#nathaniel was The Quiet Kid

[mirlyutera]

we should stick together. you're my best friend, i'll love you forever.

[traveler-at-heart]

Babysitter Club

Summary: Natasha is taking care of the Barton children and has unexpect help.

Natasha Romanoff x Super Soldier F!R

--

Being an aunt was fun. Natasha got the cool moments and could spoil Clint’s kids. They adored her.

But, being on babysitting duty after a grueling mission was definitely not fun.

Natasha had barely managed to get out of bed when Cooper and Lila came out of nowhere, straight to her.

“Children, no running” Clint said, chasing after them, Nathaniel in his arms.

“Auntie Nat, can we go to the zoo?”

“No, to the movies. Or bowling!” Cooper suggested, both children fighting to get Natasha’s attention.

“I…” she blinked several times, trying to wake up. Did she say she’d take care of them?

What day was it anyway?

“Ok, you two go and sit over there” Clint asked, pointing at the couch. He approached Natasha, and the baby smiled when he saw her.

“Hey, little one” she greeted, taking him in her arms. “Boy, you’re growing too fast”

“Are you sure you can take care of them? You look like you could use some sleep” Clint said.

“Yeah, no. It’s fine” Natasha nodded, swaying gently to appease Nathaniel. Though the movement was making her sleepy as well. “Go”

“I’ll be back later today” he promised, saying goodbye to his children.

As soon as he left, Cooper and Lila turned to Natasha, expectantly. It took her a minute to understand.

“What do you want for breakfast?”

“Pancakes!”

“Ok, coming right up”

It was hard to balance a toddler in her arms while she found all the ingredients for the food, so it took her a good five minutes to have everything ready. Cooper and Lila were clearly getting restless, making Nathaniel upset too.

“Hey”

Natasha turned around. You were looking between her and the two kids.

“Y/N, hey. These are Clint’s children. Sorry about the noise, we’ll keep quiet, right?” she rushed to say, figuring you came to the kitchen to complain about the disturbance.

“Need a hand?” you offered instead, surprising her. 

Truth be told, even after a few months with the team, they knew very little about you, other than you were a super soldier and had worked as a double agent reporting for Fury for most of your career.

“Sure” she said and you took Nathaniel, balancing him expertly while you got the pancake mix ready with your other hand. He took a liking to you instantly and you chatted with him, talking about what you were doing while preparing the food.

Natasha looked at you, amazed. You, the person who would only nod to confirm instructions and stayed in your room for most of the time, looked soft and welcoming and charming with a baby in your arms.

Oh, no.

Natasha liked it.

Liked you.

“We have a problem” you turned to her and she snapped out of it.

“Huh?”

“Diaper emergency. Can you…?”

“Yeah, sure” she nodded, taking the baby to the living room. Lila took the opportunity to get closer to you.

“How you doing? Lila, right?”

“Yeah. What’s your name?”

“I’m Y/N” you said, flipping the pancake expertly.

“Wow! That was so cool, can you teach me?”

“Sure. You’ll do the next one, how about that?”

By the time Natasha finished changing Nathaniel, Lila and Cooper were standing next to you, and taking turns flipping the pancakes while you cheered them on. Once breakfast was ready, Lila took your hand and led you to the table.

“Do you work with Dad?”

“Mhm” you nodded.

“And what’s your power?” Cooper said, excited at the idea of watching something new.

“Nothing you haven’t seen before, kiddo. I’m a little bit stronger than most people”

“Can you carry us both in your back?”

You grimaced, pretending to think about it.

“Yeah, maybe. We’ll see about that later. Wanna go to the lake? We can feed the ducks, throw some stones”

“Can we, aunt Nat?” Lila turned to her, excited at the idea of feeding ducks.

“Well, auntie Nat could stay and take care of Nathaniel for his nap” you offered, noticing the woman was struggling to stay up. “We’ll bring her the coolest rock we can find so she’s not sad for missing our little trip”

The kids cheered on, eating the rest of their breakfast in record time. Natasha approached you while you picked up the plates.

“You sure about this? I really appreciate it but you don’t have to…”

“It’s fine. I know yesterday’s mission was exhausting” you said, placing your hand on Natasha’s back to reassure her. She was standing between you and the kitchen counter, enjoying the proximity a little too much. “Take a nap with Nathaniel and I’ll take care of Lila and Cooper. How about that?”

“I owe you one” she smiled, taking Nathaniel back to her room.

A few hours later, she woke up to a message on her phone. The kids were enjoying the day out, so you came back to prepare some sandwiches and were now eating by the lake. You had also left some extra food for her in case she got hungry.

Natasha’s heart fluttered at your thoughtfulness and hurried to meet you and enjoy the rest of the day.

“There’s aunt Nat” you greeted as she approached you, smiling. Lila was sitting on your shoulders while Cooper threw rocks at the lake.

“Check it out, Y/N taught me how to skip stones!”

Natasha stood by the lake, while Cooper showed her. You walked to stand next to the redhead.

“Forest fairy, do you have it ready?” you reached for something. Lila gave you a small bouquet of wildflowers that you both had gathered on your walk and handed it over to Natasha.

“Thank you” she said, hoping you wouldn’t notice her cheeks turning pink.

“Yeah, uh… pretty girls deserve pretty flowers”

You set Lila down, and she ran to play with her brother. Nathaniel reached torwards you, and you took him in your arms, raising him way too high to pretend he was flying.

“What an interesting talent you have hidden, Y/N” Natasha commented with a smile and for the first time since you’d known her, you laughed.

“Oh, there are plenty more that you have yet to know, Miss Romanoff” you teased.

Once the heat got a bit too intense, you decided to come back to the Compound. It was Cooper’s turn to sit on your shoulders as you walked, playing a game of I spy.

“Oh, am I interrupting?” Maria said, looking at you curiously. All she knew were the few things Fury had shared, but Hill definitely didn’t think good with kids was among them.

“What’s up?” Natasha asked as you balanced Lila and Cooper, one in each arm.

“I need to go over some mission stuff with you. It won’t take long” Maria promised. You nodded, already leading the kids back to the living room. Natasha followed you with her eyes as you let the kids run around, while putting Nathaniel in the crib the team kept around for him. “Huh”

“What?” Natasha snapped back.

“Nothing. I didn’t think you’d be one to fall for girls that are good with kids”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hill”

“Uh-hu. Come on, don’t want to take away from your family time”

Natasha rolled her eyes, and took one last look at you.

You were handing Lila and Cooper Nerf guns, whispering to each other.

“Don’t get in trouble” she warned.

“Mmkay” you gave her a thumbs up, and waited until she left to kneel and speak to both kids. “Ok, so we’re gonna hide behind the couch, and whoever hits more people that come here will decide what movie we watch, got it?”

Both kids nodded and you gave them a high five.

It didn’t take long for the first victim to show up. Sam came in, whistling a tune. You nudged Cooper and he looked over the couch. His shot hit the shelf above Sam’s face.

“My turn now” you said, aiming for his arm. Sensing something, he moved at the last second, turning quickly.

“Hello?” he said. “Who’s there?”

Moving your head, you encourage Lila to go next. She waited for Sam to approach the couch, and then jumped forward, hitting him between the eyes.

“Boom!” you clapped, lifting Lila in the air. “Someone has her father’s aim”

“That’s not fair�� Sam complained. “I wasn’t ready”

“A spy is always ready” Cooper pointed out and Lila and you nodded in agreement.

“I’m a pilot, not a spy”

“Don’t be a sore loser. If you get Bucky to come here and get shot we’ll share some pizza with you” you offered.

“Fine” he glared, going back to his room. Minutes later, you heard footsteps.

Oh, damn, it was Banner.

“Ok, maybe sit this one out, kids” you said, leaning against the couch. It would be a nightmare to have him turn green in the middle of the kitchen.

Later, Bucky was targeted as planned and even Wanda got to play with the kids. She helped with Nathaniel as you stood up to get the pizza.

By the time Natasha was back, you were setting a fort of blankets and pillows.

“We were waiting for you to start the movie” Lila said, rushing to her side and taking her hand. “Sit next to me”

“Hey, everything good?” you said, leaning casually against the couch. Natasha nodded and you gave her a plate. “Here, we got your favorite pizza. Lila picked The Incredibles, as if we don’t have enough superheros in our lives”

“Do you have someone like Edna Mode make your suits?” she asked excitedly.

“No one as cool as her. But at least we don’t wear capes” you said. Natasha laughed at your extensive knowledge of children movies and you blushed, trying to hide your own smile.

Natasha stole glances here and there, and finally decided to lean forward as the movie continued.

“I’m sorry about leaving you with them for so long”

“I had the best time. Whenever you need help, let me know”

“It was nice seeing you happy. I was beginning to think you didn’t like being here”

“It’s not that” you shook your head, taking a breath. “I have done a lot of things I’m not proud of and seen many things I wish I hadn’t… I guess I feel like the Avengers are about hope, and I can’t see myself in that equation”

“The Avengers are also about second chances, and doing good. Trust me, if there’s anyone that understands, it’s me” she said, waiting until you looked at her. You smiled, relaxing against the couch.

The kids wanted to see Despicable Me next. Again, you commented there were enough real life villains but you enjoyed the movie, sitting on the floor with them, repeating some of the lines.

By the time Natasha came back with more popcorn, the three of you were fast asleep. Her heart fluttered at the image and she was almost tempted to take a picture. Instead, she turned off the tv and let you sleep. She sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

“Sorry I’m late” Clint walked in, and Natasha turned, shushing him with a murderous glare. “Is that Y/N?”

“Yeah, she’s great with kids”

“Oh, someone’s smitten. I knew you had a thing for her since she threw that mobster out a window”

Natasha rolled her eyes, moving to wake up the kids. You were yawning as they gathered their things, and waved goodbye as Clint took them out.

“Daddy, can we go with Aunt Nat and Y/N to the zoo next week?” Lila asked.

“Yeah, let’s see, kiddo” he chuckled.

The girl handed over a drawing to Natasha, like she always did when they spent the day together.

It had you in it, carrying her baby brother. Natasha was looking at you and smiling, pink circles on her cheeks.

Well, apparently even Lila could see Natasha liked you.

“Thanks for all your help today” Natasha said, walking with you. You stopped outside her room.

“Thank you for what you said to me… it’s nice to know I can do better now” you smiled, and walked to your room.

Today you had felt less alone, and for that you could thank Natasha.

“We could…” she spoke, reaching for you. You turned back, squeezing her hand to encourage her to talk. “Go out next week?”

“With the kids or…?”

“Just you and me” Natasha said, suddenly shy. “Only if you want to of course…”

“I’d love that” you were quick to agree.

Natasha smiled, standing on the tip of her toes to kiss your cheek.

“Night, Y/N”

“Night, Nat”

[dancingtotuyo]

Part III

High Infidelity | Joel Miller X Female Reader

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Summary: You and Joel hull the kids to the beach for a much needed vacation. Things begin to change.

Tags: Tommy x Reader, Joel x Reader, Tommy's Wife Reader, infidelity, emotional affair, slow burn (as much as you can get for 5 chapters), Tommy goes to jail, Reader has had a child

Warnings: Tommy being a shitty husband & father, Father's day celebration, cursing, consumption of alcohol, emotional affair/cheating, some physical boundaries crossed. Pining

Notes: Y'all know the drill by now, thanks to my loves @janaispunk for beta reading and @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin for beta reading and providing me with some authentic prison information and inspiration, and @saradika-graphics for the dividers!

Words: 5273

Series Masterlist | Author Masterlist | Daily Clicks for Palestine & Other resources

It’s June before you’re able to escape to the shore. You make it in just over 4 hours. It’s good timing considering the multiple bathroom stops you had to make. It’s a small house that probably hasn’t been renovated since Joel was there as a kid. It sits two blocks off the shore on stilts that make you feel secluded from the people that pass on the quiet street below, and when you stand on the porch, the salty sea breeze caresses your body as you let your eyes close. You can just make out the crash of ocean waves. You can feel the breeze carrying all your cares away.  

Nate and Sarah excitedly explore the inside of the house. Their muted enthusiasm floating through the walls makes you smile. You’re thankful for this, thankful for Joel.  

The sliding door opens and then shuts. You don’t move. It’s Joel. You know the sound of his footsteps, the way he moves through the world by heart. He settles against the railing, arm pressed against yours. 

A smile spreads across your lips as your eyes open, landing on his. He smiles back. “Hard to enjoy the view with your eyes closed, Darlin.” His deep baritone rumbles smoothly. You see it in him too, the way the breeze carries away the wear and worry of the world. 

“It’s peaceful out here.” 

He nods. “Yeah, it is.”

“We should probably get back in there before the kids break something.”

Joel nudges you with his shoulder. “Don’t jinx us like that.”

“Our two? Unsupervised? That’s asking for it.”

“Our two?” A playful glint glimmers in Joel’s deep brown eyes. “My daughter is perfectly well behaved. It’s your little menace that’s the bad influence.”

“Oh my four year old is the bad influence?” You cross your arms, doing your best to keep the smile at bay. 

“For sure- got his dad’s streak for mischief. My Sarah is a perfect angel.” He sticks his tongue out at you. 

You roll your eyes, slapping his shoulder, but you don’t have a good response. He’s not wrong. Nathaniel knows how to get into places he shouldn’t. “I seem to recall an incident involving a ten pound bag of flour that says differently.”

Joel chuckles at the memory. Nathaniel was barely a week old when Sarah shrieked in the kitchen only for you to find her and the kitchen dusted in white powder. You had cried upon seeing it, postpartum hormones raging. Joel had cleaned your entire kitchen top to bottom. 

“She felt so bad for making you cry,” Joel laughs. 

“I think I scared her.”

The door opens again. Sarah and Nathaniel break out, rushing for your legs and begging to go to the beach. 

You spend the next several days lazing on the sand, reading more than you have in years as you soak in the sun. The kids run around chasing seagulls and other creatures. Joel helps them catch waves on boogie boards. You both take them further out to ride the waves. Sarah’s arms clutch around Joel’s neck, and Nathaniel does the same to you. They build sandcastles and Joel digs holes big enough to bury them both. 

At night, the kids are out by 8 o’clock if not earlier allowing you and Joel to sit out on the deck and drink. Your skin is warm from the constant sun. Joel’s cheeks are tinged pink on your third evening, his chest rosier. The salty air works at his hair, bringing out curls. You like this version of him a lot. You like this version of yourself too. 

Your feet sit in his lap as he massages your legs and feet, calves worn out from lugging your belongings across the sand and back. He stares up at the sky, twilight bringing the first few stars with it. You sip your homemade margarita, Joel’s specialty, from a red solo cup. 

“I shoulda brought my guitar. Only thing that could make this moment better,” he says. 

You hum softly, shifting in your chair. “Wouldn’t be able to massage my feet if you had your guitar.”

He laughs, so easy, so relaxed. You can’t remember the last time things felt this good. “Don’t worry, you’d still get your massage.”

“Why didn’t you bring it?” You cock your head to the side. 

“Wouldn’t fit in the car, miss over packer.”

You roll your eyes softly kicking at him. “We’ve used everything I packed. Speaking of which, what do you want for breakfast tomorrow?” You take another sip of your drink. Joel finds a knot in your calf, working it out as you let out a slight hiss. 

Joel shrugs, carefully watching your reactions careful to inflict as little pain as possible. “Ask the kids.”

“It’s Father’s Day.”

“Kids like pancakes.” Joel sips from his own drink before returning to the knot.

“But you don’t.”

“Doesn’t matter what I like, Darlin.”

“Well, it does tomorrow.” You cross your arms. 

Joel sighs rolling his eyes. 

You narrow yours. “Don’t make me force it out of you. You know I will.”

He considers it a minute before deciding it’s a losing battle. “Those omelets you made for my birthday. I really liked those.”

You smile. “I can manage that.”

You sit in bed with Nathaniel the next morning to call Tommy. As early as possible is preferred, not that Tommy will care. He’s been blowing you off more, hardly talking when you call or visit, seemingly uninterested when you talk about Nate. It’s exhausting. You dread it, but you continue anyway. 

It takes a while before Tommy’s voice comes through the speaker. You force an exaggerated smile to your face for Nathaniel’s sake. Daddy is an abstract being to him. “Hey babe. Happy Father’s Day!”

“Oh… that’s today?”

You push back the annoyance rising inside you. “Nate wants to say hello.” You hold the phone up to your four-year-old’s ear.

“Hello?” he says. 

You can barely make Tommy’s pathetic response. He won’t even pretend for Nathaniel and that’s the unbearable part of all this. 

“Happy Day!” Nathaniel says, taking hold of the receiver before he dives into updating his stranger of a father all about their beach vacation. Tommy stays quiet the whole time. 

Rage begins to boil just under the surface. Before it can bubble over, Nathaniel says goodbye, shoving the phone into your chest and dashing out of the room the moment he hears Sarah moving around in the living room. 

“Tommy?”

“Look, I need to go.”

You're not sure what’s worse. The hurt or the anger inside you. “I love you.”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to you on Friday.”

“Tommy.” It sounds like a scold. That’s exactly what it is.

“I don’t have time for this.”

“Time for your wife and son?”

“You’re the one who called me.”

“Are you actually going to call on Friday? Or am I gonna end up sitting next to the phone all evening?”

You get silence. 

“Tommy?”

“I’ll call.” And then the line goes dead.

You want to scream or yell or cry or all three. You settle for throwing a pillow across the room and giving yourself 5 minutes to cry. There may only be three months of this left, but you’re not sure you’ll actually be talking to your husband at the end of it, not that the two of you do any talking now. 

Wiping your eyes, you make your way to the kitchen to start on Joel’s promised breakfast. Nathaniel and Sarah sit at the table comparing sea shells. “Aunt Bonnie?”

“Yes baby doll?” You smile, kissing her head. 

“Which one would Daddy like on his card?” She points to a collection of about 5 shells. 

“Hmmm,” you crouch down to her level, looking them over. “I think he would like any of them, but this one looks like him.” You point to a blue-grey shell. 

She picks it up, inspecting it carefully. “It does look kinda grumpy like him.”

You laugh. That isn’t what you meant, but she wasn’t wrong. “I’m making omelets. What do y’all want in yours?”

The kids are digging into their breakfast when Joel walks out of his room, arms stretching above his head to reveal a little sliver of his tummy. Sarah quickly shoves her Father’s Day project under some magazines. 

“Look who decided to wake up.” You smile over your shoulder. “Morning sleepy head.”

“One day of the year I get to sleep in.” He mumbles, shooting a teasing glare your way. He clocks your red eyes before you can turn away. 

“Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!” Sarah yells, standing on her chair to give Joel a hug. He chuckles, pulling her into his arms, spinning around, and setting her back on the chair with ease. She laughs.

“Thank you, baby girl.”

“Happy Day!” Nathaniel grins at his uncle.

“Father’s Day.” Sarah corrects. Nathaniel simply shrugs like he’d said the correct thing to begin with.

Joel chuckles, kissing his nephew’s cheek. “Thanks, Bud.”

You track his footsteps over to your side of the kitchen as you invest your full attention on the omelet in front of you. You know he caught your tear-stained eyes. “Fresh coffee in the pot,” You say, keeping your voice even. 

You feel his full body heat behind you, a hand falls to your waist as he reaches into the cabinet next to the stove for a coffee mug. Something settles in your stomach. 

“What did my idiot brother do now?” He keeps his voice low so the kids don’t overhear. 

You shake your head. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Darlin.”

“I don't want to talk about it.” Your head snaps toward him. He’s right there, face so close to yours. Always nearby. 

“You sure?”

You bristle a little bit. He drops his hand but stays in your space. “Not right now. We’re celebrating you this morning.” He smiles softly at you. “And I don’t want to burn your omelet, so scram.” You cock your head to the side. 

He waits a second, searching for any signs he’s missing something. When he’s sure he isn’t, he gives you a soft smile and a tender kiss on the forehead, and steps over to the coffee pot, leaving you feeling warm and hazy. 

The kids help clean up after breakfast. Sarah stands on a bench at the sink to wash dishes and Nathaniel waits patiently with a dish towel to dry the lighter dishes. You and Joel sit at the table, second and third cups of coffee in hand as you oversee their efforts. 

“I think I’m going to enjoy this next phase of parenting,” Joel says with a long, content sigh. 

You feel the easiness thrumming in your veins. Why couldn’t life always be this way? “Yeah if my anxiety about broken dishes or wet feet doesn’t get the better of me first.”

He chuckles softly, sipping from his mug as an easy silence falls between you. You watch the kids and Joel watches you. Sun pours through the many windows of the beach house. You’re not ready to leave tomorrow. 

“You wanna talk about it now?”

You sigh. “Not really. We’re supposed to be celebrating you today.”

“I’ll be able to enjoy myself more if I know what’s going on in your head.”

You keep your gaze focused on the kids, rolling the words around in your head. You feel emotionally exhausted by it all and you’re not even through the morning hours yet. 

“Darlin,” Joel kicks at your foot, smile on his face. “C’mon. We can talk about it.”

You set your mug down, turning toward him. “He’s just blowing us off again. I spent more time waiting for him to come to the phone than I did talking to him. He hardly interacted with Nate this morning.” You roll your eyes in an attempt to push away the tears pressing to escape. 

Joel reaches across the table, taking your hand. He runs his thumb over your knuckles. It grazes past your wedding band, almost taunting you now. 

“I’m sorry. This isn’t fair to either of you,” Joel says.

“You’d think I’d stop letting it affect me at some point.”

Joel bites his lip, eyes pinned to your ring finger. “He’s your husband. Needs to start acting like it,” Joel says gruffly. You catch the spark of something in his deep brown eyes, but you don’t have time to place it.

“We’re done!” Sarah exclaims with a proud smile, her shirt soaked through. 

You pull your hand from Joel’s, wrapping it around your warm mug as you laugh. “Thank you for your help. Both of you.” Nathaniel puts the dish towel carefully over the oven handle, shooting you the biggest grin.  

“Can we do presents now?” Sarah asks, curls bouncing with her. 

“Presents?” Joel says. “Y’all didn’t have to get me anything.”

“Don’t be silly, Daddy.” Sarah says, looking to you for permission. 

“I think now is a great time for gifts.”

Both kids run toward their shared room. They had been very excited at the promise of bunk beds. You ease out of your chair. “Not you too.” Joel shakes his head.

You shoot him a wink. “Suck it, Miller.” 

Flashes of your delayed Mother’s Day celebration jump between you. Joel had switched up the weekends and hadn’t been prepared, but had made up for it the following weekend. You hadn’t heard from Tommy. He never even mentioned it. 

You grab the small box from your suitcase, a small white bow tied around it. The four of you settle in the living room. You sit tucked into one end of the sofa while Joel sits at the other end, a bouncing kid on either side of him. 

“Me first!” Sarah says, handing her card and hand-wrapped gift to her father. 

Joel takes care, slowly reading the card out loud. His gift consists of a souvenir snow globe and a puca shell necklace. She picked them out with great care at the beach shop the two of you stopped in yesterday. He oos and awes over both. 

“You should put on the necklace!” Sarah says, standing up on the cushions of the couch.

“Maybe I want to admire it more,” Joel says. 

You bite back a smile. He’s already lost this battle and you both know it. 

“Don’t be silly, Daddy.” She grabs it from his hand, determination, and concentration painted on her face as she wraps it around his neck.

“Yeah, don’t be silly, Daddy.” You tease, shooting him a wink. He pokes his tongue out at you as Sarah almost chokes him in the process of securing the necklace. 

“Not so tight, baby girl.” 

“Oops,” she giggles. “All done.” 

She steps back to admire her handiwork, looking quite pleased. “What do you think, Aunt Bonnie?”

“Beautiful,” You smile, laughter evident in your tone of voice. “You look ready to hit the beach.”

“My turn!” Nathaniel announces, handing Joel a hand-drawn picture depicting their day at the beach yesterday. He goes into great detail describing everything he drew. Joel’s hand rests on Nate’s shoulder blades, head tucked toward him as he takes in everything the boy says with practiced patience and intentionality. 

It strikes something in your heart, a deep longing. That should be Tommy. But it also sends a deep sense of gratitude toward your brother-in-law for picking up where his brother has failed. You swallow back the tears, losing track of how much you’ve had to do that today.

“Thank you, Bud. I love it.” Joel kisses Nathaniel's head. 

“You’re welcome, Daddy.” 

Joel freezes. Ice rushes through your bloodstream. Your eyes meet Joel’s. What do you say to that? Neither of you knows the answer. 

“He’s not your daddy, Nate,” Sarah says, pulling out her older sister voice. “He’s your uncle.” 

“Oh yeah,” Nathaniel shrugs, unbothered by his mishap as he swings his legs back and forth, hitting the couch with his heels as he does.

“Aunt Bonnie, do you have the other gift?” Sarah asks, determined to keep the morning on schedule. 

“Yeah, right here.” You fumble around, finding the box tucked between yourself and the couch. Joel keeps his eyes on you trying to figure out what’s running through your mind, but he can’t. 

Sarah plucks the box from your hands before presenting it to her father. “This is from all three of us.”

She looks very proud of herself. Joel takes it with a smile, eyes flickering back to you briefly. You give him an encouraging nod. 

He loosens the bow, pulling off the top. The kids lean over either side of his body, excited for the reveal even though they’ve both seen it. He pulls it out, inspecting it carefully. A black watch face with silver accents and an olive green watch band. His eyes dart to yours. You smile at him. 

“You’ve been talking about it for years.” You smirk, sipping your coffee. “You were never gonna do it yourself.”

“It’s exactly what I wanted.” He shakes his head, a stunned chuckle shaking his chest. “How’d you know?”

“Found an old picture Tommy had stored away last fall.”

“Look at the back.” Sarah bounces with excitement. 

Joel flips it over. His brows knit together as he catches the inscription. Happy Father’s Day. We love you. Sarah and Nathaniel. 1997.

“Do you like it?” Sarah looks up at him with sparkling excitement. 

“I love it.” He kisses her cheek, thanking both the children. He wraps it around his wrist, buckling it into place. 

“Now you won’t be late anymore,” Sarah says, making you and Joel laugh. 

“We can only hope,” you say. 

Joel looks up at you with one of the most heartfelt smiles you’ve ever seen. His lips move silently. Thank you.

You nod in response. 

You spend the final day of your vacation on the beach until the sun has disappeared. Joel ends up running back to the house to grab the car so your two very tired children don’t melt down. You hurry through bath time, trying to get all the sand from hair and bodies. You’re sure you’ll be finding sand all over your and Joel’s homes for months. 

You provide goodnight hugs and kisses, but Joel takes bedtime duties. You’re cleaning up the kitchen, and packing up pantry items when the first lines of You Are My Sunshine drift out of the kid’s bedroom in Joel’s soft melodies. The kids' sleepy voices talk him into another lullaby and then another before their eyelids slip closed and their breathing evens out. 

The door clicks softly and you’ve already pulled the margarita pitcher and new solo cups. “See they talked you into the whole set list tonight.” You smile, filling the cups with the last of the margaritas. 

“It’s the last night of vacation.” Joel chuckles. He grabs the blanket off the back of the couch and the half-eaten bag of pretzels. “They asked so nicely.”

“And you’re a big softy.” 

You grab both cups, following Joel out to your spot on the deck. It’s cooler tonight, the breeze a bit stronger. You sit across from each other, feet propped in the seat of the other’s chair with the blanket spread across your legs. Joel sets the pretzels right at your knees. 

“Did you enjoy your day?” You ask, sipping on the day-old margarita. It goes down easier tonight, and your cup is filled to the brim.

“It was a good day.” Joel smiles at you, easy and relaxed. The world and your issues feel so far away here despite the day’s earlier events. “Probably the best Father’s Day yet.”

“Oh you mean it beats the raw banana bread from last year?” You’re laughing before the sentence fully leaves your mouth. Joel’s head falls back, chest vibrating with laughter. 

His hair curls more from the salty air and fits him, tanned skin, curly hair, Puca shell necklace and all. You wonder if you look like a similar version of yourself, the relaxed beach version. 

“Sarah trying to choke me with the necklace beats whatever it was you tried to bake last year.”

You stick out your tongue. The pretzel bag rustles as he grabs a handful. You take another drink from your cup. Joel Miller makes a mean margarita. 

“What about you? Did you have a good day then?”

You take an extra second to think about it before nodding. “Yeah. I can’t complain when it comes to well-behaved kids and the beach.”

“Nathaniel calling me dad didn’t throw you off, I hope.”

Your shoulders tense a little bit. “I think I’m the one who should be asking that.” 

“Kinda surprised it hasn’t happened sooner if I’m being honest.” Joel’s pointer finger slides along the lip of his cup before he brings it to his lips. 

You bite your lips, staring at the house across the street. “Same.” 

“Sorry, that was kinda a mood killer.” Joel’s hand rests on your calf. 

“It’s fine. You’re more of a father to him than his real dad.” You try to wave it off, but the facts are reeling in your mind like a movie. “Fuck, you were in the delivery room, and coached his T-ball team, and you’ve tucked him into bed more times than Tommy ever has.” You swipe away the moisture that’s gathered in your eyes, chasing them with another gulp of your drink. 

“Hey… maybe you should slow down there.” Joel leans forward, his feet dropping from your chair as he grabs the solo cup from you and the pretzels tumble to the deck. 

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” You reach for the cup, but Joel keeps it out of reach, setting it on the ground next to his. 

“I do.” He’s firm with you, grabbing your hands and tucking them between his. You can’t meet his eyes, embarrassment flooding your body. “What's going on in your mind right now?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Darlin,” He tugs gently on your arms. Your feet greet the warm deck as you're forced to sit up straighter. The side of your knee bumps against his. “You can talk to me.”

“I just want to enjoy our last night, Joel.”

“Can’t do that if I’m worried about you.” He tips your chin up, forcing you to meet his eyes. 

The street lights flicker off his warm eyes. You feel his touch linger under your chin. Extra warmth gathers in each place he touches. The words bubbling up in you, helpless to stop the thoughts circling in your head for months. 

“I’m not sure my marriage is salvageable. I don’t know if I’ll recognize my husband when he gets out. I don’t think he’s the same person-“ You can’t finish through the choked-out sobs. 

Joel lets out a soft sigh and before you know it, he’s tugging your pliant body into his lap, rubbing your back. He kisses your head. Your head finds the crook of his neck, fingers digging into the back of it. He’s the steady rock he’s always been. It does little to soothe your racing mind. 

You have so many questions and no answers. Tommy’s release from prison always felt like a distant finish line. Now, three months away, it feels like just the start. 

“No matter what, I’ve got you,” Joel says, hand cupping your cheek. “I’m here for you.”

How much longer can you continue to find solace in your brother-in-law's arms? How much longer will Joel play the part Tommy is supposed to? Supporter, parent, partner…

You pull back, fingers still wrapped around his neck. The metal of your wedding ring presses against his skin, but he’s used to feeling it. He doesn’t even think about it anymore. Your forehead nearly touches his. The pools of his deep eyes are endless. They’re different than Tommy’s. You don’t mean to compare, but you like it, soft and inviting after sleeping on rocks for years. You think you catch the hints of desire in them. You’ve forgotten what it feels like to be desired. 

There’s a fight, a push and pull between you. Who’s going to do it. His hot breath fans across your lips. Who’s going to be the one to finally cross the line you’ve been toeing for so long and drag the other one into exile with them? It’s a lush oasis in the middle of the desert you’ve been traveling. One move and you can dip your toe in. 

Joel gives in first, leaning in. Your eyes flutter shut with anticipation, another touch of his breath. His nose nudges against yours. You catch a whiff of the salt on his skin, and then, nothing, a mirage all in your head leaving you stranded in the desert. 

Confusion knits your brow before your eyes are open. Joel is still close, closer than a man that’s not your husband should be, but he feels further away than ever. 

His thumb nudges your bottom lip. He gives a weak smile in an attempt to cover his true emotions. “We can’t…”

He’s right. You hate yourself for getting so carried away. “I know.” 

Your hand drops from his neck. You might be sitting on his lap but he’s never felt farther from you. 

“You should go to bed.”

You think to fight him on it, but you decide not to. You stand up. Joel doesn’t move, thumb playing with the lip of his solo cup. He can’t meet your eyes and it feels like you might be losing him too. 

Before you can think better of it, you lean down, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. Your fingers rake through his hair twice over. His eyes close and he lilts into you just the slightest. 

“Thank you, Joel. For everything.”

His Adam’s Apple bobs as you pull away. He keeps his eyes pinned ahead, fingers curling around the red plastic. He’s barely holding on to control. 

“Good night,” he says, voice gruff, never looking away from his fixed point. 

“Goodnight.”

Joel finishes off yours and his margarita before he falls into bed. It’s just enough to keep him buzzed as he runs toward rest. He can’t get the feel of you out of his mind, how close he was to ripping apart his whole family. 

He’s in and out of sleep when the door pops open. He assumes it’s Sarah. She probably had a bad dream, and tosses the corner of the comforter back. Except, the full size mattress dips lower than it should. He reaches out but instead of Sarah’s small frame, he gets a handful of your waist as the smell of you fills his nostrils. In the haze of sleep, Joel opens his eyes just enough to find you facing away from him. 

The bed isn’t big enough for his legs not to tangle with yours, not if he wants restful sleep. Your body doesn’t tense under his touch. You don’t say anything. Neither does he, but your body melts into him until he finds his arm fully around your middle, back flush against his front.

Joel Miller considers himself a good man, but a good man doesn’t yearn for his brother’s wife. A good man doesn’t give into the temptation to have her so close, to be with her so intimately. Tonight, Joel Miller doesn’t worry about being a good man. Maybe it’s the alcohol, but tonight, Joel Miller falls asleep with you in his arms and bed. Tonight, Joel Miller’s deepest desires come true. Just for tonight, he gets to pretend you’re his. 

You wake up to an empty bed like you have since Tommy went to prison, but something feels off about it. A familiar smell lingers under your nose, and unfamiliar warmth fills you even though the sheets are cold.

You let out a soft groan, eyes fluttering open. You stare up at the ceiling, convinced once again that something feels off. You turn to look at the clock on the bed stand but there’s not one there. The walls are a different color and you shoot up as it all comes flooding back. 

You almost kissed Joel last night. The way you tossed and turned before giving into temptation and crawling in beside him. He hadn’t fought you, hadn’t said a word but pulled you flush against him in the bed that was just a bit too small. You’d slept like a baby for the first time in years. 

Joel sits at the table with the kids as they shovel the last of the extra sugary cereal into their mouths. A special vacation treat. You expect Joel to ignore you or at least be standoffish, but he hands you a cup of steaming coffee with the same smile he always does, crow’s feet crinkling at the corners of his eyes as if nothing happened. 

You offer a smile in response. A silent agreement to never speak on it again.

You’ve been home for a week when it comes, a plain white envelope stuffed with something soft labeled with a return address you’re all too familiar with written in Tommy’s chicken scratch handwriting. 

You wait until Nathaniel is down for the night, but it throws you the whole evening. Letters from Tommy are more rare than phone calls. You’ve received one, maybe two since he was incarcerated. Considering he’d promised to call on after Father’s day and hadn’t, the mysterious letter makes you feel unsettled. What shoes are left to drop?

You run the envelope through your hands, thumb picking at the corner of the seal, uncommitted to actually tearing it open. You’re worried whatever lies within will only hurt you more. You can’t sustain more hurt. 

Finally, you dig into the corner, tearing it open. Your eyebrows knit together. White fabric is neatly folded and tucked within. You pull it out, revealing a square of white fabric, like a bandana unfurls and a note falls to the floor. As you take in the black and white drawing on the fabric, you gasp. It’s a drawing of the picture you keep on your nightstand. The moment Tommy met Nathaniel for the first time. Tommy’s arm is wrapped around you, Nathaniel in his arms with the biggest grin on his face. It’s a moment that’s seared into your memory. Seeing it portrayed like this brings tears to your eyes, the emotions from that day and the last 696 flooding your body. 

Before the tear completely blur your vision, you pick up the note. You can barely make out Tommy’s handwriting when your eyes are clear, but you manage. 

Baby,

You and I both know I didn’t draw this. My cellmate did based on the photo. You probably know that. They call them paños. I’ve seen a lot of the ones guys in here have sent to their girls. They’re pretty cool. 

I’m sorry. I wish I could be better for you and Nathaniel. I love you, Bonnie. 

Tommy. 

Tears stream down your face. Just like that your heart seems to forget the heartache of the last couple years. This proves that your Tommy is still inside him somewhere, fighting to come back to you. You’ll do anything to have your Tommy back. 

It doesn’t matter if you're grasping at threads. Your heart overpowers your mind. You’re determined that you can pull him back by those threads, maybe not now, but once he’s out. Once he’s out, you can bring him back. You’re his Bonnie. He’s your Clyde. You’re tied together. Your heart beats for him, but you don’t catch a piece of your heart breaking off from the rest. That part can't beat for Tommy. It’s attached to someone else. 

Taglist: @pamasaur @alltheotps @rizzraa @moel-jiller @misstokyo7love @justagalwhowrites @pedritosgfreal @mellymbee @sarahhxx03 @lizzie-cakes @sixhours @duckybird101 @anoverwhelmingdin @nervoushottee @caitlynsixxx @kaykay0315 @stevie75 @millercontracting @cals-laundry @jessthebaker @noisynightmarepoetry @vickie5446 @mewantpeepaw

[jasmine-the-fox]

My uncle is the best

An anon made this request and this was... different from my usual salt fics but... let's get to it! This is a MLB and Batman crossover!

Marc Anciel was a sweet and quiet guy; he was known for his talent in writing but also because he and Nathaniel work together to make their comic book. But something not many knew was that his mom has a brother… the billionaire himself: Bruce Wayne. Growing up, his mom has taken him with her to Gotham to visit him and his family.

Thanks to Bruce’s kids… Marc trains in different things and is ready for many things that could happen in Gotham… but when the akuma’s first began to appear it was like everything he knew was thrown out the window.

And since he was also akumatized it simple proved that his training won’t help in Paris. So instead, he began to teach his friends and classmates how to fight… the reason was because his class had a trip to Gotham and they wanted to be ready for it no matter what.

One day, Kagami told him that Marinette got kicked out of her class’s field trip which angered him a bit. As a result, those who could decided to not donate a dime of money while Nathaniel, Alix and Chloe dropped out of going on the trip… which was fine for the class since Chloe was a bully and Alix with Nathaniel decided to side with a bully like Marinette.

Marc had already asked his uncle Bruce who was more then happy to care for his friends during the trip… without knowing that Marc planned to play cupid between Mari and Damian. Once his friends all agreed and their parent’s signed the consent forms Bruce paid for their first-class tickets and forwards Marc a list of things for them to pack.

Marc knew that Bruce had already planned out their time in Gotham and he didn’t mind as long as he could take his friends around sometimes. Everyone is very excited about there trip to Gotham together… but none of them knew about the lies Lila was spinning… all about her boyfriend Damian Wayne and the entire Wayne family… making them agree to have their trip to Gotham.

When they land in Gotham, they are greeted by Alfred and Richard who helped them with there things before driving them to Wayne manor where they were given a tour before being allowed to unpack. Meanwhile in the Batcave… Bruce with Damian, Jason and Tim were researching Lila Rossi and all of the lies she has claimed so far… and they weren’t happy with her latest lies not one bit… the problem came when the four only came out late at night.

Marc was awake and knew about there secret but was angry at them for not being there to meet his friends “You all better be here tomorrow morning to greet them or else!” he said before stomping off to his room… they all knew that when Marc says ‘or else’ it’s serious and is not a good idea to ignore the warning at all… Jason learned that the hard way.

When morning comes, Marc is happy to find them walk into the kitchen to greet his friends (he’s VERY happy when he sees that Damian is distracted by Mari) after introductions Damian joins the group with Richard to show them around Gotham. Marc takes pictures when he sees Damian keeping close to Marinette the entire time, on the other hand back in Paris…

Caline’s class is for the first time ever WORKING HARD to earn the funds for there trip to Gotham (considering Chloe didn’t get her dad to donate like usual and Mari wasn’t organizing everything like usual) Lila was shocked at how bad things were going and started to regret making Mari her enemy in the end and started to wonder if she could become her friend. Marc is happy to find his friends having an amazing time in Gotham, it was very clear to him that Damian and Mari were getting close and it was possible they would be dating soon.

Mari and Alfred are teaching them recipes to the gang. Marc also noticed how a few times, Damian and Mari would slip away from the group to do things together… he never told on them and lied for them of course because why not? Besides… Damian had asked Marinette to be his girlfriend which made him so very happy so it was all worth it in the end since he made this happen.

Now they were enjoying there last week in Gotham, it was raining and so they were all watching movies when Mari got a text “It’s my mom” she said making them all look at her “What does she say?” Jason asked. Mari reads it and her eyes go wide “Miss Bustier came by to talk to me and remind me about my ‘rude behavior’ towards Lila… and as a result… I can’t go on their trip to Gotham” she said making all of their eyes go wide at her words.

“They are coming here?” Selina Bruce’s wife asked making Mari nod “My mom is panicking though. Turns out that while she told miss Bustier that I wasn’t home… she slipped up and told her I was in Gotham” she explained making them now have no idea on what to do. Bruce then takes Marinette’s phone and calls Sabine to calm her down and inform her that it was alright that she told her daughter’s teacher.

He claimed that he would resolve the whole thing… but Mari is used to getting in trouble for no good reason, this caused her to worry but Damian pulled her away to calm his girlfriend down “Trust my father. When he says he will take care of everything… he tells the truth” he said which calmed her down… at that moment Bruce walked away saying he had to make a few phone calls.

Marc being used to Bruce saying that excuse had an idea on what his uncle was planning but decided to keep quiet due to the fact that he enjoyed the results of Bruce’s actions in the end. Slowly they all went back to relaxing without Bruce for now and watched some movies, Marc also noticed how Titus moved to lay over Mari… it was clear he worried about her and wanted to show her some comfort right now and that made him smile.

He knew that even with the comfort everyone was giving her… she was still worried and nervous… because at the end of the day they knew that Lila was bound to lie at some point… and blame Mari for something not happening her way at all.

And they weren’t wrong at all… as it happened at Wayne tech…

The gang had just finished their tour of the building when they heard Mari’s name being called by an angry Alya. The girl was screaming at Mari about her vile she was to cancel their tour of Wayne tech and steal it from them when Lila had worked so hard to set it up… but Marc already knew it was a lie since there group was the only one with a scheduled tour which meant Lila lied about setting it up in the first place.

Just as Alya was about to attack Mari, Damian stepped in “You will not lay a finger on my girlfriend!” he said which shocked Alya with the rest of the class… while Lila looked pissed “Who the hell are you!? Do you even know who you’re saying your dating!?” Alya demanded making the class agree… but she was shocked when Damian pulled out his ID… revealing himself as Damian Wayne.

The same Damian Wayne Lila claimed she was dating…

“Now tell me what rights you had to try and harm my girlfriend!” he demanded which made Alya sputter… while Lila was panicking… she had already lied to the class that they wouldn’t be able to see Damian because he was in Africa helping those in need with his dad… then she pulled out the crocodile tears “How could you Marinette!! I tried to be your friend and this is how you repay me!!? By tricking my sweet Damibear to date you!?” she claimed which got her the desired reaction… the class quickly began to scream at Mari for her actions.

Just as Alya was about to say something… Bruce walked over looking angry, just as Lila was about to say something… Marc beats her to it and points at Lila “That’s her uncle! She’s the psycho liar who lies and bullies my friend Marinette!” he said which shocks Lila and the class.

But he was enjoying this…

In an instant, Bruce reveals each and every lie Lila has said in her entire life. Lila of course in a panic tries to cover it all up but Bruce doesn’t give her a chance by continuing to speak… and the entire class ignored her to listen to Bruce instead.

As a result, Caline is angry because now Lila won’t have a single friend while the class minus Adrien were shocked and confused about all of this… but then Alya became angry… at Marinette for not telling them but Adrien snapped “Are you deaf or just plain stupid Alya!? Marinette has been telling you all that Lila was lying from the start! But because in your words ‘she didn’t have proof’ none of you believed her!!” he screamed which shocked Alya. Just as she was about to say something, security comes and kicks the class minus Adrien out and were made to leave.

Adrien apologizes to Mari for not doing better… but sadly with his father threatening him he could barely do anything to help her. Bruce offered to help him and he accepted the offer, once they were all back in Paris… Caline and Damocles were fired, Lila was expelled and deported back to Italy, the class was questioned, forced to see therapists while being also punished by both the school’s new principal and their parents who were informed and the gang was transferred to Olga’s class where they were now very happy.

Adrien was now in his aunt Amélie’s custody but was allowed to stay in school in Paris instead of transferring to a school in London, in the end they were all happy… Marc was extremely happy because he had his friends and boyfriend with him… and Mari was now happy once more now.

He should have brought them to Gotham sooner…

[ifitmeanslosingyouthenno]

au in which nathaniel is married to riko

okay so

in this universe there's no mafia, the moriyamas are just filthy rich businessmen, but nathan still is a serial killer

things go a bit different in the sense that nathan kills mary when neil is 10 bc he loses his temper and keeps neil practically captive in that house, torturing him endlessly until nathan slips up and somehow the fbi finds the evidence they need to raid the house when neil is idk 15 ish and they end up killing nathan and neil is sent to foster care

he doesn't have as bad a time in foster care as andrew did, some parents like slapping him around, but some are genuinely nice people

ultimately tho he's not adopted by anyone by the time he turns 18 (he tells himself he doesn't mind, who would want a damaged and quiet and sketchy and flighty kid in their family anyway?)

he's left on his own, to figure out how to be a real person, an adult, with no home, no place to stay, no friends, no family, nothing but himself

he goes through a few years where he just lives on the streets, spending the little money he has left on food, going to shelters when he can, traveling through states until he gets to new york

he's attacked and harassed by some guy at some point outside a bar or something and he's so dazed he cant even fight back, but someone fights back for him

and its riko moriyama, famous fucking exy star and professional athlete

he saves neil and he takes him to his place, where he lets him stay and recover and hey, he's actually kind of sweet, and he really cares about neil, and maybe it wouldn't be so bad to stay with him? and when riko kisses him the first time maybe its not so bad? and maybe when they start dating he's incredibly loving and he gives him gifts and it's the happiest neil has been? and maybe when riko proposes neil says yes and they get married and they're happy? genuinely happy for once?

except that at some point, the love becomes anger, the sweet gestures become punches, the care becomes jealousy and control and pain, and what was the best thing in neils life becomes a nightmare once more

(and maybe he blames himself, maybe its neil thats the problem, maybe its him who brings out the worst in people, maybe he's doomed to this cycle of abuse)

its not until riko beats neil withing an inch of his life that neil runs

OH SHIT WAIT LMAO I FORGOT TO SAY

neil doesn't actually go by neil throughout all of this, he still goes by nathaniel, his legal name, nathaniel wesninski is married to riko moriyama not neil josten

so neil runs and runs and runs with what little money he could steal from riko and he adopts neil josten's identity until he physically cannot keep going

luckily for him, his collapse happens far enough, all the way in seattle in the same pharmacy that medical intern aaron minyard was buying some supplies

so yeah aaron freaks out and almost calls an ambulance but neil stops him bc he's scared bc riko might not have mafia connections in this universe but he has so much fucking money

and it takes aaron and katelyn and abby on the phone for them to fix a heavily beat up neil who should definitely go to the hospital but this is the best they can do

(aaron just assumes he's homeless, and he cant pay the hospital, and he's a fucking softie deep inside so he does everything he can to help how he can)

and maybe when kate catches neil sneaking out one night, she does everything to stop him and offers him safety and maybe the exchange some truths, maybe kate guesses that neil had someone that abused him, maybe someone he loved and neil is scared and he doesn't feel like he can trust anyone but something about kate makes him break down and tell her what he can while making sure he doesn't reveal much

and im taking too long but basically aaron and kate take neil in and they introduce him to the foxes and to the legendary kevin day and andrew minyard, professional exy players for the seattle exy team

and well it takes time and lots of trust before neil lets himself open up again

but its in the form of andrew minyard and the way they can both respect each others boundaries, and neil tells andrew about nathan, but never reveals the truth about being married or anything about riko moriyama

until andrew asks neil to marry him and well

it all goes to shit lol

neil cant bring himself to tell andrew the truth and it all becomes a mess and andrew breaks things up and neil becomes a mess as well

(bc its true, it's on him, its always on him and god he never learns, he never fucking learns, he doesn't fucking get happy endings, he doesn't fucking get good things)

and he tries to leave aaron and kate's place again, and he's successful this time and he's on his way out of seattle when he stops by a gas station to get some food and he has no idea of where he's going and he hesitates for a while, until he catches the eye of andrew on his car outside, and andrew just looks away and leaves and-

and if neil was hesitating before he's sure now and he has to leave for good and he has to leave and get away and never come back and

and he runs right into riko moriyama as he's leaving the store

to be continued maybe??

part 2

[blkdaddie]

A New Day

Part of the Natural As Breathing Series

The sun was just creeping up, castin that soft, warm glow through the lace curtains. The kind that make you feel like the day’s gonna be alright, no matter what. But this morning, I knew it wasn’t just any day. Them pains started in the middle of the night, slow and easy at first, but now they was coming on strong. It was time.

 I made the room ready earlier, pushing furniture aside, clearing a space on the floor where I could move ‘round and do what needed doing. Mama’s old quilt was laid out, those patches full of memories, and a pile of fresh towels and blankets beside it, waiting to catch new life. Nate, bless him, had his doctor stuff all set up too—his little black bag, a basin of warm water, and all the things he said was necessary. He’d been my anchor, calm and steady, just like I needed him to be.

The knock came at the door. Miss Lucille, one of the church ladies, had come by to take the kids for the day. I could hear them little feet scampering toward the door, excited to have a visit at Miss Lucille’s. She always spoiled ‘em, giving ‘em cookies and tellin’ stories about when she was a girl.

“Y’all behave for Miss Lucille now,” I called out, wincin’ as another pain gripped me. “And don’t be givin’ her no trouble, ya hear?��

“Yes, Daddy!” came the chorus of little voices, and I heard the door creak open, Miss Lucille’s warm voice spillin’ into the house.

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing,” she said, peekin’ into the room, her eyes full of kindness. “I got these babies. You focus on bringin’ that new one into the world for me to spoil.”

“Thank ya, Miss Lucille,” I managed to say, breathin’ through another wave. “I know they in good hands.”

She nodded, then ushered the kids out the door, leavin’ the house quiet, save for the sound of my breathin’ and the shuffle of Nate movin’ around.

Them contractions kept coming, stronger with each pass. I found myself swaying and breathin’ through ‘em, tryin’ to stay in control. Nate was right there, his hand on my back, warm and firm. He’d check me every now and then, his touch sure, but tender. I could see that look in his eyes, that mix of doctor and husband, both focused and full of love.

Been a doctor for years now, but I swear he turns into a different man when it’s his own child comin’. All that fancy schoolin’ don’t do nothin’ to calm his nerves when it’s his baby on the way.

When the pains got closer together, he helped me down to that quilt. His voice, always so smooth and steady, kept me grounded. “You’re doing great,” he said, squeezin’ my hand like he meant it. “Not much longer now.”

I took comfort in that room, filled with pieces of the past—Mama’s quilt, family pictures, the smell of the lilacs outside the window. It was like bein’ wrapped up in all the love that came before me, holdin’ me steady when things got tough.

“Breathe with me,” Nate murmured, his voice a gentle guide. “In through your nose, out through your mouth.”

I did as he said, breathin’ deep, tryin’ to ride them waves of pain instead of fightin’ ‘em. The baby was pushin’ down hard now, and I could feel it, that life inside me wantin’ to meet the world. Nate was right there, helpin’ me shift, findin’ the spots where the hurt eased up just a little.

After all the sweatin and gruntin my body knew when to push, all my muscles workin to help this baby on its way . I never was scared of hard work and birth is some of the hardest. I grunted as the baby crowned and paused to catch my breath when the head finally come out. “Nathaniel!” I growled, my use of his full gov’ment name let him know I was hittin my limit. “I’m sorry babe. Just hold on, almost there.”  I grit my teeth as he poked around to check the cord, then nodded when he gave me the go-head.  With one last push, I felt that baby slide into Nate’s hands. There ain’t no words for that feelin’—the release, the relief, the pure joy. Nate, all careful and gentle, cleaned the baby up before layin’ that little bundle right on my chest. Warm and wrigglin’, our child, finally here.

The baby’s first cries filled the room, and I swear it was the sweetest sound I ever heard. I gave a soft chuckle; now I know why Mama did this 8 times. Holding this new soul is pure heaven. Nate was still workin’, makin’ sure everything was right—clampin’ the cord, cuttin’ it just so, then wrappin’ up our baby in a soft blanket.

“We done good, huh?” I say, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Nate nods, leanin’ down to kiss my forehead. “We did, love. We did.”

Eventually, Nate helps me get settled, and we lie there together, our baby nestled between us. The house is quiet, peaceful. This is home.

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

does GL have tea parties with Elise and the other children-? Is Mori forced to join the tea parties-? When Mori cant make it who is substituted in for him or do they just leave his spot open?

They do.

Elise, Kyuusaku, Aya, Katsumi, Shinji, Sakura, Yu and Kousuke are having tea parties from time to time. And they often offer GL and other BSD Characters to join them. So, if any of the adults want to join them, they always have an open spot.

Some interesting bits about some characters:

Who joins often:

1. Guiding Light - will tell kids stories from the real world.

2. Oda Sakunosuke - he can be so serious, it looks funny.

3. Ivan Goncharov - he will take tea preparations upon himself.

4. Mori Ougai - will let kids braid his hair or make pigtails.

5. Ranpo Edogawa - need constant supervision, so he won't eat all snacks.

6. Kouyou Ozaki - she is surprisingly good with kids.

7. Akiko Yosano - will insist on more healthier snacks, but, won't spoil the fun.

8. Bram Stoker - will join, only if Aya present. Actually, quite good caretaker.

9. Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald - he was a father, so, he knows, how to host a tea party for children.

10. Kenji Miyazawa - just likes to play with kids.

11. Kyouka Izumi - she is on a quiet side, but, will gladly join the tea party.

12. Karma - keep an eye on kids during tea parties.

13. Fyodor Dostoevsky - will join only if you present and if he wants tea. A little bit passive, but, will let kids hide under his coat.

14. Nikolai Gogol - will make a little circus show for kids.

15. Fukuzawa Yukichi and Fukuchi Ouchi - will be bombarded with questions about their past.

16. Dazai Osamu - perfect, if tea party have a role play element. Will be overdramatic, but kids adore him.

17. Atsushi Nakajima - likes to play with kids.

18. Tanizaki siblings - Junchirou will make snacks and use his ability to live things up. Naomi is good at having a small talk.

19. Kirako Haruno, Louisa May Alkott and Edgar Allan Poe - a little bit awkward around kids, but, not against joining the game.

20. Sigma - it was a surprise, but kids always listen to him. Mostly joins for cookies.

21. Flags - good with dealing with kids, especially teens.

22. Ryunosuke Akutagawa - sometimes, can be a good babysitter. Will make a hammock from Rashomon for kids' entertainment.

23. Gin Akutagawa - better, then her brother. Will bring good tea.

24. Chuuya Nakahara - will join, only if GL are here. Will make table and chairs float. Not that interested in game itself, but won't spoil the fun.

Who won't join as often as they can:

1. Doppo Kunikida and Nathaniel Hawthorne - will join only if they are looking after kids today and there's no other adults. Still, they are good at playing along.

2. Katai Tayama - he is not good with kids. But, he will find cartoons or films for kids to watch.

3. Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud - join even lesser, then Kunikida and Hawthorne. Don't think, that they are good with kids.

4. André Gide - doesn't think, that he deserves to join kids' game.

Who are forbidden to join:

1. Tetchou Suehiro - problem is in his eating habits. He did it a couple of times on a tea party and kids decided to copy him. Only Elise didn't get a stomach ache. Since then, Tetchou isn't allowed to join tea parties without supervision.

2. Alexander Pushkin - he is bad in controlling his tongue and will talk about something inappropriate. And we aren't talking about swearing. Pushkin might start talking about neighbors, and who were with whom. And kids are like sponges. When Sakura, after a tea party with Pushkin, start asking Oda and you, if your neighbor really doesn't know, who is the father of her children, and what clients she brings home, you two almost strangle Pushkin. He isn't allowed to interact with kids without supervision.

Who aren't allowed to join at the same time:

Karma, Fyodor and Guiding Light

Because, when Shinji invite you three, that happened:

Everyone: drinking tea

Shinji: talking to you I am so glad, that you three start spending time as family. Finally, you and Fyodor stop neglecting your son Karma.

You, Karma and Fyodor almost chocked on your teas. It takes five minutes for your three to start breathing normally.

Karma is scared and try to hide behind his tea cup.

Fyodor never looked that shocked before. He is looking at Shinji, but can't form a single word.

You were just trying to say something.

You: "Wh... Who? Us... Our? Whom?... Wh... What..? Karma? Ours..?"

Shinji: didn't realize, that situation became this Yes! You wanted to save Karma, and Fyodor did it. You two saved him. Like Oda saved us. So, he is yours now.

Tea party come to an end. Karma couldn't look at you or Fyodor for a week.

Osamu and Nikolai, who, somehow, learn about this situation, were teasing you and Fyodor about, who will be 'stay at home parent' and who will be a 'breadwinner' for the two weeks.

[artzychic27]

Nathaniel and Marc date night in the DC AU!

It’s a quiet, peaceful noon in Paris… Or it would be if Marinette weren’t behind the wheel of a sports car she managed to hotwire. Civilians jump out of the way as the car races through the streets, the howling laughter of the five villain kids making chills go down their spines

Juleka: Can’t this go any faster? She points to the two police cars tailing them

Marinette: Relax, kitty, I happen to be an excellent driver. She drives through three red lights and nearly runs over a crossing guard Fuck! I missed! Alix, light my fireworks cannon, would ya? It’s under my seat.

Alix: FUCK YEAH! She grabs a handheld cannon and lights the wick. In a few seconds the firework shoots out of the cannon and hurdles for the police cars. Before they veer out of the way, the firework is suddenly stopped mid-air in a floating sphere of water Fun’s over.

Rose looks in the rear view mirror and sees the Hero class after them

Rose: Ugh! We didn’t get to rob the jewelry store yet! She summons several vines that spurt from the ground and grab hold of Aurore and Mireille. A few try to ensnare Simon, but he manages to outrun them and get them tangled

Jean: Serit rieht nettalf!

When the purple aura of Jean’s magic encases the tires of the sports car, they quickly flatten and the car stops in the middle of the road

Marinette: FUCK! Do you know how hard it was to make Juleka sneak into that rich dick’s mansion, then mess up the security system and then let us in?! She pulls out a tank of laughing gas and sprays it toward the heroes

Reshma rapidly flaps her wings to fans the laughing gas away, and Lacey, in the form of an octopus is thrown by Denise at Marinette

Marinette: Trying to pry Lacey off of her face GET THIS CTHULU MOTHERFUCKER OFF OF ME!

Ismael zaps the vines with his laser eyes while Denise fends off against Alix, blocking her scratches with their bracelets. Juleka repeatedly avoids Zoé’s bird-a-rangs.

Noticing Ismael coming up behind her about to use his ice breath, Juleka leaps into the air, and Ismael ends up freezing Mireille instead from the neck-down.

Ismael: Sorry, ‘Reille!

Mireille: Shivering I-I’m good. I’m good.

Aurore summons a geyser of water from a fire hydrant and morphs it into an arm to fight Rose’s carnivorous plants. When the water arm doesn’t seem to have an effect, Cosette electrifies the water and the plants are soon incapacitated

Meanwhile, Marc and Simon are getting civilians to safety, however, Marc finds himself unexpectedly trapped in Nathaniel’s massive fist. Unable to free himself, he resorts to a different tactic

Marc: Nathaniel, let me go, or else!

Nathaniel: Smirks Or else, what?

Marc: Or else, I’m canceling date night!

This declaration catches everyone listening off-guard. The villains and heroes even pause mid-fight

Marinette: With Lacey still on her face Wait, what’s happening?

Nathaniel’s eyes widen in alarm at Marc’s threat, and in not time, he releases the Tamaranean, not wanting to risk a nice evening with his boyfriend. He even gives Marc the puppy eyes for good measure

Marc: Aaw. He kisses him on the cheek Okay, I won’t cancel our date. You’re lucky you’re so cute.

Ismael: Wait… You two are dating?! Since when?!

Later that day

Lacey: You’re absolutely sure you want to go on a date with Nathaniel?

Marc: Brushing his hair It’s not like this is the first time we’ve gone out. Now you all just know about it.

Ismael: Yeah, but… It’s Nathaniel, you know… A VILLAIN!

Marc: I’m aware he’s a villain, Ismael. Puts on his boots

Zoé: Yeah, a villain who can crush a sixteen-wheeler with his bare hands.

Cosette: And makes Godzilla look like a whiny little bitch.

Ismael: And who made me have to twist and bend twenty lampposts in order to make handcuffs big enough for him

Jean: And… Oh, shoot, what’s one?… Gimme a minute.

Denise: Leave him alone, guys. Nathaniel obviously loves Marc, and Marc loves him. And there is nothing we can do about it.

Marc: Thank you, Denise.

Denise: Yeah, and if Nathaniel breaks his heart, I’ll break his titan-sized kneecaps.

Marc: … Thank you?

Reshma: … Alright, I’ll ask him. Do you have any industrial-sized pepper spray? Scarab wants to know before you leave.

Meanwhile

Marinette: So, what’s the plan? Make him feel all loved and vulnerable, and then POW! She shoots one of her ‘POW!’ guns That’s when you ambush him! One less crazy-strong alien for us to deal with!

Nathaniel: No, there’s not gonna be any ambushing.

Kim: Ah, I see. There “isn’t” gonna be an ambush.

Nathaniel: There definitely isn’t.

Nino: I hear you, bro. Wink.

Lila: You clever bitch.

Nathaniel: I’m not gonna ambush my boyfriend.

Chloé: But here’s a hero! It’s what we do!

Nathaniel: If it were any of his other classmates, then yes, I’d gladly ambush them, but not Marc. Also, one of you is gonna have to fight him during our weekly battles.

Adrien: We can’t fight him! He has laser eyes!

Juleka: Are you asking us to choose death?

Ivan: We can’t all be immortal like Denise is, I assume.

Max: We need your freakishly strong hands to hold him and Ismael hostage!

Nathaniel: And that comment earns you a time out. Picks Max up and holds him captive in his fist

Max: Muffled I’ve gotta learn to shut my mouth.

[gee-arid]

Hey, about your Veilleuse and Ailes Rouge au, how would the episode Silencer go? Also it would be purrfect right? (pun intended)

The main progress point of this episode would be Luka recognising Ailes Rouges 'heart song' (he can keep his magical powers :3 theres a whole subsection of magic thats hinted at in mlb that never really gets touched on, but its still kinda cool).

This would probably lead to Luka getting closer to Nath in an attempt to help him. This could then lead to either romance conflict (although i think any attraction towards Luka would be one-sided), or mutual appreciation of taste.

Context:

I headcanon Luka has known Nathaniel for atleast a few years, not very well mind you, but in the way one knows vaguely of their little sisters strange classmates.

Nath was pretty... introverted before being pushed by Tikki and later Marc, so while Juleka and Nathaniel would work together on school projects (when Rose and Alix werent available) out of quiet kid solidarity, they probably didnt know too much about eachother. Still- Luka has been around him enough to pick up his song, especially once Nath starts being more friendly and actually making friends with Jules.

Marc however hasnt been hanging around the boat house that long, if ever, so Luka doesnt recognise him.

Anyway, silly episode bits:

Nathaniel is brought in by KS to help design the costumes. Hes a costume guy while Marinettes a fashion gal. He and Marinette work together to fix up the costumes.

(Silencer off camera having stolen Ailes voice)

Ailes does loose his voice to Silencer. But this doesnt affect them all that much, excluding being immediately thrown off. Upon meeting up our boys figure, as long as they can break his helmet and catch a voice to use, it doesnt matter if they have a charm or not. Besides, Ailes has gotten better at catching little flying things.

Neither Ailes or Vei like Bob Ross at all, and do make him spill on live TV in the end. Probably less subtly than Ladybug and Chat Noir did. Our heroes are artists and dont stand for art thieves.

Bonus Kitty Section! and Silencer!Luka designs:

Im... not completely happy with them. But i wanted Silencer to resemble the Kitty Section costume. And his 'cape' flickers when he 'talks' (through the speakers on his hands and chest) like audio recordings.

[underwxrldprincess]

Jewish Nathaniel Kurtzberg headcanons

It is canon that Nathaniel is Jewish, evident in his surname and absence from the Christmas special. However because "religion is a secular matter and cannot be portrayed in a children's TV show" (🙄), Nathaniel's heritage won't be represented in any of the episodes, so I'll be writing these headcanons.

Nathaniel (like Marinette, Adrien, and their classmates) was born between late 2000 and mid-2001.

The law on religious display in public schools (la loi sur les signes religieux dans les écoles publiques) was signed on March 15, 2004.

The law on face-coverings in public (la loi interdisant la dissimulation du visage dans l'espace public) was passed by the Senate on September 14, 2010.

TW for references of antisemitism and Islamophobia

Nathaniel's great-grandparents were German Jews who fled to France shortly before World War II

his family is not Orthodox but they are religious, they go to synagogue, celebrate the holidays, follow kosher, etc.

Nathaniel has always been a shy, quiet kid but his parents raised him to be assertive and to question authority if necessary

the first time Nathaniel realizes he is different is when he is three years old and starts preschool, during lunch he can't eat what the other children are eating in case the food is not kosher

his parents contact the preschool, who refuse to provide a kosher/pork-free option or let Nathaniel pack his own lunch, they compromise to let him go home for lunch instead

December rolls around, and the other children are excited about Christmas, except for Nathaniel, who is excited about Hanukkah but can't help but feel a bit left out

at six years old, another boy in his class starts running his hands through Nathaniel's hair out of the blue, "I heard that your people have horns, where are yours"

at eight years old, a girl in his class sees the gold Star of David necklace that Nathaniel always wears and starts bombarding him with questions

Nathaniel knows that she has no bad intentions but can't help feeling a bit uncomfortable and othered

at nine years old, during a class debate on the hijab ban, another boy says how anyone who wears their religious symbols are not truly French and should go back to where they came from, leaving Nathaniel flushing with shame and anger

at eleven years old, he begins attending Collège Françoise Dupont

on his first day of middle school, Principal Damoclés makes him remove his Star of David necklace

he is afraid but looks the principal straight in the eye and refuses, "this is my religion and my identity," he says, his heart pounding and his voice shaking

after a few more resists, Principal Damoclés suspends him

when he goes home to his confused parents, Nathaniel breaks down in tears as he explains Principal Damoclés suspending him on his first day of middle school for his necklace

his furious parents storm over to the school to confront the principal, demanding he allow their son back to school immediately and for him to wear the symbol of his religious pride

Principal Damoclés lets him back the next day but Nathaniel never wears his necklace to school again, only at home and in non-school settings

the day he returns to school, fellow classmate Alix Kubdel approaches him

Alix explains her family heritage: her family is of Algerian origin and Muslim, and while she can pass as white, her parents and brother have faced racism, Alix's mother have even had her hijab ripped off by an old white man on public transit and no one defended her

Nathaniel knows that he, as a white-presenting boy, cannot relate to the experiences of Alix or her mother, but appreciates having a friend who understands

he invited Alix to his bar mitzvah

he loves learning about the Holocaust, it is painful but his ancestors' strength and resilience make him proud, he can't stand how all of his classmates seem to stare at him during class whenever it comes up

in his third year, he is placed in Miss Bustier's class with Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Chloé Bourgeois, Sabrina Raincomprix, Rose Lavillant, Juleka Couffaine, Lê Chiến Kim and Max Kanté

when he arrives at school one morning he sees a swastika drawn in permanent marker on his desk, drawn by Chloé "Can't he make sushi like everyone else" Bourgeois

he reports it to a furious Miss Bustier, who sends Chloé to Principal Damoclés, who lets her off with a mere warning, which infuriates Nathaniel and his parents

as much as he wants to stay home from school the next day, Nathaniel is determined to not let Chloé win and shows up at school the next day

a sneering Chloé comes up to him, but before Chloé could open her mouth, fellow classmate Marinette Dupain-Cheng spoke up

"you suck, Chloé." Marinette glares at the blonde. "you speak of him as if he is below you, but he's got more nerve in his finger than your entire body"

Rose and Juleka join in, "Leave him alone, Chloé" "go pick on someone your own size, someone with an overinflated head like you"

Chloé started bullying Marinette

meanwhile, Nathaniel starts to fall for Marinette and becomes closer to Rose and Juleka

in the middle of his fourth and final year, he gets over his crush on Marinette/Ladybug and instead starts falling for Marc Anciel, with whom he works on their Ladybug comics

he confides his feelings for Marc to Alix

"you might be bi or pan," Alix, who is aromantic and an expert in LGBT terminology, explains to him

he first comes out as bisexual to Alix, who is nothing but incredibly supportive and proud of her best friend

Rose and Juleka (canon girlfriends!) are the next to know, and he grows closer to the girls than ever

Nathaniel is hesitant to come out to his parents, however: he feels like he is betraying the Jewish identity his parents instilled in him since childhood by coming out to them

he begins to research queer Jewish identity on the Internet and hears stories of others from all across the globe, who are queer, Jewish and proud

Nathaniel eventually asks out Marc, who agrees to be his boyfriend and he is happier than ever

Marc isn't Jewish but is more than happy to learn about Jewish culture and to fight anyone who dares to say anything antisemitic, whether about Nathaniel or not

since he started dating Marc, Nathaniel gains the courage to come out to his parents, who immediately accept him, much to his pleasant surprise

"you are our son, and our religion accepts everyone," his father says

"love is love, and if this boy Marc makes you happy, that's all that matters," his mother says

he gets into the same design school as Marc and Marinette for high school

in his first year of high school, he and Marc finally publish their Ladybug comics, which quickly become successful

towards his final years of high school, he begins studying for the baccalauréat while continuing his relationship with Marc and their comics and applying for his birthright trip

on his final year of high school, he passes the bac littéraire along with Marc and Marinette, and the three reunite with their middle school friends to celebrate

soon after graduating high school, he leaves for birthright (Alix cried buckets of tears at the airport)

the trip is the best ten days of his life, Nathaniel feels at home as he connects with other French Jews and Jews from across the globe and visits the cultural sites

shortly after his return to France, Nathaniel invites Marc to the Seine, where he gets down on one knee, much to the latter's delight (they both cry tears of joy that night)

his and Marc's wedding was the most beautiful day ever, they have a traditional Jewish wedding filled with ketubah, chuppah, glass breaking, joy, light and love

[msweebyness]

MiracOlympus- Just a Bunch of Content

Hey, y’all! I’ve decided to make some changes to the overall backstory of MiracOlympus! And share some headcanons! Enjoy! @imsparky2002 @artzychic27

Before the current group of Gods took over, the world was ruled by their predecessors, the Titans, many of whom were their parents. The king of these gods was of course, Gabriel, alongside his wife Emilie. The elder deities would teach the young generation to take their place among the pantheon one day.

With how he treated everyone around him, ruling with a clear disdain for mortals and being a total control freak, it was only a matter of time before Gabriel’s reign would come to an end. When you ‘ground’ your sons by locking them in Tartarus for as long as a month for disobedience, that tends to happen. When Adrien, Kim and Nathaniel turned 17, they had enough and rallied all their friends to overthrow Gabriel, taking over as the new pantheon, and allowing their parents a LONG overdue and well-deserved retirement.

There are currently two gods who have been banished from Olympus. (Might be 3 soon if a certain someone doesn’t get her act together!) Let’s start with Emani, the god of manipulation. Before Marc became his partner in ruling the Underworld, Nathaniel was with Emani. And it…was not a good situation. See, gods are forbidden to use their powers to mentally influence one another, as it could hinder them from doing their jobs. Emani…didn’t adhere to that. Throughout their time in a relationship, he was basically brainwashing Nathaniel to do whatever he told him. Along with a healthy dose of gaslighting and belittling him. He was usually incredibly cautious and never let anyone see him do it. But one day…someone did. While she was bringing drinks to the main sitting room (as was her job, since even the little kids aren’t allowed to be kids under Gabe), Sasha had seen him using his powers to subdue Nathaniel, and Emani just saw her as she had dropped the tray and ran from the room. In his mind, he couldn’t let this get out and everyone knows kids can’t keep quiet so…he framed Sasha for poisoning the drinks she was serving, and since Gabriel is paranoid, she was exiled from Olympus. (Emani served as a loyal little henchman to Gabe, using his power on mortals to his advantage.) (Queen Emilie thought this was ludicrous btw! She’s literally a child!) (It says a lot that her older brother, known to be one of the most pacifistic of the young gods, was so enraged that he physically attacked Emani until Denise and Spinelli managed to separate them, though neither seemed like they really wanted to.) Ultimately, this was the last straw for Nathaniel, who refused to let him get away with targeting an innocent child. He broke up with Emani and Eri was able to prove that Emani had been using his power on him, and expose the frame job. Having broken the laws, the young god was banished.

The other god who was banished from the peaks was Lucien, god of jealousy. He had a crush on…no, he was obsessed with Marc. He would stop at nothing to be near him and make the flower god his, despite Marc’s obvious discomfort. He truly believed he was entitled to Marc’s affections and wouldn’t hear any different. And when Marc started seeing Nathaniel…he kind of snapped. His harassment kept escalating to the point that he eventually took it too far, and assaulted Marc. When Marc told the others, they were ready to lynch Lucien. They went to the elder gods, but without “proof”, Gabriel refused to banish Lucien, hemming and hawing and not willing to lose such a useful asset. Eventually, Mylene got sick of him pussyfooting, and employed her role as goddess of the harvest, threatening that she would prevent anything from growing in the divine fields and orchards unless Lucien was banished from Olympus. With his hand forced, Gabriel conceded.

Ah, the Trojan War. It went a little differently here. You see, Princess Aeon of Sparta was said to be the most beautiful mortal woman in the world. Beloved by all her people and especially her mother, Queen Olympia. But one fateful day, when she was fourteen, she was kidnapped in the night by a raiding party of Trojan soldiers. Apparently, the youngest prince had decided to go the child bride route. So Aeon was spirited off to Troy. Of course, Queen Olympia was furious and mobilized her entire army to get her daughter back. Now, the gods are NOT cool with kidnapping, especially of a minor for an arranged marriage and they BATTERED Troy. Juleka sent all their game out of range, Mylene cursed them with a bad harvest, Kim decimated any Trojan ships that dared to leave the harbor with storms, etc. The prince’s older brother, apparently the only member of the family with a brain, figured the gods were mad they took the princess and they should take her home. But Prince Dumbass refused. All while Aeon was just sobbing that she wanted to go back to her mother. Eventually, Max has the Trojan horse idea and passes it to his boi Odysseus, and they were able to rescue Aeon!

RANDOM FUN STUFF!!!

Adrien was a nervous wreck when he went to ask Marinette to be the new Queen of Olympus. So nervous in fact that his brothers were hiding in the bushes for moral support.

The gods have a weekly game night on Olympus and things get…wild.

When Kiran got a cold, he basically had to take care of himself because his sneezes released so much of his power that it put everyone in a mile radius to sleep.

Lotta loves spending time with kids! They’re just so cute! So sometimes she’ll disguise herself as a human and babysit for families.

Cosette loves to bend their rainbows into a variety of shapes and designs. Everyone loves to see what she can come up with.

Reshma talks in a very archaic fashion and her manners are impeccable. Her voice also echoes. (Think Zestial from Hazbin.)

Just had some ideas I needed to get out! Leave your thoughts in the comments and reblogs! (The Emani scheme comes from Lore Olympus. I’m generally not much of a fan, but the sibling relationship between Ares and Hebe is cute.)

[yourleftpinkytoe-blog]

Aftg x FNAF fic idea.

BACKGROUND

February, 1997- drake spear is (dishonorably) discharged from the marines.

the spear family decides to purchase a local pizza place (the upper middle class family thought it would be a good environment to raise foster kids also it’s a place where Richard can put his robotic prowess to use)

they have had two (foster kids) so far and for some reason none of them stick.

June, 1997- drake moves out of his parents house.

July, 1997- the business takes off under the spears management.

Children love the robots.

October, 1997- a child goes missing at the restaurant.

The police questioned the owners but determined none had anything to do with it.

They were wrong.

March, 1998- 12 year old Andrew Doe was placed in the care of the spears.

Two months later he meets drake (he was busy with the investigation and didn’t want to risk getting caught)

Andrew got quiet after that. (more so than usual)

The next two years are basically the same as canon for Andrew except the existence of Freddy Fazbears.

June, 2000- four children go missing at the pizzeria.

Drake tries to make Andrew watch the last one.

Andrew fights back(for the first time)

He couldn’t care less about himself but he draws the line at watching drake hurt other kids.

June, 2000- the Andrew Doe became the fifth victim of the 2000 missing children’s incident.

None of the children’s bodies are found.

Backtrack to two years earlier.

The business is loosing patronage because of the first murder.

Nathan Wesninskie, mob boss and serial killer, Nathan sees the goings down and decides to invest in the company to keep it going.

{Idk his reasoning but bare with me here}

Back in July, 2000- Nathan sends Lola and the newly caught Alex Nathaniel to clean up drakes mess.

Dead kids is not something Nathan wants to publicly be associated with.

Nathaniel tries to run.

Andrew gains a friend.

They are two enraged and vengeful souls stuck in the same vessel.(golden Freddy)

The actual story

Aarons pov. October 2000

He’s alone.

His mom is distant and neglectful.

But she’s never hurt him.(in canon she doesn’t start hurting him till after he contacts Andrew)

She’s high a lot.

She had a date with some guy and she lets him come with her. It’s at an exy game.

He likes exy.

This stranger keeps calling him Andrew and asking where he’s been.

He’s a police officer .

He has had a twin.

He steals his mom’s pills to ease the ache of what could have been.

He hates his mom for giving Andrew away. He hates the spears for letting Andrew out of their sight, he hates Officer Huggins for telling him about Andrew, most of all he hates himself for not being able to do anything to help Andrew.

His mom takes one too many pills when he’s 16, he doesn’t cry at her funeral.

He’s lucky Nicky cares.

They greave the “what if” together.

He’s 20, with a scholarship at palmetto university. He plays exy with Nicky.

He likes exy

He wonders if Andrew would have liked exy.

He’s been sober for years.

He and Matt really helped each other with their sobriety.

Kate also helps.

Every year on the date of his brothers disappearance he goes to the memorial. (There are no grave for a missing nobody, a Doe)

The spears knew but they didn’t want to think about it.

If they pretend Andrew never existed, then it never really happened, right.

Someone else is at the memorial.

Hes never really believed the spears were entirely innocent

the lady tells him about Freddy fazbears

She looks like a broken woman

(She lost her son)

Something doesn’t feel right

Over summer break he gets a job as a nighttime security guard.

His family comes with him for moral support (the foxes)

He is going to find out what happened to his brother.

And Andrew is going to fucking kill anyone who tries to hurt him or any of the other children.

(In his eyes anyone who is there at night is a threat)

Nothing good had ever happened when someone comes near him at night.

Then stuff happens and Aaron eventually finds out what happened to Andrew and he kills drake. In the end Andrew, Neil and the other kids are set free.

The sub plot would involve Andrew and Neil slowly growing to trust each other and the other dead kids forming a bond that starts to heal their mental wounds. Kinda their both still angry and vengeful ghosts who’s only purpose (in their minds) is to protect the other kids)

Andrew died fighting for them and that followed him into death and Neil ran when he saw Andrew’s corpse and although he ran for himself after death he feels unexplainably protective over Andrew.

NOT A ROMANTIC STORY FOR NEIL AND ANDREW. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS PLATONIC BECAUSE THEY ARE FOURTEEN AND THIRTEEN AND DEAD. (They don’t need romance they need some who will stand unwavering at their side)

[junko-loves-dazai]

They bully you

ft. Nathaniel Hawthorne, Yumeno Kyusaku/"Q", Naomi Tanizaki, Jouno Saigaki

Nathaniel Hawthorne

I feel like it's like getting T-posed in to a corner and make you listen to him reading the bible of smt

It's like band kids trying to bully you

He can't do anything to you so you don't have to worry

Yumeno Kyusaku "Q"

I don't think you'll live long

He'll probably use his ability on you the first chance he gets

sorry ¯\_( ͠°﹏ ͡°)_/¯

Naomi Tanizaki

It all started one fateful day

You were working and suddenly tripped on who knows what (probably air cuz you're clumsy)

you landed on Jun'ichirō

Naomi saw this and was absolutely outraged' like how dare you lay your hands on her older brother

After that day Naomi has never treated you nicely

Now she calls you horrid names (that nobody else hears) and pulls on your hair and messes up your work

Jono Saigaki

I feel sooooo sorry for you

He looks so kind and sweet but

He treats you like he treats Tetchou or worse

Telling you to stop breathing so loud even though its the normal way and its so quiet and telling you to stop your heart from beating so loud

Genuinely he sadistic side comes out more when it comes to you

You’re getting beat the hell up (mentally)

like you could be standing there and he’ll be insulting you

Rip your self confidence

[coffbeanie]

One of my biggest “what if” thoughts for miraculous ladybug is “what if the writers let Nathaniel be another love interest for Marinette even after Evillustrator?”

(I elaborate on this under the cut!!)

Just bc as someone who was in the fandom (and by that I mean I watched the show on YouTube and saw fanart via Pinterest and google images) like before season 2 but after season 1 ended, Nathaniel not only seemed to me like a well liked character, but there was also a good amount of fanart with him and Mari

I feel like he was kinda the go to for people who didn’t quite like him with Adrien (I always wondered why she didn’t just pick him-he seemed just as cute and as nice and he liked her back) and I also see him as that “Luka before Luka” as in he was another guy to ship Mari with, and they’re both kinda emo with the artsy vibe

I say this bc 1. I think it would have been interesting story wise and 2. As someone who was present when Nath as a fairly popular side character it’s sad to see him be neglected by the narrative

1. I’m not saying the writers should have scrapped Luka entirely and replaced him with Nath- obviously not Luka’s important to the story. I also understand that having too many love interests would have been difficult to tackle, but it would have been fun to see Nathaniel go “oh yeah I had a crush on you lmao kinda awkward it’s fine tho i’m trying to move on and I might be into ladybug now” and to them have Mari do a double take and be like “crap maybe I do like you a bit”

Also I think it would have provided interesting development for Mari to have Marc as a romantic rival-characters like Chloe, Lila, and Kagami (at least when she was first introduced) were all kinda put into a bad light, Chloe and Lila cause they were just mean and manipulative respectively, and Kagami cause she first came off as kinda mean and cold, giving Mari enough reason to dislike them and question whether they’re good for Adrien outside of also being jealous, but Marc wouldn’t be like that for Nath-he’s a quiet kid who seems nice enough, and he just writes fanfics, plays soccer, and doesn’t want to be bothered. If liked Nath enough, she would just have to accept that she’s feeling pure jealously cause you can’t really hate him for any other reason, also could have led to fun shenanigans to her trying to justify not liking Marc when she really can’t, she’s just mad cause he’s getting close to Nath

Also cause it would have been interesting to see Mari almost be rejected-maybe it’s just me but I could never really accept Kagami as a romantic rival cause they always portrayed Adrien as almost hesitant to get with Kagami, and his love for Ladybug would triumph over all(yeah they would do Chat getting over Ladybug for an episode it barely lasted) so I couldn’t see them actually being together and having the both of them be happy. Also Chloe and Lila weren’t fit for Adrien just cause they sucked

And for Luka he’s just like still there, and while he knows now that Mari and Adrien are made for each other before he had this “but I’ll still be here waiting for you if you need me :D” vibe

I think Mari being rejected by a character romantically if he was presented as a legit love interest would add more to that “just a normal girl with a normal life” cause we all don’t get what we want and people we like aren’t just going to stay waiting around for us-if Nath clicked with Marc more than he did with her than she would just have to deal with it, and seeing her deal with a still kinda hard (cause rejection is difficult) but realistic situation (something must of could relate to as it doesn’t relate to superhero-ing) would have been refreshing

2. I understand as I’m typing that I’m slightly biased towards Nath (were all the fanarts I saw as a kid really that popular? Or was I just being given Nathaniel centric art caused that’s what I looked up? I can’t remember honestly) but I’m still disappointed with how he was being pushed aside in the show, especially when-the character who would draw his superhero self insert at first denying a miraculous when presented one, and having to share his hero debut with three other people

(Penalteam could have worked if it was more Sabrina centric cause it’s hard to get out of a toxic friendship so yeah she would have gotten her miraculous last, because while getting away from Chloe definitely took her some time, ultimately she was still able to do it and become a hero, and what a better villain for her to fight than a whole bunch of Chloes; Ivan, Marc, and Nath should have gotten their own eps and I stand by this)

Idk as someone who got into the show bc of the Evillustrator episode, it’s just hard to see my fav boi be pushed to the side :((

If you read all the way to the end, thank you and pls share ur thoughts!!! Especially any Nathaniel fans wanna know if anything else has thought of this.

[ifitmeanslosingyouthenno]

It ain't the money and it sure as hell ain't just for the fame

day 18 whumptober prompt: revenge | loss of identity

there was an unnatural stillness to the room, the quiet almost eerie 

the air was thick with blood

the ground was filled with puddles of it 

one ragged breath broke through the silence, whispy and weak

good

nathaniel didn't mind the squelch of the carpet under his boots, didn't care about the corpses he had to walk around to get to the source of the breaths 

the only thing he cared about was to make sure the quiet was endless

ichirou moriyama had never looked so pitiful as he did then, half hidden behind his desk, body covered in holes, pristine suit soaking in his own blood, hair disheveled in all directions 

there was blood pouring out of his mouth already

good

nathaniel had hit his lungs 

ichirou was suffering like he deserved 

the once mighty lord's fingers were twitching, trying desperately to reach for a gun just a few inches away 

nathaniel was thankful for his heavy soles as he stepped on ichirou's hands

he was so weak, so close to death, he could only open his mouth in a silent scream 

nathaniel clicked his tongue

"you think you can save yourself still?"

through his pain, through the fog and the lost inhibitions, ichirou still managed to smile 

"i don't- need to- save me- save myself to- to win"

his words were said between pants, blood coating his lips and teeth bright crimson

nathaniel smiled his father's smile and barked out a laugh

"you think you still have a chance to win?" nathaniel kneeled, making sure he was eye to eye with ichirou. "i stole every last penny in your pocket, i tore down every brick of your empire, i killed your wife and your kid and even that bastard you bred

i killed every single one of your men, down to the last accountant and snitch and corrupt cop if they refused to give on their loyalties to you"

nathaniel pushed the desk out of the way with rage induced strength and he gestured to the room around them

"i killed your closest friends and associates and guards, and you still think you can win? i took everything from you, you lost"

ichirou was fading fast, but against nathaniel's fury he laughed

how dare he fucking laugh of all things?

"so did- so did i"

nathaniel saw red

for a moment he couldn't breathe

instead of yakuza men, he was surrounded by the people he loved

the people neil had loved

the people neil had killed 

nathaniel took out his gun again, pointing straight down at ichirou's forehead

he blinked, and for a second, instead of ichirou he could see andrew 

andrew 

with a bullet in his head for loving the wrong man, for insisting he didn't need protection

andrew

with a bullet in his head because neil had loved him more than he loved anything else 

his andrew

with a bullet in his head because neil failed to protect him

his andrew and his foxes and his coach and his nurse and his family

with bullets in their heads because neil failed to protect them

nathaniel would not fail again

he clicked the safety off, making sure to look ichirou right in his fucking eyes 

"this is what happens when you touch my things motherfucker"

there was no regret in ichirou's eyes, only malice and glee and victory

he was still smiling, breath raggedy and wheezing and on the verge of dying

"i won," he whispered just loud enough for nathaniel to hear it

nathaniel pulled the trigger 

ichirou's unblinking lifeless eyes were still staring at him once the ringing of the bullet faded 

nathaniel stared at him numbly

he leaned against the desk, bloody hands grasping the edges for a sense of stability

through the window, he could see castle evermore in flames

an empire had fallen tonight 

nathaniel didn't feel victorious as sobs racked through his body

deep inside, he knew ichirou was righ

sorry lol title from i never told you what i did for a living by my chem which i feel perfectly encompasses what neil is feeling through in this

[ithaquasbbg]

Last day of angst then you guys get fluff Yipee

Imitate the past, but never return. Ithaqua x reader

Pairing: Ithaqua x reader

Trigger warnings: ithaqua “dies” (but not really lol)

A little you sits on a rock next to an iced over lake, watching other children your age laughing and playing together, while you were alone. It’s not that you mind it, quite honestly it’s the opposite, you don’t actually care at all. It’s nice to watch other people being happy.

That’s when a little boy sits next to you. He has light blonde hair and the prettiest blue eyes you’ve ever seen, he’s a cute kid by all means. He doesn’t say anything to you, so you start the conversation. “Hi, I’m (name)!” The boy looks surprised that you’re talking to him, almost a little anxious, but eventually smiles. “I’m Ithaqua” He tells you, though he might as well be whispering, with how quietly he’s speaking. “Ithaqua..” you mumble, looking at him. “That’s a pretty name, I like it!”

He’s a little embarrassed, nodding along with you and whispering a quick ‘thank you’ but not much else. The two of you sit together in silence before a while before you get an idea, grabbing Ithaqua’s hand and pulling him onto the ice with you. “What are you doing?!-“ He’s definitely surprised by your actions, but after realizing what’s happening calms down relatively quickly, maintaining his balance. You, on the other hand are flailing around, laughing as you hold onto your new friend.

Eventually after hours of tripping and falling over each other (you were the main cause of this), you both have to part ways, giving each other a quick hug as you two part. “I’ll see you again next time the lake is like this, right?” You ask, watching him immediately smile and nod. “I’d love to play with you more, (name)” his voice isn’t quite a whisper anymore, though still quiet.

Every year afterwards, the two of you meet up and skate on the ice, sometimes until well after dark. Ithaqua is still as good as he was years ago, guiding you along the lake and help keeping you stable. You, meanwhile, end up knocking Ithaqua over along with you multiple times on each gathering.

The last year you did this together, you remember sitting next to each other on the same rock you had met at, staring up at the stars. “…Ithaqua” you look over at him, looking at his pretty face in the light of the moon. “You remind me a lot of the moon, you know?” He blurts out, peeking over at you. “You’re beautiful, but I don’t think you can see it, (name).” This shocks you and you’re left speechless for a second before your body moves without thinking, as you smash your lips into his.

It takes a moment for him to register what’s going on before he leans in and kisses you back, holding you for a while under the moonlight, talking about everything under the sun. “If I’m the moon” you start, looking over at Ithaqua, “Then you’re my sun, the moon can’t shine at night without the sun lighting the world up.” He giggles and ruffles your hair, planting a kiss on your forehead. “Even without shining, you’d always be beautiful, my love.”

That night, the two of you part when the sun rises, giving each other a few more kisses before leaving, promising to meet again the day after. That never happened though, and days after, Ithaqua’s home was set ablaze by the magistrates son, Nathaniel Norwell, and he had not been seen since. This had left you heartbroken, but you never felt any anger towards him for it. Instead, you were overwhelmed with a deep feeling of grief, missing your love.

….

A year later, you sit out on that rock, tears running down your face as you stare up at the sky. It was a cloudy night, and it looked as if there was no moon. “It’s funny, Ithaqua..” you whisper “the moon can’t light up without the sun.” You stand up and walk onto the ice, slowly moving around on it. Over the last few months, you had taken up skating to keep his memory alive in a way, copying movements you remembered him doing with a bittersweet smile on your face.

Though, even if you didn’t know it, he sat in the nearby forest, putting down his weapon as he watches the person he had once loved more than anything. He wipes his eyes, having taken off the mask once he knew you wouldn’t see him. “The moon is still beautiful, even without being illuminated, my love..”