Hold Your Colour

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My main story, currently on Generation 3. Written as prose with pictures.

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New AU story, following the same family as my canon legacy, set in an apocalyptic world setting. Written as captions on pictures, with transcript available below.

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Full length prose fantasy, no pictures, hosted on WP. Currently following the story of Tayuin’s life before his arrival in Chosen of the Sun (by simlit).

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     “Th-thanks. I didn’t think it’d be this scary,” Sky admitted quietly once she settled, glancing at both sleeping babies. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but... Bay really made it look easy, didn’t he? And I know Amir’s gonna be a natural, and you and Ash one day... Truth be told, I think Riv’s fucked,” she said with a watery laugh.      “Mm, well, he has Chad.”      “Eh. I think they’re both in for a rude awakening...” She paused and lowered her voice conspiratorially, despite them being alone. “Doesn’t it worry you, them tryna hide it this much?”      “It’s early, I guess.”      “Still. I dunno, I just worry River’s gonna live in denial until it’s too late. But you’re right; Chad’s pretty level-headed...”      “And they have all of us around to help, too. Just like Bay did. Just like you do.”      Sky gave him a grateful smile, though it still cracked at the edges. “You are... you are gonna be around, aren’t you?”      “Of course.”      “It’s just...” She bit her lip. “I know everyone thinks I’m oblivious, even Amir, but I’m not stupid. I know they don’t talk anymore, Loch. You don’t go from being as close as brothers to the way they are now and that go unnoticed.”      He couldn’t face her as she watched him intensely, and he broke eye contact.      “...You haven’t even been around to our new place,” she said in a small voice.      Loch winced. “I know. I’m sorry.”      “Do you... really hate Amir that much?”      “No. I can’t say we’ll ever be friends, but, no. I don’t hate him... anymore.”      “But Asher does?”      “...Ash isn’t going to get in the way, Sky. We... have an agreement about it.”      “Honestly, Loch, I don’t care what Ash’s problem is—no offence. Don’t get me wrong, I like him. But he’s not my brother, Loch. I want the twins to have their uncle. As much as I’d like Ash to be part of that too, I understand if he can’t do it. But... I... I need my big brother.”      “I’m right here,” Loch croaked.      “Yeah, for now. But I want the person that helped raise me see my kids grow up. I want them to know you. Properly. Not just awkwardly forced to be in the same room during family occasions.”      Loch shook his head. “That’s what I want. I swear.”      “...Okay.”      He could see she didn’t look convinced, even as she offered a weak smile.      “I’ll be around,” he said softly. “I promise, Sky. I’d offer to come over with a meal or something, but... I really can’t cook.”      That at least made her laugh. “I don’t need food. Just my brother. But, same offer I gave Sylvie. You bring chocolates or cake? All the baby cuddles you could ask for in return.”      He smiled, looking back over the twins. “That I can do.”

     An odd silence settled between the pair for a while, Loch mesmerised by the baby falling asleep in his arms until Sky spoke up again. “Whatever you guys think of him, he’s gonna be a good dad, you know?” she said quietly.      Loch looked up to see her staring at her hands in her lap, her fingers twisting together. “I know he will,” he responded genuinely.      “He never knew his dad, which I think is what motivates him to do so much better. His mum’s great, though. Really great. Raised two boys, all by herself. I don’t know how. And she’s been so good to me...”      Loch remained quiet, wondering where she was going with this line of thought.      “Mum and Dad, they... they weren’t bad parents, but... but they didn’t really model it very well, did they?”      He wasn’t sure how to respond. Not without any trace of negativity, anyway. “I suppose not,” was all he could manage.      “I-I know we’ve never been the closest, but... I am grateful, you know? For everything you did for us growing up?” She glanced up at him, her expression so unsure. “Might be hard to believe, considering what a hard time we gave you, but it’s true.”      Feeling a little emotional, Loch lowered the infant into her bassinet, taking his time setting her down to hide his speechlessness. He wasn’t sure his sister had ever paid him a compliment before, and certainly not so intentionally.      “I don’t know where that instinct comes from. Clearly not our parents. When I try to picture who I want to emulate good parenting from, it’s never been them. Always you.” She glanced up at him again, trying to smile but faltered. “But... but what if I don’t have it? That instinct? What if I’m not like you, or Bay? What if... what if I’m like Mum—”      “Hey.” Before she could say anything more, Loch grabbed his sister's hand and squeezed until she looked him in the eye. “You’re not. And you won’t be. We might not have always agreed on the how, but you are fiercely protective of everything yours. You care deeply. It comes from the same place; it just... manifested differently. If you think you can’t channel that into your kids? I won’t hear it.”      Sky blinked at him, and Loch let go of her so she could wipe away tears, waiting patiently for her to compose herself.

     By the time Loch returned, their brothers were gone, and Sky was lowering one of the twins back into their bassinet.      “Oh, sorry. I can go. You probably want some sleep—”      “No, it’s fine. I got some before you all got here. Don’t go.”      “O-okay.” Pulling the door gently to behind him, he shuffled his feet uneasily, unsure what to even say.      “You want to hold Meri for a bit? She’s still a little bit awake.” Sky nodded to the bassinet closest to him. “I remember you used to be really good at getting Heaven off to sleep...”      “Sure.” He smiled thinly and looked down at the tiny infant. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a newborn. A thick shock of black hair sat atop a squished, ruddy face poking out from a babygro much too big. As he carefully lifted her, she gave a little grunt of disapproval, though she settled quickly in his arms as he sat on the bed.      “She’s beautiful,” he said softly as indeterminate-coloured eyes blinked up at him from under puffy eyelids. “They both are.”      “Thanks.”      “You’ve chosen names?”      “Mm. Meridian Anaya and Zenith Nazir. Meri and Zen for short.”      “Cute. Sielen?”      Sky nodded with an weak smile.      “Are Mum and Dad not here?”      “They’re sorting out a hotel.”      “They’re not just staying at home? Not home. I mean Riv’s.”      “They were gonna whilst Riv was away, but, well. Wouldn’t really be fair to intrude now, I guess.”      “Oh, yeah. I guess. What about Amir?”      “Resting at home for a few hours. He wanted to make space for everyone visiting.”      “Oh.”

     “Is he okay?” Sky asked once Loch was gone.      “Probably still hungover,” River said. “Pretty sure he and Talon accounted for half the damn bar bill.”      Sky smiled unsurely. “He was very drunk, that’s true. Surprised Asher didn’t cut him off earlier. Actually, I didn’t see much of Ash last night, come to think of it.”      “Dunno.” River shrugged. “He was talking with Nanna a lot—and this morning at breakfast, too, actually. I’m sure they’re fine—or arguing again. Who knows with them?”      He yawned, tiredness creeping over him again. He looked up at the clock on the wall; had things gone to plan, he’d be waking up from a nap as their coach pulled up to their hotel. Smiling at his new nephew and niece, he couldn’t really complain.      A niggling little thought reminded him it would be their turn in about six months, but he pushed it down. He hadn’t even had a full day of wedded bliss yet; that worrying could wait.      One of the babies began to stir, the girl, a threat of further crying bubbling under her small sounds of frustration. Sky sighed with a smile.      “Can you pass her over? She’s due a feed.”      “I can do it,” Bay said as he quietly shushed the baby.      “Do you have boobs, Bay?” Sky asked with clear amusement.      “Oop, nope, my bad.” Bay quickly wheeled the bassinet over with an awkward laugh. “Sorry, I just, ya know, with Heaven and everything...”      Sky laughed. “Yeah, sorry, no bottles here just yet.”      River stood with a sleepy stretch. “If I drag the sun loungers out by the pool tomorrow, you reckon I can convince Chad it’s the same as being out in the Mediterranean?”      Bay laughed. “You know the sun will fuck off behind a cloud the second you do.”      “Yeah.” River sighed, stifling another yawn. “I gotta get home, or else I’ll fall asleep at the wheel. Need us to bring you anything?”      “Nah, I’m good. Amir’s bringing more supplies up later. I’ll survive on hospital food until then, I’m sure.”      “If you say so,” Bay scoffed. “Let us know when you’re home, yeah? Sylvie wants to drop in a care package, apparently. I think she just wants to fuss over the babies, personally, but hey, free food for you.”      “Add extra chocolates, and she can have as many cuddles as she wants.”      “Noted.”

     “They’re really letting you home tomorrow?” River asked.      Sky chuckled. “They might. Seems we’re all fine, so.”      “Crazy,” Bay agreed. “To just push you out the door so soon with two entirely new humans.”      “They’re so tiny,” River said in quiet disbelief as he stroked the mitten on the boy’s curled little fist. “Is it because they’re twins? Were we all this small?”      “Just me.”      River’s head swivelled around. He had almost forgotten Loch was standing near the door, seemingly unwilling to get too close. His eyes were slightly glazed and distant, like he wasn’t fully present.      “You sure? I wouldn’t be surprised if Sky beat all the nutrients outta me for nine months.”      “Eight.”      “What?”      “Eight months. You were born early, too. We all were.”      Sky piped up. “Yeah, they warn you when you have twins. Still, woulda been nice to make it to my planned induction date rather than a scary mad dash. Guess you’ve got no excuse for forgetting their birthday, though, huh, Riv?”      “Bold assumption he’ll remember his anniversary either.” Bay laughed as River glared at him.      “Speaking of, is Chad okay?” Sky asked. “With you postponing the honeymoon and all?”      “It’s fine.” River shrugged off her concern. “I think we’re just gonna fly out and see some of his family sometime instead.”      “Before or after he shows?”      “Very funny,” River mumbled at his twin, too sidetracked by the cute sleeping baby to think too much on her words.      “I’m just gonna get something to eat from the shop,” Loch said suddenly, pushing off the wall. “You want anything?” he asked Sky, and she shook her head.      “Not gonna ask us?” River snarked.      “You’ll live,” Loch muttered, clearly not seeing the humour.

9:25pm - Silver Hope Hospital, Postnatal Ward

     As he stepped back into the dining room, Loch glanced around, seeing no sign of River or his new brother-in-law, and assumed they must have already left for their honeymoon. He felt a little guilty that he hadn’t spoken to them properly before their departure, but he was also pretty sure his brother probably wouldn’t have even noticed. Within moments, however, it was clear the energy had changed since he’d stepped out.      The room was emptier, and those who remained spoke in hushed whispers. Before Loch reached his seat, Asher jumped up and strode over. With a shaky breath, he licked his lips, twisting his fingers with nervous energy.      “River and Chad have turned their taxi around; lucky they hadn’t gotten far. Your parents have already checked out and are on their way. Bay couldn’t get hold of—”      “What are you on about? Is Riv okay?”      “You... I thought... You were on a call, I just assumed... Okay. You don’t know...” Asher inhaled deeply. “Sky’s in labour. Since four this morning.”      Ice slipped down his spine. “She’s... but... she has another month...”      “She’s in the hospital. Good thing they didn’t spend the night here.”      “They didn’t?”      Asher shook his head. “They didn’t book a room. Drove home last night.”      “Oh.” He couldn’t think straight. “I haven’t finished packing...”      “I threw the last of your stuff in your case. It’s all in the lobby with your brother, ready to go.”      Loch stared blankly at him.      “Taxi. Bay’s booked us all one together.”      “Oh.”      “It’s going to be okay.” Asher squeezed his arm reassuringly, but Loch barely registered it, his body feeling numb. Before Asher could say anything more, a loud toddler ran over and grabbed both of their legs.      “Uncle Asher, the car is here an’ Sylvie says I can sits on your lap if I’s extra good.”      Without hesitation, Asher swept the child up and nodded his head in the direction she’d come from. “C’mon.”