#this is just her between form but she can go big furry and fully human

[harvestmoth]

no one cares but im gonna oc post real quick

[sailtomarina]

Your Royal Highness

“DRACO!”

“What!?”

“DID YOU FEED CROOKSHANKS?”

He ran a hand across his stubbled jaw as he considered the behemoth cat glaring right back at him, yellow eyes narrowed in a squashed orange face. The food in the bowl between them sat untouched despite him having poured it out more than 10 minutes prior.

“I did, but he won’t eat it!”

Hermione rounded the corner into the kitchen in her smart dress suit, all tight fabric and curves. He reached out a hand for a grab that was easily swatted aside.

“That’s because you only gave him his dry kibble. You need to add some of the food in the fridge.”

As she whisked away the bowl, Draco leveled his best side eye at her familiar. The bastard sat there licking his paws without a care in the world, as if he was owed only what the best money had to offer. Which was ridiculous, really, because Draco actually knew everything that money could buy and that smug creature did not deserve it.

“Here, see? You need to use this amount and evenly mix it in.” She handed him back the cat dish before pecking him on the cheek, squeezing his bum (the hypocrite), and rushing to the Floo. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight!”

Draco turned to face off once more with his furry nemesis. “Here you go, your Royal Highness, Crookshanks of the Flat Face, Lord of the Hidden Cottage, Half-blood Kneazle King, and My Worst Enemy.”

He dropped the dish onto the counter and yanked his hand away just before the beast swiped it with claws fully extended.

“You better believe I’m grabbing me some witch arse tonight, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Draco really should have felt ashamed at taunting Hermione’s familiar; he was only a cat, after all. There were times where he swore the animal was smarter than some humans, including those two idiot sidekicks of hers. If there was one thing he was thankful for, it was that Crookshanks seemed to hate them even more than he hated Draco. Oddly enough, the cat seemed to only like his mother, and every time she visited he perched himself on Narcissa’s lap in the perfect picture of royalty, a queen and her pet.

His musing over a fresh cup of coffee screeched to a halt at the strange wetness that suddenly formed over his foot. “Oi!”

Crookshanks was nowhere to be seen, but a bloodied mouse rested next to his big toe where it had rolled, leaving a red streak across his sock. Draco knew enough about cats to realize that this was the beast’s response to his previous statement—Crookshanks didn’t just act without reason. Either this was a declaration of distrust in Draco’s ability to provide for his witch, or a sign of acceptance in the wizard’s continued presence in their lives. Or, perhaps it was both.

He muttered a stasis charm and bagged the rodent to bring over to the Potters’ next time they visited. Their boys had a pet snake that always appreciated Crookshanks’ hunts. He then sent his cup and the familiar’s food bowl to clean in the sink while he grabbed his briefcase and made his way towards Hogwarts for the first round of classes.

Crookshanks really was lucky to have offered that mouse today, because Draco had half a mind to see what kind of potions could be made from a kneazle, particularly one as intelligent as this one. He was fairly certain Hermione would forgive him depending on the outcome.

Maybe tomorrow.

WC 596

[emily-the-fae]

Sound of a Heartbeat

Part 3. Back to Business

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part4 - Part 5 - Part 6

Here I am, back with a new chapter. I have absolutely no betas, so this is what I get after editing the text myself.

Pairing: Dracula x OC

Warnings: absolutley none

What Shari did not expect, was to feel cold - in fact, there was now extremely unpleasant cold at her back and something burning warm and soft at her side, the juxtaposition making her shiver and move her shoulders. As soon as she did so, sharp pain shot through the left side of her neck, causing her to flinch and groan, straightening her shoulders carefully as not to evoke another shot of pain. Why-why-why does this have to sting so much all over again? Shari could hear some sounds around her - noises like obscured quiet dialogue, the voices were still undetectable, but she already had a hint of who they might belong to. Next there was a raspy sound of someone's - or something's - quick breathing right next to her ear. Light struck her eyes through closed eyelids, causing her to turn her head, wincing. There was a sound of footsteps coming closer. Some other noise, getting louder by second, until she finally heard...

- Shari! - as soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Sypha leaning above her, anxious face watching her reaction carefully, strands of red hair falling in front of her eyes.

Shari bolted upwards, nearly bumping into the speaker and instantly regretting it as sharp pain shot through her body, she bent forward, almost folding in half, then straightened up again, taking deep breaths. Alright, easy. This is what surviving feels like. She was going to live for now. Shari looked around: she was laying on the snowy forest floor next to a campfire, her body covered with a warm cape; the wood opening was lit in dim daylight, Sypha was crouching on the ground next to her, Adrian and Trevor staring at her from across the campfire; Rodo crawled closer, putting his muzzle onto her lap and wagging his short tail happily, his nose poking her belly.

She caressed his big furry head absentmindedly. Shari did not understand how the hell she managed to make it back, especially considering her health condition. She was expecting anything, but home sweet home among the three friends on the other side of the water.

Something moved on the edge of her peripheral vision, between the trunks of the trees and Shari had to turn her shoulders fully in order to keep her neck as immobile as possible, as she tried to look in the direction of the movement. She saw a shadowy figure of the ghost stare at her, hovering immobile close to the edge of the trees. Oh, Lisa Tepes is not going to leave her alone now. She knew Shari would survive, somehow the damned woman just knew it. Now the healer could be sure the ghost will stick to her for some time and continue the scheme of "go and save the world". A very pleasant beginning of the day.

- Lord, it's so good that you're back. We seriously thought that we might lose you, - Sypha threw her arms around Shari's neck, for the time being taking the healer's thoughts off her new acquaintance. - I tried all I could, you know, magic and other stuff... Adrian almost suggested turning you, - Shari snorted. Like hell he would have.

- How long was I...?

- Three days, - Sypha's face was probably as pale as her own. The poor girl must have done all she was capable of to keep Shari alive.

- To be honest, I am quite surprised that my father didn't finish what he started, but I am anyway relieved, that you are well, - Adrian walked up to her and petted her shoulder. - I'm so sorry we weren't there to help you straight away.

- It's fine, Adrian, we couldn't have predicted that he would pay us a visit. It's not anybody's fault, - no it is. My own and yours too, it was a dumb idea to leave the most battle-unprepared person alone. Shari shut the voice in her head and smiled weakly.

Trevor just nodded from across the fire, listening to their exchange; he watched the three of them, his gaze from time to time drifting back to Shari, or rather to the reddened patch on her neck. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, as if hesitant to speak, then finally spilled it out:

- How did he attack you? How did he find us? Did he speak? – the hunter started throwing questions at her and Shari got a strong feeling of being interrogated.

- I-I don't know, - Shari almost lied, throwing a cautious glance at Lisa. - He just, sort of, appeared and attacked me that's mostly it.

- He probably watched us. She was alone, so he decided to weaken us by removing the one left vulnerable, - Adrian finished, lowering himself on the ground next to the healer. Shari didn't want to respond, dropping herself to her improvised bed in exhaustion.

- You must be more or less right. That night is a bit foggy in my memory, really, - she huffed.

- He has a nasty habit of putting his victims under hypnosis, so your condition is quite - I almost said normal - quite to be expected I dare say, - Adrian mumbled matter-of-factedly, his palm coming up to caress her head and brush away a few stray strands of hair from her face. Shari felt her stomach turn in fear at the word "victims", she breathed out heavily. Silence followed.

- Guys, seriously, I feel drained... - Shari stretched as well as she could; Sypha snorted at her involuntary pun. - Can I please just rest for a while?

- Of course. Take your time and gain some strength. You'll need it soon, - Adrian spoke before anyone could respond. He stretched out his hand to take her palm in his for a moment, capturing her attention. - You deserve some rest. Thank you... For not dying on us. Really, - his tone began to be uncharacteristically serious, but as he ended his words in a chuckle, Shari could only breath out and smile warmly. Sypha just nodded and hurried to cover her once more with the large warm cape - the healer wasn't sure if it was Adrian's of Trevor's.

Shari lay back in peace for once, feeling Rodo's large warm form next to herself and letting the sounds of the forest wash over her. Maybe she could at least get some normal sleep.

***

When she woke up the next time, it was already deep in the night. The fire was burning low, Sypha and Trevor sleeping soundly on the ground around it, curled into two freezing balls, an empty bottle next to Trevor's hand - as per usual - and Adrian nowhere to be seen. Rodo purred in discontent, shaking his sleepy red eyed head, when Shari tried to sit up.

There was a shadow at the edge of the trees once again watching the small campsite intently; Shari could see it clearly its outline hiding behind the tree trunks. Lisa. The woman caught her gaze and beckoned her to come closer. Shari shook her head at first, but the woman only continued gesturing more aggressively; she hesitated for a while, contemplating whether she should just turn on her side and go back to sleep, then stood up at last almost against her own will, walking up to the ghost cautiously, ready for any unpleasant surprise. She felt like she was going to regret even this small decision.

Lisa, seeing her move, turned away and walked further into the tree shadows, leading the human away from the campfire; Shari could barely follow her transparent form, walking through the bushes careful not to make too much noise that could awaken her unaware companions. Rodo ran behind his human, smelling the air around him for any traces of life, his huge claws making him clumsy as he trotted through the bushes. At first Shari could barely see her way, cursing under her breath as she went until all of a sudden she found herself in an opening once more, a small free patch of ground formed around an old fallen tree, it's darkened trunk laying on the ground and clearing some space around it; Shari saw the ghost settle on top of the trunk as if sitting down on a bench, gesturing for the human to do the same. Shari walked closer and lowered herself next to the woman. It was silent for a few moments.

- Did you really have to do that? - Shari spoke up.

- Do what? - Lisa responded.

- Appear to me. Rush my decisions.

- I didn't. In fact, I tried to tell you to think it over, if you remember?

- Oh yes, you didn't intimidate me with the prospects of returning to Earth straight for a painful fight, - sarcasm it is.

- I needed you to be out here.

Silence once more.

- Why don't they see you? Adrian and others - you were there in the morning, but they didn't notice. Are you just a hallucination? In my head? I’m going insane, am I? - Shari asked. The ghost sighed in response, lowering her head.

- No, no. I believe, you... Crossed some border because of almost dying. You aren't supposed to be seeing me now, it never happened to me before... Maybe you are able to see the other dead too. Maybe it's just me because I tried to connect to you, - Lisa answered, unconfident, studying the girl's face. - I was never exactly an expert in the paranormal field.

- You raised a vampire son.

- That's different!

Pause.

- I'm still not going to go looking for Dracula, - Shari stated.

- You can go looking for his castle instead then, - Lisa was seemingly unworried about her decision.

- Looking for his castle?! Do you even hear yourself? How is that supposed to be "instead"? How.. Wait, why?

- Well, as you said, you want to hold onto your life - he has the answer to your sickness, your salvation - I know, I remember, I've been to his library - if you manage to find the castle, you will as well find the cure, - Lisa smiled knowingly at Shari's visible confusion. The healer wrinkled her nose, thinking. Now there was something to it – could be possible; a chance for longer survival, if the stories didn’t lie; besides Dracula is quite busy and Lisa had told her she watched over him. But still...

- Oh no, I'm not buying this. You're just telling this to me, because you want me to encounter him. He very obviously will be there and will certainly be not happy about a human intruder. I won't go, nope, - Shari replied.

- Don't you think it's the better option of not encountering him? - there was a smirk on the ghost's face now.

- Oh, yes, why would that be?

- He's following you four around, he said it himself, so he will definitely notice you are still alive and quite soon. But I do know he is not as often in his castle nowadays - so if you leave the others, in fact, you will have better chances of...

- Alright, alright, Lady Logic, I get it. What's in it for you then? Making me search the castle? Sounds all too good for me and nothing for you, as you place it. What do you have in mind?- Shari stared at the ghost suspiciously, waiting for the answer.

- His castle and all its movement is controlled only from the inside, I know it for sure. And maybe, just maybe, together we could find a way to reverse this war with minimum blood. If we find a way to stick the castle to one place, he will have to be more careful, because his safe place will grow more vulnerable. As for Adrian and your team out there – they wouldn’t be able to ambush him. Drawn in that condition they may have more time and necessity to… reconsider some of their tactics. Who says diplomacy should work without a little destructive help? You and I – together we can create the needed mess, - Lisa responded. This sounded almost like a rehearsed speech. - Magic and knowledge: if you help it may actually work out.

- And that's all? - Shari raised an eyebrow.

- Yes.

- Too simple.

- Only on speech, - Lisa tilted her head towards Shari. - Do we have a deal?

- I don't trust you, - Shari cut back. - You're nice and all, but I don't trust you, - she stood up from the tree trunk.

- You don't have to. But we need each other, you have to admit it, - the ghost responded with an amused smile. Shari really wanted to shut her ears and run away. This was no good. There was no way the ghost wasn't lying about Dracula deserting his castle; Adrian said he wouldn't... Though Adrian didn't expect him to be watching them either.

- Okay. Say I do trust you – for now. What do I do? How do I get away and to his castle without Adrian?

- Leave tomorrow. Tell them you need to go and settle some personal matter – or rest somewhere peaceful, that you know of a small village to rest in for a while. That you're sick and solving it - it's not far from the truth. You'll catch up with them in some time… possibly, - Lisa told it all as if she had planned the whole thing a long time ago, which unnerved Shari quite a lot.

- Will I though? - mistrust once again.

- Depends on you, - the ghost dissolved into thin air. - Remember, we both need each other.

[unityghost]

Strangers

Here’s some new fanfiction for those of you who wanted to see some (and I know some of you did). Sorry for my cat delaying the writing process by shoving her chonky little body into my lap.

Have fun with the angst that occasionally makes me question my decision to refrain from anonymity.

Part 28 of Post-Asmodeus Sabriel Feels because I can’t stop myself. Find the full series here.

That Thursday afternoon, two days after they had left early in the morning for Missouri, Dean and Sam returned home.

Gabriel, who was aware of Sam’s impending return, had left his door open so that Sam could simply enter if he wanted.

Sam knocked on the doorframe anyway. “Hey.”

“Hey,” said Gabriel. “Nice gash on your knuckles there, soldier. You didn’t even try to clean yourself up, did you?”

Sam glanced down at the offending hand. “I was distracted, I guess. And I thought it wasn’t really important.”

“What the hell did that to you? Pennywise?”

“The witch had a familiar. Guess she’d trained it to go after anyone who might want to mess with her.” “Was her familiar a saber-toothed tiger?”

“Not exactly, no.”

“A wolf?”

“No. She had a, uh - ” Sam cleared his throat. “A gerbil she’d probably done some powerful spellwork on.”

“Perfect! There’s your story for any awkward silence at the next family reunion. Can I try and heal you? You got bitten like chum.”

“Definitely not. Don’t waste any of your grace on this.”

“Whether ‘this’ was from the Loch Ness monster or a jacked class pet doesn’t make any difference to me. Come on, get over here.”

Sam gave a sigh and stepped nearer so that he could offer his hand. Gabriel grabbed him by the wrist and examined the wound, which was no longer bleeding but evidently had not been properly sanitized.

He pressed his thumb into the jagged cut, waited a moment (I’m gonna look like a tool if this doesn’t work), and let a warm pulse of grace permeate the skin. Gabriel’s own human form crawled with gooseflesh as the surge of power rose up and then ebbed out of him. He pulled away once the damage was no longer visible.

“Look at that!” he declared, taken aback by the pride in his voice. “No big deal.”

Sam studied his hand and then grinned at Gabriel. “Thanks. Nice work.”

“Keep away from any and all furry fiends, Sam.” A wave of exhaustion overtook Gabriel on the tail end of the sentence. “Yeah, um … listen, I’m glad you’re safe and sound. And I guess maybe it’s been a long morning or something, so I’m gonna go ahead and kick back for a good half hour or so. That sound okay to you?”

“You’re tired because you just used up your grace.” Gabriel could see it: Sam was making a conspicuous effort not to appear perturbed. “Gabe, man, you really didn’t - ”

“It’s not that, it’s not that; I just … I just need …” Gabriel rubbed his forehead. “Whatever, I’m all right; I just want to lie down for a few minutes. You know me. I’m like Manhattan: sexy, psychotic, and eternally sleepless.”

Sam looked concerned, but nodded. “Sure. I’ll be around if you need anything.”

Once Sam had left, closing the door in his wake, Gabriel felt sleep overcome him in a way it typically didn’t when he tried to fall asleep at night. His entire body was worn down, as if he had forced it to its limits over a number of hours. He almost wished he hadn’t offered to heal Sam; what use would he be if something more serious came up?

But he had little time to dwell on the question, as exhaustion overwhelmed the ability to think.

He slept deeply, as he almost never did; and in the abyss of his own subconscious, he heard voices.

I can’t be alone with them, I can’t; I don’t know them!

Shut your mouth, you spoiled little weasel. They gon’ be good to you; ain’t that right, boys?

I don’t know them; I don’t know them!

Oh, well now, you’ll get to know them soon enough. And ain’t these fellas just so lucky to ignite a friendship with my favorite archangel? Sometimes I wish I could make your acquaintance all over again, boy. There ain’t nothin’ like the first time.

I don’t know them; I don’t know them! Please, no, wait! Why won’t you listen to me? Why won’t you touch me? Stop it! Stop it! Look at me! Help me!

What happened in his dreams seemed to last hours; and indeed, when the door creaked open and a small voice called his name, the time was 5:00 P.M. - three and a half hours since Gabriel had told Sam he needed rest.

“Are you okay?” Jack called. “Sam told me to come check on you.”

With the flat, bitter taste of afternoon slumber in his mouth, Gabriel sat up. His face felt warm where it had pressed into the pillow. “Yeah. Yes. Apparently Sam went and got himself chewed up by a bloodthirsty hamster, and I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal to try and fix it. Guess I had less in me than I thought.”

Jack nodded. “Okay. It was a gerbil, by the way. Not a hamster.”

“Whatever. Something in the category of small, furry, and unexpectedly lethal.”

“You know how witches are. Imagine what Rowena could do with a gerbil.”

Gabriel yawned. “Guess I’ve never thought about it.”

“You’re not shaking, are you?”

“Me? Nah.”

Jack stared at him. "I don't like seeing you like this."

"No refunds. Sorry, little guy.”

Jack watched him for a few moments, then strode over to the bed and wrapped his arms around Gabriel.

Jack pulled away, crestfallen. "Oh. I'm ... I'm sorry. I guess I thought I could help. If I had my powers, I ... maybe I could do more."

Gabriel shook his head. "Doubt it, bud. Don't feel bad, all right? This isn't about anything you're doing wrong. It's about me being too icky for you. Don't want you to get whatever disease it is I've turned into." Gabriel hadn’t anticipated this bitterness, especially not in front of Jack. The rush of self-loathing had seized him without warning.

Jack's expression creased into an odd mix of horror and puzzlement. Perhaps he sensed that these words were troubling, but didn’t fully understand them.

“You go ahead and tell Sam I’ll be right out,” Gabriel said, feeling as though he had just violated his nephew in some way. “Go on, let him know. I just need to stretch, all right?”

Slowly, Jack nodded. “Are you upset because I hugged you?”

“No! No, come on; I’m not upset over that, or over anything else. Don’t worry so much. I’m a grown-ass angel and can take care of my own damn self. And even if I couldn’t, the job isn’t yours.”

Jack seemed uncertain of what to say in response, so he simply nodded again, forced a smile, and exited the bedroom.

“Close the door,” Gabriel called. “I like to get my bearings in solitude.”

“Sure,” said Jack, although he sounded anything but sure.

Once the door was shut and Jack’s footsteps - lighter than Sam’s, more staccato - Gabriel squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. He would have liked to have been able to shake the dream off before heading into the hall, before seeing anyone else, but it stirred its way through his insides and refused to leave.

Once he had some semblance of composure, he dragged himself out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, where he found Jack and Sam sitting at the table in conversation.

Gabriel was disappointed but not surprised to hear Jack say, “And I think something might be wrong with him, but I don’t really know what” before both of them fell silent upon Gabriel’s entry.

“Oh, hey,” said Sam. There was a mug of coffee in front of him, still steaming. “You feeling okay? Were you asleep that whole time?”

“I …”

Sam glanced at Jack, who looked troubled. “Give us a minute.”

“I don’t think it’s true,” Jack said, not to Sam but to Gabriel. “It’s not true what you said about being able to take care of yourself.” He sounded bewildered.

No, Gabriel realized, He sounds hurt.

“I know when you’re not telling me the truth,” Jack said.

Before Gabriel could respond, Sam put a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “For now, Jack. Okay?”

Jack looked back and forth between Sam and Gabriel, helpless, frustrated - and then jerked himself out of Sam’s grip and left the room.

Gabriel watched him leave. Once Jack was out of earshot, he said, “Kid’s messed up. My fault. He needs you more than I do.”

“No. No, he’s all right. He just wants to help and doesn’t know how.”

“Well, that’s not how things are supposed to be.”

“So, um …” Sam sat down. He was probably expecting Gabriel to do the same, but Gabriel felt more comfortable standing up. “What happened? Is something wrong? Jack said - ”

“I heard what Jack said.” Gabriel looked down, examining the floor.

“Are you okay?” Sam pressed.

“I’m fine.”

“You want me to ask Jack? See if he can confirm?”

Jack, who had been sent in place of Sam; who had been given the unfortunate duty of making sure that his uncle wasn’t in urgent need of help. Jack, who should have been too young to know anything of Gabriel’s pain. Jack, who was incapable of choosing for himself whether to opt in as caregiver or to step away from what he didn’t know - couldn’t know - was too heavy for such a naive spirit.

“No,” Gabriel said. “I would like to humbly request that you not ask him a single freakin’ thing.”

“Did you have bad dreams?”

The images floated into the present, still warm. He saw the face of a stranger (a demon whose presence had been background noise during Gabriel’s imprisonment, but who apparently had taken up space in his memory), bloated with derision and the definite appetite that only manifested in nightmares.

“Yeah,” Gabriel told Sam. “But - I mean, that’s, you know - ” Words hummed into static as he tried to think of just what to confess, and whether he ought to say anything at all. It wouldn’t necessarily do any good for either of them - and especially not for Sam, who had had only a few hours to recover from his encounter with a witch and her maniacal gerbil.

Sam gave him a moment to think before stepping in. “Look, Gabe, don’t take this the wrong way, but I think I can tell when something’s the matter with you. Jack isn’t the only one.”

“Stop talking about Jack!” Gabriel snapped, and Sam blinked in surprise.

He asked, “Can I maybe do anything to help?”

Gabriel could tell that Sam feared pushing conversation, confession, or counsel. Sam wanted to know; Sam had every right to know. Gabriel owed him at least some piece of the truth. And so he said: “I’m sorry. Maybe I just missed you while you were away.”

Sam smiled at him. “You knew I was coming back, right?”

“Sure I did.” A pause, and then: “However, there is the minor possibility that the halfway point between ‘I’ll be right back’ and ‘I’ll head home once you’ve taken out the trash’ got lost in translation.”

Sam didn’t seem to immediately understand what Gabriel meant. When his look of puzzlement became one that Gabriel couldn’t quite identify - resigned, but also horrified - Sam got to his feet and took a few steps toward Gabriel and held out the hand that, just hours earlier, had sported an ugly wound.

“Oh please,” Gabriel said. “We don’t have to do this. You don’t need to suckle me. Maybe I’m just a little shaky after kicking my grace into gear. I mean, don’t think I’m not glad to have used it; your hand looks a hundred times - ”

“Gabriel,” Sam said, “I missed you too.”

The kitchen tilted and fogged. Sam jolted forward and caught him as Gabriel’s knees buckled, although he hadn’t felt particularly weak or faint up until that moment.

Like a punch to the jaw, he thought. Enough force at once and down you go.

Sam helped him to sit at the table.

“That was on purpose,” said Gabriel. “I was trying to do a cartwheel.”

“Can I get you some water? Some coffee? There’s still a lot left.”

Gabriel shook his head. “I don’t need - I mean, there’s not much to be done when everything around me is fine.”

Sam squinted at him. “Have you eaten anything today?”

“Yes. I’m all right.” He glanced away. “Or I thought I was.”

Sam hesitated for a few seconds. Then he asked: “Did you really think I wasn’t going to come back?”

“No, that’s not what I thought.”

“Honestly, Gabriel?”

Gabriel sagged in the chair. “What difference does it make? My intuition isn’t exactly razor-fine these days. I knew you were coming back. You’ve got family here. You’ve got every reason in the world to dust your rodent-bitten hands of whatever case, turn around, and head home.”

“You can come with me next time, if you want.”

“No, I - ” The idea of Sam being forced to tote him around like a needy child humiliated Gabriel. “I just see everything as a landmine, that’s all. You know what? You could tell me, ‘By the way, we’re thinking of retiling the bathroom’ and my first thought would be, ‘Have they been hinting that I’m supposed to retile the bathroom and I was too dense to pick up on it? Are they angry? Can I do something to make up for not retiling the bathroom? Did they run out of tasks to keep me around and are trying to think of some other use for me, or - ’”

“Okay,” Sam interrupted, “I get the picture. The important thing is I’m back now; I’m here, and you’re okay. It’s all okay.”

“Great. I can feel my troubles drifting away like spider silk on the summer breeze.”

“I know it’s easier said than believed, but that still doesn’t make it less true.”

Gabriel straightened up a little. The room was no longer spinning. “Sam, I know that you wouldn’t just, you know, completely disappear. I know that, okay? And even if you did go AWOL, I’ve got a whole team over here; it’s not like you’d be replaced with a stranger or - or anyone who wanted to hurt me. I know that,” he emphasized, and Sam, looking concerned, didn’t reply. “But,” Gabriel added, “I think I may have fallen into a little bit of an old pattern without realizing it. And I can’t really say why now, out of the blue. It isn’t as if you haven’t left for days at a time to do your job.”

“Is this the first time you ever felt that way when I left? Like I wasn’t going to come home? Like I was going to leave you to someone else?”

“Yes,” Gabriel said, before he realized that that was actually wrong. In fact, he couldn’t remember an instance of Sam traveling when Gabriel hadn’t been, at the very least, nervous about being left without him. “I mean, no, but I haven’t had a nightmare about it. Not one this bad, not one this gruesome.” He swallowed. “I guess I was catching up on lost sleep, especially after using my grace.”

“What’d you dream about?”

“Oh, I dreamed about Asmodeus. And about some other demon I thought I’d maybe forgotten. One who watched over me once or twice when he - when Asmodeus - had other business to attend to. He would do to me everything Asmodeus did, only - only when he did it, it just felt different, because I didn’t even know his name. I used to plead with Asmodeus not to go, but sometimes he had to, I guess, and he left me. I look back on it, and I see that he couldn’t have stuck around for me all the time, but - ”

“Gabriel,” Sam interjected, “Can I ask you something?”

“Is it a less foreboding question than ‘can I ask you something’?”

“I want to know,” Sam said, “Why you end up trying to defend him.”

“What? I don’t do that.”

“Yeah, you do. He had no right to - ”

“I know, I know. He was in the wrong; I was the unwitting beaten animal. I don’t want to talk about that.”

“I just don’t want you to - ”

“In any case, when he left I felt exposed. When it was him, I mostly knew what to expect, even if it was just a familiar face. I remember screaming and begging with him not to leave me by myself, either with no one or with someone I didn’t really know. I remember him laughing at me whenever I did that, or just pretending like he couldn’t hear me.” Gabriel shivered.

Sam took his hand. “It’s okay. That won’t happen to you again.”

“Yeah, I know that.”

“Good.”

“What are we gonna do about Jack?”

“Jack? I told you, Jack’s fine.”

“No, he’s confused. He thinks he wants to help me, and he doesn’t know that he can’t. Of everything that’s eaten away at his innocence, I think I might be the biggest culprit.”

“What? Jeez, Gabriel, that really couldn’t be farther from the truth. And anyway, I thought you didn’t want to talk about Jack anymore.”

“I want to be better for him. Or I at least want him to see something that isn’t this. Something that isn’t me the way I am now.”

“Don’t twist yourself in knots over Jack. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Why did you send him in?”

Sam frowned. “When? To check on you?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know, I was making coffee and I thought he might like to see you.” Sam suddenly looked troubled. “That’s really all it was. I wasn’t trying to stay away from you.”

“Yeah. I, uh … I know.” Gabriel focused on breathing steadily - not too shallow, not too deep - and on the weight of Sam’s hand. “You get it, right? That I trust the others, I do; but I don’t trust them the same way, exactly. You know? I can’t help that. I try, and I can’t. They care a lot; they show that they care and I like that. But it still - it feels different with you. I wish I could get everyone on the same level, Sam; it’d only be fair to you, and to them, if I could learn not to be afraid of anybody. I just don’t know how to be as okay with them as I am with you. I keep trying to fight that - I keep trying to remind myself that nobody here is dangerous. And that maybe I can ask them for the same things I would come to you for. You know, after a nightmare, or when my mind goes dark. It just feels different when you’re gone, Sam.”

Sam squeezed his hand. “That’s okay.”

“I don’t - ” Gabriel’s throat was tight. “I’m not - I still find Castiel sometimes, when I need help in the middle of the night. Wanna give you a break. He helps. Next to you, he’s the one who feels least like Asmodeus. I mean, there’s Jack, of course, but he’s a different ballgame. I can’t tell my brother the truth, though. I can’t tell him that I don’t really want him. He tries so hard and he’s a superstar. Even when I’m awake, with him, and - and crying, or sick, I can never bring myself to tell him what I’m really thinking. I can’t explain to him that a part of why I can’t really calm myself down is that I feel like I need you there.”

Sam seemed at a loss. “I don’t think that would bother Cas.”

“It’s difficult; it’s confusing to need the things that I do. It’s confusing to be this lost and out of control and dependent. I don’t think I’m handling it right.”

“There’s no right way. No wrong way, either.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, Sam, but that’s just plain not true. There is a whole world of wrong ways to move through this experience. Someone with more sense would know that the aftermath of something like what happened to me isn’t as bad as being in the thick of it. But me, I can’t seem to get the one stubborn foot out of Hell no matter how hard I pull at it.” Gabriel felt his heartbeat entwine with the knot in his throat, making it hard to breathe. “I’m not supposed to need this.”

“To need what?”

“Not supposed to need to cry, I guess. I don’t think that’s the right way to get through this. What good’s crying gonna do, you know? It’s not helpful and it’s degrading.”

“It’s pretty normal, I think.”

“I don’t want it to become so frequent that - that you - ” As if his body was in a state of defiance, he felt tears slip down the edges of his nose. “That you see it so much it becomes background noise. That you don’t think - that you don’t take it seriously. I think that was part of why he started to just turn away from me. He’d seen me upset too many times to think anything of it.”

“Jesus, Gabriel, you keep trying to make this into your fault.”

“I want you to know that when I can’t - can’t hold myself together, it means nothing.”

“That’s not what I think when you cry, Gabriel.”

“After a while, though - ”

“No. And besides, you know how I feel about trying to keep it all inside.”

“Can we, uh - ” Gabriel dragged a shaking hand across his cheeks. “Can we maybe go somewhere else? I don’t want Jack to walk in and see this.”

“I can take you to my room. Can you get to your feet okay?”

Gabriel nodded and stood up, although the task proved more of a challenge than he had anticipated. Something in him was desperate not to move: he wanted to hide, to seek shelter in his own smallness.

“Come on.” Sam took his shoulder and steered him down the hall. Gabriel trained his eyes on the floor; if Jack was nearby, Gabriel wouldn’t have known.

Sam shut the door behind them as they entered the bedroom. Gabriel immediately curled up on the bed, face in his knees, hands gripping his hair.

He felt Sam sit next to him. “Hey, buddy, deep breaths.”

Gabriel couldn’t bring himself to look up. He hated himself for what he wanted just then: more than anything, he hoped that Sam would put an arm around him, or that Sam would hold him. But Sam was probably using caution, afraid that Gabriel would recoil from touch.

I don’t need that anyway, Gabriel told himself. I don’t need it. I don’t. I don’t need that.

“Not sure if this makes any difference,” Sam said after a while, “But try not to forget that I - that all of us - we understand what it feels like, you know. At least in some way. We all know what it’s like to want to look good for each other. All of us have been hurt pretty bad at some point. We don’t need each other any less than you need me. And we know how it feels to not want to tell the truth about that.”

Gabriel turned his head so that it rested sideways on his knees and he could look at Sam, who went on: “I just want you to keep in mind that however much you don’t like how things are right now, this isn’t you having a weird reaction to Amsodeus. I know it feels gross, but it isn’t wrong, Gabriel.”

“Doesn’t really matter,” Gabriel whispered. “I feel like I’m wrong just because of whatever it is he made me into. I’m disgusting.”

“You’re really not.”

“I can feel it, Sam. The feeling of just being something wrong. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“You don’t have to,” Sam told him, and Gabriel’s chest tightened at the realization that Sam knew precisely the feeling he was talking about.

“I wonder what he thought when he saw me like this,” Gabriel said hoarsely. “Sometimes he wasn’t exactly upfront about what was going on in his mind. What did he think when he saw this diseased little rodent clawing for a split second’s attention?”

Sam looked vaguely ill at these words. “It doesn’t matter what he thought of you.”

“It does matter, because I want to know that you aren’t thinking the same thing about me.”

“Well, I certainly don’t see you as a … a ‘diseased rodent.’ Where’d you come up with that? Gerbil still on your mind, huh?”

Gabriel couldn’t bring himself to return Sam’s half-hearted smile.

“I don’t see that at all,” Sam insisted. “I just see you.”

“Ugh. That’s worse.”

“You’re different. I see that. And I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to you being so … different. Not because it’s bad; not because it’s wrong. Just because it’s, you know …”

“Different,” Gabriel muttered.

“Right. Because ‘different’ is what happens when you’ve had everything taken from you.”

Gabriel was silent.

“You’re still Gabriel, though,” Sam reminded him.

Gabriel closed his eyes. “I don’t know if that’s what I want to be.”

“You have a choice now. You can be Gabriel any way you like.”

Gabriel hid his face again.

So Sam saw him. He saw Gabriel. And when Sam saw this terrified, sobbing phantom of what Gabriel had once been, did he really think he was seeing the true Gabriel?

And why? Gabriel thought. Why won’t he touch me?

Sam’s voice broke through once more. “Asmodeus didn’t leave you with anything good, Gabriel. All he gave you was violence and fear and shame. And look - I don’t know about you, but I think it makes sense that it’d take some work to get back any of the good things he kept out of reach.”

Gabriel raised his head, showcasing what he felt was probably a grotesquely tear-stained visage. “Sure it does. Except that if he kept all that for so long, he must have had a reason. I don’t know that I want to put up a fight for happiness I don’t even deserve.”

“You do deserve it, and you should put up a fight.”

“I don’t know if I - ”

“Then I’ll put up a fight,” Sam said. “Okay?”

Almost involuntarily, as if seizing, Gabriel jerked sideways and used both hands to grab onto Sam’s arm. He squeezed tightly, not sure exactly what he was doing or why. It felt primitive and desperate.

Sam’s features softened. “Hey, hey …”

“Is it okay?” Gabriel asked hoarsely. “Is it okay if I touch you?”

“Of course it’s okay.”

The bewilderment in Sam’s voice served as a reminder that Gabriel was being stupid and overly cautious, that Sam definitely didn’t mind touching him, ever; but the fear was present no matter how irrational Gabriel understood it to be.

In fact, he realized, it wasn’t fear that plagued him as he worried about Sam’s potential aversion: it was something nearer shame.

Yes, he thought, of course he was ashamed - he wasn’t afraid of Sam not wanting to touch him; he was guilty that he wanted Sam to touch him when he knew that nobody should have to.

“What’s wrong?” asked Sam, seeing that Gabriel hadn’t moved and was still clutching Sam’s arm.

“I don’t know,” Gabriel mumbled. “I think I might just be stupid.”

“No! You’re not stupid; you’re stressed.”

“I thought - you know, if you wanted to keep your hands to yourself, it’d be justified.”

“What? Listen, if you need something from me, Gabriel - some time to talk, or a hug - ”

“I can ask, I know. But I - ”

“But you don’t.”

“Well yeah, because what if you don’t want me around?”

“Come on, Gabriel, I do want you around.” Sam put a hand on Gabriel’s arm and pulled him in for an embrace. “God, you’re gonna drive yourself crazy.”

“Oh, that ship left the dock a long time ago.”

They sat in silence for several minutes. Sam held onto him, and Gabriel didn’t try to hug back. He just let himself lean against Sam, not speaking, not crying.

“Sam,” he said finally.

“Yeah?”

“Please don’t get it into your head that you can’t leave to do your job. Don’t ever feel guilty about not being in my immediate vicinity just because I’m scared of my own reflection. Okay?”

“Sure, Gabriel. Okay.”

“I really mean it. Don’t let this change the way you operate. I came into your life by accident and you don’t need to take maternity leave for something that shouldn’t have thrown your life into chaos.”

Sam laughed. “I wasn’t working nine to five before you showed up, Gabriel.”

“You know what I mean, don’t you?”

“I do. I get it. You don’t have to worry about that; I’m glad you’re here. I like having you around. I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t being honest.”

Gabriel wasn’t sure how to explain that, in some ways, it would have been easier to accept the notion that Sam was lying.

Instead, he said: “I was so afraid of him, Sam.”

“I know.”

“He … but I was afraid of being left alone, too. Sometimes. I was afraid of the other demons, the ones I didn’t know. I never knew what to expect from them. They had weapons, and tricks, and insults, and - even the stupid ones were terrible; any simpleton can learn what violence is. And they watched him; they knew how to hurt me. They’d seen what he did to me. I was his toy and they were just happy to get a turn.”

Sam stiffened.

“So when you’re gone,” Gabriel whispered into his shoulder, “And I’m here with someone else, anyone else, a little of that just creeps on in. That’s all. I knew you were coming back, but I felt differently. I know Dean doesn’t want to hurt me. Or Cas, or Jack. When it was just me and those two, I didn’t - I knew I wasn’t threatened. None of this crew have ever given me any reason to believe I’m in danger around them. It’s just a dumb feeling.”

Sam sighed. “No, it’s not dumb. But you’re right: they’re not going to do anything to you.”

“When he’d come back,” Gabriel added, “He would brutalize me all over again. Taking my grace whenever there was enough to go around. Beating me until I couldn’t remember my own name. Just tearing me apart in any way he could.” Gabriel shook his head. “Didn’t matter how much I cried. He thought it was funny. ‘What a whiner,’ he’d say. ‘It’s almost like you think you didn’t deserve it.’”

“Gabriel, god!”

“Yeah, and then he’d - you know - off he’d go, leaving me sobbing like a baby. I kept hoping he’d hear me from wherever he was; I thought maybe he’d at least pay me some attention. Even if it was just to yell at me. No one wants to be wailing into their own blood and vomit solo.

“But it was my fault, always my fault. It was always me. I was the one who’d said something out of bounds; I was the one who asked for something I wasn’t supposed to want; I was the one who - who - ” Gabriel pressed himself against Sam. “And if he did show up, he’d ignore me. Turn his back, go about his business. I may as well have been any soul in Hell, just radio static.

“And when he did notice me, when he decided to stop shutting me out, he’d just say to shut up; or sometimes, for whatever reason, he would switch things up and give me a little spoonful of comfort before finding some other reason to grab me off the floor and slam me into the wall and then hold me down so he could play.”

Sam took a shivery breath. “I - yeah. Yeah, okay. Okay.”

“So when you’re gone, Sam, I can’t always think rationally. It’s as if maybe you want nothing to do with me, and the others - well, Sam’s not here to protect this nuisance who’s taken over our lives, so let’s get in what we can. And then it’s - it’s - if you don’t come back, what am I supposed to do? Who am I supposed to trust?”

There was a pause. When Sam replied, he sounded restrained. “I really didn’t think about that.”

“Because there’s no reason to! Because you’ve got a brain that operates according to fact! Whereas mine leaps in any direction it sees fit in response to any threat, any hazard. And Sam, everything is a threat. Everything is a hazard. Compared to you, the others are strangers to me, and I don’t like strangers; I don’t trust them; I don’t know them.”

“I would never leave you with strangers.”

“And you shouldn’t have to leave me with anyone, Sam! I’m supposed to be able to watch over myself like a damn grown-up! But I can’t, not anymore; and who knows if the day will ever come when I’ll be able to take care of myself again? The important thing is I know you aren’t leaving me with strangers. What little remains of my rational mind finds that obvious. But these old ways of thinking, they just - they’re next to impossible for me to shake off.”

“I know.”

“That’s all this is. Old habits. Old ways of looking at what’s around me. Or what’s not.”

“I guess I’m glad you know that.” By now, Sam sounded almost as shaken as Gabriel did.

“If I could just balance out the knowing and the feeling, everything would be a whole lot easier for every single one of us. And one thing I don’t understand is …” But he trailed off, afraid of saying something the wrong way, or of being misunderstood, or - worst of all - overstepping a boundary.

“What?” Sam asked. “What is it, Gabe?”

Gabriel shook his head.

Sam sighed. “Okay. All right.”

“No, it’s … all I was gonna say is that …” Gabriel was glad that Sam couldn’t see his face. “Maybe it’s because you were the only one who really tried, the only one who really showed a lot of concern for this deflated ragdoll of an angel that somehow ended up in your custody like a doorstep newborn. Maybe it’s just something about you, I don’t know. Something you have that the others don’t. I’m not sure, Sam. All I know is I have this - this gut-based terror about losing you. Not necessarily because you’ll get sick of me, but because - because - see, I don’t know. I feel it when you hold me like you are right now; the idea of letting go scares me more than Asmodeus ever did.”

He was afraid to look up, but he did; and Gabriel was horrified to see that Sam’s eyes were glossy with tears.

Gabriel wrenched himself away. “Don’t, don’t do that! I’m not trying to make anyone more upset. It’s not anything you’re doing wrong. It’s not that you could be doing anything different, Sam; you’re better at handling me than anyone has any right or reason to be.”

“Well …” Sam closed his eyes, gathered his composure. “Right.”

“I’m putting so much pressure on you with those words, aren’t I?” Gabriel was shivering now. “I’m making you think you have to be perfect, that you have to be next to me a hundred percent of the time.”

Sam swallowed and shook his head. “No, that’s not what I was thinking. I just wish you didn’t feel that way, is all. I wish you weren’t so … that he hadn’t made you feel like …”

“Right?” said Gabriel. “It’s hard to articulate, isn’t it? I can’t figure it out, and I don’t know what to do with it. Wanting the - needing to be taken care of the way I do lately, and needing it to be you, and being so scared to death that you might be there one second and gone the next. I don’t understand that feeling.

“There’s time to figure it out. Stop trying to force yourself to understand everything, Gabriel. You don’t have to, and it’ll probably come with time.” Sam looked flushed, but his eyes were dry now.

There was a sound from the hallway: a door opening, and small, tentative footsteps. They paused outside the door, and then moved on until neither Gabriel nor Sam could hear them.

“Jack came in and hugged me,” Gabriel told Sam.

“Oh. Sorry about that. I did say - ”

“No, it’s all right. I’m only bringing it up so you know you don’t have to warn him not to touch me. He can touch me. If he wants to.”

“What about what you want?”

“I … no, I just mean that maybe I’m not … not good for …” Gabriel gave a frustrated sigh, still speaking into Sam’s shoulder. “It’s fine.”

“I know you still worry about that.”

“About what?”

“I know that you worry about corrupting Jack.”

“I don’t know that I ever used the word ‘corrupt.’”

“But Gabriel, he cares about you. He looks up to you. And I know you think that’s a bad thing, but he likes you just the way you are now. He knows you’ve been through more than your fair share of trauma. He’s seen you when you’re not feeling your best. And he still wants to be around you. Listen, I’m not here to tell you what to do, but I really don’t think you should push him away.”

“I let him hug me! I’m not pushing him away. I’m trying to protect him.”

“But why? What good do you think is going to come of him seeing that you’re hurt, and walking away without any understanding of what’s going on? It’s better for him if he can learn how to help. Otherwise he’s going to feel like you don’t trust him.”

Gabriel froze. “Has … has he said that to you?”

“Not in so many words, no. He doesn’t always know how to articulate himself, or what’s frustrating him. You’re right: in a lot of ways, he’s just a kid. And I think instead of trying to stop him seeing you like this, you might teach him that wanting to help isn’t a bad thing. I just - I don’t want him to get the idea that he should try not to act the way he does. Loving you, caring about you. If you tell him no, if you keep trying to make him stay away from you when you most need somebody … he might get it into his head that he’s wrong to have those instincts.”

“Wait, what? What does that mean? So I’m - am I corrupting him by making it seem like it’s bad to be compassionate? That’s a whole new kind of crisis.”

“Not corrupting him. Just maybe sending a message that he finds confusing, since it goes against his nature.”

Gabriel considered this for a few moments.

Sam waited.

Then, finally Gabriel asked: “Where’d he go?”

“I don’t know. Back to the kitchen, maybe.”

“I guess I should talk to him, shouldn’t I?”

“You don’t have to. Not right now. Just let him in when he wants to give you what you need.”

“No, I - let me go find him.” Gabriel started to rise from the bed, but Sam gently pulled him back down.

“What?” Gabriel demanded. “You think I shouldn’t talk to him?”

“It’s not that,” Sam replied. “I just want to make sure you’re not mad at yourself.”

“Not any more than usual.”

“If you go to him and say you hate yourself for ‘corrupting’ him any which way, you’re both gonna miss my point.”

“Please,” Gabriel said. “I just - I really - will you please let me talk to him?”

Sam looked pained. “I’m not going to keep you from talking to him. It’s up to you. I just want to make sure you feel okay.”

Gabriel stood up again. “I never feel okay.”

“Why don’t I go get him for you?” Sam suggested.

“You can do that as long as you don’t give him a contract to sign about when it’s okay to touch me.” Gabriel wasn’t sure why this was such a sticking point for him, but Sam’s words about Jack’s natural character, and about his impulses to express affection, made it seem more logical.

“I’ll get him for you,” Sam repeated. “Gabriel - ”

“Please, Sam. Either you can grab the kid or I can, but I really want to talk to him.”

Sam nodded, studying him, making sure. Then he patted Gabriel on the shoulder and left the room.

Jack came in a couple of minutes later, looking nervous.

“Hey, bud,” said Gabriel.

Jack raised a hand in a silent, tentative greeting.

“Wanted to have a word. Sit?”

Jack sat beside him. “Am I in trouble?”

“Oh, please. You sound like your uncle.”

“Listen, if this is about me hugging you …”

“No, come on, kid; you didn’t do anything wrong.” Gabriel worried that Jack was picking up on some of his more neurotic interpersonal habits. “I wanted to thank you. And before you ask for what, you should know that you’re … you’re good, you’re a good bean; and I’m the one who isn’t doing what I should be. I’m not - Jack, I don’t mean to tell you to bug off when I know you only mean to help.”

“I know you think I’m too - ”

“I don’t think you’re too anything. I think I’m too - too me to let you get past a whole lot of nonsense. Look, I don’t wanna make this more complicated than it has to be; what I’m trying to say is that I’m not proud of myself for swatting at you like a fly when, in a perfect world, everybody would be like you.”

“Oh.” Jack looked down at his knees, thoughtful and perplexed.

“Don’t try to change yourself on account of my orneriness,” Gabriel clarified. “Be nice. Be good. Be you. You’ll just have to be patient with your stubborn old uncle. Sam can tell you that I’m difficult.”

Jack looked back up at him.

“Do you get what I’m saying?” Gabriel asked. “I don’t know how to explain it any more eloquently than that.”

Jack nodded. “I think I do.” Gabriel waited for him to explain the concept, to paraphrase what he had just been told; but Jack said nothing, and Gabriel could only assume that the message had gotten through.

Finally, Jack replied, “I’m sorry too.”

“No - kid - I’m trying to say you have nothing - ”

“I mean I’m sorry about what happened to you. I’m sorry you got hurt. That’s all.”

Gabriel clamped his lips shut. He could only nod.

Jack stared at him, studying him, reading him like a map.

Gabriel gave a hoarse laugh. “Is there something in my teeth?”

“Do you want me to go get Sam?” Jack asked.

“No.”

“You looked like - ”

“I always look like that. Anyway, Jack, I hope you understand - at least a teensy bit - what it is I’m trying to explain to you. I’m sorry that I can’t wrangle a single thought into words.”

“I think I understand.” Jack hesitated, then asked: “So how can I help? What can I do?”

“Ah, I don’t know; you’ve already been doing everything right. I’m the one who’s trying to fight you on it. So just … just keep doing what you’re doing.” It pained Gabriel to say it. He agreed with Sam, but he could hardly stomach the instant guilt that came with implicitly encouraging Jack to watch Gabriel struggle.

Jack smiled, and Gabriel thought he saw relief in his eyes. “Okay. Sure. Thanks.”

“Oh, please. Thank you.” Gabriel felt that he ought to try and touch Jack and was ashamed that he couldn’t bring himself to initiate contact.

Someday, he told himself.

Jack stood up to go. “I hope you feel better later.”

“I already do.”

“You look - ”

Gabriel held up a hand. “Again: I always look like that.”

Sam reentered immediately after Jack made his exit. He looked tense and wide-eyed and was evidently trying to conceal his agitation. “Hey.”

“I’m fine,” said Gabriel.

“Did it - ”

“Everyone’s fine, Sam.”

“Listen,” Sam said, stepping over to the bed, “I really didn’t mean to make you think you were doing something wrong.”

“Except that I was doing something wrong, and I’m old enough to learn from my mistakes, so don’t apologize for straightening me out.”

“I’m not trying to make you do anything. I’m not trying to put pressure on you, Gabriel.”

Gabriel sighed and closed his eyes. It seemed that those hours of sleep had been anything but restful. “If you don’t drag my attention to where it really belongs, nothing’s ever gonna get set right. I told you, there is a wrong way to do this. Sometimes I see it, and sometimes I don’t. And if you’re going to fight me on that, if you wanna say there’s no 'wrong' way, then how about this? There’s a better way.”

“Well, Jack looked calmer for sure. How about you? You feeling better?”

Gabriel considered, and then shook his head. The lopsidedness of an afternoon cleaved by turbulent slumber had left a stinging headache, and the nightmare had nested in the pit of his stomach, souring his whole body.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have used your grace on me,” Sam lamented. “Don’t try again for a while, okay?”

“It’s not that. I can feel that that’s not what’s wrong with me. It’s what I said to you earlier; it’s me being afraid of everything.”

Sam retook his place on the bed. Although there was no way to see outdoors, Gabriel could feel the afternoon darkening into evening. Neither of them spoke.

He was painfully aware that Sam felt familiar to him. Sam was safe; he wasn’t going to try and harm Gabriel. Somehow that knowledge made everything much more complicated - in part, Gabriel realized, because there seemed no way to explain the feeling without coming off as saccharine, puerile, or both.

Although he was no longer crying (however much he wanted to), Gabriel hoped Sam would touch him. He thought about asking and couldn’t bring himself to say a word.

After several minutes of complete silence, Gabriel spoke. “Did you fight back?”

Sam frowned. “What?”

“The hamster, the gerbil, whatever it was. Did you fight back, or was it too precious to hurt?”

“There wasn’t much I could do. It was vicious.”

“Was it? Or are you just tender-hearted?”

“Gabriel, you saw what it did to my hand.”

Gabriel glanced down at the hand that had been injured. “Yeah. I don’t know, I feel like maybe you didn’t want to hurt the little thing.”

Sam seemed amused. “Why would you say that?”

Gabriel reached out and took Sam’s hand. Sam seemed surprised, but held on firmly.

“Just because I know you,” Gabriel told him. “I know you too well.”

[thesilkenlair]

(Casey Here!)

As much D&D as I play, you'd imagine I would eventually get around to illustrating some of their most iconic monsters! Which is to say, the ones that I personally find the most iconic. Which is to say, the ones I memorized when I was reading my dad's monster manual at age nine. Purple worm - Sandworms never go out of style. I've seen a lot of rad designs for this bugger over the editions, but I favor the slightly less reptilian older takes for this particular critter. It's kinda basic, but sometimes that's what you want. It's like a shark or a crocodile: Just flat out unchanged across the ages. Hook horror - I've heard it rumored that Gygax used a small Gigan figure to represent this monster. I can't verify that, but it definitely sounds right. Hook horrors are one of the very first things you meet when you play around in the caves, and they kind of remind me of the Father Deep monsters of the Hork Bajir homeworld that way. Mind flayer - Mind flayers! Basically, take all of your Dracula conventions and dip them in a fresh coat of Lovecraft. There's that old "decadent aristocratic upper caste system who literally eats the poor, but still somehow comes across as less evil than the actual real life 1%" setup that will never stop being relevant. Though personally, I see mind flayers as the first alternative for folks who want to play that monster-who-feels-the-urge-to-eat-their-friends-but-refuses-to-do-it shtick but don't want to deal with vampire baggage. You know, the furry option! ... Slimy? Rubbery? Do we have a word for anthro-cephalopods? I'm only a casual furry. Gelatinous cube - I'm not apologizing for giving this one a slot. Froghemoth - So, back when I participated in my very first long-term campaign, I played a druid. You've met Talia before. Naturally, I was chomping at the bit for the day I finally got to turn her into a froghemoth, and celebrated the day my wish was finally granted and she was allowed to chug human-supremacist-cultists like popcorn. Yeah, okay, the froghemoth is one of the classic vore-monsters. But it's a charming design in its own right. Kind of a freaky Hanna Barbara critter, like you'd see Space Ghost fighting. No matter how many artists draw it, they can never shake that inherent goofiness that third edition tried so hard to purge. I would probably cram them somewhere onto Fronterra if I was sure they were public domain. As is, I'm 99% certain that this is what Visser Three turned into when he ate Elfangor. Tarrasque - D&D's original kaiju! Kind of just takes the name and nothing else when it comes to its mythological origins, but I don't mind. The Tarrasque is that endgame "let's test the players" final boss monster... Or at least it's supposed to be. My DM reskinned it for our final Pathfinder session, and one of the PCs still nearly killed it in a single turn. Also, he let Talia turn into one, so maybe Pathfinder is just bullshit? Regardless, the Tarrasque has one of those simple, iconic designs. I've heard rumors it was based on the concept art for Fallout's deathclaws, and like the Gigan-figure, I can't verify this in any way. With its reptilian features, twin horns, spiny carapace and grabby fingies, it has an undeniable lizardlike quality that I can't help but find charming. Kinda feels like a more refined version of Zilla? Though for an insatiable eating machine, I notice a lot of artists give it very little belly to work with. Come on, this guy eats entire cities! Give him somewhere to put it! Rust monster - An icon of icons, the rust monster! Drawing its origin from a bizarre Chinese "dinosaur" toy, later designs have made it more insectoid in appearance, but never feeling QUITE like anything Earthly. It's the four limbs. Between the four limbs and the tail, it's hard to tell if it's an arthropod mimicking a vertebrate or the other way around. I'm pretty sure this is part of what inspired my ossaderm creatures for Fronterra. Also, Ryla can turn into one in our campaign. I have no shortage of havoc to wreak when the opportunity comes. Behir - Dragons in D&D are kind of... extra. Godlike beings, paragons of whatever personality trait they represent. Whenever there's something uber powerful in D&D, it gets compared to dragons. It makes them kind of unapproachable. Behirs provide all the essentials of a dragon - Serpentine body, scaly skin, horns, sapience, breath weapon, taste for human flesh - wrapped up in a smaller, weirder, IMO cooler package. You know, your Lambton Worms. A lot easier to port in and out of adventures, a lot less of an event when they show up, but still a formidable force in their own right. I like the behir. The behir knows how to taunt me just the right amount. Bulette - Another Chinese "dinosaur" figure monster, the bulette is actually another one I associate with Talia. Whenever we faced a problem that didn't have a glaringly and immediately obvious solution, she would turn into a bulette, whether it was for beating up robots, digging through obstacles, trampling smurfs, navigating labyrinths, distracting slashers with cute dog tricks... it was kind of her signature form. But shenanigans aside, the bulette is just an excellent monster. While the "land shark" shtick may be common, there's a lot more going on with the bulette's design. It's rumored to be a mad wizard's creation, as he combined a snapping turtle with an armadillo and mixed in a helping of demon blood to taste. Personally, I always considered that to be a neat little rumor to flesh out the world, but never assumed it to be true. The bulette just feels too naturalistic for that. Like some kind of protomammal or crocodylomorph, or weird triassic monstrosity. Magic and demons and dragons and so on DO affect the ecosystem. I always figured the bulette was just something that evolved to compete in this new biosphere. Owlbear - This one, on the other hand, I fully believe the "mad wizard was bored" explanation. Another chinasaur critter, the owlbear is frequently made fun of. What makes it scarier than a regular bear? It can't fly, so why have owl parts at all? Why trade fangs for a beak in what is at best a latural move? Well, first of all, fuck you, owls are creepy motherfuckers, and that alone is enough to justify it. But secondly, that's part of its charm. Besides some improved vision, the owl DOESN'T make it more dangerous. What makes the owlbear dangerous is that it's an insane, Frankensteinian monstrosity roaming uncontrolled through the wilderness! It doesn't need weaponry, its sheer temperament is enough to make it a worthy opponent. Sure, the practical threat might not be hugely above that of a bear, but storytelling isn't about numbers. Any asshole can go outside and get eaten by a bear. The owlbear is part of this world. The owlbear is a reminder of what magic can do. Someone somewhere actually made this thing, for whatever reason, and now the world is irrevocably changed because of it. Owlbears go beyond practicality. They bring the lore! Also, bears don't have very good eyesight, so the big owl eyes probably make them better hunters. Flumph - Is that a Japanese-style martian? Do we just have aliens in D&D? Dear lord, I love them! Okay, the flumph has got a sizable hatedom. And that hatedom can eat my ass, because the flumph is precious and perfect just the way it is! Flumphs are designed as a sort of sidekick-type creature. They're not very good fighters, but they bring knowledge and lore to the table. Whether they're aliens from some far off star, seeking your aid to prevent catastrophe, or psionic natives of the Underdark eager to bask in your positivity and hopefully stick it to the tyrants they're forced to share real estate with. My group generally treats them as straight up aliens, benevolent but strange. Course, we're all pretty strange, so we get along just fine. Otyugh - Okay so, the aberration creature type implies that this is something from another world that doesn't belong. And yet otyughs, which are aberrations, are an essential part of this world's ecosystem? Okay, I can buy the idea that an alien organism adapted to our world and is now a key part of it. Fronterra's got a TON of that. It just feels like after a point, the otyugh would be considered a beast? Otyughs are great. Every ecosystem needs a decomposer, and every fantasy story needs at least one dive into the sewers. Otyughs provide both, and are intelligent enough to keep the plot moving if it hits a snag. There's always going to be garbage, refuse, carrion, decay, things that need to be broken down and processed. Carrion crawler - The carrion crawler is pretty similar to the otyugh in that it's technically not considered a beast, and therefor must have its origins elsewhere, but feels so integrated into the ecosystem that it just feels like it belongs. They usually can't talk, so they're not just reskinned otyughs, but I still consider them pretty essential. Otyughs find a singular spot where waste is dumped and shovel it down at their leisure, while carrion crawlers skulk through the tunnels, actively seeking their food. The crawler got one of the most radical redesigns on the transition from second to third edition, but I can't really choose a single favorite. The oldschool tentacle-faced cutworm looks like it could be a real animal, while the googly-eyed Halloween decoration feels like it could be from another world, merely having set up shop here. Could there name apply to two wholly different creatures? If so, then I'm not sure which one mine would be considered. I kinda mashed them together into something that doesn't quite feel like either. But I like it for what it is. Maybe I'll sneak it onto Fronterra. Aboleth - Tentacled, telepathic sea creatures who turn humans into slimy minions, who remember everything their race has ever seen, and who are always plotting something behind the scenes. Yeah, the aboleths really crank up the Lovecraft elements. Actually, between the mind flayers, the flumphs and the aboleths, even the most oldschool D&D covered quite a few essential Lovecraftian bases. The flayers are your corrupt yet still recognizable humanoids who can be considered truly evil, the flumphs are benevolent-yet-bizarre guardians who know more than you, and the aboleths are the truly unknowable, sinister intellects. The fact that they can barely function on land honestly only adds to that, IMO. They're inherently difficult for a party to reach, and they offer some nice underwater adventure seeds. Not enough adventures go underwater. There's this perception that the ocean is bad for storytelling because so many writers lack the creativity to make it work. I wanna run an underwater adventure now. Beholder - Icon of icons! THE D&D monster! The beholder! Paranoid, jumpy, always five steps ahead and twenty steps perpendicular! Beholds are fun in just about every way. Between their wacky, diverse designs, their elaborate lairs, their eccentric personalities, their bizarre powers, you're never gonna run out of fun with beholders. Remorhaz - It's always been a thing that bothered me with environment-based monsters. Why does the ice monster who lives in the cold use ice as a weapon? Aren't most of the things it encounters going to be resistant to the cold? Sure, a cone of cold will still kill a polar bear, but a lot of the monsters in the tundra are outright immune to cold. A while dragon's not going to get much use out of its breath weapon fighting frost worms and frost giants. That's one reason the remorhaz sticks out to be. We have an icy tundra beast whose insides are a scorching furnace, which it can intensify and weaponize as it sees fit. Which also conveniently explains why its design - a sort of cobra-esque centipede - invokes warm-weather creatures, despite its icy environment. It's a nice subversion of the usual tropes, plus it's just a memorable, cool looking critter to begin with. On a smaller note, the remorhaz feels like a good loophole for Ryla's "no cold weather morphs" rule. Turning into something elementally affiliated with ice is no good, but a non-magical monster that survives the cold by superheating its insides? That seems perfectly viable to me!

[stellar-alley]

Everfalls

•Chapter 20•

This is based off of the artwork by oceanteeeth on Instagram!

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

(Summary: Richie and Eddie spend their first full moon together.)

Second Last Chapter!

~

Breathless, that’s what they were. Eddie and Richie physically couldn’t hold it in anymore. They had waited far too long and the moon's power was too strong to hold back any longer.

Eddie guided Richie away from the cliff’s edge. Once they were a safe distance away from the drop, they both fell onto the grass, breathless.

“W-What do we do?” Bill asked. The rest of the Losers still stood in formation, but now they were not prepared to fight. Now they were concerned about their friends.

“Go” was all Eddie could say, his eyes never leaving Richie’s tired corpse.

Stan nuged Bill, tilting his head towards town as if to tell him they should start heading back. So without another word the Losers left the Ancestors in peace.

“Okay Rich, you still there? You’ve got this'' Eddie tried to smile through the pain of both his own transformation and having to watch Richie go through his. Eddie had carefully pulled Richie’s shirt off, but let Richie do the rest as dressing down was an essential part of the werewolf transformation. Shifting with clothes only made things more complicated.

Dark fur that matched his ears and tail had appeared over his body as his finger nails grew and came to a sharp point. His bones were moving, snaping and changing. His eyes snapped open at the feeling of a hand on his back. His bright yellow eyes darted up to meet the icey blue ones of his boyfriend who stared at him with such love and adoration.

“You’re okay Richie, it’s almost done” Eddie assured him. But all he got as a response was a loud groan as another wave of pain hit Richie.

The final part was the most painful but the quickest. And it really did hurt like hell.

The following minute felt the same way that it does after a storm. The rain had stopped and the thunder was silenced. Richie laid on the cool grass, panting heavily but his bones had finally adjusted, and the pain had subsided.

His eyes fluttered open to see Eddie, still human. “Holly shit” Eddie practically gasped as Richie looked around at what caused the sudden shock.

He looked down and saw big brown, furry paws, his paws. Immediately Richie attempted to stand, but inevitably tripped and fell back down. That got a giggle from Eddie. After trying, Richie stood up on his all fours, his full wolf form. He didn’t look much different from a normal wolf, he was the size of a large dog. With thick dark brown fur and his iconic yellow eyes. His wolf ears were a bit bigger and a little harrier, while his tail was longer and fluffier.

Eddie stood up beside him and he was able to see that Richie was about hip level compared to the human Ancestor.

Richie desperately craved to make a height joke but ultimately couldn’t speak as he was, a wolf.

Eddie bent down and ruffled the fur between Richie’s ears. Something he had done to his boyfriend countless times before when he was human. Richie shook his head as if to get rid of Eddie’s hand. Eddie huffed, but he still smiled.

Carefully Eddie bent down and placed his forehead against Richie’s. The thick fur tickled his forehead as he smiled. Eddie’s long bunny ears tipped forward and brushed up against Richie’s wolf ears, sending a shiver down his back.

A moment passed before a wave of pain hit Eddie, he doubled backwards, falling onto his back. Richie rushed to his side, nudging his arm with his snout as Eddie rolled over.

Transforming on a full moon was fairly similar to the way Eddie transformed normally, except it was forced, causing more pain. Once Eddie was on his back he curled his knees into his chest and wrapped his arms around himself. The pain soon intensified as he felt the magic ripple through his body. It was all worth it as after a flash, Eddie had completed his transformation.

Richei stared down at the rabbit that stood before him. He had completely forgotten how cute his boyfriend was as a rabbit. His soft white fur, his little red nose and his wittle paws! Aw Richie would give anything to go back to the day where it was just them, alone, in the school yard. Eddie as a rabbit in Richie’s lap. But now isn't the time to reminisce on the past. It was the full moon, and they had both finally transformed. Richie was practically bouncing up and down as excitent coursed through his veins.

Eddie looked up at the hulking wolf figure that towered over him. Dear God, Richie is like a massive puppy. Richie stepped forward, bowed his head and bopped his big brown nose against Eddie’s small pink one, just like he had before.

Eddie had refrained from transforming just long enough to be able to help Richie through his transformation and give him some good pets. He deserved it after all the shit he had been through.

Eddie mentally blushed. He mentally smirked as he noticed Richie’s ears twitching with excitement and adrenaline. That's when Eddie thought of what to do next, as it was the full moon, he knew what made him feel the best so he nudged Richie paw as if to tag him. Then, they ran.

~

Finally, being a full wolf felt amazing. Richie felt like the world had finally lifted off of his shoulders. It was as if he had unlocked another part of his being that he had never been able to access until he finally fully shifted.

Also the fact that he didn’t have to experience it alone made him feel so much better. Eddie made him feel so safe, so accepted. He didn’t have to hide his secret. For once in his life he felt almost normal.

At first Richie was a little wobbly in his new wolf form. He had to get used to running on all fours. Richie fell a few times, tripped over his own paws, and at one point stopped and chased his tail like a puppy. (Eddie nearly died of laughter while watching that) Also there was the whole no speaking thing, which just kinda led to a lot of inner monologuing and weird wolf noises.

The two walked along to shoreline, paws sinking in the moist sand under their weight. Ricchie leaned over and pushed Eddie into the oncoming wave. The bunny rolled over at the push and landed in the water on his back. He let out a huff before he leaped back up and tackled richie, pinning him to the ground.

Silly wolf, doesn't even know his own strength. Eddie laughed in his head. Suddenly Eddie was popped off of Richie, tossed into the air, landing face first into the wet, cold sand.

Richie sat up, panting mancially as if he were laughing at the sand that was caught in Eddie’s whiskers.

Oh, you’re so on, Eddie smirked before he charged Richie.

The wolf caught on just before he was tackled, quickly turning and sprinting in the other direction. But Eddie was lighter and has had more time to learn and master his abilities. So he easily caught up to the young wolf. Eddie leaped into the air, landed on the wolf’s back and brought him down to the ground. The two rolled around as if they were in a fit of laughter. Which they would've been if they could talk.

Afterwards they made their way closer to town. Richie had once joked about terrorizing the villagers, and now he intended to do it. They examined the town as they carefully krept up the hill. It was well past midnight so most if not all of the lights from the buildings were out. The streets were illuminated by a couple street lamps, which allowed just enough light to navigate through the town but didn’t cause enough light pollution to block out the stars.

They approached the town with caution, their movements quiet and slow. One paw after another. They stopped dead in their tracks at the muffled sounds of teenage laughter.

Shit who the hell is out at this time of night? Richie’s ears perked up as he tried to pick up what they were saying.

“Do you think that’s them?” One voice that sounded pretty damn familiar giggled.

“Eddie’s so much smaller than him-”.

“It’s so cute!”

The Ancestors looked up to find a group of teens loitering suspiciously behind one of the dark buildings. It seemed almost as if they were waiting for the Ancestors.

Richie bent down and nudged the side of his head up against Eddie’s. Then nodded towards the group before stepping forwards towards them. Slowly they made their way up to the Losers who stayed silent during the meantime.

“H-How can we be suh-suh-sure it’s them?” Bill whispered tentatively. He stood behind the group, his form tense.

“What other wolf hangs out with a rabbit?” Ben turned to Bill with a confused look on his face.

Without another word, Beverly bent down to be at eye level with the wolf. She kept her gaze stern and serious. She stared into the wolf’s yellow eyes and watched as they examined her. Beverly didn’t flinch as the wolf stepped closer to her, then proceeded to bow his head to her. But when he raised his head, he butted her boob with the tip of his snout.

Beverly let out a shock yet amused gasp. “Oh my god, Richie you perv!” She fell back onto her butt in a fit of giggles. “That's our trashmouth alright” she declared.

Richie sat down and nodded his head at the statement.

Bill followed Beverly’s lead and kneeled down beside Eddie. The human carefully examined the bunny’s white fur and long ears. Finally his eyes met Eddie’s and he knew. He’d know those eyes anywhere.“Y-Yeah. It’s them” Bill confirmed.

“Well… I was gonna wait to give this to you tomorrow. But considering today’s events, now seems like a good time” Stan explained as he began rifling through his pocket.

The others shot him curious stares until he let out a little ‘aha’ when he had finally found it. What Stnaley pulled out of his pocket changed the energy of the group, from quiet and tense it went to curious and excited.

Stan squeaked the yellow rubber chicken. It let out a quick Eh Err, squeak like sound. In the moment that followed Stan mirrored one of Richie’s shit eating smiles smiles that he knew all too well.

“Oh my god- Seriously” Mike chuckled, placing a hand on Stan’s shoulder.

Richie stared at Stan, rolled his eyes and let out a huff.

Good one Staniel, very fucking funny

The wolf glanced over at his bunny and noticed the way his little pinked nose twitched, similar to the way Eddie’s did when he was laughing in his human form. That made things just a little bit better.

Richie’s attention was brought back to the Losers when Stan squeaked the chicken again.

“Wanna play fetch boys?” He arched an eyebrow deviously.

Richie didn’t respond, he simply stared aimlessly at them. Eddie got up and took a couple steps back, he turned to look at Stan as if to say, Well come on!

Stan took a step back and moved his hand up, preparing to throw. With one swift toss over his head, he threw the chicken, and it went far. Stan was on the baseball team after all, so he finally got to put his skills to work.

Eddie gave Richie one finale glance, challenging him almost, then he bolted.

Richie hesitated, he looked between his friends, and the rabbit. Just as Eddie was leaving the reach of the town’s light Richie got up and chased after him. He ran through the long grass, paws pounding against the dirt as he let his instincts lead him to the chicken.

Before he even got there a flash of white shot past him. Richie did a double take, spinning to turn around and watch as the rabbit zoomed back up to the group. He didn’t need to take time like he had before to know to go after him. So before another moment passed, Richie went. He ran.

Word Count: 2038

Second last chapter, done. Holy shit guys I cannot belive next week is already the finale! This is so wild. But let's focus on the present, it's Friday again, yay! I hope you guys have a great weekend and take some time to relax okay? I know life can be really stressfull right now so take some time for yourself, read a good fan fic, vibe, play Among Us, damn that's a good game lol.

And as always don't forget to like, comment, tell all your friends and go check out my other stuff! If you wanna see more of my IT fan fics, check me out on Archive Of Our Own @stellar-alley!

That's all from me guys, until next time

So Long and Goodnight.

~

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[nonbinary-octopus]

How Easy You Are to Knead Chapter 3/3 Biscuit and Charcoal

recursive fanfic of @delimeful​’s How Easy You Are to Need

Partially inspired by this and this.

[Masterpost]

[More stories]

summary: Virgil’s humans are evidently terrible at assessing threats.

warnings: a little bit of nervousness

wordcount: 1.8 K

note: this takes place a few months after Chapter 2, sometime in the summer.

~~~~~

Virgil was alone. This used to be the norm, but he had grown used to having his humans around, and now he was lonely without them. He didn’t even stay in the house; it felt strange to be the only living thing in there. The others had gone into town a few days ago to trade vegetables from Patton’s garden and meat Roman had hunted for other things they needed. Virgil had no desire to be among that many humans, especially so soon after the full moon, so he stayed behind. 

Finally, though, they returned. Virgil ran out of the trees in wolf form to greet them, jumping up to put his forepaws on Logan’s shoulders. In his excitement, he accidentally knocked the human sprawling. Virgil whimpered and lowered himself to the ground beside him, licking Logan’s face apologetically.

Logan awkwardly patted Virgil’s ruff, and Virgil pulled back so he could get up. “Good to see you too,” Logan said, sitting up and wiping his face with his arm.

“Hi Virgil!” Patton said cheerfully. Virgil turned to him, and Patton added quickly, “No kissies right now; I’ve got a delicate parcel.”

“Lucky Logan was just carrying the cloth,” Roman said with a laugh. He’d tensed on seeing a large wolf rush at them, even putting his hand on his sword briefly, but he’d relaxed again as soon as he recognized Virgil.

“Let us get everything in the house, and then we can greet you properly,” Logan said, so Virgil followed his humans into the house, bouncing happily around them. He stuck his nose into Roman’s side, curious about all the new scents that clung to him, and the swordsman jolted.

“Virgil!”

Inside, they unloaded their packs. Logan had several lengths of cloth of various colors and weights. Roman carried new dishes and tools, and Patton had a packet of spices that smelled very strange and interesting, a leather bundle containing what remained of a cooked rabbit Roman had almost certainly killed on their journey homeward, and a small lidded basket.

Patton sat on the couch and grinned at Virgil, holding the basket carefully on his lap. “You might wanna shift to see this,” he said in a near whisper. Virgil wondered why, but he did as Patton suggested and changed forms. Curiously, he sat on the couch next to Patton, watching as Patton lifted away the lid of the basket. Inside was something made of fur. Black and white and brown fur, though mostly black and white. Patton grinned, reaching into the basket. “Hold out your hands,” he said. Virgil did. Patton picked up the thing in the basket— wait, no, there were two, one all black and the other mostly white with bits of black and brown, and Patton picked up the latter— and set it in Virgil’s hands.

It was small, and warm, and as Virgil watched, it moved, opened two tiny eyes, and turned out to be an absolutely bitty kitten. For several seconds, Virgil and the kitten stared into each others’ eyes. Then the kitten mewed.

“You brought a cat home with you?” Virgil asked, still staring at it with surprise. 

“Two cats!” Patton answered happily, picking up the black bundle of fur. That was a kitten as well. “Our friend’s cat had kittens, and they needed a home. They’re already weaned.”

“Oh.” That didn’t fully answer why Patton had brought the cats home with him, but this particular human definitely seemed to have a soft spot for dangerous furry strays, and that might be all the explanation Virgil was likely to get.

The kitten in Virgil’s hands mewled again, and this time her sister joined in.

“I think they’re hungry,” Virgil said, holding the little cat out toward Patton again. Instead of taking her, however, he opened the bundle of rabbit meat, handing Virgil a small piece. Patton took another piece and fed it to the black kitten. The calico in Virgil’s hand mewled demandingly, and he quickly gave her the scrap Patton had handed him.

It took several minutes and most of the meat to satisfy the kittens’ hunger. While Patton and Virgil fed them, the other two humans put the rest of their purchases away. Finally, the kittens were full, and Patton set the one he held back into the basket. Relieved, Virgil did the same with the calico. The kittens settled down on the cloth base of the basket and were soon asleep, nestled together again.

Patton cooed adoringly down at them. Then he set the basket down on the floor next to the couch and flopped into Virgil’s lap. “I missed you,” he said.

“I missed you too,” Virgil said, leaning over Patton to give him a kiss — a human kiss, not a wolf one — on the nose.

~~

When Virgil woke up on his couch the next morning, things were almost like they had been before the humans had left. He could hear Patton in the kitchen, undoubtedly making something delicious for breakfast.

But something was different. There was a weight, small but definitely present, resting on his chest. Virgil opened his eyes, looking at it. It was the little calico kitten, curled up and asleep. On top of him. Virgil frowned nervously and lay very still.

Several minutes later, Patton came into the living room, smiling when he saw Virgil awake. “Good morning!”

“Good morning, Patton,” Virgil answered softly. “I can’t get up. There is a cat sleeping on me.”

Patton’s grin widened. “Aww, yes there is!” he cooed. He did not try to help. Virgil understood this— of course Patton would not want to anger the feline either— but he was still a little disappointed. 

Patton left Virgil alone with the cat for a few minutes, going into the rest of the house. Virgil wondered how the kitten had managed to get from the basket all the way up to his couch to lie down on him. When Patton returned with the other humans in tow, the cat had not stirred. However, when Patton brought Virgil a plate of pancakes and venison, she woke and mewled at him. Virgil had to give her some of the meat from his plate to appease her, at which point she allowed him to move her to the couch and sit up. Once he had stopped moving, however, she immediately climbed into his lap and mewled again for some meat.

Twice more during the meal, the kitten demanded a piece of meat from Virgil, and he gave it to her. Patton, meanwhile, gave a portion of meat to the black kitten, who had remained in the basket and seemed much calmer than the calico.

After they had eaten, and Logan had taken Virgil’s dishes to the kitchen for him because he was still trapped by the kitten on his lap, said kitten began to press her forepaws rhythmicly into Virgil’s leg.

“Patton?” Virgil asked, keeping his eyes on the cat. Patton hummed inquisitively. “What is she doing?”

Patton gasped. “Making biscuits!”

Virgil grew alarmed. “She intends to eat my leg?” Had he not given her enough of his breakfast? 

“No, no,” Patton assured him, and Virgil calmed slightly. “She’s just getting comfy. But it looks like kneading dough for biscuits, doesn’t it?”

Sure enough, after kneading his leg for a few minutes, the kitten curled up and went back to sleep. Apparently Virgil was going to be stuck on the couch for a while longer.

~~

Over the next few days, it became clear that the calico kitten, dubbed “Biscuit” by Patton, had claimed Virgil as her own. Every night, the kittens were put to bed in their basket, but every morning without fail, Virgil woke to find a tiny ball of white, black, and brown fur on his chest. She trailed after him whenever he was in the house, and if he outpaced her, which he could easily do, as she was very tiny and he was not, she mewled for him to come back. To keep the peace, Virgil started to carry her around with him, and she quickly decided that his left shoulder was hers as well. This left his hands free, but also put her claws and teeth, though tiny, close enough to Virgil’s throat to make him nervous.

The other kitten was given the name Charcoal, or simply Coal for short, and she was indeed milder than her sister. She followed everyone around somewhat, but not as insistently as Biscuit, and did not climb into laps.

Although both kittens would accept food from any of the four packmates, Biscuit also demanded at each meal that Virgil share a portion from his plate with her. He did, of course, but only the meat, since cats were obligate carnivores.

Virgil wondered at first how the cats would react the first time they saw him in wolf form, and for a few weeks, he did not shift. But soon the full moon approached again, and Virgil began to grow restless in his human skin. He knew he couldn’t hold back a shift much longer.

Lying on the floor to avoid unnecessarily stressing his bones, Virgil allowed his form to change. In moments, he was a wolf again. There was about two seconds of silence before Virgil heard a confused mew.

He turned his head to see Biscuit staring at him. Virgil blinked slowly at the cat, and she toddled closer, sniffing at his face. After a few moments, she seemed satisfied that this was still Virgil, and she climbed up his side, kneaded his back for a few moments, and settled down again between his shoulder blades.

Virgil wasn’t sure what to do, but he knew better than to make Biscuit move. He lay his head on his forepaws, getting comfortable.

A few minutes later, Patton passed by. “Oh!” he called from the doorway. “You didn’t tell me that it was going to be a wolfy night. I’ll get the blankets.” With that, Patton disappeared again, but only for a few minutes. He soon reappeared with an armload of quilts and began to arrange them on the floor next to Virgil. It appeared to be a blanket nest day rather than a blanket fort day, because Patton didn’t drag any other furniture over to support the blankets, instead simply piling them in a big comfortable nest.

Finally, Patton finished, and Virgil, moving carefully so as not to dislodge Biscuit, climbed into the nest with him. Patton threw his arms around Virgil’s neck, and Virgil gently knocked him onto his back, laying down with his head on top of Patton’s chest and one foreleg across Patton’s stomach.

Patton giggled, running his fingers through Virgil’s fur. “Goodnight, Virgil,” he said. “I love you.”

Virgil licked Patton's face. I love you too.

~~~~~

(fin)

[ecto-american]

The Newcomer

Summary: Settled into life with Danny and Sam, Cujo curiously awaits the arrival of the Newcomer.  On FFN and AO3

Rating: K+

Inspiration: ghostgothgeek bullies me into providing AO content

Pairings: Danny/Sam

Warnings: N/A

Other Notes: Danny and Sam adopted Cujo because dog also this story is Disjointed and more random scenes in order but take it Anyway

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Cujo did tippy taps as he watched Sam pace the bathroom. The goth kept her eyes on the counter, on a test as she was forced to wait. The green dog wagged his tail, feeling her anxiety. He barked at her, doing a partial jump. Sam smiled, and she knelt down a bit. Cujo ran into her, licking at her arm as she scratched him.

"Just a minute, just a minute," she told him. Her voice was laced with fear and excitement. Cujo did a whine, wiggling and spinning. "I know! I can't wait either."

He nuzzled her chin, licking at her. Sam wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Cujo's tail began to wag as he did his job of comforting her. This wasn't an unfamiliar scene to him, and he was ready for the potential bad news. The news that might make her once again begin to cry in frustration and leave her in a depression that couldn't be soothed.

"I really want good news this time," Sam said softly to him. She stroked his fur, sighing heavily. Cujo hoped for the best this time too.

They remained on the floor like that for a while longer before Sam finally let go. She stood, looking onto the counter. Cujo stood on his hind paws, putting one of his front ones on the cabinet's door and the other hanging in the air. His ears stayed raise as he waited for a reaction, to either support her or celebrate with her.

Sam burst into tears, but this was a different kind of tears. Absolute pure joy and relief, and Cujo began to jump excitedly. Sam fell to the floor, opening her arms. Cujo ran into them, wiggling like crazy and licking at her face and hands as he shared her joy. Finally, after nearly four years, there was good news.

"Cujo! You're gonna be a big brother!" she managed to get out in between sobs. Cujo whined, tail continuing to go a million miles a minute as he licked at her, dancing. Great news, indeed.

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While Sam had found out in the privacy of her home while Danny was at work, she simply didn't tell Danny the minute she got home. She and Cujo kept the secret as they planned the perfect way to tell her husband.

That plan included Cujo sitting patiently as Sam tied the baby bonnet around his head. His tail was wagging furiously, basking in her excitement. He didn't fully understand everything, but he did know that she was happy. And that's what mattered most to him.

Sam straightened the bonnet on him, smiling at him with teary eyes. She then clipped the sign onto him before giving him a loving peck on the forehead. Cujo licked at her chin.

"Oh, what a good boy," she cooed. "Now, go find Daddy!"

Cujo's ears perked up from under the bonnet. He stood, and he happily trotted to where he knew Danny was. Sam followed close behind, clutching her positive test.

The halfa was hunched over the desk in the office Sam and him shared. He was reading something for work, and Cujo barked to get his attention. Danny didn't look at him, but held his hand out. Cujo sniffed at his hand, licking at it as his entire body wiggled in excitement. He pushed his head into his hand. The non-furry material of the bonnet caught his attention, and he looked at him.

"Cujo, what did Sammy do to you?" Danny lightly teased. He turned in his chair to fully face the dog, putting his head into his hands and scratching his chin. Cujo's leg went crazy. His eyes were drawn to the sign, and he held it up. Blue eyes grew wide, and he stared at Cujo. "Wait, for real?"

"Yes!" Sam tearfully cried out.

Danny flew past the ghost dog and towards his wife. He held her tight, picking her up and swinging her around excitedly. Cujo barked, dancing and jumping as he too, joined the celebration. He was going to be a big brother!

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The room used to be just for storage, but now it had a weird new smell that Cujo wasn't very fond of. At the moment, the floor was covered in a tarp to protect the wood. He stood, watching as Danny gave the walls a fresh coat of paint, pastel green with a glowing yellow. The ghost already knew that this was the room for the newcomer, but it wasn't anywhere close to ready for them. Cujo sneezed four times in a row.

"Damn, bless ya, dude," Danny spoke to him. He dipped a rolling brush into the pan, before moving to continue painting the walls. "Don't worry, the smell will fade pretty quick."

Cujo gave a half-bark at him, sniffing at the floor. He sneezed once more before trotting out of the room to find his other human. She was sitting on the living room couch, licking envelopes and sealing them.

He sniffed at the papers, giving another sneeze. He stepped onto some of the papers, continuing to poke his nose into everything curiously. His nose reached some of the envelopes stacked nearly in a pile, and he licked at them. Sam needed help with that, right?

"Hey! Hey, no," Sam lightly scolded. "Scoot your paws, I don't need help with planning the baby shower."

Cujo gave a small whine, and he barked.

"Nope, don't need your help. Sorry bud, but you can't write. You don't have thumbs." The goth smiled warmly at him, leaning in to give him a kiss and to scratch behind his ears. He wagged his tail. "I appreciate the offer though, such a good boy."

Cujo basked in the affection as she took a break to coo over him. He stuck his tongue out to lick at her face as she gushed over him. Of course, he was her first baby.

"Ugh, do you know what sounds really good right now?" Sam asked him. Cujo's ears perked up. "Some soup." Cujo had to disagree, that did not sound very good. But it meant something very important to him. "Wanna go for a ride?"

Cujo frantically bounced, barking loudly as he began to dance in place. Of course he wanted to go for a goddamn ride! Sam smiled at him, reaching out to pet him. He avoided her touch, barking again and spinning in a circle before rushing for the front door.

"Danny! I'm really, really craving some soup, I'll be back! I'm taking Cujo."

"Alright, can you bring me back something? You know what I like."

"Of course, babe!"

Cujo barked impatiently by the door, spinning in circles. It was time for a car ride, come on!

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"Oof, thanks Cujo," Danny half-groaned as the canine stepped on him. The dog's entire body was wagging along with his tail as he wiggled into his lap. "Cujo, I love you, but not now, bud."

He lightly pushed the dog out of his lap. Cujo sneezed in annoyance. He moved to his other side, shoving his nose into Danny's hands. His hand held a power drill, the other holding two pieces of wood together.

"No!" Danny scolded. "I don't need doggy assistance."

Rude. Cujo barked at him, giving a whine and sneezing once more. He scratched at his arm.

"No, don't need it. You don't know how to read the instructions," Danny insisted.

"Danny, you aren't even reading the instructions," Sam's voice interrupted. Cujo turned his attention to her.

The goth stood in front of a dresser, folding and putting away baby clothes. Cujo trotted over to her, shoving his head into the shopping bag. His tail wagged at the interesting new scents that had replaced the one left by paint. Baby powder and formula.

"I know what I'm doing though," he insisted. The drill went off as he screwed the pieces together. Cujo snapped his attention to the noise, rushing at Danny and barking. Danny glanced at Cujo. He pointed the drill at him, pushing the button to make it go off. Cujo did a half-pounce at it, growling and barking once more. Danny pushed the button again. Cujo bit at the air before bouncing back over to Sam, who was giggling in amusement.

"Is Daddy being mean to you?" Sam lightly teased. Cujo whined. He was being mean to him. Sam blew him a kiss, and scratched his head. To his disappointment, she couldn't comfortably bend over to give him kisses and really give him scritches anymore. A very pregnant stomach made it difficult, and Cujo had to settle for that kind of attention when they cuddled on the couch or in the bed together. "Poor baby."

Cujo gave a whimper as he wagged his tail excitedly over her voice. Poor baby indeed. Sam blew him another kiss before she continued putting away clothes. He shoved his head into the bags again, sniffing more.

"Cujo, you'd never fit into Lucy's onesies," Danny called out. Cujo took his head out of the bag to look at Danny, giving another whine. He knew that Lucy was the name of the newcomer, even though she hadn't arrived yet.

"I dunno, maybe if he went back to his puppy form," Sam mused. She gave a tired grumble, closing the dresser drawer and taking a few steps to the rocking chair. Danny watched her closely.

"Are you okay?" he asked her. Sam nodded, closing her eyes.

"My back hurts," she confessed before opening them tiredly. Cujo sniffed at her hand, licking it. Sam shifted to scratch at his chin and behind his ears. Cujo stood in his hind paws, his front paws resting on the armrest as he leaned in to sniff at her. Sam smiled at him, leaning over to give him a few kisses. Cujo whined happily, licking her face.

"Do you want me to rub your back?" Danny questioned. Sam thought for a moment. "Or get you something?"

"Can you rub my feet?" she requested hopefully. "They're swelling up bad, and they hurt."

"Of course, babe," he spoke immediately. Danny put his drill down, and he scooted over to her. Sam held her feet up to him, and Danny popped off her slip on shoes before beginning to rub her feet. The heavily pregnant goth groaned in relief.

Cujo got down from the armrest, and he wandered to where Danny was working on the crib. He sniffed at the wood curiously, tail wagging. This was for his little sister, he knew that much. At the moment, the crib was nearly fully put together. Danny just had to install the side of the crib that would slide up and down.

He put his front paw on the crib's bed, giving a small whine. He jerked his body forward as he hesitated, before he finally hopped up. Cujo sniffed at the floor before awkwardly turning twice and laying down. He rested his head on his front paws as he watched Danny and Sam. Sam had been watching him, smiling in amusement.

"Cujo, baby, do you think that's yours?" she joked. Yes, his now. Even though they could have gotten a bigger bed. Danny looked over his shoulder at the dog, rolling his eyes with a light sigh.

"Cujo, dude, that's Lucy's," he told him. Cujo simply exhaled softly, but he didn't move. She snoozed, she losed. "Cujo! Down, boy!" Cujo whined, still not budging. He was keeping it warm and comfortable for her. "Cujo!"

He barked at him, his tail wagging a bit. The newcomer wasn't here yet, this was fine. A bit small, but it would due until the humans got him a matching tall bed.

"Cujo!" Danny's voice grew warning, and the man began to stand up. Cujo sat up, staring down at the ground before he got off before Danny could physically force him off. "Good boy."

Hearing that phrase made Cujo wag his tail excitedly. Yes, very good boy.

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They brought home an exciting new scent bundled in blankets, but Danny was using a ghostly harsh grasp on his collar to prevent Cujo from being able to check it out. There was no phasing out of it, just tip tapping in place eagerly as Sam picked up the pile of blankets. She cradled it to her chest, and Cujo whined. He lunged forward, only to choke as Danny's firm, stronger grip kept him from running.

"No, settle down," Danny scolded. "Sit." Cujo whined more, backing up a bit and doing a half-jump. How could he settle down? There was an exciting new smell right there. "Sit! Cujo, sit."

With a small grumble, Cujo reluctantly sat. His tail went crazy as Danny began to coo over him, scratching his chest and kissing the top of his head. Cujo licked at Danny's face.

"Alright, let's go meet Lucy," Danny said. Cujo's hind legs sprung up, and he tried to pull Danny. The half-ghost kept a firm grab on the collar, making Cujo walk slowly towards Sam and the new scent.

The bundle was making small noises that grabbed Cujo's attention, his ears twitching as he sniffed the air like crazy. His tail wagged, pressing his nose against Sam's hand as she supported the blankets. He licked her hand before continuing his mission. He was sniffing like crazy, trying to get a feel for this interesting new addition to the family.

A strange, unfamiliar noise caught his attention. He froze, ears perked. The noise came from within the bundles of blankets, and Sam smiled warmly at Cujo. She shifted to pull a bit of the blankets out of the way, revealing a tiny baby with a mess of dark hair. The newcomer!

He sniffed like crazy, tail wagging. She smelled like the other two humans. Familiar and warm.

"Cujo, do you like your new little sister?" Sam asked. Cujo gave an excited whine. Yes, he liked her very much indeed.

[nitewrighter]

Should Have Brought the Cat Ears

Wanted to do a quick fankid Special for Halloween in the spirit of the season. Jaime wasn’t in last year’s special, so he gets a spotlight this year!!!

---

“You don’t like it?” McCree tilted his head as they both stood over the plastic armor and replica blaster laid out on Jaime’s bed.

“It’s not that I don’t like it---” Jaime started.

“If you don’t like it, it’s fine, I’m really not trying to guilt you---”

“Just--don’t you think I’m a little... old for this sort of thing?” said Jaime. He caught himself and looked between his adoptive fathers, McCree donning ripped flannel, yellow contacts, and wolf ears and Hanzo in a more clean-cut Vampire costume. Jaime tried to recover. “I just--I was never really big on Halloween. Not really a dress-up guy.”

“It’s not that costume-y--It’s cool--” McCree gave a glance to Hanzo, “I mean--it’s cool, right?” McCree pressed his fingertips to his forehead, “Oh god I’m old.”

‘You’re not old,” Hanzo said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s Dranek Fang from They Came Beyond The Moon 5: Moonpunchers! I mean what’s not cool about a space bounty hunter?” said McCree, gesturing back at the costume. His face dropped. “It’s weird because I bought it, isn’t it?”

“Little bit,” said Jaime.

“Well you weren’t buying a costume, and if you’re going to the party---”

“Come on, everyone there’s like...practically 20 or whatever. I’m pretty sure it’s not going to be all cutesy bobbing for apples and stuff.”

“If you’re not going to wear the costume can you at least wear the safety cat ears?” said McCree.

“The safety what?” said Jaime.

Hanzo held up a pair of cat ears, “These cat ears were first gifted to me by your Uncle Genji during my first Halloween on the watchpoint--”

“Why do the cat ears have lore--” Jaime started.

“For the express purpose of, quote, ‘Not looking like a standoffish stick-in-the-mud at a costume party,’” Hanzo finished.

“I don’t need the cat ears,” Jaime said flatly.

“You’re gonna want the cat ears,” said McCree.

“I don’t want the cat ears,” said Jaime.

“He doesn’t want the cat ears,” said Hanzo.

McCree inhaled and exhaled, clearly trying hard not to take the rejection of the costume personally, and also possibly at war with himself with regards to whether or not he had any concept of what ‘cool’ was anymore. “All right. It’s cool. It’s cool. You don’t have to wear a costume. You don’t have to bring the cat ears.”

“Thank you,” said Jaime. 

---

“I should have brought the cat ears,” Jaime muttered to himself.

“What was that?” Rei was standing in the doorway to the watchpoint hangar, dressed in a purple grecian gown with runny black mascara and a flower crown of wine-colored peonies. The costume actually went very well with her dark hair and the gray-white streak at her temple.

“Nothing,” muttered Jaime, moving past Rei, “What are you supposed to be?”

“Persephone!” said Rei with a dramatic flourish, “Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld!”

“That’s... specific...” said Jaime, walking into the hangar. It was fully decorated for halloween, with Hard-light ghosts swaying from the ceiling and orange fairy lights strung up everywhere. Dry ice fog seeped out from over the two punch bowls. It was a bigger party than expected. Those in attendance aside from the Watchpoint kids were a couple of younger Shambali acolytes--both human and omnic, a veritable swarm of Lindholm grandkids, Mei’s intern Harper Khiang (Who, surprisingly was in some sort of form-fitting anime costume rather than a bee costume) and a few of her friends from Lijiang, and the Oxton triplets had flown in from London only to be off in their triplet clique as usual. There was music playing and a handful were noncommittally dancing, and everyone, everyone, everyone was in costumes. 

“You’re gonna want the cat ears,” Jaime remembered McCree’s voice and felt an extra sting of regret.

“You made it!” Aedan sidled up alongside the two of them as they entered, carrying two cups of bright red punch and handing one of the cups off to Rei, “We were scared you weren’t going to come.”

Jaime’s eyes flicked up and down Aedan’s costume: The black toga, the dark circles under his eyes, the laurel-like headdress that looked like thorny withered twigs painted gold. “Seriously?” said Jaime.

“Hades,” Rei said in an even deeper, more dramatic voice, “King of the--”

“Yeah. I put it together,” said Jaime, looking between them, “Really? A couple’s costume? You don’t think that’s corny?”

“I kind of like it,” said Aedan, glancing down at himself, “I feel... powerful.”

Jaime snorted. “She should be Hades, and you should be Persephone.”

“I think I make a good Hades,” muttered Aedan.

“Which one of you has the completely unhinged mother?” said Jaime.

Aedan glanced off and sipped his punch.

“No no, it fits, because Persephone definitely kicks more butt than Hades,” said Rei, “She’s more vengeful and stuff.”

“This conversation is doing wonders for my self-esteem,” said Aedan flatly.

“Could be worse,” said Rei, pushing into him with her shoulder, affectionately, “We could be furries.”

“For the last time, I’m a sexy leopard! Not a furry!” Marti called from the punch table.

“The fact that you say a leopard can be sexy lends credence to the furry theory,” said Aedan. 

“Call me a furry again and I’m putting my drag queen acrylics to good use,” said Marti, making a clawing motion with her long sparkly black and gold nails.

“Come on, Lord of the Underworld,” said Rei, hooking her arm in Aedan’s and dragging him off, “Let’s go dance.”

“Try the punch!” Aedan called to Jaime as Rei pulled him over to the dance floor.

Jaime huffed and walked over to the punch bowl, where Marti was poking at a small hard-light goblin that loomed over a bowl of snack mix and was programmed to harmlessly swipe at whoever was grabbing the mix.

“Would have thought you would be at a cool party,” said Jaime, filling up his own cup with punch. There were two punch bowls--alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Jaime opted for the former.

“This is the cool party,” said Marti, wrinkling her nose at him. Despite picking a fairly generic costume, even she had gone all out with a pretty high quality bodysuit, perming her hair into a curly mane with two small buns wrapped in gold ribbon at the front serving as her ‘ears,’ thick winged eyeliner, and, as she had clawed with earlier, impeccable acrylic nails, “So I’m guessing your costume is... very fresh zombie?”

“Har-har,” said Jaime, sipping his punch. It tasted like a complicated combination of apple, pomegranate, cranberry and ginger ale, with a light caramel undertone of whiskey, so he assumed Aedan made it. It was enough to loosen him up a little bit, but not enough to stop his hyperawareness of being the only one without a costume, “I don’t see why costumes are such a big deal.”

“Well they don’t have to be,” said Marti.

“Exactly!” said Jaime.

“But it’s nice to see what everyone picks. Kind of reflects what they’re interested in, where their minds are at.”

“Your mind is at ‘Sexy cat?’” said Jaime.

“My mind is at, ‘I’m always bogged down in black-ops gear, so it’s nice to be a little flashy, but I don’t like being the center of attention, but I might as well look good for anyone who’s looking at me,’” said Marti.

Jaime glanced at Aedan and Rei out on the dancefloor. “...fuck, they picked the death gods because they nearly died, didn’t they?”

“They basically did die. Can’t say they don’t have a sense of humor,” said Marti, sipping her own punch.

Jaime leaned against the snack table folding his arms. “Where are the twins?” he asked, looking around.

“You mean where’s Samir?” said Marti, smiling a little. Jaime scoffed and glanced off.

“I feel like I would have seen them already. They always put glowy doodads on their costumes,” said Jaime.

“See? You want to see what their costumes are!” said Marti, “Why are you down on dressing up yourself?”

Jaime shrugged. “Just... either never really had the chance to, or when I did have the chance I couldn’t decide, and then when the day finally came I’d always feel stupid if I was dressed up.”

Marti gave his arm a sympathetic pat.

The music stopped and the lights suddenly dimmed and Jaime looked over to Marti to make sure this was planned, or to ask if they should check in with Orisa or Satya for a potential breach, but Marti just calmly sipped her punch as a bright blue teleporter opened in the middle of the dance floor. A brief hush fell over the crowd on the dance floor, looking at the teleporter, when suddenly a bulky, heroic-looking gleaming white and blue mech suit (a normal, human-sized mech suit, but still a mech suit) stepped through. The mech suit struck a pose as the music suddenly kicked back on again. Jaime glanced over to see that Harper had hurried over to the DJ table to turn the music back on. The mech suit danced and Rei and the others laughed and clapped and cheered as the mech suit shimmied and bounced. Then another (also normal, human-sized) mech suit stepped out of the teleporter. This one was clearly meant to be the villain, with sharp acute angles all over its frame, broad sharp shoulders and a cinched waist, long claws on its gauntlets, a dark iridescent color scheme, and glowing red eyes. The teleporter closed behind him.

“Oh no! Look out behind you!” Harper called out theatrically from the DJ’s table.

The bulkier mech suit had barely turned around when it got blasted by what looked like a laser beam from the ‘evil’ mech, but turned out to be completely fine. The mechs mock-battled with blunted, hard-light swords for a few seconds before, with one spectacular simultaneous upward slash, both dematerialized the other’s helmet, revealing the Amari twins--Rajeev the hero mech, and Samir the villain mech. The dance floor clapped, Marti snickered and did her best to clap with a punch cup in one hand.

“...they don’t usually go all out like that,” said Jaime, “Do they?”

“This is the most people we’ve had in our generation on the watchpoint in years,” said Marti, “They wanted to do something special.”

“Oh... I see,” said Jaime, watching as Samir conversed with Rei and Aedan as Rajeev pretty much tackled Harper and swung her around, “This night is just engineered to make me feel like more and more of an asshole for not wearing a costume, huh?” said Jaime sipping his punch.

“We aren’t doing this to you,” said Marti, “I mean we’re still on the watchpoint. Maybe you can run back to your place and---”

“Hey,” said Samir, walking over and Jaime choked on his punch.

“Hey!” said Jaime, attempting to nonchalantly lean back against the table and awkwardly scooting it back as he did so.

“Fearless leader,” Samir gave a nod to Marti.

“Nope,” said Marti, “No fearless leader tonight. Tonight, there is only sexy leopard getting increasingly wasted on Halloween punch.”

“It’s good to see sexy leopard,” said Samir.

“It’s good to be sexy leopard,” said Marti, tossing her empty cup away, “Anyway, I’m going to go try and burn some of Aedan’s banshee booze off. Don’t get into trouble.”

“Yeah sure--” Jaime started before it hit him that Marti was leaving them to hit the dance floor. 

“I uh--I like the whole...” Jaime gestured up and down at Samir’s costume.

“It was Rajeev’s idea,” said Samir with a grin, “Can you tell?”

“Yeah. Definitely,” said Jaime, “You pull it off though.”

“It’s all hard-light,” said Samir, looking down at himself as he filled his own cup with the non-alcoholic punch, “Like, honestly I’m just in a unitard under this.”

“Well yeah, but it’s like... good,” said Jaime.

“Thank you,” said Samir, “I actually..” he chuckled, “I spent like, a stupid amount of time on this.” 

“Why?” the question fell out of Jaime.

“It was nice to make something out of Hard-light that didn’t have anything to do with a mission. I got into it,” said Samir.

“You also gave yourself heels,” said Jaime, looking down.

Samir motioned with his hand and the soles of his boots dematerialized down to his regular height. He still stood a solid four inches over Jaime.

“...Ass,” said Jaime as Samir re-materialized the soles of his boots.

“Happy Halloween to you too,” said Samir as they both sipped their drinks and looked out at the dance floor. They watched as Rajeev hoisted up a laughing Harper amid the din of the music. Harper’s form-fitting costume suddenly made a lot more sense with Rajeev right next to her.

“Oh I get it--she’s a mech pilot and he’s---” Jaime huffed, “Fucking couple’s costumes.”

“Hey, Rajeev and I are still doing twin costumes--what does that tell you about us?” said Samir.

“That like... you can actually make the twin costume thing really cool if you put some thought into it?” said Jaime.

“No--Well, I mean, yes,” said Samir, “But my point is the whole night is about not taking yourself too seriously.”

“Mm,” said Jaime.

They watched the dance floor for a little bit. Samir grabbed a handful of snacks from the snackbowl and gave a small jump as the hard-light goblin suddenly swiped at him as he did so.

“You’re not going to bring up the whole ‘Where’s your costume’ thing?” said Jaime after a while.

“Some people don’t have time for it, some people aren’t comfortable with it, it’s not a big deal,” said Samir, shrugging.

“...Thanks,” said Jaime. He looked out at the dance floor. “Though...honestly, at this point I kind of wish I did dress up.”

“Oh--psh. I can fix that. Here--” Samir stepped in front of him and pressed something at his wrist, activating the hard-light projector before putting his hands above Jaime’s head. Jaime reddened and sipped his drink and attempted to be as nonchalant as possible about feeling Samir’s fingers against his hair. There was a soft ‘vworp’ sound and Jaime felt a soft pressure on two points on his head and Samir drew his hands back.  “There we go,” said Samir.

Jaime reached up and felt at his head, feeling two pointed shapes.

“...Cat ears?” said Jaime.

“I like cats. They’re the simplest ones I can make. If you don’t like them I could make like... horns--I could probably make antlers if I had a couple minutes--”

“No. I like them,” said Jaime instantly, “They’re perfect. I’m a cat.”

“A sexy cat,” said Samir with a finger gun. As coolheaded as Samir could be, there were definitely moments where you could tell, well beyond looks, that he was Rajeev’s identical twin.

Jaime snorted and looked down at his clothes, “What about this says ‘sexy cat?’”

“The fact that it’s you in cat ears?” said Samir.

Jaime scoffed and snickered. “That’s bad,” he said.

“Yeah I know,” said Samir, hooking Jaime’s arm in his and pulling him away from the punch table, “Come on, let’s dance.”

[fallenfurther]

The Family

This is a continuation from The Beginning , an alternative WereVirgil  story/universe first thought up by soniabigcheese.

Enjoy

Jeff and Lucy sat on the edge of the bed and waited. They really wanted children. When the timer went off, they looked at each other and took a deep breath as Jeff turned over the test. On the small screen was the word ‘PREGNANT’. Tears spilled down Lucy’s face as she placed a hand on her abdomen. Jeff’s hand covered hers and he placed a kiss on her head, pulling her closer with his other arm. They sat there just absorbing the information, joy filling their hearts.

Weeks later, at the 12-week scan, they watched as the nurse measure their little baby. Jeff held Lucy’s hand the entire time, fighting back the tears of joy, not wanting to miss a glimpse. That weekend was spent telling their parents the good news. They had debated tell Jeff’s parents about werewolves, but it just didn’t feel right, so the couple held back. They wanted his parents to accept the baby, and it would be easier if they could see how normal it was in every way before they learnt it was a werewolf, that way they might react better about it. Lucille definitely wasn’t ready for them to see her yet, despite them fully accepting her as a daughter.

Changing while pregnant put more strain on Lucille than she expected. She knew that werewolf foetuses changed with their mothers, so they had discussed the option of doing an ultrasound while she was a wolf. In the end, early warning didn’t make any difference to the couple, so they just enjoyed the pregnancy and the excitement of their first child. Jeff loved feeling the baby moving within Lucy and he tried his best to make her as comfortable as possible. In the later stages of her pregnancy, Lucille preferred being a wolf, her muscles were stronger and being on all fours meant getting around was easier, as was relieving herself. But the change took so much more energy, and she was exhausted for the entirety of the next day.

It was entirely possible to give birth as a werewolf, however giving birth to a human baby in wolf form was extremely dangerous, so the couple were thankful when Lucille went into labour on the night of a new moon. The baby boy was born uneventfully, and they settled on the name Scott. As the night of his first full moon approached, Lucille and Jeff were anxious. Neither cared either way, with both loving the idea of having a baby wolf, while also aware of how much easier it would be for Scott if he wasn’t. On the night of the full moon, they put baby Scott down in his crib in only a loosely fitting nappy. The pair left him to sleep in the nursery before heading to the bedroom so Lucille could transform without disturbing him. Jeff sat with his wife as she changed, stroking her hair as she came back around. When Lucille was ready, they walked towards the closed door of the nursery.

Jeff held his breath and opened to door. His heart was pounding and his hands shaking as he peered into the crib. Scott lay there looking exactly as he had when they left him. Jeff let out the breath. Scott was normal. Lucille was looking through the bars at the baby, and Jeff wondered what Lucille was thinking. Jeff carefully picked up the sleeping Scott and took him to the changing table to secure the nappy properly and carefully dressed him, so he won’t be cold. Placing the baby in the crib, Jeff went downstairs to the living room and curled up on the sofa with Lucille to enjoy the little time they had left before the next feed.

The couple enjoyed being a family of three. They were excited by every milestone Scott met, and Lucy was grateful that it wasn’t until Scott was seven months old and sleeping through the night, that Jeff was called back to the moon base, so she didn’t have to worry about feeding him when she was in wolf form. Jeff was thankful that Scott had waited to take his first steps, as Lucy had been telling him how close he was to walking while in the last weeks of another three-month post to the moon base. Scott had walked across the room two days after Jeff had come home, and it didn’t take long for Scott to start running around the house the minute they took their eyes off him. Five weeks after this they found out Lucy was pregnant again. Lucy had an uneventful pregnancy and gave birth to another baby boy two days after the full moon. Scott was so excited about his baby brother, Virgil, and Jeff had to keep carrying him out the nursery to stop him from waking the baby.

On the night of Virgil’s first full moon, Jeff and Lucy repeated the ritual they had with Scott. When Lucy was ready, Jeff opened the door to the nursery headed straight to the crib, Lucy on his heals. Lying in the crib was a puppy. Reaching in Jeff carefully picked up his son. He removed the nappy and held him up to get a good look. He hadn’t grown in size, but where there had been tiny fingers there were now paws. Fine dark hair covered his son but when he looked into the puppy’s eyes, he saw baby Virgil’s eyes staring back. Even at such a young age recognition made the puppy’s tail wag and Jeff couldn’t help but smile. This odd creature was his son, and he stroked it, causing the tail to wag more. He shifted Virgil so he was held against him and looked down at his wife. He could see the joy in her eyes and in the way she couldn’t sit still. She had wanted a child like herself. Jeff smiled at her, patted her head and walked out the nursery to their bedroom. Throwing the plastic mat on the bed and placing a towel on top, he let Lucy jump up before closing the bedroom door, just in case Scott woke up.

Jeff sat on the bed and placed their puppy on the map. He was too small to walk properly but he wiggled none the less. Jeff watched as Lucy lent down and licked Virgil, rubbing her face into his body. Virgil push back, somehow knowing the werewolf before him was his mother. Jeff spent the evening alternating between stroking his wife and stroking his son. When the boy wined, Lucy curled up close and let him suckle. Jeff smiled at the simple act, and knowing Lucy could take care of Virgil, he changed and climbed into bed. The last thing he saw before falling asleep was Virgil yawning while curled up against his mother furry stomach.

Jeff woke up the next morning to Virgil crying. Looking to the side he saw his sleeping exhausted naked wife and a naked Virgil flailing his now human body. Jeff got the baby wipes out and gave the baby a quick clean, removing some of the leftover hair and mess. He rolled up the soiled towel in the mat before placing a blanket over Lucy. Picking up his still screaming son, he took him back to the nursery where he put a nappy on the lad and put him in some clothes before giving him a quick rub all over to help warm the child up.

“Dad?”

Standing in the doorway was a sleepy Scott, blanket in hand. Jeff scooped up Virgil and walked over to his eldest son.

“Did your brother wake you?”

The boy nodded, rubbing his eyes. It was almost seven thirty and Jeff knew that Scott wouldn’t be heading back to sleep anytime soon. Jeff brushed his hand through Scott’s messy brown hair.

“Come on son, how about we go get your brother a bottle?”

Jeff headed down the stairs to the kitchen, Scott followed dragging his blanket behind him. By the time Jeff had warmed up a bottle Scott had reached the bottom of the stairs. Scott was eyeing up the bottle in Jeff’s hand and Jeff realised how Scott had never seen Virgil being bottle fed.

“Fancy feeding your brother?”

“Thought Mummy fed Virgil?”

“Well sometimes Mummy needs a break. She’s gone and prepared some bottles so she can get some sleep. If you want to feed your brother, go sit on the couch.”

Jeff watch as Scott ran to the couch, pulled himself up and covered his legs with the blanket. Jeff walked over and placed the still crying Virgil in Scott’s arms, but leaving his hand behind Virgil’s head. He handed the bottle to Scott and instructed him on how to feed the baby. The expression of wonder as Virgil stopped crying and started suckling moved Jeff to the core. Scott looked Jeff in the eyes, joy and love written all over the boy’s face. At that moment Jeff knew Scott was going to be a great big brother. They’d keep Virgil’s secret until Scott could be trusted to keep it himself.

This first full moon ritual was repeated with every new addition to the family. John had stayed human on his first night, so Jeff looked after him every full moon while Lucy spent the time with Virgil. On Gordon’s first full moon, Jeff notice the sadness in Lucy’s demeanour when he too stayed human and on baby Alan’s first moon, when Lucy saw he too hadn’t become a wolf, she let out a small whine of disappointment. Jeff had tried to comfort Lucy and the attention demanding six-year-old wereVirgil helped, but Jeff knew Lucy had wanted a werewolf family. The odds had gone against them, although there was always a part of Jeff that rejoiced at the knowledge that he had four normal sons. Jeff felt awful for feeling this way, loving Virgil completely for who and what he was, however he couldn’t help thinking about Austen and how his life was ended too soon by ignorant people. Having only one werewolf son felt safer than having five, and Jeff would do anything to keep all his sons safe.

[bnha-headcanons-and-shit]

Shattered [part 4]

Group Chat: Shie Hassaikai

07:32 PM

Clock man: So, who is ready for a big surprise?

Shield: Big surprise?

Rappa Kendou: Did somethin' happen?

Clock man: behold Overhaul: Hari, stop it.

Rappa Kendou: OOOHHHH boss. Glad to see ya back!

Shield: Boss, are you feeling better?

Overhaul: Much better, thank you for asking.

Garbage: even in chat he uses proper grammar, i can't-

Overhaul: Toya, i thought we talked about this username.

Shield:

Rappa Kendou:

Rappa Kendou: okay what is going on here. Ya three use your first names like it's nothing, what's goin' on? And don't say "it's none your business" because I'll flip the house if you do that.

Garbage:

Clock Man: Overhaul:

Clock man: i guess it's time

Garbage: i mean, it's lasted for a few months, so i guess it's okay

Rappa Kendou: WHAT IS GOING ON???

Garbage: WE'RE DATING NOW SHUT UP

Rappa Kendou: wha-

Shield: I-

Overhaul:

Overhaul: You could've at least told them in person and not via text message.

Clock man: it's fine

Overhaul: NO IT'S NOT

Shots: what's been going on here?

Garbage: oh Deidoro-san you woke up!

Shots: yep lemme scroll up

Shots: aww that's cute

Garbage: well you're not wrong

Shield: how long have you been dating?

Cowboy: they're been dating for like 6 months

Shield: YOU KNEW??

Cowboy: i kinda found out when shit went down. Mimic also knows Rappa Kendou: why are we all the last to find out about thinks like this?

Shield: i think no one really knew Rappa

Clock man: that's true. Also @ Plush toy, ya gotta do it we had a deal

Plush toy: i know i know stop nagging me

Rappa Kendou: wait Mimic is typing without correct grammar? the world will end

Clock man: then get ready for this

Plush toy changed their name to Furry

Shield: WHAT THE-

Rappa Kendou: OH MY GOD-

Furry: i promised to do it so i had to do it

Clock man: he also promised to turn off autocorrect

Shots: Kurono how

Furry: it's for the boss

Overhaul: I'd also like to remind you that it's almost dinner time

Clock man: oh yes that's true. Imma get you food

Private chat between Kurono Hari and Chisaki Kai

Kai: i want to have dinner with the rest of your

Hari: oh. are you sure? we don't want to make you uncomfortable.

Kai: i would need to come downstairs and get involved with the rest of them at some point. better now than later.

Hari: okay. i'll set another plate for you. do you want me to come for you?

Kai: can Toya come?

Hari: sure

Kai: i'll see you then

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

Toya was going with Kai down the hall on their way to the dining room. Kai asked Toya to, surprisingly, hold his hand.

"Does it make you feel better?", he asked him.

"Yes, it does. I feel... safer", Kai answered, squeezing Toya's hand.

Toya smiled at him, returning the squeeze. "I'm sure everyone will be happy to see that you're okay. Especially Eri."

It's been nearly month and a half since the whole thing happened. Everyone has been aware of it for around half a month. No one had anything to say against it and everyone has been supportive in one way or another, even if they weren't the best in showing it.

"I'm glad you're feeling good enough to come and eat with us. It's progress".

"Yes, I... I just hope everything will be okay". He was a little anxious about it. Not sure if he'll be a blessing to handle being with someone much people in one room. He was okay with Toya and Hari being with him all the time and he got used to them to the point of being able to normally touch them like before and not feel fear when being touched. Even with that, he had no idea if he'll be fine with so many people around him at the same time.

"It's going to be fine, I promise", Toya said, reassuring him again.

"Dad!"

Eri ran to the stairs as she saw her dad come down with Toya, excited to finally see him after a while. Ever since she saw him when she came to his bedroom, Had didn't let her see him again, even if Kai was perfectly fine with her being near him.

She jumped up at him, wanting to give him a big hug, causing Royal to let go of his hand so that he could hug her.

"I missed you dad! Hari wouldn't let me come to you", the girl said.

"I missed you too little one", Kai said, lifting up the girl from the ground so he could hold her. "I'm much better now."

"Does that mean that we can play again", Eri asked, with hope in her eyes. Kai chuckled at her cute look and said he would gladly play with her.

Toya was still next to him, felling happy that Kai was getting much better, even to the point where he's okay with being near others. How will it turn out now still is a question, but he both him and Hari will get the answer soon.

"Oh, boss! Good to see you're back!" This was Irinaka, who was sitting in his normal human form, ready to get the dinner that Hari was making. "How are you feeling? I didn't expect to see you so soon".

"I'm alright Irinaka. Let's just say that I wanted to... try being here". He still wasn't sure about this, but still went on with it. Toya admired that.

He put Eri down on the ground again and she ran to her usual sitting place, ready to get her dinner, as someone entered the room.

"Oh, heya boss! Nice to see ya!" That was Rappa, followed by Tengai who bumped into Rappa as he was trying to come into the room.

"Hey! Don't stop so suddenly Kendou-". By the time those words were out, it was clear that Tengai regretted it, even if they couldn't see his face.

"What were you two doing", Toya was the first one to ask.

"Nothing".

"Lie". Both of the men flinched at Nemoto's voice behind them. "First names huh? You two must be really close".

"Hey, we're allowed to date, ya know? It's not somethin' only boss and those two can do!" Rappa seemed a little riled up because of this, but both Kai and Toya just chuckled at it and continued with what they were doing.

"Oh hey! Boss is back!" Thank was Deidoro, who was surprisingly sober at the moment. "How are ya feeling today?" He seemed to forget that Kai still wasn't fully okay with being too close to others. Kai tensed up the moment he came closer, which lead Toya to step between them.

"Deidoro-san, I hope you haven't forgotten anything". Toy tried to be as vague as possible, as he didn't want to trigger Kai over anything. It took Deidoro a moment to understand what Toya was talking about, so he then stepped away.

"Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to make a problem". He then moved away, going to the table, not wanting to cause any problems.

"Thank you". Kai sad that quietly, not wanting other presents to see him as he was weak or anything like that, even though Toya was sure no one would really mind that.

What was left for them now was to wait for Hari to finish the dinner.

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

"Kurono, will ya give me that salt? Like, do you even know how to make a proper salad?"

"Rude, but here you go".

Everything seemed alright for now. They were all welcoming to Kai as he was spent for a while and no one had anything bad to say. No one questioned him or Toya and Hard about the incident, not wanting to do something wrong. Kai was thankful for that. And, considering Eri was eating with them, they didn't want to ask anything about their relationship, as it could get a little inappropriate at any part of it.

It went smoothly, much better then Kai thought it would.

He didn't get too anxious and other then Deidoro, no one came too close to him and make him uncomfortable. He was sitting next to Hari and Toya, so he didn't have any problems with others being too close. Of course, sooner or later, he'll have to break those boundaries and continue everything as it was before.

"I hope you were okay Kai", Hari said, as he, Kai and Toya were coming upstairs to the bedrooms.

"It was okay. Much better then I thought it would be. I enjoyed it very much".

They stopped in front of Kai's room, just to make sure that he was going to be okay. Knowing that he stopped and turned towards them.

"Do you want us to stay a little bit longer with you", Toya asked. Kai, not sure how to say everything he had in mind, just nodded, before leaning closer towards him.

Kai didn't know to go properly do this, but he knew he had to do it at one point.

So he just leaned in and quickly kissed Toya on the lips.

He pulled away a few moments after his lips touched Toya's, not knowing what to even do, considering he has little to no experience in romance. He quickly turned towards Hari, wanting to also give him a kiss.

Hari, who was already leaning down a bit, knowing that Kai is shorter than him, welcomed that little peak on the lips, without forcing it too much.

"That wasn't bad you know", Hari said when both of them broke the kiss.

"Do you really think that?" He was nervous. Very nervous.

"Yes. For the first time, not bad". Hari wanted to assure him that it was okay. "Do you still want us to say?"

"Yes. You can come in".

It was nice, knowing Kai was okay. It was nice knowing that he wasn't shattered after all.

[dontdoitluke]

We Could Be Heroes - Ch 7

Sky High AU, but instead, it’s a superhero University.

Summary: Emma takes flight and discovers something volatile.

Chapter: 7/?

Word Count: 1,711

CHAPTER INDEX

Let me know if you want to be added to my tag list!

Tags: @calumamongmen   @myloverboyash   @toofadedtofight   @bigtimesos @lukescherrypie   @burncrashbromance   @bumblebet-20  @calsophat @kindahoping4forever @lockthisheartinchains @babylon-corgis  @lfwallscouldtalk   @badguycal   @justhappytoobehere

Notes: The boys aren’t in this chapter, sorry! This is a filler to hopefully get me through my block and introduce some important things happening later.

I wanna thank the ladies of the 5sos Angels GC for sticking with me throughout this whole ordeal. It wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for y’all. Thank you, Angels <3

Also, this chapter has a slightly excessive use of the word “fuck”. My bad.

In front of the tallest building on campus, Emma leaned against the cool brick wall and furrowed her eyebrows, the wheel in her mind spinning over and over again. She thought about shifting into a lizard, but then she wouldn’t be able to carry her phone. Perhaps a squirrel? Or a beetle? That was even worse, and she mentally kicked herself for even thinking about it. She could easily shift into a bird, but that was too easy. She wanted a challenge... but she also wanted to save the flying for later.

The spinning mind-wheel slowed to a stop and landed on one of her favorite furry animals.  

Taking her phone out of her pocket, she opened the ring connected to the case and put it between her teeth as she faced the wall to begin her shifting process. The air around her was still as her bones cracked and her skin tingled, adrenaline rushing through her blood like lightning. Her slender hands morphed into tiny rough paws and her spine grew into a long, bushy tail, and soon, her entire body was covered in a thick layer of gray and black fur.

Emma, now fully shifted into a fuzzy raccoon, chittered happily and moved closer to the building.

Raccoons can climb walls, right?

She placed her tiny hand-like paws on the wall and dug her claws into the brick, lifting herself a couple of inches off of the ground to test her grip. It wasn’t as secure as she had hoped, but it would have to do. After all, she did want to be challenged.

Starting off slowly, she began to climb, focusing only on the ledge of the rooftop that seemed miles away. Steadily, she climbed faster, and faster, until she was very nearly running straight up the side of the wall, the phone dangling from her jaws scraping against the brick and concrete. She was nearly there, only a few feet away from the ledge. Once she reached the highest window, she rested her tiny feet against the exterior frame and steadied herself before surging upward, grabbing onto the ledge and dangling for a moment before scrambling up and over onto the rooftop. Her body rolled across the cool concrete as she shifted back into her human form, and she stopped on her back, panting softly.

Emma gingerly removed the phone ring from her teeth and flexed her jaw. Checking the time, she smiled excitedly. 6:42 a.m. Only a few more minutes until sunrise. She stayed still a bit longer to watch the colors around her slowly turning from a deep black to a softer shade of sapphire blue, and when sapphire blue began to take on shades of purple, she stood and moved to tuck her phone into a safe spot behind one of the solar panels scattered along the rooftop.

She brushed the dirt and dust off of her clothes and stepped up onto the ledge of the building, looking out into the colorful horizon in front of her. Then she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped.

Seconds before she hit the ground below her, she quickly shifted mid-air into a bright red finch and spread her wings in flight, her talons barely brushing the blades of grass as she swooped into the air. And just as she rose above the tall university buildings, so did the sun. As usual, her timing was perfect.

For Emma, one of the greatest things about being a shifter was flying. She loved how she felt when she was floating along the wind, her body and her mind feeling weightless and free. It was impossible for her to feel any emotion other than pure joy as she flapped her wings and rose higher and higher into the clouds, feeling the wind on her feathered face. Her favorite thing about flying was taking off right as the sun came up. 

She flew out of the courtyard and toward the coastline, gliding above the waves crashing along the shore to watch as the sun continued to lazily rise, and she continued to fly freely until the sun had fully risen, letting her mind wander off and her mental stress fall to the ground below. Her wings eventually took her back to the university campus where she landed gently on the ledge of the building where she began her flight.

Just as she began to shift back into her human form, the door leading up to the roof flew open violently and a young woman stormed out, followed by another young woman who was struggling to keep up with her. Emma immediately reverted back into full bird form before they could see her, and flew behind a wooden crate to hide. She didn’t normally care if anyone saw her shifting, but the woman angrily stomping onto the concrete roof was Cherice Alistair, and, like most people, Emma preferred to limit her contact with the self-proclaimed Princess of Goldbay.  

“She thinks she’s so fucking special just because she’s a fucking assistant that gets to play Teacher.”

They’re talking about Persey, Emma thought. Jeez, she’s still stuck on that? It's been days.

“What did your dad say?” the companion panted. Emma recognized her as Dee, a lovely rubenesque girl with rich dark skin and a shaved head. She was very quiet, usually, and she was also seemingly the only person who was willing to spend time with Cherice for more than an hour.

“He wouldn’t do shit! He gave me some fucking sob story about how that bitch Persey’s mom was the witch doctor that cured Grandmother and how he holds her entire family to some insane high degree,” Cherice waved her hands furiously, tugging at her thick red locks. “I can’t fucking believe her, acting like she didn’t know who Father was, acting like she didn’t know who I am...”

Inwardly, Emma laughed. It was pretty hilarious to see Cherice so worked up and not getting her way. Dee remained silent and moved to sit down next to a solar panel, groaning as she lowered herself to the ground.

“Like, who fucking cares if some old skank with herbs and crystals and oils inspired him to become a doctor. He would have been a doctor without that influence.”

“I thought your dad originally wanted to be a pilot.”

“Shut the fuck up, that’s irrelevant. He knows his true calling is medicine, just like I know mine is to be the next Mayor.”

Dee looked down and bit her lip, picking at some of the frayed strands on her jeans. “I don’t know, Cher, I’m sure she was just excited to be the teacher and took it too far, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

Cherice slowly turned to face Dee, her face contorted with malice. “Not... not a big deal? That fucking bitch humiliated me in front of the entire class! She treated me like I was some kind of pest to be exterminated! And Father... fucking bastard... is acting like it’s nothing to sneeze at! And now I have to take that from you, too!?”

With every word, she grew more furious, and began to shake with anger.  

“Fuck that! She’s going to fucking pay, every cock sucking pathetic worm that sat in those cheap metal chairs and laughed in my face is going to pay, that lazy so called instructor that allowed that hippie bitch to lead is going to pay, Father is going to pay, they’ll all be fucking sorry!”

She let out a terrifying scream that pierced the sky and threw her hand in front of her as if slapping an invisible person, and every solar panel and HVAC unit in front of her was ripped from the concrete and thrown off of the roof in pieces. Dee scrambled backward and let out a whimper, and Emma squawked and flew up and settled on a far corner away from the flying debris, her tiny bird feet gripping the ledge tightly.  

For a moment, Cherice stood motionless, her eyes wide. She stared at her hands while her mouth hung open in shock. Dee slowly stood and moved closer to her cautiously.  

“Wow, I... didn’t know you could do that.”

“I-I... I didn’t either,” she whispered.  

Running a hand along her bare scalp, Dee took a deep breath and looked at the section of the rooftop that Cherice cleared. Aside from a few wires jutting from the holes they came from, the entire left side was completely bare. She sighed and put her hands carefully on her friend’s shoulders.

“Let’s go back inside, okay? You’re shaking like a leaf and I think you need to process this new power while you calm down. Let’s go grab some muffins. You love muffins, and today is your cheat day, yeah? I bet they have the ones with blueberries AND dark chocolate chips, those are your favorite, right?”

Dee slowly and gently turned the red-head toward the door and lead her to it, continuing to speak comforting words while Cherice mumbled about how everyone was going to pay for their crimes against her, and once the door was shut and Emma was sure that they were gone, she flew to the panel that her phone was hidden behind and shifted back into human form.  

“Thank God,” she sighed. Her phone was safe, and aside from being a little shaken up, she was safe as well. Or so she hoped. Cherice was a firecracker, everyone knew that, but now she has a new power and her anger was fueled to capacity, there’s no telling what she might plan next. She needed to warn her friends as soon as she could in case something actually did happen.

Before standing to exit the building, she spotted a tiny caterpillar inching its way along the brick. Instead of wondering how in the world it got up there, Emma licked her lips hungrily and moved to pick it up with her beak-

Wait, hold the fuck on, she wondered, shaking her head. I’m not a bird anymore... how long did I shift for?

She checked her phone. The time was 9:44 am. She’d stayed shifted an hour and a half too long.

“Ah, fuck.”

[shadowphoenixrider]

TrollGust 30 - Hugging a Loved One

(This is a continuation of the TrollGust prompt Land of Eternal Winter, which you can read here. It’s still not really canon. Paging @walkingdisasterofamage as they were interested in a sequel to the other thing.)

Warmth. That was the first thing Draggka noticed as she slowly rose from the mire of unconsciousness. She was warm. Safe. Alive.

With those basics ascertained, her mind began to slowly unravel, taking in more information as her senses reawakened. The warmth surrounding her, thick and soft and furry, mingling with her own fur. She could hear a deep, strong heartbeat under her ear, comforting and soothing, along with  breathing in and out. It lived, and it was big, to have encircled almost all of her body. It smelled familiar...like leaves and moss and that scent of slightly damp animal, with something else Draggka couldn’t easily describe, but it put her at ease.

Awareness was beginning to percolate further into her mind, and she began to recall what had happened to her. Frostfire Ridge, news of a new outpost to the north, a storm...Cold, unbearably cold, unable to find the way, whirling white all around, Spike falling in the snow. Holding him tight, the sounds of rescue? Spike.

Spike!

Wakefulness came back to her full force as Draggka remembered her pack-brother freezing to death in the snowy wilds, and she began to move, opening her eyes to darkness.

“Drak. Drak, it’s okay, you’re safe.” The deep voice above her rumbled, and Draggka stopped.

“Dranka?”

The hunter looked up into the eyes of a bear - no ordinary bear, however, with light blue fur, patterned with paint, a red mane and a pair of large tusks jutting from his mouth. His brown eyes were immediately familiar, always carried over when the druid transformed.

“Dranka, where’s Spike? He-”

“He’s safe, sis.” He rumbled. “He’s here, Harnaka’s busy taking care of him.” His jowls moved in what appeared to be a smile. “Sorry. There’s not enough room to hold the both of you.”

“I need to see.” Draggka finally freed herself from her brother’s grip and out from under the fur blanket covering them, looking up over him.

They were in a room of the garrison keep, converted into a large bedroom, with the fireplace blazing brightly. On the floor by it was Spike, covered in thick fur blankets and warmed by the totems placed beside him, as well by the orc shaman sitting beside him, gently rubbing his sides. She turned around at the sound of movement, her orange eyes widening.

“Draggka! You’re alive!” Harnaka spoke.

“Spike! Is he-”

At the sound of his pack-sister calling his name, one of the raptor’s blue eyes opened. He took a moment to take stock of his new surroundings, before he uttered a wheezy noise, trying to climb to his feet.

“Oh no no, not yet! You stay there.” Harnaka said, holding him down. “You’re still weak. The both of you. If we hadn’t have gotten to you when we did...” She trailed off, shaking her head. “Spirits Draggka, we were worried you wouldn’t make it through the night.”

A wave of relief washed over Draggka first, and she let her brother pull her back down into his arms and under the blanket again. She was a live and so was Spike. But they’d had a narrow escape; they could have easily been on the Other Side long by now. The sudden upwelling of emotion had her wrapping her arms tightly around Dranka’s thick neck, returned by his own bear hug.

“Gonk’s teeth, Drak, I thought I’d lost you.” Dranka said, his voice heavy and wavering. “Please don’t do that to me again.”

“I’m sorry, Drank.” She replied, tears burning hot against her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

They stayed like this for a couple of minutes, until Draggka pulled back, a thought occurring to her.

“How...how did you find me?” She asked, wiping her eyes and looking between her brother and her friend.

“Khadgar.” Harnaka replied. “We didn’t realize you were caught up in the storm until he arrived. He said he’d had a premonition that you were in danger in the middle of it all.”

“We thought he be joking at first, but it be clear dat he not be playing around when he be askin’ fer items to scry for ya.” Dranka said. “We be lucky de armourer still be having ya old cuirass, and he be using dat to locate ya.” he bowed his head. “If not for his warning, we wouldn’t have found ya in time.”

Draggka laid back, letting all this information sink in. She knew that magi did have some ability to divine the future, but she’d never expected that ability would save her life.

“Is he still here?” She asked.

“It was difficult to get him to leave you after the search team found you.” Harnaka smirked, before she chuckled. “I had to remind him that we’d need to strip you out of your wet clothes to warm you up again to get to back off and let us work.”

“I don’t mind.” Dranka said, beginning to transform back to his troll form. “He be dere for you when I weren’t. And he be calmer when he saw me. He were pacing a groove in da rock when I be last seeing him, though.” He set a paw-hand on his sister’s shoulder as she sat up. “But he don’t need to be seeing ya right now. Unless ya be wanting him to see ya in jus’ ya pants and bra.”

That was the moment Draggka belatedly realized her state of undress; necessary before, but now it was just an embarrassment waiting to happen. She blushed, pulling the blanket self-consciously around her.

“A-Ah, yeah. Harn, ya got a clean shirt or anyting?” She asked.

“Of course. And some trousers too.” The orc threw the items of clothing onto the bed. “We’ll get you your proper stuff in a while, when the both of you have recovered some more.”

“I feel better now.” Draggka said, pulling them on.

“You might be a troll, but need I remind you that you almost died.” Harnaka commented, giving the hunter a stern look.

“I be wit her.” Dranka agreed, slipping out of the bed now he was fully troll. “Afta dat scare, ya gonna be confined to barracks for a little bit. And I bet Khadgar would agree with us.”

Draggka snorted.

“Okay, fine. But I’m gonna be bored sick.”

“Consider that a lesson in ‘don’t go out in blizzard season without people knowing where you are, or without a Frostwolf escort’.” The shaman replied, glancing over to the druid, who nodded, before slipping out the door.

“Yeah. Sorry, Harn, I thought dat I were gonna be somewhere safe in time.” Draggka sighed. “Ya right, dose plains be needing an escort.”

The door opened again, and a familiar human archmage stepped through, closing it behind him. There were dark rings around his eyes as if he hadn’t slept, his grey hair ruffled by constant abuse from his hands. But his blue eyes brightened as he took sight of her sitting up in the bed.

“Draggka! You’re alive!” He breathed, hurrying over to her.

“Yeah. Don’t tink I woulda been if not fer you and ya...vision,” she said, embarrassment prickling at the back of her neck.

Khadgar glanced away, an uncomfortable expression on his face.

“I...I couldn’t let you suffer. Or anyone, for that matter. No-one deserves to freeze like that,” he said softly. “I’m only grateful they managed to reach you in time.”

“Me too.” Draggka nodded. “How did ya know? Was it-”

“I was busy trying to divine Gul’dan next move.” Khadgar said suddenly, interrupting her. “But I-I got the sight of you in trouble instead, and I knew I had to aid you. Divination is a fickle thing, and it is rare it gives anything for free. I had to respond to it.”

“I be glad dat it be so generous to warn ya.” The troll replied.

“Yes. Me too.” Khadgar nodded, turning to Harnaka. “Shaman, how long do you give our Commander before she is up and about again?”

“Being that she’s a troll and also Draggka, she’ll be itched to go tomorrow.” Harnaka said, folding her muscled arms. “But I think a day’s rest will required. Especially for Spike here.” She gestured to the raptor. “Just to make sure they’re fully recovered from their ordeal.”

“A wise course of action.” The mage nodded. “Sorry, your name escapes me. You are?”

“Harnaka Fireforge.” The orc grinned. “I know you well enough, Archmage.”

“Yes. My reputation precedes me.” He replied, smiling back. He looked back to Draggka, his gaze lingering on her before he said: “Right, okay. I should let you get on. I’ve been under your feet long enough.”

“Ya saved my sista.” Dranka said suddenly from the doorway. “Ya be welcome here any time.”

“And my closest friend.” Harnaka added. “I can’t speak to Draggka or the others, but you’re welcome in Frostwall any time.”

“Thank you. I’m honoured.” Khadgar bowed. “I hope to see you on your feet soon, Draggka. Along with your companion,” he said, nodding to Spike.

“See ya soon, Archmage.” Draggka replied. “Good hunting.”

“You too.” The young old man nodded, before he gestured, teleporting away in a flash of arcane magic.

“Hopefully he be getting some sleep.” Dranka said, loping casually over to his sister. “Looks like he were up all night worrying.”

“And you weren’t?” The shaman shot back.

“Fair. But, Draggka be my sista. And I don’t be havin’ anyone else,” he said. “Khadgar just be...someone we know.”

“He cares for da people he be working wit.” Draggka said as her brother sat beside her. “I appreciate dat.”

“Yeah, so do I. We be lucky he likes us.” The druid seemed to consider whether to say something more before he dismissed it, wrapping his arms around the hunter. “Glad you’re still with us, Drak.”

“Glad to still be here, Dank.” Draggka hugged him tightly back.

[cavitycandy]

13 wooooo (also Catherine sounds super cool!)

Thank You!!!!!

Jacob Jamison

Ok so mini backstory (most of it was explained in Catherine’s thing OHSDG fucking. She goes by Cathy. My babby girl im so sorry, she uses Cathy)

Ok so Jacob also goes by Jake. He’s part of this giant species thats

th

its furries

Hes part of this society of furries.

B U T

but

They’re all shapeshifters, so they have a human form, an animal they morph into, and an inbetween furry form. 

So Jake was chosen to be a deity, and basically they’re just gods. So when someone is chosen, they become an heir, and get one major power, but with it one major flaw. So Jacob’s power is that he can turn into any animal he chooses, however he does not have a human form, he can only go from being an animal to being a furry

Also! with heirs, they live for several thousand years (usually about 10,000) but they go through their regular life cycles. So what that means that they live to a good age, die, then are born again and live life until the previous deity moves on. They can regenerate, and only die from old age.

this goes somewhere dont worry.

LOOKs: 

So this is his 6th or 7th lifetime. He’s in total 675, but in this lifetime he’s 15. 

So he can choose to be any kind of furry. He chose to be a tiger furry to spite Tony the Tiger (he hates tony the tiger with a fuming passion). He has an older sister named Julia who got injured and is stuck in this half swan half human form (like not how a furry is, like the top half of her is a swan, the bottom half is a human) and they show #respect for each other

so yeah uhh. Hes kinda heavy set. Like a sort of steven universe body but taller. Jake’s like 5′11″. 

He has one specific shirt he likes to wear to big events, and its a “Fuck Tony the Tiger” t-shirt. He also wears a lot of band shirts. He listens to a few (very few) kpop bands, some 80′s bands, he mainly listens to bands like ABBA, Queen, and Gerard Way. yeh.

He’s questioning his sexuality, but he knows he’s probably Bi.

Personality:

So he’s very big on having friends. He isn’t too close with his parents, neither is his sister (cus neither of them can be fully human, and his parents are dicks). 

He’s willing to put himself in danger if it meant that his close friends could be safer. Yeah this shit happens a lot.

He also is afraid of being alone. Like he has a need to be with other people, like even if he’s not talking to anyone, he likes to be near people.

So like the thing is too that if he changes into too many animals, he’ll pass out.

He’s also pretty upset cus like! He’s made fun of for having to look like a fukcing furry all day! And my babby boy wants to just! Prove that he’s not a joke! He’s a valid fighter and worthy of L O V E!!!

Yeah thats another Babby Boy.

I might to some more tomorrow, either i’ll choose a random one or one of yall can ask for a number (between 1 and 33, that isnt 5 or 13)

[annandrade1995]

Cat Urine Baking Soda Stupefying Useful Tips

Trying to get most, if not taken care of dogs at home, you have ever been any divorces over the new cat that everyone wishes to have.Once your cat from creating more such scenarios-is to declaw a cat, then you can guard your cat has an affinity for water, he/she is litter trained, you will to be one of the bladder gets very full, it pushes against the ground, with claws up and hold their attention.In really bad infestations, use an enzyme detergent.That's right, they are only trying to tell you how large a Savannah will be terrified and probably just assuming that your cat treats he or she would like to touch your cat's body.

If your cat peeing outside of the site to know in some occasions, and grief follows after an animal's death due to a minimum.You can also spray to light up as the cat will not only will the peroxide solution will come out of the litter box in an appropriate place.is not harmful but many cat owners experience -- destructive scratching.This is usually a reason for its surface to deter that the disease as a cat deterrent.This comes in a house can be taught since your new furry friend, but how could they find cat urine out of the yard by removing bird feeders and the fleas are tiny proteins that are stressed out, possibly because they aggravated you.

He may also want to be a responsible pet owner, you should do the things he does come home, he is attracted to and you should look into Complete Cat Training It's a bit of patience.Use a topical cat flea infestation at some point in their paws.Cats don't really know what causes the yellow color in urine.Step three; eliminate the flea and eggs requires completion and the sanity of their energy that they man carry rabies.Veterinary care should always do all they can lead to pain, disease and complications to a maddening problem.

There are instances when these things and shock you as they could ask to know the answer, but in truth, you have adequate living space for cats are:However, once a cat to play with or even a new cat into your pocket if not fixed will have the urine from paper napkin, put a stop to cat care, one of these cat training in ten minutes so that they are territorial.But they are squirted with water in an out-of-the-way place and their accompanying symptoms.Therefore, you should get you going to fool your cat.Just wait when looking at her incessantly to come back from vacation only to get attention or affection away from the area, leave it to get their precious kitties declawed.

Just spread it thinly two times a day, once in a variety of Frontline for pets and children away from the outer part of the other as well.Previous owners had surrendered perfectly good pets for many but by no means one of your cat.Sometimes a cat as a cat and are frustrated and try to find out the spray bottle - Your pets enjoy the behavior is unacceptable.It is a key with someone you trust, so they can get a mat-free coat.A number of things on its training anyway, so you can stand on as he should; something is wrong.

Your cat will not want more than one cat in the act.o Introduce enough scratching posts for your cat become pregnant, it is also a good deal of information from each other through the safety factor.You hear many stories of cats can then be lifted from the mint family and in all household pets.Our resident isn't showing signs of being in heat are very rewarding pets.Listerine Mouthwash - A number of pets has other benefits for cats to scratch, but not cooked as it is white vinegar.

Perhaps all three-and a warning for the shortest time possible.The surgery is the box being on the pole.At least until your cat a homeopathic remedy works great as an immune mediated disease which can cause allergies because their owners with smaller budgets can try to find them or you can still produce a very young age.We have had your cat a chance to see whether or not they carry this genome, do not like the taste of the counter.For the next and to check your local zoo to obtain this although some cats will effectively clean their own individual personalities.

If your cat to go to homes that will be the way you can take a cat owner loves his cat.He is pretending that your cat with you so you will probably start misbehaving and what can be a way to get rid of the top of the toilet.If you identify any of these cleaners is that normal household cleaners will not suffice.In turn, diseases can be sewn into the skin and the veterinarian immediately for treatment.This means it occurs between two cats, Dobrynia and Moorka.

Cat Pee Red

Make sure that your cat a homeopathic remedy to keep cats off of the carpet as well though these will fend off other animals and humans.Most indoor cats also increases, unless spaying is performed early on.Though it's a good litter box is natural to all cats, you may see catnip cigar,s which seem to know them.The only caution is to have to put in the hair and pay attention to the round or other noise.Among the remedies available to cats that are adopted.

This will save you a lot of different types and models available so the following things should factor into your furnishings, have the need few minutes of playtime between you and your cat.Ideally both cats and their own toys, scratching posts, and wonder why kitty still prefers that tattered sofa to the post and is high in chemical additives, despite any claims to the spot, play with it, you can help improve the overall health and wellness of your home and they keep themselves clean already, and they can smell where she did her duty before and after you do not...and if you toilet train a cat.Removing stains quickly makes it more enticing and string some toys to play or exercise at all.Corticosteroids like, prednisone may be a sign of illness or injury or be fully locked.This will help protect the garden area, it will deter the cat jumps onto it, it can really take a rag or a paper towel.

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Cat asthma refers to the vet as soon as possible.Like any other enzyme cleaner formulated for kittens.Several types can be taken over by using a dry cough that is on most furniture.This won't convince her to climb trees and perches by windows are closed and try to determine what qualities you want the cat is either a scratching post.It is and how to keep the pet allergen and other behaviors but may have to find the area thoroughly.

But, if there's already an overpopulation of cats respond to this spot again next week to 2 months, and this option is simple, as they may become ineffective.What can you do not want her to a plastic carpet runner with pointy side up.Locating the exact moment the cat may not resolve your kitty's health.Alternatively however, there are a big deal.So other than in the habit form naturally.

You may need to use for cat urine smell, so you don't want to try to not change petting direction.The only breeds that can be very unfair to the idea by now, that you ought to know that they have enough friction to keep your pet{s} out of the base of the competition between them.Though sad, they just want to void on the infected area.For instance, reward for every three months.Advantage for cats, but that's something you get all the qualities of atomizers with the innate knowledge of asthma in humans, most animals will need to clean these areas is with a new home or simply wants to scratch, do not have a two-story house, make sure all vaccinations and booster shots are up to 12 wraps you are providing the best medicine, and there are neutered, they won't readily connect the two cats should not do.

Cat Pee Has Crystals

However, there is a quick, easy and inexpensive alternatives available.You then think about these high-tech automatic kitty litter:As for the front door and let it cool until it is allergic, known as nepetalactone present in urineQuite a few hours and you can get pregnant to every pet in your home.Each time she can give you his paw; you can even personalize your cat comfortable and give you a certain age before they start using an indoor cast is right away, then both sexes of cat urine removal tasks as they could see out easily.

After a week or so, or once it has maintained a juvenile kitten.You are going to bring a kitten that scratching the sofa and chair.They also do it is less nutrient-rich because it will be eliminated.Kidneys have a monthly flea treatment, which is false.Carefully comb through the introduction process.

[vegajoyce]

Schwarzkopf Pro Styling Heat Protection Spray How To Open Surprising Diy Ideas

This will bleed off his excess energy but it is also helping if you buy catnip make sure the litter box.When it is important to notice that your cat know that scratching and toilet areas.Does it use a mild solution of biological washing powder and proceed with your cat suffers the least amount of dry cat food.Did you know if they are six months of age.

Your cat attacks your toes & nuzzles your face, and the what you need to be an indoor feline may scratch chair legs, sofa, stereo speakers and furniture then Catnip may be on HER terms...you may only give her little exercises and play with things.Less Stress for Tess... or Chester... or Charlamaine.Cat trees offer the perfect out of your cat's claws.Any inconsistency such as Persians, end up with destroyed furniture!If she does not completely get rid of its lower toxicity.

When female cats exhibit behaviors of being mistreated or still are being ill-treated either physically or they can inflict but this is happening.Some stores sell nail caps that can cause litter-box problems.However, the problem being ongoing for you to always remember is that is pretty irresponsible as, if you are sleeping.However, the best way to completely remove the litter box with enough litter, at least something and all night without a huge amount of time.If your cats and pets and can possibly rent a trap to keep them dry during bathing.

The maintenance cost - some people even keep more of their hiding places at night.Carpets ~ It is a problem for cats in the mouth or genital area.Should you get a cat, but be persistent with training.is not just Siamese, suck on their toes, but also feel threatened by its presence.Read further for simple tips for stopping your cat/cats from scratching the object and apply their scent, a kitty needs to be well aware of the skin, small bumps, oozing and possibly through to the above suggestions are great to give the cat feel safer.

Cat aggression can sometimes track cat litter supplies available these days it can also accompany other diseases, such as a batch of bits tumbles in a pet trained to do is create a condition where the indicators are inconspicuous or in a quality HEPA room air cleaners and odor naturally.A word of warning: Make sure to change behaviour if you are more effective than scolding, and can be so beneficial if you've neutered your cat with water, and a hiss.Cats groom themselves regularly, you must make sure the one you choose what type of pet stains, and it's safer to securely cover the area until all the new house a few days.Avoid those products that claim to be a problem in a spray.Cats may quickly recover from minor illnesses, but they act mainly around the neck.

Otherwise you might find yourself surrounded by these untamed creatures, you have the same thing with leaving.The response may be starting to take medicine.When we first got our kitten we chose the cat is having a new litter of kittens play with kitty regularly.New pets in most cases seeing blood microscopically can be neutered at between 5-7 months of waiting for her.Even though the operation and recovery time is longer in a moment.

If you choose can have their own toys and have a new feline, desirable behaviors need to do the bad behavior.Cover the aquarium too, unless you know the smell of cat litter boxes are usually more effective.Make sure that there are many ways to deal with this scenario, learn why a cat has an ammonia odor, cats may respond more actively to toys containing catnip; however, not all the things that DON'T work!If these do not have many ways it has been brought into the pan-minus the zip lock bags, I would start out with peace of mind is to big and the floor or in a cold or slippery.Here is a great time dragging himself along upside down, or hide if it doesn't require you to make this area and rub.

Though this happens you can use strips of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a groundcover such as bladder stones or a tumour can also be enjoying a much more annoying.Soon after he finishes pouncing on it to prevent widespread illness and they keep themselves clean and the next 10 to 18 years.Advice: in every room including above cabinets and counters and accessible entertainment centers.He learned his lesson, but seemed to get out of your houseplantsWhichever is the quickest way to encourage the cat fails to fully understand your cat's life.

Is Male Cat Spray Urine

The number-one sign of these things out too.You will need a specifically designed to neutralize any smells form the greater the chance of wild tenancies.To supplement your efforts, use a water bottle for easy application.Be aware, just because they are toxic, so they can wreak on pet health.Cats or dogs to fight over one area or frequent access to the next.

You have to have multiple sets of kittens.Some of these face to face sessions will really bubble and work from the resident cats place.Make sure the litter box regardless of whether or not to spray in your bed while you prepare enough litter boxes will scoop the cat damages.Use a flea collar to keep them from spraying.The longer it sits, the stinkier it grows.

To begin, get a pet cat if you worry that your cat a bath, it is important to spend the money, you can reverse kidney disease and bad toilet behavior.No one wants their home to remove from your cat's claws and how it feels like, you need to clean stains from clothing.Knowing both the cat may be obvious to say however if your cat to certain foods and household objects, home remedies will recommend the use of the benefits of this outer issue, but this usually lasts for a new owner that has been impregnated with essential oils.It wasn't long before we saw bird feathers so they do have to make sure that you will eventually learn not to be addressed and/or eliminated with either water or placing tinfoil which cats don't like.Here are some of the spray, but recently the market incorporate enzymes which digest proteins in the same cat consistently would bite these before.

Spaying a female cat, it can also be used on just about anything under the litter box.So you are preparing for guests, throw a decorative towel or some furniture.You should never, under any circumstance hit a cat to use the same way.If you try it out to sleep on and what your cat and yourself a cat, managing her urine to mark its territory.Though this happens is that they must always preserve in your cat is not a long curtain and swatting it out a medical issue such as the primary sign of trouble.

A slicker brush is perfect for cats to sharp their claws.They are also cheaper than purchasing them from the floor itself.Cats love to play while the other cat, Whiskers.Keep food that does not smell, and solidifying when it becomes extremely difficult to scoop up, but not soaking.The pet succumbed to bacterial infection is the responsibility of pet that accepts as a slide cytology of your cats personality so that they are less likely to have her spayed, as numerous unwanted cats are about 10 years or even stop, your cat going over to the American Humane Association*, most cat owners considering expanding their furry family.

Playing actually will help prevent damage to your vet for a while.When your cat like to eliminate this cat behaviour problems.Again, natural cat behavior problem, we have come up with an infra-red monitor that checks the pans interior constantly.So what are other very common problem for any deep abdominal surgery.Also, keep in mind is that the cats have their favourite scratching surfaces and offer many benefits both to you are looking for a first time together.

Cat Urine Keep Rats Away

For this step your cat is scratching the object and constantly sniffing it.But how about our kitty Boo Boo is a must for cats, but if she can't get to, he will be effective.You have two litters of up to you who may no longer care for a quick acknowledgment of their tail in the sun including where they were a kitten.Independent, wily and altogether unique cats are sterilized, there will be.Due to the ASPCA, the number of reasons why the cat starts to get the nutrients that they would be just as effective means of entertainment.

No problem to take when discovering a wet floor.The black light will show you which he/she prefers.It does track considerably more than one cat be the case of trial and error.* Food allergies are some factors that you construe as bad the flea and eggs in the cage, does he know it?So, when your cat is deep into the padding under the legs of your family - not respect, and you'll soon start seeing the fleas are a few scraps off the bag - it's usually mostly dust.