#i think there already are some terriers

[roosterforme]

You're on the Naughty List, Rooster | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Bradley knows no limits when spoiling his family, especially for his daughter's first Christmas. When he's down to the wire getting everything ready, he lands himself on the naughty list. He'll do whatever it takes to fix things, including calling on one of Santa's helpers for backup.

Warnings: Fluff, adult language, smut, oral sex

Length: 3000 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

This is a The Younger Kind one-shot, but it can be read alone! Check out my masterlist for more!

"What is this?" you asked, holding up a receipt that trailed from your outstretched hand all the way to the floor. "Because I know you didn't spend eight hundred dollars on toys on your way home from work today."

"Uh," Bradley replied, brow puckered. He looked up from his spot on the living room floor next to the Christmas tree where he was putting batteries into a remote control dinosaur. "It's, uh.... well, yeah, I did stop for a few more toys on the way home, but I only spent like seven hundred and sixty bucks..."

"Daddy!" you gasped. "Noah and Noelle already have way too much stuff! And we agreed to put money aside to go to Disney World next summer!"

Bradley rolled his eyes and waved his hand casually in the air. "Don't worry about that. This is Noelle's first Christmas, and I really wanted to spoil her."

You shook your head, balled up the receipt, and threw it at his head. But you were smiling. "Where are these toys?"

"In the Bronco," he muttered. "I was going to sneak them under the tree after you went to bed and hope you didn't notice that I got a few more things."

You deadpanned. "You don't know how to wrap gifts. They would have stuck out like a sore thumb," you muttered, sliding your feet into your slippers and pulling on Bradley's discarded sweatshirt. 

Without another word, you slipped out into the crisp, cool night to retrieve everything. To your dismay, it took you several trips back to the living room before you got all of it.

"You are in so much trouble," you warned, pulling his sweatshirt off and crawling across the floor toward your husband. "You're on the naughty list."

"I'm not," he whispered. "I've been really good all year."

You pointed to the Elf on the Shelf which was perched on the windowsill next to the front door. "That's not what Skittles Junior told Santa. I saw the note he sent to the North Pole. Everyone was on the nice list except for you."

"Including Skittles Senior?" he asked, pulling you close until you were sitting halfway on his lap. The Yorkshire Terrier looked up from her napping spot under the Christmas tree, annoyed that they kept saying her name without offering a treat.

"Especially Skittles Senior," you confirmed.

Bradley wrapped his hands around your waist and whispered, "What if I bought my way onto the nice list?"

"How?" you asked, chin jutting into the air, playfully haughty.

Bradley leaned in, pressing his lips to the side of your neck. You had the softest skin, and he let himself indulge in some kisses before saying, "Maybe I already booked the trip to Disney World."

You gasped softly. "Well, this is an interesting turn of events. Did you pick a nice hotel?"

"For my family? The nicest."

"And we get to go for a week?"

"A full seven days, Princess," he rasped, brown eyes reflecting the lights on the tree as you tipped his head back to examine his face.

"Let me check with the Elf," you whispered with a wink. You turned toward the window and asked, "Hey, Skittles Junior? You think we can let the old man slide this year? He wasn't too bad."

But Bradley was already easing you onto your back, right next to the snag in the area rug, while you laughed. "I know for a fact you're on the nice list. You're so nice, in fact, I'll let you have one of your presents early," he murmured. You bit your lip as he started to tug your pajama pants over your hips. "This is something I definitely wouldn't be able to figure out how to wrap." He kissed below your belly button, tossing your pants on top of his hoodie. "But I know it's something you like."

The tip of his nose tickled the waistband of your underwear before he started to pull them down as well. Then he kissed his way along your thigh, mustache prickling you as you shivered, pussy completely bare for him. "Daddy," you moaned softly, fingers grabbing at the rug while he held tight to your thigh and dragged his index finger along your slit.

His face was handsome in the glow from the multi-colored lights, gaze fixed on where he was stroking you. "You're so fucking pretty like this," he grunted, collecting your slick and circling your clit until you whimpered. His lips found the inside of your knee before he set your legs gently on his shoulders. You watched as he licked his finger clean, eyes closed in pleasure. "You taste like a Princess."

"I am a Princess," you replied, eyes flicking to the collection of paper crowns which your son added to the Christmas tree. Then your eyes slid closed as Bradley's tongue traced you from hole to hole before his lips sealed around your clit with just the perfect pressure. 

"Oh, god," you whined as your fingers sunk into his thick hair. His broad shoulders kept you planted against the floor, pussy already fluttering with need as you tried to roll your hips for more.

"Just wait," he whispered, mustache dragging through your wetness. "Don't rush it."

"But it feels good," you whined loudly, tugging him by his hair. "More." 

That's when he lifted you slightly off the rug, his big hand landing on your butt, spanking you one time. You sucked in a deep breath, enjoying the sting as he kissed the inside of your thigh. "I said don't rush it. Want you to make a mess."

"Oh." He was going to make you squirt. That was the gift he was giving you. Even now, you weren't sure how he managed to make it happen every time he put his mind to it, but you weren't mad about it. You tried your best to keep your hips still as he worked you up while his hands made their way to your waist. 

He drew little circles against your skin where you were most self conscious after being pregnant with Noelle, but he never seemed to mind your stretch marks. He just kept at it, licking you up and down your slit with a steady pattern until you were starting to get loud. Then Bradley shoved two fingers inside and circled your clit with his thumb.

"Don't wake up the kids," he scolded playfully, guiding his body over yours while his hand worked at your pussy. The sounds were wet and indecent as he finger fucked you while you licked yourself from his lips and mustache. "God, you're so fucking sweet," he crooned, making you whine for him as he pulled away again.

As soon as his face was back between your legs, his lips took over for his thumb, and you knew you were close. His fingers felt thick and unrelenting, giving you the most delicious friction as he sucked on your clit. When his tongue swiped you, your back arched up from the rug, and your legs started to shake. When his fingers slowed, your vision blurred, creating a colorful mosaic from the Christmas lights as you clenched around him, your body trying to keep his fingers inside.

"Jesus," you gasped, riding his fingers, looking down at his face, lips still all over your pussy. "Daddy!"

You gushed on his face, and he moaned in pleasure, lapping up everything from your ass to your clit as you gasped and giggled, fingers pressed to your lips as you shakily rode out your orgasm.

"Merry Christmas, Princess," he crooned, teasing you with his fingers before removing them. He kissed your chin and your parted lips before letting you suck on his fingers while he sprawled out next to you. Your tongue cleaned him up, enjoying the taste of yourself on his rough hands before you rolled onto your side.

"You want me to wrap all of the extra toys you bought, don't you, Bradley?" you asked, voice shaky as he nodded.

"Yeah. I mean, I thought that was a given."

You laughed, but a few minutes later, you were once again dressed, wrapping presents until well after midnight. Bradley handed you the tape and scissors when you asked for them, and he made both of you mugs of hot cocoa when you needed a break. He told you his plans for the summer vacation to Florida, and you lined up the mound of toys for Noah and Noelle under the tree until you couldn't stop yawning.

"I don't know if I'm more tired from my orgasm or wrapping. Or both?" you asked, kissing him before standing. "But I'm going to bed."

"I'll be in after I put the mugs in the sink, Princess. I love you."

You stood and arched your back in the most alluring way before running your fingers through his hair and kissing his forehead. "Don't forget to move Skittles Junior to the tree for Christmas morning."

"Right. I'll take care of it," he grunted as you walked away, Skittles Senior trailing behind on her way to her puppy bed. 

After straightening up the kitchen, Bradley took the time to clean up a few wrapping paper scraps and adjust some of the ornaments. The tree looked beautiful covered in homemade art projects you and Noah crafted together. The whole house had taken on a new life since he met you, and if you wanted to go to Disney World in the summer, he was going to make it the best trip ever.

"Get over here," he told the Elf on the Shelf, picking him up and searching for a good spot on the tree to hide him. "And I better be on the nice list tomorrow, Skittles Junior. There are a lot of things I want from my wife next year, if you catch my drift, buddy."

But Bradley took a wrong step trying to avoid the huge pile of presents that he bought. His eyes went wide as he reached for the tree, somehow managing to keep it and himself upright while the presents scattered noisily across the floor. He stood there silently, trying to regroup, but then he heard footsteps in the hallway.

"Daddy, did Santa come?"

Bradley turned in time to see Noah peek into the room, his brown eyes wide as he took in the scene before him. Then he burst into tears.

"What's wrong, Bub?" Bradley asked, scrambling around the presents to get to his son.

"You touched the Elf!" he wailed, tears streaking down his cheeks. "Now Skittles Junior won't be magic anymore!"

Bradley tamped down the string of obscenities on the tip of his tongue and winced, throwing the Elf at the tree. "He's okay. See? He's in the tree now. He's just fine."

"No!" his son cried, dropping to the floor where Bradley joined him, trying to keep him quiet so he didn't wake you or Noelle. "He's not magic anymore!"

Fuck. Bradley had been setting up elaborate scenes involving the elf leaving flour footprints in the kitchen and dangling from dental floss in the bathroom for the entire month of December. He knew he wasn't allowed to get caught touching the damn thing.

"I'm pretty sure there's a way to fix his magic," he said, collecting the sobbing child against his chest.

Noah gasped for air as he said, "Someone at school told me the only way to get an elf to be magic again is if Santa sends a helper to sprinkle new magic on him. That's the only way."

Bradley tried to think of a solution to appease Noah, but he was beyond exhausted. "How about I take you back to bed, okay? Santa was clearly already here, but Mommy and Noelle are still asleep. We can open presents in a few hours-"

"No!" Noah protested, looking up at him. "I want to stay here with Skittles Junior until Santa sends a helper to give him back his magic!"

Bradley gritted his teeth. It was four in the morning. He wanted to be curled up next to your warm body in bed. He didn't know how the fuck to fix the elf as it dangled helplessly from the tree. But it was Christmas, and the last thing he wanted to do was disappoint his son.

"Right," Bradley agreed, scooping Noah up and settling onto the couch with him as a plan started to take shape. "How about you and I wait right here? I'm sure it won't take long."

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

When you woke up, the bed was cold. You could hear Noelle starting to fuss in her crib, so you went to her room before investigating where your husband could possibly be.

"Hey, Noelle," you whispered as she giggled and reached for you when you walked to her crib. Thankfully she was finally sleeping through the night now after getting a rough start. You kissed her forehead and changed her into a fresh diaper. "Merry Christmas," you told her, tickling her tummy, making her coo. "Let's find Noah and Daddy and make breakfast."

When you walked into the living room, you froze. The wrapped presents were all over the floor, Skittles Junior was dangling from the Christmas tree, and Bradley looked miserably tired with Noah pouting on his lap.

"What's going on?" you asked, and they both turned to look at you and Noelle.

"Daddy touched Skittles Junior, and now he's not magic anymore."

Noah's lips quivered as Bradley rolled his eyes behind him. "It was an accident," Bradley replied through gritted teeth. "And Santa's helper should be here shortly to remedy things."

You looked at him like he had two heads. "What are you talking about? Santa's helper?"

"It's the only way!" Noah insisted, his little fists clenched on his lap. "It's the only way to get his magic back!"

You looked from one pair of brown eyes to the other. "I'm still confused," you whispered, but then there was a knock on the front door. "Who could that possibly be at this hour?"

Noah launched off Bradley's lap. "It has to be Santa's helper!" he exclaimed, racing for the door and opening it. You nearly choked when you saw Natasha standing there, dressed as a life-sized Elf on the Shelf with heavily rouged cheeks and her hair hidden under the pointy hat. She was also wearing oversized glasses which she pushed up her nose as Bradley stood.

"Hi! My name is Pip! I'm an elf!" she squeaked.

"Did Santa send you?" Noah asked hopefully, opening the door wider for her.

"He sure did!" she told him with a smile while you took in the events before you with Noelle in your arms. This had to be the most insane thing you'd ever witnessed as your husband's best friend walked into the living room with a canister of gold glitter in her hand.

"Did he tell you my elf lost his magic?" Noah asked, pointing at the tree.

"Oh, yes," Natasha squeaked. "He said your dad was very, very naughty." She glared at Bradley who just shook his head. "He's going directly onto the naughty list for the next decade or so. Everyone knows you aren't allowed to touch the Elf on the Shelf. Only a complete moron would-"

"Okay, Pip," Bradley barked. "Can you fix the elf or not?"

She adjusted the glasses and opened the glitter. "Of course I can. Just a little sprinkle," she said, dousing the elf and half the tree in gold dust, "and he'll be good as new."

"Yay!" Noah shouted, jumping around the room. "He's magic again! He's magic again!"

You gaped at Bradley and whispered, "Do I even want to know?"

"Absolutely not," he replied, taking Noelle and giving her a kiss while Noah plopped down to open aone of his presents like all was right in the world.

When Natasha turned to quietly sneak back out the front door, you followed her to the porch, closing the door behind you.

"What in the world is happening here? I thought you and Javy were coming over later for dinner?"

She waved her hand in the air in clear annoyance. "I don't know exactly what your husband did to fuck up enough that I got texts in the middle of the night and had to drive an hour each way to the only Walmart that opened at seven in the morning on Christmas to buy this outfit, but he owes me dearly. I'll be back at a normal hour, and you can tell him he better be ready to start kissing my ass."

The elf stormed across the yard to her SUV, tossed her hat in, and drove off. You scratched your head, still confused as you went back inside. Skittles Junior was practically dripping with gold glitter as you passed the tree to find your husband and both of your children were wearing their paper crowns.

"Mommy, put it on," Noah said, handing you the purple one as you took a seat on the area rug with them.

Bradley leaned in and kissed your cheek while Noelle reached for one of the wrapped gifts. "I'll explain everything later," he whispered. "The important thing is the elf is magical again, and everyone is happy."

You shook your head and pursed your lips. "Everyone except you. Ten years on the naughty list? You better hope Pip changes her mind before she gets back to the North Pole."

Bradley groaned and sprawled out on the floor while the kids opened their presents, but there was a smile on his face the whole time.

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

It feels good to check in with them! I'm so obsessed with elf Natasha, if you couldn't tell. Thanks for reading! Happy holidays! Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

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[vinelark]

With the exciting news of Kon being in MAWS season 3 (!!!!!), do you have an specific recs for him when it comes to comics? (I know Young Justice is good for him, but not much outside of that)

hello! exciting news indeed!!! and hell yeah, here are some kon-centric comics outside of yj that i’ve enjoyed reading:

Reign of the Supermen arc (1993)

this arc has kon’s intro, well before he even had the name kon, and it’s worth a read if you haven’t already because of the way he shows up and is peak annoying immediately (said with love). especially Adventures of Superman #501! (the storyline spans a number of titles, reading order here)

(and for a related rec, the reign of the superman (2019) animated movie blends aspects of the original comic arc with the “kon is made with lex luthor’s dna” reveal/retcon; it’s a fun watch! left me with Much To Think About pang-wise, too.)

Superboy (1994)

the most concentrated amount of og jacket and glasses superboy you’ll find in one series; there’s a lot going on here, most of it so very 90s (both in the plot/world and on a more meta level) and also so many adorable kons. special shoutout to my favorite side character, krypto in his “tiny white terrier with a giant attitude” form. (and for a more specific rec i’ll point to issues #60 - 61, in which kon is hopping through multiple realities and we see, among others, robin!kon and “supergrrrl” kon.)

Batgirl (200) #41

this is the issue where cass goes “hmm, i should try to do A Romance” and shows up outside kon’s window to see what all the fuss is about, and they proceed to have the most lavender date of all lavender dates. i adore kon’s inability to shut up here, and also for obvious reasons need to give it a special shoutout for kon taking a “bat-babe” on a date in the clouds.

Adventure Comics (Vol 2) #1 - 6 (2009)

this arc serves to re-settle kon into the world (and smallville) after the whole [waves hand] dying and coming back to life thing. (technically it’s 12 issues, but you’re asking for specific recs so my specific recs are the first six!) this is about kon starting life in smallville and having a prolonged identity crisis re: the superman + lex luthor of it all. cassie, bart, and tim all show up as significant guest stars (one of my fav tim & kon issues of all time is in here) but it’s very kon-centric! i also really enjoy the art, especially when it does wide/landscape shots.

Superboy (2010)

this is a pretty direct continuation from the adventure comics arc, once again feat. kon’s 21st century black t-shirt (sigh) and also kon wearing the tiniest, goofiest pair of Disguise Glasses. that said, it’s a fun, classic “teen superhero juggles school and crushes and a statistically high number of supervillains for a small town (seriously, what the hell was poison ivy even doing in kansas?)” series. also if there were any justice in the world simon valentine would’ve been one of those crushes, but alas.

Convergence: Superboy (2015) #1 - 2

i’ll be honest, i’m not super familiar with the overarching convergence storyline, but i really enjoyed this two-shot featuring a kon who has been stuck in metropolis without his powers, only to suddenly gain them back and immediately start brawling with alternate versions of heroes he knows. i also like the art in this one, and the character designs overall—leather jacket kon my beloved!

Action Comics (2016) #1020 - 1028 (“House of Kent” arc)

this sequence brings kon back into the kent family fold after the timeline fuckery (and i think follows from the young justice (2019) gemworld arc where they re-find kon?)—so basically it’s kon’s re-introduction to clark, and to lois and jon (who’s visiting from his own future adventure) and kara and martha and jonathan. despite spelling conner’s name two different ways in the span of a few issues, it’s a neat speedrun of different kon+superfam interactions, and also a fun time for anyone who’s a fan of kon being solidly part of the kent family. also: jacket kon is back 🙏

this is not at all an exhaustive list, just some of my favs--happy reading!

[portraitofalinkonfyre]

If each link was a dog breed, which ones would they be? (besides golden retriever)

Oooo yess I've seen this question before!

Time: Golden Retriever-- nope, Great Pyrenees! I almost put Bernese Mountain Dog, but honestly? I think that fits another member of our beloved chain a bit better. Anyways, the Great Pyrenees is a breed of livestock guardian dog originating from France, which fits Time's farm background well, and they're known for being very loyal and patient companions, though they can deal a lot of damage if provoked. If anyone decides to draw the LU boys as dogs, I would pay money to see Time as one of these cuties <33

Twilight: Bernese Mountain Dog. I just had to. There's a lot of reasons that I believe this dog is the best fir for our rancher, but the biggest ones are that these creatures were specifically bred in Switzerland as farm dogs (omg it's literally Twi), they're known for being very intelligent and eager to please, and they're one of the best dogs you can keep if you have children (not that you can't have other dogs around kids, but these specific dogs take it to a whole new level). I also love love love the floppy ears <333

Wild: Jack Russell Terrier. Kind of a no-brainer because, like Wild, their adventurous spirit knows 'no bounds' and they've been described as "clownish, lively, and intelligent" by several sources. Also chose this one because they're originally a British breed of dog and Zelda in BOTW has a British accent, so...

Hyrule: This sounds a bit mean, but I can't see him as anything but a Mutt. He's already a bit of a street rat, and no one really knows where he came from, so it makes sense that the type of dog he is (hypothetically) would have similar characteristics of this. Despite this, I definitely think he'd be extremely loyal, if not a bit wary, of new people, but once you're in, you're in.

Legend: Shiba Inu. These dogs are typically classified as being intelligent, loyal, and somewhat standoffish (though they do tend to form very strong bonds with their owners), plus they're just so damn cute! Someone please meme him as this 🥺

Sky: If any of the boys were golden retrievers, it would be Sky, but for the sake of the ask, I think the Saluki suits him best. The American Kennel Club describes them as "thought to be a gift from God" which fits great with Sky's background as the "First" hero + his connection to Hylia and the Master Sword. The only drawback is that Saluki's are known for their endurance, while Sky is not, but he is a sprinter, which these dogs also excel at (some breeders say they can run up to 50 miles per hour for short sprints!!!!!!!)

Warriors: Dalmation. This one was a tough-ie because I was trying to find a breed that has connections with the military (b/c Wars is in the army) AND looks absolutely fabulous while ripping your throat out, which is irrevocably the Dalmatian. Described as "reserved and dignified" by the American Kennel Club, these dogs have been used for hundreds of years to accompany and guard carriages of the wealthy, as well as firefighters, in more recent times.

Wind: Schipperke. My instinct told me to go for a Whippet Hound or something similar (have you seen these dogs?? Absolute cuties), BUT then I discovered the Schipperke, a type of dog specifically bred to accompany sailors on their journeys. They're described as very active, energetic, and overall 'busy' dogs, which fits with our Sailor. Breed colors also include a whiteish-creme color that looks SO adorable.

Four: Papillion. There's a fair amount of smaller dogs out there, but I saw the Papillion and immediately thought of the Minish, so here we are! One commenter on Reddit describes them as: "smart enough that they'll sometimes look at you, consider the command you gave, and decide "nah"", so obviously I had to choose this breed for our smithy.

(Actual answer is that Four is a munchkin cat in disguise LOL)

[syndrossi]

It started funny, then went a bit contemplative, as I often do...

x~x~x

The second time Aegon spilled his wine cup, this time in his haste to pass Aemma the butter she had asked for, she shot Rhaella a look from across the table. Aemond hadn’t spilled yet, but he seemed to have made supper a competition with his brother yet again, offering her sister portions of every nearby dish—including those that were well within her reach.

Rhaella’s patience was impressive. Aemma didn’t think she could have repeated variations on “no, thank you” more than twice without her irritation beginning to show.

“I trust the ride back from Runestone was pleasant?” Aegon asked.

The wine had been sopped up by the servant who had swooped in before it could spill over the edge of the table, and he seemed to have recovered his dignity—not that he had much to begin with.

“Runestone was pleasant,” Aemma said, already missing it. Being welcomed by the chaos and stink of King’s Landing had made her want to turn Shadow around and fly right back, but her father still had a love of it and she did not want to deny him his home.

“I could fly there,” Aegon said eagerly. “You and Rhaella must meet Sunfyre.”

The last part was spoken particularly loudly, and Aemond’s head turned in his brother’s direction, mouth drawing into a scowl. With Aegon having claimed his dragon while they were in Runestone, and Helaena two years before, Aemond and Daeron were the two siblings left without.

Aemma made the appropriate noises of interest, gazing morosely down at her plate. It would be a long supper, she knew, and with Rhaella entertaining Aemond and their father embroiled in conversation with the king—though he glanced at them occasionally—her fate was most assuredly sealed.

x~x~x

There was no escaping their cousins, Aemma soon found to her dismay. Gone were the pleasant, quiet suppers with their father in their apartments within the holdfast. When they were not supping with Princess Rhaenyra and her sons, they were forced to attend the king’s table. Only when they arrived early could she and Rhaella seat themselves as best they could to avoid being trapped. Often that meant suffering the queen’s presence, but at least they had Helaena to talk with.

At the yard, their archery was constantly interrupted—and not merely by their cousins. Squires crowded the range, seeking to distract or on occasion embarrass themselves trying to match their skill. On those days, their cousins were like jealous terriers, yapping at the other boys.

“How could they possibly know that we’ve flowered?” Aemma complained afterward, in the refuge that their apartments had become.

“It is more that we have breasts now,” Rhaella said, glancing down at the small swell of her bosom. “And we are not yet formally betrothed, yet we are nearing the age where such arrangements are made.”

Aemma had done her best thus far to avoid thinking about the messy business of matches. In her life before, it had only just become relevant once the Others had been defeated, when Dany had begun hinting that as her heir, Jon would be expected to make an appropriate match, but there had still been battles to win.

Now, she had Runestone, and the boys tripping over one another for her favor were second and third sons with ambitions of ruling Runestone themselves. In some ways, their mother had been extraordinarily lucky that their father could not stand Runestone. She had been left alone to rule in peace.

It was not that Aemma didn’t want a family someday. But there were a great many problems to solve first, and having to nurse the ego of a slighted husband while doing so did not appeal.

“Who would you want to marry, if you had your pick?”

Her sister’s eyes held that calm intensity that often served as a balm when Aemma was working herself into a frenzy. She halted her pacing and tried to give the question the consideration it deserved.

“Certainly not our cousins,” she said.

Aegon was unbearably self-centered and even worse, lazy. Back when she had been his age and boy, she had made the mistake of drinking too much sweet wine, but it was a daily occurrence with Aegon. He is constantly indulged by his flock of admirers, and he has embraced such indulgences.

Aemond was no better a prospect, prone to jealousy and rage, though at least he applied himself. Aemma was the match that Otto Hightower desired for him—she knew that much from overhearing their father’s furious argument with the king a few years ago. To his credit, Aemond seemed to admire their martial pursuits, rather than view them as a flaw, but that was as much as she was willing to concede.

Rhaenyra’s sons were less abhorrent, but they still seemed so young. She knew that three or four years was not a huge gap, especially not when they were older, but ten-year-old Jace was very much a child still. And she knew that Rhaenyra dearly wanted Rhaella for him.

“I do not know,” Aemma said, flopping back onto their bed, muddy boots and all. “Perhaps I can follow our mother’s example and not wed until I am an old maid.”

At least at twenty-two her rule would be well-established and she would have those years to focus on the looming succession crisis—and the distant threat in Volantis.

“What of you?” she asked, craning her neck to look at Rhaella.

Her sister frowned, the expression absurdly beautiful. Rather than make her look sullen, it lent her an air of melancholy. Aemma did not know why the suitors were so evenly split between them when they had Rhaella to sigh over.

“Jace would be a kind husband,” her sister said.

“But?” Aemma prompted, bringing in her knees so that she could unlace her boots.

Rhaella shook her head, her stare at the bed far-away. “When you are queen—your life is not your own. Your body is not your own.”

Aemma’s namesake had been butchered for the potential heir in her belly. And Rhaella’s had been beaten and locked away, forced to carry half a dozen children who would never see their first year, only to die birthing her final child at Dragonstone.

Rhaella’s shrug was almost despondent. “I would like to marry someone like Daemon, I suppose.”

Aemma understood what she meant—someone who would love her. Who would go to war for her. As Rhaegar warred for Lyanna? Aemma blinked the thought away, the reverse parallels too dizzying to entertain for more than a second.

“You do not have to marry,” Aemma said. “You can stay with me at Runestone.”

Rhaella leaned in to kiss her on the temple, pulling back with a wry smile. “I believe that is Aemond’s fantasy. Except that we are both his wives.”

They both pulled a face, and Aemma swung back into a sitting position. “I simply wish to be able to use the training yard without being besieged by admirers.”

Rhaella’s smile turned devious. “There is a way.”

Aemma raised a brow.

“We invite our father to train with us.”

“I don’t wish them dead,” Aemma protested, but she had to admit that the notion had its appeals.

“A mere maiming should serve as ample deterrence,” Rhaella said serenely.

[inkspiredwriting]

A New Addition

Five Hargreeves x reader

A/N: I'm sorry but Mr. Pennycrumb deserve better, So here it is :)

Warnings: None

It all started one sunny Saturday morning when Five and his girlfriend, Y/N, decided to take a stroll through the park.

As they walked hand in hand, Y/N pointed to a group of puppies playing in a pen set up by a local animal shelter. “Oh, Five, look at them! Aren’t they adorable?”

Five glanced over, raising an eyebrow. “Adorable? Sure. But we don’t have time for a dog.”

Y/N gave him a playful nudge. “Come on, Mr. Time-Travel Warrior. We could use some normalcy in our lives. Let’s just go look.”

Reluctantly, Five followed her to the pen. A dozen puppies tumbled around, chasing each other and wagging their tails. Among them was a small, scruffy terrier with a slightly crooked ear and the most soulful eyes Five had ever seen. The pup trotted over to them, wagging his tail furiously.

Y/N knelt down, scratching the dog behind his ears. “Hey there, little guy. Aren’t you the cutest?”

Five crossed his arms, trying to remain indifferent, but the dog’s big, brown eyes were hard to resist. “He’s alright, I suppose.”

Y/N laughed. “Five, I think he likes you.”

The terrier looked up at Five, tail wagging even faster. Five sighed, kneeling down to pet the dog. “Alright, alright. What’s his name?”

One of the shelter volunteers overheard and approached them with a smile. “His name is Mr. Scruffy, but you can rename him if you decide to adopt.”

Y/N looked at Five, her eyes sparkling with hope. “What do you think?”

Five sighed, already knowing he couldn’t say no to Y/N—or the dog. “Alright, we’ll adopt him. But we’re changing his name. How about... Mr. Pennycrumb?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, then burst into laughter. “Mr. Pennycrumb? That’s perfect.”

The adoption process was quick, and soon they were walking home with Mr. Pennycrumb trotting happily beside them. Five couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Y/N’s joy and the dog’s exuberance.

Once home, Mr. Pennycrumb quickly made himself comfortable, exploring every nook and cranny of their apartment. Five watched with amusement as the dog sniffed around, eventually curling up on the couch.

As the weeks went by, Mr. Pennycrumb became a beloved member of their little family. He was a source of endless entertainment, his antics bringing laughter and light into their lives. Five, who had always been serious and focused, found himself unwinding in ways he hadn’t thought possible.

One evening, as they sat on the couch with Mr. Pennycrumb nestled between them, Y/N looked over at Five with a contented smile. “I’m glad we adopted him. He’s brought so much joy into our lives.”

Five nodded, scratching the dog behind his ears. “Yeah, he has. I didn’t realize how much we needed him.”

Mr. Pennycrumb let out a contented sigh, his eyes half-closed in bliss. Five leaned over, kissing Y/N softly. “Thank you for convincing me to adopt him.”

Y/N smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for agreeing. You know, you’ve got a soft spot after all.”

Five chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “Only for you and Mr. Pennycrumb.”

As they sat together, the room filled with warmth and love, Five realized that adopting the dog was one of the best decisions they’d ever made. Mr. Pennycrumb had brought them closer, giving them a sense of normalcy and happiness amidst the chaos of their lives. And for the first time in a long while, Five felt truly at peace.

Their new addition had done more than just become a pet; he had become a symbol of their love and the life they were building together.

[salamandergoo]

STWG Prompt: Crack Fic

“Eddie, I need you to stay calm.”

Those were always the words Eddie wanted to hear when he was waking up out of a haze, sprawled across his bed with the blankets tangled around his limbs.  He smacked his lips a few times and grimaced at the taste in his mouth before sitting up and rubbing his eyes.  “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”  He untwisted his shirt and got out of bed, kicking dirty clothes on the floor aside as he yanked the door open.  “Why are you telling me to be calm?”  He yawned into his fist and froze in the middle of the hall.  “Wayne…?”

A hairless… thing was sat on the floor, pressed in close to his uncle’s leg.  It chirped and whined, sounding like a cat being mangled by a bird.  “I found him by my truck at the end of my shift.  Poor thing’s got a messed up leg, it was limping around looking all pathetic.”

“So you’re telling me, I can’t get a pet, but you get to drag this… this THING into our trailer?”

“I never said you couldn’t get a pet, I said you couldn’t keep a pregnant opossum, Ed.  This is different, he’s a hurt dog.  And we ain’t keeping him, he’s just going to stay a couple days until he’s walking better.”

“That’s not a dog!  Dogs don’t look like that!”  Eddie crept forward and squinted at the thing.  “It doesn’t have a face.  Or fur.”

“It was probably hit by a car.  One of them hairless terriers.”  Wayne shrugged off his jacket and took off his hat.  “Get it a little something to eat, will you?  I’m going to take a shower.”  He stepped away and the creature rumbled, standing up and hobbling after Wayne, head bumping against his ankle.  “I ain’t going far Benny.”  He bent and patted it on the side.

Eddie softened.  “Oh.  You… you’re calling it Benny?”

“Got a better name?”  Wayne didn’t quite meet Eddie’s eyes this time as he kept stroking the thing.  It leaned into the touches, its backside wiggled and, hey, it had a nub of a tail.  “It’s been almost a year.  Thought we ought to honor him somehow.”

“I don’t know what about a weird, naked dog reminds you of Benny, but… okay.  I’ll get it something to eat.”  Eddie made his way to the fridge, giving the thing- the dog- …Benny a wide berth.  He didn’t like the sounds it made, but Wayne was clearly taken with it.  “You keep a naked dog but not an opossum,” he grumbled.

He fixed a plate with some leftover chicken, scraping off as much of the seasoning as he could.  He could hear the shower running as he sat on the couch and set the plate on the floor.  “Come eat.  Dog.”  Eddie squinted at Benny while he sat by the bathroom door.  It was like he was staring at the door, but Eddie could’ve sworn the thing didn’t have eyes.  “Benny, come.”

It looked at him with its empty face before crossing the trailer.  It didn’t walk quite like a normal dog either, and not just because it the damaged leg..  It was like when Eddie would scramble up stairs and put his hands on the stairs like he was an animal so he could go faster.  It looked like it would just stand up on its back legs at some point.  It sniffed at the chicken and then opened its face.  Eddie clapped a hand over his mouth and watched in disturbed horror as it ate.

He didn’t dare move a muscle until Wayne was coming out of the bathroom with damp hair, changed into his lounge pants.  “Wayne.”  His voice was hushed and high pitched.  “Wayne, there’s something wrong with Benny.”

“Yeah, I know.  He was probably hit by a car.”

“His face OPENED!”

“My nana had a dog that was missing half his bottom jaw.  Looked ugly as sin but loved nothing more than a good lap to lay on.”  Wayne filled a mug with water and took a long drink.  “Benny must’ve healed wrong, doesn't make him less of a dog.”

“I don’t think he’s a dog at all!”  Eddie yelped when Benny turned his head to look up at him.  “I think you’ve brought a demon into our home.”

“Only demon in this house is you.”  Wayne dropped a hand on top of Eddie’s head and ruffled his already messy hair.  “We ain’t keeping him long.  I’m sure there’s someone nearby who can take better care of him than me.”  He set up his bed and grabbed his blanket.  “I’m gonna get some shut eye, so try and keep it down, alright?”

“…yup.”  Eddie watched as Wayne got settled and then watched Benny hop up onto the bed and curl up at Wayne’s feet.  He didn’t have a good feeling about it, but… Wayne seemed happy.  Lighter, somehow, with the dog on his bed.  Eddie could live with it for now.

But he’d be keeping a close eye out for any signs of what it actually was.  Because that was no dog.

[fictionadventurer]

After I fell down a YouTube rabbit hole of someone reviewing episodes of Wishbone, my favorite game has been coming up with books/short stories/plays that would make good Wishbone adaptations. The criteria for qualification are:

In the public domain

By an author that hasn't already had a story adapted by Wishbone

A leading male role for an adorable Jack Russell terrier to play

A plot that can be condensed down so the important plot points fit into a roughly fifteen-minute adaptation

Content that is or can be adapted to be suitable for a middle-school audience (though they seem not to have let that stop them as often as you'd think)

Lends itself to a companion story that parallels the plot or themes of the novel in a modern-day middle-school setting

With those criteria defined, the options I've come up with so far are:

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Wishbone plays: Mr. John Thornton Adaptability: You'd have to cut everything except the strike and the love story. Start with Margaret coming to Milton and disliking Thornton. Have her meet the Higginses and dislike mill owners. Defend Thornton during the strike. Refuse the proposal. Show Higgins and Thornton coming to an understanding, suggest Thornton loses his money, have Margaret save him and propose. The book has way too much for such a short adaptation, but everything else by Gaskell doesn't have enough plot to adapt into a short version or doesn't have a male role for Wishbone. And it would be so cute to see Wishbone in Thornton's Victorian outfits. Modern-day story: At school, a situation comes up that divides students into two rival camps, and they have to learn how to work together and come to a compromise that benefits everyone.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Wishbone plays: Jack Worthing (you'd want a human actor for someone as lively as Algernon) Adaptability: Pretty high. Plays seem to work well for Wishbone adaptations, and you can tell the story in a few scenes. Modern-day story: Modern-day retelling focusing on the importance of honesty. One of the kids gets out of chores at home by pretending they have to help a new student with homework, but their lies come back to bite them.

"The Absence of Mr. Glass" by G.K. Chesterton

Wishbone plays: Father Brown (imagine him in a cute little clerical collar!) Adaptability: Great. Wishbone has done several detective stories, and short stories easily fit into the short time frame. I chose "Mr. Glass" because it doesn't involve a murder or a lengthy philosophical discussion, and lends itself well to a funny modern story about not jumping to conclusions Modern-day story: One of the kids' parents is acting strangely. The kids investigate and build up the clues until they believe some wild and terrible situation is happening. It turns out to be something innocent (like a surprise party)

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Wishbone plays: Henry Higgins Adaptability: Pretty good. Plays work well, and the story is very condensable. Not sure how well a story about the intricacies of British accents would adapt to an American show, but it would still work if you make it about "learn fancy manners and don't talk like a hick". You could get some great puns out of the dog telling a human to "Speak!" Modern-day story: The classic school story plot of changing yourself to impress a potential love interest. The girl tries to doll herself up for a dance and learns it's better to be herself.

[writingonleaves]

understated, overwhelming (life is always best when you're around) - nico hischier

pairing: nico hischier x self insert gender neutral reader

warnings: swearing, fluff, nothing much else!

title: "float" by HARBOUR

word count: 3.6k

author's note: hi hi hi!! tried something out of my comfort zone with a self insert reader. also tried my absolute best with a gender neutral reader but if i made a glaring mistake somewhere, please call me out! this is my entry for @callsign-denmark 's Luck of The Puck Fic Exchange written for @selfindulgentpoorlywritten !! andi, i'm so sorry this is a bit late but hope you enjoy this little piece as much as i enjoyed writing it (:

~*~*~

You consider yourself a pretty nice person. 

You try to do your day job well, even if your supervisor drives you nuts from time to time. You call your mom every week, even if she thinks it should be more. You always help your elderly neighbor with their groceries if you happen to be outside at the same time. You foster dogs, mainly because your family has been doing it since you were young. 

But right now, as music is booming through the walls that is most definitely not the music you have softly playing on your speaker, you’re not feeling very nice. It had been a tiring day at work and all you want to do is snuggle up in your bed with a book. Whatever rap music is playing through the walls from your neighbor isn’t helping. 

You’re debating about whether you should say something. Firstly, you’re 90% sure it’s coming from the apartment across from you whose inhabitant you actually have seen the least. It’s not like you’re stalking your neighbors, but after living here for over two years now, you’re familiar with the faces. The only thing you know about the person who lives in 1708 is that there are two of them and that they look related. But that’s not even a sure fact.

All you know is right now, they’re getting on your last nerve. 

You scratch behind Boba’s ears, the Jack Russell Terrier you’re currently fostering, and pat his head before you decide that you have to go say something. You gain some courage before opening your front door. 

Turns out, you don’t even have to knock on your neighbors’ door. More accurately, it’s already open as a guy around your age, maybe a bit younger, says goodbye to the guy you’re almost positive lives there. Both the guys’ eyes slide to you and you fight the urge to shrink. 

“Hi,” the guy with his hand on the doorknob says, not unkindly. “Can I help you?”

You blink, “Hi. Listen, I really don’t want to be a bitch, but could you turn your music down? It’s a weeknight and I have to work in the morning.”

To his credit, his eyes widen apologetically. “Shit, yeah, of course. Sorry. I didn’t realize it was so loud. We’re about to wrap up anyways.” You wave him off as he sticks his hand out. “I don’t know if we’ve met. I’m Jack.”

You offer your name with a tight-lipped smile before shifting your eyes towards the other guy, floppy hair almost covering the amused glint in his eyes. He’s been leaning against the wall this whole time and he’s really fucking cute. “And you are?”

“Nico,” he nods with a shake of your hand. “I’m also sorry about the noise on behalf of Jack, even though I don’t live here.”

“It’s fine,” you hear Boba’s paws trotting on the hardwood floor and you stick your foot out to prevent him from running out. “Well, it’s nice to meet you both.”

Jack’s eyes trail down to Boba, who's looking at the two new voices with curious eyes. “And who’s this?”

You hold in a sigh, picking up Boba in your arms so he doesn’t start running down the hallway. “This is Boba. You can pet him if you’d like. He loves people.” Jack needs no further invitation and reaches to scratch behind his ears. Nico is a bit more hesitant, but the grin threatening to spill out of his lips has you softening. 

After more pets, Jack apologizes again and you bid them goodnight, ushering Boba back inside and turning off your lights. You hear no music, thank goodness, as you climb into bed.

A few weeks later you’re waiting for the elevator after a walk with Gretchen, a golden retriever who drives you nuts, when Nico runs in just as it closes. You don’t expect him to remember you, but he does, saying your name softly paired with a nod. 

He gestures towards Gretchen, who’s nipping about at your feet. “That’s not Boba, is it?”

“No, it’s not,” you say. “This is Gretchen. Boba got adopted last week.” He opens his mouth but you beat him to it. “I foster dogs. None of them are mine. Just, you know, giving them a home when they need it before they find their permanent home.”

“That’s very sweet of you.”

You shrug, because it’s not that big of a deal. To you, at least. “My family did it growing up, still does. So it’s a part of me now, I guess.” You switch the topic. “What are you up to on this sunny Saturday?”

“I, uh, working, I guess.”

You raise an eyebrow. “What do you do?”

Nico clears his throat and now you’re intrigued. “I play hockey. Professionally. That’s how I know Jack, actually. And his roommate, who’s also his brother. We’re all teammates.”

You squint a bit, eyes scanning over Nico’s face before nodding slowly. “That somehow makes sense. That would explain the weird hours.”

“You keep track of Jack’s in and outs?”

“Considering I didn’t even know his name until the night we all met, no,” you snort as you both step into the elevator. “I just hear their door open and close at weird times. So, working today?"

“Yeah. We have a game tonight.”

“Gotcha.” You press the button for ‘17,’ not expecting Nico to lean over and press ‘21’ himself. 

He must see your confusion. “I also live in this building,” he explains. 

You blink. “How long?”

“A little over a year now, but as you figured out, it’s weird hours.”

A beautiful man like him has been living in the same building as you for that long and you haven’t ever run into him? 

You nod, watching the handsome man bend down and coo at Gretchen, who licks his hand, that traitor. You did notice the first time you met him that he was really cute, but you were also really tired and cranky because of the noise. But here in the daylight, with a black beanie tossed over his hair and kindness in his eyes? 

You need to get out of this elevator fast before you say something stupid. 

Luckily, the pinging sound lets you know you’ve arrived on your floor. You give the leash a gentle hug before trying to give Nico a genuine smile. “Good luck at your game tonight.”

You rush out before there's even a chance for him to reply, Gretchen trotting along happily beside you. 

*****

Something that sounds an awful lot like a smoke alarm going off greets you as you’re walking down the hallway to your place after work. It’s coming from Jack’s apartment, causing you to snort. You decide to knock on the door to make sure everything is alright. 

It’s not Jack or his brother you have yet to meet yet who opens the door, but Nico. Over his shoulder, you see someone who looks a lot like Jack fanning a pillow. You do hear Jack cursing and you can’t help but chuckle. 

“Hi.”

“Hi,” you say, amused. “You don’t live here.”

“Ouch.” He teases back. “That’s no way to treat a neighbor.”

“I think it’s quite nice of me to check up on my neighbor when I hear their smoke alarm going off, actually,” you shoot back. The playfulness in your voice surprises even you, but there’s something about the brown-haired man that makes you immediately comfortable. You feel like you’ve known him for years, even though you really don’t know anything about him. And you don’t count the things you had found when you searched “jack nico new jersey hockey” after you ran into Nico in the elevator.

(Finding out that you live across from one of the seemingly most skilled players in the NHL and that you also met the captain, another highly-skilled player, was a moment that had your head spinning. You had to shut down your laptop and play with Boba afterwards to get yourself togetherr)

The alarm stops beeping and Jack’s head pokes up behind Nico’s shoulder. “Hi neighbor!”

You can’t help but laugh at his boyishness. “Hey Jack.”

“Everything alright?”

“I think I should be asking you that question. I’m just coming back from work and I heard the alarm.”

Jack grimaced, casting a look back into his apartment. “Yeah, I don’t think dinner will be salvageable but that’s alright.”

“No it’s not,” the guy you presume is Jack’s brother grumbles. 

Jack whacks him across the stomach. “Shut up. This is Luke, my younger brother.”

You nod with a smile. “Nice to meet you, Luke.” An idea pops in your mind. “I was gonna try a new lasagna recipe today. Do you three wanna come over in a bit?”

“You don’t need to do that,” Nico assures. 

But you wave him away. “I never proportion my shit right anyways, so you’d actually all be doing me a favor. It shouldn’t take too long either.”

“Nico’s right,” Jack says. “That’s a really nice offer, but-”

“I won’t set off the smoke alarm,” you sing playfully. That seems to do it, as they laugh. They still seem hesitant, so you compromise. “How about this? Got any vegetable dishes up your sleeve?”

Jack brightens up. “I was gonna make a greek salad as a side before we almost burnt down the apartment.”

You beam. “Perfect. You guys can go make that while I get started on the lasagna.”

Before you can turn on your heel, Nico pipes up. “I can help you with the lasagna, if you want?” He casts a look at Jack and Luke. “I don’t wanna be around in case they somehow mess up the salad.”

The brothers start protesting as you laugh, slightly nervous at the prospect of spending some decent alone time with Nico. “Sure. It’ll probably go a bit faster with a set of extra hands.”

With that, Jack and Luke head back to their place while you fiddle with the key to yours, feeling Nico’s presence behind you. You push open the door and kick off your shoes as he does the same. He surveys your apartment as you hang up your coat. You pat yourself on the back for actually cleaning it yesterday rather than flopping in bed like you had initially wanted to. 

As you start gathering ingredients, you let Nico explore, his eyes darting around your living space. You wonder what he thinks about the pictures you have on your wall of your family and friends, half expecting him to ask about them. But he keeps quiet as you turn on the stove, meandering over and waiting for instructions. 

He’s a good sous chef, all things considered. Not that lasagna is particularly a hard recipe, but there’s something quite intimate about cooking with someone you barely know. Though, as you’re cooking, you tell Nico about your job, your background, how you didn’t necessarily think you’d end up in Jersey but that you’re happy to be here anyways. In turn, he tells you about his family, Switzerland and hockey, though you can tell he purposefully glazes over the latter. Judging from the basic research you’ve done — and whatever praises your hockey-loving cousin drawled on about over the phone yesterday — you immediately conclude that Nico is humble, always turning the conversation back to you. 

It’s quite lovely, even if unexpected. The lasagna is almost done by the time Jack and Luke knock on your door. 

For a few brief moments, you panic, wondering why you thought this was a good idea. What do you have in common with three pro-hockey players? But that panic quickly dissipates, Luke seeing the tiny Ohio State magnet on your fridge (your uncle’s, not yours) and immediately lightheartedly trash talking you as Jack and Nico take over setting up the table and plates. 

You close your front door that night with three new numbers in your phone and an unofficial promise from you to catch a game in person sometime. 

*****

You love Gretchen, you really do, but damn, she’s a lot of work. 

You’re lucky that your job has flexible hours, because Gretchen’s barking would probably drive your neighbors insane if she was left alone in your apartment all day. She’s starting to drive you insane. 

Somehow, she was well behaved at the outdoor market you went to today, so you give her a few treats to nibble on as you go back downstairs to grab everything else. As you’re shutting the door of your car, a bag slips out of your grasp and everything spills out, causing you to groan. 

“You alright there?”

You look up from where you’re bending down to grab your things to see Nico briskly walking over from his car, an amused look on his face. You chuckle a bit. “Yeah. This bag decided just to crap out on me. Luckily, there’s nothing really breakable in there.”

He picks up some bath bombs and a loofah in minor confusion. The furrow in his eyebrows is kinda adorable. “What’s this for?”

“One of my coworkers is about to get married so all of us pitched in to get some spa products. I volunteered to put it together to make a gift basket of sorts.”

He hums, swinging the now-filled bag over his shoulder and walking alongside you as you head into the building. “That’s really nice of you. And a good idea for a gift too.”

“Yeah. To be fair, the spa stuff wasn’t necessarily my idea. I just had time to buy them today and I have a knack for making pretty baskets.”

“I should take some notes,” Nico says. “I have a couple friends back in Switzerland getting married soon and need to get them gifts.”

“You wanna come up and help me put it together?”

Nico visibility hesitates as you two wait for the elevator. “I don’t want to intrude in your plans.”

“I have no plans,” you deadpan. “It’s a Sunday. I’m surprised I even got myself to go to the market today.”

He laughs. “Well, in that case…” he presses the button for your floor, but not his. “Any dogs you got in your home right now?”

“Still Gretchen,” you say. “She’s being extra bitchy today though, so sorry in advance for all the barking.” You guys walk into your apartment, and Gretchen barks once before perching her head, begging for pets. Nico gives them to her and she curls up against him. You snort. “Oh, I see how it is, Gretch. You see a cute boy and suddenly you’re well behaved?”

Nico looks up from where he’s crouched to pet Gretchen. “You think I’m cute?” Oh. Shit. You just glare at him as he smirks, nodding at your bags. “What else are you putting in the basket?”

“A bunch of soaps, a really fluffy bathrobe one of our other coworkers found on Amazon, some candles, these facemasks I ordered from Korea…all the good stuff.”

He watches as you take out the empty basket, some wrapping paper, and a few colorful ribbons. You honestly don’t consider yourself very crafty, but after doing a few gift boxes like this in your life, this is something that you pride yourself in doing decently well. 

“Can you reach into the drawer across from the sink and hand me the scissors, please?” You ask. Nico abides, sliding the scissors across the counter. 

“I think the same, by the way.”

You blink, measuring out the length of the ribbons correctly. “Hm?”

“I think you’re cute too.”

It takes all your control to cut the ribbon carefully before looking up at him. You see him swallow, confident with a hint of hesitation. You look down and try to steady your hands. “Well, depending on how good you are at cutting wrapping paper, I might have to keep you around.”

“Helping you out with dinner that night wasn’t enough?”

“The real test is seeing if you know how to wrap gifts.”

“I don’t.”

You can’t help but snort. “Figures.”

“So, what?” You look up to see Nico giving you a look that makes your stomach flip. He tilts his head to the side, trying to find something in your face. You’re not sure what. “You’re gonna kick me out?”

One side of your lips quirk up as Gretchen barks. “I guess I’ll keep you around.”

*****

You and Nico become fast friends. To be honest, it’s not like you see each other all the time, with your normal work schedule and his abnormal one. But more often than not, when Nico asks if you’re around, you usually are. It starts with more homecooked dinners, which turns into trying new restaurants because it’s more reasonable to go with someone else so you can order more at a time, which turns into you seeing some new event happening or shop opening up and thumbing over to your text thread with him asking him if he wants to join. Nine times out of ten, unless he’s on a road trip, he’s free. 

Sometimes Jack and Luke join. Most times they don’t. You’re not offended. Jack and Luke are a bit younger and have their own friends. They remind you of your younger cousins.

The thing is, you just enjoy Nico’s company. You learn about his goals, his insecurities, the things that bring him joy. He’s kind, considerate and so incredibly interesting. You feel so comfortable around him, whether you’re yapping away about childhood stories or in silence walking around the streets of Newark. 

When you finally take up your neighbors’ offer to go to a Devils game after many nagging texts for the Hughes brothers, Nico knocks on your door within minutes, unexpectedly pulling you into a tight hug. You’re taken aback, but his dimpled smile is worth it. 

You take one of your closest friends and have a wonderful time. You’re not much of a hockey fan, but your friend is, happy to talk you through icings and delayed penalties and offsides. Your eyes track 43 and 86 as your friend raves about the “Hughes skating.” But most of the time, you’re eyeing the one with the 13 and the C, who takes a deep breath before every face off. 

For your first game, it’s a fun one, a nail biter that ends in a 4-2 win against the Minnesota Wild. You shoot Jack, Luke and Nico all a text congratulating them on a good game.

It’s when you’re in bed that night do you really thumb through their replies, Nico’s simple heart emoji making you fall asleep with a smile. 

*****

Besides being a nice person, you also consider yourself to have a decent memory. 

Until there’s a knock on your door that has you confused. You put down your tea, petting Moose, the dalmatian you’ve been looking after recently, as you walk to the door. 

Nico looks so cozy, a black Kith sweatshirt with a beanie over his hair. He blinks at you. You blink back. 

“Hi.”

“Hi,” you say, amused even if a bit confused. “What’s up? Did we have plans tonight?”

“No, well, not pre-planned.” Nico bends down to pet Moose, who he met yesterday when you guys went to a new coffee shop. “You busy?”

“And what if I was?”

“You’d cancel for me anyways,” he teases. 

And the thing is, he’s right. You sigh playfully. “Fine. Gimme a few minutes to get dressed.”

Nico grabs the leash off the hook. “Moose is coming too.”

“Oh?”

He flicks his hand. “Go get dressed.”

“Bossy,” you comment, before walking to your bedroom. 

It turns out your plans are a newly opened dog park that you’ve heard about but haven’t gotten the chance to check out. Moose is immediately excited, and your heart does something funny when you see Nico calm him down so he doesn’t run anyone over. Nico told you he hadn't grown up with dogs, but you wouldn’t know with how gentle he is with every dog you’ve fostered during your friendship thus far. 

After playing with Moose for a bit, he collapses on the grass, allowing you and Nico to sit and also relax. 

“You look happy.”

You turn to Nico with a smile. “I am.”

“Good. All I want is for you to be happy.”

You swallow and take a deep breath. “Nico.”

“What?”

“You can’t just say things like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” you whisper. You swear the space between you both has decreased. 

“Because what?”

You huff. “Are you really gonna make me say it?”

“Yes.”

You roll your eyes fondly, staring down at the grass for a few seconds before looking into his eyes again. “You can’t say things like that because then you’ll make me believe that I have a chance to be with you. To be more than friends.”

“And why is that so hard to believe?”

What?

“What?” You ask. 

“Is it such a hard thing to believe?” Nico asks gently. His cologne is filling your senses now and you’re so overwhelmed. “The chance to be with you would be an honor.”

“Nico.”

“What?”

“You’re fucking with me.”

He chuckles, “I’m not.” He leans in to place a chaste kiss on your cheek and you kinda wanna die. “So, what do you say? Wanna give it a shot?”

“Are you sure?”

“Never been sure of anything more in my life.” His confidence is back and it makes you wanna kiss him silly. 

You take his hand and squeeze it in yours. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay, yeah. Let’s give it a shot. On one condition though.”

“Anything.”

“You’re helping me with all these dogs. I still don’t know how you got Gretchen to like you. She barely liked me.”

Nico laughs loudly. It makes you grin. “What can I say? I must be special.”

You bite your lip. Yeah. He really is. 

You watch as Moose suddenly has energy again and trots between you two, licking Nico’s face. He scrunches his nose in delight and you feel like the sun is suddenly shining brighter. 

[stargirlbabies]

Pope Heyward x plus-size reader, Rafe Cameron x plus-size reader, JJ Maybank x plus-size reader.

Plus Size! Reader is more confident and didn't realise the boys (JJ, Pope, and Rafe) liked her really because she thought they were all in a relationship, you know (with Kie, Cleo, and Sofia), but they are into her.

Inspired by an idea in the DMs shared with - @chalahyung01

You wake up in your bed to your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bella, waking you up, grabbing your slippers, and getting ready to take the dog out while wearing a baggy sweatshirt and short shorts. You walk down stairs in your house when you, Sarah, passed out on your couch, remembering the party you went to the night before.

"Yo, Sarah, wake up," you say, walking past her.

You open the back door, letting Bella out. You stand there as you see JJ passed out in your backyard. "Yo, JJ, what the fuck?" you yell out too as he wakes up walking up the steps. "You got any food?" JJ asks, and you nod. "Bella, get in here!" you shout out to your dog.

As you and Bella walk into the kitchen, "Do you know who all slept here?" you ask JJ as he shakes his head. "I'm gonna go look around and see who I can find." You head into the living room to see John B with Sarah; now you roll your eyes before heading upstairs, where you see Kiara with Cleo in your guest room. Walking past the bathroom, you find Pope asleep next to your radiator. You kick him, attempting to wake him up. "Pope, wake up."

Once everyone was downstairs, you asked the almighty question, "Are we going out tonight?" A chorus of yes erupts as you nod. "I'm going to shower; someone stay and watch Bella, please," you say, noticing how all of their presence at once has excited the dog.

As you head upstairs, you hear Pope and JJ arguing, most likely over who can leave, smiling to yourself, you go in your shower. After an hour you change into a pair of jeans and a black vest top, getting ready to take Bella out for a walk. When you walk downstairs, you see JJ sitting on the couch cuddling with Bella.

"Oh hey, Jay, I didn't think you'd be the one to stay," you say to JJ, grabbing your backpack. "Why wouldn't I? Bella loves me most; I'm basically her dad," JJ says as you look at him confused. "Does that make me her mom?" You ask JJ, "Well, I'm going to take her for a walk if you want to come with?" You ask JJ to smile, grabbing Bella's leash. "Whoa, yeah, finally," you take it from him, putting it on her.

As you and JJ walk Bella, you see Pope talking to Cleo. "Hey, guys," you yell, and as you and JJ walk, Pope turns, glancing at you both, frowning. You keep walking, upset. "I wonder what that was about," you ask, walking away. "Maybe it's trouble in paradise," you continue, JJ looking a bit confused. "What do you mean?" JJ asks, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. "You know how Cleo and Pope are dating? Maybe they are fighting," JJ smirks to himself before speaking up. "Right, Cleo and Pope."

As you both walk past the wreck, "Go see your girl," you say to JJ, hinting about him and Kiara. He stops before you walk away. "Go see Kie," you yell as you walk away.

Hours pass, and you begin getting ready to go out drinking with the pogues. You slip on a white dress with black detailing and black boots with a white purse; you do your makeup in a casual yet still elegant look. Leaving your house, you see the pogues waiting in Twinkie; as you get in, you see a spot open between Pope and JJ. Sliding in, you smile at them both before Cleo smirks at you.

"Marry me?" Cleo asks, and you smile to yourself about how Cleo thought you looked. As you get on the beach.

Walking over to the keg, you pour yourself some beer before approaching Sofia.

"Hey, Sofia, right?" You walk over smiling, "Yeah, (Y/N), right?" She asks in response, unaware she already knew who you were.

"You work at the country club that must be hard" you say as she nods "Yeah it is hard but I get all the tea so" you both share a laugh as you glance at rafe who is rapidly approaching you nudge her arm "Hey how is everything going with you two" you ask sincerely "what do you mean" sofia asks "aren't you and rafe together" you ask confused about it when she shakes her head "I know what people may think but rafe likes someone else" you nod your head as she walks away as rafe arrives "Hey doll, you look nice" you smile at rafe thanking him

After an hour of flirting with rafe, pope and jj approach as they seem tense you wave rafe off walking off with them.

The next morning, as you let Bella out, you hear arguing coming from the front yard. Bringing Bella in, you walk out to see JJ, Pope, and Rafe arguing.

"HEY, IDIOTS, WHAT THE FUCK?" you yell as they all look at you in your pyjamas, which was a pair of shorts and a vest. JJ staring at you as if you could solve all the world's problems without breaking a sweat, Pope looking at you like you were an angel and Rafe seemingly whispering about a wedding when you notice all three are holding different bouquets of flowers.

Jj was holding a handful of wildflowers he seemingly picked himself while Pope was holding a mix of daisies and tulips. Rafe was holding two dozen red roses. You invite the three in, sitting them down. "Bella, be a good girl and sit," you say to Bella, who instinctively ran to JJ before grabbing a vase and putting the flowers in there.

After putting the flowers away, you sit down.

"What the hell was that?" you ask as all three go shy. "Quit looking around like idiots. Okay, JJ, what about Kiara?" you say, frustrated. "What about her?" he responds, "She's your girlfriend," you say, growing angry as JJ speaks up. "Me and Kie aren't dating; she was giving me advice on how to ask you out," he says as Pope speaks up. "That's the same with me and cleo" Rafe smirks before speaking up.

"I never deceived you," you say right before speaking. "I thought you were dating Sofia." Rafe sighs before shaking his head. "Rafe, I don't know if you've changed from your frat boy ways because I know frat boys like to bully girls like me who are bigger," you say angrily as Rafe gets on his knees begging you to believe he means it.

"Whoa, okay, so wait, you all want to date me?" You ask as the three boys nod, "What to do?" you ask yourself when JJ speaks up, "I wouldn't mind sharing." Pope then speaks, "I agree with him." You all look at Rafe, who sighs begrudgingly before nodding, "Me too," he adds on as you smile, feeling arms wrap around you and seeing Rafe hugging your waist and feeling both JJ and Pope kissing your forehead.

"Wait, I'm all of your girlfriends," you ask to make sure.

"Yes," the three boys say in unison as you text the group chat with Sarah, Cleo, and Kiara, telling them about this crazy situation.

[angelofthenight01]

Operation Paws Rescue

Kate Bishop x Reader

genre: fluff     ||     warnings: none 

Summary: you and Kate are on a mission to save some adorable dogs.

The Avengers had fought many battles, saved the world more times than anyone could count, and taken on threats that no one else dared face. But today? Today was different.

Kate Bishop stood confidently in the center of the briefing room, her purple bow slung over her shoulder, hands on her hips, looking far too serious for the task at hand.

“We’re rescuing dogs,” she announced with a perfectly straight face.

You blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me,” Kate nodded, her tone unwavering. “Super important mission. Top-secret, high-stakes stuff.”

There were a few exchanged glances in the room, but none of the Avengers seemed to argue with her. Clint Barton was grinning behind his coffee cup, Tony Stark was scrolling through his phone (probably ordering more tech), and even Natasha gave an almost imperceptible nod. It was clear that no one was going to question Kate’s mission. It was too ridiculous, too adorable to resist.

You raised an eyebrow. “So... what’s the mission exactly?”

Kate leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “There’s an underground dog-fighting ring in the city. The pups are being held captive and used for illegal matches. They need to be rescued, and I’m the only one who can do it.” She swung the bow dramatically. “And I need a partner.”

You shot her a half-smile. “You want me to help you rescue... dogs?”

“Yup. We’re going undercover as dog trainers. I have my credentials.” She pulled out a laminated ID that read “Top-tier Dog Trainer Extraordinaire” with an absurdly cute photo of her and a Golden Retriever.

“Wait,” you asked, chuckling. “You’re a certified dog trainer?”

Kate’s eyes sparkled. “Well... it’s a temporary certification. But I’ve been around enough dogs that I think I can wing it.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. ��Alright, alright. I’m in. Let’s go save some dogs.”

* * * 

When you and Kate arrived at the shady warehouse on the outskirts of the city, she wasted no time. She pulled a pair of ridiculous sunglasses out of her bag, placing them firmly on her face as she strolled up to the entrance like she owned the place.

You followed, trying to match her confidence but realizing you probably looked more like a confused civilian than a secret agent.

“We're here to assess the dogs,” Kate said to the guard at the door. The man raised an eyebrow, looking Kate up and down like he was questioning her credibility.

Kate smiled brightly, holding up her fake ID. “I’m a professional. We’re here for a very important inspection.”

The guard squinted at the ID, shrugged, and opened the door without saying another word. Kate’s plan was working better than you expected.

Inside, the warehouse was dark, full of cages with barking dogs. Some were huge, others tiny, and they were all either pacing anxiously or wagging their tails at the sight of you both.

Kate immediately dropped to her knees, pulling out a bag of dog treats she had smuggled in her jacket. “Who’s a good boy?” she cooed, reaching for a scruffy-looking terrier who immediately jumped into her arms, tail wagging like mad.

You laughed, shaking your head. “I swear, you’re more excited about the dogs than the mission.”

She grinned up at you while holding the terrier in her arms like it was a prize. “I’m just really good at multitasking. Saving the world and making new dog friends.”

Before you could respond, a loud crash came from the back of the warehouse, and two massive guard dogs appeared, their growls echoing across the room.

Kate immediately stood up, her eyes locking onto the beasts. “Okay, I got this. You handle the backup.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Backup? You just want me to… what? Do what?”

Kate was already on the move, pulling an arsenal of dog treats from her bag, each one more extravagant than the last—peanut butter bones, bacon-flavored chews, and something called a "mega squirrel snack" (which, frankly, sounded terrifying).

“Distract them with the treats! I’ll deal with the big guy.”

You blinked. “I— what?!”

With the guard dogs distracted by Kate’s incredible supply of snacks, you made a beeline for the smaller cages, unlocking them and ushering the dogs out with a lot of awkward coaxing. Some of them were scared, others just wanted pets. It wasn’t exactly glamorous, but you were doing your part.

Meanwhile, Kate had managed to convince the giant dogs to sit in front of her by bribing them with an entire bag of peanut butter biscuits. “You see, I’m really good with animals,” she said proudly, holding one of the dogs’ faces between her hands like it was a tiny puppy.

You just shook your head, watching the scene unfold. Only Kate Bishop would think she could single-handedly calm down guard dogs with treats and an overwhelming amount of charm.

Eventually, all the dogs were freed. You and Kate both knelt down to meet them, laughing as they swarmed around you. “Mission accomplished!” Kate cheered, holding a small, fluffy dog over her shoulder. “We did it, partner. We saved them!”

You smiled, scratching one of the dogs behind the ears. “Yeah, we make a pretty good team.”

Kate’s grin softened for a moment, the satisfaction of a job well done settling in. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” she said sincerely, then added with a wink, “Plus, you look pretty cute with a bunch of dogs around you.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself, Bishop.”

As the dogs wagged their tails around you, you couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, saving the world wasn’t always about facing down supervillains or alien invasions. Sometimes, it was about saving a bunch of adorable, slightly confused pups from a bad situation—and having a hell of a good time doing it with Kate Bishop.

The mission was definitely a success.

[nthspecialll]

Have you ever gotten the dialogue from Dutch after you saved Sean? Where he says;

"Well done, Arthur. You found the Irish Terrier."

"Sadly."

"He's just a younger version of you. "

"Please don't say that to me, Dutch."

Do you think this has any truth to it? Honestly, I have a hard time imagining Arthur as anything other than his quiet-self, but maybe Dutch means to refer to Sean's eagerness to jump into jobs? I'm not entirely sure, but I will eat up any mention of the pre-game old guard.

No he does refer to Sean's anger and impulsiveness. Firstly we have the offical description of Arthur which describes him as an "angry young delinquent."

Other than that we have in Country Pursuits where Dutch comments on the fact that Arthur never grew out of his childhood anger (though it was mostly a tease).

And when The Old Guard goes out fishing Dutch tells the story that Arthur was sent out to fish but got so angry and fustrated that he dropped it and just went to a market to get some instead.

Hosea tells a story when you go out hunting with him, that Arthur once blew up a rabbit with a shotgun.

All does point to young Arthur having been similar to Sean, I also used this in an analysis only to be told that Curzon and Ben had actually kinda already talked about it. They mentioned that Hosea were preparing Lenny and Sean to be the new leaders of the gang, and while they elaborated on Lenny they didn't elaborate on Sean.

[underworld-office-fan-acc]

Silly random incorrect quotes with Eugene and their friends :D

Author loves them hehehe (purely uwo!!!)

Oliver: Bad news—Eugene locked themself outside of their own house.

Oliver: Good news—we didn’t have to wait around for a locksmith.

Oliver: Bad news—Luke finds it very concerning that I know how to pick locks, and tried to unlock my Tragic Backstory(TM). I was too embarrassed to admit that the reason I learned it was because, at thirteen, I figured that was the kind of skill that would impress cute girls.

Oliver: Good news—a cute girl saw me do it.

Oliver: Bad news—it was Joy, and since she's already seen me fall out of several trees, cry because I saw a fawn that was just too damn small, and knows I can ride a unicycle, she'll never think I’m cool no matter what I do. It’s too late. She knows.

_____

Eugene: Could you guys at least try to see this from my perspective?

Luke: *crouches down*

Joy: *kneels down*

Oliver: *sits on the floor*

Eugene:

Eugene: I hate all of you.

_____

(slight implied ship lmao)

Luke: I give up. I am so tired.

Joy: Get the emergency supply!

Oliver: *carries Eugene and places them in front of Luke*

Eugene: *smiles*

Luke: AND I AM BACK BABY, LET’S GOOO

_____

Luke: Small creatures are much more vicious because they have a smaller body to bottle up all their emotions.

Oliver: Ridiculous. Give me some examples.

Joy: Wasps?

Eugene: Terriers?

Luke: Eugene.

_____

Eugene: I haven’t slept in 72 hours…

Oliver: I haven’t slept in 80. I’m the insomnia king!

Luke: Ha! I haven’t slept in 90 hours, I’m aiming for an even 100.

Joy: What the fuck is wrong with you people.

_____

Joy: Made you all playlists!

Joy: Luke, yours has only heavy metal, and is dark like your soul.

Joy: Eugene, yours has sad songs and blues to pair with your crippling depression.

Joy: And Oliver has the ABBA Gold album.

_____

Luke, setting down a card: Ace of spades.

Joy, pulling out an Uno card: +4.

Oliver, pulling out a Pokémon card: Jolteon, I choose you!

Eugene, trembling: What are we playing?!

_____

Oliver: Why do you act like we’re three year olds?

Luke, exasperated: WHY?!?

Luke points at Joy: YOU TRIED TO HYJACK A CAR!

Luke points at Eugene: YOU NEARLY JUMPED 20 FEET OFF A CARPARK!

Luke points at Oliver: AND YOU ATE MULTIPLE DRIED LEAVES AND ROCKS OFF THE GROUND!

Luke: AND YOU ASK ME WHY????

_____

Luke: We need to distract these guys.

Eugene: Leave it to me.

Eugene: Centaurs have six limbs and are therefore insects. Discuss.

Oliver & Joy: *immediately begin arguing*

_____

Luke: Between Joy, Oliver and Eugene, there are three braincells.

Luke: And Eugene has all three of them.

[kirisaki-daichi-scenarios]

kiridai + haizaki if they were dog owners attending a puppy class

Hanamiya Makoto

Bought a breed that needs good socialisation (I’m thinking a serious police lines Dutch Shepherd cause he’d want something with brains and drive but also something not “normie” as a Malinois) so puppy class it is to get the dog amiable around others.

The dog acts like it’s perfectly trained half the time: just a couple months old and already has perfect focus, and obviously Hanamiya goes above and beyond with training in his spare time, so the dog responds to cues perfectly, and Hanamiya has perfect timing with marking and rewarding behaviours because he’s just that sort of person

The other half of the time, the dog is kicking off because another puppy looked at them. 

And the trainer’s telling Hanamiya just to relax, shorten up his leash a bit, take a deep breath, but they can see his eyes just glazing over with fury every time the barking starts up again.

It hurts having to alternate between “Hanamiya, can you and [dog] demonstrate this behaviour because [dog] does it perfectly” and “right, someone will go get a barrier to calm [dog] down a bit” but Hanamiya’s going to have to get used to it, because that’s what you buy with an police lines import. 

The dog is always going to be a bit nuts, just like his owner ;) 

(Don’t choose a serious dog breed for clout as a first time owner, how about that Makoto?)

Seto Kentaro 

For Seto, I’m thinking he buys a small lapdog type terrier, maybe an English toy terrier, or maybe an English bulldog (although obviously I don’t recommend buying a breed with as many health issues as the English bulldog, and I’m pretty sure Seto would at least do the research on that sort of thing) 

Anyway, Seto’s the biggest guy with the smallest dog

Like when the puppy takes its mid-class snooze, he curls up on Seto’s shoe and he’s half the size of his owner’s foot. 

The main issue that they need to work on is separation anxiety; because Seto never really goes anywhere, the poor dog’s expects his owner to be with him all the time. So if Seto needs to go to the toilet and hands someone the leash, the poor puppy is just stood there whining sadly Seto’s back. He’s just too used to having his 6ft4 guardian with him at all times. 

Anyhow, Seto’s a weird one to teach because he’s not the world’s best dog trainer - he tends to be quite casual about everything, and he’s not hugely strict so in turn the dog’s quite 50/50 about actually following commands. (Think Seto saying “down”, puppy just staring at him while wagging his tail like mad and not making any move to lie down, until Seto’s like, “fuck it, you’re too cute for your own good” and gives him the treat anyway)

But the thing is, despite this half-hearted attitude to training, Seto knows the theory like it’s no one’s business. The trainer will offer him some advice and  Seto’s like “oh, so just using the Premack Principle?” or “so just conditioning more cut-off signals while they’re still sub-threshold?” 

Like, yes but how do you know those words? Spend less time reading and more time working your dog please

(And please join me in imagining the trainer telling Seto to call his dog away with kissy sounds or a high-pitched voice, rather than pulling on the leash, and the sheer awkwardness on Seto’s face as he attempts his best baby voice.)

Yamazaki Hiroshi

Thought he wanted a proper working lines dog (some sort of spaniel breed probably) because he read on the internet that they’re healthier and “perfect for [his] active lifestyle” but he didn’t realise how much work a working line dog needs and now he’s come to the puppy class in desperate need of help. 

Dark circles under his eyes and his hands are permanently covered in cuts and scars from those sharp little puppy teeth

But despite the wounds, he adores his little dog and his little dog adores him 

(Shame they express it by trying to chomp on his poor skin) 

Yamazaki’s the guy who’s always absent-mindedly petting his dog even when the trainer tells him not to while working on a certain behaviour

Yamazaki’s also that guy who’s always taking notes after class, always asking questions (comes back every week like “about the biting...”), and he always does his homework, so his dog shows the most improvement by the end of the course

He gets the little graduation certificate and he’s trying to bite back the happy/proud tears (meanwhile the dog’s trying its damnedest to get a hold of the certificate and rip it to shreds)

Furuhashi Kojiro

He’s just a good conscientious owner who did all the research before he bought his puppy, and has been training them from the beginning and figured a puppy class was the right thing to do just in case

(N.B. I have absolutely no idea what kind of dog Furu would want cause, in my mind, he’s normally a cat person. But I’m assuming that a rare and quiet breed that’s not the most clingy would be right up Furu’s alley, so Kishu Ken it is.)  

Honestly Furu rocks up to the puppy class and both his and the puppy’s minds are a bit blown: Furuhashi’s because he didn’t realise how little everyone else had trained their puppies, and the puppy’s because it’s gone from being used to life with its quiet owner in a quiet house going on quiet walks to a classroom surrounded by lots of other very excited dogs

But the puppy soon settles, as does Furuhashi, and for the most part, their time at the puppy classes goes quite smoothly 

(As it often does if people just do their homework between classes)

The only time they have any issues is in any exercise where Furuhashi has to be a bit more animate

Like an exercise where you make your voice and body language all excited to get the dog riled up so they can learn to calm down as soon as you calm down: Furuhashi’s idea of “getting excited” is one small awkward and a monotone “good puppy”

Meanwhile the puppy’s staring at him like “he’s a bit boring, but he’s my bit boring”

(And on a separate note, Furuhashi definitely ends up bringing his sister to some of classes. She’s still staying with their parents, who won’t let her get a dog, so she’s living vicariously through Furu’s dog ownership. And, Furu being the good big brother that he is, only encourages her interests. So if she wants to be around puppies more, he takes her to the classes. And if she’s getting bored, he hands her his puppy’s leash so that she can do the exercises and get the trainer’s guidance instead of him.)

Hara Kazuya

The dog is Hara’s partner’s/friend’s, but Hara comes along for moral support and to play with the other puppies before the class starts

Actually, you know what, we’ll say this is an older characters AU where Yamazaki and Hara are roommates and he’s come with Zaki and his lunatic spaniel

Hara takes the “class” in “puppy class” seriously, and by that I mean he acts like a class clown as if he’s still in school - he views a successful class as a class where he makes the trainer laugh at least once, and flirts with one of the assistants at least once

Zaki’s probably wondering why he asked Hara to come because now, every time a puppy starts barking, Hara’s whispering in their ear “Hanamiya when someone tells him to be nice”; or a puppy pees all over the floor and then it’s “you after a night out”

Having said that, Hara’s also a great training tool cause puppies love him and he always gets them very over-excited 

So, when the homework was working on your puppies not jumping up on people, the trainer gets Hara to be the guinea pig, cause he’s the ultimate test

Haizaki Shougo 

Probably only attending the classes because he was court ordered to be there or something after his dog’s already showing dangerous behaviour - Haizaki’s the kind of owner who could screw up a puppy, but he’s also the kind who buys a puppy who’s probably genetically screwed up

He falls for those horrid guard breed puppy ads online (you know the ones - with the pictures of barking dogs Photoshopped into flames or whatever and with the caption like “UNREAL DRIVE!! CRAZY STRUCTURE!! SUPER PROTECTIVE!! buy your bundle of joy from us today, perfect for a first time owner <3)

(In case you don’t know what I mean, think something like this)

Anyway so Haizaki gets a Presa Canario, maybe a bully, or maybe a Tosa Inu cause he’s in Japan and, if anyone in KNB is interested in dog fighting, it’s Haizaki because he’s just not a great person

Haizaki rocks up to classes very reluctantly and could not care less about them

He keeps letting the leash get too long so his puppy keeps getting in the other dog’s faces and upsetting them; he’s on his phone half the time; and he just doesn’t take on board any advice

For example the trainer talks to him about loose leash walking and Haizaki just zones out - cause in his mind, there’s no point putting the effort in to train them when he’s a big guy who can easily hold back even a 40kg dog

So the trainer thinks Haizaki’s pretty much a lost cause, poor dog, etc

But then, one fateful day, when the dog’s barking their head off for the thousandth time, the trainer gives Haizaki a tip and it works! 

And something clicks in Haizaki’s brain and he realises he doesn’t have to put up with his dog being a ‘nuisance’ - he can just put some effort in and train them and make life happier for the both of them

After that things are much smoother sailing and Haizaki actually starts engaging with the class and asking the trainer for advice on the (many) other issues the dog has

It takes a while for Haizaki and the puppy to graduate out of the class, just because of all the damage that needs undoing, but the fact that Haizaki sticks around, even after his court-ordered time is up, is already good news 

The dog will never be 100% in certain environments but at least they walk nicely for the most part and knows some commands

And it’s safe to say that, when Haizaki spots the dog trainer a few months later, they’re the first teacher that Haizaki’s ever stopped to say hello to

[rumbelleshowdown]

-

Author: LikeASparkInTheDark

Group: C

Prompts: Sunset. She doesn't "like" you! Size matters.

-

Second Hand Assumptions

“Father, where’s Tilly?” 

Moe French turned, looking at his daughter blankly, “She was just here, I almost tripped over her loading the truck.”

Belle bit her lower lip continuing to look through the store. She had left briefly to pick up the keys to the library from the mayor.

She didn’t bring Tilly along because she wasn’t sure how dog friendly her new town was, she left her with her father hoping Tilly’s separation anxiety wouldn’t spike.

“I can’t find her anywhere, where is she?” Belle’s voice was panicked. She was in a new town, and no one knew her or Tilly except her father. 

Moe’s mouth was in a grim line, “I don’t know Belle, she might have just snuck out.”

“Were there any customers while I was gone?” She asked, trying to think of an explanation for her missing Australian Terrier.

“No customers, but that bloody Mr. Gold was here to remind me I was late on rent,” Moe paused thoughtfully, “maybe he saw her as an opportunity for collateral.”

Belle’s eyes widened, “He wouldn’t hurt her would he?”

“That man is capable of anything.” Her father’s voice was ominous.

“I need to find her,” Belle grabbed Tilly’s leash before running out of the shop, her heels clicking on the tile.

He felt slightly guilty but that dog held Belle back from so many things, she’d refuse to go out because “Tilly needs me”, it couldn’t be left alone for more than an hour. Belle would be better off without it, at least that’s what he told himself when he’d taken its collar and nudged it out the door.

“Higher dad!” Henry shouted.

“Be careful!” Arran shouted at his son and grandson, from the park bench he sat at. They had been playing at the park, but his bad leg started to throb and he needed to sit down. 

“Wait!” Henry shouted.

Henry squinted looking with each upward swing before he started dragging his feet in the dirt.

Arran followed his eyeline, for a moment he thought it was a fat squirrel running through the grass. 

“I’ll catch it!” Henry jumped from the swing and ran towards the animal.

“No Henry, it could have rabies!” Neal shouted, chasing after him.

Arran quickly rose from the bench limping to where Henry was crouching down. 

Arran wrinkled his nose, “What kind of rat is this?” He asked as he looked at the tiny creature, it wasn’t his idea of a dog.

“It’s not a rat grandpa, it’s a dog, I wonder why it's alone.” Henry looked around the park to see if there was anyone around.

“A dog? That's not a proper dog, size matters with dogs, this is a rodent of some kind. Now a sheep dog that's a real dog.” 

He turned to his son, raising a finger, “Do you remember Colonel?”

Neal grinned at the memory, “Yeah, I used to ride on his back like a horse.”

“It’s not wearing a collar.” Henry announced.

“Well what should we do? It’s too late for the vet to be open to scan for a chip.” Arran frowned.

It had pointed ears and long tan and black fur with a scruffy face. It’s tongue was hanging out and it was panting in his grandson’s arms.

“We’ll look around the park to see if anyone is looking for a dog.” Neal suggested.

“Here Grandpa.” 

Arran balked in protest, but Henry was already shoving the dog into his hands.

“What am I supposed to do with it?” 

“Hold her close grandpa she’s scared!” Henry advised before they ran off.

He leaned onto his good leg and raised the dog to eye level.

“Listen here you little rat, There will be no urinating on my suit, no leaving nasty little bugs on me, and no-”

“Let go of that dog!”

Arran's head snapped from the dog's face to the face of a beautiful stranger.

“I said unhand that dog this instant!” 

“Excuse me?” He held the dog closer to make sure the stranger wasn’t some dog napper, though she wasn’t wearing a spotted fur coat.

He was struck at her beauty, the sunset setting off the auburn in her hair that fluttered in the wind, big blue eyes glaring at him, her lips a lovely shade of red, pursed in annoyance. Before  he realized that she had said something else in her memorable accent.

“I’m sorry wha-, your dog?” 

“Yes MY dog, or did you not know that when you stole her from my father’s shop?”

Arran’s head tilted slightly to the side, “What?” He scoffed, amused at her accusation.

“My father told me all about you Mr. Gold, how you walk around this town like you own it. I didn’t think you’d use a dog for collateral.” 

She crossed her arms over her chest, relieved at finding Tilly, but angry at finding her with Mr. Gold. She wanted to snatch her from his grasp but she didn’t want the man to retaliate and toss her into the pond.

Mr. Gold seemed amused at her words.

“I didn’t steal your dog, do you think she’d like me this much if I had?” He jerked his head to gesture to Tilly, who was unfortunately cuddling into the crook of his arm.

It was Belle’s turn to scoff, “She doesn’t “like” you!” 

Arran’s amusement grew as the woman stomped her foot with that argument, making her skirt flutter. 

Fortunately Neal and Henry returned from their sweep of the park.

“Hi Belle!” Henry greeted the woman with a wave.

The woman, Belle, smiled warmly, and Arran felt his heart stutter in his chest. He was glad that smile was not aimed at him, or else he might act in foolishly.

“Um, hi, who are you?” Neal asked, raising an eyebrow.

“This is Belle, she’s the new librarian. I saw her on our field trip to city hall today with grandma.” Henry answered.

“This woman is accusing me of stealing her dog.” Arran said at the same time.

“Steal your dog? My grandpa would never steal someone’s dog.” Henry's brow furrowed at the thought.

“Your grandpa?” 

“Yeah, my dad. He may be many things, but he isn’t a dog thief.” The other man, Henry’s father grinned at her.

Belle was trying to catch the trail of thought that had gone through her mind, flustered she turned her gaze back to Mr. Gold, “May I have Rumplestiltskin back please?”

At its name the dog began wiggling in Arran’s grasp until he held her out to Belle.

“Rumplestiltskin?” He couldn’t bite back that smirk that he knew was dancing on his lips.

“That’s a weird name for a girl.” Henry piped up.

Belle took Tilly in her arms, holding her tightly against her sweater, giving her a squeeze, “That’s what the shelter named her, I call her Tilly for short.”

Mr. Gold seemed amused as he watched her slip Tilly’s leash on.

 “Henry I better get you home to your mom” Neal nodded a farewell to Belle and gave his father a parting hug.

Belle held Tilly close to her as Mr. Gold hugged his son tightly, and then gave Henry a large hug too. Surely a dognapper wouldn't be such a family man.

“Love you grandpa!” Henry shouted over his shoulder as he and Neal walked away.

Mr. Gold’s smile was rather lovely, Belle mused to herself, before she realized his attention was now solely on her.

“I’m sorry for accusing you of stealing Tilly.” She murmured softly, feeling ashamed that she had judged Mr. Gold just on rumors from her father alone.

“I’m sorry your father felt the need to bestow that assumption onto you.” He shrugged.

After fidgeting with Tilly’s leash Belle broke the silence between them, “Your wife must be ready for you to come home, I understand if you’ve got to leave.”

“My wife?” he couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his lips.

“Yeah, isn’t Mary Margaret your wife? Henry said it was his grandma that he was with earlier.”

Mr. Gold was trying very hard not to laugh outright in Belle’s face, “Miss French, I assure you, Mary Margaret is his grandma on his maternal side.”

Belle felt the blood drain from her face as he laughed.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go find a bridge to jump from.” Belle muttered.

“How about, instead,” Arran started, taking a tentative step towards her, petting the top of Tilly’s head.

“There's a restaurant just out of town called Marco's,  how about we take Tilly for dinner on the patio? That’ll give you a chance to form your own opinion about me instead of having a secondhand one.”

Belle tried to repress the smile that was bursting to break across her face, “I’d like that.” 

Arran Gold smiled and he held out the crook of his arm to Belle. She let the smile take over her face and she slipped her arm through his, with Tilly cradled in her other arm, they left the park together.

-

[adobe-outdesign]

Have you reviewed the lilipup line already? If not what do you think?

I want to like Lillipup more than I actually do because it is so very cute, with its big eyes and little dot mouth. Lillipup, like the rest of this line, is based off of a terrier (most likely a Yorkshire terrier), which will become more evident as it evolves. The fur around its face is unique, and makes it stand out a bit from the rest of the line.

However, there are just a bunch of strange design choices here. Like, the face is so flat there's just straight up no muzzle, not even a line indicating one. It also is the only one of the line to have a red nose... for some reason.

Also, the dark blue patch on the back is meant to tie into the rest of the line, but it looks out of place here; I don't think it would've been a problem to just let the dark blue come in at the second stage, and if you really wanted blue you could've had some blue accents elsewhere on the body, like the ears or paws. Speaking of the paws, the way they have a division but are all one color is also strange; why not use the cream from the face to better balance the colors? Don't get me wrong, the design as a whole isn't bad, but all of the details kind of throw me on it.

Herdier's probably my favorite out of this line. I've heard some people say it's too similar to an actual dog, but I think the combo of the shepherd's cloak-like fur on the back and the design of the facial fur are pretty interesting. The colors are better balanced here, with the cream fur drawing attention to the face while the dark blue eyes and nose balance the color of the back fur. The stern expression is also fun and really gives it a good sense of personality. It's nothing crazy or anything, but its a pretty solid design all around.

Stoutland takes what Herdier has going on and cranks it up to 11 with an absolutely insane mustache that would make an Alakazam feel ashamed. It also majorly grows out its cloak, becoming much shaggier in the process; kind of like a Newfoundland.

Visually, it shares a lot of the same elements as Herdier, with the cream drawing attention to its magnificent mustache, dark blue fur that completely covers its body, and an even sterner expression. However, I think the body becomes a bit too shapeless due to the amount of fur on it; even an actual Newfoundland has a good amount of anatomy under the fur, whereas Stoutland is weirdly rectangular. (The difference is the fur going down to the feet instead of stopping higher up around the stomach, and the back sloping down in the middle.)

Also, I'm not a huge fan of the coat becoming greenish at the base. I get wanting to break up that color a bit, but something more blue would've been better. The lighter color also probably should've been further down, as you can't see much of the dark blue due to the mustache covering most of it.

Anyway, these are some pretty good dogs, minus a few weird visual quirks. The concept and execution are super simple, but each stage manages to be unique despite that. These guys should be plenty pleasing for anyone who's a fan of terriers, that's for sure.

[quackity1999]

I think of everyone in Las Nevadas like dogs.

Foolish a golden retriever. Abounding in excitement, unfocused, and gentle despite his size and ability to harm. Too trusting.

Causing problems when he's not on a tight leash.

Hoax is like a shelter dog. Anxious. Watching the door and your hand with a distrust and a consistent bark. Give them time, and they'll give up on digging at the fence, pushing back. All the others did.

Fundy is like a stray. A mutt, digging for scraps of affection and approval and yet biting hands that get too close. Unpredictable and in the same beat easily herded.

Laverna is quiet, perhaps a basset hound. They could still bite you, but they haven't yet. They're herding the others, and sniffing out the problems, and all they ask for in return is a bowl with their name on it.

Purpled's a terrier. Not much else to say there. As long as you keep him trapped in his rabbit tunnels, you'll be fine.

Slime is like a puppy. A new puppy. All fresh eyed innocence, and yet he knows what goes on in your house more than all the others.

Sam is an Alsatian. War dog. Built to defend. But he was already trained long before you gave him a collar.

What're you going to do when they learn you're just as edible as the table scraps you feed them?

. . . hm.

fuck it, i'll bite back. everyone here knows how to in some way. i mean, las nevadas tends to be a dog eat dog world. right? :]

guess it's more fun to be the owner when the dog never wanted to leave the pound.