#which kid would you babysit >:O

[theothervonkarmagirl]

🍭🍭THE SHIP BABY DIRECTORY!🍭🍭

The products of Maria's various ships on this blog! Some babies are canon, some are not, and some are more prominent than others (and this list will inevitably grow sigh), but I love all of them!

I'll keep it basic so it won't be a novel, but you can ask about them if you want!

CLARA (the OG)

Father: Maria's Unnamed Ex-Husband (Prosecutor!Verse), Leo (FE!Verse (when she's married to Leo), KNY!Verse)

Stepfather: Simon (@risingshine )

((I won't rehash her bio and personality since she has a page already! Go check it out~))

SANTANA GAVIN

Father: Klavier (@legalbrats)

Bio: Maria and Klavier's oldest child. She caused quite a stir among Gavinners fans when she was born. She's played the guitar and volleyball since she was a young child. How does a teenager rebel against parents as over-the-top as Maria and Klavier? By being as basic as possible. Santana went to great lengths to fit in as much as she could, which caused her parents great distress. In her spare time, she composes and posts songs on social media.

Personality: Santana is kind, sunny, and strong-willed. She is protective of her siblings and likes having lots of friends. Like her parents, she can be dramatic when bad things happen, and very flirty.

Physical Appearance: Blonde hair. A lovely smile. Powerful legs.

NYX GAVIN

Father: Klavier (@legalbrats)

Bio: The second child of three, unlike her sister, she tries hard to stand out. She sings very well, and as she gets older, she becomes interested in charity work. Is known for making nasty faces at paparazzi. She often wonders if she should go into law, too.

Personality: Nyx likes to appear tough, but she is actually a big baby. She'll say "whatever" and then cry to her parents later. She is compassionate and artistic, and a little mischievous.

Physical Appearance: Her ears stick out a bit. Colored highlights. Likes leather jackets.

RICK JAMES "RJ" GAVIN

Father: Klavier (@legalbrats)

Bio: The youngest, and the only boy. He and his sisters are very close. He tagged along to one of Santana's ballet lessons when he was small and he loved it. He danced until middle school, where he was picked on for it. In college, he rediscovered his love for dance and continued. He wants to be a movie star, too.

Personality: He's passionate and confident, but he can be arrogant and shallow. In terms of self-improvement, he's unstoppable. When his ego is bruised, though, he'll spiral until someone reassures him.

Physical Appearance: Klavier's clone. He works out a lot. Has dimples.

KIRAGI

Father: Takumi (@fjinyumi )

Bio: Maria and Takumi's long-awaited son, who was placed in a Deeprealm(a pocket dimension) when he was nearly kidnapped as a baby. He reunited with his parents during the war, and he enjoys hunting, where he can put his incredible eyesight to good use. Although he is a prince, he dislikes fancy clothes and prefers that people speak casually to him.

Personality: He's friendly and fun-loving and doesn't sweat the small stuff. He can be stubborn and very messy, though. Like biohazard messy. He often puts hunting before his studies.

Physical Appearance: Here he is!

SHOUKO KANEDA

Father: Kaneda (@sayonaradumbass)

Bio: Born in a timeline where Tetsuo did not get up to his Tetsuo business, and to the sheer horror of Maria's father. Her mom is a prosecutor turned fashion consultant and her dad owns a bike garage. Since her mother works crazy hours, she is often in the care of Kaneda, who is definitely the more lax parent. When she gets older, she becomes a punk, and Maria absolutely cannot stand it.

Personality: Shouko is outgoing and curious and a bit of a showoff. She loves to talk to new people. She goes to private school but she can be hood af and is not afraid to stomp somebody, which often gets her in trouble.

Physical Appearance: Fluffy eyebrows. Poofy cheeks. Her hair started out light but darkened as she got older.

[chaosandmarigolds]

More Simon Riley and Pre-k teacher? Duh, cause I've been thinking about it for too long :0

Thinking about how the first day retirement!Simon would've gone when he was babysitting pre-k's little boy

Simon actually spent forty-two hours getting the house 'Ollie' proof, after you sent a two-paragraph long essay on how 'rambunctious' and 'high-energy' your three-year-old could be

Simon that never felt so happy as he opened the door to see you with Oliver on your hip, a small part of him wishing that you didn't have to drive to see him

Simon who never wanted the moment to end when you gave him a hug once you told Oliver to go run inside, smiling ear to ear as you handed him the backpack and lunch pail and a small remark on 'how he would make just a fine dad'

Simon which when Oliver wanted ice cream quickly whipped out his phone to text you to make sure the little guy didn't have any allergies

Simon who has your name saved with a <3 beside your name (something he will die with...and that Oliver noticed)

"dat's mommies name."

"right-o, laddie."

"Has heart, ooo, mommy likes hearts, 'ister Riley."

Simon with an ice cream in one hand and Oliver's hand in the other walks through the park, ensuring his silence on the matter

Simon who pushes Oliver onto the swing set at the playground about ten minutes from his house, not caring to look at how all of the mom's looked at him in awe because he had you, and you trusted him with Oliver- an honor he would never forake

Simon who carried Oliver park for two hours at the park since the little guy was just...so so tired, and began to think you got the kid all wrong, this little thing couldn't be so high energy that you had to warn him about it

Simon as he sat on the ground watched Oliver in the backyard, spending the next forty-nine minutes jumping on the tiny trampoline Johnny had given him as a prank gift- was carefully sweeping up the broken glass on the ground since Oliver sent on a little...run through the house as soon as they got home

Simon was exhausted when your car pulled into the driveway around six pm, your clothes a little worse for wear, and your hair frizzled out from the humidity

Oliver who took the opportunity to go through the zipped up and dusty bag that sat on the side of the sofa, finding Simon's old balaclava, being three chose to put it on

Simon who lets the hug linger as you thank him again for watching Oliver, only lets go when he hears your faint gasp and you move to walk in

Simon who swore his heart fell into his stomach when he saw the three-year-old with the old tattered thing- no! He hadn't washed it in- The kid was too-

'Oh my gosh! baby, where'da get that?'

'Ister Rileys."

'Really? well you look so so handsome but I think Mister Riley doesn't want you goin through his stuff'

Simon never though he would be affected by a little kids puppy dog eyes until he saw Oliver's, so he quickly shakes his head and tells the little dude that when he gets it washed its all his

Simon who would give so many more things than a war-run balaclava to see you and Oliver smile again

Simon who helped Oliver take a few of his things and was confused by the boys insistence on leaving his dinosaur with him

Simon was never more flattered when you explained that you always told Oliver that you would come back for his dinosaurs, so his want to leave them meant Oliver wanted to come back

Simon who really should've invited you in for dinner...Well, he would have all of summer to try again

[iwaasfairy]

FAIIRYYYYYYY!!!!!! WRITE FOR KENMA AND MY LIFE IS YOURSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

a quick little smt smt because kenma has been on my mind since I watched the movIEEEE I loVE HIM O WANT hIM ♡♡

tw twincest, implied past underage content

“Don’t let the twins run off together without supervision,” your mom used to tell your aunt if she’d babysit. ‘Babysit’ as in lighten the load of two sneaky, restless pre-teens on your very overworked parents. Your brother was quiet, and shy around everyone that he didn’t know well, but he was always a force with you. One who knew what he wanted, and would get you to play along as long as you’d let him.

They’re up to no good, she’d pet your head with affection, but brows furrowed with something other. Aunts, cousins, family friends. Always said it with a certain look at you both, before leaning in to whisper— and you guess back then they knew something you didn’t.

Kenma probably knew. He just didn’t care you never did, because even with the added surveillance of older cousins he’d still find a way to dash off with your hand in his. Giggling and panting where you’d snuggle together in the alley behind the woodshed, or ducked into the pantry under the stairs to whisper and let him show you all kinds of things. Usually it was just the next enemy on his beat up Gameboy, or some cards he traded with Kuroo, or even a new trick with the ball. Sometimes it was something else, hand over your mouth when he told you to keep quiet.

“Your teacher told me a certain pair of twins always skip out on classes together,” your dad chastises over dinner one night after a big volleybal match. “Wonder which twins he could possibly be referring to.” This time it was the back room behind the gym equipment— only hastily cleaned up before the teachers stormed in. Can’t help it, a slight smile starts pulling at your lips.

You almost laugh when Kenma kicks your foot under the table, as your spoon clings too hard against the porcelain plates. “Just because Kenma does stupid boy stuff that will get him in trouble—” Your father’s thin glasses are down his nose as he looks at just you, interrupting your opened mouth to point your way, “doesn’t mean you have to join him. I really expect better from you kids.”

He acts like you’re supposed to know better. Maybe he should wonder if Kenma’s just convincing. It’s a simple and quick answer, he is. From the way Kenma slurps his soup, staring you down across the table under thick, playful lashes, you learn that apparently it’s more acceptable for boys to act mischievous. “Sorry, dad.” Big brother sighs.

Kenma’s feet grab yours to pull it up onto his chair, then plays with your toes so that you have to hold the giggle from breaking out in between the sharp breathing through your nose. “Sorry, daddy.” You parrot when he doesn’t let up, biting your lip at the way he pushes his thumb in.

Your dad is none the wiser, and just sighs. “You’re the older brother, Kenma. I want you to take care of your sister, not lead her astray.”

He does though, you want to say. Just maybe not in the way they’d like to see him care.

It’s only natural that you follow your big brother, your other half, across Tokyo after graduation. Into a bigger apartment where he can stream— when he asks it under hushed whispers trailing fingers down your arm. Of course you say yes.

It’s how you find yourself with your head on his lap, letting his long, skinny fingers trail through your hair as he sinks deeper into the couch. “D’you want some Thai too? I have to work at three so we can’t go out yet. That’s okay by you, right?” He’s so pretty from here, looks down at you with those sharp, calculating eyes with a softness reserved for just you.

“I’ll eat what you eat, nii nii,” you yawn, and also lift your upper half a bit more to press kisses to his hard cock, lick up the bead of glistening precum there. You’ll do whatever your twin wants you to do. You’ll do what you’ve always done.

Taking his cock into your mouth makes him let out the prettiest mumble, pushing up into your soft lips a little more as he agrees. “I know.” You let your head be pushes down as you hollow your cheeks around him, and choke just a little before you reach his pubes- pushing into the back of your throat. It’s hot, and he tastes so good. “I don’t need anyone else. Y’know that?”

“Mhm,” you’re nodding while pulling back, instead going to suck on his balls with an eager tongue. His cock twitches to get back to you. And the coy smile on your face as you look up from his lap makes him groan, holding the phone away from his mouth for a few seconds to watch you. “Guess we shouldn’t have been let off without supervision, huh?”

[yeokii]

SAND CASTLES AND FIRST LOVES — PARK SUNGHOON

synopsis . a day at the beach was for relaxing and also apparently for meeting your first love?

psh : new kid! sunghoon x fmr O.8K — fluff, crack ❨ warnings ❩ 🫧 teeth rotting fluff I PUKED. 𓍼 note — chat can u tell im tweakinh┆(bookshelf)

The sun iced your hands as you squinted your eyes under the hot weather. It was perfect. All you could do was sit down and relax and just babysit your sister? Right? It couldn't be that hard to watch over a five year old.

But one small thing you quite forgot was how hyper that little brat could be. Now you were stuck in being the little devil's assistant in help make her numerous sandcastles.

"Y/n! Don't you think that one is a bit crooked?" Your little sister pointed at the sand castle that you just made.

You dramatically sighed at your sister's remarks, "Jeez, wouldn't hurt for a compliment."

"Crooked towers don't get compliments!" Your sister huffed, "Now get to work." She said and continued making more sand castles, filling the mold with the damp sand sitting on the land.

You oughta throw her into the ocean if you could, but you stayed calm and followed the boss's orders.

Just as it started to get calm with no more snarky remarks from your little sister and calm waves crashing the sand near you, you were towered by a tall, slim figure.

Before you could even let out a warning, one of your precious sandcastles were toppled down by the boy's feet. Your sister didn't seem to care as she continued to make more sand figures to compliment her sandy mansion, but that was the one that you were most proud of so you knew you had to give him a piece of your mind.

"Hey! Watch it!" You stood up to face the rude boy, your hands on resting at your hips.

The boy turned around and you realised that it was the new kid in your school. Sunghoon looked youthful and charming as ever, his dark hair was slightly tousled from the breeze.

But the thing that caught your attention the most was the genuine look in his eyes, "I'm really sorry about that." He said, looking at the destroyed sandcastle.

"Oh— no it's fine!" You awkwardly laughed, scratching the back of your head after resizing you just screamed at the cutest boy you met.

"No really," He smiled sincerely. "Let me fix it." He knelt down, ready to fix the structure of the sandcastle.

"You don't have to do that you know," You giggled, kneeling down to his level. "I've seen you around..."

He furrowed his eyebrows and shot his eyes at you.

"Oh no! Not like that." You laughed once again. "I meant at school. New kid, yeah?"

He chuckled with you, nodding his head. "How come I've never seen your pretty face around?"

Oh jeez.

You blushed at his flirty remark, shrugging your shoulders not really knowing what to say.

"Hey! Stop flirting and get back to making the sandcastles. New kid, quick!" The little devil sassed, making your eyes widened.

"Shut up!" You whisper-screamed at her and looked back at Sunghoon with a sheepish smile, "Sorry about her. She gets a bit bossy sometimes."

"No she's right." He laughed, "Sorry miss, I'll get straight onto it." He said, trying to fix the sandcastle as quick as possible which made a snicker escape from you.

Sunghoon looked back up at you, finding your giggles really cute. The way your hair ever so slightly brushed against your face due to the light breeze and the sun slightly reflecting in your eyes, making it twinkle just might've been the cherry onto to make his heart skip a beat.

Gosh, you looked really pretty.

He was in a daze watching you make some sandcastles, craving out the minute details onto it with a slight smile fixed onto your face. He slowly panned it to your little sister staring dead straight at him.

Sunghoon went right back to the sandcastle he was fixing, clearing his throat hoping your little sister would be a little less intimidating.

"There, all done." He smiled, while getting back up.

"Hmm, good job new kid." Your little sister crossed her arms together. "It's better than Y/n's" She giggled, making you glare at her.

"Thank you though," You thanked him once again.

"No it's my fault." He brushed it off, "How about I make it up to you? What about some ice cream?"

You smiled at the request, "Of course, I'd love to."

"Me too." Your sister butted in as she walking closer to Sunghoon making him giggle.

"Sure princess." Sunghoon said, ruffled her hair and looked back at you. His warm brown eyes met yours, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

As you three walked away to head to an ice cream stand, Sunghoon stayed close by your side. He knew he didn't need to say nothing more; the look in his eyes said it all. And as your arm gently brushed against his, you suddenly became aware of how close you were.

And that today might be the day you would never forget, the summer leaving a fresh stain in your mind—the summer where you met your first love.

tags . @zuyairus @bubblytaetae @yenqa @redm4ri @hanniluvi @haechansbbg @taejaysreads @shinunoga-iie-wa @teddywonss @naespas @isoobie @dimplewonie @jennaissantes @aishigrey

[uhyeahnoabsolutelynot]

list of what i personally consider to be joel’s biggest “i forgot that i keep insisting i’m not your dad” moments:

-“well now i have to see it” / “i don’t want you to” just the tone in which he says this and the thing of being like i’m not going to stop this from happening but i’m going to make my disapproval known, very dad

-his face softening and posture opening up a little in ep1 when she’s like “but you know where to go? so we’re gonna be okay” because even though he’s pissed to be babysitting and thinks she’s more trouble than she’s worth, he is not immune to scared little kid

-also ep1, all of his annoyed eyerolling at ellie instantly respecting/listening to tess and not him

-the Single Silent Nod of Capitulation™️

-becoming increasingly able to sense when ellie is about to ask for a gun from a mile away

-becoming increasingly able to sense when ellie is about to ask him to explain something he doesn’t know jackshit about

-saying under his breath “just wait goddamn it” while jogging after her

-loud coffee slurp in response to being told it’s gross

-also, assuming a 14 y/o who grew up in military school would like coffee

-dad infodumping infused with mild griping (i.e. pre-pandemic air travel, gasoline, how fedra cleared the highways)

-“lookit”

-oH i ThouGht yOu weNt tO ScHooL

-“you’re gonna break your neck”/“slow down”/“what did i just say”

-impatiently telling someone to straighten up is very dad

-the white lie about everyone loving contractors and contractors being cool obv

-doing the “is there anything bad in here” / “just you” bit not once but twice. he really does cycle through the same like 6 weak-ass jokes

-asking someone else to navigate while driving and then stressing them out for not navigating well enough for his liking

-being able to guess her favorite astronaut, i am weeping

-laying down 3 ground rules and then pretty much immediately and continually letting ellie get away with breaking 2 out of 3

-starting to look over at her in surprise when she says “i don’t want to talk about it” because it’s the first time that’s happened and he can tell he’s touched on something that really bothers her, and you see him having to wrestle with the dad impulse to be concerned

-when ellie tries to get him not to go after the sniper; impatiently being like ugh come on that guy is not gonna shoot me he literally sucks (pedro’s read of this line always makes me laugh)

-and of course also the follow-up, when he sees he’s going to have to do better than that to convince her that everything will be fine and his tone softens and he asks her to trust him. the “no questions, just do it” to “do you trust me” pipeline bro, fuucckkk

-the wyoming scenes when they’re nearing jackson and joel’s losing his cool a little and acting kinda grumpy and agitated really remind me of when you have to run errands with your parent while they’re in a bad mood

[dotster001]

Hi. You can react the characters to the fact that the MC kissed the little Cheka?

A/N: I did it with the dorm leaders because I thought they would have a wide range of reactions. If you want more let me know.

C/W: discussions of Riddle's trauma and what it means for the future of your relationship, germaphobe Vil, and I think that's it

Little Cheka has come to visit his beloved uncle! But his beloved Uncle is tired. Luckily, he knows a certain herbivore is always willing to babysit. While you're playing with Cheka, your s/o looks over at you just in time to see you laugh and kiss his cheek.

Riddle is conflicted. Cheka is cute, like the hedgehogs he loves so much. So he understands the urge to give him kissies. In fact he'd probably give him kissies too if he felt closer to the kid.

But also, it makes him think about the lack of love he had in his own childhood, and it kind of sends him to a dark place. 

Now he's wondering, if you two ever raise kids together, if he'll be able to break the chain. He's spiraling quickly, which means his temper is shorter, and, oh look, Grim just got collared again.

Probably tries to avoid you and Cheka until he goes home. He doesn't want to think about it more than he already is, and doesn't want to take his temper out on two innocent sweet hearts.

When you come to see him after Cheka goes home, he'll ask you to sit down like you're about to have some business meeting, and you'll discuss his fears for the future. You do your best to assuage his fears. After all, you haven't even graduated yet, and neither of you is even sure you want kids. This isn't something he should worry about right now. 

But you assure him, as you press a kiss to his cheek, that should you both decide to take that route, you know Riddle will be better than his mother.

Oy! That's his herbivore!

He's lucky he woke up from his nap just in time to see that. He's immediately up and walking over to you, wrapping his arms around you so that yours are pinned to your sides, and pressing kisses all over your face.

Cheka, being a child and not understanding this is a show of dominance, thinks this is a fun game! So he climbs up on the nearest object so that he can reach your face and start giving you kisses too!

He's played this game with his dad before! What usually comes next is his dad starts to tickle him, so now he's tickling you and laughing hysterically.

Leona sees his nephew is onto something here, and starts to tickle you as well. It's a trap you didn't even realize you fell in. And now you're wriggling as much as you can to escape the barrage of tickling.

Good luck, herbivore. You're gonna need it.

Azul is not into PDA. It interferes with his sauve business like persona. So when you kiss Cheka's tiny, little, squishy cheek, he feels a surge of envy.

He immediately berates himself. It's not the same. That's a child. Children are allowed to be given love in public. It wouldn't be the same if you kissed his cheek. 

But he's thinking about it all day. He's unknowingly tapping his pen loudly on the desk as he pretends to listen to what clients are asking him for. Luckily, Jade is always on top of things, so it still looks like everything is normal to outsiders.

Would it be so bad if he were to express his love for you in public? It wouldn't be unprofessional, right? Heck, it might strike more fear into people considering he has won the love of the Ramshackle prefect. (In thinking these thoughts, he's forgetting that he's ready to melt into a puddle when you kiss him in private)

When you slide into his lap to get his attention at the end of the day, he asks if you can try giving him a kiss on the cheek in public every once in a while.

He does, in fact, die the one time you're able to try it.

Let's be real. He's giving Cheka kissies with you. When he found out you were babysitting, he was so pumped! He loves to play with littles! 

Probably brought snacks and all sorts of toys that he thought looked fun at the Mystery Shop. 

Little Cheka loves Kalim and Y/N! He wants to play with them forever! But, alas, he has to go home eventually. And when he's giving a tearful goodbye, both you and Kalim start pressing kisses all over his face, and promise you can play again soon.

Once Cheka leaves, Kalim is just as sad, and missing his siblings a little. You know how to fix this, right?

That's right! Press kisses all over his face until he's laughing and smiling again!

He has Rook keep an eye on you from time to time, since he's very busy and wants to feel like he's part of your life. (Yes, he knows it's a little creepy, that's why he doesn't tell you. 🙄)

He's at a club meeting when he gets sent a photo from Rook, of you kissing Cheka on the cheek. And his first thought is…gross.

Potato! You have no idea where that child has been! Imagine all the germs and diseases he is putting onto the skin that he has worked so hard to help you get perfect!

His second thought is about whether or not he should have you quarantine before you can touch him again. He's too busy to get sick, and whatever dirt you now have on your skin will for sure upset the delicate balance of his own skin.

Well, his club members see him furiously typing what is looking to be a long paragraph to someone. I wish you the best.

Ortho and the tablet float over to find out where you are, and after you kiss Cheka, you see the tablet go on mute.

What you don't see is Idia having a meltdown about how absolutely adorable it was to watch his S/O kiss a human cat thing! He's giggling and squealing before getting it together and unmuting the tablet and asking in a super chill voice, "what's up?"

He later finds the footage in Ortho's database and screenshots the moment. He makes it his wallpaper on his phone. 

Starts searching the web for cats you can raise together (real cats, not human cats) he wants to see his favorite human kiss all the cats!!!! He knows he'll OD on cuteness, but he doesn't care! 

Melts a little every time he thinks about the cutscene he's working so hard to unlock. But it's worth the wait when the three kitties he bought are approved to stay in his dorm, and he gets to take all the pictures he could ever want.

*Fights fae urge to kidnap the child*

You have clearly chosen this child as one to be celebrated! He materializes on the scene and immediately begins bestowing blessings on the child. Cheka will now live a long life, beloved by all his subjects, and will only know happiness to the end of his days.

Malleus is about to start bestowing extra blessings, like the ability to know every language, when Leona comes on the scene and starts yelling about how his nephew stinks of lizard. Honestly, what did he expect, the "lizard" is your boyfriend.

He scoops Cheka up and leaves, and Malleus is fighting the urge to kidnap for the second time. By now Lilia has shown up, and is not helping.

Just kiss his cheek though, and he'll forget all about it. His child of man just kissed him! Huh? What child?

....

Tag list-@shytastemakerthing @stygianoir @leonia0 @lleoll @eccedentesiast-sapphic

[pilfappreciator]

Brandi and Bruce’s S/o looking after the bakers dozen on their own, what shenanigans occur?

Anon this is?? Literally so cute what the hell??? Also referring to them as the "bakers dozen" is so genuis sfhjjfdadfggh—

Reader & the Bakers Dozen: babysitting solo

Includes: GN! Reader, mentions of polyamory, mentions of Vacay Lovers, slightly Parental! Reader, the Bakers Dozen

CW: Bruce Jr.

🍪 POV: your partners go off to some fancy convention to promote their business, leaving you to watch after all 13 of their kids. Chaos ensues

🍪 These little shits are already a lot to handle, so when you suddenly find yourself being the only adult in the house responsible for them? Yeah, babes, you've definitely got your hands full

🍪 Luckily, you've spent enught time at the Vacay Lovers household that things are at least a little easier for you lol

🍪 They definitely behave much better for you compared to other babysitters. Partly because you're smoochin their parents (and don't wanna get in trouble), and partly because they genuinely like you :3

🍪 But they're still little shits thru and thru, don't forget that

🍪 If they happen to have school? Chances are Bruce and Brandi already took care of their lunches and stuff before they left, so it'll be up to you to pick them up (WARNING: THE KIDS WILL TRY TO CONVINCE YOU TO GO ORDER AT THE NEAREST FAST FOOD PLACE! Unless you've got money for 13 happy meals, prepare to hit em with a firm refusal). Definitely helps if you blast some music in the van! They've kinda lost interest in Velvet & Veneer after learning the two literally tortured their dad and uncles...

🍪 Play Brozone. They'll go crazy and shout-sing along with Bruce's parts lol

🍪 Later in the day you can expect a few to come up to you for homework help. They might also wanna help with dinner, but fyi there WILL be a mess. Pasta sauce on the floor, flour all over the counters, stains on your clothes— the whole shebang

🍪 Want the least amount of casualties? Just let them set the table (no worries, all the plates and stuff are made of plastic ajdjakkala)

🍪 A few of them have some dietary restrictions tho so keep that in mind!! Luckily, you can always find a list of reminders/examples up on the fridge courtesy of lovely muppet wife Brandi <33

🍪 If the kids don't have school that day, then be prepared. You're gonna have very little time to yourself ://

🍪 Like they've each got their own interests and hobbies to keep them occupied, but sometimes they'll need you to reach somewhere up high, or for you to play tiebreaker/settle an argument, or they honestly just want you to join them for a game of hide and seek which???

🍪 "Aw, you sure you guys don't mind me joining in?"

"Yeah! Just cuz you're old doesn't mean you can't have fun, too!"

"...Gee, thanks :D"

🍪 They're merciless

🍪 They've all got their own set of chores they need to do. Each and everyone will try to worm their way out of them. All of them. Everytime

🍪 Sure, they can be a little hyper sometimes, but they're like 6-8 years old so that's expected. For the most part, they're all pretty chill

🍪 It's Bruce Jr. who you've gotta watch out for

🍪 He is a shit- stirer and I WILL FOREVER STAND BY THAT

🍪 This guy won't hesitate to rally his siblings into whatever plan he's been cookin in that feral little head of his. Prepare yourself because you're MOST DEFINITELY getting pranked. It's like a requirement or something

🍪 One nice thing i have to say about Bruce Jr. is that he's actually pretty resourceful. Like this little dude is using everyday household items like he's staring in his own Home Alone movie AKSJSJAKA—

🍪 Rest assured, tho, none of his pranks are seriously harmful or anything but like... at the end of the day, expect:

1) to be covered in craft supplies

2) your clothes/skin/hair a mess

3) to have one limb stuck in a bucket

4) all of the above

🍪 Honestly I feel like Bruce and Brandi would be surprised if they came back and DIDN'T find you sporting paint-stained clothes or with glitter in your hair. Maybe a few stickers slapped on your forehead??

🍪 The trick to dealing with this little agent of chaos is to either keep him separated from his siblings long enough so he doesn't manage to rope anyone into his schemes, or strike some kinda deal with him. Considering he's got 12 siblings, all of whom you need to be watching over at the same time, chances are the second option is your safest bet

🍪 Chances are he'll ask for something semi-illegal, or at the very least something that DEFINITELY requires adult supervision

🍪 DO NOT LET THIS BOY TALK YOU INTO BUYING ANYTHING RELATED TO FIRE. Seems like an easy task, I know. Unfortunately this little shit enherited his dad's charm so watch out o_o

🍪 He'll settle for a happy meal tho. Hopefully you didn't already cave and take him and his siblings out to eat earlier, otherwise you're spending even more money ajsjakkala

🍪 If any errands need to be run during your time there, you BETTER BELIEVE they're all coming with. You'll need to be incredibly vigilant during this time cuz these kids are even more rowdy in public than they are at home. If you're smart about it, you can turn the whole thing into a game! If everyone manages to grab everything off the grocery list in a certain amount of time or if they're able to find the best quality (but relatively cheap) brand of laundry detergent, then you'll buy each of them candy or something uwu

🍪 You can count on them to be cooperative, but like... bring the family child leash just in case

🍪 Cough cough (Bruce Jr.) cough cough

🍪 MOVIES BEFORE BED! It's a bit of a family tradition in the Vacay Lovers household. Yknow, just some way for the kids to spend time together before the day ends

🍪 You're most definitely gonna be playing tiebreaker when the time comes. All 13 of them have wildly different tastes

🍪 Absolutely no scary movies tho. They'll try to argue that theyre able to handle it, but at the end of the night expect to find yourself under a pile of frightened children who've ctawled into bed with you

🍪 Their collective nightly routine is literally?? So chaotic??? Like all of them are simultaneously trying to squeeze into the same bathroom just to brush their teeth... running in and out of their respective rooms... trying to sneak some extra dessert before bed

🍪 Literally never a quite moment in this household jshskakakam

🍪 You might have to read a few bedtime stories or sing a lullaby—

"Dad does it better"

"Just go to bed, Benji"

—but once they've settled in under the covers? Out like a light. They are unconscious the moment their heads hit their pillows

🍪 You'll probably have a mess (or two... or three) to clean up afterwards, but once they're taken care of? Dishes washed? Counters clean? You're more than welcome to crash on Bruce and Brandi's bed <33

🍪 Said couple returns home the next morning...

🍪 Just to find their kids drawing on your face with marker. Cross your fingers that none of its permanent 💀💀

Hope this was good! I know I call them all little shits BUT I MEAN IT AFFECTIONATELY OKAY AJSJAKA

Ngl I feel like this could have been like... more colorful? Like I was very general about the kids and their behavior as a whole, but now I'm super tempted to make a post describing each of them and all their little quirks! Just something fun to do that'll help me write them better in the future ;3

[sunkissed-yuan]

𝑺𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅

➥⊹ 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇: pure tooth rotting fluff

➥⊹ 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: a day in life where you babysit teucer

➥⊹ 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: childe x reader

➥⊹ 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒂'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: i died..

In the far away mountains of the snowy sneznaya...there was a certain harbinger's family who lived- of course you being his s/o you were supposed to stay with them until he arrived to take you back to the zapolyany palace along with him- and that harbinger is none other then childe-

Currently you were babysitting teucer..drinking hot chocolate with him watching the never ending Snowflakes drop on the pile of snow.. until teucer had a "great idea" which caused you to wonder.. should you or should you not risk of getting cold for a child wanting to play in the snow? Ofcourse you said yes impulsively cause you love children and cannot seem to say no- like that one time you almost adopted a child without telling your manbaby- yes you refer childe as a manbaby cause how he is similar to one in many ways

And you got hit with a snowball- great- more to add to your diary about what to do with your future kids- and there the snowball fight began Tonia even joined but sided with teucer leaving you defenseless and outnumbered..

Meanwhile as childe had returned home from a long journey of Missions he arrived to see the ongoing snowball fight and you outnumbered.. what did he do? Did he join you? Nope- he also joined teucer..which made you wonder why the hell you were with this man.. soon enough you ran inside to complain to their mother..

Now look at you getting all pampered..by his mom ofcourse as they cook you food and hotchocolate and warm the fire place so you would not freeze.. and there's your guilty manbaby- he sweared on his pinky finger to never do that you ever again.. he wouldn't want his tounge cut off would he?

𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥-𝘺𝘶𝘢𝘯© 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘺, 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴!

[agaypanic]

Mike Schmidt 😍 can u write reverse comfort? Like reader comforting him over his troubled past 💀

Give You My Shoulder (Mike Schmidt X Reader)

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Summary: It’s not uncommon for Mike to have a nightmare, mainly from reliving the trauma of his brother being taken. Luckily, he doesn’t sleep alone anymore.

***

When you moved in with Mike and Abby after a year or so of dating, they were both ecstatic. Abby loved you; you were by far her favorite babysitter. And Mike was finally able to spend more time with you beyond seeing each other for a few minutes during lunch breaks and before you left the house after babysitting. Now that you lived with them, he could come home without having to deal with the sadness of you leaving.

But the nights took him a while to get used to. He, of course, loved being able to hold you and be near you while you two slept. But Mike had become so used to reliving the past when he was dreaming, usually waking up frustrated and scared when he realized he was once again unable to save his little brother. 

You knew about all of this: the dreams, losing his brother, his traumatic life. You always did your best to comfort him, but you could only do so much.

When you moved in, he did his best to stop going through his memories. He kept the sleeping pills and nature sounds tape in his nightstand drawer. He’d wrap you in his arms and fall asleep to the feeling of your nails dragging through his scalp, listening to your breathing.

But old habits die hard.

You and Abby were dead asleep in your rooms when Mike came home. He had gotten home late at night after work, completely exhausted. He couldn’t wait to sink into his mattress beside you.

He tried for about an hour, laying in every different position and squeezing his eyes shut. But it was no use. Despite being tired, he couldn’t fall asleep.

Mike turned to lay on his back, sighing in frustration. And that’s when he saw it.

The Nebraska poster.

He looked over at you, watching your peaceful sleeping form. It couldn’t hurt to just do it one time.

As quietly as possible, Mike opened his nightstand drawer and took out his bottle of pills and tape player. He sat up and took one of the pills before playing the tape. He took a deep breath as the sounds of nature filled the room, letting it overtake him. Mike laid back down and looked up at the Nebraska poster, gently grabbing your hand as he waited for the moment he would drift off, back to Garrett and his family.

Before he knew it, he was back at the camping grounds, a kid again. Garrett ran around with his toy plane, and Mike and his parents smiled at the sight. Mike went through the memory like he always did, filled with nostalgic joy as if he didn’t know what was gonna happen next.

And then it happened.

Mike ran, yelling for Garrett as his brother waved at him from the backseat of the car that drove off. He tried looking for new details: a face, a definite clue, anything. But when he looked around, the woods became empty. The only living things were him and the trees.

His name was faintly called out, catching him off guard. This was something new, which should have excited him. It should’ve given Mike hope that this new thing would lead him to his brother. But instead, he freaked out even more, wondering where the voice was coming from and why it was the only thing he could hear.

“Mike!” 

The man jolted awake, gasping in surprise as he frantically looked around. He was back in his bedroom, with you looking at him in concern and talking softly.

“Mike, honey, you’re okay.” You whispered to him, squeezing his shoulders to try to get his attention. “You’re okay. What happened?”

Mike slowed his breathing, trying to calm down. He felt ashamed that you were seeing him like this, yet all you did was look at him with love and a listening ear.

“I tried to find him…” He said sadly, and you immediately knew what he meant. You bundled Mike up in your arms, allowing the few tears that he let slip to fall on your shoulder. “I was supposed to look after him.”

“It’s not your fault.” You whispered, wishing you could take away the guilt that constantly weighed on Mike.

“I could’ve saved him.”

“Just because you couldn’t doesn’t mean you didn’t try, Mike.” You tried to look at him as best as you could, with his head being in the crook of your neck. “I can’t even begin to imagine how it must feel to live what you’ve lived through. You’ve been through things that no one deserves. I know you couldn’t save Garrett, and that it probably eats away at you all the time.” You petted Mike’s hair, which was slightly damp from his sweat. But you couldn’t care less. “But I think you’ve been given a second chance.”

“What do you mean?” Mike asked, picking his head up from your shoulder but still leaning into you.

“You have Abby. I know she’ll never replace your brother, but I don’t think he’d want you living in the past trying to find him again… Healing from what you’ve been through won’t be linear, and there might always be a part of you that’s hurting.” You rubbed Mike’s back, feeling his body slowly relax against yours. “But you could honor Garrett and his life by doing the things you never got to do with him with Abby.”

Mike was silent, taking in your words. You worried that maybe you overstepped, or said something wrong.

But then Mike squeezed your hand. He nodded slowly before giving you a quick but gentle peck on the lips, as if to say thank you. He laid back down, urging you to do the same.

“I love you.” He said softly while looking at you, eyes still glassy from his tears. You wiped the ones that had fallen off of his cheeks.

“I love you too, Mikey.”

[katiemay-025]

Surprise Plan

~~~~~

summary: You and the fellow victors gather for a small get together last minute or at least that’s what you thought.

wc: 4.6k

warnings: mdni, alcohol use, use of y/n and l/n (your name and last name), brief nudity(topless), mentions of acrophobia(fear of heights), mentions of hydrophobia, unclear transitions between a memory and reality(maybe)

~~~~~

You were frantically running around the house making sure everything was in order and baby proofed when there was a knock at the door. Johanna was cooped up in her crafts room for weeks but this knock sprung her to life letting her feet move on their own to the door. You had your hand on the doorknob when Johanna rushed to it pushing you out of the way and swung the door open to Finnick, Annie and baby Flynn. Finnick held his son in his arms as Flynn rested his head against Finnick’s shoulder slowly waking up.

You greeted the district 4 couple from the floor and reached your hand out to their kid. He reached out for you because baby Flynn always loved when you brought him to play on the textured quilt you made. Finnick gave you the baby bag before Johanna grabbed at Finnick’s loose hem and whisked him away to her crafts room.

She never let anyone in there when she was working on a project so when you looked at Annie, she gave a shrug and brought the tray of lobster into the kitchen. It was a feat that she kept them all alive from District 4, then again it’s Annie and she’s got the nurturing hand of a mother. She even hummed to them to get the lobsters to sleep before cooking them. You remember when you thought it was a joke but then you watched her and was absolutely gobsmacked when she balanced them on their heads. Their tails curled in and they stopped moving.

Johanna suggested that they should do that to baby Flynn and she was promptly never allowed to babysit him without you, although Finnick seemed amused by it and onboard with trying it out and even held Flynn upside down. Safe to say, Finnick slept on the couch that night.

Johanna woke you up this morning telling you that the other victors were coming over sometime in the evening and you spent the rest of the day cleaning the house. Annie and Finnick couldn’t have come at a better time because the mess was just cleaned, Johanna was usually good about keeping the house clean but it’s like last night after you went to bed, she purposely let a tornado run through. That was an overstatement she just rearranged some of the appliances but you hated when things were out of place.

Beetee had work in the Capitol but you were able to ask him about what time Peeta, Katniss and Haymitch would arrive. Right in time for dinner at 8 which was 4 hours away. You were bouncing baby Flynn on your hip, helping Annie with the vegetables when Johanna pushed Finnick out of the room hastily. He had stopped in the middle of the room with an awkward smile. “Wow Annie, you are so beautiful.”

You watched her blush while balancing a lobster. “Awwww cute. Flynn this is what you should be like when you grow up.” You held back a laugh before cooing.

“Ew, okay now move your fish brains.” Johanna said pushing Finnick.

You ended up helping Annie for the next few hours and especially with playing with Flynn. It had been hours since Johanna and Finnick left the cabin and you had no idea where they went. It was getting annoying since Johanna was the one who knew everyone was coming and didn’t bother to help.

Annie could tell you were getting stressed when you started running a hole into the ground with your pacing. She took Flynn from you and guided you to the sofa in the living room and ran her fingertips through your hair trying to calm you down though it was all for not when the doorbell rang and you sprang up to get it.

Right on schedule, Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch arrived at your cabin. You hugged them and heard some quacking behind them, Haymitch had two geese with him waddling in outfits. “Haymitch, what’s with the geese?”

“Oh yeah it’s for you and Johanna. Y/n, meet goose you and goose Johanna. They’re your we-“ He didn’t get to finish his sentence before Katniss slapped him upside the head. Peeta came with the garlic bread and Katniss had a block of butter from a goat and she was going to melt some for the lobster.

You caught what he was about to say, there weren’t many words that started with those sounds and you and Johanna had an extensive conservation about marriage for the past three months. Your heart fluttered in your chest but you were still annoyed at Johanna for up and leaving with Finnick and not helping around the house especially when she knew you were going to have guests over.

Speak of the devil, and she shall appear, Johanna ran into the cabin almost out of breath with Finnick in tow.

“Where have you been?”

“I needed Finnick’s help with something.”

“For four hours?”

Johanna cut you off by flashing you and subsequently everyone in the room. You glared at her. You never liked that she was so open with being naked or in this case topless, mostly because you hated sharing but it did work, you shut up, looking at her with a smirk. It worked a little too well as Flynn made grabby hands at Johanna. “Milky!”

You laughed as Finnick threw a pillow at her to cover up. You guided Annie to the guest room with the long seat so she could nurse Flynn. You had Peeta help set the table for 7 and pulled a high chair from the closet that Johanna and you made for baby Flynn. She did the wooden frame and you flourished it with the cushions you made yourself. Much like all the other furniture in the house. You went back to the kitchen with Katniss.

“How have you been Katniss?” You made it a habit to check in on your fellow victors speaking to them through the phone as you sewed, knitted or crocheted something.

“Sometimes I think there’s nothing else to live for, without Prim, without my mom.“

“Yeah grief can do that.”

“Is this what it was like when you lost your family?”

“Like there’s nothing to live for? I mean I lived my whole life without them, but I still feel the loneliness of it. Some days I thought I had no purpose and I was better off dead.”

“Was that why you volunteered for your games?”

“Partly, I didn’t have anyone to grieve me but the little girl, Esther, she had a family, a place to call home. It’s crazy how your will to survive completely changes who you are. I was ready to die in that arena, but here we are. Things didn’t get better for a long time, I felt like I was stuck, I didn’t want to live and I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t want to go back to the girl I was before I volunteered. I couldn’t. That was when I decided I was ready to move forward despite my grief. Of course that’s the year Johanna won her games. I reached out to her and then she kept reaching out after that, at the most random times of the day too. I had to install a phone in all of my rooms so I’d actually hear the phone ring. She is the fire that lights up the void in my heart. Anyway, grief takes time Katniss. When you’re ready, the world will be too.”

You were too busy conversing with Katniss to notice Johanna watching you as she leaned against the wall with a giant smirk on her face. Following Katniss’ gaze you found Johanna and winked at her. She grabbed your chin and pulled you in for a kiss.

“Ew get a room.” Katniss announced.

Johanna pulled away with a glare. “This entire house is ours, so if you don’t like it, you’re welcomed to leave Swamp Potato.” You felt her try to rush at Katniss but promptly held her hips.

“No, we are not doing this right now. Go sit down.” You pointed towards the table. “Now.” Johanna grumbled before dragging her feet as you kept your eyes on her. When she suddenly paused, you knew Katniss was doing something behind your back to aggravate your girl. “Katniss.” You said sternly. Johanna smirked and stuck out her tongue. All it took was a deep sigh for the two of them to stop their antics.

Haymitch who was looting your alcohol stash bellowed with laughter. “And this is why Finnick and Annie chose you to be their baby’s godmother.” You turned your glare towards Haymitch and the alcohol in his hands. He immediately shut up. “I’ll go sit down until dinner is ready.”

“I think you should.” You agreed with a nod.

Dinner was pleasantly quiet. Finnick and Johanna were sharing looks towards each other like they did in the Quarter Quell when they tried to hide the breakout plan from Katniss and Peeta. You had to pretend you didn’t see it and it was hard. Normally Johanna would be staring at you every chance she got, only avoiding eye contact with you when she had something to hide like that one time she accidentally unraveled the crocheted bunny you were making. Finnick was a little better tending to Flynn on the high chair to keep his hands busy.

Katniss slipped up once by saying marriage instead of margarine. Glares were thrown at her at the table as you mindlessly passed her the butter. Peeta ‘if it weren’t for the baby’ Mellark was an excellent liar but when the topic of cakes came up, you saw him tense when you told him that you loved the cake for Annie and Finnick, he choked.

Surprisingly enough, Annie was the best at keeping the secret. You had not expected it from your best friend having held her in her delirious state after her games and Finnick took to answering the interview questions. You were the first person who was patient with her, even scolding Finnick before the District 4 train left the Capitol to go home urging him to be more gentle with Annie. The Odair Family came over often after the war and with Finnick and Johanna being thick as thieves, you naturally became close with Annie. The woman was just enjoying her lobster the way she cooked them having no reaction to the word, marriage, ring or other related words. Though you could see her through your peripheral when she gave quick glances at you whenever you did something for Johanna and vice versa.

The tension was cut when the phone rang and you simply leaned back, balancing on your chair to reach for telephone. “Hello. Mason residence.” You watched as Johanna spit out her food. You always addressed the phone Mason and Y/L/N residence.

“Hi, Y/N congratulations on your engagement.” Beetee said on the other line.

“Oh that. Yeah that hasn’t happened yet.” You laughed. “I will send you the blanket as soon as possible. I’ve just been a little bit busy today.”

“Oh no I’ve ruined it. I’m sorry.”

“No. It’s okay. Call back tomorrow to check in okay?” You chuckled as the other hurriedly went dead.

“Who was that?” Johanna asked.

“It was Enobaria asking about the blanket I’m making her.” You nonchalantly lied going back to your food.

“I forgot that she existed.” Johanna mumbled. She had always been angry at Enobaria, mostly because of any of the victors left, you had once admitted that you had a crush on her. It never went anywhere of course but when Johanna found out, she grew a new hatred for the career woman. After the vote, when she had no fear of ‘being her weakness’ she pulled you by your collar as everyone was leaving and kissed you hard in front of them.

You were shocked at first but melted into the kiss as you could finally have her without hiding it. Finnick wolf-whistled as Haymitch laughed. Johanna would have taken you right in that room if you hadn’t had somewhere to be. You thanked Peeta for the reminder and held Johanna’s hand the whole way to the city circle for Snow’s execution.

Beside you, Johanna was muttering words you could barely make out. You heard words like love and forever as she continued to stutter her way through the speech you presumed would be the one she’d propose to you with. Her nervous habit of bouncing her leg became more apparent when she messed up and had to start over again. As you continued to pretend to listen to Finnick’s story about baby Flynn loving the forest and pointing at every tree you placed your hand on Johanna’s leg to calm her.

They loved to think they were discreet but you knew it was a segway to move the party outside to wherever Johanna was going to propose. You knew because Finnick stared at Johanna and even cleared his throat to get her attention. You also knew because Flynn couldn’t care less about the trees, the Odairs have been over enough times for you to know he liked the hanging deer toys more than anything.

You were at a cross between blurting out that you knew what was going to happen and seeing how long they would try to deceive you. Either way a little help wouldn’t be that bad in the long run. “Johanna’s lived here all her life, I bet she’ll know a spot.“

“I can take you all there.”

Everyone agreed to tidy up the dining room and kitchen before going to the spot. Washing the dishes was therapeutic for you, granted it would only be two dishes with you and Johanna’s plate. Now with 8 plates, you made Finnick help as Johanna ran outside chasing Flynn who was chasing the geese.

“Look at our babies.” Finnick chuckled.

“I think my baby is cuter than your baby.”

“No one is cuter than Flynn. Except for Annie.”

“Except for Annie.” You said at the same time he did, matching his mannerisms. He looked down at you shocked before you snickered. “Everyone has their opinion Finn.” You finished soaping the last plate and washed your hands.

“I’m going to tell Annie that.”

“No need. I can tell her myself.” You knocked on the window to get her attention outside and pulled the window open. “Hey Annie. Finnick thinks you’re cuter than your child.” You saw the red in her face.

Johanna who had looked up from the knocking said. “I hope you try to kiss her through the window and fall out.”

“She was so close.” Finnick told.

“To what? She was never the romantic type.”

“You’d be surprised.”

You shared a look with Annie and she narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Finnick. “How would you know that?” She asked. Finnick stammered before quickly changing the subject. That’s when it clicked, Annie also didn’t know about Johanna’s proposal. It made sense, she would have told you the second she walked in.

You might as well indulge your bestie. As the lot of you followed Johanna into the forest, you fell to the back and looped your arm around hers. “Annie, how are you?”

“Wonderful. It’s been so long since we’ve all had dinner together. I love it.”

You smiled. “I think you’re going to love it even more because Johanna is going to propose.” Your heart fluttered saying it out loud for the first time. It felt good.

Annie stopped and snapped her head towards you. “Are you certain?”

“Well yes Beetee actually called congratulating me on my engagement.”

“The one you said was from Enobaria?”

“Yeah.”

“So he knew?”

“I think they all do hence the gathering, the walk in the forest, Katniss saying marriage instead of margarine.”

“Aaaahhhhhh!!! Oh my god!” Annie jumped in her spot. Everyone turned their heads and you caught their questioning eyes.

“It’s fine. She just saw a giant bug.”

“I caught that too but didn’t think you heard because you just passed her the butter! Can I be your maid of honor?” She whispered.

“Um, do fish swim?”

Annie squealed and you had to shush her before everyone turned around again. “Is it supposed to be a surprise?”

“Oh yeah. They’re just bad at keeping a secret from me. I know them too well.”

The 8 of you continued your trek through the forest and slowly you remembered the forest around you from the times Johanna took you out here.

There was the small cabin with the broken window where Johanna disappeared to and proceeded to scare the living daylights out of you when you found her. It was scary at that time, but hilarious thinking back at it. “Hey Jo! Remember when you scared me in that cabin?” You yelled getting her attention in the front.

“You mean when I scared you so bad you fell over?”

“Yeah and then you sprained your ankle and we spent the rest of the day crying and laughing on the floor. Getting sticks in our hair.

“Good times.” Johanna smirked and you giggled.

The sun sent golden rays through the canopy spotlighting small areas of the forest floor. You forgot how beautiful it was out here, with the wind whistling through your hair and the leaves dancing in the air the sun There was a wooden info plaque in front of a young tree dated to the day you first kissed Johanna.

You had stopped at the 7th floor in the Capitol to comfort her after her tributes died in the bloodbath. Not many words were spoken but you silently held her hand as she cried knowing the feeling of losing your mentees for the first time. The hand holding quickly became engulfing her in your arms. The kiss wasn’t planned; your intention was to kiss her cheek as you left once she cried all her tears. Johanna had turned and your lips met for a brief second.

When you first found the tree after moving, you asked Johanna about it and that’s when she told you that whatever you had started on that day. You had a bigger impact on her than you thought initially. The tree was 5 years old now and already towering over you. You stood in front appreciating the pine tree.

Johanna strolled back to you with her hands behind her back, admiring you admiring the tree. “Enjoying yourself there?” She asked.

“You know, this was when I should’ve ran. You planted a tree the day we first kissed. It wasn’t even a real one.”

“It was real to me. It’s what got me addicted to your taste.”

“Obsessed much?”

“You’re the one that knitted a tapestry of me holding an axe.”

“First of all, it’s cross-stitching get it right, second of all, where did that go by the way? I feel like it disappeared.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about but we can look for it after our walk.”

“Wait.“ You grabbed her wrist stopping her in her tracks. You found her jaw with your free hand and guided it to face you before kissing her. As you pulled away, Johanna tried to follow your lips. “Now that’s a real kiss.”

“I didn’t kiss you yet. It didn’t count.” She moved her arms to wrap around your waist and you slung your arms around her shoulders to deepen the kiss. Her hands traveled down your body to grope your butt.

“Let’s focus on the task at hand please.” Haymitch reminded as he grumbled.

Johanna got in a squeeze and started running before you could scold her. You couldn’t help but laugh at her childish manners. She and Finnick were the same. They’re children at heart but they have their moments of maturity.

Moments like this spot in the forest. You saw the glow in the forest and would have to admit that it got your heart fluttering. The last time you were out this far, Johanna convinced you to climb the towering trees and stay in the canopy. You were terrified of heights, hugging the tree like a koala, eventually prying your eyes open to appreciate the landscape. Johanna eased you out of your panic and carefully guided you down from it nearly two days later.

You were fine conversing with her throughout the day but the second you looked down, you tensed up and held the tree tighter. You weren’t convinced to come down until Johanna spotted storm clouds rolling in. It was when she was still fearful of water and threatened to leave you there because she would be rendered useless in it.

It was that day that she allowed herself to heal from her trauma, striking a deal with you that she’d help you with your fear of heights in exchange of being allowed to help her with hydrophobia. In the following months, you would both take steps to overcome come your fears. You could climb at least as tall as a house and be okay while Johanna was able to wash herself without cowering.

It was like a village in the sky, ladders and guard rails would keep you from falling and the fairy lights climbed up the wooden structure like vines. It was beautiful with all the gazebos with plenty of rooms.

“Wow. This is definitely a spot.” You sighed in awe. Finnick and Annie beelined it towards the swing as Johanna approached you.

“You wanna check out the gazebo?”

“Is it structurally sound? This was not here 3 months ago.”

“Are you doubting me?” Johanna feigns hurt.

“A little.”

“Finnick and I tested it. We’ll be okay.”

“Okay then.” You made your way to the ladder nailed to the tree and climbed up. Once the two of you made it to the platform, you caught Johanna’s smirk on her face.

“You’ve got a nice ass.”

“Thanks. You’ve got a good looking butt too.”

“I sure do.” Johanna smirks and you laugh continuing to walk through the treehouse. It was beautiful up here seeing the glow seep through the other trees. The bird calls slowing down for the night and the gentle breeze rustled the leaves. You looked down at the other victors and waved to them. “Do you like it?”

“I love it Jo.”

You continued to the gazebo where the sunflowers were blooming. There were empty bookshelves, a rocking chair in the corner and cushions on the ground over the tapestry Johanna said she had no idea was. Your heart fluttered over the idea that you would spend more time here with Johanna.

In the corner of your eye, you saw Johanna pat all of her pockets and relaxed after sticking her hands into her jacket pocket. She kicked the dust on the wooden platform. This was the moment and your heart rate picked up. The district 7 girl was muttering her speech again, messing it up and starting over.

You watched her for a few tries feeling your face warm up at the thought that Johanna wanted this to be perfect.

“Jo. I’ll marry you.”

“What?”

Your eyes traveled to her pocket then back up to her eyes. You crossed the small distance between the two of you and reached for her hands. “Johanna Mason. I know all this is because you want to propose.”

“How- was it Swamp Potato’s? I’ll kill her.”

“No. No need for killing.”

“Let be honest I knew something was up when I woke up and you told me everyone was coming over. I’m usually the one that comes up with the plans to hang out. My favorite meal, my favorite people, my favorite flower.

“Plus you were all running around like you had a secret. I was in on the plane to get Katniss and Peeta out of the arena remember. I know what you look like when you try to hide something. It’s horribly obvious.

“Also Haymitch almost said wedding gifts when showing me the geese. Are we keeping those by the way?”

“I don’t see why not. If they misbehave we’ll just eat them.”

You were around her long enough to not react to it. “Katniss saying marriage, I did notice that. And there’s also the fact that Beetee called to congratulate us about our engagement.”

“When did he call?”

“When I said it was Enobaria. Then there’s also you sitting next to me mumbling your speech to get it right. And let me just say, I would marry you with ring pop as long as forever means forever. You are insane and unhinged but deep down you have a heart. I’m so glad that I’m lucky to be the one who gets to see it, both literally and figuratively. Johanna Mason you are strong, smart, and a secret softie. You have no idea the light you bring into my life when you kept bothering me. I love you. You’re my life, you’re the reason I love waking up everyday.”

“Can you still act surprised when I get down on one knee?”

“Yes of course.”

Johanna hummed and pulled you into a kiss. “You were the first victor to ever reach out to me and make sure I was okay. It left a big impact on me to the point where I craved you. And hearing your voice on the other side of the line made my house less lonely. I loved that you picked up the phone before it even finished the first ring because it made me think that you wanted to hear me too.” You nod in agreement and Johanna’s smile widened.

“I was angry, at everyone, I still think I am but you always have the ability to calm me with a simple touch or even your alluring voice. You know when to hold me back from a fight and you know when to let me have at them.

“I want to do things with you like climb trees, lay in your lap as you work on your knitting projects, spoil Annie and Finnick’s kid, hike in the forest, cuddle, argue at each other until I flash you or until I have to sleep on the couch. I’ve already been through hell and back with you what’s a few more decades? Maybe even forever if You're up for it.“

You kissed her pulling her in for one. When she pulled away, she got down on one knee, and all her joints popped. She groaned as you laughed because your joints have been doing that since you met her. Her hooded eyes stopped you in your tracks. “I mean. Oh my god!” You acted covering your mouth in shock.

“Y/n L/n, will you marry me?”

“Yes! A thousand times- pffft.” You laughed at the cheesiness of it.

“Finish it. I have to be on my knees for this. The least you could do is finish it.”

“That’s what she said.”

“Fuck me.”

“She said that too.”

Despite the glare Johanna gave you, you could tell she was holding back her laughter.

You cleared your throat, “Yes! A thousand times yes.”

Johanna finally got up and popped her other joints groaning in the process. You laughed and hugged her as she placed the emerald ring on your finger. “Not a word.”

“Shut up about your old lady joints and kiss me.”

“Say less.” Johanna hummed and kissed you passionately. “SHE SAID YES!!!”

You couldn’t wait for the memories you would make with your fiancee and your future wife. “I love you.”

“SHE ALSO SAID SHE LOVES ME!” Johanna announced. You held her face in your hands. “AND I GET TO KISS HER!” She held you tight and you didn’t mind if she never let go as long as you had her.

[casiavium]

I wrote a fanfic based on the twitter/tiktok takeover instead of working on my master's thesis, which is due in two weeks. lol.

Title: Chaos Theory

Rating: G

Pairing: Sonic the Hedgehog/Shadow the Hedgehog

Tags: Sonic, Shadow, Cream, Cheese, Slice of Life, Rivals to Lovers, Babysitting, Amusement Parks, Awkward Dates

Summary: Everything's a contest with Sonic and Shadow, even babysitting... learn to expect the unexpected.

Sonic watched the small rabbit bounce down the path, jabbering away to her friend as it floated alongside her head trying to keep up. Carnival music filled his ears, bright lights flashed from every corner, and even the threat of water rides didn't mess up his good mood.

Beside him someone who was decidedly not having as great a time finally broke his silence to complain, his rough whisper just barely heard above the roar of rollercoasters in the distance.

"So we're really doing this?"

"Well, yeah, I wasn't joking when I said I'd be great at this, and Vanilla seemed pretty happy when I offered to take her to the park. The new kiddie ride opened last week and she hasn't stopped talking about it."

"Your first instinct was that we'd be protecting��milk."

"... like you've never misunderstood someone." Pouting, Sonic ignored Shadow's further jabs as they caught up with Cream at the entrance to the park. A bored teenager sat at the ticket desk, typing aimlessly on a computer as he glanced at the group.

"Entrance is free for cute couples, but the kid and the chao are going to have to pay."

"Cute couple? We're not—"

"Opposed to that!" Pushing Shadow out of the way, Sonic forked over the cash and smiled wide. Through clenched teeth he hissed, "Shut up and take the discount, tickets are expensive."

Four tickets were pushed into his hand, and the worker mumbled something he didn't quite hear. It didn't matter enough to bother him, and soon enough they were all inside the park. Spread out before them was a sticky wonderland of possibilities, kids running around screaming while tired parents followed behind. Paradise.

"Okay, Cream, what do you want to do first? Games? Rides? Ice cream? Chili dogs?"

"Can she even eat those?"

"Shadow, she's six. Of course she can eat chili dogs."

Cream thought for a moment, looking towards her chao for support. "What do you think, Cheese?"

Cheese just bobbed around saying 'chao chao', but somehow that was enough of an answer for her. "Games!"

"No problem-o, just point me to which one you want." Her tiny paw shot out towards the nearest stand, covered in stuffed animals from wall to ceiling. "Basketball? You sure? You're so..."

Short, he meant to say, but Shadow interrupted him. "Let her play the game, Sonic, what harm can it do."

"Okay, but..."

Cream had already darted off, Cheese floating after her. "Oh, that prize looks just like Cheese!"

At the basketball stand, Cream had been unsuccessful and missed each goal she needed to win a prize. The counter at the top sat at a big fat 'zero'. Her ears were dropping, and she looked very upset as she longingly stared at the largest stuffed chao Sonic had ever laid eyes on.

The guy behind the counter shrugged, tucking the money Sonic had paid for her to play into his apron. "Aw, tough luck kid. Try again next time!"

"One more game!" He had a crazy idea, but it would stop tears and save his reputation as best babysitter this side of the islands. "Shadow, distract the guard while I win this for her."

"Not very heroic of you to cheat, Sonic."

"And not very heroic to let Cream leave without a prize she really wants!" Lowering his voice, Sonic muttered, "Do this for me and I'll win you one of the keyring black and red ones."

Shadow rolled his eyes, but grabbed the nearest stuffed animal and tugged it off the wall anyway. "Hey! You! You call this a fox? I've seen roadkill that looked better than these things?"

While Shadow argued with the attendant, Sonic spin-dashed to the top and slid through the hoop. The game counted it as a score, and as Shadow kept up his distraction, Sonic racked up the points.

The timer went ding-ding-ding! again, and this time, the score was almost as high as it could go. Both feet on the ground, Sonic stood proudly as Cream jumped up and down in delight.

"What? When did you...?" The attendant looked from Sonic to Shadow to Cream with narrowed eyes, but his shoulders fell with a sigh. "I don't get paid enough to deal with this. Fine, I guess you win."

One ultra-large chao and one smaller keychain in hand, Sonic and company wandered away from the game stand with smiles on their faces (save a certain member of the group), laughing about how the rules never explicated stated you couldn't use yourself as a basketball.

"Mr. Sonic, can we go to the new merry-go-round now?"

"Sounds good! You lead the way!"

Cream had already started to run off, her outline disappearing into the crowd, when Shadow grabbed Sonic's arm and pulled him back. Holding a paper map in open in one hand, he was eyeing the park diagram with his characteristic fun-killing skepticism. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Sonic scoffed, shoving him away. Already revving up to race him after the rabbit, he shrugged, "C'mon, it's just a merry-go-round, how bad can it be?

--

"I'm not getting on that."

"Oh yes you are." Shadow grinned, swatting him in the head with his map. One long line later they had finally reached the gate keeping them from getting on the ride, and it was like walking into a nightmare. A dozen carriages lazily spun around a beautiful fountain, some shaped like swans, some cute colorful ducklings. Though they each followed along the track, nothing was connecting the carts to each other or to the ride. Instead, they were floating about two feet off the ground. And what was between the ducks and the ground?

Water.

It was a water ride.

The ride attendant pushed Cream, Cheese, and her large stuffed chao forward into a pastel pink duckling, giving the car a push.

"Hey, wait! You can't make her go by herself!"

"Two to a car." The gruff man ordered, pointing at the duckling as it drift away. "Stuffed chao counts."

Cream squealed as the duck meandered ahead, cooing at the flowered arches and hanging vines dangling over her head.

"Next."

"I'm not getting on that—!" Shadow's hand covered his mouth as he wrapped an arm around him, pushing him into a large swan.

"You're embarrassing me."

The boat rocked as he nearly fell out of it, crystal blue water on either side of snow white wings. When they lurched forward along the lazy river, he tightened his arms around the figure he was holding onto (probably the swan's neck), and squeezed his eyes shut. If he let out a terrified squeak, no one but him would know.

"Sonic, you can let go now."

"What? Oh, uh, yeah..." His arms didn't seem to work anymore, so unlatching his grip wasn't going to happen. "Hmm, I don't think so."

"Can you at least open your eyes? What's the point of babysitting if you're not even going to watch the kid."

Sonic peeked open one lid, colorful scenes of flowers and marble statues around him. The ride would have been gorgeous had it not been on a rotating river. Something Amy would have drug him on, to be honest, not something he'd have chosen, but he could understand the artistry of it all the same. Cream was laughing from the pink duckling in front of them, her ears popping into his vision from either side of the swan's neck. Which meant that...

"Crazy blue hedgehog." Shadow murmured, leaning away but not removing Sonic's arms from his person. "It's two feet of water, you're not going to drown."

"You can drown in two inches! I'm not taking any chances."

He felt the rumble in Shadow's chest as he groaned, but wasn't pushed away. Surprisingly, the steady rise and fall of his breath was calming him, and Sonic could take a moment to really appreciate the design. There were enough flowers to fill Tails' workshop, and that was only in the area he could see. Tiny statues of chaos with wings aimed bows and arrows at the riders, their smiling faces surrounded by roses and lilies in every color imaginable. Not a ride he'd have chosen by a long shot, but maybe it wasn't that bad.

The entrance gate came into view again, barely three minutes since they got on.

"Half an hour of waiting for this?"

"Too long, in my opinion," Sonic grumbled, jumping when the boat rocked in the water, "and I wouldn't call this a 'merry'-go-round."

The final archway was upon them, enough vines crossing overhead to block out the sun. The scent of the flowers was nauseatingly strong, but Shadow took in a deep breath.

"Lavender..." Reaching a hand out, he brushed against the delicate purple flowers as they passed. "Hm. Maybe it wasn't all that bad."

"And maybe the moon's made of cheese, let's get the heck off this thing." Clambering over top of him, Sonic fought his way out of the ride tooth and nail. He'd go down screaming if he had to, ready to be back on solid, dry land, and—

"Relax, you're away from the water. Can we accomplish what we came here to do and get the hell out of here?" Shadow's sudden hostility shocked him back to reality, his senses returning to him from the total shut down the water had caused.

"What?"

"Ice cream, seagulls, something about handling oddly specific situations. I'm done babysitting."

Sonic looked from Shadow to Cream, who was staring at them with her wide brown eyes. Even Cheese looked like they knew something Sonic didn't, a trickster's smile on its round blue face.

"Let's just get our ice cream and go."

"Fine, I guess?" Taking Cream's stuffed chao for her, Sonic watched as Shadow stormed ahead towards the nearest ice cream stand. Cream was halfway between the two when a group of older kids ran in front of her, not noticing the smaller kid as she was pushed out of the way. Her shout as she fell to the ground alerted Shadow, who turned around quickly enough to watch her fall.

"Chaos cont—!"

But at the same time that Shadow raised his hand to dramatically yell, Sonic had already spun forward, trying to catch Cream before she hit the ground.

"I got it!"

He did not, in fact, have it. He crashed headfirst into Shadow, who had appeared out of nowhere. Both rolled to the ground as Cream landed on her knees, crying out.

From on top of Shadow, Sonic mumbled, "Okay Mr. I-can-keep-control-of-any-situation, didn't see that one coming, did you?"

"Shut up and take care of the kid."

"Right. Uh, Cream? Are you okay?"

It was clear she wasn't, her lip trembling like she was going to cry, but she was hugging her chao as it cowered in her arms. "I'm okay, Mr. Sonic, but Cheese is scared. Can you carry them please?"

"I'm already carrying the other Cheese. Shadow, you do it."

Shoving him, Shadow tried and failed to get Sonic off him. "I didn't sign up to babysit chao. Get off me."

Sonic dug his elbow in, squirming as Shadow tried to kick him away. "Well what did you sign up for if you were just gonna be sour about it all day?"

"Not this! Now get away from—" Their positions flipped, Sonic slammed to the ground as Shadow pulled his fist back. They were at each other's throats when they heard a faint sob, twisting to see Cream wiping off her cheeks.

"Shadow, you made her cry!"

"And?"

"Shadow!"

"Stop fighting!" Tears in her eyes, Cream stomped her foot, unable to keep silent anymore. "Mr. Sonic, I wish you had taken Amy on this date!"

They immediately stopped fighting, Shadow's fist inches away from Sonic's face.

"Date!? This isn't a—"

"Oh, no, no no, Cream, we didn't mean to—"

The rabbit ran off before he could get another word in, unable to chase after her as Shadow still held him down by the throat. When he finally released him, Sonic could see Cream sitting by herself on a park bench as she rocked Cheese in her arms.

"Ugh. We screwed up."

"Yeah. We did."

The irony of the situation made him snort. "Well, guess we agree on something."

Shadow made a noncommittal grunt, but didn't argue. "We should make it up to her."

"Any ideas?"

"Do what we came here to do." Glancing at the ice cream stand, Shadow sighed again. "I don't know what she likes."

"Twelve scoop ice cream with one scoop strawberry, two scoops chocolate, one blueberry—"

"You seem to know her well." His eyes darted from the ice cream stand to the girl on the bench. "You should get the ice cream, I'll... go talk to her."

"Sounds like a plan." Sonic started to head towards the ice cream stand, but he noticed Shadow wasn't moving. "You good, man?"

No answer. Shadow squeezed the chao Sonic had given him, pretending to inspect the keychain to buy himself time. "I don't know what to say. What if... what if I make it worse?"

Jokingly, Sonic shoved Shadow with his elbow. "I would never have guessed the 'Ultimate Lifeform' would be too scared to talk to a child."

A hint of a smile ghosted his lips, barely a twitch. But Sonic saw it.

"Fine. I'll go talk to her." Yanking the stuffed animal out of his arms, Shadow shook his head. "And I'm taking the chao."

--

Sonic balanced three ice cream cones between his hands, one precariously teetering tower of flavors and two smaller ones to hold it in place. He slowly, for once, approached the bench that Cream and Shadow were sitting on, the smaller Cheese sitting on the lap of the big Cheese between them.

"So... how's it going?" He asked hopefully, not wanting to cause an already shaky situation to explode again. "Cream, I wanted to say that Shadow and I are really sorry for the way we were acting. It's never nice to fight with your friends."

"'Friends'." Shadow huffed, but Sonic glared at him before it got out of hand. He leaned down to give Cream her cone, who was still sniffly but not full-out crying anymore.

"Thank you, Mr. Sonic. Mr. Shadow was telling me how sometimes people get into fights because they don't understand how to use their words, and that it's not okay to use their fists instead."

"Oh, he was, was he?"

Shadow rolled his eyes, but Sonic could swear there was a hint of blush under his fur.

"Mhm. He said that he..." She glanced to the side, continuing at Shadow's slight nod, "he said that even though you fought, he was happy to be invited to our play-date."

"Really?"

Giggling quietly, she added, "And he was happy to be the one to go on the merry-go-round with you."

"I didn't say that." Shadow quickly interrupted, but Cream kept on giggling like she knew something they didn't.

"Thank you for the ice cream, Mr. Sonic!"

"Yeah, of course. Move over, Cheese II, let me have a seat." Shoving the stuffed animal aside, Sonic plopped down next to Shadow, grinning as he offered him the ice cream cone.

"What was that about the merry-go-round you were saying?"

"It doesn't mean anything." Swiping it from his hand, Shadow took a small lick before his face scrunched up. "Coffee... with extra beans."

"Yeah, well." Sonic shrugged, his own cone melting down his palm. "Thought I'd say thanks for helping me through the water ride. Not really a merry-go-round, but, hey, I'm all for innovation on classic designs. If there's no water involved."

"Tunnel of love."

"What?"

"It wasn't a merry-go-round." Shadow spit through gritted teeth, a crumpled up map in one hand. "Its technical name is a 'tunnel of love'."

"Oh." Cream's quiet giggle cut through the silence again, and Sonic's eyes widened. "OH. Okay, well. Yeah."

Everything from the ice cream to the chao keychain to the free tickets felt a little suffocating. Sonic looked to Shadow, who wouldn't meet his eyes, and for the first time, felt his behavior was making a lot of sense. Not necessarily in a bad way, though. If the flutter in his stomach wasn't from the fear of being clobbered if he admitted it out loud, then maybe... maybe his own behavior was making a lot of sense, too.

"Maybe this was a date."

Shadow pushed his face into his hand, and Cream couldn't hold back her laughter any longer.

"Just shut up and eat your ice cream before a rogue seagull gets it."

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Slight explanation: an AITA style a/b/o steddie. Unsure if the Upside Down shit still happened or if some other shit happened to The Party.

//—//—//—//—//

AITA for telling my bio parents that they aren’t my daughter’s grandparents?

I (26 M-A), am the proud parent of two children G (8 M) and L (6 months F). For some backstory G is the product of a one night stand when I was 17/18. When my parents J (56 M-B) and M (48 F-B) found out they disowned me and kicked me out of the house. We live in a small town that is stuck in Reagan Era bullshit. They’re ‘pillars’ of the community and had an ‘image’ to protect. I was almost immediately swept up by two parents (not a couple) of two of the kids I babysat. I’ve been babysitting their kids since I was 16 and I’ve protected them some serious shit. They’ve been there for me.

Each made up a room for me, bought baby stuff, talked me off of several ledges. They were there when I went into labor early. They were there when G developed issues due to being premature. And they were there when I found and almost lost the love of my life E (27 M-B). They were at my wedding. My parents in all but blood.

I tried frequently to get my bio parents to talk to me, to be in G’s life several times and like all my life I was rebuffed. Their secretaries refused to let me talk to them. Letters were sent back unopened. I am blocked on all social media. They wanted nothing to do with me, G or E.

Which brings me to a week ago. I’m not terribly active on social media and I’m not a big fan of sharing my kids on there. (Thanks to some of the girls I babysat I watched too much true crime and call me paranoid but no thank you.) A week ago, however, we went to a work function for Ma (essentially adopted mother not bio mom). While there we were photographed and put on the events FB page. They mentioned how happy they were that G was thriving and that L was here.

Someone must have shown my parents the photo as I got an early morning call- who cares about time zones when your disowned son finally has a child within wedlock am I right? Where my father proceeded to beret me for not informing them of L’s birth. Not once in the rant did he mention G or how much he missed me. I was tired and hurt and frustrated but I let him get it all out. I snapped, though, when my mother called me cruel for not letting her know her grandchild. That it was petty and mean to violate their rights as grandparents.

I told them that they had no rights. That they would never have any rights, especially since even now they refuse to acknowledge G, that they were *not* L’s grandparents. I said a whole lot more but I can’t remember exactly what just that I was crying by the time I hung up on them.

I’ve received phone calls from ‘family’ friends telling me I was an asshole for saying what I did to them. Ma and Pop are being harassed at their work. E’s getting threats at his. E, Ma and Pop and everyone else that love me are saying that I was in the right but… they, my bio parents, weren’t always terrible. They loved me once. And I know sometimes you can be a better grandparent than a parent.

So AITA?

[russolover]

Soccer Mom's

The familiar smell of strawberries took over your senses as you started stirring in your sleep. Your arms were still loosely wrapped around your beautiful wife as you listened to her soft snores. It was only a matter of time until your quiet bubble would be broken down by the two devils itself.

The two devils being your and alessias daughters. They were carbon copies of their mommy, from their lightblue eyes to their strawberry blonde hair. The only difference was that they inherited your character traits.

The perfect mix, right?

Being very social and protective was definitely one of them. Especially your older daughter, Isabella. She didn't let anything or anyone bother her or her little sister. It was very sweet to see how protective the 5 year old could get whenever her little sister was involved.

It was one of your and Alessias favourite things, especially cause both of you grew up with a lot of siblings.

Sofia just turned 3 and was definitely the joker between the two of them. The younger girl idolised her aunties, more specifically auntie tooney, which led to her babysitting both of them a lot of times. Lets just say that this had a lot of influence on the kids.

Football was also a very big topic in your household. The kids were used to watching you and alessia play as well as going to camps with you two together. This led to both of them starting to play since they could walk and they were starting to get pretty good. Today was one of their football tournaments and you couldn't wait to see your babies play again.

You started placing soft kisses on the blondes shoulder as she mumbled incoherent sentences.

"morning baby"

She didn't answer but instead turned around to face you as she kept her eyes closed. It took a while for her to get used to the sunlight as she kept on squeezing her eyes shut. You pulled her closer by her waist and placed velvety kisses all around her face which finally got you a giggle from your wife.

"I'd like to be woken up like this everyday from now on"

"that can be arranged"

You chuckled. Before you could say anything else the bedroom door was opened and two little heads peaked into the room. You only heard the sound of footsteps before the two little blondies jumped on top of you and alessia.

"that's a way to wake mommy and me up"

You chuckled as both of the girls made themselves comfortable in between you and your wife. Alessia pulled both of the girls into a cuddle and placed kisses on their cheeks as you watched how their smile grew bigger. You loved your little family.

"mom can we make pancakes?"

Isabella asked you as she shifted into your side.

"sure bella, do you want to help me make them?"

You pulled your daughter closer and placed a kiss on her head as she nodded excitedly.

"sof do you want to help mom as well?

Alessia asked the carbon copy of herself as she caressed the younger girls hair.

"no just eat"

The little girl said as she was fully focussed on her favourite toy bunny. You and alessia started laughing at her bluntness, she truly was your daughter.

"alright little diva you stay with mommy, come on Bella let's make breakfast"

You two went into the kitchen getting started on the pancakes, it was almost a game day tradition to make the two gremlins pancakes with strawberries for breakfast. As Bella snacked on the strawberries while sitting on the countertop, Alessia came into the kitchen with Sofia on her hip. The two of them didn't waste any time by sitting down next to the 5 year old and stealing some strawberries as well.

You watched the three blondies as they were in their own little world, laughing about god knows what.

"Oi you're going to finish all of the strawberries before I even made the pancakes"

The girls only ignored you as they continued to snack on their favourite fruit. You made your way over to the tall Italian to steal the strawberry from her hand and quickly shoving it in your mouth.

"Y/n!"

she shouted as your daughters started laughing out loud.

"What? you didn't give me another choice"

The blonde started pouting as you tried to suppress your laugh. Your hands quickly snaked around her waist to pull her closer off from the countertop and into you.

"Sorry for stealing the strawberry you were not willing to share my love"

"I forgive you, but don't let it happen again"

she chuckled as you placed one last kiss on her lips.

"EW MOMMY STOP"

"NOT WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO EAT"

You turned around with your mouth wide open as your daughters kept teasing you and alessia.

"Don't even start little gremlins, I will kiss mommy as much as I want to"

You started placing several kisses all around alessias face making her giggle uncontrollably and making your daughters immediately hide behind their hands so they wouldn't see anything.

The morning went on pretty quickly from here on and soon enough the four of you were sitting in the car, driving to their football tournament. Sofia and Bella made their way over to their respective teams and starting warming up which looked absolutely adorable.

Alessia couldn't stop taking pictures of the two devils and honestly you didn't blame her. After 20 minutes Sofias game started. Her team did pretty good and she even scored a goal.

"She's just like you when she's scoring"

The little run as she had her arms up in the air reminded you of every single goal celebration from your wife.

"My little striker"

Alessia chuckled as she leaned her head on your shoulder. The blonde intertwined your hands as she kept her gaze on Sofia trying to nutmeg another kid.

"We did pretty good"

"We absolutely did"

When halftime came around, alessia already stood ready on the sidelines with her lunchbox full of orange slices. She kneeled down as soon as the little blonde ran into her direction.

"I'm so proud of you baby, you're doing so well"

She smiled brightly as she kissed Sofias head.

"thank you mommy"

"You're doing amazing bubba and your goal was incredible"

You gave your youngest a quick cuddle and a kiss on the head as she ran back to the team for the second half.

Sofias team ended up winning which made the little blonde very proud of herself. Now, it was the older teams turn.

This game was definitely more physical which alessia didn't like at all. Bella played a bit more reckless than usual, the frustration was clear on her face as that one kid tackled her again. You could swear that your wife was going to walk up to that kids parent anytime now.

At halftime bella stomped over to you and alessia.

"Bubba you're doing so good just keep going"

The blonde said as she gave her daughter a big cuddle.

"Mommy they're playing mean they keep pushing me"

"Just slide tackle them baby-

"no Y/n she*s going to get sent off"

"I was only joking but petal just do what you're doing right now okay? you got this mommy and I believe in you"

Bella went back for the second half while alessia kept on grumbling at you. You looked at the shorter blonde confused.

"What did I do now?"

"Baby you can't just tell her to slide tackle someone what if she does it"

"Less she won't actually do-

The sound of a loud whistle was ringing through your ears and as you looked into the direction of where it was coming from you avoided all kind of eye contact with you wife.

Bella was send off for slide tackling someone and somehow she looked quite proud of herself as she was walking off the field.

"Mom I did what you told me to do"

The 5 year old jumped into your arms with a big smile. You had to bite back your laugh so alessia wouldn't kill you on the spot.

"Baby I'm proud of you but I didn't actually mean slide tackle that kid"

"You didn't?"

The kid in your arms asked as she looked confused

"You know what it doesn't matter, just don't tackle another kid again alright?"

"got it mom, is mommy mad?"

"I think you have to ask mommy"

"Mommy are you mad at me?"

the kid mumbled as alessia pulled her closer.

"what? baby I'm not mad"

She said as she went in to hug Bella. The blonde pulled her into her lap and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I know how frustrating some games can get especially when the other kids keep fouling you but that doesn't mean you can tackle them, okay bubba?"

"Okay mommy, I won't do it again"

"how about you find your little sister and we go get some ice cream?"

The 5 year old jumped up and kissed each one of her parents cheek before sprinting into the direction of where Sofia was playing with her friends.

"Are you mad at me mommy?

"Oh shut up"

You asked your wife as she couldn't hold back her laugh anymore. You put your arm around her and pulled her closer placing a kiss on the side of her head.

"I can't believe she actually tackled someone"

"Right? and the tackle was pretty good"

"Y/n don't even start"

She hit you softly on your stomach as the both of you made your way over to your daughters who were waiting eagerly to go get their celebratory ice cream.

[scribespirare]

Do you think you could write an a/b/o for omega Miles babysitting Mayday at HQ, and tsundere alpha Miguel doesn't know how to cope? The way you write these two is just *chef's kiss*

Nonnie i could kiss you for this request i love it so so much. i kinda...went a little nuts with it lmao. first its sappy then it gets sad and it ends very horny. its 2k long ajdfkdj;a. i think im gonna write the sex scene later and post it as a full fic.

There are very few things that can stop Miguel O'Hara in his tracks these days. He's been there, seen it all, got the goddamned spider suit to prove it. Surprising him is nigh impossible and he likes it that way.

For some reason, Miles Morales seems to be at the top of the list of things that can get to him though.

Miles, with his big dark eyes and his sneer and his inability to listen to common sense or reason. The Omega superhero who defies every stereotype about his gender. Who smells absolutely amazing and is stunning in action, lithe body built perfectly for his acrobatics.  

Miles, who is currently sitting in HQ's control room with Mayday in his lap, his face bright and smiling as she babbles at him. He's got her little hands in each of his own, lifting them one after the other as she stamps her feet.

"I know!" he says in response to her babbling, attention completely on the little girl. "It's crazy, right? Tell me more about it."

Mayday obliges, her babbling raising in both pitch and tempo like she really is going on a diatribe of some kind. She seems to be enjoying having a captive audience and isn't going to let it go to waste.

It's...well, Miguel really and truly has been stopped in his tracks. It's the first Omegean thing he's ever seen from Miles. Normally he's so contrarian and difficult, not to mention eager to jump into danger and equally as capable of actually handling it. You'd think he was an Alpha the way he behaves, small, lithe form be damned.

Seeing him like this, soft and sweet and smiling, his scent bright and nearly floral, is...doing things to Miguel. Bringing up feelings and urges that he's known were there, but which he'd been successfully keeping under lock and key.

Miles suddenly seems to become aware of Miguel's presence, and he looks up. His smile fades a little but it's a smile all the same, and Miguel's pretty sure Miles hasn't smiled at him since...well, everything. It looks good on him.

"Hey, wasn't sure when you were going to be back. Peter asked me to babysit for him though and I figured hanging out here would be better than taking her home with me. Not sure how I would explain that one to my folks."

The idea of someone mistakenly thinking Mayday is Miles’, that the Omega has a child, has been mated and more, makes Miguel’s nostrils flare. He clamps down ruthlessly on the reaction, knowing that if he doesn’t his interest will undoubtedly be noticeable in his scent.

“Just keep it down,” are the words that come off of Miguel’s tongue. They’re better than Do you want a child? or You’d make a good mother or, even worse, I could give you one of your own, if you want. 

Miles’ smile turns into a frown and then an unhappy twist. He clicks his tongue, says, “Whatever, man,” and goes back to Mayday. He’s speaking quietly to her now but Miguel can pick up his own name and big meany and assh- wait I can’t say that to you.

Miguel just heads for his central computers, waking them up and logging into the system to check on how everything is running today. But he can’t help the way he watches Miles’ and Mayday’s reflections on the screen. He can’t pick up many details like this but he can still smell them. Happy, pleased Omega, and the young, innocent scent of a child unpresented. Of babe and mother.

Christ, Miguel is going to hell for this.

It’s been about an hour of Miguel pretending to work but actually getting very little done, when Miles speaks up. “Hey, Miguel, you know stuff about kids, right?”

Miguel’s shoulders hunch and he breathes out slowly. Of course he does. He turns, glaring back at Miles. Mayday has been dragging him around the room with her crawling and right now they’re both hanging upside down from the ceiling, Miles sitting cross legged and her on his shoulders.

“Yes,” Miguel says sharply.

Miles’ mouth twists, but for once it doesn’t seem like it’s directed at Miguel. “Sorry, that was kinda insensitive, huh? I was just curious, ya know, about parenthood and all.”

Another bolt of longing shoots through Miguel. It’s part arousal, part wistfulness for his lost family.

You could start again, part of him says. Children. A mate. It’s not too late for you. He’s right there.

“What do you want to know about it?”

Miles shrugs, which causes Mayday to wobble dangerously and laugh delightedly about it. “Just, is it good? Like, hanging out with Mayday is great, but I can’t imagine having one of my own.”

You don’t have to imagine, Miguel thinks, but says, “It’s different, when they’re yours.”

“How so?”

Miguel sighs and holds out his arms to Mayday. Even though she’s halfway across the room she immediately lets out an excited shriek and climbs her way down a protesting Miles’ body. It takes only a minute before she’s dropping into Miguel’s arms and then crawling all over him.

“Kids are work and energy,” Miguel explains. “When they’re someone else’s, you’re happy to give them back after a certain point. When they’re yours, even when you’re annoyed or upset with them, you still know it’s all worth it. You can’t imagine a life without them.”

“Oh,” says Miles. He watches quietly for a moment as Mayday continues her excited quest to make Miguel look as ridiculous as possible, before he too crawls across the ceiling and drops down. Sadly it’s not into Miguel’s arms like Mayday had.

Gingerly, Miles’ takes the little girl back, and she goes willingly enough. “Sorry if that was like, rude or anything. And don’t kill me for saying this but you sound like you make a really good Alpha, mate wise.”

Miles is halfway across the room again before Miguel can reply, like he really is expecting retaliation. Miguel just shakes his head and pretends to go back to his work.

I am a good Alpha he thinks. I could show you. We could have a whole litter of kids. You’d love it. And then inevitably Miguel’s thoughts turn lascivious. He ends up losing himself to a daydream about exactly how he wants to breed Miles (facing each other, his fangs buried in Miles’ throat, Miles’ flexible, coltish legs wrapped around his hips, heels digging in to coax Miguel into fucking him harder) while watching the Omega’s reflection.

He doesn’t come up for air until Peter makes his appearance. The man gives Miguel a quizzical look but is distracted quickly enough by his daughter. He sticks around long enough that Miguel does actually get some work done, and when his voice finally fades away Miguel figures he’s alone.

That is, until Miles clears his throat directly behind him.

Miguel doesn’t jump, but it’s a near thing. He turns and looks down at the Omega in annoyance, raising one eyebrow in a silent question.

Miles looks shifty, transferring his weight from one foot to the other like he’s thinking about running, but he’s got that mulish jut to his chin and a hard glint in his eyes that Miguel recognizes at the stubborn streak that’s lead them into more fights than he’d like to admit.

Is regularly wanting to throttle a teenage Omega better or worse than wanting to fuck him?

“Spit it out, kid,” Miguel eventually snaps.

Miles juts his chin out even further. “I’m not stupid,” he says, which, well he’s just inviting a scathing retort with that. Miguel’s expression must convey this because Miles rallies and goes on quickly, not giving the Alpha a chance to cut in. “I’m not! I saw how you were looking at me today, with Mayday. And then your scent…you were looking at me through the reflection on the computer screen.”

Miguel stiffens all over because fuck. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he grinds out.

“The hell you don’t! Even Peter smelled it. You’re into me, you smell like you want to jump me.”

There’s one of two ways Miguel can play this; deny it till his dying breath, or agree and pretend it doesn’t matter. His panicked brain picks the latter, because Miles isn’t stupid, and he’s tenacious as hell. He’ll hound Miguel until Miguel gives him an answer the Omega is satisfied with.

“So?” Miguel says.

That makes Miles pause, his eyes flicking back and forth between Miguel’s. He clearly isn’t seeing what he wants to though, brow knitting in confusion. “What do you mean ‘so��? So, you’re horny as hell for me.”

“You’re an Omega and I’m an Alpha,” Miguel explains slowly, like he’s speaking to a child. “It’s biology.” Which of course just ruffles Miles’ feathers and makes him puff up even more.

“That’s bullshit. You’ve never smelled like that before around me,” Miles insists.

Miguel is butting up against almost the exact same decision from before. Does he own up, or does he keep denying it means anything?

With a faint snarl of annoyance at having been put in this situation to begin with, Miguel says, “Most Alphas seeing an unbonded Omega with a young child are going to be affected.” The word horny will absolutely not be crossing his lips. “It sparks an instinct in us.”

Miles narrows his eyes, a faint smirk curling at his mouth. He thinks he’s won. “A breeding instinct,” he accuses.

Miguel turns his gaze skyward, giving a quick prayer to whichever poor saint is watching over him today to give him patience. “Yes, Miles. A breeding instinct.”

“I knew it!”

“Congratulations,” Miguel says dryly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Now will you go away so I can do some work in peace?”

And there’s the chin jut again. Stubborn ass Omega. “I’m not done with you yet.”

The corner of Miguel’s lip twitches of up into an involuntarily snarl. “Well I’m done with you, malcriado. Vete.”

“No. I want to know if this was a one off,” Miles demands. “’Cause like, sure seeing an Omega with a kid might work for you, but my theory is that you’re already into me and it just pushed you over the edge. You’re too uptight to let your scent go wild like that unless you’re like, close to losing it.”

How the hell is this kid so damn perceptive? Clearly Miguel’s going to need to work on his defenses if Miles is reading him like a damn book. He sighs and rubs at the bridge of his nose with two fingers, trying to figure out how to get out of this.

Well, he’s dug this fucking grave. Time to lie in it.

“Fine, Miles,” he says wearily, dropping his hand and making direct eye contact with the Omega. “Yes, I have more than a passing interest in you as a mate. Seeing you with Mayday made me think about having children with you myself. Are we done with this line of questioning now? Are you finally satisfied?”

Miles smiles slowly, then wrinkles his nose. “Having children with me, huh? That’s an incredibly boring way to talk about breeding. Why so family friendly? Just say you wanna fuck me. And no, by the way, I’m not satisfied yet. You gotta make good on all that before I let it drop.”

Silence reigns as Miguel’s brain just churns through the words, understanding them individually but failing to grasp the big picture.

“Not, like, immediately though!” Miles rushes to add, oblivious to Miguel’s plight. “I’m not ready for kids yet, not to mention my parents would kill me. But we could, you know, practice?” He looks stupidly hopeful, staring up at Miguel with that little smile on his lips, rocking forward on the balls of his feet.

“You…want me to breed you,” Miguel says slowly.

Miles snorts and rolls his eyes. “Well, practice breeding me. But yeah, that’s what I just said didn’t I? Get with it, old man, we’re wasting daylight here.”

Miguel’s never been one to follow orders. But how’s an Alpha supposed to resist?

[kiraixi]

This is my contribution to the Harringrove Relay Race! 🎄❤️@harringrove-relay-race

Santa Baby ~

Billy wasn’t happy with his predicament but honestly any extra cash would do… even if it meant babysitting your crushes ex’s younger sister.

Holly was a sweet kid. Shy at first, but after becoming a frequent swimmer at his Turtle Tots classes in summer Billy’s come to know what a bubbly yet devious inside she had. Adorable baby blues not even he could say no to along with a pixie laugh when she got her way.

Here he was, standing outside the mall, about to spend his Christmas day with a five year old.

To be fair it was way better than whatever burnt roast Susan would salvage, forced to choke down undercooked potatoes with his father’s threatening glare across. Forced to match Max’s tight smile and fake gratitude as she opens her third present while he gets none. Always. Only to left alone with his asshole dad and mouse of a wife while she runs off to her nerd friends' houses, blissfully ignorant of what waits for him behind closed doors.

Mrs Wheeler stopped him a week ago. Hand on his arm caressing, asking if he could be ‘ever so kind’ and watch her youngest on such a special day. Billy doesn’t care what she deigns so important she can’t look after her own child, but from the amount of cash stuffed into his hand he’s not complaining at all.

Twenty dollars to babysit her and another twenty five to buy her a gift. He can keep the change.

Holly takes him left and right. Kinda embarrassing how this little kid knows her way round more than him. Up the stairs they go to Claire’s, receiving a few warm chuckles from the lady running the till when Holly asks him which stuffed plushie is superior.

Billy personally thinks the reindeer one is cuter. It’s called Antler Claus.

They pick up some hot chocolate and share a gingerbread cookie. Holly called the thing Hermon and then decapitated its head, handing him the torso and legs. She’s darn cute.

Tugging on the arm carrying her teddy, she points down the hall. He turns to her,

“Mm?”

“I wanna see Santa!”

“Santa?” Billy looks where she’s pointing. A Christmas set up. A tree and a couple presents laid out, theres’ a small queue of people waiting to talk to a guy in red lounged on a chair.

“Oh… Santa.”

“Yep!” She tugs him forward with the mighty force of a toddler and they line up behind, Billy squinting at that floppy brown hair under the hat. Even though the boy’s face is hidden under that ridiculous beard, Billy could recognise him anywhere.

Steve Harrington in all his glory, sweating under layers of heavy velvet, trying with all his might to sell a jolly man accent.

He can’t suppress a smirk as they walk up for their turn. Steve tries hard to not make eye contact with Billy, instead listening intently to Holly.

“Hi there little miss! Have you been a good girl for Santa this Christmas?”

She giggles, swaying back and forth on Steve’s knee, “Yes! I spent today with Billy, it was so fun! We got a rei- rain—“ She frowns at Billy.

“Reindeer.”

“Reindeer!” Shining her brilliant three teeth smile at the older boy. They both laugh at her adorable antics.

She pulls Steve’s ear in, whispering in that way only children do, loud yet secretive all the same. “Don’t tell my mummy but this is way more fun than being home.”

Steve sends him a soft smile and Billy tries with all his might to tape down that warm shakiness building in his chest. Steve tells her to grab a gift off the shelf and while she’s away for a few minutes Billy’s curiosity gets the better of him.

“What made you do this instead of..” He waves his hand around lamely, “Festivities at home.”

Steve looks down at his lap a little forlorn, “I don’t think anyone would even realise I’m gone..”

“Ah..”, that sad pout makes Billy regret asking.

The other sighs, “Well why are you not at home? I wouldn’t have pegged you getting along with Holly.”

“Well, she’s a good kid and any extra money is useful,” Billy shrugs, not wanting to get into the details of a shitty house to go back to.

Steve nods in understanding, then snorts “Well haven’t you been a good boy this year,” pats his lap like the jerk he is. “Why don’t you sit on my lap”.

Billy blushes and looks heavenward, cursing god for making his fall for this absolute dork. Holly comes to save the day. Another plushie, a penguin this time, tucked under her arm and pulls him toward the churro stand.

He looks back at Steve, questioning how much he owes for the toy. Steve shakes his head and smiles, “Don’t worry about it, maybe instead you could stop by at four? It’s when I clock off, we could hang if you're free?”

Billy looks away, face warming but not from the temperature. He tickles Holly’s side and taps her nose, “Once I put this bug in her bed I’ll come back” They awkwardly wave goodbye, Holly giggles at him and he smiles back.

This Christmas isn’t turning out to be so bad after all.

Happy holidays everyone! Please look forward to the lovely work from the next person 🎉@thatgirlwithasquid

[babsvibes]

4 🤩🫶🏻

For the Bob’s Burgers prompt game, I… may have accidentally finished a WIP for this prompt: Erotic Friend Fiction

Tina-Novela

Tina shifted her weight in the red pleather booth and wondered again why Louise called a meeting with her in the restaurant. Typically about this time, her younger sister would be fixing Fischoeder messes or telling her consultants to pull their heads out of their collective asses. Instead, they sat across from each other, Louise’s heavy bag dropped onto the table in between them just moments before.

“Tina, you know that I’ve always been a big supporter of your works,” Louise began, folding her hands in front of her, eyes closed.

“You have?”

“I read all of your stories, don’t I?”

“You do??” Tina asked and broke away from the forebodingly stuffed satchel to stare wide-eyed at Louise, who only shook her head at Tina’s doubt.

“Obviously. It feels like we’re kids and I’m back stealing your diary. Reading it gives me a peek into your life. Or whatever.”

“My life…?” Tina shuffled in her seat and quirked her head just barely, hoping to indicate a passable measure of innocence. “But this isn’t friend fiction. All of the characters and settings in my books are completely fictional.”

“Really?” Reaching into her bag, Louise retrieved a paperback and displayed it with two hands so that Tina could read the title. The artwork beneath it showed three oil painted figures expressing devotion to each other. “The Raven, the Dancer, and their Zek? All you did was leave off the E, T.”

“Heh. ET. And the book is an alien romance. Good one.”

“I’m not done.” She pulled out another copy. “Published a while after a certain sibling and a certain high school heartthrob had a little fling. A Jean Jacket for Jenny.”

“I thought the title was clever…” Tina ran a finger over one of her prouder novels. Her first lesbian romance had been a huge hit. “I can’t believe you actually bought copies. Louise, that's really nice.”

“Which brings me to my next point.” Louise grew serious and deadly. “I wasn’t a fan of your latest work.”

Oh. Oh no.

Louise heaved the last book from her bag, letting it clunk onto the table with an accusatory thud. Staring back at Tina was a title she had hoped her younger sister would never see.

The Longing of Lisa.

“Uhhh,” Tina scrambled to think of something, anything, to distract her. “What did you not like about it?”

“You know, the title could have really used some- the characters! Tina! And who you based them off of!” During her tirade, Louise shoved the bag and the rest of the books out of the booth, sending them careening to the ground in a violent hurry. Post-lunch rush, the thud of paperbacks against the floor echoed in the empty restaurant.

“That was… Mom and Dad. Linda. Lisa.” She averted her gaze as though it was possible to hide behind the thick frames of her glasses. “Both have the s- same letters in them.”

“So which part of Bob made Landon?”

“Uhh,” Tina groaned then finished meekly, “the O?”

“It’s Logan, Tina. There is a whopping one letter difference. You put me and my rival in a suspense monster romance. You Thriller’d me!”

“I was experimenting with the genre, and I needed different characters. That doesn’t mean it’s you two though.”

“Oh is that so?” Louise flipped the book open. “There’s an entire section where the plot stops because Landon keeps trying to take Lisa’s beret. Also, a beret? Really?”

“If I wrote her with a bandana, then you’d know it was you.”

“Ah HA! You admit it!” After slamming the table with her fists, Louise composed herself, folding her hands together and releasing a deep breath. “Tina, we’ve known each other a long time now. You’re like a sister to me.”

“That’s because.. we are… sisters…” Tina said getting quieter on every word as Louise continued to berate her.

“So I’m having trouble coming to terms with you treating me this way. I’ve been good to you. I’ve helped the family business. I babysit sometimes. I’ve never once forgotten your birthday. And you turn around and write werewolf smut about me and my arch nemesis. I’M not even the werewolf?! What the fuck, T.”

“Hey now hold on. There wasn’t actual smut. I did a very tasteful fade to black that pissed off my editor but ultimately made the cut.”

“Also,” Louise continued to rant, “what’s up with us only using last names? I call him by his name all the time.”

“Oh that’s just, uh, a thing people like.”

A storm of nitpicks, clarifying questions, and accusations swarmed around Tina, who could barely get a word in edgewise.

Louise didn’t seem like the type to know these kinds of tropes or thematic questions. But she also wasn’t supposed to know about this book, so there was a lot Tina could be wrong about.

Apparently, Louise had really read it. In depth even.

Tina would be touched if she wasn’t so worried about being murdered.

But what was she supposed to say? Hey, you don’t see the looks he gives you when you’re not paying attention. Or, can you tell how much time you spend with him because you two just keep “happening” to run into each other?

Tina wanted to live long enough to be a grandmother one day.

“And all of that to say, no. There is nothing going on between me and Logan, there never will be anything going on between me and Logan, and if I EVER catch you writing us into one of your little curse breaking true love’s kiss scenarios again I will teach your kids how to smoke.”

“They’re four and six??”

“Did I stutter?!” Louise, chest heaving, closed her eyes and took a long, composing breath. She straightened her bandana, then fixed Tina with a look. “Just… say you’re sorry, and we can put this behind us.”

“… No.”

The customers stopped eating.

The ceiling fans stopped spinning.

The fryer stopped bubbling.

Louise broke the silence, grinding her teeth together with a twitching eye.

“... What?”

“I said no,” Tina repeated, crossing her arms. “You two have something worth writing about, I felt inspired by your chemistry, and I told a good story. I have nothing to apologize for. It’s not my fault you can see what’s right in front of you.”

Louise drummed her fingers against the table, slow and pointed. Her other hand tightened around the book.

“Do you remember… that brief period where we were both teenagers at the same time?”

“You can try to tear my hair out all you want,” Tina said, flashbacks to their more violent outbursts replaying in her mind. “I’ll still just twist your arm around.”

“So you DO want to fight, huh? You want to fight?”

“Bring. It.”

Saved by the bell, a jingling from above the door interrupted the bare knuckle brawl before it could really begin.

Though Louise probably wasn’t a fan of who entered.

“Oh goooood,” Logan drawled. He lazily saluted at Tina but focused his attention on Louise. “You’re here. Feed me, Burger Woman.”

“Do you want me to put up posters?” Louise snapped.

He paused, tilting his head with a question. “A wanted poster?”

“No, a missing poster. For your goddamn mind because you’ve obviously lost it.”

Caught up in their banter, neither noticed Tina slinking off, taking out her notebook and jotting notes for her next piece.