#your love has called my name: arrow&volt

[familylightfox]

There was only one agency left. All the others had denied their applications and avoided answering any follow-up calls or emails. It had been so discouraging, but Volt was holding out hope that this one would be the one.

It had to be.

At least they had accepted the couple’s request for an in-person discussion of the application, and that was what he had been preparing for that morning. A fresh shower and getting his quills in as good a state as any.

A look to Harmony as she came down to join him, wiping at her eyes with the back of a hand and a wide yawn, got a chuckle at the sight. “Up all night on call with your friends again?”

“Just Tangle and Whisper. Buddy has his trigonometry final today, and I didn’t wanna keep him up.” With a solid stretch of her arms above her, the teen looked at the paper in her father’s hand. “Did Grammy help ya fill it out?”

After a nod, she turned to her dad with a bright smile, sneaking a hug while she could before getting the rest of her gear. The teen never went anywhere without her pouches anymore.

It allowed Volt to greet his husband with a smile and a soft kiss. “Ready, Leibe?”

@emeraldtied

[familylightfox]

After the paper was folded, Volt took it and slipped it into the pouch he had also put the Drag Queen's card in. They might as well keep everything together so they could go over it when they got home.

But now, it was all about exploring the rest of the festival and finding some more trinkets to take home.

"If they do. I'm so buyin' ya it." A cheeky grin to his partner before the hybrid waved to those manning the booth and falling into step as they made their way down the street. The day was still young, and the event showed no signs of slowing down.

"Let's see what else we can find before we meet up with Harmony and her friends." Volt looked to his husband with a smile and squeezed the shoulder he held as they walked before returning to just holding hands.

It really was a perfect day.

~*END*~

{➹} – PART OF IT WAS almost funny, though the hedgehog had started to doubt others would see it that way. He had always thought he was, for lack of a better term, 'broken' in that sense. Even during the less than ideal chapters of his life, he had never been able to relate to certain conversations or even feelings.

He wouldn't lie and say that he wasn't a little more in tune with them now being with Volt, but the feeling was still mostly the same most nights, as the hybrid could attest to. Just because they had a name for it now didn't mean the hero thought his partner would change their mind after so long. It wasn't news to either of them, nothing was different.

"Right. An' I'll admit, 's sort of...nice t' know," the hero admitted, not noticing how that little statement seemed to make the one at the booth light up. The flyers had been a terrific idea, even if the hedgehog was the only one they helped at the entire festival. Well worth it. Even if the hero still looked a touch clueless at their own husband's joke.

"Depends, think they have a pin with that saying?" A half joke as the hero smiled after feigning thought and folding the paper up to keep for later. He had a feeling it might come in handy later, and thanked the younger booth owner before looking back to his partner. "Seems like it, but I doubt she'll mind matching with me if we find something cool enough. At least I hope so. Guess there's only one way t' find out."

And that was by continuing on. They still had plenty to see, and with their newfound knowledge things were going to be far more interesting. Truly a day to remember. Not bad for the hero's first Pride.

[projectlightfox]

Adventure in the Snow:

[Continued from Here with @thewayfaringhero]

     One does not simply toss a snowball at a four year old from behind and not expect to start a snowball fight. Especially when said four year old had been having a blast jumping from snow pile to snow pile like a feral fox trying to catch his dinner. Volt honestly had wondered if this had been his boyfriend's plan all along. To get the two hybrids out for some fun and that he didn’t want to admit that he needed, but was having nonetheless as he dodged a snowball to get some sweet revenge on Arrow with the attack down his jacket. 

     By the time they were nearly tuckered out, Harmony all but flopped on her belly in the snow and the hot puffs of air that came from her father as he caught his breath, both were smiling just as brightly as they ever did. Although the shiver did cause a moment of concern from Volt as he moved over to get closer to his boyfriend, offering a bit of his body heat while looking down at the small village. 

     “Alright. Lets go before your fur isn’t the only thing that’s blue.” He teased and followed it with a chirp to get Harmony once more bounding in the snow piles after them. Taking his boyfriend’s hand, he let Arrow lead the way and it was a surprise that the pup’s flurry of giggles didn’t reach the village before they did. 

     “I betcha dey got a cafe wit really good hot chocolate! Made from da real stuff and not da packets!” Of course that was Harmony’s first comment as she bounced along beside them. Getting one of her favorite treats with Arrow and her father while out on their adventure.

[the-record-columns]

Feb. 14, 2018: Columns

I wonder if it'll stretch the truth, too

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

One of the most often repeated statements in this column when I write about some of the old things we have here at The Record for "decoration" is the simple fact that they were made to work. No planned obsolescence here, I can assure you.

One of my favorite and often demonstrated examples is a 1925 Wood brand portable record player which plays old shellac 78's just like it did the day it was made.  I love to look at the expressions on the faces of children (and adults) when the music begins as this totally mechanical machine dutifully does what it was made to do--93 years later.

The record player is the easiest to show off because everyone has seen or heard music reproduced in one way or another their entire lives, and the records are readily available.

However, I have a couple of far more specialized devices which many have never even heard of which I want to share with you today.  I have two of these items--in an electric and a manual version.  Both items are from local stores and both came to me to give them a good home.  The items are hat stretchers, both pictured with this column.

The electric version came from the Spainhour's Department Store; now Ebenezer's Attic on Main Street, and the manual one came from up the street at the Tomlinson's Department Store, now Talia's.  It was from Ardena Cashion Spicer, by way of her daughter and my lifelong friend, Marie Cashion Ray.

Today I am going to show off the electric version because last week we had occasion to actually use it.  I am not too sure exactly when it was manufactured, but the machine in question was made by a company called Fine Machine Works who specialized in millinery supplies.  The address on the machine was also interesting; 1020 6th Avenue, followed simply by "N. Y. C.," no zip, no zone, no state--none needed--everyone in the world knew where NYC was.  The machine operated on 110 volts and pulls 1200 amps, much like a small space heater.  

The Spainhour store has been closed for some time, and a few years ago, Syd Spainhour brought me a few boxes of old store history and memorabilia; including the aforementioned  Fine Hat Stretcher.  Well, a few weeks ago, Syd must have remembered it and called inquiring about stretching a Stetson had which was too small for him to wear.  I assured him that my experience with the machine was very limited,  but if he wouldn't hold it against me if I caught his hat on fire, we would give it a try.

When the appointed day came Syd showed up with a really nice hat that had apparently gotten wet at some time and actually was smaller than the size listed on the tag.  Well, I have known  Syd all my life, and I was truly blessed to have also gotten to know his father, the legendary North Wilkesboro merchant, Lincoln "Linc" Spainhour.  So, as the machine warmed up, we swapped stories about the old days.

Since we weren't really sure how hot the machine would get, we were cautious and increased the hat size incrementally.  After a bit, and after a couple of anxious moments when I cranked the machine further open and the leather had band "groaned" a little, we successfully stretched the hat until it fit Syd perfectly.

His really broad smile said it all -- he had a great hat that was useless,and now useful.  As he was preparing to leave the shop I told him that in one of my many conversations with Mr. Lincoln he had made the comment that the hat stretcher was a really good investment, adding, "You can stock 40 percent less hats if you buy a stretcher."

Makes sense, doesn't it.

Love is…

By LAURA WELBORN 

One time my husband, Ken, was giving me a hard time about how I talked to my stepdaughter, Jordan, when she telephoned.

I’m not quite sure what he didn’t like. It was something about my tone and the words I used. But, when he said the same things to Jordan she replied, "It makes me feel loved!” Guess what? I didn’t hear any more from Ken on that subject. So, with Valentine’s Day coming up, let’s talk about love.

“Love is patient and kind… it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I like this part of Corinthians 13 because I think it most clearly describes real love. Think about it: to love and to be loved is an almost universal desire.  Dr. Charles Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries says when we are truly loved, we feel complete, competent and worthy.  That’s a long way from happy or ecstatic, words I might use to describe love.  When we really love, we want the best for someone and accept who they are, completely.  So, where do we start?  Here’s a question: what prevents you from giving and receiving love?

Love can be painful. Sometimes we draw lines and put conditions on our love. We cannot love someone because of who they are or what they aren’t. Let’s go back to Corinthians: Love is patient and knows how to wait. I know as a Mediator it can be dangerous to force things or situations on people. It’s all about giving time.  

If you are having trouble giving or receiving love, here are some ideas. Dr. Stanley talks about the pitfalls and asks the questions:  What are you thinking about every day?  What are you holding on to so tight that you can't let go? In many cases, it is resentment: hurts that cause life-long bad feelings which take hold and ruin our lives.   I try and ask myself "is it worth dying over?" Because when we hold on to bad feelings they control us and our lives.  Giving people we love the benefit of the doubt can lead us in a better direction towards feeling better and enjoying a better life.

My brother gave a toast at my wedding saying "Laurie is the most forgiving person I know and best of all she forgets what she was hurt about."

I used to think it was because I did not have a good memory.  Now I realize it's because I don't hold onto hurts and when I let go I also forget. When mediating I am amazed at how far people will go when they feel wronged and hold on to bad feelings.  If this feels familiar to you, please remember, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things."

Going back to love frees us.

Happy Valentines Day.

Say I love you and mean it…

By HEATHER DEAN

Reporter/Photojournalist

My inbox has been flooded with daily "Say I love you and mean it with these love quotes" and my only response has been a heavy eye roll and an audible "Ick" As I hit the delete button.

         Let's get back to what Valentines Day is really about: Werewolves and blood letting.

         That's right. Even the day of love was stolen from the dawns of time by the early Catholic Church, in this version of St. Valentine: In 271 Emperor Claudius of Rome issued a decree forbidding marriage after learning that married men didn't make very good soldiers, because they wanted to stay with their wives and children.  So Claudius issued his law that there should be no more marriages, and all single men should report for duty.

         Valentine thought the Emperor's decree was ridiculous, so he secretly continued marriage ceremonies. When Claudius learned of this treason, he had Valentine executed.

On February 14.

In the public square.

         So of course because someone was martyred in the name of love, we celebrate it, right?  And to show our appreciation to the man that the Church Sainted 200 years later for upholding the sanctity of love, we reciprocate with only the best display of commercialism this side of Rome, including chocolate candy trays (the gaudier the packaging in the colors of flayed flesh and ribbons, the better), dozens of pricey roses (that also die) sappy cards (with handwritten promises they don't intend to keep), and dinners in fancy restaurants that most people don't have the proper table etiquette for (but at least they wore their best camouflage pants for the occasion.)  

         By the way, what's Valentines death got to do with a chubby little naked cherub chasing you around trying to impale you with arrows?

Nothing. And this is where your real history lesson begins.

 In multiple ancient cultures, mid-February was "finding a mate" season. In Egypt men and women of the Egyptian lower classes determined their marital partners by the drawing of lots. (How romantic, right?)

 But among the ancient Greeks and Romans, February 14-17 different partner finding festivals were held. There was an individual known as a Wolf Charmer -the "Lupicinus." He was

 responsible for communicating, singing and howling with the wolves, convincing them not to attack their livestock. This was especially important as agriculture was the mainstay.

         Every year on February 15 the Romans held the Lupercali festival, a day of blooding rites where among other things, a dog and a female goat were sacrificed to the Gods. The blood was mixed and a ceremonial knife was dipped into the blood, where two male children of noble birth received the blessing of the gore being drawn across their foreheads with the blade. Once the children were nice and bloodied, (customs words, not mine) their foreheads were wiped clean with pure wool dipped in the milk of said slaughtered she-goat. And then, the children laughed. Because laughing demonstrated their lack of fear of blood and their acknowledgment that they had received magical protection against… WEREWOLVES.

         Then according to festival customs, in wolf-like fashion, the men of the village proceeded to chase down the woman of their choosing (lets hope both parties had planned accordingly) bound the woman with a piece of leather to their wrists, and took her home to consummate the ties, for as long as the romance lasted. (This was a more acceptable substitute of the mating ritual that in generations past had used tearing the flesh with their teeth to mark their intended.)  Grand revelry ensued in the villages; probably enough to make Bacchus, the Roman God of wine and fertility, blush I'd say...  

         So you can see why the early Catholic Church preferred the more romantic version of martyrdom to the lusty animal like mating rituals, even though both were marriages, and took it over and re-imagined it with ribbons and bows.

Side note: Even thought there is no proof that the above version of St. Valentine even existed, three others with the same name (A Roman Priest, an Italian Bishop, and a Saint that died in Africa with his missionaries) are listed in the Catholic Encyclopedia and have all been given February 14 as their feast days.

         Back to my inbox being flooded with rubbish, a.k.a. sappy quotes from famous people long dead. (Because apparently, we as a society can no longer be trusted  to write heart-felt renderings in our own blood, or for heavens sake,  chop an ear off to prove devotions only to have it returned to sender?)  

I’ve never been known to be much of a girly-girl, and I’m not particularyly fond of  the romantic side of things. So, here's my choice famous quote for you, from a man who had such passion and heartfelt inspiration, he made everyone in the entire nations heart flutter... albeit believing they were under attack by Martians.

 "We're born alone, we live alone, we die... “

-Orson Welles

Enemy of the State

By EARL COX

Special to The Record

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently accused leftist Jewish billionaire George Soros of funding anti-government campaigns challenging Israel’s deportation of tens of thousands of illegal African infiltrators.

Soros denied it. But he also denied grants to anti-Israel groups such as J Street and Adala—until DCLeaks posted several of his Open Society Foundations (OSF) documents online. The leaks revealed Soros’ plan to keep “a low public profile” on his Middle East investments to avoid investigation by “pro-Israel entities.”

But the leaks unveiled a bigger picture: His support of radical U.S. groups whose aim is to “influence American public opinion and government leaders on Middle East policy, and reduce support for Israel,” said Washington Times reporter Eli Lake. It includes pressuring Europe and America to “hold Israel accountable to its obligations under international law.”

President Donald Trump’s evenhanded support of the Jewish state may be a key reason Soros chose to blast him at an international venue in Davos, Switzerland. Soros was upbeat when Obama came to power, but he can’t control Trump, whom he denounced in Davos as “a danger to the world." OSF is funding more institutions in the US to assure a Democratic victory in November, he said.

Soros’ meddling in Israel’s affairs is channeled through his web of Arab and Israeli politicized “human rights” NGOS that serve to implement his larger strategy. These agencies delegitimize Israel, deny its sovereignty, and wage political and legal warfare and BDS, according to the NGO Monitor. Others (Mossawa, Mada al Carmel, and I’lam) criticize Israeli media for their coverage of the Nakba (an Arabic term meaning catastrophe or disaster used to describe the rebirth of Israel).

Soros bankrolls Israeli political opposition groups such as Yesh Din, Breaking the Silence, Molad and B’Tselem. Two Soros grantees—B’Tselem and Al Mezan—also get “substantial funding” from UNICEF, which, in concert with its affiliated NGOs, is spearheading a campaign to blacklist the IDF as a “grave” violator of children’s rights, the NGO Monitor said. This is not surprising, since the leftist agenda has long touted global disarmament, with the UN’s one world government holding supreme military control, according to the Jan. 10, 1963 Congressional Record.

Soros’ globalist agenda puts Israel’s African infiltrators into a broader perspective. Mass migration and open borders have been mainstays of the Left for decades. With globalism’s spread, open-borders advocates snowballed, with “hundreds of leftist organizations and tens of thousands of grassroots activists, backed by hundreds of millions of dollars from big, tax-exempt leftwing foundations,” said William Hawkins and Erin Anderson. Enter the radically politicized NGO—which has taken a more central role in the context of porous borders and ebbing loyalties to the nation-state.

Under the guise of a human rights veneer, radical NGOs use politically correct doublespeak, with the goal of making over society in their leftist image, Hawkins and Anderson said.

  Citizens’ pushback against the surge of refugees, immigrants and illegal aliens prompted the NGOs to develop a “countering strategy”—regimented legal and political tactics to “target, discredit and attack” whoever questions refugee resettlement, especially Muslim refugees, reporter James Simpson said.

There’s a method to globalist madness, Simpson said: “The Left’s goal is to build a permanent progressive majority ruling class. The open borders agenda is the perfect vehicle.” In America, that means “millions of needy poor become ‘bought and paid for Democrat voters’ once citizenship is obtained.” Simpson traces refugee resettlement to the U.N. plan to redistribute “not just wealth—but population and land.”

Globalists attack countries like Israel because Israel values its Jewish identity, sovereignty and borders—and knows its own defense forces are vital to its survival.

A recent altercation in France signals what the future could hold for countries that welcome open borders:

“Hundreds of Africans and Asians armed with knives and iron rods fought running street battles in the northern port city of Calais on February 1, less than two weeks after French President Emmanuel Macron visited the area and pledged to crack down on illegal immigration. The clashes plunged Calais--emblematic of Europe’s failure to control mass migration — into a war zone and reinforced the perception that French authorities have lost control of the country’s security situation.”

Netanyahu is well aware of the threat. “Israel was the first country in the world to physically block entry of infiltrators,” he said. “Without building the fence we would easily have reached at least 100,000 a year— meaning … within a decade—the state would stop being the Jewish state.”  And this is the crux of most of the tension in the Middle East - Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

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[familylightfox]

@emeraldtied asked:

Did it take long for the hero to make his way outside? No, not at all, though seeing the state his partner was in had alarm bells going off in his head as he lowered himself to be more level with the hybrid. There was no hesitation as a hand rested on the other's back, but the hero found himself reluctant to speak at the same time. He felt that the other needed rest first and foremost.

The pounding of his head had yet to cease as the darkened eyes opened. He'd heard the approaching footsteps and managed to turn his pained gaze up to his partner. While he might not have been able to let out more than a whine, he at least wagged the tip of his tail.

One hand pulled away from his head, nose wrinkling at the smattering of crimson all over his fingers. His tongue stuck out at the sight before he took to just lying in the grass as he was. The hand on his back was comforting and welcome.

As quickly as they had opened, the hybrid's eyes closed again to do exactly what his mate wanted him to do. Rest.

But it wasn't surprising that he shifted himself somewhat to curl around the hero instead of just lying prone.

The closer they were, the safer he felt.

[familylightfox]

They'd have at least one movie to watch that night. If not two. Just to keep their minds occupied on more pleasant things. Volt snickered as their daughter playfully snapped at her dad's fingers and then stood up. Only one more thing to do for the teen before she was ready to race out the door.

How she managed to hide the sizable serpent in her quills was something the older hybrid doubted he would ever figure out. But Blep was deposited in his lap without another word as the handheld rang.

"You are so goin' down dad." Volt shook his head. Leave it to his husband to get their daughter all but raring for a race in a matter of seconds. Once the order was placed, his free hand went up.

"Order's plac-..." Harmony sprinted out her bedroom door. A wince from the older hybrid followed the thump as she hit the wall, then again as she thumped from clearing the steps (and sliding into the front door). Never a dull moment in the household.

But Volt wouldn't have it any other way. At least this gave him a chance to get their usual blankets and the like settled on the couch before they got back.

{➹} – IF THERE WAS ONE thing the hedgehog never doubted it was their daughter's ablilty to have a movie at the ready for nights like this, and so many others. Quite a few of which the hero had never seen or heard of until the family's night together, but he had never seen that as a bad thing. It certainly helped him understand certain references in the hybrids' Zone after the fact.

But the hero couldn't hold back a small laugh at her statement. Challenge accepted.

"Only one way t' find out, innit?" He reached down to ruffle her bangs while she was still on all fours with a smirk before looking at his partner as he got to his feet. Already there was temptation in those emerald hues. Then again, it didn't take much to get him excited for food. No matter what the mood.

"Usual it is. 'S what I was going t' suggest anyway, an' I think I remember him saying something about pumpkin tarts or the like. Either way, 's fitting for the season." For as rough as the rabbit could be, they did tend to be festive with the offered meals at the restaurant. Desserts and all.

But it seemed things were set and it was clear the hedgehog was just waiting for his husband to place the order so the two speedsters could zip out of there. They always tended to beat the system, but they never minded some small talk with the rabbit while their food was being prepared.

[familylightfox]

Volt and Arrow have been through a lot, and a more recent incident of the hybrid having his feral state take over for a day was one of them. They got through it, as they always do.

With a night of cuddles.

Free to Reblog/Do NOT Repost

Arrow belongs to @emeraldtied Volt belongs to me

Full Timelapse under the cut with audio. Warning for volume since I'm still learning how to edit videos like this.

[familylightfox]

@chaosworthy

Now that was exactly what the hedgehog had wanted to hear, his smile saying as much as he looked between the pair. A day on the island, a picnic and some time spent with his brother. It was perfect, though he did hold up a hand for a moment. "It all sounds perfect t' me, but Chaos will throw a fit if we don't get some training in. I did sort of promise, after all."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm sure someone here would love t' have a trainin' session with someone who can handle her punch." He chuckled to his partner as their eyes went to their teenage daughter who was already bouncing in her seat on the floor. If given a chance, Harmony would have absolutely would have started packing for it right then and there.

"Just make sure ya call ahead and ask your brother what he wants for lunch that day."

[familylightfox]

Almost entirely based on this ask, I had so much fun working on this one and I really feel like my style has improved over time.

Arrow and Volt have such an amazing dynamic that thinking about how they spoil themselves between the asks Tats and I send to one another makes me smile. Volt loves his hubby, and I think it's safe to say the feeling is mutual~

Free to Reblog/Do NOT Repost

Arrow belongs to @emeraldtied/@tatsdoodles Volt belongs to me

[familylightfox]

Larger version from the previous ask. I love the dynamic that Arrow and Volt have and there is such a softness to them that makes me smile.

Free to Reblog/Do NOT Repost

Arrow belongs to @emeraldtied Volt belongs to me

[familylightfox]

@emeraldtied asked:

"I think Mum and Dad overdid it this year." The voice came from somewhere behind the armful of boxes the hedgehog was carrying. Boxes that weren't even for the small family, but rather the villagers in the hybrids' Zone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Maybe just a bit." It was safe to assume the older pair wouldn't be joining them with the sight of the boxes, but a part of the hybrid knew they would be coming back with a similar amount in return. If Volt knew his adoptive family members, they would be making sure that Rosie and Kintobor didn't miss out on the celebrations.

Even Zones apart.

With a small chirp, Volt tossed his Warp Ring to their daughter and went over to lessen the load his partner had to carry. Partially so he could sneak a kiss in the process, but was smiling when he could see those emerald eyes again.

"We should probably stop by the Inn first when we get there t' drop off our stuff before ya run off t' play Santa-hog." He teased and nodded to Harmony. The teen wasted little time in making her way to the porch with their bags, excited to have her teammates to celebrate the holidays with. On top of with her parents.

"Anythin' else I need t' grab for ya before we leave?"

[familylightfox]

He is now just staring at the size of his hand in his transformed form.

Was it really that big?

He couldn't deny that picking up a cup only required two fingers like this...

[familylightfox]

Anonymous asked:

It’s a good thing there’s no Black Arms in your husband’s world, huh? Wouldn’t want him to ever see the monster you really are.

With all the comments and digs lately, it was any wonder that Volt had any tolerance left for the Masked Mobians. This latest one, entering their garden to harass him earned gritting of teeth as the hybrid clenched both his fists. All he wanted to do was tend to his vegetables in peace.

But instead…

He growled, low and deep as he spun on his feet and caught the Masked Mobian by the throat, slamming them harshly into the fence. At any point the razor sharp claws could have torn their flesh, yet remained pressed against the skin.

Violet eyes narrowed in a glare as he stared into the reflective lenses, a tingle of black along the edge of his sclera.

“I can be a monster, but I will NEVER be the monster you all seem so dead set to label me.” The more he spoke, the more the black crept towards his iris. “Let me be very clear. I will NEVER hurt my husband or my family.”

As much as he wanted to tighten his grip on their throat, he didn’t. But the darkened eyes remained locked as the growl once more rose in his throat. “Now, get off our property before I throw you out.”

[familylightfox]

Really doesn't appreciate the monster comment, but is just going to ignore it for now to enjoy the last bit of sunlight in the garden before evening. He'd never hurt his mate.

The nerve of some people...

[familylightfox]

@emeraldtied

Even though they had been given a heads up beforehand, Volt was a bit surprised at the amount of snow his hometown had gotten already. It was the beginning of the month and already the cobbled paths were coated with trampled powder. But he did have to say that it accented their festive decorations nicely since so many were already putting up garlands and lights for the upcoming solstice.

If they had only been there to take in the sights, Volt would have been more than happy to walk with his husband around, but they had an appointment to keep. The parlor's exterior matched with those of the rest of the village, rustic and quaint.

It was inside that was decorated with artwork all along the colorful walls, and neon signs... As well as a few familiar road signs.

The chill of the outside air faded the moment the door was closed and up looked a short amphibian with miscolored eyes. Volt smiled. "Dart in?"

"As if I would be anywhere else? You know better than that Volt. I'm not about to let a limb freeze off. Regrowing it sucks." There was the accent he was used to. From the nearby room, the arachnid stepped out with a bright smile under his colored fangs. Despite his short stature, Dart had a spring to his step and thankfully only offered one of his multiple limbs forward in greeting.

"You must be Arrow. It's nice to meet you. Did you guys have a chance to look over the pics I sent?"

[familylightfox]

@chaosworthy asked:

"So...the garden is done." Not new information by any means but it was the way the hero said it that was important. Something sincere and yet nervous in his tone, reflecting in his eyes even as he smiled at his partner.

"An' I only had two plans for this Summer..."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Standing in their kitchen and looking out at the garden in question, Volt smiled when he heard his partner's soft voice. Turning his head allowed him to see the expression in emerald eyes. He understood it, maybe even matched it as he reached out with one hand to intertwine their fingers and draw the hero closer so they could both look out the window.

"It looks beautiful as always." They put so much time into it together that he just had to point it out. His thumb gently moved back and forth against Arrow's hand as their eyes met, and his smile remained while he nodded.

It had been something they promised one another just earlier that year and it almost seemed like it was too soon. But Volt wanted to have the conversation and was more than ready if his soulmate was.

"How 'bout I make us some tea while you go get it from the bookshelf. We can look at it out by the fire pit since the breeze isn't too strong."