#shane 4 heart event

[ursulanoodles]

Shane's Four Heart Event: A Drabble

The day after Shane spilled his guts to the farmer on the dock, he stayed in bed all day, staring up at his ceiling. He was never that forward or honest with anyone, so why had he opened up to them? He didn’t know them at all. Yet, for some reason, he trusted them. Maybe it was the way that they never gave up on him and kept saying hello and talking to him, even when he was a miserable piece of shit, or maybe it was because there was a possibility that they could be a kindred spirit— someone who understood where he was coming from. He didn’t know why they were in the valley, struggling to make ends meet in their grandfather’s shitty, rundown cabin, but something had obviously brought them to this secluded town in the middle of nowhere.

It would make perfect sense for him to continue to open up to them, but he couldn’t. In the days that followed, he distanced himself from them, even though every part of him was screaming and wanting to do the exact opposite. He couldn’t let them get involved in his bullshit, especially if they already had their own to deal with, and besides, they’d get sick of him eventually. Everyone did, and it never got any easier when they left. He was an unlovable, miserable man who hurt everyone who cared for him, and it was better if he didn’t pull another person into the middle of the disaster that was his life.

In the weeks that followed, he drank more than usual— he wanted to drown out the thoughts and feelings that were forming in the back of his mind. He couldn’t slip up like that again, so he resolved to close himself off. If the farmer stopped by Marnie’s, he’d stay in his room; if he spotted them in JojaMart, he’d hide in the back room; and if they showed up at the saloon, he’d hurry up and leave, even if he just got there.

On one such afternoon, he left the saloon early, his head a mess of busy thoughts. He wasn’t even there long enough to get a buzz before the farmer showed up. So, he went home, locked himself in his room, and drank until he couldn’t stand— until every fucking thought in his head was gone.

Finally, some peace and fucking quiet.

Imagine his surprise, then, when Marnie and the farmer burst into his room to find him lying face down in a pool of his own vomit, cans and bottles strewn about his dingy, messy room that he hadn’t had the energy to clean in weeks. He was so drunk he could barely lift his head, and the whole world spun beneath him, threatening to hurl him into the abyss. Marnie and the farmer were talking back and forth, but he couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, and in that moment, he really didn’t give a fuck, he just wanted them to go away.

Seconds later, he was covered in ice-cold liquid that soaked his clothes and shocked him into wakefulness, and he lumbered to his feet, swaying back and forth. He shook his head, trying to clear his double vision, but gave up and stared off between the two of them, keeping his eyes as still as possible, lest he throw up on himself again— not that it would make much of a difference.

Marnie hurled words at him, chastising him like he was a lazy teenager, and he wanted to laugh in her face. He knew he was a pathetic sack of shit; he didn’t need her to tell him that.

“What’s your plan? Don’t you ever think about the future?” she cried, her voice threatening tears.

He didn’t. Not anymore. He’d lost everything, including his best friends. What was there to look forward to? He had a dead-end job in a microscopic town and was renting a room from his aunt, and his only “friend” was the woman who served him beer every night.

“Plan?” He laughed bitterly, shaking his head at her. “Hopefully, I won’t be around long enough to need a ‘plan’,” he said, framing the word with air quotes.

He hadn’t realized that Jas had let herself into the room, and his heart sank into his stomach when she ran, her wailing sobs echoing down the hallway. He called out after her, attempting to apologize, but his words dropped off, and he stumbled and sank back to the floor into an empty pit of despair and self-hatred.

Shane flinched when he felt a firm hand squeeze his shoulder, and he ashamedly realized the farmer had witnessed everything— his hopelessness, his self-destruction, and what he did to the people who loved him.

And yet, despite all of that, they stayed.

[hailtothepumpkinqueen]

in the co-op game I'm doing with a friend, I've already managed to get 4 hearts with Shane bc I gave him pizza on his birthday.

So I got his 2 Heart Event on his birthday, and then his 4 Heart Event literally the next day(and a letter from him in the mail lol).

Makes his comment about hoping he'd forget his birthday hit different :<

[anachronistic-falsehood]

guys guys guys. fit is live playing sdv. listen ok listen. if he gets shane's 4 heart cutscene i need u to tell me immediately. alright. u gotta

[detective-piplup]

I really need to draw my farmer Luke at some point bc he has really good shitpost potential

[gardens-light]

In The Name Of Love

Believing that chaos had settled down, you and the Autobots decide to hit the road again. Leaving the abandoned cathedral behind, and moving on- to where? Neither of you knew. For the next plan of action hadn't been thought yet. But chaos never rests. For little did any of you know, that something else was brewing- a danger so much bigger than yourselves was coming after you.

Content: Events takes place in Transformers- Age of Extinction, (Minor spoilers). Mild coarse language. Reader insert. Optimus Prime x F/Human Reader.

Sparkmate Series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7 (End)

A small hiss escaped your lips, feeling Tessa's confused stare as you wiggled into a new pair of jeans. Rubbing your behind and upper thighs, as you attempted to soothe the bruising that began to form.  

“What happened to you last night?"

"Nothing." You simply spoke, avoiding your sister's gaze as you packed your bag. "I uh... got up to get a drink. Must've lost my footing while going down the stairs."

"Oh really?" Tessa raised a brow, while crossing her arms. "Because I thought you told Dad, that you fell in the pool next door, and Optimus caught you."

A small chuckle left her, as you tried to hide your blushing face. Simply turning your back on Tessa, adjusting the backpack upon your shoulders.

"Th-That's what I meant." You lowly spoke, trying to hide the embarrassment within your tone.

"Here's a tip, Sis." Tessa teased, while patting your shoulder. "One, if you're gonna lie. Stick to one story."

You tilted your head a little, "and the second?" you questioned. Slightly hearing that there was more to your sister's statement.

But all she did was turned and faced you, giving you a cheeky smile. "And two... you're not as quiet, as you think you are..."

--- 

A sudden screech of Optimus’ wheels filled the air, as he swerved from an oncoming attack. Avoiding a missile, by entering the left lane of the highway.  

“What’s happening?” Tessa asked, as her body slid into you. Both of you pressing against the driver's door.   

Innocent bystanders blared their horns, as the Autobot cut them off. Causing his passengers to slide against his passenger door, dodging another attack from an unknown enemy ahead.  

The roaring sound of Drift’s and Crosshairs’ engines caught your attention, watching them overtake their leader with effortless speed. Returning fire at the enemy, while Hound and Bumblebee escorted cars off the highway and into the field upon the left.  

“What the fuck is that?” Shane’s voice yelled.  

Your heart raced a little quicker, breath getting stuck in your throat as your wide eyes gazed at the road ahead. Casually strolling towards the Autobots, an unknown Transformer of gun-metal silver caused your hair to stand on end. From what you could tell, no clear sign of Autobot or Deception marked their mechanical body. The two cannons adorning the metal plates of their forearms, caused your stomach to twist in a sickening knot, as the weaponry put Hound’s to shame.  

A scream escaped your lips, as Optimus harshly drifted towards the left. Tires screeching more and smoke emerging from the back of the truck, as his brakes pressed against the floor. Optimus’ plates began to shift and change, as he slowly rolled out of his altmode, causing Shane and Cade to fall out of the passenger side. Luckily having a somewhat soft landing as their bodies rolled against the grass.  

A low growl escaped the Autobot’s lips, as he clutched you and Tessa against his chassis’ with his free servo, Optimus tore up the tar road as his grip dug into it. Slowing him down just a little, leaving Cade and Shane a few meters behind.  

Kneeling against the torn-up road, Optimus looked down at you and Tessa, as he carefully placed the two of you onto the ground. “Are you girls alright?” 

“Look out!” but your warning came too late, as a missile from the unknown enemy ripped through Optimus’ shoulder. Green energon seeped from his wounds and onto you, as he tried to use his large mechanical body to shield you from the blast.   

“Prime!”  

Fear erupted through Optimus’ Spark, his optics widening in disbelief, as a familiar voice boomed from the unknown enemy ahead. Pain clutched onto his wires, as the sound of your sobbing voice called out to him. A scream escaping your lips, as your terrified gaze watched the Autobot take another hit.  

“Optimus! Optimus, get up!” You pleaded, reaching out for him. The ground trembling as he landed upon his back. His helm crushing the hood of the white SUV behind him.   

“I-I can’t... get out of here. Both of you.” His voice spluttered, groaning in pain as Optimus’ body had trouble moving.  

Looking over her shoulder, Tessa saw Cade waving his arms. Gesturing for you and Tessa to come back to him. Her heart ached from racing, breath stolen from her lungs, as her father’s panicky words filled the air. With tears streaming down her face, Tessa wrapped her arms around your waist tightly. Hugging you from behind.  

“We need to go, Sis!-” 

“I won't leave him!”  

With great struggle, Tessa started to pull you backwards. Forcing you towards the direction of the SUV behind Optimus.  

“We need to hide!” she protested.  

Pushing you into the back passenger seats, Tessa closed the door. Quickly wrapping an arm around your waist, while placing her free hand over your mouth. Muffling your cries.  

“Hello Prime.” 

“L-Lockdown?” Optimus’ worried optics gazed up at the bounty-hunter. Watching his old foe lower himself to the Autobot’s level. “What are you doing here? Who sent you?” 

But Lockdown just gave him a smug expression. “Collecting you... our creators want you back.” 

“Cr-Creators? What in Primus name-” 

“Haven’t you ever wondered where you came from?” a small scoff escaped his lips. “Did you honestly believe you were born? No, Prime. You were built! Built for a purpose. A purpose you’ve strayed from.” 

Lockdown’s green optics narrowed onto the SUV, raising a metal ridge as Optimus tried to discreetly push the veicheal away.  

“I feel sorry for you, Prime. Your allegiance to these humans. The trouble with loyalty to a cause, is that the cause will always betray you...” 

--- 

Cade’s worried gaze helplessly watched Lockdown return to his full height. The bounty hunter’s plates shifting and churning, retracting the cannon upon his forearm and revealing a holo-pad. Cade’s pounding heart jumped into his throat, as a daunting UFO emerged from the overcast sky. Hovering over Lockdown, as a small escape pod broke away from the ship.  

“No... No! Girls!” Cade screamed running down the road, as fast as he could.  

--- 

You and Tessa frantically watched a net deploy from Lockdown’s escape pod. Covering the SUV and Optimus.  The pair of you holding tightly onto one another, both of your voices calling out for Cade.  

“Girls! Girls! Get out!” Cade’s voice yelled, his hands slamming against the passenger window.  

“Dad! Help us!” your sister pleaded. Tears streamed down her face.  

Another slam met the back windscreen. Your wide eyes helplessly witnessed Shane’s bloody knuckles smear against the window.  

The engines of Lockdown’s pod fired up, dragging the net upwards. Causing you and Tessa to roll into the SUV’s trunk.  

“Girls! Girls! Break the window!”  

“I’m trying, Dad!” you spoke. Kicking the rear windscreen as hard as you could.  

As the net lifted higher, pain etched throughout Cade’s fingers as he tried to hold on.  

“Girls! Keep breaking the glass!” 

Tessa’s scared expression witnessed Cade’s sweaty hands. “No! No!” 

“I-I can’t hold on!” the burning caused him to hiss. His clutch begging to be released.  

“No! Dad don’t leave us!” Tessa pleaded.  

“Break! You fucking piece of shit!” your demanding voice roared. As you began to take out all fear and frustration onto the rear windscreen.  

“Break the glass, Y/N!-” 

“Dad!” you and Tessa screamed. As the pair of you watched Cade fall back down... 

In The UFO 

“Take those humans to the trash!” Lockdown ordered his small robotic minions.  

“No!” Optimus protested. Trying to struggle against his restraints, as the bounty-hunter dragged the Autobot by his pedes. “Lockdown! If you harm them, I’ll-” 

“You’ll do what, Prime?” he mocked, barely looking over his shoulder. “Besides, don’t you remember this ship?” 

Optimus took a slight look around. Strange prisons held other lifeforms, their snarls and groans filled the air. Parts of the ship looked broken- or more like torn apart. Gun-metal gray covered everything, like it was Lockdown’s signature colour. 

“It was built for all you Knights. The ‘Great Crusaders’ to explore the universe. But, as you can see I’ve commandeered it! Made it my own personal prison.”  

“Welcome back to the Knights Temeos, Prime.” Lockdown gestured at the center of the ship.  

Optimus barely recognized the once great hall, instead of impressive weapons of old. Circular cages and solid prisons with barred doors took their place. The ancient text long stripped away, allowing room for the decapitated heads of Lockdown’s past foes.   

“Y-You... You have disgraced it.” 

A scoff escaped Lockdown’s lips, as he approached one of the solid prisons. Turning a crank, making the metal bars raise and lock into place.    

“You should be grateful, Prime. This is only for the rarest of specimens.” Lockdown spoke with a smile. “The worst of the worst. It’s taken centuries, but I’ve collected all of the Knights. Including you.” 

Optimus struggled against Lockdown’s vice grip, as the hunter forced the Prime into the prison. The Autobot groaned in pain, as the hunter forced his arms above his head. Inducing further injury to his damaged shoulder. As the chains harshly nestled against Optimus’ wrists, the Autobot’s optics widened as Lockdown tilted his helm to the side.  

A low growl came from the Optimus, as he attempted to shift his body weight away from Lockdown. Trying to stop the hunter’s digits from playing with your iron ring.  

“Don’t touch that!” 

Lockdown examined Optimus’ course expression. His sly smile widening, as the hunter fiddled with the item. Finding pleasure of how much it annoyed his prisoner, “now why would you have something like this?” 

A dark chuckle escaped Lockdown’s lips, “don’t tell me... you’ve interfaced with a human!-” 

“Stay away from her!-” 

“Oh Prime... wait till your Creators hear about this.” Lockdown teased. “All this species mixing with species. It isn’t right... isn’t normal. It upsets the cosmic balance, and the Creators don’t like it-”  

“If any harm comes to Y/N, I’ll have your head!-” 

“You were built to do as you were told, Prime!” Lockdown snapped. “The Creators wants to wipe their chessboard clean and start a new. Beginning with you!”  

Lockdown’s digits wrapped around your iron ring, ripping it away from Optimus’ wrist and throwing it against the floor.  

“No!-” 

“You should be ashamed of how far you’ve fallen, Prime!” the hunter spat while exiting the prison. Turning the crank, causing the metal bars to fall down and lock into place. “For she’s just a human!” 

“She’s more than that to me.” Optimus lowly spoke, his optics watching your ring roll along the floor. Stopping against the barred door, “but I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand such thing...”  

--- 

You and Tessa remained hidden in the truck of the SUV. Slowly peering over the back passenger seats, frightened eyes looking out the windows. Trying to find some form of familiarity in the alien surroundings.  

Small robot minions dragged the vicheal into a circular room, the space of metal walls and floor was tight and small. As the large furness in the middle took up the space. Mechanical tendrils grabbed parts of random metal and junk, effortlessly pulling them apart and throwing them into the furness. 

“What the fuck is this place?” you whispered.  

“I don’t know.” Tessa climbed over into the back seat, “but I’m not waiting around to find out-” 

“Tessa! Wait!” 

She slowly opened the back passenger door, once the SUV stopped moving. But her scream filled the air as the sight of Lockdown’s robotic minions greeted her.  

A echoey but mechanical scream erupted from the minions, using their claws to try and grab Tessa.  

“Tessa!” 

She tried kicking one of the minions off her leg, as you clumsily climbed over the back seat. Grabbing a crowbar and smashing the minion's face.  

“Get away from my sister!” You yelled.  

Finally, achieving some distance between yourselves and the robotic minions, you grabbed Tessa’s hand and ran towards the nearest exit.  

“Optimus?” 

“Optimus? Where are you?”  

Your voices echoed throughout the large hall. Tessa’s grip refused to let your hand go, as your fingers wiggled. Trying to loosen your sister’s grip, as your palms felt hot and sweaty.  

Your worried eyes scanned your surroundings, trying to sense your way through strange halls and which direction would be best to follow. Please be alright...  

Back On The Ground  

“Come on! Come on!” Cade hurriedly spoke to Shane, as Bumblebee’s tires came to a screeching halt.  

Both exiting the Camero and running towards the railings of Mehigan Avenue's bypass. People abandoned their cars, as their yelling and screaming voices filled the air. The Autobots changed out of their altmodes, following Cade and Shane’s lead, while Lockdown’s ship hovered above the river nearby. 

“This is a bad idea.” Hound grumbled, shrugging his shoulders. “But hey, I’m all for bad ideas.” 

Drift helped give Shane and Cade a boost, climbing onto the roof of the ship. As its thrusters slowly picked up speed. All shakily making their way towards an opening within the ceiling of the ship.  

“This is crazy.” Shane breathed, slightly peering down into the ship’s metal interior. 

“Look.” Cade caught Shane’s attention, “you wanna cut and run? Now’s the time to do so, Lucky Charms.” 

“I’m not here to help your get your daughters.” Shane spoke, finding his confidence, “you’re here to help me rescue my girlfriend, and future sister-in-law.” 

Cade raised an eyebrow. Cocky bastard...   

--- 

“We’re behind enemy lines now.” Hound lowly warned, as he helped Cade and Shane onto the main platform of the ship. “Lockdown’s ship is bound to have booby traps. So eyes open!”  

“Beware of his bone grinders, brain blinders, flesh peelers.” Crosshairs flat tone sounded almost admirable, rather than a warning. As his green optics scanned the main bridge, “also chromosomal inverters, catatonic sludge, black hole trapdoors, and of course, radiation.”  

“We must be quick.” Drift encouraged, “we have the element of surprise. Let’s try and use violence as a last resort.”  

Most of the Autobot’s silently nodded, but a heavy sigh left Crosshairs. “Well, we looked. They’re not here. Let’s go-” 

“What?” Cade challenged, his eyes giving the green Autobot daggers. “Hey! I’m not going anywhere without my daughters-” 

“I’m unclear. What’s in it for me?” 

“What’s in it for you?!-” 

The whirling of Hound’s cannon interrupted Cade, causing him to fall silent and back away from Crosshairs. As the gray Autobot placed the barrel of his weapon, into Crosshairs’ neck. 

“Easy. Let’s use words.” Crosshairs spoke, holding his servos up in the air.  

“What’s in it for you, is that I don’t kill you.” Hound boldly spoke. “We’re getting the boss back, and the girls. Copy?” 

“Okay, okay.” Crosshairs watched Hound slowly withdraw his weapon, “very persuasive. Textbook machismo... well then. We’re going to need to sabotage something.”  

“Better hurry.” Drift warned, “because the dark-matter drives are preparing to take off. I give us... ten minutes.” 

“Is that what that sound is?” Shane’s panicky tone questioned. “The engines filling up? Are you telling me, that this thing is going to be taking off in ten minutes?” 

“Could be nine...” Drift shrugged his shoulders, “worst case... seven-” 

“Cade, Shane. Search the cell blocks.” Hound instructed, “we’ll find Optimus.” 

“Let’s stop this nightmare ship...” 

--- 

“Optimus?... Optimus?” 

Your voice echoed throughout the large hallway, the walls and floor looming over you and Tessa, making you both feel smaller than you already were.  

“Where are you?” 

“So... how did it start?” Tessa randomly questioned.  

You gave Tessa a little side glance, seeing the corners of her mouth turn up a little. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Right...” her teasing tone mocked, “because most people totally go from, ‘I’m going to take this alien apart’ to ‘I’m going to fuck it-” 

“Tessa! What the fuck?” you questioned between coughs, as you choked on your own breath. “What on Earth are you talking about?-” 

“Y/N, I’ve been sneaking around with my boyfriend for months.” Her tone teased, “plus, you’re my sister. I can tell when you’re lying.”  

Tessa lightly chuckled, as she watched the blush form across your features.   

“But seriously... how did it start?”  

A heavy sigh left you, knowing that she wouldn’t stop until you answered her. “I... wouldn’t be able to describe it.” You lowly admitted, trying to avoid Tessa as you felt her smiling gaze. “At first, all I wanted was to figure out how he worked. How I could use their technology to help with Dad’s inventions. Then Optimus came to life, and my thoughts kept reverting back to the reward money you spoke of. So as I begun fixing him, my mind thought that we could gotten more money by handing over a working Transformer, rather than a dead one.” 

“What changed?” 

“I did.” You simply answered, “the more we talked, the more I realized how wrong I was. The Cybertronians, they’re not simple-minded machines that the government would make us believe. They’re living beings with souls, life, dreams. You should have seen how Optimus spoke about his home world, the hurt and pain I saw within his eyes, as he told me about how their war tore it apart. And the joy that just... just radiated from his Spark as I fixed him. It was like, it had been a very long time since Optimus felt such happiness. Such peace...” 

“Kinda sounds like love at first sight.” Tessa spoke. 

A small chuckle left you, “I guess you could say that... kinda like you and Shane being Romeo and Juillet.” 

Tessa gave you a playful nudge, “I can’t wait to see Dad’s face when he finds out-” 

“He’s not- wait. Did you hear that?” 

Both of you stopped in the middle of the hallway, the low sound of growling coming to your ears. Hearts slowly picking up rhythm, as your hair stood on end. Eyes widening as the sight of four, mechanical dogs prowled towards you.  

“Oh shit-” 

“Run. Run!” 

Grabbing Tessa’s hand, almost dragging her as you both ran in the opposite direction. Yelps and screams escaped you and Tessa, as you ran from one hallway into another. The sounds of the dogs snarling indicated that they weren’t far behind.  

“Quick! Through this way!”  

You shoved Tessa through the bars of a cell, following just in time as the dogs tried to bite their way through the bars. The pair of you backed away into a corner, while the dogs continued to bark and snarl. Alerting the minions of your location.  

“What we do, Y/N?” 

“I’m working on it.” 

Both pressed yourselves into the corner, as your terrified expression helplessly watched one of the dogs squeeze itself through the metal bars. The others backed away, allowing the minion to shoot through the bars. Slapping a hand over Tessa’s mouth, muffling her screams as you shoved her into the wall. Using yourself as her shield. 

You closed your eyes tightly, preparing to feel the beast’s claws pierce into your back. As you placed a free hand over your mouth, trying to muffle a high pitch scream that slowly began to bubble in your throat.  

‘Bang!’ 

A gunshot echoed throughout the cell, followed by the sound of a canine whine. You and Tessa froze, breaths trembling as you nervously waited for what followed... 

--- 

“They could be anywhere.” Cade muttered. Looking around at his surroundings, as he entered a chamber just outside of the Knights Tomeos. Climbing over the center piece, weaving in and out of the swords that stuck out, as he tried to get a better view.  

“It’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”  

“We need to find them- whoa! Shit!” 

Losing his footing, Cade quickly grabbed the center sword. Slightly pulling it to the side, trying to stop himself from falling any further.  

Shane gazed at the floor, as a low rumble echoed beneath them. Cade glanced around as the metal plates of the chamber began to shift and change, walls caving in on themselves and statues of armored knights rose from the floor. The large feature wall behind them revealed an array of weapons. 

“Come here! Help me!” Cade shouted, jumping off the center piece and approaching the feature wall. “Grab something that we could use!” 

“Ahh... Cade?” Shane whispered after a while. Wide eyes looking at the red lasers scanning the room. “What’s that?” 

Strapping an unusual looking cannon to himself, Cade peered over his shoulder. Seeing the minions slowly approaching the entrance to the chamber. “I don’t know. But on my signal, run behind that center thing.” 

Silently counting to three, Cade quickly leapt away from the wall. Grabbing Shane and pulling him behind the center piece.  

“I’m not going down without a fight!” he groaned, holding the weapon and placing a free hand upon Shane’s shoulder. “They’re going to turn that corner, and we’re gonna take them! You ready, or you gonna bitch out on me?” 

“No! I’ve got your back!” Shane bravely spoke.  

“Are you ready?” 

“Absolutely!” 

The sound of the minions' footsteps came closer.  Causing Shane’s already fast beating heart to pulse a little more rapidly.  

“Don’t bitch out on me, Romeo! Are you ready?” 

“Yeah! Yeah!” Shane hurriedly spoke. Waiting for Cade’s count down from three.  

“Two! One!-” 

“Wait! Wait!” Shane cried, jumping out of his hiding spot. His terrified expression gazing at the minions who aimed their weapons at him. “I surrender! I surrender!” 

Fucking knew it! Cade’s thoughts hissed. Still hiding behind the center piece.  

Adrenaline running through his veins, Shane threw the weapon onto the metal floor. Quickly hiding for cover again, as the weapon fired. Causing a bullet to ricochet off the walls, and into the minions. 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!-” 

“What’d you do?” Cade asked, cutting off Shane’s frantic apology. “How’d you do that?” 

“I have no idea!” 

“What my daughter sees in you is beyond me!”  

After fidgeting with the weapon for a moment, Cade’s eyes lit up in excitement as the cannon whirled to life. Lighting up with a purple hue.  

“Stay here, Lucky Charms!” 

Moving away from the center piece, Cade unleashed a wave of gunfire upon the minions. Standing his ground, as his adrenaline beating heart surged excitement through his veins. Allowing the bullets to pierce into the mechanical beings, tearing them apart.  

“I’m so gonna patent this shit!” 

--- 

“That was Dad!” Tessa whispered.  

Tessa quickly maneuvered around the mechanical dog, its whines echoing throughout the cell. It tried to nip at your ankle as you stepped over it. But as you looked down, your heart ached a little as energon pooled beneath its body. A mixture of snarls and whines escaped its throat, orange sparks zapped out of its mechanical joins, causing the creature to wince in pain. 

The glowing of the Matrix caught your attention. Carefully pulling out the pendant from under your collar, eyes shifting between the pendant and the injured beast.  

Sensing your hesitation, Tessa looked over her shoulder. Pulling a confused expression, as she watched you kneel beside the creature.  

“What are you doing?-” 

“Hang on for a sec.” You whispered, “I just wanna try something.” 

Your hand hovered over the dog’s forehead, flinching a little whenever it tried to bite you.  

“That thing isn’t like the Autobots!” Tessa hissed, “Dad’s trying to find us!” 

“I just need a minute.” 

Your fingertips quickly scratched behind the beast’s ear, before bringing your hand back to hover above its nose again. Allowing the dog to catch your sent, between each testing pat.  

“You’re alright, boy.” You cooed, while scratching lightly behind its ear. Using your free hand to remove the necklace, allowing The Matrix pendant to carefully hover over the wound upon its belly. “Let me help you.” 

The Matrix glowed brightly, small blue sparks clashed with the orange ones, that zapped out of the dog’s wound. The beast continued to whine, its body twisting in pain.  

“Good boy. Good boy.” Your voice hummed, gently scratching underneath its chin.  

The Matrix hummed, spinning rapidly causing the chain to twist in your hand. Before a blue flash burst over the beast. A low pant escaped its mouth, as you watched the dog struggle onto its feet. The red glow in its optics fading and changing to a brilliant blue.  

You smiled at the creature, its mechanical tail wagging while barking happily at you.  

You turned back to Tessa, her dumbfounded expression gazing at you as her jaw hung low.  

“What? I’ve always wanted a dog.” You spoke with a smile, placing the necklace around your neck again. “Come along, Torgal.” 

--- 

“Dad!” 

“Girls! Girls! Over here!” Cade yelled, quickly approaching the entrance of the chamber.  

A huge smile spread across his features, as Tessa ran into the chamber. Opening his arms wide, preparing to embrace your sister.  

“Shane! I love you!” her voice cried, flinging herself into Shane’s arms. While Cade stood beside them with an unamused expression, “I love you! You saved me! You came back for me!” 

“Of course, I did.” Shane cooed into Tessa’s ear, running his hand through her blonde locks. “I will fight to the ends of the Earth, just to bring you back.” 

“Oh, yeah. He saved you. Sure.” Cade muttered, a small smile teased the corners of his lips, as your sweet chuckles came to his ears. “Y/N...” 

You wrapped your arms around Cade, feeling him embrace you tightly. “I’m so sorry, Dad-” 

“You have nothing to apologize for, Sweetie.” He cooed into your ear. “I’m just glad to have my girls back-” 

“Optimus!” You cried, catching a glimpse of the Autobot in his cell. As you looked over Cade’s shoulder. 

Cade winced as you accidentally shouted into his ear. Pulling away from his embrace and running into the Knights Tomeos. 

“Can’t you girls be happy to see me for once?” Cade sighed, raising an eyebrow as his eyes watched the mechanical dog follow you.  

You approached the bars, banging your palm against the metal. “Optimus! Optimus, it’s me!-” 

“Y/N?...” Optimus’ optics needed a moment to focus, before realization sunk in. “Sweet Spark!”  

“I’m here! Just hold on!-” 

“Big boy coming through!” Hound’s voice boomed from the hallway, “move! Move!” the Autobot demanded as he stormed through the entrance. Causing Tessa, Shane and Cade to scatter out of the way.  

“Boys! Boys, over here!” you shouted, banging your palm against the cell. As Torgal tried to claw and bite his way through the bars.  

“Nice find, Y/N!” Hound complimented, quickly approaching your side, as his optics roughly studied the barred door. “Alright, Little Lady. Back up-” 

“Hold on, boss! We’re coming!” Crosshairs called out.  

Letting out a grunt, Hound forced the door open. Allowing you to enter, as he quickly got to work of releasing Optimus from his restraints.  

“The arms of this Knight Ship detach.” Optimus spoke. “We can break fee. It’s a separate ship-” 

“Where’s the cockpit?” Crosshairs asked, “right or left?” 

“Right.” 

“I’m on it-” 

“Y/N.” You looked up at Optimus, his helm lowering as he tried to rest against your forehead. “Are you hurt? Did Lockdown do anything?” 

“No.” Your calming voice soothed his aching Spark, “I’m alright. I’m not hurt in any way.” 

“Not knowing what happened to you, my Sweet Spark... I feared the worst.” 

You placed your hand upon his cheek, caressing Optimus’ faceplate with your thumb. “Hopefully this would wipe away any fears.” 

A loving hum vibrated through Optimus’ Spark, as your lips softly enclosed over his. Both closed your eyes, as Optimus finally felt his arms fall free from his restraints. Wrapping his servo around your waist, as you melted into his embrace.  

“Break it up lovebirds.” Hound interrupted, “we’ve got a ship to catch.” 

“You’re right, Hound.” Optimus spoke, breaking apart from your lips as his servo lifted you up. Gently holding you against his chassis. “Lockdown would be in Deep Space before he realizes I’m gone.” 

Torgal sniffed at your iron ring upon the floor, barking at you as he got yours and Optimus’ scent. 

The Prime smiled down at the dog, as Torgal carefully picked up the item with his mouth. Dropping it into the palm of Optimus’ free servo.  

“Would you do me the honor of placing this back on?” 

You smiled, reaching for the iron ring and threading it through the cables of his wrist. “Of course, my love.”  

Tag List

@ursamajor17 @crowleysthings @k----a27s @lainekyuu @manticcashew @goreismyforte @imachaoticghost @person101lol @silverelfy-blog @nataliahemsworth @musicalmedli @buena-lili @imobssesedwithtoomanysheet @skylarstormheart @the-unhinged-raccoon @ag3ntsw8n @moonsua1 @unadulteratedwizardrunaway @silverelfy-blog @joanne-uwu

[glazedsnail]

I was certain I'd die before reaching 30.

It had been quite a reality for me from a young age. I would not reach 30. I'd die way younger, or the day before, but there was absolutely no way I'd live past 30.

So I had no plans. Why would I? I'd probably end up kms anyway.

Why am I saying this? BOY

Lemme tell you the mess I was when I reached Shane 4 hearts event in Stardew Valley, man, that's not even funny. I sobbed like I was watching the most gut wrenching movie ever made, and I was just reading a cut scene involving a sad pixelated chicken man.

How's the writing so damn good in this farming simulator? I said that exact same thing after spending the night drinking when I was like 16 and in my head KNOWING I'd be long gone before 30.

I'm just amazed.

I'm past 30 now. It gets better.

It really does.

[vyllain]

"Sunshine"

Shane's world began to crumbled down as Jas and Marnie left his room. The farmer watched what just happen until they excuse themselves leaving as well. His eyes never left them, his mouth turned to a joyous smile, eyes widen with likeness, his heart began to race. The sunlight bask behind him as he sighed smiling with bliss. The wetness soaked around him where the farmer poured to wake him up.

He was smiling like a fool until he repeated their name many times like a prayer. He is lost, yet he felt the burning desire of wanting them.

"Sunshine...I want you."

Sorry it was a bad narrative but i rest my case. The 4 heart event with a twist. (Get out minds out of the gutter hehe) I am still progressing of my works.

I just like Shane alot. He is easier to draw.

[jzargo]

i got shane's 4 heart event when i walked into marnie's house to give jas her birthday gift 💀 happy birthday jas. sorry u just heard your godfather express his suicidal ideation

[moeblob]

Not pictured is Asmo compaining about not being able to afford a chicken coop while in the saloon and then deciding "may as well buy this man a pizza" and then handing Shane a pizza on his birthday (accidentally. I didn't even remember it was his bday).

And that's how Shane decided "ok I've known this man for 24 days and he has given me two pizzas. I /guess/ I can give him a dance at the flower festival". Which. Hey, why don't frontal refs exist of the male outfits at the flower festival (to my knowledge). Take weird bright blue jackets I guess???

Fun fact ft Asmodeus♡ file being a messed up wild trip down heart event lane! So far, Shane is at 8 hearts. I have viewed the events in this order: 4, 2, 7 (part two, where he's filming the vid), 6, 7, then 8. I think it describes them perfectly to be completely out of order and messing up and also very fond of each other anyway.

[ashtheketchum]

A new family Part 9

A/N: I sat on this chapter for an incredibly long time because I had to look up all of Vi's text and then type it out completely (Picture from Pinterest!)

Warnings: Mention of death, mention of alcohol, slight panic attack

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8

Masterlist!

_______________________________________

PoV (Y/N):

I just looked at (D/N) confused while she looked at Daryl with tears in her eyes. After thinking for a moment I understood what her problem was and I looked at Daryl too. He was drunk, but didn't behave the same as he did last night. He was aggressive, loud and didn't pay attention to anyone. "Honey…why are you on the floor…?" I then asked her. I placed my hand carefully on her shoulder, but she was still shaking badly. She couldn't say anything, was she in that much shock?

"It's better this way!" I heard Dr. Jenner suddenly speak up. I immediately stood up again and looked at the doctor. Rick spoke to him and asked him what would happen in 28 minutes. But the doctor didn't answer. "Doc, what happens in 28 minutes!" Shane shouted again, but this time the doctor didn't stay silent, he screamed loudly. “Do you actually know what this place is!?” Dr. Jenner looked around, but then his gaze settled on Rick. He had a mild panic attack, screamed loudly and eventually sat weakly on the chair.

We all remained silent for a moment before Jenner spoke again. "In the event of a catastrophic power failure, in a terrorist attack for example, HIT's are deployed to prevent any organisms from getting out." That's all he said. "HIT's?" Rick came closer and closer to the doctor. Dr. Jenner remained silent for a moment, his gaze falling before he looked up and sighed quietly. “Vi, define.” He simply said. The computer voice was heard immediately and we all looked up.

,, HIT´s Definition: High-impulse thermobaric fuel-air explosive consist of a two-stage aerosol ignition that produces a blast wave of significantly greater power and duration than any other known explosiveexcept nuclear. The vacuum-pressure effect ignites the oxygen between 5.000 and 6.000 degrees and it is usefull when the greates loss of life and damage to structures is desired.“ Vi was finished with her definition.

I immediately pulled (D/N) towards me, she had slowly stood up again and I hugged her tightly. I looked around anxiously to see everyone else's reaction. Carol hugged Sophia tightly, Rick hugged Lori and Carol tightly, and the others stared into nothingness. Nobody knew how to react. "It sets the air on fire…" Murmured Dr. Jenner ultimately. Now I looked at him in shock. (D/N) had wiped away her tears and was now looking up at me. "No pain… a quick and painless death for all…" The doctor added. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. This scientist had lured us into a death trap and we couldn't escape.

Rick, Shane, Tdog, Glenn and Daryl tried to open those doors so we could get out. Lori, Carl, Carol, Sophia, (D/N) and I sat on chairs or the floor and we held each other tightly. However, (D/N) and I sat further away from the others. I wanted to calm her down first because she was still a little in shock. "Honey…please talk to me…" I then murmured quietly. (D/N) just stayed quiet but clutched my top. She had her face buried in my shoulder.

I sighed quietly and closed my eyes. "I don't want to die like this, mom…" But then she finally murmured. I jumped, startled, before wrapping my arms around her tighter. "You're not going to die here, sweetie…" "That's not what I meant…" Confused, I pushed her away slightly to look at her.

Her eyes looked down, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I don't care where I die or how I die… but I don't want to experience Daryl like Dad… I don't want to die with one last picture of him like that…" She finally spoke up. My heart was breaking and I felt tears welling up in me too. (D/N) looked at me slightly angry. "Daryl isn't like Dad… but I saw him like that just now…" My grip around her became a little tighter.

So Daryl had really scared her. Even if it wasn't intentional, I was right. (D/N) saw her old father in Daryl. The smell of alcohol, the bottle of alcohol in his hand, the aggressive behavior, everything. "He didn't mean it… Daryl is just scared…" I then tried to change her mind. But (D/N) looked at me even angrier and stood up.

She walked away, leaving me to sit alone on the floor. She slowly limped to Carl and Lori, who gently hugged her.

What did I just say? What had I done? Did I just defend a man from my daughter? Daryl had scared her, whether he wanted to or not, it wasn't right of him.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jenner is still trying to convince us to let it go. "You know it's for the best… it's a terrible life out there… if you die out there, it's painful…" Dr. Jenner looked at me. "Your husband died, right?" His question hit me and I opened my mouth. But I couldn't get anything out. Tears streamed down my cheeks, so I looked down and stayed quiet. "No." (D/N) suddenly spoke up.

We immediately looked at her in shock. She looked at Dr. Jenner angrily. "We killed my dad… we watched him die." Her words immediately made me jump and I ran towards her. "Don't say something like that, honey…" "But it's true! Dad wasn't good…! He should die, it was right!” Her words shocked me and I trembled violently. The doctor just remained silent before turning to the others. "The world changes us… until death…"

Now Shane and Daryl tried to open the door with axes. But she still didn't move. "These doors were built to withstand a rocket launcher…" Murmured Dr. Jenner briefly. Suddenly Daryl ran towards him, ax in hand. "But not your head!" We immediately saw Daryl swinging the axe. Shane, Dale and Tdog stopped Daryl, but he still fought back.

"Daryl, stop it! He’s the only one who can get us out of here!” I immediately screamed and I ran towards him to take the ax away from him. Daryl looked at me angrily for a moment before pointing to (D/N). “Do ya wan´ ta die here with the lil´ one?” “You don’t have anything to say about my daughter!” I just growled quietly. My words silenced him for a moment before he hissed, took the ax away from me and went back to the door. Breathing heavily, I watched him before turning to the doctor.

"You can't do that…! You can’t do this to us!” Carol whimpered loudly. "My daughter doesn't deserve to die like this!" "But there will be no pain… isn't it much better to hold your lovers while they can pass from this world without pain?" Dr. Jenner asked her then. "No! No it's not!" However, Carol cried out and hugged Sophia tighter.

It was quiet for a moment before we heard a gun being loaded. I immediately looked around in panic, Shane ran towards the doctor and pointed the gun at him. I ran to (D/N) and pushed her away from Shane, behind me. "Shane, don't! Stop it!" Rick and the others wanted to stop him. "Open those damn doors or I'll blow your head off!" Shane growled threateningly. The doctor looked at him unimpressed as the others tried to lure Shane away. Eventually, Shane fired wildly until Rick took the gun away from him and he lay on the ground.

We all stayed quiet again, I hugged (D/N) tightly to me. I breathed heavily and then looked down at (D/N). She just looked at Shane angrily but held onto my top. "Shane is crazy…" I heard her mutter quietly. Before I could react, Rick was talking to the doctor again. The doctor told us about his wife that she had achieved much more. He would have only continued because he promised her he would. "Let's try this as long as we can…" Lori just murmured quietly. The doctor looked at us briefly before walking to a table. "I said the doors would stay closed…" When he muttered this, I had given up all hope.

But suddenly the doors opened and Daryl called out to us. "Come on! Get out!" I immediately picked (D/N) up again and we ran to our rooms to go out. I didn't look behind me, not when people stopped, not when they spoke. I just wanted to get my daughter out of here.

Next Chapter ->

[love-patient-0s-writing-world]

Growing Fond

Shane x Reader

Class: SFW

Word Count: 1.6K

CW: Spoilers For Shane’s First Heart Event, This is Basically a more Detailed Version of the Heart Event, NB Reader, Alcohol, Extisential Dread, Reader is a bit Unhinged, Reader is refered to as Farmer, Mentions of Injuries

For Shane it was a normal boring routine day, he got up, went to work, stocked shelves until his hands were numb and is now being screeched at by his phone that it’s finally his lunch break. He let out a groan as he stood up from his crouched position, his back cracking loudly when he stood up straight. He made a bee line for the door not bothering to acknowledge Morris as he sped past him. He walked all the way to the saloon to find it pretty much empty aside from Gus, Emily, Pam and you. Pam was already 3 drinks in and you seemed to be busy ordering something, so he just made his way to his usual spot against the wall and waited. As he sat down he didn’t notice when your eyes flitted over at him and returned back to Gus quickly adding one more item to your order. When you were done you took your time walking over to him, he looked up and saw a small smile on your face as you waved at him. “This seat taken?” you asked nodding your head at the empty stool. “Nope.” he said popping the p, he didn’t necessarily dislike you but he didnt want to spend his lunch break with you either. You sat down with a sigh leaning your head on your hand as you look at him “So how’s your day been so far Shane?” “Same as always, anyways what are you doing here? Don’t you have crops to take care of?” it came out much more annoyed and rough than he wanted but he’s too tired to correct it.

 Before you could answer Gus came up with 4 cups of a coffee and a small pizza, before Shane could ask Gus for the usual the man sped off to the other side of the bar where Pam is. He raised an eyebrow at your...questionable lunch, although he doesn’t have any room to speak regarding your diet since his looked frighteningly similar. “Ah, well, I’m heading to the mine after this and-” you said pulling a plain silver thermos out of your bag “-I don’t want to run out of energy immediately so...” you opened the bottle and started pouring the coffee into it not spilling a drop from any of the cups. He could feel the terror that flashed on his face before he tried to go back to the usual RBF he has. “That can’t be healthy…well at least you’re getting some solid food in.” He eyed the personal pizza that sat in front of you, “Oh! Uhh…” You looked away from him with a soft chuckle “I actually got the pizza for you.” A nervous smile forced it’s way to face as you try to figure out what to say next. “I know today’s your birthday so I thought I’d get ya lunch…” His head cocked the side slightly “Oh, is it my birthday today?” He looked down at his phone to see Spring 20 on the lock screen “I guess it is, thanks.” He looked up at you with a small smile “This is nice.” “Well I’m glad you like it!” You slide the box in front of him and after he takes a couple bites from the pizza you got him you turn towards him, “I should probably get going-” you hop off the stool next to his with ease “Bye Shane, have a happy birthday!” Your smile makes him almost sad to be alone again…almost. “See ya, Farmer.”

He watched you walk out the Saloon door, he finished the pizza in a few minutes and let out a sigh as he looked at the time. Sliding off the stool he walked out of the Saloon back to his miserable job. The day blurred by restocking the same shelves that he wished he could watch burn to the ground, when his shift ended he picked up a pack of beers before heading home. The night air was crisp and the temperature was not…uncomfortably warm, so he walked out to the pier on the property and plopped down with his pack next to him. He was about 2 cans in when he heard the creak of the old wood planks behind him and footsteps approaching, stopping when they reached him. When he looked to his side he saw grimy boots covered in mud, slime and…insect remains, well there was worst company to have than you. “Up late, huh?” “Actually just got back from the mines.” Letting out a tired chuckle as if it was hilarious that you spent 10 hours underground. As he turned up to halfheartedly scold you for your life decisions, he got a glimpse of the arm and hand closest to him. Cuts ranging from little scratches to a freshly stitched up gash on your bicep, large welts that resemble…bug bites, and bruises of all colors are splattered across it. He no longer had the will to tell you off, “Here, have a cold one.” He extended the can to you, feeling your calloused fingers brush against his as you grabbed it.

Taking the beer as an invite to stay for awhile you take a seat next to him. You’re much closer than either of you expected, shoulders pressing against each other. He watched you a bit as you fiddled with the little metal tab, after a couple minutes of insect chirps he lets out a sigh. You tilted your head at him and he just responds with a bitter “Buh…life.” Maybe it was the beer or the comfortably uncomfortable silence that made him speak without thinking, “You ever feel like…no matter what you do, you’re gonna fail? …Like you’re stuck in some miserable abyss and you’re so deep you can’t even see the light of day?” He could feel your eyes burrowing into the side of his head, but he kept staring straight into the darkness of the lake beneath you both. “I just feel like no matter how hard I try…I’m not strong enough to climb out of that hole.” He can see your head turn forward in his peripheral, taking the opportunity to actually look at you. Your body was tense and face wearing an expression he knows all too well, a mixture of existential dread and tiredness. In the silence that settled over you two the crack of the tab finally breaking the aluminum can was heard. He watched as you brought it up to your lips and tilt your head back, hearing your big gulps of the icy beer until you finally crush the can in your hand. Maybe it’s the beer buzzing in his system but the way you’re lightly panting and the expert chugging had him feeling…funny. You looked over at him and mumbled a little “Sorry.” 

He felt the corners of his mouth curl up a bit “Heh…fast drinker, huh? A person after my own heart.” You could feel your face warm up a bit at his flirty joke. “Just don’t make it a habit…you got a future ahead of you still.” There was such a soft undertone of sincerity that it caught you a bit off guard, you watched as he finished his can of beer placing it next to your crushed one. “Welp…my liver is beggin’ me to stop. Better call it a night.” You got up wobbling a bit, man are your legs and arms sore from today. Shane grabbed the empty cans placing them in the plastic bag the pack came from, you watch as he grunted to get up on his knees, without hesitation you extended a hand to help him up. He stared at it for a few moments before taking it, you pulled him up towards you with ease, his hands were warm and a bit sweaty along with his his now slightly red cheeks it was something that nestled into your brain without realization. You reluctantly let go of his hand opting to shove them in your pockets, “I’ll walk you to your house…it’s on the way to mine.” Despite the fact the house he shared was visible from the dock he wasn’t opposed to having your company a little while longer. The grass crunched under your shoes as you walked with him, reaching the trash can that sat right outside the front door he dumped the bag with the empty cans. 

“This was nice, thanks for the beer and the company.” Your smile was well visible due to the house lights shining right outside the front door. “I’m heading home now, I’ll see you tomorrow, Shane!” You waved as you started walking off, “See you around, Farmer.” Returning the wave as he walked into the house, without thinking he stood by the window and watched you dissapear down the path that connects the two properties. He slowly walks to his room attempting not to wake anyone else in the house, sliding into his room he softly closed the door and let out a sigh. He faceplanted onto his bed feeling the effects of the day and beers crash on him, his mind drifted from the shelves of the market, the few ‘Happy Birthdays’ he recieved and finally landed on you. He let his thoughts linger, marinating in the details his slightly hazey brain grasped onto. The callouses developing on your hands, the scars forming on your arms and the way that you lifted him like he was a feather...he could feel his face heating up again like before, ‘I need to stop...but I guess there are worst ways to spend my birthday?’ Getting up he kicked off his shoes, lazily changing into a T-shirt and shorts. Crawling back into bed he closed his eyes and let himself indulge the thoughts his sober brain would’ve shot down immediately. The best gift he’s getting today is from himself and it’s a good night’s sleep.

I hope you enjoyed reading this! Remember to drink water, eat something and get plenty of rest! Feel free to return whenever you want traveler, take care!💜

~Love Patient 0

[ursulanoodles]

"Buh... Life."

[art-but-only-sometimes]

Stardew Valley 20 Heart Event Headcanons pt. 4!

Alex!

🏈 12-heart event: Alex sees you in town and asks if you want to go see a movie at the movie theatre with him. You meet him at the movie theatre at 7pm and you two go in and see a movie. You see whatever is in the theatre at the time. You sit and enjoy the movie, he puts his arm around you. In the middle of the movie, he kisses you.

🏈 14-heart event: Alex has never seen your farm and he wants to help out. (By that I mean lifting heavy things and showing off.) Alex comes over at around 8 a.m. You already did some of the work but he'd still like to help. He helps you lift haybales and put hay into the silo. He helps you move crops and helps you with some of your animals. (a chicken lands on his head.) You both sit down at the end with some drinks. Alex says he had a good time, he really enjoyed spending time with you today. You're always so busy farming and working that he doesn't always get to see you. The next thing to do is take the rest of the crops into town and sell them at Pierre's. Alex helps you grab some of the crops, but before he goes he gives you a kiss. Then runs for the town, he's decided he wants to race you to the store.

🏈 16-heart event: You go into town to see Alex talking to someone. You wait for Alex to finish his conversation and head over afterward. You ask Alex who that was and he says that was a talent agent. He has been looking for people to try out for the Zuzu City Tunnelers! Alex is so excited but also seems a bit nervous. Two dialogue prompts pop up (don't be you'll do great!/You put in so much practice, as long as you remember that you'll do just fine.) He responds and says that you're right, hugs you, and goes off to practice.

🏈 18 heart event~ Part 1: Be at the farm between 2 and 4 pm. Alex is waiting there for you. He says he went to the tryouts and all went well from what he could tell. He hopes everything went well but he's still nervous about all the things he might have done wrong. (Stop worrying about the small things, I'm sure you did great!/ well at least you tried, it's better than not trying at all.) Either way, Alex is glad he talked to you.

Part 2: be at Alex's house between noon and 2 pm. Alex is glad to see you, he says he's waiting to get a phone call from the recruitment agent. The agent calls and Alex listens carefully. He doesn't say anything at first but then he says he got into the team. He's so happy he hugs and kisses you. He then runs out of his room to tell his grandparents about how he got the position on the team. They are also very excited/happy for him.

🐚 ~ Marriage~ 🐚

🏈 20 Heart Event: It's time for Alex to play with the Tunnelers! A bunch of people from stardew get on the bus to cheer him on, you included of course. The game goes great and the Tunnelers win! Everyone is on the sidelines cheering. He sees you afterward and gives you a big hug. He's so happy that you won and he's even happier that you're here. He kisses you on the field sidelines as everyone cheers and confetti goes off from above.

(I never really 100% like the idea that Alex just abandoned his dream of playing grid ball so included it in my headcannon)

Elliott 🪶/ Sam 🎸/ Sebastian🎮 / Alex 🏈/ Shane 🍕/ Harvey✈️ Maru 🤖/ Haley 📷/ Leah 🎨/ Abigail ⚔️ / Penny 📖 / Emily 🧵

[novathesillylittleguy]

Tw: suicide/suicidal ideation

I just read the response dialogue on every option during his six heart event and I’m glad the last one is the only somewhat positive response. As someone who’s felt like that in the past, all the other options just feel wrong. I’m going to cover why individually.

1 response: Because there's so much to live for!

Not particularly useful. Even if there is, it’s really hard to see in that state of mind.

2 response: Jas needs you. You're like a father to her.

While this might seem useful, it’s somewhat counter productive. It reminds them that they’re hurting people and makes them feel worse, therefore making them feel worse, and adds another thought to the reason they don’t want to live

3 response: It would be a sin.

For the love of god don’t say this. You’re making their struggles sound like they’re doing something evil when they need help. And that’s not to mention that in game Shane is an atheist.

4 response: The decision is your own. Just know that I'm here for you.

Is this the correct response for everyone? No. However, out of the options available, I do believe it’s the best one. It doesn’t try and say it will get better, it doesn’t talk about how you’re hurting someone, it doesn’t say you’re doing something evil. It’s telling the person that you’re there for them. That you’re willing to help.

In conclusion : I’ve thought way too much about this

[wrightingdungeon]

Cliff side talks

This takes place in Shane's 6 heart event with mentions of 2 and 4 heart scenes

FIRST THINGS FIRST - You are loved, You deserve to be safe, Eat/Drink Something, yes you can eat cake and drink jucie, its edible and makes you happy eat/drink it, Let yourself feel what you feel, ASK FOR HELP YOU NEED IT, We all need it, I needed it

Warning: A curse word or two, Self Hate, Looking over a cliff, Depression, might hit close to home, Kinda personal, Listened to Hollywood Undead “Bullet” to remind me how i felt when I married Shane the first time, loose canon, Shane has brown eyes fight me - look at this https://sdv-community.tumblr.com/post/170012882859/the-person-confused-by-his-purple-hair-here-he-has 

Walking towards the cliff where you had helped that Racoon/Tanooki thing clean up the beach under the cliff, you felt numb. You had told everyone you moved here to take over the farm after Grandpa died, that was a half-truth. Working in that cube farm of Joja’s was mentally and physically killing you, looking up only to see a camera pointed directly at you, that dull buzz of the blinking work light. You had no purpose, a twenty-something-year-old slaving away just to make enough to wake up the next day.

Yes now you lived in Pelican town and everyone was so nice, besides a few off-put people when you first moved in, but you should be happier now, right? You shouldn't be walking to the cliff just to stare down at the waves crashing into the shore, to dream about not hurting, just to chicken out and go home. No today you wouldn't chicken out, you had grown tired of the feeling you traded a cube farm job for being a lap dog for the town. No one really batted an eye at how you had cleaned up the town, and no one said anything about you fixing the bus line, it was like they loved you fixing their town but they couldn't show it for some reason.

Did you not deserve it, you must have been selfish to want more praise than a pat on the head and a "You did your job.". Hell, you have been keeping your lips shut about Lewis and the golden statue that he has, that he definitely spent town funding on. You kept your mouth shut about what you had seen in Pierre’s room, his own wife had no idea what he was hiding. Well, you were going to be selfish tonight, the rain soaking to your bone, the grass squishing under your feet. You have wanted to be selfish long before moving here, this was just a last effort and it seemed an effort lost.

As the cliffs came into focus a body lying at the edge surrounded by cans did as well. You froze for a second, no one really came out this late or hung out that close to the cliff, you thought you'd be alone. Walking closer the features became clearer, Shane. He was lying face down his shoulders and body shaking. His cries became clearer and louder as you came to stand above him. 

“F-Farmer?” You heard him weakly call looking up at you, his eyes puffy and bloodshot, his face beet red, the smell of beer somehow clinging to him not allowing the rain to wash it off. “Shane….” You said softly as you set next to him, feet dangling off the ledge of the cliff. “I…..I’m Sorry…” He cried quietly and threw hiccups. “M….My life….It’s a Pathetic joke….Look at me…” His hand came off the ground in a half-assed gesture, and his words came out of him almost like your minds had been attached, he said everything you had been thinking about yourself. “Why do I even try?” A larger sob rang out “I'm too small and stupid to…to take control of my own life…I’m just a p…piece of garbage flittering in the wind…” 

“I don't think that…” You whispered stopping yourself from reaching over to touch and play with his hair. You knew from your own thoughts though that the self-hating was tough, to be your own enemy, to tear yourself down so effortlessly. “I’ve been coming here often lately….looking down…Here’s a chance to finally take control of my life….these cliffs…” You both have been doing the same thing but you had never run into each other till now, ‘Life works that way sometimes…’ you thought looking down at the depressed man who had caught your eye.

His past words playing in your mind, that night on the dock, Shane had given you one of his beers. “You ever feel like…no matter what you do, you're gonna fail?” You had just moved to Pelican Town barely had any crops, had just stopped working in IT….The last time your hands had touched soil you were a child visiting Pelican town for ONE summer, yes every night you fell asleep to thoughts of failure and disappointment. “...Like you’re stuck in some miserable abyss and you’re so deep you can’t even see the light of day?” 

You could see Shane looking at you from the corner of your eye, how do you respond? This was an actual conversation you were having not just him telling you to leave him alone, he was opening up to you, and it felt like a cat ran away with your tongue. “I just feel like no matter how hard I try…I’m not strong enough to climb out of that hole.” Bringing the beer to your mouth you began to drink maybe some liquid courage would help you tell Shane you know what he is feeling, it may not be the same, but similar. 

You didn't even register you had chugged the whole beer when Shane began to chuckle at you. “Heh… fast drinker, huh? You are after my heart aren't you.” He said lord, you were so happy your face was red from chugging or he might have caught on to your crush. “Just don’t make it a habit… You got a future ahead of you still.” The slight pain you hear in his voice and the downward look in his eyes make your heartache if only he knew. Shane had reached over and pat you on the head a few times before standing up. “Welp… My liver’s beggin’ me to stop. Better call it a night… See you around Farmer.”

Pulling yourself back into the moment you looked back down at the soaked depressed man lying next to you. “B… Bu…*blaap*... but I’m too scared, too anxious. Just like always…” A mix of sobs and belches left him in between his words. “Farmer… All I do is work, sleep, and drink…t… to dull the feelings of self-hatred…” You knew how that went, remembering the days when you'd dragged yourself to the office, worked all day, skipped lunch because you couldn't afford more than a meal a day, went home, and fell onto the couch watching whatever was on the TV, far too tired to change the channel. 

Another flashback began to take you remembering when you and Marnie had to break into his room because he had drunk himself halfway into a coma. “You wouldn’t understand…” Those words cut into you because you did understand if only you could tell Shane that yes, you get it, yes you wanna stop as well, you are just as low as he is. The cry that left Jas when Shane said “Hopefully I won’t be around long enough to need a ‘plan’...” You and Shane hadn't seen her walk in, but you both did see her run away in tears. Marnie followed her while you stayed with Shane as he began to have a panic attack.

“Why should I even go on? Tell me. T...tell me why I shouldn't roll off this cliff right now…” His cry for help breaks you out of your memory. “Shane…” You couldn't help yourself you let yourself be selfish and work your fingers into his hair. It was greasy and definitely needed to be washed but who has time for a shower when you are busy trying to get out of bed, you definitely knew what that felt like, your toothbrush being almost abandoned because you had no time really for self-care. 

"Jas needs you. You’re like a father to her…” You said brushing his hair up and out of his eyes, his brown eyes looking up at you filling with tears, he was biting his lip but you could still see it was quivering. “...You’re right… Jas… Ugh, Fuck, God….I’m a fucking horrible, *hic*... Selfish Person… Now I feel even worse…” He weakly and unsuccessfully tried to remove your hand from his hair, before giving up and leaning into your touch. 

“I’m horrible…” You whispered feeling Shane move to peek up at you, your eyes locked to the bottom of the cliff. “I was going to be selfish today… I… I don't….I’m so tired Shane…” From seeing Shane's face you knew the rain was doing nothing to hide that your eyes had begun to puff and tears ran down your cheeks, falling and getting lost in your soaked clothes. “What…” Shane said looking up at you. “I do the same thing… I come to this ledge and think about just... leaning over and falling off…” Looking down at Shane you could see surprise but also…fear? In his eyes. “I don't know how we have never run into each other…” A laugh escaped in between tiny sobs as you tried to wipe the tears away with your free hand. 

“I…I guess I… I’m tired of trying to get everyone to like me….I’m tired of giving Vincent cookies when his own mother could make them, Pam hasn't actually said thank you for me FIXING HER bus, Haley always has something to say about my appearance and it feels like she really knows how to put a person down.” It was all coming out, what you wanted to say at the docs, what you wanted to say as you held Shane and calmed him down in his room, everything you wanted to scream out over the cliff into the ocean air…just came out. 

“Farmer….I…I’m sorry…” Feeling Shane’s hand slide across your lap and grip your side, a calmness came over you, Shane saw you and you saw Shane, both of you at the bottom of a barrel with a shotgun pointed at you two. “Farmer…I think you should take me to the hospital now…” He groaned his face turning a slight green. “Oh fuck, yeah!” Helping Shane up and letting him throw an arm over your shoulder, leaning a bit on you, you both made your way, soaking wet and shivering, to Harvey's.

A split second you looked back at the ledge, who had talked who away from it, who pulled the other back to safety. Both of you, both had.

The next morning you woke up to someone at your door, and a panic had set in. It was Harvey coming to tell you Shane had finally drunk himself to death. Rushing to the door and opening it, you smiled seeing Shane standing there holding his arm where Harvey had IVed him, his eyes burning holes into his feet. “Shane…You're ok…” You said smiling softly. “Hey… Fuck…uh… How do I say this… I’m really sorry about what happened at the cliffs…. It was… embarrassing…” He said his eyes looking up to meet yours. “I’m glad I was there to help.” You said carefully reaching out to place your fingers on his hand. “...I’m glad you're here too…I…I mean…Ye-yeah, me too.” He said, blushing and laughing, looking around to save a bit of his dignity. “I… I’ve decided I want to see a therapist. Harvey got me in touch with a colleague of his…I…I'll tell you how it goes… I think… I think you should try it as well.”

He was looking right into your eyes as he said you should give it a try. “I… I know I'm a pot calling the kettle black….but…I…I really want you to stay…” Your cheeks lit up, this was the first time he said something like that. “Y…Yeah…I’ll give it a shot…” You said not leaving his gaze. “You know Shane… I just woke up… Do you want to stay, and help feed the chickens?” Seeing him smile wide was all the coffee you needed today. “That sounds like a great idea.”

[spacesapphi]

"Moving Forward, Spiraling Downward Chapter 15- Spiraling Downward"

As I mentioned in previous chapter notes, this chapter is one where things start getting heavy. A different take on Shane's 4 heart event is in this chapter, and the next will be covering the 6 heart event. Those who have played his route already know what these events entail, but I will be adding a CW list as well.

CWs for this chapter include emetophobia, references and depictions of addiction, a very intense argument, a physical fight scene, blood, eye trauma and injuries, mentions of past deaths, and depictions and talks of suicidal ideation.

If you feel like reading these things in detail will be too much, I will not be offended if you don't feel up to reading it. If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to give you a basic rundown of the chapter while sparing detail so the point of the story gets across. Stay safe, take care, and if you ever need help for anything, please let those around you know. You are cared for and loved!

Summary: It's been a few weeks since the Dance of the Moonlight Jellies, the night where Shane made a complete fool out of himself. He's been avoiding a certain someone since then, but finds he can't avoid them much longer when the Stardew Valley fair rolls around. The festival goes well, near perfectly in fact… but that night, Shane will find himself doing something that will change the lives of himself and all who knew him, and he fears these changes can never be undone. The final threads of his life begin to unravel, and leave him freefalling into a true downward spiral.

AO3 Version Here

Tumblr Version Below the Cut

As the weeks rolled by, Shane found it harder and harder to talk to Möhle. Everytime the two saw each other they’d get flustered, quickly going in opposite directions of each other, never speaking a word. That night was so awkward, so embarrassing for the both of them. How was Shane supposed to confront them again? What would he even say? “I’m sorry for kissing you and then vomiting on your shirt?”  He felt like such a fool. 

Now that the Fall was underway, he feared he’d have to see them much, much more. Möhle was often at his aunt's shop for feed and supplies to winterize their animal houses now, and each time the two of them saw each other it was more awkward than the last. The tension only grew with each passing day, and Shane was afraid it was only a matter of time before it imploded on them. And now on top of all of that, the Stardew Valley Fair had approached, a day where they certainly would be in town, rendering an interaction inescapable. 

Ever since he could remember, the morning of the fair was entirely hectic. Marnie would have him awake by 5 AM to start transporting things to town for set-up, and it seemed like he was yet again on petting zoo duty. Normally he didn’t mind it. He actually remembered how excited and proud he was when Marnie first let him run it on his own when he was a teen. This year he had been reluctant to get up though. For one, withdrawal and his declining mental state were starting to kick his ass worse than ever. Getting up and out of bed was beginning to feel more and more like a chore, like a herculean task he could barely bother to do. It took all of his effort just to slip on the outfit Marnie had asked him to wear, an old blue-green gingham shirt and nice, sturdy jeans. As bad as Shane felt, he couldn’t deny the outfit was kind of nice. Made him feel just a bit better about himself. But even still, there was still that air of hopelessness about him. Everything felt so much worse now, and getting up this early didn’t help him.

Neither did the noise. The fair was in full swing, and tourists were arriving by the busload to come ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the quaint little town, enjoying all the games and events there were to get involved in. The zoo was always popular too, especially with families who had little kids. Jas was on the other side of the pens, showing some kids her age how to properly hold and hug some of the baby chicks, doing it just the way he taught her to. She loved having the chance to be a little helper, feeling that same pride Shane did as a child when he was helping Marnie. He held Charlie in his lap, sitting contentedly in a folding chair as he watched over the pens, mostly there to ensure no one pulled any pranks or tried to unlatch the gates. He’d seen it happen before, and he remembered exactly how stressful it was to chase a flock of hens through town back into their corral. It seemed all was well this year though, just plenty of well-meaning and kind families. But… there was something odd that he had noticed. 

Out of the corner of his eye he kept getting glimpses of a quartet of young men, all of whom had to be college aged. They stuck together whispering to themselves, giving looks and pointing towards Shane as they did so. It unnerved him, deeply. It made him feel like there was danger afoot, like maybe they were planning on doing something to the animals. He made sure to keep note of the group, keeping a good eye out for each and every one of them. 

He flinched when he felt a tap on his shoulder, a faint feeling flooding him when he saw who was at his side. Möhle stood there, dressed in an earthy green sweater and deep brown overalls, an oversized cardigan practically swallowing their upper body. They looked happy to see him, happy that he hadn’t run away already out of embarrassment. Shane just sat frozen in his seat, giving them an awkward, forced grin as he held on to Charlie.

“Hey…”

“.... Hey,” Möhle responded, folding their arms across their chest, “You… wanna talk?”

“Busy,” Shane blurted out an excuse, motioning towards the petting zoo, “You gotta be busy too, don’t you? Y'know… with the grange display and all,”

Möhle sighed and held up a pitiful green ribbon with the number 3 written on it, “Already got judged, your aunt and Pierre had me beat,” they looked back to the grange boxes, seeing the shopkeeper brag to all who would listen about his victory. The gloating annoyed them, “I don’t mind losing to her, but… All the produce Pierre showed off was stuff he bought from me… isn’t that… fishy?”

“He does that shit every year. Buys good stuff and passes it as his own,” Shane scoffed, “I don’t know why Lewis lets him compete… Marnie used to get first place every year until he started entering. It’s not fair…” 

Möhle   nodded slowly in understanding, clicking their tongue as they thought, “Listen, I just walked over here ‘cus I wanna rip the band-aid off... You wanna talk about what happened?”

“Here?”

“Why not?”

“So what, just wanna talk about how I made a damn fool out of myself?” Shane blushed in deep embarrassment, “Yoba, I’m sorry about it… I got so nervous and I just-... You didn’t do anythin’ wrong, that’s not why I… y’know,”

“Soooo you didn’t find me so repulsive that you vomited?” Möhle teased, a cheeky grin on their face. 

“No! No… of course not, I just…” Shane sighed, “I wasn’t expecting that to happen, I still don’t know how it did… I just got… scared?”

“Why?”

“Well, I was scared you didn’t like it,” that was half of the truth. Honestly, Shane was more scared about the fact that he did like it. He still didn’t know how to grapple with these feelings, or if he was even prepared for them… or if Möhle   felt them either. 

“Well… I did. I think,” they admitted, shrugging nonchalantly, “It was nice… I just. Didn’t expect it,”

“Yeah… me neither…” 

The conversation tapered off, Shane feeling his jaw wire shut once again. Möhle just gave him a pat on the shoulder, their touch firm, yet somehow so soft, “Listen… I gotta clean out my grange display. Do you maybe want to talk more about this later? Maybe when we’re not in town square?”

Shane felt a tint of blush on his face, swallowing deeply before nodding. He earned a smile from the farmer, who turned back towards the grange area to pack up. It seemed most of the vendors were doing so as well, tents slowly closing and coming down from their spots in the square. He looked up at the sky, seeing it already begin to turn orange. Even though it happened every year, Shane was always so shocked with how early the night would roll in around the Fall. The fair would be over soon, much to his relief, and he could finally kick back and relax, exactly as he needed. 

Once everything was back in its proper place, the petting zoo torn down, and the animals resting in their houses, Shane took his leave towards the saloon. A twinge of guilt hit his heart with each step. He promised Jas he wasn’t going to do this anymore, he promised. He’d been breaking it for some time now, and he felt bad about it each and every time. Shane would do his best, stop drinking for a few days and fight it back, but eventually the urge grew, and along with it that frustrated and nauseous feeling. It felt like a pot that was always on the verge of boiling over, and he was so tired of it. The urge had grown so strong now, and he just couldn’t take it anymore. He thought of a silent apology towards Jas, and opened the saloon door, making his way to the bar counter.

Taking that first sip after weeks made Shane feel like he had been pulled from drowning, even though all it did was push his head further beneath the waves. Leaning up against his typical spot by the fireplace he took slow swigs from his mug, doing his best to ignore everyone in the saloon. It was absolutely packed, with both villagers and guests from the fair who hadn’t taken their leave. At the other end of the bar a small crowd had formed. Möhle, Emily, Penny, and that new artist he didn’t remember the name of, despite the fact that they were basically neighbors. They all seemed happy, chattering away as they drank. Möhle seemed to catch Shane staring from across the counter, giving him a polite smile and raising their glass just slightly, a happy look on their face. He just nodded in acknowledgement, turning back to his own glass, going back to contentedly ignore everyone once more. Even though he was here, even though the urge was satiated, he still felt so unhappy, and he just didn’t want to get caught up in conversation. 

Gus and Emily sure seemed happy at least, the two of them both needing a boom in business like this. It was no secret that the saloon was struggling, and tourist seasons like this helped keep it afloat. It wasn’t very nice for him though. All the noise, how crowded it had become, Shane didn’t like that, not one bit. Especially since those weirdos from before were now drinking away in the saloon, still giving him weird glances and whispering amongst themselves. Who the hell were they? What was their problem? 

He internally groaned as he saw the trio approach him, the scrawny one in the red shirt getting a bit too close for comfort. His face was mere inches away from Shane’s, squinting intently as he scanned him up and down. It made him immediately feel defensive, ready to strike at any given moment if need be. 

"Ain't no damn way..." He muttered breathlessly, "Are you Shane Yoder?"

Shane felt himself tense. He took a good, long swig, wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt "What's it to you?"

"Dude you were varsity for the ZCU Hawks! We go there!” He pointed back to his buddies, one of which Shane could see wearing a t-shirt with the college’s logo. “Holy shit man, what are you doing here?! Weren't you about to go pro?"

"I live here." He stated flatly, feeling his mood sour, "Life happened. I couldn't join the team."

"Aww, bummer,” The blond whined, "You were so cool, you’re still talked about by the coaches!" He pulled a pen and notepad from his pocket, holding it out to Shane, "Can I at least get your autograph?"

"I.... No." Shane stated flatly, looking back down at his mug. The last thing he wanted to do was be reminded of his failed glory days yet again. The man complained yet again, his whining tone sounding like that of a child.. 

"Come on, dude! It's just a quick autograph! Just one, please?"

"I said no."

"How about a picture then!" The man pulled out his phone, holding up his free hand with a 'peace' sign as he adjusted the camera’s angle. Shane could feel an unmistakable rage build on him, his face turning red. 

"I said NO-!" he barked, pushing him far back. The blond stumbled back and fell to the floor, looking up at him with the most shocked expression Shane had ever seen. The entire saloon went silent, tourists and villagers alike gawking at the sight. The man's brows furrowed, looking at Shane with such a deep anger in his eyes. He lunged back at him, pushing Shane up against the wall as he began to wail on him. 

“The hell is wrong with you, man! I thought you were cool!”

“Get out of my fuckin’ face!” Shane spat, throwing a punch of his own in an attempt to get the man to back off. 

The next few moments were a blur. Before he knew it, the two of them were wrestling on the ground, the man growing more and more agitated, slamming Shane against the ground, saloon counter, anything he could reach. Shane was just trying to get the man to back off, even if that meant throwing a few punches himself. He was never a violent man, but he wouldn’t just sit back and allow something like this to happen. The saloon burst into action yet again, people trying to get away from the brawlers, others calling out for help. Shane could swear he heard Gus tell Pam to get Marnie. The others just crowded around, treating the altercation like a spectacle. Very few people seemed to want to break this up. Why would they want to? Chances were they’d only get dragged down with them, caught in the fray.

Finally, the man's friends started trying to yank him away from Shane, yelling at him to quit it already, to give it up. The two men refused to let go though, and the group only succeeded in dragging the pair of brawlers across the floor, inch by inch. Shane felt a pair of hands grabbing at his shoulders as well, sending another wave of fury, and almost fear, through him. He thought it was another one of those men, maybe another friend to the obnoxious trio. The last thing he wanted was for another person to get involved. In a rage of self preservation, he finally let go, swiveling himself around to punch the person who grabbed him, launching a fist at full force.

He heard a howl from a very familiar voice, a searing pain shooting through his fist, an almost blinding pain. As he adjusted, he could see the person who had grabbed a hold of him in the first place crumpled to the ground, surrounded by patrons offering a helping hand. They were breathing heavily, hunched over and grasping a hand at their left eye, blood seeping through their fingers and staining the wood floor of the saloon. His vision was blurred from the beatdown he’d just taken, and his mind was hazed, but it was impossible not to recognize them. That red hair, the simple farmers clothing. It was Möhle. 

Their hand left their eye for just a moment when Emily rushed over with a little first aid kit, just long enough for Shane to see that the left lens of their glasses was shattered, and most of the missing pieces of glass were stuck firmly in his knuckles. The rest of the shards were nowhere to be seen, not even on the floor, confusingly enough. But as soon as Shane saw that sick, paling look on Emily’s face and that blood dripping to the floor, he knew exactly where they’d ended up.

Emily looked to him with a horrified, almost angry expression. She was in complete disbelief, slowly helping up Möhle as she caught glimpses of Shane, silently screaming at him “What have you done?”.... What had Shane done? He wanted to reach out, try to help, but he feared he’d make it worse. Watching the blood dribble down his hand and begin to stain his shirt, feeling the searing pain in his knuckles, the pain was almost blinding. He could only imagine how much worse it was for them. 

Möhle was trembling, hand still clasped firm over their eye. They surprisingly didn’t scream or cry, simply taking shaky, deep breaths as they tried to regain their bearings. The group of tourists that had confronted Shane were squabbling amongst themselves in another corner, the sheer sound and air about the room making his head swirl. What had he done? What had he done?

“Just breathe, take a seat…” Emily instructed, helping the farmer to a bar stool, “Relax…”

“I-I’m fine really, don’t sweat it,” Möhle warbled out, obviously in a state of shock. The pain had hardly registered with how much adrenaline was running through them. They just shook, holding their eye tight, “I think… I might,” 

Emily held them steady as it became clear they were about to pass out, “Is anyone going to get Harvey?!”

Leah stepped into action, nodding quickly as she ran out, hoping to catch the doctor quickly. The saloon door burst open the moment after she ran out, Pam charging through with a frantic Marnie trailing close behind, looking for any sight of her nephew. Catching a glimpse of him on the floor, she ran over, lifting him by the arm and getting a good look of him. Shane looked terrible, beaten and bruised to the point he could hardly keep his head up. She tried speaking to him, but the man was so out of it her voice sounded like it was underwater, completely unintelligible. He could only make out a frantic, confused tone.

The next while was a blur, Shane could only remember bits and pieces. He could’ve sworn he saw Harvey and Elliott rush in together, the doctor tending to the farmer while Elliott was demanding to know what had happened, where the person who had done this was. Marnie was talking to the group of tourists involved, the conversation seemingly getting heated, though he could barely make out a word. Soon, Marnie was all but dragging him out of the saloon. He stumbled over his footing, trying his best to get one last good view of Möhle, to see if they were okay, to see what he had done. But he could barely see a thing over the crowd, merely watching the saloon door slam shut behind him, leaving him and Marnie alone in the dark on their walk back home. 

----------

The only lights on in the ranch were the ones overhead in the kitchen, shining down harshly on Shane and Marnie as she tended to his injuries. Shane hissed as the antiseptic burned at the wounds in his hand, his arm shaking from the pain that rippled through it. Marnie just shook her head as she wiped the blood away, holding his wrist tighter when he tried to yank away yet again, “Stop it, I’m almost done,”

He just scowled at the pain, biting his lip so hard Shane feared he’d break skin. Marnie reached for the gauze, huffing in a frustrated tone, “Anything you want to say? You've been quiet,”

“There’s nothing to say, Marnie,”

“How about ‘thank you’? How about ‘sorry for getting into a bar fight at the saloon’? Do you have any idea how hard it was to get those men to leave without pressing charges? Any idea at all?”

“They started it!” Shane barked, “I was just trying to get them away!”

“I understand that, but that's not all you did...” Marnie huffed, “Poor Möhle… Shane, how could you just-...”

“I didn’t know it was them…” Shane felt queasy thinking about them. He could only hope that they were okay, that those injuries weren’t half as bad as he expected they were. But realistically they were, and the guilt was crushing him.

Marnie set down the roll of gauze with a loud *thud*, “This isn’t like you, what happened there? Do you have anything to say for yourself?!”

Shane indeed had nothing to say in response, leaving her incredibly frustrated. She felt like she was the only one who understood the gravity of the situation, just how bad this was. Marnie stepped away and held her head in her hands, pacing around the kitchen nervously. She was practically shaking, running over the events of the night in her mind. She was just getting ready for bed, about to lock up before Pam burst inside, begging her to follow her back into town. Marnie was mortified and terrified all the same, and remained that way even still.

“Shane, they could lose their eye. Do you get that?!” her voice began to warble, a tone of frustration and absolute grief in it, “I just don't know what to do with you anymore… I don’t know how to help you.”

“.... I'm sorry,” Shane mumbled, his voice hoarse and broken.

Marnie didn't respond, simply staring at the floor with her arms crossed against her chest. She was so angry, so utterly and thoroughly ashamed over what happened tonight. Though the actions weren’t her own, she knew they reflected on her, on their family. She didn't know how she'd face the town, how she'd even try to make up for this. What was she even supposed to do?

“Shane… if you don't get yourself together, if you don't try to do better… I -” she pinched the bridge of her nose tight, mourning what she was going to say next, “Shane I don’t know how much longer I can take living like this,”

“Like what?”

It was quiet for a moment, Marnie choosing her words carefully, “Shane… honestly if it weren’t for Jas I don’t know how much longer you could stay here…”

Shane felt another wave of nausea run through him. He looked to his aunt, hurt and horrified, “Marnie… what are you-”

“You break every rule, simple ones, and you've been nothing but disrespectful as of late. Calling me by my first name, starting arguments, pushing your responsibilities aside… and now this?!” she threw up a hand for emphasis, “Shane you know I love you, you’re my nephew… but I can’t sit here and let you keep doing this. It’s not fair,”

Marnie's voice was calm, scarily so. She stared down Shane with a serious intent, letting him know under no uncertain terms that she wasn't joking, “You know I don't want to say this…. But what you’re doing now, your actions, are tearing this family apart, Shane,”

“The hell is that supposed to mean?!” Shane grew defensive, but  Marnie stood her ground, “You know what I mean… Shane, I’m watching you get worse by the day. And getting to the point of something like this… I can’t live like this,”

“So what? You don’t want me to be here anymore?” Shane felt his voice warble, the disbelief obvious in his tone, “I have been tryin’ so h-hard to get this under control, I-” he couldn’t stop himself from crying and stuttering anymore, his unharmed hand gripping at his hair tight, “I have been trying, I don’t know why I’m getting worse… I don’t want to be worse!”

He felt himself begin to spiral, his heart clenching in on itself. Marnie put a soft hand on his shoulder, “Shane, listen to me. What I’m saying is you need to get help. Actual professional help. You need to do better, for all of us… I’m not asking for perfection. These things take time, we both know that… But I am asking for effort,”

“Please…” he pleaded, his tone broken and desperate, “I can be better, I promise I can be better. You know I’m tryin’, please…”

“I need to see it, then. Jas needs to be able to see it. We all do,” she closed her eyes tight, feeling her heart break down and crumble, “Shane I can’t watch you do this to yourself anymore…”

Shane sat hunched over in his chair, taking in deep, shuddery breaths. He felt ready to vomit, ready to just completely lose it. How did it get this bad? How did he get to this point? Marnie, who once begged him to come home and live at the ranch, the woman who once called him a treasure and a gift to their family, no longer wanted him here. And it was all because of his actions. He knew she was right, in a way at least. He was falling, he was spiraling, and he could no longer stop it on his own. But getting help scared him, being vulnerable about all of this was his worst nightmare. Getting help made him feel weak, made him feel like a failure. He spent his entire life watching his aunt push through and be the best person she could be for his sake. She was successful, strong, and kind all the same. And he just couldn’t do it. He couldn’t be like her, as much as he tried. It all felt so impossible. He could only imagine what things would be like if Marnie did tell him to leave. He thought back to the night a year ago today when he was out on the street, realizing he had nowhere to turn but here. But what would happen if even she wouldn’t take him? Where would it leave him?

Marnie felt so much guilt, so much anger at herself for the words she’d spoken. She would never make him leave, she knew she wouldn’t forgive herself if she did. But what else was she supposed to do? Sit by, watch him slowly kill himself, watch Jas grow more and more dejected by the day? Was she supposed to enable him, allow and encourage him to get worse? To hurt himself and others? She couldn’t do that, she wouldn’t do that. Not anymore. Marnie had been a pushover once. Once upon a time she’d have given in and retreated, let him continue down this path of destruction. But she found that holding the hand  of a loved one in their final moments, to say goodbye because they were too stubborn to get help until an untimely death… it changed you. It made you more resilient, made it easier to stand your ground, to say ‘no more’ when you watched another person you loved do the same. Marnie would do anything to avoid seeing Shane in that situation, even if it meant he wasn’t happy with her now. 

It wasn’t like Marnie didn’t understand the situation either. If anything, she understood it more than anyone else in this world possibly could. Every last detail she could relate to. Giving up your dreams, your life, for a child and the responsibility of raising them, the stress and turmoil it came with… the coping mechanisms it made you turn to just to quiet the thoughts that criticized your every move. She had never told most people about that part, understanding the judgment and stigma that came with it. It made it difficult for her to even admit to herself, but maybe now she could tell him. Maybe it would help him realize that what she said wasn’t out of judgment, but from a place of complete and total understanding. It was far too late to tell him, she knew. But late was better than never, and she knew he needed something now. Something to make this feel possible to move past.

She pulled a chair to sit in front of him, softening her voice and expression, “Shane… I think it’s time for me to be honest about something. Truly honest. I understand what you’re going through… more than I ever told you before.” she paused for a moment to try and find her words, “Shane, what I’m trying to say is-”

“What? That you ‘get it’? The same shit you tell me every fuckin’ time we argue about this?” Shane spat, the shock wearing off, replaced with anger, “Because honestly? I don’t think you do. You say this to me all the time, but you obviously don’t! I don’t know how to make you understand that! You don’t fucking get it!”

“I don’t get it…?” Marnie’s voice grew louder, her expression livid as she slowly rose from her chair, “I don’t get it?!”

“Fuck, sorry, that was-”

“Of all people, you should know that I understand what this is like! Do you think it was easy to raise you after your mother died? It’s an awful situation to be in, raising a child when you shouldn’t have to!” Marnie threw her hands up for emphasis, face flushed a deep red, “Do you think I wanted to give up my dream job and come back to the valley?! To leave everything I worked so hard for behind and-”

She quickly cut herself off and clapped a hand over her mouth, seeing her nephew's expression change into one of horror. She quickly realized what she had said, how she said it, and felt sick. She wanted nothing more than to take it back, to have reworded what was shouted in anger, but the damage was done. Those words were burned into his mind now. All Shane felt now was betrayal, anger, but most of all, guilt.

“Did I really make you that miserable?” Shane's voice was hardly a whisper, broken and defeated.

"Oh Shane, I didn't mean it like that-"

"Didn’t you?” Shane scoffed, fighting back the urge to cry, “You’ve made it clear that I’ve been nothing but a burden to you since I came back home.”

"I promise I didn't mean it like that!" Marnie sounded frantic, tripping over her words to try and make anything sound better. Shane threw up his hands in frustration, "Then how did you mean it, Marnie?! Tell me!"

 "I just meant that I understand how hard it is, how easy it is to fall into this hole! And I’m worried about you! You need to think about your future, Jas' future, what's your plan?!"

“A plan…? Hopefully I won't be around much longer to need a plan." Shane's voice was resolute, filled with such anger. Marnie felt her blood run cold, her mind trying to process the words that had just come out of his mouth. She shook her head slowly, “Shane, no-”

“It would do us all a favor, ‘specially since I ruined your life, right?” Shane interrupted, laughing bitterly,  “Made you give up on aaaaall your dreams just so you could raise this ungrateful piece of shit, right?!”

"Don't say that." Marnie warned, pointing at him accusatively, "You don't mean that."

"Yes! I do! I've wished I was dead every fuckin’ day since the accident!" Shane was practically screaming, voice booming and face growing red. Hot tears streaked down his face as he yelled, "I still have no fuckin’ clue what I'm doin’ and all it’s done is hurt everyone! How am I supposed to plan Jas' life when I can't even keep control of my own?!"

"Shane..."

"NO. I'm not interested in ANY-"

"SHANE."

Marnie had rarely yelled at him like that before. He could only think of one situation when he was a child, but he knew that tone of voice meant business. Shane immediately got quiet, hearing a soft sniffling sound from his side. 

Oh. Oh no.

He turned around slowly, finding Jas standing behind him, dressed in her pajamas, snuggling a plush tight to her chest. The commotion must’ve woken her, drawing her to the kitchen to see what had happened. She was doing her best to hold back from crying until he looked at her with the same horrified expression, one that made her shatter. The little girl immediately broke out into wails, throwing down her plush to the ground and running back to her room. Shane was stuck frozen, staring blankly as a sick feeling burned its way up his throat. He would've never said any of that if he thought she would be there, never in his life. 

He looked back to Marnie, seeing a similar terrified expression plastered on her face. She looked back and forth, between Shane and the direction of Jas’ room. Part of her wanted to run to comfort Jas, and the other wanted to comfort her nephew. Both of them needed her right now, but she couldn’t help both of them at once. Oh how she hated being in these situations, hated making these choices. Why was it always on her to be the strong one in this house?

Reluctantly, she made her decision. She took a deep breath, and spoke in a warbling tone, "Stay here…."

The older woman stormed off, making her way to Jas’ room. The girl's cries echoed through the house, each second that passed making Shane feel worse and worse. Jas had already lost so much, and now she had to hear him yell about wishing he was dead? She had to watch him break yet another promise? It wasn't fair, and he couldn't shake the guilt. Maybe he should try and talk to her, to try and tell her he didn't mean it. It was the least he could do.

Anxiously, he shuffled out towards her room, peeking in to see the 6 year old curled up on her bed, face planted in her pillow, sobbing wildly as Marnie tried her best to comfort her. 

"Jas, honey, I'm so sorry..." He started, voice getting warbly, "I didn't mean that-"

"GO AWAY!" Jas screeched, lifting her head from the pillow, "I HATE YOU!"

"Jasmyne!" Marnie scolded. 

Jas threw her head into her pillow again, balling her little fists together. How could things have gotten like this? Ever since they moved here, a gradual downward spiral had started. Shane rarely smiled anymore, he always reeked of alcohol, he was always so sad. And now, he was yelling about how he wished he was dead. He was a husk of the man he was just a year ago, completely unrecognizable. He had promised her this would change, that he’d stop drinking and stop fighting with Marnie. But what was he doing just moments ago? Standing in the kitchen, smelling of alcohol as he and Marnie screeched at each other. It made her so angry. Jas didn't hate him, just the poor facsimile of him that stood in his place. Whoever this was, he wasn’t Shane. She just wanted the man she considered her father back. She wanted her family to be whole.

"Go away..." She repeated, her sobs and voice growing quiet. Marnie gave Shane a knowing look, encouraging him to leave. It seemed being here wasn’t making things much better. He got the hint, nodding and closing the bedroom door. He could only hear Jas’ muffled cries through its solid frame, his heart tearing apart at the sound. How could he have hurt her like this? What the hell was wrong with him? Slowly, he turned away from the two of them, and made towards his bedroom door, locking himself in the dark and dismal space. Everything was lost. Marnie’s life was ruined by his hands, Jas hated him, and it was all his fault. The last family ties he had were severed, and for the first time, Shane truly had nothing and no one. Emily likely wouldn’t want to talk to him anymore, not after that display. His friendship with Sam ended almost as soon as it started, and Möhle… He wouldn’t blame them if they never looked in his direction again. Oh how he wished he could turn back time already, fix what had been broken. But he couldn’t. What was done, was done.

Over the hours, Jas’ eventually stopped crying and Marnie had gone to bed. The only one awake in the household was Shane, still sitting against his door, blankly staring at the wall in front of him. Everything was ruined, lost. What was he supposed to do from here? Who was he supposed to turn to? There was absolutely no one, not a single person who could or wanted to be there for him, and it broke his heart. 

Marnie’s words rang in his head, getting louder and louder. He couldn’t blame her for wanting him to leave. He’d been hurting so many people, broke all the rules she set… and he’d apparently ruined her life. Shane had heard plenty of stories about what she was like when she was young. Marnie was talented, she was going places. But right when success was so close, she gave it all up to be his caretaker. Pam had often told him that she was an artist, the best she’d ever seen. But Shane could barely remember a time when he saw her making anything. Most of her life was spent running the ranch and raising him, swapping her crafting tools for those of a rancher’s, taking up a position that by her own words she didn’t want. 

He couldn’t help but feel like it was his fault. Honestly, he believed many things were his fault simply by existing. If he didn’t exist, Marnie wouldn't've had to come home to the ranch after his mothers passing... Maybe she wouldn’t have even passed. Marnie always kept the details vague, telling him that stress had taken her in the end. Shane knew he wasn’t an easy child to raise. Many adults in town had jokingly called him a ‘handful’ when he was young. He couldn’t help but feel like he was to blame for the misfortune that befell his family. Marnie had always called him a gift and a treasure, but Shane felt like he was a curse. Everyone close to him either ended up hurt or dead. He was a walking bad omen at this point. He felt like it wouldn’t stop either. As long as he was alive, those he loved would be miserable.

He would change that; one way or another.

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

“Oh Marn, that’s bad…”

“I know… Yoba, I wish I could take it back,” Marnie held her head in her hands, the weight of shame on her shoulders. 

Pam had come to visit her in the early hours of the morning, finding the household to be in complete turmoil. Marnie had run over the events of the previous night, sparing no detail, and Pam was understandably horrified. All she could do was just place a hand on her back, a silent, grounding gesture to let her know she was there for Marnie. Rain beat down on the windows of the ranch, the heaviest storm the valley had seen in some time. It seemed to fit the mood of the house perfectly, as grim as it was.

“He still hasn’t gotten up, right?” she looked over to his bedroom door, shut tight, no sound coming from behind the solid wood. Marnie shook her head, huffing and wiping her eyes, “No. You know how he holes up like this… He locked it too, won’t open up for anything,”

Pam drummed her fingers on the table, “Well… Maybe I could talk to him. I don’t think he cares for me much, but it might help seein’ as we both got the same vice now,”

“I guess it’s worth a try,” Marnie agreed. It wasn’t like much else could get worse from here. Pam gave her a soft pat on the back as she stood up, approaching Shane’s door carefully, knocking twice, “You awake, boy?”

There was no answer, as expected. Pam shook her head and knocked harder on the door, surprised to find it popping open just an inch from the gesture, “Marn… didn’t you say this was locked?”

“I thought it was…” she muttered, her face riddled with confusion, “I mean, it has gotten stuck before, but I just assumed…”

Pam stuck her head into the room, panning her view around its interior.

“... Hey, Marn?”

“Yes?”

“He’s not in here,”