#the kitten universe

[galaxyedging]

Angelo (OMC) x f!reader, tiny bit of Nico x reader.

WC:3.4k

Summary: After some time apart, you and Angelo catch up. A purely self-indulgent fic set in the Kitten Universe.

Warnings: Smut. Rough P in V sex. Dirty talk. Daddy/Papi kink. Vaginal fingering. Mentions of M/M sex.

Angel

"Hey, Sweetie. How are you?" It has been a few weeks since you had seen Angelo. He and Owen had welcomed a new addition to their happy home. They'd adopted a slightly timid Boxer Terrier.

For the last ten nights, Angelo has slept in the living room while his new baby, Oisin, adjusted to his surroundings. Owen had doted and fussed over Angelo, making sure the anxious new parent was comfortable and actually sleeping. Rather than watching their new baby sleep.

"I'm freaking out. Owen wants me to meet Lily." Lily was the apple of Owen's eye, his granddaughter.

"Why are you freaking out? You've met his kids. They love you."

"Yes, but they are adults. Kids are brutal. They have zero filter."

"You mean they're honest, and she will honestly love you."

"But what if she doesn't. Now that we live together Owen wants her to stay over. What do four year olds even do? How do you even talk to them?"

"Angel, you're spiralling."

A deep breath blew down the phone. "Can we go out for lunch? A little retail therapy?"

"I suppose I could be convinced. I do have some good news to celebrate."

It was a warm day. The breeze blew pleasantly across your skin as you waited for Angelo to return from the bathroom. As he walked over, you couldn't help but admire the flash of his muscular legs under his skirt. The leather swished from side to side with the swish of his hips, giving you a tantalising glimps. 

"So you had good news?" He sat back in his seat, bringing another piece of his vanilla crown to his lips.

"Yes. I didn't mention it before because I thought it was such a long shot and I don't understand all the legalities but I'm going to get a settlement from all the work I put into my family's business."

Angelo's breath hitched in delight. "Oh, that is wonderful. Congratulations."

"Thank you. I can finish my degree. Afford a new place…."

"With Nico?" 

"Maybe." You grinned at the thought of the man you loved. "Not yet though."

"Oh?"

"We've decided to take things slow."

"Sure, you don't want to rush things with a man that has already violated you in every way imaginable." He added a pastry muffled 'twice'.

"Funny." You rolled your eyes mockingly. "We're taking things slow to build a strong foundation. We want this to last. You know beyond the really hot violation of each other's bodies. Twice." You weighed up adding the next part for a moment. "We started to see a couples therapist."

"Really? How's that going?"

"We're only two sessions in. I think we've overwhelmed the poor man. He's mainly given us tips for communication."

"Well, good for you. I'm glad you guys are planning for the future. You both deserve to be happy."

"Thank you." It warmed your heart that Angelo meant that with all of his. "So Lily?"

"Lily. I'm thinking bribe her with presents and use Oisin as a social buffer."

"You're a very successful doctor, who makes life or death decisions, and you are terrified of meeting a child."

"Damn right. Medicine I know. Growing up with my cousins I was the little effeminate kid who read, while they were all rough and tumble outdoor kids. Until I was twenty-nine I was a gold star gay. I was in two long term relationships with men who didn't want kids. I wasn't good with kids when I was a kid and I never thought I would have to deal with them as an adult…."

"Spiralling…" you reminded him as you stirred more sweetener into your coffee.

"You're right." He lay a hand on your arm in thanks.

"Out of curiosity, what happened at twenty nine?"

"A post break up dry spell, coinciding with the farewell party of a beautiful colleague who was going back to Germany and a few too many two for one cocktails."

"So I have Appletinis to thank for having you in my life?"

"First of all, it was Cosmos. Second of all, no, you should thank Dr Meyer for showing me what I was missing. The alcohol just got me over my nerves."

"You? Nervous about sex?"

"Not exactly about the sex. I was living as an openly gay man. I had the odd crush on a woman but I'd never acted on it. It was the whole ramifications of if I liked it. It would open up a whole new side to explore, and as you know, with new things in my personal life, I tend to…"

"Spiral. I know."

"Well I'm glad you explored that side." You leaned in to kiss him. He hesitated to meet your lips. "What?"

"I'm just thinking about the couples therapy. Is this still okay? Us?"

"Yes. That part he was surprisingly chill about. It was more the self delusion and lying that he had a problem with."

"Well, in that case." He shuffled closer to lean in conspiratorially. "After we finish stocking up on bribes for a four year old, you wanna come back to my place?"

"I'm not a hundred percent on board with bribing a child."

"Please. Bebita. I need help to choose the right things."

Angelo pulled you into a half hug. As he did, your hand grazed rather high on his thigh.

"Are you not wearing anything under there?"

"What do you think?" His low tone and warm breath in your ear sent a shiver through you.

"That we'd be better going to the toy store on Third. There's a stationary store next door too. Kids love crayons."

Angelo's eyes creased adorably as he laughed. The two of you quickly gathered your things and left.

On the way home, Angelo ran a scenario that he was eager to try past you. As you entered the apartment, shoes were kicked off, bags were left in the hallway. Angelo pulled you lightly along to where he wanted you. Past the dog bed near the living room. "Puppy school." He offered as an explanation as to it being empty.

The balcony wrapped around their penthouse apartment. They shared the floor with one other apartment. A thin wall separated the individual parts of it. It provided a little privacy but not much. Voices would easily carry to the next apartment. When you were in reach, Angelo promptly pushed you up against said wall. His hands skimmed along your thighs, worrying the hem of your dress. His lips left red hot kisses on your neck.

During the last couple of weeks, you'd missed Angelo. You'd missed the easy, carefree relationship you had. He was your best friend here. Actually, he'd become your best friend, period. The new person you had become this last year didn't have as much in common with her old friends. She still loved them dearly, Angelo was just a better fit for the new you.

"Are you sure they're not home?" You asked nervously. Public sex was never your thing. The idea of accidentally violating someone like that if they caught you was a turn off. They'd be one time with Nico but that was more about the rush of being with Nico. The attraction and the power you had over each other. So desperate for each other that you didn't care who saw.

"You sound like Owen. I told you they are away for the week at the same conference. That's how Owen found this place. He works with the neighbour." He pressed a reassuring kiss to you temple.

"Come on. I'll keep the skirt on. I saw how you've been looking at me." He twirled his hips for effect, the fabric swishing from side to side, inching up to show more of his toned flesh. "I've been thinking the same about that little sundress." The flimsy sundress nearly burned off your body under the heat of his gaze. Those soft brown eyes turned predatory. "Do you have underwear on?"

"Of course." You laughed. The material was light, a good gust of wind would leave you exposed if you didn't.

Angelo sat himself down. "Take it off. The panties then the bra. Slowly."

"The bra?"

"I want to see if I can fuck you so hard that they bounce free."

Something about that tickled you and a laugh bursted from you.

Angelo laughed with you. "You're laughing? Don't you think I could? Come here…." A tug on your arm set you off balance until you landed in his arms. His large hands tickled just under your ribs. "Angelo!" You couldn't help but giggle. Angelo was always warm and playful. It was hard to imagine him at work being the very serious doctor man. To you, he was your sweet Angel. There were times when his intensity bled through but with Nico there, Angelo usually fell into a sub role. That gave you an idea. 

"Well, what if I want to fuck you in your pretty skirt instead?" The nudge of his rapidly swelling cock against your thigh told you he was more than okay with that. "Would you like that, Baby?" You rolled your hips, grazing his dick. "I'll fuck you so hard that my tits bounce out of my dress."

"Fuck the dress." Angelo did his best to strip it from your body. The top of it ended up hanging around your waist, he completely abandoned it at the sight of your delicate chiffon bra. His fingertips traced your nipples through the sheen fabric. As your nipples pebbled his tongue darted out to wet his soft lips. Before he could lean in and capture one in his mouth you stopped him with your hand in his hair. A sharp tug on his tousled curls stopped him in his tracks. The shift in the energy between you showed in his eyes.

"You didn't even ask, Angel. You should remember your manners." You chided. 

A shallow breath rattled in his chest before he spoke. "Please?"

The quiet desperation in his voice made you clench around nothing. The well toned muscles under his shirt strained under your palm as he waited for your answer.

"Go ahead." 

Suddenly, his lips sealed around one of them. His firm sucks drew out your moans like he was nursing on them. His thumb made sure the other nipple wasn't neglected before he swapped over. It took no time at all for your panties to be as wet as the sodden bra covering your nipples. While your nipples ached from over stimulation, your pussy ached from lack of attention. 

Another tug on his glossy curls was followed by an order. "Go sit down."

"Si, señora." He folded himself down into one of the large sofas. Stripping his shirt off in one move as he did. It was tossed to the floor where your panties soon joined it.

Angelo's well defined legs dropped open under his skirt. The leather rode up to mid thigh as they did. The sight has you on your knees and pushing the skirt up around his waist in seconds.

"Hmmm. I've missed this pretty cock." You told him before traces the thick vein underneath it with your tongue.

"Oh, fuck, yes." Angelo's head rolled back only to snap back to you when you stopped. "Wha..?"

"You don't get to be inside me, in any way, until you make me come."

"Easy." He pulled you into his lap. His large hands spread your legs either side of his before one of them came to your folds, only to be stopped by you.

"Not like that."

"How?"

"Talk to me." You lowered yourself against his hard length, letting his thick shaft rub against your clit.

"Oh, I can do that. I can tell you how much I've missed you on top of me. I've missed your curves under my hands, the warmth of your pussy as it drips all over me."

"Mmmm. What else?" Your hips sped up as much from his words as from your needs for more friction.

"I can tell you that just from the thought of seeing you today, I had to jerk off this morning."

"I bet you looked so good doing that, Baby."

"I was naked on our bed, I came so hard at the thought of fucking you I painted my stomach with it."

There was something about watching your boys jerk off that just did it for you. Maybe it was the added naughtiness of viewing what could be a private moment. Or the fact that they could take themselves apart so easily, you were rewarded with the sight of them coming so quickly. The thought of his naked body glistening with his creamy release pushed you closer.

"Love watching you touch yourself."

"Maybe you could ride my thigh instead and you could watch me now?"

"Look at you trying to turn the tables by offering what I want. Naughty boy! I'm still in charge, you stop if I tell you to."

"Of course, señora."

With a little adjustment you were soon riding his thigh and getting closer than ever watching his large hand be dwarfed by his even larger member. His strokes were slow and firm. There was something so debauched about watching his first his cock that was peeking out of his skirt. It was a mystery to you how even after all these months of filthy, no holds barred sex that some things could still give you that type of thrill.

"Tell me how it feels?"

"Not as good as when you do it. Or when I sink into your pussy."

"I'll let you have it soon, I promise. Just be good for me. Keep talking to me."

"You know, the last time I sat in this chair Owen was sucking my cock." The lewdness of his confession made your hips stutter. A smirk played on Angelo's pretty lips. "He wouldn't let me fuck him out here though. He was too afraid of being caught. I wouldn't give a shit. I want the world to know how good he makes me feel. I had to settle for fucking him up against the window there. I took his ass while I pumped his cock. I talked so dirty to him I had him whimpering for me. He came so hard I had to clean the whole window." The mental image had you on the edge. Angelo could feel you tensing against his thigh. "So, señora, do you still want to be in charge or do you want me to fuck you hard?"

Being so close to climax had you needy and weak for him. "Fuck me."

"Oh, Cariño, you can ask nicer than that."

"Please, fuck me. Please."

The hand that had been around his cock, wrapped around your throat. "Who do you want to fuck you?"

"You…" A squeeze of his hand prompted you to remember. "You, Papi."

"Buena niña." His hand remained at your throat as he kissed you deeply. The passion that you had missed from him had his tongue swirling around yours like he was trying to lap you up. The entire time he guided you across the balcony, his lips barely left yours. When they did it was to spin you abruptly. When he stopped your hands automatically braced yourself on the brick wall of the balcony. The height of it allowing you enough cover to protect your modesty but your head and shoulders peeked above it, giving you a view of the city.

"Do you think people can see you from up here? Do you think they'll be able to tell that you are taking my cock in your tight little cunt?" He filled you as he spoke.

"Angelo!" He was pushing as deep as he could, making you take everything he had. 

"I want you to be completely full of me when you come. I want to feel every excited twitch of this sweet pussy." His fingers strummed your clit as kept himself pressed deep inside.

At this high you wondered if people heard your scream as you finally burst apart around him. 

"Sucia. Look what a mess you've made of me." His words didn't register as you were too gone from your orgasm. Absently, you let him turn you and push you down to your knees. He bunched his skirt up in his hand at his hip. "Clean me up."

Your tongue made quick work of the sweet fluid glistening in the hairs as the base of his cock and the top of his thighs before you moved onto his length, taking as much as you could into your mouth. "I said clean it, not enjoy it. Get up." His fingers caught in your hair. Dragging you up, he bent you over the balcony wall again. 

"Fuck!" He bellowed as he slid back into your now drenched pussy. "You've made it too easy to pound the fuck out of you." His hips moved languidly, teasing you with the ease of his movement inside you. "Papi is going to use this little cunt until he fills it. You are just going to take it. I don't want to hear you holding back any moans. I want to hear all of it. ¿Comprender?"

"Yes." A sharp slap to your chest served as a reminder. "Yes, Papi."

After that point, any thought of anything but Angelo left your mind. The tip of his cock slamming impossibly deep. The girth of him stretching you out. His fevered mutterings in Spanish and English, all of them undoubtedly filthy no matter what the language. The caress of the soft leather of his skirt against your ass. Your arms strained with effort to stop your delicate skin pressing into the rough wall. When he realised this, he pushed you face first onto the nearest sofa. The wood groaned under the plush cushions as he rutted into you hard and fast. Another orgasm swelled within you, it didn't come to fruition before Angelo's cock swelled inside you, pumping out every drop he had to give you. 

"Yes. So good for Daddy. Love this perfect cock sleeve." He babbled as he finished inside you.

After pulling out and wiping the sweat from his brow on his forearm he turned his attention back to you. "You were close for me. Let me see if Papi can finish you off while I stuff all my come back inside of you. I want to be so deep in you that Nico can still taste me later on."

Three fingers scooped his seed back up and rammed it back inside. You whined at the sudden intrusion. "Shhh, Bebita. Just take it like you took my fat cock. Come on, come for me." His thumb gently coaxed you towards your end as his fingers pumped his spend in and out. He could feel you close on his fingers. "That's it. You took me so well. Let me use your perfect hole to come. You deserve another orgasm. Come for me."

His sweet words pushed you over the edge. This time was even more intense. Your whole body lit up with it, chasing his touch. "Oh, Ang…Papi!" 

A satisfied smile played on Angelo's lips. "That's it, come for Papi." His fingers worked you until you begged him to stop. 

Happily exhausted, Angelo flopped down next to you, cuddling into your side. He intertwined his legs with yours, his softened cock pressing into your hip.

"Are you alright? I didn't hurt you, did I?" The softness returned to his eyes.

"I'm fine…Papi." You smiled.

"I know. It's such as fucking cliché but it gets me going."

"Everything gets you going! Why Papi in particular?"

"I don't know. You think young women are the only ones that can have daddy issues?"

"Maybe you should speak to someone about them? Our therapist suggested bringing you along."

"Therapy with you and Nico? I would do anything to get out of that."

"Anything?" You closed the gap between your faces. Stopping just before your lips touched.  "Then try talking to Lily before you try to bribe her. She will love you like we do."

"I love you too." A tiny kiss was pressed to the tip of your nose. "Well, come on then."

"Where?"

"I'll need your help to hide all the gifts before she sees them."

The gifts were hidden, Oisin was picked up from school, and the three of you spent a quiet night in.

Owen arrived home mid-afternoon. After Angelo and Oisin welcomed him home, with matching puppy dog enthusiasm, he exchanged pleasantries with you before he ushered you towards the door. "I know you want to get home to him. He did great. Take care." He gave you a warm hug before calling the elevator for you.

Owen's words repeated in your head. Nico had been so nervous about starting at a practice again. The conference had been his first big step. Oddly, it was nice to be the one being leaned on for a while. Nico had done so much for you even if he didn't realise it.

Before you knew it, you were home. "Hi." Nico beamed at you from behind the counter.

Freshly chopped herbs scented the air. Quickly washing and drying his hands, he came around to pick you up into a hug. "I've missed you. How was the weekend with Angelo?" He set you down but kept you close to his chest, rubbing circles on your back.

"I shopped. Played with an adorable puppy. Let Angelo fulfil his desire for outdoor sex by fucking me roughly. Watched a movie. Then, this morning, we went for a run. Showered together, and just before I left, he made sure to make an absolute mess of me for you to clean up. The usual." You casually remarked.

Nico responded by walking away and turning off the pans in the kitchen. "Let's go." He pointed in the direction of your now shared bedroom.

"What? But food! It smells so good."

"Oh, I'm still going to fed you, Kitten." He smirked as he spanked your ass.

Tags: @kirsteng42 @prolix-yuy @thegreenkid2 @hquinzelle @fangirl-316 @gracie7209 @jedifarmerr @doommommy @scorpio-marionette @sturkillerbase @harriedandharassed @aynsleywalker @mswarriorbabe80 @quica-quica-quica @rise-my-angel @adancedivasmom @kinda-nobody @movievillainess721 @munsonownsmyass @mandoloriancookie @faceache111 @elegantduckturtle @manazo @simpingcowboy @pedrit0-pascalit0 @yourcoolauntie @pedrostories @geekrenaissance @its-nebuleuse

[bogdreamz]

korvo lost and farting 0 stars for you my boy

[evenpeaks]

low effort posting. idk ive been painting rubrics all day

[adequately]

[xiiithhazard]

Sweet Victory

Knuckles finds a kitten (Movie Verse)

Word Prompt 6 – Sweet

@year-of-the-echidna

(Warnings at the end)

…

Knuckles opened his eyes, distracted from his mediation, when a noise echoed through the forest, again and again. He didn’t recognize the species; however, it sounded distinctively like the cries of a child. So, he immediately got to his feet and followed.

 It took him several minutes to finally locate the source, but eventually he found himself looking down into a large natural pit, that had been filled partway by last night’s rain. But amongst the water was also a tiny struggling form that was continuing to cry out for help, as it clung to one wall, unable to climb the slick surface alone.

Careful, so as not to collapse the pit, Knuckles lowered himself over the edge and dug his spikes into the wall, first by first, gradually getting closer and closer to the little animal, until he was finally in the water himself, and was able to reach out.

The creature instantly clung to his hand, shaking from both fear and cold, as he gently held it close to his chest, sharing his own warmth and allowing the tiny thing to cuddle with him for a moment. “Fear not, little one.” He told it supportively and smiled, before he set his feet onto the wall to help him anchor himself and began climbing back to the top with only one hand. “Your battle is won. Victory is yours.”

…

“Maddie?” He asked, waiting just outside the door of the Wachowski home, as he was now covered in mud and the human woman in the kitchen would likely skin him and eat him if he dared take one step inside.

“Yes, honey.” She said without looking up from her dishes, but she got no response, so she looked over her shoulder just to make sure he was still there. Only to gasp at what she saw. “Oh, my goodness.” She proclaimed, quickly grabbing the towel as she rushed to the echidna and gently placed it around the tiny black kitten that was completely soaked through. “What happened?”

“I found it in a hole.” He explained simply, though he looked be positively beaming with pride. “Its battle was fierce. But it fought bravely, despite all hope being lost.”

Maddie blinked, but quickly melted into a warm smile, as she reached out to run her hand over his quills. “Found a kindred spirit, did you?” He looked up, a little confused by her words, but seemed to get the general meaning. “Would you like to keep him –” She took a quick peek under the kitten’s belly. “Her.” She corrected.

“What do you mean?” Knuckles asked, looking kind of put off now.

“Like how we keep Ozzy.” She explained, but he just took a step back, protecting the kitten with his body and looking positively horrified.

“Ozzy is a member of the clan. He is not kept.”

Realizing there had been a misinterpretation somewhere, a common thing when it came to Knuckles, Maddie resorted to her usual method of deescalating the situation. “Okay - what do you mean by ‘kept’?” She asked and he relaxed, realizing as well that she would not ask if she had truly meant it to be as distressing as he found it.

“When I was kept, I was put in chains and left in a cage.” He declared this as if he was merely asking for butter on his toast. Despite the fact that Maddie nearly stopped breathing for a moment.

“What?” She coughed, trying to keep her cool and not freak him out. But he was too perceptive for his own good sometimes and realized he’d said something that had upset her.

“I apologize. My past can be disturbing to others. I should not have brought it up.”

“No, no.” She insisted, taking his hand in both of hers and took a deep breath to steady herself. “I never want you to feel like you can’t talk about these things with us. We’re family. A clan. We’re here for each other, even when it’s tough and especially if – one of us needs to talk about something.”

Knuckles blinked at that and looked at the floor, clearly taking her words to heart. However, when he looked back, he didn’t accept the offer. “I do not need to speak of it. I was merely trying to explain.”

“You’re sure?” He seemed slightly concerned now, as he looked deep into her eyes, seeing something that even she might not have known was there.

“Do you wish for me to talk of it?” He asked instead and she realized her words of wisdom had backfired slightly. As he now believed that he was needed in a family moment, to aid her through the discussion of something.

Smiling despite the seriousness of the situation, Maddie couldn’t help but reach out and pull him into a hug. Her little warrior, always prepared to protect his family, even if he didn’t understand what to do.

“I am – confused.” He whispered into her shoulder, not pulling away, but not returning the hug either.

“It’s okay.” She giggled and released him again, as she took another deep breath to steady her nerves. Still haunted by the mental image of her child sitting terrified behind bars, his body shackled and bound in chains. “It doesn’t bother you? You’re past?” She asked lovingly and he looked down at the kitten still cuddled into his arms, as he tried to answer her with as much honesty as he was able.

“Perhaps it did –” He admitted, though something about the way he said it made her think that he really wasn’t sure. “But it is the past now. I have no need of it anymore.”

Well, that was an elegant way of putting it. “Okay.” She said, gently running her hand over his quills again. “But if it ever does start to bother you, even a little. Will you come to me?”

He thought about that, clearly unsure why she would ask such a thing. But, in the end, it didn’t matter, as he would do anything to ensure that she was happy. “I will.” He promised and she smiled again, before returning her attention to the kitten.

…

An hour later, Knuckles and the kitten had both been cleaned of all traces of mud and were now standing happily in the warm air of the blow dryer, when Tom, Sonic and Tails returned from the store, carrying what appeared to be half the building’s entire stock.

“Hey, where’d you find him?” Tom asked, at this point, he was pretty accustomed to Maddie bringing home surprise animals. However, this was the first time Sonic or Tails got to experience it, thus they immediately dropped what they were doing and rushed over to see.

“Aw.” Tails cooed, trying to pet the little creature, however, she was still a bit skittish and seemed to only want to be touched or held by Knuckles for now. The fox didn’t take it personally though. “What happened?”

“Knucks rescued our little friend from drowning.” Maddie explained pridefully, carefully aiming the blow dryer at the kitten’s tummy.

“Awww.” Sonic cooed, throwing an arm over his brother’s shoulder. “Always knew you were a big softy.”

Knuckles glared at him for a moment, before swiftly elbowing the hedgehog straight in the gut, which sent him to the floor in a breathless heap. “I’ll have you know that she did most of the work. I merely helped when her own skill was not enough.” He explained as if talking about the weather. “Even the strongest of warriors require help sometimes.”

“Even you?” Sonic suggested smugly, holding his stomach as he got to his feet again, only for Knuckles to trip him this time, sending him right back to the floor in one swift moment.

“Yes.” The warrior admitted unashamedly, before looking down when the kitten began to make a noise. “Maddie?” He said, tilting his head with interest. “There is a – rhythmic kind of sound emanating from her.”

“She’s purring, sweetheart.” She explained, finally turning the dryer off and ran her hand over the kitten’s fur to see if she missed anything. “That means she’s happy and content.”

“Oh, well – good. I am glad.”

She smiled, before getting up to search through the groceries Tom was still putting away all by himself and eventually came back with a packet of sliced turkey, which she ripped into little pieces and fed to the starving little creature.

Suddenly she went from blissfully asleep, to snarling and growling at her meal. Not merely eating but conquering her prey. Her fur expanding like a sponge soaking up battle energy, as if she’d been possessed by a pocket-sized lion.

“Oh – beware the meat-fueled menace.” Sonic proclaimed in amusement, taking a step back and protecting himself with a pillow. “Careful now, I think she’s about to unlock a new evolutionary form.”

Maddie giggled as she handed the feeding off to Knuckles. “She’s just feisty. That’s good.” She announced, happy to see it. Before looking back at the echidna, who was smiling in such a way that he almost looked like a proud parent. “What are you going to call her?”

“Kitten.” He said simply and she giggled again.

“Honey, we’ve talked about this. People have names. Remember?” She insisted, even though most of their earlier conversations on the topic had not actually achieved anything. As he’d only taken that to mean that ‘Humans’ had names. The jury was apparently still out on Sonic and Tails.

“How old is she?” Knuckles asked randomly, which startled the woman a tad, though she still examined the kitten again and answered.

“Maybe 5 or 6 months. Why?”

“Then she is not old enough to receive her name.” That got everyone’s attention.

“Is that why you always call me Fox? Because I’m too young.” Tails asked curiously. It seemed he’d wanted to ask this question for a while now, but he just hadn’t known how to bring it up in conversation.

“It is not merely your age. You have not undergone your naming ceremony, correct?”

The fox blinked at that and rubbed his head. “Well – no. I guess not.” He admitted sheepishly and Knuckles simply nodded, as if he’d made his point.

“What about me? I’m only a year younger than you.” Sonic proclaimed, a little insulted, but the echidna just huffed and waved him off.

“That is more out of habit.” He admitted, leaving his brother looking irritated and highly insulted. Clearly the echidna had cursed the name ‘hedgehog’ a number of times before they had met and subsequently learned that they were not so different after all.

“So, what’s a naming ceremony?” Tom stepped in before the two started up their usual rivalry. And came over to sit with them, having given up on ever getting help with the groceries. Though Knuckles proceeded to look almost flabbergasted by his question.

“It is the ritual all children of the clan undertake, when they come of age to be warriors.” He explained enthusiastically. “They spend several days in mediation, connecting spiritually with our ancestors. Eventually, if all goes well, the Ancient Walkers will approach and give the child the name that they pulled from the chaos stream.”

“Oh.” They all said at once, as if that made perfect sense.

“And what age is that?” Maddie decided to add, before Sonic started in on the questions instead and they found themselves bombarded by his endless talking for the next six hours.

“8.” He stated, however, this answer made both Tom and Maddie look at each other with sudden concern.

“Hey, buddy.” Tom spoke up, leaning in to talk to the echidna in a more serious manner. “How old did you say you were, when your clan was –” He couldn’t make himself finish, but Knuckles understood anyway.

“I was 6.” That answer always made them wince. Especially considering that two of their children had lost everything on that same day, with Sonic being even younger at the time.

“Then – you never got a naming ceremony?” Maddie riddled out, causing the echidna to look down as he continued to offer the kitten more food.

“No, I did not.”

Seemingly figuring it out for themselves, Tails and Sonic looked suddenly crestfallen, before Sonic took it upon himself to walk over and lay his hand on his brother’s shoulder. All signs of his earlier joking put aside.

“I didn’t know that – I’m sorry.” He said gently. Though he’d never had anyone but Longclaw and didn’t even know if his kind had such a ritual, his name was still something he treasured, as the owl had helped him to choose it.

“Then – Knuckles isn’t your real name?” Tails asked next and the echidna shook his head.

“No, it is something that I picked for myself.” He said this like it was a source of great pride for him, however, there was still a hint of sadness there. As he understood what he’d missed out on.

“Can it be done now?” Tom put in before the mood could become too dark and everyone looked up at him. “The ceremony? I know it’s a little late. But – we could find a way to make it work.”

“Of course we could.” Maddie added immediately. “You tell us what you need, and we’ll make it happen.”

“I –” Knuckles spoke, only to lose his words and looked for a moment like he might actually cry. But he covered it up and looked at the floor instead. “Actually – the child’s parents are the only real requirement. If they are not – available, then the task falls to the clan chief.”

“Oh.” Maddie muttered, feeling a little hurt. But she tried not to show it. However, their resident warrior was still as perceptive as always.

“I apologize; I did not mean that to be insulting.”

“No, no. Of course not.” Tom insisted, jumping off the sofa to kneel next to them. “We would never want you to feel like we’re a replacement for your parents. They will always have a special place in your heart.”

“That does not mean my heart has no room for you.” Knuckles pointed out seriously, and the two humans suddenly had to bite their tongues to keep from letting out a few tears. Noticing that they had also seemingly lost the ability to communicate, Sonic stepped in.

“Well, technically – Tom and Maddie are our clan – Chiefs.” He added suggestively, giving Knuckles a second to think that over.

“Yes, I suppose you are right.” He agreed, looking up again, to find the humans waiting expectedly. “The ritual can seem – cruel to those not familiar with it.” He warned, giving them a chance to back out, should they choose to.

“Cruel how? Will you be hurt?” Maddie asked suspiciously.

“No.” Knuckles said immediately. “But I will be required to go some time without food or water. It is the only way to cleanse the spirit for the journey.” He looked down again, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “And – you will be required to – leave me behind. From what my father told me; this was often the hardest part for them.”

“Yeah, I can see why.” Tom said, looking at his wife who now looked extremely uncomfortable, but she kept it together. “Is this something you want to do?” He asked next, making sure Knuckles’ attention was completely on him. “If you’re only doing it because of us, then don’t. It should be your choice.”

The echidna took a moment to think that over. Clearly, he had long ago resigned himself to the fact that it would never be something he could do and had learned to accept it. However, now that the option was available, that little kid in his soul was starting to reawaken and, eventually, he could no longer ignore its cries for recognition.

“I would – like to.” He answered at last, looking up at his family with a slight smile, still somewhat reserved, but was willing to allow himself that tiny spark of hope. With that Maddie and Tom looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them and they nodded in union.

“Then you tell us what you need.”

…

A week of preparation was really all that was required, most of which was spent looking after Knuckles as he spent a great deal of that time in meditation. Slowly eating less and less, until he finally went an entire day without food.

In the meantime, Maddie and Tom were tasked with finding a location, somewhere in the forest that he had never visited, where they would find, or create a safe place for him to stay, for the next three days, while he tried to connect with his ancestors. With a little aid from a small cave and a tarp, they managed to accomplish this goal.

Of course, they hadn’t forgotten the kitten in all the excitement. Who had slowly gotten used to her knew family, until Knuckles was comfortable leaving her in the care of Tails, while he was gone. Insisting that Sonic was too irresponsible for the task.

Finally, when Knuckles had managed to go three whole days without food and very little water, he announced that it was time for the ritual to begin. And handed Tom a long strip of cloth.

“What’s this for?” The man asked, realizing they’d overlooked this part somehow.

“I must be blindfolded.” Knuckles explained calmly. “After you leave, I must find my way home, on my own. It would defeat the purpose, if I already knew the way.”

“Oh, right.” Tom proclaimed nervously, but he still knelt and gently placed the cloth over his son’s eyes, making sure that he had no way of peeking under or through it. “That good?”

The echidna merely nodded, already back in his spiritual zone. After that, the humans knew what to do and took his hand, leading him into the forest and to the location they’d picked out. It took almost two hours to get there, but they never talked to him. That wasn’t permitted. Even if he asked them too, their only task was to remain strong and believe in him.

Once they finally reached the cave, they were only allowed to help him find a safe, dry place to sit. Then they backed off, waiting as he fell into his meditation again, his breathing and heartrate slowing down until his body and hands completely relaxed and the smooth green stone he held tumbled from his grip.

Knowing this was the sign that he had entered into the spiritual space reserved only for him and his ancestors. Tom quietly picked up the stone and, taking Maddie’s hand, they returned home.

And, as promised, it was by far the hardest part.

…

Despite Knuckles being, by far, the quietest among them, the Wachowski home was unusually somber, over the next couple of days. Even Sonic rarely had the energy to talk their ears off, instead they often found the hedgehog standing at the edge of the forest, watching the tree line intently, waiting for any sign that his brother. It seemed that he was determined that Knuckles would not return to find that no one had waited for him.

Of course, as one day turned to two, then three the number of people standing with him just steadily increased. Until the fourth day came, and everyone was waiting anxiously at the tree line.

“Is it supposed to take this long?” Maddie asked nervously, hugging herself in an attempt to keep her feet rooted to the spot. As she wanted nothing more than to head back to the cave and check on her son.

“He just said it would take as long as it would take.” Tom repeated.

“What happens if doesn’t work?” Tails murmured, leaning heavily into Maddie’s leg, holding onto the edge of her sweater. “Will he – not come back?”

“No. He said it would just mean that his name was taking longer to create. Or – something.” Sonic answered this time and everyone looked at him, kind of shocked that he knew this. Apparently, he’d taken some time with Knuckles to work out some of his own doubts and questions.

“How long will he have to wait before he knows that?” Tom asked, but the hedgehog only shrugged. “And what if it never comes, will he even know?”

“He said it would be obvious if the process failed. And he’d just come home.”

“What happens if he never gets his name?” Tails asked nervously and they all went quiet for a moment. Wondering if that was a possibility. And if so, what would it mean.

“Okay.” Maddie proclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. “This is not okay. We’re –”

“Hon, we promised we wouldn’t interfere.” Tom countered her but she was having none of it.

“That was before he went a week without water.” She declared, which no one could rightly argue against. “He could be hurt, or too weak to make it back on his own. I know this is important, but so is his life.”

Everyone was quiet after that. Clearly none of them had the strength to stand against her, as they too were worried enough to go looking. Thankfully, they didn’t have to.

“Knuckles.” Tails cried out when he was the first to spot him through the forest and raced over to hug his brother. Who appeared a little unstable on his feet but was otherwise okay.

“Oh, my god. Are you alright?” Maddie crowed in pure relief and ran to hug him as well and he gently returned the gesture, something he really didn’t do very often.

“I am – thirsty.” He answered, his throat clearly dry, and Sonic disappeared for half a second into the house, coming back with an entire box of double-stuffed Oreos and a huge bottle of water.

After that, they got him a seat and tried to get him to eat something, however, once he’d downed the entire bottle of water in three gulps, he instead asked for the ritual bag from Tom. Who was quick to pull out a tiny leather pouch that he’d been tasked with keeping close by, until Knuckles’ return.

Inside was the flat green stone he had taken with him to the cave, which he held in one hand as he used his teeth to remove one of his gloves. This allowed him to use his thick, shovel-like claws to carefully carve several symbols into the stone.

Knowing this was the last step of the ritual, none of the others stood close enough to read what he was writing. As it was considered extremely disrespectful. They would be told the name he’d received, only when he was ready to share it with them.

Thankfully for Sonic’s sanity, that was sooner rather than later. For once he was finished, he handed the stone to Maddie and allowed her to tell everyone what it said. Carefully, she brushed the remaining dust from the surface, her hands trembling slightly, as she read over the word. Eventually deciding on how to pronounce it.

“Karyon.” She whispered, looking back at the echidna to make sure that she’d said it right and he smiled and nodded. “It’s beautiful.” She crowed, her eyes welling with tears, as she ran her fingers over the carving. “What does it mean?”

“It is a word from my clan’s most ancient language.” He explained calmly, closing his eyes, as if recalling a fond memory. “It means – Last Ember.”

Everyone kind of went quite after that, but it was a comforting, steady quiet. That eventually led to Sonic and Tails taking a seat on the ground with their brother and sharing in his Oreos. Just being there for him, during that important moment of his life.

“Last Ember.” Tom repeated and walked over to Maddie so only she could hear. “Their last spark.” He said, feeling tears tugging at his own eyes now, as they knew very well that their eldest son was the last of his kind. To be able to give him this chance, to experience this ceremony that had meant so much to his people, was a blessing they simply could not put into words.

 Of course, Sonic had to go and bring everyone back down to earth, when he burst into laughter, upon finally convincing his older brother that the cookie was perfectly safe and full of all the calories that his body needed at the moment. Only for the poor guy to eat one and immediately become disgusted by the overwhelming sweetness.

“Sonic.” Maddie chastised, they all know very well that the echidna was not accustomed to such highly processed and sugary foods, thus he simply didn’t like the vast majority of them.

“Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t resist.” The hedgehog quailed good-naturedly. Though his brother already looked like he was planning his revenge. Even so, the prank was enough to bring down the seriousness of the situation and ground them back into the norm of their strange, but happy family.

A blue blur and a second later, Sonic had made up for his joke and provided his brother with an entire bag of grapes, in every color he could imagine.

“So, what did you decide for this one?” Tails pipped up, motioning toward the little black kitten asleep in his lap. Maddie and Tom both took a seat on the grass as well, waiting for his answer, aware that he’d intended to ask his ancestors for her name as well.

Thinking that over for a second, he reached over to gently pet the kitten, earning himself a purr and a snuggle. “Victory.” He said proudly and everyone smiled again.

“Victory.” Maddie repeated and reached over to pet her as well. “Sweet little Victory.”

“I’d say that suits her.” Tom added.

“I like it.” Sonic proclaimed happily and pat his brother on the back. “Nice choice Knuck–” He began, only to catch himself. “I mean –” However, before he could finish that statement, the echidna held up his hand to stop him.

“I have decided – I will continue to go by Knuckles.” He announced and everyone blinked.

“What – honey, you don’t need to do that. We can get used to it.” Maddie insisted, however, he looked determined.

“No. I choose that name to honor my clan. So that at least one thing may survive of them, through me.” He admitted, holding up his fist and looking at his spikes, with which the Knuckles Clan had taken their name from. “Until I join them once again, that is what I am.” He said with a smile and looked back at his family. “Their Knuckles.”

…

The End

Karyon – A fusion of "Kara" (meaning flame or spark) and "Yon" (meaning last or end), representing the final ember.

…

(Warnings: Mentions of Trauma and imprisonment, starvation, kitten in trouble, but she’s okay now)

[star-steph06]

Little Dami was not allowed on Patrol one winter night due to a bad snow storm. Obviously he went out mad that he couldn’t go out but everyone else could. (He’s not used to he cold weather yet) He went out anyway and struck gold. He got in trouble later.

(He was being watched the entire time he went out by his family…the bright blue snow jacket was very helpful..)

[like-tears-in-rain-storms]

If the Emperor had a Text-to-Speech Device Episode 16 - Universal History with Professor Emperor

[vortex-randomly-fandom]

✨Senti-loaf✨

[archivewriter1ont]

Echo and the Cadet Batch Chapter 19: The Domino Twins

art by @littletroggo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/58834273/chapters/162533413

Summary:

Back on Kamino, Hunter has some explaining to do, Tech is still working on a way to get home, and all of the Batchers are distracted by their two new "recruits." Echo and Fives think this is great, Wrecker adores all kids but especially these two, and Crosshair is trying desperately not to make friends he knows he can't keep.

SNEAK PEEK: ⬇️

Hunter stood just inside the door and cleared his throat uncomfortably, his gaze darting to each of his three siblings. For once, the sergeant’s golden eyes were unsettled, uncertain of how his batchmates would react. He was almost squirming under their slack-jawed scrutiny.

Crosshair would have laughed at the unusual sight, if he hadn’t been so surprised that his vocal chords refused to operate and his brain seemed to have briefly fritzed itself out of commission. If everything hadn’t just gotten turned directly on its head in an instant.

If Hunter didn’t have two cadets with him, including one who had just answered to the name Echo .

The sniper’s nerves finally ceded control back to his brain and he snapped his jaw shut, still staring at the two cadets. They looked just like any other clone cadets in their fourth year, like the 99s would have looked if they hadn’t been made different , but the one who had been called Echo… 

Crosshair had been trained from decanting to notice and break down every detail of the world around him. His enhanced eyesight gave him an unmatched advantage, but merely seeing wasn’t enough. He had to understand it, to separate every miniscule particle of what his vision relayed to his brain and evaluate each separately, systematically, before putting them all back together and analyzing the whole. After years of honing his skills, that entire process was now embedded in his every waking moment, threaded beneath his skin and intertwined with his DNA. He was able to break down, assess, and make split second decisions based on what he saw before most people could even realize what they were supposed to be looking at .

And that little cadet – he was too familiar, even though Crosshair had never seen him before. His eyes shone with an all-too recognizable gleam, and there was something about the way that he stood, with his hand holding Hunter’s as if he were afraid to let go but his face boldly turned toward the three strangers, that Crosshair was shockingly accustomed to. There were other things, too, that confirmed it – small things, but sometimes the small things mattered more than the bigger ones – but Crosshair didn’t need to itemize them. It was already cemented beyond a shadow of a doubt in the sniper’s mind.

Sometimes he went over things in his mind for a moment, rethought them before letting his conclusions solidify as accepted fact. But in the time between Hunter pressing the operating panel and the door hissing shut, Crosshair realized that he didn’t even have to think about this one. He knew that the cadet was Echo.

And something in his heart, something coiled up and cold and feeling suspiciously like fear, instantly released.

They hadn’t found their Echo…which meant he was safe aboard the Negotiator . Echo was okay . 

Of course, he still had to deal with the fact that a younger version of his brother was staring him in the face, but he could handle that in a minute. For the moment, he chose to be grateful, and wait.

{the rest is at the link above!}

❤️Tag List: @leapingbadger, @badbatchposts, and @kybercrystals94, @maybe-some-words @littletroggo @spinoqueenwrites

LMK if you want to be added (or removed)

[dark-l-angel]

do you have the pictures of jason w/o the ears ><

Jason kitten todd ����🙈💕

[tanema123]

Hazbin cats again folks. We got, Carmilla saving Vaggie from starting a fight with Alastor.

Alastor is sad that his meal got stolen.

Vaggie was put in a "hamper jail", aka. a laundry basket, to reflect on her actions.

Finally, Vaggie wants to go home, but Carmilla, ain't letting her. She ain't finished grooming her.

[bunnyyams]

-treat for your tummy

-super duper yummy

-left his family behind.

[bonefall]

I've never understood why people wholly blame Maple for making the clan think her kits were Birchface's. I mean, I'll admit it's been AGES since I read MV (or any actual WC book lmao) but I swear she did nothing to start it? Frecklewish just Assumed they were Birchface's for whatever reason and Mapleshade just didn't confirm or deny. A lie by omission, if still a big one. But people act like its some vile, actively manupulative lie from Maple alone??? like yeah its manipulative but A. who cares let her girlboss and B. it entirely started with Frecklewish assuming??? it wasn't even Mapleshade's idea in the first place???????

You're correct; it was a lie of omission, completely suggested by Frecklewish. Mapleshade didn't fabricate this lie.

In fact, something often left out of discussions about Mapleshade's Vengeance is that it decided she was VERY pious. In the early half of MV, she believes that it's StarClan that's providing all these opportunities for her.

She thinks she's special, that her kittens are destined to bring peace to their two halves, and that the code applies more loosely to her because she so strongly believes she's right and that her love is beautiful. I think it's meant to come across as Mapleshade being "delusional" and disconnected with reality, but I can't help but feel like a fair amount of it is naivety.

Mapleshade is quiet, and Frecklewish rolls into a long, earnest monologue, thanking her for giving her hope with her brother's kittens. It reads to me like Frecki was in a depression after Birchface's death, and being able to help raise her nespring is like being given a new purpose in life.

It's gutwrenching on both ends, for me. Mapleshade is actually super uncomfortable several times around her "in-laws" during these lies, like she knows that she's in a dangerous position, and never really wanted them around to begin with. She clearly doesn't like Frecklewish very much and is actively intimidated by Oakstar. She doesn't WANT to have to lie forever, she eventually wants it to be known they're halfclan.

(and... why shouldn't she want that? This law SUCKS and it SHOULD be challenged. I'll go to bat for Silverstream and I'll go to bat for Mapleshade too.)

But meanwhile, Frecklewish in particular is being mislead. This means everything to her, it gave her a purpose when her brother had been taken from her, she thinks Birchface is living on and that Mapleshade shares in her grief. But it's a lie, Mapleshade doesn't want her anywhere near her children, and at the end of the day her love of these kittens is being exploited for their safety.

So... yes. It is manipulative, but the alternative was to actively tell Frecklewish NO and open up more questions about who the possible father was. Mapleshade is in a dangerous situation and she interpreted the opportunity as StarClan providing a way for her kittens to become accepted by their Clanmates.

I just find this situation is compelling. And they're both neat

[thatonemarveldude]

Totally Hates It (Lie)

Finally got around to finishing my first fully rendered art of 2025

[nugatorysheep]

Glow Week for Monday: Surprise. @glowweek

ignore that the ring is on the wrong hand i was tired

[sallary]

ColorKiller is cats!💞✨

Color belongs to superyoumna

Killer belongs to rahafwabas