#this i just exactly how i see Lily a little sad and soft and curly auburn hair yes

[fandom-puff]

Enough

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Requested by: anon

Prompts: “I‘m never going to be good enough for you, am I?” (49 from list 2)

Summary: you’re not a barmaid. You don’t train horses. You’re nothing compared to the other women in his life

Warnings: swearing, arguments, very brief harassment

“YN!” John’s voice rang out from the side room. “Come ‘ere, girl, come and sit with us!”

You smiled weakly at him. He always tried to include you. “A-Actually, I was just heading home,” you said softly, walking over to him, ignoring Tommy pouring out a gin for May Carleton.

“Don’t give me that bullshit. Is it Finn? D’you want us to tell him to fuck off? We know he’s off putting- oi, Finn, go play with the other kids, yeah, fuck off,”

You giggled slightly. “No... it’s not... it’s not Finn, you can sit down,” you said, and the youngest Shelby grinned at you in thanks.

Esme, johns wife appeared at the door. “You can sit with me if you like. Lord knows I need some female company while him and Arthur are playing cards,” she smirks, jabbing him in the rib with her elbow.

You smile softly and give in. “Fine,” you said. Once the door was shut, you leaned to Esme, murmuring, “you’d think you’d have plenty of female company what with Tommy bouncing between Mrs Carlton and the barmaid,”

John overheard and snorted into his whiskey and esme glared at him. She looked at you sympathetically, and said in a hushed voice once the boys were distracted by cards again, “you still love the fucker, don’t you?”

Signing, you looked down to your lap, fidgeting with your hands. “Mm-Hm,” you confirmed. “He just... he confuses me so much. He cuts it off with me after the war, saying he needs space when really he was chasing that barmaid spy... she fucks off after he has her, and he comes back to me for a quick one. I was a fool to let him, because not two weeks later it’s May Carlton this, May Carlton that,” you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose, hating to admit that you were jealous. But underneath that, you felt vulnerable. Inadequate.

“He’s a cock, YN,” esme said, rubbing your shoulder gently.

“Who’s a cock, Es?” John asks. Nosey bastard.

Esme sighed softly. “Thomas. Flaunting the horse woman round YN. Says she was born riding, but I bet she’s only ever ridden Fillies she inherited. Never had to break one in herself,” she rolled her eyes.

John and Arthur looked at you, smiling sympathetically. “If it’s any consolation to you, YN, we prefer you over an Irish spy or some posh woman any day of the week,” Arthur said. “You were with Tom since you were sixteen, and since he er... broke things off... he’s been a right dick,”

You smiled softly. Arthur and John would’ve made such lovely brothers in law. “Thanks, boys,” you sighed. “But it’s not... it’s not that I’m mad at him for seeing other women, he can do what he wants. It’s the seeing me in between and then ignoring me. I-I know I’m no good. I know I’m boring. I know I’m useless. Just... he doesn’t seem to be arsed about how I feel, even though I care so much about him. It’s like rubbing salt into an open wound- I don’t even know why I’m talking about this to you lot of all people,” you let out a high, nervous laugh. Esme patter your back as John and Arthur each reached to squeeze one of your hands reassuringly.

“What’s going on?” Tommy asked, the door now what as he slipped into the room. May was nowhere in sight.

“Where’s your girlfriend, Thomas?” Esme spat. You were glad for her venemous tongue sometimes.

Tommy rolled his eyes and barely regarded his sister in law. “May Carlton has left small Heath to go back to her home,” he said bluntly. “To tend to my horse,”

“Even though you’ve got Curly here. He’s the best at horses,” you blurted, without really thinking.

“Yn,” he pinched the bridge of his nose. “What would you know about horses?”

His words stung. He had taught you how to ride when you were 16. He’d taught you how to tell what a horse was feeling, how to calm a nervous mare, how to get a horse to behave without taking to the crop or the whip. In your letters while he was in France you always made sure to tell him how the horses in the yard were getting on, and he told you about the beautiful chestnut stallion he had seen, the dappled mare which the commander rode. “Only what you taught me,” you whispered, tears pooling in your eyes. “Only what you taught me before you went off to France. Before that fucking war and then that fucking copper ruined everything,” you pulled away from esme’s comforting pats, from John and Arthur’s sympathetic gaze, from Finn’s baffled look. You stared at tommy, taking a deep breath to say something scathing, but could only manage a small sob.

You hated yourself for it. Tommy grabbed your arms but you wriggled from his grasp. “Look, YN, calm down, love, we’ll talk-“

“Love? Love?” You hissed. “You lost your right to call me anything but my name months ago. Don’t you coddle me, Thomas Shelby, because I know exactly what you’re thinking. I‘m never going to be good enough for you, am I? I’m never going to be a pretty Irish barmaid who keeps a pistol in her handbag. I’m never going to be a prostitute you wouldn’t let your brother marry because you wanted her all to yourself. I’m never going to be some rich widow with a big house and a wealth of knowledge about horses. All I gave you, ten years of my life, my innocence, my youth... it was never good enough for you, was it?” tears were streaming down your face.

“Yn,” Tommy said.

“No,” you pushed past him. “Don’t bother,” you slammed the door to the snug. As you walked out of the pub, a man grabbed at your wrist.

“Need some cheering up, darling?” He snarled, Hans tracing your thigh.

“Get your filthy fucking hands off me before I rip your fucking balls off and shove ‘em down your own throat,” you growled, yanking your hand away from him, and storming home.

Men were the worst. All toe rags, you decided.

***

A week has passed since your argument with tommy. Each of the Shelby’s had tried reaching out to you- you were practically a sister to them for ten years before Tommy decided he’d had enough.

You sighed as the door knocked. “As much as I appreciate it Arthur,” you sighed as you took the chain off. “Im really not in the mood to spend my night drinking away my sorrows with you and John- oh. It’s you,”

You immediately looked down, not wanting to look into those blue eyes, that perfect face. That stupid, perfect face.

“YN... look,” he said slowly, carefully. The same way he would coax a nervous filly to trust him. “I’ve been... ive been a bastard, okay. I’m sorry. I still... I still love you,”

You snorted. “Explain that to everyone within a mile radius of May Carlton’s house, hmm?” You said bitterly. “Or to the horse you named ‘Grace’s Secret’”

Tommy sighed. “I know you hate me, YN... but... I love you. I haven’t stopped loving you since we were 16 in my uncle Charlie’s Yard, hiding from your dad. When we used to sit by the cut eating those pretty little cakes you used to make. I used to give you the strawberry off the top of mine, so long as you gave me some of your buttercream. We wrote to eachother every week while I was in France, sometimes twice, three times, even. I still have those letters, YN. You used to put a spritz of your perfume in each one and do a little kiss in all your different lipsticks so it was like you were hugging and kissing me all those miles away,”

As he spoke, he was slowly backing you into your living room, until you were both sitting down. “I didn’t bring you flowers, because I know you only really like them in the spring and summer, because they wilt too fast and look too sad in the autumn and winter. And if it was spring, I would’ve gotten you roses or violets or pansies, because I know lilies and chrysanthemums make you sneeze,” a fresh round of tears slipped out of your shut eyes. You couldn’t bare to look at him under his intense gaze- you knew you’d break down after just a second.

“Tommy,” you whispered softly. It was the first time you’d called him by his nickname in over a year

“I know that you can’t sleep without snuggling into something- blankets normally- but... it used to be me, and I miss it so much, YN,” he said the last part in a soft, quiet voice.

You let out a soft cry, moving to his side, allowing him to engulf you in his arms and hold you tight, the way he held you the night before he went off to war. You cried into his chest, and we’re sure he was crying into your hair for more than an hour, finding long lost comfort in one another’s arms, the way they slotted so well together despite so long apart.

“I want this to work Tommy,” you eventually whispered. “I want it to be how it was,” you felt him not his head.

“No more secrets, YN. No more women. Only you. The only woman I’ve ever truly loved,”

You sighed softly and nodded, snuggling into him the way he pointed out you did. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed, you look like you haven’t slept in days,” he said guiltily, picking you up and carrying you upstairs. As he was tucking you in, you grabbed his hand, eyes suddenly alert.

“Don’t leave me again,” you whispered, squeezibv his hand. He squeezed back, before kicking off his shoes and taking off his belt, sliding into bed behind you, cuddling you close the way you did all those years ago. It seemed the most natural thing to do, and he almost sighed with relief when you snuggled close. He kissed the top of your head gently.

“Never, YN... never again,”

Tag list: @the-makingsofgreatness @peakyswritings @haphazardhufflepuff @diksy1112 @zodiyack @soleil-dor @hiddensapphic @fckingpeakyblinders @snugleo @alittlebirds @satanxklaus @glamsaturn @thegirlwithoutaname87 @queenofmankind @awkwardretro

[god-save-the-keen]

Daughters of Rheya

Chapter 1

Summary: After the final battle with Reyha, a new enemy rise. (Based in Serafine's finale of you don't do the diamond)

Pairing: Adrian Raines x mc (Amy) / Participation of Kamilah and Jax / Mention of Lily.

Words: 1.379

Warning: This serie will contain death or mention of it, nsfw and swearing.

Note: I'm going to use my permanent tagg list and Adrian x mc tagg list so let me know if you want to be removed or added for this serie.

Permanent tagg list: @gardeningourmet @eileendannie @desireepow-1986 @dawn-1994 @violinet @darley1101 @blackcatkita @flyawayboo @drakewalker04 @simplymissjulia @luckyferrero

Adrian Raines x mc tagg list: @senator-adrian-raines-wifey @alesana45 @choicesfannatalie @mattrodriguezmylife @bigmemesplz @perriewinklenerdie @x-kyne-x @livingpurpose @adriansbiss @badgoodfishes @amyraineshessa @queencordonia @bloodboundismylife @theitcaramelchick @bloodboundhoe

She woke up. Her head hurt and her body was sore, she definitely wasn't expecting Amy to be this strong. Everything around her was too quiet and dark, something wasn't right. She stumbled, going to the front part of the theatre expecting to see her Goddess, ready to drop to her knees and serve her, in whatever way she wanted, as her soldier or something more. She could almost savor the taste of her skin in her mouth or her sweet smell. Her Goddess was everything to her and she would do anything for her.

She finally reached the stage, empty and dark, in the middle of it a pile of ashes lay and the truth hit her. Somehow she knew that those ashes were everything that was left of Rheya.

"Nooo!" A strangled, angry and pained cry came out of her lips as her eyes turned red and her fangs descended as her fist went through the floor leaving a huge crater.

"Serafine?" A shy voice said behind her. She abruptly turned around, ready to attack whoever dared to interrupt her in this agonizing moment until she saw Lori, another of Rheya's followers, come out from the shadows. She was crying looking at the ashes.

"Lori, you saw what happened?"

"Yes… Rheya was fighting with the traitors and that girl, the one who knocked you out, sh-she--" She interrupted herself sobbing.

"She what?!"

"She must have done something with our Goddess' mind, she touched her for a moment and then cut Rheya's head off." Serafine wobbled to a nearby wall until her back hit the hard surface as she slipped to the floor. Amy, the new blood, that little bitch had killed her. Her Goddess was dead because of her. Her head started to spin, her blood boiling inside her and her sight was red with fury. She couldn't and wouldn't let things happen like this.

"Tori, go find the rest of the true followers and believers and take them to the cave I told you about, I'll meet you there in a few hours."

"On it." The young vampire took off running to the entrance of the building and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Serafine stood up and started to walk backstage until she found a beautiful ornate gold box. With a heaviness in her heart she went back to Rheya's ashes and, carefully and respectfully, collected them, placing them inside the box. "We are going to make justice for you, my Goodness. I swear." Amy's face popped in her mind, mockingly smirking. That Bloodkeeper, facing her Goddess as if she were her equal, to think she had helped her to master part of her powers. She thought of all the traitors, Adrian and Kamilah, the fact that at some point in her life she had loved them made her feel sick, and that shameless clanless fighting alongside with them. They were all going to pay with their blood. And she knew exactly where to start.

.

.

.

Kamilah hugged Amy, holding her tightly one last time for the night, before standing up. Jax, taking her cue, also wrapped her in a long hug, his eyes burning and his heart broken. He stood up and followed Kamilah to the front door as they were accompanied by Adrian.

"Call us if you need anything, brother." She said, giving him a brief hug.

"Thank you." He responded, returning the gesture.

Jax clapped his shoulder, his gaze on Amy, curled up on the couch, still, pale and with her stare lost. "Take care of her."

"I will, don't worry. I'll let you know any news." Jax nodded and they left the penthouse. Adrian returned to Amy's side, worried for her and sad for what had happened. What should be a celebration of finally defeating Rheya, was a night of mourning Lily's death, especially for Amy. He could see how broken she was, they had won, sure, but the cost they paid was too expensive. "Amy." She stood indifferent to his voice. Her hands held the remainder of Lily's ashes, her eyes fixed on her palms, red from crying, and she was still wearing her battle clothes. He enfolded his arms around her, softly bringing her to his chest as her eyes filled with tears once more.

"Why did she do that?" She asked after a long time, her voice hoarse and weak.

"She loved you. She saved you. Any of us would do the same for you as you did it for us at the Met." He knew that memory would haunt him for a very long time.

"I just can't believe she's gone. That she left me." She looked at him. "It hurts so bad."

"I know love." He hugged tightly. "And it's going to hurt for a long time but everyday is going to be a little less painful, I promise." After a long moment, and when he felt her crying had stopped, he caught her attention with a sweet squeeze on her arm. "How about you take a shower and I make you something to eat? If you feel up for it."

"Yeah… Maybe it's a good idea." He kissed her cheek and she stood up, going to the bathroom. The last few months had been so hectic that she barely went to the apartment she used to share with Lily, all the clothes she was carrying with her were damaged, dirty or were uncomfortable to just relaxing after a battle. She found a pair of clean panties and black leggings in her belongings and, after a little bit of looking around, a gray t-shirt of Adrian's. The shower was more calming that she had expected, the hot water falling to her hair and back, warming her body and soul, the soap like a soft caress and, even though she felt broken inside, for just a moment, she was at peace.

During that time, the apartment filled with a delicious smell. Adrian was in the kitchen, his jacket off and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up. She hugged him from behind, leaning her head against his back.

"How was the shower?"

"Good… I stole one of your t-shirts." A tiny smile creeped on his face as one of his hands held hers on his waist.

"There's blood in the fridge if you want some."

"I'm okay." She kissed his nape and sat on the counter. She looked as destroyed as she did an hour ago but at least she was calmer. "Do you need help?"

"No, it's almost done." He served two glasses of wine and passed one to her, that she gratefully took. Amy sipped it and smiled.

"You know, a while ago I was talking with Lily about the day I woke up and I told her you had cooked for me… She was so astonished." She made a sound between a laugh and sob. "She said that she was expecting you to have some sort of cooking robot." Adrian chuckled a bit, turning off the burner.

"I recognize it's not an activity I do often." He stood in front of her, his hand brushing her cheek before gently pressing his forehead against hers. "But I would do anything for you."

She was about to answer when a weird sensation peaked her attention. She jumped off of the counter and took a few hesitant steps forward, her brows knitting together and her senses aware.

"What is it?"

"I don't know… I had a strange feeling, like some energy or power…" She suddenly headed to the front door, running down the stairs as Adrian followed her. She went outside and slowly looked around.

"Where do you feel it?"

"For a moment I sensed it there but I think it's gone." Adrian looked to the place she was pointing, sharpening his senses but coming up empty. The sky turned a light blue, indicating that the sun would come up soon.

"Come on, love. Let's go inside." Adrian took her hand and headed to the building, she looked around one last time and followed him, convinced that the tiredness and grief had confused her. Neither of them noticed the black curly hair that was centimeters away from the place that Amy had pointed at, disappearing in the shadows.

❣️

[hollyhomburg]

Call Me Yours Pt.3

(Ot7 x Reader) (Hybrid Au!) (Blind! Reader)

Summary: You never would have imagined that more love was hidden right next door, just over your garden fence.

Pairings: (Human! Hoseok) x (Human! Reader) x (Wolf hybrid! Namjoon) x (Dog hybrid! Seokjin) x (Cat hybrid! Yoongi) x (Tiger hybrid! Taehyung) x (Bunny hybrid! Jungkook) x (Cat hybrid! Jimin)

Tags: Established relationship, Mentions of Hospitals, Indications of hybrid Mistreatment, Panic Attacks, hurt/comfort 

W/c: 4.5K

A/n: I Had to split this chapter because it started to get way too long! a few reminders- This is a Sequel! All Parts are under my master list as Part of the “Dance To This” universe. ALSO- I do not separate my tag list from fic to fic. there is only one tag list, so if you want to be tagged- go to the link in my bio and like that post. 

- In the next few days after the first impromptu afternoon meeting and the following weeks, the 4 of you become extremely accustomed to the company of Hoseok and his hybrids. 

- Not that you have much of a choice when Hoseok’s three hybrids eventually get bored after they wake up with Hoseok, kiss him goodbye before he goes to work, eat breakfast, play video games, and come over to your house to bother Seokjin, Namjoon, and Yoongi. 

- Luckily this is usually some time after you sequester yourself on the second floor. Usually, you’re Determined to get some work done even if the promise of cuddles and seeing the 6 of them interact is more than a small distraction. The few times you don’t manage to make it up before 11 you end up with a lap full of a very cuddly Taehyung or Jimin for half the day. 

- But, you and Hoseok do need to work, regardless of what you often find each other texting in the morning- though you’re fonder of voice messages. 

- It’s usually a welcomed mid-morning reprieve after the giddiness of 2 cups of coffee has worn off. Which feels ridiculous, because you’d only just seen him last night- it wasn’t like you’d spend any time apart and yet, and yet you’re stopping everything to pick up your phone when it dings. The drone of his office the clicking of pens and shuffling of papers behind him as he breathes into the mic, his voice low enough and quiet enough that it’s husky “I should warn you,”

- “I think Jungkook is going to surprise Yoongi with a water gun today- he shot Jimin with it yesterday and he jumped like 5 feet in the air- and Taehyung and Jungkook spent like 40 minutes laughing at him. Just a polite heads up that Yoongi might be traumatized.” 

- You replay the message at least a half a dozen times before you respond. Happy to hear his voice in your office and imagine for a second, that you worked in the same place. As foolish as it seems. Seokjin tells you that you’ve been watching too many office themed dramas. 

- You giggle at Hoseok’s message- taking a short break to send him a voice note back. “I will do no such thing, but I will have Seokjin video record it for you, and start planning Jungkook’s funeral, did you want lilies or roses?” you text Seokjin. 

- Sure enough, A few hours later. You hear a shriek of Yoongi and a shrill yowls of “you brats!” through your open window as the three younger hybrids (Jimin included because there was no way he wasn’t going to take the opportunity to tease the elder cat hybrid) dash to find a hiding place with Yoongi on the hunt. Taehyung hiding behind Namjoon and Jungkook unceremoniously jumping the fence. 

- Seokjin sends the video to you, and you send it to Hoseok, and he sends you back another message, just him laughing before he rapidly sends another “fuck- I’m so glad that I went to the bathroom before opening it- Jesus Christ my stomach hurts, Yoongi looked about ready to- fuck” he wheezes. And you send back a stream giggles. And Hoseok definitely doesn’t replay the message half a dozen times and wish he could take off early from work just to hear it in person.

- Definitely doesn’t think of doing that- because like, that would be something someone who like- had a crush would do- and Hoseok definitely can’t have a crush on his cute neighbor. Who also may or may not have hybrids that may or may not also have crushes on Hoseok’s hybrids, because that would be ridiculously complicated for a bunch of 20 somethings to handle. 

- Hoseok was just beginning to get the hang of loving 3 people instead of just Jungkook. And loving 4 others would be dizzying, and why the fuck is he thinking about love when it’s obviously just a crush. 

- Especially When Hoseok can definitely definitely not have a crush on his incredibly cute neighbor. So he goes back to work, and concentrate on the stocks and bonds and projected growth estimations over the next quarter. And absolutely does not have the growing pink heart emoji next to his neighbor’s name in his phone (you know- this one 💗 because it’s Hoseok’s favorite emoji, and is also- kind of apt for the situation) 

- Back in Namjoons garden, exactly 43 minutes away from Hoseok’s office if you speed on the highway, The three of them end up in a pile on the grass by the end of the day, all vendettas involving water guns forgotten. 

- Taehyung licking against Yoongi’s hair and grooming him. Jungkook cuddled up with Jimin half in his lap and half in Yoongi’s. They quickly pull Namjoon and Seokjin into the pile, exchanging purr (and chirping crunches in Jungkook’s case) in exchange for a plate of healthy snacks from Seokjin. (Those boys eat way too many bags of chips and chocolate in his opinion). Seokjin falls asleep to the gentle hum of conversation- somehow sleepy despite the fact that it’s barely the afternoon. 

- Seokjin wakes up with his back against that grass, his head moved onto a more bony thigh than Taehyung. A small hand carding through his hair, fingers tracing feather light across his lips, his cheekbones, the arch of his eyebrow. And the sound of muted conversation notable absent. Seokjin cracks his eyes and looks up at Jimin.  From this angle, he looks pouty and soft with his tangled hair, and the light hanging all hazy through the trellises, the white shirt he’s wearing so baggy the sleeves almost go to his elbows. 

- Jimin catches Seokjin’s sleepy staring, brushing his bangs back from his forehead. “How are you so pretty Jin hyung?” Jimin murmurs, something heavy and almost half sad in his when he looked down at Seokjin. Jin smiles, and teases, “a little jealous Jiminie?” Seokjin lets the promise of a question hang in the air- what’s wrong, open up to me, tell me why you look so sad. 

- Seokjin has never ever seen Jimin like this- or ever seen him be anything other than sultry confident, or bratty happy. Jimin sucks in his lower lip. Letting his hands do most of the talking against Seokjin’s scalp, his beautifully pointed years, the perfect silky hair. “No, I’m not it’s just-“ 

- “Jimin I was just teasing.” Seokjin says, nudging his head into Jimin’s hands. the request just as much about comforting Jimin as it is for Seokjin. letting others care for him has always been that way, and screw it, Seokjin loves head rubs. “I know.” Jimin seems like he wants to ask something, looking away from Seokjin “Would you mind if sometimes I-“ 

- Jungkook and Taehyung choose that moment to pounce jumping and picking them up (how the fuck that bunny was strong enough to lift Seokjin- he’d never know) and move them into a sunny spot as Yoongi fluffs out a heavy knit blanket and Namjoon comes out with a box of ice pops. 

- Jimin’s words die alongside Seokjin’s screeching protests at being picked up. To which Jungkook only grins at and proceeds to hold Seokjin more firmly. Leaving the elder to wonder exactly what Jimin had wanted to ask about. 

- In the past few weeks, there is no one that has been a more constant in your house than Jungkook, who will come over to help Namjoon with the garden nearly every day, and will text Namjoon things like Sorry hyung, say hi to the carrots for me, Hobi-Hyung took us all for hair cuts today T_T, but I’m thinking about keeping it long what do you think? if he doesn’t come over before 12.

-  In the mornings Jungkook waits until he hears the slide of your porch door (Nothing could get past those large brown ears) before he bounds over to the fence in excitement, literally hopping and lifting his body over the side instead of going around the corner. 

- “Yah Jungkook you’re going to land on one of the beds!” Namjoon will chide, hair still ruffly from sleep, and Jungkook will happily beam, “I’m a good jumper hyung! I won’t hurt the squash!”

- In the coming months- Namjoon will also go over to Hoseok’s side of the fence and - only with Hoseok’s explicit permission, because Namjoon is nothing if not respectful of the yard that is not his own- erect 4 raised garden beds with the help of Jungkook and Yoongi- who has a new found talent for making things.

- Jungkook loves gardening so much, and spending time with Namjoon just as much, he bugs Hoseok for gardening gear and it’s almost a shock when he comes over one day, with matching green gardening gloves, a canvas apron, and a matching set of green trowels and a straw hat with two holes pierced in the top for his ears (which Hoseok had cut very very carefully). 

- Namjoon can barely look at the bunny; he’s blushing too hard. Last week Seokjin found Namjoon scenting the younger, His lap full of a very happy bunny munching on some of the fresh radishes that Namjoon harvested that morning. 

- Which makes Seokjin coo and squish the Youngers cheeks with how cute he looks. And take about half a dozen pictures of him and Namjoon working in the garden because – wow, just wow, how is Jeon Jungkook so cute with his curly brown hair hanging in his eyes as he diligently weeds the window boxes. 

- Seokjin comes up to your office to tell you such, rolling around a little bit where you’re stretched out on the floor with your computer in front of you (a change of pace to keep you on task) groaning, “ughh he’s just so cute? How do you handle having a crush when you can’t do something about it? Jesus, I thought I was done with this with Yoongi.” (said hybrid has currently disappeared with Jimin and Taehyung somewhere on Hoseok’s side of the fence and it’s a guess as to what they’re doing or where they are)  

- You snort, Seokjin’s thigh pins into some of your papers as he rolls from his back onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow. “That’s easy you just do something about it instead of coming to your girlfriend and gushing about the cute bunny next door.” 

- Your phone dings next to you, another voice message from Hoseok. Seokjin clicks it open and listens to it.

- “Yah you need to stop feeding them so much! I swear they can just get food from my house! They’re gonna eat you out of house and home! I promise the next chance I get I’m going to go to the store and replace all of the food they’ve probably eaten.”

- A laugh ends the message, and before you can stop yourself you’re smiling way too hard. You can tell Seokjin’s smirking before you say it. “Ugh- his laugh is so cute!” Seokjin replays it so you can listen to it again.

- “So gushing about the bunny is apparently less bad than gushing about the cute boy next door?” he teases, you shove his thigh away playfully in reply before he pulls you down, on top of the papers and all. 

- Let’s just say work ends a very different way then you intended. With a shower in the upstairs bathroom after Seokjin explains that they’ll definitely be able to smell him on you if you go downstairs like that. Clothes all skewed and hair all ruffled, a small amount of rug burn in some unfortunate places that Yoongi 100% teases you both about later. Office sex has its downsides. 

- You few stolen moments in the middle of the day, rubbing conditioner out of his hair as he tells you about Jimin and the curious question he’d never finished the day before. “I think Hobi mentioned something about Jimin drawing a lot the other day, that could be it?” 

- Seokjin returns the favor of the conditioner, sliding your hair through his fingers appreciating how long it’s grown. Something primal in him both loving taking care of you, providing like this, and also hating that he has to wash his sent off of you. But it’s not polite to smell like sex around hybrids that aren’t your own. 

- Taehyung will come over to help Namjoon in the garden too- sometimes; Namjoon can sense him watching through the crack in the fence, if he’s feeling bold he’ll peer around the gate by the side. Jungkook does a good job of dragging him over to your side and not leaving him alone. It’s a bit funny to see the massive bunny wrangle the whining tiger. The hybrid is still noticeably shy and quiet to an extreme around them.  

- Especially the first time he tries to go beg pets from you during a workday, with you on an important call upstairs only to be stopped by Seokjin in the kitchen. “You can’t bother her when she’s working Taehyung” he chastises, the tiger’s shoulders dropping terribly low as he makes to leave, assuming that no one wants him here. Really he should just go back home and not be in the way- even if he like- really really wants pets right now, the touch starved ness reaching a fevers pitch inside of him. 

- Seokjin is quick to stop him, hand sliding down to the nape of his neck and making Taehyung shiver. “but I am baking some pies today if you want to help.” The tiger’s ears perk up almost instantly. And though Taehyung might be the messiest cook that Seokjin has ever seen, spilling flower on the floor and getting preserve on his cheeks, it is really nice to have someone to nudge shoulders within the kitchen and show how to knead dough out to the right thickness. Even if Tae barely speaks except to ask careful questions. 

- Hoseok and you have been dancing around each other over the last two months. Seokjin invites him and the hybrid trio over for dinner often enough to try and foster the affection that he can see in both of you. If Hoseok didn’t like you Seokjin would be incredibly surprised. 

- Why else would Hoseok bring you sweet-smelling flowers and little things, stopping by after work with the pastries that Seokjin just happened to mention where your favorite the last time he was over. 

- Why else would he lean in close and blush when you hang out on the back porch, greeting you with a hug instead of a hello. Not that you mind at all- Hoseok had practically grown up with Jungkook, so affection is more usual to him than the absence of it. 

- The first time he hugs you is just after Jimin and Taehyung’s monthly check-up. Taehyung has to get a few shots- he’d missed out on so many of them when he was a hybrid working in the circus industry that the doctors were trying to play catch-up. Hoseok is used to the tantrum that he and Jimin go through every time that the 6th of the month rolls around. and hopes that they’ve forgotten about it. 

- Hoseok had reminded Jungkook about it. In the kitchen the night before when Jimin and Taehyung were upstairs. Taehyung had unfortunately overheard from the hallway. 

- Hoseok has so much trouble just getting him out the door to go to the doctor’s office. (he’d been planning on saying that they were going to the park and then pulling a fast one on them to get them into the car- but Hoseok knows that Taehyung must have found out or something) 

- Jimin locked himself in the bathroom earlier but Jungkook’s managed to extricate him before Hoseok has had a chance to placate the frightened Taehyung and now Jimin stands next to Jungkook, holding his hand, More subdued and more still then he ever is, His tail wrapped around his pant leg for some form of comfort while Hoseok tries to convince Taehyung to let go of the beam in the kitchen. 

- Taehyung has literally wrapped himself around it, “I’m not letting go until you call the doctors and cancel” and maybe Hoseok would be angrier if it weren’t for the fact that Taehyung is trembling- Jimin is too, neither of them wants to go. But they have to, and it breaks Hoseok’s heart to make them go. He reminds himself that he has too- he to not take them is to be like their other owners. 

- So he picks up the phone and calls you. You are such a comfort to Taehyung that he thinks it will be good for him, that you might be able to convince Taehyung to let go of the beam. Of course, Seokjin comes too, walks into Hoseok’s kitchen to Taehyung shaking his head every time Jungkook tries to pull him off. Hoseok honey voice trying to bribe him with a trip to the amusement park (not that Taehyung really knows what that is). 

- All Seokjin has to say is, “Tae, come on.” His voice nothing but a pure command for Tae. All the hybrids to straighten up, Tae has his head down, ears pinned to his hair and his hands sliding off the coulomb to hang by his side. “Yes alpha” he murmurs, suddenly contrite. Much to the wide-eyed surprised of everyone in the room- especially Hoseok.

- “Okay that’s new” Hoseok mentions, only to receive a well-placed elbow from Seokjin, “shut up” he hisses, the blush turning his cheeks bright bright red. Seokjin is definitely not used to being called alpha. No one- not Namjoon or Yoongi has ever referred to Seokjin as such. 

- Hybrid dynamics aren’t all that new to you- but to Hoseok, who had only ever dealt with one other hybrid until recently, it takes some explaining for him to understand the connotation of alpha.  

- (You end up explaining Later though on the phone. Hoseok ends up falling asleep on the other end, tired from the excitement of the day, it’s not the last time he calls, however. 

- You make a habit of it, always after dinner, Hoseok will call you on your house phone and you’ll sit on your bed chatting with him for an hour or two, sometimes he’ll be doing the dishes in the background and sometimes Jimin will steal the phone to gossip about whatever cute thing Yoongi or Namjoon did that day, endlessly telling you about Seokjin and how the way to a hybrid’s heart is through their ears but also stomach.)

- Jungkook decides to stay home as there simply isn’t room in Hoseok’s car for all of them to go to the doctor’s office and you seem to have more of a positive effect than Jungkook does. He’d been looking forward to some music Yoongi wanted to show him anyway. The ride in the back of Hoseok’s car to the doctor’s office is long and bumpy. You sit in the middle back seat so that both of Hoseok’s hybrids can line themselves along your sides. 

- Taehyung folded over your lap and Jimin’s head hidden in your neck.You run your fingers through Tae’s hair and hold onto Jimin’s hand. Murmuring comforting words to both of them the whole way. 

- Even Jimin has lost his sunny disposition by the time you pull into the medical center, folding himself between Hoseok and you, looking small and scared eyes vacant in the wake of so much panic. Murmuring, “Hate this place” every time they pass a doctor and hiding under Hoseok’s shoulder. It doesn’t take much to wonder what happened to them. 

- (Hoseok will tell you later on the phone, that after the circus Taehyung had to get some serious surgery on his knees, while Jimin had been so sick from neglect that he needed to be in inpatient care  and a few rounds of antibiotics to get rid of some serious pneumonia before he could be transferred to the adoption center. 

- You could imagine how traumatic that could be, could imagine that whatever doctor’s had treated them, they probably hadn’t bothered to explain to them why they were doing what they were doing- and left them in the dark about what was happening with their own bodies.) 

- You’re steely and stalwart, holding Taehyung’s hand just as strongly as he’s holding yours, whispering reassurances every few feet. Taehyung’s knees knock the entire time. 

- Through the entire check-up, Taehyung shakes and whimpers, golden eyes wide and terrified of absolutely everyone that approaches him. The only reason why he doesn’t push the doctor away (he’d done that last time and actually climbed on top of the counter) is because both you and Hoseok hold onto both of his hands through it. 

- Seokjin is babbling in the corner, holding Jimin’s hand while he waits for his turn looking like he’s about to head to the gallows rather than the doctors wax paper covered table. Seokjin talks to them about the new videos he’s making for his YouTube channel to distract them. Telling them he’d love it if Taehyung and Jimin guest starred and decorated cookies with him one day. It isn’t a lie- but you can hear the distress In Seokjin’s words, how much he’s trying to comfort the two hybrids. 

- It’s not surprising that Taehyung starts to cry when they give him the first shot, the big fat tears soaking the shoulder of your shirt even has you hum and scratch at his scalp. Jimin too when he gets his a few minutes later- you can tell he tries to hold back the tears before sniffling. Seokjin almost growls, narrowly avoids letting out the noise strangled in his throat. 

- It’s nothing that ice cream can’t fix, though they both hold their arms stiffly and seem a little quieter on the way back. The adrenaline jump and then the come down make them both sleepy but twitchy. Hoseok takes a moment to text Jungkook when he’s a stop to pick up half a dozen ice cream cartons from the store. 

- It takes a few hours and no small amount of cuddling That night on the stoop of Hoseok’s house, 4 of the hybrids piled on Hoseok’s dark blue hammock, the others fallen off on the grass giggling and happy as Jungkook uses his body weight to make it sway this way and that and Jimin cries, “you’re gonna break it!” Yoongi and Seokjin laughing from the grass, ducking to avoid the swinging feet. Already fallen off but punch drunk from a little bit of sangria that Seokjin had supplied and too much rocky road. 

- Hoseok hugs you, startling you a little, but not unwelcome, his whole body lined up against yours, lithe and a little broader than you’d expected but firm and steady under your hands. His hand cupping the back of your head. he speaks through the thickness in his voice, and though you knew hoseok hadn’t been happy to do what he’d done today, you hadn’t realized he was close to tears. “Thank you- I don’t know what I would have done without you today, y/n I-”

- “Hobi” the nickname slips out without you realizing it, “it’s okay- I- I love them too much to let them be so scared on their own like that.” You can almost taste the smile on Hoseok’s mouth when he says that he likes it when you call him that. You pull away but stay a little closer than usual, and maybe it’s Hoseok’s imagination but you look like you’re trying not to show how happy you are. 

- “This is starting to feel a lot like family isn’t It.” he says, you nod agreeing even as Jimin shrieks and falls off the hammock, much much happier than he’d been 5 hours ago. “Yeah,” you say, soft and heavy. And Hoseok can tell that you don’t mind one bit. “Yeah, it does.” 

- Your new closeness isn’t missed by any of your hybrids and even when you go back to your own houses (albeit reluctantly) Jungkook and Jimin smirk at Hoseok, but don’t say anything. 

- For the next few days, every time he thinks about it he groans and slaps his hands over his own flaming cheeks, Jungkook poking at them. Jimin’s sing-song voice teasing of, “Hoseok and Y/n sittin’ in a tree” Jungkook and Taehyung joining in for the k-i-s-s-i-n-g part. They must have heard it at the park the other day because he has absolutely no idea where they would have learned it.

- Hoseok starts to realize, every single time he gets a notification on his phone from you, your name popping up on his home screen, his heart beats quick and heavy. it Dosesn’t matter if it’s Another voice message or a text or a picture that one of them has taken, he can’t help but start smiling.

- One night after you send voice messages back and forth, you end yours with “sorry I’m being dragged away by Yoongi to cuddle, goodnight Bobi! I’ll see you tomorrow” and even after Hoseok sends back a “goodnight! sleep tight! don’t let the bed bugs bite” he still finds himself lying in his bed legs hanging off the side, Jungkook and Taehyung giggling from the bathroom, while Hoseok lies in bed and replays the message again and again just to hear “goodnight Hobi! I’ll see you tomorrow.”

- You know how little kids get? when they get so excited about going to some amusement park or zoo that they can’t fall asleep the night before. So excited for tomorrow to come that today somehow drags. That is exactly how Hoseok feels. Jimin sidles up to the side of his bed, listening to the message twice, 

- “You’re crushed like a grape” Jimin nudging Hoseok’s thigh with his foot when the message ends. “You are so so fucked”  he laughs, Hoseok whines. He replays the message and Jimin smiles, Pressing a kiss to Hoseok’s forehead before he goes to join Taehyung and Jungkook in the bathroom.  Whatever they’re doing it required not one but 2 types of bubble bath and dish soap and would probably inevitably damage Hoseok’s floor. 

- “I feel objectified when you compare me to fruit” Hoseok complains, but Jimin just winks at him from the door, licking his plush lips and eyeing the little bit of skin at Hoseok’s waist where his shirt has pulled up- where Hoseok knows there are still hickeys, barely faded, from a few nights prior. “at least you’re yummy?” he says, before he’s pulled into the room by Jungkook and leaves Hoseok to wallow. “Woh! how did you get the bubbles that big?”

- And when Hoseok takes stalk of his emotions, feels his crush on you multiply, he realizes that he is absolute- irrevocable- pass the point of no return-

- Jimin is right,  Hoseok is royally fucked. 

(Please comment and reblog! Likes are nice, but they do little to support content creators!)

[sleepless-in-starbucks]

Lia I can't stop laughing thank you ( ˘ ³˘)♥ ( ˘ ³˘)♥ ( ˘ ³˘)♥ Can I get some Remy and/or Patton headcanons? (not necessarily romantic or even with them interacting, just headcanons about either of them) My day was fine but my evening has been Decidedly Not so far (except for like,, 5 minutes where my brain was like 'you look pretty! Okay, now it's time to feel like crying for no reason and have a song you don't like stuck in your head')

I’ll Fite your brain for you

Also I know I could have left them separate but,,,,,,,,,, sleepality

I acknowledge now that this is less hcs more an AU. Because apparently I’ m real bad with hcs. Sorry in advance.

Remy is Bad Boy. Nothing gets to him. He’s got shades inside and a leather jacket in any weather. He’s Aloof.

So, no, he isn’t blushing just because Patton waved at him. No, he’s not stumbling over his words because Patton giggled in a way that was too cute to be human. He is decidedly not completely swept off his feet just by Patton smiling softly, sweetly, happily at him.

Nope. Not at all.

Patton is just a happy-go-lucky boi who wants the world to smile with him!

He likes to bake, and he’ll often carry around whatever pastries he baked the night before to hand out to anyone who’ll take one!

He’s known throughout the school. He’s just so damn fluffy and sweet. He got lost on his way to class one time, stumbled into a back room where some of the school’s toughest kids (bullies) were smoking and doing other generally not school friendly things

He offered them his donuts while he smiled and apologized and asked for direction to room 304

He knew all their names, didn’t look annoyed or frightened, just embarrassed for getting lost

Since then he’s been more or less off-limits to be picked on; messing with him gets you ganged up on by EVERYONE

It’s a very good thing that Patton’s sugary sweet because he honestly has too much power in the school

They first ran into each other (literally) in a hallway during passing

Remy wasn’t paying attention to where he was going until suddenly there’s a warm body slamming into his and multiple things falling

He bends down because his sunglasses got knocked off, reaching around blindly, grabs them just as someone else does (so cliched, I know, shh), looks up with a huff of annoyance because he doesn’t have time for this bs-

Turns out? It isn’t bs

He knows Patton by sight, of course, everyone in the school does, but he’s never seen him properly, it seems

Patton is... Patton’s literally glowing, Remy has to think, how his cheeks are a bright, rosy, beautiful red and his skin is sun-kissed golden like he’s a treasure built by gods and his hair is curly and bouncy and light brown with streaks of light bright bouncing blue

Everything about Patton screams- no, it doesn’t scream, it energetically but lovingly tells you- living, loving, bouncy and free and amazing

Remy is star-struck- after all, the sun (who is currently kneeling, personified, in front of him) is a star

Patton laughs, and somehow his laugh glows to, is warm like fresh-baked cookies and easy smile, and apologizes, jokingly saying he needs to look where he’s going, pushing the shades back into Remy’s grasp as he collects his papers

Remy manages to come to his senses enough to help with the pick-up, which he normally would never do, shuffling the papers together as he tried not to look directly at Patton as he handed them back

Patton thanked him with a smile that could have melted the Artic and pressed a cupcake into his hand, the bright yellow frosting on top dashed with black streaks to form a simply perfect smiley face, before hurrying off to his class

Remy remained standing in the hallway, looking at the cupcake held in one hand, glasses clutched in his other hand, a stupid stupid smile quickly spreading across his face and stretching cheeks that were burning

He missed his class and he didn’t care

He had a problem to deal with

Cue: Remy suddenly realizing he sees Patton a lot more often than he thought, and now that he realizes he shares a school building with the sun, with the embodiment of sunshine, with an angel who came to walk among humans as the ultimate sacrifice and brought his halo with him- brought it in his grin and laugh and personality, brought it in his treats and the way he touched people even with just a moment shared- realizing that makes it a LOT HARDER to just ignore him

He’s the definition of a mess. His carefully crafted attitude of never-caring is falling to pieces in front of him. He needs to ignore Patton but... he doesn’t want to. Gods help him, Remy wants to chase that pile of fluff and chat with him as he walked to class and eat lunch with him and if he gets burned up in the other’s inhuman heat than it would be a beautiful way to go

It takes longer than it should for him to get over himself, weeks and nearly months of stumbling over everything he did while in Patton’s presence, to the point that pat probably thinks he’s a weirdo at this point, but finally Remy does it: he askes Patton if he can eat lunch with him. One time. One day. It’s small but it’s something and Remy needs something if he’s going to survive what he has quickly identified as a crush

The lunch is FANTASTIC- Patton is giggly and happy and fun to talk to, and Remy’s able to hold himself together just a little, if only to make this count; bantering with Patton with his snark, though it’s softer around Patton; sweeter, less condemning

When it’s over, he’s a little sad- but that’s okay. Remy ate lunch with Patton and it had been everything he could have hoped so, yep, he was good now, out of his system, this was definitely how crushes worked

Except... Patton found him out the next day, asking if they could eat lunch together again. And again. And again and again and again until they just ate lunch together, no questions, and sometimes on Wednesdays they ‘break’ into the school’s chem lab and Patton pulls ingredients out of his bag and they make mini treats while the chem teacher ‘doesn’t’ supervise and ‘doesn’t’ chuckle and roll his eyes when something inevitably sets on fire (Remy’s doing, always, not that anyone really minds)

(Yes the chem teacher is Logan)

And one day Remy’s chuckling as he helps Patton pat down the table he has, for the seventh time, managed to set on fire, and Patton runs out to get some paper towels from the bathroom (some batter spilled in the mess) and Mr. Logan says something like ‘this takes me back’

Remy: ‘oh, yeah? you burn a lot of tables in your youth, Mister?’

Logan: ‘not exactly, but... well, me and Virgil (aka Mr. Emo Weirdo, who has walked in on every single one of Logan’s classes at some point, mostly to offer wrong answers to questions that are at least half of the time poorly veiled flirts) used to break into the science classrooms and make rather dangerous concoctions when we were in high school. off dates, I suppose, but when young and in love...’

Remy: ‘...what’

The conversation falls into confused Logan saying that Remy and Patton are dating, yes, it’s exactly what it looks like...

Remy’s mortified. He’s not dating! That would be- well that would be great actually- but he’s not dating him! That’s... that’s impossible!! He’s not... Patton would never want him, sweet sweet Patton who shines bright enough to light the world, they can’t be dating, it would never happen

Before anything more can be said Patton’s back and everything’s back to normal... or is it?

Remy starts hanging out with Patton less, worried he’s sending bad signals, or taking advantage of the sunshine, or something

Tbh... Logan thinking they were dating, and him considering that as a reality... it was amazing. He had never been happier.

But Patton wouldn’t want him, it wouldn’t be right, so he had to move on before his heart got broken and it was all his damn fault

Patton’s upset, and worried. what changed? Why is Remy avoiding him? Did he say something?

Patton finally corners Remy and it all spills out. Remy admitted he’s been crushing since day one, that dating Patton would be... would be incredible, but Patton’s just his friend, that’s all they are, he’s sorry he got ahead of himself or acted too close or anything-

Patton’s been steadily getting closer to him as he speaks, Remy’s words coming out quicker the closer they are, until Patton’s right in front of him and Remy’s breath is caught in his throat but he has to pretend it isn’t because it isn’t fair

But then Patton...

‘can I kiss you?’

Remy says yes so quickly it’s almost as if he had seen the question coming

The kiss is... it’s warm as freshly baked brownies and as sweet as them, it’s softer than just-washed blankets and as lovely as the first lilies of spring

Most importantly it’s with Patton, both of them holding each other, arms having wrapped around the other at some point, secure and soft and warm and, because it’s with Patton, utterly perfect

[secondgenerationnerd]

Forever and Always

Author’s note: So this is a super duper late Christmas present for one of my best friends in the world, @tinyseawarrior . I love her so much and am so grateful that she is in my life and that she introduced me to all the characters that I now love. There’s not really a whole lot of Superstar artwork or Fanfics out there (if you find some, PLEASE SENT IT TO ME!!) So I wrote this for her! Love ya Girlie!!

Rating: Teen (mild swearing)

Words: 3726

         Mar’i smiles into the mirror. Her curly black hair falls down her back, a stark contrast to the white silk. While she adores the halter top and long skirt, she’s happy she’d gone with the Tamaranean touches. The metallic collar matches the metal belt around her waist. A green jewel rests against her throat embedded into the collar. Her make up is perfect. The stargazer lily bouquet resting in a vase is perfect. Today is perfect.

         “Night star? Can I come in, baby?” Her father voice floats into the room.

         “Sure, Daddy!” She rarely calls him that. Dick Grayson walks into the changing room and his heart nearly bursts. Mar’i smiles- no, beams- at him. He tears up at the sight of his little girl in her wedding dress,” Daddy…”

         “Sorry, Starshine,” He says accepting her hug,” Just…I didn’t think this day would come so soon.”

         “I’m sure you weren’t banking on me getting married at almost 19,” She teases. Dick smiles. It’s true. He didn’t think she’d marry so young. But, at the same time, he couldn’t be happier. She’s been with her fiancé since they were 14. Almost 5 years of hugs, missions, dance recitals, galas, kisses, fights, make-ups, holidays, and more. Five years she had been in love and a lifetime to go.

         “No, I wasn’t,” He looks at her with a soft smile,” I’m so proud of you, Mar’i.”

         “Dad- “

         “I mean it. I am so proud of how well you have done for yourself. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman with a kind heart and sharp mind. I am so, so, so proud of you. Your mom would be too.”

         Mar’i smiles to herself,” Is it weird to say that it feels like she’s here with me?”

         “No, baby,” He kisses her forehead,” Your mom is here with you. She wants to see her Night Star get married.”

         “I miss her.” Mar’i’s voice is soft.

         “I know. I do too, but you know what she’d say right now?” Dick smiles down at her,” She’d say, ‘on a day so happy, there is no place for sad tears.’”

         Mar’i laughs. She knows her mom would have said that exactly. Dick hands her the bouquet and then holds out his arm,” Ready?”

         “More than I’ve ever been.”

         Jon bounces on his toes. The boy of steel stands in front of nearly 300 people, but his normal nerves are gone. He hasn’t lost the massive smile on his face since he woke up that morning. Damian, Collin, and Jai stand next to him. Damian and Jai as best men. Irey, Milagro, and Lian are opposite to them on Mar’i’s side. All six of them couldn’t be happier for their friends. Now all they needed was the bride.

         “How much longer?” Jon whispers to Damian. Before the smaller man can answer, music begins to play. Mar’i had forgone the traditional wedding march for something more modern.

When we're born into this world We don't really get to say Little boys and little girls handed the brand-new families There comes a time in life  When we finally get to choose And I choose you, I choose you

Everyone stands as Mar’i and Dick enter the room. Jon’s eyes immediately flood with tears at the sight of her.

We can't give our two cents  Of how tall we want to be We don't get an opinion  On our ethnicity But the one we spend our life with That we get to choose And I choose, I choose you

         Mar’i appears to float down the aisle, already misty-eyed. Dick tries to slow her roll. Everyone there knows that given the chance, she’d fly down the aisle and into Jon’s arms. Jon steps down from the platform. He shakes Dick’s hand and takes Mar’i from him. Together, hand in hand, they step up in front of everyone.

I choose you, to be by my side I choose you, to hold me at night It's the biggest decision I'm about to get right I choose you, I choose you

         Mar’i hands her bouquet to Irey and takes Jon’s hands. They beam at each other as if the whole world had faded away and they were the only two left.

         “Dearly beloved,” Their pastor begins,” We are gathered here today, to celebrate the union of Mar’i Grayson, daughter of Richard Grayson and Princess Koriand’r of Tamaran, and Jonathan Kent, son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane-Kent.

         He looks up at the crowd,” We are here to celebrate the love these two have for each other and have been so fortunate to find so early in life. Though young in age, they have faced enough challenges together that many couples face in a lifetime. I have had the privilege of getting to know them over the last few months. Both of them are miracles by birth, yet many out there would not view them as such. More than once, they have cried, and the other was right there to wipe the tears away. To provide whatever comfort and strength they can. I can go on as to why these two are meant to be together, but I believe the way they’re looking at one another and the number of people here today says it all.

         “Now, to get the formalities out of the way. Does anyone here have a sound reason as to why these two should not be wed?” If Jon and Mar’i could look away from each other, they would see their bridal party glare at the audience. Daring someone to speak up. When no one objects, the pastor continues,” I believe the couple has prepared their own vows. Mar’i?”

         Lian hands Mar’i a few notecards. Taking a deep breath, she starts,” I remember the day I met you. It wasn’t a good day to start. The kids at my school were jerks as usual and my dance class had been canceled. When I got home, I went to the cave to see if my dad was around. You were there with your dad, talking to Damian. The minute our eyes met, it felt like my heart said ‘oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.’ Then you smiled at me. Like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like you were already my best friend.”

         They’re both crying a little. Jon wipes her eyes with his thumb. Her voice cracks,” You have been my best friend for almost 9 years. We have fought and gotten jealous and almost lost each other more times than I want to count. But for every bad memory, there’s so many good. For every nightmare, there’s a time I’ve woken up in your arms. For every bully, there’s been a friend. Hundreds of afternoons spent talking, kissing, cuddling, and spending time with one another. I can’t wait for all the afternoons to come. And I have some things I want to promise you. I promise that I will always support you and offer my advice. I promise to always flirt with you like we’re 15, just to see you blush,” Jon chuckles,” I promise to always kiss you good morning and good night. I promise to always come home happy to see you. And most of all I promise that no matter where I am in this universe, my heart will always be at home with you.”

         There’s not a dry eye in the house. A few of the more seasoned heroes silently wipe tears, while others are barely holding back sobs. Jon wipes her tears away.

         “Mar’i, I remember the day we met.” He has no notecards, instead looking deep into her eyes,” I remember seeing you and thinking ‘wow, she’s really pretty.’” A laugh ripples through the audience,” I fell in love with you that day, but I didn’t realize it until years later. I actually figured it out when you did that dance for my 13th birthday. ‘One Call Away’ by Charlie Puth. I laughed at the line ‘Superman’s got nothing on me’ because my dad pretended to be offended. I just…Watching you do what you love, seeing you smile, knowing how much work you put into that dance, I knew that I was in love with you.”

         Mar’i wipes his eyes this time. He turns his head to kiss the palm of her hand,” I am so lucky to have you in my life. I am so lucky to have been your boyfriend, your partner, and most importantly your best friend. I know how lucky I am to become your husband. I need you to know that I will never forget that. I will never let you go to bed feeling unloved and alone. I will never let you face hardship alone. I will always let you cry when you need to and hold you as you do. I will always listen to your worries. I will always hold you when it’s 3 am and we’ve had nightmares and we want to talk about them. I will always dance with you at 3 am in our pajamas because we had nightmares and we don’t want to talk about them. I will always love you. You are my Shooting Star, my Mar-Mar, my best friend. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life by your side.”

         The pastor gives them a moment to compose themselves,” Well, I don’t believe there’s anything I can say to that.”

         “’I now pronounce you husband and wife?’” Mar’i suggests. The crowd roars with laughter at that. Even the pastor chuckles.

         “How about this? Do you, Mar’i Grayson, take Jonathan Kent to be your husband? Do you promise to honor him, to cherish him, and love him? In good times, in bad times, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

         “I do.” Mar’i beams at Jon.

         “Jonathan Kent, Do you- “

         “I do,” Jon interrupts. The crowd laughs.

         “I have to finish,” The pastor teasingly scolds,” Do you take Mar’i Grayson to be your wife? Do you promise to honor her, to cherish her, and love her? In good times, in bad times, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

         “I do,” Jon’s eyes don’t leave Mar’i’s.

         “Do you have the rings?” Jai and Lian hand the couple their wedding bands,” Mar’i, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

         “With this ring, I thee wed.” Mar’i slips the white gold band onto his finger.

         “Jon, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

         “With this ring,” Jon slides the silver ring up to her engagement ring,” I thee wed.”

         “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss- “

         Jon and Mar’i can’t wait. She throws her arms around his neck, he wraps his around her waist, and they kiss each other as if they’re dying. The room explodes with laughter, cheers, and whistles. More laughs as the happy couple begins floating in the air, still kissing. Mar’i pulls away first, her eyes closed. Jon rests his forehead on hers. He whispers,” I love you, Mar-Mar.”

         “I love you, Jon-Jon,” She kisses him again, not caring about the 300-people watching.

         “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kent,” Jon takes Mar’i’s hand. They land and walk down the aisle, through the cheering crowd and handfuls of confetti.

         Jon and Mar’i take a moment just outside the church to hold each other. Mar’i smiles up at him,” You’re my husband. I’m your wife.”

         She giggles with giddiness at that. Jon smiles and kisses her softly,” My wife. My beautiful, wonderful wife.”

         “My husband. My handsome, amazing husband,” Mar’i smiles against his lips.

         “Are you two done yet?” The couple turns to see their families, bridal party, and photographer. Jason raises an eyebrow,” Well?”

         Mar’i blushes, but Jon does something none of them would ever expect. He grabs Mar’i, dips her and kisses her full on the mouth. Both of them hear a click from the camera, but neither cares. The kiss only lasts a few seconds, but it’s enough to leave her flustered. Jon looks up at Jason, calmly saying,” Now we are.”

         Her family roars with laughter. Jason slaps Jon on the back, impressed at the usually timid man’s boldness. The next two hours or so is filled with pictures. Each of them with their families and ones with their parents. Them with each family together. One of their friends. Hundreds of just the two of them. Jon hugging her. Them kissing. Jon picking her up, Mar’i kissing his cheek. A few of them just standing with each other, between shots, just enjoying the other’s presence. If they were upset or panicked or irritated, they didn’t show it. Eventually, they’re let go.

         Mar’i and Jon walk into their reception hall, meet with a loud cheering. Jon keeps one arm around her waist as they walk, greeting people. They’d gone with a buffet, so people could get whatever they wanted to eat. More than a few people are taking advantage of the open bar. Jon and Mar’i walk around, greeting people, checking in with old friends, and ignoring a few people that they can hear making comments about the ‘real’ reason they must be getting married so young. Well, Jon ignores them. They take a second to eat before the speeches are supposed to start.

         “Remind me to never invite those people to anything ever again.” Mar’i tells him, taking a bite of Mac and cheese.

         “They’re just being ignorant, beautiful.”

         “They think we’re getting married because I’m…” Mar’i can’t bring herself to say it. Jon understands why the comment hurts and kisses her hand.

         “If they can’t see that I’m marrying you because I love you and I can’t spend another one of my adult days without you by my side, then they need to get their eyes checked.” Mar’i smiles at the bad joke. She kisses him, and they continue to eat. There’s a little panic in the couple when they see their maids of honor and best men walk up on stage. Years of teasing and threats of embarrassing stories they’d sworn tell come rushing back. Jon leans over, whispering,” This might have been a bad idea.”

         “Hello, everyone!” Lian grins into the microphone,” So we are here to celebrate Jon and Mar’i, or as I call them Superdork and Falling Star.”

         Irey pulls the mike from Lian,” As Mar’i’s maids of honor and Jon’s best men, we are supposed to give speeches about them. We decided to write them together, making sure no one was too mean.” pointed look at Lian and Jai who grin,” As we were writing, we realized that all of our speeches were pretty much the same. Because no matter who you are or where you come from, these two will welcome you with open arms.”

         “Jon is the kind of guy who will give you the shirt off his back and help you up when you get knocked down,” Jai grins at his friends,” Mar’i? She’ll buy you a shirt of your own and tell you to stay down, she’ll handle it. Jon and Mar’i have been in love longer than any of us can really remember. I think we had a betting pool back when the team first started on who would kiss who first. Irey made a pretty penny that day if memory serves right because she was the only one that thought it would be a mutual kiss.”

         “Of course, in our line of work, there’s been a few fights. Mostly dealing with Jon being overprotective and Mar’i is too stubborn for her own good. Must be genetic,” Most of the room laughs at Lian’s joke. The Bat family does not,” Here’s the thing. When the two powerhouses of the team fight, it’s terrifying. We actually have a saying ‘if the eyes are glowing, get the hell out.’ But they can’t stay mad at each other. We’ve timed it. The longest they’ve gone without talking after a fight is four hours.”

         Damian clears his throat,” Neither of them has an easy task living on Earth. The simple pleasure many of us take for granted, are difficult for them. They cannot enjoy a concert as the rest of us can. They cannot appreciate a walk in the woods or along the beach without being overloaded with information. Yet they don’t allow this to limit their lives. They find different ways to enjoy themselves. Watching the stars together has always been one of their favorite activities. Reading to one another, finding different genres to discover and explore. More than anything, they find time to be with one another. Even as simple as doing the dishes together.”

         “If we were asked to define true love… Ok most of us would say we have it. But Jon and Mar’i…they are it. So, everyone, raise your glasses and let’s toast the bride and groom.” Everyone lifts their drinks. Mar’i and Jon hug their friends as they walk back to the head table.

         “That wasn’t as bad as I was expecting,” Mar’i admits with a laugh.

         “Irey wouldn’t let me and Jai play our video of all the times we’ve caught you making out.”

         “Irey, I love you,” Jon laughs. They continue to eat, listening to a few people give speeches. Her family does not take the same courtesy that Irey did and tries to cram as many embarrassing stories in as possible. Mar’i looks ready to die when her dad tells the story of her getting tangled in a safety net when she was 7 and spent two hours trying to get out. By the time they found her, she’d been hanging in defeat, with her hair hitting the ground.

         “Alright,” Dick says as the laughter dies down,” Now is the time I’m sure most of you have been waiting for. Jon, Mar’i, It’s time for your first dance.”

         Jon leads Mar’i to the dance floor. She giggles as he bows to her. She curtsies. They had decided to go for one of their favorite songs for their wedding song. ‘Can I have this dance’ from High School Musical 3.

Take my hand, take a breath Pull me close and take one step Keep your eyes locked on mine And let the music be your guide

Mar’i makes Jon look at her, smiling up at him. Jon pushes a little hair from her face. They sway together before Mar’i makes them move. Jon should have expected that. He married a dancer after all.

Won't you promise me (now won't you promise me, that you'll never forget) We'll keep dancing (to keep dancing) Wherever we go next

Jon gets into the song, spinning Mar’i, making her laugh. They start to float. But much like their kiss, neither notices. It's like catching lightning, the chances of finding someone like you It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do And with every step together, we just keep on getting better So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?) Can I have this dance? Jon spins Mar’i in the air. Mar’i moves her feet as if they’re still on the ground. Neither of them can stop smiling at each other. Once again, they are the only two left in the world.

Take my hand, I'll take the lead And every turn we'll be safe with me Don't be afraid, afraid to fall You know I'll catch you through it all

Jon holds Mar’i in his arms, singing in her ear. She smiles, pressing her face into his suit jacket. And you can't keep us apart (even a thousand miles can't keep us apart) Cause my heart is (cause my heart is) wherever you are Mar’i shrieks with laughter when he picks her up bridal style and spins her around in the air. Jon loves her laugh. He loves her smile. Her eyes shining at him. God, he loves her.

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do And with every step together, we just keep on getting better So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?) Can I have this dance? Oh no mountains too high and no oceans too wide Cause together or not, our dance won't stop Let it rain, let it pour What we have is worth fighting for You know I believe, that we were meant to be Oh It's like catching lightning, the chances of finding Someone like you (like you) It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do (way we do) And with every step together, we just keep on getting better So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?) Can I have this dance? Can I have this dance? Can I have this dance?

          Jon kisses Mar’i as the song ends, neither of them wanting to land. When it’s just the two of them in the air, nothing else matters in the world. Jon looks at his wife and kisses her nose.

         “My shooting Star…”

         “My hero…”

         They do have to land eventually. Dick and Mar’i have fun with their father-daughter dance. The look of complete utter surprise from their guests when “Little Wonders” changes into “Uptown Funk” makes Jon laugh. The day fades into the night as they dance, eat cake, and talk. Jon loses count of how many times they dance together, only that he hopes it never ever ends.

         But end it must. Jon and Mar’i leave before their guests, kissing parents and hugging friends goodbye as they head off to their honeymoon. Jon takes a moment as they fly through the air to stop them. He can see the worry lines on her face and knows they don’t belong anywhere on his wife’s face. Not today.

         “What is it, Star?”

         “I’m just thinking���What happens next…” Jon takes her hands, squeezing them gently.

         “I don’t know. But whatever it is, I can’t wait to face it with you at my side.”

[timetravelingshark]

Pallas and appearance and health questions

Alright, appearance first!

FACECLAIM: [Do you have a faceclaim for your character?]

Lily Collins is my Pallas!

The only thin I’d change about her is her hair texture, ‘cause Pallas’s hair is known for being very curly.

SEX: She’s biologically female, and has always identified that way.

HEIGHT: She’s pretty average, which is short compared to the rest of my characters, who tend to be trees. I’d say she’s about 5′4-5′5. 

WEIGHT: Pallas is on the smaller side in weight. I don’t know how much she is exactly, but she’s pretty skinny.

BUILD: As I said, she’s small. She does have hips though, and she’s proud of them. 

HAIR: Pallas’s hair is famously long and very curly. It’s really soft, but Pallas puts in quite a bit of effort to keep it that way. I’d say that if I had to pick a “Hairclaim” (is that a thing? probably not) it’d look like this:

She likes to keep it under control by keeping it pinned back or in an array of traditional hairstyles, or straightening it and then styling it while it’s like that.

SKIN: She’s pretty pale. Also she’s got very soft, smooth skin.

EYES: She’s got dark brown eyes, framed with very thick, very long eyelashes. Her eyes are very bright when she’s happy, but when she’s tired or sad her eyes will completely reveal it. Her eyes are extremely expressive, and she can’t really hide anything in them.

MOUTH:  I mean, just look at Lily Collins’ lips. Her teeth are also very straight and white. Everyone says she has a very pretty smile.

NOSE: She’s got an adorable little button nose. (Everyone loves booping it)

HANDS: Her hands are small and soft. She hates having dry skin, especially dry hands, and tends to use lotion a lot on them. 

SCARS: Pallas doesn’t have any major visible scars. She does have a few running down her ankle and foot after she fell off a garden wall, but other than that nothing. 

CLOTHES: Oh goodness, if you’ve followed my blog for longer than a week, you guys know exactly how Pallas dresses. She’s got a very girly, sophisticated style, and tends to like flowy fabrics. Also, dresses are pretty much the only thing she wears. She’s not that comfortable in pants and really only wears them when she has to. 

Examples: 

OTHER NOTEABLE FEATURES: 

T  H  I  C  C   E Y E B R O W S

Onto Health!

DIET: Pallas tends to eat really good, but I feel like she sometimes gets so swept up in royal duties that she forgets to eat. She feels really bad about forgetting, but it happens sometimes.SLEEP: She tries to get good sleep, because my girl tries to be as healthy as she can. Sometimes she stays up late doing something or reading, but generally gets good sleep. She’s definitely a morning person.EXERCISE: She stays fit. I’d say that she just tends to like running around the property, maybe lifting a few weights. Nothing big though.ACTIVITY: Oh good lord, this poor girl is a workaholic. She gets herself very wrapped up in her duties, because she puts pressure on herself to be as good as the Queen Mother, and she really wants to prove herself to her people that she’ll be just as good of a Queen as the last one. She overworks herself more than a few times due to this. But on a more general scale she tends to be a bit flighty in terms of movement. She never really stays in a room for a super long time, unless she’s focused on something.CLEANLINESS: She really likes taking baths. They make her feel relaxed and luxurious. I can totally see her being a bathbomb lover. But she does take baths/showers a lot to keep her skin clear and also because she doesn’t like feeling grimy at all.ODOUR: Pallas smells amazing. Always. MEDICINAL DRUGS: Some occasional painkillers when she gets migranes or body aches, but nothing huge.NARCOTICS: Nope. Homegirl’s got a reputation to keep up. Unless alcohol is a narcotic, then she likes a glass of wine every now and then. ADDICTIONS: Nah. She’s got her family’s honor to keep up, and if she were addicted to anything and it got out, it would be awful for her. She doesn’t risk it.ILLNESS: uh- I mean, she doesn’t really get that sick until [REDACTED CAUSE SPOILERS] but other than that she tends to be in pretty good health. I say tends, because in the last few months of her and Calem’s marriage and then the months afterwards, the stress of a subtly failing marriage and then having her husband go MIA does a number on her immune system. Poor girl. 

wow, this post was long. It was fun, though! 

[royalrastafariannaynays]

It Feels (minific)

      It’s opening your eyes that hurts the most. 

      Moving the next second, you feel some pain from your… knee? And then the tube tugs in your arm, sending shocks from the needle, and you wince. And there’s a cast around your leg, and a splint brace on your wrist, and there’s tape and gauze all over your hands and shoulders and a few places on your arms. 

      But… opening your eyes hurts more than anything in your life. 

      Because there, sitting wrecked and asleep in a chair right in front of your bed, is John’s dad. 

      He’s basically your dad, at this point. Just officially adopted you as his kin a few months ago. You’re on the insurance and everything. He rescued you, and he’s tried so hard to help you be okay. 

      Now, that’s not the part that hurts. 

      No, the part that hurts, is that you’re too broken to make it work. 

      And you’re too fucked up to let him help. 

      The drugs on your brain are making you feel a little better, pain-wise. But there’s a horrible, messed-up, sinking feeling in your gut that’s not letting you participate with the class and be a good son. That feeling is everywhere. It makes you feel heavier than lead, heavier than weed, heavier than a Sunday morning after the first night in forty where you slept more than four hours consecutively. 

      It makes you feel like concrete. Shitty, plain, hot under the sun, cracking, old, and messy concrete. While he half-sits in that chair, breathing deeply and just barely snoring. His wrinkles are more pronounced, and he looks… terrible. By the greasy hair, he’s been caking on deodorant to stop from smelling terrible, as well. 

      The air vent in the room turns on, and you rip your eyes away from Mister Egbert Senior to look around the room. 

      Everything feels numb. 

      There’s a card or three on the bedside table. One with a can of shaving cream from John. He must be in class right now. It’s a Monday, right?

      There’s also a small arrangement of flowers in a cube vase. It’s got some woody curly branch in it, and a few happy colors of flowers surrounding a single rose. That will be from Rose. It’s… smaller than usual. And less extravagant. It’s this bouquet that almost sets you to feeling like crying for the first time since you opened your eyes. 

      Rose would have sent it. “We’re glad you’re still here, Dave,” the little card in it reads. And the lily in it is just starting to open, and it’s got a big old sunflower on the side, your favorite, and you know she meant it. Your fucking sister. She’s got all the right tools to show just how much you mean to her. 

      And it feels a million times worse. 

      So you tear your gaze from the flowers, as well.  

      There are two crows hanging out on the window sill, and one of them looks inside and squawks. Are they here for you too? 

      And just as they squawk, and two more flutter down to join them on the ledge, you hear something fall to the floor. 

      Standing in the doorway is Karkat. 

      His eyes are full of tears as he scrambles to pick up the grape soda he dropped, and you watch with wonder as he hisses curses at himself. His little black fingernails and his thick fingers clench on the can, tapping the top so that it might still be okay to drink. 

      “Fucking,” he grumbles, and it’s the first voice since you blacked out from pain at that mall. “Cost me two dollars and I can’t even stop dropping this ice-cold piece of shit.” 

      “K–” you start, and you can’t finish. Karkat walks over to your bedside, and he looks rumpled. This kid you’ve had a single class with, who asked you on a date and you turned down, who brought you a candy apple after Halloween because you wanted one, who drove you home from school a few times, who silently held your hand and kissed you oh so softly in the closet at Jade’s New Years party. This kid who’s into football because he needs an after school activity and is your same age and is built like a truck, this guy who you thought was a jock but found out he hates jocks. This guy who’s been becoming one of your best bros. 

         This guy. Is here?

         After what you did? 

         You gaze up at him in something like shock as he seats himself in the chair you didn’t notice, right next to the bed, with the Letterman across the back of it. You know that Letterman was paid for by the school, and it’s the only coat he owns, and that he’s only good at the sport for scholarships. And he’s so smart, too. And he’s so focused on school and doing well so that he can get a good job to help his dad retire early. 

          And. He’s here? For you? 

         He cares that much, about you?  

         Guilt wracks your body. 

         Karkat sniffles, and snaps. “What.” 

          “I…” you try, and it’s croaky and harsh and weak. 

          Your un-tethered hand scrabbles at your face to push up your shades, but they’re not there. Panic swells in your chest, and you hear the heart monitor spaz a little as you scan the room for them. 

         “They were smashed in the fall,” Karkat explains, softer than before. 

         When you look up, his eyes are searingly gentle. Auburn, soft against his olive complexion and angry brown hair. 

         “Oh,” you try, voice crackling on the single syllable you can get out, and you want to punch something.

          Part of you is angry that it didn’t work. Part of you is angry that things still hurt. But most of you is angry at yourself, for doing something so stupid. 

          Now, you relive in slow motion. 

          “I’m really glad I got to talk to you again, Dave,” he says. 

          Exactly how it feels to jump off of a second story outdoor walkway. 

          First, there was trepidation. That day, going to visit Jade at the Earthbound Trading Co where she worked, you hadn’t even been planning it. But walking out of the mall, you were struck by an urge. Not necessarily to die, no. Though you didn’t know if you would care if the fall killed you. Was the second story high enough to kill? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe if you landed wrong. 

         And what exactly would be the problem with landing wrong, you thought, as you followed the dull impulse and climbed up to sit on the waist-high railing wall. It was a good distance down, maybe not far enough. 

          There was a sunburn on the back of your legs that protested the hard surface. It was from laying out by Egbert’s pool for too long. John looked worried when you came inside, but you shrugged and laughed it off. It’s not self harm if you just don’t care enough to remember sunscreen, right? 

          A car passed below, a nicer car than you could probably ever afford. A family passed behind you, murmuring about you in Spanish like you wouldn’t hear them or understand. You watched the glass doors of the mall entrance, and a cool draft from inside hit you in the face. 

         And then a security guard caught your eye. Opened her mouth, reached out a hand. 

         And you pushed off. That’s it, you pushed off. Hoping you would land sideways, at the last minute. 

         The fall wasn’t long enough to regret it. Though you half hit a holly bush, and half of you hit the ground. Left leg first, shin cracking down the middle and your leg buckling as the rest of you followed. Concrete when you hit the ground. A scream. A screech of tires. Head hitting. Pain, and then nothing. 

         Until you woke up just now. 

         Karkat is holding your gaze as you stare at him, unblinking, still looking a bit like he could burst into tears. 

      “The waterworks, Karks? Talk about overdone,” you tell him, looking at the cast. Or, not a cast, now that you examine it through the blankets. A brace, and… lumps of bandages. So the bone broke skin, huh. 

          “Shut the fuck up already, Dave,” he tells you, and it’s so final and absolute that you do. You slam your mouth shut, and now you feel like you might throw up. 

          “I’m sorry,” you whisper. 

         It’s Karkat’s turn to close his mouth, audibly shutting off his tongue and you can almost hear his frown. “Do you know how much we love you?” he asks. “How much you would be missed?”

          “I do now,” you try, and he hisses again, bites back another snapping retort. You said the wrong thing. 

          “Was it planned?” he asks, then, and you find yourself taken off guard. 

          Maybe he knows you regret it enough already. 

          “No,” you whisper, and that’s it. There’s a choking, firm lump in your throat, and you find yourself struggling to breathe around it. Karkat hands you, out of nowhere, one of those tall, thick hospital mugs with the translucent plastic, and you’re only able to sip from it. 

         And then, a nurse comes in, smile on her face and way too sunny for the situation. “Sir?” she asks, patiently and a little tired, like Karkat must have been asking them a lot of questions. You know he gets tired of dealing with people, so you don’t blame him. You guess. 

         Karkat waves in your direction, and you find yourself locking eyes with the nurse. She looks pleasantly surprised to see you awake. 

         “Oh, with all that blood loss we were expecting at least another four hours!” she exclaims, and goes to the wall behind herself to fetch a chart and pen. “It’s good to see you, Mister Strider,” she says, so friendly and sweet. You try to smile but you’re sure it only looks like a cringe. 

          The nurse takes your vitals anyway. 

          And then she changes your bandages. When she rips the first one off, you groan. And the groan is loud enough to make Karkat snort a laugh, and then something you weren’t ready for at all. 

          It wakes up John’s Dad. His name is Gene. But you’re not used to it yet. 

          And you stare at him, and he stares at you. And Karkat watches the nurse like a hawk (his father is a nurse). 

          Even as the bandages are torn away and replaced, and the lady takes your pain levels and writes them down, and tries to ask you questions about how you’re feeling to which you only have noncommital answers, and then says she’ll be right back with your doctor, you stare at John’s Dad. 

          He looks disappointed, happy, and sad all in one. 

          When the nurse is gone, you croak and clatter and try to explain. 

          But he waves you off. 

          “You can explain when you’re more comfortable,” he says. And relief floods through you. “Or not at all, if that’s what you want.” 

          The guilt pours back again. Why didn’t you talk to him, instead? The drugs are making you feel dizzy now, and you shake your head as fast as you can to rid the feeling. Hot tip: it’s not that fast. 

          “I’m just glad that you’re still here, and you’re okay, and you’re going to make a smooth recovery,” he says, then. 

          You feel yourself look down at your knees. 

          “The insurance will cover this, except a small amount,” he adds, and you watch his ankles as he straightens in his chair. 

          Karkat snorts, and then taps your forehead. He finds the gauze there with one hand, pulling on the tape enough to make you (very slowly) reach up to bat it away. “And possible brain damage,” he says, scolding. 

          Dad scolds him in turn and reprimands him for the obvious lie, while you work up the nerve to just tell him one last thing. 

          “I’m sorry,” you say. Like a benediction, like it would save you from anything. Karkat shuts up, and stands. He waves, and says something about giving you some space as he leaves. 

          John’s dad is quiet for all of maybe five entire minutes. It feels like an eternity. With the drugs you’re on, you’re not sure how much time actually passes. 

          “It’s okay, Dave,” he tells you. And he stands. You watch his hands wring in each other as he settles into the chair Karkat just left. 

          “I’m just glad you’re still here,” he repeats his earlier sentiment. You feel your eyes well up, now. “Just don’t do it again, okay?”

          Fuck. The doctor will be here soon. 

          “After all,” he adds, and his voice cracks. “I didn’t even get to spend enough time with my new son yet.” 

          You’re crying, now. 

         Sniffling, ugly, like a new baby. Snot isn’t your friend. Dad knows enough not to hold you, but he lays his hand out to your side, palm-up. 

          It’s so warm and big as you clutch it, so rough from work and it feels so much like a hug. So much like a hug from the father you always wanted. It hurts, how much you needed it. Hurts how much you needed a parent, a guardian, a piece of comfort and stability. And you sob, there, silently through your dry throat. And he cries a little bit too, you think. But not as much. 

          You’re still holding his hand so tight when the doctor comes in. 

          Later, you’ve let it go, but John and Jade come to visit. Rose pays a visit herself before you’re released, reading you poetry as a captive audience. And when you go home, Karkat comes by every day after practice to bring you homework and dote on you. You’ll start therapy.

          You’ll get better. 

          And it’s good. 

[wintersolbear-blog]

I Know You

They had desperately needed to go out. It was tough business working for the Order, and rumor was it that soon they might have to go into hiding. So James and Lily Potter left Harry in the care of Molly Weasley for just one night. Typically it would have been Remus to watch him, or Sirius, and in desperate cases, Peter. But all were busy that night on missions for the Order. But Lily had insisted, one last night out before they very possibly hunkered down to stay safe. She and Molly had spoken all the time, and James had worked with her brothers before... well, before. Molly was one of the few members with children of her own, so to Lily it was an obvious choice. And that's how Harry Potter, at two months old, found himself at The Burrow. It had taken Lily ten minutes to tear James away, who kept telling Molly about Harry's feeding schedule. Molly simply smiled and affirmed what he was saying, remembering how hard the separation anxiety had been with her first child. A little boy with fiery red hair clung to her leg tightly, he looked shyly up at the little bundle of blankets. "And you're sure it's no bother?" Lily pressed, feeling guilty for leaving this exasperated mother with another baby, just seven months after she'd had her youngest son, Ronald. As an answer, Molly Weasley gently lifted the sleeping baby out of Lily's arms, "He'll always be welcome here, Lily. Now you two had better head off, you don't want to miss your dinner." She clucked and the young couple kissed Harry goodbye before heading off into the night. "Percy, dear," she said as she closed the door, "Please let go of Mummy, I need to warm up the baby's milk." The four year old hesitantly loosened his grip on his mothers skirt, looking around with a suspicious eye. "Honestly Percy," Molly chuckled as she placed Harry in an old and tattered bassinet. In which, was a wide awake, chubby little baby with hair to match his brothers. This baby was kicking up a fuss, but strangely stilled when the baby with jet black hair was placed beside him. "You can't be afraid of the twins forever. They're two for Heavens sake." Just as Molly was filling a pot with warm water, yet another boy with red hair flew down the steps. "Mum?" He asked excitedly, "Is the other baby here now? Can I see him?" The seven year old spoke with a bit of a lisp, and a bit too loudly for Molly's liking seeing as she shushed him quickly. "He's sleeping, Charlie. Hopefully Ron can take a page from his book." Charlie, quite a gangly boy for his age, sauntered over to the bassinet, peering over the edge at the two infants. "He's so small compared to Ron. Mum, I thought all babies had red hair." Percy, now convinced the twins were definitely not hiding somewhere, joined Charlie as his smaller body tried to stretch to see into the basket. Molly Weasley had just placed the bottle of milk into the simmering water when Charlie's comment made her laugh, "Just the babies from our family, love." When she glanced over she spotted a scratch on Charlie's neck, "Charles Weasley, you best not have some vicious creature hiding up in your room right now. And who is watching the twins?!" Percy bawled at the mention of the twins and the seven year old shook his head quickly, "Bill's with them and No, mum!" But Molly swore she heard him mutter the words 'not anything vicious' under his breath but he was luckily saved as Harry began to wake and uttered soft and low cries that left his bassinet mate looking around in confusion. Molly lifted the smaller child from his bassinet, Charlie taking the opportunity to run from his mothers questioning. The tired mother held Harry close to her chest and paused a moment, something clicking within her. It was subtle, so subtle she nearly missed it, but when his head rested against her beating heart, it was like the feeling she got when she suddenly recognized someone she had once loved out on the street. There was no time to dwell on that as she had to feed Harry, just as Bill and the twins came down for a snack. And Ron, seeming to miss his new friend began to wail loudly. Percy joined his tears when the two year old twins began smashing pieces of the bananas into his curly hair. The next few hours were hectic, as Molly struggled to get everything under control. Bill, her responsible nine year old, was very unhappy that he was sharing a room with the twins and chose that night to complain loudly for hours on end. And the devote mother spent an hour trying to chase the pixies she discovered in Charlie's closet out the window, all while trying to burp Harry and talk Bill through changing Ron's diaper. By the end of the night, all was right in the world and everyone in the house was asleep except for Molly and Harry. Harry had been quietly fussing all night, since he'd woken up. She'd tried feeding him, and rocking him, but nothing seemed to completely console the babe. So Molly Weasley sat down on her lumpy old couch and held the wee baby Potter in her arms. "Come now, Harry." She whispered, "Aren't you tired?" At the sound of her voice, the fussing stopped, and Harry Potter looked up at her with big green eyes. But the moment silence filled the air, he began to fuss once more. "Oh, I get it now." Immediately Harry quieted down once more, "You wanna talk, don't you? You want to have a little conversation with old Molly Weasley?" Maybe it was gas, but Harry Potter seemed to smile at the words. And so Molly talked and talked. She told Harry of how she met Arthur, and how important it was to not care about a wizards blood. She told him how to properly de-gnome a garden and exactly how many cubes of sugar Arthur takes in his tea. Molly let out a few tears as she told the baby about her brothers, the twins named Gideon and Fabian. And through it all, almond shaped green eyes never left hers, only interrupting with the occasional coo. It could have been minutes or hours that Molly whispered to the baby in the silent house. "You're a very good listener, Harry." Molly smiled down at the infant, "You'll make an excellent husband one day, she'll be a lucky woman." Then Harry gripped his little, chubby fingers around one of Molly's long and slender ones and Molly got that feeling again, like her soul somehow knew Harry's. "Do we know each other, Harry?" She laughed at the notion, but the baby seemed to blink meaningfully. "I reckon we do." She looked at the time, Harry's parents would be back any minute now, but Molly shamefully wished they would run late. Molly loved her children, but in her heart for a while it had felt like her family wasn't quite complete. She still had the feeling, but she felt more whole than she had before. "It's almost time for you to go, Harry." The baby's lids began to droop, heavy with sleep, "It's been so nice to have you here with us. I do hope you'll visit again soon." Molly couldn't explain the tears that were welling up. "It would be so nice for Ron to have a friend. And I do so love your company." Her voice quaked as his eyes shut and those green eyes were hidden from her view. Molly didn't know why she was so emotional, it wasn't as if it would be THAT long before she saw those eyes again. They had years of play dates, and Christmas parties, and babysitting ahead of them. Molly made mental note to invite the Potters to all of their future get togethers and was in the middle of picking the sapphire blue yarn she would use on the sweaters she planned on making all the Potters for Christmas when there was a knock at the door. Molly Weasley handed Harry over to his parents, who were thrilled to be reunited. There's no reason to be sad, she told herself as they turned to leave, I'll see him again before I know it. The Potters and the Weasley's have a bright future ahead of them. More than a decade later, Molly Weasley stood searching for the platform of nine and three quarters, scrambling to get her children all together when she saw him. All these years, all these stories and here he was, at Kings Cross station, looking much skinnier than she'd hoped he'd be. But that didn't change the fact that he'd just tugged on her sleeve. Jet black hair and almond shaped green eyes looked up at her and asked her where to go. The first thought that ran through her mind, before the answer to the question, was 'I know you'. It was then that it all clicked in to place. All of it. Even after Ginny was born, the daughter she had longed for, she'd still felt that missing piece and all this time it was him. Harry Potter, not the boy who lived, but the baby who she'd held just once in her life. Her final son. Careful not to overwhelm him, she helped him to the train. Waving goodbye to all her children, four with fiery red hair and one with jet black, who had no clue that she was waving to him too. And that night, Molly Weasley pulled from the bottom of her yarn pile an untouched and dusty ball of sapphire blue yarn and began to knit.