#had to add light's sister and albert's sister in

[ind1exo]

☁️【 Wizardess Heart Aesthetics Part 7 】☁️

『⚔️』The Marquis of Lightning Albert Auburne, the White Dragon Knights Florin Arden and Light Fildora, and the Ratatoskr Shu.『🐉』

[fancyfeathers]

Okay I went to go see a production of the musical Anastasia, which is quite a bit different than the animated film and so got an idea for the Yandere Moriarty brothers and with darlings who are sisters are share the story of Anastasia.

(I put the lyrics of Anastasia songs in this so I recommend you listen to them when they come up when you read this because that is how I read it and it also just adds vibes)

The order of the songs that are included

In My Dreams

Stay, I Pray You

The Neva Flows

Still/The Neva Flows (Reprise)

Picture the plot of Anastasia, a royal family murdered and an entire nation turned upside down by a revolution that said times would be better but they were not. Well the entire royal family was murdered, though they did not survive the daughters may be still alive and there is a rumor that her grandmother who resided in London would pay a hefty sum to whomever would bring the three of them back. A few young ladies in the nation who happens to resemble the missing princesses gets picked to play the parts but it just happens that it is not a part they were playing, it is actually them. When the three and their friends escaped the nation and made their way to the capital of the British Empire to look for their grandmother who is looking for her missing granddaughters, and when it turns out to actually be the missing girls, Britain booms with the news, foreign royalty reunited.

But to back track a bit to when the three and their companions arrived in the nation they had the brief encounter with an Earl and his two younger brothers when looking for directions around the city. While their meeting was brief but very kind which was nice since the three of them were nothing in that moment, of course the sisters did not notice how smitten they had the men. So when the morning paper arrives at the Moriarty estate and reports the heartwarming story of old royal family being reunited and the Moriartys are not oblivious to why most of the old royal family was murdered, they were hated by the people but now the new government is also hated, an example of what they would not do in their plan.

When the sisters encounter the Moriarty brothers again it is at their first ball since the massacre of their family, the three of them returning to high society. William had no doubt when he read the paper that the sisters were the missing princesses that the paper spoke of, but it is certainly something else to see them all dressed up while their grandmother shows them off. The brothers manage to get a moment alone with them and the conversation is pleasant till Albert asks what life was like between what happened and now and they all go pale in the face, and to describe what they said I can only quote the lyrics from the musical…

They said I was found by the side of a road There were tracks all around, it had recently snowed In the darkness and cold with the wind in the trees A girl with no name, and no memories but these

Rain against a window, sheets upon a bed Terrifying nurses whispering overhead "Call the child Anya, give the child a hat" I don't know a thing before that

Traveling the back roads, sleeping in the wood Taking what I needed, working when I could Keeping up my courage, foolish as it seems At night all alone in my dreams

In my dreams shadows call There's a light at the end of a hall Then my dreams fade away But I know it all will come back One day

The brothers watch as the girls get dotted on by the aristocracy of England, it must have been so hard for them, terrified and alone like that, and then having to live like the lower class. Then one of the nobles mentions the Lord of Crime and says that the girls must not be scared since they have been through that sort of thing already and the girls have never heard such a person and then explanation comes up and the three look like they are about to vomit, all those horrid memories come back of the massacre that night, killing nobles just because they wish for change is what caused them all this pain.

Albert’s darling, the eldest of the three, the one who looked out for and protected her sisters all those years, is the one to find out about the Lord of Crime’s identity first. Since she is the eldest, she gets invited to many of the parties and balls, including the masquerade that had the game of Lord of Crime that the nobles laugh at but for her it all just feels to real for her. She was invited by Albert himself to be his plus one and as they dance she confesses that making a game out of the deaths of others makes her sick. When they were leaving their home, boarding the train, they encountered a count from their past who cared for them, who bent of his knee and kissed each of their hands, and led everyone in a prayer of farewell to their homeland because they would never return again, someone she hoped would be here but he died protecting them, fatally shot by the police for illegally boarding the train and they would have been killed as well if he did not care so much about them. He was kind and yet was said he must die, it was sick, she can still remember the words he said to them…

How can I desert you? How to tell you why? Coachmen, hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye

To bridge and river Forest and waterfall Orchard, sea, and sky Harsh and sweet and bitter to leave it all I'll bless my homeland till I die

How to break the tie? We have shared our tears And shared our sorrows Though the scars remain And tears will never dry I'll bless my homeland till I die

She has to excuse herself to keep herself from crying, but when she returns there is a man dead and practically no one cares and she just looks up to the upper balcony where Albert is and he is smiling while speaking to another. People are unbothered by the dead man or the smiling one above that is responsible. She runs out the party and calls her own carriage and leaves while just sobbing uncontrollably.

The second to uncover the truth is Louis’ darling, she is awake when her sister returns home from the party and absolutely mess and she rushes to her sister’s side to see what was the matter and everything pours out of what she saw. At first she does not believe her, that is until the next day where she is sitting down at the park with a book in the nicer part of London and is approached by Louis who spotted her from afar. He sits with her and the two chat and then Louis tells her that Albert let him know that her sister left the party rather early last night and asks her if she knew why and instead of responding to his question she asks him what he thought of the Lord of Crime and his answer makes her shake her head, the country needs reform and-

She interrupt him and excuses herself, because she had everything taken from her and she never did anything wrong. She tells him that what the Lord of Crime is trying will get them nowhere because she has seen what has happened when this sort of thing happens…

I saw the children as the soldiers closed the gate The youngest daughter and her pride My father leaving on the night they met their fate His pistol by his side

The Neva flows, a new wind blows And soon it will be spring The leaves unfold, the Tsar lies cold A revolution is a simple thing

I heard the shots. I heard the screams. But it's the silence after I remember most

She leaves, running off as Louis calls after her but to no avail. She runs home to tell her sister that she believes her and they both try to tell their littlest sister but she does not believe them…

With Williams’s darling, there is a part of the musical, a man is sent after them to kill her if she turns out to be the actual missing princess. She was invited to tea at the Moriarty estate and she goes to show her sisters that they are being silly and there is nothing wrong with the Moriarty brothers since they were so kind to them when the first came to London and where no ones. Tea is very pleasant, though most of it William just asked her questions and asked her questions. When it came to an end and William is helping her get her coat on there is a knock on the door and since she is about to leave, she opens it only to see a face and a uniform she thought she had left behind in Russia

Gleb

An underhanded girl An act of desperation And to my consternation I let you go

Well, not this time Paris is no place for a good and loyal Russian

We are both good and loyal Russians

I've come to take you home

My home is here now

Stop playing this game, Anya! I beg you

We both know it's not a game Gleb

If you really are Anastasia Do you think history wants you to have lived?

Yes! Why don't you?

The Romanovs were given everything And they gave back nothing Until the Russian people rose up and destroyed them

All but one Finish it I am my father's daughter

And I am my father's son! Finish it I must

There is a gun pointed at her and her life flashes before her once again. She truly thinks she is going to die in that moment, she closes her eyes tight, awaiting her fate, but the bullet never comes. She opens her eyes only to see her assassin dead on the ground, a blade buried in his skull and she screams and falls back, right into William who is wiping the blood stain off of his face. It is when he caught her and she looks up at him to see him smiling at her that she realizes her sisters were right all along.

[meowczafhaye]

Mikey - poppy playtime OC/AU fanchild

meet Mikey he's the son of huggy wuggy and missy mitten, and also the little brother of jenny, daisy and Jack, he was 2 years old wuggy and he was born with white pupils, but he's not autually blind, he'd sometimes gets protect by his siblings and their friends from getting harmed, and he also gets along with dogday, Charlie and other toys

also, I forgot to add more to the characters name of this ref sheet

The Michelle family - poppy playtime OC/AU

here is maya's family, Albert and Sasha (her parents) and her aunt, Chloe

Albert Michelle was a human scientists along with his wife, Sasha, they both fell in love each other and soon they have a daughter name maya, however Sasha felt a strange sickness and wasn't feeling well, Albert tries to find someone for help to cure his wife's sickness, as they tried to cure her, it was too late, as Sasha was slowly dying, she told her daughter that her friend Emily bellwether (rose's mom) will take care of her and soon that her father will be remarried his wife's friend after her death, few years ago as Albert was still working in playtime co along with his sister Chloe, tho he really misses his daughter since he wasn't there for her, and got a call from Emily that maya got hard relationship that rose complains that she was not her sister, so he asked Chloe to bring maya so she can see him again, as Chloe went to pick up maya, Albert was be shot right at heart by another scientist who became jealous of Albert, as Chloe came to see her brother she was shocked that albert was shot to death, she noticed that one of the scientists did this to her brother, but then, her friend came to help Chloe to bring him back by using parts of a giant toys which was a wuggy part, as they were making a body of him, it was finish as Albert finally wake up and become a giant wuggy toy, Chloe told him that her daughter was waiting for her, so Albert went to see her, until the scientists came to stop them as Chloe tried to stop them but she was push down and was about to be killed by them, but then during the hour of joy, all toys began to attack the employees, as Albert hits the scientists to save his sister, he told her to run away faster as the toys began to attack them, as she ran, she was found by another wuggy toy who was going to attack her, she realized that maya has become a toy by one of the scientists, maya told her to hide while she began to attack the others, Albert was still attacking the human and got surrounded by them, until another wuggy came to attack all the human that tried to kill him, as Albert saw the female wuggy's eyes, he noticed that his wife sasha came back as a giant toy by the scientists, they've had finally reunited together, until Chloe came to see them a told him that maya become a wuggy toy, so they need to find her and soon they'll be happily reunited together as a family

also, I was thinking of a name of the wuggy species called "feli-mittens" (wuggy+feline hybrid)

character names:

- Albert Michelle - human(brown hair/blue eyes) - wuggy toy(blue fur)

- Sasha Michelle - human(blonde hair/pink eyes) - wuggy toy(light cyan fur)

- Chloe Michelle - human(brown hair/light blue eyes)

[adarkrainbow]

Edmund Dulac's Fairy Tales go to War

Jstor Daily published an article with the catchy title "Edmund Dulac's Fairy Tales go to War". Of course I had to read it. The original article is here if you want to check it out, but I'll still copy-paste it below because it's crazy info. (And given it is quite long I will put two thirds of it under a cut)

Edmund Dulac’s Fairy Tales Go to War One of the best-known illustrators of the “golden age of children’s gift books,” Dulac was also a subtle purveyor of Allied propaganda during the Great War.

By: S. N. Johnson-Roehr and Jonathan Aprea ; December 16, 2022

Once upon a time, there was a young artist named Edmund Dulac, who built his early reputation on his illustrations for J. M. Dent & Company’s 1905 edition of Jane Eyre. Almost instantly, he became a leading name in the book arts, producing illustrations for the Brontë sisters and popular magazines. Annual exhibitions of his drawings and paintings at the Leicester Galleries, London, drew the attention of both the European and American art world. In 1910, critic Evelyn Marie Stuart, writing for Chicago’s The Fine Arts Journal, described his work as “rich with poetry and imagination, and strong in the possession of that decorative element which renders a picture universally pleasing.” His drawings were like "things seen in a vision or a mirage; or traced by the fancy of a child in the lichens on the wall, the water discolorations upon a ceiling, or the light shining through a broken crumpled shade; or, even like the things we try to decipher in the leaping flames and glowing embers of an open fire—many of these delightful sketches suggest to our fancy in some detail a variety of objects."

Dulac’s themes tended toward the fantastical—scenes from the Arabian Nights and Omar Khayyam’s Rubáiyát—with roots in the Pre-Raphaelites and not far removed from the work of Arthur Rackham and Kay Nielsen.

Born in France and naturalized as a British citizen in 1912, Dulac understandably awarded his loyalties to the Allies during the Great War. To support the war effort, he contributed his art and design skills to several charity books, including Princess Mary’s Gift Book and King Albert’s Gift Book, both published in 1914. If there remained any doubts as to his feelings about the Axis powers, they were surely erased when he published Edmund Dulac’s Picture-Book for the French Red Cross in 1915, with its cover proclaiming “All profits on sale given to the Croix Rouge Française, Comité de Londres.”

Even more convincing—and more inventive—was his use of fairy tales to not just further his charitable efforts but to possibly encourage the United States to join the war. Published in 1916, Edmund Dulac’s Fairy-Book was a subtle but persuasive example of wartime propaganda. Subtitled “Fairy Tales of the Allied Nations,” it included Dulac’s own adaptations of folk tales gathered from the nations fighting with Great Britain: France, Russia, Italy, Belgium, Serbia, Japan, and China.

Below, courtesy of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, are reproductions of some of the illustrations from Edmund Dulac’s Fairy-Book, accompanied by brief explanation of each story.

Snegorotchka: A Russian Fairy Tale

Snegorotchka (more commonly transliterated Snegurochka), the “The Snow Maiden,” is a recurring character in Russian folklore, playing various roles, from child to adult, in stories bounded by the winter and spring seasons. By the late nineteenth century, Snegurochka had blended fully with the traditions of Christmas, often serving as a helper to Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz).

In Dulac’s version of a common tale, Snegurochka is a girl made from snow, brought to life to add joy to the waning years of a childless couple. An elderly man and women all but will the girl into being as they shape a tiny body of snow in the woods. Snegurochka leaps to life, filling their home and souls with warmth throughout the winter. Tragically, the little girl disappears with the heat of spring weather, leaving the parents bereft.

Another version of the Snegurochka tale formed the basis of a play by Alexander Ostrovsky, which was subsequently adapted into an opera by Rimsky-Korsakov.

The Buried Moon: An English Fairy Tale

Sometimes known as The Dead Moon, The Buried Moon highlights the dangers of living in the bog country of Northern Europe.

Traveling through a bog, a personified Moon becomes entangled in magical, malevolent branches. After some struggle with “all the vile things” that love darkness (witch-things, bogle-bodies, creeping things, and the Scorpion King, to name a few), the Moon finds herself buried deep in the mud, held down with a black stone.

Of course the humans miss the Moon, lamenting her failure to appear in the sky on schedule, but who even knows where to search for her? Even the Wise Woman of the Mill can’t see any trace of her. Fortunately, just before her entombment, the Moon had managed to briefly shine her light to guide a lost and wandering human out of the treacherous marsh. Remembering this moment, the man spreads the word. Emboldened by the Wise Woman’s words of encouragement as well as the Lord’s Prayer, the local people march to the bog, fight off the Horrors of the Darkness, and rescue their beloved Moon

White Caroline and Black Caroline: A Flemish Fairy Tale

Folklorist Antoon Jozef Witteryck collected White Caroline and Black Caroline (Wit Karlientje en Zwart Karlientje) and included it in his 1899 Old Flemish Folktales (Oude Westvlaamsche volksvertelsels), an annotated version of which was republished by Hervé Stalpaert in 1946. The story can also be found in the Annales de la Société d’Emulation pour l’Étude de l’Histoire & des Antiquities de la Flandre (Bruges, 1889).

White Caroline and Black Caroline depends on the familiar figure of the evil stepmother, a woman who loves her ugly daughter (Black Caroline) more than her beautiful stepdaughter (White Caroline). Everyone and everything, from townspeople to lambs to dancing dogs, love White Caroline and equate her beauty with good. But the mother prefers her own daughter, noting “Black Caroline was so ugly;—but she was good all the same!”

And indeed, Black Caroline is good. Her mother tries no fewer than three times to murder White Caroline, and each time, Black Caroline intercedes. Poison thorns in the pillow, poison in her meatball dinner, an “accidentally” falling millstone—none manage to kill White Caroline, thanks to Black Caroline’s quick thinking.

The abrupt entrance of White Woman, queen of all the water and the woods, brings the murder attempts to a close. Not surprisingly, White Woman also loves White Caroline and promises to give her whatever she wishes—beautiful grapes, a dress of silk, a nice sailboat. Luckily, White Caroline is also good: she wishes to have Black Caroline with her. More than that, she wishes they could look alike. The White Woman has an idea:

“Little white feathers appeared on their shoulders and spread until they were entirely covered; and there they stood together, two beautiful white swans! And ever after they swam up and down on the peaceful water and no one could tell one from the other.”

The Seven Conquerors of the Queen of the Mississippi: A Belgian Fairy Tale

While there may be an actual fairy tale underpinning The Seven Conquerors of the Queen of the Mississippi, the story’s title reveals Dulac’s probable agenda. It takes no large leap of the imagination to read the “seven conquerors” as Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Serbia, Japan, and China, all seeking an alliance with the Queen of the Mississippi—the United States—on the fields of Belgium.

The story is straightforward and structurally repetitive—each conqueror swears an oath of loyalty, and their individual strengths combine to win the Queen and kill the King (hello, Kaiser Wilhelm II).

Dulac, or some unnamed collaborator, has penned a verse that cuts through the first half of the tale with a modern rhythm and vocabulary.

“Will you travel with me, my pippy?” “Oh! Whither away? To Botany Bay?” “But no; to the far Mississippi, Where a Queen—tooral-ooral-i-ay— Is waiting for what I’m to say.” “I am yours! And the bounty?” “Either here or in Botany Bay!”

‘Will you travel with me, my pippy?” “Oh! Whither away? To Rome or Pompeii?” “But no; to the far Mississippi: There’s a Queen of great beauty that way, And there’s no one but Cupid to pay.” “I am yours! And the bounty?” “Name your price: it shall be as you say.” And so on. Travel with me, my pippy!

The Serpent Prince: An Italian Fairy Tale

The Italian poet Giambattista Basile collected The Serpent Prince (sometimes translated as The Enchanted Snake) in the seventeenth century, including it in The Pentamerone: Lo cunto de li cunti (The Tale of Tales). Folklorist Andrew Lang drew upon Basile’s version for The Green Fairy Book (1892).

Dulac has created his own prefatory material for the familiar story, opening with the popular nursery rhyme:

The old woman who lived in a shoe, Who had so many children she didn’t know what to do,

allegedly “lived about the same time in another part of the country” even though The Serpent Prince was collected in Naples.

As the story goes, a forester’s wife, Sapatella, finds a tiny serpent in her firewood. Childless, Sapatella is startled but amenable when the serpent offers himself up for adoption (“she was a kind-hearted woman and very, very lonely”).

The serpent grows—as children do—and soon demands a wife. And not just any wife! The serpent must marry the king’s daughter. Surprisingly, the king agrees to meet this demand. Or does he? He will give his daughter in marriage only if the adopted son-serpent can turn all the fruit in the royal orchards to gold.

It’s not clear why anyone is surprised that a talking serpent can wield the magic necessary to turn fruit into gold. Nor is it clear why the king would think the serpent would fail at any additional challenge placed before him. Turn the walls into diamonds and rubies? No problem. Turn the entire palace into gold? Absolutely (“not gold plate either: it was all solid gold of the purest kind.”). The king is forced to cede the battlefield. The princess will marry the serpent.

Of course, the serpent is really an enchanted prince, and here you would think the story would end: the affianced are wed, their kingdoms allied. But thanks to an additional foolish act by the king, the prince is again enchanted (and worse), and only the princess can save him. But will she be able to outwit the wily fox standing between her and her beloved?

The Hind of The Wood: A French Fairy Tale

Dulac offers a faithful retelling of The Hind in the Wood (La Biche au bois, also translated as The White Doe or The Enchanted Hind), written by Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Countess d’Aulnoy. A talented and creative storyteller, Countess d’Aulnoy gave us the very words “fairy tale” in 1697, when she published her first collection under the title Les Contes des fees (Tales of the Fairies).

Though the titular hind is the star of the story, the scene opens with an unhappy, childless queen encountering a talking crayfish. Though “hearing a big Crayfish talk—and talk so nicely too—was a great surprise to her,” the queen listens carefully to the crustacean.

The reward for her attentiveness is a kingdom transformed. Beneath her feet appears “a carpet of violets, and, in the giant cedars above, thousands of little birds, each one a different colour, [singing] their songs; and the meaning of their melody was this: that cradle, woven by fairy fingers, was not there for nothing.” Soon she will be a mother!

A troupe of fairies gather around the suddenly expecting queen and ask that she welcome them on the day of birthing so they can give special gifts to the babe, who will be named Désirée. And on that special day, the queen indeed remembers to bid them come to the palace. Sadly, she neglects to invite the talking crayfish (who is really the Fairy of the Fountain) to the celebration.

Curses. But only small ones, in the scheme of things. The Fairy of the Fountain warns the royal parents to keep Princess Désirée from seeing daylight until she turns fifteen. That’s all.

Alas, the Warrior Prince lies on his death bed. Just a portrait of Désirée is enough to make him fall in love and abandon his plans to marry Black Princess. Yet he cannot see her—she will not be fifteen for a few more months. To save the Warrior Prince, Désirée agrees to travel with her two ladies-in-waiting by darkened carriage to his kingdom.

Unfortunately, one of those ladies-in-waiting, Long-Epine, is a traitor. She slits the cover of the carriage, exposing Désirée to daylight. Just a drop of sunlight turns the princess into a dazzling white hind. She instantly runs off into the forest. And that is the curse: by day, a doe; by night, a lonely princess.

The Warrior Prince wanders this very forest and soon spots the white deer. Annoyed that the animal tries to keeps its distance from him, he looses an arrow and pierces her flank. He’s sorry! Especially when he finds out the hind is his beloved, enchanted.

She isn’t enchanted for much longer, however. The Prince, even knowing all, loves her. And that is enough to break the spell

Ivan and the Chestnut Horse: A Russian Fairy Tale

Variations of Ivan and the Chestnut Horse are abundant in Russian folklore. Sometimes Ivan rides a chestnut horse, sometimes a dun. A common version of the story, known as Sivko-Burko, was collected by A. N. Afanas’ev in the mid-nineteenth century. Included in Jack V. Haney’s comprehensive The Complete Folktales of A. N. Afanas’ev (Tale #179, Vol. II), this version gives Ivan a magic black steed.

Ivan and his brothers have just committed themselves holding daily prayers over the grave of their recently departed father when they hear that Princess Helena the Fair has decided to wed. To win her favor, her suitor must leap on horseback to the top of the shrine on which she sits, kissing her as he flies through the air.

Ivan, the youngest of the siblings, offers to take on the burden of graveside prayer for a week so his brothers can curl their hair and train their horses for the challenge. One week stretches to two, and then to three. The brothers ignore their filial duties to dye their mustaches. So much attention is paid to their appearance that they even neglect to feed their horses.

And yet, when the day of the leaping contest arrives, the older brothers dash away on their mounts, leaving Ivan alone to pray and weep over his father’s grave.

It was thus that two out of three brothers miss their father’s resurrection. Shaking himself free of the damp earth, the father offers to help his youngest son. He begins to call out in a loud voice—one time, two times, three times. Ivan discovers his father is summoning a beautiful chestnut horse!

Yes, this is the enchanted steed that will take Ivan to the shrine of Helena the Fair, where—after two failed attempts—it rises to the leap, allowing Ivan to press his lips to those of the princess “in a long sweet kiss, for the chestnut horse seemed to linger in the air at the top of its leap while that kiss endured.”

After summoning the steed, Ivan’s father immediately vanishes. No matter, because Ivan is soon welcomed to supper with the father of his bride, Princess Helena the Fair.

The Blue Bird: A French Fairy Tale

The Blue Bird (l’Oiseau Bleu) is another tale that comes to us by Countess d’Aulnoy. Though there are many variants of the story found across Europe, scholar Jacques Barchilon notes that d’Aulnoy’s version is remarkably robust, appearing in a French Canadian collection, “word for word the version of Mme d’Aulnoy’s with all details,” as late as 1960. Andrew Lang also included it in The Green Fairy Tale Book.

Our story opens with a rich but miserable king. He’s inconsolable, having only recently become a widower. Hoping to comfort him, his courtiers present him with a woman dressed in mourning clothes and possibly crying even louder and longer than the king himself.

Finding solace in their similar sorrows, they decide to wed. Each brings into the marriage a daughter from their first marriage. The king’s daughter: “one of the eight wonders of the world,” the young and lovely Florine. The new queen’s daughter: “neither beautiful nor gracious,” the young Truitonne, with a face like a trout and hair “so full of grease that it was impossible to touch it.”

The queen loves Truitonne much more than she loves Florine, which wouldn’t matter if the king didn’t love the queen so much that he cedes to her every wish. For instance, he allows her to dress Truitonne in jewels and Florine in rags when Prince Charming appears at court. Despite the heavy-handed costuming, however, Prince Charming only has eyes—and love—for Florine.

The queen schemes. The queen plots. She enlists maid, frogs (“for mind you, frogs know all the routes of the universe”), and fairy godmothers. And yet the Prince will not be deflected from his plans to be with Florine. Finally, exasperated with his stubbornness, Truitonne’s fairy godmother turns the prince into a blue bird—for seven years!

It’s not too bad, at first. In bird form, the prince finds it easier to woo Florine—until the queen discovers that he flies to her window every night. Wielding her dark magic, Truitonne’s fairy godmother sends the blue bird to his nest to die.

Fortunately, every bad fairy seems to be balanced by a good fairy. This bright character finds the dying blue bird in his nest and heals him. It doesn’t seem to help much—the queen is determined that Truitonne will marry the prince even if only by trickery and deception.

The queen’s shenanigans never seem to end—this is a long fairy tale—but eventually the universe, or at the least the good fairy, finds a way to bring Prince Charming and Florine together.

The Friar and the Boy: An English Fairy Tale

The Friar and the Boy, also known as Jack and his Stepdame, reaches back to the poetry of medieval England. In volume three of Remains of the Early Popular Poetry of England (1866), William Carew Hazlitt records a c. 1585 London imprint of the chapbook verse that underpins the modern version of this tale.

The story begins with Jack, a young lad wronged by his stepmother. She starves him, she yells at him, she altogether doesn’t care for him.

One day, sent to the fields to watch the sheep, Jack encounters a hungry old man. Jack’s lunch isn’t much, as his stepmother is loathe to feed him decent food, but he gives it to the stranger. In return, the old man gives Jack three wishes.

Wish one: a bow and arrow, charmed such that the target will never be missed. Wish two: a pipe, its magic strong enough to make anyone dance who hears its tune. Wish three: an enchantment that will turn his stepmother’s harsh words into laughter.

Jack instantly puts his granted wishes to work. When his stepmother begins to scold him, her words turn to laughter. She laughs herself sick. When the Friar is sent to chastise Jack for his impudence, he ends up dancing through the brambles to Jack’s piping. Soon Jack has the entire village dancing to his tunes!

Alas, his poor old father begs for a rest. Jack loves his father, so he ceases to play. Not surprisingly, the Friar takes advantage of the pause to have Jack called before the Judge, “be-wigged and severe.”

The Friar makes his case: “the prisoner here has a pipe, and, when he plays upon it, all who hear must dance themselves to death, whether they like it or not.”

Intrigued, the Judge asks to hear this so-called Dance of Death. Jack is happy to oblige and takes up his pipe to play. Soon everyone in court is on their feet, dancing madly to the tunes. Even the judge joins in, “holding up his robes and footing it merrily.” He’s a believer, but he soon asks the boy to stop.

Jack agrees, but only if everyone promises to treat him properly.

“I think,” says the Judge, “if you will put your pipe away, they will consent to an amicable arrangement.”

Court is adjourned.

The End.

[addytempleton]

Introducing --- 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓣𝓮𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓸𝓷

(   DANIELLE ROSE RUSSELL +  FEMALE  +  SHE/HER   )    dearest  reader,  i  am  ever  so  delighted  to  introduce  ADELINE TEMPLETON,  the  eighteen-year-old  lady,  known  among  the  ton  as  kind-hearted  +  intelligent  but  their  foes  would  certainly  tell  you  that  they  are  more  condescending  +  nosy.  perhaps  that  is  why  many  seem  to  think  they  had  something  to  do  with  the  ongoings  around  the  ton,  but  here  they  are  anyway  !     (   rian  ,  23  ,  she/her  ,  gmt +8  ,  uncomfortable with 19+ .   )

Name: Lady Adeline Templeton (pronounced as Add-uh-leen)

Nicknames: Addy, Ads

Age: 18

Title: Lady

Family:

Father - Viscount Ambrose Templeton

Mother - Viscountess Abigail Templeton

Older brother: Albert Templeton.

Older sisters: Rosemary Templeton

Interests/Hobbies: sketching and designing clothes and dresses, sewing, making her own outfits, reading, horseback riding, dancing, playing the pianoforte, gossip circle, literary salons, going to charitable balls, traveling, painting and shopping

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅. If you think that she's the perfect debutante then she has you wrapped tightly around her finger. She might seem like she's eager to marry but that's just a facade. She would only marry for her brother because she wants him to be happy and to not have to deal with any problems. If she had a choice, she wouldn't marry this early. Adeline still wants to travel and accomplish her dreams before finally marrying. She doesn't despise the societal norms but more so the fact that women are objectified and merely seen as child bearers when they can be formidable partners for their husbands and can hold their own. For her, there is so much more to discover and to explore than just being a housewife. She still yearns to prove herself and all women to the world that they are so much more than just wives. Is she inclined towards marriage and the prospect of starting a family? Yes, she does wanna marry and she has a very romantic idea of her ideal husband. Someone much like her brother and not an arrogant prick who would belittle her. You heard that right, she hates those kinds of guys the most. The ones who think that she's only pretty and her brain empty. However, she enjoys it the most when they get a taste of her true intellect and their jaws drop. She takes pleasure in doing that all the time.

Personality: ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ Adeline always puts others before her, specifically her siblings. She has a kind heart, very generous and caring. Adeline is always grateful that they are blessed and privileged. She does what she can to help anyone in need. She tends to have a light-hearted nature and can be humorous and playful at times. She is very intelligent and was always interested in reading. She enjoys reading both inside or outside in nature. She can read other people easily and is very logical. Her negative traits include being condescending and nosy. Part of her being condescending is mainly caused by other girls in society who tend to be mean to her or girls who are very ignorant. She hates that the most. She judges and looks down on others who seem rude, disrespectful and those who are absolutely stupid. Most of all, those who are involved in a lot of scandals. Her being nosy is a byproduct of her hearing her mother gossip with her friends and because of the fact that she adores and consumes Lady Whistledown. She loves gossiping with her friends, everyone does it and it is loads of fun for her. It's like the scandalous stories she reads in her books. Guessing who the diamond of the new season is is one of her favorite pastimes.

Background: ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ Adeline is the youngest daughter of Viscount Ambrose Templeton and Viscountess Abigail Templeton. Adeline was a bit of a spoiled brat, but can you blame her? Her folks were too busy chasing their own tails to bother with showing her any love. She found more kinship with her siblings, but even they were held up as the golden standard, leaving her in their shadow. Mama and Papa had their sights set on her debutante future, leaving little room for cuddles and kisses. They had her primped and polished for the ball, but no matter how perfect she looked and how graceful she was, it never quite cut it for them. They were all about finding her a rich catch, already planning her wedding before she even had a say. But Adeline had her own ideas. First of all, she wanted a love match. She wasn't just after a pretty face. She has very high standards unlike any other debutante. Nope, she wanted a man who could match wits with her, who could hold a conversation that actually meant something. Of course, he had to be easy on the eyes too, but more importantly, he had to have a heart of gold and a good sense of humor.

Adeline, with her assertiveness and sharp wit, is a force to be reckoned with in the glittering social circles of the ton. Despite the lack of parental warmth, she found solace in the company of her siblings, forging bonds that stood the test of time. While her parents focused on her debut and societal success, Adeline harbored dreams beyond the confines of ballrooms and courting rituals.

A lover of literature and a keen observer of human nature, Adeline possessed a keen intellect that set her apart from the debutantes of her time. Her passion for knowledge and her insatiable curiosity led her to seek out conversations that delved deeper than the superficialities of high society. She longed for a partner who could match her intellect, challenge her thoughts, and engage in debates that set her soul on fire.

Amidst the whirl of social events and matchmaking schemes, Adeline remained steadfast in her quest for a love that transcended societal expectations. Her heart yearned for a connection that was as profound as it was passionate, a love story that would rival the most captivating books she devoured in secret. And as the whispers of the ton speculated about her future match, Adeline held onto the hope that true love, in all its complexity and splendor, awaited her just beyond the gilded facade of Regency society.

[buckleyblueyes]

Buddie, 2, 11, or 4 please! 🖤🤗

Sorry this took forever!! I used 2. "Is the room meant to be spinning?" and 4. "Dance with me."! This is tooth-rotting fluff, feat. tipsy clingy Eddie and I really hope you like it!

The summer sun is fading out into long shadows as a cool evening breeze blows through the vineyard. The string lights overhead twinkle to life, and the whole place seems magical. Really, the whole day has been magical. Buck bounces the two year old flower girl on his lap and watches Chimney twirling Maddie around on the outdoor dance floor. His heart swells with how happy his sister looks.

“Your mommy and daddy are married now,” Buck whispers to Jee-Yun.

“We married!” She giggles in response. She’s wearing a tulle dress in a soft pink shade that matches May’s bridesmaid dress, and Buck, Albert, and Hen’s ties.

His eyes shift from the happy couple and find Eddie, the way they always do in a crowd. He’s dancing with Christopher, of course, both of them laughing as they sway back and forth to the music. Eddie’s cheeks are red from the wine he’s had and he looks so light and carefree. It’s a good look on him: pleasantly buzzed, overwhelmingly happy, wearing a well tailored tux. Buck wants to see him like this again soon.

“Hey,” He looks back down at Jee. “You wanna be a flower girl again for me and Uncle Eddie?”

She beams up at him. “Yeah!”

“You can’t tell anyone yet,” he adds. “It’s a secret.”

She nods, gravely serious. “Secret!”

It’s then that Albert strides across the courtyard to them. “Quit hogging my niece.”

“Worried I’m her favorite?” Buck quips.

“Not possible.” Albert rolls his eyes and makes grabby hands for Jee-Yun.

“You wanna go with Uncle Albert?” Buck asks.

She nods, so Buck hands her off. Albert takes her onto the dancefloor and begins to spin and sway, much to her delight. Buck laughs and shakes his head, hoping Albert is prepared for her to ruin his tux. After a moment, he realizes he doesn’t need to keep sitting at the table now that he’s not watching Jee.

He makes his way over to Eddie and Chris, and taps Eddie on the shoulder. “May I cut in?”

Eddie grins, and moves to put a hand on Buck’s waist, to pull him in. But Buck shakes his head, smirking. “I meant with Chris.”

Christopher laughs at his dad’s disappointed frown. He looks so old in his crisp back suit, leaning on his new, taller royal blue crutches. He’s thirteen now, and normally that means he’s too cool to hang out with his dad and Buck, but he’s made an exception for tonight. After all, it’s Chimney and Maddie’s wedding, and everyone's a little punch-drunk on happiness and love, even the kids. He knows Eddie, terrified that Christopher is now a teenager, is glad for the days when he can hold onto Christopher’s childhood just a little longer.

Buck is, too.

Buck spins Chris around the dancefloor, gratified by the way he laughs. Christopher’s laugh has always been one of Buck’s favorite sounds. He grins in return, wishing he could capture this moment in a bottle and keep it forever.

“I think Dad wants to dance with you,” Chris says after a few minutes, glancing to where Eddie seems caught between fond and annoyed.

“Well, too bad, I’m playing favorites.” Buck winks.

Christopher rolls his eyes.

“Besides, Eddie can dance with me all he wants when we do this,” Buck says, without really thinking about it.

Christopher grins. “You and Dad are finally gonna get married?”

“Well,” Buck flushes. “We’ve been talking about it recently. All Maddie and Chimney’s wedding talk got in our heads, I think.”

“That makes sense.”

Buck swallows. “Would you be okay with that?”

“Duh.” And, God, he is such a teenager. “We’ve been a family for years. It’s about damn time we made it all official.”

“Language!” But Buck is too overjoyed to convincingly scold him. Christopher’s choice of words we and all haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s not the time for that conversation--the one about adoption and paperwork and lawyers--but it makes Buck’s heart full just the same to know Christopher is thinking about it, that it’s something he wants.

They dance back over towards Eddie, who steps forward and closes the rest of the distance between them himself.

“Buck,” Eddie must be closer to drunk than tipsy because he turns Buck’s name into an honest to God whine. “Dance with me.”

Buck rolls his eyes. “Sorry, kid, looks like my second favorite Diaz is demanding a turn.”

Christopher snorts. “I’m gonna go get more sparkling cider.”

Buck watches as Christopher crosses the dancefloor and heads to the drinks table before turning to Eddie, who is doing the same. The sky is dark now, the moon big and full overhead, and Eddie’s brown eyes shine in the starlight. A slow song begins to play, and Buck knows the universe doesn’t scream, but maybe it does give gentle nudges.

“May I have this dance?” He asks.

Eddie grins. “Finally.” Eddie’s hands find their way to Buck’s waist and pull him in. Buck leans into it, wrapping his arms around Eddie and beginning to sway. Eddie nestles his head on Buck’s shoulder, lips pressed against the crook of his neck.

“Tired?”

“Mmhmm,” Eddie answers, muffled by Buck’s skin.

“Jee-Yun wants to be our flower girl next,” he says softly, carding a hand through Eddie’s hair.

Eddie moves his head slightly, so he can speak properly. “You haven’t even proposed to me yet.”

“You want me to propose?”

Eddie’s wine reddened cheeks darken further. “I already proposed to someone once. I think it’s my turn to be wooed.”

Buck chuckles. “How drunk are you?”

“Not sure,” Eddie mumbles, lifting his head from Buck’s shoulder. “Is the room supposed to be spinning?”

“Oh boy.” Buck shakes his head. “We’re not even in a room, love.”

“Oh, damn.”

Buck hums fondly. “I think it’s time to say goodnight to Maddie and Chim.”

Buck finds his sister and his new brother-in-law sitting with Albert. Maddie is holding Jee-Yun, and she looks exhausted in the best possible way. He makes his goodnights and goodbyes for himself and his family, sends a wink Jee-Yun’s way, and then drags his partner and their son upstairs to their hotel room.

Buck wakes up the next morning to a text from Maddie that says: I can’t believe you stole my flower girl and one from Chimney: I think the inability to keep a secret must be genetic. He smiles softly, and looks over at Eddie, who is still fast asleep, the morning sun drenching him in golden light.

He responds to Maddie first: Help me plan the proposal?

[meili-sheep]

ONE MORE!!! ONE MORE WORK AND IM FINISHED!!!!1

Also yes i agree with the Jean slander but there must've been a source of why she's like,,,, That.

you know, Jean "I take up all the paperwork the knights have and then complain about being overworked even though i put it on myself" Gunnhildr.

Fredrica Gunnhildr.

it makes sense right??? because it seems the Gunnhildrs are the opposite of a patriarchy aka a matriarchy and so that phrase "All for Mond" or something has definitely been drilled into Jean's head since she was young because shes the eldest, i also think Barbara is an unexpected child because due to their likely age gap- around 20 and maybe 14-16, which is 6-4 years, probable time for unexpected births, my little sister is only 4-5 years younger and she was unplanned so yes very likely Barbara was unexpected.

And i really dont think Fredrica was a good mom... just look at Jean! She overworks herself constantly and is probably ready to throw her own life away for Mondstadt at any given moment and theres Barbara feeling inferior to Jean and doubts any ability of hers that doesnt make others happy

And Barbara may have been pushed aside by Fredrica because of her focus on Jean instead and so thats most likely why Barbara feels so much lesser than Jean. And I also think that to make really complex shapes with a catalyst is a high skilled thing, it wouldn't seem much on the surface but Barbara's attack particles Glimmer

To achieve that effect she must've had to practice how to make the water she produces from her vision to refract light in such a way that it changes color, sure it may just be a gameplay thing but at the same time its too deliberate and fits her job as an idol so yes im taking that to account.

sure she may be weak in lore but because of her inferiority complex where she most likely pushes down her skills in fighting and defense and such for healing because to her, her healing is more benificial that those other things.

I also have a Genshin oc! His name is Anatoli

to explain more, in my au's, Abyss Barbara and The Pegg twins aus. Anatoli is Barbara's younger twin brother made him to add to the Jean and Barbara's distanced relationship issue

sorry if this has almost all have been about Barbara

I do have a part about diluc tho

Barbara and Anatoli wouldve sought comfort in Diluc due to their situation(emotional neglect basically) and they see a big sibling figure in Diluc, not as a replacement for jean but for the comfort and love they werent really given because barbara and anatoli were both ignored much more

btw Anatoli is his chosen name, no he(sadly) isnt trans its more of a Fischl situation bc he was named Anne at birth even though he was a boy and he got the name Anatoli via suggestion of Barbara during a trip to Snezhnaya

i might explain more abt Anatoli next time

-Leyline!Anon whos very clearly a Barbara kinnie 9and also wants to castrate Albert)

Well let me say the netiher Fredrica Gunnhildr or Seamus Pegg was a good parnet. And well I think Jean does have her problems from that. She still has agency as a person and her dicisous to continue to support the knights after all they did to Diluc is totally on her.

And not making time to be with her sister is also on her. And jean not doing anything to help Barbara feel that there isn't a competition between them is also on her.

Well Barbara isn't my favorite characters (I might have been a little more warm had they kept her original voice) But I do really sympathize with her.

Oh your OC is very Cute though! And very interesting!

[inawickedlittletown]

Survivors - Buddie meta

Words: 3,112

I thought a lot about 4x14 since watching it on Monday and mostly buddie, and on my re-watch I had a lot of thoughts and since I can’t seem to help myself here we are again. And fair warning, this is very long. 

I think it’s fair to say that Buck is someone that cares a lot. I think it’s fair to say that his reaction to Eddie being shot would be the same if anyone else in the 118 was shot. That said, yes, the way that Buck freezes and the shock that sets in with him is jarring for a character that is always about the action and always about doing something. But then, he does finally get his bearings after being knocked down to safety and after holding eye contact with Eddie as Eddie is bleeding out on the ground, and Buck is the only one present on the scene to get to Eddie. Buck is the only one trying to get to the injured person despite the fact that there are plenty of other first responders around. 

This moment is a lot, and I think it does so much to reiterate and highlight the importance of Eddie in Buck’s life and the love that is felt between them. Up to this point, we cannot call that romantic love — or at least, acknowledged romantic love — but Buck does love Eddie. And vice versa. 

We see Eddie’s love shine through in the moments while they’re heading to the hospital and Eddie comes to and his concern isn’t for himself, but Buck. Eddie has been shot, and he’s well aware of that, and yet it is Buck who he worries about. He has to be sure that Buck is alright. And, well, Buck isn’t. He might be physically alright, but when he’s asked if he’s okay as Eddie is being taken into the hospital, he just says “no” and that is very clear to the audience in that moment and for the rest of the episode. 

The next time that we see Buck, he is still a mess and he’s stepping out of the hospital. He is literally shaking and he is so out of it and in a state of shock that he’s ignored phone calls not just from Taylor, but from Maddie, and likely anyone else that tried to contact him. I don’t want to spend too much time on Taylor here, but I do want to point out that Buck is at first suspicious of why she is present and barely acknowledges that she was worried about him and he also just doesn’t want to allow her to help him. 

Buck’s entire mind is on Eddie and on Chris and we’re aware from Chim’s call with Maddie that the rest of the team are at the hospital as well, and that enough time has passed that it’s likely Eddie’s grandmother and aunt would have heard about what happened, that Carla would have heard, and yet Buck feels like he’s the one of that needs to talk to Chris and no one refutes that. When Albert asks where Buck is later, Chim even says: “he’s got a harder job tonight” because they all know that it is absolutely Buck’s place to be the one to speak to Christopher.  

From the moment that Buck was aware of Christopher’s existence, he’s been involved. Christopher bonded Buck and Eddie in a way perhaps because of how much Buck loves kids, but certainly because Buck admired Eddie as a parent and Eddie’s devotion to being a dad. I think Buck similarly endeared himself to Eddie by making it possible for Eddie to get the help that he needed — namely Carla. But over the past few seasons we’ve seen the Buck and Chris relationship grow. Buck has been acting like another parent for a while and I think this season really took it over the top ever since Chris ran away from home and went straight to Buck. Making Buck his safe space over anyone else. 

Out of the entire episode, the hardest scene to watch for emotional reasons is Buck explaining to Chris that his father is hurt. Between the way that Chris asks questions to understand what happened, to the way that Buck just can’t keep it together. And then Bobby’s text comes in and Buck really cannot hold it in, to know that actually Eddie will be okay. The rollercoaster of emotions is so well acted, so well written, and there is no way to not feel that pain while watching it. 

This whole scene reads like a parent talking to their child about something difficult. It reads like a parent being aware of their own pain and still facing their kid because that’s important and necessary and as a parent it isn’t something that can be ignored. We can go further and parallel the scene to almost any important and emotional conversation between Eddie and Christopher, but especially what we got when Shannon died.It also frames Buck as family and as important in the lives of both Christopher and Eddie. It is difficult then to think about Buck’s place in all of this as only a best friend. As only a work partner. This is glaringly so when we think about Ana. (Also, we have to remember that Buck during all of this knows nothing about Eddie changing his will).

The episode makes it clear where Ana is this entire time because the few times we see her, she’s at the hospital with Eddie. As his girlfriend it makes sense for her to be there for him and yet that is all we are given when instead it would only make sense to use Eddie’s injury as a way to further and strengthen Ana and Eddie’s relationship. And from the last we saw of Ana, she clearly gets on with Christopher, enough that it would have made sense for Ana to step up and offer to care for Chris. It isn’t something that happens. But I think that their relationship would have shown as stronger and as more meaningful in the eyes of the viewer if we’d seen more of them together and certainly if we had seen Ana even just offer to look after Chris. 

Instead, it is Buck that sleeps on Eddie’s couch so he can be there for Christopher even though there are other options such as Carla. It is Buck that picks up the slack of looking after Christopher as worried as Buck is about Eddie and as worried as Buck is about everyone else in light of the firefighters being targets. The way that Buck puts Christopher first is so parental. It is something that Eddie has noticed long before this all the way back in S3 and clearly Buck doesn’t disappoint. And Buck doesn’t do it all alone, because obviously he has work and Carla is around, but he is going out of his way to be there for Christopher. 

The scenes are bittersweet in that there is a slight domestic/parental element to them, but then also the thrumming knowing that this is only happening because Eddie isn’t around. And yet Christopher is adaptable. It gets to the point where he is even joking around and teasing Buck in a very similar way that he does with Eddie. 

I find Buck’s journey through the episode interesting. One of the things about Buck is that he believes he is alone. He knows he has people, but he also realizes that he is alone, and that as much he means something to his team, to his sister, even to his parents, Buck also knows that everyone else has other people. During the sequence in which Bobby explains how things are going to change for them, we see flashes of scenes of the 118 getting ready to go into work with their new bulletproof vests and we see Hen with Karen, we see Chim with Maddie, and we see Bobby with Athena. Buck is on his own. 

Is it because Buck’s partner would naturally be Eddie? Or because Taylor and Buck just aren’t on that level (I mean at this point we’re pre-kiss). Either way, we get Buck on his own all while Bobby voice-overs how difficult this time will be on their family/loved ones who already see the job as risky and now it suddenly comes with possible sniper shots too. So is it a wonder that Buck, who already thinks much less of himself, would want to place more risk on himself than anyone else? Not to mention that there is definitely an element of survivor’s guilt at play. Buck was standing right there on that street with Eddie. Easily, it could have been him that was shot except that dressed as a civilian made him less of a target. 

Bobby tells him that he made himself a target deliberately and Buck has an answer. He can’t handle anyone else being hurt and that shows us the impact that Eddie being hurt has on Buck, the way that emotionally, Buck could not handle much more turmoil. 

About Eddie, Buck says, “I was just the guy standing there when it happened who couldn’t do anything to protect him.” And it is simply amazing how much that statement says about Buck’s state of mind. Add in Oliver Stark’s acting and we get to see so much of Buck’s love for the whole team, for Eddie. This moment comes after Buck’s scene with Carla presumably before he went to work, and in that scene Carla expresses her concern for Buck’s well being, but Buck brushes that off and I think it’s yet another example of Buck’s state of mind in that he doesn’t want to see himself as important, as necessary, as someone that would be missed if they were gone. 

We see Taylor again and I do want to say that I appreciate the role Taylor has played in this episode. Her first appearance has her worried about Buck and caring about that more than possibly getting a scoop for work — yet another instance of showing how much Taylor has changed from S2. Her worry then, and the way that she offers to help Buck continues to translate into her second scene in the episode where she’s also upset at Buck for the crane incident and the danger he placed himself in. I’ve loved the development of Buck and Taylor’s friendship as well as the many moments that we’ve gotten that show Taylor as a different person. The last few episodes have slowly hinted at them as a couple and I cannot be mad at how this was developed or how Taylor is very clearly unsure about how things might go. She is caught up in the moment and after she kisses him she even apologizes. 

Buck says they should talk about it, but Taylor decides to leave. Buck actually goes to say “wait” or to stop her and Taylor, as we learn later, expected or hoped for Buck to chase after her, but Eddie has excellent timing and has woken up. And Ana calls Buck at once. 

I’m curious about when Buck got Ana’s number and saved it on his phone. I’m curious about how Ana got Buck’s number. Before this, we haven’t seen them interact at all and unless Eddie being hurt was the first time they even met, who called Ana to tell her about Eddie? 

Either way, Ana calls him and Buck goes to Eddie. It’s a choice that Buck makes and I don’t think Buck even sees it as a choice. And from the way that Taylor mentions Buck not going after her, I just have to wonder about how Buck made it out of his apartment without running into Taylor on the way to his car to get to the hospital. From the way he was running, we know he didn’t wait to get over there. I also do have to wonder about Ana calling Buck and why she felt that he would need to be informed about Eddie being awake at once. Obviously there’s Christopher to consider, but Ana could have also called Carla. This feels like Ana knowing who she needed to defer to. 

Buck arrives and Ana is all smiles, but she steps aside so Buck and Eddie can see each other. (Me with my shipper goggles on: foreshadowing?) And then, the next thing we see if Eddie having a facetime with Christopher through Buck’s phone and Ana isn’t there? Did she step out to give them some time with the kid? Ana’s place in all of this just dwindles and dwindles and I’ll admit I never liked Ana...but that’s mostly because I was never given a reason to like her. Maybe I just feel ambivalent. 

Eddie asks Buck about how Chris is doing and Buck admits that actually between him and Christopher, it is Buck that is having a harder time. He admits that he lost it when he was telling Christopher and Buck is ashamed of it, of not being able to put away his emotions to focus on Chris. Eddie reassures him: “You were there for him when I couldn’t be. That’s what matters.”

Buck responds with: “Still, it might have been better for him if I was the one that got shot.” And that has been Buck’s state of mind this entire episode. That is what he’s been feeling. But no matter how many times Buck has been asked how he’s doing or been shown that others are worried about him, has he brought that up. It is only to Eddie that he can admit it.

The scene ends and Eddie is left thinking. He’s left considering what Buck’s said, but he’s also considering how he views Buck and how to best make Buck believe that actually he’s not expendable. Not to him or to Christopher or even to the rest of the 118. 

We get to the third Buck and Taylor scene and the first thing that is apparent is that Buck has not reached out to Taylor since the kiss. He hasn’t chased her. In fact, he didn’t expect to see her at his door. And it has been days since. This shows us that Buck while interested in Taylor, isn’t that invested. Taylor on the other hand is. Buck explains himself by saying that he’s done feeling like he isn’t enough and I like that self-confidence and the way that Buck makes it clear that he can’t be the one chasing anyone. 

To bring this back to Buddie, I do wonder if Buck saying this to Taylor isn’t also a statement about where Buck stands in general and how Buck is not going to be the one that pines or that waits for anyone. Not just Taylor, but Eddie. This could be subtle foreshadowing, aided of course by the next Buck and Eddie scene. 

Eddie isn’t someone that talks about how he feels. He isn’t someone that needs to express himself that way and we know this about him which makes this scene all the more poignant. And you can feel how Eddie isn’t too sure of himself when he asks Buck to talk. Not to mention that admitting to going through the trouble of changing his will so that Buck could be Chris’ guardian clearly isn’t something Eddie ever wanted to bring up or mention to Buck seeing as it’s been in his will for about a year. 

Eddie is just displaying such a level of awareness for his understanding of who would be best for Christopher, for the realization that no one else in his life cares for Christopher’s well being like Buck does. And they talk about Eddie’s other family and Eddie says my favorite line of the episode, “No one will ever fight for my son as hard as you. That is what I want for him.” Other than “You act like you’re expendable...but you’re wrong.” 

Eddie changed his will, not for Buck, but for Christopher. It is placing all his trust in Buck and making him in many ways the most important person in his life other than his son. But telling Buck is something that Eddie does for Buck. He does it so that Buck knows how highly Eddie views/values him and so that perhaps Buck begins to see himself that way too and so he can value his life if not for himself, but then also because it actually could affect Christopher and Eddie as well. It does make me wonder if during Eddie’s time at the hospital, he heard about Buck and the crane. 

There’s a welcome home party waiting for Eddie at home and Buck is the one to take him to it. The ending sequence is interesting in that everyone is split up by family. Unlike last season where we had everyone together at the end, this time everyone is with their family. In another moment that could have been used to cement Ana and Eddie, it is Buck that picks Eddie up from the hospital and Buck that takes him to the party. For some reason Taylor is there and I feel like that’s more about being able to put her somewhere, but we could have done without her. I wonder if Eddie already knows that Buck and Taylor are a thing by that point. And I wonder what Chris thinks of her. 

All in all, this was a fantastic episode. One of the best of the season and such a strong finale. And I don’t think it gives us any concrete information on if the show is going to actually do Buddie, but it leaves some sprinkling of things that make it a possibility. Most of that is to do with how little development we get out of Ana in any way or form as well as the display of importance that Eddie places on Buck as well as Buck’s emotions when it comes to Eddie being injured. I think we leave the episode on a high note and with a lot of hope that actually maybe something could happen. 

I don’t think I will ever be one of those people that are more than 50% sure it might happen, but this episode does make me question if that percentage shouldn’t be higher. It also cements my other thoughts on Buddie and I will reiterate it again because it’s so important, as it stands we are not in any place to call Buddie queerbaiting. We are, however, possibly in the midst of a slow burn. 

-

Tagging: @vivalabandoms @sevensoulmates @greenasher @whenyougoquiet-ihatemyself @seylaaurora @scifitheatre1995 @yramesoruniverse @laura2594-me @selfiethechaosfan @lilyemrys 

[1ddotdhq]

🍷Thurs 29 Oct ‘20🚙

Cam’s song Changes (written by Harry along with country singer-songwriter Lori McKenna and producers Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson) dropped in some parts of the world this morning, and it is LOVELY! It is a twangy country song about growing up and getting out of your hometown and seeing the world change and you with it. I really think Cam buried the lead when advertising this song, as the best lyric is clearly, “I was falling in love in a back seat, giving it away like my heart won’t ever break. Had such a young heart drinking cheap wine…”. Hmmm...does this sound familiar to anyone? Of course it does! Fans had a great time comparing this song to Fearless and We Made It (and, honestly, yes. I agree). But that is not enough music news for Harry: SiriusXM started releasing videos of Harry’s New York performance in February (whoa a lifetime ago), including Kiwi, Golden, and Lights Up. The performances are, as always, ELECTRIC, and I can’t wait to be able to see them live, eventually.  

Zayn is back and he’s posting Better promotion on instagram (the song, not like...he’s doing a better job...oh, you know what I mean). He hasn’t blessed us with any more covers since yesterday, but he’s active, so I think we’ll be hearing more from him very soon….Maybe some of those songs he registered last month? Please???

All I want for Christmas is...for Liam to branch out and add Tech Expert to his resume alongside ‘YouTuber’ and ‘Tik Tok sensation’? Well, maybe that’s a hyperspecific demand, but it seems like I’m in luck! Liam will be joining the speaker line up of Web Summit 2020, which is a program which “brings together the people and companies redefining the global tech industry”. Liam *is* a recording tech expert, but that’s probably not what they tapped him - this is likely to do with the way he is putting on consistent and quality virtual concerts in a way that has massively transformed the potential for fan engagement in socially distant times. Congrats, Liam, because you’ve worked really hard! And he’s not done working! Liam took to instagram to call fans “detectives” for figuring out that his Christmas collaboration was Dixie D’Amelio, and promising “fun” leading up to the Holidays with “Dixie and her family” (uh, do you think that her parents are gonna be involved or just her super successful 16 year old Tik Tokker sister Charlie?). Anyways, as much as I would LOVE to say that we are indeed detectives (because we are!) , the credit for letting the cat out of the bag this time goes to Dixie herself, who posted a Tik Tok of her singing the song. This, on top of the speculation that already existed, was all the confirmation we needed to know what was happening. Liam also filmed a few episodes of a podcast Happy Hour with veteran YouTuber JaackMaate on his show, where he and his friends chat with people about their jobs and their lives in a relaxed way. And! If you bought tickets to LP Act 3, check your inbox - Liam has sent information on how to access the concert, and also some pre-emptive tech support links. I don’t know if that’s a good sign or a bad one.

Niall was, again, very busy with promo, appearing on Live with Ryan Secrest and hitting all of the Royal Albert Hall talking points we’ve been hearing, but he also took the time to interact with fans on Twitter! He tells us that he’s not going to be doing anything for Halloween (“can’t go anywhere in big groups”), that he loves Bruce Springsteen, and that he’ll do a live striptease if “Slow Hands” passes a billion streams by next week. Look, I know I keep saying this, but, uh #PLEASEdontstripitdownNiall. BUT! Do show us more of your skincare routine, which is what he did on insta: he posted a pic of himself in a facemask saying, “You’ll all be saying after RAH, ‘Niall you were glowing!’ and I’ll say… ‘I know’”. 

And, Louis showed us how quickly he works when he has a goal in mind: after the unfortunate matter of merch shipping only to certain regions of the world yesterday, Backstreet Merch (the company in charge of his stuff) quickly took to twitter to say that, “We will be expanding our shipping zones to all of South America and India...within the next 48 hours.” And that’s exactly what happened! Not only that, Central America and Singapore are also on the list (catch ALL OF MY FAMILY rocking their Walls merch), although Mexico is not, and Backstreet Merch has said they have no current plans to ship to Mexico, which, hmmm. But look, I just gotta say that in 48 hours, Louis listened to his fans who have supported him (he sold out TWO stadiums in Argentina!) and quickly made his merch more accessible. Honestly, I love this man. And those countries certainly deserve it – can your country say Walls was its best selling album last week? Argentina can! Both Harry albums and Heartbreak Weather were also in the top ten.

However, I may have said good riddance to Celebtm too soon ( :{( ). TMZ has picked up their second mess of an article and is now distributing that. On top of this, Michael Straus has contacted both Judge Judy and the People’s Court to see if they can get some cable airtime and settle the small claim on TV - which, to be clear, Briana has to agree to, but it seems likely. Celebtm (despite saying yesterday they weren’t going to report on this until January when the court case happened, okaaaay) made a statement telling Briana to take the TV offers seriously so that Louis’ “child support” (quotes theirs, not mine) wouldn’t go to her legal fees. They went on to say, “We only see #onedirection here. To #EndIt on television and win your freedom to love ❤️ again with the next victim. Thank you #1DFamily for supporting #louistomlinson during these chaotic #1D times”. We DO support Louis, which is more than I can say for celebtm. It might bring a little thrill to see a media outlet proclaiming End It, but is it a good thing for Louis? No. This is happening because of the response they're getting and unless someone makes them (mark this down cause you won't see me saying this usually but omg LTHQ will you please get in here and shut this talk down?) they won't stop with this nonsense (see: yesterday's Larry Stylinson article) until the fans stop cheering them on. Speaking of nonsense on Instagram, Lou the golden retriever, the influencer dog fans headcanon-ed was the one HSHQ posted, decided he wanted a piece of the pie and has joined the swollen ranks of accounts falsely claiming a connection to Harry. There are many, including deuxmoi who post an endless stream of made up stories, but also the occasional credible sounding fan report such as yesterday's of Harry at a gym in the UK, and, um, WOW! It’s one of those fitness classes where you alternate your running pace to accelerate your heart rate, and the fan account claimed that Harry’s base pace (that is, comfortable running pace) is 10 mph, which is a 6 minute mile, or a 5k in 18 minutes. Uh, WHAT?? Guys, that’s it: I’m officially a stan, I love this man, and I want to go on a run with him.

[buckleyirondad]

Evan Begins Again

With the help of his family, Buck learns to love himself, flaws and all - which starts with reclaiming his given name.

Read on AO3

Words: 4436

Warnings: Mentions of past Self-Hate, Brief Injury Detail (on a call)

It starts with Eddie, but these things usually do.

Buck wishes he could be like Eddie, somebody who can freely speak his mind without fearing the fall.

When Eddie has something to say, he makes Buck listen, even if it's not something he wants to hear.

Discovering that he would become Christopher's legal guardian if his best friend dies prematurely was unexpected, but Buck welcomes it. 

The lengths he is willing to go for Christopher are infinite; he loves that kid like his own.

Strangely, that part of the conversation isn't what stuck or what keeps him up at night.

Being told that he's not expendable with such certainty, after a lifetime of believing that's all he is, has put his mind in a spin.

Maddie's told him that before, so has Bobby, Athena, Hen, Chimney, Albert, Taylor - everybody he cares about has, at one point, has told him that he's worth fighting for.

That wasn't anything new, but it's the way Eddie went about saying it, "Because, Evan, you came in here the other day, and you said you thought it would have been better if it had been you who was shot. You act like you're expendable. But you're wrong."

Evan.

Buck hates when people use his given name - well, at least he thought he did.

Hate wouldn't explain the warmth that spread across his chest when Eddie spoke his name, with just the right amount of love, with an unmistakable tinge of sass.

Aside from Maddie, whenever anybody says his name, he recoils like he's been burnt. He remembers his childhood, being reprimanded by his parents for his reckless behavior or called out by his teachers.

Whenever 'Evan' is used in a sentence, it isn't usually followed by words of affirmation.

Even with Maddie, she's adapted to using 'Buck' when she's proud of him or telling him how much she loves him. Emotions are high whenever she says, 'Evan,' like when he learned about Daniel.

"Evan, please don't leave. Just talk to me."

He talks to Dr. Copeland, and it's almost too easy for her to identify the problem.

'Buck' is meant to be a nickname, but it's bigger than that; it's a shield, a smokescreen, an excuse to hide his true feelings.

He separates himself into two; Buck gets to live while Evan suffers the weight of his hardships.

He can't keep doing that.

He has to face this problem, learn to love every piece of himself, even if it hurts.

If he doesn't, it will kill him.

Because one day, and soon, he'll become tired of 'Buck.'

The same way he did with Evan, then he'll be well and truly lost.

Things need to change.

***

It's a slow day, nobody's said anything to jinx that, yet, but the night is still young.

Athena has a day off; she's popped over like most Wednesdays, having helped Bobby with dinner.

Maddie surprises them all, dropping by with an excitable Jee-Yun.

Eddie and Chimney carry the stroller up the stairs while she holds Jee-Yun on her hip.

Taking his niece into his arms, Buck asks his sister, "How are you?"

The light in her eyes is brighter than the last time he saw her, "I'm better."

Buck sports his lopsided grin, "Good."

Jee-Yun jumps from person to person, delighted to be surrounded by her favorite people.

They settle on the couches; Jee-Yun stops on Maddie's lab, hit by the tired stick.

Buck sits, sandwiched between Bobby and Athena.

Maddie relaxes into the recliner while Chim perches on the chair's arm as he converses with Hen.

Hen and Eddie share a couch but have claimed separate ends; she sits nearer Chimney, busy discussing kindergarten admissions, which Buck can't believe, Jee-Yun's barely one.

Eddie is at the other end, listening to one of Athena's work stories.

Buck knows he should be involved, but he's lost track of where they were.

Everybody's conversations reach their natural ends - Buck leans in.

"Hey," He croaks - that's odd, his throat is tight, and he didn't realize.

All eyes are on him.

He fumbles with his fingers, "Can I ask you all something?"

Chimney shuffles forward, "Of course."

"Is everything okay?" Hen asks, eyes tracing over him.

Buck dips his head, "Yeah."

Athena takes his hand, "It doesn't sound it."

He insists, "Everything's fine."

"So," Eddie speaks gently, "What's up?"

Buck wonders if Eddie will catch on and understand that everything is changing because he is the first person in years, to remind Evan that he is worthy of love.

He clears his throat, "I want you to call me 'Evan.'"

The request is met by silence and pinched expressions of confusion.

"I'm still Buck," He blurts, "That's my nickname, always gonna be, but I was hoping that we could, like, switch between the two?"

"Okay," Bobby is cautiously gentle, "We can do that."

"It might take some adjustment time," Hen adds, "But of course, we can."

A weight shifts, "Cool, thanks."

"So, what's with the change?" Chimney asks, "I thought you hated your name?"

"I thought I did," He nervously rubs the nape of his neck, and his leg begins to bounce.

"Hey," Maddie sits up, startled, "You don't have to explain-"

Buck shakes his head, "You guys need to hear this."

Bobby presses his hand to Buck's knee, attempting to ease him.

"Talking with Dr. Copeland, I realized that in becoming Buck, I was trying to forget everything that came before," Buck explains, "It should just be a nickname, but it's not - it's a coping mechanism."

He locks eyes with a tearful Maddie, but she smiles with a nod, urging him to go on.

It's once in a blue moon when Buck opens up about how he's feeling.

"I can pretend that every bad thing that happened to me as Evan never happened," He continues, "Shitty childhood, bad friends, and Daniel..."

Everybody shifts uncomfortably on that note, especially Maddie, who draws her daughter closer to her chest.

Buck lifts his shoulders in a shrug, "But it doesn't work like that."

"No, it doesn't," Maddie speaks, quiet, "Those things leave a scar, Evan."

Hen speaks up, "An open one."

"I've never hated my name," Evan's lower lip trembles, "I hated me."

He expects pity or concerned gasps, but instead, he's offered understanding nods and intense gazes filled with love.

"I separate 'Evan' and 'Buck,' but they're both me," He cries, "Like with Buck, I've grown, changed for the better, have the family I've always wanted," Tears spill down his cheeks, "But Evan is buried, and I need to find me, again."

Maddie asks, "Because you feel loved as Buck but forgotten as Evan?"

He nods, "Yeah."

"Evan," Hen cries, her eyes wet with tears, "We love you completely."

Athena's gentle fingers grasp Evan's chin, her mouth curls into a smile, as tears freely fall, "Without a single string attached."

Buck breaths, "You promise?"

"We promise," Bobby reassures fast.

With a strangled sob, Evan crumbles, his shoulders sagging.

Bobby dives, collecting him in his arms.

Athena combs her hand through his hair.

Everybody moves, crowding him, in a hug.

Eddie kneels, gripping onto Evan's knee with all his strength, wrapping his arm around Hen, crouched beside him.

Hen grips onto Buck's forearm, her stance protective.

Chimney stands behind, hands resting on Buck's trembling shoulders.

Maddie takes the space beside Hen, taking Evan's hand, while she balances a half-asleep, confused, Jee-Yun on her knee.

Eddie speaks - his tone strong, "You're going to be okay, Evan."

***

It takes a month for the change to stick without the aura of awkwardness.

It is easy to get tongue-tied - in the beginning, there were many 'Buc-vans' and 'Ev-uk's,' but, at least he knew, they were trying.

After a couple of false starts, interchanging between 'Evan' and 'Buck' is set to stay.

Evan is sure that he's never been happier.

He stops over for dinner at Bobby and Athena's on Thursday nights.

While they're washing up, he gathers his shoes, slipping them on; he tries to be quiet, considering May's already in bed.

It's nearing midnight; he doesn't want to overstay his welcome.

"I better head home," Buck whispers, "Early start tomorrow."

"We have a free bed, you know?" Athena asks, gathering empty glasses off the dinner table, "Since Harry's with Michael."

"I wouldn't wanna intrude," He bends to do his laces

"Buckaroo, we invited you, remember?" Athena tells him, "Your apartment is almost an hour away—time you could spend sleeping."

Buck stops what he is doing and sighs with a grin; he knows exactly where this is heading.

"We're heading into a twenty-four shift, Evan," Bobby speaks warmly, "We'd feel better if you stayed."

Buck slips off his shoes, "I'll stay."

Athena shoots a smile in Bobby's direction, "There should be some pajamas for you in the drawers, the second row down," She instructs, "Your toothbrush is in the medicine cabinet."

"Thank you," Evan skips up the stairs, "Goodnight."

***

The following morning, Buck is woken by his seasonal allergies.

He's survived a truck explosion, a pulmonary embolism, and a tsunami, but hayfever still sucks.

He snags an antihistamine from their medicine cabinet and creeps into the kitchen, careful not to make any noise.

May's left for work - there's a note on the table explaining that she'll be late home as she's checking out her new apartment with Michael.

Buck's downing his second glass of water when Athena steps out of her bedroom, "Buck?" She questions, "You're up early."

Evan rubs his eyes, "Allergies."

Athena rests a hand on his back as she opens the fridge door, "You need an antihistamine?" He asks, "May's a sufferer too, so we're stocked up."

"I took one," He smiles - uncertain, "Sorry, I didn't ask."

Athena fixes him with her parental glare as she tuts with a laugh, "Evan, you don't have to ask," She assures, "This is your home too."

Evan stares at her, mouth dropping open, "Thanks."

His mother's words ring in his head; You're under our roof, Evan, so you have to respect our rules.

Growing up, his parents never once referred to their house as his home.

Athena pats his arm, "Come on, you're helping me with breakfast."

"Of course," He claps his hands together, "Where do you need me?"

***

Being called 'Evan' again by those he trusts is second nature, almost like things have never been any different.

Buck struggles to see the floor as he heads into May's new apartment, box in his arms, "Hey, May," He calls, "This box isn't labeled."

She rolls her eyes, "It is, but Dad covered it with tape," She tries to peel the corners off, "Again."

Michael defends, "I'm cautious."

"And I'll be spending the next two weeks trying to cut free my possessions," May taunts; she taps the top of the box, "Bedroom."

Buck nods, "Gotcha."

She smiles, "Thanks, Ev."

Warmth spreads over Evan's chest, he smiles, hanging his head; well and truly caught up in the euphoria of acceptance.

His pseudo-sister was the first to try 'Ev.'

It works. Buck loves it.

"Buck, can you help me in the kitchen when you're done?" Athena calls, "I'm gonna your help with these latches."

"Sure!" He places the box on the floor and turns into the kitchen.

Chimney, who is in the middle of constructing a bookshelf with David, turns, "Oh no, brace yourself," He taunts, "Fire Marshall Buckley is back!"

Buck remains straight-faced, "Ha."

"Why do I need these, Mom?" May quizzes, "I'm not a kid."

"We have around ten thousand earthquakes a year," Evan explains; he grabs the latches, "Things get broken. This is an added safety," He points to the windows, "Especially this high up."

May narrows her eyes, "So, what I'm hearing is that this was your idea, not Mom's?"

Buck nods, "I suggested it."

Athena squeezes his shoulder, "I accepted the suggestion."

May bops her head, "Oh, I see."

"Buck's got an eye for safety," Bobby praises.

Eddie walks in with May's ironing board, "Which is saying something."

Buck glares, "You're so funny."

Michael walks over, "Thank you, Evan," He says, all actively ignoring Eddie and Chimney's mischievous laughter, "Earthquakes aren't a thing I considered."

"You're not gonna remember everything," Evan holds up the latches, "If you want, I could set some of these up at your place."

"That would be wonderful."

Athena sports a fond smile, "It's like having our own personal handyman."

Buck jokes, "Well, if that's the case, you can all pay me."

***

Buck lays on his front, across Maddie and Chimney's carpeted ground, his eyes fixed on his niece.

She's busy chomping down on one of her many toys, but she stares at him with her wide brown eyes, fixated on his face, much like he is on hers.

Sometimes, even thirteen months into her life, he can't believe that his sister, and one of his closest friends, came together to make a human being.

"How can somebody be this cute?"

Maddie steps over, "Oh my, God," She laughs fondly, "She's covered in drool."

"That's fine," Buck gathers a cloth, wiping it over Jee's face, "She's still adorable, aren't you?"

Jee-Yun throws her hands in the air, "Yeah!"

"Yeah," Evan repeats, bopping her nose.

"Should I be worried about you two?" Maddie asks, sitting on the couch, "You're gonna be partners in crime."

"Just wait until we join forces with Christopher," He scoops his niece onto his knee, "It will be over for all of you."

"What is it about you, Evan?" Maddie asks, "The way she looks at you - the way everybody looks at you, it's like-"

He asks, curious, "Like what?"

"I don't know," She tilts her head, "Like you're the key to the mysteries of the universe."

He barks a laugh, "Maybe, I am."

Maddie grabs her book from the coffee table, "Chim thinks you're a trained hypnotist."

"No comment."

Maddie throws her head back with a laugh.

Buck turns to Jee, "Where's my nose?"

She reaches up, grabbing his nose.

"That's right!" He praises, "You're a genius."

Jee-Yun blabbers, "Ev-an!"

Maddie sits bolt upright, "Did she just?"

Jee-Yun knows a couple of words - Ma, Dada, No, Yes, but she's hasn't ventured any further.

Jee-Yun swings her arms around, "Evan!"

Oh, and he melts, a delighted cry catching in his throat.

His teary eyes meet Maddie's.

Every time someone utters his given name, Evan is one step closer to the light.

With Jee-Yun's soft squeal, he's out - the darkness now, a distant memory.

"Yes," He holds her up, "That's me!"

***

By Halloween, Evan barely notices the change - it goes to show how fantastic his family is.

He fishes out the insides of a pumpkin, humming 'This is Halloween' under his breath.

Hen's amused look bores into him.

He shakes his hands, "This is fun."

"How?" She laughs, "I once had my hand inside a man's chest, and somehow, this is worse."

Buck reclines his head with a laugh; he grabs a cloth, drying his hands.

"Hey, Evan!" Chimney sings from downstairs, "I need you and your abnormal height!"

"Again?!" Buck hollers back, not dropping his grin, "Chim, this is borderline exploitation!"

Hen bows her head, chuckling.

Buck hears the ladder being pulled out.

Hen raises her eyebrows, "You better go, Buck, or we'll be taking him to the emergency room."

"Oh," Buck runs, "Stop it, Chim, I'm coming!"

***

Buck's definition of a perfect weekend is spending it with the Diaz Boys - teasing Eddie endlessly and sneaking treats with Christopher, even though they both know that Eddie sees what they're doing.

Evan was apprehensive when Eddie suggested they took a trip to the carnival - rollercoasters, and crowds - reminded him too much of the calm before the tsunami.

He agrees to go - 'exposure therapy,' Eddie calls it, and Buck knows he's right.

It's okay, and they have a ton of fun.

Buck wins one too many prizes for Christopher, which Eddie ends up carrying, along with Christopher's crutches, but he doesn't complain.

It's easy to understand why Christopher wants to hold Buck's hand - he remembers the day at the Pier, too.

Knowing that the ocean is an hour away helps because at least that's not a natural disaster that could stop them in their tracks.

Thanks to the pandemic restrictions, there are fewer people, which eases the pressure further.

Sunset was almost two hours ago, and Christopher keeps yawning in-between words.

Without a second thought, Buck kneels, holding out his hands, "Here we go, buddy."

Christopher shuffles forward, tucking his face against Evan's shoulder.

Buck gathers him, letting Christopher tangle his legs around his middle before getting up, "There we go, I've got you."

Eddie smiles fondly, "We should head back to the car."

"Yeah," Buck sings, patting Christopher's back, "Which way is it?"

Eddie points, "That way, I think," He darts his head around, "Hopefully."

Buck snorts a laugh, "We'll find it, eventually."

Christopher is ten, he usually doesn't like being carried around anymore, but he settles in Buck's grasp, content.

Buck fears the day that they won't be able to scoop him up - he knows that anxiety is doubled, in Eddie's case.

"You okay with him?" Eddie whispers.

"Of course," Buck grins, "I'm legal guardian material."

Eddie scoffs a laugh, shaking his head.

"He's getting taller recently," Buck comments, "It's insane."

"Usually what happens with kids, Buck," Eddie teases.

"Ha, ha," Buck replies, monotone.

"Dad, Buck...." Christopher shushes, "I'm sleeping," He mutters.

Eddie bits his lip to conceal a laugh, "Sorry, bud."

"We'll keep it down," Buck adds, tapping his back.

Christopher tightens his arms around Evan, his head lulling on his shoulder.

"You okay there, bud?" Buck asks.

"Yeah," Christopher breaths sleepily, "You're comfy."

"Well, thank you."

Christopher goes quiet, and for a moment, Buck thinks he's fallen asleep, but then he speaks, "Love you, Evan."

Evan's breath catches sharply; he tightens his grasp, "Love you too, kid."

His family, Buck can't quite believe his luck - they're perfect, in every sense of the word.

***

Unfortunately, not every use of his given name comes at a happy time, but that would be beside the point.

'Buck,' 'Evan,' and even 'Buckaroo,' - they need to be used, freely, no matter the time of the day or what is happening. It helps; it means that he can't associate any of them with a particular emotion or trauma.

Evan scouts the roof of a decrepit apartment complex - that is, according to dispatch, set for demolition, but they've received calls about somebody being trapped on the top floor.

Time hasn't been kind to the structure, narrowing their time for a search and rescue.

So, starting from the roof and working down seems like the best bet.

Buck steps towards the door, the foundation creaks, dangerously loud under his foot.

He grabs Hen's low-hanging wrist as the roof gives way below them.

He doesn't remember what happens next.

With the dangerous nature of their jobs - Evan's name and all the possible variations are often uttered in worry.

He blurts awake with desperate rapid breaths; every ache and pain catches up with his concussed mind, "Hen?"

Hen's panicked voice cautions, "Buck don't move!"

The light is low, but he can see, despite the abundance of dust particles.

His back rests against debris; he can tell by the throbbing pain in his biceps that he didn't land in the position he was in, more likely manhandled into place.

He doesn't want to consider the time that Hen spent alone, waiting for him to wake, "Hen," He repeats - desperate.

"I'm here."

He lifts his head, "Are you hurt?"

She crawls into view, hauling her gear along with her, "I'm fine," She promises.

He traces his eyes over her - she's got a couple of scratches, but nothing too worrying, "We both fell?" He asks, confused.

"Yeah," She seems guilty, "But I was lucky."

"Why?"

She presses her fingers to his pulse point, "I had a soft landing."

"Yeah?"

"You."

"Oh," He laughs at the absurdity, "I'm an excellent crash mat."

She glares, "That's not funny."

"It kind of is," He offers her his dopiest smile, "Glad I saved you."

"Thank you," She kisses his forehead, "Now, stay awake."

His eyelids are heavy, "What about the victim?"

"Dead," She sighs.

Buck changes the subject, "What's wrong with me?"

"Broken arm," She lists, "Some blunt force trauma, and—" Her throat cracks; she can't say it.

"And?"

"Ruptured spleen," She sniffles, "I think."

Buck mutters, small, "Oh, that's not good."

She grips his hand, "All you've gotta do is stay awake, okay?"

He tries, but his eyes are heavy.

"Evan," She grabs his chin, "Please don't close your eyes."

"Hen."

"You're not dying on me," She orders, "I won't let you."

He smiles, weak, "Okay."

"I'm right here," She vows, "I'm not going anywhere."

He praises, "You're gonna be a great doctor."

"I know," She tells him, "You don't need to tell me that now, though."

"I have to, just—"

"Zip it, Buckaroo," She snaps lovingly, "We're getting out of here, you hear me? You're gonna help plan my surprise party when I graduate, and then we're gonna get drunk together."

"I'd like that."

She presses their foreheads together, "Just stay awake."

"I will."

***

Buck knows he's far too comfortable in hospitals; he is familiar with the staff and can easily snag an extra pudding at mealtimes, thanks to an older nurse who first treated him following his emergency tracheotomy and had on every subsequent visit.

Still, despite the laughs he has, he can't wait to escape - back to normality.

He folds his LAFD hoodie when Eddie swings inside, hand grasping the doorframe, "You ready?"

Buck turns his head, "Did you grab my meds?" He asks.

Eddie holds up a clear bag, "Right here."

"Thanks."

Eddie steps inside to place the medication into Buck's backpack; he then takes over, zipping up the bag.

Evan hums a laugh, "I can do that, you know?"

"I know," Eddie prods Buck's shoulder, "But we wouldn't want you to throw your stitches."

Buck perches on the bed, "Hen would kill me."

"Hen would kill us," Eddie corrects, "Mainly me."

Evan snorts, "Why?"

"I'm in charge of keeping you in line, apparently," He chuckles.

Buck hangs his head as he laughs, rubbing at the nape of his neck.

Eddie's tone turns sincere, "Are you alright?"

Buck's okay - really. The pain medication is doing its job, and he barely feels the ache in his side - what's on his mind is more complicated than that.

Eddie grips his shoulder, "Buck?" He fixes him with a concerned glance, "What's going on?"

He shrugs, "It's complicated."

Eddie sits, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I almost died," Buck lets go of a breathless laugh, "Again."

Eddie holds a hand in front of his face, failing miserably to hide a grin.

Buck's eyes widen, "What's so funny?"

"Sorry," He moves his hand away, "Just déjà vu - but last time, this was the other way around."

"It was," Buck confirms - the conversation is falling in the direction he needs it to go, "When you told me about your attorney and Christopher, I was scared. I never thought that anybody would trust me as much as you do; Christopher is your life, your everything, and I'm just me."

"You're you," Eddie repeats, softly stern, "That's why I made the decision."

Buck's shoulders sag, "I know."

"You fight for what you believe in, Buck, and you've never once stopped fighting for him," Eddie starts, "You almost killed yourself trying to find him during the tsunami," He takes a breath, "Hen told me about the well collapse; how one of the only words they could get out of you was Christopher's name. Your concern for him became your priority, even when he wasn't in any danger. I knew, then, that it was you because if I had died that day, you would have been taken away from each other, and that wouldn't have been right."

Evan's world would fall apart without Eddie, so would Christopher's - at least together, they'd have somebody to cling onto.

"If I die on this job," Eddie continues, "I'll die knowing that you two have each other."

Tears glisten in Buck's eyes, "So, that's why you changed your will."

"Yeah."

Buck settles his hands on his rocking knees.

Eddie questions, "Is there something else?"

Evan nods deliberately, "When I get hurt, Maddie can get a little short with me."

"She's afraid of losing you."

"Of course," Buck fidgets, locking his fingers together, "Maddie's lost too much. She's already had to stand by, watch our brother die, and live with the fallout. The decisions my parents made when they had me."

Eddie hisses, "Buck—"

"I know, I am wanted," He assures, "By her, by you, by the team - but this isn't about that."

Eddie's expression relaxes, glad that he doesn't have to lecture Buck on his importance again.

"It's just," Buck sighs, "Maddie latches to those she loves, and she can't let go - I wouldn't want to put her in a place where that is her only option."

Eddie brow furrows, "I'm not following."

"I'm going to make an amendment to my living will," Buck concludes, the space between each breath grows shorter.

"What amendment?"

He lowers his head, "I'm going to give you power of attorney."

Eddie's face softens, "Oh."

"Maddie has it right now," Buck scratches at his cheek, "But I've spoken to her about changing it."

Eddie's eyes widen, "You have?"

Evan nods, "It was my parents before, but they don't know me, well enough, to make the right decisions, but you do - and I know that you'd be strong enough to make them."

"Evan," Eddie meets his gaze, "I can do that, for you," He vows, "And, I understand not wanting Maddie to make those decisions, but what about Bobby?"

"I thought of Bobby, but then I remember—"

Eddie realizes, "His kids." Bobby is one of the strongest men they know, but if he was ever faced with the decision to take Buck off life support, he'd crumble under the weight of it all.

"I know this is big and that these decisions would hurt you," Evan croaks, "But I have faith that you could make them."

"I could," He confirms, "Evan, if I die, you become my son's legal guardian, and I'm sure that wasn't easy for you to process because yes, I trust you, but in that scenario, I'm dead," He lifts his shoulders in a shrug, "If you could do that, I can do this."

Evan leans, gathering his friend in his arms, "Thank you," He whispers, gripping tight, "For everything."

[controloffandoms]

Buck Begins Fic Recs

For @thisissirius 

Here are a couple of fics that I have written. And I’ll probably add a couple of favorites that I’ve read along the way!

Nothing I Ever Did Was Good Enough

Buck bit his tongue, looking away from his father. It was too early in their get together to have a blow out. He especially didn’t want to have that blowout in front of Chim and Albert. “You know, firefighting, until recently, has had a huge amount of off duty suicides due to improper care of mental health. The department has changed to help firefighters through hard times of losing patients or families in fires by hiring departmental psychologists and having service animals available for visits to the firehouses after really tough calls. If someone isn’t in the right mindset, we could lose more people, not to mention our own people and that person. Mental health is no joke,” Albert stated. Buck had to hide is smile, but he turned to Albert, giving him a knowing look and small smile. His parents spluttered for a few seconds before Phillip turned to Albert. “I don’t think I was talking to you. Mind your own business, this was a family matter.” “Don’t talk to him like that,” Buck nearly growled. “He is family.”

~~Or the one where the parents visit and Buck is in over his head...luckily his family has his back.

~~~~Part 1 in the Nothing I Ever Did Was Good Enough series

Nothing I Ever Did-

~~~~Part 2 in the Nothing I Ever Did Was Good Enough series

"Watch your attitude, Evan," Margaret glared. "Why should I? All you've ever done is put me down and compare me to Maddie and try to make me into her. News flash, I'm my own person and I'm different! I get that nothing I ever did was good enough, but I don't have to keep trying to appease you and let you walk on me or my family. So if you could kindly drop the attitude and rude comments regarding Eddie and Christopher, it would be much appreciated. They invited you into their home and you've been nothing but assholes since you got here! Clearly you came here with opinions and baggage and a want to have your way, but that's not going to fly here. You best just head out of town tonight, you're not wanted here in my life or Maddie's life. We don't want your toxicity melting into our families because I'll be damned if the shit you've said tonight will ever affect my niece or my kid!"

~~Or the one where Eddie hosts the Buckley parents and just tries to be supportive in general...but the parents are nightmares. Featuring cuddles with Chris, Eddie, and Buck.

Not The One You Wanted

“Evan, I don’t know what you expected us to do.”

“Love me anyway,” it had been said like his heart had been ripped out...which, it felt like it had. Because that was the truth, wasn’t it...all he ever wanted was for them to love him anyway. He wanted his parents to give a damn about him but they never did...it was like he was a responsibility that they never wanted.

Maddie had said that their parents had been different back then when they were sentimental and made a box for her...and now Buck knew why. Daniel. His older brother Daniel...a brother that he didn’t even know existed until he sat down with Maddie to look at all the baby photos in the box...and there were plenty...Buck can hardly remember ever getting portraits like these done during his childhood….but his parents were different back then.

-OR- Evan Buckley deserves love and hugs because of how shitty his parents are.

*This is honestly one of my favorites that I’ve written...it’s like a character study while Buck was trapped in the warehouse with some liberties surrounding the reason Buck’s in the warehouse*

Secrets

He’d been lied to his whole life...Maddie had never thought to tell him about not being his actual sister...his parents were acting like it didn’t matter...like he should just get over it. Buck’s eyes met Chim’s...and his whole body went rigid. “You knew,” he whispered, looking directly at Chim. “You knew and you didn’t tell me?!” He rounded on his sister, “you told him, but not me?!”

“Evan, I was trying to protect you-”

“No, you don’t get to do that! You don’t get to try and protect me! I’m a grown ass adult, I deserved to know but instead of telling me, you told him and even though I’ve known him longer he still didn’t tell me!” Buck shook his head, backing from the room. “I can’t do this,” he whispered.

-OR- Buck finds out the secret Maddie's been keeping from him while his parents are visiting...he is understandably betrayed.

*Basically, Buck Begins and the Daniel scenes hadn’t happened yet and I wanted to know what the secret was, so I came up with this.*

Ambush of the Parents

Based off the new Promo (or the one I just saw) where we see Maddie, Chim, Albert, Buck and (who I believe) are Buck and Maddie’s Parents. Buck’s dad says “you’ve been seeing a therapist?” and Buck responds “Well, the job can be stressful.”

Disclaimer: Please don't read if verbal abuse from parents triggers you.

~~~~Or Buck’s parents  are absolutely horrible and Buck’s family defends him.

Buck Begins

Buck always tried to please his parents. He wanted to be recognized and loved. He tried to get their approval but it was never enough. *Includes flashbacks, this was before Season 4 was even in production*

~Evan had thought that the SEALs would make his parents proud. He tried out for the SEALs, he went through training, but it still wasn’t enough. Then he’d dropped out. That had been the icing on the cake. Evan had never had a big blowout with his parents. He’d always tried to appease them. He tried to be the perfect son…but they never thought he was good enough. So when he dropped out of the SEALs, having a shouting match with his father as a consequence, he left for South America. He bartended and had fun. Then he’d gone to LA and became a firefighter and he hadn’t contacted his parents since the blowout. 

Here are some fic recs that are not my own works

double vision wrapped in last night’s party clothes by amirlywritingfanficnow

"I have always been honest with you." When Eddie's voice cracks, Buck's composure almost cracks with it. "Why can't you just be honest with me?"

or

When Buck is let in on a long kept family secret, he doesn't know what to do. He almost ruins things with the one person that keeps him from feeling like he's floating away with no way to land, but it ultimately turns out okay with help of a little communication.

*This one pulled at my heart strings a little*

but i leave it in my heart, cause I don’t want to stay in the dark by neoncrayolas

Buck hadn't meant for the confession to come out like it did. He'd wanted it to be more eloquent and not so full of snot and tears.

But once it was out, there was no going back.

Or, part character study of Buck, part coda to 4x05.

*Basically, Buck isolates himself, Eddie gets worried, and Buddie is endgame

Learning to Breathe by TearsThisSideofHeaven

Boy, he thinks as the city lights blur a little in his vision, my therapist is going to have a field day with this.

*Short little fic that delves into Buck’s emotions with Eddie trying to support him

Finally Safe by WinterLioness

In the aftermath of finding out a family secret Buck finds himself going to Eddie. Christopher and Eddie use their Diaz charm to help.

*This picks up on the emotions Buck feels not only because of the family secret but because Maddie kept it from him (not full on hate, but what any normal person would need to work through) and Eddie is there to support him. Features cuddles with the Diaz Boys.

Not Related to the story line of 9-1-1 but has a whole ‘Buck Begins’ vibe because I was world building: The Life We Live

*The Old Guard AU no one asked for* "Athena had seen many a millennium and many men, women, and children die. She had seen the rise and fall of civilizations. She had felt the pain of loneliness and the happiness of community...but she’d never, in her many years of living, seen something like Eddie, Buck, and Chris. She’d never seen this profound of a bond, even between herself and Bobby. After Buck lost Abby and, later, Ali, Athena wasn’t sure he would have let his heart reach out to another person that he could lose...but she was proud of him. He built something that was hard to come by in their way of living. He built a home."

*I’m really proud of this one, it turned out well*

Not Related to the Story Line of 9-1-1, Fics by others!

Please Don’t Say You Love Me (because I might not say it back) by Queerfeministdork

"Say I love you loud, and say I love you often. It was an easy sentiment, and it was a beautiful background picture. But something clenched tightly in Buck’s chest when he saw it flash open as he handed Hen her phone. Because he knew it was a simple thing for most people, that most people could just let those three little words slip out without a care. But he couldn’t. They always got caught in his throat, stuck behind his chest. Tamped down before he could think to breathe them out."

Buck always wished he could just say the words. Turns out, maybe people just know.

*Basically, Buck can’t say ‘I Love You’ as easily as everyone else and panics about it...but eventually, everyone understands.

everything is blue by amirlywritingfanficnow

When Evan Buckley is ten, he discovers nail polish.

-

In which Buck paints his nails, Eddie is flustered, and May is a matchmaker.

*Basically Buck and Eddie saying fuck toxic masculinity. Buck enjoying painting his nails and Eddie is definitely in love with him.

Coming Home To You by kariberri13

The 118 want to know more about Buck, but the man won't give them many details. That is until the biggest detail walks through the station's bay doors.

*Not focused on his past, but a different story focusing on the fact that Buck is married to Eddie and has a kid that he didn’t tell the Fire fam about.

There are tons more, but this is what I could think of off the top of my head! 

Hope you like them!

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

More Hearts Than Mine - Part III

I do not own anything that is familiar to you - songs, characters, etc. This is the next part of the story. Enjoy!

This is the third and final part of this series. If you'd like to catch up on the previous parts, see below.

Part I Part II

October 5

Hearing a noise in the dark, her eyes shot open. Looking over at the clock, she groaned seeing 6:30 flashing back at her. Groaning again, she knew she wasn’t going back to sleep. She got out of bed before quickly getting dressed before carefully opening the door and walking down the stairs. She saw a light in the kitchen before heading that way.

“Katherine, good morning.” Medda sat at the kitchen table, gripping a coffee cup with a bright smile. “Coffee’s over there. Come join me.”

Quickly making a cup, Kat smiled, taking a seat at the table across from Medda. “Are you usually an early riser?”

“I’m the only one . . . that lot upstairs won’t be up until 8 or later. My boys are notorious for sleeping in, they have often been late for important events, including Jack’s graduation from high school.” Medda smiled. “Are you?”

Shrugging, she gripped her mug a bit tighter, a grin fighting to cross her lips. “There are times I can sleep until noon and other times I’m up at 6. I don’t always sleep well when I’m in a new place.”

“Most of my kids are that way too.” Medda sympazied. “But I did hear you handled Fluffy like a charm.”

Kat’s eyes went wide as she heard Medda’s words. “How do you know that?”

Medda laughed, loudly. “Katherine, you’ll quickly find out that there isn’t much that goes around this house that I don’t know about. The boys will answer to Jack before answering to me. I told them before you and Jack arrived that if they pull anything, they’d have to answer to Jack the me.”

“It was innocent . . . honestly.” Kat smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. “I had a ball python growing up so it didn’t phase me.”

Medda gave her a look. “But the principal is still there . . . my kids wanted to scare you and test your strength. And from what I saw last night, you’re a part of the family now.”

Katherine’s eyes went wide at her words. “Really?”

“You not freaking out at the snake was one thing. But you playing soccer with Albert then joining a game of chase, you’re in and they now consider you a part of the family, just like Spot, Amelia, and Finch.” Medda smiled. “And I consider you part of the family as well.”

Kat took a sip, trying to figure out what to say next. “Sorry, I don’t really know what to say to that.”

“You don’t have to say anything, dear.” Medda reached over and patted her hand with a chuckle. “I’m just saying that you’re part of the family now.”

With a knowing smile, Medda sat back in her chair and watched her son’s girlfriend. Katherine gripped the coffee cup a bit tighter before looking up at Medda with a smile. “Can I tell you something?”

Medda nodded quickly, taking a sip of her coffee, waiting for Katherine to say something. “The house I grew up in wasn't great. My mother passed away when I was 15 and my dad, though he is a newspaper tycoon, most nights he was found to be in the bottom of a whiskey bottle. He never hit me or my brothers but he was so far removed from us, that I don’t consider him my father anymore. I couldn’t wait until I got accepted to college and moved out. The only thing that sucks is that my brothers are still living at home.”

“I’m so sorry about your mother and your father. But your brothers have a great sister who looks out for them and protects them.” Medda smiled sadly. “You’re with Medda now and now you’ve got someone to look out for you, while you’re looking out for your family.”

Reaching up, Katherine hastily wiped away the tears that had clouded her eyes. It had been so long since someone was looking out for her, until Jack, now Medda, had come into her life. “Thank you, Medda. You raised one hell of a son and I’m so thankful to have him and now you, in my life. Thank you for raising him to the man he is - I’ve never met anyone like him. Cares more for others around him than himself yet he’s so ambitious in his pursuits.”

“You’re welcome Katherine. And from what I see, you’re perfect for him.” Medda smiled, tilting her head slightly.The smile on her face was one as a proud mother. “It sounds like the crew is up. Warning, they’re a bit rowdy in the morning and the bickering will start as soon as their feet hit the stairs.”

Kat chuckled. “Sounds like my brothers. They’re the same way.”

“How old are they?” Medda asked, listening to doors slam above her.

“They’re 9, 14, and 17. My brother Ryan is joining me at school in the fall. My younger brothers are going to be moving into my aunt’s house beginning next fall, with the option of me gaining guardianship of them when I graduate college.” Katherine smiled, looking over her shoulder to see Jack shuffling down the stairs with a loud yawn.

Medda shook her head at her son. “That’s great, Kat. You’re still going to be in their lives, no matter what happens. Has Jack met them?”

“Not yet . . . they know about him but I haven’t brought him home yet. We’ll probably do that in the upcoming weeks.” Kat admitted with a grimace, knowing how much she had been debating about going home. “I think I’m more afraid of what will be waiting for me.”

Pushing back from the table, Medda leaned over, patting Kat’s shoulder before giving her a motherly look. “Talk to Jack about it. He’ll be there for you.”

Nodding, she watched Medda walk into the kitchen, opening up the fridge to grab the eggs, milk, and cheese just as Jack made his appearance beside Kat. “Morning, Kat. Morning momma.”

Kat grinned up at Jack as he leaned over and kissed her good morning. “Morning Jack. How are you?”

“Good . . . had a kid or two sleeping on my floor this morning.” Jack said, as Medda looked up from the eggs she was cracking open. “I had to dodge the bomb yard that my room has changed into.”

Medda sighed loudly, shaking her head. “I told them they had to clean up your room before you came home . . . I’ll add that to their punishments.”

“Do I dare ask what their other punishments are?” Jack asked, raising his eyebrow in his mom’s directions.

Medda gave him a look. “I told them they couldn’t pull any fast ones on Katherine and yet Fluffy found her way onto her bed yesterday afternoon. So I told them they had to deal with you and me both.”

“Can I decide the punishment?” Jack asked, a big grin fighting to cross his lips.

Medda wavered for a minute. “I think Katherine should be involved in the punishment. She’s the victim in this situation.”

Slowly, Kat’s eyes went wide at Medda’s suggestion. “You want me to figure out the punishment for Charlie and Albert?”

“You can be involved.” Jack grinned, reaching over to put his hand on his girlfriend’s shoulder. “Wanna help me out, Kat?”

Nodding, she grinned before biting her lip. “I’d love to.”

Soon the topic was laid to rest, with a plan in mind as footfalls were evident on the stairs as two voices started bickering. Jack sighed, shaking his head. “I can’t say that I haven’t missed that. It’s eerily quiet in the dorms in the morning.”

“You’re welcome to come here and I’ll trade you for the weekend.” Medda shook her head fondly. “I don’t know if I can recall what silence is.”

“I thought silence usually means something is wrong.” Race asked, coming into the kitchen, leaning against the counter, giving his brother and Kat a look.

“In your case, yes it does. But for the majority of the population, it’s a good thing.” Jack quipped back, giving his brother a look. “Why were you on my floor this morning?”

Race’s face dropped as he gave his older brother a look. “Geez . . . I’ve missed you okay, contrary to popular belief. Felt like indulging in one of our favorite traditions but I see you’re a mister big shot college hotshot and don’t want to do that anymore . . . I see how it is.”

“I miss when you wouldn’t talk in the morning, only communicating in a series of grunts and motions.” Jack said, standing from his chair. Before Kat or Medda could say anything, Jack pulled Race into his arms and started a series of noogies and roughhousing.

“Boys, if you’re going to roughhouse, take it outside. I don’t feel like going to search for dining room chairs today to replace the broken ones you will break.” Medda called, hand on her hip and a spatula pointed at the two. “Now if you’re done, come grab plates and silverware and set the table. Katherine, do you need more coffee?”

Standing from her chair, Katherine filled her coffee cup, watching the two brothers playfully shove each other as they set the table. Soon the rest of the family joined them, as Medda mentally counted the bodies. “Smalls is missing . . . is she still asleep?”

“She was yelling a few minutes ago.” Henry spoke up with a grin. “She was yelling at Romeo.”

Medda looked at her older kids before landing on Jack. “WIll you go get her?”

Nodding, Jack walked up the stairs, yelling all the way up. Katherine shook her head, taking another sip of her coffee. “Sorry it’s so loud here in the morning.”

Looking at Charlie, Kat grinned. “I’ve got three younger brothers so it’s not just your house that’s loud in the morning. My brothers are fighting just as soon as their feet hit the ground running.”

“Princess of the family?” Albert asked, leaning back in his chair to look at Katherine.

She scoffed. “I thought that might’ve been evident last night as I kicked your butt in soccer? Nah, I was never the princess.”

“Pffft . . . you didn’t kick my butt in soccer last night.” Albert shook his head. “That must’ve been in your dreams, princess.”

Race chuckled. “Nah, I remember her doing a sick ball trick, dribbling it between your legs before making a sweet goal.”

“Betrayed by my own brother.” Albert shook his head, shoving Race, who had just taken a sip of orange juice before spraying it across the table.

Katherine did all she could at the moment and just laughed, thanking her lucky stars that the pancakes and bacon weren’t on the table yet. “You’re disgusting Racetrack. Albert, sulking isn’t a good look on you.”

“Katherine, you’re officially a part of the family. I deem it so.” Charlie exclaimed, grinning watching the scene play out. “You’re welcome back here anytime.”

“Well that’s good to hear.” Jack said, coming around the table with Smalls on his back, the girl’s eyes still closed. “Alright Smalls, time to unload. Momma’s making pancakes and bacon.”

The girl’s eyes popped open with a laugh as Jack set her on her chair before sitting in the chair to Kat’s left. “What did Kat do to earn a place in the family?”

Charlie spent the next few minutes clueing in Jack on what transpired while he was upstairs. While that was happening, Kat felt a nudge from her right, looking over at Smalls with a grin. “Mornin’ Kat.”

“Mornin’ Smalls. How did you sleep?” Kat asked, taking another sip of her coffee with a grin.

The girl nodded before biting her lip as if she was nervous to ask something. “Good. Can I ask you something?”

“Of course you can. What’s up?” Kat said, turning so she faced the girl as the entire table came to a standstill at their exchange.

Smalls immediately noticed, giving each of her brothers a mean stare. “Mind your own business, geeze.”

Waiting until the table went back to their own conversations, Smalls gave Kat a look. “Can you braid my hair? Jack said that you usually wear yours in braids and you’re really good at it.”

“Yes, I can. What kind of braids do you want in your hair?” Kat asked, catching Medda’s gaze as she put a plate of pancakes on the table. Medda winked at Kat with a grin.

“Can you do French braid?” Smalls asked with a grin.

Nodding her head, Kat smiled. “Of course, that’s usually how I braid my hair. How about you take a shower after breakfast then we’ll braid your hair?”

“Perfect!” Smalls grinned, watching Medda put the plate of bacon on the table before taking a seat.

The next few minutes was havoc as everyone grabbed for the various breakfast items on the table. Kat sat back and just watched everything with an amused smirk on her face. “You better grab something before it’s all gone.”

Dodging Smalls arm, she quickly secured herself a pancake and three strips of bacon before sitting back in her chair, satisfied with what she obtained before digging in. She felt Jack nudge her side before looking over at him. All he did was grin at her. Warmth spread through her at the subtle gesture from her boyfriend. Though it was subtle, it meant the world to her.

“So what’s everyone’s plans for today?” Medda asked as a hush descended on the table. She held up a hand, warding off everyone talking at once. “I know we have Al’s soccer game, there was something about some of you wanting to do something else. Anything else?”

Kat wanted to chuckle, the silence around the table was the most quiet she had heard since she walked in the house yesterday afternoon. “Alright, we’re leaving at 10 for Al’s soccer game then we’ll grab lunch out.”

With that, the table went back to their original conversations while Kat just focused on eating and not getting in the middle of any of the debates.

Before long, the table was cleared, Race and Charlie on clean up duty. Smalls slipped her hand into Kat’s before leading her upstairs. “I’ll go take a shower and meet you back here after I’m done?”

“Sounds good.” Kat agreed, watching the girl shut the door as she took a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Kat grinned, quickly getting dressed. She quickly braided her hair, just looping the ponytail holder as her door flew open. “What the hell?”

“Sorry Ace.” Jack huffed, slamming the door behind him before leaning against it. “Race, Charlie, and Al are all after me - this is the only safe place in the house.”

“Why are they after you?” Kat asked, walking over to where he stood, leaning over and giving him a kiss. “Mmm . . . love you.”

“Love you too.” A wolfish grin crossed Jack’s lips. “They’re trying to figure out what their punishment is going to be.”

Her eyes went wide with a grin. “You didn’t tell them, did you?”

“Not yet . . . figured I’d keep them on their toes during the game and we can execute it later this afternoon.” Jack grinned.

Kat chuckled. “Well, Al’s portion will be this morning. By the way, here are the things that you requested.”

“Perfect.” Jack grinned, leaning over and kissing her again. “Hey, just checking in. Are you doing okay?”

Kat quickly nodded. “Never better. Had a good talk with your mom, told her about my dysfunctional family, Charlie declared me a part of the family, and Smalls wants me to braid her hair. Your brothers are going to want to kill me after this morning. I really, really love your family, Jack. I haven’t felt this comfortable since before my mom died. I kind of want my brothers to meet yours.”

“Oh lives will never, ever be the same again.” Jack chuckled. “I want to meet them, you know.”

She nodded. “I know. I am trying to figure out a good time for us to go out there so you can meet them. Maybe in a few weeks.”

“Sounds good.” He grinned as a soft knock sounded on the door.

“Katherine?” Jack grinned, recognizing the voice as he stepped back from the door, carefully opening it allowing Smalls to enter. “What are you doing in here?”

Jack chuckled. “Checking in on my girlfriend, making sure you crazies haven’t scared her off. What are you doing here?”

“Kat’s going to braid my hair.” Smalls said, holding out a hairbrush and a ponytail holder.

Jack nodded. “I’ll leave you two to it. I’ll go let Albert know his side of the punishment, wish me luck.”

Both girls yelled their well wishes before he quickly opened and closed the door. “Hey Kat? You don’t mind me calling you Kat; Katherine is kind of a mouthful.”

“Of course not. That’s one of my nicknames.” Kat grinned, running a brush through her hair.

Smalls grinned. “I’m glad you’re with Jack. He usually is so focused on helping momma out that he doesn’t usually date. He worked at a local wine and canvas shop in high school that he usually wasn’t around much. But I’m glad he has you and he brought you home.”

“Thanks Smalls. I’m glad I have him too. And I’m glad he brought me home to meet all of you.” She grinned, plaiting her hair into three sections. “Jack mentioned you played lacrosse?”

“Uh huh . . . I’ve been playing it since I was 7. It’s a lot of fun. Do you know much about the game?” Small asked as Kat started to braid the sections.

“No, not really. My cousin plays but I haven’t been to a game in a while. You’ll have to tell me all about it.” Kat said as they heard a “Oh Hell No” come from down the hallway. “I guess Jack told Albert what his punishment is.”

Smalls laughed. “And what’s that punishment?”

“He has to wear a skirt and tank of mine to the soccer field.” Kat laughed as her door was thrown open and an irate Albert stood there holding her clothes.

“I hate you Katherine.” Albert said, pointing his finger at her as she gave him a bright smile.

“Love you too Al. I think you have the legs to pull off that skirt.” Kat said as Race catcalled from behind Albert.

Raising a one finger salute at Race, Al narrowed his eyes at Kat. “And if I choose not to wear this?”

“Then you can join in Charlie’s punishment this afternoon.” Kat said, raising an eyebrow. “You can decide which one will be worse but I’m not telling you Charlie’s punishment.”

Albert sighed. “So I just have to wear the skirt and shirt to the field, change into my uniform and be done?”

“That’s it.” Kat said, nodding as she looped the ponytail holder around the end of Smalls’ hair.

Al looked at his brother’s girlfriend and younger sister. “Quit laughing, Felicity, it’s not that funny.”

“Yes it is . . . I think you’ve met your match in Kat.” Smalls chuckled, running a hand through her now braided hair. “Thanks Kat.”

With a quick hug, Smalls left the room, leaving Albert in a staredown with Kat. “So what is it going to be, Al? Skirt and shirt or punishment later this afternoon?”

“Ugh . . . you suck. Shirt and skirt.” Al said with another glare before marching off to his room before the door slammed.

Kat grinned, raising an eye at Race and Charlie who still stood in the hallway. “Can I help you two?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Al that mad before.” Race said, eyes wide at the exchange between the two.

Kat shrugged. “He’ll be alright. I’ve got a whole arsenal of punishments from my brothers. That’s not the worse one I have in my stash.”

“And what is?” Charlie spoke up, suddenly nervous about his own punishment coming later in the day.

She laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know. Just know, never to piss me off.”

“So can I have a hint about my punishment?” Charlie spoke up, looking over at his brother before giving Kat a look.

“Kat don’t give him a hint.” Jack yelled from down the hall. “He doesn’t deserve a hint.”

Laughing at her boyfriend’s antics, Kat shrugged. “Paint, lots of paint.”

“You’re a sucker, Katherine Rose.” Jack said, walking into the room to join his brothers. “You shouldn’t have given him any hints.”

Kat gave her boyfriend a look. “What’s to say that paint is actually involved? Maybe I’m just messing with him.”

And with that, she headed downstairs with a grin, leaving the boys to wonder if she was really joking or not. Stepping off the stairs, she saw Medda in the kitchen and headed that way. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Get the crew moving upstairs?” Medda asked, writing something on a piece of paper stuck to the fridge before giving her a grin. “I heard you’ve caused a frenzy with Al this morning.”

“Punishment - he’s gotta dress in one of my shirts and a skirt to arrive at the soccer game.” Kat’s eyes were bright as she spoke.

Medda laughed. “That’s perfect for him. And Charlie?”

“I’m debating between two of my favorites but I’m having fun messing with him on giving him clues.” Kat grinned.

The older woman shook her head. “I don’t know why I was worried, you’ll fit in just fine around here. Smalls is all happy because you braided her hair.”

“It’s the least I could do.” Kat shrugged as there was noise on the stairs as everyone came down.

“Momma, let’s go! We’re gonna be late.” Al hollered, walking into the kitchen, dressed in the skirt and Kat’s shirt. Both women busted up laughing at the sight of him.

“I didn’t know you would make such a pretty girl, Al.” Medda chuckled as his eyes flew up at Medda.

“Momma . . . this is embarrassing.” Albert whined, giving his mother and Kat a look. “You’re evil Katherine Rose.”

Holding up her hands, Kat chuckled. “Then don’t leave Fluffy’s cage door open anymore.”

“You handled her like a champ.” Albert bit back, sticking his tongue out at her.

“I did but your mom and Jack told you not to pull anything stupid.” Kat argued back, raising an eyebrow at him.

Albert tilted his head, looking at Kat. “We had to see how tough whoever Jack brought home was. Do you ever prank one of your brother’s girlfriends?”

“I haven’t had the opportunity. My oldest youngest brother has his one girlfriend since he was 15 and I love her to pieces.” Kat smiled softly. “She’s going to be my sister-in-law some day.”

Al smiled at that. “That’s sweet.”

“Awww Albert has a heart, never thought I’d see a day.” Race yelled as he made his way into the kitchen to join the rest of the family. Race took a moment to send a catcall in Albert’s direction.

Medda shook her head, looking at her children. “Go get yourselves into the car. Jack, Kat are you driving in your car?”

Jack nodded with a grin. “Yes, we will. We’ll meet you at the field - I’m going to give Kat the dime tour of the town.”

“Okay, we’ll see you at the field.” And with that Jack grabbed Kat’s hand, leading her out of the house and to his car.

2:00pm

The excitement was high with the dramatic win of Albert’s team winning the game. The group went out for lunch, which was just as rambunctious. Kat couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed as hard as she did during lunch. Jack’s siblings were something up and she was glad she had the toes to keep up with all of them.

Now, they were in the backyard, Charlie in a pair of swim trunks while his siblings stood around him trying to figure out what’s going on and where Jack and Kat were. “What did she say again?”

Charlie looked over at Race. “When we got home, all she said was get on some swimming trunks and meet them in the backyard. Her and Jack disappeared and I haven’t seen them since.”

“You nervous?” Al asked, looking over at his older brother who grinned.

Shrugging, Charlie shook his head. “Most of what’s to come, but I’m not nervous.”

“Then why are you shaking like a leaf?” Kat asked as her and Jack came around the corner with a bucket between them.

As they got closer, they dropped the bucket on the ground before walking closer to where Albert, Race, and Charlie all stood. Kat grinned hearing the house door slam shut as Smalls, Medda, Romeo, and Henry come out of the house. “Why are you shaking like a leaf, Charlie?”

“I-I’m not . . .” Charlie cleared his throat, shaking his head. “Can we just get this done and over with?”

“Sure . . . you just need to go stand on the blue tarp and just close your eyes.” Kat said, grinning and raising an eyebrow.

Her and Jack watched Charlie walk over there, cross his arms and waited. Jack grinned, looking over at Kat before picking up the bucket, walking closer to the tarp before dropping it again. Race and Albert, along with the rest of the family walked closer, standing behind Jack and Kat.

Reaching into the bucket, Katherine grabbed a water balloon before lobbing it in Charlie’s direction, watching it splat a brilliant bright blue across his chest. Jack picked one up and lobbed it before a splat of pink hit the side of his head.

“I declare a paint war.” Kat yelled as Race and Albert joined them, grabbing several balloons before lobbing them at their brother, splatters of orange, blue, pink, red, and blue paint scattered the fence and surrounding area.

Squeals of laughter and yelling rang out in the backyard as Kat slipped away, going to stand next to Medda with a peal of laughter. “Sorry that we messed up your backyard.”

“Oh honey, that’ll wash away.” Medda grinned. “Do you see how happy all of my children are? That’s your doing and you have created a memory for them they’ll remember for a long time. And also, you established that you’re not one to mess with.”

Kat smiled, watching Jack tackle Race before Albert, Charlie, Smalls, and Romeo all piled on. Henry yelled before throwing his body onto the pile. Medda wrapped her arm around Kat pulling her close as they both laughed.

Something caught her attention as Jack started towards her and Medda. She caught sight of what he had in his hand, her eyes going wide. “Jackson Francis Kelly . . . don’t you dare!”

Jack laughed, as he ran towards her throwing the balloon towards her. She was quick on her feet, running away from Jack, running towards the bucket to grab the three remaining balloons in the bucket. She quickly made her way to one end of the pool while Jack stood on the other end, with two balloons in his hand. “Are you now scared, Plumber?”

“Of you, never.” She said, bouncing on her toes, looking around the area making sure someone wasn’t sneaking up behind her. “What are you going to do now, Kelly? You’re not walking away unharmed.”

She grinned, looking across the pool at him as Race snuck up behind his brother and pushed him into the pool with a loud battle cry. Kat walked around the pool to stand in front of where Jack was treading water. She crouched down, looking at him with a smirk. “You were getting a little hot headed there Jackie boy. You cooled off?”

“Yes, Kat.” He grinned, swimming over to the side of the pool to where she was. “I love you.”

“Love you too. But your brother loves me more than you.” Kat raised an eyebrow, looking behind her shoulder at where Race was smirking. “Truce?”

He looked at her smirking, before looking behind him at where his siblings stood. Pulling himself out of the pool, Kat’s smirk got wide, if possible, at the wet shirt clinging to her boyfriend’s chest. Kat stood, looking at her boyfriend. Jack held out his hand, waiting for her to slip hers into his. “Truce. Now what are you going to do with those three extra balloons?”

Smirking, Kat turned and lobbed all three balloons at Charlie, Albert, and Race in quick succession, causing all three to squawk at her in protest. Clapping her hands together, she looked at the three. “There, officially your punishment is over from Fluffy. Now don’t forget that I can do anything better than you can.”

“Yeah, yeah princess.” Race threw his hands in her direction as Kat laughed. “I can’t take you seriously, Race, with that pink paint you’re sporting.”

Race laughed, shaking his head. “Well I think you’re a little left out of the family with your paintless shirt, Kat. Troops, assemble.”

Before she could say another word, she was hugged and attacked by the siblings, causing her to throw her head back and laugh as every square inch of her clothing was covered in multiple splatters of blue, pinks, oranges, green, and reds. “We love you, Kat.”

“Love you too, brats.” She said, affectionately rubbing each of their heads before looking over to where Jack and Medda stood, arms wrapped around one another, identical grins on their faces. Jack mouthed “love you” while Medda just nodded at her. She grinned, having no desire to be anywhere other than where she was at that moment - all of Jack’s siblings wrapped up in a massive hug with paint splattered clothes.

That’s the end of what I have planned for this series. If there’s anything else you’d love to see, feel free to leave me a comment. I have a request for Jack’s backstory which I am going to start working on tomorrow and hope to have it posted soon.

[nimmy22]

A Mistake: Chapter 1

summery: Set before the events of spencer's mansion. Slight AU where the Birkin's most recent babysitter gets more than she ever bargained for on one stormy night as she watched over Sherry. Cara was ready for a blackout but she almost got her life snuffed out when two forces attack the Brikin’s home, their goals unclear. All Cara wanted to do was get Sherry to safety but with the phone lines dead, she has to rely on herself. Will Albert Wesker be an ally? Or will he add Cara to the list of things needing a "clean up"?

I hope you enjoy!

Reposted from my account on AO3 under my username doomer.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/doomer

------------------------------

This was not how she thought the night would go. The worst that should have happened tonight was a power outage due to the howling winds and rain threatening to shatter the glass and uproot trees.

Cara was prepared, having dug around the house for a flashlight as soon as she arrived, making sure the windows were closed. Her clothes clung to her like a second skin, suffocatingly tight. She regretted the black skirt and navy-blue sweater she chose to wear for the day as the wind wouldn't stop nipping at her skin. The whole way here, Cara clung onto Claire's body as the redhead dropped her off after school on the back of her motorbike before heading home. Her red leather jacket was envy, but at least now, Cara had found shelter in the spacious home.

Storms like this weren't out of the norm here in Raccoon City. Nowhere in the city was immune to the outages, not even in this affluent neighborhood where the Umbrella's most prominent employees, as well as the mayor, lived.

And so, it wasn't long before the cartoons playing on the bulky T.V screen flickered to darkness. Sherry turned back to Cara, immediately crawling towards her babysitter from where she sat cross-legged on the carpeted floor in front of the TV.

Cara was ready and flickered the flashlight on, but it seemed like the batteries were nearly dead. The beam was weak, and she had to shake it a few times before the light would give a steady glow.

"Cara, I'm scared," Sherry said, sliding next to the high schooler on the couch. Her tiny fingers wrapped around the hand that Cara held the flashlight with as if to help power it up. It did not work—what a surprise. Cuteness is not an energy form.

"Don't worry. I am right here. You live on the nice side of town. It won't be long before we get the power back." Cara said, pinching Sherry's little chubby cheeks. "While we wait, let's go look for some new batteries. These won't last for another hour."

"Ok, I saw some batteries in daddy's office the other day," Sherry said, beaming at her friend. The scent of Cara lingered around the house more often than her own mother. It helped soothe her loneliness for a time, until it faded. She had been beyond happy to finally convince her parents she still needed a babysitter after her old one vanished mysteriously. A babysitter was the only way to have any form of company in the empty house. No friends were allowed over while her parents were out. And they were never home.

"Great! I would rather replace these before we're forced to run around in the dark to find some," Cara said, returning the young girl's smile.

Sherry grabbed Cara's hand and began leading the older girl up the stairs. Two steps up, and her little feet paused their ascend.

"Daddy wasn't happy the last time I snuck in there. He just knew that I went in, but I didn't even touch anything. What should we do, Cara?" The little girl looked down at Cara from where she stood, fiddling with her pendant. It was a present from her mom for her last birthday. The pendant regularly brought the little girl comfort, but she would have easily traded it for more time spent with her parents.

"Don't worry. I'm sure we can find some in other places without getting in trouble with Mr. Birkin." Cara said, leaning towards the little girl with a grin.

While Cara hadn't expected anything from this babysitting job over the weekend, she got something she didn't know she was missing out on. A little sister. Like Cara, Sherry was also an only child, and they found an instant connection with each other. Cara felt a familial love towards the young girl that she herself never received from her mother and father—another thing they had in common.

While Cara was at the Birkin’s home, she found herself pretending that she was watching over her little sister while their parents were working into the late hours of the night. Her real home, real family, were something that she would much rather disengage her mind from for as long as possible. Any excuse to stay away was a good one.

With Sherry in one hand and the flashlight in the other, Cara set out to search the house for batteries. They rummaged through the kitchen drawers only to come up with eating utensils and loose change. Strangely, the kitchen was very much lacking in cooking appliances, but it was clear the Birkins were rarely home, and when they were, cooking was not a priority.

The trashcan was piled high with takeout boxes, and Cara made a mental note to take it out before she left, seeing as no one was going to remove it anytime soon. She could come next Friday and find it still there. The house wasn't exactly dirty. Almost everything was covered in layers of dust. Other than Sherry and her parents, Cara did not know who else sets foot into the spacious home. Many rooms went unused. The home appeared grand on the outside, but the inside did not live up to the expectation she once had the first time she came here. However, this was still a safe haven for her away from home.

Everything was all too quiet, too still—no buzzing of the fridge, no cars passing by, no humming of the electricity. The silence was filled with the sound of their feet, and their exhales. Compared to Cara, Sherry's feet were much quieter against the wooden floors. But her nervous breathing was louder.

While Cara was trying to appear strong and confident for the little girl, she couldn't help but begin to flatter in her steps. She wasn't afraid of the dark, but something did sit right.

Tik Tok. Tik Tok.

As they neared the staircase on their way back to the living room, they passed a clock hung on the wall. It was half-past ten.

"This will have to do," Cara said, reaching for the clock and removing its batteries. "Don't be scared, ok? I'm just going to replace the batteries. Can you hold these for a second?" the little girl nodded, clutching her tiny hands onto Cara's shirt as she accepted the batteries with her other hand. The metal cylinders were icy cold in her hand, but she gripped them harder. With a reassuring smile, Cara removed the batteries from the flashlight, and the room was engulfed in darkness.

"Here, pass them to me," Cara said, feeling for the little girl's hand.

Just as Cara felt the now warm metal cylinder in her hand, a bang startled them both. It wasn't loud, it wasn't enough to shake the walls, but it started them just enough for the batteries to drop to the wooden floor before rolling into the darkness. There was nothing but the sound to indicate which way it went.

Sherry yelped, clinging to Cara even tighter. "What was that?" She whispered, a tremble taking over her lips.

"I don't know," Cara answered, her pulse racing. She drew the girl closer to her body, waiting for another sound—but heard nothing.

"Maybe daddy or mommy came home?" Sherry said, completely unconvinced by her own proposal.

"I don't think so. Your dad said they won't be back tonight." Cara answered, gently nudging the little girl toward the staircase. She inserted the old batteries back into the flashlight before leading Sherry upstairs. The beam was weak, but it got them there.

"You'll be safer in your room," Cara said before reaching to close the bedroom door as the little girl entered. "Wait here, Sherry, I'll be right back, I promise. It's probably just kids with nothing better to do on a Friday night. I know a few idiots right off the top of my head who would think this is funny."

"Wait! Where are you going, Cara?" The little girl said desperately, her eyes growing twice their size as she realized Cara was leaving her.

"I'll be back," Cara said and again attempted to leave. Above them, a skylight window bathed the little girl's room with the pale moonlight.

"But what if you don't come back?" Sherry whispered, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"Why wouldn't I?" Cara said, her eyebrows furrowing. She was trying to convince herself that this was nothing, but Sherry wasn't helping whatsoever.

"Sorry," Sherry responded, crawling her way under the bed.

Cara left, gently shutting the door behind her as she went. She made her way downstairs, doing her best to muffle her breathing and lighten her footfalls. She checked the front door and found it pleasantly locked. "It's probably some idiots," She muttered, feeling the tension lifted from her shoulders. She checked the windows on the first floor and found them similarly untouched. With an eye-roll, she made her way to the staircase, keen on heading back to comfort the little girl and inform her of the lack of danger.

She hadn't taken four steps before she spotted a shape in the darkness that hadn't been there before from the corner of her eye. Her heart jumped a beat better than she could've ever jumped the obstacles in track and field. Her gut screamed at her to flee in the other direction, to hide next to Sherry under the bed. Instead, she Collected her scattered courage and pointed the flashlight at the source of her unease.

Only there was nothing. The silhouette was gone. Before Cara could continue her search, the flashlight died, and she was left with an even stronger gut feeling. "Not now, damn it!" She cursed, aggressively shaking the flashlight.

She sighed in relief for a split second as the weak beam returned, only to feel all the breath being snatched from her lungs. A six-foot-man, heavily armed and dressed in black fatigues, came straight for her, face obscured by a ski mask. A scream bubbled its way out of her throat, only to burst prematurely as the intruder raised a gun to his lips. She forced her lips shut, feeling hot tears build up before they trickled down her cold cheeks.

[whitewall660]

Home Alone, Eat your Hole Out as Santa Cums Unexpectedly...Twice

It would be the last house they would ever break into in fact it would become their permanent new home as sadly for two totally straight guys like John and Darren, breaking into houses over Christmas would prove to be fatal very fatal as they chose a legal licensed Hpno Masters house to break into, tut! tut!.

In our very liberal state Masters who have the gift of Hypnotism have certain rights and privileges under state law, these include, correcting youths who break the law or play ball on the sidewalk particularly if the ball comes into the garden of the Master, assisting the Police in getting truthful answers from would-be criminals and then helping to reprogram prisoners after they've served some time in prison, ironically most of which end up in the porn business but it means they get a good honest living even if it isn't a straight one, lol, while I might add helping to recruit the right honest hunky sexy cadets for the local Police Academy and U.S. Marines Recruiting Office in town among other things.

The Masters also have the right to own and possess anything or anyone that comes onto their property with out rightful intent and this unfortunately for John and Darren would include them.

The Master was lying in his bed horny as fucking hell as he sold his latest "Fuck Boy" just before Christmas as there is only so much FFF a fuck boy can take before he become loose eventually that is, FFF being Fingering Fisting and Fucking I might add, but as you can imagine he was horny for a bottom but he didn't think for one minute that Santa would bring two of the tightest fuckholes he would enjoy ridding in a long long time over the Christmas period that would follow.

Darren and John where up to that point total straight, in fact they hated fags and enjoyed beating them, they here both in their mid 20's and both had kids, John had three boys and one girl on the way but had served time in juvey for getting his sister pregnant, and because John's parents where strong religious believers she would eventually give birth too twins so that meant John technically had 5 kids, Darren on the other hand her two girls with his current girlfriend but had a kid each with the last 2 girlfriends, However both regularly sold loads of cum to the local speambank so good knows how many kids they had, but unfortunately for them after tonight any loads that would come out of their knobs from this point on would be for anything other than baby making.

The Master heard a noise while he was lying in his bed and got up to investigate and when he came out in the living room he found Darren and John rummaging through a pile of presents under the tree, He turned on the lights yelling "HEY" at the same time and as you can imagine both John and Darren turned to look in shock at the Master who at the same time simply snapped his fingers using both hands beautifully in a split second sending John and Darren into an instant trance.

The Master was annoyed and walked over slapping both guys across the face no less than 3 times each with his massive haired shovel like hand, he then paused and eyed them up and down before instructing them to strip butt naked  and answer a series of questions they would answer honestly and without fail or hesitation, 

The question where simple, their names, where they where from, what they were doing, where they been, in asking this he also found out they had a van parked near by with the serious spoils of several other houses particularly houses that were empty of people over the season, but he decided to move on to the more important stuff as the spoils could wait.

Are you straight or gay, not that it made any difference to the Master but he preferred straight, have you any wife's partners boyfriends or kids, where do you live, What do you do for a living, how much money do you have in the bank and of course how big are your dicks.

Although the Master had a passion for a big cock himself he had no problem with guys who had small dicks, but anyone with a small dick would have to have their balls stretched substantially with their knobs being heavily pierced with a large Prince Albert Ring which would keep a small cock down in it's small state, but Darren and John were packing much to the Masters delight, John coming in at 11.5 inches that would put Daddy D to shame while Darren had just over 9 inches of a cock that was almost the spit of Jeff Strikers Powertool, but both their balls were quite full in body almost as big as Spanish Onions and where well packed in at the base of the shaft.

The also both had tattoos, Johns current pussy was Asian so she persuaded him to get and SISU Dragon Tattoo something the Master would change eventually along with the tattoo on his ass cheek that indicated who his first fuck was and the date of same, but the Master first thoughts and impressions are always his best so he decided he would eventually get a large "[B”] for Bareback over the Dragon and he would put "Property of" over the first fucks tattoo on his ass not to mention his slave number which would be 187 for John, this would be on the back of the head just above the collar line for all to see of course in due course, needless to say Darren got 188 as his slave number and had his only tattoo which was his first born kids name of which the Master would also eventually change to a large pride flag, and not to feel left out where John's two where concerned Darren would get a black fisted arm tattooed on his back with its index finger pointing down to and just touching the top of his soon be new FFF hole,

One of the Masters favorite pastimes was getting his slaves to bend over, he would then grab their ball sack with his left hand squeezing's their nuts between his thumb and first finger, and then swinging downward from a height in a long armed seriously swift swing slapping the bollox in the severe download trust in the process, and on a regular basis I might add particularly if he was annoyed with slaves, why, well its because he totally enjoyed the mooning and screams which gave him a substantial hard on himself, and as John and Darren had broken window getting into the house a severe ball spanking had to be delivered.

With most of the Masters neighbors away the punishment that had to be delivered needless to say was not heard by anyone, but there moans and groans which where being recorded gave their first ever Master an aching hard on himself, the recordings would later be used to sell the boys but could be listened to again and again as subsequent slapping's wouldn't sound the same.

When he had finished and the boys had eventually composed themselves from the severest pain they ever endured he instructed him to walk towards the spare room that would be there new sleeping quarters, their they found a series of dog baskets on the ground that would be there beds for the rest of their time with him and he allowed them to ponder this for a good while before instructing them to shower and then pick a basket where they would wait until he whistled for them, he then went in to his own boudoir to have a shower himself popping a couple of Viagra first as he was now planning a long fucking night of Fingering Fisting and Fucking of this wonderful double gift from Santa..... "Happy Mastermass"

[ask-powerwoman]

So, Villa how did Dot find out about Ultra Woman? And why did she leave in the first place?

*This story is heavily based on the Mega Man Archie comics.

“Hey, mum?” Dot asks her creator, Doctor Villa “I thought I was your first robot. WVN-00A.”

“That’s right.” Villa responds with a smile

“Then... who’s WVN-000, ‘Lyra’...?” Villa froze, and glances to the screen that her daughter was looking at.

“See?” Dot says pointing to the name, “I was cleaning up the database when I found this. Is it an error?”

Villa sighs. “That... that isn’t an error.” She says, “Lyra was your older sister.”

Dot’s eyes light up. “Really?! Where is she? When do I get to meet her?”

“I’m sorry, Dot. But I’m afraid you’ll never get to meet Lyra.” Villa says sadly “she was my first triumph, and my greatest failure...”

“I... I don’t understand. What happened?” Dot asks.

That’s when Villa began to explain what had happened many years ago. When she was younger, more naive, and just beginning her life’s work. Back when She still counted Doctor Wily as a friend...

~~~

“That’s it Albert! She’s all done!” Villa says with a smile, lifting the goggles up onto the top of her head.

“Mmm..” Wily placed a hand to his chin, examining Villa’s newest creation. “It’s awfully... human-looking, Winter.” He says “Your military contract was for an advanced combat robot. You’ve built a... young lady.”

“And” Villa says “And my robot master line WILL be capable of advanced warfare --as well as a myriad of other advanced mental processes. I’ll get them their weapon, but this prototype, My girl, will stay with me.”

“Hmph. I’d say... you were taking your love of robotics too far, but then I’d be a hypocrite.” Wily says with a softened smile to his friend. “Let’s wake her up.”

“Right. Wake up, dear, Good morning...” the robot girl sat up on the work table, her long blonde ponytail moving over slightly as she rubs her eyes. “...Lyra!”

“...hello?” Lyra says, hesitantly, before finding herself suddenly picked up off the table and into a strong hug.

“Welcome to the world my lovely girl!” Villa says happily “I am your creator, Doctor Villa!” She allows Lyra to sit down once again. “How do you feel? The self diagnostic should’ve kicked in first thing.”

“I feel... fine?” Lyra responds “all systems report nominal.” She looks around

“I... I feel... confused. Overwhelmed. Disoriented. I know we’re in the ‘lab’ and what a ‘lab’ is but... why?”

Villa smiles with excitement “do you hear this, Albert? She’s self aware! Not five minutes online and she’s already thinking metaphysically!”

“Mm-hmm.” Wily replies scribbling notes down on a pad “Don’t mind me... just taking the measurements you’ll need for the weapon upgrades later. You’re welcome, by the way.”

Lyra blinks and looks at her hands “w...weapons?”

“Don’t worry about that now. You’re taking the first steps to bridge the gap between humanity and robotics.” Villa places a hand on Lyra’s shoulder. “You have data, but what you need now, is culture.”

Villa took Lyra out to see the city. The large buildings that seem to tower over everything, She bought Lyra a long purple scarf that she was fascinated by, She took her to the museum to see wondrous pieces of artwork, to the forest area where she got to feed real, organic birds and a deer, and finally to the symphony in the park as the moon finally began to rise.

In retrospect, Villa was too enthusiastic back then. She pushed too much of the world--of her own goals--on Lyra at once. But she seemed to be accepting it all so well...

Unfortunately, this was also when Villa received a great deal of her funding from military research. Without it, she would never have been able to construct Lyra. However, her benefactors wanted something to show for their investments, so...

Villa placed a helmet on Lyra’s head carefully as they prepare for the demonstration.

“Remember your programming. Hit-and-Run, don’t be reckless, pick your targets wisely, don’t forget to use your cover to your advantage...”

“Relax.” Lyra says with a confident smile. “I got this.”

Villa let’s out a heavy sigh as Lyra walks into the field.

“G-good afternoon, gentlemen. Today’s demonstration is of Villa Labs autonomous combat robot, model number WVN-000.” She says to the military representatives. “Today you will see how a robot can be capable of independent thought. Villa Labs hopes to bring the same capabilities to the civilian sector one day. But first, we will demonstrate the versatility my d--er.. this robot can perform in a... in a live fire exercise. Future models will allow for military operations with no... um... risk to human life.”

The demonstration began. Lyra ducked behind one of the walls as the training drones began to rapid fire.

Lyra smirks, charging her buster and dashing out from her cover, taking out several drones before reaching the next piece of wall for cover.

The shots from the drones cracked the wall on the outside, but that didn’t stop Lyra from leaping up and grabbing a hold of the wall, using the top as cover to take out more drones.

But something wasn’t right.

Lyra lands back on the ground, pushing the wall hard enough to topple it over.

Her body sparking all the while.

As exercise 2 was about to start, the sparking grew worse. Lyra felt off. It was dizzying for her.

“Doc... Doctor V-Villa? Something’s...”

Lyra tried to fire at one of the new incoming drones, but it missed.

And the drones swoop down to cut her with the propeller blades

“Lyra? LYRA?!” Villa exclaims with fear and worry “STOP THE TEST!!”

She came running over to her daughter, who now lay weak on the ground.

“Everything was going so well.” One of the military representatives says, “What happened, doctor?”

“There... seems to be an imbalance in her power generator. She’s never been put under this kind of strain...” Villa says, examining the data she was receiving from the damaged prototype.

“You didn’t test it first?”

“Of course I did!” Villa exclaims “but everything about her is unique—experimental. A robot this advanced requires a tremendous amount of power, and when the output is pushed...”

“It certainly shows promise,” says one of the military representatives, “but the power failure is a concern.”

“Yes...” adds another, “A simpler model would require less power, a simpler battle software would still be sufficient.”

“Congratulations, Doctor, you’ve won us over. We’ll clear you for further research funding, get back to us when you’ve got a smaller, simpler model.”

“Y-yes, sirs...” Doctor Villa says as she held Lyra in her arms, “thank you...”

But that wasn’t Villa’s real failure with Lyra.

Later that night, Lyra woke up in the lab, her core plugged into several machines meant to keep it stable

“Ugh... Doctor Villa?” She asks, rubbing her head, but looking around, her creator was nowhere in sight.

But she could hear an argument from another room.

“Absolutely not!”

“Listen to yourself, Winter! You’re way too attached to her. Let me do the modifications.”

“I said ‘no!’”

Lyra pulls the chords out of her core, and slowly gets up and goes to see what was going on.

“Oh, so you’ll trust me to design her arm-cannon, but you won’t trust me to modify her power core?”

“You DESIGNED it, but you didn’t INSTALL it. I did!”

“And you obviously did it wrong, hence the imbalance!”

Lyra stood still, watching her mother fight with her friend.

“You were BANNED from directly working on advanced robotics.”

“Nice of you to reopen THAT wound, Winter.” Wily huffs.

“You brought that upon yourself!” Villa retorts, “But more importantly, Lyra is MY girl, and I’ll handle her redesigns.”

“Doctor Villa...” Lyra starts, gaining the attention of the two Doctors.

“Lyra!” Villa exclaims, “I didn’t know you were already recharged.”

Villa knelt down to her level, placing her hands on her shoulders.

“Are you alright? Do you feel off-balance at all?”

“I’m fine” Lyra replies, “what’s this about redesigning me?”

Doctor Villa sighs, “your power generator is flawed.” She says, pointing to Lyra’s core. “If I don’t fix it, the imbalance will eventually destroy you. I have to redesign your core to save you.”

“And what if you bungle it,” Wily starts, “and erase all her personal programming?”

“I’m sure you’ll retain all your personality traits!” Villa says, in an attempt to reassure her daughter.

“Heh—just as you were sure her generator would work properly?”

“Enough, Albert, you’ll scare her! You’re not helping!”

“I know. You won’t let me.”

“I said ‘Enough!’”

“Fine, fine.”

“Lyra,” Villa says to her daughter, “Go hook yourself up in the lab so your power remains stable. We’ll begin work tomorrow.”

“But...”

“Now, please. This is for your own good.”

“...But” Lyra says quietly, “What about what I want?”

That night... Well, Villa can’t be certain if this was how it played out, But she had run the scenario over and over again in her head...

Lyra hid behind the wall to Villa’s room, listening as her mother talked to herself.

“I just don’t understand. It’s to save her life.” Villa says to herself as she paced back and forth in her room. “I coded the closest thing to a will of her own, but I want her to use it to make good, logical decisions.”

She sighs “..who would be logical facing their own mortality? Oh, Thomas. If you were here, you would know what to do...” Villa says, looking at an old picture of Thomas light, Wily and herself.

“Perhaps if I... it would be a lot easier if I did rewrite that rebellious streak out of her...”

Hearing that, Lyra had enough. Gripping her fist she leaves before she could hear the rest of what Villa had said to herself.

“No, no, no... what am I saying?” Villa says facepalming, “Once she’s repaired I’ll have to make it up to her in some way. And, in the long run, she’ll see it was for the greater good.”

Lyra in the meantime, was sobbing. As she packed a bag full of E-Tanks for a long and lonely trip ahead of her, she glanced at a picture of Villa and herself.

Smiling as if they had a perfect life... what lies had Villa been feeding her?...

In a moment of anger, Lyra smashed the photo on a ground.

The she walked out the door, never to come back.

~~~

“I never heard of or saw her again.” Villa says to Dot. “My pride, My arrogance, My lack of foresight... they robbed me of my first creation... My first daughter.”

“Well, then, we can go look for her!” Dot says with a smile “Me and Bounce can start looking right now!”

Villa chuckles a little. “No, Dot. Lyra’s power generator would’ve gone offline by now. It pains me to say it, but she’s gone.” She says with a sorrowful tone.

“Although there are long nights where I wonder what happened to her after she left...”

*A/N: this was a good excuse to submit a story instead of a comic. Hope you enjoyed this little story!

[athenagc94]

Gust and Piper - Beginnings Pt. 1

I’m starving for more MTAP content, but now I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I have to create some of it too... I guess.  Here is a little of snippet of something I’m working on for my builder, Piper, and Gust.  It’s a lot of scenes right now and I’m working on bridging them together.  Here’s one of them.  Kind of the start of everything.  I don’t know

You can read the first the other parts here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

I’m also posting the story here on AO3!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a younger man, Gust dreamed of making his mark on history.  He planned on traveling across the Free Cities, designing important structures for important people.  Several years ago, he’d fled to Atara to chase those dreams.  He lived the fast paced life of a bustling city.  He’d studied under his mentor Vera for years.  When he graduated, he was ready to take on the world as the next Master Architect.  If Gust could smack his younger self upside the head, he would.  Because that kid was a naive fool.

When he and Albert discussed the possibility of forming their own business, he didn’t plan on setting up shop in his hometown of Portia.  However, his sister’s health started to decline and, as it does, life happened.  Now, here he was, four years later with nothing to show for it.  He spent his days hunched over a drafting table, designing bland buildings for the bland people living in this bland town.  It wasn’t the life he had hoped for, but it was his reality.

His grip tightened on his pencil as he dragged it across the page.  The latest rendition of the South Bridge was beginning to take shape.  It wasn’t his first crack at the design and he doubted it would be his last.  His design process followed a similar pattern these days.  He’d create an inspired concept, the client would see it, they would hate it, and he’d be back at square one.  Wash, rinse, repeat. 

His father always said Portia was a frontier town and that they would develop it into something great.  Gust clucked his tongue irritably.  The longer he worked in Portia, the less he believed it.  How did one develop a town full of people that feared the very concept of change?

“Good morning!”

The front door jingled.  Gust set his pencil aside and turned around.  Portia’s newest builder, Piper, stood just inside the door, hands stuffed in the front pockets of her grease stained coveralls.  She didn’t seem to notice him right away, in fact, she didn’t spare the loft above a single glance as she searched the lower level.  “Albert?”  She disappeared out of sight, “you here?”

Gust pursed his lips and stood up.  Albert was usually on top of helping customers.  He rarely did any filing in the back rooms during office hours.  Albert would never miss out on helping one of Portia’s eligible bachelorettes.  He peered over the railing curiously.  His desk looked like it hadn’t been touched.  The usual mess of work orders and commission forms were stacked neatly on either side of his desk and his chair tucked in place.

Now that he thought about it, he never heard Albert come in this morning.  He racked his brain.  They’d left the office together yesterday.  They were discussing the latest commissions they needed for the bridge when they bumped into his father.  Gust groaned.  That’s right.  Albert was meeting with his father and Mint this morning to go over the budget for the project.  He would be gone until after lunch.

“Albert?”

“Albert is meeting with my father this morning.”

He heard a gasp and the builder reappeared under him.  He watched as several emotions played on her face.  It was like flipping through a book.  Surprise quickly turned to realization, which immediately became disappointment.  He sighed.  Yeah, he tended to have that effect on people.  “He won’t be back until this afternoon.”

Piper glanced down at her watch and made a face.  “Can you help me then?”

Gust blinked, taken aback.  Most people never asked him to help.  If a customer came in while Albert was out, they’d quickly apologize and came back later.  To them, Albert was the brains of the operation.  Gust was just there to be pretty and make things pretty, which was a fair assumption now that he thought about it.  Regardless, it wasn’t true.  Gust was knowledgeable enough about the inner workings of A&G.  But the people of Portia didn’t need to know that, if they did, he’d be expected to help them.  So he never corrected their assumptions.  Apparently, no one had bothered to inform Piper.

He rolled his eyes and turned away from the banister.  He may as well help her.  The sooner he did, the sooner he could get back to work.  He smoothed the lapel of his coat as he meandered down the stairs and towards Albert’s desk.  If he remembered correctly, Albert kept the blank work orders in the bottom left hand drawer.  He rummaged through the drawer, pulled out a blank order and took a seat.

Piper hadn’t moved.  She stared at him, dumbfounded, though he couldn’t imagine why.  Was she surprised to see him willing to help?  Should he be insulted right now?  He pursed his lips.  A moment passed, then another, and she still didn’t move.  He tapped the nib of his pen impatiently on the desktop.  After another moment of tense silence, he cleared his throat.  “Well?”  

Piper shook herself from her stupor.  “Iー” she cleared her throat, “I’m looking to add an extension to my workshop.”  She bounced on the balls of her feet.  “I’m tired of sleeping where I work, ya know?”

Gust didn’t know the feeling, so he chose not to respond.  He tried to ignore the awkward silence that had settled between them and made quick work of filling out the form.  It was easy information.  The initial consultation was always easy.  His real work began when he started conceptualizing.  It was his favorite part of the process, but recently, it had also become the most draining.  He could see it now.  He’d design the new addition.  The builder would want something less aesthetic and more functional.  He’d be disappointed and create the same thing he’s made for the last four years.

“Alright, I’m going to needー” The rest of the sentence died on his lips.  Piper was gone.  He peered around the room and found her examining the model he’d left on one of the displays.  His stomach lurched.  He’d spent weeks designing that model for a competition for the Vincent Design Institute.  The results had come back earlier this week.  They had been less than satisfactory.  He swallowed thickly.  He would have thrown it out already, but Ginger had insisted he keep it.  She didn’t want his hard work going to waste.

Piper peered a little closer.  Scrutinizing it.  Picking apart every flaw, just like the judges had.  His grip tightened on his pen.  Just like he had since the results had come out.  He pushed himself out of his seat and approached her.  

“Are you done snooping around?”

Piper jumped away from the model.  He met her sheepish gaze evenly as he crossed his arms.  “Sorry,” she gestured to the model, “I was just admiring this. It’s really well made.”

Gust felt the heat flood into his cheeks.  Pride swelled in his chest as he let his arms fall to his sides.  At least someone seemed to notice its quality.  “Well, thank you,” he said curtly, “I guess.”

Piper gaped.  “Is this your design?”

He scoffed, “well, obviously.”  He brushed past her and approached his model.  He’d drawn inspiration from the logic cube Ginger sometimes played with.  It was a boxy structure made up of three stories.  Every level was skewed on a central axis to give it a unique shape.  He’d used lots of windows and skylights to draw on natural light.  “It was for a competition I entered last month,”  He ran his finger along the edge of the top most story.  Dust was already beginning to collect on its surface.  “I didn’t win,” he continued bitterly, “they said it was too strange.  They didn’t understand my vision.  The crotchety old fools.”

Piper tilted her head to the side.  “Well, those guys have no taste.”  She knelt in front of the design and peered through one of its windows.  “It’s so interesting.  I’d love to see it full scale.  It would be breathtaking.”

Gust narrowed his eyes and searched her face.  She had to be messing with him.  The people in Portia didn’t like his designs.  She was tracing the angles of his design with his eyes.  She wore a sincere, almost dreamy, smile as she examined his work.  He stared a little longer before giving up.  She genuinely liked it.  The mere notion made his heart flutter in his chest.

“Have you studied architecture?”

Piper snorted.  “Well, no,” she admitted as she stood back up, “but I’m a builder, so I make things for a living.  Sometimes I like to admire the handiwork of others.  Especially when they’re this talented.”  She stuffed her hands back in her pockets and took a step back.  “You think differently and I like that.”

“Unfortunately,” Gust regarded his model with a look of disdain, “you seem to be the only one who shares in that sentiment.”

She gave him a sympathetic smile.  “It’s a shame they didn’t appreciate your design,” she was bouncing on the balls of her feet again, “If it makes you feel any better, I would have scored it well.”

Gust would be lying if he said it didn’t.  It felt good to know that someone appreciated his work.  His real work, not just the stuff he made to satisfy the town.  He didn’t really have a lot of support in his creative endeavors.  There was Albert of course, but he was more practical about these things.  He did what had to be done to make money.  Whatever made the client happy, he would do without question.  His sister tried to show her support, but she lived a sheltered life and she didn’t quite understand his late night tirades about parapets and gables.  

Piper was a builder.  She understood construction and aesthetics to some degree. The materials he’d used to create this model had been given to him by his father.  A halfhearted attempt to show his support, but the materials came from somewhere.  Had she been the one to provide them?

Gust’s breath hitched.  “Those materials my father got me,” he began slowly, “they came from you didn’t they?”

Piper shrugged.  “Your father asked me to lend a hand.  I was more than happy to help.”

“You sure like to be nosy, don’t you?”  He tried to sound irritated as he brushed past her, but he couldn’t stop the smile that curved on his lips.  The room had gotten significantly warmer.  His heart was hammering so loud, he was afraid Piper would be able to hear it.  He pressed a hand firmly to his chest and cleared his throat.  “Now,” he slid back into his seat, “come over here and sign this.  You’re wasting my time.”

“You’re not the only one with things to do.”

“Then do us both a favor and get over here.”

Piper didn’t argue and took the seat across from him.  “Sign here, here, and here” He punctuated each word with the tip of his pen.  “This is just the initial work order, so Albert will touch base with you later to go over the details.”  He handed her the pen and shifted back in his chair.

As she read through the fine print, Gust gaze wandered back to the model across the room.  He’d spent the last few days despairing over its imperfections.  If only he’d made the angles a little cleaner, or if he’d spent a little more time conceptualizing, maybe then the judges would have liked it.  He was nursing a big blow to his ego.  He had even begun to doubt his abilities as an architect.  Maybe he wasn’t as good as he thought he was.

It would be breathtaking.  Her words resonated with him.  He had thought the exact same thing when he drafted the first renditions.  It would be nice to see it come to life.  

“Is that all you need from me?”

Gust tore his gaze away from the model.  Piper fidgeted in her seat.  She really didn’t like sitting still, did she?  “That’ll be all for now.” He picked up the order form and placed it in Albert’s pile off to the side.  “I’ll begin drafting some concepts for you addition.  When I’m done, Albert will bring them your way for review.”

“Ooo, a Gust original for my addition,” she beamed at him, “I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”

Gust gave her a thin smile and he hid his twitching fingers in his lap.  He could feel the thrill of inspiration course through his veins.  He was itching to get started.  “Don’t get your hopes up.”

“I’ll try not to,” she winked and slipped out of her seat, “but I should really get going, so I’ll leave you to it.  Thanks for your help.”  She offered him a small wave.  Gust watched her go, offering no farewell in return.  She didn’t wait for one.  Without another word, she slipped through the door and out into the plaza.  The door jingled after her.

Gust was out of his seat in a flash and making a beeline for the model.  He scooped it up in his arms and hurried up the stairs to his drafting table.  Several ideas were already floating around in his head.  He hadn’t been this excited about a project in awhile.  He sat down at his table with renewed vigor and got straight to work.