#Thre Pocket Brothers

[helmar-weiss]

The Pocket Brothers: Charlie - Red Hot Chili Peppers (Drums & Bass Cover)

The Pocket Brothers Jay M: Bass Helmar Weiß: Drums 🎥🔊 Schaut euch unseren funkigen Groove zu "Charlie" von den Red Hot Chili Peppers an! UPCOMING GROOVE VIDEOS: Parliament -Give Up The Funk Bill Withers - Use Me 🎸💥 #ThePocketBrothers #charlie #redhotchillipeppers #rhcp #FunkGroove #DrumAndBass #Musikvideo #Rhythmussektion #Musikliebhaber #GrooveSession #FunkyBeat #Musikproduktion #Musikcover #Musikduo #Musikperformance #MusicIsLife #sonordrums #sonordrumset #stadiumarcadium #rohemadrumsticks #funkdrumming #funkbassist #funkdrummer 🎶💃🕺

[truths33k3r4]

CHAPTER 18 - The Fight He Can’t Win

‘ I’m home. ‘

‘ I’m safe.’

‘ I’m ok. ‘

Raph tried with all his might to get the shaking to stop. He buried his hands in the pocket of his hoodie and pressed them hard onto his plastron.

‘ What is WRONG WITH ME. ‘

He paced back and forth, squeezing his hands tighter and tighter. He couldn’t make the memories stop.

He couldn’t make the nightmares into some fantasy he might wake up from.

Images flashed through his mind forcing him to face what happened to him and his twin at that horrible place. He shook his head and tried to distract himself with something. ANYTHING.

But the nightmare pushed through every barricade he threw at it. Metaphorically..

.. and literally.

Raph knew he couldn’t physically beat down his thoughts into submission. He knew nothing would happen after he threw one of his sais deep into the wall, adding to the growing collection of dents and holes displayed in his nook.

‘ GET OUT OF MY HEAD. ‘

Despite trying every option in the book of “ Calm the Heck Down “, nothing worked.

‘ Fight didn’t work.

Flight didn’t work.

Heck, even FREEZE isn’t working. ’

Raph sat down on the edge of his bed, making the worn and tired springs groan from his weight. He closed his eyes.

‘ Focus. ‘

He focused as intensely as he could to breathe. He tried to drown out the annoying sound of his thumping heart with the sound of Don’s newest alarm clock positioned on the side table next to Leo’s bed.

Tic.. Tic…Tic…

He counted how long each beat was before the next tic would sound.

Tic.

‘ One…Two…Thre- ‘

Tic.

‘ One.. Two… ‘

Tic.

‘ Oneeee. Twoooo. ‘

Tic.

This time, he took a long deep breath as he counted.

‘ One…Two….’

Tic.

Gradually, the repetitiveness of his technique dulled his adrenaline down. His hands were no longer trembling, which was good. He pulled them out of his hoodie.

That was a big mistake.

Raph’s pupils constricted and his breathing began to quicken again as he caught sight of the faded scars spider-webbed over his right arm.

No breathing exercise could save him from the return of his nightmare this time.

The same images appeared before him again.

In a blur of vibrant green he could hear Don’s cries. His twin’s voice shattered into a million pieces with his final words.

‘ “ RAPH!!! NO! P- please!! PLEASE STOP!! “ ‘

A horrible sting crawled its way through Raph’s arm as the memory refused to relent.

He could still feel the cold press of metal on his wrists,ankles, and..

..his neck.

Tears that had NO business being there decided to flow from his eyes as he shut them tight.

There goes his breathing again.

That was enough. This was a battle he couldn’t fight on his own. Raph knew when he was beat.

So he went to his final strategy. His final attempt to end the nightmare.

Fight.

Flight.

Freeze.

Focus.

FAITH.

He fell to the ground on his knees.

‘ God.. God, please help me.. I CAN’T..

I CAN’T DO THIS. I thought I could…

I can’t.

They won’t stop.. I can’t sleep.

NOTHING IS WORKING. ‘

Raph’s tears began to burn with his temper.

‘ WHERE WERE YOU?

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN ME AND DON WERE TAKEN??

WHAT KIND OF GOD LEAVES THEIR KID TO FIGHT A BATTLE THAT THEY CAN’T EVEN WIN?????

WHY WOULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN TO US?? ‘

Raph rubbed his arm as his face plummeted deep into his blanket. He screamed with all his might into the soft fibers.

Somehow his anger was replaced by something else.

Raph’s other worst weakness :

Regret.

‘… Is.. is it something I did?… Is that what this was? A punishment?? All the times I was harsh with my brothers?? Is that it??? ‘

His eyes wandered to the wall at the foot of his bed, lined from top to bottom with tally marks.

( If one didn’t know better, it looked as though they were made by a prisoner counting down the days until their sentence would end. They weren’t drawn by chalk, but rather carved into the wall by something very sharp. )

He plunged his face deeper.

‘ All the times I hurt my brothers.. My temper….I thought I was getting better.. I thought…gGGRRRRRRR- ‘

Raph’s fist swung out, slamming the wall next to him. His knuckle began to bruise, as well as a small cut had sliced into his skin thanks to the brick’s edges.

He squeezed his fingers into his palm like he was grasping onto a rope over a 80 foot drop.

Then his hand shifted, loosening and falling limp to the ground at his side. At the slight impact of hitting the floor, his hand opened revealing his palm.

‘ .. I’m sorry. ‘

This time he let the tears fall.

‘ .. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry… ‘

From the corner of his ear he flinched at the sudden sound of someone running through the hall past his room. They were giggling.

‘ My brothers.. ‘

Raph remained kneeling on the floor, as a soldier to his King.

‘ My brothers… are home. ‘

Raph lifted up his head from the blanket.

‘ I’M home. ‘

His hands rested onto his thighs as he bowed his head.

‘ … And that’s thanks to You.

Thank You, Lord.. For keepin’ us together. Thank You, Lord, for pullin’ us through. ‘

Raph wiped away his tears. They no longer burned, but instead brought a sense of healing to the scratch on his hand.

That's it for this chapter!!!! I do believe I have found a new favorite perspective to write for. :) Compared to Mikey's energy and squirreliness, Leo's slow, mature, deeper thoughts, and Don's excessive amount of detail and robotic thinking, I'd say writing for the angry blunt characters is what I'm best at. :) Raph and Lotus are also the characters I most express myself with as well, so that probably helps a bit.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed!

To God be the glory!

Masterpost <- PRIOR CHAPTER NEXT CHAPTER ->

[sailorshadzter]

heavily inspired by 'tis the damn season.

as usual, thanks @taylorswift

She’s come back again, just like she always swears she won’t do. 

It’s not a place she longs to come back to, not after all that had happened, not after all she’s endured. Yet, it feels strangely comforting as she drives down the old, familiar streets of the North, her windows cracked just a hair, allowing in the cold morning air. 

If nothing else, she has not yet forgotten the taste of the Northern cold.

The radio blares a tune she doesn’t hear, blue eyes are scanning the homes as if they’ve changed even in the slightest. As if she might not recognize the place she grew up, as if she might not know the home she had once loved beyond all else. As she pulls into her family’s drive, she glances two houses down, to where once upon a time a boy she had loved lived. But now that house was occupied by ‘the nicest of folks” as her mother had said more than once over the last few years. A sigh escapes, rosy lips pursed as she shifts the car into park, the front door already opening.

She draws her eyes away from that other house and smiles, forcing herself to forget. 

[ x x x ]

When she shifts her car into park, she knows that she’s crazy.

She looks to the left, to see the old church, to her right, the old school she once roamed the halls of. These places were still yet familiar to her, despite the long years that have passed, a testament to the importance of these places in her heart. It was here in these places where she fell in love, where she lost it all, where she learned just how cold life could be to a girl. Her gaze shifts over the gray stones of the graveyard and her heart sinks. 

But she gets out of her car anyway, tugging her scarf a little closer, hands in the pockets of her gray wool jacket. She pushes open the old, rusting gate, wondering as she always does why they don’t just replace the thing, why the world in the North seems to never change despite the years that pass. 

Her feet take her the ever familiar path to the grave she only visits when she’s home, the one she tries to pretend doesn’t exist when she’s not. The pain of this loss was just too great and she must constantly pry herself out of the hole grief has dug for her. 

Robb’s grave is well kept, though the once fresh flowers her mother placed upon it have dried up and died. She sucks in a breath, letting it go in a cloud of white as she sinks to her knees, ignoring the mud that stains her jeans as she leans forward, fingertips tracing the outline of her brother’s name in the stone. It’s been three years too long without him, without his easy going smile, without his boisterous laugh, without his calming touch of hand. Before she knows it, tears are streaking her cheeks, cold in the winter breeze. She closes her eyes, allowing herself to sink into the memories of what she’s lost, of what she’s left behind… 

“Sansa…” 

The voice draws her out of her thoughts, though she couldn’t tell you just how long she’s knelt there. Drawing back, she twists around, blue eyes falling into place on the single man that stands just several yards behind her, solemn gray eyes unrelenting in their gaze. “Home for the holidays, are you?” Jon questions, tilting his head, the slightest of smiles curving on his lips. 

Suddenly, it’s three years ago and they’re standing in this very same place. 

She can still yet recall the every moment of their last meeting, of the time she had shattered his already broken heart. I can’t stay here, not anymore, she had whispered, willing him to reach for her, to beg her to stay, to keep her there beside him. Instead, he’d merely smiled, nodding, understanding. You could come with me, she had said next, but he’d only shook his head, knowing this was his place, his home, no matter what his heart wanted. 

“Yeah,” she finally says, drawing herself out of the new wave of memories as she stands up, taking the few steps it takes to stand in front of him. They’ve not been this close in three years, yet his presence is as familiar to her now as it was then. “I’m here for a few weeks,” normally she’d come and go as quickly as the holidays did, but this time… Something had compelled her to take more time here with her family. 

“That’s nice…” He shifts from one foot to the other, awkward in her presence, uncertain in what to say next. “The South is treating you alright, then?” He imagines her in the warm, Southern air, sunlight woven into her auburn locks. He imagines her as he always does, happy and laughing, with the wind in her hair and a permanent smile. She freezes, blinking those blue eyes, before she slowly nods, perhaps torn between admitting to him that his thoughts of her could not be further from the truth or lying that she’s never been happier. “Your mum told me you’re still singing,” he goes on next, thinking of all their days before, days of youth when she had dreamed of being a famous singer someday. The rest of the town had always laughed, calling it childhood fantasies, but Jon had always believed she could do it if someone would ever just give her the chance.

Sansa laughs, thinking of her mother bumping into him in town, perhaps at the grocery store- her heart flutters as she wonders if it were he that brought her up, or her mother. “I try,” she admits as her cheeks stain pink, which translates to each weekend she spends in any coffee shop, any bar, that will have her to perform, hoping that one day someone would hear her voice and take her to where she so desperately wished to be. She thinks of Robb then, his cheering her on from the front row of any school performance, of any talent show, of any car ride. Sorrow tugs at her heart and she sighs, looking up over his shoulder at the old church that sits in this distance, abandoned in the years since she’s left home. “How’s Ghost?” She asks, turning back to face him, watching as the first true smile appears on his face. 

“He’s in my truck,” he says and she feels her heart skip a beat, thinking of all the time she spent in that truck, too. “Come on, I bet he’d love to see you,” he says next and against her better judgment, she follows him out of the cemetery and into the parking lot, where sure enough his old pickup truck is parked next to her car. Through the windshield she can see the great big white dog pacing back and forth, excited she thinks because he sees Jon returning to the truck. But to her surprise, when he opens the driver’s door, the dog leaps from inside and rushes to her, paws to her shoulders in his earnest attempt to lick her face.

Laughter tumbles from her lips as she gently pushes the dog down, dropping to her hunches so she can wrap the dog into her embrace. “Good boy, Ghost,” she chuckles as she holds tightly to him, recalling the many nights she slept tucked against the dog in Jon’s bed. 

She misses this dog as much as she misses his owner. 

Jon swallows, watching as she interacts with his dog as if no time has passed, as if nothing has ever changed. How many times has he wished for this moment in the last three years, he wonders, too many to count that was for certain. “I told you,” he laughs as she finally pulls herself away from Ghost, though the dog continues to sniff at her legs, her hands, until she gives in and returns her palm to stroke the spot between his ears; his favorite place to be petted. She still remembers, he thinks, though she would say how could she forget? “How long will you be in town?” He asks next and she looks up, blue eyes meeting gray; he needs to know beyond her comment of a few weeks.

“Until after the winter solstice,” she replies, having decided to stay for the local festival. 

“Can I… See you again?” He asks softly, daring to be courageous.

A smile curves on her lips and she nods, unable to help herself. 

[ x x x ]

The lingering touch of his hands in the darkness, the aching breath that catches in her throat. 

“Jon, I…” she hisses, but he isn’t listening, not even close as he draws his lips across hers, silencing her before she can continue. His kiss fills her up, threatens to overflow, and she can do little but sink into it, into him. She threads her hands into his hair, unkempt from the hours they’ve spent between the sheets of his bed, tangled limbs and stolen kisses. 

When he pulls away, their eyes meet, a single beat of silence, a single moment of true understanding. “Babe…” He murmurs, but she kisses him, silencing him as he’d only just silenced him. He’s drawing her in, closer than before, rolling them so he can lean over her, one hand tracing the curve of her cheek while the other presses itself between her  thighs. They move in time with each other, as if it’s not been years since she slept in this bed, wrapped in his arms. They move in time as if they’ve never been apart, as if they know each other better than they could ever know anyone else. She knows what he wants to say, she knows what she wants to hear, but they both know it could never be. In the morning, she’d return home and they would forget this night had ever happened. It was their only option. It was the only way. 

This was all it could ever be. 

[ x x x ]

The darkness overhead is broken by the colorful display of fireworks.

“Beautiful,” she breathes, a sense of wonder brightening her eyes, a look on her face he’s not certain he’s seen ever before. Away from home all this time, she’s forgotten how beautiful of a show the North could put on for this event. 

There in the night, with their heads tilted back to watch the show, Jon slips his arm around her shoulders. Time suspends and she glances his way, only to find he’s already looking right at her. Something cold twists in her heart, but she leans in all the same. 

It was beautiful, wasn’t it?

[ x x x ]

They drive home in silence, but halfway through the drive his hand reaches for hers, taking hold without a second thought. 

Almost as if it was a familiar sort of gesture, one he’s never forgotten, one he still yet dreams of. 

She lays her head against the cold glass, watching the familiar landscape rush by her, fingers entwined with his. To her surprise, it’s not back to his home that he takes her, but rather he pulls into the parking lot between the old church and school, the one they’d stood in only a few short weeks ago. That’s right, I’m leaving tomorrow, she realizes with a start, turning to face him as he puts the truck into park, his face somber as always. “Jon, I…” She begins but he turns to her then, shaking his head. 

There was nothing to say, after all. 

She gives his hand a tight squeeze and for a long moment, they listen to the whistle of the wind outside, the promise of a winter storm woven into every whisper. It’s only when his hand touches her cheek that she realizes she’s begun to cry. “There’s always next year,” he laughs and she blinks, a chuckle escaping as she wipes her eyes. For the briefest of moments, she wonders if he might ask her to stay. For the briefest of moments, she wonders what her answer might be. But, just as she’d never ask him to wait, she knows he’ll never ask her to stay. 

“Next year,” she agrees, leaning in to brush her lips against his.

He captures her mouth in a kiss that says it all- a kiss that long after they’ve parted ways, her lips still tingle with it. 

[ x x x ]

When she pulls out of her family’s driveway that next morning, she waves goodbye to her parents, to her little siblings, and wonders why it hurts so much this time. 

She drives down their street and at the stop sign, she wonders if she ought to turn back, if leaving home this time was a mistake. But she turns her car onto the main road, forcing herself to not look back, to never look back. There was nothing left for her here in the North. 

Jon’s face flashes before her eyes but she drives on, willing herself to forget the feel of his hands in her hair, to forget the way his gray eyes would look into hers, to forget the warmth of his embrace. It wasn’t hers to hold onto, none of it was, none of it ever would be. And so, she drives past the old school, the old church, and she doesn’t look back.

She doesn’t see the old truck parked in the lot, watching her drive by. 

Watching her leave.

[ella-ashmore]

asking about the hatchetfield inside your brain????

YIPPEEEE here r more silly facts. been curating this place for thre e years now its like its own organism <3

paul and becky are cousins on their fathers sides. ted exclusively calls becky 'pauls cousin' because he thinks its funny

he also calls emma exclusively 'pauls girlfriend'

hidgens runs the hatchetfield highschool theater department. nobody knows what happened to miss mullberry she just disappeared one day and he was there to take her place

he also owns the starlight theater. for some reason. same case as with miss mullberry the lady that ran it before just fuckin vanished and he was there the next day taking over the responsibility

hidgens and officer bailey are related through marriage (bailey married hidgens' brother(hidgens has two siblings))(baileys first name is mason)

hidgens' brother is a trans man named lucas and he had twins with a guy that left him the first time he tried to come out. their names are alexa (she/they) and avery (he/him) and they r so so annoying with each other. and then lucas had 3 more kids with mason named levi (he/it) reese (she/her) and trevor(he/him) before he came out again this time more successfully. he loves all of his children and his husbandso much

teds dog tumour regularly steals his sons glasses off his face and stashes them

tumour also regularly eats only part of a dead bird and then leaves the rest under the couch

max is the jerries son (as evidenced by the use of dirty girl) and the whole family has the worlds strangest dynamic

in the tgwdlm style world weve got paul brought ted a necklace, a pocket knife, and a pair of glasses when he came back from the school (from teds kids. he knew ted would want them to remember them by)

[kadhal]

AHDJSHD IK U HAVE NOT BEEN ON SO THIS IS FOR WHENEVER U GET BACK BUT I LOVE YOU!!!! i literally like. forgot the other things i was going to send you but i DO remember the part where i ask you what are your favorite things abt fall? do you like pumpkin spice things? have you ever had hot apple cider? do u get to spend a lot of time outside & is it nice out where you are? favorite things to wear when it is cold?

HELLO i am a DAY late new record tbh, but I LOVE YOU THRE MOOOOOST!!!!!!!! i adore you so much my love.

but YES!!!!!!! fall fall FALL my second favorite season only bec spring has my heart but !! getting into the spirit of things i LOOOOVE the colours. so so much its just so pretty and then i honestly lovewhen its cold only bec then i get to experience that feeling of sinking into bed for heat and its just soooo nice.

pumpkin spice is SO good i love cinnamon so much - in the fall i jus take my brothers money sometimes to walk to the mall n buy cinnamon buns i love them anytime of the year but ESP the colder months!! i actually havent ever had apple cider in my life what is it LIIIKE....

ive alwayd felt like canada where i live is actually horrendous during october but why was it like 20 degree weather today.... and for the rest of the week...... this isnt normal........ FAVOURITE THING T WEAR WHEN ITS COLD is this jacket i steal from my moms closet time to time bec i always manage to find something new in its pockets everytime i wear it and its so fun and its so COMFORTABLE

how about youuu my love <3

[crayonwriting]

Father and son go for a walk

series masterlist

"Hold on to my hand tightly, okay Kiyoshi?" Sakusa looked at his son, bundled up in a fluffly jacket with a small bag strapped across his body,  who nodded excitedly. "Bye uncle!" Kiyoshi waved to the cameraman. He held on to Sakusa's hand as much as his little hand could. Sakusa did his best to walk in Kiyoshi's pace so that he won't get tired. Taking walks has been one of Sakusa's random past times for years now. The calm wind blowing in his face felt peaceful and it was also a good kind of exercise without much effort. He hoped that Kiyoshi would enjoy taking walks as much as he did. "Kiyoshi, do you want some candy?" At the mention of the sugary sweet, Kiyoshi squealed in delight. "Can I, papa? Won't mama get mad?" "She said you're allowed sweets from time to time so, yes. This is okay." Sakusa smiled at his son beneath his mask. You were really adamant on  giving Kiyoshi sweets in the first place but if it's one way of getting his son to like him, one piece of candy won't hurt. Kiyoshi's eyes sparkled in excitement and he walked faster this time, pulling his dad along with him to the nearest convenience store. When they were by the entrance, Kiyoshi let go of Sakusa's hand and tried opening the door himself. Sakusa made sure to spray his hand with the alcohol he brought after pulling the door open to let his son inside. Kiyoshi seemed to already know which candy he wants as he immediately went to the counters and did his best to reach the treat. "Papa, I want this one. Strawberry please." He was on his toes, pointing to the rows of candies. "Okay, but let me clean your hands first." Sakusa sprayed Kiyoshi's hands with alcohol as well and helped rubbed it in his small palms. He plucked a strawberry lollipop from the display and handed it to Kiyoshi. The small boy smiled widely before lifting the lollipop back to his dad. "Please open this for me, papa?" Sakusa smiled and did just that. He put the wrapper inside his pocket to throw away later. He went to one of the aisles and got himself a can of iced coffee. He went to the cashier and paid. While he was doing this, Kiyoshi silently followed him around the store. When Sakusa was done, he offered his hand to Kiyoshi and they headed back out again. They walked for a while before something caught Sakusa's eye in the distance. It was the local playground. Now, as much as possible, he didn't want Kiyoshi to be exposed to a lot of unsanitary things but he could hear your voice in the back of his head. "If you keep him inside, his immune system is going to be super sensitive to everything outside. Kiyoshi's age is vulnerable to getting sick but he needs some of those to build up his strength. I'm here if he ever does get sick, so, don't you worry, okay Omi-kun?" You had compromised with him that day---to let Kiyoshi play around outside for a bit then do the necessary sanitations when you get home. Sakusa was just about to counter that but he trusts you and he knows it himself that he will always be there to protect Kiyoshi no matter what happens. "Do you want to go to the playground?" Sakusa asked the boy.  Kiyoshi replied with a firm 'yes.' They walked for a few more minutes before they finally got to the playground. It wasn't that much crowded so far, with only about four kids playing around. "Guys!" Kiyoshi ran ahead of his father. "Let's have some candy!" He shouted to the kids on the playground. No one seemed to pay him any attention. He looked to the side and spotted a little girl playing on the rocking horse. He instantly approached her offering his lollipop. The little girl just stared at Kiyoshi up close. Kiyoshi flashed her his best smile. Sakusa stayed rooted in his spot---hands pocketed in his jacket---just by the sidewalk, enough to monitor Kiyoshi's whereabouts. "You're wearing a winter jacket." Kiyoshi told the girl. When she didn't respond, Kiyoshi continued. "Do you want some candy?" He held out his lollipop to her. "You can try it three times." She just alternated between staring at Kiyoshi and the lollipop but she didn't respond. Kiyoshi was about to tell her something when she spotted another kid---an older girl this time---and he walked up to her to offer his candy. "Do you want some?" The older girl smiled sheepishly before shaking her head from side to side. Feeling a little flustered, she walked away from Kiyoshi without another word. Kiyoshi looked around, confused as to why his friends don't want any candy. He shrugged the thought away and went to go up the slide. When he reached the top of the slides he jumped around in excitement. Some of the other kids passed by him which Kiyoshi didn't mind much. Seeing one of the older kids slide down, he decided try it out himself. This was actually his first time going down a slide this big. Sakusa worried by the sidelines, so he took a few steps closer just in case Kiyoshi gets scared. To his surprise, his son didn't even ask for help from him or any of the other children. Kiyoshi just sat on one of the slides and pushed off. Just as his feet touched the ground, Kiyoshi glanced at his papa and smiled widely. Sakusa smiled as well, giving him a thumbs up. One of the cameramen set up a small camera just by the end of the slide to capture Kiyoshi going down. The boy noticed and kicked the small gadget like it was  a ball. Sakusa was quick to retrieve it. "Kiyoshi." He looked at his dad. "You're not supposed to kick this, okay?" Kiyoshi thought that he was going to be scolded so, he just smiled cheekily at his father, hoping to get away with it. Just as Sakusa was about to remind him again, Kiyoshi's attention was already elsewhere. "Look! There's a dog!"  He ran up to the golden pomeranian whose owner was busy on a call. They passed through the playground which caught the attention of most of the children there. Sakusa shook his head, amused at Kiyoshi’s bravery. "I'm gonna catch you!" Kiyoshi squealed. The owner of the dog noticed the kids crowding up to her so she halted in her steps to let the kids play for a bit. Kiyoshi was the bravest of them all as he stood in front of the dog and started shouting at it. The dog just looked at Kiyoshi silently. He started barking at the dog as well. "Kiyoshi," Sakusa crouched beside him. He doesn't like dogs just because he thinks they're not clean and their fur makes him itch. But he knows that Kiyoshi is fond of dogs. As much as he wants his son to just ignore the small animal, he can't. "If you keep shouting, the dog will get angry. Try petting him." Kiyoshi cautiously neared the dog and placed his hands on its fur. He patted the dog who, to Sakusa's relief, stood still and didn't pounce on Kiyoshi. Soon the other kids followed suit and took turns patting the animal. "Do you want to play on the swing?" Sakusa held out his hand. "Yes!" Kiyoshi held on to his father as he let himself be guided towards the swing set. Sakusa felt relief wash over him because the more Kiyoshi brushed the pomeranian's fur, the more his spine tingled in anxiety. Before getting on the swings, he sprayed alcohol on Kiyoshi's hands which the little boy did't mind. Sakusa helped Kiyoshi on to the swing and pushed him lightly.  Kiyoshi wriggled his legs in excitement and cheered in delight. "Let's swing together!" Kiyoshi told the older girl he met earlier who was also on the other swing with her mother. The girl still ignored Kiyoshi with a blushing face. "Look at me!" "Excuse me," the mother interrupted. "Aren't you Sakusa Kiyoomi from the MSBY  Black Jackals?" Sakusa looked at the woman before nodding his head and mumbling a soft ‘yes.’ He felt a ittle bit embarassed about being recognized outside, especially in a playground with his son but he knows, with the number of games that the Jackals have been wining recently, they were bound to be recognized one way or another. "Me and my husband are huge fans." She gushed. Sakusa did his best to smile in acknowledgement beneath his mask. He bowed slightly to her and murmured a soft 'thank you.' "Your son is cute." Kiyoshi just watched this short interaction. He has never seen his father talk  with other people other than those who deliver food to their house sometimes, or his grandparents. He was amazed that his dad can make other people smile, like he does with him and you. "Papa, I want to stop now." Sakusa held the swing so that Kiyoshi could hop off. "Do you want to go on the slides with me?" He asked. Kiyoshi started wandering around the playground and forcing himself into the small groups that formed. He ignored his dad in favor of playing with the other kids. Sakusa was trying his best to gain Kiyoshi's favor but he was invisible as long as there were other kids around. So, he resumed his position by the playground entrance, still keeping an eye on his boy. Kiyoshi approached a group of older boys playing by the monkey bars. He asked them to play with them but the other boys just stared at him. They ignored Kiyoshi and went to the other side of the playground. Kiyoshi didn't give up though. He followed the boys wherever they went, still asking them to play with him. He wasn't successful with them so when he saw a older brother and a little sister pair just arriving, he quickly approached them. "Play with me!" Kiyoshi stated. The siblings just stared at him as well. Kiyoshi saw that they were holding hands so, he held out his. "Hold my hand too!" The older boy was hesitant, but he took his hand whilst holding his sister's in another. The trio walked around the playground before wandering off to the nearby park. Kiyoshi suddenly had an idea of looking for ants and beetles. When Sakusa heard this he wanted to take Kiyoshi home, but then he knows that his son will just hate him for not letting him play with his friends. So he did the only thing he could do---watch. He made sure that Kiyoshi wouldn't touch anything extraordinarily dirty or worse, put it in his mouth. The outside hittter shadowed over the three children as they picked up random sticks and dried leaves while stuffing them into a small hole the older boy dug up. Kiyoshi also pretended to bang on a wall so that 'the ants will turn into bees.' After a while they wandered around, with Kiyoshi leading the way, before getting lost. Good thing Sakusa was around and he pointed them back to the direction of the playground. But children were easily distracted. When they saw a tree, Kiyoshi suddenly stated that it was an ant kingdom that they needed to destroy. They started banging on the tree trunk with their sticks; their laughs echoing throughout the air. Sakusa found it amusing how vast a child's imagination can be. His phone started ringing inside his jean pocket. Walking a little bit farther to the side, he answered the call. "Miya." "Omi-omi, where are ya?" "Why do you need to know?" "There's an emergency team meeting." Atsumu stated. "I sent ya a text." "What's the problem?" Sakusa groaned. "Coach said something about the next match. There was a mix-up or something." Sakusa cursed under his breath. "Okay. I'll head there now." He hung up the phone and proceeded to call Kiyoshi's babysitter. You both had hired her for the times both you and Kiyoomi are called in for work. "Sakusa-san?" "Remi. I apologize for the sudden call. Are you able to take in Kiyoshi for a while? I just need to attend an emergency meeting at work." "I'm so sorry Sakusa-san, but I am meeting with relatives today." "I see. It's alright. Thank you." When he ended the call, he scrolled through his contacts list to see who could take Kiyoshi for just a few hours. He saw Komori's number and decided to dial it "Motoya." "Kiyoomi!" His cousin greeted cheerfully. "I need someone to look after Kiyoshi for just a few hours. I just have to attend an emergency meeting." "As much as I want to, I'm actually in Osaka right now. " "Aah." Sakusa suddenly ransacked his brain for other people he he can entrust Kiyoshi to. He remained silent before Komori interrupted him. "Why not just take Kiyoshi with you? He's an obedient kid. I'm sure he won't put you in any trouble." "And have him meet my chaotic teammates? No way." Komori laughed at  his cousin. Some things never do change. "Suit yourself." --- Sakusa hates how Komori was right. He couldn't find a last minute babysitter so he has no choice but to bring Kiyoshi with him. They returned home to clean themselves up a bit and fetch their car. Sakusa helped Kiyoshi to his car seat before they drove off to the Japan Volleyball Association Head Office. Kiyoshi fell asleep on the whole ride there. Just before entering the room where the whole team was, he knelt to Kiyoshi's height.  "Kiyoshi, I have to talk to some people about important things," Sakusa started, holding on to his son's hand, "You have to stay quiet, okay? You have to behave." Despite being very sociable, whenever you or Sakusa tell Kiyoshi beforehand that he needs to behave, he knows that it's something important and he doesn't want his parents to be upset. Sakura pushed open one of the doors and almost everyone turned to greet him. "I apologize for being late." Sakusa bowed his head. "I also have my son with me. I couldn't find a babysitter in time and my wife is away. He promises to be quiet." Kiyoshi stared up at all the adults in the room, some were wearing formal suits while the rest of the team wore so,ething casual. They were all strangers to him. "Eh? Kiyoshi is already that big?" Atsumu piped up from one side of the long table. "Has it really been three years?" "Omi-kun! He looks just like you!" Hinata was the first to approach Kiyoshi, opening up his palm towards the child. "Can I get a high-five Kiyoshi-kun?" Kiyoshi did not hesitate to slap his smaller palm against the redhead's. Sakusa flinched at the contact. He knows he would have to give a full bath to Kiyoshi when they get home. "Please take a seat Sakusa-san. We'll be starting soon." One of the MSBY representatives said. Sakusa sat beside Atsumu---which was the only available seat left. To keep Kiyoshi occupied, he gave him a piece of paper and a pencil to draw with that he asked one of the secretaries nearby. The meeting continued smoothly. Kiyoshi did well and was silent the whole time. He kept drawing his favorite animals on his paper whilst sitting on his father's lap. He sometimes took Sakusa's hand, and traced around it, making it look like his favorite dinosaur after adding eyes, a mouth and some scales. Kiyoshi would nudge his dad to show his masterpiece to which Sakusa would reply with a pat on Kiyoshi's head added with a feather-like kiss.  The emergency meeting took about an hour and a half. Just as they were wrapping up,  Atsumu's attention was on Kiyoshi. The faux blond wanted to impress the boy with his artistic skills. Whatever animal Kiyoshi wanted to see, Atsumu would draw it. "Can you draw a snake?" "That's easy." Atsumu drew on the corner of the paper. When Kiyoshi, inspected the drawing, he shook his head. "That's not a snake." "What are ya talkin' about? It is a snake!" "That's a worm." "Ya wound me, Kiyoshi-kun!" Atsumu fake gasped which made Kiyoshi laugh. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. "Hey Omi-kun, let's have a play date. My Katsumi is almost the same age as Kiyoshi so—" "No." "That's great! My babies could join too!" Bokuto added. "Wait, I—" Sakusa was interrupted once more. "Hey, that's actually a neat idea." Barnes, who was watching them, piped up from his seat. He looked to their captain sat beside him. "What do you think, Shugo?" The captain of the Jackals pondered on the idea, pursing his lips. "That's actually not bad. Like a family day for the team, right?" Sakusa sighed. He's probably not going to get out of what's about to happen.

---

tags: @plump-peach​ / @keijikunn​

04.19.2021

[n-ugg]

The platform moved foward as Charlie found it difficult to follow along while staring down at the lava flow below him. But he managed to match the pace with the platform. He chuckled to himself to try to calm his nerves, while having his slimeballs on him, trying to sink into his body.

It stopped and he walked into the obsidian room. Seeing the prisoner get up from his corner to walk up to him. The stone platform moves back as the lava begins to flow down from the top again, to form a wall. Trapping the two in the obsidian box.

"Charlie! It's great to meet you." Dream said with a surprising cheerful tone. It's forced but it still held up. "Sorry that it isn't exactly the best situation for a first meeting, but-" he shrugged it off as he placed out a hand. "it's the best we can do."

Charlie was hesitant, but took his hand. "Hey, thanks for inviting me." He pulled his hand back as Dream placed his hand in his pockets. "But I have to ask: what are you doing here?"

Dream let out a soft chuckle, "Wait, they didn't tell you what happened?"

Charlie shook his head. "Not really. They just said you did bad thing. But I dont think it can be so bad to have you like this." He raised his hand to gesture around the obsidian walls.

Dream hummed to himself before walking back to his wall. "You're gonna want to take a seat, this is a long one." Charlie took a couple steps foward and crossed his legs. "Let your little slime friends rest for a bit and wonder on the floor, they'll get bored."

Charlie tensed at the mention of his two slimeballs on him but he cupped the one on his head to place it down as he continued to hear Dream's story.

And so Dream told him, not exactly being biased with his retelling. He left in a couple of rude jokes towards others, all laced with amusment and malice in his voice. Charlie forced a laugh on the jokes, thinking it will lift up the heavy tension in the room.

"-so yeah, thats why I'm in solitary confinement." He smiled at the end as one of slime inched his way over to his hand. Dream looked down at it and placed his hand out for it to crawl its into his palm.

Charlie focused on the slime, not exactly wanting to make eye contact with Dream. "So, it really is that bad." He forced a small smile to stick.

"Yeah, it's around the same level of bad as what you did." Dream kept his focus on the slime in palm as it did a small bounce.

Charlie eyes broke away from the slime and looks at Dream. "Wa-wait, what do you mean as bad as what I did?" Dream looks away from the blob and made eye contact with Charlie, causing the latter to get a chill down his spine and straighten his posture. "I didn't...I didn't do anything as bad as blowing up an entire country. Let alone twice. Or thre-threatened a child." He was trying to ignore Dream's gaze again as there was a chuckle being let out due to pure stress.

Dream lifted his knee to rest his arm against it as he raised the slime in hand higher. "Really? You didn't do anything that bad?"

"Ye-yeah I'm pretty sure I'd remember it."

"Hm, I wonder if Grizz would've agreed?"

Charlie felt the color from his face drained and his forced smile drop as the slime on his shoulder move closer to his neck to hide. "That was different. Gri-Grizz had taken things too far as we suffered in the world-"

"Yeah, he changed the world to however he liked it. Changed the rules and the set order of things." Dream lowered his leg and cradled the slime with both hands. He lightly tapped it with both thumbs, it let out a little jiggle in response. "Just like what Tommy and Wilbur did. Except I didn't kill them, unlike what you did with you fellow brother."

Charlie had his mouth open but he couldn't let any words out. The slime on his shoulder was still trying to hide, rubbed his little head against Charlie's neck as a way to comfort. He took in a deep breath before speaking again. "It's-...it's not the same thing."

"You were probably worse. I mean, banishing your brother to hell, watch him go insane just for you and your two other brothers kill him." Dream started to laugh. "I actually think you're as bad as Schlatt! Its basically what he did to Wilbur and Tommy!"

Charlie froze at the comparison. Having the memory of being tortured of being killed just to brought back to life, getting throwing up in a hurricane just to thrown into the lava, the top of the volcano where he was going to lose two of his friends. He shook his head at the memories, as a way to at least have a clearer head. "I-its not like that. We-...we had very different reasons! It was something we had to do! To stop him from spreading out the corruption across new worlds!" He doesn't know why he's trying to justify himself towards Dream, but he is.

Dream just tilted his head as he got back up. "Why won't we ask Grizz that, hm?" He placed the slime on Charlie's head again. "You were brought here to bring someone back to life for me. As a trade for coming here."

Charlie gotten up, raised his hand to pet the slime that was back on his head. He nods as he keeps eye contact away from Dream, having the slimes being a comfort to him. "Yeah, yeah, I know." He raised his hand to rub his eyes, "I'll bring him back whenever I'm able to."

Dream pat his shoulder as he went over to the lava wall. "Sam! The visit is over!"

"Charlie please walk over to the water hole and I'll bring you back!" It was the warden on the other side, so the yelling was a bit muffled but Charlie listened and walked to the corner.

"Im ready Sam!" Charlie yelled from the end, he was hoping that it was a quick return.

"Goodbye, hopefully you can bring me back as well." Dream smiled as he walked back to the opposite end.

Then Charlie was by Sam's side. He was still tense and stiff, but followed Sam out. He stuck by Sam's side until he was out. Completely stuck in his own head, fearing that he might turn into either Dream, or even worse Schlatt. The slime on him tried to make themselves sink into him as a form of comfort but that didn't help the thoughts to keep spiraling.

[bbrandy2002]

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Title: Twinsane

A/N: Jessie, You already know Burns and I are big fans of your characters and stories, in particular your Leo and Drake. The three of us made our big writing debuts at the same time in the Summer of 2019 and became fast friends that have continued through every high and low we’ve each experienced in our lives. You’ve always been a great and supportive friend with a big heart and a bit of a funny bone. We both hope you have an amazing birthday and we wish you all the best in the coming year.

This story takes place in a universe created by @jessiembruno​.

Palace -- Throne Room

Liam paced the ancient throne room, site of their infant daughter’s upcoming anointing and baptism. Everything seemed to be in place; Regina had made sure of it despite the cast on her arm from her latest sex injury. 

Still, he worried. 

Not because of terrorist threats, not because of Lilyana possibly blowing out her diaper and ruining a $2,000 christening gown. No, he had two concerns: 

His brother and his brother-in-law. 

His wife tried to console him about it, but every time she did, the new father threw his hands up in the air and said, “I don’t want to talk about that stupid pendejo. I just can’t with him --” and the fights they had afterward weren’t worth it.

Leo had passed two kidney stones on the day Lilyana was born. Liam felt bad for him; he really did. Everything he’d heard about passing kidney stones was that it was a truly painful ordeal. 

But Leo, as always, had taken things too far. 

First of all, he’d named them: Rocky and Peter. He referred to them as “the twins,” and everywhere he went, that goddamn jar went with him. It was embarrassing to be somewhere with him in public and then to hear the telltale rattling as he adjusted change in his pocket. 

That was nothing, though, compared to when he’d bought “the twins” a Silver Cross Balmoral pram at the eye-popping price tag of seven grand. It was both nicer and more expensive than Jessica and Liam’s $2,700 Bugaboo by Diesel stroller; Liam had thrown a fit. And not just because Leo had charged them both to Liam’s credit card. 

“We are carting around a royal baby! You spent seven thousand dollars on a grocery cart for your goddamn kidney stones?” 

Leo, puffing out his chest, had merely clutched the jar of medical waste to his heart. “My children are royal adjacent, thank you very much.”  

At least Drake understood that the elder Rys brother was off his rocker, but since Drake flew all the way off the handle every time the subject was mentioned, Liam tried to avoid the inevitable blowups. Just last week, there had been an … incident at a formal dinner.

“Drake, will you watch the boys while I take a piss?” Leo had extended the jar toward the surly dark-haired man. 

“Get those fucken things away from me, Leo! Those were in your fucken dick! What the fuck is wrong with you?” 

Liam had tried to calm Drake down -- Princess Lesedi looked absolutely horrified at the outburst -- but as usual, Leo just made things worse. 

Huffing loudly, he proclaimed, “Lilyana was in Jessica’s bacon hole, and I don’t hear you complaining about that, Drake. You hold her all the time, but you never take the twins when I ask! I am through with this open favoritism!”

Only Alyssa, quietly intervening and taking the jar, had prevented a full-on brawl from breaking out. But since she started to cry when Drake refused to hold her hand afterward even following a thorough handwashing, the crisis hadn’t really been averted in the end. 

Thinking of Drake only led Liam to ruminate on Mateo, his brother-in-law. Nearly a year before, when the four friends had attended a Yankees game with Jessica’s brothers, Mateo had made a sloppy pass at Alyssa without knowing she was in a relationship. 

Well, to be more precise, he’d actually talked about Alyssa in front of her face, not realizing she spoke Spanish, and told his brother “Alyssa can sit on my face.” 

The only thing that had saved the weekend from devolving into complete anarchy was that Drake didn’t know enough Spanish to translate. But someone -- probably shit-starting Leo -- had explained Mateo’s words to Drake, and now Alyssa’s new husband was out for blood. 

If any of them ruin my little princess’ day, Liam swore to himself, I will murder them. I’m king. I can pardon myself. 

------------

Palace -- Ballroom

Lilyana was properly anointed and baptized. At the head table, overlooking the large gathering as he cradled his daughter in his arms, Liam looked over the party with a sigh of relief and scooped up another forkful of chicken tagine. Everything had gone off without a hitch, and now they just needed to feed all these people, hand the princess off to Regina or one of her doting aunts or uncles, and he could spirit his wife away to take his “royal scepter” anywhere she wanted it. 

His eyes tracked to Leo, who was in rapt conversation with Penelope across the room. When Leo pulled the jar out of his pocket, Liam threw back his entire scotch in disgust. 

Jessica, resplendent in a new Ana de Luca original, came back to the table. “God, these fucken people are intolerable, Liam. How much longer --” Her words were cut off when Liam wrapped his hand around her wrist. 

“My love, give our daughter to her grandmother. Te necesito. Ahora,” he added, eyes locked on hers. (I need you. Now.)

She took the baby from his arms and brought Lilyana to Alyssa. “The princess needs some time with her Auntie Lyss.” 

Alyssa smirked as she kissed the infant’s sweet-smelling head. “And the queen needs to get her back blown out?” 

Jessica tossed her hair. “Fuck yeah.” 

Alyssa high-fived her before she walked away. 

------------

Palace -- Liam and Jessica’s Quarters

“You’re so gorgeous, love,” Liam grunted, gripping a fistful of Jessica’s hair and tugging her head back, exposing her throat to his lips and teeth. 

She shuddered at the feeling, reaching for his thick length. “We don’t have a lot of time …” 

“We have as much time as it takes.” He unzipped the dress and slid it down her body, admiring the curves that had only become lusher with motherhood. Lowering her to the bed, Liam’s lips moved over Jessica’s breasts and stomach. He toyed with the waistband of her underwear. 

“Liam, please --”

The panties dropped to the ground, and her plea melted into a throaty groan at the first swipe of his tongue. “Fuuuuuuuuck.” 

“Yes, love,” he said against her, working her with his hands and mouth. “Dámelo.” (Give it to me.)

She was still shaking with her release when Liam crawled over her, his rigid cock probing between her thighs. “Now, muñeca.” 

Something crashed against the door. 

------------

Palace -- Ballroom 

To his delight, Leo had reunited with Miss Willoughby, his fourth-grade teacher. Though she was no longer as perky as he remembered and had grown an unfortunate goiter, she listened attentively to Leo’s stories about his children. 

She had had a lot of champagne. 

“Do you have a picture?” she asked at last, after Leo had regaled her with the tale of taking Peter and Rocky grocery shopping for the first time. 

“Even better than that.” Leo proudly reached into his jacket pocket. “Boys, I’d like you to meet Miss Willoughby.” 

The teacher shrank back with concern. “Leo … what -- what is that?” 

“They are Rocky and Peter.” He pointed to each stone as he introduced them. “Their birth was excruciating, but it was worth every moment of pain.” 

Miss Willoughby rubbed her misshapen throat lump. “Are those --” 

He heaved a long-suffering sigh. “Technically they are kidney stones. But the word ‘kid’ is right in there! Love makes a family, Miss Willoughby. Not your status as ‘human.’” He punctuated the last word with finger quotes of disgust.

------------

On the other side of the room, Drake’s gaze narrowed on a familiar face. “Devereaux!” he hissed. 

Alyssa looked up from where she had been singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to Lilyana. “What?” 

“Is that Jess’ fucken brother?” 

She bit her lip. It was Mateo, but no way was she letting Drake get involved in a brawl at the princess’ anointing, for Christ’s sake. “I don’t remember.” 

“What do you mean, you ‘don’t remember’?” 

Waving a breezy hand, Alyssa hastily tried to defuse the situation. “Oh, I was drinking a lot that day.” 

“A lot for you. Not for your average 15-year-old,” he snickered, agreeing. 

To Alyssa’s relief, the man had slipped out of sight. “Well, be that as it may, you should let that Mateo thing go. Everything’s cool.” 

He scowled. “It is not. I know he’s here today! I’m going to find him and kick the shit out of him.” 

-----------

“You should call me Roberta.” 

Leo raised his eyebrows. “Miss Willoughby -- Roberta. I would be delighted to.” 

She set down her flute. “You certainly grew up handsome …” 

Smoothing his blond locks back into place, Leo gave her a rakish grin. “Why, Roberta. How forward of you.” 

“Is there somewhere we can get away?” She reached out and gripped his ass with surprising strength. 

“I guess that depends on how much you’ve had to drink.” 

“The perfect amount.” Her hand slid around to the front, grappling with the front of his pants. 

“Whoooooooa. Well, in that case, yes. We can get away.” 

------------

Alyssa handed Lilyana to Drake in another attempt at distraction, nervous about the way he was pacing the room. “Uh, I have to use the bathroom. Can you take the baby?”

He was already cooing at Lilyana, assuaging Alyssa’s nerves until she made out the words. “And Uncle Drake’s gonna beat the fuck out of your Uncle Mateo ... yes, he is! Yes, he is!”

“Drake!” she gritted. 

“Because nofuckingone talks about your Auntie Lyssa like that; no, they do not!” he continued in a singsong voice, ignoring Alyssa completely. 

She rolled her eyes and headed out of the ballroom, content that he at least wouldn’t start any physical fights with a baby in his arms. 

------------

Palace -- Liam and Jessica’s Quarters

Jessica sat up with a start, unfortunately bending Liam’s manhood at an awkward angle. He screamed. 

“Who the fuck is at the door?” Her shrewd eyes, trained to find danger, scanned the room. She threw Liam’s jacket on -- their size difference meant it fit her like a gigantic robe -- and grabbed her taser. 

“Love, wait!” Liam struggled up from the bed, wincing at the pain in his dick. 

“Goddammit, Leo!” Jessica screeched upon throwing the door open. 

Her brother-in-law’s bare ass, driving rhythmically toward a faceless someone who was pressed against the opposite wall, greeted her. 

“Jess! Fuck!” Leo slowed. “Sorry, Roberta, hang on.” Continuing to hold her against him as a shield, he craned his head around to look at her. “I’m a little busy right now. What?” 

She slammed the door closed. “Liam, get dressed.” 

“What the fuck is going on?” The king complied, his good mood completely dissipated. 

“Your fucken brother is banging someone outside our door. I’m pretty sure his ass is the crashing sound we heard. His naked ass touched the door. I’m having maintenance replace it tomorrow!” 

------------

Palace -- Hallway Outside Liam and Jessica’s Quarters

Leo struggled back into his pants, grateful that his partner had kept her dress on. “Miss W -- Roberta, I’m really sorry, but we’re going to have to cut this short. Er, not that anything about me is short, obviously. But I’m pretty sure my brother’s about to come out here --” 

The door flew open. “LEO, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!” Liam raged. 

“Run!” Leo grabbed Roberta’s hand and took off running down the corridor, jacket in his other hand. 

------------

Palace -- Ballroom 

Alyssa hadn’t come back, but the more Drake stared at the man he had noticed earlier, the more he was convinced it was Mateo Garcia. 

That fucker. 

Lilyana had fallen asleep against his chest. He wasn’t going to disturb her or put her in danger, but … 

Drake looked at the abandoned plates of cake on their table. Steadying the baby with his left arm, he picked up a handful of cake and squeezed it experimentally in his fist. Maybe he hadn’t played ball with Liam and Maxwell in a few years, but he still had a decent arm. 

He rose, stalking closer to his target but staying close to the exit for a quick getaway. 

Drake raised his arm and fired. 

The handful of cake exploded against the man’s face. Spluttering, Mateo whipped his head around and roared, “What the fuck was that?” 

Drake and Lilyana slipped out the nearest door, almost colliding with a sweaty Leo, panic in his eyes. 

Leo grabbed Drake’s shoulders, careful to avoid Lilyana’s head. “Drake! We have a crisis on our hands!” 

He listened to Leo with only half his attention; his other ear focused uneasily on the new commotion of screaming and -- was that breaking glass? -- inside the ballroom. 

“So I need you to come on the search mission with me,” Leo finished. 

Drake shook his head to clear it, registering an older woman with a prominent goiter slinking back into the ballroom. “The fuck are you talking about? Did you just finish having sex with that woman?” He jerked a thumb toward Roberta.

The blond man scowled. “I didn’t get to finish, and neither did she, thanks to Jess and Liam’s drama.” 

“But the --” Drake gestured to his neck. 

Leo waved it off. “I hit it from behind. No distracting visuals that way.” 

“You, dickhead!” Drake grimaced. “Thanks for the mental image.” 

“My pleasure. Now, we need to go. Find someone to take the baby. I need you completely focused.” 

“On what? Where the fuck are we going?” 

“Have you not been listening to me? Jesus, Drake! I need you to help me find the twins!” Leo raked his hand through his hair, making it stand on end as his blue eyes burned with obsessive fire. “I took my jacket off when I was nailing Miss Willoughby -- er, Roberta -- and the jar must have fallen out. My children are missing, Drake!” 

Drake nestled Lilyana against his chest and covered one of her ears. “You -- you have lost the fucken plot, Leo. I am not searching for your -- your -- dick rocks!” 

“You were there at their birth, Drake. It hurts me that you take no interest in your godstones.” 

“Stop calling them my ‘godstones’! That is not even a goddamn word --” Drake broke off his rant as Alyssa appeared in the hallway, covered in red. “Jesus Christ! Baby!” He thrust Lilyana into Leo’s waiting arms; the baby woke up and began to cry. “What happened?” 

“Huh? You made the baby cry!” Alyssa went to take Lilyana, but Drake grabbed her.

“Look at you, Devereaux! Where are you bleeding from?” Frantic, he tugged the neckline of her dress aside, exposing her bra. She slapped his hand away. 

“Stop! I’m not bleeding!” 

“But --” He gestured to the bright stain marring her light blue dress. 

She looked down. “Oh, that. Someone dumped gazpacho on me when I was walking through the ballroom.” 

“What?” 

Alyssa pointed. “It’s anarchy in there; didn’t you notice?” 

The men peered into the room. Roughly 40 people, most screaming, flung food at each other, ducking to avoid flying lunch items and using plates and -- in several concerning cases -- overturned tables as shields. 

“What happened?” Leo looked concerned. 

Alyssa noted the guilty look on Drake’s face as she rocked and tried to shush Lilyana. “I think this baby needs to eat. Have you seen Liam or Jess?” 

The question seemed to snap Leo back to reality. “You should look for them, Lyss. Head them off --”

“What do you mean ‘head them off’?” 

But Leo continued, “And in the meantime, Drake and I need to find the twins!” He grabbed a loudly-protesting Drake by the arm and dragged him down the hall. 

A moment after they turned the corner, Alyssa, still rocking the baby, was startled by her voice from behind her. She turned her head to see Liam and Jessica stalking rapidly toward her. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re back!” 

Jessica took Lilyana, cuddling her. “Let’s go eat.” Stepping into the ballroom, she shrieked, “What the fuck?” 

------------

“I need you to help me file a missing persons report,” Leo said 15 minutes later, after they had repeatedly combed the hallways looking for the jar of kidney stones. “My children are in danger!” 

“Stop calling them your fucken children!” 

Leo pressed his lips together with frustration. “I went through two hours of labor and five minutes of pushing, all for your GODSTONES! The least you can do is help report the twins’ disappearance and bring them back to their Papi Chulo.” 

He was saved from Drake’s wrathful retort by a notification on Drake’s phone. “Oh, no you don’t,” Drake muttered, typing furiously on his keyboard. 

“What are you doing?” Leo huffed impatiently. 

“Someone outbid me for this lure I really want.” Drake finished typing and sucked in a breath. “Ohhhhh shit.” 

“What now?” 

Raking a hand through his hair, Drake extended his phone toward Leo. “Uhhhhh, I think you better look at this.” 

“HOberta69? Drake, don’t buy anything from a seller with that name -- holy shit!” he exclaimed as he looked closer. 

He clicked the link; the phone screen filled with his own image. “Yeah,” video Leo said, “it hurt like a son of a bitch when I pushed these li’l fellers out, but that’s parenthood!” He held up the jar and shook it. “The rascals.” 

Drake covered his face with his palm. “You are so fucken embarrassing.” 

“This fucken kidnapper! I give her the best two-pump-chumpin’ she’s ever had and this is how the old bag repays me? Oh, the fucken humanity! I will hunt her down! I will throw her in the dungeons! I will --”

“She’s basically holding them for ransom,” Drake said reasonably. “Maybe if you message her …” 

But Leo had already clicked the “buy it now” option. “Thank God I still have Liam’s credit card saved to my account.” 

Drake’s eyes widened. “You paid for the dick rocks? With Liam’s credit card? You know he’s gonna fucken kill you?” 

“Calm your tits, Drake.” Leo heaved a heavy sigh. “You and Alyssa haven’t created a family yet. The first lesson you’re gonna learn when the time comes, though, is that parenthood is full of bullshit sacrifice … and Liam is the lucky guy who gets to make that sacrifice.” 

[hb-writes]

Compensation

Written in response to Hauntober prompt #11: Nightmare 

Summary: Haunting of Hill House story. The youngest Crain has always been protected by her family, taught by Luke and Nellie how to keep herself safe from the scary things in the world by counting from one to eight. When she sees an opportunity to begin repaying the favor, she takes it. 

Characters Featured: Shirley Crain-Harris, Theo Crain, Steve Crain, Luke Crain, Kevin Harris, Hazel Crain (Crain!Sister). 

-----

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven… Eight.

The counting was something Luke and Nellie suggested to their baby sister when they were young, the only thing that ever calmed her after a nightmare. After a certain point, she started hesitating on number eight. There were only seven of them after Hill House and the girl had no recollection at all of their mother, no real connection to the matriarch the others seemed to miss so much.

Her father told her the same thing he’d told the others in regards to nightmares and the things she saw in the middle of the night, that it was just a bit of spillover. When her Aunt Janet had let her call the man after a bad one, that's what he'd always say. But his words had never worked and Hazel had thought he knew it wouldn't work. In saying it, her father had always lacked a certain bit of conviction.

And these weren’t the kind of nightmares born of boogie monsters or things that went bump in the night, anyway. If anything, it was the horrors of daily life spilling over into the dreams, not the other way around

So Hazel fingered the tattered piece of baby blanket that she’d tucked away in the pocket of her hooded sweatshirt, her eyes lowered as she touched seven of the small buttons before hesitating on reaching for number eight.

Luke had once told her that sometimes it took a long time, the counting, but no matter how long it took, it would keep her safe. They would keep each other safe. Family was their protection.

So Hazel counted over and over, the soft whispers leaving her lips as she headed towards the bar, not the one she knew her brother-in-law would have set up in the viewing room, but the makeshift one tucked away in the residential side.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Se—

Hazel gasped, releasing a shaky breath at realizing she wasn’t alone.

“Hey, there. How did you sleep?” Kevin reached out to rub her shoulder. “You want something to eat?”

She shook her head and reached for a bottle, hastily pouring out a measure of whiskey and downing it just as quick. 

“Your brothers are here. Your dad, too.” 

She had slept through the afternoon, slept through lunch, and the time she’d promised to spend with her niece and nephew, and all she wanted was to pour herself a little alcohol and go back to sleep again, but her family was all there, even Nellie, waiting in the viewing room.

Hazel should have known that they’d all be there. They were expected. And she was expected to be there with them, honoring Nellie, mourning her with the family. She poured herself another drink and leaned into the wall, looking toward the viewing room, the perfect set up Kevin and Shirley had crafted, same as they did for every funeral.

She fingered the buttons again with her free hand.

One. Two. Thre—

“Haze?”

She looked up to Kevin at the interruption, stopped her counting though she felt a compulsive need to finish.

“I’m sure they’d love to—”

They both shuddered at the sudden rise of voices from the next room over, Shirley shouting about the blood money. Hazel set the cup down, moving past her brother-in-law, something in her eldest sister’s tone setting her off.

“Hey, don’t—” Kevin started, his hand reaching out as she stepped in front of him.

Hazel wormed out of his grasp and stepped into the lobby to see Shirley and Theo shouting, their faces inches apart despite the height difference.

 “I took it, too," Hazel said, standing just inside the entryway.

Theo's face fell as she turned to her. She'd known, of course. They'd kept each other's secret for years now and Theo had been ready to take it to the grave.

“You did what?” Shirley asked.

“I… I took the money, too," Hazel repeated, taking a few tentative steps as Theo and Shirley separated.

Shirley scoffed, throwing her hands up. “Of course, you took the fucking money.”

“I was just out of school and—”

“You don’t even remember that house," Shirley interrupted. "You were a baby, Hazel.”

“That doesn’t mean—"

Hazel heard someone attempt to speak up, to come to her defense. Steve, she thought, but Shirley was louder, angrier, and her words drowned him out.

“We all agreed. We all agreed not to take his fucking blood money and you—"

“She was just a kid, Shirley,” Theo answered.

Shirley glared at Theo. “Yeah, and what's your excuse?

"She was twenty years old. Had no trouble insisting she wasn't a kid anymore. But that’s how she’s always gotten away with it, with everything, right? Hazel’s the baby. Hazel never had mom. Hazel has always been so damn special, always protected, sheltered, given miles and miles of slack. The only fucking person in this family who gets more slack than her is Luke,” Shirley said to the room before turning back to her youngest sister, stepping closer, her finger raised in Hazel's face. “You are an ungrateful brat. I became your fucking guardian at twenty-five so you wouldn’t be alone at Aunt Janet’s when Nellie and Luke left. We cared for you, took you into our home, and this is how—”

"C'mon, Shirley, you don't mean that." Kevin put himself between the sisters, tried to get Shirley's attention, but he couldn't manage it with his calming words holding such little meaningful content. He took a deep breath before deciding to join the condemned.

“We took the money, too, Shirl," Kevin offered, bringing the wrath of his wife upon himself as the hand he stretched out behind him moved Hazel a few steps back.

Hazel fit her hands back inside the hoodie’s pocket once again, her lips moving as she counted in her head. One. Two—

She backed into Luke and he pulled the hand from her pocket, closing his fingers over hers as they watched Shirley and Kevin explode before them. 

One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six… Seven… Eight.

Each of Luke's gentle squeezes was a number, a constant rhythm as they counted in their heads. Hazel’s heartbeat slowed and the shouting faded away as she concentrated on Luke’s rough hand over hers, the sound of the blood pumping in her veins.

One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six… Seven… Eight.

She glanced up at her brother, at the pain she’d never know because, in a way, Shirley was right. Hazel never knew Hill House, not really, and though she had her own pain in all of this, it was different, because she had been protected, distanced so thoroughly from the childhood nightmare the rest of them shared. Whether by virtue of her age or by the complex efforts of her family, Hazel had been protected, looked after, kept safe, even as an adult. 

But sometimes they needed protection from the nightmares, too. Luke, Theo, Shirley, Steve, and even their father. So, she tightened her grip on Luke’s hand and he met her eye for a moment, somehow understanding without words that she wanted to take over, that she would protect him for a moment. 

One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six… Seven… Eight.

It wasn’t a fair exchange, the eight gentle squeezes offered to one sibling as compensation for nearly twenty-six years of protection, but it was a start.

[willowistic22]

Hey :)

For your post concerning Ikeshot - would you maybe consider writing an Ikeshot Soulmate AU during the canon era?

Thanks in advance

left this in my drafts for the whole month bcs i was doing no content november which was definitely not used as an excuse of me not wanting to fight off my writers block heheheheheheheh spoiler alert : it was. but i got around to write this one so i hope it suffice! i mean i hope so bcs it ended up being 2.5k words long lol! 

So pls enjoy my canon era ikeshot soulmate au! the concept is where soulmate marks are in the form of the first things your soulmate says to you when you guys meet. also ik this will kinda flop since it’s a rarepair but pls do your best to not let it flop :) 

Ike doesn’t like the thought of soulmates. Not one bit. Well, at first he liked the idea of having someone out there waiting for him. He doesn’t need a mark of any kind to tell him that. He knows it on his own terms. But there was a little bit of excitement that exploded in his stomach when his soulmate mark appeared on his forearm. And it was… weird to say the least. 

He got his mark a year earlier than his twin brother, right on their 13th birthday. A delicate black writing engraved in the skin of his forearm. The soulmate mark stories he has ever heard were about people with sweet sayings engraved in their skin. It was all romantic, innocent, and soft spoken words tread lightly by the lips of their lover to be. But Ike’s? It was downright strange. None of those sappy and sweet stuff people say when the subject is about soulmates. Which is why Ike never bothered showing it off. He has heard enough jokes from Mike about that text. 

And here’s the kicker for his situation: despite getting his soulmate mark a year earlier, Mike was somehow granted the gift of getting a sweet soulmate line and meeting his soulmate first! That really pissed Ike off. 

He’s left with his thoughts on that subject this evening, carefully holding up his forearm while he lies on the top bunk he and his brother call their own. The words on his forearm echoes inside of his brain as he strokes the ink on his skin, blocking out the loud Lower Manhattan lodging house. He’s bound to meet his soulmate eventually. He’s sixteen for crying out loud! Mike met his when they were fifteen. So this mysterious soulmate of his has to turn up any time now. They have to. Ike doesn’t know how much longer he can keep himself entertained with stringless flings and flirtings with random guys in secret. 

Ike sighs desperately, dropping both his arms above his head and onto his thin pillow. He wished he was tired enough to go to sleep already since he doesn’t have anything to do before the lights go out in the lodge. He peaks down towards the lower bunk. Ike sees his brother fast asleep, cuddled into his lover’s embrace. Two chests, rising and falling at their own different slow pace. 

It’s not that Ike ever had a problem with Mike’s soulmate, the only problem is that Ike hasn’t met his and constantly feels lonely with the presence of the couple. Ike didn’t believe his brother when he said his soulmate turned out to be Jo Jo. Not only is Jo Jo practically a total opposite of Mike, Jo Jo is also out of his league. There’s no way a kind hearted, properly brought up, bright smiled boy would end up with a scruffy idiot like his brother. But the more time he spends with the two, the more he sees how compatible they are with each other. 

Ike is happy that they found someone to make each other happy, even in their sleep. He’s just sad for himself that he hasn’t found the one for him yet. Third wheeling is the worst thing Ike has ever discovered in his life. 

He sits back up properly, letting both legs dangle freely down the bunk. Ike puts on his newsie cap and his vest that was left hanging on the bedpost before jumping down the bunk. 

Unfortunately he wasn’t being careful and accidentally woke someone below him from the loud thud his feet made when it came in contact with the old wooden floor of the lodge. 

“Where are you… going?” a voice groaned.

Ike turns his head towards the lower bunk to see Mike lifting his head up slightly from where it was resting, rubbing his eyes a little bit to enhance his vision. He’d sit up straight, but one of his hands is strapped down to the mattress by a certain head full of brown curls. 

“Not tired yet. Think I’ll get myself busy” Ike replied. Before turning back to his original direction, he catches his brother’s eyes before he lets himself fall back asleep again, “Got a pack?” 

Mike snorts to himself with an eye roll, but it ends with a low chuckle. He gestures his head towards his vest left hanging up high on the bedpost, “Check my vest. I’se think there’s still half in there” 

Untangling the vest from itself, Ike sees one of its pockets forming a rectangular shape through the fabric. He slips his hand in it and fishes out a pack of cigarettes. His hand doesn’t feel the usual light weight of the tiny box he usually feels after getting himself a fresh pack. This one feels so much lighter, like there’s a lot of room in it. But Ike could still feel a few stems moving inside. 

“Don’t finish the whole thing” Mike added. 

Ike simply smirks down at him, turning around with the pack in hand. He calls out, “No promises!” 

“Pay me back if you do finish it!” 

“Also no promises!” 

“Little shitter” 

Ike turns his head around, and an offended look on his face as the twins’ old inside joke has resurfaced from the past. In the calmest way possible, yet still obviously annoyed, Ike voices out, “Fuck off, alright?” 

“No promises!” 

Mike laughs at his brother’s obvious annoyance. At the same time, Jo Jo starts to stir in his sleep. He stops laughing, directing his full focus on the boy shifting in his arms. Jo Jo groans as he flips to face away from Mike, letting out a long and peaceful sigh once he gets comfortable. 

Ike watches as his brother lays back down, holding Jo Jo a little tighter than before. The couple is enveloped back by their slumber just like before. 

There’s that jealousy resurfacing in Ike’s heart as his eyes linger at the sight of the lower bunk. But despite it, he is actually happy to see Mike like this. Being happy with his soulmate doing whatever. It’s a different kind of happy. It’s the kind that Ike longs for. 

He pushes that thought away for a while, walking through the loud lodging house. Some newsies went to sleep earlier, somehow being able to ignore all the commotion caused by their friends. Some are also just hanging out with others while they wait for the lights to go out. 

Ike chooses to be alone this evening. Accompanied by a cigarette or two, and maybe his own thoughts he’d like to sort out. He’d walk out the front door downstairs to smoke in an alleyway, but he knows the downstairs are currently occupied. Jack had warned everyone to avoid going downstairs because the borough leaders are having a little meeting. 

So Ike decides on the fire escape, since it already leads directly to the alleyway. Ike slips out the window, instantly noticing the lovely evening air. His only view is a dull brick wall with trash scattered around the ground, but he doesn’t really mind as the street ambience makes him feel less lonely. 

He notes the fire escape being a little wet, since it previously did rain a bit. He nearly slipped when he first stepped on the metal bars, but was able to balance himself pretty quickly. 

But to no avail, his feet clumsily slips away from their grip on the fire escape. It sends him falling down with a loud yelp, passing through the little gap in the fencing reserved for the ladder and onto the concrete floor in the dirty alleyway. 

Ike was disoriented when he rose back up from his fall. One hand on the ground to help support his back as he recovers from the impact, and the other rubbing the pain on his head away. He realized the pack of cigarettes is long gone. What he doesn’t realize is why the fall isn’t as painful as he thought it would be. 

He glances over to his legs, which he realized just now that it was tangled with something else. Someone else. They were groaning in pain as they rose back up. He catches a glimpse of the face once it was finally lifted off the ground, smudge by a little bit of mud. 

Oh shit.

Ike fell on another boy who obviously looks like he’s twice his own size. Not that he thinks he can’t take him on in a fight if he asks for one, but right now he’s too disoriented to even figure out how to punch straight. He quickly gets up on his feet, giving the stranger some space so he can recollect himself. 

“Oh look, the universe has thrown me a little shitter from the sky to ruin the rest of my already shitty day! Is there anything you can possibly do to magically make it better?!”

The words were uttered as the stranger got back up on his feet, revealing himself to be a tall and muscled figure. The mud also got on a little strand of his dark brown hair and his eyes were squinted with fury. But Ike wasn’t focused on any physical features this stranger has. He’s more focused with the words that he uttered. Words that Ike knows by heart by now. 

“What?” The stranger growled, deep and raspy. He realized the boy was astonished by something, but was certain it isn’t in any form of fear. 

“Do you have any idea how much shit I get with that written on my hand?! It made me look like I’m a fuckin’ dumbass my whole life!” Ike started his little rant, a little bit of rage building up from the pits of his stomach, “Oh, but of course I’se stuck with a huge asshole that doesn’t know how to be a decent human being and give a guy a break!” 

The stranger stays completely still, lips slightly parted. 

“How do you think I feel with that?” 

He shows his soulmate mark on his right forearm to Ike. A smaller font size and a longer paragraph written on his skin. Ike almost wanted to laugh. 

“Hey!” 

The two boys turn their attention towards the sound. Just outside the alleyway, right on the sidewalk where the rest of the world is, three tall men stood. There isn’t enough light for either boys to identify who they are, but given from the vague shadow they can sense trouble. 

As the three men take a few steps closer, letting a little lamp stuck to the wall illuminate their figures, they reveal themselves as the bulls. 

The boys activated their flight instinct, running towards the other end of the alleyway. The bulls chased after them while telling them to stop. Ike, being the smaller one, runs ahead and leads the chase. Hopping from one sidewalk to the other, crossing the roads without looking. 

Jacobi’s deli came into view in the corner of the block, despite being unlit. Ike kept running towards that corner and took a sharp turn. He makes another sharp turn towards an alley, just next to the deli. He hides in a little corner the deli has created. He has gotten away from so many troubles by hiding in this ‘wall bump’ because people miss it easily. 

He was surprised to see a large figure stopping right next to where Ike was hiding, huffing out heavy breaths of exhaustion. Ike said nothing at first, thinking it’s one of the bulls. He simply watches the figure hunching over their knees, trying to recollect themselves from the chase. 

But after a few seconds, he realizes it was the same boy he just met at the alleyway. His soulmate. To that, he widens his eyes and gasps under his breath. 

Oh crap, if he keeps on standin’ there we’ll get caught! 

“Hey!” Ike whisper shouted. 

The boy was still disoriented from all that running, but he was still able to pick up the voice. 

He saw Ike hiding in the corner, but didn’t think much of it. To that, the smaller boy just rolled his eyes and grabbed him by his suspenders to pull him to the little corner to hide together. 

Ike peaked behind the little wall hiding them to see if the bulls that were chasing them had passed. Just as he suspected, they were clueless as to where they could be. The bulls went past the alleyway. Until Ike was sure that they’re gone, he lets out a relieved sigh and turns back to where he is.

He was surprised to be met by a chest, but soon remembered that he had another boy hiding with him. A very tall one. 

Ike looks up to his face. The details are much clearer now. Brown locks, strong jawline, brown eyes, ivory tinted face with a few smudges of ash and dirt. The face sculptured... so perfectly. 

Ike only realized this now. Staring up at it, taking in every detail before him. Cheeks a little heated up when his head realizes how close they’re being. Chest to chest and Ike is up against a wall. 

And the other boy… he stared back. Just as frozen and shocked as he is. 

“I-I didn’t catch your name earlier” Ike mustered up the last bit of concentration to get that out. 

“My friends call me Hotshot” 

“Hotshot…” Ike repeated, nodding along without getting his eyes off of him. 

“But… you can call me Tyler. Y-y’know if you… wanna use my real name” Hotshot said with a little awkward cough at the end. 

“Oh…”

Ike has no idea what’s happening right now. All he knows is there’s a cute guy right in front of his nose, who is his so called soulmate. They’re hiding in an alleyway, and neither seems to want to move away. They were both caught off guard by the beauty their eyes are being presented with in front of them. 

“I-I’m Ike, by the way…” Ike added on, realizing he hasn’t said his name yet, “It’s short for Isaac. Y’know, ‘cause my twin brother calls himself Mike and we wanted to-- y’know what? That’s too long to get into…” 

The two share a heartfelt laughter. Their hearts pumping faster than before, the other being able to feel it right through their chest. 

“So uhh… Ike…” Hotshot started, still staring down at the smaller boy, “About what I said earlier…” 

Ike started to laugh, remembering what he meant. 

“I’s want to apologize… is all” 

“Y-yeah, the same goes for me!” Ike added, “Well, I don’t know if we should even apologize. We were supposed to say that to each other anyways!” 

Another heartfelt laughter, sounding softer than the first one. It somehow made the moment even more serious as it slowly died down. Their gaze hasn’t left the other’s. Nor, does it seem like they want to in the first place. 

“Ike, can I… try somethin’?” Hotshot suddenly asked. 

Ike simply nods, not having any clue as to what he meant. The message behind that was soon cleared the moment Hotshot softly crashed his lips against his, pushing his head backwards and gently pinning it to the wall behind him. Ike moves his hands up to pull him by his suspenders. Hotshot brushes his finger on his jaw, angling him up for a better kiss. Their lips moved in sync perfectly and it felt good. Just like how they would picture a first kiss shared by a soulmate. 

[babygirlgalitzine]

you don’t have to say you love me (you don’t have to say nothing) 

one

“Ben, love, will you do a shift for me at the Prince Albert?” Kathy asked Ben as he stood at the bottom of the stairs, jacket already on, keys dangling in his hand. “I’m two barmen down.” 

He was stood with a grin on his face, eyes transfixed on the phone he held in his other hand. He typed out what Kathy presumed was a text, somehow completely to his mum’s desperate pleas.

“Ben.” She repeated, more sternly this time. That quickly got his attention. 

“What?” He asked, smiling never once fading as he locked his phone and pocketed it. 

Kathy sighed, “Will you do a shift for me?” She asked again. 

Ben was too excited at the prospect of his day for the grin on his face to waver even remotely. “No can do I’m afraid. Already got plans.” He explained. 

“Bobby’ll do it. Get him out the house for a bit, plus it’s more pocket money for him.”

“What’s got you in a good mood?” Kathy asked as Ben walked into the kitchen, pulling out a bottle of water from the fridge and cereal bar from the cupboard. “Or do I not want to know?” 

Ben snorted out a laugh. “Get your mind out the gutter mother, you’re worse than me sometimes! Callum rang last night, if you must know. Asked if I’m free today, I said yeah, so he’s taking me out for the day. Planned it all himself, won’t even give me a clue about what we’re doing.” 

Kathy smiled wholeheartedly. Callum. Of course it was Callum. “You’re lucky to have that man you know?” 

He wraps an arm around his mum, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I know.” Ben confirms. “He makes me happy, and I haven’t felt like that around someone for years. I reckon Cal came into my life at just the right time.” 

“You love him.” Kathy enquired. “That’s special.”

Ben smiles, his phone vibrating in his jean pocket. “I don’t – yet. That’ll be him texting me now.” 

Kathy kissed Ben’s cheek, wiping her lipstick stain away from his scrunched up face. “Have fun.” She said. “Tell your Callum I said hello.”

two

In the weeks and months following Ben and Callum sharing their long awaited second kiss, they seemed to be inseparable. Callum would spend days at a time with Ben, at the Beales’ residence, but, feeling that he was outstaying his welcome every single time, he would go back to his flat, followed by Ben, who would then spend days at Callum’s flat. This was something that neither of them ever expected, considering Ben’s past connections and memories with the funeral parlour and connecting flat. Somehow, Ben felt comfortable there. He didn’t feel out of place, or have flashbacks to what seemed like a complete past life that he had. 

Ben sat on the sofa, wrapped up in his grey dressing gown, wearing his glasses. The bedroom door opened, and Callum walked out, wearing a hoodie he had stolen from Ben, his hair flat against his head, freshly washed and devoid of any styling products. Ben smiled up at his boyfriend, holding his hand out for Callum to take as he settled down next to Ben.

“Ordered us some Indian.” Ben said softly, his thumb rubbing over Callum’s knuckles.

Callum smiled at him, leaning forward and taking Ben’s lips in his own, no heat in the embrace, neither of them needing to take it any further. “You’re amazing.” 

“Only food.” Ben shrugged, resting his head on Callum’s shoulder.

The two of them settled down, watching their latest box set, waiting for the flat bell to go, indicating that their food had arrived. When it did eventually go, Ben untangled himself from Callum and walked downstairs. Stuart walked into the communal room as Ben returned, holding a bag filled with boxes in his hand, a couple of cans of alcohol in the other. 

“I’ve left some beer downstairs, couldn’t carry them all at once.” He said, putting the boxes on the table in front of the sofa. 

Callum nodded, pouting his lips as an indication for Ben to kiss him. Ben complied, of course. When Ben pulled away to walk back downstairs, Stuart remained looking at Callum, somewhat frozen in his stare. He hadn’t seen this before. 

“Looks good on you bruv.” Stuart commented, walking over to the fridge to pull his out his own beers. 

“What does?” Callum quizzed, opening up the lids to thre boxes and silently thanking Ben for getting his favourite. 

Stuart grinned, opening his beers. “Being in love.” 

Callum shook his head, stupid, disbelieving grin on his face. “Shut up!” He gasped out, scrunching tissues into a ball and throwing it at his brother as he walked out of the room.

three

When Ben first realised he was gay, he never thought he would be able to have a boyfriend, let alone kiss his boyfriend in front of family. A lot had changed in the years between Ben first realising his sexuality and meeting Callum – changes both good and bad. But his family finally accepting him, calling Callum their family too? That was the best change of all. It made them both finally feel accepted into a world that neither of them thought they ever would be.

Lola was stood in the kitchen, making up Lexi’s packed lunch and putting it in her school bag. It was a routine she in the morning, regardless of who was taking the girl to school that day. Whilst Lexi was upstairs brushing her teeth, Lola would be cutting sandwiches into triangles and wrapping them in foil. This morning was no different, except instead of having the relaxing sounds of morning radio keeping her company, she had Ben and Callum in the living room. The door separating the living room and the kitchen was wide open, allowing her to see and hear everything that was going on. Ben was sat in his jeans and a shirt, having offered to take Lexi to school. Callum, on the other hand, was dressed in his typical suit, only missing his tie. The rest of the house was quiet, Ian and Bobby still sleeping, Kathy having left an hour or so before to open up the café. 

“I need to go!” Callum giggled out – yes, giggled. 

Lola looked through the door to see Ben holding Callum to his lap, Callum with his arms wrapped around Ben’s shoulders, hands clasped at the back of his neck. 

“No, you don’t.” Ben grinned, leaning forward and colliding his lips with his boyfriends. “Have the day off, come and take Lex to school with me. Bet all the mums would fancy you in that suit. Know I do.” 

Callum sighed, shaking his head with a soft smile. “You’re allowed to fancy me.” He said. “Anyway, I can’t just take today off, I’ve got Mr Stanley’s funeral at eleven.” 

He pressed a kiss to Ben’s lips, unclasping his hands to run his fingers through the back of Ben’s hair. He had no idea when he started to do that, but it relaxed Ben in a way he never thought he would be, as though he was completely captivated, under Callum’s spell as he touched him. Ben smiled into the kiss, fingers rubbing around Callum’s hips. When Callum eventually managed to pull himself away, his fingers remained in Ben’s hair for a few short moments after. Ben, in a state of complete and utter bliss, trailed his head forward, in an attempt to kiss Callum again, but he was too late as Callum stood up and started doing his tie up. 

“I’ll text you later, take you out for dinner. And Lex, if that’s okay with you Lo?” He raised his voice slightly at the end. 

Lola poked her head around the door, pretending she hadn’t just witnessed the moment that the boys had just shared. “Yeah, that’s fine with me. See you later!”

Callum winked at Ben, and left for work. Lola moved into the living room, putting Lexi’s reading book in her bag. It was her day to swap it out for a new one, a whole new story that Ben could read for her tonight before she fell asleep. Lola smiled at Ben as he looked out of the window, seeing Callum’s figure walk past. 

“You love him.” She broke the silence. 

Ben’s eyes flashed up to her, soft smile on his face. He didn’t need to say it. She knew. 

“Reckon she’s finished brushing her teeth then?”

four

Ben was working away for a few days, having driven all the way up north to a car convention, hoping to secure some contracts with car dealerships in his plans to expand the Walford car lot. He had wanted Callum to go along with him for the trip, especially because a black tie event was included in the trip, but Callum had work commitments with the funeral home. The dead just didn’t stop dying. 

“He rang yet?” Jay asked as he walked into the funeral parlour, walking over to the filing cabinet and getting a folder out. 

Callum looked at his phone, which was placed on the desk, ready for when he received a message. “Not yet. Said he would the minute he gets settled in the hotel.” 

“Sorry you couldn’t go with him Cal,” Jay sympathised. “It’s just chocka here, I wouldn’t have been able to do everything alone.” 

“No, no, it’s fine! Ben was annoyed when I first told him, but I promised him a weekend away, just us, in a couple of weeks.” Callum explained. 

Jay smiled, looking down at his feet for a moment. “You’re good for him y’know?” He asked. “Between being with you and having Lexi back in his life, I’ve never seen him so settled.”

Callum nodded, smiling, understood what Jay was saying. He’d been witness to it himself, fondly remembering the days when Ben would be annoying him, running about and doing sketchy jobs, making way to obvious remarks about Callum’s hidden sexuality that even he was surprised people didn’t catch onto. Whilst Callum was remembering this, his phone buzzed. 

I’m here now, don’t miss me too much. Ring you later xx

“He’s there now.” Callum announced, sending a quick text back. 

When he had finished texting, he put his phone back on the desk, unlocked. Jay didn’t mean to, but he looked over at it, smiling at Callum’s wallpaper. It was a picture of him and Ben, both of them in bed together, with huge grins across their faces. Ben had his glasses on, both of them with flat hair, and Jay guessed that they had both just woken up. Callum’s nose was pressed against Ben’s cheek, a look of something in his eyes, Ben with his eyes scrunched closed, mid laugh. Callum was also looking at his wallpaper, his eyes illuminated, tears almost forming in his eyes. 

“Callum mate,” Jay started, “you’re in love.” 

Callum shook his head slightly, trying to prove Jay wrong, maybe even convince himself. Not yet, he thought, can’t be in love yet.

five

Lexi loved having four parents. Some people may think it might not have worked, having all her mum, dad, Jay and Callum being the parental figures in her life, but she thrived with it. Oftentimes, Lexi would spend evenings with her dad and Callum over at Callum’s flat, getting her out the way of the comings and goings of the Beales’, especially when Jay had taken Lola out for date night. Like tonight. Jay had booked for him and Lola to go and watch a new film, getting the late showing tickets. He had asked if it was okay for Ben and Callum to have Lexi for the night, and of course, they both agreed. Ben had brought Lexi around after school, Ben carrying her overnight bag as Lexi held on tightly to her favourite teddies, surmising that she couldn’t only bring one, because then the others would feel lonely. 

“Cal, I got my board games!” she shouted as Ben pushed open the flat door for her. 

Callum grinned, picking her up and spinning her around as she cuddled him. “All ready for me to thrash you and daddy then?” 

“Never!” she giggled, throwing her head back. “What are we having to eat?”

“Pizza?” Ben quizzed, looking between his daughter and his boyfriend to see if that was fine. When they both nodded, he opened his phone to order their favourites. 

“Snakes and Ladders first?” Callum asked, getting the box out and setting it up on the desk for them. Lexi jumped up onto a chair, sitting patiently as Callum finished sorting the board game out. 

Ben walked over to them, resting his hand on Callum’s shoulder. “It’ll be about 20 minutes.” Ben confirmed. “That okay with you princess?”

“Yes daddy!” Lexi grinned. 

All three of them sat down, playing Snakes and Ladders as they waited for their pizza to be delivered. It’s something they did often, various other members of families sometimes joining in. Lexi was very competitive when it came to board games, which was a trait she had definitely gained from both her mother and father, Callum quickly learned. 

“I win!” Lexi shouted, as the game reached its conclusion. 

Callum sat back with a smirk on his face, admiring how happy she was to have beat them. Ben on the other hand, lived up to his competitive nature and, aghast, complained. “You cheated!” 

“How do you cheat at Snakes and Ladders?” Callum asked, his hand on the back of Ben’s neck, playing with the short hair that is situated there. 

“I know for a fact she didn’t roll a six on that dice.” Ben explained. 

Callum pressed a kiss to Ben’s cheek. “Look how happy she is though.” He whispered, closing his sentence with another short peck to the skin. 

“Don’t care.” Ben pouted. Callum leaned forward and kissed Ben’s lips softly. “Pizza’s here.” 

Ben ran downstairs to get the pizzas for them as Callum poured Lexi some orange juice and grabbed him and Ben some beer. 

“Cheers babe.” Ben said as Callum put the alcohol down in front of him, opening up the pizza boxes as Lexi waited impatiently to get the first slice. 

The three of them sat in a comfortable silence as they ate, the television providing their soundtrack of the evening. Lexi was placed in between both Ben and Callum, and as she finished swallowing her third slice. “Daddy?” she said, like she was asking a question.

“Yeah baby?” he asked, wiping his fingers clean of grease for the umpteenth time.

“You know how mummy and Uncle Jay love each other?” She enquired.

Ben nodded in response, not knowing where this was heading. 

“Do you and Callum love each other too?” Lexi innocently asked. 

Callum, not expecting that question to come out of the little girls mouth at all, choked on his food, completely shocked. Ben looked at Callum, whispering out a “You okay?”, to which Callum nodded. 

“Me and Callum like each other a lot, yeah. Like mummy and Uncle Jay.” Ben explained, not saying the other ‘L word’. “Is that okay princess?” 

Lexi nodded, accepting that answer, before picking up another slice. 

+ one 

They had recently decided to start doing monthly date nights, providing some solitude for the pair of them. It was half to make up for how long it took for them to finally go on their first official date that worked out, half because they barely got any alone time, what with them both sharing houses with other people. By setting a date night each month, it allowed for them to go out for the evening, or kick others out of the house for a few hours, bribing them with money for the Vic. 

Ben walked into Callum’s flat, undoing his coat and shrugging it off his shoulders. Callum was in the kitchen, having texted Ben to say he was cooking for their date night. He had kicked Stuart out for the night, and so they were free to spend alone time together. Ben walked over to Callum, wrapping his arms around Callum’s waist, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. 

“Smells amazing.” Ben admired, laying his head on Callum’s back, smiling when he started to hear Callum’s heart beating. 

“Making your favourite.” Callum said. “Spag bol.” 

Ben sighed gently. 

Callum twisted under Ben’s hold, facing him for the first time. “Gimme a kiss.” Callum commanded softly, hooking his finger under Ben’s chin, tilting it upwards. Ben grinned, pressing his lips to Callum’s, their bodies intertwining.  

Ben pulled away with a sigh, his arms still wrapped around Callum, Callum’s arms still wrapped around him. They were in such close proximity with one another, Ben couldn’t help but notice Callum’s features. How he had freckles that weren’t usually obvious; how the red of his lips suddenly seemed more vibrant after they had shared a kiss; how when Callum started blushing, it was usually his ears that went red first; how blue his eyes are, but also with flecks of green and gold mixed in. He spoke without realising what he was about to say. 

“I love you.” 

It’s such a simple sentence, but it’s a statement with an incredibly large impact. It changed lives. 

Callum’s grasp on Ben felt weaker now, his ears flushing red, and then his cheeks quickly following, pink spreading across his skin. 

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” Ben ranted out as he made an attempted to fill the void left by what he hoped would be filled with Callum saying it back. “I’m just being stupid.”

Suddenly, Callum’s eyes flickered down to Ben’s open lips, quickly pushing his lips to fit between Ben’s. It was a passionate embrace, one that just worked, especially after what Ben had just admitted. Callum was sure he felt a tear drop from Ben’s closed eyes, colliding where their skin pressed together. 

When they eventually pulled apart, Callum cupped Ben’s face with his hands as he spoke. “You’re not stupid.” He said. “I just wasn’t expecting it. Y’know, that was the first time someone said that to me and I can truly feel it back. I love you Ben Mitchell, so much.”

[post-itpenny]

My Nature

Ok, last part of the story! A warning tag for gore but not too bad. Tagging @grotesquegabby for Alex.

Imagine-

Sitting in a chair in a room with no light. The walls and floors are bare. Imagine you can’t leave the chair.

Now imagine there is a small window in front of you. Sometimes it’s very far away and you can barely see out of it, sometimes it’s right in your face, exposing every detail of what’s on the other side.

Through this window you see… yourself. Your hands and arms, the tip of your nose. You see yourself acting and doing and saying things you did not choose to do. Feeling all the pain your body goes through. You watch yourself and yet you are not yourself. The real you is trapped in a dark room unable to leave a chair. The you outside the window is your body but not you.

And no matter how much you scream or try to move there is nothing. No control.

This is what Peregrine was going through.

He was in pain from the burns to his face and arms. He was crying in horror as he watched himself strangle Magpie. Aware of Circe taunting his sister using all the repressed feelings and memories he had tried to bury down and move on from. They didn’t matter anymore to him, or at least he was trying not to let them be.

Magpie passed out, her body going limp.

Peregrine felt his heart drop. “Please no, no, no, no.”

He watched his hand reach out and check her pulse, felt it’s faint beating.

Peregrine sighed in relief.

He watched his hand reach out and touch his sister’s face.

…………………………….

There was something banging against Alex’s window.

The party clown had been mindlessly channel surfing when he heard it, looking up from the tv to see Cobweb of all creatures desperately trying to get in.

Alex arched an eyebrow in curiosity as he opened the window, letting the grumpy fairy inside.

“Hey there bud. What’s the-“

Alex stopped at the sight of the little fairy with his usual frown but shaking in fear. As if trying to keep a brave face.

Alex scooped Cobweb up, “what happened?”

……………………………..

The door to the manor was busted down with a swift kick of Alex’s foot.

“Knock, knock.”

He walked in, hands in his pockets and Cobweb on his shoulder. A smile on his face.

But it wasn’t his usual smile, this one was… off.

Alex whistled a tune as he walked down the hall, stopping as he turned a corner to Magpie’s parlor.

There was Magpie and Peregrine standing next to each other.

Magpie tilted her head with an empty smile. “You weren’t expected.”

Alex grunted at the force of air that knocked into him. Cobweb being thrown off but Alex holding his footing. He blinked, Peregrine slamming his fist down on Alex’s shoulder.

Alex slipped out of the way with a grin, grabbing Peregrine’s arm and tossing him into a wall. Before he could recover Alex was on him. Punching him squarely in the face.

As Peregrine collapsed Magpie stumbled as well. Alex chuckled. Must have knocked whoever was in ol’ Peri clean out of him. Too easy.

The walls ripped as pipes and wires burst forth, trying to wrap around Alex as he slipped through them easily. From his back dark tentacles burst forth, reaching out to restrain Magpie. She teleported out of the way and sent a stronger gust of wind.

This time Alex nearly did fall, surprised when someone caught him.

Peregrine looked like he had been dragged through hell, his face and arms burnt and clothes singed and torn.

“It’s Circe,” Peregrine grunted, “Bitch is standing outside.”

“Well let’s say hello!” Alex laughed as he turned to run.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

They turned at the sound of Circe’s voice coming from Magpie. She had summoned a knife, holding it against her throat as a thin trickle of blood formed.

Both froze, Alex’s grin tightened as Peregrine growled.

Magpie smiled, her eyes showing fear. “Let’s all be nice and calm as we say hello. Ash still needs a host anyways.”

They walked back to the entry hall, Magpie behind with the knife still to her throat. Ash and Circe were already waiting for them. In Circe’s hand was a struggling Cobweb.

“Look Pie it’s your little plaything!” Circe cheered as she tossed the little fairy aside, Cobweb crashing on the floor where Trouble was trying to stand guard over the still limp forms of the other three.

“He thought it was a good idea to pull my hair, how cute” she sneered.

Ash looked over Peregrine with disgust, “Circe you trashed this one. What am I supposed-“

“Oh shut up,” Circe snapped. “Use the other then I don’t care.” She smiled at Magpie, “wouldn’t that be cute you little freak? You like him don’t you?”

Alex looked over his shoulder. Magpie watching him with the same empty smile and tears in her eyes.

Alex turned back around to find Ash’s hand on his face and an unfamiliar pressure boring into his brain-.

Well fuck that.

Alex grinned as Ash stepped back with a hiss.

What the hell is your problem?” Circe asked with a roll of her eyes.

Ash grimaced “what the hell spawned something like you?!”

“Hey now, my mom’s a nice lady. My old man however...” Alex chuckled darkly. Beside him Peregrine turned pale.

Circe scoffed. Behind them Magpie stomped her foot as the ground split. Pulling Alex and Peregrine aside.

Ash sighed in annoyance. “Really? That’s the best you can come up with? I’m so scared-“

“Shut up it's not easy controlling-“

“You just don’t have any good ideas,” Ash sneered. “Let me take a turn I coul-“

“Shut your mouth,” Circe snapped. “Do you realize how stupid- ugh!”

Alex climbed to his feet and dusted off his jacket. “Hey Lady Luck I know you’re in there. You really gonna just let-“

“Shut up!” Circe yelled. Magpie flinging her hand in Alex’s direction as he was tossed across the room and pinned to the wall by an invisible force.

Circe smirked. “You want to be impressed?” She asked her brother. “Fine, I just needed some inspiration.”

Magpie raised her hand, power crackling at her fingertips, and turned to where the fairies and Trouble were huddled on the floor.

“How childish do you have to be to make something like this?” Circe snickered. “Pathetic... get rid of them.”

BOOM!

The explosion came in a flash of light and heat. Drowning out the split second where four tiny voices screamed.

The explosion sent shockwaves out, ripping up the metal walls of the warehouses around it and tearing at the streets. Workers running for their lives.

The dust settled to show the entire front wall of Magpie’s home gone, hardly a splinter of wood or speck of stone remained.

Yet the fairies and Trouble were just fine.

Ash gaped in surprise, “what the-“

In unison Magpie and Circe fell to their knees. Hands on their heads as if in pain.

Ash tried to run to his sister’s side only for a black tentacle to wrap around his ankle and flip him up in the air. Alex chuckled as Ash thrashed about like a fish, “not today buddy.”

Peregrine knelt beside Magpie and placed a hand on her shoulder. Not saying anything but just assuring her he was there.

For a fight it was surprisingly quiet, the two women with their eyes locked on eachother. Whatever was happening known only between them.

Then, strangely, Magpie began humming. Peregrine knew it, had heard his sister sing it so many times as children and familiar with the feeling it brought. Alex watched in confusion, a shiver passing through him as he felt a pull at his-

Circe collapsed.

Magpie gasped for air as she fell forward into Peregrine’s arms. Alex falling to the floor as he was freed. He laughed as he flung Ash away and pulled both siblings into a hug. “You don’t ever do that to me again ok? You know I would have-“

L̵̻͌̉e̸̛̙͖͇t̵͕̬̑̓͜ ̷̙̘̲͝m̵̢̗̥̄͛̐͝ȩ̸̰͙̎ ̷̨̟̩̌͜g̶̽͂͠ͅo̴̺̎.̷̣̙̙͐͝”̵̲̇̈́͘

Both Alex and Peregrine jumped back as Magpie climbed to her feet. Eyes wild and the veins under her skin glowing.

Circe looked up in alarm as hands materialize from nowhere, clawed fingers ripping at her skin and tearing at her clothes. She screamed and thrashed about. Ash backing away in alarm as Magpie snapped her fingers and the air was sucked out of his lungs and turned to frost that formed small icicles, piercing his face.

He fell to the floor bleeding as he struggled for air. With a flick of her wrist he was flung out the manor and into the destroyed street beyond. Circe has somehow fought off the hands and charged at Magpie, hand extended.

Magpie reached out and Circe was hauled into the air. Arms and legs spread like a grotesque starfish.

Circe gasped in pain as her limbs were stretched. Joints popping, skin creaking. Stretching farther and farther.

For a moment Peregrine wondered if Magpie planned to draw and quarter Circe in her own fashion until a new change took hold.

Magpie’s skin was lit up like a star, heat radiating off her. Circe’s mouth open wide in a silent scream as the skin at the edges of her fingers and toes began to unravel like thread. Then the nails, the veins, the bones.

Soon both hands and feet were gone, nothing but piles of ribboned flesh on the floor. Alex and Peregrine doing nothing to stop Magpie’s torment while the fairies watched on in horror. Peasblossom shuddering and turning away at the scene.

As Circe’s arms and legs finished unraveling she began to silently sob.

Then, it stopped.

Magpie was breathing heavily, body shaking in anger. Tears streaming down her face.

Y̶̨̩̽̓̿̒o̸̦̱̽̓͊u̵̼̫͌̆̚͝ ̵̘̜͇̉c̶̨̀̑͘o̶̧͊̀͂͋u̶̡̼̠̽͒̇l̶̛̲̫̲͛̆̓ḑ̷̼͕͕̏̅͂n̸̼̩̲͗̚’̵̖̗̥̍̓͠t̷͉̏ ̸̟̬̻̬̃͑͆̉c̵̭̼̳͊͝o̶̙̰͍̹̔͛ñ̷̗̻̒́́t̵̡̜̉̀͛r̶̥͍̀ͅo̸̗̜̥͛̑̕͝l̵̪̥̃̈ ̸͕̗̻̐̓m̴̦̹̃̅e̶̡̤̹͆̎̓͜ ̸̤̦̞̾b̴̺̘̼̯́̎̀ë̶̜̩̀̋̚c̶̗̀́͋͝a̷̦͇̜̜̚u̸̪͖̗̇ş̴͔̝̟͂e̷͍͓̔̌̊ ̴̠̳̩̍͌ͅỳ̵͈̠͊o̷̹͒̓ŭ̴̲̦ ̵̦͉̲͙̅̿̇̋l̷̹̘͉̉͆͝ä̷̺̰̘̦́̆̀̑c̴͙̼̹͋͝k̶̛̰̤͗ ̷̡̅͂t̷̡͖͔̘̋͘h̷͔̦̮̀͒̏̿ë̵̠̥̙̉̔̀ ̴̡̤͔͖̇̕͝ḯ̸̬m̷͇̙̜̘͗̈́͛̚â̸͕̥͉͂͗g̶̱͛i̵̢̛̭̐n̸͚͇͙̚a̷̙̾͋͗t̶̼͍̊i̴̡͉͓̽̾͝o̵̡̽̽̈́̇n̷̼̻̅̒̇͊.̵̙̳̋͛̏̐ ̵̦̣͠L̶̝̮͆e̶̡̥̮̩̓ț̸̝̌͘’̶̤̺̭̼͋̿̃s̸̳͚̏͝ ̶̣͙̀̅͛g̴̢̻͈̺̍̌e̶͔̯̩͋̈́t̸̰̞̼̓̾ ̴̭̙̞̒̃c̷̠͆͑̊̚r̶̤̉̐͜ë̵̢̺͖́̓̚à̸̲̙́t̴̞̿̊̈́ĭ̴͖v̵̹̣̦̉̒̄̒ȅ̸̤̞͑͜ ̵̩͈̭̆C̴̻̋͝i̵̗͊r̶̪̪̮̲͗c̶̹͓͊ͅe̴̛̮̘̖̲͋̅.̴͖̝̪͝”̷̤̯̣͑̈̚

If Circe thought her body unraveling was painful, the reverse was so much worse.

The deadlight finally found her voice as she shrieked hysterically while her body reformed. Threads of flesh stitching back together.

Alex was about to ask what Magpie was doing when there was an explosion of light. Magpie’s hair erupting in a thousand shades of color that reached out as if to touch everything as Magpie began to walk. Each step a wave of power rushed out as the manor began to restore itself.

Magpie dragged a still screaming Circe with her as she went into the street. Colorful pavement forming and twisting around strange new buildings where the warehouses once stood. Strange and new plant life growing from nowhere. Colors of every shade known and unknown painted everything as all forms of insects, flowers, stretches of yarn, statues, crystals, trinkets, and all manner of things appeared everywhere. It was beautiful and full of life and color. A chaotic creation surrounding the restored manor.

And all the while Circe still screamed.

Peregrine felt his skin tingle, looking down at burned hands now healing.

Magpie now stood before Ash and Circe. There was a humming sound again. It was not Magpie but the same song from earlier. Alex shivered again as he felt the pull once more at his lights.

Alex blinked, looking down at his body and realizing his deadlights were indeed glowing faintly under his skin. Peregrine’s as well from where they were stored in his stomach and hands.

Ash and Circe glowed brightly, the sound intensifying as Magpie reached out.

“Well that’s new,” Alex whistled.

Peregrine however shook his head, “I think she could do this the whole time.”

Magpie closed her eyes as the deadlights of everyone around her hummed with life. A song she knew so well. With her outstretched hand she snapped her fingers.

The humming of Ash and Circe’s lights changed as they shouted in pain.

Magpie smiled sweetly, “On this planet you belong to me, your lights obey me. If you ever touch one of my family again they will listen only to me.”

As if on cue their lights flicked as they thrashed in pain. Bits of skin flaking off and dissolving into the air as if they threatened to fall apart.

“̸̯̜̆͒Ṅ̴͙̭̪̪̅̄o̴͙̠͇̅̂̎̒w̷̖͚͒ ̴̦̖̣̠̈́͛̎̌ģ̷̛͉̚ę̸̜̼͆͂́̎ͅt̵͕̹͚͊̑̿̀ ̴͖̪̄o̶̫͕̜̎̋͆̽u̶̘̯̪̓͘ţ̴͓̺̫̎͒̕.̴̙̈́̉͌͝”̵̛̬̦̮͔͌́͘

They were gone in a loud “pop!” Magpie taking slow breaths as the color left her hair and the glowing faded.

“So you can just talk to lights now huh?” Alex questioned as he walked up behind her. “Well why the hell not I gue-“

Magpie crashed into him with a tight hug. Burying her face in his jacket, shaking with tears.

Alex hugged her back and smoothed her hair. “It’s all good Lady Luck, it’s ok.”

Magpie reached out an arm and grabbed Peregrine who for once was not opposed to the forced group hug. “I’m so sorry I-“

“It’s ok,” Peregrine insisted as he hugged her back. “I’m sorry too, it's ok. But Pie you should have just kill-“

“No.” Magpie insisted as she pulled away.

Alex chuckled, “it’s cool and anyways if they come back I can always-“

“̸̡̩̓͒I̸̦̬̽̂͒ ̴̼̇s̵̻̗̰̩̉̕ā̶̺͚̈́i̸̗̟̐̊d̴̛̟̭̒̂͑ͅͅ ̸̠̈́̎͋͂n̴͖̠̲̕͝ͅo̵͉̘̹̮̽̐͊͘.̴̗͙͔̊͑”̴̡̮̓̐̄̀

Alex blinked in surprise. Magpie glaring at him and Peregrine both.

“̶̧̡̎̔͠Y̸̧̓̃͂o̴͉̮̥͊̔u̶̠͍͉͆̈́̆ ̸͖̒̋̚d̷̢͐ò̵͕̼̭̿͘n̶͙͙̱̐̾̅’̵̑́̊ͅt̶̰̣̂̾͘͜ ̸̙͚̻͛̅̆t̷͉̝̫͂h̸̞̀̃į̸̤̿n̴̢̥͚̓͑kI̵ ̷c̵o̶u̷l̴d̸ ̷h̸a̷v̵e̴ ̸j̵u̵s̴t killed them myself?” I’m not like either of you. I could erase any of you molecule by molecule. I could shut off your lights in a second or force them to my will and make you beg like dogs-“

“I’m not like either of you, I’m not like them. I̸’̷m̵ ̸w̵o̶r̵s̵e̷.̸”

“... But that’s why I fight to be better. That’s my nature.”

Magpie walked passed them both and back into her home that now sat surrounded by her tiny chaotic new realm that was nestled upon the planet under a cotton candy-colored sky.

[oliverwxod]

Body Guard (Part 1) - Bucky Barnes

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings: death, swearing, eventually smut in later parts

Summary: Tony Stark is a very rich man and with that came a lot of enemies. After a tragic event Tony decides himself and the people most important to him, especially his daughter, are in danger. He hires personal body guards. Bucky Barnes is assigned to Y/n Stark, the most troublesome, reckless Stark that there is. 

A/N: so an anon gave me this idea of a body guard au with Bucky and I really wanted to make it into a series as there’s a new series on BBC called Bodyguard so yeah, this is the first part out of around 10 I have planned out, if you think I should carry on and think you’d follow it let me know! :) xx

Masterlist

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4

 Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8

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“Mr Stark” Happy spoke in greeting. “My deepest condolences” Tony nodded briefly in thanks. Today was not a good day for him. Nor for any of the Stark family as limited as it now were.

“We have a new team of expertly trained security covering the area until the funeral is finished.” He spoke professional with care. Today was a sensitive day.

“Tonight you will meet with your assigned Body guard.” Happy informed.

“Thank you” Tony acknowledged, he stopped walking before turning back towards a happy. “Can you not tell Y/n just yet” he asked. Happy nodded in response.

Tony knew Y/n would not be happy about this idea, knowing she would argue that she was an adult and should be allowed to have freedom to do and go where she wanted. But he wasn’t going to let her argue against. This was for her own good. Tony couldn’t lose another child.

Tony walked over to where Pepper stood, a comforting hand placed on one of Y/n’s shoulders.

“How you holding up kiddo?” Tony asked. He always worried about her. Out of both of his children she was the one almost always getting herself into trouble. She acted recklessly and without thinking of consequences and that’s what scared him the most.

Yet here he was, about to stand and watch his son that he loved so dearly be lowered into the ground. A heart wrenching sob echoed in Tony’s ears as Y/n started to cry for her brother.

Life was so unfair and had taken him too soon. Some son of a bitch had murdered her brother in the cold, broad daytime. Worse part was that he was shot from afar, 2 meters away from herself.

She would never forget the image. As hard as she tried it was always there. Waking her in the night, screaming and scratching at her skin. As if she could feel the blood splattered all over the side of her face. Just like how it happened.

No one knew whether the shot was meant for him. As both Y/n and Tony were in front and behind him. It could have been for any one of them.

Tony Stark had a lot of enemies. But no one had ever tried to assassinate him and his family. Not until now. And in some way they were succeeding.

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

After they had said their goodbyes to him, Y/n scanned the surrounding areas looking at the people who turned up. Her brother was surrounded by some truly great people touching their hearts and their souls.

Her eyes landed on the armed security guards who had formed somewhat of a square around them, communicating through small radios.

She knew her father would up security around them and this irked her. She just wanted to live her life with no restrictions but she knew Tony would not allow that. She felt somewhat bitter towards her father, even though she knew none of this was his fault.

“Y/n love, I know this has been a hard day and we’re all tired and emotionally exhausted, but there’s some people we have to meet tonight and it’s very important.” Tony spoke.

She nodded not really caring or having the energy to look up. Tony shot a worried look to Pepper who gave him a reassuring smile.

Upon entering the stark tower Y/n noticed how there were two more guards than normal on the door. Rolling her eyes she followed Tony to the elevators that took them up to the top floor.

Awaiting them in their open space living room were four figures. One being happy and the other three unfamiliar.

Y/n could only see their backs as Happy spoke to them. They were tall, large framed people, wearing black suits. She could see small black ear pieces with wires leading down to their pockets and it was suddenly obvious as to who they were.

“Ah Mr Stark” Happy called, Tony moving into the room to stand in front of the thre strangers, scanning each of them, both Pepper and y/n followed.

Y/n did the same, scanning each one of them uneasily wondering why and who they were. She had some idea.

“Mr Stark, this is Steve Rogers, an ex military officer. He has been your assigned guard.” Happy spoke, gesturing to the taller of them men. 

Steve said hello holding his hand out to shake Tony’s. Y/n tired to look as disinterested as possible.

“Miss Potts, meet Natasha Romanoff.” he said gesturing to a tall red headed woman.

“Nice to meet you” Pepper smiled shaking the red heads hand.

That only left the tall dark haired, man, who stood up scarily straight, his shoulders back and his hands together at his front. Standing like a true soldier. He had a blank expression on his face as he stared forwards.

“Miss Stark” Happy spoke his eyes hesitantly falling to Y/n who didn’t look happy. “This is James Barnes, ex FBI agent, used to be the body guard for the president and now for you”

Y/n nodded to James sharply, holding back her tongue. She was furious.

“Nice to meet you m’aam” James spoke, his face still emotionless and hard.

She smiled fakely “likewise” before storming off to her room.

“Y/n” Tony called after her. But it was too late, he sighed turning to Pepper who gave him a sympathetic look. Telling him to give her some time and space.

James immediately followed her as it was now his duty to make sure she was safe and he took his duty seriously. He would never let himself fail. As much as he didn’t really care for the Stark’s always thinking of them as rich, snobbish people with bratty children. A job was a job and he would always work to the best of his ability.

James had seen Y/n on countless covers of newspapers and magazines. She was known as one of New Yorks greatest party goers. Known for her wild nights out, always making headlines with her destructive behaviour. James remembers always rolling his eyes at them, yes he didn’t know her, but he couldn’t help but judge her based off of them. He regarded her as a young adult who had too much money and made silly choices.

He managed to stop the elevator doors from closing with his hand, sliding in to stand beside her. She glared at nothing as she punched her floor number in.

It was awkwardly silent as she waited, the humming sound of the elevator the only thing calming her from screaming. Once she reached her floor James arm stopped her from stepping out first.

“What are you doing?” She spoke watching him move silently. He didn’t reply, instead just walking around checking everywhere on her floor.

He went from room to room searching behind doors, in wardrobes, couches and bookcases.

“Is this really necessary?” She asked annoyed watching him invade her room. His eyes landing of every little thing, it felt intrusive to have a stranger looking through her personal belongings.

James stared at her nodding sharply before carrying on.

Once he was finished he waited for her to meet his gaze before speaking.

“Everything is clear. I will be living one floor below you if you need me. Good night ma’am” he nodded, dismissing himself. With that he disappeared to the elevator.

She stared at his back glaring darkly as he walked away.

What a weird man she thought before retreating to her own bedroom and locking the door.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James retreated back to his new room in the Stark tower. It was lavish and big, he had never had a room with this much space. But he didn’t really care for it. 

He stripped himself of his suit jacket, sitting on the sofa in silence. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, downing it before pouring himself another. 

It was the same thing every night. The whiskey numbed him from the world and allowed him to get a half decent nights sleep.

He hoped the walls were sound proof here. He didn’t want anybody to hear his screams in the night if he were to have one of his nightmares.

read Part 2 here

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Tagging those in bold who asked to be tagged but also people I tagged in the last series of Pirate!Bucky just becuase i’m scared no one will read it. Message me if you want to be untagged love you xxxx

@sectumsempra-beaches @im-patton @lovely-geek @fuckthatfeeling @roxytheimmortal @swtmckngbrd @albinotigerpython @hiken-no-stark

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[moominbae]

Little monster - Baekhyun Mafia!AU

Part #2

Problems

Baekhyun’s POV

My chest heaves up and down as I stare at everyone in front of me. A few of my men, a started Minseok, a scrawny Park boy and a gut covered Park girl. I don’t know the feeling that washes over me, but it isn’t a good one, and I almost feel a sense of panic. Thankfully, the murders can be traced up and enemies won’t find out for a few days, so attacks will be kept to a minimal for now.

I motion for Minseok to come over, which he does rather gracefully, stepping over the body of Mr Park who’s skin has already turned a sickly green, making me scowl in disgust. I like my things kept clean, and so this is no exception.

“Umm, Baekhyun, if I recall, the whole concept of your marriage was to make an ally. Not kill the parents of your future wife.” He scolds me, eyes losing their shine as he peers down at me. I’m sitting comfortably in my chair, watching the smile that graces Park boy’s lips. Why are they so happy?

“As far as I’m concerned, Minseok, these kids were happy enough to see their parents die.” I direct a slender finger towards the girl who is happily tearing open pieces of flesh, looking a little too happy. The boy is merely lounging in one of my chairs, eyes closed as a grin dances along his face.

“What the hell?” Minseok curses swiftly afterwards, looking at the maniac children. “You’re the one that warned me, Min, didn’t you expect this to happen?” I tease slightly, smirking at the startled male. He’s never frightened. And I’m never one to care, but these kids are having some kind of brainwashing effect on me.

His scarce movements are ceased when the girl lifts her head to stare at the both of us, eyes lighting up as she sees the both of us. I’m intrigued, wondering if she’ll try to kill us too. “Excuse me, (Y/N), is it?” Minseok says in a completely fake ‘nice’ voice, a strand of his slicked back hair coming in contact with the skin of his forehead, making him push it back forcefully as he eyes the mischievous girl.

“Mommy said I’d have a new daddy soon, is it you?” Her voice is a sweet tone, innocent but still subtle and regular. It’s like any other voice, nothing special to its sound, but still captivating enough to make me tilt my head and stare at her face. Her skin has not a single blemish, aside from a single scar running along her chin. She’s a regular sized girl, bony in some places and curvy in others.

I look in the direction of her seemingly exhausted brother, who’s contorted face is a mixture of pain and pleasure. “She’s got the mind of a child, it’s some medical shit, look it up.” His voice is surprisingly nonchalant, eyebrows furrowing although his eyes never open.

“No, he’s your daddy.” Minseok points in my direction, my eyes narrowing as she looks me directly in the eye. Her face, surprisingly, lights up and a smile beams form her bubbly self. I almost scoff, but when she gets up my instincts kick in and my hand is at my pocket, suddenly scowling as I realise I threw the gun to the damned Park boy.

“So daddy, who do you want me to kill?” She asks almost too innocently, her hair stuck to blood stains on her chin as she shuffles to find a comfortable spot in my lap, creasing my trousers just slightly. I don’t want to seem to open to her yet, as possessive as I must me, I need her to learn a few things about me first. Her toothy grin does not disappear, and I almost manage a smile, but it doesn’t come, and I simply look in curiosity from under my raven bangs, wondering how on Earth I got into this situation.

Her blood covered hands cross neatly in her own lap, as if she’s awaiting orders. “You don’t have to kill anyone, baby. Not yet.” I anticipate her reply, but she simply nods and leans into my firm chest, making me sigh. I don’t protest, however, since this is definitely a nice change from the girls I used to see every other Monday.

“Daddy you have great skin.” She looks intensively ar my cheek, slapping it ever so slightly before sighing in content, not even waiting for my reaction. Immediately I’m riled up, although I want to laugh a little at the same time, Minseok and the Park boy do it for me, and eventually everyone in the room is laughing but me.

“Why are you so miserable?” She asks, shifting again to look at me, having no idea what the movements are doing to my lower region. Thankfully, it manages to wear off and I quickly forget about it. “Because, I’m a mafia boss and I kill people for fun, the miserableness is simply an add on to my character.” I say in a sarcastic tone, making her giggle. The sound, although high pitched and imperfect, is music to my ears.

“Minseok, get someone to clear and dispose of these bodies, and order me a new carpet, I can’t stand the smell of iron.” I say a little dramatically, handing (Y/N) a handkerchief from inside my jacket. She happily declines it, instead licking off the blood from her fingertips. I watch as her lips circle her slender fingers, the scene almost making me throw up.

“Someone needs to teach you manners.”

Instead of a reply, I am chased around my own, blood-stained office, the threat of sticky fingers touching my jacket making me speed up my run as fast as it will go.

-

“No, that won’t be happening, my stocks will remain as high as they are at now, partnership is stupid at this point.” I yell into my phone at Sehun, another one of my close workers. Although he isn’t as high up as Minseok, the boy has his talents, although sometimes lets a few remarks out that he later regrets. You’d think he would stop after I threatened to cut his tongue off, but the reckless soul just continues to have his way.

“But sir, enemies are racking up by the day, we have more than we do allies, shouldn’t we at least try?” He answers back, his muffled, static-like voice sounding through the makeshift voice. I don’t use real phones to speak to others about business, since real phones can easily be tracked. I’m not dull, I know how police track people down.

“Make allies, but in a different way. See if there any contacts who are interested in a helping hand for combat, my men will gladly take orders from anyone within reason.” I cut the device off from there, done with the thre meetings I so achingly trudged through, I search for Minseok, who I left in charge of the strange yet endearing Park siblings.

The boy has potential, and so does my wonderful baby. I’ve barely been with her for more than an hour, but watching her kill with the same rush as I, watching her small mouth laugh, it’s making my insides coil against each other, something that I wouldn’t consider love just quite yet, but would certainly consider abnormal.

There is a gentle art to making enemies, it takes much skill to be hated as much as me, and so when a complete stranger is willing to crawl into my lap and play around with me, I find it a challenge.

“Baekhyun, do you have a training room?” The Park boy leans over the stair railing, running his fingers along my precious marble. First name basis is it?

“Yes, but I need to know your name first, if you so confidently think that’s the title you will call me.” I tilt my head, my tongue sticking out to lick my top lip, looking at the taller, but baby-like boy. His face really does betray his personality.

“Chanyeol.”

I nod, clicking my finger before one of my men appears by my side. I know where they all stand, but no one else does, which is why theft here would be absolutely impossible.

“Take Chanyeol here to the training room, the pod boy is in need of some muscle,” I look at his agitated state, his wide eyes ringed with red as his fingers tap and fidget aggressively “And Chanyeol? Stay off the cocaine, it won’t do you any good.”

“NO!” I hear my baby’s voice echo from the room we now share, I asked if it would be uncomfortable, since I myself am not used to sleeping with someone I actually care for, no matter how minuscule the feeling is. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind, but the tone of her voice now makes me fully alert, and when I walk in, she’s mumbling incoherently at Minseok.

“Hey, baby, speak slower, yeah?” I say, my own tone shocking me. Minseok gives me the eye and I simply stare him down, trying to regain my cold reputation my sending him out. I swear, this girl. . .

“What’s wrong?” I ask, trying to sound a little less passionate, although it’s hard when (Y/N) crawls into my lap and grabs harshly onto my dress shirt, making me hiss quietly.

“He said I had to change my clothes.” She sobs quietly, making me wonder what’s so special about these certain clothes.

“Well, why don’t you want to change? You’re a little dirty?” I hate the sound of my words, my vocabulary lowering in excellence as I look at the baby sitting in my lap. This is not how I expected the day to go at all.

“Because, this is my only outfit.”

My heart almost stops. And I wish I could kill her parents all over again. I lean in slightly, and my suspicions are correct. Her clothes wreak, thankfully not a lot, but it’s evident that there’s grime developing, especially with the added blood.

My blood boils. Her father had a new suit every time I saw him. Her mother walked in with a diamond purse. And their kids walked in looking tired— more than that, they looked sickly. If not for her naturally chubby cheeks, (Y/N) would be looking gaunt.

“I’ll buy you new outfits baby, I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

I need to protect these people, as stupid as it may seem. Coming from a mafia family, I expected the top two children to come in with bratty looks and personally tailored clothes, as does every other girl who comes here. I never expected this.

[nikki-romero]

The Assassins [Hikaru Aihara] ~ Chapter 12

I couldn’t get to the penthouse fast enough.

“Eisuke.”

“What’s wrong, Hotaru?” Ran asked, concerned.

“Hikaru and the auction tomorrow… It’s a trap,” I said, sitting down on the sofa.

“Of course it is. We’re going to lure Hikaru out and get rid of him for good,” Soryu stated.

“Oh put a muzzle in it, you ignorant bigot! I wasn’t talking about Hikaru. It’s a trap for Eisuke.”

“What?” Eisuke asked, surprised.

“Everything that’s happening… it’s too convenient. Hikaru’s employer intends for the two of you to off each other.”

“As if I’d be killed so easily.” My brother smirked confidently.

I stood up and stood right in front of Eisuke. “Oh, will you just get over yourself for once in your life? You may think you’re some perfect, invincible god, but I’m sorry to break it to you; you’re not. You’re human whether you like it or not. You have a lot of powerful people doing your bidding. You can never do your own dirty work and you can barely think for yourself when it comes to investigating things. And you know what else?” I pointed my index finger at him accusingly. “I am so sick of this self-important attitude of yours that you’re the only one who can ever get what he wants. Hikaru has a reason for doing what he’s doing, just like the rest of us. All my life I have done everything you’ve ever asked of me. And I’ve never asked for anything in return. But I am today. Please, Onii-chan. Save Hikaru.” I stared intently at my brother who looked back at me in shock.

“I suppose you have a plan?” he asked.

“Of course I do.” I smirked. “Hire Hikaru.”

“And I suppose you expect me to hire him with money out of my own pocket?”

“You have more money than you know what to do with, anyway. Otherwise I’ll recruit him into the Wings of Freedom to work for us. I’m suggesting this because it’ll be advantageous to all of us.”

“Hmm…” Eisuke smirked, amused.

“You can’t, Eisuke. It’s too risky,” Soryu said.

“No one asked you,” I snapped at him before looking back at my brother. “Look. Neither of us have a single thing to gain from getting rid of him. But we have everything to gain with him on our side.”

“You’re lecturing me about profits now, are you?”

“Like that’s anything new to you? Listen, Hikaru is a very good mercenary. As much as I despise this little fact, Hikaru is a talented assassin. He’s killed many times and he’s never been caught. He doesn’t even leave behind any clues.”

“You’re an assassin, too,” Soryu noted.

“Soryu…” I said warningly through clenched teeth. “I swear to god if you open your mouth one more time, I’m going to start firing off shots. Or maybe I’ll call Kuro up to do it.”

“Kuro?” Hishikura asked curiously.

“You don’t want to know, believe me,” Ran said quietly.

“Are you thre—”

“Shut up, Soryu!” the original auction managers from Japan yelled at him in unison. Of course; Kuro wasn’t someone that any of them wanted around. 

“As I was saying, Hikaru is also a genius hacker. I know a few hacking tricks, but nothing near as extensive. He can get us confidential information from any company in the world. Besides… having him around will make things easier for me, too.” I muttered the last part under my breath and Eisuke chuckled.

“Well, it’ll be a big coup if we find out who his employer is,” Kishi said after a moment of silence.

“It’s not a bad deal. Right, Boss?” Baba asked.

“I’m intrigued. Let’s do it.” Eisuke smirked.

“Don’t be so hasty,” Ran spoke up.

“Ran?” I asked, confused.

“With your and your brother’s powers of persuasion, I have no doubt you can convince Hikaru to join us. However, aren’t you overlooking one tiny detail?”

“The trap,” I said.

“Uh-huh.” Ran nodded. “We have no idea who we’re up against here. We need to tread carefully.”

“You’re thinking we need a diversion,” I stated matter-of-factly.

“I do.”

“Don’t we have any rare artefacts or something we can put up as the showcase item? You know, before that so-called information is up for bids?” I looked around at the other members.

“Not unless you want to put yourself up for auction,” Ota retorted.

“I don’t need your snarky remarks.”

“Actually, that might work,” Ran said.

“What?!” Hishikura exclaimed.

“Quiet, Shuichi.” I turned to Ran. “Surely you must be joking.”

“It’s the perfect distraction. It’ll be staged, of course. Just some entertainment for a bunch of rich idiots. We’ll let a few creeps bid on you and then we’ll ‘buy’,” Ran held up both her hands and curled her index and middle fingers to make an air quote, “you back.”

“That’s the dumbest plan I’ve ever heard of. But it just might work,” I said with a sigh.

“Shuichi, Hikaru will probably be at the I.V.C. When you see him, go tell him that Hotaru quit being an auction manager and came up with a stupid plan. Don’t tell him the real plan, though,” Ran said.

Hishikura heaved a sigh. “This is ridiculous.”

“Which is exactly why it’ll work,” Baba smiled. “Don’t worry Little Hotaru. We’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you.” I slapped his arm, hard. “Ow!”

“I’m not a child anymore. Don’t call me that.” I tapped Hishikura on the shoulder as I passed him. “Come on.”

“Oooh is it me or are you two rather close?” I heard Baba tease.

“Don’t get the wrong idea. We drove here in her car,” Hishikura replied coldly.

“Shuichi!” I called impatiently from the hallway.

 It was the following night and I stopped by the penthouse. 

“What happened to you?” Ota asked as soon as he saw me.

I looked down at my right arm, wrapped in a sling. 

“Let’s just say we went up against a formidable foe last night. I can’t really move either of my arms very much.” 

“Why did you go on a mission the night before such an important plan?” Soryu asked.

“Because mind your own business, that’s why,” I retorted. 

I was currently locked in a birdcage, my arm temporarily out of the sling and hanging limply at my side.

“Alice! What in Wonderland are you doing?!” Even though the Mad Hatter was supposed to act like he didn’t know me, he slipped away and rushed over to me. “Alice, it’s not too late. I can manage something, so please run away!”

My eyes grew considerably wide. In the kind of world I live, you always see the ugly side of people. People being selfish and walking all over each other to get what they want. So to have another person willing to risk themselves for me... It wasn’t something I was used to. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced it before outside of Akira’s love for me.

“Why would you do that?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Oh, Alice! Of course I care for you.”

“Maddy...” I smiled softly. “Thank you. But this is the only way to save Hikaru.”

“How can you save Master by doing this? Master is in a lot of trouble right now... It seems his employer is being very harsh with him.”

“Mm. I know. But I’m just the decoy.”

“The... decoy?”

“My brother will make a deal with Hikaru while I create a distraction for the rest of the patrons.”

“But...” Just as he started speaking, the bell slowly started chiming, signalling the start of the auction.

“You should get going, Maddy. I’ll see you later.” I smiled.

“Alice...!” The Mad Hatter’s shoulders trembled as he disappeared onto the stage.

I looked up at the high ceiling before closing my eyes. The kind Mad Hatter... Hikaru and his snarky remarks. An image of the three of us sitting around the dinner table messing around flashed through my mind. It was more of a family than anything I’ve felt since living with Akira; More than my brother ever was.

 The audience was buzzing as usual. I stood inside the cage, my eyes closed.

“And now, our special showcase item of the night!” I heard the Mad Hatter.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. The Mad Hatter’s voice was met with raucous applause as my cage was carried out onto the stage.

“A young, healthy Japanese woman! She’s as kind as Alice in Wonderland, a better woman you shall never find!”

I looked over the audience. Hikaru was out there somewhere among them. Hikaru... His true colours didn’t surprise me, and all we ever did was quarrel. Even though he was an assassin, he was incredibly kind. Plus his sleeping face was frustratingly adorable. At some point I fell in love with him. I just want to see him again. I want him by my side.

“And now we shall start the bidding! I have $600,000 from Bidder number 13! $900k to Bidder 66. $1.3 million to Bidder 4.” The price climbed higher and higher, with Bidder 4 outbidding them ever time. “$1.8 million to Bidder 17. $2 million to Bidder 4.” Bidder number four was seated right in front of the stage. Even through the mask, I could see he was a round, greasy-looking man with a disgusting smile plastered on his face.

“Gross,” I muttered.

“I’m going to bid. $2.5 million!” I heard Ota’s voice and rolled my eyes.

“$2.5 million to bidder number 104! $2.6 million to Bidder number 4,” the Mad Hatter said.

“How high do you think number four is gonna go? I’ll bid $3 million,” Baba called out.

“$3 million to Bidder number 103! $3.5 million Bidder number 4!”

I closed my eyes and shook my head. Those two... They know the whole thing is staged.

“Gets crazy in here when there’s a woman up in that cage,” Kishi stated.

“At least everyone is entertained,” Eisuke smirked, pleased. The fat man in front of me stared silently at me.

“Holding at $3.5 million! Do we... have any other bids?!”

I turned my head to look at the Mad Hatter getting choked up and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I suppose it’s about time...” Eisuke muttered and I looked back at the audience.

“$20 million!” Suddenly a booming voice - and not the one I was expecting - filled the auditorium, and the audience went wild. 

“What!” My mouth fell open. “That freaking idiot!”

  To be continued...

Previous Chapter                                                                        Next Chapter

[saving-people-shipping-things]

Race Against Time

Title: Race Against Time

Pairing: Reader x Dean

Summary: The reader meets Dean on a case and gets him arrested so he’ll get out of her way. What follows is their unexpected, angsty love story.

Theme song: “Fade to Black” by Metallica

Word count: 4,137

A/N: This is my feelsy one shot submission for Ana’s “Shit My Patients Say” challenge in celebration of her getting 2,000 followers! :) Congrats, Ana! My line was, “It’s been hurting like this for 3 years.” I put it in bold in my fic. Enjoy! @just-a-touch-of-sass-and-fandoms​

You were both young when the two of you met. You, barely out of college, and Dean, mid-twenties and every bit a teenager’s heartthrob. Had it not been for the career choice, Dean could have been a movie star. That was your first thought when you laid eyes on him.

The second thought was, dear God, does this man ever shut up?

It was a big case in a small town, but you knew you could handle it. You’d been brought up in this life. Your parents were retired now, but you took over the family business once you’d graduated. Werewolves were nothing new. Piece of cake. But you definitely preferred to work alone.

And Dean Winchester insisted on getting in your way.

It had been less than ten minutes of interaction between you two—both of you having broken into the morgue on the same day, same time, of all the rotten coincidences—and you already couldn’t stand him.

“Find anything else, princess?” He asked as you attempted to block out his flirtatious chatter by inspecting one of the bodies. Another ripped out heart. Definitely a werewolf. Or werewolves, plural.

“Don’t call me princess,” you grumbled.

He just winked at you. “Sure thing, sweetheart.”

You rolled your eyes.

The chatter continued on your walk back to the motel where you were both, unfortunately, staying the night.

“So I’m thinking we both go check out the woods tomorrow, take care of whatever’s there, and head to the diner back on Lehman Street for a bite to eat. What do you say?”

You tried your best to stride ahead of him, but his long legs matched your pace without any difficulty. Damn him.

“I say no thanks,” you said. You passed a cop writing someone a parking ticket on the side of the street and cast a glance toward him.

If your curt dismissal did anything to hurt Dean’s pride, he didn’t show it. If anything, it only seemed to fuel his persistence. He stepped in front of you so you were forced to stop walking.

“Okay, so we go someplace else. Where do you want to eat?”

You shrugged off your purse and handed it to him. “Here, hold this.”

Dean’s forehead crinkled as he held it. “What for?”

“Officer!” You suddenly shrieked, making both Dean and the policeman jump. “Help! This man’s trying to steal my purse!”

“What?” Dean shouted, dropping the purse and holding up his hands. “No, I’m not, I swear.”

“Good try, son.” The copy pulled Dean’s hands down behind him and cuffed them. “Are you all right, miss?”

You pretended to be shaken up as you clutched your purse to your chest. “I’m fine, thank you, officer.”

“Have a good night, then.”

Dean’s teasing smirk turned into a glare as he was shoved toward the car. When the cop wasn’t looking, you winked and blew Dean a kiss as he slid into the backseat.

Now you had the case all to yourself.

#

Just as you suspected, it took you less than a day. Of course, you’d totally ruined your outfit by staining it with werewolf blood. You resorted to wearing a sweatshirt a size too small on you and tied up your wet hair into a messy bun when you headed to the jail.

Dean looked up from behind the bars in when he saw you come in. His green eyes widened and he made to stand up, but got yanked back by his handcuffs.

“What are you—” He started.

You shrugged as the cop unlocked the door and let Dean out. “I wasn’t really going to leave you in here forever.”

Dean rubbed his wrists after his cuffs were removed. It had only been yesterday he’d stood next to you, but in that short time, you’d forgotten how much he towered over you. “Then why did you even land me in here?”

“I told you, I work alone.”

There was that damn smirk again. God, he aggravated you. “Hey, I usually do, too. I just thought maybe we’d make a good team for this one.”

“Yeah?” You blinked against the sunlight as you both stepped out of the jail. “What makes you think that?”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets, looked down at his shoes, then at you. You tried not to let on how captivating his gaze was. “I could tell.”

You rolled your eyes. “Cop out.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know, something conclusive. Anyways, you’re free now. Sorry about the whole ‘he’s-stealing-my-purse-now.’”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up a second.” He stepped in front of you like he had the night before. “You’re just going to get me arrested, let me spend the night and jail, and leave with a ‘sorry?’”

“That was the plan, yes.”

He laughed, and it lit up the air around you, like you were caught in a swarm of fireflies. “You’re unbelievable.”

You tried to glare at him, but it was hard when all he did was smile. Did nothing rattle this man? “Well, what do you want me to say?”

He poked your shoulder, playfully, like a friend might. “You owe me a favor, Y/N.”

You crossed your arms as a sort of barrier between the two of you. This made you nervous. What would someone like Dean want to cash in as a favor? “Fine. One favor. Do you need a ride back to your car?”

“Oh, no, I wouldn’t spend it on something as trivial as that.” He flashed another wide green, revealing perfectly straight and white teeth. You couldn’t find a single thing wrong with him, and it made him drive you even crazier. “How about this? You let me take you to that diner for something to eat, and we’ll let all of this stay in the past.”

“So we can just . . . part ways after?”

He gave a half-shrug. “Sure, if that’s what you want.”

“Perfect.” You didn’t hesitate to turn your back on him and hurry off. “See you there in a bit.”

#

It turned out the diner wasn’t so bad after all.

If it had been, you certainly wouldn’t be sitting in your pajamas in the kitchen of the bunker, exactly one year later.

“I’m telling you, he definitely talks in his sleep,” you laughed as you recounted the events of the night before to Sam, who snorted into his cup of coffee. “And it was definitely about pie.”

“Can you blame me?” Dean joined you at the table. He set a steaming plate of pancakes in front of you. “Pie is a delicacy. Forget caviar or truffles or whatever else rich people eat. Pie is as good as it gets.”

“Dork.” You stabbed at your pancakes and took a huge bite. “Mm, these are amazing, though.”

Dean winked at you. “Chocolate chip. I remembered.”

It’s what you’d ordered at the diner, one year ago today, on what you supposed you could consider your first date. Every day after that had been a whirlwind of madness and electricity and love, but you felt it all now, because he’d remembered that little detail.

It must’ve showed on your face, because Sam made an “aww” noise, clearly meant to tease his brother. “You guys are adorable.”

“Shut up.” Dean rolled his eyes at him, but a smile tugged at his lips. “We’re not cute; we’re sexy as hell.”

“Hmm,” you said disbelievingly. “No, you’re pretty cute yourself.”

Dean huffed a laugh and flicked his balled up napkin at you. “You’re going to ruin my street cred, Y/N/N.”

“Worth it.” You stood up to take your empty plate to the sink and kissed his cheek. “We should get ready if we want to make it to that case before sundown.”

“What better way to celebrate our anniversary?” Dean got up and started to leave, but looked over his shoulder in the doorway. “Just don’t get me arrested this time.”

“I’ll give you fifty bucks if you get him arrested again,” Sam piped up.

You laughed and waved him off. “No promises.”

#

You were both young when Dean died.

It happened fast. So fast, you didn’t even have time to watch the light leave his eyes. One minute he was teasing you about how short you were, and one minute you were coming back at him with witty retorts about you still being able to kick his ass, and the next minute the wendigo came out of nowhere.

Dean Winchester didn’t deserve to die.

Dean Winchester definitely didn’t deserve to die by striking his head against a rock.

You didn’t remember burning the wendigo to a crisp, but you still smelled smoke when you knelt beside your boyfriend’s lifeless body. It didn’t matter how glassy his eyes looked, you still desperately tapped his face, hoping to get a reaction from him. You still felt for his pulse—on his neck, his wrist. You still rested your hands on his chest, waiting for a breath that wouldn’t come.

Not a single tear fell as you dragged Dean’s body to the Impala, hauling him into the passenger’s seat. Your vision didn’t even blur as you drove. There was no need for that now. You knew what had to be done. Part of you had always been prepared for a moment like this. Then everything would go back to the way it was supposed to be. You didn’t even care how much time you got.

“I figured it’d only be a matter of time before this happened again.” The demon’s eyes flashed red as she smirked at you.

“Before what?” Your voice was hoarse, but you managed to keep it steady.

The demon gestured to the Impala where Dean laid. At first glance, he might have looked like he was sleeping. But you knew there was blood smeared on the seat behind his head.

“Before I stood in the middle of a crossroads, a dead Winchester just feet from me, another one begging for a deal.”

“I’m not a Winchester,” you corrected her.

She raised her eyebrows. “You’re willing to make a deal for one. You may as well be family.”

Your grip on your flask of holy water tightened. “Please, just—how much time will you give me?”

The demon looked you up and down, appraising you for your worth. You knew ten years was out of the question. Sam and Dean had evaded death far too many times for you to be able to get that much. Hell, you’d be lucky to get five.

“Three,” the demon said. “I’ll give you three.”

“Years?”

“Three years. Then you get to meet my favorite hellhounds.”

You licked your dry lips. “And Dean gets to live? No catch?”

“None, except for your death, of course.”

Grabbing the collar of her shirt, you drew her in for a quick kiss to seal the deal before she could change her mind.

She disappeared, and you hurried back to the Impala, starting the engine and driving away as Dean stirred. Your heart thudded against your rib cage.

“Dean?” You tried not to let your words tremble as you glanced over at him. “Hey, how do you feel?”

Dean groaned and put a hand to the back of his head. His fingers came away bloody, but his face flooded with color. He looked completely normal. Alive and well. “What happened? Where are we?”

“The wendigo got you good, but I took care of it.” Your smile wobbled. “You were out cold for a while.”

“Guess I wasn’t much help this time,” he rasped, chuckling. “Thanks for dragging my ass back here. You can pull over, I’ll drive.”

“Oh no,” you said. “I don’t get many chances to take Baby out for a spin. I’m driving her all the way back to Lebanon.”

He grumbled, but knew better than to argue with you. A few seconds later, “Y/N? You okay?”

“Hmm?” You looked up from the road, your eyes shining, throat tight. “Yeah. I’m fine. You just gave me a scare, that’s all.”

His lips twitched into a half smile as he reached across to squeeze your hand. You had to fight to breathe as you squeezed back.

The sound of his watch ticking echoed like gunshots all the way home.

#

It was two years and three-hundred-and-sixty-four days later. There was no need for you to mark the calendar. You knew it was your last night. You’d counted every day since the wendigo hunt, and every night when you tossed and turned, images of Dean cracking his head against the rock plaguing your sleep.

“What’s all this?” Dean’s face split into that wide grin you’d fallen in love with as he took you in—dressed in a long red dress, high-heels, your hair up, makeup flawless.

You shrugged, taking his hands and letting him lean down to kiss you. “Just ‘cause. I know we’re heading out tomorrow, so I wanted to celebrate our fourth anniversary tonight. I wanted to have the perfect night.”

You also knew it was your last chance for a perfect night. For any night.

“Every night with you is perfect. But I guess I’d better get changed.” Dean didn’t make any move to walk away. He kept his hands in yours, then moved them to your waist. “Where are we going?”

“Ballroom dancing.” You leaned into him, breathing in the familiar scent of whiskey and leather. “And then dinner at a diner for burgers and fries and chocolate chip pancakes.”

“That does sound perfect.” He twirled a loose strand of your hair around his finger. “You know what would make it even more perfect?”

“I see that twinkle in your eye, Dean Winchester.” You playfully slapped his arm.

He wiggled his eyebrows at you. “Well?”

Sighing like doing what he had in mind was a great chore, you said, “I suppose.”

He kissed your cheek, then left to change.

You watched him walk away, touching the spot where he’d kissed you. Would you still be able to feel his warmth when the hellhounds came for you? Every moment you had with them was fleeting. You were racing against time, trying to savor each second and stretch it into three.

You tried to capture the moments that night, too—the two of you in the dark, skin on skin, gentle kisses and pounding hearts. Maybe if you wished hard enough, you could keep them like pictures in a locket, something to bring you comfort during your last breaths.

#

  Your alarm clock the next morning sounded like a funeral march. Dean grumbled as you reached over to turn it off, and as soon as it stopped beeping, he was back to snoring.

You were keenly aware of each sensation, the everyday tasks you didn’t give a second thought to most mornings. The hot, sharp sting of the shower against your face. The crunch of the buttery toast as you bit into your breakfast. The scent of coffee brewing as Sam shuffled in to start a pot. He offered you some, but you passed. Your heart was already working double time without caffeine added to the mix.

“Ready to go?” Dean asked, and though you knew he was asking about the hunt—because how could he possible know what tonight really had in store for you?—your breath still caught in your throat.

“Not quite.” You finished rinsing your dishes and hurried over to where Sam was waiting to see you off. You rose up on your toes to wrap him into a hug that caught him off guard.

He bent down to reciprocate. “What’s this for?”

“I’m just—really going to miss you.” Was your voice more high-pitched than usual?

“You guys will be back before you know it. I’ll hold down the fort.” His smile was warm and inviting and broke your heart all over again. All this time you’d been dreading leaving Dean, and only now did it truly sink in who else you’d be leaving behind.

“Take good care of the place,” you said, and tried to say everything else you couldn’t with your eyes. Take good care of Dean. Don’t let him miss me too much. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.

Sam held up a hand as you left.

“What’ll it be today? Metallica or Led Zeppelin?” Dean picked up the box of cassettes before he even turned the engine on.

“You choose. I like it all.”

Dean winked at you. “That’s my girl.”

You regretted your decision as soon as the first notes of Metallica’s “Fade to Black” started to play. Closing your eyes in an attempt to let the lyrics wash over you, you held onto the rumble of the Impala’s engine, the whir of the tires against the pavements. You gripped the feeling of the warm leather seats and Dean’s hand in yours and the taste of sticky summer air blowing through the windows.

“Life it seems will fade away, drifting further every day.”

Dean’s thumb brushed across your knuckles, catching on the ring you wore on your middle finger, and heirloom from your mother.

“You know,” you said quietly as a thought struck you. “In all these years, I can’t believe you never popped the question.”

Dean looked over at you, surprised. “I didn’t think I’d need to ask.”

“Emptiness is filling me, to the point of agony.”

“You just assumed we’d get married eventually?” You couldn’t help but smile, a true smile, as he gazed at you like you were absolutely all he needed in the world.

Dean shrugged, nonchalant. “I thought maybe we’d make a good team.”

“No one but me can save myself, but it’s too late.”

“Oh? And what made you think that?”

His smirk filled the aching parts of you. “I could tell.”

“Death greets me warm. Now I will just say goodbye. Goodbye . . .”

#

You’d written Dean a note.

It wasn’t long, because you knew how much he hated rambling, and the minute you started to fill a second page, that’s what it felt like. But you made sure to fill everything into those few paragraphs. Everything you could. Everything he made you feel, everything he needed to remember when you were gone.

The plan was to get him out of the motel room that night for an ice cream run, or tampons, or something. Anything so he wouldn’t have to be here when it happened. You wrapped yourself around him as you watched TV, but really you were watching the digital clock. 11:45. 11:46. His heart beat had kept yours steady for most of the night, but now yours felt like the Energizer Bunny was tapdancing on your chest.

11:50 hit and you muted the TV. “Hey, Dean?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you do me a big favor?” You were shocked at how normal your voice sounded. Maybe the anxiety of him possibly staying counteracted the fear somehow, allowing you to continue the charade of everything being fine.

“What’s up?”

“I’m craving fries. There’s a McDonald’s just down the road . . . ?” You trailed off, giving him your best puppy dog eyes. You knew he was immune.

He sighed dramatically, but got off the bed. “All right, I’ll be back in a few.”

“Wait.” You winced when you realized the fear did show through a little after all, but Dean paused at the door. “Come here.”

You flung your arms around him and kissed him. Firmly. Passionately. Desperately. Like the world was crashing around you and this was your last chance. This is my last chance, you realized. You didn’t care when you couldn’t breathe. You’d have an eternity of not breathing. But you’d never have this again.

“Y/N,” Dean said softly when he’d pulled away. His eyebrows were pinched together, and you couldn’t figure out why until he brushed his thumb across your cheek. He wiped a tear away. You were crying. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you said, the words coming out with your last gasps of air. “Nothing’s wrong. Just go, I’ll be fine.”

“Y/N, seriously, what’s going on?” He sat down next to you, and another fat tear dripped from your eyelashes.

“Dean, you have to leave.” You stood up, twining your fingers through his in the hopes that he would follow, but he wouldn’t budge. 11:55. “Please. Just do this, for me.”

Dean shook his head. “No. Something’s weird. I’m not leaving until I know what.”

11:56. You covered your mouth to muffle a sob. “Dean—”

You broke off when you heard it. Growling. You jumped and turned around, but nothing was there. Yet. The rumbling reverberated in your chest.

Dean stood, gripping your hand tight. “Is something after you?”

“Please,” you begged again, trying to drag him to the door, but he was stronger than you by a long shot. “You have to. It’ll hurt too much. You’ll know later. Just trust me.”

Dean cupped your face in his hands, and his green eyes bore into yours. God, they were like twins suns. You wanted to drown yourself in them. You wished more than anything that they could be the last thing you saw, instead of the glowing red of the hellhounds, whose barks and growls were growing louder.

“You can tell me,” he murmured.

“I can’t,” you cried. “It hurts. It’s been hurting like this for three years.”

“Three—” It seemed like his features actually drooped as the memory dawned on him. “Oh��no . . . Y/N, no.”

11:57. You didn’t have a choice now. Maybe if you told him he’d listen. You had to try. “The wendigo didn’t just knock you out,” you said.

Dean’s jaw clenched. His green eyes clouded with tears. “And?” He said hoarsely.

You didn’t have to go into detail. You knew that he’d already guessed what you’d done. All he needed was the confirmation. “And I got three years.”

11:58. The tears slipped down Dean’s face. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“It’s done. There’s nothing to do now.” You clenched the fabric of his flannel in your shaking hands to steady them. “Please don’t stay here. You can’t watch this.”

He shook his head. “I’m not leaving you.”

He drew you close, and you didn’t have the strength to resist anymore. Your knees buckled, but he held you up. He didn’t even try to kiss you, he just held you, like this could stop time, like this could stop everything.

11:59. You heard them, clearer than ever. They were yards away, if that. Dean rubbed your back and you trembled like an earthquake.

“It’s okay,” he kept telling you. “I’m here. It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. You squeezed your eyes shut, burying your face in his shirt. “I’m so sorry.”

“Shh,” he whispered back. The rumble of the hellhounds was right behind you, hot air from their snuffling strong enough for you to feel it on your legs, but Dean’s voice rose above it all. “It’s all going to be fine. I love you.”

“I love you,” you choked out.

And they pounced.

You were too stunned to even feel the pain, and you supposed it was a blessing as you were still conscious to watch the skin be ripped from your legs, your stomach, your chest. Blood exploded everywhere, the biting bark of the hellhounds ringing in your ears, but you couldn’t feel anything. You didn’t even scream.

“It’s okay.” Dean never stopped reassuring you. He watched the entire traumatic event, kept his eyes unblinkingly fixed on you. “I’m here.”

The room went still and dark and silent.

It’s okay.

#

Somehow Dean was able to drive the Impala back. The sun was coming up. The passenger seat was empty. He was surprisingly, miraculously steady.

Each of his steps down the stairs echoed, reminding him how much emptier the bunker was now.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“Wow, you guys are back early,” Sam’s voice came, loud, so loud after the quiet ride home. Dean closed his eyes against the noise as he made his way to the kitchen. “I guess everything went—Dean?”

Sam knocked over the chair he’d been sitting in in his rush to stand up. Dean wasn’t sure if it was the blood that soaked his t-shirt or the look on his face—devastation and helplessness—that alerted him.

Sam hurried over to him, crossing the space in two strides. “Dean, hey, what is it? Where’s Y/N?”

Dean collapsed. Sam caught him, barely. He held his older brother up. “Dean—”

“I’m sorry,” Dean rasped. The tears he hadn’t allowed himself to shed before came freely. “Now I know what you went through. I’m so sorry.”

They stayed like that for hours.

You were both young when you lost each other. So young.

Too young.

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