#will forever make me mad whenever cake boss comes up

[theloveinc]

you know what’s fucked up? I went to the original cake boss bakery on the one day everyone from the show was out bc of a fucking funeral

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

raven-san, can we please have a wedding crashing where jade needs to marry this girl from another crime family to consolidate power and become the next head of the leech mob :)) but floyd's like I'M BORED and annoyed that his brother's being snatched up by a random chick, so he asks basketball bros, and azul, to help save jade?

This one is super long, so I added some extra sections and placed the rest of the wedding crashing below the cut!

***Spoilers for Jamil and Floyd’s Unique Magic!!***

"I object to this wedding...!"

Pre-Wedding Jitters

A call comes for the twins in the dead of night, without warning. It’s their parents with exciting news: they’re naming Jade as the next Don Leech. The catch? The Leech mob’s in the middle of a merger with the Worm mob, and he’ll have to marry Don Worm’s daughter to secure the deal.

Jade, ever the dutiful son, is honored by his future title and calmly agrees to the arrangement. On the other hand, Floyd’s annoyed by the idea, and can’t keep quiet about his irritation. He calls out to his twin in the darkness.

“... Ne, Jade.”

“Ee, Floyd?”

“Are you really okay with going through with this? You’re just gonna do what they said? Even though you don’t know the Worms at all? Even if you’ve never met that girl before?”

“It is a request coming directly from father and mother. How could I refuse them? And, furthermore... If I do not undertake this task, then it would fall to you, the next choice to inherit the title of Don Leech. I cannot allow that to come to pass--fufu. You do so enjoy your freedom, yes?”

“... Jade, you’re so dumb sometimes. What’ll happen to your freedom, then? Will you get so busy with being the big boss and being married... that you won’t have time to play anymore?”

“... Perhaps. But that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.”

That thought doesn’t sit well with Floyd--not at all.

“I trust that you will make your own fun of the situation,” Jade reassures him. “You always do.”

As the weeks pass, Floyd sees less and less of Jade around, since he has to prepare for the wedding. Jade reassures him that he’s doing just fine, but Floyd can see right through his lies. He can tell that Jade’s more frazzled than usual--there’s a lingering to his words, and a longing in his eyes, savoring every last bit of autonomy he has before his fate is forever sealed.

Floyd hates it. He hates being lied to by his own brother, and he hates feeling powerless to stop the wedding. Floyd’s so angry that he develops this murderous aura in the weeks leading up to the wedding, which makes everyone around him shy away.

One day, he gets sick of being in the water--it’s a reminder of the wedding to come--so Floyd plays basketball on land to vent. He ends up chomping down so hard that he deflates a ball, then dunks another basketball so hard, he breaks the net.

He sprawls out on the ground and angrily shouts at the sky. His basketball bonks him on the head... and that’s when an idea hits him: maybe he can’t stop the wedding alone, but no one said he couldn’t phone some friends.

Assembling the Dream Team

Floyd first dials up Azul, who agrees to help after some whining and signing a contract agreeing to pay Azul handsomely for his services (... although truthfully, the octopus does want to help Jade, but doesn't immediately agree to do it because of his pride as a businessman).

Floyd also calls his old basketball buddies for help! Jamil and Ace are much more adamant than Azul, but Floyd strongarms them into pitching in. ("Umihebi-kun, Kani-chan, if you don't help me rescue Jade, I'll get suuuper mad, you know? I don't think you'll like me when I get mad. Moray eels are strong hunters, so I don’t think it’ll be a problem for me to track you guys down and give you a good squeeze~" "OKAY, OKAY, WE'LL DO IT!!")

Together, the four boys meet up to scheme of a way to disrupt the wedding without jeopardizing the Leech mob's future. Floyd actively leads the discussion, allowing his hidden genius to come to the surface.

Ace doesn’t contribute much to the strategy (laid out by Azul), but he does keep the spirit up with some jokes. Meanwhile, Jamil provides snacks for them when they work late into the night (though he keeps passing semi-glares to Azul whenever the octopus compliments him or tries to be friendly).

In preparation for the crashing, Azul brews some potions to give Jamil and Ace so they can take on temporary merforms. After all, the wedding will be underwater, in the Coral Sea, and they’ll need tail fins.

The date of destiny draws ever closer... and Floyd's never been so excited to cause chaos in his whole life.

The Crashing - Team Azul & Jamil

They split into two pairs on the day of the wedding—Azul and Jamil, and Floyd and Ace. Floyd uses his position as the future son-in-law to Don Worm to arrange a meeting between himself and the don... except Azul and Jamil will show up instead.

Don Worm shows up to the meeting in his finest clothes (which is very little, given that he’s a merman), sounding a bit annoyed the sudden summoning. “Make this quick, I’ve got to go see my baby girl’s big day... Wait. You fellas aren’t the F. Leech boy.”

“No, we aren’t, sir. We are his representatives... Proxies, if you will,” Azul insists, giving his warmest and most welcoming smile. He uses a tentacle to tug on Jamil’s tail, forcing him to smile too. “You see, there is an important business matter we needed to discuss with you on behalf of Floyd.”

“Hoh? And what would that be?”

“I believe my business associate would be better off explaining the matter than myself.” Azul gestures to Jamil, who has his head down.

“Oi, what’s with you? Don’t you know who I am, boy? It’s rude to not look your elders in the eye when they are speaking to you!! Show me the respect I deserve, from one professional to another!!”

“My apologies, sir.” Jamil looks up, locking eyes with the mob boss. “... Is this better?”

“Yes, that’s...”

“Snake Whisper.”

Don Worm suddenly goes glassy-eyed and slack-jawed. Azul claps at the sight, showering his partner with compliments. “As expected of the talented Jamil-san! Even one look from you can bring a mafia lord to his downfall. Truly, your Unique Magic is most impressive!”

“Save your flattery for later.”

Azul’s lips curl into a smirk as he whips out a golden contract from his briefcase and offers it to the don. “Now then, if you wouldn’t mind, sir... sign on the dotted line.”

The Crashing - Team Floyd & Ace

Ace and Floyd rush to the wedding venue, their tails cutting through the water like knives as they swim at a breakneck pace. Ace can barely keep up with Floyd, who surges far ahead.

“H-Hey, should we really be barging in like this?! Don’t mob families have weapons and other dangerous stuff? Is there a backdoor we can take instead? Hello?! Floyd-senpai, are you listening to me?!” (He isn’t.)

The open, underwater comes into view, and Floyd barrels in without any hesitation, tearing right through some decorations and knocking over the wedding cake with his tail. A loud CRASH! echoes through the waters, drawing eyes to him.

Jade stares at his brother from the altar—wide eyed, but a mirthful smile on his lips. Floyd waves to him, and then to his mom and dad in the crowd of guests. “Hiii, Jade! I’m here to pick you up now.”

The Worm girl starts sobbing, wailing something about how her special day’s been ruined, and where is her papa to put an end to this? At her signal, security guards, and some of the rougher looking guests—Worm family associates—lunge at Floyd, claws and teeth out. A few of them have produced wands, and what seem to be guns—loaded with harpoons.

“Bind the Heart!” Objects and stray magic go flying in all directions, hitting both people and wedding decorations. Cloth tears, columns crumble—but it’s one man against many, and he can only bind so many hearts before the blot starts to stack.

Ace makes it just in time, sending their foes and their weapons hurtling through the water with a blast of wind. “This is why I said to be careful, dammit! Your Unique Magic’s such a crapshoot—don’t just use it whenever, or you’ll be sushi!!!”

“Ahahahah! Kani-chan’s being all heroic today! That’s so cute. Don’t worry, I can play my part, too...!!”

Using his tail, Floyd hooks around a drifting merman and chucks him straight into another. They collide with a CRACK!—but Floyd barely registers it. He’s already bolting off, grabbing heads and smashing them together, slicing through others like a knife through butter.

There’s a crazed, frenzied look to him, gleeful laughter cutting through the waters and mixing with the Worm bride’s screeching. I forgot how scary Floyd-senpai can be, Ace realizes. (Jade and Floyd’s parents are cheering for him from their seats.)

Jade looks quite proud of his brother, even laughing along to the brutal slaughterfest. His bride stares at him incredulously. “Stop that brute! He’s ruining MY special day!!”

“No,” Jade replies calmly. “I don’t think I will. This is far too amusing to let it end so soon.”

She lets out a frustrated scream and launches herself at her groom, hands going for his throat. The Worm girl is slammed back with a strong hit to her gut, courtesy of Jade’s tail.

She flies back, slamming into a column—and feels a tail wrapping around her and squeezing tight. Constricting her to the point where it was difficult to breathe. A livid mermaid glares down at her, teeth bared in a snarl.

“No one lays a hand on my children,” Mama Leech declares. “No one.”

From the corner of her eye, the Worm girl can see that Jade has cast off his bow tie and flitted over to Floyd, embracing happily in a battlefield adorned with red ribbons trailing through the water. Her vision is abruptly blocked off by a broad-shouldered merman wearing a grimace.

“Now then, what shall we do with this one?” Papa Leech wonders aloud—though from his tone of voice, he has nothing good in store.

The Aftermath

“You’re all fish bait when daddy hears about this...!” the Worm girl warns, her words raspy. “Th-The merger won’t go through...! There’ll be war between the Leeches and the Worms...!”

A loud throat clearing comes from behind. “Fortunately, that won’t be happening.”

Azul and Jamil make their appearance, the octopus merman smugly showcasing a contract. “Ashengrotto—Azul Ashengrotto, legal and business extraordinaire at your service, Don Leech and Lady Leech.”

Papa Leech grunts. “What’s that you’ve got there?”

“This?” Azul’s smirk widens. “Why, it’s a prenuptial stating that, in the case that an act of violence is enacted by the bride toward the groom, the marriage is considered null and void... and the bride’s family assets are to be claimed by the groom. Signed by Don Worm himself.”

“Wh-What?! Impossible!! How did you get daddy to sign such a stupid deal?!”

“Oh,” Jamil says nonchalantly, “we have our ways.”

“So... Uh, Jade-senpai’s still gonna be the next Don Leech?! And he’s gonna be in charge of an even bigger and richer family... How is that any better than the situation before?! You’re just giving him more resources for committing crimes!”

At that moment, two hands come down on Ace’s shoulders, causing him to freeze up.

“Kani-chaaaaan! Everyone!! Thanks so much for your help~”

“Yes, you have my sincerest thanks, Ace-san, Jamil-san... Azul.”

“It is my pleasure to assist such VIP clients. Ah, but there remains the matter of my promised payment—” (Jamil and Ace internally groan at Azul’s words.)

“Payment?” Don Leech scoffs. “After the ballsy operation you boys pulled off today... I’m more inclined to give you job offers instead of a one time sum. How do you lads feel about being hired as the Leech family’s personal lawyer, interrogator, and... well, whatever the heart one is good at.”

“My, my! Such a generous and lucrative offer—“

“There is no way I’m accepting that, especially if that means working with Azul.”

“Oi, I’ll have you know I’m good at lots of stuff!! I’m the one that saved Floyd’s tail fins, is no one gonna acknowledge that?!”

“You did amazing, sweetie!!” Mama Leech chirps—her tail grip tightening until the Worm girl passes out. Ace leaps back in fright. “As a reward, why don’t you let me give you a hug?”

“S-STAY BACK!!”

“Ahahahah! Everyone’s getting along so well, Jade. Isn’t this fun? You wouldn’t be able to enjoy this if you had gone to get hitched.”

“Fufufu. You are correct, Floyd. How sad it would have been if I were to miss out on touching moments such as this. From the bottom of my heart... I thank you for thinking of me, and for rushing to my aid. I could not have asked for a better brother.”

... What Floyd doesn’t know is that this was all according to keikaku Jade’s own machinations. He would never take the order to marry lying down—but he couldn’t outright defy it without immediate consequences, either.

Thank the Great Seven Jade has reliable puppets friends to help him out of a pinch. I’ll be certain to put the additional funds we have gained to good use... Perhaps to start a little mushroom farm.

[prcttylittlethings-a]

💘 + Zeo

headcanon meme - dating edition ! zeo / what is you is me verse ~ 

where they first met and how - they’ve known each other their entire lives ; their parents were friends, their grandparents were friends, there was never a chance for them not to meet. as for when they became actual friends, it was probably in grade school when zelda & avery would bully him into hanging out with them ( and zelda would dare avery to kiss him before going “no I’M going to kiss him he’s MY prince!!!” ) 

how long their ‘flirting’ phase was before feelings got involved - zelda has known she’s been in love with leo since the third grade, when they were ice skating in central park and he helped her up when she fell down. as for when leo discovered it, it probably wasn’t until zelda kissed him for the first time and he went ‘oh damn. yeah, okay.’ because he’s an idiot. 

who fell for who first ( if applicable ) - definitely zelda. she’s a hopeless romantic and she spent their early years both mocking him endlessly and flirting with him shamelessly. she just couldn’t figure out how he didn’t know they were totally MFEO. 

where their first date was and what it was like - their first Real Date was something leo probably panicked over a lot. they’ve hung out their entire life but when does it count as a date now ???? we go to the zoo is that a date ?? we went to tiffany’s is that a date ??? but they both count their first real date as a movie at the angelika and eating at a shitty diner in midtown they’d normally never get caught dead in where they talked for hours  and a demure kiss at the door of her apartment building, it was the cliche date zelda always wanted and never knew how to ask for. 

who asks who out and how ( with a sign? spelled out on a cake? just a simple ‘will you go out with me’? ) - zelda and avery attempted to tank his date to cotillion by being naked in a hot tub and making out in an attempt to seduce him. except then avery chickened out and went to kiss someone else to act like it was nbd she just made out with her best friend and zelda was like my time has come. after that he was her Boyfriend and no one else was allowed to touch him again. 

who proposes first - oh boy that would have to come waaaaay down the road. like, after college when all three of them are in the city again. avery and zelda have been trying to figure out what the Fuck they’re doing, and leo would have to be like “why can’t i just have both of you” and it would be super confusing. zelda definitely talks about it the most - in the end, they’d probably decide on “ this is my wife zelda, and her girlfriend avery who sometimes we have a threesome with so i don’t feel left out “ 

if they keep / kept their relationship secret or let everyone know right away  - if it wasn’t tacky, zelda would have put a billboard up in times square. 

where the proposal happens and how ( kiss cam at a baseball game? on a hillside surrounded by ducks? at a disney park? ) - zelda has planned her proposal since she was thirteen. the ring was picked out at harry winston and she knew exactly what she wanted. leo and avery take no part of this because the thing they both know she likes most about both of them is their spontaneity. so on a vacation to visit her dad in france, leo proposes at the vineyard during a small, intimate party - enough attention for her to feel like all eyes are on her, but small enough that she feels its exclusive and not broadcast to everyone until she’s ready to announce it. 

if they adopt any pets together - zelda has a cat, but when they’re in their 20s living together, they definitely have her cat and leo just walks home with a dog one day. “it was following me.” 

who’s more dominant - zelda 100% because she is Bossy and likes things a certain way. but leo can surprise her and she loves when he makes a decision or stands up for her or tries to boss her around. she thinks its cute. 

where their first kiss was and what it was like - instead of their first kiss ( because, duh, already talked abt ) lets talk about their first kiss when they get back together after the avery drama comes out - they spend most of senior year broken up and they’ve both missed each other the entire time despite neither of them acknowledging it but she’s a big sister again ( her mother has a fucking baby i swear this is a real plot in the books ) and she looks so happy and light and he hasn’t seen her like that in forever and so he just goes for it and it’s the first time he’s really initiated things between them and it Feels Perfect but it’s familiar and warm and it’s when zelda finally loses her virginity 

if they have any matching couples stuff ( mugs? sweaters? pillowcases? ) - pLEASE matching yale sweatshirts !!!!! even when he ends up going somewhere else ( brown ? HARVARD imagine a harvard!leo and yale!zelda the tension ) she still makes him wear the yale hoodie all the time at the house because the navy looks Very Good On Him 

how into pda they are - Image Is Everything so quick kisses and hand holding and hugging is acceptable but she is Not about to let him grope her in public. that being said she’s also an attention whore and an exhibitionist so there are times in college / etc where she lets him get handsy in clubs or bars because she loves it. 

who holds the umbrella when it rains - lmao leo obviously. as if zelda isn’t busy with her bag and her phone. leo ! my hair ! hold the umbrella straighter !!!

where their usual ‘date spot’ is ( if applicable ) - they go to various restaurants and bars, but they spend most of their time in central park. it’s right there, and zelda loves how romantic it can be ( if you ignore the tourists, pigeons, and hot dog vendors ). 

who’s more protective - zelda would think she is, but leo does a lot to protect her. he knows how to distract her and make her relax and when people talk shit about her or gossip about her he’s usually the first to defend her. 

how long it is before they sleep together ( can be as in ‘had sex’ or as in ‘shared a bed’ ) - they’ve been sharing a bed since they were like eight on random sleepovers, and it never really meant anything until they were dating. but she’s a ball of insecurity, even if she doesn’t show it, and doesn’t sleep with him until right before their high school graduations. 

if they argue about anything - they argue about everything. or, zelda argues and leo just thinks about when he can get stoned again. the crux of most of their problems is really avery - she thinks he’s in love with her ( he is, a little ) but he also thinks zelda puts avery first ( she does, usually ) but instead they fight about things like where to get dinner or why he’s not listening to her 

who leaves more marks ( lipstick, hickeys, scratchmarks etc. ) - lmao zelda of course. leo is Hers and she will let the world know. this makes him leaving his mark on her ( hickeys and scratches sometimes, usually not until college ) even sexier. 

who steals whose clothes and how often - zelda has an entire drawer of his clothes at her house. she has for years. she wears them to bed because they’re comfy and smell like him. when he stays over he loves to see it. he has definitely accidentally put on her sweatshirts sometimes in a rush, though. she thinks its cute. 

how they cuddle ( spooning? facing each other? ) - if they’re sleeping, they usually start spooning ( zelda is the little spoon, obviously ) but they’ll spread out throughout the night and sometimes they wake up with him as the little spoon. if they’re just on the couch or the bed watching tv or something she usually rests her head on his chest or shoulder so he plays with her hair, or vice versa. they’re very physical and touchy. 

what their favourite nonsexual activity is - leo loves sailing, so they go out and do that whenever they can during the summer. but despite zelda’s constant demand to be Seen, they really just love quiet nights in with take out and an old movie playing. 

how long they stay mad at each other - zelda will hold a grudge forever. leo has never understood this concept. it confuses him and he buys her a present so she’s not mad anymore. it almost always works. unless he sleeps with her best friend and keeps it from her for a year, y’know. 

what their usual coffee / tea orders are - caffeine makes leo jittery, and while her friends have all these complex ‘girly’ orders, she just likes coffee, one sugar, splash of milk. sometimes at night she’ll drink some herbal tea to help her sleep. 

if they ever have any children together - zelda has had the Dream of children since they were kids, and in the end the three of them end up with twins - it’s a strange parenting system they have with all three of them, but they make it work. besides, leo is never more grateful for avery’s partnership in their throuple than a pregnant zelda. can you even imagine. 

if they have any special pet names for each other - typical cliche things - babe, sweetie, baby. zelda and avery call each other ‘z’ and ‘a’ and leo likes to think of himself as the bookmark in the middle of the bookcase ( get it. a - l - z ? its cute. ) but they don’t usually have anything too unique. 

if they ever split up and / or get back together - once a week ? jk. they’re pretty stable until avery comes back from boarding school, and then they break up for most of the year. they get back together before graduation just to break up a few weeks alter, and college is a mess of ‘i love you / i hate you’ and trying to figure out avery’s place within the three of them before they all collectively figure out their shit in their 20s. 

what their shared living space is like ( messy? clean? what kind of decor? ) - very clean, but not like, super organized crazy. zelda likes things picked up and clean ( and they have maids, obviously ) but she doesn’t like, color code her wardrobe. they’d hire an interior designer when they got their own place, but it would be a little chaotic like they all are - a crazy colorful bedroom but a muted living room, a bright vibrant kitchen and a dark bathroom. a mixture of all three of them all over the place. 

what their first christmas / hanukkah / etc as a couple was like - they always went to see the nutcracker as kids, and once they’re dating, they start going Together as a date. they split cigarettes during intermission and walk home through the snow together. they pick out a gift to exchange on christmas eve if they’re in the city, or before they’re forced to separate if they have to go with their family. in college, she spends a winter break with him in maine, and once they’re old enough to do their own holidays, they throw huge parties a couple days before to celebrate with everyone they care about before the three of them have their own, quiet holiday. 

what their names are in each other’s phones - if leo has it as anything other than ‘zelda’ he’d never find her, but she does force a heart emoji on there. she likes her phone organized correctly, so he’s also labeled ‘leo’ but it does have a matching heart emoji. their groupchat name, however, changes based on zeldas mood and if she’s angry or enamored with them. sometimes she deletes it entirely and that’s when it’s time to go to tiffanys. 

if they have any ‘couple traditions’ ( buying a new mug for their collection every year? baking every friday evening? ) - after he discovers the heart in his sweater, there’s small exchanges of little trinkets like that. they’re definitely into present giving - it’s the way they were both raised to show love - and they have annual traditions ( the nutcracker, sailing, etc. ) but most of their habits are just engrained in them from their own environments. 

who falls asleep first and who wakes up first - leo falls asleep if you let him sit still too long and zelda has never heard of sleeping. 

who’s the big spoon / little spoon - both of them at any point in time - it’s really just a matter of who’s more emotionally unstable at the moment. 

who hogs the bathroom - zelda has a thousand beauty and hair supplies and leo’s just like ‘guess ill go use the guest bathroom then’ 

who kills the spiders / takes them outside - the maid, obviously. 

[soujun-arts]

Case 4 : Cupcake Madness

Reginald’s 4th Case ! English isn’t my first language so bear with me.

You can read the previous cases @ /~SilverBaron

Neovia, 15:30

I'm laying in my bed, staring at the roof of my room. I've been stuck in there for 3 long and boring days already and it doesn't look like it will be over anytime soon... My name is Reginald Acorn, I'm 20, a grey gelert and I'm currently fighting a cold. I'm a detective working for the police force of Neovia. Three days ago, the boss and I had to hide in front of the abandoned asylum to catch all sorts of thieves, including the most annoying one you can think of. And by the looks of it, thieves aren't the only things I caught that night ... But, the good news is, we were able to recover a stolen locket and give it back to Vincent Von Verzweiflung. The look on his face when he saw the "treasure" inside was well worth this nasty cold. I'm getting all emotional just by thinking of it !

It reminds me of how I miss Mama ... When I was young and sick, she would make me the most delicious of cocoa with some marshmallow floating in it. It was delicious and helped distract me from whatever sickness I was suffering under at that time...

A loud knock on my door makes me go back to reality. The doors opens to reveal an enormous darigan skeith, engulfed in tightly fitted trench-coat. A hat is deeply screwed on his head, letting only small tufts of grey hair around the sides of his head show.

_"Oh good, you're still alive kid !" he says, laughing loudly and slapping his stomach.

_"My wife made this soup for you. It's extra spicy but it should help free your stuffed nose." he grumbles as he lays down the bright red tureen on my table.

This tall and heavy Skeith is my boss, "Big Skeith". His name is actually Marcus Worsley but everyone calls him Big Skeith at the station so being the new guy, I just went with the flow. He's a bit rude, has a very loud mouth but I assure you that you could never hope for a better chief of police. He also kind of became a father figure for me since I've never met my own father... I respect him a whole lot ! _"Oh, almost forgot, I also got you this, kid." he says as he puts down a small green bottle on my night-stand. "Should help fight the cold, at least, that's what the pharmacist told me. And if it doesn't work, I can always arrest him!" Big cackles at his own joke like it was the funniest thing he ever said. I smile, not because of the joke, but because I'm genuinely happy he's there for me.

_"Okay, I must leave now, I have a job to do yaknow. I'll stop by later tomorrow to check on you kiddo, so sleep well and eat like there's no tomorrow. See ya !" he yells as he storms out of my flat. Big's appearances are always something.

I taste Big's wife's soup and it's absolutely delicious. No wonder he keeps on praising her cooking everyday ! I'll have to ask him to thank her for me, when he comes back to check on me. It really is spicy though, I thought, fighting the tears coming in my eyes. I glance at the medicine bottle ... I've always hated medicine and mama had to trick me with cookies every single time to get me to take them. The bottle is really pretty and the liquid is bubbling inside. The eagerness to go back to my cases is stronger than my disgust for medicines. I drink a spoonful of it and promptly go back to sleep.

Neovia, 7:15 am

I let out a big yawn and stretch while still laying in bed. The pharmacist kept his promises as I really feel fresh and ready to tackle whatever challenge comes my way ! The only weird thing is that I don't feel hungry at all, and if you know me, you know I always crave a huge breakfast. Thinking nothing more of it, I jump in the shower and let the warm water drench my fur. I wash my grey hair that is a bit sticky for some reason, plus it really needs a trim, they're getting way too long...

Once I've dried myself, I dress with my usual work attire and feel tremendous joy at the thought of finally being able to get back to work. I step outside and let the freezing air fill my lungs. Yes, to another awesome day of investigation !

Neovia, 8:00am

_"Oh hey kid, you're back !" shouts Big as I enter the police station. "Guess that potion and the soup worked well uh ?" _"Yes, they did ! Thank you for taking care of me boss ! And please thank your wife for me, she really is a talented cook !

_"Ahaha, I know, right !! Well, since you're up and ready, how about you join Lenny. He's going to investigate a theft and break-in at the Crumpet Monger.

_"Sure boss ! I'll be going !"

I've never had the occasion to work with Lenny before. Lenny is, well, a Lenny. He's a weird mix of faerie and grey colours and looks always completely depressed. Maybe it's the fact that he is bald that makes him so upset ? He's very nonchalant and walks as fast as snail. He also speaks in a monotonous voice and I always feel like sleeping when I hear him talk.

Neovia, 9:00am

Finally, I can see the Crumpet Monger ! The shop is actually only 20 mins away by foot from the station but Lenny being so slow, it almost took us a WHOLE hour to get there. And since I'm still the newbie, I can't say anything. The Crumpet Monger shop is relatively small but it sells the best baked goods in all Neovia ! A cupcake is drawn right over the porch roof, and just underneath, an elegant door that opens upon a world of delicious treats ! As we get closer, I can see that the door was fractured but the frontage is thankfully intact. Lenny pushes the door and a bell rings inside. We were standing in the entrance when a mountain of hair came rushing out of the kitchen like a storm. Underneath all that hair, a meerca.

_"Oh so yer finally here ! Thank goodness ! As yer can see, we were robbed last night. All ther cakes, scones, pies, tarts and everything in between, gone !" she shrieks, visibly upset.

_"I see." ponders Lenny, completely out of it. _"Did they steal anything else, like the cash register ?" I asked, ready to do my job.

_"Well, yer see, no they didn't. They only stole and ate whatever we had in there.

But ... shouldn't the shop be empty of pastries during the night since you make fresh ones everyday ?" I say, pointing at a small sign saying so by the counter.

_"Oh yer, we do ! In these kind of jobs, we work at lot at night. My main baker was working tonight, made a whole storm of pastries yer see to set the shop for ther morning. He then left for a short while to see our supplier as per usual yer see. It was during that short time ther shop was ransacked." she lets her arm fall flat on her sides. "We lost a lot of money tonight yer see...

_"I'm very sorry Mrs Crumpet. We will do our best to wrap up things quickly so you can re-open again. Would it be possible to talk with your main baker ?"  I glance at Lenny as I speak, hoping he would step in to take the reigns but he was busy dozing off with a bubble popping out of his beak. Charming.

_"Sure yer can darling ! Aaron please come yer !" she shouts.

Coming out of the kitchen, wiping his hands covered in flour on a towel, a young Maraquan Gelert. He's of average height, has a long and weird tail with a, what, fin on it ? He is purple and his hair, which kinda look like algae, is greenish. He wears a big cooking hat on his head and a fancy looking uniform with a star on it. Around his neck, a red neckerchief.

He holds out his hand and I shake it amicably, this guy seems to be really friendly.

_"Hello, name's Reginald Acorn and here's my colleague Lenny Dot. We're here to investigate and we'd like to hear what you have to say please.

_"Thanks for coming, both of you. My name is Aaron Watson, I'm the main baker here. I think you won't have much trouble finding the culprit.

Really ? How so ?" my ears rising up in surprise.

_"Look at this, they left their prints all over the display cases. Should be easy enough to find, no ?

I get closer to the case and indeed, Aaron was telling the truth, you could see distinct prints all over it. I glance at the few leftover cupcakes there, suddenly feeling hungry.

_"Hmm yes, this is all very importance evidence...

_"Hey Regie, I hope you're talking about the prints and not the cupcakes" cackles Lenny, suddenly awake.

_"Of course I am !" I yell angry he found me out. "Dust for the prints instead of dozing off, that'd be helpful" I say, still sulking.

Alright, alright, let the pro do his job baby." he shouts proudly while holding a weird pose, showing off.

_"I really hope you catch that thief, but in all those short years I've worked here, it's really the first time this happens.." adds Aaron, rubbing his chin with his hand, still in disbelief.

_"No offence here, but you seem really chill for someone who had all his hard work eaten without being paid for...

_"Oh, that's because he took out his anger on yer poor innocent dough sweetheart" giggles Mrs Crumpet.

_"Boss, please !"

_"Okay I'm done dusting the prints and taking pictures here" says Lenny, striking another weird pose. "We will have the results tomorrow or so, so you can get cleaning your fantastic shop my beautiful darling." he adds, kissing Mrs Crumpet hand in a what I assume was supposed to be a gentlemen like gesture.

_"Oh, Oh, my, my, what a charming gentleman you are Mr Dot !" says Mrs Crumpet, blushing.

_"Urhg, disgusting." whispers Aaron while laughing slightly. "Then, I'll get back to work, thank you for coming."

Neovia 13:30

I'm sitting at my desk, eating my sandwich. It took us forever to get back here, as Lenny took his sweet, sweet time. Sometimes I really wonder how come this guy still had a job considering how slow he is in everything he does, but Big told me that he's the best when it comes to little details and all the other stuff we tend to overlook. He's currently studying the prints we found and comparing them to the files we have. Whenever someone decides to move in Neovia, they're obligated to give their prints as well, I'm not really sure why, but I guess after being a cursed town for years, they prefer to use some caution. I had to do it too when I filed all the paperwork in the City Hall. I swallow the last bite of my meal when Lenny comes rushing out from the lab and sprint right into the boss's office. How weird it is to see someone as slow as a snail go as fast as a cybunny ... I guess he did find something. Not two minutes later, Big yells for me to come to his office right now. Why do I feel like I'm not gonna like this ?

_"Kid, we have a match for the prints you guys found." says Big, dropping the file on his desk. He turns around to face the window, turning his back to Lenny and I. "The culprit is a Gelert.

_"Oh, really ? Is it that annoyingly annoying jewel thief ? Though, I wonder why he would steal cupcakes..." I say, rubbing my cheek.

_"No, praise Fyora, this guy is innocent for once. Though, I wish it was him right about now...

Knowing how Big despises that thief, I feel the anxiety rushing through my body.

_"That thief never leaves any prints behind, that's why we have so much trouble identifying him... Reginald, don't you have anything you want to say to me ?" he says calmly, turning back to face me again.

_"No.. I don't understand, I haven't done anything wrong..

_"Kid, the prints are yours. Your prints are all over the display cases of the Crumpet Monger shop. Lenny even found some grey hairs that belong to you on the scene, hair that were covered in frosting. You are the cupcake thief." he looks at me, visibly disappointed.

_"But ... I haven't left my flat yesterday.." I cry, upset I could tarnish my reputation this way. "I ate the soup you brought me, took the medicine as well and went to bed. I swear I didn't do anything wrong..."  I state, still sobbing. Disappointing Big is one of the last things I want to do...

_"Look Kid, I know you, I know you're not a thief nor a liar. There has to be an explication, and we will find it." he says, putting his clawy hand on my shoulder. "Oh and wipe your nose, I don't want any snot on my desk!" he adds, smiling snarkily. "Let's go on a walk, I think you need some fresh hair. Thanks Lenny for your work, you can go back in the lab work on whatever you have left to do."

Neovia 14:00

_"Okay, let's go to the pharmacy and see what the guy has to say. I don't feel like you're lying like I said, but how come every evidence found incriminates you..." he grumbles as we walk in the main street.

_"I don't know, I'm really lost here... I don't remember a thing, but I do recall not feeling hungry this morning and my hair being sticky when I woke up." I follow him, looking at my shoes, still feeling shameful.

_"We're here." he says as he pushes the door open.

_"Oh hey it's you !" points a young Zafara with his head full of blond and spiky hair. "How is it doing man ?

_"I'm not your man, kid.

_"Yeah, yeah, what can I do for ya ?

_"I want "ya" to tell me more about this medicine I got from you yesterday. Are there any side effects I should have been told about when you gave it to me ?" asks Big, pushing his finger into the zafara's coat.

_"It was groovy eh man ?!" he says, still pointing his fingers at us. "I think I'm gonna slap some sense into this idiot, if you know what I mean." whispers Big in my ear.

Oh, Oh...

_"Stop being such a moron Arnold !" yells a middle-aged Kacheek, hitting his head with a stack of paper. "Ugh, I swear to Fyora, you're really an idiot. Please excuse my employee sirs. What can I do for you ?

Big Skeith, after a glance at my pathetic face, decides to explain the situation to the Kacheek himself. She closes her eyes as she listens to him. _"Uh, Uh, I see. I do have an explanation for you, I believe. Did you wife happen to add some clawmatoes in her soup ?

_"Yes, it's one of her favourite things to put in there. Why ? Is there an issue with it ?

_"As stupid as it sounds, yes actually. I do not know the full details, but they contain some enzymes or something that react quite badly with the cold medicine your friend here took. They can induce sleepwalking tendencies and cravings when mixed together. Since the poor guy doesn't remember a thing, I believe that's what happen. What were the odds though ?

_"I see, thank you Ma'am ! Please keep slapping some sense into your apprentice.

_"I will good sir, have a nice day, sorry for the trouble !

Neovia 14:30

_"Wait for me here, I won't be long kid." says Big gently slapping my shoulder as he opens the door of the Crumpet Monger shop.

I'm leaning against the façade, still unsure about what's going to happen. Am I going to got to jail ? How are Mrs Crumpet and Mr Watson going to react ? They seem really nice to me and I really don't want them to hate me. As I'm wondering what's going to happen, I hear the bell and the door opens. It's Aaron.

_"Rough day, eh ?" he says as he leans against the shop next to me.

_"Yeah, pretty much. I assume you know everything." I whisper, still full of shame.

_"Yes, I do."

The sharp answer makes me shiver, but I didn't feel any anger in it. _"Look, as upset as I am, we know it's not your fault. Your boss said he was going to pay for the damaged door.

_"Really ? But what about the cupcakes, I mean, I ate all your stock...

_"You sure did!" he cries in laughter. "I can't believe you ate all that without feeling sick, you have some strong stomach kid !

_"Hey, don't call me kid, you're barely older than I am !" I manage to utter as I start to laugh with him.

_"Now that's better ! We have agreed on something with your boss. We're not gonna ruin a promising career, so hear me out. When you're not working your usual job, you'll come and work part time with us, that includes cleaning, deliveries, tasting my new recipes and other little things. That's how you're going to pay your debt to us. Does that sound fair to you ?" he grins.

_"You bet, thank you so much !" I say sobbing, finally relieved from the tension in my shoulders.

Neovia 21:30

I lay down my pen on my desk. I desperately needed to write a letter to mama to tell her everything. After that chat with Aaron, we came back inside the shop were Mrs Crumpet gave me a delicious crêpe to cheer me up. We ended up having a good laugh over this unlikely story and I'm going to start working part time with them tomorrow. I'm really eager to make it up to them. Once again, Big Skeith was there for me, and I can't thank him enough. He talked food with Mrs Crumpet during what felt like an eternity but it was a peaceful moment. As for Aaron, despite him being rightfully angry for his destroyed goods, he opened up to me and showed me how passionate he is about his job. I felt like we were the same on that point. I really wish I can become his friend because I really enjoyed his company. I better go to bed now, I have quite a doozy of a day tomorrow !

[captaincanarygotmelike]

Fic: Voices Carry ch. 21

Read on AO3

Read on Fanfiction.net

The day Nate bailed on bringing Avery to the amusement park, Sara thought she’d be furious at him forever, but time passed. Life moved forwards. Avery started preschool again, Leonard began to work full-time at Central City Picture News — the same place Iris worked — and things got busy again at the precinct for Sara. None of them had the time or energy to waste on being mad at Nate. The situation eventually moved to the back-burner, but it wasn’t gone entirely.

Nate had called Sara the night he was supposed to take Avery for the day. He apologized for flaking and offered to take her later that week.

“I forgot to call out of work,” was the excuse he gave Sara the morning of the second attempt, “My boss says they really need me in today.”

That time, Sara made Nate tell Avery himself that he couldn’t make it, and it marked the last time Sara told her when her father arranged to visit with her. She wanted to spare her the disappointment.

It paid off because Sara tried three more times to organize plans with Nate, even offering to drive Avery to Star City rather than having him make the trip to Central, but it always fell through.

This day, the day before Sara and Leonard’s wedding, marked exactly three weeks since they had last heard from him.

“Mama,” Avery said, climbing up onto their bed early that morning, “I’m hungry.”

“You’re hungry?” Sara asked quietly, pulling Avery into her arms, “What d’you want to eat?”

“Daddy’s waffles,” she whispered, a cheeky smile on her face.

Sara leaned forward, her forehead touching Avery’s.

“You want Daddy to get up and make us waffles?” she whispered back. Avery nodded. They both looked over to Leonard.

“I’m still sleeping,” he grumbled. Avery giggled.

“Y’know Ave,” Sara said, pointedly raising her voice to a normal level, “This is the last morning with Daddy before the wedding, because the bride and groom aren’t supposed to see each other. So tonight Daddy’s leaving and spending the night somewhere else, so it’ll just be you and me for breakfast tomorrow…by ourselves.”

“Alright, alright,” Leonard muttered, feigning annoyance as he swung his legs out of bed and headed for the kitchen.

“Avery?” Sara asked a minute later, “Do you miss your dad?”

“Why?” Avery asked, looking up at her.

“What do you mean, why?”

“He’s in there,” Avery pointed in the direction of the kitchen where they could faintly hear Leonard starting breakfast. Sara couldn’t keep a smile from etching its way across her face.

“What about…Nate?” she tried again, “Do you miss him?”

“No,” Avery replied, shaking her head.

Sara and Avery stayed in bed for a few more minutes. Avery had started her second year of preschool a little over a month ago, and although it was a relief to have her back in school for most of the day, her absence was giving Sara a bit of separation anxiety, although she wasn’t sure if that was the best word for it. Whatever it was, Sara wanted to snuggle with her daughter while Avery would still let her.

“Hey,” Sara said, “Let’s go help Dad with breakfast.”

Avery nodded.

“Nice of you to join me,” Leonard said as they entered the kitchen.

“We wanna help,” Avery chirped, pulling herself up onto a stool at the kitchen island, “Can I stir?”

Leonard nodded, handing her the metal spatula.

“So when do you think we should leave?” Sara asked him, referring to the forty five minute drive to where their wedding would be taking place.

“Technically we don’t have to be there until tonight, but I think Iris and Cisco would appreciate us getting there a little bit earlier than last minute,” he replied.

“Well, if anyone, it would be me,” Sara joked as she pulled three ceramic plates out of the cupboard.

“Done,” Avery said, pushing the bowl of now mixed waffle batter towards Leonard.

“Come help me set the table, Ave,” Sara said, opening the silverware drawer.

Not too long later, the table was set and Leonard was lifting the last steaming waffle off of the iron.

Just as Avery was climbing into her chair at the dining table, the front door opened and Cisco and Lisa entered the apartment.

“We smelled breakfast,” Lisa smirked.

“Chef’s out,” Leonard said immediately, walking out of the kitchen.

“Oh c’mon,” Sara rolled her eyes in exasperation as she began to spoon more batter onto the waffle iron.

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Avery whined.

“Just a few more minutes,” Sara told her.

A few minutes later, as promised, all five of them were sitting around the dining table eating breakfast.

“So you guys’re getting married in twenty four hours,” Cisco said through a mouthful of waffles, “That must be freaky to think about.”

“Freaky isn’t exactly the word I would use,” Lisa said, giving her boyfriend a pointed look, “but it must be exciting thinking about how close it is.”

“Mommy,” Avery said before either Sara or Leonard could answer, “When you and Daddy get married, does that mean Lisa’s my aunt because she’s Daddy’s sister? ‘Cos Auntie Laurel is your sister.”

They were all silent for a moment.

“That..somehow never crossed my mind,” Sara admitted, “Yeah, Lisa’s gonna be your aunt when we get married. Good catch, Ave.”

“Aww, I’m gonna get a niece without having to change any diapers,” Lisa said, “Nice going, Len.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied.

There were a few minutes of quiet while they all ate breakfast, occasionally interrupted by Avery’s ramblings about school and princesses and ballet.

“So when are you guys planning on heading up?” Lisa asked a few minutes later.

“Whenever,” Sara shrugged nonchalantly, mostly to get a rise out of Cisco. She glanced up from her plate to see if it had worked.

It did.

“What do you mean ‘whenever’?” he asked, his expression as close to a glare as Cisco could ever get, “You do realize this is your wedding we’re talking about, right?”

“Chill, Ramon —” Leonard said.

“Was that a cold pun?” he asked.

“—she’s kidding.”

“We’re heading out in a few hours,” Sara finished, a smirk on her lips.

“I still don’t get how you guys are able to be so relaxed about this,” Cisco replied, shaking his head, “It’s not even my wedding and I’m way more stressed out about it than either of you. Like, don’t you realize how many things could go wrong?”

“First of all,” Leonard said, setting his fork down on his plate, “You’re more stressed about it because you’re the one who planned the whole thing. Second, the only thing I care about is being married to Sara. Once that happens, the cake could explode or the dance floor could catch on fire and I wouldn’t care.”

“I would care!” Cisco exclaimed.

“Like I said,” Leonard replied, his eyebrows raised.

“Whatever, man,” he said, raising his hands in surrender, “Just don’t let Iris or Felicity hear what you guys are saying.”

“We wouldn’t dare,” Sara smirked.

A few hours later, Leonard, Sara, and Avery were on their way up to the Central City mountains.

Although Cisco and Iris had planned the majority of the wedding festivities, they had given Leonard and Sara the final call on a few of the details, one of the more important being the venue.

Both Leonard and Sara knew that a church ceremony wasn’t the way they wanted to go, and not too much later, they decided they wanted an outdoor wedding.

“It’ll be October so nobody will be sweltering in the heat,” Sara had said when she discussed it with Leonard, Iris, and Cisco, “ and we won’t have to worry about Ave and her friends breaking something in a fancy reception place.”

After that decision had been made, they still had to choose a venue. It was hard to find somewhere they could all deem acceptable in the middle of a city, but then Leonard had an idea.

“Hey, what if we used the cabin up in the mountains,” he had suggested.

“Really?” Sara asked. She’d be lying if she said the thought had never crossed her mind, but she’d just figured Leonard wouldn’t want that many people knowing about the cabin.

“Yeah,” he had nodded, “We can use the house to get ready, and there’s that field that we can use for the ceremony and the reception.”

“The mountains’ll look gorgeous in the fall,” Sara nodded in agreement.

After that, they ran it by Iris and Cisco, who were, by this point, actually their wedding planners (Sara still couldn’t believe it) and then it was official.

Now, less than twenty four hours until their wedding, they were making the drive up to the cabin up in the Central City mountains, the cabin where their relationship first began.

“It looks exactly the same!” Sara exclaimed when they arrived, “Well, except for all that.”

She gestured out into the field where everything for the wedding ceremony and reception was almost completely set up.

“Woah!” Avery said, leaning forward against the straps on her carseat.

“And look, Avie,” Sara said, pointing towards where the reception would be held, “There’s gonna be fairy lights everywhere, just like the ones on your bed, and cool lanterns and stuff, and they’re gonna look like stars when it starts to get dark.”

“Cool!”

“Dare I say you’re actually getting excited about this?” Leonard asked, leaning against the passenger side door as Sara unbuckled Avery and lifted her out of the car.

“You say that like you aren’t,” she smirked back.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied.

“Two weeks ago you wanted to know what color my bridesmaids’ dresses are so the groomsmen's ties could match,” she reminded him.

“I was asking for Cisco,” Leonard argued as they walked up the wooden stars onto the front porch.

“Yeah,” Sara said, her hand on the doorknob, “Sure.”

She pulled the front door open and they were instantly met with a chorus of greetings, applause, and a wolf-whistle that sounded suspiciously like Lisa.

They looked over the balcony to see all of their friends gathered in the living room. Iris, Barry, Cisco, and Caitlin were all sitting on the leather couch. Lisa sat cross-legged on the rug, her back against Cisco’s legs. Felicity, Sara’s maid of honor, was sitting in an upholstered armchair. Food, drinks, and a stack of board games and movies were scattered around the coffee table.

“You made it!” Felicity exclaimed as Sara, Leonard, and Avery walked down the stairs into the open living area.

“We did,” Sara replied, “What’s going on?”

“Well, we figured a fancy rehearsal dinner wasn’t really your style,” Cisco explained, “But we didn’t want to do nothing, so we have games and movies and cards —”

“And there’s pizza on the way,” Iris cut in, “and we have snacks and booze — we’re gonna break out the really good stuff after Avery goes to bed. We just thought we could all, you know, hang out and just have a nice time together the night before your wedding.”

“Aww, guys, you didn’t have to do this,” Sara said, smiling fondly at everyone.

“Yeah, you really didn’t have to,” Leonard said as stoically as he could muster.

“Cut it out, Len,” she said, jokingly hitting his arm, “No one’s buying it anymore.”

“Yeah, Snart, we know you love us,” Caitlin added teasingly.

“We’re gonna play games?” Avery asked excitedly.

“Yup,” Felicity said, “Do you wanna pick the first one?”

“Yeah!”

She ended up picking The Game of Life, which is exactly what Sara thought would happen.

“That’s her favorite,” she said when Avery pointed to the colorful cardboard box.

They ended up playing in teams of one and two, “ ‘cos there’s only six cars,” Avery explained. They took a break in the middle for pizza before returning to the game (Sara and Leonard won by a landslide, mostly because they were having Avery steal money for them).

“Can we play another game?” Avery asked.

“It’s almost your bedtime,” Sara replied, “but if you go brush your teeth and get your PJ’s on super fast, we can.”

Avery looked over the pile of games, her eyes landing on the deck of cards.

“Can we play go-fish?” she asked.

“Ooh, yeah, I love go-fish,” Iris said.

“Sounds good. Go get ready for bed, Avie, so we can play,” Sara said.

Avery ended up completely demolishing everybody in both rounds of go-fish they played.

“You let her win,” Cisco grumbled at Leonard when Sara left to put Avery to bed, “You never let any of us win when we used to all play hearts at the lab.”

“Well, you aren’t four years old and just learning how to play.”

“Still.”

Sara returned a few minutes later.

“Len, she wants you to say goodnight to her,” she said.

He nodded, getting to his feet.

As he started towards the hallway of bedrooms, he heard Felicity say, “That’s so cute, I think I’m gonna cry.”

Avery was in the same bedroom she had slept in when they were here several months ago. She was tucked underneath the quilt with her bunny blanket next to her.

“You wanted me to come say goodnight, Avery?” he asked.

“Uh-huh,” she replied. Leonard sat on the edge of the bed.

“You know I’m not gonna be here when you wake up tomorrow, right?” he told her. She nodded solemnly, “So have fun helping your mom get ready tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“Goodnight, Ave,” he said, leaning over to kiss the top of her head.

“Night-night.”

Leonard stood and headed for the door.

“Bye, Daddy,” she said, her voice quiet. Leonard smiled.

“Sleep good, Avery.”

When Leonard returned, they all continued drinking and playing board games.

After a game of Clue where Leonard sacrificed a win to accuse Barry of being the killer, Caitlin suggested a round of Trivial Pursuit. Iris and Sara backed out for the reason of it being, as Sara said, the most boring game ever invented.

“There’s stuff to make margaritas in the kitchen,” Lisa told them as Cisco started to set up the game.

“Hell yeah,” Sara said, getting up from her spot on the couch next to Leonard to follow Iris.

When they were in the kitchen, they pulled together everything they’d need for margaritas.

“Shit, this is nice tequila,” Iris said, turning a glass bottle over to look at the label.

“I’m pretty sure Felicity stole that from Oliver’s collection.”

“Oliver drinks tequila?”

“He probably won’t notice it’s gone.”

Iris started to pour the ingredients into a steel cocktail shaker.

“Hard to believe your wedding is tomorrow,” Iris said, “You nervous?”

“Not really,” Sara shrugged, “I’m just ready to be married to him.”

Iris smiled.

“You guys are sweet,” she said.

“Just start pouring,”she smirked, “Len wants to play poker after this, and just to warn you, he cheats, a lot.”

“Yeah, I kind of figured.”

They all finally wrapped up the party just before one in the morning.

“So this is the longest we’ll go without seeing each other basically since we met,” Sara told Leonard, aware she was only exaggerating slightly.

Leonard, Cisco, and Barry were about to leave for another cabin (this one not owned by Leonard) a few minutes up the road, where they would be staying for the night and getting ready for the wedding the next morning.

“Think you’ll survive?” Leonard asked her, smirking.

“I think I’ll be okay,” she replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Sara stood on her toes to kiss him, her arms twining around his neck. His hand traveled down her spine, resting on the small of her back.

“Hey, break it up guys,” Cisco said, “It’s past midnight, which is already breaking the wedding rules. What you’re doing right now is basically illegal.”

Sara pulled away from Leonard.

“Alright, Cisco, we get it,” she said. She met Leonard’s eyes, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow."

Sara got to sleep in the morning of her wedding day. She woke up briefly around six when her door opened and she heard the sound of little feet pitter-pattering against wood floor, but then either Felicity or Iris (she couldn’t tell who by their hushed whisper) ushered Avery out. She ended up finally getting out of bed at a little past ten.

“Here comes the bride!” Felicity said in a sing-song voice when Sara walked into the kitchen, “Look, Avery and I made omelets.”

“Avery made omelets?” Sara asked skeptically as she sat down at the island.

“Well, I made omelets,” she corrected, “But Avery poured everyone orange juice and she didn’t spill any, right Avery?”

“Uh-huh!” Avery said proudly.

“Where is everyone?” Sara asked as she started to eat.

“Lisa is helping Cisco put the finishing touches on everything outside,” Felicity replied, “Like, the flowers and all the other stuff that couldn’t be outside all night. Then she’s dropping off the guys’ boutonnières and bringing all the other flowers, like for our hair and your bouquet and Ave’s basket, over. Iris is showing the band and food people where to set up.”

“They’re here already?”

“Yep. You slept a lot later than we thought you would.”

“Yeah, thanks for that,” Sara said gratefully, “Was it you or Iris who got Ave out?”

“That was me,” Felicity said, “As your maid of honor it’s my job to make sure you’re well rested for your wedding day.”

“I appreciate it, Lis,” Sara said, “But aren’t you technically a matron of honor, because you’re married?”

“Yeah, but matron makes me sound, like, fifty-two years old.”

“That’s oddly specific.”

Lisa and Iris returned to the cabin not too long later, and Sara’s mother, Dinah, followed shortly after them. She had brought an old photo album with her, and they all sat on the leather couch and flipped through the pages.

“I’ve always thought you look just like Avery in this picture,” Dinah said, pointing to a old photograph of Sara when she was four. It was taken on Halloween, and Sara was dressed as cat, in a black shirt and tutu, whiskers drawn on her cheeks with black face paint, and a headband with fuzzy cat ears in her messy blonde hair.

“I forgot my hair was that curly!” Sara exclaimed.

“Yes, well, Avery gets that from you,” Dinah said.

Avery had been rather subdued all morning. Sara figured it was just from all the excitement of the wedding, a lot of which she couldn’t really understand yet, but she found out the true reason not too long after she put her down for a nap.

Sara stopped in front of Avery’s door when she heard a sniffling noise from inside. She pushed it open to see Avery curled up underneath the quilt, tears running down her cheeks.

“What’s wrong Avie,” Sara said calmly as she crossed the room and scooped her into her arms, sitting on the bed with Avery in her lap.

“I miss Daddy,” she choked out through her tears, “I wan’ him to come back.”

Sara furrowed her eyebrows.

“What do you mean, ‘come back’?” she asked.

“ ‘Cos he left.”

“He left?”

“Yesterday you said that was the last breakfast with Daddy because you can’t see each other and then yesterday he said bye before I went to bed and today he’s not here anymore.”

“Oh,” Sara said, suddenly realizing why Avery was so upset, “Avie, Daddy’s not gone forever. There’s just a tradition that when two people get married, they don’t see each other until the ceremony. That way it’s more special.”

“Really?” Avery asked, wiping away the tears on her cheeks with the back of her hand.

“Aww, honey did you really think he wasn’t coming back?” Sara asked. She felt a nod as she held Avery closer, “No, honey, he’s not gone. He’s at another house like this one just a few minutes away with Barry and Cisco.”

“He is?”

“Yes, he is,” Sara nodded, “Trust me, he can’t get away from us that easy.”

After a moment, Avery looked up at her.

“You promise he’s coming back?” she asked.

“Yes, I promise,” Sara replied. She thought for a second, “Hey, do you want to go see him?” Avery nodded. “And do you promise you’ll take a nap after?” She nodded again, “Okay. Let’s go.”

She set Avery down and waited for her as she slid on her sandals before heading out of the room and towards the stairs.

Halfway up, they were stopped by Iris and Felicity.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Felicity asked.

“Ave really needs to see Len right now, right Ave?” She looked down at Avery who was swiping at her still puffy eyes.

“Aww, what happened?” Iris asked, sympathy on both her and Felicity’s faces.

“She got a little confused about Len spending the night away,” Sara explained, “She thought he was leaving forever, and I think she needs to make sure he’s really still here. I’m just gonna bring her over there for a few minutes.”

“Uh, you’re not supposed to see each other, remember?” Felicity asked somewhat accusingly.

“Well I wasn’t planning on it, but she can’t exactly walk over there herself,” Sara shrugged.

“Why don’t I bring her,” Iris suggested, “I have to ask Barry about something anyway.”

“Perfect,” Felicity said before Sara could respond, “And while that’s happening, Sara, you need to start getting ready.

“The ceremony doesn’t start for another three hours.”

“Exactly,” Felicity replied, grabbing her arm and pulling her back down the stairs, “Let’s go.”

As Iris and Avery were making their way over to the other cabin, Barry was pushing open the door to Leonard’s room.

“Hey,” he said. Leonard looked up from his book, “I just wanted to see how you’re doing. Make sure you didn’t try to leave or anything.”

“Do you really think—”

“That was mostly a joke.”

“Right,” Leonard said. After a moment, he asked, “How’s the game.”

There was a football game playing on the TV in the living room, but given that Leonard had zero interest in sports, he’d opted to sit and read — something he hadn’t gotten to do much of recently, as Avery had taken to asking if he could read his book out loud to her, no matter what it was, which then led to reading at least one chapter of Narnia (they were nearing the end now, which meant they could watch the movie soon, something Avery had been long awaiting).

“Not bad,” Barry replied. He took a deep breath, looking nervously around the room.

“If you want to say something, say it,” Leonard said, closing his book and putting it on a side table before getting to his feet.

“I just,” he hesitated, “I just wanted to say that I’m proud of you — don’t roll your eyes, I mean it! When I first met you —”

“When you first met me, I was hurting and killing and stealing from people and then I met Sara and she made me a better person and I don’t do any of those things anymore,” Leonard interrupted, “Spare me.”

“No, what I mean is —”

He was cut off again by a light knock on the wooden doorframe. They both looked over to see Iris standing in the doorway with Avery.

“I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Iris said, “Miss Avery wanted to come say hi to you, Snart.”

She gave Avery a little nudge forwards.

“Barry, why don’t we wait in the other room,” Iris suggested. He nodded and followed her into the hallway.

“Your mom told me you’re upset about something,” Leonard said.

Sara had texted him five minutes ago: Ave thought ur leaving forever. She’s pretty upset. Iris bringing her over btw.

Avery nodded. There was a hint of nervousness in her eyes that Leonard hadn’t seen in a long time, not since when she hid behind Sara’s legs in the doorway of her then-new apartment the day Leonard met them for the first time.

“Mommy said yesterday you were gonna not see us,” Avery said.

“And you thought that meant forever?” he asked, crouching down to her height.

She nodded. Before he could say anything else, her eyes had filled with tears, her chin trembling.

As Avery started to cry, Leonard pulled her into a hug, his arms around her shoulders, one hand on the back of her head.

“Ave, don’t cry,” he said, aware at that point it would be like telling a fire, “don’t burn”.

Sara had told him how Avery didn’t seem to remember much of who Nate Heywood was and what he did, but Leonard was beginning to think her recollection was better than she was letting on.

“I’m never gonna leave you,” he murmured into her hair, “or your mom. You know that, right?”

She nodded.

He waited another few moments as her tears began to peter out.

“You ready to go back?” he asked.

Avery didn’t respond, her grip tightening on his shoulders.

“C’mon Ave, your mom needs you to take a nap so you can have fun later, okay?”

“Okay,” she whispered, her voice muffled.

“I love you, Avie.”

“I love you too, Daddy,” she said, finally pulling away.

They both looked to the door at the sound of a throat being cleared. They saw Barry leaning against the doorframe, a smile on his face.

“Avery, Iris is waiting for you in the living room,” he said.

She nodded and left the room.

“This is what I’m talking about, man,” Barry said, “That little girl loves you so much that she needed to come over here to make sure you hadn’t left. The Leonard Snart I met three years ago wouldn’t have done that. Do you remember when Felicity Smoak tricked you into backing down with a vacuum she pretended was an advanced cold gun?”

“For the record, I knew that was fake,” Leonard said over him.

“Felicity Smoak is the maid of honor at your wedding now. Is that not unbelievable to you?” Barry’s expression changed from inspired optimism to vague disbelief, “Wait, isn’t it weird that you met her so long ago and she was your future wife’s best friend the whole time? Isn’t that crazy? I didn’t even think about tha—”

“Barry,” Leonard interrupted, “You were saying?”

“Right, right. Think about Cisco. Almost three years ago, you kidnapped him and his brother, and now he’s dating your sister and he planned your whole freaking wedding! He’s one of your groomsmen!”

“What’s your point to all of this?” he asked, “Unless it’s to drag up all the shitty things I did three years ago.”

“My point,” Barry continued, “Is that all of those changes didn’t just happen randomly, and not just because of Sara and Avery, because it’s been longer than that. It’s because of you. You’re a better person than you were when we first met, and I’m proud of you, and I’m really grateful you let me be your best man.”

He had a point. Leonard didn’t particularly enjoy looking at the person he was several years ago. The fact that he worked with the Legion of Doom, something he couldn’t even believe now, was bad enough, but what was worse was thinking back to the things he’d done to the Flash and his team. It was difficult to imagine how they had become people he worked with and later befriended; they may be a forgiving group, but not that forgiving. It was truly a testament to the person he became — a better person, like Barry said.

It seemed fitting that Barry was his best man. He had seen Leonard become a person capable of being loved by Sara Lance, because it went unspoken, but understood by both of them, that Sara would not have even given the time of day to the man Leonard was not more than two years ago. His groomsmen were part of that journey as well: Joe West, the cop who had given him far too many chances than he deserved and the first father Leonard saw who actually gave a damn about his kids, even the ones that weren’t his own, and Cisco, who Leonard was starting to (begrudgingly) accept would probably be part of his family soon — not that he’d ever tell him that.

Unlikely as it was, these people trusted him to become a better version of himself, and the fact that they were here, on his wedding day, showed him that he had done that.

Over in the other cabin, Sara was beginning to wish she hadn’t complained about starting to get ready so soon, because two and a half hours later, she wasn’t complaining anymore. It looked like it was actually going to take the full three hours to get everyone ready.

Her hair had taken the longest. She had opted to leave it down, rather than pin it up like Felicity had for her wedding. It was loosely curled, and half was pulled up into a twisted braid. Laced into the braid were small peach roses and stems of burgundy heather.

As much as Sara had complained about having a wedding — at first almost serious, and then mostly just to annoy Cisco — she was enjoying herself. So much of her time with Leonard, what with Malcolm Merlyn, her crazy family, and then Nate, had been difficult, to say the least. It was nice to know they had a day that was free of drama, conflict, or potential death, a day that could be perfect.

“Hey,” Felicity said, her voice uncharacteristically calm, “You ready to put on your dress?”

Sara nodded. She followed Felicity into the first bedroom, where a tall mirror and a bust holding her wedding dress was set up.

A few minutes later, Felicity was fastening the last button in the lace fabric.

“You’re all set,” she said. Sara turned to face her, “Oh my God, you’re the most beautiful person in the world. I’m gonna cry.”

“Now you know how I felt at your wedding,” Sara replied, feeling her chest tighten and pinpricks in her eyes, the telltale sign that tears, uncharacteristic as they were, were on their way.

“Don’t even say that,” Felicity said, pulling Sara into a tight hug.

“Please don’t start crying, guys,” Iris said, “We definitely don’t have time to redo your makeup.”

“I’m not crying,” Felicity said tearily as she pulled away from Sara.

“Hey.”

Sara looked towards the new voice and saw her sister standing in the doorway.

“Laurel,” she said, “Hi.”

“Hey Felicity,” Iris said, “Let’s go make sure all the flowers are ready. Right now. Please.”

“Yeah, yeah, good idea,” Felicity nodded quickly. They both left the room, a bit more hurriedly than Sara thought they intended.

“Mom told me where I could find you,” Laurel said, “Wow, you look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Sara replied.

Laurel stepped further into the room, closer to her sister.

“I wanted to say sorry,” she said, “for Nate.”

“Didn’t you do that at Felicity’s wedding?” Sara asked.

“Uh, yeah, but I don’t think it was a very good apology.”

“Well, I think your exact words were ‘I’m sorry I guess’ so…” she trailed off.

“Well, I wanted to apologize for real. When Nate called me a few months ago and asked where he could find you, I didn’t even think about anything before I told him. I should have asked you first or told you after or something, I dunno,” Laurel said, “It was selfish of me to not consider what it would mean for you, and for Len. I just thought it would be nice for Nate to know how amazing his daughter is, and —” she stopped herself, shaking her head, “But it’s not about what I thought. It was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

Sara gave her a half-smile.

“It’s okay. Thank you for apologizing, but it’s okay. It’s…” she hesitated, “…resolving itself.”

“I’m sorry,” Laurel repeated.

“It’s okay,” Sara told her, “and hey, I’m sorry for being bitchier about it than I probably should have been.”

“I accidentally tried to shift your entire family dynamic!” Laurel exclaimed, “You’re allowed to be bitchy!”

They both laughed.

Sara stepped forwards and hugged her sister. Laurel immediately reciprocated the gesture.

“I’m so happy for you,” Laurel said as she pulled away, “but I should probably go now.  I don’t think there’s much time left until the ceremony starts, and you probably need to keep getting ready.”

Sara nodded, blinking away the tears in her eyes. She walked with Laurel out of the bedroom and into the living area. Laurel waved at everyone before she walked up the stairs and out the front door.

“That looked like it went well,” Felicity commented.

“It did,” Sara nodded.

“Well, there’s about twenty minutes until we have to go,” she said, “You should get Ave ready now.”

Sara nodded.

Avery was in another bedroom, lying on her stomach on the woven rug and looking at a picture book. She looked up when Sara walked in.

“Mama, you look like a princess!” she gasped, jumping to her feet.

“Thanks Avie!” she smiled, “You ready to get dressed?”

“Yes!” Avery exclaimed.

Avery had been anxiously waiting to put her flower girl dress on, but out of everyone, she’d had to wait the longest to get ready. Sara knew that most of the things Avery did, she ended up wearing somehow. She wanted to prevent something happening to the dress for as long as possible.

It was a fairly simple dress, a lightweight cotton fabric of a light blue color. The cream colored hem, resting just above her knees in the front, dropped lower in the back not unlike a train, nearly brushing against the floor as she walked.

Placed on top of her hair (falling in neat curls for once, thanks to the genius hairstylist Iris had brought in) was a crown of the same flowers in Sara’s bouquet. On her feet were cream sandals with a strap around her ankles.

“You look beautiful, baby,” Sara said, hugging her from behind as Avery looked at herself in the tall mirror with a look of wonder on her face, “All you need is your basket.”

She took her hand and led her out into the main living area, where Iris, Felicity, and Dinah were waiting for them.

“Where’s Lisa?” Sara asked.

“She went over to the boy’s cabin to tell them it’s time to go,” Iris answered, “She’ll be back in a few minutes so we can head over.”

At that moment, Lisa was opening the door to the other cabin and walking inside.

Everyone was ready. The groomsmen were all in dark grey vests over white dress shirts rolled up to the elbow. They wore burgundy ties, with stems of heather, the same as in Sara’s hair, pinned to their vests.

Her brother was dressed like his groomsmen, except he wore a dark grey suit jacket over his vest. His tie was a pale peach color, and the flowers on his boutonnière were the same as in Sara’s bouquet and Avery’s crown.

“Hey,” Lisa said, walking into the living room.

“Woah,” Cisco said, “You look amazing.”

“Thanks, babe,” she smirked, “You clean up nice too.” She looked to the rest of the room, “You guys ready to go?”

A chorus of affirmations followed.

“You ready?” Lisa asked her brother, her voice lowered.

“Yes,” he said. Lisa smiled, “You do look beautiful.”

Sara’s bridesmaids were dressed in lace, asymmetrical dresses of a deep burgundy color. Narrow spaghetti straps widened into an open back and deep v-neck. Lisa’s long brown hair was curled, a peach colored rose pinned into a braid at the back.

“Thanks,” she replied, “Just wait ’til you see your wife.”

“She’s not my wife yet,” he said, although unable to conceal a smile as the word left his lips.

“I’m really happy for you,” Lisa said, “You know that, right?”

“Yes,” he sighed in exasperation.

“I mean it,” she continued, “I know all this — a wedding and a wife and a daughter — is something you didn’t really see happening for you, but it is, and you’re the happiest I’ve literally ever seen you. You love those two girls so much.”

“I do.”

“I love you, Len,” she said, hugging him.

“I love you too, Lis,” he replied.

She took a step back.

“C’mon, let’s go get you married.”

Less than ten minutes later, Sara, Avery, and the rest of the wedding party were gathered behind a gauzy curtain shielding them from the guests. The sky was a bright blue, the air was warm, a cool breeze brushing over them.

“You ready?”

Sara turned to see her father.

“Yeah,” she nodded, a smile on her face.

With all the preparations, the visit from her sister, and dealing with Avery, her father was the one person she hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to today.

“Hey, look, I know I’ve said this before, but I’m sorry if I gave you and Leonard a hard time in the beginning,” Quentin said, “I was just trying to look out for you, but now I get that I don’t need to do that. You are strong and smart and you don’t need me to take care of you. I can tell that you love him and you’re happy, and I’m sorry I tried to, y’know, get in the way of that.”

Sara stepped forward to hug her dad.

“This has just been a whole day of Lance family apologies,” Sara said, chuckling.

“You talked to Laurel?”

“I did,” she nodded.

“And you guys are gonna be okay?”

“I think we are.”

“Good to hear,” he said.

“One minute, everyone,” Iris said.

“Gimme a second, dad, I wanna talk to Avery before this starts,” Sara said as she started to turn away.

“Are you ready, Avie?”  Sara asked, crouching down to hug her daughter from behind, her arms wrapping around Avery’s middle.

“Uh-huh,” she chirped, although Sara caught a hint of nervousness in her voice.

“You remember what we practiced?” she asked, “How to do the petals and not go too fast? And you remember to stand next to Felicity once you get up to the archway?”

Avery nodded.

“You’re gonna do great,” Sara said, kissing Avery’s cheek, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mommy,” she replied.

From behind the curtain, Sara heard the officiant say, “All rise,” and the music start to play.

“You ready to get married?” Felicity asked as Sara straightened.

“Ready.”

“All rise,” the officiant said.

Leonard watched from the side as all the wedding guests got to their feet. He could see Caitlin and Harry in the front row. On the other side of the aisle stood Donna Smoak next to the empty chair that would soon belong to Quentin.

He took a moment to look at the ceremony Cisco and Iris had put together. He had been a little nervous about entrusting them with the task of pulling together his and Sara’s wedding, but he had to admit, they did a really good job.

They had laid down planks of light wood on the grass to give a stable surface to the dark wooden chairs. A narrow, white carpet ran down the aisle, bordered on either side by a trail of the same peach-colored rose petals that were in Avery’s basket. The alter was a step above the rest of the floor, framed by a wooden arch covered in a white, gauzy fabric that fluttered in the autumn breeze.

Leonard’s attention was brought back to the ceremony when the music began to play. He felt a pang in his heart at the sound of the first note on the cello being played.

Leonard and Sara had both laughed at Cisco when he had suggested that the traditional wedding march would play during the ceremony. Cisco had quickly admitted it didn’t quite suit them, but he had then asked what song they did want, and they had no answer for him. Then, a few weeks later, Avery’s ballet school held an evening for parents to sit in on a class and see how their kids were doing. It was then, in one of the final exercises they watched, that they heard Pachelbel’s Canon in D major.

He remembered Sara’s hand squeezing his.

“Did we just hear our wedding song?” Sara asked him in a low voice when the routine was finished.

“I think we did,” he murmured back.

And now here he was, on his wedding day, listening to Pachelbel’s Canon in D major as the curtains behind the rows of seats parted.

Dinah Lance started her walk down the aisle, a small, proud smile on her face.

Leonard waited until Dinah was standing in front of her chair before he made his own walk to the alter, passing in front of one section of chairs before coming to a stop beside the officiant. He felt heads turning towards him, but he ignored them. Dinah met his eyes and gave him a small nod.

Iris and Joe then passed through the curtain, walking arm-in-arm. They parted when they reached the step up to the alter. Leonard caught Joe saying to his daughter, “practice, for when I walk you down the aisle at your wedding”.

When they had separated, Leonard could see Lisa and Cisco walking down the aisle behind them. Lisa met his eyes, a wide smile on her face. Cisco kissed her cheek before they separated, going to stand next to Joe and Iris.

After them came their best man and maid of honor. Felicity and Barry both wore beaming smiles as they walked towards Leonard.

There was a pause after Barry and Felicity parted at the alter, but moments later, Avery stepped through the curtain.

She looked very small from such a distance, barely taller than the chairs their guests sat in. He watched with a smile on his face as she slowly made her way down the aisle, tossing rose petals onto the carpet around her as she went.

She made it about three-quarters of the way down the aisle before she noticed Leonard. She let the basket fall to the ground as she ran the rest of the distance to him, jumping into his arms.

There was a chorus of “awws” from the guests as he lifted her up, swaying her side to side. He planted a kiss on her cheek before gently setting her on the ground. She moved to stand just in front of Felicity.

The burgundy curtain behind the rows of seats parted for a final time, and Leonard was met with the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

[geraldcreed]

The Absence of Mr. Creed (Part 9. Final)

Everyone paused at the entrance to the Hive, the fear of what stirred under the earth stopping them. Gloria was the first to walk beyond the threshold. “Th’ Light will protect us.” She kept chanting.

We followed her down into the depths, trying to remember our pathway out. We followed the winding tunnels, hearing the Silithid around us. Something was different this time though. We entered the room where we broke down the wall, and when illuminated, a crescent of humongous insects gathered around us, but there was a point which they would not cross. They stayed back six feet from us, no matter how much we advanced. They would even resort to climbing up the walls if we got too close. “Why are they doing this, what are they planning?” Clyde whispered. 

Something was different from when they entered the first time to when they were leaving. Gerald could only think of one thing that would make a difference. From out of his pack he took the Silver Scarab that was perched atop Setana’s tomb. With it unveiled, the Silithid stepped back a few more feet, chattering and screeching. The group seemed to wise up quickly. They kept Gerald in the middle and ran for the tunnels, the insects skittered out of the way whenever they got near, and chased them down from behind. 

They ran for what seemed like forever, weaving in and out of tunnels, running in circles, and pausing to wonder where they were. They finally found the first atrium they came to, where they were first attacked, but they did not find any comfort in this familiar sight. In the middle of the room stood a formidable and recognizable shadow. Gerald and Clyde stepped forward, knowing this enemy. Gerald lit a flame, and her face became illuminated. Setana glared at the escapees, but she was not alone. Around her were three more of her kind, though smaller. A hiss went through the room, “You! The one who resurrected me, and the one who tried to end me. You wish to go free now?” She looked to her minions, pointing to Clyde, “Kill him first!”

At once they came at us, surrounded by the Silithid, these quiraji didn’t seem affected by the scarab. Gloria and Gerald slung spells at the minions, who zipped to and fro, dodging them masterfully. Clyde swung wildly, clipping one in the side, causing it to fly off into the crowd. Horace and conroy worked together to take down another, but they were far too agile for anyone, the fact that they could fly away had everyone on their toes. 

Among the confusion Clyde called out. The quiraji retreated back to their master, who had Clyde in her clutches. “The rest of you may leave, this one will suffice as a sacrifice for my master.” Without another pause they flew off above the silithid into one of the tunnels. The spellslingers shot after them, but they were long gone into the labyrinth of tunnels. There was no other choice but to continue. They couldn’t risk getting lost. They couldn’t risk losing more people to Setana.

They found the hole in the wall and ran towards the steamboat. Horace stuck behind to drive the big drill into the open hole, sealing it off from the inside. Once everyone boarded, Horace barked his orders. This time, Gerald was the only one to shovel coal. The trip home was in silence, but at least Horace got his stone, and Gerald got something out of it as well, but at what cost?

March 10th

They arrived back in the city, Gerald caked in sweat from his time in the hold. He emerged into the city, hard to believe they were two lighter, and out of danger. Horace approached him with a cloth bag, “Gerald, thank you for your service, here is your pay, and part of Clyde’s. I’m sorry this ended like this.” 

Gerald took his share of gold and gave the rest back to Horace, “Keep this, not for yourself, but for Clyde. Keep it for when he comes back., cause I’m going back there, and I’m going to get him out.”

Horace looked at him, cocking his head, “You’d be mad to, but I don’t care anymore, our business is done. I’ll let you know if I need any help in the future, Creedy.”

“You shouldn’t. After this, my boss will never take any contracts from you again. Find someone else to do your dirty work, Horace.”

Gerald walked down the dock, bag in hand. Horace was shouting behind him “Oh come on Gerry, it was a good trip! Better than Kun’lai am I right?! Come back here Creed!” But Gerry didn’t turn back.

He had to find Vinarei after all these months.

@vinarei

[burlybanner]

molecular gastronomy born from astronomy

Bruce is back from space - but is he whole? An angsty, science bros gainer fic answering complicated questions from Thor: Ragnarok. 

(Ignore the title - I just had fun with it. And yes, Thor:Ragnaork spoilers ahead).

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Tony/Bruce

Warnings: Weight gain, some kink related elements, stuffing and cooking elements.

Word count: 2035

***

Tony awoke and broke into a sleepy grin as absolutely heavenly, delectable scents wafted through the penthouse bedroom.  Bruce, he thought as a lazy grin spread across his lips. But Tony would’ve known without the mouth-watering smells anyway; their bed was uncomfortably cold without the big guy warming it up.

“Friday,” Tony yawned. “What’s the time?”

“Seven-oh-five, Boss.”

Tony’s brow wrinkled. 

“A.M.?”

**

He silently watched Bruce at work from the far left kitchen corner and it felt like old times, except today Bruce used the main kitchen for his creative outlets, instead of his cozy chem lab. He zoomed from pot to pot, clearly in the zone since he hadn’t noticed Tony’s watchful eye and careful grin.

Tony gentled his gaze while leaning casually against a doorjamb. He folded his arms as Bruce worked like a master chef, shuffling a plate here, turning off a burner there, grabbing some spices from a rack or a plucking a sprig from an actual plant and dumping it into a boiling pot. It made him think that somewhere, in an alternate universe, Bruce must’ve been a sous chef in a burgeoning restaurant. Imagining him as a fat-bellied chef with a staff of his own didn’t seem too far off the mark. Especially in recent days.

His eyes roamed over the physicist’s jiggling torso as he stirred the gravy, or sauce like a mad man - Bruce’s body had morphed considerably after returning from Sakaar, or Asgard, or wherever the hell they’d been, but Tony didn’t mind. He did have his own theories regarding Bruce’s creeping weight, stemming from the night he returned to New York, but he was waiting for the right time to discuss all of it.

“Two years?”

Tony’s breath had hitched the night Bruce explained, although it may have been the pounding he’d just received.  He was restless and sweaty and alive, because all night long they’d been jumping each other like alley cats in heat. Bruce’s sex drive had run off the charts, when before it’d been just a whenever the mood struck kind of thing.

“Uh, huh,” Bruce panted, licking his lips. His matted curls had fanned wildly across his brow, both from sweat and from Tony’s constant fingering, but he didn’t appear fazed. In fact he scanned Tony up and down like a piece of choice chuck, which Tony loved, and Bruce deserved.

“Kept me like a captive in a locked car trunk. Not again, though. Never again. He’s gonna goddamn listen now, whether he likes it or not.” He pawed Tony, covering his face with deep, sensual kisses, and Tony responded in kind. They took another hour reacquainting their bodies before Bruce honest to God rolled up and declared--

“Fuck, I’m starving. Are you?”

Bewildered, Tony flipped the covers off their bodies and shot Bruce a double-take “Now?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Bruce slung a robe over his shoulders and tromped across the bedroom. “I’ll be...I’ll be right back. Promise.”

He was, but like forty minutes later, which - okay, fine - it took a while for Tony to relieve himself in the bathroom, and wipe up. But he glared at Bruce when he returned smelling of deep fried something and cake, apparently stuffed to the gills, and maybe, finally tuckered out.

“What’s gotten into you?” He demanded.

“Mm, nothin’,” Bruce mumbled, tumbling into the bed. He had mashed potatoes in his hair while crumbs flaked off into their bed. “Kinda tired.”

“Seriously--? So we’re just going to ignore the fact that you left me high and dry to grab a midnight snack? And - goddamn it, what the hell did you eat? It’s all over the bedsheets.”

“Asked if you were hungry, Tones.”

“That’s not the point, Banner...hey, are you listening to me?”

No, Bruce wasn’t, because a loud, honking snore erased his sentence.

“Son of a bitch...”

Although irked, he didn’t bring up Bruce’s weird reaction the following day, chalking it up to space-lag. Maybe he should’ve considered it more; he was as much a scientist in his own right, and the situation called for an answer. Each time he tried though, Bruce fucked him until he couldn’t remember his name.

And that’s how it went for the first few months - incredible fuck sessions, followed by Bruce’s insatiable need to stuff himself. Until Tony admitted they couldn’t keep it up forever - well, he couldn’t, Viagra be damned. He didn’t like explaining why to Bruce because it meant having to admit his virility had limits, but they discussed their sex life like rational adults, which honestly Tony never expected to see in his lifetime.

So, although Bruce agreed to tone down the sex, he swapped his ramped up sexual urges with even more food.

Tony wasn’t averse to it, though. Seeing Bruce’s body swell and soften was more pleasurable than expected; maybe, Tony thought distantly, Bruce/Hulk had experimented with carbo loading for gladiatorial fights on Sakaar. If he really tested those waters, Tony figured the answer lay somewhere between Bruce reorienting himself to his human body’s needs, and making peace with Hulk. You don’t just cut off a being like Hulk without some after effects. You can’t.

Bruce tapped a metal mixing bowl with a slotted spoon, waking Tony from his wandering thoughts. It was Thanksgiving and they could’ve ordered in, but Banner wanted to cook a Thanksgiving meal for the team so caterers be damned.

“You look hot in that chef’s apron,” Tony finally said, and Bruce jumped a foot.

“Dammit.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” He couldn’t stop the chuckle tumbling from his lips, though Bruce looked angry enough to skewer him with his spoon.

“No worries,” Bruce muttered, grabbing a bowl. “Just...don’t do it again. And what are you doing up this early?”

“The delightful kitchen smells. And missing your warm, hot bod.”

Bruce hid a smirk in some cooking steam, but Tony saw it. Sighing, he came over and wrapped his arms beneath the apron to tease Bruce’s middle, feeling how much his partner’s gut had grown over the months; it wobbled seductively over his beltline and Tony couldn’t help prodding and pinching the doughy softness.

“Mm.” Bruce shook his head. “Can’t now. Gotta finish prepping.”

Tony didn’t let go. Instead he made a low noise in his throat and gently swayed back and forth with Bruce in his arms. Bruce swayed with him, allowing it for a few seconds, but then broke free.

At least he offered a deep kiss, as an apology.

“You taste like spice cake,” Tony murmured, licking his lips, and Bruce laughed while turning down a burner and checking the contents.

“Probably because I ate some.”

“That bundt cake from your cousin?”

“Uh, huh.” Bruce checked something else, and a sweet flavor wafted over. “I...ah. I finished it off an hour ago, though. Sorry.”

“That’s ok,” Tony smiled. “I had a slice yesterday, when you unwrapped it. It really was good.”

“Yeah.” He sighed softly and checked the oven. “I also had a full breakfast cooked for both of us, but--”

“You ate it,” Tony said, but he wasn’t mad. He searched for a Power Bar in one of the cabinets, and grabbed a coffee mug. “It’s no big deal.”

“Isn’t it?”

Bruce meant it as a throwaway mutter as he reached for the flour and sugar, but Tony refused to downplay it. “Not to me, it isn’t.” He filled his mug, added a few teaspoons of sugar, and unwrapped the energy bar. “I suspect being back in your old body after being out of it for two years is pretty disorienting.”

Bruce huffed and shook his head in that little self-deprecating way Tony had missed. “Oh, you don’t know the half.” Bruce violently dumped flour, salt, and vanilla into the bowl and kept his expression everywhere but Tony’s face. “He’s upset. He’s furious. He wants out all the time, and staying calm isn’t enough. But satisfying our physical needs pacifies him temporarily, food and sex especially. F...flooding my body with endorphins without overly kicking up my heart rate--I...I think the natural endorphins are helping.”

Tony swallowed and approached carefully as Bruce dumped cut up nuggets of butter into his mix and pounded the dough with a bit more strength than called for. “You know, Bruce,” Tony murmured. “You could try some of the newer drugs--”

The unexpected laugh bubbling from Bruce’s throat bordered on manic. “Oh, yeah, get addicted to drugs on top of everything else. Which ones? Pills? Or opioids? Or maybe your and dear old Dad’s favorite, bourbon--” He cut the remaining rant with a hiss between his teeth. “I...I’m sorry. I’m sorry. That was unconscionable and out of line. I...I--”

“Shh.” Tony wrapped him in his arms again, swaying as he did before, and Bruce relaxed in his arms. “Look. It took two years for you to come back, so it may take that long to renegotiate the boundaries. But we can, and we will. You restored balance before, and you have me now. We can do it together.”

“ ‘We,’ huh?” Bruce forgot his fingers were covered in flour and sugar as he thumbed Tony’s fingers. Then he briefly shook his head, nervously pawing at Tony’s arm. “I’m getting fat,” he finally sighed.

“You sure are,” Tony said, kissing Bruce’s cheek when he stiffened. “But so what? You’re still you. I still love you.”

And Tony froze, realizing those actual words had exited his lips. But Bruce heard, and he suddenly squeezed Tony’s hand. “Same,” he murmured. “Didn’t know how to say it.”

“Well, we’re both rotten in the ‘saying the right thing at the right time’ department.”

Bruce half-laughed, half-shuddered. “True. But I’m...I’m telling you, the only acceptable ‘drugs’ for me right now are food and sex. So I’ll probably become pretty massive before we reason out the solution. You...ah. Are you okay with that?”

Tony squeezed Bruce tight before relaxing. “I’m kinda digging it, to be honest. More of you to love, and all. What’s another hundred pounds here or there?”

Bruce nearly choked. “A hundred--?”

“Or whatever.” Tony’s hands snuck under Bruce’s apron, searching for the squishy gut he’d grown accustomed to. “It won’t matter to me. Even if I have to reinforce everything in the tower to accommodate you, I’d do it.”

“You’re an ass,” Bruce said, but Tony could hear the waiver in his voice.

“But you love me?”

“But I love you,” Bruce murmured back, and Tony released a held breath, knowing it was the truth.

“All right, then.” Tony rubbed his hands together. He made a face at the stickiness and ran his hands under the tap. “You need me to help with anything?”

“No, not yet.” He went back to the dough and began gently kneading instead of pounding. “The prep work is almost done, and the turkeys are cooking in the other ovens. The pies will be ready to cook in a few minutes, and once the sauces cool I’ll put them away until later. Then it’s waiting until around noon, to finish up the biscuits and potatoes and the rest. If anyone from the team starts bugging you, tell them dinner begins at three. On the dot.”

“Okay. Perfect.” Tony’s smile sharpened. “So when you’re done with this and waiting to begin the second round, let’s do some stuff.”

Bruce wasn’t watching, preferring to roll out his dough on cutting board. “Hm? Science stuff?”

“No, not science.”

“Wh...oh.” Bruce got it, and paused to blink up at him. “You sure? It’s not...not too much? We did a lot last night--”

Tony laughed. “I think my libido can handle it. Promise, I’ll let you know if it’s too much.”

“Oh. Okay then.” Bruce chewed his bottom lip, attempting not to grin like a schoolboy. “Ten minutes. I’ll be done in ten.”

“Sounds good. See you.”

“See you.”

Tony’s dark chuckle followed him down the hall. Talking had helped them both, and he felt lighter than air as he did an impromptu dance step back to their bedroom. He meant what he said; Bruce could double or even triple his weight, and he could suddenly become chief stockholder of Viagra, Inc. But whatever, because it didn’t matter and they’d figure it out. Together.

[zenlesszonezero]

As the conspiracy reaches its finale, the Void Hunter joins the fight.

Uncover the Conspiracy in Zenless Zone Zero's All-New Version "A Storm of Falling Stars", S-Rank Agent Hoshimi Miyabi is here! With S-Rank Agent Asaba Harumasa Limited-Time Giveaway! Pre-register to obtain additional rewards.

[leonbastralle]

Rosa Pt.2

Honestly sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t mind you disappearing because your catching up stuff always makes me extra happy XD I honestly don’t know how you do it.

grumpysimmies replied to your photo “Before my followers raise a mutiny because these guys are no longer in...”

AND I WILL DON'T WORRY YOU KNOW I LOVE THESE

I do ;_; the first couple q&a would have been nothing without you.

grumpysimmies replied to your post “Replies To The Spammers”

I'm looking forwards to get to know the chars you have yet to talk about xD

all my Ryders to be (Jian&Des, plus Olympia and Chikelu) are the most wip characters ever so there’s really not much to say (apart from how much I love Jian and Des’ dynamic)

grumpysimmies replied to your post “Replies To The Spammers”

You can never take too much moments to appreciate how cute a sim/char can be

true too, it gets weird tho when it’s your own

grumpysimmies replied to your post “Replies To The Spammers”

I'd personally come for them if they had something to say about ficus ._____.

same

grumpysimmies replied to your post “Replies To The Spammers”

I'm forever indebted to Carys since Flame's never going to age up xD

I will make sure to pass it on ;)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Happy birthday, Snowdrift Miracle (10/21)! When a char isn’t even...”

I'm still not over this

we will never be over them I assure you

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “@pixeldemographics dared me to do this, so I did it. This isn’t THE...”

AS IF I DIDN'T LOVE FICUS WAY TOO MUCH ALREADY

I’M SO SORRY I DIDN’T EXPECT IT TO TURN OUT THIS WAY (expect to also love Aur, Flame, Snowdrift, Tabasco and Shine a lot more at some point...just saying. Things might or might not be happening.)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

Remind me to never get on your bad side Annie xD

it’s...not hard? tbh. But I wouldn’t let it get this far unless it’s a repetitive thing XD plus I couldn’t be mean irl, worst thing I’d do is rant abt a nameless friend to another friend

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Salim: Nononono! You can’t do this! It’s illegal! Shine: I can’t do...”

I LOVE HOW SHINE IS ENJOYING THIS WAY TOO MUCH

tbh I ruined the poor innocent child

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Salim: Ugh! Neighbor, what is it! It’s not even late this time! Not...”

You shouldn't Salim

that doesn’t work Rosa we tried

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Do you see this face? This face is the face of someone who is up to no...”

All the Salims I know are assholes xD

OOOOO I NEED TO KNOW MORE

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “G: Uh, hi neighbor. S: Hey. G: … S: … G: … S: … G: … S: … G: … S: … G:...”

Also me whenever I'm with someone I'm not used to

same

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “T: Uh…Opal, why are you crying? O: *sobs* I just…I just love Sprout so...”

Same

same

...xD

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

LOOK AT THIS PRECIOUS CHILD

I KNOW

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “When she’d calmed down, I sent her to visit some old pals! I mostly...”

I guess this answered my question about not seeing Sprout Jewel and Bonsai anymore xD

evidently ;) and this isn’t the end either! Just you waittttt

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Flame is more than happy to see his son again!”

And I'm more than happy to see him

why am I not surprised XD

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

I hope it's their tent and not the kids'

it was xD Sparkle and the girls shared the big one.

grumpysimmies replied to your post “Look mum I brushed my hair!”

But seriously I feel like it's so hard actually find lasting friends from uni (but it's their loss if they ignore you)

is it rly tho? like it obviously hurts me too so it’s also my loss xD but yeah...I agree it IS difficult. I feel like ppl are at that point in life where they are no longer looking for permanent close friends?

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

It's really pretty ;-;

it is! I’m so glad I finally got to explore it a bit, the scenery is the best ;_; and my berry name for it is even better tbh.

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

It looks like she's sniffing sun rays xD

AAAAAA THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE PERF GEN YELLOW THING I WILL CRY

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “#tinybeanconfirmed”

I died.

do you think I didn’t

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “T: Do you…do you think I’m a bad mum? S: *gasps* Trellis, please… T:...”

Shine may deserve the worLD BUT YOU ARE THE WORLD TRELLIS ;________;

JDAHBSJHGBJSHGBAJKSHFBAKSJFANKSJGBANSKJGBDF

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “G: Oh look at this! I love this movie, it’s so funny! C: But my cake…...”

Cake cannot wait

it’s wisdom

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “B: These kids, man. What did the boss mix into his aniseed to make...”

ALL THE KIDS TOGETHER

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “B: These kids, man. What did the boss mix into his aniseed to make...”

NOW THAT WOULD'VE BEEN PERFECT IF GLOW WAS THERE

I KNOW AND I KNOW ;-;

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “S: Geoffrey? Hey, buddy! Wait up!!”

Worst case he'd die from the serum no big deal

well Shimmer is...still alive I think (okay yeah she is she’s in the posts later)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Their flat is ACTUALLY haunted. Pathi is good with ghosts though,...”

I still can't believe they actually love the fact it's haunted ._.

they’re really into this stuff xD my little adrenaline junkies

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

THIS OH MAN THIS

I KNOW (you’ll love the next bit of the queue)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “S: 8D

He always look so suave I love him

you think? ;_; cause he isn’t

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Have I ever told you that you’re an idiot?” “Not in the last twenty...”

This shot of them is too good too beautiful I can't

AAAAAAAA ;_; I was so disappointing cause I wanted a different pose but I think in the end this WAS a great one so...yeah. Why did I start this again?

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “G: Hi! Thank you for adopting me! Everyone else said I’m too...”

YOU'RE NOT TOO BOISTEROUS YOU'RE PERFECT

SHE IS BUT SHE DOESN’T KNOW

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “yes simself cameo judge me”

Look at that smile ;-;

she’s too pretty it’s not okay

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Dear diary! Tomorrow I’m getting a new sister. Her name is Glade and...”

Connie you pure child ;____;

SHE IS MY MOST NAIVE BABY

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “a mad bab”

I wanna pinch her cheeks

dude me too but in that moment she’d have hated you

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Coexisting peacefully.”

I love how it seems that Shine is tenderly laughing at Trellis for being a goof and that's just way too fucking cute I can't ;________;

sjhfbjsakhjbgsjgdskjdf

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

TRUE

IDK WHAT TO REPLY ANY MORE

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “A wonderful glitchy family.”

It looks very painful xD

and beautiful

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “The many faces of Ficus Elderberry, bonus Snowdrift.”

I SAY THIS ANYTIME I SEE HIM BUT HIS FACE

HE HAS ONE YES JUST IMAGINE

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “I apologise for the German, but basically, Malachite keeps messaging...”

HE'D BETTER FEEL GUILTY

I’d say something but it’d be spoilers

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Some miraculously good ice cream!”

Now I wanna eat some

not me I’m so cold

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset

CAN I HUG THIS CHILD PLS

I WISH YOU COULD

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Browsing parenting forums!”

Me (except I'm not pregnant and I don't even have lover)

I think google probably thinks I’m pregnant all the time because I keep looking at names

grumpysimmies replied to your post “Annie of Green Cheeks says Hi”

The cutest chipmunk ;____;

brah nah

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “He proceeded to invade their personal space. At least he was quiet so...”

He's got a way with charming his new neighbors

not really...at this point they’re actual in game enemies

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Oh yay here we go… S: Hey, neighbors! Could you please tone it down a...”

How.dare.he.compare.donut.trumpet.to.aur.

I was mad and now his char is ten times worse than he rly is

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “T: So you’re sure the Sparkles clan doesn’t need this flat any more?...”

Does that mean we won't get to see Jewel and Bonsai and even Sprout? :c

;)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “F: I KNOW YOU WANT ME YOU KNOW I WANT CHA I KNOW YOU WANT MEEEEE-HEE...”

THE FACE HE'S MAKING TOTALLY MAKES IT UP FOR THE SONG

what do you mean this song is gr8 it sums things up just well

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Celebratory dancing!”

HOW CUTE IS SHE

VERY

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “T: Okay, I still feel kind of bad. It’s your parents’ closet after...”

and who knows what said parents did in that closet xD

...it’s confirmed they did A LOT and so did their grandparents

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “T: Wait - Shine! Before you go inside! I, um, you know I’m not much of...”

These babies ;____________;

I know ;_;

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “R: Glow!!!! Will you take me out? G: Uh, sure! I mean, I just got here...”

and I'm hopeless when it comes to him

good good he needs more fans always

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “A: Take my hand, love, and never let go. F: Stop it, I’m gonna cry.”

I'm gonna cry too

I did tbh

grumpysimmies replied to your post “˜º for Pointy?”

I hate beetroots too xD

I have a weird relationship with them...I love them but they must be very few

grumpysimmies replied to your post “˜º Flame!

I wanna eat his ice cream ;__;

I wanna eat everything vegetarian he makes because he’s so good (and watch him make it it’s a show)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “this doesn’t go with the storyline but lookit Sprout is so pretty”

I die every time I look at this beautiful child (and all the other beautiful children on this simblr let's be real)

;_________; DONT

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “F: Son! So good to see you around! How are you doing are you good?”

YES it's very good to see him around ;___;

as always ;)

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “Here’s a ton of Gabefaces cause I can’t choose one or two or three xD...”

oh man it's actually very nice to put faces on names xD

ohhhhh right this must be the first time you see his original self! I’m obsessed with his face tbh

grumpysimmies replied to your photoset “S: Trellis! You came! T: Of course I did! It was no work at all to...”

my brain stopped at 'pretty face'

Shine’s too

[subconfessions]

Day 11

It’s now been nineteen days and 1035 edges since I’ve gotten to cum. All day I’m just horny and desperate to cum, the other night I ended up going on a walk with my plug in and I almost edged just from walking around with it in, I’ve never been thaaat needy before. And this is just the beginning.

But, continuing from where I left off cause I’m still pretty behind, I���d woken up and that morning I was greeted with some fantastic news, I got to take toothless out of the box for 24 hours😁😁😁!! I was super excited to be getting a little treat for being good the night before and finishing my edges and tasks while daddy couldn’t play.

But today I was going to be a bit busy with friends, one was coming over to have dinner and go out a bit and then spend the night, so I wasn’t going to be able to play a whole lot. Daddy told me I better get started on my edges before she came over. I finished 70, and I remember that those 70 got me very dangerously close to cumming🤤😅, but I really wanted to smoke with my friend that night so it was worth it. Daddy had me wear a crotch rope after till my friend came over to keep my nice and sensitive – that certainly worked as I cleaned. We tried using my remote vibe but it was being buggy☹️☹️, maybe next time.

We went out to dinner and Daddy reminded me that I couldn’t pee without permission😳. While at a restaurant it’s really hard for me not to pee because I’ll drink endless amounts of water, and we had bought other drinks as well. But of course, eventually I just had to ask Daddy to go to the bathroom. He said no and made me wait, I hadn’t been feeling particularly little or submissive at this point- since I’d taken the crotch rope off and kind of got used to being with my friend who’s not as kinky. But being made to wait while sitting at the table chatting brought those feelings right back to the surface😳😅. It was everything I could do to keep from pouting at my phone. Eventually he let me go, under the condition of sending him a video of me peeing at the restaurant and like usual my face just went beat red but I had done it beforeee so I knew this time would at least be a little easier.

So to the bathroom I went, it was a little challenging, knowing there were just people outside the door, but I managed and sent the video to Daddy and returned to the table feeling very very very little.

Eventually we got back to my house, but we were planning on leaving for a mutual friends for a little bit. I had asked Daddy if I could pee while I was still at home but again I had to wait, and eventually we had to go and I ended up sitting in the car holding it on my way to my friends house. Once there we were all chatting upstairs while I was asking my Daddy if I could go pee. And finalllyyyy I could, but this time I owed him a selfie of me sitting there with a bra on and completely topless. So I excused myself to the bathroom which was right next door, and it was even more strange hearing them continue the conversation while I tried to quickly undress, take my selfies, and pee. I think it was so weird because two of them have nooo idea what I do and one only knows part of it. But I sent them to Daddy and he told me I only had one more pee for the night. Which wouldn’t have been bad, the night was almost over so technically it would be a new day, but then Daddy told me it was for hiiiis time so suddenly my two hours of with only one pee became five.

The only reason this really stunk was because my friend and I were definitely planning on drinking a lot that night.

So I was gonna need to pee a bunch.

Hmmph 🙇🏼‍♀️

I ended up getting very indecisive about when I wanted to use my last bathroom break. I knew I needed to wait till I really really needed to go so I wouldn’t have to go again before bed. But eventually I asked and was allowed to go about an hour before my friend and I went to bed.

Because she spent the night I wasn’t able to do any of my bedtime things. Its always strange now not sleeping with a crotch rope and a plug.

The next morning as my friend was leaving Daddy told me he had something to tell me that would make me feel veryyy little. I really had no idea what he was going to tell me but I was excited. Until he told me to get all my sad and mad emojis ready. And then Daddy told me that he came 3 times the day beforeeeeee. Ughhhdfhaskdsjf no fair😩😩😩. But I made the mistake of rolling my eyes at Daddy, and if I wasn’t feeling little before I sure was now. Daddy had me pick between getting no coffee today or extra edges. After thinking about it for a second I picked extra edges. I ended up with 10 extra edges to do with the 50. Directly after that Daddy asked if I had sent him pictures of my bowls that night, and I hadn’t. But that was the day Daddy left for his trip so either he forgot by the time the trip was over, or let it slide…? I dunno but maybe I’ll find out hehe 😜

Anyways, Daddy left and drove for five hours, and I did some actual work for the first time in forever. And once I got home I got a really pretty picture from Daddy from where he was fly fishing😋. Daddy had me show him position four and I finally got started on my edges for the day, and Daddy explained how he didn’t have wifi at his hotel, and we went over the schedule he made for me for the next day – which I was really excited for.

We talked for awhile about pretty normal things and then started talking about how long it had been since my last orgasm. And Daddy brought up the idea of letting me cum… but on the other doms birthday😨. When Daddy said that I thought back to a couple nights ago when both Daddy and the other sub came to ask me what they should do for her birthday and oh my god her birthday is in July 😩😩😩, and as of then it was still barely June. It would be an additional 30 days, on top of the 15 I’d already done. I sent Daddy a video and a selfie showing him how upset I wassss. I was absolutely devestateddd because he’d kept talking about it recently so I figured it was going to come any time soon and I just 😩🙇🏼‍♀️🥺🙅🏼‍♀️

Daddy had me make a new box rule, saying I couldn’t cum till her birthday. I made one that was pretty generic, it had a little cake on it, and Daddy asked me to add a new Zealand flag or a kiwi because she’s from new Zealand, so I just drew a whole new one. It was fun, and I think it turned out really cute hehe despite ya know… the rule that it is. I can’t believe I’m going to go ove a month without an orgasm. I have never done that, and never done it while edging the way I am. 50 edges every day is starting to seem normal now 😅

One really good thing did come out of this though, Daddy said that Toothless could come out of the box for good🥰🥰🥰🥰!!! And I can’t even say how happy I was, finally all my stuffies were back together and I can snuggle with them in a big pile whenever I want. 😋❤️😋❤️

Daddy eventually went back inside where he didn’t have service, so I finished my 50 edges and tied my rope and sent my goondnight video.

The next day I was pretty much on my own, which was ok because I had a whole list of tasks to get done that was easily gonna occupy 5 or 6 hours of my time. Daddy and I chatted for a little bit in the morning and then he got started with his day, and I got started with my hour of clamps. Thankfully I got to use my nice clamps, so these ones didn’t feel so bad for the first 30 or 40 minutes, but the last ten were pretty brutal. But it’s always nice that I can play games to keep my mind off it (although it really doesn’t do a great job of it hehe). I yoinked em off and sent a video to Daddy, and got ready to start 20 minutes of my corner time. I started my timer and maaaan was it hard to self regulate my corner time. Having no one there to watch me makes it really difficult to sit still and not talk and check my phone. So of course… I checked the timer. Oops 😬 . It wasn’t even worth it because it just made me want to keep checking it, but for the rest of the time I stayed and sat in the corner like a good girl. I told Daddy about me peaking because I knew he’d want to know, and set off to do my workout. This time an hour long, I pretty much just extended and added a few more exercises to stretch my workout.

I liked that I had so much to do, because I knew I couldn’t mess around and procrastinate it all. Everything was very timed and precise I had to spend an hour doing set tasks so I knew there was no way to jam it all in at the end of the night.

After taking a needed shower, I hopped on Omelge, to find some people to talk to for 20 minutes. I like going on Omegle but it’s always so hard for me to decide who to chat with and who to pass up. So I talked with a few guys before they just started bossing me around, and then settled on another guy who was a little more vanilla but wanted to play truth or dare with me. I figured that would be pretty fun, so I stuck around. He asked me questions about my sexual fantasies, and I asked him about the craziest things he’d done (which he replied anal so like ya know). He was very shocked by my answers heheh, but for dares, I knew I had to be nice to him cause he was not as experienced so I had dared him to just stand up and give me a twirl, and I dared him to write something naughty on him somewhere (lick my dick on his thigh I think he wrote), and after he dared me to take my shirt off I dared him to take his off too. He also dared me to flash him, pinch my nipples really hard for him, and show him all my toys. It was a fun lil game 😋

Art time was fun as usual, I spent an hour finishing up a commission of my friends dog for her, and sent that along to Daddy.

Another 20 minutes of corner time, this time no peaking at the timer.

And then started my edges. By this time it was nearing the end of the day for me, and Daddy was starting his drive home. I gave him the recap on my day, and started finishing up my edges again.

Then finally, to top it all off I finished my last 20 minutes of corner time like a good girl for a total of a whole hour of corner time that day. Daddy made me feel pretty proud of myself for getting everything done, but then mentioned that maybe I should redo my corner time from earlier. And maaaannn I didn’t want tooooo. I’d already done an hourrr and sitting there for 20 minutes with nothing after doing it so much is so haaaaaarrrdd 🥺🥺. So I definitely got a lil bratty with Daddy, and to my surpriseeee… it worked. Huh. Didn’t know that would happen. I know Daddy likes a little brattiness hehe so sometimes I don’t hold back, but I’m always a lil nervous about the punishment that might come from it hehe. Daddy doesn’t know how many times I’ve deleted and changed my mind about very sassy comments 😅

But eventually Daddy got home and I teased him about how he still had to unpack his car and that I couldn’t help him. And eventually I made my way to bed and got all my bed things ready and sent my goodnight video to Daddy all nice and tucked in.

Until next time 😋😋😋