#I SAID NO UNNECESSARY RISKS ANDI

[thdorkmagnet]

The Great Christmas Tree Heist

Summary: A Turtle Tots Rise of the TMNT holiday special, where Raph, Donnie and Leo all steal a Christmas tree for Mikey and things go wrong like they always do.

Disclaimer: Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle belongs to Andy Suriano, Ant Ward, and Nickelodeon. All rights go to them.

‘Twas the night before Christmas and down in the lair, young Mikey did ask for a gift oh so rare. 

Not games or toys or yo-yos to fling, in fact he asked Santa for just one little thing. 

A Christmas tree, a real one, with lights all aglow, like the children he'd seen have in all the holiday shows. 

And thus was decided by his big brothers three, this year they'd come back with a real Christmas tree. 

So they waited and waited till the youngest was asleep, then rose from their beds and up to the streets.

A manhole was lifted then pushed to the side, three heads popping up to view the outside. 

The snow was falling gently on the streets of New York, Donnie said something smart, Leo called him a dork. 

Raph did shush them and told them to wait, then rose from the sewers to make sure it was safe. 

With no humans around, blue and purple emerged and I'm going to stop rhyming now cause it's getting absurd. 

“Okay, boys,” Raph said in a whisper, unnecessary since the streets were completely empty this time of night. Normally it was far too cold for them to be out this late but they had all dressed warmly, wearing matching coats of their own signature colors, as well as scarfs, hats, mittens, and boots so there was (hopefully) no risk of catching a cold or getting frostbite. “You remember the plan?”

“Yes, Raph, we know what the plan is,” Donnie scoffed, rolling his eyes. 

“Stealing a Christmas tree!” Leo enthusiastically answered, giving his older brother two thumbs up. 

Raph chittered at his brother, correcting him quickly, “Not stealing, borrowing. And just for one day.”

Leo deflated a bit at that, while Donnie raised a skeptical eyebrow. Raph cleared his throat after a short awkward silence, before getting them all back on track. “Leo, you got the coordinates loaded up on your phone?”

Leo pulled out his cellphone, double checking the map was loaded correctly before nodding. “Yep!”

“And Don, you got the equipment?”

“Affirmative.” Donnie patted the large duffle bag he was carrying. 

“Then it's time to begin Operation: Get Mikey a Christmas Tree or Die Trying!” 

“Eh, too wordy,” Leo said in disapproval. “How bout we call it the Great Christmas Tree Heist! Now that rolls off the tongue.”

“It's not a heist,” Raph argued. “And I'm the leader so I get to make the names.” The snapper started down the street, not waiting for the other two to follow. “Now let's hurry up and get that present. We only got a few hours before Mike wakes up.” 

“Oh, fearless leader,” Leo's voice sang, causing Raph to flinch and glance over his shoulder. The twins stared at him with bemused expressions, the slider jabbing a finger in the opposite direction. “The tree is that way.”

The red turtle's face lit up in a blush, sputtering out an excuse as he shuffled past the two. “Right well, Raph knew that. I just got… turned around.” 

Leo and Donnie snickered as they fell in step behind their embarrassed brother. 

…

Under Leo's careful directions the three turtles arrived at the tree lot with no issues. However, they did run into a problem once they got there, a large fence and locked gate, the only things that seemed to pass for security in this place. None of this deterred Raph in the slightest. In fact the sight of thick pines peeking over the fenceline only fueled his determination and without any warning he rammed into the gate, trying to knock it open. 

He bounced off instead. 

“Uh, Raph, shouldn't we try not breaking the door down,” Leo logically stated. “Kinda a big clue somebody broke in.”

“It's fine,” Raph grunted, pressing his shoulder into the gate’s surprisingly tough frame and pushing into it, hoping for any give. “Donnie's got a fix for it.”

“Yes, because of course I’m carrying around an accurately sized replacement door in my duffle bag,” Donnie sarcastically quipped. 

“See, it's fine,” Raph said, too distracted to pick up on the obvious sarcasm. He dug his heels in and pushed harder. 

“Sigh,” Don groaned with a face-palm. “Oh well, I suppose just let him wear himself out. He won't be able to break it down anyways.”

“Yes I will!” Raph shouted back.

“So why'd we pick this place exactly?” Leo asked, looking at his twin in confusion. “I think there's easier places to rob.”

“Not robbing!” Raph yelled, the veins in his neck starting to pop out from the strain.

“A couple of reasons, actually,” Donnie began, completely ignoring Raph. “First, we all agreed we were getting a real tree not some plastic knockoff which really limited our options. Since this place was closer than the others and had no security cameras, it seemed like the best spot. Not to mention it's run by a man in his seventies so unlikely he'd be up this late to interrupt us.” 

“So we're stealing from an old man?” Leo asked in concern. “Isn't that kind of wrong?”

“It's not stealing!” Raph growled, feeling his strength start to waver with still no give on the door. 

Again the snapping turtle went mostly unheard as Donnie replied to Leo instead. “Yeah well, most people already bought their trees for the year so any leftovers are just taking up space. So really our quote, unquote, ‘borrowing,’” Donnie did air quotes in emphasis. “...is really more of a benefit to him than a crime.”

“Right, I'm sure the police would see it that way too,” Leo teased, winking and elbowing his twin.

Raph's muscles finally gave out and with one last strained scream, he collapsed against the door, panting and defeated. Leo and Donnie went over to check on him, the blue turtle tapping him on the forehead. “You good, big guy?” he asked when he received no acknowledgement from his exhausted brother. 

“Yeah,” Raph huffed, weakly batting Leo's hand away. “Just… gotta… catch my breath. Then I'll… try again.”

“Orrrrr we try something a little less asinine,” Donnie countered.

Raph and Leo shared a confused look. “Wha's that mean?” the older asked.

“I think it means epic,” Leo said with a shrug. 

Donnie groaned, running a hand down his face. “My point being, there is another way in which you neglected to notice.” He gestured at the wall with a pointed look. 

“Oh yeah, good idea, Dee! We can climb over!” Leo shouted, scooting over to his purple counterpart's side. “Boost me up!” He spread his arms and legs wide in preparation to be lifted but Donnie made no move towards him. 

“You are confident and have a great personality,” Donnie joked flatly, expression focused as he searched inside the bag on his shoulders. Though a small smirk did cross his face when Leo howled with laughter. 

Finally he found what he was looking for, pulling out a grapple line and hook. “But in all seriousness, how about instead of breaking ourselves trying to get in, let's do this the smart way. Or as I like to call it…” Donnie swung the rope around a few times before throwing it up towards the wall. “My way!” he finished with a dramatic flourish. 

Unfortunately, the softshell’s aim had been ever so slightly off, causing the hook to bounce off the top before plummeting straight down. Donnie was too busy gloating to notice it, the metal falling directly on his head, knocking him to the ground. 

“Dee, you okay?” Raph asked, trying to rise to his feet to check on him even though his legs felt like jelly. 

Donnie sat up and rubbed at the bruise forming under his mask, face flushed in embarrassment from Leo's hysterical laughter. The blue turtle was full-on rolling on the ground, feet kicking the air in delight, throwing snow this way and that with each frantic movement, creating a lopsided snow angel underneath him. 

“Yes, I'm fine,” Donnie finally muttered to Raph. “The only thing hurt is my pride.” He winced as the bump on his head throbbed. “And a possible concussion.”

Leo was kind enough to check Donnie’s head after he had recovered enough from his laughing fit to focus, using the light from his phone to check his brother's eyes for any dilation. Once he was sure it was nothing more than a light bruise, Leo picked up the grappling hook and tried his hand at it. He managed to catch the edge on his first attempt and was quick to rub this in Donnie’s face. “Huh, look at that. And with zero head injuries, too. You proud of me, Don?”

“No but I am considering asking Santa for a replacement twin,” Donnie rudely retorted. 

Leo snorted. “Bold of you to assume you got on the nice list, Dee.” 

“Knock it off you two,” Raph scolded before the twin turtles arguing could break into a fight. He forced himself to stand, testing to see if he could walk yet. His legs were wobbly but stable and he managed to join his brothers, positioning himself between them just in case they didn't get the message. “We're here for the tree, remember? So let's just focus on that.”

“Okay, I'll go first!” Leo exclaimed, racing over to the rope and climbing quickly. Donnie was still salty but he said nothing more, climbing up behind his brother with an annoyed frown. Raph clambered up after both, ignoring the subtle aching in his arms.

While the softshell and snapper took their time climbing, Leo rushed, thanks to the excitement and adrenaline pulsing through his veins. Once he reached the top he plopped down on the small ledge, leaning forward so he could watch his brothers’ progression. They were both only about halfway up and Leo couldn't help but tease them for it. “C’mon, slow pokes. I've seen grandmas that move faster than you two.”

“Shut it, Nardo,” Donnie snapped, sounding slightly out of breath. Out of the siblings he was the least athletic and wore out the quickest during playtime, so it was no surprise he was struggling here.

“Just be patient, Leo,” Raph added, watching the softshell closely. He would have been at the top with Leo already if not for Donnie, but he didn't mind. This way he would be able to catch him if his brother ended up losing his grip. Which seemed necessary since Donnie was clearly struggling, huffing and puffing tiredly. So Raph reached a hand up to help support him, only to be stubbornly kicked away. The red turtle let out a yelp, less in pain and more in surprise, watching stunned as Donnie wiggled up a few more inches on his own. Raph felt his chest warm at his brother's determination. Because while Donnie struggled to keep up physically with his siblings, he never stopped trying and refused help unless it had been made by his own two hands. 

Raph didn't offer any more assistance after that, letting his brother climb up on his own, but still watched him closely all the same.

Leo, meanwhile, was getting bored waiting, trying to pass the time by catching snowflakes on his tongue, legs swaying unevenly in the cold, night air. Eventually he got tired of this too and let out a loud groan. “Ugh, you’re taking too long! It's gonna be New Years before we find a tree!”

“Just wait, Leo,” Raph ordered, attention still focused on Donnie. “We're almost there.”

Leo groaned again, crossing his arms in annoyance. He was itching to do something, still hyped from his successful throw and record-breaking climb. He needed something else to try, something to impress his brothers, or at the very least entertain himself.

 But hopefully that first thing too. 

After all, he hadn't gotten his fill of showboating yet, he wanted to gloat some more. Which meant he needed to step up his game. 

A smirk stretched across his face as he was struck with inspiration, leaping to his feet a second later. He stood on top of the large stone wall, smiling superiorly down at his brothers. “Hey, I bet you I can do a backflip off of here.”

“Leo, no,” Raph said in a warning tone, eyes narrowing dangerously. But this only proved to encourage Leo, grinning wider as he started tensing and untensing his legs in preparation for the jump.

“Climb up here and stop me then Grammy Raph,” he taunted, looking quite proud of himself for the insult. Raph growled low, grip tightening until his knuckles turned white. He wanted to take Leo up on that offer, scramble up that rope and physically pull him away from the stupid stunt but with Donnie blocking his way, so he was powerless to do much beyond scolding or glaring. Both of which were ineffective weapons against Leo's impulsive nature.

“You're gonna fall and break your brain, dumdum,” Donnie commented. “If you even have one.”

Leo shrugged this concern off quickly. “Oh, come on, the worst thing that happens is I land in some snow. Big deal.” 

“Don't. You. Dare.” Raph hissed in the most intimidating tone he had, reserved only for when his brothers were threatened, either by some outside force or themselves. 

Leo actually seemed to think better of his idea, smirk vanishing off his face as he looked shamefully down at his big brother. He sighed. “Yeah, you're right. What was I thinking? I definitely shouldn't do this!” Then without warning, Leo leaped backwards angling his body so he'd do an arc in the air. Raph screamed his brother's name in a panic, starting to climb over Donnie in his haste. 

To his credit, Leo managed to do a full 360 flip before tucking into his shell to lessen the impact.

Donnie and Raph nearly jumped out of their shells as a crash sounded from the other side of the wall, accompanied by snapping and cracking noises that sounded just a bit too much like bones breaking for Raph's comfort. Donnie blinked, confused by the loud racket. That was far too loud for just falling into snow. There was a soft moan of “owww” on the other side that was unmistakably Leo. With renewed strength, Donnie scrambled up the wall, Raph right on his heels, the two peering over to check on the state of their brother. 

Leo's shell lay in a pile of sticks and branches all haphazardly stacked next to the wall. Many were broken under him and Raph practically gasped in relief that snapping sound hadn't been his little brother's limbs. Leo popped out of his shell, looking winded and face scrunched up in pain but otherwise unharmed. 

“Okay, I was wrong. There was something else besides snow down here,” Leo choked out, still struggling to regain the breath that had been pushed from his lungs. 

“Which is exactly why we told you not to jump down there Leo!” Raph yelled, unsure if he wanted to check on him or strangle him. 

“Did I at least look cool?” Leo asked hopefully.

Okay definitely that second one.

“Dumdum,” Donnie whispered under his breath. 

Once Donnie and Raph were safely on the ground and Leo had pulled himself from the pile of sticks (with thankfully nothing worse than some small scratches and a sore rump) the turtles got their first good look around. On the outside, it didn't look any different from any other part of the city but once past the fenceline, it was like stepping into a whole new world, one made of wood, branches, and pine, not the cluttered cityscape they were used to. Trees towered over the three, reaching high enough they couldn't even see the massive buildings stretching behind them. It was a forest, bathed in a layer of soft, white snow and scented in pine needles. They had been to the park before but the trees there were few and far between, now there were more trees than any of them could count, each varying in size and scattered about with no sense of organization or purpose to their placement. Some were already on metal stands, perfectly cut at the bottom. Others were still rooted in the ground. Still others were no more than sprouts. Stumps poked out from beneath a blanket of white, looking like craters on a dusty moon. A small gardener's shed was set up off to the side, old and rustic and practically crumbling into itself. Other than that there were no signs that man had ever set foot here and the turtles suddenly felt even more like intruders than they already were. 

Up to this point, none of them had even thought about why Mikey was so invested in a Christmas tree this year, they had just decided to get it without question because it was Mikey and he always got whatever he wanted. But now that they were here, standing in awe of the forest stretching before them, delighted gasps fogging in the chilly, winter air they finally understood what all the hype was about. 

“I know why we couldn’t bring him but I kinda wish Mikey was here to see this,” Leo's voice finally said, breaking the spell over them all as Raph and Donnie nodded in agreement.

“Okay, let’s get down to business,” Raph said once his focus had returned, hands clenched into excited fists. He looked around at the trees trying to select the right one. “Now which one of these guys is coming home with us!” 

“How bout this one!” Leo said, pointing to a monster of a tree towering high above them. 

“It’s taller than the lair, dummy,” Donnie replied with a roll of his eyes. He pulled out his phone, typing quickly before turning the screen so his brothers could see. “Besides, I already figured out which one to grab. I did some measuring and I think our best bet would be a five foot tree. It’ll be easier to move and fit perfectly in-”

“Or we grab that one!” Raph exclaimed, pointing out the tree that had caught his eye. 

He grinned and crossed his arms, feeling quite proud of himself for finding it so quickly. 

Donnie was less than impressed though, drawn-on eyebrows scrunching together as he looked the tree up and down, trying to measure the height in his mind. Once his calculation was done he gave his brother a skeptical look. “Raph, that one has to be at least seven feet tall!”

“Exactly!” Raph smiled brighter. “Mikey will be super impressed with it.”

“What’s the big deal? There’s enough room in the lair right?” Leo asked. 

Donnie sighed but nodded. “Yes but I really think we should just stick with mine. it’ll be harder to carry and I’m not sure how we’ll get it down the-”

“Great! Then let’s take this baby home!” Raph ran over to the tree, grunting as he tried to rip it out by the roots. Leo was quick to encourage him, yelling praises and cheers while Donnie just groaned in defeat and reached into his duffle bag, looking around for something. 

“Wait, Raph, before you hurt yourself let me try something,” Donnie said, gaining the snapper’s attention enough he actually stopped what he was doing to see what his little brother had in mind. 

“Oooo you got some fancy invention that’s gonna like pick it out of the ground?” Leo asked curiously, leaning over his brother’s shoulder to see.

“Yeah, like a Gravi Gun from Jupiter Jim and the Invasion of the Portal People!” Raph shouted, eyes glittering in excitement. 

“Oh man, that thing was so cool!” Leo agreed, fanboying as he thought of his and his brother’s favorite movie franchise outside of Lou Jitsu. “Please tell me you made one of those! I wanna lift stuff without using my hands!” Leo bounced on the balls of his feet, rocking Donnie with each little motion. 

“No but it is just as effective as one,” Donnie replied cryptically. His face lit up as he found what he was looking for. “Ah, here it is.”

Leo and Raph both flinched as Donnie pulled out not some futuristic-y gadget straight out of science fiction but instead a very real, very dangerous looking chainsaw, spray painted in Donnie’s signature color. 

“Whoa! Where’d you find a chainsaw?!” Raph asked, face going pale as he shuffled away in panic. 

“You’d be amazed what people throw away, dear brother,” Donnie replied with a dangerous smile, fingers tapping against the handles in vibrant anticipation. 

“Ohhhh, sweet, let me try!” Leo exclaimed, rushing to take the tool from his twin. 

Donnie twisted his body so that his brother couldn’t quite reach it, holding it as far away from Leo as he could. “Leo, no! You aren’t trained to use it!” Donnie hissed, trying to elbow his annoying brother in the plastron.

This didn’t deter Leo at all, in fact it only made him fight harder, arms flailing as he tried to maneuver around his purple counterpart, who just barely managed to keep it out of his hands. “Neither are you!”

“Scoff! Am too! I read the manual online!” Donnie managed to angle his foot so that Leo tripped and fell face-first into the snow. The red-eared slider was only down for a second though before he leapt at his brother, trying to snatch it away before his twin could react. Donnie had anticipated this though and managed to stop him with a raised foot to his plastron. 

“C’mon just let me try it already, Don! You're hogging it!” His arms flailed wildly, causing Donnie to pull it further from his reach. 

He shot him a warning look and pushed a little harder against Leo’s plastron. “No! You’ll probably cut your hand off or something stupid!” 

Leo grabbed Donnie’s ankle and yanked it up, causing his brother to lose his balance and tumble back. He let out a little yelp before hitting the snow, Leo snatching the chainsaw out of his loosened grip a second later. The blue turtle giggled in victory only to run head-first into Raph, who scooped his brother up with practiced ease. 

“Hey! Raph!” Leo wiggled in his brother’s grip but the snapper wasn’t shaken, holding the slider under one arm and the chainsaw in the other. “No fair! Give it back!” 

“Nuh uh, it’s way too dangerous for you to be messing with, Leo,” Raph said in an authoritative tone. He walked over to Donnie, who was busy wiping snow off of himself and his thick clothing, before handing him the chainsaw back. Donnie’s face lit up and mouth twisted into a superior smirk. 

“What?! No fair! Why does Donnie get to use it!” Leo whined angrily. 

Raph ignored him, instead giving his genius brother a nervous smile. “Here you go, Dee. Just… be careful okay.” 

“As if that were ever in question,” Donnie said dramatically, still eying Leo smugly. Leo, powerless to do anything else, just crossed his arms and pouted. 

With a few pulls of the cord, the chainsaw revved to life and Donnie’s face twisted into something wild, curious, and terrifying. The power beneath his fingertips was enlightening and he felt giddy with the possibilities. With slow, almost sinister steps he crept up to the tree, the vibration running through the chainsaw pulsing all the way down to his feet. Taking only a second to calculate the correct spot, he placed the sawblade against the trunk, resisting the urge to violently start cutting in. 

“Raphael, goggles!” Donnie commanded and Raph rushed to pull a pair from the discarded duffle bag, Leo still unhappily tucked under his arm. The eldest ran up to the softshell and slipped the goggles over his brother’s eyes. 

“Thank you, dear brother,” Donnie said, words polite even though his voice sounded mad with power. 

“Uh sure,” Raph muttered, backing away so he could give Don his space. His eyes jumped from the chainsaw to his brother then back, starting to regret his decision already. “Y-You sure you know what you’re doing, Dee?” 

“Oh yes,” Donnie replied in a steady whisper, tone dripping with bloodlust. “I know exactly what I’m doing.” 

He gave a small chuckle which slowly rose in volume as he finally pulled the trigger, the spinning sawblade slicing through the tree like it was butter. “Evil laugh!” Donnie howled, before breaking into a cackle again. 

Raph and Leo could only watch the whole display with growing concern, this new side of their brother terrifying them down to their core. “I think we just created a monster tonight,” Leo whispered. 

Raph just nodded dumbly as the tree toppled to the ground. The chainsaw was off a second later, Donnie planting a foot atop the new stump and draping the tool over his back in a triumphant pose. “Well, how was that?” he asked, looking back at his two awestruck (and slightly unnerved) brothers. 

“That was, uh,” Raph began before losing his voice halfway through. He didn’t know how to begin to describe what he just witnessed.

“The most terrifying and cool thing I’ve ever seen,” Leo admitted, eyes sparkling in admiration. 

Donnie rubbed a hand against his plastron before blowing on his nails arrogantly. “Why thank you, I try.” 

Raph finally lets Leo go, who rushes over to examine the fallen tree with his own eyes. “Whoa, you took it down in like two seconds!” he gasped, staring up at his twin in disbelief. 

“Seventeen actually but who’s counting,” Donnie replied, smiling proudly. 

Raph bent down to check the tree too, running a hand over the bottom. It was completely smooth all the way across and he couldn’t help but be impressed by it. “Nice work, Donnie. Though I’m not sure you should keep using that thing. Seems a little… dangerous.” 

Donnie rolled his eyes. “Scoff. Well yes, Raph, it’s a chainsaw, it is made to be dangerous.”

“No I meant… you seem a little dangerous.” 

“Nonsense.” Donnie dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand. “I was just having a little fun, but not like worrying fun.”

“And the evil laugh?” Leo asked skeptically.

Donnie’s face twisted into the same sinister smile. “Dramatic effect.” 

Despite how concerning that look and response was they were still on a time crunch and so Raph decided to drop it for now, focusing back on the task at hand. “Alright, knuckleheads, let’s hurry up and get this back to the lair and decorated,” he proclaimed. 

Donnie fetched some rope and tied both ends to the trunk before handing the middle over to Raph. The snapper looped the rope around himself and dug his feet in the snow, pulling against the tree with all his might. He could feel the strain in his muscles, the dull ache in his limbs from before but he just continued to tug mercilessly against the rope, willing it to move despite his body's protests.

With a sudden lurch the pine followed, Raph so surprised he nearly tripped over his own feet, turning back to his brothers to grin widely. Donnie and Leo gave a thumbs up and quickly took up the rear to help push. It made little difference but Raph still appreciated the help. It was hard work and slow going but none of them minded all that much, even Leo not bothering to complain about his own impending exhaustion. Their thoughts were elsewhere, already imagining Mikey's smiling face when he came downstairs on Christmas morning and saw the fruits of their labor. They could already hear his little squeals of delight and feel his warm hugs as he celebrated the ‘Christmas miracle’ with them. 

That thought alone was worth any amount of work, no matter how tiring. 

But they were all abruptly snapped back to reality as Leo noticed something they had all neglected to consider, staring at the sealed gate and towering wall in horror as he asked dumbly, “Um, guys? How are we gonna get the tree out?” 

…

It took less than a minute for their calm discussion of escape to turn to a full-blown argument, Raph and Donnie both insistent that their plans were better and the others nonsensical. Raph wanted to try his original plan of busting the door down which Donnie reminded him would only expose their crime and lead to more trouble down the line. Donnie tried to explain the practical applications of a pulley system only to be shut down by the eldest that it would end up taking too long. Leo tried to pitch in that the whole argument was taking too long, only to be shot down by both before they went back to fighting again.

Leo sighed deeply. He could tell this would last a while, so seeing no other alternative he decided to just wait it out. He plopped onto the fallen pine, an elbow propped against his knee and head resting in his hand, drumming his fingers against his cheek. He watched for a while in growing boredom, finding the whole thing pointless and stupid. It was a waste of time in his opinion, neither of their ideas were good and they were both right in pointing it out. Raph's idea was too reckless and Donnie’s too time-consuming. If they wanted to get back to the lair before Mikey woke up they needed a new plan, not continuing to argue the same moot point. 

But it seemed stubbornness was a family trait and neither was going to admit defeat without some kind of outside interference. “Guess its up to me,” Leo muttered, hopping off the tree. 

He stepped over to the gate, examining it up and down for any weaknesses or ideas. It was made of sturdy wood, though the red paint was peeling and fading with age. Off to the side was a rusted metal handle, a small keyhole just beneath. And that gave Leo an idea. 

He remembered seeing someone lockpick in a Lou Jitsu movie and it had looked simple enough that Leo was sure he could pull it off. The only problem was that they had used some kind of hairpin to do it and that wasn’t really a viable option for a mutant turtle without hair. 

Guess he'd have to improvise. 

Leo ran over to his brothers, tapping his purple counterpart on the shoulder to gain his attention. “Hey Dee! You got something in that big bag I can pick a lock with?” 

Donnie snapped his attention onto his blue brother, seemingly confused by the interruption. “What? No, go away, Leo. I'm talking.” He shooed his brother away with a wave of his hand, before focusing his attention back on Raph. The two had ceased their argument and were now discussing the effectiveness of attaching a rocket engine to the tree. Because of course Donnie had one of those in his bag but not a hairpin. 

Or maybe he just wasn't listening. 

Both were likely options. 

Leo huffed dramatically and crossed his arms, pouting bitterly. When this also went unnoticed he stomped his foot and loudly declared, “Fine! I'll just go find it somewhere else then,” before turning his back on his brothers. 

The somewhere else ended up being the only other place Leo had to search: the gardener's shed, which was thankfully unlocked. Leo poked his head inside, squinting into the dimly lit room looking for something useful for lockpicking. He saw many tools stacked inside but most were too big for his purposes, stepping inside to get a closer look. He scanned the nearly empty shelves for something usable before his eyes landed on a small brass key. 

Leo's mouth dropped open and he quickly snatched it off its hook. “It couldn't really be that easy. Could it?” he wondered aloud, slowly turning the key over in his hands. 

Leo was out of the shed in an instant, racing past Donnie and Raph (who didn't even look over to acknowledge him) and right up to the gate. He stuck the key in, letting out a sharp breath as it slipped easily inside. So far, so good. 

He turned the key until he heard a noticeable click, smiling widely and pumping his fists in the air in silent victory. Oh boy were his brothers about to be jealous. 

Donnie and Raph at this point had exhausted every option that came to mind, frowning in mutual defeat as they stared at the ground instead of each other. “Hey guys!” They both turned to see their brother leaning against the gate with a knowing smirk. Before either could question the look, Leo stood straight and declared, “Check this out,” before pulling on the handle. The door opened with a loud creak and the turtles’ jaws went slack. 

Raph was speechless, eyes bouncing between Leo and the opened gate and back. Donnie, on the other hand, had many things he wanted to say, none of which could quite leave his lips, thoughts spinning around his mind in a jumbled mess. So he settled for the most important one at the moment, “How?!” 

Leo shrugged, the smug grin never leaving his lips. “Told you I knew how to lockpick,” he replied, making sure the key was stuffed deep in his pocket where his brothers couldn't see. 

…

They were all in high spirits as they made their way back to the sewer entrance, the tree much easier to pull now that they were on the slippery sidewalks, the icy ground doing most of the work for Raph, which his sore body was thankful for. They sang Christmas carols the whole way there, sometimes together, sometimes singing over each other in a competitive game, but always with a bright smile on their faces. 

Finally, they were back where they had started, the manhole cover still pushed to the side, though now covered in a thin layer of snow. After a bit of maneuvering the boys managed to get the tree positioned next to the underground entrance, Raph holding the pine upright and sliding it over until it dropped into the hole…

… and stopped. 

Raph’s smile vanished in an instant as he stared down at the manhole in confusion, spotting the culprit instantly. The trunk fit in easily but the pine branches had caught on the sides, thicker around than the entrance itself. “Wait, what?!” he exclaimed, grabbing onto the tree and trying to push it down. The thick tangle of branches refused to be manhandled, popping back up the second he let go. “No, no, no!” he whined, forcing more and more of his weight on it but only managing to stuff a few limbs through. “This can’t be happening!”

He continued trying to force it down before switching to light little shoves against the pine branches, trying to bend them into a shape that would allow it to slide past. It stayed stubbornly in place. 

He tried flipping it over in the hopes that the top of the tree went down smoother. It didn’t. 

He tried jumping onto the tree and wrapping his legs around it, ignoring the way the pine needles itched against his skin, hoping his weight might be enough to make it fall. It instead tipped to the side, causing Raph to slip off and hit the concrete hard. 

With each new failure, the snapper's frustration grew. Until finally out of options, Raph sat back and stared up at the tree hopelessly. It was still wedged tightly in the manhole, hanging limply to the side, seeming to mock him with its very existence. Raph stared down at his feet sadly, tail wrapping tightly around himself to provide a little comfort. He was so distraught he didn’t even notice Leo sitting down beside him until his hand was on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Raph. I’m sure Donnie will figure something out,” he assured him softly. 

Donnie plopped down on Raph’s other side, arms crossed and expression flat. “Yes well, I wouldn’t need to if you had just listened in the first place. I tried to tell you something like this might happen but you were so insistent on this tree I couldn’t argue.” 

“Not helping, Don!” Leo hissed. 

“Luckily…” The softshell continued pointedly, shooting his twin a look. “I do have a solution. I just need to trim it down some on the sides. It won’t be as big but it will fit.” 

“Wait, really?!” Raph gasped, giving his genius brother a hopeful look. “You can do that!”

Donnie nodded, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Of course I can. I’m a genius, afterall.” 

Leo’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights. “Does this mean you're gonna use the chainsaw again?!” 

“Indeed,” Donnie replied with a short nod. 

Leo whooped before jumping to his feet. He was at Donnie’s side in an instant, digging inside the bag for the deadly tool. “Let me use it this time!”

“Absolutely not!” Donnie snapped, ripping the bag away from him. “Not until you’ve watched every safety video about chainsaws known to man, Leo.” 

Leo huffed but relented, turning his back on his brother just to be rude about it. 

That was when Leo noticed lights in the distance. Two bright lights, yellow and low to the ground.

And coming right towards them. 

Leo’s heart dropped as he shouted, “Car!” his brother’s swerving on their heels to see. The second his eyes landed on the fast approaching vehicle Raph scooped his brothers up into his arms and dove for cover. He managed to get behind a trashbin just before a semi-truck drove by, going far too fast for the frosty streets. It plowed into the pine tree, snapping the trunk in half and sending the rest tumbling over the top. Each collision caused wood to snap and pine needles to explode in all directions, tearing the poor tree apart with each violent roll. 

Finally, mercifully, the tree tumbled off the back of the semi, landing broken and heavy on the icy streets. The truck didn't even slow down, undeterred by the destruction it had just caused, and was soon gone around the next corner. 

Raph, Donnie, and Leo all peeked out from their hiding spot, eyes wide with horror as they saw the state of their beloved Christmas tree. It was in shambles, loose branches hanging from severed limbs, its once smooth base now torn into jagged edges and sharp points. It looked dead, murdered. The messy street looking like the site of some vegetated massacre, bits of wood and bark scattered about and everything coated in a layer of pine needles, more of which seemed to be on the ground than the tree itself. 

The boys were left speechless by the sight, faces twisted into expressions of disappointment, confusion, and defeat. Finally it was Leo who broke the depressive silence, giving his brothers a lopsided smile. 

“Well, on the bright side, it'll totally fit down the hole now.”

Raph said nothing, instead banging his forehead as hard as he could into the metal bin. 

…

“Y'know it looked bad before but now that we've got it in some light…” Leo paused, smile wilting as he stared at the broken, mangled mess of a tree now sitting in their living room. Donnie had already attached a metal stand to the bottom but it didn't make it look anymore presentable. It was still as sad and pathetic as it had looked on the surface, maybe even more so since now they could fully see the damage. 

“It looks worse,” Donnie finished for Leo, voice a cold monotone. 

The tree looked empty and barren with only clumps of pine needles dotted about its branches. Most limbs were in tatters from the nasty tumble it had taken. Large cracks ran up its center, looking like veins. If Mikey was to see the tree at that exact moment he probably would have burst into tears of empathy for the shabby shrub they had brought home. The exact opposite response they were all going for. 

“It doesn't really look like the trees in those movies,” Raph admitted, cringing at the mental image.

“Understatement,” Donnie commented sarcastically.

“Maybe we can grab another one?” Leo weakly suggested.

“Well it's already after four,” Donnie pointed out, silently running the calculations in his head. Past data proved Mikey was an early riser, especially on Christmas, so statistically there was a good 98.5% chance of him waking up around 6. That left them with very little wiggle room and knowing their luck they would only end up with more complications and delays that would absolutely get them back too late. So he felt confident in saying, “By the time we’d get back Mikey would already be awake and probably completely given up on his belief in Santa.” 

Leo and Raph hung their heads low, hopelessness draping over them like a dark cloud. It felt like a punch to the gut after all the hard work they'd put in to making their little brother happy. All the pain and exhaustion and fighting and stress, all amounted to nothing in the end. The only thing they had to show for their efforts was a sad, broken tree that looked as miserable as they all felt. The three all sighed as one, each lost in their own gloomy thoughts. 

After about a minute of wallowing though, Raph decided he needed to say something encouraging. His brothers were sad and Mikey was still without a Christmas tree and as the big brother it was his job to fix these things. So no matter how much he wanted to curl up into a ball and cry, he forced the bad feelings down, shoving all the sadness, guilt, and worry way deep inside him and made himself smile at his bros. It was small and pathetic but he did his best to back it up with confidence, using the best big brother voice he had. “Well what’s done is done. We’ll just have to use what we got. And hey, maybe with enough decorations Mikey won’t even notice the tree’s all banged up!” 

Donnie highly doubted that but chose to let that thought go unspoken for the moment. Instead, he said, “I’ll go get the decorations,” and started for the door. 

“I’ll help and I’ll carry way more than Donnie will!” Leo boldly declared, sounding lighter now that there was a plan in place, and jogged after his twin.

Raph listened to them bicker until they were out of earshot, then let out a massive sigh, thankful his words had actually managed to cheer them up a little. He hadn’t really expected it to work but he was glad it did. Feeling a swell of pride and accomplishment, he turned his attention away from the tree and got to work on his own task. 

Although the Hamato family never owned a Christmas tree it was always a family tradition for them to each make their own ornaments out of clay, which they would lovingly hang on the walls to greet Santa each year. Only this year, Raph was gonna see to it that they had a proper place to hang. Especially Mikey's. 

He carefully took each one off the wall, setting them delicately next to the tree, taking only a moment to admire the designs. 

Leo had tried to model his off of Lou Jitsu but it barely resembled their idol, looking more like a lumpy egg with stick arms and legs attached. The head was a small lump, the top part painted black for his hair, with a yellow triangle in the center for his signature sunglasses. Donnie had tried to make Atomic Lass in an effort to match his twin but had quickly gotten frustrated when the clay didn't work the way he wanted it to, so had instead switched to a simple candy cane with purple stripes. He had spent hours making sure the lines were all even and symmetrical, using a ruler and protractor to carefully shape each section until it pleased even his critical eye. Raph had made a teddy bear with a red bow, though it more closely resembled Leo's in quality, mostly due to his massive hands struggling to shape small clay. 

Mikey's was easily the best one out of the bunch. It was ironically enough a Christmas tree as it seemed the box turtle had been on a bit of an obsessive streak. Although the lines weren't quite as smooth as Donnie's, there was still a delicate precision to Mikey’s sculpting that could only come from an inspiring artist. The painting process was where he truly shined though, a glossy green coating littered with small dots of every color for the lights. The trunk was brown with some light texturing to make it look like real wood. Mikey had even added a small present at the bottom and a golden star at the top. It was still clearly made by a kid but there was talent there thanks to all the time Mikey spent drawing and coloring and painting the walls. It was clear his baby brother had a passion for all things artistic and Raph couldn't be prouder. 

He had even started baking, at least what he could since he was still too young to use the oven or stovetop without Splinter present. Though even that did little to stop him, as more often than not his puppy eyes were more than capable of getting their dad out of his chair and in the kitchen to help. Raph wished he had that kind of power over their pops but he was glad that at least Mikey got the extra attention. 

Mikey and Splinter had been hard at work baking the whole day, making all kinds of gingerbread treats which the whole family had been snacking on endlessly. Mikey had been careful to save some back for Santa, three cookies stacked on a plate off to the side with a tall glass of milk and a little homemade sign reading “For Santa: Leo do not touch”. Raph smiled at Mikey's crooked handwriting before snatching a gingerbread man and biting off its head. 

It felt a bit weird to be taking their dad's place as Santa, even if it made sense with the plans to get the tree. It had always been Splinter's job and it felt strange taking that away from him, even if he had seemed more than happy to pass the task onto his eldest children, telling them how excited he was to retire early on Christmas Eve rather than having to wait up for four excited kids to finally fall asleep. But Raph was pretty sure that wasn't entirely true as he noticed their four stockings which had been empty before they left were now notably bulging. So it seemed their dad wasn't quite done playing the role of Santa just yet.

Though it did make Raph wonder how many more years of being Santa he had in store. 

Mikey was now the only Hamato who didn't know Santa wasn't real and they were all eager to keep it that way. Raph had found out the truth pretty early on thanks to being the oldest and Donnie had never bought into such beliefs even if he thankfully never said so out loud. Leo, however, had only found out earlier that year, when he discovered their dad's secret present stash and was shocked to find ‘From Santa’ on some of the gifts. Leo had been pretty devastated at first but sworn to keep it a secret from Mikey. 

No one wanted to be the one responsible for ruining baby Mikey's innocence, even the loud-mouthed Leo.

Leo had since changed his tune, especially when he found out he could stay up Christmas Eve so long as he promised to help. The slider hadn't brought it up since, so it was safe to say he was over it. He'd even jokingly suggested they dress up for their little excursion: Raph as Santa, himself as an elf, and Donnie as the reindeer, which his twin had vehemently protested.

Raph had just finished his cookie when the others got back, Donnie using a remote-controlled hovercrate of his own invention to carry the heavy boxes. Leo followed behind with nothing but a shoebox, looking none too happy to be upstaged by his brother. “Uh oh, what happened?” Raph asked, Leo looking away with a pout. 

Donnie rolled his eyes before stating flatly, “Nardo almost dropped everything trying to carry more than me.”

“At least I didn't cheat, Smellatello!” 

“Well I needed some way to carry everything since my helper couldn't be trusted, Nerdo!”

“Okay, enough guys!” Raph scolded, making sure his tone was louder than their arguing. “You're gonna wake up Mikey.” 

Both boys begrudgingly obeyed and went quiet, though Leo couldn't resist sticking his tongue out at Donnie, who retaliated by twisting a knob on his remote so that the cart suddenly flew towards Leo. It stopped just shy of bowling him over, the slider screeching and lifting the shoebox high over his head, balancing on one leg as he tried to lean away from the dangerous hovercraft. 

“Hey, watch it! This stuffs breakable, remember?” Leo snapped, cheeks flushed red from embarrassment.

“Hand slipped,” Donnie responded simply. He slowly started twisting the knob again and Leo quickly moved to hide behind Raph. 

“Knock it off, Donnie,” Raph began in a warning tone, grabbing the shoebox from Leo before anything else chaotic could happen. He peeked inside to make sure nothing was broken, the box half-filled with homemade ornaments from previous years. A toothy grin spread across his face as memories of past Christmases flashed through his head.

Leo, in the meantime, finally noticed the plate of gingerbread men, gasping in delight. “Mikey’s cookies! Raph why didn't you say something?” Ignoring the sign, Leo picked up a gingerbread man and stuffed the whole thing into his mouth, chewing loudly. “Mmmmm, I love being Santa.” He washed the whole thing down with the glass of milk, swallowing it all in a few quick gulps. 

Raph snatched up the final cookie before his brother could devour that too, taking it and the box of ornaments over to Donnie. He handed him the gingerbread man and the softshell nibbled on it absently, focus on the mangled tree beside them. Raph could tell by the way his false eyebrows were pinching together he was worried. 

“Do you really think this is going to work?” Donnie asked, eyes not leaving the tree. 

“Not sure,” Raph admitted with a shrug. “But if we don't do anything then we've already let Mikey down, so we gotta at least try.” 

Donnie finally met his eye, still nibbling away at his cookie. Raph noticed he actually ate the gingerbread man from the bottom and worked his way up and held back a little smile at that information. “I suppose you have a point there,” the softshell muttered between bites. 

Now Raph actually smiled, bright and cheerful. “Besides Mikey won't even be able to see the tree through all these decorations you bought.” He gestured over to the four stacked boxes no doubt filled to the brim with Christmas stuff. 

Donnie grinned, clearly pleased with the praise and Raph felt his chest warm. “Of course, I'm nothing if not prepared.” Donnie puffed his chest out proudly. His face turned sour, however, as he added, “Although Leo called it overkill.”

“It is!” Leo defended from the other side of the room, trying to subtly dig inside his stocking to see what he got. “It looks like you bought out an entire store's worth of stuff!” 

“Scoff. Four boxes is hardly equal to a store's worth, Nardo. I just didn't know what we wanted so I got one of everything.” 

“Well I say we use all of it!” Raph enthusiastically exclaimed, throwing open the shoebox and pulling out clay figures to hang on the branches. Before he could though, Donnie jumped between him and the tree, arms spread wide to try and better block his brother's path. Raph froze, giving his brother a wide, confused look.

“Whoa, Raph, what are you doing?! You can't just hang up whatever! What are we, savages?!” 

Donnie sounded as if it should be obvious, but Raph really had no clue what he was doing wrong. Wasn't the whole point? To put stuff on the tree. Wasn't that why he bought all of this? Why would Donnie suddenly not want that? Maybe it was because Raph was using the homemade ones? But he had seemed enthusiastic about using the clay ornaments when they talked about it. 

On top of that, Raph had absolutely no clue what ‘savages’ meant but Donnie looked like he should know, so maybe that was on him. For a lack of anything better to say, he stumbled out a very hesitant, “Uhhhh, we're… turtles.”

Donnie slapped a hand to his forehead, making Raph flinch. “Groan. Metaphors are lost on you dumdums,” he murmured unhappily. Then in a much calmer tone, he explained, “You need to wait on that stuff. There's a system to this. Lights first, then garland, then ornaments.”

Leo let out an annoyed groan of his own. Of course Donnie would ruin their fun with rules. 

But Raph was just relieved he knew what Donnie was upset about now, seeing no issues with following his lead. He knew way more about this, anyways, so who was he to question his little brother's method. He slipped the ornaments he was holding back in the box, saying, “Sure, Dee. You're the expert.” 

This only further inflated Donnie’s ego, turning to his twin with a smug grin. Leo just let out an irritated huff, pointedly ignoring his twin as he started rummaging through one of the boxes for something interesting. Donnie was lucky this time. Leo would have been more vocal about his grievances if Mikey wasn't asleep just a few rooms over. 

“I'm so glad to hear you say that, dear brother.” Donnie started shuffling backwards towards the pile of boxes, keeping his gaze and grin on Raph. “Because I have something that's gonna really dazzle our little brother.” 

Uh oh. Raph knew that tone. That smile. That look. It meant Donnie was trying to get away with something, playing innocent in hopes Raph wouldn't notice. 

Raph braced himself as Donnie reached into a box. 

He was expecting mechanical snowmen that shot lasers from their eyes or bombs carefully concealed as ornaments or any number of dangerous things his genius brother was no doubt capable of making. 

So it caught him more than a little off-guard when Donnie pulled out a seemingly normal string of Christmas lights, grinning that pleased grin reserved for when he made something cool and impressive. “Behold, the future of Christmas!”

Raph cocked his head to the side, trying to see what was so special about them or why Donnie was being so sketchy about the whole thing. “Does… it shoot lasers or something?”

“No,” Donnie said with a frown. “That would be highly inefficient.” But the smile returned as he dove into one of his patented infodumps, carefully laying them out on a table to be better admired by his brothers. “What it is, Raphael, is a highly advanced lighting system that I invented. It's capable of glowing three times brighter than your average Christmas lights while using five times less energy. I also upgraded the bulb with a heat-resistant fiberglass, effectively eliminating the risk of it catching fire, making it a far safer substitute to traditional lights. It's cost efficient, energy efficient, and pleasing to the eye, a perfect combination if I do say so myself.” 

Okay, Raph only understood like half of that but it did sound impressive and maybe a little too good to be true. There had to be a catch. Otherwise why was Donnie trying so hard to get him to agree. It was more than a little suspicious. 

After some thinking, Raph realized what Donnie had failed to mention, something that made all the difference when it came to his inventions. “Did ya test it yet?”

Donnie’s eyes widened before forcefully returning to neutral, a few beads of sweat appearing on his face. His smile was just a bit too wide and posture just a bit too stiff, hands tapping against his legs in that distinctive Donnie way that only happened when he was nervous or overwhelmed. “It's functional,” he managed, eyes not quite meeting Raph's. 

Yep, there was no doubt about it now. Donnie was lying. Or more accurately, hiding the truth, since he hadn't really lied yet. But now his suspicious behavior made sense at least. “You didn't answer my question, Dee,” Raph pointed out. 

“Didn't I?” came the softshell’s timid response. It was almost ironic how someone who could be so good at concealing his emotions could be so awful at lying.

Leo gasped, hitting him with an accusing look. “You totally didn't. Test them, I mean,” Leo said, seeing through Donnie’s thinly veiled lies as well. That wasn't surprising since Leo was the resident expert on both Donnie and lying. 

The purple turtle let out a whine of guilt before reluctantly admitting, “Okay fine. I may not have had all that much time for testing.” His voice rose several octaves as he added, “But that's only because I was too busy planning for our heist!” 

“It wasn't a heist, it was borrowing!” 

Leo patted the eldest on the shoulder, saying gently, “Raph, you know we love you but you can't return something after it's been hit by a truck.”

“But it does work,” Donnie cut in, emphasizing each word so he knew they heard him. 

Raph hadn't doubted that, everything Donnie made worked, but it wasn't really the problem. Because even though Donnie was an undeniable genius, that didn't mean everything he made functioned properly. 

And normally Raph wouldn't mind that. In fact, under any other circumstances he would be more than willing to try out Donnie’s new tech, even if it sometimes turned the microwave evil or made the toaster explode. 

But Mikey’s Christmas was on the line! And that the one time Raph knew they couldn't take the risk. 

“Sorry, Don,” Raph said in the kindest, softest tone he had, careful not to say anything that might upset his sensitive little bro. “I’m sure what you made is really awesome and cool but this tree’s barely holding together as is. Let's not try anything crazy, okay?”

Donnie had known that answer was coming but it still didn't make him feel any better about it. Disappointment weighed heavy on his heart and he could feel his ego deflating as he pouted sourly. And even though he knew it was pointless, a part of him still wanted to argue and pitch a fit about it. He would have too if Raph wasn't looking at him with that annoying tender look that made it impossible to stay mad at him even if he really, really wanted to be. 

So, Donnie begrudgingly relented. “Fine.” And because he was still very much bitter he added, “But when Mikey isn't properly dazzled you'll only have yourselves to blame.”

Then, he set to work pulling out the lights they wanted from their boxes, making sure to ignore Leo's smug look as he did.

Raph and Leo joined him, helping sort everything into neat little piles. The mood changed for the better after that and they were all soon enjoying themselves again. Leo and Raph had fun looking at all the decorations Donnie had bought, showing off each one to the other and talking excitedly about it. Donnie just continued untangling lights, trying to pretend to still be annoyed even if his fond smile betrayed him. 

They were all having so much fun in fact, they didn't hear the padding of small feet approaching. 

“Raphie.”

The three turtles froze, recognizing the voice behind them in an instant as their baby brother. A quick glance over their shoulders and sure enough there stood Mikey in the doorway, favorite kitty plush pressed to his plastron.

Raph, Donnie and Leo were on their feet and across the room in a heartbeat, creating a semi-circle around Mikey to try and block his view. “Hey, little man~”  Raph began in his baby voice, reserved for Mikey alone. “What are you doing out of bed?” 

Mikey took a second to process that, eyes glassy and half lidded. He rubbed at them tiredly before glancing between his brothers’ smiling faces in hesitant confusion. It was clear he had just woken up. “Klunk and I were thirsty,” he muttered drowsily. He squeezed his plushie a little tighter. “And you weren't in your room.” 

Mikey was still too little to reach the cup cabinet, so always went to Raph whenever he needed one. The snapper gave him an apologetic smile, saying gently, “Sorry, Mike. I was, uhh-”

“Making sure no rats got into the cookies!” Leo, the naturally born liar, said it as if it was as easy as breathing. “Well, non-dad rats, I mean.” 

Mikey blinked lazily, a tiny smile tugging at his lips from the joke. “Did Santa come yet?” he mumbled, trying to look past his brothers but Leo moved to block his path, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Nope! Not yet!” he said quickly, spinning him around and giving him a small push. “So you better hurry and get to bed so he can!” 

“Don’t you need to sleep too?” Mikey’s words came out slurred, eyes starting to drift closed again as he swayed unevenly on his feet. 

“We will,” Raph assured him, taking his little brother’s hand in his own. “But first let’s get you that water.” 

Mikey let out a noise of agreement, allowing Raph to guide him to the kitchen. Leo and Donnie shouted goodbyes to the box turtle but he wasn’t listening, burying his face in his soft cat plush and yawning tiredly. His eyes closed, trusting his big brother to get him there without any trouble. 

Raph glanced back at the twins, mouthing the words, ‘Start without me.’ They both gave him thumbs up and he grinned before returning his focus to Mikey, whispering gentle words as they walked. 

Donnie waited until they were both out of earshot before turning to Leo, not bothering to hide the mischievous glint in his eye or evil grin on his face. “Wanna use my lights?”

Leo’s eyes widened in surprise, before reflecting Donnie’s own look back at him. “Raph'll be mad,” Leo said, voice a hum. 

“Yes but he also isn't here to stop us.”

As expected, that was all the convincing it took. “I'm in!”

By the time Raph had Mikey tucked back into bed, the lights were done. Donnie was plugging them in when the snapper entered the room, mouth instantly going slack. “Donnie!” The softshell flinched, dropping the cord he had been fiddling with. He turned to his brother with a startled look. “I thought we agreed to use the regular lights instead!” 

“Yes but I figured once you saw them you would change your mind,” Donnie replied plainly, showing not even a hint of remorse. 

“So you went behind my back!” 

The slider slapped a hand over his older brother’s mouth, saying with a finger to his lips, “Uh, Raph, maybe try and keep the voice down. Mikester’s still asleep in the other room, remember?” 

Leo pulled his hand away before Raph could get mad and the snapper let out a huff. “You went behind my back,” he repeated in a whispered but still very annoyed tone. 

“Leo assisted me.” 

Raph directed his scolding glare at Leo, who let out an offended gasp and placed a hand to his chest dramatically. He didn’t bother watching his volume either as he cried, “You would betray your own twin so heartlessly!” 

Donnie shrugged. “I never claimed to be above such things, Nardo.”

“Oh you are so on the naughty list,” the blue turtle hissed, fuming. 

“Actually you're both on Raph’s naughty list,” the eldest declared, grabbing the back of Leo’s shirt and lifting him off the ground. “Now take those off and put on the other stuff.”

“That would be a huge waste of time, Raphael,” Donnie pointed out nervously. As quick as he could he finished plugging everything in, the lights flickering on and filling the room with a brilliant purple glow. “Besides they are already on and not malfunctioning so I vote we leave it as is.” 

“Uhhh,” Leo raised a hesitant finger in the air. “I vote for whatever won’t get me in trouble.” 

Raph shot him a look but set him back on his feet. 

The snapper sighed before saying in the calmest voice he could manage, “I'm glad it didn't mal- whatever but that's not the point. You didn't listen to me.”

“Only because you were trying to stifle my creative genius,” Donnie argued, folding his arms in front of his chest. 

“Um guys?”

“I just didn't want it to explode or something,” Raph retorted. 

“Should it be smoking like that, Donnie?”

“Scoff. It wasn't going to explode! The worst it could do is catch-”

“Fire!”

“Yes, thank you, Leo,” Donnie snarked, frustrated at his twin for finishing his sentence for him.  

“No, I mean it's actually on fire!” Leo screamed pointing at the tree in terror.

Donnie and Raph swiveled in place, spotting a flickering flame on one of the branches which quickly spread to the one above it and then the one next to that, until the whole tree was ablaze in a matter of seconds. Raph screamed, Donnie ran, and Leo grabbed the oldest's arm, shaking him violently. “Do something!” 

But Raph was too overcome with panic to think straight, yelling and running around, looking for something to put out the blaze. “Water! Water! Where's water?! Need water!!” 

“The kitchen!” Leo screamed in reply, snatching Splinter's favorite blanket off his chair. 

A second later the lights shut off, Donnie no doubt cutting the power in the room, explaining his absence. 

Raph flinched as everything went dark but another prompt from Leo got his legs in motion, leaving Leo behind to desperately try and fan the ever-growing flames. 

Once in the kitchen he dashed straight to the sink, yanking it on and cupping his shaking hands under the steady stream. He started to run back only for the water to sloosh onto the floor instead. He went back and collected more, only for it to spill before he even made it out the door. His thoughts were too scrambled to consider the plethora of empty cups, bowls, and pans he could fill instead, so went with the only option that came to mind…

Raph stuck his head under the running sink, filled his mouth close to bursting and dashed back to the blazing tree as fast as his legs could carry him.

Leo was clearly losing his battle to the flames, huffing and puffing with each labored breath, arms aching as he flapped the thick blanket up and down. “What took you so long?!” he screamed upon spotting Raph. The snapper didn't reply, instead sucking in a deep breath and spewed the water from his mouth, spraying the tree in the process.

“Ew, gross!” Leo wailed in disgust, shuffling backwards. “You couldn't have grabbed a cup or something?”

“Stand back!” Donnie shouted in warning, fumbling with the fire extinguisher he was carrying. The blue and red turtles backed away as their purple counterpart pulled the safety pin free from the handle. He took aim before unleashing a torrent of white foam to the blaze, snuffing it out quickly and effectively. 

He used the entire can, making sure every inch of the tree was coated in the flame-retardant substance, only stopping once he was sure the flames were out and the extinguisher was empty. Then he pulled the can to his chest like a lifeline, sighing in relief. 

For a moment the three boys just stood there trying to catch their breath, accessing the damage as best they could. It was hard to tell just how badly the tree had been burnt through the thick foam that covered it but it was clear the trunk was about half its size now, bark devoured completely by flames. The branches were now withered husks, curling up on themselves thanks to the pressure of the heat, while many others had crumbled into ash. The ends were gnarled and twisted into sharp points. Strips of metal wires and frayed electric cords all that was left of Donnie’s creation. 

The air was thick with smoke and the blanket Leo was holding was singed at the ends where it had been licked by flames, but other than that nothing else had been harmed. 

No one spoke or even breathed a sound, the three brothers powerless to describe the feelings of frustration, hopelessness, guilt, and lingering terror that tore at their frazzled heartstrings. Finally it was Donnie who broke the silence, finger tapping a nervous rhythm against the extinguisher as he cleared his throat. “I think I might have had the voltage too high.”

“Ya think!” Leo and Raph shouted as one. 

…

The boys salvaged what they could of their present, thankful Mikey had somehow managed to sleep through the whole fiasco. Donnie did his best to clean the foam off but he wasn't able to do much without compromising the tree’s structural integrity. Leo tossed Splinter's blanket, prepared to gaslight him into thinking he lost it should the need arrive. Raph swept up the ashes and lit a bunch of sweet-scented candles to hopefully drown out the smoky scent in the air. Then they all hung up the decorations, garland, and functioning Christmas lights (much to Donnie's ire), placed all their presents under the tree and went to bed. 

None of them managed to fall asleep though, even as exhaustion pressed heavy on their tired bodies, trying desperately to relieve their aches and pains by pulling them into unconsciousness. Their minds were a buzzing hive of worry, fear, and dreaded anticipation. No one knew how Mikey would react to seeing the Christmas tree but it could hardly be a positive one. 

After all, Mikey was imagining a perfect, movie-accurate tree, not the burnt, mangled monstrosity waiting in their living room.

They could practically see Mikey's tears as he sobbed in disappointment. Would he reject Christmas after this? Would he hate Santa? Would they be forced to tell him the truth and then he'd hate them? Had they collectively ruined Mikey's innocence and Christmas spirit in one night?

It was admittedly a worst case (and more than likely impossible) scenario but it was difficult not to go to extremes when their thoughts were so clouded with negativity and they lacked the strength to fight it off. 

They each blamed themselves for the situation they were currently in: Raph wished he'd listened to Donnie and taken the tree he'd picked out, Donnie wished he'd taken the time to check the wiring and voltage so it had never caught flame, and Leo… well, honestly Leo couldn't think of anything directly he'd been the cause of. Still he wished he'd been a little less obnoxiously antagonistic all night. 

But there was nothing that could be done now, the turtles could only wait for the youngest to wake. After about half an hour, Raph heard shuffling and giggling outside his door and pretended to look fast asleep, shoving the guilt and fear deep down inside him as he did. 

He heard little feet scramble across his room before a weight plopped onto his bed, tiny hands tapping his cheek. “Raph. Raph, wake up. It's Christmas,” Mikey squealed, not even bothering to lower his volume in his excitement. 

Raph let out a hopefully convincing yawn and opened his eyes, giving his baby brother an affectionate smile. “Morning, Mike,” he said, rubbing at his eyes to try and sell the bit. “Merry Christmas.”

Mikey beamed sunshine, eyes shimmering despite the dim lighting. He was wiggling and bouncing in place, incapable of holding still for even a single second. Donnie had once joked that if he turned Mikey into a battery he'd be able to power the whole city and despite knowing nothing about science, Raph believed it. 

“Can we open presents now?!” Mikey asked enthusiastically, ignoring his brother’s greeting. 

Raph felt his stomach churn with worry and hoped it didn't reach his face. “Let’s get everyone else first, okay?” 

Mikey sprung off the bed and was out the door in the blink of an eye. Raph smiled despite his anxiousness. 

…

Mikey plopped down on top of Donnie, foregoing the gentle approach in favor of hurrying things along. Despite only pretending to be asleep, the softshell still jumped at the sudden physical contact. He sputtered to try and make sense of it all. “What? Angelo? Why did you-”

“It's Christmas, Dee,” Mikey emphatically informed. 

“Yes, and?” 

“And that means you gotta get up now so we can open presents,” Mikey continued, hands on his hips as he tried to mimic his brother's know-it-all tone. “Don't you wanna see what Santa brought you?”

As curious as he was to see if his dad had gotten him those computer parts he needed, he was much more worried about Mikey's present. All he really wanted right then was some coffee. But since he couldn't say any of that without arousing suspicion, he instead went with a simpler response. “I suppose I should get up then, since it seems I'm not allowed to sleep in.”

Mikey nodded, pleased he'd convinced his genius brother. Donnie tended to be grumpy first thing in the morning. “Yay!” Mikey cheered, hopping off him so he could stand. Despite the impatience bubbling in his chest he waited for his brother to climb out of bed, just to make sure Donnie didn't fall back asleep without him there.

Once he was on his feet, Mikey took his hand, leading him away from the warm, inviting bed and into the chilly hallway. He followed along limply, looking like a puppet being pulled by its strings. 

Raph met them in the hallway and Mikey waved and released Donnie's hand, leaving his brother swaying unevenly. “I’mma get Leo,” Mikey said cheerfully. “Make sure he doesn't fall back asleep, okay?”

It was weird hearing Mikey give orders, especially since it was clear he was trying and failing to mimic Raph's ‘big brother’ tone, but the snapper just nodded in assurance, putting a hand to Donnie's shell to help keep him steady. “I will.” 

Mikey, satisfied with that answer, grinned and trotted off for Leo's room, humming a Christmas song as he went. Once he was out of earshot, Raph leaned down and whispered, “You think he's gonna hate us?”

Donnie paused, trying to consider that carefully but it was far too early, his brain was far too tired, and emotions were something he struggled with on a good day. So instead he just groaned, leaned up against Raph's plastron and fought to keep his eyes open. “Ask me again once I'm awake.”

…

Leo was the most convincingly asleep, his covers strewn about, the muscles in his face and body relaxed, he even let out little snores so close to the real thing that Raph and Donnie might have actually believed he was sleeping, if not for the fact that Mikey couldn't seem to get him to wake up and Leo was notorious for being a light-sleeper. 

To his credit, Mikey seemed to realize this too, getting more and more irritated as the slider refused to acknowledge him. He tried everything he could think of, he called his name, he patted his shell, he hit his shell, he told bad jokes, he tried to peel his eyes open, until eventually he was trying to physically push Leo out of the bed, whining bitterly. “Come on, Leo! I know you're awake! I wanna open presents!” 

Leo yawned in a distinctively fake way, rolled over and pulled Mikey to his chest. “Hmm what's this new teddy bear I found,” the blue turtle murmured and Mikey let out a few angry chirps, fighting his hold.

“I'm not a teddy bear, I'm a turtle! And let me go!” Mikey kicked his little feet around, knocking the last of the covers to the floor.

Leo's mouth twitched as he fought back the grin. “Oh it's so noisy, it must be an electronic one,” Leo continued, squeezing his brother tighter to keep him from escaping. He finally peeked an eye open, looking over at his two brothers in the doorway, both of them grinning at the whole display. Mikey just continued wiggling. “Hey Raph, I think Santa gave me your  present by mistake.”

Mikey finally managed to jerk a hand free, retaliating by tickling Leo behind the neck, where he was most sensitive to the attack. Instantly, Leo burst into laughter, releasing Mikey so he could try and pull away. But the box turtle wasn't having it, flopping on top of him so he couldn't escape easily, then tickled his neck with both hands to help add to the torture. 

Leo tried to push him off but couldn't muster the strength as his lungs burned and his limbs turned to jelly. “Okay, Mikey! I give! Uncle!” he shouted between bouts of laughter but the baby turtle just tickled harder. 

“Nope, this is my revenge,” Mikey giggled. 

“Raph, Don, help!” Leo screamed, waving his arms desperately to get their attention. 

Neither of them moved to do anything, Raph saying smugly, “Nah, you got yourself into this mess, you can get yourself out.” 

“Come, dear brother, let's wait for them in the kitchen,” Donnie added with a mischievous but still tired grin. 

“Let's,” Raph replied and the two started off together. 

“Traitors!” Leo yelled after then, still howling with laughter.

…

The four eventually made it to their dad's room, Leo carrying Mikey piggyback, but were shocked to find it empty. Their confusion didn't last long however, as a sweet scent in the air led them to the kitchen, where they found their dad and five steaming mugs. “Merry Christmas, my sons,” Splinter greeted them kindly, taking a small sip from his cup. “I trust you slept well.”

“Did Santa come? Did he bring me what I asked for?” Mikey asked, bouncing a little against Leo's shell. 

Splinter chuckled. “I'm not certain. How about you drink your cocoa and then we'll go check.”

“Yay! Dad's hot cocoa!” Mikey exclaimed, jumping out of Leo's arms. Splinter handed him a cup and he settled down at the table to enjoy, sipping slowly so he didn't burn his mouth. 

Splinter set his own cup down and picked up the three remaining mugs (using his tail to carry Raph's) and brought it over to the boys. “Here you are, my sons. For all your hard work.” He made sure to keep his voice down. 

“Thanks, pops,” Raph said, rumbling softly as the warmth spread through his fingertips and up his arms. It felt nice.

Donnie leaned against his twin for support, still fighting for consciousness. He glowered at the mug in his hands, wishing it was coffee instead of cocoa. He barely even liked cocoa.

Leo looked more awake and alert than his brothers but was still sporting a nasty pair of eyebags. “Did you go into the living room yet?” the blue turtle asked, half curious, half confused. 

Splinter gave him a suspicious look. “No, why?”

Leo's eyes widened and he quickly looked away. “Um, no reason,” he nervously muttered, bringing the cup to his lips so his dad wouldn’t ask anymore questions.

But he jerked away a second later, sticking his tongue out in disgust. “Ugh, why is it so bitter?” 

Splinter leaned forward and whispered, “Ah, that would be the expresso I added to your drinks.” 

Donnie swallowed the entire cup before even needing to take a breath. 

Raph and Leo followed suit, drinking greedily as they felt the edges of exhaustion slowly creep away. By the time they were done, they all felt lively and energized again, a comforting warmth filling their insides, making each of them sigh in contentment. 

Splinter smiled as each of them thanked him and handed back their cups. “Yes well, I had a feeling you’d need some of my ‘Santa special’. The only thing that got me through some years.” He winked then returned to his own simmering cup of cocoa. 

Mikey jumped to his feet a second later. “Okay, I’m done! Now onto presents!” 

“Yay,” Leo, Raph, and Donnie said as one. They tried to sound enthusiastic, with varying degrees of success but the box turtle didn’t even notice as he led them towards the living room. 

The walk there was nerve-wracking for the older turtles, dread pooling in their stomachs as they watched their little brother. Mikey was skipping and singing and beaming ear to ear, blissfully unaware that every step only brought him closer to crushing disappointment. Leo tried to think of some way to stall him. Raph wondered if he should say something to prepare him for what he was about to see. Donnie was strongly considering setting off the emergency alarms just to get them out of the lair long enough for him to finish burning the tree to the ground. Anything to keep Mikey from stepping inside and seeing his disaster of a present. 

But before any of them could implement their plans, they arrived. 

Mikey slipped inside without a second thought and the three had no choice but to follow. The box turtle gasped loudly, causing his brothers to violently flinch, grimacing at the sight of the tree.

Somehow, despite all common sense, it looked even worse than before.

Raph, Donnie, and Leo nervously crowded around Mikey, trying desperately to interpret his shocked expression. His eyes had grown wide and mouth hanging slack, but it was impossible to tell if it was out of disappointment or not. 

Still the boys couldn't imagine him liking it, suddenly feeling like the worst big brothers in the world. Their bodies stood tense, bracing themselves for the crying and screaming and rejection of all things Christmas to begin. 

Instead, Mikey squealed, the shrill noise making their ears ring. “He came!” the box turtle exclaimed and his brothers froze on the spot, staring down at him in confused silence.

“He came! He came! He brought my gift!” Mikey was a giggling, joyful ball of energy, fluttering around the tree like a moth would a flame, trying to see as much of it as quickly as possible. His tail twitched and his eyes shone like diamonds as he pointed to the tree emphatically. “Guys! Guys! Look! Santa did it! He really did it! He got me a Christmas tree! And it’s decorated and got lots of presents underneath and everything!” 

Slowly, the shock turned to relief and then to joy, Mikey’s big brothers pleasantly surprised by his reaction. Leo gave Donnie and Raph a thumbs up, the snapper letting out a soft sigh before beaming, while the softshell felt his heart swell with accomplishment and pride, lips twitching into a fond smile as he watched his little brother. 

Splinter stepped into the room and Mikey was at his side in a heartbeat, grabbing him tightly by the hand as he bounced up and down. “Dad! Dad, look! Santa brought me a tree, just like I wanted!” 

The rat opened his mouth to reply, only to be taken aback by the sight, turning to the others, who were suddenly very interested in staring at the walls, ceiling, and floor. He plastered on a smile, managing to say, “It’s very, um, unique.” 

“Uh huh! It’s even got snow on it!” 

“I would refrain from touching that,” Donnie spoke up but Mikey wasn’t paying attention. 

He went back to admiring it up close, squealing at every little thing he saw. “Ohmigosh, he even put our ornaments on it! Come see!” He gestured them all over and they happily gathered around. 

“Huh, how about that?” Raph said with a hopefully straight face. 

“There’s mine,” Leo said, pointing it out. “You can tell from how cool it looks.” 

“Yours is subpar at best,” Donnie retorted. 

“Ohhhh someone’s jealous that mine are all higher up than yours. Guess that means that Santa likes me better.” 

“What does height have to do with anything?” 

“Just admit you’re jealous.”

“Why would I admit to something so obviously not true?”

“Can you two please not argue on Christmas,” Raph sighed in annoyance. 

Mikey tugged on Raph’s arm and the snapper immediately dropped into a crouch. “Can you lift me up, Raphie? There’s something I wanna do.”

Raph nodded, picking his little brother up like he was nothing and setting him down on his shoulder. As the snapper stood, Mikey reached into his hoodie pocket to pull something out. Raph tried to peek up but the orange turtle put his foot over his eyes. “Don’t look, it’s a surprise!” 

The snapper lowered his gaze again, staring at the ground. Once Mikey was sure it was safe, he went back to fishing his surprise out of his pocket, tongue sticking out in concentration. Out of his peripheral vision Raph could see Mikey putting something on the tree. 

After a moment, Leo and Donnie took notice of their little brother but when they moved to see Mikey ordered them to cover their eyes, which they immediately did. Finally, Mikey was done, nodding once in satisfaction as he climbed down Raph’s arm and onto the floor. “Okay, you can look now!” he shouted to the family. Everyone glanced up at the tree, spotting Mikey’s surprise in an instant.

Just below the star were five clay ornaments, clearly the work of the little box turtle, each hung on different branches. Four of them were turtles wearing a separate color each: red, blue, orange and purple. Mikey had even added small details like Raph’s spikes, Donnie’s glasses, Leo’s eye stripes, his spots. The final one hung in the middle of the four, a rat with a bright smile on his face. 

“Awww, Mikey! You made ornaments of us!” Raph cooed, cuddling his brother close to his plastron. 

“Uh huh,” Mikey replied proudly, little tail twitching in joy. “That’s why I wanted the tree so bad! I wanted them to have a special place to go! Plus, it looks really nice!”  

Raph felt tears in his eyes and Donnie and Leo quickly joined the group hug, tucking into the snapper’s sides, placing warm hands on Mikey’s shell. Splinter took his place at Mikey’s back, hands wrapping around to hold all his young sons. They were getting steadily bigger, by next year he doubted he could hold them all like this, so he decided to enjoy it while he still could. 

“You shouldn’t have, little bro,” Leo said brightly. 

“Yes, but we appreciate it, nonetheless,” Donnie added, tone gentle. 

“You are too good to us, Orange,” Splinter murmured, nuzzling a cheek against his head, making the box turtle giggle as the whiskers tickled his leathery skin. 

Mikey just beamed and said lightly, “Merry Christmas, you guys!”

“Merry Christmas, Mikey!” his family echoed to him. 

And as the Christmas lights twinkled, the small family held fast, knowing this feeling would stay and would last. 

The hug lingered and lingered, not one pulled away, the celebrating could begin a bit later that day. 

And the big brothers three, though had feared it a mess, declared this Christmas mission a rousing success.

For the youngest sung praises to Santa with joy, his spirit unbroken, a greater gift than a toy. 

Now the heisting was over, a word Raph would protest, so they could relax now and catch up on their rest. 

Until Mikey declared with stars in his eyes, “Maybe next year he'll bring me a real reindeer that flies!”

Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed! I barely managed to finish this one in time for the holidays but thankfully I got a last minute burst of inspiration when I got to Mikey's part so I was able to get it done in time. I think I just really like writing Mikey back when he was a baby, hehe. But then I like writing all of the family and their shenanigans give me so much life XD

Can't believe this is my first official Rise fic! I've still got lots of ideas for the series as it's become my most recent obsession, haha. In fact, I'm wanting to make a whole series of little Turtle Tot one shots, among other things. So yeah, if you enjoyed maybe consider giving that one a read whenever it's ready. 

For now I'm gonna go and enjoy my holiday! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! Or Happy Holidays, regardless of what you celebrate!

[mizusswordtip]

Down The Rabbit Hole ⚝ Killian Jones x Reader (19)

find the story on wattpad

summary: Alice's plan to overthrow the Queen of Hearts is thwarted by a dashing pirate with a hook. Years later, after the curse is broken, they reunite once again.

masterlist

Leaning my head against the beanstalk, I stop for a moment. Hook is about a foot higher than me and Emma, somewhere below. I don't risk looking down to find out. My ears started ringing minutes ago and I'm not sure if I'm going to be sick or pass out.

"You alright?" I hear Emma's voice call from below. I don't answer, trying to focus on my breathing.

"I'm fine!" Hook calls out with a little chuckle.

"I wasn't talking to you." Emma snaps back. I swallow hard, the ringing in my ear beginning to subside.

"Love?" I can hear Hook's voice clearer now. I look up to see him looking at me, concerned. I take a deep breath before continuing the climb.

"I'm fine, Emma." I call out. "Just keep moving." I whisper to myself for what must be the thousandth time.

"First beanstalk, Kingsley?" Hook asks. He's clearly trying, to distract me, thinking I'm afraid. Despite his assumption being wrong, a distraction is still helpful. When I would climb mountains with Andy, he would ask me random questions, mostly about history and other such trivia whenever we'd climb an especially hard part of the mountain.

"I've climbed mountains, this is nothing." I brush off his concern and without thinking, I automatically say, "And it's Digby." The response was almost robotic, having gotten used to having to correct people. Now though, it seems unnecessary.

"Digby? I distinctly remember your last name being Kingsley." He remarks inquisitively. I open and close my mouth a couple of times before answering.

"It...was." His eyes widen slightly and his jaw clenches before he looks away.

"You-you're married." He states.

"You are?" Emma calls out in shock from below me. I laugh a little, rolling my eyes lightheartedly.

"Not as of a couple of days ago, so I guess I am Alice Kingsley once again." I say, almost as though I'm coming to the realization myself. I'm still getting used to that, being me again. Being free again.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Comes Hook's voice, sounding genuine.

"He's not dead. He simply found someone else." I say with an incredulous laugh, looking up in time to see him smile a little.

"Then he's a fool." He mutters. My cheeks turn red, wondering if I had misheard him.

"What'd you say?" I exclaim.

"Are you in love?" He asks avoidantly. I let out an annoyed sigh.

"No. I never was. At least not in a romantic sense." I reply. He shoots me a perplexed look.

"You married a man you didn't love?" He asks incredulously. I roll my eyes once again.

"I said I love him, just not romantically." I correct but he doesn't seem to be willing to move on.

"People don't typically marry someone they love platonically." He tells me as if I don't already know that. I don't answer him and after a minute of silence, I assume that he's going to drop it. I assumed wrong. "You don't believe in love." He adds on. I sigh heavily.

"I believe it exists. People find their person all the time." I say.

"Then why not marry someone you-" He goes to ask but I interrupt him, exasperated.

"Because some people don't get that." I snap before lowering my voice. "My husband, well, ex husband, was the only man willing to marry me. I had to get married or else I would bring shame to my mother." I explain.

"So it was an arranged marriage." Emma chimes in, realization overcoming her. I can hear the pity in her voice and it makes my jaw clench.

"Indeed. I thought it'd be better to marry a man I know is good, someone who I can spend my life with than be miserable with some stranger." I explain truthfully. A couple of minutes go by of us climbing in silence.

"So what have you been up to, besides getting married that is?" Hook asks.

"I'm a sailor, or at least I was, before the curse." I answer with a raised brow, wondering where his curiosity is coming from. A part of me wonders if he's gathering information for Cora but I disregard that. Even if he was, what is Cora going to do with information about a loveless marriage and my career?

"A sailor? Looks like you have some pirate in you after all." He jokes, looking down at me with a smirk. I look down, laughing with a shake of my head."Was that a laugh Kingsley?" He asks, sounding far too pleased with himself. I try my best to wipe the grin off my face.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I say.

"We'd have to get you new clothes though, can't go around wearing that on the seas." He jokes. I let out a breath of air, a feeling of claustrophobia coming over me at the reminder of my clothes. I know that it's just cloth, but every second I've spent in these clothes has been hell. The clothes feel almost as suffocating as the cell did sometimes. "Sorry love, didn't mean to offend you." Hook's confused voice breaks me out of my thoughts. My head snaps up to look at him.

"What are you talking about?" I ask, brows furrowed.

"You seemed upset that I insulted your wardrobe choice." He says with a raised brow.

"I'm not offended." I say with an eye roll.

"Well, clearly somethings upset you." He pushes. I give him an unimpressed look.

"I'm not upset." I say firmly. Thankfully he continues to climb without further comment.

"So?" He breaks the silence after a couple of minutes. I raise a brow at him with a shake of my head.

"So...?" I question.

"What about what I said upset you?" He asks.

"Oh my god." I groan out. "I'm not upset over anything you said. It's been a rough twenty eight years is all." I explain shortly.

"In Storybrooke?" He asks for clarification.

"Well, yeah, we were all cursed." I say with a shrug, trying to appear nonchalant.

"And what was your curse?" He asks softly, making me snap my head up to look at him.

"I was locked in an asylum, memories intact. Unlike the rest of Storybrooke." I answer vaguely. I can't see his face so I have no idea what he's feeling.

"And I'm guessing that is what you were forced to wear." He surmises. My silence is answer enough. "Did they feed you?"

"Obviously not." Emma chimes in and I can't help but laugh a little.

"Hook." I call up. He looks down at me, surprised.

"Yes?" He asks.

"Why are you still working with Cora?" I can't help but ask.

"She doesn't give a person much of a choice, you know that." He answers, obviously hiding something.

"Yes, but how'd you start working for her to begin with?" I pry further. He sighs.

"Her daughter, Regina, gave me a job. She wanted me to kill Cora for her." He starts. I let out a sympathetic laugh. He stops climbing so we're side by side.

"Sounds like her." I sympathize.

"You know her well then?" He asks with a raised brow. I laugh a humorless laugh.

"She was the one who locked me up." I tell him. His face turns more serious.

"Are you planning to get revenge?" He asks.

"You're avoiding the question." I point out with a small smile, avoiding his myself. He sighs in acceptance, knowing I'm not going to let this go.

"I came to Wonderland to finish the job but, as you well know, Cora is a formidable foe." He replies, implying he tried to kill her.

"She didn't kill you? Why?" I ask, shocked.

"She told me that she knew of the curse that was coming, that she had a way to shield herself from it. She made me a deal far better than that of her daughter." He finally explains. My brows furrow, looking over at him.

"What could she have possibly offered that you would make a deal with her?" I ask, perplexed.

"Well, for starters, my life." He says with a sarcastic smile. I roll my eyes with no real venom.

"I gathered that." I deadpan.

"And she offered me my revenge against the man who took my hand. Rumpelstiltskin." I tilt my head, slightly confused.

"You mentioned that, but why work with Cora to get to Storybrooke when you could've just came over with the rest of us?" I ask.

"Because I wouldn't remember him." I tilt my head up, realization dawning over me. When I tilt my head though, my vision spins. My grip loosens on the vine I'm holding and I feel my heart drop to my feet. Before I can slip though, Hook reaches down and thankfully I'm able to grasp onto his hook in time.

"Alice!" Emma shouts. My heart is pounding in my ears as I look up I see Hook struggling to hold onto me and the vine at the same time. I grab a vine with my other hand, lodging my foot firmly on the beanstalk before letting go.

"Thanks." I breathe out with an adrenaline fueled smile which he doesn't return.

"You need to rest." He tells me.

"I'll rest once Cora's dead."

[sadnesslaughs]

When we started this "Secret Brotherhood" back in high school, it was just a joke. Now, thirty years later, I think our joke went too far.

(A response to a writing prompt)

“The presidents on the line, he’s agreed to our terms.” Andy held the phone away from his face, worried that it might explode if he placed it near his ear. Assassination attempts had been getting worse ever since they moved towards world domination, and Andy wasn’t about to take any unnecessary risks. Andy couldn’t believe they had done it. Their secret brotherhood was going to be the new shadow government. In thirty short years, their stupid joke had turned to the domination of a country.

Fina put down her glass of wine, staring at Andy, assuming he was joking. When she saw his astonished expression, she jumped from the couch, sending red wine spilling onto the carpet. “What do you mean, he’s agreed? Hasn’t this all been a joke? Who's really on the phone?”

“One second.” Andy held the phone in front of his mouth. “I’ll call you back, bye-bye!” He sang those words out as he hung up. “Ok, now we can talk in private. What do you mean, who's really on the phone? The president, remember? You said it was our time to move? Housings getting too expensive, so it’s time for the brotherhood to become the new big brother?”

She knew this had to be a joke. Pulling out her phone, she called Diana, her childhood friend, and another member of the brotherhood of Freedom. “Hey, Diana.” She said, words shaky as she clung to her phone. “This brotherhood things a joke, right?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. It’s a joke, and if any agents or police officers are listening to this line, I want them to know that phone tapping is uncool and all that. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I won’t say anything that can get us in trouble. Wink-Wink, nudge-nudge, all that type of stuff.”

“Oh, no…. Why did no one tell me you two were serious? I thought this was all a joke.”

“A joke? Those speeches you gave moved us. All those speeches about how the world would be better with us running it. We wanted to help you build the perfect world. Look how close we are.” Andy patted her on the shoulder while Diana spoke from the mobile.

“Yeah, and those brilliant plans of yours. You were right, blackmailing all the corrupt politicians was easy. They folded instantly. We only had to kill one of them.”

“YOU KILLED SOMEONE?”

“YOU TOLD US TO KILL HIM! Remember, you said we needed to burn anyone that got in our way. It was harsh, but fair.”

“This is bad, I’m going to die.” Fina opened her blinds, spotting a black van and a scope that was pointed right at her. As soon as she appeared in the window, a loud bang rattled through the neighborhood, only for Andy to tackle her as the bullet pierced the window, creating a hole in her tv.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. At least not until the president signs the paperwork. Don’t worry, I’ll have that officer exiled to a private island later for his attempt on your life.” Andy wasn’t bothered by the near death experience, reaching up to close the blinds before pulling Fina to safety.

Shaking on the floor, Fina held her knees, muttering about how much trouble she was in. “We need to apologize. Tell them all it’s a misunderstanding.”

“Bit late for that. You can’t un-threaten someone’s life.” Diana spoke from the spot beside Fina, the phone having been dropped when she was tackled.

“Yeah, this is our only choice now. Don’t worry, we’re all in this together. We won’t abandon our leader.”

“Leader?… You made me the leader?”

“Of course, you’re the one that decided to start the brotherhood. It only makes sense you would lead us.” Andy helped her to her feet, bringing her to the couch.

“How didn’t I notice this was all going on?”

“You’re a bit of a shut in. Maybe you didn’t go out enough to see anything. Have you checked the news lately?”

“I only read articles about the dog dancing competition in Spain…. This is really bad. Ok, so we can’t back out of this. What do we do?”

Diana’s voice was quiet, being on the opposite side of the room now. Noticing the hint of noise, Andy went and retrieved the phone, placing it on the couch, allowing her to participate again in the conversation.

“She can hear you now, Diana.”

“We do as you say. The brotherhood only got this far because of you. What do you think we should do?”

Diana thought about it. Her plans were often stupid, sprouting whatever dumb thing came to the top of her head. Maybe she needed to keep doing that? Taking the wine bottle, she downed a mouthful. “Ok, we hold the president in Andy’s basement, keeping him on constant watch for a week until we are certain we have secured our control. Then we get them to construct a skyscraper for us, one that sits near their headquarters, so they will always be in our shadows. Ensure all blackmail is ready to go on a moment’s notice, if anyone so much as blinks the wrong way, leak their details. To show we are serious, leak two at random.” “Will do!” Diana and Andy said, Diana hanging up as soon as Fina gave the order while Andy called the president back, listing some new terms for their agreement. While they did that, Fina slid down the couch, staring into her lap, contemplating what she had accidentally created.

It was only supposed to be a joke. A way to air their frustrations at the world while not actually doing anything to change it. She didn’t know how to run a shadow government. Unable to back out, Fina decided she would keep bluffing, hoping it kept her alive.

[ofbloodandbullets]

She found him intriguing - curious, or generous enough to offer hospitality to a stranger marooned at sea, but cautious enough to keep her within easy line of sight wherever he moved aboard his ship .... which was a curiosity in an of itself. Pieced together with bits of machinery and equipment that she hadn't expected to see again outside of her own people, hints of skills and knowledges from the 'before' times that had already been forgotten in most parts of the age of technology and wonders that had preceded the deluge. Antiquated. Unnecessary. Until life depended on them, and they had already slipped from collective knowledge. Either he was a lot older than he looked, or he'd had training.

A noncommittal grunt to his replies, though a shadow of frustration darkened between her brows and at the creases of the corner of her mouth, but it was as quickly brushed away as it had come. "I need to find a way back to my people," Andy spoke, after a moment. "I've been away too long already." Although in the end, that was relative. Still, nothing on her trek had proven fruitful and she didn't see much point to extending her travels any further than she had to at this point. "Here." She shifted, movements slow enough to hopefully keep from raising alarm, fingers drifting to undo the latches of her knapsack, dragging the flap back and peering inside. It took a few moments of digging around inside to find what she was searching for, unsealing one of the ziploc bags while it was still inside the backpack, drawing out a bundle that she shoved temporarily in between her teeth to close up her bag again.

Fingertips retrieved the small pouch, wax coated burlap a half inch by half inch folded, wrapped in twine and tied shut, leaning forward to extend it to him, not willing to risk tossing it and having it lost on the wind or water. "For your hospitality." A thin smile. "A little bit goes a long way," she said, nodding towards the fish that he was cooking.

It was in some sense for his own survival to allow others aboard his trimaran. He was Gilmen but every Gilman retained enough of their humanity that they needed others, needed breaks in monotony to keep from going insane. Though he hadn't yet ruled out the possibility of eventually killing her. Either out of necessity or for the axe strapped too her back or the pack she guarded so closely. He had killed others for less. But the Mother Water had been good to him, the cabin of his ship was full of treasures from the deep, he had soil and sweet water aplenty. It meant he could afford too be generous. It meant he had to watch her carefully.

He felt no shame in these thoughts born as they were from survival. Even when he had been a boy among the Tists they had taught him that each Tist contained the secrets of the Gilmen and the Mother Water. To die meant dooming their people to ignorance, to becoming like the Namers, the ignorant humans who gave away their names to everyone and forgot their own souls, their own history.

At her question he merely shrugged. "I sleep anywhere," He answered. His cabin was only really for storage. He didn't like the idea of waking to anything besides the horizon.

"It has been a long time since I came this way, things change," He said which was a long but kind way to say no. Most if they had ships left the atolls either searching for dryland, escape or supplies they could bring back to those they left behind. The Mother Sea welcomed them all in her depths.

[starlightartemis]

37th Battalion (The Lucky Batch ☘️)

@mango-peachjuice you’re grounded for the self sacrifice talk. This is the consequence of your actions.

Babysitting your superior officer

Brisk huffed again, her feet tapping restlessly on the floor as she paced in the hangar, stopping only for a few seconds before then going back again. From the way she was fuming and the loudness of her steps, Pepper didn’t know what would wear out first: the soles of her boots, or the durasteel floor.

“I can’t believe she left me here,” the padawan muttered under her breath, fingers clenching and unclenching in the air. “Her padawan. Why does only Luna get to go?”

Pepper looked up from the manifest he was checking to point at the bandages wrapped around her torso, eyebrows raised. “Probably because she didn’t break three ribs after almost getting blown up or gave the General and us a terrifying scare.”

The girl stopped her pacing to look at him, a frown settling in her face as she pressed her lips into a thin line, his words irritatingly true and reasonable. She tried to cross her arms over her chest and winced at the sharp sting on her side; the bacta might have made them heal faster, but it still took bones an annoyingly long time to heal completely.

Noticing her discomfort, Pepper clipped the datapad on his belt and patted the lid of a crate across him in a quiet instruction. With another huff, she took a seat and let him examine her bandages and the scrapes on her hands.

“I didn’t do it on purpose,” she finally defended herself, lifting her chin as if to make a point while he adjusted the wrapping a bit. “I sensed someone was alive in the wreck, I had to go help them.”

But the ship had exploded just as she had jumped over some broken tanks, trying to spot whoever was trapped inside. Thankfully she hadn’t been too close when the wave of heat and fire had sent her crashing backwards.

The medic sighed and took a seat next to her, mindful of not brushing against her tender ribs as he slipped his arm over her shoulders protectively, trying to offer comfort.

“You cut it pretty close, kid.” His voice was gentle, but she could feel the concern etched in his tone. She pressed her lips tighter, avoiding his eyes. “You managed to get out of the way just in time to not get killed, but when Rane found you lying on the ground…”

He didn't need to continue talking for her to understand. From what Luna had told her in the medbay, the clone had screamed for help through the comms and Pepper had rushed in immediately right behind her Master—who had torn apart every clanker in the way to get to her. The other padawan’s voice had been a tight whisper as she mentioned there had been a lot of blood and shallow breaths and a too quiet pulse.

You looked dead.

“I just wanted to be useful,” she murmured softly, her fingers rubbing the hilt of her lightsaber with frustration as the memory played back again and again inside her head.

She could have saved them, if she’d been fast enough; if she’d been better. If only she’d followed orders.

If only, if only, if only—

A hand settled on her head and interrupted the darkness poking at her mind, making her look up and into Pepper’s kind, mismatched eyes. He gave her a half smile and promptly ruffled her hair, making her yelp in surprise and quickly turn her head before his fingers got tangled.

“You’re amazing, kid,” he told her as she tried to pointlessly fluff down her short locks, cheeks pouting offendedly at his attack. The medic’s smile only softened. “But you tend to dive in without realizing the limits of your abilities or the danger of your surroundings. You charge forward as if you’ve got something to prove to us and the General.”

I do, she wanted to say, memories of training with her former master clawing at her chest. I have to prove to her I’m good enough; that I’m worthy of being a Jedi.

Brisk kept quiet, those awful words choking at the back of her throat. Shut up, I already know.

“But, as much as I agree with the General’s decision about keeping you from unnecessary danger”— Pepper added, cheerfully placing a star sticker on her cheek — “I don't think making you sit out on missions is the best way to teach you how to take care of yourself on the battlefield.”

The girl smiled brightly at that. “Does this mean you’re going to let me go on my own in the next battle?”

He gave her hair another fond ruffling and chuckled, standing up to continue working. “Not a chance, ad’ika. You still have to figure out how to rush in without your feet getting tangled in the air.”

@lavenderstaars @mango-peachjuice @namesmox @lusiawonder @monako-jinn-stories @foxlock @oo-hazel-oo @generaltano @radbatch @letsunity @longearedowlfromouterspace @maygalodon @catboy-tech @lynnpaper @cosmicghostie @burnthashbrown27 @namesmox its the other baby!!

[anonymousewrites]

A Study of the Heart and Brain (Book 1) Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: Origami Lotus

            At the National Antiquities Museum, (Y/N), Sherlock, and John quickly found Andy and began interviewing him. They needed to know how where Soo Lin was. She was likely in danger or dead already, so they needed the information quickly.

            “When was the last time you saw Soo Lin?” asked (Y/N).

            “Three days ago, um, here at the museum,” replied Andy. “This morning they told me she’d resigned, just like that.” He punctuated his message with a snap. “Just left her work unfinished.”

            Sherlock and (Y/N) frowned, glancing at the antiques around them. Their eyes landed on the ceremonial teapots where all but one were dull, unused. The shiny pot stood out. (Y/N) glanced at the plaque before the display, which explained how the tea sets needed to be used to keep them from breaking.

            Someone used it recently.

             “What was the last thing she did on her final afternoon?” questioned Sherlock.

            “She does this demonstration for the tourists. A tea ceremony,” said Andy. “I’ll show you where she would have put her things afterwards.”

            He led them to the basement and opened a door. In the small corridor with lockers stood a statue of a woman sprayed with the same yellow cipher the library and bank had. Soo Lin had received the threat the other two men had.

            “Sherlock,” said (Y/N), an urgency to find Soo Lin invading their voice.

            “I know,” said Sherlock, frowning. His phone buzzed, and he instantly picked up. “Raz?” He paused as Raz relayed information to him. “Right.” He hung up.

            “Did he figure out the cipher?” asked John.

            “No. He found more,” said Sherlock excitedly. “We need a cab.”

            “You know, I still don’t like cabs,” muttered John.

            “The chances of us finding another murderer in one are super low,” said (Y/N).

            “Somehow, not helpful.”

l

            “Found something you’ll like,” said Raz cheerfully. He led them past walls full of graffiti.

            “If you want to hide a tree, then a forest is the best place to do it, wouldn’t you say? People would just walk straight past, not knowing, unable to decipher the message,” said Sherlock.

            “One design of graffiti on a wall full of it won’t be noticed,” said (Y/N), eyes brightening at the genius of the smugglers.

            “There! I spotted it earlier,” said Raz excitedly. He pointed at the slashes of yellow that formed Chinese numbers. “Exact same paint and everything.”

            Sherlock furiously copied down the symbols. “If we’re going to decipher this code, we’re going to need to look for more evidence.”

            “We’ll need to split up,” said (Y/N), nodding. They turned to start walking away, but Sherlock grabbed their sweater collar and pulled them back.

            “You’re staying with me. You’re smart, but in a fight against an assassin, you’d lose,” said Sherlock. “No unnecessary risks.”

            (Y/N) huffed but let themselves be pulled closer to Sherlock. They followed the railway, finding an empty can of yellow spray paint along the way. They also found a circus poster, which Sherlock pulled from the wall. No yellow cipher, though.

            “Sherlock! (Y/N)!” John ran up behind them. “I found it!”

            Sherlock and (Y/N) didn’t wait to ask him for details; they just ran after him. But when they arrived at a large wall, they found it just blank cement, no yellow paint in sight.

            “Painted over,” muttered (Y/N). An intentional message. If only I knew the code…The numbers must correspond with words. But how?

            “I don’t understand! It…It was here ten minutes ago! I saw it. A whole load of graffiti,” said John earnestly.

            “They didn’t want us to see it. It was for someone else,” said (Y/N), narrowing their eyes.

            Sherlock grabbed John’s head in his hands. “Hey, what are you doing?” asked John.

            “Sssh, John, concentrate,” said Sherlock intensely. “Close your eyes.”

            John frowned. “No, what? Why? What are you doing?”

            “You need to maximize your visual memory. Can you picture what you saw?” demanded Sherlock.

            “Yes,” replied John plainly.

            “Can you remember it?”

            “Yes, definitely.”

            “Can you remember the pattern?”

            “Yes!”

            “How much can you remember it?”

            “Well, don’t worry—”

            “Because the average human memory on visual matters is only sixty-two percent accurate.”

            “Yeah, well, don’t worry, I remember all of it.”

            “Really?”

            “Yeah, well, at least I would if I can get to my pockets!” John pulled himself free from Sherlock’s grip of his face and pulled his phone from his pocket. “I took a picture.”

            “Oh. That was smart,” said (Y/N) approvingly. “Now we have more of the code. Maybe now we’ll be able to put something together.”

l

            At Baker Street, they put all the pictures on the mirror and wrote the numerical translations beside them. John, exhausted with going along with their antics, fell asleep in his armchair.

            “They’re all in pairs,” observed (Y/N), examining the photos. “And he painted it so near the tracks.”

            Sherlock nodded. “Thousands of people pass by there. He is trying to communicate with the underworld, gather information. He needs to get back whatever was stolen.”

            “So he hasn’t found it…The killings won’t stop until he is caught or he finds the item,” murmured (Y/N). “We need to get to Soo Lin Yao before he does.”

            Sherlock glanced at the clock. Nearly midnight. “What do you think? Good time?”

            (Y/N) nodded. “Everyone will have left the museum.” They grinned and spun their lollipop between their fingers. “If someone wants to have a tea ceremony without being caught, now’s the time.” Soo Lin was still at the museum. The used teapot she used in her demonstrations had given it away. Not to mention, it was the only place for her to run to.

            “Exactly,” said Sherlock, pleased with (Y/N)’s deductions. “John! Wake up!” He clapped, and John jolted awake.

            He groaned. “All I want is an hour of rest.”

            “You can take a nap tomorrow,” said (Y/N), shrugging. “We need to go to the museum.”

            “Oh, lovely, we’re going to bloody break in to the National Antiquities Museum,” sighed John.

l

            In the shadows, Sherlock, John, and (Y/N) waited for Soo Lin to reveal herself. She did not disappoint. She stole into the room and began her tea ceremony to take care of the pots and cups.

            “Fancy a biscuit?” asked Sherlock.

            Soo Lin gasped, and the teapot slipped through her fingers. Luckily, (Y/N) caught it with quick reflexes. “Don’t want to break that,” said (Y/N).

            John explained the situation to a still-afraid Soo Lin. She believed them because if they were working for the smugglers, they would have killed her while she was distracted.

            “You saw the cipher. Then you know he’s coming for me,” she said somberly.

            “You’ve been clever to avoid him so far,” said Sherlock.

            “I had to finish this work,” she said. A strain of melancholy laced her voice. “It’s only a matter of time. I know he will find me.”

            “Do you know who he is?” asked (Y/N).

            Soo Lin nodded. “When I was a girl, living back in China. I recognize his…signature.”

            “The cipher,” confirmed (Y/N).

            “Only he would do this, Zhi Zhu,” said Soo Lin sadly.

            “ ‘The Spider,’ ” translated Sherlock.

            Soo Lin unlaced her shoe and showed her foot. She had a lotus flower identical to those of Lukis and Van Coon tattooed there.

            “That’s the mark of a crime syndicate, right?” asked (Y/N), glancing at Sherlock. They couldn’t remember exactly like him because, unfortunately, their mind palace was not as advanced as his. Their mind was still growing and developing.

            Sherlock nodded. John was unsurprised at this point with how patient he was with (Y/N). With anyone else, he would become snippy and insult their “stupidity,” but with (Y/N), he was understanding. It was a sharp contrast that showed John that Sherlock cared for (Y/N).

            “The syndicate called ‘The Tong,’ ” said Sherlock.

            “Every foot soldier bears the mark; everyone who hauls for them,” said Soo Lin.

            “Hauls?” John frowned.

            “You were a smuggler too,” said (Y/N), trying their best to be gentle with the afraid woman.

            “I was fifteen. My parents were dead. I had no livelihood, no way of surviving day to day except to work for the bosses,” explained Soo Lin.

            “Who are they?” asked the (H/C)-haired teen. They leaned forward on their stool, fidgeting with their lollipop with a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and anxiety.

            “They are called the Black Lotus. By the time I was sixteen, I was taking thousands of pounds worth of drugs across the border into Hong Kong.” Soo Lin straightened, a slight defiant gleam in her eye behind the fear. “But I managed to leave that life behind me. I came to England. They gave me a job here. Everyone was good, a new life.”

            “Then he came looking for you,” said Sherlock.

            The somberness returned to Soo Lin. “I had hoped after five years maybe they would have forgotten me, but they never really let you leave. A small community like ours…they are never very far away.” She swallowed nervously. “He came to my flat. He asked me to help him track down something that was stolen.”

            “Do you know what it was?” asked (Y/N).

            She shook her head. “No, I refused to help.”

            Without knowing what the item is, the killing won’t stop. Not good, they thought.

            John spoke up with the more human questions. “So you knew well when you were living back in China?”

            “Oh, yes. He’s my brother,” revealed Soo Lin. “Two orphans. We had no choice. We could work for the Black Lotus or starve on the street like beggars. My brother has become their puppet, in the power of the one they call Shan, the Black Lotus general.” She looked down. “I turned my brother away. He said I betrayed him. The next day I went to work, and the cipher was waiting.”

            Family can hurt family easily. My mother abandoned me for drugs. I have no idea who my father is, if he’s even alive, anything, thought (Y/N). Still, for all the harm and trauma they can bring…I wouldn’t mind having one.

            For all the logic they used and focused on, they were still a child. They still longed for emotional attachment. (Y/N) had it with Sherlock, but Sherlock saw them as an apprentice, nothing more. At least, that’s what they figured through their logic. And their logic was always sound, right?

            Sherlock lay the photos of the ciphers on the table. “Can you decipher these?”

            “These are numbers,” she responded.

            “Yes, we know, one and fifteen. But what’s the code?” questioned Sherlock.

            “It’s based upon a book,” she explained. She opened her mouth to continued, but the lights cut out, sending the group into sudden darkness. Soo Lin gasped in panic. “He’s here! Zhi Zhu, he has found me!”

            Sherlock took off running into the corridor with (Y/N) on his heels. Muttering curses under his breath, John instructed Soo Lin to bolt the door and darted after his two detectives that had unfortunate addictions to adrenaline.

            In the foyer, a shot rang out, hitting the ground next to (Y/N), who jumped back as they registered their near-death. Sherlock reacted instantaneously, spinning and covering (Y/N) with his body as he guided them behind a large statue base as protection against Zhi Zhu’s shooting.

            Still holding (Y/N) against his body so if a bullet’s angle got around the statue base he would be hit instead of them, Sherlock shouted at Zhi Zhu, “Careful! Some of the skulls are over two hundred years old! Have a bit of respect!” The gunshots stopped. “Thank you!”

            “He left…” (Y/N)’s eyes widened in alarm, and they looked up at Sherlock from where they were held safely against him in something very like a hug. “Where’s Soo Lin?”

            Bang!

            A shot rang out; the sound echoing through the silent museum.

            Sherlock let go of (Y/N) and leapt to his feet, running back to where they left Soo Lin. The now-open door revealed the still-bleeding body of Soo Lin on a table. One hand lay stretched out. On her palm rested a black origami lotus flower.

[negotiumcrucis]

Hi! It is just me or the last Luca/Marwan pic is giving such an omegaverse vibes? pregnant Omega Nicky (with a great ass) basking in the Sun while alpha Joe is trying to protect him

Sorry, nonny! You sent me this a while ago, but life has been pretty chaotic, so let it be known that I have been thinking about this ask ever since then and, in short, HELL YEAH The Pic has e v e r y t h i n g

Not only did it assure us all that Joe's precious curls are safe and LONGER, but also reminded this whole fandom of how privileged Nicky is in the ass department and, of course, I have to mention The Tummy™ ~ so you're absolutely correct, the omegaverse vibes are *:･ﾟ✧perfect✧･ﾟ:*

I can so easily imagine a scenario where alpha!Joe and omega!Nicky became infertile due to the whole immortal business, so they went through centuries without ever contemplating the possibility of having kids of their own and that was fine by them for they always had each other... but after Kozak's experiments something drastically changed and Nicky goes through the first full-blown heat since 1099 (which, hm, is basically the plot of a super fluff Christmas fic I wrote with the amazing @instantpeach back in December) and maybe Joe's rut aligns with it and boom -- Nicky is pregnant for the first time ever!

And Joe is obviously besotted by the news, and he can't quite believe it when Nicky finally tells him -- of course, he had sensed something was off when Nicky's scent abruptly changed -- but then after his suspicions are confirmed, Joe is not-so-secretly trying not to freak the hell out. It's all too new, and he is happy beyond words, but also so, so scared and Joe starts reading everything on the subject (with Nile and Copley's help), and man, if only Nicky would just let Joe take care of him, because what if something happens to them...

But Nicky-it’s-not-our-time-yet-Di-Genova pretty much believes everything is meant to be so ALL WILL BE WELL and how can Joe argue with his mate? Obviously, Nicky doesn't put himself through unnecessary risks, but just imagine it... Nicky has let his beard grow so they can be incognito for this new mission (it took Joe and Andy some convincing they should even take the mission, but Nicky and Nile won the argument in the end), and it's summer and there's a heatwave and now Nicky has cravings on top of everything else, so at some point he just gets up from the shade and starts walking towards a gelato stand without a mask on because his beard itches like hell and again, it's so hot, so Nicky also begins to remove his shirt so he can free his arms and be only on his t-shirt...

That's when he picks up Joe's sharp scent as his mate catches up with him, carrying an umbrella, and Nicky has to admit the shadow is very welcome, but Joe's presence is even more so. He smiles when he feels Joe's hand on the small of his back, and he wishes they were alone so Joe could touch his growing stomach as well... Nicky's bump is barely visible yet, but he has started to feel some movement for the past week and Nicky simply cannot wait for it to become strong enough so Joe can feel it too... ◕.◕

Well, thanks so much for the ask! I know I spent a couple of months without sharing any new omegaverse content, but thanks to one of my TOG Reverse Bang projects (in collaboration with the lovely @pochiperpe90) I am happy to announce I am back on my omegaverse bullshit (◕‿◕✿) and no, don't worry, my other omegaverse wip isn't abandoned, I promise I will get back to it as soon as possible!

---

Also, in a related-ish note, you know I went through my blog's archive to retrieve the link for the pic in question... and just look at the number of notes the post had right as I checked it?

As a very wise man once said...

it's like destiny ♥‿♥

[outerspaceisbetterthannothing]

I told ya I’d be back for more wolf requests!! Here I am!! Can ya hit me with some more alpha cal in any scenario you wanna write? Love u lots and hope you’re having a good day! 💙

Hey, Eve! Once again, thank you for sending this and I’m so so sorry it took me more than a year to answer it, hope you don’t hate me for that. 

I’ve wanted to write about Andy for a long time. So here’s a story of his becoming a part of the pack and explanation of his deep loyalty to Calum. Hope you’ll enjoy.

***

Calum was slowly relaxing. Driving on a highway always had this effect on him, and his best mate on the passenger seat speaking a thousand words a minute was only adding on the effect. He couldn’t quite understand what had been going on with him these last couple days. There was no visible reason for him to be that off. The pack was alright, their with Ashton business was alright. And even Emily had finally started looking if not happy then at least content. Everything was absolutely normal in his life. And still he’d had this feeling that something was about to happen. And he didn’t like this feeling.

“Anyway, I do think this shit went fucking perfect,” Ashton kept filling the void. “You really impressed them, boy, with that confidence of yours,” he chuckled. “Good job.”

Calum huffed. “We’re still at major risk, Ash,” he reminded his friend. “The deal is huge and if we don’t provide the amount of sales that is expected, we can lose everything.”

“Yeah, and when we do provide it, which we will, don’t wanna hear any shit about it, we’ll be able to buy the second shop,” Ashton continued. “Fucking second shop! Fucking awesome!”

Calum chuckled finally, not able to resist his friend’s optimism. He was just about to inform Ashton, how wonderful it will be not to see his face every day, when something on the curb drew his attention. 

“What the…” he mumbled, pulling over. 

“Why… why do you stop?” Ashton asked him, but Calum was already getting out of the car. 

They were on the border of the city they came to for the meeting with a supplier. Dust of dry industrial area wrapped Calum as soon as he left the car. The second thing he sensed were the wolves. He smelled them only when he got closer and quite frankly felt relief. There were eight or nine of them and what looked like a fight from the car in reality turned out to be a beating of a weak one. Had they been humans, it could have been a problem for him and Ash because of their number. But it was much simpler, two alphas against some betas and a couple of pure bloods. The advantage was on his side, and betas did understand it too. 

“Hey, you, the fuck is going on here?” Ashton’s voice sounded from behind Calum. 

But even that was unnecessary, as those jackasses stopped kicking their victim and froze, surprised they were interrupted and startled by the anger on Calum’s face. His furious look said more than enough as they fled in a matter of seconds. 

“And what do we have here?” Ashton caught up with him. They were standing over a young male omega, curled in an embryo pose to protect at least some parts of his body and massively covered in a disgusting mixture of blood and dust.

Calum bent down and tried to find pulse on a thin tattooed neck.The omega tried to fight his hand off, but the attempt was too weak. However Calum got the proof that the wolf was still alive and even in conscience. 

“What’s your name?” Calum hunched down. 

“Fuck off, man,” the omega moaned back, slowly rolling on his front. 

“Sure, buddy,” Calum stood up and looked at Ashton. “Gimme a hand.”

“Of course, we gonna help him,” Ashton sighed bending down on the other side of the guy and helping Calum put the omega on his feet.

“You’d rather we leave him here?”

Ash rolled his eyes, “Couldn’t even dream about it.”

The change in orientation brought the omega back to reality. 

“The fuck are you doing, man?” he mumbled, thin blood stream going down from the corner of his mouth. 

“Helping you, man,” Calum huffed, as they with Ashton dragged that wolf closer to their car. 

“Don’t need your fucking help.”

“Right. Can you stand?” they leaned omega with his back on the car door and stepped back a little. The wolf was skinny and lanky, pitch black hair in a messy uneven haircut, a black tattoo on the neck and a couple more on his arm. He looked more like a teenager from an extremely bad district rather than like a grown up wolf.

“Course I can stand,” he spitted some blood right in front of them and started to sink down slowly.

“Whoa, easy, buddy,” Ashton caught him in the middle and helped up again. “So what we gonna do?” he asked looking back at Calum.

Younger alpha sighed. “And what d’you think?”

“Right,” Ashton gripped the omega tighter and mumbled to Calum, “The door.”

Soon they were back on the road, the omega lying on Calum’s backseat, no music on to lighten the mood. Both Calum and Ashton were thinking about the same. The city they’ve just left was no pack territory, too spacious and crowded for the big number of wolves to live there safely. But the outskirts of it were a favourite place for the scum from the southern packs to do their disgusting deeds. Although attacking another wolf like that in the open so early in the day was too much even for them. What could this omega do to deserve such treatment? Or were they just beating him up for fun? Just because he was an omega? What bothered Calum the most was that the omega didn’t act like he was new to such treatment. 

“Tell me,” the wolf called from the backseat, his voice hoarse, “how did I get so lucky to be saved not by one, but two alphas?”

“Guess it’s the best day of your life, honey, so you better remember it well,” Ashton retorted. 

“Don’t get me wrong, man, but I did have a couple of days better than this.” A low moan followed these words as the omega tried to move a little. 

Calum’s grip on the steering wheel got tight. No matter what this wolf had done, no one deserved that. 

“Could you, please, call Robert and explain everything?” he asked Ashton under his tone.

“Sure, when we get closer to home. Not sure he’s already on shift,” Ashton nodded.

About three hours later Calum pulled to the hospital building, tall grey-haired doctor already waiting for them outside with a gurney and two nurses. 

“Hey, doc,” Ashton dropped, as they with Calum got out of the car. “Ladies,” a smile to the nurses. Calum only nodded to Ashton’s wolves.

“How bad is he?” the doctor asked them as both Ashton and Calum helped to move the omega from the backseat of a car to the gurney. They weren’t sure if he was unconscious or just asleep, but the bleeding had stopped somewhere along the way and they were pretty sure they heard his ribs crack from getting back in place.

“He’s healing pretty fast,” Calum explained, “but I’m more concerned about some of his old injuries not being treated well. Something tells me he’s been beaten up quite often.”

“We’ll check everything,” the doctor nodded. “I’ll be needing his name for the chart.”

Ashton and Calum shared looks, but said nothing.

“Did you ask him for a name?” 

“Yeah, we did,” Calum sighed.

“And what did he answer?”

“Fuck off, man,” Calum quoted watching the nurses taking him into the building.

“Not sure I’ll be able to put this in the chart,” doctor mumbled. “Fine, will be a John Doe for a while. Are you coming?”

“No, Robert…” Ashton stopped abruptly as Calum entered the building, following the nurses without sparing them another word. “Ookay, I’ll put it this way. I won’t be staying, but Cal obviously will. Thank you again for your help.”

“That’s my job, alpha.”

They shook hands and Ashton left, taking Calum’s car shamelessly.

It was late in the night when the omega woke. He wasn’t surprised, shocked or even confused. Calum was right, this wolf wasn’t new to waking up in strange places after being beaten up. 

Calum was sitting in an armchair, mindlessly scrolling his phone. He had enough time to take a nap while the staff took care of the omega. 

“What am I doing here?” the omega asked, his tone more cautious than aggressive.

“Being treated,” Calum explained the obvious and switched off his phone.

“From what? My wounds must have been healed themselves already.”

“Those you got today most definitely,” Calum agreed calmly. “The doctors are checking those you got before that.”

“There’s nothing to check.”

“Let them be the judges of that. Now, could we, please, have your name?”

“You don’t get it, do you? I don’t need this checking. I need to get out,” the omega tried to get a catheter out of his hand but was too weak even for that. 

“What’s your problem? I’m just offering you some help,” Calum frowned.

The omega leaned back on the pillows and looked at the ceiling. “And who’s gonna pay for your help, huh? Not everyone can afford staying in hospital even for one night, you know.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Now…”

“Is it some kind of charity for you?” the omega interrupted him, his voice full of anger and offence. “Helps you sleep at night, knowing you’ve saved some poor lost soul?”

Calum closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I really don’t like the way our conversation goes.”

“Well, that’s too bad.”

“What’s your name?” Calum roared. He didn’t mean to use his alpha voice, it just slipped. 

“It’s Andy,” the omega swallowed and closed his eyes. “It’s all the same with alphas, isn’t it. You just take what you want cause you can, everything else doesn’t matter to you.”

Calum sighed and stood up, his arms crossed on his chest. “I don’t know what alphas you’ve seen before, but I can promise you I’m not like that. And I’m sorry, didn’t mean to order. Your stubbornness just makes me angry.”

“Oh, I beg you pardon, didn’t mean to bother your precious peace,” Andy clowned.

Calum sighed again, hand on the chin. He was looking at the omega, thinking if there was any chance he’d get the information he was craving. The omega was obviously uncomfortable under his stare, but didn’t say anything, looking into space. 

“I didn’t mean to order,” Calum repeated again slowly, “but the fact that you obeyed means that you don’t have an alpha. And you don’t have a pack.”

“Seriously, man, why don’t you just fuck off?” Andy mumbled tiredly.

“Do you have a family at least?”

“You think any family would have a packless omega?”

“Some would,” Calum arched his brow. Those last words said to him more than anything. Andy was obviously from one of the southerns packs. He was excluded, probably as soon as he’d ascended, if not before that. He’s never seen a normal life. And Calum dreaded to imagine a family that raised him.

“Dunno in what fairy tale you live, man, but in real world none would,” this only confirmed Calum’s ideas. 

The alpha sighed again and caught some movement in the dark hall. Michael came up to the door and stopped there.

“Doctors wanna monitor you for couple more days, check the concussion you got about a year ago and some inner organs, so I would really appreciate it if you don’t make it a problem for them,” he informed Andy, ready to leave.

“Don’t count on that,” the omega shook his head. “The moment I wake up in the morning, I’m out of here.”

Calum only smirked, imagining that lunky omega standing against his best pure blood, but left without saying anything else. 

The room was empty in the morning though. Calum looked around, not actually getting anything. The bed was undone and Andy’s clothes still on the armchair. But the omega was nowhere to be seen just as Calum’s pure blood. Did they take Andy for tests?

“Try checking the roof.” 

Calum turned back to the voice. Robert was standing behind him, studying the chart carefully. 

“Why the roof?”

“Have no idea. They’ve been yelling at each other with Mike, then I asked them to find some better place and then I saw them going up,” Robert closed the chart and looked straight at Calum. “What about the bill?”

“Put it in my name, please.”

“Calum,  I understand that as an alpha you feel responsible for more than just your pack, but we’re talking hundreds of dollars, thousands if he stays longer, you can’t just…”

“What about his concussion?” Calum interrupted the doctor, trying not to look him in the eye. Was he doing it because he felt responsible as an alpha? Maybe. Was it stupid? Definitely. Could he not help that guy? Absolutely not. 

Robert sighed and answered his question, “Not that bad, to be honest. His liver worries me the most, but it should heal in couple of months. If he…”

“Doesn’t get in more fight,” Calum finished.

“Indeed. We’d like to keep him here till the end of the week, he’s still extremely dehydrated and generally exhausted. Apart from that, and not mentioning his mental state, there’s nothing to be worry about.”

“Thank you, Robert,” Calum nodded and was already on his way out. Then he stopped and looked back. He noticed how Robert didn’t even make an attempt to move, like he knew Calum would ask something else. 

“Could you share your ideas about his mental state, please?” the alpha asked quietly. 

Robert nodded as he was expecting this question. After all Calum was known among the older wolves of both packs as the kind of alpha not to be embarrassed to ask for an advice or an opinion at least.

“He’s seen some horrible things in life,” Robert stated, Calum now looking him straight in the eyes. “I take it he’s been forced to things and mistreated more than enough and therefore he would push back. Softness and patience should be your main companions here, but it shouldn’t be hard for you, Calum. And also, he’s quite closed and overprotective about himself. Not sure if that’s because he just doesn’t know how to be the other way or if he’s hiding something.”

Calum nodded again in silent gratitude and headed to the roof. Both Andy and Michael were there. Mike was standing near the door to the staircase and the omega leaned on the railings near the edge. 

“I said guard him, not the door,” Calum chuckled, shaking Mike’s hand.

“Nah, he won’t jump, alpha,” Mike shook his head, smiling.

“Sure?”

“He’s headstrong, not stupid.”

“I can actually hear both of you, morons!” Andy shouted back at them.

Mike and Calum smirked. 

“Doc said you with him were yelling,” Calum asked.

“The omega wanted out of the room. Said he felt suffocated.”

“Still do!” shouted Andy. Calum laughed to that. He patted Mike on the shoulder. “Thanks for tonight, go have some rest.”

“Are you sure, alpha?”

Calum smirked back at his pure blood. “Said it yourself, he’s headstrong, not stupid.”

Mike chuckled and left the roof.

“So,” Calum called on Andy, coming closer, “are you gonna jump?”

“And what do you think?” Andy looked at him jokingly. Calum could feel something changed in him, couldn’t only understand what or why.

“I think,” he started carefully, “if you wanted to be dead, you’d have already kicked the bucket in one of those fights you’d been in.”

Andy smirked but didn’t say anything.

“Did you really feel that uncomfortable in the room?”

Andy huffed. “Dunno if it was because of the room or because of your puppy.”

“Michael can seem like a nice guy to you, but he’s most definitely not a puppy,” Calum huffed. 

Andy looked up at him, the corners of his lips twitching in an attempt not to laugh. “Do you have any idea what he was doing the whole night?”

“No,” Calum admitted, sensing some catch.

“He was watching anime! The whole damn night!”

Calum was looking at Andy totally confused. Andy was getting more and more confused with every other second in return. 

“Isn’t it some japanese animation?” Calum decided to clarify in case it starts making sense to him.

“Yeah, exactly,” Andy confirmed, though it wasn’t much of the help for Calum. 

“Well, what’s wrong with that anime?”

Andy looked dumbfounded. 

“Wait, I’ll say it again. Your pure blood, who got a direct order from you to guard me, spent the whole night watching some cartoons.”

“Yeah, that I understood. Still not sure what you think it should mean,” Calum admitted. 

“He was ordered to guard me,” Andy repeated.

“Well, he succeeded, didn’t he? You’re still alive and you’re still here. I think Mike did fine,” Calum shrugged and turned to the town beneath them. 

“So you were honest last night, weren’t you?” Andy huffed.

“I try to be always honest,” Calum nodded. He wasn’t sure what the omega was referring to, but whatever it was, he didn’t care that much. If Mike watching some cartoons was enough to change Andy’s attitude, Calum was more than okay with that too. 

“This place looks nice,” Andy mumbled. Calum felt like the omega was embarrassed with his earlier words and promised never to remind him about that in the future. And he was sure there was some future for Andy in his pack. 

“You like it?”

“I like the trees,” the omega admitted. “There are lots of trees here.”

“Do you think you could stay here for some time?”

Andy sighed heavily and looked away. “And what would I do here?”

Calum felt like maybe he was a little too persistent, but decided to give it a shot still. “And what exactly were you doing there except of being regularly beaten up?”

Andy smirked and Calum held his relief hidden inside. 

“I have nowhere to live. Not sure you’d like a wolf sleeping on a park bench in your town. And I don’t have any money to pay the rent,” the omega continued sadly. 

“All I hear are just excuses, Andy,” Calum smiled.

“Not everything in this world is as easy as you want to believe, you know,” Andy bristlet again. 

“And why the fuck no?” Calum chuckled. “Can you work?”

Andy thought for a moment. “Well, I’m kinda not bad with fixing things.”

“That’s a start. There’s some work in the town, not much, but we’ll figure something out.” Calum nodded.

“Why doing this all? You know nothing about me?”

“Hey, I haven’t offered you a place in the pack yet, have I?” Calum tried to joke it off, but Andy kept looking at him with all seriousness. “I’m doing this because I believe I should help where I can. And you’re wrong when you say I don’t know anything about you. I’m an alpha after all. I know the breed when I see a wolf.”

He took the last look around the town and turned to the door. “Oh, yeah, the doc said you’re in till the end of the week.”

Calum tried not to laugh from the moan he heard from behind. 

He didn’t see the omega till Monday, when Robert finally agreed to let Andy go. 

“I know this car,” Andy smirked stopping in front of Calum, who was waiting for him. 

“Sure you do, it took some time to wash your blood away from the seats.” 

Andy rolled his eyes and reminded Calum of Ashton so much, it made the alpha smile. “I’d apologise, but it’s not like I asked you to pick me up that day, so…”

“Get in the car,” Calum huffed.

“So,” Andy started shyly as they arrived, “why are you picking me up and what’s this place?”

“What’s wrong with me picking you up?” Calum fished the keys out of his pocket and stepped to the door.

“I mean, your pure bloods could do that, or even betas.” Andy shrugged. 

“Ah, they have a day off.”

“All of them?”

“Yup, Monday is an official day off for all the wolves. We call it alpha-does-his-shit-by-himself-day,” Calum smirked, stepped inside and turned on the light in his tiny hall. “ And this is my home.”

They walked in the living room and Calum pointed at the couch. “You’ll sleep here. I know it’s not much, but I’ve only one bedroom. The kitchen is that way. I’ve got not that many rules. Find a job, clean after yourself, don’t use all the hot water if you’re up first. That’d be all.”

Andy looked around in hesitation. 

“You brought me to your own home,” he said, half statement, half question. 

“Well, yeah, that’s exactly what I’ve just said,” Calum felt confused again. He understood he may had freaked the omega out, but he was prepared to that. He only hoped he didn’t freak Andy enough to make him run away. 

The omega kept looking around in silence. He looked like a wolf preparing to jump and Calum could only hope it wasn’t for an attack. 

“You wanna know why those fucker were beating me up?” Andy said finally under his voice. 

“I… I dunno,” Calum hesitated, taken by surprise. “Do you wanna tell?”

“I think you should know, before you actually let me stay in your house.”

“Okay.”

Andy swallowed. 

“You see, we don’t like those who are not like us,” Andy looked up at Calum in search for an agreement. Calum was only listening carefully. He couldn’t agree with Andy as he had no problems with those who were different and therefore didn’t see a reason to lie now. “At least most of us,” Andy finished with a huf. To that Calum finally nodded. 

Then Andy swallowed again. And then whispered something. So quietly and illegibly that Calum couldn’t work out what that was. 

“Sorry, what did you say?”

Andy sighed, closed his eyes and repeated just a tiny bit louder, “I’m gay.”

Calum felt both fury to those who made Andy ashamed of that part of him and unbearable tenderness to this young wolf. However he had no idea what he could answer to that, so he went on with the first thing that came to mind. “Okay. You hungry? I’ve got some pizza in the fridge.”

Andy opened his eyes and looked at Calum as if he was the most stupid wolf in the whole entire world. “Are you… I’ve just told you that I’m gay.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that.”

“So? Is that all the reaction I get?”

“I don’t know,” Calum shrugged in all honesty. “What reaction do you think I should provide?”

“Er, I dunno,” Andy replied as dumbfounded as Calum was right now. 

“Well,” the alpha mused, “when you know, we could come back to that. For now, pizza?”

“Yeah, would be great actually,” Andy finally nodded, following Calum to the kitchen. 

There was one more question that was burning in Andy’s mind that night, but he left it for another time, being more than satisfied with pizza, a stupid action movie and finally sleeping in an actual house. And when he found it in him to ask Calum why the alpha didn’t offer him to join the pack, he got exactly the answer he wasn’t ready for. Calum said that it wasn’t up to alpha choosing wolves for his pack. It was up to wolves choosing him to be their alpha. And if Andy ever felt like joining Calum’s pack, he would be honoured to have such a wolf. Good thing by that time Andy had already decided to stay a little longer in that town. Of course, not because of Calum. Just because he liked trees. And there were a lot of trees around.

***

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[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

The true scent of Medieval times.

Pt 2. < Previous Sparkle: *She whimpered louder the more scared she became by the whole scenario and how she had gotten here, and how willing she had been to go THAT far to finally be with the man she had loved all her life. And her fear only intensified as she felt an unseen force grab onto her and drag her backwards into a darkness, where it felt as if she was sent falling down the tallest building. Well, that was only until she landed on the ground with a loud thud, all air being knocked out of her. She groaned loud, everything around her getting brighter although she had still to open her eyes. Fearing what she might face, she kept them shut tight, till a familiar voice reached her ears only few seconds later* 

Raven: You're alive and just fine, you can open your eyes now.

Spakle: *Although his voice was deeper, rough, she knew very well whom was speaking, so she slowly opened her eyes, blinking a few times, before her bright surroundings started taking shape. They appeared to be in some sort of forest, the air was chilled, but mild. Judging by the bright green fresh leaves it was late spring.*

Raven: *She spotted him next to her, sitting on a fallen tree, carving a piece of wood into a point. He wasn't looking at her. His clothes was dirty, and so was he, even his usually silky black hair was dirty and it looked as if he had rolled the forest floor one too many times.* I would have gotten you out of there earlier, but I had to find you some suitable clothes first. *He kicked a foot against a leather wrap on the ground just a half meter from where he was sitting.* Get dressed before you catch a cold.

Sparkle: *she quickly sat up, trying her best to cover herself with the blanket, looking around confused* Where are we?

Raven: *He sighed soft and kept carving the wood* Medieval London....

Sparkle: *Her eyes got wide with shock* I thought you guys always said time travel isn't possible!?! Are you joking?

Raven: *He sighed annoyed and stuck his knife into a leather pouch strapped to his ankle, then slipped the wood down next to it, before he closed the pouch and stood up slowly, now for the first time looking at her with a slightly raised eyebrow* Do I look like I am joking?!

Sparkle: *Speechless she sat there watching him, until a black horse she hadn't notice before, grunting from behind Raven, snapped her out of it and she quickly flew up from the ground* How the fuck can we be in Medieval London when you always said that

Raven: Look... Willow has a son she gave birth to in the 90's, so clearly it's possible to travel in time *he sighed deep* But must I remind you what happened when she thought time travel was a great idea? She got her pretty behind stuck and nearly ended up there for good. *He grunted irritated and kicked the leather wrap again* How about you get dressed and we can deal with your little freakout, when I can't look directly at your privates?

Sparkle: *She was just about to interrupt him as his last comment reached her ears and she blushed bright red, angrily but quickly grabbing the leather wrap and dragged some fabric out from inside it. A beautiful tan and white maiden dress she had always seen in Medieval movies... although this one had a bit of blood on the chest? She looked at Raven with squinty eyes*

Raven: Yes... it's worn, I didn't have much time or you would have gotten a -may I add- very painful and completely unnecessary sex change! But don't worry, the previous owner wont be missing the dress.   *He smirked lightly and sat back down on the tree trunk*

Sparkle: *She looked at the garment hesitating*

Raven: It's what we have.. for now... I will get you something better when the opportunity is there, but for now, I suggest you toughen up and put that clothes on you, if you want to survive. Cause whether you like it or not, I'm all you got right now, I'm your only chance at survival, and I am your only ticket out of here. So get dressed, and we can talk about everything over a beer.

Sparkle: *She frowned deep and gestured at the trees around them* A beer?!

Raven: I told you we are in London, didn't I?... well...slightly outside London, but close enough for a smaller horse ride. *He sighed deep* Clothes...

Sparkle: *She groaned irritated, but quickly started getting dressed, figuring it was probably best not to ask further about the stained dress*

Raven: There's shoes in the sack as well... and a cape to keep you warm. The blanket you are wearing must be destroyed so no one tracks us here *he nodded at the blanket she had dumped on the ground, waved a hand and it was gone in the blink of an eye* We ride as soon as you are done changing, and I prefer we don't talk till we are in a much noisier place, just in case we were already tracked.

Sparkle: But you already gave away our location....

Raven: Did I? *He smirked his usual smirk and stood back up, walking around the tree trunk, getting his horse ready for the upcoming ride*

*About 15 minutes later, they sat down, in a dimmed corner of a pub, with each their large beer*

Raven: So throw it at me.....

Sparkle: *She frowned soft* ...... how did you know I was there? You have been gone for quite a while now... like almost

Raven: Don't tell me! *He grunted soft and sipped his beer* I don't want to know how long time I have been gone, it makes it more difficult *he grunted with a soft sigh and wiped beer foam off his upper lip with the back of his dirty hand*

Sparkle: *She studied him for a moment, he looked tired in his eyes, beaten up, but not in a way as if someone had laid their hands on him, more in a way as if time had been unkind to him for quite a while. She sipped her beer before she spoke in a calmer voice* How did you know I was there and what was going on?

Raven: Luckily Bard never knew how to keep his mouth shut *he grunted soft*

Sparkle: But I thought no one was in contact with you?

Raven: None are. But just because I have broken contact with my family, doesn't mean they have broken contact with me. I still tune in from time to time, you're just lucky I tuned in at the right time and overheard Bards half drunk blabbering about this sweet young blonde girl, whom desperately had seeken his help in order to

Sparkle: *She cringed strongly* I didn't seek his help? How could I when I didn't even know about him? I mean, I barely know anything about your family, so how can I know about some random cousin’s powers?

Raven: ..... Oh I'm aware of that... Bard is very.... colorful, when he talks. *He sipped his beer again, but this time licked the foam off* I overheard him and decided to act fast, even if it could potentially risk my lovely hideout *he chuckled soft as he gestured at the surroundings, then a serious frown settled on his face* How did you come across him anyway?

Sparkle: ..... I was looking for you

Raven: But you knew I was gone, so why would you come looking for me?

Sparkle: *She shrugged lightly* A desperate attempt, I suppose? I needed someone to talk to

Raven: *He looked at her with a squint* Nah.... I'm probably the last one you would seek for a chat. You have to do better than that. How 'bout you tell me the truth, considering I just saved your ass *he pointed up and down her* and every other part of you for that matter.

Sparkle: *She sighed soft, tears gathering in her eyes as she took a sip of the beer* I'm not sure, honestly what happened... the past months has been a bit of a blur. I have felt so lonely with Penny, and I have been missing a man in my life more than ever.

Raven: THE man?

Sparkle: *She nodded soft and sniffled her nose* I know it's stupid, I don't need another lecture. I know I should just forget about him an move on with my life, not just for me, but for Penny as well. I'm a mother now, and it might not have been the way I always dreamed of, but I am a mother none the less. So I should try to just make the best out of it right? But I am tired of always having to make "the best out of it", my whole life has been like that! I just thought.... maybe after Penny was born, Andy and I would finally find each other, and private parts wouldn't matter any longer.... I mean... when you love someone enough right? If Evan can why can't Andy?

Raven:..... as much as I get what you mean, I also have to remind you sexuality isn't just something you switch on and off. Andy has tried to do the whole straight thing, for many years, and he was miserable. Besides, if he didn't fall in love with you back when he WAS straight.... how on earth could you still think it's all about body parts only? What was your brilliant idea here? Become a man and think he would fall in love with you just because you finally had a dick?

Sparkle: There were supposed to be a spell involved as well

Raven: *He shook his head lightly* Bard knows no spells... yes he has the power to alter someones exterior, but nothing more than that. He's a lower leveled demon, he's a scammer at best, who only cares about his own gain.

Sparkle: But I thought since he was a McKinney

Raven: McKinney or not, we are still just demons, not “God’s”, Sparkle *he grunted soft and sipped his beer* so why exactly did you seek me of all people, as far as I remember, you're not very fond of me?

Sparkle: *She sighed soft and nervously rubbed her sleeve* Ehm..... I needed a MAN.... and.... well.... you're the only MAN I know, who isn't a stranger.... who isn't someone I see as family, and who isn't gay....

Raven: Please hold back on the flattery, I can hardly stand it *he lifted an eyebrow teasingly as his sarcasm cut the thick air between the two of them* I'm not about to play happy family though, I have enough trouble already

Sparkle: ....... that's not what I meant. Being without a man in my life for so long, it's not just a need for everyday intimacy that I am missing out on.

Raven: *He lifted an eyebrow but chose not to comment* ...... so how did you end up butting heads with Bard?

Sparkle: There were some sort of family gathering when I showed up at your family's castle

Raven: Ah yes... and how did you even get there?

Sparkle:...... the portal at the clinic? *she smiled nervously and rather apologetic* Felix once blabbered about it over some drinks.

Raven: ..... not much of a surprise. *He grunted soft* Remind me to fix that when I return home at some point. That portal is to remain hidden for a reason. Otherwise fair maidens may just get themselves in all kinds of trouble *he smirked teasingly at Sparkle in her maiden dress*

Sparkle: Right *she cleared her throat rather awkward by the situation, and went on* I bumped into him while searching for you room. He offered me a drink and he just seemed so familiar and warm and friendly and.... did I mention I need a man so desperately I was seeking you? *She chuckled nervously* so before I knew it I was spilling out all my sorrows. He told me he could help me and well, he sounded very convincing. And.... it just all in a matter of minutes sounded like the fairy tale I always dreamed of. I guess I got carried away, and well, before I even got to think one clear thought I seemed to already be in the middle of it all.

Raven: Mh-hm...

Sparkle: *She sighed deep and lowered her head embarrassed* I can't believe how far I was willing to go for him. And you're right, there's no guarantee it would have even worked out. If he couldn't fall enough for me while he was straight, then it's most likely not about body parts, but rather about us simply not being compatible, no matter how much I wish we were. I think this finally opened my eyes.... I just hate that it had to come this far

Raven: Almost.... this far *he reached out and planted a hand on hers, squeezing it gently* Almost

Sparkle: Well, if it wasn't for you

Raven: No.... I'm sure you were already coming to your senses, I'm just not so sure Bard would have accepted a no. May I ask.... what you paid him anyway? I know Bard well enough to know nothing comes for free... so what did he want from you?

Sparkle: *She looked to the side, trying to avoid Raven's eyes* .......my next child..... he would take it as soon as I would conceive it, I wouldn't even know. I figured with all the abortions I have already been through, at least this would be less cruel, cause I wouldn't even know.

Raven: *He squinted his eyes* Sparkle.... this is

Sparkle: I know.

Raven: Did you sign something?

Sparkle: No.

Raven: Are you sure?

Sparkle: *She sighed deep and looked at him with teary eyes* I might be stupid enough to put myself through something like this for fucking Andy... but I didn't want to sign a thing till I had seen the result

Raven: But Bard can't reverse, and a job is a job...

Sparkle: Yes, but... I might not be as dumb as I look okay? I told him he would only get a child if I was satisfied. If I wasn't we would negotiate another price.

Raven: *He sighed soft and squeezed her hand again before he let go and sipped his beer*

Sparkle: So.... I guess I still owe him a

Raven: No. No papers were signed. And he didn't perform his procedure. He has nothing on you, and he might be a dick, but he knows very well there's nothing he can do without breaking several very strict rules, even he doesn't want to mess with. You're fine. Don't worry about him at all, let me deal with him once I get back.

Sparkle: And until then I do what?

Raven Do your best to forget all about him as fast as possible. And stay away from our castle. Well, that's when I get you back at least. For now, lets just keep you alive till I can set up a portal.

Sparkle: Does it have to be today? I mean, time works different here too, right?

Raven: Yes... it does. What do you have in mind?

Sparkle: How long can I stay here before my babysitter will wonder why I'm not coming home?

Raven: That's the tricky part. Time is fluent when magic in involved, I'm sure you have heard Andy speak of that before? *He sighed soft* I have been here literally for years. If you and I get separated I might even lose you for years. We can spend a day here and it might be a minute back home... we can spend a day here and it might be a month at home. There's no real way to calculate it. Not even between my home place and your time. Well it's easier, but calculating time from Medieval London and to Penny's next nap, is rather impossible. You are welcome to stay, for a couple days, maximum a week. Then I should try to get you back home safe. But while you're here, there's few rules...

Sparkle: *She nodded soft and understanding*

Raven: Stick to me at all time. It's absolutely the most important thing. As I told you, if I lose track of you, I might lose you for years... in our time *he poked his finger at the old wooden table between them* Blend in. This means you might see or hear things that can be hard to stomach, but this is another time, another place. Here you get a hand chopped off if you steal an apple. And try to keep in mind I am a demon *he pointed at the bloody chest on her dress* I'm.... different.... than I am back home. The longer I stay away.... the more it changes me. Lucky for you, I'm still tame..... mostly...... *he grunted soft and sipped his beer* but I have done things here that mostly belong to my past, however, nothing inhumane, cause rule number 3 is, do nothing that might change the future. You have probably heard this rule from lame sci-fi movies, but it's true. Change the past and you might as well change the future. It doesn't matter if you change it for the better, it may still create a ripple effect through time, and people or situations that belongs to the world that you know, might change completely. How would you like to return and find out everyone you ever loved never existed?

Sparkle: *She nodded slightly shocked and sipped a large portion of her beer*

Raven: That's the 3 rules... for now.... I may add more as we go along, but that's the basics and most important for now. I make most of it up as I go anyway *he shrugged lightly* I never was all too serious about stuff in life.... except the part of not changing the past. Even I wont be casual about this particular matter, which is why I stay away from any larger demon activity. I can't exactly end up in a history I am not supposed to be part of.... yet.

Sparkle: Wait..... yet? You lived in Medieval time?

Raven: ..... *he sighed soft* Yes.... but not in London... for at least another decade, that's why I came here, now... I wouldn't want to run into that old version of myself.... *he frowned soft then sipped his beer quietly, obviously not comfortable getting into further details on the subject*

Sparkle: *She nodded soft, well enough remembering bits and pieces Andy had told her about Raven's past*

Raven: Don't change yourself so much for anyone that you are no longer you. It's alright to change parts here and there to be more compatible, most people change some sides of themselves to fit better into the world, or relationships. Lets say a gambler finds a lovely wife, but the gambling is ruining the marriage, well, there's two choices then, either you quit gambling and keep your wife, or you keep gambling and quit your wife. In the long run we all have behaviors that can be toxic to ourselves, and the people we love. It is up to us to fix them and have a better chance at life, or keep them and keep... well... poisoning our own path. That's why I stopped being the murderous maniac I was... doesn't mean I completely changed who I was, I am still very much that person, I just try to keep it at bay, do stuff that tickles the urge but doesn't let it run rampage and destroy everything good in my life. I'm still Raven. And you should still be Sparkle. Naturally, you -like all other people-, have some stuff you could work on, specially since you're still rather young at mind

Sparkle: *She frowned deep* Is that your way to call me childish?

Raven: *He snorted soft* ..... perhaps.

Sparkle: *She opened her mouth, but figured there were no point in getting into a fight with him just yet, she needed a timeout from everything around her, and suddenly finding herself in Medieval London, seemed to be the best opportunity for that. No crying babies, well at least not her own, no responsibilities, nothing trying to constantly get in her way, no curve balls, no hidden traps she had to constantly try to be aware of, and best of all, no Andy! It seemed like a much needed break, so she wasn't about to potentially ruin that, by starting a fight with the only reason she was even there.*

Raven: How about we take a round of beer to my room *he nodded at the surroundings* The sun is sinking, which means soon this pub will be filled to the roof with people. There's not much to do around here after dark, besides getting drunk or getting in trouble... most people choose both.... There isn't really any internet or flat screen tv's around here *he chuckled soft* there's no need for us to get involved in something the first evening you’re here.

Sparkle: *She looked at the already growing mass of half drunk people and nodded* Sounds like a plan.

Raven: Aye! *He stood up slowly and nodded at a waitress* Can you send a couple rounds up to room 14, please... and a Whiskey?

Waitress: *She nodded confirming and disappeared between people, most likely heading towards the bar*

Raven: *He forced a soft smile as he looked at Sparkle, but his eyes were tired, heavy, and had lost their usual spark* Follow me.

[inheritorofmemories-archive]

Twitter is not a good place and I have opinions.

Okay so, just visited Twitter to see how they like The Old Guard and please remind to never go there for anything more than artist’s posts and memes.

(This is more of a rant than a cohesive explanation of my thoughts but I won’t lose my time on Twitter for that and I still need to talk about it, so we’re here. Okay, here goes-)

Of course spoiler warning for the whole movie.

"it's bad, it's not creative, it's boring, there's no story apart from bad guys pharma and good guys mercenaries."

Did we watch the same movie?? It's like those Mad Max Fury Road reviews who kept saying "they leave and come back, no plot har har I’m very funny" when the whole point of the movie is about staying where you live and make this place better, not abandoning it because you risk abandoning your true self with the land (amongst other things the movies tries to say).

Yeah maybe the story is a bit seen, pharma and all. But the whole plot revolve around the Old Guards and their emotions. It's about a tired warrior finding hope, and a young immortal finding her place, and how to deal with loss and grief and solitude, it's about finding purpose in helping other because that's what human do, help each other. It's a lot more than fight scenes and bad pharma (which, maybe it's an old trope but it's still very true to this day, please keep portraying pharma CEO as comically bad because they are!)

It's like men can't understand a story unless there's lots of death and unnecessary trauma. Can't you enjoy a story about found family and hope and kindness for one another like everyone else?

Here are the critics I saw, and why I think it’s bullshit, point by point because I’m petty like that:

The characters are flat and two dimensional: I mean, no? Sure, Joe and Nicky are not the center of attention, and we see Booker tired and a traitor, and the human ones are bit glossed over (though we see enough to understand them, Copley and his wife, the scientist that thinks she’s helping humanity, etc.), but Andy and Nile are fully developed? What else do you need?

Andy is a very old, very tired immortal that has a very complicated past (that we see a lot of) and her motivations, state of mind and thoughts are well explained (they all say she’s old, and tired, we know about Quynh; hell, Andy’s first line is about that) and we know she lost purpose, and she finds it within the film! She changes! Her character evolves in interactions to other but mostly Nile. Speaking of her- i know I’m repeating myself but what else do you need to consider a character not flat? She loves her family but doesn’t run to them because she’s not an idiot. She’s a fighter, a marine, a very competent one at that, but she still gets scared by being an immortal, she asks questions, she’s compassionate, she feels! All while being a bad ass fighter. She has agency, makes her own choices and choose her way, she has motivation and she know what she brings to the team and is not afraid of saying her thoughts and needs.

And even Booker and Nicky and Joe have full character, even if shown less. We have Booker’s back story, and we know he cares a lot despite all his hurt (he says he did it to help Andy die, which was still wrong and selfish, but he was genuinely trying to do something because he hurt so much). Nicky and Joe have a softer side, and sure it’s mostly conveyed through their own love story but they hug the other Guards and Nicky brings food for Andy and Joe jokes around (still thinking about that “faster than the elevator” line). Yeah it’s not a deep character study but it’s more than about half action movies today, and it’s enough in the story to make me care about all of them, even Copley. Although a lot of that may come form the actors too.

The fights scenes are bad: apparently they’re boring and do not do justice to the comics. I can’t speak for the last one, but boring? Again, did we watch the same movie? Yeah, there’s no big explosions and fire everywhere and collapsing buildings, but they’re not boring. I’m sorry my tastes are superior but I’d rather be shown the talents of a covert team of immortal warriors though discretion and efficiency. Why would they need explosions when they can juggle swords, axes, rifles and guns so smoothly you don’t even see a shift in their stance? See first fight in South Sudan. Why would I need collapsing buildings when I can have a team of fighters swapping weapons together like nothing? That scene at Merricks’s building where they all reload and change guns and the camera turns around and panel over all of them? That was dope and a very creative way to show how smooth they work together (with Nile added! So way to go to show the new group dynamics.) through a smooth and continuous camera movement. I could go on, but where did you see the boring fight scene. Yes there’s no cool lights and tricks a la John Wick, but if it did they would have complained it was a rip off, so...

The cinematography is bad: Just because it’s more understated doesn’t mean it’s bad. Yes, there’s no neon lights or cool shots like other might have (looking at you John Wick, since everyone seems to compare the two movie) but it serves the story. It’s because it’s so simple visually that you can get into the feelings and story. You don’t look at the light, you look at the actions and the faces. And honestly, I think it suits the Guards better. They look timeless, they fit in everywhere. A photography that’s striped down to the necessary only serves the story. I don’t see them in safe houses with a bunch of lights and modern furniture, just like I don’t see expensive shots and over the top choreography for them. As I said, they’re a covert team, they’re smooth and efficient, I like that the photography align on that and show them in simple shots.

tl;dr: Just because it’s simple doesn't mean it’s bad, sometimes that's what you need to work with the story and its characters and themes.

Not enough story and too much nothing to fill in: I mean, they die 12 minutes in, you get all the stakes, antagonist and themes in like 20 minutes, what else do you need? There’s break in the actions to expose plot and concept, but it never feels wrong or too much of a info dump, it’s fluid and natural because we’re following Nile into the immortal world.

Bad Pharma is Bad: Yeah, let’s talk about that. (Cautions, purely opinions, no real arguments to change someone’s mind here) I don’t care if it’s cliché, not when pharma in the US keep rising the price of Insulin every month, not when pharma all over the world send their faulty medicine to third world country because there’s no one that cares enough there, not when you know they purposefully don’t finance HIV researches because triple therapy gets them a lot of money, not when you hear about the experimentation and how they get their resources and literally everything that I’m not getting into right now. Who cares if they’re show as bad people once again, they are! You think CEO care about anything but money? If it feels wrong in the movie it’s because it is wrong.

Tell me no one in our world would kidnap and torture immortals to find their power. And don’t talk to me about bad representation of CEO and exceptions, I don’t care. One exception doesn’t make all the other suddenly better or worth the wrong they’re doing. So yeah, give me more cliché good guys fight bad CEO, I love it.

They did not use their concept enough: Again, where? To me, they did all they could with that concept, you get all the things you can only get with the concept, interesting and fun one. They are still afraid of dying one day, and even if they’re not (i.e. Andy or Booker) their brand of immortality doesn’t mean they’re not afraid of being captured: the Quynh scene happens literally just before Nicky and Joe are kidnapped exposing us the stake of being immortal, talk about good script work, right? Talking about fun trope: you have the millennium old couple that use to kill each other but now love each other, the classic ennemies to lovers we all love, you have the strategy of using your immortality to your advantage and destabilize your opponent: Nile walking into Merrick’s building and getting herself killed on purpose only to stand again and use the guard’s shock and lack of preparation against them, you have the fun references to real historical figures that comes with immortality: Rodin, Napoleon, etc...

I’ll link to this video I found that talks about this better than me, but basically, they did use their concept, a lot, and well.

The music: I can’t really say anything about that one. Maybe you don’t like the style they used, and that’s fair. To each their own. But it wasn’t too much like other Netflix’s movie (Looking at you 6 Underground. Four (4) song of the same artist in one movie?) but again, it’s Netflix, they use modern songs in their soudtracks, you should expect it. I didn’t bother with the lyrics accuracy to the actions, but each time the music fit well in tune and mood of the scene. And the actual score made for the movie was really good, not too much but still supported the actions and dialogues on screen like it should.

And my favorite yet, we’ve already seen it. I don’t have any smart answer to that apart from I’m sorry you’re a cishet, but found family is the superior trope and I hope you can one day see it too. Who cares if we’ve already seen it, it’s a different flavor! It’s no X-Men flavor, it’s Old Guard flavor and I love it. Have you heard of the Hero’s Journey? How Lord of the Ring, Star Wars and Harry Potter all have the basic same plot? And yet you can like all three of them for different reasons? Because they’re not the same flavors? Well, apply that to the immortal group of fighters and enjoy it.

Okay, that’s most of my thoughts on the film for now, but to make it short: it’s good and those people can’t appreciate good things that are more feelings and humanity than fist fights and nihilism. How dare a movie say we’re good and need each other and not end in a pathetic discovery that all the word deserves to burn.

[peterstanslizzie]

Re-watching Lizzie Mcguire: Episode 1.4 (Pool Party)

The Actual First Episode

A classic Lizzie Mcguire episode

- For some strange reason, this episode was considered episode #4 and the fourth episode to air even though the production code for this episode is '101′. Meaning that chronologically, this is episode #1 and probably the series pilot. It’s no wonder that all the kids look a lot younger here than in other episodes.

- That being said, let’s begin my episode recap. Lizzie is running through an obstacle course during P.E. class and she’s having a miserable time; I can definitely relate. Side note: Coach Kelly is played by Dot Marie Jones, who also played Coach Beiste on the hit Fox television series, Glee.

- Cartoon Lizzie, who is Lizzie’s conscience gives us a brief commentary on the different social circles in her gym class and she describes herself as someone who doesn’t fit in any category. I can also relate to her in that aspect just because during high school, I didn’t fit into any sort of clique. And that’s fine because having multiple interests and friends from different walks of life was beneficial to me.

Introducing Lizzie’s BFFs and Classmates

This is so pure, I love it

- Babies! They look so young here for real. Miranda is first introduced as Lizzie’s best friend and they basically confide in each others secrets. But more about Miranda later on.

Gordo is so cute but extremely wise for his age

- Lizzie knew Gordo since she was a day out of her mom’s womb. She describes him as “smart, funny, creative and right about everything”. That’s our Gordo for sure.

Kate looks quite different here and it’s not because of the face she’s pulling

- Kate Sanders, as you all know is Lizzie’s frenemy but former best friend because she hit puberty and became popular because of that. I kinda need more info on how that happened. Did the other girls suddenly look up to her? Or did Kate suddenly develop a lot of confidence and a mean attitude to pair?

Danny Kessler was more visible at the start of the series. I wonder what happened?

- I believe Danny was meant to play a larger part in the show; However, his character just kind of faded into the background later on only to be somewhat replaced by Ethan Craft, who is a far better character in my opinion. He serves the purpose of being the hottest boy in school who girls go gaga for and that’s about it really. Danny invites Lizzie and Miranda to a pool party on Saturday and they lose their minds from the invitation. 

The Mcguire Household

Lizzie vs Dad and Matt lol. Jo as referee.

- I found this scene, which introduces us to Lizzie’s parents and brother to be a little chaotic; Lizzie tells her family that she’s been invited by the ‘hunk-in-training’ of the school to a party. We also get mentions of spit-swapping and strip poker as well as her dad thinking she has been kissing Danny and having second thoughts on allowing her to go to this party.

- Well, Lizzie doesn’t have to worry about it because she can’t go either way because her Nana’s 80th birthday party falls on the same day. Lizzie gets mad and storms off. I’m guessing her Nana lives out of town and so, it isn’t possible to go to her birthday party and also come back for Danny’s party on the same day.

Miranda’s Betrayal

- Lizzie vents to Miranda and Gordo about not being able to make it to Danny Kessler’s pool party and because of that, being the best friend Miranda is supposed to be, she tells Lizzie that she too won’t be attending his party either in order to show her support for Lizzie.

Side note: Knowing that this episode was written by Terri Minsky, I made the connection that Gordo’s parents who are shrinks is similar to Andi Mack Cyrus’s parents and step-parents being therapists too.

- Kate approaches Miranda and asks her a favor to ask her mom to draw some fake, temporary tattoos on her and her friends for the upcoming party. Miranda accepts and agrees to hang out with Kate after school, which pretty much means she’s re-attending the party and hence, betraying Lizzie in the process.

Miranda is disliked by most fans because of instances like this

- I honestly cannot be too hard on Miranda because she’s only 13 and everyone at school keeps talking about the pool party. Plus, she has a crush on Danny. So, I can’t fault her for ditching Lizzie but she could have at least asked Kate if Lizzie could come along to her house.

- However, I didn’t like how Lizzie was sitting by herself in the same school bus as Miranda and Kate and Miranda did not bother to ask her to sit with them. Even if Kate isn’t willing to let her, she should definitely stand her ground. Poor Lizzie has to sit with this one kid who proudly picks his nose and flicks it.

“Eww! Ya Nasty!” *in Raven Baxter’s voice

Obligation vs Being Forced to do things

- Jo Mcguire is on the phone talking to someone about trying to get out of volunteering to write for a newsletter. Lizzie overhears this and confronts her mom for being hypocritical as she is forcing Lizzie to attend her Nana’s birthday party whilst she herself is trying to come up with an excuse to get out of doing something else.

- I get what Lizzie means; how is it okay for her mom to make excuses while she can’t? Well, Jo is an adult, so excuses are something that she is able to make and bear the responsibilities that come out of it. Lizzie is still a kid and I believe that her old grandma’s birthday is more important than some middle school party.

Heart to Heart

- After Lizzie confines herself in her room, Jo deploys her husband, Sam to try to get Lizzie to open up by asking him to use a simple yet complicated technique known as the ‘hairbrush routine’, which is making an excuse to look for something in the room and proceed to talk about a neutral topic and only engage with the questioning at hand when she makes eye contact and speaks in full sentences. Lol, that’s a mouthful.

- Luckily, we did get this beautiful moment in the end:

Give me some tissues :(

Gordo is the Man

This is some good acting imo

- Can we first talk about that long stare between Lizzie and Miranda in the hallway when Miranda, Kate and her crew were walking past Lizzie by her locker? Their expressions were so believable; I can almost read the dialog between their faces alone.

- Lizzie complains to Gordo and accuses Miranda for being a hypocrite but Gordo tells Lizzie that she shouldn’t be mad at her because the party was something Miranda really wanted to go to.

- Ughh, it’s hard. The position Miranda was put in is so difficult. It’s either she doesn’t go to the party to show her loyalty or she does go and have the best time of her life but risk having her friend hate her because of it. Either way, I think Lizzie shouldn’t be mad at Miranda regardless. There are plenty more episodes for that in the future.

- Gordo delivers the final blow when he says that he wasn’t even invited to the party and that pretty much cancels out all of Lizzie’s arguments.

Another cute Lizzie x Gordo moment

Lizzie makes up with her Mom and Miranda

- Jo enters Lizzie’s room and tells her that her Nana is going to Las Vegas to play poker and so, Lizzie is free to go to the pool party. What a grandma haha! I’m happy they hugged it out. I don’t like Lizzie being mad at her mom.

- Lizzie decided to skip the party (good for her!) and she and Gordo played in the backyard and made art by dipping a huge piece of cloth in some color dye to create a really cool effect.

- Miranda unexpectedly shows up at Lizzie’s backyard after leaving the pool party and turns out, she had a bad time because Kate’s ankle swelled up from the tattoo and she had to sit with her in the locker room. She also admits being a bad friend to Lizzie for blowing her off.

- Lizzie doesn’t hold any grudge and she and Miranda are back to being besties!

Overall Thoughts

- There was a lot to talk about in this episode from Lizzie’s relationship woes with her best friend to her feeling like her opinions and thoughts are not seen as valid by her family. I do think that for how Lizzie was so upset at Miranda, she kinda forgave her too easily. But I don’t think I would want to see them continue to not be on speaking terms for more than 1 episode.

- I am glad that there was no unnecessary sub-plot involving Matt and Sam in this episode. His story-lines are really a hit or miss to me. I prefer the ones where his relationship with his friends and family are tested as well as when he faced situations that gave him character development. I don’t like the goofy, comic-relief ones like last episode’s cooking fiasco.

[mksc77]

Drabble list 47? Thanks so much!

Thanks for the ask, @commanderraydorsass! Set toward the end of Heart Failure, but isn’t completely canon-compliant.

Thanks for the other asks I’ve gotten, I’m moving on to them next!

47–“I can take care of myself just fine.”

“That all your money and your power and your position can't make up for the self-entitled, conceited little... oh!” Sharon knew the punch was coming, and she braced her jaw closed and shifted her weight to the balls of her feet. She’d had enough training to know that minimizing head movement would help avoid a concussion, so she concentrated on keeping her neck still and moved her whole body around with her head. She held on to the table as she tried to catch her breath and compose herself. It didn’t hurt right away, and she could tell she was a little in shock, despite being prepared for the blow. She was a little dazed as Provenza turned her toward him and looked at her face. When the door to the interview room flew open and slammed against the wall, she knew it was Andy who had entered the room without looking up, and Amy was close behind. She also knew she had to find her voice in time to keep FID out of their hair, because damn it if Andy didn’t have the asshole against the wall. “No, Andy, let him go,” she said as forcefully as she could manage. She was relieved when he backed off, but she was irritated that he hadn’t stayed in the electronics room, knowing he wouldn’t be able to control his anger with the suspect. The others were more than enough to keep the suspect restrained, and rushing in and risking getting himself into trouble just because he was angry was something they were going to have a talk about in her office in the next few days. For now, she just wanted the suspect out of her line of vision and some ice on her face, so she brought the back-and-forth snipping to a halt. “Anyway, you’re under arrest.”

With the others handling the suspect, Andy carefully pulled Sharon into a brief hug, not caring who was watching. He thought the tension he felt from her had to do with the suspect until she resisted and pulled back from him when he gently grasped her wrist and tried to pull her hand away from her cheek. “Nothing’s broken, Andy, it’ll just be bruised and a little swollen.”

“Let me see—”

“I’m okay. I can take care of myself just fine.” She was admittedly a little dizzy, and her eyes were watering and blurring her vision. How her glasses had remained intact and on her face was a mystery to her.

“I know you can, but it’s okay to accept help every now and then. Let’s get you some ice.”

“‘Kay. I need to find Hobbs first.” Sharon left the murder room with Andy, and they found Andrea and Rusty not far from the door. Rusty looked traumatized, so she gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, honey, I’m okay.” She took a deep breath, still a little disoriented and short of breath. “So, Andrea, assault on a police officer... that gives you enough to hold him while we make a deal, correct?”

Andrea nodded. “If the Tesla turns out to be what you guys think it is.”

Andy wrapped an arm around Sharon’s shoulder and led her toward the break room. “Now we're getting her some ice.”

The pain was starting to hit her full force, and Sharon lowered herself into a chair, took her glasses off, and pressed her forehead into the heel of her hand. A few moments later, she felt Andy’s hand under her chin and tilting her face up. He examined her cheek for a minute before holding an ice pack to the affected area. “I know it’s going to be a little more swollen and bruised after a while, but it’s not as bad as I thought. You take a punch pretty good.”

Sharon shrugged. “It wasn’t my first time, and I was prepared for it.”

“So, you remember what happened? Did you black out at all, or see stars or spots in front of you—”

“Stop, Andy, I don’t have a concussion.”

“Will you humor me, please? You know you’d be doing the same thing to me.” Sharon sighed, but she answered his laundry list of questions about her birthday, hometown, children’s names, and other basic facts. “And who made you scream so loudly in bed last week that you were afraid the neighbors might call 911?”

“Oh, you know about John?” Sharon deadpanned.

“Ha, ha.” Andy examined her pupils for a moment before Fritz poked his head into the break room.

“Captain? Are you all right?”

Sharon nodded. “Just a little bruised and sore. Nothing a little ice and rest won’t fix.”

“The rest of the team is going to search the Tesla. There’s nothing to do until they report back—why don’t you guys head home for the day?”

“I plan to,” Sharon agreed. “Thanks, Chief.”

“No problem. Get some rest.”

Once Fritz was gone, Andy held up his index finger. “Last thing, and I’ll leave you alone, I promise.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Sharon muttered, but she obediently followed Andy’s finger from side to side with her eyes. When he was satisfied, he offered his hand to help her up. “Meet me at the elevators? I’ll get your things out of your office, and Rusty and I will get your car later.”

“Sounds good.”

By the time Andy had gotten his and Sharon’s things, he was worried when she wasn’t waiting in front of the elevators. She may have gotten sidetracked by Fritz or Andrea, but his mind was assuming the worst. He was about to panic and run back to the break room when he heard the familiar clack of her heels coming down the hall. “Where were you?” Andy asked a little more forcefully than he intended.

“Relax, Andy, I had to go to the restroom. Today hasn’t exactly been pee break-friendly for me.”

“Right. Sorry.” Andy pushed the button to call the elevator. “I wish you’d let me take you to a walk-in clinic, just to make sure—“

Sharon shook her head. “I’m fine. I just want to go home.”

When they got to the condo, Sharon changed into leggings and one of Andy’s Dodgers sweatshirts. The February afternoon had turned dreary and a little chilly, and with her bra off, hair pulled back, and her glasses safely in their case, she was more than ready to curl up on the couch with a movie and her favorite blanket. Andy met her on the couch with a couple of tablets of Tylenol and a glass of water. “Thanks, honey.” She swallowed the pills and took a few sips of water before lying down on the couch. The throbbing, tingling pain in her face had settled down to a dull, uncomfortable ache, but the past couple of sleepless nights were announcing themselves loud and clear. With The Bridges of Madison County in the DVD player, she knew she’d be napping in no time. Unfortunately, Andy seemed to read her mind. “Are you drowsy? Do you feel lethargic? That could be—“

“Due to the fact that I haven’t slept in a couple of days,” Sharon cut him off. Her expression softened, and she reached over to squeeze his hand. She knew he was just worried, like she would’ve been if it were him in her place. It just irritated her to be the one being taken care of, but that wasn’t Andy’s fault. “Tell you what. You have my permission to wake me up in an hour and ask me as many unnecessary questions as you want. I won’t be grouchy.”

Andy snorted and gave her an are you kidding me look. She could function off of no sleep like nothing he’d ever seen before, but once she was asleep, he was taking his life into his hands if he woke her up.

“I’ll try not to be grouchy,” Sharon amended.

“That’ll work.” Andy kissed her forehead, careful to avoid any painful areas, and tucked the blanket around her shoulders. Seeing that she was comfortable, he went to the kitchen to start dinner.

When Sharon woke up again, she could smell Andy’s vegetarian pasta that she loved cooking and hear the familiar music of the end credits of the movie. She rubbed her eyes and stumbled into the kitchen, more from the absence of her glasses than anything else. Andy’s back was to her, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested the non-injured side of her face against his back. Andy lay his arms on top of hers. “Hey, you feeling a little better?”

“Yeah—you didn’t wake me up, did you?”

Andy turned around and leaned down to kiss her. “Nah. I thought about it a couple of times, but you looked so peaceful.”

“I’m sorry I’m not the best patient.”

Andy shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I know you well enough to know I should’ve backed off a little. That guy just pissed me off, and I’ve never seen you hurt at all, and it was—uh—“

“Impulsive. I know.”

Andy kissed the top of her head. “Dinner will be ready in about half an hour. Why don’t you take a bath, and I’ll have some tea ready for you when you get out? You need to get some ice back on your face, too.”

Sharon stood on her tiptoes to peck his cheek. “Perfect.”

[robinrunsfiction]

The Spaces That Divide Us - Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Song recommendations for this chapter: Baby You’re A Haunted House - Gerard Way and What I’ve Done - Linkin Park

On Halloween the house was full of people you recognized, but more you hadn't met before. As you made your way through the crowd, you spotted Gerard talking to Nicole, who was dressed as a unicorn. As you approached, Nicole stopped what she was saying to see what had pulled Gerard’s attention so completely.

“Well I guess I’ll be going,” she smirked as she rolled her eyes and abandoned the conversation to find another drink and you couldn't help but grin at the reaction.

"You look amazing, Sugar," Gerard said, totally enamored. He really wanted to go as a vampire and you were more than excited to play his victim, especially since one of the items of clothing you inexplicably grabbed from your home was your black lace dress. You took your time doing your hair and applied smoky eye makeup and two bloody puncture wounds to your neck to finish off the outfit.

"Thanks, this whole look," you said waving your hands in front of him in awe, "really, really suits you." Gerard was wearing very well-fitting jeans, a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a black vest over it. He had made himself almost iridescently pale, eyeliner smudged perfectly around his eyes, his smile highlighted two dangerously sharp fangs, and his hair was black was a little longer again since you had mentioned that was your favorite look on him.

Gerard laughed at your reaction. “Hey, can we go outside for a minute to talk?” he asked, suddenly seeming nervous. You nodded, but when he looked up his face turned to a look of surprise. "Is that Adam? I thought he went back down to North Carolina."

You turned as he waved before coming over. He already stuck out amongst the crowd due to his height, but even more since he wasn't wearing a costume and seemed concerned.

"Hey, what's going on? We would have invited you if we knew you were in town," Gerard said warmly.

"I didn't realize it was Halloween. Can I talk to you?" He replied; his tone serious.

"Sure, come on," Gerard said leading him toward the study. You went to the kitchen to get a drink. Time flew by as you got pulled into a lively discussion and the next thing you knew, Gerard was back by your side.

"Hey, now we really need to talk."

"Sure," you said following him outside.

"Adam came back to see if we could help him with a possible situation down in North Carolina."

Your heart started racing. "Is it Restoicom again?"

"No, he said when he got back, a friend had told him about this school where he had sent his son because he was having issues in a regular school. Now it's been a few months and he isn’t communicating as much, and when it does, he sounds strange, not like himself. Then they started to hear these rumors that the boys are being brainwashed. Adam wants some help getting access to the campus and see where things go from there."

"I'm in,” you replied almost immediately. “As long as you promise me one thing.”

"Anything.”

"We don't go into any of this half-cocked. No unnecessary risks because I can’t take the guilt of any of you guys getting hurt, and as uncomfortable as kids make me, I don’t want anything to happen to them either."

Gerard nodded. “Agreed.”

“So, when do we head south?"

~

You sat up with a jolt, a cold sweat on your face. You glanced over at Gerard, sleeping undisturbed. You were very familiar with what were visions, and what were just dreams. What you just saw was a vision, and as much as it freaked you out, you grabbed your notebook from under your pillow to record it.

'Me & Gerard with a kid? Yikes. Not much else w/this vision' You closed the book and laid back down, trying to get back to sleep, hoping some further explanation would come, but the next morning you woke up peacefully with nothing further coming to mind.

That afternoon everyone assembled in the living room. Andy had gone back to his animal rights group and was going to start applying for veterinary schools now that he knew he was no longer being followed, so he would not be accompanying your team. When Nicole was asked the night before if she was interested in coming along, she declined the invitation, as she had her fill of using her powers for a while. Adam had returned to North Carolina earlier in the morning. Ray had basically refused to be alone since he was kidnapped and was excited to get a change of scenery.

You were worried about the trip with Frank, as he still seemed uneasy around you since the night at Restoricom. You couldn't blame him though, you sometimes felt uneasy around yourself.

"So how are we gonna get into a private boarding school? None of us are teachers, we aren't kids, and we don't know any kids," Frank pointed out as everyone settled in.

That's when your vision popped back into your mind. "Mikey! It was you!"

"What was me?"

"I had a vision of me and Gerard with a kid, it must have been you! If you can turn into an insect, you can turn into a troubled youth, right?"

"You mean he isn't already?" Ray laughed. Mikey glared at him.

"That could work, plus if shit goes sideways, you can always escape easily," Gerard said thoughtfully.

"Why do I always have to be the one who goes in?" Mikey whined.

"Because you're my brother," Gerard grinned.

"Besides, do you want to act like you're married to me?" You asked with a laugh. Mikey considered it for a moment and shrugged. You laughed even harder as Gerard shot a glare at Mikey.

"But if they're brainwashing the kids, what if they brainwash Mikey?" Frank snapped. The anger in his voice was clear.

"Maybe if we realize we've lost contact you could go in and pull him out?" You suggested.

"Why don't you ever go in? Why are you always throwing everyone else to the wolves with your visions and plans?" Frank said getting up and storming out the front door, slamming the door behind him.

"Hey!" Gerard shouted after him. When Frank didn't come back, he followed him out the door as you sat in stunned silence with Ray and Mikey.

"I'm sorry Mikey, I didn't mean to force you into anything," you apologized, staring at the floor.

"No, I understand, you're just going by what you're seeing."

"Maybe I should stay back. Take John with you on the trip, him and Adam are close,” you suggested, getting up.

"(YN), don't worry about Frank," Ray reassured, but you just shrugged.

Meanwhile on the front porch, Gerard watched his friend light up a cigarette. "What the fuck was that about?"

Frank took a long drag and let it out. "She's a killer, man. It took her no time at all to turn on Bob. What if she decides she needs to turn on us?"

"I fucking told you that he was a spy and you know that's true because you didn't see them coming after me when they thought I was him. Me and (YN) decided before we even left that he would be expendable if it came down to us or him," Gerard spat back. "If you got a problem with that take it up with me. I made the decisions, and if I decide she isn't going in on a mission, then that's my fucking call."

Frank threw his cigarette butt to the ground and stepped on it; eyes trained on what he was doing. He walked back across the distance of the porch to Gerard. "You believe in her visions? Fine. But you better not be blinded by some pretty face. I'm not gonna forget what I saw that night and I don't think you should forget it either,” He walked back to the door to the house. "She is a killer,” he said putting emphasis on each word.

"Don't you dare make her feel any more guilty than she already does," Gerard replied through his clenched jaw.

“Too late,” you said from the open doorway, pushing past both men.

Frank didn't say anything more before walking inside, leaving Gerard staring after you as you hurried up the driveway.

Chapter 3

[jnewbeck-blog]

ABLE DEMOLITION v. City of PONTIAC - A Clear Mistake

Able Demolition (Able) entered into a contractual arrangement with the city of Detroit in 2004 to demolish abandoned residences within the city. As a condition of the agreement, Able was to obtain a “Letter to Proceed” from the city law office prior to engaging in the services it was contracted to perform (ABLE DEMOLITION v City of PONTIAC, 2007). After execution of the agreement, Able demolished 11 residences without obtaining a “Letter to Proceed” as required in the agreement. Subsequently the city of Pontiac, refused to tender payment to Able and Able sued for non-payment of the work performed. When brought to the courts they both ruled in favor of the city of Pontiac. For the purposes of this blog we are going to look at this case in a few ways. First, when all of the facts are considered, was the result fair? Next, what may have transpired to cause Able to make such an egregious mistake. Last, and likely tied to the middle response, was Able unaware of what was required of them?

To answer the question as to whether or not the ruling was fair, one must first determine what fair means in this case. If one were to poll either side of the debate the answer to whether or not the ruling was fair would surely differ between the city and Able. Able would likely find the ruling unfair due to the fact that they had costs and manpower wrapped up in the work that was completed yet received no compensation for said work. The city would likely find the ruling very fair as the contract specifically and unambiguously indicated that conditions needed to be met before work would commence. The word ambiguity in this instance is important and as indicated in an article that appeared in Forbes magazine in 2019, words matter. Some examples of how unclear language would be Andy Warhol’s estate losing $7 million dollars because of a poorly worded clause, and the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers losing the team in 2010 because of improper wording (Garson, J., 2019). By not completing this condition, Able was not authorized to perform the work and thus the city would feel that they are within their contractual rights to withhold payment. In my opinion the question of “fairness” in the ruling really comes down to what the intent of the agreement was from both sides and what actually occurred. From the perspective of the city, as indicated in the summary of the case, the requirement of the “Letter to Proceed” was required so that the city was not exposed to liabilities stemming from tearing down properties unlawfully (ABLE DEMOLITION v City of PONTIAC, 2007). From a legal standpoint I believe the rulings were “fair” in both cases. Agreements are written for a reason. When language is included in the agreement that is clear and unambiguous, with a valid intent, then the company that breaches the language should be held to the letter of the agreement or have to give restitution. In this case, the agreement’s penalty for breach was clearly stated as non-payment. My opinion is that the only this clause would not have been applicable is if it were purposefully inserted as a means to catch the contractor not complying so that the city did not have to pay. Even so, recent court cases have found that misrepresentations or fraud represented orally are not enough to render an agreement void (Mazero, J., 2019). If this were the case in this instance it would appear unfair. This is not the case here and when the need for the “Letter to Proceed” is explained, the fact that Able did not perform as the contract specified put the city at risk of potentially infringing upon the property rights of its citizens. Because of the importance of this provision to the city, and the fact that Able knowingly violated the provision, it is my opinion that the ruling was fair. The language requiring the “Letter to proceed” was very clear and explained what would happen in the instance that the contractor failed to fulfill its obligation. If Able had objections to the provision, it should have been negotiated before agreeing to the language.

The next question as to how Able managed to mess this up so bad and cost themselves this much money may be found in an article written in the Detroit Free Press in 2018. The article details how the bank hired by the city to pay demolition contractors has a payment backlog of approximately $8.7 million dollars (Stafford, K., 2018). The process to receive payment is described as containing a voluminous amount of paperwork and being very arduous. The article also details how the bank would at times pay contractors prior to receiving the authority to do so (Stafford, K., 2018). This information may or may not give some insight as to what happened on the part of the contractor in this situation. It is entirely possible that Able was a newcomer to conducting work for the city of Pontiac in the residential sector. In fact, the program to start tearing down houses in Detroit only began in 2004 (Mead, H., 2010), so it is entirely possible that Pontiac’s demolition program began around the same time. Anyone who has ever worked with a municipality or a government entity understands that their agreements can be wordy, confusing, and contain language that is never applied or enforced. From my perspective, it is very likely that Able either missed the provision in the agreement, didn’t read the language, and/or didn’t feel that it would actually apply. As this was the start of a new program and they did not have any history upon which to rely, Able would not know which provisions of the agreement would or would not apply. The fact that paying demolition contractors before the proper paperwork is vetted still occurred in 2018 indicates that this would not be an unreasonable assumption. Another scenario as to why Able moved forward without the letter can be found in subsequent appeals. In another appeal, Able gives reason to believe that they may have been instructed or given approval to proceed by Pontiac city officials (ABLE DEMOLITION v City of PONTIAC, 2007). While the appeal was denied, it gives a likely reason as to how or why this happened.

Ultimately it appears that Able Demolition was instructed by a city of Pontiac official to move forward with the project. While this was not found to be a valid legal argument, it goes a long way in explaining how this could happen, and how an organization that doesn’t understand or follow the language in a well written and clear agreement can put themselves at unnecessary risk. If Able had understood the ramifications of breaching the agreement and understood that they were not going to get paid, it is extremely unlikely that they would have proceeded with the work.

[seriestrash]

12 days of  Tyrus - Chapter Six

|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 

Summary: The cold season is upon them and Cyrus finds himself wishing for a lot this festive season, many of those wishes happen to involve TJ.

Read on ao3

Chapter Six: Tick Tock

Word Count: 5547

Cyrus Goodman was not a risk taker and the rejection from TJ reminded him why that was. Cyrus had no idea what his confession would do to their friendship but at least Cyrus found comfort in his belief that TJ wouldn’t tell anyone else about what he shared. Although the rejection and possibility of losing a friend was devastating, Cyrus knew deep down that eventually —some time in the distant future— he’d look back on this and be proud of himself for owning his feelings. Although Cyrus believed he might one day look back and realise it made him stronger, today —the morning after his confession— Cyrus was ready to feel sorry for himself.

After a broken nights sleep, Cyrus resigns to the fact that he would be up before the sun was. Cyrus creeps out of bed where TJ still sleeps and tiptoes past Jonah who is also still snoozing in the single bed beside them. Cyrus continues his escape quietly and goes across the hall. Cyrus gently knocks on the girls door and after he hears some sleepy grumbles he pokes his head through the door and asks if he can come in.

“Cyrus?” Buffy sleepily props up her head. Andi lay next to her in the double bed with a tired and confused expression.

“The sun isn’t even up yet.” Andi grumbles.

“I need to talk to you guys.” Cyrus lets himself in.

“Talk to Buffy.” Andi rolls over and cradles her pillow.

Cyrus ignores Andi’s lethargic behaviour and disturbs her further by climbing on the bed and wedging himself between his two best friends. “I spoke to TJ.” Cyrus says with an exhale.

“You did?” Buffy’s interest spikes and this seems to wake her up. “What did you say?”

“TJ?” Andi gives in and sits herself up too. “Am I missing something?”

“I told TJ that I like him.” Cyrus says quickly.

“You did?” Buffy and Andi say in unison, both sporting jaw dropped expressions.  

“You were the one that encouraged me to.” Cyrus sends Buffy a frantic look.

“I know, I’m just surprised.” Buffy is in shock. “What did he say?”

“Hang on a second.” Andi interjects. “You like TJ?”

“Yes.” Cyrus nods.

“Since when?” Andi questions.

“I don’t know when.” Cyrus frowns.

“I thought you liked Jonah?” Andi is confused. “Do you like them both?”

“No, his crush on Jonah went away.” Buffy answers.

“It did?” Andi asks.

“Before summer.” Cyrus states.

“And you knew?” Andi turns to Buffy.  “I mean you knowing the TJ thing isn’t surprising, you all hang out together more than I do but why didn’t you tell me about Jonah? Why don’t you guys tell me anything anymore?”

“Andi, focus?” Buffy sends her a look.

“Right.” Andi looks disappointed, “Not about me…”

“What did TJ say?” Buffy asks, “No wait! Start from the beginning. I left the room and then what?”

Cyrus gives Buffy a look begging for her to calm down. “You left, TJ came out to get a drink of water, I cornered him and told him I liked him.” 

“And?” Buffy is eager for more details. 

“He doesn’t feel the same way and I’m never leaving this room.” Cyrus wriggles down further under the covers. 

“He said that?” Buffy furrows her brows. “He said ‘I don’t feel the same way’?” 

“Not exactly...” Cyrus mumbles. 

“It kind of feels like you’re leaving out part of the story?” Andi lightly accuses.

“I might have redacted a few unnecessary facts…” Cyrus shrugs.

“Cyrus!” Both Andi and Buffy grip onto either of his arms.

“Tell us everything.” Buffy demands.

“I can’t.” Cyrus shakes his head.

“Why not?” Andi questions.

“Because some things aren't mine to share.”

“But did TJ explicitly ask you not to tell us?” Buffy asks. “It doesn't count unless he asked.”

“It’s one of those unspoken things where you just know they don’t want you to talk about it.” Cyrus pouts over their constant pushing. 

“Kind of like when I told you that Bex wasn’t really my sister?” Andi coaxes her head.

“My mom spread that around, not me!” Cyrus defends.

Andi shakes her head with a smile, “You don’t have to tell us.” 

“Yes he does!” Buffy laughs. 

“No he doesn’t!” Cyrus says. “I told you it’s irrelevant anyway.”

“It doesn’t make sense, I thought you were acting weird because you like TJ but now there’s some secret information about him that you can’t share?” Buffy tries to make sense of it. “What happened between you guys-” 

“Buffy stop.” Cyrus is assertive. “That has nothing to do with this.” Cyrus lies, “That was about TJ’s family and out of respect I don’t want to discuss it with you.” 

“Okay, sorry.” Buffy apologises for being invasive. 

“So,” Andi says after the mood in the room was off, “What are we going to do now?” 

“I already told you, I’m never leaving this room.” Cyrus pouts. 

“Then neither will we.” Buffy says with a smile and Andi mimics it, they both wriggle down beside Cyrus offering comforting cuddles. 

Although it was a nice sentiment that they’d spend all day in the room avoiding Cyrus’ problems, the three did however need to surface eventually when the grumbles of their stomachs were too obnoxiously loud to ignore. They brave the kitchen and learn that TJ and Jonah had already head out for the day with Jared thus making the original good hair crew members more comfortable about exiting the girls room. 

After Cyrus’ parents leave, the three childhood best friends have the cabin to theirselves and decide to spend the day inside. A day in their pyjamas, eating junk food and watching movies unfolds. Whilst the relaxing day wasn’t enough to make Cyrus forget about his troubles it was enough to make him not completely wallow in them all day. 

It wasn’t until Jonah, TJ and Jared return from skiing that Cyrus sinks back into his mopey mood. TJ doesn’t say anything when he arrives, he just gives the three a hard to read look before retreating to the bathroom to shower. 

“That makes me so mad.” Buffy lets out a groan. 

“That he takes his personal hygiene seriously?” Andi jokes. 

“I’m fully aware TJ can be a jerk but I never expected him to be a jerk about this.” Buffy folds her arms. “I might have been wrong about his feelings but I always thought TJ would be supportive of who Cyrus likes.” 

Cyrus hangs his head back in frustration. It was hard not sharing all of the information with his friends. Right now Buffy believes TJ has pulled away because Cyrus likes him when in actuality there was a kiss that sparked that distance first. Although the gaps in the story were frustrating, Cyrus took what he could get as even the sketchy story he gave them was better than not being able to talk about it at all. 

“I don’t think it’s that I like boys, I just think it’s surprising that I like him.” Cyrus tries to defend TJ. 

“Still.” Buffy purses her lips. 

-

The following morning the group eat breakfast in the cafeteria rather than at their cabin. The whole time, Cyrus could feel anger emanating off TJ. It wasn’t until everyone else left for the snow hike that Cyrus got any clarity about TJ’s seemingly frustrated mood. 

Cyrus had opted out of the snow hike due to his less than enthused attitude towards the athletic activity. TJ also opted out but he had been in a sulky mood this entire trip so Cyrus wasn’t too surprised by him wanting to avoid spending time with the group. 

Cyrus was just about to leave the cafeteria when TJ stops him. “You told them didn’t you?” TJ asks. 

“Told who, what?” Cyrus is confused. 

“Andi and Buffy about the, you know.” TJ lowers his voice even though they’re in an almost empty room as breakfast had wrapped up. 

“You can say kiss, it’s not a bad word” Cyrus says with a newfound bravery sparked from an annoyance with TJ that was bubbling, one that Cyrus didn’t have any idea was building until now. “And no I didn’t.” 

“Then why do they keep giving me looks?” TJ asks. 

“I don’t know, maybe because you’ve come on a ski trip with them and you’ve spent the whole time being grouchy?” Cyrus coaxes his head in a challenging way. 

TJ rolls his eyes and another wave of frustration hits Cyrus after things were evidently going nowhere. 

“Buffy was suspicious of why you were being weird, after all it’s not like us to not talk.” Cyrus frowns, “I told her that I like you and you don’t like me back. That’s it. That’s all the information I shared.” 

“Great so now she just thinks I’m being a jerk?” TJ huffs. 

“You are being a jerk.” Cyrus is firm. “Why did you even come on this trip? I know I told you I wouldn’t pressure you to talk about it but why come at all if you were planning on ignoring me?” 

TJ is unresponsive and continues to look uncomfortable about it all. 

“Well?” Cyrus presses with a heavy sigh, “TJ, if you don’t want to be friends anymore can you just say? It will be a lot easier for me if you just tell me so I can move on.”

“You think I don’t want to be friends anymore?” TJ looks upset. 

“Maybe?” Cyrus shrugs. “You don’t seem to want to talk to me anymore.” 

“That’s not what I want.” TJ frowns. 

“Then what do you want?” Cyrus questions. 

“I don’t know.” TJ lets out a frustrated breath. 

“Let me know when you work it out, okay?” Cyrus wears a defeated look before exiting the cafeteria. 

On his escape route out of the main lodge, Cyrus is flagged down by Eli. 

“Hey, where’s the fire?” Eli holds a hand out to stop him. 

“I was just, I don’t know.” Cyrus was too upset to fabricate an excuse. It didn’t help that Cyrus witnessed TJ also storm past them and out of the lodges main entrance. 

“Having some trouble with your friend there?” Eli pricks up a brow as he watches after TJ for a second. Cyrus remains quiet. 

“Or we can not talk about it.” Eli holds his palms out defensively. “Got any plans today?” 

“Just my regular scheduled pity party.” Cyrus laughs nervously. 

“Want to bring that pity party into town with me?” Eli asks. “I have to pick up a few things for the new years eve party tomorrow.” 

“Sure.” Cyrus lets out a big sigh, “Anything beats hanging around here all day.” 

Eli laughs anxiously, “I don’t know if I should be more offended that you don’t like my family’s lodge or if spending time with me is just a small step up from the worst thing you could be doing...” 

Cyrus’ expression crumbles, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.” 

“It’s okay.” Eli nudges him, “You’re totally doing me a favour by keeping me company anyway.”

The two make their way into town on foot. It isn’t much of a walk from the lodge to the little village but it is freezing cold in the snow and Cyrus quietly thinks he’s somehow been tricked into going on that hike he opted out of. Although the walk wasn’t Cyrus’ favourite part, the trip into town lifted his spirits. Cyrus helped Eli run his errands and they stopped for ice cream despite the frosty weather. 

“You’re right, this did make me feel better.” Cyrus says as he holds his ice cream cone in hand. 

“I told you, it’s impossible to feel sad with a triple scoop in hand.” Eli says proudly. 

“So is it in your job description to make mopey guests less mopey?” Cyrus questions. 

“Only the cute ones that are willing to help me with data entry.” Eli says with a smirk and Cyrus chokes on his mouthful of ice cream which causes Eli to chuckle. 

“This does not happen to me often but I am at a loss for words.” Cyrus laughs nervously. 

“Don’t worry, I like you and everything but I know you and your friend —was it TJ?— have some unresolved feelings.”

“You like me?” Cyrus is shocked. 

“That’s not the part of the sentence you’re supposed to be surprised about.” Eli laughs. “You’re supposed to be like, ‘you know I like TJ, what?’” 

“Apparently I’m more obvious with my feelings than I would like.” Cyrus frowns. 

“No more obvious than your friend is with his.” Eli states. 

“See I don’t see that.” Cyrus shakes his head. 

Eli coaxes his head, “You don’t?” 

“No.” Cyrus says innocently. 

“Every time I’m with you and he's around, he acts like a jealous boyfriend.” Eli laughs. 

“He’s not normally like that.” Cyrus insists. 

“Has something happened recently to change things?” Eli questions. 

A kiss.. Cyrus thinks to himself and Eli notices Cyrus in thought. “See, I thought so.” Eli says knowingly. 

“So maybe things are different now but that doesn’t mean he likes me.” Cyrus shakes his head. 

“I think you know he likes you, you just won't admit that to yourself because if you do it means you might have to do something about it.” 

“You sound like my friend Buffy.” Cyrus thinks this sounds eerily familiar to his conversation with Buffy the other night. 

“The competitive one that tried to teach me how to ski during the lesson?” Eli questions. 

“The one and only.” Cyrus laughs.

“Well she is pretty smart so maybe you should listen to her.” Eli says with a light smirk. 

“Or I could pretend like nothing is going on and avoid it forever?” Cyrus exaggerates a smile. 

“Tick tock, Cyrus. The end of the year is fast approaching, do you really want to start off the new one with regrets?” Eli is like a wise old owl.

“I already told TJ I like him.” Cyrus is almost defensive. 

“But did you tell him everything?” Eli questions, “Did you lay it all out on the table, win or lose he knows how you feel?” 

“Yes?” Cyrus sounds more uncertain now. 

“Does he know that no matter what happens you’re there for him either way?” Eli continues. 

“I think so...” Cyrus is panicked by this line on questioning. 

“You have to tell him.” Eli says simply with a shrug of his shoulder, “Tick tock.”

“You’re really intense.” Cyrus laughs nervously. 

Eli joins in on the chuckle but minus the nerves, “Thank you.” 

After Eli’s encouraging push, Cyrus goes off in search of TJ. After checking a few places first and having no such luck, Cyrus makes his way to the rec room. Cyrus happens upon TJ at the keys of the grand piano. He solemnly pokes a couple but he stops when he notices Cyrus.

“I didn’t know you played?” Cyrus takes a cautious step towards him.

“I don’t.” TJ folds his hands in his lap. “I should probably go.”

“TJ, wait.” Cyrus leaps forward. “I want to talk and I promise I won't get all huffy with you like this morning. I just want to say something and then I’ll never speak to you again if that’s what you want.” 

“I know my actions might say otherwise but I don’t want you to stop talking to me.” TJ is sheepish. 

“Okay.” Cyrus nods with a small smile. “But I will stop talking at you. I can’t have anymore one sided conversations, it’s driving me nuts.”  

TJ nods and waits for Cyrus to say his piece. Cyrus sits beside TJ on the piano stool although there is as much distance between them as possible. 

“I’m sorry I went crazy on you this morning. I was hurt —not that you didn’t like me back, I expected that much— but because I really value our friendship and it felt like you didn’t so I handled that poorly.” Cyrus apologises. 

“I do value our friendship, a lot.” TJ stresses. “I told you this morning I don’t want us to stop being friends.” 

“Me either.” Cyrus wears a sad smile. “So why does it feel like we can’t get past this? Whatever this was?” 

“I don’t know.” TJ shakes his head. 

Cyrus’ sad smile remains as he tries to hold TJ’s eye contact, “I think you do know and you can’t admit it to me or yourself even.” 

“What are you saying?” TJ lowers his gaze. 

“I can’t sit here and claim I know how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking but I do know that you don’t believe you deserve to be happy. You practically said so yourself after the gun incident. You tend to sabotage things when they’re good for you...” Cyrus frowns, “It took a lot for me to get past your walls and I know when people get close you tend to push them away.. Like how you pushed me away after your suspension from the team and then when I asked about your family..” Cyrus is knowing but gentle with his analysis. “This morning I was all hurt and ready to walk away because I let myself forget that.” 

“Congratulations you’ve discovered I don’t like talking about my feelings.” TJ scoffs but Cyrus doesn’t let it get to him. 

“Have you ever been fishing?” Cyrus asks. 

“Fishing?” TJ wears a quizzical look. 

“Yes.” Cyrus is firm.

“Yes, I’ve been fishing.” TJ sighs and decides to go with it, “I used to go with my grandpa before he passed away.” 

“You know when you get a bite and the fish tugs on the line?” Cyrus asks but he doesn’t pause, “You don’t just drop the fishing rod and let the fish go. You hold tighter and pull it back in.”

“Are you calling me a fish?” TJ raises a brow. 

“Yes I am.” Cyrus says, “But I’m also trying to tell you that although I’ll respect your wishes no matter what, I’m not letting go of the fishing rod.” 

TJ’s smile creeps wider on his face after Cyrus’ little analogy. “So you think you’re some great thing in my life?” 

“I guess I am.” Cyrus says with a laugh, “Although that’s not what I was trying to say and you weren’t supposed to take that away from the conversation.” 

“Thank you, Cyrus.” TJ says genuinely, “But I still have a few things to sort through, I’m not sure I can give you a response you’ll be happy with-”

“I’m not looking for a response.” Cyrus interjects. “I’m just trying to end my year without regrets and ending things on a huffy note with you would have been my biggest.” 

The conversation is over after that and Cyrus felt like they had made progress although they weren’t back to their old selves, Cyrus wasn’t certain they’d ever be their old selves again but at least everything was out in the open, or at least everything on Cyrus’ side was out there.

That night when they were going to sleep, TJ didn’t immediately roll over to face away from Cyrus, instead they faced each other for a moment. TJ still seemed pretty emotionally drained but they smiled at each other for a second. To Cyrus that was progress and maybe a tiny glimmer of hope that their friendship was not lost forever.

-

The following day Cyrus wakes to find TJ and Buffy have disappeared before breakfast. 

“Where did Buffy go?” Cyrus asks Andi quietly in the kitchen. 

“She was gone when I woke up.” Andi shrugs. “Jonah said she and TJ left together pretty early this morning.”

“You don't think Buffy’s trying to get information out of TJ do you?” Cyrus frets. 

“She wouldn't do that.” Andi shakes her head, “Not unless TJ brought the situation up himself.” 

“And I’m doubtful he will..” Cyrus mumbles. 

Although Cyrus was curious as to what TJ and Buffy were up to, he tries to push that aside and focus on his own moves going forward. Cyrus enlists the help of his crafty best friend and the two offer their assistance to Eli as he helps decorate the rec room for the new years eve party that night.

Andi was in her element turning the basic decorations Cyrus and Eli had picked out the day before into ones worthy of a wonderland. Cyrus and Andi were off to the side having a laugh as they reflected on the past year. When the chuckles taper off, a small and almost sad smile crosses Cyrus’ face as he lets out a breath, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about not liking Jonah anymore. The crush in general was a little awkward to talk to you about and I guess I got used to not sharing..” 

“Don’t apologise,” Andi reaches forward and holds Cyrus’ hand, “I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like my feelings for Jonah were more important than yours. I never want you to not talk to me.” 

Cyrus’ smile is more genuine now, “I don’t want that either.” 

“I hate new year resolutions-” 

“Me too.” Cyrus scoffs, “It’s like setting yourself up for failure.” 

“How about a friendship resolution instead?” Andi suggests. 

“I can work with that.” Cyrus smiles. 

“Let’s communicate better from now on?” Andi asks. 

“I think we’re already doing a better job of that.” Cyrus says with a smile as he pulls Andi in for a hug. 

The evening rolls around before they know it and Buffy and TJ still hadn’t turned up. Cyrus expresses to his parents that he was beginning to get worried  but they tried to calm him and said they knew the pair were going into town today and they had given them money to catch a taxi back to the lodge so they weren't walking in the dark. Cyrus tries to find comfort in this and gets ready for the party. 

After Cyrus was dressed and ready, there was still no sign of TJ and Buffy. Whilst Andi and Jonah go to the young adults party in the recreation room, Cyrus first goes to the function hall with his parents and brother to mingle a little with his family and the older crowd at the party they were attending. Jared was more suited for the younger party but he was trying to act mature and hang out at the boring party instead. After a respectable amount of time, Cyrus splits from the adults party and makes his way to the rec room where he was hoping to meet up with all of his friends but unfortunately upon arrival Cyrus only spotted Andi and Jonah grazing the snack table together. Cyrus was about to approach them when Eli stops him. 

“You made it.” Eli says with a smile.

“Of course. I had to see all my hard work.” Cyrus grins, “I’m practically a party planner after all this.”

“Practically.” Eli chuckles. “So, I was respectful and didn’t bring it up today whilst you were with Andi just incase but I’ve been dying to know. How did things go with TJ?” 

“I put it all on the table like you said.”

“And?” Eli questions. 

“I think he heard me but I don’t know.” Cyrus shrugs. 

“You don’t know?” Eli looks disappointed. “What do you mean you don’t know?” 

“I don’t know!” Cyrus huffs, “I thought last night maybe we were having a moment but then he’s been gone all day so I’m thinking he’s ignoring me still.” 

“Are you sure?” Eli’s smile pricks up and Cyrus follows his line of sight, his eyes land on TJ and Buffy as they enter the room. 

“I don’t know.” Cyrus says again but this time softer. 

“Last ditch effort, you two watch the fireworks together.” Eli says, “I know a few secret spots.” 

“Eli..” Cyrus tosses his head to the side. 

“What?” Eli smiles innocently. “There’s still an hour left of the year.” 

“Just yesterday you said you liked me, but you’re okay with trying to help me get the guy?” Cyrus questions. 

“Sometimes crushes turn out to be better friends and friends turn out more like crushes.” Eli shrugs. Cyrus smiles at that thought, he spies Jonah goofily dancing with Andi before making sheepish eye contact with TJ across the room. 

“Maybe this is an epic friendship in the making.” Cyrus turns back to Eli with a smile. 

“Or a love affair yet to be explored.” Eli wriggles his brows suggestively but breaks with a laugh, “I’m just kidding. Now go over to TJ before the jealously consumes him.” 

Cyrus was unsure if he should approach TJ or not since he was trying to give him space but before Cyrus could decide, TJ taps him on the shoulder. 

“TJ.” Cyrus is surprised when he turns around to find the basketball captain. 

“Can we talk?” TJ calls out over the music. 

“Yes.” Cyrus nods eagerly and he motions towards the doors that lead outside. 

The pair make their way out into the cold air and close the doors behind them, shutting the noise out along with it. 

“Hi.” TJ says nervously and he shivers in the cold air. 

“Hey.” Cyrus is just as bashful. “Where have you been all day?” Cyrus tries to be casual. 

“It’s a long story.” TJ frowns. “Lets just say everything went wrong and Buffy might not want to talk to me for a few days...” 

“That bad, huh?” Cyrus raises a brow. 

“What started as a quick trip into town turned into an all day disaster.” TJ shakes his head. 

“What were you two doing in town in the first place?” Cyrus questions.

“I was looking for something.” TJ says. 

“Did you find it?” Cyrus asks. 

“Kind of.” TJ laughs and Cyrus does too although he didn’t know what was funny. “It’s for you.” TJ says shyly. 

“For me? TJ you didn’t have to get me-” Cyrus’ expression curls into a confused one when TJ pulls the object out from his jacket, “-A coat hanger?” 

TJ rolls his head forward with a laugh. “The bait shop is closed for the holidays and I spent the day dragging Buffy around looking for a fish hook but the closest we found was a coat hanger.” 

Cyrus now looks at the coat hanger with a newfound fondness, his expression mirrors TJ’s when he received the popsicle stick frame. “You were going to give me a fish hook?” Cyrus looks up from the hanger to TJ with a hopeful expression. 

“I don’t want you to drop the fishing rod, or something like that.” TJ laughs quietly, “The analogy was a little skewed.” 

Cyrus laughs too but then people come outside and interrupt their conversation. TJ lets out a frustrated breath and Cyrus could tell it was hard for him to try and get out what he wanted to say. Cyrus wears a kind smile and gently pushes TJ around the corner of the building and away from the people. 

“I’m sorry I reacted the way I did.” TJ says when they’re alone again, “I’m sorry for how I’ve acted the past week and a half.” 

“It’s okay.” Cyrus assures, “I just as easily could have been the one to freak out.” 

“But you didn’t, you were all mature whilst I was a huge jerk and pushed you away.” TJ frowns. 

“TJ, it’s okay.” Cyrus says with an understanding smile. 

“It really isn't.” TJ shakes his head, “Nothing happened how I imagined it would and I messed it all up.” 

“What exactly were you imagining?” Cyrus wonders. 

“Cyrus, I hate feelings.” TJ whines. 

“I’m the last person in the universe that is going to judge you.” 

TJ lets out a sigh, he folds his arms to guard himself, “I’d be lying if I said I actually ever had any intention of telling you how I felt but in a perfect dream land maybe I would say something and you’d be like ‘me too’ and then it would all be sunshine and rainbows.” 

Cyrus smiles at TJ’s embarrassed expression. “I can’t believe you imagined us getting together.” 

“Shut up.” TJ frowns and he gives Cyrus a gentle shove. 

“No, I just mean I never thought you’d like me back —I’m still not even sure if that’s what you are saying—” Cyrus says with furrowed brows. 

“That is what I’m trying to say.” TJ palms his face and Cyrus’ smile picks up again. “Along with apologising for freaking out about it.” 

“Are you scared about liking me, or scared of what liking me means?” Cyrus questions. 

“It’s not like it was news to me. I mean sure it’s confusing and a whole thing but I’ve already spoken to my mom about it briefly and-” 

“You’ve spoken to your mom about being..” Cyrus didn't really want to fill in the blank. 

“Gay.” TJ finishes, “Yes. But that’s not why I freaked out. I mean yes it’s still pretty scary but I freaked out because you were the boy I kissed. I don’t want to like you, Cyrus.” 

“Oh..”  Cyrus’ face drops. 

“No, no, thats not what I meant,” TJ says quickly, “I mean you’re too important to me. I thought I had ruined us by kissing you.” 

“My dozens of texts and voicemails didn't make you think otherwise?” Cyrus questions.

“I was scared that conversation would end along with our friendship.” TJ frowns. 

“You think I’m that kind of person?” 

“Not at all, but I was afraid if you knew about my feelings then things would be different between us.” 

“How come you still pushed me away when I told you I liked you too?” Cyrus asks. 

“I had convinced myself that feelings would wreck the friendship but I was already doing a good job of that myself...” TJ sighs, “And if feelings didn’t wreck the friendship I’m sure I would have done something to wreck a relationship.” 

“TJ-” 

“No, Cyrus,” TJ stops him, “Look how well I did under pressure, do you really want to commit to that?” 

“Yes I do.” Cyrus says firmly and he breaks with a nervous laugh. “TJ I like you, I liked you before you kissed me, I know how you react when you’re vulnerable. I wanted you to kiss me.” Cyrus says, “TJ, you have every right to be confused by this. I am. Do you think I know how to handle this? I honestly probably wouldn't have said anything to you about how I felt either because I value our friendship so much.” 

“Do you think that’s all we should be then?” TJ asks. 

“I think the reason we couldn't seem to get over our fight is because we can’t just be friends.” Cyrus says. 

“Well that’s inconvenient.” TJ huffs and Cyrus can’t help but smile. “So what do we do now?” 

“I don’t know.” Cyrus shrugs with a laugh, “This isn't how I imagined it would go either.” 

“So you have imagined it too?” TJ asks. 

“I picked the surprise kiss thing but it didn’t end like the mistletoe mishap.” Cyrus admits sheepishly. 

“What about Eli?” TJ questions. 

“Well I didn’t know him back when I pictured it...” 

“I mean what about him now?” TJ lightly rolls his eyes, “Do you like him?” 

“As a friend.” Cyrus nods, “But I like you, TJ. That’s not going to change in a week.”

TJ looks almost relieved by Cyrus’ affirmation. “Okay so, do over?” 

“Like start over?” Cyrus questions. 

“I meant can I kiss you again?” TJ shifts nervously on his feet. 

“Oh, oh.”

“Or did I make it weird by asking you?” TJ frowns. 

“No.” Cyrus shakes his head, “I think maybe we’re making it weird by asking if we’re making it weird?” 

“Maybe we should just let it happen naturally?” TJ suggests. “Whenever that may-” 

TJ is cut off by Cyrus taking the lead this time and initiating the kiss. Much like their first one under the mistletoe, they’re a little stiff, both their lips are cold from the frosty air and TJ is surprised by Cyrus’ actions but they loosen into the kiss and thankfully it didn't end just as Cyrus let himself enjoy it. It was still nerve wracking to say the least but Cyrus couldn't have wished for a more perfect moment.

“I didn’t want to wait, sorry.” Cyrus crinkles his nose as they part and TJ laughs, they’re still close enough that his warm breath brushes Cyrus’ skin. 

“That is okay.” TJ laughs again, his heart still racing from the kiss. 

“We should have timed this better.” Cyrus jokes, “We could have gotten it in right before midnight and then the fireworks could set off behind us, pow, pow, pow.” 

“Or, we could just kiss again at midnight?” TJ suggests shyly but he’s smiling at Cyrus’ theatrics. 

“Or we could do that.” Cyrus chuckles. 

“Should we go find our friends?” TJ asks with a small smile. 

“Yeah.” Cyrus nods and they begin to make their way back inside but before they enter Cyrus stops TJ. “You know, this might not have been how we imagined it, but it wasn’t so bad, was it?” 

“Not bad at all.” TJ smiles.

The two knew they might still have a lot to work out but at least both of the teens enter the new year with no regrets. 

THE END

End Notes: So I feel like I just sort of ended this?? Idk. I hope you’re happy with the ending!!! That is is! That is me done for my contribution to the 12 days of tyrus!! I am 20 minutes late posting this last chapter but other than that I stuck to my schedule!!!!  

In this story: 1. Hanukkah ✓ 2. Christmas with the Kippens ✓ 3. Secret Santa/Gift Exchange ✓ 4.Snow ✓ 5. Mistletoe ✓ 6. Christmukkah ✓ 7. New Years Eve ✓ 8. AU day 9. Based off a holiday song 10. Santa photo booth ✓ 11.The worst Hanukkah/Christmas ever ✓ 12. Free day! ✓ (I did what ever I wanted so lol ✓✓✓)

There were only two prompts I didn’t work into the story (I originally had plans to work them in lightly but they felt too forced so I chose not to) !! 

ALSO THIS IS IMPORTANT: I am very sorry to announce this will be my last tyrus fic for a long while (possibly forever :(!! ) as I will be going travelling in less than 2 weeks and I will not have the time. I hope to stay as active in the fandom as I can but it saddens me that I won't be able to produce any new fics for you all!! 

Thank you so much to everyone who has read this story and any I have posted in the past! You make my time on tumblr so wonderful and rewarding! I love you guys!!

My tag list:

❄️ @baby-its-gayy-outside ❄️ @byersrainbows ❄️ @geekingbeautytx ❄️ @shadows78787 ❄️ @joshua-rush-fanpage ❄️ @thedampjofangirl ❄️ @homosexualearthworm ❄️ @jovianspacewoman ❄️ @janky-snorpion ❄️

[jovialyouthmusic]

Uneasy Lies the Head

Follow up to Royal Romance Au Fanfic ‘Charlotte’s Choice’

Chapter 2 Ultimatum One

Charlotte buries herself in official papers and archives, and Drake prvides some respite

@ao719 @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @sleepwalkingelite @boneandfur @blackcatkita @brightpinkpeppercorn @choicescommunity @darley1101 @drakewalkerrosenberg @debramcg1106 @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @goirishsunshine @gardeningourmet @livingthroughchoices @likethetailofacomet @mrs-nazario @mind-reader1 @ooo-barff-ooo @silviasutton1989 @speedyoperarascalparty @zaffrenotes @missevabean @mrsdrakewalkerblog @cora-nova @missameliep @tanelle83 @endlessly-searching-for-you @jlouise88 @drakenazario @tabithacarlisle @furiousherringoperatortoad @notoriouscs @classylady1234 @wickedgypsymoon @carabeth @choices-fangirl @indiana-jr @indiacater @noey718-blog @katedrakeohd @bobasheebaby @annekebbphotography  @kennaxval @sirbeepsalot @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @aworldoffandoms @iplaydrake @drakesensworld @drakewalkerisreal @samcpossum 

2 Ultimatum One

Across the country, on thousands of TV screens, the face of Queen Charlotte wavered and faded, to be replaced by that of the traitor Anton Severus. His ice blue eyes bored into thousands of households, holding the attention of many, many people.

‘Attention Citizens of Cordonia. You know who I am. I, Anton Severus call on you all to overthrow Queen Charlotte and her forces. Her Father was a tyrant, and such a weak and cowardly young woman does not deserve your loyalty. I have a strong and legitimate claim to the throne and entreat you all to support me in the name of House Severus, ousted by the usurper House Rys centuries ago.’

At the Palace, Bastien was on the phone, barking out orders while Charlotte stared at the screen, shocked and dismayed.

‘Where is this being broadcast from? Shut it down! Shut it down now!’ Bastien ordered but Anton continued.

‘To save unnecessary conflict, I call on Charlotte Rys to stand down from her illegitimate claim to the Monarchy. I urge you, Charlotte, to acknowledge me as King of Cordonia. If you act swiftly I will be merciful and allow you to rule as my Queen, but if you delay my forces will remove you and your upstart Consort from power. Be warned, my forces are ready to strike, and soon’ The picture faded, and the crest of the house of Severus appeared for a moment before the screen went totally blank.

‘We’ve shut down the transmitter’ announced Bastien ‘Anton must have hacked into it, it’s inoperative until we can be sure we have control of it again.’ Charlotte was pale, but instead of fear she showed anger.

‘How dare he?’ she said in a low tone ‘How dare he risk the wellbeing of my citizens? He won’t get away with this. Where is the film crew? I’m going live straight away, as soon as we have control back’

‘Your Majesty!’ Bastien cautioned her ‘Please, you must consider what you say very carefully’

‘Oh don’t worry Bastien, I know exactly what to say. Anton will rue the day he crossed swords with me. I’m not the weak cowardly woman he thinks I am. I know exactly what makes him tick after that awful visit to Valtoria. He’s vain and arrogant and egotistical. Leave it to me, my citizens will never have to suffer under his reign.’ Charlotte was coldly furious, and Drake looked at her in wonder and admiration. He had never seen her so focussed and under control. She had changed rapidly since Constantine died, and he was not sure how much more power would affect her. He reached out to hold her hand, and he saw her eyes focus on him and grow soft. She squeezed his hand back.

‘Thankyou Drake’ she sighed ‘I won’t let anger or fear get the better of me’ It was a short while before Bastein could be sure of having control of the airwaves again, and the film crew set up to broadcast live. Charlotte appeared cool and calm in front of the cameras.

‘My dear citizens, let me assure you that the usurper Anton Severus is bluffing, and even now my loyal Guard are closing in on him. I have no intention of handing over power to him. I can assure you, after spending some time in his company, he only seeks power and has no interest in the wishes of the people. Even now, I am preparing legislation that will allow ordinary citizens to have a say in the policies and economics of our beautiful country. My father and I had the opportunity to test each of the suitors and their aims and abilities in governance, politics and economics. Please be assured that although he professed to support every good policy that was presented him, Severus either had no grasp of economics, or deliberately tried to make himself appear generous, while supporting policies that would bankrupt the economy in the long term.’ Charlotte paused.

‘I have always known the virtues of balance and moderation as a method of maintaining the status quo. Add to that the fact that the former Lord Severus has  both threatened and carried out physical violence in order to gain power, and you will see that he is not fit to rule as Monarch. I hope you will all support me in my efforts to apprehend him and bring him to justice for treason before he causes more harm.’ She gave a warm smile, and the broadcast ended.

After the film crew had left, Bastien called a security meeting and the Palace went into lockdown.

‘We don’t know what plans Anton has made, or whether he is bluffing’ Bastien said ‘We are still looking into various dissident factions within the country, but Anton has kept his tracks well covered. For now, I advise that you stay at the Palace, your Majesty, while we conduct our enquiries. Plans for the Coronation have to go ahead – the longer you remain uncrowned, the weaker our case. We have to double security or move the whole ceremony back to the Palace as originally intended.’ Drake spoke up.

‘I don’t see why we shouldn’t hold the Coronation here – unless we want to lure Anton out by using the Cathedral’ Bastien nodded.

‘We don’t have to make the decision tonight. I suggest we sleep on it. Your majesty, I strongly advise you don’t spend any time alone if you can help it.’ He smiled at Drake ‘Perhaps your prospective consort will see that you aren’t alone overnight’ Drake nodded gravely, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

‘I will gladly take on that task – Charlotte will be safe in my hands’

Later, they lay silent in the huge bed, Charlotte stunned and wondering how things had changed so fast, feeling lost – but not alone. Drake was there, solid and dependable, tender and loving. She burrowed into him and he held her tight until she relaxed and they made love for comfort, not for passion or longing.

They had waited so long to be together, and now things were very different to how she imagined but she wouldn’t be without him for anything. The idea that she would give in to Anton, accept him as King and become his Queen was unthinkable. She was still some time away from being legally, properly joined to Drake, but at least they could be lovers in the real sense of the word. Next they had to go through the Coronation, when she formally announced him as Consort and she became lawful Queen of Cordonia, but then they had to plan the wedding before they were properly joined. If it wasn’t for him – she wasn’t sure how she would cope with what life had brought her.

Charlotte tossed and turned even with Drake beside her. Eventually she fell into a deep sleep, but it was not so deep that she didn’t dream.

She was dancing with Drake, his feet slow and clumsy, and she smiled to encourage him.

‘Just take it slow, I don’t care if you step on me, I’d rather dance with you than anyone else’ He grinned apologetically, and she looked down at his feet. She guided him with soft pushes and pulls of her hands, and slowly he improved, the steps growing smoother and then faster, and they started to fly across the ballroom floor.

‘That’s so much better Drake’ she said, looking up at him  and almost screamed. It was not Drake, but Anton who held her and whirled her around the floor. His smile was cold, his ice blue eyes boring into hers.

‘Think again Charlotte’ he said. ‘Where’s your crown? She reached up to her head for the heavy symbol of the Monarchy that she was sure she had been wearing only minutes before, but her head was bare – not even a tiara sat on her glossy dark hair.

‘Father’ she cried, hearing the gunshot behind her. She was alone and Constantine dropped to the floor, the crown dropping off his head, red blood blooming where his heart was. She didn’t know whether to go to him or retrieve the crown, and it rolled across the floor toward Anton, who picked it up triumphantly  and held it aloft.

‘You’ll never wear it’ he said in a low sinister tone, suddenly close to her, lips next to her ear. She shuddered and looked at the ground. Blood spread out from her father’s body as he lay on the ground, lifeless. The floor changed to a checkerboard of black and red – the black an empty void, the red sticky with blood.

She looked up at Anton who had transformed into a chess piece that towered over her – the Black King, and she was the Red Queen. He floated over the void, and she could only step on the red squares which threatened to hold her down to the board, immovable. She tried to move away from him, other black pieces looming up, surrounding her. She was the only red piece left on the board save one, walled off by the knights and bishops and pawns. It was Drake, and he held out his hand, calling her name

‘Charlotte,’ he cried ‘over here. My sweet Princess, come to me’ She looked down at her feet, sinking into the sticky red blood.

‘I- I’m Queen now’ she protested

‘You’ll always be my Princess’ called Drake ‘Come to me my sweet girl’ She struggled, and suddenly she was free, the chess piece that imprisoned her cracking apart, emerging from what she realised was her chrysalis. She was the Phoenix, her arms transformed to wings of fire, fingertips spewing out flame that consumed the black pieces, melting them to slag and then powder, burning away the sticky blood to reveal the white marble beneath, the powder blown away, the marble clean and smooth.

‘I’m coming Drake, I’m coming’ she sang, stretching her wings and soaring high into the air.

The next day Charlotte went to Constantine’s chambers. She had ordered his rooms shut up save for a once over by his aide Geoffrey, and she called him in to the study. The man looked sorrowful and haggard – for the past few months he had spent most of his time by the King’s side, one of the few to know how ill he was and tend to him, hide the signs. There were two high backed chairs by the fireplace, the grate empty and cold

‘Geoffrey’ She said softly ‘Please sit, do you need anything – a drink perhaps?’ He shook his head

‘No thankyou your Majesty’ but he sat down and looked at the fireplace, shivering slightly. She smiled.

‘It’s strange without the fire burning, isn’t it? All these years and I never knew why he insisted on it, everywhere he went’ she referred to the King’s method of writing private notes, to be burned once read, as a security measure when he was wary of being overheard. Geoffrey nodded, misty eyed. ‘How are you, Geoffrey?’ she asked ‘and please, you can call me Charlotte, you’ve earned the right. I am so grateful for your years of service.’ She realised she knew little about the man, silent and ever present, taken for granted.

‘Thankyou your – Charlotte’ he replied, sitting on the edge of the chair. She barely knew where to begin.

‘What will you do now he’s gone?’ she asked, trying to keep her voice steady around the lump that formed in her throat ‘You know you have the support of the Crown for as long as you need it. Do you have family?’ she cursed that she didn’t know, had never heard of any attachments, and nobody could tell her. He had been there for as long as she could remember, but even Bastien knew nothing about him save for his unswerving loyalty. The man shook his head slowly

‘The King was my family’ he said simply, and looked up at her with pale grey eyes that held a sadness in them ‘Lifelong service was expected when I began here. I never married – I have a sister who is a little younger than me, and I have nephews and nieces’ he smiled ‘Though I never had much time to spend with them.’

‘And what would you like to do now, Geoffrey?’ she asked ‘You have earned your retirement – or if there is a job on the staff that appeals to you, I can arrange that, you will want for nothing.’ The man looked around the rooms, his eyes watering.

‘I – I can help you go through the King’s belongings if you would permit it.’ He said ‘There are places nobody else knows about, things he kept.’ Charlotte fought to remain dry eyed – she had enough of crying and needed to be strong for Cordonia, and for those around her. Anton had called her weak, and she couldn’t afford the luxury of tears.

‘Thankyou Geoffrey. You don’t have to decide what you want – take your time, we are all grieving. If there is anything you want – anything, tell me and it’s yours.’ The man bowed his head

‘Thankyou your – Charlotte. If I might be permitted to keep my rooms, come and go as I please – in accordance with Mr Lykel’s approval of course. I won’t move anything of your fathers, I hope you will permit me to help you go over his rooms when you wish’ Charlotte’s phone vibrated – it was a message from Bastien asking to meet her urgently in her study..

‘I have to go. I will let you know when I have time to…’ she waved her hand to indicate the room, the lump in her throat preventing her from saying any more. They both stood, and Charlotte stepped forward to embrace her father’s aide. He stiffened at the unfamiliar contact, then relaxed and hugged her back.

‘Thankyou Charlotte. He loved you very much, and you are becoming more like him every day’ He bowed his head and left, and Charlotte went to her study, where Bastein waited, looking grave. He was seated, still recovering from his injuries, and looked uncomfortable not to be standing in front of her.

‘Your Majesty, there is a new development’ he said. I’m about to call an emergency meeting, but I need to tell you first’ She nodded and closed the door, walking in to sit at the desk.

‘What is it Bastien?’ she asked, her stomach knotting with dread.

It appears the Royal Crown has gone missing from the Cathedral’ he said. ‘the Coronation is in jeopardy’