she is! Just wait. You two are gonna hit it off, I can feel it!”

Lucifer crossed his arms, leaning against the elevator wall with a scowl.

Not if I can help it, he thought, his sharp teeth glinting as he forced himself to play nice. For now.

As Lucifer walked alongside Adam toward the elevator, his mind was a storm of schemes and ideas. He needed to act fast—tonight. There was no way he was going to let Eve or anyone else think Adam was free for the taking. He’s mine. He’s always been mine, Lucifer thought, his blue eyes narrowing as he considered his options.

Maybe he could scent-mark Adam in front of her—subtly, of course. He could rub his cheek against Adam’s shoulder, or "accidentally" lean against him too closely. If Eve had half a brain, she’d get the message. Or better yet, Lucifer could start using more overt language around Adam, referring to him as “his wolf” or “his beta.” Eve wouldn’t dare make a move after that.

Then again, maybe it wasn’t enough to just claim Adam subtly. Maybe he needed to tell Eve directly. Something casual but clear, like, “Adam’s mine, so don’t even think about it.”

No, that might make Adam suspicious—or worse, confused. The last thing Lucifer needed was for Adam to ask why he was acting so weird.

As Lucifer’s mind raced with increasingly elaborate plans, Adam continued rambling on beside him, completely unaware of the bunny hybrid’s growing possessiveness. Lucifer wasn’t really listening, but he found himself watching Adam’s face instead—the way his green eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the way his lips tilted lopsidedly when he laughed. It made Lucifer’s heart ache in the best and worst way.

Why does he have to be so oblivious?

Eventually, they reached a tall, glossy apartment building with sleek black gates that glinted under the evening sun. The place was unnecessarily flashy and high-end, and it made Lucifer’s mood sour further. He muttered under his breath as the gates opened, the soft hum of machinery doing little to distract him from Adam’s giddy energy.

“Wow, this place is nice, huh?” Adam said, practically bouncing on his feet as they walked up to the entrance.

Lucifer didn’t respond. His foot had started thumping against the ground in irritation as they made their way to Eve’s door.

“Uh, Luci? You okay?” Adam asked, glancing at him with a raised brow.

Lucifer froze for a second, his foot halting mid-thump.

“Fine,” he muttered. “Completely fine.”

Before Adam could press further, the door swung open to reveal Eve, who looked just as bubbly and enthusiastic as Adam had described. She was practically bouncing on her feet, her bright red hair framing her face in loose curls. Her expression lit up even further when she spotted Lucifer.

“Adam! You’re here! I’m so happy!” she chirped before turning her attention to the bunny hybrid. “And you brought the famous Lucifer you told us all about!”

Lucifer forced a smile, though it was anything but genuine.

“Yeah, that’s me,” he said flatly.

Adam grinned and greeted Eve enthusiastically, completely missing the tension in Lucifer’s voice. “Come in, come in!” Eve said, stepping aside to let them through. Then she turned her head and called out, “Lilith! Adam’s here!”

Lucifer’s ears perked up in confusion.

“Lilith?” he muttered, his brows furrowing as a tall, slim lion hybrid strolled into view.

She had golden hair that shimmered in the light, piercing amber eyes, and an aura of effortless confidence. What really caught Lucifer’s attention, though, was the clear mating bite on her neck.

“Oh, right!” Adam said, snapping his fingers as if he’d just remembered something. “Luci, this is Lilith!”

He gestured to the lion hybrid, who gave a small, amused smirk.

Lucifer blinked, his confusion only growing as Lilith walked over to Eve and casually slipped an arm around her waist. Eve beamed up at her mate, grabbing her hand and squeezing it affectionately.

“Nice to meet you, Lucifer,” Lilith said smoothly, her tone friendly but laced with amusement. “Adam’s told us all about you.”

Lucifer stared at her, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

“Luci, say something! You’re being rude to Eve’s mate,” Adam pouted, his green eyes flicking to him in disappointment.

“Eve’s… mate?” Lucifer finally breathed out, the words feeling foreign on his tongue.

His ears twitched as the realization hit him like a brick. Eve had a mate. She had a mate this whole time. The jealousy that had been eating away at him all week evaporated in an instant, replaced by a flood of relief so overwhelming it made his knees weak.

Eve laughed, clearly amused by Lucifer’s reaction.

“I know, it’s surprising, right? Lilith’s such a knockout!” She leaned against Lilith’s side, grinning up at her mate.

Lilith smirked, her sharp amber eyes meeting Lucifer’s with a knowing glint in them. “You thought Eve was single, didn’t you?”

Lucifer blinked rapidly, feeling both foolish and ridiculously relieved. “Uh…”

“Don’t worry,” Lilith said, her smirk widening. “You wouldn’t be the first.”

Adam, blissfully unaware of Lucifer’s internal meltdown, clapped his hands together. “See, Luci? I told you Eve was great! And now you get to meet Lilith too. Isn’t this awesome?”

Lucifer forced a stiff nod, still trying to process the situation. “Yeah. Awesome.”

As Eve and Adam launched into another conversation, Lucifer silently swore to himself that he’d never doubt his instincts again—though a tiny part of him was grateful for the misunderstanding. At least now, his wolf was safe from her.

The evening dragged on, and despite knowing Eve was mated, Lucifer couldn’t quite shake the gnawing unease that twisted in his chest every time she and Adam shared a joke. Their laughter rang out, light and carefree, but it only served to deepen his scowl. He sat off to the side, arms crossed and cheeks puffed out in a pout that would have been cute if it weren’t so stormy.

Lilith, reclining on the couch across from him, watched with barely contained amusement. Every time Lucifer glared daggers at Eve, she let out a soft snort, clearly enjoying the show. Lucifer’s sharp blue eyes flicked to her more than once, his foot beginning its signature thump against the floor whenever her smirk grew too wide.

To make matters worse, somehow, by the end of the night, Lucifer found himself roped into washing up in Eve’s fancy kitchen—with Lilith of all people. He stood by the sink, his cherry-red lips twisted into a sulky pout as he scrubbed a dish with more force than necessary. Soap bubbles clung to his fingers as he grumbled under his breath, his fluffy ears drooping slightly.

“Why did Adam have to come here?” he muttered to himself. “Why couldn’t he have stayed at my apartment like he always does?”

Lilith, drying dishes beside him, raised a golden brow and let out a low chuckle.

“You really are something else, bunny boy,” she said, her voice carrying that easy confidence that had grated on Lucifer all evening.

He shot her a glare. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Lilith drawled, leaning her hip against the counter as she waved a dish towel lazily, “You’ve been glaring at Eve all night like you want to take her head off. Even though you know she’s my mate.”

Her amber eyes glinted with amusement. “You’ve got it bad for that wolf of yours, don’t you?”

Lucifer froze, his hands gripping the edge of the sink as his ears twitched. He avoided her gaze, staring at the soapy water as if it held all the answers in the world.

“…Is it that obvious?” he muttered after a long pause.

Lilith laughed, a deep and rich sound that filled the kitchen. “Oh, come on, Lucifer. You’ve been glaring daggers at Eve all night, even when she wasn’t doing anything. And the way you look at Adam? It’s painfully obvious. Even to me, and I don’t have a wolf’s sense of smell.”

Lucifer’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, his nose twitching in embarrassment.

“It’s… it’s not that simple,” he admitted quietly, his voice uncharacteristically soft. He sighed, setting down the dish he’d been scrubbing and turning to face her. “I’ve been in love with Adam since we were pups.”

Lilith hummed thoughtfully, her amber eyes narrowing slightly as she listened. “That long, huh?”

Lucifer nodded, his ears drooping slightly as he stared at the floor. “Adam moved to Pentagram City when he was young. We’ve been attached at the hip ever since.”

He let out a bitter laugh, his lips curling into a faint, self-deprecating smile.

“But obviously, he doesn’t know. And it’s not for a lack of trying. If I had my way…” He trailed off, his cheeks darkening further as he muttered, “Let’s just say Adam would have a sore ass for a month at least.”

Lilith burst out laughing at that, doubling over as she clutched her stomach.

“Oh, I’m surprised,” she said between chuckles. “I would’ve thought Adam would’ve been the one to… you know.”

Lucifer rolled his eyes, grabbing another dish to scrub just to have something to do with his hands.

“Yeah, well. Adam’s too oblivious to catch on. I’ve thrown myself at him a hundred times, and he still doesn’t get it.”

Lilith shook her head, still grinning. “He’s a special one, that’s for sure. But you really love him, huh?”

Lucifer glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his sharp blue gaze softening for just a moment. “…Yeah. I do.”

For a moment, the kitchen was quiet except for the soft clinking of dishes. Then Lucifer frowned, his curiosity getting the better of him as he turned to Lilith with a furrowed brow. “What are you exactly?”

Lilith blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt question, before flashing a cocky smirk.

“I’m a beta,” she said simply, her tone dripping with pride.

Lucifer’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re a beta?”

“Yup,” Lilith said, popping the “p” as she leaned casually against the counter. “Why? Surprised someone like me could bag an omega like Eve?”

Lucifer blinked, clearly taken aback.

“I mean… yeah, kind of,” he admitted bluntly.

Lilith laughed again, tossing the dish towel onto the counter. “Don’t underestimate a beta, bunny boy. We’re full of surprises.”

Lucifer huffed, his lips twitching into a reluctant smirk as he returned to scrubbing the dishes. Maybe Lilith wasn’t so bad after all.

Lucifer dried his hands on a dish towel, his ears twitching as curiosity got the better of him. “Alright,” he started, glancing at Lilith, “since we’re stuck here anyway… how did you and Eve even get together? How long have you two been a thing?”

Lilith’s smirk softened, and for the first time that evening, her confident, cocky demeanor melted into something gentler. Her amber eyes sparkled as she leaned back against the counter, clearly reliving a fond memory. “We’ve been together for about five years now,” she said, her voice softening. “But I first met her when she started working at that little café in Eden. You know, back when she was just trying to make ends meet.”

Lucifer raised a brow, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter beside her. “Let me guess, you swept her off her feet?”

Lilith chuckled, shaking her head. “Not even close. I was the clumsy idiot who spilled hot coffee all over her on her first day.”

Lucifer blinked in surprise before letting out a sharp laugh. “Seriously?”

“Yup.” Lilith’s grin grew wider, though it carried a hint of sheepishness. “She was so tiny back then, this adorable little ball of nerves. I thought she was going to bite my head off when I ruined her apron, but…” Her gaze softened further, and she smiled fondly. “Instead, she just laughed. Said it was her fault for being so jittery.”

Lucifer tilted his head, intrigued despite himself. “And that’s how it started?”

Lilith nodded. “Pretty much. I couldn’t stop going back to that café after that. Not for the coffee—it was awful, by the way—but for her.” She let out a soft chuckle. “She’d always give me this big, bright smile whenever I walked in, like she was genuinely happy to see me. It was addictive.”

Lucifer’s lips twitched into a faint smile despite himself. “So when did you finally make a move?”

Lilith’s ears flicked, and she let out a playful groan. “Oh, that took forever. She’s oblivious in her own way, you know? I flirted, I brought her flowers, I even learned to bake so I could give her cookies. But she just thought I was being friendly.”

Lucifer snorted. “Sounds familiar.”

Lilith shot him a knowing smirk. “Yeah, I figured you’d relate. Anyway, it wasn’t until I outright told her, ‘Eve, I’m in love with you, and if you don’t go out with me, I might just cry,’ that she finally got it.”

Lucifer stared at her, incredulous. “You said that?”

Lilith shrugged, grinning unapologetically. “Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. And it worked. She looked at me like I’d just told her the sky was pink, then she smiled—this huge, blinding smile—and said, ‘Well, why didn’t you just say so?’”

Lucifer found himself smiling too, despite his earlier irritation. “She really said that?”

“Yup.” Lilith’s gaze grew distant, filled with warmth. “Our first date was the next day. I took her to this little flower field on the outskirts of Eden. She loved it so much, she wouldn’t stop talking about it for weeks. That’s when I knew I was screwed. She’d completely stolen my heart.”

Lucifer’s ears twitched as he watched her, noting the absolute adoration in her expression. It was so obvious Lilith adored Eve, and it was… well, it was kind of nice, he supposed. He hadn’t expected to like Lilith at all, but seeing how much she loved her mate made it hard to dislike her.

“You really love her, huh?” he asked, his voice quieter.

Lilith smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “More than anything,” she said simply. “She’s my everything.”

For a moment, the two stood in silence, the soft clinking of dishes and the hum of conversation from the living room filling the air. Lucifer found himself lost in thought, his mind drifting to Adam and how much he wanted something like that for himself.

“You know,” Lilith said suddenly, breaking the silence, “you could have this too, bunny boy.”

Lucifer blinked, snapping out of his thoughts to glare half-heartedly at her. “What are you talking about?”

Lilith smirked knowingly. “Adam. You just have to stop waiting for him to figure it out and tell him already. If Eve can fall for a disaster like me, your wolf doesn’t stand a chance.”

Lucifer opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out. Instead, he turned back to the sink, his ears drooping slightly.

“…Yeah,” he muttered, more to himself than to her. “Maybe.”

Lilith tilted her head, her golden mane catching the soft light from the kitchen. She set down the dish she’d been drying, crossing her arms as she studied Lucifer. “Okay, so… serious question, bunny boy.”

Lucifer grumbled at the nickname but didn’t interrupt, keeping his eyes focused on the suds swirling in the sink.

“Why don’t you just tell Adam how you feel?” Lilith asked bluntly. “I mean, let’s face it, the guy’s as oblivious as they come. Subtle hints? Suggestive comments? That stuff’s not going to work on someone like him. You’ve gotta be direct.”

Lucifer stiffened, his sharp ears twitching. He gritted his teeth, refusing to meet her gaze. “It’s not that simple,” he muttered.

Lilith leaned against the counter, arching a brow. “Why not? You’re practically attached at the hip. He obviously adores you. I’m pretty sure if you just said, ‘Hey, I love you, let’s mate,’ he’d wag his tail and say yes.”

The corner of Lucifer’s mouth twitched, but the usual snarky comeback didn’t come. He scrubbed at a plate a little too hard, his shoulders tense. “You don’t get it,” he finally said, his voice quieter.

Lilith straightened, her expression softening. “Then help me get it,” she said, her tone gentle now. “What’s holding you back?”

Lucifer hesitated, the plate in his hands forgotten as he stared down at the soapy water. For a long moment, he didn’t speak, his lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, he exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper.

“…I’m scared.”

Lilith blinked in surprise, her sharp features softening further. “Scared? Of what?”

Lucifer’s cherry-red lips twisted into a bitter smile. “Rejection,” he admitted, his voice trembling just slightly. “Yeah, I tease him. I drop hints. I even… even suggest things like sharing my heat. But there’s comfort in knowing he’s too clueless to catch on. It’s safe. If he doesn’t know, he can’t reject me.”

Lilith frowned, her amber eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “You think he’d reject you?”

Lucifer shrugged, the motion stiff and defensive. “I don’t know. Maybe. Adam’s always been… different. Sweet, yeah. Loyal, absolutely. But he doesn’t see himself the way I see him. He thinks he’s just a beta, just some nobody. And what if—what if he thinks I deserve more? Someone stronger? Someone who can give me what he thinks I need?”

Lilith sighed, leaning forward to rest her arms on the counter. “That’s a lot of ‘what-ifs,’ bunny boy. You’re making yourself miserable over something that might not even happen.”

Lucifer let out a dry laugh, his ears drooping. “Yeah, well, welcome to my life.”

Lilith tilted her head, watching him carefully. “You know,” she said after a moment, her voice lighter, “Eve said something to me once, back when I was trying to work up the courage to confess to her. I was terrified too, thought for sure she’d laugh me off or say no. But she told me, ‘Sometimes you just have to jump, even if you don’t know where you’ll land. Because what if you’re jumping into something amazing?’”

Lucifer glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression skeptical. “That’s… really cheesy.”

Lilith smirked, shrugging. “Yeah, but it worked. And look at us now.”

Lucifer huffed, turning back to the dishes. “Easy for you to say. Eve’s not oblivious. Adam would probably wag his tail and say, ‘Oh, that’s nice,’ and then go on with his day.”

Lilith snorted. “Maybe. Or maybe he’d wag his tail and tackle you in a giant wolf hug because he’s been waiting for you to say something all along.”

Lucifer paused, his hands stilling in the soapy water. The thought made his chest ache, a strange mix of hope and fear.

“…I don’t know if I’m ready to jump,” he admitted quietly.

Lilith reached over and lightly flicked one of his floppy ears, smirking when he yelped and glared at her. “Then take your time, bunny boy. But don’t wait too long. Someone else might decide to jump first, and I don’t think you’d handle that well.”

Lucifer scowled, his cheeks flushing. “No one’s jumping anywhere near my wolf.”

Lilith laughed, straightening up and grabbing another dish to dry. “There’s the possessive bunny I know. Keep that fire, Luci. You’re gonna need it.”

~#~

The two of them walked through the dimly lit streets of Pentagram City, the hum of distant chatter and the occasional honk of a car filling the air. Lucifer felt lighter somehow, his earlier agitation easing as he glanced over at Adam. His wolf trotted along beside him, hands stuffed into his hoodie pockets, his posture a little slouched as though he were waiting for judgment.

Adam cleared his throat and peeked over at Lucifer, his voice hesitant.

“So… what did you think of Eve and Lilith? They’re nice, right?”

Lucifer hummed thoughtfully, dragging out his response just to tease him. He watched as Adam’s head drooped slightly, his floppy wolf ears tilting downward like a scolded pup. His lower lip jutted out in a soft pout, his green eyes big and shiny as he peeked up at Lucifer through his lashes.

The sight was almost too much for Lucifer to handle. His heart gave a little lurch, and his earlier jealousy evaporated, replaced by a wave of fondness.

“Oi, stop that,” he said with a snort, smirking as he crossed his arms. “Don’t pout. You’re too handsome to be making a face like that.”

Adam blinked in surprise, his cheeks flushing a faint pink as he looked up properly.

“You really think I’m handsome?” he asked shyly, his ears perking up slightly.

Lucifer couldn’t help but laugh, his sharp teeth glinting under the streetlights.

“Obviously,” he said with a playful grin. “Haven’t you noticed all the people staring at you whenever we’re out? You’re a total heartthrob, Adam.”

Adam’s blush deepened, and he let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. “I dunno about that…”

Lucifer rolled his eyes affectionately, shaking his head.

“Anyway,” he continued, “about your new friends. At first, I wasn’t so sure about Eve. She’s a little too sweet, you know? It was… suspicious.”

Adam frowned slightly, his tail drooping. “Oh…”

Lucifer held up a hand to stop him. “But after meeting Lilith and spending more time with them… yeah, I like them. They’re good people. Eve’s lucky to have someone like Lilith, and Lilith’s clearly head over heels for her.”

Adam gasped, his face lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Really? You like them?” he asked excitedly, his tail suddenly wagging with such force that it was thumping against his legs. “I’m so glad! I was worried you wouldn’t, but I knew you’d come around!”

Lucifer couldn’t hold back his laughter, his chest shaking as he pointed at Adam’s wagging tail. “Look at you,” he teased, stepping closer. “You’re like a happy little puppy.”

Adam blinked, glancing back at his tail before letting out an embarrassed laugh. “I didn’t even notice!”

Lucifer grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re hopeless.”

Then, without thinking, he stood on his tiptoes and reached out, ruffling Adam’s messy brown hair and scratching lightly behind his ears.

Adam froze for a moment, his green eyes wide as his blush spread further across his cheeks. He let out a soft, involuntary noise—a mix between a sigh and a whine—that made Lucifer’s heart skip a beat.

“See? Good boy,” Lucifer teased gently, though his voice had softened, his gaze warm as he stared up at Adam.

Adam swallowed hard, his face burning, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he muttered, “You’re so weird, Luci.”

Lucifer chuckled, dropping back down onto his heels. “Takes one to know one, mutt.”

Adam laughed, his earlier shyness fading as he nudged Lucifer’s shoulder with his own. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, bunny boy.”

They walked the rest of the way back to Lucifer’s apartment like that—close, comfortable, and filled with a warmth that made Lucifer’s heart ache just a little less. For now, this was enough. For now.

maybe someday he won’t be too frightened about taking the leap…

~#~

Lucifer’s golden ears twitched erratically as his sharp blue eyes followed Adam’s every move, narrowing each time he laughed with Eve. They were huddled over some glossy magazine, their heads nearly touching as they flipped through the pages, pointing and giggling like a pair of pups. Lucifer’s foot began to thump against the floor, starting slow before picking up pace, a telltale sign of his brewing irritation.

"Alright, that’s enough of that." Lilith’s smooth, amused voice cut through his internal storm, and before Lucifer could protest, the lioness grabbed his arm and hauled him off the couch.

“Hey!” Lucifer yelped, glaring at her as she dragged him toward the kitchen.

“Help me prepare the drinks,” she said with feigned nonchalance, though her golden eyes gleamed with mischievous intent.

Lucifer grumbled under his breath, muttering about how he wasn’t some waiter. As soon as they entered the kitchen, out of sight and earshot of the others, he spun on his heel to face Lilith, arms crossed. “What’s your problem, huh?”

Lilith leaned casually against the counter, crossing her arms in return, her lips quirking into a sly smirk. “My problem? Oh, bunny, you’re the one with the problem.”

Lucifer scowled, his fluffy ears folding back slightly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lilith’s chuckle was low and knowing. “Oh, please. You’ve been glaring daggers at Eve for the past hour, and your foot’s been thumping so hard I thought you might crack our fancy floorboards. For someone who knows she’s mated to me, you sure act like she’s your competition.”

Lucifer’s cheeks flushed a deep red, his sharp teeth grinding together.

“I am not jealous,” he hissed, though the stomp of his foot betrayed him.

Lilith snorted, tossing her golden hair over her shoulder. “Right, and I’m secretly a unicorn. Come on, Luci. Just admit it—you’re a possessive little bunny who doesn’t like to share his wolf.”

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed further, his blush deepening as he pointed a finger at her. “First of all, my wolf is mine, got it? And second, Eve’s too… too…” He trailed off, waving his hands as if the words would come to him.

“Too friendly?” Lilith supplied helpfully, her grin widening.

“Yes!” Lucifer barked, glaring at her. “Too friendly. She’s all up in his space, and they keep laughing at dumb things I don’t understand! It’s—ugh—it’s infuriating.”

Lilith raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his little tirade. “You do realize Eve’s just as in love with me as you are with Adam, right?”

Lucifer spluttered, his ears flicking as he looked away, his blush spreading to the tips of his ears.

“I—I know that! Doesn’t mean I have to like them being so… so…” He waved his hand again, searching for the word.

“Friendly,” Lilith repeated, laughing.

“Exactly!” Lucifer snapped, stomping his foot again.

Lilith reached over and patted him on the shoulder, her grin softening into something more teasing than sharp. “You’re hopeless, bunny. Completely and utterly hopeless.”

Lucifer swatted her hand away, his glare lacking any real venom. “Shut up.”

Lilith chuckled, turning to grab some glasses from the cupboard. “You know, you’re lucky Adam’s as dense as a bag of rocks. If he wasn’t, he’d probably think you hated Eve with how much you scowl every time she breathes in his direction.”

“I don’t hate her,” Lucifer mumbled, crossing his arms again. “She’s… fine.”

“Wow,” Lilith said dryly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s high praise coming from you.”

Lucifer huffed, grabbing a bottle of sparkling water from the counter. “Why are we even talking about this? Shouldn’t you be the one jealous? Eve spends all her time with Adam, not you.”

Lilith laughed outright at that, the sound deep and rich. “Oh, sweetie. Eve comes home to me. I know where her heart is. I know how she quivers under me, she knows who she belongs to and she makes the cute little sounds.”

She glanced at Lucifer, her smirk returning. “The real question is, when are you gonna make sure Adam knows where yours is?”

Lucifer froze for a moment, his grip tightening on the bottle.

“…None of your business,” he muttered, his ears drooping slightly.

Lilith leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “You’ve got two choices, bunny. Keep pouting and glaring from a distance, or actually do something about it.”

Lucifer shot her a glare, though it lacked its usual fire. “I’ll do it when I’m ready.”

Lilith shrugged, picking up the tray of glasses. “Fine. But don’t wait too long. You might not have to worry about Eve, but there’s plenty of other wolves who’d jump at the chance to claim your Adam.”

The thought sent a sharp pang through Lucifer’s chest, and his jaw tightened as he followed Lilith back to the living room.

As he watched Adam’s face light up at something Eve said, his resolve hardened. Lilith was right—he couldn’t let anyone else swoop in. One way or another, Adam would know exactly who he belonged to.

Lilith and Lucifer returned to the living room, Lilith gracefully sliding onto the couch beside Eve, who immediately brightened at her mate’s presence. She leaned into Lilith’s side with a soft preen as the lion hybrid draped an arm around her shoulders. Lucifer shuffled awkwardly toward Adam, holding out the drink he’d prepared.

When Adam looked up at him, his face glowing with one of those bright, lopsided smiles, Lucifer felt his knees go weak. His hand trembled slightly as Adam eagerly grabbed the glass, his fingertips brushing Lucifer’s, sending an unexpected jolt up his arm.

“Thanks, Luci!” Adam chirped, his tail wagging lazily behind him.

Lucifer managed a grunt in response, trying not to let his soft, utterly smitten expression show. He was about to say something—anything—to prolong the moment when Eve suddenly gasped, springing to her feet like she’d been struck by lightning.

“Oh! Wait a sec!” she exclaimed, scrambling toward a chest of drawers. Eve rifled through the top drawer with an excited frenzy, her movements causing the entire piece of furniture to wobble slightly. “Adam! Look at this!”

Lucifer’s ears perked up as Eve retrieved a crumpled piece of paper, rushing back to the group and slapping it onto the coffee table with a triumphant grin. “I thought you might be interested!”

Adam blinked in surprise, leaning forward as Eve smoothed out the flyer. Lucifer’s brows furrowed as his own curiosity got the better of him. Both he and his wolf shifted forward instinctively, their sharp blue eyes scanning the words on the paper.

“IVS?” Lucifer read aloud, his voice tinged with confusion.

Eve grinned wider, tilting her head up to beam at Lilith, who responded by giving her a light squeeze. Eve leaned against her mate, preening as if showing off a prize.

“It’s this new study for betas,” she began, her voice bubbling with excitement. “You know how betas aren’t able to breed with omegas or alphas, right? Well, this study is working on changing that!”

Adam sucked in a sharp breath, his hands twisting nervously in the hem of his oversized sweater. Lucifer immediately noticed the change in Adam’s demeanor. The wolf hybrid’s ears drooped slightly, his green eyes flickering with an emotion Lucifer couldn’t place—something between nervousness and longing.

Lucifer’s gaze softened briefly, but his curiosity remained piqued.

“I’m not following,” Lucifer mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Humming softly, Lilith’s golden eyes darted between the flyer and the group.

“Betas can participate in the study,” she explained, her tone more subdued. “They can either be the breeder or the one being bred.”

Lucifer’s breath hitched. The words bounced around his head like a ping-pong ball, leaving him momentarily stunned. His gaze flickered back to the flyer, his heart suddenly racing.

As a bunny omega hybrid, it was expected—no, assumed—that he would one day have kits, that he would be bred and carry children. But the idea had always made him… uneasy. Lucifer didn’t crave the thought of pregnancy, the weight of it, the vulnerability. Yet, the thought of Adam? Adam being his, filled with his babies, swollen and radiant under Lucifer’s touch?

A shiver rippled through him. His secret bunny-wolf stirred with an unsettling possessiveness, and Lucifer clenched his fists to steady himself. He refused to look at Lilith, already certain she was wearing that knowing smirk again. Stupid lion.

“How?” Adam asked weakly, his voice cracking just slightly.

Eve’s eyes sparkled as she eagerly explained, “They inject an omega or alpha’s pheromones and reproductive enhancement cells into the beta. It’s a weekly shot, and over time, the beta’s body starts adapting to believe it’s ready to breed.”

Adam bit his bottom lip, worrying it between his teeth. His green eyes seemed distant, lost in thought, and Lucifer’s instincts roared to life. His grip tightened on the edge of the coffee table, the impulse to snatch Adam and whisk him away growing stronger by the second.

“Adam?” Lucifer whispered softly, his voice uncharacteristically tender.

Adam jolted slightly, his ears flicking as he turned to face him. Blinking furiously, he offered Lucifer a sheepish smile. “Oh, right! That’s… so cool, Eve! I—I’ve got my fingers crossed for you guys!”

Frown deepening, Lucifer’s sharp eyes darted between Eve and Lilith, noticing the subtle glance they exchanged. Eve’s expression flickered with concern for a brief moment before she buried it under a bubbly laugh, nuzzling closer to Lilith.

Something wasn’t right.

Lucifer shifted his focus back to Adam, noticing how his shoulders had gone stiff, his fingers twisting his sweater into knots. Adam wasn’t just nervous—he was uneasy.

Lucifer’s gaze fell once more to the flyer. The words blurred as his thoughts churned. What was going on? What had he missed?

And more importantly, why did the idea of someone else breeding Adam make his blood boil with primal, searing jealousy?

~#~

The walk back to Lucifer’s apartment was unusually quiet. The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze and the soft crunch of their footsteps against the pavement. Adam, typically bursting with energy and endless chatter, was subdued. His shoulders slumped slightly, and his lips were pressed into a tight, worried line.

Lucifer’s keen eyes flicked to Adam every few moments, watching the way his brows furrowed in thought, how his ears drooped as if carrying the weight of the world. A knot twisted in Lucifer’s chest, a mixture of concern and frustration. He hated seeing Adam like this—his usually radiant wolf dimmed.

The silence stretched unbearably until Lucifer, unable to hold back anymore, whispered tenderly, “You want a kid, Adam?”

The words hung in the air like a spell. Adam stiffened, his green eyes widening in shock as he turned to look at Lucifer.

“I—I…what?” he stammered, his voice barely audible.

Lucifer tilted his head, his golden ears twitching slightly.

“The IVS study,” he said softly, his tone as gentle as a summer breeze. “It’s something you’re interested in, isn’t it?”

They came to a halt under the glow of a streetlamp. Adam stared at him, his face a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Lucifer offered a small, comforting smile, stepping closer.

“You know that’s normal, right?” he murmured. “Wanting to settle down, to start a family. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Adam’s face twisted into something raw and vulnerable, a far cry from his usual sunny demeanour.

“It’s not normal for me,” he muttered, his voice cracking at the edges.

A pang of hurt coursed through Lucifer, though he kept his voice steady. “Why isn’t it?”

Adam hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. For a moment, it looked like he wouldn’t answer at all. But Lucifer reached out, his fingers brushing Adam’s arm as he leaned in closer.

“It’s alright,” he breathed, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Tell me what’s wrong. You can tell me anything.”

A heavy silence passed between them, the kind that felt like the world was holding its breath. Adam turned his head away, his ears flat against his hair. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke.

“I do want a child,” he admitted, the words trembling as they left his lips. “I…I want to carry my baby myself.”

Lucifer’s breath hitched, his wide blue eyes locked on Adam as his mind reeled. His. The very idea of Adam, round with life, glowing with the warmth of motherhood, sent a shiver down Lucifer’s spine. His pulse quickened, and he had to clench his hands into fists to keep from grabbing Adam then and there.

He swallowed thickly, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he said, “There’s nothing wrong with that—”

Adam cut him off with a bitter laugh, his expression twisting with frustration and self-doubt.

“Of course there is,” he snapped, gesturing to himself. “Look at me, Luci. I’m a wolf hybrid. I’m supposed to be the dominant one, the strong one. But I’m not! I—I don’t want to be the dominant one.”

His voice cracked again, and he tugged at the hem of his sweater, twisting it nervously. “I want to be…to be taken care of. I want to feel…safe. To…”

He trailed off, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, but Lucifer’s sharp ears caught every unspoken word.

Adam took a shaky breath before continuing, his voice quieter now. “My body doesn’t know what to do with itself. I look like an alpha, but I feel like…like an omega. And I’m just a beta. Not even good at being that. Who would ever want this?”

He gestured to himself again, his voice laced with self-loathing. “Nobody, that’s who.”

Lucifer’s heart broke a little more with every word. Adam’s insecurities were a deep chasm, far deeper than Lucifer had ever imagined.

“At least,” Adam said, his voice barely above a whisper now as he turned away, “If I had a child…then maybe…at least that child would love me, right?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Lucifer’s chest tightened painfully, and his wolf growled low, demanding he do something, say something. He stepped forward, his hands itching to reach out, to hold Adam and chase away every ounce of doubt clouding his mind.

“Adam…” Lucifer’s voice was a gentle croon, his tone softer than it had ever been. When Adam didn’t turn to face him, he took another step closer. “You’re wrong.”

Adam stiffened but said nothing.

“You’re wrong,” Lucifer repeated, his voice growing firmer. “You’re not nothing, Adam. You’re…you’re everything.”

Finally, Adam turned, his green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Lucifer’s breath caught, and he forced himself to continue, his words spilling out faster than he could think.

“You’re kind and funny and sweet, and you’re so strong—even if you don’t see it,” he said, his voice trembling. “You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met. And anyone—anyone—would be lucky to have you.”

Adam blinked at him, his cheeks reddening as his ears flicked nervously. “Luci, I—”

“Don’t,” Lucifer cut him off gently, his own cheeks tinged pink. “Don’t say I’m just being nice. I mean it. Every word.”

The air between them crackled with an unspoken tension, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped spinning. Lucifer’s heart pounded in his chest as he gazed at Adam, willing him to see the truth in his eyes.

“You’re worth everything, Adam,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “And anyone who can’t see that doesn’t deserve you.”

Lucifer’s breath hitched, his chest rising and falling as he stared at Adam, the intensity of his emotions making it difficult to find the right words. For the first time, it felt like Adam was truly seeing him. Those vibrant green eyes weren’t glazed over with daydreams or distracted thoughts. No, they were focused entirely on him, studying him as if Lucifer were something precious and rare.

"You..." Lucifer’s voice cracked, and he cleared his throat, trying to steady himself.

“You should do the study," he said, his words rushed but sincere. "I’ll…I’ll support you. Whatever you need."

Adam blinked at him, his lips curling into a soft, meek smile. He shrugged, his posture shrinking just a little.

“Yeah? That’s reassuring," he said, his tone warm but laced with hesitation. "But…I probably won’t."

A frown tugged at Lucifer’s lips, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly.

“Why not?" he asked, his tone sharper than he intended. The idea of Adam denying himself something he clearly wanted didn’t sit right with him.

Adam exhaled, his shoulders slumping as he looked away. The way he bit his bottom lip and twisted his hands nervously made Lucifer’s protective instincts flare.

“For me to take the IVS study," Adam began softly, "I’d have to…be paired up with someone. A stranger. Since I don’t have a mate or, you know…anybody to enter the study with me."

Lucifer’s ears twitched, his stomach knotting at the mere mention of Adam being paired with anyone else. His fingers curled into fists, but he forced himself to stay quiet, letting Adam continue.

"I’d be assigned a donor," Adam explained, his voice faltering slightly. "And even though it’s just temporary, and I’d probably never see them again…it would still feel a little…you know."

He trailed off, his cheeks darkening with a blush as he cast his gaze downward. "Hard."

Lucifer’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Adam’s voice. He stepped closer, his body almost instinctively moving to shield Adam from the invisible weight pressing down on him.

"Adam," he said, his voice softer now, almost a whisper. "Why would that be hard?"

Adam hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of his sweater.

“Because…" He sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken emotions. "It’s personal, you know? Having a child…starting a family…those are things you’re supposed to do with someone you love. Someone who…loves you back."

Lucifer felt his breath catch again, his heart thundering in his chest. The words hung between them, electric and raw. His mind raced, a thousand thoughts colliding all at once, but one thought stood out above the rest: Say something. Tell him. This is your chance.

"I..." Lucifer’s voice came out shaky, and he cursed himself for the hesitation. He clenched his fists, summoning every ounce of courage he had. "Adam, you don’t need a stranger," he said, his voice firmer now, more resolute.

Adam looked up at him, his green eyes wide with confusion. "What do you mean?"

Lucifer swallowed hard, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure Adam could hear it.

“I mean…" He took a deep breath, his words tumbling out before he could stop them. "You have me."

Adam blinked, his brows furrowing slightly. "You?"

"Yes, me," Lucifer said, stepping closer until he was just a breath away. His blue eyes burned with intensity, his ears twitching nervously.

“I’m not a stranger, Adam. And I…" He paused, his voice softening as he whispered, "I love you. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember."

The world seemed to stop. Adam stared at him, his mouth slightly agape, as if trying to process what he’d just heard.

Lucifer pressed on, his voice trembling but filled with determination. "If you want a child…if you want to be part of the study…you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be your partner. I’ll be there every step of the way. Because, Adam…"

He reached out, gently cupping Adam’s cheek with a trembling hand. "There’s no one else I’d want to share that with but you."

Adam’s lips parted, his breath hitching as a deep blush spread across his cheeks. For a moment, he said nothing, just staring at Lucifer with an expression that was equal parts shock and wonder.

"Luci…" Adam finally whispered, his voice so soft it was barely audible.

Lucifer held his breath, waiting, hoping, praying that he hadn’t just ruined everything. But then, slowly, Adam’s lips curved into a shy, tender smile, and Lucifer felt his heart soar.

"You’d really…do that for me?" Adam asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Of course I would," Lucifer said without hesitation, his thumb brushing gently against Adam’s cheek. "For you, I’d do anything."

Lucifer felt his chest swell with hope, but just as quickly, it deflated as Adam’s green eyes lit up with innocent affection instead of the realization he so desperately craved.

"You’re the best, Luci," Adam said, his smile as bright as the sun. "I’m lucky to have a best friend like you. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Lucifer’s ears drooped slightly, and he bit back a frustrated whine that threatened to escape his throat. How could Adam still not see it? He had practically laid his heart bare! But instead of the romantic revelation he had imagined, Adam was, as always, completely and utterly oblivious.

Adam’s gaze softened, his hands twisting nervously in front of him.

“But," he began, his voice quiet and unsure, "I can’t do that to you. Asking you to do something like this—it’s…it’s huge, Luci. It’s not fair to you. This isn’t your responsibility."

Lucifer straightened up, his blue eyes narrowing with a flash of determination.

“Adam, stop," he said, his tone firmer now. He reached out, resting his hands on Adam’s shoulders and squeezing gently. "Don’t say that. It’s not about responsibility. It’s about what I want."

Adam blinked, his lips parting slightly in surprise. "What you want?"

"Yes," Lucifer replied, his voice soft but resolute. "I want to do this with you. I want to be there for you, to help you. This isn’t something you should have to face alone, Adam. And besides…"

He hesitated for only a moment before continuing, his lips quirking into a small, teasing smile. "A child would mean we’d be connected for the rest of our lives."

Adam’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and he looked down, fidgeting with his sweater.

“I…I don’t know, Luci," he murmured. "It just feels like…too much to ask. What if it changes things? What if—"

"Adam," Lucifer interrupted gently, his voice low and soothing. "Look at me."

Slowly, Adam lifted his head, his green eyes meeting Lucifer’s steady gaze.

"It won’t change things," Lucifer said firmly. "If anything, it’ll make us stronger. And if you’re worried about whether I’m serious about this, don’t be. I’ve thought about it, and I want this. I want to do this with you."

Adam’s expression softened, but the uncertainty in his eyes remained. "Are you sure?"

Lucifer smiled, his blue eyes gleaming with a rare tenderness.

“More sure than I’ve ever been about anything," he said.

For a moment, there was only silence between them, the weight of Lucifer’s words hanging in the air. Then, slowly, Adam’s lips curved into a small, hesitant smile.

"Okay," Adam whispered, his voice barely audible. "Okay, Luci. I’ll…I’ll think about it."

Lucifer’s heart soared, and he couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face.

“That’s all I ask," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

But as Adam looked away, his blush deepening, Lucifer couldn’t help but feel a flicker of frustration mixed with hope. His wolf growled softly in the back of his mind, impatient and possessive.

One step at a time, Lucifer thought to himself.

He’ll realize how I feel eventually. He has to.

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

@sir-tater-of-the-tot Just for you!

-

Lucifer wasn't sure what was going on at the Heavens Embassy, whispers had been swirling around for a couple weeks now since the last extermination day. Rumors that the embassy has been taken over by a mass of new sinners that want into heaven.

Rumors of course...... But as King he had to find out if there was any truth. The problem was, anyone who got too close or went inside never came back. So they were likely killing all who entered.

He could take them and he would.

Lucifer opened a portal and went right down there. He was shocked to see the state that the embassy was in. The place still glowed its holy golden light from the heavens, but from every end of it was covered dripping equally golden honey, there were flowers now bloomed out front and spears with angelic spear heads pointing out as if to keep people away.

There were two bee looking sinners with spears guarding the front door, scowls on their faces yet also neutral looks at the same time. Lucifer could easily blast his way in but something told him to be discrete.

So he used another portal to get in and holy shit the honey! It was everywhere, either just dripping or in honeycombs or vats of it everywhere. Also many beautiful flowers. The sound of buzzing caught his attention and there were so many bees and wasps flying around doing so many things.

And they are all women. Weird.

Lucifer: The fuck is going on?

Then he saw it, the biggest Bee in the hive walked into view with her lovely curves, crown on her head and an egg in her grasp.

This must be their Queen.

Adam: Okay here, put this little one with the others to hatch.

Adam!?!

........

Oh this changes things.

Worker bee: For you my Queen.

She brought him some lovely flowers that smelled amazing.

Adam: Thank you my dear.

He took them giving them a deep smell, the fragrance was intoxicating and the pollen tickled his nose in the best way. The little worker bee seemed so happy to have her Queen accept her gift, she bowed and buzzed away happily.

Lucifer decided to make his presence known when Adam placed the flowers near his throne.

Lucifer: Adam?

The hive became silent and the bees turned towards the King of Hell, the Exorcist Bees brandished their spears and pointed them at him, the wasps extended their stingers ready for a fight and the worker bees held back to protect the eggs.

Adam: Lucifer? What a lovely surprise.~ It's okay ladies, for now anyway.

He walked towards Lucifer and the spears lowered a little.

Lucifer: What is all this?

Adam: My kingdom. And you know, I'm actually glad you're here. You can actually be of service to me.~

Before he could react, Adam picked him up and threw him into a nearby meeting room landing on the table, he ended up in some honey that was making him stick to the table.

Adam walked in and closed the door, a smirk on his face. He needed to grow his empire more and to do that he needed more little babies that lived longer than 6 weeks to 6 months.

Adam: Do you remember the promise you made me back in Eden, Luci? The one about us having a big family?

Adam pulled Lucifer's pants down to his ankles and smiled at how hard he already was.

Removing his own panties, Adam stepped out of them and crawled on-top of Lucifer, bringing out his second set of arms to keep the King in place.

Adam: Because I never forgot and it's time to make good on that promise.~

He lowered himself onto Lucifer's dick and moaned, fuck he felt good. Dick made for a Queen.

Lucifer gasped as the warm wet heat enveloped his cock.

Lucifer: I-I-I didn't forget, I just didn't think you'd want it anymore.

Adam: Of course I do. A King has to fertilize his Queen after all.~ And I AM the new Queen around here.

Adam leaned down and kissed him as he started to rock his hips, he pulled away when he really got into riding Lucifer.

The mating need was there and since no worthy males were around he's been having little bees asexually like a damn flower.

But not anymore, he's got the ultimate nectar now.

Adam rode him for hours, even after Lucifer had already cum a few times inside of him painting his walls white with his seed he wanted more, needed more.

It wasn't until he felt absolutely full and satisfied did he stop milking Lucifer for all he's worth.

Adam: Mmm, that was amazing.~

Lucifer, breathless: Yeah.~

Adam covered him up to give him some modesty just in case and placed a sweet kiss on his lips.

Adam: Thanks for round one.~

Lucifer: R-round one?

Adam hummed: Mmmhmmm, I gotta go wait for these eggs to develop so I can lay them. I'll be back in a little bit. Thank you handsome.~

He walked out blowing Lucifer a kiss with a wink, he knew their babies were going to be strong and beautiful.

Lucifer rated his head on the table: You're welcome honey.

-

((That's all I got. Did I say something small? Lol))

[cakerybakery]

@sir-tater-of-the-tot That continuation of the Cow Adam story

Milk Snake Part two.

-

The bell around Adam’s neck jingled, interrupting his nap.

He loved to lay in the sun-dappled shade of the apple trees. Adam always felt calmer being out in the fields as the fields around the farm had soft, warm grasses and flowers. It was the perfect spot for taking his pregnancy naps in.

A little miffed, he tapped the cowbell on his collar and answered the call. “What do you want, snake?”

There was a playful hiss as Lucifer answered. “You. But for now I’ll settle for seeing what you want for dinner. I’m at the grocery store getting snacks with the kids for tonight. Figured I’d see if you were craving anything we might not have at home.”

He must have slept through Lucifer taking their kids out. Adam’s annoyance at being woken up dissipated.

Lucifer was a good dad and partner, taking the kids to run errands and letting him rest when he needed it, and checking to see if he wanted anything. It made his pregnancy hormones gush love and affection for his little bull.

The farm was more of a hobby than a full-blown working farm. They had some chickens, fruit trees, and berry bushes, and grew some vegetables in the garden, but it wasn’t like his first go-around with kids. They didn’t need the farm to survive. Often just purchasing items instead of making or growing them and relaxing in the small village not far from Pentagram City.

Adam hadn’t liked raising the kids in the city. The hotel had quickly proved to be too cramped for life with a baby. Not to mention, the city was full of violence and mayhem that often attempted to destroy the hotel. And when they moved to Lucifer’s place, that wasn’t exactly kid-friendly either. Half abandoned and overrun with Lucifer’s projects didn't leave much safe space for toddler. And of course too many people wanting to know more about who he was and who the new prince was.

As Finn got older and when he was pregnant with Holly, Adam really started to crave wide open spaces. A quiet place to be left alone and call home. Somewhere safe to grow their little herd.

And growing their herd they were.

The twins in his belly kicked. He already had names picked out. Beckett and Robin. They weren’t sure if the twins would be boys, girls, or one of each. The names seemed gender neutral so Adam had decided on them. Adam had been too excited to wait to find out the genders for Finn and Holly, but having one of each already, Adam was happy to wait this time.

Last fall, when she and Finn were both finally in school, and Holly hadn't been in the nursery for a few years. Adam had decided it was time for his little bull to breed him again.

When they had dropped the kids off at school on the first day and then hurried home, Adam brought Lucifer to his favourite spot in the little meadow. They both had something they wanted to talk about.

Lucifer dropped to one knee and asked Adam to marry him. Every single thing about the moment had been perfect. The weather, the leaves only just turning, trees full of crisp fruit. His handsome milk snake with the brightest, shining eyes looking up at him hopefully with an equally shiny rock the size of a fucking blueberry.

Adam said no.

He’d been married twice already and had no plans or desire to do it a third time.

His little milk snake had been so upset. That cute little bottom lip quivered, his shoulders slumped, and his voice got quiet.

Adam pointed out they lived together, had children together, and that Adam had dragged Lucifer out there to see if Lucifer wanted to breed him again.

They were as together as they could be. What did Lucifer want, to put a collar on him?

He was surprised, because the way Lucifer's dick popped up at the idea, it was a miracle that it didn’t tear the old bull’s pants clean off.

Adam had to agree to wear a collar when seeing that display. Just for sex anyway.

The conjured leather collar with ‘Morningstar’ embossed on it and a shiny golden cowbell had been oddly hot.

Especially when Lucifer made himself a matching one.

During Adam’s pregnancy with Finn, Lucifer had started keeping his normal form more bull-like. Adam liked Lucifer’s cow ears and horns. He really liked that thick cock. As a shapeshifter, what form he took never really mattered to Lucifer. He had kept himself mostly like how he had been as an angel purely because he didn’t really care. Lucifer's switch to the more bull-like appearance was because it drove Adam wild.

Lucifer had barely had the collar on himself when Adam tackled him down into the grass and dirt to make out. Their bells clanging together as Adam started to tear into Lucifer’s clothing.

His little bull looked so good. Maybe that was the cow sinner part of him talking, but Adam couldn’t wait for Lucifer to fuck another calf in him.

He easily stripped his little bull. Not like Lucifer was going to put up a fight. And swallowed that cock down.

Lucifer always did like the vision of Adam's head in his lap and ass in the air. His little cow tail moving as Adam bobbed up and down that dick.

Adam liked how Lucifer looked at him like Adam was a sex god sent to hell just for him.

Kneading Adam’s large tits, Lucifer had moaned about how he couldn’t wait to drink Adam’s milk again.

That wouldn’t be a problem. In fact, Adam encouraged it. He produced so much milk that without Lucifer, it would go to waste, or he’d be in pain. He still donated while he had milk, but that took time, and he’d rather feed the baby, put them back to bed, and pass out at night while Lucifer helped himself instead of pumping.

“If Daddy Bull wants milk, he better cum in Mommy Cow.” Adam pulled off Lucifer’s cock to tease him.

“Oooh, I love it when you talk like that.” Lucifer leaned down and kissed him. “I can’t wait to see you round with another calf, my pretty golden cow.”

He helped Adam strip down, had him turn around, and teased his little tail before kissing Adam on the back to activate the spell.

Lucifer conjured lube and was quickly able to prepare Adam.

Mooing happily, Adam’s bell clanked as he fucked himself on Lucifer’s fingers.

After nearly a decade, Adam was no longer embarrassed by the mooing, especially since his little bull couldn’t stop himself either.

Speaking of, Lucifer’s moanful moo as he replaced his fingers with his cock in Adam’s ass sent shivers down Adam’s spine.

His breasts swayed, his bell clanked, and Lucifer was hitting just the right spot inside of him. Adam was in heaven.

It all felt right in the universe. He was made for this. To be impregnated in a field by his bull.

He had to wait ten thousand odd years to get here, and he was going to spend at least ten thousand more enjoying it. Perhaps he’d slow down on the baby-making by then, but it didn’t mean he’d stop enjoying getting wrecked by Lucifer’s large cock as he feels the sun and shadows playing across his back. The grass tickling his heavy breasts and the warm breeze blowing over his bare skin.

Every thrust inside him made him moo in pleasure. Lucifer wrapped a hand around Adam’s cock, and the electricity tingling his spine bounced around his brain. His mind was melting.

His brain and cock dripped with pleasure.

“Cum for me, Adam.” Lucifer groaned. “I need my pretty mama cow to squeeze my cock dry.”

He mooed Lucifer’s name and came.

Lucifer let out his own loud moo. He gripped Adam hard and tensed before sighing and peppering Adam’s back with kisses.

They cuddled under the trees, and Adam forgot all about his collar and bell. They were still wearing them by the time they realized they had whiled away the day naked in the meadow as though it were Eden. Having sex and eating from the trees and bushes. And they needed to rush to get dressed and pick the kids up at school.

“Adam?” Lucifer’s voice came through the bell and pulled Adam from his memory.

“Hmm? Just thinking. You know, I could go for something salty. Can you bring me home some chips?”

He gritted his teeth and breathed heavily through his nose for a minute.

“Sure thing! Okay, my little imps. Mama wants some chips. Let’s go to the chip aisle!”

Adam could hear Holly start to chant out, “Chips, chips, chips. Getting Mama some chips!”

And Finn scoffed. “You’re such a baby.”

“Am not!”

“Oh no,” Lucifer groaned. “I better go. See you soon, Adam.”

“See you soon.” Adam repeated back, and the bell returned to normal.

Huffing, Adam hauled himself to his hooves. He placed a hand on his large belly and felt one of the babies kick. Then the other kicked in response.

“You two better not start fighting. One sibling fight at a time, please and thank you.” He hummed as he walked, and the rocking settled the babies down. “It won’t be long now, and you two will have all the room you need.”

He had to pause at the fence on the way back to the house. Adam gripped the wood hard. Now that he was up and moving, the contractions were coming faster.

“Yeah,” he rubbed his belly. “Not long at all.”

It really was nice of Lucifer to take the kids out while he laboured. They’d known since the morning that the twins were coming when how they were coming appeared.

Adam had gone out to the field to nap and rest since the contractions were still unsteady and only once an hour or so. But now they were closer together, and they had maybe a half a day at best.

Every pregnancy is different, every delivery is different, but Finn and Holly both came quickly once the ball started rolling, and Adam had no reason to think this time would be any different.

He gathered up the clean linens he’d set aside a few weeks ago and settled in the time-out stall Lucifer built in the living room.

It was just a small area they sent the kids to calm down in when they’d been misbehaving or throwing a tantrum. Where they could be in a quiet space, still close to everyone, but not be overwhelmed by being overstimulated by the rest of the family.

There was already a soft daybed on the ground so a toddler can climb in and out on their own. Plenty of room for Adam to rest.

The two walls, one half wall, and wooden baby gate made the cow part of him feel secure and safe.

Adam texted the midwife, and she’d be by shortly. For now he enjoyed the last bits of peace and quiet for some time.

The midwife was a sweet but tiny cat sinner.

He could hear her cheery voice as she and Lucifer were coming into the house.

She steered the old bull to go put away the groceries he had picked up and to wash his hands before joining Adam.

Lucifer gave him an apologetic look as he was ushered towards the kitchen.

“I dropped the kids off with Charlie. How are you doing?”

Adam mooed. He hadn’t meant to, but a contraction started, and it popped out.

“Ahh. That bad. I’ll make stew then for dinner. To give you energy.”

A couple of contractions later, Lucifer was at his side as a clone made their dinner.

He held Lucifer's hand, and Lucifer kept his mind occupied with jokes and things that the kids did. Lucifer told Adam about the bitch in the parking lot at the grocery store that tried to take his spot.

Adam laughed at the idea of Finn and Holly both flipping some demon the bird, and it quickly turned into a moo as another contraction hit.

The little midwife checked him, but Adam felt the switch into active labour. The contractions were more intense and painful. He gripped Lucifer tight and bellowed out a moo. His hoof pawing at the ground.

It was a killer contraction that left him panting and mooing softly for comfort.

Lucifer petted his head and told him he was doing a good job.

He needed to move a bit, so Lucifer helped him up to his hooves for a moment. There was a gush between his legs, and Adam felt a little relief as his water broke for at least one of the twins, and he no longer felt as much pressure.

There was the need to push, and Lucifer held him steady as he bore down and pushed with each contraction.

Adam couldn’t feel anything but the contraction as he breathed quickly to keep oxygen going to the babies and pushed.

It took a couple of good pushes, but their baby was out and caught by they midwife.

Laying down to rest, Adam let Lucifer go so he could assist with the afterbirth process.

Half the pressure was gone, and he could breath much easier.

“Come on,” Lucifer said to the baby.

“It’ll be okay.” The midwife said reassuringly as she did something just out of sight. “There we go. The airway is clear.”

There was high-pitched scream, and Lucifer’s shoulders relaxed. “Thatta girl.” Lucifer praised the baby and brought her over to Adam after a quick check-up.

She had Adam's golden spot over her left eye and Lucifer's white skin. She was scrunched and looked angry. Kicking when her hooves were touched. Her chubby hands were fists.

Adam brought her to his chest. Compressing the tissue so she could get as much as possible in her tiny mouth. She latched easily, and Adam winced as a contraction hit.

There was pleasure as hormones flooded his brain as the sight of his baby feeding from him and pain as his body got ready to push out another baby.

After ten minutes she pulled off and fell asleep. Adam handed her off to Lucifer to put down safely in one of the baskets prepared for the babies.

“Robin.” Adam decided. That one felt like a Robin. The midwife wrote it down along with the other information from the birth.

Another contraction hit, and Adam knew Beckett was coming.

He bellowed, and Lucifer helped him to stay steady once more. This one came much quicker and didn’t need their airway cleared, so Adam was soon holding their boy. Adam touched the light brown spot on their boy's fuzzy ear. He was as perfect as his sister.

“Hello, Beckett.” Adam was relieved from the loss of pressure inside of him, even with the small, stinging contractions he felt when Beckett nursed.

The midwife finished up, made sure everything was out that needed to come out, and said she’d send someone around in a few hours to make sure the littles were doing well before she took her leave.

Once they were alone, Lucifer fed him some of the hearty stew he’d had his clone make. Then, when Adam was ready, he helped him up to shower to wash off the blood and other fluids Adam preferred not to think too hard about, before tucking Adam into their large bed.

Lucifer brought up the twins, and Adam's chest ached. He was already filling with rich yellow colostrum. More than the twins could ever eat.

Waiting patiently for Adam to settle down and be comfortable, Lucifer hovered close by until Adam undid the top of his clean maternity nightgown, exposing his breasts, and welcomed his little bull to turn into his little milk snake.

The snake slithered under the covers and wrapped himself securely around Adam. Cuddling him close, before latching onto an exposed breast as easily as a babe.

Adam mooed with relief as his breasts were drained. Lucifer drew the fatty milk out of one breast and then the other. Pulling off, Lucifer licked his serpent mouth, searching for any stray drops. When no more milk could be found, he settled into his little bull form. He curled up against Adam, resting his head on Adam’s chest.

“How are you doing, darling?” Lucifer asked.

“Sore, but good.” They’d added two more to their herd that day; Adam was pleased. Perhaps the next ones would come a little sooner. He was already missing having his belly full of babies.