#sorenson family fluff

[all-eyes-lead-to-the-truth]

All Eyes Lead to the Truth | Season Four Master Post

Season four is one of the most beloved seasons of The X-Files, and we had a lot of fun exploring the background characters that helped make it so special!

Check out this thread to see all the characters we got to meet this season!

Herrenvolk (4x01) | X

No one would remember him, and if they did, they would struggle to remember a name they were never told. The memory of his existence would remain occluded by the shadows he lived in.

Home (4x02) | Sheriff Andy Taylor

For protection, his father had said, as he pressed the unfamiliar cold metal into Taylor’s warm hand. To keep your family safe.

To keep your home safe.

He shuts the drawer. He isn’t ready for this reality, not now. Not yet.

Teliko (4x03) | Special Agent Sean Pendrell

With them, it was never something simple. It was a computer chip so fragile he could barely study it. It was a complex string of numbers and letters tracking a smallpox vaccination program for reasons he couldn’t even begin to fathom.

This was what he went to school for.

Unruhe (4x04) | Gerry Schnauz

Gerry knew she needed his help the moment they met. There was a howler inside of her head — a black mass invading her body and mind.

The Field Where I Died (4x05) | Melissa Rydell Ephesian

Melissa struggled with the idea of reincarnation, but dared not show it. And as it turned out, a broken link in the chain of her faith led to more broken links.

When she first saw Vernon hurt a child, the chain shattered.

Sanguinarium (4x06) | Dr. Theresa Shannon

The face on the computer had looked just like Jack, but that had to be impossible. The science of surgery hadn’t come that far. To spread the eyes further apart, change features completely… and besides, she knows him. Knows the person he is…

Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man (4x07) | Albert M. Godwinkle

All Albert M. Godwinkle wants today is to read a halfway decent manuscript that puts a smile on his disgruntled face. Today is not that day.

Tunguska (4x08) | Alex Krycek

If looks could kill, Alex would be a dead man. But he thrives off this, off making Mulder squirm. It’s just so fucking easy.

Terma (4x09) | Senator Albert Sorenson

He was a staunch proponent of holding insubordinate witnesses in contempt when the court was not being respected, and no one, not even a government employee, was immune to that.

Paper Hearts (4x10) | Addie Sparks

The little girl he loves is gone, and she is never coming back.

Just like me.

El Mundo Gira (4x11) | Migrant Worker

At the simple mention of El Chupacabra, the shack erupted in a cacophony of worry, as if merely saying the name might summon the beast.

Leonard Betts (4x12) | Michele Wilkes

Even through the panic she felt screaming through her that nothing about this was okay, she felt a moment of relief wash over her. Maybe it had all been a dream. Maybe her partner hadn’t died while she was at the wheel.

Never Again (4x13) | Ed Jerse

Deadbeat. Loser. Failure.

He’s heard it all, and he has had enough. No one humiliates Ed Jerse anymore. No, not now. Never again.

Memento Mori (4x14) | Kurt Crawford

What is destined for a creature borne of fluid and test tubes, guided by the hands of cruel men?

Kaddish (4x15) | Ariel Luria

Someone else’s hatred had taken her true love away. Just like that, in an instant, like it was nothing. But it was not hatred that led her to the gravesite that stormy night.

Unrequited (4x16) | Special Agent Kent Hill

Hill slides in his earpiece, watching as their eyes lock. His wife would call it eavesdropping, but as he steps closer, tilting his head just right to better hear their hushed voices, Hill simply calls it satisfying a long-standing curiosity.

Tempus Fugit (4x17) | Bartender

The man tried to fluff the pink ball back into shape after presumably squashing it in his pocket. “The woman I came in with— it’s her birthday, and she loves these things. I was wondering if there was any way you could ask someone in the back to put it on a plate and bring it out to her?”

Max (4x18) | Sharon Graffia

Sharon Graffia isn’t a liar. She’d only done what she needed to in order for people to believe her. All she’s ever wanted was someone to believe her.

Synchrony (4x19) | Jason Nichols

Naïveté and a complete lack of understanding of the consequences of their work had been their downfall. But how could they have known?

Small Potatoes (4x20) | Eddie Van Blundht

It didn’t take him long to realize he’d initially misread the situation when he saw them at the clinic. Based on the look Dana Scully shot him when he tried to hold her hand at the airport, he knew he was navigating territory Fox Mulder had yet to conquer.

Zero Sum (4x21) | Billy

He slowly twisted his neck to the right, and was horrified by the sight before him. In the next bed over was David from his class, his face covered in gross red bumps. He looked dead.

Billy didn’t know what else to do. He started crying.

Elegy (4x22) | Lauren Heller

She had an exam in the morning. Her mother’s birthday was the following weekend. She had plans.

Demons (4x23) | Amy Cassandra

As she speaks, the deep wound in her skull throbs, reminding her that that was true, until weeks ago when she’d traded the nightmare of one penetrating drill with the reality of another.

Gesthemane (4x24) | Father McCue

Her faith had come from God, yes… but it had also come from another, less expected source. Perhaps it still did.

Stay tuned for more perspectives coming in Season Five!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

We spend so much time deliberating and chatting about who to use in a given episode or where certain characters would be best utilized in the series, and we'd love to hear any opinions or predictions you might have! Do you have a favorite minor character? What episodes do you think would be best for our favorite recurring characters? Your feedback is one of the most enjoyable parts of this project (and sometimes hearing other perspectives can help inform the decisions we have to make). - @admiralty-xfd, @fridaysat9, @monikafilefan, and @gaycrouton

[aerinmelina]

Midnight Snuggles

Just a bit of Sorenson family fluff, with tiny Kendra and baby Seth. I hope you enjoy this little oneshot. <3

—

Marla woke to complete darkness and the sound of sniffles.  It took a few seconds for her brain to put two and two together, but when she listened closely, she realized that her daughter had come to see her.

“Kendra? Honey, what’s wrong?” she managed to ask. She could barely keep her eyes open. What time was it?

More sniffling was all Marla received in response to her question.

“Come here, baby,” she said, becoming a little more alert. She motioned to her two-and-a-half-year-old in a beckoning fashion.

Kendra approached her mother and wrapped her arms around Marla’s face in an awkward hug. Marla couldn’t help but smile a bit at her child’s gesture. She raised the blankets which covered her and moved her body over a bit in order to make space for the smaller person, then pulled her daughter (and the stuffed bear her child had a death grip on) into bed with her.  Once they were settled, Marla quietly asked once more, “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“I had a bad dream,” Kendra said, scooting closer into her mother’s warm embrace.

“Oh, no,” Marla replied. “What did you dream about?”

The little girl sniffled. “The mean people took Sethy away, and you went too and Daddy was sad.”

Ah. Seth had been sick earlier in the week – to the point that they’d called an ambulance. The paramedics had rushed him to the hospital where he’d stayed for a few nights; Marla had gone with him, and Scott had stayed at home with Kendra.

“It was scary when Mommy and Seth went to the hospital, wasn’t it?” Marla kissed the top of Kendra’s head as her daughter nodded. She continued speaking. “Sethy was really sick. Those people who came to the house are called paramedics. Can you say that? Para-medic.”

“Para-medic,” Kendra repeated. “Baby Seth was crying.”

“Yes, he was,” Marla affirmed. “He was sick and he didn’t know who they were, but they were trying to help him.”

“He was sad.”

“You’re right. He was very sad.” She paused, recalling the events of several nights ago. “Paramedics are like doctors. They help people who have emergencies. Do you remember what the paramedics did when they saw Seth?”

“They poked Baby Seth and he cried.”

“They did,” she agreed. “They were giving him medicine so that he could get better.”

“Sethy cried. The mean people hurt Baby Seth.”

“Oh, honey,” Marla cooed, “They were helping your brother. I promise. I wouldn’t have let them hurt him. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt either one of you.”

“Daddy was sad.”

Marla closed her eyes as the image of Scott quickly and tearfully hugging and kissing her and Seth goodbye popped into her mind. She had ridden to the hospital in the back of the ambulance along with their son. “Yes, Daddy was sad. Were you sad, too?”

Kendra nodded and tried to move herself even closer to her mother.

“Were you scared?”

She nodded again and buried her face in her teddy bear. “Albert was scared, too.”

Albert. Her bear. “He was, was he?” Marla asked.

“Mm-hmm. Daddy had to snuggle me and Albert.”

A soft smile crossed the mother’s face. “Well, I’m sure Daddy liked snuggling with you.”

“He sure did,” came Scott’s drowsy voice. “Kenny snuggles make Daddy feel strong.” Marla scrunched up her face as he rolled over in bed, effectively sandwiching her between himself and their child, then laid his arm across her shoulders so that he could put his hand on his daughter’s head. It was a somewhat uncomfortable position to be in, but she was so tired that she ultimately decided that she didn’t truly care.

“Kenny and Albert,” Kendra corrected her father.

Scott chuckled. “Can’t forget about Albert,” he yawned. “Kenny and Albert. Of course.”

Silence fell over the trio for a few minutes. Marla and Scott were just starting to drift off to sleep again when Seth started fussing in his crib. With a sigh born from exhaustion, Scott sat up and stretched his arms, then ambled over and picked up his squawking son and headed out of the bedroom with his precious load.

“Baby Seth is sad again,” Kendra stated. The sniffling Marla had heard earlier in the night (morning?) started up again.

“Shhhhh, shhhhh,” Marla soothed while she ran her fingers through Kendra’s hair. “Seth is still very small. Little babies like him wake up sometimes at night because they need something,” she explained. “Your little brother probably needs his diaper changed and maybe a bottle. And snuggles and love. That’s all. He’s okay, sweetie.”

Kendra’s eyes were full of tears that Marla could barely see because of how dark the room was. “The mean people aren’t gonna come?” she asked.

“No, no,” Marla said. “Baby Seth is feeling much better now.” She began to softly hum a lullaby in an effort to soothe her daughter.

Kendra seemed to accept this explanation. Tears flowed down her cheeks, but her bout of crying was short-lived thanks to her mother’s tender ministrations. “I love you, Mommy,” she said after a while.

“I love you, too, baby girl.”

It wasn’t much longer before mother and child fell back into the comforting embrace of sleep.

[candlemouse]

Fablehaven Masterlist

fanfiction at the top, and uquizzes at the bottom!

All titles are Ao3 links! (But all exist on Wattpad as well under the same account name)

━━━━━ Over 3K

Heir to Light

97.2k, Garreth/Kendra Sorenson, Kendra & Seth, Seth & Eve

Medieval Royal Fantasy AU

Princess Kendra and Prince Seth were the heirs to a lovely kingdom—well, up until three days ago. With no available refuge after their kingdom gets sacked, the two royals and their companions try the neighboring kingdom, Terrabelle...

Quiet Sunday Dinners

12.8k, Marla/Scott Sorenson

Before, during, and after Marla and Scott Sorenson’s world is upended through fake deaths and magic.

bite the hand (that feeds me)

20.6k, Vanessa Santoro/Warren Burgess

A character study of Vanessa's side of the story from childhood to missions to Fablehaven and beyond.

legally dead

3.7k, Kendra & Seth, angst with a happy ending

The Sorenson siblings return to Rochester to pack up their old house to move. This proves to be too much for the legally dead teen and the one who watched her die.

━━━━━━━ Oneshots

six weeks of breathing clean air (i still miss the smoke)

643 words, about Vanessa/Warren, but features Dale & Warren

Warren's life shatters after learning of Vanessa's betrayal. Fortunately, Dale is there to pick up the pieces.

Ultimate Sibling Wedding Videographer Duo (Patent Pending)

1.8k, Vanessa/Warren, Seth & Kendra

Vanessa and Warren's wedding through the eyes (and camcorder!) of the siblings.

Not Like Other Unicorns

1.7k, Ronodin & Seth & Kendra

Kendra and Seth discover Ronodin’s most embarrassing secret—he’s a natural blonde!

Alyssa Walks Alone

0.6k, Alyssa & Kendra, Major Character Death

Alyssa visits Kendra’s grave on her high school graduation day, trying to get answers to her many questions.

hold on to the memories (they will hold on to you)

0.7k, Newel/Doren

Doren reminisces on his long life with Newel, and the effects of witnessing him in his shadow form.

Sin City

1.8k, Ronodin/Reader

Working as Celebrant’s secretary, you meet the love of your life—or at least of the week.

Fablehaven 🍃

210 words, Fablehaven as Family

Fablehaven’s group chat has everyone except Seth. Seth remedies this.

off to college (alone at home)

0.4k, Kendra & Seth

Seth grapples with the loneliness left in Kendra’s departure to college.

Kendra Decks Coulter

0.3k, Kendra & Coulter Dixon

Kendra punches Coulter. That’s really all this is. Vanessa is there too.

lovesick

1.2k, Kendra/Alyssa

While Alyssa takes care of Kendra, Kendra discovers she’s more than sick—she’s lovesick.

Blueish, Brownish, Greenish Color

400 words, Ronodin/Reader

Sold to Ronodin crack fic

Cognitive Dissonance

2.5k, Kendra Sorenson & Ronodin

Ronodin uses his newfound Fairy King powers to call the handmaiden to his side.

unlimited grief

0.7k, Kendra Sorenson & Ruth Sorenson Major Character Death

Kendra comes home for the wrong reasons.

guinea pig

1k, Kendra Sorenson & Seth Sorenson

Witch Kendra tries a new spell on Seth—with mixed results.

monotony: bracken’s time in the tunnels

1.1k, Bracken

a mini character study of living mirage era bracken

He was a unicorn. He just didn’t feel like one.

VIP Lounge

1.3k, Parental Warren Burgess & Seth Sorenson

Seth gets bored in an airport and Warren has to dig Seth out of the hole he dug for himself.

it was such a bad idea (cause now I’m even more lost)

1k, Alyssa Carter/Kendra Sorenson, fluff

Kendra and Alyssa’s first kiss fluff.

hunt for sport

0.7k, crack fic

Ronodin narrates as Brandon Mull runs for his life.

But I’m a Cheerleader

3k, Alyssa/Kendra

In which Alyssa and Kendra realize they are so much more than just teammates.

just so I know you’re alive

1.1k, Kendra & Seth, angst with a happy ending

Nightmares plague the siblings after Zzyzx.

Fablehaven Fortnite

1.6k, Kendra & Seth & Warren & Ronodin & Bracken

Follow Kendra, Seth, Warren, Bracken, and Ronodin as they compete in the Knights of the Dawn’s paintball tournament.

Solstice Gala

3k, Eve/Seth

Seth and Kendra attend the Fair Folks’ ball and spend the night.

Old Friends

165 words, Vanessa/Warren

Warren’s POV when Vanessa catches up to Warren and Kendra in the inverted tower in Rise of the Evening Star (Book 2).

Kendra Vs. Ronodin

0.5k, Kendra & Ronodin, tension

Kendra and Ronodin face off in the Titan Games’ arena.

A Beautiful View

0.5k, Kendra/Bracken, emotional hurt/comfort

Bracken comforts an overwhelmed Kendra.

Sick Kendra

1k, Kendra/Bracken

Bracken comforts a sick Kendra.

Amnesia

0.6k, Kendra & Percy & Annabeth, crossover, emotional hurt/comfort

Percy and Annabeth comfort Kendra.

━━━━━━━ Quizzes

What Fablehaven character are you?

What Fablehaven ship are you?

How long have you been on Fablehaven tumblr?

Other fandom lists:

Fullmetal Alchemist, Miraculous Ladybug, Merlin

[jesussavedevenme]

Never Underestimate Family

This is based off my own headcanon that Kendra and Seth have an older brother that joined the army shortly after finding the magic world. He was 13 years older than Kendra and 15 years older than Seth. So enjoy my headcanon and fluff ( I love fluff!) . This is WAY after dragonwatch Chapter 3 Never underestimate  ffamily October was a hard month for Kendra Sorenson. I mean sure Halloween was fun, but it was also the month her brother left. Kendra's brother Jason Sorenson had been 13 when she was born. She was 5 when he was deployed in the army. To say they had been close was an understatement. Kendra remembered days of running to him when he got home. Her mom would say she would go to him more then she would them. He had written  at first,but the letters became fewer and fewer, until they just stopped. Kendra wished upon wished that she could talk to him again and know that he was okay. Now at 22 years old Kendra missed him more than ever. There was a special day approaching, something she wanted him to be there for. At the end of this month Kendra would be getting married. Bracken had asked to date her on her 18th birthday. After almost losing her to  fatal wounds( if you want a one shot on this let me know.) he had decided that he didn't want to waste any more time. They had dated for 4 years and 2 months ago he had asked her to marry him ( again if you want the details you have to tell me.) As a.result of the magic it took.to heal her wounds, Kendra was now closer to a unicorn than a mortal. She looked 18, her long Brown hair was now mostly blond, ears slightly pointed, and had eyes that changed with her mood. She sat now in one of the many gazebos.around the pond. Where she always went to think. Thinking now at where her brother could be. would he look the same? Would he still devour all food in sight? Her parents had long since come.to the conclusion that he had died, and Kendra sometimes wondered if they where right. She had to face the fact that he most likely wouldn't be here. Letting the only one tear escape her, she stood up and began the trek back to the main house.                                                                           ††††   Seth, despite popular beliefs , was not oblivious to his sister's recent change in demeanor. The switch from happy to upset. He also was not ignorant as to what caused it.(though he did hunt down a certain unicorn amd.grill him). After a while he had enough, he didn't remember Jason seeing as he was only 3 when he left. So Seth devised a plan, a perfect one. A fool proof one. Which was why he was standing in the atic. Since he was 20 he has moved into a room.downstairs, making this a perfect hiding place. Seth was tall and slim and had a light scar right under his left cheek bone. He was muscular, and his shadow charming abilities increased his strength. And with a deep voice to accompany this, he could be pretty intimidating. But if you looked into chocolate colored eyes ,you could see the playful mischievous gleam. His hair still Brown and unruly.Seth stood in the far corner holding a communication coin and talking to the Unicorn. " You just do your part, and I'll do mine ok? "Seth said Are you sure this is going to work seth? He may not come with you. " Oh he will come, if I have to drag him here, just send the fairies. " Have you told you grandfather about this plan. " what do you think? Look just find him first , then I'll talk to grandpa. Look i hear Kenzy, so I am going to go" Seth quickly dropped the connection before Bracken could ask any more questions about his grandfather knowledge. He was 20 he could accomplish this himself. He just hoped the fairies could find Jason in 2 weeks.                                                                                   †††† Jason Sorenson walked around the army base. He was 35 years old and has sandy hair and chocolate eyes. He had left home at 18 and hadn't been back since. It was funny the reason he couldn't go back was the reason for all this mess any way. The reason why he left has a bit of a back story, he had found the magic world at 15, which is a different story entirely, when his mom had his brother. His grandfather had told him that his parents didn't know about the magic world. Jason wanted to explore it. When is parents took him back he found that all he could focus on was finding out more. His grades fell and he was distant with his friends. He could focus on nothing but the future. Suddenly he looked up and found his straight A's where now mostly C's. His friends had moved on, his sister was in kindergarten and he had a little brother. He suddenly didn't know what to do with his life. Pride and fear kept him from going to his parents. How could he explain it anyway? ' hey mom, dad my grades are awful and I don't know what to do with my life anymore. But here's the reasons I found the magic world and have had an obsession with it, so help please?'  Definitely not. So he had joined the army and resolved to forget the magic world existed. And now, pride and fear where what was keeping him away from home. How would he face his parents and his sister. Kendra. If there was something he regretted most it was missing out on Kendra's life. They had been so close until he had let other things consume him. He heard a gasp not far away and pulled himself back to the present. He quickly found what had caused the reaction. A group of brightly colored butterflies where flying through the base. He knew these couldn't be normal butterflies. He might not have any assistance but this was not a normal occurrence. His suspicion was confirmed when the butterflies fluttered around him before flying off. Who would send fairies after him? And why? The commotion was settling down so Jason decided to act normal. It was probably nothing.E                                                                                                                                                                         †††† Bracken walking through the halls of the fairy castle to meet his father for lunch. His father had been ecstatic when he had awoken to find out his son was engaged. Though at first he want to thrilled that it was a handmaiden. Bracken had brought Kendra to the fairy realm to meet him and he had instantly  fallen for her. He saw her as his daughter already. They where meeting today to finalize things and just talk. The wedding was in 3 days so the pressure to make sure everything was ready was truly on. Despite this Bracken made sure to talk to Kendra in some way , form, or fashion, every night. Just thinking of his beautiful fiancee brought a smile to his face. Beautiful smile, bright ,sparkling green eyes. Bracken was pulled from his thoughts by the fact that a group of  fairies came rushing up to him. Immediately fearing the worst his hand drifted to the hilt of his sword. The leader of the group, an elegant fairy with electric blue hair and a pink dress that slowly faded to white, said " Your Highness, we have found the man you requested. Jason Sorenson is on an army base in Chattanooga Tennessee North America. " Bracken relaxed and said thank you be before reaching out to Seth using the communication coin. He wasn't too worried about telling him now though because he would be eating dinner there, as he usually did. Rushing off to meet his dad Bracken couldn't help but wonder what Seth Sorenson had planned this time.                                                                                †††† Seth was restless all through dinner. Not that this was new, ADHD does.that, but especially tonight. Bracken had said that he had found some information and would tell him in private.after.dinner. It was for this reason that Seth was shadewalking just outside the house as the unicorn told his sister goodnight. He smiled.a little.They where good together, not that he'd ever admit that. As much as he hated the mushy , gushy stuff, Bracken made Kendra happy and that was good enough for him.  Again not that he would ever admit this to anyone. His wondering thoughts where interrupted by the door of the house closing indicating that his.sister had gone inside. Stepping out of the shadows he approached Bracken. "So, what do you got for me?" Seth asked running his hands together. " They found him on an army base in Chattanooga Tennessee. " " Awesome! Now the problem is finding a way to get.there. Without Kendra getting suspicious. " " Who knows about this?" "Vanessa and Warren. They are going to keep her busy so she has less time to think about it. " " What about -" " I wanted it to be a surprise for the others as much as Kendra. " "Alright then." They both fell silent thinking about excuses and ways of transportation . Suddenly Brackens face lot up. "We can use Astrids to get there. As for excuses that's more your area of expertise." He said. Ending with a hint at Seth's mischievous nature and knack for coming up with clever excuses. And I'm fact after.a.minute more of thinking Seth came.up with one. " I've got it! So we use the Astids. You come in and act worried. Find me and we'll kind of speak in private for a.minute. The story will be there that you have gotten word of an assassin and need the help of an shadow charmer to save the day. Being the overprotective person you are when Kendra inevitably tries to come along as backup, you tell her no. Do the gushy stuff you do , telling her you love her and don't want her hurt or whatever. Then Warren and Vanessa step in and take her to do whatever there doing. We go get Jason, bring him back, and surprise Kendra. " Seth says taking a breath. He looks expectantly at the unicorn. For a moment all Bracken does is stare are him, then he drops his head into one of his hands  and shakes his head. Seth is confused , going back over the plan he doesn't see where he missed anything. He's about to voice this when Bracken looks up at him with a smile.on his face. " You 're not right" he says jokingly. " Dude , you've known me for 7 years and your just now figuring that out? Are you in or not. " Seth asked. Quiet proud of his plan . He got to both scare and surprise his older sister! " I'm in. " Bracken said. Seth did an evil laugh and said " Welcome to the dark side my friend, we've been expecting you. " Bracken once again stated at Seth for a moment before shaking his head turning his head and walking back into the woods.                                                                               †††† Bracken walked into the yard three Astids  trailing behind him. He stopped for a moment trying to make himself seem extremely worried. He was a really good actor when he wanted to be. His biggest challenge would be not breaking when he sees Kendra worried. he hated it when she worried about stuff.  He started to Sprint into the main house trying to seem urgent. He almost ran into Kendra. He decided to go.ahead and start putting this plan, that Seth's twisted little mind had came up with, into action. " Hey Bracken! " said Kendra  happily smiling her shining smile. Braden grabs her shoulders and looks her up and down worried as if searching for injuries. He feels a pang of guilt as her bright smile fades into a worried expression. Still, remembering the outcome , he continues. " Are you ok? Your not hurt anything? " he ask trying to sound almost.frantic. " No why? " she said breathing quickening slightly as she looks fearfully at the woods. Bracken immediately enveloped her in a quick hug before pulling back and saying, " No , it's ok ,I'm not running from anything. " " what's going on? " she asked sounding  beyond worried. Keeping himself steady in his role he tried to look indecisive  before replying, " Where's Seth? " "Bracken why won't you answer my question? What's going on?" Bracken placed a kiss on Kendra's forehead. When he pulled back his resolve almost broke at the sight of Kendra's eyes brimmed with frightened tears. " I'll explain later, love. Right now I need to talk to Seth, is he inside? " Bracken said gently already knowing the answer. She nodded and he quickly rushed into the house, determined that this was the last time he was.helping Seth with any of his plans.                                                                           †††† Seth watched in shock at how good Bracken was at convincing Kendra he was worried. He began his own role as the unicorn entered the house. Pretending he knew nothing about this, he let a smile fade as he walked toward him worried. " Hey man, what's up? What's this all about. " " Seth! Just the person I was looking for ! Can we talk in private? " Bracken asked continuing the skit. " Yah of course come on. " " Bracken what is this all about?" Grandpa Sorensen asked entering the room.at the commotion. " I'll explain later. " He said in the same time he had used with Kendra. Seth ducked into one of the many guest bedrooms in the house and heard Bracken close the door behind him. " Dude! That was awesome , everyone is genuinely worried! " Seth praised. His smile fades when he found the unicorn glaring at him. " what? " " This is the last time I am doing anything like this. " He said. " Oh, is this about Kens being worried? Don't think about it. She'll drop it once Warren and Vanessa start. " Seth answered rolling his eyes. Bracken didn't look convinced ,but he did drop the subject. After going over the plan and waiting a few more minutes, they left the room both looking grim and concerned. All of the family had gathered in the living room, as Seth had knew they would. They all have them there attention and waited for someone to explain what was going on. They had previously decided that it should be Bracken that explained since he came looking for Seth. " I caught word of an assassin, he is headed this way, I need Seth to help me take him down. The fairies have tracked him to Chattanooga Tennessee. " Bracken said grimly. " The plan is to go and stop him before he can get here. If everything goes well we should be back by tonight. " Seth finished. " Who are they after? " Grandpa Sorensen asked fearing the answer. " Kendra. " Bracken said. " the reason I only want me and Seth is for this a smaller team will be better. Along with the fact that his power as a shadow charmer could come in handy. " After several more questions the group finally dispersed. Seth was standing by one of the Astrids while Bracken said goodbye to Kendra for like the thousandth time,in his opinion anyway. Seth thought the unicorn was laying it on kind of thick , seeing as they weren't actually going to be in danger. Finally Kendra went in side and the Astrids took off. Seth could hardly contain his excitement now. His plan was working perfectly, he was going to see his brother, and surprise his sister.                                                                  †††† Jason was sitting on his bunk resting when a one of the commanders came in looking for him. The man was named Mark. Mark was about 40 years old, he was short but muscular. His hair was black but streaked with grey. " Sorenson, there's a man here to see you, says he's a family friend. " Mark said in his deep, rough voice. Jason thought for a moment, he didn't know who it was but if he had to guess it would be the one who sent the fairies after him.  Jason nodded to the commander and walked out of the room , heading toward the main offices. When he got there he was directed to a room with a closed door. Outside standing not far was a tall slim man, with silvery hair and a muscular build.  Thinking this was his visitor he walked to him. When Jason for closer the man gestured to the door indicating that he enter the room. Jason was getting suspicious and was glad he always had a knife in him.  Once he entered the silver haired man shut the door behind him. Startled Jason turned toward the door. Missing the fact that he wasn't alone. Jason " Long time no see , Jason. " said a deep voice. Jason turned around quickly reaching for his knife. For the first time he noticed a tall ,slim,muscular man with dark hair. His muscles made him look as if he lifted weights for a living. He was a head taller that Jason and looking up into dark eyes made the man even scarier. Jason quickly composed himself and said, " I'm sorry, you'll have to tell me your name. I'm afraid I don't know you. " the man smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. " I didn't think you'd recognize me. I look quite a bit different than I did when I was 3. " when Jason showed no reaction the man sighed and continued, " the name 's Seth. Sent Sorenson. " Jason's eyes widened at the name. This man was his 3 year old brother. Looking into the chocolate eyes , he could now see the mischievous glint in them. " Seth?! No way! What are you doing here?  You look so grown up and ... Intimidating " he said incredulously. Seth laughed. " Yah I have been  told that a few times. As for the reason I'm here, I'm here to take you home. Jason frowned, he couldn't go home. But how was he going to break that to his, not so little, little brother. Who had obviously spend some time looking for him. " Look, buddy. I appreciate you coming by, but I am afraid your wasting your time. I'm not coming home. " Jason said gently. He gulped as Seth's expression became darker. " I don't think you understand Jason , you are coming home, whether you come willingly or i have to drag you. " Jason began to protest but Seth continued " and believe me I can do it, being known as one of the protectors and hero's of the magic world is not the easiest job. " " What?! " Jason said shocked. Not only did his brother know about magic but he was the protector and hero of it. A question rose to mind as he asked. " wait one of them, whose the other? " he watched Seth smirk and reply simply, "Kendra." " Both of you know about the magic world? " Jason asked excited . This was amazing! He didn't have to keep it to himself anymore.  Seth smiled even wider " Yep, mom and dad do too. " " I can't believe this. This is amazing! But why come and find me now? And who was that man with the silver hair outside? " " Both of those questions go hand in hand. The man out there, his name is Bracken. He is Kendra's fiancee. " Seth paused and chuckled at Jason's shocked expression before continuing" as for why now ,well, She gets married tomorrow and all she wants is for you to be there. " " Kendra is what?! " "Getting married tomorrow. Now are you. Coming willingly or not, we need to get going soon, so we can get home before dinner." Jason nodded still processing the information . He followed Seth out and stopped beside the man that was apparently marrying his sister in a matter of hours. He heard Seth tell them to go on , while he found the head of office.  He looked at the man, Seth called Bracken, for the first time. He was shocked at the blue orbs and instantly knew he wasn't human. Realizing he was staring he said " So, your the man marrying my sister. " " Yah, she's amazing, I can't imagine loving anyone in this earth more than her. " Bracken answered. He seemed genuine. They  continued to talk as they reached the edge of the base. Jason was in shock by the time Seth found them. Not only was he talking to unicorn, but the Prince of the fairy realm. His siblings where fairykinds and shadow charmers , demon slayers, Dragon tamers, and just all around awesome. He was amazed when he met the Astrids. As they neared home, he realized that they would have accepted him a long time ago. It was time to make things right.                                                                      †††† As worried as Kendra had been that morning, she had little time to think about it the rest of the day. Warren and Vanessa had kept her extremely busy. They started no going after the boys left by helping arrange the flowers. As boring as that sounds, the fairies made it quite interesting. Changing , color, shape, and size with a command. Then they had left Fablehaven and went to pick up supplies for the brownies to make the desserts. They had lunch then came back to Fablehaven. Bradley's sister Petunia had come and brought all the dresses for the bridesmaids, the suits for the groomsmen , and  Kendra's dress. She had just finished trying it on and letting  Petunia adjust it when , the boys returned. The first thing she did was get up from the couch and run and hug her fiancee. He squeezed her tightly before pulling back and kissing her forehead. the others gathered to welcome them name as well. She then turned to her brother and hugged him before he could make any smart comments. He hugged her back , then pulled away. Kendra noticed that Seth was standing, kind of awkwardly ,in front of the door. Stepping back she looked curiously at him before asking " How'd it go? Did you get the assassin? " she was confused when Bracken looked away and Seth smirked. " About that sis,  the assassin thing was kind of a story to keep you out of suspicion for the day. "Kendra was shocked. It was a what?! A story! Seth most of noticed her confused and somewhat angry look because he continued quickly. " Before you say anything, before anybody jumps all over me, Kendra close your eyes. " " What? Why? " " Just do it. " " Why? " " So I can show you why we had to tell a story like that. " Seth said impatiently. Kendra sighed and did as she was told. She heard someone enter the house and a bunch of her family gasp. Resisting the urge to open her eyes, Kendra moved her head towards the sound. Soon she heard a voice she wasn't to ever hear again. " Kendra, Jason says open your eyes. " her eyes flew open at the name of her brother replaced with the regular Simon says. She stood in shock for a moment taking in his sandy hair and chocolate eyes. His slim strong build . The person she had wanted to see for the longest ti me was standing right in front of me.                                                               †††† Jason  watched as Kendra 's eyes flew open at the mention of there old game. A flash of worry went through his mind as she stood in shock. But it was quickly vanquished. "Jason!" Kendra yelled running at him. He stumbled slightly as her small body hit him full force. He wrapped his arms around her tightly relishing the feeling of being with his sister again. He felt his shirt become wet with her tears. He tried to pull back to look at her but Kendra held to him tightly.Jason laughed " You're not letting me go are you? " he felt her shake her head and he once again wrapped his arms around her. This time he was hugged by his mom and dad as well. After a few minutes more they all pulled back he watched as Kendra walked over to Seth and hugged him, whispering in his ear. She turned to  Bracken and did the same thing. Jason was happier than he had ever been. He realized he should've come home long ago. He should have never underestimate family                                                                 †††† There we go chapter 3!!! I'm sorry for the wait so here's a loooooong chapter for you. Please review and suggest things for future chapters. I am already working on one that was suggested, but would love more!!!

[ao3feed-fablehaven]

Soccer and Waffles

read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2HdmHMW

by AerinM

It's Kendra's sixth birthday, and she and Seth are excited about it. :)

Words: 1539, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 1 of Fablehaven Birthday Fics

Fandoms: Fablehaven Series - Brandon Mull

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: Gen

Characters: Kendra Sorenson, Seth Sorenson, Scott Sorenson, Marla Sorenson

Additional Tags: Sorenson family fluff, Kendra's birthday, Kendra and Seth are little kids, as such they have little kid mannerisms, aka they're cute

read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2HdmHMW

[aerinmelina]

Birthday Pt 1

Since Kendra won the vote... here’s Kendra’s birthday. :) Probably not quite what anyone was expecting, but I’m enjoying writing Kendra and Seth as [little] kids. I hope you enjoy!

“Hey. Hey Kenny. Keeeeennnyyyyyy. Kendra. Kendra Kendra Kendra. Wake. Up.”

She swatted at something in front of her face and mumbled incoherently.

“Kendra!” A sudden weight hit her stomach. Her eyes opened and she jolted awake, then realized her brother had jumped on top of her and was laying across her midsection.

“Ow, Seth!” she shouted, complaining loudly. “What is your problem!?”

“Happy Birthday!” he exclaimed, smiling at her. “Dad made waffles!”

She moved aside the blackout curtains from her window and gazed outside to find a nice autumn day waiting for her. Maybe she’d be able to get some more soccer practice in today.

Wait. The smell of waffles and bacon finally reached her nostrils.

Her stomach grumbled.

Waffles.

She pushed Seth off of her and jumped out of bed as all traces of sleepiness fled from her presence. Kendra ran out of her room and down the stairs with Seth hot on her heels. Would there be strawberries? Syrup? Whipped cream? Or were they chocolate chip waffles? Banana? Blueberry?

“Good morning, sunshine,” Dad greeted when she appeared in the kitchen.

“Hi, Dad,” she replied, carefully eying the nearby stack of waffles. He’d made scrambled eggs, too!

“Happy Birthday, Kendra!” Mom called, peering around Dad’s shoulders so she could see her daughter.

“Thanks, Mom!”

“Is breakfast almost done?” Seth asked with eagerness.

“Yep, just finishing the last waffle now,” Dad answered. “Your mother is cutting up strawberries.”

Yes! Mom’s got strawberries!

“This is the best breakfast ever!” Kendra squealed.

“Well, it’s not every day that our daughter turns six,” Marla smiled while she and Scott shared amused expressions.

“It’s my birthday!” she cried. “Can Alyssa come over!?”

Dad laughed. “Yes, Alyssa can come over,” he said. “Actually, a bunch of your friends are coming over later. Remember? For your birthday party?”

“Yes!” Kendra shouted, throwing a few fist pumps into the air. “It’s my birthday!”

“It’s Kenny’s birthday!” Seth was also happy to share in the excitement and jumped up and down a few times.

Marla started transporting plates of food over to their dinner table while her children danced with happiness. “Hey, Seth, can you grab the whipped cream from the fridge and put it on the table?” she asked.

“Whipped cream!?”

Could this day get any better!?

Seth ran over to the refrigerator and pulled out the container of whipped cream, then placed it on top of the table and sat down. Kendra pulled out a chair and joined him, and both kids stared at the food in front of them in anticipation. Marla took a seat and Scott joined them shortly thereafter. They had a quick blessing over their breakfast, and then everyone dug in.

They weren’t chocolate chip or banana or blueberry waffles, but there were strawberries to put on top, and syrup, and whipped cream, too! And bacon and eggs on the side!

“Thank you for making breakfast!” Kendra called as she started eating.

“Yeah! Thanks!” Seth agreed.

“You’re welcome,” Scott and Marla responded in tandem.

Breakfast was a relatively quiet affair at first, but conversation seeped in after a few minutes.

“So, Kendra,” Marla began, “Your party is at noon today. After breakfast we need to vacuum and do dishes, and then we can hang up decorations. Does that sound good to you?”

“Yes!” Kendra looked up from her breakfast. Marla bit her lip to keep from laughing – her daughter had a whipped cream mustache.

Scott, however, could not keep from laughing. “Maybe a bath after breakfast first,” he said, then gave himself a whipped cream mustache to match his daughter’s. Seth followed suit, although he had food all over his shirt as well.

“I think you might be right about a bath,” Marla agreed.

“Mommy, you don’t have a mustache!” Seth chirped.

“Family mustache!” Kendra giggled.

Marla rolled her eyes and sighed in fake exasperation. “Family mustache? Who ever heard of such a thing?”

Kendra and Seth raised their hands and continued to giggle. “Come on, Mommy! Do it!”

“Yeah, Mom! Do the mustache!”

Marla gave Scott a pointed look, then ran her fork through the whipped cream on her plate and added a mustache to her own face. Kendra and Seth burst into laughter in reaction. Scott and Marla joined in after a few seconds; their children’s laughter was contagious.

Breakfast continued to prove to be a messy, albeit happy, affair. Both kids took quick baths afterward and, once they were dressed for the day, Scott took Seth to the supermarket to pick up a birthday cake and grab some other things while Kendra stayed at home with Marla in order to set up for her party that afternoon.

“Wow, Mommy! This looks cool!” Kendra cried in awe when they’d finished putting everything up. It was a soccer-themed birthday party. Streamers hung from the ceiling in swooping arcs, a soccer ball cloth had been placed on top of the table, posters were on the walls, and Marla had planned a few party games or activities so there were supplies for those out as well. “I love this!”

“I’m glad you do,” Marla said. She looked at the clock on the wall. “Your friends will start getting here probably in about half an hour or so. I wonder where your father is?”

The sound of the opening garage door rumbled throughout the living room. Kendra beamed. “They’re here! They’re here!” she shouted, rushing over to the door which led into the garage. She opened it in time for Seth to run into the house and announce, “We have the cake!”

“What’s it look like? Seth, what’s it look like?”

“It looks awesome! Like a big soccer ball! And Daddy got soccer candles for it!”

“Soccer candles, too!?”

Best. Day. Ever.

Scott called for help and Marla joined him. They both entered the house shortly thereafter, Marla carrying the cake (which was concealed within a pink bakery box) and Scott followed behind carrying a couple of grocery bags.

“Mint chocolate chip and cookie dough flavors,” he said to Marla as they made their way into the kitchen. “I couldn’t find that strawberry one she loves so much.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Marla said. “It’s still ice cream-”

“There’s ice cream, too!?” Kendra thought she might explode from excitement.

Marla laughed. “Told you so.” She playfully stuck her tongue out at Scott.

“Why do I foresee ten or so sugar high kids in our living room within the next hour or so?” Scott asked.

“Because it’s inevitable,” she replied. “That’s why we have outdoor games to play outside after cake and ice cream.”

“You’re a genius.”

“Thanks. You can also thank Mother Nature for the lovely day today. I thought it was going to rain, so we’ve caught a break.”

--

Three and a half hours later found Kendra and Seth passed out on the couch and the house otherwise devoid of visitors, minus Grandma and Grandpa Larsen, who had made it just in time for the party. Marla shook her head fondly at her sugar coma-ed kids and smiled as she felt Scott wrap his arms around her waist.  He placed his chin on top of her head and they both watched their kids sleep for a few minutes.

“We should help your parents clean up,” Scott said in a tone which clearly conveyed that he did not want to follow his own suggestion. Hank and Gloria were currently in the back yard.

“Yeah, we probably should,” Marla agreed.

Neither of them moved.

Marla sighed.

“Look at them. They’re so cute when they’re not fighting.”

“They’re cute all the time,” Marla chided. “They’re just particularly cute when they’re not fighting.”

Scott chuckled. “Fair enough.”

“Kendra was so excited today.”

“Seth was maybe even more excited than Kendra was, and it wasn’t even his birthday.”

They both laughed a little at that.

“Do you think we should move them to their beds?”

Marla shook her head. “Nah. Just let them crash on the couch for a while. Let’s just hope the sugar doesn’t turn them into cranky munchkins once they get up.”

Their light laughter turned into mutual cringing.

“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Scott began, releasing his hold on his wife and turning so that he could make eye contact with her. “Your parents are in town.”

“Yeah? So?”

A mischievous grin crept over his face. “So… what about an impromptu date night? You and me? Leave the sugar high, potentially cranky kids with their grandparents…?”

Marla laughed and lightly slapped her husband’s arm. “Oh, you’re evil,” she said. “I love it.”

“The best part is, Gloria and Hank probably won’t mind even a little bit. And I’m sure Seth and Kendra would love to spend some more time with their grandparents.” Scott’s grin widened.

“I’m in. Help me clean up and then I’ll ask them if we can sneak out for the evening.”

“You got it, babe.” They broke apart and each rushed to pick up discarded paper plates, take down the streamers and other decorations, and put away games and unused party supplies. They’d vacuum after the kids woke up from their sugar-induced nap.

This day had turned out to be a win for all of them.

Best. Day. Ever.

[ao3feed-fablehaven]

Always

read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2QPYHCk

by AerinM

A collection of inter-connected one-shots that take place after the end of Book 5. Lots of Bracken/Kendra fluff. Other characters are involved as well, of course. *Not compliant with Dragonwatch*

Words: 1057, Chapters: 1/21, Language: English

Fandoms: Fablehaven Series - Brandon Mull

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, Gen

Characters: Kendra Sorenson, Bracken (Fablehaven), Seth Sorenson, Warren Burgess, Vanessa Santoro

Relationships: Bracken/Kendra Sorenson, Warren Burgess/Vanessa Santoro

Additional Tags: Brackendra, some warrenessa, main focus is brackendra, Family Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Some Plot, Mostly Fluff, lots of fablehaven characters make appearances, i only listed probably the main culprits

read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2QPYHCk

[ao3feed-fablehaven]

Home Fun

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2yckEnH

by AerinM

Oneshots and drabbles written for Fictober 2018. These will cross a wide range of characters, all from Fablehaven. Disjointed stories, possibly some AUs. Pairings will likely be Brackendra and Warrenessa, maybe others... we'll see as it evolves. I plan to use all of the prompts eventually, but will not be able to update every single day in October. Enjoy!

Words: 1785, Chapters: 2/31, Language: English

Fandoms: Fablehaven Series - Brandon Mull

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M, Gen

Characters: Bracken (Fablehaven), Kendra Sorenson, Seth Sorenson, Warren Burgess, Dale Burgess, Vanessa Santoro

Relationships: Bracken/Kendra Sorenson, Warren Burgess/Vanessa Santoro

Additional Tags: Fablehaven - Freeform, Family Fluff, Flirting, How many f's can I put in the tags, general silliness, cute romantic fluff sometimes, maybe more than sometimes, I guess we'll see what happens as time progresses, Brackendra, Warrenessa

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2yckEnH

[ao3feed-fablehaven]

Domestic Life

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2jN76Gy

by Plant_Queen

A brief look at Kendra and Bracken's life after they got married and had two, adorable children.

Words: 1263, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Fablehaven Series - Brandon Mull

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Bracken (Fablehaven), Kendra Sorenson

Relationships: Bracken/Kendra Sorenson

Additional Tags: Fluff, Married Couple, they have a family, two cute little kids

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2jN76Gy

[ao3feed-fablehaven]

Another day of sun

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3evTwDU

by Yakall

Bunch of one-shots and short stories. A little bit of stuff for everyone. Mostly fluff and funny stuff but the occasional angst story. All the different ships and family relationships. Epic adventures and misadventures too.

Words: 923, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Fablehaven Series - Brandon Mull

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Seth Sorenson, Kendra Sorenson, Tanugatoa "Tanu" Dufu, Stan Sorenson

Relationships: Bracken/Kendra Sorenson, Warren Burgess/Vanessa Santoro

Additional Tags: I’ll add in the rest of the characters as I go

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3evTwDU

[wardofwinters]

So cute

Midnight Snuggles

Just a bit of Sorenson family fluff, with tiny Kendra and baby Seth. I hope you enjoy this little oneshot. <3

—

Marla woke to complete darkness and the sound of sniffles.  It took a few seconds for her brain to put two and two together, but when she listened closely, she realized that her daughter had come to see her.

“Kendra? Honey, what’s wrong?” she managed to ask. She could barely keep her eyes open. What time was it?

More sniffling was all Marla received in response to her question.

“Come here, baby,” she said, becoming a little more alert. She motioned to her two-and-a-half-year-old in a beckoning fashion.

Kendra approached her mother and wrapped her arms around Marla’s face in an awkward hug. Marla couldn’t help but smile a bit at her child’s gesture. She raised the blankets which covered her and moved her body over a bit in order to make space for the smaller person, then pulled her daughter (and the stuffed bear her child had a death grip on) into bed with her.  Once they were settled, Marla quietly asked once more, “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“I had a bad dream,” Kendra said, scooting closer into her mother’s warm embrace.

“Oh, no,” Marla replied. “What did you dream about?”

The little girl sniffled. “The mean people took Sethy away, and you went too and Daddy was sad.”

Ah. Seth had been sick earlier in the week – to the point that they’d called an ambulance. The paramedics had rushed him to the hospital where he’d stayed for a few nights; Marla had gone with him, and Scott had stayed at home with Kendra.

“It was scary when Mommy and Seth went to the hospital, wasn’t it?” Marla kissed the top of Kendra’s head as her daughter nodded. She continued speaking. “Sethy was really sick. Those people who came to the house are called paramedics. Can you say that? Para-medic.”

“Para-medic,” Kendra repeated. “Baby Seth was crying.”

“Yes, he was,” Marla affirmed. “He was sick and he didn’t know who they were, but they were trying to help him.”

“He was sad.”

“You’re right. He was very sad.” She paused, recalling the events of several nights ago. “Paramedics are like doctors. They help people who have emergencies. Do you remember what the paramedics did when they saw Seth?”

“They poked Baby Seth and he cried.”

“They did,” she agreed. “They were giving him medicine so that he could get better.”

“Sethy cried. The mean people hurt Baby Seth.”

“Oh, honey,” Marla cooed, “They were helping your brother. I promise. I wouldn’t have let them hurt him. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt either one of you.”

“Daddy was sad.”

Marla closed her eyes as the image of Scott quickly and tearfully hugging and kissing her and Seth goodbye popped into her mind. She had ridden to the hospital in the back of the ambulance along with their son. “Yes, Daddy was sad. Were you sad, too?”

Kendra nodded and tried to move herself even closer to her mother.

“Were you scared?”

She nodded again and buried her face in her teddy bear. “Albert was scared, too.”

Albert. Her bear. “He was, was he?” Marla asked.

“Mm-hmm. Daddy had to snuggle me and Albert.”

A soft smile crossed the mother’s face. “Well, I’m sure Daddy liked snuggling with you.”

“He sure did,” came Scott’s drowsy voice. “Kenny snuggles make Daddy feel strong.” Marla scrunched up her face as he rolled over in bed, effectively sandwiching her between himself and their child, then laid his arm across her shoulders so that he could put his hand on his daughter’s head. It was a somewhat uncomfortable position to be in, but she was so tired that she ultimately decided that she didn’t truly care.

“Kenny and Albert,” Kendra corrected her father.

Scott chuckled. “Can’t forget about Albert,” he yawned. “Kenny and Albert. Of course.”

Silence fell over the trio for a few minutes. Marla and Scott were just starting to drift off to sleep again when Seth started fussing in his crib. With a sigh born from exhaustion, Scott sat up and stretched his arms, then ambled over and picked up his squawking son and headed out of the bedroom with his precious load.

“Baby Seth is sad again,” Kendra stated. The sniffling Marla had heard earlier in the night (morning?) started up again.

“Shhhhh, shhhhh,” Marla soothed while she ran her fingers through Kendra’s hair. “Seth is still very small. Little babies like him wake up sometimes at night because they need something,” she explained. “Your little brother probably needs his diaper changed and maybe a bottle. And snuggles and love. That’s all. He’s okay, sweetie.”

Kendra’s eyes were full of tears that Marla could barely see because of how dark the room was. “The mean people aren’t gonna come?” she asked.

“No, no,” Marla said. “Baby Seth is feeling much better now.” She began to softly hum a lullaby in an effort to soothe her daughter.

Kendra seemed to accept this explanation. Tears flowed down her cheeks, but her bout of crying was short-lived thanks to her mother’s tender ministrations. “I love you, Mommy,” she said after a while.

“I love you, too, baby girl.”

It wasn’t much longer before mother and child fell back into the comforting embrace of sleep.