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lawgrain · 4 years

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Chocolate Strawberries

Hiii! Sooo this fic is actually a request but that almost feels to light of a word for it. It’s literally all @mizuraisu‘s idea! They asked me to sort of bring their head cannon to life and that’s what this is! So credit for the idea is soooo Izu and she deserves all the love for that! I hope you guys like how I wrote it <3

(Oh and I know that first part looks like it might go angsty. It’s not, it’s fluff)

Kirishima didn’t know when it started, but he liked Bakugou. He liked that Bakugou would drop whatever he was doing to help him with homework despite his grumbling. He liked that Bakugou would be endlessly grumpy if they accidentally kept him up past 8pm. He liked that Bakugou would sometimes bang on his wall in the morning just to make sure he was awake and getting ready for class.

Everything. He liked everything about Bakugou.

And Bakugou didn’t like him.

The worst part was, Kirishima had thought Bakugou liked him. Bakugou made him feel like it at least. He made Kirishima feel more confident and like he could be more than he was but that was before he saw it.

They had been in class one day and nothing special was going on. If anything it was a boring day. Present Mic was droning on about some obscure grammar thing that he had no chance of remembering and the class was all in various states of zoning out. Kirishima himself was staring towards the windows where Bakugou was and then it happened.

Kirishima didn’t know what prompted it but suddenly Midoriya was leaning forward in his chair, whispering in Bakugou’s ear. This alone brought Kirishima’s thoughts to a halt. Since when had those two been that close? And right as things seemed to be going back to normal with Midoriya away from Bakugou, Bakugou moved back towards Midoriya.

Stunned, Kirishima watched as Bakugou tilted his head back onto Midoriya's desk with a slight pout on his face. Then Midoriya took out a piece of candy from his bag, slipping it into Bakugou’s mouth.

That was it.

Just the small intimate moment that Kirishima never thought could happen, happened. Bakugou and Midoriya, two people he thought were barely friends, all of the sudden seemed to be more than friends. And Kirishima didn’t even know when that happened. He had no idea when it started or how he could’ve missed it but he did.

And that hurt.

It hurt a lot but they were still friends weren’t they? He still cared about Bakugou and maybe Bakugou didn’t reciprocate as much as he thought… But it was Bakugou. And Kirishima still couldn’t help liking everything about him.

It’s just now that “everything” had the exception of “liking Midoriya”. And Kirsishima couldn’t do a thing about it because who was he to tell Bakugou who to like.

The only problem is that left Kirishima in a gloomy state of doom and apparently his friends had all planned a movie night that night. Obviously that meant Bakugou would be there and so that meant that with Kirishima’s fresh turmoil, he’d still have to face his crush. But the world didn’t stop for him to wallow and apparently that meant that during the course of the movie night, Bakugou ended up with his head in Kirishima’s lap.

It was official Kirishima was going to die. He was going to die a very unmanly death all because he could not handle his crush laying on his lap.

But that’s exactly where Kirishima was in life right now as he tried to focus on the movie. And he couldn’t really focus now could he? Not when Bakugou kept making vague pouting faces at Kaminari. And just how adorable was that fact. Yet still, he couldn’t quite figure out why Bakugou was pouting in the first place. Kirishima made another mental effort to bring his attention away from Bakugou. And this time it worked until Bakugou started to lift his head up from Kirishima’s lap, drawing Kirishima's eyes back towards him. Kirishima watched yet again something unbelievable happen.

Bakugou had apparently lifted his hand to grab Kaminari’s wrist, stopping the electric boy's motions to and from the bowl of popcorn. With withering glare he spoke at Kaminari.

“Just give me a piece already,” Bakugou growled and then ate the popcorn from Kaminari’s fingers and licked them.

Oh god.

What?

All of the sudden everything went dark. Literally.

“What the fuck Pikachu!” Bakugou called amongst a chorus of their other friends also complaining.

“S-sorry,” Kaminari sounded dazed and shook.

Bakugou immediately responded in anger. “You fucking shocked me!”

“You just- the popcorn,” Kaminari's voice now embodied the desperation that Kirishima felt.

What just happened?

“Yeah, I wanted some goddamn popcorn. Now figure out how to get the shitty power back on.”

The rest of their friends, having no clue what just transpired, continued in kind. Sero got up and headed to find the dorms breaker panel to try and figure out if the could get the power back on. Meanwhile the girls were calling out to him, letting him know if there was any change in the power. Despite the dark, Kaminari and Kirishima stared at each other in disbelief.

Neither could compute what had just happened and both needed the other to confirm what they’d experience.

That’s when it hit him. Midoriya. He had done a similar thing to Midoriya and Kirishima had thought it meant that they were in a relationship. But what if it hadn’t? He had just done the same thing to Kaminari after all. And Kirishima knew they weren’t a thing.

But why on earth did Bakugou do that? Looking at Kaminari, Kirishima realized he should probably explain his findings to his classmate. After they fixed the power and finished their movie night, the two went to Kaminari’s room and Kirishima filled him in.

“He did what?” Kaminari asked at the end of his retelling of the events.

Kirishima nodded, “Same thing dude, but to Midoriya.”

“Midoriya?”

“I know.” It was just as bizarre to Kirishima as it was to Kaminari. If they weren’t actually dating, then why did that happen?

Suddenly Kaminari looked as if an idea had struck him, “Let’s try it again.”

“Try it- Try what again?” Kirishima asked in confusion.

“Giving him food,” Kaminari explained. “But you know, like actually feeding it to him like today.”

“Do you want him to kill us?”

Kaminari paused at that. They both knew if they crossed a line, they were dead. And this plan? It was a death wish.

Kaminari brightened again. “You should do it then, man!”

“No! How’s that fair?” Kirishima spluttered. Why should he be the one to be killed? It was Kami’s idea.

“Come on, you know he likes you best,” Kaminari whined and Kirishima blushed. “If anyone can do it you can.”

Kirishima thought about it. Bakugou probably wouldn’t kill him right? Like he might get mad but Kirishima could try and play it off as just offering Bakugou food. It couldn’t go that wrong. Plus if Midoriya and Kaminari could do it, surely Kirishima could too.

With that flimsy reasoning in mind, Kirishima agreed to the plan, much to the other boys delight. And at lunch the next day, he could feel Kaminari watching him in anticipation. He could also feel his heart pounding with nerves.

Could he really do this? Or was he really just going to die?

He had to be manly and just do it. Screw the consequences, he wanted answers. So without a word, Kirishima brought a grape towards Bakugou’s mouth and the table fell into a stunned silence as Bakugou opened his mouth to accept the fruit.

And fuck, Bakugou was adorable.

After eating the fruit, Bakugou adopted the most content look Kirishima had ever seen on him. His shoulders relaxed and he was far calmer than he usually ever was with the Bakusquad. Kirishima could feel his eyes were wide staring at Bakugou and Bakugou must have realized this too.

“What?” He asked and to everyone’s bewilderment, he didn’t even sound mad.

“Nothing,” Kirishima answered quickly before a thought occurred to him. “Would you like some more?”

Bakugou eyed the grapes and nodded. So for the rest of the lunch period, Kirishima would randomly feed Bakugou grapes and each time, he could feel his classmates' attention drawn to the action. Later that day, it was Ashido who led the confrontation.

“What was that?” She hissed. “Are you two dating now?”

And just like that, Kirishima explained his discovery for the second time. At the end of the story, his friends stared at him in an awed silence. It was Sero who finally broke the silence.

“Do you think he’d let us do that too?”

They all looked at each other. Would he? Would he let them all feed him different foods?

As it turned out, Bakugou would let them. The entire Bakusquad started giving the volatile teen treats throughout the day and it had an almost unexpected result. Bakugou, just like he had been when Kirishima fed him the grapes, became much more content throughout the days. Eventually the class started to take notice of the change and, while none of them asked about it directly, Kirishima could’ve sworn he saw Todoroki feed Bakugou some chocolates one day. On another occasion, Kaminari actually did adopt a death wish.

“What the FUCK WAS THAT YOU GRUBBY LITTLE POKEMON?” Kirishima was pretty sure the entire building heard Bakugou’s yell.

Kaminari snickered, “What? You like hot peppers.”

“Yeah, but not covered in fucking chocolate, you fucking moron!” Bakugou’s anger radiated from him. Kaminari was as good as dead.

That much was confirmed a few booms and a power outage later. Kaminari looked downright traumatized after snapping out of whey mode. And Bakugou…

Well Bakugou was sulking. A pout had once again found its way onto his face and if Kirishima didn’t value his life, he’d even say that Bakugou looked like a petulant child. Kirishima thought he might have an idea of what had put that look on his crush’s face. Later that night, Kirishima carried a bowl of chocolate strawberries to Bakugou’s room to try and test his theory.

Bakugou opened the door, took one look at the strawberries and opened his mouth.

Cute.

Kirishima put a strawberry in his mouth and was promptly let into Bakugou’s room. With that, Kirishima found themselves in a similar position as the day of the movie night. Bakugou’s head was placed in Kirishima’s lap and Kirishima was sat on top of Bakugou’s bed. The only difference was this time, Kirishima's fingers were carding through his spiky hair… And he was feeding Bakugou strawberries.

“Hey Bakugou,” Kirishima started in a soothing voice. “I’m sorry Kaminari didn’t give you the right food.”

“Dumbass Circuit Boy,” Bakugou grumbled.

Kirishima smiles at the pout on his face. “Feel better now that you got the strawberries?”

“Fuck off.”

Kirishima just gave Bakugou another strawberry, paying the comment no mind. Before he left that night to go back to his room, Bakugou stopped him with one last comment.

“Thanks.” Kirishima looked at Bakugou waiting for more. Bakugou continued, “For the strawberries. Now go to bed. I don’t want to have to yell at you to wake your shitty ass up in the morning.”

“Aww, Bakubro! You do care!”

“Get the fuck out.”

So manly.

After he left, Kirishima decided to do that again. He started taking random treats to Bakugou’s room and the other would let him in so they could either lounge around or eat while watching a movie. After a while, it almost became routine. During the day, everyone would give Bakugou random treats, they might hang out after classes, and in the evenings, Kirishima and Bakugou would just be together.

They didn’t ever do much but it was always special to Kirishima. It was enough just to exist around Bakugou and it seemed like Bakugou thought the same. At this point, the crush had long since graduated into love.

He loved everything about Bakugou. The way he’d fuss at people in a totally mom friend manner. The way his nose would crinkle at any candy flavors he didn’t like. The way he’d always make time for Kirishima so that they could talk or not talk and just be together.

He loved every single thing.

That’s why Kirishima was convinced Bakugou had just tried to kill him.

They’d been in the cafeteria and Jirou was primarily giving Bakugou snacks when it happened. Bakugou, instead of taking snacks from Jirou, turned to Kirishima and took his fries from him.

Except he took the fry that was halfway in his mouth.

And Kirishima was now dead. His heart was beating out of control and his eyes were wide open but he was still quantifiably dead. His brain had definitely stopped working and he couldn’t move because Bakugou had practically kissed him.

Bakugou kissed him.

Woah.

And worst of all he had no idea if it even counted. Judging by the looks they were getting, his classmates seemed to think so. Kirishima surely hoped that’s how Bakugou meant it at least. Upon the stares Bakugou felt the need to explain.

“I want fries instead, assholes. Stop staring like a bunch of idiots.”

With that command everyone went back to their business. And that left Kirishima confused. He decided it was finally time to man up and ask Bakugou where they stood. When that evening came, Kirishima marched his way towards Bakugou’s room with a bowl of strawberries in hand.

He was going to get some answers today.

Bakugou opened his door and smirked at the determined look on Kirishima’s face.

“Finally figure it out, Shitty Hair?” Bakugou asked with a challenge in his eyes.

“Huh?” Kirishima had not, in fact, ‘figured it out’.

Bakugou rolled his eyes. “I like you too moron. Wipe that stupid look off your face and give me strawberries.”

…

Kirishima got a boyfriend!

Later Bakugou told him that Kirishima had a ‘stupid cute look on his face’ and took a gamble that it meant that Kirishima was either going to tell him that he liked Bakugou, or ask if Bakugou liked him. And that he wanted to ‘skip the mushy shit’ and just ask. After that, they were an actual couple.

It had taken Kirishima a very short amount of time to realize that they were basically a couple before. In almost everything but title, they were together before they put a name to it. And months after they started dating, Kirishima finally asked the thing that had been bugging him.

“Hey Bakugou,” Bakugou looked up at Kirishima from where he stood. “How come you always eat food that we give you?”

“Because I’m hungry, idiot. I’ve always done that,” he said as if that were an explanation.

“But why?” Kirishima whined.

“Have you never seen any movies?” Bakugou smirked. “All rulers have their subjects feed them.”

...

His boyfriend was so goddamn manly.

End.

How’d you like it? Izu had asked me basically to do a story where Bakugou had just always been fed food throughout life (as in everyone did it) because he saw it on tv (like how you’d feed a god grapes thing) and UA finding out and being shook.

And that’s me condensing her idea. She also had described a lot of the different scenes that happened in here and had a lot more outside of what I wrote. They just didn’t know how to put their ideas into a story and I was more than happy to help! And of course I put a lawgrain vibe into it as always (Like I doubt they expected me to make it a KiriBaku fic and they probs didn’t know that the thing would be all Kiri’s pov. I had fun ^_^)

#fanfiction #lawgrain fanfic #who decided I should be allowed to tag things?#i still don't know what i'm doing #bnha fanfic #fluff #oneshot #fic request

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blankdblank · 3 years

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Ridikulus Pt 31

With Regulus claiming the week for Em’s care in a sort of acclimation period for him and Lindir to see how their jobs would handle a child between them you were more than able to catch up on some sleep. Free periods at school before lunch you spent in your office focusing on the supplements you were sending off to Rohan to help with the condition so many seemed to suffer from including their Queen. Between shipments your eager owl carried off in enchanted pouches for each afflicted your eyes kept turning to the potion nearly ready for Thorin’s change.

Humming to yourself you were off to stop in at Erebor. Using the door attaching the mountain to Dale you entered and were on the verge of skipping lost in the tune mid snack on a chocolate orange resting in your palm. Weaving through the curious Dwarves you caught sight of Ori who grinned and hurried over halting momentarily from his path to state, “Thorin is in the meeting room just off the Throne Room.”

“Thank you,” you said offering him a slice he grinned in taking and hurried off with a soft thanks of his own while you turned towards the Throne Room. Peering all around at the marvel of a hall you crossed the rail-less bridge following the echoes of low voices to another walkway, at the end of which the guards outside the door opened them and your lips parted. “Oh, you-..”

Peering inside with a tinge of yellow at your roots you eyed the table with Thengel, the Durin men who all glanced up at you catching your brief wave when Thorin stated, “Miss Black, this is a surprise. Is anything wrong?”

Shaking your head you stepped inside stating, “No, um, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Thorin shook his head, “Not at all. You are always welcome here.”

“Well, I won’t take long, just wanted to say your potion should be ready tomorrow. Around six after classes should do it if that’s good for you?”

His lips parted in a relieved chuckle, “That, would be perfect. Thank you again.”

You shook your head, “Not a problem at all.”

Thengel smirked asking, “Queen Jaqi is assisting you with potions as well? Surely I’d have lost my Queen and our little ones had she not offered us aid.”

Thorin chuckled again unable to keep from grinning, “The potion is to turn me into a Dam so I may carry heirs of my own.”

Thengel’s lips parted, “You are forgoing your throne?”

Dain answered for Thorin, “Our kin would never abandon him in his path to having bairns of his own.”

Thengel grinned at you stating, “Impressive feat discovering such a potion.” He turned his eyes back to Thorin, “Whenever you find the change successful we would be grateful to show our respects to your future heirs.”

Thorin nodded and looked to you, “I do hope this will not interfere with the planning for your celebration, if it would interfere-,”

You shook your head, “Thranduil is the one who settled on throwing the celebration all on his own and insists he has it all covered. This will not interfere with anything, just prepare yourself, it will be quite painful.”

Thorin rumbled back, “A tolerable pain for bairns. I will manage.”

You nodded and said, “I’ll leave you to it, I’ve been charged with taking Tuo out and then told to nap again,” When you looked to Thengel you said, “I hope your people take to the medicine quickly and find some relief.”

Thengel chuckled, “It has aided us greatly already. We thank you heartily and cannot wait to see our gift outshine that of Gondor’s.”

“I haven’t met anyone from Gondor yet,” making his brow arch up, “Tonks mentioned traveling there and Thranduil said something about a coat they might make me.”

Thengel, “Nothing compared to our gift.”

Making you smirk and say, “Well, if their men are as troublesome as Tonks described I may end up returning their gift for a few black eyes.” You nodded your head in his loud laugh echoed by his Men around him including his cousin Halmar greatly relieved taking your momentary grin his way as a sign you were off on a better footing from the first meeting when you had punched him. “Don’t go warning them. I want them honest.” Out again you strolled allowing the now antsy Dwarves just bursting to explode the news all through the mountain to conclude the meeting with the Dwarves to lay the groundwork for a rebirth of their former trade agreements by establishing a friendship and trust.

Back in the heart of the Throne Room you zapped back to the archway in Pumpernickel you used to head straight for Northern Greenwood. Ginny was on a late lunch with Haldir to hear about his day. While Taule claimed another evening with the boys, and Legolas through your duo focusing on your party plans leaving you to go and find Tuo. A long ride found you next eating as filling a dinner as you could muster before heading off to bed early hoping to have some time to get up early to prep some things for the big change the following day.

Giggles however woke you in the crawling of the silvery white curly haired twins crossing from the foot of your bed to your side with Estel behind you already leaned over your shoulder. His wavy brown hair pooling into your face in a peck on your cheek, “We picked berries, Naneth.”

Inhaling deeply your arms circled the trio you kissed the heads on and hummed out, “Berries are nice.” Behind them Legolas came into the doorway and you flashed him a sleepy grin, “Leg, did you pick berries too?” Over his shoulder you saw Thranduil and Glorfindel.

Legolas replied, “I just returned from my rounds and they were gone.”

Glancing at Estel you sighed out, “They are very tall you know,” he nodded, “I do hope you remember what it felt like to be this small when you reach their size.”

Elurin giggled saying, “We will.”

His brother nodded and you combed your fingers through his hair removing a brewing knot there, “We didn’t mean to scare them.”

You shook your head, “They’re still used to only having one little one around. It’ll calm down, they’ll adjust.” Up you slid and sat up in Estel’s path to Legolas who picked him up.

Glorfindel came closer to grab the twins asking, “Did you sleep well?”

You nodded brushing your hair out of your face changing its shade from a burnt orange to silvery blue again, “Have to check on my rainbow spear viper though, I think she laid her eggs.” Curling your legs up your shorts were revealed under your baggy quidditch jersey from your father’s school days.

When your doorway popped up Thranduil asked, “Is that a bad thing?”

Turning around still walking backwards you replied, “No, just have to make sure she’s got enough coal or she likes to spark up and that agitates the Lemurtelba in the habitat next to hers.” Smirking at the men you nodded your head to the side, “Come and see. They love to brag on their nests.”

Elured, “Are they birds?”

“No, snakes.” In his momentary flinch of fear in his eyes you stopped and moved closer to him stroking his cheek with a curled finger, “Snakes are not evil creatures, they speak a different language and are afraid of those who can’t understand them. All they have is their teeth and their bodies. I’ll show you if you like when you’re older, they are friendly and docile when treated with respect, like horses or Tuo and his herd. Their venom could kill or cure, if you know how to use them. My snakes won’t hurt you. They wouldn’t dare.” He nodded and you turned to show them through the Chamber of Secrets snake room parting their lips at the various habitats holding your snakes who all peered out at you hissing greetings to the children you translated for them.

A large pitch black habitat revealed to be a cave with a stepping stone path across a dark river was what the group stared into watching you reach the tree on the other side with a silver slithering snake that parted their lips. The head nearly two feet around on a body that filled the tree seemingly holding this cave up with its endless woven branches looked you over and melted into your palms as you greeted her. At the roots of the tree you pulled back a pile of black leaves revealing golden eggs lighting up you and the tree in your counting the eggs she had laid. Covering the eggs again you summoned a basket of mangoes for her accepting her thanks in her move to eat while you trotted across the river again.

Legolas asked, “How large was she when you found her?”

“Few feet shorter. Found her on one of the last missions I had before landing here. Some idiot from R thought they could use her venom as a weapon.”

Thranduil, “Is that not possible?”

“They are constrictors.” His brow inched up, “There are snakes that poison their prey and those that squeeze them with their bodies. She feeds on mountain goats twice a year and mangoes the rest of it.”

Glorfindel, “Snakes eat fruit?”

You nodded, “A great many things varying with each breed. The meat is for her clutches of eggs, the mangoes help her grow and helps her coat shimmer.”

Estel asked about while pointing at the rainbow colored snake slithering out of its habitat towards you that rose to rest on your shoulders to allow you to show the boys, “This is Dilby, he loves to meet people.” Moving closer you allowed them to reach out and stroke his sides making his coat shift colors stirring giggles from them that triggered his webbed ridges down his back rise. “Only thing you have to worry about with this guy is when he gets cranky in their mating season, they like to bite. Non venomous, but,” he opened his jaws at the stroke of your finger under his head parting their lips seeing the five rows of teeth and four large fold out fangs that extended dripping with blue droplets. “It is not comfortable, but their venom helps re-grow bones. Used it plenty of times myself.”

Glorfindel, “What reason would there possibly be to need to re-grow a bone?”

“You can only break a bone so many times. If it’s bad enough of a break it’s healthier to vanish the bone and grow another.”

Estel, “Does it hurt?”

“Yes, and the potion tastes, well, let’s hope you won’t need it. Certainly not pumpkin juice.” Making them giggle as he slithered down to head for the open pantry for a snack, “Don’t mind him, just off to find a cantaloupe.”

Thranduil, “Does Tulip eat melons?”

“She prefers vegetables. Can go through a whole cart of cabbages a week if you let her.”

Elured, “Who is Tulip?”

You smirked guiding them into her chamber saying, “That is my ancestor’s head,” answering their unspoken question of whose head they next saw Tulip slithering out of the mouth of.

Estel gasped, “I’ve seen her.”

“Yes you have, she is a Basilisk.” The boys awed at her large fangs nearly the size of their bodies and stole strokes on her scales. In her path out to head out to the gardens outside your home you walked into your office to peek in at the simmering cauldron, the boys stayed to inspect more while Glorfindel and Thranduil came up behind you curious what you were doing.

Wetting their lips they eyed your fingers trailing along an open page on a manual beside the small cauldron in the center of a counter Glorfindel peered into beside Thranduil as he asked, “Is that, fur?”

You nodded, “Yes, a lovely shade of puce, should be done in a couple hours now.”

Thranduil, “This is Thorin’s potion?”

“Yup.” A glance at the clock had their eyes follow yours.

Glorfindel, “We should feed you.”

“That would be lovely.” He smirked and leaned in claiming a kiss and turned to gather the twins while Thranduil’s arm circled your back and you leaned into his chest accepting his kiss.

Thranduil, “You did sleep well?”

You nodded, “Feeling better.”

Lowly he asked, “When is the change?”

“Told them six.”

He nodded, “I will clear my meetings for later.”

“You-,”

He shook his head leaning in to claim a second kiss, humming against your lips, “This is an incredible gift, we will be there to witness it, because you do understand our people would wish to use it as well. It would be easier to explain the process to possible couples.”

“It’s painful, not much of a process.” You said leading the way to join the others off to the breakfast prepared with the jam from the berries the boys had picked for you through the night.

Soft clicks and dings sounded in your typing up the copy of your practice OWL and NEWT exams while your students sat going through their monthly exams. You weren’t known for pulling punches, it was a more hands on and entertaining process for your students but the sheer volume of what you covered gave each of them ample topics and history in each lesson for them to fully absorb each. Countless extra tidbits were added to keep things interesting and fill in all the gaps in what the main textbooks covered.

200 pages would be witted down later to edit but sat in the box you had locked it into before the final class before your lunch. Back down in the Chamber you checked on the potion and turned to the selection of books you had pulled together listed for the usual pack given to patients. With Hedwig came a note from Hermione confirming the six o’clock meeting time with a warning that you would have an audience making you groan. “Of course..”

The rest of your classes also had tests leaving your classroom mostly silent, while you readied some more pregnancy supplements for Mrs Granger drawing the eyes of the class when the liquid turned to gel and each scoop you settled on the tray hardening into circles you added to a jar. When all the tests were completed you had finished filling a second jar and a girl asked, “Medicine for your store?”

“No, prenatal supplements. A few relatives are expecting.” A few moments later the clock chimed another hour and you said, “Alright, off to freedom.” Off they did go and turning to your desk you tied a bow around the top of the jar you slipped into a pouch you passed to your owl that flew off hearing who he was flying off to.

It was all planned a brief snack before the trip to Erebor, in the main garden where you found your cushioned stool open between Fred and George who raised their glasses, “Heard from Hermi, we’ve got an audience.”

Chuckling to yourself you took a sip of your tea and looked to Legolas in his asking, “Would an audience not aid in the process?”

Grinning at him you said, “Not much of a process. Just painful. Most don’t want one.”

Beside you Fred spoke as you eyed the trio of boys greeting you in their climb onto their seats claiming their helpings of the snacks, the puzzling gaze wondering how much of their lives they remembered past the burned in day they lost it all including their lives. “Usually it’s just the couple and the one administering the potion.”

George, “Some times the one taking it prefers to be alone with the one administering the potion. All personal preference really.”

A pulsing crystal appeared in front of you as you and the boys were snacking on more of the fruit slices you mumbled, “Mmm, Thorin.”

Glorfindel chuckled as Taule stated, “You go, I will watch the Princes.”

You nodded once on your feet, strolling around the table and crouched down kissing their stuffed cheeks that rose in creeping grins, then you rose and turned to lead your group through your doorway after sending the crystal to Hermione.

Around you the Chamber of Secrets grew and you led the pair back to your office where you collected a small stack of books and levitated the cauldron with the bright pink fur over the top waving as the mixture gurgled underneath. Along the way to the now changed doorway Fred collected a pack of tools from the desk and made for the door that closed and opened revealing the rushing Durins flooding into Thorin and Bilbo’s apartment.

Smiles grew on their faces as they all peered into the odd mixture in the cauldron in your path into Thorin’s bedroom. Anxiously Thorin was rubbing his palms together then met your eyes as you said, “You’ll want to remove your belt and boots if possible.”

He nodded and followed your suggestion as Fred and George popped up into their view helping to unroll the set of tools while you set the books on the table beside Thorin’s bed. Dis eyed the books asking, “You require manuals for this”

You shook your head, “No. These are for Thorin.” Your eyes locked with his, “One for basic anatomy, tips on proper hygiene and the final one is mainly for reproduction and sexual responses.”

Thorin timidly repeated, “Sexual, responses?”

You grinned at him claiming the first tool, a hook with a slotted spoon in your other hand. You peeled the top layer of fur back Fred eased with another hook into a jar then capped it before it started giving off a pink gas leaving the fur melting into a layer of shimmering slime as you raised an avocado looking ball and swapped the hook for a scalpel George handed you to slice around the middle of it. “Our anatomies are vastly different. I am not certain if you have manuals on sexual responses in your culture or if yours match ours, but if they do then that book would help you get better acquainted with your new body and its responses.” He wet his lips, “You being intimate with Bilbo in this body will be vastly different as a Dam, the way we feel things the way or bodies respond are different. Even when you’re alone, self pleasure is a bit different than your current grip and tug situation.”

A blush grew on his cheeks and Dis opened the final manual, “Thank you. It was getting a bit difficult to explain that subject to them.”

“Oh, I will warn you, they are Wizard books, so the illustrations might move.” As you said that Dis gasped at one of them and closed the book tilting it out of Fili and Kili’s sight. “I assure you it is all scientific, not lewd.” Her eyes moved to the cup George slid the top half of the kiwi appearing assumed fruit giving off a scent of pears into a small bowl as you took a small spoon to scoop out the apparent skinless grape then offered it to Thorin, “This will taste bitter, try to chew it ten times then swallow.”

He nodded following the order only to pucker almost instantly at the taste, chewing painfully slowly he got to ten then swallowed watching as you held out the lower half to add to the bowl from George that shifted to a liquid as well you offered to him, “Swish it around in your mouth then swallow.” He nodded and drew in a deep breath and raised the bowl to his lips and clamped his eyes shut emptying the bowl to begrudgingly swish the mixture around then swallow it in as large gulps as he could manage.

Wetting your lips you set the bowl in George’s palm then led Thorin to bed where you sat down and acted as his pillow folding your arms across his chest saying softly, “Just remember, deep breaths as often as you can manage and squeeze my hands and arms as hard as you need to.”

Around you Fred and George summoned the chairs from the other room to set on either side of the bed simply stating, “You’ll need them.”

Everyone settled into them as Bilbo sat beside the bed in the closest ones while Thorin mumbled, “My skin is tingling.”

You nodded, “That’s the first sign it’s working properly.”

He nodded and closed his eyes for a deep breath as he felt his chest tightening only to have his eyes shoot open with a groan at the loud crack of his breastbone cracking that made Bilbo flinch while the others couldn’t help but glance away. Instantly his hands gripped your forearms tightly as the cracks spread over his shoulders visibly contorting them under his shirt as you mentally whispered, “Muffliato,” silencing his pained sounds from the group with only the Twins, Thranduil and Glorfindel looking on still bearing pained expressions.

Each bone seemed to be breaking while his muscles tore then melded back together into their new shapes as Fred eyed Dain at his asking, “Does she feel that much pain when she shifts?”

Fred shook his head, “No. Morpher’s bones, well they shift to a near jelly and then harden into their new shapes.”

George, “For the rest of us there are a few options, all temporary but no less painful. The bones have to be broken, muscles reformed into the new shapes.” His hand settled on Bilbo’s shoulder to crouch down beside him peering up at you softly whispering to Thorin, “It only lasts a couple minutes. Well worth it.”

Bilbo’s teary eyes fell on his, “I, can’t-..”

George grinned at him patting his hands wringing on his lap, “Honestly first time Fred and I made a polyjuice potion we took it in turns. I nearly passed out seeing him shift and he threw up seeing me change. But we got used to it after the fifth time or so.” Bilbo sniffled as he smiled saying, “It hurts watching our loved ones in pain. Even more so when it could easily have been avoided.”

Fred joined him adding his hand to theirs, “You are going to have a baby. Possibly dozens. Trust me, this pain will fade the moment it’s confirmed he’s expecting.”

They turned again to see Thorin breathing steadily in your arms far more relaxed as the shift ended, and you whispered, “Another deep breath.” He inhaled, “Through the worst of it now.”

His hands released your arms now bearing red patches freeing you to ease them over his shoulders in testing squeezes down his arms while Thorin inspected his hands seeming a bit less meaty. Lowering your cone of silence you shifted out from behind him freeing Bilbo to sit behind him to cuddle with and kiss him and you to move between Thorin’s legs you raised up one at a time inspecting each of his joints noting his sturdier hips, knees and ankles. In a peek under the neck of his shirt he grinned then peered up at you as you felt the realignment of his hips bringing his attention to the shift below his waist, “Hmm.”

You giggled grinning up at him, “It’ll feel different for a while.” He nodded, “I think we’ll give you a week to relax to it before we start on the fertility potions, if you still want them.”

He nodded, “Yes.”

You wet your lips accepting his hands to test his movement in those as well, “Oh, I wanted to tell you. Those potions with our people do tend to drastically cut pregnancies down.”

His brow rose, “I don’t understand.”

“We normally carry nine months but with the potions the longest we’ve had was five months.”

Thorin let out a stunned breath as Bilbo said, “Well Dwarves are pregnant for up to four years, so if it cuts it in half then we’ll still have two years to prep.”

“I just wanted you to know. We aren’t certain with our own people so we prep quickly, usually before taking the potion, and with the differences in our races it would be best to do the same possibly.”

Thorin nodded then grinned again claiming your hand, “I can never thank you enough. We, never can. First our home, now this.” Wetting his lips he shifted his legs to the end of the bed where Dis, Diaa and Niro grinned nearing him claiming hugs stealing a feel of his hidden figure.

Diaa, “Now, we have to get you into better fitting clothes to show off the shift.” Thorin nodded then turned to claim a kiss from Bilbo then turned excitedly to redress with the females of his line in his closet as Thranduil chuckled offering Bilbo a wrapped packet matching the one Glorfindel handed him, bringing a curious grin to his face accepting and opening it.

Thranduil, “It is tradition with our people to give seeds in hopes of a fruitful union.”

Bilbo’s grin grew and he nodded his head eyeing the paintings of the flowers on each of the inner packets holding rare flowers, “Thank you. Our kin share that tradition.”

A few moments later as you sent your cauldron back to your office and within a few minutes all turned to see Thorin proudly exiting his closet. Fully crowned in better fitting pants and a deep blue golden edged shirt under a hugging vest with a sash around his waist accentuating his pronounced bust and wider hips then added his boots again offering his hand to Bilbo. “My Love, now we show off the results.”

Bilbo couldn’t help but grin at the seeming glistening dark hair and beard on his Love’s face that seemed a bit more slender but not that much changed. He hopped up accepting help into his fur vest from Frerin then folded his hand in Thorin’s as you eased off their bed to Thranduil and Glorfindel’s sides where they eyed the bruises starting to form on your arms in your walk after the Durins.

Atop an overlooking balcony you watched the Durins pass through the crowding Dwarves with an easy smile at the excited compliments on his successful change between eager glances up at you from couples wishing for the same aid. Blindly Fred opened the cylinder he pulled from his pocket he held in front of you, with two fingers you claimed a swipe and smoothed it over the bruises before he pocketed it again then joined George in popping off to check in on Dudley on the end his first shift with Ginny.

Glorfindel muttered, “That was-,”

“Painful. But he is going to have some very handsome babies.”

Thranduil grinned asking, “Durins have always been fruitful, that is not an unfair assumption.”

“Not an assumption.” The pair glanced at you and you said, “I can feel it, people’s family trees sort of, I can feel them expanding. He’ll be quick to carry, even without the fertility potions.”

Glorfindel, “That is good to hear your gift is quite extraordinary.”

“It has its moments.”

Thranduil’s hand smoothed across your back, “Come, back to the food then we can have our Healers ready a session for you. Your arms must be in pain with those bruises.”

Pt 32

#Thranduil x Reader OC #Glorfindel x Reader OC #HP Crossover #Bilbo x Thorin #Gender Potion

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candychronicles · 4 years

Text

I will never take you for granted

A/N: A trade fic I wrote for the amazing @sleepy-soup-blr ! ☺️

CHARACTER PAIRING: Denki Kaminari X Gender Neutral Reader

WORD COUNT: 1,047

WARNINGS: tooth rotting fluff, dumb denki

SYNOPSIS: A soft, sweet picnic date filled with love.

TAGS: @togasknifes

blinding sun poured from the crystal blue skies, wisps of fluffy white clouds lazily swimming in the breeze. the air smelled of fresh cut grass and lilac, bringing a happy yet calm feeling to your body. the heat caressed your bare arms and the soft grasses tickled your feet. it truly was the epitome of a perfect summer day: not too hot, a slight breeze, fresh air and the soft humming of the insects.

you took your time setting up the stereotypical red and white checkered blanket under the partial shade of a sturdy tree, smoothing out any wrinkles. a few throw pillows were added to the mix as well. next came the brown wicker basket full of goodies: sweet drinks, water to stay hydrated, various fruits both plain and covered in chocolate, little sandwiches and bags of chips. everything was laid out meticulously, a picture perfect picnic… well, almost.

it became perfect as soon as your boyfriend, Denki Kaminari, emerged, arms full of candy and a slightly crumpled bouquet of sunflowers. he seemed out of breath as he crossed the grass towards the picnic area. you assumed it was because he was struggling to carry all of those extra items, and while there was some truth to that, Denki was really breathless because he saw you.

your hair wispy in the slight summer breeze, cheeks flushed from excitement, a slight red hue to your body from the effects of the sun but what caught his eye first was the absolutely wide smile that split your face. you were always happy to see him, to spend time with him and enjoy his presence and he would never take that for granted.

Denki finally reached the soft blanket and, with a huff, flopped down, emptying the contents of his arms dramatically onto the ground, squishing the flowers even more in the process.

“oh, shoot, babe, i’m so so sorry…” he gushed, pushing everything off the flowers to gingerly pick them up and handing them sheepishly to you, scratching the back of his neck in embarrassment.

all you could do is laugh at the antics of your boyfriend as you admired the flowers despite their appearance.

“thank you love. they’re beautiful,” you said earnestly, sending another soft smile his way.

Denki was absolutely mesmerized by your beauty. he was used to being scatterbrained; after all, his quirk really did fry his brain at times. the feeling he had looking at you though put any of his quirk brain to shame. he turned into absolute mush at the mere sight of you and here you were, a golden child, an angel with a halo of light, spending time with a dork like him. he was dumbfounded.

“what are you thinking about?” you asked, tilting your head at him quizzically.

Denki was snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of your voice, and without really thinking, replied, “you. you’re absolutely breathtaking. i don’t know how lucky i got but i will never take this for granted, never take you for granted.”

you sat there, mouth agape and the red flush on your face only increasing, now not only from the sun but from the pure love you felt towards the man who looked at you like you were the sun itself. you were unsure of how to respond and so instead leaned forward to press a sweet kiss to him, lips locked in a gentle embrace.

“babe, as much as i love kissing you, i’m really, really hungry,” Denki whined, pulling away with a pout on his lips.

you only smirked at his response and reached down to pluck a chocolate covered strawberry from the delicious array of food. slowly, you brought the juicy berry up to his lips. as he closed his eyes and leaned forward to take a bite, you snatched the sweet away and bit down into it yourself, a soft giggle emanating from your lips.

“hey! no fair!”

without warning, Denki lurched forward and kissed you again, swiping your lips with his tongue before pulling away.

“had to get back at you somehow!”

you sent another giggle his way and picked up another strawberry, this time successfully delivering the fruit to his mouth. the two of you sat there under the shade of the tree for hours, feeding each other food, laughing and giggling the whole way.

after awhile, with bellies full of good food and drink, laziness got the best of you both. throw pillows were arranged in a comfortable pile and you both plopped down, snuggling into each other’s arms. the next few hours were spent cloud watching, calling out silly objects, moving your heads in weird angles to try and spot new cloud formations.

eventually, as the sky started to darken, you dozed off, warm and happy in your boyfriends arms. he softly stroked your hair and almost fell into his own deep sleep when a streak of light caught his eye. quickly, he sat up, throwing you to the side accidentally in the process, not even realizing what he was doing.

“(y/n)! wake up!” he hissed, blindly reaching for your body to shake you awake, eyes never leaving the sky as more and more streaks of light made its way across the night sky.

you bolted up, afraid something was happening, but immediately understood as your eyes also turned to the sky.

“a meteor shower,” you whispered in awe, laying back down and making yourself comfortable.

“hey Denki, you know what this means, right?”

“what? the world isn’t going to end, is it?”

“no you doofus, the light is coming from the meteors burning up in the atmosphere.”

“oh, then what is it?”

“these are all shooting stars almost. you can make any wish you want and it’s supposed to come true. so, what are you wishing for?”

Denki thought about what he would want out of life: becoming a pro hero, making more friends, staying cool forever. nothing compared to what he had next to him and so, with a gentle sigh, he moved back to lay down next to you again, wrapping his arms around your body and pulling you close.

“i don’t need to wish for anything because everything i would ever really want is in my arms.”

#denki kaminari #kaminari #kaminari x reader #kaminari x you #kaminari imagine #bnha #mha #bnha reader insert #mha reader insert #boku no hero academia #my hero academia

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honeylikewords · 4 years

Note

b , d , t with Santi please

Yes! Absolutely!

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why/Why not?):

I actually made a whole big, long, goofy post (with screencaps and citations!) about why I think the film actually frames Santi as a paternal figure who cares about children and longs to be a father himself, so, yes! I do fully believe that Santi does want to be a father and have kids!

I’m a little biased, but I do really think that part of Santi craves and is missing in his life is a sense of purpose and belonging in a group; he tries to fill the gap a family would hold in his life by reuniting his old teammates, only to realize that what he’s looking for can’t be supplied by these men and their jobs, the old life they used to live.

I imagine Santi is, whether secretly or not-so-subtly, rather jealous of Frankie for having a wife and kid. He has dark, unkind moments when he thinks to himself that, of the two of them, he, himself, deserves to be the one married, deserves to be holding his own little one in his arms, and doesn’t understand why Frankie gets to enjoy that where he doesn’t. Santi is quick to shake these thoughts off, though, fully aware that such a thing is ridiculous to think; the world is wide enough for both men to be married and become fathers in their own times, and that his loneliness need not manifest itself as bitter jealousy over his friend’s happiness.

Of course, that jealousy was at its worst when he was still single and living alone in Colombia, wracked with frustration over his job and the course of his life, the stress of feeling like he’d failed in all his endeavors and was growing too old to find a new meaning, a new course.

Once he moved back to the U.S., though, and fell in love with his current beloved, the anxiety over his potential for starting a family began to ebb. He’d found someone who truly loved him, who wanted him around, and who shared his hopes for the future: a love to last all their lives and a family of their own.

Still, I think Santi is sometimes plagued with worries about his past, and whether it will affect the prosperity of his future; what if there are stragglers of the Lorea empire hunting him down? What if his PTSD influences him so drastically that he’s a bad father? What if his shot knees mean he can’t bend down and pick up his child as they run to him?

He airs these anxieties to his lover over time, and each time, she takes him in her arms and reassures him that he will be a good, loving, gentle father. She’s seen him with other children. She’s seen him at his best. She’s seen him at his worst. And he remains steadfast, kind, and stable, even when rash fears and haywire anxieties grip him. She knows he’ll be the best father a child could ask for, and will always be improving upon himself, working to be even better.

Over time, and after many repeated conversations about it, and constant reassurance that it’ll be alright, Santi starts to believe that it’s possible; someday, he’ll be a father, and, if he’s lucky, it will be with the woman he’s lucky enough to currently call his girlfriend.

And while they may not be planning on having one any time soon, Santi still finds himself wandering through the baby clothes section when out at the local Target, and can’t help but imagine a tiny little person with his sweetheart’s eyes and his curls wearing the adorable little “crabby in the morning” t-shirt (with, of course, the printed illustration of a crab) he sees hanging on the rack.

He may just sneak it into the cart to buy and save for a hopeful later date.

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?):

Santi is often very laid-back about dates, but in his own way; he likes to always be the one paying (it’s never worth it for his beloved to try and haggle with him to split the bill or let her pay; he is insistent that he cover it, always), and while he’s fine with the occasional visit to a dive bar to see live music or get some beers, he’s grown away from finding activities like that fun and has shifted into some pretty “tame” date ideas being the ones that excite him most.

He gets thrilled at the idea of going to the museum (if he’s told there’s a geology exhibit on, he’ll be there in a heartbeat) for an evening, or taking a visit to the theatre to see a show, though he’s not going to sit for a musical. He prefers standard plays, not musical theatre.

He likes going to the movies well enough, but he’s not really into action films or war movies, surprising as that may be; show him a good, like, period drama set in the 60′s to 80′s and he’s all over it. He loves business dramas and the occasional gangster movie, but he likes them to be more low-key and thrilling, with the tension building slowly and the threats being subdued, waiting for the moment to strike.

He’s also a sucker for comedies from the 80′s, and has a particular affinity for This Is Spinal Tap.

Oftentimes, he likes to stay home and cook dinner with or for his sweetheart, taking care to make a new dish that will excite, or one he knows is a special treat for her. He loves to make rich, chocolate and fruit-based desserts, too; one of his favorites is a dark chocolate mousse with pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top. He loves feeding it to her bite by bite and watching her smile at the flavors and at his sweet gesture, and when she’s full, he’ll lean in for a delicate, chocolate-tinged kiss.

Santi is also very, very fond of using his hands to touch and to hold her, so he’s not opposed to spending the evening in and giving her a massage as part of the date, or cuddling on the couch and working her shoulders while they catch up on shows he’s been unable to watch while at work. He likes The Office, but sometimes it’s just too easy to watch, you know?, so he’s gotten interested in more witty or fast-paced shows like The West Wing, Arrested Development, and, a surprise favorite from across the pond, Detectorists.

Nothing makes him happier than having his girl lay her head against his chest as they rest on the couch, comfortable in one another’s arms, and feeling her drift off to sleep on him. He loves knowing that she trusts him that much, and feels that safe with him. Plus, if she’s asleep, he can put on his secret indulgence show: America’s Next Top Model.

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?):

Santi has tons of interesting stories about the work he did while on his tours around the world, but he actually gets more excited to talk about history; stuff he wasn’t present for but has read about, researched, taken a personal interest in. He loves tactical history and watches an embarrassing number of historical documentaries, so if he gets asked anything to do with that, he’ll be chattering for hours.

He also likes having conversations with his girlfriend about music, particularly band history or about how he doesn’t like a lot of modern music (and then she immediately pelts him with comments about him being a “crotchety old man” and shakes a fist, croaking in her best old man voice a surly “darn you kids and your hippity-hoppity musics!”, which Santi rolls his eyes at), but he also loves to hear her opinions about music. Especially if she has wildly different tastes from himself; he loves walking in and hearing her listening to one of those medieval covers of a popular song, or coming into the kitchen to find her working on something with a theremin album blaring in the background.

They also talk a lot about political issues; it just seems to come up often, and they’re both very passionate about trying to do what’s best for their communities and for their countries. They tend to have very similar stances about their beliefs, but can come to disagreements about how to put those selfsame beliefs into practice and policy. Thankfully, they’re both very willing to listen to one another, especially Santi, who genuinely takes pleasure in watching his beloved talk energetically about what she feels is just and right.

It’s also common for them to relay various stories from their day jobs, particularly if they or a coworker did something embarrassing. Santi got a job as a school counselor back in the U.S., so he loves to tell his beloved all about the teacher’s lounge drama.

“And so Gillian-- you know, the semester-long sub they got to fill in for Becky, who had to go on maternity leave?-- yeah, her, so SHE gets caught stealing bottles of glue from the supply closet and it’s not even for, like, huffing the fumes; she’s some kind of scrapbooking maniac, apparently? That’s not even the weirdest part--”

Honestly, though? They love to talk to each other about anything.

Santi considers his partner his best friend (followed closely by Frankie, but, ya know, the missus takes precedence) and he wouldn’t have gotten into a relationship with her if he didn’t like talking to her, or didn’t find their conversations stimulating. She makes him laugh, challenges his thoughts, introduces him to things he’d never have found on his own, and just... is pleasant to be around.

And, sometimes, at the end of the day, that’s all you need: someone who is pleasant to be around, and it doesn’t have to matter what you’re talking about, so long as you’re together.

Santi knows he’s lucky enough to have just that in her.

Thanks for asking about Santi; I just adore him!

Send Prompts From This List!

#messages #anonymous #gif warning #santiago garcia

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sunadmalghe · 3 years

Text

Wheat Market Size, Top Key Players, Latest Trends, Regional Insights, and Global Industry Dynamics By 2027

The global wheat market is experiencing a significant growth and is expected to continue this trend in next few years. Wheat is consumed as staple food in most of the countries. Wheat is a grass commonly grown for its seed, a cereal grain that is a staple food worldwide. The Triticum genus comprises several types of wheat together, among which the most frequently grown is common wheat (T. aestivum). Botanically the kernel of wheat is a type of fruit known as caryopsis. Wheat is produced on more farmland area than any other type of food crops. World wheat trade is higher than all other types crops combined. Several types of wheat are cultivated and sold in the market such as einkorn wheat, hard white wheat, soft white wheat, hard red winter wheat, hard sprint winter wheat, soft red winter wheat, and durum wheat. The amount of nutrients present in wheat varies by type. The common types of nutrients present in all the types of wheat are protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, carotene alpha, carotene beta, vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and minerals include iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and manganese.

Market scope and structure analysis

Report Metric

Details

Market size available for years

2020–2027

Base year considered

2019

Forecast period

2021–2027

Forecast unit

Value ($USD)

Segments covered

Type, Application, Industry Vertical, and Region

Regions covered

North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Middle East, Brazil, and the Rest of LAMEA)

Companies covered

Farmers Grain Company, Wudeli Flour Mill Group, Ardent Mills LLC, Archer Daniels Midland Company, General Mills, Allied Pinnacle Pty Limited, Manildra Milling Pvt Ltd. Acarsan Flour, Korfez Flour Mills, George Weston Foods Ltd., and Hodgson Mill Inc.

Download Report Sample Pdf: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10338

COVID-19 scenario analysis

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has led to serious implications in all the economic sectors. The COVID-19 outbreak has created medical emergency, due to which the demand for food items, hygiene products, and medical products is increasing. Moreover, during this pandemic, the sales of traditional, healthy, and staple food items has increased considerably. Frozen non-veg food, fruits& vegetables, eggs, pulses, flour, and whole grains are further experiencing increased demand. However, nonessential products such as packaged foods, coffee, pastries, milkshakes, sweets, chocolates, cheese, and other bakery products have witnessed decline in their sale. In addition, lockdown imposed across various countries has hampered the production and supply chain of wheat manufacturers. Furthermore, the consumer buying behavior may change permanently post COVID-19. On the contrary, companies have to build robust sales plan for recovery, for instance, they might have to adopt e-commerce platform and omnichannel in their supply chain.

Top impacting factors: market scenario analysis, trends, drivers, and impact analysis

The key drivers of wheat market are increase in worldwide consumption of wheat coupled with rise in population. Moreover, increase in health awareness among public has led to rise in consumption of wheat and decline in junk food consumption. Wheat is used to make biscuits, cakes, crumpets, sauces, bread, muffins, noodles, pastries, cereal bars, sweet and savory snack foods, pasta, crackers, crisp-breads, and other confectionery food items, which boost its demand, globally.

The organically grown wheat segment is expected to dominate the date market during the projected years, due to increase in awareness about health benefits offered by organic food.

In addition, wide usage of wheat in food &beverage, cosmetic &personal care, pharmaceutical companies, animal feed, and dietary supplements industry is supporting the market to remain profitable in coming years. Furthermore, wheat meal is now also used for the production of adhesives, bioplastics, and paper.

The global wheat market trends are as follows:

New product launches to flourish the market

Manufacturers are engaged in increasing production of wheat to serve the rising demand. New technology in farming techniques and government support accelerate the wheat production. In addition, usage of wheat in the food &beverage industry has increased. For instance, Nestle launched Maggie Atta Noodle to serve to health-conscious customers. In august 2019, Arcadia planned to introduce value-added wheat commercially. It announced to introduce “good wheat” as retail flour with reduced allergenicity and high protein content in wheat flour.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Wheat Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/10338?reqfor=covid

Key segments covered

Segment

Subsegment

Type

Whole/Raw

Flour

Others

Application

Household

Food and Beverages

Pharmaceutical

Dietary Supplements

Cosmetics &Personal Care

Others

Distribution Channel

Supermarket/Hypermarket

Grocery Store

Wholesalers

E-commerce Platform

Key benefits of the report

This study presents the analytical depiction of the global wheat industry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.

The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the global wheat market share.

The current market is quantitatively analyzed from 2020 to 2027 to highlight the global wheat market growth scenario.

Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market.

The report provides a detailed market analysis depending on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years.

Questions answered in the global wheat market research report:

Which are the leading players active in the global wheat market?

What are the current trends that will influence the market in the next few years?

What are the driving factors, restraints, and opportunities of the market?

What future projections would help in taking further strategic steps?

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting services to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI.

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sfthearts · 4 years

Text

Sunshine (part 5)

To be completely honest, I’ve been writing this for forever and haven’t really read through it in a while, so do with that info what you will.

Twelve months later.

Brendon and Adelaide were spending the day of their one year anniversary doing their favorite ‘together’ things. They both refused to receive gifts from the other, instead agreeing to a marathon day of activities.

First on their list, they wanted to wake up and make breakfast together, Adelaide an expert in her signature stuffed french toast recipe, while Brendon was in charge of making bacon, and cutting up various fruits.

They decided to be as cliche as possible and feed each other breakfast in bed, laughing the whole time, surprisingly not spilling their breakfast everywhere, as they listened and sang along to Adelaide’s happiest playlist.

The second thing on their list was to take a drive, just as they had done on the day Brendon officially asked Adelaide to be his girlfriend. Taking this drive with him, her hand clasped in his, actually made Adelaide tear up a bit. It was so surreal to her that she had already known this man for over a year. She shook her head to clear her mind of the sappy thoughts, and she began remembering the funny little moments of their relationship, smiling broadly at one in particular. Brendon noticed this and nudged her, a smile appearing on his face as well.

“What are you thinking about over there, baby? What’s with that big smile?” He laughed.

Adelaide lost it at this point, laughing loudly before finally composing herself enough to speak. “I was just remembering the time we went bowling and you threw your ball backwards.”

Brendon smacked his forehead at the reminder.

“My hand slipped right out! It wasn’t my fault!” Brendon whined, only making Adelaide laugh more.

Brendon looked over at her as she laughed. He loved her laugh. He took her hand, which was still in his, and kissed it softly.

The two reminisced and drove some more until they arrived at their favorite park, which they would often go to and lay on a blanket and watch the clouds and see the ducks in the pond together.

They had a little lunchtime picnic and pointed out the shapes they saw within the clouds like little kids would do, and just enjoying being outside in the warm weather with each other.

After a while, they finally drove back to Adelaide’s place and started to make dinner together, but it was mostly Brendon watching her work in awe.

After dinner, they shared a bottle of wine and some chocolate dipped strawberries, and despite their agreement on gifts, Brendon still surprised Adelaide with her favorite flowers, which were delivered to her doorstep.

“You’re a jerk for breaking the rules, but I absolutely adore you.” Adelaide said while smiling after closing the door. She walked to the kitchen table and set the vase of flowers down in the center. Brendon had a smug look on his face before becoming sincere.

“I love you so much, Sunshine. I’m so beyond happy to call you mine, and that I’ve had the privilege of doing so for an entire year.” He said warmly, walking to her and swooping in for a kiss. “I love you.” He whispered, he had the softest look in his eyes.

“I love you forever, Brendon.” Adelaide said sincerely, looking up at him.

Brendon looked down into Adelaide’s eyes and felt his chest ache with love for the girl. He placed his hands on the sides of her face, cupping it so gently.

“I can’t wait to look into your eyes for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to buy you a ring and marry you and buy a big house and start our lives together. I never thought I’d be able to open up to someone like I’ve opened up to you, you’ve changed me, Adelaide.” Brendon said passionately, now unable to contain his emotions.

Adelaide melted. She couldn’t even speak, she felt like the wind was knocked out of her. She only hugged him as tight as she could and whispered “I can’t wait either.”

He squeezed back and they stayed in that position for a minute, before Brendon had a thought.

“Th-that wasn't me proposing, trust me, my proposal will be WAY better than that.”

Adelaide laughed and gave him a kiss.

“I’m still saying yes.”

The rest of the night, Brendon and Adelaide stayed up cuddling, talking, and just enjoying each other’s company. At around 1:30 AM, Adelaide found herself laying on top of Brendon as he played with her hair and occasionally rubbed her back. Soon after, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep. Brendon woke around 3 to Adelaide’s arms tightly wrapped around him, as she snored softly into his chest. He smiled down at her and ran a hand through her hair. Moments like these still caught his breath in his chest, he still couldn’t believe he had gotten this perfect person to spend an entire year with him. He never thought he would find someone to love him for who he is, and he much less expected someone to take him out of his shell and bring him back to the person he used to be.

He debated for a little while on whether he should wake her and take them both to bed, or if he should just carry her there, but decided on the latter. He sat up, moving her sleeping body into his arms, and carried her to her bed. He made sure she was all tucked in and looked comfortable before leaving the room, turning off all the lights in the rest of the apartment before rejoining her in her room. Pumpkin followed him around, carefully watching his movements, until finally taking his spot at the end of the bed.

Brendon slipped his jeans and t-shirt off, and climbed into the other side of her bed. He grabbed Adelaide once more and placed her in nearly the same position they were in on the couch, as it comforted him feeling her body weight resting on him like that. He softly kissed her cheek and forehead before laying back down onto the pillow.

Adelaide shifted slightly in her sleep, sighing and returning to her soft snores.

Brendon gently pulled the covers up over them and quickly fell back to sleep as well, and when they woke the next morning, neither one had moved an inch.

Adelaide woke up first, lifting her head from Brendon’s chest and looking up at him. His mouth was open slightly and his hair was messy, her favorite sight to wake up to. They slept at each other’s houses most nights, so his morning face and bed head weren’t anything new, but it still made her smile each and every time.

She noticed his arms locked tightly around her waist, holding her like a kid with their favorite stuffed animal, preventing her from moving. She smiled and kissed his cheek and his jawline before laying her head back down on him, snuggling in a little closer. She dozed on and off for a while, as the golden sun began to peek its way through her flowing white curtains.

Brendon slowly awakened in that time, temporarily forgetting why he felt a weight on top of his body.

He opened his eyes and saw the girl sprawled out on top of him, breathing warm air on his bare chest. He shivered pleasantly from the sensation.

Adelaide stirred at the sudden jolt. She raised her head for the second time that morning, this time greeted by Brendon’s soft brown eyes.

“Morning bub, you cold?” She asked him with a slight frown, noticing the goosebumps on his arms and chest. She lightly kissed his chest and shoulder.

He shook his head with a lopsided grin.

“I’m alright, how did you sleep?” He asked, placing a hand on her head and combing his fingers through her tousled hair.

“Fantastic. I like sleeping with you.” She said with a happy smile. Brendon raised his eyebrows teasingly, with a stupid grin on his face. His reaction confused Adelaide for a moment before realizing the double meaning of her words. “I- I don’t mean-“

Brendon only laughed, as she sputtered her way through an explanation, her cheeks glowing bright red.

“You’re okay, baby. I know what you meant. I like sleeping with you too.” He giggled, poking her side teasingly.

“I mean, I like sleeping with you like THAT too, but I really did just mean sleeping.” She explained, now hiding her flushed face in his chest.

He stroked her hair soothingly now, smiling to himself. They laid like that for a while, and Adelaide had almost dozed back off with the feeling of his hand in her hair, when Brendon spoke again.

“Hey, so I have that meeting with the band today, do you wanna come with me?” He asked.

In the year since he had met Adelaide, things had really taken off for Brendon and his career in music. He had properly become a part of a band he filled in for sometimes, and they had even finished recording a demo. They began sending it out to anyone they could think of, and actually had received a lot of responses from it.

Brendon knew Adelaide enjoyed learning about his music, and everything behind the scenes, so he hoped she would say yes. He loved watching her become involved in his favorite thing, and he wanted her to be there today especially, since it was a very important meeting.

“Of course love” she mumbled sleepily, not yet thinking of the fact that this was the meeting where they would decide who they wanted to officially sign with and begin production of their first full album. They had gotten a few offers, and as dangerous as it could’ve been, they told them all they needed to discuss the offers further. This, thankfully, had paid off, and only made them more desirable. Brendon was about to remind his sleepy girlfriend what the meeting was when she suddenly gasped, throwing her head back to make eye contact with him. She pushed her body up using his chest, so she was now sitting on him.

“Oh my god Brendon wait, today is THE day!!!” She exclaimed excitedly, placing her hands on his chest.

Brendon laughed softly and put his hands at her sides.

“It is THE day.” He confirmed.

Adelaide squealed and attacked his face with kisses while squishing his cheeks in her hand.

“I am SO PROUD OF YOU!”

“Well nothing’s official yet, don’t get too excited.” Brendon said, giggling through her kisses.

“I know, I know, it’s just that you’re so close to everything you’ve ever wanted, I can’t help but be excited for you!” She explained.

“You are everything I’ve ever wanted” Brendon quickly corrected, reaching up to tap her nose.

“Aw baby-“ Adelaide said softly, placing a hand on his cheek.

“I’m serious, I love music and making music but if I didn’t have you, I don’t know where I’d be. I don’t think I’d be… here.” Brendon said sincerely, gesturing around them.

This broke any strength she had, and Adelaide began to cry, which quickly caught Brendon’s attention. His eyes opened wide and his eyebrows turned up in the center.

“No no no, please don’t cry, it’s okay baby, come here” he said quickly, pulling her into him once more and giving her a tight hug, rubbing her back as he did.

“You okay now?” He asked her after a moment.

“I just can’t believe how much I love you” she said softly, tears still evident in her voice. “And how sad I would be if I didn’t have you.”

“Well you don’t have to be sad, you’ll always have me. No matter what, okay?”

“Promise?” She asked

“I promise.”

#brendon x oc #brendon urie fluff #brendon urie #brendon urie fanfic #brendon urie fanfiction #brendon urie fic

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living-dead-parker · 5 years

Text

Shower - P.P

Summary: It’s the baby shower of the century. Part two to We Are Family

Warnings: cussing, fluff, so much damn fluff jfc

For timeline purposes; this takes place in May, the reader is like six-seven months. Last time I said something about fall, I meant winter.

Word Count: 3.5k

The sight of everyone reuniting once more leaves you in awe. From your spot in the passenger seat of your car, you can see so many black and white colored tables, laid under a white canopy. The deck on the lake decorated from the shade, fairy lights strung across the whole area, making it look like a canopy of light itself. There's one single table resting on the small deck, one with two chairs on it. You giggle, thinking that it's most likely Nebula's idea. From your spot, you can see small, foldable, cardboard crib and baby bottle centerpieces. There are also black and white streamers, baby rattle cutouts taped to the canopy, baby's breath and chickweed flowers attached to the centerpieces. There's a large table with various platters and containers of fruit, vases, and jars of candies and plenty of other sweets and pastries. There's another table with six matching black and white gift bags, as well as about twenty baby-themed gift bags and quite a few boxes.

"Ready?" Peter asks, turning to look at you. The smile on your face is proof enough that you are ready. With a contented sigh, Peter unbuckles himself, feeling excited about today's adventure. The baby shower.

Tony, May, and Nebula were leading the Parker-Stark baby shower coalition, as they liked to call it. In reality, they just wanted to celebrate becoming a family, more than what they already were. A baby kind of seals the deal forever. However, they made it their mission to make it a sex reveal. At first, you and Peter didn't want to know, but the more Tony and May asked about it, you both complied. So, when the time to see the sex came around, you told the doctor to put the results in an envelope and send it right to the cabin. The only people to know what the result was for the next months were Tony and May. They don't care what the baby will be, but they still think it's a cute gesture. All they said was that it would be a yellow banner with the results in bold printed on it, as to keep the whole gender neutral thing.

"20 bucks and a back massage says May tears up three times, Tony tears up maybe twice," Peter wages, giving you an exciting look, the loving gleam in his eyes. You giggle at his words, thinking of your own wager.

"I'd like to add feeding me chocolate covered strawberries because I'll be too lazy to do it myself that May twice, dad four," you respond, giving him a playful scowl, challenging him so soon. Peter chuckles, nodding his head as he reaches a hand out. You take his hand and shake on it, setting your bet in action.

The two of you walk over, to where almost everyone is. There are three empty tables out of six. All tables seem to hold different amounts of people, no set number of people to each table. On one table; Bruce, Stephen, Wong, T'Challa, Okoye, and Rhodey. One table down; Thor, Brunhilde, Carol, Fury, Scott, and Hope. To the left of that table; Clint, Laura, and their three kids. The space already seems so full of people, but you know it's not that many and there are still more people to come.

"Should we pop inside and wait there until everyone gets here?" Peter asks as he looks around, the two of you still going unnoticed. You nod, wanting to prepare yourself a bit before seeing everyone.

It had been a few weeks after telling your immediate family about the news that it was made public. Mostly because Tony couldn't keep shut about it, so he posted a picture to social media. Since then, the only people you've told face to face was Bruce, as you've seen him once or twice in person within the past few months. Everyone else there found out at the same time as the rest of the world, not having been able to see it in person until now. So, all the interactions would tire you out, might as well prepare for it.

With that, the two of you sneak in through the backdoor, not wanting to get caught. Plus, there are still some touch-ups you need to work on, on both yourself and Peter. Sneaking in, you and Peter quietly waltz in, making it past the living room and into the hall. Until Tony and May catch you guys.

"Y/N! Peter!" they exclaim, seeing the two of you. Straightening yourself up, you head into the kitchen, where the two adults work on some pots and pans that are being taken out by Pepper and Nebula.

The two of you approach the adults, watching as they gasp and smile so fondly over the two of you. However, the more they stare, you begin to notice it. First Tony, then May. A small sniffle, and a second later, a tear. A tear!

"You guys are so big," Tony mutters, pulling you into his arms.

"Gee, thanks dad-"

"You know what I meant," Tony scolds, causing Peter to giggle. After he lets go, you greet a tearful May with a hug. Pepper comes back in with Nebula, the two women greeting you both with such enthusiastic hugs. Eventually, you and Peter escape into the guest bedroom, finishing up your makeup, and helping Peter with his outfit. The two of you decided on matching outfits, so you went with a very bohemian white sundress. Meanwhile, Peter opted for a white dress shirt and some black trousers. The two of you fixed your hair, Peter deciding to slick it back, letting the two small strands fall to his face as usual.

"Ready to watch people rub my belly?" you ask Peter, giving him a serious look.

"I'm ready to see May cry two more times, and Tony once more," Peter responds playfully.

"Alright, well, dad's gonna cry three more times and May once. But whatever, let's go."

With that, Peter grabs hold of your hand as you lead the way. He stops you as you move to exit the room. You turn to look at him and watch him as he bends down a little, pressing a small kiss to your belly. The gesture sends a small giggle past your lips and a gleeful warmth through your chest. Once he stands up, you lead the way out of the room, then out of the house. It seems like everyone's outside now. All six tables filled with people now.

On one table; Steve, Nat, Sam, Bucky, and Wanda. In another table; Shuri, Ned, MJ, and Harley. At the final table; Tony, Pepper, Happy, May, Morgan, and Nebula. The sight of everyone is one for sore eyes. It makes you happy, to see everyone smiling and laughing as they talk amongst themselves. Peter nods at you, ultimately leading the way outside. When the door opens, you hear Sam yell something about the couple of the hour coming out to play. Everyone begins cheering when they see you and Peter and your big belly. Peter takes you to the first table, where Bruce and company sit.

"You're huge!"

Those are the first words to come out of Rhodey's mouth. You playfully flip him off, giving him a hug first before going around to everyone else. You and Peter stick around for a few, letting everyone asks questions and feel your belly. Eventually, you and Peter move from table to table, greeting everyone. You reach Steve's table, seeing a big smile on his lips.

"Seems like you two have been busy," Steve says as you approach him for a hug. You roll your eyes, playfully smacking the man. His hand moves to your belly, rubbing it gently as he looks up at you and then over at Peter. Sam and Bucky strike up a conversation with Peter, tormenting him with questions about how he plans on being a dad. You scold the two men as you walk over to Natasha. You can see Wanda eyeing you carefully, but you give her a reassuring smile. The two of you had quite a rocky relationship, but after everything that's happened, you've learned to let go of things and appreciate everything. Now more than ever. So you approach her, hug her, and let her rub your belly because you could tell she wanted to.

"So, how does this little loser get you knocked up?" Sam asks through a chuckle.

"How else, Samuel? I'm sure you wouldn't know," you sass, earning a deep belly laugh from Bucky as he hollers at Sam. Sam flips off Bucky, the two arguing amongst each other. "Well, we got some friends to greet, so we'll see you around."

You grab Peter's hand and lead him to the oh so special table. The one that seems to be lacking your presence. One you've been saving for last so you can really get to talk. Peter excitedly runs to the table with you. Peter runs up behind one of the seats, wrapping his arms around the person sitting on it.

"Ned!" Peter exclaims excitedly. You smile, walking over to MJ and hugging her as you two greet each other. The two of you go and greet everyone at the table with a hug before sitting down with them and catching up. Topic after topic, you all speak excitedly about everything. From MJ having her dream job to Ned's business and Shuri's improvements on Wakandan tech.

"So does this mean no more science squad shenanigans?" Harley asks softly as he looks up at everyone. The same saddened look comes across everyone's eyes before you shake your head.

"What are you talking about? This is the next generation of the sciecne squad!" you exclaim, earning a couple of looks. You ignore the looks, continuing with your statement. "Plus, this kid is lucky to have such cool aunts and uncles in their life. Hell, science squad family nights. Our shenanigans will continue for as long as we're friends," you tell them rather passionately. They're your best friends and nothing will change that. Absolutely nothing.

After that, you and Peter head to the small table for two set up for you. There, you and Peter eat some food, you talk for a bit, and eventually, Tony joins you two. He goes on some tangent about how excited he is about the life you and Peter are bringing. However, his tangent winds up getting a bit emotional, causing him to tear up once more. Peter looks at you with a smirk, but you smirk back. You still got another five hours to go.

May begins announcing the games that would be played. The first one being a round of baby bingo. The first person to bingo wins one of the black and white bags. Everyone but Peter, Tony, May, and yourself participate. The first prize goes to Hope, who wins a cookie jar. The second game winds up being a rather long game of musical chairs. Ultimately, Bruce wins a mug set. To which Tony grows jealous. The third game is another long game of hot potato. Mostly due to the fact that Carol kept burning the potato in her hand the first few times. Finally, when she stopped, well everyone cheated. Wanda used her powers, Stephen used his as well. Clint's kids kept smacking it over, Tony would forget to stop the music. The game eventually got too intense and took a good half hour. In the end, Wanda reigned supreme and won a spa set; bath salts, a bath bomb, a scented candle, some soap, and a few extras.

The fourth game was an especially intense game of relay. Fasten the diaper -on one of Morgan's teddy bears, feed the baby -which involved feeding a partner blindfolded, put the baby to sleep -which was a bit worrisome because it was quite literally knocking down cutouts of babies with a ball. It was especially worrisome when Steve couldn't properly fasten the diaper, almost shoved pudding up Thor's nose and almost made him choke on it, and how he tore a hole through a baby cutout with a ball. MJ wound up winning, as she did it all right at record speed, taking home a set of wine glasses. The fifth game was a game of jeopardy, all about you and Peter. Harley wound up winning, taking home a pack of specialty assorted cookies and sweets. The final game was an intense re-match of hot potato mixed with musical chairs. Tailbones were hurt, an ankle was sprained, elbows and knees scraped, and even more burnt potatoes. Hulk almost made an appearance. However, in the end, Fury won a bathrobe and fuzzy slippers.

"Now that all the excitement has ended, we'll be moving on to some cake!" May announces. Everyone watches excitedly as you and Peter cut the black and white cake with edible designs all over. Deciding that you want to speed up the bet between you and Peter, you ask your dad if he wants to have a father-daughter dance.

"Right now?" he asks.

"Yeah, seize the opportunity."

As soon as the words left your mouth, Tony stands up and changes the song. The one you both claimed was yours. While the lyrics weren't father-daughter appropriate, the meaning and the artistry behind it was important. Everyone watched as the sound of Something Stupid by Frank and Nancy Sinatra begins playing. They watch as you and Tony stand together, his hands resting on your waist as your wrap around his shoulders. You rest your head on his shoulder as he rests his chin on your head. However, as the song progressed, you felt yourself become overwhelmed by emotions.

"Dad, I love you," you tell him, your tone innocent and sweet. "Thank you for everything,"

"Hey, this day w-"

"No, not just today," you tell him, looking up at him. His eyes gloss over as he looks down at you, seeing the all too beautiful e/c eyes he loves seeing. The way they sparkle with joy. "I mean for everything. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I know things were bumpy once, but I would move mountains for your happiness dad, just like you did for me."

At this point, both you and Tony are in tears. You weren't expecting that, but here it is. Once the song ends, you press a kiss to Tony's cheek. He kisses your forehead, taking you over to your table before he goes to his. Through sniffles, you rub it in his face.

"That was tear-up number three, one more to go," you tell Peter through a giggle. Peter chuckles, leaning in to press a kiss to your lips and reassure you that you're fine.

"Alright, time to open presents!" Tony exclaims excitedly.

Seats shift around to get a better look as you and Peter stand behind the table to open the presents. There are tons of presents, ranging from gift bags to boxes. As the sun begins to set, someone turns on the fairy lights in the deck shade, illuminating the scene better. You grab a big bag, opening it as phones come out.

"From the Bartons," you read the tag out loud. You reach in and pull out piles of clothes and various other baby items. You thank the family before putting the items into the big bag and set it down. "From Thor," you read, grabbing the small bag and opening it. You pull out a bracelet with a green gem.

"It's a protective charm. So the child will be safe."

"Thank you, Thor," you respond. You put the small bag into the bigger on as not to lose the item. You move on to another smaller bag. "From T'Challa," you read before pulling out a pair of kimoyo beads.

"It provides medical assistance in case the child gets hurt as well as a communications bead for future use. I provided two just in case the other is lost."

"Thank you so much, T'Challa, that means so much, giving my child a piece of your tech, we'll be sure to keep it safe."

The better part of two hours is spent opening presents from everyone. Lots of clothes, lots of diapers, lots of shoes, and lots of baby necessities. You and Peter go through all the presents, thanking everyone. Now, there are three more presents left. You grab the medium-sized yellow box, revealing a set of small stuffed teddy bears. Each wearing a shirt with a name on it; Ned, MJ, Shuri, Harley, Peter, Y/N.

"We all pitched in for the idea," Ned says softly. You thank him, taking notice of the small banner design under the names, a sign that reads 'science squad'. It's very endearing.

You grab a black bag and pull out its contents. Inside is a small hanging piece for the crib, with an attached lullaby player. After that, you pull out a small box, revealing a necklace with a purple charm.

"Much like a lot of the jewelry, it's a protective charm. You get the gist," Stephen responds, earning a couple of laughs. After that, you pull out some clothes, as well as a few baby bottles and other usual items. Once you put all the items back, you see a small bag. A white bag used for donuts. The label on the bag shows the same one as to where you and Peter first got together.

"There's one more, you should open it, babe," Peter says softly.

Nodding, you reach in, feeling a ring inside of it. You begin chuckling as you begin to think of who else is giving your child a protective piece of jewelry. "This won't fit the baby," you respond as you pull the ring out. Suddenly, you hear gasps, making you look up. However, you look down, seeing Peter on one knee. Your eyes go wide as he gives you a big smile. "Peter," you gasp softly.

"Y/N Stark," Peter says softly. "Being with you has got to be my biggest achievement in life because I've found the person who I want to spend my life with. There's so much I could say, but words could never compare, could never really explain it all. Words are not enough, but it would make me happy if you continue to allow me to show you what it is I feel for you. To let me show you what I cannot speak. So, will you marry me?"

Your eyes are glistening, and as you look at Peter you nod your head, unable to even form words. This moment never seemed like a possibility. But now that it's here, it feels and tastes so sweet. Peter stands up, pulling you into his arms.

"Peter, I love you so much," you tell him as he pulls you into his arms. You hear him sniffle a bit as he pulls away just enough to kiss your lips. The feeling is there, sending emotions to rush through you. "I can't wait to spend my life with you."

Peter pulls away, grabbing your hand. WIth the other, he grabs the ring and slides it on to your finger. You turn to look over at everyone and see two people hugging each other as they cry in each other's arms.

"Pete, I think I won this bet," you tell him, nodding your head in your father's direction. He's in May's arms as the two cries. Peter giggles, leaning over and pressing a kiss to your cheek. The music seems to change in the background, the sound of Louis Armstrong singing La Vie En Rose playing catches your attention. You lean into Peter. "How about my award is this song being our song. At our wedding, at out anniversaries, at parties, and even in private. Just when we're together or even apart, when we feel happy, sad, lonely; we play it and think of each other."

"I can do that," Peter responds, pressing another kiss to your lips.

"Okay, lovebirds," Morgan cuts in, making everyone laugh. "Time to find out if I'm having a niece or nephew!"

Once Morgan finishes her sentence, Nebula is coming out with a box. You giggle, giving your little sister a wink as she walks over to you. Peter stands next to you as everyone settles down, phones coming back out to take pictures and record. Peter places on hand on his side of the box, you doing the same on your side. As everyone finishes counting down, you and Peter remove the lid to the medium-sized box. You both look at the banner and lift it up, spreading it out and reading it over.

It's twins - a boy and a girl!

"What?" you and Peter yell as you look at each other. The open space goes quiet as you and Peter stare at each other wide-eyed. You both flip the banner over, showing everyone the words.

"Holy fuck!" Rhodey exclaims.

"There's gonna be two of them?" Sam playfully asks.

"Yeah, two kids who will totally kick your ass, Samuel. I'll train em once they're out the womb!" you retort playfully. Everyone laughs, turning to point at Sam as they laugh. You wrap your arms around Peter as he pulls you into his side.

"Wow, engaged and two kids? This day just gets crazier!" you tell Peter.

"Well, I wanna experience this craziness with you. So, Ms. Stark, how does Mrs. Parker sound?"

"Funny, we're hyphenating."

"Mr.and Mrs.Stark-Parker? I think I like that better."

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fullmetaldevil-blog · 5 years

Text

Stitched AU: Halloween Birthday Bash pt. 2

Lol boy these pages are rapidly racking up along with the demon count.

October 30th has arrived with the awaited guest arriving along with some more surprises. Allison is pulling out all the stops to accommodate her guests while Tom has a little project in store. It is a time of learning as they all learn a little more about each other and the gaps once filled with hesitation and fear are slowly being fulled with understanding.

I hope you all like the story as I got 1 more chapter to go then this tale is at an end. It’s gonna have to run past Halloween as life is slowing things down a touch.

SINdy belongs to @trashboatprince

Ben and Shadow belong to @zanzaflux

Bendy belongs to @soniccrazygal

There are guest mentions of Gingie who is SINdy’s adopted grandfather figure who is owned by @pipesflowforeverandever

On with the show~!

October 30 (SINdy’s side)

SINdy was up bright and early since he was excited that the day had finally arrived for him to meet Benny's parents. His mother said that she would welcome him in her home regardless and that he shouldn't worry. He had to admit he was still nervous and wanted to make a good impression, but he really didn't have much in the terms of a gift. He couldn't exactly wander about the studio and the only thing the music department had to offer was various instruments and sheet music. He glanced down at the folder he put together with his dad's help before looking back at the ink puddle that lead him to Benny's world. He hoped everything would work out ok, he really liked the idea of being able to come over and to not have to hide. Taking a deep breath and resecuring his present he pushed a glove into the ink and stepped through.

SINdy's gloves were the first to come through the portal as they firmly held onto his gift and sign. However the rest of him wasn't so fortunate and his body tumbled ungracefully out the portal firmly panting his face onto the pillows that Benny kept on the floor for him.

'Thank heavens for the pillows' SINdy's sign read as he sat himself up before standing and lightly brushing himself off. He quickly double checked his package to make sure it wasn’t damaged before walking to the door. His hand hesitated on the door knob, he had to admit he was a bit nervous, but wanted to look on the bright side of things and summoned up his courage and opened the door.

SINdy’s eyes grew wide as the backyard was dyed with pale yellows and blues of the early morning sky. Small dew droplets kissed the grass and some of the flowers that had yet to open their petals to welcome the dawn of the new day. He stood there admiring the yard before spying a cluster of large orange objects with black markings in them. Taking caution to avoid the damp grass the cardboard demon approached one of the objects realizing it was a bag and that faces has been painted on them. There was even one of him! He giggled silently to himself as he eagerly looked over the bag before remembering his reason for being there and carefully stepped towards the back door. He stood before the barrier that separated the portion of Benny's world he traversed and the rest of his friends world that was off limits. He gingerly lifted a hand up and knocked on the door.

---- Benny's side ----

Allison danced about her kitchen twirling pots and pans of as many breakfast items as she could think of. She knew her own demon had a sizeable appetite and wasn’t certain as to her soon to be guest for the weekend, let alone the guests that would come a bit later. It was a good thing Tom had agreed to be her errand boy to make trips to the market for her so she can supervise the events. A grin graced the womans face as she set down a bowl filled to the brim of sliced fruits as she took a step back to look over her table.

The table was covered in cut fruits, sausages, french toast, waffles and the batter for the pancakes that just needed to be whipped up and thrown on the stove along with the eggs and this little feast was done. Allison hummed as she grabbed her whisk and began to stir the batter when a small knock at the back door caught her attention. SINdy had arrived. Setting the bowl and whisk down she wiped her hands on her apron and strode to the back door opening it.

Before her stood a small demon the same height as her son and ironically yellowish just like him, but almost like the yellowing of paper rather then sepia tones. However this little demon before her had very off model round yellow eyes and pupils which would have come as a small shock if she hadn’t seen Benny’s drawing of his friend in advance. What surprised her was what looked like ink lightly dripping from his eyes and part of his widows peak, something that she took as a sign of stress which she was guessing was normal for this little demon. A pink heart resided in the toons chest which was the heart she assumed was the heart that Benny had mentioned that if pulled out, Confessional will come out. A bright smile graced his features as he set a folder down and held up a hand. Wait. There was no arm attached. It was just a floating glove while his other hand held up a piece of cardboard.

'Good Morning Mrs. Connor. Nice to meet you, my name is SINdy!'

Allison looked down at the little cardboard demon before she bent down and gently scooped SINdy into a warm hug. "Nice to meet you too SINdy." she chuckled. She had to admit she couldn’t find it within herself to be afraid of a little demon that reminded her so much of her own. SINdy was being so polite and formal she found it too adorable to not pass up.

SINdy was shocked by her hug, he wasn’t expecting such a kind and warm welcome from the start. He wasn’t even getting many whispers from her as he would with some of the other people he’s met.The few whispers he did hear were small regrets that he remembered Benny telling him about and that they were things beyond his mother's control. She was a kind soul who deeply cared about her family and friends. He happily wiggled in her arms wearing a huge grin, she liked him and was accepting of him! His excitement paused when he felt her drawing him towards the house.

His hands shot up waving at her before pointing towards his sign.

'Wait. I brought Benny a present!' He pointed down at the folder with a little ribbon tied around it.

Allison cradled SINdy in one arm and grasped onto the folder with the other. "How about I hide this for now until it's time to open presents. Ok?" SINdy quickly shook his head in agreement before he found Allison gently poking him in his nonexistent nose. "For now how about joining us for breakfast?"

'Yay!' SINdy swayed in Allison's grasp before he was brought into the home and she closed the door.

SINdy stared wide eyed into the kitchen at all the different items that he's seen in other universes. He even recognized some items he's seen at grandpa Gingie's. He didn't know Bennys family had similar things. Allison chuckled at the small demon who frantically looked around the room trying to take in the sights. She gently set him down watching him wander around while she pulled out some plates from the cupboard.

"Want to help me set the table? They'll be out once they start smelling the food." Her voice drawing SINdy’s attention to her as she held out a small stack of plates.

'Sure!' SINdy happily accepted some of the plates from Allison and she showed him how to set up the table before she resumed mixing the pancake batter before pouring small amounts into the pan while sprinkling in a few white chocolate chips.

Allison watched SINdy out the corner of her eye as the little demon paced back and forth around the table helping to set up. It was like watching a version of Benny wandering around, it warmed her heart that Benny's friend really was a sweet little boy like him. She felt some of the tension leave her shoulders as she turned back to continue cooking. She realized she had nothing to worry about with this little demon. Humming drifted through the air to accompany the sizzling sounds of the pancakes that no where near rivaled their sweet smell. It was making her mouth water. She quickly laid out the last of the pancakes before starting to cook the eggs. After a time she felt a small tug on her pant leg and looked down to see SINdy holding his sign.

'I finished setting the table. Now what do you want me to do?' He tilted his head slightly.

"Well if you want, you can start eating first since they are taking their sweet time getting up." Allison gestured to the table with all the food before pouring the scrambled eggs into a bowl.

At her comment SINdy's eyes went wide at all the food she had prepared. Sure he saw it when he was setting the table, but he thought it was only for the family. He looked back at her confused while the words changed on his sign.

'You mean, I can eat breakfast with you? I didn't set a plate for myself. I thought it was just you guys so I put the spare away.'

Allison looked at the table only seeing 3 plates, she chuckled before looking at SINdy. "Silly of course you're eating with us. Why else did you think I asked for you to come early. I don’t invite anyone over early and not feed them like I would my own."

Allison soon found SINdy leaning against her leg with his gloves grasping onto her before one glove floating up with 'thank you' written over and over along with a heart. 'Huh, this must be how he hugs' she thought to herself while watching the little grateful demon.

"Now go sit at the table while I get you a plate."

SINdy nodded and immediately booked it to the table trying to get onto the chair while Allison had gone to the cupboard to pull out a plate and cup before grabbing a fork. When she turned around she saw the little cardboard demon struggling with getting onto the chair. She chuckled and set the plate down before gently lifting him up onto the chair properly. Once he was properly situated he flashed her a big excited grin before looking over her shoulder and somehow his smile got even wider before his sign floated up.

'BENNY!'

Allison looked over her shoulder to see Benny standing in the doorway with his father completely gobsmacked. The plushtoon was too shocked for words as he looked at SINdy then at Allison in a mix of shock and confusion.

"W-what's going on?" The toon finally locating his voice.

Benny couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Sure it was normal for SINdy to come over, but they always stayed in the hut. What was he doing in the house, let alone at the breakfast table? What’s going on? The plushtoons mind raced a mile a minute trying to process what was going on while Alison looked at his confused face chuckling.

Allison checked on SINdy making sure he was situated at the table before leaving to attend to her own demon. She bent down and gently rested a hand on Benny's shoulder. "See 30 years ago Thomas finished the prototype ink machine at this time. Not long afterwards you were born so while your Birthday was technically the 27th, we decided to celebrate it alongside Halloween since they were so close. After learning about your friends I decided to invite them over to spend the day with us on Halloween. Since SINdy was your best friend and the only one who is still in a version of the studio, I invited him to come early to spend 2 days with us."

As soon as Allison's words sunk in Benny firmly attached himself to her in a tight hug happily squeaking away before words finally formed. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Benny couldn't believe it. Not only was his folks trusting his friends, but they even invited them to come over to spend time with them all for his birthday! He would have never have thought that his friends would ever be able to come over and spend time with him openly rather than hiding in the hut all day. His dreams of wanting to play openly with them was becoming a reality.

"Now they can come over on the promise that they behave themselves." a rough voice sounded from behind. Benny turned to see Tom scratching the back of his head while yawning. "As long as they behave they can come freely in the house."

The older mechanic soon found a demonic anklet as Benny released Allison and glued himself to him happily squeaking his thanks to him as well. While Benny was being affectionate, Tom looked up at the small demon at the table whom Allison had described him as Benny's best friend. Tom carefully strode to the table with Benny still on his leg before holding out his hand to the cardboard demon.

"Nice to meet you. As I'm sure you heard from Benny, my name is Thomas Connor." Tom tried to smile, but it was cracking as he was trying to pry Benny off with his spare hand which was proving to be difficult as the devildoll was firmly glued to his leg.

SINdy could hear the whispers of Tom's past, the regret, the pain and all the negative emotions he had with his dealings with the ink machine. But they were whispers as the man was trying to fix his mistakes as he was trying to be a father to the results of the ink machine. Even though at the moment Benny still hadn't let go of his leg despite his father's efforts.

A smile grew on SINdy's face as he reciprocated the gesture slightly shaking Tom's hand while he held up his sign. 'Nice to meet you as well. My name is SINdy. Thank you for allowing me to come over.'

Tom nodded before bending down using both hands to finally pry Benny off his leg. He chuckled before setting Benny down next to his friend at the table before grabbing a coffee mug from the cupboard. Allison sat down and started dividing out proportions of food to the chattering demons. SINdy's eyes were sparkling as Allison loaded up his plate with white chocolate pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and a few pieces of fruit. Benny had a good sized stack of waffles and fruit he was pounding down eagerly with Tom telling him to slow down that the food wasn't going anywhere. SINdy was initially shy about eating because of his second mouth, but after some encouragement from Benny he finally started digging in. Allison and Tom were both surprised by the second mouth that split SINdy's head in half but considering their own demon has a mouth that spans the length of his stomach they weren't too surprised. SINdy's smile grew a little more when he realized that they didn't seem to be bothered about his eating method and simply asked him if he wanted more pancakes. Though Allison was quick to notice that Sindy had yet to touch his orange juice and realized that with how his mouth works that he would spill it all over himself since it didn’t open the conventional way. She briefly left the table and got him a straw for which he happily thanked her and proceeded to enjoy the citrus beverage alongside Benny who was already on his 2nd glass of milk.

Tom quietly watched SINdy eat, studying how his 2nd mouth worked and mused to himself of seeing Benny and his friend SINdy both having their second mouths out in full chasing after something. It wasn’t surprising that Benny had a friend that was just as much a bag of tricks as his was. Though he wondered if SINdy was like Benny and had a monsterous form as well since the two were similar. Curiosity was getting the better of him, but he decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not ask.

"So SINdy" Allison's voice sounding above the pleased hums at the table. "Tell us about yourself. Do you have any family?"

SINdy's sign floated above while the words formed. 'As Benny told you, I live in the studio still and am trying to find a way out with my father. It's been hard because it's just the two of us as the Ink Demon in our world is trapped with us. He stalks the halls and is really scary.' A small frown formed on his face.

"I see" Allison gave a sympathetic look, understanding a little more about the demons situation. "So how's your father, is he doing ok with you being here?"

A bright smile swiftly returned to SINdy's face 'Yep! He's doing fine and he's resting in his department right now. He's the one that gave me permission to come on the promise that I'd be careful.'

"Department? What area does he work" Allison smiled while listening to SINdy's story giving him her undivided attention, Tom on the other hand opted to leisurely listen while sipping his coffee.

SINdy made a silent laugh 'Oh, he's in the music department. After all he is the director of the department, Sammy Lawrence.'

Tom sprayed his coffee choking at the cardboard demon's comment while Allison looked at him wide eyed at the reaction. The older mechanic taking a few breaths before composing himself. "Wait. Sammy Lawrence, as in the Sammy Lawrence head of the music department. Mr drama queen Sammy?"

SINdy tilted his head slightly at the comment confused. 'Yes, but he isn't a drama queen'.

Benny saw the look on SINdy's face and opted to clarify. "See in our world we have a Mr. Sammy Lawrence as well, like your dad he is also the director of the music department. Well former director as we aren't in the studio anymore. Our Mr. Sammy is really fun to play with. He comes off all stuffy, but after awhile he relaxes and livens up a bit. He must get along really well with Henry and Tom cause his face turns red every time they go over the photo albums and he shouts a lot about the photos demanding a copy. He must really love them."

It was Allison’s turn to nearly spray her beverage, but she barely managed to try and contain herself as best she could. It was cute to think that Benny thought that Sammy's face turning red and his shouting was because they got along. The reality was both Henry and Tom were like vultures circling a carcass with Sammy as he was a very easy person to get riled up. It was even easier as the family album was full of tender or hilarious moments involving much of the former staff and the toons. It just so happens that Sammy gets very worked up about his photos as he likes to think he holds himself to higher standards even though under that hard nosed exterior is a man who cares about the demon’s well being. If anything Sammy is embarrassed he got caught showing his feeling and Tom and Henry pounce on him every time.

SINdy gave off a peal of silent laughter before he held up his sign. 'My dad is really nice. Though cause of the ink he has his occasional moments but he recovers quickly enough. My dad loves reading to me. Sometimes we go in the recording booth to play some music together since it's mostly soundproof.'

"Sounds like your father is a really nice man" Allison chimed in as she set more pancakes on SINdys plate.

'Yep! I love him this much!' the little demon smiled brightly while spreading his hands out to emphasize his point.

Meanwhile Tom wore a mischievous grin on his face while drinking his coffee. He couldn't wait to tell Sammy about his 'son' from another dimension. The former music director would have fits, shame he wouldn't get to see it though, but hearing the conniption would be just as satisfying. Little did SINdy know, he just gave the aged mechanic plenty of ammunition to go harass their former coworker. If Tom were a toon himself he would be sporting his own set of devil horns and a pitchfork as he was looking forward to a little later in the day when he knew Sammy would be awake.

The remainder of breakfast went by with SINdy and Benny both polishing off the reminder of the meal and both volunteering to help Allison with the dishes. She laughed as Benny dried the dishes and SINdy raced around putting them away. The chores went by like clockwork and they had the kitchen cleaned up in no time.

"Allright boys come with me into the living room." Allison gestured while grabbing a small stack of holiday magazines. She was met with two grinning faces as Benny and SINdy followed her into the living room.

Allison had the boys sit on the couch while she laid out the magazines on the coffee table. The pamphlets were covered in Halloween costumes and decoration ideas. The two demon's eyes sparkled at all the different concepts ranging from child friendly to horror show. They never knew there was so many different things for Halloween. Each toon lightly fingered through the stack giggling at all the ideas, though at a few points Allison had to wonder if it was excited giggles or of them getting a mischievous idea.

"What do you boys want to be for Halloween?" Allison's voice breaking the toons out of their giggle fest.

"Hmmm…" Benny lifted up a magazine that held different costumes designs and started to flip through the pages.

SINdy grinned before holding up his sign 'Grandpa Gingie gave me a shark costume!'

SINdy reached behind himself and pulled out a blue and white costume. He hopped off the couch and pulled the costume over his head and let it slide down letting the shark hoodie rest on his head. A huge grin rivaled the fabric teeth that lined the hoodie as SINdy happily showed off his costume. He loved the costume because it didn’t require arms!

"Awww that's so cute" Allison cooed while Benny cheered for his friend. "So Benny did you pick one?" She turned her attention back to her own toon.

"I liked this one" Benny held up a simple bee costume design. "I'm already yellow so might as well go with it." He handed his mother the pamphlet so she could look at it. “Plus I have a good amount of black and yellow fabric”

Allison hummed as she looked over the design. It was simple enough as all they needed was to make a little fluffy brown vest with little white wings and to have striped shorts. The design was cute and was perfect as Benny could easily wear a small black long sleeve just in case the night air was a little too cold and his sepia yellow coloring fit perfectly with the costume. She noticed at the corner of her eyes that SINdy was looking over the costume with a small frown.

“What’s wrong SINdy?” Allison lowered the booklet to look at the toon alongside Benny who noticed his friends change in demeanor.

‘It’s just I wanna be a bee too, but I also wanna wear the costume grandpa got for me.’

Benny tilted his head while listening to his friend. “Why not be both? I don’t think there were any rules saying you only had to wear one costume for the holiday.” he looked to his mother for confirmation.

“He’s right SINdy. You can wear both if you want to cause no one is stopping you.” Allison chuckled before having SINdy lean against her with a wide grin. “For grins I might even dress up as a bee as well so we all can go together.”

Both demons cheered and eagerly set about trying to make their costumes. SINdy entrusted Benny to make them since as a stitched demon he excelled in any and all work dealing with fabrics. The pair rushed to the toons room taking the designs with them along with a pair of black long sleeves and pants that Allison lent them for her costume. Tom barely dodged the pair as they eagerly dashed down the hall, leaving the man baffled as to what they were so eager about.

“So what are the conspiring duo up too?” Tom sighed as he rested on the couch relaxing looking rather pleased with himself. He had to admit the resounding tantrum Sammy threw on the phone made everything right with the world. All is well.

“Well for Halloween the boys and I are gonna dress as bees to go trick or treating. It was simple enough and Benny was more then willing to make the costumes.” Allison scooped up the remainder of the Halloween magazines and stacked them neatly on the coffee table before one of them caught her eye. She set the stack down while lifting the small booklet out and a grin grew across her face before she looked at Tom.

Tom flinched at the look, it screamed ‘honey do’ as he tried to edge away from the couch before a melodious voice sang his name.

“Toooom~” Allison held up the picture for her husband to see despite his ‘no honey no’ face. She lightly swayed the photo of a stroller with a small beehive frame built around it with the baby dressed as a little honey bee.

Tom gave Allison his best pleading eyes as she was suddenly pouring on the charm. She even batted her eyes and him giving him a sweet innocent look. God he hated it when she did that. He already felt his resolve breaking the more she played cute while she continuously held the photo in front of him. The final straw that broke the camel's back was Benny and SINdy eagerly running into the living room to show off their bee costumes. Damn these kids! He had to admit they looked cute as they eagerly ran up to Allison to show off as they happily twirled in place before handing over what he assumed was her own costume. Wait, is Benny’s friend dressed with a bee costume over a shark costume? A beeshark? Tom didn’t have long to ponder before the next thing he knew, all eyes were on him with the only thought running through his mind; confound it all.

“Fiiiiine” Tom loudly groaned before snatching the photo out of Allison’s hands. “What exactly do you want me to make?” he looked over the photo.

“I was wondering if you can take that old red wagon Norman brought the other day and can make it a little carrying cart to house the toons on the off chance they get tired from Trick or treating.” Allison happily chirped.

“Well I can use the wheels and base of the frame as the wagon itself needs some work. I’ll have to make a frame from scratch due to circumstances. I think I might have enough materials to make it.” He gave a slight smile for which he instantly found himself with a demonic anklet and a second leaning against his leg with his glove clinging to him.

“Allright boys, while Tom is doing that why don’t you two go play outside for awhile?” Allison chuckled as Tom awkwardly waddled to the door trying to head to his garage and workshop. Her answer was a two sets of ‘oks’ as they released her husband and dashed towards the door. “Take your costumes off.” she shouted after them.

A smile tugged at Tom’s face as he watched Allison chase both toons back into the house to have them take off their costumes so they won’t get them dirty. In a way he was thankful that Allison seemed to have things under control for the most part as he himself can work on the little project he was asked to make. He already had an idea in mind as he knew that what he needed to make needed to be large enough to house more than just one toon.

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

The evening hours dyed the sky amber and scarlet with small hints of magenta and violet. Benny and SINdy were both resting in the weeping willow trees watching the sunset creep in the horizon. Both toons were enjoying the small touches of the warmth from the light along with the subtle coolness of the night air as it was slowly settling in around them.

“Benny! SINdy! Dinner!” A voice called out from the house gaining the demons attention.

“Guess it’s time to head inside.” Benny grinned as he watched the last rays of the sun fade plunging the sky into violet and blue hues.

SINdy nodded his head before he carefully followed Benny down the tree and headed back towards the house. He couldn’t wait to find out what dinner was as he could already smell hints of whatever was on the menu, and that alone was making his mouth water.

The pair entered the home and washed their hands before coming to the dinner table to find that Allison was setting out baked chicken along with a full pot of mixed vegetables and some rice. Benny looked around the room noticing his father wasn’t inside.

“Where’s Tom? Is his still in the garage?” Benny chirped while lightly tugging on Allison’s pant leg.

His mother looked up towards the clock before looking around the room. “I guess so. He’s not in the house. Do you want to go get him for me?”

As soon as the words left her mouth she barely caught a glimpse of the fine amount of dust that has settled on them before it dissipated. She blinked a few times before a laugh bubbled up at the sudden use of toon logic. That was the fastest she’d ever seen Benny move, she didn’t even know he could use that gag. It must be from being around another toon like himself as even SINdy was gone.

---- Out In The Garage/Workshop ---

Tom was steadily working away in his workshop putting together the base framework he had drawn up on his table. He set down the piece of wood to double check it’s measurements alongside his quickly drawn up blueprint before he felt something tug at his pant leg. He looked down to see both Benny and SINdy.

“Dinner’s ready” Benny pointed towards the door.

A quick glance up at the clock made Tom realize how late it had grown and that Allison most likely sent the toons to give him a break. He stretched wincing from the symphony of cracks and pops from his back while shooting a look at Benny daring him to say something. The toon just grinned at him before motioning towards the door.

‘How is your project coming along?’ SINdy held up his sign while looking at the odd frame resting atop the base of the wagon.

SINdy’s question earned a small smile from the mechanic as he pointed at the cart “The base framework is more or less set up since it’s pretty basic. It is quite sturdy as even I should be able to sit on it with no problem. I just need to finalize a few things, install some panels and get a few cushions so it will be a comfortable ride rather than just sitting on wood.”

Benny and SINdy circled the soon to be cart while Tom explained each portion. Benny felt it was oddly large as it would be just him and SINdy riding it if needed, but he liked the idea of being able to get a lift if he got tired. He immediately ran up to his father flashing a huge grin. “After dinner can we help you finish making it?”

“I dunno” Tom scratched the back of his head. His answer immediately attracted both toons to his legs giving equal pleading looks, both were laying it on thick. “Fine, but.” Tom pointed a finger at each one. “You have to clean your plates and help clean up the kitchen before coming out to help.”

The mechanics answer was instantaneous as both Benny and SINdy cheered promising to help while they both grabbed Tom by his hands dragging him to the door to head back inside the house. He stumbled a few times trying to keep up with the energetic toons silently begging for them to take it easy on him as he wasn’t as young as he used to be.

Allison had the table completely set up for the trio when they came back inside. Benny and SINdy were helped to the table while Tom washed his hands and got ready to dig in. Benny and SINdy immediately pounded down their vegetables first making Tom wonder if they were racing to see who finished their plates first. Once both demons finished their veggies they both happily accepted the baked chicken alongside the little stuffed Cornish hen that Tom muttered about them being ‘turkey buzzards’. Allison didn’t even attempt to acknowledge her husbands comment and rather waited to see the toons reaction to the stuffing. She rested her chin on the palm of her hand while she watched Both Benny and SINdy take the first bite of their chickens.

Benny’s pie cut eyes grew wide before he looked at his mother quickly swallowing “This is so good! It’s sweet!”

Benny’s statement got a nod from SINdy as he held up his sign with his free hand ‘I love the stuffing Mrs. Connor. It’s so fluffy and good!’

“I’m glad you boys like it, someone.” Allison shot a look at her husband. “Doesn’t like the small hens as they feel that they aren’t fulfilling as they are meant to be a single serving.”

“I just don’t like how you have all those tiny little bones” Tom quickly defended himself while gesturing to his bird.

“Well if you don’t like it, they can have it” Allison pointed at both Benny and SINdy who looked at Tom pleadingly.

The man grumbled and he pulled his plate closer to himself making sure that the demons were well aware of his claim to the food. He didn’t want to admit that the only real reason why he didn’t like the hens was because there was never enough of it. The way Allison seasoned and stuffed them was the perfect combination of sweet from the honey and a hint of spice from the mustard that he simply couldn’t get enough. If anything he was silently loathing that the demons liked it as he was hoping that they wouldn’t want theirs so he can swipe it later. Then again, he learned that SINdy had a fair sized appetite that rivaled Benny’s so the chances of him getting any leftovers were slim to none.

Allison chuckled as Benny and SINdy both make quick work of their meals and helped clean the table of all the dishes alongside Tom. He set about washing the dishes while Benny and SINdy dried them and put them away while Allison slipped out of the groups sight to retreat to the pantry to retrieve a small pink box. By the time Allison got her prize and came back into the kitchen she was shocked to find that the group was gone.

“Tom? Benny? SINdy?” she called out only for her voice to be met with silence.

Lifting a brow Allison set the box on the table before heading out to the garage. A smile tugged at her as she stood in the doorway watching Tom sitting on the floor while Benny and SINdy both watched him while he worked and occasionally helping him hold up a piece of the frame for it to be hammered in place. Deciding to let the group work, Allison lightly strode back to the house setting out 4 plates and forks for when the group was done.

--- Inside the garage ---

“And that nail goes here.” Tom pointed at a spot for which SINdy nodded and helped him hold the frame in place while Benny hammered in the nail. “That’s it for this part.”

Benny and SINdy hopped off the frame allowing Tom to look it over properly and even he himself hopped up on the framework to make sure it could hold the weight. He doubted the toons weighed much, but he’d rather be safe than sorry. He gave it his seal of approval before hefting the frame onto the cart and started to screw it down to the wheel base. A light tug on his pant leg redirected his attention to SINdy who sheepishly held up his sign.

‘Mr. Connor, what made you become an engineer? How come you built something like the ink machine when you are capable of building so many things? I’ve seen other worlds where there were other Thomas Connors and none of them were able to answer my question.’

Tom was a bit taken aback by the rather blunt question as even Benny was looking at him for an answer. It was something he didn’t want to admit to Benny as he felt embarrassed by it, but now it looks like even his friend wondered what was his motive behind the machine.

A sigh escaped the man as he gently rested his hand on the framework as he studied the grain of the wood. “My old man was a salty mechanic who always rode my butt on anything and everything I ever did. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the man because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am. He pushed me to strive to learn more and to get better at engineering to where I rose the ladder at GENT corporation very quickly. He taught me about innovation and how to improvise with limited materials and on a tight budget. My skills caught the likes of Joey’s eyes to where he came to my superiors with a dream, golden words and a silver tongue. Honestly I didn’t believe him one bit and told him I will wait with my answer.” Tom turned to look at both demons who were listening intently. “That was until I was heading home and saw some of the poorer children playing with patchwork ragdolls that vaguely resembled the the characters of Joey’s studio. Their parents couldn’t afford the toys and did their best to try and make their children smile. The thought of the smallest possibility that I might be able to make those children's favorite characters come to life in a literal sense and to be able to watch them laugh and play with their favorite characters was very tempting. Even I had to admit as to my own small childish desires to see the toons brought to life. I didn’t want to admit it out loud, but I was familiar with the Bendy cartoons as I often saw them in the theaters and they always left a strong impression on me despite them being silly little cartoons. They made me smile when sometimes I truly didn’t feel like it. When I got home I thought about it for a long time before I finally caved in and agreed to work on the project. I felt it was absurd, but if the smallest possibility was there then I was willing to take it for the children's sake.” Tom let out a deep sigh. “The rest is history as to the development of the machine and both Benny and Bendy’s birth, as well as the fall of the studio along with our imprisonment and escape.”

Benny and SINdy shared equal glances of sympathy. Both toons had to admit that they felt bad for the man as a good chunk of his life was ruined by his job and former boss. He built a monstrous machine with the purest intentions, but it simply didn’t work out. Benny fidgeted with his gloves as he approached his father with the one question that burned in his mind.

“If you had a chance to go back and fix it, would you?” The toon looked up at his father.

Benny’s question was met with a small smile and Tom bent down at the knee to look at the plushtoon straight in the eyes. “No, ‘cause if I did then I wouldn’t have you. You can’t change the past, but all you can do is learn from it.” The man gently scooped Benny into a hug.

Benny let out a small happy sigh in his father's arms as he returned the hug. Even though he realized it was his birthday, he was well aware of the pain that went along with his birth as he couldn’t help but wonder if his father ever cursed his birth in the slightest. It was comforting to know that despite what happened that Tom never once regretted making him. He may regret the misuse of the machine, but he didn’t regret the toons born from it.

SINdy watched with a smile on his face as he listened to the whispers that emanated from Benny’s father. He could hear all his sins but at the end of the day, Tom had made the machine with the best intentions, but unfortunately it had the worst outcome. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was the only Thomas he would ever meet that felt this way about the machine as this was the only Thomas he’s seen that was the father to a Bendy toon. This man was one of the few that he would consider a true parent.

“All right well it’s getting late and I don’t need Allison thinking I fell off the face of the earth.” Tom chuckled breaking the hug to stand up and brush himself off.

“What about the cart?” Benny pointed at the unpainted beehive shaped wagon.

“We can paint that in the morning when it’s warmer since the night air won’t let it dry for a very long time.” Tom patted Benny on the back to usher him towards the house with SINdy in tow. “Thank you boys for your help”

SINdy grinned and held up his sign ‘You’re welcome. I had fun seeing the cart get built and even more so when I got to help. Now I can say I lent you a hand’ He waved a gloved hand to emphasize his point

Benny happily agreed with his friend laughing alongside Tom at this friends joke. He had to admit that he had a lot of fun and the games were just beginning.

The group lightly chatted as they retreated towards the home before Ink began to drip from the walls gaining the groups attention. Benny immediately got on the defensive with the mark across his stomach growing teeth as he lightly bared his own. SINdy grinned eagerly at the wall as he was wondering who was getting in a bit too early. He noticed Benny on the defense and quickly place a hand on his friend's shoulder drawing Bennys attention away from the wall only to be met by a grin. SINdy nodded reassuringly as he gestured back towards the wall with a lanky Ink demon stepping through.

“Bendy?!” Benny yelped in surprise at the demon but then noticed the silence and the intimidating vibes he was getting from him. This wasn’t Bendy, it was the other one that accompanied Shadow. Ben.

The lanky demon said nothing has he held the portal open and a familiar figure emerged from it. The creature resembled a large almost skeletal cat made of ink sporting short stubby horns that resembled ears and a large toothy grin. The inky feline’s grin stretched wider at seeing Benny but it did not move from the demons side. It lowered its head as it sat on its haunches.

“B-Benny who is that?” Tom immediately stepped back away from the two new figures in his yard. He was used to seeing Bendy in his ink demon form as he ran from the devil for 30 years, but this one came off more threatening then their now turned playful demon.

Before Benny had a chance to answer the lanky demon looked down at the inky cat who murmured softly “Behhaaave yoursssself.”

The cat nodded lightly folding it's horn like ears down and pressed his head into the palm of the lanky demons hand before the Ink demon stepped through the portal with it closing behind him. The cat watched its creator leave and continued to watch until the ink that made up the portal faded away. Once he was gone Shadow turned its attention back to the group that was looking at it.

“Shadow!” Benny chirped as he dashed up to the inky cat.

The cats grin stretched wider as Benny wrapped his arms around the cats neck hugging it tightly. Shadow lightly head bumped Benny before wiggling its head down to rest it against Benny's chest purring. The toon giggled at the vibrations he was feeling from the inky cat as he scratched the feline behind its horns.

"W-who is that?" A gruff voice finally spoke.

Benny looked up from his friend to see Tom standing at a good distance away from them while SINdy was cautiously approaching to get a better look. A small frown formed on Bennys face as he could tell that the other Bendy's sudden appearance scared his father. Even he had to admit that the other Bendy can come off intimidating, though he suspected that he was just quiet and didn't mean any harm.

"This is Shadow" Benny turned to face his father and SINdy who was now standing in front of the cat looking it over. "It comes from another world like the other Bendy who I know as Ben. Shadow is really nice and likes to play with me when it can. The first time we met there was a little bit of a misunderstanding, but it meant no harm as it was just watching over cloudy."

SINdy tilted his head 'Cloudy?'

Benny flashed a grin "Yep he's an adorable grey kitten with bright yellow eyes. I found him in the backyard a while back and Shadow appeared looking for him. They both come from the same place as Ben as he is Cloudys owner."

Tom lifted a brow. "That Bendy is the owner of a kitten?" The man was baffled at the statement. He couldn't imagine an intimidating demon such as him with a little kitten. An odd yet amusing image flashed in his head of the scary ink demon with a little kitten playing with his floppy bow tie. He just had a hard time believing it.

SINdy grinned at the large feline and slowly reached his hand to the side of Shadows horn lightly scratching it. 'Nice to meet you Shadow! My name is SINdy!'

Shadow leaned into SINdy's hand enjoying the scratching behind its horns before it lightly head bumped SINdy in his chest extracting a peal of silent laughter from the toon. The vibrations from it purring was tickling the little cardboard demon. SINdy in turn leaned into the cat doing his best to hug it while he continued to laugh silently.

Benny chuckled at SINdy enjoying the inky feline before his smile gave way to a frown at the sight of his father. He could tell his dad refused to budge from his spot giving the inky feline a wide berth. He suspected his dad was having trust issues and while he himself knew Shadow meant no harm, Tom was very skeptical. Mustering up his courage Benny slowly walked to his dad.

"Tom?" Gaining the mans attention. "Shadow is really friendly, it won't hurt anyone."

Tom looked down at Benny and then back at Shadow. He wasn't a fool. He could tell that there was more to this creature than what meets the eye. A feline is especially testy as even if it may have soft paws, underneath them are claws, even if it is a cat made of ink. They can come off as cute and cuddly, but at the end of the day they are still predators. Plus since this cat vaguely resembles Bendy it would be even more dangerous and anything resembling Bendy isn’t to be taken lightly. A slight scowl graced Tom's face before he felt a hand gently grab his own. He looked to see Benny gently holding onto him and was giving him a pleading look while gently tugging. He could tell he wanted him to give Shadow a chance.

A deep defeated sigh escaped Tom as he allowed himself to be slowly lead to the inky cat as Shadow sat and waited for his approach. The closer he got made him tense up more as he was beginning to regret the idea. Benny pulled him to a foot away from the cat and slowly lifted Toms hand out and held it there.

Shadow looked at the man whom was presumably his friends father. The cat wasn't a fool, it could tell that the man was very suspicious and felt a creature such as it was dangerous. While it is true it can easily handle its own, it wasn't here to hurt anyone. It just wanted to spend time with its friend as it was surprised and thankful its creator let it attend. Shadow knew it needed to let this man know it is here as a friend and not a foe.

Tom flinched when he felt something cool and damp press into his hand. He looked to see Shadow had leaned its forehead into his palm and he felt a weird vibration traveling up his arm. His eyes were wide in disbelief that the vibrations he was feeling was the creatures purring. The purring sound it made was barely audible.

The large cat gently nuzzled Toms hand purring louder to where it was causing small vibrations in the ground. He then slowly moved closer to the man nuzzling him as he gently leaned his side against him and circled around him slowly. Tom all the while was tense at the sudden movement but soon recognized the behavior as a sign of affection. He himself never owned cats but was familiar with their signs of affection as this oversized cat made of ink was going through the same motions. He relaxed slightly as he cautiously scratched the inky cat behind his stubby horn getting an even louder purr.

The back door opened with Allison looking around "Are you boys done with the car-" she paused at seeing Benny, SINdy and Tom with a familiar large inky cat curled around her husband. "Shadow!"

The inky cats grin stretched at the familiar sight of the woman as it knew this was the mother figure to its friend as well as the one who invited it. Shadow edged away from Tom before striding to the door and sat on it haunches looking at Allison while his tail flicked from side to side.

Allison tensed slightly, she remembered the large inky cat just appearing in her yard as well as the confrontation it had with Benny who was trying to protect her. Little did they realize the inky feline was trying to get its friend in their care back. She let out a small sigh and a smile releasing the little tension in her shoulders. Benny said this cat was his friend and they enjoy quiet time together.

A small step of courage and a hand out in good faith, Allison gently petted Shadow and scratched it lightly on the base of its horn. To her surprise the inky cat made a barely audible purring sound as it leaned into her touch.

Shadow was excited and was growing more and more optimistic. So far its friends parents didn't seem to mind it and they were even reciprocating the affection that was given. He could tell he was gonna be watched by the father which isn't all that unusual a feeling for him as he could sense how tense the man was and the look in his eyes. Allison, on the other hand, is a little more open to it and seemed to have relaxed some.

Benny watched as his mom laughed at Shadow purring and gently nuzzling her side. It warmed his heart seeing her become more at ease with a guest who once spooked her. He hoped that she will be more open towards his other friends, but it looks like he won't have to worry for much longer. Benny had to admit he was more concerned for his father who was still watching the large cat with an air of skepticism. He knew Tom was left with a bad taste in his mouth about the machine and is protective over his mother as they had to rely on only themselves for so many years. The toon hoped that someday Tom will realize that not all results from the ink machines are bad. For every dark shadow cast has a small light at its base.

SINdy silently giggled at Allison whom was now being tickled by Shadows purring as the cat was nudging its head into her stomach. It was extracting a good laughing fit from her as it was showing its gratitude for being allowed to come over. He wished Bendy could join them. He knew Allison sent him an invitation and if Shadow could come early then Bendy can to! A mischievous grin graced SINdy's face as he reached into his hammerspace and pulled out his own copy of the book Bendy gave him.

Carefully touching the ink that dripped from his eyes, SINdy wrote to their friend.

'Bendy why don't you come on over. Shadow is here too! Allison is letting us spend the night! :D'

Tom saw a small golden light emanating from behind him as he looked over his shoulder to see a book completely open with golden light coming from its pages as it floated in SINdy's hand. What looked like a golden liquid flowed from the pages before it turned black spiraling around the book before converging to form a round mass that began to take shape next to SINdy.

A familiar round body formed with noodle like limbs sporting shiny boots, a white bowtie and gloves. The head was round with a large white face with the eyes closed as it finished forming. To his surprise one horn was longer than the other and he was more so when the eyes opened. The black piecute eyes were slightly larger than normal and a golden orb shone within.

The little demon looked at SINdy who summoned him before looking at the crowd whose attention was now drawn to him. He put on a small smile and politely bowed as if on a stage. "Hi everyone, my name is Bendy. Nice to meet you!"

SINdy held up his sign 'Hi Bendy!'

Benny looked shocked at the arrival of yet another one of his friends, but it was quickly replaced with glee. "Hi Bendy!"

Allison watched as the three toon converged and eagerly chatted between themselves. She had to admit she was not anticipating the sudden appearance of the early guests and was going through her mental checklist as to who all had shown up and as to how she was going to accommodate the sudden arrivals. Her train of thought halted when she felt a small nudge on her side and looked to see Shadow looking at her then at the group before he looked at her once more. It wanted her to say hello. She chuckled before stepping forward to meet their guest who also came early.

Bendy broke from the conversation to see who he presumed to be his friend's mother approaching them. He straightened his bow tie and gingerly strode up to her holding out his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Connor!"

Allison had to admit she was surprised how straightforward and confident this Bendy was as he seemed to approach her with no hesitation. Even Shadow and SINdy took their time approaching her.

She met Bendy's hand with her own lightly shaking it. "Nice to meet you too. I'd like to thank both you and SINdy for helping Benny with his reading. My husband and I may not always have the time to help him and you both filled in for us. Thank you."

Both SINdy and Bendy blushed at her statement. Allison chuckled how both demons blushed grey even though SINdy was a yellowish color like Benny. She half expected him to blush a soft pink, it was a cute little observation.

"Shucks Mrs. Connor it isn't anything special." Bendy tried to hide the grey on his cheeks. "We were just helping out a friend"

'We all help each other out as we all like to read and share stories.' SINdy flashed a huge grin.

"Well thank you boys. Though why don't we all come inside before you all catch a chill from the night air." Allison gestured inside the home.

The group of toons cheered and eagerly dashed inside leaving Tom, Allison and Shadow behind. The large cat made a gurgling sound akin to a chuckle before slowly trotting behind them.

Tom looked heavenward as he stood next to his wife. "Well I can kiss my quiet night sleep goodbye."

"Oh be nice" Allison tugged on him kissing his cheek. "Keep in mind that you yourself were once an energetic little boy that kept your parents up at night. How it comes back around."

"Oh and like you were a perfect little angel" Tom jokingly retorted.

Allison put on her best puppy eyes and lightly traced a halo over her head. "I was a perfect little angel." She lightly cooed.

"Uh-huh. And I'm a devil in disguise" Tim rolled his eyes.

"Well part of you made a little devil so it must be true." Allison laughed before quickly jogging into the home leaving Tom behind red faced.

Tom knew he had been had, it tugged a smile out him to see that Allison never lost her edge. Though for as much as he'd love to get her back for the comment, he was more interested to see what karma is dished out from the toons since she promised to keep an eye on them. He straightened himself up and walked into the house closing the door.

Inside the home Tom was met with a table full of toons who were happily munching on the lemon cake that Allison had bought. She had just set a plate down for shadow for which the ink cat murmured happily before its grin split open to reveal sharp teeth as the cat began to delicately eat the cake.

Once the cake was consumed and the hour had grown late it was time to clean up before heading to bed. Allison spied the yawn that Benny was trying to hide along with SINdy or Bendy occasionally rubbing their eyes. The toons were getting tired.

A clap rang through the air startling the toons as they turned to look at Allison "Alright boys it's time to clean up and to get ready for bed." Her answer was an immediate chorus of 'awwwws' for which she wagged a finger. "No buts. It's gotten pretty late and if you boys help out then that means you have more time to play.

As soon as she finished her statement the toons immediately split up to start rounding up the dishes and to help Tom put them in the sink. Meanwhile Allison looked at the 3 bendylike toons before focusing on SINdy. She had multiple nightshirts for Benny, but most were long sleeve. SINdy doesn't have arms and it would look strange to have him running around with the sleeves dangling. With a hand on her chin she strode out of the kitchen leaving Tom to deal with the demons while Shadow followed her out.

Allison paced into the living room and opened up a dresser and began rifling through it's contents before she felt like she was being watched. She glanced up briefly and saw Shadow sitting on its haunches watching her. "Oh hi Shadow. If you're wondering what I'm doing, I'm trying to find a nightshirt that will work for SINdy. I have a few short sleeved shirts I might be able to mend quickly enough. Plus I gotta start getting the couch unfolded and the beds set up."

The ink cat looked back at the couch before looking back at her noticing that she was preoccupied. It strode over to couch and looked at the two straps that hung on the corners where it assumed they would be pulled out. Just before it was about to try and tug on the strap Bendy walked into the room.

"Mrs. Connor" the toons voice gaining Allisons attention as she held up a soft blue short sleeve nightshirt. "Is there anything else that needs to be done?"

"If you want, can you hang onto this for me?" Allison held out a small pile of nightshirts for which he graciously accepted.

Allison got up from the dresser tucking the blue nightshirt under her arm before she walked over to the couch. She motioned for Shadow to step back before pulling on the straps opening up the couch. The extension clicked into place before Allison reached into the L side of the couch and opened it to reveal a storage compartment. She pulled out a collection of blankets and pillows while the rest of the toons finally entered the living room.

"What are you doing Allison?" Benny tilted his head while watching his mom lay out a bunch of blankets and pillows on the couch before patting the couch encouraging Shadow to hop up. The ink cat was hesitant, but Allison insisted and it carefully hopped up and curled up on the blankets with it’s grin stretching wider.

"Well your friends are sleeping over and your room is too small so they can take the couch." Allison motioned for Bendy to hand over the nightshirts.

As soon as her words left her lips Benny was an instant barnacle on her leg. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Well before you get too excited, I need your help. I have a night shirt for SINdy that needs to be mended so it fits properly." Allison chucked while trying to peel Benny off her.

SINdys eyes were sparkling as he joined his friend in hugging Allison. His hand floated up with his sign. 'Thank you!'

Allison handed Bendy a soft green nightshirt, Benny his pastel orange before she slid the blue night shirt on SINdy. She gently pinched the spare material while Benny pulled out a pair of scissors, a needle and thread. She held the material still while Benny quickly cut the excess off before running a sewing needle through being careful not to poke his friend. Thanks to toon logic, Benny had it sewn together in a manner of a few strokes while SINdy flashed a huge grin. Once the nightshirt was mended to fit perfectly, SINdy eagerly spun in place showing it off before leaning against Allison again

‘Thank you!’

“You’re welcome sweetie. Now I know you boys are all energetic and all, but for now you all can take the couch since there is plenty of room to go around.” Allison lightly patted SINdy on his head before gesturing to the couch with Shadow already claiming his spot.

“What she means is it’s bedtime.” a rough voice sounded behind her with Tom entering the room already in his pajamas “Make sure you boys keep it down. I don’t want to have to come out later and tell you guys to keep it down.”

The toons gave a chorus of ok’s before they hopped up on the couch with all of them giggling and laughing as they rolled up in the blankets looking like a collection of burritos. Bendy flashed a mischievous grin before pulling out his pillow and smacked Benny with it instigating a pillow fight. Allison laughed watching the pillow war with the three toons before noticing Shadow trying to stay out of the way, let alone trying to actually rest. She had a feeling that eventually the boys would step out of line and get on the ink cats nerves. Backing away from the couch turning to head to her room Allison wished the boys a good night. Just as she was about to turn the corner she heard a chorus of ‘nooooo’ prompting her to turn around.

Shadow had used its tail to trip the toons making them land on the couch for which it promptly threw a blanket on them and laid across them being careful not to crush them, but also not allowing them to get up either. It was tucking the blankets around them to make sure they were covered up for bed while the toons protested beneath the inky cat. Allison doubled over laughing and immediately grabbed her camera taking a photo of the inky cat looking like a hen sitting on her chicks. Shadow had the last laugh.

The cat’s grin stretched wider as it watched her taking photos with Allison silently mouthing ‘thank you’. She knew that if Shadow hadn’t stepped in her husband would have heard the playing demons and would have eventually come out. She put the camera away and whispered a good night to the large cat and the three toons under it that were rapidly succumbing to sleep with Benny already down for the count.

Shadow watched as Allison turned off the light plunging the room into darkness except for the small pale blue night lights that circled the living room. The cat looked at the three toons under it who had already fallen asleep much to it’s relief as it carefully got up. It nudged it’s head gently tucking them in properly as well as pulling in the blankets and pillows around it and them making sure they were comfortable before it laid back down. Shadow’s grin stretched at the sleeping toons beneath it before it laid it’s head down and allowed sleep to claim it.

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lovelylogans · 5 years

Text

where you lead, i will follow

chapter one / next chapter

here’s the whole thing!

ao3 | read my other fics | coffee?

warnings: food mentions, complicated parental relationships, mentions of transphobia and homophobia, verbal fighting, top surgery mention, classism,

pairings: moxiety, logince

words: 11,088

notes: so, remember these posts? this was the fic. it’s a gilmore girls au. i thought it was gonna be a bullet list fic, which is why it’s written Like That. anyway it’s ballooned into a ten chapter fic. i know, okay, i know.

(extra note: i haven’t watched all of gilmore girls, and what i have seen was a while ago. however i have read some a+ fics with this concept. if you are in the check please! fandom please see this one, and also read all of shellybelle’s works because they’re That Good. and if you are in the 100 fandom please read this one, and also all of layalioness’ works. layalioness also introduced me to the concept of a practical magic au, which i also wrote in the sanders sides fandom. we stan.)

all right so picture this: very tiny town. let’s call it uhhhhh... sideshire. why not. the tiny town of sideshire. it’s early morning. there are certain things that happen in sideshire every morning. ms. prince and her son are leading the sunrise yoga class in the dance studio the prince family has owned for nearly fifty years. other small town stuff. you get it. i’d set the mood but this is a bullet list fic. but the most famed is patton pleading with virgil to get one more cup of hot cocoa/coffee.

(yes. hot cocoa/coffee. it is a mixture of hot cocoa and coffee. it is specific to virgil’s menu. patton attempts to consume enough of it on a daily basis to match the amount of blood in his veins so that his body runs only on hot cocoa/coffee. don’t you mean a mocha? you ask. no, i say, and refuse to explain further.)

logan, on the other hand, is using the distraction of his father pleading for caffeine/sugar to feed his burgeoning coffee addiction.

“DO NOT THINK I DO NOT SEE YOU, LOGAN SANDERS,” virgil bellows, as if he is not already slipping logan a half-caf to-go cup across the table. “YOU WILL GET AN ULCER AND I THE ONLY THING I WILL TELL YOU IS I TOLD YOU SO. CUT IT BACK.”

he is also passing logan a chocolate chip muffin baked with protein powder even as he is lecturing very loudly. it is baked with protein powder because he tends to hide healthy things into food that is probably not healthy otherwise alongside the other things. the ones he tends to reserve for the people he never sees eat a single vegetable, and also for literally every person in the town who could be seen as still growing. virgil loves likes patton a lot, but he also knows that patton has a sweet tooth and adores junk food and is not much of a cook. so he tends to save a lot of the sneak-attack healthy stuff for them.

also perhaps he has a soft spot for logan, probably because logan has grown up in this diner: he’s fallen asleep in every booth, sat in every seat while he colored pictures or did homework or made his own copies of a newspaper out of printer paper, took his first steps on this tiled floor. it’s hard not to develop a soft spot for someone you’ve known since he’s been three weeks old. it’s a Thing. logan only abuses this power sometimes.

“—but i just want a liiiiiiiiittle more hot cocoa/coffee,” patton pleads, trying for his best puppy dog eyes. they always work eventually. “c’mon, i’ve been so good, i even ate your super healthy breakfast—”

“—patton, that was an omelet and i put in maybe two vegetables among the bacon, ham, and absurd amounts of cheese, and do not think i did not see your grocery run last night how can one fully grown man only know how to make box macaroni and ramen and microwavable meals you have a growing son who needs things like vegetables and protein—”

“—but the past is the past! and if i don’t have enough caffeine, i might crash, virgil. i will crash asleep in the middle of this diner. and then you will have to steer all of your customers around me. and then you’re going to have to deal with me eventually waking up and pleading for more hot cocoa/coffee. so if you just give me a cup right nowwwww...?”

virgil folds. he always does. he has the world’s biggest weakness for the way patton’s eyes light up when he gets his way, as if virgil would truly deny him anything (within reason, obviously. if left unattended patton would have the dream diet of a six-year-old.)

“....you’re getting this smoothie to take with you to work.”

virgil has stocked it with protein powder and spinach and literally as many healthy things he can shove into the blender without overpowering the flavor of mango and pineapple. he chose those fruits specifically because they are more powerful than banana and strawberry to mask the flavor of more healthy things. literally all of patton’s healthy eating falls to virgil. it is Kind Of A Problem. virgil has no idea how he hasn’t gotten scurvy.

“deal!”

“you are drinking ALL OF IT, do you understand?”

“yesyesyes, now hot cocoa/coffee!!!”

“....fine.”

“you are an angel sent down from heaven, virgil, i swear.”

at this moment, roman prince attempts to stroll casually into the diner as if he has not just sprinted from the studio for the sole purpose of walking logan from place to place. patton and virgil exchange knowing glances over their heads.

logan obliviously looks up from his newspaper (it is a small town newspaper, as in, it is about six pages and printed on cheap newsprint—most of it a glorified pta newsletter nestled in along stories brought in from the wire around the state, and ap stories for national/international stories. he has underlined and circled various errors in red pen. there are cramped notes along the sides of each column. he will drop it off at the town’s excuse for a “press” on the way back from school. he has been doing this since he was seven years old. he got his first byline then too. patton has every single one of his bylines framed/otherwise in a scrapbook.

when he drops off the paper every day, the sole reporter/editor/photographer of the sideshire courant will attempt to not throttle him, mostly because he’s a good part-timer/intern/free labor. the whole town knows he will work for some bigshot city paper someday. but for now his know-it-all-ness is lovably infuriating. emphasis on infuriating.)

and he says “good morning” as if he does not notice how roman lights up when he says it.

patton and virgil exchange an even more knowing glance.

virgil does give roman a good meal that is easy to eat to-go and is also good for replenishing calories after a workout, though. virgil also might have a soft spot for roman prince. this particular soft spot is mostly overridden by bickering. no, virgil is not too proud to engage in bickering with a teenager. shut up.

roman, vaguely related, has also somehow become virgil’s sole confidant when it comes to his crush on patton??? it has also applied vice-versa when it comes to roman’s crush on logan??? how did this happen, you ask? virgil literally could not tell you. he just knows that sometimes roman will come into the diner to Scream about logan sometimes and then will say something along the lines of “sanders men, amirite,” and virgil will grumble at him in commiseration.

logan and roman depart soon after to walk to do their summer shenanigans (today, roman will win out their argument, and logan will dangle his feet in the town’s excuse for a swimming hole as he reads poetry aloud to roman, who’s diving to get what he hopes are pretty rocks for logan. most of the time they’re covered with moss. logan appreciates the effort. not that he’d ever say it.) patton whips his head around, looking over each shoulder in the most obvious way that he could possibly telegraph I AM ABOUT TO TALK ABOUT SENSITIVE THINGS I DON’T WANT OVERHEARD in a town full of gossips, and ducks closer to virgil, as if he can somehow avoid the town’s eavesdroppers that way. virgil does NOT find it cute.

“i got the letter,” he whispers conspiratorially.

“did you open it???” virgil demands immediately, ignoring the old man gesturing angrily for a coffee refill down the bar, because he could wait and honestly if he didn’t get how patton had priority by now did he even live in sideshire???

“no, i was waiting for you,” patton admits and virgil’s heart does NOT melt a little.

“well?? open it,” he demands.

patton takes a breath and unearths the envelope from chilton.

(backstory: patton started the campaign for logan to get a spot since his freshman year, since his son is so smart and deserves every single chance to succeed. logan does not know his dad has been applying for him, because he would inevitably start fretting about money and transport, but patton’s the dad, okay, he can worry about that stuff. but it’s now hit logan’s sophomore year and it’s the first week for chilton next monday and this letter came and WELL.)

patton does open it. and then patton starts screaming. and then virgil shouts a little too.

BECAUSE LOGAN GOT IN!! but of course he got in, he’s so smart and his grades are so good and of COURSE he would get in but logan would be so excited and virgil virgil VIRGIL MY SON IS GOING TO AN IVY LEAGUE—

patton is maybe crying a little he’s so excited. chilton wasn’t for him because he wasn’t the traditional kind of “book smart” they valued, and he never wanted to go to an ivy, and he’d never really fit in with the whole ‘high society’ thing, plus he was the first openly trans student there, plus like teen pregnancy, but all these opportunities for his son—

and then his face falls a little.

“what??” virgil says, already running through literally every single worst case scenario in his mind. “what is it?”

patton slides over the letter and silently underlines the tuition with his finger. virgil cringes away out of sheer instinct.

patton is a bit late to work that morning because he’s tried to talk out every possible way to make it work with virgil (sell something? sell a lot of things? mortgage? sell all the things???) but he knows there’s a surefire way to get that money without putting himself into major debt.

enter emily and richard sanders. (yes, i’m keeping the names emily and richard. they work too well and i can’t think of anything else. i’m handling it)

so they were a little rocky with accepting that their son is trans, but they’ve always had a... not the best kind of relationship? so they aren’t specifically transphobic (after patton ran away and had logan and they were trying to make amends, they actually paid for his top surgery) but they... well, let’s go with patton wasn’t the kid they were expecting (read: wanted) to have?

they’re v attached to their high society lifestyle, and they expected a kid who would follow that, they expected a kid who was book smart and would be in the top of his class, and they expected a kid who would want to go to an ivy league and settle down in a very cis/hetero-normative relationship and uh it was clear p early on that patton Wasn’t Gonna Do That. so patton’s whole childhood was him chafing against these all expectations, and then he came out, and then pregnancy, and he felt like he’s done everything possible to disappoint them, and the final nail in the casket was running away to sideshire when logan was barely three weeks old in the dead of the night when his parents were out at their first public appearance since logan’s birth, and he took a car and packed up everything and left, the only goodbye a note left in logan’s crib.

but again, they tried to make amends. it has only worked a little. they have stilted contact on holidays. it is polite and frigid. neither patton or logan like it.

so patton begs off work early and makes the drive to their massive mansion. he is very aware that he is in a holey, stretched-out sweater and jeans that are messy from him running around in the kitchen and playing on the grounds with the group of kids that had come up for a debate tournament. he wonders if he has gotten too old to feel rebellious about things like that, and then he deliberately messes up his hair too. just to complete the image.

it’s for logan, patton reminds himself constantly as he squeaks up the stairs in the sneakers that have a hole in the left sole that he’s duct-taped over, it’s for logan, it’s for logan, it’s for logan. his son, who he loves more than anything in the world.

he knocks. his mother opens the door. patton kind of has the feeling that he’s about to sell his soul to the devil.

he talks with his parents. he makes it very clear that it is A Loan He Will Pay Back, and that it is For Logan. patton escapes with three slightly barbed comments about his hair, five about his wardrobe in general, and eleven about his life choices, but he gets out knowing that he and logan are going to have to have weekly dinners with his parents and that he’s going to have to call his parents every week to talk about logan’s schooling, too. but he definitely got the tuition money for chilton.

so, he definitely kind of sold his soul to the devil. just a little.

he also wonders if this knowledge is gonna deplete logan’s excitement over chilton.

patton slumps into virgil’s diner. virgil immediately pours him a hot cocoa/coffee, because patton should never ever look so much like a drowned, kicked puppy.

“so,” he says, tracing the circle of the mug with his pinky, “good news, i got the tuition money.”

“you starting with good news implies there’s bad news,” virgil says, leaning against the counter. his part-time workers, used to this, scoot around him in the quest to serve the other customers.

patton grimaces. “so you know my parents.”

(virgil had a brief run-in with patton’s parents one easter. virgil might have thrown some dyed eggs at their fancy car. it was not a particularly great run-in, even if nine-year-old logan had shouted “COOL!” with delight in his eyes because he was young enough then to not worry about looking serious all the time and patton to this day looks a little smug whenever he sees people starting to dye eggs.)

(virgil had met them one other time before that, actually, but patton wasn’t in a place to remember it and logan was too little to remember it, so.)

“aw, patton, no,” virgil says, putting the pieces together.

“patton yes,” patton says unhappily, “and patton and logan will have to go to weekly dinners until patton is dead, probably, and patton might not escape it even then.”

virgil wordlessly dishes up some of the double chocolate fudge layer cake. it is a mark of how patton feels right now that he does not start crowing about dietary victory over virgil’s extremist vegetable agenda.

(he maybe spends a little too much time hosting roman prince in his house, but hey, any kid is welcome in his house, okay? especially when they’re definitely absolutely in love with his son. patton might have a bet going with himself on who confesses first. his money is on roman, because bless his son, but he is Terrible With Emotions which he probably inherited from patton but in, like, a whole new different way. genetics, right?)

“i mean,” patton sighed, dragging his fork through the icing, “it’s worth it. for logan, anything’s worth it. it's just—”

“your parents suck,” virgil finishes bluntly.

“they don’t suck entirely.”

“not being as much of a transphobe as they could be is a low, low bar, patton. it is literally the most basic bar they should be able to clear, because they’re your parents.”

“...yeah. okay.”

patton finishes the cake, tries to shake off his mood, and asks virgil for an order of takeout so that he can get dinner ready at home for logan, to tell him the good news. virgil sighs a little and barely even makes a comment about how they better eat the side salads he’s included for each of them.

⁂

logan walks into the cheerful yellow clapboard house his dad bought as soon as he could afford it, after a morning at the swimming hole and an afternoon spent 1. heckling the one-person staff of the sideshire courant, 2. pestering the librarian for the latest shipment of books she said would be in last week, and 3. reading quietly on the wooden pews that the princes repatriated from the old church before the church got the nicer ones with cushions and sits outside of the prince dance/yoga studio, glancing through the windows to watch roman laugh and spin with little girls who are wearing matching tutus with him, doing ballet lifts with them when they shout and plead MISTER ROMAN MISTER ROMAN MAKE ME FLY PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! and squints at the table.

“did you... make dinner? you never make dinner. you made sure the smoke alarms were on, right?!”

“how can you not recognize virgil’s spaghetti and meatballs, i’ve literally been feeding this to you since you grew teeth?”

“i’m just used to it in takeout boxes. wait. why did you put it on actual plates?”

“can you just sit down for dinner, please?”

“is someone dead?”

“logan!”

“it’s a reasonable question!”

“no! no one is dead! it’s a celebration dinner!”

“... that doesn’t mean someone isn’t dead.”

“logan!”

so logan sits down, squinting suspiciously at his father. usually they just go to virgil’s. or they stay in and make stuff that takes less than fifteen minutes and would probably give virgil heart palpitations from stress.

this is Not Normal. which means something Abnormal has happened. and usually Something Abnormal means Something Bad.

his dad takes in a deep breath, and says, “you’re so smart.”

logan knows this. no one ever accused him of being humble. he cannot possibly pinpoint why this lead to a celebration dinner, though.

“you’re so smart,” his dad repeats, “and you work so hard, all the time. and i know you have such big dreams for the future.”

“dad,” logan says.

patton takes a breath in, and slides a piece of paper across the table. (the tuition sheet, he triple-checked, is not included.)

logan takes it, flips it over, and takes in the coat of arms. then dear mr. sanders, we are happy to inform you we have a vacancy at chilton prepatory for this school year. due to your son’s excellent grades and recommendations, and your enthusiastic pursuit of his enrollment...

he can’t keep reading from there, though. because his eyes are too blurry and his throat is too tight. he probably needs a new prescription and he might be coming down with strep. or an upper respiratory infection. maybe some variant of throat cancer that is also making his eyes too hot. that’s all it is. he should make a doctor’s appointment.

“dad,” he manages to say.

“oh, hey, hey,” his dad says, and he crosses the table to kneel by logan’s chair and pulls logan down into a hug, and logan shuts his eyes tight.

“you applied to chilton for me?” logan whispers.

logan, of course, knows about chilton. the franklin is consistently rated the best student paper in the state, winning awards both at state and national levels. a diploma from there’s practically a gilded invitation to an ivy league. seven chilton graduates have pulitzers. he knows how good their programs are. he also knows the limited stories his dad has told of his two years at chilton before he dropped out to have logan.

“and i’m... you... i’m in?”

“yeah, kiddo,” patton says. “you’re in. they were practically foaming at the mouth when i showed them your gpa, plus your bylines. they wanted you there so bad. ”

“but it’s so—” expensive, far away, you hated it so much there...

“hey, i’m the dad, okay?” patton says, drawing back and wiping his thumbs under logan’s eyes, offering his own watery smile. familial allergies, maybe. logan should check the filters and possibly update any medical files. “let me worry about all that stuff, that’s my job. your job is school.”

“i’m going to chilton?” he repeats.

“you’re going to chilton,” patton says, and hugs him one last time before rising to his feet and sitting back in his chair. “plus an ivy.”

logan’s cheeks hurt. “i’m a sophomore.”

“yeah, but you’re my sophomore,” patton says, as if that makes sense as a term of endearment, “and you’re gonna get into any college you want, because you’re logan, and you’re so smart, and you work so hard, and you deserve a spot at chilton or any old ivy league that you want, and i am gonna bend the earth and sky to make sure you have all the opportunities you could ever possibly need.”

if logan gets up to hug his dad one more time... well, his dad would never tell.

"eight, dad," he mumbles into his shoulder.

"aw, kiddo," patton says gently, and holds him tighter. "sixteen."

⁂

so, patton isn't a particularly strict parent, but logan has the feeling that if patton knew how much logan snuck out that his windows would probably be bolted shut and he’d be treated to a lecture about how “sideshire is a small town but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe all the time, okay???” as if logan hasn’t written the defining articles on the crime statistics of sideshire for the past two years, since he was old enough to see pg-13 movies and thereby old enough to see pg-13 statistics.

patton would probably be even less pleased if he knew that logan had perfected his sneak-out route at the age of ten. there’s a trellis of ivy that’s very easy to climb down from his bedroom window, and logan has been hopping the backyard fence since they’d moved into this house. and from there’s it’s just following the well-worn trail to the middle of the town, to the fairy-light-strung gazebo. it’s the perfect halfway point between their houses, and so it was Their Place.

roman grins up at him from where he’s sitting on the gazebo steps, waving his phone at him. “usually i’m the one who calls midnight crisis meetings,” he teases. “i figured that you might want something.”

he holds up two styrofoam to-go cups that logan’s sure are full of milkshake. see, logan is a virgil’s diner man through-and-through, it’s a family thing, but when it comes to ice cream/milkshakes/other ice cream based products, he has to get it from lucy’s. virgil gets it, he gets all of the ice cream he serves from lucy’s.

anyway, he and roman have been getting milkshakes from lucy’s for years: we-gotta-do-these-book-reports milkshakes, screw-the-bullies milkshakes, just-cause milkshakes, logan-i’ve-been-trying-to-teach-a-class-full-of-toddlers-a-waltz-routine-for-two-hours-let-me-have-this milkshakes. so on.

logan accepts his (salted caramel to roman’s chocolate-covered cherry) and sits on the gazebo steps, stretching his legs out. roman sits next to him, shoulder-to-shoulder, and logan’s heart does that strange squeezing thing that it’s done around roman for as long as he can remember.

(they met like this: they were both in mr. geller’s kindergarten class, and there’s no one with a q last name in their grade, and the only r in their grade was in ms. lansing’s, so he and roman ended up as table buddies. they were supposed to decorate the nametags that were taped onto their desks. logan drew leminscates on his, and roman drew an expansive, wild garden of red roses that leaked over onto his. logan had gotten mad. roman had drawn blue and orange universes over them in apology without ever actually saying the word sorry and he told logan a story about how the flower-world had been populated by aliens and a brave scientist touched down to try to get the prettiest flowers in the universe for his husband, the most handsome prince there ever was. at snacktime logan had traded his strawberries for roman’s jam cookies. they’d been inseparable ever since.)

(logan’s nervous about a lot about chilton, but he’s most nervous about changing this. losing this.)

logan takes off the lid, and drags his straw through the whipped cream, attempting to eat it first, so that the whipped cream wouldn’t sink down and prevent him from finishing off the milkshake with a mouthful of caramel-tinged whipped cream. roman steals his maraschino cherry. that’s all normal. it’s all so normal, sitting here together in the gazebo in the dying heat of summer, the only light from the stars and the fairy lights, and logan stares at his shoes—his formal-ish black shoes—and how they look next to roman’s red high-top converse, scrawled all over with multicolored sharpies because roman was a horrible fidget, and he was most prone to drawing all over the nearest surface (paper, his hands and arms, his legs if he’s wearing shorts, his shoes, logan, sometimes, if they manage to get seats close enough together in class and sometimes when they lay in the gazebo in silence, chasing sugar highs and enjoying the stars—)

“i’m going to chilton,” he blurts to their feet. “my dad’s apparently been trying to get me in since last year, but a spot opened up, and—and it starts monday.”

there’s silence. logan almost can’t bear it, before an arm slings over his shoulder.

“logan,” roman says, and he’s... smiling. maybe.

“you’re not mad?” logan says, confused, and roman blinks at him.

“why would i be mad?” he says. “i mean, you didn’t know, right?”

“right,” logan agrees tentatively.

“so,” roman says. “i mean, i always knew you were gonna, like, go off to stratospheres of academic excellence, it’s just happening a little earlier than expected.”

there’s something wrong with his smile. something brittle. logan doesn’t like it.

“roman—”

“i’m happy for you,” he says, and there’s something biting there.

“roman.”

“look, i just—whatever,” roman huffs. “you’re going to fancy prep school. good for you. it’ll be great. you’ll be great. tell me about the stupid franklin.”

“the franklin isn’t stupid,” logan says, shaking off roman’s arm. “it’s one of the best student-produced papers in the state. that includes high schools and colleges.”

“right,” roman snaps, “of course. the franklin’s fucking perfect. my mistake. like your stupid chilton uniform’s gonna be perfect, and all your new snooty chilton friends are gonna be perfect, and your ivy league is gonna be so fucking perfect, because you’re just too perfect, right?”

“i—what?!” logan says, trying to shake off his confusion like it’s something as physical as roman’s arm. “you said you weren’t mad!”

“i’m NOT!” roman snaps, and then he falls silent.

“i thought you would be happy for me, because that’s what friends do,” logan snaps right back. “i want to go to the best place for my future, what’s so wrong with that?!”

“nothing,” roman spits, getting to his feet. “absolutely nothing’s wrong with that.”

“then act like it!” logan hollers back, surging to his feet because he hates anyone looking down at him, literally or metaphorically. “what is your problem?”

“my problem??? my problem????”

“yes! YOUR problem!”

“fine! i guess it is my problem! because i’m not smart like you, logan sanders, otherwise known as mr. right-all-the-time—“

“wh—i don’t even know why i cared!” logan snaps. “it’s just that this is important to me, roman, i’m not going to apologize because i’m doing something that’s going to be good for me, that’s—”

“going to get you out of sideshire?” roman says, bitter.

“fine! yes! i want to do things, i want to write about important things, and i can’t exactly win a pulitzer covering the latest town meeting for the courant, okay?!”

“oh, so some fictional pulitzer’s important to you, but i’m not?” roman snaps, and logan’s mouth snaps shut, and his voice catches in his throat, and his brain runs over the conversation because when had he said anything that could possibly be interpreted like THAT?! but he realizes when roman’s face drops and then screws up that he’d taken too long to answer.

“wow,” roman scoffs. “i—you know what? have fun at chilton, walter crank-kite. i hope you and your imaginary pulitzer become the best of friends.”

“roman,” logan manages to say, but roman jostles his shoulder on his way out, and he slams both the salted caramel and the chocolate-covered cherry shakes into the trash, stomping back toward the prince studio and apartment.

and logan’s left standing in the middle of the gazebo, wondering what just happened.

“emotions,” logan huffs, and kicks one of the railing posts.

⁂

when logan slouches down the stairs the next morning, hair mussed and scowling, patton doesn’t really question it. sanders men aren’t morning people. it’s a fact of their nature. he figures it’ll get better after a mug of coffee from virgil’s.

it does not get better after a mug of coffee from virgil’s.

patton gently mentions how it’s his last friday of summer, and logan makes vague mumbling noises, stabbing his scrambled eggs with his forks more than actually eating them.

“well,” patton says, keeping his voice chipper. “no matter what you decide to do, be back at the house, okay? we’re having dinner with my parents at seven.”

logan stiffens. he drops the fork with a clatter. “it’s not a holiday,” he says suspiciously.

“well, no, but—”

“we only see grandma and grandpa on holidays.”

“it’s about chilton,” patton says. “they’re excited that you’re going. it’s a celebration—”

“we already had a celebration dinner,” logan grumbles. he picks up his fork and starts stabbing his eggs again. “i liked that celebration dinner. dinner with grandma and grandpa is a punishment dinner.”

“hey,” patton says, trying to be a little stern, but, well, he’s right. “they’re excited you’re going to their alma mater. they want to have us over for dinner more often. it’s like a peace offering.”

“did i do something?” logan says suspiciously. “you said no one was dead. i should have rephrased—is someone dying?”

“logan, what?! no!”

virgil, swinging by, frowns at logan’s plate.

“you need more protein,” he says. “eat your eggs, don’t kill them. they’re already dead.”

“i don’t need more protein.”

“yeah, i see the vast majority of your meals, kid, that’s not gonna fly,” virgil says. “eat the eggs.”

“words can’t fly and you sneak protein powder into every pastry i eat anyway,” logan mutters, and rebelliously shoves a forkful of eggs into his mouth. virgil nods in approval and goes to drop off a plate of pancakes for the nearest gossips.

“no one is dying,” patton says exasperatedly. “what makes you think someone is dying, anyway? why is that always your first thought lately?”

“statistically—”

“let’s not get into depressing journalistic statistics first thing in the morning, huh?” patton says hastily, because he has made that mistake before and spent the rest of the morning in the throes of an existential crisis or general misery about the state of humanity or the planet.

(not even just, like. generally depressing statistics. journalism-specific statistics can be plenty depressing too! i went digging for some and then it turned into a couple paragraphs of me presenting paragraphs of statistics about journalists. and then i tried rewriting it like three more times. it basically boils down to me lunging through your screen to scream “support journalists,” okay???)

anyways, to get back into the fic, patton is aware of these statistics. he has rambled nervously about them to virgil, who has internalized these worries. am i basing that instance off people in my life who similarly care about me but aren’t Into Journalism like i am? yes. buzz off. i said i was getting back to the fic.

anyway, patton briefly mentally flashes through the “photojournalists can be as likely as combat veterans to develop ptsd/journalists tend to self-medicate with caffeine and alcohol and sugar/the job market isn’t great/you absolutely Do Not go into journalism for the money” statistics that i just summed up for you instead of ranting for five paragraphs you’re welcome, and says,

“do you want more coffee? you’ve barely had any.” because, you know. he’s a sanders. caffeine’s gotta work some kinda magic. and also the whole “journalists love caffeine” thing is Real Okay it’s Backed By Statistics.

virgil, on his way back to dump an armful of empty dishes back in the kitchen to be washed, is about to start lecturing, before he stops and frowns.

“yeah,” he says. “i... logan, i haven’t even caught you trying to sneak a refill.”

this is a cause for Concern. logan has usually attempted to get at least one refill at this point in the breakfast.

logan jerked up a shoulder in a shrug, and shoved another forkful of eggs into his mouth.

virgil frowns, tops up his mug, jabs a finger in patton’s direction and says, “not a word,” before he vanishes to drop off the dirty dishes.

“do you know what you’re gonna do today?” patton prompts. “there’s some debate kids in the inn. i’ll look the other way if you want to totally wreck them.”

this is usually a temptation for logan, who gets into arguments the way cats get into any visibly box-shaped object. debate kids in town on tournament meant kids being ready to practice arguing, and logan tended to delight in taking on their arguments and poking holes into their arguments, their fact-checking, their general take on debate—

“maybe,” logan says listlessly.

“i saw that the courant had a spelling error, right on the front page,” patton offers encouragingly, because he is getting more and more worried about his son right now. “i bet rudy’s been waiting for you to storm into the office since he noticed it.”

this is also usually a temptation for logan. he’s usually gleefully ripping the courant to shreds at this point in the morning. he hasn’t even glanced at the paper dispenser or asked patton for a spare quarter in case he forgot to grab something from the family piggy bank to be able to buy the paper.

logan never forgets to get change to be able to buy the paper.

logan shrugs again.

“are you feeling okay?” patton says abruptly. “let me feel your forehead. do you think you’re coming down with something?”

“i’m fine,” logan says sharply, ducking aside so that patton doesn’t have access to his forehead.

except even being sick wasn’t an excuse for logan to not want to look at the paper, patton realizes, because what delights logan most when patton stays home to look after him when he’s sick is when patton brings back the spare copies of the new york times and the washington post and the wall street journal from the inn, and will be confined to bed rest as long as he has something to read in his hands.

“are you okay?” patton repeats, and logan sneers at his eggs.

“i’m fine,” he says.

“if you keep making that face it’ll stick like that.”

“that doesn’t make any sense!”

which is typical for logan to say, whenever patton busts out a dad-ism like that, except logan doesn’t usually yell it and slam down his cutlery loud enough to make half the diner look in their direction.

“whoa,” patton says, “kiddo, hey—”

“nobody is making any sense,” logan seethes, and grabs his stuff. “i’ll be back for the stupid dinner.”

“hey!” patton says, stern, but logan’s already storming out of the diner, the bell above the door jangling, discordantly cheerful.

“what,” virgil asks, coming up behind the counter, “was that?”

“i,” patton begins, and frowns. “i have no idea. i mean, he’s been in a bit of a mood all morning, but i just thought it was a morning thing, but i mentioned the dinner and he got all...”

(oh, patton, bless. you have no idea. keep working under that assumption, though.)

“he and your parents only sometimes get along, right?” virgil says in an undertone.

patton lets out a slow breath. “usually, it’s like a flip of a coin,” he says. “either they’re all thrilled that he’s, you know, as smart and talented as he is, and he preens under all the attention. or, well. they say something about how smart and talented he is, and how we could work to apply it better, and he...”

“gets snappy,” virgil says, because he bore witness to quite a few of toddler/little kid logan’s temper tantrums and has seen them age, like really terrible wine. “yeah.”

patton hesitates, before he looks at him out of the corner of his eyes. “can i get another hot cocoa/coffee to deal with my son going very teenager, all of a sudden?”

virgil snorts, and fondly snatches logan’s freshly-filled mug away, holding it out of patton’s reach when he jokingly tries to jump for it, and that’s a little better.

⁂

so. logan’s not having a great day.

he couldn’t sleep because he was too busy trying to figure out what the hell happened with roman. he bit his tongue so hard it bled when his dad had off-handedly mentioned going to the prince studio as an idea for what logan does with his day. he apparently has to go to dinner with his dad and his grandparents.

logan’s relationship with his grandparents is, in a word? stilted.

(logan may be terrible with emotions, but he knows his dad well enough to spot the way his shoulders tighten up and hunch over whenever his parents say something with that particular twist of their lips, to see how he starts absently rubbing the sleeves of his sweater or cardigan between his fingers or over his face like he needs comfort, the way he always makes sure to hug logan tight and firmly tell him that he supports logan, always, no matter what he wants to do, as if logan has not known this since he was capable of knowing anything at all.

logan may be terrible with emotions, but he knows the way his other father slips up and starts to call patton something that doesn’t share any of the syllables of his name and the way the blood drains from his dad’s face, every time, and he can count the times his other father has remembered his birthday on the day of and contacted him that day on one hand, whereas his dad wakes him up every birthday morning at 4:03 am to tell him all about how he was born no matter how much logan groans about it.

logan may be terrible with emotions, but he knows that’s not a man his dad should have been married to, ever, no matter how much his grandparents insist on how good it would be for the three of them, how they both needed someone to take care of them, as if patton hasn’t been taking care of the both of them on his own since logan was three weeks old.

logan may be terrible with emotions, but he has grown up surrounded by the people of sideshire who love and support his dad, who have never called him the wrong pronoun or name, and logan may be terrible with emotions but he is smart and so it’s been easy for him, over the years, to compare high-class to the town that his grandparents seem to look down upon, and logan may want to leave sideshire but he still loves it.

logan is terrible with emotions, so he gets snappy when his grandparents get snappy, but that’s not the way a proper young man should behave, logan, because he’s more obvious with his barbs than they are.

oh, they love him. he knows that. they fawn after his school work and exclaim over his bylines and send clumsily impersonal gifts for each holiday and take him out to a fancy dinner within the week after his birthday every year, he knows that they love him. he knows that they love his dad, too. it’s just hard to remember that when his dad got into the driver’s seat after last christmas and burst into tears because his parents had sprung a visit from his other father on them without any warning at all, and his other father had messed up and called him by the wrong name, again, and how his grandparents always call the inn a motel, and how they always look down on the cozy yellow clapboard house patton bought them, and a million other little things in their lives that become targets, and how it wasn’t the first time logan had ever seen his dad cry after a family function but it had been the first time since logan was a little kid, and it still hurt to see that his dad, who probably had more capacity to love people than logan had ever seen, had grown up with people who always had terms and conditions to their affection and their presence in his life and yet still had the audacity to insist that they were trying, patton, can’t you meet us halfway?

so. yes. stilted is certainly a word for it.)

so when he gets back from hiking angrily around in the forests surrounding sideshire, and sulkily takes a shower, and puts on the most formal look that his grandparents will probably be displeased with but cannot actually disapprove of (he’s particularly fond of the trans flag tie part of it, in addition to the rainbow handkerchief he’s put in his blazer pocket) he’s still in a bad mood.

“ready to go?” his dad says, from where he’s nervously tugging at all his clothes. he always dresses a bit extra masc whenever they go to his parents’ house, and he usually spends the next couple days in his coziest sweaters with his hair as messy as it possibly can get like he’s trying to reassure himself that he can be a bit of a mess without people lecturing him for it as long as he’s comfortable, and logan really, really hates going to his grandparents, along with the world in general right now.

“if i have to be,” logan says.

the whole car ride there he sits with his arms crossed and glaring out the window, not engaging with his dad’s slightly subtle “so how was the rest of your day?” to his more telling “you know you can talk to me about anything, right?” to his very obvious “if you aren’t okay, i can call and tell them to push it off to another night.”

when they get there, patton shuts off the car.

“i know your grandparents’ aren’t—”

“i’ll be civil,” logan says, cutting off the pep talk, and gets out of the car before he can get the whole lecture. he hears his dad sigh before logan shuts the car door.

logan straightens his tie, puffs up the handkerchief so that it’s blatantly in the line of their vision, and patton gets out of the car. they walk in silence to the front door.

logan mutters, “let’s get this over with.”

his dad laughs, breathlessly and nervously, and knocks.

his grandmother opens the door almost before they’ve finished.

“logan!” she says, fondly. “patton,” she adds, less enthusiastic.

“mom,” he says.

“right on time,” she says.

“traffic was... fine,” patton says lamely, and they both walk into the house.

“i can’t tell you what a treat it is to have you boys here,” she continues, and patton looks cautiously optimistic.

“yeah, we’re pretty excited too,” patton says.

“now, let me look at you in the light, logan,” emily says. “oh, look at how handsome you are. growing up all the time. just the picture of a proper young man. it’s so good to see you.”

she gives logan a long hug. logan stiffly holds his arms in place, looking to his dad as if to say, help. patton shrugs. logan rolls his eyes to the heavens and pats her once on the back.

“it’s, um. it’s good to see you too,” he says, lying through his teeth.

“so!” she says, drawing back and grabbing logan’s hand, pulling them toward the Fancy Fancy living room. “tell me all about chilton.”

“i haven’t started yet.”

“richard! look who showed up!”

logan’s grandfather looks up from his paper and squints at him. “you’ve gotten tall.”

“i suppose.”

“what’s your height?”

“five eight.”

“tall. still growing, i assume. i’m on the edge of my seat to see how tall you become.”

he looks back to his paper. logan, not for the first time, thinks he knows where he gets it from.

“hey, dad,” patton says.

“patton,” he says, without looking up. “your son is tall.”

patton grins. “yeah,” he says, remembering how he shot up nearly six inches after he got back on t after logan was born, and how logan’s probably going to get even taller than him soon. “remember when he used to fit in the dresser drawers?”

“dad,” logan complains.

“champagne, anyone?”

“oh, um,” patton says. “champagne, wow. fancy.”

“well, not every day i have my boys here for dinner on a day the banks are also open. a toast?”

she does not ask patton if logan should have champagne. he probably would have said yes, but still. it’s the principle of the thing. patton grits his teeth for a moment.

“to logan entering chilton,” she says, raising the glass. “and an exciting new phase in his life!”

“here here,” richard says, still reading the paper, and they all drink the champange.

“this is so exciting,” emily continues, “an education is the most important thing in the world, after family.”

“and cookies,” patton blurts out.

his parents both look at him.

“joke.”

“ah.”

logan hesitates, still staring at the paper. the front page isn’t visible but the design styling’s so obvious logan already knows, but—

“is that the times?”

"yes,” his grandfather says. “interesting article about the effect of delivery on local restaurants and grocery stores today, have you read it?”

“no,” logan says, “i haven’t really read much of the news at all today.”

richard, without looking up, hands logan a copy of the washington post from where it’s folded up beside an already-read copy of the wall street journal and the latest copies of national geographic and time. logan, smirking a little, takes it.

“can you please wait to read until after dinner,” emily says wearily.

“oh, let them have their bonding time,” patton says, grinning widely now, and picks up the national geographic (pretty pictures!)

patton likes to imagine that his mother barely quashes the urge to throw her hands up in defeat.

the dinner, however, is much more awkward than all of them reading their publications of choice in quiet (patton’s mother had selected ladies’ home journal, in a move that patton isn’t quite sure was a masked hit or not) and he absently tears a roll to shreds in his hands, ignoring the way his mother is glowering at the little bread bits he’s littering on the table.

“logan, how do you like the lamb?” she says instead.

“it’s good,” logan says, as if he has not been poking it with his fork more than eating. patton figures it’s better than stabbing, but he would prefer if his son actually ate.

“too dry?”

“no.”

“hm. shelby always leaves it in too long. i’ll have her make something else.”

“please don’t,” patton says hastily.

“it’s fine,” logan says, when it looks like emily is about to mow over patton again.

“well. all right, then.”

a pause.

“how are things at the motel?”

“inn,” logan and patton correct simultaneously.

“i’m the executive manager now,” patton continues. “run the whole place.”

“oh,” emily says. both his parents startled. logan looks offended on patton’s behalf. patton tears off another chunk of the roll.

“dad’s done a great job with the inn,” logan says, defensive.

“speaking of which,” emily says, “your father called the other day, logan.”

logan goes stiffer. “my father’s right here.”

“he’s doing very well, out in california,” emily continues. “he’s got his own practice now. very talented man, your father.”

“i know,” logan says, glowering. “dad’s worked his way up to executive manager. he’s the youngest executive manager in the whole inn’s history and he’s getting his business degree. he’s thinking of buying an inn of his own someday.”

“logan,” patton murmurs quietly. a please be civil.

“well, that’s a bit different, isn’t it?” richard says. “christopher was always a smart boy. top of his class at chilton, and then at stanford, you know. you must take after him.”

“excuse me,” patton murmurs very quietly. he goes into the kitchen. logan gets to his feet, and so does his grandmother.

“i’m going to—”

“please keep your grandfather company,” she says, and goes into the kitchen. logan sits down reluctantly, before he says directly, “have you ever heard of howard gardner?”

“no.”

“he identified the seven distinct types of intelligence.”

“hm. seven, really.”

“yes. seven. linguistic, logical, kinesthetic, spatial, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal,” logan finishes, jabbing at the lamb. “dad might not be traditionally book smart, but he’s very smart in his own way. intrapersonal, specifically, but interpersonally too. i’d be proud if i inherited any of his particular types of intelligence. clearly he’s the only sanders man to have them.”

richard is about to retaliate, before there’s noise from the kitchen.

“—how could i have possibly taken that the wrong way? what was left open to interpretation?!”

“keep your voice down.”

“no! why do you pounce on every single thing i do that isn’t enough for you?”

“you’re being very dramatic.”

his father laughs bitterly. logan digs his fingernails into the silver of the knife and fork he’s still holding.

“dramatic. right. of course. i’m always the dramatic one. silly me, i must have forgotten, like i forget everything else, because logan gets any smarts from him, right? i’m the one who raised him, but any good part of logan, it always gets credited to him!”

“well, that’s not true—”

“why else would you bring him up like that?”

“we like christopher.”

“yeah, well, i remember you having a very different opinion when he got me pregnant.”

“oh, please. you were sixteen, what were we supposed to do, throw you a party?! you had such bright futures, we were disappointed.”

“yes, and by letting him go to california and having me raise logan, we got to keep those bright futures.”

“when you get pregnant, you get married! a child needs a father and a—“

she falls very silent. logan feels what little lamb he had churn in his stomach.

“finish your sentence,” his father says, and he sounds cold. like logan. he sounds like logan when he gets angry.

“i didn’t mean—“

“yes, you did. you did mean it. you were about to say a child needs a father and a mother, weren’t you?”

“patton—”

“logan was never going to have a father and a mother. he was always going to have two dads. and i’m a good dad. i have done fine with logan on my own.”

“that’s right. far away from us.”

“mom—!”

“you took that boy and you completely shut us out of your life!” emily shouts, and logan is very pointedly not making eye contact with his grandfather right now. “we came back to a note in a crib in the middle of the night, no idea if you were safe, if you and logan would have gotten hurt—”

“i would have suffocated here.”

“oh, and you’re so perfect, and i was so controlling, hm? i put you in good schools. i gave you the best of everything. i made sure you had the finest opportunities. and I am so tired of hearing about how you were suffocated and i was so controlling. well, if i was so controlling, why couldn’t i control you running around getting pregnant and throwing your life away?”

“mom, if you don’t stop, i’m leaving. i swear. i will leave, and i’ll break out agreement, and you’ll be lucky to get christmases ever again, do you understand me?”

“what?!”

“i’m not going to keep trying to rebuild a relationship with you if you just keep telling me i threw my life away!” patton snaps. “i have a life. it has a little color in it so it might be a bit weird to you, but it’s a life, mom. and if i hadn’t gotten pregnant i wouldn’t have had logan.”

“you know that’s not what i meant—”

“maybe i was some uncontrollable terrible child like you said but logan isn’t! he’s smart and careful and ambitious and a hard worker and a good kid, and i raised him, mom. he’s my son.”

“you were still a child raising a child.”

“that stopped as soon as that test went positive. i figured out how to build a life, i found a good job—”

“as a maid,” she hisses.

“housekeeper, actually, which is a perfectly fine living, for your information, but in case you didn’t hear your grandson, i worked my way up. i run the place now. we have a good life with no help from anyone.”

“yes, and think where logan could have been if you accepted a little help from anyone, hm?”

“why do you think i’m here right now?” patton shouts. “i opened my life back up to you when i established myself enough in sideshire. i accepted the top surgery that you gave me instead of an apology. i have been coming for holidays for years. and now i’ve asked for help for logan. now logan is going to chilton. you have your weekly dinners. i’m back here. you win. aren’t you thrilled about it?! isn’t that all you want?!”

logan sets down the silverware. he thinks he might be a little sick.

“is that what you think?”

“yeah, well. you haven’t really done anything to show me otherwise, have you?”

“i have no idea when you became so sensitive. you used to be such a pleasant child.”

“...you seriously just didn’t listen to a word i said, did you? for your information, being sensitive is one of the things i love most about—you know what, forget it. fine. let’s just have dessert. logan and i can go home, we’ll try again next week, i’m sure we’ll fight again then. and then you can keep telling me all about how i used to be so pleasant without thinking about how maybe i got some things from my parents, too.”

the door opens back up. logan looks back to his grandfather in a panic, only to see his head tipping forward onto his chest.

how could he have possibly fallen asleep during that? logan thinks in disbelief.

⁂

patton gets into the car and lets out a breath he feels like he’s been holding since he walked into that house, logan buckling his seatbelt.

“do you want to stop at virgil’s for coffee?” he says, a little timid. like a peace offering.

patton chews his lip. “how much of that did you overhear?”

“...snippets.”

“all of it, then.”

“just from her telling you to keep your voice down,” logan says, and patton huffs out a humorless laugh as he puts the car in reverse, glancing through the back windshield as he carefully backs the car out.

“okay, yeah, all of it. sure. coffee sounds good.”

they’ve been driving in silence for about three minutes before logan blurts out, “maybe chilton isn’t such a good idea.”

“what?!” patton demands, and immediately pulls over to the side of the street so he can park and look at his son, face-to-face. “no way, chilton is a great idea!”

“it comes with these dinners as a condition for my tuition, the bus ride is forty minutes both ways which i could be using to study or helping you at the inn or working at the courant, we don’t know if i can’t get into an ivy if i stay where i am,” he lists off, but patton’s already shaking his head.

"these dinners might be bad sometimes but not all the time, you can still read on buses because i know you don’t carsick like that, you’re going to be harassing rudy at the courant for as long as you live in sideshire because you have been doing that since you were seven and i’m pretty sure it somehow works as stress relief for you, and isn’t it better to improve statistics than risk it?”

“i don’t like the way they talk to you.”

“i can handle it,” patton says gently.

“you shouldn’t have to handle it,” logan grits out.

“look,” patton says. “the dinners are mostly so they can keep tabs on you, okay? they want to get to know you a bit better. and you know that they aren’t always like that. tonight was a bad night.”

“dad—”

“right, i’m the dad. and i know that most of the time i make sure this house is a democracy, but i gotta pull the dad card here, okay? chilton is a good idea and you’re going. it offers too many good opportunities for you to not go. and sure, going to these dinners isn’t... the best, but i can handle it. i handled it for years before you were born, and it’s better now than it was then. besides, i already paid tuition, so.”

logan lets out an irritated sigh.

“so,” his dad repeats. “you’re going to be great at chilton, and i’ll be okay going to dinners. if there’s a day where i can’t handle, i’ll call out sick. promise.”

logan looks back out the window.

“is it just the dinner that’s bugging you?” patton tries. “because you’ve been in a bit of a mood.”

“i’m not in a mood.”

patton lifts his eyebrows silently at his son, until logan turns to see the expression on his face, scowls, and looks back out the window.

“i thought we’d said we’d go for coffee.”

“yeah, sure thing. it’s just that i’m worried about you, and i want to make sure you’re okay. if it is the dinner, fine. if you want space, that’s okay too, as long as you know i’m here to talk it out. i know emotions aren’t your favorite thing.”

logan pauses, scuffs his shoe, and mutters, “emotions don’t make sense.”

patton briefly flashes back to that morning in the diner, thinks about nobody is making any sense! and the only other person who could get his son in such a state, and has an aha! moment. “yours, or is it someone else’s emotions that have you like this?”

logan hesitates. just long enough that patton thinks he might get it. (also, okay, he knows that needling logan isn’t the Best parenting move, but sometimes logan needed to be prodded until he blows up and rants about everything that's bothering him, like the world’s most cathartic volcano.)

“...a certain dance teacher’s assisstant, maybe...?”

“coffee,” logan grits out.

patton obligingly puts the car in drive and keeps going. also logan is still trapped for thirty more minutes, so patton will get there eventually. he loves his son dearly, but patience is not one of his virtues.

“someone who shares a last name with a royal title? that rhymes with wince?”

logan almost audibly grinds his teeth.

“someone whose first name is also the longest lasting empire in history?”

“the longest lasting empire is the empire of japan, then the byzantine empire, then the holy roman empire which is different from the roman empire,” logan blurts out, and then he snaps his mouth shut.

patton stifles his grin as he signals to turn onto a new street. gotcha.

“so,” patton says innocently, “definitely not him, then?”

logan is inhaling. patton has to pay attention to the road but he would have money on his son practically inflating on a pufferfish, which meant that in three, two, one—

“he’s infuriating!” logan howls, and boom, yes, there’s the volcano.

patton is treated to about ten minutes of ranting about how roman prince is the sole cause of emotional distress, not only to logan, (”i mean—if i had emotions,” logan scoffs, and patton quietly saves that talk for another day because they’ve had it before) but to every person in sideshire and possibly the whole world. patton, knowing his son and his best friend, mostly lets this slide in one ear and out the ear, nodding and “mhm”-ing in the appropriate places.

“so,” patton says, when this dies down, “what did he do to cause a rant of those proportions?”

“i told him about chilton,” he says. “somehow that turned into him saying that he wasn’t my friend anymore.”

“okay, whoa,” patton says, “did he say that exactly?”

“...basically.”

“you’re a journalist, you know all about the dangers of having a bias, plus paraphrasing versus quoting directly. give me some context.”

“how dare you use journalism against me,” logan mutters, before he starts telling him about it. (unbeknownst to patton, logan changes the story so that he gave roman a phone call instead of sneaking out. he has to have some secrets.)

they’re nearly to sideshire by the time logan tells him that he was trying to figure out where he went wrong and didn’t answer roman immediately, and patton has been gently cringing for the past three minutes but that turns into a full-on wince that logan could not possibly miss.

“what?” logan says.

“sweetheart,” patton says gently. “he’s scared.”

“what???” logan says. “that’s ridiculous. what could he possibly be scared of? he’s the one staying at sideshire high. he’s always had other friends. he’ll probably make more friends now that i’m not going to be at school taking up all his time.”

“scared, or jealous, maybe?” patton says. “think about it. you’re going off to a great new school. you’re going to get way more opportunities to pursue your interests. there are going to be other people who have those same interests, who you will probably get along with very well, and you’ll make new friends. he’s staying here. he’s scared that you’re going to forget about him and leave him behind.”

“but—but that’s absurd,” logan says, but he’s a little less defensive now.

“he’s going to go to school without you for the first time since you both started school, you know? same as you. it’s like he has to re-evaluate his whole school social circle,” patton says. “plus, i mean, then he asked if he was important to you, honey, and you hesitated, which when you add in all that other stuff...”

logan’s quiet.

“he’s scared of losing his best friend too, kiddo.”

logan heaves a massive sigh as patton turns onto the sideshire main road. patton also notices that logan does not deny that he’s scared of losing his best friend.

“i have to apologize, don’t i?”

“i mean, he said some not-great stuff too, but yeah, you should probably initiate.”

logan groans to himself, dropping his head onto the dash, and patton pulls into the parking lot of virgil’s.

“what do i even say?” logan says miserably.

“you’re a smart kid,” patton says, shutting the car off and opening the door. “i bet you can figure it out.”

logan follows, and virgil looks up at them, squinting at their slightly-fancier dress.

“so, dinner with the hellbeasts?”

“they’re my parents,” patton scolds at the same time logan says, “yes, they were terrible,” and hops up onto the barstool.

“coffee,” he says. “and fries. plus a jam tart.”

“logan, you’re killing me,” virgil says. “could i possibly steer you toward ordering something healthy? for once?”

“i only said i wanted coffee, fries, and a jam tart, in no way is that tantamount to murder. plus i get salads all the time.”

“yeah, after i tack them onto your order,” virgil says.

“you know what,” patton says. “make that two jam tarts. and maybe make logan’s order to go?”

logan looks at him, panicked. “what, now?”

patton shrugs. “why wait?”

logan sighs, and repeats, “to go.”

“plus a coffee and a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream for me, please.”

“...plus a salad?”

“virgil,” logan says, anguished, “we had lamb for dinner. that included a side salad. and grandma was mean to dad. let us be unhealthy.”

“...do you want a warm brownie with that ice cream?”

patton smiles a little bit, directing it down at the counter. “if you wouldn’t mind.”

he passes over a twenty to pay. he then hands the change to logan.

“maybe lucy’s wouldn’t be a bad call?” he says to logan, under his breath, and logan nods, taking it.

virgil dishes up their coffees, and then hands logan a bag.

patton pats him on the back. “you got this.”

logan gives him a jerky nod and takes the bag and his travel cup, heading out of the diner.

“so,” virgil says, leaning on his elbows, putting his chin in his hand. “going to see roman?”

“going to apologize to roman,” patton corrects. “he was in a mood this morning because he and roman got into a fight.”

“ahh,” virgil says. “well, they’ll, you know. patch it up.”

“they always do,” patton says, “but, well,” he glances around, “it was about chilton, and logan might have implied that roman isn’t important to him, so.”

virgil flinches.

“yeahh,” patton says. “i mean, he didn’t mean it, obviously, but. jam tart. lucy’s. him going to actually say sorry.”

“yikes,” virgil says. “um. speaking of yikes... do you wanna talk about...?”

patton shrugs a shoulder. “just my mom disapproving of my life, as usual, and crediting any of logan’s achievements with his other dad, as usual, and she nearly said something pretty trans slash homophobic before catching herself, which, you know, was a new kind of not great, or at least a kind of not great they haven’t been bold enough to say to my face until now,” he says, like it doesn’t hurt. “plus i lost my temper and actually, like, yelled at her, which logan of course overheard.”

“you?” virgil says. “yelling?”

patton nods, drooping.

“jesus,” virgil says.

“yeah,” patton sighs, and takes a huge gulp of coffee.

“if you want me to egg their car again—”

patton nearly snorts coffee out of his nose, and then there’s, like, what would be the closing scene of an episode that makes viewers think oh they’re in LOVE love, all fond smiles and laughing at each other as the camera slowly zooms out, showing them looking like they’re wrapped up in their own little world in the middle of virgil’s diner.

#my post #my fic #sanders sides fanficiton #moxiety #logince #wyliwf

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maelabraaten · 4 years

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Survival Tips - The Best Emergency Food Kit

Which Needs The Best Emergency Food Kit? Who knows what the future holds? If only we knew, day to day, what challenges would arise, we would never be caught unawares. Unfortunately, life just doesn't work that way. Those who prefer to look forward and make preparations for the "just in case" scenarios are often painted as fringe lunatics and doomsday preppers. However , assembling the best emergency food kit for yourself and also your family should be something every responsible adult takes seriously. Just a few of the "normal" situations that could arise, when having emergency rations for your family would make sense, include: loss of a job, temporary lay off, extended storm damage or power outage that traps your family at home. Or perhaps you'd just like to be a position to help another family in need, should the opportunity arise. Then there are Armageddon type examples that plague the mind of some, and no better way to put those fears to rest than to look ahead and prepare for the worst. Whatever your reasons for looking forward and setting up emergency rations against a difficult time ahead, we are here to help you build the very best emergency food kit for your family. Identifying Your Needs First, lay out your preparation strategy. If you're just getting started in emergency preparation, you do not have more than a day or two worth of food in your cupboard. If that's the case, building up a thirty day supply of food is a good place to start. If you already have 30 days of emergency rations laid by, the next step may be building up a six month or year emergency food kit. The important thing is to start somewhere, and build your supplies up until you've assembled the best emergency food kit that you're able. Who ? re You Feeding? Do you have children in the house? Teens? Older or elderly adults? Infants will require special feeding accommodations like milk or formula, while the elderly may have some unique nutritional needs, as well. Map out on paper who you're building a food supply for and any special things you need to prepare for them, or for yourself. Then consider what it takes to feed that person for a single day. How Many? Once you've published down what it takes to feed one person for one day, you'll need to multiply that by the number of people, and the number of days for which you're preparing. What Do They Like To Eat? There's no need to live for a month on nothing but rice and beans. You don't want to stock up on three months worth of food that your family won't touch with a six-foot pole, just because it was cheap. It may keep you alive within a pinch, but you want to enjoy it, if possible. So take the likes and dislikes into consideration as you plan. Don't forget to consider food allergies, as well. In an emergency situation, you wouldn't want to face an allergic reaction from cross contamination, so better to avoid problem foods altogether, if possible. Types Of Emergency Rations There are dozens of ways to build up a great emergency food kit. The easiest, though certainly not the least expensive, is to invest in commercially prepared catastrophe rations, offered by various companies. These kits come as single servings, or a month's worth of food for a single person. There are dozens of options to choose from. Another method, requiring a little planning and management, is to simply take what you buy and use on a weekly basis, and start building up a supply that will last. If you ordinarily use three cans of beans and two boxes of macintosh 'n' cheese and a jar of peanut butter each week, then begin buying double that, and set the extra aside for your emergency food kit. Then manage your stock by rotating it so that your food stays as fresh as possible. Freshness would be a significant advantage in a long-term disaster, where you're relying on your emergency rations for months, or even years. Once you've built up a few months supply of foodstuff, organize your cans and boxes with the soonest expiration date in the front and the furthest out in the back. Then, when you do your grocery shopping, put the new stuff in the back and use from the front. This keeps your stock fresh and ready to use if and when the need arises. Home canning is another less expensive way to build up your emergency food kit. Canning is becoming some sort of lost art, so if you're not familiar with how to do it, you're not alone. Canning food in glass jars requires a little learning and effort but can allow you to preserve tasty, homemade food for years. Be sure to learn which foods require pressure cooking versus water-bathing methods of preservation. Properly canned goods keep best in cool, dark places between 50 and 70 *F (10 - 21 *C) and are safe to eat for years after canning. For bulk dry goods that are intended for long term storage, wheat, beans, rice, sugar and other dry goods can be vacuum sealed and stored in five gallon buckets with O2 absorbers to last for thirty years and more. For the truly prepared minded, a few buckets of wheat and corn will go a long way toward peace of mind. A vacuum sealer constitutes a investment for anyone serious about their emergency rations. Sealing foods in smaller quantities not only preserves them longer but allows you to use them a little at a time, rather than having to use a large container up quickly once you've opened it. If you're worried about the expiration date on store-bought canned goods, keep this story in mind. A steamboat named the Bertrand was trying to reach Montana in 1865 when the idea sunk to the bottom of the Missouri river. One hundred years later, canned goods from that wreck were recovered. In 1974, 109 years after the accident, the food was tested by chemists and found safe to eat. You should use good sense when eating canned foods that have passed their expiration dates. If it looks odd, smells bad or tastes bad, don't eat it! Signs That Food In Your Emergency Food Kit Has Gone Bad Signs canned goods have gone bad: the can is bulging, or the lid has come unsealed. Check for mold or fermentation bubbles in the liquid. If the food rushes out of the can or jar when you open it, there is pressure on the contents that wasn't there when the can or jar was sealed. This is a good indication with bacterial activity causing a chemical reaction. Comfort Foods Once you've established a good base for emergency rations, you might want to start thinking about adding some comfort foods to your store. In stressful situations, we all turn to food for comfort, and yummy food might not be easy to come by in the event of a disaster. Some things to store include: Chocolate - powdered cocoa keeps the best, but chocolate bars over 70% hot chocolate will keep for several months, and much longer if frozen. Hot chocolate mix has a shelf life of several years, and could easily be added to the rotation of your emergency food kit. Mac n' cheese - Best preserved dried by separating the noodles and cheese, and then vacuum sealing them with O2 absorbers. If you're worried about being able to cook macaroni and cheese, it can be canned, but it don't have the same texture as freshly made. Under cooking the noodles before canning will help it to be less mushy. Honey - made with natural preservatives, honey will keep indefinitely, as long as water never gets near it. Store in very clean, very dry glass jars. If it crystallizes, you can return it to its liquid state with a little heat. Freeze dried fruit or even dehydrated fruit can be a great energy booster and will keep well when stored properly. Hard candy - store with desiccants and vacuum sealing to provide a much needed pick me up under stressful conditions. Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil will store for a very long time and provide added fat for comforting recipes when butter isn't available. Spices - if you get to a place the place you're having to make all of your food from what you have on hand, you'll be very glad for some extra spices to... well... spice things up. Alcohol - Obviously, a comforting item, but it serves many purposes in a disaster scenario and it keeps well. High alcohol content (over 20%) will keep the longest and over 40% can serve as a disinfectant if needed. Tea - will keep well without special accommodations. To keep it the very freshest, store in small quantities with an O2 absorber. Coffee - For those who really need their cuppa to keep their chin up, coffee will be an important part of the very best emergency food kit. Roasted coffee keeps, vacuum sealed in Mylar bags, for up to two years. If you rotate it through your emergency rations, you will have good coffee for some time. For prep beyond that, you can store green coffee beans in Mylar bags with O2 absorbers, then roast and grind them as needed. What To Choose? How to decide what goes into the very best emergency food kit? A good rule of thumb is six months to a year of food that you would eat every day. This is easily managed through good shopping and rotation. For preparation beyond that time frame, vacuum covered Mylar bags will keep dry goods for years. Many companies and even faith-based family preparation programs offer dry goods preserved in #10 cans that will keep up to 30 years. Building an emergency food kit that can last several years in a pinch is possible, with planning and forethought. Water will be critical to surviving certain types of disaster scenarios. When planning for emergency situations, one liter of mineral water per person per day is a good starting point. You'll need some extra for sanitation and cooking, as well. Be sure you have plenty of water on hand, or a way to obtain water and sanitize it. Sanitation tablets and filtration systems would be a major component of the best emergency food kit. Looking Ahead For total preparedness, it's important to think ahead to food preparation during an emergency. If the power was out for three weeks, how does one cook that mac 'n' cheese you took such care to store? Even if you have a power generator for emergencies, stoves and microwaves pull too much energy to use the generator for cooking. A propane or butane camp stove with plenty of fuel cells, or a propane or charcoal grill are great options to have on hand. And don't forget to include a manual can opener in your unexpected emergency food kit. Where To Keep It? Storage space can be tricky, depending on your housing situation. If at all possible, you'll want to designate a neatly organized room that's specifically for food storage. You'll label your shelves, and keep things nicely stocked and rotated. If you don't live in this kind of fairy tale situation, you may have to get a little more creative about how you store your emergency food kit. A lot of food can be neatly stored, with cardboard boxes, under beds, in the bottoms or tops of closets, and under the stairs. You may need to reduce unnecessary clutter, to make room for emergency rations. The reward will be worth the effort. Be Prepared, Not Scared Taking the steps required to create the best emergency food kit that you possibly can will pay off in peace of mind. To know that you have the ability to care for those you love, and to be able to reach out to those available you in their time of need, will put you in a category reserved for just a few. You'll rest easy at night, knowing that whatever tomorrow holds, your family is provided for.

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decorzza-blog · 4 years

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Celebrate Rakhi 2020 – Send Rakhi Gifts and Sweets Online

This Holy Moth of Shravan brings you the pledge of wonderful celebrations. Rejoice in the pure love of a brother and sister by sending them unique Rakhi sweets and Rakhi Gift Interferes with online. Go on the internet and buy some remarkable Rakhi sweets and Hampers of your option.

Rakshabandhan is an Indian celebration, mainly commemorated by the Hindus residing anywhere in the world. The event falls on the full moon of the Divine month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar. As per the Gregorian calender, this year we are mosting likely to celebrate the sacred celebration on the 13th of August. Informally referred to as Rakhi, it has been commemorated by Indians all over the world considering that time immemorial. We can say that the event appears to spell its magic on everyone; individuals of every age group and strata. The term Rakshabandhan itself is a measure essential of the celebration. 'Raksha' suggests protection and 'Bandhan' represents bond. Therefore, this is a day when we mean to indirectly show our wish to protect them from negativity and wish them well. Linking Rakhi is one motion. Trading Rakhis Gifts is one more.

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Without Indian sweets an Indian event is insufficient. As Rakhi comes more detailed everyone start to questioning the best Rakhi gift that we can send out to India. Most of the NRIs celebrated Rakhi with Indian sweets; they Send out Rakhi sweets India online to their liked ones. There is a selection of Rakhi sweets online. The sweets that are delivered to you online, originated from your neighborhood confectioners. The highest quality continues to be fresh and the sweets cost you less. You can acquire any type of India sweet you such as. If you are planning to buy online Rakhi gifts, after that get online Rakhi sweets and sweeten their lives with Indian delicacies.

On Rakshabandhan, we usually miss our siblings in case they stay away from us. Rakhi is a great time to send Rakhi Interferes with online for the basic factor that you have an option of typing the very best and the most preferred Rakhi gifts and put together a Hamper. Rakhi Gift Hinders are enjoyed by one and all because they include more Rakhi gifts than only one. Most Rakhi gift Interferes with having Chocolates, Sweets, Dry fruits, Rakhi Thalis, etc. They are advantageous Rakhi gifts which include fantastic value to the celebrations. Online Rakhi shopping likewise allows to get Rakhi gifts for Brother. Mostly, these are Rakhi Gift Interferes with of Love covered aesthetically and delivered to your precious ones with tons of heat.

For Rakhi 2020, plan special surprises; send the online Rakhi gift and sweets with Decorzza and create memories that would last a lifetime. Decorzza offers online Rakhi delivery in Jaipur with free shipping and fast delivery on same day.

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reddogf13 · 5 years

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Deal with the devil ch 6

Pennywise x Beverly

summery: Beverly, for barely a year had been suffering a terminal illness. one night after accepting her fate of oncoming death she gets the sudden urge to return to Derry. returning back after being gone for 11 years she comes face to face with IT. offering a disturbing deal of a lifetime.

"carry my eggs, and I'll fix you back to perfect health."

Will she commit to a deal with the devil?

status: complete

rated: M - fowl language and gore, sex scene ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

previous chap: Deal with the Devil ch 5

next chap: Deal with the Devil ch 7

_____________________________________

~ch:6 Lion tamer~

Hearing them squeak and chirp in the mini den. She thought over how the one in her hand reacted so pleasantly toward her. Heading over to take hold of the threaded cocoon holding the mini fluff balls. Carefully turning it onto its side to set the little spiderlings free. They stumbled out to swarm around her feet. Chirping up at her for them to get attention. She uncurled the one wrapped around her hand to set it down by the others. The little thing squeaking in protest as it was forced to get down. Watching them chirp for a moment before stepping over them. Walking back and forth to unpack her things while closely being followed by the swarm across the room.

Looking down at them every so often to chuckle at the sight. A herd of cotton tapping across the floor to chirp up at her wherever she stopped. Finished unpacking her things she sat on the floor to allow them closer. It didn't take long for them all to settle into her lap. Hearing them all purr in their pile resting in her lap. Petting each of them to feel through their soft fluff.

“what to do with all of you?” thinking on how she was to keep these little world eaters from doing as little world eating as possible. Not enough time had passed to tell yet, but it seemed regular meats were okay. “maybe you can eat other things?” wanting to test out her theory she stood back up to head for the kitchen. Chuckling at the protested squeaking of her moving again. allowing them to follow downstairs keeping a close eye on all of them. Wasn't hard as they wanted to follow her everywhere without straying from her path.

Seeing them figure out how to go down stairs was entertaining. They all shuffled around at the top of the stairs while she waited at the bottom. “you'll have to figure out the stairs sometime.” answering their protesting chirps down to her. One by one they took each step at a time the whole way down. Chirping after her into the kitchen where the smell of food had them exploring the room a bit more. Right when she opened the fridge door to fetch some experimental offerings the hatchlings were quick to try and squeeze by.

“no!” she blocked them from getting into the fridge. Picking a few up to set them away and the rest she scooted them back before closing the door. Working quickly to grab a small box of various food to come back out. Counting the hatchlings to be sure all of them were there in the kitchen and not having gotten into trouble somewhere. The smell of food out in the open having them chirp excitedly around her for food.

Sitting at the kitchen table she looked over what to choose first. Having a can of sardines, strawberries, carrots, corn, and a mini bag of chocolate donuts. Her expectations for the vegetables and fruit being pretty low on their taste buds. Hoping however they may like something more than meat just as how Pennywise did on either sweet or junk food. Although there was also the snag on if they could live on a separate diet. What if it didn't work as he said? The thought of Pennywise hunting twice as many town folks to feed all 20 of these growing cotton balls causing a stabbing pain in her chest. Begging up to anyone listening in the sky, maybe even the other, that they could eat at least one different food item other than humans.

“fish would be good for you all. It's practically everywhere and easier to hide then full grown cows being plucked off farms.” cracking open the thin tins of lined fish. Tossing one onto the white tiled floor into the swarm. The little bit of meat gobbled up in seconds by the happy fuzz balls.

“fish, turkey, beef, guess any regular meats will work for you. Let's try some really sweet fruit.” picking up a few strawberries much too small to feed all of them. Taking caution on their stomachs possibly getting upset on food considered inedible after being gulped down. Setting a few down on a tile that was attacked to pieces. They tried mauling it like the past meats only to squish the fruit apart. Covering a few of them in red juice stains off the red liquid spraying out. “definitely messy eaters.” thinking how they looked more bloody tearing apart fruit then over all the meat they shredded.

Moving on to the plastic pack of baby carrots. Dropping a few that were attacked just as fast. Only this time the reactions of the hatchlings was mixed. Some spat out the chunk right after taking a bite. While others chewed to a stop before dropping the mush back onto the floor. Staring confused at the orange stuff they first thought as food. Gazing up at Beverly for something else to be given.

“don't like carrots?” showing them how she can eat them. Receiving only confused stares between her and the orange sticks. Laughing at them fluffing up in angry refusal at the sticks they spat out everywhere. “thought you wouldn't. I don't think you'll like corn either.” popping open a can to drain water out by the sink. Scooping out a spoonful to plop down into the swarm to try. The hatchlings having even more mixed opinions on the sweet corn. Some actually ate the pieces while others treated it the same as the carrots. Spat out yellow piles all over the floor.

“hmm.” humming at their reactions. “why like the corn?” eating a spoonful herself to try it. “it's really sweet compared to most vegetables.” wanting to test further using other sweeter foods. Tossing down more strawberries to distract them from the fridge. Returning to the kitchen table with sweet potatoes, yams, and red onions to cook. Throwing the yams in the oven for baking. Turning the sweet potatoes into an easy mash to swallow down. And the onions she cooked on the stove to caramelize into a sweeter state.

Taking note how the hatchlings were super interested in the oven. Attracted to it most where the warmth was leaking out a small bottom vent. Crowding around it to soak the heat into their fur the entire time the food was cooking. Protesting again when shooed away for the oven to open. The smell of more food attracting a chorus of cheeps toward Beverly setting up the meal.

“what are you making?” Pennywise appeared in the kitchen. Surprised to find Beverly allowing the hatchlings to surround her down in the kitchen.

“food … for them.” awkwardly answering at seeing him scrunch up at the offerings prepared.

“onions and mashed potatoes?”

“iiiits an experiment.” smiling sheepishly under the now glaring clown. Experimenting on their children wasn't exactly the best way of putting it. “I am trying to see if they can eat anything else. Meats they're all fine with. Strawberry they handled fine too as well as sweet corn, but not the carrots. I want to see if they'll take vegetables if they're really sweet.”

“is that blood on them?” pointing to the ones coated the most in strawberry juice stains.

“no, that's fruit juice. They can be messy eaters.” scooping all the food onto one large platter plate. “where have you been? You went hunting a lot longer than usual.”

“it's the dropping whether driving everyone inside. Its a lot harder to snag someone then during the summer months involving the fair. When it snows I can hardly find anyone out and about.” crouching down to play with the hatchlings now begging him for food. “will you be leaving after feeding them?” his tone grim at knowing her packing before he left that morning.

“no. I feel better than I was this morning. Figuring things out has helped me take everything in more smoothly.”

“you'll be staying to raise them with me?”

“yes, but I remind you not to feed them people while we do. Unless it turns out we have no choice. Which so far isn't the case. I want my kids to not be raised on a man eater diet.”

“but humans good for them. It has lots of energy in the meat for them.”

“so does beef.” glaring at him with a hiss. “besides, they're half human and I am sure it would be cannibalism at this point.” taking up the plate of vegetables. Followed by the chirping hatchlings waiting for her to drop it. As soon as the plate was set down they dug right into the mashed sweet potatoes. Making a mess everywhere as they practically swam in the mush pile. Slices of sweetened onion rings tossed around as if it were squirming prey needing to be killed first. Swallowed down like flip flopping worms hard to keep a hold of. The sliced yams ran off with to be devoured away from siblings fighting over the chunks.

Beverly sat chuckling over the wild show of food fighting. The white clean floor covered in all sorts of smeared food afterwards. The plate licked clean by their blue tongues flicking out to slurp up any remains. The mashed sweet potatoes being a big favorite out of everything. Onions a close second with yams being a 50/50 among the group.

“we'll work on the table manners later.” brushing off globs of food from some of them. Their messy eating causing them to be sticky after covering themselves in fruit juice or mashed potatoes in their fur.

“they eat very well.” the clown pridefully talking about his spawn devouring all in their path.

“they all need a bath before their fur is matted with mold.” sweeping up a lot of the food mess into the trash. “wipe up the last of the gunk while I go clean the gunk off them.” handing a mop to him as she scooped up the baby fluffs into a box. Carrying them into the bathroom to trap them inside while starting a low bath of warm water. Seeing them act quite curious over the flowing water rather than afraid. Stopping the water to set them down in the shallow bath.

Smiling at them prancing around in the splashing water. Dunking down to shake the water off as birds would when bathing. Swimming as much as they could in the small amount of water. When it came time to scrub their fur out they hissed at Beverly. Snapping at the scrubbing brush going over them. Pulling the brush away when they bit into it refusing to let go. Fearing their turn against the evil brush they tried escaping the bath. Failing by their mother grabbing them from the bath edge. To calm them down, she brought a toy into the bath. A floating yellow duck that caused them to freak out even more. Confused by this strange creature entering their small space.

She only found it entertaining to watch them hiss toward the duck. Puffing up in arching backs to act more intimidating. To show them it was harmless she pushed it down into the water. Moving it around a bit until they stopped puffing up against it. Seeing them still far too afraid to approach she squeezed it to let out a squeak. Suddenly this yellow duck menace was one of them, receiving many squeaks back at it in reply. The heard of cotton surrounding it to hear another squeak. Turning confused when none came they looked to their mother. Who squeezed the duck for them to get another happy squeak from the toy.

Smiling at her children happily playing with the duck. Them all pushing it back and forth in rounds about the tub. While she would scoop one up to scrub their fur clean.

Pennywise coming in to sit by the tub to join in on the fun. Swirling the water around with a hand to keep the duck moving ahead of the hunting hatchlings following it. “can I get scrubbed next?” teasing Beverly who splashed him after the questions.

“maybe when the kids are asleep we can take a bath next.” smirking to him as she scrubbed off the last hatchling. Exciting him with a reply he didn't expect to come from her.

Letting the hatchlings swim around with the duck a little longer. Letting the water drain to start blow drying them off. Picking up one to dry them off into large poofy fluff balls nicely cleaned. Appearing even more like living cotton balls chasing each other around. Some hiding under the towels to pounce on their siblings in surprise attacks. Moving to attack their parents legs or their fathers teasing hand waving in front of them.

Him chuckling over the learning babies already up to hunt small prey. “they should hunt something.” Beverly expression dropping its smile.

When they grew up they could need to hunt to survive. Hopefully not humans, that, she would be sure to avoid them doing at all cost. “like what?” stopping her drying of one chirping baby.

“... rats?” his silence having him think over his original answer based off what Beverly would think.

“we're not letting them hunt diseased sewer rats.” picking up another one to dry.

“what about rats from the pet store? I've seen humans feed those to snakes.”

“hmm, maybe. We should start them with something smaller. Mice or feeder fish would be better. They really like swimming in water.” thinking about them learning to live in lakes or even the ocean. Hunting fish in deep dark bodies of water easy for them to hide away from humanity. That was also based on if they even stayed on earth after growing up. “... what happens if they grow up and leave?”

“they'd search for new territory outside of Derry.” speaking fondly at the thought of successfully raising their clutch.

“I mean, if they leave earth.” the realization of that having him drop his enthusiasm. Silence from him as he thought over her question.

“then that's how it will be. We will have raised them successfully either way.” his smile shakily returning.

Her thoughts not so sure of that. “hopefully.” thinking as she dried off the last. Opening the bathroom door to let them flee from their bathroom prison. Stopping not far down the hall for their mother to catch up. Opening the door to let them back into the bedroom. Resting on the floor ready to sleep after a heavy meal then running all their energy off. Beverly picked them up to set them in their threaded crib for a rest. Making sure they rested comfortably with each other after counting that all were there.

“is it my turn now?” smiling behind her.

About to say yes if it weren't for her empty stomach demanding attention first. “feed me first, then maybe it will.” smiling back in passing to downstairs. Feeling his presence zoom by to reach the kitchen before her.

“what would you like?” asking excitedly when she entered.

“hm, how about a seafood dinner?” sitting at the kitchen counter. It didn't take him long to get started on a pot filled with shrimp, muscles, clams, mixed in a seasoned rice. Presenting the hot seafood beautifully placed in a spiral pattern of the layers. The seafood placed to cover the bedding of rice across the place. Sitting next to her as she ate the wonderful meal. Attempting to share with him being refused, surely because he had something else filling his mind.

“when we go up to bathe, what will you be expecting?” teasing him while biting into a succulent buttery shrimp.

“to be scrubbed.” he joked.

“oh, then you don't need me then.” finishing off her shrimp. Laughing at his expression of disappointment as if she were serious. Kissing him quickly on the cheek uplifting him back. Chuckling when he pulled her into a hug. Licking his long tongue affectionately across her neck. “you know, since you topped me the first time, I get to top you this time.” playfully pressing his face away. He whined with a light nip of her hand. Beverly barely finishing her plate when he picked her up to carry her up the stairs.

Hugging her close for further licks to nips at her neck. Needing her to slip away so she could get the bath running. Kissing him back through his more intimate tongue going over her chest. Stopping him to point at the tub with a sly smile. “you get in so I can get on top.” hearing a purring growl from his chest as he obeyed. Setting himself down, still fully clothed, in the tub. Most his legs not fitting within the small space needing to hang over the edge. The sight entertaining Beverly, who teasingly stripped down in front of him. Stepping into the tub to straddle him, her chest resting against his.

Lightly raking her wet hand through his hair to slick it back. Feeling him purr under the petting treatment. His gloved hands feeling up along her back to hug her close.

“now, what were you expecting?” rubbing her hips down on his. Feeling something hard twitch between her legs. “you better not say scrubbing.” tugging on his ruffled collar.

“mating, with you.” voice sounding rough through his deep purr.

“before we start, you have trouble making eggs in this form, right?” Beverly not being so keen on a second pregnancy so soon.

The clown nodding quickly up to her. “yes, no eggs, promise.” smiling widely.

“good.” reaching down a hand to slip his pants down just enough. Shivering at the squirming organ brushing across her thighs. Reaching to grab the base of him pulling a moaning purr from him. A frustrated growl shortly following as she held the twitching organ from what it wanted most. Rubbing against the base of the organ worming between her tightened thighs. Its slickness shedding off under the warm water disallowing it to break free of her grasp.

The teasing she was causing him being enjoyable up until he started changing. The squirming organ stretching to a long length wrapping itself around her arm at first. Then when it got big enough it spread to coil up around her hip like a snake. Willing to wrap around her if it weren't for her wrestling to control it in both arms. Bold enough to continuing her teasing despite the shifting Pennywise was fighting through.

Body cracking to stretch himself to be bigger. Leaning over her drooling uncontrollably through heated panting. It was when his chest split open for more tendrils to grab onto her that she was afraid her teasing went too far. The light bulb in the bathroom popping under a guttural growl so deep she felt the vibration through her chest.

“p-pen.” nervously speaking his name in the darkened room. Their forms highlighted by the setting sunlight reflecting down through the window. His eyes glowing golden yellow staring down at her.

He heavily swallowed a mouthful of drool by his name called. The tendrils wrapped tight around her going limp to slip under the water. The organ frenziedly working to escape her grasp falling limp in her hands. Panting hot heavy breaths down onto her through growling jaws of now jagged teeth. Accepting that her teasing had run its course she took a gentle hold of his end. Spine shivering at the feeling of it pulsing in her grip. Gently rubbing it down to its goal, still keeping a firm grip in case he got way too excited when rushing in.

the long organ sliding right in to rub along her walls. Pulling a moan from her that loosened her grip on the rest of the organ carefully coiling deeper. Clawed hands gripping onto her hips to hold her firmly down for the ride. A long hot tongue licking up her chest to around her neck. Pulling her nervously close to the large jaws of razor sharp teeth. Feeling them enclose around her throat to pass over her shoulder as well on their abnormal length. Tongue tasting all around her throat to across her chest. She couldn't see much of how he looked now in the darkening room. Only entrusting him not to harm her in his lusting state over her. Rutting deep into her pulling further moans that encouraged him on.

“i-is my stud enjoying me?” her skin chilling between each large hot tongue lick over her repeating in cycles. Honestly not expecting him to answer in this state, but he did.

“I am breeding you full for the week.” his voice deeply purred crossing into a growl. Clamping his jaws back around her neck to lick against her skin. Sucking on her to swallow mouthfuls of drool collecting on her skin. Claws digging into her for a far deeper thrust developing. The setting being chilling to Beverly in the literal jaws of the beast rutting into her. Yet it was also a thrilling ride on the gentle tendril taking its time to prod at every sweet spot she had in her. Hands gripping tightly into the fabric of his suit within her reach.

Her body unable to take much more tensed around him. That thick warmth filling her deepest space. Despite that he wasn't stopping after that first burst. On the path to doing exactly what he said he would. No sensation of eggs, just like he promised before they started. Keeping Beverly completely excited for the full ride he had planned.

#It (2017)#pennywise #beverly marsh #pennywise x beverly marsh #pennywise spiderlings

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