#my aunt hasn't cooked but the house smells the same

[halfdeadwallfly]

grandparent's house

[a-libra-writes]

Do you have any more headcanons for our darling Rocky? Romantic, general or whatever. I think that whenever he sees his s/o he has stars in his eyes and that he loves boasting about them to all of Lackadaisy (much to their annoyance; Victor is that close from throwing him out the window).

Who is your favourite character btw?

This is kind of a part 3 to my previous Rocky Romantic HCs, with these focusing more on domestic living together and family stuff! Femme and masc options included.

When Rocky starts living with you, it's an adjustment. He hasn't had a permanent home-home in nearly 10 years. There's so many things he forgot about, and things he missed dearly but tried very hard not to dwell on. And he gets to see so many new things about you - you'll catch him staring more than once as you go about your routines, from shuffling through the morning to winding down in the evening. All the things you keep on your shelves, everything smelling like you, noting all your interesting habits! It's your private world he's been invited into and he's a little obsessed. The place wouldn't need to be anything fancy, either - even in an apartment, he takes in everything like it's s gift.

(You'll find all sorts of cute notes scattered about where you'll surely find them, even if it's weeks later. Drawings, poems, love notes, song lyrics - all sorts of sweet, sappy things like that. Then there's the BIG obvious ones he leaves right on your nightstand or mirror.)

Rocky wants to be useful, of course, he always does, but his domestic skills are ...well. There's room for improvement. Cleaning and keeping up with himself is one of those things he needs to pay more attention to, and while he wants to help with the cooking, uh. Maybe hold off on that until you're sure he won't get distracted in the middle of boiling water. Also, when he does cook breakfast, there's usually a huge mess left behind ... But it's the thought that counts! He'll figure out pretty much any chore you assign him, anyway. And at this point you know how much Rocky wants to please you.

When he first moved in, there was an initial period where you two slept separately. It was only proper, especially if you're femme, buuut that went out the window within a week or two. Rocky wouldn't be the one to bring it up, but he wouldn't complain a bit if you just let him stay in your bed instead of going back to the couch or guest room. (And I mean, he looks so comfy and he loves snuggling ... are you really gonna kick him out?)

Even if you both fall asleep on opposite sides of the bed, eventually the grey tabby will migrate over to you. The clinginess doesn't stop just because he's asleep! And he either sleeps like the dead, or bolts up at the slightest noise. Most mornings Rocky is up at the near crack of dawn, antsy and ready to get on with whatever idea is rattling around in his head. Snuggling might incline him to sleep in just a little longer - or maybe he'll just soak up the comfy bed, sunny morning and loved one next to him. It's a very quiet and still peace that takes some getting used to.

If you're femme - happy as he is to go on about how wonderful you are to others, he doesn't breathe a word of it to his aunt. He might actually be skinned alive if Nina catches a whiff of him "living in sin".

If you're masc, y'alls domestic life is probably closer to a "bachelor pad" than some suburban bliss, but it's still homey in it's own way. It's far more likely you're both sharing an apartment or row house close to the Little Daisy. Your laundry tends to get mixed up (which Rocky doesn't mind at all, even if you're much bigger than him), there's lots of late-night attempte to cook on the terrifyingly worn out gas stove and opening the window at night to let in a cool breeze and the sounds of the city. Other tenants don't may you two any mind, assuming you're family or two workers trying to save money by boarding together.

(Bonus points if y'all live in the same apartment block as Zib and his band, as if he doesn't have to deal with the nauseating lovebirds enough)

Being in a safe, stable place with a loved one can stir up some buried memories. You've probably seen Rocky despair dramatically already, but the actual crying is new. He's a noisy cryer, it's difficult for him to hide it. He'd even apologize if it woke you up, but Rocky is surprisingly comfortable with crying on you and being held, though there been a few times where he's initially resisted, feeling like he ought to hide these emotions instead. It's been so long since he had this kind of comfort, but there's still shame when he feels the tears came from out of "nowhere". Oh, there's a lot repressed there ...

And there's the whole ... getting a concussion and nearly dying bit. Initially Rocky is unaware of long-term effects of the concussion, and later willfully ignores them as long as he can. Sudden bright lights and loud noise cause twinges of pain that can snowball into a full blown migraine, something he's never had to deal with. And the first time he banged his head on a doorframe? Bam, flat on his ass. Rocky woke up resting on your lap, your frantic face hovering above him. He was only out for a few seconds but uh, still scary. Something he should be aware of and more careful about because he's sooo good at being careful...

(Small silver lining is you fuss and take care of him during the migraines but Rocky haaaates having to be still in bed. Good luck keeping him there!)

Regardless of gender, there's some potential friction with your family. You adore Rocky and are perfectly happy with him, but well, to your family ... If they're middle or upper class, associating with a destitute musician with bizarre behaviors was not in the plan for you (god forbid anyone finds out about the bootlegging and arson). No matter how well he cleans up, or is on his "best behavior", you could risk getting cut out from the family entirely. Note if you're masc, your relationship could simply be brushed aside as that "friend" of your's they don't approve of. A woman will be judged far more harshly, especially if you and Rocky are living together without being married. You can kiss any inheirtance or family support goodbye.

(Of course, being from a poorer family or not having one at all mitigates much of this drama.)

The fact you're willing to defy your family for him and defend him gets Rocky emotional all over again. It's probably not possible for him to be any more devoted to you, but now feelings of guilt will bubble up. On darker days he'll worry he's ruining someone's family relationships (again) and it'd be best if he just left.

Actually getting married to Rocky would amp that family drama even further, no matter how happy you are about it. It'd probably end up being one of those thrown-together elopements where you're both giddy and a little anxious and driving out to who-knows-where to find a priest who won't ask questions. There's no ring, but - hey, maybe a family heirloom was found. Maybe a friend lends a dress that's almost white, and you repurposed a fancy tablecloth for a veil, and Rocky is wearing a borrowed suit of Freckle's, and the bouquet is flowers you two found alongside the road.

It's slapped together and messy but also exciting and y'all are so happy in spite of everything. Rocky's grinning so much you think his face might get stuck; this isn't something he ever imagined for himself, but now that you're here, he just wants to love and be with you forever. Expect a few years. Maybe a lot. There could even be a little 'reception' at the Lackadaisy, with lots of dancing and music and everyone having to witness how blindlingly sappy you two are (as if they weren't painfully aware).

(Baby & family stuff here!)

So. If you're AFAB, the reality is you and Rocky will have one ... or several ... scares, unless you're very diligent. Look, his pull-out game is shit because he just gets so caught up in the affection and being with you. Hell, that may be what led to the elopement in the first place, spurred on by a healthy dose of Catholic guilt and maaaaybe a family member's shotgun.

Just like the whole 'Finding the Most Wonderful Love of His Life' thing, Rocky didn't think children were anywhere in his future. If any thoughts were given to it, he might assume he'd been a poor parent, because isn't he a screw-up with anything else? What example did Rocky have, anyway - a dad who basically abandoned his family when they needed him most? He does his worrying and anxiety spiralling in private, but it'd be easy for anyone to pick up on it. Of course he thinks you'll do wonderfully, but the chaotic tabby has little hope for himself.

(If you also have no idea what you're doing, congrats! It's utter chaos. And you think anyone at Lackadaisy knows what to do? Also nope! Godspeed!!)

But the thing is, Rocky is quite good with the kitten once they start crawling and exploring. He has the energy level to keep up with them, and he naturally encourages the kiddo to explore and play more. The tot being noisy or fussy or agitated doesn't faze him much; Rocky quickly picks up when they just want attention and playtime or if something is actually upsetting them. I think he'd also sing and play music to soothe them, like his mom used to do when he was restless.

(Also the three of you going out for a picnic or playing in the park and he's just! So happy!! He really had his own tiny family that loves him. He doesn't care if the kitten claws up his back when they're startled or eat grass and immediately vomit or drop their toy into the park fountain. That's his baby!)

Also, at least one (but realistically most) of his kiddos would also have ADHD. Obviously in this time period there's no recognition or diagnosis, but it's easy to notice if his kid has similar 'odd' behaviors and mannerisms. Anywhere from the hyperactivity, to fidgeting and chattering, to sudden focus on things that interest them. I think anytime his child seems to act like him, even if it's considered "misbehavior", he just melts and can't find it in himself to scold them. Rocky would generally be the forgiving, fun and permissive parent, much as his own mother was. He'd also worry about being too absent; normally no one cared when he was gone for days (or weeks ...), but now there's a little one who can't even handle him being gone for an evening. No Rocky you can't strap the kitten to your back and take them everywhere....

Notably if the kitten was neuroatypical in a different way, or disabled - either deaf, or they struggle to walk, etc, Rocky picks up on this quickly. He'd be good about thinking up accommodations or ways for them to get about the world easier, and patient, so very patient. Making up hand signs? Jury rigging a mobility aid? Recognizing when a place might be too overwhelming for the kid? Figuring out exactly which textures are upsetting for them? It may shock people how observant he is about these things - and, given the time period, he could be seen as too "indulgent". Okay he's definitely an overly indulgent parent in other ways, but in this case, Rocky is quite fixated. He's very familiar what it's like being on the outside and disregarded.

He absolutely wants to teach his kiddo music, and likes singing to them and rattling off poetry when it comes to him. The household is full of music and art in general, especially if you're artistically inclined yourself. He'll gather all sorts of unusual books to read to them (even if they're too young for it, his voice is nice to listen to). He's the parent who keeps literally anything his kid makes him and gets happy and emotional all over again when he sees it. He's also the parent who can't deny his kiddo when they've had a bad dream or are afraid of the dark ... so either he falls asleep on the couch with them, or he carries them back to y'all's bedroom.

It goes without saying that Rocky's going to continue his criminal activities. If anything, he's been spurred on even more in order to support you and the kitten, especially if this is after 1929; the kids would be growing up during the worst of the Great Depression. This could either be a point of contention between you and Rocky, if you aren't doubling down on the crime yourself.

(Personally I HC that, if he had a family to provide for, he'd 100% stay involved with crime even after Prohibition and/or the Lackadaisy is gone. What other choices are there?)

Note if you're masc and had a kiddo from a previous relationship, a lot of these HCs still apply! Rocky would still find himself bonding with them and being delighted by how much they seem to care for him. He likes noticing the mannerisms that are just like your's, and how their faces mimic your own expressions. They'd refer to him as "uncle Rocky" but sometimes they'll slip and say "papa". Which totally doesn't make him want to cry or anything.

[thesoutherngems]

Short Stories

“FIGHT YOUR DESTINY”

By: Jewell Delos Santos

June 9, 2021

If breaking the destiny is equivalent to a few days to be with you. I can handle everything just to be with you. How will Marissa deal with the visions she sees in her mind and problems she will face? Will she deal with it or just ignore it? What if she saw in a vision his own daughter, what would she do?

Marissa grew up in a well off family. Even though it is overflowing with love from their parents, it still bothers her that she has the ability to see the future, dream visions often come true in a reality. It gives a warning or just a simple event in another person’s life. When her parents died because of the accident at the beach, she was deeply sad and regretted what happened because she could not stop it. She had already seen it in her vision but she just ignored it.

(Three year passed)

 In the province of Laguna, Marissa and Gabriel live their lives simple and happy. Lisa is the only child of Marissa and Gabriel. When Marissa’s parents died, her parent’s property in Manila they decided to sell it and used to start their life in Laguna.

(MARISSA POV)

Marissa: Gabriel, Lisa come here to the dining table, the food is ready so we can start to eat.

Lisa: (Smell the dish) it smells like good MA, for sure I enjoy eating again. (Lisa says happily)

Gabriel: Gosh daughter, there's nothing wrong with you when it comes to food, especially if your mom cooked it.

(Gabriel's face shows the pain he's dealing with; he knows in himself that he won't last long here on earth.)

Lisa: Dad, you're really mean to me (Pout but he also suddenly smiled at his father)

(When they finished eating, Lisa volunteered to wash the plates. Meanwhile, the couple went straight to their room to rest.)

Gabriel: Labs, we know that I will die soon. Especially since this is also what you see in your vision. If I get lost here, don't forget me and don't leave our daughter. You will always remember that if I die, you are the only woman I will love. Even if I lose our child next to you but in your heart I will stay, I will always watch you from afar.

Marissa: Mahal stop it, you said you will fight cancer, we can overcome it, so you need to be strong for us for our child. You are strong, I know you will not give up. What I see in my vision maybe I was just mistaken. We can still be together for a long time, you can still monitor our child's puberty, stop talking like that.

(The couple's conversation became emotional, but Marissa knew that everything her husband said was right.)

A year later, Gabriel's illness worsened. They accumulated and Marissa's inheritance from her parents was exhausted. Not long after, Gabriel passed away. It was painful for the mother and daughter that Gabriel had left them.

Marissa raised their daughter Lisa, who is now fifteen years old on her own. By working in the market, she has to pay for it every day and she is able to study with Lisa. Even if they go through the hardships of life. They don’t give up on life but it became his strength to face the trials and the problems.

(She saw another vision in her dream, a vision she did not know if she could handle it.)

Marissa: Lisa, you will take care of this house first, after all, it's Saturday, do your activity and assignment so that you don't have to worry about passing it. Be careful here Lisa, call me when you need something.

Lisa: I'm just here at home, but thank you for reminding me. You have to be careful of your work mom.

Marissa: By the way, your aunt Anna is going to come here to the house, she's the one who takes care of you. In the meantime, she will stay here with us so that when I am in the market, you can have someone with you.

Lisa: go ahead mom, be careful I love you (kisses her mom's cheek)

Marissa leaves but the vision she saw does not disappear from her mind, she is very afraid of what will happen. A few days passed and Marissa's vision came true. Lisa's illness was slowly showing signs so she was rushed to the hospital when she suddenly lost consciousness in their home.

(Marissa's mind goes blank as she arrives at the hospital from the market.)

Marissa: Anna what happened to Lisa, what did the doctor say? Where is he now? Anna, you answered. (I can see the fear on Marissa's face)

Anna: Ate, she's in the emergency room right now, there's still no updates because until now the doctor hasn't come out yet.

(They remain silent and wait for the doctor to come out)

Marissa: (Marissa quickly stood up when she saw the doctor) doc how is my daughter? What is her condition?

Doctor: I will tell you that your child is not okay. He needs to have surgery as soon as possible to prevent the cancer cells from spreading in his body. For now, she will be moved to the bedroom first.

Marissa: All right, doc, do everything for my child. Thank you.

She is facing her child who is currently sleeping. Her dream vision is slowly happening. She didn't think it would come true. She turns her mind to how to pay for Lisa's hospital expenses and medications. She, earning from working in the market and the help of her relatives, would not be enough. She just had a headache. She rested for a while next to her child. When she woke up, she was confused and sweaty and fainted.

Vision: Marissa saw the child lying on the hospital bed, weak and could see in her eyes the pain and tiredness she felt. She approached the child who raised her hand, she kissed him firmly on the forehead at the same time, and the flow of tears in her eyes. She walked away from the child for a moment and saw the change in its facial expression. At the point where the child's hands fell from her grip, a mother could hear the sound of a straight line on the machine standing on the side of the bed. Signs that his daughter Lisa is dead.

Marissa: Anna, can you take care Lisa, I'll just talk to our neighbor Eva.

Anna: Sure, why do you need to talk to Eva?

Marissa: Eva offered me a job and I will accept it to pay our bill here.

(Marissa has already left and she goes to Eva's house)

Marissa: Hello, Eva, how are you?

Eva: oh Marissa why, what are you doing here?

Marissa: About the job you mentioned to me, can I still do it? There is a real need for Lisa's expenses.

Eva: Of course maybe that's it? Exactly the other day I will go out of Manila again and again, if you are sure you will come with me.

Marissa: Thank you so much Eva for the job you offered to me. I will be coming back to the hospital to say goodbye to Lisa first. (She says with a smile but there are traces in her eyes of sadness and fear that she will be separated from her child.)

(Marissa doesn't know the job she's going to get is an entertainment house)

(Day of Marissa and Eva's departure to Manila)

Marissa: Lisa, I'm leaving, will you be stronger? Get well. Your aunt Anna will be the first to be with you here but every Saturday and Sunday I will go there and take care of you. The ones I told you to follow, always listen to what your aunt says. (Reaches the sketch pad) Here I bought you because I know you love to draw, so you don't bore here in the hospital.

Lisa: Thank you ma careful in Manila, I will miss you. (Kisses his mother's forehead) Bye ma i love you po.

She didn't expect that the job waiting for her in Manila was just an entertainment house. She tried to eat her own dignity to cover Lisa's medical expenses and hospital bills

Almost two years ago, Marissa got used to her job even though it hurt her that this is the job she just accepted for her child.

Lisa was released from the hospital, they only went there on the day of her checkup and therapy. Everyday Marissa calls her child just to check and to say hello to her daughter. Lisa's hobby was drawing, that's all she did in their house.

Lisa is alone in their house, while she is alone Lisa thinks about her condition. Lisa said to herself, I'm only seventeen years old but am I experiencing this sickness? I became a kind child, obedient to my mother. Why me? Why do I need more? There are so many bad people in this world but why me, why do I suffer from this kind of disease? I want to live a long time but I'm too weak, so I will be able to leave me. Please prolong my life. I don't want mama to be alone here, I know she will be hurt when I die.

(Lisa cries when she suddenly faints, Anna comes out to call her for lunch Lisa, shocked when she sees Lisa lying unconscious)

Anna was shouting to help them to take Lisa to the hospital. Their neighbor came out and helped Anna take Lisa to the hospital. She also immediately called her sister Marissa to tell her what had happened to Lisa. But when they got to the hospital Liza died because she was sick.

(Two weeks ago when Lisa died, until now her mother could not accept her passing. For the second time, her loved one died again.)

(While Marisa was arranging the bereaved child's belongings, she saw a sketch pad under the pillow of Lisa's bed. She looked at her daughter's drawings when she saw a letter.)

(Lisa Voice Over)

Hi Ma, I know when you read this letter I’m with papa here paradise. Don't blame yourself for losing Papa and me, you don't want to see the consequences in your vision. I know you're in so much pain right now. Even if we lose your side, here we are looking at you from afar. Request to heal the pain you are feeling right now. First of all, thank you so much for raising me, taking care of me and loving me. You have been my partner and guide in my trials and problems. I will never forget the times when I was weak and you were there by my side ready to help. Thank you for sacrificing yourself to work at the club for my hospitalization and treatment. Yes, you're not mistaken for wet, I know that's how you work and I'm not ashamed of you but I'm grateful. Maybe you're wondering how I found out, the night you and Aunt Anna were talking about your work I heard your conversation. I'm sorry, I left you right away, I fought back, I tried to cope with all the therapy that was done to me, but my body couldn't handle it anymore. My body gave up. I know that the time will also come when papa and I will be together and at that time there will be nothing to separate the three of us. You always take care of yourself, you always take care, I love you so much mama. Until again.

~ Love Lisa

After reading the letter written by Lisa, Marissa was groaning in tears.

After a year.

Carrying the child's drawing, along with the sister, Marissa went to the cemetery visit of her husband and child. They decide to celebrate in the cemetery for Lisa’s eighteenth birthday. She did not regret that she had done the job and never thought of doing it, working at a nightclub, because she doing it for her lovely daughter.

THE END