#i am the oldest grandchild so i only have the feeling of ‘you’re all babies how can you legally drink’

[hellishfig]

watching all my cousins grow up and go to college and turn 21 like “no. illegal. you’re still 12 in my mind what’s HAPPENING”

[hashtag-anthems]

My current brainworm is that Astarion is a high elf so his family is probs still alive and I am starting to create my very self-indulgent headcanons for it and I’m putting them all under a read more bc it is Long

I think Astarion was the youngest of his siblings (he has youngest sibling energy), and the first grandchild in the family was born like a few months after him, so he was kind of in a hurry to grow up and be taken seriously. He definitely pulled the “I’m technically your uncle so you have to listen to me!” card with his siblings’ kids who were only a few months younger than him. From what I know of the lore, elves don’t really have accident babies, but I think Astarion was a very spur of the moment decision that happened quite a while after the second-youngest was born. He was the baby, and he hated it.

One of his siblings sees the papers after the nether brain happens and thinks huh that guy looks a lot like my baby brother that moved out to the city to go get an important law job what are the chances?

He’s super hesitant to reconnect for obvious reasons but the more he interacts with them the more he realizes that his family is just batshit insane and “baby of the family who died tragically young comes back as a vampire 200 years later” does not even make the top 10 list of craziest things that have happened this tenday and they just take it in stride and that’s almost worse? somehow?

I think there comes a point where they’re all treating this as so normal, as if he just came back from a very long vacation, he is so out of his depth and feeling smothered, no one is talking about what happened or taking it seriously, and he eventually can’t take it and snaps about how everyone is just pretending that nothing happened, he fucking died and clawed himself out of his own grave and spent two hundred years enslaved to a vampire lord that wanted to sacrifice him to an archdevil, and the most he’s gotten from any of these people is a chuckle and a handwave and a “you’re still our Astarion, we love you, we’re so happy you’re home, it’s not a big deal” but yes it is a big deal! He has not experienced unconditional positive regard very often and is very uncomfortable and feels like they’re hiding something from him.

He doesn’t remember that the day he left home for the last time, he had a big fight with his parents, and they hadn’t spoken in a couple of decades when he died. He doesn’t remember that the last time he saw his oldest brother, he pretended he didn’t recognize him, threatened to call the city watch on him if he didn’t stop with this harassment, and called him some very rude things. He’d been dead for months before any of them heard the news, because Astarion had done so much work to distance them, and he doesn’t even remember any of it.

No one was really going to bring it up, they’re just thrilled they have a second chance to reconnect and if he’s not going to say anything, why would we? We’re just all pretending that nothing happened and we are one big happy family, because that always works so well, right? Once they realize he isn’t bringing it up because he doesn’t remember it even happened, they all kind of settle down.

It takes a lot of work, they have at least one more explosive argument and he almost calls the whole thing a waste of time and vows to never come back, but… it isn’t entirely bad, and he certainly isn’t about to move back in with his parents any time soon, but maybe he can handle a few family dinners around the holidays if he already happens to be in the area…

I just want his family to be full of people you would expect to find in a news article about Fantasy Florida Man and Astarion is actually so normal comparatively

Also I am picturing in my mind that his mother has this beautiful garden and Astarion has a nephew who just joined a druid circle pretty recently and Lady Ancunín’s poor rose bushes will never be the same but she’s very proud of him regardless!

[kkeidawrites]

His.

Bonus Chapter!!

Just a little something I wanted to add before I finished my other stories! I hope you guys like it!

As always I do not own any gifs or pics they are all used for visual use only!

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The moon had rose to the highest in the night sky and brown eyes watched in a trance at the stars, their body sat in a chair as they bathed in the illuminating light. A small whimper brought the person’s attention away from the window and a smile lifted to their lips.

They stood from their seat and made the trip to where the noise was heard. Leaning over slightly, the person bent down to pick up the small body whose small coos and gurgles rose in volume as the taller figure held them up to nuzzle their cheek.

“Alia?” said a familiar voice and the infamous half fairy, half water sprite looked up to her husband by the doorway. Even after all these years, he was still the most beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on. Even with his bed head and wrinkled white shirt. Even his braies were a bit creased as well.

He must of have rolled out of bed again when he realized that Alia had left to tend to their daughter. Mind you, the babe was already fast asleep, Alia has always done this with their other four children. She feels that she should stay by them during the late hours of the night, watching over them. Alucard of course would have to come to her and make her return to bed. 

Alucard shook his head amused by his wife’s actions. She had once again, slipped out of bed to their three month old daughter’s room. He still could not figure out how she was able to quietly leave their shared bed to make the small trek across the hall to the nursery every night. Even with his enhanced hearing, he was still unable to detect her small feet pad across the hardwood floor.

“Darling, come to bed. It is late.” Her husband scolded, delicately. The baby in her arms cooed and looked up at her father with a wide smile. Alucard leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed, a smile still on his lips. He knew what she was going to say next.

“I’ll come to bed when she’s back to sleep. You should get some sleep, my love. It looks like you need it more than I do.” Alia giggles referring to her husband’s messy locs. 

The only times Alia has seen her husband’s hair in disarray is when he sleeps at night, wakes up with bed head and when he plays with the kids. But, that was on rare occasion when his hair became in such disarray.

“Lucia, will be just fine and will drift off to sleep on her own. We have set a sleeping pattern for her, we don’t need to be by her to put her back to sleep.” Alucard says as said babe began yawning in her mother’s arms.

“And my hair could be a future fashion style. I would just be the one to start it off.” Alucard smirks and Alia giggles as she returns her gaze to her daughter, once more looking over her features. She was blessed with bronze skin and brown eyes and the same facial features as Alia, was like looking in a mirror.

Her hair was the same golden blonde color as her father’s and every time Alia would run her fingers through the tresses it was like she was running her fingers through her husbands.

“We still need to keep an eye on her Alucard. She’s still so small and helpless-”

“She’ll be alright.” Alucard paced his way over to her and their daughter. Smiling down at the babe, Lucia watched with a sleepy gaze once her father came into her view she gave him a gummy smile.

“Come Alia, put her back down and let her get some rest. If not she’ll be wide awake again tomorrow night.” Alucard wheedled to his wife who sighed and with a kiss to her brow, placed their infant daughter back in her bassinet.

Lucia yawned and finally closed her eyes, her head lolling to the side as her breathing evened out into a peaceful slumber. Alia pulled the small blanket over her body Alucard bent over the frilly cloth of the bassinet and kissed his daughter’s cheek then sat back up to pull his wife out of the nursery.

“But, are you sure Adrian-”

“Alia, she will be fine. We are across the hall to hear her.” He tells her as he guides them to their bedroom. Alia pouts at her lover and pulls the sheets back to settle into the soft mattress and pull the linen up to her chest.

“Why do you always gotta be the one to get any action? I want to fight too!” Alia sulks as her husband shakes his head at her. He knew she was still capable of fighting but she had just recently birthed their daughter and the thought of her fighting put Alucard in a state of unease.

“Your body has not yet recovered after you’ve had Lucia. If you went and fought your magic wouldn’t hold up for very long.” Alucard told her matter-of-fact.

“Gee, thanks baby for the support.” Alia rolled her eyes at her husband and moved to turn on her side where she wouldn’t have to look at him but, Alucard was much faster, halting her.

“I have never doubted your strength, dear. I am only saying that you should rest for a few more months before returning to training with me.” Alia’s head droops in sadness. She knew he was right but how was she to protect her babies or her husband if she doesn’t even have the strength?

Lucia’s birth was a long and strenuous one, she was so early that both Alia and Alucard thought she or their daughter would survive. Thankfully, Lisa was there to help with the birth and made sure to observe Lucia closely to ensure that she would survive. Alia also had a hard time recovering, she couldn’t walk so far, eating was a chore and sleeping she was always in constant pain.

Seeing his wife contemplate, he sighed and pulled her close to his chest.

“Come here, my wife.” he purrs. 

Alia scooted over to him with a heavy sigh. Her head lies on his chest and his right arm holds her waist. His left arm cushioned his head as he looked down at his wife with a smile.

“I know you miss it,” he begins playing with one of her black curls. “But, I don’t want to see you strain yourself to the point where you collapse and wont be able to move. But once you are properly healed, I expect a duel between us.” he tells her, his smile shifting to a smug one.

Alia raised an eyebrow with a smirk of her own. Flicking his nose, Alia watched as he sarcastically groaned tilting his head back as he really felt pain from the flick.

“You are so silly.” she giggles.

“Only for you my darling,” he kissed her. Pulling apart, Alucard caressed her cheek and Alia smiled. A yawn then left her lips making the dhampir chuckle.

“I knew this would happen. Please my love, rest. I will check on our brood.” That earned him a swat to the chest and he chortles.

“Don’t call our children that, you bastard!” she whisper-yells.

“I tease. Now, get some rest. And no more nightly trips to Lucia’s room or Jacob’s, or Damien’s or Jonah’s or Cassia’s-”

“Alright, alright! I get it!” she told him putting a hand over his mouth to stop his rant. Kissing her palm, he smiles at her and presses his lips to her forehead.

“You’re sure I can’t just stay up and watch her just for tonight? This will be the last time.” she tells her husband who shakes his head and tucks the sheets around her.

“No, little fairy. Time for bed. And don’t let me catch you out of this bed again or else,” he moved closer to her to whisper in her ear.

“I’ll make sure you stay bond to this bed rendering you from walking for a couple of weeks.” he told her seductively making the woman under him shudder.

“Mmmm, don’t tease me with a good time.” she told him biting her lip.

“Now sleep, my darling.” He kissed her once more.

“If anything goes wrong, I will be alerted and take care of it.” Alucard promises her.

“Alright.” she tells him and allows her eyes to drift shut, allowing her body to relax against her husband’s warm body and let sleep take her.

“Love you.” she mutters.

“And I love you. Goodnight, my love.” Alucard whispered.

After an hour of watching his wife rest, Alucard placed a soft kiss to her lips and parted from the bed, going to fulfill his promise to her. Quietly, he left their shared room and headed over to Lucia’s room to check on her. Her blonde tresses laid behind her head like a halo and Alucard smiled at how thankful he was she had survived. She was indeed the light of their family, her older brothers and sister spent almost every hour with her; playing with her toes and making faces at her.

His parents loved her to death and he can already tell that she will be another grandchild that will be spoiled rotten, his father mostly. He already spoils Cassia to high hell, now that Lucia was here he was done for.

She coos in her sleep and a smile lifts to her face. Alucard gently caressed her right cheek, then with a kiss to her brow left her room to head down a few doors where the rest of the children resided.

Next he went to his oldest son’s, Damien’s room, and he opened the door to toys pouring out of the door. He shakes his head and steps inside to spot his 13 year old son lying off the side of his bed on his stomach, sleeping peacefully with a wooden sword in his right hand.

Damien was born with Alia’s black hair but gained his golden eyes and his skin was a honey brown. Always wanting to train and learn the way of the sword. Ruffling his wild hair, Alucard moved him a bit to grab his blanket and draped it over him.

He left Damien’s room and headed a door down to Jacob and Jonah’s room. Jacob being 11, he was much like his mother, headstrong and stubborn, unlike his 9 year old brother who was more calm and timid. Jonah obtained Alia’s black hair and brown eyes while Jacob gained blue eyes and blonde hair, a little tribute to Lisa who was driven to tears, that her grandson resembled Alucard if he had blue eyes just like her when he was a baby. 

They both preferred to share a room and if they were anything like their older brother they both wanted to learn how to fight just as good as their father. Thankfully when he entered their room, it was much more cleaner and allowable to walk. Both boys slept in their beds, snoring softly and sleeping in a position just as wild as the oldest.

Kissing each of their heads, Alucard adjusted their blankets to keep them warm and left their room to the last door in the hall. His daughter, 7 year old Cassia, a true princess. Loves dresses, singing, astronomy, big parties, you know that kind of thing. Cassia was the only one of the bunch who had gained both Alucard’s hair and eyes but, she was as beautiful as her mother, with honey brown skin. 

Her room was a light pink and of course, her bed was made into a four posted bed with white curtains. A true princess, Alia swears he spoils her rotten and he couldn’t help it, one look at her big golden eyes and he was a goner. 

Stepping inside, Cassia slept peacefully in her bed and Alucard paced over to his daughter to see she had her white horse doll clutched to her chest. Her hair was braided and set in a bonnet, something about her hair being well kept was what Alia wanted if they had girls.

She moved in her sleep and turned to her side facing him, her eyes slowly opened and sleepily gazed up at her father, smiling.

“Hi, papa.” she croaked. Alucard smiled and knelt down on one knee to look at her.

“Hello, my flower. What are you doing awake still, it’s way past your bedtime.” he whispers to her.

“Just,” she yawns as she snuggles into her pillow more. “waiting for Lucia to grow up a bit more so we can have tea parties.” She says drowsily.

“Oh?” he teases.

“I guess I am not invited to said tea parties anymore? I thought I was your favorite guest?”

“You were, but now that Lucia is here, she can take your place.” she tells him making Alucard chuckle as he leans down and kisses her forehead.

“I love you, Cassia.” he tells her as her eyes closed once more.

“Love you too, papa.” she says sleepily and once more her soft snores came out.

Softly closing her door back, Alucard returned to his bedroom and was glad that his wife stayed in bed like he told her to. Climbing into his side of bed, Alucard kissed his wife’s forehead and smiles as she smiles, sighing in her sleep and snuggling into his side.

Alucard holds her close and thanks whatever God is listening for giving him the greatest gift in the world.

He had a beautiful wife, who loved him for who he was and who became his friend first to get the chance to understand him. Five beautiful children, all who would grow up with lots of love and care. Friends who would help him in anyway they could. And a loving mother and father, who he couldn’t be more proud of to have.

He was so glad that this was his life. He was glad that he had the opportunity to experience this. He was so glad that this was His. 

[justahopelessssromantic]

i am determined to take up permanent residence in your ask box :) "I know you're gone, but I feel you here" for Gemma and Tara?

A/N: Ooooh yes! Please do! I love getting your requests ❤️Thank you so much this one was really fun to write and I love the whole idea! I hope you like it and thanks for reading! ❤️

*gif not mine*

Warnings: Angst

What do you do when you do something horrible? When the act itself is so gruesome and vile, it replays over and over in your mind, never relenting.

What do you do when that thing, that deed was done to someone you loved?

As messy and complicated as their relationship was, Gemma loved Tara.

She just loved her son more.

Tara would understand. She was just protecting her family, protecting Tara’s family. Tara knew the lengths she would go to do that, had stooped to her own for the very same reason. Tara was a mother, she would understand. Only a mother could understand such a primal instinct.

Gemma had to do it, she didn’t have a choice. She was protecting her family.

She stood at the sink, the very one where the crime was committed, washing the sippy cups and other dishes of her grandson’s. The tv played faintly in the background, Sesame Street or something as her boys watched from the living room.

“They’re doing good,” She said as she scrubbed the inside of the cup with the rough brush. “You’d be proud of them.” She turned the hot water on rinsing the suds off the blue plastic and then placing it in the rack next to the sink to dry.

“Don’t you worry mama, they’ll be just fine.” She reassured, pulling the plug out of the sink. The water drained slowly as she dried her hands off. “I won’t let them forget about you, they’ll know who their mother was.” She nodded, losing herself in her thoughts for a moment. But only a moment. That was all she could spare.

Collecting herself she stepped out of the kitchen to find Abel and Thomas sitting on the living room floor, their attention glued to the tv. Bending over she picked up the remote, switching the television off, getting the attention of her oldest grandchild, before scooping little Thomas into her arms.

“Come on baby,” she smiled at the young boy. He looked so much like her Jackson. He was a spitting image of his father when he was his age. He was just like Jax too, everything about the small boy screamed his father at her. It brought her back momentarily and her heart clenched at the thought of the passing of time, of how much had gone by so quickly, slipping through her fingers.

His small, soft, warm hand wrapped around her’s, so trusting of her, not a clue to the realities of his situation. How could a child even begin to wrap their little mind around something so horrendous?

But this was all just a part of the life. The life his father chose, which inevitably dragged him into it as well.

It was a toxic life, but it was theirs. It was all the Teller’s knew.

She walked the boys to their bedroom undressing them and putting them into their matching pajamas. Abel crawled into bed after picking out his favorite story and she slipped in behind him. Snuggled between her two boys she read the story to them like she had every other night. Thomas was asleep quickly but Abel always took a little longer to fully wind down, just like his father.

“When’s Daddy going to be home?” He asked, like he had every night.

“Soon baby. Daddy is gonna be home real soon.” She’d assure him running her hand through his light locks and giving him a kiss goodnight.

Shortly after he’d be asleep too and she would lay in the bed just holding her boys close to her. This was why she did what she had to do. It was all for these two precious boys in her arms.

Everything she had ever done was to protect her family. She would always protect her family.

Her voice was hushed as she stared across the room at the empty chair in front of her. She could picture her there, clear as day, watching over her boys. “I know you’re gone, but I feel you here.” She whispered into the dark, “Yeah, you’re still here.”

Tara would understand. Gemma knew she understood.

How do you come to terms with all the ugly, horrifying things you’ve done?

You don’t.

Everything Tag List: @jad3djay @fairygardenss @carlaangel86 @briannab1234 @starrynite7114 @agirllovespasta @howaboutash @gemini0410 @naytraydr @knowles-morgan @woahitslucyylu

[anotheronechicagobog]

Hank Voight x Reader Sweetie

written by @anotheronechicagobog

Requested by: @lifesaclimb-buttheviewisgreat (I hope you like it)

AN: I don’t own one Chicago, and please mind the timeline.

Being a twin was an amazing thing. You and Trudy knew each other so well that you didn’t even need words, you could just sense each other. Even when you were on the international space station, you just knew how she was feeling before the call came through on the phone. All she ever had to do was give you context. Your dad shook his head at the two of you fairly often, both of you were in your sixties and not married. Trudy didn’t have any kids either, you did but none of them were biologically related to you. Whenever you were station on earth for a few years you fostered a teenager or two. You knew that they were the least likely to get adopted and you just wanted to help. You took them in and gave them support, love, and structure. So even though you weren’t married you had eight kids, your dad was a little miffed at your unorthodox lifestyle but he still treated your kids the same as his biological grandkids.

You’d had a distance professor position at CCU for the past thirty years, which you found very helpful for when your kids wanted to go to university. Because you were a professor they got to attend for free and work towards degrees that they were passionate about. On your sixtieth birthday you decided to retire from being an astronaut and just be a professor and grandmother. Your oldest child, Pietro, was thirty four and about to become a father with your first grandchild. He told you over the video chat on the space station that his wife Ana was pregnant. You couldn’t contain your excitement for them. You decided then and there that that was your last tour in space. You loved the stars and your robotics and biology research but you were ready to do all of that from the ground until the day of your last breath. When you told Ana she sighed in relief, happy that she’d have your help and support. When you told your sister, your favourite sister, that you were coming and staying home she started giggling and planning a girls weekend. Randall was excited too, he got along with you and found it adorable how close you and Trudy were. 

The precinct was bustling like always as you made eye contact with Trudy. You smiled and skipped up to the desk. “Ready to go, sister dear?”

“I have to yell at a couple of patrol officers and then we can get going.”

“Great.” 

A few seconds after Trudy made her way into a back room you were approached by a man who, although physically fit, obviously had a few years in him. “Excuse me,” his gravelly voice sounded soothing for some reason, “I don’t believe we’ve been acquainted. I am Sargent Hank Voight, how do you know Platt?” You smiled devilishly. “My name is Y/N Platt, I’m Trudy’s twin sister.”

“Huh, she’s never mentioned a sister to me before.”

“She’s mentioned you to me, Sargent Voight. I’ve had a good laugh about some of the things she’s told me. It’s been nice talking with you but Trudy’s back and it’s time for our girls weekend. Have a nice day, buttercup.” You and your twin laughed at the shock on his face and blush flooding his cheeks.

—————————————

The resort you two were staying in had an award-winning spa that you both decided to take full advantage of. After the stress of being in space, then Russia, facials and massages were a welcome change. “What was up with you and Voight? You made him blush and believe me, that man is more likely to sprout a lizard tail and dragonfly wings than blush.” You laughed and took another sip of your scotch. “I called him ‘buttercup’.” Truly threw her head back in laughter, the alcohol making her loosen up. “You have to come around the station more often. I’ve called him that too and he’s never reacted like that. This could be fun.”

————————————

You were beaming as you opened the doors to the twenty-first district, Pietro and Ana had dropped by during lunch and given you a copy of their fifth-month ultrasound. As a result, you’d been smiley all day, not even minding that your first-year intro to robotics class had been filled with Tony Stark wannabes. You had picked up some cupcakes from your favourite bakery for you and Trudy and you couldn’t wait to sit with her and show her your new treasured photo. When you entered you were met with the smell of coffee and ink and the sight of a hectic shift. The desk, and consequently your sister, were surrounded by people who all claimed they needed help first. You hung back, knowing that it was just easier to wait. Trudy gave you a smile and wave before turning to deal with a patrol officer, enraging one of the men trying to gain her sole attention. You didn’t have time to place the baker box on the counter before you were forcefully pulled against a firm chest and a gun was placed at your temple. The box of cupcakes dropped to the floor and Trudy looked at you in horror before she whipped out her gun, along with the rest of the precinct. “MY DAUGHTER IS MISSING AND NOW YOU’RE ALL GOING TO HELP ME.”

————————————————

The man who was holding you hostage kept his gun pointed on you even though you were locked in the front office with all the blinds shut. His eyes looked haunted, not crazy. He was desperate. “I’m sorry about your daughter.”

“Do you have any kids?”

“Eight.”

“Eight? Damn.”

“They’re all adults now and my oldest, Pietro, and his wife just found out that they’re expecting.”

“That’s great... I don’t know if I’ll get that with my baby girl...”

“Choosing the twenty-first was the only thing you did right today. If anyone can find her, it’s Hank Voight.”

———————————

Trudy had her arms around you and was refusing to let go. The man had allowed himself to get caught and release you. The second you were out of his grasp your twin had you in a bear hug. You were hugging her too and had only just let go when Maya, your fourth child, burst through the front door of the district with tears staining her cheeks and neck. “Mom, are you okay?” You began to hug and console your daughter when Sargent Voight came into view, his eyes soft and posture apprehensive. “Sargent Voight.”

“Please call me Hank.”

“Alright, Hank.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Honestly? Fine. He was scared and desperate, taking me was just a means to an end, and I didn’t end up hurt, so I feel pretty good.” Your smile faltered and Maya’s grip on your arm tightened. “What’s the matter sweetie?” You smiled at Hank, oblivious to the shocked looks of everyone who knew Hank, “I don’t want him to get in trouble, he just wanted to get his daughter back. I can understand that.”

“You sure, sweetheart?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do.” Hank leaned down and kissed your forehead before swaggering away to make a phone call. Despite all that happened, you couldn’t help but smile.

[attacked-by-visuals-since-071813]

Bully Problems and Dark Arts Part 1 (BTS Hogwarts AU)

193. “If you walk out that door, you’re no longer one of us. You’ll be one of them and that means I’ll treat you like one of them.” 

Warnings: Hard Angst (Eventually), Smut (Eventually), Dark, Violence, Dark Aftermath of the War

Word Count: 2,636

“Let’s see....bravery....so much more cunning.....and loyalty...but above all that is your intelligence and craving for knowledge... let it be Ravenclaw!”

10 years after the fall of the Dark Lord Voldemort, the Wizarding World has since begun the process to rebuild and become more inclusive to the parts of its community that had been neglected due to the last 20 years. Now there is more magic. The light won the war against the dark, but in doing so, gave way for greater magic. More natural and powerful and overall grey. But all things can turn dark and all light can dim. The war left more than the British Ministry in shambles, several branches of government around the world collapsed as Dark Lord Voldemort had recruited and killed leaders mercilessly. Nearly a million children born just before Dark Lord Voldemorts rebirth, during the war, and just before the final battle were displaced and orphaned.

The first thing I noticed about Hogwarts was the grandness of the castle. I could feel its magic miles away on the Hogwarts express. After the fall of the Dark Lord that was Voldemort, magic tried to balance again and failed due to the blinding light that won the war. So, she blessed the recent and future born witches and wizards with ancient magic that had either died out or been dying out. There have been 3 Dark Lords within the past 200 years and the lull of the dark turned the eyes of most of the Wizarding community from other forms of magic and practices. Ministries labeled Grey magic and practices as Dark out of fear. There has been a surplus of magical born from the muggle world and the wizarding community. A big BOOM you could say. Several years after the Battle at Hogwarts, Minister Shaklebolt along with Hermione Granger found evidence that muggle-born witches and wizards were all descendants of Purebloods and that Squids indeed carry an affinity for magic but cannot possess it, so their children are born with magic. 

There were so many orphans from the war that the Ministry had trouble placing children and babies with the next closest of kin. I am an orphan of war. Born in 1998, my parents took me to hide in the muggle world but were killed when we were found. Like many others, they refused to join the Dark Lord and became one of the many parents and young couples made an example of. With so many children displaced, finding family was a long effort and the Ministry was in shambles at the time. They grouped us, orphans, together until any family came forward or they could perform an identification spell. With all of the unconfirmed casualties and missing witches and wizards, many orphans were left in our makeshift communities. Since it was hard to find my next of kin, I stayed in one of these communities. My name is Y/N and I am a Ravenclaw.

My first year started out fine. All of us first years were nervous. Dubbed the new generation to officially mark the 11th anniversary since the fall of one the most notorious Dark Lords, we were given much-unwanted attention. Much like the children of the Golden Trio. Rose and Tulip Granger-Krum, Hermione Granger and Viktor Krum’s twin daughters. Hugo Weasley, Ron Weasley and Romilda Vane’s son. Lily Luna Potter, Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood’s daughter. Our magic is more raw and different from those who fought the war. The wizarding community had to add classes and curriculum for arts and practices not taught to students in centuries. Thankfully, the studies were actually accurate given that these arts were well documented, just not practiced without a real affinity for it. Outside of the basic Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Arithmancy:

Healing Magic and Incantations

Natural Magic or Elemental Magic

Illusion Magic

Psychic Magic and Dream Magic

Necromancy

Runes and Blood Magic or Conjuring

Obscured Magic or Emotion Magic

Chemical Magic or Potions

Dark Arts or Alchemy and Matter

Rituals and Dance Rituals

Hymns

Everyone wanted to meet the descendants of the Golden Trio. The train ride was full of students trying to get inside the compartment the children shared. Thankfully, they had me and my dear friends Jungkook and Taehyung already inside when they burst into our compartment to wave goodbye to their parents. The three of us simply sitting and watching the joy and fear on their faces at leaving their parents for several months. When we cleared out of Platform 12 3/4, they finally saw that they had entered an already occupied compartment.

“Hello,” Jungkook, Taehyung, and I said.

We were greeted with nods and they introduced themselves to us, the twins first,

“Hello, we are Rose and Tulip Granger-Krum.”

“Hi...I’m Hugo Weasley....”

“Lovely meeting you all, I’m Lily, Lily Luna Potter,“ a nearly serene smile on her face.

“Nice to make your acquaintance. This is Jungkook, Taehyung, and I am Y/N.”

Confusion clouded the twins' eyes for a moment before they realized why I did not include any last names. 

“Oh....”

Taehyung spoke up at their sudden mood drop,

“No need to be sad. We’re all friends. yes, we are among the majority of the orphans attending Hogwarts this year and making friends would be nice.”

Jungkook piped up then,

“Yeah, most of us on the train already know each other. We are mostly from the same community, so we usually don’t have to make many introductions to new people.”

The four descendants smiled at us and sat adjacent to us. After the compartment being bombarded three times after they were sighted by passing students, I locked the door and drew the blinds wandlessly. Not giving any thought that these four probably haven’t had many interactions with the more powerful of our generation until I saw the slightly shocked looks on their faces. Taehyung and Jungkook were already used to it.

“Sorry, I forgot that....”

Hugo shook his head,

“No, it’s fine, honestly. Our parents explained to us that-”

“That many of the students that would be attending and are attending Hogwarts were more powerful and gifted than any of the past 6 generations.” 

Lily Luna Potter interrupted her friend and gave him a pointed gazed that made Hugo look down in embarrassment. She then continued,

“Hugo has a way with words. A way of accidentally insulting others.”

I smiled at her explanation,

“Some of the other kids in our community are like that. Except, they have a way of being socially inappropriate. One guy, he talks in innuendos accidentally because his affinity is for Hymns and Song Magic.”

The rest of the ride was peaceful and the sorting had the Granger-Krum twins and Potter join me at Ravenclaw. All us orphans were sorted first. It was awfully awkward when several students would step towards the stool when their first names were called. Thankfully, I was the only Y/N.

It was my second year at Hogwarts that things changed and I only had my friends, Lily, Rose, and Tulip. It was my friends from my community that changed. Most of us having not been claimed and growing up together, we were family. But then...after being sorted and passing through our first year with Exceeding Expectations and Outstandings....families started coming forward. Apparently now ready to claim their lost child, sibling, grandchild, cousin, niece, or nephew. Our big community was shattered into pieces. These pieces contained small groups now, of 3 or 4 students. But there were a few that remained larger. Several groups contained 5 or more. Despite being in different houses, they remained close. The groups were gendered and everyone was now within only 1 to 4 years within the age of each other. Funny enough, no one separated based on powers or blood status, we remained mixed in that notion. It was a nightmare however, pranks started and the pranks turned into prank wars. I don’t know how it could have happened. Everyone who was one so close refused to acknowledge each other in halls. Referring to each other by last names now that they officially knew what they were. 

Not everyone was at each other's throats though. But they all still pranked nonetheless. Bangtan Boys are the prime example of that. Sometimes intermingling with EXO or GOT7, but a majority of the time, they kept to their own close group. Kim Seokjin- Ravenclaw.... is the oldest, kept their pranks from starting all-out wars with Healing Magic. Min Yoongi- Slytherin..... is the second oldest and the calmest looking, but he has a tendency towards darkness with Runes, Blood Magic, and Incantations. Jung Hoseok- Hufflepuff..... next being the brightest of the group, has an affinity for Natural Magic. Kim Namjoon- Ravenclaw..... is by far the most level headed, the balance of light and dark with Incantations and Conjuring. Park Jimin- Hufflepuff....flirts and likes to dance with the darkness but is light, with Dream Magic and Illusion Magic. Kim Taehyung- Slytherin.... is the lightest grey of magic I have ever seen, with Elemental Magic, Healing Magic, and Obscured Magic. Lastly, there is Jeon Jungkook- Gryffindor, he was my best friend and my big brother, he has Natural Magic, Incantations, and Potions. All were from my community but we might as well be strangers now.

It was also this year that many of the non-orphaned students began to display their affinities. Lily’s was Dance Rituals and Incantations. Tulip began displaying an affinity for Dance Rituals, Healings, and Chemical Magic. Rose showed signs of Matter Magic and Potions, but she had a clear affinity for Dance Rituals.

My third year at Hogwarts started with an awkward confrontation on the Hogwarts Express while Lily, Tulip, and Rose were visiting other compartments to find Hugo. I was on my own in the compartment when a group of four girls came into and huddled around me.

“Listen Y/N. You are one of the few from a community in our year that hasn’t chosen a group yet. We can’t accept this. We are offering you a chance to join us. I know we weren’t the closest in the community but we were always nice to each other then.”

“She’s right Y/N. We are stronger in numbers. Loners get picked on easily and you don’t want a target on your back.”

“We want to look out for you. Especially since the Bangtan Boys have nothing to do with any girls since they formed.”

“You were just a pet to them Y/N. But it’s girl versus guys now. You don’t want to be one of the few girls getting snagged and dropped like the rumors we’ve heard.”

I could only laugh as I looked at these weak girls. Two Healing Magic, a Dream Magic, and an Incantation. They may mince their words and play at being the hero they feel I need. But they know better.....They know much better...

“You think you can help me? That I need your help?”

The room was suddenly icy, but it did not bother me. They all turned from warm and falsely pleasant to growling annoyance.

“Y/N you need to choose us. Who else is going to take you?”

“Bangtan Boys? Oh please, they are boys. What use would you be to them except for another toy?”

“The way I hear it, Karen, all her other friends who left her were their toys too.”

“No-no Rebecca, they only wanted to get close to the guys for their powers. Those boys are among the strongest of us.”

“All of you shush. As if Y/N wouldn’t accept our offer. No one has made one to you before right? We are the firsts and the only ones interested in your barely existing ass. So, why don’t you show some respect and say thank you for letting you join us?”

The icy cold became very bitter and the girls were suddenly shivering. My emotions got the better of my mind. I let them seep out to give a warning through the temperature in the room. Would harming these selfish bullies be worth it? Would it be worth the questioning? 

I arouse from my thoughts to the sensation of a stinging on my face. Karen was it, had taken advantage of my momentary lapse in thought and actually slapped me. Fucking Karen. Abruptly I stood and they jumped slightly but tried to maintain their illusion of dominance over me.

“And just what are you going to do?”

“You’re a weakling.”

“You excel in classes but you perform each spell and incantation so basically.“

“Is there anything special about you at all?”

“I doubt it, Cameron. Look at her. Thick, round face and eyes. Doey-eyed. Innocent little orphan baby with no relatives to claim her.”

“More like, no one would want to come forward to claim her. The only people who would ever want her are already de-”

Physically, my magic threw Cameron into the window of the train. A small crack and indention in the glass from where her body hit it. Instantly, Karen went to her side and pulled her up. Through this distraction, I began to make my way to my compartment door when Shelly screamed at me,

  “If you walk out that door, you’re no longer one of us. You’ll be one of them and that means I’ll treat you like one of them.”

A switch flipped and looking directly out of my compartment window I could see his worried eyes. Those eyes that refused to look my way since last year and all I could do is smile in that way that always scared him when we were growing up in the community. Sending a wink his way, I flicked two fingers and the shades to the compartment were drawn. Turning, I faced the girls with this smile and all illusions of grandeur were gone from their faces and eyes. My magic: Obscured, Natural/Elemental, Conjuring, Chemical, and Dream. I am a dark gray that borders dark and sometimes, the dark likes to snuff out the little grey there is in me. As Rebecca, Shelly, Cameron, and fucking Karen were about to learn. Yes, it is worth it.

At the sorting feast of my third year, I felt seven pairs of eyes on me. He told Bangtan. Of course, he did and now they’ll be watching me again. But it’s not like they care. It’s because of their fear. Kim Seokjin was sitting only several seats away from me. Observing. Min Yoongi was watching me from his seat at the Slytherin table, waiting to strike if needed it seemed. The others were merely glancing at me throughout the meal. 

It was the following morning that I became the talk of the Great Hall. Three black Ravens, carrying several house sigils, approached the Ravenclaw table and landed in front of me. Lily looked at me with sorrow and Rose and Tulip with curiosity. The three sigils in front of me were from The Most Ancient and Noble House of Ravenclaw, The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, and The Most Ancient House of Lestrange. 

[electronicgrowth]

Guardian Angel: Chapter 4

This chapter features a version of Ransom that we are more familiar with. In other words, Ransom is an ass and Leah deals with the Thrombey clan.

Warnings: mentions of smut, fights, Thrombey’s are assholes

WC: 1816

We never talked about that night. But it reoccured. Often. Anytime one of us needed extra comfort we fell back into bed with each other. Every time we fucked he begged me to tell him that I loved him. But he never said it back. 

I started a job at Blood Like Wine publishing. But I kept living with Ransom, the extra drive into the city was worth not having to pay rent. This continued for months. 

Ransom had convinced me to attend Linda’s birthday party at Harlan’s house with him. I didn’t understand what this family’s preoccupation with birthdays was. Why did they always feel the need to have a big party? Especially since Linda and Harlan’s birthdays had only about five weeks between them.

We were getting ready that Sunday afternoon. I had opted to wear a dress and sweater with booties. Ransom mentioned that it was going to be held outside on the patio. 

“You almost ready?” He asked from the doorway.

“Yep. Nearly,” I answered. 

“Where’s your necklace?” He asked with a quirked eyebrow. 

“Oh, I wasn’t going to wear it. I figured it would broker too many questions from your family. I mean, they can spot Tiffany’s a mile away right?” I said awkwardly, barely making eye contact, he came up to me. Our faces just inches from one another. 

“Put it on, Leah,” he said in a low voice, “You don’t want to make me angry, babygirl.” He sounded more dangerous than I had heard him before. 

I quickly turned around and found the necklace box. Anytime I took the necklace off, which happened very rarely, I placed it back in the box. I put it on with shaky hands. 

The drive to Harlan’s was quiet. I knew Ransom was mad at me. We pulled up to Harlan’s, and I couldn’t stand the awkward silence. 

“I’m sorry, Ran,” I said, “I just figured that you wouldn’t want your family to know that you spent so much money on me.”

“Why should I give a shit about if they know?” He asked. 

“I don’t want them to think something is going on between us,” I stumbled over my words.

“But something is going on between us,” he countered.

“Yeah, but I didn’t think that you wanted anyone to know. But I guess we haven’t talked about it,” I murmured. 

“You’re my girl. My best friend in the whole world. What goes on between us at home isn’t any of their business,” he responded sternly, getting out of the car. I quickly followed. He had the present for Linda in one hand, and my hand in the other. 

We walked through to the back of the house, where the party was being held. Everyone else was already there. It was pretty warm for the fact that it was October. The sun was shining bright and warm. 

“Leah,” Linda sighed as she came over to hug me. 

“Happy Birthday Linda,” I said returning her hug, the hug was brief and awkward. A show of false affection.  

“Would you look at her Richard,” Linda exclaimed, “She’s all grown up.”

“Yeah,” he responded, eyes trained on me, “A beautiful young women.” 

Ransom wrapped his arm around me and pulled me back against his chest. He passed Linda the gift he had been carrying, “Happy Birthday, mom.”

“Thank you Ransom,” she said kissing his cheek. Ransom pulled me over to get some food. 

“Here,” he said handing me some champagne, “Not too strong. But it’s alcohol.”

“Thanks,” I giggled. 

I could feel eyes on me. I peered around and met Joni’s eyes, she was looking at me skeptically. Was she trying to find fault in me? Did she suspect that I was sleeping with the oldest Thrombey grandchild? Either way, it made me very nervous. 

“How many drinks deep do you think Donna is right now?” Ransom whispered in my ear.

I laughed. Things continued the way all Thrombey get together’s did, it was tense. It felt as if a blowout was just around the corner. 

Everyone talked and mingled, eventually Joni found her way to Ransom and I.

“Ransom, dear,” she sighed with a mischievous smile, “Bringing a girl to these things seems to make you more agreeable.” 

Ransom scowled at her, “Screw you, Joni.”

Joni didn’t even react to Ransom. I began to toy with my necklace nervously. 

“That’s a beautiful necklace, Leah,” Joni said. This grabbed Donna’s attention. 

“Oh my god. Is that a necklace from Tiffany’s?” She gasped. My eyes went as wide as saucers. 

Joni leaned forward, “Oh god,” she said, “It totally is.”

“Where did you get that? It looks like a newer piece,” Donna questioned. 

Every member of the family was now staring at me and Ransom. 

I kept opening and closing my mouth like a fish out of water. I didn’t know how to answer the questions being thrown at me. 

“It is newer,” Jacob piped up, “in fact it’s almost $1,500.” He passed his phone to Donna and Walt for them to look at. 

“I bought it for her actually,” Ransom said throwing an arm protectively around me, kissing the side of my head. 

“Are you sleeping with her?” Linda asked aghast by the very prospect. 

“Mother,” Ransom scoffed,” Of course I am,” The entire family started into an uproar at the same time.

There were varying shouts, but the gist was clear. The family thought I was a gold digger, some whore who was using Ransom for the family’s money.

“We’re a couple. We live together. Why wouldn’t we be sleeping together?” He yelled over the rest of the family. 

I was humiliated. I wanted to crawl out of my skin. It probably would be less painful and uncomfortable than what was going on around me. 

“She’s a baby,” Richard said, “How can you be sleeping with her?”

Ransom didn’t say anything, just looked at his family with a shit-eating grin on his face. 

Was my ass sweating? My face must have been beat red. This was unbelievable. I had told Ransom that this would happen. 

“Well,” Ransom said, “You all better get used to Leah being around.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Walt questioned angrily. 

“Leah is here to stay,” Ransom said.

“What does that mean?” Donna asked shrilly, “Are you two getting married?”

“If we were, it would be our decision,” Ransom responded with growl in his voice, “You know what? Leah and I are going to head out. Happy Birthday mother.”

As Ransom dragged me away, Walt called across the patio, “Don’t expect your piece of ass to still have a job at Blood Like Wine.”

Ransom quickly tugged me through the house. Stopping just briefly at Harlan’s office. 

“We’re leaving Granddad,” Ransom said. Marta shot me a sympathetic look. Ransom proceeded to pull me out of the house and to the car. He yanked the door open and pushed me inside. Slamming the door as soon as I pulled my leg into the car. He rounded the car and slammed his own door and started the car. He peeled out of the driveway. His grip on the steering wheel was turning his knuckles white. He was driving far too fast, but I wasn’t about to tell him that.

I kept stealing glances at him, while pressing myself close to the door. We pulled up to his house and he immediately got out of his car. Slamming his car door and the front door of the house. I took a deep breath and opened my own car door. I let myself into the house. Ransom was in the kitchen already, drinking from a fifth of scotch. My heels clicked on the tile floor and he turned around to look at me. 

“Ransom,” I said, “I’m sorry.” 

He turned around to look at me. 

“Stop.” He said. 

“Why did you say that we were a couple?” I pressed.

“We are a couple, Bunny,” he said, still not meeting my eyes.

“Are we?” I questioned, “Have you ever taken me out on a date? Or done anything romantic?” 

“How about the fact that I’ve done everything for you for years? I was with you constantly with you in New York. Charlie was always working. I took care of you!” He yelled, “And when Charlie died, I got you out of bed everyday. Made sure you showered and fed you. How about after the accident? I have done everything for you, Leah! You are my whole world.” I started to back away from him.

“Ransom, you’re scaring me,” I said.

“Scaring you? I’m scaring you?” He screamed, “I have done everything for you, Leah! I have never asked for anything in return. All I want is to be with you.”

“Then be with me!” I yelled back, “Tell me what you want! You always make me tell you that I love you, but you don’t say it back. You insist that we’re together. So, you tell me Ransom what is going on between us?”

“You’re my girl. You’ve been my girl for a long time, Leah,” he said, then he leaned down and placed a kiss on my lips. 

“Stop! Ransom, I can’t do this,” I cried, “I want all that stuff that I know you don’t. I want to get married and have kids. Decorate the Christmas tree, carve pumpkins. Stupid family shit that I never got to do. I know you don’t want that. And I got fired today because your family thinks I’m some kind of whore. Maybe we need some space. Ethan has this new girlfriend and he’s been begging to go visit him in San Francisco.” 

If looks could kill, I would be dead. Ransom stared at me with such venom. 

“Then go, Leah,” he growled at me before brushing past me to go back out to his car. 

He was gone for hours and I was worried sick. I called and texted. No answer. 

Finally I saw the headlights from the Beamer. Ransom stumbled from his car with a pretty brunette girl on his arm. When they got inside she saw me sitting in the living room.

“Who’s that?” She slurred. 

“Oh just my best friend’s kid sister,” he responded. He pulled her to his room. I quickly heard the sounds of their amorous activities. She moaned so loudly, I would have thought she was totally faking if I had never slept with Ransom. Hearing them fucking broke my heart in two. I realized that despite all the weird shit between Ransom and I, I was totally in love with him. I cried myself to sleep that night, and the next morning I jumped a flight to San Francisco for an extended stay with Ethan, I left the necklace on the kitchen counter with a note telling him where I was going and asking him not to call.

[lolacola01]

We’ve Got A Little Secret (Bonus)

A  little bit extra that was requested. This is some more of Alex and Dom as well as David’s parents finding out there’s going to be a baby. Read We’ve Got A Little Secret before this. http://lolacola01.tumblr.com/post/178545689640/weve-got-a-little-secret

It had been a rare night where David let me go with him to the apartment. He had been so protective  and was convinced me going to the apartment was going to end in a disaster. So seven months into my pregnancy I was finally allowed to go around with him. I had only been in the apartment a few minutes when Dom came in with a random girl.

“Yo Dave man I...” As he turned the corner his eyes landed on me where I was sitting next to Alex talking.

“Y/n?”

“Hey Dom,” you smiled. “Long time no see.”

“Good to see you.” He nodded his head and looked around the apartment. “So...”

“So?” you asked.

“So you got fat,” Dom said causing you to laugh out loud.

“Dude, she’s pregnant,” Alex frowned.

“Did you just call my girlfriend fat?” David asked as he came out of the bathroom.

“Wait...” Dom said waving his hands in the air. “You knocked up y/n?”

“Dom I’ve made this announcement with you about three months ago,” David frowned as he took a seat next to you on the sofa.

“Dude, you had sex,” Dom said holding his hand in front of David for him to high five.

“Yeah I’m high fiving you for having sex with my own girlfriend,” David shook his head causing you to laugh even more.

So we are actually here for a reason,” you interrupted, trying to get the conversation away from you and David’s sex life.

David’s eyes lit up and turned towards Alex. “Yeah we’re here for a reason.”

“Well whatever it is I don’t want to know,” Alex frowned. “I know that look David. And I know it never ends well with me.”

“I think you might actually like this one,” you smiled. You had always really liked Alex. He wasn’t as wild as the other boys, and he always made you feel comfortable around him.

“You buying me a car?”

“Not exactly,” you smiled.

“Actually we’re giving you a responsibility,” David pointed out.

“If there’s another flame thrower in here somewhere then I’m going to freak,” Alex warned. He started looking around the room like he was expecting someone to jump out on him.

“You want to tell him?” David nodded his head towards Alex and I smiled.

“You tell him.”

“Are you the real father Alex?”

“Dom shut up,” you and David said at the same time.

“Al right you’re starting to freak me out,” Alex warned. “Just tell me.”

“Well in about two months the baby will be here,” I began.

“And we wanted to ask you something,” David added.

“Well ask me then.”

“David and I have been talking and we would like you to be the baby’s godfather,” you explained.

“Are you serious?” Alex’s eyes lit up as he grinned at you both.

“We’ve talk about it,” David nodded. “And it makes perfect sense. We think you’d be the perfect godfather to our baby.”

“Totally,” you nodded in agreement.

“That’s pretty… I mean of course I’ll be godfather,” Alex said smiling wide. “Id be honoured.”

“Anything you want to ask me?” Dom asked looking between me and David.

“Yeah,” David nodded. “You got that sixty bucks I gave you a loan of?”

“I meant something involving the baby,” Dom frowned.

“I don’t think my baby needs a drug dealer right now,” David answered causing everyone to laugh.

……………………………..

David’s parents.

“I am so freaked out about this,” you whispered as David helped you out of the car.

“They haven’t gotten off my case in weeks,” David sighed. We were standing out side of his parents house and were about to tell them they were going to be grandparents. “They think we’ve broken up and I’m too sad to tell them about it.”

“I wish we could have told them over the phone,” you groaned. “I mean we told my parents over the phone.”

“Yeah because I didn’t want your father to kill me,” David frowned. “This is happy news for my parents.”

“My parents were happy,” you said rolling your eyes at your boyfriend.

“Well my parents will be too.”

As soon as you got to the front door it was thrown open and David’s younger siblings were all rushing out to meet you.

“Don’t,” David warned before his little brother jumped into your arms. “Toby, Y/n is not picking you up today.”

“Why?” Toby frowned.

“I know why,” his little sister smirked as she looked down at your stomach.

“You know nothing,” David frowned before pushing his siblings out of the way.

His parents were sitting at the kitchen table both looking at their phones when we entered the house. The second I saw them my heart started pounding hard in my chest. I knew they liked me, or well they acted like they liked me when I was around, but telling them I was making their son a father at twenty two was scary. I was sure they didn’t want that for their son. And if they thought I was trapping him, it would have broken my heart.

“David, Y/n? What a surprise.” His mother stood up from the table and came rushing over to hug both David and I.

“You alone?” his father asked looking behind me towards the door. “No Jason and some silly pranks.”

“Why would you ask that, Dad?” David laughed as he leaned down to pat his fathers back.

“Because when you turn up unannounced like this we always expect surprises.”

“No animals David,” his mother warned.

“Okay enough with the questions,” David sighed as he nudged me towards the empty seat next to his father. “Y/n and I have some news and we wanted to come and tell you in person.”

“At least we know you haven’t broken his heart,” David’s father said as he nudged my arm with his elbow. “His mother was worried about that.”

“You were worried too,” David’s Mom frowned. “You said just the other day that you hoped to see Y/n in his vlog again.”

“Okay no one broke anyone’s heart,” David sighed. “No we have a surprise...”

As soon as David said the word surprise both his parents leap from their seats and started looking around for something.

“See,” you said laughing. “This is what you do to people.”

“Will you both please just sit down,” David sighed. “It’s nothing bad. In fact I think you both might be very happy about it.” They both took their seats again and David slipped his hand into mine. “Okay so a few weeks ago we found out some news.”

“Good news?” His Mom interrupted.

“Very good news,” David said giving you a small smile.

“Well what is it?”

“In about five months you guys are going to have to come to LA,” David began. “To meet your first grandchild.”

“This is a prank,” David’s father frowned.

“No, David.” His mother shook her head. “That is a very cruel thing to do. You dont joke about things like that.”

“Who’s joking?” David asked. “If this was a joke don’t you think I’d be vlogging it?”

“Y/n you’re pregnant?” David’s mom asked me. I could only nod causing David to squeeze my hand tighter.

“And we are so happy about it,” he said seriously. “I mean we know it’s come as a surprise but we are so ready for it.”

“I think he’s worried,” David’s dad said as he looked at his wife. “I think he thinks we’re going to freak out and yell at him. David don’t you know what age I was when you were born?”

“No idea,” David said causing you to roll your eyes.

“You don’t know how old your parents are?” you gave your boyfriend a look that caused his parents to laugh.

“I don’t know,” David shrugged. “Older that me.”

“It was two months before my twenty second birthday,” his Dad explained. “And boy did my parents get mad.”

“They called us both so many names,” his mom nodded in agreement.

“But we know it was the best thing that was ever going to happen to us,” David’s dad smiled before patting David’s hand.

“Okay,” David frowned pulling his hand away. “Enough of that.”

You could see the tears forming in your boyfriend’s eyes. “You okay sweetie?”

“Don’t you start,” he warned before turning back to his parents. “So are you guys happy?”

“It’s wonderful news,” his Mom said before reaching across the table and taking both of your hands. “You two are going to make amazing parents.”

“Yeah,” David’s dad nodded in agreement. “It’s the best thing that will ever happen to you. And I can’t wait to see the change that will happen in you son.”

“Why will I change?” David frowned causing his Dad to laugh.

“I see all the dangerous things you do now,” he explained. “But the second you hold that tiny baby in your arms you’re never going to want to put yourself in danger again. you’re going to realise just how beautiful life is and you’re doing to want to stick around as long as possible to watch that little thing grow up.”

“I...”

“Before you open your mouth and ruin this moment,” you said as you interrupted David and whatever silly thing he was going to say. “Just accept what your Dad is trying to say.”

You knew your boyfriend to be a very emotional and gently human being but the second he was around his father it was like he couldn’t let the older man know he had feelings. Every time his father tried to show any affection towards his oldest son, David had to come in with a joke and stop all talk.

David seemed to understand what you were trying to say as he nodded and looked back at his dad. “Thanks Dad. I’m glad you’re both happy about this news. It means a lot to me.”

“Well you’re welcome son,” his father said as he squeezed his hand.

……………………………..

It only took four days after Grace’s birth before David’s parents were walking though the door with their suitcases in their hands.

“How long are you guys staying for?” David frowned as he watched his Dad pull out another bag from the Uber.

“Be nice,” you whispered before David’s Mom walked up to hug you.

“Honey you look so good,” she said pulling back to look at you. “It’s unbelievable that you just gave birth.”

“Yeah well I don’t feel it,” you joked.

“Okay we aren’t here to see you two,” David’s dad joked. “Where is my grandchild?”

“Living room,” you said pointing behind you. “But she’s...” you didn’t even get the rest of your sentence out before they were walking past you into the house. “Asleep,” you added trailing off.

“So that’s the end of our peaceful rest,” David sighed. He placed his dad’s bag on the ground before wrapping his arms around my waist. “It was good while it lasted.”

“Your Mom told me on the phone that they are here to help out,” you remarked causing David to laugh.

“You think that’s going to happen?”

“I mean they have raised four kids,” you shrugged.

“Yeah they raised me,” he pointed out. “It’s not like we can trust them or anything.”

“I don’t know so much,” you remarked as you looked over your shoulder to see David’s Mom rocking Grace in her arms.

……………………………..

“This is so wrong,” David grumbled as he pulled his car into Burger King drive thru.

“David we have been out of the house for less than ten minutes,” you sighed. “And with the way you eat we’ll be home again in five.”

“It’s just the first time we’ve left her alone.”

“David she’s not alone,” you laughed. “She’s with your parents.”

“Let’s just eat,” David grumbled. “I need to get home and...”

“And what?” you asked with a raised eyebrow.

“And edit,” he finished. “I need to edit.”

“Please,” you laughed. “you’ve hardly sat in front of your computer since she was born. Every time I walk into a room you have her in your arms.”

“Its not like she can hang out on her own,” David shrugged. “I need to be there. Now lets eat.” he said as he forced half a burger into his mouth.

“Well this is a romantic date,” you said sarcastically.

“Eat up baby,” he said forcing a fry into your mouth.

………………………………….

“We were exactly thirty three minutes,” you said climbing out of David’s car. “That’s a record. I mean I’ve taken longer in the bathroom.”

“Look,” David whispered. You followed him to the front door and looked inside. You could see through the glass door where his Dad was standing with Grace in his arms rocking her gently back and forth. “He’s being so gentle.”

“What did you expect?” You asked confused. “Your Dad’s a good man.”

“I just didn’t realise that my Dad would love my kid just like I love her,” he admitted quietly.

“Of course he does,” you smiled, resting your head on David’s shoulder.

“It’s sort of nice to see,” he smiled.

“Grace is a very lucky baby,” you smiled. “She’s surrounded by people who love her.” you continued watching until David’s Mom joined her husband and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Well everything looks okay here,” David remarked. “It would be pretty bad to interrupt it, wouldn’t it?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“We could go for a drive,” he suggested.

“You mean continue our date?”

“If you’re lucky I might even treat you,” David said wiggling his eyebrows.

“I know what that means mister,” you laughed.

“Olive Garden,” you both said at the same time.

You both glanced back into the house for a few more seconds before David pulled you away towards his car.

[gingerstorm101]

Date Night

Special thanks to @dana-katherine-sculder​ for co-writing this with me and agreeing on how perfect of a prompt this photo is.

Scully is self conscious while getting ready for her date. Post MSIV.

The sunshines through the window as Scully holds the dress up to her chest, the long black shadowing in the light. She didn’t know what to expect when she’d pulled it from the back of her closet, but here she was, contemplating on wearing it tonight. But there was so much holding her back. She wasn’t 35 anymore, not many 54 years old women wear such revealing outfits in their day to day lives. She just didn’t want anyone to stare at her, judging her.

“You look beautiful, Dana.”

She looks up to her partner, her date, and drops the dress on their bed beside her. “No I don’t.” She mumbles, not meeting the man’s eyes. “I doubt I can even fit in it anymore.” Frowning, she turns away from him, roughly picking up the dress and taking it to the closet to hang back up. A step from the closet door, his large hand finds his way to her hips, halting her in her movements. His fingers resting near her navel reminds her of the small fetus in her womb, yet another reminder that she won’t be fitting in any of her clothing in the coming months, upsetting her even more.

He steps behind her, his lips pressing against her crown. “Don’t say that.” His breathy whisper tickles her head. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.” She rolls her eyes, tilting her head to look up at him, but doesn’t reach his eyes. “In my world, then.” He presses another kiss to her head and wraps his arms around her waist.

“Mulder…” She wants to tell him to stop, that she wasn’t worth it. But the words never came, she couldn’t push him away, not today it seems. “I’ve had that dress for nearly 20 years, since before William was born.”

“I know.” He caresses her flat stomach, thinking of the now teen who they found out was still alive only earlier that week, the day when she had collapsed at work due to another massive headache from the shared vision she had of the boy. “I was there the first night you wore it.”

She recalls that night, so long ago. Their first date, disguised as her birthday dinner. He had gone all out, asking her mother to take her out dress shopping the week before, booking reservations at a Five Star restaurant called Ocean Prime, and keeping their cases close to home that entire week. Everything he had done that week had been for her. To take her out on what he declared was the perfect date. And what she later told him, it was.

She’s hasn’t worn it since.

“Wear it, you’re stunning” She hold the dress back, glancing at the long skirt and low hanging back. She debates strongly on giving in and wearing the damn dress. But the fear of her age and pregnancy was stopping her.

“I can’t.”

“Yes you can, you won’t know for certain until you put it on.” He still hasn’t let her go, and by now, she doesn’t want him to. The moment he does, she would have to put on this dress.

“If I put it on, would you stop pushing me?”

He laughs, his voice deep in his chest. “Then I would win.” He pauses as he pressesing his nose into her hair, taking a deep breath. “But yes, I will.” He caresses her once more before stepping out of her space and out of the room. She takes a deep breath, a stray flashes through her mind to fling the dress away and say ‘fuck it’ and just not go out on this date with him. But she wouldn’t; she hasn’t been pampered like this for so long. ‘Just do it.’

Scully stands in front of the bedroom mirror in just her underwear, scanning her body for all the imperfections, turning to the side and sucking in, her small baby bump showing. She places a hand over the small mound before letting go of her breath, the bump disappearing. This miracle child, the second one she was never supposed to have, was starting to show that they were there.

She stands like this for a good few minutes before she finally picks up the outfit for the night. Pulling it over her head, she smooths down the fabric as it falls to her feet. Her fingers play with it as she criticizes herself for wearing such a thing. She wasn’t some red carpet celebrity, she wasn’t meant for wear something so revealing. She turns around to face away from the mirror, watching as it dips to the small of her back. She’s too old to have so much skin revealed. She’s too old to be wearing this dress.

The knock on the door brings her back in from her negative musing. “Scully?” She doesn’t say anything as he lets himself in their room. He stops when his eyes settle on her. “You’re gorgeous.” He smiles, grabbing her small hand into his large one. She doesn’t meet his gaze as she opens her mouth to argue against his declaration, he lifts his other hand and brushed her growing hair behind her ears. “Don’t deny it.” Mulder pulls her back in front of the mirror, standing behind her.

“Mulder please, just-” He shushes her.

“You’ve ripened with age, Scully. You are more beautiful than you were back then, any man would be more than happy to be with you. I am overjoyed to be that man today.” His voice was soft, he grabbed her wrist, his hands slightly callassed from the years of abuse, and pulled her hand up to his mouth to kisses her knuckles. “You may not see it, but I do. You are perfect.”

“I’m getting fat.” She couldn’t tear her eyes away from her figure. Yes, her dress fit her perfectly, but she has noticed that her pants were starting to get tighter, and give it another month, they will probably not button up.

“No. No no no no, Scully, you’re not fat.” He pauses, catching her eye in the mirror. “You’re pregnant. There’s a different.” He turns her to her side, showing off her petite figure. “See? You’re not fat, you’re still my Scully.” However, she wouldn’t take his word for it. This baby was already making itself known, making her sick everyday, refusing to let her good jeans fit, and ranking up her dizzy spells. “You’re beautiful.”

Beautiful? No, she’s old and pregnant.

He was probably reading her mind again. “Believe me.” She follows his lead as he turns her around to face him. “You are beautiful. You’re pregnant with our second miracle child.” He whispers, pressing his forehead against hers. It was calming, she realized, being here with her partner.

It took a moment before she whispers, “I believe you.”

“What do you believe, my love?” Their eyes close, heads press together, they stand together for many minutes.

“That according to you-”

“And many people out there-”

“I am beautiful, that you love me the way I am.”

He smiles, she doesn’t see it, but she just knows.

“Told you so.” She feels the smile grow on her own face. It’s ridiculous, her worrying about the way she looks. But when she goes out to the store and sees the young mothers with their children, or their own baby bumps, Scully gets self conscious. She was the oldest pregnant mother at the mall, buying the newest pregnancy books to know the new ways to do the mother thing.

“I keep getting asked if it was my first grandchild when I was picking up pregnancy books from the store.” She frowns, recalling the memory of the previous weekend. “Whenever I correct them, I get disapproving looks. When I do start showing, the looks won’t stop. They’ll just get worse.”

“Hey,” He softly says, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. “Just ignore them. It’s just us, just the three of us. You, me,” He places his hand on her flat stomach. “And baby.”

“And Jackson.” She adds, opening her eyes to him.

“And Jackson, wherever he may be hiding.” He smiles at her, gazing into her blue orbs. “So four, it’s just the four of us. There is no one else in our world.”

“Even Bill would give me weird looks, telling me to ditch you, to give it up and-”

“No one else, Scully. He doesn’t run your life, nobody does, he’s not the one who chooses what you get to do with your body. Love it the way it is, and the way it will grow with our baby.” His hands ran over her shoulders, running down her body to her hips, his thumbs reaching for her navel. “Things have changed since we were younger, there are more and more people have children at an older age. Because we’re healthy.” She gave him a questioning look. “Ok, you’re healthier than I am, but I can still have a couple go’s in a single night.” He winked and she smiles widely before letting out a short laugh. “I know you know those nights.”

“Mulder, is there a point to bringing up our sex life?”

“You mean the sudden increase in it?” He smirks at her before pressing his lips against his forehead.

She groans, but doesn’t leave his grasp. “Mulder…”

“What I mean, Scully, is that we may be older, but you’re as healthy as you were ten years ago. We won’t lose this child, and we aren’t giving them up, no matter what your idiot brother says.”

“Be nice.”

“I will if, and only if, he does.” He grabs her hands, lifting her right above her head and spins her, the long flowing dress gathering air as it spins with her. “Which is why I had ask you out on this date, to show that I’m still the fun guy you know and love, before you drag me off to California to explain to your brother that you are pregnant and, indeed, still with ‘the sorry son-of-a-bitch’ that he warned you about. Why you’re telling them the news is beyond me.”

“He’s still family.” She knows that he and her brother don’t get along, but she wants to do this, as a family. It’s what they wanted to be, after all. To be together.

His hands finally left her body, kissing her on the lips. “Remind him of that on Monday.” With him finally off of her, she looks over herself in the mirror again, happier with her appearance this time around. She opens up the closet door, pulling out her favorite black heels that goes with most of her dresses. “I’m going go get changed, reservations are at 8.” She nods, walking to the bathroom to do her hair.

Fifteen minutes later her hair is neatly curled into soft waves and a light touch of make-up graces her eyes and lips. She walks down the stairs of the unremarkable house. She meets Mulder at the front door, his hand reaching out to offer his hand to hers.

“Are you ready, beautiful?”

She blushes, taking his hand, and they walk out the door.

[tvdversefanfiction]

Origins of Magic: Part Two

CHAPTER 22 LINK HERE

Warnings: I do not own the rights to the television series “The Originals”, “Vampire Diaries”, or “Legacies” and do not own any of the characters within the TVD universe, I am making no profit from this and have no intention for this fanfiction series except for readers to enjoy. 15+ Mild to Strong Violence, Strong Language, Witchcraft, sexual scenes, and sexual references. F/F, F/M, M/M, Other.

Chapter 23 - The Best of The Worst

“Primrose,” Kayne said with panted breath as he walked into a hotel room within New Orleans where he had arranged to meet Magnus and Rose. “Kayne,” Rose replied as she rushed over to hug her newly revived brother, holding him in her tight embrace as she hoped to never suffer losing him again. “I’m so glad our brother did something right for once!” “Okay now you two have caught up can we get to where the hell the Mikaelson family is so we can end their miserable existences before we end the rest of their family?” Magnus asked them both making it clear he did not have time to waste on family reunions. “I told you Hope’s off-limits,” Rose told her oldest brother Magnus as she broke off her hug with her younger brother Kayne. “I made a deal with her, and she’s done nothing to piss me off as of yet so until then she lives.” “As does our sister Bella.” Kayne chimed in. “If we are really doing this, killing the Mikaelson’s, then Bella, her baby, and Marcel are off-limits too.” “Fine.” Magnus agreed reluctantly. “Not a chance in hell!” Rose shouted at Kayne. “She was all ready to play happy families with the very same family who slaughtered her brother, she needs to pay for everything she has done to us all.” “Bella did what she had to do for her child her loyalties are within her future kid, and she has every right to protect our niece or nephew with everything she has got. Our sister wants nothing to do with this war on either side of it if we are truly her siblings then we should respect that and allow her to live whatever life she chooses.” Kayne argued with his sister, making it clear he did not blame Bella’s decisions, and neither should they. “Kayne is right,” Magnus stated, surprising both Rose and Kayne by agreeing with Kayne. “Annabella has betrayed more than anyone ever has but she is still our sister and that child she is carrying is our family too. We should protect the unborn baby and allow Bella a pass from this war it is what is right.” “Since when did you become all team family? It was not too long ago you were ready to kill us all.” Rose snapped at Magnus, suspicious of his sudden turnaround. “It’s the child, isn’t it?” Kayne asked his brother, realizing the truth behind Magnus’ sudden interest in reuniting their family. “It was pretty obvious you wanted the demons released just as much as you wanted us both free from that realm, but I could not work out why you suddenly wanted to be part of the Black family again. Bella’s child, the firstborn from any of us meaning that child’s power is yet unknown but with an upgraded original being its father that power is bound to beyond anything we could imagine…you do not care about this war nor do you care about your family you just want us all to kill each other so it's easier for you to get your hands on what you really want…Bella’s child.” “You’re wrong Kayne, yes I want that child to be a part of our family, and yes I am highly intrigued by the power it may wield but I do not want you or any of my siblings to die in order to get my hands on that child,” Magnus said, denying Kayne’s accusations. “The Mikaelsons must fall so we can truly rise but when I say we I mean us all.” “Well, I’m in whether we wind up kidnapping that baby or not I’m still in.” Rose declared making it clear to her brothers she was ready for all forms of revenge towards everyone who had ever wronged her. “I’m out! In fact, I was never truly in but now I am truly out.” Kayne confessed before raising his hand in the air, moving it in a circle swiftly, and using his magic to force his siblings into a deep sleep, their unconscious bodies quickly falling to the hotel room floor, as Kayne realized what he had to do next.

Kayne Black did believe that his family should come first but Bella was his family too and she was pregnant with the only member of their family who at that time was completely and utterly innocent which made him question his loyalty to Magnus and Rose, knowing Magnus was clearly interested in this miracle child made him worry for Bella’s unborn child and knowing of Rose’s hunger for vengeance towards their sister did not fare well for Bella and her baby either. So, he decided to turn to the other family that his eldest sister Annabella Black was torn between despite the guilt he felt for betraying Rose, he just could not trust her and especially not Magnus when it came to doing right by his potential niece or nephew and as the Mikaelsons considered Marcel as one of their own he knew they would accept his child too. “Long time no see lover boy.” Kayne greeted Klaus after astral projecting himself into the prison world that Rose had created, deep within the woods of Mystic Falls. “Home sweet hell I see…if it were up to me to create, I’d have gone less bloody obvious and a lot more brutal.” “I was wondering if there were others here or perhaps, you’re a figment of my imagination,” Klaus replied to him with a smile on his face, happy to see his former lover once again. “Maybe you’re my conscience making me feel guilty for choosing to betray you instead of trusting you.” “Well, I am most definitely not your conscience considering I am not sold on you having one neither am I actually here, my astral self is,” Kayne revealed to the original hybrid. “I was all for joining my siblings in exacting revenge on you and everybody else in your family, but they are proving to be as trustworthy as you right about now so I’m going to break you out of this shabby little world my sister has roughly drawn out for yourself, Elijah, and Rebekah.” “You’re alive…again.” Klaus realized as he found himself overcome with relief. “No thanks to you…thanks to Magnus actually and yet I’m betraying him and I’m betraying the one sister who would never betray me and not because of you definitely not because of you but because of the child Bella is carrying…a child who you could call your grandchild,” Kayne confessed making it clear his decision to help Klaus was not an easy decision to make but that he felt it was the right one. “So, we are a team again?” Klaus said, amused by the notion. “Just like old times.” “I’m prison breaking you and your siblings, but I have terms and conditions about this war against my family, and trust me with the state the world’s in right now you are going to want Bella and myself willing to help when the demons rise,” Kayne stated, struggling to see Klaus’ victorious smile, wanting to wipe it off his face but knowing he could not, at least not at that moment. “Whatever you demand I will submit to my love,” Klaus replied in a flirtatious manner as if he thought Kayne had forgiven him for his misdeeds. “I do not want nor need your word because I do not and will not ever again trust it. Take me to Elijah he is after all the noble one, take me to him, and once I get his promise, I will release you all, but I’d hurry if I were you because Magnus and Rose will not be sleeping long and once, they awake they’ll know exactly what I am up to.” Kayne responded coldly hoping his words of mistrust hurt Klaus for even a moment, hoping he had caused the hybrid a fraction of the pain that he had caused him.

Bella Black could not help but feel guilty for not siding with her siblings even if Kayne seemed to understand her motives behind not joining their war against the Mikaelsons she knew Rose never would. She knew she had failed her younger sister many times in the past whether it was being too strict with her, not being strict enough, or the time she was willing to let her die so Kayne could live, especially the letting her die part. Bella once trusted her brother Magnus with her life, the two were side by side for many years but his jealousy over their younger siblings Primrose and Kayne forced her hand into taking him out too, so trusting whatever he had planned was another risk she could not take, fearing he would double-cross them all at any given chance. No, the risk of siding with her siblings against the Mikaelsons were far too high not just because of their legacy as the original family of vampires but also that they were more of a family than her or her siblings would ever hope to be, and that loyalty would be what conquered all in the end. There was no chance her siblings nor her would make it out alive so why did she feel so bad for abandoning siblings who had each abandoned her many times before? Because deep down although their shared memories of being siblings may have been a result of the woman, they once thought to be their mother’s spells, despite all that being found out to be nothing more than magical lies, Bella could not imagine having loved any of them any less like the family had she knew the truth all that time, even Magnus. “I do not think I can do this, I want to do this, everything inside of me is telling me to do this, but they are my family, Marcel.” Bella declared to Marcel Gerard as she sat in the passenger seat of his car with her hands stroking her ever-growing baby bump, while Marcel sat in the driving seat clearly looking frustrated by Bella’s admission, driving along a quiet road in the middle of the night. “Klaus was and some ways still are like a father to me I love his kid like she is my sister, but I refuse to be in another one of their wars when it is over stupid hurt feelings,” Marcel replied to the centuries-old witch who was carrying his unborn child. “That is exactly why I cannot watch them all just slaughter each other I told myself I was running for my child that the means justify the ends, but it is exactly that kind of thinking that has caused nothing but centuries of betrayals, heartbreak, and death,” Bella explained herself to the upgraded original. “We need to stop them, force some kind of intervention, and make sure they cannot leave until we reach a satisfying conclusion whereas little people die as possible.” “Damn it! Annabella Black, I guess we are turning this car around.” Marcel said with panted breath as he admitted defeat in this argument, knowing that he did not want Rebekah nor Klaus to die over some century’s long vendetta with a family who they had wronged just as much as that family had wronged them.

Klaus Mikaelson knew that Kayne Black no longer trusted him for rightful reasons and he probably loathed him too, again for rightful reasons, but somehow despite all the reasons Klaus had given him to declare war on the Mikaelson family, Kayne had put the future of his sister’s unborn child above all vengeance and even other family ties proving that the man Klaus once loved, the man with a loyal and loving heart, was still there despite all the trauma that he had gone through. Kayne, or rather his astral projection self, reluctantly agreed to allow Klaus to give him a quick tour around the little prison world that Kayne’s vengeful sister Rose created, agreeing only because of the promise of finding both Elijah and Rebekah along the way so he could get all three Mikaelsons before leaving the prison world with them. “I hope you know killing you was my biggest regret it was never an easy decision for me to make but I would do anything for my family especially my daughter and I genuinely believed I was doing the right thing for my family.” Klaus apologized to the male witch, apologies being something the original hybrid rarely delivered. “I understand that way of thinking Niklaus I even forgive that way of thinking but what I’ll never forgive is you not trusting me enough…despite everything I never stopped loving you when you gave me a million reasons too, but I suppose I should thank you for killing me because when you did you killed whatever love I had left for you,” Kayne replied, somewhat accepting Klaus’ apology. “Which is good because now I can think freely, logically, without allowing the past to affect my decisions.” “Then I am glad I could get you to such a level-headed state of mind.” Klaus lied, knowing he had no right to hurt Kayne moving on from him if he really had. “I suppose this either means you have cheated death again or we’re as dead as you are,” Rebekah said after using her vampire speed to rush over and find herself stood in front of Kayne and Klaus. “If you are here to torture us all please remember Niklaus did the deed as Elijah watched whereas I had no bloody clue what was going on…granted I’d probably have done the same, but the point still stands that I never.” “The same as ever Rebekah,” Kayne responded with a laugh, amused by the original female vampire. “Believe it or not I’m breaking you and your brothers free from this place.” “I do not believe it!” Rebekah stated with a great sense of suspicion over Kayne’s alleged willingness to help them. “I believe it!” Elijah announced after he too used his vampire speed to appear as if from out of nowhere to now stand in front of Kayne and Klaus, standing next to Rebekah. “Your eldest sister is about to have a child and although you know we are dangerous you also know we would never hurt a child…something you cannot say about your siblings Magnus or Rose.” “Exactly use, are truly the best of the worst in this scenario,” Kayne said with a saddened sigh, taking absolutely no pleasure whatsoever in betraying his sister Rose or even his brother Magnus. Suddenly, much to the shock of both Kayne and Klaus, both Rebekah and Elijah suddenly vanished out of thin air, within a blink of the eye. “Well, that did not take you as long as I thought it would,” Klaus stated before noticing that Kayne was equally as shocked as himself meaning someone else had released Elijah and Rebekah from this prison world. “That was not me!” Kayne replied, before he and Klaus were next to vanish into thin air, neither knowing where they were about to go, or what hell awaited them…

[mirkwoodshewolf]

A Brother’s promise pt. 2

I told you guys I would post this up as soon as the first one got posted, now some intense feels are in this chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this mini-series and look forward to the next two 2 parter fics that I’m gonna be posting up here in a few :) Now I wrote this before Civil war came out so just imagine a bit of an AU Civil War where they didn’t go into hiding but did have the fight at the airport. 

Taglist:

@evyiione

_______________________________________________________

*2016*

I have indeed lived a full life. Ever since I was told about my brother's death that day, Peggy and Mr. Stark offered me a full nursing scholarship to help them build an organization known as SHIELD.  I worked with them my entire life right up to Howard's sudden death, Peggy and I still kept in touch every now and then to talk about our lives and about Steve and Bucky, but it wasn't until 2011 that they found Steve in the ice and when he woke up, I was actually there shortly after he woke up to greet him.  We embraced and caught up on everything. 

I told him about my life with a wonderful man named Joseph and how we married in 63 and had two beautiful daughters. I told him about my four grandchildren and recently at that time my oldest Grandson had just had a boy with his wife my first great-grandchild. He was so proud of how I managed to live my life in the present even after losing him and my brother at the same time.  

Now that it's 2016, I've been moved to a retirement home the same one as Peggy and just lay there on my bed looking at all the pictures of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Steve comes to visit me every once in awhile after he sees Peggy because I knew how Peg felt about him during our time in SHIELD *even when she has a hard-core bad ass shell around her, I knew she loved my other big brother VERY much*.

But lately Steve hasn't been visiting either me or Peggy and that began to worry me a bit, but I found out the reason why when I heard on the news that HYDRA, the organization I had found out was responsible for my brother Bucky's death when I first joined SHIELD, had been working within SHIELD ever since the beginning when we hired Zola as one of the scientists to help build the technology for SHIELD, and now the whole secret of both organizations has gone to the public for over a couple of years now. I try to keep up on the news of everything that happens with the Avengers mainly with Steve since I can't bare to lose him a second time for he truly is the only real family I've got left from my childhood. 

I just couldn't.

But I guess this old girl's getting ahead of herself discussing matters not really concerning her since all she does is just lay in bed all day because of my elderly legs now barely able to keep me standing up right.

It was late one night and my grandchild Bethany and her children came by to visit me and the nurse then had to shoo them out since visiting hours were over.  I kissed my grand-daughter and my great grandchildren Ross and Monica *A/N see the hint reference there?* and waved goodbye to them as they left. My nurse helped me take my final pill for the day and turned off my light before shutting the door softly leaving me to sleep.

It was then my window began to open as a shadow came inside my room.  The figure walked close to me and gently reached out their hand to stroke my pure snow white hair away from my face.  I moaned quietly and began to open my eyes and nearly had a heart attack there seeing someone just standing over me but when my lamp came on I saw Steve standing over me.

"(Y/n) it's okay, it's okay!"

"Goddamn it Steve you could've killed me doing that! I'm not as young as I use to be yah know!"

"Kinda glad to see that fiery temper of yours hasn't gone away with your age". He muttered.

"Boy if I still had my strength I would kick you right now". We smiled at each other and he hugged me gently.  "It is good to see you though Stevie, but what are you doing here so late?"

"Well it's not really me that wanted to come and see you, and I wasn't the one you saw just now in the dark" Steve said as he separated from me as I looked at him confused.  He was the only one outside my family that knows where I am, and there was no other man I knew outside my family that could climb up four stories other than Steve and get up to my room successfully. That was when Steve stepped aside and coming into the light of my lamp was my brother.

James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes.

Still as young as the day he left for war, but his hair was longer and he had grown a bit of a scruffy looking beard, and he also had a metal arm.

My eyes widened in shock at the sight of my brother standing before me.  I couldn't believe that he was here right now.

"(Y/n)....... hehe look at you baby sis," he knelt down by my bedside and i slowly reached up to touch his cheek but I paused in fear thinking that this is was all some sick hallucination made by my elderly mind.  There was no way he could be here. Could he?  Bucky taking notice of my fear smiled warmly and took my elderly hand gently in his metal one and placed it on his cheek.  I felt warmth and he didn't disappear at my touch.

He was real.

Tears formed in my eyes as he leaned up against me with an arm gently wrapped around me as I cried into his neck just like that night before he left for Europe back in 43.  My BBBFF was alive and he was here with me.  I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him as tight almost as if I didn't hold onto him with all my strength, he would disappear.  Steve smiled in the background at the sight of the Barnes siblings back together again after over 70 years of being apart then he snuck out leaving the two of us to catch up.

After awhile we separated from our hug and I said.

"Oh Bucky, I--I never thought I would see you again. When Peggy, Howard, and the other Howling Commandos came at my door just as the war was over and they told me what happened I--"

"Shhhh, don't think about that anymore. I'm here now. Let's just focus on that".

"But--but how is this possible? How are you alive?" It was then Bucky began to regretfully explain everything that happened to him.  When he fell down from the train after saving Steve, the Russians found him and HYDRA began experimenting on him giving him his metal arm.  His time in cryo-freeze only coming out as a ruthless assassin known as the Winter Soldier, killing Howard and his wife, along with other SHIELD agents that HYDRA gave him.  His abuse and memory erase after every mission or when he began to remember who he was, always his first memory before being wiped were of me. He told me how he and Steve fought against each other until Steve managed to make him remember and how he went into hiding after both secrets from SHIELD and HYDRA were exposed to the public before being found by Steve and Sam Wilson aka Falcon on the Avengers.

Now that he was starting to freely remember who he once was, though he doesn't have all his memories back yet, he did however remembered who I was and had all his memories of me back.  It became so much for him that he just had to find out where I was and that's when Steve told him where I was and that it was my brother's idea to sneak into the nursing home just so he could see me.

After his whole story, I couldn't help but feel my heart break at all that my poor brother had to go through, all the torture and blood he had to spill and the fact that he wasn't in control of what he was doing probably made him feel so guilty and depressed knowing it was still him who had done it.  I reached out for his metal hand but Bucky being so ashamed of how many people he had killed with this arm flinched away from me but I looked at him with a determined look and he relaxed and allowed my to take his metal arm and I held it with both my hands and kissed it, even though I knew he probably couldn't feel it, I had a feeling it still gave him warmth knowing that I still loved him as my Big brother even with this war injury.

"Never be ashamed Buck, I still love you my BBBFF, you'll always be the jerk-face I've always loved".

"And you will always be the hot-headed, tempered baby sister I've always loved, and speaking of which,".  He removed my blanket and gently picked me up bridal style.  Scared, I wrapped my arms around his neck and said.

"James, what are you doing!?"

"I believe I made a promise to you, and as I remember I never break a Big Brother's promise".  He then went to the window and looked down. "Close your eyes," I buried my face into his neck and felt my stomach drop as he jumped from my window down to the ground below four stories.  Bucky then placed me on a motorcycle and got in front of me and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Bucky where are we going?"

"It's a surprise, now hang onto me baby sis". He revved the cycle and took off riding into the streets.  It was several hours later, the retirement home probably knows I'm missing and is probably going frantic about finding me, but just being with Bucky seemed to make all those thoughts just disappear.  It was then I began to notice we were finally out of the city and were now driving through country terrain.  It must be my old mind but something was telling me that this trail was familiar from somewhere.  

After a couple of more hours of driving we came to a hidden trail that went up a hill.  Bucky parked the bike in the woods and said.

"Okay, you're gonna have to close your eyes again,"

"Bucky where are we?"

"I told you it's a surprise, now come on just close your eyes for me please?" He then pulled the bunny face on with with additional nose twitch.

"Okay, okay". As he picked me up bridal style I closed my eyes and I could feel Bucky beginning to walk the trail.  As he walked, every now and then I would ask him if I could open my eyes yet but he would say no.  This game continued on for a couple more minutes and then Bucky placed me down but helped me stand straight by keeping hold of my hand and said.

"Okay, now you can open them". I opened my eyes and to my surprise I saw the one thing I thought I would never see again.

It was our vacation cabin in the woods.

But this time it was rebuilt all the way from the ground up.  But last I ever heard of this cabin it was destroyed back in 93 for being a waste of space and with it being so old and the wood rotting the rangers decided to tear it down and just leave it as an empty space for campers.

"But--How......Buck this was......."

"I know Steve told me. but he, Sam, Clint and I rebuilt the cabin from the ground up just a few months ago after our last big deal with Stark and the government. Everything inside is the same furniture, same texture, same design, everything. It's almost as if it never left". I looked up at him and he smiled at me and continued as he stroked my cheek gingerly, "I made you a promise to take you here when I returned from war. Well even if it's over 70 years overdue, I think you deserve one last camping trip with your awesome Big bro".  I smiled with tears spilling down my face. I kissed his cheek as I hugged him crying happily.

Bucky then helped me walk towards the cabin by allowing me to hold his metal hand for balance and his human arm wrapped around my waist to keep me from falling over.  And true to his word as we stepped inside, everything was the same, from the design itself to the furniture and the carpets, they even built the same fireplace where Bucky and I would once roast marshmallows when it would rain and we couldn't do it outside.  So many memories came back to me as Bucky placed me down on the rocking chair by the fireplace and knelt down beside me.  He smiled up at me and took my hand in his and gently kissed it and I stroked his scruffy cheek making me softly giggle cause it slightly tickled my hand.

"Thank you Buck"

"You deserved it sis, after everything you've been through. What we've both been through," it was then he took me from the living room up to the bedroom where the large see-through window was and as we laid together on the bed Bucky then began to make shapes of the stars and even make up stories about what they're doing.

This moment right here felt like a beautiful dream but I knew it wasn't.  My brother was here alive, we were finally doing our cabin in the woods camping trip now that he was back from war.  Even 70 years couldn't change the fact that my brother had managed to come back to me and even though he is still as young as he was back in 43, he still saw me as his precious wittle baby-waby sister.

I leaned against his chest listening to his heartbeat as my eyes closed and I exhaled a soft breath and a smile came across my face.

[suudonym]

all right you know what I’m stuck on the scene I’m trying to write so I’m just gonna take a second to go over the details of the single dad karamatsu au I was so attached to a while back and now am not actually sure if I’ll actually write but I don’t actually have any notes written down anywhere so might as well put em here

(that is to say, complete and total spoilers for a story that I may or may not write under the cut. very very long because apparently I had a whole lot of this planned out mentally)

so karamatsu’s got this bar he likes to visit sometimes because it has a nice aesthetic and it’s not too expensive so he goes alone just to feel cool. he even has an acquaintance there and they chat and drink sometimes and it’s just all around a good time and a favorite way to splurge when he wins at pachinko or something

one day he’s there and a woman shows up with a baby a little over a year old, flanked by a couple of intimidating guys in suits. she starts making a scene about how they hooked up a long time ago when he was really drunk and she’s been taking care of their baby alone for all this time while looking for him and now that she’s finally found him she’s not letting him off the hook without paying all the child support he weaseled out of

karamatsu’s really blindsided. she’s threatening all kinds of scary legal action and all he can do is shake his head and insist that he’s broke, unemployed, unskilled, has absolutely nothing to offer right now (and she is demanding that it be RIGHT NOW). in a fit of frustration, the woman gives the ultimatum that he can either come up with the money in a week or he can take the child indefinitely and have a taste of what she’s gone through. in a fit of desperation, karamatsu agrees to take the child

“...what?”

yeah, he says as he tries to convince himself that it’ll work out, because he has a big family and his mother has always always wanted a grandchild so if it’ll get net him a little leeway in how much time he has to get together the money she’s demanding, he’s okay with looking after the baby

the woman’s scowling but she agrees, shoves the crying baby into karamatsu’s arms, and turns to go.

but wait! what’s the kid’s name?

she stops and turns and looks at him for a second and then she gives her answer: aoi. it’s a little boy named aoi.

(kara’s actually kind of touched because, you know, he’s the blue one)

so the woman and her intimidating company go and karamatsu takes a second to apologize for making a scene to all the people that are staring - but only a second because crying baby and oh god everything just got really real really fast. he makes his way home pretty much dizzied by the prospect of having to explain this to his family

said explanation is about as hectic as he imagined it. matsuyo is fucking DELIGHTED and his brothers are fucking NOT because what the hell, he slept with a woman over a year ago (probably closer to two years, someone points out, since babies doing just manifest into existence immediately after sex) and NEVER TOLD THEM?! karamatsu’s excuse that he really and honestly does not remember it at all just doesn’t hold up because the others are the way they are. but it’s getting late and the baby is getting increasingly noisy as his needs go unmet so they let it go

karamatsu’s banished from the bedroom on the reasoning that there’s not room for a baby in their futon (I mean there probably is, since godmatsu managed to squeeze in there that one time, but more importantly none of them want a baby in the futon so that’s that) and ends up using a guest futon downstairs. the baby is really just not having a good time and cries and cries and cries and kara talks to him, saying he must miss his mother and kara’s sorry about all this and he doesn’t know if he can be a good father or if he even wants to be a father and how is he supposed to do this, how is he supposed to raise a child??

matsuzo comes downstairs and karamatsu apologizes, sure that the baby’s crying woke him up/kept him awake, and that’s part of it but actually matsuzo is there for a chat. so they talk about what a father’s abilities are and how matsuzo took care of the sextuplets by himself a lot when they were babies, like when matsuyo was sick or exhausted or had something she needed to do, and he assures kara that the whole “maternal instinct” thing is bullshit and promises him that he can do it - especially since he’s not actually doing it alone, he has his whole family for support

(and there are probably also some parting words about considering employment because babies are even more expensive than adults)

A-NY-WAY. things are more disjointed and vague from here on but the presence of a baby in the house, and the fact that it’s KARAMATSU’S baby, causes a lot of friction between the brothers. matsuyo’s super doting on aoi but she’s also a lot stricter on the sextuplets because they’re uncles now and they need to be responsible around the baby. the others treat kara increasingly coldly because 1) he’s either always talking about aoi or always has him with him and babies are obnoxious, smelly, and gross and 2) kara’s suddenly the family heirloom and they’re resentful of that. even chibita, who’s really into babies (ala the -kun episode where he tries to adopt an abandoned one), kicks them out of the oden stand to go and see when they show up without kara one night and explain the baby situation

(at some point they start saying that karamatsu should try to find the kid’s mom because it’s not fair that she just hoisted him off on their family and split and on one hand kara was really expecting to hear from her again sometime soon since she left her son in the hands of basically a perfect stranger but on the other hand he’s really glad that he hasn’t heard from her because he’s gotten attached to the baby and to the dad role... not to mention he kind of has his doubts about her credentials as a parent since she did pretty much just abandon the kid, so he’d rather not give aoi back to her)

karamatsu’s still thinking about what matsuzo said though and he feels guilty about making his parents pay for stuff like food and diapers for his son so he lowers his standards from “career” to “literally anything that will pay money” and snags a parttime job. matsuzo works all day of course and matsuyo is often out of the house too so the brothers end up responsible for aoi in turns when karamatsu has to go out. this goes on for a while but eventually someone, probably osomatsu, isn’t really paying attention and aoi ends up getting hurt as a result. kara’s pretty pissed off when he finds out about this and it throws more fuel on the fire that’s the still-growing tension between the brothers

eventually, ultimately, karamatsu decides he’s just gonna move out - he’s tired of burdening his family and burning bridges with his brothers and he wants aoi to grow up in a better environment. he changes jobs and starts working construction at night, which is kind of dangerous and really exhausting but it pays well and allows him to be home during the day to watch his son. he gets an apartment somewhere that’s not really great but he can afford it and that’s what’s important, and thus begins karamatsu’s life of independence

it’s... not anywhere near as glamorous as he always imagined it would be. his diet is shit because he prioritizes aoi’s needs, so basically the only time he gets to eat well is on the odd day when his parents or chibita visit to refill their baby charge and let karamatsu catch a break because they always bring/make proper food. add to that, he’s EXHAUSTED. working all night and taking care of a toddler all day leaves pitifully little room for rest and it wears him down something fierce but he keeps giving it his best because he doesn’t really have a choice, he’s all aoi has

it catches up to him, of course. karamatsu’s feeling really terrible but there’s bills to pay and a tiny precious mouth to feed so he drags himself off to work and ends up slipping up and getting hurt. it’s a minor injury but the real problem is that the cause of that slip-up was the flu. so now he’s home with a twisted ankle or something and the flu and he can’t take care of himself and he can’t take care of aoi (the flu is especially dangerous to young kids after all) and he’s just completely at a loss. he calls chibita practically begging for help, and chibita’s not heartless so he comes over to do what he can but he’s got bills to pay too you know? so when kara’s asleep and aoi’s occupied, he calls matsuyo and explains what’s going on

and matsuyo sends osomatsu

osomatsu’s still sore about the whole falling out plus the feeling of being abandoned by one of his brothers but matsuyo plays the “you’re the oldest” card so he grudgingly goes over. chibita fills him in on what’s up (ex. when’s aoi’s naptime and snacktime, when kara last took medicine, etc.) and leaves, and oso’s alone with aoi for the first time in foooreeeverrrr. but aoi’s a toddler now and so he’s a bit less obnoxious and smelly and gross and also he’s super worried about karamatsu and it’s hard to treat a kid like that too coldly so osomatsu ends up actually getting along with him okay, much to kara’s surprise and great relief when he finally wakes up

it all goes pretty well, bridges are rebuilt, the others stop holding grudges towards kara and aoi, and karamatsu gets a better job that won’t exhaust him and ruin his health with his dad’s recommendation. yaayy happy ending clap clap clap

haha no.

at some point much later, the police show up at karamatsu’s place one day. they explain that they apprehended some criminals for some crime or another and while in custody they wound up confessing to kidnapping a baby for ransom a long time ago. they were pressed for the full story and eventually gave it: they kidnapped a baby intending to hold him for ransom but the family wouldn’t pay so they went far away to avoid police pursuit and devised another way to get money out of the kid: extort someone for child support. they said that they spent a while figuring out a target and picked karamatsu because the information they got about him (from that acquaintance of his at the bar, who was there specifically for the sake of finding a guy like him) made them think that they could scare him into paying by threatening to sidle him with single fatherhood. well, they were wrong, but at least they didn’t have a kidnapped baby in their possession anymore so hey good enough, cut their losses and move on

karamatsu is... reeeally stunned. just. utterly disbelieving. he asks what that all means and of course it means that aoi has to be returned to his family. he tries to prepare himself for it but he’s devastated. he meets the family - the child’s real name is yuuto, and he remembers the way the woman looked at him when he asked the baby’s name and realizes she just said “aoi” at random because he was wearing blue that day. he tells yuuto’s parents all about his favorite snacks and toys and games and stories and the best way to give him a bath or put him to bed when he doesn’t want to and just, absolutely everything. he’s been living with the kid for like 2-3 years now and for that time he was his whole world. the parents seem kind of dismissive of him though and he’s just a little bit worried by that but he supposes he can understand if they want to learn about their son on their own instead of from a stranger

(at some point osomatsu probably tries to lighten the mood by saying something about well hey, so it wasn’t your kid after all, just like we all guessed from the beginning! he ends up getting punched)

and then he’s gone, and karamatsu is alone in that apartment that’s suddenly so drab and run-down and cramped and cold and lonely and the only thing keeping him going is the need to eat and the fear of shaming his family by saying “fuck it” and giving up, even though that’s all he really wants to do

some time goes by and karamatsu’s just really lonely with aoi/yuuto  around and eventually someone suggests that he go and visit. and that’s kind an exciting idea so he hunts down the address and goes for it, even though it’s winter and it’s freezing. when he arrives at the house (which is kind of big because apparently the parents are involved in some important and/or lucrative work), he sees little yuuto standing outside cold and crying

kara’s shocked and kind of angry and calls out and yuuto is just so happy to see him, running over and calling “papa, papa” even though karamatsu tries to gently correct him and remind him that it’s just “onii-chan” now - although he’s really not one to talk because he can’t help but say “aoi” himself

aoi explains that he got in trouble for making a mess and got yelled at and shut out and kara’s just livid because where’s your coat? your scarf? your hat? your boots? and aoi says he’s doesn’t get to have them right now because he was bad which is just. the last straw. karamatsu asks if aoi wants to come home with him, and aoi enthusiastically says yes

so karamatsu becomes an actual kidnapper. he does properly tell his family about it though so child protective services get contacted and one thing leads to another and it comes to light to aoi’s parents are neglectful at best, abusive at worst. his parents fight it because it would be a huge scandal for their son to be taken away and they accuse karamatsu of trying to ruin their reputations and careers and lives but cps ain’t havin it. aoi’s grandmother is contacted and things are put into motion to get him into her custody but she approaches kara and invites him to adopt aoi - not because she doesn’t love her grandson but because she can tell that her grandson really really loves karamatsu and vice versa and she knows that they were together for all that time and that kara would take good care of him

and that is the long.... LONG story of how karamatsu becomes a single dad

[ourmrmel]

Mel Feller Shows Grandfathers Can and Should Leave a Lasting Legacy by Mel Feller

Mel Feller feels that every child needs a dad. In addition, children benefit from the wisdom and influence of other men, over and above what their father can supply. Therefore, your grandkids will profit from the distinct advantages that you bring to their lives, which complement what your son or son-in-law can give them. Your work is not done, granddad. It has just become more enjoyable.

According to the Proverb, “Children’s children are the crown of old men.” Grandfathers have a keen sense that they are leaving a legacy, and that can be very motivating and energizing. For many men, grandfathering is one of the most joy-filled roles they have ever had.

 A UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP

 Who can explain what happens between a grandparent and grandchild? The grandfather sits down with his grandchild and tells stories no one has heard before—or stories everyone has heard many times, but they still enjoy the telling. Alternatively, a child asks to see that trick where Grandpa somehow pulls his thumb apart, then puts it back together again. Others can try, but no one can do it quite like Grandpa.

 Earlier, Grandpa complained that his back was acting up after he dragged thirty pounds of garbage out to the curbside. Now, he can hoist his granddaughter up for a hug without a second thought, without the slightest pain, almost effortlessly. Blake wants to go try to hook that big catfish in the creek, but he wants to wait until Grandpa can come, because only he knows where the “old monster” lives.

 How do you explain it? You do not. You just enjoy it.

 RELATING TO GRANDCHILDREN

 As a grandfather, you bring a wealth of wonderful resources for your children to enjoy. What are the details of a relationship between a grandfather and his grandchild? At the risk of taking something magical, breaking it down and robbing it of its charm, here are some practical ideas:

 Make Time. Time is one of your secret weapons as a grandfather; it sets you apart from most of the other influences in your grandchild’s life. You can be a reminder that there are worthwhile, memory-building pursuits that do not happen in a hurry: chess, reading, just sitting and talking, evening walks, breakfast out on Saturday mornings, or sitting on the porch swing and watching the sunset. Your hobby may be the key that unlocks a point of connection with your grandchild. Find the magic and mystery of a pocketknife or a pocket watch. Bring to life those features that make you the granddad that you are.

 Do Little Things. Some of the best grandfathering comes in cards and letters that you send, maybe with a newspaper clipping or a small trinket that made you think of your grandchild. There are hundreds of little ways to communicate, “You’re special to me.” Consistently recognize your grandchild for good grades, or the ways she is showing her personal character. Reward her just for being the great kid that she is. Send an e-mail just to see how her day is going.

 Inspire and Motivate. Your grandchild will have many teachers, coaches, and friends. There will be new challenges and risks around every corner. He will succeed in many ways, but he will also fail. He’ll need comfort, sometimes advice, and always someone to be positive and believe in him, no matter what. You can be a consistent, long-term source of encouragement through all the changes that come with growing up.

 Be a Living Library. There is a saying: “When an elderly person dies, a library burns down.” Your grandchildren need a sense of family history. They need to hear your stories about what it was like growing up, about your grandparents, about what your sons and daughters (their parents) were like, about that old Chevy you used to drive, about “the good ol’ days.” When you tell stories about aunts and uncles, cousins and grandmas, you convey to them: “You are part of this family.”

 Transmit Values. The world in which your grandchild is growing up probably has different—or at least changing—definitions for concepts like commitment, sacrifice, respect, honesty, responsibility, work, faith, even love. Passing on values can be one of your grandest roles as a granddad. A child will often feel pressure to behave or an ongoing power struggle with her mom and dad. However, with you, she can relax a little more. She may listen better and ask more thoughtful questions, like, “Grandpa, when Daddy was seven, was he like me?” “Did he have to clean up his plate?” Alternatively, maybe, “Why did Aunt Julie get a divorce?” She is trying to learn about her world, including school, her family, and relationships in general. You may have a unique opportunity to help shape her young mind. You may also see a chance to support her parents by pointing out all they do for her, as well as reinforcing their established limits and routines.

 THE EXTRA MILE

 During a National Center for Fathering essay contest, a nine-year-old named Jordan wrote this about his Grandpa:

 Four months before I was born, my real father left my mommy. My Grandpa drove 400 miles to come get my mommy. He took care of her until I was born. When I came home from the hospital, there was a cradle that Grandpa made just for me. Someday, my kids will sleep in the same cradle.

 When I was a baby, I cried a lot at night. Grandpa would walk me around and around the kitchen table. He rocked me to sleep and he was my first baby-sitter. Now I am nine years old and Grandpa is my best friend. We do many things together. We go to zoos, museums, and parks. We watch baseball games on TV and we have Chex Mix together, just the two of us.

 When I was four, my Grandpa spent a whole summer building me a playhouse with a big sandbox underneath. He made me a tire swing and pushes me many times in it. He pushes me real high, way up over his head. Now he spends all his extra time building new rooms on our house so that Mommy and I will have our own apartment.

 My Grandpa is really patient. When he is busy building things he always takes time to start a nail so that I can pound it in. After he is spent all day mowing our big lawn he is tired but he will still hook my wagon up to the lawn mower and drive me all over the place.

 Sometimes people on TV talk about kids from single parent families. I am not one of them because I have three parents in my family. My Grandpa is not my Father, but I would not trade him for all the dads in the world.

 As a dedicated grandfather, you have a lot to offer children in need. With the number of broken homes in our society, chances are good that you will find that child right in your own family. However, even if you do not, there is still a lot you can give to other single-parent families, abandoned children, or a family whose grandparents live far away. All of your grandfatherly assets can apply to children outside your family as well.

 Granddad, building a lasting legacy is about investing in relationships with those who will be the leaders of the next generation—your children and grandchildren. They represent your greatest legacy, and one of your most significant contributions to the future.

Mel Feller loves being a grandpa.  He has four wonderful grandchildren and loves them equally.  His oldest is 20 and the youngest just turned 1 year old.