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looselucy · 5 years

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The Broken Brother

My attempts at sleep had been fruitless, barely able to cram in a few uninterrupted hours of slumber because I was utterly unable to take my mind off Harry and his brother.

When the sun shone bright enough, I stopped even trying, admitting defeat and sulking out of bed. I headed to the kitchen and made myself a coffee, checking my phone every few minutes in the hope Harry had gotten in touch with me just to update me, let me know he was safe and that I didn’t need to worry. It likely wouldn’t have completely set my anxieties at rest, but it was bound to be better than how I was feeling then. I picked up my phone as soon as I was done making my drink, yawning as I called Louis and waited for him to answer the phone. “Morning, Alf! This is early for you? You ever seen this time of day before?” He seemed confused. “You usually wake up and fall out of bed and land straight in work.” Louis was so good at making me smile. He’d said a matter words and he didn’t even know that I needed cheering up, but it was such a natural thing. “Yeah, and that’s how I like it!” I giggled timidly. ��I’m just calling to let you know I’m not gunna open up shop today.” “What? How come?” “I’ve not really slept. I dunno why, I just couldn’t get to sleep and I’m so tired. I think I’d just crash, so have yourself an impromptu day off.” “Are you sure? I can go in and run it myself if you need me to, it’s no worries.” “Thank you, but it’s okay. I know Libby is off work today too, so I’ll let you both make the most of that.” “Do you need me to bring you anything? Some kinda drug to knock you out?” “That’s okay, m’gunna try and sleep without the aid of drugs.” “That’s usually the best way.” “Yeah.” I chuckled. “Alright, wish me luck.” “Good luck! Get some kip.” “I’ll try. Speak soon.” “Bye, Alf!” After hanging up the call, I kept my phone in my hand, considering ringing Harry myself but I didn’t want to intrude or force myself back into the situation too early, before they’d had a real chance to talk and work through things as much as they could. I didn’t trust his brother, but there had to be a reason he’d shown up. There had to be a reason he wanted to see Harry. Besides, I didn’t think it was even likely Harry would be awake unless he had struggled to sleep in the way I had, which seemed likely, but if he’d been lucky enough to get some rest I didn’t want to be the one to wake him, not after such a chaotic night. As desperate as I felt, I knew I had to wait. Feeling a little lost, I sat myself down on my sofa, clutching my drink close to me like it was the only comfort I could find in those moments. I looked down to my right hand, glancing over the bruises that had formed on my knuckles, hating thinking about the reality of our situation. The fact it was his brother who’d attacked me on my birthday was fucking with my head; I wanted Harry and him to figure something out but I didn’t want that boy to be in my life at all. I didn’t want to lose Harry, yet I couldn’t grasp how things might be if they were really mending their bond. It seemed to me that there wasn’t a good outcome, something would always feel wrong no matter what. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, before there was a knock on my door. I knew it was Harry. I put my drink down and ran to the door, opening it to him as quickly as I possibly could. Even seeing him made me want to cry. He looked like he hadn’t slept a wink, like he was hardly able to carry his own weight. There was a rather heavy bruise beneath his left eye which was made all the uglier by how swollen and red both eyes were, proof of his upset. He looked so deflated, defeated. I stared up to him, and it was like he couldn’t even look back at me, his eyes down on the ground, his whole body weak. “He didn’t wanna fix anything.” He eventually mumbled. “He didn’t wanna change. He didn’t wanna be a family again. He… He just wanted to steal from me.” “What?” “He came for money.” His bottom lip trembled, tears building. “He took my paintings, he just wanted money. I trusted him and he…” “Oh Harry,” I couldn’t help but cry for him. “I’m so sorry.” The second he broke, I practically jumped up to throw my arms around him, standing on my tiptoes to hold him as tightly as I possibly could. He wrapped his arms around me, hiding his face in the crook of my neck, letting it all out. My heart literally ached for him. He’d gone against his better judgement and given Jack a chance, an opportunity to prove himself and for the two of them to build something; to try again and be a family, which was something I knew Harry craved terribly, something he’d wanted since the very second they lost their father. His brother had totally abused Harry’s trust and kindness just to hurt him even more. I hadn’t believed that he would’ve been able to cause any more damage than he already had, but clearly I was wrong. Harry couldn’t contain himself, unleashing every shred of his sorrow against my skin, gripping onto me like he might collapse without my aid. I ran my fingers through his hair, my empathy so vicious I was barely able to breathe. “I’m so sorry.” I sniffled. “I’m sorry he did that to you, you don’t deserve that.” “I just wanted to fix it. I just wanted my brother back.” He wept. “I know you did, I’m so sorry.” It was as though I had hold of Harry’s entire weight, keeping him on his feet as he shattered against my body. He deserved so much more than he’d ever received. He’d been truly deprived of the sort of happiness he deserved and it pained me to think of him doing so well over the past few months only for his brother to appear and purposefully devastate the progress he’d made. “You don’t need someone like that in your life, Harry. You tried, and that’s more than most would’ve done after what he did.” Suddenly, he wrenched himself away from me in a split second, turning to slam the door shut with belligerent force, then pacing around my flat with his fists gripped down at his side. I was motionless as I watched him, the way he looked like he was going to punch something, like every inwards breath was a build up to something sinister. “Harry, please calm down. It’s okay!” “IT’S NOT OKAY, FEE! NONE OF THIS IS OKAY!” “M’sorry, I just-” I didn’t know how to handle him, what to say. There was no way I’d ever be able to even come close to understanding how he felt, so the simple fact of his brother clearly bringing nothing but malice into his life was not enough; the emotions that Harry had tied to Jack were far more complicated. And yet I wanted him to see it in black and white, even if it was temporarily in order to see him through this pain. “Has he gone?” I asked, and he nodded. “Good, then fuck him. You’re better off without him!” “But it’s my fault.” He seemed to be speaking more to himself than to me. “It’s my fucking fault because of what I did, that’s why he came back. It was all to get to me after what I did.” “You don’t deserve that, I promise. It’s not your fault.” “I made everything worse. I fucked everything up. I made him like that, I know it. He was bad before but now he’s… I’m so sorry, Fee.” “For what?” “For what he did to you!” “That’s not yours to apologise for.” I tried to approach him. “Listen to me! It’s not your fault!” “IT’S ALL MY FUCKING FAULT, ALF! ALL OF IT!” He screamed. “It’s my fault he’s like this, because instead of helping him and understanding him, I attacked him. It… It’s my fault he was here last year. He came looking for me and didn’t find me, so he…” I became speechless and sobered at the realisation of what he was doing, the way his mind was bending things and distorting them to make him feel guilt over what Jack had done to me when it was absolutely nothing to do with him, no matter what he thought. My mouth dropped open. “If it wasn’t for me-” “Don’t you dare.” I shook my head, voice quivering. “Don’t you dare twist this and feel badly about what happened.” “But-” “NO! Harry, you can’t keep blaming yourself for things that are completely out of your control!” “I just feel like I fuck everything up.” He dropped down onto the sofa and dropped his head in his hands. “I hate that you’re involved in this. I hate that he did that to you. I’m sorry.” “Don’t do this. I won’t fucking listen to it.” Being wound up was the last thing I wanted, but I couldn’t simply stand there and let him hate himself when the liability was not his to hold. “None of this is your fault. You have to accept that. I’m begging you, Harry.” He just about nodded, unconvincing but enough, still hiding his face and crying into his shaking hands. I hoped those false notions of culpability wouldn’t withstand or breed in his mind, because I was sure he must have learnt by that point that the actions and choices of others, especially his brother, were nothing to do with him and they certainly weren’t a moral reflection of who he was or the person he’d become. “I’m so tired.” He whispered weakly. “M’just so, so tired.” I approached him, crouching myself down right ahead of him and reaching for his hand, contorting his gripped fist so I could slot my fingers between his and soften the energy emitting from his frame, my other hand reaching for his cheek, looking up to him. “Let’s go to bed.” I spoke softly. “C’mon. I might actually be able to sleep now you’re here.” He looked up to stare into my eyes. “You couldn’t sleep?” “I was worried about you.” As quickly as he’d raised his head, he dropped it, twisting our hands so he could look down to the bruises I’d acquired when I’d hit Jack. “Fuck.” He gripped his eyes close like the sight had literally stung him. “I’m sorry.” “Harry, you’ve got nothing to be sorry for. You have to stop apologising.” “He… He’s got in my head.” He pulled at his hair. “He’s got right in my fucking head. I dunno why I let him in. I dunno why I didn’t ring the police as soon as I found out what he did to you because now he’s right in my fucking head and I don’t know what to do.” “You need to sleep.” Was all I could think to say. “Please come to bed with me. You don’t have to process this right now. You need to get some sleep.” I’d never seen someone’s exhaustion be quite so apparent, and though I knew sleep wouldn’t extinguish that entirely, it was the best option we had available to us then. Shakily, we both got back up to our feet, keeping our hands together as we moved from one room to the other and only detaching so he could undress himself. I got into bed, waiting with the sheets lifted high until he was ready to join me, where I had my arms open ready to take him in and keep him close. He came to me, rested his head on my chest and tucked his body right against mine. I held his head in place, caressed my fingers through his hair, kissing at the top of his head, keeping as much contact as I could with him to prove that he wasn’t alone, that I wasn’t angry, that he didn’t need to feel so terribly. I just wanted to be there for him. “It’s okay.” My whisper worked as a lullaby. “I’m here, it’s okay.” It didn’t take long for him to disappear into a deep sleep, and all it took was the sound of his heavy, peaceful breathing to let me join him.

It was the middle of the afternoon by the time my eyes opened once again, blinking back to life, not necessarily feeling any better than I had. Especially when I noticed that Harry was already up, dressing himself as quietly as he could. I watched him for a while, sat at the bottom of my bed pulling his top on before dropping his head into his hands again, his shoulders hunched and his head still hectic with thoughts. I got this awful impression that he had wanted to leave without waking me. “Hi.” My voice was frail but certainly loud enough that he would hear me, and yet he didn’t reply. “You sleep okay?” “Mm.” There was a rather immediate inimical energy in the room that I couldn’t understand. I knew he was hurting, that much had been clear since the second we heard the glass shatter, but it felt different to that somehow. I got out from beneath the duvet, crawling to the bottom of the bed and sitting just behind him, leaning to kiss his shoulder, hoping he’d ease up. He didn’t. “You wanna talk?” I asked. “No. No, I wanna go home.” “Do you want-” “I wanna be on my own.” He grumbled, getting to his feet. “Oh.” I was shuddering. “Okay.” I quickly questioned how long he’d actually been awake, overthinking and doing more damage. Because that was another good thing that had accompanied Harry finally finding the strength to open up and start talking about himself, his life, his sorrow. When he dealt with it on his own, he usually found a way of hating himself, reaching conclusions that weren’t healthy for his head. Years of being on his own had brought him to this state of mind where he was always the only person there to blame. But when he spoke, when he shared what he was feeling and thinking, he gained that second perspective that he truly needed. He could stop beating himself up and thinking the worst and gain the reassurance he so desperately needed. So as much as I wanted to let him go, give him his alone time if that’s what he desired, something was telling me I needed to push a bit harder. “Harry, what’s going on?” “Nothing.” “It doesn’t seem like nothing.” “I’m allowed to want some alone time, Alfie.” “I’m not saying you’re not, but-” “Then what’s the problem?” “This is the problem, Harry!” I yelped. “We don’t do this. I know this is a shit situation, I know this is fucked up, but please don’t turn away from me again. Don’t push me out.” For months he’d been doing so much better, slowly learning to share and be himself with no shame, but it seemed to me his brother and what had happened was forcing Harry back into his shell, one that had confined and harmed him for years. I could tell it was happening because I’d been the one to see the change in him, witness him switch from one state to the next. I knew exactly what it looked like when Harry spurned care and support, I was all too familiar with it. I wanted to call it out straight away, let him know I could see what he was doing and that I was rejecting it. What was different this time around compared to how it had been the year before was the fact that Harry was extremely aware of just how well I knew him, how easily I could read him and work out what was happening in his head. He couldn’t step away from what I was saying in the way he could before, we were too close for that. He looked down to me, taking a few moments to accept my words, sighing and then nodding. “Sorry.” He grumbled. “I don’t… I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make you feel like I’m pushing you out, but I…” “Tell me how to help and I will.” “But I don’t think you can, that’s the thing.” He exhaled wearily, sitting himself back down beside me. “I wish you could but… I don’t think there’s anything anyone can do to… make this better. I just have to accept it.” I placed my hand against the back of his neck, my fingertips playing with the tufts of his hair, so happy that he’d placed himself beside me again, how he closed his eyes as a reaction to the contact I’d made, like my touch was a rare remedy he’d been searching for. “It’s okay to hate this and struggle with it.” I told him. “Things are going to be hard for a while, but then you’ll move on. You’ll learn and you’ll reflect and be better, like you always do. That’s what you’ve always done.” “Better?” He rejected the word, dismayed at the mere implication. “I don’t feel it.” “We all have shit times and… we can all act in ways that we maybe shouldn’t, that’s normal. But it doesn’t define you. The stuff that defines you is so much more than that. You’re so caring and thoughtful and-” “I still let him in.” He turned his head to me. “Even knowing everything he did. To me. My mum. Everything he did to you. I still let him in. What kinda fucking person am I?” “A good one.” We both had tears in our eyes as I tightened my touch at the back of his neck and rested my forehead against his. “You’re so kind. I wish you could forgive yourself in the way you do other people. You’re so good and wonderful and-” “Is that really how you see me?” “I can’t word how I see you, Harry.” He twisted his body, grabbed at my waist and heaved me from my spot round to his front so that I was straddling his waist, pushing his lips against mine with such vehement strength it was like I couldn’t completely calculate what had just happened, the way he’d moved my body, everything heady and unclear. For too long he’d kept himself in a cage, reaching desperately through the bars of his sins to tease his fingertips with the hope of happiness, a freedom from certain corners of himself and his history. I still believed that Rosebury was his redemption, his chance to break the barriers that he’d built when he was a child and finally experience a life that was built around love and constructive growth rather than distress and guilt. I wouldn’t let that be tainted. I grabbed at his face and kissed him with every ounce of energy I had, my whole body and soul totally invested in every move of my mouth, every flick of my tongue. His touch was heavy, one hand pressing at the back of my head so I couldn’t distance from him, not that I wanted to. The other stayed on my waist, coaxing my body closer. I could feel his tears against my hands, feel how his lips were still quivering, so minute and yet so obvious. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” He gasped into our kiss. It was clear that his thoughts were disordered, perplexing him. He was dismissive one minute and passionate the next, kissing me and holding me like he had no desire to ever leave my side. It had been quite some times since I’d last been so anxious to get into his head and read his mind, figure out his thoughts and truly understand how he was feeling. It wasn’t necessarily that I felt he was keeping anything from me, but more that I believed his head was currently such a divided and devastated place that he was struggling to systematise it. All I could do was prove to him that I wasn’t angry with him for choosing to forgive his brother and try to help him; it would have been hypocritical of me to feel that way given how that was one of my favourite characteristics of his. I needed to prove to him that he had no reason to hate himself; that every action he’d taken was done through love and forgiveness, this idea and moving onwards and upwards and everyone’s lives improving in the process. That was all I could do. I had to ease the kiss eventually, though it seemed he wanted nothing more than to keep his lips with mine, be purely physical for a while so he could ignore everything else. I left a few chaste kisses against his beautiful lips before I pulled away from him, lightly stroking my thumb across the bruise below his eye. “Does it hurt?” I asked quietly. “No.” “Are you sure?” “It’s fine. But my hand-” Before he could even finish talking I’d grabbed hold of his hand and brought it up towards my eyes so I could examine the injury. The bruises on my knuckles were nothing compared to the ones on his. They were almost black, crawling down his fingers and edging towards the scars and cuts on his hands that were finally starting to heal fully. He must have hit Jack after I’d left, there was no other explanation for them. I took a deep breath in, woozy over the sight. “Let me go get a bandage for you.” I got to my feet, scuttling off into the bathroom. As much as he deserved it, I didn’t like the thought of Harry hitting Jack. It was just the fact it was his brother. I couldn’t even comprehend the hatred. Their relationship should’ve never ended up being that way. And I knew that he would have hit him for my benefit. I returned a few seconds later to see him looking off to nothing, utterly lifeless, eyes fixed on one spot but blank, like they’d glazed over. I sat beside him, took his hand in mine and got to work, trying to keep my eyes on the bandages but I kept glancing up to his profile, his heartbreak unmistakeable. I’d expected physical damage from his brother, but I hadn’t quite been able to anticipate the gross amount of mental damage he was able to inflict in just a few hours. “Is that too tight?” “It’s fine.” He answered, finally tearing his eyes from that vacant spot to look down to his hand once it was done. “Thank you.” “It’s okay.” “Can I return the favour?” He was already taking the roll out of my hand before I’d nodded, hovering my hand before him so he could cover the bruising. We sat quiet for some time as he wrapped my hand up as carefully as he possibly could, my stomach still twisting, constantly feeling as though I was on the verge of tears. “It was good, by the way.” He spoke. “Huh?” I looked from my hand to him. “That punch.” He tilted his head upwards, smiled softly. “You did me proud.” I dropped my eyes again, my cheeks swelling and flushing. It felt good that he’d even been able to say that at all, and weirdly I liked the thought of him being proud of me for the way I’d hit his brother like that. Something had come over me, this animal instinct to protect him. I didn’t think being that way would ever be a natural instinct of mine, in fact I would have previously said the exact opposite. It felt different when it came to him. “We make a good team.” I said. I watched his face, seeing the smile my words had created lift and then slowly fade away. I thanked him once the bandage was in place, stretching my fingers as though that would help me accustom to the feeling. Harry kept hold of my hand, and though the bruises were hidden now it was as though he could see right through the dressing, focussing in and zoning out. Excluding the times where he’d told me his darkest secrets, his most agonising truths, I felt like I’d been lucky enough to see Harry in a good state of mind a lot of the time. Being in our village was good for him and that had been obvious since the earliest days. He’d been happy and settled and growing. Seeing him then, I imagined that was how he’d been before he came to us. Seeing him so down was largely unfamiliar to me, but I could see that it wasn’t unfamiliar to him. I hoped the progress he’d made was the type that couldn’t be lost, that in however many hours or days or weeks he’d remember where he was and how we all made him feel. He wouldn’t trap himself in this gloom, and instead he’d stumble back to the light, focus on his future rather than his past. I hoped. “Please stay.” I whispered, my gut feeling telling me he wouldn’t. “I need some time.” He answered calmly and honestly. “It’s not you, Fee-Fee. You’re amazing, but… He’s said some stuff that I really need to think about, and I need to do it on my own. I don’t wanna drag you into this any more than I already have.” “But I wanna be involved. I wanna help.” “I know you do, but… This is mine to handle. I need to figure out… what to do. I dunno if I should… try to see my mum, or if I should drop it completely. I can’t stop thinking that… I’m clinging onto something here, and I dunno if it’s right.” My brows were furrowed, nodding but tentative over his choice of words. I understood it must have been hard for him that he’d never heard back from his mum, who was reason he was in Rosebury in the first place, but I struggled hearing him saying that being there was him clinging onto something. I didn’t want to question him. I didn’t want to get my back up and make him feel any worse, that was the last thing I wanted. So I didn’t say anything about it. I let him speak. I let him say what he needed to say. “I wanna clear my head, get away for a bit.” “Away from Rosebury?” “Maybe, m’not sure. I need to think about what I want.” He told me, and I had to appreciate how upfront he was being with me. “I need to think about… everything.” “What’s got to you the most?” I asked, and he looked away from me. “What’s he said that’s really got in your head? There must be something I can help with.” I was willing to let him distance, get some space and filter through his thoughts, as long as I’d let him know that I was there for him in any way he wanted me to be. He looked like he didn’t have a clue how to answer me, looking down to the ground and breathing uneasily, his tongue curving to run across the top row of his teeth. “I…” He tried. “It’s a few things. I… I dunno.” “Is it to do with your mum?” “Mm. I… Yeah. I just… I miss her so much, but I don’t wanna interrupt her life, y’know? I wanna see her and I wanna say I’m sorry, but I need to accept that fact that… she probably doesn’t want me around. I dunno if our family is beyond that now, I don’t… I don’t know. This is why I need to think. I need time. I need to stop waiting around when I don’t even know what I’m waiting for.” He was stuck between wanting to go and find her or forgetting it all completely, accepting that things could not progress, improve or be bettered. I hoped he’d choose the first option and seek her once again, but after everything they’d been through and how terribly things had gone with his brother, I would have understood if he went with the second choice. We sat in silence for a while, and though I hated the thought of him disappearing again and going off to handle this alone, he seemed so set on it, unsure of the outcome but absolutely sure of the method. “If that’s what you think is right then… okay.” I accepted. “I hope you… figure this out.” “I hope so too.” “I just wish you felt like you could do that here with me.” He didn’t have any words of comfort for me, but I wasn’t sure anything he could have said would’ve had the ability to put my mind at ease. I was having to accept the fact that for a while there wouldn’t be ease or certainty, there was too much for him to consider. Too much had happened for it to be simple. This wasn’t water under the bridge, this was high tides caused by a storm that was tearing the bridge down. He placed his forehead against mine, brought his hand up to pinch lightly at the back of my neck. “This is something I know I’ve gotta do on my own.” He was quiet, a goodbye in his eyes that he couldn’t word correctly. “I’m… I’m sorry.” I nodded, feeling less comfortable by the second, knowing how good he was at packing up and disappearing and not reaching out. I wondered if he felt he was doing me a favour by distancing because I was now directly involved in a way I hadn’t been before. I wondered if he thought me helping would do more harm than good because of how awfully I’d handled the way his brother attacked me. I looked into his eyes, aching over the thought of him leaving, vanishing for an indefinite length of time once again. But more than anything, I really wanted to know exactly what that Jack had said to him. I really fucking wanted to know.

#Happy Bloody Sunday #happy reading #HBS35 #1dff

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shirtlesssammy · 5 years

Text

7x14: Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie

Then:

Send in the clowns (much to San’s utter horror)

Now:

Our intrepid hero, Sam Winchester runs down a dark alley away from CLOWNS. And honestly, I can’t blame him. They are scary! A couple corner him in an abandoned warehouse while he mutters, "If it bleeds, you can kill it."

60:00:00 Earlier

Dean battles the germs of a phone booth to talk with Frank. He’s got, as Sam puts it, “dick on Dick”. Sam has a potential new case though, and since Dean’s just coming off of his Amazon baby mama drama, he swears this time there will be “No bars. No booze – no hot chicks of any kind.”

Wichita, Kansas

At the morgue they’re presented with a corpse covered in red boils. Apparently a Giant Pacific octopus did this to the man, in Kansas. The coroner surmises that someone staged the hickies and then bled the victim dry. “So what are we looking for? An octovamp? A vamptopus?” Dean wonders to Sam later.

They head to talk with the victim’s widow.

They ask her all the routine questions and she tells them they should talk to Stacy, the nanny. She was with him the night he died. The boys discuss why the wife would summon such an excessive monster while they leave the house. Dean heads to interview the “naughty nanny” while Sam stays to check out the wife’s house after she's gone.

At Stacy’s, Dean learns pretty quickly that the nanny mainly dealt with Deborah and that Stacy was working late because Brian was working late. It was their daughter Kelly’s birthday and the party was at Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie and Brian showed up for 5 minutes while Deborah didn’t show up at all. Another kid told Kelly that her parents didn’t love her. Dean asks the usual questions and Stacy admits that Kelly’s afraid there’s a monster in her closet.

Dean later calls Sam to see if he can interview the daughter. Sam gets in a brief conversation with Kelly where she tells him that she tried to warn her dad that the monster would get him before her mom calls her back inside.

At night, a man in a bathrobe runs for his life away from a galloping horse. He jumps a fence and rests a beat against the fence only to have a golden spire pierce his chest. He falls over dead while the camera pans over the fence to reveal a majestic unicorn. It’s horn is glistening blood and as it turns and speeds away, rainbows shoot out of its butt. (This REALLY has is it all.)

Now

Sam’s battling the clowns. He tries shooting one of the clowns but his gun only shoots glitter.

The clowns continue to laugh and mock him, and then start laying punches.

36:36:08 Earlier

Dean inspects the unicorn murder. After asking the victim’s wife some questions about their son, he learns that the father and son were at a friend’s birthday party. Dean calls Sam and asks if he remembers Plucky Pennywhistle’s. Sam’s face goes blank and he say, “No.” He quickly counters that when he admits that he hated them as a kid. Dean would dump him to go “trolling for chicks.” Dean made a connection to the place and the murders though and suggests Sam check out the local Plucky’s while he talks to the latest vic’s son. Sam hastily suggests he interview the kid. Dean laughs and wonders if this is about Sam’s “clown thing.” Sam weakly denies this, but Dean sees right through him and advises him, “If it bleeds, you can kill it” before hanging up.

Sam heads inside to face his nightmare.

(I’m sorry, but what’s with the skeletor clown in the front? How much fun did Jerry Wanek and Co. have this week?) He sees a frazzled mom working while trying to convince her son to just “stay sane for three more hours.” He sees a wall of “Draw your worst fear... Plucky will make your fear disappear” drawings. The manager, Jean, finds Sam. He asks about the drawings and she gives him the explanation that it’s supposed to help kids cope with their fears, otherwise they can affect kids well into their adulthood (*cough* SAMMY *cough*). Sam asks about the latest kid’s story and the manager tells him that the dad threw a fit about leaving early.

Sam is then approached by a skittish maintenance worker who tells him to come back after closing.

At the motel, Sam fills Dean in on the mean parent trend and the worst fear drawings.

Dean has some war flashbacks to fighting leprechauns. Dean then shows Sam what the boy drew --a unicorn impaling his father.

At Plucky’s, just as Saul, the maintenance man, is leaving for the day, Jean tells him that a kid puked in the ball pit. It’s gonna need a complete sanitization. And I’m sorry, but why are you waiting to tell him at the end of the day?! I’m side eyeing you HARD, Jean.

Saul is next in the ball pit, sucking the balls up one at a time (seems a tad inefficient, but then I have no clue how those places are cleaned. Probably aren’t --so, gross.) The camera pans behind him, Jaws-esque music starts, Saul cries out and reaches for his leg. His hand comes away bloody.

He’s then sucked under the balls. Welp.

Sam and Dean arrive to find the cops taking away the body.

*Classic Dialog Alert*

DEAN: Cops have a theory?

SAM: Yeah, they think the ball washer did it.

DEAN: The what?

SAM: The... ball washer.

DEAN: The what?

SAM: The ball –

Dean shows Sam the victim and they both agree that it was a shark bite. Dean knows a bit more due to his excessive Shark Week research. They head inside the darkened Plucky’s.

Inside, they stop by the wall of worst fear drawings. Sam notices that the shark drawing is missing this time. “Dractopus. Seabiscuit the impaler. Land shark – what's next?” Dean asks. (Seabiscuit the Impaler is my wrestling name.)

The next morning the waitress, Libby, pulls up to Plucky’s with her son Tyler. They’re both tense - the mom is late for work and the kid’s irritated and on his own to catch the bus. As they part grouchily, the camera zooms in on his drawing: a giant killer robot shooting laser eyes. Um. HERE FOR THIS.

Back in the present, Sam continues to get the glitter kicked out of him by the two killer clowns. (I find them far more annoying than frightening.) The only thing more aggravating than a villain with a smug grin is one with a grating chuckle.

Back in the past, Sam and Dean toss out theories. It’s time to put the hammer down on the investigation. Dean is SUPER excited to be given the job of the creepy loner dude hanging out at Plucky’s while Sam plays Fed. (But also, he really is?)

At Plucky’s, chaos reigns. It’s full of kids and the bloody murder ball pit is “roped off” for the day. Yikes. Dean spots a kid walk by playing with a giant slinky and suddenly all thoughts of the investigation leave him.

And immediately Dean WANTSES THE SLINKY. (Please imagine that I’ve just written eight tons of meta about Dean’s missed childhood wrought by his father and later, by himself.)

He asks to buy one at the prize counter, but the chirpy clerk tells him that he has to earn it - he can’t just buy one of the prizes. Dean heads off to ski-ball his way to giant slinky glory.

Meanwhile, Sam interrogates Jean about the guy’s death, spooking her and sending her running from Plucky’s. Dean demonstrates his adult priorities, ditching ski-ball to stalk his quarry. He discovers Jean’s terrible secret. She’s unwinding with a quick joint behind the building. So… not really a criminal magical mastermind.

Sam moves on to the cheerful clerk. “Special agent? Wow!” he says excitedly, while reading Sam’s business card. Sam scowls at Mister Sunshine-and-Light and amps up his bad-cop routine.

While Sam snarls at suspects, Dean teams up with Tyler to properly police the correct game-play of ski-ball. They bond over it and the kid’s mom arrives with a plate of greasy pizza for his dinner. Dean tells the frustrated kid to cut his mom some slack. His dad “hauled him places” too. (I mean, crime scenes, crappy motels, and monster dens, but sure.)

Dean notices Tyler’s killer robot drawing but before he has a chance to comment on it, the lion-costumed guy Sam was interrogating splits. After a harrowing chase set to 70’s style cop-show-music Dean pins him down. The guy sort of confesses to manufacturing meth in the past, but is also PRETTY SURE he hasn’t been using kids’ nightmares to kill people. (He sounds a little uncertain on that last point.) He mentions a sub-basement of the building with creepy sounds coming up from the boiler room near the vents. Well, we know that only good things happen in boiler rooms.

They head back to Plucky’s. Inside, Libby loses her cool. It’s time to leave but her son resists - someone stole his killer robot drawing. Dean immediately hones in on that. Awww yeah KILLER ROBOT TIME. (In a subplot, Dean communicates nonverbally with Tyler, encouraging him to communicate better with his mom, who in turn communicates better with her son. I’m glad we were all here to share this after school special.)

The sub-basement is eight levels of creepy, stacked with crap and featuring an open pit of flame. “Well, that’s perfectly normal,” Dean comments. And...yeah. The boiler room does appear to be problematic. Posted up on the wall are kid drawings and on tables, occult books. Dean examines a book and finds the missing robot drawing. He turns to find the chirpy clerk, Howard, training a gun on him. He orders Dean to drop his gun.

Dean compliments him on his magical prowess. It’s gotta take some serious mojo to make a unicorn. “There's power in fear,” Howard tells him. “And when a child draws what he's afraid of, a little of that mojo ends up on the page.” All of his victims deserved what they got, Howard maintains. He’s targeting Libby for sure, but tonight’s not the night for killer robots. Instead, his current target is Sam-the-Fed.

Cue the clowns!

Now that our timeline has nearly caught up, Sam stalks Libby and Tyler back to their house, only to be confronted by a creepy clown. Nooooooo!

While Sam gets beaten by evil clowns, Dean discovers that Howard is angry that he lost the management job to Jean. He’s deranged, and thinks all the kids are better off without various parents in their lives. Oh, and he’s got some fun buried trauma of his own. His brother drowned while his parents ignored (or didn’t take seriously) his cries for them to help.

Dean chucks Howard’s old drawing of the drowning into the magical fire, plus a clown statuette, and suddenly a drowned child appears, looking vengeful. Howard whimpers pleas for mercy to no avail. Before Dean’s astonished eyes, the clerk drowns in front of the phantom of his dead brother. Y I K E S. Destroyed by his own fear, anger, and guilt. (Looks directly into the camera.)

Elsewhere, Sam’s about to get clown sandwiched when they explode into harmless glitter bombs.

Welp.

Later, Sam pulls up to meet Dean. When he gets out, we see that he’s absolutely covered in glitter (and, apparently, seltzer from the clowns’ flowers).

Dean just about dies laughing at the sight. He then apologizes for “psychologically scarring” Sam, and ditching him when they were kids. Hey, all’s forgiven. Sam pulls out a present for Dean - a giant slinky!!!!

Dean is overjoyed. He gets out a gift for Sam as well - a clown doll.

Er. Thanks, Dean. Sam treats it with the appropriate reverence and gratitude.

_____________________________________________________

Everybody Loves a Quote:

So we got dick on dick?

You spawn a monster baby, see how quick you want to dive back in the pool.

If it bleeds, you can kill it.

So now unicorns are evil?

A whole week of sharks.

Watch out for evil lunch ladies.

_____________________________________________________

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#spn recap #spn rewatch #spn 7x14 #plucky pennywhistle's magical menagerie #dean winchester #sam winchester #supernatural season 7

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transboygenius · 5 years

Text

SE4SON: Chapter 21

Mitzi was at the market, shopping for any necessities her family, and the farm animals, needed to live on for a whole month. She wasn't halfway through the list yet. It was difficult working under a budget, especially with prices like these to bear with. The cheapest deals came in bruised, damaged, or ready to go bad. You can already guess what deals Mitzi went for. Pretty soon the basket will get heavy, and it's a shame Diana didn't came along with her. Speaking of Diana, where has she and the others gone to with those strange boys? Just as Mitzi continued with her shopping, she ran into a strange man wearing a black trench coat and a feathered hat. The man opened his coat to reveal items hidden.

"Pssssssst. Mistress. May I interest you in some optical instruments? For only 5 pence, one of these lovely specimen could take thee on a trip to the solar system where the big dipper awaits. Or you could catch a glimpse of what life dwells outside of these walls from thy bedroom window." Said the salesman. "Thank you, young sir, but your price is far too rich for my blood. And if I wanted to see something up close, I could just walk up to it."

Suddenly, a carriage came speeding by and everyone quickly jumped out of the way, including Mitzi.

"Gangway, peasants! Prisoners in the King's custody!"

Mitzi got up, and started picking up the groceries the carriage made her drop, while cursing under her breath. Then a thought occurred to her. She could've sworn she witnessed something recognizable in the back of that carriage. As Mitzi seized a telescope from the salesman, she looked fixedly into it. Her hunch was right, but she wished it wasn't. Diana was still as a statue. Rodent Girl was muzzled and shackled. Benson was fearing for his life. Some little girl was trapped in a cage. Jimmy and Nick were chained together, also dressed like a wizard and knight. The expression on Jimmy's face looked to be he was angry at something. Or someone. He was even yelling, though Mitzi couldn't hear nor read his lips. Then, she saw King Jason, who was repeatedly kissing this valuable amulet around his neck.

"Uh, Miss? You're gonna purchase that or what?"

Mitzi tossed the telescope back to the salesman, and decided to follow the carriage.

...............................

[*Back in modern time*]

The squad was still putting together the time machine, piece by piece. Well, mostly the adults, and Goddard, did all the work. Libby was reading through a fashion magazine. Sheen watched numerous conspiracy theory videos on his phone. They wanted to help at first, but it seemed like the grown-ups had everything on hand. Carl, however, served the squad refreshments. He came out of the house with a tray, which held pink lemonade and cookies. The allergy boy served his friends first, then Judy. Instead of drinking the lemonade, Judy used the whole pitcher to drench herself. Through Carl's point of view, the image was more sultry. The scene played in slow motion. From the beverage cascading down like a waterfall, to the sunset glistening on Judy's beautiful frame. Mrs. Dean looked at Carl, absolutely disturbed.

"Oh, Butter Biscuit!" Hollered Hugh. "What is it, Hugh?" Asked Judy. "After we finish assembling the parts on this, thingumabob-thingumajig-kajigger, what's say we pay the prehistoric era a call? Let's hope they'll be home to answer it, though. *RING RING!* Hah hah hah hah hah!" "Do you believe Jimmy might be there?! Oh, dear." "Nnnnnnnnnnoo, frankly. I just wanted to see if I could shoot myself a photograph of the rare bullockornis planei for my duck-lovers blogspot! We call them the demon ducks of DOOOOOM!" "Hugh: Our son's life is riding on it, and all you can think of at this moment is your stupid ducks! The poor little boy is probably lost out there, suffering, and confused! He must be pining for the warmth of his family about now! So, after Jimmy has been found, then you can let yourself get eaten by dinosaurs!"

Mrs. Dean and Hugh were thrown back by Judy's sassy personality.

"That's some woman you got there." Mrs. Dean whispered to Hugh. "Tell me about it. You think I only married her for her looks?" Hugh whispered back.

Elsewhere, Cindy watched everything from out her window, before shutting the blinds. Everyone is putting their best effort to bring Jimmy and Nick back, and here she is, shutting herself in her bedroom. She has nothing to do but eat junk food, watch TV, and continuously refresh her Cheeper account to see if she got any new re-chirps. Even if Libby is just sitting around while reading a magazine, she looks like she's having more fun than Cindy, because she's in the presence of friends. She at least has an adoring company surrounding her, not to mention someone to share chats with. There, Cindy's inferiority complex began to kick in. How dare that traitor think she can have more fun than me? Cindy looked over to her sleeping dog, then had an idea. She went under her bed and reached for Humphrey's favorite bone. Dogs can be much better friends than humans.

"FETCH, HUMPHREY!"

The bone bounced off of the bulldog's head, waking him up abruptly. Humphrey looked at the bone, which was six feet far from him. Instead of retrieving the item to his owner, Humphrey just yawned, and fallen back into his slumber.

"Aw, you're not as productive as you used to."

................................

[*Back in medieval*]

Everyone sat helpless in their cell. Benson was clattering a metal mug against the bars. Rodent Girl was chatting with a rat. Diana was punching the wall, and she's been doing it for about 30 minutes. Jason used his powers to turn the cell indestructible to Diana's strength, but she was determined to find a weak spot eventually. Jimmy and Nick sat with their heads hanging low, while Sally besides them played a harmonica. Jimmy can't help but feel guilty for landing his new friends in hot water. The plan Jimmy discussed with Sally earlier, about turning the tables on Jason in case he decides to double-cross, had actually been a lie. He had no plan for that from the start. Jimmy didn't suspect that King Jason would try to betray them, because the boy genius thought he was capable of changing him.

Jimmy was confident enough to believe that he could manipulate the king, despite his friends claiming they knew him more. Hell, they live in the same town with this tyrant. The boy genius was arrogant in himself as usual. He always had a knack for shrugging off voices of reason. Just because he won every science fair (not counting this year's), just because he has the highest grades in school, just because he successfully saved Retroville and possibly the whole world from countless mayhem, he automatically assumes he's smarter than anyone with experience. Jimmy recalled a year back, in fourth grade, where he wanted to drain his own genius for everyone's sake, because this is what his brain gets people into. Worse, he dragged his best friend, Nick, into a mission he wanted no part in.

"Gee. I'm awfully sorry, everyone! Especially you, Nick. All the blame goes on me!" Said Jimmy.

Rodent Girl was about to give a rude remark to the boy genius, before Diana covered her mouth.

"Hey. It's okay, bruh. Don't beat yourself up. You at least tried your best." Nick provided comfort to his friend. "Where's a reason that I shouldn't beat myself up? I cost Butterscotch his life, got ourselves imprisoned, and possibly endangered the whole village by letting the king take hold of the amulet! Worse: We'll never see our families again." Jimmy continued to doubt himself. "But you didn't know! It's not your fault your brain couldn't predict the obvious!" "Thanks for pointing that out. I'm stupid. I have now lost the right to use the 'Boy Genius' title." "No, I did not mean it like that! C'mon, Jimmy!" "I know you're trying to be supportive and all, but you can't deny that it's true." "It's not true! I deny it! I deny it! You were just doing... ...what your gut was telling you to do!" "I think Nick is right, chum! We knew King Jason for years now! You two hardly knew him at all, so ya can't blame someone for being naive!" Said Diana. "And it didn't help the conclusion that the king manipulated you with kindness in your first encounter!" Added Benson. "In the earlier two chapters of my first and second appearance, I used to address myself by 'me' instead of 'I.' Somehow, I just don't anymore. Strange, ain't it?" Also added Rodent Girl, which only confused everyone. "No need to help me recoup, gang. After all, Butterscotch's demise was all my responsibility." Exclaimed Jimmy. "That's nothing to feel responsible for! Jason was the one who was responsible. He knew the bridge was unstable! To add insult to injury, he pushed the buttons on a sensitive, kind horse! *Starts to tear up* I'm gonna miss that old lug. But that's okay. I'm now sooner to meeting him again." Said Diana. "Why all the forgiveness? I clearly don't deserve it! The gallows are right around the corner, all because of me!" "It's like your friend said! You didn't know! You only wanted to do what was best for us! You two have been good, modest friends, so I can't help not being angry at you! Especially over a mistake! The way you held onto your hope, stirred forward with obstinacy, kinda reminded me of myself during my youth. You know, before I went swole." "Although we've never communicated much, I'd like to pay some blessings to thee. You gents never ridiculed me, or did insult me, for my own way of expressing masculinity. Every other man that I've met aren't hesitant to profane my selfhood. Even father." Quote Benson. "You guys were very nice to us, I guess. And, I've never had a human friend before. Kids never stick around to play with me cuz they always run away whenever I bring out the rats. Most of them just run away from looking at me." Rodent Girl gave her part. "Whether or not you guys may be the legendary Wise Wizard or Silver Knight, which I still doubt that you aren't, you guys are pretty neat, and I'm glad that I've met you." Said Sally. "Look, Jimmy. Mistakes are a healthy part of growing up. You make a mistake, learn from what you've done wrong, and improve it. The more you improve, the better it gets. Trust me, as a young cook, I made a fair share of mistakes in the past." Nick attempted to cheer up the boy genius. "C'mon, gang! Group hug!" Shouted Diana.

Jimmy declined at first, but it was too late. Unfortunately, just like with Mitzi, Diana put in little strength. It was actually quite joyous, getting hug by the people you love. After the group hug was over, Jimmy looked at everyone. In spite of his mistake, they were all understanding. Understanding and naive. They're about to die in the following day, and King Jason might wreak havoc on the whole village. On the up side, Jimmy hasn't felt the purity of friendship in so long. Him, Sheen, and Carl were like this, way before Jimmy spent more time hitting the lab. Why does it have to end this way? He never had the chance to apologize. If any of them start to grow any sense, they'll come to realize how much of a jerk he's been. And Nick... In case this does turn out to be their final hours together...

"Everyone, may I propose a very important promulgation?" Said Jimmy. "All of you are such wonderful people. Each special in your own ways. The whole kingdom may look down on you, but that's because they never took the time to see your full potential. Diana, your strong and full of heart! Benson, you take pride of what you are and what you do! I envy that! Except for the whole eavesdropping gig. Rodent Girl, I'm surprised you don't have any friends! You're only one of the most funnest human beings (or whatever you might be) I've ever hung out with! Sally... Thanks for letting me know about this Wise Wizard and Silver Knight. Actually learned a lot from them, thanks to your father's logs. N-no, don't get the wrong idea that, POOF, I've suddenly 'regained my memory back.' I love you all so very much! There's no where I'd rather be than to spend my last day with you guys! And speaking of love..."

Jimmy turned to Nick.

"I haven't forgotten you. May I tell you something?" Asked Jimmy. "I was gonna tell you something. Something that's very, very personal to me, and now I may finally get it off my chest. But it can wait. Proceed." Replied Nick. "Okay... *Sighs* Nick, ever since you let out the real you, my whole life just lit up. All this time, I've been admired by the formally most popular guy in school and didn't know! We could've been good best friends then. Of course, I can understand your insecurity. I've never met a guy like you before. It's... ...hard to believe you've been hiding this from me!" "That's not all I've been hiding." "What?" "Nothing! Go on!" "*AHEM* As I was saying, you and me seem to find comfort in each other. We agree on the same mindset level. Me and Carl couldn't connect this way. Or Sheen. Or Cindy. You're very honest. Although you may be overdoing it, nobody has shown me that much care other than my own parents. I really appreciate it. And thanks to you, I have rediscovered pure friendship." "*Blushes* Don't mention it." "You're the bestest of best friends I've ever had! But..." "Oh no, not the 'but.'" "This may come as a shock to you. Lately, I've been having these certain feelings that I've yet had trouble summarizing. As a matter of fact, even if I was sure I knew how I was feeling, I was too scared to stomach it. We live in a society, where we're never exposed to this kind of stuff. We've only been raised on the 'default.' I didn't think this stuff would happen to me. Then, a tale of two valiant heroes have shown me that it is possible, and normal as well. They've taught me something a genius like me didn't know." "Huh? Huh?! (Could this mean what I think it means?!)" "*Gulps down* Nick, I... I, I... I..."

Rodent Girl suddenly interrupted.

"I SEE A RABBIT!"

Everyone turned their attention to what Rodent Girl was pointing at. There was that same white rabbit again. Nobody found that exciting, until it began picking up the ring of keys with its mouth. Nick groaned in disappointment. He was looking forward to hearing the rest of Jimmy's confession. The rabbit, holding onto the keys, jumped off the wooden desk. Everyone beckoned for the rabbit's attention, expanding their arms outside of the cell. The rabbit just sat at a far distance, staring at them. Jimmy suspected that they needed to lure the rabbit in to grab the keys. Luckily, Rodent Girl happened to smuggle some food. First, she pulled out a piece of cheese, but the rabbit just backed away from the stench. She tried a piece of meat, but Jimmy pointed out that rabbits are vegetarians. That gave Rodent Girl an idea, and she pulled out a leaf of lettuce. This time, Jimmy wanted to bait the bunny.

"Hey there, Cottontail. Remember me? Now, you look like you could use a snack."

The lettuce was working. The rabbit took its time, and hopped towards the vegetable. As the rabbit got closer, it was soon standing over a floor drain. That fluffy creature began to sniff the lettuce. Jimmy planned to grab the key after the rabbit goes for the leaf. On that spur of the moment, a loud sound entered the dungeon, which startled everyone, including the rabbit. In shock, it dropped the keys and they fell into the drain. There goes their chance to escape. The rabbit hopped out of the scene to get away from whatever disturbance it just heard. Nick patted Jimmy on the back as comfort.

"Well, that was far by a long shot. At least we all have each other!" Said Jimmy. "If only we had told Mitzi. It isn't a family without her." Quote Diana. "Hey, I think our time might be up!" Screamed Rodent Girl. "No it ain't! Our penalty doesn't start till tomorrow!" Replied Nick. "Then why do I see DEATH approaching us?!"

An ominous looking visitor, wearing a black cloak with the hood over their head, was walking towards their cell. Rodent Girl quickly scurried behind Diana for protection. Benson also went behind Diana. Jimmy, Nick, and Sally just stood frozen, with their hands gripping the bars tightly. The two young boys didn't believe that was Death, but they are curious about this unknown stranger. Rodent Girl peeked from behind Diana, then let out a whaling scream. The visitor then uncovered their hood.

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

It was Mitzi in disguise. Nick was not pleased.

"Mitzi?" Spoke Diana. "Fancy meeting you here. You came to rescue us, or to gloat in me and my friend's face cuz you have substantial proof that we're 'bad people?'" Asked Nick. "What does it look like?" Also asked Mitzi. "Looks like you wanna gloat." "This isn't what you think it is, Mitzi! We have a perfectly good alibi behind-" Said Jimmy, before Mitzi cut him off. "No need for an explanation, young man! I can plainly see what's going on here."

Jimmy put on an expression that was a mix between concern and sadness.

"You were planning to conquer the king! It's a shame you didn't invite me." Said Mitzi. "Huh- How could you tell?" Asked Jimmy. "Well, it must be the story behind why you're locked up down here in the dungeon. Look, I'm not very informed about demons and their history, primarily because all I want to do is forget about them, but I know for a fact that Jason seems like the type of gent who would be good friends with these creeps. Judging by your current situation, it don't look to me like you're his friends at all. Jason is as close to a demon. Whatever you did, I wilt admit: That was quaint noble of you boys."

Rodent Girl was about to explain what really happened, but Diana shut her mouth closed once again.

"Does that mean we're off the hook?" Asked Nick. "I think... Why the hell not? Being upset with you has gone exhausting anyways."

Jimmy then let out a slight smile. Sally stuck her hand outside of the cell to shake with Mitzi.

"Hi, I'm Sally!" Greeted Sally. "I'm Mitzi. Nice to meet you."

Now Mitzi was ready to free them. Unfortunately, she couldn't find the keys to the cell.

"What happened to the keys?" Asked Mitzi. "Apparently, there's somebunny who hates us very much." Replied Nick. "Wait a minute. Hold on!"

Mitzi suddenly dashed off somewhere. Everyone hesitated in silence for a moment. Diana started whistling a tune. Benson continued to clatter his mug against the bars. The gang was waiting patiently for Mitzi's return.

"You were saying..." Said Nick. "Pardon?" Asked Jimmy. "I believe you were gonna tell me something." "Oh, oh, that! Hmmmmmm... I'm afraid I forgot what I was going to say. Sorry." "*Sighs* It's okay." "Keeping secrets again?" There was that familiar voice.

Mitzi was back, with a brand new key in her hand. Wow, that was fast! After she unlocked the cell, everyone ran out free. Rodent Girl even kissed the outside floor.

"Remember who was the best darn blacksmith for 12 years!" Mitzi bragged, while spinning the key around her finger. "It's good to see your spirit has returned, old friend!" Said Diana. "Not so fast! I believe you owe me and my friend something! We've been patient for it." Exclaimed Nick.

Jimmy and Nick were standing next to each other with their arms crossed.

"I-I already have! I freed you, didn't I?" Said Mitzi.

The two boys stayed in position, still not satisfied enough. It's obvious they want an apology.

"*Groans* OKAY. I am sorry! From the way I did treated you from the start, to making Oona watch you in your slumber, and destroying your device! You two were right! I should've have took the time to know you better and check your backgrounds! I am truly a fool." Mitzi finally apologized. "You made Rodent Girl do WHAT?" Yelped Diana.

Jimmy went up to Mitzi and shook hands with her, telling her that she is now off the hook. But as for Nick, he was still standing in place, with his arms crossed.

"What's wrong with your friend?" Asked Mitzi. "I think he wants a straight-forward opinion on his cooking." Replied Jimmy. "Alright! I'll say it! It's good! The damn best! I have never tasted such nourishing delight in years! It's like having dinner with God." "Okay we good." Nick was finally satisfied. "By the way; How were you able to stealth your way in? Isn't the king's facilities heavily guarded?" Questioned Jimmy. "Well, there was no one on post." Said Mitzi. "Really?" "Afraid so. No guards, no knights. The whole castle was unsecured for some reason, and the drawbridge was left opened." "That's strange. Where could everyone be at this hour?"

............................

Little did the Faithful Seven know, the king made the whole staff take a break to join him in this huge dinner celebration. There was enough food on the table to feed the whole village. They had entertainment involving female jesters in skimpy outfits. Even the table was expanded to invite more of his men. Nobody questioned the king's newfound powers. They just greedily stuffed themselves to their hearts' content. Any food that is gone from the table, the king conjured up some more. Jason then raised his glass to make a toast.

"To the young clods, and their misfit friends!"

Everyone repeated the king and raised their glasses as well.

"Uhhhh, your greatness? I-I thhinking I might've left, the drawbridge..." The bridgekeeper stuttered. "Relax! Have a drink! It's on the castle!" Said Jason, then conjured up a wooden jug of beer for him. "Sire?" Questioned Richard. "Hmmm?" "Now that you've successfully possessed the powers of the amulet, what do you plan to do next?" "Why, that's a good question! You see, I plan to use my newfound powers to make the world a place worthy of living in! There's plenty of space to take up!" "Space? What space?" "Oh, you know, the space those unwanted refugees have marked up! Pretty soon, they won't be a problem to us anymore!"

Jason handed Richard a map of around the world. With a point of his magical finger, the pictures started to move. The chancellor was quite amazed, and mesmerized by the moving images. Multiple castles, architectures, and gallow stands appeared in every place of the map. Then, the pretty sight took a turn for the ugly. Climate change was happening in every polar region. A sandstorm was blowing in Egypt. Floods occurred in Asian related regions. Multiple volcanoes rose from the ground. However, English related territories were left untouched. Jason is taking out many innocent lives and establishing a colony for his people. Richard felt uneasy about the king's new plan. He passed the map around to know what the others think. They all had the same reaction as him.

"Your greatness?" Asked a random knight. "Yeeeeeeeeeesssss?" "Are you sure this is all necessary?" "What kind of dumb question is that?" "You see, majestic one, I don't recall... Ehhhhhhhh ...human extinction involved." Spoke one of the guards. "Human extinction?! HUMAN EXTINCTION?! This is not humans we're talking about! I'm referring to those inferior, contemptible pests crawling all over our planet! They are far beyond in compare to real humans like us!" "It seems unfair, if you ask me." Said the royal painter. "Well, I didn't ask you!" "C'mon, your greatness. Don't you think your taking this a bit over the top? Sure, they might be different from us, but they live like us. Eat like us. Work jobs like us. They even have families of their own." "Fish have families! And so do dung beetles!” "I thought you wanted to make the world a better place! Their lives matter!" The royal taste tester spoke up. "SILENCE! It's not 'Their lives matter!' It's 'Every lives matter!'" "Yeah, your greatness, but other than that, you're bound to open up an apocalypse. I'm no physicist, but I don't think the Earth can hold that much physical force. They go down, and we 'Every lives' will go down with them." Quote one of the servants. "THAT WON'T HAPPEN TO US! I AM THE KING!"

The king's voice turned monstrous for a second, followed by a strike of lightning.

"Let's settle this like gentlemen! Who else is opposed to my brilliant proposition? All in favor, say I!"

Everybody, minus the cowardly Richard, all put their hands up and said "I." The king never felt so betrayed in his life.

"Ahhhhhhhhh! All of you are no longer of use to me anymore! You're fired! You ought to be hanged for disagreeing with the highest authority!" Barked Jason. "You can't just hang all of us! It's usually us who are commanded-" "ARE YOU UNDERESTIMATING MY POWERS?!"

The king's monstrous voice was back, and so was the lightning. Not only that, but his eyes turned a bloodish red color. As Jason snapped his fingers, the whole staff's necks where grabbed under nooses, then pulled upward into a painful choking hold. If that wasn't scary enough, the king's physical form began to change. He was also growing as well. Richard hid under the table and watched.

.............................

Back in the dungeon, Jimmy, Nick, and everyone else stood in place, while holding onto each other, as the ground started shaking. After the shaking was over, Jimmy suggested they not question about the occurrence and just move on.

"It's just an earthquake! Nothing to be alarmed up!" Said Jimmy. "Do you have these back at your world?" Asked Benson. "Well... No."

Pretty soon, the gang reached the main door that led to the stairway out of the dungeon. But, they promptly started to hear someone pounding on the other side. Everyone just stood their ground. The threat then got more serious as the person began to bust their way in, breaking down the door. Whoever it might be, they must be really strong. And not nice. The gang went behind Diana. The bulky woman put up her hands, ready to take on whatever comes out that door. Although she was secretly afraid. With one more pound, the stranger eventually broke down the door and sent it flying across the room. The first thing everyone saw was a bright glow illuminating.

This person didn't look like a person at all. It was more of an animal. The most beautiful sight they've ever seen. It appeared to be a white horse, a stallion maybe, with a matching white mane and tail. The rest of its features looked artificial. He had a pointy horn on the center of his forehead, his whole body was glowing and dazzled with glitter, there was a "tattoo" of an arrow impaling a red heart on his flank, and lastly, he was wearing eyeliner.

"Neeeeeiigghhhh! (Glad to see you guys again! Good thing I followed Mitzi!)"

However, the majestic horse looked somewhat familiar to Diana.

"Butterscotch?"

#Jimmy Neutron #Boy Genius #Nick Dean #Cindy Vortex #Libby Folfax #Sheen Estevez #Carl Wheezer #Season 4 #fanfic #romance #adventure #TVverse #TVEE

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visualsymphony · 6 years

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Men who beat women are not men, they’re cowards and scum.

There is a difference in striking a woman, a submissive with a flogger in a scene, pain with pleasure and beating a woman because you are a controlling, domineering fuck and you can’t have your way any other way. The biggest difference is CONSENT.

I don’t believe ANY man, should beat a woman, punching, kicking purposefully damaging her physically, mentally, emotionally. Abuse is abuse. It comes in many forms, but know that the loving caring relationship between a Dom and a sub is not the same as abuse.

I get so tired of people equating them as the same thing. Find out what is real before you accuse.

My sister’s best friend, I’ve known her since she was 7 years old. She remembers looking up to me, thinking I was so ‘old’ in my college days. She recently was at my sisters at the same time I was. She was covered in bruises. It bothered me. It ate at me all day. Her husband is a buff, athletic, macho guy... puts on this tough guy persona. He brags about his physical prowess, and calls her, baby with this possessive tone that you know automatically if you have been around these kinds of men before. It’s a warning tone, an “I own you, don’t you fuck up and slip up” tone.

She when not around him is light hearted, sarcastic, funny, sweet and smart. Around him, she practically cowers. The differences did not go unnoticed to me. So while all of us sat visiting, I carefully asked her, “Libby (not her real name), I’m not trying to be prying or too personal, but that bruise on your leg, looks so sore, what happened? Did you get hurt? Bump it on something?”

She looked at him. His face hardened. She hesitated. He crossed his arms. She nervously laughed and said, “Oh I don’t know I just bruise easy, I get them all the time, they have the doctors baffled. I may have some kind of disorder or something they can’t figure out.”

I heard Bullshit but this was not the time or the place. That was four weeks ago. Now because of my situation, Libby has been around again offering help. It came out. She’s leaving him. He’s threatening her. He broke her nose. He beat her again, only now she’s gone public with hit. She had a witness. Twelve years she put up with this piece of shit of a boy, a boy not a man, because real men do not beat women up.

She’s got a lot of support, but what surprised me was how many people automatically assumed she was lying, calling her a liar, because well she stayed so it must be a lie... why would anyone stay? My baby sister was abused and threatened by a very horrible evil man for years. He held her captive with threats... threats that he’d kill every member of her family and make her watch if she ever got away. Threats he’d kill their children. She lived in fear. She believed him. She knew reporting him for abuse wouldn’t keep him in jail LONG enough for her to escape. Then he fucked up. He raped my niece and she told. Now he’s going to prison. He molested his other two small daughters and now he’s going to prison. I honestly hope someone there returns this ten fold upon him and that he dies there.

Abusers deserve what they have coming to them.

If you’re being abused, please get out. Call for help. Send someone a message, please stop living in fear. Get out. There are places to help. There are those of us who will listen, won’t judge, who will do everything possible to protect you.

I’m not one of those ‘oh it’s not my business, i better stay out of it’ kind of people when it comes to another being hurt. I’ve been going through some personal Hell, but my mind is on LIbby today and the personal Hell she’s endured for years... without speaking up, and all I want to do is punch her husband in the face a few times and break his nose so he knows how it fucking feels. I’m not a violent person. I never have been, but abuse, of ANY kind is a sort of trigger for me.

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) available 24/7 in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.

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jamesandangelina · 7 years

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The day of Jack’s birth had sparked so much change for James and Angelina, the start of their lives together as parents, their decision to move to Peru, and in the last six months it had been a rolling escapade of further changes, including James’ appointment as one of the governors of Hogwarts. It still felt strange to Angelina after all these months to not run into everything with her baby bump, she found herself intentionally being careful when putting things away, only then to realize she had much more space to work with. But that space was quickly dwindling in their cottage as each room got further filled with box after box of their things, with the move to Peru only a few days away Angelina was starting to feel the nerve pile on. James was in the living room, nearly finished packing yet another box, Jack was upstairs fast asleep, and Angelina had a basket full of clean clothes that she was folding on the couch as she watched James. She held up one of the little onesies Jack had already managed to outgrow, a sad little smile on her lips as she looked it over, “I swear, if Jack grows any quicker we’re going to be buying new outfits for him every week.” The fact of the matter was that Jack was in that perfect little stage of life where he was beginning to really start to grasp, quite literally, his surroundings. And that cute little puff of blonde hair on his head was growing in bounds, if she had a way to just pause it all and let him stay the size he was for a little while longer she would, but even magic had its limits.

Once the clothes from the basket were folded she left a stack of them on the couch for James to box up, “I think that’s the last of it …” the realization of those words hitting her tenfold as she stood up to take the rest of the basket upstairs and quickly had to sit back down. What no one told her was that even after having Jack that the emotions of her pregnancy could linger for much longer, sleep deprivation and all the changes happening certainly didn’t do anything to help either, and Angelina could already feel the tears starting to well up in her eyes as it all hit her at once. “Are we out of our mind James?” she asked as she looked at all of the boxes and then at him, the concern of her quick emotional burst clearly on his face, “Uprooting our family to a place where we don’t know anyone. Leaving our families behind, especially Libby and Noemie, you’re an uncle now, for heaven sakes, and Jack won’t get to grow up around his cousin…” Even if she and James had agreed that moving to Peru was the best thing for their family she was the one who was taking more convincing than him, yes the opportunity had boundless potential to skyrocket her Quidditch career, but the fact that it was so far and her chances to come back to England wouldn’t be as bountiful as those James had was what really had been weighing on her mind. “Everything we know is here …. You and I started here … this just feels like a change that is just so …. permanent.” And that was what had been really the hardest thing for Angelina to come to terms with, this was one change out of the many that she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for.

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

“I felt like I was on the verge of ripping out each of their perfect little ginger hairs..” James smirked at the thought, especially when he thought of doing the same to Ron. “They have an opinion about everything y’know?” He cleared his throat, frowning some at what Ron said about him being a father. ‘not fit’, ‘you would kill your own child if you snapped one day’, ‘he needs to be taken away from you’. The words echoed in his head but didn’t escape his lips, fearing that it would upset Angelina. He wished he could just wash away those words, able to shrug them off as he used to when Ron would say something. This was different, it brought up the fact that he will never have the normal life he deserved to have. “I’m sure they’re all gone by now. Besides, they’re just mad that Jack isn’t covered with red hair.” He smirked to himself, at least the sarcasm will never leave. It was the only thing that kept him from completely melting down it seemed like. Once she brought up the idea of bringing Jack back in his smile widened, ready to jump back up to tell the nurse that they were ready for their son once again. Steve beat him to the punch, rolling in his bed with a now awake Jack Bardsley. He watched as Angelina picked up their son, his smile practically glowing as he looked back down at him. “He really is a Bardsley..” He said as he saw what looked like a smile flash on his little features. James lowered his lips to the top of his head, lightly brushing against his soft skin as he gave him a kiss. “Absolutely perfect in every way possible.” He saw himself in him, traces of Angelina here and there but to his surprised it was mainly him he saw. It did not matter what the Weasleys thought, not anymore. He was going to be the best dad he could. The hardest job in the world it seemed.

It did not surprise him that Angelina wanted to talk about Peru once again, their whole lives changing in a span of one day from the letter of acceptance to their son making his first appearance in the world. James let out a small sigh, getting up from her bed to walk to the window. As he looked outside he felt his emotions take their own little turns. Jealously being the one that seemed to be the most apparent. “It should be me…” He kept his tone down, not wanting to frighten her into thinking he was upset at her. In reality, he started blaming himself again. He knows it was his own fault for running into Fenrir Greyback, and for not doing anything about keeping himself from getting harmed. His leg ached at the memory, something it often does when he thinks back all those years ago. “I was one of the best chasers Ravenclaw had in a century..” Madame Hooch told him that frequently, seeing a rise in scores once James joined the team his third year. He closed his eyes, taking another deep breath as he calmed himself down once again. “I want to go.” He looked back at her, giving her a small smile as reassurance. “This is an opportunity of a life time Ange. If you give up that job offer you won’t let yourself live that down.” He spoke about it for her, but in reality he pictured himself in her shoes. She would want him to go if the situation was in reverse, regardless of what condition she was in. “Like I told you, they’re plenty of ministry members around the world who travel to London for business daily. Living in Peru would not mark the end of my run for Governor.” He walked back to them, giving her a small kiss as his hand caressed Jack’s head. “This is for our family…our lives. We are meant to be away from here.”

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

The moment the final push had reached its end Angelina almost flew back onto the upright bed, trying to catch her breath, but her eyes were quickly moving about attempting to find James, and the Jack, and then James again, it was all becoming surreal. She watched James with full interest as he made his way over, how gently his hands held their son to his chest; it was a sight that instilled the idea that although he might have felt like there was a big part of him that was in fact a monster. However, with Jack in his arms he looked like nothing less than man she’d fallen in love with who she had no doubt would be a brilliant father. It wasn’t until James handed her Jack that the dream likeness of it all really hit her as reality, all that time that he has spent in her belly he’d felt as heavy as a quaffle, where now he was so perfect and small. Angelina choked back a cry of happiness seeing him there in her own arms all the while feeling the softness of James’ lips upon her temple. “He’s so …..” her words paused for a moment as she tried as hard as she could to put together a word that made sense, once finding it a satisfied and warm smile traced its way across her lips, “Bardsley.” It wasn’t a mere moment after that word slipped from her mouth that she heard to door to the room open and James’ mother followed closely by her own entered the room. As much as everyone who came in wanted to see Jack, a majority of them being family, Angelina wasn’t ready to let anyone else really hold him with the exception of James, something she knew she’d never hear the end of, but after all he was their son.

The entire day since James had returned home to their cottage had been overwhelming and as time dragged on Angelina couldn’t deny the exhaustion she felt from all the worry, pain, and excitement that were starting to get to her. It wasn’t until their family cleared out and Terrence took Jack to the baby room that she finally got a moment to rest, and it certainly didn’t take long, even with James there with her, for her to doze off. She didn’t dream so much as she rested but she did have moments were bits and pieces of the day flashed before her, Jack’s little face, the glimmer in James’ eyes as he held him for the first time, they were enough to create a smile on her face even as she slept. It wasn’t until she woke that the smile faded a little, finding herself alone in the room, her hands on her stomach, she must have instinctively put them there while sleeping for it had become habit over the past few months especially as Jack usually woke her up from kicking at it. She wasn’t quite aware of how much time had passed until she felt her stomach growl almost ominously; even without a baby to feed she was definitely feeling the need for food. But she’d have to put it off a little longer once she heard a knock at the door, she was surprised to see her parents enter, her mother still a bit upset that she hadn’t been allowed to hold Jack with all the other family around and instinctively Angelina felt the need to apologize, “I’m sorry, mum, with the amount of family between James and I…coming in and out of this room…I just didn’t want him out of my sight.” Even within those first few moments with him Angelina had become overwhelmingly protective of Jack’s well-being and safety, being so new into this world left him with little protection and she felt as though she had spawned into a mother bear within just a matter of moments.

The moment her mother’s hand grasped her own, however, it was in a way that said to Angelina that she understood, watching the woman that she’d grown to admire and love over all the years took a seat next to her, “You’re looking out for your own little peanut, your da’ and I are just overjoyed for you and for James, you two are really starting the next chapter of your lives together.” It didn’t take Angelina long to figure out that her parents had returned to do more than just say goodbye, her eyes moving from her mother and then to her father, “Alright, out with it, what do you want to know?” her tone hinting at a small bit of aggravation. “Does he know?” her father asked, “What did he say?” was quickly asked by her mother, followed by a quick “Jack’s going to need his family.” Angelina held her hand up there as a plea for them both to stop with giving her the third degree. She knew she’d been putting off the entire Tarapoto deal for weeks now, the idea of it all terrified her and her parents hadn’t been making matters any easier. “Yes, he knows, and no we haven’t had a chance to talk about it. Someone decided he wanted to make an entrance and let his parents discuss their future later. Jack did inherit his father’s lovely knack of timing things so perfectly.” Angelina’s mother looked stunned to the fact that she still didn’t have an answer to whether she James and Jack would in fact be moving to Peru, and she could tell it was going to drive her mother mad. “I promise you both that once he had I talk about it you’ll know, until then just enjoy the fact that your daughter has a healthy son and that you two are ‘grandparents’ at last.” They seemed, even if they were only playing face, to take what Angelina had said as something that would satisfy their curiosity for the moment before they both gave her a kiss and a hug and left her once again in the room by herself.

Note to self ….. never tell them anything life altering when a decision hasn’t been made.” Angelina mumbled to herself, her stomach starting to growl once again, growing far more impatient that she hadn't eaten yet. Unsure of when James would return to the room she decided to order some food not only for herself but for him as well as soon as Terrence came into check on her with one of the nurses. "What's good in this place that will make my stomach settle down for a few hours?" she asked her cousin as he went around the bed checking out all of the equipment. "Don't worry, Little A, I've got you covered," and judging from the sly grin on Terrence's face Angelina couldn't help but quirk a brow, "Well while you're being clever would you mind adding something to that order for James? I have a feeling he hasn't eaten since this morning either..." Angelina's face crinkled to the image of herself cleaning his plate earlier that day and she could hear Terrence laugh, "Raw steak doesn't sound appetizing?" Angelina quickly shook her head, "Not even in the slightest, I don't think either of us will ever get used to that as a viable meal." It only took a few minutes for her food to arrive once Terrence went back to his rounds at the hospital, Angelina's eyes went wide to the sight of everything that popped up onto the tray next to her bed, "What the bloody hell does he thinking I am?" and as she spoke those words she saw a card in the middle of all the food that read "For Mama Bear" and another on the table near one of the side chairs "James." Angelina gave a roll of her eyes with a laugh as she stared at the overwhelming amount of food from a meat and potato filled pastie that she could see the steam rising from to Banoffee pie, "Very funny....Terrence. I’m not settling in for a winter of hibernating.”

After a few bites into her pastie, the contents of which warmed her straight to the core, Angelina's attention turned back to the door of the room as she saw James enter. A warm smile fell upon her lips, it was clear by the look on his face that he'd managed to get some relief from the potion she was sure he'd finally been able to take. She shook her head at the mention of her likely still being asleep "As much as I would have liked to sleep my body still thinks there's a little one in there on the verge of waking up to have a pass around the Quidditch pitch." As James joined her for dinner she playfully held her breath as he lifted up the cover on his raw steak, the sight of it didn’t bother her so much as the smell these days, her breath finally releasing as she shook her head, “No, actually it was Terrence this time, trying to be a smart arse with all this food. Say you’ll help me finish it all? I hate to see the hard work of this all go to waste.” She listened to James talk about running into the Weasley/Potter clan, taking a bite of her food just as her face pulled into a look that showed as though her meal might have not been that great tasting after all, “Bloody hell ….. that explains your hair,” Angelina reached forward attempting to put his hair back into its usual or rather unusual form, “Every time we run into that lot I feel like you’re going to quite literally pull all of your hair out. How bad was it this time?” The tone of her voice was full of concern, her eyes looking him over, hinting at a deeper issue entirely as she settled his hair down as best she could. Even after all these years she felt as though she and James had a hard time not only escaping all the news about Harry running against James for the one spot available to be a Governor of Hogwarts but the Weasley family in general. It had been a hard pill to swallow over the years, friendships shattered and she hadn’t spoken to any of them since those days after the battle. James had become her main priority, and as much as she knew George had resented her for it, and made his option of her actions publicly known, she didn’t quite expect it to spiral so far out of control and for the whole family to fall into suit with him. “Can we get Jack in here now? As you said there’s an epidemic out there,” her words were almost monotonous as she took another bite of her dinner, now sure that she’d actually finish all the food that Terrence had ordered for her without needing any sort of assistance.

It was if her Uncle Steve had heard her word, even in their less than enthusiastic tone, but seeing Jack again turned that all quickly around at the sight of their son, “Somebody sounded like he was ready to stop showing off and get back to his parents.” Angelina couldn’t help but laugh as she picked up Jack from the little bed he’d been rolled in on and eyes James with a grin, “I can’t possibly imagine who he gets that trait from.” Feeling Jack in her arms again felt natural, the entire notion of motherhood had evaded her completely during her pregnancy, the idea of it all being so foreign to her, especially when time and time again she heard from their family member that she’d understand it all once he finally arrived. She adjusted in the bed, scooting over as she held Jack, his little body all wrapped up, allowing James a place to sit next to her as Steve left them to be the new little family of three that they were. It didn’t take long, with them sitting there in the silence of it all taking Jack in, Angelina resting her head on James’ shoulder that she finally got that overwhelming feeling that she needed to say something about the conversation they’d barely had a moment to start when he’d gotten home. A sigh released from her before she finally got the courage to speak, even if she was a Gryffindor through and through the life altering discussion were never something she’d been comfortable with. “Now that the whole family is here…. Do you think it would be a good time to really discuss the future for ….all three…of us?” Her eyes moved to James, then to Jack and back again, every bit of her wanted her family the three of them together to have nothing short of future that would be bright, even just hours old it meant the world for their future to also be in Jack’s best interest. Angelina had already begun to talk herself out of the idea of even taking up the offer, “Our families are here, your future job, and don’t for a second think Potter’s going to get it, is here. Do we really want to drag ourselves to Peru for a fluke?” her eyes moved back to Jack, her fingers lightly trailing over his soft skin. “Who’s to say I wouldn’t be able to find a spot on a team here…?” the problem was she knew that wouldn’t be the case, Tarapoto was a fluke, a fluke that she was lucky enough to have even gotten in the first place, but she couldn’t weigh the pros and cons on her own anymore, this wasn’t just her life hanging in the balance but also those of the two people she cared for more than anyone else.

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

In that moment, it was as if their lives together flashed before his eyes. Starting with the moment he first really saw her, third year, on the Quidditch pitch when they practically flew into each other’s lives. He was naïve at the time, not really thinking on his actions nor the affect he had with others. His arrogance was one of the reasons why they lost the game against them, Angelina causing him to fly straight into his house’s tower. A mere few months later, during breakfast on Valentine’s Day he would cross paths once again. He was bitter of Gryffindor being in the finals for the cup, causing him to want to throw her off in the best way he knew how; flirting. One small kiss, enough for the job along with the audience around to only add to the experience. Thirteen years old, lanky, hair that twist and turned in more ways than one and he had her under his spell. The following year sprung to mind, the Yule Ball, their first dance. She wasn’t pleased with Fred and George abandoning her, yet the smugness the two had didn’t leave until their song was over. Fifth year would be the last time James saw of Angelina for two years, Dumbledore’s Army. Defense Against the Dark Arts was always one of his best subjects, one that he had no problem showing off. The Patronus charm was interesting in more ways than one, the first being that it was the only time James was really stumped. Second, once his patronus was finally cast his Peacock fluttered over to Ang’s fox. At the time, he only considered that it attempted to attack her when he made a remark to her about it. Little did they both know, there was more to it than met their eyes. Even at a young age they were destined for each other, finding out the moment they reconnected at the Battle of Hogwarts a mere few years ago. “It’s a good thing we’re allies…”. Allies… friends… lovers… husband and wife. Their time together after that night was nothing more than the silver lining of the nightmare that he was facing, the light at the end of the tunnel as he fought with his own demons. She would be by his side through it all. His father’s funeral, his sickness, going through both Fenrir Greyback and killing Lucius Malfoy. Never in his life would he think he deserved anyone like Angelina.

His trip down memory lane was stopped the moment Steve guided him to where he wanted. He was shaking, worried that he would hurt either Ang or their son. Once she was told to push one last time, his son was finally welcomed into the world by his father. His body squirmed as he let out his first cry, James instinctually held him close after cutting his umbilical cord. They were no longer just a couple, but parents. The feeling really sinking in as their son’s soft cries stopped after he was against his father’s chest. His first glance was to Libby, tears streaming down her cheeks as she gave him a smile. Steve and Terrance equally grinning ear to ear as they saw the newest addition to the Johnson’s. Finally, he looked at Angie. Nine long months of carrying him, and now that he was finally here she wanted nothing more to hold him herself. He pulled his son away, looking down at him with a faint smile on his face. “Welcome to the world Jack Bardsley…” as much as he didn’t want to, he knew he wanted his mother. James carefully walked to her, giving Jack to her before giving her a kiss. “It feels as if everything before now doesn’t matter. I know in the end I’ll always have him, looking up to me as his…father.” He took a moment to get his emotions together before continuing on. “Both you and Jack…my life, my own family.” He kissed Ang’s temple, looking back down at Jack as he did to them. He felt his own heart skip a beat it seemed once he smiled the best he could at his parents. Their lives would revolve around his every need from now on, nothing ever coming in the way between them and Jack.

Steve and Terrance took Jack to the nursery, allowing Angelina to get some rest after the families all got to meet him. James stayed in the room for an hour, trying to get some sleep but felt uneasy as he couldn’t see Jack. Sighing, he got up to leave the room. Once he reached to the outside, he helped himself to his second cigarette of the day. Inhaling the smoke helped with the nerves, the fresh air gave him a peace of mind that his surroundings were ok. After smoking half of it, he threw it to the ground to put out. He was thankful that Reg had brought him his potion, consuming it afterwards to seal the deal. His next mission was to see Jack, even if it was through a window. The hospital was quiet, many individuals waiting to be seen by doctors for various reasons. Once James made it to the maternity ward he asked the nearest nurse where the nursery was. The lady smiled, pointing him in the direction before carrying on her business. He finally saw him once again, sound asleep as were the other babies around him. He leaned against the glass, placing his hand over it as he felt hopeless from where he was. “Alright there Bardsley?” He didn’t have to turn his head to recognize whose voice that was. “Alright Potter, you?” He merely just shrugged as he stood next to James. “There’s far too many red heads here… surprised your child didn’t inherit the Weasley trait.” He was startled when Ron appeared next to him. “It seems yours will have your mess of a hair.” Already annoyed with the both of them he turned around, “Anything else either of you want to add?” Harry and Ron exchanged looks and shrugged. His eyes flickered over to George who seemed to be leaving the hospital. “George! Did you see my boy?!” The older Weasley stopped midtracks, looking back at James with hardly any emotion showed on his face. “Spitting image of me, so it seems. You can just tell he’s a Bardsley from just looking at him.” He gave him a smirk before turning around, seeing the nurse change his diaper before he could really start crying. “Wonder if he’ll be as arrogant as his father…” James just laughed, shaking his head at the attempt of a comeback. “One can only hope…after all, who’s the one who got the girl?”

James didn’t want to spend the rest of the night arguing with the Weasleys/Potters. After George called him a pathetic excuse of a man along with Ron saying he wasn’t fit to be a father he went back to the room. “Surprised to see you up.” He said with a smile as he saw Angelina eating the dinner they left out for her. He took the tray that was left for him, opening it up to see a partly cooked steak covered in it’s blood. “Uncle Steve must’ve made a special request…” Despite dealing with the tendencies for the past few years he could never get passed his own eating habits. The sight of the steak always repulsed him, but he craved for it during this time of the month. “Weasleys are all over the place tonight…” he said before he stuck his fork in his mouth, enjoying the taste of his meal. “It’s an epidemic out there.”

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As much as Angelina loved her parents and her mother-in-law, as well as the hordes of both she and James' families that would undoubtedly show up over their stay at the hospital she knew she wouldn't be able to handle the already seemingly large group of people in the delivery room. She knew James understood this and she was grateful as she came down from the latest contraction eased up, her lips pressed to the back of his hand as she loosened her grip on it, "Thank you, love, I'd certainly switch with you if I could." She smiled as she watched him leave the room, lying back on the propped up bed so that she could rest a moment before the next inevitable contraction decided to show up. It didn't take long for her to hear the aggravated tone of her mother on the other side of the door, she'd probably get an earful until she saw the baby, and when she heard the echoed aggravated tone of James' mother as well she knew they'd be in for it. But she knew as she lied there, doing the breathing that she had been taught that it was for the better, she wasn't drugged, everything about her was and would be on display. Once the Libby entered the room again with the nurses in toe her sister in law gave her a regretful look, "I tried Ange, but they really are sticking to their whole you not getting any pain relievers? What did you do? Send them into a dragon pit or something?" Angelina couldn't help but laugh a little, "Thanks for trying Ange, I suppose if you can't get them to give me some I'm out of luck." One of the nurses nodded in agreement as she wetted another rag in cold water and put it to Angelina's forehead, "Sending the girl to do your bidding, you must really be feeling it. You know your uncle would never have let you really have to endure more pain then he thought you could take...and part of the reason we haven't thus far is because you are surprisingly far along for a woman who has never had a child before." Angelina couldn't help but quirk a brow at this new bit of information as the next contraction started coming on, "He isn't wasting any time is he?" Libby asked and Angelina shook her head, "Look who's child you're talking about and then ask me that again," she said with a small laugh as she tried to concentrate on her breathing.

She wasn't sure how everything had sped up so quickly how it felt like it had only been a matter of weeks and not months that this journey to she and James' first child had really begun, now as the nurses helped ease her forward into the odd foot holders at the end of the bed and draped a blanket over her lower half it really came into perspective how fast it had all come and gone. As Libby handed the towel on her forehead to one of the nurses Ange softly said thank you to her, truly appreciative to have her there while James, bless his heart, had to deal with the wrath of their mothers. "Don't let this detour you from ever having kids, Libby, as much as it looks and feels nothing short of awful it will without a doubt be worth it in every way." When James, Terrence and her Uncle Steve returned to the room the entire matter seemed to settle in for both she and James at the same moment, but Angelina didn't get much time to even think about it all before another contraction came and she gripped the edge of the bed, groaning through the pain, "Yes, we know you're ready little one." She eyed Terrence and her Uncle Steve while James was in the bathroom, her words coming a bit slow as she eased out of the contraction, "Don't.....forget," Terrence laughed a bit, "Like you would ever let us, Little A, a persistent one you are about so many things." Angelina had half the sense to give her a piece of her mind but he quickly deflected if and made his way to the bathroom to get James.

She rested a bit again once James returned from the bathroom and she couldn't help but smile up at him, giving the hand of his that had taken hers a little squeeze, "Even more so now that you're here." Angelina looked at James with a bit of a sly grin as he accepted the gloves from her Uncle and her little plan for him to be the one came to light, "Who better to greet him into this world first then his father?" she asked with a smile. "Our son waits for no one dear," she said with an almost urging tone in her voice before her lips were met by his, a moment that allowed her to focus on them, on just she and James. Their years together had been nothing short of ...unexpected, both in the good and the bad, it was hard for her to even imagine sometimes what their lived had been like when they were at each others throats over Quidditch or getting one another in trouble. She looked at James with pure wholehearted love now, there wasn't anything she didn't trust him with, even when she knew in some cases he didn't trust himself, but they would bring their son into this world together, and that was nothing short of miraculous with how far their love, marriage and friendship had come. When she felt the next contraction start to ramp up she looked to James and James alone as she was instructed to begin pushing, she gripped the bed tightly and began to brace for what was about to come, but not before softly letting, "I love you, James," slip from her lips. She put everything she had into that first push, the pain was nothing short of excruciating but she paid to mind to it, her focus still on James, watching him stand there before her with what seemed like sheer amazement on his face. Angelina's grunt turned into a small scream as she pushed for as long as she was allowed. "Take a breath," Terrence instructed her, "the next push should do it. She didn't lean back to rest this time waiting nearly impatiently now for the next contraction to come on, "Be prepared," she said to James with a laugh as she took some short but deep breaths between her words, "Knowing him he'll come flying out on a broom and fly across the room."

She could tell how quickly the contractions were coming now and it didn't take more than a minute for her to feel the next one begin and with the words "Ange, push!" being told to her she held nothing back on this one. All she had went into that second and final push, she gripped the side of the bed and pushed likely crazy until the very moment she could feel their son enter the world. His little short cries could be heard as she looked up at James with an honestly proud and loving look in her eyes as he looked down at their son, "You're a daddy, James...how does it feel?" Angelina laid back in the bed, trying to catch her breath, she was beyond exhausted from it all but also so eager to see their son, the first image of him being that in his father’s strong and caring arms a moment that would be forever engrained in her memory of the man she loved and their little Peanut Bardsley, their son Jack.

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

James listened to her words, smiling as she asked how he was feeling. “Never better…” It was half true; his body felt as ease in some ways, tense in other ways as the nerves really started picking up as if he was having contractions himself. As her gripped tightened against his hand he gritted his teeth some, feeling her nails dig into his skin. “You don-“ He couldn’t finish his sentence as she practically screamed out the response he was looking for. It wouldn’t be easy, especially telling his mother-in-law that she would be unwelcomed in the room while her only daughter gave birth. “This is the one time I can say I wish I was you….” He got up from his seat, giving her a quick kiss on the side of her head before exiting the room. “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson!” James gave his in laws a smile as they tried to come in to the room, only to see him close it right behind him. “Angie would like for me to tell you she doesn’t really….feel comfortable having either of you in the room…” He saw the look on Mrs. Johnson’s face, not thrilled to hear this sort of thing. “You heard the man.” His father-in-law seemed relieved to see that he wouldn’t have to stick around for the big show. “You can’t tell me what I can’t do.” His own mother appeared walking down the hall, attempting to do the same thing only to be stopped by her son. “What in Merlin’s name do you think you’re doing?” He moved an inch or so to let the nurses and Libby back in the room, shutting it back up when they left. “You’re letting her in, but not your own mother?” She had an almost disgusted look across her face, James just sighing as he tried his hardest not to blow. “I’m just doing what I was asked, mum.” If it hadn’t been for Steve coming to interfere, both mothers would have wound up in the room with them. Once he went back in he rolled his eyes, staying by the door as he watched the nurses prep for the delivery. “They have no intentions on leaving the hall.” Steve said before walking over to assist the nurses. It hit right then, which led to him running to the small bathroom.

James felt as if everything he’d eaten in the past week had come out all at once. Just when he thought it was over, he found himself throwing up once again. He’s been scared before, but nothing like this before. Nine months can’t prepare someone for anything like this, when it finally comes you really start to wonder where time went. Terrence lightly knocked on the door, signaling it was time for him to really face what was a mere few minutes away from becoming a reality. He slowly rose up, walking over to the sink to splash some water in his face. “Get it together.” He mumbled, his hands shaking as he tried to dry them. Once he went back out he saw that everyone else appeared to be prepped for everything, all that was missing was the father. James took his place by Ang’s side, gripping her hand tightly as he looked down and smiled. “You’ve got this,” He said, doing the best he could on helping her cope. His lips pressed to her forehead as another big contraction came by. “Alright, next contraction I want you to start pushing.” Steve looked over at James, handing him a pair of gloves. “What are these for?” He asked as he slid the first one on. “You don’t think I’m going to catch this Quidditch player of a baby now do you James? I want you to come here when the time comes.” He looked back at Terrence, the fear really sinking in now. “Don’t look at me it was her idea.” James looked back at Ang, seeing her smile some from the conversation. “I swear…” He chuckled to himself before focusing only on her. “Thank you…” He whispered to her before giving her a kiss, feeling more than honored that she trusted him which an important part of their lives.

“Alright Angelina, push…”

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

Angelina’s time in the delivery room alone didn’t last more than a few minutes once she had changed into hospital gown and socks there was a quick and short knock on the door before her Uncle Steve entered with two nurses. “Your mum about yelled my ear off, Ange,” he said as the two nurses helped Angelina maneuver onto the bed at what might have felt like a snail likes pace to some but to her it was just right as she quickly found out that if she moved even a fraction faster the pain of the contraction she was in would heighten immensely. “Your ear be fine,” Angelina said through the move, “You know she has a tendency to yell like she’s mad when she’s really excited.” Uncle Steve nodded in agreement as Angelina’s nurses managed to maneuver her into a surprisingly comfortable position and she smile at her uncle as he stood at the foot of her bed. “Try not to let her in too soon, she might very well be shrieking by the time I’m pushing,” and they both laughed together at the thought of it, although Angelina’s laugh was short lived as another contraction swept over her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can I need to check on our other patients, Terrence should be back shortly I’m sure,” and before he left the room he made a quiet remark to the two nurses he was leaving her with, “She’s family, make sure she’s got the best of care, but no matter how many times she asks do not give her anything for the pain. She specified early on she’d be doing this the natural way and we need to keep to that.”

It was odd being in a room where she knew neither of the other people there with her but her entire personal life seemed to be on display. Every time another contraction would come over her one of the two nurses would ask her questions to distract her through it as best they could. When the first of the strongest waves of pain started to come on one of the nurses douse a small rag in cold water and placed it on Angelina’s forehead, bead of sweat were already starting to form and the coolness of the rag was a welcome relief. “Do you have a name picked out for the little lad?” the older of the two witches asked her to which Angelina nodded, “We do ….,” she said taking quick short breaths between her words, “My husband …. James … we waited …. To find out… if we were having …. A boy or a girl …. Before we started on the …. Idea of names ….” The rag on her head was quickly replaced with another as she winced through the pain of the contraction, “Merlin …. I really want him here … right now,” Angelina said in almost more of a grunt as the contraction peaked and she finally started to get a break. One of the nurses waited until the contraction was over until she was going to ask the question but was quickly thwarted when Terrence entered the room to check in. “Hanging in there, Little A?” he asked with that cookey grin, something told Angelina he’s been waiting outside the room to make sure the contraction had ended before entering. She nodded for a moment but was quickly sidetracked from answering any further about herself, “How is he?” the concern evident in her voice about James’ well-being. Terrence smiled at her, which eased Angelina a bit, “He’ll be back here in no time, said he just needed to catch his breath and he hugged me, so I take that as a good sign.” Angelina allowed a smile to trace across her lips at this news, sighing more in relief than anything else, her care for James hadn’t left her since the night of the battle, even if it wasn’t as prevalent as it first had been his security always held an importance to her, even during times when she had her own self to worry about.

Twenty minutes passed for Angelina in what felt like hours, each contraction came faster and lasted longer and she had been told almost five times that no, she couldn’t have any medicine for the pain per her own request. “I was bloody mental when I said that, who lets a woman who hasn’t gone through a pregnancy before say she wants to do that?” She was glaring at her Uncle now, a slightly terrified Terrence at his side. “There was no talking you out of it Angelina,” Steve said to her matter of factly, “Ever since you were a kid you’ve never been swayed to change your mind easily, once you’ve made it up that’s what you stick to. We’re just holding you to what you said you wanted this time.” As much as she didn’t want to hear it Angelina knew her uncle was right, and in the end the time and the pain would be nothing compared to the outcome. She was soon left with the nurses again, but her salvation came when she heard the door to the room and James entered the room, quickly followed by Libby. It was without a winning combination that detour Angelina, at least momentarily, from her current state. The roughness of the palm of his hand holding her own was very much welcome and she smiled at him as he spoke, the thought of labor less on her mind as she caught a break from the contractions at the perfect moment. “Well I would say I’ve been a trooper …. But who am I kidding; I’m a total wimp, love. Everyone here could probably attest to that. Next time you wanna take one for the team?” her words were filled with a little bit of laughter.

The nurses stepped out for a moment, leaving the three of them in the room to their own devices. Angelina shifted slightly closer to James, her fingers tracing gently along his cheek, “We’ll be three rather than two sooner than we think. And if I had anything to say about it labor would last a whole five minutes and then the bundle of joy would arrive. Alas that shall remain next to impossible I’m sure.” Her fingers traced up along his cheek, shifting into his hair but her gaze met his and the tone in her voice shifted, “Now I know I’m the one in the bed and all with a baby on the way, but … how are you feeling? And Libby if he’s lying please tell me,” her words ended with another laugh. But she didn’t get a chance to even here the answer before another contraction swept over her and her grip on James’ hand got increasingly tighter, “Oh Merlin …..” she said as she tried to brace herself for the pain. “Libby … can you … get one … of the …. Nurses back?” her intention to yet again seek something for the pain as she knew it was bound to only get worse the closer they got to the pushing time. “Of course, Ange,” Libby replied in her sweet little French accent and all Angelina could do was mouth “thank you,” before she opened the door to leave. But the sound of a woman yelling in the hall was enough of a distraction and Angelina quickly turned to James. “I think … it’s safe to say … my mum and dad are here …. I just want …. You and Libby here ….. please whatever you do …” Her words were halted as she reached the peak of the contraction and she yelled the last bit, “DON’T LET THEM IN YET!”

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

James’ mind went to only one thing, getting a hold of that potion before it could get any worse. Instead of calling his mother like he swore up and down he would when the time came, he called Marcus Belby first. “Marcus—Marcus I need you to come up to St. Mungos.” He didn’t have a problem hearing his uncle, screaming at the top of his lungs that he didn’t know who he was. “Hello?” His question didn’t receive an answer at first, causing him to worry until Belby finally went into a different room. “James, now is not the time…” He sounded exhausted, as if he had been in a fight for his life. Frustrated, his own voice rose as he responded back, “No one ever has the time for this. I need the potion. Ang is in labor and I highly doubt-“ He stopped mid-sentence as he heard Marcus’ uncle come in where he was, screaming the same thing as he tried to attack him. Without bothering to say goodbye, he hung up- - his last hope for any sort relief from the nightmare that has yet to come. The next call went to his mother, who frantically replied she would be on her way as soon as she could. After that, it took him a moment to decide who would be next. He was sure the Johnson’s had covered that part of the family, and he knew how his mother felt about his sister, which led him to his next call. “Libby, Angie is in labor-“ He couldn’t get much in after saying that, hearing her lightly squeal as she talked a mile a minute. “Listen, please, I need you here right now…” He practically begged out of her, causing her to worry. “I forgot my potion… they won’t let me stay with her unless I’m calm.” She understood at that point, dropping whatever she had in her hands to rush over here.

Seeing Terrence already worried him, but when he smiled he knew nothing bad had happened. “Are you ready, dad?” James smiled back, looking away for a moment as he tried to think of something to say. There had been very few times in his life that left him speechless, this adding on to his ever growing list he seemed to have with Ang. “I’ll let you back in there if you want, of course. Not sure how my dad would feel about it.” James stood up and gave him a hug, feeling grateful that the Johnson’s would even consider it. “Give me, a few minutes… I really need to catch my breath after everything.” He let out a nervous chuckle, patting his shoulder before exiting the building. It would be wrong to already f*** up before it could even start. Before he could take out a cigarette he noticed a few gingers walking up to where he was. “Weasleys.” James called out, giving them a smirk. Ron just glared back, “Did you really come here just to mess with Harry, that’s low even for you Bardsley.” He shrugged off the response, nodding his head in agreement. “You’re right, it would be low of me to ruin a special day for you guys.” His attention went to George, his smirk widening into a full smile “Angie is in labor as well.” It obviously hit him hard, seeing his face harden up from it. “Must be from the full moon.” Hermione lightly slapped Ron from the comment, obviously not causing anything as he continued “You have no business being a father, James.” When those words slipped, it was as if he was seventeen years old again. He shoved the younger Weasley down, attempting to attack him more until Potter saw the commotion and pulled him off. “What’s the matter Bardsley, didn’t take that potion you bragged about?” Before he could move to lashing Harry, Libby had arrived and grabbed his hand. “Just forget about them…don’t let them see you like this.” James nodded his head, his own heart beating against his chest as he couldn’t calm himself down. “Knows what’s best for our children, huh?” George finally spoke up, breaking the silence between the two of them. “You’re far from it.”

“Upon one summer's morning, I carelessly did stray, Down by the Walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gay, Conversing with a bouncing lass, who seem'd to be in pain, Saying, William, when you go, I fear you will ne'er return again.”

The words echoed in his ears as he fought to tell himself who he really was, Libby lightly running her hand through his hair as he laid against her. “Sing with me, Jamie…” she tried her best to encourage him, his mind only going back to what the Weasleys said. For a day he had been looking forward to since the day he found out Angelina was pregnant, the trio had managed to ruin it.

“His hair it does in ringlets hang, his eyes as black as sloes, May happiness attend him wherever he goes, From Tower Hill, down to Blackwall, I will wander, weep and moan, All for my jolly sailor bold, until he does return.”

Libby lightly gripped his arm when the trio and George came back in to go see Ginny, James’ eyes never leaving George’s as they looked back. “He’s going to see Ang….” He tried to get out of her grip, only to feel it tighten up even more as she forced him to stay put. “You do anything and they will make sure you won’t get to see her yourself! You don’t know that he’s going to see her.” He closed his eyes as he tried to calm himself down.

“My father is a merchant—the truth I now will tell, And in great London City in opulence doth dwell, His fortune doth exceed £300,000 in gold, And he frowns upon his daughter, 'cause she loves a sailor bold. A fig for his riches, his merchandize, and gold, True love is grafted in my heart; give me my sailor bold: Should he return in poverty, from o'er the ocean far, To my tender bosom, I'll fondly press my jolly tar.”

James finally started to feel the effects of the song, his breathing calming down as he only focused on that. Libby smiled as she saw the strain from his face start to disappear. “There’s the Jamie I know and love….”

“My sailor is as smiling as the pleasant month of May, And oft we have wandered through Ratcliflfe Highway, Where many a pretty blooming girl we happy did behold, Reclining on the bosom of her jolly sailor bold. Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be, Who love a jolly sailor bold that ploughs the raging sea, While up aloft, in storm or gale, from me his absence mourn, And firmly pray, arrive the day, he home will safe return

My name it is Maria, a merchant's daughter fair, And I have left my parents and three thousand pounds a year.“

He started to get back up, feeling more confident that he can do this without the potion after all. The last parts of the chant he had memorized to heart since it was Ang’s favorite part. “My Heart’s been pierced by cupid, I distain all glittering gold…There is nothing that can console me, but my jolly sailor bold.” They both smiled at each other, James ready to finally see Ang.

Libby made her way to a chair by the window when they came in the room, James taking another chair to move so he could sit by her. His eyes remained glued on her stomach, his own feeling like it’s been flipping the moment they got there “Are you ready Mrs. Bardsley?” He smiled when he looked back at her, grabbing her hand as he started looking at the monitors around them. “We won’t be leaving this as a just a couple anymore…we’ll be parents…

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

James’ embrace and soft kiss helped ease Angelina’s nerves a bit as she rested her head on his chest, softly speaking, “It really happening … we’re having a baby, our baby.” It all seemed a bit baffling, even after being pregnant all this time, that Jack was ready to enter their lives. She maneuvered around the puddle of water at her feet assuring not to slip on the flooring in the kitchen as she followed James into the living room. Angelina had to take a deep breath as she eased onto the couch feeling more discomfort then pain really. Her hand gripped onto James’ tugging him back a little before he left the room, “Everything’s up in Jack’s room where we left it, I’m glad we got those prepped when we did.” She took another deep breath, putting her hands to her stomach, her eyes rising to the ceiling as she could hear James’ frantic footsteps above her head. “Daddy’s just excited,” Angelina spoke softly to Jack, running her hands back and forth on her stomach, “And mummy is too…” she winced slightly hearing James come down the stair with the bags as the ache from earlier intensified. She could tell by James’ voice he was getting a bit frantic, but she tried to concentrate on her breathing, her Uncle had warned her that additional stress during labor was something she should try and avoid. “We’ll have to give your Aunt and Uncle a giant thank you for that automobile,” Angelina said as she took James’ hand and was pulled up from the couch. She rested her head on his shoulder as they made their way outside and to the car, each step she made was slow and short, it felt like it took her eons to get to the car and then had to have James help her inside of it. “Ready,” she said determinedly, leaning the seat of the car back before James started the car and they were off into the air.

She closed her eyes during most of the trip and James’ soothing word of how they would be there in no time flat eased her a bit, even as the aching began to intensify. “We’ll get there …. Well enough in time … don’t think Jack make any surprise appearances on us.” The further the car got from their cottage and the closer they got to St. Mungo’s Angelina could clearly see that James was a bit on edge and she tried hard not to laugh for a few reasons when he yelled at the pigeons flying so near the car. “Nice landing,” Angelina said with a smile as she opened her eyes as the view of St Mungo’s was clearly in front of them, and she reached over to lightly stroke James’ cheek, she could tell the combination of the baby and the flying car had really done a number on him. The wincing was becoming far more frequent when they entered the hospital that Angelina didn’t even hesitate to sit down as James instructed her to do so, taking a seat in the lobby and older witch giving her a larger seat as she saw her walk in. “You don’t look a day over 5 months pregnant dear, are you sure you’re in labor?” the older witch asked. Angelina couldn’t help but feel a bit good about herself with that sort of comment as she eased herself down in the chair as slowly as she could, “I’m 8-1/2 months actually….” And she groaned this time as the next ache washed over her lower body. “Heaven’s dear, you’ve maintained your figure quite wonderfully, how in the world do you do it?” Angelina laughed just as much as she could manage, “I wish I knew, my husband could attest to the fact that I’ve craved and eaten just about everything a pregnant woman could.”

Both Angelina and the older witch’s attention shifted, as well as most other people in lobby, as they heard a loud sound boom throughout the area and Angelina’s eyes turned wearily to James. “What …. What day of the month is it?” Angelina asked the older witch, she’d lost all track of time and days since she’d been home bound for the last month. “It’s the fifth of May dear, why do you ask?” Angelina shook her head to the question, “No reason, just curious,” but the truth was she knew just what was going on and the look on James’ face as well as that of her Uncle’s as he came to where she was in the lobby said it all. Angelina kissed James softly mouthing “I love you,” before she was escorted by her Uncle to the maternity ward, “How are the contractions?” he asked as they got past the doors as she was instructed into a wheel chair, “They’re definitely getting stronger. Why isn’t James coming with us?” Her uncle stopped pushing the chair down the hallway, but their conversation was cut short when Terrence came tearing through the hallway, “Little A!” his teeth beaming a brilliant white as he smiled, “Why doesn’t it surprise me that you’d have your son on the busiest day here?” Angelina’s arched her brows, “Shut up you wanker, like I have any control over what he…” her hands motioned over her stomach, “Does. Second of all what is this ‘busy day’ you speak of? Just last night you said it had been quiet so why the sudden change?” She noticed Terrence look over at his father but he opted to speak anyway, “We’ve seen the number of women going into labor spike during the full moon…..and also Ginny Potter went into labor just a few hours ago,” Terrence stopped and Angelina looked at both Terrence and then at her Uncle Steve, “That’s not funny. Terrence, you suck at jokes.”

“Angelina we’re not joking,” her Uncle said with a stern voice, “And from the look of James out there and from what I saw of his interview he hasn’t taken the very potion for his symptoms. I don’t advise to his presence in the room during your labor.” Angelina shook her head as they started wheeled her along the corridor again, “You are not going to keep him out of that room, he’s my husband and the father….” Her words were cut short as another ache, far more intense hit her, “Oh Merlin, please tell me these pains won’t get any worse, or at least lie to me.” Uncle Steve wheeled her into the room and both he and Terrence helped her onto the delivery bed, “You asked me to remind you that you won’t be talking anything for the pain, and I’ll do it as many times as it takes until the baby arrives,” Terrence said and Angelina glared at him, “You’re lucky your family, Terrence. Now go get my husband, would you?” Terrence left the room rather quickly and it was just Angelina and her Uncle Steve in the room, “You’ll need to change into these as soon as you can,” he said handing her a hospital gown and a pair of socks. “I’ll get in touch with the family; I’m assuming you two came straight here?” Angelina nodded, feeling like an idiot for not even bothering to let their parents know what was going on, she knew she’d never hear the end of it from her mother. She wondered if James had a chance to let his family know, she would be sure to ask him when he came to the room to join her.

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

James’ hand lightly gripped his wife’s, still not getting over the fact he could still officially say that even after all this time. As she read her letter out loud he without a doubt was proud of her accomplishment, but was jealous that it was her. He glanced down at his legs, his right knee especially as he thought more on the night of the battle. Within a mere few seconds the life he had planned for himself was over, never really meant to happen. It was a sick twist of fate originally, but marrying Angelina had become the silver lining of the nightmare it was. “They know you’re good…” He said, resting his forehead against the side of her head as he spoke. “They know that a baby wouldn’t keep you away that long.” His lips lightly pressed against her hair before pulling away. The more he thought about moving across the world, the more scared he got. With that fear brought excitement, a new beginning to their family as they venture off into their own little world. “I’m not sure how happy Mum will be… Libby will surely hate us for a good while.” He chuckled as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “We’ll make it work, Ang…one way or another we will adjust our lives once again. The Ministry has done a great job when it comes getting people from different sides of the world to come and work for them.” His face scrunched up some as he pulled away, thinking about what that truly meant. “Even if that means my ways of getting there is through a toilet.”

He couldn’t help but laugh when Ang mentioned having to go to the bathroom. “Not even five minutes and you have to go?” James narrowed his eyes at her direction, teasing her as she walked back into their cottage. He let out a sigh, laying back down on the grass as he felt at peace for the first time today. “Peru…” The word seemed more foreign to him then he would have thought. He remembered being a fourth year, seeing the Quidditch World Cup and the Tree-Skimmers lose against the Irish. Back then, he wanted nothing more than to play with Ireland. The first Quidditch game he ever went to was one of theirs. Of course, his mind also went back to wishing it was the other way around perhaps. Madame Hooch had told James she saw a lot of potential from him, saying that she wouldn’t be surprised if he was selected to play on a good team out of the UK. “That’s not me anymore…..” His own whisper wasn’t enough to convince him otherwise, he brought himself back up so he could face the real world once again. His eyes remained glued to his knee, hands pulling up his sweats to expose the still swollen like part of his body. His own body couldn’t ever repair itself from the attack, and the more he looked at it the worse it got. When Angelina called for him to come inside he snapped his head over that direction, standing back up with the blanket at hand.

“Let me take a wild guess, you want me to cook you- - -“ James’ voice trailed off when he saw the puddle of water surrounding her feet. “Ang-“ He tried his best to come up with some kind of sentence, something to say to her that’ll help calm both his and her nerves. Instead he walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her to give her a small kiss. “We’re going to have a baby...” He said, still trying to convince himself the very same thing. “Merlin- We’re going to have a baby!” James guided her to the living room, helping her get situated before going up the stairs to gather the bags they packed in the beginning of the month. He grabbed both her’s and the babies, but neglected to grab his own before heading back downstairs. “You’re uncle said it was, it was best to…” He couldn’t get his words right, just when he would think he was right it would slip away. “No floo powder, no apparating…” He realized that it only left one thing, the car. “Bloody hell….” James grabbed her hand and led her to the car, a wedding gift given by his Aunt Alexandria and Uncle Grant that was never really used. “I drove one of these once….” He put the key in, turning the car to life as his own heart was racing against his chest. It would have been a lot easier if this was a normal car, yet the moment James started backing up it headed straight for the air.

James tried the best he could to remain calm, for Angelina’s sake. The car only added on to his nerves as he drove the two-almost three of them to St. Mungo’s. “Don’t worry darling….it shouldn’t be much longer…” His grip on the steering wheel tightened, especially when a flock of birds came right beside him. “Bloody hell, damn pigeons!” He tried his best to keep his voice down, his temper feeling fairly high as they got closer. He felt a sense of relief when the car finally landed and he was able to park. He rushed both of them inside, only to be stopped by the witch that would soon check them in. “Go sit down, I’ll handle it..” He told Ang before walking up to speak to the other witch. “Tell Steve Johnson his niece is here.” James said in a hushed voice, “Oh I’m sorry- I’m afraid he is currently visiting another patient right now. If you want-“ “Then tell his son, Angelina Bardsley is here.” The woman felt offended as she was interrupted. “Both Johnsons are currently unavailable Mr. Bardsley. Now let us get you-“ James slammed his fist against her desk, cracking it some under his palm “Damn it! Tell the Johnson’s their own bloody family is in the waiting room now!” Steve had made it just in time before the other witch could try and get security to come in. “I’ve got this…” He said, pulling James off to the side. “Have you lost your mind?” James’ eyes remained over where Ang was, seeing her in more pain then she was before they got there. “Did you take your potion?” His eyes widened at his question, realizing that he had it the whole morning yet didn’t bother to take it. “You had no problem showing it off to the entire wizarding world, and here you are, haven’t taken it on a full moon of all days.” Steve went over to help Angelina, “Go sit. We will come and get you when she is ready.” James nodded, going where she was and sitting, his knee bouncing as he got impatient. “Of all the days I could have forgotten….” He felt ashamed, worried that neither Steve nor Terrence would allow him near her now.

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

The sound of a door closing prompted Angelia’s eye to finally move from their spot and the warmth of a smile traced across her lips as she saw James striding towards her, her hands resting at the top of her stomach as she felt Jack kick relentlessly. She winced a little at a kick to her ribs before her lips were met by James’, pressing her own back to his softly before her gaze followed him inquisitively as he mentioned how badly the interview had gone. “Did you show the prat that he has no reason to be in that position as much as you do? I don’t understand Potter’s desire for it, there are so many other things he could be doing.” Angelina’s thoughts on Harry Potter had drastically changed over the years, much about the battle had changed her perspective on the world and this was one of many, the man sitting next to her that she called her husband being the biggest. “I take it there was no shortage of jabs back and forth between the two of you? You two have always been such fierce competitors.” Angelina couldn’t help but try to detour the conversation from herself for as long as possible, she’d seen the post from the Tree-Skimmers in James’ hand when he’d come out and the thought of what lied beyond that seal frightened her. There was something about it that had the distinct ability to throw both of their futures up into the air and see where it landed. The little one on the way, who was also greeted with a kiss by his father, was enough of change, two upcoming changes seemed like something they would be managing to try and juggle for an extended period of time.

But the moment James waved the post in front of her face with a smile she couldn’t help but follow in suit, letting each of the corners of her lips pull slightly upward. “It looks far too inviting in those hands of yours, James. Certainly more then it ever did sitting on the counter like a giant shoe just waiting to drop.” She eyed it for a moment before she finally gave in and pulled it from his grasp, she used one of her nails to prop open the thick wax of the seal, pulling back the top of the envelops to reveal a parchment dyed in a mint green. She pulled it from the envelope and unfolded it, one hand dropping the envelope on the grass and she took James’ hand in her grasp as she read the letter out loud.

“Dear Mrs. Bardsley ….. well, at least they know how to start off a letter the way I like,” she said with a small laugh before looking over to James with a grin and starting over.

“Dear Mrs. Bardsley, as you area aware we have been looking for a player with skills and agility to help us take home the world cup in the coming year and hopefully years to follow. Our team has a vacancy in the chaser position, which, from our perspective and from that of our team scout, who has nothing but good things to say, we would like to offer the spot to you come the start of the next season. We hope that you will join us in August for the start of the teams practice sessions in Peru. We eagerly await your reply; please send us a post as soon as you are able with your decision. Sincerely, The Tarapoto Tree-Skimmers.”

Angelina’s hand that held the post dropped down to her stomach and she moved her gaze to look over at James, “Clearly they have not seen me play recently,” she said with a laugh trying to ease her nervousness about the entire situation. “Continental move …. Far away from our families … with a baby … do you think we can do it, James?” That was the same question she’d been asking herself over and over again over since the post had arrived. There was no doubt that it was a worthy offer, over the time of her pregnancy she’d just been assisting the Wimborne Wasps in practices, so getting an offer to play again seemed like a dream come true since her spot had essentially been filled.

With the thought of it all looming over her head Angelina needed to rely on James to give her some peace of mind, he’d never let her down with that before, and she knew he wouldn’t this time either. “Hold that thought,” she said before letting his hand go and pushing herself up, “our son is making it quite difficult to not have to run to the bathroom every 5 minutes. I suppose the beginning and the end of the pregnancy is really just a bunch of time in the bathroom.” She laughed lightly before giving James a quick kiss and heading inside tossing her blanket onto the couch in the living room as she shuffled off to the bathroom. It wasn’t more than a few minutes before she came out but the moment she reached the kitchen an odd ache fell over her lower body and she found herself reaching for the counter. “Oh merlin……,” she knew exactly what was happening as her Uncle Steve had warned her what to look out for. Just seconds after the ache the sound of water made a splashing on the floor in the kitchen and she called out to James trying to stay calm, but hoping he would hear her, “James, love, could you come inside for a moment?”

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

“Chin up, smile……Mr. Bardsley I wasn’t born yesterday. Youngest wizard awarded Witch Weekly’s Most Charming Smile award at the age of sixteen.” The photographer had grown impatient with him, seeing that her client wanted a more steady approach to his photo. James took a deep breathing, eying down her camera as he kept a stern look on his face without care. Giving up, she kept the camera on him and continued to gather everything she needed from him. “I believe this will be enough to cover it….” He fished around his pocket and handed her ten golden galleons, leaving the woman astonished as he bid her a good day. “Next time, try and get me someone who isn’t so incompetent.” He said in a hushed tone to his assistant, Rita Skeeter, as he forced himself to not wipe his face from the makeup that covered it. “She’s worked for the Daily Prophet for years! I figured she would do her—Oh well. Write that down.” Her floating quill did as it was told as the two carried on walking. “You have a meeting with Mr. Potter in a few hours, James. Now, I know how you feel about him but I-“ James held out one hand to stop her. “I’ve been waiting for this for the last two years.”

It was to be broadcasted live, all of England to see James Bardsley and the one and only Harry Potter talk one on one. The moment he announced he was running for a spot in the Governors of Hogwarts the limelight didn’t let up his life. The Wizarding World wants to know everything there is about him, what he believes, his own family even. Between them and his own current job, James felt that he hardly spent time with his soon-to-be mother of his child. “Please do not take anything personal James, remember…he is The Boy-“ He stopped her once again, rolling his eyes as he heard the same thing about Potter since he was a child. “Anything else I should know?” Rita reached in her bag, touching up on the powder that covered his face. “Be your usual, charming self. Something he has never had.” He entered the room, seeing Potter sitting on the opposite side and a small crowd ready to do the interview. A smirk appeared on his lips as he walked over, giving them a wave before sitting down.

“Nice to see you James, how’s life treating you?” Harry’s tone almost sounded mocking to him, trying to find his opponent’s weakness before the interviews even began. All James could do was smile back at him, running his hand over his hair as he shrugged his shoulders some. “Brilliant, Ang and I couldn’t be any happier than we are at the moment.” Mentioning her name obviously still had a sting to the Potter-Weasley family. From what he has been told, George Weasley hasn’t been the same since he found out about the two of them. “Aw- don’t act so innocent Potter. After all, we’re practically enemies now.”

“Questions for both parties are open.”

“Mr. Potter! What would make you a better fit for our children?”

“As you can see, I’ve risked my own life for the sake of my friends in Hogwarts during the battle. I’ve given up everything I possibly had in order to defeat Voldemort almost three years ago. I know what Hogwarts needs, I know what is best for the young witches and wizards in there now.”

“Mr. Bardsley, you’re response?”

James looked back at the witch who asked the question, flashing her a smile before answering the question at hand.

“You see, what my opponent lacks is, is an understanding. I’ve grown up in the Wizarding World, I’ve seen it at it’s best and worse. I grew up with magic, which is something Mr. Potter will never have. We are all forgetting that, yes he may have defeated He-Who—Voldemort, but at the same time, many lives were lost, many lives were changed after that battle.”

“I believe Mr. Bardsley is referring to himself when he means changed-“

“Not only to myself but those who have lost friends and family Mr. Potter.”

“You are asking for sympathy from those who suffered in a similar way. In fact, let’s bring that up shall we? Did you not attempt to attack Ron Weasley after the battle was over with?”

“Your response is biased, bringing up your brother-in-law as an effort to show-“

“Answer the question Bardsley!”

James glared at Harry, bringing up a subject most would fear mentioning around him privately. He took a deep breath, reaching in his pocket to pull out a small vile.

“It is true, I did try to hurt Ron Weasley while they visited me in the hospital wing. During the battle Fenrir Greyback did try to kill me. I am fortunate enough to be sitting here to tell the tale, but I did wound up getting attacked-which led to me developing a serious case of Lupine tendencies.” James got up from his seat, showing the small vile to the audience.

“With the help of Marcus Belby, I dedicated a year to help find a potion to aide those in similar situations as mine. I’ve gone through many trial and error experiments, an attempt sending me to St. Mungo’s for two weeks. I am happy to say that thousands of wizards are now being treated, allowing them to live normal lives amongst us. I believe I would make a better fit for your children’s future in Hogwarts because I am not afraid of a challenge. I will do everything in my power to make sure dark wizards like Voldemort stay away from them.” The crowd got up in unison and applauded him, showing that they sided with him over Potter. “Thank you…” He gave them another smile before sitting down, seeing Harry fuming in his seat. The questions came and went, most asking about their beliefs or how they would change Hogwarts while they were there. The last question on the debate was for James:

“Mr. Bardsley, your own father was part of the original Governors that started the mess at Hogwarts while you were in school. Some say that you are destined to follow in his footsteps if you are elected, what is your response?”

James had heard the alleged rumors, hating them with every part of him as they degraded his father.

“My father was a good man, doing everything in his power to do what he felt was right. At the time, sacking Dumbledore seemed right to him… keeping Hogwarts open seemed fine. It was not his fault for what happened-“

“He was merely a puppet in the Ministry.”

James’ attention snapped back to Harry, astonished that he would say something about that over someone he didn’t know.

“Bruce Bardsley was perfectly capable of stopping Lucius Malfoy from calling all the shots. I suppose he knew his son would do that for him years later in order to avenge his death.”

A few people in the crowd started murmuring to each other, going over what they had heard what happened. James took a deep breath to calm himself down.

“How about it James? How does it feel to kill someone who was considered innocent until proven guilty?” Harry now had a smirk, knowing he hit hard on the controversial subject. He cleared his throat, giving himself a moment to think.

“Lucius Malfoy knew what he did was wrong. He knew what was coming to him-“

“So you are admitting you’re vengeful? You murdered him because you wanted to see the man who killed you father to suffer a similar fate!”

“I did what had to be done, Lucius was wanted dead or alive!”

“An eye for an eye I suppose?”

“I did what you couldn’t accomplish six months after the war! You had your chance Potter!”

“You hunted the man down, killed him in front of his own wife and son! How do you justify what you did was right?”

“Lucius Malfoy was going to come back, with the rest of Voldemort’s followers that escaped after the battle. In those months I spent looking for him not only did I stop him but others who were still loyal followers.” It was a subject his Uncle Reg warned him to not talk about, fearing that it would cause mass hysteria when word got out. “Where was Harry Potter when they needed him the most? How many people did he lock up?” Harry tried to think of something, only to be interrupted by a man walking up to whisper to him.

“I-I’m sorry to end this so soon but--- my wife is in labor.” Harry gave the audience a wave then reached out to give James a handshake. “I cannot believe you would mention my father like that” He said, squeezing the other man’s hand firmly to let him know he didn’t appreciate. Harry just smirked before pulling away.

James didn’t care to deal with any more questions after the interview had ended. In order to escape the reporters he apprated back home, feeling slightly dizzy the moment he set foot on the ground. “Bloody hell…” He said as tried to balance himself against the wall of his house. After cleaning up and changing into more comfortable clothes he went into the kitchen. He found the note Angelina left, sitting next to a rather formal looking letter addressed to her next to it. He skimmed the sides, seeing that it was the long awaited letter all the way from Peru. He let out a small sigh, picking up both pieces of parchment and a blanket to take outside. It was perfectly capable of still working in England and living in Peru, but James knew that it would require a lot out of the both of them in order for it to be done. He had his wants, she had hers. When they got married they vowed to make each other as happy as can be, through thick and thin. He smiled when he saw her in the garden, giving her a kiss before sitting down next to her. “The whole interview was a bloody nightmare….” He refrained from pulling out a cigarette, instead opting to lower his lips to her stomach to give their unborn son a kiss as well. “What is this I am holding in my hand?” He said with a smile as he waved the thick envelop in front of her. “Open it, let’s see what Peru has to say.”

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

Two achy feet slowly made their way through the Bardsley cottage, with her hand on her back and what felt like a quaffle inside of her, Angelina stared out the kitchen window as the bump of her belly nudged against the counter. Soapy bubbles filled the kitchen sink and she slowly slipped plates and utensils into the warm water it as she watched the wind rustle the trees and shrubbery outside in the garden. It was puzzling to her how spring had snuck up on them so fast, many things had, it seemed as though not too long ago she and James had spent a month of their summer in the lush green and inviting hills of Ireland. Here they were eight months later, and while the frenzied anticipation of when their little bundle would arrive loomed, causing already sleepless nights and mild stress, there was something to be said about how the special moments were already starting to rack up. “I wonder if they’d put you into the record books, Peanut,” she said softly as she drew her hand to her stomach, feeling the energetic kick from the little Bardsley inside. “Well maybe just daddy and mummy’s record book anyhow,” Angelina spoke out loud, and even without James there for the moment she was sure if someone walked in on her speaking they might find her speaking to no one else a bit odd, even if she was pregnant.

As she dunked the final plate into the sink from the breakfast they'd had much earlier that day she wrenched from the smell, moving her free arm quickly to cover her nose, “I’m never gonna get used to that,” she said watching a bit of blood from James’ meal slide down the plate and into the water. Her heightened sense of smell was something that Angelina still hadn’t gotten used to from the pregnancy, if anything it had gotten worse the further along she got and she often joked with James that people should use her rather than some rutty hound dogs to go hunting. She hastily dunked the plate into the water but let her arm stay where it was, it always took a few moments for the smell to dissipate, and she continued to watch the lush foliage outside blow in the wind. She sighed softly for a moment, as she remembered running around the garden during the pleasant days of spring only the year before, chasing James in his peacock form just for the fun of it. It’d been rather long since her last animagus transformation, but she wiggled her butt with a little laugh, mocking the swish of her fox tail as she stood in the kitchen. Something within her yearned to be outside in the garden, she’d been cooped up long enough, the temperature of the house was rather hot, but she knew that was mainly due to her sharing body heat with Peanut.

As she continued to wash the dishes her mind wandered, it seemed to be an inherent thing for her to do nowadays, but her mind eventually settled on the memory of the day they had gathered up their families to "deliver" the news of the little addition. She had been sure their news would be met with a range of opinions, and given all that was happening within the ministry, she knew there would be a few family members who would make it sound like they were right out of their minds bringing a baby into the world at a time like this. But it was the few who showed pure enthusiasm at the notion of James and Angelina's news that truly warmed her heart, the first coming from James' uncle Cillian who had pulled the two of them aside early on to congratulate them. Angelina had to hand it to the man that he could genuinely show eagerness and heart when many around them seemed almost shaken by the idea. "Don't listen to the others, you two, fear brings out the worst in people sometimes. This baby, your baby, will know nothing of the uncertainty that we live in because you two will cherish him or her forever more and that is what is most important." Before he continued the older wizard looked around before leaning in slightly and whispering to them both, "You two really enjoyed that bottle of wine I left on the boat, didn't you?" As Angelina remembered that very moment her cheeks warmed much as they had when the question had first been asked, James' uncle Cillian didn't even need an answer as it seemed the look on both their faces, as they turned to one another, said more than enough.

Her eyes scanned the kitchen as she finished the dishes and dried her hands with a towel, folding it in half as she caught sight of the owl post that had arrived just a week earlier sitting on top of the others that had yet to be opened. Angelina had been too terrified to open it when she saw the seal on the back, with the Tarapoto Tree-Skimmers emblem stamped into it, she had stuffed it back into a pile with the other posts that had come in that day, hoping somehow she could just avoid its existence entirely. She knew very well that she couldn't hide from it forever, but her stomach sank as she picked up the post, it felt like the weight of the world was just beyond the seal and it quickly fell from the grasp of her fingers and to the kitchen floor. She stared at it for moment before grabbing onto the counter and squatting down to pick it up, and she came to stand back up just as Jack kicked, "I know little one, I know....."

Angelina still wasn't sure what to do about the post, and she was sure she didn't want to open it on her own, and being that James wouldn't be returning home for a while she opted to leave it sealed, setting it on the edge of kitchen counter with a handwritten note: <i> Bring the post and a blanket into the garden, your loving wife is waiting there for you. </i> The wind had died down a little, but she knew it would still bring a bit of a chill so Angelina opened a cupboard to grab a blanket, wrapping it around herself before she headed outside into the garden. The warmth of her body and the addition of the blanket was enough to compensate for the wind and she felt rather comfortable outside rather than overheating inside their cottage. She didn't stop walking until she reached the rather large tree near the corner, and she slid herself down to a seated position just next to the trunk. A sigh of the unknown emitted past her lips, and she pulled the blanket around her shoulders, watching the color foliage in the garden jostle around as the wind picked up and died down as she waited for James to return home.

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looselucy · 5 years

Photo

Storms

December 24th We always spent Christmas Eve in The Tin Mouse. Most of Rosebury did. It was jam-packed in there, the atmosphere as upbeat and beautiful as ever, the lot of us stood near the bar after walking in and seeing our usual table was occupied. It was the happiest I’d been in weeks.

“I got this one when I broke my arm, d’ya remember?” Lincoln was working his way through the many scars he’d acquired over the years, bending his arm to look down to the large scar that started at his elbow and ran up towards his hand. “Yeah, you take the five-a-side games well too seriously, mate.” Louis huffed. “You broke your arm playing footy?” Harry sniggered, amazed and confused. “I take the beautiful game very seriously, and I have no shame. Did we win the fucking match?” “I don’t think that’s the point.” Louis laughed. “Did we win the match, Louis?” “Yes, we won.” “Exactly. Totally worth a broken arm.” “I still don’t get how!” Harry chuckled. “I tried to do one of those fancy kicks to get the ball in the goal. Y’know like… where you jump,” He was talking with his hands, trying to get the image across to Harry. “And you go backwards and kick. Well, the ball went in, but I landed on my arm. But we won, so, y’know.” I could see the image going through Harry’s mind as he laughed, scrunching his nose, leant against one of the wooden pillars. I hadn’t seen Harry since I stormed out of his house the weekend before. It wasn’t just down to not having the time, but also not really wanting to. It had been good to take a few steps back, give myself a break. I’d warned him on the Wednesday that once again, I wouldn’t be attending his class, texting him saying we were too busy at the shop, and he replied that it was fine. But other than that, we hadn’t interacted at all. I had been trying to come to terms with how he was, accept the boundaries he’d built. It seemed I had no other choice than to get used to it, he wasn’t giving me any other options. I still thought so highly of the boy, and I cared about him a lot, so his privacy was something I’d have to accept, not just to continue with our secret, but to be his friend at all. I’d been dreading seeing him that night, wondering if it would be achingly awkward, but it hadn’t been. I think he understood why I’d wanted to step away from things, even if it was briefly. He was already there when I arrived, and he’d been as friendly and chipper as ever, making me ease instantly. I don’t know why I was still surprised that he could have that effect on me. “All my scars are from stupid shit like that. I wish I had a cool one, from a fight or something.” Lin tutted. “I’ve got one from a fight.” Harry disclosed. “Just above my eye.” Lin and Libby leaned a little closer to him to gage the scar he was talking of, but I didn’t need to. I’d been close enough to him to have spotted that scar countless times. He raised his brows to show the scar more clearly, but I found myself staring at the scars on his hands, wondering if I’d ever find out what had created them. I didn’t care to learn about the scar above his eye, the fight that had caused it, because I knew it wouldn’t have been anything revealing or with depth, or else he wouldn’t have mentioned it. This was yet another example of Harry handing the perfect amount of himself over to other people, enough to fool us into feeling as though we were getting to know him, but we weren’t, not really. At least not to the extent I craved to. I couldn’t have been the only one who’d seen the scars on his hands. He didn’t hide them, but how could he? I felt like that was one of the reasons he’d purposefully brought up the scar on his face, as if to say, this is the scar I’m comfortable talking about, this is my limit. I didn’t think any of us would have ever had the guts to ask about the ones on his hands, they were too dominant, too ominous. It was clear they weren’t created through a simple accident, there was something much more baleful behind their birth, there must have been. “I really can’t imagine you in a fight.” Louis folded his arms. “No?” Harry smirked. “Nah, you’re just so… easy-going.” “Mm.” He quietly agreed. “It’s not summat I wanna do, but… some people fucking deserve it.” “What happened?” Chloe asked him. “I saw this guy spiking a girl’s drink. I went and told her, I didn’t even think he’d seen, but then he just came at me from nowhere. He had a good punch on him, I’ll give him that.” “You won, right?” “No one wins with fighting, Chloe.” He simpered sarcastically. “You definitely won.” He just shrugged, looking self-satisfied, and there was no question about it. He’d definitely fought back and he’d definitely come out on top. “Oh shit, team!” Niall cried, peering around the corner. “Looks like our tables about to be free! I say we run and grab it.” Everyone started slowly edging their way over there, ready to pounce when the table was finally unoccupied, but as I tried to walk over with them, Harry, who was still leaning against the pillar, grabbed my arm, bringing me to a standstill. He leaned down to me. “Are we okay?” He asked. “Yeah. We’re fine.” My attempt at a smile was weak, but genuine at least. “Stay at mine tonight.” I looked forward again, making sure everyone was out of earshot, before looking to my side, back to him, speaking as softly as I was able in such a brash atmosphere. “It’s Christmas Eve!” “So?” “I just-” “I’ve missed you, Fee.” He told me assertively, still holding onto me, not wanting me to walk away. “Stay. I promise I’ll make it worth it.” His suggestive tone sent my stomach spiralling, suddenly undressing him with my eyes, biting at my lip, restraint seeming impossible. “How, exactly?” “How detailed do you want me to be?” “Very.” “I want my tongue inside you. I want your pretty little lips wrapped around my dick. I want-” “Have some fucking class, Harry, we’re in public.” I grinned. His smile was big, bright, mischievous, the very tip of his teeth catching his bottom lip, his eyes running down my body before he let go of my arm, allowing the two of us to act innocent as we went to join the rest of them once more. We both knew I was going to end up at his. It didn’t need discussing further. I felt surprisingly good about it. I wanted things to go back to how they had been before we’d gone to see my mum, when it felt simpler, before we’d argued, before I’d seen that room, before my emotions had started getting the better of me. It had been so easy and wonderful for the majority of our time taking part in this whole friends with benefits arrangement, and I had to hope it wouldn’t be impossible for us to go back to that, to keep things straightforward, despite everything that had gone on over the last few weeks. It seemed we were going to disregard everything, just go back to fucking. That felt like a good thing at the time. Ignoring how blatantly naive it was, of course. We all sat around our table, waving quickly over to Louis’ parents who were stood near the door, and settling in our familiar spot. “You going to your mum and dads tomorrow?” Niall asked him. “Actually, they’re coming to mine. I’m cooking. Can you believe that shit? I feel like an adult, it’s weird.” “M'gunna get Alfie cooking the turkey tomorrow.” Lincoln jeered, putting his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. “You’re gunna be a Crosby for the day.” “Alfie Crosby.” Chloe said. “That’s got a ring to it.” “What’ve I missed?” Harry enquired, sat on the stool across from us. “I’m spending tomorrow with Lin and his family. He was nice enough to invite me, so.” “Yeah, it’s cause I love ya.” He kissed my cheek, keeping me tucked into his side. I’d asked my dad if he wanted me to go over and spend the day with them instead, but he’d told me not to. I’d been there before on Christmas Day, and it wasn’t a nice experience, nor was there much going on. I had plans to drive over again in the new year, but for Christmas, my plan was still to be with Lin and his family, despite the recent progress with my own. Harry simply nodded, brows a little low, eyes darting between me and Lin, eyeing the way I was held against his body almost suspiciously. “What’re you doing, Harry?” Louis asked. “Um… Nothing, I don’t think.” He snapped out of it, looking away from us, clearing his throat. “What?” Niall cried. “Well, I don’t have… No, I… I dunno.” “Why didn’t you say anything?” Niall was truly appalled by the idea of Harry not having plans. “You can’t be by yourself on Christmas Day.” “I’ve done it before, I don’t mind.” “Well I do.” Louis huffed. “You’re coming to mine.” “Nah, Louis, it’s fine, I don’t-” “Don’t argue, mate. Easy for me to put an extra seat round my table. You’re coming to mine, end of. Be there for one, yeah?” Harry looked amazed. Truly amazed. I don’t think he could fathom it, but to Louis it was so simple. Harry was his friend, and he wasn’t going to let him spend the day on his own. There was no way. He seemed somewhat choked up over it. “Thank you.” He eventually mumbled, unsure what else to say. “Don’t mention it.” Louis shrugged. “Besides, the food could be bloody terrible. Might not be much to be thankful for.” “You’re a good cook, Louis. Harry, you’re in for a treat, I promise.” Libby smiled. Harry grinned, his throat hitching a little, patting Louis on the back before reaching for his pint, stuck for words. I loved seeing how happy he was, how happy we made him. I wondered when the last time he’d spent his Christmas with someone was, who that was. You could see in his face that it meant a lot to him, that Louis had invited him. I guess it was all so unfamiliar to him, to have the sort of friendship where that could even be proposed. I hoped, that slowly, we were all creating a sort of foundation where Harry finally felt as though he could open up and share himself. I hoped.

“Does Lin like you?” Harry asked from behind me as we wandered upstairs. “I hope so. Gunna be an awkward Christmas if he doesn’t.” I was practically wringing water out of my hair, a downpour having stung us as we’d ran to his home from the pub. “No, I mean… Does he like you?” I looked back over my shoulder to show him the puzzled look my face had formed. “No?” “Hm. Okay.” “Why, what?” “I think he might.” “Why do you say that?” “Just… I dunno. Just a… mood I’ve picked up on, I dunno.” I lingered on the top floor so we’d be walking side by side, looking up to him as we made our way down to his room. “I don’t even know how you’ve come to this conclusion.” I sniggered. “It’s like… the way he is with you. The way he touches you and stuff. You must have noticed.” “You’re way off. That’s just Lin, that’s what he’s like.” “I only see him being like that with you though.” I shrugged off his suggestion, because it wasn’t even worth giving it thought. I knew what Lin was like, what our friendship was, I didn’t want to start overthinking things or looking into things simply because Harry was seeing something that wasn’t even there. If it had come from anyone else, I may have questioned it, but thanks to the fact it was coming from the boy I was sleeping with, I took it with more than a pinch of salt. “What would you do if he did?” Harry dragged the conversation on, closing his bedroom door behind us. “He doesn’t.” “Right, I’ll pretend I believe you, but then hypothetically, if he did.” He stood with his arms folded as I dropped down to sit on his bed, looking up to him. “I… I dunno! I wouldn’t do anything. Why are we even talking about this? I don’t know what I’d do, and I don’t need to know because it’s not gunna be an issue I have to face. Can you drop it?” “You could do a lot worse than Lincoln Crosby.” He was suddenly smirking, pulling off his damp t-shirt quickly, shaking his hair. “I know I could, you fucking idiot.” I found I was laughing as he practically straddled me, smiling as he grabbed my chin and lifted my head, kissing me fiercely and pushing be backwards. I hitched properly on the bed just in time before he lay his body on mine. For almost a week, I’d been trying to persuade myself that I hadn’t been pining for his touch, to be back in his room with his kisses roving over my body at will, breathing in the energy he permitted, the plants in there, his scent. I wanted to tell myself that I’d be fine without this, because it wasn’t going to last forever. There were already waves of complexities crashing upon the shores of our system, our denial merely a temporary dam that I knew could only take so much weight. I’d wanted to make my peace with the inevitability of it all, be okay with not being that way with him, but the second his lips were back with mine I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. This was exactly how I knew it would go, why I’d overthought and initially attempted to put a stop to it all, but if I couldn’t do it then how the hell did I expect to ever be able to? I knew it’d end up messy despite our efforts and I could already feel it coming. I didn’t want it to end. I really didn’t want it to end but my thoughts were once again getting the better of me, becoming this overbearing blare that burnt at my ears, forever swirling questions about him, his past, what had created the boy I was spending so much time with. It didn’t feel simple in the way it once had. We’d probably been foolish to think it ever could be simple. “What do you wanna do?” He asked, kissing my neck. “I wanna get out of these clothes.” “That’s a good start.” He fell to the side of me, messing with the button of his loose, light jeans as I began stripping too, our clothes damp. I’d hoped for snow, really, but my hopes were shattered most years. It seemed we’d have yet another year of miserable rain on Christmas Day. I’d somehow managed to undress with more speed than Harry, who had just about ripped off his sodden jeans and underwear by the time I’d pushed at his chest, crouching by his side as I made sure he was laying back on the bed, his legs dangling over the edge as I kissed over his chest and reached my hand to cusp around his dick, slowly working my hand up and down. I let my lips lurk towards his nipple, soon enveloping it, my tongue stroking over the tip, feeling the way his body ticked as a reaction to me playing with the sensitive area. I opened my eyes slightly, looking to my side to gage his face, the tiny and content smile on his lips, one hand reaching to weave within my hair. I closed my eyes again, sucking for a second before I began my journey down his body, waiting until his pubic hair tickled the tips of my lips before I lifted my head and immediately took him to the back of my throat. His grip on my hair tightened. “Shit, fuck.” He huffed, hot and bothered. It was hard even attempting to fit him into my mouth; even when he was at the very back of my throat, my stomach jolting as a response, my lips weren’t close to his base. I worked with the area I could, inspired by the noises be made, one hand on the bottom of his stomach to aid my balance as the other reached to lightly cusp at his balls, pressing over the area with the tips of my fingers. “You’re so good.” He creaked, carelessly pushing my head down, meaning I was almost gagging, but loving it. I quickly grew impatient when giving head. I often found the whole thing so sexual that I became too worked up to endure until his finish. I wanted him, urgently, and it was taking literal determination not to stop and climb on top of him. I did want to remain that way for a while, feel that control, hear the special sounds he submitted when my tongue strayed over those inches of his body, but it was hard. Harry was about to make the perfect proposal. “Fee, move.” I heard him breathlessly instruct, but I barely listened. “Move. Please, I want to sixt- Fuck. Oh fuck, that’s it.” I still didn’t move, too fixed on what I was doing to follow his fumbled words, and it seemed Harry was too worn out and worked up to keep attempting to vocally request what he wanted. So instead, he let go of my hair, reaching and gripping my leg and pulling my backside towards him, dragging me so my core was edging closer to his face. For a moment, he took his fingers and stroked them over my wet heat, but then within seconds he’d twisted his body so he could grab and my hips with both hands, lifting me upwards with an alarming ease and altering my stance so that I was straddling his face. “Holy fuck!” I gasped after letting him fall from my mouth. “You’re so fucking strong, what the fuck.” He ignored me, desperately biting at the inside of my thigh, triggering a gorgeous sting before he lifted his head slightly to engorge me. Moaning, I took him back into my mouth, and straight away I was outstandingly overwhelmed with the sensations such a position sent soaring through my body, where every flick of his tongue and mine could make my whole body alert, so responsive to each and every movement. It wasn’t just his lips against me, his hands smoothing over my backside, the way he felt in my mouth, but even the way our stomachs met in the centre, the light way they brushed together made my insides roil. I knew I couldn’t tolerate it for too long. I was already shaking, whimpering, wishing I could somehow drag more air into my lungs. His mouth was a fucking wonder, humming deeply with his tongue inside me, too much to take. It felt like such a vulnerable position to be in, unflattering and exposed, but it was electrifying. I’d never done that before, and I’d kind of predicted that I’d hate it, but it was the total opposite. Every single thing about it felt magnificent, otherworldly. Harry made me so comfortable with him and within myself that there was no need to be wary of anything, it was all pleasure. He stopped, breathless as he kissed at the spot on my thigh he had bitten before speaking. “Fee, m’gunna cum.” He warned. He knew that I wouldn’t want him to finish when he was still in my mouth, because he’d literally asked me my preference when things first started between us, which was such an unfamiliarly kind question to ask. I suppose a lot seemed kind compared to the experience I’d had with Sam. I shifted the top half of my body upright with speed so I could throw my hair over my back and get it out of my face, clutching just above his knee with my left hand to steady myself and taking his dick in my right. Harry went back to tasting me as soon as he could, struggling straight away because his orgasm was taking over. I bit my lip when it happened, watching him cum, warmth dripping onto my hands and down on his thighs, and then I closed my eyes, and let Harry complete his work. He barely gave himself a second to relish in his own high, his focus was mine again instantly. It was when his fingers tightened their grip on my arse that I came, shuddering, weakening, becoming completely flimsy and faint. I felt him relax behind me, dropping his head back down to the bed, and it really felt as though every muscle in my body was waning. “Alf?” Harry noticed my state when I began swaying from side to side. “Am… I… I’m a- I…” “Woah, Alfie, fuck-” I started falling forward slowly, Harry reacting with speed as he bolted up right behind me and caught my waist in his hands, having edged to the very edge of his bed, pulling my body back towards his, literal seconds before my face smacked against the floor. “Are you okay?” He gasped, holding my body in place, but I didn’t answer. “Alf? Talk to me, please.” “I need… Lie down.” I was utterly absent as Harry moved me, having to take all my weight and lay me down on the bed, resting my head on the pillow and then hovering above me, looking rather concerned. I closed my eyes, giving myself time, Harry not taking his eyes off me for even a second. Eventually, I began giggling. “I’m not finding this funny.” He gawped. “M'fine.” I flapped my wrist, coming back to my senses. “Sorry.” “You sure?” “Mm. It was just… a lot.” “Okay.” He sighed, then falling to his side of the bed, finally taking his time to relax beside me. We lay side by side in silence for quite some time, but then as soon as my mind was back with me fully, I just started giggling again, lightly at first and then it got worse, laying my hand on my chest and laughing away to myself. “What?” Harry was chuckling beside me, my laughter clearly infectious. “It’s just funny. I could feel myself going but I had like… no strength. Fucking hell.” I sniggered. “You were inches away from smacking your face on the floor, it’s not funny!” The statement was hard to believe thanks to his chortling. “Stop laughing!” I didn’t, and nor did he. We lay together and laughed it out, finding the humour in the fact I’d become so weak in my post-orgasm state that I’d almost fallen face first on the floor. It was hilarious, really. It might not have been quite as funny if Harry hadn’t caught me, and there was likely the possibility of a broken nose, but he’d made sure that didn’t happen. Things cooled down in time, Harry leaning over to check his phone as he let out the very last of his laughter. “It’s past midnight.” He told me, laying back down. “Merry Christmas.” “Merry Christmas.” I returned. I was glad he’d be spending the day with Louis and his family rather than on his own. At the pub, he said he'd been on his own before, but I was absolutely sure that he’d hated it, even if he couldn’t admit it aloud and even if he was accustomed to it. I could see from the look on his face that he’d been happy that Louis had practically forced him into the plans. I think I’d half predicted that he would have someone to spend the day with, like maybe it was the one day a year where he saw his family, if he had a family to see. It seemed I was wrong. I found my eyes were closing. I’d told myself I’d head home, wake up in my own bed on Christmas Day, but in those moments, it didn’t feel as appealing as just staying there, falling asleep with him at my side. “You looking forward to spending the day with Lincoln? Your future husband.” He added, grinning away to himself. “You’re such an idiot, honestly.” I shook my head as he rolled onto his stomach so he was closer to me, staring up to me. “Don’t drag this out.” “M'telling you, I’m right.” “And I’m telling you, you’re wrong. And I think I know Lin better than you do.” “But I know how blind you are to this stuff. Y’know how obvious I made myself with you? I literally had to put my hand down your pants, and then you were still baffled that I wanted to sleep with you.” I looked at him, still shaking my head and pinching his cheek, not wanting to say anything else to drag the conversation on. He was smiling, scrunching his nose and his eyes when I nipped softly at his skin. Then we heard a rumbling, and his face dropped. Jolting, he looked back over his shoulder to gaze out of the window, rain still tapping relentlessly against the window, and I could see his chest was heaving. “Was that thunder?” He asked what he already knew, breathless. “Sounds like it. You okay?” “I… I-I hate thunder.” He was waiting on another sound, his gaze locked on the windows though it was pitch black outside, so dark that we couldn’t see anything. He was getting unusually worked up. “It’s okay.” He didn’t acknowledge my words, so I reached out, placing my hand gently on his cheek and pulling him so he was facing me again. “Hey, it’s fine. Don’t worry.” He nodded, looking relatively convinced for only a second until the sky let out another ripple of low growls, louder than last time. He snapped. “Fuck, sorry, you need to go.” He scrambled backwards off the bed, standing upright and gripping at his hair for a second before he was bending down to get his underwear off the floor. “Harry, it’s okay! Calm down!” “Fee, I’m being serious, it’s fucking with my head. Please leave.” He was stumbling into his underwear, anxious and agitated. “What the fuck is happening?” I sat up. “I can’t do this. I seriously… I really hate thunder and lightning and I can’t… I can’t do this right now. I wanna be on my own so just please… please go before it gets worse. Please.” He was freaking out. I was in a state of shock. Once his tight boxers were back on, he was reaching back down to the ground to practically throw my clothes at me, desperate to get me out of there. I watched him with wide eyes, stuck for something to say. It was clear that he was terrified, and I had to wonder what the hell had happened to him that could make the weather affect him in such a way. “Harry, you’re only making me wanna stay.” I told him, not dressing myself. “You’re worrying me.” “It’s just… this thing I’ve got in my head, and I hate it, and I just-” Another rumble, so loud this time I knew the lightning would happen soon, and he must have known it too, cursing and clutching his hair. “NO! No, I can’t do this, Fee, please go.” “Harry-” “PLEASE, ALFIE!” I held my hands up in surrender for a second before taking the clothes he’d thrown at me and putting them back on. He was pacing the floor, gnawing at his lip, so uneasy I couldn’t believe it. I kept my eyes on him as I dressed myself, really not wanting to leave him despite the fact he clearly wanted me gone. I’d never seen him like that, nor had I ever expected to. He was frightened and rigid and almost angry in the way he was carrying himself. Once I stood up and started pulling my pants on, Harry stood himself at his door, gripping onto the handle and waiting for me to leave. “I just think-” “Alfie, please, I’m sorry, but I can’t-” Lightning struck then, and it got worse. The flash of light tore through his room, and the second the bolt burst, he reacted like he’d been punched in the gut, the sound like a bullet to him. I watched in shock as his body crippled; he bent over and stumbled backwards until he crashed into the top corner of his room, knocking over the plant beside his bed as he sunk down to the floor, hands in his hair and knees tucked up to his chest. I rushed down to him in second, dropping down to my knees and trying to reach out for him. That was when I saw he was crying. “Harry, holy fuck, what is happening?” “I can’t.” He sobbed, looking down to the ground, almost ripping his hair out. “I need it to stop. I can’t fucking breathe.” I wished it was within my power. I saw the look of agony on his face, and I wished more than anything that the skies were under my command, that I could steal the thunder from the clouds and crush them in my hands. I would have done fucking anything to take that fear away from him, to stop his tears and cease the pain he was experiencing. But there was nothing I could do. Nothing. I didn’t even know what to say. Another bolt hit the ground, Harry flinching and dropping his head even more, his chin on his chest. “Why is this happening?” I wailed, tears in my eyes. “I don’t know what to do, I don’t know how to help. I don’t… I don’t know!” I think he’d wanted me to leave so that I didn’t see him in that state, but it was too late. He was no longer begging me to leave; I wasn’t sure he’d even have the capacity, but I took at as a sign to stay, the fact he was no longer screaming and begging me to get out of there. But I didn’t know how to comfort him, I didn’t know how to make things better, I daren’t even touch him. I was thankful thunderstorms didn’t usually last too long, but I knew full well that this one would feel like it dragged on for hours. “Just block it out, okay?” I attempted to say the right thing. “Cover your ears, block it out, pretend it’s not happening. Concentrate on… Concentrate on something that makes you happy.” “I can’t, Fee, I can’t.” He wept. For months, I’d had questions about Harry. For months, little things would happen or he’d say something, and I’d find myself wondering about his past, things that had happened to him, what made him the man he was. None of them had sparked my fascination and desperation to know more so than seeing what that weather was doing to him. I could understand and disregard a slight amount of fear, but that was beyond anything I had ever seen. He was shaking violently, tears streaming down his face, unable to even look up at me. This was a horror I’d never seen the likes of, and I didn’t believe for a second that the terror he was suffering could happen without there being a meaning and a maker behind it. I was witnessing fear in its most brutal form. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what could have happened that would lead to the broken boy I was seeing then. Every time lightning struck, his body would quake like he’d been hit, his shudders severe, his whimpers increasing, my heart breaking. Again, I found myself wishing for snow. “It’s okay.” I told him, but I’d never sounded less convincing. “I’m not going anywhere. It’ll be okay. It’ll pass soon.” He nodded slightly, and I could see that he was trying with everything he had to stop his tears, to become so vacant he could remove himself from the environment completely, but it wasn’t working. All his efforts were falling flat and it was awful to behold. I knew I wasn’t aiding the situation, but at the same time I was so glad I was there, so thankful he wasn’t on his own in that big house, frightened and upset and alone. I reached out and took his hand within mine, but he barely responded, still simply sobbing and shaking. “I’m sorry I can’t do anything. I’m so sorry I can’t stop this.” I wept, squeezing his hand. “I wish there was something I could do.” Lighting struck again, and he reacted the same way, jerking and howling, finally gripping my hand in return. It was like he was in literal pain. It was so awful sitting there and trying to deal with it. We waited it out together, his head down the entire time, our hands locked together. I remembered experiencing this grand feeling of gratitude even when I could sense the storm distancing, hearing it start to fade away into the night like it had never been there at all, like it hadn’t caused so much trauma in its wake. I stayed with him. Until the morning, I stayed with him. Once the rain had stopped, I practically picked him up off the floor, tucked him up in bed, and then got in with him. He’d been rather hazy the whole time, curling his body up, hands against his mouth, but eventually he began to ease, drifted off to sleep, my fingers gently running through his hair and my eyes on him until I knew he was fast asleep, at peace. I never wanted him to face a storm alone again.

#I'M NERVOUS #lets fucking do it #so excited to hear your thoughts on this one holy shittttt #HBS22 #1dff

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