#i hope he's vacation in turkey is going well

[painfulgoodbye]

i miss dream :((

[arc-misadventures]

What are those: wallow decided to go to beacon academy with winter to go see how wiess is doing but instead meet with jaune

The Dragon’s Diamond

A small bullhead flew through the air towards, Beacon Academy. It was a privately owned airship that belonged to the, Schnee Dust Company, and right now it was carrying an assortment of precious cargo: The daughter of the founder of the, SDC, Willow Schnee. Her eldest child, Winter Schnee. And a locked cased filled with diamonds of various sizes, and quality. At least what they assumed were diamonds. For they had come here to see if they were in fact real diamonds.

Winter: I’m sorry mother, but I must protest; Why did you have to come along to handle this simple endeavour; you could have simply handed over your, and my diamonds to, Klein, and let him handle it. Why did you have to come along?

Willow: I needed a vacation. This seemed like a reasonable excuse why to do so. Besides, it also gives me an excuse to be around my daughters. Is there something wrong with me desiring to be with my family my dear?

Winter: …

Winter: No, no there isn’t anything wrong with that, it’s just unexpected is all.

Willow: I understand, but being away from home also keeps me away from drinking. I’ve managed to at least reduce the amount I’ve been drinking substantially, but being around your father long enough will lead me back to drowning myself in the bottle again. I cannot allow that to happen.

Winter: I… I’m sorry, I thought you chose to leave for different reasons.

Willow: Like trying fine, Valian wines?

Winter: Ahh! Yes… Yes I thought so.

Willow: Well, depending on what, and where we’re having dinner I wouldn’t mind a suitable wine to go along with it, but I have to stop drinking. Not so much for myself, but for you, your sister, and your brother. I… I want to stay a part of your lives, to see you grow old, and start families of your own in the future. It would be a shame if I am to deny myself these opportunities because I drank myself to death…

Winter: Thank you, Mother. Hearing you say that means a lot to me. But, if you want to give up drinking, why are you looking forward to having wine with your meal?

Willow: I’m slowly weaning myself off drinking. Not everyone can just go cold turkey now can they?

Winter: I would prefer it if you did.

Willow: Well, it would probably be for the best if I did, but… Oh, we’re here, let’s continue this discussion later, and find your sister.

Winter: Very well then, Mother.

As the ship landed the mother, and daughter duo grabbed their luggage, and made their way towards the academy. As they neared closer to the tower, Willow couldn’t help, but take in the sights around her.

Willow: Oh my… Beacon Academy is such a lovely place.

Winter: Yes, the warm breeze, and vibrant greenery give this place such a relaxing air to it.

Willow: I know, Weiss went to, Beacon to escape father in, Atlas. But, do you suppose this rich atmosphere contributed to it?

Winter: I believe it was more so her desire to escape, Father. But, this is a nice benefit.

Willow: I hope she is feeling happy here.

Winter: Me too.

Willow: But, where do you believe she is?

Winter: I have no idea, there should be an information desk up front we can ask.

Willow: Or, I suppose we could ask him if he knows where, Weiss is.

Winter: Who?

As they drew closer to the, Academy they saw the statue out front, and a student sitting on the base of the statue. They noticed that he was seemingly mumbling to himself as he ran his hands through his golden hair as he evaded the white horns poking out.

Winter: A faunas?

Willow: Excuse me, young man?

: Hmm, what? Oh, hello.

Willow: Hello. I was wondering if you could help us.

: With what?

Winter: We’re looking for my sister, Weiss Schnee, do you perchance know her?

: Weiss Schnee? Yeah, I know her, we’re friends after all.

Willow: Excellent, can you please lead us to her?

: Sure I can… I can…?! Hurk?!

His hand quickly came up to cover his mouth, seemingly trying to repress a gag. His luck failed him as he continued to dry heave until a he opened his mouth, and a belch of fire erupted from his mouth before he fell into a small coughing fit as small jets of flame escaping his mouth with each cough. As soon as his coughing fit ended he popped a small white marble into his mouth, before turning to address the duo.

: Jacques you cheap bastard! (Cough!) Ahem, sorry about that, upset stomach. Hehe…

The duo looked at him in stunned shock, taking a moment for themselves to collect themselves. Willow seemingly able to keep her wits about her.

Willow: A-Are you okay?

: Yeah, I’m fine.

Winter: But, you just belched fire?

: That’s a semi-common occurrence.

Willow: But…?!

Winter: Wait, Mother… Male, blue eyes, blond hair, horns, and can breath fire… You’re the, Dragon King, Jaune Arc, aren’t you?

Jaune: That’s me, well mostly. I’m not a king of any sorts, but I am a dragon faunas. Anyway, my name is, Jaune Arc, nice to meet you.

Jaune offered his hand for the pair to shake as they introduced themselves in kind.

Willow: Willow, Willow Schnee, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

Winter: Specialist Winter Schnee.

Jaune: So you’re, Weiss’s family? That explained the smells.

Winter: Smells?

Jaune: I have a highly, highly acute sense of smell. I can smell familiarity’s between people, to the point I can tell if someone is related to another.

Winter: That sounds like an impressive ability.

Jaune: It has its downsides… Like my little sister trying to use me as a bloodhound…

Willow: You said you are friends with my daughter, Mr. Arc, can you lead us to her?

Jaune: Uhhh… No, no I can’t. She went into, Vale with the rest of her team just a little while ago.

Winter: She did, why?

Jaune: I don’t know; I left to ‘throw up,’ and when I came back she, and her teammates had disappeared. My sister said that they had made an emergency trip to, Vale, and that was all there was to it. Do you want me to call her, and let her know you’re here?

Winter: No… Well, maybe we should.

Willow: Oh dear… I was hoping to surprise her with our sudden visit.

Jaune: You can still do that if you want.

Willow: We can, how?

Jaune: Weiss, and her teams room is just down the hall from my teams room. You can wait there until she arrives.

Winter: What do you think mother?

Willow: We might as well, this young man has graciously offered us his place to us while we wait for your sister to return. We won’t be in there for a few hours at most.

Winter: Very well, we graciously accept your kind offer, Mr. Arc.

Jaune: My pleasure, and please, just call me, Jaune.

Winter: Very well then, Jaune.

Jaune: Even if you rejected my offer you’d no doubt be taken to my room anyway so I could inspect those diamonds, and any other gemstones of yours. If there are any that is…

Winter: What are you talking about?

Jaune: Two things: Those are, Fortress grade safe-boxes, made by the, Gem Refinery. To which I own, I know my merchandise. Especially the safe-boxes…

Willow: Wait, you’re the owner of the, Gem Refinery?

Jaune: Yes, I am. Second I over heard, Weiss… screaming to her father on how she wanted her entire families precious jewels so they can be appraised. And, who is that appraiser, me: Jaune Arc, the Lapidary Master!

Willow: You’re the, Lapidary Master?!

Jaune: Yep!

Willow: I don’t believe you. You’re just a teenager, and you’re supposedly the worlds most renowned fine cut gem grader?

Jaune: Oh, just you wait, and see darling! Now then, lets go look at some pretty stones!

~~~

Jaune: Hmmmm…?

Jaune hummed in speculation as he examined a rather large diamond on a gold ring with a jewellers magnifier. Willow looked on in a chair besides him, while, Winter look on from his bed as, Jaune worked.

Willow: That was the engagement ring my husband gave me, he said it is one caret diamond ring.

Willow: …

Willow: It is a diamond ring… Right?

Jaune looked at, Willow, back to the ring, and then back to her. Their eyes stayed locked for a moment before he threw it into his mouth, and a hard crunching sound soon followed this action.

Willow’s face fell into her hands as she groaned in disbelief at what she had just witnessed, again.

Willow didn’t believe, Jaune when he started sorting her diamonds into two piles, one labeled real, and labeled fake. The ‘fake’ pile had grown considerably larger then the ‘real’ pile to the point she doubted he was actually genuinely grading her diamonds, and was trying to steal them. To prove his innocence, he grabbed a sizeable real diamond, and bit it. The sound it made was akin to bitting a jaw breaker: hard, and solid, as if one smacked their head against a wall.

Jaune, then grabbed one he deemed a ‘fake’ and bit into it. The sound was like someone bit into a hard candy, and wanted to chew it up, instead of sucking on it; Loud, and crunchy.

He made this a habit whenever she doubted his expertise, as a master gemologist. A habit she had come to dread because of the details that followed with it.

Luckily that was the second to last diamonf he needed to inspect, and she knew for certain that the last one wasn’t fake.

Willow: At least tell me the ring was made of gold?

Jaune spat out the piece of metal next to the pile of fakes, she grimaced as she looked at him as he regretfully smiled at her.

Jaune: Well… Pyrite, isn’t called ‘fools gold’ for nothing… hehe…

Willow: Gods dammit… My husband bought me a fake engagement ring?! How cheap of a man is he?!

Winter: More so then we could possibly believe…

Jaune: I doubt he was in this case.

Winter: What do you mean?

Jaune: Well… From what I’ve been told your father is a greedy whore. Uhh?! N-No offence.

Winter: None taken.

Willow: Please, feel free to continue badmouthing my husband at your leisure.

Jaune: Okay? Anyway, your husband is a greedy whore, from what I’ve seen. And, from what, Weiss has said about him is that he doesn’t commit to anything that doesn’t have a shiny price tag attached to it. I think he acquired these gemstones as a future investment. Liquid assets as you would put it.

Winter: That sounds like something father would do, but why would he buy fakes? My father is a greedy bastard, and will do everything to save a chip. He wouldn’t buy fake diamonds, there’s no value in that.

Jaune: Maybe he didn’t know he was buying fakes?

Winter: You believe someone swindled him?

Willow: It is a logically sound idea when you think about it.

Jaune: I’m well aware of several infamous gem pedlars. Give me a list of your sellers, and I could identify who is a legit seller, and who is not. Because there are some real ones here, so maybe he bought the fakes from one person, and the real ones from another.

Willow: I believe they were all acquired from one person, at least the vast majority were.

Jaune: And, that person’s name is?

Willow: Cartiff… Cartiff… Oh, I forget his first name.

Jaune: …

Jaune: It wouldn’t happen to be, Quintin now would it…?

Willow: Quintin… Yes, Quintin Cartiff, that was his name. How did you know?

Jaune: Quintin… Quintin Cartiff…

Willow: J-Jaune? Is everything okay…

Jaune: Quintin CARTIFF!!!

Winter immediately jumped in front of her mother pulling her mother back. Her hand stayed on her blade as she saw a truly terrifying sight. Within the space of a blink the calm, and happy boy revealed a monster of fire, and ash. His head realed upwards as he scream his name in a bloody rage. Winter got to see first hand the hidden fang he hide behind that warm, and inviting smile of his. The way his mouth shut, terrified her knowing full well he could bite down into someone in mere seconds, and could easily pierce through aura, and flesh like it was tissue paper. She marvelled at the sight of blue flames erupting from clenched fangs. The reports she had seen about the dragon faunas were fragmented, and vague, but even those brief insights paled in reality at the sight before her.

The flames, erupting from, Jaune’s teeth slowly fettered out as a finally deep exhale escaped his lips, he shook his head as if trying to shake off some sort of ill feeling upon him. He leaned back in his chair to look at the mother, daughter duo as he gave them a nervous, and embarrassed smile as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

Jaune: Ah haha… Sorry about that… I didn’t expect hearing his name to set me off like that… Hehehe… Sorry…

Willow: It seems you are well acquainted with this individual?

Jaune: As well as I would like to be. The bastard is an infamous counterfeiter, specializing in fake jewels. Particularly diamonds. I met him years ago after I just started out my… passion for collecting precious gemstones. He sold me some nice diamonds the first few times, but then he came back again, and the ‘diamonds’ he brought were all fakes. He denied it of course. Then I ate his ‘diamonds’ to prove to him that they were all fakes.

Willow: Oh, so eating fake diamonds is not a recent habit you’ve developed. I thought it was just for show.

Jaune: Well, yeah it kinda is. I mean what better way to prove if a diamond is a fake?

Winter: Do you often eat precious stones?

Jaune: No, I tend to eat, Dust more so then cubic zirconia, and the like. That’s why I was belching fire earlier, Weiss fead me some, SDC Dust that made me sick to my stomach. Jacques is such a cheap bastard…

Winter: Wait, you eat, Dust?!

Willow: And, what does my husband have to do with that?

Jaune: Okay, one box left to examine!

Jaune simply ignored the ladies questions as he took out the last box. It was a seven inch cube box covered in various locking mechanisms that, Jaune was quite intrigued on opening it himself. But, in the pursuit of time he just handed it over to, Willow who opened it herself. And, upon it’s opening, Jaune beheld a beautiful sight. The one diamond he had been hoping to see for ages.

The famous, Schnee Diamond.

The diamond was cut into an orb with a with a three diameter, roughly making it the same size as your average baseball. It shimmered, and sparkled like a star under the light of his desk lamp. He extended the talons on his hand as he picked it up, and inspected this prized jewel. Turning it over as he marvelled in its beauty.

Willow: …?

Willow: Do you like it, Mr. Arc?

Jaune: …

Willow: Do you like it, Jaune?

Jaune: …

Willow: Jaune!

Jaune: Huw? Oh yeah, It is such a marvellous diamond… I’ve been dreaming of seeing it, holding it within my hands to marvel in its splendour since I first saw photos of it, and I must say those photos do it no justice in its magnificent.

Winter: Are you sure it’s real?

Winter cheekily remarked as, Jaune was lost in the beauty of the diamond in his taloned fingers. Her smile fell as she heard the most beautiful ringing sound she had ever heard as he tapped the diamond with his talon before turning to face her.

Jaune: Hear that? Humans can’t here this sound, most faunas can’t hear it either, but I can. Most diamonds are too small to make this an audible sound for most people to hear it. But, this diamond is big enough for anyone to hear it singing. Only a real diamond can make such beautiful sounds.

Willow: It is such a beautiful sound, I had no idea such sounds can come from a diamond.

Jaune: Only a few bare such elegance… Oh I wish I could have this diamond for myself… But alas, I doubt your open to selling it. Are you…?

Willow: If I was… Hypothetically speaking, how much would it be…?!

Jaune: Three billion Lien.

The duo looked at him astonished at the thought that, that diamond was worth, Three Billion Lein. The sense of unquestionable authority as he stated this didn’t make them question the possibility that he was gaslighting them so he could get it for a fraction of the price.

Willow: Oh my… I… I did not expect that…

Jaune: Didn’t you have it graded before?

Willow: Decades ago, and back then it was nearly a billion lien. But, to imagine the price has gone up that much… it’s unbelievable…

Jaune: It would be the worlds most valuable diamond, but that title was taken away from it a few years back.

Winter: Oh really? What took it’s place?

Jaune: This…

As if appearing from thin air, Jaune held out before the duo a diamond; A diamond cut into a sphere with a diameter of five inches across. Winter’s breath was stolen away as, Willow at the beauty presented before her. She carefully took it from him, fearing the validity of the rumours that he would gut her if she touched it. But, it appeared as if he was offering it to her to hold, so she took it.

She was amazed by its hefty weight, as she saw the light sparkle across it surface. She was amazed when her father showed her the, Schnee diamond, but the splendour of this diamond put it to shame so thoroughly she couldn’t find it in herself to complain about it in the slightest.

Willow: The Translucent Apple… Oh she is absolutely gorgeous~!

Winter: You’re the owner of the world’s largest diamond…?! That makes sense because you’re such a gemstone lover… But wait, where did you pull that out from? Do you just keep it hidden on your person at all times.

Jaune: Not in the shower.

Winter: What?!

Willow: It is truly a marvellous diamond. It was an honour to hold it. Winter, do you perhaps?

Winter: Nnnno, no I wouldn’t. If our family’s diamond is worth three billion, it terrifies me to hold something worth…

Jaune: Five billion Lien.

Winter: Five billion Lien… Wait, what really?!

Jaune: I am not considered one of the richest men in the world for nothing.

Winter: Five billion… And, he just has that up his coats sleeves?!

Willow: Well, it was a pleasure, despite the sheer disappointment of it all, no fault upon you, Jaune. I thank you for grading our families diamonds, and other precious stones.

Jaune: My pleasure… If you want, I can set you up with a jeweller from my company. I can confirm whole heartedly their validity as the genuine article.

Willow: I would appreciate that very much. But, there is something I would like to ask you…

Jaune: That being?

Willow: I heard you were offered gemstones as a dowery of sorts… Does that offer still stand?

Jaune’s burning focus of ingraining the beauty of the, Schnee Diamond upon his mind had finally been broken. Not even offering up the, Translucent Apple for, Willow to marvel at had broken his singular concentration of the diamond within his talon fingers. But, that one question broke him from his stupor like a gunshot to the heart. For he knew all to well what the dowery for this proposal would be.

Jaune: A-Are you offering me this diamond for your daughters hand…?

Willow: Indeed I am.

Winter: Mother no!

Winter exclaimed in shock as she looked at her mother as if she had lost her sanity. And, worry as, Jaune eyed the diamond with a new burning intensity trapped deep within the very depths of his soul.

Jaune: This… This is a priceless family heirloom, you wouldn’t simply give it away for me to accept, Weiss’s hand in marriage would you?

Willow: The diamond would still be in the hands of a, Schnee if you married my daughter, so it wouldn’t be lost. And, I never said anything about you marrying, Weiss now did I?

Willow looked to her eldest child with a smile as, Winter’s voice failed her. She was dumbfounded that this conversation had taken such a drastic turn. Was her mother seriously offering up the family’s prized heirloom for her hand in marriage?!

It was unthinkable. That her mother would do this to her on seemingly a whim. It scared her. But, what truly terrified her was the deafening silence that followed as, Jaune looked between her, and the diamond.

At her, and the diamond.

At her, and the diamond.

At her, and the diamond.

And, then at her, and only her.

Winter gulped in fear at the sudden turn her life was about to make.

[twistedwonderlandshenanigans]

School-side Staycation - Staff Shenanigans

@ashipiko has a super fun 1k follower event going on that reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend a While ago!! I decided to turn it into a drabble, so I hope you guys enjoy some NRC Staff Shenanigans!! (Including my staff/greenhouse caretaker oc, Aspen Zoi - I apologize in advance for the stim word "like" OTL if you don't check out his profile, just know he speaks like your stereotypical surfer/hippie/stoner)

Also apologies OTL I have to write on my phone due to Technical Difficulties, RIP my formatting. Um just as a heads up, there is some food talk in regards to calories and dieting. It's not talked about a lot, but it is in there.

Also also this is my first time writing all the staff together so I hope it's at least entertaining!

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

"Turkey burgers, really Divus, I'd have thought better of you." Mozus scoffed lightheartedly over the younger man's shoulder, watching the black latex clad hands work in a mix of shredded vegetables into the meat.

Crewel raised a questioning brow to his senior, using his shoulder to push away hair from his face for the upteenth time that day. Even with his dark shades on, both the unamusement and the spark of competitiveness was felt to be fanned.

"Well, Mozus, if you cared to ever look past those dusty old history books of yours and indulge in the dietary world, you would know that ground turkey-"

"Sucks. It sucks." Vargas interrupted, shaking his head in disappointment. He was wearing near neon orange shorts and a white tank top, though clearly splattered with some stains from his preparation, shades sat nicely atop his lofty locks. His food was currently concealed in the two heaping platters he had under aluminum foil as he set them down on the table next to the barbeque. "It's got less protein, less iron, less zinc, and more sodium than ground beef. It has a little more 'healthy' fat," the air quotes were heavily emphasized by the gym teacher, "but for Sevens sake Divus, it's supposed to be a vacation sort of thing. Let the kids loose for a little while."

An audible "hmph" left the alchemy professor, moreso at Trein's smug grin than Ashton as he refocused on his work. His UV protectant, black, long sleeve shirt was rolled up to his elbows, a simple red short sleeve button up layered on top. "Not everyone can afford to give up their calorie intake over a vacation."

"Then you may as well have just made black bean patties and volunteered yourself to make the vegan option."

Trein sighed and shook his head at Ashton's apparent naivety as he opened his grill, throwing a few patties on. Perhaps his air of superiority would have been less humorous if not for the cargo shorts, white shirt, the blue, green, pink and yellow tropical overshirt, the matching, tropical bucket hat, and the apron that read "Grillmaster", but Trein continued anyways.

"He's using the leftovers of his dogs food that he thawed and forgot to use."

An awkward silence filled the air between the three of them, save for the soft sizzling of Treins burgers and the distant sounds of their beloved students having fun. Ashton spoke up in near disbelief.

"....Divus is that-"

The older of the two suppressed a scowl, trying to play it off best he could as he waved off his former underclassmans concern.

"Ground turkey is ground turkey, how I was going to use it is irrelevant! Really now Mozus was that necessary?!"

Vargas exchanged glances with Trein, before grinning a little more, willing to 'poke the bear'.

"I know you call them your pups but..."

Crewel felt his eye twitch slightly. Not much got to him, but the implication that 1. His dogs weren't incredibly dear to him, and 2. That his students weren't held to the same regard as his dogs in terms of how he cared for them, was not something he felt he could articulate well enough to get it through Ashton's thick, thick skull.

" It's still perfectly fine food, it's ought to be better than whatever Dire has!"

In an attempt to get the attention off of him for once, Crewel directed his, and his colleagues attention to the approaching headmage, ignoring the soft snickers behind him from Ashton for the sake of his sanity.

The headmage wore a huge grin under the stupid mask of his, dressed in his normal vacation attire. His arms were outstretched, as if anyone there would hug him as a greeting - none of them would, but especially not now that one was grilling, the other had his hands plunged into raw meat, and the third...well Vargas wasn't doing anything that would impede him from doing so, but he pretended to look busy as he fidgeted with the aluminum foil from one of his platters, careful to not lift it up.

Trein glanced at the headmage as he joined them under the white tents, his clawed gloves drawing most of his attention as Dire lowered his arms to his sides.

"Dire. What are you bringing to cook?"

The headmage looked at him blankly before smiling, chuckling a little awkwardly as he took his hat off and held it to his chest. As if he didn't already look pathetic, now he looked like he was going to apologize, and the staff in front of him already looked unamused.

"Ehe, well you see, I was generous enough to allow our students host this event-"

Knowing glances were exchanged between the three as Crowley continued.

"So neeever did I ever think my kindness would be taken advantage of like so! After all the budgeting and set up and organizing and ordering and nights laying awake and wondering how to make today the best success it could be, I didn't think I would be expected to cook too!"

The masked man rested the back of his hand against his head dramatically, trying and failing to gain the sympathy of the staff who all very well knew he had signed off on the event, and being a part of the catering. Hell, he had admitted it himself- he hadn't done any of that. That was all part of hosting, something that had very much not been on his shoulders, like many other responsibilities this year.

Vargas moved to the table across from Crewel, starting to make a protein-packed sauce to go with his still-mystery food, shooting Crowley a bit of a shit-eating grin.

"Well I guess you better go buy hotdogs or something from Sam's and be prepared to lose."

An indignant squawk left Dire, his dramatic display clearly not working in his favour, and he couldn't fathom why.

"Lose??"

"Hot stuff comin' through! And it ain't just me-"

Sam wheeled a tri-level service cart over the grass with ease, thanks to magic, each level with absolutely delicious smelling, but hidden food. Aspen followed close behind, Willow, his Pekin duck toddling after him.

Dire moved out of the way so as to let the trio through, Sam moving next to Vargas and starting to load tray after tray onto the serving table, a determined and slightly crazed expression on his face.

"Ain't nobody beatin' Mama's mac'n cheese recipe. Not even your fancy ass brisket Ashton, don't pretend like that ain't whatchyer tryna hide under there, I know you too damn well fo' you to try an' hide it."

Vargas and Same broke into easy conversation as Aspen hung back with Crowley, who was still visibly confused. He looked down at his hands, as if they held the answer to his questions.

"Lose?? Beating his mother's recipe??? What have I missed????"

Aspen's single, amused "haaah" was rather annoying to the headmage. Despite the sharp turn of his head and the glare he directed at Aspen, he just gave him his same old dopey grin.

"Aww man, you really didn't, like, read anything you signed, did ya? The teacher who like... looses the cook off gets pelted with water balloons by like...the whooole student body. It would really suck if one of us forgot to bring something. It'd be like...immediate disqualification or whatever."

The blond tilted his head a bit and giggled as he watched a few of the students play volleyball not far from them, oblivious to the rising panic on the headmage's face.

"But you haven't brought anything?! So what if two faculty members didn't bring anything?! The penalty is halved, right?!"

Aspen let out a small laugh.

"Hah. As if. Babygirl and I made seven layer salad, which is like, on Sam's cart, and a buncha desserts last night, isn't that right?" He bent down to pick up Willow, kissing her head as he cradled her. "I mean sure, baking isn't, like, COOKING but I don't think anybody is gonna complain about brownies 'nd, like, homemade ice cream, y'know? I just gotta wait to bring it out cuz..like....the ice cream...duh."

He waited a beat, the rising panic from the man beside him finally catching on. He was about to ask, but Crowley was on his knees next to Sam in a split second, holding his hand and groveling.

"PLEASE- no, actually, as your boss, I DEMAND you open your shop and sell me the best cuts of meat- no, actually, I want as many tube's of ground beef, ah, no, Trein is already- ground PORK-"

Sam shook his hand away from Crowley in mild disgust.

"Oh hell no, might I remind ya, I'm on vacation, as are the rest of us and the little imps. If you want to serve hot dogs, you'll have to go into town and move fast. Otherwise you're gonna have to embrace your fate of death by a thousand waterballoons." Sam swapped the position of one of his trays with Vargas' platter, so as to get his jerk chicken onto the grill after changing his glove out for an untouched one.

"With all due respect, your poor plannin' does NOT constitute an emergency on my part, Mr. Crowley, Sir."

Dire let out an undignified noise at Sam's facetiousness and lack of cooperation.

Trein looked down at the rather defeated looking headmage and sighed at the mess of a man, shaking his head again in disappointment.

"For Sevens sake, pull yourself together Dire. You could go ask the ghosts in the Cafeteria if they've got anything they'll lend you to cook."

Crowley looked like a kicked puppy at Trein for a moment before standing back up, beaming and near launching himself at him for a hug, which Trein avoided as if this was something that happened often. Despite not getting what he wanted, Crowley clearly had new vigor.

"Ah! You're right. Of course, if the ghosts are there I could- hm! Nevermind, nevermind, yes thank you my dear friend, I knew you wouldn't let me suffer! Unlike SOME people." He shot a fake dirty look at the rest of his beloved faculty, only to be met with snickers and mildly amused expressions. Yes, even with all their jests and disagreements, these were the people he felt most comfortable around. His expression softened for a half second before he clapped twice and smiled widely again.

"I'll be back with something delicious! I swear to defeat you all!" His voice lilted playfully, before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

A shared sigh came from Trein and Crewel, amusing their younger colleagues with the similarity.

Crewel wiped at his head with his shoulder again, grinning knowingly at Trein.

"Mozus."

"Divus." Trein kept his focus trained on his burgers, though his voice had an air of amusement to it, and it was clear the corner of his mouth was kicked up in a small smile.

"Were you really trying to be of assistance?"

Crewel finished rolling the last of his turkey blend into disks, turning his full attention to his conniving collegue.

Trein hummed a bit in response.

"Yes. Not to him, to us, but his absence makes it much easier to concentrate."

Crewel shed his latex gloves, put some hand sanitizer on and walked over to 'supervise' Trein's grill, before grabbing a patty that was cooked and looking over it in mild disgust.

"Concentrate on what, perfecting a burn on your patties, oh 'grillmaster'" he mocked, breaking a piece off and eating it, hardly hiding his distaste.

"Ah, I see, you're trying to make up for your lack of seasoning using charcoal, well old man I can guarantee the turkey burgers you were so quick to dismiss will certainly be better than that piece of semi-edible Sahara."

Trein sighed, annoyed, plucking the rest of the patty from Crewel's fingers and throwing it out.

"I always burn my first one. It guarantees I won't burn the rest of them. If you used those astute powers of observation you're so proud of, you'd have seen the rest of the burgers are cooked beautifully."

He lifted the foil just enough to show Crewel the admittedly, mouth-wateringly delicious looking patties underneath, though Divus refused to show any indication that he was impressed.

"They're still bland. The students don't have a grandpa stomach like you."

Trein rolled his eyes internally, huffing, but even Sam and Aspen snickered at the comment.

"It will be fine once I make my sauce to go with them. My daughters love my cooking, I'm sure our students will as well. You have your dogs as reference for your tastes. I would be more worried if I was in your shoes."

Crewel moved towards Sam, who made room for him, moving his chicken to the top rack so Divus could use the main part of the grill to start cooking.

"You say that as if I don't cook for myself either. Really Mozus, I'm hurt by how lowly you think of me. Besides, I understand cooking as not only an art, but from the very chemical bases of it. I have every confidence that if no one else, I will be getting votes from Pomefiorians."

Aspen snorted from behind him, waving his hand dismissively.

"Nahh, Poms are gonna go for Sam's mac or, like, his chicken. They're like, tired of eating that Vil guys super bland food. Ya might, like, get Vil himself? Maybe? But I feel like he's prolly just gonna beeline it to my salad cuz of that new green diet thing one a his freshies said he's on. I only know cuz like, they were getting veggies from the greenhouse. If anything, I think ya might pull a few votes from Savanaclaw, but like, to be honest, even as a vegetarian, Ashton's brisket looks really good and prolly will come in after Sam's food."

Crewel let out a soft sigh, but Vargas was beaming, as Sam and Aspen exchanged finger guns and a wink. Trein squinted slightly at his watch.

"Lunch is meant to be in about 45 minutes. Aspen, Vargas, seeing as the two of you have nothing better to do, I suggest you start cutting up veggies for the burgers and fruit for after. Just make sure to use some hand sanitizer first."

The two exchanged a glance, both mouthing a mocking, lighthearted 'yes dad' behind Trein's back, making Sam snicker a bit.

"Dontchya worry Mozus, they got it covered."

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

And that's where my brain stopped RIP

In case you're wondering, Crowley showed up like 3 hours late and got ambushed. It's okay though his "food" would have put him in last place anyways.

I'm not used to typing things like this out on my phone, and I'm even less used to reading them so this is not proofread or betaread or like. I'm not. Rereading it so here's to hoping it flows okay and it's as engaging as I think it is lol.

ANYWAYS thank you for such a fun event Ashi!!

Taglist: (ask to be added)

@fluffle-writes @my-cursed-brain

[annaphoenix1994]

The First Stepping Stone

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

»»-------¤-------««

"Good morning, Simon." Bud nodded at him while leaning against the panel that held up the round pen - a pen for working young or "problem" horses by experienced wranglers on the ranch. 

"Good morning, sir," Simon replied, looking over his shoulder to ensure Baler was on his best behavior, putting the decision in his head that Baler would have a much harder time earning his keep if he pissed off Kiera's father. 

Especially her mother. 

"I have a new stall cleaner for you." 

Bud arched a brow at Simon before looking at the roughed-up teenager before him - his clothes nearly tattered and stained by dirt and debris from his time homeless on the street. "A little young to be put on the payroll, huh?" 

"He won't be working for money, sir. He'll be working to earn his keep." 

"His keep?" 

"It was Kiera's decision I'm afraid." 

"Say no more. I won't get in the middle of that girl's decisions," Both Simon and Bud chuckled, Bud making eye contact with Baler. "Don't take advantage of her kindness, son. It's easy to lose her trust and twice as hard to get it back." 

"O-Okay-"

"That's not what you say," Simon warned in a low tone, slightly nudging his arm with his elbow. "It's yes, sir." 

Baler cleared his throat, "Y-Yes, sir." 

Bud flashed Simon a reassuring and hopeful smile, "What're you having him doing today?" 

"Cleaning stalls, maybe cleaning a few saddles, whichever I think might need done." 

"Will Kiera be coming down to join us?" 

"She said she will later," Simon replied. "She said she will in the afternoon when it warms up a bit." 

Bud nodded, "Alright. I reckon I get to oversee Johnny and Teeter today." 

"Best of luck to you, sir," Simon chuckled. "Where's everyone else?" 

"I have such a hard time remembering your comrade's names except for John, but they're all with him and a few other wranglers checking the fences in the upper pasture before we push the cattle up. You plan on coming with us when we do?" 

"I plan on it. This is my last week of work before my vacation time takes over." 

"Good to hear. You deserve a break." 

"Thank you. I feel like I need more time here to help out Kiera with the kids and around the house." 

Bud couldn't help but smile at Simon's response. A true man, he thought, appreciative of Simon's behavior towards his daughter, eager to see how much of a great father he would become throughout the years as well as being an important figure to Baler. Perhaps a father figure. "You'll be off just in time for our annual family get-together, too," He winked. "Say, would you like to come out turkey hunting with me sometime before then? Saw a bunch of 'em on the ridge. A big tom caught my eye, and that bastard is big enough to feed this family twice for Thanksgiving." He explained. 

Simon chuckled, "Sure. When were you thinking?" 

"Well, I was thinking about going out tomorrow morning or this weekend." 

"I'll be off after Friday. Saturday morning?" 

"Sounds good with me. Don't make Kiera mad between now and then. She won't let you go!" He poked. 

Simon couldn't help but chuckle and shrug, "Nah, she's hardly ever mad at me. I've insisted on staying home so much to help her out, she wants me to go do things for myself." 

"I'll have to agree with her on that, son," Bud shrugged. "But I'll leave you to it with our new associate." He poked. 

"Exciting, yeah?" 

"Very," Bud chuckled, walking towards the hitching post his horse was tethered to, mounting up after adjusting his chaps. "Eva is making dinner tonight. You and Kiera should come. We miss our grandkids... Even though we haven't seen 'em in a day." 

"We'll be there." 

"W-What about me?" Baler dared to ask Simon as he escorted him into the barn. 

"What do you mean?" 

"The dinner? Can I come?" 

"Do you think you should?" 

"I mean... What else am I supposed to eat tonight if you and her aren't going to be home?" 

"Do you think you earn the privilege to join her parents for dinner tonight when you took advantage of Kiera's hospitality by trying to break into her truck in the middle of the night just to scout out the same advantage in the home of her parents?" 

"N-No?" 

"We'll see," Simon huffed, already knowing that he'd be toting along another dinner guest. "The decision won't be made until after your work today." 

"What am I doing?" 

"You'll start by cleaning the stalls that don't have a horse in them. Then, you'll pick out the stalls with horses in them." Simon explained, pointing to the wheelbarrow and manure rake that hung close by. 

"Can you show me?" 

"It's not rocket science, lad," He scoffed. "You go in there, pick up the shite with the rake, then put it in the wheelbarrow. That's it." 

"What do I do when it's full?" 

"You take it out that way and dump it in the pile." 

"W-Where will you be while I'm doing this?" 

"Don't worry about where I'll be," Simon arched his brow, knowing Baler only asked the question to get by as lazily as possible. Unbeknownst to Simon, Baler had only asked Simon this as he was beginning to worry about earning Simon's respect and trust, not wanting him to see Baler fail in a job that was supposed to be simple. 

Baler had never worked before and especially never had to be put into a position where he had to earn someone's respect in exchange for a better life. 

"Just focus on getting the job done. You have twenty-four stalls to clean." 

"O-Ok-" Baler gulped, watching Simon's brow arch as if he was waiting for a better response. "Yes, sir." 

"Better." 

»»-------¤-------««

Four hours later, Kiera greeted Simon at the round pen, smiling as she watched him work with his preferred horse on the ground to keep himself busy as well as increase his bond with the horse, thanking the gelding for keeping his mind distracted every time Simon swung his leg over the gelding's back. Horses really are good for a broken soul. 

"Turning into quite the horse whisperer, I see." She smiled, adjusting the carrier that was strapped to her torso, effortlessly carrying both twins at the same time - Jacob on her back and Evie against her chest. 

Simon looked her way after he heard her voice, receding his body language to inform the horse that he could break from a trot to a walk, the gelding licking his lips as he approached his handler, Simon petting him between the eyes before he walked towards the fence to meet Kiera, smiling as he leant over to press a kiss to her lips as his free hand cupped the back of Evie's head. "Always trying to better my horsemanship, love," He chuckled against her lips. "You're definitely mum of the year for toting them all the way down here by yourself. Although I wish you would've called me so I could come up and help you. Don't need you falling." 

She giggled, "This carrier is a life-saver. It definitely takes the strain off of my back. And, it's not so bad of a walk. Helps me maintain my weight." She poked. 

"Stop with that bloody nonsense," He warned. "I don't see a thing wrong with you." 

"Mhm," She giggled. "I brought you and Baler some lunch." 

"What'd you bring?" 

"Guess you'll have to find out," She smiled. "Where's Baler?" 

"In the barn. Your father wants us at the lodge for dinner tonight." 

"I'm looking forward to it." 

"What about the kid?" 

Kiera furrowed her brows at his question, "Uh... He was going to come with us?" 

"Okay." 

"What's going through your mind?" 

He huffed, "Are you sure you want him meeting your parents after the shite he pulled last night?" 

"Well, would you rather him stay at the house when nobody is home?" She arched a brow. 

"No." 

"I was thinking about taking him into town to get a new outfit. Do you want to go with me?" 

"I'd rather go with you," He sighed, knowing that he couldn't compromise with a decision she had already made. "I don't want you to have to worry about keeping up with our two and something happen with him. Not on my watch." 

"Okay, well have him finish up whatever he's doing and meet me back at the house." 

"How about you wait here and I'll escort you back to the house?" 

"That works. Then you two can sit and eat your lunch before we go into town." 

Simon nodded, leading his horse behind him as he walked behind Kiera, entering the barn and watching Baler hastily move to the side to let Kiera and Simon through. "Hi, Miss Kiera." 

"How are you, Baler?" 

"Working." He nodded, licking his lips of nervousness as Kiera and Simon together made him more nervous than just Simon alone. Even though Simon wasn't as suffocating when he and Kiera were in the same room, but Baler sensed a presence that he didn't want to interfere with. 

And that was the presence Simon presented when he and Kiera's babies were in the room. I wish my dad was as protective over me, Baler thought, frowning at the distant memory of never feeling loved and appreciated throughout his childhood. 

Kiera nodded as she began looking at the open stall doors, nodding her head in approval at the work he had done, leaving no manure behind as it was clear he was focused on leaving as much shavings behind with no manure left in the stalls. "I, um, I also refilled the water buckets after I finished cleaning out the stalls... I left the doors open so that he could check my work." He explained. 

"You did good, lad," Simon complemented, watching Baler nod as it was clear Baler had rarely received complements throughout his life. "How many more do you have left?" 

"S-Six, sir. The six being with the horses still in there. I-I was going to do them first, but I'm nervous around horses..." 

"That's okay," Simon nodded. "You're done for right now." 

"Sir?" 

"Let's go. We have to go into town." 

Baler nodded, wiping his palms against his jeans as he followed Kiera and Simon towards the house, nervously standing at the front door as he watched Simon help Kiera with the babies, watching how a soft smile spread across Simon's face as he held his son in his arms, watching as Simon seemed to turn off the switch of being a domineering and direct man turned into a soft and supple father, seeming to handle his children as if they were made of glass as he gazed at Kiera with loving eyes, seeming to appreciate her in every moment for not only being his, but being the mother of his children. 

It was then that Baler regretted coming off to a bad start with Simon. He didn't want to be rejected by him nor did he always want to fight for his trust and approval. 

"Um, Miss Kiera? Where are we going?" 

"We're taking you into town to get some clothes. You're coming with us to dinner tonight at my parent's house." She smiled. A mother's smile. 

"I am?" 

"You worked hard today for your first day. You've earned it." 

He forced himself to hide a genuine smile, "Th-Thank you." 

"You're welcome. We're going to get you a couple of pairs of jeans, shirts, and socks. Simon will go with you to get your basic stuff." She explained. 

"I am?" Simon questioned. 

"Well, I don't know anything about underwear and deodorant for boys." She scoffed. 

"You sure know about taking mine off." Simon mumbled under his breath, earning a playful smack to his bicep. 

"You keep that up and I won't for a while." She glared playfully, watching him roll his eyes at her remark. "That's what I thought." 

He smirked at her, gently putting Jacob into the car seat he had sat on the counter, using the overhead light to his advantage to ensure he secured him properly and to keep him off the floor as Kimber was notorious for trying to get into the carrier with either Jacob or Evie. "Can you help Baler get freshened up before we leave?" 

"How is he going to freshen up if he doesn't have a change of clothes?" 

"Well, there's an extra stick of deodorant and an extra toothbrush in the closet. When we get him new clothes, I'll show him where the shower is so he can get ready for dinner tonight." 

"Alright," Simon nodded, adjusting Jacob's carrier closer to the inside of the table to reassure himself that he wasn't too close to the edge while Kiera sat Evie into her carrier, smiling down at the infant as she adjusted the socks on her small feet. Simon gestured towards Baler, leading him towards his and Kiera's bedroom before putting his hand out and telling him to wait at the door while Simon proceeded into the bathroom and to the closet, returning with a stick of deodorant and a new toothbrush. "This is yours. Freshen yourself up before we go into town." 

"O-Okay. Where do I go to brush my teeth?" 

Simon sighed as he led the kid towards the guest bathroom that was within the hallway, hating the fact that it was next to the nursery, the primal instinct of not wanting Baler too close to his children until he earned his complete trust, knowing that it was going to take a lot of work to break down the wall of trust Baler broke down in the worst way possible. "We're leaving in ten." 

"Yes, sir." 

Simon nodded, returning into the kitchen to offer his assistance to Kiera. Seeing that she had secured Evie into her car seat, he smirked as he carefully wrapped his arms around her tender abdomen, pressing a kiss to the crook of her neck. "Been waiting to do this all day." 

She hummed in amusement, leaning her head to the side subtly to invite him for more kisses to her neck, "Sounds like he respects you more already." 

"He's nowhere near having my respect yet, he's just on a stepping stone." 

"I think he's growing on you." 

Simon scoffed in disagreement. 

"You say that now, but you know he's growing on you." 

"Like a weed." He joked. 

"I mean, I think he's growing on you like Soap did..." 

[kandadze]

Ep 30 loose thoughts

Whoo boy, I'm scared.

Wow, ZYC's words really hit LL *hard*. Still not sure if it's going to be enough for him to stop being a malice, quitting cold turkey rarely actually works.

ZYZ waiting for him... I immediately got distracted by the fact that there seems to be a weiqi board between them?! How about you just play a round instead of killing each other?

Yet another scene we've already seen in the MV... ZYZ gifting LL the Truth Eye. (I've watched it so many times I'm literally trying to predict the ending by piecing together the scenes we weren't shown in the eps so far 😅)

Oh dear, it's like whatever they try to say, it comes out wrong. Their worldviews are so different, they're bound to misunderstand each other no matter how much they might still love each other.

It breaks my heart that ZYZ is still hoping for a draw. This demon loves and loves and loves in spite of everything. 😭

Oh but I do kinda get how LL's tentative hope got crushed here. He so desperately wants to live and mean something to ZYZ, he will not see leaving Bai Jiu's body as an atonement - he'll see ZYZ's requesting it, without any alternative, as yet another proof that ZYZ doesn't care about what's going to happen to *him*.

Isn't ZYZ supposed to be the strongest demon or something? Don't tell me he's poisoned as well!

HUH??? WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE LOST ALL HIS DEMONIC POWER??? How? When???

Explain yourselves ffs!

Oh no PSJ just watched her brother die in front of her for the third time... 😭

Oof the whole sequence hurt like a bitch, Lin Ziye hit it out of the ballpark with his acting yet again, and I very much love how this was a team effort instead of the two great demons showdown... But ngl I feel like Bai Yan was completely useless. You're a fucking tree spirit as old as the gods! Why aren't you helping???

*Now* you're whipping out the goddamn root??? I think you could've presented it as an option for him *while* asking him to vacate Bai Jiu's body, he *was* open to suggestions! (I love the dramatic fight scenes as much as the next guy, but now in the light of this new info it seems to me that *this* particular fight - AND THE RESULTING DEATHS - was potentially completely unnecessary??? Once this is all over can you please take some time to work on your communication skills, people!) But also fuck this guy, he'd said he was not going to hurt Ying Lei! Dishonor on him and his goddamn cows!

ZYZ, you big ol' softie!!! (But also, this changes my understanding of the scene at the creation stone somewhat... let's see if they expand on this in any way.)

NO, YING LEIIIIII!!!! 😭 I *wish* ZYC had healing powers omg this was so rude!!! (Also not his last words being his encouragement to Bai Jiu!!! Who's not even conscious at this point!!! 😭😭😭)

"This time we draw." You mofos!!!

This still doesn't explain anything about *why* all his demonic power is gone. Did he use it all up to restore the sword? Is it because he was the only source of power that the creation stone could draw from this time, as opposed to when he rebuilt the tower - with LL?

They're back to breaking my heart with their bond and the - rather one-sided at this point - bickering. Scold him, ZYC, you'll both feel better!

Bai Jiu, this poor kid, I can't even begin to imagine what he's going through right now. Even with ZYC there, the weight on him must be enormous. (I hope someone goes to PSJ as well...) Aaaand they made me cry again. Ying Lei understood humans so well! Food can totally be a love language. And he used his powers to make sure the easily perishable snack he made for Bai Jiu wouldn't spoil!!! 😭😭😭

I'm glad they showed us WX doing her best to comfort PSJ. I love that they showed us that PSJ does have the very human wish to be special in some way, to feel needed and accepted, and how having that can translate into strength to protect and make sacrifices in return. I hope she goes back to kicking ass real soon.

After "this"??? Whatever the heck do you mean, ZYC? Are you planning on offing yourself to heal WX? (I know that ZYZ would have totally done it already, save for the tiny issue of having no demonic power at the moment...) Yeah, this totally sounds as if he was saying his goodbyes ffs

ZYZ is a vision in this white outfit and with the light pouring onto him from above. Also, ZYC reaching out to him like *that* yet again. It was almost enough to distract me from the fact that they seem to be withholding info about the poison from each other, without realizing that they both already know. What are you two planning, you self-sacrificial idiots???

Whew okay, this was a ride and a half. Onto ep 31 since apparently I have access to it, and I'd rather break my heart in one go instead of prolonging the agony. This way I can bawl my eyes out for the rest of the weekend and still appear functional at work on Monday.

[dcficrecs]

In my last post, I mentioned a series called "Spark in the Dark" by paganpunk2 on FanFiction.net. The first fic in the series is a retelling of Dick Grayson's Robin origin story, and the first installment has 300k words and a hundred chapters. There are seventeen fics in this series, so I'm just going to put the links to all of them in order so I can reread them all in proper order later (the layout of FanFiction.net does not let you save a series as far as I know and it sucks) and in case anyone else wants to read them:

Firework - The story of how Dick Grayson was adopted by Bruce Wayne and starts his crime fighting career as Robin to avenge his parents' murder

Summer Shorts - Short stories about Dick's first summer under Bruce's care

Batfairy - Dick loses a tooth but doesn't believe in the tooth fairy (He is 8 or 9 in this fic)

The Princely Pardon - The Wayne family household has had this tradition of eating a freshly turkey every Thanksgiving, meaning the bird is still alive when it comes to Wayne Manor to be killed for dinner. Dick does not like that idea, so he does what he can to save the turkey

Of Friends and Foes - Dick is having a hard time at school making friends when he meets another young hero, Kid Flash

A Frivolous Holiday - It is Valentine's Day at Dick's school, so Alfred reluctantly helps him make some cards for his classmates.

A Weekend in Bruges - Bruce Wayne is required to go to Bruges, Belgium for a business trip while Dick is sick and Alfred is out of town. Bruce does not cope well with missing his son.

Turkey Song - Dick's pet is nearing the end of its life and he learns about one of the first cases the Justice League ever worked on, and the reason for his pet's sudden demise

Camp Batman - Batman, Robin, Flash, and Kid Flash go camping to help teach them some survival skills.

A Haunting in Central City - Robin and Kid Flash go trick or treating an encounter their first haunted house

Sick Day - Dick comes home from school sick, and Bruce spoils him

Hope - Clark Kent spends the new years with Bruce and Dick, written from Clark's perspective as if it were a journal entry

Instant Gratification - Bruce has Dick complete an exam every two weeks to enrich his education and help him as Robin. Dick becomes inpatient when Bruce is grading his exam.

Phenom - A group of aerialists come to Gotham and Dick watches the show with his best friend Wally West, also known as Kid Flash. Watching aerialists perform makes Dick sad about his past and his old family.

The Boy in the Box - Clark Kent gave Bruce a flash drive containing what he called "Dick's childhood," which was performances of The Flying Graysons

The Ache of Cowardice - This is the only entry in the Spark in the Dark universe that's rated M for mature, and for good reason. HEAVY TRIGGER WARNING AHEAD: It has graphic depictions of sexual abuse against children and child trafficking. The story is that Dick gets injured as Robin and is forced to go to the hospital (as a civilian), Bruce Wayne almost loses custody because of an evil person who has his own malicious motives. While this is happening, Batman uncovers an absolutely disgusting ploy in Gotham

To Catch A Predator - Bruce, Dick, and Alfred go on a family vacation to a small town known for it's fishing scene and find evidence of crimes being committed that only Batman and Robin can solve, only Batman and Robin left their uniforms at home. Despite the title, this fic is not rated M and does not have any depictions of the crimes committed in the show with the same name

The final fic was last updated 12 years ago in 2012. Although the account was last updated in 2021, nothing has been added to this amazing series. Even though it is incomplete, it doesn't really end on a cliffhanger so if you do choose to read it, you don't have to worry about that. Wherever you are, paganpunk2, I hope you're doing well :)

[hoseoksluna]

— 💌. hi, my babies,

i’m finally back. the hiatus is over. i’m genuinely happy to be back because i missed you all and i missed working. i missed having that schedule. i had too much time on my hands that forced me to think about my life and that wasn’t nice. 😀

i was on vacation in dubai. i wish it had been as pleasant as my last vacation in turkey but unfortunately it wasn’t like that. my daddy issues got triggered a lot and i couldn’t wait to go home and go to you. it really did give me that oomph i needed and i shall write as many daddy issues fics as possible.

i started off well with the hobi fic. a bit of dd/lg without the daddy part bc i really don’t like fathers at the moment. 😀 BUT. a namjoon fic is coming up that i shall start writing today. i did have something in the works while in dubai. it has like 1k words, but i don’t wanna go there and relive the pain again. so i will think of something else. a quick scroll through pinterest will surely help me.

thank you all for your messages. i am purposefully keeping them in my ask box bc i wanna go back to them every once in a while. i think i was shadowbanned for months. my smut masterlit got flagged A LOT of times so that might be the reason why. i think i need to fix my masterlists. i need to find time for it.

i hope you guys liked the hobi fic. he’s such a husband and i always have to marry him at the end. it was a pleasure to write about him after berries and i miss him terribly.

when it comes to smoke, i’m letting that be for now. i think i made a lot of mistakes with the plot bc i was rushing so much, trying to get it out. i’m really dissatisfied with it, but with my now rested brain i’ll try to fix it.

i have a surprise coming for you soon. after smoke. with namjoon. ☺️😋

stay tuned for THAT. you’re gonna scream and you’re gonna love it.

it’s autumn now and i’m mad that it’s still sunny. i shall feed you with my fics every week now. my updating schedule is on sunday now, so no more random updates throughout the week. it will help me not rush and not come up with shitty plots.

i love you all so much. hope you’re doing well.

luna

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Fics Not Rated (3) Masterlist

part one, part two

15 years (ao3) - That_cool_weirdo

Summary: dan and phil make a very special post on the 19th october 2024

[or, what if they actually did hard launch instead of posting that jokey video]

and you're back again, only different than before (ao3) - dancingroses

Summary: dan used to disappear at odd hours without his phone, leaving phil to sit around anxiously waiting for him to come home. things have been better since wad. when dan takes a morning to himself to process the reality of the terrible influence tour, phil is forced to confront just how much this little habit of dan's used to affect him.

As The World Caves In (it’s you that I lie with) (ao3) - amzingmati

Summary: Doomed au inspired by the song As The World Caves In.

Dan and Phil:Outlast Oneshot (ao3) - trancelover99

Summary: Dan and Phil are investigating Mount Massive Asslyum due to the strange goings on that have been reported there. However, they seem to be more than what they bargained for, as the asylum becomes a literal hell on earth! This is based on that one scene where Dan was hiding from Chris Walker during his Outlast Gameplay in 2024, and what better time to upload this than Spooky Week Lol hope you enjoy it!

dangender (ao3) - classichysteria

Summary: it’s late at night and dan just wants to talk about what’s on his their mind

Fix You (ao3) - emodnp

Summary: Dan deals with some painful memories and feelings and has a good and important conversation with Phil.

Fourth (Crystals, Blisters) (ao3) - amyoffline

Summary: A series of strange events in Shibuya leads to Dan and Phil... getting married? Maybe? (In which they are caught up in one of the objectives of the Reaper's Game during their 2015 vacation to Japan.)

Get Away From Him, It's Not His Time (ao3) - emodnp

Summary: TW: while I did leave anything graphic out of this, It does start with Dan seeming like he may be hurting himself or worse and Phil getting him help which is a larger part of the premise for this

Holidays and Other Seismic Activities (ao3) - PyroStormIsBae

Summary: When Phil was unconscious Dan wanted to wrap him in his arms, tell him, I’ll be your blood flow, your diagnosis, I’ll be your hedonism. You are the greatest consequence to ever happen to me. But Phil didn’t happen to people. He didn’t inflict himself. He wouldn’t know how to cause damage if it ground itself into his ribs. Not like the earthquake that was Dan Howell.

Or: Daniel Howell never really learned how to relax. (Set during their vacation to Turkey)

if you could see it, then you’d understand (ao3) - MANIAvinyl

Summary: There was a point in their relationship when Phil was stable enough for the both of them. But when his anxiety gets worse, he’s not sure how to handle anything; not his panic attacks, not Dan and his still-frequent episodes, and not all the new stresses that come with this kind of fast-paced life.

instructions unclear (ao3) - danisnotreadingfanfic

Summary: this came to me in a dream. i am sorry.

It's quiet uptown (ao3) - Frog910

Summary: Dan is spending Christmas with the Lester's for the first time and is struggling with internalised homophobia.

Kisses Through The Years (ao3) - undertalednp

Summary: Phil wanted this forever.

And so, forever is what he got.

let me show you (ao3) - cloudsrm

Summary: dan was born a colour bandit, emotionless and one of the most destructive creatures in the universes. he doesn't mind his evil and repetitive life, but once tragedy strikes, dan finds himself loathing the monster he was born to be.

phil was born colourful, full of emotion just like every other human. he tries to be just how he's wanted to be, but each day the task grows harder and harder, and phil finds himself wearing a mask of happiness wherever he goes.

when dan is forced to return to his home planet, he's lost all hope. when phil arrives at his favorite cliff side, he has as well. when the two meet, both of their world's rapidly change...but is it for the better or worse?

Meant to be, we might be alright now (ao3) - lesbosz

Summary: Dan thinks about the cramped tour bus bunks and traveling the world again with his soulmate of 15 years.

meeting the parents (ao3) - SylvesterLester

Summary: Dan is ready to meet Phil's parents.

Right?

Mucky Pup (ao3) - cats_with_no_tails

Summary: Dan knows what Phil acting out and being a brat was indicative of, even if Phil himself doesn’t. He also knows how to wrangle his boyfriend back into reality after weeks of repressing pent-up feelings.

Or: Phil is a stinky baby throughout the US tour leg because he has a hard time working through negative emotions. Dan grounds him by putting him in his place.

On Tour Bus Beds (ao3) - katiecal1013

Summary: “Best buddies can share a bed!” - Phil Lester, 2024

One of Those Days (ao3) - cats_with_no_tails

Summary: Based on the anecdote from Dan’s birthday stream that Phil dropped his ice cream and cried, featuring Autistic Phil + Dan comforting him during a meltdown.

peace. (ao3) - Anonymous

Summary: He doesn’t feel the need to constantly defend himself the way his twenty-one or twenty-two year-old self would have when the topic of sexuality or his relationship with Phil is brought up.

And he’s grateful. He’s so, so grateful that he doesn’t feel like that anymore.

But he does still feel sad.

remote crisis manager (ao3) - danhoweiis

Summary: it's 4am in auckland the day before dan's show and dan is having a crisis

Something fragile (ao3) - Bones_the_beloved

Summary: Dangender and how trying to find a word for it is difficult and the support of the people that love you can make all the difference.

The Nightmare of Chemistry (ao3) - Merrydith

Summary: Dan and Phil have amazing chemistry. They've built their entire lives around their dynamic. But Dan is lonely and decides to start dating to fill the desire in his heart - but everyone he brings home is too intimidated by Dan and Phil's connection. One day, Phil unknowingly gives him an idea that could change the game. Will Dan finally find someone comfortable enough to compete with what Dan and Phil have? Or will Dan have to realize that maybe what he has been looking for was in front of him the entire time?

Tightening, Infinitely (ao3) - TempestRising

Summary: They still blocked dozens of commenters a week—mostly bots but also just nastiness, much of it directed at other commenters, and a not-insignificant portion aimed directly at Phil.

Or: Phil didn't set out to hide the nastier comments from Dan. He's just gotten used to being the protector. Until it becomes too personal to take.

Without You Here (ao3) - raisedufromperdition

Summary: “I never thought losing you would be so hard,” Dan began, with a deep breath. He toyed with the strings of his grey hoodie, ignoring the stinging in his eyes.

A story which consists of Dan talking to Phil’s grave and reflecting upon their life together.

You came in from the rain (ao3) - cemeterysociety

Summary: Dan and Phil see each other again on a random rainy day after not seeing each other for years after their break up, Dan thought Phil would never forgive him, but intertwined souls always find their way back to one another.

[immeasurablesaladagere]

little five??? (referenced in last tua fic thing) 👀

Little Five and unlikely caregiver Viktor??? 👀 more likely than you think!

-----

Word Count: 1631

Summery: Continuation of the Little!Viktor Classification AU fic, Little Five regresses for the first time since coming home and goes to Viktor’s apartment because there is no way he’s going to be small around the rest of his family.

-----

“Bye, Caroline! I’ll see you next Tuesday!” Viktor said as the little girl took her mother’s hand to leave. She smiled shyly back at him and waved goodbye as best as she could while trying to keep her grip on the violin case. It was still just a bit too big for her, but she was coming along well with the basics anyway.

He closed the door and sighed. Last lesson of the day. Finally. He loved giving lessons, but they still got to be tiring when they were scheduled back-to-back like they were today. But Caroline was going on vacation with her family soon, and Mark had to reschedule for an appointment, and two weeks ago it hadn’t seemed like a big deal to squeeze them in on top of his other lessons. Two-Weeks-Ago Viktor forgot how draining people could be. 

His stomach growled. With the extra lessons, he hadn’t gotten the chance to eat dinner in-between like he usually would, and apparently his stomach wasn’t content to continue running on a turkey and cheese sandwich anymore, so he went to the kitchen to make something for dinner. Did he feel like cooking today? There were instant noodle packages in the cupboard, which would be faster, but that would also make it his supper for the third night in a row and the idea made him scrunch up his nose. Nope. He resigned himself to waiting a little longer and cooking an actual meal.

In the fridge there was a thawed package of ground beef he should probably use soon and some miscellaneous vegetables. He definitely had pasta and he was pretty sure he bought tomato sauce on the last grocery-run, so spaghetti it was. He was just about to put the meat into a pan when he heard a familiar warping sound coming from the living room followed by a loud thump. 

Five?

Sure enough, when he came around the corner Five was laying half on top of his coffee table and half on the floor, absolutely soaking wet.

“Five! Oh my gosh, what are you doing here? What happened?” He rushed forward to help him up, but Five batted his hands away and pushed himself up with a groan, dripping water all over the carpet.

“M’fine…”

“Here, let me find you a towel.” He hurried to the linen closet and returned with two fluffy towels and gave them over to Five. “Why are you all wet?”

Five rubbed one of the towels clumsily over his face and hair, and Viktor’s stomach knotted with worry. Five looked flustered and uncoordinated, and he was shaking all over. Viktor hoped it was just from the cold, but after showing up at his apartment the first time with the cut on his arm he couldn’t be sure.

“Rain.” Five huffed, “Didn’t get the jump right, ‘was outside.”

“You missed a jump?” Five didn’t just miss jumps. “Is there something wrong with your powers? That’s not like you…”

Five stopped drying himself off for a second like he was thinking about it, before answering, “No.”

But something was off. Five was holding himself differently, closed-off and almost shy, and even though they hadn’t had many conversations together there was something different about his voice. It was softer; quieter.

“It’s just— Jumps get harder to do when I’m…” He trailed off into a mumble, “Little.”

Viktor’s eyes widened, and Five’s words at the ‘family dinner’ echoed in his head.

“Eh, you were. But it takes one to know one, kid.”

“Oh. That… yeah, that makes sense…” He was at a loss for words. Five was little, and Five came to him, of all of their siblings. He wasn’t even a caregiver and Five had chosen him. Whatever he was going to do, he should probably stop gaping because Five was starting to give him the stink-eye.

“Am I… allowed to be here?” Five asked, slowly putting down the towel, “I can go if—“

“No! No, it’s okay.” He assured, “I’m glad you came here, I was just… surprised. I’m not even a caregiver, I thought you’d go to Luther or Allison instead.”

Five wrinkled his nose. “No. They’d be stupid about it, and Klaus…” He made a face, “I don’t wanna stay with Klaus. Or Diego.”

That was fair. After Five had to rescue him from family dinner it made sense that he would be hesitant to be small around them. The thought that Five could put that trust in him made Viktor feel warm inside.

“Yeah, I get that. Hey, uh, are you hungry? I was about to make spaghetti for dinner.”

Five perked up at the offer of food, then shivered. “Spaghetti’s good.”

Viktor internally kicked himself. Duh, of course he was cold. “I’ll find you some new clothes. Come on, I’m sure I’ve got something that’ll fit you.”

Five followed him to his bedroom and watched over his shoulder as he looked through the dresser for something warm. He pulled out a pair of black sweatpants with a drawstring waist and a grey orchestra hoodie. “These okay?”

Five nodded.

“Great. The bathroom’s right over there, you can—“ The thought suddenly occurred to him that he didn’t actually know how old Five was right now. That was probably important, as his babysitter and all. “Wait, I’m sorry, I didn’t ask how old you were. Did you need any… help?” 

Five’s cheeks turned pink and he firmly shook his head no. “Don’t need help. And…” He huffed, “…six.”

“Alright, thank you for telling me. Go get changed, and I’ll be in the kitchen, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

Five shuffled off to the bathroom and Viktor quickly mopped up the trail of water he had tracked through the apartment, then went to the kitchen and finally put the ground beef into the pan that had been pre-heating unattended for the last ten minutes. He grabbed a tomato, a small handful of mushrooms, and the one sad stock of celery that was still in the fridge and began organizing them on a cutting board when Five returned. The clothes were still a little big but they weren’t dwarfing him, and he wasn’t shivering anymore, so Viktor took that as a win.

“Do you want to help?” He offered when he noticed that Five was just standing there awkwardly, “Maybe not with the vegetables, I’ll cut those, but you can stir the meat if you want?” He held out the spatula, and Five hesitantly took it and walked over to the pan.

“What do I do?”

“You break it up and stir it so it cooks evenly. We’ll cook it until it’s all brown, and you can’t see any more pink.”

“Oh... Okay.” With his task assigned, Five dutifully watched and stirred the pan with intense focus as the meat cooked, only looking up occasionally to ask Viktor if it was brown enough yet, while Viktor boiled a pot of water and added the noodles.

“Is it done yet?”

Viktor glanced over at the pan for the fourth time in twenty minutes, and smiled. “That looks good. Now we add our veggies and our sauce.” He handed Five the jar of sauce to pour while he went to scrape in the vegetables, but Five stopped him.

“No mushrooms.” He said. “They’re gross.”

Viktor chuckled. “But I like the mushrooms. What if I make super sure that I don’t put any on your spaghetti, is that okay?”

He pulled a very serious thinking-face. “Mmm… fine.”

“Great.” And in went the mushrooms.

Once the noodles were done, Viktor plated the spaghetti, careful to avoid getting mushrooms on Five’s plate, and the two of them ate at the table in a comfortable silence. Or at least, not as uncomfortable as it could have been. By the time all was said and done and the dishes were washed and put away, it was nearing nine o’clock and Five was starting to look sleepy.

“I’ll make up the couch for bedtime, okay?” Viktor said, fluffing one of the throw pillows and pulling down the blankets from the back of the couch. “Can you promise me you’ll stay here tonight? No leaving in the middle of the night like last time.” 

The idea of a regressed Five deciding to wander out into the city at night was nerve-wracking, especially now that he knew Five’s powers were unstable while he was small.

Five looked away, a little ashamed. “I won’t leave. Promise.”

Viktor smiled. “Good. Oh, and one more thing. I have something for you, wait here.” He went to his bedroom and opened the closet, rummaging around through the endless boxes until he found what he was looking for; the scruffy little dog plush that he’d taken from Five’s room all those years ago, right after he disappeared. It was a Saint Bernard that was well-loved even before Victor hid it in a box under his bed and then his closet, but he didn’t think he would be able to get rid of it even if it was falling apart. Hopefully Five remembered it.

He came out with the dog hidden behind his back, and Five looked at him expectantly. “Look who I’ve got!”

He held up the plush, and Five let out a little gasp.

“Buddy…”

Viktor handed it over and Five clutched it tightly. “I kept him after you left. I don’t think anyone else knows that I took him…” He sat down beside Five on the couch and gave Buddy a little scratch on the head. “He reminded me of you.”

“Thank you, Viktor…” Five whispered.

“Time for bed now, okay? Get under the blankets with Buddy.” Viktor tucked him in and gently brushed his bangs out of his face. “Goodnight, Five. I love you.”

[ayayumastan]

Diaboys (+Yui) Ideal Vacation destination •3•

•Yui grew up so sheltered, she barley saw anything in Japan X-X. So I think she should visit Mt. Fuji first, you know, get to know see the main attraction of her country. She definitely has dreams to travel the world tho.

•Shu does NOT travel. Too much effort. But if he did I think somewhere very secluded. I really like the Idea of him in Greenland, but it might bring back some traumatic memories… (the girls that get it, get it). So maybe and Icelandic Island, or somewhere in the Scottish highlands (can someone please draw Shu chilling with Nessie X-X).

•Reiji is fluid in German so I think he should visit the alps, but the Austrian ones. With all due respect I don’t think my man can handle north Germany X-X (as a German who’s das lives in north Germany, but grew up in the south. I know). I also have a headcanon, that Reiji is very good at skiing. Not sure if he can understand Austrian alp dialect (my grandmas from there so again. I know) but I believe in him

•Ayato would probably be somewhere warme. To do all the water sports and stuff. I really like the Idea of him in Mexico

•Kanato CAN’T go anywhere too warm or sunny. I think Switzerland, the mother of chocolate (let’s not talk about where chocolate is ACTUALLY from). Swiss chocolate just hits different

•Laito goes to Greece. It’s just right.

•Subaru is also not a travel man, but I like him in either the Netherlands or New Zealand. I can’t explain it just feels right

•Ruki would probably go somewhere in the Caucasus area, like turkey or Armenia (yes I know turkey isn’t actually Caucasus area, but I forgot the English word for it). Like I totally think he would explore the remains of Troy (if it really was troy) and go to archeological sights. I also like the idea of him in west Africa for the same reason.

•Yuma would go to a small village in Calabria (I hope that’s also what it’s called in English, but anyways it’s in south Italy). He would have his own little garden there and gets along great with the locals, despite not speaking a word of Italien.

•Kou has traveled the world, since yk he’s famous. So I think he’d go on a wellness retreat on a mountain in Nepal, or to live with yaks in Mongolia.

•Azusa would either go to the middle of the Saharan desert or to Siberia. No in between. I like him more in Siberia tho. Fun fact: my fathers from a little city in the very VERY west of Siberia, and I’d just think it’s cute if he went there :3 (I’ve literally never been there, even tho I’d really like to go. I just know my dad was born there)

•The Tsukinamis travel together. No other option. If it were up to Carla (which it mostly is) they take a tour around Europe. If it were up to Shin, they’d go somewhere tropical, and very much not Europe, like maybe Kongo or somewhere in South America.

•Kino goes to Korea. Again I can’t explain it, it just makes sense. I won’t specify which Korea… because he would just go to both

[tameodesza]

💍 Househusband AU: Headcanon 1

masterlist

a/n: Sadly, school, work, and moving has taken over my life. I’m still working on fics with whatever free time I have, but in the meantime, here’s some HC ideas I’ve been collecting (also, I need to clear up some space in my notes, 🫣)

 What do they like most about each other?

💍Shawn really appreciates Bret’s wisdom and patience with him. Admittedly so, he’s a bit of a himbo. Don’t get him wrong. He’s a smart guy, but there are moments where he questions how he even graduated college. But he loves that Bret doesn’t get annoyed with him or make fun of him. Just guides him or explains the situation to Shawn again with more clarity, such as:

“No, Shawn. You should not pour hot water on the windshield just because you don’t want to wait for it to defrost”

“Yes, Shawn. The car battery will keep dying if you keep leaving the lights on”

Or Bret’s favorite silly moment: “Bret, I can’t find my glasses!” “Shawn, it’s on top of your head” “….oh….well, how’d they get there?!”

💍Aside from Shawn’s beauty, Bret loves Shawn’s humor. Shawn’s pretty goofy, more so when he’s purposefully trying to make Bret laugh after a particularly bad day. Bret thinks he’s one of the funniest people he knows, aside from Owen of course.

What do they like the least about each other?

💍This was kind of hinted at in my last post, but Bret strongly dislikes Shawn’s drinking habits. It’s one of the reasons why he doesn’t like being gone too long from home. He sometimes asks his parents or one of his siblings to swing by the house to make sure Shawn’s not indulging too heavily without him there.

💍Shawn doesn’t think it’s a big deal. He knows his limits, but Bret’s seen him inebriated more times than he’d like. It’s one of many reason why Bret dislikes Shawn’s friends. He thinks they are enablers and a bad influence on Shawn

💍Bret also hate’s when Shawn turns down their plans so he can go hang out with Hunter, which is ironic given the amount of times Shawn’s chosen Bret over Hunter, but I digress

💍Shawn hates how stubborn Bret could be sometimes. He knew he could be bratty and stubborn himself, but Bret had him beat by a longshot, oftentimes not budging or not willing to compromise on something he feels strongly about

Who’s the better cook?

💍Shawn, hands down. He wasn’t much of a home cook when he lived in Texas. However, since marrying Bret and having more free time on his hands, he tests out a lot of different recipes with Bret in mind, hoping he can impress the older man with his mad cooking skills. He’s gotten so good over the years that he was sure he could give Julia Child a run for her money.

💍Bret would love to cook more, but he’s on the road too often to hone in on that skill. And Shawn usually kicks him out the kitchen anyway, so he doesn’t have many opportunities to learn.

💍To Bret’s credit, he knows how to make a mean turkey sandwich, and he’s really good at grilling meat (mainly because the grill is doing much of the cooking for him). Anything beyond that and scrambled eggs is beyond him

Common interests?

💍Gardening. It’s one of many random hobbies Shawn picked up while being home alone

💍After being on the road for a couple of months, Bret was surprised to come home and find bundles of daisies and tulips growing in the backyard.

💍During his short vacation from being on the road, he became Shawn’s little helper, carrying the fertilizer, handing Shawn gardening tools, helping Shawn pull up dead weeds. Anything Shawn needed

💍Then it just became something they did together all the time, sometimes Bret seeming more excited about the progress of their flower garden than Shawn

Bonding activities?

💍Aside from gardening, their favorite bonding activity consists of Bret testing out ring moves on Shawn

💍Although Shawn hadn’t wrestled in a while, last time being years ago with Hunter, he still was comfortable getting thrown around, though Bret tried his best not to be too rough because he didn’t want to hurt him

💍That was the least of Shawn’s concern, the blond man often finding himself getting turned on in the midst of the action

💍His favorite move was being in a headlock. He doesn’t know why, but it was something about being trapped between Bret’s chest and biceps that really did it for him 🥵

💍And yes, Bret thought he was weird for that, but Bret still loved him nonetheless

Random Character Quirks

💍Shawn is an avid gum chewer. It’s a nervous habit he picked up from college to help calm his nerves and it just kind of stuck. Bret noticed it a couple weeks into dating, but he doesn’t mind because it makes kissing Shawn all the better

💍Surprising to most, Shawn is actually a neat freak. He always notices if something is out of place. He’s constantly sprucing up the house – sweeping, mopping, dusting, rearranging furniture – especially when Bret’s away. Bret’s learned the hard way that its better to ask Shawn before he decides to move anything in the house

💍Shawn loves booping Bret’s nose because he thinks it’s cute. He does it randomly and Bret never sees it coming, but it never fails to put a smile on his face

💍Bret’s an avid note taker. More often than not, he carries a mini notepad or sticky note and pen, jotting down any ideas that come to mind. It’s more of a stream of consciousness type thing. Whether he’s at the grocery store and gets an idea for a wrestling angle or he’s traveling on the road and sees something he thinks Shawn may like, he’ll quickly make a note of it, afraid he’ll forget something important.

💍Shawn hates coffee with a passion. He doesn’t understand the appeal Bret sees in it. He’s ranted to Bret plenty of times that it tastes like poison, to which Bret brings up a good point that maybe it’s because Shawn didn’t use enough sugar. “Then it’ll taste like sweet poison!” was Shawn’s reply.

💍Shawn loves debating Bret on his “controversial” food takes: 

 Poutine’s not that great? Shawn thought it was a national treasure  and was jealous it wasn’t popular in the States. Bret should get his citizenship revoked for thinking otherwise.

Turkey bacon’s better than pork? Blasphemy. 

Oatmeal raisin cookies are better than chocolate chip? Get out.

Pouring milk before cereal? Are you ok?!

💍Shawn’s not that great of a driver. He’s not awful, but his road rage blinds his ability to make wise decisions. Bret’s had to clutch the armrest for dear life more than a few times due to Shawn’s speeding. Owen downright refuses to carpool if Shawn’s driving. The final straw was when Shawn nearly went on a high-speed chase after some guy who cut them off, threatening to track the man down, jump out the car, and I quote “give him a real country ass whoopin’.” For everyone’s sanity, and the safety of his fellow Canadians, Bret usually drives whenever he’s home or if Shawn’s traveling with him between house shows on the road

💍They both truly changed each other for the better. Shawn helped Bret come out of his shell, often encouraging the older man to engage in his goofy antics, Bret doing so willingly knowing he wouldn’t be judged for Shawn. If anything, the blond would judge Bret for not engaging in his crazy antics. Shawn attributes much of his growth and maturity as a person to Bret. Throughout his time of dating and being married to Bret, Shawn’s become more level headed, patient, less reckless, and thinks things through before he acts (except when it comes to his driving of course lol)

Bonus!

💍Bret refuses to attend another kliq Christmas party after seeing Hunter in a g-string. He didn’t mind seeing Shawn in the same getup of course. In fact, Bret and Shawn had to leave the party early that night 😏.

💍Bret also had the dishonor of taking a picture of both Shawn and Hunter in said g-string, which Shawn thought was hilarious

[anarcoqueer1994]

It all started a few weeks before Thanksgiving. They had all had been hanging out in the Wheeler's basement, the kids going on about their upcoming Thanksgiving break and what they were going to do during it. Dustin had brought up how much he loves this time of year because his mom makes the best Turkey. This quickly devolved into everyone discussing their Thanksgiving day plans.

The Wheelers had family coming into town, Robin was going to her grandma's, The Byers/Hopper family was having a little dinner on their own, etc. Everyone was spending time with their families, even Eddie mentioning that he and Wayne have a little dinner, and watch football together(despite Eddie not loving the sport, he didn’t mind it with Wayne.)

Steve, though, stayed quiet, not adding to the conversation, sometimes nodding as people spoke excitedly about their plans. Eddie notices that Steve doesn't say anything, because of course he does. He won't admit it, but he notices almost everything Steve does. He can't help it, he has it hard for the guy. But he keeps that to himself, there is no way Steve Harrington is into guys, let alone him.

He turns to Steve, "How about you, big boy?" He smiles. "What are you doing? Are your parents making you go to some big fancy Thanksgiving dinner?"

Steve's face waivers momentarily into a look of sadness, a blink and you miss it kind of thing. But Eddie saw. He saves that to the back of his head. Steve though recovered, an easy look about his face, speaking nonchalantly. Well practiced. "Nah, man. They go on vacation every year, so I just have a day to myself."

Eddie can't help to think that Steve Harrington seems to have a lot of days to himself, always being alone in that big house. It hurts to know that even on a holiday, that seems to be true. In reality, Steve's parents have never spent Thanksgiving with him, when he was younger, leaving with a nanny, and since he was 14, leaving him alone. They excused it as needing some couple time, as thier other trips without him were business trips. Steve stopped complaining to them at the age of 9, accepting they didn't care to spend time with him.

Eddie tries to match Steve's nonchalant tone, everyone staring at Steve with his revelation that even the holidays, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington were gone. Noone bothered to ask before, leading to guilt in some of thier faces, particularly Robin and Nancy. Eddie says "I mean, you can always come to my place. I'm sure Wayne wouldn't mind."

Steve shifts uncomfortablly, he looks around seeing the guilt and pity in everyone's face, hating that the attention is now on him. The last thing he wanted was to impose on someone else. He is supposed to take care of all of them, not the other way around. And now, the boy he is secretly in love with is inviting him over out of some sense of pity. He didn't want that.

"Ah...um thanks, Munson. But I'm good. I'm used to it, we never spend it together." He smiles. Eddie wants to push, knows Steve is not good, but also knows enough that Steve is stubborn, he is not going to budge. So he just nods his head and adds "Okay...well the offer is there if you change your mind."

That doesn't mean that he doesn't secretly hope that Steve will accept one of the million offers that come to him over the next few weeks. Everyone couldn't believe Steve was spending Thanksgiving alone. Even Mike tried to convince them to come over to the Wheeler's house. But every single offer, from every single person is turned down. Steve didn’t want to impose. But Eddie could see with every offer, Steve wanted to accept, a little light in his eye, but everytime it seemed like he talked himself out of it.

But that's something he noticed about Steve. Steve didn’t want to accept help, acted like he didn't deserve it. But Steve was always willing to help any of them. It killed him he couldn't help him in return, especially when Steve looked like he wanted it.

Thats how he ended up calling an emergency group meeting a few days before the holiday, minus Steve.

~~

It was Thanksgiving day. Steve sat in front of the TV, still in his sweatpants and T-shirt he fell asleep in, his hair still messy from bedhead. He didn't even have his contacts in, wearing his glasses, it's not like he was going to see anyone, anyways.

He thinks about the numerous invitations he recieved the last few weeks. Maybe he should have accepted, maybe he wouldn't feel like such shit right now. But he couldn’t take thier pity. No one really wants him around for a family holiday, heck even his own family doesn't want to be around him.

He is terrified that if he lets himself be vulnerable, allow himself to accept help, be anything other than reliable, helpful to others, they will see how useless he really is.

He is worried that one day his tricks won't work anymore, and people won't need him, and they will get bored of him. Throw him away. Despite his best efforts, he feels a tear slip down his cheek. He doesn't want to feel this.

He decides he is just going to pop one of his mother's sleeping pills, and sleep off the rest of the holiday. Tomorrow he can go back to being useful, shuttle the kids around, pretend they'll always need him.

Just as he gets up to head to the medicine cabinet, he hears a bang at the door. He freezes wondering who can be here on Thanksgiving. He thinks about ignoring it, hoping they will go away.

But then he hears a familiar voice on the other side. "Open up, Harrington! I know you're here, I seen the Beemer in the driveway!" Eddie.

What is he doing here? Steve starts making excuses in his head, as he goes to the door, ready to reject any last minute invitations Eddie is trying to push. He opens the door and starts "Eddie, I told you, I'm fi..." He stops when he looks out at who is infront of him.

Eddie is holding a case of beer, while everyone in the party (kids and adults alike) stands behind him holding various side dishes. Even Wayne, Hopper, and Joyce are there, Joyce holding a full Turkry. Eddie clears his throat "Well, you going to let us in or what? It would be such a waste of food if you don't. " Eddie stays cool, even as his brain malfunctions seeing Steve Harrington with messy hair and glassess.

Steve is dumbfounded, silently stepping aside so they can all come him. Robin stops and gives him a hug, carefully balancing the pie in her hands. He whispers "What about your grandma?"

She smiles "Thought it would be more fun hanging out with this family instead."

He can't help but feel touched "Thanks, Rob."

"Don't thank me, this was Eddie’s idea. For some reason, he couldn't let this go." She winks, knowing about Steve's crush on Eddie. Steve blushes in response. Robin walks off to join the others in the dining room, where they are setting up the food.

Steve knows he can't fight this, they are already here, may as well enjoy it. He goes to the kitchen, getting out 15 plates, silverware, cups, etc. He hears someone coming up behind him.

"Need any help, big boy? Eddie’s voice is soft.

"Uh, yeah. Can you take these plates out?" Steve asks, words he wants to say trapped behind his teeth.

"Sure." Eddie gives him an uncharacteristically soft smile. As he turns around with the plates in hand, he feels a soft pull on his sleeve. "Eddie, wait." Steve sounds sheepish.

"What is it?" He turns back around.

"Why...why did you do this? It's not like it was that important. I told you I was fine. " Steve is looking down now, eyes on his socks.

Eddie lets out a breath through his nose before setting the plates back down. He gently reaches for Steve’s chin, pushing his face up so he can look at him and see all the pain and confusion in Steve’s eyes. He gently moves his hand to Steve's cheek, noticing how Steve instinctively leans into the touch.

"Because, you were lying and I could tell. No one should be without their family on the holidays...and I'm you family now. We all are. We love you, I love you. So yeah, it was important. You're important, Stevie..."

The name slips out as Eddie notices the glassy look in Steve’s eyes. Steve whispers "Thanks, Eddie..." Steve puts his hand over Eddie’s hand resting on his cheek. Eddie notices the way Steve's eyes flick down to his lips and then back up.

This gives Eddie all the courage he needs to lean in and softly place a kiss on Steve's lips. He pulls back slightly to see Steve's reaction, relief covering him when Steve smiles back at him, moving his own hands to the small of Eddie’s neck, pulling him into another gentle kiss.

He rests his forehead against Eddie’s. "Happy Thanksgiving, Eds."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Sweetheart. "

[annaphoenix1994]

Ch.90 - The First Stepping Stone

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

Baler has his first day of work; Kiera suggests a trip into town to make him feel at home.

"Good morning, Simon." Bud nodded at him while leaning against the panel that held up the round pen - a pen for working young or "problem" horses by experienced wranglers on the ranch. 

"Good morning, sir," Simon replied, looking over his shoulder to ensure Baler was on his best behavior, putting the decision in his head that Baler would have a much harder time earning his keep if he pissed off Kiera's father. 

Especially her mother. 

"I have a new stall cleaner for you." 

Bud arched a brow at Simon before looking at the roughed-up teenager before him - his clothes nearly tattered and stained by dirt and debris from his time homeless on the street. "A little young to be put on the payroll, huh?" 

"He won't be working for money, sir. He'll be working to earn his keep." 

"His keep?" 

"It was Kiera's decision I'm afraid." 

"Say no more. I won't get in the middle of that girl's decisions," Both Simon and Bud chuckled, Bud making eye contact with Baler. "Don't take advantage of her kindness, son. It's easy to lose her trust and twice as hard to get it back." 

"O-Okay-"

"That's not what you say," Simon warned in a low tone, slightly nudging his arm with his elbow. "It's yes, sir." 

Baler cleared his throat, "Y-Yes, sir." 

Bud flashed Simon a reassuring and hopeful smile, "What're you having him doing today?" 

"Cleaning stalls, maybe cleaning a few saddles, whichever I think might need done." 

"Will Kiera be coming down to join us?" 

"She said she will later," Simon replied. "She said she will in the afternoon when it warms up a bit." 

Bud nodded, "Alright. I reckon I get to oversee Johnny and Teeter today." 

"Best of luck to you, sir," Simon chuckled. "Where's everyone else?" 

"I have such a hard time remembering your comrade's names except for John, but they're all with him and a few other wranglers checking the fences in the upper pasture before we push the cattle up. You plan on coming with us when we do?" 

"I plan on it. This is my last week of work before my vacation time takes over." 

"Good to hear. You deserve a break." 

"Thank you. I feel like I need more time here to help out Kiera with the kids and around the house." 

Bud couldn't help but smile at Simon's response. A true man, he thought, appreciative of Simon's behavior towards his daughter, eager to see how much of a great father he would become throughout the years as well as being an important figure to Baler. Perhaps a father figure. "You'll be off just in time for Thanksgiving too," He winked. "Say, would you like to come out turkey hunting with me sometime before the holiday? Saw a bunch of 'em on the ridge. A big tom caught my eye and that bastard is big enough to feed this family twice for Thanksgiving." He explained. 

Simon chuckled, "Sure. When were you thinking?" 

"Well, I was thinking about going out tomorrow morning or this weekend." 

"I'll be off after Friday. Saturday morning?" 

"Sounds good with me. Don't make Kiera mad between now and then. She won't let you go!" He poked. 

Simon couldn't help but chuckle and shrug, "Nah, she's hardly ever mad at me. I've insisted on staying home so much to help her out, she wants me to go do things for myself." 

"I'll have to agree with her on that, son," Bud shrugged. "But I'll leave you to it with our new associate." He poked. 

"Exciting, yeah?" 

"Very," Bud chuckled, walking towards the hitching post his horse was tethered to, mounting up after adjusting his chaps. "Eva is making dinner tonight. You and Kiera should come. We miss our grandkids... Even though we haven't seen 'em in a day." 

"We'll be there." 

"W-What about me?" Baler dared to ask Simon as he escorted him into the barn. 

"What do you mean?" 

"The dinner? Can I come?" 

"Do you think you should?" 

"I mean... What else am I supposed to eat tonight if you and her aren't going to be home?" 

"Do you think you earn the privilege to join her parents for dinner tonight when you took advantage of Kiera's hospitality by trying to break into her truck in the middle of the night just to scout out the same advantage in the home of her parents?" 

"N-No?" 

"We'll see," Simon huffed, already knowing that he'd be toting along another dinner guest. "The decision won't be made until after your work today." 

"What am I doing?" 

"You'll start by cleaning the stalls that don't have a horse in them. Then, you'll pick out the stalls with horses in them." Simon explained, pointing to the wheelbarrow and manure rake that hung close by. 

"Can you show me?" 

"It's not rocket science, lad," He scoffed. "You go in there, pick up the shite with the rake, then put it in the wheelbarrow. That's it." 

"What do I do when it's full?" 

"You take it out that way and dump it in the pile." 

"W-Where will you be while I'm doing this?" 

"Don't worry about where I'll be," Simon arched his brow, knowing Baler only asked the question to get by as lazily as possible. Unbeknownst to Simon, Baler had only asked Simon this as he was beginning to worry about earning Simon's respect and trust, not wanting him to see Baler fail in a job that was supposed to be simple. 

Baler had never worked before and especially never had to be put into a position where he had to earn someone's respect in exchange for a better life. 

"Just focus on getting the job done. You have twenty-four stalls to clean." 

"O-Ok-" Baler gulped, watching Simon's brow arch as if he was waiting for a better response. "Yes, sir." 

"Better." 

*

Four hours later, Kiera greeted Simon at the round pen, smiling as she watched him work with his preferred horse on the ground to keep himself busy as well as increase his bond with the horse, thanking the gelding for keeping his mind distracted every time Simon swung his leg over the gelding's back. Horses really are good for a broken soul. 

"Turning into quite the horse whisperer, I see." She smiled, adjusting the carrier that was strapped to her torso, effortlessly carrying both twins at the same time - Jacob on her back and Evie against her chest. 

Simon looked her way after he heard her voice, receding his body language to inform the horse that he could break from a trot to a walk, the gelding licking his lips as he approached his handler, Simon petting him between the eyes before he walked towards the fence to meet Kiera, smiling as he leant over to press a kiss to her lips as his free hand cupped the back of Evie's head. "Always trying to better my horsemanship, love," He chuckled against her lips. "You're definitely mum of the year for toting them all the way down here by yourself. Although I wish you would've called me so I could come up and help you. Don't need you falling." 

She giggled, "This carrier is a life-saver. It definitely takes the strain off of my back. And, it's not so bad of a walk. Helps me maintain my weight." She poked. 

"Stop with that bloody nonsense," He warned. "I don't see a thing wrong with you." 

"Mhm," She giggled. "I brought you and Baler some lunch." 

"What'd you bring?" 

"Guess you'll have to find out," She smiled. "Where's Baler?" 

"In the barn. Your father wants us at the lodge for dinner tonight." 

"I'm looking forward to it." 

"What about the kid?" 

Kiera furrowed her brows at his question, "Uh... He was going to come with us?" 

"Okay." 

"What's going through your mind?" 

He huffed, "Are you sure you want him meeting your parents after the shite he pulled last night?" 

"Well, would you rather him stay at the house when nobody is home?" She arched a brow. 

"No." 

"I was thinking about taking him into town to get a new outfit. Do you want to go with me?" 

"I'd rather go with you," He sighed, knowing that he couldn't compromise with a decision she had already made. "I don't want you to have to worry about keeping up with our two and something happen with him. Not on my watch." 

"Okay, well have him finish up whatever he's doing and meet me back at the house." 

"How about you wait here and I'll escort you back to the house?" 

"That works. Then you two can sit and eat your lunch before we go into town." 

Simon nodded, leading his horse behind him as he walked behind Kiera, entering the barn and watching Baler hastily move to the side to let Kiera and Simon through. "Hi, Miss Kiera." 

"How are you, Baler?" 

"Working." He nodded, licking his lips of nervousness as Kiera and Simon together made him more nervous than just Simon alone. Even though Simon wasn't as suffocating when he and Kiera were in the same room, but Baler sensed a presence that he didn't want to interfere with. 

And that was the presence Simon presented when he and Kiera's babies were in the room. I wish my dad was as protective over me, Baler thought, frowning at the distant memory of never feeling loved and appreciated throughout his childhood. 

Kiera nodded as she began looking at the open stall doors, nodding her head in approval at the work he had done, leaving no manure behind as it was clear he was focused on leaving as much shavings behind with no manure left in the stalls. "I, um, I also refilled the water buckets after I finished cleaning out the stalls... I left the doors open so that he could check my work." He explained. 

"You did good, lad," Simon complemented, watching Baler nod as it was clear Baler had rarely received complements throughout his life. "How many more do you have left?" 

"S-Six, sir. The six being with the horses still in there. I-I was going to do them first, but I'm nervous around horses..." 

"That's okay," Simon nodded. "You're done for right now." 

"Sir?" 

"Let's go. We have to go into town." 

Baler nodded, wiping his palms against his jeans as he followed Kiera and Simon towards the house, nervously standing at the front door as he watched Simon help Kiera with the babies, watching how a soft smile spread across Simon's face as he held his son in his arms, watching as Simon seemed to turn off the switch of being a domineering and direct man turned into a soft and supple father, seeming to handle his children as if they were made of glass as he gazed at Kiera with loving eyes, seeming to appreciate her in every moment for not only being his, but being the mother of his children. 

It was then that Baler regretted coming off to a bad start with Simon. He didn't want to be rejected by him nor did he always want to fight for his trust and approval. 

"Um, Miss Kiera? Where are we going?" 

"We're taking you into town to get some clothes. You're coming with us to dinner tonight at my parent's house." She smiled. A mother's smile. 

"I am?" 

"You worked hard today for your first day. You've earned it." 

He forced himself to hide a genuine smile, "Th-Thank you." 

"You're welcome. We're going to get you a couple of pairs of jeans, shirts, and socks. Simon will go with you to get your basic stuff." She explained. 

"I am?" Simon questioned. 

"Well, I don't know anything about underwear and deodorant for boys." She scoffed. 

"You sure know about taking mine off." Simon mumbled under his breath, earning a playful smack to his bicep. 

"You keep that up and I won't for a while." She glared playfully, watching him roll his eyes at her remark. "That's what I thought." 

He smirked at her, gently putting Jacob into the car seat he had sat on the counter, using the overhead light to his advantage to ensure he secured him properly and to keep him off the floor as Kimber was notorious for trying to get into the carrier with either Jacob or Evie. "Can you help Baler get freshened up before we leave?" 

"How is he going to freshen up if he doesn't have a change of clothes?" 

"Well, there's an extra stick of deodorant and an extra toothbrush in the closet. When we get him new clothes, I'll show him where the shower is so he can get ready for dinner tonight." 

"Alright," Simon nodded, adjusting Jacob's carrier closer to the inside of the table to reassure himself that he wasn't too close to the edge while Kiera sat Evie into her carrier, smiling down at the infant as she adjusted the socks on her small feet. Simon gestured towards Baler, leading him towards his and Kiera's bedroom before putting his hand out and telling him to wait at the door while Simon proceeded into the bathroom and to the closet, returning with a stick of deodorant and a new toothbrush. "This is yours. Freshen yourself up before we go into town." 

"O-Okay. Where do I go to brush my teeth?" 

Simon sighed as he led the kid towards the guest bathroom that was within the hallway, hating the fact that it was next to the nursery, the primal instinct of not wanting Baler too close to his children until he earned his complete trust, knowing that it was going to take a lot of work to break down the wall of trust Baler broke down in the worst way possible. "We're leaving in ten." 

"Yes, sir." 

Simon nodded, returning into the kitchen to offer his assistance to Kiera. Seeing that she had secured Evie into her car seat, he smirked as he carefully wrapped his arms around her tender abdomen, pressing a kiss to the crook of her neck. "Been waiting to do this all day." 

She hummed in amusement, leaning her head to the side subtly to invite him for more kisses to her neck, "Sounds like he respects you more already." 

"He's nowhere near having my respect yet, he's just on a stepping stone." 

"I think he's growing on you." 

Simon scoffed in disagreement. 

"You say that now, but you know he's growing on you." 

"Like a weed." He joked. 

"I mean, I think he's growing on you like Soap did..." 

[bowtiesnmusicals]

Here is my recap of the second episode of the And That's What You Really Missed podcast.

Justin Timberlake too busy to be Mr. Shue.

Jane Lynch like character kept rolling around as a character.

Casting room was super stereotypical...men in gray suits with note pads.

Ryan would try to talk first.

Ryan first met Lea while he was working with Johnathan Groff on Pretty Handsome. Lamented that she couldn't get an audition on a CW show.

Lea was always the frontrunner for Rachel and it kind of was written for her.

Ryan had worked with Amber before as well.

Let it be Kevin. Running joke between Kevin and Ryan.

Whitney Houston agreed to play the part Eve played in season 1.

Ryan tried to create roles for Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway.

Ryan has gotten death threats because of the Turkey Lurkey Time song.

Ryan's one regret is not doing a Taylor Swift tribute episode.

The Michael shoot was the worst shoot. It was long and hard.

Jenna was told to take a vacation and that was why she wasn't on the Michael episode. She needed it for her mental health.

The thing that Ryan loves the most in his life is creating a world and entering into it.

He turned his childhood bedroom into Studio 54. When Grace Kelly died he wanted to paint his room the color of her eyes. It was a way to escape his pain as a tortured picked on gay kid.

Creating television shows lets him create a whole world.

Glee needed to be poppy and bright.

Ryan has really bad OCD.

He will stay up until 2 am researching different patterns and colors.

Working on something about Truman Capote.

Glee was the start of Ryan's funko pop doll phase.

Each character has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to how they look and what they wear.

Ryan has very specific rules when he creates things.

Tina was shy but secretly tough and her clothes were like armor.

Sue was the best role ever because she always got to be comfortable wearing a tracksuit

Glee was the island of misfit toys.

There were 5 different versions of Don't Stop from the first episode.

No one wanted to do Don't Stop because it had just been done on the Sopranos. Ryan wouldn't take no for an answer because the song had been important to him as a kid.

Drama club was Ryan's safe space.

Everybody knows what it is like to be misunderstood, unseen, and bullied.

Vitamin D came about because Ryan would get a boost of energy whenever he took a Claritn D for allergies.

Everyone was pushed to challenge themselves.

Lean in to the good times.

Glee is a love letter to musical artists and misfits in high school.

The thing I am embarrassed about myself is the thing I should be celebrating.

Re-examine glee as a brand. Should we do a reboot or a musical? Ryan wants to do it in a positive way.

The cast got to feel appreciated and like they belonged for the first time.

Everyone in show business is there because they feel unloved.

The cast was given the option to not be in The Quarterback.

They did it for Cory. They hoped they would find some closure.

Looking back Ryan would never have done it now. It was too soon. It was too raw and emotional.

When Cory passed they had two choices..do they cancel the show or go on.

There is no right answer.

How do you address what happened? Do you pretend it didn't happen? Does the character die off camera?

Ryan ultimately decided to pay tribute to Cory and Finn.

Ryan helped Cory with an intervention. Cory visited Ryan on the set of The Normal Heart. He came to fire island and spent time with Ryan. A few days later Cory died.

Ryan asked for a grief counselor on set. No one talked to the grief counselor.

Ryan watched the episode once, edited it, and never looked at it again.

No one was ready to talk about it. Everyone was very close and protective of each other. At one point Kevin just got out of the wheelchair and walked off the set and lost it.

Cast had to juggle managing a brand and job with losing their friend.

If this happened now Ryan would have done things differently and would have had everyone take a year off.

Part of the reason they kept going was for the crew.

Did the best with what they could.

Kevin blocked it out of his memory.

Talked to everybody to see if they wanted to sing a song or what they wanted to do.

If glee was being made today Ryan would have taken a break and maybe not come back.

No one wants to touch the show out of respect for Naya and Cory.

Ryan tried to be a leader. Everyone wanted to be together and it just made sense to go to work and be together.

Ryan hated the idea of the students graduating and moving some of them to New York. The show maybe should have ended with graduation.

Ryan wouldn't change anything but he does have regrets. Wished that he had more meetings with the cast to see where everyone was at and to just check in with everyone.

Ryan learned a lot from Glee.

Ryan wants to come back to talk about other episodes.

Amber turned Ryan on to Adele. Kevin told Ryan about Lady Gaga.

Never let anyone do a podcast like this but Kevin and Jenna because he trusts them.

The podcast will start with them going through the narrative of the episodes and then talking about the crazy tiktok rumors.

They want to bring on some of the artists covered on glee and talk to them.

Ryan wants to a true/false segment. Also a segment of we did this right/we really fucked this up.

Next week will be the recap of the pilot.

[storiesofsvu]

A Redemption Earned Ch 32

Heather Dunbar x reader warnings: language, mentions of alcohol.

The girls were finally back from their very extended Europe trip, and while they were excited to see everyone and share their stories, they needed a few days to adjust to the jet lag and sleep. Heather went over on day three to help with laundry, prep some easy meals for them and some minor organizing since she didn’t have much else to do. They shared a couple of stories and Heather had been keeping up with the trip via social media while they were gone but they decided to meet at Heather’s later that week, there were more than a few presents to go around and Cody was there that week so there was an added bonus.

You were in the kitchen finishing up lunch when you heard the knocking on the front door, followed by the sound of it swinging open and Becca’s voice calling through the house.

“Sorry we’re late! I was on autopilot and drove to the old place.”

“Don’t worry about it.” You called back, pulling a tray of buffalo chicken fingers out of the oven, “I think everyone’s a little bit behind today.”

Becca and Sarah followed your voice through the house until they rounded into the kitchen, placing down the bags they’d brought with them on the island.

“This place is gorgeous.” Becca commented, “and like, the perfect balance of the two of you.”

“It really is perfect.” You smiled.

“Well, we brought dessert and drinks, as asked.” She replied, “rose, some seltzers, strawberry lemonade for the non drinkers, and I tried my hand at mom’s peach cobbler but we’ll see how that goes.”

“I’m sure it’s great.” You wiped your hands on a towel and paused in your work to greet both of them properly with hugs, “and thank you. Neither of us ended up having time to run out to the store.”

“No worries.”

“Where is mom?” Becca asked, glancing around and you gestured towards the patio door.

“Out back.” You pulled down a couple of cups from the cupboard, filling the Toy Story one with pink lemonade for Cody, “hey, can you guys take these out with you? I’m almost done with the rest, ask Heat what she wants to drink?” You passed them a small stack of plates, Cody’s drink and a bowl of lemon feta quinoa salad.

“Course.” They agreed, collecting what you’d asked and heading out to the backyard.

You could hear the yells from Cody at the appearance of his auntie, along with excited chatter as Heather greeted the girls and got the table ready. You quickly chopped up the buffalo chicken, tossing it in with romaine, tomato and Caesar dressing before moving the mixture into tortillas, topping with some cheese and wrapping them up. Everything was available to everyone, but you weren’t sure how Cody would do with the spice so you had some turkey and cheese pinwheel wraps on a second platter for anyone interested, along with a plate of cut up fruit. The door flew open and Cody bounded into the house shortly followed by Heather who was insistent on making sure hands were washed before food got eaten. She thanked you for lunch, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek before looking through drink options and choosing one for herself, then helped you take everything out to the yard.

The five of you settled in quite easily, digging into lunch while you all caught up with each other. While Heather had seen the girls since being back they hadn’t really shared stories. Cody eagerly accepted his time to ramble on about the end of the school year and all the adventures he’d been on with Mimi and Pop’s and that he hoped Becca would be able to come on lots of them in the future. She assured him she would, which brought some more exciting yells from him.

Halfway through lunch Lily showed up to join in on the fun, happily accepting the seltzer and plate of food you instantly offered her. She fawned over Becca and Sarah’s vacation photos, lamenting the fact that she’d never really travelled prior to having Cody. With a grin Heather reminded her that she had a whole slew of babysitters who would gladly let her have a child free vacation, and that she was family, which meant access to whatever villa or chalet she wanted. Lily made a very large mental note of that, ever so thankful that she’d been so easily accepted into this little found family.

Becca and Heather insisted on taking care of dishes since you’d so graciously cooked for everyone, Heather even going as far as making sure you and Lily had refills on your drinks before they disappeared inside. As much time as you had spent with Cody over the year, you hadn’t actually gotten a lot of one on one time with Lily, especially outside of school pick ups, so you enjoyed moments like this. Now with Cody no longer in your class, it allowed for more personal hangouts with the two of them, and you would be able to be the one taking Cody home from school now. She was thankful to have more adult friends in her life too, she’d bonded pretty well with Becca and Sarah, being closer to their ages. Although you did notice that thanks to her being a mom she’d been forced to mature a little faster than the other two, so it almost felt she was closer to your age. Either way, you were both more than happy for the company.

Cody managed to drag Sarah up for some playtime, darting through the playset in a very dramatic game of tag that morphed into a mini game of dodgeball before he requested that she push him on the swings and she had zero complaints in that department.

*

Inside, Heather was packing up the leftover food, planning on sending some of it home with Cody and Lily when they left while Becca was loading up the dishwasher. The younger woman paused with a plate in her hand, a smile sneaking onto her cheeks with a dreamy look in her eyes as she watched her girlfriend play with her nephew through the window. Heather paused in her movements, glancing up at Becca and couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“What?” Becca asked, slightly offended as she turned away from the window.

“Nothing.” She smiled, “I’m just happy to see you so happy and in love.” Becca blushed at that, ducking her gaze as she placed a few more things in the dishwasher. “Travelling with someone for that long can sometimes make or break relationships, so I’m glad you two came out even stronger.”

“Yeah…” Her gaze redirected back out the window and she couldn’t help the dopey grin, “can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you promise not to freak out?”

“Why would I freak out?” Heather laughed and Becca rolled her eyes.

“Because you’re you.”

“As long as you’re not planning on running off to live somewhere in Europe to never be seen again, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ve known for a while that I wanted to spend forever with Sarah, and like, we’ve kind of lowkey talked about it. But vacation made me really realize that I want to ask her to marry me…”

“Oh Becca!” Heather felt her heart surge, so incredibly happy to know just how happy her daughter was, “that’s wonderful.”

“I was kinda hoping you’d be able to go ring shopping with me? You’ve got way better taste than I do and I know Sarah likes the same style.”

“I would love to, but you know there’s no need to go shopping.” Heather moved through the room, only pausing to press a kiss to the top of her head before she pulled open one of the drawers on the opposite side of the island.

“What’d’you mean?” Becca’s brow furrowed, watching her rifle through the drawer for a moment before she pulled out a small black box.

“If you think she’d like it, use this.” She cracked the box open to reveal her old wedding ring, “even if you don’t want to use it, I want you to have it. It’s a family heirloom, and don’t worry, it came from your dad’s mom, not mine.” She chuckled and Becca laughed, her eyes wide as her fingers danced across the lavish jewels.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course!” Heather beamed.

“You don’t want to hold onto it in case you want to use it?” She asked and Heather chuckled.

“After the way my last marriage went, we’ve decided to just have a partnership.”

“What if you change your mind?” Becca asked and she let out a soft sigh, pulling her daughter to her for a tight hug, kissing her head again.

“We won’t. And we’re sure on that.” She flipped her arm over, revealing the star tattoo for Becca to examine, “we’ve already made that promise and done what we needed to legally.”

“You got married without me?!” Becca nearly shrieked and Heather laughed.

“No, we got not married.”

“Without me!”

“To be fair we did it without anyone.” She shrugged.

“But you said legally! Don’t you need a witness even if you just go to city hall?”

“We aren’t legally married.” She laughed, “I meant lawyer type stuff to make sure we can make medical and other decisions for each other in the future if need be. We just made a promise to each other and wanted something physical to tie us together that wasn’t jewelry.”

“So you went with matching tattoos? How incredibly gay of you.” She teased and Heather let out a mock scoff, swatting at her arm, “I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”

“You were on vacation; we didn’t want to pull away from your fun. Besides, that’s half the reason we wanted to have you over today.”

“Well, congratulations.” Becca smiled, leaning in for a tight hug, “I’m happy for the two of you, really, you deserve it after everything.”

“Thank you.” Heather pressed a kiss to the top of her head, squeezing her a little tighter before letting her go.

“And if you’re happy with your tattoos I will gladly take the ring.”

“Then it’s yours.” Heather clicked the box shut, passing it to Becca, smiling at the way it was making its way down though another generation.

**

The rest of the summer was without a doubt the best that anyone from the Dunbar clan had had in years. Rob took Becca and Cody out fishing a couple of weekends, Cody using Jordan’s old rod, one that Rob gifted to Cody very proudly. There were plenty of afternoons spent racing through the park trying to keep up with Steve, various games of tag or soccer taking place between breaks for snacks. Becca and Sarah took Cody to the carnival when it came through town, no doubt letting the kid have way too much sugar, but everyone had fun and that was really all that mattered. There were family beach days down at the lake, a couple of days camping with Rob and Becca and endless cookouts over at Rob’s as the weather started to cool down.

Before anyone knew it, fall was creeping through the air and it was time for you to start getting ready to go back to work again. Heather took Cody back to school shopping, letting him get the fanciest of binders, pens and the like, definitely spoiling him a little more than she’d intended, but Lily honestly didn’t mind. As the air got chillier and the leaves got crunchy, the mood didn’t dampen, simply shifted from the summer fun to autumn adventures. There was more time for snuggling up on the couch with hot chocolate and warm blankets, more movie nights and game nights.

September bled into October and the hype for Halloween took over, costumes getting planned, pumpkins getting carved, corn mazes explored, apples were picked and multiple houses were intricately decorated for the holiday. Before it could happen though, Becca had a birthday to celebrate, a near surprise party hosted by Sarah and Nat at Rob’s place, filled with friends and family and certainly one to remember. It was a near shock that day that Nat approached Heather, first congratulating her on the partnership with you, no doubt having heard through Becca, but also wondering if she could get her realtor’s information. Considering Jackie’s VP term was nearly up, they were looking for a new place to live and wanted something in the same area to stay close, and that seemed to be the specialty.

Rob quickly offered to take Cody trick or treating, leaving the girls with the task of handing out candy at home. When the boys were back from that, it was sorting through candy and watching some kid friendly Halloween movies until Cody was off to bed. Then, on Becca’s demand of course, it was time for Gremlins followed by some more of the scarier movies for the big kids.

The air got colder, thicker coats and mittens needed as November rolled in. Heather had done her best to walk the fine line between avoiding politics and knowing just enough about the candidates to know who to vote for. It was only thanks to her insistence that you actually pay attention and vote for the first time, though it honestly wasn’t too bad. You started to try and sort out Christmas plans, figuring out who would all be coming. Lily was taking Cody to Florida over Thanksgiving saying she was planning on staying in Washington for Christmas and that despite wanting to meet everyone, there was no way her snowbird parents would be coming to D.C in the winter. Becca commented that Nat was on board and Jackie was planning on coming, so it was decided Heather and you would host, having the most space.

Halfway through November, Becca had finally put together the perfect proposal and with a little bit of help from Nat, she managed to pull it off exactly how she’d planned. Sarah was ecstatic, obviously saying yes and the two of them couldn’t wait to get started on wedding planning, especially since Heather and Rob said they’d be footing the bill. (within some reason of course).

The house got more and more decorated with each day that went passed, you’d started with the tree to have somewhere to put all the presents under, and you had to tease Heather about how that pile was already getting too large and it was barely December. She simply scoffed and said that it was a special year, and that there were a lot of people coming, it just looked larger than life. You simply rolled your eyes and accepted the gentle kiss she left on your cheek. You were pleasantly surprised when a fresh coat of fluffy snow painted the streets as Christmas approached, giving that extra festive and magical feeling to the city. It was safe to say, you were very excited about the holiday and the multitude of things you had to celebrate this year.  

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[fruitcoops]

I was watching this video w Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird (tumblr won’t let me link but it’s from 2 days ago on GQ- they ask each other questions but it’s like quiz style?) and didn’t know if you would want to do something similar for coops? Some of the stuff they said/how they acted reminded me of coops’ dynamic

Anon, this video was the perfect way to spend an evening. Both these women are my role models and they’re unbelievably cute together--go check out the video here if you have the chance! Their dynamic is a lot like how I imagine Coops, too! Sweater Weather credit goes to @lumosinlove!

“Hey, Lions, we’re back!” Sirius waved at the camera and tapped a short stack on notecards on his thighs. “I’m Captain Sirius Black of the Gryffindor Lions and I’m here with my fiancé, Remus Lupin, to do another couple game.”

“The response to our last few interviews was incredible and we had a great time,” Remus continued. “Miss Marlene McKinnon was kind enough to drag us back in here to answer even more questions!”

“Do you want to go first?”

“Sure.” Remus cleared his throat and pulled the first card. “What are my parents’ first names?”

“Hope and Lyall.”

“Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. What’s my hidden talent?”

“You can sing.”

“Does that count? I feel like most people know that now.”

“Hmm.” Sirius thought for a moment, drumming his fingers on his knees. “You can cook really well.”

“Thank you, baby. What’s my favorite accessory?”

Sirius brightened. “Your watch!”

“Yes!” Remus held it up to the camera—it was simple and elegant, with a leather band and a small face. He wore it with the clock against the inside of his wrist, just above his pulse point. “What is my dream travel destination or vacation?”

“Oh, that’s tough.” Sirius bit his lip in thought. “Seattle? Paris?”

“I do want to go to Seattle, but I’ve always wanted to go to Montreal,” Remus said. “You’ve seen my hometown, but I’ve never been to yours.”

Sirius frowned. “Really?”

“Really. What am I most afraid of?”

“I think…I think you’re most afraid of not being useful,” Sirius said after a moment. “For six years, your job was all about helping people, and it’s not now.”

Remus raised his eyebrows at the camera. “I was going to say the dentist’s office. Goddamn.”

“Sorry,” Sirius laughed. “Yeah, you don’t like medical facilities.”

“I mean, you weren’t wrong about the useful thing,” Remus said. “You still get a point for that. What’s my favorite music, song, or artist to listen to before a game?”

“You don’t have one.”

“That was quick. Half a bonus point for speed. When was our first date and what did we do?”

“Our first official date was just after All-Stars and we went to Sid’s, but we had been together for about three months at that point and just hung out at each other’s houses.”

Remus grinned. “Do you remember what day it was?”

“January 28th.” Sirius gave him a look. “I know for a fact you don’t know what day it was.”

“January 28th.”

“You only know that because I just said it!” Sirius smacked him playfully with his cards. “Next question.”

“What’s my favorite movie and TV show?”

“Jurassic Park and Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

He whistled the first part of the theme song as Sirius did the hand motions. “What’s my shoe size?”

“Oh, god,” Sirius muttered, staring down at the floor. “Eleven? Eleven and a half? You have smaller feet than I do, but not by much.”

“I’m a size ten.”

“Are you really?”

Remus pulled one sneaker off and handed it to him with a laugh. “Check for yourself. Oh, I’d love to know the answer to this one. How do you know when I’m mad at you?”

Sirius tossed his shoe back with a snort. “You make faces.”

Remus seemed surprised. “Do I?”

“Yeah. You’ve got a very expressive face and the second you’re pissed, it’s written all over it. It’s like—” Sirius pursed his lips and scrunched his nose slightly. “I can’t really do it, but anytime I see that I’m like, ‘oh, shit, what did I do?’ Also, you stop calling me baby.”

“That’s what I was going to say. What’s my favorite city to play in?”

“Not Florida.”

“Not fucking Florida,” Remus agreed with a grin.

“Gryffindor for sure.”

“Where was I born?” He gave Sirius a teasing look. “Do you know this time, or should I get my mom on the line?”

Sirius stuck his tongue out. “Madison, Wisconsin.”

Remus glanced at the camera. “We got asked this question in an interview a few months ago and he had to call my mom afterward because he forgot.”

“She made fun of me the whole time,” Sirius pouted.

“What is my favorite food? Oh, you’ll get this one for sure.” Sirius hesitated and Remus’ eyes widened. “Really?”

“I’m a little torn. It’s either my grilled cheese or your dad’s turkey-cranberry thing. Actually, I don’t think you know what your favorite food is.”

Remus nodded slowly. “That’s a really good point. My first thought was grilled cheese, but my dad makes the best postgame sandwiches. I’ll give you that. What’s my favorite hobby?”

“Reading.”

“What did I want to be when I was a kid?”

“A librarian, until you started playing hockey.”

Remus leaned over and high-fived him. “You’re on a roll, baby. What was my jersey number in college?”

“Number six.”

“The transition was so fucking easy,” Remus laughed. “Coach literally came up to me a month before practices started and went ‘hey, what was your old number?’ and I told him, and he looked down at his clipboard and went, ‘cool.’. I got my jersey two weeks later.”

“Is this your last question?”

“It is, indeed. What’s my full birth name?”

“Remus Jehosephat Lupin.”

“That is incorrect.”

“Close enough. It’s Remus John Lupin, which I find endlessly funny.”

“Why is it funny?” Marlene asked off-screen. Remus hid his face behind his notecards as Sirius laughed.

“Because it’s such a basic middle name! I love Hope and Lyall with my entire heart and they’re wonderful people, but they named their sons Remus and Julian and then I think they got stuck. Like, you’ve got these two very uncommon first names and they sort of went ‘fuck it. John and Michael. We’re done.’ It’s just so funny.”

“Whereas your parents went the extra mile and gave you and Reg goddamn supervillain names,” Remus snorted. “The drama of it all, my god.”

“Alright, alright, my turn.” Sirius leaned his elbows on his knees. “What is my favorite color?”

“Blue.”

“How do I like my coffee?”

Remus hissed between his teeth. “Ah, shit, you always make the coffee. With a lot of sugar, right? It’s black with sugar?”

“It can’t be black if it has sugar in it,” Sirius laughed. “But yes, I do put sugar in my coffee. What are three things I never leave the house without?”

“Keys, wallet, phone.”

“My favorite TV show?”

“Why are you going through these so fast? Uh, Avatar.”

“Did I ever have a job that wasn’t playing hockey?”

“Nope.” Remus frowned. “Were you allowed to get a job as a kid?”

“I was not. What’s my favorite ice cream flavor?”

“Cookies and cream.”

Sirius made a buzzer noise. “Incorrect.”

“Is it chocolate?”

“Yep. You get half a point for that. What’s the first meal I ever cooked for you?”

Remus gave him a look. “You don’t remember what you cooked for me, do you?”

“Refresh my memory?”

“No way!” He punched him lightly on the arm. “I’m not falling for my own tricks. Next question.”

“It’s kind of a repeat from earlier. How do you know when I’m mad at you?”

Remus fiddled with the edges of his cards. “You act all weird and Captain-y, and then you get quiet. Just cranky vibes all around.”

“Cranky vibes,” Sirius laughed. “Good to know. What are my favorite movie-watching snacks?”

“Popcorn and…Sweet Tarts?”

“Yes!” Sirius gave him a high-five. “Do you know what I like on my popcorn?”

“Butter and enough salt to kill a Victorian child.”

“Bonus point! What is—oh, shit!” He nearly fumbled the cards onto the floor. “What is my favorite movie of all time?”

“Indiana Jones.”

“Which one?”

“The one with Marian, because she reminds you of me.” Remus looked over at the camera. “I really don’t like snakes.”

“What is the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning?”

“Oh, I think this requires a demonstration. C’mere.”

“Does it really?” Sirius sighed as he laid down next to him.

“For sure.” Remus cuddled into his side and laid his head on his shoulder. “Alright, the key to a true Sirius Black wake-up is getting all four limbs wrapped around the other person like you’re trying to suffocate them with affection.”

“Okay—”

“And then,” Remus continued with a grin. “I go, ‘honey, wake up’—”

“You absolutely do not.”

“In my head, that’s what I say. It’s very sweet. To answer the question, the first thing Sirius does is this.” He buried his face in Sirius’ chest and groaned loudly, then dissolved into snickering as Sirius’ chest began to shake with suppressed laughter. “Stop it, you’re ruining the demonstration!”

“You forgot the part where I have to peel you off me with pliers and grease,” Sirius teased as they stood up, dusting themselves off. The camera crew applauded and they both bowed. “Alright, where were we? What am I most scared of?”

“Losing your friends and family,” Remus said. “Also, spiders and most bugs.”

“You forgot one.”

“Which one? The dish soap bubbles?”

“Losing you.”

A vibrant blush tinted Remus’ cheeks and ears, and he floundered for words. “Oh.”

“You still get the points, though,” Sirius said mildly. “What city do I like playing in the most?”

Remus paused for a moment longer, then shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Uh, Gryffindor. You like the crowd.”

“I do.” Sirius smiled at the camera. “To all the fans out there: you are incredible and there is nothing like skating out with everybody roaring so loud the windows shake. Who is my biggest hockey influence?”

“Now, or when you were younger?”

“Now.”

“It’s Dumo, right?”

Sirius nodded. “On and off the ice. What’s my proudest career moment?”

“Hmm, I wonder,” Remus said sarcastically. “Could it possibly be winning the Stanley Cup?”

“Just maybe,” Sirius laughed. “What’s my most famous celly, and which one’s my favorite?”

Remus grinned. “Lightning McQueen.”

“I hate it when you call it that.” Despite his words, Sirius was smiling. “It’s supposed to be cool!”

“Can you elaborate?” Marlene asked.

“I mean, most people who have seen him play know what I’m talking about,” Remus said, gesturing to the camera. “But Sirius’ famous celly is a double fist pump, and I call it the Lightning McQueen because it’s like ka-chow! It’s also his favorite one, though he dances when we’re skating alone or with a couple of the guys.”

“Shhh, they aren’t supposed to know that!” Sirius covered Remus’ mouth with his notecard. “This is the very last one. What is my biggest pet peeve?”

“When I leave my socks laying around the house.”

“Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner! That drives me fucking bonkers. Marley, who won?”

“It wasn’t a competition,” she said off-screen. “Just a Q & A.”

“Who got the most right?” Remus asked.

“You two are hopeless,” she muttered. There were a few beats of silence. “Remus won, with sixteen and a half out of seventeen. Sirius, you had fifteen and a half.”

“No.” Sirius groaned and dropped his head into his hands as Remus whooped.

“Hell yes!”

“My bonus points let you win.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe this.”

Remus faced the camera with a victorious smile. “Thanks for joining us to witness my landslide victory—”

“It was one point.”

“And make sure to like and subscribe for more Lion Pride content! See you around, Lions.” They both mock-saluted, and the video ended.