#Yes I know I'm three days late shush

[webbedphantom]

8/24 - In Memoriam

Today was always a tough day for him. Today was a date that was permanently engraved in his memory. He usually spent today alone, or with his Aunt, having a nice quiet breakfast before paying their respects at the shrine outside his bedroom.

But he wasn't at his aunt's place. He wasn't even in Kyoto. He was in Tokyo, the city he was born in. But he'd only returned because he was forced to, as part of his parole.

Still... there were perks to this.

For one thing, he'd met a lot of his good friends during this year, which was a huge shock to him, as he wasn't sure he'd ever trust anyone again after how all his old friends abandoned him.

For another, he had superpowers. He could go anywhere, at anytime he wanted. And there was one particular place he planned to go today.

He landed up on the roof of an old hotel. In its prime, it was a rather luxurious place, but these days, it was practically abandoned, being severely damaged in an earthquake a few years back. Some people had tried to repair it, others tried to have it torn down, but for one reason or another, those plans fell through. So here it sat, alone and forgotten.

He'd lived here once, what seemed like a lifetime ago. He often spent most of his days alone in their penthouse suite, as his parents were usually busy with work. But on the rare occasion they had a bit of free time, they would sit up here together, just looking out at the city while they talked about... whatever, really.

Which is why he was here. Today was the anniversary of their deaths.

He couldn't visit their graves, as much as he would like to. They weren't even in the country, they were somewhere in Brittan, near his mom's hometown. Not like it would matter anyway, because their bodies were never recovered. All they buried were empty coffins.

But... he didn't mind as much this year. Because now, he had this place. The place where they'd once lived. The last place he ever saw them.

He took a photo out of his coat, webbing it to the neon sign that sat on the roof's edge. A sign that hadn't been turned on in years. It was a photo of his parents, a rather old one taken at their wedding, one of the last he had left for... reasons he'd rather not remember right now.

"Hey Mom... Dad."

Instead, he took a seat in front of the photo, pulling a bento box out of his bag, before taking off his mask.

"I'm sorry I'm late. There was a mugger on my way here robbing some poor old lady, and that held me up a bit."

It was such a simple thing, but being here made him feel... connected with them. Which, he supposed made sense. This was where he got to see them most often. Rarely did they have time for trips or anything, something he remembered annoyed him a bit at the time... but he kind of understood now.

They were out trying to make the world a better place. His father through his cognitive studies, and his mother through caring for those in need a nearby hospital.

Now... he was doing the same thing. Just using a different method.

He started digging into his meal, having worked up an appetite in the trip over here. Though he did his best to keep up the conversation... one sided though it may be.

"I've been... I've been trying to do right by you guys. Use these gifts in the way you would want. I don't... know if I've been succeeding, especially lately."

This wasn't the first time he'd been up here since his arrival in Tokyo. He'd made a bit of a habit to come here every so often, especially when he had a tough choice ahead of him. But the events of the past month, despite having many a tough choice within, had caused him to avoid this place. He felt they'd be... disappointed with how he'd handled things.

"I was trying to protect my friends... I didn't want them to get hurt because of me... and I ended up hurting them anyway."

"But I'm trying to make up for it. I'm going to give this team thing a shot, for real this time. I know now that I can't do this on my own... no matter how much I wish I could."

That was another reason he'd avoided coming here. He wasn't sure he was meeting their expectations. Not to say they'd held him to such a high standard when they were alive. It was more so... living up to their legacy. Something he wasn't sure he was doing.

"I thought about bringing them here. I really want you to meet them. I think you'd like them. They're good people... better than I deserve honestly. But..."

He was their leader, a position he never wanted, but one they felt he suited. And the last thing you want from a leader is vulnerability, to see them at their worst. And no matter how much he could put on a brave face, he was at his worst here... especially today.

"... Anyways, I promise I'll bring them here sometime. Just... not right now."

He ate in silence for a while, mulling the idea over in his head. It's not like he didn't want them to see this. He hated keeping things from them. But this was... far too personal to reveal carelessly. Things were better now, sure. But... it just wasn't the right time.

"... I really miss you guys."

He wondered what they'd say to him. His mother was always the one to console him, to give him advice when he didn't know what to do. His father was a bit more... distant, as was traditionally the case in Japanese culture. He supported his passion for engineering, and would occasionally play games with him on his Dreamcast, but he wasn't particularly close with him. Still, he admired his father for his mission if nothing else. He always talked about how important his work was, how many lives he and Isshiki were working to improve.

Yet as hard as he tried, he couldn't really remember what they were like. It had been 11 years since they died, 11 years since he'd heard their voices, or seen their smiles. 11 years since he'd gotten to spend any time with them at all. They were even more busy than usual towards the end of their lives.

Over two-thirds of his life had gone by without them.

He felt a tear roll down his cheek.

"I-I'm sorry, I... I don't-"

It would be the first of many. That single stray thought hit him like a truck, and all of a sudden, the tears just wouldn't stop.

"I'm s-sorry, I know I shouldn't- just-"

He tried his best to wipe them away, as if that would somehow get it to stop... but it didn't.

He felt a sudden surge of energy leave his body, before a clawed hand gently pat him on the pat.

"It's okay, Aaron." Arsène said softly, attempting to console him however he could. "There's no one else here. Just let it out."

"They're here."

"... I know. But I do not believe they would judge you for it."

Would they? He really couldn't say for sure. He was so young when they passed, his memories of them were so faint now.

"They wouldn't." His Persona repeated. "It's okay to grieve, Aaron... Especially today."

He didn't feel like it was okay. He was supposed to be a hero. Steadfast and strong. Never showing weakness.

Still, he had to relent... It's not like he could stop the tears anyway.

He just buried his face in his hands, letting his tears fall... though still trying to keep himself from sobbing.

"Shouldn't... Shouldn't I be over this? It's been 11 years... Why doesn't it hurt any less?"

"Some wounds take longer to heal. Especially ones dealt at a young age. And... it's been a rough year for you."

It really had... sure, some good things had happened. But he was still arrested for something he didn't do, he still lost all of his old friends, he was taken away from the home he spent most of his life in, from the only family he really has left, he was still hated or feared by almost everyone in Tokyo, he was still wanted for murder (which he also didn't do), and he still spent day after day staring death in the face to save people who would still hate him regardless. So much pain, so much stress... it's a wonder he didn't reach this breaking point sooner.

He was glad he hadn't brought anyone else here today. He didn't want them to see him like this. To see him break beneath the weight of it all.

Instead it was just him and his other self, alone on the ruins of his old home.

Just him... and his ghosts.

[dantakeyoman]

I would reallyy love if you could write about how when the Sully family reaches the new tribe all of the Metkayina girls are trying really hard to get Neteyam to notice them (Cause you know he's the oldest, a good warrior and is gonna be a leader soon) but they dont know he already has a mate and the reader gets jealous. So neteyam has to comfort her and when she realizes she is being silly and has nothing to worry about...this one metkayina girl really pushes it....(im talking getting touchy with neteyam, always finding ways to get him alone and is rude to the reader) and she loses her absolute shit and you can decide what she does but i want it to be very possessive like behavior😏 sorry this is long😅

Metkayina Girls Start Falling At Neteyam's Feet and You, His Mate, Get Jealous (SFW)

Reader is Fem! Omaticaya

CW: a story of jealousy with aa twist, these girls are really shameless, Kiri and Lo'ak duo, sorry im posting so late, my stomach actually really hurts rn, but not writing for so long has been driving me crazy, anyway, enjoy <3 ( i barfed in my mouth a little bit writing some of this cringey shit )

"Humans?! That must've been so scary for you! What happened next?" Leyelu asked as she stretched, laying herself stomach-down in the sand in front of Neteyam, batting her eyelashes.

"Yeah, did you fight them? I'm sure you did, since you are such a strong warrior," Nayat smiled, scooching her seat closer to the boy.

"Um...well, I didn't-." "Impossible. I can imagine you swooping in and saving your family. All heroic-like," Srraza smirked, openly raking her eyes up and down Neteyam's body, not caring how uncomfortable he looked.

Their shameless display made you want to vomit, and possibly scream, at the same time.

There were a total of three girls. Leyelu, Nayat, and Srraza. And all were practically throwing themselves at Neteyam.

It had been about a week and some change since you and the Sullys arrived at Awa'atlu. And every day, without fail, these girls managed to tail Neteyam, following him and showering him in praise whenever they could.

You hadn't had not two seconds alone with him before one of them, or all three, came barging in with some fake excuse of a heavy basket they needed help lifting or a boat they needed help loading.

You knew Neteyam never entertained their advances, and were thankful for it.

But being his mate, you couldn't help but feel frustrated. (and maybe a little jealous)

"If you scowl any harder, it's going to become permanent," Kiri playfully warned, your face amusing her.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," you curtly answered, tearing your eyes away from the scene angrily.

"Yes. I'm fine is stretched tightly across your face right now," Lo'ak smirked from his spot in the sand, hands behind his head as he subathed.

"(y/n), I hope you know that Neteyam would never-." "I know," you sighed, already guessing what Kiri was going to say.

"I trust Neteyam completely. It's just-."

You couldn't finish the sentence. It was embarrassing.

"Just what?" Lo'ak asked, ears perking in intrigue.

"Give her a minute," Kiri shushed, smacking him in the arm, earning an annoyed ow! from the boy.

"It's not that I'm scared Neteyam will leave me. It is just...I don't see why he won't," you started, staring down at your feet in shame.

Kiri and Lo'ak both whipped their heads towards you in disbelief, their expressions contorting into ones of confusion.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Lo'ak asked, confused.

"Lo'ak!" Kiri scolded.

She was thinking the same thing, but he could've been a little easier on the delivery.

"Look at them," you sighed, holding out your hand to the girls, who were still fake listening to Neteyam's story.

"Leyelu's father is one of the best hunters in the clan, only second to Tonowari. Nayat's mother is incredibly skilled on the loom, who is now teaching Nayat everthing she knows. For Eywa's sake, Srraza is studying under Ronal to be a healer."

The brother ans sister's expressions slowly softened, the meaning behind your words now coming to light.

"You are the best dancer the Omaticaya have ever seen. And the best the Metkayina have seen, as well," Kiri tried to comfort, a warm smile on her face.

"Oh, yes, because dancing can help me hunt for food. And dancing can help me make clothes. Let's not forget, it can help me heal as well," you sarcastically agreed, snippy.

Kiri sighed.

She didn't take it to heart, not one bit. She understood your frustration.

"They all have spent their years learning skills that can be of use, be important. All I have to show for mine are a couple of dance moves."

Lo'ak looked like he wanted to say something, but decided against it until you were finished.

"And the best part of it is they are all gorgeous, the most sought after girls in this village. And I'm just...me."

Kiri felt her heart ache.

She had no idea you had been feeling this way this whole time.

She thought it was just a small case of jealousy. But it seemed to be much deeper than that.

"So, no. I'm not frustrated or scared of Neteyam leaving me. I am frustrated and scared because he has every reason to."

You turned back to the scene, only to see Leyelu resting her hands on Neteyam's chest, leaning into his face.

"Hey, Neteyam. Have you ever given thought to who could possibly be your mate?" she asked with a smirk, peering up at him through her beautiful eyelashes.

It was as if you didn't even exist.

"(y/n), wai-." But you ignored Kiri, abruptly standing up, not wanting to watch the scene any longer.

"Dammit, (y/n)! Sit down and look," Lo'ak groaned, roughly pulling you back down and turning your face to watch Neteyam.

"Do not touch me," Neteyam sternly ordered, grabbing the girl's wrists and pulling her hands of him, harshly.

"I know that you know I already have a mate. And you trying to make advances on me while knowing that is incredibly disrespectful."

The girls were giving him puppy dog eyes, as if that would guilt him into stopping.

It made you gag.

"I do not appreciate how you've been disregarding (y/n) this entire week. Especially when she has done nothing to you."

"That's exactly the point. She does nothing. She is just there with you. You two do not even act like mates," Srraza scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"That is true. I never see you two hug, or kiss, or embrace each other romantically at all," Nayat agreed.

"Because any time I get alone with her is interrupted by you three!" Neteyam exclaimed, annoyed.

His sudden burst shocked you.

You didn't know he felt this.

"I only get time to myself every once in a while, and I like to spend it with (y/n). But ever since I've gotten here, you three have used every mean under the sun to keep that from happening. For Eywa's sake, that was what I was on my way to do now before you all came along!"

"But why? She doesn't hunt, she doesn't loom, she doesn't heal, she can't even carry a tune. She's boring, plain. Why would you willingly want to spend time with her?" Leyelu asked, cocking an eyebrow s she crossed her arms.

Ouch.

"That's why you look like a dead fish, bitch!" Lo'ak loudly called, making you and Kiri die in snickers.

The girl whipped around, glaring daggers at the boy.

"Lo'ak!" Kiri tried to scold, but couldn't through her laughter.

"It's true! If her eyes were any farther apart, she'd be able to see the back of her head," he huffed.

You were his friend. And he didn't like people talking shit about you.

Meanwhile, Neteyam was using every ounce of his strength to not bare his teeth at the girl.

"I don't care about what she can't do. I love what she can. She's a phenomenal dancer, and has forgotten more moves than you three will ever learn. She's funny, she's kind, she's caring, the farthest thing from boring. And her beauty makes the three of you look like a patch wet sand. I am lucky to call her my mate, and if you all would excuse me, I'm going to spend the rest of the day with her," Neteyam angrily corrected, pushing past them and walking towards you.

And as he drew closer, you smiled, wider than you had in a while.

You felt foolish for thinking he could do better than you.

Especially after he just confessed that he believed he could do no better than you.

It made you feel happy, and loved, and secure in your relationship.

There was no one that could take your place because you were the place, and the only one who could ever be it.

And now knowing that fact, sent you over the moon.

…

taglist !!

@vane28282, @remutoast, @p1nkprint, @ladyorchidia, @anthonys-viscountess, @karmz-7319, @cantbuysophialove, @scarabruhs, @an0th3rsss, @deloe18, @mariiyoushi, @av1xar, @alexxcorona113, @may-and-lay, @overlyfancybreakfastfoods, @harshita-hiranyamayi, @qui-02, @myheartfollower, @morks-watermelon, @bangtanxberm, @adavenus, @sweetdayme4427, @lilac13, @torchbearerkyle, @dazedshoon, @rovckwell, @wonieee, @0710khj, @multifandomreader73, @kadu-5607, @la-cey, @roseazura, @sophiejiro, @angelbeari, @bludyl

[chrollo-lucilfers-chains]

Chrollo x gn!reader

His s/o gets taken.

Warnings: Kidnapping (it's not Chrollo tho), murder

Part 1

It has happened.

Chrollo hadn't thought this day would come, especially not so soon. But it had come and he hadn't been prepared.

He's in the middle of finishing someone off when you call him.

Standing on a balcony, the wind blowing strongly so far up, he holds a trembling man by his neck. The man is an unimportant informant of the government and he'd been involved in the troupe's latest heist so he has to be disposed of.

Chrollo has him dangling over the balcony's edge, desperately pleading at him to spare his life.

Without any expression Chrollo ends his victims miserable suffering with a snap of the wrist and lets him fall, pulling out his phone instead. Why would you call him, especially in the middle of the night?

He's told you to never interrupt him with unnecessary calls before. Given, it had been under the pretense of potential interruptions of his 'job', which wasn't really wrong but it didn't give you a lot of information either. You'd understood, of course.

To see your caller ID on his screen now alerted him greatly and so he picked up with a short 'Yes?' only to get interrupted by your strangely hushed voice.

"Chrollo? Oh thank God, it was the right number. I'm sorry to call you this late but I didn't know who else to call! There is someone in my house."

Chrollo's blood runs cold, his face hardening.

"I don't know what they want but there's three or four of them and they're searching for me. I'm hiding in the closet but I don't know how long it takes till they find me!"

He gives a meaningful glance to Pakunoda.

"Shh, calm down, it's going to be okay, angel!", he shushes you in the faked, softer voice that he uses with you so often, not wanting the noise of your whispers to alert your intruders.

His eyes flicker over to Pakunoda who immediately nods and leaves the room in a hurry.

"I'm coming to get you, okay? I'll be there as soon as I can. I'm on my way."

Chrollo stays on the phone as he rushes down the halls. When he reaches Pakunoda, who's already pulled up a car, he gets in and they speed into the night.

In the silent car he can hear your voice clearer than before. No nightbreeze is lashing around him and so he hears the quiet sobs. You're crying, Chrollo notes with displeasure.

"I think they're getting closer, Chrollo. I'm scared", you whimper, your voice clearly trembling.

Chrollo clenches his jaw and closes his eyes.

Six minutes until he'll arrive.

As he focuses on forming a plan how to get you out without alerting the intruders your voice sounds through the phone in a desperate whisper.

"They're infront of the closet!", Chrollo listens as you hold your breath. Everything is silent until a voice cuts through the speakers.

"Well hello there, princess!"

You let out a hitched breath. "Plea- Please, I don't know what you want but just leave, I don't have anything to steal!!"

"Heh, agree to disagre- Wait, is that a phone?"

Chrollo can make out commotion on the other side of the connection. He imagines you holding on to the phone, not daring to let go. Then he hears a scream. Your scream, to be exact and his eyes flash open with rage. Did the guy just hit you?!

There are a few wimpers and then the connection turns silent.

Chrollo ends the call and takes a deep breath as he composes himself. He sits silently in the car, his face mimicking that of a corpse. Shalnark already accessed the needed data and cameras to know where they've taken you. Pakunoda and Nobunaga are now with their boss, on their way to your location.

In the silence of the car Chrollo thinks about you and the person you are, always so ready to give everything. So eager to help him with whatever he needs.

And he takes it. He takes without a concern in the world.

All the years of being starved of human kindness and touch seem to be melting away whenever he's with you, sinking into your warm embrace when you hold him like he could slip away any moment.

His eyes flicker between the buildings passing by. The moonlit night makes it harder to discern them from one another and paints them in a cold light

Somebody is going to die tonight.

[dawnthefox24]

*Dev is looking at Peri and Irep but noticed that Peri is listening to music with his headphones helping him with his Homework* Dev:*looks at Irep* Irep do you know what kind of music he's listening to? Irep:*shurgs* No, also fractions. Do you know the fractions? Dev: Augh! No I don't pay attention in class, besides math is boring. Irep: *rolls his eyes but looked over at Peri before looking back at Dev*Alright I'll make a deal with you, we'll pause for now and since whatever Peri is listening to we can make fun of it okay. Dev: Oh God thank you! Peri:*looks over at them* Oh were taking a break? *Without warning Irep snatches the headphone before he plays the music out loud for them to hear* Irep: Sorry Cotton Puff we were curious and- Peri:*covers his face embarrassed as Monster by skillet is playing on full blast* Dev:*looks at Peri * Wow... Peri:*snatches his headphones back as he pauses the music* Oh haha, so funny and- Dev: YOU LISTEN TO ROCK MUSIC!? Peri: Y-Yes? Dev: I thought you were more of a...Well classical listener... Irep: How come I never knew this!? Peri: You would have made of me! Irep:*gasp and tries to fight off a smile* I-I reject that idea. Peri: *glares at him*Your grinning you prick! Dev: Shush Irep! Peri! Peri! How many bands do you listen to! Peri:*rubs the back of his neck* God well..I'm a Three Days Grace enjoyer. Dev: wow all these old bands... Peri: it was the 2000's Dev! Dev: I'm not saying that it's bad! I-I...*grumbles a bit* Peri & Irep:*now curious* What was that? Dev:*gets embarrassed* I-I never mind! Peri: No,no do tell! Irep: Yes please do tell Devin! Dev: *groans* I've listen to the late 2000's rock bands! Because I like it and Hazel introduced me to the Starset...And I told her I don't listen to that kind of music! But I lied! There a good band! Peri: Dev I love Starset! Irep: I must say you two have good taste and again Cotton Puff how dare you keep this wonderful information from me! Peri:*rolls his eyes* Okay enough about my music taste or whatever, we must continue work on the fractions! Irep & Dev: AUGH!! Peri:*sighs softly before getting an idea* Okay how about this, we do the fractions and then we can go to a concert to see Starset. Dev:... Irep: Really Peri...Like that's- Dev: FRACTIONS COME ON GUYS STOP BICKERING OR WHATEVER I NEED HELP WITH MY HOMEWORK!! Peri:*looks over at Irep and smirks* Irep:*looks at him and rolls his eyes before grinning* Such devilish work, alright Dev what's 1/3 + 1/5? Dev: *starts to show his work* 8/15! Peri: *rolls his eyes* Sigh...He did pay attention...

[luigisblueoveralls]

Carina

Luigi x GN! Reader

Requested by @andy-squirrel-and-friends

I know I already used a similar picture on one of my other works, shush I'm running out of pictures to use. Someone send me some plzz

Summary: Luigi has been down in the dumps lately and you find the perfect way to cheer him up.

Notes: Carina means cute, in a feminine context, in Italian, and I figured that would be perfect for this scenario. I also changed it a little of what you asked on accident and didn't realize it until I got really deep into writing it so I hope that's okay I apologize! No warnings for this one! Hope you enjoy it!

(H/L)=Hair Length

(H/C)=Hair Color

💚

The front door softly opened and then shut, indicating that your significant other was home from work.

"Hey Lui! How was today?" You called from the laundry room.

"Meh." Luigi mumbled as he walked upstairs to y'alls room.

You sighed to yourself hearing that. This was the third day in a row that Luigi was bummed out. You weren't sure why he was being this way, and when you ask what's wrong, he just says: "Don't worry about me. I'm alright." But you knew that was a damn lie. Normally, Luigi was excited and energetic and happy, but lately, he has been dull, monotone, and even depressed. You weren't sure why he was acting like this, but you were going to get to the bottom of this.

You quickly finished the laundry that you were doing and headed upstairs to the bedroom where Luigi was at.

"Hey." You announce as you knocked on the door, "Can I come in?"

It was silent for a few seconds.

"Sure."

You opened the door and walked into the bedroom to find Luigi top less in his boxers, looking for some lounge clothes to wear. You gazed at him. Luigi was so handsome to you that you loved gazing at him with whatever chance you got. Whether it be while he was cooking in the kitchen, asleep with drool coming out of his mouth, or during intimate times, you loved to gaze at him.

"What are you looking at?" Luigi asks you.

"Nothing, pretty boy." You joked, which made him do a half smile.

"What's been on your mind, Lui? Talk to me." You plead as you approached him.

Luigi shook his head at you.

"It's nothing. I promise, love." He reassures you.

You still weren't buying it.

"Lui, what is it?" You ask again.

Luigi leans in and kisses your temple.

"I promise I am okay. I'm just tired, is all." Luigi strokes your (H/L) (H/C), making you smile.

"I know, but I worry about you." You said, leaning onto Luigi's shoulder.

"You have nothing to worry about." Luigi reassures you, wrapping his arm around you.

You nod in response, but you still couldn't help but worry for Luigi. You needed a way to figure out how to lighten his mood, and you had an idea of how to do that.

~

"We have three available for adoption. It just depends on which one suits your need the best." The shelter worker lady informed you.

You gazed through the three glass shelters the cats were in. One cat was white, one was black, and then there was an orange tabby cat with white stripes all over his body with green eyes. Your eyes met with the orange cats. The orange cat stared right back into your eyes, and you couldn't help but feel drawn to the cat.

"Do you think you could tell me more about this orange one?" You ask the worker.

"Ah yes, she just arrived today, so we don't have a name for her yet, but she loves loves cuddles and to be loved on. She loves food and loves to play with her ball of yarn and gets attached to her person." The worker informed you.

This cat was a perfect match for Luigi. You just knew it. You had a gut feeling you were correct.

"I'll take her. She is perfect." You told the worker.

"Awesome. I'll fetch her crate for ya." The worker said as she walked off.

You pressed your hand up against the glass, and the cat pressed her paw against the glass where your hand was at. You giggled in an excited way. It was as if the cat knew she was gonna go to the perfect home.

~

It was a waiting game at this point. You had the cat in your lap with a little green bow tie on it, both of you waiting for Luigi to get home.

"He is going to love you." You spoke to the cat.

The cat rubbed her chin up against yours, and you chuckled in response. You still didn't really have a name for her, but you wanted Luigi to make that choice. It was his cat, after all. Suddenly, you heard the sound of his car engine pull up and park in front of the house. Your heart started racing rapidly. You couldn't wait till your wonderful significant other walked through the door and see your surprise you had for him.

"Relax (Y/N)." You told yourself.

You felt as if your heart was gonna burst out of your chest. You couldn't wait. You almost told Luigi the surprise as soon as you got the cat, but you figured it was best to wait till he got home. Luigi walked up to the front door, turned the door knob and opened the front door.

"Hey, Lui." You greet him with excitement.

You could tell by his gaze that he was tired. Extremely. He was so tired that all he noticed was you.

"Hey, (Y/N)." Luigi greets you as he tiredly walked to the couch.

"Are you okay?" You ask as you sat next to him, with the cat in your lap still.

"Y-Yeah, just-" Luigi was interrupted by the cat rubbing on him and crawling into his lap.

"Um..whose cat is this?" Luigi asks.

You leaned in close to him, placing a peck on his cheek.

"She's yours, Lui."

Luigi's eyes went wide in shock as he gazed at the orange tabby cat.

"R-Really?" Luigi asks in suprisement.

"Surprise!!" You exclaimed as you hugged the side of him.

Luigi chuckled as he started petting his cat. The cat would rub against his hand motions and even rub her up against his chin, as if she had already claimed Luigi as her owner.

"I just noticed you've been down lately and figured maybe having an animal companion might help." You inform him.

Luigi looked at you, his deep blue eyes staring into your (E/C) eyes. He felt so lucky to have you. You cared for him so much and wanted the best for him.

"Thank you." Luigi says as he kisses you.

You kissed back until he pulled away and turned his attention back to his cat.

"Carina. I think that's a perfect name for this one." Luigi comments.

"Yes. I agree." You agreed as you lean in close to Luigi, leaning your head onto his shoulder.

You had a feeling that living your life with Luigi and now Carina was gonna be the best years of your life. You just knew it.

💚

I hope you enjoy it!! Again I'm sorry for accidently changing what you wanted I didn't realize it until I was almost done with it but I hope you enjoy it!!

[thdorkmagnet]

The Great Christmas Tree Heist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And Don, you got the equipment?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

He bounced off instead. 

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes I will!” Raph shouted back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 But hopefully that first thing too. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okay definitely that second one.

“Dumdum,” Donnie whispered under his breath. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And the evil laugh?” Leo asked skeptically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

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

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

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

Guess he'd have to improvise. 

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

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

Or maybe he just wasn't listening. 

Both were likely options. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

… and stopped. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Not helping, Don!” Leo hissed. 

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

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

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

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

“Indeed,” Donnie replied with a short nod. 

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

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

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

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

And coming right towards them. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

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

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

“Understatement,” Donnie commented sarcastically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raph braced himself as Donnie reached into a box. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Raphie.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“So you went behind my back!” 

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

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

“Leo assisted me.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Um guys?”

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

“Should it be smoking like that, Donnie?”

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

“Fire!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

“Yes, and?” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Uh huh! It’s even got snow on it!” 

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

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

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

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

“Yours is subpar at best,” Donnie retorted. 

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

“What does height have to do with anything?” 

“Just admit you’re jealous.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[hebuiltfive]

Thundertober Day Four: Escape

I'm... not as happy with this as I want to be, but it's day four now so it needs to be posted. I hope this helps in the aftermath of yesterday's pain. Yes, I might have put Alan into some torment too for this but... shush.

AO3 here Days: One ~ Two ~ Three

Warnings for: None that I can think of! Scott isn't the only one in need of an escape from his mind tonight. Tagging: @thunder-tober @skymaiden32 @idontknowreallywhy (just going to put it out there that if you want to be tagged in any future Thundertober pieces, or future pieces in general, let me know and I'll tag you too!)

Scott didn’t move. He didn’t want to move. After returning from his hike, he’d stopped by the kitchen to grab himself a glass of water before making his way to his room, where he planned on staying for the rest of the night under the guise of ‘having a headache’. The sun had long since set over the island, and Scott was quite happy to remain under his covers, in the dark, thinking over all the possible alternative calls he could have made on today’s earlier rescue. He knew it wasn’t healthy, that Virgil would have disagreed strongly with his method of coping, but Scott didn’t care.

There was a gentle tap-tap-tap on his bedroom door.

Scott buried his head beneath his duvet. “Go away, Virgil. I have a headache.”

“Yeah, right.” Virgil’s voice echoed from the hallway. “A headache but you haven’t taken anything for it? Plus, Scott, I’ve seen you try to work through migraines before.”

“Go away, Virgil.”

His brother seemed to listen to him the second time, though Scott was sure it was reluctant. Heavy booted footsteps could be heard leaving, and Scott sighed in relief. No doubt Virgil would give him hell tomorrow for his blatant lack of self-care, but that was a problem for Future Scott. Right now, all he wanted to do was close his eyes and allow himself to be swallowed by the darkness and—

“Scott?”

This time, the voice from the other side of the door wasn’t Virgil’s. 

Scott stopped himself from falling for a second, eyes blinking open blearily. “I have a headache, Al.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry, but…”

His youngest brother’s voice cracked slightly as his sentence trailed off.

Scott couldn’t help it. No matter how much he wanted to stay hidden under his sheets, his big brother mode had kicked in and suddenly he wasn’t under his covers anymore. It took him less than a second to reach the door and open it.

Alan stood in his pyjamas, hair tousled and his eyes droopy from a lack of sleep. It would have been a disturbing sight as it was, but the fact that his brother had Glowy held in a deathly tight grip in his hands made it all the more worrying. Alan hadn’t had Glowy, his old childhood glow-in-the-dark alien plushie, out of storage in years, not since Dad had…

“Alan, what’s wrong?”

“… Nightmare.”

For Alan to have awoken from a nightmare, Scott figure it must have been late. Exactly how long had he been moping under his covers? Had he drifted off?

Scott stepped out of the way for Alan to have space to enter his room.

His brother shook his head. “I shouldn’t have bothered you…”

“Alan.” He began, his tone stern but laced with nothing but concern. “Come on.”

It was a reluctant agreement, but Alan caved and entered. Scott closed the door as quietly as he could before guiding Alan to the bed. 

The plushie in his hands was wrung and Scott reached out to place his hands over Alan’s.

“You’ll break him.”

“Eh. Glowy’s been through worse.”

Scott sat on the edge of his bed, smoothing out his wrinkled sheets to make room for his brother. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Alan immediately shook his head.

“Okay, we don’t have to.”

His brother tenderly rested Glowy up against one of Scott’s pillows before taking a seat on the space beside Scott. “Sorry, I don’t… want to have to relive… again, you know?”

Scott nodded because yes, he knew that fear all too well. 

He wrapped an arm around Alan’s shoulders, pulling him in for a tight embrace. They stayed like that for a while, Alan’s legs swinging back and forth from where they dangled off the bed. 

“Where did you go?” Alan eventually asked after a few minutes of peaceful silence. 

Though it had been whispered, the sudden question startled Scott a little. “Huh?”

“Earlier today. Where did you go?”

Scott had assumed all his brothers knew of his hiking-when-troubled routine, but clearly this assumption had been wrong. “I, uh… I went for a walk.”

Alan nodded, his tousled blonde hair tickling Scott’s cheek as he laid his head against his shoulder. “Did it help?”

Nothing got past Alan. The kid knew him — he knew all of them — too well. Scott found himself praying that Alan’s intuition was a natural gift and his accuracy in guessing what his brothers were feeling wasn’t down to experience. 

Still, a fond smile brightened Scott’s features. “A little.”

Again, a silence that was anything but oppressive took over the room. 

Time became meaningless again and it was only when he felt Alan’s body start to droop that Scott realised how long they’d been sat there. 

He didn’t want to wake his brother again and so he carefully twisted Alan sideways, carefully resting his head on the pillow beside Glowy. Alan instinctively grabbed the plushie and pulled it toward his chest for a hug. The kid didn’t stir, however, and Scott breathed a sigh of relief. 

Once he’d tucked his younger brother in to his bed, he crawled into the other side.

A weight had been lifted, he noted as he tucked the duvet under his chin. Scott had been content to lay in the dark, contemplating all of the what-ifs and could-have-beens for the rest of the night, beating himself up over a misjudgement he’d made in the mission that only he regarded as a failure. 

Now though, he couldn’t help but notice how much better he felt from Alan’s presence alone. If it wasn’t for Alan’s very real fear in those blue eyes of his, for Glowy being held tightly in Alan’s grasp, even now, Scott might have thought the whole thing had been a plot to get him to open up to one of them. 

To help him escape that mindscape he’d curated for himself.

To save him from himself. 

Then again, Alan always seemed to know. Even if whatever night terror that had come to haunt him was real, it could all still have been a part of that plot. Alan could have easily done to Gordon’s room, or Virgil’s, but he had chosen to come to Scott.

He glanced over at Alan’s sleeping form. 

He watched as his brother gently breathed in and out. 

Whatever the reason, Scott found himself indifferent. Alan had come and, knowingly or unknowingly, helped him escape that endless spiral.

As he allowed sleep to take him again, Scott found himself smiling softly.

“G’night, Al.”

[after-nine-at-the-oasis]

Hey guys! Time for HSMTMTS Appreciation Week Day Three: Favorite Quote/Scene/Original Song/Performance! I honestly don't think I would be able to pick for both of those, but I'll at least talk about one of my favorite quotes (if I try to talk about anything else this will most definitely be late, because it's midnight in 8 minutes, so we'll see - or maybe I'll make another post sometime lol. Coming back here with an edit from later in the post: yeah it's past midnight lol. Ignore that - I'm sure for other people it won't be xD).

And that quote is: "And now we're all here, maybe for the last time together. For some of us this has become. . ." "Family."

LISTEN OKAY!!!

XD Yeah, maybe a stereotypical quote, but it's always the first one I think of when I think of HSMTMTS quotes. It's just so relatable to almost any theatre kid, and I totally feel it. Especially given that this is in 1x06. At the end of the year before last, my amazing theatre teacher left. And last year, our musical was cancelled, shortly before we lost one of our members. I know that fear. During my rewatch, it hit me how much I did, when EJ said "I'm sorry no one will get to see you play Gabriella" (something like that). And that specifically relates to ANOTHER experience lol. My first real musical was High School Musical. I was cast as Sharpay, and I was so excited. COVID killed it, and after months of waiting and trying, we performed it on Zoom.

So I just feel this scene so much. They all have no clue what's going to happen, they're angry, they're upset, they don't want to lose this. And they're just barely starting to come together as a cast. But they know. They know that they're family. And it's right after this quote that they decide to do something about it.

And it brings me back to how much I love the Wildcats (guess I'm going to talk about that every post this week lol). They truly are a family, and seeing it from in Season 1 is just so special. And even though they keep going from here, and keep growing, this quote is the moment we know. The moment THEY know. That they're a family, and they're not going to give up on each other. Despite how different they all are, and despite their different opinions and emotions in that moment or all the time, they're not going to leave or give up. And I just love that, so, so much :').

I don't know if I managed to find all the words I wanted to there, but yeah lol :'). Now, since it's past midnight anyway, I will actually talk about the other options for today a bit lol.

Again, I could never truly pick a favorite of any of these lol, these are just examples of some of my favorites.

Favorite Performance: Stick to the Status Quo. Is this because of Seb? Maybe, who knows. But seriously xD, it's so good. The dancing, to AAHHH GINA'S BACK!!! AND SHE'S AMAZING!! To SEB MATTHEW-SMITH SLAYING THE HOUSE DOWN!!! It's just so good xD. And it's at the point during the show where they're all still having a good time, not switching roles and losing their minds yet lol. The amount of times me and my sister would be watching YouTube and see if in the search history and just. Look at each other. And immediately watch it again xD. It's just so epic.

And, this could be a point for or against it, it does make me feel some feelings (besides love for my babeys). Related to previously discussed crazy theatre happenings lol. It's kind of a bittersweet thing for me, just feeling a tiny bit off "I never got that". But it's worth it lol.

Favorite Scene: Honestly I genuinely don't know what to put for this lol. I want to put SOMETHING specific, even though this is probably harder to pick anything close to a favorite than any other category, but still lol. Okay, I thought of one lol. Yes, it includes a seblos moment, but shush, I can do what I want lol. Anyway! Carlos welcoming Ashlyn to the queer community :'). That entire scene lol, with EJ coming up after that and supporting Carlos, and then SEB!!! MY SEBLOS REUNION!! AND A KISS!!!! It's just such a good scene, I love it so much :'D. Like, seeing Carlos welcome Ashlyn and give her the pin :') - especially considering it like 100% definitely for sure confirmed it <33. And then seeing a bit of Carlos's insecurities, but EJ reminds us of that Wildcat love in saying that he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want to do :'). And then Seb, showing up and being the cutest ever, and Ashlyn looking so happy that he's there, and Carlos seeing him, and just aAH!! I love them all so much <33 😭❤️❤️❤️🥰. I love all of those mini-scenes in one scene so much :') :'DD.

Favorite Original Song: Oh my gosh, I love them all xd. Okay, here are a few of my favorites (but it's a lot of them lol): In a Heartbeat, Born to Be Brave, Second Chance, and You Ain't Seen Nothin'. But honestly those are just some of the ones that get stuck in my head a lot or I listen to a lot lol.

In a Heartbeat: the perfect Seblos song. Also Ricky just. Being there. Always makes me die xDD. But seriously, it's SO CUTE, and it's a BOP (and Frankie's voice is amazing)! But seriously it's perfect for Seblos, like I said, and it's just so sweet :'). I have literal records (like in documents where I talk about it lol) of me freaking out over In a Heartbeat lol. It's perfect <33. Also, don't even talk to me about the homecoming suits sequence ❤️❤️.

Born to Be Brave: The icon of the series. I mean, clearly, since (SPOILERS) the last episode is named after it. Honestly if there's not a reprise of it I may riot /hj. But seriously, it's such a cute and empowering moment between Nini and Kourt, and of COURSE it's also empowering on Carlos's side :'D. And as someone who loves just dancing crazy however I want with my friends at dances? Yeah :'). Love <33. Anyway, it represents such big moments in multiple character arcs, and I just love it so much :')). Plus, again, it's a BOP!! And the ACOUSTIC VERSION!!! Don't even get the started on that :D.

Second Chance: THIS SONGGG!!! It makes me feel so many feelings 😭😭❤️. It's such a great summary of all four of their character arcs, and the VISUALS!!! They just kill me so much. Everyone back in their episode one outfits 😭😭💔❤️. And it back to the core four, especially knowing Nini's pretty much done :'(( ❤️. Honestly, I really want a song similar to Second Chance for everyone at the end of Season 4. I know we probably won't get it, but just- flashbacks to everyone's first outfits (honestly I'd take/love flashbacks in general 👀 but the point here is like Second Chance lol), everyone getting a part. And oh my gosh, if they all had individual lines? Like the little phrases the core four have in Second Chance? I don't know how that would even work (four overlapping in Second Chance works but everyone would be a LOT lol o.o xd), but it would be so cool. Anyway, Second Chance makes me so sad and nostalgic but it is SO GOOD!! It hurts but it hits xD. I just love it so much <33.

You Ain't Seen Nothin': This one, like I just said, just hits xDD. It's a BOP!!! And the video call format of it is really cool :D. But honestly, everyone gets their own part (as I saw pointed out in the comment section of it once lol, it fits everyone's voices, like Belle), and it's so upbeat and GOOD and just AGH!! I love it so much. It also accidentally makes me feel a bit of Feels™ (we're not worrying about that phrasing right now), because happy/"yeah let's make them most of this"/"we do amazing things and we will do amazing things" songs do that to me sometimes lol, but still. It gets stuck in my head SO MUCH!! Like the other songs I feel like are more appreciated/iconic than this one, but it just STUCK to me. I don't know why, but I don't care xDD. I love it <33. Also, it brings together everyone from the episode really well, just like the calls did throughout, but with music :D. And again, it's just so uplifting :). And also again, I love it <3 ❤️🥰🥰.

Also, special shout-out to the beginning of Here I Come for getting STUCK in my brain!! It's just. OUAGH!! Not that I don't love the entire song, but there's something about that beginning 👀. And also, again, the Wildcats loving each other gives me feelings xdd <33.

Anyway!! So those are some of my favorites of all those lol. This got pretty long, but I should expect that by now lol. I do hope y'all enjoyed seeing me freak out over a bunch of HSMTMTS scenes (and such) for 10 paragraphs though lol :). It's pretty much how I roll xD.

But yeah! I am so excited for Season 4 :DD. Just two days, people!!!

[misty720]

Announcing our love - Ch6:

Sundays, Papyrus went in a little later and closed a little earlier with his biggest spike being late breakfast and early lunch. Instead of five, he rose at seven to open half past eight. He sat up and saw his little human bundled under the sheets wearing a sleepy grin as she slept right through the alarm. He smiled and kissed her neck to stir her. "Noooo, Pap..." Chara groaned in a foggy voice. "Three's 'nough..." She shooed him away lazily with her hand crossed over her body not even bothering to roll over to face him.

"ARE WE TALKING GLASSES OF WINE OR TRICYCLE MOTORS?"

"Both..."

"NYEH HEH! I LOVE YOU. COME ON, DEAR, WE NEED TO LET THE KIDS KNOW WE WILL BE LEAVING THEM WITH THEIR AUNT FRISK AND UNCLE SANS SO THEY CAN THROW THEIR FITS NOW AND BE DONE WITH IT."

"Don't you put that on me today, Papyrus. You get to leave while I'm stuck with them!"

"THE SOONER THE BETTER, DEAREST. DON'T WORRY, I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL I KNOW THEY WON'T CAUSE YOU GRIEF." Chara groaned and dressed for the day while Papyrus started his routine.

The three were already piled on the couch in their pajamas watching television and shoveling sugar laden cereal into their cheeks. "Kids..." Chara beckoned their attention and turned off the show followed with a chorus of groans. "Shush! This will only take as long as you make it. Kids, your father and I have something to talk with you about."

"Oh no! They're getting divorced!!" Kabel cried and threw his hands to his face dramatically.

"What?! No! And, where did you learn that word anyway??"

"Our friend at school said their mom and dad were doing it, and she said she will only see her daddy on the weekends..." Sylfae told them.

"WE'RE NOT GETTING A DIVORCE. YOU CHILDREN ARE DRAMATIC LIKE YOUR MOTHER. ACTUALLY, WE'RE DOING THE OPPOSITE OF A DIVORCE!"

"You're... getting married??" Serif asked with a scrunched face feeling very confused.

"We're renewing our wedding vows for our anniversary, yes. Which means you three will have a role to play in it. Papa and Momma love each other very much and aren't interested by any means in leading separate lives. Also, we do have some news you're not going to like to follow the wedding. Papa and I will be gone for a week, a full seven days, on a honeymoon... just us... without you three..."

"You're leaving us behind?!" Kabel asked in distress.

"But, we always go on trips together..." Sylfae teared up. "You don't want us to come?"

"Both of you, stop," Serif cut in bopping them on the head with one of their stuffed animals to get their attention. "Mom and Dad will be doing boring grown-up stuff on their trip. Stuff you won't be interested in. That's what a honeymoon is. They don't want to hear us groan for a week about how bored we are while they take care of things."

Chara smiled adoringly at her oldest who frequently translated what they were trying to say in terms the younger ones would understand. "What kind of stuffs?" Kabel asked not quite convinced.

"I don't know, I've never been!"

"WE'LL BE TAKING CARE OF PAPA'S WORK STUFF, TAXES, LEGAL PAPERWORK, SCHEDULING, MAYBE EVEN RUN ERRANDS WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP EVERY FIVE MINUTES FOR ONE OF YOU TO PEE," Papyrus helped his son out picking up on where this was going.

"Booooo!!" Sylfae and Kabel shouted at the same time. "Why even go??" Sylfae asked.

"Because adults sometimes have things to do that aren't always fun but are necessary. That's part of being a responsible adult. Thank you, stinker. We appreciate the backup," Chara kissed all three of them and joined them in front of the tv.

"QUICK THINKING, SON. GOOD JOB," Papyrus roughed his hair and kissed all of them before heading out the door for work. Thanks to Serif, the talk went smoother than planned. They loved all of their kids, but they were grateful for Serif and how he was with his siblings.

@papara-week

[plumblossomcafe]

Ch.38: Setting Sail and Confessions of an Outlander (1/2)

Katheryne: Ad astra abyssosque! What can I do for you, Aether, and Y/n?

Aether: About traveling to Inazuma...

Katheryne: Ah yes, I've heard that you've both already made arrangements with the captain of the Crux Fleet regarding your passage to Inazuma. Is that correct? Now that I think about it, it's been quite some time since I last visited those lands. Unfortunately, I don't have any current intel that would be worth sharing with you.

Y/n: That's alright

Sea Drake: There you guys are! You're the Travelers that Beidou will be taking to Inazuma, right?

Aether: It seems our intel has arrived.

Sea Drake: The fleet has nearly completed reprovisioning. Once the crews have taken a headcount, we can get underway. Captain Beidou sent me to come get you guys. We'll weigh anchor as soon as you're aboard.

Paimon: Seems Beidou is a captain of her word.

Sea Drake: Of course! There are many things that the Captain insists upon. I'm sure you'll see for yourself once you're on board.

Katheryne: So you'll be heading off then? I suppose congratulations are in order. Whether the journey before you guys leads to the heights of the heavens or the depths of the abyss, each step you take is another achievement. Until we meet again, ad astra abyssosque!

Y/n: Ad astra abyssosque, Katheryne...We'll miss you...

Paimon: Oh... It's kinda hard to say goodbye now... we practically see each other every day.

Katheryne: Hehe, well if that's how you feel, why not come and find me when you arrive? I'll be awaiting you on Narukami Island.

Aether: ...I knew it!

Paimon: So there's another Katheryne in Inazuma!? See, there's no need to get all sappy now, Y/n...

Sea Drake: Haha, well, I guess it's time for you guys to bid farewell to Liyue Harbor. Now that I've delivered my message, I'll be heading back. The ship is currently anchored off of Guyun Stone Forest.

Y/n: Okay, thanks for coming all this way to let us know!

Sea Drake: Just following orders. I'll see you three aboard the Alcor.

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Beidou: Ah, you guys finally made it! All these years, come rain or storm, the Crux Fleet has never suffered a delay. If it were anyone else, I might've set sail already.

Y/n: Apologies, Captain!

Beidou: Hahaha, don't look too serious, I'm only joking. You're just on time. The crew has just finished making final preparations. *sigh* Well, now that everyone's here... We set sail for the land engulfed by storm and tempest... The nation of "eternity"!

Paimon: Anchors aweigh!

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After braving the raging thunderstorms, The Alcor finally comes into port... A series of lovely islands lie before you as you descend the gangplank, and immediately, you are met by a young man who seems to have been awaiting you for a long time.

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???: So, you finally made it. You sure kept me waiting, Captain. And it appears we have a couple of stowaways... or perhaps I should say — honored guests.

Paimon: Hey! Shush!

Beidou: You can blame your Almighty Shogun. The tempests around Inazuma have been growing all the more fierce lately. Though the fleet was fully up to the challenge, the inclement weather still caused some delay. Now then, let me introduce everyone. This is Thoma, a trade partner that I've gotten to know recently.

Thoma: Heh, you don't know how long I've been waiting to see you.

Beidou: Thoma, these two are—

Thoma: No need for introductions. Their reputation precedes them. Seems even the stormy seas can't keep rumors of these outlanders' sterling deeds at bay.

Aether: Nice to meet you, Thoma.

Y/n: *gripping Aether's hand* "Tall...I dont like tall people that much...."

Paimon: Hehe, it's sure nice to hear you say that~

Beidou: Ha, with any luck, it'll give you guys a head start here. Aether, Y/n, Thoma's resided on Ritou for quite some time now. It wouldn't be going too far to say he's the fixer around these parts. If you guys run into any problems here, just talk to Thoma. But if he tries to pull any moves on you, especially twords you Y/n, I'll be sure to deal with him personally the next time I'm around.

Thoma: Hehehe, no need to worry. I'm sure we'll get along just fine.

Beidou: Good. Then, if it's all settled, I'll be going. I wouldn't want to be caught with my sails down here, I do have wanted fugitives on board, after all.

Paimon: Oh, right. Kazuha and Tomo...

Beidou: Until next time, Aether and Y/n. Remember to give it your all, no matter what perilous "storms" you guys may encounter.

Y/n: Looking forward to seeing you again!

Paimon: Fair seas, Captain Beidou! Bye-bye!

Beidou: *leaves*

Thoma: Now then, first things first, we need to go get you guys registered at the border checkpoint.

Paimon: Um, Paimon thought we were supposed to be keeping things on the down low... Are we just gonna walk into the government's hands?

Thoma: Haha, don't underestimate the reaches of the Sakoku Decree. You wouldn't be able to avoid inspection even if you tried. So we have to play by the rules... even if we're kind of bending them.

Y/n: Now I'm feeling a bit nervous.

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After managing to pass the entry procedures

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Yurika: You've completed the entry procedures, yes? And now you want to apply for residency? Three of you?

Paimon: Yes, please!

Yurika: Okay. The processing fee will be three million Mora.

Paimon: *shocked* T—Three million! For a processing fee? Are you serious!?

Yurika: That's right, one million per applicant, which makes three million total. Don't worry. You can trust my math.

Paimon: Paimon wasn't so much questioning your math as... Ugh...

Thoma: Hahaha... Ma'am, these three here are good friends of mine. I think you'll find I'm one face you recognize.

Yurika: Ah, Mr. Thoma, it's you. By way of courtesy, allow me to reduce it to 400,000 Mora total.

Y/n: That's still quite expensive...

Thoma: Thank you ever so much, Miss Yurika. But as this is just a processing fee... I think 600 Mora should cover it if I'm paying on their behalf? I'll treat you to dinner, too. How does that sound?

Y/n: "This guy reminds me of Kaeya"

Paimon: That's not how you haggle! By all means, bargain the price down, but—

Yurika: Alright then. As you wish, Mr. Thoma. I will make a record.

Thoma: Hee-hee, much obliged.

Yurika leads the four inside the building. The residency application is processed smoothly at the Outlander Affairs Agency. Soon, Thoma, Paimon, Aether, and Y/n leave for the entrance to the Agency.

Paimon: What!? She went from three million down to 600? There's something seriously wrong with people's sense of finance around here!

Y/n: Mhm

Aether: I think it's about more than the Mora.

Thoma: Hehe, it's not as mind-boggling as you think. "Processing fee" is just a figure of speech. The way some here at the agency see it, the fees are easy money, so it becomes a question of how much they can make. So when the day comes that some poor merchant from overseas with more money than sense gets stuck here and needs to apply for residency...

Paimon: Then they'll milk them for all they're worth!

Thoma: Exactly. It's at times like this that having a local friend really comes in handy.

Y/n: That's blatant oppression against outlanders... *sighs* Doesn't anyone push back?

Thoma: Yes, but when you're an outlander in Inazuma, far from home, in this closed-nation era, there's very little that can be done about it. The most that overseas merchants can do to look after themselves is stick together. That's how the International Trade Association came about.

Paimon: So it's a trade association built by and for outlanders?

Thoma: Yep, and as well as advancing commercial interests, the association provides help, support, and structure for outlanders trying to survive on Ritou. Essentially, it's an association devoted to both commercial excellence and survival skills.

Aether: The Raiden Shogun feels further away than ever...

Paimon: *sigh* Sounds like just stayin' alive is an achievement when you're an outlander in Inazuma...

Y/n: I at least have some savings, but I don't know how long it'll last for

Thoma: I see... so this is the real purpose of your trip. Yes, given that you are outlanders, it's certainly a lofty aspiration. After all, the Raiden Shogun is the most exalted and revered one in all of Inazuma. She is a deity who reigns on high, while all other life gazes up in awe.

Aether: I still have to find a way!

Thoma: ... I was going to say nothing is set in stone when it comes to who you will encounter in this world. Who's to say you won't happen to run into the Raiden Shogun one day after lunch...

Paimon: Uh-huh... And is that likely...?

Thoma: Okay, I'll give it to you straight. I know of a way to introduce you to the Raiden Shogun.

Paimon: Really!? Wow, the Ritou fixer is better connected than we thought!

Thoma: Ahem, hehe — I mean, it will take all the resources I have at my disposal, but it can be done. However, before we get there... Connections come at a high price, you understand?

Paimon: Ugh, not you too!

Y/n: How much Mora?

Thoma: Hahaha! No, no... In this instance, when I say price, I'm not talking about Mora. In fact, there's no real cost, as such. It's just that... if this is something you really want, you'll have to agree to help other people solve some of their problems first. I like to do things in a way that keeps everybody happy. It's my own personal rule for dealing with situations like this.

Paimon: Sounds very reasonable to Paimon! You're the man in the middle, so you have to trade favors to keep everyone indebted to you.

Aether: The fixer works in mysterious ways...

Thoma: Heh... Why do I get the feeling you're making me out to be some sort of crook... Uh, never mind. Here's the situation. As I touched upon earlier, the members of the International Trade Association are constantly struggling to survive. Recently, things seem to have gotten more difficult than ever for them. So just go and check things out, see if there's any way you can help. The head of the association is called Kurisu, and he's a good friend of mine. Go talk to him, I'll wait for you here.

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Kurisu: Oh? Hello there, you guys must be seeking refuge with the International Trade Association. The Outlander Affairs Agency took you guys for all you're worth, I suppose.

Y/n: Very nearly... Luckily, we had a friend with us.

Kurisu: Ah, good, that's a relief. *sigh* ...You need to be careful, or you'll find yourself losing your savings all at once.

Paimon: We heard the association has been having some difficulties lately. Is that true?

Kurisu: Yes... left, right, and center. Obstacles at every turn. But that's nothing new for us.

Y/n: The Sakoku Decree certainly makes things difficult for anyone who wants to come here from overseas.

Kurisu: But it's not the root cause of our woes. The Sakoku Decree might restrict our scope of activity, but in and of itself, it doesn't stop us from being able to enjoy a comfortable existence. No, what's really squeezing us outlander merchants dry is......those Mora-grubbers from the Kanjou Commission.

Paimon: Oh, of the three Commissions, that's the one that oversees everything on Ritou, isn't it?

Kurisu: That's right. They impose astronomical tax rates and unbelievable regulations, and that's not the worst of it... They just issued a new Tax Decree recently that, for some reason, completely changes the way we pay our taxes. It used to be Mora, but now it's something called Crystal Marrow.

Y/n: Crystal Marrow...? What's that?

Kurisu: Something that most of us in the association had never heard of before either, until the new decree came along. Eventually, one of the older Liyue merchants recalled that he once shipped a batch of it to Snezhnaya in his youth. So, in order to pay our taxes, we began an arduous search for this Crystal Marrow. But then we found we'd only managed to create a bigger problem for ourselves. The rising demand for Crystal Marrow drove the price higher and higher... Now, there's only one vendor who even has it in stock. We can't get hold of it anywhere else...

Y/n: *coughed a little* Uh... isn't that what they call a monopoly?

Kurisu: Exactly. So this vendor keeps pushing the price up, and we have no choice but to buy from them because the Tax Decree forces us to... It's a vicious cycle, the consequence of which is that our taxes will soon exceed our profits... and once that happens...

Aether: This is absurd treatment. Can't you discuss the situation with the Kanjou Commission?

Kurisu: We've tried communicating with the commission directly... But this is a nation where the cries of a few struggling merchants will never be heard over the ever-present roar of thunder... *sigh* Fontaine, my dear homeland... I miss you an awful lot at the moment...

Paimon: Sounds awful, they're really bleeding them dry. Aether, Y/n what do you think we should do?

Aether: The vendor does sound like a fishy character.

Kurisu: *sigh* That vendor... I've actually done business with him in the past, but after a point, he stopped contacting us. I have no idea where he sources the stuff...

Paimon: Hmm... Well, it definitely sounds like he's being unfair. How do we find him? We could go talk to him and see if he lets anything slip.

Kurisu: Hey, that's a pretty good idea! Since you're not affiliated with the association and you're new to Ritou, he may just let his guard down. If I remember correctly, our usual meeting point with him is under a tree by the coast in the residential district. See if you can find him there.

Paimon: Got it! We're on the case!

Y/n: *seing everything blurry* ugh... *holding her head*

Paimon: Y/n!!! Let's go!!!

Y/n: *snapped back to reality* Coming!!!

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Werner: Hm? I don't think I recognize you guys. Are you guys new arrivals?

Aether: Yes, we just arrived.

Werner: So. What do you need with me?

Aether: Where do you source your goods?

Werner: The sheer nerve! You don't go around asking questions like that! If I gave you my sources, I might as well hand you the whole darn business! Trade secret, got it? You know what "trade" and "secret" mean, right? Tsk.

Paimon: This guy's got a bad attitude...

Y/n: "My body feels incredibly warm... But I can't let that get in my way from helping others..." Can you... reduce your prices?

Werner: Hah! Are you even buying!? ...Ohh, I see what's going on here. Kurisu and his associates sent you here to try and plead their case, didn't they? Heh, they're wasting their time. The price is non-negotiable, not by a single Mora.

Paimon: Hey, what's your problem!? She was nice. In fact, she shouldn't even have to be nice to a jerk like you!!!

Werner: Get out of here, go on. Tell them they're lucky to be buying from me in the first place, and they ought to be more grateful. If it weren't for me, they'd be in seriously hot water.

Paimon: What are we gonna do? There's no talking to this guy...

Aether: Let's go talk to Thoma.

Paimon: Good idea. Let's check back in with him.

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Thoma: Hm? That was quick... You resolved it already?

Paimon: Um, actually, we're having a little trouble...

Aether: What do you know about Werner?

Thoma: Oh, that guy? I'm familiar. He used to be a bit of a sorry sight, selling shells that he'd collect on the beach just to get by. But he seems to have suddenly shot up in the world recently. I can only assume he must have found himself a patron after leaving the International Trade Association.

Paimon: Huh? You're saying he used to be a member of the International Trade Association? So he's an outlander, too?

Thoma: Yes... couldn't you tell when you spoke to him?

Aether: Hmmm, seemed like a Mondstadter to me.

Thoma: That's right, Werner was born in Mondstadt, then went into the shipping business, trading between Liyue and Inazuma. When Inazuma closed to the outside world, he was one of a group of outlanders that ended up stranded on Ritou.

Paimon: Huh, what a bummer...

Thoma: The International Trade Association was initially very generous to him, but over time, with decree after decree, the association members found it increasingly difficult to make ends meet...

Paimon: So, he left the association and turned his back on them!

Thoma: Haha, I'm sure it's more nuanced than that. I believe even the most ungrateful and cold-hearted of people still have some amount of gratitude and warmth left in them somewhere.

Aether: Got it. I'll go back and talk to him again. Y/n, I'm gonna need you to take some things out of your bag when I tell you.

Y/n: Sure?

Paimon: Really? Is that all you need to know?

Thoma: Well then, it sounds like you may have found a way in with him.

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Werner: What are you guys doing back here? Just 'cause I got plenty of time on my hands doesn't mean I want to waste any of it talking to you guys.

Aether: It was the wind that led me back here to you.

Werner: Huh? Where's this coming from...

Aether: A Dandelion Wine would sure be nice on a day like this...

Werner: ...Mondstadt... You're talking about... Mondstadt?

Aether: *whispering* Y/n, hand me some dandelion seeds

Y/n: here *hands them to him*

Werner: Goodness, I can sense it now. So familiar, but I can't remember the last time I was there... Ah, the scent of Mondstadt... Oh, how it takes me back...

Aether: May the Anemo Archon protect you.

Werner: *sigh* My hometown... The home of freedom...! How I long to go back and visit...

Paimon: Ooh, it's working...

Werner: Ah... Oh — ahem! So, trying to play my heartstrings like a lyre, are you? I know what you're up to.

Aether: Close your eyes...

Werner: Huh? What is this? What are you up to now?

Paimon: Just close your eyes already!

Aether: Listen closely... doesn't it sound familiar...?

Werner: You mean... the sound of the ocean?

Aether: Grilled Tiger Fish, get it while it's hot!

Werner: *gasp* Liyue Harbor! I can see it so clearly! Oh, and the sound of the waves, the calls of the merchants...

Aether: May the flames of virtue spread to all......and never be extinguished!

Werner: Xiao Lanterns! Haha, I'm right there, at the Lantern Rite! Oh... look at them, floating up into the sky!

Paimon: This guy has a really active imagination... either that or he really does miss Liyue Harbor...

Werner: *sigh* Liyue, Liyue...

Y/n: *shows him a Glaze Lily*

Werner: Wait... Stop, that's enough... Don't make me relive it any more, my poor heart can't take it...

Y/n: A lot of people have supported you in the past.

Werner: You mean... the folks from the International Trade Association... And I suppose they are far from home, just like me. Often, I'll sneak down to the shore at night and listen to the sound of the waves... I like to imagine it's the voice of my hometown, carried across the ocean. I've run into folks from the association more than a few times doing just that, but I always hide my face and slip away... *sigh* Don't you think I've wanted to talk things through with them and free myself from this anguish?

Paimon: Um... well, no one's stopping you, so...

Werner: They're so resilient. None of them had anyone else to rely on, so they rallied together, committed to finding a way to survive... But I couldn't do it, I'm not strong enough... So... I caved... Those people, they'd make the smallest of promises, offer the most measly benefits, and I'd do whatever they asked of me... and make Mondstadters look like the worst people in the world...

Aether: Who are "those people"?

Werner: ...Alright, I'll tell you the whole story. It's eating me up inside, and I can't take it anymore.

Paimon: You're ready to talk now?

Aether: The International Trade Association will protect you.

Werner: But I betrayed them... I can't show my face there...

Paimon: Ugh, c'mon, you scaredy-cat! Look, you messed up, but now it's time to make things right! So, come on, get it off your chest. What's the deal here?

Werner: It's a scheme by the tax-collection ashigaru. Keijirou and his companions. They start by overtaxing the merchants, then take the extra Crystal Marrow they receive and stockpile it. Once the merchants run out of places to buy Crystal Marrow, they get me to sell that extra stock back to the merchants at an extortionate price, with the proceeds going to the tax-collection ashigaru.

Y/n: It's just... it's plain evil, gouging them like this.

Werner: I'm their puppet, yes... but my cut is a tiny fraction of what we take in total. It's barely enough for me to live on.

Y/n: We need evidence.

Werner: Evidence? Hmm... You're right. Without conclusive evidence, he will never admit it. Now that I think about it, whenever I report back to him after a sale, he always heads to the same place. It's always made me suspicious... As it happened, I handed some Mora over to him not long ago. I can show you where he went if you want.

Paimon: Really? Well, then there's no time to lose! Let's go.

[lovelylovelyanon]

First Dates

Chapter Three: Extra, Extra, Read All About It.

The next morning, Freddie was awoken by the bustling sounds of someone in the kitchen. He sat up, startled by his unfamiliar surroundings before regaining memories of last night's events. He groaned, feeling embarrassed of how he'd acted. His head pounded, and his stomach felt as if it was turning itself inside out. As if on cue, Ali walked into the living room with a mug of something steaming in her hand.

"Please tell me that's coffee." His body ached as he reached for the mug. Ali sat next to him, tucking her feet under her legs.

"Nope, ginger tea. Should help with the nausea and the headache." Ali handed him the mug along with some pain relievers, Fred giving a nod of thanks. He took a hefty sip of the hot substance before assessing the situation he found himself in. He was still in his work clothes from the night before, the jeans and muscle tee reeking of cheap beer, body odor, and fire. His feet lacked his boots, which he remembered taking off by the door. His back and shoulders were sore from sleeping on Ali's couch.

Ali, on the other hand, had such a good night's rest she was convinced she'd double dosed her melatonin. Other than the occasional snore from the living room, she'd slept like a baby.

After downing the entire mug of hot tea in under five minutes, Freddie stretched his arms over his head, groaning at the pull in his muscles. He made the mental note to never again drink that much in one sitting.

"Thanks for lettin' me crash, Al. I was drunk off my ass." He attempted a half smile with the pounding headache and accepted an affectionate shove from Ali, placing his mug on the coffee table in front of them.

"Not a problem, you're always welcome here, Fred. You know that. Hey, what did you need to tell me?" Freddie was lost in thought, almost missing her question. He shook his head to snap himself out of the haze, clearing his throat before speaking.

"Uh, well fuck. Um, Dad's...well, Dad's filing for divorce." Ali choked on her tea, coughing as she took in what Fred had said. His dad was filing for divorce from her-THEIR mom. What. The. Fuck.

"What?! Why? Freddie, what happened?" She got more anxious with each word she spoke. Her mother hadn't mentioned anything about this, and she had just talked to her yesterday morning.

"He told me he felt like he's been lying all these years. I guess he was never able to get over...well, ya know. He just couldn't keep lying to himself, to-to Mom." Freddie began to get choked up, the tears materializing faster than he could stop them. Ali was there, her hand on his back as she encouraged him to keep talking, unaware of the tears filling her own eyes. Her stepbrother-no, let's be honest, her brother began to shake as he cried, the sight one of the most heartbreaking scenes to ever play.

"Fred, I'm so sorry. Hey, no matter what, she's still your mom, and I'm still your sister. Ok? Hey, that won't change, we're still your family." Ali rubbed his back and shushed his cries, allowing her own tears to fall.

Lorelai had raised Freddie from the second they'd met, mothering him from day one. He resisted at first, but one late night talk changed everything. Freddie's biological mother had died of a drug overdose mere months after his birth, and it was a miracle Freddie was even alive. His father was never the same after, insisting that the addiction had taken over her mind, that she wasn't herself. When he'd met Lorelai, Freddie's father changed completely, seemingly forgetting about the wife he'd lost to the war on drugs. Lorelai changed their lives for the better, and now he felt as if he was losing his mother all over again.

After crying and holding each other for over an hour, a knock sounded at the door, causing both of the to jump. Ali quickly collected herself, scampering to the door. She checked the peephole of her door, rolling her eyes before cracking open the door.

"Yes, Gale?" The nosey neighbor attempted to peek her head around Ali, her self-righteous nose high in the air.

"Heard some commotion last night, was that you and-Oh!" While Gale was speaking, Freddie had appeared behind Ali. Gale's forty-five-year-old eyes swept up and down the fireman's body, a devious grin materializing on her shrewd mouth. Freddie held out his hand, giving the divorcee one of his award-winning grins.

"Hi, I'm Fred. You must be one of Ali's neighbors." Gale quickly took his hand, holding on a little longer (and tighter) than necessary.

"Gale, Gale James. It was Brown, but ya know." She wiggled the ring finger of her left hand, displaying the empty space for all to see. Ali rolled her eyes.

"Is that all, Gale?" Even though she'd addressed her directly, Gale deliberately ignored Ali.

"So, stud, you gotta be some kinda laborer with those muscles. Lemme guess, construction?" Gale was putting on her best show of pearly whites, her silicone lips tight over the enamel rocks. Her nightgown hung dangerously low on her chest, and it seemed as if she pulled it lower periodically. Fred, ever the gentleman, kept his gaze locked with hers.

"Close, ma'am. Fireman, Lieutenant Hill at your service." He gave an exaggerated salute, causing the older woman to blush and bat her eyes. Ali, on the other hand, was ready the rip her eyeballs straight from their sockets.

"Well, I might just have to leave my curling iron plugged in." Gale gave a wink, making Ali nauseous.

"Ok, goodbye Gale." Ali shut the door in her face, putting an end to the eye-love Gale was undoubtedly making to her brother. She rolled her eyes and fake gagged as she and Freddie returned to the couch to watch the movie that always made them feel better: Talladega Nights.

After a whole day of binging stupid movies, Ali decided to call it quits at four in the afternoon on account of the friends she'd be hosting in a little over two hours. She'd invited Freddie to stay, an invitation he enthusiastically accepted. It'd been a while since he'd really spent time with his sister, work had tied them both up and they lived twenty minutes apart, the distance serving as a barrier between them. Truly, he felt guilty. His sister lived twenty minutes away and he avoided calling her like the plague. There was a reason, obviously. He didn't know what to say. The last time they'd spoken was when she'd told him...it doesn't matter anymore. He was with her now; he was here for her now. He was her brother now.

"Freddie, can you set the table? I'm gonna fix my hair, they'll be here soon." He nodded, searching for the cabinet with the dishes. As she left the kitchen, he began to set the table, wondering what it would be like to have a fifth table setting. Would Ali be who she is now? Would they have ever started talking to each other again? Would Mom and Dad...? No, he wasn't going to go there, he couldn't. As he was trying to claw his way or out the rubble his train of thought had caused, a knock sounded at the door. Ali came running out at the sound, tossing him some clothes and telling him to change because, "No offense, but you smell like the floor of a bar."

He did so quickly, fixing his tousled hair in the bathroom mirror before walking into the dining room where everyone had already gathered. He was confused how food had suddenly appeared when Ali had done absolutely no cooking. Freddie was even more surprised when he saw a man twice the size of himself sitting next to a dainty woman with electric blue hair. The man stood up and stuck out his hand and Freddie returned the handshake.

"Eric Jones, this is my wife, Penny. We've heard a lot about you." Freddie smiled, he liked this guy already.

"Freddie, all good things I hope." Eric let out a hearty chuckle before sitting back in his seat, Freddie taking the empty seat next to his sister.

"So, Fred, Ali tells us you're a fireman." Penny's humongous ring glinted as she folded her hands. The night's conversations consisted of the usual small talk about work, politics, and dating. Penny seemed genuinely baffled at how Freddie was still single.

"But you're a fireman, I mean come on! I have a few friends if you ever wanna...ya know." Penny gave a smirk that was immediately followed by a glare from Ali, causing the table to laugh. The entire night was filled with more laughter and drinks, Freddie refusing the latter because of his upcoming shift.

Ali and Freddie walked the couple to their car, telling them to drive safe and have a nice night.

"Al, can you take me back to the bar? I need my truck." Ali nodded and the pair hopped into her car, giving them both flashbacks to the previous night. The memory made Freddie nauseous.

They drove the familiar streets to the bar, the streetlights passing by in a flash. Ali stopped at the stop sign a block away from the bar. She proceeded to accelerate past it, somehow missing the van barreling towards Freddie's side of the vehicle.

[dr4kenlvr]

love at first meeting

pairing: mikey sano x fem!reader

genre: fluff

request: hey nana !! may i please req a fluffy shortfic with mikey, with fem!reader? like a getting together fic, maybe y/n meets him because he protected her or smth idk i just would like some fluff 😅 ty, and i really like your work !!

a/n: hi fae!! thanks for requesting something from me, it means a lot! <3

cw: creepy man, reader gets followed, man grabs her wrist for a bit, nothing graphic! please let me know if i missed anything that may need a warning!

you never really favoured walking home alone at night. at a young age, your family drilled the idea of being extra precautious at night into your mind. today though, you had some important errands to run and there was no one else to accompany you. what you weren't expecting though, was for them to take the whole damn day.

stepping out of the grocery store, you carried three- may i add, heavy- bags. with an exhausted sigh from the day's long activites, you plugged in your earphones and began your long-awaited walk home.

a few cars drove by, and you could hear the loud buzzing of cicadas, even through your earphones. you trudded through the empty streets, arms beginning to ache from the groceries' weight. you stopped on the sidewalk, placing the bags down on the ground to shake your arms awake.

"need help with that, sweetheart?"

the unfamilar voice made you slightly jump. you turned your head to meet eyes with the person. in the faint fluorescent light, you could make out what was a man who looked like he was in his mid thirties. he stood tall, and broad, loaming over your figure as he took a couple steps closer to you. wait, was he the man that you saw in the grocery store? had he followed you this entire time? you gulped, opening your mouth to respond before he interrupted you with a chuckle.

"i asked if you needed help, darling."

you stammered, "n-no. i'm alright, thank you." you bent to pick up your bags, but a quick hand shot out to grab your wrist. "excuse me, what are you-"

he shushes you, his grip on you tightening ever so slightly.

"little girls like you shouldn't be out alone so late anyways-"

"she isn't out alone," another voice called out, "she's with me, now let her go."

you looked over with wide eyes at the young boy on a motorcycle who halted his bike to help you. he must've noticed something seemed off as he was driving by. the boy looked about your age, blonde hair shagging around his face with deep, black eyes staring holes into the man next to you. speaking of the man, his grip never failed and his face turned into a sour scowl.

"hah? what's with the face," the boy tilted his head, "i said, let her go." you just stared at him, the look on his face grew even more menacing.

the man hesistated, before letting go of your wrist with a grunt. "fine, take your bitch and get the hell out of here." he taunts before walking off with slugged shoulders. you watched him walk away, exhaling a breath you didn't know you were holding.

"hey, you alright?" the blonde said, getting off his bike to pick up your bags for you.

you immediately bent down to help him, "yes! thank you, so much, truly."

he smiled, "don't mention it, guys like that are creepy. you need to be more careful." you nod, shifting your feet on the gravel awkwardly. "hmm, why don't i drive you home? it's late, and i want to make sure no one else bothers you the rest of the way."

"that's very kind of you! but i don't want to take up anymore of your time.. um.."

"mikey, my name's mikey." he tells you.

"mikey, i don't want to waste your time. and i wouldn't know how to repay you."

he tsked, smile growing wider at your consideration. "please, i want to. hop on, i've got an extra helmet." with a moment's worth of hesitation, you reluctantly got on his bike and thanked him again. he asked for your name, which you instantly gave.

after making sure you're all set, he starts the engine and kicks off the ground with his foot. the drive is silent, but all you can hear is the sound of your heartbeat through your chest. your fingers are lightly rested on his waist, and his hair smells like sweet strawberries. you shyly look away everytime he glances back at you. he seemed to have noticed this because of the growing smirk he wore. when the two of you arrived at your home, he assisted you with your helmet.

"thank you, again, so so much," you bowed slightly to show your gratitude, "is there anyway i could repay you? perhaps some money?" you offered.

he laughed, and with a wave of his hand, he tells you that repayment it's not an issue. but you kept insisting.

"well, if you really want to repay me," he started and you nod again, "you could give me one of the snacks in those bags of yours." he grinned. "got any doriyaki?"

you smiled widely, having been thankful that you indeed, bought some doriyaki from the store. they were originally going to be for you as a late night snack, but you could sacrifice that for him.

now at your door, you watched him drive off with the dessert in his mouth, waving to you once more. you closed the door, happy to finally be home peacefully. but if anything, you wish you would be able to see this mikey once more.

taglist: @dai-tsukki-desu <3 let me know if you want to be added to my taglist! either through asks or dm!

[falcqns]

Aurorra

Pairing: Dad!Henry Cavill x Single Mom!Reader

Summary: Henry meets his daughter for the first time.

Warnings: fluff, slight angst. Dad!Henry

A/N: I don't know why I'm a sucker for these types of stories but I am. Hope you enjoy!

It's been two years and two days exactly since you and Henry had broken up.

It had been one year, one month, and two weeks exactly since you had given birth to his daughter, the daughter he had no idea existed.

It hadn't been a particularly nasty break up or anything, but both of you were hurting. You both wanted the relationship to work out, and when it didn't, you were both too heartbroken to even remain friends.

You had moved away from London not long after the breakup, deciding to live in Manchester, which was closer to your family. When you found out you were pregnant, you had tried to call him, but he had blocked your number. You had no way of contacting him other than through instagram, but he had unfollowed you and you knew your message would get lost in the thousands he received a day if you tried that.

You had no way of contacting his family either. You didn't know what to do. You had told your family, and they were insanely happy for you, even though you were going to be a single mother. When your mom had sat down and told you her and your father would do anything to help and support you through whatever decision you made, you knew the answer.

You were going to be a single mother.

When your daughter Aurorra Enola Cavill was born nine months later, you knew you made the right choice. Being a single mother may not have been what you were planning in life, but holding your blue eyed and brown curly haired baby in your arms for the first time, you knew it was what you were meant to do.

Aurorra had become your little bestie. She was such a well behaved baby. She rarely cried, slept through the night not long after she turned a week old, and was always full of smiles that were clearly from her father. There was never any doubt in your mind that she was Henry's, and every time you looked at her and saw her blue eyes, brown hair, and her cuddly chunky body, it only solidified that fact.

Aurorra had just turned 13 months old, and your job transferred you back to London, so you and Aurorra had just made the big move back.

You had opted to move back to the same neighbourhood both because of the safety of it, and because you knew you'd have a good chance of running into Henry. You had thought about it for months on end, and knew he couldn't be kept in the dark any more.

You had just finished unpacking the last box in the bedroom, when Aurorra woke up from her afternoon nap. You changed her and the two of you headed out to ASDA to get some groceries.

You pulled in the driveway and saw car that looked similar to Henry's BMW, but you didn't think anything of it. You parked and got a less than happy Aurorra out of her carseat and strapped her into the cart before heading on your shopping journey.

You had made it through the fruits and vegetables, and was heading to the freezer section to grab frozen fruit for the growing 13 month old, when you saw a familiar back in the same aisle.

It was Henry. There was no doubt about that. He was wearing a white knitted cardigan, with faded blue jeans, and running shoes. From the top of his cardigan you saw a dark blue t shirt poking out. His hair was slightly messy, but still curly. He was reading the nutrition information on the back of a frozen energy bowl, and you quietly opened the fridge, hoping to grab what you needed from this aisle and escape without him noticing you.

You had gone over seeing him again a million times in your head, and in no way did you plan on it being in the grocery store with other people around.

But, 13 month olds have a mind of their own. At that moment, Aurorra saw a popsicle package with the characters from her favourite show, Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and proceeded to squeal and call your attention.

"Mama!" She squealed and pointed a chunky hand at the popsicles. "Bug!" You glanced up and Henry and watched as he did a double take back at you. His eye brow furrowed, but you ignored him, instead turning to your baby.

"Yes, that is Ladybug. Would you like them?" You asked, and she nodded eagerly. You smiled and grabbed them out of the freezer once you noticed they were organic. "Say thank you," You prompted, and she brought the same chunky hand up to her chin and then down flat towards you. It wasn't the most perfect sign, but she was still learning.

You saw Henry walk up to you and had to steel yourself for the coming conversation. "Y/N?" He asked, and you turned around to face him.

"Hi, Henry." You said, placing the popsicles in the cart with the rest of your groceries. He smiled at you, and then glanced at Aurorra. She smiled and cooed at him and he smiled back, and stroked her cheek. "Hows everything," you asked, trying to avoid the question you knew was about to come.

"Everything's good. Kal misses you. Still sleeps with the teddy you got him," He said, his eyes locked on your daughter. You smiled.

"Well, tell him I miss him too. Now, if you'll excuse me, we're running a little late. I have to get home and get her fed." You said, but before you could move the cart Henry asked you the question.

"I-is she mine?" He asked, and you nodded, trying to swallow the lump that had been forming in your throat, to no avail.

"Y-Yes." You stuttered, and seconds later, Henry's arms enveloped you. "I-Im sorry," You whimpered, and Henry shushed you.

"Its okay. Let's not talk about it here. How about I meet you at your place once were both done?" He suggested, and you agreed, before giving him your address.

"Okay. I'll see you there." he said, giving you another hug, and pressing a kiss to the top of Aurorra's hand that had curled around his pointer finger. He stroked her cheek once more, before giving you both a smile, and heading off. He grabbed his cart with groceries, and made his way towards the checkout.

By the time you had finished shopping and made it home, Henry was parked in the driveway. You took a deep breath, and got out, giving him a smile. He returned it, and got out of his car before walking over to help you.

He grabbed the groceries, leaving you to grab Aurorra, who squealed at the sight of Henry. Henry chuckled, and blew her a kiss. He followed the two of you inside. You set Aurorra down, who stumbled on her own feet before stabilizing, her empty bottle in the right hand.

"Go put your baba in the kitchen please," You said, and she babbled to herself as she walked off, ignoring you and Henry.

"She's absolutely adorable," Henry said, and you smiled. "Well, she is your daughter," You said. Henry threw his head back and laughed before following you into the kitchen.

You set the bags down on the ground and turned to put away the ones Henry set on the counter. You two made small talk while putting away the groceries, mainly about work. You heard ruffling behind you but didn't think anything of it, as Aurorra usually liked to help put away the soup cans.

"Mama?" You heard a little voice ask and you turned around to face Aurorra. She was holding the box of popsicles out to you in one hand, while her other hand made a clockwise motion on her chest, signing please.

You smiled and took the box from her.

"After dinner, okay?" You said, and she didn't like that very much. She plopped on her butt and began to cry.

Her arms reached up to where the popsicles were and sobbed her little heart out. Henry's heart melted and scooped her up. "It's okay baby girl," He said, bouncing her. She sniffled, but calmed down and laid her head on his shoulder. He smiled in happiness, and pressed a kiss to her curly head.

He turned to you. "I just realized, I don't know her name," he said, and you smacked your head.

"Shit sorry, I completely forgot to mention that. Her names Aurorra Enola Cavill. I made sure she got your last name, and that you're on the birth certificate." You said, running your hands through her curly hair.

"Enola? Like Enola Holmes?" He asked, as Aurorra cuddled closer, her chunky arms wrapping around his neck. You nodded.

"Yeah. I couldn't think of a middle name for her, and I was watching Enola Holmes just before she was born. It was the scene where Sherlock and Mycroft see Enola on the train platform and you say her name. I knew then it was perfect." You said, and Henry smiled.

"It's a beautiful name," he said, wrapping his free arm around you. The three of you stood there for a few minutes, before Aurorra shook her hands at you, and tried to wiggle out of Henry's arms.

"Ah dun, Mama." She said. Henry pressed a kiss to her chunky cheek, and let her onto the floor. She scurried away seconds later, towards her bedroom.

"Is she okay wandering by herself?" He asked, watching her little body fall to her hands and knees, but get up and brush it off before continuing on her mission.

"Yeah she'll be fine. She's just going to play." You said, and Henry nodded before pulling you into his arms fully.

"I really am sorry I didn't tell you about her. I couldn't contact you or anyone in your family, and I didn't have the energy during my pregnancy or after to make the journey to London. I promise I didn't plan on hiding her forever." You said, and Henry squeezed you even tighter.

"It's okay. I know you'd never do something like that on purpose. You've done an amazing job raising her. I just wish I had witnessed it."

"You'll get to see her grow. You might have missed her start life, but I have everything recorded. Her first breath, her first steps, her first words, all of it. I know it's not the sam-" You said, but were cut off by his lips.

His hand travelled up to cup your face, before he pulled away. "Sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I just- You amaze me, you know that?" He said and you giggled.

"How so?" You questioned.

He rested his forehead on yours before continuing. "You thought to record everything. You made sure she has my last name and that I'm on the birth certificate. You didn't have to do that, but you did. I've missed you so much, and I didn't know just how much until I saw you in ASDA. I never should have left. I never should have blocked you." He said, a tear falling from his blue eyes. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that alone. Thats never what I wanted. But, I promise to be the best dad to her, whether we're together or not."

"I know you will be," You said, and pulled Henry in for another kiss.

The groceries were put away a few minutes later and you told Henry to go and play with Aurorra while you cooked, which he happily did.

He walked down the hallway to her bedroom, and smiled lovingly when he saw his daughter sitting on the ground playing with blocks, a stuffed Akita just like Kal secure under her arm. She was babbling to a Mickey Mouse toy that sat in the corner of the room, and was stacking blocks.

Henry began to walk in the room when she stopped babbling let out a sneeze and a sigh. He grabbed a Kleenex from the change table and sat down next to her.

"Hey sweetheart, can I wipe your nose?" Henry asked, seeing the snot coming from her nose due to the sneeze. She looked up at him and giggled, which Henry took as a yes, and he wiped her nose quickly before disposing of it in the garbage can.

She began babbling again, and pushed the Akita stuffy into his hands. "Goggy," She said, and clapped, which made Henry smile.

"It is a doggy. I have a doggy like your stuffy, wanna see?" He asked, and she nodded and clapped.

Henry pulled out his phone and pulled up a picture of Kal. Aurorra stood up and clambered into his lap, which Henry welcomed. When she saw the picture of Kal, she started bouncing and clapping again.

"Goggy! Goggy wun!" She exclaimed when he showed her a video of him running.

"Thats right, he is running. He's really good at it too, believe me." Henry said and put his phone away. Aurorra stood up and reached out her arm for him, opening and closing her fist. Henry stood up, and let her take his big hand in her tiny one, and lead him out of the room, and towards the back door that led to the backyard, babbling the entire way.

"Hold on, honey, we gotta tell Mama we're going outside, okay?" He said and she nodded before running to the kitchen shouting Mama.

Henry watched as she stood in the doorway and babbled before pointing at the door. She held her hand in front of her face and moved it out, closing it into a fist.

"You're going outside?" You asked, and she nodded. Henry saw you bend down and whisper something into her ear with a smile on your face and Aurorra giggle but didn't think much of it, before his little girl was running towards him and squealing.

He scooped her up and carried her out the door. She pointed at the toy box in the corner of the yard and Henry carried her over. He sat her down and opened it, before letting her pick what she wanted to play with. She grabbed a bucket with shovels and molds before running over to the lady bug sandbox and patting the lid. Henry chuckled and pulled the lid off.

"You wanna play in the sand?" He asked, and she nodded before climbing in.

Henry sat down next to her, and a shovel was thrust into his hand seconds later. She had a bright yellow one in her own hand and was digging a hole. Henry followed suit and helped her dig the hole.

A few minutes later she handed Henry a elephant mold.

"Put, Dada." She said, and Henry's breath caught in his throat, the mold falling from his hand.

"Did you say Dada?" He asked her, tears clouding his vision, and he saw her smile and point at the house.

"Mama, say." she said, picking up the elephant mold again.

"Mama told you I'm your Dada?"

She nodded and shook the mold in his face, practically begging him to take it. Henry smiled and pulled her out of the sand box, into his arms.

"I am your Dada, and I promise you I will love you forever." He said, and kissed her cheeks. She giggled before pointing at the sand box and doing grabby hands. Henry chuckled but put her back where she was. He picked up the mold and began to fill it with sand before she got upset.

"I apologize for interrupting your playtime," He said. "Now, lets make some animals."

Later that night, when Aurorra had been fed and put to bed, Henry pressed another kiss to your lips.

"She called me Dada when we were playing outside." He confessed and your eyes lit up.

"Really? I told her before she went out with you that you were her Dada, I wasn't expecting her to say it so soon!" You exclaimed. Henry chuckled, and pulled you into his lap.

"I'm so happy she did. Thank you for giving me her." He said, pressing his lips to yours before you could respond.

[one-sad-human]

•Worth It• Duff Mckagan

Pairing: Velvet Revolver era! Duff Mckagan x Younger! Reader

Requested? Nope!

Theme: Little bit of everything/???

Warnings: Language, panic attacks, anxiety references, drug references

Word Count: 3k

A/N: Fic 2 of 2! This is the longest fic yet! Took a different approach to writing this one, hopefully it payed off. Let me know if you guys liked it or if I wasted my time with this one lol.

     You had met Duff in a coffee shop in LA. It was crowded and you were lucky enough to snag a chair before the lunch rush. Duff wasn't, and asked you if he could sit at your table.

     You grew up with Guns n Roses, bought his solo album the day it came out when you were just 15, and now listened to Velvet Revolver faithfully. To see your idol, your celebrity crush stand right in front of you holding a cup of coffee and a scone sent you for a loop.

     "Of course," you had said, starry eyed. You were only hoping he was as kind as the interviews made him out to be. Maybe have a conversation with you and be polite for a while before leaving and never seeing each you again. That would be good enough.

     It didn't end with a coffee, it had just begun. He asked for your number, and you stared at him for a moment thinking you had imagined it. That was until he tilted his head a little and looked at you with a nervous expression. He backtracked and you immediately stopped him.

     "No! I mean— yes! Yes, you can absolutely have my number." You scrambled for a pen and paper and ended up scratching your number on a receipt from the record store. You shook so hard you could barely get the numbers down.

     Out of all the record store receipts you've stuffed into your bag, the one you gave Duff Mckagan had to be the one for when you bought Velvet Revolver's 'Contraband.' He didn't say anything, just smiled and promised to call.

     You honestly didn't think he would've. You played it off as just him trying to be nice. It didn't stop you from answering every call you got for the next three days, however, even if you recognized the number as the tax collector you'd normally never answer.

     But then he called.

     "I tried calling sooner, but I kept calling the wrong number. You don't have the most eligible handwriting," he had told you. You laughed but really, you were in shock.

     You set up a date at the fancy restaurant downtown that always intimidated you. You didn't say anything though, even though you knew you wouldn't want any of the overpriced food and you'd end up eating something you couldn't pronounce and was two portions too small. Maybe even hit up a fast food joint afterwards.

     When the day finally came, you couldn't even figure out what to wear. You couldn't tell if you looked underdressed or like you were trying too hard. Did the clothes even fit the right way? What would Duff think? Would he even care?

     All questions were answered when you left your house. Duff was leaning against his slick car parked in your driveway, a button up that was barely buttoned and dress pants with boots. He stared at you and you wanted a hole in the ground to shallow you up until he smiles.

     "You look gorgeous," he said. You blushed and grinned, thanking him before saying that he looked great too. He drove you to the restaurant and on the way, you talked about music.

     You shared some of your favorites, he adored how well rounded you were. You liked pretty much everything from punk rock to the mellowest of mellow. Duff mentioned some of his favorites, some you made sure to remember the names of so you can check them out.

     When the ride was over and you finally got to the restaurant, your previous fears came back. Duff reassured you looked better than 90% of the people there and you knew it wasn't true but it made you feel better anyway.

     Your eyes widened to the size of saucers when you saw the prices of the food. You knew it'd be pricey but you thought there'd be more options that stayed within two digit numbers.

     Duff saw your panicked expression and said not to worry, he'd pay. It didn't settle your nerves enough and when the waiter came, you ordered the cheapest and simplest thing you could find.

     "Chicken noodle soup?" He teased. You shyly looked down and shrugged. "This isn't your scene, is it?"

     "Not exactly, no."

     "Want me to be completely honest with you?" You nodded. "It's not mine either."

     That's all it took for you and Duff to scramble sheepishly out of the restaurant. You both shared a laugh in the car and went to Burger King. It was much more your speed and, as you'd find out that night, Duff's too. You suppose all the money he's had since such a young age didn't completely change his ways. He was like a kid trapped in a 40 year old man's body.

     You'd thought at first the age gap would feel strange, after all, you were 15 years younger than him. But after that night, it was barely noticeable. Funny looks from strangers every once in a while was nothing.

     By the second date, Duff was already aware fancy spots weren't your forte. He told you it was a surprise and to wear something cozy, as LA nights got chilly.

     He packed a picnic basket and drove you out to the most beautiful flower field you had ever seen at sunset. It was secluded and high up, giving a perfect view of the city skyline. After gawking and taking in the sights for a few moments, you regained your ability to speak.

     "It's gorgeous. Pretty far from the city, did you take me here to kill me?" You joked. He laughed and rolled his eyes. His lighthearted laugh sent sparks straight to your heart, and you decided that it was your favorite sound.

     You unfolded the blanket Duff brought and you both sat down. You ate the sandwiches and sliced fruit Duff packed and talked. You talked about everything, from your family to fears and insecurities.

You told him how you suffer from nightmares. Flashbacks from your broken childhood coming back to bite you in your sleep. Duff shared how he's suffered from panic attacks since he was a teenager. You felt you knew each other for years.

Neither of you felt weird for sharing and neither made the other insecure. You were completely open and honest with each other. It was strange, you've never connected to quickly and effortlessly with someone before. Sure, you've had men in your life, but never had you clicked with someone so fast, never had you fit with someone so perfectly.

Hours passed and it felt like minutes. Only did you realize how late and how exhausted you were when you saw most of the city buildings light have gone off for the night. The city that didn't sleep was dark.

"I should get you home," Duff said to you.

"Will you stay the night?" You felt a little silly for asking. Were things going too fast? Would he even want to stay over?

He agreed, and that's how your first night together went. You both stayed up even later and had more lighthearted conversations, unlike the ones that partook at the field. Like how one of Duff's first jobs was at a bakery and could bake a mean cake and how you can't cook to save your life.

You ended up waking up without remembering falling asleep. You're head was placed comfortably on Duff's lap while his head was lolled back against the couch cushion. He looked so serene and peaceful you couldn't help but smile at the sight.

You made toast and somewhat successfully cooked some eggs and bacon. It might have been the first breakfast in years that didn't end with the smoke alarm going off.

Duff eventually wandered into the kitchen and you both ate. By the time he left, another date was already set up. He was like a drug an you were already hooked.

Months later and the addiction still wasn't kicked. You didn't want to, and Duff didn't seem to want you to quit either. You both soaked each other up like the sun on a warm day.

You had almost weekly dates and you stayed over each other's houses almost every other day. Duff did have his kids some days, though, so some days dates were cut short or Grace and Mae slept over his house and you wouldn't see each other.

You were always understanding, his kids came first and you'd never blame or get upset about it. It's something Duff admires about you, your never ending understanding and empathy for him.

One of those days where Duff stayed over at your house started normal. He cooked dinner and you washed the dishes, and then you put on an old Ramones concert you had on DVD.

You were laying on his chest, his fingers running through your hair when all of a sudden, he tensed up. He quickly stood and excused himself to the bathroom. You frowned but before you could think much of it, you heard a loud bang and something clatter to the ground.

You jumped up and rushed to the bathroom. You swung open the door because you were perfectly aware the lock hasn't worked since you moved in.

Duff was sitting on the floor, a pill bottle laying on its side not far from him. You quickly spot the name of the medication and identified it as your anti-anxiety pills. You shoved them aside and sat next to Duff.

He was sweating bullets and his skin felt cold and clammy, his breaths were labored and heartbeat was loud and pounding erratically. You coax him gently to take deep breaths, holding onto his hand tightly and talking quietly.

"I'm sorry, they come on randomly sometimes," he apologized after he'd called down, but you quickly shushed him. You reminded him of just how many nightmares he'd comforted you for and he stops feeling so bad about it.

     It was always a true partnership with Duff. Never had you felt you gave or took too much, it was always equal. Always a two way street, with everything.

That wasn't the last panic attack you had to help him come down from. Later down the line you've gotten better at calming him down and learning his triggers, even though sometimes they really do come on suddenly without reason.

A year into the relationship was when you met Grace and Mae. They were young and didn't completely understand why their parents weren't together anymore, so it took them a while to warm up to you. Luckily, they eventually came around.

Duff and Susan met up regularly to discuss their kids and co-parent properly. And while you had all the reason to be jealous of your boyfriend with his ex wife, you never did. You had complete confidence in him, he was honest and loyal and you doubted he'd ever hurt you purposely.

That's why it destroyed you when he left you. Tears were shed from both parties as he gave his reasons for breaking up with you. His insecurities he tried his best to bury had come to light and nothing could change his mind.

You thought you were completely honest with each other, but you suppose his doubt in his relationship with you was the one thing he kept secret. He had somehow convinced himself you'd be better without him, between the constant touring and the baggage that came with him and his kids, he finally buckled under the weight and stress.

You had tried to convince him that he was worth it, but if Duff is one thing it's stubborn. The best relationship you'd ever have and the best year of your life went down the drain within the matter of one conversation.

You were down in the dumps for days. You barely left your bed and didn't ever leave your house. You were in a depression and couldn't get out. A few of your friends eventually found out what had happened and broke into your house and shoved you into the shower before taking you to your favorite Chinese restaurant.

You felt like a disaster. Your hair was ratted despite the shower and you refused to put real clothes on, instead wearing sweatpants and a shirt Duff had left behind. You were a mess.

The hole in the wall restaurant was never busy but always had the best food. You were almost happy your friends dragged you out of your home until you saw Duff sitting at a table, eating egg rolls and lo mein.

You've came here together all the time. The high sodium in the food always made him sick to his stomach and you'd always end up giving him nausea remedies and tea. He never changed his order though.

You locked eyes with him for a while. Dark bags were under his eyes and he looked more pale than usual. He looked as terrible as you felt. You weren't sure if you were spitefully glad he felt awful or if the despair on his face just made your heart break further.

When you couldn't take his intense jade stare anymore, you looked up at the menu. The next time you looked back he was gone, you weren't sure if he was really there at all or if you were finally losing your mind for good.

     Another week crawled by. You got better enough to continue working. You had to pick up extra time for calling out for a few days after the breakup. You wouldn't say things were going well, but you weren't crying in bed every day all day anymore.

     You had constant dreams about him. Some were nice, ones where he didn't leave and you were together, holding each other tightly. Most were nightmares, flashbacks of when he left. You didn't have him to comfort you anymore when you woke up soaked in sweat and tears, and that might've been the worst.

     Another week went by, and you were starting to get back into the swing of things. You still thought about him, even silly little things reminded you of him. Like when you would catch a sniff of freshly baked sweets like he'd bake you or certain songs playing on the radio. It also didn't help that you ran into people wearing Guns n Roses shirts on the daily.

     You also refused to get rid of anything he'd left behind. Tee shirts, guitar picks he left from when he'd play for you, or CDs from bands he introduced you to. Reminders of what you lost were scattered around your home but you couldn't bring yourself to do anything about it.

     Suddenly, it's been a month. You weren't over him, but you had a feeling you'd never be completely. He was something special, you can't forget things as special as your relationship with Duff.

     His items still weren't thrown out or returned, instead all packed in a box sitting in your closet. But you'd be lying if you said you would never reach into the box to grab a shirt to sleep in or a CD to listen to when you needed a reminder of the good times. You were making progress though.

     You decided to leave your house one evening. You were feeling especially terrible and wanted to take a walk to clear your head. You went to the coffee shop you had first met Duff in. Maybe it was a mistake to go and get a flood of memories but you couldn't stop yourself.

     You sat in a seat near the window and people watched, taking occasional sips of your drink. It was quiet except from the talk of the workers and the hum of the overhead speakers.

     There was a sudden squeak of a chair of hardwood floors and it broke you out of your daze. You snapped your gaze up to meet the very familiar green eyes you've been trying to forget.

     "Can we talk?" He asked, and you couldn't say 'no.' Duff sat across from you and started off by apologizing.

     He said he wanted to talk to you sooner, but was too afraid you wouldn't want anything to do with him. You rolled your eyes at that, if only he knew just how much you missed him.

     He then started from the beginning and explained why he made the decision to leave you. As it turns out, it was mostly because of stress. His bandmate Scott was having problems with drugs and the flashbacks from his GnR days frightened him. He was worried he would end up relapsing and he didn't want to drag you down with him.

     Combine that with all the troubles that came with dating a single father, and he couldn't take it anymore. He felt too guilty.

     It all seemed like ridiculous reasons to you. Even if he had made the mistake of falling off the wagon, you still would've stuck with him. And you didn't mind his kids at all, after nearly a year of knowing them and you were very close to them.

     "I love you, Duff. I wouldn't have left you over that, I'd help you through anything. And I love Grace and Mae, too," you told him.

     "I know, but I didn't want you to have to deal with all that baggage." You frowned at that. You reached your hand across the table and grasped his, squeezing it tenderly.

     "You're worth it."

     After that day, you and Duff started seeing each other again. It wasn't the same as before, but maybe even better.

     You were more transparent with each other. If one had a worry or problem, you'd go to the other. You talked everything through with him and he did the same. Even if it seemed insignificant, talking everything through never failed to make it better.

    You were happier and healthier than ever before. Sure, there were a roadblock or two, but they only made the relationship even stronger, and you wouldn't have changed a thing about it.

[thepaintedlady00]

A City Bathed in Blood and Moondust chapter 1 title & beginning preview

On Duty

Gotham was truly a beautiful city. The old gothic inspired architecture filled the streets with a sense of fantastical wonder, the signs and the city lights were always bright and vibrant, and when you looked past the absolutely skyrocketing crime, it was a rather close knit community. I'd had a unique childhood, going from a regular kid to an orphan and being adopted into a loving home in less than two years had given me the ability to see both sides of this city. The beautiful and the ugly were far more closely related than many thought.

It was most obvious when you walked in the less crowded parts of town, coincidentally places that I often found myself. This was, of course, through no fault of my own. It wasn’t like I could control where the rent was cheapest and where my job was closest. Crime never slept, it was constantly working in the background of everyday life and was something that most residents of the city just kind of grew accustomed to over the years. Though, most people in those cases, didn’t have to see it often so it was easier to forget. I didn’t exactly have that luxury anymore.

As I walked down the cracked sidewalk towards the diner I passed by at least three drug deals and an attempted mugging as well as just shady people walking through the streets. While I’d gotten used to the ugly side of things, having lived in it for so long after the deaths of my parents, it was still sad to see people driven to such desperate lengths. I knew there was little a waitress like me could really do to change things, but I still did what I could.

The rain started to really start pouring after I turned down the road and hurried inside the diner, shaking my jacket out in the doorway before smiling up at Maria. She sighed at the sight of me, relief clear in her eyes. “You walked again, didn’t you?”

“Maria,” I tried in a soothing tone as I moved around the counter to press a kiss to her cheek. “You know I don’t do cabs.”

Her rich brown eyes practically rolled into the back of her head as she slapped me with her rag and began cursing me in Italian. “One of these days you are going to find trouble being so careless.”

I pulled the apron over my head and smiled at her. “Maybe I like trouble.”

Carlos laughed from the kitchen. “If you liked trouble, you’d go to that boom boom place… that club…”

“The Iceburg lounge?” I asked as I leaned against the counter and jumped into restocking the napkin dispensers. “Hell no. I hear enough of that shit music from my apartment and it’s like two blocks down the road.”

“You don’t like trouble,” Carlos insisted.

“It’s bad for the skin,” Maria joined in, running her thumb across my cheek.

I batted her hands away and laughed at them. “Don’t you two have places to be? I thought tonight was date night.”

Maria grumbled as she refilled a customer's coffee. “We’re waiting on Ray.”

“The new guy?”

“He won’t be new for long if he keeps coming in late!” Carlos shouted. “Every night this week! I try to train him and he doesn’t listen!”

I shrugged. “Hate to say I told you so buuuuttt-”

Maria pinched my arm. “None of that.”

"OW!" I shrieked playfully as I rubbed my arm. "I did warn you both that he seemed like the type."

Carlos shushed us both as Ray walked in the door and haphazardly shook out his hair. Though he was late by almost thirty minutes he still took his time walking to the back and getting ready to relieve Carlos. The couple gave him a few final words of advice as they started out the door. Carlos sighed at the boy's flippant attitude and gave me a look. "Keep an eye on him, Luna."

I gave him a salute. "Sir, yes sir!"

"Don't forget to lock up," Maria said. 

"Get out of here you two! We've got this, right Ray?" He answered with a low grunt and I winced. Come on dude I'm trying to save your ass here! "See? Totally under control."

It took a few more minutes for them to leave, but it was worth it knowing they'd finally gotten a free night to themselves. Carlos and Maria worked day and night and weekends to keep their little diner up and running. They'd gone out on a limb hiring me, having the right name at my back certainly helped, and I was determined to make sure they'd never regret it.

My hands took hold of the plates the second the bell dinged and Ray weakly called, “Order up.”

Smiling as I set the plates down in front of the man at the counter I cleared my throat to get his attention and said, “Your pie and your coffee.”

“Thank you,” he replied quietly, not even really looking up from his notebook.

“No problem, let me know if there's anything else you need." I moved quickly to the next customer and the one after that, keeping up the fast pace and making sure every customer left satisfied until business finally slowed.

"God damn!" A voice called from the doorway as a man in blue wiped his shiny black shoes on the carpet. "It's really starting to come down out there!"

I smiled as my adopted brother took his cap off and made his way to sit in front of me. "You get my counter wet and I'll make you scrub it up."

Lucas laughed, running a hand through his slightly messed up black hair. "Cold blooded sis."

"How's your night going?" I asked, flicking his shiny nametag. "Officer Martinez."

"Hands off the new bling," he said, shining away the smudge with a napkin. "You gotta look good to patrol these streets."

"That a requirement now?" I teased. "Cause you might be out of a job soon if it is."

Lucas rolled his eyes. "That's just rude."

I moved, grabbing his usual order and sliding the latte toward him. "Your usual."

"Thanks, Lu."

"How are things tonight?" I asked, leaning against the counter.

"How they always are." He said, taking a sip of his drink and using the mug to warm his hands.

"So awful?"

He shrugged. "I mean it can always be worse."

"Well, I hope you have a relatively not shit night then."

He laughed and nodded. "Nicest thing you've ever said to me."

"Yeah, well what are sisters for?" I teased.

Lucas' radio echoed statically in his ear and he jumped to his feet, chugging the rest of his latte with a wince. "Duty calls!"

"Mustache!" I warned pointing to the thin line of foam.

He wiped it quickly and then paused. "Did you walk tonight?"

"Yep."

"God damn it Lu!" He whined and then sighed. "Well, call me when you get off and I'll give you a lift."

I tilted my head. "Aren't you on call all night?"

Lucas put his cap back on. "Yeah, but even if I'm busy I can send a car. Carl would be happy to drive you home, so would Dan."

"Stop trying to set me up with your cop buddies!" I scolded. "I'll be fine walking home on my own."

"Lu, please? For me?" His big brown eyes sparkled as he dipped the corners of his lips down to beg. 

With an eye roll and a laugh I finally nodded. "Fiiinneee! I'll call you later."

"Night Lu!"

"Night Lucas!" I called as I refilled the cup of the man at the counter.

Lucas Martinez, aka my big idiot brother, was one of the few people in the city I had. Our parents had moved upstate shortly after getting joined the Gotham PD. Crime was at an all time high and they'd finally saved up enough money to move somewhere a bit nicer, which was great for them, but left Lucas and I pretty much on our own.

At first it felt a bit too similar to being abandon, a feeling I'd gotten far too familiar with during my fairly short stay at the orphanage, but having Lucas helped. He encouraged regular family chats and everyone exchanged pictures, all in all we stayed close even after they moved. Obviously it was easier for Lucas and I to stay in touch, and ever since he got his fancy hat and pins nearly a year ago he'd started taking the protective big brother position a lot more seriously. Not that I blamed him, or thought it was weird, Gotham was still a very dangerous place.

When the bell chimed again three men, drenched in rain and decked out in familiar gang colors and accessories entered with quiet murmurs. I cursed under my breath, but swallowed my anxiety and approached their table with a polite smile. "What can I get you guys?"

They all looked at me with smirks and grins, eyes never once meeting mine. "We don't want nothing, sweetie. We're just waiting for a bit."

"Alright," I said, gripping my pencil slightly tighter. "Let me know if you change your minds."

I returned behind the counter just as Ray left the kitchen and sat down beside the group, greeting each of them with a firm handshake and hushed voices. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I watched them from the corner of my eye, pretending to wipe the counter down. The second they all stood up my heart dropped. Of fucking course this would happen tonight.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and tried to dial Lucas' number when Ray's hand covered mine and pulled the phone from my grasp. "Sorry, sweetheart, it's nothing personal."

The full chapter will be posted next Friday! 😁 This week I'll be focusing on the 2 mini-series from request week! 🥰

[chipswsalsa]

Thinking about being in a relationship with both Danny and Josh. The almost nonstop intimacy. The kisses. The lingering touches. Sleeping all wrapped up in each other. But also, the domestic moments. Making breakfast together in the morning. Going grocery shopping. Doing housework quicker because there are three of you living together. 😭 Why was I put on earth if I wasn't meant to be in a relationship with Danny and Josh??? 😭 And for the record I'd be down to share the boys with you if you'd be okay with that.

stop omg😭 I'm such a whore for domestic life ideals, especially when thinking about the gvf boys

you get them Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday, I get them Monday/Wednesday/Friday, we share Saturday?

like let's just jump into our pretend-land for a moment, shall we

josh

you and josh just sitting on the couch after a long day and you have a couple drinks or a glass of wine and you're all bundled up in cozy blankets and pj's and you're listening to him talk about whatever movie is playing that he's probably seen million times but you agree to watch it bc you know it's a favorite of his, "and when they filmed this scene, the director really wanted to emphasize the theme of the movie so he had the actors all do XYZ," or like, "they heightened the score during this scene because the director wanted to amplify the suspense factor" and you're just nodding along smiling because he's so annoyingly cute with his little never-ending factoids about film, and you lean over and give him a quick kiss on the cheek and he just smiles and looks at you, “what was that for, mama?” “no reason, you’re just cute.”

jake

living a domestic ass life with jake and you're both bouncing around the kitchen because he agreed to let you (try to) help him cook whatever meal he insisted on making you after he got home from a long run of shows, and you're not the best help ever but he's letting you try your best and chuckling at you when you lose track of where you are in the recipe or something and he just gently ushers you away from the stove, "okay baby, why don't you get the drinks ready and I'll finish up here," and you give him a little pout like, "but i wanna help you" and he gets some lighthearted sass, "you've been a great help, but you'll be even more help away from my stove"

danny

danny and you just sitting up on the couch after he gets home from tour talking way too late into the night about life and checking in with each other and he notices you start yawning so he grabs your hand and leads you to the bedroom but instead of laying with you, he grabs a guitar and sits against the headboard while you're fighting to keep your eyes open and he just smiles at you and, "want me to play you something to fall asleep?" and you give him a quiet little "yes please" and he strums a nice gentle lil tune until he sees your breathing even out and hears little snores coming from you, so he leans down and gives your forehead a little smooch before setting the guitar down and snuggling up to you

sam

watching a movie with sam that you know he hates but he watches it because he knows you love it and you're laying with your legs across his lap and he's got his hands roaming up and down your legs, and the whole time he can't keep his comments to himself, "this movie is so unrealistic! you would absolutely notice if someone replaced your face cream with foot cream!" and you just sigh and laugh a little before he ultimately decides to get up and make a drink and spend some time with rosie before you catch him standing in the doorway to the living room watching the movie intently until the credits roll and you look at him with a smirk and say, "thought you hated this movie, sammy?" and he rolls his eyes and tells you to shush before he plops down on the couch to choose a new one, "your movie picking privileges are provoked the rest of the night. I'm picking the movies now."