#The nicest cop you know will throw you out of your home

[gaasubap]

Eviction Causes Global Warming

We all want to do something about how bad things are getting.

But we can't.

We'll be thrown out of our homes if we stop working.

Thrown into deadly heat or cold.

Allowed to starve to death.

[sugarakis-p2]

Mommy needs me! Final Chapter

You inherited to your Aunts farm after she passed from cancer. But you don’t know also inherited giant Mothman-manchild, who is pissing and jizzing everywhere in your house.

A world full of quirks scares and changes everything for you. Life in a quirk habitat, Shigaraki's old nest, was not easy. You start to learn what it really means to be a mother. To be in love with Shigaraki as he creates a family around you. It is annoying when no one tells you when you will be going home, escaping the grasp of the yakuza, Master, and the cops.

Warning: Yandere Mothman Shigaraki, offensive language, violence, mommy kink, references to knotting, piss and lactation, and drug use

(chapter 5: prev)

Final Chapter:

All mine, Shigaraki thought in pleasure.

Cradling his Mommy close. You are still worn out from too much sleep, the coma leaving you weak. The little grub barley has grown. Shigaraki is nuzzling and loving you. You are carrying his grub. Mommy is pregnant with his child. He will be the man of the hive. He will do better. Gain more power. More power. If he has a son, he will have the power to keep him in line. Preventing the grub from trying to steal you for a viable mate. He grinned maniacally at these sweet thoughts. Finally, one plan was working.

Shigaraki growls and holds you tighter. He will be more powerful than his original Father. That is something he has learned. Power is all that matters. He might not be the strongest, smartest, or nicest. But he is the most powerful and that makes him better than his weak, pathetic, broken Father. His claws run through your hair, and you make sweet whimpers of pain in your sleep, so close to your whimpers of pleasure. Fuck! It was making him hard. His cock grew painfully erect. His seed leaking on your belly and hips. He just wanted a female. Power. It was only natural.

He loves this. Having a female to rut, to scent, to love. A female is power. He has the best Mommy. Therefore, he is already the most powerful. He looks at the camera in the corner. Master, he mentally seethes. He left because he recognized how weak he would be with Master who was trying to replace his original Father. He was grateful for not being "exterminated" like the other test subjects. Especially after he ended his family. As grateful as he is to Master, he will not let him have his Mommy. Your eyes flutter, and he chirps sharply to encourage you to wake up. He is on you when you groan and sit up, licking and nuzzling with coos at your smooth neck.

"Not this morning, Shiggy," you groan. Throwing your arm over your eyes, absently smearing his cum on you. Not that there was a lot of light here, you just wanted get your sex fiend of a baby boy off you for a moment. Shiggy is horny all the time. He's become more demanding since you've woken up. To the point, you want to snap at him like an annoying three-year-old. Worse, a bratty three-year-old, that knew so many ways to kill a person. He could touch and turn you to dust, drop you from the sky, or tear you in half with his claws. In your case, it was fuck you to death. You manage to sit up with him with pawing all over you.

You pull on the white shirt and panties the asshole in charge gave you. So magnanimous, you think sarcastically. Some part of you thinks the "Master" is a giant pervert getting off on watching Shigaraki hump you into oblivion. You feel the light tug and touch of Shiggy's claws. He's been helping you in your weakened state, fussing over you like a child in charge. Finishing with helping you put on clothes by caressing both breasts, tweaking the nipples, and trilling. The way Shiggy sucks at your chest, sometimes you wonder if he's happy your pregnant so he can use you as a food source again. You look towards the well-hidden camera in the corner and flip it off. Shiggy peels hissy laughter. Ignoring him while you stretch, trying to stiffly stand, you lightly smack his hands away. The two of you have had nothing but time on your hands. 

"Mommy is angry this morning. Need more big boy time, make happy. I can make Mommy feel good," He laughed. He chirps and helps you stand on your wobbly legs. The way he stares at you with total devotion for so little praise forces you to be a better person. All you wanted was more of that look of worship. The time you spend together, weak and helpless, you start teaching Shiggy English. It was incredibly frustrating. You had to learn to be patient and teach him things. He was an eager student and proud of his pronunciation. All your spare time not doing essential functions is playing cards. Shigaraki beats you every time. It added to your frustration. 

"I'm starving," you announce to the room, ignoring him. Shiggy growls in displeasure.

"Tests today. Many tests. Only liquid. Father says only liquid diet and water. They have not delivered mail," Shiggy struggles to say. Snorting in self-scolding, short little deep puffs in irritation, fluff from his collar float in the air as he scratches his. You reach out and stop him with a tender touch to the back of his hand. Shiggy wanted to please you.

"Thanks for reminding me. You will be the best, Daddy," you smile. He trills with a ruffle, his entire body shuddering in bliss. He rose like a dominating monolith to loom.

"Sun time. Drink water during the sun time," He demands. Falling into hisses and growls as he scoops you up to carry you to the nest entrance. You can't help it. Your heart pounds like a wild bird caged. When you first woke up confused, Shiggy did everything. He still does everything, not letting you be independent in this habitat. It's not like you could with how weak and how it's set up for someone with wings.

"Eeep!" You cringe and shriek. The look on his face tells you all. A cocky leer splits his face. A mischievous glint in his eye, that smirk dancing at his lips, tells you the tables flipped since he can navigate this world. You must hold onto him as he swings like Tarzan from the habitats nest. You squeeze your eyes shut and pretend you are not plummeting to the earth. Remembering childhood games and mumbling the prayer light as a feather, beseeching he won't drop you each time before he lands with a light jolt. He spreads his wings at the last moment landing softly.

"Soft as a leaf," he laughed. 

"Yes, Little Mommy is light. Light and scared. Needs strong male. Needs me. Look. Mommy is light as a feather. Look. Look. Mommy needs only ten minutes in the sun. Then back to nest," he smirked. He is very proud of himself. He was cute like this, so cute you forgot briefly that you were trapped in a fake world. Living in the largest nest hanging from a tree you have ever seen. When you were young, you wanted a tree house. You can see now how stupid and problematic that was without wings.

The white shirt you wear clings to your curves, your hair has grown, and it cascades down your back in soft waves. Standing in a sun-drenched section of the enclosure, the light streaming through the windows cast a warm glow on your skin. Shiggy watches you anxiously from the edge. He does not like the sun and is careful to protect his sensitive eyes. He trills when he pushes a large glass of water toward you. It sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight.

You hold a tall glass of clear, sparkling water in one hand. Brings it to your lips, sipping it slowly and letting a few drops spill down your chin and onto your chest, Eyes half-closed in a seductive gaze as you savor the refreshing liquid.

Shiggy watches water droplets trickle down your neck and between your breasts, creating a tantalizing sight. The water soaking your shirt creates a peek-a-boo effect that hitches his breath. Your breathing quickens as you take another sip, lips curling into a satisfied smile, tilting your head back, letting the last water slide down your throat before setting the glass aside. You stand there for a moment, basking in the sun's warmth and the moment's pleasure. When you hear a pathetic whine, come from the shadows.

"Mommy, please. I don't know why. I feel hot. My body is out of control. My heart pounds. My skin itch. Want Mommy. It's painful. Mommy, please," he begged. Thick hard cock in hand, he slowly strokes his oozing length panting and drooling. When you walked to him, he fell to his knees, running your fingers through his hair. He looked up at you with a face full of pained desire. You could feel your heart breaking for him.

"Your speech is getting much better. My poor baby, you deserve a reward," you whisper.

Without another word, you knelt in front of him and took his length in your mouth. He tenses in surprise and need, leaning back, claws digging into the ground.

"Good, Mommy," he moans, eyes rolling. You could feel the warmth of his skin as you wrapped your lips around his cock, slowly licking and sucking it. He sighed with pleasure, lightly bucking, hitting the back of your throat. The sensations of gentle teasing were too intense and passionate. The feeling of the warm, wet mouth around his penis was incredible. The feel of your tongue and lips moving up and down is incredibly gratifying. He shuddered when your tongue teased his tip. He drank deep of all the senses you are creating. The warmth, wetness, and movement were exciting and satisfying. Hot precum slid down your throat as you relaxed and took more of him. He was so big you worried you would choke on his cock. You could feel the tension in his body melting away as you pleasured him. His face, in painful rapture, was slowly disappearing in his fluffy collar. Three fingers fist your hair, whimpering little, "Ah, ah, ah."

It's hard to breathe with a throat full of cock. You can feel his pulse against your velvety tongue. His grip tightens as he pulls you away, and jets of hot cum shoot down your throat, constricting on his knot as he pulls you away from his knot. The knot gets to be the size of a grapefruit. You are grateful for that. Not grateful for his very salty heady flavor. But your stomach appreciates the gift. His body thrums and flutters, his head thrown back as he growls his pleasure. When he finally stops cumming, you hold him close, letting him know he isn't alone. He pants and keens. You lay with him in the shade of the enormous trees. Suddenly he bolts up. Hissing and fluttering in a tizzy. His cock glistened with your spit and dripping cum. His red hot knot prevented him from retracting his twitching dick. 

"Spit! Spit! Bad Mommy! Spit it out!" He demanded. Shoving his thumbs in and opening your mouth wide. Irate when you laughed and playfully shoved him.

"Liquid diet. Don't worry! It won't hurt the grub," you giggle. You gently caress his cheek, running a thumb over the scar on his lips. Your eyelids are heavy with adoration, "You are so protective. I didn't appreciate it before. But after all the scars we both carry. I understand you are amazing."

His body trembles under your touch. Your words knit into the fabric of his soul. You have never heard this keening hiss. His eyes are large and watery before he squeezes them tight, scrunching himself in his ruff.

"Mommy can never disappear. I love you. I love Mommy. You are mine. All are mine. My scent spread. Confusing. I should take all females that are mine. More power. I want to be a good big boy. I will only take the ones I know," Shiggy said cryptically.

"What are you talking about? Can you try again with more words?" You ask him patiently. He shakes his head no like he is coming out of a lust fog.

"Time to see, Father. No, argue," he growled. You are not an expert, but you worry when you look down at your stomach. Am I bloated, or is this thing growing fast? You wonder as you touch the bump forming there.

"That's a good idea," you say, letting him pick you up and carry you to the exit. He stands there holding you and growing visibly agitated, and he takes several swipes to scratch around his eyes.

"Hey! We know you see us. Open up. We have an appointment!" You shout at the door. A crackle of the speaker before the nasty old doctor tickles in.

"We are in the middle of a discussion. You can wait," Ujiko snarked.

"No, we can't. I am about to pee myself," you shot back. The doors immediately open to your shock, "Oh, I should have threatened with that before."

Squirming out of Shiggy's grip, you squealed and ran at Tanaka into a bear hug. She feels too thin to you. Tanaka grunts when you squeeze her too tight, stiffing in shock.

"Oh, we're doing this. We hug now. We're huggers?" Tanaka asks in her monotone. Shigaraki nuzzled Tanaka's hand.

"Absolutely, you bitch. Anyone who saves my life gets a hug," you laugh. A bubble of emotions turns that laugh into blubbering. Tanaka blushes and hugs you back. A low, ominous growl came from Shiggy. Tanaka pushes you away with her hands raised and shakes her head at him while you wipe away tears with the back of your hand.

"Calm down. It's not like that. What title do I get after this? If I die because my title is 'Father,' then I don't want it," Tanaka said, pointing at your belly.

"Is nature to protect mate, to protect Mommy, against everything. I will be a good boy, Father," Shiggy hissed. His claws dug into the floor, not wanting to be scorned by you or Father over scratching his flesh. Mommy likes a full ruff, he reminded himself.   

"I really do need to pee. I can feel my teeth swimming," you announce, crossing your legs. The pressure on my bladder mounts when you feel movement. Making you squeal in surprise and need.

"Don't go in here. I will never hear the end of it. The bathroom is-ah," Tanaka yelped.

"Show me!" you yelled when you yanked her in the direction she was looking at. Shiggy on your heels, "No! You stay here. Only ladies!" Giving his chest a rough shove to step back. You run to the toilet, sighing in relief. You didn't bother to shut the door.

"I don't thi-hey, whoa," Tanaka said, turning her back and blushing more furiously when she caught a glimpse of you pulling your panties down, "I don't think that would work to keep him out if he really wanted to come in. What is with this ladies-only nonsense? This isn't a gentrified bathroom?" You roll your eyes at her.

"Obvi. He doesn't know that, and he will do what I say. I just wanted to have a conversation with you without cameras. I swear I had an out-of-body experience. I think I forced a guy on the wall to change his attention to other people. I know that sounds insane. I can't explain it," you say in a rush. Tanaka is mumbling to herself over what you said.

"Did you experience while you were in the induced coma?" Tanaka asked, biting her lip in concern. Drying your hands, you consider it. Little glimpses between the darkness. Mostly the horrible stench of Shigaraki's musk and his whimpering. You tell Tanaka this and shift from foot to foot. More mumbling to herself as you roll your eyes again.

"Are you going to tell me the plan?" You ask. Crossing your arms. Staring at yourself in the mirror. The woman looking back looks like a stranger. You look shallow and too thin also.

"The plan is for you to let Shigaraki and myself care for you. Stay out of trouble. Do whatever they want and keep your head down. You need a lot of tests. A lot of monitoring. You are still in critical care. You don't have to be a doctor to see that baby is growing too quickly," Tanaka says sternly. She turns on the hot water. Steaming the mirror where she writes mic. Hide in rooms next-door, before lunch, for four days. She erases and writes your quirk. Do not tell anyone. She quickly wipes the mirror clean of any traces of the message. You turn and lift your shirt enough to see the carvings in your flesh have healed. But you still have a reminder of hell. You let your shirt drop. You have no idea how you will get to those rooms.

"I understand. Thank you for saving me. I didn't think it would turn out this way," you say, melancholy. Your fingers twisting the hem of your shirt. You have never felt so useless in all your life. Now it's Tanaka's turn to roll her eyes.

"My god, woman. It's what we do for family. And as much as I despise saying this. You guys have been more like family to me than anyone. I always go along with animals better. But you two keep me on my toes enough to always keep my interest," Tanaka said. She was surprisingly humble. You think as you both leave to have tests run. You hate the little shit Doctor Ujiko. You are so happy that Shiggy stays by your side. It keeps the doctor from touching you. That was thoroughly explained to you about How grateful you should be locked up in an experiment cage. They would have kept you in a filthy cage or killed you if Shiggy didn't threaten to escape and Tanaka seduced with data. If Shigaraki didn't threaten to destroy everything he saw if something happened to his grub. If Shiggy had left your side, they would have kept you in a coma until after you birthed.

While they say these things to you, you grit your teeth and feel on edge. A painful need for relief eats at you. All you can think of is the drugs. These monsters want to cage you only after risking your life in an induced coma wouldn't keep their favorite slave compliant. You hated them. You hated the Yakuza, and you hated Master and his disgusting people. You hated them for how they treated your Shiggy. You hated them for how they treated you. You hated how they made Tanaka interested in them. With no drugs, by the way! Unable to enjoy sex! They dumped me in a nest and left me in pain and hungry! Your brain screamed. It was so loud in the lab. Your nails digging into your palms, nerves on fire, as you swallow their shit to survive. When you were questioned by Ujiko, you acted like a broken doll. You feel shattered. Saying things you don't believe or care about, to live one more day in pain.

"Thank you so much!" you beamed. The whole while, your mind screamed for your happy hour. That Chronos is worth it for your six-pack. Finally, that voice has quieted down as your rage grows.

"Well, one good thing to come out of this shit is that I learned enough about quirks. I might be able to deliver this unknown entity," Tanaka said, holding a scanning wand.

"Call it a baby, please," you said.

“A grub,” Shigaraki hissed.

"A grub indeed," Tanaka said with wide eyes showing Doctor Ujiko the ultrasound.

"That's normal. She is developing at a normal rate for Tomura's kind. Remarkable. You must undergo several injections to make up for the vitamin deficiencies. Still, this little parasite is coming along well. What a giving mother," Ujiko laughed.

"Grub," Shigaraki corrected with a low hiss. Tanaka injected you with vitamins and other medications. Drawing blood. All the while arguing with the Ujiko.

"I told you I am a veterinarian. Not a virologist," Tanaka growled.

"This will be interesting. The quirk virus is spreading rapidly. It will be interesting to see how it affects the grub. We are almost guaranteed a variant or another decay quirk since Tomura's genes appear dominant. Look at the pronounced spinal column. That will become an exoskeleton when he's older," Ujiko said.

"Wait, how does quirk work then? There needs to be more literature on it. Clearly, you've been genetically manipulating Shigaraki…um…Tomura,” Tanaka asked.

"Excuse me!" you interrupted, "I'm having a boy?" Shiggy was trilling and keening with joy at your belly. Jerking in shock when the baby writhes in response. Your teeth are clenched, knuckles white as your nails dig into the sable leather of the table.

"Oh yeah, it's a boy. Ujiko, will he have external genitals, unlike Daddy over there?" Tanaka was asking when you felt something mentally snap in you.

"Can I see?" you ground out. Close to biting Ujiko's throat open. You love Tanaka. Ujiko saw you as a thing to use and made it obvious. Tanaka's eyes darted as she pivoted the ultrasound to you. Tanaka turned bright red as she pointed to parts."

"This has a penis…..see," She points, looking away from you with a red face from the significant dangly bits of the baby. Your eyes widen. How is that supposed to be inside your baby? There is no room in your baby to hold that thing! Shiggy was fiercely proud. 

"Just like Daddy. He will grow with," Shiggy chuckled. 

You mentally smack yourself when you realize Shiggy manages just fine. Once you get past the huge cock and balls, his ball, you correct. With a skull, fingers, and scrunched-up legs. It is your baby. Yours. Your hands shake this time not from need, by from the redirect to kill all threats to this precious thing. Tanaka was sucking on a vape pen. Ujiko had stepped back from striking distance. Your hands are shaking as you stare at your ultrasound. They could not deny you this. He is yours. He is not entirely human looking, and you crave destruction or relief. But this is yours. This is your new addiction.

You didn't know you moved to grip the screen. To burn your son's distorted image in your memory for all time. He was not human. This must be how the first mother of a quirk baby felt. Sad your son will never be normal. But that didn't matter because it was your job to make him always feel loved. Technology has advanced enough that you see details no mother before could understand. The stubby outline of sprouting wings. The sharp pronounced spine and shoulders, stubby fat arms and legs. Their sharp edges are wholly inhuman. The eyes are too large for even Shiggy. Small leaf-shaped feelers pulled back on his large head. What you saw was a god growing in you. The outside world will never understand how special he is and how you are for being blessed with him.

"Shin," you breathe. Everyone freezes. Shigaraki chirps and nuzzles.

"Shin it is. I like. Shinnnnn," Shigaraki purred to your bump. His claws prickle at your flesh as he rubs tenderly with three fingers.

"Most of Tomura's genetic makeup was selected and picked from the test subjects. Quirks are inherited from the parents. Tomura was a variant. His grandmother had wings, and her subsequent children became more insect heteromorph. As we continued to breed that line, we added more little tweaks to his quirk. Shame about his family," Ujiko said.

"What happened to his family?" You asked. Shigaraki loomed, yanking you away from the table with a nasty hiss.

"Enough! Time to eat and rest. Take tube bag out, now," He growled, pointing at the IV.

"No. I am feeling better. Let me visit with Dr. Tanaka," you begged.

He gave in. It is concerning that he knows he could control your life this much. He did not look well. He was fidgeting and twitching like his skin was crawling with ants. Tanaka wasn't looking great, either. But once she was vaping and talking about all the exciting things, she learned about quirks. Now that you have one, you need to understand it, and it's irritating Shiggy won't be patient. Shiggy twitched in mounting boredom. He spent his time hissing anytime Dr. Ujiko came close. The more Tanaka talked and vaped, the healthier she appeared and livelier. Something was endearing and unsettling about it. You have had conversations with her in the past, whole nights sometimes, about the most ordinary things. One time it was about the best kind of chocolate chip cookie. The debate over crispy versus chewy was intense. You preferred chewy, which is the correct answer, but Tanaka took a hard stance.

"Your opinion is mute when considering whether it is chewy or crispy. You would still use milk!" She shouted. You had to laugh because you have never seen her so worked up, "In fact. Real facts! A crispy cookie is drier and therefore absorbs milk faster."

The argument stopped when you felt like you would die laughing. Shiggy snorted between you two, unable to fully understand since his position was all cookies are good. Females are insane and would like cookies and bourbon now. Pleasant memories as Shiggy brings you to the present, ripping the needle from your arm as he carries you back to the horrid habitat. You wanted to rage at him. He was pacing. His mumbles sounded dark. How do you go about this in a way that will be the least harmful to everyone?

"Shiggy, I am unhappy," you sigh, mentally and physically. Instantly he is by your side.

"Mommy needs food? Yes? Make them give us food," he growled. You gripped his wrist. He froze like your hand was a dangerous weapon, looking at you in confusion with a layer of obsession that made your heart beat faster. Loyal and loving. That was different in survival and the business world. But here he is, raised like a caged animal, doing something you struggle with.

"Shiggy. I have not seen Tanaka in a long time. I was looking forward to seeing her. You knew this, and yet you took me away. It was unkind to us both. Tell me why?" you asked at your limit with him. His eyes widened, and he twitched, eyes narrowing while his feelers dropped before his expression relaxed into unpleasant acceptance.

"Females are precious. Females are power. A chance to live on. I wanted my sister. Father thought I was stupid. Not able to care for a female. When sister told I was seducing. He punished me. This time I thought to death. I used quirk for the first time. Killed everyone. I regret the females and the others. Not Father. I was happy to kill him. He taught valuable lessons," Shiggy nodded solemnly in contemplation. Your knee-jerk reaction was not your best moment.

"I am sorry for what you went through. But you are not killing our son," you snarled at him. Wrapping your arms around your belly and glaring at him. He chirped. A beautiful shudder cascaded over his body, his muscles popping out, before he pounced quickly, pressing you down. Panting with heavy lids. You are confused why he is suddenly aroused.

"Such (pant) a good mommy (pant) mine! Want to be in you! Mommy, please. Fuck. I want to feel sweet, Mommy. Big boy time," he begged. You gripped his hair and antennae, making him snarl, shivering in desire and pain.

"No! You promise me you will not kill our grubs or have sex with them. No bad boy touches on our grubs. Promise me, and you can have big boy time," you demanded. His cock grinds on your hip as the panties easily tear away. He chirped, licking your wrist, his long tongue grazing your lips. His red eyes burn into yours.  

"I promise. No need to. I have Mommy. I will not hurt grub. Big boy time, now. I will make it good," he begged sweetly. You hesitantly released his ruff. Already questioning his wording.

"Ok. That is an unbreakable promise," you gasped. He thrusted himself deep and hard into you. He was unbelievably quick. Vibrating and shuddering as hot cum leaks from you. He carefully ensured he had not knotted as he slumped over you, gasping for air.

"Better than mine. Better Mommy than mine," his hot breath fanned over your neck. You held him close before you answered.

"Wasn't she also your dad's sister or mother?" You asked. You can feel him tense, "You don't have to do that. Our grub will have options. There is a world full of women." He pulls away aggressively. Refusing to look at you.

"What options? Look at me. Look at the outside world. I will no argue. I will be better. Already have a female chosen for Shin," he rasped.

"What? Who?" You bolted upright at this horrible news. Your heart slammed in fear and shock. Shiggy jumped out of the nest with ease. Leaving you to wonder. 

"I get food," he hissed over his shoulder. Shiggy mulled over your words. What kind of options will his boy have? He sought Father's wisdom. Shigaraki did not like Mommy's smell. It was sad. He hated Tanaka's smell. It was growing again, and he pleaded with her to stop smoking.

"Don't give me that look. I already have it. Might as well. What difference does it make now?" Tanaka vaped, rolling her eyes.

"Mommy is questioning," he growled. Scratching his ruff, fluff flying in the air.

"Well, we will cross that bridge when we have to. Avoid the subject in the meantime. We have bigger things to worry about. Just be sure to do your part and ensure she is safe," Tanaka sighed. Shigaraki shrugs, waiting for the food and for Tanaka to finish the vitamin supplement injection.

"None will understand. You are not hearing me," he growled, scratching himself with both hands in irritation at Father's calm. Tanaka put the injection on the tray. Shaking her head.

"You're right. None of us will understand what you went through or what life was like. My mother was a real bitch. But when she died, I cried. The point is your experiences and interpretation of those experiences are the only individualism that exists, so cherish and grow from them," She turns to Shigaraki, "Your new Mommy did not reject you or your grub even after you confessed to killing your family. Go forward, one step at a time. We will learn and grow together. We will all be a happy family. A happy family. Give me four days and our family will be good. "

Shigaraki jabbed his Mommy in the ass with the needle. He can come and go as he pleases. Master can not keep him here. He chooses to stay for his grub. Happy family was code. Code that Tanaka knew everything she needed to keep Mommy and the grub healthy. Growing together meant it was time to leave. The pressure of change has been molding him into something else. He wrapped his arms around you. The first solid food you had in weeks, and you can't enjoy it. The sandwich rolls in your mouth like a pasty lump in a cement truck.

"Do you love me? Are you going to create some kind of harem? Am I Mommy because I was convenient? I just... I just don't know what I'm doing anymore. What am I really? Am I just your mommy replacement? Is that all I am to you?" you asked, tossing the sandwich back on the tray. Shiggy chirps and nuzzles the side of your head.

"Just? Just? Mommy is most important. I love you. I chose because you are kind. Filled with love, grief, and sadness. We dwell in the same house in all things. I saw a scared woman who looked at me with wonder and care. I do not know what I would be without you. I do not need more than you," he inhales your scent deeply. You reach up and touch the scars around his eyes. He leans into your touch, and tears drip from you freely.

"You're speaking so well," You mumble around tears.

"I have the best mommy," he purred.

"You're right. We make our own family. We have each other, and everything else can go fuck themselves. My Aunt said, "Please take care of him. He needs you" I feel she left the rest unsaid for me to figure out. I needed you. I love you. I'm sorry I brought this mess down on us," You wept. Shiggy's wings fold over you.

"Family takes care of family. You no sorry to me," he moaned. Nuzzling and kissing your neck, "Your neck is so smooth and exposed." His kisses turn into lustful whimpers. The ache of drugs fades as you push him down and climb over him. Straddling him between your thighs.

"Lay back like a good boy," you direct him. He nodded, laying back. Closing his eyes, trilling when you wrap your fingers around his leaking cock. Slowly lowering on his length, filling you to the brim. Shiggy trilled, his muscles rippling as he arched up into you, pressing against your cervix. The room was filled with the sound of passionate moans and rumbling purrs. You moved your hips in a slow, sensual rhythm, hands pressed against his chest, vibrating down to his center. Increasing the intensity of your movements. Shiggy's eyes were blissfully closed as he felt your body move against his, his feelers drooping and shivering. His length gliding and grinding all your sweet spots.

The heat between you was palpable, and you felt your desire rising with each thrust. Shiggy could feel his arousal growing, his cock growing swelling and growing hotter. It only made you more revived. Moving faster, pushing him closer and closer to the edge of pleasure. Suddenly he gripped your waist, making you yelp in surprise.

"It's ok. I can control my quirk. I would never hurt Mommy," He moaned. Careful to never touch you with all five fingers, even with his new control. Helping you roll your hips, his claws dug a little too deep, painfully close to breaking skin. You gasp for air as your body bounces on his huge cock. Your pleasure builds into hot bliss. He let out a loud snarl as he reached his climax, his knot expanding. Your hips stutter as you cum and clamp down on his knot. Filling so completely as the heat in your core spreads tingles over your body.

Smiling down in satisfaction as his body shudders beneath yours. He chirped, his crimson eyes drinking in your ecstasy, his knot getting bigger. Too big. You squeaked pathetically as the pressure on your bladder became too great. Squirting piss on his lap. Covering your face in embarrassment, stuttering apologies. Screaming in more surprise when you feel his thumb viciously rub your clit. The small circles make your pussy clench and milk him.

"You're dirty!" You pant.

"Say! Say I am good boy," he pants in your ear with a sharp tone, "Say now!"

"Good boy! Mommy's good boy! I love you. You are the best good boy!" You screamed. Shiggy smirks, biting his lip as he continues his relentless pursuit until you racked your nails down his chest and wept in pleasure. He pulled you close and smiled contentedly as you lay in his arms, the grub kicking. You had never felt so alive and so connected to him before. The speaker crackled before the voice interrupted your peace.

"Tomura. When you are done, we would like to talk," Master said. In the background, you can hear Dr. Ujiko screaming about piss and making the Nomu clean the mess. Shiggy wiped down your legs and let you sleep. Grinning, watching you as you snored so loud the nest shook. Shiggy kisses you and goes to see Master. A bucket was splashed over his groan the moment he entered. Marking is forbidden when you reach a certain age. It is bothersome.

"Kai is coming. It is time. Gather your forces. We will utilize the Nomu to return them to their habitats after they capture the new subjects. You have made progress. Your argument for capturing the Yakuza rather than eliminating them was eloquent. Dr. Tanaka is a tremendous boon. I have always known you were special. I am pleased you have proven me correct. Once things are settled, I would like you to take over the project. For that, you will take my power," Master grinned. Tomura Shigaraki trilled. An old form of respect and agreement.

"Will I have access to all the females I desire for my grubs?" Tomura asked, scratching at his ruff. Taking the Master's power was always a thing. At a time, it would have tempted him. That is why he left. He foolishly wanted to prove he had the might to handle Master's power, growing angrier by the second that it was not given to him. His rage went out of control and destroyed the facility. He would come back after he gained more power and control. Only it never happened. The closer he had grown to your Aunt, the less he cared about Master's power and the more he let his instincts take over.  

"Naturally. You can create any breeding program you like when you are in charge," Master encouraged.

"I need Eerie. The child is mine. My scent. I want the females to get used to the nest. She will be a good mate for my son," He insisted, with sharp anxious clicks of his teeth.

"Oh, Tomura. I welcome the practice of grooming subjects young. However, we already agreed that Eerie is patient zero. She is your false child. Your DNA in her was manufactured. Her compatibility must be tested before we can give her to your offspring," Master beamed as if teaching a new lesson. Tomura became more agitated.

"My nature does not recognize a false child. My nature senses my child with my scent. It screams my female. Eri's child is mine. We should at least create visit. Get little female used to Mothmen and our ways. Master, do we not agree that legacy is power? Is power, not all that matters?" He asked. Master steepled his fingers.

"I think we can arrange a weekly visit," Master said casually.

"Quit marking in the habitat," Dr. Ujiko huffed.

"Mate is pregnant. If a nest was made for her lower, there would be fewer accidents," Tomura growled.

"We talked about knotting. If you didn't put so much pressure on her bladder, she would have more control," Dr. Ujiko barked.

"Asking not to breathe," Tomura Mumbled.

"If you want healthy grubs, sanitation is key," Ujiko lectured. Tomura Shigaraki. A name that he will accept as his own because he does love Master in his own way, but he is tired of the little mind games. He prefers you. His stupid sweet Mommy never played games like this. He agreed mentally to get back to you quicker, cleansing himself of the dirty deals his Master desperately made, only to be stopped in the hallway by a vaping Tanaka.

"Ujiko won't let me smoke around the equipment. I know I am vaping more but li-Whoa, hello, what are we doing?" Tanaka asked as he sniffed her more deeply. His feelers tickled over her face as he dangerously gripped her too tight and snuffled at her chest. Tanaka stood there stiffly.

"You are sniffing at the wrong tits, kid. Even if I had some kind of interest in whatever this is. There are no tits, just scars, and despair," Tanaka said with strained composure. He narrowed his eyes and released her.

"The sickness is less. Father smells like me. Smell is weaker than child. More you smoke, less I smell sickness," he chittered, confused. Tanaka's mouth fell open before it snapped shut. The vape back at her lips.

"You are saying I have a cancer quirk. That makes sense. I do feel better after I vape. I was around the kid the most other than Overhaul. I can easily test it. I do not like this quirk. We need Overhaul's research to reverse. Cancer quirk. The most fucked up part is I wonder what it says about me? I wonder if I'm dying quicker?" Tanaka started to hyperventilate as she slumped to the floor. Shigaraki was not used to seeing Father doubt herself. Even when Tanaka was afraid, she took action. Shigaraki shifts on all fours to drop to her level. On impulse, he nudged his large head under her limp hand. He trills while she pets him absently, inhaling deeply of the poisonous vapor.

"Not going quickly. We will heal," Shiggy reassured.

"We have to secure Erie at all costs. She is the vector. With her maybe, m-m-m-maybe-" Tanaka was sputtering. This gave him a moment while her brain seemed to process the error. An epiphany. He reached out and caressed her with his feeler, bringing her eyes to him.

"You take the child. Take the child and run far. Do not worry about us. I will take care of Mommy. Mommy is my risibility. How else will I be the Father?" Shiggy chuckled.

"What the hell are you saying?" She asked his retreating form. In the dark hall, she could understand how he could strike fear in those unfamiliar to him. Insects are terrifying. 

His eyes glowed ominously as he rasped over his shoulder, "You are no longer Father. Take child and run." He slipped into the darkness, leaving her there sucking on her vape.

He crawled into bed with you, wrapping his limbs and wings around you in warmth and comfort.

"Mommy?" he asks with a low, breathy hitch.

"Yes?" you questioned back, half asleep.

"Do you trust me?" He asked. You didn't have to think about it in your exhaustion.

"You scare me sometimes. Fear is never a hundred percent trust. Sometimes I don't trust you to make the safe decision. Sometimes I don't trust you to respect me. I flat out don't trust you, other people, and especially not men," You snapped at him. He growls and tries to move away. You tsk him and pull him closer. He doesn't resist as you continue, "I can trust you to be brutal and heartwarming. I can trust you to have my back. I can trust you will not hurt me like your family because I can trust your word. You forget I'm new to the relationship stuff. I am very sorry about my reaction to the news about your family. You deserved more trust and understanding. I am sorry for how I reacted. Come on, baby. Let's sleep. I'm tired."

Mommy gives him too much to chew on, he thinks. It gnawed at his mind. He snuggled in close and planned. If he had known what he knows now, he would have started sooner with you. 

Two days later, Tanaka's hands are shaking. She can't focus on her microscope. She did not want to ask Ujiko for his help, but it was just them, and she was feeling weaker.

"Ujiko, can you take a look at this?" She asked. Ujiko glimpsed into the microscope.

"Cancer cells. Are they yours?" He asked, eyeing her. She rubbed her eyes, trying not to cry, and reached into her coat for her vape.

"Not in here," Ujiko gruffed.

"Come on, man? I've had a rough week," She opened her eyes to see ancient yen shoved in her face.

"Go to that disgusting machine with the old expired vending snacks. Get some air. I'll have the Nomu take you," Ujiko said. Tanaka took the money.

"Thanks, man. Do you want anything?"

"God, no. Those snacks are older than me."

The best part about the old vending machine was that it had a broken lock case that perfectly fit a cell phone. Casually reaching her hand up to lean on the machine. To the cameras, it looked like she was deciding what she wanted. The Nomu are experiments, and these low-end ones carry out menial tasks. The one helping her has no way to snitch on her. Turning on the phone near the number pad, what popped on her screen made her heart stop and drop into her gut. She quickly pockets the phone, pulls out the money, and the machine eats the cash. She vaped, instantly feeling better. Wondering what did cancer quirk say about her? Munching on the powdery shrimp chips, she returns to the lab without Nomu's help.

"Feeling better?" Ujiko asked with a slight lilt of concern. Prepping a tray to draw Tanaka's blood. She sits down causally and holds out her arm and the bag of chips for him. She slid her hand into her pocket and pressed a button on the phone.

"Yeah, wants some. Not too bad," Tanaka offered him some chips.

"God no," he said, prepping her arm. Ignoring the needle's sting, she tipped the bag to her mouth, "I have been thinking it would be a waste to lose that mind. I can turn you into a Nomu and preserve that brain."

Dr. Ujiko practically vibrated with excitement at the offer. Tanaka knew animals best, and Ujiko was another animal. A complex one, but Ujiko was an animal nonetheless. She looked at the nasty creature he loved the most. He loved Tanaka in his own way.

"Uh….no thanks. I rather not be a reanimated corpse," she stated in her monotone. Ujiko's face twisted in hurt for a moment. She could see he debated arguing, but what would be the point. Once she is dead, he will take her body anyway. Tanaka could see it dance on his features, settling into an evil grin. She thinks of you and how you used sex to get what you want from Shigaraki. She was not good at manipulation, but now is not the time to be a coward, "How is Erie doing? I haven't seen her in a while."

"She is fine. Nomu and Maser are taking the best care of her. I don't understand why everyone is so worried about the brat. They are easy to keep alive," He snarked, examining her blood.

"Who else is concerned for her?" She asked as nonchalantly as possible.

"Tomura has it in his head that Erie is his property because she smells like him," Ujiko gripped.

"Doctor, I find that fascinating. My last five books were on the social structure of animals. I would like to observe Tomura's interaction with what is essentially a coco bird. She is a baby placed in his nest, and he is caring for it. Can I take Erie to see him? I think she will be more relaxed around me, and I can take notes," Tanaka discussed. She watched Ujiko consider it. Tanaka was inspired enough to throw the pity cherry on top of the gooey word sundae she made.

"Can I take her now? Who knows how long I have?" She asked, with the saddest sickly look she could manage. Ujiko chewed his mustache.

"I really enjoyed your book on feral dogs of the underground train. Why not. Life is short," He said. Tanaka hops up to make a beeline for Erie.

"You are going to do it now?" He shouted after her.

"You said, why not? Life is short! Earth is beautiful tonight with popcorn!" She shouted back to him. Let him believe there is a later, she thought, huffing down the hall. Snatching the kid and running to the habitat you stay in, the girl squirms in her arms as she pants and squeezes her tighter.

Shigaraki heard the buzz of the door. It was too early. Groaning when you clung to him, refusing to let him go.

"Ignore it," you whined.

"Could be food," he graveled in his sleepy state. You immediately released and shoved him.

"Go check," you mumble, rolling over. He should be annoyed with you. He knows he can't complain. He wanted it this way. You are entirely dependent on him and treat him like a big boy. Dropping to the ground without having to carry you was lovely. But when he wanted to sleep, he regretted bringing you here. Not that he had a choice. Pregnant and injured, Father demanded, insisting he had no choice. He was shocked to see Father in front of him, briefly wondering if he was dreaming. What are the odds of thinking of someone and having them standing before you?

"We have to go now. The Chisaki gathered themselves quicker than expected. They are on their way here. The cops are hot on their heels. We need to go now. I have the data," Father wheezes. She is carrying the whimpering child, suddenly scared when she hears Chisaki. Something in him made him reach out and brush the hair from her horn.

"Father will keep safe," He trilled. The little girl looked at him with large desperate eyes. He pushed his ex-father back from the door. Father looked taken aback by the action. He points to the camera, "What are you doing here? Go! Waste time telling me. The eye is always watching."

"I am not cancer. A family looks out for each other. I thought I had at least taught you that!" Tanaka burst at him. Before he can answer, the earth trembles. Shit! Why can't one thing go the way it should? This is two days early! He screams mentally. The back rooms are a quick escape, but at this point, they will empty right into a battlefield or trap, "If you run now, you still might make it!"

Shiggy shoved her harder and slammed the door racing to you. There's a good chance no one knows. A tremor in Japan was nothing new. He had to think. How was he going to get you out? He could decay a door. But that would weaken this part of the facility and warn Master. He didn't hold animosity towards Master. He simply cared more about what he made for himself without Master. He shakes you awake, shoving a jug of water in your face.

"Drink!" He snarled.

"Whaaa? No. I'm not thirsty. It's too early for this. Let me sleep," you whined, rolling over.

"Doctor say need more water. Drink," he ordered. When you ignored him, his eyes narrowed, and he drank the entire jug. He knows one thing you have been having a hard time resisting. He leans close, his rough lips brushing against your earlobe. Pressing to your back as you lay on your side away from him.

"Want to do other things?" He asked suggestively.

You felt a thrill of anticipation as look you're your shoulder and watched him, his eyes dark with desire. His hands moved up your legs, caressing your skin as he went, his claws tickling. You shivered in pleasure, breath coming in short gasps. He paused at your hips, a knee forcing your legs to part, his fingers tracing your navel before going and circling around your clit. A warmth spreads through your body, closing your eyes, savoring the sensation. Gasping in hitches as he touched more sensitive spots, his wicked claws grazing your dripping hole. His fingers teased and tantalized you, sending waves of pleasure through your body. He moved closer to you, pressing hard against your ass. You could feel his hardness against your thighs and moaned in anticipation.

"I thought we couldn't anymore because we make a mess," you say. Shiggy pulled his hand away, and you instantly felt regret and loss. I should have kept my mouth shut, you thought. His thumb hooked into your panties.

"We can work around that. Other holes can be fucked," Shigaraki rasped next to your ear. You felt a thrill of excitement when he lathed his velvety tongue up your neck. He spits on his hand, stroking and wetting it before pressing it against your puckering hole.

"Whaa?" you asked in surprise as he entered you. He moved slowly at first, stretching your asshole, his thrusts gentle and teasing. He spits another wade of saliva between you. You squeal in shock. His dick is huge. It stings. Not working up to this kind of stretch is evil. You growl at him as tears prickle your eyes.

"This different. Sucking me in. Gripping the base. Still warm and wet. I am going to cum soon," he groaned. His movements became more urgent, and you felt yourself being taken over by the intensity of the moment instead of the sting. He moved faster and faster, pushing you to the brink of pleasure with each thrust, like the waves on a beach. Your body is trembling with pleasure as he drives into you again and again. Oh god, you are drooling as tingles follow each deep painful stroke.

"Oh god, stop that. I'm about to cum. It hurts," you whimpered, clawing at the nest. Finally, with one final thrust, you both reached climax together. A wave of pleasure crashes over your body. Shiggy had the decency not to knot, but you still ached with bliss and a tinge of disappointment, wanting to be stretched and filled with that knot. His war heat spreads and fills inside as you both lay there panting in exhaustion. He didn't pull out. You are about to roll over and kiss him when he wraps both arms around you and presses you hard up against his knot.  

"You are having that water one way or another," Shiggy hissed. Before processing what he said, you feel a torrent of hot liquid invade your intestines. N the crest of your first orgasm, you had another wash over you as Shiggy filled you to the brim.

"Son of a bitch! Bad boy! Very bad boy! Do not piss in me! Oh god," You screamed, gasping from the second orgasm. It oddly felt good until it hit your gut. It roiled, and you could hear Ujiko screaming over the speakers as Shiggy lifted you and rushed you to the front entrance.

"Open it unless you want her to make a mess," he snarled to the camera. The doors instantly parted, and Shigaraki rushed you to the bathroom. But not to the nearby bathroom. You don't know how long to hold it, so this was a horrible surprise. He was moving so fast the wind was whipping your hair.

"Where are we going? What's happening?" you panic with a high pitch squeal when he roughly sets you down on a dingy toilet on the far side of the facility.

"Mommy, safe here. My ally Spinner takes to shelter. Do not leave this spot. I was here when built. Is safe. Stay!" He growled. Stalking away to the lab when a tremor turned into a ground-shaking explosion. Ujiko came over the speakers in a panic.

"The cops and the Yakuza clashed. They are coming for Master. Where is the vector?" Shiggy could hear him huffing and panting to release nomu.

"I know. I signaled my people. I killed child and female doctor. Hid, my mate. I am coming to destroy the lab. Less evidence," Shigaraki growls. Speeding his way to the lab. He had to erase any trace of you, his grubs, Father, and himself. In the chaos, you will slip away. He will eliminate as much of their presence as possible.

"No, not that mind," Ujiko breathed.

"You have less than a minute, then I destroy," He grinned.

After you had emptied your bowels in what you hope you will never remember. You hid in the corner. Jolting in terror every time dust fell from the ceiling and the ground quaked. The woman crouched in the bathroom corner, your heart pounding in your chest. Hearing the faint sounds of shouting and crashing trickling in from outside the door. You didn't know what was happening but knew it was dangerous. Hugging your knees to her chest, trying to make yourself as small as possible. Terrified, stay quiet and still when a whimper escapes you from the most brutal shake. Forcing yourself not to cough from the dust in the air. If you made any noise, whoever was out there might find you. Your baby kicked, and your mind flooded with bright red rage.

How fucking dare everyone. How dare your Aunt for dumping her crimes on you. Making you an accomplice. Your Aunt knew more than you, yet you still found out he was….was…Oh my god, you thought. No wonder they don't trust you with anything. They think you're a moron. It just occurred to you that your Aunt didn't commit a crime. There was no one safe your Aunt could have given Shigaraki to. Ok, your Aunt is a Saint, but how dare Dr. Tanaka and Shigaraki think your too stupid to tell you what the fuck is going on? You were in a coma after being tortured. They could have told you there would be a fight, and it would be ok. This felt like they are winging it. Where was Tanaka? You would love some of those drugs about now.  

You crave to be anywhere but here. You felt it. A river of thoughts riptides your body, pulling you away into the darkness of voices. There was a horrid monster shrieking with many voices. You learned to cup your hands over your ears and let the flow carry you. You can search better by keeping the flood of foreign thoughts out of your head. You see the torrent of thoughts and a giant shape fighting that green boy rookie. Shigaraki is arguing when you hear it. A sad whisper that you could feel more than hear. You swim towards it to see Tanaka doing a shit job of comforting the child as Tanaka is gasping on the ground.

"I'm sorry, kid. I wanted to find your new Mommy. Family doesn't leave family behind. If I wasn't so weak and we had just left. We might have made it in time. I have no idea where she is," Tanaka wheezed.

"You're not my mommy?" Erie asked with a sniffle.

"Trust me, kid. You don't want me as a mommy. Your new Mommy is beautiful inside and out. Your new Daddy, well. You will have a good mommy," Tanaka said drolly.

"I'm in the bathroom, not that far!" You screamed. Tanaka wrinkles her brow and looks toward where you are, "Oh my god! I can do this! That way!"

Tanaka grabs the little girl's hand and starts running with her. The ground shakes, and you toss into a wall. Your body slams in real life, Slamming back to your body. You squeaked at the horrible jolt of pain in every joint. Your craving for the warm hug of Kronos drugs makes your joints ache worse. Is this part of it? One of the things Tanaka jabbered about this. All quirks have a negative effect or weakness. No power comes without a cost. All your joints scream in throbbing pain that matches your heartbeat. Your skin itches and crawls. Your track marks feel too hot. How dare they turn you into a junkie. Bracing against the wall, you use it to reach the toilet, where you hopefully peed for the last damn time. Staggering to the door on wobbly knees, you pull it open with a swirl of dust and shout for Tanaka. Her hand comes out of the shadows and falling ceiling to clasp over your mouth.

"Shhhh! I'm here. Take the kid," She gasped. You pull the little girl to you and run to the most reinforced corner. Locking the door, Tanaka collapses next to you and huddles, her lab coat over all of you.

"Hi, sweetie. We are going to leave here. We are going to leave here and live an average life," You soothed the girl, "What's your name? I'm." She cut you off with the most pitiful expression you have ever seen.

"Are you my new mommy?" She asked with a wobble in her voice. You would have run for the hills if it had been a year ago. Terrified and wondering if you are cut out for this job. But the moment you saw her in Tanaka's arms in that hellhole. A strange swelling of your heart made it hard to breathe. You wanted to protect her. You knew she was yours. It was almost the same feeling as Shigaraki. You held her close. She jumped in surprise when she felt Shin kick her. For a brief moment, you saw the look of wonder. She didn't look like she would go comatose in fear. You understand completely. That look is a deeper reflection of your own.

"Yes, baby. I'm your new Mommy. I was at the compound too. We will take care of each other. What's your name?"

"Eri," she sniffled. Staring at your stomach, trembling in your arms

"Eri. What a pretty name. Do you want to listen to the baby? I'm told he makes cute sounds, and I can promise you'll feel him kick," You encouraged Eri. She was hesitant initially, but then Eri melted against your stomach to the light vibrations. You covered her ear because you didn't want her to hear what you had to say.

"What the hell is going on, Tanaka?" You hiss at her.

"Well. Looks like we're going to die. Just wanted to say I loved you. I know I can't do anything about it. Even if we lived, I couldn't do anything about it. Platonic love," Tanaka mumbled in her monotoned way. Something broke in you. You snapped and saw bright red.

"Oh wow. That does not answer my question. That's ok. I know you think I'm dumb. Clearly, you think I'm dumb. Well, I want you to know I am not dumb. I was on track to be CEO of a multimillion-dollar corporation because I am amazing at flow charts. If we had ever discussed the projection numbers of sugar cane transport, I would have shined. I love you too, Dr. High and Mighty," you growled. Tanaka's brow furrows in confusion, and a chuckle escapes her.

"I'm sorry. The Dr. High and Mighty was very cute. I was not expecting that reaction at all. Makes me wish I had my recorder," She said seriously. You gently pull Eri from you. Standing, you walk over to the paper towel dispenser and shove paper down your pants, "Can we discuss what you're doing?"

"Nope. You never bother to tell me anything. I'm getting us out of here," you tell her. Panting, you work yourself up into a need for escape and fear. A sour taste floods your mouth. Eri whimpers in terror, "I'm going to direct people away from us. When I do this, sometimes, I pee myself. I have no idea what I look like when this happens, but don't be scared. I think I did it for weeks and turned out fine."

"What?" Tanka asked. It was the last thing you heard as you clutched at them and used your quirk.

Shigaraki felt you before he heard you. His face was covered in sweat and dirt, slumped over a lab bench. He is wearing a tattered lab coat stained with blood and grime. His hands shook as he concentrated and touched the ground towards the pests entering the lab. That rabbit bitch killed half the Nomu and stole the doctor. He didn't recognize her from the forest or Yazuka, so the doctor was safe. He will be locked up for a few years at most, Shigaraki guessed. The damage to his arm cracked his skin. Blood dripped from his rough hands. His eyes are sunken, and his skin is pale as if he has not slept in days. Just when his wings healed, they were ragged and torn again. Master was fighting his own fight with the cops. He can already smell his defeat.

Shigaraki looks up at the remains of the ceiling, his expression one of exhaustion and destructive elation. Taking a deep breath, he slowly stands up, his body trembling from the effort. He takes a few steps forward and collapses onto the floor, his body too weak to continue. A shout in the distance he could not understand, a tug and prickle at the back of his neck forcing him to turn in another direction. He lays there for a few moments before slowly getting back up and continuing his work. Mommy is right. Mommy is always right. To protect the nest, he needs to be sure Kai is out of the way. Mommy left. He could no longer feel you as he headed toward Kai. That plain green rookie brat was struggling. He wasn't going to be able to bring him down alone.

The man had morphed into an absolute monster. The damn kid was jumping around uncontrollably. Without precise strikes, the dumb kid will die, making bringing down Kai more challenging. The green brat is strong but lacks real skill. Shigaraki hates the sun. He is practically blind in it. But it's predictable where the child will reach his leap's peak. Like a lightning strike, he builds up speed until he is a blur. The wind whipped his hair, stinging his already burning eyes and face. Using his antennae to scent and guide his trajectory. Shigaraki's stomach provides a base to jump from, and the kid's shoes tear at his flesh as Deku flings him back from Kia's swing.

Kia was directly hit. Shigaraki reached out and clung to the massive hand. His claws digging in had no effect. He could still feel the fight in him. The dumb kid was falling again. They needed to end this before the cops decided to go after him next. He lets loose and decays the arm. In an awe-inspiring sight, he spreads his wings wide and dives down from the sky in swirls of dust. His wings create a powerful gust of wind as he plummets toward the ground. Catching the boy who had broken his arm. As they get closer to the ground, his wings spread again to pull them up sharply, creating a powerful lift that propels them back into the sky.

"Who are you?" The kid asked. Screaming over the rush of wind.

"No one. You never saw me. Put the monster down," Shigaraki gaveled to the boy. The boy shuts his gaping mouth and gives him a determined look of a warrior.

"Got it. Drop me from above!" Deku shouted. This child has a blood lust in him that Shigaraki doesn't want to smell near his nest. They circle around, gaining more altitude. He can feel the child's labored breath as the air thinned before he dives again, rolling to the side as Kai heals his arm and sends it swinging at them. It's a thrilling experience to watch and a testament to the strength of human flight. Duke used him as a springboard. This time he went all out and beat Kai down. Their broken bodies lay beside each other. The others are still busy. He lands and looks toward where his Master is. Losing the fight. Master might have learned to use people but never learned how to work with them. That is his downfall, Shigaraki thinks as he searches for the smell on Kai. It smells like Eri, and he will flat-out kill this bastard if he touches his grub. Instead, it came from a tin with blue and red injectors. No better time than the present to test them. He injected Kai with the red one. His mass disappeared as Kai went back to his original form with three men appearing beside him. Kai is barely conscious when he injects him with the blue one. Nothing seemed to happen.

"I think I understand. Red erases quirks, and blue activates them. How useful. I will keep it. I hated your arrogance the most. Your quirk will be a waste to lose. I will leave it. Maybe one day I can take Master's power and make it my own," He graveled when he ripped off Kai's arms and turned them into dust. Kai whimpered, but there wasn't much he could do. He looked at the boy staring back at him with burning anger, his body a broken mess as he panted and heaved. Perhaps the green kid just realized who created all this destruction. Murdering many of his friends and his own people. He is the king of this forest. Maybe it would be better to kill the brat now.

"I never saw you," Deku said suddenly. Shigaraki smirked darkly.

"That is good. Be well. The next time I see. I will kill you," Shigaraki rasped. Turning to find you, he doesn't sense you in the forest. If one thing goes right, that means you are heading toward home. Shigaraki makes a beeline for the darkest deeper part of the woods. He needed a bit of a rest. He should feel something betraying most of the denizens of the former facility, but he doesn't. He latches onto a tree, blending with the shadows and the bark. When he closes his eyes, he hears a sigh of relief that is not his own. He needs just a moment to rest his eyes and his tattered wings.

"He's ok!" You gasped, awake in a new location. The rush of pain is like electricity sizzling your nerve endings. You had astral projected and subtly directed the war in your favor. Making sure Spinner found you and then took you to La Brava and Gentle when Tanaka told you who to locate.

"About damn time. You're in full-blown labor! Push!" Tanaka shouted.

"Whaa?" You questioned, realizing you were in your Aunt's living room. La Brava and Gentle running around. Tanaka looks pale and thin as her hands are in a place you did not think they would ever be.

"I said to push, for fucks sake. If I was ever horny, this killed it. So push. Don't let my sacrifice be in vain.

"We need Shiggy here!" You shout, bolting upright, while a scaled hand pushes you back down. The lizard man blushes and looks away when your eyes land on him.

"I'm Spinner. He would want his mate and grub to be alive and healthy so I will take care of you," He sputtered.

"Please stay here, Mommy. Your quirk hurts you," the little voice of Eri drifted through the pain. You took a deep breath and pushed. It went on like this until you were cussing and cursing Shiggy. May he die for doing this to you. The searing pain radiating from your center. You grit your scream. Feeling like you are being split in two. Pulling out a screeching squirming mass. Drained of all your energy, you slumped against the bed. A bed that is completely ruined, and you will burn it.

"Holy shit! We! Did! It! Blanket. Tie. We have to cut the umbilical cord," Tanaka laughed. A pale figure steps into the room and bites the cord. Tanaka swaddles the baby after checking his airway and wiping him off.

"Here you go, proud daddy," She says, handing Shin over to Shigaraki. He nuzzled the wriggling bundle that hissed at him viciously. Shigaraki smirks at his grub.

"I like title. Daddy. We keep title, elder Tanaka," he growled.

"You made it," you panted in relief. Shigaraki holds you and your grub with a sweet Trill. Quickly passing out. He used the rest of his energy to get here. He trusted these people would watch over him and his kin.

"Our Mommy. I love you," he purred.

"Both of you look like shit," Tanaka said bluntly as her eyes darted between you.

"I am never giving birth," La Brava whispers to Gentle.

Two years later…

"Mine!" Shin screeched repeatedly. Shin knew three words, and he screamed them all day. Waking up from your conversation with La Brava, there was the usual pain and the elation of good news, getting ruined as the screeching reached higher pitches.

 "We can share, little brother," Eri says. You sit up in bed, about to shout how sharing is caring when you hear Shigaraki.

"Yes. It is important to care for your future mate, little Mommy," He rasped. You already feel the throbbing of a migraine.

"Shiggy!" You scream. Stomping into the living room. Groaning when your swollen feet howled at you to stop that. Panting in utter rage, you stand in front of him. He stared up and ate a cookie, "Family meeting!"

"Holy fuck. What did you do now?" Tanaka growled, putting on a nicotine patch. Shigaraki shrugged, giving Eri another cookie while Shin was distracted. He sniffed Tanaka and trilled she needed to add another patch. Dabi, Toga, and Spinner trickled in. These guys! You fed them once, and they never left. They did help La Brava and you, but still. You don't know why they are here, and you don't care. You get very cranky after projecting. 

"First off. Shiggy, we discussed this. Telling Eri that Shin is her mate is grooming. I will not stand for it. No brainwashing. Eri, honey, you can grow up and be with whoever you want. Your Daddy has lost his damn mind. Clearly, he never wants big boy time ever again," You barked at him.

"What's big boy time?" Eri asked.

"It's fucking," Tanaka says before you can answer. You're mouth drops open as the other three giggled. Shin is babbling and drooling on a cookie. 

"What's fucking?" Eri asked.

"It's when-" Tanaka started.

"Tanaka!"

"What? You said you didn't want her brainwashed. I'm giving her straight facts. Subject B is easily flustered with adult topics," Tanaka stated into her recorder to a chorus of laughter. This bitch, you think. The worst part is you know she is actually serious and will write this down in some fucked up paper or book.

"The three of us will do it together. Later. Not right now," You hissed at Tanaka. You rub your temples and plaster on a smile, "I have good news I want to share."

"You're pregnant," Shigaraki said.

"I am not!" You spat at him. But when your eyes connect with him, you see he is not lying.

"Ummmm… how? Haven't you been taking your monthly pill?" Tanaka asked you.

"Bad candy? I ate and replaced with better candy," Shigaraki says while bouncing Shin on his knee.

"We're having a baby!" Toga squealed.

"I'm not giving up my room," Dabi mumbled. You feel like you are going insane.

"Secondly. With over seventy percent of the human population and thirty percent of other mammals showing signs of quirks. Having a quirk is no longer illegal. You guys can wander freely, and our kids don't have to marry each other. No grooming necessary. We can even send Eri to public school with other kids her age. Eri, you can grow up and be whoever you want!" You delivered impatiently. There was a commotion as everyone talked at once.

"Even a criminal?" Dabi asked. The room falls silent to this. Your mind is now settling. You're pregnant and not about to live in hiding anymore. Why is Dabi shitting on this moment? You look to see if Shigaraki would intervene. He gives you the same cold stare.

"I will support my kid in whatever they want to do," you grit out.

"Ok then," Dabi said cheerfully. You were even swept up at the moment. Eri smiled and asked questions enthusiastically. You hugged Tanaka for the first time in two years. She had become paranoid that her quirk might hurt us.

"Tanaka. You can see real professionals and peers. You can be saved," you whispered to her. A strange look crossed her face as she twirled a tin in her robe.

"I can do long-distance research. I don't need to leave that often. The day-to-day stuff can be done in a lab here or over the internet. I can teach the grubs and be by your side forever," Tanaka grins sadly.

The only one who was not interested in the good news was Shigaraki, who gathered up Shin and took him to the nest to nap. He talked to his son in his hissing chittering language, staring at him with the same bright red eyes as Shin drank in his wisdom. It was unusual for one so young to have red eyes at birth. It was another worry.

"Females are fickle. Females are power. In the past, it could only be one male in the female's lives. I learned that you do not have to be the only male. The male that holds their attention is the one that ends up with all the power. Make Eri only look at you. Normally I would encourage you to imprint on your sister. But your mother will not stand for it. Focus on Eri," Shigaraki rasped. Tanaka stood in the doorway. 

"Ewy mine," Shin yawned and chirped. His antenna flicks as he curls into Shigaraki's ruff.

"Yes, good boy. Eventually, she will take pity on you and start to love you little by little. Then she will belong to you. The females of this world are soft-hearted and do not understand our nature. They do not understand how our love destroys. We love so much that we kill and destroy to keep our claws dug in. Strangely, our hunger for love makes us want to devour our mate completely. I will suckle at your mother's love until she dies. Even then, she can't escape me. I will follow her," Shigaraki grinned.

"You want Master's power still?" She asked, twirling the tin in her pocket.

He lays Shin down in his nest. When Shigaraki first saw him, he had to stop his instincts from wanting to lay down all five fingers. You wanted to see and hold Shin before him. It drove him insane. He is better than his Father. You do not understand how far he would go for you. You don't know how far an imprint drives the men in his family. He was only allowed to live because Master wanted it and offered his Father compensation with more females. But his Father hated the attention he received from the females. He often beat him for it.

"Yes. We will need it. I am the king of forest. I need to stay king. War is coming. Where is Mommy?" He asked. 

"She's talking to Eri about school supplies and clothes," She answered. Tanaka smelled nervous when she stepped forward. Lowering her voice and showing him the tin he took from Kai," We have these as a contingency. We don't need Eri." Shigaraki smiled drily at Elder.

"Do you want me to kill Shin? I will not let Mommy go. Do you want Mommy to be sad?" He asked. Tanaka paled and nodded. 

"We'll call Eri's ability plan B," She mumbled as she left. Tanaka will not get in his way. She understands. Shin will imprint on Eri instead of you. That will keep Shin alive. If Shin imprinted on you or your new daughter, he would kill Shin in a heartbeat. He reaches into the nest, brushing his son's pudgy cheek with the back of two fingers, and feels something. Not strong as he has for you. It weakly pulses in him. He hopes it will grow stronger.

"Shiggy?"

He turns to see your sweet face twisted in concern for him, and his heart beats faster, his pulse rushing straight to his cheeks and cock. You reach, come over and wrap yourself around him. He twists around your little finger. You tug him back to the nest you now share, pulling him on top of you where he melts.

"What's wrong, baby?" Your doe eyes burning into his soul. He sighs, seeking comfort in your warm embrace before he answers.

"Nothing changes. Do not know about before. Was war. Master has shown me. It will be brutal. There will be blood and dust. War is always the same. New quirk war. Not safe for family. Still must hide," Shigaraki whispered.

"If you are worried about Eri going to school, I already have La Brava creating all of us fake IDs," you say. Snuggling his chest, planting little kisses.

"I no leave. Only new babies will have heteromorph traits. I stay. Mommy and grubs need to stay with me. Stay safe. Eri needs to stay safe. We keep here. Have the Elder teach," He rasped. You bite your lip in worry.

"Eri is a little girl with a lot of trauma. I will not leave you. Eri and the grubs will not go to school unless it's safe. But I feel we should enroll her for the sake of Eri's mental health. The moment we hear about war, we pull her out," you tried to reason with him. Shigaraki growls and you become flustered. In the years you've spent together, he has stopped being a sweet little boy and turned into an aggressive man. That intense, serious gaze makes you wet and flustered.

"Horn. She will be tested. Discovered." He parts your lips and dips his long tongue in your flavor. Becoming more aroused by your whimpers. You try to pull away from him, but he is not ready to continue this frustrating conversation. But somehow, you escaped him.

"Then let's hire her professional kid psychiatrist. Someone Tanaka chooses. Doctors are not allowed to share anything. Please?" You beg him sweetly. Your hand grips his thick hot cock, stroking him, slicking him with his own precum. It wasn't long before you were swept up in the heat of the moment. He knows your body so well. It's not long before you squirt on him, nails digging into his bunching muscles.

"Yes, Mommy. Yes, Mommy. We'll do what Mommy wants," Shigaraki panted. Sucking at your chest. He will never let you dry out. He sucks your milk down his throat while he fills you with his knot and cum.

"I'm so happy. Thank you. I love you. You are my good boy," You purr to him. He rubs clit with his thumb. Eyes hooded with reverence.

"This one will be a little girl. Let's name her Tsuyu. We made her during the plum rains," he rasped.

"That's perfect. I love you, my sweet Daddy."

He shudders. He loves how obedient you became with the new title. He wonders if he should have 'groomed' you sooner, and none of this would have happened. Your Aunt wouldn't let him, though. He got milk, whiskey, and rabbits if he swore to leave you alone. You are so silly. Never questioning why. Why didn't he kill you for being in his territory? Why were claw marks around your guest bedroom deeper and older than the others? Why were there no pictures of you in the house? Why did your Aunt stop inviting you over when your breasts started showing? Because he wanted you, and Aunt tried to curb his instincts while keeping you safe from him. He saw you first. Sneaking onto the farm to poach livestock. A beautiful female close to his age. Your Aunt caught him because he was stalking you in the shadows, lurking for days to capture you, his nest built for two. Had you come closer to the edge of the forest? Oh, what he would have done to your body would have been a crime. He left you alone because your Aunt convinced him to let you grow. She was right. Your Mommy training was needed. To mature and ripen. He needed the time as well to grow with you. He will do the same for Eri and Shin. When the time is right, he will kill the mind doctor and destroy any trace of the building or anyone else threatening his family. He and Elder Tanaka have already come to an agreement. They will keep you, his sweet dumb Mommy, happy for the rest of your life.

"Daddy. I'm thirsty," you mumbled. He smiled, and with a sharp chirp, he got up to get you water.

"I love you, Mommy." You will always be his. Mommy will always need him.

[Writers notes! I hope you were entertained. If you like it I wouldn't mind the love. Here it the first part of the Mommy series.]

[manchurian-barnes]

Coffee Shop Blues and Reds Part Two (Peter Parker x F! Reader)

Post NWH - Collage Peter!

Busy nights filled with college course work, leads to late nights in a crappy coffee shop, the only perk? Friendly neighbourhood company.

To keep updated heres the Series Masterlist and for my other works, you can find My Masterlist Here!

“So really what you’re telling me is that your boss is just an irredeemable asshole?” You laughed slightly as you leaned back in the familiar wooden chair of the coffee shop. Since that first night, you’d met up with Peter every couple of days, and texted frequently between it all. The guy was a total dork, he was awkward, he made stupid science jokes and he was one of the nicest guys you had ever spoken to. The two of you were also frequently so busy that these late-night meetings were the only times you both were truly free. Peter helped at homeless shelters and apparently was constantly trying to chase Spider-Man, trying to get clear photos of the hero. He laughed and brushed his hair back as he looked to you, his shoulders pulled up into a shrug and he sighed a bit, “I guess that’s exactly what I’m saying. He’s…He’s a…divisive character.”

Shaking your head you leaned forwards on the table a bit more, head tilting to the right, “You waste your photographic talents for that man.” You didn’t notice the way Peter had started to truly look at you, he felt so much… warmth around you. “We talk too much about me-“ He deflected, “You hardly talk about your job.”. He watched as you sucked in a breath, lips pulling tightly to a lopsided frown, “There’s not much to talk about Pete-“ “Come on.” “I work in a shitty diner, barely make enough to get by, and the rest of my time I’m taking a writing course- “

His eyes seemed to light up when you focused on yourself instead of him. “You’re a writer?” “I would like to be a journalist.” You sheepishly admitted to him. A small smirk dawned on his face; he bit his lip as he watched you shy away. “You know, I could help-“ He started to speak and he just stopped, “I won’t write slander about my hero.” You told him, oddly it was his face that went a bit red at that. You figured it was embarrassment about working for J Jonah Jameson. “Your hero-“ he uttered under his breath, he liked that, he wanted to be that, he already was… Peter sat more to attention as a shiver ran down his spine. “I have to go.“ he let out, and he stood, heading for the door. Weirdly cop cars went past and you let out a slight laugh, “You better go keep up, Spidey might be there, Mr. Paparazzi.” You waved but honestly as he rushed out the door a part of you ached.

The thing Peter didn’t know, the main thing you didn’t tell him, is that he might just be the only person in the city you regularly spoke to. You blipped, and your mom didn’t. Five years was a long time, and a lot could happen. You came home, to find she was gone. She’d gotten sick. You were on your own, and you’d barely finished high school. Peter was maybe the one friend you had. You pulled your jacket round yourself and stood up, clearing the table. Throwing away both cups and tugging your bag around your body. Holding the strap tightly as you went out into, the cold night air. Starting to walk towards your matchbox of an apartment.

Peter swung down the side of a building, shots firing past him as he dealt with a bank robbery. He fell against the wall and looked up, the white eyes of his mask going wide “C’mon guys! Make this easier for yourself!” He called to the band of criminals. “Money isn’t everything-What are you missing in your life-“ He yelped, fighting a man backwards, firing a web and tugging another back from the vault, “Self-reflect!” He called to him. “Do you ever shut the hell up?!” an angry man yelled as he pointed the gun right at Spider-Man. “Peters hand shot upwards and he pushed the gun at the ceiling and he just webbed up the men. No nonsense as he heard police sirens pulling towards the back. “It’s the boys in blue!” He called out, “Officers!” he stepped onto the street and then swung away.

Landing in an alley not too far from the bank, he let himself feel all the pain and exhaustion, half falling against a garbage can. Letting out a sigh of pain and tiredness. “Hello?!” He heard a soft, familiar voice. Your voice. Shit. Fucking. Fuck.

The clatter of the garbage can had startled you as you walked, stalling at the end of the alley as you watched a figure fall. “Hello?!” You called as you moved forwards a little. “IM OKAY!” a voice in a panic called back, making you shake your head. You stepped closer, “are you sure?” You asked back. At which point Peter half pulled his mask on, over his eyes as he stood. “Im great!” He yelled, and he froze when he was fully confronted with you. You stepped back in fright for a second before you looked at him with wide eyes. “SPIDER-MAN?!” you screamed. He moved forwards holding a finger to his lips. “YES! Yes but please just- I’m not here-“ He told you in a hiss of a whisper. He watched as your eyebrow quirked up. His voice. Fuck. You knew his voice. “…Are you okay?” You repeated in a more gentle tone, stepping closer, making him step back. That peaked your curiosity even more. “I’m alright.” He’d dropped his voice lower, stepping back again and tripping up on the lid of the garbage can he’d knocked over. “FU-“ He yelped. You moved quickly trying to hold your hand out with enough time to stop him falling but, you’d been just too slow.

You looked at him as he lay on the ground, his mask knocked more to the side of his face and you saw him. You saw his eye. “Peter?!” You gasped out. “I can explain!” He spoke back quickly, just relenting as he pulled his mask off. Still laying in the trash. “there’s not really much to explain-“ You tried, “I’m Spider-Man-“ “yeah I noticed that-“ “I am Spider-Man and you cant tell anyone-“ “Again, that was sort of a given from the mask-“ You couldn’t really process this, and had gone into some sort of state of shock.

 “You’re being too calm about this-“ “What? That the cute guy I met at a coffee shop just happens to be a fuckin’ avenger-“ You staggered backwards from him a bit as he stood up, his arm reached for you as you swayed. “Y/n?” “Your bleeding-“ You felt sick seeing Peter, nice coffee shop guy Peter, was Spider-Man, and was bleeding from presumably dangerous crime fighting. “I-I hate blood-“ “Y/N!” Peter called out as you fell backwards, fainting from being overwhelmed. He cradled you in his arms. Looking at your face and just feeling the need, that overwhelming need to protect the one person in the city that knew him.

“I’ve got you.” He whispered.

End Of Part Two - Part Three! (Coming March 1st!)

If you enjoy the series and are curious about my other works you can find them on My Masterlist!

[mindofharry]

Stepdadrry pleaseeeee ❤️❤️❤️❤️

A small little angsty blurb of harry having to deal with a moody child for the first time! enjoy!

Being a dad is something harry has always wanted.

It’s something he’s dreamt about. So when he met you, it was like fate. You two had met at a museum, Y/N was doing the tours and harry was new to town. Harry had been looking for a home for quite a long time and finally found a good one. The only downside was it was in a small village — or maybe it was good. When Harry first moved, he realised everyone in the village knew everyone. So when Harry permanently moved in, he was the talk of the town.

It died down after a few weeks, but he felt like a proper celebrity.

After finding a job in a local café, Harry went exploring and came across Y/N’s small museum. It was nothing fancy, but it looked like the town came together and put this museum up with historical facts about the village. It was something super special, and harry was glad he got to be apart of this.

When he first saw Y/N, his heart practically burst out of his chest. Harry bit his lip and his eyes widened as she turned around from behind the desk. Her long hair was in neat braids, and she was wearing this beautiful yellow sun dress. Y/N had paint on her hands and arms and a flower tucked behind her ear. There was one word to describe Y/N and that word was; perfect.

“Are you new to town? I haven’t seen you around before” Y/N asked with a big smile, maybe because she was so excited a new person was here or because he was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen.

“Yeah, I moved here two weeks ago. You’re the first person to have an actual conversation with me” Harry said leaning against the wall. Y/N shook her head and took the flower out of her hair placing it on his harry coat pocket.

“Well, aren’t you lucky?”

And Harry was.

After asking her on a date he knew she was the one. Y/N is kind, selfless and so funny. He found is other match. On the third date, Y/N seemed nervous. Like she was itching to tell him something. Harry then started to get anxious, thinking this is it, this is the time she breaks up with me. So the night was tense, everyone felt it. When dinner was over, Harry drove you back to his and opened up a bottle of wine trying to ease the tension a little.

“I… I have to tell you something” Y/N said and put the glass of wine on the table. Harry nodded his head and took a deep breath in, preparing himself for the worst.

“I have a kid”

A kid?

Harry started to laugh.

“Baby, that’s what you were so afraid to tell me?” He giggled and Y/N nodded looking down at her feet. Harry sighed and placed his wine on the table, then lifting Y/N into his lap placing both of his hands on her cheeks.

“I do not care if you have children, Y/N. I like you and whatever comes with you. Tell me about them”

Y/N’s child is a boy, River, fours year old and a total sweetheart. He’s so smart and has the best manners. His dad is still in the picture, but he works a lot so he doesn’t get to see River as much as he’d like to. But there’s no bad blood between Y/N and River’s dad, the relationship just didn’t work out. But Y/N’s glad she’s gotten a second chance, because she’s found her soulmate. Some people aren’t ready to take on that role, and she’d never put anyone in that position unless they 110% ready for it. She knows River will absolutely love Harry.

Harry knew about River now, it was like a weight had lifted off of Y/N’s chest and she could fully relax now.

She wanted Harry to meet River as soon as possible, but she needed to wait it out a bit just in case something were to happen. She doesn’t want to introduce them and only for her and Harry to break up in a couple of weeks. It would be too confusing for everyone, so Harry and River didn’t meet until two months after Harry and Y/N made it official. Y/N had been dropping hints for those months, and River seems to like his dad’s girlfriend, so she thought now was the right time to do it.

“Hi buddy! I’m Harry” Harry introduced himself, giving River the teddy bear he picked up on the way here. Y/N smiled to herself as River hugged Harry. That surprised Harry a bit, but he quickly reciprocated the warm hug with a huge grin.

“You and mumma are together like daddy and Sandra?” River asked and Harry looked up to Y/N, she nodded.

“Yeah, we are together. Is that alright with you?”

River smiled and nodded, “Only if you watch Toy story with me.”

As time went on, River got more comfortable with Harry and vice versa. He didn’t call him dad or anything, nobody would force him to. But they do have special nicknames for each other and River once called Harry his best friend — which totally melted Y/N’s heart.

Harry is a such a great step dad. Y/N could ask for anyone better. He constantly supports Y/N and River in everything, and is just the best person to be around.

Harry and Y/N got married two years into their relationship when River turned six.

It’s been a tough year for River, since he just started school and is finding it hard to make friends. Y/N has talked to the school and they’ve said that this is very normal, and they’re going to encourage him and look after him every step of the way. Y/N has been looking for play therapists for days, but she’s still not sure on the idea.

But River has been acting out. Taking it out on Y/N and not being very nice to her. Harry hates it, he’s tried to tell him off in the nicest way possible, but he’s just not cut out for being bad cop. Usually Y/N says she can handle it, and she does.

But today was different.

After dropping River off at school Y/N and Harry decided to go out for brunch. Y/N hasn’t been herself with River in a mood, so Harry wanted to treat his wife to something nice. Something to cheer her up a little.

“Nice to see you smiling,” Harry said kissing her temple.

“Just worried about him. He’s never been like this before.”

“How about I talk to him? Tell him his behaviour is unacceptable. I hate seeing you so upset, baby.” Harry said and Y/N sighed pecking his lips.

“His dad is away on a work thing, so I guess me and you and can talk to him together? I just don’t want him to think this behaviour is ok, but I just wish his dad was here more often” Y/N stressed, Harry pulled her chair closer to his, placing both of his hands on her cheeks calming her slightly.

“We’ll talk to him after dinner. Together.”

And so dinner finally came and Harry was a little nervous, he’s not going to lie. Usually if Rivers being bold Y/N handles it, but he’s not usually like this — but they get it, going to big school is a huge change. River just needs to know his behaviour is not acceptable, but if he ever needs to talk about anything then they’ll be here.

“River, Harry and I need to talk to you.” Y/N said as River tried to disappear up to his room.

River shrugged and continued to walking.

“Buddy, your mums talking to you” Harry said placing a hand on Y/N’s hand. River pouted, but still stood in his spot. “Why don’t you come back over and sit with us?” Harry said and River shook his head. Y/N sighed placing a hand on her forehead, blinking away the tears.

“Fine, we’ll do this here then.”

“There’s something going on with you and we want to help. Your behaviour has been unacceptable the last couple of weeks. We just want to know what’s going on, ok? Mummy and Harry are here to help.”

River groaned and walked towards the table. “I don’t want to talk.” He said and Y/N nodded.

“That’s ok. You don’t have to talk to us right now. But you need to know that you can’t be cheeky with us like that anymore. It’s upsetting, River. If it keeps going on, they’ll be punishments and you don’t like them do you?” Y/N said trying to reason with him.

River was having absolutely none of this. Harry could tell. He didn’t want to get in the middle of Y/N’s parenting, but he didn’t want them to fight or end up saying something they’d regret.

“Riv, we just want to help-“

“Stop talking to me, you’re not even my real dad. You’ll be out of here in no time” River yelled, running out of the room.

It was quiet and Harry let out a little laugh, Y/N placed a hand on his and started to profusely apologise.

“I’m so sorry, Harry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him, you were just trying to help I get that. I’m so sorry”

Harry shook his head and sighed, “He’s right, i’m not his real dad. Was just trying to deescalate the situation. Bad move on my part” Harry said throwing the napkin on his plate.

“No, this is not on you. You did the same exact thing I would’ve.”

Y/N went to move, but harry put his hand in the air. “He’s angry, let’s just leave him for a bit. Let him calm down, then i’ll go talk to him.”

“You’re a good dad, Harry.” Y/N said kissing his forehead before bringing the plates over to the sink.

Harry let River calm down for about 30 minutes and then made Y/N a cup of tea. He didn’t like her being so anxious. After that, he made his way upstairs to Rivers room. The door had a note on it saying “Harry and mummy keep out”. He laughed to himself, before knocking on the door. There was a small grumble, so harry let himself in and leaned against the door frame. River was playing with his toys like nothing happened.

“Wanna play with me Harry?” River asked passing him a toy.

Harry sighed and sat down next to River.

“You know what you said really hurt my feelings?” Harry said and River pouted.

“And you’re behaviour has really upset mummy. Made her cry.” Harry said and River put down his car toy. “Just don’t like the school. Makes me nervous.” River said and Harry nodded placing the boy in his lap.

“And why does it make you nervous?”

“Because no one wants to be my friend, Harry.”

Harry sighed and kissed Rivers head.

“You know, me and mummy are going to go up to the school and yell so loud at the teachers” Harry joked and River giggled into harry’s chest.

“Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry i said you’re not my real dad. You are my dad.” River said and Harrys eyes filled up with tears.

“I love you, River”

“Love you too”

“Now let’s go give mumma a kiss before she gets jealous.”

[naruto--imagines]

The Beast [Part 2]

[Part 1]

---

The smoke settled, and above you is a random male, an attractive male, but a strange male indeed. Your arms were still wrapped around him as you calmly asked.

“Who are you?”

“Are you kidding? You just said it.” He barked with a laugh.

“A-akamaru?” You stuttered out, as you pulled your arms away from him.

“Yeah,” he growled at the loss of the contact “at least, that’s what you called me. The name's Kiba though.” He said with a smirk.

“Okay Kiba, what happened to you. And why were you a dog.? And why are you no longer a dog?” The questions rolled off your tongue in quick succession.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, one question at a time,” Kiba said, placing one clawed finger against your lips. He sat up and moved off of you while stretching out his limbs. It was at this point you were able to get a good look at him, at all of him. His hair was jaw length and shaggy, his eyes were dark and sharp, he had red triangles on his face, and his body could be described as lean and fit, with just a bit of fat on him.

“Y-you’re naked.” You obviously pointed out.

“Yeah, didn’t bother you before,” Kiba said with a smirk.

"W-well, now it does!" You shouted as you threw the blanket from your lap to cover him. You got off the couch and moved to the bathroom, a blush hugging your cheeks. You grabbed the robe from the back of the bathroom door and came back out to throw the item at the nude man in your living room. With a pout on his face, Kiba stood up and slid into the robe tying it closed enough that he was covered, but still showing some skin.

"Back to the questions I had, explain." You prompted sitting down on the couch once more.

"Hmm, where to begin," Kiba pondered as he stretched out in a manner similar to what he would do as a dog. He crawled over to you, placed the blanket back across you, and promptly placed himself into your lap, nuzzling his face into your legs and wrapping his arms around your midsection. The scene is very familiar with how the two of you used to relax. But this has a different connotation to it, and you are the farthest thing from relaxed.

"Well, needless to say, I pissed off the wrong person," Kiba mumbled out. "Some, witch I guess, cursed me because of something stupid I said." His voice trailed off, and he tightened his grip on you.

"Before this happened, I wasn't the nicest person in the world. I used to be set off by the smallest things. I was always ready to fight, and it was to the point where I was always looking for a fight. It didn't help that I would say the first thing that came to my mind, some of what I said was real mean too." At his saddened voice you relaxed into his embrace, paying more mind to the tale he was telling you than your own discomfort.

"So one night. I'm in a real sour mood. And some old hag-" He cut himself off, "An older, unpleasant looking lady, asks me a question, I don't even remember what it was, and I go off on her. Spewing every mean name I can muster." He pauses once again, contemplating his next set of words. Wanting to comfort him, you move your hands to his head and run your fingers through his hair (almost like you did when he had fur and two ears). Kiba takes a stuttering breath and continues on.

“The next thing I know, she has a wicked smirk on her face. She mumbles some words and then blows some green dust in my face. When the smoke cleared I was about a foot tall. I ran home on four legs fully whimpering. My sister found me, she was a vet at that time, so she was concerned to find a healthy puppy whining the way I was. Hana brought me home and took care of me. I did everything I could to get them to realize that it was me, but they never did. Eventually, the cops were called, and mom filed a missing person report. Nothing came of it obviously. I was standing right in front of her and she didn’t know it.”

“I stuck around for a while longer, trying and trying to get them to realize what had happened. But it was no use. Eventually, I had to leave though. I wasn’t aging like a normal dog. I was growing at a significantly reduced rate. So I went into hiding. I mainly stuck to wooded areas, I hunted when I needed to eat, found cover when I needed to sleep, and occasionally traveled into towns when I needed to be near other humans. I spent the last 50-years like that.” Kiba’s fingers gripped you harder, his whole body tensing up before his next words.

“My mom died thinking that I was dead in a ditch somewhere.” He grumbled into your lap.

Your heart lurched at the new information. Tears had come to your eyes listening to Kiba’s broken voice. You wrap your arms around him as best as you can and lean against his back. With a shaky voice, Kiba said,

“Thank you for saving me.” And that broke the dam, the two of you sat and silently cried for a while. You both took some calming breaths and you sat back up to look down at him.

“I’m glad that I did too.” You said, giving him a smile.

Early the next day, you quickly ran down to a local clothing store as soon as it opened and got a few outfits for Kiba to wear (might look a little weird if you had a naked man hanging out). You got back and quickly threw the clothes at him.

“Get dressed. We’re going on a trip.” You told him.

“Going where?” He asked as he sat up.

“It’s a surprise. Now get dressed!” You yelled going to the kitchen to make a packed lunch for the two of you.

Once you were both dressed and ready for the day, you quickly drug him from the apartment, locked the door, and headed down to the train station.

Kiba quickly grabbed the food bag from you and placed his hands on your shoulders, turning you to face him.

“Will you please tell me where we are going?” Kiba asked, a firm pout on his face.

“To your hometown. You said that it’s been 50 years since you went back there right? I think it’s time to go back.” You explain to him.

“What!? Why? There is nothing back there for me. My mom is dead and what are the odds that Hana is still there? I wouldn’t stick around after what happened!” Kiba was yelling, drawing the attention of passersby, as he paced the platform. Quickly, you grabbed his hands in yours, they were trembling and his chest was heaving.

“Kiba, look at me.” You said in a soothing tone. “We do not have to do this, but I do think it would be good for you. People need closure, and say we get there and Hana isn’t there, say she moved on, then I think you can too. At the very least we can go and visit your mom’s grave. Or we can go somewhere else. It is up to you.” You explained to him.

Kiba took a shuddering breath and leant his head against yours. His eyes were closed and soon his breathing evened out with each breath. After a few minutes in silent thought, he opened his eyes again and nodded at you.

“Let’s go then.” He firmly said with a look of conviction.

The train showed up and the two of you found a seat next to each other. Kiba laced his fingers with yours and held tight (honestly if you were out of the public eye, you bet he would be curled under your chin similar to how he did in dog form when a firetruck passed by). The farther the train traveled, the tighter his grip got. Finally, you pulled into the station and you had to pull your hand free of his.

“I adore you Kiba, I really do, but you will have to ease up unless you want a trip to the E.R. to be added to our day out.” You told him as you stood up.

“Sorry, I didn’t think I was this nervous.” Kiba replied as he followed you out of the train car.

“It’s okay.” You said, you laced your fingers back with his and started to walk out of the train station. “Does any of this look familiar?” You asked him, as you took in the scenery around you. Kiba sat in silence and looked around for a while.

“Yeah,” He slowly said, “let’s go this way.” Kiba began tugging you down the street. As you two walked down the street Kiba pointed out different places. ‘That used to be the burger place we would hang out at’, ‘I stayed out way too late at park way too often’, ‘My friends family used to own that garage and we would hang out and fix our cars’, so on and so forth.

The sun was high in the sky and late afternoon was approaching when you pulled Kiba to another park and sat down to eat. The two of you sat and ate until the food was gone. Then you just sat.

“How are you feeling?” You asked him.

“Better than I thought I would have.” Kiba replied with a smile. He sat there a while longer before he had a firm look cross his face. Kiba glanced around the park. Quickly, he shoved everything back into the bag, grabbed your hand, and started to drag you along with him down a gravel path. He was jogging at first, but soon picked up pace into a run, you diligently followed behind him.

You two then stumbled across an older building. You stood beside Kiba, both of you panting, and observed the wooden building. ‘Inuzuka Veterinary Clinic’ was scrawled across the front. From the outside, you could see that it is a two-story building. It looked like the bottom was the clinic, and the top may have been a place for someone to live. The sound of a bell “jingling” drew your attention. You watched as a mom and her daughter exited the building, the daughter holding a puppy in her arms.

“Thank you again Seta-san. You’re a lifesaver.” The mom gushed as they turned to leave.

In the doorway then stood a man that looked a lot like Kiba, only older with grey hair and stress lines.

“No worries Yuki, I’m always glad to help. Keep him hydrated, wet food for the next few days and he should be back to normal.” The man said as he waved them off. You and Kiba watch the man flip over the sign to read ‘closed’ and then walk down the sidewalk to the mailbox. As he was checking the mail, two people came walking down the path opposite of you and Kiba, a boy about your age and an older woman.

“Ah, mom! How was your walk?” The older man asked.

“Pleasant as alway Kai.” The older woman said. When he heard her speak, Kiba’s grip tightened on your hand again. “We got some groceries, then we went to that new ice cream parlor that opened up.”

“Excellent,” Kai replied, “We should get you in and get some dinner started then, Kiba what did you grab at the store?” Hearing the name, your Kiba took in a shuddering breath.

“Chicken for tsukune, grandma Hana’s favorite.” The boy replied, holding up the grocery bag. Having seen the scene unfold, Kiba was ready to leave. He moved to turn and stepped on a branch causing a ‘snap’ to ring out across the space.

“Who’s there!” Kai called moving to stand in front of the other members of his family. You squeezed Kiba’s hand back and gave him a questioning look. He let out a shuddering breath and tugged you with him into the light of the setting sun.

“Sorry, ‘bout that, uh, we were just passing through.” Kiba said with a soft smile on his face. When you two fully stepped out into the vision of the other three, there was an audible gasp that rang out.

“Kiba.” The older woman said, she drew the eyes of everyone nearby.

“Yeah grandma?” The boy beside her asked. Hana, shook her head and moved into your space.

“No, Kiba, my baby brother. Is it you?” She asked as she placed two wrinkled hands on the side of your Kiba’s face and gently caressed it. Kiba nodded at her with tears in his eyes. “But how? We thought you had died.” Hana whimpered out, tears streaming down her face too.

“It’s a long story, sis.” Kiba said as he let go of your hand to grab onto his sister’s, “And I don’t even know if you would believe me.”

“Of course we don’t believe you.” Kai said as he gently pulled Hana away from you. “What kind of a sick prank is this? You take advantage of my mother by pretending to be her brother who died? How disgraceful of you.” His voice raised in level as he was berating you two.

“I don’t know dad, he looks just like you.” Kiba said as walked up behind Hana and his father.

“Please, I promise, I can explain everything. Hana, when you were 6-years old you saved 3 wolf puppies from these woods. You raised them with mom’s help, and they followed you everywhere. Even to school. You called them the ‘three Haimaru brothers’, and you loved each one of them. Then, when you were in your 20’s, one of them got sick. They were all so old, it was only a matter of time. But, after the first one died, the other two quickly followed. A phenomenon observed in animals with close relations. I was 16, and I sat with you after we buried them. You were so upset, and all I could do was sit beside you and hold your hand while you cried.” Kiba quickly explained.

A moment of silence hovered through the air.

“Kiba!” Hana exclaimed moving forward once more to wrap her brother in her arms. “It is you.” She sobbed.

Kiba wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.

“I’m sorry I was gone for so long.” He whispered into the top of her head.

“I just, how? How are you here?” Hana shakely asked.

“It’s gonna sound crazy Hana, but I was cursed.” Kiba barely got out

“Okay, that is enough, please let go of my mother, we are not listening to this anymore.” Kai said.

“Well he’s not wrong.” A new voice said. You all turned and saw a beautiful woman appear from the woods. From the corner of your eye you saw Kiba’s skin turn a pale color, and watched as he tightened his grip on Hana. “Kiba, good to see that you have finally matured.” The woman said.

“Who are you.” The other Kiba asked from beside his father. “And where did you come from.”

“So many questions,” The woman drawled, “but if you would actually like to know. My name is not important, and where I come from is also not noteworthy. However, I will make you privy to something else.” She continued with a smirk, all while walking toward your group, “I take spoiled, little boy and girls, and I teach them important lessons. Kiba here, was one of my longest running cursed friends.” One moment she was standing in front of you all, and the next she was behind you. She clasped your shoulders in her hands and pulled you close to her.

“And you my dearest. You managed to see through that mangy and aggressive demeanor. I guess a dog is too good of a creature. Not enough people overlook them.” She purred into your ear.

“Get away from us!” Kiba yelled, pressing Hana behind him and taking a step toward you.

“Ah, ah, ah, Kiba. Not so fast.” The woman warped her arm around your neck and pulled you closer to her. “You remember what happened last time you hurt my feelings. We wouldn’t want something to happen to your friend now would we?”

“Please, I am begging you, don’t hurt them. I know what I did was wrong, and unfair to you. I learned my lesson. Please let them go. Let us all go, you don’t need to do this.” Kiba pleaded.

“Your begging is music to my ears.” The woman said with a smile. “Alright, you’re forgiven this time.” The woman laughed out and pushed you forward into Kiba’s arms. As soon as you were within reach, Kiba constricted his arms around you and secured you to him. “But remember what is at stake next time Kiba, you wouldn’t want to be stuck as a pup again.” The witch said before disappearing in a cloud of grey smoke.

The smoke settled, and the five of you were left looking at each other.

“What, just, happened?” Kai asked.

“I think we just got confirmation that he is who he says he is.” Young Kiba replied to his equally shell shocked father.

“Are you okay?” Kiba asked you, while brushing the hair out of your face. You gave him a firm nod and a reassuring smile.

“Now that that is over, let’s all go inside and have some tea. While those boys make dinner.” Hana said as she ushered everyone back to the house. Kai and Young Kiba got started on dinner while you, Kiba, and Hana drank some tea and talked about Kiba’s experiences.

“For almost a year now we’ve been living together, and just yesterday the curse was finally lifted.” Kiba finished the story and placed his hand on top of yours. Hana smiled at the two of you and grabbed your free hand in hers.

“Thank you for saving my brother.” She said with a smile on her face. “I was 26 when he disappeared. Our mom passed away soon after Kai was born. She always pretended to be fine, but she picked up smoking, and then when they declared Kiba as a cold case, she sorta gave up. Having Kai made things easier on her, but he wasn’t her son.” Hana sadly explained. “The Kai had my grandson, and decided to name him in your honor. And does the name fit. He reminds me of you, only a bit more tempered” She said with a smile and an easy laugh.

“Well sis, I am glad to see that you are doing well. And that you were able to find peace while I was gone.” Kiba said in response.

“I am at more peace now that you are back.” Hana reaffirmed. The three of you talked some more (Hana was ecstatic to learn about your interest in veterinary science) before dinner was served.

You all ate and talked some more before you called it a night. You gave Hana your phone number and told them to call whenever. Then you and Kiba made your way back to the train and headed home.

Once back at your apartment, Kiba grabbed your hands and moved to the couch. He sat down and pulled you into a hug.

“Thank you for supporting me today.” He whispered into your hair. You wrapped your arms around him and gripped him tightly.

“I will always be here for you.” You told him.

That night, the two of you fell asleep on the couch still wrapped in one another’s arms. Kiba had his family back, and you two were ready to pursue the relationship that was forming between you.

______________________

Bonus:

In the Springtime, you graduated from veterinary school, and you and Kiba made the decision to move closer to his family. You worked for the Inuzuka clinic as the on the go vet. You would drive out to those that couldn’t easily make it to you, or when larger animals were involved. Kai and Hana were happy to have you to help with this.

Kiba Seta was off to school in the Fall, and your Kiba took over the office work that his Great Nephew had been doing. Most people were confused by the new face with the same name, but quickly got over it. Kiba’s cover was a distant relative to Hana, here to help out with the clinic while her grandson was away. Given that he no longer had any identifying paperwork now, this was really the only job he could do.

Presently, your anniversary with Kiba was tomorrow night, and you still didn’t have a great gift for him. At the moment, you were on call to one of the smaller dairy farms in the area. Many of the cows were pregnant for the first time, and their farmer wanted one final check up on them before it was time for the calves to be born. You quickly made your way through the six cows he had and gave him the all clear.

“Give me a call when they go into labor and I will be out to help.” You explained as you packed up your gear.

“Thanks for all your help,” The farmer said, “I hear you’re off the next couple of days to celebrate with that boy of yours.” You laughed at his description of Kiba.

“Yeah, nothing major, just celebrating our anniversary.” You told him.

“You got a gift picked out?”

“Ah, not really. Nothing quite seemed right to get ya’know?” You explained. The farmer sat in thought for a moment before he beckoned you to the horse stables. You followed him and once inside he led you to the last stable where his dog Ume usually slept. Laying in the hay of the stable was Ume and a smaller pup right next to her.

“If you want him, you can take him. He was the runt of the litter and no one else wanted the poor pup. All his siblings were adopted, and Ume doesn’t show much interest in him either.” The farmer solemnly explained to you.

You knelt down in the hay, drawing the attention of Ume and the pup. At seeing a new human, the pup joyfully trotted over and began sniffing and licking at you. Happy with meeting you, the pup began to bounce, bark, and wag his tail. You laughed at the antics of the pup before looking back up at the farmer.

“Are you sure it’s okay to take him?” The farmer nodded in response.

“You and your family are good people, I know he will be in good hands.” The farmer told you with a smile. So you scoop up the pup and take him with you to your car. Placing him in one of the spare carriers, you strap him in, wave goodbye to the farmer, and make the drive home.

On your way back to your’s and Kiba’s home, you stop by a pet shop and grab what you need for the pup; food, bowls, a collar, toys, and a name tag. With a snicker, you type the name into the machine, once the tag is engraved you attach it to the collar and then place the collar on the pup.

You beat Kiba home, and quickly stash all of the new things you just purchased. With the pup in your arms, you start working on dinner while you wait for your boyfriend to get home.

You don’t wait long.

The front door opens and you hear an “I’m Home!” as Kiba walks in. You set the pup down on the ground and watch as it tears out of the kitchen and rounds the corner to where your boyfriend would be.

“Well hello little one, where did you come from?” You laugh at Kiba’s question and also exit the kitchen. You observe your boyfriend holding the white pup with adoring eyes.

“He’s yours now, happy anniversary love.” You tell him with a smile. Kiba looks at you and quickly grins at the news.

“Really!” He asks, hugging the pup. “I guess you need a name then huh little guy.”

“He may already have one.” You teasingly say, “check out the collar.” You point out. Kiba quickly looks at the fabric loops around the pup’s neck, then looks at you, unimpressed.

“Akamaru, seriously?” Kiba asks deadpanned.

“Well, I think it’s cute, it reminds me of when we first met. What better name could he have.” You tell him with a lugh. Kiba continues to pout at you and you can only laugh. You walk up to his side and wrap your arms around him.

“I guess it can stay. Welcome home Akamaru.” Kiba tells the pup who happily barks in response. You smile at your two boys, and lean up to press a kiss to Kiba’s face.

“Welcome home Akamaru.”

[amispnrewatch]

SPN 1x06 “Skin”

Okay, I’m gonna try to type while I watch this time instead of forgetting this blog exists until the episode is almost over.

You can tell the footage for the previously on segment was saved on a VHS copy instead of the original film that the show was shot with because even in the HD iTunes version I have it looks low quality as fuck. And jumpy in the way that brings me back to my teens watching the WB all the damn time.

I love this song. WTF is this song. Shazam says “Good Deal” by Mommy and Daddy. I… have no comment, except that it sounds like everything I was listening to in college at the time this shit was airing.

Aaaaand not!Dean turns around to face the SWAT team after obviously torturing some woman. THAT is a cold open.

I wanna know what that car is in the background. It’s pretty. Maybe a convertible Impala? They have similar grills. This is not at all important.

Also, I love that with these higher definition versions of the episodes you can see that Sam’s email is lawboy and whatever dot com and that people in the fandom have started calling him Law Boy. It’s hilarious.

DEAN: Well, what exactly do you tell ‘em? You know, about where you’ve been, what you’ve been doin’?

SAM: I tell ‘em I’m on a road trip with my big brother. I tell ‘em I needed some time off after Jess.

DEAN: Oh, so you lie to ‘em.

SAM: No. I just don’t tell ‘em….everything.

DEAN: Yeah, that’s called lying. I mean, hey, man, I get it, tellin’ the truth is far worse.

SAM: So, what am I supposed to do, just cut everybody out of my life? (DEAN shrugs.) You’re serious?

DEAN: Look, it sucks, but in a job like this, you can’t get close to people, period.

Aaaaand now I have Dean and Cassie feelings again and we haven’t even gotten to her episode yet.

SAM: No, man, I know Zack. He’s no killer.

DEAN: Well, maybe you know Zack as well as he knows you.

Aaaaaand now I have Dean and Lee feelings and we’re nowhere near Lee’s episode in season 15.

YOU JUST BLEW THROUGH A STOP SIGN DEAN WTF.

Little Becky. Oi with the reusing of names.

Of course Sam made friends with a bunch of rich kids while he was at college in a desperate attempt to try to be normal.

SAM: You know, maybe we could see the crime scene. Zack’s house.

DEAN: We could.

REBECCA: Why? I mean, what could you do?

SAM: Well, me, not much. But Dean’s a cop. (DEAN laughs.)

DEAN: Detective, actually.

I love that Dean was like “how dare you call me that.”

Okay, after a bit of research, I totally want to take a day trip to Bisbee, Arizona, but it’s already in the 90s here in the desert and it’s not even May so that trip is going to have to wait until… winter or something. There is no way in hell I’m going deeper into the desert when the weather gets hotter.

It’s a historic mining town tourist trap looking place now which is exactly the kind of shit I love.

SAM: Bec, look, I know Zack didn’t do this. Now, we have to find a way to prove that he’s innocent.

I mean, not technically, technically you would 1) NOT FUCK WITH A MURDER INVESTIGATION YOU’RE NOT LEGALLY INVOLVED IN BECAUSE ANYTHING YOU FIND WOULD BE INADMISSABLE IN COURT 2) find evidence to provide a reasonable doubt for the jury that he did commit the crime. You know, like a lawyer would need to do, Law Boy.

DEAN: I just don’t think this is our kind of problem.

When I made my husband watch this show with me (he’s seen it all at least once now over the years) this is the recurring thing that drove him crazy.

You guys can’t even go in through the back door? Or shut the front door behind you? Really?

REBECCA: (tearfully) Well, there’s no sign of a break-in. They say that Emily let her attacker in.

Yeah, that doesn’t even really mean that she knew her attacker. Just that it was someone she let her guard down around or got in some other way. See: The Son of Sam and Nightstalker, etc.

Love the pinup magnet on the fridge. I’d throw shade at that, but I have a pinup magnet on my fridge too so… pot kettle and all that.

Okay, both people in the next couple are gorgeous.

And oh wow those special effects changing eyes… wow.

This poor couple. I feel so bad for them in this episode.

How… how are the police gonna explain the way he was able to beat himself over the head with a bat??? I…

I love that 5:30 in the morning on TV is clearly like… 10 AM.

Okay, this is a really unrelated point, but the graffiti on the dumpster here reminds me of the Teen Wolf fandoms use of the name Void!Stiles when Stiles Stilinski was possessed by a Nogitsune… I just spent way too long digging through YouTube and my Tumblr tags from back when those episodes were airing looking for a few specific videos and couldn’t find them. The TL;DR reason I bring it up here is goofball, bi-coded main character guy getting possessed by an entity set on destroying the people he loves. SOUNDS LIKE THIS EPISODE AND A WHOLE LOT OF SPN RIGHT. I love that all these monster hunting shows call out to each other.

This scene haunts me years later and I don’t even WATCH Teen Wolf. I just watched the fandom on Tumblr collectively lose it’s shit then tripped down a Hale Pack fanfiction rabbit hole.

ANYWAY

Back to Supernatural, a show that also treated its fan base, cast, and characters like garbage! Huzzah!

DEAN: Well, there’s another way to go—down. (They look down and notice a manhole.)

I’m gonna be mature and ignore the double entendre there…

But I love that Dean thinks of the world in 3D. Which sounds like a dumb statement to make, but this is honestly a good example of that in action.

SAM: I bet this runs right by Zack’s house, too.

Really Sam, sewers run by houses? SO WEIRD. I WOULD HAVE NEVER GUESSED.

DEAN: You know, I just had a sick thought. When the shapeshifter changes shape—maybe it sheds.

SAM: That is sick. (DEAN puts the bloody pile back on the ground.)

Guys, there is a WHOLE ASS EAR in that pile of yuck you’re looking at. I think it’s pretty safe to assume the shapeshifter indeed sheds its skin like a snake. A much… gooier snake.

Sam’s friend is rightfully pissed at him for fucking with the crime scene.

This is before the pearl gripped guns?! Wow. I never noticed that before.

Also, this whole episode gives me feelings.

++++

Cool. Tumblr mobile ate a whole section of my notes on this when it crashed for NO APPARENT REASON. Love that.

It always boggles my mind that actors can trust the people they’re working with enough to let people “tie” ropes around their neck or put them in actually dangerous positions in a scene.

SHAPESHIFTER: He’s sure got issues with you. You got to go to college. He had to stay home. I mean, I had to stay home. With Dad. You don’t think I had dreams of my own? But Dad needed me. Where the hell were you?

SAM: Where is my brother? (The shapeshifter leans in close to SAM.)

SHAPESHIFTER: I am your brother. See, deep down, I’m just jealous. You got friends. You could have a life. Me? I know I’m a freak. And sooner or later, everybody’s gonna leave me. (He backs away.)

SAM: What are you talkin’ about?

SHAPESHIFTER: You left. Hell, I did everything Dad asked me to, and he ditched me, too. No explanation, nothin’, just poof. Left me with your sorry ass. But, still, this life? It’s not without its perks. (He laughs.) I meet the nicest people. Like little Becky. You know, Dean would bang her if he had the chance. Let’s see what happens. (He smiles and covers SAM with a sheet.)

This exchange is just… so much. So many feelings. And I will forever (unless we magically get a fix-it fic mini season someday…) be SO MAD that none of this got resolved in that pointless, trash heap of a finale.

REBECCA: Okay, so, this thing—it can make itself look like anybody?

SHAPESHIFTER: That’s right. (She chuckles.)

REBECCA: Well, what is it, like a genetic freak? (The shapeshifter laughs.)

SHAPESHIFTER: Maybe. Evolution is about mutation, right? So, maybe this thing was born human but was different. Hideous and hated. Until he learned to become someone else. (REBECCA looks around, uncomfortable. The shapeshifter’s eyes glint silver, and he smiles.)

It always amazes me how much of this show is a pile of accidental queer allegories parading around in an ill-fitting toxic masculinity suit.

Vulcan mind meld! I love nerd!Dean. Also, I’m rewatching Star Trek: TOS with my husband, because that is what my life amounts to these days, rewatching comfort TV and flailing over the bits I love.

This post does a better job than I can do of pairing up screen caps with the dialogue of this next scene. SIX EPISODES IN. They’re dumping all of this character depth SIX EPISODES IN. FUCK THIS SHOW FOR NOT EMBRACING ITSELF.

Okay, I love that he screams back in her face after he threw the phone. It’s not something to laugh at because the situation is horrifying, but I can’t help laughing at it every time.

AND THE WAY THEY CUT THESE SCENES. Going from him winding his hand back to backslap her directly to him dropping the chains on the table to show how hard he must have hit her without actually making the actors hit each other. Good job editing department!

I… don’t understand the shifter’s motivation for killing people. If he can take over people’s identities without killing them, why kill them? Is it just because he’s a homicidal, rapist piece of shit? Cause that’s all it seems like.

How did the SWAT team even know she was being attacked? Why can the snipers aim no better than Storm Troopers?

Ugh, these kind of transformation body horror scenes are exactly why werewolf stories have never really appealed to me much. Like, I could do without watching your ribs move and teeth fall out, dude.

BUT.

THIS FUCKING SCENE.

I looked up the song that’s playing over shapeshifter!Dean being caught by the SWAT team and then going through the grotesque transformation. (And as far as I know, the iTunes version has the original music from the episodes.)

It’s a song called “Mary” by The Death Riders

Who's your mother, who's your mother here boy // Who's your mother, whos your mommy dear // Who's your father, who's your father here boy // Who's your father, who's your daddy dear

Silently screaming // Where everyone knows // Daddy's always watchin' // Where everywhere - everywhere I go

I don't wanna be a freak show pretty boy anymore // I don't wanna be a full time slave // I don't wanna be your midnight cowboy anymore // I just want to be Mary

This is… a fascinating choice. Here are the rest of the lyrics. The song as a whole has a weird incesty kinda vibe to it? Kinda like when SPN tries to straight-wash itself and misses the mark wildly. (Like Dean’s male siren episode.)

The midnight cowboy line reminded me of 12x11 and the bull riding scene with “Broomstick Cowboy” by Bobby Goldsboro playing over it

Dream on, little Broomstick Cowboy, // Dream while you can; // Of big green frogs, // And puppy dogs, // And castles in the sand.

For, all too soon you'll awaken; // Your toys will all be gone. // Your broomstick horse will ride away, // To find another home. // And you'll have grown into a man, // With cowboys of your own. // And then you'll have to go to war, // To try and save your home.

And then you'll have to learn to hate; // You'll have to learn to kill. // It's always been that way, my son; // I guess it always will.

Because, you know, why not add tons of feelings into the lyrics, right?

Props to the people who can embrace their rewatches and reclamations of the show with ease. Because every episode seems to remind me of how hollow and tragic Dean’s ending was and I just… struggle all over again.

Anyway, back to the episode so I can move on with my day.

REPORTER: An anonymous tip led police to a home in the Central West End, where a S.W.A.T team discovered a local woman bound and gagged. Her attacker, a white male, approximately twenty-four to thirty years of age, was discovered hiding in her home. (A sketch of DEAN appears on the screen.)

DEAN: Man! That’s not even a good picture. (SAM looks around cautiously.)

SAM: It’s good enough. (He walks away.)

DEAN: Man! (He follows SAM.)

(CUT TO: Alley. DEAN and SAM are walking. DEAN steps into a puddle.)

DEAN: Ugh, come on.

I love that we get two tiny little back-to-back vanity moments for Dean here. One commenting on the sketch artist rendition of him being broadcasted on the news and the other tripping in the puddle. There is literally someone running around the city trying to kill people while wearing Dean’s face, but Dean is still concerned with how he looks appears to others. He’s still concerned with keeping up his own performance. The shifter left him with just a t-shirt, so he doesn’t even have his usual comfort layers on and at any moment someone could spot him and call the police or try to kill him for assaulting Sam’s friend. His life is wildly out of control in that moment and the only thing he can try to focus on is his appearance (something semi-controllable) and finding the shifter before any of that other shit can happen.

One day I want to put together a like top 10 episodes focusing on / explaining each TFW character from the series. Like the kind of list you could show someone who’s never seen the show, but has OPINIONS about the characters (or who hasn’t seen the whole show and seen the growth they went through… you know, like the people responsible for the travesty of 15x20). This episode would be on that list. I’m not sure how I could manage to make a list of only 10 episodes to understand Dean Winchester by, but eh.

SAM: What are you gonna do to me?

SHAPESHIFTER: Oh, I’m not gonna do anything. Dean will, though.

SAM: They’ll never catch him.

SHAPESHIFTER: Oh, doesn’t matter. Murder in the first of his own brother? He’ll be hunted the rest of his life. (He picks up a sharp knife and examines it.)

Speaking of season 15 in general, this right here. This was Chuck’s villain story arc thesis statement. AND THEY DROPPED THE GODDAMN BALL WITH IT. I think that’s the thing that honestly pisses me off the most these days (about 5 1/2 months from when the finale aired) is that they tried making the whole thing a tragedy but did such an awful job with it that it just ended up like a deflating condom balloon at a dive bar concert. Disappointing and gross. The finale for season 14 set them up SO FUCKING WELL and it just… didn’t get there.

Becky’s parents are gonna be pissed at how torn up their house is after all this shit…

And you’re not shooting him when you first see him strangling Sam because…?????

I like that he took the necklace back. Also, is this kinda Dean death number .5 of the show? Like it wasn’t him but it was also kinda him. Eh.

At least they left the windshield on Baby this time. Reflections are better than tearing her apart.

[chayacat]

Devil’s Sweet Star (3)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader  

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut  

***

“Welcome to the Nebula! Where our pastries came from outer space! How can I help you?”

You smile as you look at the room full of people. You didn't imagine you had so many people for your grand opening, maybe a few curious. You can thank Jed for doing this article. How are you going to thank him after that? He didn't have to, and yet he did. The sign you ordered the day you received your coffee beans was in harmony with the rest and by far it wasn’t hard to spot you. You were lucky to find an artist who could make you such a sign in a short time. And he was graciously paid for his work.

“Have you made your choice Miss?” you said smiling.

“I hesitate between a slice of Neptune’s pie and your UFO Brownies... they look so delicious!” said the young girl switching her eyes between the two pastries.

“They are! it's an alien chef who gave me the recipe, you'll see in one bite you'll leave ... in a space travel of flavour!” you say jokingly.

“Ha ha that’s really funny! Well, I’ll take two brownies and a slice of Neptune’s pie then! And an espresso with a cloud of milk.”

You prepare the order of the girl, who pays before taking the bag where the two brownies are, the slice of blueberry pie and the espresso. She gave you a big smile before going to a table to enjoy her sweets freely.  

You'll still have to consider hiring someone to give you a boost, because you have to admit, that you'll have a little trouble dealing with it all. Especially if more and more people come over time. While you were writing all this down in your diary, so you wouldn't forget it, you hear another customer coming in and you turn again to the counter ready to serve him.

“Welcome to The Nebula! You said “Oh hey, It's you Jed!”  

Jed gives you a sweet smile while heading to the counter.  

"Well, my little finger tells me that your grand opening seems to be a great success." he said with a laugh.

“Good deduction, Jed Holmes. Thanks for your article, I didn't think I had so many people sincerely. I don't even know how to thank you.” you said embarrassed  

“No need. All pleasure was for me. And then if it can allow Roseville to energize a little ... Why not? With a pretty face like yours, this trade can only hold up well.”

You blush a little in front of his words which made him laugh. Definitely this boy has everything to please. How could his parents have considered him as a mistake? If they saw him today, they'd see that he's succeeding in his life.  

You've only known each other for a few days and you don't know why, but the runner went very well between the two of you, we'd think you'd be friends who've known each other since high school. You see two young girls looking at him and talking to each other.

“Well, well, my little finger tells me that you’ve attracted the attention of these two ladies. What a charmer you are.” you said with a wink.

“What?” he replied before looking towards the two young girls who turned around looking like nothing before sneering when he faced you again, cheeks slightly pink. “I... I know I'm not ugly, but I'm not a beauty cannon either. I'm just... Me. A little journalist, a little nerd on the edges.”

Hey don't say that! If you knew how cute you are... Don't lower yourself to the lower than you really are."

Jed smiles while Danny smiles widely. So innocent... And besides you confirm his incredible beauty. He knows how handsome he is, a real charmer when he wants to. But as Jed he has to hide it, playing the little nerd who doesn't know how attractive he is.  

“So, can I take your order?” you said.

“A long cup of coffee, with cream and sugar. And I’ll take a slice of your March cake please.” he responds putting his glasses back in place.

“Coming right up at the speed of light!”

You gathered his order and give it quickly and when he pulled out money to pay you, you gently give it back to him.

“Well... I didn't get yelled at yet...”

“it’s on the house. It's my way of thanking you for that.” you said with a sweet smile.

“I can’t, here take it” he replied.

“Jed.” you started taking softly his hand to put the money in it. “What you did was the nicest thing on earth that anyone I know has ever do for me. And we barely know each other. Friends I've known since kindergarten would never have done it for me. You can always pay next time. But not today.”

Jed blinked several times before putting his money in his wallet. Then he took his cup in his hand to lift it up in the air.

“To the Nebula. Hoping that he succeeds and brings a little joy to our city so bruised by the current events. Cheers.”

“Cheers” you said lifting up your bottle of ice tea to toast with him before each drinking a sip.

“Excuse me miss can I have a refill? And another slice of your blueberry pie?” said a young woman working on her computer.  

“Sure!” you answer. “Sorry I have to get back to work. But you can take a sit if you want! Unless you’ve still got some work to do?”  

“Well, I'm on a break. I would say that this time I took my time because I am often criticized for not resting. But don't tell anyone.”  

You smile at him and take a pot of coffee to refill the woman’s cup. Jed took a seat not far from the counter and discreetly look at you. For Jed, doing all this on your own must be difficult and he really wanted to help you, but for Danny it's a blessed bread to know that you’re alone. No one could help you if he wanted to pay you a courtesy visit.He’s not going to kill you right away, oh no... He's going to get to know you. To the smallest detail.  

While you served again other customers in coffee and pastries, another entered. And you could say that he was not an ordinary person in view of his clothes and his way of being, he could be defined as a snobbish but influential person. If even a snob like him comes into your business... That can only be a good thing, right?

“Welcome to the Nebula sir! How can I help you?”

“Do you have imperial tea or Vintage Narcissus tea?”

“Uhm...Sorry sir this kind of tea is rare to find and very expensive. I only have red fruit tea at the moment and green tea. I should receive more soon.”

“Tss. Give me a Latte Macchiato in this case.”

You force yourself to smile and start preparing his order. But you feel his gaze on you as if he was stabbing you in the back. Jed gave you a reassuring smile as you returned him and once the Latte was ready, you lay it on the counter.

“Will it be all sir?” you said with a forcing smile

“Your... cakes there... Are they industrial or homemade?” he said haughtily.

“homemade Sir! with only natural products for better taste and quality!”

“I doubt it very much.”

“Excuse me?”  

“I doubt that a girl like you can get "natural" products as easily and cheaply. Or you take the big game out of them. It won't surprise me when you see such a decoration, it's like a junkie club.”

“Who are you?” you said with a nervous laugh

“What ??”

“I said: Who are you? Where do you know me for talking to me in that tone? Just because you have money doesn't mean you can do all you want. Plus, you insult me as a whore.”

“How could you...This is not a way to treat your customers! You can't even handle orders from your customers!”

“Sir... If I am not mistaken, I didn’t force you into my establishment, you came on your own. In addition, you adopt a behaviour that, in another place, you will have been worth an immediate exit with, if the person wanted, a kick in the ass or even more. So, are you going to take something extra or just pay for your coffee?” you replied with an Olympian calm.

Vexed, the man took the cup and spilled his content on the ground before throwing the cup in your face. But for all that, you do not react and you are quite right, with a man like him, better not to blame yourself.

“You don't lose anything to wait, little bitch. I'm sure I'll find something that will make you close your slum.” he said before leaving.  

You take a deep breath, throw the cup in the trash and take the bucket and mop to clean up the still-hot coffee on the floor. You expected to have rough customers but like him and from day one... Not really. But you did the right thing, not to react, stay calm in all circumstances.  

“What a son of bitch. he's never had his mouth broken this dirty asshole rich.” you grunt as you finish wiping the floor.

“Unfortunately, not... and with the influence he has, it's hard to do anything to him.”

You startle slightly when you hear Jed's voice behind you, who had witnessed the whole scene.

“Who's that bastard? How can you let a guy like that treat people like shit honestly??”

“You know men like him... can easily afford to do everything when they can afford it. All they have to do is bribe some people and they're safe. They feel untouchable and only live that way. They know that most people have financial worries and they take advantage of them.” said Jed.  

“What a coward. Money can't save him forever.” you replied.

While you were tidying up the bucket and mop, some customers came to tip while supporting you, facing what had just happened. Some of them swore on this guy making fun of him openly which made you smile. The rest of the day passed quietly; Jed had gone back to work in the meantime wishing you good luck. You check several times that all the doors were closed before closing your café and heading to your apartment.

You suddenly feel someone following you and you turn around discreetly for a guy in a hood. You walk a little faster and you hear the man's footsteps go faster as well. As you feel it approaching to the point of touching you, a horn startled you both and when you turn your head, you recognize a familiar vehicle.

“Hey! Have you ever been taught to not attack a woman? I wonder what we're going to learn about you if I call the cops. Get in. I’ll take you home.” Said Jed opening the door while Danny discreetly shot your assailant with his eyes.  

Once you got on, you closed the door and Danny went back on the road. You're lucky that Danny finishes his job earlier taking advantage of his extra free time to stalk you without getting noticed. This allowed him to study the situation a little more and he now knows that you check everything several times before leaving. And you may do it more often and longer after his visit as Ghostface.

“Thanks. if you hadn't arrived he would surely have...”  

“Don't say anything. I'd rather not think about it. You don't have to thank me. Between neighbours it's normal to help each other, right? You would have done the same for me.” He responds without looking away from the road.

“I'm sure it was these bastard rich that hired him to scare me. I should have beat him like that, he would have gotten the message out to him.”

“And then he would have used his influence to sue you and make you lose your coffee. It's a technique as old as the world.”  

“He loses nothing to wait.”

Jed nods as a bad smile appears on Danny's face. Oh no he loses nothing to wait for sure. Thanks to you, involuntarily, you found a new victim for Danny. But not right away. You have to study your prey before you kill it.

***

(Phew! Finally finished! I'll hope you’ll enjoyed it! if I'm not often distracted, I’ll try to post a new chapter every Friday! This will give time for new readers to read the previous chapters! See ya !  )  

[yusuke-of-valla]

like rats fleeing a sinking ship, pt. 4

Whumptober Alt. 10

Prompt: Nightmares

TW: Mentions of bruises, the interrogation scene, and Shiho’s suicide attempt though the latter two are only mentioned briefly

<-Previous Next->

AO3

Ann pulls herself up into a large tree in Shiho’s backyard, and knocks on Shiho’s window.

She’s done this thousands of times before, but this time she’s shaking as Shiho opens the latch and Ann spills into her room.

“Shiho, I-” Ann starts, but she can’t make out the words.

“Ann? Ann what’s wrong, do you need help?” Shiho asks.

Ann stares at her for a second, a thousand thoughts flying through her mind, before settling on “...you don’t know?”

“Shiho? Is something wrong?” Shiho’s mother calls from downstairs.

“D-don’t let them know I’m here!” Ann whispers quickly.

“Just knocked over some books mom, it’s fine!” Shiho responds.

“Alright, just be careful!”

“I will!”

Ann relaxes a bit, slumping against Shiho’s side.

“I’m sorry, I’m-”

“Ann, take a deep breath for me, alright?” Shiho says, guiding Ann to her bed.

Ann sinks into the bed, and tries to organize her thoughts. The truth is, it all doesn’t even feel real yet. They’re wanted criminals. Not the Phantom Thieves, but them themselves. Ann Takamkai, Ryuji Sakamoto… all of them had their names and faces plastered everywhere.

Ann swallows. “Shiho, do you know about the Phantom Thieves?”

Shiho blinks. “Uh, yeah, of course.”

“I’m one of them. And now the police are after us.”

Shiho stares at Ann. “Oh.” Ann tenses up again, and Shiho quickly turns to her. “Sorry, I’m just surprised— or maybe I’m not. You being a Phantom Thief actually makes a lot of sense, but you can stay here, obviously.”

“Really?”

“Of course! I’m not leaving you to get caught by the police!” Shiho says. “My parents don’t barge into my room or anything, and I’m still being homeschooled while I recover so it’s not like I’ll be leaving you home in the house or anything.”

“Shiho…” Ann wraps her arms around her best friend. “Thank you.”

“Not a problem.”

Shiho grabs an old sleeping bag, a relic that’s survived many of their past sleepovers, and rolls it out for Ann while Ann borrows some of Shiho’s pajamas.

“As long as you’re here, wanna help me with my English homework?” Shiho asks.

“Yeah, sure.”

They go over the homework until Shiho insists Ann go to sleep, so Ann steals a pillow off of Shiho’s bed and curls up in the sleeping bag.

Ann closes her eyes and tries to sleep, but can’t stop thinking about, well, everything.

Makoto had said to avoid using phones before cutting off, so Ann doesn’t know what anyone is doing. None of them were prepared for this, none of them had even considered it an option.

Maybe that was on them though, maybe they should’ve thought about the possibility, but who could blame them? They had just gotten the upper hand after being manipulated for months by Shido and his stupid conspiracy. Now it turns out he had a trump card none of them suspected.

Ann’s thoughts run around for what feels like hours, until even with her eyes closed Ann can tell that Shiho turns off the lights and climbs into the bed.

“Hey, Ann. Trouble sleeping?”

Ann opens her eyes and stares at the dark outline of Shiho. “Yeah, sorry was I bothering you?”

“No. Not at all. Wanna talk about something?”

“...sure. I could use a distraction, honestly.”

Shiho sits up and looks down at Ann. “So… did the Phantom Thieves really kill Okumura?”

“No!” Ann says, sitting up as well. “We didn’t! We were just trying to help and we got framed by Shido.”

Shiho places a hand on her shoulder. “I figured it was something like that. I wasn’t accusing you, I just wanted to know what happened. And I want you to know that even if you had killed him, I’d still help you.”

“Thanks.”

Ann can just barely make out Shiho’s smile in the moonlight. “‘Course. You’d do the same for me.”

“Yeah,” Ann says, laughing a little for the first time all day. “Heck, I’d help you hide the body.”

“Honestly, you’d probably help me commit the crime.

“Totally.”

They settle into silence again, and Ann leans back down on the floor. “What do you think my parents think,” she asks, suddenly.

“Would the news have even reached them?”

“I’m not sure. The rest of the world started to pay attention to the Phantom Thieves after Medjed, but I don’t know how they reacted to the news about Okumura. Wonder if they’re also calling for our heads.”

“Even if they are, I think your parents would help you.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. You’re their daughter.”

Shiho says it so confidently, Ann can almost believe it. “It’s a nice thought, I guess.”

“Ann, you’re going to be okay. I promise.”

Ann turns over and tries to close her eyes again. “Good night, Shiho.”

Ann is running through Sae’s palace, trying to avoid the shadows at Oracle’s instructions. She slips out one of the back windows. From her perch she can see a bunch of police going after Joker.

She should try to regroup with the others, but can’t help but watch. She winces in sympathy as one of the officers kicks Joker and causes him to fall off the ladder he was climbing.

Except when Joker falls, his mask falls off too, and it isn’t Akira.

It’s Shiho.

Shiho who’s grabbed by the police and dragged away kicking and screaming, and covered with bruises, just like Akira after the interrogation just like Shiho after she jumped…

Ann jolts out of bed. She gets up clumsily and rushes to the bathroom, trying not to throw up. It was a nightmare.  Just a nightmare, but…

It could still happen. The police could find out where Ann is and storm the house and arrest her and Shiho and Shiho’s parents. She’s putting Shiho in danger by being here. This was a stupid move.

There’s a knock on the bathroom door. “Shiho, is something wrong?” Mr. Suzui asks.

Ann tenses up. “Yeah, I’m fine dad,” Ann whispers, hoping he won’t realize the difference. “Just some trouble sleeping."

“Alright. If something’s wrong, just let your mother or I know.”

“I will, dad.”

Ann hears footsteps moving away from the door and relaxes. Then she meets her own gaze in the mirror.

No.

She can’t put Shiho in danger.

~

When Shiho wakes up, she immediately looks over to check on Ann. Her heart drops into her stomach to see her gone.

Shiho scrambles out of bed, taking in the fact that Ann’s clothes are gone, and there’s a note on the desk.

Shiho-

Sorry for leaving without saying goodbye, but I shouldn’t have come here in the first place. You’re my best friend in the whole world and I can’t risk you getting in trouble because of me.

I hope you’re not too mad. I wish things could be different. Maybe one day we’ll see each other again.

Until then

-Ann

Oh no. Oh no, no no no!

Shiho throws a coat and some shoes on over her pajamas and rushes out the front door, past her parents who are trying to stop her.

She can make out Ann’s footprints against the morning December frost, and they’re heading towards the park, so that’s where Shiho goes too.

She doesn’t want to risk calling out Ann’s name in case all the noise so early alerts the neighbors, but her heart is pounding in her chest.

Finally, Shiho finds Ann on the other side of the park, sitting on a swing with her hoodie pulled low over her head so she doesn’t stick out.

“You’re so stupid.” Shiho says, sitting on the swing next to her.

“Shiho? What are you-”

“You think you can just leave me like that?” Shiho asks. She’s angrier than she wants to be, and she can’t help the tears that roll down her cheeks. “What if something happened to you because you decided to run off in the middle of the night?”

“What if you get arrested? What if cops come to your house? You didn’t see the things they did to Akira, I can’t let that happen to you!”

“So I should be ok if something bad happens to you,” Shiho shoots back. “Ann, you’re my best friend. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you, especially not after knowing you’re a Phantom Thief. You made Kamoshida confess to everything, right?”

“Yeah.”

“And you stopped him from killing himself so he can rot in prison like he deserves. You’ve done so much for me, more than you can even imagine, and then you kept doing it! You kept helping people, people you didn’t even know! You’re the nicest person I know, Ann you’ve got a big heart and you don’t deserve anything that’s happening to you right now. So for once, just this once, will you please let me, help you.” The words spill out and Shiho’s face is flushed as she grips the cold metal of the swings.

“I know the risks of helping you and I want to do it, because you’ve done so much more for me.”

“Shiho…” Ann reaches out and places a hand on Shiho’s shoulder. “You’ve done more for me than you could possibly know. The reason I stood up to Kamoshida, the reason I kept changing hearts afterwards, it’s because of you. You inspired me. If anything, I owe you.”

“Thanks Ann,” Shiho smiles. “Even now you’re the one cheering me up.”

“We’re cheering each other up.”

“Yeah. So c’mon. Let’s head back to the house. It’s kinda cold.”

Ann pulls back at that, and bites her lip.

“I know the risks. Let me handle it.”

“Fine. Yes, let’s go back.”

Shiho takes Ann’s hand, and they walk back to the house. On the way they, run into Shiho’s mother.

“Shiho! Why did you run out like that? And Ann-” Mrs. Suzui’s eyes narrow. “What’s going on.”

“Mom, Ann’s in trouble and she needs our help.”

“She’s a wanted criminal.”

“Mom, you know Ann! You’ve known her for years, you think she’d actually do anything she was accused of?”

Mrs. Suzui looks between the two girls for a minute before sighing. “Fine. Fine, we’ll set something up. I can talk to your father.”

“Thanks mom.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Suzui.”

“Let’s go inside, you girls must be freezing.”

~_~_~

Mr. Suzui brings tea down for everyone as soon as Ann and Shiho finish telling Haru and Morgana their story.

“So now what do we do?” Suzui asks.

“Well, the current plan is to meet at Shido’s Palace a week from today,” Haru says.

“With Ann, that means we have five people,” Morgana points out, “that’s not bad.”

“I’d feel better if we had everyone, though,” Ann says. “No word from the others?”

“We were hoping you’d know where to start with Ryuji. Does he have any family in the city or other friends?” Haru asks.

“I’m not sure who he’d turn to,” Ann says.

“I can go talk to his mom.” Suzui offers. “Or at least check out his apartment.”

“Suzui, we can’t-”

“Call me Shiho, and like I told Ann, I want to help. Ryuji’s a friend of mine too, and out of everyone here, I’m the only one who isn’t a wanted criminal.”

“Hey, what about me?” Morgana asks.

Shiho looks at him. “Well, I’m the only one who isn’t a wanted criminal, and who Ryuji’s mom can understand.”

Ann nods. “If you’re sure about this, Shiho, then yeah. You should do it. If you find him or a clue, you can meet up with Akira and move on from there.”

“It’ll be difficult staying in touch without a phone, but can we agree to meet up at Takemi’s clinic in Yogen-Jaya tomorrow evening? That way we can coordinate everything,” Haru says.

“Sounds like a plan,” Shiho says. “You can count on me, guys. Don’t worry.”

Ann smiles and grabs her hand. “I know we can.”

[catnaples]

You Can Run

“sdbfibdskfkjdsfb i love your yandere suga!! can i please request a yandere suga (maybe a short fic instead of headcanons?) where the reader (preferrably girl) ends up catching on to Suga’s antics and it comes to an all time high when she sees him about to murder daichi? but can it have a semi good ending? idk i dont see enough of those. and no nsfw please? ty!!!”

Thank you so so much for sending a request in anon!! I hope that you like this! It’s not the nicest of endings, but it’s still got the potential to be, y’know? I don’t think this is the best thing I’ve written, but I really do try. So I’m sorry if this is too crappy!

TW: Implied Murder

 You rounded the corner as quietly as you could, checking behind you for the one-hundredth time. Fear was coursing through your veins and your legs felt unsteady as you rushed through the empty halls. You had to find him before Suga did. You knew exactly what he was planning on doing, and you were banking on the fact that Suga didn’t know you were still here, sneaking around in an attempt to stop his sadistic plans.

 It had started a few months ago when Sugawara had started trying to woo you. You thought nothing of it at first, rolling your eyes behind his back. He just wasn’t your type, after all. But he eventually broke you after a few weeks, when you realized that he was the only one there for you when your friends started turning their backs to you. Luckily you still had the volleyball team, and most importantly, Suga. But this past week, you learned his dark secrets. He doesn’t think you know, and you had to use that to your advantage. 

 You had finally realized why your friends stopped talking to you. Why the ones that still did went missing. Why boys who talked to you ended up with black eyes and angry expressions when they had to face you. It was all Suga. He was the master manipulator, planning everything like a chess game so that you would fall right into his arms. You had learned how close you were to losing even the volleyball team if you hadn’t accepted his feelings when you did. 

 You spoke to Daichi as soon as you found his little box hidden at the bottom of his hamper. You had simply been trying to gather his laundry while he was showering so you could wash them. You knew how stressed he had been with school work, you just wanted to take something off of his list of things to do. But when you opened the box and found the teeth, the polaroids, the journal entries, and the lists. You instantly realized. You took pictures on your cell phone and saved them for Daichi. If anyone would believe you, maybe it would be him. 

 You hadn’t realized that Daichi then went and consulted Asahi afterwords. Suga had caught it, but luckily Daichi had never mentioned your name. Asahi may have had a less than desirable outcome, but that didn’t mean Daichi needed to. Suga was on his way to find him, last time you spoke to him. He brushed it off as needing to talk about volleyball and Kageyama, but you knew it was simply to make sure that Daichi could never reveal the information that he knew. 

 You skidded to a halt when you heard muffled voices coming from the science room down the hall. You crept forward slowly, trying your very best not to alert whoever was around. If it was Suga, you didn’t think you’d be able to manage acting like you were stupid like you had been for the last week. You continued to creep forward, now on your knees, and peeked through the cracked door. Daichi was on his knees, his arms tied behind his back and a rag in his mouth, preventing him from yelling. He had bruises on his face, and some cuts on his exposed arms. Suga stood in front of him with a knife, but you couldn’t see his facial expressions. 

 You stood up and backed away, trying to think of a way to get Suga away from him long enough to get him out of there. Your legs began shaking again as you thought about the possibilities of getting caught. A brief thought flashed through your mind. Why didn’t I just call the cops? You asked yourself, fighting back the fearful tears that were threatening to spill from your eyes. You mentally groaned. Because the cops in this godforsaken are on good terms with Sugawara. You’ve seen the way these kinds of things play out when people have connections with the police. If you had gone to them, then they would have questioned him, he would have found out it was you, he would burn the evidence, and then he would...well, you don’t exactly know what he would do to you.

 You crept back down the hallway, looking for the vent that was placed close to the floor. If you could just manage to crawl through, then you could maybe...just maybe...leave your portable radio around the corner, climb into the vent, and make your way through the tunnels to get to the science room. Then, turn the radio on with the remote you bought...and then he’d come out probably. Right? You were praying to whatever god you thought cared as you set up the trap, the radio set on its highest volume. You had brought it with you tonight for a scenario just like this after all. Then, you silently slid through the vents, making your way slowly to the science room. I hope that I’m able to get this stupid cover off. You groan in your head as you hit the on button, watching as Sugawara’s head whipped around to the door as the loud pop music began to fill the halls. “What the…” He mumbled, creeping out of the room. You silently begin pushing the vent door open as you hear his footsteps fading, and throw yourself on the ground. You land not so gracefully, rushing to Daichi who was looking at you with surprise and hope.

 You ripped the rag from his mouth and yanked his restraints off, pushing him towards the window as fast as you can as you hear the music shut off. You’re lucky that Daichi is fast, and that you’re on the first floor because as soon as Daichi is out of the window he pulls you through and softly shuts it, crouching down in the bush next to it. You both listen to Suga as realization sets in that Daichi was gone, and that he might end up getting caught. As you hear the room getting torn apart, you suddenly realize that you didn’t have your phone on you. You listened in horror as the noise abruptly stopped and you heard Sugawara laugh. “Oh, Y/N. You shouldn’t have done this.” 

 Your blood ran cold and your heart rate quickened again. “Daichi…” you whispered to him, seeing the same fear reflected in his eyes. He didn’t say anything and settled for grabbing your hand and yanking you towards the school entrance. Suga was still in the school, so you had a few short minutes to run off of the campus. You knew that your house wasn’t safe, and you thanked god that you lived alone off of a grant. Daichi, however, was a different story. You both knew that your houses weren’t safe. Suga would show up at any second. So Daichi dragged you to the bus station, using the last of his money, and pushed you on with him. You sat in silence and listened to him tell his parents not to let Suga in if he knocked at the door. They were panicked when he told them what had just happened, and told them to go to the police station immediately. Of course, the police didn’t seem to care.

 You both went into hiding after that. You didn’t graduate from Karasuno. Daichi didn’t go to nationals with the rest of his team. Sugawara was still seen as the innocent angel that he tried so hard to pretend to be. You couldn’t believe that the police didn’t even think to investigate until you had gotten into contact with Daichi’s mom the one day for him and she said that they had searched his house, but there was no evidence of any “box”, so the police dropped it immediately. They had said to her, “Tell your son and his girlfriend that they can’t go around accusing people of things like that for fun.”

 Daichi tried to maintain contact with the rest of the team while being as vague as he could to protect your anonymity, but Suga had gotten to them. He had told them “what you did”. You cheated on him with Daichi and then both moved away to hurt Sugawara even more. It was painful knowing that the people you had cared so much about believed that stupid lie, but what were you going to do? Go back and argue with him? 

 Eventually, you moved to America. You didn’t tell anyone. You and Daichi booked a one-way flight, both gained citizenship there and stayed there for a few years. You began dating, and then eventually he proposed to you. You thought that Suga had forgotten about you both. I mean, it had been 6 years that day. You were wrong, through. So very wrong. He sat there every night, for six whole years, thinking about all of the ways he’d forgive you. How you’d run back into his arms when you realized he still loved you. And when he found out Daichi was planning on marrying you? He immediately grasped his chance at bringing you back home to him.

 Imagine your surprise when Daichi flips your veil off and standing behind the bar with the evilest expression you think you’ve ever seen, is Sugawara, older, maybe even more handsome. And you know exactly what he was there for. 

[ladybug023]

The Kombat Bois!

Satoshi Hasashi (resurrected): age 12, son of Hanzo and Harumi Hasashi. Is the emo one with anger issues.

A lot of trauma from watching his klan and mom die and then get murdered himself. Then being resurrected by Quan Chi and have his manipulated to hate Hanzo and then used as Quan Chi’s weapon of revenge against Hanzo.

Was cured of being a revenant by the combined powers of NightWolf and Quan Chi. Raiden promised to spare Quan Chi if he helped turned back Satoshi back to normal.

(Hanzo had to choose between revenge and his son’s life and he choose Satoshi)

But after Scorpion took Quan Chi to the NeatherRealm to be tortured by Lucifer for eternity.

Although Satoshi was human again he wasn’t the same sweet boy he once was. This is the main problem between him and his father.

He and Takeda often fight a lot because Satoshi is jealous of him. He often reminds Takeda he’s not Hanzo’s real son.

Get along a little better with Forrest Fox.

He abilities are fire manipulation, teleport, and he’s the best fighter in the group.

Wields a two chains with big metal skulls on the end of them and a kitana

Code name is Stinger.

Liu Jarrod (mostly called Jarrod): age 13 son of Kitana and Liu Kang. The heart of the group and it’s leader.

The nicest boi in the group. Humble, noble, optimistic, and naïve.

He is the prince of Outworld.

At this point in the timeline, Kitana is Kahn and Liu Kang became the fire and thunder god and is the protector of Earthrealm.

Has a shit ton of pressure put on him from a young age.

People expect a lot of him because he is the son of a Kahn and a God. It suffocates him a lot.

Is unintentionally neglected by his parents. Kitana and Liu Kang love him but Kitana is busy most of the time running Outworld and Liu Kang is busy protecting Earthrealm.

He’s secretly spiteful to his father.

Is closest to his redeemed Aunt Mileena.

His abilities are a little bit of Edenian magic, 2nd best fighter in the group, and later in life develops the ability to fly. His father taught him the flying kicks.

He wields a sword that was created from the original King Jarrod’s sword and Liu Kang’s Dragon sword. It was his 13th birthday gift.

Bi Fang: age 11 1/2, son of Bi Han and Sareena. Is the loud mouthed and jokester of the group.

Half Demon half cryomancer. Is also a little shit.

Is very hyper, mischievous, and carefree. He doesn’t have filter on his mouth and will say what’s on his mind. This means he can be a lil mean sometimes.

Uses humor as a defense mechanism because he fears rejection.

The other children at the Lin Kuei temple rejected him because of his demonic features so, he begged his mother to let him use a magic potion to hide his horns, fangs, and wings.

He and his father have a strained relationship. His mother understands him better.

Bi Fang is also the black sheep of his family. And a lot of people doubt him. He’s so used to disappointing his father that he’s just stopped trying.

His cryomancy is very advanced for his age. This is because of his demonic heritage. He’s almost as good as his uncle Kuai Liang in cryomancy.

Cryomancy is as easy as breathing for him. He doesn’t even have to think about it. He has difficulty controlling it a lot of the time.

His fighting skills aren’t as advanced though. This is mostly because he skips training classes a lot. Depends on his powers more than fighting skills.

Has demon speed, smell, and strength.

Has wings and is capable of flying but rarely uses it. He makes all of his weapons out of ice. Usually uses a ice bo staff.

Took on his uncle’s former code name Tundra.

—————

Bi Fang and Satoshi meet each other first when Kuai Liang and Hanzo introduces them to each other.

Satoshi, still hating the Lin Kuei, tries to kill a confused Bi Fang. So they’re not on the best terms when they meet again.

Mavado has the boys kidnapped from their homes and held for ransom.

The Red Dragon puts special collars on them that stops their powers and they throw the bois in a large cage.

At first Satoshi and Bi Fang where fighting.

Satoshi: Say one more word ice demon and I rip out your tongue!

Jarrod: Woah.

Bi Fang: Come on and try it!

Satoshi: I swear to the elder gods! I’ll kill you!

*Jarrod holds back Satoshi*

Bi Fang: Ya well, your mama is a hoe!

Satoshi: YOU’RE DEAD LIN KUEI SCUM!

Jarrod: BOTH OF YOU STOP! We’ll never get out of here if you don’t stop fighting!

*Both start fighting anyways*

Surprisingly the underdog, the man, the best cop ever, Stryker was able to get behind their defenses and had to fight against Hsu Hao.

The bois reaction to an everyday cop coming to save them:

Bi Fang: Paul Blart the mall cop is supposed to be our savior?

Satoshi: I’m going to die...again.

Jarrod: Do not think like that! I believe in him!

*Stryker gets knocked across the room*

Bi Fang: ...You were saying princess?

Satoshi and Bi Fang call Jarrod princess a lot.

Despite the boi’s doubt, Stryker helped then escape from the Red Dragon.

Jarrod got to drive Stryker’s cop car at one point in the adventure, when Stryker was knocked unconscious for a short time.

Bi Fang drew a dick on Stryker’s face while he was knocked out of course.

Mavado managed to get away but Hsu Hao was arrested and given to the special forces.

Stryker returned them to their fathers. The bois hugged him goodbye.

(He still wasn’t aware that their was a dick drawing on his cheek the whole time.) Liu Kang tried to tell him but decided not to. Finally, Kabal let him know. Stryker screamed “That little shit!”

After that, Stryker became their babysitter/coach. The bois became friends and did a spit swear to help each other become the greatest warriors in all the realms.

The special forces base became like their summer camp. Here they’d be trained by Jax, Sonya, Kabal, and most importantly Stryker.

Stryker would help them a lot with their behavioral issues and their emotional baggage. He became their main shoulder to cry on.

Stryker: Of course these kids are fucked up! 13 year old’s shouldn’t be training to be fucking grandmasters and kings! They should be worrying about their first crushes and math quizzes, and getting acne! I’m surprised they’re not already sociopaths!

He’d expose them to normal kid things like, going to amusement parks, movie theaters, and playing video games.

He even showed them how to play Dungeons and Dragons. This was like team building exercises.

The Bois make a very good team and despite their differences they worked really well together. They became better from being mentored by Stryker.

They call Stryker “Coach” and everyone else calls Stryker “the babysitter” and he’s the best damn babysitter in all the realms.

The 3 bois beat up Kano for hurting Stryker.

The bois built a super secret club house in the ground, that not even Stryker knows the location too.

Satoshi and Bi Fang tease Jarrod a lot but it’s out of love. Satoshi and Bi Fang are the only people who treat Jarrod like a normal friend and not a prince.

They spar together.

Bi Fang has a crush on Jarrod’s mom Kitana. It annoys the hell out of Jarrod.

[itzagothamcitysiren]

Welcome to the Family

One more chapter after this one! I’ve been waiting to reach this point honestly. I feel like this story’s just been super depressing and I can never get into the mood when writing it lol. But I’ve been really excited about what happens in the end of this chapter (It’s one of my favorite tropes) so i hope you all like it as much as I do! 

Love Is a Burning Thing and It Makes a Fiery Ring pt.6

           Dick Grayson never thought in a million years that he’d be where he was today. He was sat up on a stool, elbows on the counter, in the kitchen of his new apartment. His tongue stuck out as his eyes scanned over the laptop screen once more. After giving it one last read through, the vigilante hit submit, the page fading from the screen and into the hands of fate.

           He leaned back into the stool stretching his arms out with a yawn. Letting one hand drop down to his head he gave it a good scratch, ruffling his hair as he did. His other hand fell forward to slowly shut the laptop closed. His eyes scanned around the room noting how the main room of apartment he found himself in was still in a disarray.

           The blur that had been the last two months was finally over and it seemed like a certain weight was lifted off his shoulders at the thought. But as he looked at the floor that was littered with boxes, he couldn’t help but feel a new one placed in its spot. The days of staying in a cramped hotel in one of the better areas of Gotham were no more but he wasn’t sure if this was more intimidating.  The act he just did alone spoke to how the times were changing and the future would be unknown.

           He could easily be back at Titan’s Tower a playing hero and shrugging off responsibility. But after Jason’s death, after the night he and Halley left the manor, Dick found himself unable to even consider it. He knew things wouldn’t get better if he tried to ignore it; if he did exactly what he did last time.

           So for once taking Alfred’s advice, he didn’t run. He didn’t stay in Gotham, but he didn’t run away.

           It wasn’t too hard finding a decent apartment in Bludhaven. Bludhaven wasn’t the nicest area but it wasn’t anything either Dick or Halley hadn’t seen before or that was fine because the rent was cheap. Dick did have a decent amount in savings but he wasn’t going to go all out and get them the nicest penthouse the city had to offer. The two bedroom apartment was a fixer upper but they’d be comfortable. And a little handy work neither hurt anyone.

           And as per the request of Alfred, it was only about a thirty minute drive to Gotham. Dick would’ve preferred to move a little further, not quite Metropolis far, maybe Central City far but he didn’t have the heart to move to far away from the older man. Granted, Dick did live with the Titans but he’d always come home to visit but as of now the thought of going back to Wayne Manor wasn’t an option. No matter amount of work Alfred put in as the middle man, the negotiator, Halley and Bruce just weren’t going to make up any time soon.

           Dick looked down at his watch, noting the time and groaning. He wasn’t surprised that he was still in the kitchen alone, the second plate of waffles and bacon he made still untouched. With a sigh and heavy head, Dick stood up from his chair, the metal feet squealing against the tile.        

           He made his way down the narrow hall, stopping at the first door to the right. He knocked a few times, only hearing a soft mumble to wait, before getting the okay to open the door. Dick peered into the room, just as unpacked as the rest of the place and frowned.

           “You aren’t dressed yet.” He stated.  His tone wasn’t one of question, or surprise or even annoyance. If Dick could place an emotion to it he would simply place it as acceptance.

           Halley looked up from the pile of clothes she had tossed onto her bed. She knew she should’ve been dressed, ate and out the door at least ten minutes ago but she couldn’t find it in herself to move any faster. The shower she had taken took longer than expected and the task of digging out her uniform out of whatever box it was hiding in forgotten the night prier.

           She didn’t know what to say, spotting her blazer and skirt in the pile and pulling it out. She threw it up the bed making sure it landed on the one spot that clothes didn’t take over before going back to dig for her white button up and knee high socks. Halley heard Dick let out another sigh before joining her in her search.

           “Look, I know you don’t want to go but it’ll be good for you.” Dick tried, making sure he was careful with his words. He didn’t want to witness another melt down like the one she had a couple of nights ago.

           “I know.” She said, pulling out one of the socks as he pulled out the button up.

           She knew he was right. She knew she couldn’t just waste away inside the house all day long. It wasn’t even like she doing anything productive to defend herself with. She’d just sit on her chair by her window and read all day long. Her room was still for the most part, completely packed in boxes still.

           She pulled out the last sock before bunching her clothes up and moving to the bathroom across the hall. She hurriedly through her clothes off and replaced them with her school uniform still unamused that she agreed to return to school. She, unlike Dick, didn’t think she was ready. She didn’t know how to face the world after Jason, and then her fight with Bruce. What if people questioned her? What if people asked why she was no longer living at the manor? What if people asked about Jason?

           She shook her head, throwing the pjama’s she had been wearing in the hamper. Moving to brush her teeth she finished within seconds and walked out of the bathroom. Dick met her in the hall, her backpack in one hand and her shoes held in the other. She quietly thanked him before grabbing the shoes first and slipping them on before the pair headed down the hallway.

           “Did you send in your application?” She questioned as she saw the food left for her on the counter. She knew she didn’t have time to sit and eat so she instead picked up the waffles and began nipping at them.

           “Yup.” Dick nodded, grabbing his keys off from one of the end tables near the door. “So hopefully we’ll hear back and I’ll be the newest member of the Bludhaven Police force.”

           “Gross,” Halley scrunched up her nose as she followed him out of the apartment. “I can’t believe you’re going to be a cop.”

           “Well one of us needs a job to pay the rent.” Dick rolled his eyes at her.

           “I get that but like a cop? In this city? I can’t believe I’m saying this but like they’re worse than Gotham cops. At least Gotham as Jim.”

           “Yeah, well Bludhaven’s going to have me, thank you very much.” Dick smirked smugly as they excited the apartment building and moved towards where Dick’s car was parked.

           She quietly sat in the passenger’s seat, finishing off the waffles and wishing she had given herself to eat them upstairs and with syrup but shrugged. Maybe tomorrow she’d be more prepared. Maybe tomorrow she wouldn’t be trying to prolong the inevitable.

           She still was uncertain about returning to school, knowing she only agreed to return during a moment of defeat. She regretted agreeing with Dick and couldn’t help but be bitter at him swopping in to cease the moment. Her arguments were just retorted back to her by him. The drive to the school for close to forty minutes. It was so close to the end of the school year, she could just finish her work from home, they’d understand. But no, Dick found an answer to everything. He didn’t mind the drive and the teachers wouldn’t let her work from home, he knew because he asked.

           She questioned his sneaky and underlining ethics but tried to get over it. It’d been close to two months since Jason’s death and even in her grief, she knew she had to start moving on to some semblance of normalcy. But it didn’t take long for her to wish she could turn back and smack the girl who thought that. From the moment Dick dropped her off and drove away, she wanted nothing more but to crawl back home and hide in her room. She was quick to realize that there was no normalcy without Jason walking the halls besides her.

           The school year had been so close to being over and she was about to graduate; her and Jason were about to graduate. She had been accepted to Gotham University alongside him. She had maintained her grades all year and it had paid off as she was accepted into the university’s journalism program. But now, now, she could care less; the only thing she could care about were the whispers peeking through her ears as she walked the halls.

           Her hands clenched onto her binder, holding it firmly to her chest for some form of comfort as she felt almost naked from the eyes staring at her. She could hear two girls mumbling to the other. The words skiing accident and that’s so sad picking up in her ears as she walked past them.  She shot them a look silencing them immediately with it. But that was just them though. It felt like everyone she walked past even teachers were gossiping and whispering about her. People knew she wasn’t staying at the manor anymore, they knew about Jason and they talked; they pitied her.

           She pressed through it for the first three classes of the day and hoped that it would settle down. She hoped people would move on from the topic like she was desperately trying to. But she found it only getting worse. The moment she had settled into her journalism class and tried to bury herself in her make-up work she felt like her body was being stabbed by pins and needles.

           “I would’ve gone to the funeral but it was private, I’m so sorry,” Dylan began, sitting next to her immediately after walking into the room. He knew she was here; he had heard talk about her in the halls and had been trying to find her all morning. “I’m here if you need to-,”

           Halley knew he didn’t mean any harm, she truly did but it was the first time all day someone had tried talking to her besides talking about her behind her back. She knew he was just concerned, and knew that he just wanted to be there for her but this was the exact opposite of what she wanted. This was why she left Wayne Manor; she needed to stop being reminded of Jason.            

           “I don’t need to talk!” She found herself lashing out at him.

           They both froze as they felt all eyes on them. For a split second, Halley felt herself subconsciously reaching into her pocket to call Dick to pick her up but instead panicked and stood up as she saw her teacher begin to approach their shared desk. Before anyone could say anything else or come any closer, Halley rose up from her seat and grabbed her backpack.

           Without asking permission she exited the room and practically fled into the halls. She quickly made her way out of the English hallway to avoid any attempt at Dylan or their teacher coming after her. She was relieved as the halls were empty as the classrooms where filled with students. She was grateful for it for she felt tears starting to leak down from her eyes and onto her cheeks. Her chest felt tight and she couldn’t breathe, having to loosen the neck of her collar just to feel like she wouldn’t pass out.

           She heard voices approaching from up near an adjacent hallway and panicked again. Pushing the door open to the lady’s restroom a few steps back she entered, making sure to lock the main door for privacy. The dripping water in the sink echoed as she tore her backpack off and let it fall to the ground. She roughly hit her back against the wall, sinking to the ground without a care of sitting on the bathroom floor.

           She let a hand run through her hair, releasing it from its braid and scratching her fingers against her scalp. Her hands felt numb and tingly as sweat formed at the back of her neck. She tried to take even breathes to steady herself but found herself in the middle of a full panic attack.

           “Great,” she scolded herself, letting her head drop into her hands.

           As she let herself cry she felt her heart stop at the sound of a flushing toilet and bathroom stall door opening. Her eyes widened and she jolted up to stand defensively. Her eyes narrowed at the culprit; it was Sam Bennet.

           The black haired girl walked out, sparing her a glance before moving towards the sink to wash her hands. Halley’s breathe hitched, waiting and dreading for the next few moments. People were going to talk. People were going to know that she got caught crying in the bathroom.

           “I’m sorry about Jason.” She spoke, causing Halley to frown and wipe away her tears.

           Sam didn’t expect to get a response back so she instead moved to use the hand dryer. Once they were dry she rubbed them on her skirt for good measure before moving to stand next to Halley. Halley moved to unlock the door assuming Sam would want to leave in order to rush and tell everyone what she just witnessed. Although, Halley was surprised when she made no move for the door. Instead the girl slid down against the wall, sitting next to where Halley previously sat.

           “I know what it feels like,” she frowned, already gripping her phone tightly in her hands.

           ‘Excuse me?” Halley asked, narrowing her eyes down at her.

           “I know what it feels like.” She repeated herself but more confidently. “I lost my older sister a couple of years ago. You know, the one that went to school with Dick. It was a mugging gone wrong. Mom and Dad haven’t been the same since; pretty sure if they didn’t think it would look bad they’d be divorced already. My dad works in city hall, so you know his main concern is that.”

           “Oh.” Halley said lamely, unaware of this and unsure why the girl was opening up to her. She found herself sinking back down in her spot without a word. She pulled her legs back and close to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as if for comfort. Biting the inside of her cheek she blinked a few times as Sam continued,

           “Yeah, I was a freshman when it happened and if this school’s good for one thing then it’s good for news spreading fast. Everyone talked about it. Gave me their fake pity. The school even had an assembly about it. They had one for Jason too but you hadn’t come back yet. Everyone all of a sudden was friends with him though.  A bunch of fakes.”

           Halley let herself sneak a peek at Sam with a frown. Her voice sounded earnest and honestly almost reminding her of Jason himself when he’d comfort her over something. Her lips pressed together firmly not sure how she felt about that.

           She and Sam weren’t friends. They barely had a conversation over the last two years of Halley being in Gotham. Halley had always made sure to keep Sam’s attempts at conversation one sided as she always perceived the girl as obnoxious. And she was; she had been. Even with the conversation still being one sided, this-, this wasn’t the Sam Halley had grown to have a distaste for.

           Sam could sense the girl’s indecision radiating off of her. She scoffed to herself. She knew they weren’t friends, not matter how many times Sam had tried engaging her in conversation. She understood why Halley wanted nothing to do with her; Sam wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. She was barely her own cup of tea. Her fake façade she wore daily to try and fit in, and make people not pity her like they had her freshman year made the people who weren’t shallow stray away.

           “Who am I to talk, right?” She let a breath out, snorting as she did. “I turned into one of them as some twisted way to pretend my sister’s death wasn’t a big deal.” She shook her head, looking to the side.  She felt her face loosen from its tense, scrunched up expression. Halley was looking at her.

           Sam shrugged, her eyes soft, “But it was a big deal, you know? You obviously know. I looked up to her and wanted to be her so I guess I just forced myself too.” She said with a sigh, not quite sure where she was going with this.

           “Look I’m sorry to blab your ear off, especially now.” She said, slowly standing up, realizing how it was pretty gross down on the floor. She scrunched her nose up again, flattening out her skirt once she was standing. “You don’t care about me or my life, we’re not friends. I shouldn’t- I’m sorry. I’ll leave you alone now. Just take my advice and don’t listen to them out there. You of all people are better than to listen to the things they say.”

           Halley looked up at her at this. Not quite sure how to respond but knew she had to say something. Sam was being nice and Halley felt guilty for not at least thanking her.      

           Sam made her way to the door gasping when she heard the squeak of shoes against the tile and her arm being grasp. She turned her head to see Halley standing now behind, a light frown on her face as she looked down at her shoes.

           “Thank you. I just- I’m not the best with words during these types of situations. I’ve-,” Halley bit her lip, letting go of Sam’s arm.

           She felt her heart pumping in her chest as she debated if it was okay to open up to a complete stranger. Sam was known to gossip and know everyone’s business and Halley wasn’t looking to be vulnerable with someone who would just immediately plaster her life throughout the halls. She didn’t know Sam. She only knew her actions.  

           Halley truly thought to herself though. What did it really matter? She was out of here in no time. She’d never see these people again. And if anything, she could just pack up and leave. She had no ties here. She had no consequences.  

           But she couldn’t kid herself. Of course she had ties here. She had consequences. She had Dick, the Titans and Alfred. She couldn’t just leave them over something so stupid and childish. Like Sam said, she was far better than that. She didn’t want to think about the state she’d send them in if she just up and vanished because of a couple of things said in the halls. She had to be better. She promised herself she’d get better.

           “I’ve been working on myself.” She admitted, finding a voice from within. “I- I’m so used to just lashing out and saying and doing things I instantly regret- so I’m just trying to think before I speak.” She let out a breath like Sam had down moments prior. “Thank you for talking with me.”

           Sam nodded in acceptance and understanding. She knew what it was like during the first stages of adapting to life after losing someone so important. She bit her own lip, looking around the room quickly, herself thinking of her actions before going back to her rambling self. She gripped her phone again, holding it to her chest before looking at it for the time. It was almost their lunch period. She brought a smile to her face, trying to look as welcoming and honest as she felt.

           “You want to get out of here? My mom’s out of town, not cheating on my dad, and my dad’s at work, not fucking his secretary, so no one’s at my house until late tonight. We can order a pizza or Chinese food and watch movies? Like I said, I know we’re not friends but beats being stuck here for five more hours.”

           Halley sighed, looking around the room like Sam had. She rolled out her options before her and it wasn’t even a debate. Dick would surely kill her for ditching on her first day back and she’d most likely get in trouble with the school as well but she really didn’t find it in herself to care. She looked at Sam, matching her smile, feeling forced at first but slowly it felt natural.

           “I know a really good Chinese place not too far from here. We can stop on the way?”

[fandomrewrites]

Season 1, Episode 4: Magic Bullet

Hi my lovely readers! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Personally, it’s one of my favorites. As always constructive criticism is appreciated. Enjoy!

Season 1, Episode 4: Magic Bullet

Pairings: Scott McCall x Twin Sister, Lydia Martin x Best Friend, Nate Wilson (OC) x Reader

Warnings: Gunshot wound, usual Teen Wolf things

Word Count: 2,972

Season 1 Masterlist

I quickly got up at the sound of my alarm, startled by how loud it was. I reached over shutting it off and relaxing back into my pillows in order to control my racing heartbeat. After a few minutes, I stood up and started pulling clothes out of my closet to get ready for school. I grabbed black mom jeans, a yellow tank top, a sheer black sort sleeve top, and black vans.

As I was walking downstairs I got a text from Lydia saying she couldn’t pick me up this morning because she would be running late. As soon as Scott walked down the stairs I spoke up, “Is Stiles picking you up today?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I need a ride. Lydia can’t make it today.” He nodded and not too long after we headed out the door towards Stiles’ jeep.

As soon as we got in the car Scott told us that Derek isn’t the alpha meaning that there is another, more dangerous werewolf in Beacon Hills and we have no clue who it is.

When that was established Stiles broke the silence by asking, “Did the Alpha kill the bus driver?”

“I don’t know,” Scott sighed.

Stiles pauses and thinks for a moment then asks another questions, “Does Allison’s dad know about the Alpha?”

“Stiles, how is Scott supposed to know?” I rolled my eyes. We just made it to the school and we all got out of the car. I separated from the boys heading to my locker, letting my mind wander to the unknown Alpha.

*_*_*_*_*_*

After class, I was in the hallway with Lydia and Allison talking about Scott going to study at Allison’s tonight. “Just studying never ends with just studying,” I say as I lean against the lockers.

Lydia then continues, “It’s like getting into a hot tub. Somebody eventually cops a feels.” I snorted.

“So what are you two saying?”

“We’re saying make sure he covers up.” Lydia gives Allison a glance.

When Allison looks confused I continue, “Ya know? Wrap it before you tap it? Don’t be sill, protect your willie? I can go on.”

Lydia has a smirk on her face as Allison says, “No thanks. And seriously, after one date?”

“Well don’t be a total prude. You have to give him a little taste.” Lydia says.

“How much is a little taste?”

“Oh, God. You really like him, don’t you?”

“Well, there’s something different about him.” You have no idea. “When I first got here I had this plan: no boyfriends until college. I move too often. But when I met him, he was different. I can’t explain it.”

“Well, he really likes you too. I’m his twin, I should know.” I winked at her.

Lydia starts talking before Allison could reply, “I’ll tell you what to do. When’s he coming over?”

“Right after school.”

As if on cue, the bell rings and our classmates start pouring out of their last classes. “Sorry ladies, I gotta go. Have fun Allison, but don’t get pregnant, I’m too you to be an aunt.” I wiggle my eyebrows then head out the door.

As I walk out the building a hand grabs my arm, I look over and follow the hand up to a very sick looking Derek. “What are you doing here? You look like shit!”

Derek glares, “Where’s your brother?”

“I don’t know,” I look up, glancing around and spot Stiles in his jeep puling out of his spot. I drag Derek over making Stiles slam on his breaks in shock, quickly getting out of his car. That’s when Scott notices the commotion and makes his way over. 

Before Stiles or Scott can say anything Derek gasps out, “I was shot.”

I’m practically holding Derek up at this point and I am struggling under his weight. Scott grabs his other arm helping me carry Derek. “Why aren’t you healing?” He asks.

“I can’t. It was a different kind of bullet.”

Scott then releases a breath, “Wait a second. That’s why she meant when she said 48 hours.”

Derek’s eyes then started glowing blue and he sucks in a breath, clearly in a lot of pain. “What are you doing? Stop that.” Scott says when he sees what is happening.

I reach over and whack the back of Scott’s head, “What is wrong with you? He wouldn’t be doing that if he could control it. Derek’s not an idiot!”

Students start blaring their horns as some step out of their cars, annoyed by the hold-up. “We have to get him in the car.” I breathe out, still struggling under his weight.

“Him? My jeep? No way.”

I quickly give Stiles a death stare as he reluctantly agrees. As soon as he is in the passenger seat Stiles gets in the driver’s side. I look at Derek and awkwardly apologize as I go to climb over him so I can get in the back seat.

Before we can take off Derek stops Scott, “I need you to find the same kind of bullet. I have to know what they used.”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“She’s an Argent. She’s with them...”

“Why should I help you?”

“Scott!” I scold as I stick my head in between the two front seats and glare at my brother.

“Because you need me,” Derek says.

“Fine. I’ll try. Now get him out of here.”

*_*_*_*_*_*

Sitting in the car with Stiles and Derek I quickly text Scott, Did you find it yet? I keep glancing at Derek. He looks like he’s getting worse and it’s making me nervous. My phone beeps alerting me of a text, “Scott says he needs more time.”

Stiles sighs then looks over to Derek who is clutching his arm in pain, “Try not to bleed out on my seats. We’re almost there.”

“Almost where?” Derek questions as I knit my eyebrows together.

“Your house.” Stiles deadpans.

“No. You can’t take me there.”

“I can’t take you to your house?”

“Not when I can’t protect myself.”

“You know, that actually makes sense.” I nod my head thoughtfully as Stiles glares at me in the rear view mirror. He quickly hits the brakes and looks at Derek, “What happens if Scott doesn’t find your magic bullet? Are you dying?”

“Not yet. I have a last resort.” Derek then pulls up his sleeve revealing the gunshot wound. It has stopped bleeding but the veins surrounding it are dark making the wound look disgusting. I scrunch my face up and look away from the wound.

“What is that?” Stiles asks, also looking disgusted, “Is that contagious? Maybe you should just get out.” I reach over to punch Stiles in the arm and he quickly backs away from me throwing a glare over his shoulder.

Derek then weakly spoke up, “Start the car. Now.”

“I don’t think you should be giving orders the way you look. In fact, I think if I wanted to, I could probably drag your werewolf ass out to the middle of the road and leave you for dead.”

My mouth hung open at Stiles’ words. I get that Derek isn’t the nicest person to deal with but he could be a lot worse considering my brother, Stiles, and I got him arrested. Plus he has told Scott more about being a werewolf then Stiles and I ever could.

I went to punch Stiles again but before I could Derek spoke up, “Start the car or I’m going to rip your throat out with my teeth.”

“Ha.” Derek quickly glanced at me but then focused back on Stiles staring at him until he started the car.

*_*_*_*_*_*

As we start moving again I lean back in the seat and text Scott for a second time, Derek is not looking good. When he doesn’t answer after 10 minutes I text again, call me. After another few minutes, Scott finally calls me. “Finally! What are we supposed to do with him?”

“Take him somewhere. Anywhere.”

“Oh of course. Just let me bring him home. He can hide in my closet.” I roll my eyes waiting for Scott to answer. Stiles rips the phone from my grasp as I open my mouth to protest. Only for him to hold his hand up as he talks to Scott, “He’s starting to smell.”

I can just make out Scott’s voice through the phone, “Like what?”

“Like death.” Stiles scrunches his face up as he looks at Derek’s wound. Derek then glares at Stiles and I give him my best bitch face.

“Okay. Take him to the animal clinic.”

“What about your boss?”

“He’s gone by now. (Y/N) knows where the spare key is.”

Stiles turns to Derek, “You’re not going to believe where he’s telling me to take you.”

Without answering Derek yanks the phone out of Stiles’ hand, “Did you find it?”

The phone is now farther away from me so I can’t hear what Scott says but soon Derek continues, “You don’t find it, I’m dead,” there was a quick pause. “Then think about this, the Alpha called you out against your will. He’s going to do it again. And next time you either kill him or you get killed. You need me. Find the bullet.”

Derek hangs up and hands the phone back to me. Stiles then takes a breath as he starts the jeep back up and heads to the animal clinic.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Stiles parks outside of the animal clinic and I quickly find the hidden key to unlock the door. Once we are inside the examining room I got a text from Scott. I look up at Derek, “Does northern blue monkshood mean anything to you?”

When the words leave my mouth Derek opens his eyes and sighs, “It’s a rare form of Wolfsbane. He has to bring me the bullet.”

I quickly text Scott telling him as Stiles asks, “Why?”

Derek replies rather bluntly, “Because, without it, I’m dead.”

After I heard those words and saw how bad Derek was looking I quickly sent out another text, need you here now.

I looked up from my phone, pacing back and forth waiting for Scott to either show up or text me back. Derek slowly pulled his shirt off and despite his gross wound I couldn’t help looking at his abs.

He was definitely fit and I was trying really hard to focus on anything but his defined stomach. So instead I swallowed and looked at his wound to check just how bad it had gotten.

The veins branch out from open sores while the rest of his arm has turned yellow. The minute Stiles saw the wound words tumbled out of his mouth, “Well, that doesn’t look like anything some Echinacea and a good night’s sleep couldn’t take care of.”

I rolled my eyes as Derek replied, his voice strained, “When the infection reaches my heart, it’ll kill me.”

“Positivity just isn’t in your vocabulary, is it?”

“Please Stiles, I wouldn’t be positive either if I was on my deathbed.”

Derek gave me a glare as I mumbled out a quick apology. He then pushed himself off from leaning against the container and started speaking. “If he doesn’t get here with the bullet in time, last resort.”

“Which is?” Stiles asks as I throw the blue-eyed werewolf a questioning look.

Derek is digging through drawers as he speaks then finally stops at one and pulls out an electric bone saw. “You’re going to cut off my arm.”

*_*_*_*_*_*

Stiles and I stand shocked as Derek walks over to the examination table and puts the saw down. Derek then begins tying a tourniquet around his infected arm as Stiles asks, “What if you bleed to death?”

I keep glancing between the two guys standing in front of me, trying not to panic. “It’ll heal. If it works.” Derek instantly replies, still trying to tie the tourniquet.

I slowly make my way over to him and help him tie it as he looks up at me shocked that I was helping. Stiles then starts talking again, I don’t know if I can do this.”

As I finish the tourniquet Derek speaks up, “Why not?”

“Because of the cutting through flesh, the sawing of the bone, and especially the blood.”

I bite my lip in thought as Derek questions Stiles, “You faint at the sight of blood?”

“No. But I might at the sight of a chopped off arm.”

Derek threateningly steps closer to Stiles, “How about this: either you cut off my arm or I rip off your head.”

I look between the two guys praying that Scott arrives soon. “I’m not buying your threats anymore.”

I gulp as Derek grabs Stiles’ collar before I can say anything Stiles speaks up, clearly nervous, “Okay, bought, sold, I’ll do it, I’ll do it.”

Derek then releases him as he starts to gasping, choking and coughing. I rush over to him to help him stand up straight but before I can grab his arm he hunches over and starts throwing up ink black liquid.

“Holy God, what the hell is that?” Stiles gasped out back away. 

“My body... trying... to heal.” Derek is still hunched over and trying to breathe as he speaks. I put my hand on his back and slowly start rubbing between his shoulder blades. He looks up, “We have to do this now.”

I help him stand up properly to the best of my ability and bring him towards the table in the center of the room. Stiles mumbles an “Oh God” as he grabs the saw and I hold onto Derek’s injured arm.

I cringe as Stiles turns the blade on, I see him close his eyes as he slowly brings the saw down towards Derek’s arm. Before it reaches Scott bursts through the door, “What the hell are you doing?”

Stiles and I sigh in relief as he answers for both of us. “You just prevented a lifetime of nightmares.” I nod in agreement still standing beside Derek.

“Did you get it?” Derek looks around me. I move slightly to the side as Scott hands the bullet to Derek.

“What are you going to do with it?” I question.

Derek starts to answer but before a complete sentence leaves his mouth he collapses to the floor, the bullet dropping and rolling away.

“Shit,” I crouch on the floor beside Derek shaking his shoulder and trying to get him to wake up. Stiles goes to his other side and tries to help me while Scott goes after the bullet.

“He’s not waking up!” Stiles panics as I quietly whisper, “C’mon Derek. Don’t die on us.”

When Scott calls out that he has the bullet Stiles takes a breath, “Please don’t kill me for this.” He then pulls his arm back and punches Derek in the face with as much force as possible. 

Derek’s eyes flutter open as Stiles staggers backward away from me and the werewolf. Stiles is cradling his hand in pain when Derek speaks up, “Give it to me.”

Scott once again gives Derek the bullet as I help him to his feet. He then stands at the table and cracks the tip open and pulls out a lighter from his pocket. He holds the flame to the contents inside and sparks fly up as bits of wolfsbane light aflame.

He then puts the smoldering ashes into his hand and grinds it into his gunshot wound, wincing as he does. Derek drops back to his knees, I grab his arm to slow his fall. With one hand on his arm and the other on his back, Derek opens his mouth revealing his sharpened fangs.

I suck in a breath but refuse to back away until I know he’s alright. “(Y/N),” I hear Scott warn but I stay still.

Dogs in the kennel are barking like crazy and rattling the cages. Before I can ask Derek if he is okay, he tilts his head back one more time and lets out an ear-piercing howl of agony.

I wince and tilt my head away. As soon as the howl begins, it ends and Derek falls against me, too tired to sit up on his own. The open sores close within seconds, returning to normal. It’s deathly quiet for three seconds, then Stiles pipes up, “That. Was. Awesome.”

Slowly Derek’s eyes blink open, he leans away from me and pushes himself off the floor. I slowly stand up after him keeping my hands out just in case he falls again.

“Are you okay?” I wearily ask.

Derek glances at me then looks towards the boys, “Except for the agonizing pain.”

“I’m guessing the ability to use sarcasm is a sign of good health.” Stiles states.

I slowly allow my hands to drop to my sides as Derek pulls his shirt back on. He seems to be ignoring my concerned gaze.

Scott speaks up, “We saved your life. That means you’re going to leave us alone. And if you don’t I go back to Allison’s dad and tell him everything-”.

Before he can continue Derek cuts him off, “You’re going to trust them? You think they can help you?”

“Why not? They’re a lot freaking nicer than you are.”

“I can show you exactly how nice they are.”

Scott shares a questioning look between Stiles and myself, I shrug in response. “What do you mean?” Scott finally asks.

Derek and Scott leave as Stiles sighs and brings me home.

I think about waiting up for Scott but decide against it, he’ll tell me what Derek showed him tomorrow. And with that thought, I head to bed for the night.

[50-percent-winchester-sister]

The Emo Phase Part 2

PART TWO OF THE EMO PHASE

This is so fluffy its killing me!

Prompt: While still being grounded because of you got suspended, you surprise your brothers on Fathers Day

Dean: 26

Sam: 22

Y/N: 15

Word Count: 1,986

  Sam grounded you for two weeks because you got suspended, reasonably grounding, but still, you don't like being grounded. I mean they're your brothers, not your parents. Nonetheless, they raised you since you were 4, that's when your mother took Adam, your twin brother, and abandoned you, so you had to live with Sam, Dean, and your dad, John. John died when you were 7, and since Dean was 18 at the time, he decided to legally 'adopt' you, adoption papers and all.

  Its already been a week since you were grounded and honestly, everything's going better then you thought it would.

I mean, Sam and Dean have been nice to you, you're back talking was kept to a minimum, the teenage angst was cut short since you didn't want to be grounded longer than need be, and Father's Day was tomorrow, so you planned on tomorrow being a good day. You planned everything out. You're their not your dad's, but hey they've been like your dad's since you were 4, so the least you can do is show them you still love and care for them, right?

  You wake up early, 4:30, which is an hour and 30 minutes before Sam goes out to run. You called Jody to bring the good beer that Dean used to drink and to get Sams's favorite coffee beans. You waited outside for Jody when you see her cop car park in the gravel outside the Bunker. "

They'll catch on Y/N, you know that" "Not unless I am subtle about it Jody, you know me, master of getting what I want." Jody laughs a bit, you two hug and she leaves.

You got about 40 minutes before Sam wakes up, perfect. You clean up the bunker, the living room, the kitchen, your room, and the library. you got 10 minutes left, so you start making the coffee and the 'green juice' for Sam, (health freak eugh).

You start making breakfast for the boys when you hear Sams door open, you jump a little, nervous about what he's gonna say.

  "Mornin' Sunshine," you say to Sam with a genuine grin on your face. Usually, Sam says that to you so confused he says "What are you doing up so early?" "Nothin' just woke up early, breakfast before you go?" Sam sits down when you hand him his crappy green juice and a plate of eggs, toast, and sausage. "Thank you?" He says confusingly.

"Oh Dean, I made breakfast, want some?" "Sure?"

You hand him his plate of food and a bottle of the good beer. "How did you get this?"

"Hmm? Oh, I asked Jody to get it, why?" "How did you call her, we took your phone away" "You know we have something called a home phone, right?" you say as you giggle afterward. 10 minutes later Sam goes out for his run and Dean goes to the library to do research.

"What the-" Dean says as he sees the exact books he was going to pull out on the table. "Y/N, get in here!" Dean yells for Y/N in a worrying tone. "Yeah?"

"Did you do this?" You look at the books, smile and say "Oh yeah, I heard you and Sam talking about the case last night, so I decided to help you out." At this point Deans getting concerned, "Why?" "You love asking questions, do you?" You walk away and you hear the bunker door open, Sam's home!

  "Sammy, just in time, look!" You pull something from under the counter, its Kopi luwak, Sams' favorite coffee, it's pretty expensive, but you snatched it at the right time. "Woah Y/N, how did you get that?" "Well I had enough money, Jody just picked it up for me" you nervously says while scratching the back of your neck. "Are you okay Y/N?" "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" "You aren't yourself today. What? are you trying to get out of being grounded huh?" "Sam that's not why"

you way while laughing, "I just wanted to do something nice for you guys, that's all." Walking away you hear Sam sigh, but in actuality, he is...worried?

Isn't he supposed to be happy? Of all days you would think that. Its 3:45 PM and you had a bright idea, do the laundry, Sam and Dean went out to get lunch so its a perfect plan! You first go into Sams' room, and then to Dean's room to snag up their clothes. The wash and drying machine is in the garage so you head over there.

Once you're done you bring their clean clothes back up to their rooms and you hear the Bunker door open. What a coincidence! you thought.

  "Babe were home" Sam yells for you. You love it when he calls you babe, and when Dean calls you baby girl, you get all happy inside. "Coming!" you run downstairs and into the kitchen. "we got food from Silver Skillet, hope that's okay," says Dean whos putting the food on the counter, "Fine by me." You, Sam and Dean, sit at the kitchen table and just talked about research and the upcoming case that you three will be on in a few days, grounded as it may, Sam or Dean isn't just gonna let you not go hunting, that'll set you off more than anything.

"So, when are we leaving?" You ask and Dean answers with a "Tomorrow morning, it'll be a 10-hour drive so don't get all pissy if we don't stop at a motel." "Dean!" Sam retaliates, "Were getting a motel, it's not like we're just gonna sleep in the Impala" Sam says to both you and Dean.

"It's all cool really if its as easy as we think it is, we can just go there and come right back, 2 days tops, right?" You get up and throw away yours and the boys trash, "Will you guys be here for dinner?" "Yeah, of course, wouldn't miss it," Dean says and you smile, walking away. "Good now that's she's gone, what the hell is she doing Sam?" "I don't know Dean, I mean making breakfast, getting you beer" "Getting you that shitty green shit, getting you that coffee I can't pronounce" "Kopi luwak?" "however the hell you say it, yes" "I mean she also cleaned up the bunker, getting you those books, doing our laundry?"

"Should we be worried, Sammy?"

"Ever since we-" "you" "WE grounded her, there has been less talkback and sass" "Well of fuckin course, you yelling and getting all mad scares her man. but even if, shes been overly nice today." "Is she trying to get ungrounded? ha cause it ain't workin'" "she says she isn't, but I don't know Dean"

"Well, let's see how this rolls out tomorrow and well talk to her okay? don't get a panic attack over something that most likely nothing Sammy"

"Yeah okay," Sam says looking around the cleaned kitchen.

Dean knocks on your door, and you open it with a smile, "Yeah, what?" "Me and Sammy are gonna help out Charlie with whatever, she called us for whatever reason, you need anything while we're gone?" "No I'm good, you two are gonna be back for dinner right?" "wouldn't miss it babygirl" Dean kisses your forehead and Sam comes up and hugs you too "Well be back soon Babe don't worry okay?' "Okay Sam, love you two"

its 6:00 PM and their still and Charlie's. Your getting worried when you decide to text Sam

Babes: you two still at Charlie's?

Sammy Pu: Yeah we are, we'll try to be back for dinner

Babes: Sam?

Sammy Pu: Yes Y/N?

Babes: Be safe okay?

Sam loves it when you worry for them, its cute really. you're growing out of your 'emo phase' so this means everything to him

Sammy Pu: We will, we miss you

Babes: I miss you two too <3

"Were you talking to Y/N, Sam?" Charlie asks, "How is she, she still grounded?" "Yeah I was, she's doing better as Winchesters can get, and yeah she's still grounded, she's got a week left and honestly, she's behaving better than I thought."

"That sucks. sorry for asking you guys here today of all days, you should be spending time with Y/N instead of me. Sam and Dean look at each other confusingly, "Why is that" Dean asks, "Well its fathers day, and me being an idiot took you two from her."

oh...

OH!

That's why you were being annoyingly nice today. Sam quickly turns to Dean a worrying face. "Son of a bitch" Dean commented. "I'm sorry we got to get back to the bunker," Sam says to Charlie while Dean goes to the impala and starts it up. "No it's okay really, no offense taken."

"Dean you're driving a little too fast we-"

"Sam it doesn't fucking matter right now, we promised well be home for dinner and were going to do just that!"

You just finished dinner when you hear the bunker door slam open, worried you grab your gun and when you heard a "Y/N?" that sounded like Sam, you put your gun away. "Sam? Dean? are you two o-" you didn't finish your sentence when Sam runs towards you and gives you the biggest hug you've gotten from him, Dean goes behind you and hugs you too' "-kay? What's going on?"

"Were so sorry we left for so long" Sam says, "At least we made it right?" Dean commented. "Yeah of course, in fact, you two aren't late, you're right on time." Dean scoffs and adds, "No you just made dinner too late, were the late ones" "No arguing, let's just eat," Sam says while walking to the kitchen.

  You, Sam and Dean, sit at the kitchen table and eat in a bit of silence before Sam questions you. "So, when were you gonna tell us?" "Hmm? What, that its fathers day? Never I guess, not a big deal, right?"

"Y/N its a huge deal, I mean come on, you're Y/N, having parents isn't your style" Dean lightly laughs.

"Well," you start to look down at your hands, then back up at your brothers. "Don't think I'm weird."

"Trust me we think that all the time." "Dean! What is it, babe?"

You look down at your hands again, too embarrassed but you start talking.

  "Ever since I was 7 you two have been there for me, It's not every day you hear of a family that only consists of two older brothers and a younger sister and that it, but that's normal for me. Knowing my mom is still alive but not here is normal for me. Dad being....gone is actually normal for me now. You two are the only ones who actually want me around. You two were there for me since I was 4 years old. Dean, you got me interested in drawing and the drums, Sam you got me into the violin and dancing. I was a total bitch to raise, I know and just randomly being the nicest kid on earth was probably stressful. I don't know, I mean.." You look up at them. "You're my brothers I get that, but you guys have been better parents, better fathers than Dad ever was to me I guess, I'm sorry.."

  You looked away when you said 'I'm sorry'. silence took over and you felt like you were going to have a nervous breakdown. You start to get up and walk to your room when "Y/N.." You heard Sam's voice crack, oh god no.

You turn around, your voice cracking too. "Sam, Dean, I-"

Right when you turn around you see Sams puppy dog eyes glisten with tears, hell Deans too. Fuck.

Tears start to prick the sides of your eyes when you walk back towards them. "-I love you guys" You way while embarrassingly, but happily crying.

  "We love you too Y/N" they both said in unison

[timotey]

Fic: Brave Little Tangerines

Dark Blue Kiss/Our Skyy. PeteKao. A what-if story.

For the sake of the story, let’s assume that Our Skyy takes place after Dark Blue Kiss, okay? Also, I’m no doctor so expect a lot of hand-waving and, well, creative licence.

Kao lied to Pete about the damned curse. Now Pete is tired and cranky and he wants to go home. But where the heck is Kao?! The pharmacy he went to is just a few blocks away, after all...

😧😧😧

Pete’s really, really angry. As if he didn’t tell Kao many times in the past not to lie to him. And yet, here they are again. Here there’s Pete, carrying a half-pint of a plant - still heavy, though - and punched in the face. Dammit!

And where the heck is Kao? The pharmacy he decided to go to pick up some disinfection and who knows what else - despite Pete’s stout protests - is only a few blocks away, it’s not like it’s a trip to Mars or something. 

Five minutes pass. Then ten. And fifteen.

Dammit!

Pete pulls out his cellphone and calls Kao, more than ready to give his lover a real dressing down. Because he’s tired and cranky and he wants to go home and take a shower and forget this day ever happened.

The phone keeps ringing. And ringing. And ringing. 

Kao doesn’t pick up. And Pete feels the first jab of worry in the vicinity of his stomach.

He smothers it with anger, though, and hanging up, he gets up, grabs the darned plant and stomps angrily down the pier and towards the pharmacy whose sign keeps blinking merrily in the distance like a beacon in the dark.

Pete doesn’t come across Kao on the way there and when he enters the shop, there’s no one inside either. Nobody but the pharmacist. He feels that bitter jab of worry again. Where is Kao?

“Excuse me?” Pete says as he steps up to the counter, and when the pretty girl there smiles at him invitingly, he continues with, “Hello, hi. I’m looking for my boyfriend? Same red shirt, my height but really pale? Pretty eyes?”

“Oh yes, he was here a few minutes ago,” the girl tells him. “He seemed rather worried. He bought some things for treating scrapes - for you, I guess?” She points at the reddened, swollen corner of Pete’s mouth.

“Hm,” Pete replies, self-consciously touching that bruise in the making. “Where did he go then?”

She frowns a little. “The way he came from? The way you came from? You can’t have missed him…”

Well, Pete did, apparently. 

He thanks the pharmacist and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him. And then he stands there, on the sidewalk lit by the pharmacy’s large windows, and he looks around in puzzlement. Where did Kao go?

More than a little anxious now, Pete pulls out his cellphone once more and dials Kao’s number again, muttering, “Pick up, Kao. Pick up the damn phone!”

Then he hears the ringing, the distinct ringtone - Kao’s ringtone - whispering to him from somewhere nearby. It goes on and on and on and Pete starts walking, towards the melody that grows stronger and louder with each step he takes. 

There’s a dark alley, just a narrow passage between two rundown buildings, a place where people throw away their trash when the dumpsters are too full or they’re too lazy and they don’t care. And Pete stops right at its mouth because it’s where the ringing is coming from, that dark alley - and something rattles as he kicks it accidentally. 

Pete looks down. It’s a white plastic bag with the pharmacy logo on it, dropped and left lying carelessly on the pavement. There’s a bottle of disinfection and a package of sterile gauze inside it, the things Kao set off to buy. Pete swallows hard.

“Kao?” he calls out, stepping over the bag and into the alley. 

There’s no answer but the ringing of Kao’s phone and Pete can’t see anything. He switches on the flashlight on his cellphone, aiming it further down the alley. “Kao? You there?” he calls out again with trepidation in his voice.

And then he sees it. Kao’s sneaker, his jeans-clad leg sticking out from behind a rusty dumpster. There, on the ground. Not moving.

Shit!

Yelling Kao’s name again, Pete drops the plant and rushes forward, towards his boyfriend who’s lying on the wet, filthy pavement, there, on his side with his left arm outstretched - reddened and already bruising and swelling heavily, clearly broken - and his right one curled around his stomach. His eyes are closed.

Pete drops to his knees next to Kao, reaching out with his trembling hand. He touches Kao’s throat - bruised, there are bruises forming on his skin, encircling his throat - to feel for his pulse and he lets out a shaky, unsteady breath, one he didn’t even realize he was holding, when he finds Kao’s skin warm to the touch and his heart beating. He’s alive, Kao’s alive!

“Kao?” Pete whispers, leaning down to stroke Kao’s pale face, so pale it looks almost grey in the harsh glare of the cellphone flashlight. “Kao, you hear me?” 

A split lip, a swelling cheek - someone beat Kao up, Pete realizes and for a moment, he’s seized with fury so terrible he almost chokes on it. But then he runs his fingers over the back of Kao’s head and they come away wet, sticky and red. Bloody. 

No. No no no no no!

Pete hangs up, the cellphone in Kao’s back pocket falls silent, and he calls for help. Someone needs to help them, help Kao. Because Kao’s hurt. 

Kao’s hurt!

xXx

Pete holds Kao’s hand all the way to the hospital. His anger is forgotten, it’s all in the past, unimportant now, his previous irritation paling in comparison with Kao’s unresponsive pallor even more terrible now in the sharp, unforgiving light of the ambulance.

Wake up, Kao, Pete pleads, terrified and desperate, stroking Kao’s knuckles with his thumbs. Please, wake up.

Kao doesn’t.

xXx

From the ER’s waiting room, Pete calls his dad. And then Kao’s mom. It’s one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. Afterwards, he doesn’t remember what he told her, only that he kept apologizing to her, again and again. For what, he’s not sure. For not taking better care of Kao? For letting this happen to him? For stewing in his anger while someone beat Kao unconscious? Pete doesn’t know. All he knows is that he’s very, very, very sorry.

Their parents arrive and Pete tells them what happened. Again. And then, at some point, as hours go by, the cops come and Pete tells his story again. They want to know it all, everything, every gory detail while they take notes and look bored. Pete guesses it’s probably nothing new for them, people get beat up everyday in this city. But this time, this time it was Kao, his Kao, and Pete has to swallow his anger at their callousness. Causing trouble won’t help Kao and Kao is all he has to think of now.

“So,” one of the cops, the one chewing endlessly on a sweet smelling gum, says, staring down at his scribbled notes, “he wasn’t robbed and from what the EMTs could tell us, there were no signs of a sexual assault…”

Those words, thrown out so carelessly, steal Pete’s breath and make his heart skip a beat. And then another. Because this, something so terrible, didn’t even occur to him, that someone could hurt Kao like this. If someone did, if they-if… Pete’s mind refuses to even contemplate that possibility, hitting a blank wall, again and again.

“You think he might’ve gotten into it with someone? Bit off more than he could handle?” the cop continues, looking up at Pete.

It occurs to Pete again that this men really don’t know Kao, they know nothing about him, about the person Kao is. And suddenly Pete feels the need to explain it to them, to make them truly understand who Kao is, why it is so terrible what happened to him, to him in particular. 

“Kao wouldn’t do that,” Pete states with conviction. “He’s the nicest, kindest person you’re ever going to meet in your life.”

The cops exchange a look. “Right,” the gum chewing one says, voice heavy with disbelieving sarcasm. Everyone says that, remains unsaid but hanging pointedly in the air.

It makes Pete angry. “No, you don’t get it. In Kao’s case, it’s not just words. Everyone who’s ever met him, spoke to him, got to know him liked him. His students, his fellow teachers, everyone! There’s not a person in the world who would want to hurt… him.” 

Pete stops. There’s no one who had any reason to hurt Kao.

“You want to be a hero?!”

Shit.

The cops must’ve noticed Pete’s reaction because they exchange another look, then they prompt him. “Yes?”

Pete swallows. “There was a man. Kao and I, we met him on the bus. He was taking pictures of some girl secretly, inappropriate pictures. I noticed and I stopped him. I punched him. Then later on - actually only a few minutes before-before what happened to Kao - we came across the same guy again, him and his buddy. He recognized me. And he punched me.” He touches his swollen mouth.

The gum chewing cop nods and writes it all down. “Can you give us a description? Would you recognize him again?” he asks.

Pete nods. He tells them what the men looked like. He doesn’t want to believe it was them. Because it it is so, if they did this to Kao, then... then this is his fault, Kao’s beating. 

“You want to be a hero?!”

No, Pete didn’t. He just… he reacted. Like he always does. Because he can keep his own in a fight, he knows he can. And if the guy came after him again, Pete would’ve stood his ground and gladly so. But if that cowardly bastard went after Kao to hurt Pete, if Pete provoked him into doing that to Kao… Pete’s not sure if he would ever forgive himself.

“Alright,” the cop says, “we’ll look into that.”

Then, before they can ask Pete anything more, the doctor comes in, an older lady with her graying hair in a bun, and she asks for Kao’s family. Forgetting all about the cops, Pete rushes forward to find out what’s going on and how Kao is, if he’s alright, when he’s going to be alright because no other option is allowed, not in Pete’s opinion.

But Pete’s opinion doesn’t matter, apparently. The world doesn’t care about Pete’s opinion, about his anguish as it turns out.

“... broken arm… broken ribs… contusions to… but our main concern is the skull fracture he… intracranial bleeding… swelling… pressure on the brain and…”

There’s white noise in Pete’s ears. He feels sick and hot and sweaty.

“Coma.”

They don’t let him see Kao.

xXx

Pete’s dad drives him home. He asks Pete to stay with him at the villa, but Pete doesn’t want to. He wants to go home, to his and Kao’s home where the sheets smell of Kao’s shampoo and there’s still the cake that Kao loves so much in the fridge. 

And then he remembers.

“Can we stop somewhere first?” Pete asks his dad. His father gives him a curious look but nods.

They stop at the alley where Pete found Kao. He didn’t want to come here out of some-some masochistic need to punish himself by returning to the scene of the crime, no. He’s here for…

The little tangerine is still there. The pot is cracked and someone must’ve kicked the plant over and stepped on it because several branches are bent, some even broken. But it’s still there. Kao’s tangerine. He isn’t sure why exactly Kao wanted a tangerine, why he really wanted it, he never got around to asking after their fight, but Pete couldn’t just leave it here. 

He picks it up and dusts it off a little - and then he happens to look into the alley and…

He runs.

xXx

His father is reluctant to leave him alone but it’s what Pete wants. He wants to be alone. He loves his dad dearly but right now, he can’t take his sympathetic glances, his soft words. He just… he can’t take them.

But then, when his father leaves, the house suddenly feels too quiet, too empty without Kao’s laugh and his happy presence, without his soft humming and the silent scratching of his pen on paper. Pete can’t stand the unexpected vastness of their little house.

So he goes out into their garden to plant the tangerine, in a place he thinks Kao would like. By then it’s early afternoon and Pete’s trembling with exhaustion but he’s too wired to sleep. Too afraid to sleep. He wants to be with Kao, see for himself that his boyfriend is alive, but they won’t let him in, not into the ICU. Pete’s just Kao’s lover, not his family, not in their eyes, not according to their stupid rules.

When Kao’s okay again, when he’s back home again, safe and sound, they will get married. They’re going to take a trip abroad, to some country that allows this, and they’re going to marry. No one, not anyone will dare say then that Kao is not Pete’s family. And Pete is Kao’s.

With the tangerine planted and watered, Pete sits down on the grass and stares at the poor sapling, as broken as Kao. And though he tries to stop his mind from going places, it refuses to listen. It shows him that alley again, in vivid detail, the once white and now grimy wall and the rusty stain on it exactly where Kao’s head would be if someone threw him against that wall, if someone smashed his head against it again and again, to stun Kao or silence him but definitely to hurt him. 

“... skull fracture…”

Pete cracks too. He cries so hard he can barely breathe.

xXx

It’s not until the early hours of the next morning that Pete falls asleep but shortly after that he’s woken up again by a phone call. It’s the police. They arrested the man Pete described to them and they need him to come in and identify him. 

Pete goes. His eyes burn and his joints feel heavy from the lack of sleep but he goes. Because if this man really hurt Kao, the bastard needs to pay for it.

He recognizes the guy immediately, picks him out of a line-up without hesitation. Yes, this is him, that’s the fucker! Pete’s sure of it, as sure as he breathes. Only when they lead the man away does Pete notice the swollen knuckles on his hands. He didn’t have those when he punched Pete. No, you don’t get bruises like that from hitting someone once, Pete knows this from experience. You only hurt yourself like this when you punch a person over and over again. 

Kao… 

Pete swallows hard.

“The CCTV at the pharmacy caught him and his buddy following your friend after he left the shop,” the gum-chewing cop from last night tells Pete. Today, there’s no gum and the man doesn’t look bored anymore. No, he looks tired, as tired as Pete feels. Pete feels guilty for thinking badly of him yesterday.

“Can you prove that he did it?” Pete asks quietly.

The cop sighs. “All we have is circumstantial,” he admits. “We might find traces of his DNA on your friend’s clothes but to get him convicted for sure, we really need your friend’s testimony.”

Kao’s testimony. They did all they could but now they need Kao to wake up.

Pete needs that, too. 

Please, wake up. Please.

xXx

It takes several days for Kao’s health to improve so that he can be moved out of the ICU and to a normal hospital room. By then, Pete’s a wreck. He knows he should be there for Kao’s mom, her pillar of strength, so to speak, but the truth is, he can feel himself falling apart, bit by bit. 

He can’t get the image of Kao ashen face, the feel of his slack, unresponsive hand in his out of his mind. These impressions are so ingrained, so overwhelming that they keep him awake at night. If they at least let him see Kao… 

And then they do, finally, and Pete cries. 

He sits there, at Kao’s bed, holding his right hand, the one not encased in plaster, and he cries without making a sound, staring at Kao’s pale face, at the dark bruises encircling his eyes and the stark white bandages covering his shaved head. He thought he would feel better if they only let him see his lover but he doesn’t. He feels more anchored, true, like he has a purpose now - to keep it together for the man lying in the hospital bed - but at the same time, nothing changed. 

Kao is here but he isn’t, not really. He’s still in a coma.

Pete comes in every day after that, from the earliest they let him in till they actually kick him out. He listens to the doctors and he learns the nurses’ names and the hospital personnel, they all come to know them too, Pete and his lover Kao, the pretty man in a coma in room 302.

And then the cops call Pete and they tell him they had to let the suspect go, the man who punched Pete and almost certainly beat Kao half to death. Without Kao’s testimony, they didn’t have enough on him to hold him. They had to set him free.

Shit.

xXx

It’s evening again and the visiting hours are ending. Another day gone. And Kao still hasn’t woken up.

Pete just sits there, his breathing is ragged and he’s hiding his face in his hands, fingers pressed hard into his eyes to push back tears. For a moment, just for a moment that day he considered what he would do if Kao never woke up. It horrified him that this thought even crossed his mind. 

Rubbing his eyes, Pete takes a deep breath and gets up, and just like every day, he leans over Kao’s bed and takes Kao’s face gently in his hands, stroking his cheekbones with his thumbs. “Hey, love,” he whispers, “I have to go now. But I’ll come back tomorrow again, okay? And then you have to wake up for me because it’s getting really boring here without you.” 

Smiling bravely, Pete leans down to press a kiss to Kao’s forehead, running his hand gently over the soft, fur-like short hair on Kao’s head, free of bandages now. Forcefully, he stops himself from thinking of how long it’s been now since Kao got hurt.

“I love you,” Pete tells his boyfriend, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against Kao’s for a moment. Then he straightens up and with a last squeeze of Kao’s hand he goes, leaving for the day. 

He says goodnight to the women clustered around the nurses’ station and he tries very hard not to see their sympathetic glances directed his way. He takes the elevator down to the lobby and he says goodnight to the men at the reception desk downstairs and he tries very hard not to see their sympathetic looks either. He’s almost getting used to them, what a terrifying thing.

And then Pete walks outside and he takes a deep breath that doesn’t refresh him at all, and walking across the parking lot, he gets into his car, one of the few left there this late. And then he sees the soft little polar bear in its silly blue t-shirt that he took with him from home that morning, a gift given to him by Kao before that Pete now wanted him to have. He forgot it on the passenger seat.

Smiling, Pete takes it in his hands and squeezes its soft belly lightly. “Get well soon, love,” the bear says in Pete’s voice. He knows it’s just a silly toy but it has such a deep meaning, for the both them, him and Kao. 

And so Pete decides to take the toy up to Kao’s room despite the late hour. He knows the nurses have a soft spot for him, that they will let him in for a moment, even though the visiting hours are over by now.

Nodding to himself, Pete gets out of the car and goes.

xXx

Turns out, the silly polar bear saves Kao again.

Because when Pete sneaks down the corridor under the mock frowns of the night staff and opens the door of Kao’s room, there’s a man dressed as a nurse standing over Kao in the dark - and he’s pressing a pillow against his face, smothering him.

Hearing Pete’s “Hey!” the man shoots up and twists around instinctively and Pete throws the toy right in the would-be killer’s face. The man’s not expecting it and so he recoils, dropping the pillow, and Pete uses his momentary distraction to barrel into him. 

Together they hit Kao’s bed and fall over it, crashing to the floor hard with Pete landing on top. He can hear commotion in the hallway but he doesn’t pay it any attention. He’s filled with dread - not for himself but for Kao - which fuels his anger, fury really. He starts hitting the man with all his strength, again and again, easily blocking the guy’s punches, and he doesn’t stop until the room’s flooded with light and someone grabs him from behind and drags him away.

There are nurses, orderlies, doctors even and they all stare at Pete as if he lost it. He catches on pretty fast, realizing that all they can see is a man dressed as a nurse, the apparent victim here, Pete’s victim. They’re even helping the man get up. No, no way!

“He tried to kill Kao!” Pete yells, tearing at the hands holding him back.

An elderly doctor steps in, trying to calm Pete down with an indulgent, “Now look here, son--”

But then Pete takes his first good look at the man and he freezes. It’s the pervert from the bus. The bastard whom Pete identified at the police station. The fucker the cops had to let go because without Kao’s testimony, they couldn’t actually prove anything to him.

“You!” Pete snaps. “This is the guy who put Kao in the hospital! He’s the one who attacked us back then!”

Everyone turns to the man, doubts replacing their disbelief at Pete’s actions. And when the wannabe nurse looks around covertly and takes a step forward, towards the door, those who helped him stand before now grab him and hold him fast.

Pete looks around the room. “Call the cops and ask them if you don’t believe me. No,” he corrects himself immediately, “call them in any case. Right now! This man tried to murder Kao, he tried to smother him with a pillow.” He points at the damning evidence on the floor.

And that’s when Pete hears it. It’s Kao, he’s wheezing for breath and his gasps sound so loud in the suddenly too quiet room.

“Kao…” Pete whispers, freeing himself from the orderlies’ slackened grip, and he throws himself towards the bed, lifting Kao up, propping him up against his chest to help Kao breathe. “Kao? Kao, breathe, please!”

Everybody starts moving at once then, someone rushes out to call the police, others move in to drag the attacker out, the doctors step up to the bed to check on Kao, urging Pete to let go of him, and it’s one big mess, loud and chaotic, but Pete is hardly aware of it, any of it, because he’s looking down at Kao who’s resting heavily in his arms… and staring up at him.

“Kao?” Pete whispers, uncertainly, too afraid to trust in what he sees, that Kao’s awake, that Kao’s back. 

The doctors try to take Kao away from Pete but he pushes their hands away angrily, and whispering a wondrous “Kao?” again, he lifts his hand to touch Kao’s face, stroke his cheek.

Kao blinks slowly, groggily up at him and then he cracks a smile, the tiniest of smiles, really, but a smile nonetheless and his hand flops limply against Pete’s leg in a very tame attempt at patting Pete reassuringly. 

And Pete? Pete kisses him.

xXx

They try to make Pete leave. He politely tells them to shove it - to see Kao scowl at him for his rudeness does Pete’s soul a world of good, it really does - and they don’t press the issue. Considering that Kao, a patient of theirs, almost got killed on their watch, Pete thinks it a wise decision.

Besides, he would love to see them try and get him to leave when Kao has yet to let go of his hand. His grip is tight and his skin a little clammy, betraying his anxiety, though Kao hides it pretty well.

The thing is, Kao doesn’t remember how he ended up here, what happened which turns out to be a real irony in itself as Pete’s favorite gum-chewing cop sums up when he arrives together with his partner to take their statements.

“If I understand it correctly,” he says, tapping his pen against his notepad, “you don’t remember anything that happened that night, when the man attacked you?”

Kao shakes his head. “S-sorry,” he stutters out, furrowing his brows in frustration. 

Some words seem namely rather difficult for him to pronounce now, some sounds make his tongue trip a little, but the doctors assure them that with a little time and a thorough speech therapy, it should pass. It’s a little frustrating to Kao and it does make Pete worry - but in the grand scheme of things, this is nothing. They can deal with that.

The cop barks out a laugh. “So, we had to let that guy go because we couldn’t pin the assault on him without your testimony. And to make sure you couldn’t testify against him, he decided to get rid of you. Only for you to tell us now that you don’t remember anything. If the guy spared himself the effort, he would’ve been off to hook. Now, we’re going to nail his ass for attempted murder and this time he won’t wiggle out of it, that I can promise you.” There’s steel in his voice when he says that and Pete believes him.

Shortly thereafter, the cops leave and then Pete’s dad and Kao’s mom arrive and they both hug Kao, hard. Kao snuggles into his mom’s arms happily and though Pete’s dad’s hug surprises him a little, he appreciates it. A lot.

Then the doctors swarm in and insist on wheeling Kao away for some tests - it’s still barely light outside but an attempted murder right under their noses makes the collective staff rather hyper as it turns out - and when their parents leave again, promising to come back during visiting hours, Pete’s left alone, for the first time in hours. 

And then he starts to shake. 

First his hands start trembling, then he’s seized with shivers all over - and he can’t seem to make it stop. He hides in the adjacent bathroom, locking the door and sliding it down to sit heavily on the floor. Then he presses his hands against his mouth and he cries, he sobs so hard he can barely breathe. 

Because Kao almost died. That man, that… bastard almost killed Kao. If Pete didn’t turn up with the toy, Kao would be dead now. He wouldn’t be undergoing tests, he wouldn’t be answering questions and worrying about his stutter, he would be dead. Gone. Lost to Pete forever.

Pete cries and he cries till he feels sick.

xXx

“I’m sorry,” Pete says, running his fingers through Kao’s short hair, rubbing the scars left behind in places where the doctors had to cut Kao open to fix him.

“What for?” Kao asks. He’s lying on his side facing Pete and holding Pete’s hand with his right one. His left forearm is still in the cast - but luckily not for long now, considering Kao keeps complaining about how much it itches.

“I got angry at you that night, when you got hurt,” Pete explains. “I’m sorry about that.”

Kao frowns. “I don’t remember. What did I do?”

Pete sighs. “For some reason, you lied to me about some stupid curse and--”

“I actually did that?” Kao’s eyebrows shoot up, then he grins sheepishly. “I did, I guess-ss.” 

“But why?” That question’s been bothering Pete ever since that night. 

“I wanted to s… s-s-spend s-some time with you, that’s-s-s all,” Kao replies, frowning at his stuttered es’. 

Pete blinks at him, stunned. “Spend time with me? We live together! We’re together all the time!” 

Kao frowns, rubbing Pete’s hand with his thumb. “Not really, you know. Now that I picked up more class-sses-s and you got a new job…” He blows out his breath. “I jus-sst miss… miss-ssed you.”

Pete’s heart clenches a little, hearing that. If he just listened that night instead of exploding with anger… 

Stroking Kao’s hair gently, Pete leans closer, staring into his lover’s eyes. Damn, Kao’s eyes are beautiful, he thinks, before saying, “Next time you want to spend time together, just tell me, alright?”

“You won’t complain?” Kao asks suspiciously.

Complain? After the ordeal of the past several weeks? After living in fear that he would never get the chance to talk to Kao again, that he would never get to hold him again or kiss him again? “No, I won’t complain, I swear,” he says earnestly, sealing his promise with a kiss.

xXx

It’s a couple more weeks before Kao’s allowed to return home. His stuttering gets better, it’s barely noticeable by then. What doesn’t go away, is the tremor in his left hand, the one that got broken that night. Nerve damage, the doctors say. The more tired Kao gets, the more evident the trembling in his fingers becomes. And Pete wants to punch the bastard who did that to Kao again.

After a nap and a hearty meal, Pete takes Kao outside, into the garden, and they sit on the swing he had installed there. Back and forth, back and forth the swing goes as they lean against each other, their bare feet buried in the soft grass.

“What’s that?” Kao asks then, pointing at the little tangerine, a green and healthy sapling again, its brokenness a thing of the past now.

Pete smiles. The little tree reminds him of Kao, too tough to stay down. “It’s a tangerine. You insisted on buying it that night.”

Kao looks at him, eyebrows raised. “I did? And you planted it?” 

“Yeah. By the time I brought it home, it was rather worse for wear. Some of its branches were broken and... well. But I couldn’t stand the thought it would die,” Pete whispers, his throat a little thick. He’s talking about the tree - but he also isn’t. 

Kao smiles, leaning comfortably against Pete; Pete welcomes it. “But it didn’t. Die I mean,” Kao replies softly. “A brave little tangerine.”

Pete smiles too, hugging Kao around his shoulders and pulling him close. “Yes,” he agrees. “Very brave.”

[theobxhummingbird]

Unreachable (Chapter 3)

(GIF credits to owner) (A JJ Maybank and Nova Fleming love story)

Taken aback of what had happened at the kegger and the amounts of times she shared a few glares with the blonde on their way back to the Chateau, Nova couldn't stop looking at JJ's backpack on the floor. Knowing there's something inside, that could've put everyone in danger that night, including her, was stressing her entire system. -Novs, -said Kie, who was with John B from the moment they brought him to the house, changing him into dry clothes and drying his wet hair, -come on, Pope will walk us home. Nova's shaky legs somehow made it out the Chateau; eyes meeting those faulty, blue eyes of the troublemaker. -He's stupid. -muttered Pope, as he exited the Chateau. Kie followed with shaking her head and sighing. After all, the both of them knew JJ won't stay at John B's long, since the news will reach Sheriff Peterkin immediately. And it was true, the next morning, when John B's eyes, one bruised from the fight, fluttered open, he met Peterkin's figure in his bedroom. -Get decent, sweetie. We need to talk. Sheriff Peterkin walked out of the bedroom and waited for John B to put himself together. -Sorry to break in like this. I heard something had happened yesterday, at your "little" gathering, so I came to check on you. So, how are you besides the--, -she circled around her eye, referring to John B's bruised one. -Oh, no, I'm--I'm great. Yeah, fantastic. Uh...Guys? -he looked to the door, where Nova, Kie and Pope stood. -Oh, your little group is here. No wonder why one of them is missing. -she crossed her arms over her chest, -So, while you're all here, I might say what I heard. A fight on the beach yesterday, and a gun was involved. -Okay. Gun? -John B stood up from his leaned position, tapping Peterkin's shoulder, -No. Did I get in a dustup? Yes. But was there a gun? No. No way. -That's okay. I know who it was. I'll get to him. Also, a body was found in the marsh yesterday. Nova's eyes went wide and she glanced over at Pope and Kie, who's expressions were no different from hers. -Were you in the marsh yesterday? -Yes, we were fishing for some drum. -You catch anything? -Nah, we were skunked. -Strange. Fishing's usually good after a storm. All sorts of things get stirred up. You come across a wreck yesterday? -No. -John B shortly glanced at the others. -What is going on? -Nova muttered to Kie quietly. Sheriff Peterkin asked them all the question about yesterday's happenings and if they have any information on the wreck, promising them to help with the gun issue and get their friend out of the situation. They were all gathered at John B's; JJ also came along after Peterkin exited the Chateau. -Look, I'm calling it off. All right? Peterkin said, if I stay out of the marsh, she'll help us with the gun incident. For else, they'll automatically know we had something to do with it, if we continue looking. -Yes, I'll leave, you have private topics to talk. -said Nova, standing up from her place. -No, Nova, -said John B, -I have nothing to hide from you, Kie told us you're trustworthy. Sit please. -And you believed Peterkin, John B? -said JJ. -Yes, I believe her, JJ. -An actual cop, John B. You believed a cop. -All we got to do, is stay out of the marsh for a couple of days and she'll help us out. She's saving your ass from shooting a gun. -You know what I should have done? Just let Topper drown your ass. -Yeah, Topper was going to drown me? -Sure looked like it. I mean have you looked in the mirror? -Tell me some more. Come on. -They always win, -said JJ, leaning his arm on the wood, -don't they, man? Kooks versus Pogues. They always, always win! Goddamn! -Look, it's okay. -said Kie. -No, it's not okay! It is not. They don't want us to go down into the marsh. That means there's something valuable down there, and you know it, man. I know you do. -he pointed to John B. -And I understand why you don't want to go. -he said to Pope, -You're the golden boy. You got way too much to risk. And you-- you're already rich anyways. Why would you bother. -You--, -he turned to Nova, -you're not even involved in this, so no need to argue. -But, you and me, man, we got nothing to lose! We really don't, all right. -JJ. -John B sighed. -And I know it didn't use to be that way for you. -I don't want to talk about this. I don't want to talk about it. -he started walking away. -So that's it? -said JJ, John B pushing him away. -Just get out of my way, bro. -John B, listen to me. I have a plan. You got the key to Cameron's boat, right. -No. -John B knew where he's going with involving the Cameron family. -There's scuba gear inside of it. We just borrow that, and then we go down to the wreck this afternoon,and that is what's going to save you, man. -I'll be in "Wisteria", if anyone needs me. See you, John B. -she waved a goodbye to the boy. -You are leaving? -he asked, making his way over at her. -Yes, I'll go to the flower garden, need to help my grandma with the orders. -Okay, wait for me, we'll leave together. -he said and quickly ran to the Chateau to grab something. -Wow, emerald girl, -said JJ, -you really in on what we're planning, huh? Emerald girl. Her green eyes were the ones who really provoked the name. -I'm not the kind of person to go and talk about one's secrets, especially people I know. -Will not be taken aback if you are. -he said, throwing pebbles far away. -Guys, what is wrong with you? You don't even know each other, how can you hate-- Kie wide eyed Nova and she exactly knew what her friend's thinking about, and a nod was only needed to confirm it. -Everyone's got their secrets, Ms. Kiara, just like emerald girl. -his lips curved into an evil smirk. -I'll go see where John B is, so we could leave. -she said giving Kie and Pope a hug and walking away to the Chateau. -JJ...why are you so mean to her? She's my friend and let me tell you there's no person like her alive on this planet, so stop being a idiot. -I don't like rabble-rousers. -he said and kept throwing pebbles. -Since you're one I think you'll suit each other well. -said Pope, getting back to his book. -Pope? Did you have a tongue, bro? Didn't hear you talk until now, so...just asking.

John B and Nova walked together, until "Wisteria" and he needed to continue to get to Cameron's boat. -You didn't have to walk me all the way here. -said Nova, -Thank you. -It doesn't matter. Also, sorry for what you had to witness yesterday. -No, it's fine, don't be sorry. I think I'll know that I should keep myself safe at keggers next time. -And also...you know about the marsh... -Yeah don't worry, my lips are sealed. If you need any help with it, feel free to call me, I'll come immediately. -Thank you Nova, didn't mean to involve you at all, but you're a part of the Pogues as well, so...thank you anyways. -No problem. See you later then, be safe. -she said, giving him a hug and walking inside "Wisteria", where grandma Maida was sat making a bouquet. -You have some explaining to do little miss. -she said, as soon as Nova sat down across her. -Yes, I know I do grandma. There was happenings at yesterday's kegger and I know you heard about it. But let me tell you, nothing serious happened and nobody was hurt. They're all fine and the situation is under Sheriff Peterkin's care. So, there's really nothing you need to worry about. Look, I'm fine as well; stood away from it the whole night anyways. -Why do I feel like your new friends are involved in the gun issue? -As well as the Kook kids, huh? -said Nova, reading through her grandma. -All I care about, -she said, taking the flowers to the other table and coming back to sit down again, -is your safety. I have only one granddaughter, who I trust with my entire heart, and I need to protect her from any danger. -You're right grandma and I understand you worry about me. But I know you are also aware of how careful and wise enough I am, to make decisions that'll have a good, rather than a bad outcome. -I know, that's why I trust you. I know by fact you didn't drink at yesterday's kegger, nor cause any problems. But if I knew you would, then will I ever let you go? I don't think so. You are my kid, and my kid doesn't get involved in bad situations. Keep in mind that, the night is always made for troubles. -Which means that the explanations are over, right? -Yes, you're free to go. Thank you for being honest with me. -Always, Mrs. Fleming. -said Nova, taking the box of perfumes she left in the glass cupboard. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and Kie's text appeared saying: "What happens if nitrogen gets in your blood? Pope knows, but I want to hear it from you first." -"When the nitrogen bubbles, form in your blood, a condition called decompression sickness or the bends, block the vessels. The first symptom you get is a tingling feeling in your limbs. Be careful, it can lead to a heart attack, strokes and even ruptured vessels in the lungs." -"Pope said the same thing. I suppose this is not going to be well." -"Whatever you're up to guys, be careful please." -"Pope and I will come over later and tell you everything." -"Okay, I'll be in Wisteria all day." Nova put her phone in her pocket and brought the box to the table. She was worried about her friends, especially John B, who was the nicest from the moment they met each other. She started to doze off slowly, thinking about how him and JJ were different from each other. One so patient and positive; other disobedient and cold. Two friends, two different minds. And as if Maida was reading her mind, she approached her way. -Can you tell me about your friends a bit? -she said. -Sure. I'll tell you what I realized, from meeting them yesterday. -she said, resting her elbows on her table, -John B is a nice boy, he is welcoming and ready for new friendships and acquaintances. He's like the leader of the group. A good looking, smart guy. Pope is the brain of the group as Kie says; sometimes weird, but I love listening to what he's saying, even though I don't understand him sometimes. He's a smart and educated guy, very funny as well. Then, there's JJ; the rabble-rouser and troub- I mean, you know, very free-minded guy; doesn't worry too much. Chilled and relaxed. Kie; you know her; my only friend in the Outer Banks, before I met the other guys. She's a socialist; loves being active in environmental actions, including, cleaning the beaches from the careless tourists and anything that has to do with saving the Earth really. -Where are they now? You should invite them here, so I could analyze them all. -Uh...they all have to run some errands. Kie and Pope will come over anyways, you'll get to meet them. JJ and John B have to get something done at the Chateau. -Fine then, maybe next time. -Exactly. -Nova sighed, blinking twice to shake off the stress. Her hands reached for the perfume she was making the day before. She took out the needed ingredients and started where she was left. Maida was dealing with the people who were bringing the new flowers in the flower garden. Suddenly, Nova reached for her journal, that was peeking from her bag.

-" It's an unbelievable feeling, that there's three people, who's judgement about someone, can be acknowledged only and only by that person. There's the one who says it, then the one who hears it, and the one who witnesses it.  And in either ways, the person can either, prove that, what they've said, heard or witnessed is true or not. I started to live my life with those three people; one of them totally witnessing my true self, the other hearing about it and the one saying a few sentences about it. From the three, there's always one that's wrong, and even if I try and prove it, he'll always remain with his own thesis about me. So, how do you persuade such a person, that no human can be judged for its rebellious character, from a moment of self said view on a situation? And how do you tell them that, both of their different views on it, doesn't make the other a bad person? I'll stay confused, until there's an answer to both of my questions." She slowly closed the journal, leaving it back to its place. After the heavy rain yesterday, the ground still remained wet; the summer wind though, was showing itself by swinging the branches left and right and swirling around Nova's warm body.

Some time had passed and Nova started to get worried even more. Her friends were supposed to come and they were nowhere to be seen. She texted both, Pope and Kie, and none of them answered. The only thing she needed, was their confirmation of coming to the flower garden, so she should decide to close it or not. But, it didn't last too long; the two appeared at the flower garden, figures exhausted from the water. Grandma Maida had gone home, persuading herself that there's no need of wasting time, by waiting for Nova's friends, who she can meet at anytime. -The garden's beautiful. -said Pope, looking around it. Suddenly he stopped; eyes glued to a bookshelf. -Are these yours? He took a big book about mammals and sea creatures, from Nova's marine biology textbook collection. -Yes, they are my textbooks from university. -she said, bringing some snacks and drinks to the table. -You study marine biology? -he said, flipping through the pages. -Studied, marine biology, didn't complete my whole first year though, because I had to move to the Outer Banks. -That is really sad. -Pope said, reaching for another textbook, when a picture fell out of it. He knelt to the ground and picked it up, to reveal Nova's face and two other people. -This fell from the textbook. Nova took it from his hands and looked at the photo, a sad smile curving on her lips, -It's my family photo. Kie peeked to see and Nova gave her the picture; the girl had never opened the topic about her parents before. They looked so happy together and Kie couldn't believe her friend could have that big of a smile; she had never smiled so much from the day they met, just a small smile or a short laugh, but that was all. -Sorry to ask, but...would you like to continue studying again? -said Pope. -That's a topic that bothers me almost every day. I left my university two months ago and I don't know if it'll be a good idea, to go back after two months. But, I also miss studying; I love marine biology. And here in the Outer Banks, there's no opportunity for me to continue my studies, which means I have to move away and start a university out of Outer Banks. So, I still haven't given a proper decision. -I want to study science and I totally understand you. Getting out of the Outer Banks, is the only way I'll ever face my dreams. Yeah, but the protocol of leaving is the hardest part; some part of you still stays in the Outer Banks. -Novs. -said Kie, her voice going high pitched a bit, -What's going on with you and JJ? -Yeah, you guys are weird. -added Pope. Nova let out a heavy sigh and sat down across from them, -He showered me with the Volkswagen and I inflated one of the tires. -Ooooo, he was so annoyed. -said Pope. -He came in, hit everything, slammed the doors. -I totally forgot I asked JJ to take my backpack on his way back to the Chateau. -The start of a new love story...-Pope muttered under his breath. -I heard you Pope. There's nothing like that. -Yeah, exactly, JJ's not Nova's type. -I was just joking, -he put his hands up in defense, -calm down. The three of them talked for a bit, before JJ and John B appeared at Wisteria. Nova gave them their drinks and the Pogues gathered around the table. -I thought, he drowned, that's it, we're over. -said Kie, but then he appeared on the surface. -The timer ended and Shoupe was still analyzing the boat; I could see him from under. -added John B. -So that's why Kie asked me what happens if nitrogen gets in your blood. -Yeah,-said Kie, -and when you said the same thing as Pope, I couldn't be more worried. -Wait, -JJ spoke suddenly, -how would she know what will happen? -She's a marine bi- -What? I can't know? I live in the Outer Banks where I have reach of the water and need to know any dangers that can occur. -she cut in on Pope. -She's a marine biologist plus, that adds in on the knowledge. -added Kie. -What are you, a Kook or a Pogue, emerald girl? -I am a person, JJ. -she said and stood up to refill their cups, Kie following her to the other table. -You two need to stop getting in on each other. -It's none of my fault blonde bohemian prince can't keep his mouth shut for a second. He literally has an answer to everything. -she took the cups back to the table where the guys were. -Did you find anything at least? -asked Nova. -A compass that belonged to my father. It belonged to many generations back as well. -If it reached you, then it must mean something. -You think? -John B's face lit up with hope. The light in his eyes showed how much he wanted to find his father and it hit Nova's soft spot; family is the best thing in the world. -Yes, I do. And since it reached you, there's something that you need to know. Did you explore it? -No, I didn't take my time to explore it. Maybe tomorrow with a fresh mind. You'll come over, right? -I have to serve at the Wreck from morning to afternoon, but I'll try to come. -I want you to be there; I like the way you think. -John B gave her a small smile. Nova turned to Kie; knowing the crush she had developed for the boy and Kie just nodded with her head, trusting her best friend with her whole life. -Okay, I'll do everything to come and be there for you guys. -More like be there for you...-muttered JJ. Nova heard him and unnoticeably rolled her eyes. After all the blonde bohemian prince was just talking none sense.

[hopesilverheart]

Title: I loved your colours (before I loved you) Artist: @calliartss​ Rating: Explicit (Chapter 10 only) Pairings: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Alec Lightwood & Clary Fray, Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood Word Count: ~95k Summary: Magnus Bane is a journalist who's always dreamed of modelling for Lightwood Fashions. When the CEO Alec Lightwood starts looking for new models for their spring collection, he jumps on the occasion.

In the meantime, Alec Lightwood is struggling with the idea of finally announcing his role as co-designer. When Magnus Bane strolls into his life, Alec is torn between keeping his secret or throwing all caution to the wind.

This fic was created for the Malec Discord Mini Bang 2020.

Chapter 11: Can you keep a secret?

The Lightwood townhouse was a beautiful home.

Magnus had been expecting a huge mansion filled with meaningless paintings and works of art that the family couldn’t have cared less about. He had expected a demonstration in luxury and had instead been greeted by warm tones and knick-knacks that spoke of a loving family.

Alec had told him, of course, that Maryse was a lot more loving behind closed doors.  It was still strange though, to see the dissonance between the woman Magnus had met and the woman greeting her children with wide smiles and lingering embraces. Even Alec, who had once told Magnus he had never been particularly close to his mother, seemed light and happy around his family.

“They’re… Not what I was expecting,” Catarina murmured into his ear, glancing at the group of Lightwoods confusedly. “I always thought rich people would be a little more- Well, I don’t know, I suppose I just assumed they would act like the stereotypical wealthy family that doesn’t like to show affection.”

“I think we all assumed it would be like that,” Raphael snorted from his spot to Magnus’ left. “But now that we’ve concluded that they are not, in fact, an emotionless group of human beings, maybe we should join them? You know, show them that we too know how to function in social situations.”

“I wouldn’t say you and Ragnor know how to function properly around other people, Raph,” Magnus chuckled, reluctantly closing the distance between his little ragtag family and Alec’s perfect siblings. “And I’m not sure their united front is going to stand all night, so stay on your guard.”

“You’re all ridiculous,” Ragnor grumbled, looking down at Madzie seriously. “You shouldn’t listen to anything they have to say, kiddo. The Lightwoods are a perfectly normal family, and so are we. Your mom and uncles are just confused because they thought they knew everything and realised they were wrong.”

“I think the Lightwoods look cool!” Was the only thing Madzie said, breaking free from her mother’s grip and hurtling into Alec’s legs, holding onto him tightly until he picked her up. “Hi Alec! I came here with my family today!”

“I know,” Alec smiled at her softly, effectively turning Magnus into a puddle of goo. “I’m the one who drove Magnus here, but he wanted to make his grand entrance with you, since you’re the prettiest mermaid of all!”

“I don’t think Magnus wants to be here,” Madzie whispered loudly, earning herself horrified glances from the guest-side of the entrance hall and chuckles from the Lightwoods. “Mom said the dinner was going to be a little bit scary. Why’s the dinner going to be scary, Alec?”

“The dinner is absolutely not going to be scary,” Isabelle cut in, sidling up to her brother and holding a hand out for Madzie to shake. “I’m Isabelle Lightwood, Alec’s sister. You can call me Izzy.”

The little girl looked at the offered appendage dubiously for a few seconds but, thanks to a nudge and a nod from Alec, eventually took it and smiled shyly at Isabelle. The young woman grinned widely and ruffled Madzie’s hair before turning to the rest of their party.

“So, scary, huh?” She huffed mock-offendedly, wagging her pointer finger in Magnus’ direction. “And here I thought we were friends and you would feel comfortable enough telling me about these things. What are you so scared of, anyways? I thought you’d already met most of the family.”

“He just doesn’t do families,” Raphael answered for him, shrugging unapologetically when Magnus glared at him. “It’s the truth. He’s terrible at meeting parents and siblings, so he tries to avoid it as much as possible. Why do you think he invited us along?”

“Because Alec asked everyone to come?” Isabelle frowned, looking at Raphael as though he wasn’t making any sense. Which, to her, he probably wasn’t. “He wanted us to have a big family dinner, and that apparently includes inviting all of our partners’ parents and siblings along.”

Catarina opened her mouth, but Magnus elbowed her as hard as possible to cut her off. He didn’t know why Alec hadn’t just told his family that he was too nervous to meet Alec’s family properly without at least some back-up. He wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth though.

“Are the others already here?” He asked instead, looking around the hallway and trying to figure out where the dining room was. The townhouse may not have been quite as big as what Magnus had been expecting, but it was still a lot fancier than any house Magnus had ever lived in.

“Right through there,” Isabelle chuckled, pointing at an open archway and leading to a beautifully decorated living area, complete with a large dining table and an expensive-looking fireplace. “Simon and Clary have known each other for years, so their families arrived at the same time. Just to avoid any awkwardness I will give you a quick run down. Simon is here with his widowed mom and his sister, and Clary is here with her mom and her step-father, her father isn’t in the picture.”

She gestured at the different groups of people as she spoke, and disappeared before any of them could react, which Magnus took as a sign that they were supposed to mingle by themselves.

“You look lost,” Alec grinned, kissing Magnus’ temple lightly before curling an arm around his waist. “I know this is a lot, especially with the other families here, but I promise none of us are as intimidating as we may seem. Clary’s mom is a super cool artist, and her dad is a badass cop. Simon’s mom works at a school and is one of the nicest people you’ll meet. Everyone here is very normal, I promise.”

“Except you and your ridiculously successful family,” Magnus pointed out, biting back a smile when Alec rolled his eyes at him and pressed another kiss to his cheek before leading him towards Clary, Clary’s mother, Simon and Jace. “And of course you’re leading me straight to the wolves. I appreciate your attempt at getting the worst over with as soon as possible, but I would really rather have alcohol in my system before trying to talk to your brother.”

“Nice try, but no,” Alec smiled sharply, tightening his grip on Magnus as they approached the small group.

As worried as Magnus had been about meeting Jace properly, he had to admit that the rest of the group was a rather pleasant bunch. He already got along splendidly with Clary and Simon, and Jocelyn was just as kind and open as her daughter. Even her husband, who joined them a few minutes later, radiated empathy and good intentions.

The only real problem was Jace. The thing was, Magnus and Jace had talked a few times already. It was inevitable, given the fact that Jace owned the best coffee shop in the neighbourhood they worked in. Magnus didn’t particularly like it, but he wasn’t about to let the strange tension between his boyfriend’s brother and him get in the way of a great cup of coffee. Unlike Isabelle and her mother, who had quickly accepted Magnus’ new position in their lives, Jace seemed to live in constant denial of Alec’s relationship status.

Every time Magnus tried to bring Alec up, Jace would close off or make a comment about the fashion team, and Magnus had eventually just given up on trying to get to know the blond man. A part of him wanted to get along with Jace, no matter how infuriating he was, if only to make Alec happy, but they’d been stuck in the same place for over a month and Magnus honestly couldn’t see things getting any better.

“You’ve talked to everyone but Jace,” Alec whispered as they settled at the dinner table forty-five minutes later, ready to dig into the wonderful meal Maryse and Max had prepared. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you purposefully avoid each other and deflect questions when they could even potentially lead to a conversation between the two of you.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Magnus said innocently, smiling politely at Luke as the man offered him some wine. “Jace and I don’t have anything to talk about. We couldn’t be more different if we tried.”

“You should know better than to say things like that to me, Magnus,” Alec smirked, mischief and determination overtaking his features as he stared between Jace – who was sitting across the table from them, completely ruining the idea of a Lightwood side – and Magnus thoughtfully. “I think you just need to give each other a bit more of a chance. I promise you have a lot more in common than you might think.”

“Whatever you’re thinking of doing, please don’t,” Magnus pleaded, turning wide eyes on his boyfriend. “Alec, I just want to have a nice dinner with everyone here, and I don’t think a conversation between Jace and I qualifies as something nice. He hates me.”

“He doesn’t hate you,” Alec rolled his eyes, turning towards his brother and smiling brightly. “Hey, Jace! Would you mind switching seats? I have something I wanted to talk to Clary and Max about, you know the usual art stuff, and I don’t feel like yelling.”

Jace stared at his brother suspiciously for a few seconds, glancing at Magnus and sighing heavily as he realised he wasn’t going to get out of this. Well, that made two of them.

“You owe me for this, Alec,” the blond muttered as they both stood up and walked around the table to take their new seats. “And you owe me too. I’m only doing this because Alec is my brother and I would do anything to keep him happy, alright? So just act like you don’t completely hate me and we’ll be fine. Although please keep your elbows to yourself, it’s a huge pet peeve of mine.”

“Babe, please dial the douche-baggery down a little bit,” Simon tutted at his boyfriend from the other end of the table. “I know it’s hard for you, but we’re all trying to get along and you don’t get to escape this huge orgy of positive feelings.”

“Simon!”

“Don’t talk about orgies at the dinner table!”

“Will someone please pass me the goddamned salad?!”

Magnus’ eyes widened as chaos descended upon the table, dishes getting passed around as five different conversations started up. Alec was busy with Clary and Max, which meant Magnus couldn’t talk to him, and he had been split up from most of his friends. Ragnor, the only one who had remained in his immediate vicinity, was already having a deep discussion with Luke, which left Magnus with no other option than…

“He really planned this, didn’t he?” He sighed, glancing over at Jace who had apparently also accepted their fate. The blond man had angled his chair and body in Magnus’ direction, picking at his pasta salad half-heartedly. “Does he do this often?”

“It’s happened a few times in the past,” Jace shrugged. “Not that I can really complain about it, since one of those times led to me and Simon getting together. I just wish he had given me a little more forewarning. You seem like a cool guy, Bane, but I really don’t know if this is going to work out.”

“What? Our friendship?” Magnus chuckled lowly. “Because believe me, I don’t think it’s going to work out either. Alec’s intentions are pure and I appreciate his efforts, but there’s very little I think the two of us could share. Still, there’s no harm in tryi-”

“I meant you and Alec,” Jace cut him off, looking at Magnus seriously. “I don’t know if you and Alec are going to work out.”

Magnus’ breath caught in his throat at the man’s blunt words. So far, all of their friends had been showering them with support and insisting that they had been all but made for each other, so to hear someone suggest the complete opposite hurt more than Magnus could have anticipated. He knew Alec and he were different in many ways, but they cared about each other.

They cared about each other a lot, and wasn’t that what mattered? More than their appearances or their hobbies or how well their friends got along. The longer they were together, the more hopeful Magnus was for the future, but Jace’s words made him wonder if he had missed something. Had there been a glaring red flag above their heads the entire time? Had everyone else simply been too afraid to tell them how wrong they were for each other?

“God, the two of you sure think as much as each other,” Jace snorted, gazing at Magnus amusedly. “I didn’t say anything about how well suited the two of you are; it’s clear to me that you like each other and share plenty of things. I just mean that relationships are always a little uncertain, especially when there are secrets involved.”

Magnus’ heart froze.

“Secrets?” He croaked, swallowing nervously as Jace nodded, staring at him knowingly. “What secrets are you talking about, exactly?”

“I’m talking about the things Alec has yet to tell you about his life and his job,” Jace sighed. “I’m talking about whatever it is you and Isabelle discuss from time to time that has you looking so worried. I’m talking about how you both know you’re not being completely sincere but have yet to do anything about it.”

Magnus knew he should have been a little more anxious about his secret potentially coming out. He had been trying to keep it hidden for almost two months now, and he was so close to getting his tracks completely – or mostly – covered. Jace saying something to Alec could potentially ruin all of that. He knew that was what he should have been thinking about.

Instead, he was stuck on the first part of Jace’s statement. He had always been aware that he wasn’t being completely truthful with Alec, and a part of him had always felt guilty for being insincere. It had just never occurred to him that the lack of transparency might have been mutual from the get-go.

Alec had always been so honest with him that Magnus had never even thought about the things he didn’t know about Alec yet. He hadn’t even considered that Alec might have secrets just as bad – and maybe even worse – than his.

“I’m not saying this because I want the two of you to break up,” Jace continued, staring at Magnus intensely. “And I’m not saying this because I want you to ask questions about what Alec might be hiding. I actually think he has decent reasons to be holding back. However, I also think he should tell you eventually, and probably sooner rather than later. As for you… Look, I don’t know what you’re hiding or what you’re so ashamed of or whatever, but maybe you should think about telling him?”

It wasn’t anything he hadn’t thought about doing, yet Magnus still felt frustration bubble inside his chest at Jace’s unnecessary prodding into his life.

“I know what I’m doing,” he muttered, looking towards Alec to avoid Jace’s stare and wondering if the blond man would be able to sense his lie. “As for your concerns about my relationship with Alec… I appreciate them, but I promise you that I’m serious about this and would never do anything to mess it up. I care about Alec, and I just want him to be happy.”

For a second, Magnus thought Jace was going to bring up the lying again, that he was going to accuse Magnus of wanting Alec to be happy living a lie or some other nonsense. Instead, he cocked his head to the side, shrugged nonchalantly, and turned back to his plate as the main dishes were set on the table.

“Well then, no reason for us not to get along,” Jace said after a few minutes of silence during which Magnus had wondered whether or not there was a way to turn back time and take back everything he had ever said and done wrong in his life. “Alec tells me you’re into baseball?”

And just like that, the two of them were engrossed in their own private conversation about sports and teams and who they wanted to see progress in the league. It wasn’t anything serious, and Magnus could still feel the underlying hint of tension in their voices, but at least they were actively trying to talk to each other.

By the time dessert was brought out and everyone was pleasantly tipsy from the wine, Alec and Jace had switched back. Magnus was feeling a lot more comfortable than he had earlier, Madzie was all but dozing off in her seat, the parents had left them alone, and the atmosphere was relaxed.

The siblings spent the entirety of dessert discussing each other’s relationships as well as their overall excitement for the spring collection. The conversation was riddled with inside jokes and hints Magnus didn’t quite understand, but he was too happy to have gotten through the worst of the evening to worry about it too much.

“Are you okay to drive home?” Alec asked him as the Lightwood children escorted their partners back to the door – or in Jace’s case, got ready to be escorted out with their partner. “Or do you want me to call a cab? I know you had a little to drink, and I wouldn’t want you to get hurt just because we weren’t careful.”

“I was actually wondering if Isabelle might want to go out and have drinks with me,” Magnus blurted out, immediately asking himself what was wrong with him. That had not been in his plans at all. He had been dreaming about getting home and passing on his bed for hours, so why on earth would he screw it all up by asking his friend out for drinks?

Sure, he loved Isabelle, but he had had his fair share of Lightwoods for the night, and they saw enough of each other at work. Besides, she was already drunk as-

Suddenly, he knew exactly what his brain was trying to do. It wouldn’t work, though. Just because Isabelle was drunk didn’t mean she would reveal any secrets that weren’t her own. She might not even know about Alec’s secrets, and then their night out would have been for nothing. It was a stupid idea, and the best thing to do would be to take his words back immediately.

“Ooh, I’d love to go for drinks!”

Or not.

***

“Thank god you dragged me out of there,” Isabelle slurred. “Family dinners are always so draining and having Clary around didn’t exactly make things better. We’ve been going through a bit of a tough time and only just figured things out, so this was… Well, it was something.”

The brunette was well past drunk at this point. She had had too many cocktails for Magnus to keep count of, and he knew he wasn’t far behind. Thankfully, his apartment was just around the corner so they would only have to walk down the block to get back to safety and warmth once the bar closed – or once they got kicked out, whichever one came first.

“You know, your family isn’t half as bad as I thought they would be,” Magnus hummed. “I even talked to Jace about baseball for a while.”

“Yeah, Jace is easy enough to get along with as long as you have some basic knowledge of either sports, coffee, or biology,” Isabelle nodded seriously. “I mean, he’s a bit weird and I don’t always understand him, but he’s pretty cool. Except when he was trying to hit on Clary.”

“He tried to hit on Clary?” Magnus snickered quietly, sipping at his drink and raising an expectant eyebrow in Isabelle’s direction. “Well come on, I want the details! I need to have something on him for the next time I see him, you know, and nothing is as embarrassing as hitting on a woman who is infatuated by your sister.”

“Speaking from experience?” Isabelle waggled her eyebrows. “Did you once fall in love with someone who was already trying to woo Raphael?”

“No,” Magnus wrinkled his nose. “Of course not. But Jace seems like the kind of guy to completely ignore the signs of attraction between two people and just- just shoot his shot or whatever. Although, wasn’t he already with Simon when he met Clary? Wouldn’t that have made things even more awkward?”

“Oh god, it would have been awful,” Isabelle giggled. “But no. We all met Simon after we met Clary, since she’s the one who introduced him to us and asked mom to give him a job and all that shebang. Before Jace met Simon and was hit by love at first sight, he thought Clary was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. And fair enough, she is the prettiest girl in the world, but that’s beside the point.”

“Wait, wait, did you and Clary already have all that-” Magnus gestured wildly as he tried to make his point. Unfortunately, he only earned himself a blank look from the brunette. “Sexual tension?”

“I don’t know,” Isabelle shrugged. “I wasn’t even aware we had something until Alec pointed it out and told me to get my shit together. It took me a few years, but I got there! And Jace never tried to flirt with her again. Although maybe that has more to do with the fact that she slapped him hard enough to make him bleed.”

“She made him bleed?!” Magnus exclaimed, slamming his glass back down on the bar and crossing his arms over his chest as he waited for Isabelle to expand on that particular story.

He wasn’t disappointed. It turned out that Jace was terrible at seducing people; he went too heavy too fast and tended to turn into a bit of an arrogant asshole, which Clary had decidedly not appreciated. Jace had ended the night with the promise of a hangover and a mark on his cheek that had apparently stayed there for over a week.

“And then he met Simon and forgot all about my girl,” Isabelle finished her tale, smiling dopily as she thought of Clary. “So now I have her, and he has Simon who’s actually really nice even though he talks a lot and gets on Alec’s nerves with his rambling rants. Everything worked out for the best.” Isabelle said as she ended the story, a fond smile and soft twinkle in her eye.

“Which is all that matters in the end,” Magnus said wisely, thinking back on what Jace had told him earlier that evening.

He had been keeping it locked in his mind for over two hours, not even breathing a word of it to Isabelle, but he was starting to forget why he had been trying to hold back in the first place. It wasn’t like he was going to force Isabelle to tell him Alec’s secret. He just wanted to know if whatever his boyfriend was hiding was as bad as what Magnus had done.

That way, maybe they could be even.

“Jace doesn’t think Alec and I are going to work out,” he sighed, downing the rest of his drink and ordering yet another, completely ignoring the bartender’s judgemental look. “He says we lie to each other too much about the things that matter. Or at least I think that’s what he meant to say. Hey, Iz, do you think Alec and I lie to each other?”

“Well, duh,” Isabelle rolled her eyes. “You still haven’t told him about the little white lie that got you the job as Head Editor, did you? And you haven’t spoken about Fade Media with him yet, so… That’s technically two lies? I think.”

“But what about him?” Magnus insisted. “Does he lie to me too?”

At his words, Isabelle’s face went through a series of complicated emotions that Magnus was far too drunk to analyse. He thought he got the gist of it, which was what mattered most, and the gist was that yes, Alec was lying to him. And if the alarm remaining on Isabelle’s features was anything to go by, he was lying about something big.

“Why hasn’t he told me?” He pouted. “Does he not trust me? Does he not think he can tell me about all his deep, dark secrets that no one else wants to hear about? I thought I was the only one in the wrong, but if he’s also keeping things from me, then that’s alright. Right?”

If he had been even just slightly more sober, he would have known that the answer to his own question was a resonant no. Just because Alec was keeping things from him didn’t mean Magnus had to lie as well. Relationships weren’t about holding petty grudges like that, they were about communication. Sober Magnus would have known that.

Unfortunately for everyone involved, Magnus was very much not sober.

“Yeah, it has to be alright,” he repeated, nodding to himself. Isabelle didn’t look convinced, but she was too drunk to get an opinion on the matter at hand. “But Jace thinks we should talk to each other.”

“Talking is always a good idea,” Isabelle tutted, poking Magnus in the chest. “You have to talk to the people you love, otherwise they’ll think you don’t love them. I didn’t talk to Clary this week, you know? I locked myself in my bedroom and only came out for the Vogue shoot. And I don’t know why I didn’t talk to Clary? I missed Clary.” Izzy rambled.

“Alec and I talk a lot!” Magnus protested. “We talk all the time! We talk about the things we love and the things we hate and we- we go on dates and talk about how we feel. Sometimes. We just don’t talk about secrets. What’s the point of having secrets if you give them away?”

“I don’t think we’re s’pposed to keep secrets from the people we love,” Isabelle said sadly. “’Cause secrets hurt people.”

“Will Alec’s secret hurt me?” Magnus asked before he could help himself. He had lost all his filters somewhere after his last glass, and he was far too curious to pretend like he didn’t want to know what Alec was hiding. “Is it going to make me cry, Iz?”

“I don’t know,” the brunette answered. “I think it’s a stupid secret that shouldn’t be a secret at all, so I don’t know. I don’t want you to be mad at Alec though, because Alec really likes you and I really like you too. You should just ask him about his secret. Maybe he’ll tell you if you ask him.”

“Why would he tell me?” Magnus threw his hands in the air. “He won’t even tell me about Clary’s secret partner! He keeps saying it’ll happen when it should happen or whatever bullshit quote he likes to use. I should get to know who the designer is, Iz, I’m wearing his clothes! Well, not right now, but… You know what I mean.”

“Of course he won’t tell you,” Isabelle said sadly. “Because if he tells you about the designer, he has to tell you about himself, and Alec hates talking about himself positively. He thinks he’s not good enough, you know? He thinks people will judge him, even though they really wouldn’t. They would just love him even more than they do now.”

Once again, it felt like Magnus was missing something. It had been happening more and more often over the past two weeks, and he was starting to get annoyed at how vague his friends acted around him. There was something they weren’t telling him, something that had to do with the secret designer and that made Alec uncomfortable.

It made Isabelle a little bit angry, made Clary sad, made Simon bite his lip, and made the fashion team roll their eyes. It made them all shut up faster than anything else, and Magnus didn’t know why. All he knew was that he was sick and tired of being left out of something whilst everyone else laughed behind his back.

“Who’s the designer, Isabelle?” He asked as soberly as he could. “Who is he? I know it’s a man, because Alec let that slip, but who is it? I know it’s someone who works at the office, since there’s no way they could have created such perfect outfits if they hadn’t met all the models. I know Clary is friends with him, close friends even, because she trusts him with a lot of things. Alec trusts him too, even though I’m not sure he likes him. So who is it?”

She was dying to tell him, Magnus could see it clear as day. She was bouncing on her bar stool, swaying lightly as she shook her head and scrunched her eyes shut in a valiant attempt to stay quiet. However, Magnus knew she would cave as soon as he stopped speaking, because Isabelle hated this secret almost as much as Magnus did.

Of all their friends, she was the only one who had ever said she found the secrecy stupid. She was the only one who had almost cracked and given Magnus a name before Clary had stormed in and dragged her girlfriend away from him. She wanted the secret to be out, and Magnus was shamelessly taking advantage of it.

(He would regret it later, once he was sober and understood the consequences of asking such a private question, but for now he felt nothing but eagerness and excitement.)

“You know him too, don’t you?” He continued, urging her to break and slip and just spill the beans already. A part of him knew it was wrong, but he was drunk and slightly annoyed at all the secrets being kept from him, and he just wanted this one little thing. “You’re friends with him, and you want him to get credit for what he does. You don’t think Clary should get all of it, which is why you’re always fighting. Is that why you’re always fighting? Because you think- You think…”

“Because I think Alec should get the credit too!” Isabelle cried out, slapping her hands over her mouth as soon as the words slipped past her lips.

She looked horrified and startlingly sober for someone who had had at least four drinks since leaving the Lightwoods. And Magnus could only stare back at her with an expression of matching horror on his face. Because he hadn’t wanted Alec’s secret, no matter how curious he had been. He had wanted to ask Alec about it when he was sober and actually capable of coherent thought.

Instead, he had found out from Isabelle, her words ringing over and over again in his mind as his mind caught onto their meaning. In hindsight, he should have figured it out long ago, given all the clues he had been handed on a silver platter.

“But…” He started, words evading him as he tried to wrap his head around his boyfriend, Alexander Lightwood, being the secret designer he had been wondering about for years.

He just couldn’t see it. Alexander was wonderful; he was kind and smart and always willing to listen to Magnus no matter how long his stories were. He was a great partner, both in and out of bed, and he was the man Magnus was falling in love with one day at a time.

The secret designer, on the other hand, was a mysterious entity whom Magnus had always imagined as dark and secretive and a little rude, maybe even slightly entitled. The secret designer was great at colours, a colour genius, and would certainly know how to dress a lot better than Alexander did. And more importantly, he was a man Magnus had never imagined dating, let alone loving.

“I think- I think this is why he doesn’t like telling people,” Isabelle interrupted his thoughts, staring at him with a mix of pity and disappointment. “He doesn’t like having to explain why he doesn’t dress colourfully, and why he started designing, and how he got in the business… He doesn’t like answering all the questions. And right now, you have a lot of questions.”

“Of course I do!” Magnus exclaimed. “You just told me my boyfriend is also one of the best designers in the country! I thought he was just a CEO! Not that being a CEO is bad, but I never imagined… I don’t understand how it’s possible, Isabelle. Is that why he’s always busy?”

“Probably,” Isabelle shrugged. “He works a lot, even though he’s been doing it less now that you’re here. He and Clary used to stay at the office all the time, even to sleep and eat and live. It was a bit worrying, but they’re better now. Because of us. I think we bring them joy.”

Maybe they did, except now Magnus had gone and ruined that by making Isabelle reveal something Alec had deliberately kept hidden. Sure, Magnus didn’t quite understand why his boyfriend was ashamed of something so wonderful, but that didn’t give him the right to pry into other people’s business by tricking a drunk Isabelle into telling him things.

Now Magnus had the secret he had so desperately wanted to know, but he had a feeling it would come with far more repercussions than he was ready for.

“I have to tell Alec,” he said, standing up and swaying on his feet from the sudden movement. “I have to tell him that I know, and come clean about everything so he knows my secret too, and I should do it now.”

“No,” Isabelle shook her head. “No, no, you shouldn’t do that. It’s very late and Alec is probably sleeping and you’re very drunk. We’re both very drunk. We should go back to your apartment and sleep it off and think about this tomorrow, when we’re a little less- When we’re a little more focused. Besides, you can’t tell Alec. Not before he tells you himself.”

“What? Why?” Magnus gaped. If there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that hiding this from Alec would only cause more issues.

“Because I told you!” Isabelle cried out, looking desperate and a little bit broken. “Because I promised him I wouldn’t betray him by telling anyone, and I promised Clary I would stay out of it, and now I told you. If they find out, they’re never going to forgive me. It wasn’t my secret to tell.”

“Of course they’ll forgive you,” Magnus murmured reassuringly. “You did nothing wrong, Iz, you’re drunk! As long as they know that, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m the one who’s in trouble.”

“Then don’t tell them,” the brunette repeated, turning her pleading eyes on him. “Just wait for them to make a move first, alright? I’m sure you’ll agree with me tomorrow morning.”

Magnus wasn’t half as certain as Isabelle was, but he also knew she had a point. Going to Alec’s whilst drunk and telling him that his sister had told Magnus about his secret sounded like a terrible idea. He didn’t know how he would feel in the morning, but at least he would be sober, which was infinitely better than being drunk.

Sober Magnus would have never pushed Isabelle to tell him something she clearly hadn’t wanted to talk about. Sober Magnus wouldn’t have brought up a topic he knew was one of Alec’s most sensitive spots. Sober Magnus was, as a general rule, infinitely smarter than his drunk counterpart.

God, he was never drinking again.