.....i may have accidentally trained Stella to not eat her food unless i say its okay

Even if i'm not home

Oops.

Papa Bird

Summary: When Sam’s oldest daughter is chosen to represent her dojo in a state-wide taekwondo championship for her age group, she requests that her mother take her to the fight, leaving Sam home to take care of his youngest daughter

 Word Count:1871

 Square Filled: Next Generation Fic

 Pairings: Sam Wilson x Female Reader

 Warnings: Fluff, breaking objects, protective/ proud father

Written for @star-spangled-bingo

That morning, Sam was busy helping his wife prepare their daughter for her upcoming tournament. He was kind of sulking that Darlene wouldn’t let him come with her.

 “Remind me why I can’t go again...”

 “Daddy, I love you but sometimes you can be a little bit... extra. Remember when I won the finals?”

 “Can’t a father be proud of his daughter?”

 “You can be proud but you celebrated so loud, they had to escort you out the dojo... Oh! And remember when I lost that spelling bee final? You threatened to beat up the judge...”

 “Hey, you and I both know they were cheating,” he countered.

 “Daddy...”

 “Sam, you know your daughter has a point. Besides, it’ll give you a chance to spend some time with Amelia,” Y/N stated, pointing to the small girl who was happily enjoying her Cheerios. Sam smiled and kissed her head.

 “You wanna hang out with daddy today, kiddo?” Amelia nodded and offered him some of her Cheerios which he took making her give a cheeky grin.

  Sam couldn’t help but smile in return before helping Darlene get her stuff ready to go.

Once Amelia was done eating and the breakfast stuff had been cleaned up, Sam went to say goodbye to Darlene and his Y/N.

 “Say, bye, mama.”

 “Bye, mama,” Amelia cooed, opening and closing her small hand in a wave.

 “Bye, Darlene. You go out there and kick some major a-butt,” Sam caught himself before he swore in front of Amelia and after seeing the reproachful look from his wife. Darlene grinned at her father and got in the car.

 Sam watched with Amelia as they pulled out down the drive.

 “What do you want to do now, pumpkin?”

 “Red Wing?”

 “You wanna play with Red Wing? Okay, let’s go play with Red Wing...”

 A few moments later, Sam was controlling the drone while Amelia gleefully chased after it, squealing in delight. He got a little carried away and accidently knocked a vase from its perch and shattering on the floor as a quasi-violent reminder as to why he was not to use the drone inside the house. This time, Sam did let out an expletive.

 “I tell mama!”

 “No, no, no! Don’t tell your mother! Here, let’s get you a cookie. Do you want a cookie?”

 Sam ran to get a cookie for Amelia which bought him a few moments of silence as he cleaned up the broken fragments of the vase.

 “Okay, let’s go to the park instead. You wanna walk to the park?”

 “Yeah! Park!” Sam smiled at her and went to prepare her little outing bag.

...

 At the park, Sam watched Amelia run around playing and giving him a rest for a while.

 “Hey, man...” Sam looked up to see Clint standing there, coffee cup in one hand and Lucky’s leash in the other.

 “Hey, Clint. What are you doing here?”

 “Taking Lucky for a walk... and your missus wanted us to check on you,” Clint replied, getting his phone and showing Sam the group message and sitting next to him. Sam grumbled a bit.

 “She just wants to make sure you’re not driving yourself crazy... So, Darlene has a tournament today, huh?”

 “Yeah... I am so proud of that girl. She’s already got her red belt and almost up to her next...” Before Clint could respond, a shrill scream filled the air. The two heroes jumped to their feet in preparation for danger only to see Amelia tearing across the yard.

 “Doggy! Doggy, doggy, doggy!” Amelia was so excited to see Lucky.

 “Amelia, what do you say?”

 “I pat doggy? Pwease?” Amelia looked up at Clint with her big brown eyes and melting his heart.

 “Yeah, you can pat Lucky,” he smiled. Amelia threw her arms around the dog’s neck and snuggled him. Lucky licked her head in return.

 Clint let Lucky off his leash so he could go off to play with Amelia.

 “That girl’s gonna be the death of me,” Sam sighed and sat back down. Clint laughed and sat back down next to him.

 “Takes after you...”

 “I know and that’s the bit that scares me...”

 The two men continued talking and catching up when they were suddenly alerted Lucky’s frantic barking. They looked up to see Amelia had climbed up a high piece of playground equipment and was about to jump down to a lower platform. To the older and bigger kids, the jump may have not been so bad but to a child as small as Amelia, it could be disastrous.

 “Amelia! Get down from there right this instant!” Sam bellowed, getting up to stomp over to her.

 Amelia gave her father a sidewise glance before deciding she was going to make that jump anyway. Sam managed to get there in time just as her feet launched from the surface, catching her midair.

 “Again, again!” she cheered.

 “No, no more,” Sam breathed, walking back to Clint. “I think we’re going to go home for lunch. Besides, one of us needs a change of diaper.”

 “Not me! I big girl! I use potty!” Amelia stated as a matter of factly.

 “Right, just daddy then...” Clint laughed and called Lucky over to him.

 “Listen, you won’t tell her mother about that little incident, will you?”

 “Hey man, I won’t bring it up but if she asks, I’m not gonna lie,” he grinned.

 “Great thanks,” he grumbled. “Anyway, see you later.” Clint said goodbye and headed off as Sam packed up Amelia’s things.

 “Daddy mad?” Amelia asked her little lip stuck out in a pout.

 “No, daddy’s not mad. You scared daddy.”

 “I sowwy.”

 “It’s okay, baby girl. What do you want for lunch?”

 “PB ‘n J sammich?”

 “A peanut butter and jelly sandwich? I think that can be arranged.”

...

 After lunch, Sam put Amelia down for a nap which gave him the chance to complete a few chores without being interrupted by an enthusiastic three year old. He never thought he’d be suited to the quiet domestic lifestyle but he settled into it reasonable well. One thing Sam could never say was that it was dull. His daughters always kept him on his toes. When Darlene was Amelia’s age, she was just as mischievous and spirited. Sam wouldn’t trade his girls for the world.

 An hour had passed by the time Amelia woke up from her nap and wandered out into the living room and by now, Sam was watching some trashy day time TV.

 “Hey, Milly. Did you have a good sleep?” Amelia nodded, climbing up onto his lap and cuddling close to her father’s chest.

 “Daddy, I hungwy.”

 “You’re hungry? Let’s see what we can do about that. You want some... frog’s legs and wine? No? I thought all kids liked that stuff. How about some coffee and caviar? Not that either? What about...” Sam continued listing ridiculous food/ drink combinations that he knew a child wouldn’t eat as he made his way to the kitchen with her.

 “Cheese! I want cheese!” she blurted out before he could get out the next combo.

 “Oh, you want cheese... Should have guessed, huh? Let’s see if we have some,” he said, going to the pantry.

 “Hmm... well, it doesn’t look like we have any. Guess you’ll have to have broccoli and green tea after all.”

 “Daddy,” Amelia whined, pointing to the big bag of string cheese, her face visibly pained.

 “Look at that. We do have some after all. Guess you’ll want a juice box with that?” Sam laughed at the eager way she nodded her head.

 Once Amelia had finished her snack, Sam went back into the living room and changed the channel to the one that was locally streaming the tournament. Darlene’s division wasn’t yet up but it was coming soon. As he watched, Amelia got up and wobbled in front of the TV, ‘punching’ and ‘kicking’ like the big kids. Sam smiled and took a video of it to send to his family and friends later. He was sure that they were getting a little annoyed with the amount he could send in one day but he didn’t care. Sam loved each and every one of his girls’ achievements no matter how big or small.

 Finally, Darlene’s age group was up. Sam watched as she stepped up to the mat. From his seat at home, he was cheering her on as if he was there. Amelia cheered too, not entirely sure why but daddy was happy so it had to be good.

 Round after round Darlene won until it got to the last round. Darlene’s opponent was a girl much taller and bigger than her. Sam was on the edge of his seat as the match commenced. The girl was good but Darlene was better. It lasted a little longer than the others but in the end, Darlene won. Sam jumped up with a loud cheer.

 “Yes! She won! Darlene won!”

 “Yay!” Sam picked up Amelia and spun around with her. “Sissy won!”

 Sam felt his eyes tear up a bit as pride swelled in his chest. He quickly wiped them away and continued celebrating with Amelia. Sam couldn’t wait for Darlene to come home.

...

 Later that night, Sam had just given Amelia her bath and was putting her to bed when he heard the sounds of the front door.

 “I think mama and your big sister are finally home,” he smiled.

 “Yay!” Amelia ran to meet them, her little legs going as fast as they possibly carry her.

 Darlene scooped her up as soon she got close enough.

 “Hey there, baby sis!”

 “Sissy! Sissy! I saw’d you won! Watch me! Watch me!” Darlene put Amelia back on the ground so she could show her some of the ‘moves’ she had learned earlier in the day which included an attempt at a headstand for some reason.

 “Oh, wow! So good!”

 In the meantime, Y/N walked over to Sam, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and kissing him. Sam smiled against her lips.

 “Hey, handsome. Had a good day?” she smiled.

 “Pretty good. We went to the park this morning, came home for lunch, Amelia had her nap, then we watched Darlene kick some butt,” he grinned.

 “I see... you want to tell me why the vase in the hallway is no longer there?”

 “I would very much not like to...” Y/N could help but chuckle and shake her head. She looked over at the girls who were happily playing together.

 “We made some pretty awesome kids, Mr. Wilson,” she smiled.

 “We sure did, Mrs. Wilson,” he smiled back.

 For Sam, every day with his daughters was a new adventure as he watched them become the amazing people they were growing into. Sam loved every second of fatherhood and he couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow’s venture would bring.

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt.56

Lance had cleaned through his house twice, slightly panicked after Keith had called to say Coran was coming to speak to him in person. As far as he knew, he hadn’t done anything wrong. He’d kept his scheduled checkin calls with Coran, even secretly keeping a journal of his moods as Coran had asked. Sure, Coran sometimes came out for no reason other to than “to take a break from Platt”, he wasn’t stupid enough to believe that it wasn’t Coran checking in on him. So now that Coran was coming for some other reason, he’d cleaned every surface he could think of, changed the cat litter, cleaned up Kosmo’s morning puddle, baked a fresh tray of chocolate chip cookies, and had a small breakdown, all before 9am. Keith had said it was related to the feeling he had in the tunnels and that Coran would explain it all. His boyfriend doing a bang up job of making him worry instead of relieved to hear Keith’s voice. Curtis hadn’t been much company on the drive back, Lance suspected it was because he’d arranged to meet at Shiro at VOLTRON, only for his plans to fall through. It was kind of Hunk and Shay all over again, except Curtis was kind of half cursed and Shiro was... Shiro. The man had more moods than his phone had settings. If Shiro felt it was finally time to move on from Adam, then Lance would do everything he could to help the pair of them. He liked Curtis. He liked having someone else to talk to, even if all their conversations were slightly weird. Not that he’d ever replace Hunk or Pidge. Hunk just had other priorities now he and Shay were figuring things out, and Pidge was worried about him too much as it was. She didn’t always let it show, awkward about those kind of things. But she was more family than Luis and Veronica at this point.

Thinking of his siblings only added to his stress. Veronica and Luis had gotten into a small fight over him, with Veronica actually taking his side. If he’d wanted to hurt their Mami, he easily could have a hundred times over by now and she was sick of Luis being a busy body. It’d been years since he’d seen his sister and her two girls. But age had been kind to Veronica, barely a free hair visible. For a second Lance had wondered if she’d been turned, she was exactly how he last remembered her. Upset of his impromptu cleaning, Kosmo pawed at his leg. With no idea when to stop filling his face, his food now lived up on the bench with Blue’s. His precious daughter didn’t love having a brother, but he’d caught them snuggled together. Sure, Blue’s tail had been wagging and her expression one of “what the fuck is this thing?”, but gradually Kosmo was worming his way into her heart.

Picking up Kosmo, the puppy wagged his tail happily. He really didn’t like being alone. The first night Lance had tried to have him in his own doggy bed since Keith left, Kosmo had cried for hours, so Lance had moved him up to his bed. Waking to find a very large wet spot thanks to puppy pee. Thankfully he already had a waterproof mattress protector on his bed, thanks to his heats it was kind of necessity. Kissing Kosmo on the head, the puppy tried licking at his face, Lance tucking him up against him as he went about making tea to go with the cookies. He didn’t know why Coran couldn’t just call him. This waiting thing sucked. He wasn’t good at it. Not when it came to people he cared about.

Matt and Rieva were sent to clean up when they finally crawled out of bed. Matt grumbling over Lance disturbing their sleep. Flashing his teeth, his housemate backed off, Lance throwing his dramatic arse into the closet seat. He shouldn’t be freaking out. Coran had known him for years. He liked to think they’d long passed awkward house visits, but he was on edge as it was. He wanted to hurry up and be done with the tunnels, so Pidge could be excited about something else.

It was 10 o’clock when Shiro’s white sedan finally pulled up in front of his house. Rushing to the front door, he found Coran enthusiastically praising Shiro’s driving. Bounding past his feet, Kosmo klutzed up and fell down the front veranda steps with excitement, picking himself back up, his whole body was wagging as his little body bounded towards Shiro. Scooping up the excitable pup, Shiro was lucky he held Kosmo away from him as the puppy peed in excitement. Shiro grimacing, waiting until Kosmo was done before handing him off to Keith. Keith didn’t care about the pee as he cradled his fur son, smiling as Kosmo licked at every part of him that he could

“Hello, baby. I missed up”

Resisting the urge to gush over his boyfriend was easy when he felt sick to stomach over Coran. Coran’s enthusiasm turning to gushing over the puppy. If Coran was this cheerful then Lance was overreacting

“Hey, guys. Come on in”

Causal. He hoped he sounded casual. Shiro started towards the house, Coran and Keith much slower as they fussed over Kosmo

“Hey, Lance. How’s things?”

“Good. I’ve got fresh cookies and tea waiting”

Coran shot him a smile, yet Lance knew his attention was still focused on Kosmo

“Excellent, my boy. Sorry for the unplanned visit”

“It’s fine. Keith called ahead”

Keith paused on the front steps to kiss his cheek. Lance kind of disappointed it wasn’t a proper kiss, but happy he was there for whatever reason. Heading indoors, Lance led the group through the kitchen. Matt and Rieva had already started on the cookies, but seeing he’d made four dozen, there were still plenty left to go around. Sitting in his usual seat, he left his lap open for Keith, Keith instead sitting next to him. Coran being Coran went straight to pouring tea for everyone, as Shiro sat himself down at the opposite end of the table and next to Curtis.

When the tea was ready, Coran started passing out the cups

“I expect you’re somewhat confused what I’m doing here”

“A bit. I mean, it hasn’t been that long since I saw you”

“I know. I wouldn’t have come, but Keith mentioned you were heading back into the tunnels beneath Garrison and you had a negative reaction the first time”

Lance squirmed. Negative was putting it nicely. And Coran coming out over the tunnels seemed overly weird

“I told you about them before”

He had. He didn’t get why Coran was making a fuss now. Maybe he’d found something?

“That you did, but I’m afraid I have a bit of bad news. I thought perhaps offering assistance on this would help ease what I have to say”

“You know I hate it when you word it like that”

Coran set a cup of tea before him. Lance taking the cup in his hands to give himself something to focus on

“I do. There’s... a bit of an issue at headquarters. You know we service all vampires in the area. We have a new vampire in Platt. I don’t believe he’d be interested in you, yet it has been many years since I last saw him”

Lance couldn’t help the laughter that came from relief. The rest of the table staring at him like he was crazy

“You had me worried! If you want me to keep my distance you could have told me on the phone”

It wasn’t that funny. His laughter dying away within a few moments. He felt so much lighter for knowing, even if it did compound the fact he’d stupidly overreacted

“I know. I wanted to tell you seeing how things have been lately. It seems he may have picked up your scent. I’m quite confident he has no idea who you are, only that you’re quite unusual”

Lance sobered. That was one way of putting it. The other was saying he was basically catnip to vampires, which he was

“I get it. You told me I was going to have to live more carefully than ever before”

“I’m so glad you understand. I must admit I didn’t sleep well last night. I care quite a lot for you, my boy”

Lance nodded

“I know. You’re not being mean, you’re trying to protect me. It’s fine. Now, why are you asking about the tunnels”

Coran sat himself down beside Keith, nursing his cup of tea near his chest

“I’m concerned you may be more in-tune with death than ever. Can you describe what you felt?”

Lance sighed. He didn’t need to see ghosts any clearer than he already did... or didn’t

“Revolting. Like someone had filled the whole place with residue of death, and like... like I had confess all my sins. I wasn’t feeling that great before we headed in, but I definitely started feeling better again above ground”

Coran hummed, Matt stopping munching long enough to ask

“Should we be worried? I know Lance was in the mine shaft tunnels, but if he’s feeling ill from the town ones, does that mean something’s down there that could hurt Pidge?”

“I’m not sure. A creature down there for that long would have long gone mad. I felt it best I give it a quick check, before you and your friends make the trip down”

Coran must have really been on edge thanks to this new vampire. He didn’t need to come make the precheck on Lance’s activities, still, he had. Lance wondered if Coran was feeling overly cautious and fearful for his safety because he knew this new vampire was bad news, or if it was related to him being a breeder and the vampire being new to town

“It didn’t feel like something living. There was much pain and regret. It was like... I don’t know. I wanted to go church the moment I came back up again”

Lance closed his eyes, trying to block the feelings of the tunnels rising inside him

“That concerns me. Let’s enjoy our spot of tea and be in our way over”

*

Lance drove Keith, Matt, and Rieva to the pub. Matt was excited over seeing the tunnels ahead of the weekend, Rieva annoyed their morning had been interrupted by something so trivial, and Keith kept casting him sideways glances because Lance has suggested maybe he and Shiro stay home at the last moment. Lance unable to share any enthusiasm Matt had. He’d been left cold and clammy at the mere thought. Pulling into the first parking back closest to the pub, he most definitely didn’t want to go in there.

Keith and Lance hung back as the group, now led by Coran, headed into the pub. Brushing shoulders was the most intimate they could be, but Lance was struggling not to hold Keith’s hand

“Babe?”

Of course Keith wanted to talk

“I’m fine... I’m a bit edgy”

“I can see that. If you don’t want to go down there, Coran will understand”

To have the luxury not to go would be nice

“No. I have to. Coran could be in danger, plus he probably wants to observe the effects of the tunnel”

“If everything goes smoothly, why don’t we have lunch here? We can send the others back ahead to your place”

“That’d be nice, but I don’t think I’ll be much company”

“I don’t mind. Or we could leave them here and head back to yours”

“Mmm. That sounds better. No offence”

“None taken. I’m sorry I freaked you out”

“Some warning would have been nice, but it is what it is. I really don’t want to do this. I was still psyching myself up for the weekend”

“I would have come, if I could have”

Lance felt a tiny bit better about that. He wanted to head home and cuddle with Keith, not be forced to adult

“I know. Can you answer something for me. Is Coran worried because I’m a breeder or is this new vampire dangerous. I totally get if you can’t and all...”

“He’s up to something. He used to be friends with Allura”

“The fact he used to be friends isn’t making me feel better. Allura is practically one of the nicest people I know”

“I can’t say much... but I don’t like him”

That was so Keith. His boyfriend had walls a mile thick. Not quick to trust but when he did, he was the kind of man who’d do anything for the people he cared about

“Okay. I’m sorry for asking about work”

“It’s fine if it’s you. We better join the others”

Coran was already talking to the publican. The poor man opened at 10:30 and now they were ruining his day already. He didn’t seem happy to see Keith and Lance, not that Lance could blame him. Pidge could be a tyrant at negotiating for what she wanted, and he had a business to run. The man didn’t have time to deal with paranormal investigators.

Coran pulled some kind of Jedi mind trick, getting them access without fighting or yelling. As they headed downstairs, Lance’s hand slipped into Keith’s, Keith squeezing firmly

“It’s okay, babe. I’m right here. A quick in and out and then we’ll be headed home”

Leaning into his boyfriend, Keith nuzzled into him, kissing the spot on his hairline . Lance wishing the kiss was enough to force the sick feeling from his body. It was already taking everything he had no to throw up on his feet. Talk about psychosomatic symptoms right there

“Yeah. I know... I hope Coran lets you stay the afternoon”

Keith probably had to go straight back to work. Lance didn’t want to interrupt him working, but he was pathetically addicted to Keith’s cuddles

“So do I... but we probably have to go back to work. We’re in the middle of investigating this shitty club”

“Let me guess, it’s shitty because you can’t drink?”

“That’s part of it. There were pets”

Lance wrinkled his nose. Keith was probably more used to seeing pets than he was, but that didn’t make it any more tasteful. The thought of collaring Keith stroked his ego, as much as it hurt his heart to think of a caged Keith. Keith with his freedom and sense of self worth was the Keith he wanted. Obedient Keith would be too freaking weird... Nope. He wanted his anger loaf as his partner not his pet

“If I ever make you feel like I pet, I hope you punch me in the dick for it”

“I will. You ready?”

“As ready as I’ll never be”

Letting them through to tunnels, Lance felt ill immediately, covering his mouth with his hand as Coran examined ahead. Shiro was using the light of his phone to guide him, Curtis and Keith. Following Coran for a good 5 minutes of torturous silence, Coran finally came to a stop

“How do you feel?”

Like there was an itch under his skin and he really shouldn’t be there. Like whatever lingered wanted him gone

“Not great”

“I’m going to try something. Let me know if you can see it”

Coran placed his hand on the wall, blue lines radiated outwards like spiderwebs. Lance reasoned in awe that this had to be what magic looked like. Coran trigging it with his own. The feeling of death now so heavily pushing against him that his shoulders hunched. His head felt ready to split in two, as his fangs lengthened. Behind him, Shiro started to call out as a savage snarl filled the space, half turning, he found himself eyeing Matt, who Rieva was trying to hold back both her boyfriend and her own transformation, her eyes already yellowing as wrapped her arms around Matt in a losing battle

“Keith, look out!”

Acting on instinct, Lance shoved Keith aside, his body acting as shield for Coran. Sharps claws tore through his jacket and shirt like a knife through warm butter. Screaming in pain, Matt’s teeth sank deeply into his shoulder, his weight driving Lance to his knees as something snapped. Blood filled the air, Lance fighting to stay conscious

“Get out of here! Move, now!”

Grabbing Keith by the arm, Coran pulled him to stand behind him. Shiro already helping Curtis towards the way out. Falling under Matt, Lance twisted, driving his hand up to smack under the wolf’s jaw. His right arm looked nasty, the blow only stopping Matt for a moment before his claws were tearing into Lance’s chest. Coran was saying something, saying something then grabbing Matt around the neck. When Matt went to snap at Coran, Lance’s left arm round its way into Matt’s mouth by accident as he was trying to grab the wolf by his bottom jaw. For a moment, Matt’s eyes glowed yellow, before his wolf form was slumping over Lance. Everything was happening too fast. Lance couldn’t keep up. Dimly he heard Keith calling his name, followed by a voice he definitely didn’t want to hear... then there was nothing.

Human Again || Cassie, Iann, & Miguel

Addie stretches her baby witch magic and fixes her uncle. 

@ianncardero, @cassiegermaine

Iann ended up staying the night at Miguel's, since the Inn was pretty quiet right now and Freddie was there to look after it. Which wasn't bad; he just roved through Miguel's kitchen, ate his food, used his shower, wore his clothes. Let the dogs follow around as they pleased. But sleep didn't come easily. Whenever Iann drifted, images of a giant golden xolo-esque dog invaded his dreams. And since Iann hardly ever remembered his dreams, he startled awake every single time. "Dammit..." Iann said, shifting and grumbling before drifting again. The golden dog loomed around the edges of his semi-lucid mind - but it was washed over by bright energetic pink, and the scent of strawberries and then -- "Addie. Miguel - we should - we should go see Addie, huh? What time is it..." Iann looked at his watch, then got up. "Seven am? Good enough. Let's go pick up coffee and a hot chocolate for Pegs and then head over there."

Miguel hadn’t slept well either. Maybe it was just the fact that he was a dog. But everything was loud. Everything smelled too much. The word was harsh and sharp against him and he couldn’t block it out. When Iann woke up he got up easily and followed after him. Molly curled up in her bed. It didn’t seem like she would be joining them. The van was becoming all to familiar to Miguel’s dog body. And he settled in easily for the ride.

Iann stopped first at the coffee shop on the way; and given the time of day and the look on Iann's face, the barista knew his order by heart - large coffee and an extra-large hot cocoa with whip and chocolate curls. He gave Miguel a pat on the head, then said sorry for petting his brother, and got them to Cassie's place. Iann texted her first - [TXT] HEY I'm outside your place. Me and Miguel. He's a dog. Open up. - and then hopped up the stoop and waited for Cassie to open the door. Ringing the doorbell or knocking might wake Addie up, and he didn't want to off the kid's schedule.

Cassie was up anyways, because much to her dismay the toddler was an early riser. But it was still weird to be getting a buzz from her phone this early in the morning. When Cassie saw it was from Iann, she frowned deeply, wondering if she’d forgotten something they planned together. It didn’t exactly seem like it. Cassie rubbed her eyes, still in her pajamas when she opened the door. She peeked out seeing Iann standing right there, Cassie startled back a step, “Oh Jesus. What’s going on? I know about Miguel being a dog. Did you find something out?” Her gaze drifted and she pointed, eyebrow raising slightly, “Hot chocolate?”

"Oh right. And here he is," Iann said, presenting Miguel and letting the dog-brother trot inside. "I have an idea. Well I had a dream, but I don't really remember the dream anymore or why I felt the need to come over here..." He handed the hot chocolate to Cassie as he shrugged off his jacket, taking himself into her living room. "...but it occurred to me that maybe - like because you're a wolf, right? And sometimes wolves can communicate with like fairy familiars and the like. I figured maybe if you turned into a wolf, you could talk with Miguel, hm? Although I'm not sure if Miguel has anything any more figured out than I do..." Iann scratched at his chin, unsure where he was going with this. "Addie around?"

Cassie frowned slightly as Iann started to ramble on about a dream. She was having trouble following this particular train of thought, but she let him and Miguel inside anyways. When Iann explained part of the plan Cassie winced slightly, “I mean, I guess I could do that.” It was just so…early. “But who’s to say it’d work? It’s not like I understand the dogs or anything.” Iann made it sound easy, for god sakes. She sighed and gave a quick shrug looking down somewhat guiltily at Miguel, “We can try.” When Iann inquired about Addie she motioned, “She’s in the kitchen, eating cream of wheat. I’ll be amazed if she didn’t dump it all over the floor. In the two minutes I stepped away.”

It was early, Cassie was right. And Iann hadn't gotten a lot of sleep last night, so he was a little discombobulated himself. He drank some more of his coffee, listening to Cassie cast her typical doubt - but for once in this case, Iann agreed with her. "I suppose that's true..." Iann said, in grudging but truthful agreement. He shook his head. "Well, let's go say good morning to Addie then, she's already awake huh? Besides, I have her hope chest in my van still. I'm pretty sure this curse on Miguel was the last of its tricks....you think it's okay for me to give it back to her?" Iann blinked and snapped his fingers. "Hey! Is that cat familiar around? Maybe it can take a look at the hope chest, you know. One final spot check."

Cassie frowned slightly as Iann started to ramble on about a dream. She was having trouble following this particular train of thought, but she let him and Miguel inside anyways. When Iann explained part of the plan Cassie winced slightly, “I mean, I guess I could do that.” It was just so…early. “But who’s to say it’d work? It’s not like I understand the dogs or anything.” Iann made it sound easy, for god sakes. She sighed and gave a quick shrug looking down somewhat guiltily at Miguel, “We can try.” When Iann inquired about Addie she motioned, “She’s in the kitchen, eating cream of wheat. I’ll be amazed if she didn’t dump it all over the floor. In the two minutes I stepped away.”

Miguel thought about that for a moment. Maybe Cassie would be able to understand him as a wolf, maybe not. He was surprised that he has been able to communicate with the selfie. Wolves seemed easier than seals. But maybe just being in the same room was enough in a way. He didn’t think she would get much more by changing shape, not if she could read his body language with the attuned eye of a canid. He was tired and nervous and he wanted to be a biped again.

“This is the safest place for the chest at this point I’d say.” Cassie agreed, a sort of roundabout way of telling Iann to bring it back in from his van at somepoint. “You really think it was a just a one time trick? I think its better Miguel stays away from the chest from now on, don’t you?” That was really more rhetorical as Cassie headed back into the kitchen. The floor was clean, but the baby was not, and Cassie’s expression only fell slightly when she picked up a towel to start wiping away the smears of breakfast. “I don’t know about the cat. Maybe in Addie’s room? Addie where’s your kitty?”

Iann left Cassie and Miguel in the kitchen, heading to the van and returning with the hope chest. But he caught Cassie's last comment about Miguel staying away from the chest. "I think it's fine, I mean. So long as he doesn't try to touch it again, hm?" But as Iann put the chest down on the kitchen table, he watched Addie's face light up in delight. She wanted to touch it, it seemed, like she instantly recognized that it needed to be with her. And that was when it hit Iann - the dream, and the selkie's words: you must go back to the source. "Waitaminute. Ay dios mio, the solution's been here all along. It wasn't Melena, she wasn't the source of this magic. It's - well I hate to break it to you guys, but I think the source of the curse? Is Addie. I don't think she did it on purpose, but...I think she's maintaining it. That's why it hasn't broken yet, even though Melena's long dead. It's because of Addie's magic."

Miguel wagged his tail and stood close to where Addie was in her high chair. He loved his little niece and he wouldn’t even be surprised if she’s could fix this. Maybe he would be a little surprised. She was strong at magic but bad at directing it sometimes. Turning him back into a witch would be harder than levitating a cookie in any case.

While Iann was out retrieving the chest, Cassie finished up cleaning and kept simple albeit mostly one sided conversation going between her, Addie, and Miguel. The toddler’s eagerness over the hope chest, mostly unsurprising to Cassie. After all, the little red head had always happily claimed it as hers. Cassie’s brows furrowed in something like offence though as a new thought process came across Iann’s working mind. “What are you-“ She was about to start scolding him, shifting the blame on Addie, but then he explained better in his slightly delayed ‘Iann’ way. Cassie looked curiously between Addie and the Xolo dog. She hoisted the girl out of the high chair and placed her on the floor. “How about you go say hello to your Tio okay?” And Addie seemed to understand something, because she went right over to dog!Miguel and started patting his ears, laughing softly.

Miguel leaned into Addie’s pats. He could feel her magic. Which was different and refreshing than the rest of his time as a dog. He looked at Addie with sad eyes and tried to convey to her the big job that he needed her to do.

Iann watched with wide eyes, glancing at Cassie with a 'will this work?' look. Addie seemed to inherently recognize Miguel though, showing no fear as she toddled over and pet the witch. "Say Addie, this is Tio Miguel. He's very sad as a doggie. He wants to be grown up again...." Taking the hope chest, Iann gingerly placed it on the floor between the dog and the baby. "We want Tio Miguel, hm? We all want Tio Miguel. Go Adelita, let's see Tio Miguel!"

Addie glanced between Iann and Cassie as they encouraged her. Her attention wavering back and forth much like a toddlers would. She muttered ‘Tio’ a few times, still petting the dog with one hand and trying to pry the chest open with her other, but the girls had coordination still wasn’t the best yet. Cassie took a deep breath trying to think of another way to get across what they needed from the little girl. “Addie, we have to find Tio-“ She covered her eyes and quickly removed her hands so Addie could see her again, “Where is he?” Addie blinked largely before laughing again and clapping her hands, “Here! Here Tio!”

Addie laughed and hugged her tio after she clapped, still laughing a little. She thunked her forehead into Miguel’s and the magic danced between them. In a moment he was on his knees. “Oh thank god.” He pulled his niece, the best niece ever, into a hug and felt reprieve at the feeling of his own magic, and the magic sense that flowed between them. Addie was a light in a dark place and holding the little witch calmed him down. “You did great brujita.”

It happened so fast, Iann felt like he blinked and missed it. But then that was tied to the nature of Addie's infant, uncontrolled powers - that raw energy in the babywitch that just made things...happen. She was like the genie from I Dream of Genie. And when Miguel actually spoke, though, Iann gave an un-ironic bark of triumph. He looked over at Cassie with huge eyes. "She did it. She did it, Miguel - how do you feel? Lemme take a look - " Iann said, ungracefully descending to his knees on the kitchen floor, to look poke at his brother. Look into his big dark eyes (Iann only realized then how much the dog-Miguel's eyes looked as warm and soft as the human-Miguel), check his pulse, etc - ironic considering Miguel was the doctor. "Still craving milkbones and the urge to lick your own butt?"

One moment Miguel was a dog, and then he wasn’t. Cassie blinked, staring between him and Addie for a few moments before she scoffed at Iann’s own probing questions. She waved Addie back over to her, lifting the girl into her arms and looking her over. “Good job baby. You’re so smart.” She wished she could ask the toddler how she managed it. But it had to be some sort of instinct or natural inclination. Either way Cassie was impressed, pleased, and just the slightest bit jealous. She turned back to Miguel, “You’re ok? What was that like? I mean, she just changed you, simple as that.”

Miguel let Addie go, looking a little sad as he did. And then he stumbled to his feet, one hand on Iann's shoulder to keep his balance. "I don't know. I couldn't feel magic the same way as a dog. I could feel a little of Addie's, maybe because it was the same magic that was upkeeping the spell..." He shook his head and got a little dizzy from the movement. The after taste of the curse was odd and clung to him in a bitter way, like dandelion leaves.

"She's tied to Melena's magic...in fact she's literally the only connection to that old bat's magic - no offense Pegs - and I don't know why I didn't think of it before. That she could break the curse," Iann chided himself, although why would he think of Addie. She was a baby. And even though he knew she had spurts of reactive magic, breaking a curse was far more complicated and advanced than moving cake. But every magical act had a cost. And maybe it was easier for a baby to work with an already established spell? Who knew. For now, Iann just held onto Miguel, dusting the smaller man off. "You want something? Water? Something delicious for a human palette?"

“No offense taken.” Cassie said flatly, except now she had other worries. The curse was connected to Addie. So that meant she’d never technically broken it? Cassie didn’t think it was over just because the toddler turned her Uncle from a dog back into a human. That was too easy, and if Melena’s tricks proved anything it was that they were irrational and multifaceted. Cassie chewed her lip, trying to push the thoughts away at the moment, “I can make breakfast.” Cassie offered. “If you’re hungry.”

Miguel made his way to the kitchen counter so he could lean on something a little sturdier. "I don't think I should put anything in my stomach yet," he said softly. "Thank you though, Cassie."

"Just siddown before you fall down," Iann said, hauling over one of Cassie's kitchen chairs and plonking Miguel in it. He leaned against the counter then, arms folded. "I'll take some coffee," he said hopefully to Cassie. "My coffee got cold. Then I might as well get Miguel home, I'm sure his dog wants to see him."

“Sure.” Cassie said grabbing Iann’s travel mug and filling it with hot coffee from the pot on the stove. She’d already made some, but Iann arrived with the hot chocolate before she could pour her own cup. “Well, welcome back.” She smiled softly at Miguel, and her gaze shifted back to Iann, “I’ll return the hot chocolate mug later today. Are you gonna keep an eye on Miguel for a while?”

"Thanks," Iann said to Cassie, and then raised a questioning eyebrow at Miguel. "I dunno. Am I?" he asked his brother.

Miguel shrugged a little. He didn't think he needed watching. "I think I'll be fine after a nap, just get me home."

Medli: So exciting! What a great idea, Tails, to expand our dessert line to our own dog biscuit business!

Toon Zelda: Ok, Tails. Ready to be part of our “Berry Best Biscuit” assembly line?

Tails: :knods:

Medli: After I decorate the biscuits with doggie-friendly icing, you wait for the icing to set, I say, a couple of minutes, then wrap each biscuit in a piece of the pink cellophane and tie on a ribbon. These are already set.

Tails: :slurps: I’m on it!

(Oven Dings)

Toon Zelda: Great! ‘Cause here we go! Another batch is done!

Tails: :does how Medli told him, then sets it down, and then does it with the rest:

Medli: If you find any that are broken or messy, just toss ‘em in the discard box. These’ll be for the pups of Berry Bitty City. Won’t they be pleased?

Toon Zelda: This one’s going all the way to Berry Far Flung Township. They ordered six boxes!

Tails: You know, these don’t really look like dog biscuits.

Toon Zelda: They don’t?

Tails: No. They really look more like cookies.

Toon Zelda: (giggling) I see! Yeah, they do look pretty delicious, don’t they?

Tails: Like iced-sugar cookies.

Toon Zelda: Well, there isn’t any reason we couldn’t eat them. They’re made from all natural, people-friendly ingredients. But they just look sweet. They are really more, savory flavored. That’s what dogs like.

Tails: Savory? Yum!

Medli: Toon Zelda means, like, the pretty icing doesn’t have any sugar in it. It’s sweet potato-flavored, dog-friendly, of course.

Tails: Sweep potato-flavored? Yum! (sniffling)

(The bell tinkles)

Tails: :try’s to eat the whole thing:

Baby: Ya-ha! :laughs crazy: Ew, gross! I saw what you did!

Medli: What?

Baby: He ate a dog biscuit! Tails ate a dog biscuit! (x2) :laughs:

Tails: (Nuh uh!)

Toon Zelda: Nothing wrong with that, Baby. They have the same ingredients as a sweet potato cracker. Medli and I taste-tested them. Why don’t you try one?

Baby: Ew! No way. I’m not a four-legged creature who eats off the floor and wags it’s tail! :starts acting like a dog: Like some people we know! :laughs:

Toon Zelda: (clears throat) These are ready to go to the post office, Baby. I think you went too far with your teasing. Why not apologize to Tails?

Baby: (sighing) Oh, Señorita Sensitive! Sorry, Tails! I was just kidding! (laughing)

{At Twilight’s house}

Fluttershy: Did you really think Madame Key Jeffy could’ve done it?

Baby: I wouldn’t cross Madame Key Jeffy off your list of suspects, if I were you girls!

Twilight: Baby!

(Door opens)

Tails: Hi, gals! Toon Zelda’s homemade Tripleberry muffins! And spiced hot cider.

Medli: Yum! That’s so sweet of Toon Zelda to send those over, and for you to bring them, Tails.

Tails: How’s the book?

Medli: Great!

Fluttershy: Suspenseful!

Twilight: Predictable.

Tails: Can I pour you some nice hot-

Baby: :starts acting like a dog again:

Rainbow Dash: Baby, are you turning into a werewolf?

Baby: :a little more, then stops: Didn’t you gals know Tails eats dog biscuits? :laughs: Yep! I saw him this very morning chowing down on... Yeah, dog food :laughs at Tails:

Medli: He only tried one of our sweet potato doggie biscuits.

Baby: :laughs so hard: Told ya!

Twilight: Baby! Be nice, or you can be excused from Book Club! Politeness is another one of our rules you seem to have forgotten!

Baby: Oh, come on! I was just fooling around! You gals are so stern! :sighs: Sorry, Tails.

Tails: :sets them both down, then slams door:

{The Next Day}

Tails: :plays arpeggios:

Rainbow Dash: That’s coming along nicely, Tails. Once more, please.

Tails: :continues playing, but then plays wrong note:

Rainbow Dash: That’s ok. Try and relax. Hi, Baby! Can we help you?

Baby: :acts like a dog yet again, then laughs:

Rainbow Dash: Baby, stop your teasing! Can’t you see we’re having a lesson?

Baby: SO-RRY! Just kidding!

Tails: :groans: That’s the last power!

Rainbow Dash: You mean the last straw?

Tails: Uh, yeah. Sorry. On FNAF SL Island, they say “Last Power”. But straw, power, whatever! It’s on now!

Rainbow Dash: Tails, where are you going? You were doing so well with your arpeggios!

Tails: My arpeggios can wait! In the Berry Big Outback, when someone insults you three times, you’re required to defend your honor!

Rainbow Dash: Uh, I’m not sure what is required in FNAF SL City, but I don’t think it’s that!

{At The Salon}

Tails: :giggles:

Baby: Fluttershy, I really like the new shampoo you’re using. Smells great.

Fluttershy: New? This is the same shampoo I’ve been using for weeks. :sniffs: Hmm, That doesn’t make sense! Smells like... :sniffing: Sandalwood? It’s supposed to be lavender!

Tails: :snickers:

Fluttershy: :sniffs again: That sandalwood smells familiar. :sniffs both: Uh, hey! How did dog shampoo get into this bottle?! This is definitely my sandalwood-scented dog shampoo!

Rainbow Dash: :gasps:

Tails: :snickering: Didn’t y’all know? Baby likes to have her hair washed with dog shampoo followed by a good dusting of flea powder!

Baby: :gasps then screams:

JANE: -Guess who's in the kitchen again? It's this gal. She's been occupying much of her time this way; it's largely to burn off anxious energy in waiting for the fated crew to arrive, but also because she just can't stand boring meals day after day.-

JANE: -She isn't baking right now, surprisingly. She's slowly cooking a nice pot roast for dinner, ingredients fresh from one of her many pieces of portable Crocker tech. Her apron reads "Hot Daddy"; an artifact salvaged from somewhere in the pantry.-

JOEY: =She'd been lying upstairs, staring at the ceiling for hours. It was hard being able to sleep soundly without the threat of being discovered for her human qualities, and at times it was hard to believe she had a family again. Mostly everyone all together and all in one place, too. She'd heard some quiet rummaging in the kitchen below until the vapors rose and holy shit, whatever it was smelled delicious. She's sneaking down the stairs like a kid on Christmas Eve, carefully poking her head around the corner.=

JANE: -She doesn't notice Joey immediately; while the food cooks, she's leafing through a business book she found on a shelf and laid out on the counter before closing it back with a sigh. There's not much point in studying business when the business in question is currently being run by an evil alien sea queen, is there?-

JANE: -She scans the room, and then double takes at a pair of eyes around the doorway.- Oh!

JANE: Good... morning? Not really, but I haven't made any breakfast yet. Sorry. I wasn't sure if anyone was up yet.

JOEY: =She finally came out of hiding and stepped the rest of the way down the stairs, smiling in greeting.=

JOEY: nah its fine im not usually up around this time anyway

JOEY: the jet lags been awful =joke=

JANE: The mysterious interdimensional portal-lag, you mean. Hoo. -It's not that funny, but she's trying to make the most of it.- I understand completely.

JANE: Do you like eggs and bacon?

JOEY: =She perked at this=

JOEY: you mean to say

JOEY: you guys actually have that here?

JOEY: =eyes the refrigerator= 8o

JANE: Well... Sort of.

JANE: I conveniently happen to have a very good storage unit on my person.

JANE: -She's already pulling out pans- How do you like your eggs?

JOEY: =when was the last time she had anything that wasn't grubloaf lathered in grubsauce?= JOEY: oh jane you dont have to go through all that trouble—

JOEY: =fusses.=

JOEY: ....

JOEY: sunny side up

JOEY: =she's WEAK=

JANE: -snrrrk- Me, too.

JANE: Don't worry. This is better than sitting around, stewing in potential doom scenarios. -she produces a package of bacon and cuts it open while the pan heats up on the stove-

JANE: And I could use some breakfast, too...

JANE: Shucks. All I've eaten this morning is a bite of leftover cheesecake.

JOEY: that wont do at all! heres to proper sustenance hahaha

JOEY: =she approacheth= it is only right of me to ask if you need help with any of this

JANE: Hmm...

JANE: Actually, I do need help with something. -glances over at her- I've been pretty curious about all this... estranged family business.

JANE: I just never felt like there was a good time to corral you all and ask about it. Actually, the image itself seems pretty rude.

JOEY: oh

JOEY: well... =she leaned back against one of the counters and sighed, laughing a little helplessly as she dragged a hand down one cheek=

JOEY: where to even start?

JANE: Perhaps the beginning?

JANE: As a genuine suggestion, not a sassy remark.

JOEY: =she glanced up at her and soft laughter replaced her expectant expression.=

JOEY: yeah thats always a good place

JOEY: we were little then

JOEY: dad was an explorer so he was gone often

JOEY: our aunt came to stay with us - mom jude tess and me - she had a baby with her

JOEY: bout a year later some people at her work did something that scared her off =she shrugged= and so she left

JOEY: i guess she didnt want us getting caught up in it but it happened anyway =Joey smiled, shaking her head= from that point on we got really good at camping

TESSERACT: =Soft boof as he comes wagging his entire body down the stairs. He smells FOOD.=

JANE: ... -She can sort of guess what that means, but...- Oh hi, doggy. -casually braces herself against a counter-

JANE: No bacon for you yet!

JANE: Um-- So you-- lost your home? Because of... a bad business venture?

JOEY: yeah—

TESSERACT: boof! =Whines up at jane=

JOEY: :O down tess

JOEY: you know better that that

TESSERACT: =WHINES again but lays his head down right on Jane's foot. licks her leg and looks up with those big puppy eyes=

JOEY: we couldnt really go back to it for a while but soon enough they left us alone and we got to go back

JOEY: guess they figured what could a woman her kids and their dog do? not much of a threat, you know

JANE: A... threat?

JANE: This sounds a little more dastardly than I was imagining.

JANE: Was it... you know... them?

JOEY: =she nods=

JOEY: the same people that have taken over skaianet

JOEY: it was our dad and aunts lifes work

JOEY: and they took it out from under them so easily

JOEY: =she ran her hand on the edge of the counter, just feeling the texture there=

JOEY: one day dad never came home

JOEY: i thought for sure because of his connections theyd gotten to him somehow

JOEY: not very long after that mom never came home either(edited)

JUDE: -at some point during the conversation, jude had come up from the basement, but when he heard the topic of discussion, he wound up lingering in the hall just outside the kitchen. hearing their skeletons get dragged out made him anxious, but it was important that jane knew exactly what they were dealing with -- what his whole family had always been dealing with. he runs his hand along the wall, awkwardly stuck in place.-

JOEY: but we claire-leys don't know when to keep our heads down and mouths shut(edited)

JOEY: jude tess and i went off for some daring do and picked up where dad and aunt jo left off

JOEY: it was better for me to think they were dead cause nothing can hurt you when you expect the worst, right? but jude flat out refused to believe that =She shook her head= he was so much stronger than me - bouncy little optimist

JANE: -Jane can't help laughing a little at that description, despite the story itself.- Well... you can sure tell you're related.

JANE: And... if you don't mind me saying so, I'm sure you gave him plenty of push he might not have had alone. -At least, when she met him, he hadn't really been outside in years.- I think it all works out.

JANE: But how did you end up... Elsewhere?(edited)

JOEY: we both had that effect on each other =she glanced down at the counter again= JOEY: it was a whole stack of things but aunt jos research to put it simply JOEY: its what they were after all those years

JOEY: or one of the things at least

JOEY: that research led us to the portal downstairs which in turn led to skaianet finding out jude and i werent so harmless after all

JOEY: =she shrugged her shoulders, but it was more like brushing off the uncomfortable feeling of that distant memory than to indicate something like indifference=

JOEY: they wanted what we knew and if it hadnt been for jude they would have gotten what they wanted(edited)

JANE: ... I have a feeling this tale is nearing its bitter conclusion. -She watches Joey, brows knitting with some concern at the way she seems more uncomfortable the further this story goes.-

JANE: You don't have to tell me all this if you don't want to. My curiosity isn't worth digging up too many bad feelings.(edited)

JUDE: -with an exhale, he finally moves to join them in the kitchen, eyes down cast but he looks up after he gets his hands on a cookie.- ...

JUDE: hello

JUDE: sorry for interrupting...

JUDE: and also for

JUDE: eavesdropping

JANE: !

JANE: Jude.

JANE: I didn't hear you creeping up.

JANE: ... I didn't mean that the way it sounds.

JOEY: =Her back was to the stairs and she turned, a smile lifting as she saw it was her brother. Wow. She has to get used to them being in the same place again.= hey...

JOEY: =she's relieved he was here. The events leading up to everything were easy to say, and of course on Alternia she changed up a few things to suit her trollsona's history. But she'd never gone so far to explain the separation itself other than that it happened. The fear of never seeing her brother again didn't hang heavy over her head and the past didn't hurt quite so much=

JUDE: -catching a glimpse of her smile, he can't help smiling too.- it's alright

JUDE: creeping is probably technically a good way to describe my... general movement

JANE: Well... as long as we're all agreed. :B

JANE: -drapes a paper towel over a plate and starts piling the cooked bacon on it-

JUDE: heh... -cookies and bacon... part of a balanced breakfast. he didn't think this through.-

JUDE: -also sweats because he disrupted the conversation, which makes it his responsibility to initiate it again.- ...

JUDE: so...

JUDE: bacon

JOEY: =she's staring at Jude, and it's obvious she's staring. Her smile is growing by the moment.=

JOEY: yes! and eggs!

JANE: And cookies, apparently. -gives Jude a GAZE.-

JANE: How do you like your eggs?

JUDE: -HOW YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS... FRIED OR FERTILIZED...-

JUDE: sunny side up

JUDE: to match my sunny outlook on life

JOEY: =she just...smiles at him. How can she not?=

JOEY: good answer.

JANE: -SNORTS-

JANE: I'm glad we are all still in agreement, despite serious flaws in your argument. -cracks another egg in the pan-

JANE: How are things going down there?

JUDE: well... none of my other long lost relatives have jumped out so

JUDE: uneventful, mostly

JUDE: which is fine I guess

JUDE: but I'm still anxious for the UU to get here

JUDE: I feel like they should be here by now

JUDE: what if something happened? maybe alternians attacked their ship and their technicians hacked into all their accounts, pouring over records of everyone's speech patterns to perfectly replicate them when they talk to us

JUDE: or maybe... it was never really them to begin with

JUDE: and they knew we were going to contact them

JUDE: and they've lured us here to back us into a corner and now they're waiting for the perfect moment to extract the portal and do away with us once and for all

JOEY: ...

JOEY: jude

JOEY: you know ive always trusted your gut

JOEY: even though those are a whole lot of maybes, maybe we should take precaution

JOEY: is there an easy way of storing the portal if we have to make a quick getaway?

JOEY: plus, if this place is as heavily fortified as it looks, shouldnt there be another way to exit the building than the front and back doors?

JANE: -She swears she's going to find a camera somewhere to stare in, just watch her.-

JANE: Maybe Jamison would have some ideas? Perhaps a rational suggestion or two.

JUDE: I've been able to store it pretty efficiently but

JUDE: maybe I should dismantle it for now

JUDE: if they do show up we can study it with them

JUDE: ... I've mapped out all the escape routes too

JUDE: I mean I found some of James' blueprints of the house but I

JUDE: also physically went around the house looking for exits...

JUDE: but more eyes help... my dad is really good at finding weaknesses in designs so yeah thanks for the suggestion jane

JOEY: theres no harm in taking precautions

JOEY: should we practice drills?

JANE: -SIGHS-

JANE: -slides eggs onto plate-

JOEY: hehehe you never know, jane!

JANE: Well, let's wait until after breakfast for the main course of hubbub. :B

JOEY: good plan!

JOEY: one should never act on an empty stomach :)

Animals, Beautiful, and Cats: A super sweet, wiggly, lovebug double stuffed with FUN! Perfect in every way - this girl is something special! Id 31877,@12 Mos., 40 Lbs., Manhattan ACC ****TO BE KILLED 6/30/18**** “Hang on to your hearts, people!” Oreo is as irresistible as a double stuffed! <3 Adorable, sweet, incredibly calm on leash and a bundle of “good” energy when off, this 12 month old puppy is going to make someone endlessly happy – and she’s hoping you have a pool! 😊 A volunteer writes: “Hold on to your hearts, people! There's an irresistible, adorable, perfect-in-every-way creature just waiting to make your acquaintance. Where to begin with 1 year-old Oreo? Let's start with those adorable ears. One up, one down, both ready for anything, and wiggling any way the wind blows. And what about that smile, that long, wagging tail, that endlessly shiny coat, oh my! Yep, Oreo's won the genetic jackpot and would make anyone proud as punch to be seen with this silly supermodel. But this gorgeous girl is more than just looks. She's also jam packed (or double stuffed?) with fun! A tip from me: pull out your doggy pool, or really even a rain puddle might do, and brace yourself for side-splitting laughter. She dives in, she dives out, she splishes, she splashes! This little cookie doesn't leave a crumb of fun behind. And when all the playing's done (for now!) one shake, shake, shake is all it takes to get Oreo prepped for what's next. What's next of course is some quiet snuggling, and to my surprise, this active angel is totally game. She sits happily at my side, smiling full into the sun, and wiggles those ears while I tickle her tush. Oreo is a young, active girl who would do best with an experienced and active owner who can keep this sweet treat occupied both in mind and body. Summer is officially here and the pool is officially open! Now you just need someone special, oh so special, to get the party started. Oreo is waiting in adoptions at Manhattan ACC” ..PRIVATE MESSAGE our page or email us at [email protected] to foster or adopt this bouncy, beautiful, baby girl before she ends up on the dreaded list. SAVE A LIFE! VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1UtVlrdmVBA OREO, ID # 31877, @ 12 Mos. Old, 40 lbs. of Love Manhattan acc, Medium Mixed Breed, Black / White, Unaltered Female Owner Surrender Reason: stated as person circumstance- moving - no pets allowed. Behavior Assessment Date of intake:: 6/21/2018 Spay/Neuter status:: No Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 3 children (aged 7, 10, 11) Behavior toward strangers:: Shy though warms up and becomes friendly, outgoing Behavior toward children:: Playful, exuberant Behavior toward dogs:: Unknown Behavior toward cats:: Unknown Resource guarding:: None reported Bite history:: None reported Housetrained:: No Energy level/descriptors:: Friendly, affectionate, playful, anxious with a high activity level Date of assessment:: 6/24/2018 Look:: 1. Dog's eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity:: 2. Dog displays high energy and movement, but it is directed toward getting closer to the Assessor. Body is soft, likely panting, may jump up between attempts to lick Assessor. Tag:: 1. Dog assumes play position and joins the game. Or dog indicates play with huffing, soft 'popping' of the body, etc. Dog might jump on Assessor once play begins. Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Paw squeeze 2:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Toy:: 1. Dog settles down close to chew, will relinquish toy to you. Summary:: Oreo was soft, social and attention seeking throughout her assessment; she displayed no concerns. Summary:: Slow introductions are recommended between Oreo and other playful dogs. Summary (1):: 6/21: When introduced off leash to the male greeter, Oreo is a bit tense, keeps mostly to self. Summary (2):: 6/22-26: Oreo engages in soft play with male and female dogs. Summary (3):: 6/27: Oreo is exuberant and mouthy at play. Date of intake:: 6/21/2018 Summary:: Friendly, allowed handling Date of initial:: 6/21/2018 ENERGY LEVEL:: Oreo is reported to have a high energy level in her previous home environment in line with what is observed in the care center. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: AVERAGE (suitable for an adopter with an average amount of dog experience) Behavior Asilomar: H - Healthy Potential challenges: : House soiling Potential challenges comments:: House-soiling: Oreo is reported to have frequent accidents in the house, and appears not to have been house-trained in the past. She will need guidance and consistency to learn to eliminate outside. We recommend crate training (the crate must be made positive and never used as a punishment), frequent walks, rewards for eliminating outside (treats, toys, games), consistent feeding schedule, and careful monitoring when inside. Accidents should never be punished as it can damage the human-dog relationship and is likely to make the problem worse. My medical notes are... Weight: 40 lbs L V T Notes Vet Notes: Post Surgery Note:[Spay/Neuter Waiver - Upper Respiratory Illness] 21/06/2018 [LVT Intake Exam] Microchip Scan: negative, placed 985113001791794 Evidence of Cruelty: no Observed Behavior: allowed handling but tense at first and vocal, relaxed into handling and food motivated Sex: intact female Estimated Age: reported ~1y Subjective: surrendered by owner, no history Eyes: clear Ears: clean Oral Exam: minimal staining Heart: WNL Lungs: WNL Abdomen: WNL Musculoskeletal: WNL BCS 5/9 Mentation: BARH Preliminary Assessment: seemingly healthy Plan: DVM intake * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * If you would like to adopt a dog on our “To Be Killed” list, and you CAN get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process *within 48 hours of reserve*, you can reserve the dog online until noon on the day they are scheduled to die. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs. It should read, "reserve in progress". That is YOUR reserve. Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) nycacc.org At-Risk Animals Thank you for your interest in adopting from Animal Care Centers of NYC. Our At Risk List is posted each day (except Saturday) at 6:00PM and remains viewable until 12:00PM noon the following day. newhope.shelterbuddy.com HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.