#also side note but i kinda love that vest

[juvenillia]

hey hi Jules! i love ur writing... dopom is simply amazing and i cant wait to see where the story is going now ❤️❤️

so i saw that ur kinda taking reqs so i wanted to ask what do u think how the 141 (+ Konig) would react to a reader who moved on from them? maybe a bit hurt/comfort yk

i hope ur fine with such a request, love ya ❤️

Hey there anon and sorry for coming back to your request that late, but tbh you request fitted my one shot for Ghost so damn perfectly that I wanted to finish that one beforehand so I could shamelessly promote it with your request another time, so thanks for your request and your love for DoPoM!! I love you!!! (that fic is my baby and I literally can’t wait to show you where the story will lead soon, atm I’m writing the big plot twist for the story but pssst)

Moving On [headcanon]

a/n: Maybe I got carried away, but I hope you still like it. Still I think it's not my best work. No matter what the reason of your breakup was, the man you love/d wasn’t happy about it. Still those men have really different ways to deal with the breakup and aftermath. In my head the obvious reason for the breakup would be that they want you to be happy, that they can’t bear the thought of the continuous angst and worry you must live through because of them. Maybe also a bit of jealousy, or maybe you decided to go because you couldn’t keep up with the longing and lonely nights anymore. Let’s be honest, dating one of those men would be heartbreaking and thrilling at the same time, you’d need nerves and patience like the soldier they are. It’s not for the weak.

tw/cw: slight mentions of suggestive content, toxic behavior, depression, guilt and more

Characters: Soap, Price, Ghost, Gaz, König

》Master Post《

Johnny – Patience/Eagerness – Would simply not stop being your partner. Yes, you broke up, but why should he leave your side? He denies the thought that you don’t need him because he knows you do. He’ll make sure to show you that you are indeed in no need of any other man than him in your life. Will keep referring to you as his significant other anywhere he goes. Will keep the cute polaroid of you in the pocket of his tactical vest. You need someone to help set up your new ikea bed in your new flat? He’ll be there in no time to lend a helping hand. You try to turn his favors down, but he reminds you anytime: “We’re still friends bonnie, aren’t we?” and he’s right. You couldn’t just shove him out of your life, he means too much to you after the years spent with him. And don’t let me get started of the idea that you’d go out with a new man and the date went horribly wrong. Johnny would make sure to lend you a shoulder for you to cry on. Stroking your hair, reassuring you that no matter what he would never leave your side. Not pushing you to far out of your comfort zone. Maybe he starts to accept that you both are simply friends now, very close friends. But anytime he asks you about your latest attempt to date someone new and you tell him how bad that guy treated you, a new glimpse of hope is added to his heart that still is beating only for you. He would love to scream at you that if you’re willing to try he would be the man carrying you to the altar in no time. But he knows you need to see it for yourself that he still is the right choice for you and he’s willing to wait for you to open your eyes.

Price – Jealousy/Possessiveness – But not in the bad-bad way, only a so much that it’s still kinda attractive you know? This man will let you go because he knows it’s for the best, but he won’t leave your life. He is confident enough to think that you won’t find anything better than him. He shared everything with you, and he knows everything about you. You’re going out with your girls, he will be at the same bar, scaring away any man that only dares to look at you for too long. You will once a week get a bouquet of your favorite flowers with a little handwritten note. Nothing more than a little compliment like “Pretty flowers for the pretty Mrs.” and you know that handwriting too well. Anytime you manage to hook up with someone new, he would be there too. Catching your glance, walking past you with a little “That’s my replacement, love? You can do better than that…” Only mumbled so you’re the only one to hear it. He won’t force you into anything back but makes sure that whenever you try to forget about him, he’s right there to shove his presence back into your head and heart. He doesn’t ask you out, he wants you to come back to him. And after a long time, and many bad dates you eventually realize that you won’t get happy with a different man. So, when you get weak and crawl back to him, he’s going to make sure to show you how much he missed you, and that no man would make you feel like he’s able to. And believe me, he’s making sure you won’t leave another time.

Ghost – Anger/Guilt – He does understand why you left, always tells himself that you’re better off without him, still he feels so much anger inside of him. Anger aimed towards himself. He is angry that he couldn’t be the best version of himself around him. Angry that he couldn’t be the man you needed; you deserved, what sends him into a downward spiral of guilt. Guilty of everything you gave up for being with him, guilty about everything you invested into that relationship, just to break every string off. Just to discard you out of his life, because he knows better than anyone that you deserve better than him. Still, he feels the pure selfishness in wanting you back in his arms. He would straight forward tell you how he feels at this point. Knowing that he isn’t the best to talk about his feelings but knowing that he has to try his best to get you back. So expect something like “I would do anything to get ya back.”  You were the only thing giving him a place looking forward to return to and finally rest, how could he give up to that? The only thing that convinces him to keep out of your life would be the realization that you really are happier with another person. And if you’re interested in that even more I recommend reading 》 happier 《 my one-shot about that exact storyline.

Kyle – Grief/Shock – Can’t handle the breakup and is devasted. He locks himself up, doesn’t talk with anyone about it. He wouldn’t try to talk you into staying with him, because he loves you too much to try to force something on you. His mind is always circling around all the things that might have prevented that outcome. Everything eats him up. He leaves your life without a trace for you to take. Not wanting to get in your way. Still, he makes a private fake Instagram account to still be able to have an insight of your life. When he notices that you started dating a new man his heart breaks again. The last bits of hope for a shared future shattered into million pieces. You were his person, there won’t be anything he could do about it. Nothing could convince him otherwise, but he sees that you seem happy with the new guy, so he learns to live with the pain in his chest. Is laying between the memories you shared and will always hold onto them. Maybe at some point found the courage to tell you, that he’s happy for you new relationship and that he is still grateful for everything you went through with him. But he really didn’t expect an invitation for your wedding to land in his mail. Still, he goes, because he knows it makes you happy. Seeing you in the white dress, kissing your now husband, it really makes him tear up, still he’s forcing a smile onto his lips as he tells you, that he can’t stay long because of duty. You gave him a quick hug, thank him for his coming with the same sweet smile he fell in love back then. “I missed that smile a lot.” He admits and leaves your life completely afterwards. Still, the sight of you in that dress haunts him at night, knowing that you’ll never be his.

König – Denial/Pity – Hear me out, I do believe he would straight up say no. Like you tell him you want to break up with him and he is just like. “Aber nein, mein Mäuschen [Well, no, my little mouse] You don’t want that.” You are not allowed to leave him, sure he is reasonable and will talk things out with you, but you won’t be able to leave him so easily. Promising that he’ll do better, that he’ll change. He knows you better than anyone and will try everything to keep you in his life. You’d need to leave him when he’s deployed, the only time he couldn’t hold you back. So, when at someday you’re out with a new guy he finally steps in. Wrapping his arm around your waist, glaring at the man in front of you. “Do you really thought I’d let you go?” he mocks and strokes your side gentle. He sees how you still melt under his touch, because he knows that he had ruined you for any other man. He knows that you only wanted him, so he openly shows his pity for that poor guy that never really had a chance in the first place. But also, the pity he feels when he sees how hard you try to move on from him. He would never deny your desire, so he takes you back and reassures you once more, that he loves you and that you don’t need to leave him. That he will always come back to you, no matter what. You’re his reason he fights and survive.

#cod mw x reader #cod x reader #task force 141 #simon riley x reader #simon ghost x reader #soap x reader #price x reader #gaz x reader #ghost x reader #könig x reader #konig x reader #john price x reader #kyle gaz garrick x reader #johnny mactavish x reader #task force 141 x reader #cod headcanons #cod brainrot

[aroacesetitoff]

Infinight Interns Reference Sheet + Headcanons

Bartholomew Finn

-Vest of Slow Descent-i made it green based off his canon design and then gave it "feathered" hems to allude to its ability

-pre-Draconic Transformation Bart-gave him silver jewelry and the only draconic traits are gold freckles, fangs, and shorter horns

-post-Draconic Transformation Bart-gold jewelry to match with his dad (Simsun), and of course claws and scales and larger horns

-boatswain's call whistle-a reference to the Jebediah + Capt. Marge

-gave him the thigh dagger sheath-cause why not. I think Bart's that character in movies that has a shit ton of knives hidden in the most improbable places

-he's got a 17 string lute, but lets be honest i aint drawing 17 strings. painted a wave design on the body and the soundhole/rosette has a dagger design

-Breath Diagem/lute pick ftw

-scars on his hands (from doing hot boi sailor shit)

-not shown but i think he's got a bunch of tattoos (like "I <3 Mom" for Marge, flowers for Gum Gum, crossed anchors, etc.)

-pupils are slitted like dragons and a very dark shade of blue

Kyborg the Mighty/Kydelius of Everwinter

-Fun Fact: i used to do archery! so some of his gear is based off of stuff I had. But you know cooler

-Canonically his hair pretty loose, and its pretty but my god its gonna get caught up in his bowstring man. braided/tied it back for practicality

-thigh highs. no notes

-gave him an armored version w/ fur because his current design didn't feel like Everwinter-y enough

-its not terribly visible but he has the Belt of Sick Trick so i put a bird on it (vaguely Tony Hawk reference)

-the Longer Bow Krystallina-gave it a snow fall design + red accents

-scars from archery, since this guy shoots barebow

-the left (flesh arm) side is the most armored and unscarred, and the right (metal arm) side is scarred + unprotected (bc u know its metal)

-pupils are really dark shade of red as a reference to the Source Diagem

-metal arm-i took an anatomy class not a robotics one, so the structure is based off human musculature (kinda) and i put the Source Diagem in his shoulder instead of his hand

Gum Gum Galindor

-star boi 🌟

-constellations on the inside of the brim of his hat that Bart sewed for him-(Bart's a sailor, he knows his constellations)

-the flowers (orange @ blue) on his hat represent him & Bart. The orange ones bigger bc u know thats his big bro right there

-the hoodie+pauldron+cross body strap combo is a direct copy of Bart's design bc thats what younger siblings do u know

-made the patches to repair his coat stars bc why not

-Random Axe of Kindness-the cute lil heart does not detract from the fact that its an axe

-timeskip design i went for a gardener vibe bc he works in the Orchidnage now-i think despite having the worst dad of the group, Gum Gum would be a pretty good father figure

-Staff of Flowers-i wanted to reference Dia w/ this one so I tried to have this be the most colorful part

-Bart pierced his ears at one point

-i gave him constellation freckles that showed up post Dia reveal

-he has his manacles yeah but i wanted to design friendship bracelets for the rest of the team

-Mudd's-green thread with pink & white flower beads-the charm is Gumbo

-Bart's-leather cord with blue & gold beads and an anchor charm

-Kyborg's-brown leather cord, green beads, and a red arrow charm

-made his pupils a lighter shade of blue that glows when he uses Wild Magic

-edit: lots of scars, some from fighting, a lit from just tripping and shit. Also a dog bite from that one time

Mudd Bramblecrack

-i love him but it was so hard to come up with a design

-the pink streak keeps moving bc im inconsistent and also bc he has to redye/cut his hair constantly

-the "fur" cloak is the Cloak of the Secluded Garden, and its actually pine leaves & grass

-gave him a very simple tunic w/ a bramble design bc we would try to disguise his noble bg

-i put Mudd in a kilt bc i have free will and also he's Scottish. I dont think he would ever wear one unless for formal occasions tho bc i think they take a while to put on

-Gumbo :) + badger armor -this ones very specifically inspired by Lonna Bowstripe from the Redwall series

-originally had the purple gems on his tunic, made em earrings instead bc thats cooler

-Bramblecrack signet (?) ring-also the Virtues Diagem. Both this and his earring are purple bc its an ace reference (for me). The ring is definitely an ace reference bc i made it a black metal and put it on his right middle finger (ifykyk)

-pink paw pads + talons-less of a firbolg thing, more of a Moon Druid thing

-eyes are a rlly dark shade of green but glow a brighter shade when Wildshaping

-pupils are a rlly dark shade of purple (Diagem ref) and also horizontal like cows

Okay I think that's everything. If not ill just come back and edit it 🤷. working on the OG Infinights next so stay tuned or whatever

#my art #tales from the stinky dragon #tftsd #bartholomew finn #stinkydragonpod #mudd bramblecrack #kyborg the mighty #gum gum galindor #headcanons

[certifiedlovergirlsstuff]

alone together

pairing: knight!steven harrington x princess fem!reader

wc: 1.5K

warnings: none, a moment of sexual tension, but it's clean.

summary: a knight and a princess alone in a gallery staring at art. nothing more.

A/N: kinda 'inspired' by the daphne and duke scene from brigerton season1 in the art gallery and also the song from the unofficial musical. also I kinda would love to do more for this au, so if anyone likes they could request ideas. also this idea came to fruition cause I was staring at the birth of venus painting at work.

masterlist / steve harrington

the gallery was one of two places your parents allowed you to occupy without being watched by thirty people. that and the castle where you’re trapped behind layers of brick and armored knights. and honestly the gallery wasn’t much different, brick walls surrounded you but they were covered in hundreds of marvelous artwork over the centuries.

your eyes bore into the birth of venus, her dreamy gaze entrapping you while trying to ignore the burning stare from across the room.

“a beauty, is she not?” raising your voice to communicate with your guest.

gentle steps echoed off the walls, the faint clanging of metal followed. “a rare one indeed.” a shiver up your spine, you don’t believe he was talking about the art.

“how much do you know about art, sir harrington?” turning on your heel to face his direction.

he stood with his back straight, feet firmly planted on the wood flooring. he kept his right hand curled on the hilt of his sword with his left arm limp at his side. his cream tunic paired with a light blue vest fit him well, loose enough to be comfortable but tight enough where it hugged his muscles when fighting. the black trousers were also… well fitted. you had to fight your eyes to stay on his face.

he was too pretty to be a knight, at least in your opinion. sharp pointed nose, pretty pink smile, his gentle brown eyes that made your heart speed up. sometimes you catch yourself staring, noting all his freckles or how he runs a hand through his hair wishing it was yours.

a cough sounded off the walls causing you to startle slightly, blinking in rapid succession five times. sir harrington was closer now, hands held behind his back.

he peered at you with a conceited frown, “feeling well princess?”

licking your lips before taking a swallow, eyes to the ground. “apologies, sir harrington. i did not mean to ignore.” feeling bashful under his watch.

“‘tis alright, princess.” leaning down a bit to catch your eyes. “and please call me steven. sir harrington is too formal between us, don’t you think?” the last three words are almost a whisper, even with just the two of you in the large room.

curious eyes taking him in, his as well moving around before trailing down. unconsciously you took a deep breath causing your breast to inflate from the air and your attire. steven’s eyes stopped for a moment before quickly looking at your face then turning to the painting.

both facing the painting, side to side with a small gap keeping a respectable distance. steven’s hands hidden while yours fiddles over your stomach.

“please, do repeat yourself sir har- steven. i would like to hear your thoughts, steven.” liking the sound of his first name. “and you may call me, y/n. if you wish.” crossing that boundary most royals don’t.

looking at the knight just as he does to you, he flashes a charming smile. “i quite like calling you princess. y/n will be for… special occasions.”

the shivers returned. “and what might be a special occasion, sir harrington?”

he cocked a dark brown, “i’ll feel it.” before once again, glancing away first.

he was someone you were told to stay away from, not sir harrington literally, but someone with his aura. a devilish person with the charm to follow, but like a snake you followed the tune from the charmer.

“well then,” breaking away from his side profile, “how about you tell me your feelings on this painting.” head tilting to re-examine venus. “would love to hear your insight.” finding any excuse to hear him speak. voice rich and smooth like those of the finest silk draped over your bed.

he took a deep inhale through his nose, chest puffing from the action and it drew your eyes, lips parting with a short exhale. “the painting is exquisite.”

you couldn’t help the light laugh from your lips, “that is quite true, but what in this painting draws you in?” leaning your side closer towards his.

“well,” he took a side step into your lean, causing your shoulder to nudge his bicep, “her eyes. they hold something within them, almost pulling me into a trance. i could stare at those cherub cheeks for hours, feel weak in the knees when they puff up from her smiles. i bet it’s a wonderful smile, wish that was included.”

you hummed in agreement. her gentle face was painted with such thoughtfulness and care, you envisioned her lover painting her. taking all the time in the world to stare at his love, getting to memories every single part of her that he loves to worship in private and this is his way of showing her off to the world.

you smoothed your hands down the front of your dress, eyes going from her face to her body. “her body is a temple. i envy her.” hands down by your sides.

a sudden warmth radiated near your hand, you looked down to see steven had dropped his own arms. his knuckles barely brushing yours, it felt inappropriate without your gloves but it was just the two of you.

“why envy? you're just as beautiful as this goddess.”

a deep inhale, “she looks… comfortable in her curves and softness. and i stand before her in a tight cage beneath this fabric, ribs aching and- and breasts ready to pop free.”

your eyes widened and you covered your mouth with both hands as you turned to look at steven. he seemed indifferent, only a raise of his brows and what looks to a restrained smile or smirk.

“apologies, again. my tongue is quite loose today, my parents would have my head for such language from a princess before a gentleman.”

he shrugs, “i won’t tell. say whatever you may.” his boots side-step closer, leaning his head so his lips could ghost over your ear. “do you wish to be free from clothes or is it something… more for you?”

you clutched the fabric of your gown into a fist, “both. wishing i could feel free in my skin, not wanting to be dressed in all these jewels and pins stabbing into my skull for a delicate updo. and i wish i could be free from the title that’s been attached to me since birth. a title i don’t want.”

“and what do you want?”

a light gasp left your lips when you looked over your left shoulder to see steven standing behind you, his hands holding on your biceps. he leaned his chest into your back and his hands skim down your heavy limbs. your breathing got heavier as his hands slipped past your elbows and stopped at your wrist. your eyes were entranced at the veins under his skin and the length of his fingers.

“what is it that you want, y/n?” steven’s lips bump the shell of your ear. a gasp mixed with more filled the room, eyes fluttering at the sensation.

“i- i want… i want you. steven, i want you. you are all i want in this life.” pleading with the knight behind you, finally speaking those hidden thoughts.

“if i could, i would whisk both of us away, leave everything behind and just be with each other. no judging or hiding needed.” his lips pressed wet kisses upon the apple of your cheek to the point of your jaw. steven slipped his hands further so you were palm to palm as he interlocked your fingers together.

you turned your head, lips parting as you held eye contact with your fearless knight. his light brown eyes hypnotized you and pulled you into a fantasy that you never wanted to leave. they made you dream of waking up beside him in a small cottage hidden in the woods, not stressed with lessons or an entire kingdom sitting on your shoulders. you’d slow dance in your kitchen, read books or poems to each other, profess your undying love for each other over and over in the millions of ways you could think of.

you blink and you're back in the gallery, standing before venus and in the hold of knight steven. a loud banging resounded through the empty hall causing you both to flinch away. anxious hands smoothed out invisible wrinkles and steven swiped a hand over his hair, clearing his throat before calling out, “what is it?”

the door creaked open and another guard peeked their head in, a woman with short blonde hair. you quirked your head, trying to recall if you’ve ever seen her around before, you can only picture an image of her walking beside steven. you glanced over to him and he was smiling at the knight, “buckley. what’s the issue?”

“sorry for intruding, but the king and queen are requesting your return. both of you.” giving herself a slight rock on her feet.

“uh, thank you, buckley. round up the others, we’ll meet outside.” and she nodded to his commands, shutting the door behind her.

steven turned back to you, keeping a distance you hated, but knew was needed. you could see he hated the space as well but knew his duty came first, your safety came first. “don’t want to keep your parents waiting. hopefully we’ll visit again, and see more of the art housed here. just the two of us…”you dropped your gaze to your feet, hiding your smile, “i look forward to the day, steven.”

-

#steve harrington fluff #steve harrington #steve harrington stranger things #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x fem!reader #steve harrington au #knight!steve harrington x princess!reader #stranger things x reader #stranger things #stranger things au #Spotify

[cider-est]

The full lineup is almost done!! (just needs some touch ups and a Chunsik design👍) FEEDBACK IS GREATLY APRECIATED!!

Design process under here (whole lot of yapping)

General thoughts: Ive given them in my previous design sheet (you can find it in my blog)(tldr: designs match characters but still childish, 8-12 years old). Only thing different here, is that these eggs were eggs who I had less of a clear idea of what I wanted to do with them (though I still really liked where I ended up!!)

Empanada: Didnt want to go for the full sweet lolita route, mostly because I thought it'd take away the "little kidness" of it all, but something that still resembles the aesthetic. She's wearing "carneirinhos" (idk the name in english) which is very cute little girl to me, and shes also a demon! Her tail resembles a frying pan!! Though I might change her fringe (it was supposed to be baby hairs but now that I think about it, her type of hair probably wouldnt have them) and put some argyle pattern in her sweater vest. I just forgor💀 to do that...I also wish I had made her shorter, but unfortunetely I drew this before the eggs did the height check (YES ITS BEEN THAT LONG).

Sunny: My beautiful baby girl. She means the world to me. I love this minecraft egg with all my heart. Shes wearing Light up sketchers and some fairy wings like Pomme, and shes actually wearing a swimsuit, she just put a tutu over it. The diamonds they're always holding are rings, they have a "terere" in their hair (idk name in english😭😭) and the beads were inspired by an artist on twt (@\BLUETOMATOSODA). Also if you are wondering why her hair looks like tentacles, its because I had originally made it puffy, but changed my mind after doing the lineart, so i had to get creative with me covering it up. Just pretend she has a fan, shes a star after all!

Pepito: Basically, he is very smoll. Chiquito even. He has strawberry hair and MASSIVE glasses that take up his entire face. Hes wearing a swimsuit aswell (dont ask how it works idk either), and has floaties since he cant swim. Hes got crocs, since flip flops hurt his toes, with a spider man charm on them! Also hes got a sunhat, mostly cause I wanted some other accessorie but didnt want to go with gas mask since it'd kinda kill the whole swimming vibe (since his model is wearing a swimsuit). sorry if its not too accurate to his character. Side note: Him, Em and Sunny all have freckles! Him and Sunny all over their bodies while Em just has on her cheeks.

Leo: Cute sporty vibe, love her shorty spiky hair. Wanted to try to make her face spiky aswell, for the whole shark dad thing. Shes got a necklace with a shark tooth (I guess she got it from Foolish??). He changes tshirts randomly, and opens and closes his attack on titan hoodie depending on the tshirt's expression (basically my version of Leo changing her player heads constantly). His trainers have dragon wings and also: whealies!!

Dapper: Im gonna be honest: did not expect to like his design THIS much. The colouring really elevated, with the long blue hair (the same colour as the ghosties!). Wanted to make them, y'know, dapper, so I had to sacrifice some of the "little kid vibes" unfortunetely, but I think it fits her still. The hat has part of the helmet that they used to wear a lot, demon horn to match Pomme, and a suit that is VERY inspired by Death the Kid from Soul Eater (very fitting for a reaper in training imo). Might be my favourite design!

Ramon: Jesus fuck you'd think designing your fav egg would be easy BUT NO. I struggled long and hard. Again, he doesnt have that much "little kid" vibe whatever man😭😭 Im just happy that I even managed to make SOMETHING. Hes got Create googles, his meathead is a massive hat that completely hides his hair. Very simple, very Ramon, though I will probably end up making a version with an ugly sweater just like he likes instead😔. I still like it but. man...

ANYWAYS IF YOU READ ALL THAT MWAH, YOURE A REAL ONE, THANKS FOR ENTERTAINING MY THOUGHTS🫶🫶🫶

#qsmp #qsmp fanart #qsmp eggs #qsmp empanada #qsmp sunny #qsmp ramón #qsmp ramon #qsmp pepito #qsmp leonarda #qsmp leo fanart #qsmp dapper #qsmp sunnysideup #ramon the egg #ramon qsmp #leonarda #leonarda the egg #leonarda fanart #leonarda qsmp #pepito #empanada #sunnysideup #sunny the egg #empanada the egg #empanada fanart #sunny fanart #dapper the egg #dapper fanart #breakfast trio

[adrunkskeletonsduck]

Hᴏᴡ ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ Sᴛᴀʀ Wᴀʀs ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ’s ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴅʀᴇss ɪʀʟ

Bc why not | Sᴛᴀʀᴡᴀʀs Mᴀsᴛᴇʀʟɪsᴛ

side note - reminder that my requests are closed at the moment, they’ll probably be open by the end of next week So please save your requests until then and don’t send them in now because they will be deleted.

Anakin Skywalker - To no ones surprise he's our little emo of the group! He doesn't wear a ton of white though, just blacks, greys, and dark greens (rarley), heavy on the black clothing tho.

Ahsoka Tano - I had a rlly hard time figuring out what her style would be tbh, but after a lot of scrolling through pinterest I found it. Her outfits are super laid back and comfy kinda thing, and I don't really think she would love super cropped shirts, but a little bit would be fine with her. I also think she would put eyeliner on her waterline and I don't think she likes acrylics. White looks and blue look amazing on her.

Commander Cody - Cody loves his flannels and pull overs. probably the sneaker head of the group, his go to shoes are white air forces and he keeps them pristine.

Captain Rex - Foot ball jackets and cargo khaki pants. That’s it, that’s the tweet. Fr tho khaki looks so good on this man, and he loves wearing it with blues. When it gets hotter he just turns to big shirts and baggy pants

Commander Wolffe - 100% would levitate towards darker colors and he wears lots of black and white shit. He looks so good in wife beaters and he knows it, and don’t even get me started on leather jackets on this man. Lordddd. Overall his style would be more laid back then some of the other guys, he prefers to put his time into 'more meaningful' things

Obi wan Kenobi - He would like lighter earthy tones I feel like, white under tones to all his outfits and colors like his robe colors. He would wear lots of sweaters and sweater vests

#star wars headcanons #starwars #starwars the clone wars #anakin skywalker #anakin skywalker x reader #obi wan kenobi #ahsoka tano #obi wan x reader #obi wan kenobi x reader #ahsoka tano x reader #ahsoka x reader #captain rex #rex starwars #commander wolffe #commander wolffe x reader #commander cody #commander cody x reader #cody x reader #rex x reader #captain Rex x reader #Wolffe x reader #anakin x reader

[lex-drinks-blood]

So... Maybe You're Bi?

Steve Harrington x Male Reader: obligatory "helping steve find himself" oneshot, AU where you both work at the video store together with rob, Steve also may or may not know he likes you before making this discovery...👀

Warnings: none?

Notes: I'm not in the mood to proofread this so I'm sorry for that but... here!

The tall male beside you pressed his hands to his temples and breathed a labored sigh.

"I'm just saying Harrington, maybe these supposed "babes and non-babes" are all babes!" you nudged his side with your elbow, which he did not seem to appreciate.

He took another deep breath, contemplating the former relationships he had with his close male friends and the thoughts that clouded his mind in the locker rooms at practice, he hated to admit that it seemed like maybe it was all adding up.

"Alright bozos," Robin interrupted, "as much as I'm sure I'd love to be included in whatever torture we are putting Steve through today, we have a whole stack of new shit to put out and I am not doing that by myself again!" as she spoke she wheeled over a cart full of new releases that needed to be priced and placed into their correct sections.

As much as no one in Home Video liked dealing with new releases, staring at the heap of tapes gave you an idea, "Hey Rob, you think you can keep up front running by yourself?"

"If you are even minutely implying that you and Steve are going to tackle these babies and leave me to run this peice-of-shit, cash-wrap, than I am absolutely capable Sir L/N," Robin bowed sarcastically as she concluded her strange response, but it meant your plan would go accordingly so you didnt take much time to ponder on it

"Thanks Buckley!" you planted a quick peck on her cheek that she quickly wiped off with her vest once you were out of sight, before tugging Steve away by his vest to the back to label tapes and unpack whatever was going on in that mess of a Harrington brain.

An agonizing 5 whole minutes passed in silence as the two of you quietly placed stickers on the tapes before placing them back on the cart and picking up a new one to repeat the process.

"Look, I don't want to force you to talk about this yknow? Especially cause yknow, I'm not the best with feelings and shit just cause I like dick but-"

Steve looked up from his tape, almost dropping it as the words left your mouth, "Waitwait, so you like guys?"

You looked at him inquisitively for a moment before going back to stickering tapes and speaking again, "Stevie, you are totally oblivious aren't you?" you chuckled to yourself.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing really, I think I just kind of assume everyone knows by now I guess. But to answer your question yes, I like guys. To put it your way, 'babes and non-babes alike'," this time you let yourself have a full, good laugh.

Steve followed suit and seemed to chuckled as well, seemingly relieved that the tension of the conversation had been broken up a bit.

He spoke up as he placed his tape back in the cart and rose to his feet, "I think that's the last one to label Y/N, wanna go set these out?"

You stayed sitting, leaving an uncomfortable space and height difference between the two of you that neither of you were used to, "Can I just ask you one... tiny, little, uncomfy question first, Harrington?"

Steve's body tensed a bit but he tried to act nonchalant, "Sure, today seems to be that kinda day already so, why not?"

"You sure?"

He was getting uncomfortable in his own skin now, being given more time to think about the space between you and how much he wanted to be close to you, how much he yearned to fill the space, how much he struggled to pull himself back to reality, "Yea man, go for it."

"Did you really never know? I mean, that I like dudes?"

Steve was frustrated that this was the question that you built up so much. Maybe he should have known sooner, but was it really such a huge deal? He fought to collect himself and managed to give a calmer response, "I mean, No. I just never thought about it I guess, yknow? Does that bother you?"

"I just- um. Well..." you struggled to find your footing in the words you wanted to say, so you settled on just blurting it out, giving up all elegance and grace, "I had a huge crush on you," your eyes stayed glued to the floor, waiting for his reaction.

Steve felt his heart melt. The boy he had been hiding his feelings from this whole time had actually liked him? Unbelievable.

He found himself approaching you slowly, like a scared animal he had found in an alley, "Y/N?"

You felt your leg start anxiously bouncing out of your control, but you decided to look up at him anyway, "Yea, Steve?"

"I'm gonna ask you to do something and I just need you to trust me ok? Is that ok?" You could see the subtle shake in his hands, hear the tremble in his voice, he was anxious in a way you'd never seen before and you had no idea what to expect.

"Okay. I trust you," and with that, your eyelids met and you were left in darkness to wonder what in God's name was going on.

You felt a gently trembling hand meet your cheek and before you could even think about what it meant for Steve to be cupping you like this, you felt his lips gently meet your own.

The kiss was nothing like you had expected from former King of Hawkins High. It was soft and gentle, the slightly chapped pillows of his lips were sweet on your tongue. He cupped his hand on your cheek and snaked his other around your waist and held you like you were fragile, like he was scared he could break you if he wasn't careful. And just as suddenly as it had started, it was over. His lips parted from yours and his hand slithered away from your waist, but his other remained on your cheek.

"I um... I'm sorry, I hope that was ok," he stammered, "You can open your eyes now."

When your eyelids separated from each other you realized that Steve was barely a couple inches away from your face, and his warm hand was still on your cheek, "That was more than okay, Harrington," you leaned in to place a quick kiss on his lips, showing him that you still wanted him with your eyes open.

"Cool... good to know," he sighed, this time relieved as he brushed his thumb over your cheek before readjusting his perfect hair.

You chuckled to yourself as he turned back to the cart and moved to the Documentary section, "Hey, wait up!"

"Well I wasn't planning on doing this by myself," he chuckled as you speedily walked to catch up to him.

"Hey, Harrington?" you whispered, almost like you were playing spies.

"Hey, what?" he whispered back, playing along as he placed the movies in alphabetical order.

"So... maybe you're bi?" you whispered, following suit in placing movies where they belonged.

"Yea probably," he paused for a beat, "I definetly like you though," he shot you a cocky smirk as he concluded.

"Yea yea whatever," you rolled your eyes, placing more movies in their rightful homes, "How is it that King Steve always gets what he wants?" you asked sarcastically.

He played coy, snaking behind you to place a movie just above your head as he placed a kiss to your neck, "I'm told I'm rather persuasive."

Robin walked to the back in hopes of letting you know is was closing time but had instead found the scene in front of her, "Oh jesus guys, get a room! You know Keith has cameras in here right!! Good god, I don't even get paid for this!"

"Oh shush Rob, just be glad he actually admitted it," you giggled from under Steve's arm as the three of you walked to clock-out.

Steve stopped in his tracks, "She knew before I did?!"

"Stevie... baby... we all did," you chuckled.

#steve harrington #steve harrington fluff #steve stranger things #steve harrington x male reader #steve harrington x reader #mlm steve harrington #bi steve harrington #home video steve

[joron1a-stardustlor]

my opinions on the disventure camp all stars redesigns

Side note i physically cannot watch s2 without being so uncomfortable with the animation style but i think ik about it enough to give my ideas

Also ratings are for the redesigns and how good they are to me

!Trigger warning !

i am unfortunately pansexual and i want to kiss every single one of these redesigns 😔(excluding fiore, thank you to the person in the replies i forgot to clear that up omg)

-love the light red stripe and large bow, though i think blue suits gabby more i thinks its cute 9/10

Ok this is one of the best redesigns in my opinion I love her coat, shes hot, I WANT TO KISS HER 10/10

i think i prefered the old hair better but, who cares pop off James, our absolute king ! 5/10

THEY FIXED HIS SKIN THANK GOD

AND HIS STUPID ASS BOWLCUT new hairstyle lookin FRESHHHHG YUL! 10/10

litteraly nothing changed abt him but hes still hot 1/10 (again i have not watched s2 but im so scared they'll break up huntessally we need that poly rep and silliness!)

Um I LOVE HER HAIR SHE REALLY DOES GIVE A PAINTER/ARTISTIC FEEL and i love her bun 8/10

Her design is still kinda meh to me, but i love her ponytail 7/10

i kinda wish his hair was more fluffy but idc live laugh AIDEN 7/10

GRETT IS BEAUTIFUL, SHE WAS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL AND IM TIRED OF PRETENDING SHES NOT OK 1000/10

Im curious abt her weight loss storyline that they mentioned when they released her official design, and she seems happier :]

OLIVER! THE SILLY! PRAYING FOR MORE JUSTICE TO THIS MAN 7/10 i miss his green uniform though, wonder what a beige one means?

(Side note I had an oc named oliver who looked similar to him so it caught me off guard when they revealed his name)

Saved the best for last:

THE VEST AND THE PONYTAIL DUDE SHE IS LITTERALY DRESSED LIKE ALEC💞💞💞 I WANNA THROW AN AXE AT HER HEAD I LOVE FIORE! 12/10

TOM TOM TOM TOM TOM TOM TOM TOM TOM TOM

TOM SWEEP

I HEART TOM

BARK BARK BARK BARK

JAKE BETTER STEP OFFF

Ok thats (not) enough me going insane over tom, i love him i wish i could kiss this man I LOVE HIS CASUAL FIT TJOUGH IT SUITS HIM 10000/10

(Ignore the image below)

DADDY??? SORRY DADDY SORRY

You will never see me publicly annoucing me simping for characters bc im scared of my irl friends making fun of me 💀 but Alec,Tom and Riya had me going through a character arc where idc anymore :]

Anyways i see the divorce didnt go so well huh...

If your looking for a wife im pretty sure Nick is single

I NEED TO SEE HIM MAKE UP WITJ FIORE AND HAVE HALF THE SEASON OF THEM BEING EVIL SILLIES

i miss his blue vest though storywise I 100% see why they designed him like this to show its been difficult for him, cant wait for alec angst or him just going batshit insane :3 7/10

Tom vs Alec final 2 plsss????

#Can you tell i like tom and alec??? #i love them a normal amount #<- LIES #disventure camp #disventure camp all stars #disventure camp gabby #disventure camp riya #disventure camp james #disventure camp yul #disventure camp hunter #disventure camp tess #disventure camp ally #disventure camp aiden #Disventure camp grett #Disventure camp oliver #disventure camp fiore #disventure camp tom #disventure camp alec

[safety-pin-punk]

Heyo! I've got some questions and I was hoping if you'd have the answers to them :]

1.) I watched Across the Spiderverse and when Hobie showed up I was like "woah!!! He's cool!!"

Now I've been researching the punk scene and I was wondering if it's okay that I'm kinda starting out being a punk (for lack of better term) cause of a fictional character?

2.) Do the vests/battle jackets always have to be black and/or denim/leather? I've got a vest that I'm working on and it's a dusty green and basically the farthest thing from denim/leather, so is that fine or??

(btw thank you sm for answering questions, your blog is amazing and has been very helpful)

Heyo!! I’ve got some answers for you!! And thank you! I love being helpful when I can 😅☺️!

1. It is COMPLETELY fine that you are getting into/interested in the punk scene because of a fictional character. Matter of fact, getting into punk for ANY reason is completely fine. Everyone starts somewhere, ans honestly I think Spider Punk is a pretty cool thing to have turned you punk

(Side note: anyone who disagrees can fuck off. Its not about why someone is a punk, its about how they do it. If they actually care about punk values, then we should be welcoming them with open arms)

2. There are very very very few rules when it comes to battle jackets. While leather and denim are by far the most common, they are by no means the only fabric you can use. And they also dont have to be dark colors! (Mine is actually a pretty light denim color). So moral of the story: what you’ve got is fine, you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money for the right clothes to be a punk

#mail tag #punk #punx #punk culture

[song-birds-stuff]

Because I see a lot of people giving trolls their own stylized design and with a simi-au in mind I decided to take a crack at it, with some notes

Branch while gray was unable use hair camouflage or use his hair as easily so while still building the bunker (which took until he was 11) he needed other ways to defend himself ala manually sharpening his teeth and making gloves that give him claws due to pop trolls having rounded teeth and no claws or nails to speak of so Branch at a young age took matters into his own hands.

Being exposed to predators before the bunker was finished Branch stayed in a small and cold cave for shelter and made him need to fight and find ways to keep himself safe, as a result he got many scars from fighting and even killing predators, his oldest and now most sensitive scar is a large, deep claw mark on his back only hidden by his vest, he doesn't like looking at it, closes his eyes getting dressed in the mirror and he tends to freak out a little if someone touches his back where the scar is.

Branch being gray and colorless for so long had the side effects of him having patches of gray in his fur that will never fade, because he will never be the same troll he was before losing everything, including his colors, he can mentally recover and be in a better place, but he will always be deeply affected by it.

While Branch sharpened his teeth to be big and sharp, his brothers only have sharp canines, like fangs, John Dory's is only a little sharper and a pale comparison to Branch's teeth that would put a beartrap to shame.

Raising himself near the kinda comically dangerous Pop Forests, Branch's feral survivalist lifestyle still has an effect on him though since getting his colors back he tries acting 'normal' in front of other trolls, Poppy preferrs it when he doesn't pretend though; the animalistic behaviors and survivalist mannerisms is part of him and Poppy loves every part of him.

Troll tails are long and prehensile, though they can't stretch it or change color like their hair, it can be used to balance on the trees and used for swinging in forests, it can also be used to hit smaller predators with enough strength, as far as the pop troll tails go at least, it depends on the genre of troll though the tail texture will also matter on how its raised and around what sort of trolls, this is where my poprock Branch hc comes in, still having the dip the pop tail does, but with thinner fur.

Branch actually didn't take too much care of his fur while gray, making it shaggy, coarse, and not as fluffy as pop fur should be like Poppy's he is trying to take better care of it now as a form of learning self care, Branch has thicker fur due to not bothering to trim it not seeing the point.

Troll antlers are hard as stone, but they are less durable and strong when trolls are children, its for this reason Branch's antler broke when he fell from the troll tree when he lost his grandma, troll antlers don't grow back, they do not shed, Branch's antlers will always be like that, troll antlers are usually used for scaring predators that are smaller than them or rubbing antlers with a significant other as a form of intimate acts of affection.

Branch grew up not really eating a regular meal due to surviving on his own, it stunted his growth a bit, making him shorter than he probably would've been at his age now, Poppy being taller, Branch's head (minus hair height) is about to her chest as a result.

#dreamworks trolls #branch #poppy #troll redesign

[pompadorbz]

Any specific notes you’ve got on the thought process behind each student’s new uniform changes for the THH cast? And are you planning to do some for the SDR2 and V3 cast as well?

Note: Anon is referring to these designs!Hmm kinda! There are some choices I made more deliberately than others, although not many characters go as deep as the one note I had about Taka's design. But I'll happily go through the ones that I didn't!Mondo - I initially didn't have Mondo's blazer be embroidered, but considering it's such a stick-out feature of his canon design, it felt wrong not keeping it. Additionally, Mondo is a little bit scrawnier here, for lack of a better word, and that's deliberate! These are supposed to be the students at their first year of the academy, so I wanted to make Mondo seem a little younger!

Taka - I'm not gonna reiterate here so instead here's the post where I talk about him a lil. Lol.

Celeste - Girl is absolutely fighting for her LIFE with this uniform, and for what its worth she found a pretty good balance! The dress underneath is a JSK of her own design, and kinda meant to be reminiscent of earlier EGL styles. She is supposed to look a little bit "ITA", even. I also brought back the hair ribbons from her beta design, and the butterfly hairclip takes from the pattern on her tie in canon!

Chihiro - I have a couple notes on Chihiro! For starters I honestly wanted to make her look a little bit dorkier lol. I gave her the little headband and the glasses for that reason, but the glasses were also to make her match her Dad even more! I wanted to give her a massive backpack too so she always has a spot to keep her laptop and other equipment (yes she has it on her at all times). And finally I gave her a little sweater vest with a dandelion on it, since one of her favorite gifts is the everlasting dandelion! It's supposed to be embroidered on, heehee.

Sayaka - As much as I love her, Sayaka's design isn't actually all that deep? lol. I've always had an affinity for drawing Sayaka with cute little designer hats. i honestly think she has a few of them that she can whip out to give any look a little extra panache. Not to mention the constant inclusion of TONS of pink. I also gave her the flower hairclip from one of her beta designs!

Aoi - Hina is honestly one of my favorite designs in the roster! I just really like her silhouette, idk. I always knew she had to keep the shorts, so she gets the shorts!! Her typical tracksuit is around her waist instead, her eyes are a darker blue for the sake of my sanity, and her ponytail has a kinkier shape! My favorite little detail that I'm sure nobody noticed is that the thing tying her hair together is a coil scrunchie, since they're super good for wet hair in particular! I used to use them a lot back when I used to swim!

Sakura - Honestly, I just wanted Sakura to look at ordinary as humanly possible. She gets a really normal looking uniform- little to no modifications made aside from wearing her usual shoes, the armbands, the bandages, and the striped socks that I took from one of her beta designs!

Hifumi - Hifumi didn't really change all that much either, aside from getting the orange pants to match his orange tie! I do think he painted the arrow on himself, and it looks INCREDIBLY scuffed, lol. Honestly, my main priority with hifumi was to do him some actual justice on the anatomy side, lol. I hope I did an alright job!

Makoto - Makoto also doesn't really change all that much... Really, all that got altered was the blazer and the pants, although I will note that the pants are rolled up because he ABSOLUTELY ordered the wrong size by accident.

Kyoko - Going into this, LONG before I started drawing her I knew that Kyoko needed to have pants, even if it killed me. I just always thought that it'd better suit her usual design to have pants, or at LEAST a longer skirt. It always just looked kinda off to me that she had this big long sleeved blazer and then a short pleated skirt?? Like at least allow her the luxury of like. A pencil skirt. Lol.

Byakuya - Byakuya also doesn't really undergo much change. Really, all i have to say regarding him is that hes got a tall collared button-up and that he kept his usual necktie...

And that's everyone until I sit my ass down and draw the rest! I'm sure I'll eventually get to it... Possibly.

As for the other games, currently I have no plans to do anybody beyond the thh cast. I MIGHT do sdr2 at a far, FAR later date, but I don't think V3 will ever be on the table since quite frankly, I couldn't be assed. Sorry if you were hoping for them!

#syd spiels #backtalk #danganronpa #danganronpa 1 #dr1 #danganronpa thh #not tagging all the characters cuz im. lazy

[acaplaya-musings]

Voiceplay Visuals: Friends On The Other Side

This was one I was ridiculously eager to get to, because it is an absolute visual treat!!! Layne and the rest of PattyCake Productions really went all out with this video, and I think that it might actually be the most movie-accurate video for a Disney cover that Voiceplay has ever done (and although some things are changed, it's all so amazingly cool that you don't care in the slightest!). Also J None came back for this one to take the lead as Dr Facilier! Heck yeah! Let's get into this! (Oh and nearly forgot to mention: this was uploaded in mid-October of 2021 and was Voiceplay's Halloween upload for the year).

We got Cesar as Prince Naveen (perfect casting btw) (also he looks a bit different without more of a beard, but I don't hate it), and Eli as Lawrence, Naveen's servant (also another Eli Eyebrow Raise! And a strong one, too!)

PattyCake Productions has their own YouTube channel where they create videos based around Disney movies and Disney characters (often writing original songs for them) and it shows. They really went off with the costuming and set design (better than Disney would do with a live-action version of their own, almost definitely)

(Also peep Geoff lurking in the background, which I don't think any reactor has noticed when watching the video)

A more full-body look at J's costume (and cool staff!), plus Geoff and Layne as voodoo spirits! (Also note how Geoff is, once more, the one with the most-exposed arms/shoulders (love that for him 👌)

Geoff was asked on a Patreon Q&A or something like that if the thumb-down-the-side-of-the-head movement had any meaning to it, but no, he just thought it up himself as a little interesting/spooky/cryptic gesture (I mean... it worked??)

(Also there's so much detail to his outfit and I love it! The subtle patterning on the vest! The things that may or may not be fingerless gloves! The metal boney-finger things hanging off the shoulders! All the things around his neck! (And yes, he's still wearing the necklace he wears all the time)

And shoutout to Layne, who as you can see in the photo above this one, is wearing basically just as much stuff around his neck as Geoff, and he's got a (fake of course) bone through his nose as well? (I know the official audio is all overdubbed anyway, but I wonder how hard it is to beatbox with something like that on/in your nose?)

Now this is goddamned clever. How do you split the vocal lines of a single character up between multiple vocalists while still making it make sense in-universe? Well in this case, you have Dr Facilier work some voodoo magic so that he and/or the spirits are singing through Lawrence and Naveen, kinda sorta possessing them! The video is enhancing the song itself!!!

I actually went and watched the original Friends On The Other Side scene on YouTube (which I haven't done in ages), so I could better make comparisons, including screencap comparisons!

"I got voodoo-"

"-I got hoodoo-"

(also rip Hei Hei)

"-I got things I ain't even tried!"

Man they really did nail this, huh?

Also I just realised that after "Naveen's" little "I got friends on the other side" solo, while "Facilier" is echoing it as he sits down, "Lawrence" is attempting to get "Naveen's" attention with his eyes, and making facial expressions/head movements that can basically be summed up as "Hey! We need to leave! Now!"

(Seriously it often pays to focus on different people when rewatching Voiceplay stuff (or in my case when scanning for interesting/screencap-worthy moments, to rewind specific parts to focus on different people))

"The cards! The cards!"

Geoff was absolutely hamming it up during this section. It's kinda hilarious and I love it. Go off, my dude 😂😁

Very smooth editing!

Pfft 😆

(Also Eli's acting was phenomenal in this and I swear he kept one eyebrow raised for at least half the whole video)

I love the expression on Geoff's face here that no reactors have seemingly picked up on, like he's both expectant and eager for "the real fun" to begin

Also check out the details in Layne's outfit! It seems that he's got the same things on his shoulders as Geoff does (except over sleeves instead)

Geoff: "Oh yeah now it's my time to shine!"

Okay so I'm definitely counting those as fingerless gloves. Also shoutout to Eli for the lighting once more!

"Reformation central!"

There's a lot going on in this picture. And also this moment made more sense after I rewatched the original scene (just that Voiceplay are swapping out the amulet for a shrunken head (fair - it's probably a lot harder to find an amulet that bites 😂))

Firstly, nice bit of acting/visual storytelling from Eli and Cesar there, and secondly, hey that's the magic lamp from Aladdin in the background on the left there!

And I haven't talked about it a ton here, but J 100% understood the assignment when it came to playing Dr Facilier. He even did some of the same kinda dancing/moves as in the original scene, like the side-to-side head movement on "I hope you're satisfied" (it was so smooth!)

Man, what a video. Disney could NEVER

Voiceplay always does something mind-blowing for Halloween. It might not always be something you expect, but it's always something that gives us plenty to talk about!

#voiceplay #acapella #friends on the other side #the princess and the frog #geoff castellucci #eli jacobson #layne stein #j none #cesar de la rosa #acaplaya analysis #voiceplay visuals

[multiverse-imagines]

A/N: Important!! There are some Important things to note about this version of the AU

Knives is a famous streamer in this au, known as Imperium. Known for "dedicating his life to becoming a benevolent philanthropist version of Millions Knives," he has deceived the gaming and streaming world into believing he's totally not Millions Knives.

Continuity: Vash and Wolfwood are from the anime. Knives and Legato are from the manga. Rem also is alive and well in this au and was brought to earth after the ships crashed on Gunsmoke! But she lives in a different country.

Relationship dynamic: vvvv

Laser tag

Reverse Isekai AU

Your ever growing Trigun group stopped at the small warehouse that had set up shop as a Laser Tag facility. Vash, Wolfwood, Knives, Legato, and you had nearly two hours to run as many rounds as you pleased. You stood back as they stood deciding teams after hearing the rules from one of the employees. 

"I love your content, by the way, Imperium! It's cool to see you have friends who cosplay Trigun with you!" The employee bobbed excitedly. 

"Yeah, we had to tone it down to casual clothes, but we always have a blast! We're gonna probably take the character play to the max today, so I need you to know everything will be okay, we're just really good actors." Knives warned the employee. They nodded, and left the room.

"What should the teams be like?" Wolfwood asked. 

"I think it should be just like old times. Me 'n Legato against you two." He pointed towards Vash and Wolfwood. 

"Sounds good to me." Wolfwood and Vash nodded, readying their guns.

"Oh, what about me? Which team should I be on?" You piped up. You worried what kind of handicap you were going to give whatever team you would be on. Maybe they should have invited Rem as an additional supervisor…

"Oh, I know exactly what you're gonna be, Pet." Knives said, wandering his way behind you, and wrapping his arm around your shoulders, "you're the hostage." His voice lowered, causing you to blush. Legato had retrieved a third team vest. He handed it to you, and you put it on.

"Here's the rules. Much like capture the Flag, the two of you have to take My Darling Pet from Us. If a shot hits their vest in a lethal spot, they're pronounced dead, and the team who shot them loses. If you two capture them, you have to take them back to your base in order to win. We win by taking the two of you out, and keeping them." Knives explained as Vash and Wolfwood seemed to tense up. 

"And if we win?"

"I'll pay for a week trip for the three of you to a destination of your choice. If Legato and I win, we get to take Our Pet on a trip with us. Wait, why do I lose money either way? Whatever, Not the point! Are we agreed on the rules?"

"Yes!" The other four agreed in unison.

"A-also remember this is just a game, okay?" You tried to remind them not to use their weapons or powers.

Legato, Knives and you went off to the left side of the warehouse, Vash and Nicholas off to the right. There were two second floor stands on opposite sides that were considered the bases.

There were various paths that led up to these bases, some by ramps, ladders and stairs. The center was all one flat open space in the form of a ring. In between, there were various walkways and small platforms that were elevated. A person could also run under these, making the whole floor available.

Littering the field were various shields, barrels, and items that could be used to advantage. There were also "med packs" that could be plugged in, and remove a point off of a non lethal hit.

"So, do I play it up, and play the hostage as they try to rescue me? Or do I just kinda chill." You asked as they walked.

"I kind of intended it to be one giant roleplay. There's no doubt in my mind you've imagined me kidnapping you, wanting my brother to save you, right?" Knives bent down to eye level with you.

A mad blush spread across your face, and you nodded bashfully, "So I want you to scream your little heart out. Beg for The Preacher and my brother to save you. Throw in a couple tears. Struggle against Legato and I. It'll be hot." He stood once more, and held his arm across your ribs, "I'll also heal you on any injuries you get, not that I think there'll be any." He said being mindful of your previously fractured rib. Before you could answer, and buzzer sounded, letting them know to begin.

"Vaaaaaaaash!!!!! Wolfy!!!!!! HEEEEEELP!!!!" You let out a blood curdling scream like you'd never let out before as Legato immediately dashed off to head off the opponents.

"Wish you'd scream like that for me sometime." Knives winced at the abrupt noise. 

"Try being the hero sometime, Stabby." You giggled before letting out another scream as Knives carried you to a tall point on the edge of the center ring to scope out what the others were up to.

Legato was taking on Vash, who was hiding behind a barrel. Wolfwood was off to the side, looking for Knives, using the quarrel between Legato and Vash as a distraction. 

"Well, Darling, let them know you're here." Knives whispered into her ear as he picked her up again.

"Nicholas!! Help!" You Screeched, and struggled against Knives' hold on you. Knives carried you to a section that had a maze. He didn't have much time to stay put as Wolfwood continued his pursuit.

You screamed for Wolfwood, only struggling against Knives' when he was in view. On a second floor walkway, Knives turned to shoot at Wolfwood, hitting a non-lethal spot. His arm slumped in faux injury, playing up the hit. 

"Give back My Deity, you fiend!" He joined the banter as he took another shot at Knives. He missed, but they were still at a standoff. 

"Do you trust me?" He whispered to you.

"I do, Knives." You nodded.

"Okay, play along. Legato will catch you." He kissed the side of your head before straightening up, and tightening his grip, "You really care about this little wretch?" He yelled louder than the music playing overhead, glancing at Legato, who nodded upon eye contact,

"This bitch is more trouble than they're worth. I'll just get rid of them." He lifted you, and threw you off of the railing, genuinely scared, you screamed, soon feeling a pull of you clothes as Legato used his threads to pull you to him, holding you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

During this confusion, Knives took a shot at Wolfwood, hitting the lethal spot. He slumped against the rail, unmoving.

"I'll take care of them, Master! I'll leave Vash The Stampede to you!" He said running off away from the ring.

"Mayfly!" Vash yelled in his protest after Legato as you dramatically held her hand out to Vash calling for him. The other hand pressed play punches on Legato's back.

"Vash! Save me!!!" You screamed. As Vash pursued, he was cut off by Knives jumping from the balcony into the floor in front of him.

"Not so fast, Dear Brother. You'll have to go through me first." He smirked. Vash jumped back, aiming the gun at Knives and watching his moves before firing, hitting a non-lethal spot. Vash winced at shooting his brother. It was bringing bad memories from when he shot His brother back in his world.

"You can't defeat me with non-lethal shots here, Vash. You'll never save your little Mayfly if you don't shoot to kill Legato and I. This isn't your fluffy little anime, Vash." Vash cut him off with a shot, one that Knives knew his brother could do better. Knives rolled to the side, giving a warning shot to Vash, but Vash didn't move. Knives squinted, reading Vash's moves. Vash charged towards Knives, his eyes hidden behind his messy hair. Knives cackled as he dodged around, shooting Vash's shoulder plate, a ping noting he'd been shot,

"Welcome to the Manga, Bitch." Knives jumped up, giving himself a spin as he shot Vash's chest plate. A buzzer sounded signifying the game was over. Knives and Legato had won by a landslide. Like a flipped switch, the scowl on his face turned to worry and concern.

"Hey, you okay? You froze up at the end. I was trying to bring you out of it without breaking character, but it didn't seem to be working so I ended this round." Knives crouched to Vash, placing a hand on his shoulder. Vash was breathing heavily, and didn't answer at first.

"I-I guess I wasn't as ready for this as I thought. Did you have to throw them off of the balcony?" Vash's eyes were watery. 

"Vash? Vash!" You ran up to them. Upon seeing Vash's tears, you threw yourself at him in a hug. 

"Are you okay, Angel? I'm sorry if that was too much!"

"Mayfly" He hugged her tightly, "I'm sorry I couldn't save you." 

"No, no, there was no real threat. I'm okay. I'm safe. You're safe, Wolfy's safe." You held the back of his head. The two of you sat like that for a bit, before taking Vash out of the battlefield. In the lobby, Nicholas held his hand as they had a break for snacks.

"Well, we still have another hour. Want to go another round? Plants vs humans?" He asked.

"Sure, that'll be a little less heavy." Nicholas nodded. 

"I think I'm gonna sit this one out, guys. My head still hurts." You sighed. You, admittedly, were still shaken from being thrown off of the balcony, and screaming so much. I guess some things don't translate outside the bedroom. You also knew you would never be able to keep up with the sentient shooting machines that were your little harem.

"I can stay here with you, if you want."

"No, I want you to have fun this round. Let loose all of that trauma you've got. Go show 'em who's boss, Angel. I'm totally getting nerf guns when we get home." You chastised.

#my deity #trigun #vash x reader #trigun brain rot #wolfwood x reader #nicholas d wolfwood x reader #knives x reader #legato x reader #so since this is a personal fic formatted for generalized audience cracked me up

[an-eldritch-peredhel]

Sky Shinies, V2

For @aspecardaweek Day 3: Across the A-spectrum, I decided to redraw the second piece of Tolkien fanart I ever posted, two years ago for this very event! Check back in 2025 to see if I keep up the pattern.

Since Ainur are basically angels I've decided they're all pretty much ace (with varying degrees of interest- Melian) and arospec if only because they don't conceptualize relationships in the same way we do, and the majority of elves are demi/grayspec.

Arien: Sapphic oriented aroace, recipromantic

Earendil: Bi demi-rose

Tilion: Achillean oriented aroace, lithoromantic, aroflux

[id. A full-body pencil drawing of Arien, Earendil, and Tilion. Arien is inspired by a lion, with digitigrade legs, paw pads, and claws. She has a crown of horns and fire burning on her head, limbs, and the tip of her tail. Tilion has bat ears and feet with a leaf-shaped nose, horns curling around his ears and another set twisting upwards, and dark blotches on his skin. Their arms are linked as they shoot finger guns. Earendil stands in front of them, head barely reaching their elbows as he waves with one hand and holds a telescope in the other. He's black, with braids pulled back in a ponytail and a small beard. The silmaril shines from a circlet on his forehead, and he wears Ancalagon's skin as an armored vest and skirting. end id.]

Rambles, comparison, and closeups under the cut!

[id. Three closeups on Arien, Earendil, and Tilion's faces respectively to show details. Arien has freckles and her eyes appear to be glowing behind her sunglasses, Earendil has eyebags, faint laugh lines, and scars, as well as individually lined scales on his vest, and Tilion has fangs, earrings. and diamond-shaped pupils with black sclerae. end id.]

[id: a comparison of the full drawing above to the original, which ends around Earendil's knees but otherwise has near-identical composition. Arien looks significantly more human, Tilion is missing his horns, and Earendil is white with a less structured outfit. end id.]

I was mostly going off of memory redrawing this, which is why their poses are slightly different but honestly I prefer this even if it isn't strictly accurate. Winner for biggest design overhaul is a tie between Arien and Earendil, because excluding Tilion's horns (which I would have originally included if I had remembered Tilion literally means "horned one") he's hardly changed, though tragically I took away some of his jewelry for practicality.

Past!Earendil's unintentional Michael Jackson nose haunts me, though I do kinda miss his stupid wave hair. I'm much happier with his dragonscale vest thingy now (though I realized too late that Ancalagon's scales would be much larger, oh well), I've had time to think through the various elven cultural aesthetics and I'm very pleased with his multi-combo of cultures that still gives him the vibes I wanted. Stupid pointy-toed noldorin boots are so hard to draw right but I love them so much

Arien has also been overhauled but given that they change how humanoid their fana looks depending on if they're hanging around incarnates or not the original is still technically close to that form? Horn crown and significantly more fire has been added in homage to her balrog siblings alongside everything else, but like Tilion her outfit change is minimal and the vibes stay the same.

Unrelated but a funny side note: as I have become increasingly aware of Pokemon Knowledge, I have realized that Solgaleo and Lunala unintentionally map really really well onto my Arien and Tilion. Yes this is because lion/day/sun | bat/night/moon symbolism is obvious, but I'm leaning into it. Earendil works shockingly well as Ultra Necrozma, too.

#aspecardaweek #arien #tilion #earendil #my art #this is my first time id-ing my art so i hope it's decent #arien being genderfluid makes orientation complicated but i think sapphic still suits them best even as auron #and tilion is still achillean even though he doesn't lose all alterous feelings for him the moment he becomes arien again #they're both just. so so so gay. #tilion is genderflux as well as aroflux- it's related to his moon gig #ainur gender and attraction is hard #im not gonna chart out the whole sky polycule in the tags but the important ones to this are #arien is in a qpr with ilmare and a romantic relationship with thuringwethil #tilion is in a qpr with eonwe and a romantic relationship with salmar (lost romantic feelings but doesn't mind the relationship) #earendil is obviously married to elwing and hes deeply in love but the two also have something vaguely queerplatonic going on with eonwe

[slashingdisneypasta]

Did someone say free Disney villain gushing ticket? :D

- What do you think is under Maleficient's cowl? Like, do you think she has hair under there like the live action movie? Do you think she's bald? Do you think it's not a cowl at all and just a part of her head/horns? (I personally like the idea that it is a part of her head because... It just sounds like Mal to not have so many human features, including hair.)

(On that note; tooootally pure thought. Imagine Mal having a snake/reptilian-like tongue. This is purely for science, I swear.)

- I keep forgetting how much I love Alameda Slim! And just Home on the Range in general. But Slim is especially a fun villain! He kinda gives me 'Cowboy Ratigan' vibes with how extra he is and his musical prowess XD how do you think either of them would feel about this comparison?

- I think if you use specific things to burn, fire will change color. I'm not quite sure if I'm correct, but can you imagine Hades turning into different shades depending on what's around him? Also, also, if I'm correct, blue fire is actually hotter than red fire, which means when Hades is actually a higher temperature when completely calm! And somehow cools down when he's raging XD

- Silver and Scroop... Just... The alien husband's XD they're always on my mind. Nothing even specific, just them- wait WAIT! Imagine being in a throuple with them! You get to have your warm, affectionate, absolute lovely captain, and also your mean, dangerous (they're both equally dangerous, but Scroop is more aggressive about it), not so PDA but will still fight for you lover. The best of both worlds <3

- OK, you knew it was coming... Another Toon Patrol imagine XD imagine that you get to know them because they kept kidnapping you (not like a dark scenario, if that makes sense? Literally just them wanting to hang out, but they- especially Smartass probably- have no clue how to approach you normally, and they're all their own flavors of extra since they're villain toons, so they just 'pick you up' when they just want to play monopoly with you or something). And at this point, you just get used to it... But also tired of it. You're just like "Smarty, I get it, you guys are socially awkward, but I've used your shower and have eaten your food; I think we're past the burlap sack part of our relationship." Idk, this wouldn't leave my head and it made me chuckle so here XD

- Imagine all the side kicks start a support group in the Disney Villain House. Iago has anointed himself as the head of the group, next to Sir Hiss. Pain and Panic and Lefou are the ones who need the most help. Fidget is finally making some friends. Kaa and the hyenas are here for the food. And occasionally the weasels make an appearance since they are supposed to be Doom's henchmen. That's all I can think of at the moment XD

- OK we need Wheezy fluff/comedy, so here; imagine trying to help him with his clothes? Like, my guy here is wearing that ratty vest and that nicotine stained dress shirt everyday. He pulls it off, but for his own sake (and ours because *ahem* those Bill Moseley gifs), we gotta figure something out. It may not nearly be Goob level since he at least has some self-respect, but still. Maybe you two go clothing shopping, or you try to figure whatever concoction of detergent, bleach, and pure willpower and elbow grease will make his shirts white again. Or at least get the smell out. Your thoughts?

Ok this was more of a imagining then a gushing, but I hope you like these XD

OKAY OKAY OKAY you should know that when this came through I was making my bed- and Lotso got thrown in my effort to finish it so I could read this XD sorry lotso

Maleficent: I do think that's part of her head!! :D I agree, hair makes her a bit too human. If it was a cowl- I think she'd shave her head. She doesn't want to be seen as a beautiful fair Tinkerbell-type. Men cannot be trusted to not try and hunt her down in the woods for a glimpse, and thats just more trouble then its worth. Besides, being fair is kind of Hilda's thing XD And Gastons.

Imagine seeing her bald head for the first time; horns brown and rough, under the slick black cowl and telling her she's amazing, gently guiding her down into a kiss <3 She's very proud you're the way you are, and she found you.

She's not shy about thrusting her slimy, forked tongue carefully into your mouth and forcing you to moan for it.

(Um?? Yes to her having a reptilian tongue!! Oh my goodness! It's very in character XDD Haha)

Alameda Slim and Professor Ratigan: Ahhh, I can see that!! XDD Very eccentric, and sensitive XD I don't think either of them would be pleased at the comparison though! 😂😂😂 They're both just silent, giving eachother sideways glances, thinking... 'the rat?' / 'the fat guy?' .

'Cowboy Ratigan', though XDDD Thats so funny XDDD

Hades: Oh I have heard that too!!! I wish they would have used that in the movie, that would have just been so cool! Hades' bodily lore just gets more and more interesting XD

And- right??? I'm sure that's just a design decision (Blue is a calm colour, red passionate) but I do think they coulda made the opposite look pretty cool (Imagine he turns electric blue when furious) but the blue suits him ^^ Red woulda been a tip off XDD Haha. And besides, blue fits with his smooth talking, used car salesman vibe.

Silver and Scroop: ALIEN THROUPLE Y E S XD You get a gentleman who stands up for your honour from behind you, a hand on your shoulder, only subtly threatening people lives when they insult you or make you uncomfortable, and then immediately works to cheer you up again- and also your mean, asshole boyfriend who will get in between you and any threat and just boldly threaten their lives... descriptively (Who you have to calm down afterwards XD). Best of both worlds, haha.

Imagine some asshole at a bar getting mad when you don't react nice to his flirting, and before you even know it Scroop is hissing obscenities in that gravelly voice that make your cheeks hot at the guy. You're shocked, though you don't know why you are (Scroop is always like this), and you let Silver guide you carefully back from the two, guiding you to another seat. "We'll sit 'ere til he's done, lass. I'd step in, but... I think I'd like to keep this old hardware attached ta me." He winks. "Mr Scroop's got this under control. Lets getcha another drink, eh?"

Toon Patrol: Ahhhhh, yes perfect! XD Haha. Omg. Guys, you can- you can call them up and just invite them somewhere- *sigh*

I can totally see this XDDD

Imagine the bag gets ripped off of you and you're just deadpanned, looking at Wheezy who pulled it off of you. "... you must realise, that this has become ridiculous."

"I do... boss doesn't. And, 'sides... its amusing."

"Grrrrrrr- "

Sidekicks: I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH. I JUST LOVE IT XDDD Imagine Sir Hiss and Iago arguing over leadership and everyone else, even Smartass, is just like 'isn't this supposed to be for support??... we getta enough of this at home. XD like 'I have ssssssss-eniority, over you! Besides, more experience- ' 'well, I'm more popular than you bub so shut up and gimmie the gabble.'

Wheezy: I- I cant- I'm weak at the thought XDDD You get to choose his clothes?? Ahhhhhhh, that's absolutely a dream XD He'd be so relaxed, letting you hand him damn near anything and trying it on, staying still while you make adjustments, not making it uncomfortable at all, just looking hot, etc. Reminds me of this one scene in Gilmore Girls XD

Incorrect Quote:

Smartass, walking in on Y/N tightening Wheezy's belt: ... what in fucks name are the two of you doin'??

Y/N: Oh!- *Startled to see Smartass, hands flying away from their boyfriend* Its not what it looks like!

Wheezy: ... *Chill. Taking a drag from his cigerette*

Smartass: It looks like you're dressing 'im...

Y/N: Oh- well then. uh. It's exactly what it looks like! 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

Smartass: well now i don't believe you-

Alternative excerpt though, with and Wheezy Y/N being an old married couple XD :

Wheezy: Stop tightening my belt, I don't wanna look like a kid goin to prom.

Y/N: You have a slim waist. You need the support!

Wheezy: *Rolling his eyes and groaning around his cig* Look if my pants fall down- just call it a bonus okay? Just let me go, woman.

Y/N: Wheezy, sweetheart, your flaccid penis is not the turn on you think it is.

Wheezy: God I could use a smoke right now.

Y/N: You're SMOKING ONE.

#i can always count on you for quality villain content!!!!

[himbos-hotline]

15 on the FWB list is Cole & Jay

I'll tell you my sins and [you can sharpen your knife]

Word count: 4247 words Ship: Jay Orton/Adam Cole, "Hangman" Adam Page/Adam Cole, Adam Cole/Kenny Omega/"Hangman" Adam Page/Wheeler Yuta/Jay Orton [right at the end] Characters: Adam Cole, Jay Orton, Mentioned: Kenny Omega, "Hangman" Adam Page, Triggers: I don't think there is any, canon typical violence Authors note: I saw the tumblr post where Adam Cole stabs people in the back before he betrays them and thought "what if he did this to Jay?" and then I wrote 4000 words about it but this is actually them getting together. Also titled as: COLE IS A BRAT PRINCESS WHO NEEDS TO FOR HER CRIMES AGAINST MY SANITY. I am back baby!! The polycule is just a mention at the end, this is some good ol' love confessions with angst and feelings Read on AO3

Adam still smells like the table when he stumbles through the curtain. It seems to mix into his pours, the smokiness drawing an outline around the blood that drizzles and runs slowly down his chin, twisting across the racing pulse points in his neck as it mixes with sweat. He can still taste Cole's blood on the corners of his tongue when he swallows, pushing the title further up his shoulder as he stumbles through backstage. There's a throbbing pain in his palm, small cuts from the barbed wire crown he settled on Cole's head; a fake crown for a false God.

The medical room is starkly warm and distractingly different to the sweat chilling against Adam's skin as he sits with his back against the wall, legs hanging in free-fall off the medical bench as Delilah stitches up his chin. There's the familiar tug of stitches being dragged through his chin and the unfamiliar tapping that seems to drive a spike through Adam's temple. There's the awkward scurry of unsteady footsteps and he blinks his eyes open, feeling them adjust to the light. He watches Jay lead Cole in; his arm wrapped around his middle and hands lingering almost purposely against his shoulders. Jay brushes a thumb across the seam of Cole's lips and smiles when his eyes open. "Ya in the medical room now, you're safe…"

Cole follows Jay with his eyes; blue and foggy like the water in an abandoned well as she leans against the wall between the two of them. "It's okay, they're gonna fix ya up and then I'll take you back to the hotel."

"Ya will?" Adam blinks between his boyfriends, head tilted coyly to the side as he keeps the two of them. He spots the warmth on Jay's face, bringing a soft pink blush across his ears and scarred cheeks and notices the softness that floats the murky pools of pain everytime he thinks Jay is not looking in his direction. Adam spots the tension in the room, the thickness of the air and nods slowly when Jay raises an eyebrow. "I just…meant that I did this…it's kinda my mess I've gotta clean up…" Adam watches the wince that coats Cole's face and looks down at the floor, sighing softly.

"Yeah, You're pretty banged up anyway, ya aint gonna be much good to Cole if you'er both laying fucked up in bed." Jay says with a shrug, softly running her fingers through Adam's hair. "Plus Kenny is gonna wanna look after you, y'know how he gets when you're hurt cowboy." Jay follows the blush across Adam's cheeks with his thumbs, smiling when he tilts his head forwards, chin jutted forwards so the doctor can smooth a bandaid across the fresh stitches. "Sorry, is he done?"

Delilah nods politely, painted lips pressed together in a sweet smile as Adam thanks her, fingertips smoothing slowly across the outline of the bandaid, feeling the rough texture against the soft pad of his thumb. He nods softly when Delilah pushes a pamphlet into his hand about the wound care and despite his history with stitches, Adam takes it away. "I'll text you when I'm back at the hotel." Adam tells the two people sitting on the bench opposite the room as he dresses, tugging his vest on over his sore shoulders.

"Yeah." Jay replies, shoulders bunched up around his ears, face a mix of stunned surprise and a familiar glimmer of understanding, Adam follows Jay's arm with a questioning glint in his eyes, it disappears when he spots Cole slumped against Jay's side, hand resting against theirs. "I'll uh, text the group chat when we get back to the hotel." Adam nods, listens to the soft way that Jay's voice smoothes out at the end as their hand twists, resting palm-to-palm with Coles. "I love you."

"I love ya guys too." Adam says, loud enough that the two of them can hear over the fuss of the medical room and the click of the door closing behind their boyfriend. Jay's eyes linger against the red wooden door for a few seconds, flicking almost like he's tracing Adam's outline, Cole moves pushing his forehead against Jay's lowering shoulders, twisting his face away from the penlight Delilah shimmers into his blue eyes.

There's tests and checks, ones that Jay remembers in medical school and they follow along silently with what he remembers, listens closely to Delilah as she calls over Doctor Sampson and the tests start again. Cole grumbles through the answers, swats his hand annoyingly at the pen touch and Jay presses his hand firmly into the spot between his shoulders, small round nails itching at the blood-stained skin. She watches as Delilah presses butterfly stitches to the back of Cole's head, follows a drop of blood as it maps its way around his chest and quickly without thinking Jay wipes it away, rubbing it so hard into the dark fabric of their jeans, that the two of them can almost pretend that it didn't happen.

The match didn't happen. Cole is sitting, being poked and prodded in a random room in a random state. Jay never left his side those years ago. She is seventeen again; in the back of a dingy restaurant, chuckling as her and Cole down bottles of wine and share cigarettes, giggling when his lips get stained with the end of Jay's lipstick. The two of them are curled up together in a bed in a hotel room WWE paid for, Jay rubbing Adam's cum off his chest with a wet rag, tucking him securely back into his ring gear and covering hickeys with foundation and bruise cream, smiling at each other in the reflection of a bathroom mirror.

No time has passed as the two of them sit together; Jay holding Cole up as he desperately searches for warmth in the curve of his neck. He smells like mint and rose water, his hair smells of tea tree oil and when he looks up at them with the round blue eyes, shimmering like the Devil's water, Jay remembers all the times together; gazing into each others eyes and drinking the waters of sinful lust like the two of them we're drowning, gasping in air And then she smiles, watches how Cole blinks slowly at them, pupils small and darting around the room when something rumbles outside, a bit too close to thunder.

"Its okay, there's no rain here, not yet." Jay promises, legs swinging slightly as he talks, watching from the corner of his eyes as Doctor Sampson prepares antiseptic wipes and yet another needle to sterilize the wounds. The room smells like antiseptic and trying his best, wraps his fingers between the gaps in Cole's hand, watches how he squeezes back and nods. "See-" He scrolls through his phone, flicks through the weather app and smiles. "It's just gonna be cold tonight, no rain."

"Okay.." Cole whispers, voice trailing into a whine as the needle pierces through his skin and the muscles around his arm tighten. "Will you stay with me?"

"Yeah…It'll be just like before."

Cole nods and Jay looks back up at the doctor, looking through the pamphlet that he gets handed. "A guide to wound care" and Jay barely helps the small chuckle that bubbles up their throat and out her mouth. "Thanks." Jay whispers, tucking the paper notes into his back pocket and slowly prizes Cole off their side. He whines ungratefully and Jay smiles a little softer. "C'mon let's go back to the hotel, we can get something to eat."

Cole's ears perk up a little at the idea of food and unsteadily he takes Jay's arm, letting the smaller male wrap it around his middle and with a small wave, the two of them exit the medical room.

It's not until the two of them stop at a red light, a few miles away from the hotel does Cole start acting weird; the pain is his head making his mind fuzzy, his mouth tastes weird and unnaturally sweet. There's a stinging in the back of his throat and a ring of pain dancing around his skull. His forehead knocks against the window, his breath fogging up the cold windows as he leans against them, staring at the back of Jay's head as they drive. "S'your turn to pay." He grumbles, staring at her from the rear view mirror and for a few seconds Jay's eyebrows crease.

They always used to share costs; Cole would pay one night, dramatically rolling his eyes as he tugs his credit card out from his back pocket and Jay would return the favor, stopping to pick up ice cream on the way home. The two of them would sit, faces illuminated by a flickering streetlight as they shared open mouthed kisses, sharing the different flavors of ice cream that stayed melted against their lips. They shared everything: food, clothes, spit and love. A long time ago their hearts would sing the same tune; Jay's a soft harmony to Cole's racing palpitations until the call of gold and fame stole Cole away like a siren and Jay could do nothing apart from watch as he wandered deeper into the seas of championships, learning how to push hate into the hole that Cole left behind.

The silence is deafening as the light above them turns green and Jay grips at the steering wheel, eyes focused on the road ahead of them. "Yeah whatever Cole '' The words have a playful edge and Cole's nose wrinkles up, shaking his head slowly against the window.

"I don't like that I have to share you." The words seem to slip out of Cole's mouth like an avalanche; quick and unpreparable. He spits them onto the mat of the rental car but they ring in Jay's ears, louder than any scream she's ever heard. She doesn't say anything- just stares at Cole in the reflection of the mirror and tries to keep a placid look on her face. Jay never minded the small amount of possession that came with allowing Adam Cole to wander around her heart, his handprints stung like antiseptic in a deep wound and Jay pretends that she isn't fascinated by what he means. She knows he loves Kenny and Adam, as much as they do but the words come out so quickly and so lisped. Jay almost thinks that he's jealous that they're two friends lost in a pile of romance.

The car behind them toots their horn, stuttering the heavy tension in the car; leaving it laying on the floor sharp and bright, highlighting Cole's words. He throws up when Jay opens the car door, tears wetting his face as he heaves, face red in embarrassment and Jay simply takes his hair and tucks stands around one another, a tight fake hair tie to keep the vomit out of Cole's hair. He runs his fingers across Cole's scalp and presses a kiss to the back of his head, wiping his mouth when Cole raises his head and stares up at a blinking light just outside the back entrance of the hotel.

"Just like before." He says, voice croaky and rough through the heavy intakes of breath and Jay chuckles dryly, using his sleeve to wipe across Cole's bottom lip. He shifts Cole around the pile of vomit, leaving him leaning against the wall for support as Jay unloads the car, tossing backpacks and duffle bags across his smaller frame and taking Cole's hand back into his and leads him slowly to check in. He spots other wrestlers around the hotel lobby; some sitting in groups at the bar, others sitting curled up in chairs as they wait for friends, Jay nods politely, feet carefully placed as the two of them walk.

The lady at the counter gives Cole a glare and Jay watches his eyebrows raise, bottom lip sticking out like he's swallowed something sour and she nudges him with her ankle. "We should have a room…under Adam Cole." Jay watches the lady type, sharp nails tapping against the keyboard in a way that makes Cole groan, eyes barely open under the bright lights of the room. "Yeah I know sweetie. We'll get ya into bed soon so you can rest."

"I'm sorry, I don't see a room under that name. Are you sure this is the right hotel?" The receptionist looks between the two of them, watches as Jay sends a look towards Cole who simply shrugs, staring off into space and Jay isn't really mad with him. Not really, he went through a hell of a match and now pain and medication and anesthetic work slowly through his bloodstream, making him feel fuzzy and his lips loose and his mind jump from place to place. "I can book you two a room together, we should have one couples suite left."

"Not a couple…" Cole grumbles, leaning more of his weight against the mahogany counter and Jay nods, pretending like he doesn't enjoy the feeling that comes from the two of them being considered a couple. "Were a long time ago…" Cole completes and the receptionist makes a sound, distracted and half focused as she slides two key cards over, nails tapping against them.

"You two enjoy your stay." The receptionist says, voice slightly distraunt. Jay spots her wiping down the counter as the two of them wait for the elevator and it takes everything in his system, not to walk back over there to complain. She more than likely thinks Cole's some kind of drunk, words slurred and eyes unfocused as he sways unsteadily on his feet, shoulder knocking into the side of Jay's temple. Jay wishes people understood their jobs a lot better. Jay wishes she understood Cole a lot better. Something about him had changed after the NXT title, after the return to the Elite. Something that Jay doesn't hate but doesn't like either; a weird cockiness, a desire that borders on addiction. He can't remember the last time Cole got stitches, the last time she remembered him this out of it.

Normally, Cole was always the stable one. The stronger one of the two, the one that Jay leaned against in medical rooms, holding their hand as a doctor pulls out thumbtacks from his back, stitches up wounds from barbed wire. Jay barely remembers where she got half her scars from but Cole does because in the elevator, he prods at the one on her neck with his hand and huffs. "barbed wire."

"Mhmm, ya yelled at me the entire car ride home after that dya remember?" Jay says, looking at their reflection in the mirrored walls. "You kissed it better….we kissed and then got screamed at by Hunter." Jay chuckles a little at the memory, watches as a blush dusts itself over Cole's cheeks high enough that the tips of his ears start to shimmer a soft pink and he nods, screwing his eyes shut.

"Yelled because you were mine." Cole whispers, listening to the toll of the elevator bell. "I was meant to protect you..but I let you go.." He's toying with his bottom lip, running his hands together. Anything to dispel the shaky edge to his words as he forces his eyes open, staring up at the floor counter. Cole feels a little like he;'s talking to his death, each floor is another sentence which is another step towards the end of his rekindled friendship with Jay. He doesn't know why he's spilling these emotions, letting them overflow out his mouth like melting snow, they taste funny in his mouth like stale energy drinks or the fresh coppery taste of blood. Jay's staring at him just as confused. Cole can feel their eyes, softly pinched at the corners in confusion as he speaks.

He tries to breathe, easy and slow but the words keep coming. "I'm starting to feel jealous when I see you with other people." he admits, words quiet enough that they're hidden by the screaming of the elevator doors and the sound of a suitcase being wheeled down the thick carpet. Part of him is okay with that; the words float away in the still air, yet another confession Cole whispers to the stars.

Jay looks over his shoulder, short red curls highlighting their mult-coloured eyes and Cole swallows, drinking in the warm soft land of green and the warm endless pool of blue. His first step out of the elevator is uncoordinated and sends his tired limbs tumbling into the carpet. He winces, swears under his breath and under the fog of dizziness, gazes up as Jay takes his hand and slowly pulls him back to his feet. "Be careful Cole, I'll clean them when we get to our hotel room."

"Ours?" Cole parrots, tongue suddenly heavy in his mouth. Theirs. The two of them are sharing a room, sharing a bed..the two of them are together. People think they're together. He smiles, ignores the stinging in his knees and lets Jay lead him down the hall towards their hotel room, heart almost giddy against his ribs as the door pops open and the light flicks on, stinging the back of Coles eye's but for the first time in a while, the pain doesn't matter.

The only thing that matters is Jay being next to him again. The bags are dropped unceremoniously onto the floor beside the bed and Jay kicks his boots off, tucking them neatly beside the front door of their hotel room; its roomy and Cole perches dizzily on the edge of the bed, feeling the swings wrap around his sore thighs and he smiles, watching Jay check the bathroom mirror. "Its okay, the bath isn't very big…but ya should be able to fit…do you need help?" Cole touches his own shoulder with his burned palm and winces.

"Y-you tied my hair back…Thank you.." He whispers when he catches his reflection in the bathroom mirror; strands of brown hair fanning out around his pale face. Cole thinks he looks tired, he knows Jay looks stunning as she comes up behind him, hands slow as she takes his shirt off and steers his face away from his reflection. The sound he makes is questioning, head tilting slightly as Jay smiles.

"You never used to like your reflection before you showered, only ever in your phone screen." Jay whispers and something deep inside Cole's heart feels like it's come undone; he remembers old hotel mirrors stained with soap scum so Cole didn't have to stare at the face of a man, he still has some of the filters on his phone, hidden away with his emails, pictures locked in secret folders; ones where a machine places makeup across his lips and widens his eyes so Cole feels seen in the feminine curl of the robotic hair. Jay's hands are cold against his hips and it startles him away from the thoughts and the guilt that now lays heavy at the bottom of his stomach.

"We've done this a few times hm?" He tries to joke as Jay untangles his belt and slides his zipper down, eyes focused on the running water that fills the tub. He wishes she would look at him as she sits him down on the edge of the tub, sliding his jeans off to toss them with his shirt on the floor. He almost desires Jay to look at him as he slides off his own boxers and sinks into the warm water.

Swallowing Jay washes the blood off his palms, runs his fingers slowly across the bend of Cole's knees and soon pain disappears, leaving only tiredness and safety in Cole's trembling frame. The water turns a soft pink and Jay reaches over Cole to pull the plug out. The water leaves him exposed and Jay politely turns his back, listening to Cole's unsteady footsteps as he steps out the bath. They watch him brush his teeth, toothpaste bubbles running over his chin and she smiles, rubbing them away. "Let's get you to bed, you look tired."

In the bedroom, Jay pulls an oversized shirt over Cole's head, runs a brush slowly through his hair, following the twists of his drying hair with his fingers. She replaces the bandaid on Cole's forehead and maybe it's the smell of his skin, freshly-washed and still warm or maybe it's the fact that Cole edges closer, Jay presses a kiss against the fabric, smiles when Cole's eyelashes flutter against his chin and he's slow to pull away, twirling a strand of hair around their finger. "you look wonderful…" Cole whispers, voice thickening with sleep as he watches Jay slide boxers up his thin legs, carefully rubbing an unnaturally warm palm against a bruise, almost like she's trying to fix him, to comfort him. The pillows wrap around Cole's painful head and the heavy blankets lull his body closer to tiredness before the light bulbs above him are fully darkened.

"Hey Jaybird?" Cole whispers, following the outline of Jay's small in the darkness. He stares into the flames of the lighter and when Jay opens a window and blows smoke into the cold air outside, Cole can barely keep his eyes open.

"Yeah Cole?"

"Adam's a real lucky fella." Cole yawns, stares Jay in the face as she's highlighted by the streets below, glowing in the warm blue light of midnight. "I love you." He admits. And it's the last thing Cole admits to the stars.

Jay watches Cole's chest even out, lips parted wide enough the cigarette goes tumbling from his painted lips into the world below them. Part of Jay's mind rejects Cole's confession, pushes it away like a child refusing to eat vegetables whereas the other cradles it carefully between its hands like it's a little bird crying out for its mother. Jay swallows, feels their stomach knot up. They've let him into her heart before, allowing Adam Cole to carve himself into their soul, until her blood whispers her name against his veins. The two of them had loved each other in the back seats of cars and empty toilet stalls. They had loved each other in wrestling matches and in wounds.

They had loved and lost and stole and fought and Cole had stabbed Jay in the back, hard enough that sometimes the feeling floats through his skin again; the feeling of Cole's fist bumping into his shoulder as his hips rolled desperately up towards her mouth and Jay had asked, hands resting safely on his thighs why. Jay never got a reply, just heavy set blinks and Cole mumbling breathy pleas and Jay complied, letting the knife sit in his back as he continued to fight, to age, to grow, to change. They had both changed, they had both lost and earned and changed. They had loved enough to be changed..

Jay rolls his shoulder as he closes the window, quiet enough not to wake Cole up. She can still feel the knife sitting against her shoulder blade, skin grown over the blade and holding it sharply in place, it barely hurts anymore as Jay wanders around the hotel room, folding up Cole's ring gear, sorting out the suitcases. The night wears on, the early morning sun brings a chill and Jay breathes in the cold air, tasting Cole's confession still on his lips. He gets off the couch, throws his phone face down onto the chair before slowly wandering towards the bed.

Cole's still fast asleep, blissfully unaware of the confession or the heaviness of the words that he had said hours ago. Jay smiles, traces the outline of his jaw with her fingers and nods, she can love him again.

Maybe she never stopped. The blankets are soft against Jay's stubbled legs when he tucks himself neatly opposite Cole, staring at the dents of his spine and the twist of his hair around his shoulders. Slowly she trails a finger across his spine, feeling his vertebrae pop slowly into place as Cole hunts for warmth, tucking himself under her chin. She looks down at him, one arm pinned under Cole's chest, the other on his cheek.

"Yeah…" She whispers, lips barely brushing against Cole's temple as he worms closer towards his side. Jay follows the way Cole tucks his leg between theirs under the blankets. They fit together so well, the walls pushed down until it's just the two of them, laying together in each other's arms again. Jay leaves his hearing aids on the bedside table, rests his chin on the crown of Cole's head and whispers. "yeah…you are lucky…"

In his sleep, Cole smiles and slowly runs his hand across Jay's shoulder.

The pain disappears and for the first time in a while, Jay feels like he can sleep soundly. In the morning, Jay feels Cole's lips brush against his shoulder and feels the words mouthed against the bone poking against his lips.

"I'm sorry…It won't be like before."

Neither one of them talk about the confession, just let themselves love. Kenny and Adam never ask about it, the two of them just share a knowing smile and wrap their arms around the two of them, letting Wheeler tuck his head into the back of Adam's neck; five people tangled together, hearts singing one continuous melody of true unbreaking love.

taglist: @allelitesmut @homoeroticgrappling @dustinslovehandles @paradoxunknown @katries @mrsmatt @echoxshxrx @malewifemoxley @kass-the-kitten @itsnoosetome @racerchix21 @jacedoe @chuckstaylors @old-no7 @thekadster @mandiableclaw @tahiri-veyla

#mouse writes #oc: jay orton #ship: jay and cole #otp: bluejays and blowjobs #ao3

[shadowbunnydragon]

Here is a special peek into an alternate universe! One where everyone's gender is swapped! It was a lot of fun and kinda a trip to go back and rewrite previous parts of the story. I hope you all like it!

And, I hope you all like the picture WastedTimeEE drew of Marigold (the female version of Marcus) in a family photo with her mom and dad, Zelda (Zach's female alternate version) and Varun (Vanna's male form)! It came out just so gosh dang cute and sweet! You can find it here on my SoFurry page in the link below! You can also find it on Wasted's pages over there and on FurAffinity!

Found (Genderswapped Shenanigans)

By

ShadowBunnyDragon

"What's the matter, Puppy Love?" Don asked, the diminutive ram reaching up to take the large gray she-wolf's paw in his hooves. Vera looked down at her mate with a smile before letting out a sigh, her ears and tail drooping a bit.

"Sweet sawgrass, Honey Ram," she said, rubbing her temple with her free paw. "That last place... did ya see the way that guy was looking at us? Ya'd think we were drooling, snarling monsters the way he acted!"

"I know, Vera," Don said with a note of sadness in his voice, "that is to be expected. B-between us being a pred/prey couple... and my criminal history... adopting for us was never going to be easy." The ram looked down at his hooves, only to be swept up into a (near) bone crushing hug by his much larger mate.

"Honey Ram, ya've more than made up fer that. Yer a hero! Anyone who holds yer past against ya like this, ta this degree, is just bein' more stubborn than Ma can be." Don let out a surprised OOF, but recovered and started to rub his mate's arms with his hooves. "We're two mammals lookin' to give some pups a lovin' and stable home, and gettin' passed over like that... it just ain't right."

"I know, Puppy," Don said as he was set back down. He adjusted his tie and lime green sweater vest. Rather than a full suit and tie, Don had decided to dress more upscale casual, so as to leave a good impression. Vera was wearing a light blue sundress. Normally a bit more tomboyish, she too had decided that their chances would be helped by dressing up a bit. "I suppose we have no choice but to just keep pressing forward. If it's any consolation, this place seemed much more promising than the previous one when I booked our appointment. And that was after they had completed a full background check on us." Looking up at his mate, Don's heart skipped a beat when he saw the smile that grew on Vera's muzzle. He was reminded daily of just how much he loved this she-wolf. It had been five years since their tithe and the subsequent caprid ceremony, but they still acted like newlyweds.

"I really hope that there's a little pup and lamb in there that we can open our home to," Vera said, standing up straighter and smoothing out her dress.

"I'm sure we will!" Holding his hoof in her much larger paw, Vera and Don walked up the well-maintained sidewalk path, Vera spotting the sign on the manicured front lawn.

"Warm Hearts, Warm Hearth's Children's Center," she read aloud. The red brick building, not being too far from Little Rodentia, was itself a bit on the small side. From the children's drawings taped to the windows to how well-kept the property was, it gave off more of a cozy feeling, as opposed to the more austere feeling the last facility gave off. It was a very welcome contrast to the couple as they entered the front doorway.

"Welcome," said a male kangaroo with a kind smile as he entered the reception area, wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans. Out from a nearby doorway came the excited squeals and happy laughter of children. "How can I help you?"

"W-we're the Hunter-Bellwethers. I believe that we spoke on the phone?" Don said, adjusting his glasses.

"Ah yes," the kangaroo said, heading on over to his desk and motioning for the couple to sit down in the chairs opposite it. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter-Bellwether. I'm Adam Hopper, by the way, director here at Warm Hearts, Warm Hearths. You two are early, by the way."

"We're just that eager ta adopt," Vera said, still holding Don's hoof in her paw. She could feel him give her a reassuring squeeze.

"I like that," Adam said, "and if you two are here, then that means that you have been approved to adopt."

The wolf and ram could hardly believe their ears. They shared a look, both with excited grins on their faces, before looking back to Adam.

"That's wonderful news," Don said. Vera was silent, but her tail thumping her chair spoke volumes to her joy. It was then that Don spotted a small wire picture frame on the desk, containing a picture of the kangaroo before them and a tiger, both wearing white tuxedos, the latter nuzzling the former. Don had to stop himself from cooing at how precious the moment captured was, but Adam seemed to have noticed. There was a certain sparkle in his eye as he continued.

"My mate and I know how hard it can be for pred/prey couples to adopt. But I want to assure you both that you have nothing to worry about moving forward."

"Uhm," Don said, shifting a bit in his seat, "a-are you sure? I mean... y-you must know about my... past."

"Mr. Hunter-Bellwether," Adam said, taking note of how the she-wolf leaned down to hug her smaller mate, "everyone makes mistakes in their past. What is important is that you have not only been able to move past it, but even gone on to become a hero to the entire city, at great risk to yourself no less. I promise you, there is no problem here." Don and Vera both felt assured by that. "Now, moving on, you said on the phone that you would prefer children older than infants or toddlers?"

"Y-yes," Don said, feeling suddenly nervous again.

"We know that most couples tend ta adopt the really little ones more than the older pups," Vera explained, "so we were hopin' ta make a difference fer some pups more in the six ta nine age-range."

"Understandable, and you really will." Adam smiled again, quickly getting back to business. "Now, you also expressed a desire to adopt a wolf and a sheep? May I ask why that is?"

"W-well, we felt that it would probably help us to connect with them and better guide them through certain things and instincts in life. L-like the headbutting phase," Don said with a blush. He received a kiss to his forehead from Vera.

"And o'course, the howling urges," the she-wolf said simply. "But we'll still happily adopt outside our species, so it's not a dealbreaker."

"Absolutely! We just want to be parents!" Don chimed in.

Adam chuckled at that. "That's good to hear," he said, pulling out a file from his desk and opening it. He grabbed a photo and passed it to the couple. "As it just so happens, we have a trio that fits what you're looking for almost perfectly." The ram and she-wolf looked down at the photo to see three young mammals, smiling and hugging in a pose for the camera. One was a black wolf pup, wearing a yellow t-shirt and blue shorts, with bright yellow eyes. Then there was a little black-wooled ewe, in a yellow sundress. And sandwiched in between the two was... a largely furless mammal. He, as Don presumed the child was a boy, was wearing a similar shirt and shorts to the wolf pup. He had a shaggy patch of chestnut brown fur atop his head, but based on the rest of his face and arms and legs, he looked like he was otherwise devoid of any fur.

"This cute little trio think of each other as siblings, and have refused to be separated. The oldest, the little wolf boy, is Alex. He's eight. Tiffany, a sweetheart, is the ewe, and she's seven. And there in the middle is little Leon. He's six."

"Oh my... well, we only discussed having two lambs... but I don't think that three would be a problem, Puppy?" Don looked up at his mate, who was looking between him and the picture. Her tail was still wagging.

"True... three is a bigger commitment than two already was... but I ain't gunna go separatin' siblings from one another, even ones not related by blood. Though, I gotta ask, what species is little Leon? Don't get me wrong, he seems just as adorable as his brother and sister. I just never saw one of... whatever he is before," Vera said.

Adam began to rub the back of his head, looking uncomfortable. "Well, that's the thing. We don't know. We even had a sample of his DNA tested, but all we got back was an Unknown. And he doesn't match any kind of species on any registry we've been able to find. So... he's still an unknown species. And all we have to go on is that he was picked up from the streets at around age three or four."

"Oh," Don said, looking down at the picture again. "The poor little guy. He must've been so scared!"

Vera frowned at the thought of a child that young being all alone without anyone to take care of them, and let out a small whine. "Not knowin' what his species is might make it a bit harder ta relate ta him or some of the things his species goes through as they get older... but whatever he is. He and his brother and sister are more than welcome ta join our little pack... if'n they want. Right, Ramchop?"

Don looked up at his mate and, hopping up in his seat, he reached up to kiss his she-wolf on her nose.

"Of course, Puppy," Don said, handing back the photo to Adam, who kept in a snicker at how cute the couple across from him was together.

"Well, in that case, how about we introduce you two to them, and move on from there?" With an enthusiastic assent from the couple, Adam got up and led them through a short hallway into a room with some couches in it. Vera and Don took a seat on a maroon leather couch across from a navy blue one and waited while the kangaroo exited to go and get the children. Adam returned shortly afterwards, herding three young mammals into the room. Right away, Don and Vera noticed how Alex, who was wearing a red shirt with black shorts, was placing himself in front of the other two protectively, looking over at the two strange mammals with determined yellow eyes. Tiffany, who was wearing a blue dress similar to Vera's with a matching bow on her head floof, and Leon, who was in a green shirt and blue shorts, were both looking over his shoulder, soft hazel and curious deep blue respectively. Leon, despite being the youngest, seemed to be taller than his brother and sister, and was hugging a green stuffed dragon to his chest. Nervously, the three walked to the other couch and took a seat on it, huddling close together. Don and Vera both had to hold back a coo at the cuteness.

"Alex, Tiffany, Leon, this is Mr. and Mrs. Hunter-Bellwether; what do we say when we meet new people?" Adam asked in a gentle voice.

"H-hi," Tiffany spoke first. This was chorused by Leon and Alex.

"Hi there, pups!" Vera said, excited. Her tail was making a thumping sound against the couch where she sat, and that made Leon and Tiffany giggle. Alex turned to look at his siblings, before looking back at the strange couple before them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you three," Don said, beaming at the little lambs. After the initial introductions, the conversation continued, albeit a bit awkwardly at first. Don and Vera learned that Alex loved soccer, Tiffany enjoyed writing, and Leon liked to draw and explore.

"Are you going to adopt us?" Tiffany asked, putting a hoof around Leon and pulling him into a side hug. "'Cause Leon's our baby brother, and where we go, he comes with." The little ewe was polite, but very firm in her statement. Adam looked shocked and a little worriedly at Don and Vera, who both seemed to be holding back chuckles at the brave little lamb.

"Well, if y'all three don't mind the idea of us becommin' yer parents, we really would like ta adopt all three of ya," Vera said. At that, the pups seemed to relax a bit.

"You three do deserve to know that... because we're a predator and prey couple, we sometimes receive harassment for it. And... well, we just wanted to make sure you knew that, before deciding if you would like to come home with us." Don suddenly realized just how nervous he felt at that moment. Vera took his hoof in her paw and gave it another reassuring squeeze. The children huddled together on the couch, whispering to each other. Vera's ears twitched as she heard Leon's voice lightly drift over as he said "I think they're nice." Seeming to have reached a consensus, the three broke apart the huddle and, with Alex acting as the spokemammal for their group, he cleared his throat.

"... So long as me, my brother, and my sister can all stay together... then yes," Alex said, starting off sounding confident and strong, but his voice breaking a little at the end there, his little tail tucking itself as his ears started to droop a bit. Vera felt an urge to go over and give the pup a hug, but restrained herself. Instead, she and Don excitedly grinned and spoke with the children for almost another half an hour. When it was time for them to go, Adam led the children away, returning to see the couple out, and assure them that from that point onward, the adoption process was going to be much quicker. In a few more days, the couple would be able to take their children home with them. Walking back out and towards the minivan they had gotten, the she-wolf stopped and swept her mate up into another hug, which he was of course happy to return.

"This is really happening, Honey Ram," Vera said "it's like a dream!"

"I know, Puppy," Don said, suddenly finding himself sitting on Vera's shoulder. He let out an involuntary laugh-bleat. "We're about to become parents! Oh! There is so much we need to do now!"

"I know, darlin'! We gotta start clearin' out a third room, and triple check that the house is safe fer pups. And then we should probably hit up a toy store or two, and we'll need ta get a third bed for Leon, and then--" Vera was cut off by Don grabbing her head and turning it towards him. His lips met hers, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around him. Breaking apart, she felt a bit calmer, although her tail felt like it might just go ahead and break off from how hard it was wagging.

"Y'know, Honey Ram," Vera said as they continued to their car, now a husky tone to her voice, "when we get home, just because we're adoptin', that doesn't mean we can't try the old fashioned way to have yet another pup runnin' around with the three we're already gettin'." As the two buckled up, with Vera in the driver's seat, she leaned over and began to nuzzle the now-blushing Don, who had to remove his fogged-up glasses.

"I do believe that you make a very valid point, Puppy Love," he said, turning to look up at his mate with love and adoration in his eyes, that were mirrored in the bright green ones looking back at him. The two shared another kiss just as Vera turned the key in the ignition.

* * *

"Thankfully she was brought in when she was. The injury to the leg was beginning to show signs of infection," Doctor Catson said, adjusting her glasses as she looked up at Doreen. The lynx was consulting a chart, a slight frown on her muzzle. "If she had been out there much longer, she'd be potentially looking at a major infection. Which, when considering how malnourished she is, and her living conditions..." she trailed off, not needing to spell it out to the law she-wolf.

"Accordin' to my daughter and her mate, the two did some poking around the areas they believed she was livin'. Apparently she's been living off of foragin' and creek water, and some kinda canned foods. Sleepin' outside, I'm surprised she didn't get pneumonia, considerin' how wet and cold it's been lately."

"It's a miracle she was found when she was... but there's something else." Doctor Catson's small frown was now much more pronounced. This made Doreen pause.

"What is it, Layla?"

"Based... on her behavior, as well as some physical scarring, I believe that she had been subjected to physical abuse," the lynx said, her ears drooping.

Doreen grimaced but nodded, having had a similar thought based on how terrified the girl had been. Not to mention how she jumped from even the slightest noise or whenever someone spoke.

"Ya mentioned scarring?"

Layla nodded, shuffling her documents a bit, holding out a couple of photos to the white she-wolf. Doreen looked them over.

"There's scarring on the backs of her paws, but those pale in comparison to the ones on her back."

Doreen saw for herself in the picture, the small series of faded pink lines going down the backs of the child's paws. It was when she looked at the photo of her back that caused Doreen to wince, and even let out a whine. The child's back was a crisscross network of much larger, more fervent-looking scars that were much more pronounced, and nearly covered the entirety of her back. Doreen handed the photos back, a sick feeling in her gut.

"Know what coulda done something like that?" Doreen asked, a few ideas of her own in the back of her mind.

"Well, a knife or even a claw is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. However, it is in my opinion that the injuries to her back were caused by a whip."

Doreen winced again, the idea of those having been scars from a whip having been a theory that she was hoping had not been the case. After confirming that Child Services had been contacted, Doreen started to head towards the room that the mystery mammal was in, an idea beginning to take root in her mind. She quietly opened the door, entering with a practiced warm smile on her muzzle, taking slow and deliberate steps so as not to spook her.

"Now, Pup," Doreen said as she settled into the chair by the hospital bed. She looked at the older mystery mammal, who sat there in a hospital gown, hugging her knees to her chest. She looked upon the older law she-wolf with blue eyes filled with worry and fear. Doreen tok some solace in the fact that the girl was no longer shivering. "How about we start with somethin' simple, like yer name?"

"M-my name?" the young girl asked, scooting a little bit away on the bed, looking confused.

"Yep. Mine's Doreen." She gave what she hoped was a comforting smile.

"U-uh..." The girl looked away as she started to speak, now trying to make her voice sound deeper. "M-Marcus."

Doreen sighed and shook her head, internally muttering something about Pups not being good at lying. "Sorry, Pup, but yer gunna have ta do better than that."

Flinching a little, the furless mammal looked to be mulling it over. "Uh... I m-meant to say... my name's Eli?" Doreen just looked at her with an unamused, half-lidded stare. "B-Barry," she squeaked out, the falsetto now gone. After a moment of silence, she hanged her head, realizing the jig was up, and looked Doreen in the eyes. "M-my name is a-actually... Marigold."

Doreen's tail started to wag as her frown broke into a happy smile. "See? That wasn't so hard, now was it?"

"... I g-guess not," Marigold said, gulping audibly.

"Now, mind tellin' me why you tried ta claim y'all were a boy?"

"... B-because p-people always said b-bad things happen to girls when they go into the 'system'," Marigold said.

"I promise that nothin's gunna happen ta ya so long as I'm around, Miss Marigold. Ya can count on that," Doreen said with a wag of her tail. "Now, how old are ya?"

"... 18."

Doreen sighed and just silently sat there, staring at the girl. Marigold fidgeted and squirmed before sighing.

"I j-just turned 12," she said, now a look of pleading in her eyes. "P-please don't p-put me in the system! I can take care of myself!"

"Oh, can ya now?" Doreen asked, pointedly looking to the bandage wrapped around the girl's calf. "'Cause according ta the doctor, that little injury there was close ta becomin' infected. And also, from the tests they ran, yer pretty underweight. How long were you out in the woods?"

"Uh... m-maybe a month?"

"And ya were by yerself that whole time?"

Marigold just nodded silently at that, a couple silent tears streaming down her pale cheeks. The sight hurt the she-wolf's heart. Looking at the vulnerable, frightened young girl sitting there, Doreen couldn't help thinking about her own girls. The idea of any one of them, being left alone at such a young age, to fend for themselves in the wilderness, made Doreen want to howl in anger and sorrow.

"Where are yer parents?" Doreen asked. Seeing how the girl began to hyperventilate at that question, once she calmed back down, the she-wolf decided to hold off on questioning further in that area for the time being. Noticing how the girl kept nodding off, Doreen smiled.

"Ya know, yer not the first of yer species I've encountered," Doreen said, taking note of the look of worry in the girl's eyes.

"I-I'm not?"

"Nope. My daughter and her mate actually adopted a group of pups not too long ago, and the youngest, my little grandson Leon, is one of yer species. And he's just the sweetest little guy. But the thing of it is... he doesn't know what yer species is called, and no one we've been askin' seems to have encountered anyone like y'all before either. So I was wonderin' iffin' you could tell me what yer species' name is?"

"... H-human," Marigold said in a faint voice, looking very confused.

"Uman? Mind spellin' that fer me?" Marigold did, after stifling a yawn.

"Okay, you've answered enough questions so far, missy. Right now it looks ta me like you could use some shuteye," Doreen said. While her mate Addy was the more emotional and nurturing of their tithing, she still had mothering skills she had developed after raising seven pups. The older she-wolf gently took the blanket and pulled it up over Marigold. The furless young mammal seemed surprised at first, before letting out a big yawn and laying down.

"Uhm... th-thank you, sheriff," Marigold said in a sleepy voice.

"Yer welcome, Marigold. Now, we'll be nearby if ya need us. I promise, ya ain't gunna be alone anymore," Doreen said softly as she exited the room. Walking out into the waiting area, she had to hold back a snort. She saw Yuki sitting with her arms crossed, looking annoyed, with a large quartz crystal sitting on her head. Right next to her was Undine, who was slowly waving another, smaller crystal, looking like an amethyst, around Yuki's head.

"This will align your chakras and help alleviate some of that stress I am sensing coming off you, Yuke." Doreen held back a chuckle at the sight of her daughters, the two younger black she-wolves oblivious to their mother's amusement. It was while looking around that Doreen spotted just the russet-and gray-colored she-wolf she was looking for, currently talking on her phone.

"Zelda," Doreen said, getting her attention. Zelda saw that her mother was motioning for her to follow, so she made quick work of hanging up and entering an empty room right behind Doreen. With the door closed, the white wolf looked upon her daughter with a smile on her muzzle.

"So what's happenin' with the girl, Ma?" Zelda asked.

"Well, that's what I wanted ta talk to ya about, Hun," Doreen started, a sly smile on her muzzle. "See, as ya can tell, she's had a bit of a rough go o' thangs, and is now all alone. And I personally hate the idea of her just goin' ta some foster home where she will be the only known member of her species. And, what's more, Vera and Don haven't been able to uncover any information about Leon's species, so it wouldn't really be a benefit fer anyone fer the poor gal ta just be shipped off to who knows where and surrounded by strangers. At least here we've been able to build a rapport..."

At that, Zelda's ears perked up and her tail started to wag. "So you and Pa are gunna take her in!"

Doreen chuckled at that. "Well, I'm sure Addy would be more than happy ta. But, we're makin' some... alterations at the ranch."

"So Don and Vera then?"

"I'd be willin' ta bet good money that they'd be willin' ta as well, but with the new pups 'n all, they don't really got that much space..."

"But, then, who else? Yuki and Adamo have barely enough time fer themselves over in Seaotter, and... wait a sec, Ma. Hold the phone!"

"What? You and Varun have that big 'ol house all ta yerselves, plus I know that Addy would just love to have another grandpup nearby ta dote on and spoil."

"Yeah, but," Zelda said, now looking thoughtful.

"Plus she's gunna need some stability with a good, permanent home. And you and Varun said ya were both talkin' 'bout adoptin'."

"... I'll have ta talk with Varun about this first," Zelda said, sounding like her mind was elsewhere, her tail starting to wag. Doreen bit down on a smirk, knowing that her daughter had already been sold on the idea.

"Absolutely! You go on and think what I said over and talk to yer mate." Doreen watched Zelda head out the door to look for the large tiger, and waited until she was out of earshot before pulling out her phone. Tapping on it, she dialed up a number. The other end rang a few times before it was picked up.

"Hey, Xena, I'm so sorry, Sweetheart, I know ya and Melly are enjoyin' some much needed R and R, but Zelda and Varun really need yer help right now. See, they decided ta become foster parents. Yes, that's right, the pup we found in the woods."

Elsewhere in the hospital, Zelda had found her mate sitting with the other Hunter boys (as they like to call themselves), with Tarin having been sitting on his head. Seeing his mate wanting a word alone, he had plucked the black-furred fox tod off his head, and instead deposited the small canid onto the head of a certain hyena.

"Hey! My head ain't no jungle-gym!" Adamo barked out in his Barx accent. Varun chuckled as he walked off so he and Zelda could speak. Of all the things he had been expecting, what came out of his she-wolf's mouth was not one of them.

"You want us to become foster parents to that poor girl?" he asked, scratching his chin.

"I know it's sudden, but we need ta act now! She needs stability and Ma and Pa can't provide it 'cause... well, Ma didn't elaborate as ta why she and Pa can't do it, but the point still stands!"

"Hmm," Varun looked to be deep in thought as Zelda continued.

"Plus, Don and Vera need all the help they can get in understanding all they can about Leon's species. And on top of that we've both agreed that we want to adopt. Granted, we thought about getting a feline or a canid child, but I think we could provide an excellent home for her and--"

"I agree," Varun said, his deep and soft voice cutting off the she-wolf mid-explanation.

"... Huh?" Zelda was stunned.

Varun chuffed happily and smiled at his mate, his tail swishing as he wrapped his powerful arms around her waist, making her blush as he nuzzled the top of her head.

"I'll admit I'm a little nervous about becoming a father, even a foster father. But... I like the idea of opening our home to the poor girl. And with Mama and Papa Hunter being nearby, it's not like we would be truly on our own."

Zelda's tail became a blur of joy, fighting back the urge to howl in pure excitement. She had been warned twice before if she did so in the hospital again that she would be given a fine. "I know we're probably gunna have ta take it slow... but I'm just so excited at the idea! Us, having a daughter!" The two shared a long and passionate kiss.

* * *

Morning sunlight cascaded through the bedroom window, bathing everything it touched in a warm golden glow. This included the cuddled up forms of Vera and Don, the former of which was practically encircling the latter with her body. Slowly, the two began to stir. Don's eyes fluttered open as he buried his face in his mate's neck ruff, while Vera affectionately nuzzled his head floof.

"Mornin', Floofy," Vera said with a smile, her tail thumping the bed.

"Good morning, Puppy," Don replied with a yawn and a smile.

Vera looked her mate over as she stretched a little. "Ya had the dream again, didn't'cha?"

The ram winced and nodded. "Y-yes, but instead of it just being Diana and my m-mother, there were also what I think my subconscious decided were what adult humans looked like for my dream. Only instead of looking more like Marigold or just a taller Leon, they had long gangly arms with many different joints, and could unhinge their jaws. And they kept trying to take Leon away with them." Don shuddered at the memory of the dream, feeling comfort from Vera gently pulling him closer.

"Hey, now, that's never gunna happen, Darlin'," Vera said, looking Don in the eye. "Leon, just like his brother and sister, is our pup, and no one is gunna take any of them from us."

"I know, Puppy Love... but a part of me just can't stop worrying."

"That's just you being a good dad." Vera smiled and kissed her ram on his nose, making him blush and let out a happy bleat. Don snickered and reached up into Vera's ruff, easily finding the spot he was looking for and scratching it. Vera's right leg immediately started to twitch as her tongue lolled out and she rolled over, unable to stop herself. Don stopped when he heard some giggling coming from their bedroom door. Vera's ears twitching at the sound, the two turned to look and saw their children poking their heads through, only to suddenly dart back out having been caught.

"Am I correct to believe that some little lambs decided to peek in on Mommy and Daddy this morning?" Don called out with a smile on his muzzle. There were some giggles outside the door, before the children apparently composed themselves, and opened it properly. In they came, with Alex in the lead carrying a tray with food on it, followed close behind by Tiffany, who was cuddling her new wolf plush named Mrs. Sniffy, and Leon, who was carrying a relaxing Sir Callibrie in his arms, the little lizard looking about and letting out a content chirp. The children were still all in their pj's, Alex in his soccer-themed pajamas, Tiffany in her yellow nightgown, and Leon wearing his much-too-large for him black Samurai Snakes t-shirt over gray pajama bottoms.

"Happy birthday, Daddy!" the little human boy called out in excitement.

"Uh... w-we thought you might like breakfast in bed?" Alex said, looking away and trying to sound casual, but his perked up ears and slowly wagging tail were a dead giveaway for his anticipation. Don let out a coo at the cuteness before him as Vera chuckled and the two disentangled to allow the children to approach.

"Well now, that sounds so thoughtful," the ram said, grabbing his glasses from the bedside table and putting them on. Alex carefully, but quickly walked over to set the tray down in front of Don. "Now, what do we have here? Oh! Why, is that a fruit salad I spy?" Seeing Alex blush beneath his dark fur while looking away was a dead giveaway to Don. "Do I have you to thank for this thoughtful and tasty-looking salad, Alex?"

"Uh... w-well... yeah," Alex smiled as Don took a few bits of the cubed honeydew and mango, popping a strawberry in his mouth as well.

"It's delicious, thank you, Alex," Don said, leaning over and pulling his oldest son into a hug. The young wolf let out a surprised yip, but was quick to return the hug, now blushing more.

"And what's this little treat here?" Vera asked, pointing to two pieces of toast that appeared to have some kind of black frosting spread over them, with a white face drawn on, and plenty of black and white and purple sprinkles.

"I made Pirate Toast!" Leon said proudly, setting a squirming Sir Callibrie down on the bed, who darted over to Dawn and up his arm, coming to rest on his head floof, curling up to relax once again.

"Pirate Toast? Now that sounds adventurous," Don said, picking up a slice. "Did you design them to look like little pirate flags?" He smiled when Leon proudly nodded. "You are such a little artist! They look just like the real thing... only toastier!" That got a giggle from the lambs.

"I used the vanilla cake frosting I found in the cupboard, and didja know that if you mix the red, green, and blue food colorings together in it, it turns black?"

"I certainly didn't," Vera said, scooping Leon and Tiffany into her arms and setting them on her lap, her tail thumping. "What else is in it?"

"Well, I also added some sprinkles I found," Leon said as Don took a big bite of his toast, "and some red glitter!" Don froze at that, immediately feeling the tiny pieces of decorative plastic in his mouth. Vera looked to be holding back a snicker while Don continued to chew his bite, giving it a swallow while Leon looked on with joy in his eyes.

"Ah, so you did. Well... that is truly delicious, buddy, thank you." Don was quick to grab the glass of cloudy dark liquid and take a sip. It had a sweet, citrusy taste to it. "Oh my, this is lovely. What is this juice?"

"I made you Outer Space Juice, Daddy!" Tiffany squeaked.

"Now what's all in Outer Space Juice, sweetie-pie?" Vera asked, looking down at the ewe in her lap. Tiffany gazed back up at her mother with a bright smile.

"It's cranberry juice with the powdered orange drink for Astronauts mixed in! Though I wanted to pour some Deep Space Cocoa Spheres in, Alex said not to." Tiffany was very matter-of-factly about her response, letting out a giggle when Vera gave both her and her little brother a loving squeeze.

"We can make some more juice and fruit salads and pirate toast for everybody," Leon chimed in, prompting Vera to stand up, setting the two of her younger pups on her shoulders.

"Why don't I come down and help y'all with that, honey?"

"'Kay, Mommy!" Leon reached over and wrapped his little arms around her neck. The she-wolf's tail started to wag while she looked at her mate and gave him a wink. Don looked relieved as, with Leon watching, he hesitantly took another bite of the pirate toast. With the younger lambs now out of the room and down the stairs, Don sighed with relief and let out a chuckle. He then looked over to Alex, who was shuffling uncomfortably on his paws.

"Something wrong, Alex?" Don asked.

"Uh... I guess while I was busy keeping the cereal out of the juice, I musta missed Leon getting the glitter... sorry," Alex said, only to find himself being hugged again.

"There's nothing to apologize for, son," Don said with a warm and gentle smile. "That was a lovely breakfast."

Down in the kitchen, Leon was in the middle of making up some more batches of pirate toast, with Vera 'making sure thangs ran smoothly'. When Leon wasn't looking, she grabbed the jar of glitter and dumped it down the sink drain.

"Aw, shucks, honey," Vera said, feigning disappointment. "It looks like we're all out of glitter."

"Awww! But pirate toast needs glitter!" Leon looked contemplative. "I guess I'll just have to borrow some of Tiffany's glitter glue in a little bit."

Vera left Leon at the counter and took the little ewe who had been mixing some more glasses of juice together aside, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Alright, darlin', I'll give ya five bucks if ya can hide the glitter glue in yer room from Leon."

"Why, Mommy?" Tiffany whispered back.

"Uh... th-there's a glitter shortage and we need ta preserve as much as we can?"

"I'm on it!" Tiffany said, quickly running off.

"Where'd Tiffany go?" Leon asked, looking up at Vera with wide blue eyes.

"Er... she went ta go see if she can get ya that glitter glue ya mentioned. But she thinks it might be lost."

"Oh no!" Leon whined in disappointment. Vera was quick to wrap a loving arm around his shoulders.

"It's okay, sugar-pie! Pirate toast can still be great even iffin' we're outta glitter of any kind." She kissed the top of his headfur, making her little boy giggle.

"Okay, Mommy!" And with that, Leon dove right back into it, using some of the frosting he had separated and not added any food coloring to it to draw the skull and crossbones on the toast.

* * *

The sun had just dipped below the horizon, the twilight slowly giving way to the growing dark. Varun sat leaning up against a tree, looking at the first twinkling stars beginning to show, letting out a contented sigh. The large tiger's ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps. His tail swished as he smiled at his mate sidling up next to him. Varun slipped an arm around Zelda's waist as she leaned into his powerful frame.

"Yer just so sweet with Marigold!" Zelda said, her tail a happy blur. "She looked like she was havin' a lot of fun playin' catch!" She thought back to how nervous their foster pup had been when they'd first brought her home, always walking on eggshells around the two of them. It had broken her heart how often the girl would flinch whenever someone spoke to her.

"It did seem to help her come out of her shell a bit," Varun chuckled. "I'm actually thinking about teaching her how to play baseball. We've got a bat in addition to the gloves."

"That's a wonderful idea!" Zelda felt like she could howl. "I just love havin' a little girl ta dote on and do Mother-Daughter thangs with!"

Varun chuckled. He had found Zelda's adoration of Marigold adorable, especially since the girl didn't seem to have had any positive female role models, at least based on how much she went out of her way to try and please Zelda. He had found that the girl had seemed especially nervous around him at first, though Varun had taken the initiative to help break the ice by playing some games with her. She had seemed very confused about how the Z-Box One worked as well as video games as a whole, but starting with a simple game of catch, he had found the young girl had started to open up.

"I never took you for much of a girly-girl," Varun teased, kissing Zelda's nose. She rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive paw.

"Oh hush. I'm just as feminine as the next gal. It's just that li'l Marigold desperately needs some TLC and somethin' we could both bond over."

"Like dress shopping?" Varun chuckled, taking note of the light green sundress his mate was wearing, and how it was a similar shade of green as their uniform shirts. Zelda just rolled her eyes.

"We were out in town today and I saw her lookin' in the display windows. 'Course I took her inside so we could find somethin' she'd like... the fact that she and I got matchin' dresses, the exception bein' hers needed to be tailored a bit so that it didn't have a tail hole in the back, was just a happy coincidence." Zelda blushed a little, though her tail continued to wag. Varun let out a happy chuff, and held her tighter.

"Of course, my love," he said, looking around. "Where is Marigold, anyway?"

"Oh, she said she was feelin' a little worn from the day, what with goin' out with me, and then that cute little pie caper Leon went and solved," Zelda said with a slight giggle. "I still can't believe that Tarin tried to frame that cute li'l lizard of Leon's... or how well he figured it all out."

"Mama Doreen certainly seemed excited by his detective work."

"Don't let Vera hear ya say that," Zelda giggled, "she's so worried that Ma will try and push policin' on him that she's tryin' ta clamp down on anythang of the sort around her pups."

Varun looked off in the distance, stiffening suddenly. "Zelda, you said that Marigold was going to rest, correct?"

"Yeah, why darlin'?" Zelda asked, confused.

"Because I just saw her climbing out of her bedroom window with that little case in her arms, running off into the forest," Varun said simply.

"What?!" Zelda jerked around and, sure enough, she could just make out a figure running away from their house and deeper into the trees. Without a work, she grabbed her mate's paw, and started to drag him through the trees after them. "Somethin's gotta be wrong! And what if she hurts herself again like when we first found her?!"

"My love, please try and calm down, I'm sure that everything's fine," Varun said in an attempt to reassure his mate, but with a pit of worry forming in his own gut regardless. They stopped not too far from their house, near the edge of a small clearing with a stump near the center. Varun and Zelda were hiding behind a tree as Marigold was looking around, a worried expression on her face. She was still wearing the same green sundress from earlier, it taking on an ethereal glow in the fading twilight as the light of the full moon was beginning to shine. All around, fireflies were starting to take flight.

"We gotta be quiet, or else she'll hear us," Zelda said from where she was crouched.

"So whatcha think she's up to?" Tarin asked, poking his head up from a bush to Zelda's left.

"I'm not really sure yet, we just saw her runnin' off and... Tarin? What're ya doin' here?" Zelda asked, looking down at the black-furred fox tod who was smiling casually back up at her.

"I saw you both running off into the woods and decided ta see what was happening. I figured that it might be something fun."

Zelda rolled her eyes while Varun had to choke down a chuckle at the antics of his unofficial brother, as all the 'Hunter Boys' liked to think of themselves.

"Tarin, ya ain't s'posed ta be here, now git!" Zelda hissed.

"Who ain't s'posed ta be here?" Tyra asked. The arctic she-wolf scooped up her mate and set him on her shoulders.

"T-Tyra?!"

"What? I saw my cute little ball of fluff run off inta the woods, naturally I'd follow him," Tyra said as Tarin rested his head on hers.

"Sounds ta me like youse was thinkin' of maybe gettin' up ta somethin' naughty out here in da woods, away from where anybody could see or hear yas," Adamo said, stepping from behind a tree, the male hyena grinning with a toothpick in his mouth.

"Adamo?!" Zelda clapped a paw to her forehead. Removing it, she saw Yuki standing there, trying to look bored.

"We were makin' out when ya two started yappin' about Zelda bein' a girly-girl and then heard ya decide ta chase after Marigold," the black she-wolf growled as Adamo squeezed her side.

"Yeah, and we wanted ta make sure dat youse wasn't gunna go and invade that goil's proivacy," Adamo said, looking pointedly at Zelda, whol was wringing her paws.

"I thought that she might be tryin' ta run away or somethin'... I just wanted ta make sure she was safe! That's my puppy after all!" Zelda blushed, clearly flustered. Adamo pulled her into a hug to comfort her.

"She was probably drawn to this spot thanks to all the positive energies that emanate from it," Undine's voice could be heard up above. Looking up, everyone saw her sitting on a tree branch with Melvin laying in her lap.

"It is a pretty peaceful spot," the male honey badger said, looking up at the stars through the canopy. He was holding a bowl of popcorn in his claws.

"What, did a memo go out or somethin'?!" Zelda asked, exasperated.

"Now now, sweetie," Adrian said, inexplicably standing next to a very surprised Adamo and Yuki, with an embarrassed-looking Doreen standing next to her. "As it just so happens, this here spot is a favorite fer yer Ma and me fer our little picnics."

"Well, they start out as picnics," Doreen said, wrapping her arms around Adrian's waist, making the older gray wolf wag his tail and chuckle.

"Ma! We didn't need ta hear 'bout that!" Vera said from right next to Zelda, making the auburn she-wolf whip around. She saw Don perched on his mate's shoulders.

"Okay, is everyone we know here in the woods tonight?!" Zelda demanded. Right then, as if on cue, Gareth tumbled to the ground nearby, Winnie in his arms, Xena and Melanie tangled up in the gangly giraffe's legs.

"Oi! You two! What's the big idea about scamperin' in between me legs?!"

"It wasn't our fault that you didn't look where you were walking," Xena pointed out, adjusting her glasses. Standing up and brushing herself off, she reached down and scooped Melanie up into her arms, the two kissing. "Are you alright, Butterball?"

"I'm just fine, Fluffytail," Melanie said, putting her arms around her mate's neck, all the while Winnie was helping her own mate to his shakey hooves.

"No need to fret over me, love," Gareth said, leaning his head and neck down to smile at the she-wolf he was lucky to have found.

"Hey, that just seemed like a nasty fall, that's all," Winnie said, her tail swishing.

"Can y'all just keep it down! I'm amazed that Marigold hasn't heard all y'all!" Zelda quietly snapped. Everyone grew silent at that, and looked out into the clearing. Marigold was kneeling next to the stump, where she had set her case down on it and opened it. From inside, she pulled out a photograph.

"Hey, Ryan," they could hear the girl's soft voice float over on the gentle breeze. "I just... I remembered that today is... was... your birthday... and I just wanted to let you know that I'm keeping my promise." Her voice hitched a little, but she composed herself. "I'm still moving forward, b-big brother... I m-miss you so much." She wiped a tear from her cheek, before she stood up and pulled out a well-cared for violin from inside the case. She tested the strings to make sure they were in tune before taking a stance.

"Happy birthday, Ryan," she said, raising the bow to the strings. Then, she began to play. As the tune began to ring out gently in the clearing, sounding like a bouncy and fun folk tune, Marigold began to sway and twirl, spinning on her feet. As the music picked up the pace, but the tone became something more melancholic, Zelda realized that not only was Marigold skilled at playing her fiddle, but she also had some training in ballet. With each new song, the girl would dance and pirouette, leap and spin-turn, and perform other moves that Zelda didn't know the names of. She and the rest of the family watched, entranced and silent, at this little concert that the newest addition to their family was putting on, for her brother who, most of them guessed based on what they had overheard, was no longer alive. The full weight of what this moment must represent to her foster daughter suddenly hit Zelda, just as Marigold seemed to be slowing down in both the dancing and her playing.

"S-sweet sawgrass," Zelda said as Marigold seemed to be finishing on a long, mournful note. "W-we all can't let her know we saw this!"

"Truly a great invasion of her privacy," Xena mused, only to suddenly be pushed by Zelda.

"Enough musin', we gotta move, now," she barked as quietly as she could. Everyone started to head back the way they had all come, when there was a sudden loud CLICK. Turning, they all saw that Marigold had returned everything to her case and snapped the latch shut. She got up and proceeded to walk back to the house... which was in the same direction everyone in the family sans Vera and Don's pups were in at that moment. Scrambling, the Hunters and their mates ran through the trees and underbrush, avoiding the scant trail like the plague. Everyone darted around to the other side of Zelda and Varun's house. Varun stealthily peeked out from around the corner, watching as Marigold was looking all around, before trying to stealthily climb back in through her bedroom window. A few very loud thumps later, and she was back inside, none the wiser. Varun released the breath he had no idea he had been holding, all the while Zelda was making everyone swear that they wouldn't say a thing to Marigold about this.

"B-but," Undine whined, holding up her camera, "it was so in line with the natural energies of the clearing! Folks would be so energized and helped by seeing the video I took of it!

And here it is! The peek into the genderswapped AU of Found! I might do another in the future, but holy crap did this one take a bit of time! I hope everyone is having a great summer!

#zootopia #adoption #foundfamily #found #zootopia2electricboogaloo #human #genderswap