#jacob and tiny kiddos

[foxintheferns]

I'd love to see Jacob with a single mama. I'd love it if he imprinted on her while she's playing with her little one on the beach. She could be Charlie's niece who he helped move to Forks to give her a fresh start with the little one. I'm thinkin the kiddo is about 1-2, old enough to walk/play in the sand but still young. I can see Jacob being the best papa ever and the pack just LOVING on the kid <3 Please and thank you! <3

Thank you so much for your patience with this one! Because I made you wait so long, I made it a long one <3. Loved writing such sweet lil fluffy stuff. Please enjoy :)

A/N: AU where Jacob and Bella aren’t toxic & weirdly obsessed with each other, and he has his own life and experiences outside of her! Period.

HOME

You sat on the sand with Lydia between your legs, her wispy, silky auburn hair blowing between your fingers with each soft gust of the salty breeze. You faced the ocean, La Push beach surrounding you in all of its striking glory.

Lydia babbled as she played with the sand, her back to you and her arms and legs quite literally covered in the granules. It would be her second birthday in two months, and you couldn’t understand where the time had gone. She grew so quickly, her chunky little arms and legs getting longer by the day, and you wished desperately that you could pause time.

Your ex boyfriend Noah, Lydia’s father, hadn’t wanted much to do with the raising of his child.

You looked down at the side of her sweet face, the buttery soft skin of her cheek glowing with the orange light of the afternoon. It was despicable that anyone could not want to love this tiny human, you thought, that anyone would even consider leaving her by choice. But that was exactly what Noah had done. His booze and his gambling was far too important to him to bother with the raising of a small child.

It made you angry; you felt a relentless and almost violently intense need to protect her. From everything ugly and awful and false in this world, even if that meant her own father. He had never treated you right, always gone for nights at a time doing who knows what with God knows who. The pregnancy had been an accident, but his reaction was not what you’d expected. He’d seemed to be on-board at first, but was never there for you during your difficult pregnancy. You thought back to how your muscles had ached as you were on all fours scrubbing the bathroom floor that one Saturday night, seven months pregnant and inconceivably exhausted. He had come home after being gone for two days, reeking of liquor and barely having time to slur out his angry question of what you were planning on making for dinner before he’d passed out on the living room couch.

You had been expecting Lydia’s birth to snap him back to reality, to throw things into perspective for him. But the man you had practically grown up with, together since 18, had missed her birth.

“Got caught up at work,” had been his excuse when he showed up at the hospital the next morning. Even the labor and delivery nurse had thrown him a glare.

When Lydia was 3 months old, you were forced to go part-time at the job you’d loved, the one that could actually lead somewhere. Without Noah’s help, childcare was next to impossible. Your neighbor, Jess, a stay at home mom of three, was kind enough to babysit Lydia with her own children for a few days out of the week, but you felt awful not being able to pay her much, if anything, most weeks.

After over a year of trying, of desperately hoping and yearning for the man you had once loved to be a father to your sweet girl, you’d finally thrown in the towel. Noah had made it clear that he had no interest in being a dad, and in one of his more blacked-out stupors, had even remarked that if the two of you hadn’t gotten pregnant, things would’ve been easier. Better.

Noah had been gone 11 days, his longest absence yet.

You’d packed your minimal belongings, gathering Lydia’s too and putting them into her tiny suitcase with strawberries on it.

Your mom had passed when you were 16, and your dad was very much like Noah. Oh, how patterns repeat themselves. You didn’t have much of a support system to fall back on when shit hit the fan.

The one person you knew would answer if you called was your Mom’s brother, Charlie.

“(Y/N)?,” his gruff, tired voice had come through the phone that early Tuesday morning. You knew it was probably only 4am in Forks, where he was, but he’d still answered the phone.

“Uncle Charlie…,” you’d whimpered shakily, “I-….”

You didn’t even know where to begin. Uncle Charlie had always been so good to you, checking in and asking how Lydia was frequently. He’d been one of the few people you’d called to share the exciting news of your pregnancy with, and had been ecstatic, urging that you come visit him and your cousin Bella as soon as you could.

“What’s goin’ on? You okay?”, His voice had become suddenly alarmed, and you’d heard the shuffling in the background of him getting up and out of his bed.

Leaving with Lydia was something you’d been wanting to do for a while, but you didn’t think you could actually follow through with it. Saying it out loud felt impossible.

“I need your help,” you’d whispered, your voice low and on the verge of breaking.

That was two weeks ago now.

You sat on the soft sand with Lydia, her tiny fingers gripping your leg for support as she pulled herself up, and you thought back to the fear you’d felt that day. Charlie had immediately paid for a plane ticket for you and Lydia to fly up to Port Angeles. He didn’t waste a moment in inviting you to come stay with him. He’d been clearly enraged, barely hiding his distaste for Noah’s behaviors once you’d let the floodgates open and told him everything you’d been hiding for months.

“Jesus, (y/n). I thought you guys were doing good…I thought he was different, honey. I’m so sorry, kid,” Charlie had spoken into the phone after the words pouring from your mouth had finally come to a halt once you’d gotten him caught up on the current status of your relationship with your baby’s father. You hadn’t realized it, but you’d been hiding it from practically everyone. Your cousin Bella texted you often, and she knew some of the details of how absent Noah had become, but even she didn’t know the extent of it. You were a single mother, from the moment Lydia was conceived, you’d accepted that. Noah was never a dad to her.

“Mama! San!” Lydia’s tiny voice shrieked out as she grabbed a fistful of sand and threw it in front of her, some of it spraying in the breeze and landing across your chest and arms. She tentatively waited for your reaction. Her eyes scanned your face, her pink cheeks pulled into an ecstatic smile. You laughed, shaking your head, and wiped the rough granules off of your skin as you nodded at her.

“Yes, sand!” You picked up a handful of it, holding it out to show her and letting it spill through your fingers. She shrieked again, excited by your intentional dropping of the sand, and jumped several times, her little legs barely able to lift her half an inch off the ground.

You’d been down at the beach in La Push almost every day now. You’d gotten settled in to the extra bedroom at the Swan’s house, and you couldn’t help but feel like a burden, so you went out with Lydia often. Charlie and Bella had insisted, several times, that they were grateful to have the two of you. That they didn’t feel burdened by your presence. A toddler definitely wasn’t the quietest or most polite house guest, but Lydia was truly the best thing you’d ever done, and you prided yourself that you’d managed to raise such a good tiny human all on your own.

She was kind, and gentle. She loved animals, she loved making new friends. She watched the world around her with curious and eager eyes, anxious to explore and see and feel. She laughed and laughed and laughed; she was the giggliest baby you’d ever seen.

Bella offered to watch her whenever you needed a break, and you hadn’t asked for one yet. She was practically begging to babysit Lydia at this point, which had surprised even her; she wasn’t much of a kid person.

You didn’t want a break. You were soaking up this time with your little one as much as you could. You felt free, for the first time in a long time.

The beach felt like home now, and Lydia seemed to think so too. Every time you walked with her down the dirt path toward the beach, she would screech and try her best to run towards the glistening ocean. You’d been at the beach now for an hour or two, and you reached into your bag to pull out more baby sunscreen for her.

“Lyd, come ‘ere babe.” You reached out, gently pulling her to you, and her eyes landed on the pink bottle of sunscreen. She knew the drill at this point, and gingerly leaned against you as you rubbed the cream across her tiny little shoulders and arms. She giggled and smiled as the cold sunscreen landed on her skin.

“Eeee!” She cried, slapping her small hands against your leg as she pulled her face away in protest to you trying to spread the sunscreen across her cheeks. She still stood in place though, squeezing her eyes shut and pouting as you rubbed it in.

“Thank you, baby. Such a good girl,” you cooed as you snapped the lid of the sunscreen closed and placed a kiss on the tip of her little nose. You continued to pepper her face with smooches until she was a screeching, giggling mess on the sand, her arms and legs flailing every which way. You tickled her, both of you laughing loud enough for the sound to travel over the noise of the rolling waves hitting the beach.

After the tickle attack came to an end, you grabbed some strawberries and blueberries from your bag, pulling open the Tupperware container and holding it out to Lydia. Her eyes lit up (strawberries are her all time fave) and she eagerly grabbed at the berries with both hands. After several minutes of snacking, her mouth and face was stained pink and red, and her fingers were sticky. The sand was still warm, although the breeze was starting to cool off a bit.

“Let’s walk, yeah Lyddi?,” you asked, getting up from your large towel and brushing the sand off of your legs. She bounced around beside the towel, falling a few times onto the soft sand as she lost her balance. You held your hand out and smiled down at her, waiting for her to meet your eyes. She reached out without hesitation, allowing you to envelope her tiny hand in yours, and let you lead her down towards the water.

You walked across the gentle waves, only going far enough so that the incoming swells flowed across your feet and ankles. With each wave hitting the shore, Lydia giggled and gripped your hand firmly, picking her feet up as quickly as she could to run from the water as it approached, only to run back towards it when it receded. You bent down, releasing her hand to skim the ocean water, wetting your fingers to clean the berry juice from her face.

As you were wiping your thumb across the soft skin of her chin, you saw her eyes flicker to something behind you, down the beach. Her gaze was intent and focused, and you glanced over your shoulder to see what managed to catch her constantly fleeting attention. A group of four tall men coming down the beach, kicking a soccer ball amongst their group. Their laughter was just reaching your ears now, and they were coming close enough that you were able to make out their faces.

They were quite large, and all but one of them were shirtless. The image rang a bell: they looked like they could be some of the Quileute boys you’d heard Bella mention were her close friends. You knew the beach was on the local Quileute reservation, but it’d been relatively empty in the days you and Lydia had been spending there, and you’d only seen random tourists walking along the beach occasionally. Bella had complained jokingly to you that these friends of hers were annoyingly always shirtless, impossibly large and tall, and that her boyfriend Edward wasn’t the biggest fan of them.

You smiled when one of them looked down the beach towards you and Lydia, and he seemed to return a polite smile at first, but his face melted into an odd expression when your eyes met. It was an indecipherable look. A look you didn’t understand.

He stopped walking, his body halting while his friends continued to move down the beach ahead of him. For a moment, it almost seemed like he was about to wave or come towards you, as if he recognized you like an old friend. The peculiar expression lingered for a moment before he pulled his eyes away quickly, and you saw his mouth moving as he seemed to speak swiftly to the men around him. His friends stopped walking as well, all turning to face him with bewildered expressions. The eye contact between you had been longer than a typical interaction with a stranger, but you felt oddly unalarmed. You were struck with an odd sensation that felt like you recognized him too.

He was the tallest of the group, his shoulders wide & strong. His frame was long and lean, and he happened to be the only one wearing a shirt, though it was a black cut off tank that didn’t cover much of his chiseled musculature underneath. You brushed the encounter off as random and probably explainable, trying to ignore the odd and unfamiliar sensation that prickled across your entire body like electricity.

You turned back to Lydia, but her curious eyes were still locked on the group behind you, wonder filling her face. A smile crept onto your lips as you watched her blink, her long lashes framing her wide eyes. She was beautiful. She was always so curious, so interested. Strangers made her nervous, like any two year old, though, which is why you were utterly bewildered when she broke away from your grasp and started toddling down the shore towards the group of men. You shot up from your lowered position, chasing after her.

“Lydia!” you called, your feet picking up pace.

It was amazing just how fast a two year old could be when they suddenly decided they had a destination in mind. You caught her under the armpit just as she almost fell across the wet sand in her run, and your knees hit the soft sand as you almost fell yourself. You panted, holding onto her and unable to stifle back a laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.

“What the heck! Lyd-,” you started, looking up from where you grasped her. She was frozen, staring up at something.

She’d managed to close the distance between the two of you and the men, quickly enough that the soccer ball they’d been passing around as they came down the beach was only feet away now. You followed her gaze, and saw two large hands come down to swiftly pick up the ball. Your eyes moved up more still, until they landed on the face of the man you’d just locked eyes with moments before.

His gentle brown eyes were wide, his jaw slack and his expression yet again incomprehensible. You still had a smile on your face, and his eyes flicked down to your grin, the corners of his own mouth lifting up slightly. He gestured toward you with the arm that held the soccer ball.

“You’re, uh, Bella’s cousin?” The sound of his voice was rough and deep. Your grin faltered to make way for the suprised expression that came across your face.

“Oh, uh, yeah! Um, you know Bella?” You asked, taking the brief moment to get back up onto your feet and readjust the flowy fabric of your sundress that had gotten ruffled up in the capturing of your tiny escapee. You still held Lydia’s hand, and she stayed unmoving by your side, watching the tall man with the same awed expression. A grin spread across his face, and his eyes maintained the same electric glow they’d had from the moment you’d looked at him.

“Bella’s one of my best friends, yeah. She’s told me a lot about you…and… uh Lydia, right?” He spoke gently, his eyes glancing down at the tiny human to your right. You looked down at her, too, and she smiled timidly up at the man, stepping slightly behind your leg shyly. You beamed back at him, nodding and running your fingers through the soft silky baby hair on the top of Lydia’s head.

“Yeah, this is Lydia,” you replied, ruffling her hair until a soft giggle fell from her lips.

“I’m Jacob Black,” he glanced beyond him briefly and jerked his thumb over his shoulder, “those are my buddies Quil, Embry, and Jared. You’re (Y/N)?”

You glanced briefly over to the other three men, though they were now immersed in their own mumbled conservation several yards away; one of them was watching you with interest and flashed a warm smile back at you.

You nodded, turning back to Jacob.

“That’s me,” you answered with a shrug and a smile. When you met his gaze again, his eyes were intense, almost pained, his pupils wide. That electric feeling ran through you again. The eye contact between the two of you lingered each and every time it occurred, as if it was an inconvenience to pull away from it for both of you. Jacob knelt down on one knee, tucking the soccer ball under his arm. His eyes only broke away from yours to glance down at Lydia, who was still watching him intently from her place next to your leg.

“Hi, Lydia, it’s nice to meet you,” he murmured gently, “I’m Jacob.”

There was a hesitation, and you were just about to encourage Lydia to say hello to Jacob, but to your surprise she broke away from you once more, ambling across the sand and reaching her arms out towards the soccer ball Jacob held under his arm. In her uncoordinated stumbling over the sand, she started to fall forwards. Before you could even begin to reach to catch her, one of Jacob’s large hands came out in a flash to support her, stopping her mid fall.

“Woah, buddy, careful there!” He exclaimed, a chuckle coming from his chest.

At the sound of his laughter, your baby beamed up at him, her expression suddenly delighted, and after a moment, a giggle erupted from her own little body.

Your eyes widened, shocked as you watched her laugh, Jacob’s large hand still holding her up off the sand. His eyes flickered to you as you broke into surprised laughter as well, and soon the three of you were a giggling mess. Lydia adored making adults laugh. It was the phase she was currently in: to laugh at everything anyone deemed amusing, and it was common that she would even fake laugh to get you to laugh, which would often result in a real fit of hysterics from the both of you

You were astonished that she’d warmed to a stranger so quickly, especially such a large man - a category of human that toddlers tend to decide is terrifying for no reason.

As the afternoon started to bleed into evening, you and Lydia got to know your new friends. Lydia was very opposed to moving away from them, interested in the soccer ball and jumping around in the sand. Jacob continued to stare intently at you every moment that his eyes weren’t required to be on something else, and you didn’t mind it. His energy was warm and gentle, and even his friends seemed to find his behavior entertaining, chuckling and whispering to eachother every time Jacob’s eyes lingered on you for a few seconds too long. You couldn’t help but feel the heat rush to your face with his stares. You hadn’t really felt this noticed by someone, a man, in what felt like forever. And he was absolutely noticing you. He was doing more than notice you. He was ogling at you, drinking the sight of you in like fresh air for a suffocating man. His eyes turned gentle and soft whenever they fell upon Lydia, and he spent the time as the two of you spoke truly attending to her and her endless toddler games, showing earnest interest in the shells she had picked up and started to stack on one of his feet.

“Oooh, wow, now that one’s pretty. Definitely my favorite one yet.” He carefully examined the newest purple shell Lydia had found and handed to him for inspection. She smiled and clenched her fists in excitement, eagerly racing to find more shells in the sand to bring to him.

His eyes slowly found their way back to yours as you sat beside one another. You smiled softly, and he returned it, the smile reaching his eyes and crinkling them gently.

There it was again, that electricity.

Six Months Later

It had been a whirlwind, these past six months. Meeting Jacob Black had changed life entirely for you and your daughter. After that night on the beach, you, Charlie and Bella had visited the Blacks’ home a few times, joining them for bonfires and pizza dinners whenever a hockey game was on tv. Bella seemed adamant that you visit Jacob often, even Charlie seemed surprised with how eagerly she encouraged you to join them and hang out with the Quileute boys. You’d met Jacob’s father, who seemed to welcome you into his family without hesitation within moments of meeting you. He had peered at you with an intensely inquisitive expression, something that reminded you of the odd gut feeling you hadn’t been able to shake…that your new acquaintances were far more interesting than they let on. There was just something about them, and it felt like a secret club you were looking in on, one that caused the hushed, private conversations that seemed to happen frequently in their presence. You’d spoken to Bella about your encounter with her friend right after that first night on the beach. As the rest of that week had passed, Bella had begun acting suspiciously around you. Within days of her odd avoidant behavior, she finally sat you down to tell you things that challenged your perception of the world, forever.

Vampires and werewolves.

Insanity, right?

Bella had explained her relationship with Edward, and you hadn’t believed it at first.

Like, at all. Who would?

In fact, you thought she’d been completely off her rocker, crazy.

That was, until she’d claimed that Jacob had something to do with it, too.

“You need to go talk to Jacob,” she’d urged, “only he can explain what you need to know.”

You’d been absolutely confused, unsure what Jacob Black had to do with anything, especially with this absurd tale of vampires.

“I’ll watch Lydia. Go,” she’d insisted, practically pushing you out the front door. You were insanely curious; you’d never had any reason to question Bella’s mental competence before, and with her frantic efforts to get you to talk to Jacob, you had to know what this was all about. You still of course doubted the absurd story, but wanted to get to the root of the craziness, naturally.

When you’d arrived at the Black’s house, it seemed Jacob was expecting you, and he’d grabbed your hand gently, pulling you towards his little makeshift garage in the back.

You’d spent hours with him that night. Jacob had tried, while his eyes watered and his voice shook nervously, to explain the wildly unbelievable, and yet somehow completely sensical and validating reality of his ancestral destiny.

“I know, (y/n). Please, believe me, I know this sounds crazy,” he’d said as he anxiously paced across the garage, his eyes flashing to your face for your reaction.

You’d shaken your head, trying to connect the dots in your mind. It matched up with the absurd story Bella had told you, only this time he was speaking of wolves, wolves with the instinctual duty to protect from the supposed vampires Bella become involved with deeply. Wolves that were not wolves, but men. Men that included Jacob and his friends.

“Come with me,” he’d finally insisted sternly as you’d silently refused to accept the words he spoke, staring at him dumbfoundedly.

He’d led you outside, to the dark treeline, and placed his hands up in front of him before you could protest.

“Listen, I know this is gonna be hard to see, (y/n). I didn’t wanna have to do this but I need you to understand. There’s so much more to this world than you think there is. Please,” he’d begged, pulling you into a tight hug, his eyes wildly urging yours to listen to him, his shaky voice reducing to a whisper against your hair, “I understand if you never, ever want to be a part of this. But you deserve to know.”

You’d shaken your head, bewildered.

“What are you talking about, Jake?”

He stood back and started to pull his pants down, and your eyes widened, your eyebrow cocking up in confusion. A smile flashed across his lips.

“Remember what I just told you. I’d never hurt you, okay?”

Your mind flickered to the story he’d just spent the last hour telling you, but your brain simply wouldn’t allow you to defy logic to consider the possibility that the man was truly actually about to turn into a wolf.

And yet, you stood there with your jaw slacked open and your eyes wide, your body frozen as he stepped back several feet, his body twitching and trembling and twisting oddly before…

A ripping sound rang out, a wildly violent sound that came from deep within his body. The sound echoed against the trees, before it fell hauntingly silent across the dark backyard. Within less than a moment, a massive red brown wolf was standing before you, his huge head only inches away from your face.

Your mind didn’t comprehend the sight, the reality too unreal and too intangible to wrap around and understand. Those same brown eyes you’d come to know and feel safe in stared back at you intently from the massive wolf’s face.

It was the last image you remembered before you’d fallen to the ground, slipping into a shock driven unconsciousness.

When you’d woken, you had been in Jacob’s bed, an ice pack being gently repeatedly pressed to your forehead and neck.

It had been a rude awakening, but one that had forced open your eyes to a world that quickly became home for you, lifting the veil of reality that you’d come know.

Jacob’s next explanation was that of the concept of imprinting. That night, after you’d settled and moved out of your state of shock, started speaking real words again, Jacob expressed why he felt it was necessary to expose you to his world. He’d explained the ancient way of imprinting, what it meant for him, what it meant for you. That first day on the beach, the way he’d look at you, that electricity. It all made sense now.

“It’s you, (y/n). Now that you’re here, I will follow you anywhere. Even if you don’t want to be part of this, I’ll always protect you and Lydia from afar. Always. I can’t imagine a world anymore without you, a life without you. The moment I saw you, I felt it. My heart was yours,” he’d murmured, his arms around you as he rubbed your back to calm your tremors that had come across your body as you tried desperately to adjust to your entirely new concept of existence.

That felt so long ago, now. You’d met the Cullens soon after you were welcomed into the world of the supernatural, joining Bella in her secretive lifestyle of hiding the direct truth from Charlie, only letting him in on what he absolutely needed to know. Charlie was over the moon that you and Jacob got together; he pissed Bella off with how openly he approved of your relationship with Jacob over hers with Edward. Jacob didn’t feel right having you live in a spare bedroom at the Swan house, and had practically demanded you move into a home on the reservation with him. He’d jokingly insisted that it wasn’t his fault, that the imprint had forced him to need you in his sight at all times. You didn’t resist, elated to finally feel welcome in a home with your Lydia. And it wasn’t hard - Jacob made that incredibly simple. He so openly loved Lydia nearly as much as he loved you. Sometimes, you wondered how deeply the imprinting had impacted him. He accepted it and took it on with respect. He never pressured you to be anything but there, in his life. He didn’t seem to mind in the slightest or even really notice how slowly you were allowing him into your heart. The relationship you had with Jacob had begun as a deep and true friendship, but the imprint connection was impossible to ignore, and there was undeniable attraction you felt for him, even beyond his beautifully kind heart and spirit. You held hands constantly, even before you’d established any sort of romantic connection. The first night Jacob had kissed you, you’d expressed your hesitation at pulling him into your life. You’d gotten used to men not wanting much to do with a single mom, after Noah had made it clear that you and Lydia were essentially a burden in his life. You were scared, not only for your own heart, but for Lydia’s. You couldn’t bear to bring another man into her life only for him to reject her like her father had. But Jacob? He’d adamantly refused to let your anxieties overcome you. He loved you, he’d insisted. All of you. Lydia was part of you. So, he loved her. It was that simple to him. He was often just as anxious when Lydia was out of his sight as when you were.

You remember the first time Lydia had called Jake ‘Dada’, several months after you’d been exposed to this world of fantasy. Lydia had gotten so comfortable with him, more comfortable than she’d been with any person, besides you, before. She babbled with excitement every time she heard you or Charlie or Bella mention him, and begged to see him frequently. Once you’d moved into the small red house with Jacob, she’d jump and squeal every time his truck pulled into the driveway at the end of the day.

That day she first said the word, you’d nervously glanced at his face, searching for his response.

She’d been holding his hand, walking along the shore at La Push. It was winter by this point, but Lydia needed her regular beach walk, and was bundled in her tiny red puffer jacket and white hat. She’d stooped down to pick up a shell, gripping it in her small fist, and jerked her hand out to him, dropping the shell into his hand.

“Dada!” She’d squealed as she waited for his approval of the shell.

His eyes had lit up and an expression of utter shock, which had quickly shifted into ecstatic bliss, moved across his features. His eyes had flashed to yours, and he clearly struggled, with everything in him, to hold back a massive grin. He was unsure of your reaction. Your eyes had melted back at him, and you were completely unable to resist the smile that crossed your lips. His dark eyes had turned glossy, and he’d looked back down at Lydia’s impatiently waiting face as she’d stared up at him, grasping the shell and embracing her in a massive bear hug. She’d laughed and shrieked, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

At Lydia’s 2nd birthday party, the whole pack had celebrated with you and Jacob at Billy’s house. The rest of the boys had happily taken on the role of proud uncles, practically fighting over who could hold her whenever you brought her over.

Life was peaceful, and you’d taken on a job at the La Push Farmer’s market. Childcare was a breeze now: on any given day while you were at work, either Sue & Charlie or Emily would eagerly babysit Lydia if Jacob was out on patrol or working his shift as a mechanic at the local bike shop. Lydia now had a family that was larger and more loving than you could have ever dreamed for her.

And you couldn’t ignore the fateful gift that you’d received too. Jacob Black was yours, and you were his. And you knew that, without a single doubt, he’d protect you and your daughter with relentless fervor for the rest of your lives.

You were safe. You were loved.

You were home.

[trippinsorrows]

ltye: my little girl

authors note: roman being soft with his youngest (as of this oneshot). we love to see it. this is dreamland based.

*gif belongs to @romanreigns*

words: 3k

warnings: fluff galore, some angst

It happens every so often. Not a ton, but definitely on more than one occasion.

Where the house is empty sans the pets and one or two children.

Typically, it occurs over a weekend where there’s some type of overlap between the older kids' extracurriculars. This time, it’s Lina having a volleyball conference out of town, Leya tagging along to go support her sister, Tama attending a football camp, and Koa and Kai at some type of weekend tech training for kids. Roman doesn’t really understand what that last bit entails, but they, along with the rest of the family all have their security details with them, Jacob with the girls, and Zilla and Lance with the boys. They’re safe, and that’s all that matters to him.

However, with everyone else gone. That just leaves him and his youngest. 

Little Ms. Aroha Reigns.

The same little girl who’s currently using her equally little hands to try to shake him awake. “Daddy.” The dichotomy of her trying to keep her voice down while also wanting to wake him up makes him smile a little. “Daddy, you gotta get up.”

He knows he does, but a part of him wishes she would have slept a little longer. Her tiny body curled against him, as she’s always scared to sleep in her room by herself when her siblings are away. It’s too quiet in that wing of the house for her, hence her sleeping with him and bringing Coco with her. 

But, Roro is up now. There’s no going back.

Roman groans quietly and rolls onto his back, opening his eyes to see her staring down at him, just as alert and awake as all the outdoors. 

She's clearly pleased at her wake-him-up victory. “Daddy, you’re up!”

He chuckles. “I’m up, but why are you up?”

She pouts, and his smile reappears. “Cause we gotta make breakfast.”

“We do?”

She nods happily, informing him like he doesn’t live there. “Mommy always makes breakfast.”

She’s not wrong about that. Roman can only recall a few times where his wife hasn’t gotten up early just to ensure their family starts off their day the right way with full stomachs. He’s tried to tell her countless times that she doesn’t have to, but he sees it’s something that brings her joy. The cooking, but specifically, the cooking for them.

So, he leaves her be, and obviously, the importance of this now tradition is something that’s been burned into his youngest child’s head. 

Roman clears his throat and rubs his eyes, asking, “whatchu’ want us to fix, baby girl?” 

With raised fists of excitement, she shouts, “sparkle pancakes!”

Roman laughs a little. “Daddy knows how to make regular pancakes.” One of the few meals he’s learned how to prepare over the years. The Tribal Chief knows his place when it comes to the culinary arts. That’s all Solana. Definitely not him.

Again, there’s that pout. “Regular pancakes are boring.” Her eyes light up. “I’ll show you how to make sparkle pancakes! Mommy taught me.”

Another not surprising thing. Similar to Leya, Aroha has shown an interest in cooking and baking, often wanting to help her big sister and mom when it comes time to prepare food. 

Aroha has clearly set her mind to this being the plan, thus her trying to shove on him to get him moving. “Come on, daddy!”

Roman gives one more heavy sigh before sitting up, scooping Aroha up with him as he climbs out the bed, seeing Coco still sleeping away.

“Hygiene first, kiddo.” Roman carries her into his master bathroom, setting her on the counter as she grabs her toothbrush from her little section of stuff he already set up for her. Together, they get teeth brushed, faces washed, and Roman does a lazy bun with his hair but focuses on getting her ponytail just right as she talks away about all of the “fun�� things she wants to do with him this weekend.

He doesn’t mind. Roman can’t recall the last time it was just the two of them, so he’ll do whatever she wants—within reason—to make this weekend special for her.

After letting the dogs outside and putting out their breakfast, Roman and his youngest get started on their own. He lets Aroha lead, allowing her to walk him step-by-step through her unsurprisingly detailed tutorial. Even the parts that are no-brainers, because she clearly enjoys feeling like she’s the one teaching him. 

She does get a little heavy handed with the sprinkles, probably more than Solana would approve of, but Roman also knows his daughter. Knows that while she may be on a bit of a sugar rush for a part of the day, when she crashes, she crashes hard. 

She’ll be knocked out for the night when all is said and done, so he’ll just give her the now.

And they sit in the living room, using trays to share their breakfast together, Roman having to ‘force’ her to drink orange juice instead of the chocolate milk she could finish all on her own if left alone.

Kid has a sweet tooth like him.

Grabbing the remote, he asks right as she sticks her fork into her stack of two pancakes, “whatcha’ wanna watch?”

Her eyes squint as she deliberates over this very important question, finally settling on, “Inside Out!”

Roman smiles a little. That was one of his guesses. “Which one?” Of the four films, he knows she doesn’t really have a favorite, but it’s still worth asking.

She lifts her index finger, answering with excitement, “the first!”

Roman nods. “The first it is.” 

Navigating to Disney Plus, selecting Roro’s profile, he hits play on the film that’s already in her watchlist. Settling back on the sofa beside her, the two eat together, Aroha taking time in between bites of food to explain certain things. If she doesn’t end up doing something with animals, he can see her being a teacher. At seven, she’s pretty damn good with explaining stuff. 

Aroha’s adorable giggling is music to his ears as she points at the TV. “That’s you, daddy.” 

Roman looks up at the TV from the phone that he was using to send a quick check-in text to the rest of his family when he’s met with one of the scenes of Anger, well, being angry.

He scowls, disagreeing. “That is not me.”

“Yes, it is,” she laughs, climbing off the sofa and moving in front of him to provide a demonstration. “You get all angry like this,” Roman laughs as Aroha attempts to provide an example of how Roman turns up his face when irritated, disgusted, or….angry. “Kids! Get down here now!” The laughter continues as she clearly tries to mimic him. “Roro! Time for bed! Koa, Kai, time to get off the games! Tama, Lina, Leya, come help bring in these groceries!”

Roman shakes his head as she climbs back on the sofa, on her knees, looking up at him. “That really me?”

Aroha shakes her hand. “Mommy says you can be a grump, but I don’t know what that means.” She finishes with a confused look, shrugging indifferently as she refocuses back on the film. 

Thinking, probably overthinking, about what she said, Roman finds himself hitting the pause button a few minutes later.

She turns to him with a frown. “Daddy?”

“Aroha…..” Roman angles his body toward her. “I know….I get angry sometimes, but you know it’s never at you, right?” Because that’s something Roman has always done his best to be mindful about, not losing his temper with and on his kids. They might frustrate him from time to time, because they’re kids, but he would never want them to be scared of him.

That would kill him.

“I would…..I would never yell at you or your siblings or your mom like that.” It’s a bit difficult for him to explain given her young age, but he has to try. Has to make sure she understands that she’s always safe with him. 

“Daddy, you’re never mean to us.” She says it so sweetly, like she almost can’t believe he would even ask such a thing. “You’re the best daddy ever.”

Feelings. So many feelings. Things he used to shield and shove away like they were something to be embarrassed of. But, falling in love, becoming a parent, it’s all made him realize that there’s nothing wrong with them. They’re normal and okay to have.

And he has a bunch of them festering with such kind, genuine words from his daughter. Roman pulls her into his side, kissing the top of her head. “thanks, kiddo.” It’s all he wants in life. To do right by her. By all of his kids.

By his family.

“You’re welcome, daddy.” She peers up at him, in all of her randomness, asking, “can I do you hair?”

Roman smiles and laughs, not sure where it’s coming from but obliging her, nonetheless. “Sure.”

She cheers and climbs off the sofa, running off, probably to get the ‘supplies.’ He takes the opportunity to check his phone, seeing missed texts from his wife. 

Solana: We’re good, my love. 

Solana: I’d ask how you guys are doing, but it’s not needed.

Solana: She’s with her favorite person. And vice versa. ❤️

Roman chuckles as he types out a reply. 

Roman: I’ll probably take her out in a lil bit.

Roman: Dogs need more food.

Solana: You wanna take her to the pet store with you?

Solana: Well, send me pictures of the latest pets. 😉

Roman shakes his head. 

Roman: I’m not getting her anymore pets, babe.

Solana: Lol. Okay. 🙂

Roman readies to reply and defend himself when Roro comes back in the living room with one of her sparkly backpacks as she directs him to sit on the floor. He climbs down, as Aroha hops on the sofa behind him and gets to work.

He hits play on the movie as she takes his hair down and does a lot of probably unnecessary brushing and combing, all the while explaining her actions. As always, he just lets her do her thing, playing into and supporting her along the way.

They stay like this for the duration of the movie, after which Roman asks the unnecessary question as to if Roro wants to go with him to pick up more food for Coco and Max. It’s a no-brainer, because the way that little girl rushes to get dressed and is ready to go in less than fifteen minutes should be studied.

So, after cleaning the kitchen and Roman throwing something on, he’s out the door with his mini-me who talks almost the entire car drive, not that he minds. He remembers times like this with Leya and Lina.

It goes by so fast. He just wants to enjoy the here and now.

Wants to revel in her being cute and little for as long as he can. 

But, it’s that cuteness that’s about to get him in trouble and eat his words as soon as they’re about to checkout at the pet store when Aroha passes the animals.

The bunnies. 

She gasps, letting go of his hand, rushing over to the small selection. It doesn’t bother him that much, mostly and largely because he had the entire store cleared and has security stationed around the place. Inside and out.

He never takes any chances when it comes to his kids. Especially little Roro.

 “Look, daddy!” Roman walks over, leaving the cart unattended to see the two small bunnies that have caught his daughter’s attention. “They’re so little….”

“They are.” He knows where this is going. Knows exactly where this is going, a part of him wishing he had listened to Solana. Taking her here with him maybe wasn’t the best idea. 

With sadness in her cute little voice, she realizes, “they’re here, because….because they don’t have a home.” 

“Not yet,” he answers, taking her other hand, giving a gentle squeeze. “But, they’ll get one.”

With hopeful eyes, she looks up, asking that question he was dreading. “Can they come home with us?”

Roman shuts his eyes.

Damn.

“Baby…..” He sighs, trying to explain in as calm and gentle voice as possible. “We already have the dogs and Nala.” Nala being the kitten his animal loving child found and rescued, hiding in her room for almost a week before being discovered.

The memory makes him chuckle a bit. That was….something else. 

Aroha’s frown deepens as places her hand up on the glass, looking at them before gazing back at him with those big, sad eyes. Solana’s. She has her mothers eyes. “But, everyone needs a family.”

And it’s that single sentence that seals the deal.

An hour later, Lola and Thumper are the latest additions to the Reigns household, Roman spending more than what was necessary to get all of the supplies Aroha wanted for her latest “little babies.” 

The smile on her face is more than worth it for Roman, however, as he sets everything up in her room for the bunnies. 

And it’s even on her face as she finds him a little later in the day, plopping her body on top of him as she takes a nap, needing a respite before tackling the rest of the day. 

But, it’s as she sleeps peacefully on top of his chest, her little lips partially open, breath escaping and chest moving up and down as she holds onto him that Roman reflects.

47 seconds. 

That’s exactly how long Aroha went without breathing when she was born. 

Roman has really only ever experienced fear a couple times in his life, most of which have revolved around his family. His wife. His children.

But, the day that Aroha was born, the minute Solana welcomed her into the world and instead of being met with the sound of their daughter's wails, thus officially making her grand entrance into the world......they were met with silence.

Aroha didn’t cry. She didn’t cry, because she wasn’t breathing.

And it’s those 47 seconds that stretched and felt like fucking hours as the labor team went to work on their not even a full five minutes old daughter.

Roman will never forget the sheer terror that set in the minute Solana realized what was happening. “She’s not breathing.” With her medical background, it was both an easy and horrifying thing to realize. “Why—why isn’t she breathing? Something’s wrong.”

The reason, that they would find out later, being something called Birth Asphyxia. The cause having something to do with Solana not having enough oxygen in her blood during childbirth. To this day, he doesn’t truly understand fully. But, at that time, he wasn’t concerned with why his daughter wasn’t breathing.

He just wanted her to be okay.

Aroha was rushed to the NICU where she received the best care money could buy, including some type of whole body “cooling” treatment that was apparently significant in her care. But, at seven days old, they conducted an MRI that revealed slight brain damage. As a result, Aroha received early intervention PT and OT, which was something Roman didn’t even know existed until then for such a young child. 

However, it was effective, because while Roman and Solana were advised Aroha may need to continue therapy up until her first few years of her life, their fighter of a daughter ended up beating the odds, cleared and meeting all milestones on time by five months of age.

It was the biggest relief and blessing they could have ever asked for, but Roman can and will never forget the devastation he felt trying to comfort Solana as they had to return home without their baby girl. It was rough, trying to spend as much time in the NICU with her while still being available and present for their other children.

The day they finally got to bring her home remains one of the happiest days of his life.

And now, at age seven, she’s a happy, healthy child who continues to not only meet all milestones but presents with intelligence that bypasses what’s expected for her age.

But, most importantly, she’s alive.

And that’s why Roman knows and is well aware of the fact that he might let Aroha get away with some things she shouldn’t, agrees to things that he doesn’t have to, says yes when he maybe should no.

The thing, however, is that none of that could be an option. It could not be an option because she couldn’t be here right now.

She could have died, but she didn’t. His little girl is a fighter, and he’ll always love her just a little bit harder just because of it. 

Grabbing his phone, careful not to disturb her, Roman sends Solana the picture Roro used his phone to take of her "babies."

He then adds the caption.

Roman: She named them Thumper and Lola.

Solana texts back not even five minutes later.

Solana: 😂😂😂😂

Solana: Told you.

Solana: They are cute......

Roman: I guess.

He can practically see his wife rolling her pretty eyes through the phone.

Solana: But, you know we're gonna have to get the boys those lizards now, right?

He does, and while he's not exactly thrilled about it, he knows it's the right thing to do. Knows that it's unfair to grant Aroha's wish, but not Koa and Kai.

Roman knows all too well what it's like to feel like the less favored of his siblings, and he'll be damned if any of his kids will feel that way.

Ever.

Roman: I know. I'll take them next weekend.

Solana: Good.

Solana: Girls said to tell they love you. I love you too. ❤️ Give my baby a kiss for me.

Roman: Love ya'll too. I will. ❤️

Roman sets his phone back down on his nightstand and chuckles as Aroha adjust herself on top of him, smacking her little lips a little as she sighs in her sleep.

Roman kisses the top of her head, one arm around her, holding her closer for as long as he can.

[cascowriteswords]

bite me

Clarke should have seen this coming. The signs have been there all along. 

“There is such thing as too much garlic, Clarke.”

“The sun is hurting my eyes.” 

“My skin is sensitive, Clarke, I can only wear gold or medical grade titanium.”

“This is the skin of a killer, Clarke.”

Okay, maybe not that last one. 

But still, the signs were all there, all these years. It was only her own naivety that prevented her from predicting this earlier on. 

“So, vampire, hm?” she hums as Lexa jogs down the stairs, velvety black collar popped up around the slender column of her neck, coattails flowing behind her. “I didn’t peg you for team Edward.”

“I’m not,” Lexa answers smoothly, pecking Clarke’s cheek as she takes the mug of coffee held out toward her, leaving a black outline of her lips in their wake. “Party City was fresh out of werewolf costumes. But I’m not team Jacob, I’m team Seth - the only good character.”

“I see,” Clarke says coyly. “Remember when I said you should pick out a costume a few weeks ago? Instead of the night before Halloween?” 

Lexa is buzzing around the kitchen, spreading avocado onto her toast and grabbing pickled onions from the fridge. It’s an ironically vegetarian breakfast for someone with painted-on blood dribbling from the corners of her mouth. “Are you saying you think the kids won’t like my costume, Clarke?”

Working as a physical therapist in an outpatient pediatric clinic means going all out for Halloween isn’t optional. Lexa’s kiddos would be so disappointed if their favorite clinician wasn’t dressed up, and getting 3 year olds to focus on PT is hard enough on a normal day. She has all sorts of spooky themed games and obstacle courses planned for the day.

“Of course not, they’ll love it. They love you.”

“I love you,” Lexa quickly says, eyes flicking up to meet Clarke’s in a way that somehow still makes her stomach swoop even 3 years in. 

“I love you,” Clarke answers, grinning affectionately at her sweet golden retriever girlfriend as she eats her toast in full vampire garb as their tiny bistro table. “Are you going to ask what I think about your costume?” 

Lexa quirks a brow inquisitively, peering at Clarke over the top of her mug as she takes a sip of coffee. “What do you think of my costume, love?”

Clarke moves away from the counter she’d been leaning against and prowls forward, as if she’s the one dressed as a lethal predator instead of Lexa, intently focused on her target. When she reaches the table she rests one hand on its edge and the other on the back of Lexa’s chair, caging her in. “I think,” she says, ducking down to press her lips to the hinge of Lexa’s jaw which earns her a lovely, pretty breathy sound from her girlfriend, “You might be the one dressed as a vampire, but I’m going to be eating you tonight.” Lexa swallows thickly and Clarke grins; nips at her neck, feels the pulse fluttering beneath her tongue as it laves over the skin there. 

When she leans back Lexa’s eyes follow her, pupils a bit wider and darker than they were just a moment ago which suits her costume quite nicely. Clarke reaches out and runs a thumb along Lexa’s bottom lip, cleaning up the edge of her black lipstick. “I’m going back to bed for a little while,” she tells Lexa. “Have a great day at work, honey. And happy Halloween.” 

“Clarke,” Lexa whines. “How am I meant to focus at all today now.”

“You’re a highly intelligent and cunning immortal being, you’ll figure something out.”

She skitters up the stairs smugly, already knowing how tightly wound Lexa will be when she returns home in 9 hours.

Already more than a little excited to unwind her.

[chasingstardustandmoonbeams]

A/N: Part 2 of Bones characters as dads.

Finn would be the most attentive dad ever. Hyper aware of all emotions at all times (even if he himself has difficulty sharing all of his emotions). He would be so excited to share everything with his kid(s) especially small things like favorite foods or movies.

Rarely gets mad - if ever. Really only gets upset when his kids do something dangerous or thoughtless.

He would want to document every little thing that happens. Yes this is his third baby photo album, no he doesn't have a problem. Finn just loves to bask in the little things. The small mundane things that he'll want to look back on when he's older. Every moment is a milestone and he'd want to remember it all.

Arastoo would dote on his children like his life depended on it. Small little trinkets, day trips, yes we can have ice cream before dinner but you have to act really hungry when we eat dinner.

He would would love to share the cultural and religious aspects of his life. Customs, food, his life before coming to D.C. Arastoo would not shy away from anything.

Arastoo would love taking his kids to the museums and the zoo. His kid sat firmly on his shoulders as they walk through every exhibit taking in all the tiniest details. Of course we can come again next week. Arastoo gets roped into being souvenirs every time they go, but he'd spend all the money he had to see his childs face light up.

Clark is wrapped around his kid(s) finger. Everyone would like to think he is the no nonsense stern parent, but that would be a lie. He melts as soon as the tears start pooling around the eyes, and the pout comes out. He'd like to think that this doesn't happen that often, but he'd be a liar.

Clark starts introducing his kids to academic concepts right away. He wants his kid(s) to question everything - always. He never wants them to lose their sense of questioning. It comes so naturally - he doesn't want to ever see that inquisitive light dimmed.

He does his best to answer every question he can, and the ones he can't he takes a mental note to research later. You see, the sky is blue because of blue light is scattered by these really tiny things called molecules. They are so small you can't see them. They get moved around by the air which causes it to look blue because is scattered more than other colors in shorter smaller waves.

Clark would totally bring his kid(s) to the Jeffersonian for a little show and tell. He would never admit it to Hodgins, but he always appreciates the time he takes to explain every little thing.

James "I gotta get one of those" Aubrey would be the funnest dad ever. Literally is still a child himself. Is always down to watch the newest animated movie in theaters. We've been over this, cartoons aren't just for kids. If I gotta bump elbows with some kiddos to see Shrek 5 then that is what I will have to do.

Always wants to do things with his kids. Video games? Pass the controller over this way. Random food craving? He'll grab the keys, they direct the way (he is never one to say no to food).

Aubrey always wants to hear the latest gossip from school. So you're telling me, Jacob pulled Mia's pigtails and she kicked him in the shin? Good for her.

James Aubrey may seem all soft and unassuming, but hurt his kid? He'll burn the whole place down. No one - absolutely no one, hurts his family. With his own issues with his dad, his number one priority would be to make sure that his kid knows he's not going anywhere.

[rebouks]

Let's be nosy and see what a few folks have been up to recently and/or since Somnium ended, shall we..? 👀

Kaden/Joey are still around, somewhere.. Joey would probably tell you by accident, but Kaden keeps him on a tight leash. I very much doubt either of them have changed their ways, you can't teach an old dog new tricks and all that... I dunno if we'll really see em again properly, though I never say never!

Brynn, Ace and Robert may have left Del Sol, but Randy and Genesis are still stuck in their old ways. Sissy likes the attention and money from her "job" too much to leave. I think part of her still hopes someone's gonna whisk her away to a life of luxury and she'll live happily ever after, just like Brynn did.. assumedly 😩 Randy won't leave without her ofc, and he doesn't really like change anyway. He's lazy, what else is he gonna do?! The motel barely makes any money either, but he manages with a few odd jobs from the less savoury folks around town. They're doing swell 👍

Luckily, no one ever ratted on Darien and he was far too careful to end up under the microscope without being exposed - especially since Wyatt left the scene - so he moved back to San My eventually. Ever the workaholic, he found himself a job at the same accounting/law firm as Wade (props to anyone who remembers him lmaoo) he doesn't need the money but he'd probably go insane without a job ngl 😆 He doesn't really find it easy to make friends either, and Wade recently found himself behind bars for a lil tiny bit of tax evasion so he's pretty lonely-.. although he did meet a fellow asexual lady friend he's been on a couple dates with recently. They have fun n' get on well, but she thinks he's this straight laced/awkward accountant and it makes him feel weird, like he's lying about himself.. so idk how long that'll last. I think he kinda misses being part of a "family", however fucked up it was.. but most of all, he just misses Wyatt 😔

Alma and Mack have been hanging out more often recently, just casually tho u kno?? She likes her freedom too much to give it all up, and although he's a great lover, he's a terrible boyfriend lmaoo.. I think she's accepted that Mack is Mack so they're not making it serious or official this time. They're not exactly getting any younger either, may as well have some fun whilst they're still here, right?! Kobe's considering moving out 'cause eugh 😆

Brivan n' co are just kinda living life right now, working, hanging out with Jacob/Suzie/Miya a fair bit and tryna get used to the news of Jude n' such u kno? Pixie's hitting her milestones like a champ ofc, but she's a picky eater just like her pappy 😅 Bruno insists he's fine but he's been a lil quiet and weird recently. Part of him still struggles with his old self and his guilt, though he ain't exactly a talker, so he retreats into himself now and then instead. He's been thinking of proposing to Ivan occasionally as well, but he doesn't want to do it whilst he's in a funk AND he's a lil worried (aka majorly overthinking) the fact that Ivan might not take too well to being proposed to?? But wait, nah.. he'd love it, right? Maybe-.. unless he hated it, maybe he'd rather be the one to ask-.. should he? Yes-.. no, wait-.. maybe?!!? Probably-.. AGHHHHHFJSDK <- said Bruno's brain 🙈

Jessie and Ivan have been taking it slow, mostly since she's so damn busy all the time, but also 'cause they hardly know each other n' all. Ivan's kinda bummed she's slow to trust him, but he can't exactly blame her so he's being patient n' meeting them whenever he can. Jude is so smitten with his new pappy tho, he even wanted to grow his hair just like him 😭 Oscar n' Robin have tagged along a few times as well since the kiddos are practically the same age, but idk if Robin is too sure abt Jude just yet! He's very talkative and he's a big hugger.. I wonder where he gets that from?? 🤣 I think Jessie's finally warming up to the idea of sharing Jude 'cause she agreed to leave him alone with Ivan for a sleepover soon! They're gonna get dressed up n' head to Oscar's for a spooky party! Oh, and Oscar thinks Jessie has a nice rack....... boi plz 🙄

Not pictured/spied upon..

Tilda - she's just existing rn tbh! She hangs out with Brivan/Pixie now n' then which she enjoys more than she'll let on! She's tryna stay away from dating and focus on herself too.. but she's not all that keen on herself so that's hard work 😩 a few dates here n' there but nothing interesting! She's also still ignoring her family.

Noah n' co - Aspen started teaching a few mommy/toddler yoga classes in the upstairs portion of Noah's gallery since he barely uses it, Juni loves it! Juni started ballet recently too 🩰 Noah's still salty with Oscar for not hanging out more but the man's busy dammit! I think Oscar's glad he's on semi-decent terms with everyone but he'd rather keep them at arms length so it stays that way skdjskjd

Salton - Alton's still Alton lmao.. though Sid gives him more shit nowadays since she's mostly retired she's realised he's even lazier than she thought and I'm sure she regrets letting him get a TV! She's a bit bored/lost tbh, which is why she hasn't fully retired yet.. introspection doesn't suit her (so says she) and she doesn't like all this extra time to think n' shit.. ough 🙈

Rhys & Tommy - both finished uni wooooooo! They're staying with Rhys' parents for now tho, Tommy's not rlly sure what to do with his psychology degree yet but he still thinks he'd like to be a psychologist so maybe he'll get a job/save up n' do his masters or smth?! Rhys has been taking on jobs as a wedding/event photographer for now, but he'd like to veer more towards photography as an art form-.. tho he's not sure how to go about that just yet either 🤔 they're figuring it out and they're happy so it doesn't rlly matter toooo much for now

Uhhhhh idk I've probably missed some folk out but feel free to ask abt anyone else in the comments! 🧡

[kiankiwi]

Baeee do u have any dad Jacob headcanons!! 🎀

hmmmmm let's see!!!

The day he finds out you're pregnant, he loves on your belly every single day

He makes sure to do all the nightly stuff that he can when the baby is first born so that you can sleep and heal

Jacob is so extra -- Makes all the cute lunches, does Elf on the Shelf, alllll the pinterest projects

LOVES going outside and playing rough with the kiddos

When we go to Target and baby begs for a cakepop, he can't say no! Ever since baby was born, we SAW The moment baby was wrapped around his finger

Since baby was so tiny the first time he held them, he was afraid to hurt them and the nurses were like "it's okay, we'll be here to make sure you hold them right.." and we're like "you're their daddy, I know you won't hurt them" but he's so afraid because of how big he is that he won't mean to and he'll accidentally hurt them because they're fragile

Jacob is a very clingy and cuddly guy so every chance he gets, he gets a cuddle in and baby is CONSTANTLY koala-ed to his shoulder

He constantly has his shirt off to have skin to skin with the bubba

Whenever bubba gets sick, Jacob is sooooooo upset because he cant' take their pain away. If he could snap his fingers just to fix it, he would

The day before baby's first day of school, Jacob is an absolute MESS! We go looking for him as we go and get ready for bed and find him looking through our family albums crying about "look how tiny they used to be! They're basically grown up now" and we're just like, "Baby, they're going into KINDERGARTEN, they're still our baby, they'll always be our baby... let's get you into bed big guy" and he obviously needs a lot of feel better cuddles that night

He's always the one to go back with them to the doctor or dentist and hold their hand and whenever they're anxious about anything, he sits them in his lap and wraps his big arms around them and gives them a pep talk and calms them down

***

Ugh, he's such a big softie. Such a good dad!

[brothersapart]

Heya!

About "Brothers Unexpected" (Personal Favorite, by the way), would Sam feel like Oscar is Dean's coping mechanism, a "replacement brother" of sorts? Would Oscar feel imposter syndrome? Would Jacob feel left out if they all meshed together perfectly? Or would they all get along just fine?

(I bet that's not going to happen. Why would I ever imagine that would happen? Angst is life and the fluff is never enough.)

Cheerio!

Dev

We certainly have some plans for when they all meet up again, and I hope we get to do everything we've come up with : 3

Dean's gone and taken in a tiny kiddo who didn't have a family, and Sam's gone and been adopted by an entire family of his own, and in their own ways they're both coping for losing the other.

It's not easy for Dean to be reminded that he's lost Sam, so he'll definitely overcompensate on trying to help Oscar and keep the kid safe. It's hard to say much without giving away any of our ideas, but I think any version of Sam would appreciate that Dean just tries so hard to help others.

Meanwhile, I feel like somehow Jacob's always afraid of messing up with Dean, and he's likely to be the one that's easiest to intimidate out of the group, even with tiny Oscar around!

[somedayonbroadway]

I posted 227 times in 2022

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Blogs I reblogged the most:

@somedayonbroadway

@hey-op-just-kill-me

@evilwriter37

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I tagged 124 of my posts in 2022

Only 45% of my posts had no tags

#much love - 95 posts

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Longest Tag: 39 characters

#a babysitter’s guide to monster hunting

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Have you ever thought about like a Newsies Grease AU?

Okay, so don’t come at me, but Grease has never been my favorite musical. Still, this is a fun idea.

So I don’t know whether to make this Jatherine or Javid, but we’ll go with Javid for now because I don’t do a lot of Javid AUs. If you wanna see another ship, just let me know!

Characters

Jack Kelly — Danny

David Jacobs — Sandy

Spot Conlon — Kenickie

Racetrack Higgins — Rizzo

Crutchie Morris — Jan

Katherine Plumber — Marty

Sarah Jacobs — Sonny

JoJo — Frenchie

Albert DaSilva — Doody

Little Jack and David mood boards…

See the full post

30 notes - Posted February 20, 2022

#4

May I ask for more premature Race bc Ima sucker for angst (basically baby brother race as i legit cannot write crutchie)

Here’s some premature Racer just for you, my love

They were in the hospital again. Race had collapsed and Jack had no idea why, all he knew was that he was panicking again, because there was his baby brother, twelve years old, laying on a hospital bed like it was his own. At this point, it might as well be.

Jack had never signed for this. He was supposed to be the big brother, not the mother, the father and everything in between. Yet, here he was, twenty three years old and completely responsible for everything that happened to the precious little boy in front of him.

It started when the child was born, nearly three months too early with an umbilical cord wrapped around his tiny neck. It was a miracle the tiny thing survived. That didn’t mean he was going to live a completely normal, healthy life. No. It meant hundreds of hospital visits, bills upon bills stacked up that Jack needed to find a way to pay. The child was beautiful. Jack adores him, but he’d only been meant to be the fun loving older brother. Now he was responsible for a child suffering from ADHD, anxiety, hearing loss, partial blindness, asthma and very poor social skills.

It wasn’t that Jack didn’t want to be here. Well, maybe it was. He didn’t want to be here because he didn’t want his brother to be here because the little boy deserved so much better and Jack was just sitting here, thinking about how he wished he wasn’t responsible for this child at all. As the guilt washed over him, the little boy’s eyes flickered open. He wheezed a bit. “Jackie?”

The young man melted. “I’m right here, Racer-kid, don’t you worry a single second,” he hushed into his brother’s right ear, brushing a hand through the boy’s thin curly hair. “How ya feelin’?”

All Race could do was manage a shrug, trying to blink his vision clear. “I dunno,” he admitted in a whisper, always afraid to talk too loudly. “Is Charlie coming?”

Jack sighed and shook his head. “He wants to, kiddo, but he can’t afford a plane ticket right now,” he explained. “I promise we’ll see him real soon, though, huh?” The boy sighed, curling up and closing his eyes again. And just like that, Jack’s small smile vanished and worry and sorrow took over instead as he leaned down to kiss the child’s head. “Just rest, little boy…”

The boy peaked his big blue eyes out from beneath those long eyelashes and found Jack once more before letting sleep consume him.

The precious child had been entrusted into Jack’s care. Jack couldn’t help but think it should’ve been someone else, someone better, someone special. Instead, it was just Jack, some college drop out with nothing but a high school diploma, two waiting jobs, a crummy apartment and all the adoration in his heart he had to give. “I love you, Racer,” he breathed. “I got you.”

They were in some hospital room again. And Jack would do whatever it took to make that room look like home.

34 notes - Posted February 24, 2022

#3

Happy birthday, Jeremy Jordan :)

In honor of Jeremy’s birthday, here’s a modern Jack Kelly moodboard in honor of Jack’s birthday because I HC that Jack was also born on November 20th

34 notes - Posted November 20, 2022

#2

I don't know if you've done this before but what about a Heathers au?

Heathers AU

Racetrack Higgins as Heather Chandler

Albert DaSilva as Heather McNamara

See the full post

50 notes - Posted February 6, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

What about a Six au?

Six AU

Divorced

Albert DaSilva as Aragon

Beheaded

Racetrack Higgins as Boleyn

See the full post

53 notes - Posted February 13, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[runaway-royals]

It was quite fascinating to see all that was involved in wedding planning. Men weren't usually involved in such matters back home, so the prince was very curious about all the details.

Alexander learned in taking a bite of the dessert.

"Mmm, I think that might be my favorite one yet!"

He replied, covering his mouth while turning to see the tiny visitors.

"Awe, hello! I didn't know you had children Kori."

The maid laughed, setting Jacob down. "Oh, they're not mine. These goobers are actually my aunt's. They're visiting for the wedding. "

Kori explained as Hayden and his little brother ran up to the couple.

"Hi Nana!" Hayden giggled nodding happily.

"Yes, please!" He replied as Jake waddled over to Kenji. "Keni! Cake pease!"

Their eldest cousin snorted, shaking her head as the younger princes arrived.

"Hi, fellas." She said, propping Sisa on her hip.

"Hey Kori, awe, hiya, kiddo" Toby asked as the baby wiggled and smiled at the new people.

"Oh my gosh, she's so cute!" Charlie gushed, waving at the boys.

"Awe, she likes you! This is Sisa, and that's Hayden and Jake."

Kori replied, watching dote on the kids. "Do wanna hold her?" She asked as the other royals arrived.

"Good, Your Majesties."

She added as Tobias swooped up the infant.

"Good morning, oh my, we've got some extra company today."

Njord mused seeing the little guests."

"It's alright it's not exactly uncommon for Viking men to have children with multiple women.. Honestly, I think our parents might be part of the rare few that don't."

The prince replied with a shrug, and he did understand most Nordic men wanted as many kin as possible, the idea of stepping out of committed relationship to do so never made much since him.

"I would love that, Nana. I'm sure Sunny and Mother would be thrilled to teach you, I can show a few easy ones as well if you'd like."

Alexander grinned. "True, you both had a few exciting days." He chuckled, helping the princess up as they took Yuki back to the stables.

"Hmm maybe they have been gone for quite a while."

Njord replied, spotting the couple.

"Hello you two, we were starting to think you both got lost!"

Alexander rolled his eyes, hearing his brothers snicker.

"Sorry father, we're talking, and time got away from us, glad to see this place still standing, I was a bit worried leaving these three unattended."

The heir jocked, pulling the chair out for Nana.

After a while. The prince escorted the princess back to her chambers.

"Sleep well, Nana." He said softly, kissing her cheek.

The last week passed by quickly as everyone prepared for the royal wedding.

Kori rushed through the palace entrance with three children in tow.

"Your Majesties, I have three ragamuffins that wish to see you!"

She giggled with her little cousins eagerly waiting to meet everyone.

[neonthewrite]

Field Trip

Another contest prize! The request this time was for some quality fluff between Jacob Andris, a human, and Vel, a young wood sprite of Wellwood. Jacob is the gentlest giant around, so it's no wonder that little sprite wanted to hang out with him!

Reading time ~5-10 minutes

~~~~~

Jacob smirked when Bowman flitted towards him. As he predicted, the fussy sprite wasted no time scolding him. “Could you be any more of a stompy giant?!” he complained, banking in a wide arc around Jacob’s long, striding gait. “You’ll scare everyone off before you even show up.”

Jacob had put a lot of work into walking carefully enough to avoid that exact situation. Even knowing he could do more, he was confident in his skills. Naturally, that did nothing to stop Bowman from scolding him. Jacob would worry about the little guy if he ever kicked that habit. “Nah, I won’t,” he countered. “I had you to warn everyone I was coming. They know I’m on the way. Bet I’ll even have a big welcome party.”

Bowman scoffed. “Welcome party or not, you’re blasted loud, Jacob. No storm clouds to be seen and yet there’s thunder.”

That earned another chuckle from Jacob. “Dude, what’s got you so worked up? Trying to convince people you trained a giant again?”

Bowman groaned, and Jacob spotted the look on his face before he could flit away. “Bowman, you don’t need to fret about it. I’ll be on my best behavior, like I always am. No one will find a reason to scold you, at least not from me.”

Another little scoff. This time, Bowman swooped close so he could land on Jacob’s shoulder. With his perch claimed, he finally admitted “Fine. You’re right. But if someone gets upset, I might just get chased out of the village. Last visit a nestling climbed into your hood but I’m the one who got bopped for it!”

Jacob laughed, though he tried to rein it in with Bowman perched on him. “Dude, they wouldn’t do that. And if they did, you can just chill with me. That’s not so bad, right?”

“Ha. If any nestling gets in trouble, I’m pointing at you, giant.”

Jacob rolled his eyes, but wasn’t surprised. “And if someone tries to bop you, I’ll probably have to let ‘em. Wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m not trained, right?”

“Oh, climb a dead tree. And then behave. We’re almost there.”

~~~

Jacob had visited Wellwood several times before. It never went as badly as Bowman assumed it might, though not for lack of griping. Most of the residents of the village trusted Jacob to be near their vulnerable homes; he’d stood up for them against other humans before, after all. He protected the secret even from his own family. Even those who were still wary of him didn’t begrudge others a chance to visit with him. Jacob had no intention of forcing someone to be around him if they didn’t want to, anyway. He had plenty of visitors as it was.

True to his word, he behaved well. He put up a calm front for Bowman, but in reality Jacob was careful to watch every move. He didn’t want to break that fragile trust he’d built up with the wood sprites of Wellwood.

While some of the younger sprites came to see Jacob, with their parents nearby just in case, Bowman had spent some time wheeling about in the air, chasing or being chased by other sprites his age. It was a pleasantly uneventful afternoon, as far as Jacob was concerned.

He made his way back to his clearing near dinnertime. While the sprites all wandered home to eat, Jacob wanted to be well away from the village. Seeing him eat made them nervous sometimes, and it made him feel awkward. He’d go have his dinner at his camp and the sprites needn’t be bothered.

The clearing, his temporary residence whenever he visited, was just as he’d left it earlier. His tent waited to one side with some firewood piled next to it. A plastic cooler sat in the shade next to a bucket for water. He had a sturdy line tied between two trees to hang up some of his other belongings, particularly food he didn’t want some forest critter to drag away.

He took a few steps towards that line only to halt in surprise at the sound of a giggle. The sound startled him enough that he swayed in place from the sudden stop. It was not a sound he expected out here, not with the village so far behind him.

“Alright, very sneaky,” he said to the open air before looking down at the pocket on the front of his hoodie. An innocuous pouch of fabric, it fascinated most of the sprites that encountered it. They didn’t have pockets on their clothes at all, so he didn’t have to wonder why.

Gingerly, Jacob reached a hand into the pocket, wary of bumping into tiny wings at the wrong angle. A small figure shifted away from his fingers and another giggle emitted from the pocket, and he couldn’t help a faint smile of his own. Whoever it was, they were young and quite pleased with themself for their deception.

A deception Jacob would take the blame for, he was certain.

“C’mere, kiddo,” he said, scooping his hand beneath the miniscule sprite and ferrying them out into the open. Little movements fluttered on his palm as they settled, and before he even had them in view he felt little hands clinging to his thumb for stability.

It turned out to be one of the nestlings, an absolutely tiny child with wings too small to do more than flutter along on the ground. His light brown hair was mussed and staticky from the pocket, and his wings stretched out as soon as he was back in the sunlight. He grinned at Jacob as he rose to eye level with the would-be giant. “Hi, Jacob! I was hiding!”

“I noticed,” Jacob replied, amusement coloring his voice. “You’re … Vel, right?”

If possible, the boy’s grin brightened. “Yeah! I’m Vel! I wanted to see your, um, your camp! So I was real sneaky.”

That exuberance was hard to deny, so Jacob only shook his head ruefully. “You don’t need to be sneaky to come visit me here, Vel. I’m sure your parents wouldn’t mind bringing you, but you should have asked so they’d know where you went.”

The boy stuck out his lip in a defiant pout, and his little wings flared open in a show of confidence despite the way his arms still wrapped around Jacob’s curled thumb. “But I wanted to be sneaky! And my mama wouldn’t have said yes, not when it’s dinnertime. But I thought, maybe, I could just have dinner here! Then when we go back she won’t get upset!”

Oh she’ll be mad alright, Jacob thought. Just probably not at you. It looked like Bowman’s worrying earlier would come to pass and Jacob would earn a few tiny bops.

He looked over his shoulder as if he might see a pair of angry sprite parents darting out of the woods right then and there. When he looked back, he was met with some very potent puppy eyes from Vel. “Okay,” he conceded, earning another enthusiastic grin. “But you’ll have to be good, and you have to promise me you won’t hide in my pocket again, okay? It’s not safe for you to be in there without me knowing.”

Vel nodded vigorously. “Okay! Yeah! I’ll be good, Jacob, I promise!”

“Good, we don’t want to make your mom worry any more than she already will,” Jacob replied with a faint smile.

Jacob had no doubts the kid would do his best, but really the responsibility all rested with him. He sighed and determined not to let that thought worry him; it wasn’t like he would let Vel wander into something dangerous, and the kid really couldn’t go all that far on his own. His wings were still small, occasionally fluttering involuntarily.

He moved his hand closer to his chest, offering his tiny guest better stability as he continued towards his hanging food bags. “You might end up having a dinner of human food, I can’t remember everything I brought,” he warned.

Vel didn’t seem worried. “Yay! Is it candy?”

Jacob had to chuckle at that. He grabbed one of his bags down from the line and made his way to his dormant campfire to have a seat. “No, I’m not gonna feed you candy for dinner,” he chided. “You need something healthier to make sure those wings grow big and strong.”

Vel pouted up at him, but didn’t have any further arguments. He clung tighter to Jacob’s thumb as he settled himself on the ground. He watched the sturdy food bag curiously, eyeing the zipper as Jacob opened it up.

First things first, Jacob rummaged in the bag with his free hand until he found a handkerchief, little more than a worn swatch of cloth he’d meant to use as a napkin. This he set on the ground before finally lowering Vel down. “Here you go, bud. You can sit here so you’re not right in the dirt, sound good?”

Vel scooted himself to the edge of Jacob’s hand, pausing to survey the offered picnic blanket before he hopped down. His wings fluttered and his arms shot out to his sides so he could prevent a stumble, and then he grinned proudly up at Jacob. “Thanks, Jacob! It’ll be fun! I’m gettin’ hungry! What’re we gonna have?”

Jacob couldn’t help an endeared smile. He gently nudged at Vel’s tiny stomach, earning a burst of giggles. “Hungry, huh? Let’s see what I have, maybe we can fill that tummy right up.”

“I betcha have a lot,” Vel mused, dropping to a seat while Jacob searched through his bag. “That bag is big enough for a whole house! Maybe two!”

“It’s pretty big alright,” Jacob agreed. “Gotta have a lot so I don’t run out while I’m visiting. Then I’d have to eat leaves, and those don’t fill me up as well as they do for you sprites.”

Vel giggled some more, but was distracted from responding when Jacob produced a few clear baggies from the large canvas bag. Raisins, granola, trail mix, and a few other things that kept well were separated into the bags; Jacob set aside a few that definitely wouldn’t work (thankfully Vel didn’t notice the M&Ms in the trail mix before it was out of sight again). Jacob picked out a raisin and a broken shard of a banana chip, thinking they’d be plenty to get the kid started.

He held them out and Vel, his eyes wide, took both in his hands with an endearing kind of reverence. “Thanks, Jacob! These look really good! This … what’s this yellow thing?”

Jacob helped himself to some granola, but before eating any he explained the food for Vel. “The yellow thing is a dried piece of a banana. It’s a kind of fruit. The other thing is called a raisin. It’s a dried berry. They’re still good like that, I promise.”

Vel wrinkled his nose in thought, then eyed up the two unusual fruits in his lap. “That sounds like winter food,” he pointed out. “But they’re not cold!”

"Nah," Jacob agreed, keeping an eye on the fascinated little sprite. "Maybe they were cold when someone dried them out. I don't know how they make 'em."

Vel nibbled at the banana chip and pondered it. Jacob took the kid's distraction as a chance to sneak a few more bites of granola. Vel didn't seem as worried about it as most of the adult sprites, but Jacob didn't plan to take any chances upsetting him. The kid had an innocent trust in the would-be giant in his midst. Breaking that trust would be deplorable.

After a few minutes of quiet, Vel finally had a verdict. "I like this banana thing," he announced, holding up the piece he'd barely made a dent in. "You said it wasn't gonna be candy, but this is just as good as candy! It’s kinda hard but I don't mind 'cause it's really yummy!"

"Well, good," Jacob said with an endeared smile. "It’s good for you. Much better for those wings than candy would be " To punctuate his claim, Jacob nudged one of Vel's fluttering wings with a fingertip.

Vel squirmed away on his makeshift picnic blanket, clutching his banana chip close to his chest as he did. “Wait, wait, I wanna try the other thing too!” he said in between giggles.

Jacob relented and nodded pointedly at the raisin Vel had left behind in his scrambling. “Oh, that thing right there? I thought you were leaving it for me.”

Vel gasped and dove for it. “Nooo, I still want it! I promise!”

“Alright,” Jacob conceded, doing his best put-upon expression. “Go ahead and try it out. Whatever you don’t manage to fit in your tummy can go home with ya, okay? Maybe your parents would like it.”

And maybe a peace offering will get me out of trouble, he amended silently.

Vel fidgeted to settle himself comfortably again. “Yeah! I bet they’d like to try it. Winter food that isn’t cold is so weird!”

Jacob hummed thoughtfully. “I bet it is,” he said, sneaking some more of his own food while Vel was preoccupied. “I wonder what your mom and dad will say about it.”

~~~

Soon enough, it was time to head back to the village. The sky was turning orange at the edge of the horizon. No matter the begging faces he got, Jacob’s resolve only wavered a bit. He really couldn’t let the kid stay out too long without his parents knowing where he was.

Arriving back at the village, he had a feeling he knew which of the trees held Vel’s home. A number of adult sprites fluttered around it in agitated patterns. They barely noticed his return to the village.

Until he cleared his throat. “Um. Hey, guys.” He held up his hand, fingers curled for the security of the nestling sitting on his palm. “I had someone sneak back to my clearing with me when I left for dinner.” Vel waved at the nonplussed adults.

Several of them darted over to Jacob, heedless of his size. Among them was none other than Bowman himself, who came to a hover right before Jacob’s face. “What did I tell you about behaving?!” he scolded.

Jacob blinked and leaned back. “I did behave! Vel here is very sneaky. So I gave him some dinner before bringing him home.”

Vel was grinning at a sprite woman that had landed right on Jacob’s hand to check on him. “I was so sneaky, mama!” he announced. “We had fun! Jacob let me keep the leftovers!”

At least he had Vel to smooth things over. Jacob could tell by Bowman’s narrowed eyes that he’d be bopped later. “It was just a little field trip. Won’t happen again without permission, I promise.”

“It better not,” Bowman warned, as if that was all it took to keep a nestling from misbehaving and landing Jacob in trouble.

[cevansbrat0007]

Friendly Ignorance

Original Ask from @writer84​: Are there ever times that Andy is out with the girls and because of narrow minded people they do not think the girls are his? What happens does it hurt the girls feeling and what about Andy how does it make him feel?

Summary: Andy encounters an old friend while his girls are playing in the park, which results in him having to teach the idiot a lesson in manners that he won’t soon forget. Andy Barber x Black!Reader, Bianca Barber, Katrina Barber

Warnings: Ignorance, Asshole Behavior, Angry/Protective Andy, Cursing, Violence, Scared Barber Girls, Cheeky Barber Girls  

A/N: So, @writer84​, after a little more thought, I had another idea. And I can’t help but wonder if this is more of what you originally meant. I wasn’t going to write it, but it’s been ping ponging in my brain. Let me know...

___

Andrew leans back against the park bench, content to just watch his girls play. His babies were so full of unbridled joy and laughter, it truly made his heart lighter. The girls were currently going up and down on the seasaw. 

Or they would have been if they both weren’t caught up in yet another fit of giggles.

Andy takes a moment to scan the activity around the park. He takes note of the other parents, various joggers, picnickers, and sure, the occasional homeless person. 

All of these people could be perfectly innocent. But at the same time, any one of them could be a threat.

If his wife were here, she would roll her eyes at him. But Andy was the type of man who subscribed to the belief that you could never be too careful. In his opinion, that was just part of being a Dad. Any man could father a child, but it didn’t make them a Dad. 

Nothing and no one threatened his girls. Not while he was breathing. 

He forces himself to take a breath before he fully fell down that dark rabbit hole. He had a knack for doing that to himself sometimes. Instead, he allows his focus to return back to Bianca and Katrina, who have since moved to the swings.

BiBi is pushing little KitCat, while trying to teach her how to pump her tiny legs so she can swing all by herself. Too fucking adorable.

He jumps slightly when he feels a hand on his shoulder. Looking over, he sees a man who looks...familiar. 

“Andrew Barber! I can’t believe it - I almost ran right past you buddy!”

Andy gives him a blank look as he struggles to recall the other man’s identity. 

“Man, it’s me, Dustin. From Boston College, bro. Remember? And then we were law clerks together at -” 

“Oh yeah, yeah, I remember.” He stands up to shake Dustin’s hand. “How ya been, pal?”

Dustin shrugs and wipes at his blonde brow. “Aw, bro. You know, out here living the dream. And speaking of dreams, look at you, Mr. District Attorney. You’re outshining us all!”

Andy chuckles before shooting a quick glance towards the playground. Old friends aside, he needed eyes on his girls. Satisfied when he sees them still over by the swings, he turns his attention back to the other guy. 

“Hey, sorry, man. Gotta keep an eye on the kiddos.” 

“Oh, no worries. I get it.” Dustin responds, palms up. “Got a few of my own myself. And, uh, hey. Not to make this awkward, but I’m sorry about Lori and Jacob. Truly.” He clears his throat and looks down at the ground. “I would have reached out, but...”

“It’s alright.” Andy mumbles, his voice gruff. 

“So, you mentioned kids. I’m guessing you got married again?” 

“Sure did. To the most amazing woman. She keeps me on my toes, pal, that’s for sure.” A smile graces his lips as he thinks about the fiesty little minx that he’d somehow convinced to marry him.

“Good for you, Barber!” Dustin gives him a hearty tap on the shoulder. “Now, which ones are yours?”

Once again, Andy returns his attention to the swings. “You see those two right there? Those girls on the swings? They’re with me.” His voice is filled with pride as he points them out.

The man looks over and his smile briefly falters. “Um, okay.” Dustin runs a hand through his hair. “Look man, it’s great that you volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club on weekends. Super admirable. And it’s great that you think of them as yours. Truth be told, that’s what these kids need if they ever hope to have a chance of making it, but...”

That one vein in Andy’s forehead was beginning to throb. 

“The fuck are you talking about?” He growls. 

“Aye, no need to get defensive, guy. You’re a good role model for them to have. I mean, they’re cute girls. Hopefully, your influence will keep them in school and, uh, off the corners, ya know?” Dustin flashes him a toothy grin, completely unaware of the fact that he was rapidily approaching death. 

“My girls will never ever end up working the corner, you ignorant piece of shit!” Andy snarls.

First, he was going to break the prick’s jaw. And then, while he was bent over clutching his face, Andy would take that opportunity to knee him in the gut. He’d follow that up with at least two solid blows to the kidneys. Then, he’d finish him off with a broken kneecap. Yep, that sounded good.   

“Woah!” Dustin laughs. “I’m not saying they will, Barber. Chill!”

 Andy is distracted from his murderous thoughts when his girls run up to him. 

“Can we have our water now?” Katrina asks.

Bianca pokes her in the shoulder. “You is supposed to say s’cuse me when people talkin’.” You older daughter huffs. 

“Oh. Sowwy. S’cuse me. Water pwease. And can you fix my pigtails? Sissy tried but no look right.”

“Looks fine.” BiBi grumbles.

“Here are your waters.” Andy hands them their little cantines. “And yes, I fill fix your hair. Just give me one moment to -”

“Well hi, ladies.” Dustin lowers himself onto his haunches. “Are two having a good time hanging out with Mr. Barber today? I bet he’s lots of fun.”

Both girls share a confused look.  

“Does he mean Daddy?” KitCat whispers. 

“Dunno.” Her big sis murmurs before shrugging it off. Grown-ups could be weird sometimes. “Daddy, we gettin’ hungry. Time for lunch?”

“Yes it is, baby. Give Daddy just a second and we’ll -”

“Wait. Wait a minute!” Dustin blanches slightly. “These are your - these are really your kids? These two?” He gestures back and forth between the two girls. “Who woulda’ thought that the Great Andrew Barber had it in him to take a walk on the wild side?” He chuckles softly. “I mean, I know we all dabbled in college but...to put a ring on it?”

Andy feels his muscles tensing. His nostrils flaring. The combination of rage and utter disbelief threatening to choke him. 

“My Mama has dah most beautiful ring in the world! So shiny.” BiBi tells the strange man. “Our Daddy gave it to her, because he dah best and he love her so much.” 

KitCat nods in agreement. “Wike dis’ much!” She spans her arms as wide as they can go.”

“Tell the truth, old man. Did you feel like you had to or something? What’d you do knock her up and -” That’s the last thing Dustin is able to get out before Andy’s large hand wraps itself around his windpipe and squeezes. Hard. He watches with satisfaction as the man’s face begins to turn a myraid of colors. 

First red. And then purple. Blue was next. 

“Dada, stop!” He feels two pairs of tiny hands frantically tugging at his pants. 

“Stop, Daddy. We scared!” Those last two words are enough to shake him out of his haze. Andy let’s him go and shoves him backwards.

Still breathing hard, he pins the man he once considered a friend with the most ferocious look he can muster. “My wife is the most brilliant creature to have ever walked this earth, you ignorant dipshit.” He rails as Dustin clutches at his abused throat. 

“She didn’t trap me. I did everything in my power to trap her, because I knew from the moment I met her that she was literally the other half of my goddamned soul. And if that wasn’t enough, she graced me with two wonderful, brilliant, talented, beautiful little girls. And right now, they are the only reason that you are still breathing.”

“Let’s go babies. I’m sorry for scaring you. We’ll get some lunch and then Daddy will take you out for ice cream, okay?” 

They nod and allow him to lead them out of the park. However, unbeknownst to Andy, both girls turn their heads and stick their tongues out at the stupid man. 

END  

[florenceisfalling]

ok wait i gotta ask bc i got like,, a real tiny mushy pea brain but do u have some kind of masterpost for ur ocs and stuff? i wanna learn abt them but im unsure where to start kinda thing !!

hey anon sorry this took me forever! you do not have a tiny mushy pea brain, and even if you did peas are yummy. not that your brain is yummy, though i bet its scrumptious. we at florenceisfalling dot tumblr dot com advocate for cannibalism ^_^

anyway!

i am so honored u asked and again im sorry ive taken foreverrrrr. but the best place to start right now is the website im currently working on :D

the website includes trigger warnings for everything !!!

i am an insane person and have been doing it all via carrd pages even tho thats a horrible idea.

it's a work in progress still, but the most complicated one (love and war) is nearly done! i just need to add the raiders and farmers to the people tab, and draw icons. its best viewed on desktop! my favorite part is that on places, theres an actual map, and you can click on the labels to learn more about the place - i recommend following the trail from the cabin, it tells some of the story.

i also have kiddo! basically complete, except for the image refs (theyre just picrews for now).

however i still have yet to add the other stories so here's a tl;dr for those :"D

extra-normal: almost everyone has a third eye on their forehead which allows them to see into a physical manifestation of their mind called the "second sight." vonnie is a nurse who works in a hospital ward dedicated to third eye injuries, and is particularly attached to a patient named avalon who is blinded and trapped in her second sight. she also works with a few regular volunteers, a trio of young friends (or perhaps lovers???) - daisy, who has no third eye; august, who is blinded in one of his normal eyes and thus has hallucinations and seizures related to his second sight; and tripp, who believes she's able to see into other people's minds.

living dead: the plot on this one is still not really my focus right now. theres a cool tv head oc named jacob, though. and a currently unnamed mad scientist.

pressed flowers: currently remaking this whole concept so anything ive posted here before is pretty much outdated!! now the story is this: theodora and oliver were childhood sweethearts, until teddie washed up dead on the beach. oliver still saw her ghost for a few years, but now that he's grown up and finally healing and dating a new girl named jessica - teddie shows up again and reveals that she was actually murdered. and the killer is on the loose, hunting again.

the mermaid's blade: this one i'm not gonna go into because i'm literally gonna try and film a lot of it next semester so y'all will hopefully be seeing it in that format soon enough 👁👁

you can find all of my story and character tags, as well as my general oc tag on my navigation page! however ive been posting for a long time abt these guys and the stories have all changed a lot so like.. dont trust the posts the further you scroll back lol

ty again for asking sorry my shit is so longwinded and complicated >_< lemme know if u have any questions or want more info on a specific story!

[carpe-diem-since-1899]

Fic Title: How's It Feel To Be So Loved Yet So Alone?

Everybody keeps saying Race is a STEM kiddo.

Disagree, he’s a literature kid that thinks too deep.

a) Dude randomly use words like “Hoi polloi”

b) I hate STEM stuff there’s no way I can realistically write them

c) Just, why not

So High School AU, Race is loved by many people, he’s fun, playful, really enthusiastic, and so passionate about the stuff he loves. Brilliant dancer, best of friends, great brother. Everyone loves him, he’s the guy that can make friends everywhere.

But there are things about him that no one quite gets.

Like he can talk about metaphors and symbolisms in books for hours, not just any book, we’re talking about classic literature stuff, 1984, Lord of The Flies, The Great Gatsby and all that. (He cried when he read the last sentence of The Great Gatsby, Crutchie was very confused) He gets so excited his brain runs miles faster than his mouth and his words starts to slur, doing researches about tiny details mentioned in lines, stays up late until sunrise to finish a book. (Medda scolded at him for that) And this doesn’t just stop at books. Movies, musicals, dances, even paintings at some extensions, if he fall for something, he goes all in.

The problem is no one in their friend group can keep up with him, his thoughts often jumps from one to another with no warning, not to mention no one but him gets that into all those stuff, he can vant about dance to Tommy Boy, Jack can talk to him about arts, but others? Not really, the gang will listen to him ramble but it’s one sided, it got lonely with so many thoughts but no one to talk with.

Until there’s this transfer kid called Davey Jacobs, Jack invited him to sit with them at lunch table and he just kinda, stays. At first he just seemed quiet and shy, mostly talked to Specs or Jack, so everyone just assumed he was on the STEM side, (Specs is one of the mathletes, btw he helps with tech stuff in drama club too but not important here) then one day Race just have to vant about this book because “Oh my god Albert she just put that there!! How?! This is nuts jail to the author!” (Something like that) and Davey chipped in like “I know right? And do you know that *insert cool trivia details here*?” And Race went like 😲🥺🤩 dude’s eyes literally start sparkling even brighter than they already are. Basically a more excited version of this gif.

Turns out Davey is a huge nerd himself, he and Race quickly bonded over this whole “I love this so much and I know like 90% of the cool trivia stuff and omg this is genius” thingy, they have regular bookstore trips, consistently texting at ungodly hours to scream about cool stuff, and dragging each others into varies fandoms. Davey can keep up with Race and in return Race can coaxed out the super enthusiastic side of Davey.

So yeah, this is the story of Racetrack Higgins finally finding he’s match and not feeling slightly out of place anymore. :)

[iridescentkippen]

so i'm a camp counselor and working with a large amount of five and six year olds makes me realize how much of a difference there is in names from my age group and their age groups

we were just all named emma and anna and madison and jacob and aidan and ryan yeah?? i can firmly say i do not have a single child of any of those names out of my sixty kiddos

what i do have is a comprehensive list of some of the oddest names from my campers (odd isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just the names where when i saw them on the sign in sheet my brain went ✨ what? ✨)

- syre (pronounced like,,, you guessed it,,,, siri)

- reymie (now i don't actually think this is that bad if it was pronounced like it was spelled, but she pronounces it like renée but with an m,,, how did she get that from reymie)

- clarity (like the foxes song?)

- tyranny (i don't have a joke for this one...i still don't get it why would you name your daughter tyranny)

- fox (ok when fox showed up to camp the first day and introduced himself to me i thought it was a nickname but it's literally just his name and honestly,,, good for him. good for him. he has bright green hair and i love him)

- noah (obviously noah is a normal name but this boy insists on going by waffles and will punch you if you don't call him waffles i- i don't really get it but good for him)

- aerson (pronounced like orson??? i'm sorry your child's name looks like arson)

- meerit (not merritt,,, meerit)

- amileia (pronounced like amelia, but someone tell me why it's spelled like that,,, ma'am)

- jupiter (ya know... it's a cool name !! just a little odd on a tiny blonde five year old girl)

- america (when she first got dropped off her mom was like "bye mer !! see you after camp" and i expected her name to be like,,, meredith or something but then i saw the sign up sheet i- ma'am this isn't the selection series)

- oak (my guy is literally named after a tree i'm so sorry)

that's all i just thought i'd share with the lovely people of tumblr bc i get a giggle out of it and i thought y'all would too

[superspookywombat]

falling {j.h} chapter ten

Warnings: very descriptive injury, I don’t want to specify because of spoilers, so if you’d like to know more details then you can message me :)

Taglist:  @Sleepy-whore @geekysimmerthings @mauvette268 @treestarrrrrrrr @kaleigh404 @krazykatkay456 @meganlikesfandoms @darknacademia @hi-my-name-is-riley @vdtwsupernatural @selmeuuh @raindancer2004 @wondersandtempests @royale-trash-slytherin @im-hella-bright @bootylimpics @livfg @It-is-rebel-owl-ma-dudes @peacemusicinch @coffeeslut16 @bvbwestfall @Actuallyedythecullen @stan-joonies @Peacebuglove @Millie-753 @Frozenhuntress67 @i-tried21 @seaevans @femflorals @arseofrivia @trashysara @vulgarfuckinvirgo @sleepysnapesnake @hey-bulldogs @mental-breaker-74 @pansexual-and-eating-pancakes @duty-isnt-always-honour @jelly-fishy-babie @carnagefuck @clubpengiunn @wondersandtempests @100-percent-loving @fandomsandmore394 @pomiotszatana @cherrybuck @alohorcruxes @harryskillerqueen @left-in-the-woods @galaxypox @what-if-im-the-bad-guy @daughterofanarchy997 @camillapad @babieboth @thequeerishere555 @your-average-wallflower @anxiety-station @xo-sophiemae-xo @rachthestressedbandobsessed @amordesiempre01 @avalon68 @imaginebeinlovedbyme @vampiregirl1797 @scuzmunkie @maelleoute @popwhitlockanddrop @aliinova

A/N: okay so while writing this my heart was beating so fast. there were parts where I literally had to step away from my computer and take a breather. anyway, hope you enjoy!

“Oh, wow.” You say as you inspect the ring in the tiny box that Bella holds in front of you. Moonlight reflects off the tiny diamonds on the clunky jewelry, and you mentally grimace at how uncomfortable it has to be to wear.

“You don’t like it.” Bella sighs. You quickly shake your head no, then take the ring and rotate it around in your fingers to appear more interested. 

“No! No, I think it’s beautiful, it has so much.. Character.” You say, plastering on an even bigger smile than before. “I’m just thinking that it’s gonna be hard to hide from Charlie; that’s all.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m planning on telling him soon.” She says. You glance at Edward, who’s leaning against the wall of the house, blanketed by the darkness of the night. He watches you and Bella carefully, as if she’s going to disappear any second. “So, um, I’m going camping this weekend with Edward’s family.” 

“Oh, I thought we we’re going to go up to Seattle this weekend..” You say, your smile deflating. 

“I know I said I could, but I forgot I already made plans with Edward. Sorry.” Bella frowns, slipping the ring back into the box. You nod, staring down at your shoes.

“Your whole family is going?” You ask, glancing up at Edward. If you couldn’t hang out with Bella, maybe Jasper was free.

“Yes, Carlisle likes to take us camping whenever the weather is nice.” He answers, his face blank. You mutter a soft ‘oh’, then return your gaze to your feet. 

“We should probably get going, Bella. Before Charlie wakes up and realizes that we’re not there.” You say. She looks taken aback by your sudden want to leave, but she stands up nonetheless. Edward goes inside to retrieve his keys, while you and Bella walk down the path to his Volvo. You lean against the SUV and stare at the stars while Bella fiddles with her sweatshirt zipper.

“Look, I’m sorry for ditching you this weekend, but I need you to trust me.” She says, her tone serious. Your eyebrows furrow, and you glance at her to see her foot nervously tapping against the pine needle-littered path. 

“What aren’t you telling me, Bella?” You ask, your heart suddenly picking up it’s pace. She tucks her hair behind her ear and glances at the house, where Edward is closing the front door behind him.

“I- I can’t tell you. But I need you to trust me and stay with Charlie. And do not leave the house.” She says.

“Seriously, what’s going on?” Your voice quivers as you ask. Edward stops in front of the car, unlocking it. Bella looks at him and bites her lip, then she looks back at you. 

“Just trust me, okay?” She asks, then gets in the car, shutting the door and ending the conversation. Your blood freezes as you get anxious. What is Bella getting herself into? 

----------

Before Bella left, she took her sleeping bag and the tent from the attic that hadn’t been used in a long while. A pit hung in the bottom of your stomach as she climbed into Edward’s car, but she assured you before she got in that everything was okay and that there was nothing to be worried about. Her apology didn’t ease your nausea however, nor the anxious thoughts that ran through your head. Currently, you sat on the couch, the morning after she left, an old and familiar blanket pulled tight around your shoulders, as if it would deflect your negative thoughts. 

The wind outside howled past the window, and you shuddered as the weatherman on TV explained that a chill would make its way into Forks tonight. Glancing at the clock, it told you that it was a little past noon. You threw the blanket off of your shoulders, standing up and deciding to make some macaroni and cheese for lunch. 

As you were draining the boiling water from the noodles, the phone rang. You flinch, jumpier than usual, and set down the pot. Reaching the phone, you pick it up and hold it to your ear.

“Hey, kiddo. Billy just called and invited us over for burgers and the game. I’m leaving work early today, so leave soon to meet me down there.” Charlie says. 

“Uh.. okay, sure. I’ll leave in five.” You say, confusion taking over your mind. You murmur a goodbye, then hang up the phone and go upstairs to change. Pulling your shirt off, you get the weirdest feeling that someone is watching you.

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

Deep in the mountains, a fight rages on between Victoria’s army and the Cullens. As Victoria corners Edward and Bella, she looks between the two and cackles. 

“Interesting. If you’re here protecting Bella, I wonder who’s home protecting Y/n..” She says, her eyebrow raised and a smirk on her lips. 

“No! You need me, not her!” Bella yells, her mind clouded with frustration and worry. The redhead sighs dramatically, her stride flanked by Riley. 

“Of course I don’t need her. But she’ll be just for fun. It’ll give me an excuse to rip the blond one to shreds when he comes after me.” She says, referring to Jasper as she nonchalantly picks at her nails. Edward crouches into an offensive position while Bella’s eyes widen and her hand places itself on her agape mouth.

“No..” Bella cries. The wolf lurking in the woods, ready to strike, overhears the conversation and sends a message to the others.

Miles away in a clearing, Jacob relays the message to Carlisle, who tells Jasper. Before he even hears the words fall from Carlisle’s mouth, Jasper feels his overwhelming grief. 

“Go. We’ll be fine without you. Go to her!” Esme urges him, and he takes off running. When he reaches his motorcycle that he drove to the clearing, he kicks it started and races down the backroads, the bike’s speedometer topping out at 125 MPH.

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

A breeze makes you shiver, but the realization that you shut and locked your windows after Bella left makes you freeze. You glance up into the small mirror that rests on your dresser to see a dark figure standing behind you. Screaming, you grab the first thing in arms reach- a lamp- and grip it so tight that your knuckles turn white. You whirl around and raise your arm, ready to strike, but the figure moves impossibly fast and slams it’s foot into your stomach, sending you crashing into the wall. Intense pain in your chest makes you groan. As the figure comes into light, you see that he has bright red eyes. You try to scream again, but the pressure in your chest restricts you from taking the breath to do so. You cough, and blood dribbles down your chin.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Y/n Swan..” He mutters, licking his lips as he trails his eyes down your body. 

“Who.. Who are you?” You ask weakly. He rolls his eyes, crouching down to meet you eye to eye. 

“It doesn’t matter who I am. You’ll be dead before you even have the chance to repeat my name.” He whispers harshly. His hand flies to your throat, lifting you up so that you’re suspended in the air. His hand tightens, making you instinctively reach up and claw at it with your nails. Your attempt is futile, as his skin is so hard that your fingernails snap off, leaving your fingers as bloody nubs. Your eyes widen as he presses down harder, your mouth falling open as you gasp for air. You can hear your heartbeat in an ear-deafening thrum, and your head feels like it’s exploding as you try to scream out. No noise comes out, though- if anything, just a squeak. The guy pulls you close to him, pressing his nose to your neck as he inhales deeply. “Such a shame I can’t take a drink. Victoria said we can’t leave anything to chance. You smell absolutely heavenly, and I can hear your blood pumping- screaming out for someone to sink their teeth in and suck you dry.” 

“Well, maybe one taste wouldn’t hurt..” He smiles, his lips pulling back to reveal two sharpened teeth. The sight gives you a second wind, struggling against his grasp even harder. He doesn’t seem affected in the slightest, sliding his hands down lower on your neck for a moment before brushing your hair out of the way to give him access to your bruising neck. Closing your eyes and preparing yourself for the pain to come, a thump behind your assailant startles you and him. He flinches, momentarily clenching the hand around your throat. A crunch is heard as a squeak escapes your lips, and then you’re dropped to the floor, unable to breath. You reach your hands to your throat as blood pumps from the wound that your crushed trachea caused. You gurgle as you drown on your own blood, your vision dotting and the overwhelming need to close your eyes taking over as you see Jasper lunge.

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

Jumping off his bike, Jasper doesn’t bother to flip down the kickstand as he runs and jumps through the window into your room. At the sound of his entrance, a black haired vampire looks over and snarls at him. Jasper sees red at the sight of the vampire’s hand gripped around your throat, and once he sees him drop you he lunges. Tackling the guy to the ground, he wrestles with him until he has the access to reach his neck. Planting a foot on the guy’s shoulder, Jasper twists his neck until a crisp snap bounces off the walls and the vampire goes grey and limp. Jasper stares down at the body, never having felt this much fury coursing through his veins. The sound of gurgling snaps him out of his blind rage, and his eyes widen at the sight of you laying on the floor, your hands attempting to stop the bleeding from your neck. Blood fills his nostrils and his throat burns as he longs to drink your sweet smelling blood. He kneels over you as your hands go limp and you fall unconscious. He knows that your time is coming to an end, and it’s coming fast. His eyes burn with the need to cry, though he knows he can’t; and his throat burns with the need to drink your blood that sits there, seemingly staring back at him. He clenches his jaw as he thinks back to how you make him feel like he’s alive again. How you smile at him and how whenever you’re around him he’s overwhelmed with total adoration. How he doesn’t want to exist without you. How he loves you more than anything he’s ever loved before, and how desperately he needs you. And so he pulls your limp body to his chest and buries his face into your neck, sinking his teeth into your delicate skin and letting the venom seep into your veins. 

[carewyncromwell]

Happy FFWF!

The Quidditch Squad is meeting up for dinner 10 years post-Hogwarts to celebrate ______!

What does each member of the squad order for dinner? Do they exchange gifts? If so, what? Who did they bring along with them? What are they celebrating?

They met up to celebrate Orion's recent partnership with Carewyn!

...LOL, cop-out! 😂 But it's true, Orion and Carewyn do actually have a tiny formal ceremony and larger after-party cementing their domestic partnership in the end of 2000, a few years after the end of the Second Wizarding War and the year after they finally come clean about how deeply they feel for each other. The ceremony at the local Muggle courthouse is only attended by themselves and their kiddos, 14-year-old Erik and 2-year-old Eos (Eos was the most PRECIOUS thing in the world, Carewyn bought her a new dress and she was clinging to her daddy and grinning the whole time because proud papa Orion just loved watching his Abraxan spoiling his little Mooncalf god he loves them both so much). Then they got together for a larger party with their whole circle of friends and found family.

The Weasleys tried to persuade Carewyn to host the event at the Burrow, but Carewyn instead elected to host it in Diagon Alley, specifically at Jae's bar and restaurant, the Niffler's Burrow. It was the first big catering event Jae's place had ever hosted, but Carewyn wanted to give her friend some financial gratitude after all of the help he'd given her and by extension the Order of the Phoenix during the War and after how much the War had hurt his business, as well. Jae, for his part, personally oversaw every detail of the event, not just for the sake of business, but for the sake of his friend too. As per Orion's preferences, there were plenty of vegetarian options -- the dishes includes things like Korean Barbeque Portobellos, Hobbang steamed buns, and the restaurant's house specialty, Firewhiskey-glazed fried chicken. (Mrs. Weasley also insisted on bringing several wintry-themed desserts, including a mince pie and a chocolate Yule Log. Bill had tipped his mother off that Lane bought the second of those for her children every year at Christmas time, and Jacob Cromwell -- for as much as he hates Bill for his own personal petty reasons -- almost cried when he first took a bite of Mrs. Weasley's amazing baking!!)

As for the Quidditch squad themselves, McNully arrived with his family in tow (😉), while Skye brought her at-the-time girlfriend, one of the reserve Seekers for the Montrose Magpies, who she originally met through Orion. Erika herself was happily single at the time, so she came unaccompanied, but she actually hit it off rather well with Carewyn's friend Chiara upon first meeting, since Chiara instantly sensed she wasn't really used to being around a lot of strangers either and came over to sit with her and Erika recognized her as the Hufflepuff who'd helped out in the Hospital Wing when Madame Pomfrey was Petrified. McNully and Skye actually both gave Orion a bit of a hard time around everyone else as -- predictable to form -- Orion hadn't really given ANYONE an inkling of how long and much he'd been fond of Carewyn prior to them getting together, and so their dating and subsequent legal partnership seemed a bit sudden to anyone who was more in touch with Orion than Carewyn. It was only really thanks to McNully's wife KC exchanging some letters with Carewyn over that last year that he had a slightly more complete picture, but even with that, McNully still had to teasingly harangue Orion for making him doubt his own statistics which had made him say there was a 91% chance that Orion had at some point had romantic feelings for Carewyn and a 72% chance he still did. Skye was a little uncomfortable seeing Carewyn again, as the two of them didn't really come back together as friends after Carewyn left the team and their personalities are so very different, but after Carewyn offered an olive branch and said she was glad Skye came, Skye's face broke out into a weak smile and she admitted that she was really happy for both of them and that she trusted Orion with Carewyn a hell of lot more than she ever had any of his previous partners. The two only really ever exchanged polite conversation, but Orion was pleased to see it all the same. Skye was also taken aback when she first encountered Carewyn's son ward, Erik Apollo, who had rather colorfully told Jacob to "f*** off" for lightly teasing him, and actually reacted with a lot of amusement.

"Merlin's beard," she'd laughed. "What creature do you associate with that kid, Orion?"

"A Jarvey," Orion said pleasantly, his eyes sparkling with some mischief.

Liz, who was all standing next to Carewyn at the time, began to laugh too.

"A Jarvey?" repeated Bill, smiling through his confusion.

Barnaby considered this. "Mm, well...Jarveys are these kind of aggressive, oversized ferrets who only talk in short, rude phrases..." his face broke out into a grin. "...I guess I can see it!"

Skye laughed even harder. Carewyn was smiling wryly at her partner, crossing her arms.

"So Erik is a Jarvey, Eos is a Mooncalf, and I'm an Abraxan," she said lightly. "What are you, then, Orion?"

Orion's black eyes squinted fondly as he beamed at her.

"Same as you, of course," he murmured. "For we are one and the same, at the deepest part of ourselves."

Carewyn smiled as she brought a hand up to trail through his hair affectionately. "Then perhaps we should fly over together to go break up Erik and Jacob. I don't want Erik to start breaking out even worse swears just because Jacob can't read the room..."