#he had a son (golden's dad) and a daughter (joy's mom) and he filled them both with toxic ideas of family and fame and all that shit

[yourmomsawh0r3]

Barbecue

pairing: No Apocalypse Joel Miller x Fem! Pregnant Wife reader

summary: the miller family has gathered their family and friends to have a barbecue

The summer sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the Miller household. Joel and Y/N had been preparing for this barbecue for weeks, wanting everything to be perfect for their family and friends. The scent of grilled burgers and hot dogs wafted through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of loved ones gathered in their backyard.

Ellie and Sarah were running around the living room when the doorbell rang. They sprinted to the door, flinging it open to reveal their grandparents.

"Grandpa! Granny!" Ellie shouted, launching herself into Joel's parents' arms.

"MawMaw! Pawpaw!" Sarah followed, hugging Y/N's parents tightly.

Joel and Y/N's parents laughed, enveloping the girls in warm embraces. Joel's mom knelt down to their level. "Look at you two! Getting bigger every time we see you."

Y/N's mom gave Sarah a gentle squeeze. "How are our favorite girls doing?"

As the grandparents fussed over the girls, Joel and Y/N exchanged smiles. Joel's dad straightened up and looked at his son and daughter-in-law. "You two have done a wonderful job with this place. It's beautiful."

Y/N's dad nodded in agreement. "And how's our expecting mom doing? How close are you to being due?"

Y/N rubbed her belly, smiling warmly. "About three more months to go."

Joel's mom stepped forward, eyes twinkling. "Mind if we give the baby a little hello?"

Y/N laughed softly. "Of course not."

Both grandmothers gently placed their hands on Y/N's belly, their faces lighting up. "This is Granny here," Joel's mom said. "We can't wait for you to be here."

Y/N's mom added, "And this is Mawmaw. We're all so excited to meet you."

Ellie and Sarah watched in awe as their grandparents talked to the baby, their excitement palpable. Joel placed a hand on Y/N's shoulder, feeling a wave of love and gratitude for the family surrounding them.

"Need any help, hon?" Joel's mom asked, turning to Y/N.

"I'm alright, thank you," Y/N replied, placing a hand on her belly. "Just making sure everything's set up."

Joel's dad chuckled, "You kids have outdone yourselves. This is quite the spread."

Tommy and Maria arrived shortly after, their little one toddling around, trying to keep up with the older kids. Joel manned the grill, flipping burgers with practiced ease, while Y/N set the table with a spread of side dishes and drinks.

As the evening wore on, everyone settled down to eat. Joel made sure Y/N had a comfortable seat and plenty of food, fussing over her until she playfully swatted his hand away.

"Joel, I'm fine. Go eat," she laughed.

He kissed her cheek and went to join the others. The conversations flowed easily, filled with laughter and the occasional clink of glasses. Joel looked around, feeling a deep sense of contentment. This was what he had always wanted a loving family, good friends, and a home filled with joy.

At one point, Y/N started fanning herself with a paper plate, the heat of the southern summer getting to her. Joel noticed and quickly turned on the fan for her.

"Baby, why didn’t you tell me you were hot?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Y/N smiled, wiping the sweat off his forehead. "Honey, we live in the South, and it’s 90° outside. I’m pretty sure everyone’s hot. But thank you, baby."

Joel grinned, kissing her on the cheek. "Anything for you."

As the night drew to a close and the last of their guests departed, Joel and Y/N saw their daughters off to bed. Ellie and Sarah were exhausted from all the excitement, and they fell asleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

Joel returned to the living room, finding Y/N on the couch, her feet propped up. He sat down beside her, his hand instinctively going to her belly. He rubbed it gently, feeling the baby move beneath his touch.

"How's our little one doing?" he asked softly.

"Active," Y/N replied with a smile. "I think they enjoyed all the excitement today."

Joel leaned down, pressing kisses all over her belly. "Hey there, baby. Did you have a good time? We can't wait to meet you."

Y/N watched him, her heart swelling with love. "You're going to be an amazing dad again."

Joel looked up at her, his eyes filled with emotion. "And you're going to be an incredible mom. Again."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Joel's hands never leaving her belly. He continued to rub and kiss it, whispering sweet nothings to their unborn child. Y/N rested her head on his shoulder, feeling completely at peace.

"I love you, Joel," she murmured.

"I love you too, Y/N," he replied, kissing her forehead. "More than you'll ever know."

As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together, with their growing family by their side.

[multishipper-baby]

After that last post about Golden's family I've been obsessing over them and writing a whole backstory in my head for them send help

[maizumis]

— HAIKYUU BOYS WHEN THEIR CHILD SAYS THEY ARE NOT THEIR FAVORITE PARENT

ft. timeskip!miya atsumu, suna rintarou, iwaizumi hajime, bokuro koutaro, osamu miya

note: reader refered as mom ‼️ not edited cos I'm sleepy </3 enjoy hotties 😽

•ATSUMU opened the door with his daughter in one hand while the other had a huge blue balloon she wanted, hearing the click of the door you turn around and see your little bundle of joy running with open arms to you "mommy! I missed you" event if the two of them went out for an hour and a half, you really missed her too "aww darling! I missed you too! I'm your favorite, right?" she gave your cheek a sweet kiss with his tiny hands in your jaw "yes! mommy the best" at this scene, atsumu was long forgotten on the door, amused about what his daughter just said "and what about papa? he bought you this balloon!" he moved his hand to make presence of it, slightly jealous of you "papa is very good too! it's just mommy is always the best" you let go of her embrace, tucking her brown hairs behind her ear "why don't you go and clean yourself? I can make a choco milk!" she didn't need to be told twice that was already running to the bathroom " ‘tsumu you know she doesn't mean it, right?" pouty atsumu came walking to you "a know but a want to be her favorite now!" chuckling at his childhood behavior, you make sure to peck him before going to the kitchen, even after all this year's you never failed to make him blush "you can be her favorite tomorrow ‘tsum, come hug me now"

• SUNA had his daughter on his lap, paw patrol playing softly on the TV in front of them, you always tease him about how he is more into the show than his own daughter but he is quickly to change the subject, everytime "how was your day at school baby?" the little girl raised her head from his chest, messy hairs blocking her sight " ‘t was okay, I missed mom" his hand was already on the hairs in front of her eyes, using the hair-band he always had on his wrist just in case something like this popped out "and you missed dad too I like to think" she hummed before resting her head on his torso again, little hands roaming around his body like she was caressing him "I did, but mommy is my favorite so I missed her more... I'm gonna go to sleep daddy, wake me up when mom ‘s home" and with that she was out, leaving suna with wide eyes and lots of questions filling his brain, the clack of the open door scares him, even knowing it's you coming home from work, he was deep in thought "a penny for your thoughts, rin?" he sighs before patting the place next to him on the couch, you gladly obey and lay your head on his broad shoulders "she told me you're her favorite" you interlaced your fingers with his, giving him a little squish "you know she is just a child, right? she lives you so much, everytime you're away she only talks about you" a little hope came back to his eyes "really, she talks about me?" you hummed, assuring him he is the one of the biggest thing in his daughters mind "lots, rin"

•IWAIZUMI was playing with his daughter in the backyard, his hands on both sides her waist while he throws her up and down the air "higher daddy! higher!" her little giggle brought life to his ears, this kid was gonna be the death of him "I wanna fly! like the birds we saw in the park!" "that's very high, sweetie" she was screaming her lungs out, non-stop laughing, toothy smile on her face that had a little of chocolate that Hajime gave her after lunch as a secret between the both of them. to lost in their own world, they didn't notice your arrival, they were having the times of their lifes "I'm home! where's my sweet girl and lovely husband?" her eyes got wider than they already were and her smile impossibly bigger "mama! you're home, put me down dad I wanna go hug mom!" he placed her down on the grass and her little legs were running as fast as they could "mommy! we had such a funny day! we saw lots of things outside?" you could tell hajimd was a proud dad, his daughter being talkative and smart, she sometimes reminds him of tooru "yeah? and what else" "I was telling daddy I wanted to be a bird but I missed you so much! you know you're my favorite, mom" hajime's lips were pressed into a thin line while his brows got a little down, you could tell he was feeling a little insecure so a little assurance wouldn't make him wrong "go inside and change your clothes then we can do something together, how does that sound?" she went inside the house screaming he was gonna wear her favorite blue dress, you giggled at her cute actions "hajime, the entire neighborhood can feel you, she doesn't mean it, she is just a child, we did the same when we were her age" he went towards you and placed his big arms around your waist, placing his head on the crook of your neck "I know, but we were having such a good time" your hands came to his face so you could make him see you "and we are gonna keep having a good time! we have to make sure you're her favorite by the end of the day, come on big boy! we are in this together" and with that you started running inside the house, holding his hand in the way in, the feeling of love and pride fulfilling his heart, happiness and love could be described like this exact moment, he thinks

•BOKUTO happily took his son out, ready to spend a little ‘daddy-son day’ as he called them, sometime they would go to his practice or to the aquarium! to learn everything they can about the infinity of animals the ocean has. today they decided they would be going for an ice-cream then straight to the park to play a little "okay bud! what flavors do you want? one or two?" the kiddo look up to the list of flavours that were in front of him ‘so many choises’ he thought before speaking "chocolate and vanilla please!" his choose of flavors made bokuto think about the old days, when you would wait for him in highschool after every practice to go on a date, you always, and he means always, wanted to eat vanilla ice-cream, I didn't matter the occasion "you know, your mom loves vanilla ice-cream! what if we buy a little for her?" his little golden eyes were shinning at the mention of his mom "yes! she's my favorite so she deserves ice-cream for being a good mommy" mid way taking his wallet out of his pocket, bokuto stops, looking directly to the floor "I'm sorry, your favorite what?" "my favorite parent! duh" he tried, he really tried not to have an episode in front of everyone but his deflated hair was exposing him "oh, that's good! your momma is perfect!" "she indeed is, dad!" the laugh of his son made him feel a little better, but ache on his heart was still there; after both of them has their ice-creams in hand, they started walking towards the park hand in hand "yummy! daddy this is delicious! you're absolutely my favorite!" like that? kids changes of opinion that fast? either way, his heart was pumping with joy "of course I'm your favorite! let's go play and the we can buy more ice- cream!" needless to say, you had a fridge full of icecream that night and two sugar rushed boys

•OSAMU has one twin in either side of him, his little girl with two pigtails while is beautiful boy had a green apron on "I know mommy will love this!" the little boy exclaimed, his daughter quickly following behind "uh-huh! mommy always love when we cook for her" osamu was happy he had this life, he didn't expect to have twins the first try but here he was, bragging about his perfect set of kids to his brother every chance he had "yer mommy loves both of ya so much" the kids were trying to make the onigiri shape with the rice while giggling "I know mommy love us! she is my favorite indeed" osamu's heart skipped a beat after hearing is daughters words "ugh she is my favorite too! I love it when mama let us sleep with her" but why is he saying this when he lets them sleep with him too? "that's right! we need to make this onigiri perfect so she is proud" nervously chuckling to erase a little the tension he was feeling "okay, daddy keeps going from here, go set the table and change yer smelly clothes!" the kids were racing to their respective bedrooms, yelling how they were gonna be prettier than the other one. the younger twin was so deep in thought leaning on the kitchen counter that he didn't acknowledge your presence "samu, baby, I'm here, everything okay?" his features relaxing when he saw you, gently placing one hand in your chin to kiss you "everything good sweetheart, the kids just told me yer their favorite parent so am just thinking a lil" you were laughing at his concern, those same kids told you this morning that his papa was their favorite "you want to know something fun ‘samu?" he raised a brow before his hands found home on your waist, gently pressing your chest to his "what, love" your hand came to play with the hairs he has on the forehead "this kids told me this morning you were his favorite, don't take to seriously what they said ‘samu, they love you unconditionally" taking your advice, he pecked you before hearing little steps coming to the room "our alone time has ended angel, a love ya" finishing his words with a sweet kiss

[brandyllyn]

In our own image... (epilogue)

Epilogue

(Poe Dameron x OFC)

Other chapters... My Masterlist

Word count: 1900. Read it on AO3.

Rating: Teen & Up (PG) language.

Poe blinked at the sunlight streaming across the high ceiling, one hand coming up to scratch at his beard. It had more grey than black to it these days, something he griped about constantly. But his wife loved it, loved petting him and calling it distinguished.

Speaking of which, he caught movement from the corner of his eye - the bedroom door cracking open. He opened his mouth to call out to her but instead he caught sight of an unruly mop of dark curls about halfway down. Grinning he waited, closing his eyes most of the way. When the small body flew onto the bed he was ready, hands coming out to catch his son, fingers finding the spots that made the young boy squirm and giggle.

"Dad, dad stop," Temmin gasped and Poe let the boy go, stacking his hands behind his head as the child sat up next to him breathless.

"What are you doing waking me up? Where’s your mom?"

Temmin rolled his eyes, a habit he had definitely not picked up from his father. "She’s making breakfast."

"Mmhmm, and your sister?"

His son blanched, scowling. Even at only five, the kid had an impressive scowl. "She’s singing to the birds again."

Poe grinned, reaching over and pulling one of the pillows over so he could push it behind him and sit up straighter. "And this bothers you because…?"

"The birds eat all of our plants!"

"Well, can’t you sing them to stay away?"

Temmin rolled his eyes again. They were really going to have to put a stop to that soon. "That’s not how it works, dad."

Poe reached over and grabbed his son by the waist, twisting and setting the kid on his feet next to the bed. He stretched and swung his legs over the side, leaning forward and propping his elbows on his knees. "Explain it to me."

Temmin went off on a rant, talking about songs and melodies and tempos. Poe listened with half an ear while he found a shirt that maybe matched his sleep pants and pulled it on, following his son from the room and down the stairs where he could hear the sounds of breakfast being made. The smell hit him as they turned the corner, baked goods and sizzling meat. The sight hit him next. Kina in a soft shirt and pants similar to his, standing at the refrigeration unit and whistling down to BB-8.

Poe pressed a finger to his lips when he saw BB-8, padding on soft feet until he was right behind his wife. He snaked his arms around her waist, rubbing his face into her neck with a "Good morning."

She made a loud whistle, arching and twisting her body away from him. "Poe! Stop it!"

"I thought you liked my beard," he mumbled, scraping it along her skin even more. His lips stretched into a grin when he felt the laughter in her body, the way her hands covered his and held him close even as she tried to get away from him.

"I love your beard," she corrected. "On you."

"Mmhmm," Poe hummed, kissing just behind her ear. "Liar."

She shivered and Poe considered lifting her up and throwing her over his shoulder - carrying her back into the bedroom and starting the morning off right. Two things stopped him. One, his son was watching them with a look of disgust that only children could dredge up for their parents. Second, he wasn’t one hundred percent sure his back could take it.

He let her go instead, patting her hip and pouring himself a cup of caf. "I hear our daughter is seducing the birds again."

She rolled her eyes, a perfect replication of her son. "It’s not seduction. Don’t be gross."

"Whatever it is, Temmin says they’re eating our garden."

"Your garden," Kina griped, swatting at his hand when he tried to steal a roll from the countertop. "I wanted to use that space as a workshop but noooo."

"You have a workshop," Poe pointed out, snagging a roll and tossing it to his son before meeting Kina’s eyes with an innocent expression.

"I could have had a bigger workshop," Kina whistled on a sigh.

Poe hid his smile in his caf, wandering out onto the back deck of their house and tilting his face up to the sunlight. In the distance he could see Theed, the capitol building glinting faintly. The large windows of his office faced this direction - his home always in his sight even on the busiest of days.

His estate - Maker he had an estate - stretched over a few acres and down the hillside. The house open and with as few walls as possible to take advantage of the near perfect weather on Naboo year-round. He had balked at it at first, there was no need for them to have so much room for just the two of them. There were apartments in the city set aside for him - they could live there as easily as anything.

But Kina had smiled at him softly and pulled his hand to lay low on her stomach. "We’re going to need the room."

He had proposed to her on the spot.

Of course, they’d already been married a year but that was beside the point. He wanted to marry her again and she had smiled into his kiss when he told her so. Since then the estate had become a home, filled with love and laughter and even a hangar on the far side for his X-wing.

It was just about perfect.

Poe looked down the hillside at the orchard and garden he had started years ago. A whim at first. It had been decades since he had lived somewhere long enough to keep a plant alive. But he found he had a knack for it. And when his son decided he liked it too, the garden had flourished between Poe’s attentiveness and the soft Songs of Growing that his son sang. At the moment, it was covered in small brightly colored birds. Occasionally they would take off as one, flying around a point in the center before landing again.

Poe huffed and made his way down the path, wading into the cloud of feathered bodies and listening with one ear at the Song his daughter was singing. "Riyaldi? You in there?"

"Hey dad."

He sighed at her over the lip of his mug. She was nine, just starting to think he wasn’t the coolest person in the galaxy. It hurt a little but he also kind of admired her for it. For the way she knew what she wanted, who she wanted to be. Kina said she reminded her of her sister, lost years ago during the war. It made sense, their daughter was named for her.  

"Is there a reason you’re doing this in the garden and not somewhere else?"

Riyaldi raised an eyebrow. He could blame Temmin’s eyerolls on Kina, but the eyebrow thing was one hundred percent him. "They like it here."

"And it has nothing to do with annoying me and your brother?"

Her eyes slid away from him and he nodded. "That’s what I thought. Well, you keep doing what you’re doing but just know you’re going to spend today cleaning up and fixing everything they mess up. And anything we have to replant comes from your allowance."

"Dad…" she whined but he ignored her, picking his way around the birds and back to the house.

"Every seed!" He called over his shoulder. He passed Temmin as he went into the kitchen, saw his son make a rude gesture at his sister but ignored it.

One kid a gardener, the other set on doing something with animals that changed day to day. He grumbled to himself as he slid into his seat at the table, tilting his face up to the kiss Kina dropped on his forehead as she passed behind him. "Two kids and no one wants to be a pilot. I can’t help but think this is your fault in some way."

"My fault?" Kina slid into the seat next to him, thanking the droid that dropped their plates. "How is it my fault?"

"You used your," he gestured at her, "while they were inside you."

Kina glanced at the door and then gave him a smirk. "You’re inside me all the time, don’t see it affecting you."

He grinned as he leaned closer to her, pressing a kiss to her nose. "Oh it affects me alright."

Kina pursed her lips to say more but was interrupted by a voice, "Mom, where’s the blakenberries?"

His wife winked at him and turned to their son. "You ate them all yesterday. We haven’t gotten any more yet."

Temmin grumbled and stuffed a roll into his mouth, rolling his eyes. Poe saw Kina’s eyes narrow and she opened her mouth but he covered her hand with his. "He gets it from you," he whispered to her and smothered a laugh at her affronted look.

"The birds are gone," Riyaldi announced, sitting across from her brother and making a face at him. "Your precious garden is safe."

"Good," Poe looked at his family, felt warmth seep into his chest and reached out to lay his hand over Kina’s. She met his gaze and smiled at him, turning her palm up into his and squeezing.

"I’m going flying later," Poe announced, looking at his kids hopefully. Both ignored him, Riyaldi gathering up BB-8 and Temmin motioning for K-0 to follow him down to the garden. Poe sighed after them and then smiled when he felt his wife slip onto his lap, her arms wrapping around his neck.

"Poor Poe Dameron. Best Pilot in the Resistance and no one to share it with."

Poe made an exaggerated face, pouting up at her. "I tried to live a good life. I don’t know where I went wrong."

She smiled softly at him, covering his wrist with one of her hands and pressing it into her hip. "Well, you’re going to get a third chance."

Poe froze, staring at their hands and then looking up at her. "A third… are you serious?"

She bit her lip and nodded and Poe caught her up in a hug, pressing his lips to hers and breathing his joy into her. "But what… how…"

Kina snorted. "Considering how often we try it’s a wonder we don’t have more."

Poe couldn’t stop grinning. "Another kid. Boy or girl? No wait, I don’t want to know this time."

Kina winked at him, knowing full well he’d hold to that resolution for about a month before breaking. Out in her shop, tucked away into a drawer he would never think to look in, sat a small sign for the nursery, a name welded in script across it.

Captain Leia Dameron.

She would show it to him later, when he found out that they were having another little girl. With her father’s bright eyes and her mother’s golden marked skin. But right now they kissed in the morning sunlight, the sounds of their children playing in the background and the wind in the trees providing a melody that wrapped them together.

They had found their Song in each other. Each carrying their own part of the tune. And every person in their lives brought something to it. Their children of course. But also Rose and Finn and their children. Rey and her adopted little green frog. Chewbacca and his family, together longer than any of them had been alive. Countless others they had met along the way.

Every person brought another chord into their lives. Into their Song.

It was harmony.

[whitecatindisguise]

Angst idea: So everyone in the fandom, including myself, seems to headcanon that Varian didn't eat or sleep enough between QFAD & SSD and just worked nonstop. What if while he's got the queen in his lab, his body just gave out and he fainted, or even went into some kind of shock? That'd be inconvenient.

Okay, I did a little research so I can write it right. I hope I don't make any big mistakes lmao.

Anyway, let's do this.

-------

The last thing Arianna remembered was a masked person blowing some kind of green powder in her direction and falling.

When she came to, she was chained to the floor in an unfamiliar room. She blinked out the remains of the sleep and tried to understand, where she was.

The room was spacious. Or at least, it used to be, as now a large shape covered in tarp took over more than half of the space. She tried to figure out what was it, but the shape was anything but familiar.

By the wall, numerous shelves stood, filled with various vials, mixtures, scrolls and books. There was a desk and a chair somewhere to her left, cluttered with notes and equipment she didn't know the purpose of.

There was a window on the other side of the room, but she was too far away to see anything other than the sky night sky.

The door opened and the Queen stifled a gasp at the incomer. His dark hair were longer than usual, dirty and messy. His eyes, barely visible from under the bangs, had dark circles around them. His cheekbones were visible, and the clothes he wore hang on him like one size too big.

All in all, he looked so much different she almost didn't recognise him. If it wasn't for the blue eyes and teal-coloured hairstripe, she would take him for anyone but not the cheerful boy she saw all those months on the Science Expo.

Granted, it was a short encounter and they didn't talk at all. Arianna was quite sure the boy didn't even know she was there, but he made quite an impression on her, being so brilliant and intelligent as he was.

"Varian?" She breathed out and the boy flinched for a second, before his shoulders squared and an awful grin appeared on his face.

"Hello, Your Majesty. I hope you had a nice sleep." He said and Arianna could hear his voice being raspy and hoarse.

"What are you doing?" She questioned, unsure how to approach the situation.

He clearly kidnapped her and was holding her hostage. But, at the same time, he was just a child, barely in his early teens.

"Only what I have to." He replied, setting down the raccoon from his shoulders onto the desk. "I kindly asked for help and was denied, taken for a villain. So, I had to take up a different approach."

"Help? What kind of help?" The Queen was confused. This was the first time she heard of anything like this. What kind of help would he need, that would force him into this?

"What kind of-? Oh, don't play with me, Your Majesty!" Varian snapped, his eyes red from anger and something more, Arianna thought as she regarded his look once again. "You all ignored the problem far too long! But, if it doesn't affect you directly, it's not really your problem, isn't it?!"

"Varian, I have no idea what you are talking about... please, I just want to help..." She tried once again.

"The black rocks!" The boy shouted, throwing his arms in the air. "They are everywhere, destroying the crops, the-the houses! Everyone was forced to leave their homes! Don't you dare to say you have no idea what I'm talking about!"

Arianna was shocked. Sure, she heard from Frederic black rocks were growing, Rapunzel mentioned it too, but she didn't think it was that bad. Her mind mulled the information, before she stuck on a specific sentence.

"Varian... why are you still here?" She asked cautiously. "If everyone left, then why are you...?"

"I-I can't. Not when dad's-!" He stumbled on words, tears suddenly appearing in his eyes.

It was such a drastic change from the outburst of anger before, Arianna didn't know what to do. The boy was shaking, tears falling from his eyes. He was mumbling something about black rocks, experiments, his father, amber and snowstorm.

Suddenly struck by a thought, Arianna's eyes shot to the shape covered by a tarp. Her heart skipped a beat, as she noticed a part where the material didn't reach.

There, hidden inside the golden crystal, was a hand. It clenched a piece of paper, with words 'Son' on it. She covered her mouth to stifle a startled gasp, as she finally understood.

Suddenly, a loud sound took up all of her attention. She looked in Varian's direction only to see him sway, one hand reaching to his head, the other trying to grab the side of the desk for support.

He missed by inches and stumbled forward, falling to the cold floor with a loud thump.

"Varian!" She cried but the boy didn't respond.

He lay motionless on the ground, his skin looking more pale than moments ago. The raccoon chittered anxiously and jumped down, running up to him. He pawed at the boy's cheek, chittering in agitation.

Arianna wanted to run to the fallen alchemist, but a sharp pain in her ankle sent her tumbling to the floor. She cried out in pain and looked down, only now remembering she was shackled to the ground.

The raccoon jumped at the sudden noise and turned to her, his eyes terrified. Their eyes locked for a moment, before it turned back to the boy and started shuffling through his pockets.

After a few moments he scurried towards the imprisoned woman, something small and metallic in his mouth. He dropped it by her hands and looked at her expectantly.

The Queen looked down and her eyes widened in shock as she noticed the key. She didn't ponder about it, quickly unlocking the shackle and approaching the boy.

He was still unmoving, and she reached out her hand to check for the pulse. Finding none she hesitated only for a second, before starting pressing down on his chest, checking every now and then if she could feel anything. The raccoon was sitting next to her, chittering nervously but he didn't disrupt her in any way.

After several tense moments, she almost cried in joy, as her fingers felt a small pulsating under the boy's skin. His chest slowly raised and fell, and both the Queen and the raccoon let out a sigh of relief.

"What happened...?" She wondered out loud, as she felt the tension leave her body.

She looked over the boy's body, once more noticing the darkened skin under his eyes, visible cheekbones and far-too-small frame.

The raccoon crooned sadly and gently pawed the boy's cheek. Arianna looked at the animal and a thought hit her.

"When was the last time he slept or ate?" She asked. The raccoon looked up to meet her eyes and let out a sad wail.

Her eyes widened in realization, as she remembered what the boy was mumbling before, during his breakdown. She looked over at the covered shape, not needing to see it to know, what was hidden under the material.

The snowstorm happened weeks ago. If that's when Quirin was imprisoned, then the boy was on his own for almost two months. She didn't think he stopped eating at all, because he would have been dead two weeks after. But certainly he didn't eat enough, which, added to serious sleep deprivation (as noticable by the dark circles under his eyes) was more than enough to put him in his condition.

The Queen was so deep in thought she didn't hear the sounds from outside, until someone gasped loudly behind her.

She turned around startled, only to be tackled by her daughter and soon joined by her husband.

"Mom, are you okay?" Rapunzel asked her, when she noticed a body sprawled on the floor over her mother's shoulder. "Is that Varian?!! What happened?!"

"It... it seems he had a heart attack." The Queen replied cautiously, to which the blonde gasped terrified.

"A-a heart attack?! But how? Why?" She questioned, moving to check on the unconscious boy. Finding the pulse she let out a relieved breath and turned back to her mother.

"I can't say it for certain, but I think he suffers from severe food and sleep deprivation. In some cases, might lead to heart attack." Arianna explained as gently as possible. She sighed and looked at her husband. "Frederic, he's been on his own for almost two months. I think that something happened during the snowstorm and Quirin is now..." Her eyes landed on the shape in the middle of the room. He followed her gaze and his eyes widened on realization.

"I... I didn't know..." He said, shocked.

"Varian said he asked for our help during the snowstorm but was denied." She looked at Rapunzel and the girl looked away, embarrassed.

"I... he did ask, but there was so much going on and... he wanted me to go with him... and I couldn't do that." She replied, ashamed. "But... I didn't go check up on him after that. I guess... I just assumed that if everything was fixed when I banished the snowstorm, whatever happened to his father was too... I didn't know..." Her gaze moved to the unconscious boy on the floor. "Oh god, he must have thought I forgot about him! That I broke my promise! I... I promised him I would help if he needed it. And I left him alone for that long!"

She broke out to a cry and Arianna hugged her, gently drawing circles on her back.

"He-he must have worked himself to dead, trying to figure it out on his own!" Rapunzel cried in the Queen's embrace. "And it's all my fault!"

"Shhh, no one is blaming you for his condition, darling. It was his decision." Arianna reassured softly. "A bad decision, but his nevertheless."

"We'll take him to the castle." Frederic announced suddenly. "We'll make sure he gets the help he needs. Both physically and mentally."

"Thanks dad" Rapunzel smiled through tears.

She moved away and stood up, Arianna standing up too. The man kneeled and gently picked up the small boy, cradling him in his arms.

"Don't worry, Varian. I won't fail you this time..." Arianna heard Rapunzel say as they left the house, the raccoon following close after. "I promise..."

--------

So, that's it. I am not sure that's what you meant by the prompt, but that's what I came up with.

Anyway, I did a little research and sleep deprivation MAY cause heart attacks, or at least the body might be more prone to it. Other symptoms may include mood swings, which I also included.

So, I hope you enjoyed the story. It was fun to write.

[loserholland]

𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞

𝟎𝟏𝟐 ➺ 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬

Pairing ➺  Ceo playboy!Ben Hardy x Reader

Warning ➺ so sorry, i really am

Word Count ➺ 1,519

Summary ➺ An arranged marriage between two polar opposites.

A/N ➺  A new series! So after watching BoRhap I instantly fell in love again with Ben Hardy who plays Roger Taylor! Message me or send me an ask if you’d like to be on the taglist!

Send me your thoughts, feelings, everything! It makes me day/night!

Also send me your theories! Love reading them! TEEHEHHEH

✿ 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 ✿ - @hollandfieldblurbs , @beerbottlesandchainsaws, @killerqueen-gunpowdergelatine​

❁ 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ❁ - @financialinstability , @magicwithaknife , @xrumkugelx , @rogertaylorsblondhair, @hollyissuchahoe , @yourkindabrainy-ilikeit, @fsociety00da1, @lee-519 , @2ptonpt, @sherlokiantheatrenerd , @local-radical-bandit , @calumfornicationx , @softcillian, @kittysblog14 , @peach-barnes , @prettyoddbarnes  , @spideyyypeter, @adepressedstudentslife , @wowza-bowza , @stilesneedsprotection , @anamcg317 , @indescribxbl , @heinz-doofenshmirtz-official , @loveofmylifeben , @captainxmoony , @whateverbakesyourcake , @waving-thru-a-window  , @benhrdy , @beerbottlesandchainsaws , @frietjemeloen , @kirket03 , @emmieliabedelia , @sabbrriiinnaa , @justinemayi , @bummmblebeee  , @wolverinesbeer , @allieburakovsky  , @chocolatekisses8 , @i-the-fangirl, @secretsweetscollectionblog, @ksqueenie, @virtualsheepeat

☞  Masterlist  ☜

𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜

- 𝚛𝚞𝚙𝚒 𝚔𝚊𝚞𝚛

Pain, sorrow, grief, misery, torment, agony and heartbreak. 

She laid in the dark, the sounds of her whimpers and sobs echoed throughout the room. It’s been two weeks since London, those two weeks were slow and dreadful the pain that dwelled in her heart grew heavier each day. Endless amounts of notifications flooded her screen, many miss calls from her mother, text from Vivian and no calls from Ben. That was expected.

Ever since she left London she hasn’t heard from Ben nor his mother, she had nothing to be sorry about nor did (Y/N) have anything against Alexa. If anything she was mad at her son for running back to the person who made him who he was.

It would be a lie to say she didn’t miss him, she didn’t want to. She didn’t want to remember the memories, she didn’t want to remember anything about him yet the pillow next to her was intoxicated with his scent. God did she hate how heavy her chest felt and the fact that she could never hate Ben no matter how much she tried. 

“(Y/N)?” Audrey entered her daughter’s apartment, the curtains drew closed on the windows that held a beautiful view of New York. Her heart was heavy for her daughter, after what had happened over the past two months she had shut everyone out. She knocked on the her bedroom door, the small sobs that slipped pass (Y/N) lips began inaudible. Audrey had visited (Y/N) ever since she came back from London and (Y/N) broke the news about how she called off the engagement. 

Everyday her mother would visit her, place some soup outside her door along with tissues and chocolate. Everyday her mother was greeted with the same silence, still placing the small gifts she brought outside her daughter’s door. Giving her time to heal and not push her to come out and talk. 

“I’ll be off, come by soon ok?” (Y/N) listened as the heels slowly became an echo and her front door was shut and locked, she laid there staring up at the ceiling. She wanted to get up, she wanted to get out of bed head back into the office. Yet all she did was lay in bed and cry over Ben, she has every right to but there are times when she’d lay there and think what’s the point? Why should she lay in bed and cry over someone who cheated on her?

Then she remembers all the good memories, all the good memories and milestones they created when they were together, all those memories lead up to the day she walked out and left her ring in Ben’s hands. She wanted to turn back and make him chose, she wanted to turn back and hug him ask him if his actions were a mistake. But she left, she gave her heart to Ben and watched him shatter it to pieces right in front of her.

(Y/N) gave it a few days, it took much energy to get out of bed and head to her parent’s house. She was hesitant at first, unsure if she should go or not. The last thing she wanted as for her mother to not be home but her father was. He was one of the very last people she wanted to see and talk to at this very moment of time.

She stood there on the porch, bringing her fist up unsure if she should knock or not rethinking her decision of coming here. It was raining in New York, it was an exact reflection of her mood. 

Gloomy and grey.

The sound of rain descending from the grey clouds that blocked the yellow sun, (Y/N) stared at the beautiful man that laid next to her, their naked bodies tangled in one another as the duvet covered them. Her index finger traced his nose, then his cheekbone down his jaw and stopped at his lips. She leaned forward placing a kiss on his lips, his arm snaked around her waist pulling her closer to his chest. 

She pulled away with a smile running her fingers through his blond locks and whispered, “Morning bub.” Ben smiled sleepily placing a kiss on her nose.

“Morning love.”

“(Y/N)?” The voice of her mother brought her back to reality, before (Y/N) could respond Audrey engulfed in a big hug, a huge wave of relief and joy washed over her mother as she pulled away to look at her daughter. 

“I’m glad you came, come in from the cold I’ll make us some tea.” Audrey ushered her into the house helping (Y/N) to remove her coat before hanging it onto the jacket rack that was in the foyer. Before (Y/N) could even question the presence of her father Audrey could sense her worry and lead her into the kitchen, “He’s at a hotel in the city.” (Y/N) nodded knowing whom her mother was talking about. 

She sat on the barstool around the marble countertop island tracing the rim of her tea cup, staring into the deep brown liquid slowly zoning out of reality.

(Y/N) sat on the window bench watching the sunset, how the sky was painted a beautiful red orange and the scattered white clouds were now a baby pink resembling cotton candy. Ben walked in holding two mugs handing one to (Y/N) and keeping the other for himself, accompanying her on the bench. 

“It’s beautiful.” she murmured still fixated on the sunset, Ben watched in awe as the sunset slowly glowed through the window kissing (Y/N) skin, the light made her skin look golden and soft. “Hm, but I think you’re beautiful love.” Ben spoke causing (Y/N) to crinkle her nose shaking her head lightly at Ben. 

She took a small sip of her hot tea before continuing, “Thought you might say that, loser.” Ben chuckled leaning forward to place a kiss on her cheek, “You liked it though.” (Y/N) bursted into laughter, shaking her head at Ben as she placed a kiss on the tip of his nose. 

“Yes, I did. But you’re still a loser.” 

(Y/N) slowly sipped at her tea, sitting in silence with her mother. She wanted to ask what happened after everything went down and why her father was staying at a hotel in the city. “Mom? Why is dad staying at a hotel?” Audrey shrugged lightly taking a few sips of her tea, taking a deep breath and relaxed placing her mug back onto the counter. 

“Simple, he has been lying to be for the past nine years. He didn’t tell me he still spoke to Presley let alone wanted her to take her COO position.” (Y/N) pressed her lips into a thin line, focusing on the tea that sat in front of her. This was the time to get all her questions answered, well at least most of it. 

“Did he know Ben was Presley’s ex?” 

Audrey placed her hand atop (Y/N) giving it a light squeeze, “No, he truly didn’t. From what he told me, Presley never opened up on who her boyfriend was.” relief ran through her veins, taking a little weight off her heart if her father knew Ben was Presley’s ex and wanted (Y/N) to marry off with him she would’ve gave her father hell for it.

After spending hours of talking about anything and everything with her mother, (Y/N) was about ready to go home, the downpour was heavier making it hard to see the road ahead. The headlights weren’t much of a help either, the light barley expanded out and everything ahead blurry and hazy. 

“Gosh I-” before she could even react the sound of a blaring horn caused her to come to a halt the muscles in her bodies shut down and her eyes fluttered shut. She didn’t know nor see what was currently happening, her car flipped over smoke slowly filled the air as she laid there unconscious.

Giggles filled the hallway, (Y/N) ran after her twin girls scooping them into her arm as they screamed in defeat squirming around their mother’s arms as she settled them back on their feet.

The sound of the front door clicking unlocked brought the girls attention away from their mother as they shouted with glee. “Daddy!” (Y/N) leaned against the doorframe of the foyer watching as her husband of four years peppered kisses onto their cheeks. 

Ben walked over to his beautiful wife placing a kiss on her sweet lips as their daughter screamed “Ew! Daddy kissed mommy!” (Y/N) rolled her eyes playfully at their comment as Ben spoke, “How was your day Mrs.Jones?” she slapped his chest playfully before wrapping her arms around his neck. 

“It was good Mr.Jones, how was your day?” 

Ben placed his head a top her shoulder sighing as she felt him relax into her arms, “Better now that I’m with my family.”

I guess it’s fucking true.

Your life flashes before your eyes just before you die.

[shushvera]

*toy story shark vc* howdy howdy howdy ! i would like to make it known i’ve been unabashedly eyeing this since it opened ! anyway ! i’ve lost my ooc intro groove so we gonna move down to my ic intro down below:

oh hi there, welcome to holiday, VERA FLOROS. you’ve been here for TWO MONTHS? awesome! you look just like MARINA DIAMANDIS, it’s crazy. oh, so you’re a 30 year old ‘FORTUNE TELLER’/’MUSICIAN’. and you’re FEMALE and use SHE/HER? okay, just checking! oh, people say you’re INTUITIVE & DILIGENT but DECEITFUL & RASH? well, i’m sure that you can prove yourself here. you’re looking forward to the HALLOWEEN celebration? that’s a good one, you’ll love it. i have to get going now, bye! [fleur, 19, est, she/her]

i would like to start by saying i’ve played vera once (1 time) before and it was,, so much fun,, the dumbest smart person to exist. i’ve tweaked her bg a little (because..... that’s what happens when you read lucille ball’s autobiography that was SUMN.....), but ! who cares !

update: this got rly long so there’s a tl;dr at the bottom if that better floats your boat !

INTRO-WORTHY STATS

aka, stats that aren’t that deep™

FULL NAME: Vera Floros DOB: August 17th, 1989 AGE: thirty FROM: Abergavenny, Wales OCCUPATION: “fortune teller” & a musician who doesn’t understand marketing ORIENTATION: bisexual CLASS: middle class ( that inheritance kicked in ! )

BACKGROUND: 

CHILDHOOD

triggers: parental death, brief mentions of child abuse

alright, vera was born to a very young couple in wales. they’d gotten married fresh out of high school and had a child (her) just two years later. that being said, for about two years after, her mother began distancing herself from the father... not because he was a bad guy, but he moved cities entirely and she was NOT about that.

to be perfectly redundant, for about two years, it was just vera and her mother. 

grandparents weren’t about their daughter being married. at 18. did they help pay rent for a separate living space? until vera’s mom was 21, yes. but was she welcomed in their house? lmao!!!!!

THEN her father blew back into town. they reconnected, they both began working more so that vera’s mother didn’t have to rely on her own (we’ll get to her dad’s parent’s in a second). 

vera, at the Tender Age of Three™ learned that she was a complete Daddy’s Girl™. although she loved her mom for obvious reasons, she connected with her dad on an entirely different level. he was fun! he was playful! he was young, but he was the perfect dad! he even told dad jokes! which she didn’t get until she was five because three year olds usually aren’t that smart! they did little ‘acrobatic’ things! it was cute and fun and good!

but? this is a roleplay character?

our man died from unexpected heart failure. the autopsy showed an abnormality that hadn’t previously been discovered, and we know our man rarely went to the doctor. vera was six at the time.

her mom: married at 18, mother at 20, widow at 26. 

because she and her mom had never developed that Close Bond™, it was difficult for her mother to figure out how to... like... keep her from wandering around... because just telling her not to wasn’t working... so she was like “you know what.... a leash.”

we love ‘puppy’ by george saunders

so whenever her mom was at work and vera wasn’t in school, she was tied to a tree in the backyard.

cruel and unusual punishment!

eventually, her mom kind of just... threw in the towel... she left completely for a change of pace. she said she would be back and that vera would be under the care of her father’s parents in athens until then.

her father’s parents had always been more accepting of the young marriage. they’d been more supportive of them being young parents, in spite of her father having left for a while. they’d definitely been supportive of vera and her mother during that time because they were like “omg mood”

there were a few other kids under their care, all related or not. they did some work for her father’s parents, but nothing very laborious – just sort of... Bonding™ ja feel?

so her mom DID keep her promise and returned three years later when vera was nine. mind you, vera had never held any feelings of resentment towards her mother. when she was six, she... just didn’t get it. at nine, she was old enough to be like “i get u.”

BUT her mother DID get remarried. she didn’t resent her for that, but... she was not fond of the new husband. he wouldn’t accept the ‘dad’ title, was very stern, very serious, made her mom seem like an absolute joy, etc. 

but her mom was in love, so what could she do? and then they had a son together, so what could she do? nothing.

that summer, to learn more Discipline™, vera was sent to live with her step-father’s parents in london. boy howdy, it was nothing like her father’s parents! they had a knack for pointing out flaws, induced actual laborious work, constantly quoted the bible at the worst of times, and thought that a single head nod was the equivalent of “good job!” there were a couple of other kids there too, but yikes.

TEENS ( *hang ten emoji* ) + COLLEGE

triggers: brief domestic abuse implications

early was filled with Drama™ surrounding her step-father’s parents and her step-father himself. the overall consensus was that he was not a dope dude, nor were his parents. vera’s mother filed for divorce and gained sole custody of their son (keeping in mind.... she basically already had sole custody of vera.... considering she was her only legal guardian left lmao)

after the divorce was filed, vera’s mother was like “u kno what. my parents hate me. my first husband is dead. my second husband was a douche. i have no reason to be here anymore.” so they went to the land of golden opportunity

but wound up in america instead

(joke patented by dr. doofenshmirtz)

vera, around sixteen at the time (y’all i’m figuring out ages as i go along bear with me), now attended some strange high-school where they were like “fahrenheit.” 

by the way! it was in holiday! that’s important to note for possible future connections!

it wasn’t an unwelcome change, though. starting over... was nice...

but the problem was that she was like her father in that she always acted before she thought... which made her a very dumb smart person. 

alright get ready for the single idea that drove this entire thing:

she majored in philosophy then was *pikachu shocked face* when she realized there were no jobs out there for philosophy majors.

ADULTHOOD

alright... so what do you do when you have no good opportunities for things in your major?

you would think you would do something like... idk... find a well-paying job that doesn’t require a major?

or maybe a job that just requires experience in ___?

or maybe a job that just requires a bachelor’s degree of any sort?

or maybe a job that doesn’t require a major, but would like a major similar to yours, thus giving you a leg up?

etc.?

lmao no. you go to new orleans and become one of many phony fortune tellers using the one good thing you got from your weird upbringing: easy analysis of body language.

in addition, you try to make something of your life through music, but have no clue what ‘marketing’ is because you really don’t understand social media and probably still have the egg as your twitter profile picture.

what do you mean print is out of style?

what do you mean no one listens to CDs anymore?

what do you mean garageband isn’t acceptable to record on?

that being said, it’s not like... she wasn’t good at it... i mean she was v good at it... but musician is in quotes because she has made NOTHING of her LIFE with it. DOES NOT UNDERSTAND MARKETING.

*sonic kid vc* WHEN WILL YOU LEARN? WHEN WILL YOU LEARN? *end vc*

she got some decent pay from being a ‘fortune teller,’ though. tourists totally flocked and using a fake russian accent helped, as did... just speaking a language they didn’t know while pretending to contact spirits...

at least she’s a good scam artist

can’t market very well, but could probs create the next big ponzi scheme

returned to holiday when she heard news from her brother that her mother had fallen ill.

honestly rest in peace.

is still around because... that’s her home! sentiment! also rip!

also marketing isn’t as hard in holiday so???

also testing fortune telling out in holiday is more interesting so???

DOPE.

PERSONALITY

either really dumb for a smart person or really smart for a dumb person.

still has a childlike trait tbh. i mean when ur growing up just laying beneath child labor laws, ur gonna have to become a kid again eventually.

really bad at technology for reasons unknown to... everyone, but really good at scams.

has not thought before she acted even ONCE.

hasn’t used her degree since she was 22. the closest she’s come is buying some misc. philosophy books and sharing tidbits with strangers. 

“now this is a taoist anthem” - vera @ ‘soak up the sun’ by sheryl crow

so many ragrets.

will find a way to bring up she’s half greek in every conversation. 

“and i’ve had mental illness since i was in middle school. good night.” - that video someone edited of professor tox

im so bad at personality sections but she’s got a fun one y’all one of the few characters i’ve played who’s had a Sad Backstory™ but wound up being a Fun And Comedic Character™

TL;DR

that was my first time ever writing this whole thing out, so it got real long. so we gonna give a tl;dr:

triggers: v brief mentions of parental death, brief mentions of child abuse, v brief implication of domestic abuse

born to a v young couple in wales. dad was like “brb” then he did, indeed, come rb. loved dad. but dad died when she was six lmao get wreckt this is a roleplay character.

mom was like “idk what 2 do” so she took notes from george saunders’s ‘puppy’ and just tied vera to a tree when she was gone adjsflka. went away for a while and vera stayed with her dad’s parent’s in greece. came back three years later and reunitedanditfeelssogood.mp3.

got married tho and vera was like “i don’t like this guy” and mom was like “i’m having his child.” lived with his parents over the next few summers. they almost violate child labor laws. like. just a hair more. hare? became source of any self-hatred lmao get wreckt

vera’s mom and step-dad divorced bc he was horrible and they moved to holiday when she was sixteen. she left for college when she was eighteen. she decided to major in philosophy which was a bad idea and the source of her entire character. 

decided to become a phony fortune teller in new orleans instead of... idk... just getting a job that didn’t require a degree or sumn? pretty successful tho! talked in a fake russian accent around tourists bc? why not? 

also did/does music but has no idea how marketing works. bad at social media. records things on garageband. an overall fool. good but a fool.

back in holiday bc mom died lmao get wreckt we’re an orphan now boizzzz

Sad But Rad™

WANTED CONNECTIONS

it’s 2:38AM as i write this part and i still have to go back and include a stats thing bc i love those then post ic but i’ll update this w/ some when im done i suppose?? but we do love brainstorming in this house!!

like this or hmu if you’d like to plot !

[altean-plance-au]

The Wedding

In celebration of breaking 1000 followers, we decided to treat you all to a glimpse of the future. As AdminRue said we are in awe and humbled so many of you want to keep up with this AU. We hope you continue to enjoy following us and look forward to continuing to grow this AU.

The Wedding

Various shuttles arrived at the lake in the forest. A platform was floating in the lake but connected to the shore. On the platform was seating as well as the altar.

Guests from all backgrounds stepped out of the shuttles and were lead to their seats.

King Alfor and Coran went to greet the rulers of Daibazaal and their son.

“Zarkon, Honerva, Lotor,” King Alfor greeted. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“We are pleased to be invited,” Zarkon replied. “Though I am surprised the wedding would be here and not at the capital.”

“That was at the request of the bride and groom,” Alfor replied. “They wanted it held here so two of their close friends could be present. Speaking of which here comes one now.”

A large creature rose out of the lake.

“What is that?” Zarkon demanded.

“That is the Gombash,” Coran explained. “Don’t worry, he’s a peaceful creature. Unless of course he senses you having malicious intent in which case he will kill you where you stand.”

Zarkon looked at the Gombash with fear and uncertainty until Honerva gave him a reassuring pat on the arm.

“It’s fine dear.”

The three went to their seats. Lotor suddenly felt a light tugging on his hair. As he turned he saw a small Altean girl.

“Hi I’m Nadia,” The girl said brightly.

“Prince Lotor, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Lotor replied.

“You have really nice hair.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I braid it for you?”

“Er….”

Lotor was thankfully spared having to give an answer when the Nadia was called back by her mother.

“Nadia! Get back here!”

“Ok, bye Prince Lotor.”

As the girl left Honerva commented. “I think you’d look good with a braid.”

Lotor could only give his mother a half-hearted glare.

Keith and Krolia sat nearby seat watching the everything going on.

“Thank you for bringing me along,” Krolia said to her son.

“The invitation allowed for a plus one,” Keith answered. “There’s no one else I’d want to bring.”

“True,” Krolia developed a sly grin. “Though you know, it might have been a good opportunity to bring a date.”

“Mom!”

“Just saying.”

As Alfor was at the Altar going over the notes of the ceremony Blaytz approached and gave the king a hearty pat on the back.

“Today’s the big day, and to think you’re now well on your way to having grandkids.”

“Blaytz, it’s my niece, not my daughter, getting married today.”

“Oh,” Blaytz replied. He then gave Alfor another hard pat on the back. “Well that means you’re well on your way to having grand nephews and nieces.”

“Indeed.”

In a nearby tent Lance was putting the final touches to his outfit. It was a suit of armour but far more impressive than his normal attire. Not only was it more intricately made and bore his family crest and the metal was gleaming. He attached his clock and gave himself a final look over as Hunk let out a whistle of approval.

“Not gonna lie buddy,” He said. “You’ve never looked better.”

“Come on Hunk, you know I look good in anything.”

“Really? How about that time you lost that bet and had to wear that Snargle herder outfit?”

“Alright,” Lance conceded. “I look good in most things.”

“Though Hunk’s not wrong little brother,” Luis said. “You’ve never looked better.”

Lance smiled as the men present nodded in agreement. It was no surprise that Hunk was chosen to be best man. Filling out the ranks of Groomsmen were his two brothers Luis and Marco as well as Matt.

“Alright you’re ready,” Hunk declare. “Now before go out there I want you to remember three things. I love you, I’m proud of you and if you screw this up I’ll never forgive.”

“Love you too,” Lance replied as they gave each other a hug.

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Everyone turned and saw Shiro enter the tent. “Just wanted to make sure you were almost ready. We’re starting soon.”

“Shiro!” Lance exclaimed. “How do I look?”

“Really good. Though there is one thing missing.”

“Really? What?”

“This.” Shiro pulled out a small box. He opened it to reveal a medal.

“Is that…?”

“Lance McClain, You have served Altea and the Crown diligently and nobly. You have upheld the principles this world is found on and are an example for others to aspire to. As your Captain I could not be prouder. In recognition of your continued service and valor, It is my honour to present you with the Star of Mefral.”

Lance was dumbfounded as Shiro pinned the medal on to the breastplate of his armour.

“There will be a formal ceremony for it later on but I thought it would only be right that you get to wear it on your wedding day.”

“Wow, Shiro this is amazing, thank you,” Lance stated. “Though is it wrong to say this is only the second best thing to be happening to me today.”

Shiro smirked as he gave Lance a pat on the shoulder. “There’d be something wrong with you if that wasn’t your response. Now all of you finish up. The last thing we want is to make this man late for his own wedding.

Once they all were prepared they stepped out and headed to the altar. As Lance walked up aisle he got various hugs and handshakes (in the case of Blaytz a high five) from the people he walked passed. He lingered with his parents, hugging them tightly as they told him how proud they were.

As he made it to the Altar, he turned his attention towards the Gombash.

“Gommy! I’m glad you could make it.”

Gommy trilled happily as he leaned in to briefly nuzzle Lance.

“Alright then,” Lance declared. “Razzle Dazzle Time!”

[hr]

The under the shade of the Father Tree, the female party was set up in a tent doing the final preparations.

“There, finished,” Veronica stated as she put down the makeup brush. “Take a look.”

Pidge stood and looked at herself in the mirror. She wore an elegant flowing emerald dress. Atop her head was a tiara more detailed than her usual one.

“You look amazing,” Allura commented.

“She had better,” Veronica stated. “Lance would never let me hear the end of it if I got the makeup wrong.”

For the bridal party Allura was Maid of honour with the positions of bridesmaids going her cousin Mia as well as Lances sisters Veronica and Rachel. Pidge’s mother and father entered the tent.

“Pidge you look amazing,” Samuel stated.

“Thanks Dad.” Pidge replied.

“How do you feel?” Colleen asked.

“Good,” Pidge replied, when Colleen raised a skeptical eyebrow Pidge amended. “Absolutely terrified but I love Lance and want to be with him.”

Colleen smiled as she gave her daughter a hug.

Finally the bridal party was all prepared but before they left Pidge asked for a moment to do one last thing.

She walked up to Father Tree and placed a hand on the trunk. Her markings glowed as she connected with the ancient tree.  

“So what do you think old timer, am I doing the right thing?”

In reply there was a low rumble and the sensation of the ground shifting beneath her. Suddenly two roots shot out from either side of Pidge. The roots then ran along ground, creating a path that was clearly heading towards the lake. The flowers then burst out of the roots to decorate the path.

“Well,” Pidge commented. “I can’t argue with that.”

There were more than a few gasps of surprise as two roots grew out from the forest. The roots ran up the either side of the aisle, stopping just short of the altar before beautiful flowers burst out of the roots.

“You think this is Pidge’s handiwork?” Hunk asked.

“Actually I think it might be an old timer giving his blessing,” He bent down to give one the roots a pat. “Thanks Pappy.”

The root wrapped around Lances hand and squeezed lightly before releasing it. Lance stood back up and got into position as the music started. Everyone in the audience got their feet as the bridal party entered from forest.

Pidge lead the way, her flowing green dressing glowing with golden symbols. Allura carried the train as they exited the forest but released it as they got to the platform. The audience looked on in awe as Pidge walked up the aisle. Lance looked on in unbridled joyed.

The bride arrived at the altar and as she clasped hands with the groom the two became lost in each others eyes.

Hunk meanwhile had become misty-eyed and muttering to himself to “keep it together”.

Coran on the other hand was bawling his eyes out.

King Alfor allowed the couple a brief moment before he began the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Lance and Katie in holy matrimony. which is an honorable estate. This is not an institution that they have decided to enter lightly but out of their love and devotion for each other.Ifany one can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

At that moment the Gombash raised himself to his full height and glared down at the audience.

“Although you may have to answer to him,” King Alfor added dryly.

This earned a chuckle from the audience, some more nervous than the rest. When it was clear no one was going to object, the Gombash settled back down.

“The union two souls is a moment great joy and celebration. It is with great pleasure that I now ask you two take these vows.”

“Lance, do you take Katie as your wife? To love and cherish for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Katie, do you take Lance as your husband? To love and cherish for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Then it is my honour, as ruler of Altea, to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

As Lance and Pidge kissed, the audience erupted in applause.

[sunshine-seb]

Secret Santa

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, @omgbarbiegurl ! I have been your Secret Santa this december, I hope you have had a great month and that 2019 brings you joy and hapiness. I wrote you a Bughead Christmas one-shot, which you will find under the cut. Hope you like it! 

Silent Night

It’s quiet. Eerily quiet, dark except for the soft glistening from the christmas tree lights, and the low shine of the street lights outside. Betty moves on her tiptoes where she walks through the house, positioning christmas gifts, making footprints from santa with powdered sugar, changing the milk and cookies for empty dishes with crumbs on it. If it was any other night, she would have believed the silence, embraced it without complaint. The thing is, it is far from a normal night. It’s 2:33 AM, Christmas day and the reporter knows her children inside and out. While the baby might actually be peacefully asleep, nursed at Betty’s chest until she was deep under, their eight-, and six-year-olds are bound to be up to some sort of mischief.

When the living room is ready, the kettle is prepped and the pancake mix is whipped and placed in the refrigerator, she moves silently up the stairs again, avoiding the two steps that creaks and pausing at the top before heading to Hannah’s, their oldest, bedroom. Her little brother had been invited for a sleepover, causing both of the parents to blink in surprise. But, as promised, they’d curled up in their matching pajama sets, a bowl of popcorn between them, to watch christmas movies. Despite their usual tendency to fight every three seconds, they had managed to go all evening with nothing but laughter, before going silent.

Now, certain she will find two pairs of open eyes, Betty sneaks open the door. Instead of excuses or scrambling to get under the covers, there’s still only silence. Considering their house is never truly silent unless someone is up to something, it causes a shudder to run down her spine. She quickly settled in the mom role, despite having Hannah when she was barely 20 and Adam only two years later, which is evident in the way she now picks and tidies, tucks the kids in and turns the nightlight off. There will be enough dishes and cooking tomorrow, that she makes sure to properly deal with the sleepover ones before she finally gets to crawl down next to her husband. Jughead wraps an arm around her, burrowing sleepily into her neck, and she relaxes with a gentle sigh, to hopefully catch a few hours of sleep, before the kids awake to a day exhaustingly full.

It’s 5:49 when Isabella wakes, crying and screaming from her place in the cot. She’s only had time to spend three weeks in the world, so Betty is grateful when she sleeps more than two hours at a time. Knowing they are mere minutes from her older siblings waking up as well, she rolls over, but when she moves to place her feet on the floor the baby suddenly goes quiet. She whips her head around towards the crib, but finds her husband right there, a bottle in hand and the baby cradled against his chest, and gives a silent thank you to whatever gods gave them the idea to work shifts. Usually, this means she can go back to sleep. Jughead will feed and wash and dress all three, and she can get up in time for the school run. Today, however, she places her feet on the floor and tugs her pajamas on, seconds before two sets of feet are rushing down the corridor accompanied by screeching laughter. “Mama, daddy! Santa’s been here! Santa was here!”

She is exhausted, and part of her dreads having to cook all day, but there is no time or place where her children’s happiness will fail to make her smile. So she easily tugs Adam into her arms, ruffling Hannah’s hair, and gasps in surprise and excitement. “He has? Well, do you wanna go see if he dropped any gifts?” Her son squirms from her arms and she watches them run off, before kissing Jughead softly. “Good morning. I made tea.” Two simple sentences, yet it fills her with a newfound feeling of why she loves him so much, she tugs him back into another, deeper kiss.

By the time the parents make their way down the stairs into the living room, their two older children are already knee-deep in wrapping paper. They have tried not to spoil them, to only give them what they need and will actually use. Which is why one of their ten presents are from Betty and Jughead, one is from ‘Santa’ and eight are from their Aunt Veronica, off in a snowy cabin with Archie for the holidays, and unable to come for the dinner and celebration. The children whip out socks, stuffed animals, toys and candy. When Adam opens one of the gifts to find a drum set, Betty silently curses her best friends but keeps a smile on her face. The paper is thrown away, the gifts carried to their respective rooms, before they all sit down for breakfast. As usual, Adam doesn’t spill a single drop, while his big sister -  busy telling stories, turning around, and playing with her siblings - drops chocolate and jam and crumbs all over. Cleaning while the kids are around is like carrying water in a bowl with holes, which is why the ding from the doorbell is very welcomed. The older children run off and Jughead follows with the littlest one on his arm, greeting his sister at the door. The children squeal and throw themselves at Aunt Jellybean, who hugs and laughs and kisses them all over. Betty takes the opportunity to clean the kitchen, not wanting her mother to find anything to complain about. Jellybean calls out a greeting to her sister-in-law before she’s dragged up the stairs to see all the new gifts and the way they’d changed their rooms since last. When Jughead re-enters the room, Betty grins happily, and they take advantage of the moment alone with a deep and loving kiss, the baby content and cooing between them.

“Our parents will be here in two hours, with the twins. Polly still won’t come.”

The words cut through Betty’s heart but she nods faintly and braves a smile. If her sister doesn’t want to be a part of their celebrations, then she won’t force her. Instead she turns to set the table while Jughead helps, and their conversation is light and happy, avoiding the subjects that ruin the mood. They cook and reheat before calling everyone down for dinner. Jellybean is 23 and on break from her university studies, but she’s equally as excited to spend time with her nieces and nephew as when she was 15 and Hannah was newborn. She talks and plays with the older kids and happily takes the tiny one into her arms. It gives Jughead and Betty a chance to spend time with their family while still having their hands free to hold each other, and when Jellybean offers to take care of the dishes, Betty wonders if she might cry of joy. Instead she curls up on the couch to nurse Isabella, while Jughead steps up the stairs to dress the kids in appropriate celebration clothing. When the baby is happy and full, Betty changes her diaper and dresses her in white tights and a red, soft dress with long sleeves; an outfit identical to what her older sister and mother is wearing, the difference being that Hannah’s hair reaches her hips and Jellybean takes on the mission of braiding it in a crown around her head. Their brother and his father wears grey slacks and a white button-down, with a red blazer and grey bowtie. He is beaming with pride when they come down the stairs, happy to be like his dad, and Betty sniffles; but blames it on her hormones still being unsettled.

Everyone is dressed, the food is out, the rooms are clean; still, Betty goes stiff when the doorbell goes off for a second time, and Hannah runs to let her grandparents in. FP and Alice come bearing two 11-year-olds and two golden retrievers, much to the Cooper-Jones’ kids joy. Alice comes up to her daughter to wrap her in a tight embrace, before stealing her youngest grandchild and walking off, with a coo and a smile. Betty goes to greet the twins with a hug, knowing Polly’s growing disinterest in her family stretches to them as well, and that it’s been hitting them hard. The dogs are running around in excitement, barking and wagging tails, jumping up on the kids until Adam falls backwards and starts crying. FP calls an order for the dogs to calm down, and they go to curl up on the mat by the tree. Betty gathers their messy family around the table, fingers entwined with Jughead’s and they say grace before digging in.

The day drags on for long, full of food and gifts and laughter, shared anecdotes and affection. Jellybean tugs the kids in - the only one either of the four willingly heads to bed - and then bids goodnight herself. FP and Alice take the dogs for one last walk before they head to the second guest room, and Betty curls into Jughead’s chest. Once again it’s dark and silent, she’s properly spent, and there is nothing better than her husband’s warm embrace. He presses a kiss to her head and holds her tighter, a yawn parting his mouth, before he tugs the blanket around them, and Betty smiles contently.

“Merry Christmas, Juggie. And on to many more.”

[casskaykingston]

momma who bore me:

cass & olivia kingston ; sunday, january the 27rd. 11:40 AM.

tw: past and current verbal/emotional abuse

The first time Cassidy Kay Kingston II set eyes on Olivia Charlotte Dean, the first thing he wonders is where she came from, because it hadn’t been from here. He knew Wilmington inside and out, nearly every moment of his twenty five years being spent here, and he knew the townsfolk, their families, their daughters. She couldn’t have been one of them. Because if she had, C.K. would’ve tried to make his move long ago. He spotted her for the first time while at the grocers, Stetson in his hands while he waits to pick up the ham his mother wants for supper, and he sees her. Strawberry blonde hair, the deep blue eyes of an angel, and a smile that quite frankly made his head stop. Little pearl earrings catch the artificial light from above them as she stands on her tiptoes to accept the slice of strawberry shortcake from the baker, and C.K. is momentarily mesmerized by the swing of her light green skirt. Turning around, he kind of stares aimlessly at the glass in front of him, lunchmeat not processing to blue-green eyes as the mental image of that skirt flirts through his mind, taking a few moments before his stupidity hits him like a shock of lightning as he bolts towards the door.

“Excuse me! Excuse me, miss!”

A wrinkle of a creamy brow, and the mystery girl turns, one hand on her car door as she had been preparing to leave. He makes a bit of a sight, scuffed up button down with a kerchief around his neck, cowboy hat being murdered as he crumples it in his hands, dirty blonde hair with a slight cowlick and a smudge of dirt on his cheek. He's handsome, sure, but not traditionally so, and it's not the smile lines by his eyes that makes her keep pausing. It's the slow draw of a crooked smile, and the words he lets drop his country boy accent as casual as you please. “I'm sorry for stopping you, but…” he shakes his head, and the wattage in that smile slides up just a tick. “I couldn't let the prettiest thing I'd ever laid my eyes on just up ‘n walk away.”

Months of courtship and a pearl and diamond engagement ring later, and twenty year old former secretary from Virginia has become a wife. Not only a wife, but Olivia Kingston, steadily adjusting to a new world wherein walking out the front door of her home normally greeted her with sweaty men and plentiful horses. Fast forward four years, and she's cradling a baby given to her by the man who'd stopped her, a boy who carried his same name. Crystalline blues blink up at her, downy blond hair on his small head, and Olivia coos at the person who already held her whole heart, rocking him in the same chair his grandmother had rocked his father. “I'm going to love you always, sweet boy.” She whispers to him, thinking there could be nothing more beautiful than he, this child she had made and would try to fill his life with joy. “You can always, always count on me.”

Cut to now, Cass and his mother taking a walk on one of the trails in the woods that framed his house on three sides. There was no snow today, but a cold rain had fallen the night before, the thin layers of ice crunching underneath their boots. Olivia, Hudson's leash in her gloved hands, having been talking to her son for ten minutes or so so far, discussing the plans she has for a new menu once the seasons change once more. That's one area of the business Cass tends to stay out of, leaving it to his very competent and qualified head chef and his only a bit less skilled in the kitchen Momma, especially after her strawberry lemonade recipe was a smash hit and helped put the as then fledgling B & B on the map. Today, however, Cass isn't much interested in what successes they've had in the past adding a specific amount of cinnamon to their French toast recipe. What he wants to do is ask his mother is something he's wanted to know since the time his father grilled him mercilessly at the table because he'd started on his chores late after going to football tryouts. What he'd wanted to know since he'd stopped depending on his mom having his back when it was against his father. It was an uncomfortable conversation to have with a loved one, especially so close on the heels of the catastrophic one he’d had with Amy barely three days before, but it was one he’d already been avoiding for years.

Pushing the past the feelings of dread that wrapped their uncomfortable fingers around his throat every time he'd imagined this semi confrontation, Cass clears his throat, hands stuffed deep in the pockets of the vest atop his fleece lined jean jacket. “Momma, I need to talk to you about something.”

The furrow in Olivia's brow that her son inherited makes an appearance at what he says, pulling a wayward strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. Smile lines crinkle as she frowns, touching his arm. “Cassidy, honey, what's wrong.”

“What's wrong,” her son begins, subtly moving his arm, forcing his steps to keep going and not lose his nerve. “Is Dad. And how I need to distance myself from him. And why...why you weren't there for me. Then. Now.” Cass's hands curl into themselves, hidden by the puffy fabric of the vest he wore, and he isn't sure his lips are cold because of the temperature or because of the words he's trying to push out of them.

“What do you mean? There's nothing you can't ask me for Cassidy; you're my son. I would do anything -”

“Yeah. Anything. Anything but protect me from Dad.”

Olivia falls silent for a moment, Hudson's overly loud sniffing as he inspects a place to pee stopping their progress, causing them to halt. “I know your Dad is hard on you. But he really does love you and want the best.”

“Does he, Momma?” The thirty two year old man's voice is rusty and short, hard on his throat. “Does he though? Did he want what was best for me when he made sure Greer and Bailey knew how much they were loved and cared for and couldn’t do anything wrong? And if I looked in the wrong direction when he was talking to me, I’d get a lecture that lasted for hours and made me feel like a piece of shit. No fourteen year old should feel like a piece of shit, Momma.”

On some level, Olivia had known that the relationship between her husband and her son wasn’t exactly the best. For the few years, maybe there had been the kind of relationship she always dreamed of for them, but when the girls rolled around she noticed a difference. Showering attention on the other two, C.K. treating Cass more seriously and differently. When he got older, and C.K.’s attention shifted to the next generation leading the ranch, Olivia had mostly left it up to the two of them. Bonding time, she thought. Sure, she noticed over the years that Cass hated being alone with C.K. Spent as much time out of the house as he could if he wasn’t working, thin lips and blue eyes that forcibly cleared of pain when they locked on her own. Their moments had been private, private and devastating in a way she wasn’t aware of. Devastating in a way that she was only hearing now.

“In the beginning, it wasn’t too bad. He’d praise me for getting a full day of work done, for making the football team. And then it seemed to be few and between, the kind words. The spaces between them were killed with nasty ones that made me feel like the lowest of the low. I couldn’t do anything to please him, Momma. Couldn’t then, absolutely can’t now. Not when I committed the gross sin of leaving. I wasn’t going to come back, Momma. Not at all. Not when he was what I was coming back to.”

“Cassidy, sweetie - “

“Actually, can you wait until I’m done?” Cass interrupts, shooting blue eyes sidelong to her. He might not be walking to a noose but every moment spent talking about this seemed to tighten around his neck, a suffocating hand of years of hurt and frustration bubbling up and anxious to escape. This isn’t a safe space the same way that Ashley’s office is, and Cass isn’t sure how to operate in it. To reveal the dark truths hiding in his Momma’s house, but then again - hadn’t she been the one to turn a blind eye? Hadn’t she been only a passive ally? It was only after the accident that she started helping him keep distance between he and his father, that dark spectre that had tainted so many things in Cass’s life. Including, it seemed, his relationship with his mother.

“On my sixteenth birthday, he gave me shit for not showing up to work that night. My friends threw me a surprise party at one of their houses, and I thought he’d be fine. He liked that I was popular, after all. A good face for the family.” The bearded man laughs, but it’s not the full and golden one he usually lets out. This one is scratchy and raw from past pains and incredulity of the sheer lack of humanity C.K. had shown him for much of his life. Something Cass would never, ever do to a loved one, much less a kid. Another pang, a reminder of the fight he was struggling through with Amy, and the thirty two year old fights the urge to grab at his heart. It wasn’t going to ease the hurt. “When I got home, you made me a cake. He didn’t sing me Happy Birthday with you and Greer and Bailey - and when everyone else went to sleep, he came to my room and told me how ashamed he was to have a son who rang in such an ‘important’ age with irresponsibility.”

They’ve given up on walking at this point. Hudson, let off the leash, eats snow and bounds around about them until the stress radiating from his owner reaches the point that even the dog feels it and tries to make his owner feel better. Stories spill from Cass, ugly ones with poisonous words and memories that still whip his spirit. The lectures of the way he wasn’t, couldn’t ever measure up. References to him in front of others designed to tear him down piece by piece. At every turn, Cass was a disappointment. A blight to his father and his name. How no matter how long he worked at the ranch, he was still the traitor who’d left the business behind. How C.K. refused to acknowledge any good that Cass did, anything that went wrong automatically was his fault. How scared he would be when bringing home a C, how many nights he stayed up wondering if his father was right. The incidents that he only recognized now, mostly on the other side of it, as anxiety attacks when C.K. was on the warpath. As he continued to talk, Olivia’s hands slowly seem to rise, covering her mouth. Horror is reflected back at him from his mother, horror and a deep seated sense of inadequacy; for all that C.K. had been a bad parent with all the bells and whistles, even if Olivia couldn’t quite believe all of it, she had failed in her protection of him. “I’m sorry.” Is all she manages to get out, whispered at intervals, soft with regret.

“Momma, he’s literally told me the only things he has to be proud of are Greer, Bailey, and the ranch. When Amy came over for dinner, he couldn’t stop talking about how I’d tricked her into being there. How I had to be holding something over her, or she wouldn’t be there. Because who would want to date his failure of a son, huh Momma?” Winter still has its grips on the landscape, inhabiting the seat sized rocks they’d managed to find on the trails, seeping through Cass’s jeans and yet not the cause of the shake in the broad mans voice. Cass was 220 lbs, almost 80% completely muscle, and six three, carrying an imposing figure that few wanted to mess with. Talking about his father, he seemed frailer, weaker, genuine belief in what had been drilled into his head for over thirty years almost making him try and fit into the descriptive terms C.K. assigned to him so many times. “All I’ve ever heard from Dad for years has been that I’m weak. Stupid. Useless. Incapable of doing easy things the right way, and always a step away from disaster. He’s always right. I’m always wrong. I’m not an iota of the man he is, to hear him say it. And do you know what’s the worst thing? It’s that I know I’m not. At the very least. I don’t use my words to hurt people. To make them feel like horse shit on someones shoe is probably of more use than you. But he’s poisoned me, Momma, and I hate it. He’s targeted me so many times that sometimes, my thoughts turn to aiming at others the same way. I just had a fight with Amy - and no, I don’t want to talk about it - and I said horrible things to her. I knew what to say, how it was going to hurt, where she was vulnerable. I don’t want to know where my girlfriend is vulnerable, Momma. If I do, I should only learn so I can figure out how to protect it. Not use it against her.”

A touch, Olivia’s hand on his knee, and Cass looks up at her with eyes that he’d deny to his grave were stinging, shaking his head, not done. “When he discovered that the other ranch hands actually liked me, that working wasn’t as bad with them, he made it a point to give me solitary assignments if I’d pissed him off. He reminds me every moment that the ranch is not mine, that it was his name first that goes on it and all its successes are his, all its failures are mine. If I lost a football game, he’d give me the silent treatment for a week. He’d only talk when at the dinner table, because you and the girls were there. He made jokes about erectile dysfunction when my friends were over. I learned how to stop bringing people that weren’t my forewarned girlfriends over the house so my dad would stop trying to sabotage my friendships. Do you know how long it took me to realize that other kids dads weren’t like that? Too long. I doubted everything. Dad made me believe I was just being overly sensitive, that he was just trying to push me to accomplish more. To reach my full potential. I should’ve known I’d never be enough. I won’t ever be, not for him.” A harsh truth, but one that Cass had come far enough to be able to say. Even if in his core, the root of him, longs for one sign of his father being proud of everything. Despite of everything. Because of everything. Hope, that hardest bastard to kill. His eyes give up the ghost, let tears slip down ruddy cheeks and disappear into a full beard, sparkes of shine in the gold. Hudson’s head is heavy in his lap, big brown eyes concerned whilst Cass’s shaking hands stroke his dogs forehead, gaze dropped as it had been for most of his unloading. Olivia, having long since started crying, just keeps rubbing his leg and nodding her head.

“For years I thought I was selfish for wanting his love, when he only seemed to have enough for my sisters and not for me. This ranch - this damned ranch, this thing that I love, this place that I call home and work and that I pour my existence into to make it work, the B & B that was my brainchild and my greatest pride - it’s a miracle that I’ve gotten to this place. Crazy that I feel about it the way I do. Because for years, I know it’s meant more to my father than my own life. I’m so angry about it, Momma. I’m angry, and I’m hurt, and I hate being around him, and you have to let me cut him off. You have to.” Olivia’s arm curls around his shoulders, shushes falling from lips that kissed him on the forehead more times that he could count, and Cass holds on, even as he chokes out the last words,  a show of stark vulnerability he could only show with his mom. “You didn’t protect me then. But dammit, Momma. You’ve gotta do it now. You’ve got to…”

Sure, Ashley’s prompting in therapy had been a big push to getting him there. The recent blow up he’d had with C.K., Olivia absent as always, when he laid into him for the burned barn, disparaging words about being too distracted by his relationship to do his job properly, of blaming him for hiring pyromaniac workers, and more that Cass is sure he would’ve had if he hadn’t found the strength to book it out of there, that probably helped. Whatever the final push, this was long overdue. How his mom would react to it, only time would tell, but he’d said his truth. Laid out how she’d done him wrong, and explained how. She’d apologized. And she’d probably keep doing it, even now when his tears get absorbed by her scarf and she rocks back and forth with the two of them, a woman half his size who’d been tasked with protecting her son and who had failed. Time would tell where the revelation would take them.

[reylo-solo]

Reylo Promt: Rey wakes up to meet Ben's eyes and they look at their daughter or son (what ever you choose) and just fluff :)

Aw I rarely write stuff like this because I feel like everyone does this theme, but damn if it isn’t cute and fun to write. I get it. And I hope you enjoy!

               The Millennium Falcon had notbeen parked in the ship hangar for more than two minutes when its captain flewout of it, a look of panicked excitement on his freckled face. His dark hairwas in a messy disarray and he was still clad in his battle gear, complete witha fully-loaded holster belt. He had just arrived back from defending a Rebelbase camp against the First Order, and the thrill of doing battle in a shipthat could move as fast as Kylo wanted it to still remained in his body. Thedeep brown eyes which were set into the pale, intriguing face dashed this wayand that, alight with nervous energy.

               “Sir, you’re late,” C-3P0quipped, waving one of his bent golden arms tauntingly at Kylo Ren.

               “Yeah, I know that, 3P0. Things took a little longer to take care of than Ithought,” Kylo shot back, walking right past the communications droid beforepausing and swivelling around on his heel. “Exactly how late am I, by chance?”

               If 3P0 was capable of smiling,he would have done so just then. The young General reminded him so much of hisfather some days.

               “Well if you have to ask…youhave a daughter, sir. She’s in the room with her mother—”

               Kylo was off before 3P0 couldfinish, racing as fast as he could down the slick hallway floors. A daughter! He thought to himself withjoy the likes of which he never knew before. I have a daughter!  As heturned a sharp corner he skidded into it, nearly missing the turn. When hefinally found the room he grabbed the door frame to steady himself, the inertiaof his race still wanting to carry his body forward.

               The high-ceilinged bedroom wasfilled with soft lavender light, the sun being diffused by the thin curtainspulled over the windows. There, sleeping peacefully on the bed with her faceturned away from the door, was Rey. His wife; the only person in the galaxythat he would gladly die for. That is, until he had a daughter. Now there weretwo people in his life he would sacrifice everything for if he had to. Hewalked up to her quietly, entranced by the slow rise and fall of her chest. Hereyes twitched behind closed lids, watching some dreamscape only visible to her.He placed a gentle kiss atop her forehead where her hair still clung to the remainingsweat of exertion. He brushed it away with a gloved finger.

               A noise, soft and gentle likethe whisper of feathered wings, made him turn away from her. A white crib fitfor a princess, the one he had built with his own two hands and lots offrustration, was pushed up against Rey’s bed. He hadn’t even noticed it atfirst, being too distracted by the sleeping form of his wife. Carefully, hewalked around the bed and peered into the crib. There, nestled amongst a softpink blanket with a handmade Resistance pilot toy propped up next to her head,was a tiny, pink-faced baby. My baby…

               She had soft wisps of brown hairatop the gentle curve of her head and a tiny button nose that already looked alot like her mother’s. Her full, pink lips worked in and out, puckering andopening in a wide, toothless yawn. She had long, dark eyelashes that flutteredas she stirred, and when she opened her eyes to reveal two curious orbs, aswell of emotion erupted in Kylo’s chest. Her eyes were the customary dark blueof any newborn human, but they had the same slope as his. She even had hisears; they stuck out in an adorable fashion, clean and pink and new.

               Her little hands clenched intofists and she shook them above her head, whimpering with the struggle of wakingup. Kylo cooed at her softly, wasting no more time. He removed both of hisgloves, reached into the crib and, carefully cradling her tiny head in the palmof his hand, picked her up, blanket and all. She was warm to the touch and madesoft squeaking noises. Her eyes widened, adjusting to the new blurry sightsbefore her. They roamed Kylo’s face as though taking inventory of every freckleand fine scar. Tears welled in his eyes. She was beautiful, and she was part ofhim and the woman he loved. Never before had he thought himself capable ofmaking or doing anything great, until now. She was his greatest achievement,and always would be. He felt fiercely protective over her from the instant hesaw her. The galaxy was not always a kind place, but he would keep her safefrom the worst of it until he took his dying breath.

               “Hello, Padme,” he murmured,softly bouncing up and down as he cradled her to his chest. “I’m your dad. I’mprobably not what you were expecting, huh? How could someone like me landsomeone like your mom, right?”

               Padme shook a tiny fist in theair and Kylo chuckled emotionally.

               “Yeah, right. But listen, I hopeyou can warm up to me. ‘Cause I’m going to love you from this day, until theend of days. You’re my girl, aren’t you? My beautiful baby girl…”

               The tiny little bundle shut hereyes and smiled, as if in peaceful agreement with her father.

               When Rey opened her eyes, ittook her a second to clue in to what was going on around her. She saw theblurry outline of a figure swaying side-to-side by the window and instantlywanted to jump out of bed and go on the defensive, but once she blinked acouple times her heart soared instead. It was Kylo. He made it home. He hadmissed the birth of his daughter but he was here now, that was what mattered.Carefully, wincing at the gentle tug of sensitivity in her now empty womb, shesat up.

               “Kylo?”

               He turned around and instantlybeamed at her, his face so full of love and happiness that Rey couldn’t helpreflecting it on her own. He walked up to her and sat down on the bed besideher, carefully transferring the now sleeping babe into Rey’s arms. Withdelicate fingers, the new mother brushed the soft warm cheeks of her child.

               “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”Rey whispered affectionately.

               “You both are,” Kylo said. “Idon’t think I’ve ever been more in love with anyone or anything than I am rightnow.”

               “Oh, please,” Rey blushed, “Iknow I need a nice long bath.”

               “Maybe you do. But to me, you’reradiant as always. And I love you more than life itself. I’m so sorry I couldn’thave been here sooner…”

               “It’s okay, Ben. I love you too.”

               They kissed overtop of theirsleeping daughter, the bite of passion still very much there, despite Rey’sexhaustion. They sat there for a while in silence, just the two of them,admiring every inch of Padme, from the tips of her ears to the nails on eachtiny toe. More than once they counted: ten fingers, ten toes, one bellybutton,two eyes, a nose, two ears, a mouth. But they didn’t need to count. They bothknew she was amazing in every respect; a perfect incarnation of both of herparents combined. The promise of discovering her personality, which wasguaranteed to be fiery on the best of days, was exhilarating to the newparents.

               “Do you think we’ll do a goodjob as parents?” Rey asked after a bit, a tiny frown of uncertainty tugging ather lips.

               “Well, we didn’t exactly have thegreatest role models to learn from,” Kylo admitted, “but I think—I know that we’ll do right by her. We cando this.”

               “You’re right, we can. Together.”

               And so they remained for therest of the day, caught up in their familial bubble of happiness, taking careof each other and of the baby. And for all their concerns, they were prettygood at filling their new roles.

[octohook-blog]

Sea Three X-Mas HC/Drabble

☆ Just as there has been a silent ban on love and affection on the island, the same went for the mention or practice of peaceful holidays, particularly those in the winter.

   ☆ Many of the children’s parents remember the days of joy and good cheer before being banished to the island—most with bitter memories, some with repressed longing—it makes them s i c k.

   ☆ Uma and Harry never heard of Christmas until Gil mentioned it. His dad was moodier than usual in the winter, and would spend many a night drinking until he was mumbling about his past.

  ☆ One of the things he let slip was how the town he grew up in sparkled and glistened like the inside of something called a ‘snow globe.��� He mumbled about how the villagers lined the streets with red ribbons, decorated trees with colorful ornaments, and hung evergreen wreaths and bows on their doors and candles and snowflakes in the windows. How he sat in the tavern next to fireplaces that roared and warmed the room, drank ale and rare, seasoned meat until he was stuffed, and was surrounded by people who (supposedly) admired him as well as feared him.

   ☆ The images that their imaginations painted as Gil went on recalling his father’s drunken monologue filled them with a cluster of emotions— confusion, wonder, and the strongest one of all, excitement.

☆ They were children when Gil brought this up. Before they were a pirate crew of the Lost Revenge, before they had control over territories, before the islanders had the sense to fear them (or Uma and Harry that is). So when Uma made the decision that they were going to have their own Christmas, it was only between the 3 of them.

  ☆ Uma would find a way to secretly cook something for them (“something that’s NOT fish and chips” she swore); Harry was in charge of decorating their hideout (Uma wanted to do it but Harry couldn’t boil water let alone find someway to turn bilge into something edible); and Gil, well Gil was responsible for their music– meaning he was to find out more about these holiday songs and teach them to Harry and Uma. And finally, for the presents, they would do the same old same old – steal something for one another.

  ☆ During following days, the daughter of Ursula, son of Hook and son of Gatson had to hide the skip in their steps with stomps, and wipe their grins off with sneers.

   ☆ They would never admit it, but on the night of Christmas Eve, none of them could sleep very well. This strange excitement bubbling inside them kept them up almost the entire night.

   ☆ Christmas Day arrives and they all wake up bright and early. They stuff their presents in burlap bags and head off to the hideout – Harry gets there first of course, making the final arrangements.

   ☆ When Uma and Gil are outside the hideout Harry instructs them to close their eyes before coming in (btw I have a hc of them having a hideout in a cave that’s in a secluded area of the beach)

   ☆ They humor him and shut their eyes– when they open them again, there are lanterns and candles of all shapes, sizes and colors scattered across the rocky ground and sitting on rocks; strips of cloth made of assorted materials slathered with paste are draped across the walls, and standing in the middle the small space was a coat hanger shrouded in a ridiculous amount of seaweed, sea shells and starfish hung by fishing hooks and lines. And at the foot of the makeshift “tree” were his gifts: one wrapped in ripped up newspaper (“let’s see you try wrapping paper with a hook.”) and held together by a limp, ragged strip of scarf for a ribbon, and the other, apparently, was somewhere inside a striped sock (that may or may not have been Mr. Smee’s).

   ☆ Uma found apples in the bin of leftovers and salvaged them as best she could and mixed them with some butter, flour and oats in a skillet the night before Christmas Eve to make some (odd but refreshing to their oil and salt stained palette) oatmeal bars. (“I still can’t believe my mom didn’t wake up at the smell of something else other than fish cooking.”) She also managed to ground up enough old coffee beans to fill a flask of weak coffee. (Tasted like muddy water, but it was warm and beat a blank —they needed something to wash down those bars.)

   ☆ Gil was excited to share his knowledge of the one song he’d managed to learn to sing and play on his harmonica (which was a hell of an ordeal of probing his dad into remembering the songs sung at the tavern, followed by listening to a slurred recollection of ‘Deck the Halls’ to get a feeling for the rhythm and lyrics—which Gil had a feeling wasn’t 100% correct because there was quite a bit of his father’s infamous vanity, unnecessary violence, and tons of expletives in there. Not to mention the weird implications of things Gaston would like do to pretty women that Gil didn’t quite understand yet)

   ☆ The gifts… Now, they weren’t expecting teddy bears and dolls or bags of gold and silver. But they also weren’t expecting to feel the slight awkwardness that came about as they handed over crumpled paper tied up with string, or taking such a liking to their presents. (I also have a hc that some of their accessories are gifts from one another over the years)

   ☆ Uma → Harry: Black and gold bead bracelet

       Uma → Gil: Golden skull ring

   ☆ Gil → Uma: Pearl bracelet

       Gil → Harry: Skull belt

   ☆ Harry → Gil: Bull necklace

       Harry → Uma: Blue nail polish (mkAY HEar mE OUt rEAL qUICk: this came from an idea that the kids have their color scheme thing going on, Mal and Uma are frenemies, and Mal being a privileged VK was probably like that girl who was the first to do/have nicer things before everyone else —first to wear earrings, first to wear makeup, first to wear heels, etc.— and Uma wanted to do things like that, but she was NOT going to look like a copycat… anyway Harry may have noticed how she looks at her chipped, dirty nails with disgust and stole the bottle from Lady Tremaine’s beauty salon… ya feel me?)

   ☆ Most of the things didn’t fit too well–they were children with thin wrists, slender fingers and malnourished bodies doing their best to grow under cloudy skies and cold, steely eyes—but that didn’t dampen their eagerness and their fascination with the trinkets. The words ‘thank you’ would never come to mind, but who needs words anyway when they had smiles pushing the apple of their cheeks to sparkling, crescent eyes and their giggles ringing in the cave like twinkling bells.

   ☆ They spent the rest of the day in the cave. Because they know that once they went back to outskirts of the town—back their reality, their lives as children on the Isle of the Lost, offspring of the kingdom’s most wicked souls—it was over. Brushed under the rug. And who could guarantee a villain’s kid that there would be a next year to look forward to?

   ☆ So they spent hours talking about nothing and laughing about everything, eating and drinking, singing, and dancing to their rendition of Deck the Halls (as told by a drunk, and equally conceited Gatson); drinking in every ounce of safety their hideout provided, knowing that as their laughter and—dare they say— cheer bounced off the walls of the small cave, their only witnesses were the flat grey skies and stagnant black waters.

   ☆ If they tried to ask each other why they willingly celebrated such a strange holiday, Uma might have said it was just for something to break the dull pace. Gil might’ve said he were in it for the part about presents and food. And Harry: just to break the rules and get away with it.

  ☆ But they didn’t question it.

  ☆ And as the sky darkened to the color of the sand under their boots, and the remaining lit candles flickered the last of their light off the limestone, they sat on a rock, huddled together as the temperatures dropped, gazing out the mouth of the cove at the darkness, postponing the inevitable a little while longer. Wishing for a moment that they were inside that tavern, with their bellies filled with candy, bread, meat and warm cider —while at the same time finding as much contentment as they could in their now.

[pviane]

A day to remember [McPharah]

As soon as I received the wonderful news of @escapefrommetalgear‘s wedding I knew I have to make something special for her and her husband.

So I wrote down a little wedding story for her OTP, McPharah, that soon evolved in a 2800 words one shot. I also included some Mercy76 here and there, since it’s another ship we have in common (and I liked the idea of include them too much)

I hope you like it!

A HUGE thanks to @mtex for her help with the grammar

The sun was high in the sky, but the cool breeze of the desert kept the air somewhat fresh for all those attending the special event happening at the Giza Grand Hotel’s beautiful garden, not far from Temple of Anubis. Sunrays were not the main concern for a certain man waiting for the show to start.

Dressed in a full suit with high boots and a fancy cowboy hat, Jesse McCree adjusted hisexpensive tie for the hundredth time and looked at his gold plated wristwatch.

11:58

Almost High Noon.

He smirked. Ironically, it was her who insisted on having the wedding at that exact hour.

The levity moment was brief though, as his thoughts dwelled on the big step ahead of him.

He was going to get married! He was going to marry none other than Fareeha Amari.

The more he thought about it the more he felt unworthy to marry her. She was righteous, headstrong and incredibly beautiful, all the things he was not. All he could see in himself was just a dirty man, whose only chance of redemption was taking out the trash the world one gunshot at a time. How she could love a wreck like him was beyond his brightest hopes.

Someone grabbed him by the arm. Even though he winced, the grip was not tight at all. It was a gentle gesture from the kindest of women. Leaning a hand on his arm was the bride’s mother, Ana. He looked down at the old but strong woman. She was standing right beside him the whole time in her long blue dress that left only her wrinkled arms free. On her head, hijab veil covered most of her hair except for her braid and a bang of silver hair. Just having her there filled him with the confidence to stand his ground and not run away in shame. Ana noticed a single drop of sweat forming on his forehead.

“What is wrong Jesse? Are you scared?” She asked, drying his skin with a napkin.

“Nothin’ escapes your eye, Ana!” He replied.

“You’re gonna be okay. She loves you. Trust her as I do!” Ana told him with a careful but firm voice.

She then took a glance at Jesse’s watch and added:

“Guess what time is it?”

The hover limo arrived right at 12:00, stopping at the end of the aisle. The armored guards from the Helix Security detail stood at attention and presented arms to their Captain, who was about to disembark the vehicle.

Everyone attending stood up and looked back to see the bride exit the car. On her side were the bridesmaids, Mercy and Tracer, dressed in blue dresses with gold trims. On the benches of the bride’s side sat the whole Amari family and Pharah’s colleagues in Helix khaki uniforms. On the groom’s side stood Soldier: 76 and Genji as best men, and the whole Overwatch crew filling the places reserved for Jesse’s family.

The Wedding March started playing as soon as Reinhardt helped the bride out of her carriage.

There she was…

Even from afar, Jesse could see every single detail on her and as she got closer, the view of her became cleared. She was wearing a long white dress that looked like a strapless toga without sleeves, like those of the Egyptian queens of old. Around her neck a broad Wesekh Collar, made up of many thin gold laths, and a headband made up of a couple golden chains. She also wore a pair of golden wristbands. All that jewelry reflected the rays of the noon sun making her look like a goddess from the Ancient Egypt, his goddess.

Fareeha walked down the aisle escorted by Reinhardt. The more he looked at them the more McCree wasn’t sure who was escorting whom as the old German man was barely keeping his emotions in check and the tan skinned woman was hugging his arm tightly. Behind them, a blond little boy wearing a little suit and a red bowtie was carrying a pillow with the rings, struggling to keep it leveled.

Ana let go of Jesse’s arm to go get her daughter from Reinhardt’s care and for a few moments McCree stood alone without support.

“If there’s a moment to man up, this is it partner!” He told himself.

Ana took Fareeha’s right hand and proceeded to put it in Jesse’s left one. The old woman smiled at the two, blessing them with a silent nod, and then let go of their hands, joining Reinhardt on the front bench behind the bride.

As the boy carefully placed the pillow on the pedestal near the minister, the ceremony was set to commence. However, the little man could not resist doing an unscheduled stop. After dashing towards the bridesmaids, he pulled Mercy’s dress to get her attention. The whole audience went silent at this unexpected turn of events. Bowing down to the blonde kid, the Swiss doctor received a big kiss on her left cheek.

“Go sit near grandpa Rein, you little rascal!” She said to her son, who just wanted to say hello to his mom.

A couple sighs of endearment came from the audience as little Jack Jr. skipped his way towards the first bench, placing himself between Ana and Reinhardt. He also waved at his silver-haired dad on the groom’s side before realizing he was interrupting. He then sat there and stayed silent, looking down to the ground.

Jesse smiled at the cute scene and Fareeha let out a giggle. She then turned towards him again and planted her brown eyes into his. Her stare was full of contrasting emotions: commitment and insecurity, begging and strength; but most of all love. Love for the cowboy, whom she was going to make hers in a few minutes.

Given the cultural differences between them, Jesse and Fareeha opted for a ceremony that respected both their respective cultural backgrounds, but when it came to their vows, each wrote their own.

“Fareeha Amari, not a day passes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars for meeting you. I watched you grow from a little girl that dreamt to be a hero to the day you became one that I could never dream of being. You are the strongest woman I know and a shining beacon of justice for those around you, especially me. I don’t feel worthy to have a woman like you, but I take you as my wife on this day, and I swear I’ll be at your side till my last breath.”

“Since I was little, I grew up looking up to you, Jesse McCree. Despite all this time, I never stopped. You are the proof that no matter what the past leaves you with, you can always make the right choice and follow justice. Never in my life have I ever been as honored as today, in which I’m taking you as my husband. And I promise you that I’ll love you forever!”

 As the minister pronounced them man and wife, Jesse looked down at the new Mrs. McCree. She looked back at him. All trace of fear had disappeared from her eyes and finally so had in his. They stared at each other for a couple of everlasting seconds. They made it! They became a family, a single soul in two bodies. They savored the moment before diving into each other for a long awaited kiss. He tried to cover them with his hat, but Fareeha was faster and snatched it from his hands, allowing the guests to see their kiss. The crowd erupted in applauses but among all the noise and the people cheering, a single tear managed to escape from Ana Amari as it ran down the tattoo below her left eye, over her cheek. She could not express the joy that was overtaking her in that moment, for that was what she wanted for her little Fareeha all along.

The reception took place in the luxurious building near the gardens and all guests sat in a large room, served by human and omnic waiters alike. Each guest was having a good time from the newlyweds to the youngest member of the group, little Jack Jr., who never left his mother’s side, except for playing with his dad and the other Overwatch agents such as Winston and Bastion, whom he found funny.

Nearing the end of the dinner, Mercy elbowed her husband who then raised up and rung his glass to call attention to the guests. The room went silent as Soldier: 76, alias Jack Morrison, was about to give his Best Man Speech.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here to enjoy some free food at the expense of the groom and the bride! I’m kidding, all of you know Ana is to thank for all of this. The true reason we are here, however, is to celebrate the union of two of the most marvelous people I’ve ever met, Jesse and Fareeha! The husband asked me to deliver some sort of speech for him and while I’m not the best man for the job, I’ll try to embarrass him to the best of my abilities. Jesse McCree has been a thorn in my side since day one. I remember looking at him and wondering why we didn’t throw him in a cell and toss the key. His first words only cemented my convictions and I soon burned my old western movies. A shame, it was a nice collection too…”

He paused to allow the audience to laugh.

“Jokes aside, it was not easy at first. Sure, he was rough, but at his core, he was meant to do good, and good he did! Surely not that time he tried to impress Ana with his pistol twisting skills! It almost costed you your trigger finger, if I recall correctly. Isn’t that right Ana?”

As Ana nodded the crowd exploded in another fit of laughter.

“But I cannot talk about this man now without talking about his beautiful wife!” Jack continued, “Fareeha is a pure soldier, a woman that can do anything she puts her mind to. And once she set her sights on you when she was young, she never let go! Like that time when she was thirteen! She didn’t want you to go to your next mission after losing your left arm. Her grip on your right arm was so tight we feared we would have to cut that one off too to remove her!”

More laughter from the guests interrupted his speech. He patiently allowed the laughing to fade before continuing.

“Looking at you two, I wish Gabriel was here to see how far you came, Jesse. You have grown so much since we first met and you overcame all challenges, all losses and all the hardships life has presented you. You found Fareeha, and discovered that the greatest strength comes from what you can give to each other. I may have found an angel, but you may have found a goddess!”

He looked at his smiling wife and child when saying those last words.

“So let’s toast to the groom and his beautiful bride! To the fast gunslinger and the strong soldier! Here’s to Jesse and Fareeha!”

“HERE! HERE!” The crowd answered.

After the cutting of the cake and then some photos, the bride was all set for the Bouquet toss. All the unmarried girls gathered behind Fareeha as she was preparing to toss her beautiful white and blue bouquet. The men stood aside waiting to see who would get it.

Zarya stood in the middle of the group, keeping the others form jumping with her strong arms. The others however were ready as well: Symmetra was shaping a light whip to snatch the bouquet mid-air, Tracer was ready to blink forward to get it for Emily and D.Va was preparing to climb onto the Russian weightlifter’s shoulders with the help of Brigitte.

The moment arrived and Pharah threw the flowers over her head towards the assembled girls. Tracer blinked ahead of everyone as the bouquet approached but she could not grab it as Symmetra’s whip hit her on the hand. Bouncing upwards, the bouquet flew over the group, with D.Va missing it by a hair. In the end, it landed on the lap of the only girl that did not participate. She sat on the side waiting for the commotion to pass. Startled by the unexpected turn of events, Mei recomposed herself and looked around her.

“Uh, sorry.” She said, picking up the flowers, visibly embarrassed by the attention she was getting “D-Does this belong to someone?”

Fareeha erupted in a loud laugh, soon followed by everyone else, Mei included.

Some hours later, the party ended and one after the other, the guests left. The last ones to leave were Mercy, 76 and their son. As Angela hugged her lifelong friend, 76 just shook Jesse’s hand and told him “Gabe would have been proud of you!”

After saying the last goodbyes, the newlyweds retreated to their suite for their first night together. While his wife looked at the photos of their wedding day, Jesse went out on the balcony to smoke one last time for the night. While lighting his trusted cigar he thought about the wonderful day and all that had happened. It was indeed the happiest of his life: the ceremony, the reception, the friends… Not to mention the bride, now his wife. It did not matter how unworthy of her he could feel, they were man and wife now. Till death do them part.

A faint noise in the dark caught his attention. It was like the sound of a flag waving violently in the wind. He recognized the sound and reached for his weapon. His blood froze as he realized he forgot his Peacemaker inside. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw a black hooded figure with a white skull mask standing in the dark. He knew who it was and replied accordingly.

“You are late, Reyes!”

The black dressed man looked straight up at him.

“I saw you got married…” Reaper replied with his metallic voice.

“Yeah, what’s it to ya? Don’t ya think you can threaten me and mah wife!”

Reaper stood silent for a couple of seconds, than spoke again.

“I just wanted to say I’m proud of you, and that I wish both of you well. You deserve it, Jesse!”

His voice, despite being bone chilling, came out differently. He sounded genuinely happy for their marriage.

Jesse looked at the man who saved him from a life of crime and helped him become the man he was now. Even though Gabriel had now become a homicidal maniac. Maybe there was still some humanity in him.

“Thanks Gabriel, I appreciate it!” Jesse told him, grateful for his kind words.

Reaper chucked maniacally.

“Enjoy your marriage, for what is left for you to live!”

He then disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

McCree stood there for a minute. Did Reyes just compliment him and threaten him.

Maybe he was not that human after all and the father figure he was in the past was truly gone forever.

Before he could wrap his head around it, a voice called him inside.

“Husband, have you finished your damned cigar? Come inside this instant!”

Obeying to his wife’s orders, he went back to the bedroom.

There Fareeha was waiting for him, laid down on their bed, wearing only a set of white lace lingerie. In front of her, a holographic projector was playing the video of the dance from before. Ana was dancing with McCree while Reinhardt was with Fareeha. Both couples danced marvelously among the others and at one point, Ana and Rein gave each other a glance of understanding. They let go of their respective partners, making them meet in the middle of the dance floor. Jesse and Fareeha soon realized they were set up as all the guests stopped dancing and stared at them. A look between them was all it took. Without saying a word, Jesse asked her for a dance and she gladly put her hand into his, starting a slow dance for all to see. They danced for what seemed like an eternity, never averting their gaze from each other.

After he removed his clothes, McCree joined her on the sheets.

“Is that really us, Jesse?” Fareeha asked him, looking at him.

He looked at her eyes filling with tears; she could not believe they were married either.

The cowboy turned the projector off, put it on the nightstand and sat near her, stroking her black hair.

“This is us! Me and you together forever, my goddess!”

She bit her lip. She secretly adored how he called her a goddess. Jesse always knew how to make her feel important. Guessing that his lovely wife was ready, Jesse quipped one last tease:

“So, who’s gonna ride on top tonight?”

Fareeha immediately caught his drift and closed in on him, mesmerizing him with her fawn eyes

“I’ll fight you for it!”

So there you have it, Meryl.

Congratulations on your marriage! May you live a lot of happy years together!

[kevinmoyer]

French-Inspired Wedding with Dessert Reception :: Tara & Dan

Photography by Natalie Probst.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed planning, it’s so helpful to look to other couples who took an approach that was outside the box. Tara and Dan chose a loft space for their reception, decorated it with meaningful touches inspired by their UK heritage and European travels, and split their reception in two. First came a vintage tea party with family, followed by cocktails and dancing with friends. The one person missing from the celebrations was Tara’s dad, who was in Hospice at the time (and has since passed away.) The way she chose to honor him with butterflies is absolutely beautiful – be sure not to miss it.

Tara told us, “during our courtship, Dan and I have written each other hundreds of letters, cards, poems and little notes to one another. I wanted our invitations to showcase this and feel like a love letter to our guests. Emily Rose Ink did an incredible job bringing this vision to life. Our invitations arrived to our guests in the form of a calligraphed letter, folded into thirds and tucked inside a cover featuring a watercolor floral illustration and one of Dan’s favorite quotes by Maya Angelou. It was sealed with a wax seal and delivered inside a calligraphed blue-gray envelope with vintage stamps.”

The Ceremony

Why did you choose this location for your ceremony? Dan and I got engaged in winter at the observatory at Northwestern University. We went back during the spring and stumbled upon the Shakespeare Garden, which was right next to where we got engaged. We knew it was perfect. It ticked all the dream location boxes; hidden, lush, romantic and reminiscent of a special English garden I spent many sacred moments in during my time in England. You can even see the Northwestern Theological Center in the distance which looks like a small castle. It is a quaint, hidden little spot. Also, we live in Evanston and it was very special to have our ceremony in our community.

Your ceremony in three words. Romantic, timeless, sentimental.

Who officiated your ceremony? How did you choose him/her? Dan’s childhood friend, Mark, officiated our wedding. He has married several other couples and is a dear friend to us. He was the first and only person we thought of.

Did you include any traditions in your ceremony? Yes. I thought it would be interesting if we could incorporate our Irish heritage (as well as my love of English/Scottish history) into the ceremony. I have heard of and seen a few handfasting ceremonies and thought it was terribly romantic. During my research, I learned that this used to be a fairly common practice when marrying in those parts of the world, and was recognized as a legally binding contract until the early 1900s.The tradition has come to be interpreted literally, as the symbolic act of ‘tying the knot‘. It was special to have my mom participate in the handfasting, tying the ribbons for us.

See Tara & Dan’s handfasting ceremony script right here.

What were your vows like? We wrote our own vows to one another.

Tara: “I never knew my life could be THIS full… and here today, surrounded by our family and closest friends, in this idyllic secret garden, I get to marry my best friend. Thank you for seeing me and encouraging me during some of the most trying and overwhelming times in my life. Thank you for never giving up on me, even though many times I wanted to give up on myself. Thank you for loving me so fiercely and fully that I feel it every minute of every day. This life is glorious and I am so proud and honored to become your wife today.”

Dan: “I have been so excited for this day to come, the day that I can begin to call you my wife. Everyday I spend with you makes me appreciate my existence a little more. When I think if you, I think of home. You are more worthy of love than you know and I feel pride to have been chosen by you. Thank you for accepting me for who I am. Thank you for challenging me to be the best person I can be. Thank you for believing in me when I wasn’t sure how to believe in myself. You are my person. You are my life. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days with you by my side.”

Did you include any traditions in your wedding? I wore earrings left to me by my paternal grandmother (something old) as well as my maternal grandmother’s star sapphire necklace (something blue) and diamond watch, given to me by my Mom as a wedding gift (something new). I also had my something borrowed, her embroidered hankie which came in handy during our vows!

What was your favorite thing about your wedding ceremony? Oh man. That’s a tough question. I have a few! Marrying such an incredible, strong, empathetic, thoughtful man is top of the list. I also loved the handfasting. // We didn’t have chairs (apart from for a few guests who needed them) so everyone was tucked in closely and it felt very intimate with everyone so close. I loved our ceremony music. // We had a two-piece (violin, cello) and it was so beautiful. It set such a lovely tone for the ceremony.

Dan’s favorite part was “watching Tara walk down the aisle and saying our vows to one another.”

The Reception

Why did you choose this location for your reception? DL Loft lent itself perfectly to our theme. Designed by Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event, the space features sourced objects directly from France, gorgeous natural light and all the charm of a French pied-a-terre. Interestingly, the Loft had a smaller capacity than we had guests on our list so we decided to break up our list and have two smaller cocktail parties, with an hour break in between. Everyone thought we were nuts for trying to do this but it actually worked out perfectly. We loved DL Loft so much that we just had to make it work.

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding? Travel, fashion, interior design, cinematography, family heirlooms, greenery, topiaries & butterflies. My travels abroad absolutely inspired the aesthetic for our wedding as I attempted to add little European touches here and there. I was also inspired by a few of movies I watched during the planning process: The Secret Garden, Cinderella and Marie Antoinette. Color helped us tie all of our wedding elements together. French blue, regal gold, classic white and lush greens can be seen throughout the details, food and decor.

In keeping with the heirloom element of our rehearsal dinner, we incorporated small treasures that I have been collecting from our loved ones to honor those who have contributed to our lives, and also make the loft space feel like home. You will also see my dad’s old cameras, my grandpa’s hand-etched glass boxes and family photos throughout the space. From there, I filled in the space with my own brass decor, vintage pieces and tons of candle sticks. I also used butterflies throughout the space as a way of paying tribute to my dad, which became a meaningful and special symbol to us while he was in Hospice. Seeing them coming out of the sweets table arrangement made me feel like he was there, sharing in the joy of the day.

Please tell us about any other special details or moments from your reception. Being in the wedding industry has its perks and I knew right away that I wanted to work with Toni Patisserie in designing our sweets table. Drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette, I envisioned three towers of goodies as the focal point of the table. We decided on macarons (my all time favorite, no matter how trendy they may be), meringues, and a croquembouche, all in white with golden butterflies. During tea time, we served: cookies with dried flowers, lemon blue berry tarts, mini eclairs (my Dad’s favorite dessert) and Cinderella blue petit fours with a fondant wax seal. Guests also had the options of our seafood station, passed finger sandwiches and brunch bites. Guests who arrived later feasted on charcuterie, passed apps such as Feast & Imbibes famous pulled pork cigars, wagyu beef sliders and lobster bisque and sipped on signature cocktails, wine and champagne.

Are there any DIY details you’d like to tell us about? I did invest a lot of time in collecting heirloom items from my loved ones, many of whom have passed, to use in the decor. Since our reception was in a space that replicates a pied-a-terre, it made more sense to have items you might find in someone’s home (framed photos, family china, little trinkets, etc.) to dress the space than rentals. I felt a strong sense of connection to our day doing this, both in collecting the items and then seeing them displayed in the space. Plus, this saved us a ton of money that we were able to invest in other things.

Tara told us, “another highlight of our day was having my brother, in his Army dress blues, walk me down the aisle and deliver a fantastic speech. We have gotten close following the death of my father and it was special to have him by my side, in every sense.”

What was your favorite moment or part of the reception? Taking a break with Dan in between our cocktail parties was much needed and really lovely. The day went so fast and it was very important for us to take a moment away and soak it all in. I also loved seeing how our vision came together. It was overwhelming and emotional to share the experience with our friends & family. People kept saying, “Everything is so you two!” which made me very happy. I didn’t want to decorate for the sake of decorating or celebrate in a typical venue space. I wanted it to feel like us, so hearing our guests say that was confirmation that it did!

What was the best advice you received as a bride? Take a few moments during the wedding to soak it all in because it goes by so fast. And it’s true! Be present and go with the flow.

What was your first dance song? Father/daughter or mother/son dance? For our first party it was Etta James’s At Last, and for our second party it was I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie. We decided not do dances with parents, though I did display a very special framed photo of my Dad and I dancing at my aunt’s wedding.

If you had it to do over again, is there anything you would do differently? Nothing.

The post French-Inspired Wedding with Dessert Reception :: Tara & Dan appeared first on Snippet & Ink.

[karmawriter-blog]

THE STORM OF THE TEARS!

“Louis, please drive faster! I won’t be able to suffer any longer…” shrieked Rosalie.

“ I’m losing control… What if I lose him… or her aga--”

“Do not utter those words! I’m driving faster than the speed limit allowed. Take deep breaths Rosy,’ said Louis.

‘Deep breaths…” repeated Louis, in a calm and soothing voice.

Rosalie heeded Louis’ advice and took deep breaths, a little too deep, but making out her condition, it made sense. Her heart pounded, sweat trickled off her burning red cheeks and to top it off, she stated her last wishes in case she were to expire during the delivery. A bumpy crack on the road jerked Rosalie off her seat, leaving her silent with despair.

Once they reached the hospital, Louis got a hold of Rosalie and heaved her inside the hospital, rushing to the Labour and Birth section, meeting his friend, Doctor Clasbey on the way.

“Mr.Wilson… oh my! What happened to Rosalie? Are you starting the delivery?” she questioned, looking seriously alarmed.

“Of course! I can’t just leave my wife on the edge of a precipice and watch her and the child suffer!” Louis sobbed.  Doctor Clasbey, tight-lipped decided to scoot from the area.

Louis had started Rosalie’s delivery. It was a hassle focusing due to all the tension and stress he had dealt with.  He had performed hundreds of deliveries at this point, but seemed to be struggling with this one the most. After all, the patient whom he conducted the operation on was his sweet and caring wife.  After the laborious delivery, Louis could officially call himself a father, blessed with twins. Later after examining one of the twins, Louis froze on the spot, paralyzed at what he’d seen. He carelessly seized one of his children, placed him in the car, and drove to the orphanage. He fulfilled all the requirements, signed the forms and left him in care of the orphanage. On the drive back to the hospital, Louis wailed and wailed, feeling that a tremendous piece of his happiness had already been engulfed in the flames. On the bright side, Louis embarked on a new life as a father of his other child, who he named Ophelia.

What had happened to Louis and Rosalie’s other child? Was he a lonely orphan, sitting on the grounds of the orphanage, wailing and wondering why his parents left him there? No. Miraculously, 3 years after being held captive in an orphanage, (the government's arrival) Louis and Rosalie’s child was going to be adopted by a couple, surprisingly with a child beforehand since the wife couldn’t bear anymore.

The government’s arrival didn’t provide happiness as everyone would have thought, it only gave despair and disappointment. Taxes were the Government’s weapon, as they increased every single day. Services like the Orphanage were special targets of receiving tax. The orphanage decided to invite a few couples to adopt a child so they didn’t always have to buy heaps of supplies.

Mr and Mrs Fallon, the couple with the only child, brought him to their home to start a new future. Their 5 year old son, Dwayne had been so excited that he teemed with joy! He insisted upon naming his brother Kenneth, his best friend at school. Every single day, he would watch his mother change, feed, or even sing a lullaby at night, so soft and delicate that Kenneth would fall asleep in seconds. Dwayne had been so eager to entertain his little brother, that he just joyfully stormed into his parents’ room and started to make silly faces or fly him up to the ceiling even after his parents told him countless times not to.

Once again, years had passed to find the government developing more hideous schemes to find a way to get their filthy hands on people’s money. In these years, the most special thing that changed was Dwayne and Kenneth. They had grown older and so did their bond of brotherhood. Even though Dwayne and Kenneth couldn’t hang out as much as they used to due to an immense amount of studies, they still tried to when they got a chance.  

The 15th annual conference had been held for the government to celebrate 15 years and to share and explain their new tactics of dishonesty. “Welcome to the 15th annual conference of  “Achieving for Benefit” at Hollow-Hills my dear fellow colleagues! Hope you all had a marvelous summer filled with contentment and relaxation!’exclaimed the governor gleefully.

‘with work of course!” he added in a half-hearted smile. “Now, let’s not waste time and get this meeting over with, OK?” Everyone at the conference nodded, hoping to get an increase in their salary this year, as it was less than a janitor’s pay working at a school.

The governor wrenched his elbow causing two bourbon whiskeys to thrust out of his lap. “My bad, always dropping something every day…. well you already know that it’s my thing.” chirped the governor, adding a laugh, so dull and tedious which no one decided to reciprocate. “So… where did we leave off again?”

“Your habit of dropping things everyday, Mr. McClain, uh-I mean governor.”

A couple of others exchanged grins and smiles and were starting to enjoying themselves.  Mr. McClain, looked at him sharply, “everyone shall get only half of their deserved payment for this month, no exceptions and comments will be taken. Hopefully we can now finish the meeting without interruptions.

“But sir… this isn’t fair! I mean, how much salary do we get anyways? 10 dollars an hour? If you deduct half of that, it will be reduced to only 5 dollars an hour. We have to provide our family with bread and butter as well!” squealed a colleague. “Guess I didn’t make myself clear enough, whoever doesn’t agree with this, is highly welcomed to get the hell out of here!” spat the governor. Everyone started to mutter words under their breath like: Stupid, greedy, jerk, dipstick.

There was a special nickname sweetly named by the public kept for the government, especially the governor which was “corrupt.” The chance of the public ever siding with the government was as slim as an eclipse scheduled today (even though one could happen…)

Meanwhile, Louis, hadn’t been doing too well. Sadly, he had 4th stage brain cancer. Rosalie was a mess. She stayed up late at nights to serve her husband by giving him medicine, sneaking late at night from their daughter Ophelia to take walks at the park. Every other moment, he muttered words like:

I have done you wrong, I’m unfaithful, wish I hadn’t abandoned my son…

To top it off, the government had been highly charging them with taxes since Louis retired. The chemotherapy was really expensive to afford and showed no improvement to his health, he just kept deteriorating.

Eventually, Louis expired from brain cancer, leaving Rosalie and Ophelia to shed tears and to continue tackling and facing conflicts from the government. The atmosphere had totally changed and was silent as a grave (not always).

“Mom, why did daddy have to die? I mean, how could he just leave us all alone?! I want him BACK! I want to shout to his face that I LOVE HIM!” cried Ophelia.

Rosalie, left with despair was about to reply when she saw a golden stamp shining beside the bedside table. It caught her eye and she walked towards it at a slow pace. It was a letter, for both mother and daughter from Louis.

Dear Rosalie and Ophelia,

When you find this letter, I may not be alive. I have lots of things to say to both of you, especially Rosalie. Secrets, to be specific. First of all, be ready to hear this, both of you.

“Ophelia, come here dear! Daddy has left a letter for us.” Ophelia rushed to Rosalie, viewing the letter with great interest.  We had twins. I know you must be feeling confused as to how this could have happened. On the day of your delivery, I found out that one of our children had a problem. Why? He wasn’t responding well as a new-born baby. However, Ophelia was, even for being born two months earlier than schedule. After, I took him to the orphanage and left him there. Rosalie shook her head vigorously in disapproval and started to wail. I’m sorry Rosalie. I know that you were quite depressed after your miscarriage before we had twins and if this child died, you would have broken down to bits. Rosalie hurled the soggy letter to the floor and kept on lurching around. Ophelia lunged forward to retrieve the letter.  Apparently, our child DIDN’T have a problem. He was adopted by a couple years ago, when Ophelia and him were just three. I’m sorry. If possible, please forgive me.

Louis

PS:: Address of Mr. and Mrs. Fallon (our child’s new parents) →  114 Maple St.

A couple of days later, Rosalie and Ophelia went to this address to request Kenneth back. “You want him back? How do we even know he’s your son?” questioned Mrs. Fallon.

Rosalie showed her the birth certificate.

“Why would you just dump him in the orphanage if he had a problem or illness. You should have stayed with him!” hissed Mr. Fallon.

Kenneth and Dwayne rushed downstairs, wondering what all the ruckus was about.

“Mom and dad, what happene-”

“Which one’s my son?!”asked Rosalie.

Mr. and Mrs. Fallon motioned their head towards Kenneth.   Rosalie embraced him but Kenneth let go. “Who are you?”

“I’m, ya-yo-you’re mother Kenneth dear,’ stuttered Rosalie. ‘I’ve come to bring you back,” said Rosalie clearly.

“Look, Ophelia, your sister has come to see you too.”

Kenneth’s eyes popped wide in disbelief, unable to believe what he’d just witness.

“You two are twins, did you know that Kenneth dear?” added Rosalie.

After that, he almost blacked out to the floor, but Dwayne shoved him back up to his feet, also unable to accept the reality.

“It would be the biggest gift in my life, if you could return my son, it’s a mother's request…’

Mr. and Mrs. Fallon exchanged fierce looks. “Wha-wha-what do you mean?! We can’t just let you take him away from our sights!” Kenneth and Dwayne’s parents barked.

“Also, what about Dwayne? Just because he’s intensely focused in his studies, doesn’t mean that he’ll just abandon Kenneth,”preached Mr. Fallon.

Dwayne stepped into the prolonged quarrel. “I’ll leave my education to a halt, don’t snatch away my brother, he’s the only one I have except for my parents…’ whimpered Dwayne calmly.

‘only one…” repeated Dwayne.

Ophelia began to speak, “please Kenneth, come with us! We all love you so much!” Kenneth didn’t reply, he just stared at the floor.

Rosalie continued the conversation, “let Kenneth make a decision then… whatever he wants will happen, agree?” Kenneth felt like his head was going to blow up in pressure. There was absolutely no way he could make a decision. A right one, especially. His heart pounded, he got severe cramps in the stomach and observed everyone blankly, feeling dazed, hoping that this was just a horrific dream and praying that he didn’t need to choose. Oh God, please kill me, Kenneth thought.  Dwayne had seen Kenneth turning white. “Kenneth, let’s go back upstairs, you need some rest.” Without waiting for his reply, he captured Kenneth’s wrist and dragged it upstairs while Kenneth took one last look at his mother and sister and was curious of where his father was?

‘He’s not only yours, he’s Ophelia’s as well... “ Rosalie broke down to the floor in despair, sobbing and bellowing as loud as an erupting volcano. As Kenneth reached to his room, the only sounds he last heard were the threats of entailing the government into this case. Kenneth trudged to Dwayne’s room. To cheer Kenneth up, out of nowhere, Dwayne started a pillow fight and soon hugged Kenneth. Both brothers embraced heartedly, hoping that it could stay this way forever. Indeed, what if Kenneth has to leave? Dwayne thought.

Was it the end? Nope, not yet. Rosalie, however, still didn’t register her mind to all this. Next day, she went to the government office to bribe them to separate Kenneth from his adopted parents. Was this a smart plan? To give money to the CORRUPT government, expecting them to do a task, when they’ve never done anything else? Guess not.

After giving the money, she vacated from the brick-walled office, attached with glass windows all over the roof to get sunlight during the day. There were dozens of maple trees scattered all around the office, slightly giving it the appearance of a forest, with squirrels chittering and bees buzzing. Rosalie waited days for the government's response but it didn’t come. She hurtled to her son, Kenneth’s house, deciding to make everything crystal-clear.

“I understand Rosalie but, it’s just that we can’t give him back to you. He ate, played and slept in this house for his entire childhood and I don’t think the separation will be easy for us or Kenneth.” Rosalie didn’t listen to a single word Mrs. Fallon said and just darted upstairs.

“His heart was pounding, he was sure he had seen the doorknob turn-”

THUD! Dwayne tossed his book on the floor and went to see the ruckus.

“You’re coming with me Kenneth, this INSTANT!”

Kenneth scuttled down the stairs, past the living room, through the door and outside. Everyone hurried after him, wondering what had happened? Kenneth had been unable to decide whom he wanted to go with. Was it his original mom and sister whose blood he had, or was it his other parents who retrieved him from the torturous orphanage and took care of him?

Kenneth couldn’t decide. He went further outside, looking at the mist. Kenneth didn’t go back inside, he just sunk into the mist, letting it consume him second by second, making him disappear from everyone, especially himself.

A story brought to you by:

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