#Cass I hope I'm catching onto something here

[clover-the-awesomest]

I don't really have many thoughts so just read the dang comic

Part 19!

So, this part was kind of like the transition between Mikey's resurrection and Leo's resurrection.

There's not a lot going on. But hey, I think the next part's gonna be the Leo’s resurrection itself~

I've said the word resurrection too many times haha. Imma go to sleep👍

Part 1

[azrielwingspan]

'SOMEONE' (AZRIEL X READER)- PART 2

Summary: You are convinced that Azriel was the one to send the note. Anxious about facing him, you lose yourself in your head but strangely, things are turning out...weird.

Warnings: Mild swearing

A/N: Thankyou so much for the response on the first part you guys! It was supposed to be a one shot but due to popular demand, I wrote down a second. Not gonna lie, I'm a bit nervous about this because peer pressure haha. Really hope this meets expectations. Did my best to make it fun and playful.

Read Part-1 here.

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'It's hard not to pry when you're involved.' The words kept flitting through your mind , jumbling your thoughts and stirring up a butterfly party in your stomach.

You knew it was from Azriel. Who else could it be ? Not believing it at first, you tried to think of all other possibilities and came up with zero. No else could possibly know about it.

Except him.

After stewing upon the unexpected turn of events for a good couple of hours, you did something anyone else in your position would've done.

You tried to hide.

From a spymaster.

You were really setting standards in the department of intelligence.

It had all started when you were having lunch with Cass and Mor at the House of Wind. "How was your new book?" Mor asked stuffing herself with the mashed potato in front of her. "It was alright. It just felt a little flat." you stabbed at the piece of chicken on your plate.

"Why the gloomy face? Everything okay?" Cass looked at your face intently. You sat up a little straighter, forcing a small smile onto your face. "I'm great."

"Are you on something?" Your head shot towards Mor, a flabbergasted look on your face.

"What made you say that?"

"You've been acting weird since yesterday and just this morning you stared off into space with a stupid smile on your face. Now, you're gloomy. I've seen this before--"

"Oh for Mother's sake, I'm not on anything Mor." A choked laugh burst out of you at the incredulity of it.

"Is it because of the stable boy thing yesterday? Shit Y/N, we didn't know you still --"

You narrowed your eyes at Cass , daring him to finish that statement. He immediately backed off, putting up his hands in the air.

"Just a concerned friend." He said with a teasing smile.

"You guys are the worst." Soft laughter was shared between the three of you before disaster struck.

Footsteps echoed from the stairwell making your head whip towards it. Eyes widening a fraction, your brain was thrown into a whirlpool of thoughts , each one fighting for dominance over the other. You knew with absolute certainty that it was him. There was no one else in the house. You also knew the sound of his footsteps but that was a fact to be pondered upon on a different day.

Wait, he was a spymaster. Why was he making a sound in the first place?

He wants you to know. Doesn't want to catch you off guard. The still functioning part of your brain helps you out.

"Are you having a seizure?" Mor's voice registered in your head.

"No , but I might." you muttered under your breath, your body reacting before your mind could give it a command. Almost stumbling from your chair all the while trying to look as unbothered as possible, you excused yourself from the table mumbling a reason to your companions.

Exit points available. The stairwell. Your mind supplied. YOU CAN'T PASS BY HIM. DO BETTER.

The plant. - THE PLANT ?! What were you supposed to do ? Photosynthesize yourself ?!

Under the table.- Ah yes. Have a front row view to his crotch. Way to go.

Balcony.- We don't have WINGS! You screamed at yourself.

The door to your right.- Finally. A good option.

Your face must have exhibited a plethora of emotions during the internalized battle with yourself because Mor and Cass were staring at you like you had two heads.

"Y/N. Please sit down. Something is seriously wrong." Cass said rising from his chair.

"No. No. I just forgot to do something very very important. I'm going to be screwed. I just need to---"

"Have lunch. I'll help you out with whatever it is." The voice like night whispered over your skin setting off goosebumps in its wake. His scent enveloped you, taunting and teasing your senses. It almost seemed to whisper- Look at me.

So you did.

You had expected a smirk or a smile or even a twinkle in his eye. Nothing. No hint or trace of what had happened. No clue to suggest that he knew or that he was the one to send the note.

What if you were wrong? What if it wasn't him but someone else playing a joke on you?

"No it's alright. I..." You didn't get to finish the sentence as he pulled your chair back and motioned for you to sit down.

Sighing out loud you returned to your place at the table trying not to look at Azriel as he took the seat across. "What did you forget?" Cass was starting to sound suspicious. Racking your brain for a quick and believable answer, you blurted out "I have to respond to a letter. A very important one."

The double meaning of your reply hit you the moment it left your mouth. Your body betrayed you and turned your gaze towards Azriel.

Nothing. Blank as a slate.

Starting to grow frustrated, you stabbed into your chicken a little too enthusiastically.

"It's already dead." Azriel said dryly, not even bothering to look up from his food.

Mor let out a snort and thankfully started to recall a conversation she had with a friend of hers. You could feel the tension leave your body as the conversation and attention was steered away from you.

Get your shit together.

Fortunately, all of you were done eating not long after and everyone went back to their duties. Azriel hadn't said or done anything for the rest of the afternoon and you were seriously starting to doubt if you were wrong.

You made your way back to your room trying to make sense of your emotions along the way. There was a sense of relief that Azriel didn't know and yet it was tinged with the undertones of disappointment that he didn't know after all.

Did you want him to know or did you not?

You didn't know. UGH. Idiot.

Stepping into your room, you almost missed the note that caught under your foot.

Fuck. Another one.

Heart thudding painfully, you picked it up with trembling hands. It read:

Anyone is capable of falling in love with your heart. Me? I want to be the someone you give it to. -'Someone'

A/N: I did not intend to end it this way at all but here we areeee. Hope you guys enjoyed it !

TAGLIST : @crazylokonugget , @hayrunnwr , @fxckmiup , @wildlyobserving , @harrystylesfan2686 , @63angel , @charlotteintumbleland , @willowpains , @nyx-the-alien , @acourtofbatboydreams , @marina468 , @anuttellaa , @kalulakunundrum , @amygdtjhddzvb , @lulu22156

[haveihitanerve]

Guess who!! Yes I'm back, tis been a while

A video of Bruce singing gets leaked and his kids find out he's an amazing singer, and now they won't stop pestering him to sing for them

okayyyyy- see i am one of the firm believers that Bruce will sing only for his kids- so Dick was raised on Bruce singing him to sleep, sometimes on patrol when Dick would burst into song, Bruce joins in and harmonizes, all of his kids have been serenaded by him, either for bed or like hospital visit or just because bruce sings at home sometimes/while hes working... but i do likey-

It wasn't even something that he had done on purpose. It was just natural, sometimes, to sing. He would hear a good song on the radio and hum along. Play music while working a case. He didn't make it obvious he could sing- cough cough dick cough

But Selina. She had an obsession with it. Trying to catch him singing. Trying to record it.

"You're so good!!!" She would gush when he cut off whenever he spotted her recording. Bruce would shake his head. Wave her off.

But she must have caught him at some point. Because now there was a video. Bruce bit his lip to stop his scream as the late night host showed it off. This would not end well for him.

"Yo! Guys! Get in here!" Tim bellowed through Wayne Manor. He was already on the phone with Barbara and Dick, and they were heading to their apartment as fast as possible to watch.

"What's up?" Jason asked, entering the den where Tim was sitting on the couch.

Tim gestured to the TV. "B's on." Jason rolled his eyes, but flopped onto the couch next to his brother. Tim was the only one who consistently watched every Bruce interview. A habit that never died from his obsessive stalker observant stage before Robin, and now was even more prominent as he was actually connected to Bruce. Wanted to check he wasn't getting asked stupid questions.

Jason snickered as he spotted his brothers laptop open to the hosts persona information. Any wrong move, and Tim would destroy him for Bruce.

"Why did you call Drake?" Damian sniffed, entering the den with Cass. Tim shushed him, pointing to the screen.

"Just watch- I went back." There was a scream as Steph fell from the window, breaking in as always. She straightened, landing with the ease of someone who had trained with both the Batman and Catwoman, and hurried over.

"Did you see it?" She gasped excitedly, taking a seat next to Tim.

"I'm showing them." He hushed her hurriedly. Intrigued, the others took their seats, Duke strolling in last. He cranked the volume up higher and they leaned forward, eager.

"Now, recently, a particular video has taken Gotham by storm," The host was saying. Jason cocked his head, tugging his phone from his pocket to search for said video.

"Just wait." Tim coaxed, hands rubbing together like an insane man.

"We're watching." Barbara mumbled through the phone.

"Oh dear, I do hope it's not that one." Bruce was saying, chuckling, fake nervousness and smile on his face. The host laughed along, waving his hand to gesture the video play.

Jason choked on his tea and Steph's fingers dug half moons into Tim's arm as she watched with baited breath.

The video was of Bruce, in the manor, light instrumental music playing in the background. The video quality left something to be desired, crouched behind the couch, blurry, and audio a bit scratchy, but it was undoubtedly him.

"Am I blue? Am IIII Blue? Ain't these tears in these eyes-" The video ended abruptly, most likely because the recorder had been caught, but the damage had been done. Bruce looked near the tears he had been singing about.

Steph's grin was blinding. Dick's cackle erupted through the speaker of Tim's phone. A slow smile spread across Jason's face. "Oh this is going to be fun." Damian murmured.

"Damn it!" Jason cursed as his foot connected with the table.

"Language." Bruce immediately responded, more impulse than actual chiding.

"Yeah yeah." Jason grumbled. "Sorry. It's just... I've been a bit blue lately. Can't think straight."

He hurried out of the room before Bruce could see his grin. Bruce, on the other hand, was gripping his spoon tightly.

"Man," Dick complained, scrubbing at his eyes underneath his mask. Bruce frowned at him from the nearby roof, leaning closer.

"You okay?" He rumbled, reaching for a tissue or something to offer his son. Dick waved him off, dabbing at his eye with his gloves.

"Yeah- I'm fine. There's just something in my eyes. Probably tears." He winked, falling backwards off the roof. Bruce's jaw cracked from the force with which he was clenching it.

"Fu-" Steph grunted as she slammed into the floor, hands reacting too late to protect the hard landing.

Batman landed a step behind, hands moving immediately under her arms to lift her. "'m fine." She grumbled, wincing as she attempted to put weight on her left foot.

"Clearly." Bruce agreed, wrapping an arm more firmly around her waist to take most of her weight.

"B!!" She whined, but let him take it. "I can walk." She muttered. Bruce huffed a laugh, herding them both back into the cave.

"Of course you can. Think of me as a cane." That got a laugh from Steph, even as she let out a yelp as he let go to grab some gauze. "Sorry," Bruce murmured, helping her onto the med table. She waved him off, letting him prop it up and feel around.

"Sprained. Should be fine in a few days." He started to wrap it and Steph let herself recline, letting out a heavy breath as his fingers brushed a little too hard against her ankle. "Sorry." He mumbled again, but she just nodded back.

"You gonna be okay?" Bruce asked, helping her sit up. "Your room is still set up. It won't ever not be. You're staying here tonight, at least." Steph nodded her agreement, not willing to fight over it. Besides, she wanted to stay needed to torment him.

"You know what would really make me feel better?" She asked as he carried her up the stairs after they had changed back into civvies.

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "What?" His voice was flat, suspicious.

Steph smiled sweetly, wrapping her arms around his neck so he couldn't drop her and escape. "If you sang for me."

Bruce groaned, and as suspected, his arms relaxed marginally, prepared to drop her and make a run for it, though of course he didn't actually let her go. Steph grinned.

"Its really your fault," She pointed out. "If you had just told us-"

"I never kept it a secret." he grumbled, bringing her into the den, where, as planned, the rest of the kids sat. Dick smiled at his father, accepting Steph from his arms and setting her down next to Tim. He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and tugging her closer.

Jason cleared his throat, holding up a microphone from Dick's twelfth birthday. No one said a word, just blinked expectantly at him.

Bruce sighed. They'd all gotten those damned puppy eyes from Dick, he was sure of it. As if to confirm, his eldest batted his eyelashes extra, and Damian even rubbed his eyes, sticking out his bottom lip. Unfortunately, being aware of the source did not lessen its effects in the slightest.

He snatched the mic from Jason, cleared his throat, and began.

@jellynber

[jae-birde]

This was supposed to come out weeks ago, but I got stuck in the editing process and then I got sick… so yeah, this took a while. But now it's done!

This is also cross-posted on AO3 here.

This fic is dedicated to both @somerandomdudelmao and @tapakah0, both of whom are incredibly talented and huge inspirations to me, both in terms of writing and in drawing, so thank you both so much.

Anyways, spoilers up to chapter 16 of Cass' Apocalypse series.

Donnie was standing in the middle of a crowd.

It was safe to say that he was very much not used to being surrounded by such crowds, even in the Resistance. He was never the one that everyone would crowd around; that was always Leo or Raph or Mikey or April or… literally anyone but him. Even considering that, and even thinking about the few times people did crowd around him, there was something very different about this one. Something off.

He looked around. He could tell that they were talking — their mouths were moving, and sound was certainly coming out — but it was indecipherable, and none of the people had a distinct form, which was quickly beginning to become very unnerving.

Donnie looked around, and a tug in his gut had him scanning the crowd for his brothers.

"Mikey?" He called out. "Leo! Where the fuck are… you…?" Donnie trailed off, frozen at the sight of the pink veins covering his hand. His hands, actually.

"What…?" His mind was suddenly thrust backwards — or was it forwards? — in time, remembering when he'd first seen signs of the infection.

The infection.

"No! No, no, no, no, no…" Donnie couldn't help the desperation in his tone, his horror growing as he watched and felt the infection creeping through his veins, killing him all over again. Only this time, it didn't give him the mercy of time, the pain instead seeming to flood his senses. He sucked in a sharp breath and felt it get caught in his throat. He felt the way the virus weakened him, sapping his strength like poison as it happened all over again. He closed his eyes at the wave of pain that crashed over him, a sick feeling settling in his gut.

His legs gave away, and he dropped to the ground with a groan, one hand out to catch his fall, the other wrapping around his stomach as a pain shot through it. The pink was all over him now; he could see it. It seeped into the ground around him, trying to pull him down with it. He opened his eyes, looking up at the crowd desperately.

"Please— I—" Donnie stopped, staring at the crowd around him.

They all stared back.

"Why are you…?" He trailed off, looking around, hoping to see any sign of someone moving to help.

No one moved.

"…Just looking…?"

The crowd hovered around him, indistinct forms still murmuring incomprehensible words. The pink of the virus encompassed him, and he felt himself growing weaker with every second, pain wracking his body as he sunk lower onto the ground.

"You're already dead," one voice said, seemingly coming from everywhere at once.

They're the first words he heard that weren't his own since he found himself in this crowd, and they made it feel as if the world was crashing down on him.

"What's the point?" Another asked, voice void of emotion as it echoed around him.

Donnie stared at them, uncomprehending. "But… I'm not?" He tried to push himself up, but his arms trembled and gave out under him, and he collapsed again, strength weakening by the second.

"Not… yet… Donnie closed his eyes, tears stinging at them as he lay there, forcing himself to take breath after shuddery breath.

This poison had practically consumed him. It had sapped away his strength until he could barely move.

And he didn't particularly want to.

The crowd's murmuring had silenced, but he could still feel their presence around him, their forms towering over his prone one.

Donnie couldn't open his eyes. He felt a tear track down his face as he lay still, letting the pain, cold, and exhaustion wash over him and sweep him away. He couldn't do anything now. He was overwhelmed by the pain and misery caused by the infection. There wasn't anything that could be done at this point anyway; he was too far gone. There was an insistent tug around him, pulling him into the ground.

You are dead after all, a voice whispered in Donnie's mind. It's just bringing you to where you belong.

And Donnie didn't have the strength to fight it anymore.

But then he didn't have to.

He was being carried. It was a familiar enough feeling to him, his brothers and sister all having done it at one point or another for him, but this hold was different. Familiar in a way that he was clinging to, even before he realized who it was. And then, all at once, Donnie recognized who it was.

Leo.

Donnie nearly cried at feeling his brother's arms holding him again; he would recognize his twin's hold anywhere. He felt safe in his brother's arms in a way he hadn't felt for a long time. He knew that Leo would keep him safe. Donnie felt himself go slack in Leo's arms before he felt a gentle weight on his head and cracked his eyes open.

And there was Mikey, floating just in front of him, dark hair obscuring most of his face, but his little brother's sad smile was visible.

There was a glow around Mikey, a pale orange that was nearly white, that seemed to emanate from him in an aura. There was soothing warmth pouring from Mikey's touch that chased away the freezing cold of the Krang infection, and Donnie felt himself leaning into the sweet, blessed relief, despite the memories poking at his consciousness, whispering in his ear that it wouldn't help. Mikey had tried everything he could before; all it ever did was leave Mikey more tired than before. It wasn't worth it. Donnie didn't want his brother to feel that not when he'd just found him again.

"You know… that won't really help…?" Donnie trailed off despite himself, lost in an odd mix of pain and relief as the warmth of Mikey's mystic powers seeped through his veins, chasing away the cold of the virus in a way that Donnie had never felt before.

"Hm… yes." Leo mused, and Donnie felt a stab to his heart from hearing his brother's voice for the first time since he died.

Mikey's hand glowed brighter, and Donnie felt the mystics wash over his body. The pink that had nearly covered his hand turned white, and Donnie reached for his brother, desperate to hold onto Mikey's hand while he still could.

"Yes," Mikey continued, taking Donnie's hand in his own and squeezing tightly, his other hand gently holding the side of Donnie's face.

Donnie felt Leo gently rub his shell, and he relaxed further into his brother's hold, smiling up at Mikey, tears in his eyes.

"We do," Mikey concluded, the glow from his hands growing brighter before Donnie was left blinking from the brightness of it.

And suddenly, he wasn't looking at his brother anymore. He wasn't being carried.

His eyes shot fully open, and he sat up, eyes darting around his desk as he remembered where — and when — he was. Coffee mugs were grouped to the side, and paper notes were scattered across the desk's surface. Glowing purple screens were the only thing illuminating the otherwise empty room.

Donnie straightened up, rubbing at his eyes before dragging his hand down his face as his posture slumped. Mikey and Leo were still out there.

He looked up at his screens.

He just needed to find them.

Besides. Death was fixable after all.

[call-me-blip]

Ethereal - Chapter 1.

Pairings- TFP Optimus prime X reader

Warnings- None...i guess? mention of scars on readers arms

Word count- 4338

Also, sorry this took so long to put out, school started, I had some family issues i needed to take care of, and I had the summer flu 😭 I also kept editing this as I didn't like the way it was innitially, i still don't and might edit it further, but I thought i woulf put something out now. I such at first chapters

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⋆˖⚒ ↞﹛☽◯☾﹜↠ ⚒˖⋆

In the waning light of day, a raven-haired man walked alongside a seemingly young woman, his dark eyes intense with concern as they scanned her figure. "Y/n, you good?" he queried, his voice laced with a hint of worry.

A sigh escaped the woman's lips, her e/c eyes lifting to meet the darkening sky above. She absently rubbed her exposed arms that were littered with scars and ancient symbols taht had long lost meaning to mankind, attempting to seek solace against the encroaching chill. Pausing mid-stride, she collected her thoughts before finally responding to the inquiry that had punctured the quiet ambiance between them.

"I'm okay, Cass," she began, her voice carrying a hint of introspection. "Just thinking about when we'll catch our next lead, what it might entail... and the challenge of adjusting to a new area yet again."

Cassius nodded, a rumbling agreement humming in his chest. Her words resonated with him deeply. While relocating was nothing new for their team, this venture into the derelict town of Jasper marked an unprecedented shift. The unfamiliarity of their surroundings had them teetering on the edge of their comfort zone, and he knew that all too well.

"We'll adapt, Y/n. Over time, this place will become our sanctuary, even if temporarily," he voiced his thoughts, the cadence of his words trailing off as his gaze swept over the quiet street that stretched before them. A lone pedestrian passed by, a transient figure in the twilight.        Y/n response  to the burly male that walked beside her was strained, her tone carrying an odd blend of uncertainty and optimism. "Maybe? I'm hoping for the best, but honestly, I'm not sure. Let's just see how things unfold." Y/N replied with a shrug, her gaze sweeping in all directions as she casually navigated the pedestrian crossing, causing her h/c locks to dance momentarily. After walking a few steps, her e/c eyes locked onto her male companion, a perplexed expression crossing her features.  

 Stopping in her tracks, Y/n pivoted to face Cassius, a quizzical expression forming on her face as she voiced her uncertainty. "Wait, where did we agree to meet the others?" Her fingers absentmindedly toyed with the pendant resembling a miniature moon on her necklace. Underneath her facade of calm, a faint undercurrent of unease and paranoia began to roil, as if probing her chest and mind for vulnerabilities. A habitual ritual unfolded as she systematically scanned her surroundings, meticulously evaluating each visible object within her line of sight and those lurking in the periphery. She even cast a glance over her shoulder, ensuring that no detail evaded her scrutiny. Her intense search yielded nothing that could justify the heightened sense of concern that was taking root within her. 

 Why is this sensation surfacing now? There's no indication of any presence here, at least none of the usual telltale signs. 

  As swiftly as the surge of hyper-awareness had engulfed her, it receded just as rapidly. The surge of adrenaline, the prickling unease, and the primal urge to remain vigilant were all too familiar to Y/N L/N. Her life's experiences had ingrained in her the ability to play the roles of both hunter and hunted. In that fleeting moment, she felt like prey, vulnerable to an enigmatic force or entity lurking just beyond her understanding.

 Perhaps it's just my imagination running wild? The new town jitters? Oh i don;t know I give up!

 With an exhale, she willed her racing heart to a steadier pace, reminding herself that instincts weren't always infallible. The peculiar unease dissipated, leaving behind only a trace of its unsettling presence. It was a feeling she had grown accustomed to—a mix of caution and readiness that had saved her life on more than one occasion.

 Still, the unanswered question hung in the air, and Y/n turned her gaze back to Cassius, a sense of urgency accompanying her inquiry. She repeated her question, her tone a blend of curiosity and a touch of concern. "Cassius, do you remember where we were supposed to meet with the others?"

  A beat of silence passed between them before Cassius responded, his voice tinged with a slight strain. "There's a small café about five minutes from here," he replied, his words carrying the weight of their current situation. His gaze lingered on Y/n, a silent exchange passing between them—a mutual acknowledgment of the heightened tension that was threading its way through their surroundings.

Though the unease had begun to wane, Y/n couldn't help but vent her frustration with a sigh. "I can't shake this feeling, and I'm not entirely sure why," she confessed, her brows furrowed.    Cassius raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. The brown eyed man was no stranger to Y/n's intuition—a compass that had guided them away from danger and death time and time again. 

Recognizing that Cassius was likely engaged in his customary internal musings, Y/n decided to steer the conversation onward, aiming to soothe his potential concerns while also providing herself with a modicum of reassurance.   “Can we speed up? I'm dying to have a coffee; I didn't even get my morning fix with the rushed chaos.” Y/N's tone shifted slightly as she whined, her eyebrows scrunching together in a display of frustration. Uncharacteristic as it was for the composed woman to exhibit such behavior, the exhaustion from an early-morning flight across countless miles was beginning to wear on her. The journey from Greece to their current location had been taxing, and it wasn't even over yet.  

 Why didn't I just teleport us? It would've saved so much trouble.  

 But she knew well enough why she hadn't. The attention it would draw, the risk of scattering her team across the globe—it was a power she wielded with caution, cognizant of its limitations.      

A snort escaped Cassius at Y/N's grumpy remark, his understanding nod a quiet acknowledgment that he recognized her fatigue and frustration. The subtle exchange helped ease the lingering tension that had threaded its way through their earlier conversation. 

   As they continued their dialogue, the setting sun casting long shadows around them, they finally arrived at their destination—an inviting cafe adorned with various shades of pink that created a harmonious palette against the dark-tinted glass windows. Stepping through the white door, they were enveloped by even more pink hues, covering every piece of furniture within the establishment. Y/n's eyes swept across the cafe, searching for the familiar figures of a blonde and a red-head. However, her search was cut short by a voice she knew well.    

  “Cass! Luna! Over here!”    

 The recognizable shout, coupled with the affectionate nickname, immediately captured Y/n's attention. Her gaze landed on the duo she had been seeking, seated in the far corner of the cafe. With a few purposeful steps, she approached their table, only to be embraced by a streak of red that collided with her, wrapping her in a tight, exuberant hug. Gasping for air and regaining her composure after the unexpected impact, Y/n found herself face to freckled face with her exuberant best friend. Eira's arms were still wrapped around her, and her joyful dark blue eyes radiated with happiness as she looked at Y/n and the rugged ravenette man at her side. Cassius, though typically stoic, appeared slightly nervous in Eira's presence, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Y/n.

“I was wondering when you guys would get here! I’m sorry we had to make our own ways here,” Eira's voice was laced with cheerful energy, her enthusiasm infectious.

“It’s alright, Eira. Y/n and I had some matters to attend to back at the temple before we could depart. It's wonderful to see you in such good spirits,” Cassius eventually greeted her, his voice tinged with a subtle stutter. A small smile graced his scarred lips, and his fingers fidgeted nervously, a gesture that didn't escape Y/n's observation. The realisation washed over her, confirming her earlier suspicions.

I knew it.

If there was one thing Y/n knew about her long-time friend, it was that Cassius Farlong rarely experienced nervousness. He was typically as stoic as they come, revealing only the faintest hints of emotion. But the rare occasions when he did show unease were divided into two distinct categories.

The first type of nervousness emerged during battles and times of war. It manifested as heightened tension, his reactions amplified when the enemy gained an upper hand or prepared for a surprise attack. This anxiety often led to calculated planning and meticulous preparations for the impending conflict.

Then there was the second type, a newfound form that had surfaced in recent months whenever he was around the cheerful redhead before them. In Eira's presence, Cassius exhibited occasional instances of uncharacteristic unease. Never before had he stumbled over his words or fidgeted with his fingers—unprecedented behaviors for a man who had roamed the earth for centuries. These actions only confirmed Y/n's suspicions that his emotions were stirred by the presence of the vibrant woman.

As Cassius and Eira exchanged greetings, Y/n couldn't help but smirk internally, eagerly anticipating the teasing she had in store for him once they found a base.

Pausing to relish the endearing tableau unfolding before her, Y/n's observant eyes were drawn back to the spot where Eira had been moments ago. Yet, to her surprise, the blonde-haired mischief-maker had melted into the background like a fleeting wisp of sunlight. The subtle rustle of his approach had been masked by the symphony of laughter, and Y/n found herself ensnared in a swift, unexpected half-embrace. Ash's voice, velvety and oozing with charm, washed over her like a cascade of warm honey.

“Y’know y/n, you're looking more like the moon every day—beautiful, glowing, and something I dearly want to touch.” Ash's words, as practised as his easy grin, wove a tapestry of flirtatious confidence.

 Sighing in playful exasperation, Y/n nimbly seized his wrist, applying a deft twist that coaxed a surprised yelp from him. The ensuing scene was a symphony of amusement—Eira's laughter bubbled forth like a melodic stream, a testament to their well-worn banter. Cassius, his expression a blend of amusement and stoicism, smirked in response. It was a dance they knew well, an artistry of fellowship that had been fine-tuned through countless escapades.As the embrace loosened, Y/n turned with a fluid grace to face her flirty assailant. Her tone was a playful fusion of mock admonishment and undeniable charm.

“Ash, your confidence knows no bounds, but might I suggest refining your pickup lines? Telling someone you want to touch them might be perceived as, well, a tad bit perverted.” Her words, like a gentle melody, held a note of amused teasing. Ash's unyielding grin met her narrowed gaze, the battle of wits and charm in full swing.

“Ah, but Y/n, the allure of my pickup lines lies in their audacity. And rest assured, every word I say is truth!” Ash's voice carried a cheeky cadence, punctuated by an easy shrug. Y/n's playful exhalation conveyed a mix of amusement and affection, a response honed through familiarity.

“I still can't fathom how you and Cassius could be twins,” Y/n mused, her tone laced with genuine curiosity. The contrast between Ash's charismatic flamboyance and Cassius's enigmatic reserve was a puzzle she enjoyed contemplating.

Ash's chuckle rippled through the air, harmonising with the surrounding sounds. His vibrant green eyes glinted with shared amusement as he met her gaze.

“Believe me, Y/n, I've questioned that prank more times than I care to admit.” His voice, a melody in itself, held a note of incredulity. His gaze shifted to Cassius, standing with his signature stoicism, a hint of a grin playing at the corners of his lips. “I'm fairly certain Cassius has his moments of bewilderment too.”

Light laughter ensued, underlining their easy, long time friendship. But Ash's grin gradually gave way to contemplation as his eyes encompassed the group as a whole.

“What do you all say that we grab something to go? A quick bite to eat and some drinks, it’ll give us a chance to explore the area whilst we are out of the sun?”

The group hummed in unanimous agreement, finally feeling whole again.

⋆˖𖤣𖥧.⚒ ❆↞﹛☽◯☾﹜↠❆ ⚒.𖥧𖤣˖⋆

Beneath the tranquil night sky, the quartet embarked on their leisurely stroll along the outskirts of the town. The moon hung like a pale pearl, casting its silvery radiance upon them. The symphony of nocturnal creatures serenaded their footsteps, creating an eerie yet oddly soothing ambiance.

As they wandered, each footstep seemed to resonate in the stillness, the sound muffled by the layer of dirt and gravel beneath their shoes. The café had provided warm beverages that sent tendrils of comfort through their bodies, and the pastries had been a delightful addition to their midnight reprieve.

 Cassius, blueberry muffin in hand, took a moment to inquire, his words slightly muffled by a mouthful, "Eira, Ash, did you manage to find a suitable base in your explorations? You've had more time to scout around."

Eira and Ash exchanged knowing glances, their eyes speaking of the secrets they held. Eira's voice, calm and measured, broke the silence, "Out in the desert, we stumbled upon a pair of abandoned military huts. Their exteriors may bear the scars of time, but with some dedicated effort, we can breathe life into them. After all, we don't intend to establish a permanent residence here, do we?"

A chorus of nods and murmurs of agreement resonated under the moon's watchful gaze. Yet, for Y/n, an unshakable unease clung to her, a suffocating weight on her shoulders. It felt as though an invisible presence observed her, dissecting her very essence.

That’s it. I’m using it.

In response to this persistent discomfort, Y/n reached into the deep pockets of her rugged cargo pants. From their depths, she extracted a remarkable artifact—a golden compass, adorned with intricate symbols and gemstones that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages. Greek letters graced its surface, bridging the gap between cultures and knowledge.

The compass, a work of artistry, whispered ancient secrets and untold stories through its design. Y/n, with a practised flick, unlocked its metallic lid, revealing the enigmatic instrument's heart. She felt her pulse quicken as the compass's needle embarked on a mesmerising dance of magnetism, whirling and spinning until it found its resolute direction.

East.

Simultaneously, a surge of anxiety hit Y/n like a freight train. Her heart raced, and the fine hairs on her arms stood at attention. It was as if her instincts were on high alert, urging her to pay attention to the unseen threat that lingered in the shadows.

Desperate to share her heightened awareness with the group, Y/n raised the glowing compass high, her voice laced with urgency and a touch of apprehension. "Guys!" she called out, her words cutting through the night's stillness.

The trio ahead, lost in their own world of conversation, snapped to attention as if pulled by an invisible force. Wide-eyed and caught mid-motion, they turned to face their compatriot a few paces behind them. Their collective astonishment painted an image of suspended animation, a tableau of camaraderie and shared astonishment.

Yet, as their gazes landed on Y/n, they couldn't help but pause. Her eyes, once a familiar shade, had undergone a transformation. The irises, once deep and familiar, had been overtaken by a silver light that seemed to glow from within. It was an ethereal change, a manifestation of the power that coursed through her veins.

In that moment, it was undeniable that Y/n was hyper-aware, her instincts screaming that something lurked near.

The group gathered around the glowing compass, their collective gaze now fixed on the shimmering needle that pointed resolutely eastward. As they followed its direction, their eyes were drawn to the vast expanse of the Nevada desert, where rocky cliffs loomed in the distance, like ancient sentinels guarding untold secrets.

Cassius furrowed his brow, his keen eyes narrowing at the compass and then shifting to the foreboding desert landscape. "East, into the desert?" he questioned, his voice heavy with curiosity and a hint of concern.

Y/n nodded, her silver eyes reflecting the moon's pale glow. "Yes, into the desert. Ever since Cassius and I arrived in this town, I've felt... off, as if we were being watched and evaluated. Someone or something sees us as prey, even in this moment. And now, with the compass pointing east, it confirms that there's something lurking out there...and i worry it may be similar to what we've encountered and battled with back in Greece and the rest of Europe.."

Ash's eyes flickered with a mixture of intrigue and determination. "You think one of the ancients is out their?"

Y/n's gaze met his, her voice carrying the weight of her words. "I don't know, Ash. But the compass, is telling me that we need to go east. You know that whenever I hold this, I always focus on what's possing a threat to us. Whatever's out there, it's not just observing. It's waiting, biding its time. We can't ignore it any longer. It's our duty and our mission to confront this threat, to find out what we're up against, why this keeps happening and who let this happen in the first place. There's no way the ancients gout out by themselves, someone did this, and im determined to prove to prove to the Gods I'm right."

Eira, usually the voice of reason, chimed in, her tone filled with unwavering support, "Y/n's right. We can't afford to let this linger. If something's been watching us, studying us, it could pose a significant danger not only to us but potentially to others in this town and further on. We need answers as to what is happening and how they managed to escape the Archway in the first place."

The gravity of their situation hung heavy in the air, an unspoken tension that left the group suspended between apprehension and resolve. With a unanimous nod, they shared a glance that spoke volumes—unspoken trust, unwavering loyalty, and the understanding that the path ahead was one they had to tread together.

In that moonlit desert, with the wind whispering ancient secrets, they embarked on a journey into the unknown. Their mission had officially begun, and their resolve was unbreakable…

—------------------------------------------

In the heart of the Autobot base, nestled amidst the sprawling Nevada desert, Optimus Prime held court with a regal presence that resonated with the very essence of their sanctuary. His towering frame commanded attention against the banks of monitors that encircled him, each screen a portal into Earth's ever-unfolding narrative. Rows of data scrolled ceaselessly, like a digital waterfall, painting a vibrant mural of information across his field of vision.

The rhythmic hum of machinery, a symphony of technological life, served as the base's heartbeat—a constant reminder of their mission's ceaseless momentum. It was within this rhythmic embrace of their perpetual movement that the blue and red mech found both purpose and contemplation. As he meticulously sifted through the reports detailing Earth's multifaceted existence and its inhabitants, his thoughts naturally transcended the boundaries of their metallic sanctuary. He became entranced by the enigma that was humanity—an indomitable spirit that had weathered the tumultuous tides of history, a testament to unwavering resilience.

The ambient lighting filtered through towering windows cast intricate patterns upon the polished floor, providing a visual backdrop to Optimus's musings. The play of light and shadow resembled ancient stories etched onto cave walls, inviting him to explore the depths of human myths and legends. These tales entwined with the concept of magic—a force that existed beyond the confines of scientific understanding.

Optimus's gaze traversed beyond the windows, beyond the desert horizon, as his thoughts embarked on a cosmic odyssey. In this profound moment of introspection, he couldn't help but notice the parallels between human myths and the history of his own kind. Were these stories fragments of a shared cosmic saga, imprinted upon the very fabric of reality?

As Optimus contemplated the concept of magic—a force that transcended the logical confines of science—he envisioned the vast desert landscape outside. The wind's gentle whispers danced across the dunes, a reminder that Earth might hold an energy, a primal force, woven into its very core. This force defied categorization and challenged the boundaries of their knowledge.

With a deep breath, Optimus tore his blue gaze from the monitors, fixing his optics on the expanse of the base's ceiling. Stars, like ancient storytellers, twinkled above, painting constellations that ignited a profound sense of wonder. The universe, he realised, was an unfathomable repository of knowledge and mysteries, intertwined with the myths of countless civilizations. As the commander of the Autobots, he acknowledged that the pursuit of knowledge was a journey that transcended the boundaries of conflict and divisions, inviting them to explore the extraordinary realm of the unknown.

The mech continued his contemplation within the heart of the Autobot base, nestled amidst the sprawling Nevada desert, a sudden disruption jolted him from his reverie. Laughter, the joyous sound of youth, resonated from the "human area" where Jack, Miko, and Raf had gathered. Their animated, joy filled giggles, echoed through the metallic chambers which served as a poignant reminder of the connections forged between species, amidst the cosmic vastness.

In this human enclave, amidst the towering technology of the Autobot base, the laughter and animated discussions of the children painted a vivid contrast to the solemnity of their surroundings. It was here that the lines between the organic and the mechanical blurred, giving rise to a unique bond that transcended species.

Meanwhile, their Autobot guardians—Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead—were out on patrol, their vigilant optics scouring the landscape for any sign of danger. The responsibility of safeguarding both Earth and their cherished human allies rested heavily on their shoulders. To maintain the secrecy of their existence and location, the children had devised a clever ruse, claiming to have a "sleepover" at each other's homes. Unbeknownst to their parents, they concealed the extraordinary lives they led within the Autobot base. This subterfuge had become essential, given the recent escalation in Decepticon attacks that had placed the base on temporary "lockdown."

Yet, even as Optimus contemplated these threads of human-Autobot unity, an urgent alert pierced the tranquility of the moment. Ratchet's voice resonated through their internal communication network, laced with an unmistakable sense of urgency.

"Optimus, we have a dire situation," Ratchet reported, his tone laden with unease. "Sensors are detecting four life signatures in the desert. They are unlike anything we've ever encountered, and their readings are off the scale."

Optimus Prime's optics flared with a combination of concern and determination. Unusual life signatures in the desert? This was unprecedented. Their sensors were registering anomalies beyond any previous interaction on this planet. He knew that the safety of Earth and its inhabitants took precedence, but the strangeness of this situation could not be ignored.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Optimus made a resolute decision. "Prepare the team for immediate deployment, Ratchet. But we will not use the groundbridge unless it becomes absolutely necessary. We must exercise caution and avoid any actions that might inadvertently expose our presence, just in case this turns out to be minor. No need to add anymore civilians in our battles."

Ratchet, ever the pragmatic voice of reason, replied with a grave nod. "Understood, Optimus. I'll prepare the team, but we'll proceed cautiously."

As Optimus Prime and Ratchet grappled with the urgency of the situation, they swiftly activated their comlinks, a direct line of communication to their comrades out on patrol—Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead. The faint but distinct hum of the comlink's transmission echoed through the chamber as they relayed crucial instructions.

"Arcee, Bumblebee, Bulkhead," Optimus's voice resonated with unwavering determination, cutting through the ambient noise of the base. "We have an urgent matter. Ratchet has detected four highly unusual life signatures in the desert. The readings are unlike anything we've encountered before. I'm transmitting the coordinates to your systems. Proceed to that location immediately."

Arcee's cool and collected tone acknowledged the order. "Understood, Optimus. We're on our way."

Bumblebee's response came in the form of a series of affirmative beeps and chirps, his unwavering loyalty evident in every sound.

Bulkhead, the powerhouse of the team, rumbled his agreement. "You got it Prime! We'll check it out." 

And with that final comment from Bulkhead, the comm link ended as they made their way to  travel to their designated coordinates

As the tension in the Autobot base escalated and the team prepared for imminent action, the three young humans—Jack, Miko, and Raf—exchanged worried glances. Their laughter had been momentarily replaced by an air of uncertainty.

Jack, ever the voice of reason, spoke up, his concern palpable. "Guys, this sounds serious. I mean, we've never heard Optimus and Ratchet like this before. Those life signatures must be really strange."

Miko, true to her bold and adventurous nature, chimed in with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "Yeah, it's gotta be something big if they're not using the groundbridge. What do you think it could be?"

Raf, the most scientifically inclined of the trio, furrowed his brow in deep thought. "I'm not sure, but we've seen some pretty wild stuff since we met the Autobots. Maybe it's another alien species or something we haven't encountered yet?"

The children exchanged glances with each other, a mix of trepidation and resolve in their eyes. They were well aware that their lives had become intertwined with the extraordinary, and this new development was a stark reminder that their world was anything but ordinary. In this moment, they reaffirmed their commitment to support their Autobot friends, come what may, in the face of the unknown.

With their Autobot team mobilized and heading towards the enigmatic coordinates provided by Ratchet, the base's previously tranquil atmosphere had transformed into a hive of activity. Every Autobot, from the youngest to the most seasoned, understood the gravity of the situation. Unprecedented anomalies in the desert demanded their attention and vigilance. They were bound by a shared purpose—to protect Earth and its inhabitants from threats both known and unknown. With the balance struck between vigilance and restraint, the Autobots readied themselves to confront an enigma that defied their understanding, lurking deep within the desert's unforgiving expanse. The intensity of the moment hung in the air, a palpable reminder that even amidst laughter and closeness and momentary peace, their duty to protect extended to the unknown and the unexpected.

Well, I hope you likes chapter 1, pease comment and follow along for updates. I plan to do so every week or two, need to balance that school work bby.

[blue-nardo]

"The Attack."

OOC: OKAY MORE PLOT BECAUSE I'M ADDICTED AND IT'S THE ONLY THING I CAN WRITE RN!! In this thrilling installment, we see a fight, Leo and Yuichi, and we sprinkle the seeds for future problems.

Trigger warnings are mentions of injuries, canon typical violence, and mention of character death. Enjoy!

"LEO HELP!"

That's the plea Leo hears from his communicator mere moments after he's been attacked by sentient goop. It had tried to attach itself to his face like some kind of parasite, and maybe he was still having a hard time breathing because of it, but he didn't care as he opened a portal, dragging himself, Donnie, Casey and Venus into the side of the ship where Cass and her team had been looking. 

They see a large beast, with wires connected to it from somewhere high in the room, towering over Mikey, Cass and April while Raph holds it off in his astral form. Leo's first thought is that he has to get Raph out, that he can't let him be taken again, that it hasn't been ten years yet - please don't take his brother from him again - when the beast stops, directing its attention directly on him. 

"Host…"

The wind is knocked from Leo's chest as he's yanked back from his brothers and into the wall. He hears Donnie and Venus shout for him, but can't really focus on anything outside of the ringing in his ears as his vision starts to swim. The stitches in his arms ache something fierce as he tries to weakly pull away the slimy grossness keeping him cocooned. There's the sound of fighting somewhere in front of him, but there's only one word in his head that seems to matter. 

"Prime. Prime. Prime. Prime."

Leo's gasping for air now as his vision goes dark, and he weakly kicks at the air in front of him. There's a roar in the distance, and a bright flash of light, and he's starting to think that maybe he's not getting out of this one either. 

It's creeping in his skin, under his bandages and going straight for the cuts he got from Sister Kraang. He's going limp now, and his finals thoughts are going to be that of how he hopes his family won't hold back, that they'll put him out of his misery if he turns. 

"IKUZO!"

The familiar sound of a sword slicing through air greets his ears, and suddenly gravity has its hold on him again as he's suddenly freed. He hits the ground hard, choking for air as two pairs of arms grab him and pull him up. He tries to blink, tries to listen for the voices calling his name, before finally Leo sees the faces that have been haunting his mind for days. 

"Yuichi? Miyamoto?" he rasps weakly, and he thinks about how that means his larynx is probably bruised. "What… you both have to go, now."

"Not without taking out this thing first," Yuichi growls, and it would be so much more attractive if Leo could actually think right now. 

"What is it?" Miyamoto asks. His grip on Leo is firm and tight, protective, and despite the circumstances, Leo actually feels safe. "Is it a Yokai?"

"Alien," Leo coughs as he tries to stand, using Miyamoto for support. "Kraang monster… Must have been hiding out here… Gotta get the… The herbicide!"

"APRIIIIIL O'NEIL!" He looks up to see April mashing a vial of the stuff onto the giant Mutt, and he watches with relief as it reels back from his family. Thankfully, they all seem to be okay, with Donnie, Casey and Mikey in the air while Raph and the others catch April from her fall. Already he wants back in the fight, to portal and teleport his team to where they need to be. Unfortunately for him, his sense of balance doesn't agree right now, and Miyamoto has to catch him again when he tries to stand. 

"Oh gross," he hears Yuichi cringe. "What is all this stuff?"

"DON'T - " Leo's eyes go wide when he feels Yuichi's hands go to the Kraang slime on his arm. He smacks Yuichi's hand away, pure adrenaline keeping him up as he pulls back from Miyamoto. "Don't let this stuff get on or in you! Trust me, it's not gonna end pretty if it does!"

"Leo, are you okay?!" He hears Mikey call for him, and he turns to see his baby brother jumping down towards him, with way too much fear in his eyes. "Are you hurt??"

He shakes his head, keeping Miyamoto and Yuichi and Mikey at a distance. He can't touch them while this is on them. His eyes dart to the stains on Miyamoto's shirt - he's pretty sure it's offensive to call it that, but he doesn't know the actual name for it… 

"Miyamoto, take off your shirt."

Both Yuichi and Miyamoto turn to him with wide eyes, a clear blush on both of their faces. Mikey seems to follow his line of thinking though when his eyes land on the purple stains of the bright blue fabric. It isn't long before he's gasping and trying to pull the shirt off as well. 

"You can't get this stuff on you!" Mikey insists as Miyamoto lets him pull it off. "Trust us, it always ends ugly!"

"But what about Leo?" Yuichi sounds worried, almost, but Leo's eyes are back on the fight. 

"Use more of the herbicide," he directs Mikey, ignoring the question. "Tell Donnie to go semi-lethal too. Don't let that thing get into the city."

Mikey nods, and his chains begin to glow as he quite literally flings himself back into the fight. Leo rolls his shoulders back, and leans down to grab his swords. He stops though, when Yuichi steps closer, and glances back up at the Usagi brothers. 

They're worried, they both are. He gets it - there's a fight going on, and they've got questions. So he has to make it quick. 

He picks up his swords, giving them a testing twirl before gesturing to the Mutt. "Don't let it cut you, don't get this junk on you. Worry about me after the fight."

"Leonardo-San, are you - "

"Hey, listen we'll have plenty of time to debate if I'm okay or not when we take this thing down, now let's go!"

They win the fight, of course they do. Between all of their mystic powers and Yuichi and Miyamoto joining in, it's all too easy. April's herbicide does most of the work in taking the thing down, and Leo brings them all home once he's sure it's dead. Casey is quick to shove him into a hot shower as he gives himself a full body physical. There aren't any new injuries that he can see, so nothing that the Kraang ooze can infect him with, and he has no way of knowing if the stitches on his arm kept him safe from anything getting in there. 

Removing his bandages, he glares at the bruising spreading out from his cuts and tries not to overthink. It's just purple, it's not pink, he reasons. It could just be bruises from the attack, nothing else. 

He decides that Casey can't know, and neither can his brothers. Not in the event that this is nothing. Right now they need to focus on the mission and keeping the Foot Clan from bringing the Kraang back into this fight. That's the priority, and he can worry about his arm in the meantime.

"So what was all that about?"

He lets out the most undignified shout when he hears Yuichi's voice, whirling around to see him standing in the doorway. He looks smug, like usual, probably pleased with himself that he managed to sneak up on Leo again. 

"What happened to, 'sneaky ninjas are the most dishonorable creatures known to man?'" He rolls his eyes before sitting back down on the toilet seat, rewrapping his arm. "And obviously it was a giant Kraang monster, or did you miss that part?"

Yuichi lets out an annoyed sound, and Leo feels just the tiniest bit of pride in that. As attractive as Yuichi may be, he still likes to piss him off.

"You got covered in that purple ooze and acted like it was a zombie virus thing when you got it off my brother. Who, by the way, you totally embarrassed asking him to take his Yukata off like that. You know he's the biggest prude ever, right?"

Leo rolls his eyes, but doesn't look up, instead focusing on getting his arm wrapped up. "Is that what that's called? Noted. Next time I'll ask him to take off his Yukata, not his shirt."

"Okay, I get it, not the point," Yuichi groans, before deciding that he's suddenly welcome in the bathroom, stepping closer to look at Leo's arm. "You haven't answered my question."

Leo gives him a scrutinizing look, before extending his arm out for Yuichi to finish wrapping. "The reason I did that is because it kind of is a zombie virus thing. Just an alien zombie virus."

"Haha, very funny." There's silence, before Yuichi's ears go straight up. "Wait, you're being serious?"

"Yup," Leo hums, popping the P. 

"Jeez…" Yuichi's hands pause in their movements as he seems to deflate. Leo wants to comment on it, but Yuichi beats him to saying something. "What about you…?"

Leo pauses, tipping his head to the side in confusion. "What about me?"

Yuichi gestures silently to him with his free hand, indicating the lack of purple ooze all over Leo's body. "You were soaked with the stuff, and you were attacked before. How do we know you don't have the zombie alien virus thing?"

It's… A surprisingly good question. Leo had thought Yuichi wouldn't notice, or if he had, wouldn't think to bring it up. The rabbit had already established his own total lack of a brain cell, Leo figured that it would have applied here. 

"Short answer… We don't," he sighs. "But until I know for certain one way or the other… That information stays quiet, okay?"

Yuichi narrows his eyes. "A leader doesn't lie to his team."

"Compartmentalizing. Need to know."

"And your family isn't need to know?"

Leo inhales sharply at that, glaring back at Yuichi. Normally he doesn't really mind their banter, only really reacting because he thinks it's funny. That being said, family was off limits. 

"You don't know the whole story," he huffs at Yuichi. "I want us to focus on stopping the Foot Clan first. If this," he points to his arm, trying not to think about the future that it implies, "gets worse? They're the first to know, and we deal with it then."

"Deal with it, how, exactly?" Yuichi crosses his arms as he glares down at him, and Leo isn't sure if he likes that expression or if it makes him nervous. 

Leo lets out a slow breath, keeping his voice even. "... Casey will know that he can't hold back. If chopping it off doesn't work… I know he'll get them to do what it takes to stop me."

The silence is unnerving, but Leo won't be the one to break it. Yuichi needs to understand that this isn't a game, or a lighthearted mission, not like he wants it to be. In a past life, he might have made a joke to ease the tension, but that was before the Kraang took his brother from him. Before he'd learned how long he'd really had his brothers for in Casey's time. 

Before his heart had stopped beating to stop them. 

Yuichi's eyes go wide as the realization hits him, and for once Leo thinks he can't see the usual judgment or anger that shines in his bright red eyes. The thought of what could be, or what could have been, when it came to his own brother? Leo knew from personal experience that it was a lot to take in. 

"So… What now?"

Leo sighs, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the wall. He doesn't have the answer for that yet, but he can think of one on the fly. His mind has always been good at that, but he never learned to recognize that until recently. 

"Now… We make sure that we clean that wreck of anything Kraang related before someone in the city gets into it," he answers. "We can't let the Foot open a portal, and we cannot let anyone get infected. Capiche?"

"Uhhh, what does that mean?"

Leo can't help the smile on his face, even if he wants to. He needs it, he knows he does, because he's got this nagging feeling that pretty soon smiling isn't going to be easy. 

"It means… You're standing over me while I'm stark naked and tenderly bandaging my wounds," he teases, enjoying the blush on Yuichi's face. "I'm flattered, really, but I thought we were done with fake-out make-outs?"

Yuichi throws the bandages in his face, and Leo laughs as the rabbit storms out of the room. "Still waiting for you to make up for that by the way," he calls after him, grinning when he hears what is definitely not a nice string of words in Japanese shouted back at him. 

He inspects the bandages, nodding his approval before closing his eyes again. Rest, that's what he needs to plan their next mission… They've got this, he tries to reason with himself. They'll be okay. 

… First things first though, he thinks as he pulls out his phone. He needs to know more about Prime… and what the Mutt meant by, "Host."

[shannonthewriter]

Locked Out Part Three

Part One Part Two

(Not my gif)

Dean Winchester×Reader

Summary: While the boys are away on a hunt, you realize that you have gone into labor, with no way to get to the hospital, and having no clue when the boys would be back. You last bet would be to call 911, but that would give away the whole bunker. You could only help you could get ahold of one of the boys, even if praying would get Cas to come to you.

Word Count: 1,100

Warning: None?

The door opened once again, but you let your eyes stay closed, as you had finally gotten yourself calmed down, even if it was only a little bit. Although all the pain was in one area, it seemed like your whole body hurt, that was probably from you tensing up your body every time you had a contraction. Your breathing pattern that used to help seemed completely useless at this point, but you knew not to give up, it had to be doing something. 

"How close are they now Cass?" You asked, hoping that this time he would have a time guesstimate, and not just saying they would be here soon. 

"We're here." You heard Dean's voice that caused your eyes to shoot open, a weight was taken off your shoulders and you felt like you could really calm down. "I'm here, I'm right here." He grabbed onto your hand, giving you a soft smile, causing you to smile back, no matter how much pain you were in. 

"I was thinking you weren't going to make it." You squeezed his hand as you had another wave of pain. You sounded out of breath and tired, and you felt like both. You wanted nothing more than to go to sleep and catch your breath, all at the same time. 

"Do you really think I was going to miss this? The birth of our child, I would come back from the dead to be here." His smile caused you to lightly laugh before taking in a sharp breath. A worried look quickly took over his face, his smile was gone within seconds. 

"It's okay, I'm doing okay, or at least I feel like I'm okay, just in labor." You gave off a dry chuckle before leaning back into the pillow, holding tightly onto your boyfriend's hand. "Cass said that Sam was figuring out how to deliver the baby, please tell me that he figured it out." 

"He's working on the final touches, but he's gonna be in here soon." He lightly squeezed your hand, reminding you that he was there for you. "How long have you been in labor?" 

"Apparently, all day, but active labor itself felt like the time you spent in hell." You comment, trying to give an example that Dean would understand. "Being shot, stabbed, and the countless times I've broken a bone. I would rather be recovered from a bullet wound right now." You spoke before starting on a breathing pattern again. 

"You're doing wonderful, this is going to be over sooner than you can think. Once Sam gets in here, it's probably gonna be time to start pushing." You nod your head at Dean's words, closing your eyes and laying back into the pillow. You wanted nothing more than to hear the door open, because the means Sam was here. 

You felt as if you could pass out from the pain, and at this point, you would gladly accept it. At least you would be off in a better spot, you wouldn't have to deal with the pain. It was going to be there no matter what, until you pushed this baby out, you were going to be up with the worst pain that you have ever been in. 

"Alright, Y/n, I did as much research as could on the way here, and it's better than going unprepared." Sam spoke before letting out a small sigh. "They used to do this in the pioneer days, so at least you're already off to a better start, you have an angle at your bedside." He let out a small laugh that caused you to glare at him, the laughing quickly stopping after that. 

"I just want this done and over with." You spoke as Dean lightly tightened his grip on your hands, but it had been nothing compared to the pain you were in now. 

"I can do that." Sam spoke as he went to put gloves on his hands, nothing the boys had ever done before when pulling bullets out of their skin or stitching up knife wounds. "You're gonna have to push, so Dean, Cas, hold her legs back." Sam instructed and both boys compiled without question. 

"Are you sure you can do this Sam?" Dean looked at his brother with worry, wondering if it was too late to get you to the hospital, but it was way too late, you needed to push, and that had to start now. Sam didn't speak for a minute as he was check to see how dilated you were. 

"We don't have much of a choice Dean, she's far too along, she has to start pushing." Sam turned his attention away from his brother and onto you. "You hear me Y/n? You need to start pushing, take in a deep breath, push for ten seconds, I'll count out loud for you, okay?" You nodded your head and began to feel yourself starting to panic. 

"It's okay, I'm right here." Dean whispered in your ear as he grabbed onto your hand. "Squeeze my hand as hard as you need." You nodded your head and took in a deep breath. 

"Alright, you're having a contraction, start to push; ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two one." You pushed as hard as you could, squeezing onto Dean's hand and the bed sheet with the other. That pattern went on for a few hours, but for you it felt like an eternity. "They're almost here Y/n, just one more push."

 You look at Sam for just a moment before he started to count once again. You took in a big breath and pushed as hard as you could, even letting out a scream of frustration. You could feel your muscles start to shake from how hard you were tightening your body so much. You could feel tears run down your face, by there were the least of your worries. After Sam had finished counting you gasped for a breath and kept the heavy breathing. 

"Cas, take Dean outside, now." Sam instructed without warning, causing his older brother to look at him in shock. 

"Wait. What?! Why?!" Dean started to raise his voice, ready to fight, as the angel grabbed his shoulder. 

"Get him out of the room, NOW!" Sam didn't argue with his brother before he was forced out of the room, everything only causing you to start to panic. 

"Sam, what's going on?" You looked at him with worry, the tears were now from stress, you didn't feel like crying but your emotions were all over the place. 

Tag List:

@akshi8278

[thepaperpanda]

I'm Into You || Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Bucky is so in love with you. The problem is that you don't know about this fact yet...

Warnings: none expect a lot of fluffiness and Bucky being a sweet dork

Words: 2516

Authors: Cass & Beast

Bucky was looking at his metal arm that was glistening with raindrops.

He was sitting at the balcony of his room at the Avengers Tower.

It was raining but he didn't care about getting wet. It was one of these days when he was completely lost in the thoughts that were running through his head.

"Y/N... Ah, Y/N." Bucky mumbled under his breath and ran hand through his already wet bangs.

Truth was that Bucky, the former Winter Soldier, was so in love with you. Yet, he had never found a courage to speak his mind aloud.

"Y/N, hi. I was thinking that... No.. It doesn't sound good..." He rubbed his beard. "Y/N. Would you mind me asking you to a.... Fuck." He sighed deeply, hiding face in palms.

When he heard a knocking on his door, he went to open them.

You smiled at him standing in front of him but suddenly your smile faded away when you saw how wet he was.

"Bucky?! What happened? Have you been sitting at the balcony again? You will get sick one day."

You entered his room and started to look for a fresh towel. When you found one, you walked to him and put it simply on his head. "I know that you and Stevie are both after this Super Soldier Serum or something like this but you two still need to take care of your health." You sighed as you were gently wiping his hair.

Bucky pulled towel out of your hands and quickly wiped his hair.

"No.. I mean yeah. I was at the balcony. I like rain. It helps to focus. It helps to realize a lot of things..." He paused and giggled shortly after. "Am I the only one who has an impression that I keep on talking without sense?"

He looked at you but quickly turned head away as he realized that he was wearing an old checkered shirt and frayed jeans. "But. Why did you come here? I mean, do you need something?"

You looked at him and shrugged. "You missed your breakfast, Bucky. I and Steve got pretty worried about you. He asked me to check upon you."

You took another tower and started to wipe his metal arm.

"How do you feel? Everything's okay? I hope you won't get sick.." You sighed sadly.

He shook his head slightly.

"I am used to being outside when it's raining. And well, I am ill-tempered." Bucky smiled proudly and briefly rubbed over his beard. "I am fine. I will eat dinner. Not hungry at the moment."

Silence crawled between two of you. After few longer moments Bucky realized he was staring at you. He had been blinking few times before he dropped a statement. "You look beautiful in that green shirt, Y/N. It suits you."

You giggled and nodded. "Yes, you are so "ill-tempered" that a few months ago you fainted at the gym with a fever of 40℃. Bruce had to put you into a bathtub filled with ice. I spend three weeks taking care of you." You looked at him with smile.

Then, you looked down at your shirt. "Oh... Thanks, Buck... I hate that shirt. I got it from Sam for Christmas. I wear it only so he can think it was a good gift." You shrugged.

He gave a nod. "I see."

Bucky swallowed hardly as he sat down on his couch. "Y/N... Listen. I have a business to you..."

Bucky wanted to bite his own tongue after saying these words but it was already too late.

You blinked and gave a nod. "Okay... What is it, Buck?" You asked and sat next to him on the couch.

"Would you mind me asking you for a...."

But Bucky wasn't able to finish his sentence.

The door to his room was opened suddenly by Sam. "There you are, Barnes!" Man rolled his eyes as he stepped in. "Your boyfriend's looking after you. You were about to go on a mission together, y'know, mate? Fury ordered this so no offence!" Sam put his hands up in the air but a mischievous grin didn't leave his lips for a second.

You looked at both men. "Okay, so! I won't bother you, Bucky. Dry yourself and get ready. We will talk when you will be back. Sam? During breakfast you said you wanna talk, right? So... let's go and oh! Bucky!" You said and then smiled at him, "Good luck on your mission and be careful there. Please." After these words, you left Bucky's room.

As soon as door were closed again, Bucky laid down on his bed, he took a pillow and screamed loudly into its material.

He was so frustrated now, he was almost sure that Sam has wanted to ask you for a date.

Bucky was laying like this for about five minutes and then he got up.

He quickly got dressed, putting on dark cargo pants and black combat boots, dark pullover and a bulletproof vest on top of it. He put his hair into a ponytail and then left his room.

When Bucky left the room, you also were getting ready downstairs.

"Look, Buck! I am going on a mission with Sam! I can't wait!" You jumped happily, already wearing your uniform.

You smiled at Steve. "Take care of Bucky, Steve. I want him to come back in one piece." Then you looked at Sam. "I hope you will take care of me too." You giggled.

Bucky smiled politely but as he was passing Sam by, he threw other man a cold glance.

When Bucky noticed you were busy by talking to Steve, he pinned Sam to the wall of the corridor.

"Try to get too close to her and I will rip your fucking wings out of that ridiculous suit, you get it, Wilson?" Bucky hissed, leaning down to Sam.

"Hey, hey, hey... What the hell got into you, Barnes." Sam growled. "As far as we both know, she isn't your property or anything. This isn't your old, war times, pal. Girls won't jump into your arms just because of your pretty face. First come, first served." He muttered and pushed Bucky away then walked to you and wrapped an arm around your shoulder. "Okay, enough talking, it's time to go and take down those bad guys, am I right, Y/N?" Sam asked, grinning.

You looked at him and nodded. "Let's go! See you later, guys!" You waved at Bucky and Steve and then left with Sam.

Steve looked at his friend. "Everything's fine, pal?"

Bucky hit the nearest wall with his metal fist. "Fucking yes, Steven. Go on or we will be late again." Bucky growled loudly, pushing Steve aside as he walked to the car.

He got into and looked at Steve. "You're going or not?"

This was a tough mission even to Bucky.

He was in Europe with Steve and alongside him, Bucky was fighting with some new gang that was terrorizing few of largest European capital cities.

But he couldn't focus on his duties at all. Especially during long, lonely nights, when his thoughts were drifting to you.

You sighed softly after a long day of fighting bad guys.

You sat on your bed and nuzzled to the pillow, thinking about Bucky.

Sam was really nice and funny but sometimes too annoying.

Weirdly, your thoughts were drifting to Bucky, you were missing him so much.

You closed your eyes and tried to catch some sleep, you couldn't wait till next evening, when you was about to see Bucky again.

Steve and Bucky got out of the car at the driveway of Avengers Tower.

Both of men were tired after last few days.

Steve was grabbing some papers from the trunk and Bucky was packing his knives to the bag, when he saw with the corner of the eye that Sam's car parked on the opposite side of the driveway.

Bucky, however, pretended to be busy with packing.

You were sitting on the couch in common living room.

You hissed quietly as Sam was stroking your leg that was bandaged. "I told you to be careful. Cap was right, you never listen, Y/N." Sam sighed.

You giggled. "You know me. I try to do whatever I can. Even if I will get hurt. Just now I will have a problem... How I will be walking? Bruce said I can't walk too much because of the injury."

Sam smiled and gently rubbed your cheek. "Hey, I can take care of you." He said and hugged you tight.

You nuzzled to him. "Thanks. You are a great friends, Sam."

It was the moment when Bucky stepped into the room with Steve.

As Bucky saw you next to Sam, his face changed, reddening with a rage that was building in him.

"Hi, Y/N, Sam." Steve nodded with a smile, he passed his friend and joined two of you on the couch. "How was it? Oh, Y/N! I knew you'll come back hurt. As always. Our oaf!" He smiled at you, ruffling your hair.

Bucky was taking deep breaths, he was trying to calm himself down.

"C'mere, Buck, join us!" Steve winked at Bucky.

You giggled when Steve ruffles your hair. "Yup! That's me, Cap. Come on Bucky, join us." You smiled at him.

"Yea, join us Barnes." Sam said and then pulled you onto his laps, you didn't protest. "Look, now there's enough of space for all four of us." He said hugging you softly.

"How was your mission? Did everything go fine? Because like you can see, our mission wasn't great in 100%." You joked, pointing on your leg.

Bucky was staying in the same place without a move, soundlessly. He was only clenching his metal hand in fist from time to time.

"Thanks. I will stay." He grunted through clenched teeth. "Our mission went amazingly well. We've wiped three entire towns off the bastards." Man said, improving his bangs nervously.

You looked at Bucky. "Bucky... Is everything fine? You make me worried. Come on, join us. I missed you so much and I would like to hear more." You asked and give him the sweetest smile ever.

It was enough to trigger Bucky.

"FUCKING NO! I won't be sitting next to the fucker that still tries to steal my beloved woman! I FUCKING LOVE YA, Y/N!" Bucky yelled loudly, almost breaking down. "This fucker always has to be around you! He does it with premeditation! But if you like him so much to be sitting on his laps, I fuck this shit. Imma out of this!" Bucky screamed as he dropped his bag on the floor, then he turned around and left the room cursing under his breath.

All three of you blinked surprised at Bucky's outburst.

Tony walked into the room and looked at Sam and you. "Fuck! So you wanna tell me that I have just really lost 500$? Because you got her before Barnes did?"

Sam sighed heavily and shook his head.

You looked at him with a frown. "Seriously Sam? You are the worst! Friday! Tell me where Bucky Barnes is."

"Mr. Barnes is outside, Miss." Robotic voice answered.

"Great. Stave? Would you be so kind? I can't walk." You asked looking at your friend.

Steve only nodded and then picked you up, he slowly walked outside with you.

Bucky was sitting at the stairs in front of Avengers Tower.

He was lazily playing with the lock of his dark brown hair.

Bucky let himself to shade few tears while thinking of you and Sam.

"Buck? I brought you someone. I think you two should talk." Steve said softly and sat you down next to Bucky.

You looked at him and sighed. "Bucky... Hey. Talk to me... Listen. Sam... I really had no idea he was trying to do something. I thought he is just friendly." You explained and gently touched his hand. "Please, don't be mad at me."

Bucky thrusted your hand down off his shoulder. "Don't. Just don't. You should go back to you bestie. He'll be missing ya."

Bucky shifted aside a bit, to be out of your range. "I am not good enough. I know this, okay? Don't worry, I won't be trying ever again."

You rolled your eyes and moved closer to him. "Bucky. I don't care about Sam now. Right now, I care only about you."

You sighed and grabbed his hand. "Bucky, listen. No one said you are not good enough. You are more than that. Look at me, Bucky." You put your hand to his cheek.

Bucky sighed and turned his head toward you. His big, blue eyes were looking deeply into yours, his lips was slightly opened.

"Hey there, handsome." You said quietly, stroking his cheek. "Bucky. Sam isn't more than just a friend. Really, that's all. You are the one that I care the most. You are the one that I think about whole time." You squeezed his hand with your other palm.

Bucky smiled gently and finally found a courage. He leant down to you taking your face in his hands, then he simply kissed your lips.

You purred quietly into the kiss and kissed him back. You smiled softly at him after the kiss. "Bucky? Before our mission... you have wanted to ask me something?"

Bucky nodded. "Yes, Y/N." He giggled as he looked around. "Okay, I don't see Sam around, so... Would you mind me asking you for a dinner? We can eat something tasty, dance a bit... I mean, I know a nice place... If you wouldn't mind me asking you..."

You smiled and nodded. "That sounds almost perfect, Buck... But I need to say no..." You said sadly and looked away.

He stiffened. "W.. What... Why? Did I do something wrong?" Bucky asked with sadness in his voice.

You looked at him. "I would walk with you if there was no dancing." You moved your injured leg. "I can't dance with this leg." You said and laughed.

Bucky shrugged. "Yes. I didn't think of it. Imma sorry. Maybe next time then." He raised corners of his mouth in sad smile.

You took his hand and kissed it. "How about a nice dinner and marathon of an old movies in your room, hmm? We will see where it will lead." You said with mischievous grin.

He blinked and looked at you. Within second he got what you meant and grinned back at you. "I am just afraid Sam won't be able to sleep that evening. And I'll make sure of it." He kissed your cheek briefly and laid his head on your shoulder.

You laughed and stroked his hair. "We both will make sure of it and... Tony has just won 500$." You giggled and nuzzeld to him.

Bucky took a hold of your palm and giggled in a deep voice of his. "Haha, that's good, if it'll be like this, he'll be able to open a fund named "via Sam the loser", hahaha!" Bucky chuckled softly. "I love you, Y/N."

"I love you too, Bucky."

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