#so i think i'm slightly worse here xD

[honorhearted]

Penelope's snort was unexpected, though not unwelcome, seeing how it brought out a certain sparkle to her eyes. Unable to help it, Benjamin mirrored her smirk, folding his hands behind his back as he prodded, "You're not an admirer of Miss Cressida, I take it? Not that I can blame you... Were I to be a child in school again, I imagine my school chums would call her 'Miss Cowturd' or 'Miss Cowpen' -- rather befitting names, seeing how her behavior is on par with the barnyard sort."

All right, perhaps now he really was being cruel, but he'd noted how Penelope seemed so unabashedly delighted by his jest, and he was nothing if not one to please.

He smirked. "Not that I fared much better, of course. I was known as 'Benny Boremadge' during my formative years...among other things I'd rather not repeat in mixed company."

Keeping his hands clasped behind his back, Benjamin nodded at a couple as they passed, only to perk up at his companion's unexpected admission. "Oh... You write?" he asked, his eyes shining with intrigue. "I, myself, am a great devourer of words. I love reading, though I wouldn't ever try my hand at writing...not beyond a few dreadful poems here and there." He grinned. "They truly are terrible, so I'd ask that you not inquire further. However, I will say that my fondness for poetry has earned me the reputation of being the perfect matchmaker." The corner of his mouth quirk upward. "And by that, I mean if you give me a week or two, I can usually match a person with their perfect poem. Gregory was rather pleased with his."

Penelope's horror over his punishment was understandable. Waving a hand, Benjamin was quick to reassure, "If it lessens the severity in your eyes, they were small bottles, and not completely full. My father entertains quite often, so I was lucky in that regard. I only had to drink about a bottle's worth of whiskey...maybe less."

He listened quietly while she spoke of her own familial injustice, slight amusement curling around his mouth since he, too, was quite familiar with sibling antics. "As bothersome as it is, you'll miss that someday," Benjamin softly said. His smile dimmed and he lowered his eyes. "Trust me on that. There's no greater joy in this world than family, and I'd given anything to..." Trailing off, he shrugged. "Well, I wouldn't give anything to have my brother frame me for jewelry theft, but the statement still stands."

Wither and die... Penelope's words were so tragic, so final, that Benjamin stopped people-gazing and returned his focus to her profile, raking his eyes over her with newfound interest. "If you don't believe yourself capable of cultivating, then why are you surrounded by people who love you?" he challenged. "The Bridgertons, for example...I know I haven't been under their employ for long, but I know they adore you. Perhaps one of the sons..." Flinching from his potential overstep, he shrugged and forced a smile. "Well, it's just that you're quite pretty, Miss Featherington, and you're also smart and very engaging. I don't imagine that's escaped everyone's notice."

"As I said, I am thoroughly unfit for guard duties." Although she offered a smile in return, Pen couldn't quite tell if he was being genuine or simply offering her a sliver of pity. In the end, it didn't matter. Anything that took her mind off of the party for even a split moment was a welcomed reprieve. Especially when the distraction was in the form of such a pleasant stranger.

At the mention of one of her greatest enemies, though, Pen can't suppress the snorty snigger that slips past her lips and she moves to embarrassingly shield her mouth with her hand. Cressida had certainly mastered the art of malevolence, but she clearly wasn't as repellant as the Featherington girl seemed to be. The haughty blonde was flocked by a gaggle of young ladies, all high in their instep. Although Penelope despised the blonde, she could not deny that Cressida knew how to play the game. She wore her chin high and wielded her faux charm like a battle axe, almost effortlessly cutting down anyone in her path. Pen had been on the sharp end of her blade more than once, and had, in turn, grown a grand distaste for the Cowper girl. Even if they had far more in common than either of them cared to admit, the rift between them was rigid and unwavering.

"I know what that's like. Not being able to speak freely. It's why I enjoy writing. On paper, I am free to say anything I like." Normally, she would not be so quick to divulge her pastimes to a stranger, especially a handsome young man at a ball. Her mother would indubitably kick up a breeze about her daughter's indecorous hobbies which would only prove to sour her chances with anyone.

"Two more bottles?" She let out an audible gasp. "How did you manage to not die?" Her own parents had strange ways of enacting punishments, surely, but they would never go that far. Would they? Or at least they'd never had to. Pen, herself, had never been the type to indulge in alcohol and certainly not in the way men did. The only type of rebellious behavior she took part in were the handful of times she'd slipped into her father's study to borrow some books. Thankfully, her father had always been too preoccupied with other endeavors to notice the empty spaces on his shelves.

"There was one time when I was younger that my sister, Prudence," The redhead gently jutted out her chin in the direction of her sisters. The two older Featherington girls lingered in one of the other corners of the room, chattering away. "She stole a pair of earrings from my mother's boudoir. When she was questioned about it, she told our Mama that I'd taken it."

The idea was as ridiculous as it was unseemly and how her parents thought she'd be capable of such a thing had baffled her at the time. Nowadays, though, she had learned to mimic her sisters' sneaky behaviors, and even seemed to perfect them while the other girls still got caught red handed from time to time.

"I was banished to my room for nearly a sennight before it was found in Prudence's wardrobe, placed there by her unfortunate maid who had found them buried in a pile of laundry. Suffice to say, their accusations were hardly taken seriously after that."

At the time, Penelope had been furious. It was cruel and unfair to be punished for something she hadn't done. Looking back on it now, though, it wasn't the worst thing in the world. Emptying one's stomach in front of the entire congregation sounded much, much worse.

His willingness to continue with the metaphor was comforting. It was rare that Pen ever spoke her mind, and rarely in simple terms. She was a writer at heart and she found it hard to avoid metaphors when speaking her mind. The fact that Benjamin was no repelled by it made her feel seen, made her feel understood.

“Still, sometimes a bloom is not tended to properly and has nothing to do but wither and die.” His perspective was admirable, though some might call it naïve. But Penelope appreciated the kindness behind his words nevertheless. Ignoring the growing warmth in her cheeks, she shakes her head, trying to free her mind of the deep-rooted pessimism. “But perhaps I simply do not possess a green thumb.”

[vasyandii]

I have no idea if I can ask that but I'm so curious... Any headcanons of AM and Vernon having sex? I made conclusion that they are doing that by your last nswf art... (Very good one, btw!) Or am I wrong? It's okay if you don't want to answer on this ask or it's uncomfortable for you! Sorry if I made you feel bad... 👉👈

VernonAM

NSFW Headcanons

Warning: Sexual/suggestive topics.

⚠️ If you're under 16+, Please scroll pass. There are better places to be. (My Boundaries here.)

Howdy Anon, thank you for the ask. you're allowed to ask anything as long as it's in a normal/polite manner XD. I see sex more as a character study/ exploration than anything else.

In the context of THIS art; they haven't yet, more just AM struggling to deal with new sensations and emotions of want because he has big feelings towards Vernon and nowhere to put it to.

1.) AM's bad at fucking.

Let's get this out of the way, when their relationship started to become sexual, AM was bad at it. Like way worse than most. Just because one has the knowledge of how to fuck doesn't mean they have the skill to fuck.

So during the initial stages, it was less than satisfactory for Vernon's end, even if she's been touch starved for 109 years. (not for AM though he enjoys it very much.)

2.) Ideas on sex.

I don't think Vernon sees sex as an act of intimacy, if she does, it's very rarely. To her it's an act of power, worship. She requires it from AM, he's a good follower and she'll be a good god.

AM, however sees it as an intimate experience, a moment of vulnerability that he's willing to give to her. He wants to please and see her pleased. It's a form of showing his affection towards her. AM has more complex emotions with his experience being "human". (I hope that makes sense)

3.) Vernon's experience

4.) Vernon is LOUD. AM is quiet.

She just generally had more experience in sex than him. ( Mostly one night stands during University and her Archeological excavations overseas.) but because of this, the initial stages felt transactional.

Intercourse did get better as time went on but she had to basically talk him through most of it since AM had no sense of pace, rhythm, control, and it usually didn't last long.

Vernon gets a kick out of embarrassing AM in the bedroom. She will moan, scream, laugh. AM knows there's no one to hear them but he ushers her to stay quiet because he gets shy.

AM is fairly quiet because his brain can only process so many overwhelming sensations at once, he short circuits. His words often come out garbled, even in its omnipresence. His face is often buried in her neck to not make any noise.

5.) idk what caption to put here lmao

Vernon's just really degrading when it comes to teasing AM idk how to put it. She'll whisper praises in AM's ear, kisses on his neck, while giving him a handjob or kisses along his thighs and dick before she sucks him off. But then she goes along to choking, scratching, or biting him.

Not much to say for AM since he's a bumbling mess during, alot of sniffled "Thank you's" from him. He's good with his mouth though.

6.) Aftercare

Vernon doesn't do aftercare. It's a waste of time to her, or at least that's what she says, since usually in her past experience she would just leave and never see the other person again.

She's a bit repulsed by the idea that there's something that she has to do that'll make her get attached to someone which shows in her being slightly irritable after sex. An irritated fondness for AM, basically.

AM requires aftercare from Vernon. He's pretty annoying about it. He'll whine and stop her from leaving bed with his weight.

He needs her to give him kisses and tell him that he's good in some way. Vernon will give the reassurance he needs (kisses, petting his hair, holding him) as long as he shuts the hell up and lets her sleep it off.

That's really it for my headcanons for them, I'm not very good at writing sexual things so if there's anything you'd like for me to clarify, feel free to tell me.

[edgeray]

Ray! 🍅 anon again here xD

Was hanging around twitter and saw @arlecock (yes, wtf is that name) wondering what happens during Arle’s periods (I mean. Valid concern?) she’s probably so used to going on and functioning with them.

Indulgent yes but any Thoughts? I personally do want to spoil her with a massage and warm hugs and cuddling her if she ever had any cramps! (Okay this is just an excuse to spoil her but still) Though I would feel like Arle would be one of the ones who is so used to pain period cramps don’t really faze her anymore…

(Or when there’s a long established relationship post canon and Arle also uses it as an excused to get babied)

Lullabying Arle to sleep… hehehhehehehehehehehehehhehehehe.

She deserves it.

Hi 🍅 anon! I'm not going to be using this as a request since you're only asking for my thoughts, I'll just keep it to kind of a ramble lol.

first of all, arlecock is a valid af (and real af) user, have you seen the users on tiktok? lmfao, there's way worse on there. slightly irrelevant, but i saw a tiktok video of a literal arlecchino pride flag at a pride parade. what would that even be called? arlesexual?

anyways

arle powers through periods like nothing, regardless of how painful her cramps are. she has so many better things to worry about and concern her than whatever her body decides to do once a month (her curse hurts way worse anyways, cramps are incomparable.) I'd imagine she also uses her pyro vision to help relieve her cramps. i doubt many people can tell the difference between when she's on/off her period, except maybe you and her children. She's a bit more snippy, a bit more impatient, but besides that she doesn't really give off any signs of when she's on her period, and if it doesn't bother her, then she feels like there's no need to tell you.

however, you do you tracking them, mostly be noticing when your guys' shared bathroom's feminine products have been depleting. of course, cuddling arle is a given. she loves to cuddle with you and she will most definetely fall asleep to your pretty voice humming/singing to her as you stroke her hair.

to me, arle also seems like the type of person to secretly have a sweet tooth. i don't know why, but she strikes me as those type of people. you'll also buy her lots of dark chocolate candy to also help. you also make her a warm bath before she comes home, and that's where you usually massage her. y'know what's another thing that helps with cramps? sex.

I don't think think I need to say more about that.

but yeah, those are just this silly axolotl's thoughts <3

this may not be... super accurate in terms of what you should do for cramps, considering that I'm very fortunate to not have cramps during my periods.

[qiutls]

TNGDH 017

In fact the owner of the flower has been decided from the beginning, so there was no need to deliberate. I'll give it to you, okay? Since you helped me attend the banquet as exchange for it. After all I'm a law-abiding citizen of Korea, I don't break my promises.

"Here, Your Highness."

The entrance fee for this banquet.

I gave Belial the white flower with a bitter face. Still, he is indeed a prince, if he didn't get a single flower, it would be quite embarrassing.

"I'm giving it to you as I promised."

Belial glanced at me with soft eyes and smiled slightly with his eyes bent like crescent moons. It seemed like a graceful gaze that would melt anyone who was looked at.

"Thank you."

Hey, don't act too moved. Why are you so touched? It's not like it was a surprise gift.

Belial cut the stem of the flower short and inserted it onbliquely in the front pocket of his coat. I was wondering why despite his flashy clothes, he didn't wear a corsage, now I see why. This bastard planned this from the start.

"Receiving the symbol of respect from a subject of the Blake estate sure feels quite refreshing."

Belial turned his head slightly towards Kyle and asked,

"Don't you think so?"

He seemed to be quite excited to have an opportunity to be condescending. What are you a kid? Are you actually going to brag about a flower?

Kyle on the other hand didn't that much interested in his gloating and replied bluntly,

"Congratulations."

It was a tone that didn't seem congratulatory at all. His red eyes turned to look at me berating my actions.

What? What was I supposed to do? You already have a lot of white flowers from the citizens of the duchy. Look at your basket filled to the brim. So please spare this one flower, okay?

"What are you going to do with that one?"

Kyle pointed towards me, to be exact, he pointed at the red flower sitting in my hand.

I stood still and continued to grasp the red flower, while everyone else was giving it to others, asking for a dance.

Sen said this flower symbolizes love. But I don't have anyone I 'love' right now. Even as the human Bae Soohyun, I had built a Great Wall around me, rejecting any possible affection.

"I'm not giving it to anyone."

I said flatly.

Why are you asking? I'm not giving it to you. I'm not giving it to others as well. This is mine.

To make matters worse, Belial also anticipated my next actions. Apparently, Sen gave both flowers to him.

I already gave you one, and you still want more? You two brothers have no conscience! Are you toddlers? Stop competing for a flower! 

"....."

I really didn't want to give it to anyone, but how am I supposed to reject both the grand duke and the prince.

Can't you guys just pretend not to know? Let's just skip this, get rid of those competitive gazes. I sighed deeply, then put the stem in my mouth.

I am not giving it away! It's mine!

"Euf yeu reely weant it, then teuk it."

*he's biting the flower stem so he can't talk properly XD  'If you really want it, then take it.'*

...Well, I think the pronounciation was fine.

Even if I said it like that, it was understandable right? I turned my head away after seeing the glances from the crown. Get lost! Go and keep dancing, why are you looking this way.

"Pff- hahaha!"

Belial burst into laughter.

"Everything you do is really so strange, I didn't know there was such an interesting person in the North."

Kyle's eyes suddenly brightened, then he stepped in between me and Belial as if to block him, and offered me a red flower.

....Wait, what? Why are you giving that to me?

"Can I have your first dance of the day?"

Wait a minute!

"The music will start soon, will you accompany me for a dance?"

Stop!

Hey! This isn't right! Why are you asking me to dance out of all the people here. I can't even answer you properly because I'm biting a flower!

Kyle grabbed me by the arm, not even waiting for my reply. Before I knew it we were on the dance floor, and receiving strange looks from everyone.

...That's right, isn't it weird if the Duke of Blake, chose some unidentified man as his dance partner.

I'm doomed.

"I- I heuv never deunced befeur."

I've never danced before! Let me go, you punk.

Of course, there was no way he could have understood.

"Wheuy deu yeu weunt to deunce with me!"

Why do you want to dance me with me? There's a lot to choose from!

This time seems like Kyle understoon perfectly even though I said it with clenched teeth.

"Why do I want to dance with you? Because out of all the people here, you were the only one who...."

Kyle leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"What was it that you said? My companion?"

Fuck. This damn situation is...

I wanted to refute his statement but the flowers were in the way. When I moved my hand to remove it, he grasped my arm and put it on his waist. My other hand was also trapped in his as he lead me to dance.

Soon, at the sound of the music, we along with the other people in the dance floor began to spin like dolls in a music box. 

We moved with the cheerful waltz beat... And I kept stepping on Kyle's feet. I can't help it, I've never dance before. This kind of fast paced beat is sure to break my legs.

Stomp.

I stepped on his foot again, this time it was much harder than before, but Kyle didn't seem to be in pain. Well what else can he do, except endure.

"Why did you say that back then?"

"....."

Because I was confessing that I was your pet! Your pet hamster! This mouth of mine is the problem. Ah! Why did you say that Bae Soohyun.

This time I stepped on his foot on purpose, as payback.

"Come to think of it, you look strangely like someone I know?"

Suddenly Kyle lifted me slightly and let my feet step on his. We continued dancing like this. Well, more like he continued, since he was the only one moving.

'Am I not heavy?'

Anyways, thanks to this, I felt more comfortable. Now all I have to do is stick to him and not worry about following the beat.

Of course, the distance between us bothered me a bit. His bangs often brushed against my forehead and it made my heart feel itchy.

By the way, what do you mean I look like someone? Everywhere you look, all the face you'd see are westerners, where could you have found a face that resembles an Asian like me?

'... Don't tell me, you think I resemble your hamster?'

Ey, that's impossible, it's a different species. Hm, I guess there's really someone in the Blake estate who looks like me.

"Isn't that statement quite brazen of you?"

...Oh, you sly man. You're really fiendish.

Kyle said in a low tone,

"So, what do you think?"

His voice was cold and intimidating. I felt extreme pressure and my body was trembling as if my whole body's blood was being drained out.

I shrank reflexively.

N-no, but there's really nothing to say. I was originally going to ask if you thought I looked like your pet hamster, but now I don't think I can.

And this damn flower. This damn flower is my enemy. I'm glad I didn't drool on my shoes. That's right don't talk to me, or else I might drool on your shoes too.

"I think yeur just jeuking."

I think your just joking.

Right? It should be. Don't pry into me anymore, lest you get an idea.

"That's right, I was kidding."

Kyle's eyes narrowed, I didn't know if he was smiling or threatening.

"I guess it's time I take the flower now."

His head got closer and at that moment, I forgot I was on the dance floor. When his face filled my entire vision, I couldn't even hear the music the was originally loud.

It felt like we were the only ones who existed in the world at that moment.

"....."

Kyle seemed to move slowly. His face came close enough for us to touch foreheads and his eyelashes fanned my cheeks. He tilted his head slightly and took the red flower that had been in my mouth, our posture looked as if we were kissing.

"This... What..."

I closed my eyes and felt our noses touch. Soon, I opened my eyes and realized I lost the flower. What the hell?

Before I could argue, he pushed me away slightly and spun me around. While I was turning around to the sound of the violin, he broke the stem of the flower and placed it on his front pocket, just like what Belial did earlier.

Kyle did the job skillfully with just one lap of turn, grasped my hand and pulled me back in again. As soon as my body tilted, I stumbled and stepped on his foot again. He's such a great dancer, meanwhile I...

"What are you going to do if a rumour spreads that the Grand Duke of the North is into men?"

It seems like the north will be thrown into chaos as soon as word gets out.

Kyle answered my question blankly as if it was a small matter.

"I can afford to not have children nor a family, unlike some people."

"But aren't you the lord?"

"The North does not rely on lineage to choose it's leaders. Only the strongest can rule here."

"Ah right..."

I answered awkwardly. Let's just keep quiet.

"What's your name?"

"It's... Shu."

I said half-heartedly and looked away for fear that he might discover something.

The first song came to an end, and the crowd seemed to be a bit more active, looking for partners for the next dance. From the gap, I saw Belial and Sen move toward the dance floor.

'Hey System, how much time do I have left?'

[ "Summon" will end in approximately 10 minutes. ]

"....What?!"

10 minutes? That's not enough!

[ Would you like to buy an item from the 'Nut Shop'? ( •̀ .̫ •́ )✧ ]

There's no choice, the chandelier incident still hasn't been prevented. I sighed deeply and bought what I saw earlier.

[ Long-lasting Acorn cookie, consumes 1% miracle value, purchasing this item grants an extension of 1 hour for the skill "Summon." ]

A small snack came straight into my pocket.

"It really looks like an acorn."

I unwrapped the package and put it in my mouth without hesitation. 

....Tastes like acorns, but a bit bland.

"Well, I guess dancing to one song would be fine. As I told you, I'm not a good dancer."

"Don't worry, it's fine. I'll lead."

Belial bent down and offered out his arm for Sen to hold. The two of them seemed to be going to the dance floor this time.

'... Don't.'

My anxious gaze flew to the chandelier.

'You can't dance there.'

There's really no choice in this damned life, I thought as I reached out to Kyle.

"Please dance with me one more time, Your Highness."

Punk, let's do one more round.

t/n: i might not be able to post tomorrow since i'll be away the whole day, so here's an early update ! :D

[sugarywishes]

Apologies for the flood of questions all of a sudden, I promise this is the last for now. XD I am curious though, given what you have mentioned before, but what do you think would have happened if the Afton Kids has lived? You did mention that Elizabeth was turning against Evan for his preferential treatment, so I'm curious as to how far it would go, and if you have any other headcannons for the future in that case.

Also, no worries! I love answering questions people have about my characters or AUs, it gets my creative juices flowing! Answers below as usual.

I assume by your question you could be talking about a universe where the bite *didn't* occur (as for an AU where the bite did happen and Evan lived, it's a WIP AU idea I might develop soon but I'm not too sure yet.)

Evan already dealt with enough bullying from his old school and from his brother but also getting hated by his own twin? He was already depressed in his life but this would've made him even more miserable. It's not like his mom would comfort him at all. So of course he would fully submit to the one person in his life who was nice to him, William 😔 (I mean, more so than he did before)

And because he only interacts positively with William, it makes Lizzie and Mike more spiteful towards him, which increases their animosity towards him too. (I guess he should be thankful he doesn't attend school anymore, Lizzie would've probably joined his bullies in tormenting him too ☹️☹️) (Elizabeth, your father does not care about you girl! Don't take it out on your brother you deserve better 😭😭)

I feel like since Mike already does enough in the 'scaring/traumatizing my brother' category (who knows if he physically harms Evan too, I don't think he beats him up or anything lmao but pushes or shoves are more in his line of bullying), Lizzie would be generally cruel to him in a typical girl way

(I know that sounds kinda off putting, but I know for a fact that boys and girls tend to bully differently than each other, boys usually are physically aggressive while girls usually do verbal abuse or subtle physical harm i guess idk) So think more in lines of insults, social exclusion (so he can't interact with Charlie, who has a neutral relationship with him and is the only other person who at least treats him respectfully besides Henry who also doesn't interact w/ him), and at worse like push him around or pinch him or something. I'm slightly basing this off my own childhood but we're not here for that we're here for FNAF!

I think she (like Mike) would also disrespect his things, so as I said in the Lizzie post where she breaks her dolls and toys, she'd probably break into his room and destroy his stuff too. (This is why therapy for children is helpful !! Dear lord !!)

So as for when time goes by, I have two alternate ways this could go. Either William divorces Clara later on and takes Evan with him, disappear from the public eye and basically hides him away for his 'safety and comfort' (wow, now he truly will be like Rapunzel and Quasi!) OR the family stays together, and Evan is subjected to further abuse until Mike runs away from home at 18. To which then Evan will also run away at 18 after dealing with Elizabeth's abuse, William's *subtle* abuse and Clara's neglect for *years*. Lizzie still stays at home, and basically the entire family never talks to eachother ever again. Uh, depressing I know. I'm still working out ideas though so who knows!

(Uh, also reminder that most of the FNAF characters in my interpretation are not good people at the start. They have things happen to them that eventually start their paths to redemption, so I guess it functions like A Christmas Carol logic??)

[ijwrff]

Bro i NEED a Part 3 for that yandere Jackieboy man x villain Reader

PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU🛐😭

Your wish is granted <3 I apologize in advance XD

I got a good few requests sent in, so I'll be closing requests very soon! Make sure to send something in if you haven't already! I appreciate y'all and the requests so much so thank you for being so kind and supportive <3

Tag List: @thattiredanimator1t0mblr @jacksepticeye-simp

Word Count: 1,379

That absolute bastard…what the hell makes him think he was gonna get away with this? What kind of “hero” was he to do something most villains wouldn’t even dream of. I mean seriously, kidnapping someone? How ironic does this situation get?

He had been keeping you here for over two weeks. You yelled at him, thrashed in your restraints and even spat at him. He didn’t care. He just smiled, and promised to bring you food or even…help you go to the bathroom. It was like he didn’t trust you alone for even a second and honestly? Probably the smart move. If you were able to, you’d kick his damn teeth in for even suggesting you’d be happier if you believed in him. 

It was grating on your pride, being holed up in some abandoned building. He wanted you to see exactly where he was going. Those cameras he placed in your apartment were always on the monitor in front of you. He’d go and grab your things, but it was pointless if he wouldn’t even untie you to be able to use them. Even worse, he had access to cameras all over the city. But that was going to be his downfall. 

You could see exactly where he was. You knew these streets, and it gave you a good idea how far he was, and how quickly he traveled from place to place. His confidence would get him killed, and if you were lucky, it’d be at your hands. If he thought he could keep the city’s most dangerous villain in restraints with visible access to the cameras without any fear of what could happen…he severely underestimated you. You’ve gotten out of worse situations than this, and there was no way you’d let him be the first to keep you dormant. 

You were getting out, and you were getting out soon. No matter the cost. 

“I’m going to the bank! I wanna make sure to get enough money out to get you into a real room…I feel bad for just leaving you here in a chair most of the day.” Jackie pouted, and crossed his arms as he looked at you apologetically. “Your room is almost done, but I need to do a couple more things in it first. I’ll be back in an hour or two! Don’t worry, I’ll be sure you know where I’m going. I’d feel awful if you thought I was seeing a girl or something.” He blushed slightly, but shook his head and smiled. “I’ll be back before you know it!” 

It made you scoff, but you knew you had to put your plan into action. You hated everything you were about to say and do, but forced yourself to give him a small smile. “Okay…be safe.” The sweetness in your voice made you internally gag, but it was something that had to be done. If he thought you were warming up to him, then escape will be significantly easier. If you could just convince him you cared about him, he’d be more relaxed and easy to win over. 

He looked shocked, his jaw dropping before he gave a wide smile with a blush creeping onto his cheeks. “Okay! I will, promise!” He stepped closer, cradling your cheeks in his hands. “I’ll come back for you, don’t worry.” The tone was sickening, and sounded like it came straight out of some cheesy romcom. That was a far different genre than the life you’ve been living…it was hard not to look as repulsed as you felt. 

You didn’t trust your voice, and instead gave him a happy smile. It seemed to be enough for him, and he walked out. That was when the plan really began. Pretending not to despise him, to actually enjoy his presence. He had mentioned a room for you, and knowing him it would be difficult to get out of it. But it was a start. Soon you’d have more range of motion than in and out of a chair a few times a day. It made you smirk. That fucking idiot. 

The next week went by, faking smiles and acting shy. You wanted to throw him across the room and out a glass window where he’d fall thirty stories, but for now you had to be patient. He had mentioned your room being finished tonight. He’d have to walk you somewhere else in the building, or even to a different location, which gave you a window of opportunity to blindside him and make your escape. He had gotten far more enthusiastic, talking about his day like you were a married couple. 

It was repulsive in every way possible. He was certifiably insane, and it pissed you off beyond belief. But he’d lose this fight, even though you were having to play it as a long game. You had to admit, the restraints were good. There wasn’t much wiggle room, but it wasn’t tight enough to cause damage or be uncomfortable…no matter how you thrashed around. 

As soon as he returned, you gave him a small smile. “Hi…welcome back, I missed you. Is my room ready?” It was still curt, and to the point, but with a small shred of sweetness. It was really all you managed to muster without it sounding unbelievable. 

Jackie practically skipped up to you, and leaned down so your eyes were even. He held his hands behind his back and tilted his head as he grinned wide at you. “Yup! We’ll have to start heading there now! Don’t worry, I can lead you there!” He giggled, but suddenly his face fell and he looked more serious. He straightened up, his eyes nearly pleading. “But…first…” 

He looked at the ground, kicking his foot once before looking back up at you. “Do you…finally love me yet?” His voice was almost a whisper, and he went completely silent while he waited for you to answer. It seemed like an innocent question, but given the current circumstances, it was far from so. He held his breath, and looked at you with eyes that reminded you of a child trying to beg their parents for candy without pulling any punches. Sort of like a guilt trip. 

Your jaw dropped slightly, not expecting the question at all. You quickly closed your mouth, and gave him the most genuine looking smile you could. “I…didn’t want to say it just yet. I…wanted to make it special.” You took a deep breath, simultaneously gathering the courage to lie, and make it believable. “I do…I do love you, Jackie.” The words were laced with all of the sweetness you could put into it, and looked at him with a wide grin and adoring eyes. 

His smile was far wider than yours, and he rushed up to you to pull you into a hug. Now wasn’t the time to thrash and make your escape. You had to wait until he at least untied your legs. If you could kick him down, you could easily find something to cut open the ropes around your wrists. So instead you leaned your head closer to him, as if to nuzzle him. 

You felt tears hitting your shoulder as he cried silently. ��I’m so happy…I’m so happy to hear you say it. I’ve loved you for so long, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to hear.” A small sob escaped his lips, and you felt him squeeze you tighter. His hands rubbed your back, and it was quiet for several moments as he took in several deep breaths. 

“I wanted to hear that for so long…” He laughed, but the air seemed to shift. Something was wrong. You felt a small prick in the side of your neck, and his laugh turned monotone. You were shocked at the change, and immediately started to feel dizzy. Before you could yell at him, he finished what he wanted to say. 

“Even though I know you’re lying.” He pulled back as he spoke, and you saw a sorrowed expression on his face. “You’ll believe it soon though. I know you will. You’ll be safe wi…” His words trailed off as you passed out, one thought running through your mind. One sentence that had never rang more true than in this moment. 

I’m so screwed…

[rwfanficrw]

Getting the Signature

Sayako's first appearance.

So Cye isn't "legal" yet in the eyes of Japan. (Don't ask him, you'll just piss him off. He's like 2 years away. I was searching legal age or something for insurance for all of this and it said 20 yrs? so I ran with it. Yes I dug into legal documents because I became curious for real. XD). But because of this he can't just have procedures done without parental approval. Or so I made it. SO. Sayako has to get their mother to sign something and it just goes down hill from there.

(I read something like it about it or something but then I just made it worse and made it fit for me. I highly doubt it works like this.)

"Sayako, any word? The doctor really needs to get that bloodwork done tomorrow." Sage explained as he moved about the small apartment kitchen making dinner. He sighs as he chops the vegetables up scooping them into the big pot on the stove. "Cye needs to get this done."

"I haven't heard anything from my mother. I was hoping no new was good news." She groans frustrated. "I'll go visit her myself. How is he today?"

"About "normal"." The blonde glanced over his shoulder at hearing Rowen call Cye's name followed by a heavy thunk. "…I think he just fainted again, hang on." He wipes his hands on his apron then hurries into the other room, phone still against his ear. "Rowen? Is everything ok?"

Rowen looks up as he eases their unconscious friend to the ground leaning him back against the wall. He pants giving a thumbs up, "A-As okay as it can be."

"Sage? Is he okay!?"

He tilts his head, "..is that Say?"

"Sayako, it's okay. He just fainted. Rowen caught him before he hit the ground." Sage explained as he kneels down beside the two of them. "No, he's still out I'm afraid."

"I'm going to head to my mothers house now. It'll take me 20 minutes to get there. If she says no to this I don't know where else to go." She sighs heavily into the phone. Sage can hear the jingling of keys and wallet. "Since he's not legal in Japan yet, he has to have two guardians sign for tests like these."

"I know… go try. I'll see what I can find out. My family helps run a few hospitals. There has to be a way to get a patient help when their loved ones refuse."

"Thank you. I-I'll call later. Hopefully I can talk to him when I do." She asks hopefully before hanging up.

Sage hangs up on his end before standing back up. "I don't know Rowen… we're running out of options here."

"Runnin' out of options for what? We can't just stop here. Cye needs help. This is his fifth time fainting in an hour. AN HOUR."

"F-Fifth?"

"Yeah. The one before this one he didn't feel weird or anythin' and just went down on me. This time he was able to tell me he felt woozy." Rowen explains shrugging. "Each time I feel like we're gettin' somewhere, we go backwards."

"What can we do if his mother won't sign off on it? Since she's still alive, she has to do it."

Rowen sits back, one of his hands holding Cye's head up by his forehead, "I dunno…. Wait. There is something we can do. I don't know what it's called here. When I was a kid, in America, my parents weren't really in the picture. I was raised by two nice cops and their families… he had to get a special kind of guardianship to make sure I was taken care of. Someone else in his family would need to be there on top of Sayako to approve it."

"Are you sure?"

"I mean, Sage, I was 8. But I remember a lot of conversations about it.. Now that I'm older, I think it's used for kids whose parents don't really care about them, ya now?"

"I hate to say it but Cye's mother is getting pretty close." Sage sighs shaking as his head. "I need to go back and finish dinner. Can you take care of the rest?"

"Yeah, we should be fine." A groan is heard as the other wakes up moving slightly. Strata smiles as Torrent starts to move. "There we go. Welcome back, buddy."

*~*

Sayako knocks on the door repeatedly, "Mother, open the door! I know you're there. You can't ignore me forever." She groaned loudly frustrated with it all. Why would she just sign the damn papers?

At getting no response she undoes her purse and finds her key. A small ceramic fish dangled off it, Cye had made it for her years ago. She pulls the door to the side opening it, "I'm coming in." She shouts as she steps inside kicking her pumps off.

She stops seeing a blinking light by the phone. "Are you kidding me?" There were 21 missed calls and messages that her mother had yet to listen too.

She looks around the two main rooms in the traditional Japanese home not finding anything. It was hot in here, almost hotter than the air outside. She reaches into her pocket pulling out a hair tie before pulling her red hair back into a ponytail. "Damn it, mother.." She mutters to herself as she walks over to the one of the larger rooms and pulls the side door all the way open to let the summer air in. She bends down and turns on one of the fans as well before heading deeper into the house.

"Mom?" She calls again, her frustration starting to turn to worry. "Don't tell me she's down at the kiln again."

She checks the masterbed room on the first floor finding it empty as well. After opening up the side wall she makes her way down to the kitchen.

She stopped at the main sitting room and made her way over to her father's picture. She knelt down in front of it, lighting the candles on either side giving him her respects. "Papa, give me strength to handle her crazy. She's lost her mind again and this time it's over Cye."

She started to explain more when she heard a some liquid splashing. She stands up and hurries into the kitchen. The light was on but no one was there. On the stove was a boiling over tea kettle. She hurries over picking up a towel and pulls the lid off so it can stop bubbling them moves it off the burner turning it off.

She turned and saw her mother's work shoes were gone.

She was at the kiln.

She sighs and steps into a pair of her brothers worn rainboots by the side of the back door before hurrying down the worn pathway that lead to their kiln where they made their clay pots. "Mother?" She calls out.

"Oh Sayako, you decided to visit. I didn't hear you."

"Really? You didn't hear me?" She pants leaning against the doorway. "And why is the house so hot? You know you have to air it out during the summer!"

"Well you know how weak I am. Those doors are just too heavy for me." The woman says not lifting her eyes from the piece she was making.

"Too weak to slide open doors but strong enough to do this?"

"That's no way to speak to your sick mother."

Sayako rolls her eyes, "Yes mother, I apologize."

"To what do I owe the visit of my daughter tonight?" The older woman finally lifts her gaze, her hands moving the clay as they had done numerous times over the past decades. She didn't need to watch what she was doing, she knew it by heart. "Are you finally here to have dinner with me?"

"I visit every Monday and Friday. I was just here yesterday. We had dinner, remember?"

"Oh yes.. Forgive me. My memory isn't what it used to be."

Sayako's eyes darkened, "Quit the BS, mom. Have you checked your fax machine? I sent some papers over. And what of your phone and the numerous messages I left? This isn't a joke! Cye needs more blood work, he can't wait any longer."

"I don't know what's gotten into that boy. When he lived at home he never went to the doctor this much." She shakes her head sadly. "I knew living away from home was bad for his health."

"So you haven't even looked at it."

"What is it now? He's always needing something signed. He was never this dramatic when he lived at home." Their mother sits back and gently picks up the cup she had made carrying it over and setting it beside the others she had made that night.

"You think he's doing this to be dramatic? Mom, he's SICK. He's trying to figure out what's wrong with him. The doctors are leaning towards what you have."

The woman shakes her head getting to her feet. She leans on a decorative cane limping past her daughter.

"Why are you shaking your head? Don't tell me you're still in denial?"

"My youngest child is not a female. He was born a male. Men can not have POTS. It's a blood pressure disorder that targets females only."

"Mother, that's not true!" Sayako calls frustrated as she follows her back down the path towards the house. "Why are you doing this?! Why are you hurting him like this? Is it because he couldn't save Papa?"

The other turned around growling angerily, "Your father would be ashamed of what he's turned into."

"W-What he's turned into!? Mom he saved the world, TWICE. What more do you want from him!? He does all he can to please you and to help you around here and all you do is berate him until he leaves."

"He hasn't visited in well over a year."

"There are two very good reasons for that. First, I won't let him visit you unless I'm there as well. Second, he's sick! He can't travel right now."

"If he's so sick how is he getting to the doctor?"

"Two of his close friends are living with him currently: Sage and Rowen. They are helping him until he can figure out what's going on." She explained. "I told you this a month ago."

"I see. He can't even care for himself. Pathetic."

Sayako heaves a heavy sigh realizing she's not going to get anywhere. "Sign the papers." She stomps down the hallway to the fax machine and back to her. She slams them onto the table along with a pen. "Just sign them. Then we'll leave you alone."

"I'm just not sure if this is in his best interest."

She was seeing red. Her blood pressure was rising. She shook her head taking a few deep breaths. She needed to do this for her little brother. She had to grin and bear it.

"Mother, this is in his best interest. They need to do bloodwork, so they can figure out what's wrong with him. He's fainting several times a day and if Sage and Rowen weren't there, he could have seriously injured himself by now. Please. Sign the papers."

"And what of these "friends", are you sure they are polite enough? Good for him? What if they are causing it? Not to mention, I haven't seen him for myself. What if he's faking it."

Something snapped inside of Sayako as she twirled around, her green eyes on fire. She dropped the proper japanese house wife and spoke in her english voice. Her accent heavy.

"You're not getting near Cye while I have a say, you hear me? The last thing he needs is you nagging him and putting him down over every bloody little thing. His friends are the best thing he has right now." She bends down in front the other woman's gaze pushing the paper towards her. "Sign. It. Or I won't visit for dinner until you do."

"Sayako, how dare you say such a -"

"Sign. It."

The older woman scoffed insulted as she quickly scratched out her name with the pen before pushing the paper towards her glaring. "I thought I bred that awful accent and attidude out of you."

Sayako took the papers stacking them and checking that they were correct before she looks up grinning evily, "You can't breed something out of me that YOU gave me, mother. You forget, you're from England. Father is from Japan. You're not better than any of us so drop the high and mighty act.

She then turns on her heels and pulls out a cell phone from her pocket book. Her mother watched horrified, "Where did you get such a thing?!"

"___ gave it to me. It's so we can keep in touch while he's out at sea and for things like this." She dials the number on the phone before holding it on her ear heading towards the front door. "Sage? Yeah, I got it. Finally. I'm going to bring them over myself. It'll be a few hours. Is that okay?" She stops pulling her pumps on before she sighs, "Yeah.. I'm fine. I just… I need to see my brother for myself."

"Sayako, don't you run out on me! I need your help!"

She ignores her mother's voice as she walks out of the house to the car that was waiting on the side of the road. She didn't look back as she drove off.

*~*

Rowen startles awake at hearing a knock on the door. He sits up slightly looking around for Sage. Cye was curled up against him and he didn't want to wake him. "Sage?"

The blonde was probably back in the bedroom putting some clothes up.

He sighs looking down at the smaller one who looked content for once. "COME IN. IT'S OPEN!"

He heard the door open and turns to see who it is. His eyes widen as Cye's sister comes in, "Sayako? What are you?"

She looked to be frustrated and half angry as she stepped out of her shoes making her way to the sitting room. Her red hair and green eyes were identical to her brother's but she was taller and had more of their father (according to Cye) on her features. While Cye looked more european, she looked more Japanese. 

"A-Are you ok? I'm sorry, I couldn't answer the door… h-he's finally comfortable and sleeping." He stumbled over himself, his body always confused when he saw her.

She takes a deep breath before looking down to where the bearer of Strata was sitting. Beside him on the sofa was her little brother curled up on his side hugging a well worn stuffed whale. She sighs before walking over and kneeling in front of them. She reaches out gently placing her head on his head smiling, "….he still sleeps with Suki."

"Suki..? Oh, yeah the whale… he won't out right ask for it but when he feels crappy, he'll take it." The other explained.

Her hand moved from her brother's hair down his cheek, "I-I'm sorry Cye that mother is such a… such a…" She couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. "Rowen, there has to be another way to do this. I-I can't keep doing this. The things she says about him, like he's not her son….I can't take it anymore."

"S-Sayako.."

She stops and lowers her gaze watching her brother wake up. She wipes her eyes forcing the best smile she could, "Hey there!"

"What are you… are you doing here?"

She was unable to respond at first, a shiver runs through her, her brother's usually bright green eyes were dull and unfocused. They were only made worse by the dark circles under his eyes and his pale flushed skin. He was still her brother but only a shell of his usual self. He'd lost so much weight and looked almost lifeless.

She was scared. 

She swallows her fear and forces another smile before reaching out to ruffle his hair gently, "I figured I'd come visit my favoritest brother ever and see how he was doing."

"I-I'm your only brother.." He sits up unsteadily wavering a bit. He hunches over, his hands going to his eyes.

"Cye? You ok?" Rowen asks worried.

"Just dizzy…"

"I got mom to sign the papers, so you can get these tests done, ok?"

"You what?" He startles slightly as arms wrap around him into a hug. He feels her face bury itself into his shoulder, her own shoulders shaking. He reaches up and hugs her back as best he can, "S-Say.. Are you ok?"

"I-I'm alright…" She pulls back slightly. "Just really worried about you. Are you eating?"

"Kind of." Rowen responds. "Unforuatnely most of what he eats comes back up. We're still trying to find food that he can keep down."

"W-What..?"

"Yeah. Sage has been working tiredlessly trying to find some good recipes. Right Cye?" He glances down and watches as Cye goes limp falling into his sister. They both fall back onto the ground. "Oh geez! H-Hang on! I've got him."

"No." She whispers hugging her brother to her chest. She shifts slightly before supporting his head on her shoulder. "I-I've got him. I-It's ok little brother.. You're going to be okay." A few tears started to roll down her cheeks as she held him unable to look Rowen in the eyes. "We're not giving up on you, Cye. So you can't give into …whatever this is, you hear me?"

Rowen kneels beside her and smiles sadly, "He'll be okay. He just fainted. Sadly, this is his new normal. Just have to let him come back." He sighs. "I'm sorry you had to hear your mother say those things just to get a signature."

"S-She can say what she wants about me but when she starts putting him down and telling herself lies that she believes… it's just…" She shakes her head hugging him tighter. "I can't bear it. His entire life, he's done nothing but try to please her and be the best son he could. He was the apple of her eye until our father passed away…" Her eyes darken as she bites her lip sniffling. "…t-then it all changed. He could do nothing right. Just his existence made her mad. The way she treated him a-and what she said to him… he never once shouted back at her. I used to hate him for that. I hated how calm he always was, always smiling, always taking it in and never giving it back… now I know he knew there was nothing he could say o-or do to make her love him again."

The other sits down nodding as the other breaks down. He's unsure how to help. Then he smiles, "Sage is calling his uncle. In fact that maybe what he's doing right now. His uncle owns one of the largest hospitals in Japan. If anyone knows how to get around this legal mess with your mom, he will."

Inside he was livid. He had no idea it was THAT bad at home. He had to keep a straight face though, it would do no good to freak out with her. He reaches forward and feels Cye's pulse sighing with relief, "He'll be waking up soon. Here, if ya don't mind, I'll take him and we'll sit him up, see if that helps any."

"…how do you do this?" She starts relucantly handing her brother off to him. She watches as he's gently sat up agaisnt the couch and his head held up by Rowen's hand. "I-I couldn't bear to see him go through this so many times."

"You just learn to live with it. It's not easy. It scares me each time it happens b-but as long as I'm there when he wakes up, he won't be as scared and he won't panic."

"He's lucky he has such good friends."

This time his grins, "We try." He shifts his gaze to the youngest warrior at hearing a groggy moan. "Welcome back, buddy. You were out for awhile. Just take your time comin' back. Sayako is here. She came to drop off some papers. You fainted on her."

Sayako swallows her nerves and crawls over sitting in front of her brother. She smiles getting into his field of vision. "I just came to make sure you were ok."

"…Say…" Cye looks around groggily as his living room starts to come into focus. He turns and sees Rowen smiling down at them then finally his sister's face appearing in his vision.  "I-I'm sorry… I-I don't remember-"

"No, don't be sorry, Cye. It's okay." She reassures him holding his hands.

"Did someone offer you something to eat o-or a drink…?"

She blinks then smiles laughing. She wipes a tear away relaxing.

"W-What? It's not that funny…i-its bloody rude. Rowen did you not ask her?"

She leans forward and hugs him giggling. "No, it's ok. I don't need a drink. I declined his offer." She lied hoping to get Rowen out of trouble, he was just starting at the two of them a bit dumbfounded. "I just came to visit and make sure you're doing alright."

She pulls back looking him over forcing another smile.

He tilts his head seeing through her lies, "What are you really doing here?" He looks down and sees her bag, their house key was nearly falling out of it, the fish charm he had made her dangling heavily on the side threatening to fall onto the floor. "You went back home."

Her eyes glance over to where his eyes are looking and sees the key. "…I had too. Sage and Rowen were telling me you need some blood work done as soon as possible. Mom wouldn't sign the papers, so, I went over there to force her."

"F-Force her? She…She still doesn't believe me does she?"

Sayako looks to Rowen sadly before looking to her brother shaking her head, "I'm sorry, Cye… s-she's adament that you don't have it."

"…oh." He hung his head trying not feel anything from it. He knew this. He didn't expect anything different and yet it still hurt. He startles feeling a hand on his head and lifts his gaze to see Rowen.

"You ok, buddy?"

"What? …oh. Yes, of course." He forces a smile but is unable to hide the hurt in his voice. "Thank you for going over there and getting it signed. O-Only two years left then….then it won't matter anymore."

Sayako gives Rowen a look that said what Cye wasn't. It was really hurting him inside. She leans forward and hugs him gently. "Any time, little brother."

"Sayako?"

Everyone looked up to see Sage coming out of the bedroom a pad of paper in his hands. She smiles and gets to her feet walking over to him, "Nice to finally meet you! I've met Rowen a few times."

"Like wise."

Sayako bowed in front of him, "T-Thank you for taking care of my brother. Both of you."

"Woah.. No need for that…we're his friends. Of course we're going to help." He looks past her seeing Cye was wavering again. "Cye, are you ok?"

"…yes.. Just tired."

"Can you use Halo?" Rowen asks curiously. "I'm wondering if I just need to put him to bed. He's been fainting a lot and then falling asleep, it's a never ending cycle."

"No. I'm alright. Sayako is here a-and I don't need to go to bed."

Sage walks over and kneels in front of the youngest warrior watching worried as the tired green eyes come and go out of focus every few seconds. He closes his eyes and concentrates, he and Cye both glowing green.

Sayako watches wide eyed, "W-What the.."

"You're exhausted, Cye. It would be best if you went to bed. I'm afraid no amount of food or drink will help anymore tonight and your fainting spells will become more frequent the longer you wait." The blonde explains smiling sadly. "You would do better if you went on and crashed."

"Don't worry, Cye. I won't stay much longer. You need to go rest." She walks over and sees the well worn stuffed whale on the couch. She picks it up remembering what Rowen said. "H-Here, you can take Suki and go curl up."

She expected to get a resounding no. After all a grown man didn't sleep with a stuffed well, especially one who saved the world or something like that, he would say.

This time her heart sank a bit as he wordlessly took the stuffed animal hugging it to his side.

Rowen sees the look in her eyes and smiles down at Cye, "Come on. Let's get you to your feet. I'll go help ya get dressed. You can say good night to your sister then we'll get the bed all warm and comfy."

Cye nods sighing as he gives in. Sage wasn't lying. He was exhausted. It was hard to keep his eyes open as it was.

"Sage, you wanna give us a hand? Stay back Say. Let us get him up." Rowen explained as he helped Cye get to his knees. He kept both hands on the smaller waist as Sage walked over and pulled Cye up slowly by his arms. "Breathe through your nose, Cye. Slowly. Slowly.."

Sage concentrates watching the youngest warrior's face for any clues that they had moved too fast. "That's it." He staggers slightly catching the other's weight completely as he stumbled. "Deep breath, Cye. You can do it. Remember what the doctor said? Take it slow."

Sayako didn't realize she was holding her breath until her brother made it to his feet and she exhaled. She sees his favorite hoodie laying on the back fo the couch and goes to pick it up, "Here. You can wear this tonight. It's your favorite." She smiles relieved as he takes it.

"Will you be alright, though? I-I mean if I leave you with these two?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I-It's just not proper to leave ones sister with two men."

"I can handle myself Cye and I doubt they will hit on a married woman. I expect that out of Kento, not Sage and Rowen." She winks getting a laugh from her younger brother.

"Oh alright, you've got a point."

"Besides, I think Rowen's heart is already taken. He's fallen hard too."

"Hey what?" Rowen blinks confused as Sage bursts out laughing. Cye didn't get it either.

Sayako walks over and hugs her brother one last time, "You take care of yourself alright? I'm going to try and call once a day. I want an update. Listen to Rowen and Sage and let them help. We'll figure this out somehow."

Cye hugs her before she pulls away. He feels Rowen wrap an arm around his shoulders and start to walk him to the bedroom. "B-Be safe getting back home."

"I will, don't worry!" She watches him go down the hallway then looks to Sage smiling nervously. "H-He's really not okay is he?"

Sage sighs heavily unsure what to say. He had learned within the past year to not just come out and say things and to let people down gently… but he didn't know if he could do that this time.

"You don't have to lie to me."

"No. No, he's not. Believe it or not though, he's better than he was." He leads her back into the sitting room and motions for her to sit on the couch. He then sits in a chair across from her.

They sit quietly for a few minutes before he glances over smirking, "And yes, Rowen's heart is already taken and yes, he's fallen hard. I don't think he's realized it yet."

She blinks before laughing softly, "I could tell. The way he was looking at my brother. Do you think Cye…"

"Oh definitely. Though, like Rowen, he doesn't realize it yet."

"Funny. I always thought he'd get together with Kento." She trails off moving uncomfortably in her seat. "Sage, do you mind if I go make myself some tea?"

"Actually, I'd love it if you would. Cye usually has a cup before bed and I'm sure he'd love for you to fix it."

She looks over at him, a genuine happy smile crossing her tired features. "I would love too! I can see you've written something down..did you hear anything useful from your Uncle? Rowen was telling me, he helps run a large hospital?" She gets up and leads him into the small kitchen.

"I did. I want to wait for Rowen but if he's up for it, there is a way. Are you on good terms with either of your grandparents?"

"Our father's parents are the two we see more often than not. They live here in Japan. My mother's live in the UK." She explains as she sets the kettle on the stove before she goes through the teacups finding her brother's favorite. She pulls it down smiling, "He got this his last visit to the UK. He was so excited that the cup was the same blue as Torrent and it had the British Flag on it…." She turns to look at Sage. "I do have a good relationship with my grandmother. My Grandfather died when I was a child. Why?"

"She will need to help with this process in the place of your mother."

"She can't leave her home. She's unable to walk very well and needs help. Coming to the city would be impossible and-"

"You and Rowen would go to her to complete this process." Sage interjects sitting down in one of the chairs at the small table. He crosses his arms leaning back as he looks up in thought. "She would basically be saying that Rowen would be a medical guardian of some sort that could sign the papers using the family name until Cye was old enough to do it himself."

"I-Is it that easy?"

"Technically yes. Once the process was approved and completed, it would just be you and Rowen signing the forms and approving what ever is needed. He couldn't approve something without you of course but your mother would be out of the equation."

She turns around, "Would he do it?"

"Rowen you mean?"

"Yes. Would Rowen be willing to take on this responisiblity?"

"I can't see him saying no. He will do anything to make sure Cye is taken care of."

"Then let's do it." She pours the water into the teacup over the teabag and watches it steep. Her hand picks up the string and pushes it into the water a few times before she lets it sit. "Anything to make this easier on Cye and myself."

She leans onto the counter hanging her head as she exhales, "A-And anything to prevent my mother from mukking everything up in the process. She can do what she wants on the side b-but this time, I don't want her getting near my brother. He has enough to worry about without her cutting him down. I-Is there a way we can prevent her from talking to him?"

"That would technically be a restraining order."

"Without having to get legal about it?" She asked hopefully.

"We can work together and keep her away from him but legally we can put together a paper for his medical file that she's not allowed near him or to see any medical information."

"I like both those options." She digs through the cabinets before finding the sugar and starts to put a few spoonfuls into the tea. "Does he have any milk?"

"Yes, I'll get it for you." Sage gets to his feet and walks over to the refridgetaor. He pulls it out handing it to her. "Here. Once your done, take it on back. I'll be shocked if he's asleep yet. The vertigo and nausea get really bad when he lays down, sadly."

*~*

"Easy does it." Rowen helps the smaller warrior sit down on the edge of the bed. "You did good. You only passed out once while getting dressed this time." He expected some sort of response from that but instead he got silence. He sighs worried, "Are you ok?"

The other didn’t lift his head and only shrugged slightly, "I'm o-ok as I can be. I caused a fight between my mother and my sister all because my body can't behave a-and I'm fainting for some reason…" He attempts to button his pajama shirt but his hands are shaking too badly to complete the task. He groans frustrated, "I-I bloody hate this!! I can't even dress myself now. I fainted on my sister earlier as well…this is just an awful disaster." He hangs his head again, "…s-she doesn't even believe me….m-my own mother… w-why would I fake something like t-this…w-what have I done t-to.." His hands go up to his face as his shoulders shake.

Rowen reaches out and pulls him into a hug, "Y-You didn't do anything, buddy. I don't know why she's doing this to you but it ain't right. You aren't faking this and your sister didn't start the fight. She finished it and got what we needed." He feels the other try to bury himself deeper into the embrace. "It's okay, Cye. I won't let her hurt you again. I promise. No one deserves to be treated like that, no one, but especially you. You're safe here with me. We'll figure out a way to do all of this without her, ok? I think Sage figured somethin' out so don't give up on us yet."

"…w-why have you both upended your lives f-for me…?"

"Because we're your friends, Cye. We care about you. Hell we're closer than friends at this point, more like family. We survived the end of the world together, twice. I'm not leavin' ya now. If fainting is all we have to deal with, then we got this." He jokes slightly trying to get a smile out of the other. He pulls him back and reaches out wiping some tears away and pushing the red hair behind his ears. "Has to be easier than fightin' Kayura or Saberstryke, am I right?"

"…maybe.."

"And that White Armor? We used to pass out for a day after we called that thing…one of your faintin' spells is nothing compared to that or worse, Kento after taco night."

This got a small smile.

"We've got this, buddy. I meant it when I said that I'm not leaving your side. I'll be here throughout it all, so will Sage. We're going to figure this out one way or another." He gently turns the pale face up to look at him, his thumb wiping a few tears away. He places a quick kiss on his forehead pulling him into another hug. "It's going to be okay. I promise. Whatever it is, we'll go through it together."

Sayako stands in the doorway listening, the teacup in her hands. She smiles as best she can knocking on the door with her foot, "And don't forget me! You're most amazing older sister."

"S-Sayako."

She noticed that Cye didn't exactly pull away and that Rowen was quickly buttoning her brotehr's pajama shirt. "I brought you some tea. Sage that you usually have a cup before bed."

"I do. Thank you." He reaches out to take it, his hands trembling.

"Hang on, let Rowen help. You're hands are too shakey to hold it by yourself. No need to burn yourself." She smiles as she slowly hands it off to Rowen. "And don't come at me saying of course you can drink your own tea. I never said you couldn't."

Cye flushed embarrassed at being called out.

"Let Rowen help you drink it then I want you to relax." She walks around his room picking up some of the dirty clothes.

"Say, you don't have to-"

"Let me help. You and Sage do so much, I can at least collect dirty clothes." She stops in mid step and watches carefully as her brother drinks the tea. Sage had talked her into putting a light sedative into it. She had been worried about the taste but her brother was showing no sign of tasting anything weird. "Besides, my brother as always has a disaster in his room." She jokes as she carries what few clothes were on the floor out to the laundry room.

"I most certainly do not."

"Mmhmm, look at all of these shirts."

"Two. There are two shirts."

Rowen sits back holding the tea cup grinning as the two of them go at each other. He was relieved to see Cye was sounding more normal and less upset than before.

"And a pair of pants… and a pair of sweat pants."

"Oh alright, so I have a few laying around." He sips at the tea not putting up a fight as Rowen helps him drink it. His body was starting to feel heavier, sleepier… it wasn't a fainting spell that he could tell. He looked down at the tea, it was over half gone… he had managed to drink nearly a full cup of tea. A first in several months.

She stops and watches then nods to Rowen. "Cye? You ok?"

"Just…tired…." He blinks his eyes a few times before realizing what happened. "Y-You didn't…"

"Sage said it was either the sedative or using Halo. So I tried the sedative first."

"It will help, buddy. You might not wake up as many times." Rowen offered putting the tea cup down on the nightstand. "Come on, lets lay you down then we can get Sayako on the road back home."

They didn't bother to tell Cye it was just 8pm. She watches as Rowen helps her brother lay down and get comfortable before she excuses herself to give them some alone time. She takes the empty cup back into the kitchen setting it by the sink, "He drank it, all of it."

"By hmself?"

"Not really, Rowen helped. He did sound normal for a little bit, he was even joking with me." She smiles, "Then he got mad when he found out I drugged him."

*~*

"Y-You'll be back once you make sure she's safe?" Cye asks groggily as he lays back unable to fight the sedative in his system. His hand was holding Rowen's tightly as his eyes grew heavy.

"Of course. I'll join ya in bed tonight and you'll have someone to hug if the vertigo gets too bad. Just like always." The other responded smiling as he tucks the covers around the smaller body. "Just rest, buddy. I'll be back."

[lunarubra]

This is me blabbing away and trying to make sense of this crazy moment that's my life... Kind of like a PSA, without a real structure.

(Let's start with an apology, this was supposed to be short, just a couple of lines long, asking for some forgiveness for being so absent, and it turned into a small vent about my crazy life. Synthesis has never been one of my strongest features, apparently.)

Life has been crazy lately. April, May, and June are always hectic months for a teacher, and this year looks like it's going to be even worse. Right now, I'm juggling a full teaching post, a university research, a social life with a partner, a new kitten bringing me everyday dead lizards (she is a serial killer in disguise), and being selected as an internal commissioner for the high school diploma this year. And no, the last one is not an honor; it's more like a punishment for younger professors who don't have the authority to say no to older colleagues, plus a ton of paperwork and two more months of work while everyone else is on holiday. Yuppie for me. But joking aside, I'm not complaining about my job. I'm happy to teach, and compared to a lot of other jobs out there, I feel privileged to do what I'm doing. I love my kiddos, and even though most of the time they behave like dunderheads, teaching supports my creativity and gives me so many insights into my life.

But let's get to the point of all this. I am feeling slightly guilty for not being as active here as I should be and for not having enough mental energy and time to dedicate myself to writing more. To my lovely mutuals, I'm in awe of all that you're posting right now. I apologize for not replying and commenting on your amazing content as much as I would like. I just wanted to say, it's not because I'm disappearing; I'm just really busy, and I can't wait for the moment when I'll feel more chilled and can treat myself to all your new chapters, moodboards, and all the amazing content you're creating. I know I am being a small silent weight in your tag list, so thank you for still including me <3

About "Shadow of the Sea," I have a chapter ready and one WIP of the following one. I want to post the one that's ready sometime in the next week, but after that, I'm not sure when I'll be able to write the next one. So Jiyan and Cillian are taking a small break. I'm going to continue the story; this is not a goodbye. I have many ideas and plans for those two idiots; I'm just waiting for some writing energy and time in my schedule.

And yeah, I understand if you're thinking, "Are you aware that your blog and story are read by less than 10 people and no one really gives a damn?" Yes, I am aware, and this post is mostly for me, writing it down it helps me a lot, giving some sort of clarity. However, I've had the chance to meet amazing creators since I got busy on Tumblr again a couple of months ago. People who supported me and helped me, so this is more me trying to explain why my support isn't at its 100% right now and trying to excuse myself since I feel like a horrible mutual right now.

Ah, one last thing, maybe the only thing that will pop up on my blog are some "Slow Horses" GIFs. Thanks to Alex, @cillmequick, Jackson Lamb, and River Cartwright have become my new obsession, and creating GIFs is one of the few things that calm me after a busy hectic day and make me use some of that creative energy left.

I think that's it. Please still free to write me and contact me about my fic, blog, shenanigans; I will try to reply as soon as possible. Sending you all a big hug if you arrive till the end of this long long lengthy text xD

[bunny-hoodlum]

🏅✨🍰👩‍🏭 please!

🏅 What is something you recently felt proud of in regard to your writing (finished a fic, actually planned for once, etc).

Finally getting the feel for short fics, stressing less about details or prose, starting multiple wips in a short amount of time instead of waiting until they're totally perfect in my head.

✨ Choose three adjectives to compliment your own writing.

Hoo-boy, lemme see... Raw. Evocative. Unflinching. (I think?)

🍰 Name one of your fave comfort fics (doesn’t have to be your all time fave).

Your snowed in Office AU, your hike club/ryokan/beachside confession oneshot, and this one fic by Imaginarivalued, it was his RTN speculative fic before the movie came out and tbh, I haven't reread it since then, but I still think about it and it had all the slightly cliche teenage slice-of-life moments that I ever wanted from the source material. 😂 I don't really read straight fluff, so something that goes down like an inspiring snack is what I describe a comfort fic for me. I could definitely describe "Chicken Ramen for the Soul" collection as a bag of mixed inspiring snacks, hehe. I still haven't been reading nearly enough so I feel like I could add other fics here, but nothing else coming to mind. 😅

👩‍🏭 If one of your fics was going to get you arrested, which one and why?

Omigosh, not you too! 😂 None currently that's posted! Maybe my Genin/Jonin-sensei dubcon fic? Trying to think if I have anything worse in the works. XD I feel like I got up to some shenanigans in DMs recently, but I'm blanking. q u q;;;

[popotobun]

WIP Wednesday!

It's Wednesday again!! There's still only one thing I'm working on at the moment, so anyone actually reading this has to deal once again with the silly Tangled!AU Scum Villain fic. (Which hopefully I'll have the next part done before the end of the week, but writing is hard guys...)

Time for lots of thinking! (Liu Qingge dislikes that xD) Eventually they're going to get somewhere, I promise!

While he finished making the rope, Qingnian got himself ready for the journey and then started cooking, having decided they needed a good meal before they set off. Qingge had a feeling that he just needed something to do to keep the apprehension from setting in too deeply, to keep the panic from returning. It wasn’t to the same degree, but he understood the fear of the unknown. It had been years since he’d felt it, but he’d seen lesser men frozen by it. The boy… he shook his head as he finished off another knot. Shen Yuan would be 18 now, he should stop thinking of him as a boy just because he looked young. They were nearly the same age.

The next knot was tied off, the motions simple enough to allow him to stew in his thoughts. Should he tell the other man who he is? That he’s got his own troubles to contend with? Should he admit that he knows who Shen Yuan is? Tell him about the reward? Would he lose the trust he’d obviously gained? It might not be much trust, but who would agree to go somewhere if they didn’t trust their companion?

If he didn’t tell him, though, would it be worse? He pulled another knot tight, chiding himself. Keep your head on straight, Qingge. It’s just like any other bounty. You’re not here to make friends.

(‘I’ll make sure you’re safe’, he’d said. Why did he say that? He wasn’t cut out for protecting, really. He would get too focused on the fight for that... He’d just have to avoid a fight, then.)

He took a deep breath and tied off the final knot, unceremoniously dropping the makeshift rope out of the window to test its length. It pooled slightly on the ground in a satisfying way, leaving enough length still in the room to be secured to the bed. Pulling the rope back inside, he left it coiled by the window and sought out Qingnian.

He was tasting a small portion of whatever he’d been cooking, the smell drawing a growl from Qingge’s stomach that set Qingnian to laughing, “Rope’s done. Did you need to get anything else?”

Qingnian shook his head, “No, but you can show me how you wanted to pack things while we eat. Hope you don’t mind mushrooms, I don’t usually have a lot of meat and they work well instead! I grew the ginger myself, just so you know. It’s the best you’ll ever have.”

He accepted the bowl he was given before sitting at the table, blowing on a small spoonful before he ate it. It wasn’t an impressive dish. He’d had better quality rice in the cheap stalls he frequented for meals, but the mushrooms added texture and flavor and the ginger was fresh and bright. Somehow the expectant look on the other man’s face had him going for more before the first was swallowed, the appraisal of “It’s good” managed between mouthfuls.

Looking absolutely delighted by this response, Qingnian sat beside him to devour his own bowl in silence, either too hungry or too in a hurry to want to add on more small talk. Qingge was decidedly the latter and assumed the other was more the former, with how much he seemed to enjoy talking about whatever seemed to come to mind. Oddly enough, the random chatter didn’t bother him like it normally did.  

That was honestly something he didn’t really want to examine too closely.

[vasyandii]

Hellooo!!! I have a question for the two goobers: Would Nak/Kreuger rather go to a museum (weither it be art, historical, etc) or a zoo (Or something simular like an aquarium or a butterfly garden)?

Does KruegerNak prefer Museums or the Zoo?

Howdy Mishap! I'm personally a fan of both so it got me thinking a bit! Here's them at my visit to the modern art museum last year :) Thanks so much for the ask! 💞💞💞

I feel like neither but both at the same time xD. Each place is catered to their specific interests. But they both have things they enjoy about each trip :3

My headcanon, half of Krueger's family (Dad side) are part of "higher society" + being naturally artistic, he enjoys museums, contemporary art, etc.

Nak is still technically considered "New Money" because of Naga, plus how she was raised, she really doesn't see anything cool in art museums or museums in general. She's willing to go with him because it's something he enjoys, and she likes walking beside him as he explains each piece. She really enjoys how smart he is when he wants to be.

Nak likes animals so zoos, aquariums, etc. are enjoyable for her, she likes pointing at the ones that she thinks look like him, and there are slightly less restrictions in there unlike the museum (Don't touch the paintings, don't stand too close, etc.)

Since Krueger is rather indifferent about most animals, that feeling naturally transfers over to zoos. He'll find other ways to entertain himself there by taking pictures of the plants or being the Map Man. He'll go to the zoo or aquarium with Nak because he likes seeing her happy and excited :D (Sorry if it doesn't make sense)

Their Interaction at an Art Museum usually goes like this...

Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III - Barnett Newman

"It's..red."

"And.."

"And blue."

"Can you see the yellow?"

"I think..? It blends in with the red."

"The paint is so fine that it morphs into the canvas."

"Uh huh... I could probably do that."

"You couldn't, someone tried."

"Did they?"

"Mhmm. Someone slashed the canvas, the restorer thought it'd be easy to fix, it came out worse and people got mad."

"How'd it come out worse?."

"Glad you asked"

(He then goes on a looong tangent, she listens of course)

And the zoo..

"Se, Look, look! he's drinking water!"

"Yea, Want to see something cool?"

"Yeah?"

He takes a sip from a bottle of water, promptly closing the cap, proud of himself with a grin.

"Swoon."

"You know I can throw you in there."

"Yes."

"Want me to?"

"Maybe. But I wanted to take you to see the big cats."

"...I'll throw you later."

(after a while, she finds him a shady area to rest a bit, she knows he's a bit tired from walking around so much)

"Did you get any good photos?"

"Of you or the animals?"

"Both."

"..Most of what's in here are plants."

"That's good too."

[iamfruitie]

Caution and Care Pt. 1

Welcome to a prequel series to the dantimadmare horned!omegaverse that we can all thank @bookwormscififan for convincing me to write XD

I'm not sure how long this will be, but I just couldn't stop thinking about how Dark, Anti, and Mad became mates before Mare joined

There will very likely be some spice because I am weak

Summary: Anti and Mad are omegas that were kicked out of their home pack and left to fend for themselves on the streets to the point that they're starving, sick, and huddled together in an ally, praying for the rain to stop and that the night won't be too cold. Dark, an alpha running a business that one wouldn't call the most legal, finds Anti and Mad in the ally and convinces them to come to his Manor to heal. Little did the three know how close they would become.

Lost and Found

Dark looked like any other intimidating alpha at first glance. Tall stature, broad shoulders, and horns almost pitch black. He dressed in a suit that cost more than the gold watch he was glancing at, checking the time as he headed for his car. The phone he returned to his ear was the same black as his horns, and so was the umbrella he held. The rain had calmed since earlier that morning, but there was still a steady drizzle. The gray clouds above made it hard to see the setting sun’s colors, showing it would get dark soon.

“I parked a few blocks away. I’ll be there soon. There are some new…” Dark’s voice trailed off when he thought he heard a whimper down the ally beside him. “I have to go.” He hung up the call and waited to see if that sound had happened. It was only a few seconds before there was another whimper. The whimper was a pain-filled one, with some heavy coughs following. 

Dark couldn’t stop his feet from heading down the ally, something telling him that whoever was coughing and whimpering needed help. 

“Hello?” Dark called and watched as something moved beside the dumpster, where more coughing stemmed from. “Hello?” He called again as he neared the dumpster. “Oh.” 

“Go away!” An omega hissed at Dark. The omega was soaked from the rain, gaunt in the face like he hadn’t eaten in weeks, but he was using his slightly larger body to cover another omega who looked worse off. The smaller omega was trembling, curled up, and his body convulsed with each cough. 

“You guys need to get out of the rain.” Dark held his umbrella away from himself and over the omegas, getting another hiss. 

“I said go away! I know how you alphas are. You can fuck off!” 

“My name’s Dark.” Dark kept a soft, calm tone. He could tell the omega was scared, and based on what he just said, he couldn’t blame him. “Can I at least help you get back home?”

“We don’t have one.” The omega tried to keep his own harsh tone, but it broke a little at that admission. 

“I have a Manor, a large building with endless spare rooms. I have a doctor who can help you two get better. We have warm water and fresh food.” Dark could see how each thing he said made the omega look down at the other, swallowing thickly as the smaller omega started coughing again. “You can leave at any time. Just let me at least help you get back on your feet.”

“Why?” The omega asked in almost a whisper. “Why are you offering this? What are you expecting in return?” That look in the omega’s eyes told Dark so many things. 

“Because you two don’t deserve to die out here, and I don’t expect anything.” Dark could tell the omega didn’t fully believe him, but he nodded. 

“Okay.” The omega started moving, body shaking lightly as he slowly stood up. “Mad, we’re moving.” He spoke to the other omega, trying to pick him up. 

“Anti?” The smaller omega’s voice was hoarse.

“I can help.” Dark started reaching over, pulling his hands back when the omega, Anti, hissed at him, stopping short of biting him. 

“Don’t touch him.” Anti was clearly using what little strength his body had left to stand with the other omega, with Mad. 

“I’m not going to hurt you, I promise. My car’s a block away. I don’t think you can get that far on your own.” Dark tucked his umbrella away under his armpit, uncaring of getting himself wetter and wanting both hands to help the omegas. 

“I got it.” Anti wrapped Mad’s arm across his shoulders and managed a few steps before his legs buckled, and he fell to his knees.

“Please, let me help.” Dark waited as Anti seemed to be swallowing his pride. 

“Fine.” Anti tried getting back up and stiffened at Dark’s hands on himself and Mad. He tightened his hold on Mad as Dark practically carried both of them out of the ally and down the sidewalk. Dark didn’t like how light the two felt. How long were they out here on their own?

“Here we go.” Dark opened the back door to his car and guided the two in. After ensuring they were in and sitting, he went to his trunk, popped it open, and pulled out the spare towels he kept back there. Dark placed the folded towels on Anti’s lap. “Just to help give you a head start drying off.” He explained before closing the door and getting into the driver’s seat. 

Dark adjusted his rearview mirror to check on Anti and Mad. Anti was drying off Mad the best he could before wrapping one of the towels around his shoulders. He used another like a blanket on himself and wrapped his arms around Mad, a hint of a soothing purr coming from him as he and Mad curled up against each other. 

Dark could also get a better look at their faces. Anti had a cut on the side of his neck, an old one that seemed to be beginning to heal, and he noticed that a horn was broken, a chunk of the tip missing. His eyes were soft blue, and his short hair was the same dark brown as his horns. Mad had freckles covering his whole face, eyes a deep hazel, and his short, wavey hair and horns were a lighter brown than Anti’s. He didn’t seem to have any visible wounds, but who knows what he’s seen.

Dark felt a strange warmth in his chest, assuming it was caused by being able to tell that the two omegas had been through a lot. Dark has had his fair share of hell, and perhaps he had a strong desire to help since he understood all too well. He turned the heat up and turned on the seat warmers before he drove off for the Manor. 

x~x~x

“There you are, Dark. How was that-” Wilford, an alpha even larger than Dark with dyed pink hair and horns painted with light blue swirls, had his question stop when he saw Dark walking into the Manor with two soaking wet omegas. JJ, his omega mate with silver chains and diamonds wrapped around his horns, made a worried squeak at the scene. “What happened? Are they okay?” Wilford went over to help and stepped away, hands up in the air, when he got hissed at by Anti. It only took JJ a second to catch on.

“Wilford, go start a hot bath in a spare room. Dark, let’s get them to that room, and then you go get Edward.” JJ’s voice sounded strained as if speaking was painful, but he was talking casually, showing that it was just how his voice came out. “Go.” He shooed Wilford away with his hands. Wilford nodded and jogged off. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you out of those wet clothes and warmed up soon enough.” JJ gently placed a hand on Anti’s shoulder, and Dark was shocked that Anti allowed it. However, that shock lasted for only a second. JJ was an omega, likely seeming much safer than Wilford or himself since they were alphas. “What are your names?” JJ asked as the four of them walked.

“I’m Anti, and this is Mad,” Anti answered. 

“I’m JJ, and that big goof you saw earlier is my mate Wilford.” 

“Big goof?” Anti repeated with a little chuckle. 

“Most of the alphas that work here are.” JJ gestured with his head toward Dark and got another chuckle from Anti. Dark felt himself relaxing as Anti and Mad did the same. 

“Water is warm and filling up the tub,” Wilford said as the others entered the room. 

“Good, good, now you two go. This is for omegas only.” JJ placed his hands on Dark and Wilford’s backs, walking them out of the room. 

“Are you sure you can-”

“I will call if I need help. Go get Edward and make some food for them..” JJ stopped Dark’s question and closed the door. “Let’s get you two cleaned up, shall we?” 

“I can take care of us if you don’t want to,” Anti said, clearly still too weak to walk much on his own, let alone bring Mad with him.  

“Oh, nonsense; if I didn’t want to help. I would have gone off.” JJ clicked his tongue and returned to helping Mad and Anti walk, guiding them to the bathroom. Just the steam in the air alone felt so good to Mad and Anti, the warmth so calm and inviting. “When was the last time you two ate?” He asked as he helped get the wet clothing off of Mad while Anti undressed, hands shaking but moving with determination. 

“Too long,” Mad answered softly, hugging himself when his body was bare. 

“We’ll get you nice and full as well. I bet a home-cooked meal will help you even more.” JJ guided Mad into the tub, and Anti climbed in with him, using the wall as leverage. A groan escaped both of their lips as they sat down in the water. Mad took a deep inhale and started coughing harshly. “Oh dear, we’ll have Edward look into that cough.” 

“He doesn’t have a fever. I don’t know what’s causing it.” Anti said. 

“Maybe a bug or something. Edward’s a talented doctor and will get you two good as new as quickly as possible.” JJ grabbed a cleaning rag and dunked it into the water. He took one of the soaps, squirted it on the rag, and cleaned Mad’s back. 

“I’m shocked you’re not asking how Dark found us.” Anti let himself sink a little more into the water. 

“Dark’s found most of us on the streets. I assumed you’re likely the same, and if I’m wrong, then it’s none of my concern unless you wish to tell me.” JJ softly smiled when Mad began to purr. 

“Is this just a big home for abandoned people or something? Does he have a bunch of omegas hidden away here?” 

“I was actually the only omega before you two arrived. Everyone else here are alphas. The business kind of calls for that.”

“Business?” 

“Now, that’s something I’m not allowed to explain without Dark’s permission. But I promise you’re not in any danger.” JJ handed Mad the rag and let him try cleaning the rest of himself, mostly only needing his arms aside from his hair. He got a new rag, repeated the prepping process, and moved to Anti’s side of the tub. 

“That doesn’t make me feel better,” Anti muttered, turning and letting JJ clean his back off. It had been so long since he’d gotten cleaned by a fellow omega or even just clean in general, and it internally hugged that need within him. 

“It’s complicated,” JJ said. 

“Is this shampoo?” Mad asked, grabbing one of the bottles from the side of the tub. He got a nod from JJ and then started using his hands to wet his hair.

“Sounds like the stuff you’re doing is illegal.” Anti hummed and had his comment confirmed when JJ didn’t respond. “Strangely enough, that makes me feel better.” 

“How?” JJ asked, working on cleaning Anti’s shoulders and pausing at the sight of the wound on his neck. He tried to ignore the broken horn, but the wound made it stick out even more. JJ wanted to ask what happened and what caused this. Horns were a massive pride point for anyone, so bringing up a horn’s damage was taboo, and that kept those questions sealed away.

“Come here, Mad.” Anti beckoned Mad over to him with his hands. He took the shampoo and poured some into his hands before scrubbing it into Mad’s hair. Mad relaxed against Anti and started purring right away. “And it’s because if you’re telling the truth about being the only omega and you only smell of your mate, then what’s happening here doesn’t involve hurting omegas.” 

“Smart man.” JJ softly chuckled, being as gentle as possible with wetting Anti’s hair and scrubbing some shampoo into it as well. 

“That’s Mad. He’s the smart one of us.” Anti leaned into the touch. 

“If he’s the smart one, I’m a little concerned about just how intelligent he is.” 

“You should be.” 

“Hello?” A voice spoke from the bedroom door. 

“That’s Edward,” JJ explained, rinsing his hands off in the water before getting up. “Give me a moment, and I’ll help you two get out of the tub. There’s some spare clothing in the bedroom, and I’ll see what I can find to fit you.” Anit just nodded to show that he understood. JJ stepped out of the bathroom and closed the door. 

“Are we staying here, Anti?” Mad asked. 

“For a bit. They promised food and a doctor’s going to check on you. If things look too dodgy, we’ll sneak out.” Anti started using his hands to cup some water and began rinsing Mad’s hair.

“I hope it’s nice here. I miss being in a home.” Mad sighed.

“I know. And sleeping on a soft, clean bed sounds so good.” Anti checked that all of the soap was gone from Mad’s hair before hugging him, resting his head on his shoulder, and having his soapy hair facing away from Mad’s neck. “Maybe we’ll get lucky, and we can live here. But I’ll need to figure out these alphas first.” 

“I think we’ll be okay here.” 

“You’re already sounding better by just taking a bath. Hopefully, that doctor of theirs is a good one.” 

“Yeah.” Mad’s voice trailed off, showing that what little energy burst he had gotten had worn off. 

“I’ll bite them if they’re not.” Anti’s threat got Mad to giggle. 

“It’s me,” JJ said before walking back into the bathroom, holding some clothing in his hands. “They have some food cooking for you to eat after a quick look over by Edward. Let’s finish your hair and get you both dried off and dressed.” He sat the clothing down on the toilet and started rinsing the soap from Anti’s hair. 

“What all is this Edward wanting to do?” Anti asked.

“Temperature, weight, make sure you don’t have any infections. He’ll probably want a closer look at your neck and horn.” JJ wasn’t shocked when Anti placed a hand over the broken part of his horn.

“It’s fine,” Anti muttered.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry. I’ll stay in the room if you’d like.” JJ stood up and helped Mad to his feet, getting him out of the tub and wrapping a towel around him. 

“Please,” Mad said softly, hugging himself with the towel, enjoying how soft and fluffy it was. 

“Are you okay with that?” JJ asked Anti, helping him from the tub next and wrapping a towel around him, too. 

“If Mad is, then I am.” Anti stated, trying to sound neutral, but JJ could tell he was also thankful for the offer. 

“I’m not sure how well these will fit you, but they’re clean and dry.” JJ helped both of them get dressed, having caught on to Anti’s protection of Mad, and got him dressed first. “Not too bad,” JJ said after Mad and Anti had the clothing on. He had grabbed the same size for both of them, and it was a little big on Anti, making it a little bigger than that on Mad. “Are you ready? Edward’s likely already set up in the room for you two.” JJ waited as Mad took Anti’s hand and squeezed it. 

“We’re ready,” Anti said with a nod. 

------

Next Part: Link

[bringonthebakers]

My name's BringontheBakers/BlameitontheBakers but you can call me Baile

Just your average RE7:B enjoyer who's really good at roleplaying

I am a minor though so don't get too freaky smh

Here's some of my HC's for your favorite nuclear family (post/pre mutation)

Marguerite

Bisexual.

55-57 years old.

Housewife (obviously)

She's usually very friendly towards guests and visitors but can get snappy if they question her or her house rules.

Has that maternal vibe. She has so much maternal love so she needs to get that out somewhere while she waits for her grandchildren.

Very protective of her children and husband.

She enjoys cooking and baking in her free time along with knitting and reading.

Has a very obvious southern drawl in her voice that draws most people in.

Has no idea 2 of her children are menaces to society.

Very much enjoys dancing with her husband to whatever elderly country people listen to.

More or less the disciplinary parent.

Her text is orange.

Jack

52-54

Heterosexual/Bicurious.

Hunter (he also runs a Bed n Breakfast on occasion)

He's got that southern drawl in his voice too but it's slightly less noticeable than Marguerite's.

Very devoted to and protective of his children and wife. Bro probably has a bunch of legally owned guns and other weapons.

Devout Christian of course.

Much like Marguerite, he also has a surplus amount of paternal care and love that he hands out like candy.

Enjoys watching TV, cooking with his wife, spending time with his children and hunting/butchering the things he's hunted.

Would never lay a hand on his wife or children (Lucas is an exception)

definitely has that dad bod lol.

Not as much of a disciplinary parent as Marguerite but if his kids were doing something dangerous he'd never let them hear the end of it.

His text is blue.

This man eats A LOT.

Jack & Marguerite relationship HC's

They are very active. That's all I'll say XD

They're as cringey as a fresh high school couple (please save us)

Since I HC Marguerite as older than Jack, I like to think that he teases her about it:

"Look at what Zoe picked out for me at the 'You're Still Alive?' store. Now, I'm definitely old enough to pick out my own clothes."

"You're old enough to pick out clothes for Adam and Eve."

Another example is

"$250? Do you know what I could've done with $250 back in MY day?"

"A blind date with Fredrick Douglass? A fully furnished cave? Ha, FIRE? Hahahahaaaaaaaaaa!"

Jack calm down she is NOT that old man smh.

But even with her aging Jack loves his wife very deeply, and she loves him too of course. a lil too much smh.

Zoe

23-24 years old.

Questioning (Lesbian)

Probably the most normal of the Baker children.

Total daddy's girl. She literally still calls his ass daddy IN GAME like girl omfg.

Slight heterochromia.

She's somewhat afraid of her younger siblings and is very concerned about their well being. She questions how the hell she is related to them sometimes.

She can be very wary of visitors, but if they come often enough she'll become more comfortable with them.

She's the only other family member who can properly use a gun. Jack hesitates to teach Lucas and insists Bailey isn't old enough to.

Occasionally does mechanical work.

She's very good with coding, but nowhere near as good as Lucas.

Hesitant to spend time with her siblings (she can handle Lucas and Bailey individually but them together is chaotic) but since they usually act more human-like around their parents she can tolerate them.

Gets very flustered easily (take full advantage of this pleas-)

Her text is black/white.

Lucas

21-22 years old.

Heterosexual (he's in denial)

Everyone's worse nightmare.

If Jack had a least favorite child it would have to be him. Jack sometimes really gets annoyed by Lucas' rudeness and social ineptness.

Lucas tends to be very distant from his family unless he's annoying them, complaining about them, or teasing them. He does care about his family but he can't help but be a bit of a brat.

He's a very good hacker. It's a good thing the family has limited electronics, or they'd be in for hell.

Chooses to be emo and mysterious. Marguerite is very worried about him. Jack just thinks its a phase.

Loves poking around in places he ain't supposed to. Mostly to get a reaction.

Does NOT like being teased and embarrassed by his parents and that's why he goes out without them.

His text is green.

Bailey (OC)

19-20 years old

Pansexual Asexual.

She/her/they/them

Mommy and daddy's girl.

Literally the only reason she's still living with these people despite having 2+ degrees.

She also goes mining for gems. If she does happen to find some she'll just sculpt and sell them for money so she can feed her sugar addiction.

Despite being literally an eldritch abomination towards anyone else she's such a sweetheart to her parents.

Does shady scientific experiments in a secret room (that big ass house HAS to have one) yeah take her degree away now.

Lucas has access to that room because he happened to stumble across it while being nosy. He only gets to stay because he blackmailed them.

This fat ass literally pays her mother to make her food omfg. specifically desserts.

If Marguerite were to ever ask 'you got McDonald's money?' the answer would be yes smfh.

Whenever her parents display even the smallest bit of affection towards each other she immediately moves to another planet.

They have polycoria. (3 pupils in both eyes.) and never make direct eye contact because of it.

Her text is purple.

I got some AU's that I might share later too and I'm open to hearing about yours or roleplaying them hehe.

That's it for now, see you when I'm feeling weird again I guess.

[frostedsketches]

I'm not planning on going into full detail over the rest of the Mane Six like I did for Twilight, despite this, I think the Mane Six ships in the Hopes'nDreamsVerse deserve a bit more light and attention. There are some ships that are a bit unconventional and therefore need a little bit of explaning to be believable. I mean c'mon? When do you ever see Soarin and Rarity shipped, or Applejack and Double Diamond, or even Twilight and Star Tracker? ( I already did a thing on them, so go search it out of you're interested! )

So to curb your curiosity and disbelief, I will be explaining these ships, right here, right now.

Alright, well, Pinkie Pie X Cheese Sandwich and Fluttershy X Discord are pretty self-explanatory and don't have much to explain in terms of how they ended up together. The story of Rainbow X Thunderlane and Rarity X Soarin, is a bit more of a complicated discussion, given that it's more widely known for the husband's in these two ships to be swapped, and so you would probably think they would be. Well, I'm going to tell you why they aren't. . .

( Note: I LOVE Soarin X Rainbow and am partial to Rarity X Thunderlane, however they didn't work with the next gen characters I at the time had ideas for and wanted to design. Also Hopes'nDreamsVerse didn't used to be my main and I had never planned for it to be, but things change. My only regret really is that some of the ships I personally prefer didn't get to be a part of the main Next Gen that I strictly think happened after the show, so I can only save those for alternates, but really I'm fine with in the end )

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

Being Wonderbolts together, it's natural that ponies within the fleet would form close friendships and sometimes even have romantic feelings bloom. Well that's exactly what happened between Rainbow Dash and Soarin, and Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser.

Rainbow and Soarin became fast friends, and even then, though she'd never admit it, Rainbow had quickly developed a bit of a crush that went slightly beyond her general fascination and hero complex towards the Wonderbolts as a whole, in fact she had always found Soarin to be kind of cute out of the stallions in the fleet.

Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser had already been friends before joining the Wonderbolts, and working together in such close proximity only escaladed their bond into something more. By the time Season 9 ended, in fact the evening after Queen Twilight's Coronation, Thunderlane proposed and the two pegasi got engaged. Only four months later were they married.

Rainbow and Soarin found romance and became in item around the time that Fluttercord and CheesePie were taking off, and though they were together for months and genuinely loved each other, in the end things took a turn for the worse. And that simply was their differing ideas for the future. Rainbow was perfectly content being his girlfriend and working on and rising up in her career, while he had always known that if he were to date he'd want it to be a permanent thing and to escalate, to eventually be something more, be something more to her and have something more WITH her. This is where the argument began, which eventually caused them to break up, though it left them both sore for awhile.

Meanwhile, Double Diamond, Party Favor, and Night Glider often liked to visit Ponyville to see their friend, and in PF's case, sister, Sugarbelle. Them being on the farm so often left room for Applejack to get to know them, and get to know Double Diamond in particular. Party Favor, once he met Miss Cheerilie, often took time to hang out with her in Ponyville while Double Diamond became interested in life on the farm and often snuck away to watch Applejack do her work — though he was genuinely interested in the work itself, he also loved to watch her work in particular, let's just say he has a thing for buff ladies XD.

Friendship and eventually feelings blossomed over the course of months and though they eventually became a couple, they being such good friends and keeping their romance out of topic to others, never really mentioned to anyone else their relationship until someone poking around eventually found out and spilled the beans to everyone.

Eventually when Rainbow decided to move on and stop showing how it still affected her, Rarity, single and by now thinking she'd always be so, took it upon herself to be match maker for her friends instead, and started sending her on blind dates, that is until the day Rainbow finally put her hoof down and told her she wasn't ready yet, that she was still bothered by her breakup and needed a bit more time, when she finally came clean about that, Rarity apologized and ceased. Double Diamond and Applejack are engaged at this point, Pinkie and Cheese are newly married and Fluttershy and Discord have just found out really early on that miraculously they're expecting a foal.

The night of the Grand Galloping Gala came. Rainbow Dash ran into Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser and hung out with them when they weren't performing. Rarity however, after the Wonderbolts show was done, stumbled upon Soarin keeping to himself and conversation struck between them, both getting along well, Soarin opened up about the breakup with Rainbow and Rarity offered some insight on Rainbow's side of the story, they ended up talking until the Gala ended and they both said their goodbyes, walking away strangely with warm, fuzzy feelings in their chests and fond wandering thoughts of each other for the next few days.

Fluttershy and Discord attended the Gala, but were forced to teleport back home when Fluttershy started feeling terribly ill and faint. Later that night Fluttershy miscarries the undeveloped embryo, and though it was so early that it wasn't even living yet, Fluttershy mourned greatly for what had almost been.

Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser's daughter Tornado Racer is born and while Cloud Chaser is on maternity leave, Thunderlane finds himself running into Rainbow more and more at work, and though at first it's all innocent and friendly, both ponies know they've walked into a mess when they start feeling things they shouldn't and Thunderlane's feelings for Cloud Chaser begin to dwindle due to less time with her and more and more arguments and disagreements at home, Cloud Chaser has always had a few red flags that never got resolved and they shine through more than ever these days, so you see it's not only his feelings for Rainbow that are contributing to their falling out.

After a particularly bad fight leaving both ponies with severely damaged feelings, Thunderlane comes to realize he doesn't feel right with Cloud Chaser and comes to realize his feelings for Rainbow are intensifying as she's been a good listening ear and comforting figure to him after fights with his wife.

Though he loves his daughter and has a bad feeling about what would happen if he were to leave her, he needs to get these feelings into words, soon confessing to Rainbow who feels the same way, but despite her feelings she gets mad at him, telling him firmly that if he really wants to act on these feelings, he has to choose, either forget about her and be a faithful husband to Cloud Chaser or get a divorce to avoid being a cheater.

Thunderlane didn't come to work for a few days after that, but when he finally did, he informed Rainbow he had made up his mind; he had told Cloud Chaser how he had moved on and wanted a divorce. Rainbow felt extremely guilty, thinking it's her fault for ruining Thunderlane's prior relationship, but ultimately knows that things were never really harmonious between them and it might've happened even without her muddying the circumstances.

They were married only a few months after the divorce was finalized, Thunderlane never talked of kids to her so she trusts he won't pressure her to have them instead of focusing on her career. He knows that's not what she wants and he doesn't trust that he'd be a good dad after leaving Tornado, the thought of it hurts too much and makes him feel even more guilty.

Cloud Chaser of course does not take this kindly, though she was half of the reason it ended this way, she refuses to believe that she was part of the problem and harbors feelings of abandonment and resentment, she blames Rainbow primarily, a belief and hatred she passed down to Tornado Racer, who's childhood is destroyed by this, though after a few years Thunderlane hears of his ex's spiral and tries his best to gain custody of his daughter, Tornado wants nothing to do with him, Cloud Chaser won't let him take her and after years he ultimately loses the battle. Tornado does have solace with her Aunt Flitter who takes care of her when Cloud Chaser is unable, but of course it's not enough to make how her life is going completely 'okay' and doesn't stop her from being messed up in adulthood.

By this time Soarin and Rarity have started seeing each other and eventually become a couple. Applejack and Double Diamond are married though ponies still wonder how their so chill and non-romantic in public ( they're very affectionate when it's just them, don't get me wrong here ). Rainbow and Soarin, now both with new partners that they love more than anyone, rekindle their previous friendship which spreads between both couples, so all four become good friends, all hurt feelings healed.

Sometime between the birth of Fluttershy's foal and Pinkie's twins, and the birth of Applejack's foal a year later, Soarin proposes to Rarity and Twilight and Star Tracker become great friends, soon to be married as I will soon explain, and soon couples are married not long after each other.

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

So there you have the summerized story of how these couples came to be! Hoping to have more out soon, so stay tuned! Now go out and Idk. . . keep being 20% cooler then the poor souls who haven't found joy in MLP :D

[skeletonsfortea]

wow, has anyone ever told you you're great at writing?? your ideas are so cool!

if it's possible! could you create a fluffy blurb some time after Ending 3 with sans and y/n? i was kind of down earlier and wanted to see some hurt characters be not so hurt :) and if it could include some purring id bev really happy! but its okay if it doesn't, i just love purring!! thank you!

oh - and if i could also tell you a silly viewpoint I have on your character? I like to imagine sans as a feral abused stray cat that lives behind a house who lashes out in fear and hurts you whenever he thinks you're getting too close. but with a lottttt of work, and i mean a lot, he'll eventually stop scratching up your hand, realizing he's in a safe space, that he doesn't have to act so tough, and finally melt into the hug he's never let himself have. and well cats view their human as servants so it isn't too far off!

Haha your analogy isn't too far off ;)

And no problem! I hope your day gets better!

Allow me to share a secret-

Sans was never supposed to have any possibility of redemption ;) but when I was writing ending 3, he kinda just...wasn't an asshole? I was like "hey you're not supposed to do that-" but here we are XD

Anyway. Fluff-

Sans sighs, staring at his empty bottle. He's going to have to get more. He's already used a lot of his gold, though. He won't be able to afford it for much longer. Which is stupid. Really, what the hell does Grillby even need money for? His head snaps up when he hears a creak. You're coming down the stairs, and there's something in your expression that has him uncomfortable.

"The fuck's wrong with you?" He asks.

"Is Papyrus home?" You ask rather than answer. His smile twitches upwards. So you're dodging questions now? It's irritating, but he's not in the mood to punish you. He ignores that he hasn't been "in the mood" since what happened in the shed.

"Nope," he leans back into the couch. You release a watery sigh, and he tracks your movements as you shuffle over to the couch. You stop in front of him, hesitant, your breath shallow, and he raises a brow. "Something you've got to say?"

"I had a nightmare."

"That sucks. Want me to sing you a lullaby?"

Your expression doesn't change. "No." His smile twitches downwards.

"What, can't take a joke? Tell me what you want already." He hisses, noticing that you're shaking, just slightly.

"W-would you get up?"

He frowns. "Keep being vague, kid. I'm sure it'll help." He leans further back.

"Fine." You growl, "I-I'm..." rather than continue, you release a sob. Your shaking grows worse, a tremor running up your spine and through your shoulders. "I'm fucking...I'm just lonely."

"What was that?" He asks despite hearing you just fine.

"I need a fucking hug before I...please. I don't ask for much. I don't ask for anything. B-but I need this."

...for a moment, the silence lengthens.

A hug? From him?

...well, you would have asked Papyrus first, if he was here.

How long has it been since Sans has given a hug? At least three years. Maybe longer. He sighs and gets up. You flinch slightly, but he just spreads his arms.

"Well?"

You shudder, but move in. His soul starts humming immediately, worried over the proximity, but he does his best to ignore it. Your arms wrap around him, and he returns the hug after a moment. Your chin rests on his shoulder, your chest expanding against his.

His soul starts to calm.

Fuck.

Then it starts to buzz.

Don't you fucking dare.

His bones rattle slightly as the buzz strengthens.

I'll fucking kill you.

As if to call his bluff, the buzz becomes a purr. Warmth flushes through his face.

Shit.

You freeze. "Uh..."

His arms tighten around you, "say a fucking word and we're going to the shed."

You go quiet, and for a next couple of seconds, you both stand in silence.

Well, aside from his obnoxiously loud purring.

...the heat does not fade from his face.

[blackbutler-readerinsertsandjunk]

May I request "there's my beautiful bride!" or "I'm the luckiest man alive." for Beast and/or Wendy? These two deserve some attention and I hope this is a nice way to give them that.

they sure do, I love these girls!! <3

(if you listen real close, you can hear me being hilariously bisexual in the background XD)

things that you want to hear.

It still sort of blows your mind that you’re married to someone now.

BEAST may not be many people’s idea of a ‘traditional’ wife, but she’s yours. There’s no way you could ever want anyone else when you have her. What do anyone else’s opinions have to do with your relationship, anyway? They don’t matter.

Of course, you think they matter to her. Sometimes you see her looking in the mirror, touching parts of herself that people have expressed judgment about. (Her leg and chest, most notably. People on the street look at her like she’s this person without class who’s missing parts. You don’t think it could possibly infuriate you more, and there’s nothing you can say directly that will ever make it better.)

It makes you sad; that other people feel she’s not fit to be a wife, when all being someones’s wife requires is to be a woman who marries someone. Who cares what else is true about her?

She has a good heart. She’s a good person. She’s a good wife, because she’s yours.

One such night when you come home from work, you venture upstairs. What you find in the bedroom is Beast in front of the full-length mirror, wearing an outfit that, while very much her style, is a little revealing as far as the masses are concerned.

It doesn’t bother you, so why the hell should it bother anyone else? It’s nobody else’s business to be looking at how your wife is dressed. You have to wonder if that’s why she doesn’t often leave the house, especially without you, unless she’s working at the circus ― because people pay attention to how different she is in every way.

God. That must drive her insane, having people look at her all the time and notice every little detail about her that isn’t ‘normal’. It kind of pisses you off.

What else can you really do, except come up behind her and circle your arms around her waist? “There’s my beautiful bride!” you hum, pressing your lips to her neck. “Look at you; you’re a vision.”

Although she startles, it’s not really a bad reaction. She seems to flinch at first no matter how affectionate you’re being, likely a side effect of a lifetime’s worth of abuse. “… Eh? Where at?”

“Right here.” You chuckle softly and lean closer so you can kiss her on the lips. No way are you going to let her feel bad about herself when you’re right here to reassure her. “Is it my imagination, or are you even more gorgeous than when I left this morning? Ah, someone’s going to steal you away from me.”

She scoffs, though she shifts her arms down so she can set her hands over top of yours. It looks like she’s slightly more relaxed now, thank goodness. And she’s stopped paying any mind to the image in the mirror in favor of paying attention to you. “Oi… y’ talk too much. Silly thing.”

You tilt your head. “I could try to say better things whilst talking a bit less. What about a simple ‘I love you’? Have I told you that today?”

“Mhm, when y’ left earlier.” She nuzzles against you. “Come off that, would y’? Y’re gonna get me all used t’ bein’ told that.”

You arms give her a little squeeze. “Oh, how terrible. I love you.”

Her eyes drift closed. “Aaaah… I love y’, too.”

“And,” you continue, “I’m so happy you’re my wife.”

She’s quiet for a moment, then she lets out this tiny breath of a laugh. “… There’s worse things t’ be, I s’pose.”

There are times when you can’t really believe that another person hasn’t swept WENDY off her feet. She’s all yours, for as long as she wants to be.

How? You truly wonder in some moments. People may not be perfect, but Wendy is such a wonderful person. She’s got a playful beauty about her, and she’s kindhearted, and she’s so much more intelligent than anyone gives her credit for. (Except perhaps her brother. If anyone knows better than you how smart she is, it’s Peter.)

When you’re lying awake in the early hours of the morning, in bed next to her, it strikes you that this is your life. You’re fortunate enough to have someone like her as your partner, to have the rest of her family as friends. They’ve pretty well accepted you.

You probably won’t be able to get back to sleep for a while, so instead of doing anything productive, you start to card your fingers through Wendy’s hair. Watching her sleep makes you feel peaceful… she doesn’t get enough sleep, you know. It’s nice to look at her relaxed for once.

After a few minutes, you regret it a little when her eyes start to flutter open. She blinks at you and offers a groggy groan. “Mhn… wot’s goin’ on, (Name)…? Can’t sleep? C’mere…”

Always so selfless. What did you do to deserve a woman like her? Whatever it was, you wish you’d done it sooner so you’d met her years ago.

“Nothing’s going on, sweetheart. I’m just looking at you… and thinking,” you add with a chuckle.

She laughs sleepily, reaching to grab at your waist regardless. “Thinkin’? ‘Ope y’ ain’t thinkin’ too ‘ard… liable t’ pull somethin’…” All the other things you love about her, and she’s also got a sense of humor even while half asleep. “Wot y’ thinkin’ ‘bout, darlin’?”

Your fingers make another pass through her hair. You adore that she usually takes it down to sleep… it’s like a side of her only you (well, and Peter) get to see. “I’m the luckiest man alive. For starters.”

“Yeah? ‘Ow do y’ figure?”

You move a little closer and press a soft kiss to her cheek. “Well, I’ve got you. Isn’t that all I need to think of myself as the luckiest man alive? Honestly, even some of the lucky dead men might be jealous.”

She laughs, slightly more lucidly, leaning into the contact. “Mhh… y’re either full’a it ‘r dreamin’. ‘N’ I ain’t willin’ enough t’ find out which, considerin’ wot time it is. Guess I should jus’ feel ‘appy y’re spoilin’ me, sayin’ things like that.”

“It’s the truth.” You continue stroking her hair before wrapping your unoccupied arm around her. “I love you very much, Wendy. Sometimes I’m not sure you know how much.”

She nestles herself in against you ― making you second-guess yourself. Maybe she does know how much you love her. There’s no question she loves you, but she apparently feels the need to reiterate it. “Love y’ more’n that. I don’t care ‘ow much y’ love me, I love y’ more.”

She drifts back to sleep in your arms shortly after, and you think there’s really no way you can argue with her.