Based on a conversation in the zukaang discord that made me laugh
Tags: Marriage proposal, miscommunication, humor, fluff, zuko speedrunning like three different crises
Summary:
Zuko asks Aang to marry him. Aang thought they were already married. Confusion all around.
Favorite Lines:
“Well,” Zuko started, abandoning the speech he'd written and rehearsed, “then I hope that still stands if I ask you this.” Taking a deep steadying breath, Zuko finally bit the bullet. “Will you marry me?”
Rather than literally any of the reactions Zuko had imagined he might have, from joyful tears to disgust, Aang just stared at him blankly. His eyes cast to the side like he was trying to puzzle something out, looking more confused by the second, before he let out a small confused laugh. “Are-, are we not already married?”
Summary: Suränu has been spacing out and been staying up late for a while and Teylan is also acting just as weird, Okul is concerned and try’s to figure out what’s happening. This leads to the two sarentu breaking down from all the anxiety and the Kama’tire herbalist comforting them
A/n: angst, anxiety, comfort, this is a little personal for me cause I’ve been having anxiety and crying, comfort, Suränu and Teylan need a hug and Okul is the best, this is very personal for me, and yes I know it’s fast paced and rushed
For the past few days, the young sarentu warrior Suränu has been looking a little down lately, of course she shrugs it off whenever her fellow comrades ask her is everything’s ok, but there is something wrong. Around the base people saw her just sitting down and staring off into space, and notice heavy breathing and sniffling.
No matter how many times anyone has tried to get her to tell what’s wrong, she just says she’s fine and she’s just exhausted. Teylan has also been acting the same, and he’s been trying to not get anyone worried.
But now a certain herbalist has caught on with how they’ve been acting, Okul knows something is very wrong and couldn’t let them stay like that.
So they plan to confront them about this.
_________________
The three of them were together in a cave and mostly far from the nearest Kama’tire camp. Okul said they just wanted to hang out so that they could agree to come, Okul still had their plan in mind.
“It’s nice here, thanks for taking us here Okul” Suränu smiled “it’s not a problem”.
“I really need to get out of the base more, so I could see more of Pandora” Teylan said playing with his hands a little. “You could always come with me when I go for a fly” Suränu smiled “I know, but, you know I’m still getting use to the whole heights thing, and flying on an Ikran”.
“You’ll be fine tho, my Ikran won’t let you fall and I won’t either” the na’vi girl chuckled “I know, but I wanna do it at my own time” Teylan said and Suränu gave him an understanding nod.
Okul smiled at the two, and how they were calm at the moment, so they thought It’d be a good time to ask them about their problem.
“So, there is a reason I brought you two here” Okul said and the two other na’vi turned to face them. “Look, you two have been acting weird lately, and I thought it’d be good for you two to talk it out”.
Suränu and Teylan looked at each other and now had worried looks on their faces. “I just want to know what wrong and help you”.
Suränu let out a shaky sigh “we’re fine Okul, there’s nothing to worry about, we’re both just tired”. Okul wasn’t easily fooled “I know you’re lying, come on, tell me what wrong, everyone is worried about you, I’m worried about you”.
“We um…the thing is uh…” Teylan mumbled, looking down at the ground and looking like he was about to cry. Suränu gently held his hand and gave him a reassuring look “ok…it’s just that, lastly we’ve been remembering those time at TAP, those horrible memories, and it’s filed us with anxiety and sadness, like when they use to beat us, yell at us, threaten us, and even nearly killer us…”.
“And with that many thoughts just rush through our heads, like what is we didn’t escape TAP and this isn’t real? Or what if Mercer and Harding survived and they’re out for vengeance? What if we’re in some place being kept somewhere and this a made up virtual world that they made for us so we don’t leave? Or someone is out there after us?” Teylan said with a horrified look on his face “we know these thoughts seem impossible but…I can’t help but wonder..and believe it” some tears start to roll down his cheeks.
“We don’t want these thoughts! It’s not fair that we have them!” Teylan sobbed and Suränu hugged him. “We didn’t think anyone would understand, and we didn’t want to worry anyone, so we just kept it all in” she started to develop tears.
It pained Okul to see them like this and to know they’ve been suffering this much, they immediately went to hug the two “I am so sorry you two thought you had no one to talk to”.
They two other na’vi were a little stunned but hugged them back and continued to cry. It went on like that for a few moments until they managed to calm down. The three were sitting next to each other as Okul still held them, Suränu was slightly leaning on them while Teylan rested his head on their shoulder.
“Listen you two, Mercer is gone, Harding is gone, and you managed to defeat them, and you both are really here, with me, this is real ok?” Suränu sniffled and whipped the tears from their eyes “we’ve handled so much, fighting the RDA, taking down bases, and even took down a valkyrie! But we can’t handle our own thoughts and fears?”.
“Look, sometimes our own thoughts can get the better of us and, we feel hopeless, but I assure you, you are stronger than them, and you can pull through this” Okul gently brushed their hand threw her hair.
“But how? Anything we do doesn’t work! What if we’re afraid forever?” Teylan whimpers “you won’t be, I promise you that, fear can’t last forever”.
The comforting and reassuring words from them were making the two feel better but they still were feeling doubt “…I know we can try, but…we also feel like we can’t” Suränu sighed “…and I know we can’t think that way or we won’t get better”.
“So…we’ll just take small steps to getting better, we’ll help each other” Teylan looked up at them “you’ll help us too right?” Okul nods with a reassuring smile “of course I will, if you need someone to talk to, or just be with, I’ll be there, no matter what”.
“Thank you, for this, for asking us what’s wrong, and listening to us, and comforting us” Suränu took their hand and squeezed it gently, and Okul squeezed hers back.
“You’re welcome, I just couldn’t let you both suffer like this”. Teylan took Okul’s hand and squeezed it too “it’s nice to have someone else to talk to..”.
Okul smiled down at him “no matter what, your both ok, your both alright”.
Tags: Background Relationships, Background Radiostatic, it’s there it's just not the main focus, Pre-Relationship, Personal Fic, Vent Fic, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Loss of a Pet, Vark hasn’t made an appearance in the official show and that had me thinking, Angst, Bittersweet Ending, basically I push all my emotions onto Vox and have Alastor deal with it, Shark Facts, Vox is autistic about sharks like me because I said so
Summary: Alastor decides to spend the night people watching and comes across Vox instead.
AN: So as of me posting this, in less than 24 hours I will be saying goodby to my cat. I got her at 6 months old and have had her in my life for 17 years and 11 months. And now it's time for me to say goodbye to her and I’ve known it was coming for months now. So I wrote this. I don’t know why, it just helped a little.
Read on AO3!
When Alastor decided to spend his night people watching, he preferred to go to various bars and dance clubs around the Pentagram. The itch to maim and kill would arise and he'd sneak off to follow his prey for the night, but occasionally when these moods hit him he simply preferred to sit and observe.
Tonight was one of those moods, the ravenous hunger that gnawed at him was sated for the evening and he was feeling rather…nostalgic might be too strong a word to describe the feeling, but it was the most fitting that came to mind. It would explain why he chose the establishment he did for this night. It was a familiar bar bordering Cannibal Town, and one he hasn't been to visit since…well, for quite some time.
The building was still the same as it had been for decades, with the same worn leather booths and easy going atmosphere very few bars offered in hell. When Alastor stepped through the front door, he could have believed for a moment that he was back in a simpler time; a time where he didn't feel the oppressive weight of a collar around his neck, when the shark-toothed smile of his picturebox didn't cause such an ache in his chest-
He immediately abandoned that line of thought, focusing on the now to ground himself again. There were a few updates here and there in the building that caused cracks in his nostalgic memories. The floors had clearly been replaced recently, the hardwood stain free with fewer cracks from wear and tear. The far wall had a new coat of paint, and new framed paintings to go with it. The register at the bar was modern and electronic, and there was even a TV at the corner of the bar.
Alastor did a double take, blinking owlishly for a few seconds before his face settled back into his trademark, unbothered smile. That was no regular TV.
Vox sat in the far corner of the bar top, eyes lidded and a soft frown on his screen. His right hand held his head up as he leaned listlessly against the counter, his left hand hovering over his glass of whiskey, pointer claw circling the rim idly. Now that he saw him, Alastor picked up the familiar feeling of static and electric frequencies that always announced the presence of the television. No doubt he had picked up on Alastor's presence as well.
A spark of glee went off in Alastor’s chest. A night teasing and provoking his old friend for attention was not how Alastor thought this night would go, but he wasn't about to complain. As he understood it, Vox rarely actually left Vee Tower these days, so buried by work and ingrained in his cameras and electronics as he was. To find him idling the night away in what was their hang out spot back in the day was a real treat indeed!
Paying no mind to the other patrons of the building-they didn't matter anymore, not when Vox was here-Alastor made his way to the empty spot next to where the television demon sat. He still hadn't looked up from the bar counter, and Alastor noticed his phone lying in front of him. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Silly picturebox, he always got so wrapped up in work he couldn't even relax properly. Well, a good verbal spar, possibly followed by a physical one, would do the shark wonders, he was sure. And if Alastor got to bask in his rival’s undivided attention in return, then that was his business.
“Vox, old pal! What a surprise!” His voice was cheerful and not entirely false. After seven years of not seeing the demon’s familiar shark grin, Alastor had been surprised at himself by how much he missed it. Not even the hurt from years before could dim the pleasant feeling that had flooded his veins when he walked through town and saw Vox taunting him on live television. It was exhilarating to have so much of the TV’s focus on him once again.
He couldn't wait for those red and blue eyes to look up at him - annoyed, surprised, angry, it didn't matter. As long as Vox was looking at him-
His words got no response. Alastor’s left eye twitched, his smile tightening at the corners as he pressed in closer to the media demon's personal space.
“Vox? Helloooo?” Still nothing. “You are being awfully rude, old friend. I suppose with all your upgrades, manners must have been lost somewhere along the way, hmm?” Static laced his voice, his only tell that the lack of attention was irritating him. He waited, bent over Vox's shoulder, eager for a response.
Finally he was given one. Vox’s shoulders rose and fell with a deep, weary sigh. His gaze still locked on his phone.
“Go away Alastor.” He rumbled. Well that simply wasn't going to happen. Vox still hadn't looked at him yet. With narrowed eyes Alastor peeked down at the phone, annoyed at whatever could have his picturebox so enamored.
His eyebrow raised in curiosity. It wasn't work that Vox was staring at, it was a picture. Or rather, pictures. The TV was clearly using wireless commands on his phone to flick between picture after picture saved to the device, all of them with the main center point being his beloved pet land shark.
“My, my, is that Vark? He's gotten rather big!” The radio demon commented. Even with his dislike for dogs, the land shark had been an exception to this rule, much like Vox has been an exception to every other rule Alastor had ever set for himself.
The shark demon's left hand stopped playing with his glass, slamming against the bar top as he finally-finally-looked at Alastor.
“Fuck off, Alastor. I'm not in the mood.” He growled. His massive teeth were bared in his direction, his left eye swirling in apparent irritation. And yet despite the outburst, Alastor could see that he wasn't truly angry.
With a clear up-close view of his screen, Alastor could see the stress on the demon's face, could see the lack of fire in his eyes when Alastor poked at his buttons. Eyes darting down, he took in the rest of the media mogul’s appearance. His bowtie was undone around his collar, vest slightly wrinkled, the sleeves of his undershirt unbuttoned and rolled up to his elbows.
He looked disheveled, stressed. Tired.
Very interesting.
“Now my old friend, what could have you so out of sorts on such a fine night? A less than perfect appearance in public? Very unlike you.” Alastor couldn't keep the purr from his voice. Vox always had a way of making his softer side bubble up to the surface…
Vox scoffed and rolled his eyes, taking a sip from his whiskey before looking back at his phone. As if Alastor hadn't even interrupted his apparent brooding. The flickers of irritation Alastor felt before were changing, morphing into discontent and genuine concern. This was very unlike the Vox he knew.
He sat on the empty stool beside Vox, pleased when the action got an irritated twitch from the demon's left hand. He wasn't able to ignore him completely it would seem. Alastor brought his elbows up to the bar top, lacing his fingers together and resting his chin on the link they made. Vox’s gaze darted towards him, his frown turning into a scowl very briefly before he flicked his attention back to the pictures of Vark.
“If I didn't know any better, I'd say something happened to darling Vark to get you into such a state.” He prodded, not all together unkind. Even with the years of animosity between them, there were unspoken rules to their interactions. Jabs and insults were superficial and shallow, about their work or preferred aesthetics. Meant to annoy and vex but not actually hurt. If something genuinely distressing has happened to Vark, Alastor would take great care to not use it as future ammo.
Vox glared at him, confusion clear in his gaze.
“What do you care? I'm surprised you even fucking remember his name…” Alastor blinked in response.
“My dear, why would I not remember him? I was there when you found the mongrel and insisted on keeping him!” Alastor’s brow furrowed in confusion, smile close lipped as he took in Vox’s words. How could Alastor not remember that night?
Vox had gone with him to one of Rosie's soirees. He had charmed many of the local cannibal residents with his quick wit and sharp smile. Alastor had been a confusing mix of pride at how much attention his dear friend had been receiving, and jealous that he hardly had a single moment of Vox's undivided attention the whole evening. It was when Susan had started fawning over the TV that Alastor had excused them both, his limit for the night reached. Alastor had walked Vox back to his apartment block, arm in arm, as the shark talked and talked, words as electric as the very power he controlled. He had been so giddy, asking Alastor in every way except words if he had done a good job that night, made a good impression on the community Alastor held so dear.
It was a tiny squeak from an alleyway that stopped the demon's excited chatter. Vox froze, stopping Alastor too due to their locked arms. Alastor had been certain it was just a random sinner, high out of their mind and possibly overdosing, not that he cared much. They would regenerate by morning, he had reminded Vox. But the silly tv had shaken his head, insisting it was something different. He had pulled away from Alastor and gone into the alley, and Alastor had ‘tsk’ed but followed, only to see Vox crouching over a box.
The look he had given Alastor then…wide eyes hopeful and pleading, clearly enamored by whatever he found, had made Alastor’s heart skip a beat and pound against his chest. He knew right then that it didn't matter what it was, if Vox said he wanted to keep it, Alastor wouldn't have the strength to dissuade him.
Vox had taken his blazer off and scooped the contents of the box up, wrapping it snug and tight. Curious despite himself, Alastor had stepped forward to see better, and was greeted with the most pathetic looking creature he could recall ever seeing in hell.
Vark had been a small pup, massive eyes swollen shut with infection as he wheezed in Vox's arms. His gills were scarred and battered and his body much too thin. Alastor could clearly remember the way his skeleton pressed against the confines of his filthy skin. (Vox had later explained, in great detail, that they weren't actually bones made of calcium, but rather cartilage. The only ‘real’ bone sharks had was their jaws and teeth. Alastor had been drinking his tea, trying not to let how smitten he felt in the moment show. Then Vox had said that shark's skin was actually made of the same stuff as his own teeth - dentine - and not actual skin, and Alastor had been so startled by the information he couldn't help but laugh.)
By the way Vox was cooing over the small creature wrapped like a burrito in his arms, Alastor correctly guessed that the demonic shark pup would be a permanent fixture of Vox's life moving forward.
“The pairs of wingtips I had to replace when that pup started teething…” Alastor sighed, rolling his eyes with fondness that he only let a select few, Vox being one of them, see. “Although he is much bigger now than back then. He used to barely be able to reach your knee when on his back legs!” He chuckled, signaling to the bartender with a wave of his hand.
Vox simply stared at him in surprise as he ordered his three fingers of rye. He still didn't say anything about what had him so upset, and the two of them sipped from their drinks in silence for a few minutes. Alastor was content to sit and wait till the tv finally spoke again. He didn't have to wait long.
“Why the fuck are you here Alastor? Why do you care why I'm here?” Vox glared at him, eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You fucking hate me.”
Alastor choked on his next sip, the burning alcohol getting stuck in the back of his throat as his mind scrambled. Quickly trying to save face, he covered his mouth with a hand, coughing and clearing his throat as discreetly and quickly as he could. Vox looked like he wanted to laugh for a moment, before the general malaise of his thoughts settled over him again. Alastor's voice still sounded a little choked when he spoke again.
“M-my dear-what-” He took a moment to compose himself again. “What ever gave you that impression?”
Vox looked at him like he grew a second head, indignant and offended.
“The fuck do you mean, ‘what gave me that impression’!? Alastor. We almost killed each other.” There was the familiar fire in his eyes. Alastor was glad to see it back.
“Oh please, the occasional brawl is nothing for us! An exhilarating battle to get the blood pumping.” He responded, his smile turning eager at the thought. Vox always looked so very pretty when upset…Not as pretty as when he was flustered and shy, to be certain, but Alastor hasn't had a chance to see those wonderful expressions in quite some time…
Vox looked at him with wide eyes, mouth open in shock like a gaping fish. It was rather cute.
“I asked you to join me.” Alastor opened his mouth to respond only for Vox to keep going. “Fuck Alastor, I was in love with you.” He closed his mouth with a sharp ‘click’, staring at the TV demon.
“You made it very clear you don't feel the same. You said ‘no’, and left. How else am I supposed to take that!?” Vox's voice was laced with static, his left eye swirling again as sparks shot between his antennae.
“Ah…I believe my dear friend…that there was a miscommunication.” Alastor watched as Vox's face went through a slew of emotions, many negative, before settling on confusion and hurt.
“...What?”
“My dear, I had to leave no matter what. A partnership was never an option for me at the time. I was under the impression I had made that clear.” His voice was soft, red eyes watching the tv next to him.
“I thought…the way you left, I thought it was because of-of how I felt-” Vox's voice was practically a whisper as he spoke. “I thought you hated me for it…”
Alastor felt his chest ache, realization of how Vox had felt during that time crashing into him hard, like a punch to the gut.
“Vox, my leaving and rejection of your partnership had nothing to do with emotions. Nor should it be taken as a declaration of how I felt towards you at the time. I…truly did not intend for my rejection to be so harsh that it could be taken in such a way.”
Vox looked away from him, setting his elbows on the bar top and cradling his screen in his claws. Alastor took another sip from his rye, giving the other a moment to compose himself.
It was only a few moments later that Alastor realized Vox was trembling. He placed his drink down, and subtly used his shadows to darken the corner of the room they were in. In the next few moments he was glad he had done so, as the first few tears fell from Vox’s screen. Alastor leaned in closer, his smile strained.
“Vox…?”
“What the fuck…” His voice was barely audible, the words spoken with a shuddering inhale of breath. Alastor felt something worm its way into his gut, slimy and viscous, choking him from the inside out. Vox crying was something he had only ever seen once before, and now with new context added to the situation, he could understand why his rejection all those years ago had caused them. He wasn't sure what about his words had caused them this time.
He laid a gentle hand on Vox's shoulder, and the other jumped at the feeling. Alastor pulled his hand away as if burned, shocked at the raw hurt and pain he saw on Vox's screen. The shark shuddered as more of his tears fell.
“I-I can't d-d-do this right now, Al-Alastor…I can't do this t-tonight-!” He hiccuped, and Alastor's own expression turned pained, smile strained and trying to pull down against the invisible stitches lining it.
“Vox…?” His voice was gentle as he called the other’s name. Vox's eyes darted down to his phone. Alastor followed his gaze before looking back at his face. Vox’s eyes were wide and glitching ever so slightly, fat blue tears leaking down his face in rivulets and collecting on the edge of his monitor before falling to the table.
“Do you th-think it's fucking-...fucking funny!? Is that why you're here now!?” Vox gave a humorless chuckle that choked into a quiet sob, burying his face in his hands. Any other sound he would have made was muffled, only the shaking of his shoulders revealing that he was still upset. Alastor’s eyes darted around the room quickly, looking to see if anyone had noticed the apparent breakdown happening next to him. Only the bartender met his gaze, simply raising an eyebrow and nodding towards Vox, then the bottles of booze lining the wall next to him. Alastor shook his head, Vox didn't need more alcohol clouding his judgment.
“My old friend, I'm afraid I don't entirely follow.” If he could frown, he would do so right now. “I would think clearing up this misunderstanding would be excellent news! Why are you so upset-?”
“Just-! Stop. S-stop talking, dammit…” The television's voice cracked with emotion, head still buried in his hands. Alastor felt truly lost. He was never very good at the ‘comforting others’ business, a power his mother had in spades that he never quite got the hang of himself. It hadn't ever been a problem in the past when it came to him and his picturebox; Vox was prone to anger over sadness when things in Hell became difficult, but on the occasions he was genuinely upset…Well, at the time all Alastor had to do was place his hand on the shark demon's back and that would be enough. Vox would be grounded by his touch and come back to him, tired but good as new.
Considering the revelation of the night, Alastor was pretty certain such touch would be unwelcome right now.
“...Fuck. You really have just-...the worst f-fucking timing, don't y-you.” Those wide, expressive eyes were back on him. Despite the fresh tear tracks, the ragged and heavy breathing, the pain in Vox’s face…Alastor still felt his insides grow warm and mushy at having all of Vox's attention on him still.
He wasn't sure how to respond to the other's words, so he took a sip of his drink instead.
Vox heaved a bone-deep, shuddering sigh, shaking his head gently. He took a slow sip of his own drink, and Alastor's eyes were glued to the motion of his throat as he swallowed. There was a lull between them, one that had Vox opening and closing his mouth several times. Just when Alastor thought the TV would speak, he'd stop himself, taking another sip of liquid courage as he thought.
Alastor sat and waited.
“Vark…” Vox took a deep breath, suddenly leaning backwards and scrubbing his hands over his face hard enough his screen distorted into rainbow pixels before clearing up. As if said hands were suddenly made of lead, Vox dropped them into his lap, eyes fixed on a point in the ceiling. He blinked once, twice…and more tears pooled at the corners of his eyes. The fat water droplets raced silently down the television's face. He didn't bother trying to wipe them away.
So Alastor reached a hand up and used his own thumb to do so. Vox startled, face snapping in Alastor's direction with shock written all over his expressive face. Concerned and confused as he was, Alastor couldn't help but file yet another pretty face Vox made into his memory to think about later. Out of all the crying faces the Radio Demon has seen in his long after life, Vox’s was by far the prettiest.
The TV sighed after a moment, eyes fluttering shut as he leaned further into Alastor's palm, his own hand coming up to grip at the deer demon's wrist.
“...Vark passed yesterday.” The words were muffled and quiet, so difficult to pick up Alastor’s ears twitched and strained just to catch the sound being whispered by his picturebox. He stiffened, back straightening when they finally registered.
“He…?”
“He was old.” Vox whispered. His lips pressed against the warm skin of Alastor's palm with every word. “He was tired, and in pain. He lived for so many years…” Another painful breath in, shoulders trembling as Vox tried to speak.
“I couldn't-...I couldn't watch him suffer anymore Al…I couldn't do it-'' A choked noise left him, a sound that came from deep in his chest. Alastor felt a pain in his chest, a sharp sting that made his brow furrow and his stomach ache. His strong, clever, independent picturebox…looking broken hearted and sad…
“My dear, I'm so sorry…” he whispered. It was all he could do. He kept his hand where it held Vox's face, moving his free hand to the demon's other cheek. Cradling his screen like it was the most delicate, fragile thing in all of hell.
Vox gave another quiet sob in response, head bowing as he leaned further into Alastor's space. The deer simply moved with him, adjusting his hold to let the television rest his screen on his chest, wrapping his arms tight around the others shoulders. Vox's own claws gripped the back of his coat, holding on like Alastor was the only thing grounding him to reality.
“H-he's gone-he's f-fucking gone and I d-don't…I fucking miss him so much Alastor…” Vox cried into his chest and Alastor bit his tongue to keep his own emotions in check. This was not the place for such honesty. No one else should have the privilege to see his shark demon so vulnerable. Without a second to waste his shadows curled over the two of them, melting and carrying them far away from prying eyes and ears.
Barstools were replaced with the soft cushion of a mattress under them, the sound of rowdy patrons and jazz melted away to the silence of Alastor’s room at the hotel. He felt Vox freeze where he held him, muscles tensing up as if to attack or run. When Alastor simply continued to hold him, Vox relaxed by slow degrees. His breathing still came in choked whimpers and restrained sobs. The only thing Alastor could think to do to help calm him was to reach a hand up and gently play with an antenna.
The television demon jumped in surprise, but he did not move away. Instead, he gripped Alastor tighter, cyan claws gripping him like he would be torn away any second. The deer let him without complaint, his own eyes slipping closed as he held his darling picturebox in a way he hadn’t in decades. Did Vox miss this as much as he did? Did those two colleagues of his give him the attention Alastor knew he craved? Abandonment issues were Vox’s biggest weak point; and now Alastor knew that his main support system, his beloved Vark, was no longer there for him.
Alastor realized suddenly that he would never get to see the pup again either, and bit his bottom lip at the sorrow that swept over him at the thought. He may not be very fond of pets himself, but Vark had still wiggled his adorable shark butt into Alastor’s tight group of things he cared about, and he would truly miss him. He decided Vox should know this.
“He was a truly sweet creature my friend. You always did your best for him, I know.”
Vox shuddered again at his words, a new wave of tears soaking through Alastor’s coat. He stamped down his immediate gut reaction of disgust. It would wash out. He could handle it. It was as he held Vox close and let the other calm down that he was struck with a sudden thought.
“When was the last time you ate, my friend?”
Vox coughed, pulling away from Alastor to wipe uselessly at his tear stained face. His multicolored eyes stared off to the side, and Alastor was struck again by how…small he looked. Like the lightest wind could blow him away. Vox gave a barely perceptible shrug to his question. Alastor huffed, pushing lightly at the TV’s chest to stand up from the bed.
“I shall make you something. Sit here.” Vox’s eyes went wide and his hand reached out; as if to grab Alastor and pull him back in and never let him go, to hold him close. The deer demon shushed him, encouraging the other to stay still. “I’ll be but a moment my darling. Take some time to calm yourself, maybe even clean up a little. The bathroom is right through there.” He gestured towards the red wall at the beginning of his room where a door innocently sat before the wall fell away to the endless bayou scenery of his hometown. He pulled his coat off and held it out, his shadow plucking it from his fingers to be washed and dried later.
Vox bit his bottom lip but nodded, pushing himself further back onto the bed to lay comfortably against Alastor’s own hardly used pillows. The sight was one he thought he’d never see again; Vox causally on his bed, in his room, surrounded by his presence and scent. It made a dark possessive part of him hiss in joy. He was careful to ignore it. Now was not the time, Vox needed to be allowed to grieve. He would stake a claim on the television another time when Vox was in a better mindset.
He gave his shadows a silent instruction to watch the shark demon while he was away. With a step towards the door of his room he melted into shadow and stepped back out into the hotel kitchen. He was thankful the late hour meant no one was there to disrupt him. He needed to be done with this fast, to get back to his picturebox for the night. With practiced ease he whipped something up, a pan seared slab of meat (not sinner, he was careful to make sure) with some simple sauteed veggies on the side. He didn’t need anything fancy, just something tasty to get into Vox’s stomach before the shark withered away to nothingness.
When he stepped back inside his own room, two plates of food steaming, Vox was sitting right where he left him. The TV was staring out into the vast openness of his bayou, mismatched eyes darting from firefly to firefly as they flickered. His own coat was off, folded neatly on the edge of the bed with his shoes on the floor. Alastor was pleased he felt no reservations about making himself comfortable. He didn't speak, letting the peaceful sound of water lapping against the floor settle over them both. Alastor used a shadow tendril to drag his arm chair closer to the bed.
Before sitting, he held out Vox's plate. The television looked at him, gaze hollow and…so tired. It made his heart twinge in his chest. He gently pushed the plate into Vox's lax hands and settled down to eat next to him. In silence he ate, trying his level best not to stare at his companion or force feed him the dinner cooling in his lap. His patience was rewarded.
Possibly encouraged by Alastor's eating, or perhaps he just couldn't ignore his body’s desire for sustenance any longer, Vox took his first slow bite. He chewed listlessly, eyes still fixed on the glowing fireflies hovering over swamp water. Every bite was still progress in Alastor's eyes.
“I don't…want to go back to that empty apartment…” His voice was so soft, so quiet Alastor questioned if he had even heard the other at first. He didn't draw attention to the fresh tears dripping down Vox's screen.
“Then do not. You may stay as long as you wish.” Alastor replied. He continued to eat, even as Vox put his own unfinished plate aside. Alastor had a shadow move it from the unstable surface of the bed to one of his dressers to deal with later. Vox simply laid back against the pillows once more, tears leaking from his face but nothing else. Perhaps he was too tired to cry any longer.
Alastor knew it wasn't going to be easy. Not for him, not for Vox. His picturebox wasn't going to be ‘okay’ for a while now. But as Vox’s screen finally powered down, Alastor found he was content with that.
Idk why but whenever I find that my ideas i wanna write in work perfectly with the past decisions I decided to made in the story? Oh my GOD the dopamine releases in my brain.
Me a few minutes ago: "Okay let's make Leon (YC) leave the church so that Leshy and Lamb can have a chat in private... actually, let's make him wait outside just because, i think its more in character for my headcanon of him"
Me just now: "ooh, maybe the Lamb could go and get Leon who's waiting outside so I can add him into the next scene so it's less bland anD I AM A GENIUS THIS IS GONNA TURN OUT SO GOOD BECAUSE OF THOSE TWO PARTS LINING UP AAAAA-"
Plot: You and Eddie are close friends, and have been for years. But, recently, Eddie seems to be becoming more distant, and you don't know why. After a close call with some creeps on the street, when Eddie comes to your rescue, you finally get the chance to ask him whats going on.
Pairing: Amy x Eddie Brock; She/her pronouns
Notes: This is a personalized fic for @apocalypseornaw for winning the first place prize in a recent Writing Challenge I held.
It is not a Reader Insert, but a insert for 'Amy'.
Warnings: Creepy guys being creepy and making suggestive comments, also following the 'reader'. Brief mentions of violence.
Words: 2k
-
You frowned as you read over Eddie's text again
'Sorry Amy, I can't make it tonight I'm busy with a job. Rain check?'
This was the third week in a row that Eddie couldn't make it to your weekly night out together. It had been your weekly tradition every since you met. Meet up at your favorite meet-up spot, talked, play pool, darts or cards. Sometimes you even stopped at an arcade on your way back to your house. It was your way of staying close, and letting off steam.
Staring at the text, you tapped reply.
'This is the third week in a row you've been working without taking a break. Are you sure everything is alright?'
After a few moments, a reply popped up on our screen. 'Everything is fine, I promise!'
You didn't believe him. He never did this, and he always told you about his jobs, but this one he seems to be keeping a secret. You felt a tightness in your gut.
'Alright. Well, if you change you mind, I'm gonna go to our spot anyways.'
You waited a moment for a reply. But when none came, you let out a soft sigh and set your phone down. You didn't understand what was happening. Eddie was seeming to disappear more often. You rarely saw him anymore. He'd barely reply to your texts. It was odd, and it hurt your feelings.
And no matter how much you tried to figure out what was going on, he was constantly evading the question. If only you could see Venom, talk to him for a moment, you knew he would tell you. But you think Eddie knew this too, hence why he was avoiding seeing you in person.
As you got dressed to go out, you checked your phone every few minutes to see if he replied. Every time you saw he hadn't you felt a little worse.
Eddie was your closest friend, and you had to admit, you sometimes caught yourself hoping he was more than that. But now, you really began to doubt whether that would ever happen.
- - - - - - -
Eddie let out a frustrated sigh as he tossed his phone onto his bed. He hated ignoring you, he hated not seeing you.
"Why are you doing this Eddie!?" Venom's voice rang out.
"You know why!" Eddie excused.
"Because you are a wimp who cannot admit his feelings?"
Eddie opened his mouth to defend himself, but paused. Letting out a sigh he nodded his head. "Yeah, actually."
"Then I will do it for you!"
"What? No!"
"Why not! At least one of us has the balls to do it!"
"Dude, shut up! Have you not thought about what might happen if Y/n doesn't feel the same? Our friendship would be over, then we would never see her again!"
"I could see her..."
"What?"
"I could go see her, it's you she would avoid."
"What makes you think she'd want to see you?"
"She would!"
"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that."
"You are hurting her Eddie."
"You don't think I know that?!"
"Then go see her! Tell her! What if she does feel the same?"
Eddie stopped and thought about it for a moment.
"At least you would know." Venom spoke with an uncharacteristically gentle tone.
"Alright, if, and I mean if, I go see her, you cannot do or say anything. You have to let me do it."
"Fine."
"Promise."
Venom growled a bit. "Fine. I promise."
"Alright." Eddie paced around his apartment for a moment.
"Eddie?"
"What?"
"You are going to be late."
Looking over at the clock Eddie felt his heart jolt. "Shit!" Running to put on his shoes, he tripped over his own feet, but quickly rushed his way out of his apartment.
- - - - - - -
Looking out o the window, you sighed as you paid your bill and rose to leave. You stayed a little longer than normal, hoping that Eddie would show up, but of course he didn't.
Walking outside, you let out a soft shiver as the cold wind hit you. Looking up, you saw no sign of any stars or the moon as the sky was crowded with dark clouds.
Looking around, you saw no signs of any taxis. Debating for a moment, you decided you would just walk back home. It's wasn't that far. As you made your way down the lamp-lit street, you saw a few shadowed figures ahead of you, leaning against the fence.
You felt your nerves kick in but continued to walk. As you kept your head down, you reached into your bag, placing your hand around your pepper spray. This walk was never frightening to you before, but you had always been with Eddie, and Venom. You were always safe.
Making your way past the two men, who were clearly eyeing you, you felt a sense of relief wash over you as they didn't speak. But after a moment, you heard footsteps behind you. Your hand tightened around your pepper spray as you heard a low whistle from one of the men.
"Hey beautiful, it's dangerous to go walking around here alone." He was clearly drunk, as his words were slurred.
"I'm fine, thanks." You called back without turning back to him. You quickened your pace a bit.
"Let me take you home, ey?" The other one said with a tone that sent shivers down your spine.
"No thanks, I'm fine." You replied.
"Hey, you can at least look us in the eyes when you talk to us!" the drunk one spoke, his voice raised.
You picked up your pace, and did not reply, hoping they would give up.
"I was talking to you!"
As you felt a hand grasp your shoulder, you gasped as you spun around, aiming your pepper spray at the man and spraying it. He yelled out as he stumbled back.
You watched as the other man began to run at you "Bitch!"
Before you could pepper spray him, you saw a long black tentacle wrap around his neck and yank him back. You watched as his body flew into the nearby alley and slammed against the dumpster, before he stood up and limped away. The other man, half blinded, ran away as well, stumbling down the street.
Seeing Eddie run up to you, you felt relief wash over you. He pulled you into a hug, and you let out a sigh. "Oh, thank God Eddie. Venom, thank you."
"Are you alright?"
You nodded and he shook his head.
"I'm sorry I'm late."
"Late? Eddie you told me you weren't coming at all."
"Yeah, yeah I know, I'm sorry. But I decided last minute that I couldn't stand you up again."
Feeling light rain being to sprinkle down on you, you scoffed. "So you've been standing me up? I thought you were working?"
You saw Eddies face change to regret. "No, no, I- that's not what I meant. Well, no, I wasn't working. Look, can we talk about this later? It's starting to rain."
You shook your head in disbelief as you turned and started making your way down the sidewalk.
'Nice one jack ass, you made her mad.' Venom hissed at Eddie.
"Oh shut up" He whispered to himself as he ran to catch up with you.
As the rain began to fall a little harder, your mind began to race as your heart was pounding. You felt anger rising in your chest, and unable to stop it, you turned to Eddie. "If you haven't been busy with work, why were you avoiding me? What's going on Eddie?"
Eddie let out a soft whimper as he motioned to the sidewalk, obviously wanting you to keep walking.
You stayed in the same place, not caring that you were getting wet as the rain poured down at a steady rate. Even as thunder echoed above you, you stood still, staring at him expectantly.
"Come on Amy, we should get to your apartment, I don't want you catching a cold."
Suddenly feeling Venom begin to take over, Eddies hand smacked him in the face. "Ow!" He gasped out.
You rose a brow. "Thank you Venom."
"Wha- Thank you? Seriously?"
You tilted your head a bit as you stared him down. "Tell me."
Looking around, Eddie let out an aggravated groan as he gently grabbed your shoulders and pushed you over to a small overhang outside of a building to get you out of the direct downpour.
"Okay, okay." Letting out a huff of air, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I haven't been busy with work, I have been avoiding you." He met your eyes and saw the obvious hurt, and felt his chest ache. "And I'm so sorry. I just-" He let out a soft sigh, unable to continue.
You stomped your foot lightly. "Come on Eddie! We've known each other for years. We've been so close until recently. What's happening that's causing you to do this. What is there that you can't tell me? Is it me? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, no, Amy, you didn't do anything. It's me, it's these...feelings I can't figure out what do do with." He lifted his arms up in a gesture of defeat.
You felt your heart pounding heavier in your chest as you almost felt breathless. "What feelings?"
He gestured to himself. "Mine, for you."
You stared at him for a moment, seeing he was slowly loosing confidence. Finally finding your voice you spoke, "Are you saying that, you have feeling, for me? Like, romantic, feelings?"
Eddie shrugged his head in a show of confirmation, while still obviously nervous.
"For how long?"
"Since just before I started avoiding you more."
"So you started distancing yourself, because, what? You didn't want to have feelings for me? You were scared? You didn't think I felt the same?"
"Yeah, all of the above. I mean, I wasn't gonna say anything 'cause I didn't want to ruin our friendship, ya' know."
You let out a incredulous laugh as you ran your hands over your face. As the rain started to pour a little harder, you spoke louder, to be heard. "Eddie, you didn't have to run away from it."
"I didn't?"
You let out a laugh. "No, because I do feel the same. I have for ages. And unlike you, I didn't start avoiding you because of it."
Eddie looked at you in shock for a moment. "You mean, yo'e been walking around, hanging out with me, feeling like this." He placed his hand on his chest. "Not knowing if I felt the same?"
You nodded your head. "Yeah. And it does hurt, but it hurts more when we're separate doesn't it?"
Eddie let out a soft sigh and nodded "Yeah. It was torture."
You stared at him with a soft amused smile and shook your head. "So, what now?"
Eddie smiled at you as he took a step closer to you. Reaching up, he moved a wet strand of hair from your face before he met your eyes. "Now, I'm gonna kiss you." He said softly.
You felt your smile widen at his comment. You felt your heart pounding in your chest as he inched forward. The suspense as he did so was aching in your body. But as his lips met yours, you felt all of it melt away as a seemingly electric feeling washed over you. As you leaned into the kiss, you felt certain this was mean to be.
As a loud crack of thunder crashed over head, you both jumped, causing you to break the kiss. You both let out a laugh as Eddie pulled you a bit closer and pulled out his phone. "I think we should get a taxi."
You nodded in amusement as the rain began to pour down heavier. Eddie pulled you close to him as he began to talk on the phone. You let out a soft breath as you leaned your head against his chest. You should be scared from the storm, still shaking from the run-in with the men. But as Eddie wrapped his arm around you, all you felt was safe, and happy.
xx End xx
I hope you liked it! <3
I know this is not a normal reader insert, but I'm adding your tags anyway, just in case you still want to read it.
General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @rexit-mo, @onuen
Notes: This is my very first piece here since I started writing again. This is 100000% self-indulgent and I just wanted to write some adorable fluff.
———————
"Ash! Ash! Where are you?" Jack yells. He can't find Aspyn anywhere.
“Jack! Psst. Jack!” Aspyn whispers and gestures for Jack to come over. She’s hiding behind a brick.
“Penny, what are we-”
“Shhh, look, Jack. Don’t scare it away.” Jack watches carefully as Aspyn’s mouse-like ears perk up. He turns to see what she’s looking at.
“Is that a…a squirrel? Oh, Ash.” Jack can’t help but roll his eyes and chuckle to himself.
“But, Jack, just look at it!”
She points to the squirrel sitting comfortably in the grass. It looks content and unbothered by their presence.
“At what? That bushy-ass tail?” Jack laughs a little before earning himself a tiny arm smack and an eye roll from Aspyn.
“No, silly. Just watch.”
Jack smiles at Aspyn and takes her hand in his, making her blush.
“But I’d rather look at you, sweetness.”
Aspyn blushes again. Jack has this way with words that always makes her heart flutter and a tiny smile creep up on her lips.
“Okay, let’s both look at it then.” They both watch with intrigue as the squirrel nibbles away at the nut it has in its little paws.
Aspyn smiles. “Jack, I wanna go pet it.”
Jack raises an eyebrow at her. “Pet it? Ash, that thing is bigger than you.”
“But it’s so fluffy looking, Jacky.”
Jack shakes his head and groans dramatically. “Please don’t call me Jacky. It’s embarrassing, love.”
Aspyn giggles. “Aww, but it’s cute. Like that squirrel over there.”
“Darling, please-“
“Okay, I won’t.” Aspyn relents. But the way Jack says ‘darling’ always makes her heart flutter.
Jack smiles at her too. “Come on, let’s go see if we can get it to come over.”
Jack looks around. “Maybe if we find an acorn or something else, we can get it to come over and you can pet it.” At that, Aspyn’s ears perk up with happiness.
“I’m so excited! The little animals are so different from the human beans.”
“True…except the human’s cat. That thing is huge. And those fangs too. I think we both have enough scars.” Jack gently cups Aspyn’s right cheek and strokes his thumb on her scar.
“Jack, that was years ago. And it was an accident. Another borrower got excited after finding an old sewing needle and I was too little to realize that playing with their sewing needle was a bad idea and I scratched my right eye and cheek. I’m lucky it wasn’t worse.”
Jack nods in agreement. Her scar doesn’t look anything like his Glasgow smile, but they both still experience pain from the memories. They both bring comfort to each other. He brings his lips to her forehead and kisses it gently.
“Now… about that squirrel. I say we find some acorns and lure it out.”
Jack grabs Aspyn’s hand and pulls her through the yard in front of the human’s house. “Grab as many acorns as you can, Penny.”
Aspyn starts grabbing acorns. Two, three, four. They spill out of her arms. She goes to pick them up.
“Um, Jack.” Aspyn’s voice sounds frightened.
“Asp- oh my gosh.” Jack turns around and sees the squirrel very close to Aspyn, who’s still crouching on the ground in an acorn pile.
“Jack, its teeth are bigger than I thought,” Aspyn whispers nervously.
Jack smiles and squeezes her hand, “It’s alright, I won’t let it hurt ya.”
Aspyn takes a deep breath and slowly reaches her hand out toward the squirrel.
“Easy, easy, Ash. Nice n’ slow, just like that. I got you.” Jack whispers from behind her.
The squirrel steps towards Aspyn and rubs its head against her palm. Aspyn smiles so brightly and laughs in excitement.
“Jack, look! It’s friendly. Aww, you’re so cute, Mr. Squirrel! What should I call him? Any ideas, Jack? The squirrel needs a name.”
Jack laughs, “How’s about Acorn since he just spent some time rolling around in that acorn pile over there.”
Aspyn laughs so hard she snorts. “Jackrabbit, that’s hilarious.” She turns towards the squirrel and gently pets his head. “Do you like that? Is Acorn a good name?” The squirrel chitters in response and Aspyn smiles. “Acorn, do you want to come home with Jack and I?” Acorn chitters again as Aspyn stands up with Jack’s help. He grabs her hand and leads her away with their new family member following behind them.
Aspyn smiles sweetly as the squirrel follows her. “You’re gonna love it, Acorn. The humans have this cozy house that we live under. We live under the floorboards, and there’s lots of entrances. Like in the kitchen, and behind the old clock, and another one outside that’s by the garden. That’s where we’re going. Come on!”
Jack and Acorn follow closely behind Aspyn through the human’s front yard next to the garden. Aspyn finds the grating in the wall behind the old brick pile - the entrance to their home - and crawls inside, Jack and Acorn close behind her. Once underneath the foundation of the human house, Aspyn turns towards their tiny borrower home - made from old wood, dresser drawers, and discarded items that they borrowed from the humans.
“Well, ah… home sweet home, ain’t it, Mäuschen.” Jack sighs contentedly and gives Aspyn a sly smile.
She smiles back. “Yes, Jackrabbit. C’mere, Acorn.” The squirrel comes over and Aspyn gives him a little head scratch.
“Oh, I see. So the squirrel gets all the loving.” Jack folds his arms and laughs.
Aspyn giggles. “C’mere, Jack.” Jack - who stands at 13.462 cm, rather tall for a borrower - bends down so that Aspyn - a resounding 12.2 cm, a shorter borrower - can reach to give him some head scratches. Jack purrs like a kitten as Aspyn’s fingers work from the top of his darker blond-brown curls to further down behind his ears.
“Oh, yeah, that’s the stuff. A little ta’ the left. Yeah, go~od.” Aspyn giggles and stands on her tip-toes to kiss Jack.
“I love you, Jack.” Aspyn wraps her arms around his middle and pulls Jack into a hug. Jack hugs her tightly.
“I, uh… I love you too, Aspyn.” Acorn chitters sleepily before laying down in a pile of leaves next to their front door, earning a laugh from Aspyn.
“I’m glad Acorn is settling in already. How about we go inside, Jack?”
“Sounds good to me.”
They both head inside, Aspyn hanging her cross-body purse on the coat rack - made from old nails and freshly borrowed toothpicks - and Jack heading towards the table.
“What did the other borrowers bring back today?” Jack asks curiously. Aspyn and Jack recently moved into this house with a few other borrowers looking for a home. The Clock family they were called. Aspyn had become good friends with a younger borrower named Arrietty Clock, although Aspyn called her ‘Ett’ sometimes. They had agreed to share the home with the Clocks, especially since this particular house had lots of rooms.
Aspyn starts looking around their tiny kitchen for something to eat.
“Umm, some sugar, I think. Some cookies and soap. I think some fresh herbs too, from the garden. A bay leaf, which Ett found. A human bean almost saw someone today. I hope Pod and Arrietty are careful. Poor Homily might panic again. And besides… This house is wonderful and I wouldn’t want us to move again so soon. We only just got settled.” The rules are that once a borrower is seen by a human, the borrowers must pack their things - only what they need to survive - and leave to find a new home. The human bean's curiosity cannot be stopped.
Just then, there was a rustling noise coming from outside the kitchen window. Jack stands up and heads toward the sound. “Wait here.”
“Oh…it’s just the human’s cat prowling around the yard. Nothing to worry about. Probably chasing a field mouse or something .”
Aspyn nervously fidgets with her thread bracelets around her wrists. She wasn’t like most borrowers. She resembles a tiny 4-inch human as all borrowers do. Except Aspyn was born with mouse ears and a tail: a hybrid borrower. None of the other borrowers knew why. Jack and the Clock family were the only ones who had taken her in and accepted her for who she is. Other, lesser borrowers had made cruel jokes that she was half-mouse or that she wasn’t a real borrower when she was younger. Aspyn smiled as she remembered who had defended her against those unkind words. Jack had always stood by her side.
Jack walks over to Aspyn and kisses her chestnut-colored hair. “You know… your braids look beautiful today, sweetheart.”
Aspyn chuckles softly. “Thanks, Jack.”
Jack affectionately presses his forehead to hers and closes his eyes. Aspyn smiles and closes her eyes after kissing him. They stay like this for about a minute or two, alone in the kitchen. It feels as though nothing can ruin their tender moment together.
Until they hear a crashing noise. Jack and Aspyn both turn to see Homily - Mrs. Clock - standing in the doorway looking panicked.
“Oh my, there’s- the beans cat. Outside. Running wild in the front yard. Oh, I hope Pod and Arrietty are alright out there. Pod promised me he wouldn’t let our daughter get eaten, or squashed like a bug. Arrietty’s great uncle was eaten by a frog. Oh, and her cousin Eggletina got eaten by a cat. Why is my first thought always that they got eaten by the cat? What’s wrong with me?”
Aspyn walks over to Homily and hugs her gently to reassure her. “I’m sure they’re alright, Mrs. Clock.”
“Oh Aspyn, dear. You can call me Homily.” She smiles softly.
Aspyn’s ears drop behind her mimicking her sad expression. “I’m sorry, I forgot.”
“Oh, it’s perfectly alright, dear. How was your day today? You and Jack find anything?”
Jack gently rubs Aspyn’s shoulder. “We found a squirrel. Penny insisted we bring it home. It’s beside the house sleeping in a leaf pile.”
“A squirrel? With that cat rampaging around outside? How on earth-“
Aspyn practically squeaks. “It shouldn’t bother us, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Homily smiles softly. “Oh, I’m not worried about that. I’m just wondering how it didn’t get hurt. The squirrel can stay around our house, I don’t mind that. I know you have a soft spot for those animals, Aspyn. Although I’ll never understand why you tried to bring in a bird that one time. Those birds can be so vicious.”
“The crows can, but not that sweet sparrow. She wouldn’t hurt a fly! Besides, I borrowed lots of birdseed that time. I don’t go near the crows.”
“Just make sure you stay away from owls at night, alright? Owls eat mice.”
“Um… I-I’m not…” Aspyn trails off and frowns.
Homily attempts to explain, “Oh, I know! Sweetie, I’m sorry. I just meant that, well… it’s very dark at night and difficult to see, and… owls might see you and think, well… you know.”
Aspyn sighs, ” I understand.”
~~~
Aspyn sits on her shared bed with Jack, hugging her knees and trying not to cry.
“Hey… Aspyn, darling, c’mere.” Jack gently pulls her towards him and hugs her tightly. “You know Mrs. Clock had no intention of hurting you, right?”
Aspyn hugs him back just as tightly. Her ears lower slightly as she tries to hold back a sniffle. “I know. It’s just… when others say that I look like a mouse - not in that cute, sweet, comfortable, endearing, perfect way that you do - but in that insulting way, it really hurts. It doesn’t make me blush like it does with you because I know that you are being kind. It makes me feel like crying when they do it. It’s like I’m little again, right back with those awful borrowers who used to treat me badly. I hear them calling me a rat, which made me cry since rats are very dangerous to borrowers and very scary too. Or I hear them telling me that I’d never be able to go borrowing with the adults. And as a child, I was always so excited thinking about what my first borrowing would be like.” Aspyn sighs and snuggles closer to Jack.
“I know, sweetheart. But you know that this family is different. And that she meant nothing like that towards you. Mrs. Clock was merely concerned for your safety. She knows you’re a borrower, and I know you’re a borrower. But a cat or an owl might not realize that at first. And if anything happened to you…” Jack always feels very protective of Aspyn, especially since she’s a little on the smaller side.
Aspyn smiles and kisses him. “You’re right. Thank you, Jackrabbit.”
Aspyn yawns sleepily.
Jack smiles and chuckles softly to himself. In his opinion, Aspyn always had the most adorable yawn. “Tired, Penny?”
Aspyn nods, “Mhm. What about you, Jackrabbit?”
“Uh-huh. It’s getting late anyway. How’s about we get some sleep? Hm?” Jack kisses Aspyn and cuddles her close. Aspyn nuzzles her face into the crook of his neck and hums contentedly. Even in sleep, they each provide the other with comfort. And with that, the two borrowers doze off together peacefully.
