#like. i did see knox today

[clumsyclifford]

this is cuteee thanks for tagging me @team-118 (i was today years old when i learned about your sideblog!)

Q&A

last song: change your mind by knox, i'm studying to see him on sunday

favourite colour: don't do this

currently reading: i just finished the pairing by casey mcquiston (great book) and then started michelle obama's book becoming! it came highly recommended from my sister. i'm right at the beginning but liking it so far. she's a good writer.

currently watching: i was rewatching how to get away with murder but that's on pause while i finish the last like five episodes of leverage that i never got to

last movie: oh it was this little indie movie called....fuck what was it called. it was, i think, a true story about these guys in prison who were all part of a program called RTA (rehabilitation through the arts) where every few months they would put on some kind of staged production. really really good movie. i can't remember the fucking name, it was in this little indie movie theater in my hometown and my mom took us cuz she loves that shit. and the movie. was called. fuckin. okay ill come back to this when i remember. man i had to go check my mom's text. title was SING SING.

sweet, spicy, or savory: i'm gonna say sweet though i have been known to crave savory things. the real answer is salty, idk why that's not an option

relationship status: single/platonic soulmates with @igarbagecannoteven

current obsessions: i am back on my atl bullshit in a major way, so that's a big one. i would also say i'm currently obsessed with music theory, but i just suck at it, so i'm really trying to learn. concurrently also been playing guitar a lottt, also with the goal of improving, and i would call my mindset obsessive. i think once you start watching youtube videos about it, it's an obsession, and these are in fact the three things i've been on youtube for lately!

tea or coffee: you know i'm a tea girlie for life

last thing I googled: oh i really expected it to be a music theory question but it's "can you play stardew on mac" (the answer is yes) (trying to get my friend to play with me. literally ANY person who wants to play stardew on PC with me JUST SAY THE WORD!!!)

thanks team that was fun i'll pass it on to @reveriesofawriter @tirednotflirting @igarbagecannoteven @allsassnoclass @chamaleonsoul andddd @rotten-candie

[wosoimagines]

Surprises

part 1 of rivals

fifteen year old Jo Knox gets her first call up to the USWNT camp and she makes her first professional rival.

3,744 words

|next part

I sighed as I pushed open the door to the hotel. I was vastly aware that it was highly unusual for someone to be in my position. Especially walking onto a team of such a high calibration.

After all, how many fifteen-year-olds could say that they got the chance to play with the United States Women’s National Team?

Mia Hamm. That’s it. The entire list.

Well.

Before today, at least.

Or, I guess I would actually have to take the field before I could actually be classified as playing with the national team. But just being at a camp with the national team was huge. And to be doing it toward the end of the year before the World Cup?

I wasn’t sure what it meant just yet. It could mean that the coaching staff really liked what they saw in me. Or this could be a test to see how I could handle the pressure. 

And I wasn’t sure which one I would rather it be.

I would have to tackle this just like I did at home. Stay out of everyone else’s way and get my job done. That’s what mattered. If I could prove that I was good at what I could do, who knows? Maybe I would actually have a future with the national team one day.

“Jo! Over here!”

I lifted my head to find a woman smiling at me as she waved. I sent her a small smile of my own as I moved over closer to her.

“Hi,” I softly said once I got close enough.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Jo,” the woman said as she held her hand out to me. I reached out to shake it. “I’m Dawn Scott. I’m the High Performance Coach for the team.”

“I’d introduce myself, but you already know who I am.”

Dawn let out a small laugh as her smile grew a bit wider.

“Come on, they haven’t really gotten far into the meeting yet,” Dawn said as she turned around. I dragged my bag behind me as I started to follow Dawn. “Jill’s excited to have you here. She wouldn’t stop boasting about you to Tom. Between us? Jill was very frustrated that Tom wouldn’t call you up.”

“And now she’s the coach?”

“Interim while the USSF tries to hire a new head coach. She was excited about getting the opportunity to add you to the roster though,” Dawn admitted. I was a bit surprised by that. I knew that I had been watched while I was with the youth teams, but I didn’t realize I had been watched specifically by the person they would trust to lead the team at this time. “It helps that Jill doesn’t mind risking chemistry to try out new and upcoming talent. Let’s face it, you’ve got a lot of talent already and you’re still nowhere near your full potential.”

“Yeah, well, outside of school, soccer is pretty much all I focus on. I mean, we all pretty much have our own thing in my family, mine just happens to be soccer,” I shrugged as we slowed down outside of one of the conference rooms. “With a family like mine? You have to do something to make sure that you stand out.”

“You can leave your bags just inside by the door if you’d like. I’ll have to go and sit on the side with the coaches, but you’ll have to sit with the players,” Dawn explained. That made sense. It would be even weirder if a teenager was sitting with the coaches rather than the other players. “There’s usually a seat in the back that’s open.”

“Thanks.”

Dawn nodded as she gave me one last smile as we both ducked into the room. I wasn’t too surprised when heads turned to stare at me as I left my bags by the door before I sat in the back left row. I tried not to let their stares bother me as I turned my attention to Jill. Jill wasn’t going through anything other than what I expected, just how we were going to have a tight schedule and what she was hoping to get out of this camp.

“One last thing before you can go! I have called up Jo Knox,” Jill announced as she peered over the others to look at me. I nodded as I avoided everyone else’s eyes. “I know some of you might not want to get along with a fifteen-year-old, but please make her feel welcomed. I’ve watched her on the field, and I think she’s got something special. You’re all free to leave. Jo, if you’ll stay behind.”

I waited in my seat as everyone else moved to leave. It wasn’t until most everyone else had left the room that I finally stood up. I moved to the front of the room as Jill was talking to one of the assistant coaches, but she turned her attention to me when I got closer.

“Hi, Jo,” Jill greeted me. I only gave a small nod in acknowledgement. “Look, I don’t want you to focus on being the absolute best right now. I just want you to focus on getting settled in and getting used to the team. Think you can handle that?”

“Yeah, of course, Coach.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Jill said. She held a keycard out to me. I took it before sliding it into my pocket. “You’ll be rooming with Becky Sauerbrunn. Becky will help make sure that you study for school. I know that you have final exams coming up.”

“Yeah, I’ll make sure to study,” I nodded. It was one of the only reasons my parents had let me come to camp anyways. “My parents gave me certain grades to get on my finals anyways if I want to come back to camp during the school year.”

“Just don’t stress out too much between soccer and school. Don’t need your play suffering because you’re too stressed out,” Dawn said from the side. 

I looked over at her before I nodded. I knew that she was right. I really didn’t need to stress too much about everything. 

“You want to know a secret?” Jill asked. I looked back over at her before slightly nodding. “I already plan on calling you back up for the next camp, okay? I know that this is going to be a stressful camp for you with it being so close to the end of the school year and you joining the senior squad. I just wanted to get you into camp so you would have an idea of what it’s like. The only thing that will keep me from calling you up for the next camp is you getting injured. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“All right, all of your gear is in your room. Ryan’s got everything up there for you. We’ll get you into media here in the next couple of days,” Jil said as she looked over at the rest of the staff. I guess they weren’t all coaches after all. “If your gear breaks or wears down, including shin pads or boots, you tell Ryan and he’ll help you get new gear within the same day.”

My eyes landed on the man who sent me a small smile and wave. I guess that was Ryan.

“Okay, cool.”

“I think that’s about all that I have for you. I’ll let you get settled in,” Jill said as she sent me a small smile. “I’m sure the girls are dying to get to know you. They’re probably waiting on the floor to bombard you with questions as we speak.”

I nodded at that before I gathered my bags and headed to the elevators. I didn’t have to wait long for an elevator. Once I was inside the elevator and by myself, I sighed as I watched the numbers climb higher. I wasn’t entirely sure what was waiting for me at the top though. But I definitely didn’t expect for a majority of the players to be standing in front of the elevator doors staring back at me. 

I shuffled off of the elevator but I didn’t try to push past any of the older players.

“Hi,” I said as I rubbed the back of my neck and looked down at my shoes. I really needed to get new shoes. And ones that weren’t hand-me-downs from Deliliah.

“God, you really are just a kid.”

I looked up to meet Megan Rapinoe’s eyes as she finished the statement. I only shrugged my shoulders. It wasn’t like I could change the fact that I was fifteen.

“So, are you any good, kid?”

I could only stare back at Abby. I mean it was Abby Wambach. I slowly nodded as I realized everyone was still looking at me for an answer.

“Well, I mean, I think I am at least,” I said as I rocked back and forth on my heels. “I’ve been playing with people older than me for all of my life.”

“Oh, yeah? How much older?”

“Well, I started playing with my club's U16 team when I was 12 and then I moved up to the U18 team when I was 14.”

“So you’re a prodigy?” Lauren Cheney asked. I only shrugged my shoulders at that.

I wasn’t sure that I would call myself a prodigy. I put in a lot of work into my game, but it did feel like soccer was in my blood. Like I was meant to play this game.

“As if some pipsqueak could get a ball past any goalie worth being on a national team.”

A lot of the players in front of me turned to the voice that came from the back of the group. A few even glared at the person. I could only look anywhere else but at the woman who had made the remark as she narrowed her eyes at me.

“I don’t think you could even get one ball past me.”

A few of the older players started to scold the woman while the others muttered amongst themselves.

“I think the coaches would beg to differ.”

All of the older players went silent as all of their eyes turned back to me. I still refused to make eye contact with any of them or even look at the woman as she pushed her way to the front of the group.

“The opinions of our coaches doesn’t matter if the facts state otherwise.”

“What facts? That I’m fifteen? I’m smaller than you?” I asked as I finally met Hope Solo’s eyes. “Everyone underestimates me. Everyone. And I thrive with the underestimations. And tomorrow, during practice, you’ll underestimate me and you don’t even know what I can do. You have no idea if you should or not. But you’ll do it anyway because of how small I am. Because of my age. And when I get that ball, every single touch will matter. And nothing you do will stop that.”

The two of us only stared at each other as Hope towered over me.

“Hey, break it up!” A new voice called out. Most of the women moved to the side, but Hope didn’t budge and I refused to break eye contact with her now. “I said break it up.”

Hope didn’t move. Not until Christie Rampone put her hand on the keeper’s arm.

“Just don’t be surprised when I crush your dreams tomorrow, kid.”

I watched Hope’s back as she turned and walked away from the group.

“What’s going on here?” Christie asked. I only moved my gaze down to my feet again. I didn’t want the eyes on me. Not like this. Christie’s gaze moved from me to the rest of the team when she realized that I wasn’t going to say anything. “I thought I told you all to back off the kid for now.”

There it was again.

Kid.

That’s all I was to everyone. Just some kid who had no idea what she was getting into.

“The kid’s got balls.”

I didn’t care who had said it as I pushed my way through them all so I could get to my room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hope wants you to take penalties against her,” Jill said as she looked down at me. I had my hands on my knees as I was trying to get my breath back after I had ran the length of the field to get the ball back before taking it back toward my team’s goal myself before I had gotten the assist. “You okay to do that?”

I stayed quiet as I nodded my head. I knew what she was doing. Hope either figured that I would chicken out and refuse to take the penalties or she would be able to stop them.

“No one can stop me,” I said as I stood up to look Jill in the eye. “That’s why you called me up, isn’t it? You saw that no one had an answer on how to stop me at the youth levels.”

“I called you up because you have potential.”

“You don’t have to lie to me,” I said as I looked over where most of the team was. “You can tell them that your decision was based on potential, but don’t lie to me . And now you’re curious to know if Solo can stop me.”

“I’ll admit, I’ve been a bit confused as to why Hope wants to try to humiliate you,” Jill said as she looked over at Hope. “But I did call you up because of the potential. I mean, if you’re already able to play the way you currently are and you’re only fifteen, what can you do in a year after playing with the best women in the world?”

“I want to do the penalties. I want to show them I’m not just some kid who can’t hold their own.”

Jill turned her gaze back to me as she stared at me for a moment. I knew that practice was about to wrap up so it made sense for us to do this now anyways.

“Gather up!” Jill yelled, causing most of the players to turn to where we were standing. “Just know that Hope added an extra stipulation to it.”

Jill tossed me a water bottle as everyone on the team gathered around Jill.

“We’re going to have a penalty shoot out! five shots just like an in game shoot out,” Jill announced. A few of the players groaned. I wasn’t sure if the team had to do something like this a lot or not. “Today’s shoot out will be a little different, though. Solo in goal for all five while Knox shoots them all. Majority wins, just like in a game. If Hope saves 3, outfielders run extra laps. If Jo makes 3, goalies run extra laps.”

I didn’t miss the way some of the older players were muttering to each other about the rules. This was quite unfortunate. If I somehow wasn’t able to make 3 of my penalties then I was really screwed because I knew that the older players would absolutely hate that I hadn’t been able to back up my talk from the previous night and be the reason they had to run extra.

“Line up!”

Everyone else moved to the midfield as Hope headed for the goal. I trailed behind Jill who picked up a ball.

“You really want everyone to hate me, don’t you?”

“I really want to see if you’re as good as you think,” Jill said. She glanced over her shoulder at me. “Score 3 of them and none of them will hate you.”

I sighed as Jill handed me the ball before she moved to talk to Hope. I stopped at the penalty spot before I placed the ball how I wanted it. I eventually moved back when I was sure that I had the ball like I wanted it.

I waited for Jill to finish talking to Hope before she moved to the side. I tried to ignore all of the eyes on my back. It was just a penalty, I didn’t even have to get past any defenders. I waited until Jill blew the whistle.

Then I waited one more moment as I finally picked my spot.

I rushed toward the ball before I put as much power as I could behind the shot. The ball sailed perfectly into the top left corner as Hope had just missed the ball by less than a fingertip. I didn’t miss the cheers behind me. I grinned even as Hope glared at me.

I stopped the ball with my foot when Jill kicked it toward me before I picked the ball up. I placed the ball back like I wanted it before moving back behind the ball. I waited until I heard the whistle. This time I didn’t give Hope any extra seconds as I was rushing forward as soon as I heard the whistle. The ball hit the top left corner again.

This was going well for me. I already had two of the three goals that I needed. And Hope hadn’t been able to stop even one. I took a deep breath as I placed the ball on the penalty spot for a third time.

I gave myself an extra moment again this time, but this one lasted even longer than the first time I had taken an extra moment. I just needed one more in the back of the net. This time the ball fired off of the sidebar before knocking into the goal.

The posts were still rattling as Hope threw a glare at me, but I only smirked and shrugged my shoulders. I didn’t actually care about myself having to run, but I had wanted to prove that I knew what I was doing. And it definitely helped that I had gotten to show off against the Hope Solo in the process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That was an amazing game,” Julie Foudy said. I grinned at the praise that I was receiving through the headset. “Tell me about it from your perspective.”

“You know, I just wanted to go in and show everyone what I could do,” I shrugged. It was true. I had really just wanted to show what I could do at this level. “I didn’t exactly expect to get a goal coming in so late if I’m honest. But I’m happy to have been able to help the team get the win.”

“And your first cap and goal comes against Canada. That’s got to be an amazing feeling,” Julie said as I nodded. It really had been amazing. “Knowing what our rivalry with Canada is like and having played them before. It’s a great game to get your first cap.”

“Yeah, it was definitely incredible. I don’t think I could have asked for a much better opponent to get my first cap against,” I said. I glanced over my shoulder where I watched as the rest of my team was headed to the locker rooms. “It’s definitely different getting to play in the game rather than just watching it on TV. And if today was any indication of how hard the games against Canada always are, I’m looking forward to future games.”

“Well, do you have any plans when you get home? I mean, you just got your first cap and it’s time for summer break.”

“Uh, not so much as fun plans right off the bat. I have finals to take when I get home,” I admitted. I rubbed the back of my neck at the reminder. “After that, I don’t have many plans other than soccer. Might take a trip to the lake sometime over the summer if I’m lucky. Just have to see what my summer schedule turns out to look like.”

“All right, well, I’ll let you get to the locker room so you can celebrate your first cap with the team.”

I gave the camera one last wave before I pulled the headset off and handed it off to one of the crew members before I headed down the tunnel. I was a bit surprised when I stepped into the locker room only to have water dumped onto my head. I couldn’t help the grin that broke out on my face though as a lot of the older players cheered around me.

“Okay! Okay! Settle down!” Christie called out. She had a ball in her hands as everyone settled down. “We have the game ball for Jo to celebrate her first cap and her first goal which gave us the win over Canada!”

Everyone cheered again as Christie handed me the ball.

“Go ahead and say a few words, kid.”

Everyone went quiet again as I rolled the ball in my hands. I wasn’t even sure what to say.

“I’ve been watching this team ever since I could remember. Some of you, I’ve been looking up to ever since I was a really little kid. Some of you, I’ve only been looking up to you in the most recent years. But it has always been a dream to get to play with this team and it’s been amazing to get my first cap with such an amazing group of women,” I said as I looked around the locker room. “I really can’t wait to get more training time at camps and work with all of you even more. And I guess the last thing is, I’d like you all to sign the ball so I can always remember who was here for my first cap.”

It didn’t take long until I had the ball back in my hands after the team had passed it around to sign it. Now I was standing in probably the only person in the locker room who still had a bone to pick with me. I held the ball out to Hope as she stared at it.

“Come on,” I said as I only pushed the ball further toward her. “It’d be a shame if I didn’t get the whole team to sign the ball. And last time I checked, you’re part of the team.”

Hope rolled her eyes but she took the ball from me before signing it. I grinned once Hope gave me the ball back.

“I still don’t like you that much.”

“You don’t have to. You just have to be my teammate.”

[sketches4mysw33theart]

Dead Poets Society: Some Thoughts and Analysis

Essentially a stream of consciousness I had while rewatching the movie today. In chronological order as I was making notes!

✒️ Charlie talks so much with his eyebrows

✒️ Todd is tasked with taking minutes of the meetings, but I don't believe we ever see him actually do so (although it would have been nice if he did)

✒️ Cameron looks so much like a fisherman when he's smoking his pipe

✒️ Cameron's distaste for Charlie (and often for the rest of the boys) is evident super early on (e.g. when they walk out of Mr Keating's first class and Cameron says "do you think he'll test us on that stuff?" And, when he gets shut down, he throws a very angry look at Charlie and the poets. This happens several times, but as far as I remember we never see Cameron retaliate.) From this, while I don't like it, I understand why Cameron did what he did at the end of the movie because I think he felt undermined by the others and he was considered 'useful' and 'smart' for the school

✒️ Also, I do not accept that Cameron's name is Richard Cameron, he's pulling a Zendaya and goes by one name only

✒️ Mr Keating looks so disappointed in Charlie when saying "Thank you, Mr Dalton, you just illustrated the point"

✒️ I think Knox kissing Chris at the party, while somewhat gross, is necessary to show that Carpe Diem isn't always the right thing to do, as is Charlie putting the article in the paper  - i think maybe Chris not ending up with Knox would have hammered this home, especially because she seems perfectly happy with Chet. Of course, Chet's response to what happened at the party isn't fair, but it is definitely what I can see a teenage boy on the high school football team in the 50's doing. Don't choke on the bone, Knoxious!

✒️ Is Charlie trying to get thrown out of school? With the article in the paper stunt, he must have known how serious the repercussions would be, so maybe already he was considering getting out of school because he felt it wasn't the right path for him

✒️ "You made a liar out of me, Neil" - Mr Perry, I hate you

✒️ Did all of the poets, minus Neil and Knox, really squeeze into Keating's car?!

✒️ Neils little face when he comes out of the curtain, and how quick it falls when he sees his father - he's like a little kid showing a finger painting to a parent who insults it, he just wants his Dad to be proud of him

✒️ Mr Keating's face when Neil drives away after the play - I think he had an idea what was coming

✒️ That zoom in on Neil's face when his father's saying "more of this acting business, you can forget that"- he knew, then, that his dad would never change and what he was going to do

✒️ I want the doorknobs in the Perry house, specifically Neil's

✒️ The first time I watched this movie, I was so on edge when Neil was standing in front of the open window, thinking he was going to jump, and when he didn't I was like 'phew', and then the thing happened and my blood sugar spiked way up

✒️ Mr Perry saying 'my poor son' - i don't know, it rubs me up the wrong way, he has a name, he is not simply an extension of you

✒️ Cameron isn't there when the poets tell Todd what happened to Neil

✒️ The lingering image of Charlie with a tear down his face is so beautiful

✒️ Knox just clinging to Todd in the snow

✒️ The comparison between the deleted scene of Neil and Todd running lines by the lake when it's sunny and Todd running towards the lake screaming Neil's name 💔

✒️ Similarly, the comparison between Todd not wanting to speak at all in the meetings, and then the deleted scene where he reads a poem after Mr Perry takes Neil away

✒️ Charlie not singing during Neil's assembly

✒️ Ave means farewell in literature, and Charlie closing his eyes when it's sang is beautiful

✒️ Charlie carries on smoking when Cameron's coming into the attic meeting - he either knows it's Cameron or doesn't care who tf catches him doing anything bad anymore

✒️ I don't think Cameron ever actually 'believed' in Mr Keating, definitely not to the extent the others did - he never called him captain, for example, except when he realised everyone else in the common room was, and air quotes the word 'captain' in the attic. So, it raises the question why he went along with everyone even so?

✒️ While I do somewhat sympathise with Cameron, that is one of the most satisfying punches in movie history

✒️ I think Todd's parents weren't that different from Neil's, Todd's dad is clearly very authoritarian from the minute or so he's on screen (and the fact that Todd signs the paper) and his Mom says nothing in his defense, but the way Todd mouths 'Mom' breaks my heart

✒️ In what universe does acting = what Neil did? All those theatre kids and their evil, satanic rituals, forcing our kids away from school 🙄 I hate you, Mr Perry and Mr Nolan

✒️ Todd's the last one to stand up when Nolan walks into Keating's classroom

✒️ Mr Nolan complimenting Mr Pritchard's introduction is so ridiculously funny to me considering what Keating made them do to it

✒️ Mr Keating's smile to Todd through the door in the classroom has the same energy as "All my love to you poppet. You're going to be alright."

In conclusion, I adore this film.

Robin Williams, O Captain, My Captain 🫡❤️

[jknox11]

jeremy knox gets grumpy when he's sick.

the first time jean sees it he is kind of amused. instead of getting up early as he usually does, jeremy doesn't get out of bed until cat and laila storm the bedroom he shares with jean saying breakfast has been done for over an hour.

jean stands by the door, an eyebrow raising as he sees jeremy put the covers over his head to avoid dealing with his friends. something jean has never seen him do before, something that is so not like jeremy.

"come on, jeremy. it's saturday. we already didn't do anything last night, you're not going to waste today."

cat insists while trying to pull the covers off jeremy who with a weak sigh ends up giving up and just letting her do it. the moment both laila and cat see his face they realize what's happening.

"what the hell, jeremy! what have i told you about hiding in the room while dying sick instead of literally asking for help?"

"don't be dramatic. i'm just tired." jeremy unconvincingly tries to calm his friend who already had her hand on his forehead.

"bullshit. you literally have a fever right now. sit up, laila is gonna bring something for you to eat before taking some medicine."

"not hungry. just want to sleep." jeremy whined once again trying to put the covers over his head.

"don't make me get jean to get you out of this bed."

"leave me out of this." jean warned still standing by the door and the moment jeremy heard his voice he felt himself more alert.

the last person jeremy wanted to see him weak, pale and sick was jean. he closed his eyes, defeated. and started sitting up knowing cat wouldn't leave that room until he did exactly as he was told. he awkwardly ran his fingers through his messy hair knowing it'd be useless.

"satisfied?" jeremy crossed his arm grumpily like a child and jean strongly held back the sudden urge he had to laugh- something he seemed to be wanting to do more ever since moving in with cat and laila- at the scene.

laila then re-entered the room carrying a plate of toast with eggs and a cup of the orange juice they had in the fridge especially for occasions like these.

"lighten up, princess. i know you love being babied by us."

laila handed him the plate and put the juice on the bedside table. jeremy who still had his arms crossed against his chest pouted a little.

"not like this! i hate being sick!"

and he did. jeremy didn't get sick as often but when he did, oh boy. it was hell. it'd usually take him at least three days to fully recover everytime and he hated how useless he felt between that time which resulted in a very grumpy, very whiny captain sunshine.

"poor thing. i know it sucks, but you'll feel a little better once you eat and take the meds." laila caressed his hair getting a content little sigh from him this time.

"thank you, guys." he then remembered jean standing by the door and immediately felt his cheeks burn from embarrassment.

"good morning, jean!" jeremy offered him a little smile.

"eat your eggs."

"he learns fast." cat joked and jeremy groaned.

"great. just what i need, three nurses wannabe"

"we can just let jean do the work if that's what you want."

laila winked at him and jeremy almost choked on the eggs he had just put in his mouth.

"alright, alright. we'll let you eat your food and then check on you again later. don't forget to take the meds for the fever after eating."

the girls left the room, but jean stayed where he was.

"jean? are you really gonna stand there and watch me eat?" jeremy joked a bit embarrassed still.

"i do not think you should be alone while sick."

"i'm okay, jean. really."

jean seemed to ponder for a few seconds before leaving. jeremy barely had time to finish chewing a piece of toast before jean was back already.

"to make you company."

jeremy thought his cheeks were gonna crack with the way his smile was so big on his face. in front of him there was nothing less than a six foot french man holding a cardboard dog cutout to put by his bedside.

"jean! you're amazing. thank you!" jeremy said cheerfully, his smile still bright and big on his face. "you... you can stay too if you'd like. i mean-" jeremy's face heated as he struggled with his own words.

"after im done preparing lunch with cat and laila."

jeremy smiled again.

"i will be here. we will." jeremy brought barkbark closer to him and jean rolled his eyes, but the small smile wanting to appear on his face before he left the room didn't go unnoticed by jeremy.

[quinnhills]

two questions steaming from your post today: one did you start hrt on september first of last year; and two; if so can i make a joke about stealing your testosterone since that would mean i started taking testosterone on the same day you started estrogen?

I’m honestly shocked and a little offended that you don’t remember the first day you started stealing my testosterone. It was a Thursday like any other, September 1st, 2022.

But I guess there’s a lot you don’t know. See, while you were busy siphoning my testosterone these past eleven months, I was cavorting with a crack team of rogues and misfits to pull off an Oceans 11 heist of your estrogen.

We started small with just a few milligrams at a time. It was easy at first, like taking candy from a baby. As the months flew by, our operation grew in scale and complexity to the point that we have recently started thieving your estrogen at a level comparable to knocking over Fort Knox.

So go ahead and tell your jokes. But me? I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank*

*the bank of gender affirmation

[azsazz]

Cuddle Me In

Azriel x Reader (Jax Centric)

Summary: Anon Request: I LOVE YOUR DADDY!AZRIEL FICS!!!! CAN YOU MAKE ONE ABOUT JAXS CUDDLES WHEN HIS MOMMY IS SAD

Warnings: N/A

Word Count: 1,881

Notes: I think Jax might just be an empath...

_________________________________________

It was just one of those days.

One where nothing seemed to be working in your favor.

You had hardly gotten any sleep due to Malos’ incessant crying, though why she was so upset you had no idea.

The loud wails of your youngest daughter, in turn, had her twin brother wide awake as well. Though Knox was normally a very calm babe, the continued distress of his sister was disturbing him from his spot in his cradle next to hers.

Not even your mate could calm her, with his gentle fingers brushing through her hair, cooing softly at her while you held Knox. The both of you had been so worried that he’d even taken her to see a healer, uncaring that it was the middle of the night. He took off with Malos bundled close to his chest, you and Knox watching them grow smaller and smaller.

The healer hadn’t been able to find anything wrong with the tiny babe, and Azriel had returned with a teary eyed Malos, whom he had hoped would fall asleep on the flight back.

No such luck.

For hours the two of you tried, exhausted and near hysterical as you watched your daughter wailing her little head off, the both of their shadows swirling around the twins, agitated. 

It had been that she was too far away from her brother, you both found out when you had noticed the way that their shared shadows had reached out to each other. The babes immediately settled when they were together in their bassinet, tucked up close to one another as if protecting the other.

You and Azriel only shared a sigh of relief as you quickly slid back into the cold bed, hoping for a restful few hours of sleep before the rest of your brood awoke.

______

Baz, in his true nature, was the one to wake you up.

Azriel had awoken with a start, his shadows hissing to him of the second oldest standing at your side of the bed, ready to rouse you from sleep. 

But he was too late to stop him, as Baz shook your arm gently with a sad mewl, “Mommy?”

“Hm?” you hummed, blinking your eyes open as your heart picked up in your chest at the sound of one of your terrified children. “Baz?”

“I had a bad dream,” his voice quivers and you’re quick to tug him up into bed with you and Azriel, the shadowsinger cocooning the three of you in his warm wings, a shield that would help calm Baz, sandwiching the little lad between the two of you.

You brushed the boy’s hair back from his forehead, “Do you want to tell us what it was about, love?”

He stared at the ceiling for a moment as his lip wobbled at the thought, “Well Wrennie told me about a scary monster that lives out in the woods,” you share a look with your mate, “and I was all alone out there mommy! Not my brothers and sisters, not you or daddy, just me and the ugly beast!”

You rub his back as Azriel talks Baz down, trying his best to calm the terrified little boy. The soothing pattern you’re stroking into his back combined with the warmth of your mate’s wing and the low baritone sound of Azriel’s voice lulls you back to sleep.

_____

Azriel had been summoned away for the morning, so you were in charge of breakfast for your six children.

Which was normally fine except that you had hardly gotten any sleep, had zero reinforcements, and your children were feeling particularly naughty today.

You truly did not think that you had the energy for this today, though being a mother never took a day off.

All you’d like to do is crawl back between your sheets and sleep for a while, get the energy back that had evaded you from your night of unrest. Each shout, clang of a utensil, hand smacking against the table has you tensing further and further, unnaturally irritated with your unruly children.

Jax, the most empathetic of the six, tugs on the leg of your pants, reaching his hands up when you glance down at him, signaling to you that he would like to be picked up.

“Hi Jax,” you can’t help but give him a soft smile, “What are you doing?”

He shakes his hands again, grabbing the air with tiny fists. You know exactly what he wants, but he was one of the quieter children you had, and you and Azriel were more than a bit concerned when you realized that Jax wasn’t quite as outgoing as his siblings, tending to stick to you or him in favor of being around any of the other family that had known him since birth.

This was your way of prompting the young boy to use his words to ask for what he wanted instead.

Jax blinks up at you once, before his face contorts into a pout. Your body tenses, ready for the little boy to start wailing, something he excelled at. 

Thankfully, he doesn’t. He doesn’t look happy as you move your attention from him to the pancakes you’re flipping before you, nearly ready to be served to the hungry bunch chittering away at the table behind you, the other five lined up in their chairs eagerly.

“Up.”

You raise an eyebrow, plating the breakfasts, “Up what?”

His soft huff is entertaining, “Up please.”

“There’s my good boy,” you beam, smiling down at your son as you pick him up and tuck him against your hip. You plant a loud kiss to his cheek that causes the pout to disappear and giggles to bubble up out of him, and you feel a bit lighter because of it.

Until Wren and Baz start arguing.

You hardly know what it’s about, don’t even care because you’re so drained from last night.

The two boys don’t listen to your commands for them to cut it out and calm down. Not even your threat of telling their father stops them from yelling at each other this time, and that trick always worked. Their faces are so red you’re worried they aren’t even breathing through their screams.

Next to Baz, Zuzu is covering her ears with her hands, an annoyed look on her face while she stares you down, waiting for you to end the fight.

It seems as if Malos wants in on it too, babbling loudly in their direction. She hadn’t seemed to have enough screaming and crying for the night and deems now the perfect chance to join in.

You clutch Jax tighter, shutting your eyes for a moment and trying to block out the sounds of your children, if only for a moment, as Jax yells from your arms at them to stop. Their arguing grates against your skull, and your eyes burn with lack of sleep. You so badly wish to handle this like a rational parent but you’re about to snap–

“Wren, Baz,” a familiar voice calls, and your shoulders slacken with relief immediately, “What are you two arguing about?”

Azriel had chosen to return at the perfect time, sensing your utter frustration down the bond. He shoots you a worried glance but you smile stiffly, turning back to the plates loaded up with pancakes for your children.

The two boys fall silent, cheeks rosy under the stern stare of their father.

Neither of them dares speak. 

Azriel is quick to solve the matter and meet you in the kitchen where you’re leaning against the counter with Jax cuddled close in your arms, breathing in his fresh scent of sandalwood and citrus, uncaring about the cooling pancakes on the plates for the awaiting children.

“Come here buddy,” Azriel says softly, opening his arms up for Jax, “Let’s let mommy relax for a bit, yeah?”

“No,” Jax protests, and his arms clasped around your neck tighten, “Mommy!”

“It’s okay, Az,” you respond softly, enjoying the feeling of the cuddles you’re receiving. You rest your head atop Jax’s and Azriel’s eyes soften at the both of you.

He nods, pressing a tender kiss to your cheek and then Jax’s. His hand is a warm caress at the base of your spine and you’re hit again with just how tired you really are.

“Why don’t you and Jax go eat breakfast in bed,” he offers, sliding the pancakes from your plate onto Jax’s and handing it over to you, “I’ll feed the rest and get them ready for the day. Cassian said he and Nesta would watch them for a bit.”

You bite back your grin. Cassian was always one to offer up his help, though every time you arrived to pick your children back up he looked like he’d been to hell and back, swearing he’d never watch them again.

You loved him for it.

“Thank you,” you murmur, letting Jax take a pancake to munch on while you give Azriel a peck on the lips, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he murmurs, giving you a soft, admiring smile.

“I love you, too,” Jax exclaims around his mouthful of breakfast.

You share a laugh, readjusting him on your hip as you retreat from the chaos that is the morning meal.

You and Jax cuddle up in your large bed and you instantly relax, quietly eating the pancakes while enjoying each other's company. 

He is so much like Azriel, quiet in nature but rational and empathetic. The way he’d clung to you moments before his brothers started arguing as if he knew that you would need a calming presence if you weren’t going to snap at them.

You definitely were but it was the thought that counted.

Azriel appears some time later, when the other children have all eaten and are ready for the day, his shadows keeping watch as Wren helps his siblings get their shoes and coats on right while he goes to retrieve Jax.

He finds you and your fourth in a comforting embrace, Jax curled up into your side as you read him his favorite book.

He can’t help but to admire the sight, heart swelling with the utmost love as he watches the two of you together.

Feeling that warmth fill your body down to your bones draws your attention to the door.

“I’ve just come for the little one,” Azriel says softly, like if he’s too loud he’ll break the cloak of peace the both of you have created.

“I want to stay with mommy,” Jax frowns, clutching your shirt tighter.

Azriel looks to you for confirmation but how can you say no when your baby is making a face like that? Pulling on your heartstrings because he’s already such a caring boy.

“I think we’re both enjoying our time together too much to move,” you smile at your mate, resting your temple in Jax’s soft hair.

Azriel’s smile sets your heart fluttering, “Alright then. I’m taking the other’s to Cassians. I’ll come check on the two of you a little later, maybe bring you some lunch?”

“Spoiling us?” you grin up at your mate.

“Always, my love,” he responds, leaning down to tuck you both in and give you a sweet kiss on the lips, “Always.”

[julietifsheneverdied]

Hello gorgeous love your account and your writing style!!

Can I request a Neil Perry friends to lovers pretty please? Whatever way you want 😁😁 Thank you!!!

i’m blushing <33

PLANNED OUT 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ𓇼 ࣪ 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ⭒ neil perry x reader you were always best friends, and maybe that wasn’t enough.

fluff | friends to lovers

━━━━ FOR THE entirety of your academic years you spent at welton academy, you could always remember neil being there. somewhere within not only your memory, but eye sight.

he was your best friend, and quite frankly the first friend you’d made at the academy. which led you to a problem, for a long while (a week), neil had been acting differently. he was harder to find, and whenever you did find him, he was talking to one of his friends quietly and ending the conversation when he saw you.

you tried not to let it affect you, but it was hard when you were seeing less and less of him. sure, you were just as good of friends with meeks and pitts, but you could only spend so much time reading while they worked.

that’s where you found yourself today, sitting on a makeshift seat on the floor (consisting of your uniform blazer) with a book held in your hands. meeks was busy with the radio, and pitts was working with him.

it was quiet, the soft hum of the schools old electricity system was a soothing background noise as you flipped through the pages of the book. additionally to soothing background noise, there was the occasional soft clinks of whatever meeks and pitts needed hitting the table.

they’d been working on the radio for so long you were very surprised to find that they had yet to finish the project.

“hey guys,” neil walked through the small entrance of the boys’s dorm. someone had told him that this was where you spent your time away from neil and his odd behavior, “can i talk to you?” he asked when your eyes met from afar.

with a soft sigh, you complied, marking your page on the book and taking your blazer off the floor. you followed neil to your dorm, where you sat on your bed and he began to pace in front of you.

“so, i like this person.” he starts, and with his causal words your heart drops to your feet, “i don’t know how to tell them, or even talk to them about it. can you help?” he finished the anxious pacing to stop in front of you, waiting for an answer.

“i, uh, yeah i can help.” you hummed, the poor attempt at masking your sadness seemed to work. if it hadn’t worked, neil said nothing. he was quiet, and grinning now.

“you’re an angel!” he cheered, finally taking a seat next to you on your carefully made bed.

“well i mean, you should really be yourself. you could probably get them flowers, if they like them. i know if someone got me flowers i’d swoon,” you didn’t know he was making a mental checklist of the things you said you liked, keeping them in mind for later.

sure it was stupid, and how cliché it was, to ask the person he liked for advice to ask “someone else” out when he was really gonna ask them out. for whatever reason, it did really work.

and afterwards, he ran to knox’s dormitory, knocking and waiting patiently. for knox to open the door. when he did, he was smirking; “so it worked?” he asked, stepping aside for neil to walk in. neil complied, seating himself at knox’s desk facing the bed.

“it did work, i just need to figure out their favorite flowers and chocolate. would you help me?” neil folded his hands in his lap, waiting patiently for an answer.

“yeah, sure. you owe me, though.” knox reached out a hand, and neil shook it. tomorrow was a saturday, meaning he had until sunday to get everything, and until monday to go on a date.

“yeah, of course.” neil thanked him and left, finding his own room a welcoming place. inside, todd was reading and already ready for sleep. the boy smiled kindly at todd when he entered.

“anything happen that’s making you walk so happy?” todd asked, placing his bookmark in the spine of the pages he was on, and setting the novel to the side.

“knox is doing me a favor tomorrow.” he smiled. when todd implored for more details, neil told him everything.

“you’re really gonna ask them out? need me to help with anything?” todd offered.

“no thanks, just be yourself. you’re their other best friend.” neil changed, and that was it. the night was quiet, and even in slumber, he could only see you. you infected his dreams with that charming smile of yours, and the gentle tone you used whenever you were talking to him.

he had no idea what to do if this didn’t work out, he really did like you. he could think long and hard about everything he wanted to do for you, like spending time with you more than now, and being able to hold you in the ways he wanted to so badly now, and kiss you.

god did he dream of kissing you, he could never admit how much he did. how could he? wouldn’t that be weird? he figured it was better kept a secret.

when he woke up the next day, he rubbed at his eyes. saturday, he reminded himself, it’s saturday. he rose up to his elbows, finding todd awake already and at his desk.

“morning, how long have you been up?” neil sat up at the edge of his bed, rubbing his face carefully.

todd looked over, “not too long. good morning.” he hummed, turning to look back at his desk. neil didn’t take too long getting ready, he had a long day ahead of him.

you, on the other hand, found yourself lazing around as you got ready. you shoved a dime book into your sweater pocket, and pulled your shoes on. after you grabbed your wallet, you left your room.

you knew today would be the best day to buy any new books you wanted to, and so you decided that’s what you’d do.

“hey, knox.” you fretted the boy when he came to stand next to you, finding you leaning against the wall by the stairs, waiting for them to clear up a little.

“hey. what’re you doing?” he asked, standing in front of you and shoving his hands in his pants pockets.

“gonna go to town, i wanted a new book. what’s up?” you replied, fiddling with the wallet in your pocket. you didn’t mind knox keeping you company, he was a good natured friend and you liked to talk to him.

“i need some advice for chris. what flowers should i get her? like, what are your favorite flowers.” knox asked, rubbing the back of his neck when he looked down at his shoes, “chocolates too? you’ve got good taste, so i figured it’d be best to ask you.” he mumbled.

“well,” you hummed, and promptly told him. he grinned, thanked you, and looked at the stairs. they weren’t clear enough for you to easily slide through.

“got any books in mind to buy?” he opened the door for a new conversation. you smiled, and the conversation was nice and brief. you hadn’t noticed neil peeking around the corner. when you noticed the stairs were clear, you wished knox a good day and left.

with you gone, knox met neil halfway down the hallway, his hands sliding back into his pockets and a grin finding his way onto his face again.

knox told neil everything, and together the two took a short walk through the shortcut to the town. strategically placed was the flower shop, which also happened to sell chocolates and stuffed animals. it wasn’t far from the bookstore, or the small cafe neil knew you liked.

knox peered out, not seeing you. he and neil ran fast across the street, and made their way to the flower shop quickly.

inside, he found only an old lady behind the counter. she smiled kindly at the boys as they entered. knox promised to keep watch, to make sure you didn’t see them. he noticed you walking down the street, but your eyes were focused on where you were walking.

once you entered the store, neil was already checking out the three important things. he had your favorite flowers, your favorite chocolates, and a stuffed animal of your favorite animal.

he refused the bag, dropped money into the tip jar, thanked the kind owner, and left with knox. strategically holding all three items, neil said goodbye to knox as the boy jogged away to do his own thing.

neil waited patiently for you to exit the store.

“neil!” you exclaimed, “didn’t think i’d see you. what’re you doing in town?” you had yet to see the flowers and chocolates in his one hand, or the stuffed animal in his other hand.

“thought i’d surprise you.” he took a deep breath, “listen, i really like you and i was just wondering if you’d like to go on a date with me?” he asked, holding up the flowers and other things he bought for you.

you gasped with a smile, accepting the flowers and chocolates. “i’d love to, neil.” you hugged him, and could feel his heart racing.

“thank god,” he mumbled, “i was worried.” he rubbed the back of his neck.

“i’ve liked you for awhile, neil.” you laughed, “you had nothing to be worried about.” you placed your hand carefully on his cheek, and pulled him in to place a kiss on his other cheek. smiling when you stood back again.

“so, what should we do?”

“we’re going right now?”

MAIN MASTERLIST — REQUESTS ARE OPEN — DEAD POETS SOCIETY MASTERLIST

authors note; this was fun to write and it took way too long to put out i’m sorry 🙏🙏

- juliet ⋆♆.˚

[tartrat]

Sara in the 1989 yellow blue combo.

First time drawing one of the main characters, and honestly this one just suited Sara. She sorta fits 1989 the more that i think about it. Also the shoes were probably mismatched at the show but it was easier for me to do both blue.

At some point she started looking like Hatsune Miku. It was a combination of the blue hair and magenta hair baubles. Also thanks for the help with the eye colour. I was thinking between blue and yellow for some reason. I was slightly against blue because of her hair and thought that it would clash. I was using her classic avatar as reference, which made her eye colour look black. i never notice the eye colour on the coaches unless they are right up at the camera (eg end of Darkest Hour beginning of Witch) mainly because of how far away the screen is when i'm playing. Other wise i choose eye colour based on theme, for Agent D and Mothigan i used their primary colours and Talia i gave blue eyes since she's based off of Taylor Swift.

One thing i've learnt from drawing the coaches is to include the black eyeliner that they all wear. Since it helps them to look normal, it makes drawing their eyes look normal. Normally i actually use a darker, almost black colour of blue or magenta. Probably why i was used to seeing their full faces when 2023 came out as they didn't look uncanny like the price tag coach.

As i mentioned in the last post this is the only other coach/actual human being that i could think of putting in an era's tour outfit. Mainly because of the colour scheme. Like kapyy in the midnight's bodysuit was because the idea popped into my head and i thought it was horrible so i just had to do it, it honestly suited him. Originally i was thinking of doing Talia in the Lover Body suit but then i didn't want to think about the rhinestones because i hated that whilst doing the midnights bodysuit, so because the Rep bodysuit is just infamous at this point i did that instead. And then here the Blue and yellow just suit Sara, its also kinda similar to her actual outfit.

Heres an in progress pic. Someone get her some brown contacts.

Of course there's the matter of where she got this outfit.

Bonus (ft. My Kappy Talia twins headcanon. Talia is going to recreate Fort Knox but for a wardrobe of clothes she doesn't remember buying):

I bought a storage trolley with a table top cover that is in the right place for me to use the camera scoring feature in a more comfortable place. I also preordered jd2025. I'm sorta in a good mood today for some reason. Sad that the basket case early access ends tomorrow, indifferent to Calabria 2007 (its fun but its not basket case).

[poetsconstellation]

Incorrect dps quotes

Charlie: Is there anyone here who’s actually straight?

Neil: *raises hand*

Todd: *puts his hand down*

Cameron: You need a hobby.

Neil: I have a hobby!

Cameron: Fawning over Todd isn’t a hobby.

*Charlie dies in a game with ships*

Knox: This ship is no longer a ship of love, it's a ship of vengeance, a gavel of justice against all that is wrong in the world, showing no mercy, as no mercy was shown to us.

Knox: The spark of love will now fuel the fires of destructive glory as I wage my war across the world with righteous fury.

Neil : Legend has it that Charlie still haunts the ship, stealing my fucking drinks.

Charlie: Of course I do.

Pitts : WHO ATE MY BREAD?!

Pitts : I'M GOING TO FUCKING K-

Meeks: I did?

Pitts : Kiss you and buy some more, you haven't been eating anything today Meeks.

Pitts : *walks away*

Meeks:

Meeks: They're gone Knox.

Knox, coming out the closet with bread stuffed in his mouth: Twankh uh!

*In the chip aisle at Walmart, doing a late-night grocery run.*

Todd: *Minding their own business, looking for tortilla chips.*

Todd: *Finds tortilla chips.*

Cameron , to Charlie: See, they know what they're here for. They know what they're doing. Be more like them. Make a decision, Charlie!

Cameron: Todd, gather the others. We need to have another Charlie-is-doing-something-stupid-again-and-we-have-to-stop-them-before-they-hurt-someone convention.

Meeks, pointing to the wall: What color is this?

Todd: Grey.

Knox: Grey.

Meeks, turning to Charlie: Now tell them what color you think it is.

Charlie: Dark white.

Meeks: I have a question.

Cameron: Shoot.

Meeks: Is the S or C in scent silent?

Neil: Fuck you, I’m going to be thinking about this all day.

Cameron: Okay well, cent is pronounced the same way as scent so I’m gonna say the S is silent.

Meeks: Okay, but sent is also spelled the same way.

Neil: Google says that the C was added in the late seventeenth century, so I guess the S is silent.

Charlie: Plot twist, both the S and the C are silent and the E actually makes the sss sound.

Neil: Charlie is not allowed to talk anymore.

Knox: You know you can die from that, right?

Todd: *smoking a cigarette* That’s the point.

Neil: *drinking alcohol* We’re trying to speed this up.

Pitts: *Eating raw cookie dough and nodding*

[buckysgrace]

Something Blue

Not really a series but will be doing little blurbs under Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for Gator and Daphne's little family <3

CW: Smut and fluff

“What do you think you’re doing?” Gator asked, tilting his head down to the toddler who was trying to pull himself onto the counter.

Noah smiled sheepishly, his brown eyes full of mischief as he bounced on the tip of his toes again. His shirt and pants had been discarded, tossed away as he moved around in only a pair of undies.

“Cookie,” He pointed out, staring up at Gator with a bright grin as he pointed towards the cabinet again, “Pwease, pwease!” He encouraged, grinning like he already knew what Gator’s answer would be.

“Just one,” Gator responded as he pulled the chocolate chip cookie free from the bag, smiling as Noah let out a shrill squeal, “And don’t tell anyone.” He responded with a wink, satisfied as Noah quickly nodded his head in agreement. 

The summer months were quickly approaching, the sun hot and breeze cool as it swept in through the open windows. The twins had finished their first semester of preschool, which was only half days. It wasn’t too long for them to be away. 

Knox had passed out not long ago on the couch, making Gator wish that Noah would do the same as he really felt like a nap sounded good to himself. Noah still hated naps, would rather do anything but sleep. He was a handful, that was for sure. 

Piper was with Daphne, getting their last few accessories for the wedding. Which meant that they’d come home with painted nails and a handful of bags from whichever shopping mall they’d decided on. Piper had found a little handbag that she liked to carry around and insisted that her toy card worked just like a real credit card.

“Where’s your clothes at?” Gator asked, picking Noah up as he followed the trail back towards the living room, “You’re not teasing me with my bad side, are you?” He asked him seriously, watching the way Noah paused for a moment to think about it. 

“I don’t know,” Was his response as he shrugged his shoulders, more focused on munching his cookie down, “It yummy.” He said, little crumbs dancing off onto his tummy as he moved back towards the TV. 

“Can I have a cookie?” Knox’s head popped up over the couch, half of his face red and his hair messy from how roughly he’d been sleeping. Gator chuckled, nodding his head in agreement. He couldn’t ever really tell them no. 

“Of course you can have a cookie,” He said with a smile, “Do you see your brother's clothes?” He asked as he pulled another cookie free. He walked over, holding the cookie out towards him. 

“Not over here,” Knox said, smiling brightly as he took the cookie from Gator, “Thank you. Where’s mommy?” He asked, furrowing his eyebrows together as Gator joined him on the couch. Noah appeared instantly, gripping his knees as he pulled himself up onto his lap.

“She went shopping with sissy,” He answered, waiting as Noah got himself comfortable. He laid back against Gator’s chest, wiggling his toes before he sighed deeply. Knox might be attached to Daphne’s hip, but Noah was attached to his. His little buddy, “Are you excited for tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” Knox replied with a smile, “I get to hold the ring!” He said proudly as he moved onto his knees, grinning from ear to ear. Sometimes it was hard for Gator to tell which of his sons looked more like him. Today he thought Noah did, as Knox’s brown locks seemed to look just a bit more red than usual. 

“Hey,” Noah spoke up quickly, “Me too.” He said quickly, his brown eyes wide and full of panic like he feared that Gator had forgotten about him. He’d spent many afternoons tracing their faces and listening intensely to the tones in their voices to feel like he knew what they were thinking without questioning them. 

“Both of you,” Gator confirmed with a nod of his head, “It will be a lot of fun, don’t you think?” He asked, hoping that they’d all have fun with it. He had never planned on marrying Daphne with three toddlers running around, but he thought this made it even better. 

“Papa said it’s about time.” Knox added as he nodded his head along, making Gator sigh as he nodded his head along. He’d heard that more than once as well. He had just taken his time, there was nothing wrong with that.

He’d nearly lost his cool when he finally proposed, well he sort of did. It had all been fine, going perfectly to his plan until Daphne had almost swallowed the ring. She ended up having to hack it up, her face red and lips a shade of blue. That was the last time he listened to any advice from Wayne. 

“I’m sure he did,” He grumbled in response, “Oh look, there’s mama's car.” He said, hearing the car far before it pulled into the driveway. Knox’s features wrinkled up into delight as he raced out of the seat, rushing to be the first one to greet them at the door. 

Piper strolled in first, a green hand bag over her midsection and sunglasses over the top of her head. Her lips were shiny, and nails were deep purple. Gator slowly slid Noah off of his lap, figuring he better help them carry whatever inside. 

“Did you see how expensive gas is?” Daphne huffed as she came in next, carrying two handfuls of plastic bags, “It’s ridiculous.” She shook her head, but quickly curled her lips into a smile as Knox tugged on her pants. She dropped the bags, kneeling to kiss at his cheeks. 

“Mhm, gas was the expensive thing?” Gator asked, raising his eyebrows as he leaned against the couch. He counted twice, confirming that there were at least eight bags. She grinned as she stood, walking towards him slowly.

“I had to finish getting stuff for our trip,” She quickly defended herself, smiling as she pecked his lips twice, “How were my boys?” She smiled as she turned away, leaving his gaze lingering against her ass as she bent over again. 

“Cookie!” Noah exclaimed, smiling as he held up a soggy crumble of what he had left, “Hewe, mama.” He said happily, waiting for her to take a bite. She blinked slowly, her smile frozen as Gator did his best not to snort. 

“Oh I’m okay, baby,” She responded as she kissed his flushed cheeks, “Mama’s all cookied out.” She said as she wrinkled her nose, moving back towards the bags as he found his attention getting drawn away. 

“What about you?” He asked as he lifted Piper up into the air. He still liked holding them and feared the day that they’d get too big, “Did you get everything you needed?” He asked, poking at her bag playfully. It was most likely filled with hair ties, candies and different chapsticks that she always took from Daphne. Sometimes there would be change. 

“Yeah,” She said as she held her fingers out, showing off her nails dramatically, “Do you like them?” She asked worriedly, like she didn’t know what his opinion would be. He looked at them, pretending to inspect them in the way she liked. 

“Very pretty,” He said with a grin, watching as the two boys took turns tugging on Daphne’s skirt as she put a few things away in the fridge, “Are you going to get your hair done tomorrow?” He asked her, curious as to how she’d want it done. She was very particular. There had been more than one meltdown because she had insisted her sock was on wrong. 

“No,” She said as she rested her head against his shoulder, “You do it best.” She said as she inhaled deeply, sounding like she was tired from her shopping day. He rubbed her back gently. 

“Okay,” He said, grinning as he tucked the young girl close to him, “I can do it.” He promised her, rocking her back and forth as he enjoyed their moment together. He found himself doing that a lot with the kids, still fearing that they might feel as if they didn’t have enough time with him. He felt guilty all over again. 

“Daddy,” Noah approached him once again, “Want juicy.” He furrowed his eyebrows together, his lips pouting out as he began to tug on his jeans this time. 

“What do you say?” Daphne drew out, popping her head out from the pantry door. Knox was holding up one of the bags, handing her different items to put away. Noah gasped before he turned towards Gator again. 

“Pwease?” He asked, fluttering his eyelashes as he held his hands together. Gator chuckled as he nodded his head, using his free hand to touch the back of his head as he directed them back towards the kitchen. 

Rounding the three of them up that night for the wedding practice had been a nightmare. No one had seemed to want to go, even though any other time they were all excited to go for a car ride. Noah cried the whole way there, his missed nap clearly catching up to him. He’d missed most of the ceremony, finally passing out in one of the pews and refusing to move. 

Knox had frozen in the church, despite him knowing everyone else who was there. Usually Ruby was able to draw him out, but not even that worked. He stayed hidden behind Daphne, brown eyes wide as he peeked around at the other ten people that were there.

Piper had plopped herself into the back row, arms tightly crossed around her chest as an angry pout stayed glued to her face. It had taken a lot to finally get her to speak, to get some little answer out of her stubbornness. 

“It’s just practice,” He instructed her, trying to convince her that the wedding wasn’t happening tonight, “You don’t have to be dressed up yet.” He told her, trying to calm her down. She wanted her big pink dress. That’s all she wanted. 

“But mommy is.” She pointed out, bearing Daphne’s same irritated features as she continued to stare ahead. He sighed deeply as he slowly pried her hands free. 

“Mommy is always dressed up,” He said playfully, dramatically, “We don’t have to do it tonight, unless you really want to.” He added, squeezing her hands in hopes that she wouldn’t make them go all the way home to get it. She turned towards him, staring for the longest time. 

“I want these bows in my hair,” Piper directed as she shifted forward a little bit, “Please and thank you.” She added at last, nodding her head as he quickly obliged once she pulled them free from her little purse. 

He found Daphne a little later, thankful for Kurt’s many questions towards the priest as he followed her towards the front of the entrance. He stared at the vast decorations, thinking about how bland Roy’s own church had been. He shook his head, not wanting to think about his father at the moment.

“Maybe eloping would’ve been better,” She whispered softly, laughing as she leaned against him, “Oh, I hope it goes better tomorrow.” She replied as she rested her cheek against his shoulder, making him smile as he moved his arm around her waist.

“It will,” He said confidently as he glanced around, finding it safe enough to take a hit from his vape. He passed it to her next, watching the way she took a deep inhale and held it in her lungs. She closed her eyes as she exhaled, looking a little relieved, “And if it doesn’t -, that’s fine too. We’re not doing it to impress anybody.” He told her seriously, quite enjoying the way their three littles made their lives more hectic. 

“As long as we can keep the kids from fighting.” She said as she leaned against the wall with him, her blue eyes twinkling like bright gems. He couldn’t wait to see her tomorrow, to see how stunning she looked. 

“That’s the important part,” He said with a smile, leaning down to brush his lips against hers gently, “We’re getting pretty damn good at this.” He told her, feeling a little more confident in his parenting skills. Sometimes he still got scared, worried that he’d get too irritated and accidentally snap at the kids like his father did to him. It took a lot of reassurances to remind himself that he wasn’t Roy. 

“Gator Tillman,” She responded playfully as she held her hands on her hips, “Don’t you curse while we’re in the lord’s house.” The little white dress she was wearing bunched against her thighs, leaving him a little distracted as he peered at her freckled thighs.

“We’ve done worse things in churches.” He reminded her, feeling a little cocky as his lips turned into a soft smirk. Her features burned brightly, turning red all the way down to her collarbone as she narrowed her eyes in his direction. 

“Your father’s church didn’t count,” She said firmly as she took his hand, “C’mon, before they think we ran off.” She said as she pulled him forward, using her free hand to fan herself. He grinned, listening to what she said. She was usually right. 

Their last rehearsal went a little smoother after that. Piper stood proudly, showing off her braid and the big bow in her hair. Once Noah was finally awake he gripped Knox’s hand tightly, keeping him comforted and by his side so he wouldn’t feel quite so nervous. It was fine. Everything was fine. 

“Okay, what does everyone want?” He asked after the dreaded rehearsal was over. Part of the deal had been that they’d all go out to eat after as long as they behaved, which they had; for the most part. He also had a hard time saying no to them. Fatherhood was a lot softer than he thought it would be. 

“Chicken!” Noah yelled quickly, “And mac and cheese!” He giggled as he stood once again, leaving Daphne trying to convince him to sit down. Gator turned fully to watch him, prepared to pull him over if he did it again. He had a habit of trying to crawl onto the back of the booth seats. 

“Daddy I want the cheese burger.” Knox said as he paused his coloring, keeping neatly in between the lines. Gator was fairly certain that Knox had gotten his artistic skill. 

“Cheese sticks!” Piper said loud and proud, smiling as she began to scribble on her paper again. Noah began to tap his palms against the back of the seat, making Gator tug him away and onto his lap. He squirmed for a moment before he looked back at Gator, then started to giggle again. 

“You just want cheese sticks?” Daphne asked as he looked at Piper curiously, confirming that was what she wanted. They all had different appetites, but she seemed to be the pickiest by far. 

“Yesh.” She said, messing up on her words a little bit as she turned her attention back to the paper. Gator met Daphne’s eye, shaking his head a little bit as he looked at her amused expression. He exhaled, giving Noah a soft squeeze as he rambled on about something he had seen. 

“Mama, can I get a pop?” Knox asked suddenly, gaining the interest of his other two siblings. Their heads snapped around as they all shouted out at once, wanting the same thing. It made Gator laugh. 

“Oh me too!”

“I want one!”

“Just one little pop,” She said quickly as she blew her bangs out of her face, “Just one, okay?” She said as she looked at each one of them, meeting their eyes playfully. Noah clapped his hands as Gator shared a smile with Daphne. Sure, they’d be a little hyper later but it would be fine. They’d survived through worse things. 

“Mhm,” Knox said as he nodded his head quickly, “I promise.” 

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The next morning was harder to get them all rounded up. As the mornings usually were. Knox wanted biscuits and gravy, but Piper wanted oatmeal, meanwhile Noah wanted eggs and bacon. They eventually decided on pancakes, which was a lot easier than making three separate meals.

“You come and do my hair,” Piper said as she clung to Gator’s hand, “You promise?” She asked before they all separated. The boys would be coming with him, while Piper would be sitting in with Daphne and her bridesmaids while they got ready. They had hired someone to do hair, but apparently they weren’t good enough for her standards. 

“I promise,” He said as he nodded his head, “Daisy said she’d take you over to me when you’re all done getting dressed.” He reassured her as he bent low to kiss her soft nose. She had a lot of Daphne’s features; reminded him of how Daphne looked at this age actually. 

“Okay,” She responded as she gave his hand one last squeeze, “If you say so.” She fluttered her hazel eyes wide like she didn’t want to go. He kissed her temple softly, promising her that everything would be alright.

It didn’t take long for him or his crew to get ready. August was one of his groomsmen, along with Kurt, Nick and Michael. Some friends he’d had for a while. Oliver had been invited, but was currently living his best life in Australia with Hugh. It was an odd adjustment, but they made it all work.

On Daphne’s side she had Noelle, Daisy, Lucy as well as Maude and Jessica. They would be walking down with August, tasked with keeping him on his best behavior. If that was at all possible. 

They had snuck in a few shots, which Gator quickly hid from Knox and Noah’s view so they wouldn’t grow curious. Especially Noah. He was worse than Birdie, always in someone's business. He just wanted to know everything.

“Hello,” Daisy peeped her head in, blue eyes searching until she found Gator, “Where are you doing Miss Piper’s hair at?” She asked curiously, opening the door just enough so Piper could stick her head through.

“Piper!” Knox exclaimed gleefully, his smile stretching from ear to ear as he spoke as if he hadn’t seen her for the longest time. Piper giggled as he quickly walked forward, giving her a tight hug.

“We can go next door,” Gator responded a second later, tightening the cap on his shot glass as he messily shoved it into his pocket. He was hoping the alcohol would give him a little boost, make him feel less nervous than what he was, “That should work.” He said as he walked towards them, following them down the hall. He was grateful the church let them use the spare rooms, but it still felt odd to be in here. Like he didn’t belong. 

“Here you go,” Daisy said, holding onto Piper’s hand as she led her inside, “I’ll wait outside.” She said with a smile, giving them both a wave before she left once again. Gator smiled as the little girl turned her attention towards him. 

“Well, hi there,” He smiled as he bent over, getting a good look at Piper in her little dress. It was a soft pink, poofy towards her knees and covered in white and mauve flowers on the sheer material, “You look beautiful.” He told her seriously, a little saddened at how quickly they were all growing. He wanted them all to stop. 

“Thank you,” She giggled as she held her hands out, smiling brightly as he sat her in the chair, “It’s like a princess.” She said proudly as she fanned her hands over the curve of the dress. It made him smile as he caught the action of the corner of his eye. 

“You do look like a princess. See,” He grinned as he worked on braiding the top of her hair back, focusing on how it felt instead of how it looked. It always turned out better that way, “I told you I’d do your hair.”

“I so excited, daddy.” She drew out quickly, messing her words up just a little bit. He let it slide, thinking about how badly he’d miss the baby talk when she grew older. He slowly reached the end of her hair, keeping it pinched between two fingers as he drifted his other hand across the braid. He nodded, confirming that it felt right. 

“I’m excited too,” He said as he wrapped the big pink bow across the braid. He left part of it down, showing just how long her hair had grown. Sometimes he felt remorseful, thinking about how much they’d grown while he’d been locked away, “You look just like your mama, you know that?”

“Really?” She asked eagerly as she turned to look at him. He lifted her from the chair gently, nodding his head as he bent to her level once again. He wanted all of his kids to know just how important they were to him. 

“Mhm,” He said as he hugged her softly, “So pretty, smart and kind. And a little sassy.” He added playfully, watching the way she scrunched her nose up from his words. 

“Me?” She said with a giggle, “No way!” She began to shake her head quickly but then stopped, bringing her hands up to her face like she was worried she messed up her hair. He moved the strands aside gently before he stood. 

“Yes way,” He said as he picked her up and gave her cheek a quick kiss, “Go ahead and go back with Daisy. I’ll see you soon.” He promised her, watching the way she skipped back down the hallway. He shook his head softly, wondering how he’d manage giving her away one day. He didn’t like that thought at all. 

It wasn’t much longer and he was standing at the front of the church, his hands shoved deep into his pockets as the music slowed down around him. He felt like the world had stopped, came to a complete halt as the doors revealed Daphne. 

She looked stunning. Her hair was curled in loose waves, her bangs framing her face as the veil settled over her face. It was sheer with lace designs settling over the bottom of it. It matched her dress, the same one that he’d seen so many years ago. 

It hugged her nicely around the wait but drifted across her body in a soft manner. It dipped low on her chest, showing off just enough cleavage before it connected against her shoulders. It was long sleeved, sheer and hit against her thumbs. It hugged around her waist for just a second before it drifted neatly against her long legs.

He suddenly felt like it was hard to breathe, like he’d been hit by something very hard and very heavy and it had stolen all of the air from his lungs. She looked like an angel. 

“Woah,” He said as she approached, his hands shaking as he moved the veil back from her face, “You look beautiful.” He told her softly as he traced his thumbs across her soft features gently, careful not to smudge her makeup. 

“So do you,” She giggled softly, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him, “Hi.” She whispered under her breath, her blue eyes gleaming like sapphires as she stared up at him. He reminded himself that it was too early to kiss her. Not yet. He had to wait.

“Hi.” He exhaled harshly as he shook his head, unsure of how he’d gotten so lucky. He’d made many mistakes, but she was never one of them. He just wished that he could’ve fixed things sooner, made her his earlier. He quickly stopped himself from going down the same old road, knowing there was no point in lingering on the past right now. 

His gaze stayed locked to her the whole ceremony, afraid that if he looked away he’d no longer be able to see her again. He had her image memorized in her mind; just in case one day he glimpsed at her it would be the last. 

Marriage with her honestly didn’t feel any different than the past few years had. Or his whole life really. It was like they were already set to be together long before, their whole lives set out to be with one another before they even realized it.

He certainly felt the same sparks as he pushed her into the secluded bathroom and struggled to keep her dress up over her hips. Their kiss was messy but sweet; sensual but dirty all at the same time. He craved the feeling of her mouth against his. 

“Gator,” She moaned out, the sound ringing in his ears in a beautiful melody as he slid his hard cock inside of her wet hole. She squeezed around him tightly, her wet walls sucking him in deeper as he slowly thrusted into her, “Feels so good.” She gaped, cheeks red as she turned her attention from the mirror.

He groaned as he held onto her hips, watching the way his cock disappeared inside of her. He gripped at her flesh, pulling her closer as the music from the reception rang off around them. He moved his lips to the crook of her neck, needing something to kiss as he dragged herself against the curve of his cock. 

Her moans were better than anything he’d ever heard before. He sighed at the way his cock throbbed inside of her, his mind feeling a little fuzzy at the way she cried out when he hit her bundle of nerves. He could always tell by the way her features tightened, how her lips parted wide and her eyes rolled just a bit. 

“Feel so fucking good,” He mumbled against her skin, grunting into her as her pussy leaked around him. The sound of their flesh meeting filled the bathroom, leaving him craving more as he dug his fingertips into her skin, “My good girl.” He reminded her, fully intent on having her forever now.

“God,” She sighed, her body shaking against him as she began to rut her hips back. She whimpered deeply, her body spasming as her pussy clamped down around him, “Fuck, fuck!” She cursed, coming undone underneath him as he began to frantically rub his fingers against her swollen clit. He wanted to savor her, but he knew that there was no time right now. He could have her as much as he wanted later.

“Daphne,” He groaned as he rested against her, pulling her close as his cock spasmed inside of her warm, wet walls. He came with a grunt, pressing into her deeply as his cum filled her, “Mhm. You’re a dream.” He spit out, sighing deeply as he rested lazily against her for a moment. 

“You’re funny,” She said with a laugh, still breathing hard. She always tried to brush away his compliments for whatever reason, although he knew that without a doubt she was the prettiest girl he’d ever met, “That was nice.” She teased as she held onto her dress for a moment.

He smirked as he caught her eye, slowly pulling her panties back over her slender legs. He fixed her dress a moment later, content with the way she looked. He wanted her to feel him as she walked around. It turned him on that much more. 

“I’m the luckiest guy,” He reminded her, grinning as he pressed his lips against her cheek repeatedly. They’d already stumbled through their first dances, struggled to get the kids food and listened to their friends repeat their sappy speeches, “I’ve never been so happy.”

“You keep saying that,” She said with a shy giggle with her cheeks red as she held onto him, “I’m very lucky too.” She added seriously, but he knew without a doubt that he really was the lucky one. He could live thousands of lifetimes and never deserve her. 

Noah appeared, having long discarded his jacket and a few of his buttons loose as he tugged on the end of Daphne’s dress. His little belly stuck out a little bit, probably full of cake and punch. 

“Why don’t you go play with Billy?” Daphne asked as she bent next to Noah, “He’s about your age. He likes to play.” She reminded him as she pointed towards the little boy who was rushing around near them. 

“He bites,” Noah said as he wrinkled his nose, “His daddy too.” He replied as he glanced towards Kurt, shaking his head as he held his arms out. He kept rubbing at his eyes, his hair wild in a way that Gator knew that he was growing tired. Poor sleepy boy. 

“How many pieces of cake have you had?” Gator asked as he bent down towards him too, grinning at the way the little boy shrugged his little shoulders. 

“Thwee,” Noah answered honestly, “It yummy.” He smiled as he held his hands out towards her, sighing deeply until Daphne held onto him. 

“Oh my goodness,” She said as she picked him up, “What are we going to do with you, little cake monster?” She teased as she brushed her fingers across his tummy, making him squirm in response. 

“Noting,” He giggled as he held his hands up to his chest, smiling as she tickled him, “Mama, you siwwy.” He replied as he pushed her bangs from her forehead. Gator paused as he looked down at the other two that approached him. 

“I’m the silly one?” Daphne asked as Piper reached for his hand, her braid still locked in place as she leaned against his leg. He smiled as he bent once again to pick her and Knox up, holding them close to his chest.

“Should we go dance?” He asked them both, enjoying the way their eyes widened as they nodded their heads in encouragement. Noah’s little head was already resting on Daphne’s shoulder, seconds from drifting off into his dreams.

“That sounds nice,” Daphne said as she took the first step down, guiding Gator in a way that he’d grown used to, “A big family dance.” She added with a smile, making him realize just how lucky he really was. 

[adventuresasmrsfindley]

That hour of sleep from 6:30 to 7:30 AM after you thought you were up for the day at 5:45 is truly unmatched 🙌🏻

One more day home for the kiddo. He has officially missed the entire week of school. Not feeling super great about that but I talked to his teacher yesterday and she agreed that his health is the number one priority. It's only PreK so like.. I get that he's not attending Harvard or something 😂 but a week feels like a lot to miss. He was really starting to perk up yesterday afternoon after starting antibiotics and did finally eat more than a bite or two of something. Hopefully he will continue on the upswing today! Ready to get back to our normal routine next week. One of his school friend's mom texted me this morning saying friend was worried about Knox and wanted to know what was going on. I thought that was sweet.

I had taken yesterday off because Cole was off for an MRI and we were going to get lunch and have a little date but obvi that didn't work out. But being off work made it feel like Friday and now I really don't want to work today lol at least it's for real Friday. I read through the team chat to see if I missed anything and it's sounding like we will be expected to be in the office 2 days a week starting in the fall-ish. Not super stoked on that but it's much better than 4 days which is what others sites around the US are expected to do. It's going to be a huge adjustment going back, especially with a school aged kid. 100% of drop off and pick up falls on me and that will never change so there will def have to be some give and take with the hours I'm in the office. Luckily I have a super understanding direct boss.

Anyways. I better get to it. Hope everyone has a great day!

[weirdestbooks]

The Shot Heard Around the World Chapter 21

Taking Back Boston (Wattpad | Ao3)

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March 17, 1776

The Siege of Boston had been going on for eleven months now. United Colonies had not been part of the siege the whole time but rather left and rejoined the army based on where his duties led him.

He was back in Boston again because he had received an urgent report from Commander Washington, saying that on March 8th, he had received a letter from the British General Howe, informing Commander Washington that if General Howe’s men were allowed to leave Boston unmolested, the city would not be burned.

It was news that the siege would be broken soon, and United Colonies rushed to be there to see it.

He needed to be there to see it, needed to be there to see them take back Boston, the hotbed of rebellion for years. It felt almost poetic that as soon as his people began to consider the idea of independence, the city of rebels was taken back. 

United Colonies had never heard Massachusetts sound so excited. 

“Father, father, father, please let me have control. I promise I’ll behave. I just want to be there to see it!” Massachusetts begged. 

“You can see it from here, Mass! Cut it out!” Virginia snapped. United Colonies hummed, wishing he could respond without making himself look insane. It was hard being in public sometimes because of that.

Right now, United Colonies was standing by the cannons Henry Knox had dragged to Boston through the winter’s snow and ice, all the way from Fort Ticonderoga. They were the most important piece of the siege, as they were what broke it in the first place.

“Those Lobsterbacks didn’t know what hit them when we got our cannons on the hill!” Rhode Island bragged. United Colonies felt his lips twist into a slight grin at the small colony’s words. He wasn’t wrong. According to what he had heard from the soldiers, it was the threat of the cannons that had made General Howe back down.

“Henry Knox did a very brave thing. The siege had gone on long enough. For the sake of both sides, it was better it ended,” the unfamiliar male voice said.

“And this is a huge moral boost for us! Between this and Moores Creek and Common Sense, more and more people will begin to see the validity of independence!” North Carolina declared cheerfully.

United Colonies watched as the ships began leaving Boston Harbor, and he could…he could feel Massachusetts, right there with him, watching as well.

“Don’t get excited yet. We still have a long way to go. Even if…and independence is still a very big if, but even if we declare independence, we still have to fight the most powerful army in the world. We still have to fight our Grandfather,” Georgia said.

“We’ve won a lot!” Rhode Island declared.

“Because we caught them off guard and because Grandfather hasn’t brought the full might of his army down on us. Are you saying that you can and are willing to fight Grandfather?” Georgia asked. 

United Colonies head fell into an uneasy silence as he felt Massachusetts back away.

“No, Mass, come back,” he whispered. He didn’t want to lose Massachusetts’ presence, because with him gone and the others silent, it made United Colonies feel painfully alone.

“Sorry. James can be pushy.” Massachusetts said. United Colonies did his best to hide his visible shock. James? Who was James? Was that the human name of one of the colonies? 

“Don’t worry, Father. Just…none of us like the idea of fighting Grandfather. We’re…scared,” Virginia said.

“Speak for yourself!” Massachusetts said, “And we both know if York were here right now, he would agree with me.”

United Colonie began to feel uncomfortable; he was listening to a conversation he was not meant to hear, as if he were listening to something private. He tried his best not to focus on the conversation and instead on the white sails of his father’s ship billowing in the harbor.

“But can we really—” Virginia began before Massachusetts cut her off.

“Let’s rehash this later, Ginny. Today is a celebration! My capital has been recaptured!” he declared, getting closer and closer to United Colonies that the line between them seemed to blur. United Colonies’ head began to hurt, and he was starting to realize that was a sign someone else wanted to take command of their body. 

Seeing no reason not to let Massachusetts take control and not wanting to think anymore about what fighting his father would be like, United Colonies began to retreat back inside his mind, leaving Massachusetts in command.

Plymouth nearly stumbled as he realized he was in command of the body, not having expected his father to leave.

“Wait, Edward’s left?” Uncle James asked as if Plymouth could answer without getting them all locked away for being mad.

“I think so. I don’t know why. Father was set on being here to watch this,” Virginia said.

“He did watch most of it,” Rhode Island began, “Many of the ships have started leaving.”

“It was Mass and Ginny’s stupid fight that drove him off!” Georgia complained, and Plymouth bit his tongue to keep him from arguing with her, hands curling into fists as he silently fumed. 

“I wouldn’t say it’s that,” Uncle James said with a sigh, “but there’s no use arguing about why he isn’t here. He’s not here, and that’s the end of that story. Massachusetts, please behave.”

Plymouth elected not to respond to his uncle, somewhat hurt that no one trusted him to take care of their body and be responsible. Breed’s Hill had been a battle! That was why he had attacked England. He wasn’t…he wasn’t trying to get them in more trouble with Grandfather. He had just been so mad, seeing England killing and attacking their people, and had just reacted.

He didn’t mean to injure England that badly. He didn’t mean to take away England’s ability to speak. He knew things were bad between them, but he didn’t want that. Plymouth knew he would live with the guilt of that action forever.

It wouldn’t be the first time blood stained his hands and conscience. 

“It’s good to see you get Boston back, Mass. I know this is a big thing for you and your people.” North Carolina said. Pushing aside the decades worth of guilt, Plymouth did smile.

Regardless of the past, in the present, here and now, Boston was back in his hands.

And he couldn’t be happier about that.

[calissarowan]

Do the wizards celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Ooh, great question! Oddly enough, I wrote a fic about Valentine’s Day earlier for a friend. We were trying to get into understanding and shipping each other’s ships. Anyway, on with the answering!

Ogron does not officially celebrate Valentine’s Day, though the occasion is annually marked by a traditional rant about how it’s an overly-commercialised faux-holiday created by confectionary companies to exploit love, infatuation and social obligation. However, the prevailing theory on the team is that most of that stems from the fact that he does not have anyone with whom to spend Valentine’s Day, and that he’d be different if he did. Honestly, he kinda would be. He’d keep up the assertions that Valentine’s Day is ridiculous, but if his partner didn’t get him something, he’d be deeply offended and refuse to speak to them for the entire day.

Gantlos doesn’t understand why the holiday exists. Why does he need a specific day to tell his partner he loves him? Isn’t that just every day? Is he supposed to be especially loving today? If that’s the case, is he not giving Duman enough love on other days? Duman says he’s overthinking it, which he is. Duman likes Valentine’s Day, though, so Gantlos always puts the effort in to give him something nice and be extra affectionate. He’d take him out for dinner if Duman hadn’t managed to get himself banned from just about every fancy restaurant they’ve ever eaten at. Honestly, that works just fine for Gantlos. Those restaurants never let him wear his hat, and there isn’t enough food, so he and Duman tend to just end up somewhere private and quiet (or it was quiet, until Duman showed up).

Anagan loves Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday dedicated to showing people that you care about and appreciate them, so he can’t see why that should be restricted to just your romantic partners. As such, every wizard gets some token of Anagan’s love for them. Ogron’s tends to be met with a strange sort of incredulous-scoff-hug. (Which is Ogron for ‘Thank you, I love it. You make me feel loved and valued.’) Does the flowers and chocolates, but they all come with some deeper emotional value, like he’s remembered some obscure thing you said about a specific chocolate you had once that you can’t remember the name of, and he then spends five hours tracking it down, because what else is he supposed to do?

Duman…goes overboard. Things Gantlos has been presented with for Valentine’s Day include: a tank, the skull of a dinosaur, and fifty bars of gold Duman stole from Fort Knox. Gantlos has kept all of it. (Admittedly with the help of a few shrinking spells.) Duman needs a lot of affection, so Valentine’s Day having a focus is important to him. Which is why Gantlos is usually woken up by an enthusiastic cat-Duman pouncing on him and going ‘It’s Valentine’s Day! It’s Valentine’s Day!’ Coincidentally, this is much the same manner in which Gantlos is roused on Duman’s birthday. Duman will then proceed to roll off Gantlos into a just-woke-up position and try to act like he wasn’t just jumping on him, because ‘*brushes hair out of face* Oh, are you awake?’ is just much sexier than cat jumping. Duman likes elaborate Valentine’s Day plans, and his idea of that tends to include some form of ill-advised activity. They’ve been banned from sooo many places… By the end of most Valentine’s Days, Duman is utterly exhausted, so, after he and Gantlos have done everything couples do on Valentine’s Day, he tends to just pass out and sleep for most of the next day.

Thanks so much for the ask! What a fun question!

[whyiseverynametakenpls]

First your heart, then your valuab- WHAT????

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

Genre : fluff

Tw : none

Pairing : Alban Knox x reader (romantic)

Characters : you and alban

Story : How did you do that???

"Are you (Username)?" a cheerful voice chimed from behind.

Startled, you pivot to face the speaker, coming face to face with a man who seems to straddle the line between childlike features and adult stature.

"Babyface?" you murmur to yourself, your stare not going unnoticed as faint blush colors the man's cheeks.

"Huh...?" he stammers, his expression a mix of surprise and mild embarrassment.

"Oh! No, I mean, I just saw your face, and then the thought kind of popped into my head..." Your explanation stumbles out in an attempt to clarify.

"Uh-huh..." he responds skeptically as if still processing your words.

"Wait a second... If you referred to me as (Username), you must be Xonk. A, right?" you ask, unsure.

"Yep! Nice to meet you, (Username)!" he replies, his hand extended for a handshake. "But you can just call me Alban," he adds, his gesture open and friendly.

"Ah, got it. Alban, then. You can call me (Name)," you say with a smile, shaking his hand firmly.

In a quick maneuver unnoticed by you, Alban discreetly slips his hands into your pocket, effortlessly extracting a necklace. A suppressed chuckle escapes him as he enjoys your unwitting innocence.

"What's so funny?" you inquire, catching his amusement.

"Nothing much, you’re just really pretty," he remarks, his grin hinting at mischief.

His compliment catches you off guard, prompting a widening of your eyes followed by a reciprocal smile.

"Well, I'd say the same about you, Mr. Alban," you retort playfully, a hint of amusement in your tone.

"Thank you~" he responds, his laughter barely contained.

Before you know it, both of you are caught in fits of laughter, taken aback by the hilarity of the situation.

"I can't believe you actually said that!" you manage to utter amidst giggles.

"Me neither! It was so weird and cringe!" he laughs heartily.

"Ha..." Alban exhales, trying to regain his composure

"Well, shall we get going, then?" you quip, extending your hand to him in jest.

"We shall, dear peasant," Alban replies, playing along and delicately resting his hand on your arm.

"You're quite the character," you mumble, a warm smile on your face.

-----------------✧------------------

"Hey, watch your step," Alban cautions as you gaze skyward, his voice carrying a note of concern. "I almost fell here last week because I wasn't paying attention."

"Ha?" You arch an eyebrow, your attention now redirected toward him.

"Hey, don't lump me in with you! Unlike you, I—" you start to retort, only to find yourself tumbling, panic overtaking your features.

"Whoa there!" Alban's swift reflexes come to your aid as he catches you mid-fall.

"See? I told you to be careful," Alban remarks matter-of-factly, his tone tinged with a hint of smugness.

Your spirits visibly deflate, his words affecting you more than you'd like to admit.

"Just be mindful of your steps, all right?" he advises once more.

"Okay, okay. But you'll be there to catch me, right?" you counter, puffing out your chest playfully.

"Who said I would every time? You've got to learn somehow, right?" Alban quips with a playful grin.

You react with an exaggerated gasp, dramatically placing your hand over your heart.

"What is this treachery?" you exclaim in mock outrage.

"Sure, sure," he responds nonchalantly as he moves ahead of you, concealing his face from your view to hide the reddening of his cheeks.

Unbeknownst to him, your reaction is quite similar. As he steps in front of you, you immediately avert your gaze, your heart racing uncontrollably.

-----------------✧------------------

"I had a great time today, thank you," you remark while giving a wave to Alban.

"Likewise!" he responds with a smile.

"Oh, by the way! I've got something to show you," he mentions, his hand reaching into his pocket.

"First your heart, then your valuab-" he stops abruptly, a hint of panic evident on his face.

"Searching for this?" you inquire, raising a necklace in your hand.

"What?? How did you figure it out??" he laments.

"Well, I actually realized a while ago. You should hone your skills more, my dear~" you tease, playfully pinching his cheek. You then turn around and begin to walk away.

"Thanks for today! Let's plan to meet again next week!" you call out, your gaze fixed ahead.

He stands there, mouth agape, clearly taken aback by your revelation.

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

<- MASTERLIST

-> if only this was real 😔😔

[foxufortunes]

WIP Wednesday - Paint Me

So, there was a lot of Raven!Neil around fandom recently, like we're talking lots about it and suddenly all the fics are updating, so I thought today's WIP Wednesday I'd share something from my take on the Raven!Neil heads to the Foxes au. Although this is less a WIP and more the deleted prologue where I ran with the Andrew and Jeremy met in juvie theories and also went "what do you mean Andrew was the first to reject the Ravens? We didn't even ask Jeremy?" So, it's the Ravens try to recruit Jeremy prologue based on the Kevin trying to recruit Andrew scene from the EC. Also, Kevin and Jeremy, enemies to... whatever Kevin and Jeremy are? I'm here for total asshole teen Jeremy and his character arc to be Captain Sunshine.

“Was that really what we came all this way down here for?” 

It’s amazing Kevin’s fury is heard over all the chaos of the locker room, but he is Kevin Day, seventeen years old and full of bluster and righteous fury, so he will be heard. Nathaniel Wesninski doesn’t exactly blame him. This one – two? – was Kevin’s pick and that display during practice was abysmal. An insult to the game of exy and Kevin’s precious mother Kayleigh. Lazy, cheeky, foul play and more time spent gossiping than actually doing drills. How is this the best high school exy team in California? One of the best in the US? It’s made all the more baffling and infuriating by the fact that Nathaniel has watched them play actual games – it’s nothing like the practice they just saw.

While Nathaniel hangs back with the adoring crowd of St Cecilia’s Nightingales with his king, Riko Moriyama, Kevin has shoved his way to one of the lockers where their potential new Raven is slumped, grinning up at him. A potential Raven. What an insult. There are those chosen to be Ravens, and those not. The Master sent out a contract and you were honoured to sign it and fill out the forms. You did not send the forms back with a neon pink sticky note on top and a cheery NO THANK YOU! scrawled on it. No one said no. No one turned down the Ravens. No one ever had. So, of course, Kevin had stormed across the country from West Virginia to California, and Nathaniel and Riko had followed, to see exactly what the problem was.

The problem, Nathaniel decided within five seconds of being here, is that Jeremy Knox is obnoxious. Ob-Knox-ious, if you will.

“I’m sorry,” Knox says, his grin brilliant and wide as he sways his racquet from hand to hand between his spread, stretched out legs, “but I did tell you I wasn’t interested. You could have saved yourself so much disappointment if you’d listened when I told you that, you know.”

“We came to talk to you about your stupidity,” Kevin snaps. 

Knox blinks at him several times, as if surprised by this. Then he laughs, light and airy. “My stupidity?”

“Yes. Your stupidity is causing me a lot of hassle and I’d appreciate it if you’d see sense sooner rather than later so we can all stop wasting our time.”

Next to Knox, the Nightingales' sophomore goalkeeper reaches over and fans Knox’s face with his gloved hand. “You need a second to recover from that, captain?”

“I do,” Knox laughs, miming fainting back against his locker. “I haven’t felt this shamed since dinner last night.” Kevin opens his mouth to rage at him further but Knox holds up a finger. “A second to recover, Day, weren’t you listening?”

Rumour has it, the Nightingales have a prodigy of a goalkeeper amongst them. According to local legend, the best goalkeeper in high school exy, probably already playing at an NCAA worthy level. Even allowing for exaggerations, that’s a goalkeeper worth the Ravens’ attention. It’s enough that the Master had sent them with a second contract, to get a pre-emptive signature if they find something worth their time. However, St Cecilia's Nightingales have three goalkeepers, two juniors and a sophomore, and all three of them were useless. The sophomore is the one beside Knox, as he had been all practice. A little thing, probably Nathaniel’s size, although wider, with pale blond hair and a freckled face. While the juniors were simply useless, the sophomore goalie had spent most of his practice actually sitting in goal chatting with Knox, letting balls fly past him. Nathaniel has no idea how the coach allowed it.

A metallic slam jolts Nathaniel from his thoughts about the little goalie. Kevin’s hand has slammed to the locker just a fraction of a hair from Knox’s head. The locker room has gone quiet and Riko has straightened up from where he was leaning. Nathaniel knows why, of course. The way Riko looks at Kevin in moments like this isn’t subtle – dark, hooded eyes and his easy smile replaced with something sharper and hungrier. 

Knox turns his head, his smile having disappeared as he considers Kevin’s hand, then turns back to his face. They stare at each other for a moment, before Knox turns to his goalkeeper friend. 

“Do you think he’s flirting with me?”

“I was getting that vibe.” 

Kevin jerks back like he’s been burned. Knox turns back to him with a boyish grin, like he’s got exactly what he wanted out of the interaction. It takes a moment of Kevin grinding his teeth and working his jaw before he recalibrates and launches into another lecture.

“You should be ashamed of the way you played tonight. You are captain of an incredible team, and yet you act like you have time to sit around and gossip rather than perfect your game. I refuse to take you back with us if there’s even a risk that you’re going to play games like you practiced tonight. You have no place on the Ravens’ lineup if you’re not willing to constantly strive to be the best.”

Knox laughs, loud and obnoxious. Beside him, the goalkeeper’s blank face moves ever so slightly, the corners of his lips twitching up and the corners of his eyes crinkling. After a moment of laughter, and Kevin fuming over it, Knox grins up at him and taps his middle finger to his left cheekbone. 

“Then I suppose you have no place on the Ravens’ lineup either.”

Nathaniel’s nails dig into the flesh of his palms. How dare he? To be marked for Riko’s Perfect Court is an honour! Kevin being second to Riko is nothing to be ashamed of. Just like Nathaniel’s 3 is nothing that makes him ashamed. He is the best backliner in the game, but he knows that he can’t compare to Riko or Kevin. Kevin is the best supporting striker, while Riko s a lead striker. If Knox can’t understand that, he doesn’t deserve to wear Raven black. 

He opens his mouth to say as much, only to stop. The words catch in his throat. Suddenly, he understands what’s wrong with this scene. While most of the Nightingales are taking their time changing out, they have put their racquets away and are slowly stripping off their armour and shoes. Knox isn’t, but that could be explained by him talking with Kevin. But, the goalkeeper isn’t changing either.

“You’re going out to play again,” he says dumbly.

Riko and Kevin both jerk to stare at him. It’s the only reason he can think of for Jeremy and his goalkeeper to still be dressed for court, with their racquets and helmets still with them. They’re going back onto court once everyone’s gone.

“We are,” Knox says and stands up. “We’d be out there now, but you’re here taking up time.”

Kevin clenches his jaw, clenched fists shaking. “Why? Why would someone as good as you, with so much potential as you, refuse to live up to what you could really be? You clearly care, so why refuse us.”

“It’s quite simple,” Knox says, meeting Kevin’s eyes. He’s a good handful of inches smaller, but he stares Kevin down like he’s an equal. That will have to be dealt with when they get him to the Nest. “I don’t think I’ll enjoy playing with you.”

Kevin’s entire body goes slack. “What?”

“You wouldn’t enjoy winning?” Riko says.

Knox looks between the three of them, then sighs. “Is that all you think exy is?”

“What else is there?” Nathaniel says.

“How sad,” Knox says softly. Then he looks back at Kevin. “Come play with us. Let’s see if we can find an understanding. Perhaps you can convince me you Ravens are worth my time.”

That they’re worth Knox’s time?! 

They should refuse out of principle. Knox is clearly an arrogant son of a bitch who needs to be knocked down, crushed in the mud and taught his proper place in the world before he can be built back up as Riko and Kevin’s back up. 

“Fifteen minutes,” Kevin says, lifting his chin. “That's all I’ll need to convince you.” He turns and Nathaniel jerks straight. “Nathaniel. You’ll play with us.”

“Yes, Kevin,” Nathaniel says.

Knox smiles and gestures to his goalkeeper. “This is Andrew.”

“He’s unimportant,” Kevin replies, and turns to the Nightingales’ coach. “Can we have your court and borrow some gear, please.”

The coach flinches like she’s been struck, half the locker room does. Kevin ignores that like he hasn’t even picked up on it, but it’s fascinating to Nathaniel. What did Kevin say? He hadn’t even been particularly demanding. The coach arranges for their team to provide equipment while Knox talks quietly with his goalkeeper – Andrew. He doesn’t look at all impressed by whatever Knox is saying to him.

“I’ll buy you milkshakes after,” Knox whispers as Nathaniel changes.

Andrew looks at Knox. “The good stuff. Gelato milkshake. From Gelato Tiger.”

“Fine.”

“Deal.”

Naturally, the coach and team bend over backwards to accommodate them, and within five minutes the four of them are heading out onto the Nightingales’ gold and blue court. It’s one of the best high school courts in California, and regularly hosts other schools in the area that don’t have their own. Naturally, the rest of the Nightingales have come out onto the bleachers to watch.

“Andrew is important,” Knox says as they head onto court, Andrew already peeling off to the home goal. Kevin looks at Knox, who grins back beneath his helmet. “He’s far more important than I am. He’s going to shut you out.”

The arrogance. Some high school goalie who sat around gossiping all practice is going to shut out Kevin Day? Jeremy Knox is not just obnoxious and arrogant, but delusional as well. Do they really want someone like this on the Ravens?

They line up on court and Nathaniel looks over his shoulder at Andrew. He’s twirling his racquet absently. He catches Nathaniel’s eye and rests his racquet across his shoulder with a tilt of his head.

“I'm Nathaniel Wesninski, but I'm sure you know that,” he says, at least attempting to keep the Ravens’ public image. “Can I rely on you to have my back?”

Andrew’s face is hard to see under his helmet, but Nathaniel gets the feeling it’s still terrifyingly blank, as it has been the entire time. “Don’t get in my way.”

Nathaniel frowns at him, then shakes his head and turns back to the two strikers arranging their rules. Apparently all of the Nightingales are insufferable, arrogant pricks who need to learn their place. Kevin slams his racquet butt against the court floor, then sets himself up to come in first.

“Begin.”

He takes off without waiting and Nathaniel grips his racquet tighter, bracing for the coming impact. He trains with Kevin every day. They know each other’s moves easily. It’s what makes it so difficult to go against each other. Knox stays back, in fact he’s walking backwards away from the centre line, watching curiously as Kevin and Nathaniel dance around each other. And then Kevin breaks free and shoots for the goal.

It doesn’t light up.

The crack of Andrew sending the ball back up court rips through Nathaniel’s chest. Knox is running up court to get the ball off of a rebound from the far wall. Kevin is staring at Andrew and Nathaniel quickly whips around to face Knox. He’s fast. This is the player they came here for. Nathaniel presses forward to meet him with a grin splitting his face. Knox is fast and agile, built to dance around the opponents defence rather than take hard impacts. Their sticks slam together and Knox twists to dance around him. Nathaniel lets him take the fist one, wanting to watch him take on Andrew, and again the ball is lazily thrown up court.

Huh. So Andrew is actually probably pretty good. This must be the goalkeeper everyone talks about out here. Someone who can match the Perfect Court despite his young age. Perhaps, even if they can’t get Knox, their trip won’t be entirely wasted.

The game is fast from there. Andrew is an incredible goalkeeper. By the time their fifteen minutes is up, and Riko slams his fist against the plexiglass, it’s not a shutout, but it’s the best Nathaniel has ever seen a high school goalkeeper keep up with Kevin. With Nathaniel's help he’s only let in three goals from Kevin and one from Knox. Nathaniel turns to Riko, whose eyes are bright and fixed on Andrew. He knows. They all know. Andrew is special. Andrew is a Raven. He’s Perfect Court! And he’s so young. A shiver bolts up Nathaniel’s spine imagining what Andrew could become if they could get him to the Nest now, under their guidance, without distraction and given the Master’s training, with Nathaniel and Jean helping him. They have to have him.

“Did you have fun losing?” Kevin says.

Knox pulls off his helmet. He’s sweaty and grinning, and doesn’t seem at all bothered by the loss. “I had fun playing. And I had fun seeing Andrew play at- well, I suppose about seventy per cent.”

“He’s not even…” Nathaniel turns but Andrew is already sweeping from the court. “He wasn’t playing all out?”

“Andrew never goes all out,” Knox says, walking away. “But, playing with him, when he puts any effort in, it’s the most amazing thing. That’s the sort of thing that really makes me enjoy exy the most.”

Riko has stepped in front of Andrew to stop him. When Andrew shoves past, Riko grabs his arm and pulls him around. And everything goes to hell. Andrew shoves him back against the plexiglass and Nathaniel sprints of them, metal flashing between the pair. The coach gets to them first, hands held up in surrender and trying to talk Andrew down. Nathaniel is not so subtle. He’d left his own knife with his clothes when he changed, but he has enough practice getting his way without.

“Back off,” Nathaniel demands, shoving Andrew’s side.

Andrew barely moves. It’s like shoving a brick wall. He turns slowly and just stares back at Nathaniel, blank and cold, then makes a show of releasing Riko’s collar. “Keep your hands to yourself and we don’t have a problem.”

“You have to sign for us,” Riko says.

“Oh,”Knox laughs, jogging after Andrew. “I’ve been forgotten.”

Andrew yawns, exaggerated and loud, and walks away towards the locker room. “You promised me milkshake, captain.”

“My poor wallet,” he sighs.

“You can handle it, rich boy.”

[vacantgodling]

For Hya and Amon lolol:

💚 someone's jealous

thank you thank you! just for you i’m gonna do the grunge children au which is slum au (aka they meet when they’re younger and both grow up in the slums)

and just for reference: hya goes by the latter half of his name “cinth” in this au. also i think they’re in their teens for this particular scene. amon’s probably 15 and hya’s 17.

tw (ig): teenage budding sexuality discovery which takes the form of feeling slightly aroused but not understanding the feelings fully. yknow.

💚 someone's jealous

Amon couldn’t figure out why, really. But lately, Cinth was always flip flopping between hot and cold. Some days, he would stay holed up in the little rickety attic he called a room and wouldn’t see anyone, not even Moxie, no matter how much she told her son to get his ass downstairs. Other days, he was out and about and wouldn’t come home until nightfall, and even if Amon waited for him at the entrance to Halifax… Cinth didn’t acknowledge him, just walked by with his nose upturned—like he was some noble. Then there were days like today. Cinth emerged from his room wearing something Amon had never seen before—some frilly thing around his neck with little beads or some flecks of some thing shiny in it. He was wearing one of his mother’s old performing dresses, that was starting to get a little too tight on him, but only just. The sleeves of it it looked like he’d cut and hemmed himself. For shoes, he was wearing a pair Amon never seen, but they clicked and clacked when he walked along the creaky old floors over to the door where Amon was waiting for him.

Amon couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

“What’s with the get up?” He asked with a scowl. Cinth just looked at him. “I’m trying something new.” He decided on. “What’s it to you.”

“You look ridiculous.”

“To you.” Cinth turned up his nose—he was good at that. His nose was quite regal and Amon had taken to studying it recently; since Cinth was always turning it at him. “But anyway, it’s not a worry of yours. You’re here for your hair right?” Cinth regarded him, up and down, a judgmental look that never failed to make something shudder through Amon’s body; being trapped under his gaze. He couldn’t tell if he hated it, or if he liked it. “I hope you are anyway.” Cinth added. “It looks like a rat’s nest.”

“I got into a fight.” Amon said, surly, but he followed Cinth into the home. Moxie didn’t appear to be home, probably either begging down at the docks or still at a client’s house. He noticed more and more often she wasn’t home, which meant more and more time that he and Cinth were left alone; especially since he was allowed now to finally come over across the slums by himself. The freedom gave him a thrill, but it was with its obvious consequences. He’d been getting into fights more often, much to Knox’s chagrin. He felt like there was always something burning under his skin. Especially when Cinth wasn’t around, or he stood him up.

“Maybe it wouldn’t be so fucked up if you were there with me.” Amon added, as somewhat of an afterthought—but thankfully Cinth didn’t seem to be listening. He led him back to their drawing room—or what was a drawing room in this old run down place, and Cinth sat on the old couch like he always did, giving Amon another look until he sat down on the pillows in front of him, set there for this purpose. Amon felt the brush of the cocktail dress coming apart on his back as Cinth settled his legs on either side of him. What if Cinth wasn’t wearing anything under there? The back of his neck suddenly felt hot.

Cinth wasted little time in undoing the mess of twists that Amon’s hair was in. They’d been grabbed and pulled, and some hairs yanked out even, but even though his head was a bit tender, he found in some ways he liked the sting. Cinth’s hands carded through his hair and for a strange moment, his mind conjured the thought of Cinth pulling it. He quickly shook the thought from his mind.

“So… where have you been going anyway? When you leave town?” Amon sounded sour, even to himself—but he couldn’t help it. Along with Erecia, Cinth was just a staple in his life—he didn’t know what could be more interesting than their usual shenanigans. “None of your business.” Cinth decided after a beat. He’d begun the usual tight cornrows that he tended to put Amon’s hair in (“Since, if you’re going to fight, it’s better that people can’t grab your hair.” He always said) and it was so familiar, Amon felt himself relaxing into it, even if he was annoyed at Cinth’s evasiveness.

“It wouldn’t kill you to tell me what you’re up to. You think I’m gonna judge you or something?”

“I’ll tell you when I feel like it. Can’t you just spend time with Erecia or something?” Cinth sounded annoyed, but his nimble fingers still kept going.

“It’s not the same if you’re not there!” Amon complained, and that’s when Cinth yanked his head back, making Amon yelp. His head practically upside down, he stared up into Cinth’s dark brown eyes, narrowed and annoyed but… Were his lashes always this long? Despite himself, Amon felt his cheeks warm.

“Quit. Being. A. Baby.” Cinth enunciated every word, then pushed his head back upright. Amon couldn’t find it in him to say anything back, still trying to grapple with the heat swimming over his cheeks.

After a long minute of silence, Amon finally spoke up again. “W-Well. Next time just say something if you’re going out, okay?”

“Sure.” Cinth said absently, like he didn’t mean it. Amon had to resist the urge to swirl around and glare at him.

“I mean it! Promise!” Amon wriggled between Cinth’s legs and they clamped at his sides to hold him still.

“Fine! For Vat’s sake, just quit moving before I rip your hair out.” Cinth growled.

Even if he didn’t mean it, Amon found himself grinning. “Okay!” He sang cheerfully, and immediately sat still. Cinth muttered something under his breath that Amon couldn’t hear, but it didn’t take long before Amon began talking about something or another that he’d gotten up to while Cinth was away. It meant more to him than he felt like examining when he could tell Cinth was listening.